Monday, June 30, 2008

Obsessed

So on my trip to Switzerland I got all the way to the airport only to realize I had packed the DVD player with no DVD's. It was going to be a long flight so I knew I had to do something. So I stopped at the local InMotion kiosk at the airport to pick up a movie. Well the friendly sales lady convinced me to buy the Season of Entourage. So off I was and as I went to open season, I realized a few things 1. I had no idea what Entourage was about at all 2. The smooth sales lady had sold me Season 3 part 2. I mean who does that. Not Season 1, 2 or Part 1 of Season 3 but NO Season 3 Part 2. I was pissed. See my flight from SLC to Atlanta I slept the whole way... The flight from Atlanta to Zurich I slept at the beginning, missed dinner and then was wide awake. So I had a lot of spare time and nothing to do. Anger got the best of me and so I got out the DVD player and decided watching Entourage was better than staring at nothing. So where is this post going. I am obsessed with Adrain Gernier. I first realized him staring in The Devil Wears Prada and now Entourage. He is gorgeous. There is something about his eyes that are dreamy. So to my new found love...

Switzerland Vacation Day One and Two

I was so lucky to be able to Vacation in Switzerland. I thought since I would be gone for a week I would post on my blog as much as possible so I don't have a Switzerland overload when I got home.
Day One: Colmar and Kayenburg France (Wine Country)

Apon Arriving in Switzerland we immediately jumped in the car and headed to a smal town in France called Colmar. We strolled through the streets ate ice cream and it was so fun being with Cooper and Kennedy. We spent the night in a little village called Kayenburg and shopped on the little cobblestone streets. It was so wonderful. The weather has been perfect and enjoyable.







Saturday, June 21, 2008

Luzon (Zonnie) Anderson Hunter Peterson

My great Aunt Zonnie passed away last Sunday June 15th at the age of 94. She was so involved with my family and I, and it has been so difficult. After a wonderful Father's Day, my whole family decided to go down to Sunrise and see Zonnie. She hadn't been doing to well and since we were all together we thought it would be a good chance to see her. Upon arriving, we quickly realized she was in poor condition. My Dad and Zonnie's other nephew Glenn decided to give Zonnie a blessing. After the blessing there was talk of taking Zonnie off the oxygen mask, so she could leave this life. After much heartache the family agreed it was the best decision and as my family stood around we did the hardest thing and removed it. Tears filled the room as we all stood and marveled over the most amazing lady and said our goodbyes. As a family we questioned if we were making the right decision by removing the oxygen, but just a brief 40 minutes after removing the oxygen Zonnie took her last breath. I have never experience something to the magnitude of watching someone draw their last breath and leave this world.

Today was Zonnie's funeral in Richfield, Utah and so I wanted to give a tribute to her. For years Zonnie has said I would play the harp at her funeral. As her health was not looking well last Saturday I asked my Dad to pick a song to start learning for the funeral. Without much hesitation my Dad said "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. I purchased the sheet music Sunday afternoon just hours before Zonnie passed away. There is not enough words or space on this post to describe Zonnie, but I did want to share a few wonderful things about her that have changed my life.

Zonnie had a wit about her that was unbelievable. Even during serious conversations she somehow found a way to use her wit and lighten the mood. She was always saying the funniest things that would have the family just laughing. A story relayed to us by a worker at Sunrise was on Saturday when she walked into Zonnie's room in her worsening conditions she asked "Am I dead yet". She always was quick to have a witty response to everything.

Zonnie was one of the most determined people I have ever met. Apparent by her age of 94, she was always determined in everything she did. While in the hospital with a broken hip, she was determined to be up and walking again, and succeeded. She was a very educated woman and I think her determination for life showed. She lived in her house in Richfield until the age of 93, and every so often at her age, she would drive herself from Richfield to Nephi to come to SLC to visit by herself. She was amazing.


Zonnie was so generous and kind. She was always willing to help out wherever she could. She was known by everyone for being such an amazing listener and genuinely interested in every ones lives. She always knew what was going on and made it a point to ask you about it. I am sure she had hardships in life, and even had people she disliked, but I never heard her complain or say anything bad about anyone. It was one of the most amazing qualities I hope to do better at.


Lastly she was a beautiful lady. As I have seen pictures of her back when she was young and even Zonnie at 94, she is so pretty in her pictures. She holds herself so well and always looked like a million bucks.


She lived a wonderful and accomplished life. She had so many relatives that loved and adored her. Saturday in a conversation with my dad she told him she was ready to go. She told him, please make sure everyone knows I love them. Although it has been really hard to have her gone, I know she is in a better place and reunited with her husband. At the age of 92 Zonnie was endowed in temple and sealed to her husband Verl Peterson. It was such a wonderful event. I will never forget, as I got married Zonnie being at the Manti temple in the sealing room. What an honor and accomplishment at her age.


The quote on the back of her funeral program read:

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think this is such an amazing quote. Zonnie truly succeeded in life. To finish this tribute I have posted a few pictures and her obituary.

To Zonnie- I love you deeply and will miss you so much. Thank you for so many great memories and happy times!


