HAVE YOU EVER MET A SAINT?

So the other night there was an enrichment activity and there was mention that people could wear their comfy clothes or pjs. Of course I mention this to my friend Becky who automatically thinks that I am pulling her leg. However when I go to pick her up for the activity she is wearing her pajama pants and is totally trusting me to not make her look silly. Of course I am dressed in jeans which doesn't help the situation. We get there and NO ONE and I mean no one has even remotely dressed pajamaish. Of course she looks at me and is a little preturbed, but what is even better is she seriously forgave me...at least I hope so. I was totally the reason she felt uncomfortable, however she forgave me. This is not the first time this has happened, and probably will not be the last.

Becky is an amazing friend. She has never ever questioned anything I have ever told her, even when I am teasing her. She literally would give the shirt off her back if it helped someone out. She is a bargain hunter like her mom and recently has tried to dabble in extreme homemaking by coupon clipping, grinding her own wheat, and she bakes homemade bread.

If you have ever talked to Becky she makes simple things sound so exciting and she can tell a story with the biggest grin on her face. She will always laugh and/or cry with you depending on what you need. She will let you into her life and let you play with her kids.....even if you have no idea what you are doing. The other day I called her for no reason really, just to bother her and she picks up the phone and off hand mentions that she had a minor surgery that day and was confined to the couch.....WHAT?!? I would be milking that for all it is worth and she doesn't even think about getting service on a silver platter.

She and I have much in common when it comes to our husbands. We both absolutely and whole heartedly love and adore every bit of them. When we talk about a fun night it usually always involves just the hubby and a movie. She also is so complimentary to Jason. They go together like chocolate and milk.

Her mothering skills are amazing. I remember after we told her about our pregnancy with Adam how she told me to ask her anything and she would help me out. I don't think she thought I would ask alot of questions that very moment, but I did and she knew all the answers. I know she is the type of mom crawling around on the ground and playing and engaging with her children which is so awesome. I watch how those two litte boys look at their mom and know that she is the true example of Mother and unconditional love.

Becky has so much obedience. If her parents council her to do something, she does it. If a bishop, apostle, or prophet mentions it she has a plan set on how to accomplish it. I at least listen, but then its right out the other ear, she actually grasps it.

She loves quotes and talks. Whenever I tell her about something I read she always wants to know what it was so she can learn even more about the gospel. Until I met Becky I really never had a friend I could talk spirituality with, but becoming more comfortable with that has made it easier to share that with others.

She has an amazing testimony. Not once have I called her for advice and it not ended with something like "the Lord works in mysterious ways," or "thats so the plan of salvation," or the one she is constantly saying to me, "have you prayed about it?" I wish I had that undying faith constantly.

Finally...like many of you she was there when I needed her the most. When Adam died we came home to a house full of groceries and love that just filled our house from her actions. She is never one to shy away from asking others to help her help someone else. She came to the hospital to visit the night I went into labor and didn't want to leave me even though I told her to. I think she has such an intuition for knowing what you need when you need it. She called me every Wednesday for months, just to laugh and joke with me. I don't think she believes in fate, but she only believes in faith. She has always seemed to be in the right place at the right time whenever I have needed her, because she had the impression she should be there.

I love this girl so much and cannot imagine my life without her. Its probably why me and her mother are constantly trying to get the Taylors to move back into the neighborhood. For all those who know Becky you know how lucky we all are, but for those who don't I really hope you can understand the amazing and gorgeous spirit that is one of my best friends.

Hey Sista, Soul Sista!!

I have been wanting to post about my bestest sister for a while now. As you all know she is such a good writer, how could I ever match her wonderful tribute to me. Well I just need to forget about how mine won't be as good, because we all know she is way better than me!

Lara has always been the greatest big sister. Well, she did teach me bad words and then told me to go say them to my mom, which I then got my mouth washed out with soap. She also thought it was funny to ask me questions like, how are babies made, and what is a condom. I was like six years old, how the heck was I supposed to know. So I just told her what I thought, which ended up being pretty funny. One day while making cookies she told me that vanilla tasted like it smelled, so of course I thought great that would taste so good. She gave me a teaspoon full, and we all know how that ended (GROSS!) Anyway...Back to why she is the greatest!

When she was in college she would always invite me to come stay with her. I thought that was the coolest thing, to go stay with my sister in college! I felt so special and grown up, even though I was not. I was a fat, little immature girl, but she took me everywhere and made me feel good about myself. I also owe her big time for getting rid of my bangs and helping me pluck my eyebrows for the first time.

As I got older, she was always so willing to come to Logan to do my hair and make-up for dances. She always had good advice on friends and dating, even though sometimes I didn't think it was very good advice at the time. She did tell me however that as soon as I went to college I would be popular and no one would care how un-popular I was in high school. Which ended up being so true! When I met my husband, Greg, I called and talked to her for hours. I just didn't have a good self-esteem, and she was there to talk me through it and now we have almost been married for three years. Like I said before, she is full of good advice, and now that I am older I usually take all of her advice.

