The mystery "professional landscaper"

Author: Shmonae / Labels:


Jon regularly helps boys plan their eagle projects. Jon did everything in scouts except for his Eagle Project but I am sure it has made up for it by now. I don't have any idea how many projects he has helped orchestrate! I wish I had a write up of them all.


October 20, 2009

Former Dixon Student Gives School’s Grounds a Makeover



Keith Moore, a former student at Dixon Middle School, arranged enough helpers, including friends, family, teachers and current Dixon students, to plant, till, and mulch the grounds at the middle school, giving it a new, bright and polished look. Moore recruited a professional landscaper to aid with the design and equipment, and arranged all of the supplies, including soil, plants, and flowers to be delivered and donated as well.

"Dixon has received a major upgrade, adding curb appeal and value to the school," said Rosanna Ungerman, Dixon Middle School’s Principal. "We are so appreciative of all that he and his crew have done for the school and students here."

Moore, who performed this act of service for his Eagle Scout Award, and his dedicated helpers spent several weekday evenings and a full Saturday to finishing the project. The school’s grounds look wonderful, and the efforts and generosity of all involved are greatly appreciated.

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Dairies of a Funny Kid

Author: Shmonae / Labels:

I was going through some posts I started a while ago and never published. This one cracked me up! I love how Brighton thinks! These are some little journal entries she had from last year in 2ND grade. She hand wrote it in a little book and gave it to her teacher Ms. Wilden at the end of the year. ENJOY!


Beginning of 2Nd grade
This is me at 2ND grade. At first I thought that I didn't belong here, but now I do. I love this school. I am now going to 3rd grade next year. We are almost through with our school year.

Boys chase girls
There is this game called Boys chase girls. We have been playing it for a half a year. It is a little fun but we quit it cause Mason the crying boy said, "This game is dumb." Every one thinks that Mason is so popular. I'm not, well maybe someday I'll be popular.
The End

President Running
One day we voted for someone to do the 2 candidates. Guess what? Me and Mason a kid in my class was the 2 candidates. So we had to make up speeches. Mason did treats, treats, treats. I did help the environment. So we did that for several months. We voted. Finally. I lost, but I still got to be the judge for the whole year.
The End

Segregation
One day we were learning about segregation. The teacher decided that we were going to have a little segregation about the blue eyes and the dark eyes. When I heard about this, I did not like it. So we couldn't do anything. You know how I knew cause I joined the dark eyes. In the recess there was no patience left in me, so I went to the teacher and said, "This is not right, we should stop." "NO" said the teacher. So I stomped my foot and stuck out my tongue. My teacher said, "Who cares?" so I said, " I'll tell Mrs. Kirby on you and I'll get you fired." After our spelling test, Mason stood up and said, "I am going to give up President." And then finally the teacher said I was just kidding you guys.

Big Bullies
The big Bullies in my class are Mason and Baily. They are all cry babies. I made Mason cry 50 times. Mason has temper issues. Like in soccer, he yells, "PASS" I kicked the ball up and it flew into his face. Baily has major issues. She bosses us around. So they are big bullies.
The End

Nasty School Lunch
School lunch is nasty because they lie. Like even the roll it says "Hot toasty Roll". But it's really a bouncy roll. I wanted to keep it because it is better than my bouncy ball. I wish I had home lunch. They are nasty.
The End

Presidential Fitness
We had presidential fitness last week. But it was hard to get Presidential. It is hard to get National too. I'm going to get Presidential next year. It is hard to get the mile run. But Whitney got it. I'm awesome, I gotta keep trying. Don't be hard on myself, love myself, be myself.
The End

My Teacher
My teacher is awesome. She is my singing buddy. We sing a song in the talent show together. I'm so happy she was my teacher. She's the best teacher ever. How I'm going onto 3rd grade but she will always be the best teacher! I love you a bushel and a peck and hug around the neck, and a hug around the neck and I'm talking in my sleep about you doo doo doo doo.
Love ya,
The End

You are the best teacher ever! I will never forget you. Don't cry, I love you.
Sincerely, Brighton Nicole Moss

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The Love Rock

Author: Shmonae / Labels:

I grew up in Bountiful on a beautiful piece of land in the canyon. My Grandma and Grandpa Maybe lived on their 15 acre ranch just down the hill from us. My Grandpa grew up in Bountiful with his parents being some of the first to settle there. His dad was the governor of Bountiful when he was young and had a lot invested in the area. When my grandpa Mabey went to dental school he met my grandma. She was a secretary at one of the buildings he went to. Eventually he asked her to marry him. She agreed to move away from Michigan and to Bountiful only under the terms of living on a ranch with horses. He of course agreed! One day after he gave her the engagement ring she was crossing the road with her arm outstretched looking at her beautiful gift and was distracted to the point of almost being hit by a car!

