30 facts about my family

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21 years old. This was taken on my first cruise. (I'm wearing the dress I had my bridesmaids wear. I borrowed it from my sister)

When I think about my family I think of two groups of people: my brothers and sister—and my husband and children. So I did fifteen facts about my family I grew up with and 15 facts about my family I’m living with now.


My brothers and sister.

This is the latest picture taken of my brothers, my sister, me and my mom. It was taken about two weeks ago. Left to Right: Robby. Erin, Tommy,my mother, me, Drew. (btw, Drew's single if anyone is looking. Isn't he a cutie.)

1. I feel smart if I can keep up with the dinner conversations, (they’re always talking about physics, computers, or politics)

2. We are very close, and love getting together.

3. Everyone in my family is very smart, (I feel dumb whenever I’m around them)

4. In 2000, our childhood home of 25 years burned to the ground.

5. Every single one of us had a feeling that someday our house would burn down.

6. I love reading, but I struggle the most with reading in my family. (Everyone else kicks butt!)

7. Growing up, I was the fairest in the family, and use to play it up all the time. Now my youngest brother is the most fair… cruse you Drew!

8. No one in my family skis, does outdoor sports, or watches them on TV. It’s a very un-Ingebretsen thing to do.

9. All of us LOVE to stay up late. We thrive as night owls.

10. We laugh like crazy whenever we are together.

11. We all have big butts.

12. and funny noses.

13. Most of us hate leftovers, (but not all.)

14. All of us know, and miss Bob Parley. She was as much a member of the family as anyone. (Only my brothers and sister, and they’re spouses will understand this comment. Well, I think. I don’t even know if Jason knows the details about Bob Parley.)

15. None of us sing, but we are all musically inclined and can play an instrument.

My family now: A husband, a wife and three crazy kids.


1. All of us love to play video games, especially games that we can do together, (such as Mario Cart, or Wii sports) but we don’t really have much time to spend on this.

2. We are all very emotional. The girls much more so than the boys, but even they have their moments. The girls, (including myself) are pure estrogen when it comes to emotions.

3. All of us love to eat cereal before going to bed.

4. None of us like tomatoes or mushrooms. OK, I admit I have indoctrinated my kids with this belief. Total brainwashing! But I believe someday they will understand)

5. Country music is not allowed in out house.

6. We have never once watched sports on TV. (Well except the Olympics, but even that is limited to Gymnastics, and maybe a little swimming)

7. Everyone in the family knows who Edward Cullen is. (Hyrum is still trying to grasp the concept, but we’re working on it.)

8. We are addicted to YouTube, even my children.

9. My children were shocked to learn that in the “olden days” they didn’t have DVD players. Ouch, am I really that old.

10. All of us LOVE birthdays and CHRISTMAS. (but is that really such a surprise)

11. None of us are good singers.

12. Or good dancers.

13. but that doesn’t stop us from doing both.

14. Our favorite TV channels are Discovery Channel and TLC.

15. We very rarely make our beds (but that’s more my fault, I just don’t see the point when you’re going to mess it back up in a few hours.)

Most expensive things I own that I couldn’t live without, or items that are irreplaceable

You are lucky because you get to read another list of 30 things about Alyson King.

I dare anyone out there to make there own 30 lists of 30 things. it is hard, but very fun and very interesting to see what you learn about yourself.

20 years old. Here ends the professional pictures. It was hard to find pictures of me over the next few years, or at least pictures that I was not too embarrassed to post on the Internet.


As I was coming up with this list I realized that I really don’t have many things of much value. I often worry about someone breaking into my house. But then I realized there isn’t much for them to steal besides my checkbook and passport. Not sure if that’s really comforting or depressing, but I am grateful for the things I have and that what I have works. So here is my list of the most expensive things I own that I couldn’t live without, or things that are irreplaceable to me.

1. Gasoline. I’ve had my mini van for the past four years and I am certain that I‘ve spent more on gas for it, than on the vehicle itself!

2. Diapers and wipes. Maybe individually they’re not expensive, but I spend a lot of money on them, and I couldn’t imagine not having them.

