The Children's Museum

Okay, okay, I'll do it.

So I've been "tagged" several times so I guess I'll comply. It's always a little wierd to blog about myself, I'll try to entertain...


Rules:List 6 somewhat interesting,mabye unknown things about yourself and then tag 6 friends.


1. I LOVE to cook. Some people scrapbook, some people sew, some people make crafty home items, I cook. It is probably the only home-making skill that I could profess to have any sort of talent in. I really enjoy trying new recipes. If I don't have a toddler nipping at my heals, cooking is a big de-stresser for me. There is not much better than getting in the "cooking zone" and testing out new foods and spices and such. Good stuff.


2. I have a completely irrational fear of tsunamis. Some of you already know this about me and laugh and me for it. I understand. It's ridiculus. This has unfortunately been going on for several years now, even pre-Indonesia Tsunami. I dream about it probably once every couple of months. Can someone tell me what that sybolizes? Maybe Missy? Didn't you carry around a dream interpretation book in high school at one point?

3. I am a realityTV junkie. I am a little embarrased to admit this one, but it's totally true. I can't get enough of the competitions, psuedo-romances, elimination rooms, and all the other drama that takes place. It is all, admitedly, fluffy crap, but there is something to be said for escaping into the life of some other messed up guy for half an hour. Favorites, you may ask? Top Chef, Project Runway, So You Think You Can Dance, The Hills, Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Okay, I'm really starting to embarrass myself so I'll stop. Suffice it to say there are others...

4. I really like to wrap gifts. For some reason, the packaging of gifts is almost as fun to me as purchasing the gift itself. I spend way to much on it. I'm sure most of the people that get the gifts don't care or realize the fun I've had preparing it for them, which is great. It's fun for me and it's part of the whole personalized gift idea. Whoever said giving is better that getting was right when it came to the packaging. (I hesitate to say that I like to give more than recieve because I LOVE opening gifts.) Okay, I am officially a huge nerd on this one.

5. I secretly wish I was a professional photographer. If you scroll down through the pics of previous posts, you will quickly realize that this is definitely in the far off, maybe I could develop it one day, type of wish. I really envy those people who have nice cameras and have an eye for really cool compositions and lighting. Mostly I would just really love to be able to have a lot better pictures of my family and travels, for posterity sake.

6. I am going white. It's true, not gray, white. Don't worry that I'm only 26! All the new growth on the crown of my head is coming in white. Apparently my Grandma Ruth was white by the time she was thirty. WHAT?! I don't know exactly how to deal with this as I have a fear of hair dye. I actually like the color of my hair and don't want to risk changing it. Pulling them out is getting ridiculus because I have so many. It doesn't matter anyway, because they just grow back.

Okay enough about me. I'm going to tag Jenny, Cynthia, Cheryl, Nicole, (Jenn you're off the hook because I know you've blogged about this before), Rebecca, and Missy.

I am Grateful For...

All right, time to lay it all out on the table. Here are the things, big and small that I am so grateful for.

My family

To be a mother

A comfortable home

The Gospel

Friends

Good food

Anna's laugh

A thoughtful and caring husband

The freedom our country affords me

Nice restaurants

Holidays

Parties

Good books

Hot showers

Live sporting events

Cooking

Mechanical pencils

This is only a sampling, it's what's currently on my mind. The truth is, I don't know why I am so blessed. I feel guilty for it sometimes because I don't deserve so many good things. It'sdefinitely humbling to contemplate what I have been given. I guess the only thing I can say is,

I AM GRATEFUL!

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

This year was pretty laid back as far as the festivities go. We ate dinner at the Manns' with the Nelsons and a few other people. The food was delicious and the company was great. Anna was not too big on the whole feasting part of the day. She did eat about five rolls, though. Can't say I blame her, they were mighty fine rolls.

As for my part I brought the mashed 'taters, stuffin' muffins, and orange-cranberry sauce. After dinner we partook of some great pie. There was an abundance! I think we figured that we ended up having enough pie for each person to have half of one pie. Pumpkin is usually my favorite, but Stacy made a delicious fudge pie. Pretty much chocolate always wins with me so it wasn't hard to pick.

Anna had a good time with Maylie as always and was fascinated by the two newborn babies that were there.

The Big Question

Where will we be living in 6 months?!

Denver? Tampa Bay?

Northern VA? Blacksburg, VA?

I realize that this is not such a big question for people other than us, but we're at the point of pretty much being obsessed with the suspense of "the big move." The whole residency interview process is so exsausting. There is a surprisingly large amount of politicing that go on. Sometimes it feels as though we are constantly strategizing to get into the best spot. I realize I am speaking as though I am an intimate part of the process when really I'm just the sounding board for Jeff, but even still, it's stressing me out!

So, here's the deal. Jeff is first flying out to Denver on Nov.29. He is meeting with the division president (Jeff Dorsey for those keeping track) as well as five other CEOs of hospitals in Denver or the surrounding area. The entire interview will last more than FIVE HOURS! Talk about exhausting! Then on Dec 4, Jeff will drive down to Blacksburg (about three hours south of Richmond) for another five hour interview with Montgomery hospital. He will be meeting seperately with the CEO, CNO, CFO, and Human Resources. We are still waiting to hear if Jeff will get an interview in Tampa Bay, FL or Northern Virginia . (The No. Virginia one just came up. It will probably be near Restin, VA) He did not get call backs to either of the hospitals in Richmond, so we will for sure be moving.