My mom was raised in Bountiful, as was I. It was an amazing place to grow up. The house I was raised in was actually the "Picnic Spot" on the ranch. It was up the canyon from their house in North Canyon. It has a stream and 4 acres of forest haven. My Grandparents had horses and lots of land to play on. The view from their house was breathtaking. We used to have picnics on the lawn and look out upon the Great Salt Lake sunset. We loved to light fireworks, play tag, and ride horses up the canyon. My Grandpa Mabey had a rocket ride he made out of steel that went around and around on chains held by a center pole. Two kids could sit back to back in one rocket! I look back at it now and can't imagine it to have been very safe, but VERY fun! If someone happen to walk in front of the four rockets as it was going it would have been devastating! They spent countless hours tending to the land. I don't remember once visiting their house when my grandma wasn't bent over pulling weeds as she talked to me! My grandpa was constantly mowing the lawn around the house. There was a ton of it! Riding in the little trailer that was pulled behind the lawn mower is my favorite memory of my grandpa. He would pull us around and dump grass on us for fun. My grandpa died when I was about 8 years old, so I don't remember much about him. I do remember him working around the house and smoking cigars. I recall one day he took Allyson (my cousin) and I up the canyon in his old Bronco. It had two side sitting seats in the back. He strapped us up and told us to, "hold on!" We had no idea what he was about to do. When the incline of the car started getting steeper and steeper, Allyson and I started to scream! We were scared to death! We asked him to stop through gritted teeth and a few nervous giggles, but I think he took this as cue to keep going. He had a dry sense of humor, so as a kid it was hard to read him. This scenario was obviously too much for him to hold in, as he was laughing out loud. This scared Ally and I even more! I think I blacked out at this point because I don't remember anything after this.

After my grandma died everything on the ranch changed. She was able to keep up pretty good for several years with Uncle Bobs, and my dads help. Eventually she started suffering from Alzheimers. At first it wasn't that bad but as time went on she needed more and more help to function. My dad was great at helping us find humor in a very sad situation. He felt bad for her but wanted everyone to stay upbeat and enjoy her while she was still around. I loved her a lot. She wasn't the typical "grandma" in my opinion. Most grandma's are baking cookies, watching t.v., and reading. My grandma was golfing, traveling, horseback riding, and attending socials. She had a lot of friends. She would celebrate Christmas with us and leave the next week to her condo until about May. My grandparents had a condo on the beach in Manzanillo Mexico that is amazing. My mom owns it now with a few of her siblings. My grandparents found it as they traveled down the coast one time together. She always made sure we had bar-b-ques in the summer with all the cousins. She would take us on horse rides and let us hang out. Every time anyone walked into her house she would offer them a drink. Her house is where I fell in love with crushed ice. She did get remarried to Paul Barker. I never really considered him my grandpa because I remembered my grandpa. He was a very nice guy and kept my grandma company. She loved not being alone. He died also and this was very hard for my grandma. We had a few live in people come help her but even that wasn't enough after a while. Towards the end of her life she moved into a facility to help her full time. I remember visiting her one time with my little girls. They sang "Whitney's" song from Tarzan to her. She just smiled and held our hands. It was sweet. For just a moment I felt as though she connected and was present. She talked about her ranch most of the time and didn't remember anyone. It was hard to see, but especially painful when she didn't recognize my mother who spent countless hours taking care of her. My mom tried not to take it personally but that was a tall order. I know my mom will be blessed for her patience and loving care. If anyone loved the ranch as much as grandma, it would be my mom. We all knew that eventually the ranch would be sold and it was. It was almost sickening to see the "for sale" signs go up all over the property and being subdivided. Then the bulldozers came to clear the land. Clear the land of all my childhood dreams that had been cultivated there. It was like another world, a Secret Garden. The animals seemed to be happier there and the land at peace. It was loved and it knew it. My heart aches as I visit this sacred spot in my mind. It will always remain as it was when I was a child in my head. The pine trees were enormous. They were dug up somewhere by my grandpa and transplanted to the ranch when they were small. My mom used to tell us stories about having the chore to dragging around the house for hours watering them so they wouldn't die. The hard work paid off because they lent shade as we enjoyed the summer days for years. There were some enormous boulders that Grandpa Mabey hauled off of the mountain. Ally and I always used to play house on them. We claimed the rocks for our homes. We would pick wild flowers and set them around our house. It was like having our own little piece of the ranch. The wild flowers were perfect. They were tiny blossoms spread across the fields by the garden in lavenders, pinks, and yellows. There were also huge sunflowers that filled the air with the unmistakable aroma of their smell. To this day I love sunflowers for this reason. The first time I tried a radish was in their garden. I distinctly remember being shocked that a cool vegetable pulled out of the ground could taste hot! She also had cactus growing everywhere. She was a great combination of the wild west with the beach. If you walked through her house you would have seen shells she had collected on her walks across the beach and cactus planted in cute little vases. She had great style, wearing clothes I would love to wear now if I had them! She was beautiful with tanned skin and a tone physique up until the day she died. She was active and loved her horses. Sometimes I laugh when my mom is snowboarding, riding horses, water skiing, traveling, doing yoga, water skiing and whatever else keeps her busy instead of knitting. She does bake cookies, but they are made out of things you have never heard of. They are basically a different recipe every time of healthy ingredients and some chocolate chips thrown in the mix, otherwise she couldn't get away with calling them cookies. As soon as I am ready to tease her for being an unconventional grandma I realize that I may very well be the exact same. I always have a list of things to experience and accomplish. I think it's in the blood. Don't get me wrong, she LOVES her grand kids. It isn't uncommon to see her tear up when she sees them, for joy. She has spent hours making them porcelain dolls, dresses, ceramics, and pajamas. She is a great example of living life to the fullest. It is no wonder I am who I am.

