The Livingstons

One Fun week

2007-07-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

We posted some pictures from this past week. It has been a really relaxing week. We had a good time on the 4th, and then we also floated the Provo river and went boating on Deer Creek reservoir. That may be as much vacation as we'll get in a while. Other pictures may be forthcoming.

2007-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

From Chad: I will just respond to dad's comment instead of adding a new thread. Yea...lucky for me the warrior metaphor is strung throughout the scriptures. I think it's pretty cool.
Work continues to go well. It is kind of relaxing which is good because what lies ahead isn't so relaxing. OBC, Ranger School, and the like. Maybe if I get Ranger qualified I could do a guest appearance in one of mom's classes.
Jill and I continue to build our relationship. I hope to talk to you all soon.
Chad

Thoughts from Dad

2007-06-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading section 105 in the D&C and it was really interesting about the concept of Zion. Also in some verses the Lord talks about his warriors and tearing down the watchtowers of his enemies then at the end it talks about seeking peace. I had some interesting thoughts about building Zion as I read it. I encourage you all to read it.

We are getting a new Stake Center on Shanandoah, that's in Charleston Park so we can walk to church, If we wanted. It is really a small thing but in a way adding a Stake Center in Jackson County must have some implication to the big picture. There is a media campaign going on and the church is advertising "The Truth about Lifes Questions Has Now Been Restored", go to Mormon.org. It is an amazing concept and those who are looking for answers can easily find them, they just have to feel the spirit.

Hopefully you will all respond to Paul's email about Liberty Jail. You all have had/have similar experiences. His companion sounds like one that Jared had that wouldn't listen to counsel or any input. It is sad they had to send home 3 missionaries.
Love DAD

Hello from Arizona

2007-06-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have definately acclimatized to Arizona. This week the high temperatures have been near 110, but I love it. It doesn't feel hot at all. Unfourtunately, whenever it gets below 50 I freeze though.

Work at ROTC is going well. It is very relaxed and I am taking advantage of that before I get to the really hard stuff that lies ahead. I usually get to work out twice a day so that's a nice perk too.

I went to San Diego last weekend. It's always great to go there. Jared, that recipe sounds really good. You should post it if you get a chance. It might be fun to have a "family dinner" sometime - we all have the same thing for dinner. Anyway, I am going to go write Paul now.

Chad Out

New Recipe

2007-06-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hey mom, or anyone else, we just tried a new recipe from a magazine that Miranda gets (Cooking Light). It was a Penne salad with spinach, asparagus and turkey bacon. In it you also put parmasean and mozzerella cheese. Because the only flavor things it calls for is pepper and chicken broth, we added a little bit of ranch, and it was really good! I guess with a little more salt and parmasean it might have enough flavor without the ranch, but anyway, just thought you might find it yummy.

Free Vacation

2007-06-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

So a while ago, while Miranda and I were walking through the mall, I signed up to win a free car in one of those drawing things. We didn't win a car, but I got a call yesterday saying that if I went and listened to a timeshare sales pitch for an hour and a half, that we'd get to go on a vacation to Las Vegas or Anaheim. So we decided to do it. We'll go on Saturday and then we'll plan our vacation for August after Miranda graduates. We'll go to Anaheim and try to go to Disneyland or something. Really the only cost will be taxes, food for like a day, and a rental car or something like that. Not too bad for free airfare and two nights in a hotel.

So Dad is going to Toronto, eh ("Toronno, a")? I'm jealous. Can you take me with you? I lived on Dixie and Dundas. I'm not sure where 4700 is, though, but I'm sure I've been there. Remember that referral you gave me when you had worked with someone from Mississauga? Well, we went there, but nothing came of it. Are you going to go to church there? I think you should. There are several people that would even feed you. How long are you going to be there?

It is sad about Jared Johnson. I actually got a random letter from him the other day. I never expected to get a letter from a federal prison. The letter was positive, though, and it seems like he makes good use of his time. I'll have to send him an email.

