Miracle-The Stork Finally Arrived

Introducing Clara Rae McOmber

My brother David and his wife Anginette say they were expecting for 1 1/2 years. That is how long they had their adoptions papers finished. 1 1/2 years is a long time to have a nursery finished and waiting... Friday morning they received a call- a baby girl born that morning in Michigan needed a home. They were on the first flight out Saturday morning. This story is quite fitting for my blog because so many things just "happened" to make it all possible... truly what are the odds? Evidence that the Lord is working in our lives even though sometimes we can't see it until it is right in front of us.

Last year my brother graduated from Michigan with his Masters in nursing and moved to Utah shortly after. They happened to never get around to changing their phone number... A couple months ago I was visiting Anginette and happened to mention she needed to get on facebook, in fact I sat her down and supervised her doing it... One of David's friends from school happened to recently find him on facebook and see he was still trying to adopt... oh, and she happens to be a labor and delivery nurse in Detroit now.

6 weeks ago Clara's birth mother discovered she was pregnant (don't ask-- how she didn't figure it out sooner is a mystery to us too). At 42 already having children and not knowing the father's name she was not attached to this baby. She changed her mind on the hospital to give birth and happened to choose the one David's friend worked at- who happened to be working the morning she gave birth. She had Dave's phone number because they never got around to changing it and called as soon as the baby was born. As a result, within 24 hrs Dave and Anginette were with their new baby- with the help of their previous Michigan social worker and nurses defending the placement of the baby. If all goes well they could be back here in 2 weeks after going through all the courts to make it official. The whole family is excited to say the least. And Jody is already making plans for her first new cousin...

For more pictures you can link to Dave and Anginette's blog on my side bar.

Kamas Fantasmico

Lindy Shock and I met in the University 41st Ward- about 3 years ago. Although both of us have deserted the 41st ward for one reason or another, we have maintained an excellent friendship. She is one of a kind and the world is a better place because of her smile. Lindy is also one of my best patients. So far I have seen her for her neck, shoulder, and knee. She faithfully performs her HEP (home exercise program) and follows my advise. As a result- she states her quality of life is significantly improved. In return for my services, I "tag along" with her on some of her adventures, I always have a partner to climb with, and I get free photography. Both of us debate about who is getting the better deal.

This weekend we went to Kamas with about 10 other people- and we played. I haven't played like that in too long. Friday night we drove up and arrived at Chelsea's parents house (Lindy's roommate is Chelsea). The original plan was to camp out but considering it snowed that morning (blasted cold year) we opted out and her parents were kind enough to let us crash out in the grandma apt. The night started with dutch oven dinners with some of the best chicken ever and ended at 3:30am and had games(croackanol- no idea how to spell it but it is some Canadian game- very fun- especially when you win), piano and singing, ice cream from the pizza restaurant (have you ever noticed how everything is more excited and tastes better when it is after hours and you have a VIP invite?), ping pong, talking... in between. The best part- no one was drinking, smoking, or hitting on anyone. Straight up -12 Mormon single professionals hanging out and having a great time.

Saturday morning came a little early for some folks- but breakfast was fabulous. Littledike's homemade buttermilk pancakes, sausage, and eggs.


Chelsea and John on pancake duty


John added entertainment with his pancake flipping. Didn't have to get up to get your pancake- he just tossed it across the room. A few hit the floor with his spatula juggling act but it was worth the show.



The rest of us just ate- that's important work too...

Next it was off to the Lion's club for some target practice.


Out of 600 rounds fired off- I shot 3. Enough to have my picture taken and remind myself that nope- still don't like it.

Don't I look like I'm doing? One word- awkward. I just don't like having a gun in my hands. Although the same can't be said of Jim. (or any of the other boys for that matter)


Clay pigeons were the target- Annie Oakley was the name of the game.


It was cold and windy so after awhile of watching 3 of the 4 girls got into one of the trucks with a DVD player in it and started to watch Transformers. Excellent sound system in that truck...


Chelsea let John drive the "John Deere" jeep back- he did fairly well with the clutch all things considered... I was just glad to not be in it when he was changing gears.

Standing in the cold and firing guns had surprisingly enough worked up an appetite. Chelsea's parents conveniently own a pizzeria attached to their house.






4 large pizzas, bread sticks, and some root beer and once again- over eating (but when do you get fed like this?)
In case you haven't noticed- I have never had such good odds- 7 boys, 4 girls

Jim and Lindy's smiles added some extra cheese to the pizza.


After lunch we took a stroll across the street to check out the local duds. A western clothing and gear store. Found some to mock and some to covet and in the end Brock walk out with an awesome shirt.