One day when I went to visit my parents Jon talked me into driving by the ranch to see how the development was going. We pulled into the freshly cleared culti sac. I was breathless with nothing to say. What is there to say? They hadn't gotten too far yet but work had been done. I got out of the car and started to slowly walk toward where, I don't really know. I glanced up toward where the barn had been and saw MY rock. It was at this point that the emotions boiling under the surface became too much to bare. Tears came pouring out of my eyes. No sound, just tears that came from deep inside. Jon gave me a minute alone and then walked up behind me. I told him the history of my rock in as many words as I could get out at the time. He didn't say much but just held me. After about 15 minutes of watching the sunset for the last time over the Great Salt Lake from the ranch I willed myself to get back into the car. We drove home in silence, which is saying a lot for Jon and I. He new I needed processing time. I came home and crawled into bed and fell asleep.

The next day I was fine, it was a new day. At about 12:00 I was driving home from running errands when Jon called me on the cell phone. I answered his call but couldn't hear much of what he was saying. I finally made out the words, "listen!" I sat for a minute and made out some beeping in the background. He said, "Did you hear that?" I told him I had but that I didn't know what it was. He said, "THAT my dear, is the sound of me bringing you YOUR rock!" I was so touched I started to cry. He had actually rented a backhoe and was loading me two rocks to bring to our home in Orem. He almost broke the trailer hauling the extremely heavy load so far. He brought them that day and placed them into our yard. My rock is in the back yard and another rock Allyson played on is in my front flower bed. We actually planned our landscaping around them. I warned him that if we ever moved they would have to come with us! Jon constantly amazes me. His love and devotion are tireless. When I told the story to my sister in law Heather she named it my "Love Rock". Every time I look at the rock my mind is flooded with so much emotion and memories I can't believe it. My kids now sit on it as they watch each other play in the backyard. It has become a part of me and my family. I guess we all pass things onto the next generation weather it be mannerisms, things we love, or rocks. I would have to say it is the rock that means the most. My family is my rock.

1 comments

Nuvo

Author: Shmonae / Labels:

I am so ecstatic that I have this picture above. The reason being that ALL OF THE PICTURES FROM WHITNEY'S FIRST DANCE COMPETITION WERE DELETED BY JON ON ACCIDENT!!
I don't even know what to say. I was speechless when I figured it out. I am not mad at him, I have taken beautiful pictures before with no photo card
in the camera and that made me sick also.
Her first competition was called NUVO held at the Eccles building in Ogden. She went all day Friday to dance classes taught by professional dancers. Dancers that have been or are currently on "Dancing with the Stars, So you think you can Dance etc.) She did SUCH a great job that she was given a scholarship to come back next year for free! I am so proud of her hard work in school and dance to be successful. I was on the freeway ALL DAY Friday. There was construction and I had to drop her off in Ogden at 2:00, drive home to drop off the kids and make it back for dinner time with Whitney at 6:00. I was on the freeway from 2:30 to 5:30 because of accidents, snow and construction. I had to call Camille to save the day. She and Paul we SO SWEET to take Cafe Rio all the way to Ogden for Whitney. She wouldn't have been able to eat if they didn't. When they got there, Whitney had 15 minutes to scarf it down and she had to get back to dancing! THANK YOU CAMILLE, PAUL, AND JACKSON for helping us. After practice that night she got in the car and devoured the rest of it. It was very much appreciated! Saturday I was going to bring all the kids and Jon to watch the competition but thought better of it when we had gotten home at 11:00 the night before and had to be up at 6:00 to get there in time. I left Jon with the kids to be with them. Jon was sad to miss it, but it wouldn't have been fun. I was stressed (yes I know, it doesn't happen too often) but I KNEW that if she was late it would be horrible. They were right at the first of the program and it was SNOWING outside for the first time this season in the valley. I had left in my BMW, which is not known for great snow maneuvering! Luckily we made it, but I was sweating :) They had two dances, a fireman dance and a Jazz dance that was darling. Their coach Afton is a doll!! She was the coach of "Cirque de Solei" in Las Vegas!! She is so calm, patient, and talented. I couldn't thank her more for giving Whitney a good experience after all of the stress gymnastics caused her. She LOVED gymnastics and was VERY good, but the stress started giving her panic attacks etc. I was so happy watching her perform with her huge smile I couldn't help but tear up. Isn't that what all moms want? To see their kids truly happy and achieving their dreams? Well, that's my goal as a mother. To help them see their own potential and fuel it the best I can. I will try to get some pictures from some other moms if I can!

Whitney took this on the way back in the car that day. Isn't Mount Timpanogos BEAUTIFUL!
After the competition, Whitney and I met Jon and the girls at the Aquatic Center. He had taken them there to hang out with them. What a good dad! Kinley was at her Nutcracker practice. We CAN'T wait to watch her next week perform that in Park City!









On the way home Whitney and I were laughing so hard because I told her to take pictures of the people next to us in the cars. Before we drove up to this guy I told her it would be her future husband. Right after she took it he looked over and Whitney was freaking out! It was hilarious!


1 comments

Baby Boom

Author: Shmonae / Labels:


Last friday was Staci's baby shower! She is having her first little boy and I am sure he will be a doll remembering how L.P. looked!
I drove to Camille's house first so we could drive out together.
Isn't Camille a doll ?! I don't know how she got all the model height while I am so short! This picture was taken with my heels on!

I stood on my tippy toes to get a little closer in this one :)

I have to give credit to Melinda for my cute scarf! She spent hours making scarves and I was the recipient of all her hard work! I donated the trim and she picked out the fabric. Thanks Melinda!!

Here is Staci my beautiful friend and now family! I love her. She has the sweetest personality and decorated her house so cute. The renovated an older house and added so much charm. I love her smile. She is always the first to dance at a party and I love that!


It was unbelievable that we even made it with our navigation skills! My GPS wasn't working and we couldn't follow her phone very well. The darkness didn't help while trying to read the road signs. It was in Kaysville and neither of us ever venture there. Camille was a lot better than I was, but that's not saying much...sorry Camille!
After driving in circles for a while we made it and had a great time! Aunt Jan and Ally were in charge of the food which makes it a success right from the start! They had yummy soups, crackers, breads, and pastries to name a few.

Here are the cute "Gourley" girls! I always wondered what my sister in laws would be like growing up and I couldn't have asked for two better gals! Then again, I did threaten Scott and Dave to marry them! Just kidding but I approved for sure. Pretty soon Christy will marry Dan and we will be complete! Dan hit gold with her too!

After the baby shower Camille and I went to "This is It" Michael Jackson's movie. I had already seen it with Jon but for some reason he wasn't that into it :)

I think Michael Jackson was very talented. Weird, YES but talented. I loved watching him feel the music and the genius he showed planning the show. He is a true example of someone that lives, breathes, and expresses the music through movement and sounds more that verbal communication. I dig anyone that is passionate about what they do. I don't care if they sell light bulbs or clean toilets if they love it.