Anyway, I'm out for now. Back to work.

Hello all again

2007-06-07T22:43:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, I really don't have anything to say, but just thought I'd pop in and say hello. I kind of took the day off today. After work I worked out, then I skipped class, then I sat on the couch and rested for the rest of the day, and it felt GREAT. Pretty soon this term will be over (one more week!?) and then the next one will begin, but I'm expecting the next one to be a lot easier. Hopefully I'll be getting at least half scholarship. I should with my GPA what it is. Anyhow, have a good day all.

Chad's first post

2007-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

One good thing about the military is that we get 4 day weekends for most holidays, so I have the day off. I guess that helps make up for the possibility of dying thing.

Sorry it took me so long to get onto the blog, but if this is how people want to keep in touch then so be it.

I will probably be doing some mountain biking over the weekend. Arizona actually has some pretty mountainous terrain. There's even two ski resorts.

TTFN,

Chad

More Midterms

2007-05-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I've gotten caught up a little in school again. I will be so glad when these classes are over in a month. I guess my classes aren't tedious, but there's just much more that I would rather be doing with my time. Like watching Lost. Well, not really, but I must admit that it's my newest addiction. I haven't had a TV addiction for a really long time. And it's not any worse than any previous addictions to "Touched by an Angel."

Miranda is doing well at Nuskin. We now share similar frustrations with ignorant people and dumb questions - even "what shot do you take when a monkey bites you?" Not really. Speaking of that, Mom and Dad, have you watched the Carlton episode of Wings yet? That is certainly one of my favorites.

Anyway, I just thought I would check in. Talk to you all later!

Exciting day at work

2007-05-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

I had a most exciting day yesterday. As health clerks, Tricia (the full time girl I work with) and I are also supposed to take care of staff when needed. We're also the first responders in the event of an emergency. Yesterday a teacher came in saying she had taken a prescription med., and she thought she was having a reaction to it. She had started itching and had a rash. She then complained that her throat felt itchy and felt like it was starting to close up.....classic symptoms. Tricia gave her benadryl and called the RN, who we're always supposed to call. She was at the other elementary school. She divides her time between us and them. Anyway, she told Tricia to give the teacher more benadryl. She called right back (in the meantime, we're taking vitals, etc.) and told us to administer the epi pen and call 911. Tricia gave the epi pen (epinephrin....we keep one in the health room for emergencies) and I called 911. I had never done that before!! They transported her to the hospital. When I got to work today, the nurse told me I had participated in saving a life. The hospital told the teacher that we had done everything right and that we had saved her life. In an allergic reaction such as that, things can go downhill very quickly. She came in and gave us all a hug. It was quite an emotional experience. I never know what I'm going to face when I go in to work, but there's never a dull moment that's for sure!

Reflection of an Aging (Not Old) Dad

2007-05-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

We are still adjusting to this blogging thing. I am such an email generation that the new blogging is just another change we'll get used to. One of these days we will try and post some pictures. Grandma Livingston isn't doing well and it looks like they will have to put her in a home. Uncle Lynn told me that she is 10 times worse than when you were there Friday. She can't feed herself and can't get up without help. The Lord knows what is best for all of us so we just leave it in his hands.

We really enjoyed spending time with Chad and Jill in Phoenix. Mom and I cherish the time we have to spend with each of you, whenever we can. The good thing about this blog is that it keeps a record of what has been written, anyway I think it does. We know that as you get older that we may not be able to be together as much as we would like, unless you move back to Missouri. Don't count that out, I have felt we have an inheritance here in the Center Stake, but know the Lord will guide you.

We have talked about building Zion and I am convinced that it will happen one family at a time. Brigham Young stated "When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. When the father of a family wishes to make a Zion in his own house, he must take the lead in this good work, . . ." . I have some regrets about not being a better father sometimes, but I believe each of you will be better. I appreciate the help of each of you to make good things happen in our family. Mom and I truly wish we will have a Zion family.

