The Loveland9

What would you do if you had a buck?

2012-01-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I looked out the window and saw something. I was like....What the heck? Shut up!!

A buck in my very own backyard. Seriously.

I remember hearing how my dad was a legend in his hunting days (he still is) about how he killed a deer with his bare hands or something really close to that. So, like I've always done...I thought, hey, if my parents can do it, then I can do it. So...I raced down the stairs, dress, heels and all and I ran and caught that buck.

Those hunting instincts kicked in like I never could have imagined. I threw that thing on the ground so fast, grabbed him by one antler and a leg and called for G to come wipe him out.

Done. Buck with a tag.

Then G and I put him up on the suburban, and hauled him home. Coming from a "hunting" ~~family~~, dad, and sisters, I was elated to be the newest member of the "bring a buck home" club.

Upon arrival, I called all the kids out to see what mom brought home. They were all thrilled to jump up on the car with my trophy. Especially A. He's just thrilled out of his mind as always. (He was a mighty good sport since neighbors were watching. I'm sure.)

While taking the deer off the car, a neighbor whizzed by doing a double take and quickly yanked the car around to see what was going on. I just explained that I brought home a deer and it did in fact have a tag.

They seemed okay with it. They liked the idea of this year's Christmas Card with the family on the car with the deer. I'll have to keep that in mind.

The boys hauled it upstairs only to hear me yell, "Get it down here! I don't want dad to see it. It's a surprise."

That's when they said, "Mom, doesn't dad read your blog?" So, hi honey, I got a deer. Not as cute as you dear, but it's a nice one.

And...it has a tag that says, "$20" from the Salvation Army. But with a certain little discount I got it for $16. He does have a broken antler, but I'll figure that out. I'm going to have so much fun with this thing. I can't stop thinking about all the cards, and pictures, and stories, and rental prices, and appearances this thing has in it's future.

Okay, okay, so I planted the thing in my back yard. I went to the temple this morning, ran to my two favorite thrift stores and as I was in the back of Salvation Army, I saw this beast of a hairy thing and asked while pointing, "What is that?" The workers started laughing and said that it was dropped off over night. I hesitated for a minute and asked how much they would sell something like that for. She told me that they were going to put it out on the floor for $20. I began giggling harder than I have in a long time (since Oregon with my sister) and told them not to sell it because I was going to buy it. It started out as a future gag gift but it's awesome. I giggled and giggled throwing my arms around with so much excitement. The thought of my family seeing me with a deer. Knowing that I am the least deery-venison person ever!! The lady offered to take the deer out to my car for me. I told her I was fine as long as no one watched me haul out this huge deer with me in my dress. After paying, I couldn't even stand the thought of touching it. It's so real. I kind of held an antler with a couple fingers and began dragging it out on it's feet. That's when the first worker lady came running toward me offering once again to take the deer out after hearing me say it was "so deery". I let her. She lifted him up and put him in the back of the car. I pulled out of there so excited and giddy at the thought of me having my very own deer.

So, I did in fact plant him in the back yard waiting for the kids to see him. Their eyes were big for half a second until they realized that a deer could not in fact get into our backyard. So, then we had fun taking pictures.

So, I've told you what I've done and will possibly do with my buck. The possibilities are endless. Plus, you'll laugh and giggle like you never have before. What would you do if you had a buck?

A bit of earth

2012-01-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

The other day my anxiety kicked in for some reason and I was so close to checking myself into the E.R. but I decided not to run from it. I needed to find something to do to be busy rather than just sitting around thinking about it and the sheer fact that I thought I was dying. So, I grabbed some clippers and a garbage bag and went out to the back yard. I worked and worked until I had seven bags of dead trimmings. As I was working around the pool area the words from, The Secret Garden came to me.

"Might I," quavered Mary, "might I have a bit of earth?"

That's not exactly how I rememberd it. I had to look it up. I did remember her saying "bit of earth" thinking that everyone needed some. As I was finishing up the clippings, I was so grateful for my very own bit of earth and how it helped me that day.

While looking up this quote, I recognized many favorite scenes from two amazing books, now movies. The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Oh, how I do need a girls night out with my nieces. A tea party perhaps followed by feel good movies. I'll get on that. :)

Going up in my girls' room today? These.

Sunday nights

2012-01-22T23:58:00.000-08:00

For some reason on Sunday evenings, the house is a wreck! But, it only means that we've been living and having fun together. Being away from family, we play games, have company over for dinner, make a treat, watch "church" movies, or just hang out Sunday evenings. The kids don't have school tomorrow so we decided to have a camp out tonight. The boys helped me set up our new humongous tent in the living room. We had to push back all the furniture so that it would fit. I believe it's a ten man tent.