Even though Lara doesn't like to talk to me on the phone, I call her as least once a week. I can call her to complain, vent, cry, laugh, and when I need a "good job." She will listen to all the nonsense I have to say and sometimes it's not much, but other times we can talk for hours. Just recently she signed me up for facebook and we have had some excellent conversations through IM. I quite enjoy it, I don't know about her.

Thanks to Lara, we always have a good time together i.e. naming all the different kind of balls at the festival of the trees, making sugar cookies, spending hours at the scrapbook expo, laughing about chocolate teenies, and watching girly movies while eating the ice cream with waffle cone pieces in it. I know we have shared some not so good times together, but Lara always turns them into good times with a witty comment, and then we horse laugh until our stomachs hurt (or bum
if your Lara).

I love her for loving me and all my quirks, for loving and accepting my husband, for letting me play mom to her kids, for helping me through hard times, for laughing at me and with me, for liking the same things I do, for coming and staying at my house and leaving a funny to do list when she left, for finally teaching me how babies are really made and what condoms really are, for telling me good job, for loving treats as much or more than I do, for loving a good horse laugh, for complimenting me on a good pair of earings or a good outfit, for getting me into digital scrapbooking, and for just being Lara-the greatest big sisto!!

As I get older, and as my husband points out, I realize how much we are alike but at the same time not alike. She is an awesome mom and I hope one day I can be like her in that way. Oh how I wish we lived next door to each other!! I love you and miss you!!

J-Bax

I would just like to give a quick shout-out to my homie, Jen Baxter. She seriously is the greatest! She always makes me happy. Always. It is such a treat to talk to her. She is hilarious. And even when I'm stressed or she is stressed, it is still the greatest thing to chat with her. Today I am just grateful for my friend, Jen.

The Cocco For My Marshmellows

I know that Miss Cocco Jen has been spotlighted before, but it wasn't by me. So this is my tribute to her. And she shall be the first to have two. (And I kind of think she'll love that!!) PS...Isn't she cute???

It's hard for me to write about Jen. She's kind of the best writer of all time. Like really, the best. I don't remember exactly what it was that she was thanking me for when I received my first Cocco Jen Thank You Note, but I do know that I was in awe at it's witty tone and the perfectly formed handwritten text. Those little numbers are priceless to all who are lucky to receive one!!

I've tried to think back to our first encounters. I don't remember one specific thing. I know that Jen moved in after Dan Jen...and before Baxter. And she somehow got lost in the middle for me. It was a lot of new Jens to keep straight. I do remember her calling me after I gave a RS lesson and giving me some amazing compliments, and I was totally sold after that! I mean, who doesn't love a compliment? And honestly, Jen gives some great ones. It's truly a talent.

As I got to know her better I found that we have a ton in common! We bonded over old Disney movies, and 90's music, and Gone With the Wind, and Beaches. Jen is a wealth of pop culture knowledge, and would be a very smart life line for life's game of Millionaire. But even more vivid in my memories is eating dinner with her and finding out about her Poly Sci background. I remember being so excited to find a friend that would talk politics with me. Jen is a multi-dimensional gal. I like that.

Jen is the biggest over achiever that I know. (in a good way) And I tend to be that way too. So when you put both of us in the Primary Presidency together...you got a big vat of over achieving, over organized, awesome craziness. I've never worked with someone who appreciated the need to spend 3 hours making a sparkly flashlight. But Jen got it, and required it. That was awesome. Wait...back up...

First I have to say one of the dumbest things I did around Jen. I called her after I got an appointment to see the Bishop. I went on and on about how if it was a calling for Primary I'd shoot myself in the head. And how I hate other people's children. She listened...but with kind of a weird distance that I couldn't pinpoint. Then...I went to the meeting and was told it was a calling for Primary. And not only that, but that Jen was the President. Okay, open mouth...insert gigantic foot! She was pretty cool about it though. And I guess if you wanna be friends with me you have to get used to that...I'm a whiner, complainer, and loudmouth. It's not my best quality.

Okay, back to Primary. I loved going each week and seeing what awesome idea she'd come up with for Sharing Time. And I loved it because it ignited a tiny bit of competitiveness in me, and I'd have to try and "one-up" her the next week. She makes me a better woman. (thanks for that inspirational line Mr. Nicholson!!)

One of my favorite Primary memories of all time was cleaning out the Primary closet with her. And "More Than Just a Mark" will forever be one of my favorite pieces of poetry. We laughed so hard I nearly peed. Okay, I actually peed.

I loved it when she came over to watch American Idol in my bed. I loved it when she came over to sing karaoke with me. I loved it when she came over to get CD's from me and we talked while I cleaned the kitchen. I loved it when I went over to have her try on the pants I was making...and I stayed for like 3 hours!! I loved it when she came to have me and my mom fix her sewing mess. I loved our hour long conversation about old Disney movies in the Chick-Fil-A play area. I love the several times that they've stopped by and stayed for hours. I've loved a lot of "little" Jen moments, and not just the big ones!!

But the big moments are amazing too. Here's some amazing things that Jen has done for me and my family...