Our hope is that as you progress through life that you will not narrow your focus but enlarge your view of family and include your brothers and their families. Mom and I look forward to an elarged family. I observed my brother and sister struggle with comparing life with each other because they had comparible children and stuff. I think the Larsens and Tanners have done a good job of being close (I'm sure they have differences) and being involved with each other. Sunday was exciting, as Tim and Elizabeth debated/disagreed on doctors and insurance, but the good thing was, that they were able to have a difference of opinion and still end up agreeing on some points. Anyway we hope that each of you will remember that we want to build a Zion family. We want to celebrate each others success and morn with each others disappointments.

Summer!

2007-05-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

Jared here. School is finally over! I've started my new summer schedule. I think I'm the only one right now at Nuskin--there aren't too many people that come in at 6 in the morning. It's like seminary, except I'm not really allowed to sleep. I work from 6 to 12 and then go straight to class. I have two this term and I'll be taking the summer term off of school to try to study for the LSAT. No formal classes or anything, just buying some books and studying from those. And by the way, Dad, I'm not an International Relations major anymore--that would require at least one more year of school--so I'm studying Economics.

A random thought, Mom and Dad, you should post pictures of the finished bathroom, I don't think any of us have seen it. And we got the check, we'll get some flowers and go see Grandma probably next Friday or something. I hope she doesn't have any wild plans for the weekend so we can catch her.

Mexico and all

2007-04-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I just got back from Mexico today, and had a very good time, for the most part. The last night, I got very ill. I couldn't stand up, was dizzy, ached all over, etc. They took me to the infermary, and I had apparently contracted a viral infection. They hooked me up to an IV. I received a blessing at the hands of my boss's husband and felt better the next day. You could say it was just 24 hour healing flu, but I really believe I was healed. It actually really made me miss all of you as I sat there with my boss by my bedside. I wished it were Dad giving me the blessing and Mom sitting there with me for the couple of hours it took the IV to drain into me. And I also wish they were there with their insurance. My boss assures me it will be taken care of, but the bill was $400, so hopefully the insurance mess won't be too bad. Other than that, it was a nice trip. I still feel like I'm on a boat and am losing my balance a bit even as I type. I only got a little motion sick the first night, but then I completely got used to it. I think Mom and Dad would like something like that. They had a lot of touristy things that Mom likes to do when we're on trips. Mexico...interesting. I now have a full supply of pharmaceuticals should anyone be interested. Just kidding. I think I might be staying at my current job...Now that summer is here and that I'm a bit more relaxed, maybe I can make it. Just one more year. I can do this. I know this may sound weird, but my horoscope the other day said I need to think about the long term, and what will be best for me financially may not be readily apparent. I know not to put faith in those things, but it's just an interesting coincidence. Perhaps Heavenly Father can communicate through those silly little things. I wouldn't put it past Him. School starts next week. Hopefully it goes better this semester. I always write too much. Have a good day all.

Hello All!

2007-04-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, not a very original title, but whatever. I can now relate to how you guys used to count down days/weeks til school was over! Only 5 more weeks.....YEA! These little kids are starting to get on my nerves. I've managed to use control, though, instead of saying what I really feel like saying......and that would be, "suck it up and go back to class!"

So, congratulations on the new job Miranda. That's so great....benefits and all. The boys will tell you how I feel about the IMPORTANCE of insurance. Especially after my $125,000 hospital/medical issues adventure. (That was cost before insurance obviously!)

As far as Paul is concerned, he said he doesn't think he'll be able to blog. He may be able to read it but not respond. SOOOO.....for those of you who thought you could kill two birds with one stone, thing again! You still have to email your missionary brother. He'll be home in 10 short months.....hard to believe.

Andy, hope you enjoyed your trip to Mexico.

Well, let me know how your weekends off goes Jared and Miranda. Actually, I'm not nearly that conservative. I allow myself treats on Tues, Thurs. and both weekend days....Sat./Sunday. Sometimes that needs to be ammended based on going out with friends, etc., but usually that's what I do. Unfortunately, I've included with that (lately) a donut Thursday morning before work!! I've quite enjoyed it actually.

