And the answer is....

I thought (with the vast amount of people that read my blog) I would have more guesses on what removes red fingernail polish from polyester/nylon Baby Gap pants. Oh well, the answer is....


Yes, bug spray. It works. You saw the result. Buy some next time you are at the grocery store and keep it in your laundry room. I wonder what else it is good for besides repelling bugs.

Bad Grandma. Bad. Bad. Bad Grandma.

For all you young moms that hate childproofing your home, be warned that you never outgrow it. As soon as you think you are done, there are grandkids. Let me tell you my story. Audrey and Eliza were over the other day. I was on my way home from my Institute class while a favorite aunt was hanging with them until I arrived. When I got home, I found out that Eliza (22 months old) had found my YW pedicure basket under the sink in the spare bathroom. Not only did she find it but she was able to open three, yes count them, three bottles of nail polish. Never underestimate Eliza! I had a small dab of red polish on my bathroom rug but Eliza had part of a bottle on her darling Baby Gap pants. See first photo for evidence of most of the spill. It did continue down to the hem.

I knew I had to do something to repair the damage since it was my fault. Thank goodness for google! I found the solution. After 25 minutes of scrubbing her pants with a toothbrush they were as good as new. See second photo.

I'm not going to post my solution. I am wondering if anyone can guess what I used to get out red fingernail polish. No fair googling the answer. And, Matt and Carly, you are exempt from guessing. I will post the answer in a couple of days. Good luck!

The grand total is....

On Friday night, we attended the annual Festival of Trees celebration dinner. This is when all the board members gather at the hospital with their companions and hear the grand total raised through our efforts in behalf of children in need. This year was a tough year for Festival just as it has been for everyone else. But the community still came through and did what they could to support us. Large ticket item sales were down but shops were up. We set a record for the Expo Center with our gate. Over 90,000 people attended our four day event. So, are you ready for the grand total? It was $1,495,840.74.

And, the answer to the question is, "yes." We are already working on this year's Festival of Trees. I have been asked to chair the Aisle of Wreaths. This will be a whole new learning experience for me. I'm excited about the possibilities.

For my friends and family that are always there, thank you for your generous support. I couldn't do it without you. And I really mean that! For those that haven't participated yet, plan on it for this year. It's the best way to start the Christmas season.

I Believe in Christ

I think it is time to put into writing my love for this hymn. Once upon a time, about 24 years ago I was a Relief Society President serving in the Union 20th Ward. When I was first called I was pregnant with Erica. Somehow, with the Lord's help and fabulous counselors, I was able to fulfill the calling. Over a year into the calling, David was put into the bishopric. That brought my concern level to an all time high. The day he was sustained, I remember sitting in the audience by myself with five children, looking up on the stand at my husband with much pride and gratitude for his worthiness. During the meeting we sang a hymn from the then new hymnbook entitled "I Believe in Christ." As we sang the words in the fourth verse, "I believe in Christ, so come what may, with Him I will stand on that great day; When on the earth He comes again to rule among the sons of men" I knew all would be well because I did believe in Christ. The Savior was going to be there by my side helping me with His work. This is when I first fell in love with this hymn.

A few years went by and we moved into a new home. One year after moving in, David was called to be the bishop. My concern level was now on red alert. I didn't know if I had what it would take to be a mother and the wife of the bishop. I remember thinking that if I could only relive my first experience with the hymn I would know Heavenly Father had faith in me. I was teaching Primary at the time. On our way to sharing time we passed by the Relief Society room. The room was filled with angels singing "I Believe in Christ." I stood outside in the hall and wept. It was a tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father.

There have been other critical times in my life that I have prayed to hear the words of this song and Heavenly Father has answered my prayers. Some were during turbulant teenage years. Some where during personal struggles. The last critical time was when I knew I was being let go from my Young Woman's calling. Today we sang it in Sacrament Meeting as the closing song. Even though we were already five minutes late, the chorister led us in all four verses.

My children know that this hymn is to be sung by the congregation at my funeral. I would like it to be sung with joyful enthusiasm. I think I will have a note put on the funeral program stating such.

The bottom line is this.....I believe in Christ, so come what may.