The movie was great but the popcorn STUNK! I have grown used to the fabulous popcorn at University Cinemas in Orem. I don't even care if the movie is crap if I have their kettle corn popcorn on my lap! I will need to treat Camille to some so she can understand what my hang up was.
I didn't get home until 1:30 and finally fell asleep at 3:30!
It was still worth the headache I had the next day!


2 comments

In Her Shoes

Author: Shmonae / Labels:



Last night Jon and I went to the Gala for Women in Philanthropy in Utah County. We had lots of fun with Barbara, Karen, and Sarah. Sarah livened it up with all us oldies there by standing on her chair during the auction to try and win things. Neither of us won for ever! Even the guy running the auction was laughing at her. FINALLY she won A COOK BOOK for a gong auction. Everyone in the room was cracking up! Sometimes I feel like I am her age instead of my own! (Most of the time) I slipped once trying to show my number and ran into one girl :) It was too funny! It's a good thing Jon is O.K. with me being who I am because all of the other women were pretty reserved and refined in their formal dresses.

The women that put this party on are amazing. Barbara is one of them of course. She puts in countless hours of service for the community. All of the ladies there have families and many responsibilities they juggle but still find time to serve.
I am excited to help out where I can and be involved with them! Some of the women give money and some give time, and some give both. I didn't hear the grand total but when I left it was close to 60,000 dollars they raised last night!
Go Ladies!

My kids are becoming quite the photographers! I used to hate it because there wasn't anyone to take a picture of Jon and I, now they all get offended if I don't post a few that they EACH took! SO, I apologize ahead of time for the monotony.

I am quite frustrated with these pictures because they were taken on Kinley's camera which clearly isn't as good of quality.
My camera's battery was dead so I didn't have any options. Better than nothing!












This picture makes me laugh because Jon was pulling a face
but Whitney took it too late so he just looks irritated!


Is Halle REALLY throwing out the peace sign?!







Whitney loved the shoe shots.
They turned out pretty cute!


Whitney wanted to take turns making faces at each other...I wonder where she gets that from?




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A Little TP goes a LONG way

Author: Shmonae / Labels:


Today was a dream come true
for Jon and I!

A few weeks ago I went to a meeting for Women in Philanthropy and there was a lady there that spoke named Myla. She is the lady that runs Community Action in Utah County. She spoke on giving in your community what resources or time you can. During her speech she said the magic word....."toilet paper".
She said the best word to jump start me into action!
I came home and told Jon what they needed.

Any of you that know Jon well, know that he works fast! Before I knew it Jon had several contributors lined up ready to donate a truck full of supplies. Toilet paper....yes, but also razors, soap, toothpaste, cleaning chemicals, vinyl gloves, deodorant, and on and on.

Above is Myla. Some call her the Mother Theresa of Utah County. She is so humble and doesn't like the nick name, but it fits.
She was a happy girl today!


Angela and Scott are helping hands ehhh?
Gotta love their smiles!

Christian is Jon's right hand man. He is slightly insane like Jon is when it comes to work and making it happen. We love having him around!




Jon and I have had the goal to give where and when we had the chance. We have tried to always share whatever we have been blessed with. Sometimes that meant sharing our venison meat spaghetti, and then there are days like today.

We came up with what we could manage and Jon procured
anything else he could get his hands on.

I don't post this to brag. I don't.

I do post it because it was one of the best days of my life. There is nothing like being able to give back after needing the help so badly yourself. I will never forget the feeling of standing in the grocery store line with my food stamps. It was hard enough to swallow the pain of being so reliant on others and then add someone yelling in the line
"She has food stamps! I don't know how these work, would everyone waiting in this line move over to the next so we can figure it out!?"

I am sure she didn't mean to draw attention to me but I wanted to melt.

We all need help sometimes. It teaches us to be grateful. I will never be the same person after having those experiences. I feel blessed to have this lesson. Was it easy, NOWAY. Would I want to do it again?

NOPE, but if I do I want to know that Jon and I did our part while we could to contribute.



This is Rachael. I dream big, Jon makes it happen, and Rachael picks up the pieces in the details. Thanks for helping us make this happen, it means a lot to us!


Don't ask me what I was doing here...

Clara has worked with RBM for six years now! She helped take some of the pictures and obviously had a wonderful smile today also!

Jon was still working on the phone while we unloaded everything!
Can we say multi-task or perhaps A.D.D. :)



I love the look on Jon's face above.
The look of determination to make his goals come to fruition.