When Amelia was born we had a ton of help from the Ward, and mostly my friends. Jen brought in dinner more than once, and tended Will while I was in bed. It was a lot. By the time she got home, a lot of the frenzy had worn off. But honestly, it was difficult. (as it is for any new mother) In July we decided to go ahead and bless Millie. I got really stressed about the nursery and the whole idea of people in my house when I hadn't been able to take very good care of it. I was near the breaking point. Jen called and offered, no, demanded that she bring her amazing breadsticks to feed our guests. I cannot tell you the relief. It was an amazing gesture to begin with...but was just the EXACT one I needed at that time. I was SOOOO grateful.

She and Baxter also had an awesome box of stuff waiting for me when I got home from the hospital after my surgery last year. My beloved laptop rests upon it every single day...and I think of their kindness.

Also, one day...just a random day in the spring, Jen stopped by while on a walk to have Abby use our bathroom. I was having a really crappy day. She stayed and talked to me, and then called Dave to meet her at my house. He went and got Cafe Rio and they all stayed to eat with us. I needed company so bad that day. The Coccimiglios are really good at that kind of stuff.

And speaking of Dave...he perpetuated a service that brings my husband to tears to this day. So I'd like to mention that as well. During my 4 month stay in bed...lots of my friends came to get my son. It was very kind. One day Lynette had taken him, but she had to go to dance lessons with Shayla. Will went, but I'm sure it wasn't his favorite thing. Dave brought Abby and dropped her off. Now, a nice friend would have given Will a high 5 and asked him how he was doing. Not Dave. He asked Will to go with him on some errands, and then took him to McDonalds with him so he wouldn't have to sit there. The fact that someone paid that extra attention to our son, when we weren't able to give it at home, makes us (especially Patrick) feel so blessed. It's not just Jen that's amazing at that house!!

I know this is lengthy, but really Jen is just a great gal. She is smart, and spiritual, and the flippin' cleanest woman I've ever met. Now Jen, I know that sometimes you wish you could leave things messy and not go crazy...but I wish the opposite for myself. We need to meet somewhere in the middle!! She has impeccable taste. And I just love that she'll go to a place like 25 Main in St. George, and know that I'd like it too!! She once passed me a note during Sacrament Meeting...a note!! How middle school awesome is that?? I love that she loves Bottlecaps, and Kanye West, and Disneyland. Yes, our mutual love of Disneyland will bond us forever.

I have a distinct reason for loving each of my friends. And I've loved the opportunity to disect each one and figure out exactly what it is that I love about each person. I love Jen because she is constantly trying to live up to the picture she has in her head. She's too hard on herself. We all sit back and wish we had it that together! We wish we were that clean, we wish we were that witty, we wish we could quote lyrics in conversation, we wish we could motivate the entire ward to want to fulfill their callings, we wish we could write in a way that inspired everyone, we wish we were Jen...a lot of the time. Well, "When you wish upon a star...." I'm gonna keep tryin'!

Nominations For Mother of the Year...

The Nominations for Mother of the Year have been officially opened.

I nominate:
Mrs. Vanessa House Pollard.

Any seconds??











Vanessa has spent the last few years of her life devoting her thoughts, her body, her money, her time, and her everything to becoming a mother. She and her outstanding husband deserve some pitter patter of little feet around their house (that isn't their dog) more than anyone I know. And they've tried harder than anyone I know. Last December when their 18 week little Adam went to live with Heavenly Father, we were all so heart broken. But that heart break was coupled with great joy in knowing that their problems were now known...and behind them. Isn't it about that time when Heavenly Father says a resounding..."ya think?" Oh how uninformed we were.

I remember her telling us that she would be unable to ski while we were in Powell. Why would that be? (We all asked with a hopeful grin) And then a few weeks later it was the phone call that she was not only carrying a baby...but babies. We were scared for their upcoming trials, but super hopeful for an amazing outcome.



May I just indulge myself by saying we were well founded in our fears. Because those two little darling angels went to live with their Heavenly Father last week. But may I also say, on behalf of her friends, that we have had an amazing outcome. It is not the one I would have dreamed for her, obviously. But each of us has felt the hand of God touch our aching hearts. And we have seen our testimonies grow as we watch this amazing family embrace eternity.

How tender it is to watch a couple that is so much in love, so in sync, so focused on a goal? Vanessa loves Steve so much. And it is so evident. Sometimes I am jealous that in this trial they have drawn close to each other. Patrick and I tend to drift during stressful situations. We are going to try and take a cue from the Pollards and use those times to appreciate our mate, not want to kill them.

I have been so grateful to be counted as one of her friends. I want to publicly thank her family for letting us participate in the funeral services for their girls. Funerals, as you may know...not on the top of my "fun" list. But I must say that this one was a deeply moving experience. And I was so grateful to have the opportunity to attend.

You know after 9-11, no one knew how long was the appropriate amount of time before Saturday Night Live was okay to come back on? You don't know when it's okay to laugh again? I hope this has been an appropriate amount of time. So, now I will change tones to state: VANESSA POLLARD IS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST CHICKS I KNOW. She has the best sense of humor ever. She is just as, or more, sarcastic than I am. I never have to worry that I've offended her with an off color joke...or a swear that slipped out. She also takes the most amazing dirty-ish pictures with chocolate marshmallows on a stick that I've ever seen! If there was an award for that, she already won it!

