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a cake from a different era

I made a birthday cake for one of the boys at the ranch today.

I did exactly what was requested....chocolate cake with white cream cheese frosting.

Isn't that like wearing black nylons with white shoes?

Is that really done anymore?

I just think chocolate frosting goes with chocolate cake

heck, What do I know?

costumer service? what's that?

I have major issues with people and sucky customer service!

WHY do people behind a counter seem to think that they can treat customers like their bugging them. Or that they have something better to do than work at their job and help the people that are paying for their salary.
I had an interesting experience over the past 2 days of shopping...which I might add is EXHAUSTING! I have never been big on shopping, and still I con cour...it bites.

I don't want to ruin the reputation of any store that I went to for the past few days so I will use initials of their names.

O.F.F.I.C.E. M.A.X.

(does that count if I put a period between the letters?)

MOnday: I traveled an hour in to tucson to get some copies made. I had over 600 copies to be done and knew it would be a long draw out process. I walk into the store and immediately notice the copy center is surrounded by at least 7 people. Two little oldies sitting at a table just waiting it out. 2 people standing at the checkout counter, 2 men standing back like they were waiting on their projects (come to find out...they were waiting on faxes to come through), 1 man shoving his paychecks through the self help copier only to get them stuck, 1 man watching the oldies sit there....and then ME and my two boys walking in to the madness.

When I reached the counter I was pleasantly greeted by the ONLY employee behind the computer, copiers, and all that machinery. She looked right at me from the back corner of the work station and said "Miss, I will be with you shortly". I smiled and nodded with the thought in my head "this is going to be a joke". With in minutes she stood in front of me smiling and ready to help. I made a gesture that the two people that were actually, literally standing in front of me were first...she reassured me that they had been helped and were just waiting for their projects to be finished.

"what can I help you with?" she said.

I handed her my project which was like 80 color copies with 20 on card stock and the rest regular paper. 520 black and white copies all on regular paper.

I felt overwhelmed for her and asked "are you the only person back here?" She shook her head in a fashion that I knew was a exhausted yes. I asked "should I come back in a few hours?" She instantly told me that the copier makes 100+ copies in 1 minute and this will only take a few so don't go far. I was flabbergasted by the thought of her helping me with my order and all the others standing around. By the way...behind me were now 4 or 5 more people.
I returned in about 20 minutes and just like she said...they were completed, cut, stacked, boxed and ready to go out the door. I was very impressed!

I was even more impressed with Jo annie and her polite, efficient service when I returned the next day to have my project bound.

O.F.F.I.C.E. M.A.X

tuesday: I walk in feeling confident with my trip the day before and was sure that this day will go off without a hitch. I enter the store immediately looking toward the copy center to see what I am up against as far as customers.

YES....there is 1 person standing there waiting to be helped and no one else in sight.

YES...there are 2 employees standing behind the counter waiting on customers, actually...on the one customer and now ME!

It looked promising.

I walk up to the counter and stood there while the male employee walks the only customer over to the computer and assist her with her needs. This took maybe 2 minutes. So, I stand there with a smile, shoulders back and taking it all in. The male employee finished and then I was next. I stood there watching the female employee fidgeting around with some hand held machine in the back of their space, like "it's not working what ever should I do".

I hear her tell the male (Marco) "it's stuck, call so and so to come fix it". So Marco calls on his little FBI ear piece for immediate backup help on the 3 hold punch. I was still standing there with my smile, but not my shoulders are starting to slump. I am amazed that they haven't even acknowledge me. Actually, Marco has already made eye contact with me once and is now avoiding me.

It's now been maybe 5-6 minutes of me standing there watching/eyeing these two employees point their backs to me and pretend they have a clue on what they are doing. I am now feeling my face turn hot and red!! Finally, the back up help had now arrived and she went straight to the jammed machine. She makes eye contact with me from across the big space and asks her TWO employees..."Has she been helped?"

Marco again makes eye contact with me and says "NO". So it's now been possibly 8 minutes....WHAT!!!!

You don't realize how long that is until you are the ONLY person standing in a line watching 2 people avoid YOU and avoid doing their job!