3. My computer. I really don’t think I could survive without one, at least not for more than a few days.

4. My Car. I hate my car, it’s old, it’s clunky, but it runs and I know I couldn’t live without it.

5. My house. Ok, I don’t own my house yet, but I’m including things I hope to own someday, and that I’m making payments on now.

6. My grandmother’s necklace. When my father died my grandmother let me wear her Tiffany pearl necklace to the funeral, and told me I could have it when she died. This and my wedding ring are the only pieces of nice jewelry I own, but I love it more because of the sentimentality than because of the actually value. (Honestly I have no idea how much it’s even worth. It might not even be that much.)

7. Wedding ring. I could live without this, but I wouldn’t want to.

8. The TV. Ok, this is a must for anyone with kids. There are days I don’t know how I would survive without it.

9. CD player. How did people live I the “olden days” without the ability to hear whatever music they wanted whenever they wanted?

10. My book collection. I suppose if I was desperate and had no books I could go to the library for everything, but it give me a high, like a drug, for me to own my own books.

11. My bed. It’s nothing nice, in fact it’s 11 years old. But I love it much more than sleeping on the floor.

12. My pillow. I am very fond of my feather pillow, so much that I won’t travel without it. I just can’t sleep on the hotel room pillows. I have to have my own.

13. 700 thread count Egyptian cotton “sateen” sheets. Sigh. I’ve spoiled myself with this luxury, and now I’m addicted.

14. Food. Do you know how much money I spend on food? Especially good and healthy food. But so worth every dime. Literally, I could not survive without food.

15. Eye glasses/and or contacts. I would die in a car crash if I tried to drive without them, so I certainly need these.

16. My original books and stories that were hand written. My handwritten stories from my youth are fading with each year, but I treasure them as much as possible and I have done what I can to preserve them.

17. My table and chairs. As comfortable as my couch is, I prefer the table when I’m eating.

18. My education. We have spent much, much more on my husband’s education, but I value every cent I have spent to help me learn more, and I hope to spend even more money someday to help me expand that.

19. Hand-written letters that my father wrote to me when he was alive. After he died I looked for every personal thing he had ever given me. It’s amazing how seeing his handwriting with my name and those simple words, “I love you” can mean so much to me.

20. My flash drive. It has all my files backed up from my computer in case it ever crashed. I would hate to be without that in an emergency.

21. My cell phone. The bane of my life, can’t live with it, can’t live without it.

22. Clothes. Ok, I spend more money than I should on clothes, and that’s my fault. But let’s face it, clothes are expensive and I would be very uncomfortable living without them.

23. My children. Hands down they are the most expensive things in my house, and one thing that is irreplaceable and I couldn’t imagine my life without.

24. My fridge. Another convenience I can’t imagine living without.

25. My washer and dryer.

26. My dishwasher. No wonder the middle class had to have hired help. There is no way people could do it on their own.

27. My BBQ. This is my lifesaver in the summer, especially if my husband is going to help with the cooking.

28. The internet. This isn’t as expensive as it use to be, but it does take enough of my money over time, and I really could not live without it.

29. My newly acquired Wii. Once you play it you can’t imagine life without it, he he he…

30. My 20kt pink-diamond, Harry Winston necklace. I just love this so much I can’t stand to lock it up, so I let it hang around in the open on the rare days I’m not wearing it… Just kidding. I only wish I had a fat diamond necklace. I’m just running out of things to say.

Thoughts on Breaking Dawn—NO SPOILERS!!!!

I just finished reading the fourth book of the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn. I loved it. I was surprised by how much I loved it. It was by far the best of all four books. I have always loved these books, but I have certainly had my issues, kind of a love-hate thing. The more I love them, the more certain things have bothered me. Breaking Dawn made all those annoyance worth it. The funny thing is that I wasn’t as excited for this book as I was with the others. I wasn’t planning on reading it as quickly or as soon as I had with the others. In my mind it was just going to be a close repeat of Eclipse, I was SO wrong! I feel that this was the real story meant to be told. The other three books were just preparatory for this book. It was rather long, more than needed to be in some parts, but I did not want it to end. I would recommend it to everyone. As I said the other three books need to be read, as they set this book up, but in my mind, Breaking Dawn is the true story, the story that shines far above all the others.