Love you all,
MOM :)

Finals... ugh

2007-04-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

So, hey, am I the only one wondering where the missing family members are? and how to see their posts? :) Has Paul said whether or not he can post? And Chad, what do you think of all this mess? I'd like to hear from you, but I'm sure you're busy with finals as well.

Speaking of finals, I've taken four already, and some with not as much success as I felt I did. It's such a horribly disappointing feeling, to feel really good out of a test, see your score and seriously wonder what in the world you missed. That's the result of two of my four tests so far. My statistics test results weren't immediate because it was all written. I prefer that anyway, even though it takes a lot longer, with math and economics problems you can at least get half credit from something you got half right. Oh well.

Good news, everyone, I got a Pell Grant. In lieu of that, I was feeling less pressure to get all A's (which is what I would've needed to bump up my GPA .01 which could be the difference between a full and a half scholarship), but now it's more an issue of personal accomplishment. Anyway, the grant along with some kind of a scholarship will help alleviate financial pressure during my last school year, and could potentially help shift funds to something like...oh, I don't know, medical bills? If we were to have any in the next 9 months or so... Not announcing anything, people, just being prepared.

Anyway, gotta get back to cooking dinner and dessert. Mom, Miranda and I are trying your "weekend diet," when we restrict ourselves to treats only on Friday and Sunday. We'll see how that goes.

Yes, I'm the blogger that doesn't put titles

2007-04-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

...And if I do they have to be random or even stupid. Jared just said I had to write something in that "title" space, so I did. Anyway, someday after next Wednesday when my brain isn't squeezed so tight as it is right now I will write something witty and hilarious to charm you all into believing I am your favorite daughter/sister in-law... for those of you who aren't believers yet, or who are holding out for something better.

For now, I'm just happy to be contributing to the family conectedness made possible by Jared and the internet. Finals begin tomorrow, so heads bowed and temples full of names, I want everyone to be thinking of and praying for Jared, Andy and I. Well... the boys probably have enough brain power to make it, but I... lets just say sometimes all you can do is study and hope for the best.

Hey, now for some quick good news. Upon Jared's suggestion that I apply for a full-time positon at NuSkin as a product specialist, I nonchalantly turned in a haphazard resume, interviewed, and got the job. Finally, at $13.18 an hour I will be the one bringin' home the big bucks. (I bareley beat Jared by 58 cents). I'm just grateful its a full time job to keep me out of trouble and occupied for the next year, complete with a decent insurance plan and benefits. Plus I will be learning more about cool nutrition/phsiological things that I already have something of a background in. Cheers!

Take care fam,
Miranda

ps yesterday Jared beat me running to the Y parking lot. oh poop.

Tax Season is OVER!!

2007-04-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

After a fifteen hour work day yesterday, tax season is officially over. Thank goodness! I finished my papers and reviews for class, so now all I have to do is study for the finals. I can't believe I'm leaving Sunday for Mexico. By the way, I may need a ride from the airport on Friday, Jared. Maybe you could come up and we could visit Grandma before hitting the clubs. :-)

So, last night after coming home from work, I had the thought: I could do it again if I needed to. I was talking to a friend of mine, and she has expressed a LOT of faith in me and my music. I've received a lot of positive feedback actually. I'm not deslusional, though, so I realize that I'm not the next big thing, but it's been helpful to hear people tell me that don't necessarily know me that well: you are good. This girl that I was talking to also wants to dabble in music, and Katie Smith wrote me and said that she could pack a club for me in DC. It gave me the thought of touring next summer. After a hard season doing taxes and saving money, I could go to just a few cities and play in select clubs. I would do it with a friend so that I wasn't the only one sticking my neck out. I like the idea. A lot. People do it apparently more than I thought.

Anyhow, hope all is well. It's weird that it's Wednesday and I'm not at work. I love this!

2007-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hey!!!