The lady that came to help them finally came over and asked me what she could do to help. I gave her my project and asked that the items be bound.

Her reply "oh, our binder is broken. I can possibly bind a few of them, by hand,now but not all of them." I was happy with that answer and I agreed to come back in 30 minutes for 3 of the 10 items. The remaining items would be bound within the next 2 days. I later found out that the lady that was helping me was the management supervisor. She went to the back and started punching holes in my paper and asked the female employee to get me a project slip so that I could leave my items and come back later. They needed to have it filled out so that they would know what they were suppose to be doing with MY things.

The female employee walked passed me, got a paper out of a drawer and pushed it in front of me....BLANK, and then walked off.

I was shocked at her nastiness!

I had NO idea how to fill "their" document out for "their" employees. I took a look and did the best I could for not getting any info on what they wanted. At this point I am so disgusted by the original 2 employees. The supervisor was actually doing something for me so I couldn't be grumpy towards her. But in my mind i knew that this had to be addressed... just after my things were bound and in my hands. I didn't want them ruining anything because I made a comment on their POOR service.

As I was being helped I overheard the male helping 2 other customers. With both of them...he sent them away not being able to help them at that time. "come back tomorrow in between 12-5 and I can help you then". I didn't understand!

Finally I left the store only to return 30 minutes later to retrieve 3 of the 10 items I went in with. I will have to drive another hour, for the 3rd day this week for the remaining items.
You better believe that this neglect of customer service will be mentioned at check out! I will talk that first employee up for her wonderful service and I will try to be dignified in tearing apart the other two. Seriously though....I am not that mean.

R.O.S.S

(still trying to protect the stores reputation)

tuesday: I should of known better than to walk into that store at this time of year. There was NO way of using a cart because the aisles where full of items so deep that you couldn't push through it. So, cart free I wandered the store in search of the perfect item. I was in luck...I found it. I slowly meandered to the check out to find about 6 people in line and 2 cashiers open. It was looking like no bigger deal....and then......I got up to be the NEXT person to be helped. All the cashiers signs turned to the big X indicating they were no longer open.
One cashier even walked away from her station and the other one started counting her money for a break. I turned to see if possibly I was the only person in line and possibly they didn't see me...only to find about 10 people behind me waiting as well.
There was this ONE cashier that was just standing at her register poking at buttons on her computer and then looking with a blank glazed over look. She did that same thing about 3 times....till finally her manager said "what up with your register?" She said "I just don't know".
I stood there feeling like I had this bad spell on me and I was not going to have much luck in the service department today.

W.A.L.M.A.R.T

tuesday: entered the store feeling discouraged and tired and knew that I had to return some items from a previous days purchase. With the "return department" in mind....that spells TROUBLE. I had to have the store greeter put a little sticker on my items and then proceed to the returns.
I found the gentleman at the front of the store. He was an older man in a motorized scooter. I noticed his jewelry right off the bat. On one arm he had 2 watches and a bracelet and then probably 4 rings on that hand. The other arm I didn't notice his wrist but he had maybe the same number of rings on that hand. I couldn't help but notice his black Beret that he was wearing. It was decorated with possibly 10 military awards.
He had an award that was obviously a purple heart, he had another that I didn't recognize and another lined up perfectly with the other 2 that was a golden Eagle award.
My body told me to be grumpy and just get the job done...but my mouth didn't have ears and so it just started talking to this very interesting man. I asked him about his rings and his awards and his service. He was such a neat and nice man. He informed me that the other awards were for bravery and good behavior. I told him that there needs to be more people like him around us. But in my mind I was saying "there needs to be more people like you working at those other stores".
That man changed my attitude for the rest of my shopping experience.
He was kind and willing to help.

My thoughts from the day came to the conclusion that AGE has everything to do with service. Just about everyone that helped me on that day that was under 25 was there to do their time....but the remaining people were there to get paid for their services. They seemed grateful for their job. There is differently a mindset that comes along with costumer service...it's hard...but then again SO EASY! It's called Kindness!

