Titles

Since I am nearing the end of my novel rewrite--nearing being a relative term you understand--I'd like some feedback on titles. One you'll recognize, since it's the one I've been using (provided by Danny). The others were suggestions from the professional readers who evaluated my manuscript. So the question is--which of these titles would most make you pull the book off the shelf?! (Feel free to provide your own suggestions.)

*Galactic Gold

*Black Jade

*Jade

*Jaded

*Searching for Jade

*Searching for True Treasure

*The Price of Jade

FYI, I'm just over 300 pages into my rewrite; it's current length is 367 pgs, but will probably grow some before it's finished.

A Perfect Fall Afternoon!

Knowing that winter is on its way, we decided to enjoy the gorgeous weather outside today. We ate pizza at Holdaway Park, played in the playground, and then drove up Hobble Creek Canyon. So beautiful! Fall is my favorite season--the brilliant colors, the crunchy leaves, the cloudless blue sky, the skift of snow on the mountains, the weather that's just cool enough for a sweater! I love the fall!

Happy Halloween!

We had our annual Family Halloween Party Friday night. Although we were down too many people and started a little late . . . we still had a great time! Our dinner menu included some old favorites: Pumpkin Stew & Bony fingers, as well as a couple of new surprises: Meathead sandwiches & Frankenstein cupcakes.

Same time, next year--put it on the calendar and plan to come!!!!

Thank you--

I find myself completely unable to express the feelings in my heart, and so I will simply say thank you--to all of you who are helping to ease the burdens of those I love so much.

To Genea, who is the best second mother for my precious son I can imagine: thank you for making cookies and tee shirts, and driving long hours to be here.

To Christy & Tom: thank you for mothering Elena, for giving her steroids and taking her to the park, and reading her stories and treating her like your own, when her own Mom and Dad can't.

To Jenny & Eric and Danny & Kristi: thank you for being here in your hearts, when you can't be here in person. We miss you.

To Amy & Ryan and Julie & Rob: Thank you for bringing meals and babysitting so they can have an occasional evening out.

To Andrew: Thank you for laying on Elena's bed with her to watch movies and getting her to smile when nobody else can.

To Alan: Thank you for Priesthood Blessings, for listening, for sharing.

To my brothers, neices, nephews and friends: Thank you for your prayers, for your faith, for your concern.

To Eric & Briana: Thank you for your neverending example of courage and faith.

Now--let's light up the night!

Princess Party

Hopefully to become a new tradition!

California Adventure!

We just returned from our much needed and anticipated vacation! We began our adventure Friday evening, driving to Las Vegas, where we stayed in the luxurious Beck Hotel! After arriving at midnight, Andrew & his dad stayed up half the night playing Rock Band!

















Saturday afternoon, we arrived in San Diego, just in time to hop on a ship for a two-hour cruise around the bay. Our thanks to Danny & Kristi, for purchasing this cruise for their honeymoon, and not using it!

















Who knew that San Diego was home to submarines, air craft carriers and naval ships? The men in the group especially enjoyed these!
















As well as the sea lions!

That night (and the next two), we stayed in the also luxurious Kringle hotel in Oceanside! The photo doesn't do it justice!

Sunday, we attended church with Whitney, and then took a stroll on the beach.

Where some of us got wet :) Very wet, in fact! A highlight of our beach trip was spotting dolphins in the ocean! (And for Andrew, definitely the kind man who offered to let him borrow his boogie board!)

Monday, we spent in Disneyland! Thanks again to Danny & Kristi who did all the legwork for our Give a Day, Get a Day! We had a great time! Biggest rush--definitely Splash Mountain! (And next time, I'm taking a change of clothes!)

Labor Day . . .

When no one comes over to barbeque and play with us.