I followed the instructions (to go to "new post"), and then I'll click on "publish" when I'm done. Dad and I are getting used to this. You know how technically challenged we are. Just remember how long we had the cell phones before we actually used them!! I'm going to like this. I haven't read any posts yet.....just viewed the pictures from the show. They were great! Andy, we also got your CD, and, no we weren't shocked. We liked it!

On a more serious note, as I write, I'm watching Oprah, which is about the shooting at VA Tech. So very sad. That's why this is such a good idea. I want to always stay connected to all of you, and I want you to feel connected to each other. We're a family, and families need to be there for each other.....no matter what. As our family continues to grow, I feel it's even more important and exciting to add new members to our family! As the shooting proves, we never know what the future holds.....ever. Please know how much all of you are loved and valued. I can't imagine my life without any of you in it.....you ARE my life.
Sorry to be so serious.
Love you all! :)

Instructions for technically-challenged parents

2007-04-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Dad, what you posted was a comment. While that's also encouraged, to do a new posting, there's a link on the top right corner of the page that says "New Post." From there, it's pretty much like writing an email, and when you're done, select, "Publish."

2007-04-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

2007-04-15T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pics from the show.

Andy's First Post

2007-04-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

So maybe we should all take a moment to write an initial post for our new blog. How fun is this? I can definitely see myself checking this at least twice a day when I get sick of doing taxes. I still haven't decided what I am going to do for next year, but my boss has offered/begged for me to stay another year. I don't think I can do it. I could probably get them to pay me 15 an hour, though...I just don't think that it's worth my happiness anymore. I might try NuSkin. I heard they're hiring (and not from Jared, but from a random guy in my ward).

I was going to say something but I forgot...I'll be leaving a week from tomorrow to go to Mexico on a cruise. I've had unsettling nightmares about car accidents and random encounters. I am always nervous to travel. I guess a week in Mexico is about what four months of tax season hell is worth.

I am finishing up my blasted classes. I have not particularly enjoyed this semester. I wrote my final paper on Freudian allusions in The Little Mermaid. My goal was to make my professor blush, and I think it may just happen. Just one more day of class...I can't believe how fast it goes. Really, they always say time goes faster when you get older...I still don't think I realize that I'm going to be 26 in a few months. I remember Chad being 25 while on my mission and thinking of how far away that seemed. Now I'm passing it. Time and life are both very interesting to me. We spend far too much of both worrying about things we really can't change instead of focusing on the beauty of the simple moments around us...Sorry to wax philosophical. I'm about to cut my hair. That has nothing to do with waxing philosophical, but it was something to lighten the mood a little. It was getting kind of heavy there for a second...

Starting Off

2007-04-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm taking the liberty of starting this up, seeing as one of us would eventually have to. It's actually the second blog I've had the opportunity to start, but our blog never got off to much more of a start. I can't even remember the name of it...

So Miranda and I planted most of our garden today. Probably a little late, but with the cold weather in Provo lately it's probably better that we didn't do it sooner. But luckily, the couple who lives beneath us had some chickens where we're planting, so hopifully it will be rather fertile. Funny story about the chickens: About three weeks ago I came home from school to find a few police cars parked in front of the house. They were talking to each other so they didn't stop me or anything, but only a few seconds after I went inside there was a knock at the door. Confident (or at least pretty sure) I hadn't done anything illegal, I was excited to find the police officer at the door so I could find out what was going on. He asked me if they were my chickens in the back, and I told him no, and that they belonged to this other couple. Apparently it's not only illegal to have chickens here, but it's also very annoying to old neighbor's whose lawn is invaded by pecking chickens. This old couple next door had called the police after the chickens had wondered into their lawn a few times, and probably pooped a bunch. It must have made a big stir in their family, because even after the chickens were gone, Miranda encountered the neighbors 5 year old granddaughter who scowled at Miranda and said, disgustedly, "Chicken-lover."

Anyway, I hope this blog thing works out. I look forward to hearing from everyone!