100 'What I Remember' Moments

Childhood memories. I use to think they happened recently. Yes, I know I am still young, but I am realizing more and more that I am not quite as young as I use to be. So, I thought I would dedicate this "100 Things" list to my childhood memories....

I remember (when):

101~ I broke my wrist. I hadn't realized I broke it until me younger sister, Hilary, pointed to it and said, "Ew, look at that!". My dad quickly put ice and a newspaper around it (so I wouldn't see it anymore) and took me to the ER.

102~ Mounds and mounds of Priesthood blessings.

103~ Being sick almost all the time, which would explain all the blessings from my daddy.

104~ Watching Dick Van Dyke, I Love Lucy & Andy Griffith when I was sick at home. After that, I would settle down with a large container of Lemon Yogurt, since it was almost always my throat that was causing problems, and watch Princess Bride. I love that movie.

105~ Sneaking downstairs/down the hall to watch Saturday Night Live when my brothers were staying up late to watch it.

106~ Having nightmares after watching Friday the 13th when I sneaked out to watch SNL. I don't think my mom knew they were watching that instead of SNL.

107~ We had a LOT of Hamsters.

108~ Spunky was our first hamster... or better yet, my sister, Holly's.

109~ Spunky would be in his exercise ball in the house, and all of the sudden we would hear "Thump-Thump-Thump-D-D-D-D-D-D-DDDDDD Thump!" as he rolled down the stairs. Then we would pick him up and place him at the top of the stairs and let him do it again..... He seemed to enjoy it!

110~ A little boy, Nethaniel Paul I think was his name, that my sister was babysitting tumbled down those same stairs.... He didn't enjoy it as much.

111~ That was the house we lived in when I was 5-6 years old.... 366 Venus Drive.

112~ My daddy built the basement into some bedrooms and a family room, where my sisters and myself slept.

113~ We teased my youngest sister about there being Santa on his slay in that basement bedroom of ours. We would pretend to see him, then each time she came to the window to see we told her he went behind a cloud.

114~ Heidi and I were mean to my sister.

115~ We also had a lot of fun between us three "Little Girls".

116~ We LOVED to play 'Babysitters' on our bunk beds... which I think usually turned into a game of 'find out who kidnapped the babies'. (Hmmmmmm, I guess we were either very creative, or very desperate.)

117~ When I was married for a year and a half, a customer came into Payless, where I worked until Shawn graduated college, and paid with a check with the address 366 Venus Drive. As I began to ask her about her address, she recognized my first name as the daughter of the one who built an awesome basement bedroom in the house she lives in now. That was cool!

118~ I dove into Provo River to save my cousin who was being washed downstream after she missed the grab-point on our tubing ride. She was supposed to grab the robe, get into the water and bring in the tube. Instead, she grabbed the rope, got into the water, slipped off, and started tumbling downstream. I jumped back in and grabbed her and then we were both hanging on to the rocks for dear life..... with our feet. It was weird. When all was said and done, we were saved by a local river enthusiast and our toes were cold and bloody. The next day we were not as anxious to go to the river.

119~ Learning how to drive with my dad.

120~ Learning how to get beyond Dad's frustration when I kept stalling the car, which of course was a manual.

121~ Finally getting the hang of the stick drive, and buying my first car.... an automatic.

122~ My sister got her first big bike. It was blue with a red heart that my dad painted on it.

123~ I was a baby when that happened. I dreamt about it and my mom was shocked when I told her all the details of my dream. Apparently I was barely crawling. Weird.

124~ Having many more dreams from when I was a baby and toddler, about houses we lived in.

125~ Going to my Aunt Louisa's house in Mesa and picking oranges and tangerines and Pecans!

126~ Playing school on Aunt Louisa's back porch with the old desks that sat back there.

127~ The smell of Aunt Louisa's house.... Smelled like Grandma.

128~ Grandma knitting next to her walker which held all her yarn and needles.