I think these two will get along nicely. We are so lucky to have Barbara Leavitt introduce us to all these amazing people that serve in our community. I couldn't be surrounded by better people. Barbara is currently playing the role of mom, bread winner, philanthropist, costume designer for Kinley and Lizzie's Nutcracker, gospel doctorine teacher, and on and on. She is an angel on this earth!


I think I was day dreaming a bit here...



The technique Jon uses to open packages is perfection! I couldn't be trusted with a knife like that while I was talking to someone else, thats for sure.



After we unloaded all of the goods, we made kits for the people to easily pick up. We had so many people to help it went really quickly.
I want to thank everyone on the team at RBM that came and helped make today a great success. Jon and I couldn't ask for better people to work with!


3 comments

Getting to Know You

Author: Shmonae / Labels:

I was talking to Barbara on Sunday night about what I plan on doing with the next 20 years of my life while the kids are at school. I don't want to sit around decorating my house and watching T.V. I always have a list of things I want to improve on and accomplish. It reminded me of this test I took a few years ago that hit my personality right on the head!! So much that it is almost embarrassing to make it public because I feel like I am see through. I can't believe how close this test can pinpoint how I view everything in my life!! I would encourage anyone and everyone to take the test to better understand themselves and use it for whatever you spend your time doing.
The website is www.keirsey.com
It is used in fortune 500 companies, military, non-profit organizations etc. to understand the team players. I plan on making it mandatory in RBM for the managers to take so we can better understand each other, our weaknesses and strengths.
This post is a little extensive and I don't expect you to read it all because it is mostly for me to reflect on. Having said that, I am sure it could be quite entertaining to those of you that know me well!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Your particular personality type, the Champion (ENFP), are scarce. Individuals of your type make up only 3-4 percent of the total population.

Being a Champion (ENFP)

Champions often possess both a wide range of emotions and a great passion for novelty. As a result, you likely consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life. Also, because Champions tend to be the most outgoing of the Idealists, you probably can't wait to tell others about the extraordinary - and even ordinary -- things that you do. In fact, others may know you as a tireless talker. However you're not simply a gossip running off at the mouth or even just a storyteller. On the contrary, you may tend to speak or write in the hope of either revealing some truth about human experience or motivating others with your convictions. You can also have a strong drive to speak out on issues and events. When you couple these things with your usual enthusiasm and natural talent for language, Champions like you can be the most vivacious and inspiring of all the types.

As a Champion, you can be fiercely individualistic as you strive to reach a level of personal authenticity. This intention always to be yourself can be quite attractive to others. Another unique and special quality is your intuitive power. Being able to read what is going on inside of others and react accordingly can give special significance to your words and actions. Far more than the other Idealists, you tend to be a keen and probing observer of the people around you. You can also be capable of intense concentration on another individual. This sensitivity and alertness makes sure that you're almost always there when needed, especially in emergencies. Additionally, because you've constantly scanning your social environment, no intriguing character or silent motive is likely to escape your attention.

Because you can be so good with people, you probably retain a wide range of personal relationships. At times when you show your trademark warmth and energy, you're a very likeable, easygoing person. This is true in professional situations as well as personal ones. Not only do you usually make a good first impression, but you can possess a brand of spontaneity and exuberance that draws people in. As a result, a wide variety of people may vie for your company. Use your positivity and confidence in the goodness of life as much as you can. Such a nature makes good things happen.


Work and Career

You live in anticipation of an exciting future, one you may see even more vividly than your present. As a result, in your ideal job you would likely be asked to stretch your imagination on a continual basis. You would also be comfortable taking on a leadership role, so long as it didn't place you in an arbitrary hierarchy. You typically feel rewarded by being asked to share your insights with people who encourage your creativity. On the flip side, it can feel insulting to you to have your innovations or ideas questioned. More so than for many people, your ideas are alive; they're your "babies." Because of this fact, you can sometimes be offended by the notion that you must justify them.

Like other Idealists, you are wired to pursue personal growth, authenticity, and integrity. You yearn to develop yourself fully as an individual and to facilitate that growth in others. You tend to thrive when you can turn your attention to the personal concerns of your coworkers, clients, and customers - as well as to your own personal growth.

Love and Relationships

Seeing the world anew through another person's eyes and sharing that world with them, the magic of sex, the miracle of raising a family - that is romance to you. You can be an incurably passionate and compassionate person. You tend to give gifts that tell stories or symbolize your feelings about your relationship. For a romantic partner, you may look for people who are somewhat different from you. As a result, types who are more grounded can be very attractive to you. Chances are you admire the way this kind of person is able to make their way through life without being side-tracked. During the early stages of your relationship, these differences between you and your mate are likely to be especially endearing and fun.