I also realized...that the service I receive can start with ME and if I am hot and bothered....well you know the rest.

hope your holiday shopping experience it full of wonderful service.

OH, I feel like some Christmas

My friend Harmonious just sent this to me....it's really funny.
I love Molly Shannon in just about anything she does. She makes my day.
Turn off the dang music on the left!

Santa found me early this year

in regards to my last post...Santa found me today by giving me a much needed 4 hour nap.

Merry Christmas 12 days early....those are the gifts I love.

maybe, just maybe hibernation will find it's way under my tree this year.

I can only ask

what will it be this year, Santa?

A few nights ago our friend AllisonK came to the house to catch up on the Holidays events with me and the kids. While sitting at the table she asked my girls what they want for Christmas.

They told their normal reply.... "a bike, a dog, a easy bake, a jeep".

Then Allison asked the girls "what does your dad and mom want for Christmas?"

This is a question that doesn't often get asked...especially to kids. It's usually about THEM, all about Them!
So my birdie girl says "my dad wants Peace and Good will for all".
I thought that was cleaver and somewhat protective of her dad. She could of thrown him in front of a bus and said "a new truck or a new set of shoes or a new computer or whatever" but, she said
"peace and good will for all". Cute!

So, "what does your mom want for Christmas this year?" was the next question from Allison. Birdie being as clever as ever says "my mom wants a little time to herself".

NOT...Love for all the world
Not...a home for all the orphans in the whole world
NOT...Food for the hungry
NOT...clothes for the naked
NOT...drink for the thirsty

It was just "a little time for herself"

I suppose that was one of the most thoughtful answers directed towards me and also...so true!

Santa will you find me this year?

To give or not to give, is it a question?

I am torn when it comes to "gift giving" at Christmastime. My sister posted something the other day on her blog about a lady trying to go gift less this year. I don't remember the reason why she had decided this. Whether it was the economy or the thought of Christmas being about gifts and not Christ.
This has brought some thought to thee ol' noggin and I have been wondering where do I draw the line between it being about Santa and giving gifts and CHRISTmas and giving gifts.
I know people say that society has made Christmas about "gifts and things and money".
But then there is this part of me that knows that Christ gave us all a gift.
So, where does that line go?
Maybe it's all in the heart and the Spirit that the gift is given.
OR maybe it's just NOT giving a gift at all.

I love to celebrate Christmas. I love to give people things that let them know I love them and am thinking about them. I love to give Christmas Cards and plates of goodies to the neighbors. I love to see their faces when you take them something and they didn't expect it at all. That's make my day.

I remember as a child, we would do the 12 days of Christmas to a family that was in need. What a wonderful wonderful lesson in charity my parents taught us. When we did the 12 days of Christmas it was a gift left on the families front door, anonymously. I loved the thought of the family not knowing where the gift came from, but needing it and being so grateful. The families would never chase us or find out who we were...they would open the door and graciously except our offering. This is defiantly a tradition I want my kids to know.

Well with all this said I want to hear your opinions on Gift Giving during the Holidays.
Do you like the idea of giving gifts?
Does it Stress you out?
Do you wish everyone in your family would agree to a gift less holiday?
Do you love to give gifts and if so...what kind makes you happy to give?

Let me know.

Don't let me forget the 27th

It's been way to long since I last posted about things I am thankful for. And I am missing the most important day...Thanksgiving, of all days.

Our trip to Utah was a blast...visiting, playing and just enjoying being around all my family.

We were able to get caught up with some of Luke's siblings and extended family and just about all of my siblings were there and a few extended family members. What a wonder time of the year.

This year I was able to eat with my Aunt Jane...one of the best! She came from California to spend the day with my Grandma (her mother) and our family. She is such a wonderful person. I really love her and her Spirit.

This year I was also able to eat with my Uncle Wayne...also one of the best! He hasn't been to involved with the our family over the past 15+ years or so. I have only seen him, maybe 3 times over the past 15 years. But he has finally made his way back into our lives. He has a wonderful heart and is part of the family and I really love him.