129~ Drinking whatever soda Aunt Louisa had in her fridge and sitting down to watch one of 100's of movies she had on her shelves.

130~ Singing "I am a Child of God" at my Grandma's funeral.

131~ The slippers Grandma made for me for Christmas.

132~ Family Reunions in the Granite Dells.

133~ Climbing on the Granite Rock that was in the Dance floor in the Dance Hall at the reunion.

134~ My sisters wearing 1930's swimsuits in a parade in Prescott.

135~ Stories about the Granite Dells.

136~ Getting my Dad's picture of the Granite Dells custom framed for Christmas.

137~ Seeing my dad's tears in his eyes when he saw the picture.

138~ Hearing about how my Dad's grandpa moved from Massachusetts, after generations had lived there after sailing on the Mayflower, and homesteading the Granite Dells.

139~ My dad's white 1963 Chevy Pickup.

140~ Heidi getting stitches after sitting in the back of the pickup going up the hill in Prescott, and hitting her head.

141~ Heidi getting stitches in almost the same spot (can't remember if it was before or after the truck stitches) after hitting her head on the fire hydrant playing Red Rover.

142~ My mom making a rule of no playing Red Rover.

143~ Going on the paper route with my brother, Heath.

144~ Running the papers to the doors of the people on his route while he carried the big sack on his shoulders.

145~ Being so happy when the bags were empty and we could walk home, which was just a block away, but it seemed so far away.

146~ Listening to my Uncle Jim's cockateal sing.

147~ Playing the Wheel of Fortune board game with my brothers, sisters & cousin Nicole.

148~ Sitting on the roof of the car, watching the Fireworks on the 4th of July in Prescott, up on the hill.

149~ Eating cheesecake for the first time, and sneaking another piece because I loved it so much.

150~ My 2nd grade teacher's retirement party. We surprised her out on the playground with cake and flowers.

151~ My sister, Holly dancing on the high school football field, with all the other color guard (I really don't know what it was, or why she was dancing, but she and a whole bunch of others were performing out on the football field in bright costumes). She wore a bright pink and black satin outfit.

153~ Getting my first babysitting job.

154~ Babysitting a lot for money.

155~ I was hired on for an entire summer when I was 13 years old to babysit two boys. I earned $40 per week, and got to play nintendo with them all the time. I also had to discipline the 9-year-old boy, who quickly realized I was only 4 years older than him and revolted. The family gave me a bonus for Young Women's camp and invited me up to NAU campus with them to see where the mom was going to be staying while she went to college so she could work with her husband.

156~ Hearing about the same 9-year-old going to prom and realizing I was getting old.

157~ My friend sneaking me off to a blind date she set up for me, when I was only 14. (She was unaware that I didn't date yet, for reasons other than not being to find a guy friend.)

158~ Seeing the Bishop's wife at the football game where my friend had "hooked me up".

159~ Actually enjoying myself at the blond date football game, and giving "Donnie" my phone number.

160~ Lying to my parents about seeing him a second time (I am not good at lying).

161~ Not enjoying lying, and telling my mom everything (not that there was anything to tell other than I lied to her), and feeling like I had to REPENT.

162~ After repenting I decided he did not count as a boyfriend and never dated again after that.... until I met Shawn.

163~ Meeting my soon-to-be husband.
(These are NOT in chronological order by the way.)

164~ Going to Junior High (which was not Junior High, but "Middle School") and meeting some fun gals!

165~ Inviting those fun gals over for some board games and pizza on my birthday.

166~ Thinking that they were bored out of their minds, and the next day thinking I am never having another birthday party again.

167~ We did have fun playing... oh what is that game called where you put on the red stickers as ZITS???

168~ I think one of those gals was Emily. (Hi, Emily!!)

169~ Getting into an embarrassing argument with a friend of Emily's, and was a friend of mine, and realizing that Junior high is just lame.

170~ Getting a horrid hair cut in Junior High.

171~ I went to a different school for my second and last year of Junior High.

172~ Getting stoned.

