Remember that one time when it was Halloween?

and my girls looked this cute:

and the next day Eva was this awesome with her dad's accessories:

and I tried to adjust my blog and it messed things up?

I'll fix it.

Do YOU know who Drew Adams is?

Allow me to recall a random memory that just popped into my head.

It was Mrs. Pulsiphers 8th grade math class.

Some kids were talking about someone named Drew Adams.

I asked "Who's Drew Adams?"

"You don't know who Drew Adams is?"

It went around the room.

Sheesh - I felt lame. Who was this kid?

I left class. Walked down the hall.

People randomly came up to me asking "You don't know who Drew Adams is?"

It spread like wildfire.

Okay, probably only one person (Josh Lee) came up to me after class. But still.

So I finally discovered who he was, just another 8th grader like me. A nice guy. Even grew to a first name basis with him in the years to come.

Silly story, but funny to me.

The point is: You don't need much to feel insecure in 8th grade.

And as your reward for listening to my tale, here are some funny pictures of Mae looking like a little hedgehog on the Red Hill. Did I mention she's full on walking now?

Reflections on Celebrating Birthdays

1. Balloons make everything more fun. And they make you look like you have your act together (even if you don't).

2. Being overly prepared is probably not a bad idea. I'd rather spend the day making my loved one feel special than cleaning up, running to the store and making sure everything is ready for the party. Still working on this but definitely improving.

3. Don't let your newly-turned 3 year old see any of the treat bags or cupcakes for the party until the last possible second. It makes for quite the whiny birthday girl.

4. If you plan on sewing a Cinderella dress as a gift, give yourself about a month to get it done. It's also quite handy to have a mom around who can do all the hard stuff for you because you didn't give yourself a month to get it done.

The party is about to start. More reflections to follow, I'm sure...

TURN the beat around

Tonight I attended an awards gala for TURN Community Services. They support people with varying degrees of disability and we are blessed to have them help my cousin.

There was a great dinner, awards ceremony, magic show and then they played music and we got down!

It is so fun to see people just dancing their hearts out. Especially those who aren't held back by the silly inhibitions most of us have.

One particularly strong Polynesian boy with Down Syndrome took me into a bear hug and danced with me. He was so full of joy! Good thing Casey wasn't there tonight. He'd have been jealous ;)

It's sad to me that we don't create opportunities for ourselves to dance more often. The Bluncks have run out of weddings for awhile but I vow to try include dancing in more of the parties I throw. (Speaking of which - Casey threw me an AWESOME disco birthday party this year that I never posted about.)

Also - being in that room full of these special people and the saints who care for them was quite moving. They are the most Christlike people on earth.

Give me a V!

This year, for some reason, I've decided to play ward volleyball. I've never liked volleyball. While most of my sisters played and were awesome at it, I rebelled and played soccer. Some still play every week with friends (something I barely comprehend. Why would you get together to do that just for fun? How are we sisters?)

But this year I actually feel like giving it a try. Tonight was our first game. I felt as nervous as if I were singing a solo in church. But I ended up not being completely pathetic. I didn't say "sorry" after everything I did.

I started to think "maybe this is a renaissance period for Kelly, athletically speaking." I ran a 5k, I play ward volleyball.

But before my head got big...

The other team was close to winning. They took a time out and huddled to strategize (? in ward ball - come on.) We huddled and talked about our shirt colors.

The next couple of serves went straight to me... That was their strategy! Serve to the goofball in the middle.

In the words of Stephanie Tanner: "How rude!"

But

It worked. They won.

I am sufficiently humbled,

but will be back for more.

(Photo of my awesome and athletic father-in-law who will be running the SG Marathon for the umpteenth time this weekend.)

Something that's been on my mind the last while is our physical bodies.

I've always been amazed at the miraculous things they do.

The way they grow and change.

The way they heal themselves.

How all the components communicate with each other and with our spirits.

How beautiful they are (and not just if they're Hollywood perfect.)

Our bodies are such an incredible gift from our Heavenly Father.

With them we are able to serve and learn.

With them we are able to express our love.

Can you imagine not being able to hug your spouse or children? Saying words would never be enough.

I love doing Initiatory work in the Temple. It reminds me of the blessing our bodies are and the responsibility we have to take care of them (I can do better), but not obsess over them* so that physical things don't get in the way of spiritual things.

*All bodies are different. Healthy for one person can look completely different than healthy for another.

note: my sister Karin left a comment directing me to this talk that expounds on this subject in an important way...

Jane's Addiction

(Me inhaling the goodness. My nose looks red - total sign of an addict.)

Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt

This is a Blunck family staple. It might be for the Bell's as well (my mom's fam).

It's not always easy to find. But if you do...buy it. Buy lots of it.

I currently have 2 jars on standby in my pantry.

It goes great on everything: potatoes, meat, pasta, vegetables.

I just found out you can buy it by the case online. Not a bad idea.