This year I was able to eat with my Grandma and Jay (papa). My Grandmother was married about 6 years ago to this wonderful man that loves her and takes wonderful care of her. They are perfect together. I am so grateful that my Grandma found love again. After my grandfather died she stayed single for a long time. In fact she was single (after her husbands death) longer than she was married to him. So, finally Jay came along and swept her off her feet. It's been a wonderful thing to see.....LOVE.

This year I was able to eat with 4 out the 6 siblings of mine, and their families. We really missed my Bro Dusky and his family...as well as Sisal and her boys.

This year I was able to eat with my loving parents. They are continually supporting all of us with whatever we are doing and where ever we live. They love us and only want the best for us. It's easy to see that, by the way they respect us and our families.

And finally I was able to eay with my very own little family. We waited an extra day so that Luke could be there with us...and it was well worth it. I was happy to have all of us there!

Over the past year, actually the past 8 years, I have seen some miraculous family reunions.

I have seen close family members coming back into the fold. I have seen the plan of Forgiveness work it's tender mercies on our family. I have seen people forgive others and be forgiven. I have witnessed the power of pray in our homes as well as the Temple.

I love my Heavenly Father and I trust in his plan for all of us. I know that if we could all forgive others with as much ease as it takes to be offended, our Thanksgiving tables might be longer and more crowded. I know that it's easier said than done.

I have allowed myself to be offended on many many occasions and held a grudge to many, by a simple comment. I know there is so much to being Free, when we forgive others.

I also know that I have offended many with a simple comment and ask that if there are any that I have offended that you would try to forgive me for my craziness.

It really isn't in me to be nasty and mean....but for some reason, it shows it's ugly head and BAM, someone is hurt by me.

This Year I am Grateful for so much.....but especially for His Plan for me and my family.

I believe in Him and am so excited to be celebrating this time of year.

My Shells Bells is 6!

Finally Dec came....Shelbert has been waiting for her birthday since May. Once her big sister had a birthday, Dec couldn't come soon enough. She couldn't wait to get her 72 hr backpack kit from her Grandma. Everyone in our family has theirs, and she has been patiently waiting for hers. Grandma didn't disappoint! Thanks for making her day a day early!

I have a happy, sweet, wonderful 6 year old!

Loves to you Big birthday Girl

My Thankful List for days 24th, 25th & 26th

My thankful list has not been forgotten...just delayed a few days.

When I come home to my parents it's like the days get mixed up into one Large day. We don't sleep much while we're here and we have to much fun everyday..so to separate it into days would be nearly impossible.

Therefore: I want to list 3 different things from the past 3 days that make me Thankful.

#1 My Sister & MOM!

They are crazy they are fun and they are nuts!

(I mean that in the nicest way)I love being with the woman in my family so much. It's always just a blast and so interesting when we get together, especially when it's after bedtime.

Last night, we had a late night game of Rummikub and when you mix little sleep, games, chocolate and Robbie....you know you are in for something quite special.

There are 4 girls that came from the same set of parents (mine) and we are so much a like and SO different at the same time. Some of us are outspoken, some are more quiet about their personality and thoughts. Some of us do things that the others would NEVER do, some sing songs out of the blue and the others wouldn't think of it. Our beliefs are the same, but some of our views are different, which can make for a fun conversation. No one gets offended or hurt because we love each other, but we don't always agree.

However; when it comes right down to it.. we all want to know the same thing. Can all of us make that "one noise" by cupping your armpit with one hand while pumping your elbow up and down. I know it sounds strange...but it's times like these that pull us together. Sitting around my mom's dining room table trying to make our pits fart while talking about the environment, politics, and the Gospel.

I am thankful for my wonderful sisters. We are so strong together and therefore are strong a part.

#2. Great friends!

(the photo is missing 2 early leavers, darn)

Tonight I was able to meet with a few friends from High school and it was such a good time. A great friend arranged this get together and I so enjoyed it, Thanks Tamara.

We met at a local eating joint and chomped it up. I haven't seen some of these ladies for more than 10 years....so it was wonderful to get caught up with their lives and where they are now.

They are all beautiful, interesting and amazing woman. I was so glad to of got the "call" from Tamara. Can't wait to do it again, hopefully those who couldn't make it tonight can come next '93 reunion.