173~ Realizing I was stoned after the fact.

174~ (You are all wide-eyed and jaw-dropped now, wondering how I was ever stoned. Yes, I do mean Dim-eyed, blood-shot-eyes, Mary Jane stenched clothes, stoned. Not rocks being thrown at you, stoned.) Explaining to my teacher what happened on the field trip she took us to for "70's Day" at the high school, and that myself and my best friend were sitting in front of someone who decided it would be fun to let everyone share on the fun and "blow" the marijuana out in a unique way so we could all inhale every bit of it. (And here I thought I had moved to another seat because it just stunk where I was sitting.)

175~ Explaining to my mom that was STONED.

176~ Explaining to my dad that I was STONED, and it was not my fault.

177~ Feeling sick to my stomach that evening, after being stoned.

178~ Recommitting myself to a No Drug policy!

179~ Finding out my sister had gotten stoned many times on purpose.

180~ Deciding not to go through teenage rebellion since my parents were dealing with my sister's ongoing rebellion.

181~ Graduating High School and deciding it was my turn to rebel and moved out at age 17!

182~ Getting my first pet, Gingersnap. (A Purebred Abyssinian Crest Guinea Pig. She was beautiful.)

183~ Adopting/rescuing two other guinea pigs... Patches and (I am sad because I can't remember her name) the long-haired one.

184~ Hearing I was going to be an aunt for the first time!!!! I was 15 years old.

185~ Meeting my nephew, Rixlin James Seagle for the first time. He was such a precious baby. And is a strong and handsome young man now.

186~ Hearing about my second nephew and meeting him, Christopher Soren. He looks exactly like his dad, Bob.

187~ Hearing the worst phone ring ever. I knew before my mom answered the phone that Bob had died. When she answered and yelled, "No", my heart just sank. I looked over to my sister, Hilary, and we both knew it had happened. That was 5 days before Christmas, 1997.

188~ Going to church on December 21st, 1997, to sing for the Christmas choir presentation in church. A missionary, serving in the ward at that time, saw me leaving the chapel quickly and emotionally and stopped me to shake my hand and told me how he wished he could give me a hug right then because he knew I needed it.

189~ Seeing that same missionary 2 years later, at the end of his mission, after I had been married and was serving as a Stake Missionary with Shawn, and recognizing him. I went up to him and thanked him for what he had done that day. That handshake was one of the most comforting hugs I had ever received.

190~ Hearing that my sister was emotionally ill and was going to try to kill herself. It was the year before Bob died, and he spoke with me and helped me understand what my sister was going through and told me to express myself in writing.

191~ Realizing the awesomeness that is Journal-writing, when I reread my journal entry about the time I met a Shawn Holcomb. That was July 23rd, 1998.

192~ Seeing the Mesa Temple for the first time on the inside. No, not my endowment day. I did some work for the dead with the youth group.

193~ My mom sharing with me, for the first time, her experience with her Great Aunt in the temple. My mom and I share wonderful spiritual stories with each other all the time now.

194~ Seeing another part of the Mesa Temple for the first time, and realizing I was no longer a child. I was so scared, but my sisters were there with me, as well as my mom, my dad and my soon-to-be husband, and the fear turned into warmth, love and pure joy.

195~ Playing my violin in the 5th grade concert.

196~ Dropping my violin and having to sit out the rest of the concert in front of everyone because I busted the bridge.

197~ Quitting the violin and turning to singing.

198~ Seeing my brother come home from his mission. I remember waiting outside the gate with our whole family all looking to try to see him. I cried when he came off the airplane.

199~ Seeing my sister come home from her mission, and feeling the same joy when she came out of the gate.

200~ Playing water-balloon volleyball for Family Home Evening when I was 11 years old. That was great fun!

At number 195, I thought I was running out. At number 199, I realized I could probably go on another 100. But I will save that for another time.