30 of the cheapest things I couldn't live without.

Another day, another list... almost done, don't worry.

19 years old. My wedding picture. (Yes, I got married very, very young)

Here is a list of those small annoying things that are all over your house, things that cost pennies, (well more like nickles and dimes lately, or even quarters and dollars). But they are the things that I can't imagine living without. What cheap conveniences do you depend upon?


1. Floss
2. Soap
3. Q-tips
4. Toilet Paper
5. Water
6. Hairbrush
7. Chap stick
8. Stamps (who else would deliver a letter across the country for 42 cents?)
9. Post-it notes
10. Hangers
11. Zip lock bags
12. Tin foil
13. Salt
14. Lip stick
15. Tooth paste
16. and a toothbrush
17. Paperclips
18. Rubber bands
19. Pens (there is nothing worse when you need a pen and you can’t find one)
20. Bleach
21. Nail clippers
22. A book mark
23. Kleenx
24. Scissors
25. A pacifier, (for my child—not me!)
26. Band-aids
27. Tweezers
28. Dr. Pepper
29. Chocolate
30. Sugar

30 Beliefs

Yes, still going. Alyson King's 30 different lists...

18 years old. Finally, an adult.

These are just a few of my core beliefs, you may share some of them, you may hate me that I believe in others, but it’s who I am.

1. I believe in forgiveness.

2. I believe you are never too old to change.

3. I believe in admitting when you are wrong.

4. I believe it’s ok to not know something.

5. I believe in searching for answers when you don’t know something.

6. I believe first impressions can change.

7. I don’t believe in dieting, but I do it.

8. I do believe in exercise, but I don’t do it enough.

9. I believe in letting your kids explore the world around them.

10. I believe intelligence is the most attractive trait in a person.

11. Kindness is a close second.

12. I believe God gave me Jason to be my husband because he knew how much I needed him.

13. I believe that medication can be a very good thing.

14. I also believe it can be a bad thing if used improperly.

15. I believe it’s toxic to keep thoughts and emotions in, and very healthy to vent.

16. I believe money doesn’t buy happiness, but I also believe it can help make really awesome memories!

17. I believe girls can be feminine and strong.

18. I believe chocolate can make you happy, and relieve stress.

19. I believe we all have issues or “baggage” that needs to be worked through.

20. I believe boring women keep immaculate homes.

21. I believe that women are stronger than men, perhaps nto always physically stronger, but stronger in many other ways.

22. I believe men know this and have spent the entire span of mankind suppressing women because they’re really afraid of us. :)

23. I need my man in my life as much as he needs me.

24. I believe in wearing seatbelts.

25. I believe in getting my children immunized.

26. I believe education is one of the most important things you can give your children.

27. But not as important as love.

28. I believe in reading every day.

29. I believe that God knows each of us, and has a purpose for us.

30. I believe in myself and that I am capable of great things.

30 Most Memorable Memories

Still going, Alyson King's list of 30, well you get the idea.

17 years old. Senior Picture! Actually I think this picture was taken the day before my 17th birthday, but it still counts.

This was fun, I dare everyone to write down their most memorable memories, (we'll just call it MMM)Maybe it's just me, but I love strolling down memory lane, all thirty years of them.

1. The first time I cried in the movie theater. (It was “My Girl”

2. The moment I found out my Dad died. (I half expected a call from him saying he was just kidding and it was all a big joke.)