Where do you think we will end up? Check out the poll and vote.

Bed Head

It might be time for a haircut...

CONGRATULATIONS DAN & MICHELLE!

He's here!

Jacob Daniel Black

7 lbs 15 oz

20 inches

November 15, 2007

We are so exctied for you, Dan & Michelle. You are going to be great parents. Jacob is beautiful! We are so happy he is healthy and strong.

Beautiful November

Wow! What a gorgeous day. It's the middle of November, 70 degrees, and the leaves are amazing! There are definitely perks to fall in Virginia. We were disappointed because we were supposed to have family pics taken this weekend on the University of Richmond campus (which is beautiful!) but we all had colds, which meant red, dry, somewhat swollen noses. So, we had to reschedule. Unfortunately our photographer will be out of town until the end of November, so it looks like we will miss the colors of fall.

Anyway, Anna and I went out to look for the neighborhood cat today. This is a favorite past time of Anna's even though 90% of the time she ends up sad and disappointed because we can't find the kitty. We had fun anyway finding rocks, sticks, acorns, berries, and leaves.

This is the Breakfast Club shot. Think ending credits.

Anna and Skye

Anna's friend, Skye, came over yesterday while her mom was at a doctor's appointment. The girls had a fun time playing in the leaves. It was so fun to watch the two "sweeping" up the leaves with sticks and jumping into the piles. I love fall.

Interview Update

Jeff is in the midst of residency interviews right now so I thought I'd give everyone the inside scoop on our options, predictions, choices, etc. Jeff is interview with a total of five preceptor sites (a.k.a. hosptials). They are as follows:

• Montgomery Hospital, HCA, Blacksburg, VA
• CJW Hospital, HCA, Richmond, VA
• Retreat Hospital, HCA, Richmond, VA
• West Florida Division, HCA, Tampa FL
• Contiental Division, HCA, Denver, CO

You'll notice that every site is owned by HCA (Hospital Corporation of America). Jeff decided that he really wants to work for this company for several reasons. First off, they have hospitals all over the country which gives us a little more control over where we live. Second, this company has great succession planning. Jeff is really interested in a five year CEO development program that the company offers. Third, it's a For-profit Hospital and Jeff has some good reason that he wants to work in one of those, but I think I would just muddle it up and sound like I know nothing about what that means. I'm not really sure I do know exactly what that means. (Don't tell Jeff!)

Here is our ranking for the sites, one being our first choice and so on.

1. Denver, CO It's closer to family and friends and it has mountains! Plus, it's the best opportunity career-wise for Jeff.
2. Tampa, FL I never pictured myself living in Florida, but it's the second best opportunity. If we move here I'm going to have to get over my fear, however irrational, of tsunamis. (Seriously, I have nightmares.)
3. Blacksburg, VA It's a great hospital, also the smallest. It could be an advantage or disadvantage. There is the potential for Jeff to get his hand in on everything, or it's possible he might be left without a job when the internship is over because there might not be any openings on the administrative team. On the plus side, it's a small college town community nestled in the hills (Virginians would call them mountains) and would be a great place for our family.
4. CJW, Richmond, VA This one actually ties for third. It's probably the most sought after residency by Jeff's classmates other than Denver. It's a good place to be with lots of all-star adminstrators who have launched a lot of people's careers. We like Richmond and wouldn't mind living here longer.
5. Retreat, Richmond, VA This is really Jeff's last choice. It's HCA, has some good administrators, and I really don't know much else about it because Jeff is hoping for the other one.

Jeff has already interviewed with Blacksburg. He really liked the people that interviewed him and is hoping for a second interview. The rest of his interviews are this Friday. AHHHH! It's exciting and nerve-racking. We're trying not to set our hopes on Denver too high, but that is definitely our first choice.