Dana, what have you started?! I feel compelled to write about more. SO, I guess now it is my turn to ask about your childhood memories. Obviously they are not all happy. But, I like to look over this and realize that I have become a happy person, despite some of the emotions I have faced in my lifetime. And hopefully, I can become an even happier and joyful person, despite challenges ahead.

100 Things About Hope

This is a challenge, set forth by a new friend, and a true Alabama Blogger, Dana. I have heard Dana comment in church, and spoken with her a couple of times about my youngest, who she got to teach for a while in nursery. I haven't been aware of the Alabama bloggers for more than a week I think.... but I am so excited about the people I am getting to know better through the blogs! So, here's my part in the challenge. Thanks for putting it out there, Dana!!

1~ My maiden name is Hope Stephanie Payne.
2~ I got teased a lot because of the humor in my first and last name, when I was little.
3~ I still get teased a bit because now my name is a tongue twister... but I still love it.
4~ I love the man who gave me my new name. He is my first love; my first kiss; my eternal friend.
5~ I was born August 30, 1980.
6~ I have never been shy about my age.... I have always had unique situations with my age: In grade school I was always the youngest; I got married straight out of high school and became a mother a year later, so I was younger than most of the people I hung out with; I am finally the same age/similar age group as many of my friends, and so I welcome age and wisdom together.
7~ I was born in Sierra Vista, AZ.
8~ I was a native Arizonan until I was 15... having only left it a couple times to go on vacation no earlier than age 13.
9~ I didn't see the Grand Canyon until my husband took me to see it for my 19th birthday, when I was 6 months prego. (Needless to say, we did not take the mile hike down.)
10~ I have lived in 26 houses.
11~ My dad was not in the military.
12~ We had a rough financial time growing up. My dad was always trying to do something that would provide for his family... and always managed to keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs.
13~ I grew up fast, and was able to be responsible enough for my parents to feel I was ready to be married in the temple at age 18.
14~ I am the 6th of 7 children. (5 girls and 2 boys)
15~ My teenage rebellion was spent worrying about my older sister who decided to make some interesting choices, my dad who was having health problems & working part time as a babysitter to help pay rent.
16~ I love my parents dearly... they have taught me lessons in life that would have taken a lifetime to learn for some. And they stayed together through it all, and loved each of us kids through it all.
17~ I am a closet poet.
18~ I LOVE to sing.
19~ I LOVE MUSIC.
20~ I played the violin for two years in grade school, and have just now started to teach myself again.
21~ I love to cook.
22~ I love to bake.
23~ I love to experiment in the kitchen.
24~ I believe in making food from scratch and providing my kids with the best possible meals I can provide.
25~ I like to paint murals.
26~ Although I have only seen a few in real life, I love Lighthouses.... there is something about them that is mystical, drawing, endearing & forgiving.
27~ Did I mention, I love music?!
28~ I am not a huge chocolate fan after my last pregnancy.
29~ Doughnuts are my weakness.
30~ I made a stupid mistake and bought a huge discount box of chocolates from Russell Stover's, thinking I could control myself during my diet.
31~ I am back on my diet. (Anyone want some chocolates?? I still have plenty!)
31~ I broke my wrist when I was 12 years old, skating on one roller skate.
32~ I have never been seriously ill, other than my annual Strep which kept me in bed for a month, and allowed me many Priesthood blessings. As I got older, it also allowed me a few visits to the ER.
33~ I had my tonsils taken out on June 26th, 2007.... YEAH!!!!
34~ I have three beautiful, wonderful children.
35~ I am married to a man who believes romance is based on the amount of time you spend with a person, and nothing to do with flowers and jewelry. (At times, when my friends talk about flowers their hubbies surprised them with, etc. I get a little envious. But when my husband sits down and talks to me, and we sit in each other's arms for countless moments, I have a deeper appreciation for my husband and his love for me.)
36~ I love my husband.