3. The day I got married. (August 29th 1997. I was late)

4. Each time my children were born, but especially when my oldest was born

5. The day I found out I was pregnant for the first time. (I think I took three tests just to "make sure")

6. The day I learned my husband had cancer. (I was pregnant at the time and at my own doctor when I got the call)

7. My High school graduation (June 6th 1996)

8. My first “real” kiss (Define real kiss however you want, this one was chaste. New Years Eve, 1994. I was 15 years old)

9. The day my daughter was baptized. (July 5, 2008)

10. The day I was baptized (September 5th, 1986)

11. The first time I tried Magelby’s chocolate cake (I was at Costco and they were giving free samples. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The guy that gave it to me warned me it was addictive. I should have listened)

12. The day my childhood home burned down (August 17th, 2000. We were going to celebrate my birthday the next day.)

13. The moment I learned my parents were “officially” divorced. (April 2000. I don't like to think about this one)

14. The day my mother remarried. (I was, and still am, very happy for her, but I couldn't even watch the ceremony. It was hard for me to watch my mother kiss a man that was not my father.)

15. The day I bought my home. (It was the day before my 7th wedding anniversary

16. The first time I listened to “The Phantom of the Opera” (I was driving to St George with Sonnett, and her father played it on the way down. I was 12.)

17. My first day of college. (More importantly I remember the day I moved into my dorm room. It was the first time i was living on my own, and it was awesome!)

18. The day I learned my parents temple sealing was canceled. (For years afterwards I struggled listening to the song "Families Can be Together Forever")

19. The first time I feel in love (Oh nothing like that jittery, electric, "in-love" feeling)

20. The first time I got my heart broken (Oh, ouch, don't like to think about this one either)

21. My 11th birthday. (I had an old fashioned tea party)

22. 5th grade (It was very good

23. The first big lie I told, (I was physically sick about it for two weeks, until I told my dad the truth. He was so good about it I never lied to him after. Never!

24. The first time I flew on an airplane. (I was seven and went by myself)

25. Going to Disneyland with my dad, just the two of us, when I was seven.

26. The first rejection letter I received for my writing...I don't need to go into that one.

27. The moment I was accepted into Orson Scott Card’s boot-camp. (It was the first "official" validation I have ever received for my writing... also the last, so far. But I'm optimistic.

28. The first time I bought a car from a car lot. (Ok, I'll be honest, my husband bought the car, but it was still cool to purchase a car that only had 6 miles on it.)

29. My last day of work (in an office, let’s face it I work harder now then I ever did at a desk job.)

30. The last time I spoke to my dad—two days before he died. (He told me to help my little brother, and to be kind to my mother.)

30 People who have changed my life.

Still going.. Alyson King's 30 days of 30 lists, of blah, blah, blah

16 years old! (My braces years)

I truely beleive that every person I encounter affects my life. Some more than others. Below is a list of people who I feel I am a better person, and I've lived my life differently because they were a part of it.

1. Jason—My husband, good and bad, my life is completly different because of him. (Mostly good)

2. Sonnett—My best friend since elementary school

3. Sabine—My best friend since I've had kids, everyone needs someone to understand that tramu! (and joy)

4. Erin—My sister

5. Janae—My daughter

6. Sarah—My Daughter

7. Hyrum—My son

8. My Dad (there isn't much more to add)

9. Jenn—My best friend in high school

10. Monk—My best friend in college

11. Ms Edvalson—My eight grade teacher, (she loved my writing)

12. Ms Karen—My sixth grade teacher, (she taught me how to write)

13. Ms. Russel—My high school creative writing teacher, (she was the first one who told me I would be published some day, I hope not to disapoint her.)

14. Orson Scott Card—Changed my writing forever

15. All members of the 2007 boot camp—They keep me going

16. Amanda—My best friend while I worked at Convergys

17. My Mom

18. Drew—My brother

19. Tommy—My brother

20. Robby—My brother

21. Everyone who reads my blog—I wouldn’t blog without you ;)

22. Pres Hinckley—The prophet I’ve been closest to throughout my life

23. Everyone in book club—They help me survive each month

24. Harry-He would be my "phone a friend" life line if I was ever on "Who wants to be a Millionare"

25. Mimi—My grandmother

26. Grumpy—My grandfather

27. Jaymes—My first crush

28. Andy—My first heartbreak.

29. Ms. Ball—the greatest teacher I’ve ever had in my whole life

30. Paul King—My father-in-law