Vanessa is a great friend. Adam's loss and my surgery last winter overlapped. I was unable to do much more than send flowers. As soon as she was able, Vanessa came over and we had a chat. I loved that chat, and felt entirely guilty that I hadn't been able to go over and have it with her sooner. For my birthday she brought me perfectly OCD color separated m&m's in an amazing little square jar. It was too pretty to eat. So I didn't. But apparently, Will didn't see that beauty. He ate almost all of it in one sitting.

I love that she has that little bit of OCD in there. It makes it so that she has a better understanding of my own OCD issues. I love that she has kept herself from IKEA for fear that she may put their family into financial ruin. She is so amazing to my children. Not that the rest of my friends don't show love to my kids. They do. But somehow Vanessa has a special understanding of my Will. And she appreciates his weird personality, instead of getting annoyed by it. I know she is an amazing aunt as well. She makes every one's favorite choco-frosting treat...the Moreo. And I think she made the the boys into cookie shoplifters at Powell more than once. She is honest, and willing to admit to her flaws and idiosyncrasies. Which is why her blog is one of my absolute favorites! She has a great giggle. She is open, and giving, and did I mention...hilarious?

Vanessa, you have sacrificed more on behalf of your kids than anyone I know. And so I nominate you for Mother of the Year. You are my hero and one of my greatest friends and examples. Thanks! (Don't expect a trophy by the way...I don't have one!)

The Ballerina Princess

If I could wish for one talent in this whole wide world, it would be to be able to dance!! But I've always said that I'd have to be guaranteed the dancer's body to go with it!! For without that, one just looks like Tracy Turnblatt. And while I find that story inspiring, it's not exactly realistic...is it?




And so, I pay tribute to my good friend Bryn. She is a dancer, with a dancer's body...and I want to hate her. (Do you notice that I WANT to hate most of my friends? It's because I'm a crazy jealous person! Bad trait!) But, alas...I cannot. Because she is the coolest gal ever! And totally good at dancing. Especially when it involves the artistic expression of the belly button. Seriously, as soon as the ward talent show came up...my buddy Bryn was all in for whatever I wanted to do. I loved that she had no shame and would do whatever, without being embarrassed. Of course, after discussing it with others...she made what was supposed to be funny, look good. So she doesn't get points for embarrassing herself after all.


I've been absolutely amazed at her family's ability to integrate church into their lives. I love discussing church stuff with Bryn. Mostly because she's my "left wing" church friend. And she'll make off color jokes with me in the hall. But also because I think they are such a good example of being able to support one another in something that is important. I love that they support each other in church, work, school, karate, dancing...and whatever else they seem to be able to jam into their busy lives. They are almost too busy to fit us in there. We're so glad that they do!!


Bryn puts up with a lot of teasing. My husband LOVES to tease people relentlessly. In fact, sometimes it pisses me off. And sometimes he's been known to cross the teasing "line." (Right, Liz??) But he really likes people that will take his teasing in stride. And Bryn's really good at that. Plus...she's totally easy on the eyes, she always has lots of sex, she's mad Patrick doesn't dream about her, and she's okay that her husband is Millie's biological father. (Obviously a list of a few of our inside jokes...)



She's an amazing mom. And she has darling kids. Jackson is Will's idol. And he's so kind to play with Will, even though there's a 3 year age difference. That's a sign of great parenting, having such a nice kid. Will loves to play with Maddie at school. And Drew needs to be in a gap ad. That child is GEORGOUS. Not to mention that his talent stole the entire show!!

I loved having her on the Disneyland trip. She didn't always have the same crazy love for what was going on...but she was always willing to go along, with a happy attitude. I loved our impromptu trip to Training Table this week. It made my whole week!! I love laughing with her about the kindergarten teacher's last name. (Which totally sounds like a slang word for a fart) I love that she picks her daughter up from school looking like a million bucks. (Wait...I don't like that. It makes me look like a slob!!) I love her yellow shoes, and the outfits she comes up with to wear with them. In fact, she truly is easy on the eyes. She has a great laugh, and a great husband. She is super hardworking, and a really good example to me. I love being her friend!

If You Believe in Reincarnation...

If you believe in reincarnation...then Jackie O was reincarnated and came out as my friend Liz. She looks like her, she smiles like her, she has flawless taste like her...and she has her real live sunglasses. So, I'm convinced it's her.





Liz is one of those gals who I want to hate so badly. She's darling, and skinny, and seems to have things way more together than me. And I totally WOULD hate her...but she's just so gosh darn nice. Whatddya do? It makes things rather difficult, because I do have the "code of the skinn-ees" which very clearly states that I cannot like anyone who is less than a size 6. But unfortunately, a few gals have slipped through the cracks. And I've had to write in exception clauses for them.

We all want her to be less than perfect so badly...that in Disneyland, one of the games established was "who can take an unflattering picture of Liz." Now, I will admit that there were a couple a little less flattering than this one. This one is still really cute. But it's not about flashing them around...it's just to see if it's possible. Turns out, it's next to impossible.


