Edith Lovejoy Pierce

"We will open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and it's first chapter is: New Year's Day." - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

MY Dad always taught us to make [not so much resolutions but] goals. So, in the spirit of the fast approaching New Year . . . here I go . .

• [stealing this from MY Brother, I loved it - from our family party] More hugs - less handshakes.
• Strategically avoiding those people I don't like. [hey it's a goal of MINE - judge as you WILL].
• Finishing that last year [of what? Not telling].
• Doing a better job at my ward calling.
• Being there for my family more.
• Taking an active interest in my family's lives - [sisters/bro/nieces/nephews/aunts/uncles].
• Remember each family member's birthday - and call them.
• To surround myself with people who make me a better me.
• To surround myself with people - that when I leave being with them - - I feel better.
• To get at least 2 family members to run a marathon with me.
• To encourage others [especially my friends and family].
• To compete only with myself.
• To "not be sa critical" of others. [Thanks Dad - yes, it is supposed to be "sa"].
• Stand up for me [and my family - as it pertains to them] - without being rude. [What can I say I am a passionate person.]
• To be as good of a friend as Cassandra.
• To be quick to listen and slow to speak.
• To "be there" for family like Happy is.
• To attempt to be as good of a listener as Ann.
• To be a quiet example as Evie is.
• To be as thoughtful as Ang.
• To be as concerned for others as MY Brother is.
• As giving as Dave.
• As thought provoking as Jeff.
• As quiet of a leader as Rob.
• To be as non-judgemental and loving as my parents.
• To be an example to my daughter/Husband.
• To have my priorities in order [better].
• Brand new - It's lights will inspire [this one is just for me to know].
• To strive to make my home where we and others want to be.
• To make Peanut's childhood at least 1/2 as great as mine was.
• To expect less from others and more from myself.

Looking forward to the the "Opportunity" 2010 will bring.

Eliason Family *adults* Party

No need to be afraid - well maybe a little.

* * * * * *

Super fun night. It all started with fabulous take-a-way Mexican food [thanks mom & dad] - the cutsie little Eliason girls [+ dad] "saved 1/2 for tomorrow" - ha, whatever you wimps [Happy & Evie this is mostly just you].

Then, for Dave's favorite time of the night - g a m e time! We started off with a charades-like game that had ten of the most talked about [huff] NEWS stories of 2009. However, My Bro & I sat there just waiting to yell, "Jon & Kate +8's divorce" & Octo-mom and . . . Nada. Apparently, mom doesn't value the content in "tabloid mags". REAL NEWS? Why would I watch real news?

Anyway, Dave took a "pass" as in [I've been an in-law in this family the longest/I've endured many a game night - I "pass"]. They must really adore him because they let him!! SO it was moi. What do I pick out? Something about a plane landing in the Hudson River. All I could think of is birds - I remember there were birds. So I did my best plane run around the family room then did some weird bird-ish/duck flap thing - then guess who guessed it? My Mom! [But wait, did I mention she wrote the little events on the paper pieces?] But my performance was solid - solid, I tell you.

Jeff's was boring and really good - so we didn't take his picture.

But Happy . . we took a bunch. Mostly because she looked like she belonged on a winter photo of a postcard from Hawaii. But somehow this photo came from, "credit card crisis" or something like that. Doesn't look like much of a "crisis".

Now, there WAS this fabulous event of Ang doing a super quick [thank goodness] crotch grab then falling to the floor putting her hands over her chest [as if to be in a coffin] - - - it was awesome. It was "Michael Jackson's Death". It was 2.3 seconds long. I was so taken back by the crotch grab that there was no photo and also no chance of getting her to do "it" again.

However, equally as fast [if not faster] was My Bro.'s which Jeff got in 1.9 seconds. But he posed for an additional picture. Yep, it was of Tiger Woods being with 8,9,10, 11 [does anyone know the real number here?] women.

I wish I remembered the others. I have a sweet photo of Ann holding her hands up in "O" formation for Obama but I can't get the photo off my phone. Evie's was a classic football story, "Cardinal's in the Super Bowl" - which she did beautifully.

We then each filled out three slips of paper of things we want to do in 2010. This was fabulous. Actually learned a few things about some of my family members. Great times.

More to come.

According to Peanut

. . . the best thing about 2009 was FIJI & our "Mystery Island" adventure.


For me - it was a 9.5 year old that still adores me, loves me, wants me around & thinks I'm pretty great.

What could be better than that?

Another brick in "The Wall"

- - - I can thank Pink Floyd for making me say this most mornings.

This has been my "view" for the last 3+ months. Don't be jealous. It actually hadn't bothered me at all until yesterday when I [gasp] ran outside. I was amazed at how much I have missed the polluted air and "she's crazy" looks. Whatever, it was cloudy. In Arizona. Awesome.

Maybe this is why I haven't "hit the wall" in any of my marathons [so far - knock on wood]. When I run so flippin' close to one - I guess I've become oddly attracted to it's closeness. More like a friend. A quiet friend. A [boring] nice friend.

T minus 19 [brick] days and counting. A huge "thank you" to all of you who have supported my cause - in word & donation. So VERY appreciated.

FAMILY NOTE:

*See Ang* Peanut knew what she was talking about - you are one of my cornerstone "bricks". ;)

She's made this a Christmas to remember

[Have always loved that song "Christmas to remember" Kenny & Dolly.]

So - my uber crafty / super talented / insanely driven / loves a challenge ... mother of mine. Made us the sweetest aprons ever for Christmas [just us girls - sorry to my brother but I'm sure after the red velvet cake thing - - Ang will let you borrow/HAVE hers. - love you Ang ;) ]

Christmas Eve was just Nana/Papa, Happy/Dave and Fam, and my crew. The other 3 siblings apparently had better places to be, whatever.

Each apron came with a "Apron Poem" of sorts [explaining the "uses" of the apron]. It was sweet but left a lot to our blond imaginations. Leave it to Happy and I do destroy a heart melting moment. Happy had declared we should take turns reading paragraphs [which sent me to giggling tears - what, are we in 4th grade again?] So she read while I laughed. I started with paragraph two, as instructed, then paused [as if to catch my breath/keep from crying] wiped my eyes then wham -- the laughter flowed again. [cracked me up they thought I was getting teary]. So [I think] we made it through the poem.

Then it was photo time.

Wish I could explain the crudeness of these 3-4 minutes. It was hilarious. Papa was even laughing though [so we must have been "ok"].

Happy's came with popcorn ball inserts [odd].

Thanks Mom for the sweet aprons, my even sweeter [much] older sister & making me the best apron of all.

I am the favorite after all.

Evie, don't comment. ;)

**If you are looking to BUY a sweet apron - check out hers. Love them.**

survived

Couldn't resist this photo op.

Had my photo taken too. ;)

Theodore is just too cute to resist.


The movie?

Liked it. recommended.



I will say the plastic statue things were a little creepy though.

Wish me luck

We are going to see this in 1.5 hours - yes, at 10am. Peanut doesn't even know yet. Because . . . if she did know . . . . I'd have to endure the next hour listening to the movie trailer and or "Christmas Don't be late" [which I actually love but not more than 4 times/day.]


Wish me luck Brooke.