If you think there is nothing to do in Kamas- you have never been to their rec center. $5 and you have access to hours of fun. We were there for maybe only 5 hours and had the lights turned out on us to get us out the door. The first activity was conquer the climbing wall.



Lindy and Jim
Lindy is one of the few I trust on the other side of the rope.


Lindy bouldering (look mom- no shoes)


Brock


Quincy and Lindsay





Too many pictures of my rock climbing- but I'm a little narcissistic.

I am incapable of climbing without taking some skin off.

Some serious fuse ball went on- but John and Quincy proved to be an unbeatable duo. Personally I am terrible at fuse ball and I am quite okay with that.

Walleyball was a highlight- we played several games of 5 on 5. The best part was that no one sucked and no one was fantastic. All playing about the same level and having fun. Overall the group was an excellent match. (I get kinda annoyed when girls are afraid of the ball- no worries here.) Once again I stopped traffic with my version of a dive... the splits get me to the floor faster than anything else. Or at least that is my natural reaction. Andrea tried to break me of that habit 10 years ago. Maybe one day...

Finally we made it to the pool- complete with diving boards, a full sized water slide, lazy river, kid playground and hot tub. The only thing we didn't do was play racquetball although I did hit a few balls around, work out in the gym, b-ball, slack line (which I brought), smores (which someone else brought... All for the grand total of $15. 5 for the rec center and 10 for everything else. We didn't leave Kamas until 10:30pm and we really could have stayed longer. All and all an exhausting non-stop fun weekend. Thanks to all who made is possible!!

Ending of an Era

I moved to North Carolina and started graduate school exactly one week after returning from a 3 week tour of India where I was performing with BYU's Dancers' Company. 2001 was my dancing "peak" because that year I averaged between 20-30 hours a week in the studio. (Interesting to note that my performance quality peak has occurred these last couple years. I just don't have as much strength and technique to back it up as I did before.) Reeling from jet lag, moving across the country and starting graduate school all in one week- it took me a couple of weeks before I started to scout out the dance scene in Carolina. I still wonder what my face looked like when I went to the first dance studio and was told "We don't have a class for someone your age." Someone my age??!! Sum it up as a major reality check- I don't think we are in Kansas anymore Toto. Apparently not everywhere is a dance mecca with classes for all. Taking class at school wasn't possible because PT school owned my life. We didn't register for our classes- that was done for us and then we were given our schedule. If it was 8am- 5pm Mon-Fri it was fair game- end of story.
I had been dancing for 12 years. It wasn't long before I started to have major withdrawal. In fact- I consistently had "bad dancing dreams" the 3 years I lived in Carolina. For example- I was on a dance company but they rehearsed without me so on the day of the concert I didn't know anything, I was naked on stage, or I couldn't even get up off the floor during class no matter how hard I tried... any numerous scenarios. I started to teach dance my second year and that helped - but not totally because I wasn't taking class. (so selfish)
After three years in North Carolina I moved to Salt Lake City. Where it may not be New York or LA- it is much better than Chapel Hill for dancing. Modern dance is my favorite (hey- I have another favorite) and I found an adult community modern dance class sponsored by RDT. I still remember my first class. I was so nervous- It had been 3 years since I had taken a class. It is an acquired skill to pick up combinations- I was out of practice. I think a part of me believed those dreams would come to life and I would end up on the floor. I wanted to be the dancer I was years before and in the beginning had to keep a running dialogue- it is just for fun- to move. Well- in the end I wasn't as terrible as I had feared and my bad dreams simply disappeared. Dancing once a week(when I'm lucky) in an adult community class is not going to bring back any mad skills- but it was enough to get me back on my feet, keep me moving, and keep me sane. Enough that I have since been paid to perform for smaller free-lance dance concerts. Enough to create a bond between others who just can't give it up. In fact, my friends in this dance class at times keep better track of important happenings in my life than family or other friends.
I have taken this class taught by Rebecca Forde for 3 1/2 years.
Rebecca Forde started to teach this class in 1995. Last night was her last class because she is moving to Australia in June. (and yes, I am going to plan a trip to visit her there, she is going to live right off the great barrier reef) There are some dancers who have taken her class from the beginning. She is greatly loved, admired and will be missed. I thank her for my sanity and opportunities that she pointed in my direction.


Rebecca and I after class on Monday (the last night...)