It would be one thing if she was just all about the looks. But it's a lot more than that. We've pretty much established that one of the BIGGEST reasons that her husband is bishop (not that he's not amazing on his own, he really is but...) is that his wife is the only one who will deal with the constant absence of her husband. She doesn't just deal with it, she does it with grace. She just goes about her life, and is really supportive. That's some selfless living. There's no way that I could do it.

Speaking of her husband, and we were, one of my favorite things about Liz is her relationship with him. They pretty much make the cutest couple of ever! But not just in pictures, their ACTUAL relationship is really inspiring. I've seen them disagree, and it's usually really short lived, and respectful. You know, I don't care what people do in their home...but in public, it's totally uncomfortable to watch a couple argue. They don't argue, in fact, disagreements I've seen are usually really funny. Patrick and I have always struggled with "bickering" in public, and we really watch others to see how to be better. I can tell Liz thinks John is the handsomest, awesomest, man on the planet. She's not shy about telling you. And one of my favorite Liz statements ever was after one of their cruises together, and I asked her how it was, and she said, "It was really great...I remembered why I love John so much." That's an awesome marriage.


She's so great at fulfilling her church responsibilities. She was the camp director this year, and I'm pretty sure it darn near did her in. I can't imagine the pressure. But she did it. She also has been an amazingly successful activities chairman. Who volunteers for that job? It's usually next to nursery leader as the hardest calling to fill. But she does such a great job. And the activities have been so worth attending. It's refreshing, and totally because of her. All I know is that if I was the bishop's wife, with 2 kids, I'd give a polite "pass" to ANY church callings for 5 years...thank you very much. And she'd be totally validated in doing that. But she doesn't. Because she's Jackie O, and she does everything with perfection.













Our sons are almost exactly the same age. I was so glad when they moved in. There had been a lot of fun new families move in. But all with girls, and all younger than Will. And even though their personalities are almost COMPLETELY opposite, they've found really fun ways to get along. Will always tells us that Josh is his best buddy. And Will really wants to adopt Josh's Grandma Wheatly as his new Grandma. He loves Josh's Grandma. (who could blame him? She's adorable...you can see where Liz gets it!!) Josh and Will did bond recently over dancing. So even if they can't do anything else together...they can dance together. And didn't Ren teach us, as he was addressing the town council, "there IS a time to dance?" Thank you Ren. How true that is. Gosh, Footloose can teach us so much about life.

I can't even count how many times Liz has brought dinners into my home. And they're always delish! In fact just this week, my son let me know that I needed to promptly learn how to make Liz's chicken roll-ups. They are the best dinner he's ever eaten. And he wishes I could cook like that. (So I guess I need that recipe??) A lot of people won't sign up when a dinner list goes around the Relief Society room. Really great sisters will sign up. Liz signed up more than once. More than twice. And she watched my kids several times as well. Just a really charitable person. She has taught me a great lesson about service.

She and I have also had several long phone conversations and visits, that I have so majorly enjoyed. It's just the greatest feeling when you discover that you have a new friend, who you can talk to at length and not just have a surface relationship in public. I really love that. I have to really like someone to talk on the phone for an hour. It's rare.

I love her. I want to hate her. She is all the things I want to be when I get to be a grown-up. I want to be able to stop eating carbs for a swimsuit outing. I want to be able to wear heels to every event. I want to look good in really big sunglasses. And I will publicly admit to purchasing both sunglasses and heels only because I want to be as cool as Liz. Obviously, the carbs thing....not gonna happen. Hey, she's gotta have something that I can never attain...or how can I continue to idolize her? I think you're amazing Jackie O. And I won't tell the rest of the world that you're back. I will be happy to protect your identity and your privacy.

American History Major

I know a lot of you who read this blog may not know my sister personally. But, she is one of my best friends in the whole wide world. Her name is Stephanie. Lots of times we would call her Steph or Stephie. When Will was learning to talk he turned Stephie into Fee-Fee. That name STUCK! I'm kinda jealous of it because I've always wanted a nickname. And I can't ever get one!! (It's like I'm George...and I'm trying to get everyone to call me T-Bone!) Everybody loves Aunt Fee-Fee.

When my Dad died, my mom found out she was pregnant. Barely pregnant. And needless to say, the timing was a little off. But it turned out that having Steph come after his death was the greatest blessing our family could have ever had!! It took our focus off our problems and put it onto a new little cutie that was coming to our house.



Steph and I are 8 1/2 years apart. And for some, that would cause a real separation. But not for us. Either I'm acting like I'm her age. (Playing Interior Design all day or playing Office...when I was in High School) Or I'm making her grow up too fast. (Swearing her to secrecy about sleeping over at my boyfriend's house in college!)




We almost always included her...but not always in the best ways. She gets teased A LOT!! Some of it is completely undeserved...like how we convinced her she was switched at birth because she's the only one with blue eyes. Or, how we taught her swear words, and then did nothing when she got her mouth washed out with soap. But, some she sets herself up for. Like, playing "Catch Phrase" her word is "London Bridge" and her clue is: A really big famous thing over a river in Paris!! Or when we played Cranium...and she acted out the assination of JFK...for her clue...Richard M. Nixon. Hello Feef? Somebody needs a refresher course in US History!!