Melba's Passing

Melba Jones Wright Cherished Wife, Mother and Grandmother Melba Jones Wright, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 1st, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah with her loving family by her side. She had fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. Melba was born June 7th, 1926 to John Henry Jones and Clementine Cuvier Coe in Duchesne, Utah. She was the youngest of their 11 children. She grew up on the family farm in Tabiona, Utah. She married her husband, J W Wright, on August 30th, 1946. They enjoyed 61 happy years together. She worked at Blue Cross for nearly 20 years and retired in 1989. Melba was the mother of two daughters, Marlene and Debra. Family was always first and foremost in her life and she especially enjoyed a tender and special relationship with each of her 10 grandchildren and six great-grand-children. Her home was always full of her family who loved and adored her. She was a lifelong member of the LDS Church and she served in Primary, Sunday School and Mutual. She had many talents and enjoyed sewing and handwork. She enjoyed traveling and long drives with her loving husband. She was a dear and devoted friend to many and will be greatly missed. Melba is survived by her husband, J W Wright; her daughters, Marlene Sollis (Larry), and Debra Muir (Randy); 10 grandchildren, Cynthia Hepworth (Brian), Brandon Muir (Jenn), Jenny Lundeberg (Karl), Ryan Muir (Nicole), Jeffrey Sollis (Rachel), Brett Muir (Becca), Christian Sollis (Susie), Greg Muir (Cheryl), Matthew Sollis (Clancey), Lindsey Mackay (Nate); and six great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Rylee Muir, Ethan and Tanner Hepworth, Anna Sollis and Riser Lundeberg. She is also survived by Bertha Jones (Idaho); Donna Scott (California); Raymond and Janie Wright (Kentucky). She is preceded in death by her parents, her six brothers and four sisters: Sylvia, Margaret, LeRoy, Earl, Edna, Nathan, Don, Wayne, Leo and Doris. We are certain there was a joyful Jones Family Reunion at her passing. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 6th 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Murray 28th Ward, 932 W. Greenoaks Drive (5900 So.). The viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State St., and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church. Interment: Mountain View Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com Published in the Deseret News from 11/3/2007 - 11/4/2007.

I don't think I could possibly covey the feelings that I have about this wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend. I first met Jeff's grandma when we were in high school. I immediatly felt at ease in her home. She had the ability to make anyone that entered there feel welcome. After introductions she offered me every type of food concievable. We then sat at the kitchen table (the first of many times) and she sincerely asked me about myself. I was really surprised the hospitality shown me on first meeting. Little did I know that she already had heard about me from Jeff. He would report our dates to her, so she already knew about me. I loved that Jeff had that kind of relationship with Melba. In fact, one of the first things that I really loved about Jeff was the relationship that he has with his parents and grandparents. It is so unique.

Shortly after Jeff and I were engaged Melba coyly told me (with that amazing smile of hers) that she always thought we would get married, even before Jeff left for his mission. This meant so much to me. It was immediate acceptance into the special world of Grandma Melba and her grandchildren. Maybe it's selfish of me to say, (but I dare say the other grandkids-in-law would agree) but I always felt like she cared about me and loved me just as she did her other grandkids. What a blessing.

After Jeff and I moved to Virginia I found that one thing I missed terribly were the bi-weekly Sunday dinner at J and Melb's. When I first married into the Sollis's I didn't quite understand how we could meet and eat and then sit for the next three to four hours. What I didn't realize at the time was that was not what everyone was doing. They were re-establishing friendships, helping each other with finacial issues, getting and giving advice, playing with grandkids and cousins and neices and nephews, and just partaking in the love that emminates from J and Melb's home. I grew to LOVE that time.

It was so special for Jeff and I to see Anna with her great-grandmother. When Anna was a tiny baby, Melba was one of the only people that she would let hold her without crying. Jeff and I have always felt that there is a special connection between the two of them that extends beyond this life. Anna loved her great-grandmother, we could tell even before she was able to express it herself. This has been a great source of comfort to Jeff as we've been away. He feels connected to Grandma through Anna.

What a wonderful legacy Melba has left for the Wrights' and Sollis.' I'm sure Grandma Melba will continue to be a part of her grandchildren and great-grandchildrens' lives as she looks down from what surely is heaven. I truly feel honored to have been a tiny part of her life.

Happy(?) Halloween

Top Five Reasons Halloween was a BUMMER:

1. We had to say goodbye to my mom and dad.

2. Anna refused to put on her witch costume.

3. Our orginal plans to trick-or-treat with some friends fell through.

4. After-company house cleaning

5. We found out Jeff's Grandma Melba was not doing well

Top Five Reasons Halloween ended up a WINNER:

1. Anna and I got to eat lunch with cousin Amelia and Aunt Sarah.

2. Anna ended up as a butterfly for trick-or treating, equally as adorable as her witch costume.

3. We ended up walking around to our neighbors on the most beautiful fall evening.

4. Anna was adorable to watch knocking on doors, and after, giving out candy to the

trick-or treaters that came to our house.

5. Jeff and I watched Harry Potter and ate delicious leftovers from Bertucci's.

I guess there's always an upside to everything.

As you can see from the picture with my parents, Anna was so sad that they had to leave. I was too! It was far too short of a trip. We had such a fun time hanging out and talking to my mom and dad. I am so grateful for such wonderful, caring parents. Anna loved playing with Grandpa's hat and reading books with him. She loved giving Grandma hugs and looking at animals with her. Anna and I drove my parents up to Fredricksburg where we met Sarah and Amelia. Mom and dad switched cars so they could make it to Reagan Airport and it was Sianara! (sp?) This was the source of bummer morning. I always go through a bit of a low after seeing family. I think it makes me realize how much I miss their constant presence in my day to day life.

On the upside of the day, however, we took Anna out for her first trick-or-treating experience. She took the challenge very seriously, of course. She loved knocking on doors, picking out a candy, and putting it in her bag. Her first candy she recieved was a sucker. She couldn't wait, so she immediatly unwrapped it and had it in her mouth the rest of the evening. She was so adorable!