Things Idealist-Champions (ENFPs) like:

  • Being able to try out many different roles and having many different experiences
  • Being the first to share the lastest news
  • Taking a risk to make something good happen
  • Being cared about by their friends
  • Having insights that others miss

Things Idealist-Champions (ENFPs) don't like:

  • Being caught in a situation where people are being unfair to others
  • Being stuck doing dull, routine tasks
  • Not having a chance to move around to talk to many different people
  • Not getting a chance to use their imagination


"

Idealist-Champions (ENFPs) and the Big Picture


You can spot Idealist students by their tendency to beckon with their hands to bring people closer to them, to move their hands in circles to describe big concepts, or to uplift their hands to uplift others. They want to inspire others with their visions for a better future. Since their language is usually more global than specific, other individuals interpret what Idealists say in a way that is personally meaningful to themselves.

Environment and Learning

Intelligence of Human Relations


What Champions (ENFPs) Want from Others

Learning Tips for Idealist-Champions (ENFP) Students

How to Improve Reading Skills

"Champions" (ENFPs) usually like to read almost anything. While they like to talk more than they like to read, they enjoy reading things other people are talking about. They generally enjoy novels, true stories, "how-to" books, fantasy, myths and legends, and current news about anything that's "in."

"Champion" students are drawn to works about human dilemmas. They may enjoy acting out lines from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Whenever the work has moral issues or ethical problems, "Champions" like to discuss the issues. Since they are naturally driven to finding solutions for human problems, the more they read this kind of material, the richer their experience will be.

"Champion" students should experiment reading various types of subject matter and various styles of writing. This approach to reading will broaden their horizons and give them food for their imagination.

How to Study


How to Write and Research

"Champions" usually write in a stream-of-consciousness style. They will have their best product if they do an early draft in this mode, and then write the paper in final form closer to the deadline. Being close to the deadline gives them extra energy and stimulates their thinking. However, "Champions" have been known to push too close to the deadline and turn in a poor product. Doing a quick first draft earlier will help spur their imagination so that their final draft will be a unique and successful product.

These students are excellent at research when they are motivated by their topic. They have a skill at uncovering unusual pieces of information which can make any report stand out.

How to Take Notes


How to Take Tests



(I found this last part interesting because several of these ideas are ones I have had for myself. I will highlight them!

(I had to post a bit of what Jon is. It is no wonder we keep each other entertained!)

Idealist (NF)/Artisan (SP): Idealist/Artisan pairings are likely to be imaginative romps, marked by freedom, spontaneity, and sensual pleasures. The Idealists can find that the Artisans' need for action stimulates them to participate more fully in the "now." The Artisans can enjoy the Idealists' sensitivity and empathy for others and their deep interest in their partner's success. Idealists may focus on the self-realization of themselves and their partners to the extent that they cease to participation in the Artisans spontaneous adventures, while the Artisans, who have little patience for exploring their inner lives, push more and more towards having adrenaline highs. For the relationship to succeed, both will need to find areas that don't involve each other: Idealists in areas for self-development and Artisans in areas to express their freedom.

What Artisans find romantic on a date: There are two kinds of dates Artisans tend to like. One is an extravagant meal at a place with a fantastic view. Another is doing some sort of physical activity, such as a sport, hiking, or a board game that includes some competition and physical contact.

What Artisans look for when dating: When Artisans are dating, they tend to look for a calm, practical person to provide them stability. Sexual chemistry is very important as well. Once the relationship becomes established, they want their partner to liven up and quit being so serious.

What makes Artisans jealous: Infidelity, such as touching someone else inappropriately will make them very jealous. Another thing that makes Artisans jealous is if the partner gives gifts to others or makes an extravagant gesture for someone else.

How Artisans show jealousy: Artisans are the mostly likely temperament to react physically, such as throwing the partner's belongings out, etc. If their partner starts cheating, they may cheat too. They may either compete to win their mate back or give their partner the cold shoulder.

How Artisans like to be romantic: Artisans like to be romantic with "Big Gestures" - something unexpected and high style. Other ways they are romantic is with teasing and active flirting involving physical contact. They love sensual or exciting times, such as fine dining, gaming, or risky adventures.