I loved going to college and knowing that I had a little sister at home that wanted to come and visit. She would write me the funniest letters and draw me pictures. Then as she got older, she'd call to see if she could make a hair appointment with "dixie" (that's the name of my Grandma's hairdresser) And I'd drive all the way home just to do her hair for a dance!!



I have so many amazing memories with her. She is my bestest supporter in the whole world. When I had Will, she came right away to help. She wasn't so much help on the night shift. (Not Patrick's favorite memory!!) But once I decided to get in the bath. And I couldn't move myself to get out. Thank goodness for her recent CNA training. She hopped in and got me out Rest Home Style. Picture it. I'm huge. (I had just had a baby...plus I was really fat....FAT!) I'm buck naked and crying/laughing. No water left, and Steph has to get in behind me and get me to standing. You know when you laugh so hard you lose all your strength?? Yeah, that little side effect didn't help.

I loved the summer I spent living at home before I got married. I introduced Steph to books. (She thought reading was dumb...as evidenced by her trivia knowledge!) We would lay out EVERY day. And then jump on the tramp while listening to the Mulan soundtrack. We may, or may not, have done the actions to the staff dance. You'll have to guess. (Keep in mind that I was 21 years old)

She loves my kids and is an amazing Aunt. She has loved my husband for 12 years. She disapproved of a lot of my male "friends" during college. She met most of them. When she and I were in a car accident down there, Patrick came to our rescue. She ran to him and hugged him. They were buddies after that!


She is an RN. Which is a perfect occupation for her. She just has a way with people. Especially elderly people. She's best friends with our 90 year old Grandma and all her friends. She has a tender little heart, and a really big capacity to love. She's really excited to be a mom one day. And we know she'll be an awesome one. Until then, she substitutes my kids. And they think she's the greatest. I showed Millie a picture of her today. And, totally unprovoked, she said, "Fee-Fee!" It was the cutest.

We all love her. I miss her. She went a head and got married! Loser. She used to come stay with us all the time, and now apparently she has to stay and live with her husband. Whatever. Really, she lives in St. George with her cute husband. It's really hard to have a close relationship with a great gal...who has no phone skills. I mean, I love her. But the girl cannot talk on the phone. It makes me think I don't like her as much as I thought I did...until I see her in person...and realize that it's just a tragic case of bad phone syndrome.

So, in person, or on the phone. I love 'ya Feef. I love 'ya even more when we play catch phrase, and your words are: "John and Yoko" and your clue is: "2 Chinese Guys!" Yep. That's my Fee-Fee.

I love you!

Logan's Greatest FM 100 Fan

You know what is impossible? Trying to watch "Steel Magnolias" without crying. You know what else is impossible? Trying to describe and sufficiently do justice to the glorious, the incomparable, the beautiful, and endlessly talented Lara Garner. This is a blog entry I have been rehearsing in my head for weeks now! It is as intimidating as opening one of Lara's cupboards. I mean, honestly, I thought I was slightly-above-average organized! There are labels, people! (And subsequently, there are now labels in the Coccimiglio household).

I remember first seeing Lara in the RS room. I was an Edgemont rookie. I saw her and knew IMMEDIATELY that I wanted to be her friend. She just had this way about her. And then, a few months in, she gave this lesson in Relief Society about husband and wife relationships. It was AMAZING. She made, MADE! a DVD that highlighted the relationship between Sister and President Hinckley. It was unbelievable. Actually, words can't really do justice to how poignant and special and amazing this DVD was. I'll never forget it.

That was just my first taste in what would become an endless smorgasbord of Lara's talents. Truly, they are endless. She is a wonderfully, wonderfully talented singer. She is so gifted with her hands. She can make anything...and she makes it perfect, flawless, and beautiful. She made the most amazing blanket for my Will when he was just born. I love seeing it still because I know of the care she took in selecting the perfect fabrics, cutting and sewing it perfectly straight so it would fold up perfect, even the way she presented it to me in the hospital was with such care. (I tried to make a blanket once. She came with me to the fabric store, spent many, many minutes figuring out how much fabric I would need to buy, and spent many, many minutes helping me fix my sewing mistakes.)

Lara has flawless taste and an amazing eye. She makes everything she touches beautiful. If she wanted, she could be a successful graphic artist, or Broadway star, or best-selling author, or major event planner. While serving as the Enrichment leader, she organized, decorated, and executed the most AMAZING RS birthday. The ward's cultural hall was unrecognizable. It was so beautiful and classy. There was no detail that wasn't carefully considered. It was so perfectly Lara.

I have so many favorite memories. Like the time my alarm system was being worked on by the world's most frightening alarm system maintenance man. I was seriously afraid for my personal safety. The dude was toothless, and I could just imagine myself ending up on a future episode of "Unsolved Mysteries"! So, I called Lara and asked her to get over to my house as soon as humanly possible. Within minutes, a wet-haired Lara just shows up for what we pretended was a casual, impromptu visit. You know, because most people make social calls with their hair soaking wet. What we both knew was that it was labor of love to preserve my personal virtue.