37~ I love my kids.
38~ I moved out from my parent's when I was 16, to live with my sister and go to school with my friends. Soon after, my parents moved to the same city and I moved back in with them. Our live benefited from that daring act made by me. I thank a visit to the Temple's Visitor's Center for that guidance.
39~ My hair is naturally curly.
40~ I enjoy Sci-Fi with my hubby.
41~ I spend way too much time online.
42~ I started college when I got married, but dropped out after my first month.
43~ I realized I am not cut out for long-term educational commitments, but am determined to get some sort of extra educational background once my youngest is in school.
44~ I make jewelry.
45~ I use cloth diapers for my daughter, which I sewed.
46~ My grandparents died when I was very young.... one before my dad was married.
47~ I still remember my grandmother's voice, her eyes, her hands and her face.
48~ I love to have friends over to chat and have a fun time just talking and laughing.
49~ I was married December 18, 1998.
50~ I co-starred in the high school production, Annie, as Molly the orphan friend of Annie.
51~ My biggest fear is the passing of loved ones.
52~ My biggest comfort is my testimony of my Savior's atoning sacrifice for me and my eternal family.
53~ I get stressed.
54~ I have to learn at least once each year that it is okay to tell people NO.
55~ I miss my brothers, sisters & parents who all live out west.
56~ I love family gatherings.
57~ I love holidays.... any of them.
58~ I have a birthmark on my arm that only shows up when I have a tan, sunburn, or am just flushed from exercising too much in the heat.
59~ I should be cleaning my house right now.
60~ I often ponder what I have said, that I should have said differently, for years to come.
61~ I am not very organized, although I try to pretend to be.
62~ I love T-shirts and Jeans.
63~ I don't care for sports that much, but love to watch people enjoy them.
64~ I am still trying to find out who I am.
65~ I am not a big fan of the phone, but love to talk in person.
66~ I worked at Subway when I was younger.... and enjoyed it.
67~ I like a lot of things simple.
68~ I can remember things from when I was 6 months old.
69~ I am a firm believer in revelation and memories through dreams.
70~ I love to read out loud to people, or even to myself.
71~ I hate to read in quiet on my own... I can never concentrate.
72~ I enjoy sewing, painting, scrap booking, knitting, crocheting, and virtually any other craft I can get my hands on.
73~ I shop at Walmart occasionally.
74~ I have started shopping at other places more than Walmart recently, but still go there when I need to get multiple things in a hurry.
75~ I yell when I lose my temper.
76~ I have learned how to control my temper most of the time, so I don't end up yelling too much.
77~ I love the sound of birds.
78~ I love uplifting stories and comments.
79~ I listen to alternative rock, oldies, classical, opera & church music.... not to mention the occasional children's music cd.
80~ I dance while I listen to music and clean.
81~ I love to help out with my friends if they need a babysitter!
82~ I like all colors dark: burgundy, navy, hunter, black, olive, rust.
83~ I am not a fan of pastels.
84~ I like colors that look good on me.
85~ I would home school my kids in a second of they asked me to.
86~ I have never been to Disneyland or Disney world.
87~ I am married to a rocket scientist.
88~ I am hooked on Smallville (although I don't watch it on TV... I wait until it is on DVD and then absorb it).
89~ I don't watch TV.... just movies or certain shows on DVD.
90~ I have Hashimotos Thyroid Disease.
91~ I know prayer works.
92~ I love to decorate cakes.
93~ I love to swim underwater.
94~ I love to hold babies.
95~ My brother-in-law, who I was very close to, died when I was 17, of Melanoma Cancer.
96~ I walked and talked with my brother-in-law when I was almost 18, in my dreams, where he told me, concerning my sister, his wife, and their children, "everything will be fine".
97~ My brother-in-law's favorite song was "Lion Sleeps Tonight" by the Tokens.
98~ When I was driving with some friends and my soon-to-be-husband to the lake, "Lion Sleeps Tonight" played on the radio.
99~ When my brother-in-law was still alive, he promised me he would make sure I married a good man.
100~ I am married to an awesome man.

I, too, have realized how much I know myself.... Thanks for the challenge.

I would like to challenge my friends as well!!