Some of the good old crowd at dinner after the last class

In the end the timing is perfect. Earlier this year I started to take a different class on Monday nights which is much more fulfilling for me. It is offered at a new studio and is a professional level class. All over a much happier and better situation for me... but I still had some guilt. I felt like I was cheating on my friends. I realize that may sound bizarre but it's true. I felt like I owed them so much and I was just leaving them for a younger, faster, hipper, more exciting scene. I came back for the last 3 classes Rebecca taught. I will miss everyone from the RDT class- I loved the eclectic crowd it drew. But I am excited to move upward and onward! So once again- thank you Rebecca for all the years you taught and I wish you all the best!

Highlights-- Things that Made me Smile

First rose buds blooming on my rose bushes
What are the odds-- Santa at Chili's right when the girls went- two tables away
Pink skin from being in the sun (including rooftop sunbathing waiting to get my hair cut)
Rehabing 2 USSA ski team athletes at the official training center in Park City
Banjo being played at Music and the Spoken Word
Elder Uchtdorf walking 3 feet away after Music and the Spoken Word
Courage to delete a number out of my phone
Reading the good word of God- the word which healeth the wounded soul
Happy geraniums on my front porch
Miracle- a date (me asking to make an appearance at a ward "bon fire" (not my definition of bon fire) as part of the evening) What can I say- I wanted to go...
Shopping with Emily
Open windows
Haircut and color
Inheriting my great grandmother's antique sewing machine
Sitting on my front porch
Front porch light working (because it is over 50 degrees)
Old friend coming to town next month that I haven't seen in 10 years
Buying a plane ticket!! Going home for some R and R
Living with the most amazing and greatest roommates possible

Stewart Rehab

In November 2007 we moved into our new space for work. Steward Rehab takes up the entire 4th floor of the surgical center at the site of the old McKay- Dee Hospital. The floor is divided into 3 main areas- a gym for sports and orthopedics (that's me), an adult neurological gym (in the middle), and on the other end a pediatrics gym. Somewhere in the middle are speech, OT, and wound care treatment rooms and a conference room. I didn't take pictures of the whole floor, only where I tend to spend my time.

Front entrance- showing about 2/3 the building

View from the front entrance- Weber State is directly across the street

Front Desk- take a right and you enter the gym and see...

... this

This is a view looking at the door leading to the front desk

The sports and ortho gym- hard to get it all in, but you get the idea...

1 of 3 lovely treatment rooms- this one has the traction machine where we pull people apart. =)

Return to sport multipurpose room- (I spy Heather) Also to be used for Pilates and yoga classes.

Pilates Studio

Behind the scenes- communal desk space. Learning to share all over again.

If any one is disappointed in not seeing the conference room or other PT gyms let me know... I aim to please. So there you have it-- a virtual tour of my work. All in all a great place- it has it's rough spots- but no one has a utopia for work.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

First off I need to take care of some business- clear the air for my sake. So if you feel like I have given bad rap to ballet and/or Diego I apologize. There are many parts of ballet I really do enjoy. I even miss taking class every now and again. It just wasn't where I found my true joy of motion. Diego- really that was an unfortunate series of events and I happened to be the innocent bystander taking the fall out. Yes, he could have handled it better- but who of us can't say the same about any numerous events. OK- do we all feel better now?


Have you ever wanted something so much that at times you can't think straight? It burns itself a painful ache and you wish you had never come in contact with the awareness of its existence. I swear I will never lead a horse by dangling a carrot in front of it because I have decided it is cruel and unusual punishment. But without fail no matter how many times I decide to stop chasing the carrot- the draw is too strong and I end up loping after it like a fool. I am sure we all have our carrots in life. I suppose the most important question we need to ask ourselves is whether the carrot is drawing us toward or away from where we want to be. There are many carrots in life- (not all have the painful ache)- desires for good or for ill that makes our view myopic. Sometimes what seems to be a good desire is deceiving. Without a bit of perspective, we end up chasing after things only to realize we are wasting away the days of our probation. Sometimes we juggle so many things- trying to fit them all in- we have no ability to add what we need. My problem is that I am not sure whether this particular carrot is leading me toward or away from where I need to be.


This weekend started off with a slight downside. Unfortunately- guilt trips are rather effective on me. I somehow decided to pack my bags and take a short jaunt down the "you are irresponsible and lazy because you only work 4 days a week" lane. Followed by "think of all the money you could save and can put to your student loan if you were making money instead of spending money on your day off." I haven't exactly resolved the conflict between the voices in my head. There are very good reasons why I chose to work less-- but I wonder if their time is coming to an end. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I am happy to report that my hour in the bride's special dressing room was much better this week than it was last week- despite another temple worker bringing to my attention that I have yet to use the room myself.