Go Tigers!

#3. Beautiful Places!

There is so much beauty around Southern Utah. When I was younger and lived here I knew it! I knew that this was a unique and special place. I loved and enjoyed the dirt, rocks, trees and Spirit that is here.

When I come home I feel like laying down in my parents yard and just sucking in all the air I can. I want to go sit on a slab of red sandstone and rub my hands on it for hours. I want to travel to the hills north of us and smell the fragrant pine trees. I LOVE IT here! I about got in a car accident just yesterday because I couldn't stop looking out my rear view mirror at the picturesque view of Zion. OH...this place is Zion, to Me!

So my list includes Family, Friends and Beauty. These are some wonderful blessings and I am Thankful Tonight!

Are we on our way? you decide!

I had to post this....take a listen and see what you think. Make sure you stop the music so you can hear what is being said. This recording isn't really long...so take a minute and see what you can learn.
Very interesting!

What does the 22nd & 23rd bring to the surface?

November 22nd & 23rd are both days of driving and visiting and enjoying so many people I love.

22nd was a day of Thankfulness for my in-laws.

I never really feel comfortable with that description "in-laws" because they are my family. "In-laws" seems to distance them from me in my mind and I don't ever want to them to think they are the "in-laws". This whole thing might be a bit confusing because you can't hear the way I am writing this in my head and ....anyhow....I hope you can catch my drift.

With all that jibber-jabber said they are my family because I married my husband so that makes them my in-laws. So..there you go.

This day was a wonderful day of spending time with them. I was able to see the talent of my SIL, Melanie, at a boutique she was participating in. I have always known she has more talent in her little finger than my whole body...but it was nice to have others witness it as well.

Then later that night we attended a 90th birthday party for my Grandmother-in-law. You should never use "in-law" after the word grandmother..but I want to clarify what side of the family it was on. Grandma Smith is a wonderful woman...I wish I knew her better. She is such an interesting person.

Over the summer we (my little family) stayed 2 months at my MIL home, where Gram Smith resides as well. So during those months I had a few chances to sit at the table during her lunch and just have a good talk with her and what things were like when she was younger. I wish I would of taken more time to talk with her. I really love her and am so happy that she is in our lives.

I have always struggled with the thoughts of not knowing my OWN grandparents. I want to know them when they were younger and know what they were like in certain situations. I see photos of my parents and g. parents and wish for one minute I could of been a fly on the wall. Just to see what they were doing while standing in line waiting for the pic...were they talking to their friends? Were they shy and standing by themselves? Were they goofs and being silly and showing off? Or were they like me and very self conscious of pictures because the people in line could possibly see you faking a smile for the camera? I wonder!

And then...what did they do when the picture was taken? I always wish I could of known them as a younger them. Not parental and responsible and stressed and worried about life and family.

Well enough of that...back to the party. It was a hit and so enjoyable to see everyone in the family that was able to attend. Some were missing and were noticeably missed!

Later that evening we got to have our 2nd sleep over at J & A's home and little Petch. Thank you for allowing the whole gang to camp out again. Love you guys.

today was a thankful day for my "IN-Laws"

*Now, I can't leave out wonderful friend that I was able to hang out with also on this day. My dear friend Harmonious & her wonderful sisters and mom. Over the past year I have never felt like just a friend to this family...they are so welcoming and inviting to not only my husband and I..but my children as well. I shouldn't leave out that they have known my in-law for 20+ years and so the friendship started long ago...I am just happy to be part of it now.

23rd was a day of smiles from the beginning to the end.

It started off with me filling up my car with gas for only $1.91 a gallon.

That is a great feeling!

I know we all recognize this feeling. It's the one where we don't have the desire to flip off the gas pump or give it a kick to the area that might be between the legs if it were to have 2 legs.... because you just got abused at the pump. This feeling didn't control me today...I actually drove away feeling like I still had my dignity!

This day finally ended at my parents home, safe and sound and So Grateful for such a Wonderful, Loving and Amazing family. ALL the way around!

I love coming home...it's so comforting and relaxing!