Another favorite memory happened just a few weeks after I had Will. She called and asked if she could come get Abby for a few hours. She exposed Abby to wondrous world of Easy Mac, played games, and made Valentines' Day cards with her. I still have the card Abby made me at Lara's house, both as a reminder of my sweet little girl, and the friend who just knew how much I needed a chance to rest. I went to Costco the next day for a month supply of Easy Mac.

Lara has been there for me. Over and over again. I bawled....ugly bawled....on her floor the morning I found out about Will's food allergies. She was the greatest, most needed support doing those most-important first months as a new Primary President. She gave me the confidence I needed in myself. I don't think she'll ever know how much she meant to me, and how much her influence still helps me. She bought me my most favorite pajama pants one time when I was sick. She is one of my favorite people to call and chat with on the phone. She makes me feel understood, validated, and loved. She gives the greatest advice. Ever.

She knows how to honor big moments. Lara organized, with the help of the rest of our amazing friends, the most thoughtful "Pre Marathon" gift. I love my leopard print bag, and the boost it gave me to know my friends were pulling for me. She, and Baxter, worked for hours to create THE MOST AMAZING 30th birthday present for me. It was a bin that contained 30 things about me...and everything had a poem! I still have every single poem and will treasure them forever. Not much can compare with how it feels to find such surprises.

And that is just it! She doesn't know how to do anything but without giving all of herself. She certainly gave up everything to deliver one of the world's most special children alive. She endured everything to keep one of the world's most adorable little girls healthy and strong and inside of her womb for as long as possible. She sacrificed everything for months and months to give her bum a chance at a happy, normal future. In her family, her friendships, and in her callings...she makes everything special because of that. You would think she would be the most intimidating person in the world to be friends with, and isn't it amazing that she isn't?

I love watching her as a mom. I love seeing Will's art displayed proudly around her house. I love her fridge, her calendars, and her weekly menus. I love her deep-cleaning schedule. I love the way her house smells. I love how comfortable I could feel sitting on her bed with her watching American Idol, with Patrick on the chair. I love how she looks in a hat, and with curly hair. I love that she loves Target as much as I do. And I LOVE how she loves Disney, probably more than even I do. I love her taste in music. I love her relationship with Patrick. I love her cute mom. I love her toy room. I love how cute Millie looks on Sundays (back when I used to go to church :) ). I love her bruschetta. I love that she loves my breadsticks. I love how we can sing Janet songs together and love every minute of it. I love her sense of humor. I love her testimony. I love her blog. I love how she comments so faithfully on my blog, even when weeks go by between postings. I love how cool she is. I love her Christmas cookies, although they are too pretty to eat. I love the way she looks at life. I love how she can express herself perfectly. I love how much she loves holidays, and the way she makes them such a big deal. I love that the 4th of July and St Patrick's Day are her favorites.

And I wouldn't feel like this tribute was complete if I didn't highlight my little buddy, Will. He has always been so special to me. I love his mind. I love his sweet nature. I love his imagination. Will is one of my favorite people, and I know that he is what he is because of Lara and Patrick. When Will got up and said his part during the Primary Program, I could not stop bawling for 15 minutes. I knew what a triumph that was for him, and what an answer to prayer it was for his sweet parents. This special, amazing boy gave his CTR ring, right off his finger, to my little Abby one Sunday. She had somehow gotten lost in the church foyer on just her 2nd week of Sunbeams. Will saw her crying as I held her, walked over, and gave her the ring so she would feel better. That act of service has meant more to me than any other in my life. I still can't think about it without crying. I will always be proud that my son shares a name with such a wonderful Will.

All those months ago in the RS room, I thought I knew how great it would be to be her friend. I had NO idea just how great it would be. Love you, Lara.

Jen-The Trifecta

It would be rude to leave out Jen #3 from this festival of love for Jen's...would it not?? And I don't want her to think she's been chosen last either...'cause as we were all taught in 1st grade, 1st the worst, 2nd the same, last the best of all the game. (I still don't think either of the other "Jens" are the worst though!!) I really just don't want Dan Jen to feel like she was chosen last for the kick ball team!!


Jen Herzog or Dan Jen,
as Will calls her, is such a sweet gal. She is so many things I'm not. She's understated, and kind, and thoughtful, and hardworking. But she is one thing I am too, HILARIOUS!! (tee hee) Most of my friends are stay at home moms. But, Jen is a nurse. I think we all forget that she works because she still manages to come to most anything she possibly can, and she very rarely complains about having to go to work. (Even though she's 8 months pregnant! Seriously, the thought of having to work on my feet while that pregnant makes me want to lose my lunch!!) She's just our little busy bee. She'll even milk a cow...but 'cept the pictured cow is wooden, and only gave water out of a surgical glove!!