Luzon Peterson 1914 ~ 2008 RICHFIELD, UTAH- Luzon Anderson Hunter Peterson died peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2008 of causes incident to age at the age of 94. The ninth child from a family of 11 children, Luzon was born April 6, 1914, in Central Valley, Sevier County, Utah, to Soren and Christina M. Sorenson Anderson. Luzon graduated from South Sevier High School at Monroe, Utah in 1932. She continued her education in Salt Lake City, Utah earning her R.N. degree in 1935. For the next 40 years, she served in various nursing capacities in Cedar City, Salt Lake City and Sevier County. The last 23 years of Luzon's nursing career were spent as a public health nurse in Sevier County where she traveled throughout the county serving the public's health needs, particularly those of school children. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Luzon served as chairwoman for many fund raising drives for the heart, lung, and cancer societies for many years. She participated in various Utah Heart Association activities and was a member of Utah State Nursing Association. On September 2, 1937, Luzon married Frank H. Hunter in Richfield, Utah. He was a B-17 pilot killed in World War II over Italy, July 22, 1943. Luzon later married Verl A. Peterson on December 4, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He preceded her in death September 17, 2001. Upon retirement in 1974, Luzon and Verl spent their winters in Arizona and California in their travel trailer where they were able to continue to golf, swim and sight see. In the summer, they were very proud of their large vegetable garden. A member of the LDS Church, Luzon was able to be sealed to Verl in the Mount Timpanogos Temple in the last few years. Among Luzon's most notable traits were her compassion for others, her ability to make all those around her feel comfortable, her quick wit, and her endurance as evidence by her age. Luzon is survived by brother, Talmage (Sylvia) Anderson, Central Valley; brother-in-law, Wayne (Verle) Peterson, Salina; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by six sisters, three brothers. The family would like to express special thanks to the loving care providers of Sunrise of Sandy, Aspen Ridge, and Hearts For Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer Society or Primary Children's Hospital. Funeral services will be held Sat., June 21 at 12 Noon at the Magleby Mortuary Chapel (50 W. 100 S.) in Richfield. Friends may call prior to the services 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 6/19/2008.


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Musica

My sister-in-law posts a song as an honorable mention every week. I love hearing about new songs, bands, or artists from other people, so I thought I would start posting some once in awhile.

MUSICA
Honorable Mention: THE HONORARY TITLE



Saturday, June 14, 2008

Fun Filled Weekend and Pioneer Farmers Market

I am in Sandy for the weekend due to family events, wedding, and Aunt and Uncle leaving to be mission presidents. Last night we had the rehearsal dinner for my Cousin Ali and her fiance Brian. It was so much fun. They had Costa Vida cater the food and it was really laid back and a chill environment. I really enjoyed it. It was good to see all my cousins, aunts and uncles and old acquaintances. After the party Tony, Karen, JJ, his friend Brandy, and I went to see
What Happens In Vegas
It was the funniest movie I have seen in a long time. At one point in the movie I was crying from laughing so hard (I know I always cry when I laugh really hard). Anyway it was so good to hang out with the brothers.
This morning JJ woke me up bright and early to go the Farmers Market at Pioneer Park. Starting this weekend, every Saturday they have the best Farmers Market. It was so relaxing and fun to just walk around and check out some fun things. I took a few pictures.



The picture above is of me with Olive, Ben and Annie Wilson's tiny dog. She is so cute. She loved to cuddle and her favorite place to rest was on my shoulder. Go figure. Anyway it was fun to get out on this beautiful day!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Sunset

So last night I was on my way my ritual slurpee run and the sunset was so pretty. I had Millie in the car and so I pulled over to whip out the camera phone. I sat and waited as it quickly got darker and the colors were beautiful. I know this isn't the best picture but it was the best I could do to capture the moment. Although I don't think Millie appreciated the wait, I was glad I took the few minutes to just sit and watch the sunset. Sunrise or Sunset they are still breath taking.


Monday, June 9, 2008

My Nights with Slurpee's and My Name Is Asher Lev

I am obsessed with Slurpees the last little while. My nights usually consist of a 7-11 run to get a Crystal Light Peach Mango Slurpee. Yes, I always get this flavor and then I head home to my book. I am currently reading My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok, which is a wondeful book. So to Summer 2008 filled with 5 consectutive nights of slurpee runs that I hope continue. I mean they are sugar free right...

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Change Is Upon Me

So I have thought a lot about what to say, how to say it, and even if I should post anything about this. My life has been changing so much and words cannot express everything. After much thought and consideration Dan and I decided that we are going to seperate. It has been the hardest decision we have both had to make, but it feels like the right thing to do. I am sure I have friends that this may come as a shock to, so I am sorry if I had not informed you. I think the lack of telling people was in hopes that things would work themselves out. As I am sure many of you are concerned about me, I am holding up pretty well. I am happy to talk to anyone about if you would like.
I had two of the cutest girls move into the house with me and I adore them. I met Ashley at the Tree Room at Sundance, and Chelsi is a friend of hers (and now mine). Ashley has tackled projects just like me and ripped up the carpet in the downstairs bedroom to find hardwood floor. She rented a sander and refinished the floor. Bless her soul she is brave and has done such an amazing job. Chelsi is so wonderful to Millie. She absolutely adores her. She takes her to the park and plays fetch. I got a text message the other day saying she bought Millie a White Chocolate Dog bone. She is so great. A few nights ago we sat on the patio and answered questions from the game Loaded Questions. It was so fun to get to know the two of them. I don't know what the future holds, but here is to the new chapter of my life.