How Artisans show their love: Artisans show their love with regular physical affection including kisses, back rubs, and hugs. They also like to give gifts. They give gifts at all times of the year, and the gifts tend to be things that are not necessary but add spice to life. They like to give loved ones nicknames.

How Artisans like to be loved: One thing Artisans often appreciate is a surprise, such as leaving for a weekend getaway on a moment's notice. They like to know that their partner has been thinking about them, so gifts (even small ones) at non-traditional times are usually appreciated. They are generally very sensual and enjoy touching games.

Jon

There are lots of Promoters, maybe ten or so percent of the population, and life is never dull around them. In a word, they are men and women of action. When a Promoter is present, things begin to happen: the lights come on, the music plays, the games begin. Clever and full of fun, Promoters live with a theatrical flourish which makes even the most routine events seem exciting. Not that they waste much time on routine events. In work and in play, Promoters demand new activities and new challenges. Bold and daring at heart, and ever-optimistic that things will go their way, Promoters will take tremendous risks to get what they want, and seem exhilarated by walking close to the edge of disaster. Because of this, they make the very best trouble-spot administrators and negotiators, and they can be outstanding entrepreneurs, able to swing deals and kick-start enterprises in a way no other type can.

Promoters also have a hearty appetite for the finer things of life, the best food, the best wine, expensive cars, and fashionable clothes. And they are extremely sophisticated in social circles, knowing many, many people by name, and knowing how to say just the right thing to most everyone they meet.
Charming, confident, and popular, Promoters delight their friends and investors with their endless supply of stories and jokes. At the same time, these smooth operators are usually something of a mystery to others. While they live in the moment and lend excitement - and unpredictability - to all their relationships, they rarely let anyone get really close to them. They have a low tolerance for authority and commitment, and are likely to leave situations where they are expected to toe the mark, or where they must play second fiddle. Promoters understand well the maxim, "He who travels fastest, travels alone," although they are not likely to be lonely for long, since their boldness and sense of adventure tends to make them highly attractive to many other people.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, John F. Kennedy, Donald Trump, Madonna, George C. Patton, Evita Peron, Winston Churchill, Grace Slick, and Teddy Roosevelt are examples of the Promoter Artisan temperament.

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The party after the party after the party!

Author: Shmonae / Labels:






Leavitts had a GRAND Harry Potter party for our friend Rosy complete with dancing, costumes of characters from the movie, and a taco stand on their driveway! The kids were exhausted but I couldn't pass it up with it being next door, Harry Potter, and our Rosy :) Halle begged to sleep so we stayed for about 10 minutes and I brought the little kids home.

Jon was Hagrid and I was his spiders. Kinley was Dolorous Umbridge (the pink lady with all the cats), Whitney was a sprout that screamed, Brighton was the three headed dog, Ella was Luna Lovegood, and Halle...well she was going to be a snake but fell asleep too soon.
I push my kids to party pretty hard!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Rachael's boyfriend Iffy dance!
Jon, I mean Hagrid even joined in for a minute!




I love Jon and his surprises! We planned to have him be Hagrid early in the week but I ran out of time to get the stuff. Halloween night he hurried and changed out of his tellie tubbie costume and put on his Hagrid outfit to surprise me!


Barbara and Karen are troopers to let the kids pull off such a huge party when I am sure they were both worn out from the week. It went into the wee hours of the morning!
This is why Barbara and I get each other.
There are some things that don't make sense but are worth it!

Believe it or not this is my last official Halloween post this year!

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Halloween Night

Author: Shmonae / Labels:


I tried to take some pictures in the front of my house on Halloween night. The orange lights and strobe lights in front of my house were pretty cool to mess around with.






















Here are my crazy girls (including Lizzy). They had a ton of fun running around the neighborhood. Jon was slightly offended when I explained that Kinley and Whitney were getting to the age that they may not want to walk with us the whole time. We compromised and had them start with us before they went ahead. I thought it was so sweet that Jon was so excited to trick or treat with them and assumed he would be throughout their teenage years.



The picture below absolutely cracks me up! Let me introduce Daddy Warbucks and "D-Annie"! What a pair :) I wasn't at this party but luckily I found a picture to download. They came by our house after to sufficiently disturb me! Dan is like 6'4. He had purchased this size 22 dress at savers and even completed the look with a random locket he found there also!
That takes talent!

Jon convinced (forced) some of his managers to dress up when they walked one of the buildings on Halloween. They had told Jon earlier that everyone in the building was expected to! What a crowd. Some of these guys have NEVER dressed up!



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