I mentioned that she's understated. When you first meet Jen, you might think she's more on the quiet side. And when you put her with a bunch of really loud gals...you know who you are...she sometimes seems quieter than she really is. She is ALWAYS game for anything. Even if it means giving her a damp hair-do for the rest of the day!! And if you take 5 seconds to listen, her "under-the-breath" comments are so seriously hilarious. Plus, she's a really great writer. Her blog and her comments are among only 2 or 3 blogs that Patrick has EVER asked me to read to him. Plus we all know that she'd have to have some sort of sense of humor, or she'd never be able to co-habitate with Dan!!

There is no one inherently sweeter than Jen. I remember her coming to my hospital room after I had Amelia. I was just trying to figure out how to use the industrial size pump that they had just brought to me. Although in a COMPLETE state of undress...I was so happy to see her. And after I had my surgery this winter, she called one day and I talked to her for well over an hour. I was so glad to have someone to talk to that day!! I loved the time we spent in Disneyland and on the way to Lake Powell getting to know more about her family and her background. Her unconditional love and patience for her sister is really awesome. It's something I could never do, and am grateful that I haven't been asked to. Because I'd fail miserably. I love hearing how honest and open Jen is about that relationship. And she's amazing with it!

Jen is SOOO not a whiner. I am SOOOO nothing but a whiner. I've only ever seen her mildly purterbed. And to be honest, it was more funny than mean. I love how she deals with Dan's innappropriate comments!! (Oh, and PS Jen...he's one of my favorite people, and I've NEVER been offended...EVER!) She has birthed one of my favorite children on this planet. And, that's saying a lot...because I hate children. (Not really, but they aren't usually my favorite...Syd is one of my favorite!) She is one of the least "frilly" people ever. She's happy without a lot of things that I demand. She will camp, which I will not do...EVER!

She has a great marriage, and is a great friend. I'm excited to meet her new son. He has a lot to live up to from his older sister. And I have complete faith that Jen can smooth all the rough edges that Dan will give him. She's like life's lovely sand paper. Just leaving everything she touches a little smoother and softer. You know that sand paper comes in grades...like rough grade and medium grade...Jen is fine grade. The best kind you can get.

I Am Cuckoo for Coco

My entire life has been hit and misses when it has come to friendships with girls/women. I have never been the type of person who was all too girly which always led me to hang out with the boys. In my adult life I have often found that the same. Many times I have had women acquaintances however no hangout, talk about the future, have spiritual conversations type of friendships. Recently (within the last 3 or 4 years) this has started to change. I would like to say it is because I decided to only have the quality of friend that I would want to be, but I think I just happened to mature a little.

When my friend Jen Coccimiglio came into my life I really had no clue what an impact she would make personally on me. She is gorgeous, petite, loving, caring, the cleanest person ever, well put together, a fantastic mom and wife and the list can and will go on and on. However there is this awesome element I found that is the most endearing to me.

Two days after our son Adam died there was a knock at the door and there she stood. A woman I knew, but had never spoken to. Someone who I would love to be friends with, but didn't know how to approach. In her hands were pajama pants and a card that is so special to me. I remember the days of school yard picks for red rover or kick ball. You want to be everyone's friend, yet it never happens until they approach you. Jen was so sweet and so human to the situation. She sat down and wanted to know how we were doing, but not superficially, she really intently listened and wanted to know. She wanted me to tell her about Adam and our family. After she left I read this awesome card from her that said in more words and larger vocabulary than I would normally use...will you be my friend.

In my true "realist" outlook on life I thought that would be the last I would ever hear from her. Like I was going to extend myself :O). But not more than a week later I got a call wondering how I was doing. I told her that Tuesdays were going to be really hard because of Adam being born on Tuesday she said that totally made sense. The very next week I came home to a brown bag with a poem attached that said "treats for a Tuesday".


I knew they were from Jen the next week because her awesome husband Dave was not the quietest delivery boy and Steven caught him...but she continued to bring these gifts for the next twelve weeks. Some were her thoughts, treats, or just an afternoon watching lacrosse. I will never repay her for her sensitivity to me and Steven....and I won't try anymore even though I do drop of M'Oreos to their house way more than anyone elses.

Jen organizes everything and does things people don't want to do. She put together an entire Disneyland trip for 9 women. Not only did she put it together but I think I can safely say it was the highlight of my year.

The spirit of this Chick is amazing. The dedication to her calling, her primary kids and our ward is refreshing. But her testimony is strong and anchored firmly to the gospel...but she doesn't have to share it verbally because she does by example.

I love Jen because she is one in a million, she will take the shirt off her back for anyone, she will go out wake boarding in the pouring rain just to say she did, she will have a life altering experience and want to share it, she is honest in her reviews of books, movies and celebrity gossip, her musical tastes are wide and adventurous, she gives everything a name or nickname, she is the inventor of the Lake Powell bin system, she is so patient with not only her kids but everyone Else's as well. Jen loves a good salad, she can type at warp speeds, she is never afraid to text encouragement or get in on the latest dish of the neighborhood. Jen is one of my friends and like many of them she is dedicated to her friendships.

Thanks for the card on that December day Jen...I still read it when I need a smile and when I miss him the most. The little things make up the best of friends.