In the end I ended up working everyday but Sunday with a handful of "pro bono" work. Rune Thursday night- although I did make him wait- I had to get a run in before. Nate Friday afternoon- but he is always thoughtful enough to bring lunch or dinner. He's probably the one who appreciates the most my working unpaid in my off hours. Anya Saturday morning before her volleyball tournament (which she won). Sometimes I feel people just expect it from me- maybe if they understood that my clinic can bill more than $200 for an hour of my work... Not that I get paid that much- by any stretch of the imagination. I want to help, don't get me wrong. But sometimes...


Then there was the usual weekend chores- mowing the lawn, REI, Costco with the girls- oh, excellent story- we found Santa there!! Coincidence? You be the judge. But it sure made Anya's day. He was supposed to come to the Tim Tam Slam Sat night but we were a little heartbroken when he failed to make an appearance. But credit is given because he texted his apologies Sunday morning. (Santa is just the latest of our nicknames- I am happy to report that this one was named by me. And no, he doesn't know about it.) --- add in yoga, grocery shopping, bike ride (after another trip to Contender to get my front tire fixed), laundry, cleaning the house... But it gets better...


Emily decided to host an official Tim Tam Slam- and I must say- she puts on a pretty good party. There was the stress/ fear of few people coming- but she had more than the critical mass needed. A Tim Tam is an Australian chocolate cookie. The slam is to bite off the ends and use as a straw to suck up hot Milo and eat it before it falls apart. The video demonstrates Emily performing a perfect Tim Tam Slam. (a Perfect 10) She has flawless technique. (Look Mom no hands!)

We agreed to call the Slam a tie between John Madsen (a favorite person of mine) and Emily- a grand total of 18 each.

John Madsen- strategically placed right in front of the case of Tim Tams.

I did 2.

Just in case you didn't have a good view with the first picture, here is a close up for the vision impaired.



I missed my photo op of Anya's slam- but she did make good use of her time.

Isn't she cute!!

Emily with all her buddies from the mission. (Emily has yet to blog- so she counts on us to do if for her.)

The party ended with me sitting on the kitchen counter talking to Pete Nash (John Madsen for a time as well- good luck with your D and D game). Truly, I respect Pete more than he knows. He is one of the first friends I made when I moved to Salt Lake and he is a true blue friend. The evening ended with clean up and the satisfaction of an enjoyable evening.

Sunday!! I love my family. I have yet to figure out how I am so blessed to be in the family I am. Whenever my extended family gets together I am amazed. The quality of people, the joy of being together, love, support, intelligence, talent, and testimony is intoxicating. Today was Cameron's Farewell. He leaves for the MTC Wed. The depth and quality of his testimony is beyond impressive. It was better than most missionaries homecomings. The spirit was so strong. And he is good looking too! I sometimes joke- no wonder I'm not married-- I am related to all the quality men in this world.

Cameron McOmber- the man of the hour

It had to be hard because the only person of his immediate family that was their was his sister Nikki. Everyone else is in Armenia (and Canada). It was so fun to have him living around the block from me this last year while he was attending LDS Business College. I am going to miss him.

Isn't my Grandma cute!

My Brothers and Anginette. I didn't get good pictures of everyone that was there but there were quite a few. Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

What can I say- I love my niece!

The Heathers

Finally I get a picture of Jacob my handsome nephew. There is nothing like going to see him for my self- esteem. As soon as he sees me he stops, squeals out my name, and comes running to give me a hug -as if I was the greatest thing ever.

Jody Lynn- who is getting to be sooo big. I can't believe she is going to be 7 in June.

Andrea blowing out the 3 candles on the cake for her 30th birthday- which is today. This is the 12th birthday I have wished her happy. Crazy it was that long ago we were freshmen roommates together. I got up early this morning to bake that cake for her. It doesn't look so pretty because I didn't find my Bundt pan (funny that I don't use it everyday), but it tasted good. I was surprised at all the unsolicited compliments I received from it. My grandma, 2 aunts, brothers, cousins, and roommate all commented on it. It was worth the effort. Besides it is kinda fun to beat the egg whites stiff and fold them into the batter every once in a while.

Finally the Utt's. Mom and Dad Utt have opened their doors and kitchen to us on numerous Sundays for a family dinner. Today was no different- except Stephanie had the pleasure of joining us. I am so grateful for their generosity.

Well that about does it. There is always more I could document but I am tired and have stayed up too late writing this post. This does not bode well for work tomorrow. Besides isn't this too long already? Ta Ta for now~