After we got the tent put up, D and the kids invented a new game. Instead of playing ping pong on the kitchen table, you play ping pong on the kitchen table AND the sliding glass doors. Kind of like racket ball. I'm not that good at kitchen table racket ball I've discovered. The kids teased me that I need a tennis racket to even hit the ball. Rude. :)

And what would Sunday night be without a treat? It's all about Chex Muddy Buddies around here. Not the teeniest bit of powdered sugar goes to waste. The boys scrape out the bowl and the girls lick the lid.

We flipped the tent around so that we could watch, "The Prince of Egypt" while laying down with our pillows and blankets. The kids are having fun watching "Joseph, the King of Dreams" right now. Seeing how it's a new tent, there isn't any popcorn at the movies this time around.

Then we wrap up the night with our family prayers that we've been diligent at since we now have a missionary. Chalk it up to one of those blessings from C serving the Lord. Going to bed grateful again.

What do you do on Sunday nights?

I love you D

2012-01-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just because I've got romance on the brain for the next month, here's a little something for D's office right next to my kiss from last year.

No matter the language, I love you D.

Dur-a-cell! Dur-a-cell!

2012-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

J walked in from scouts a month or so ago with a box I've become very familiar with. Like I've seen it twelve or so times in my home before. But I've got it down now!

We keep it to a minimum around here. No more asking neighbors for cuts or large drill holes for weights. Nope. All done right here in our very own kitchen. Yip. It's Pinewood Derby time baby and I still had another idea pop into my little head for this years car.

Here's a clue. The copper top.

The one thing I hate about these cars though....putting on the darn wheels. I chip off little pieces of wood every year while hammering in the wheels. Well, this year one of the wheels was a little deeper than the others, so it didn't really roll while the other three did. I pointed it out to D who thought he'd just pull the wheel up. I must have turned my head just then because next thing I knew there were two huge pieces of car laying on the counter. I can picture my eyes right now. They must have been huge like one of those bush baby things. I just stared at my car that I had finished whilst a portion of it had flaked off and was staring up at me. I knew instantly what had happened. I could just visualize it. I then asked D, "Did you try to pry the wheel up?" He then said, "Yes, and then it broke." I took a deep breath and then ordered for the super glue to be brought over to me. Time to play doctor. No use in making a fuss over it all. It still looked like my copper top when all was said and done. I love you D. Actually I'm grateful you don't really do these. I think it would drive me nuts just watching. No, I know it would. I would need a his and hers car. :)

It raced tonight. And....it beat a couple cars. In fact, every time our car was up for a race, the chanting would begin, "Dur-a-cell! Dur-a-cell! Dur-a-cell!

J left with the award, "Most Energetic". We'll take it even though it's a Duracell not an Energizer. Already plotting my next car in 2014.

Happy Flu Year

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

The morning C left for his mission, the flu bug hit our house. The worst flu bug I have ever seen I might add. Seriously! Over the course of the last sixteen days, someone has been sick. I haven't done this much laundry since we had lice a few years ago. Yes, I did just admit that. I've lysoled and bleached my house to death top to bottom several times, only to be disappointed with someone else popping up with the flu again. I've mopped and scrubbed and wanted to puke multiple times just from the mere fact of cleaning up others' "stuff". Gag.

I found out that it hit my entire family that week that I took C up to see my grandparents. Of the 44 of us, over thirty people got it. Some people twice. B had it four times. I had it twice and I even had a flu shot.

The hard part in all of this...knowing that C left for the MTC feeling sick. Then finding out later that he really was. And a week and a half in, he still was, even to the point of laying in bed for days. That was really hard knowing that he felt like crap and was there without me. In my letter to him I told him that the only comfort I had as a mother knowing that he was sick, was knowing that Heavenly Father was there for him to turn to. We prayed and prayed and then we just had to wait for his letter hoping for the best. We got his letter this week and he's well again. Hallelujah!

So now, after almost three weeks, I can finally wish you all a ~~Happy Flu Year!~~ Happy New Year!

Left behind

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

I remember being engaged to D years ago and all the excitement that came with it. He had proposed to me in the most romantic way ever. He thought I was great. I had a beautiful engagement ring. I helped design my wedding dress. I had fun planning every detail of my reception. I was thrown several bridal showers. I couldn't wait to decorate my own little apartment. I was excited at the thought of finally going to the temple. Thinking about the honeymoon. It was a whirlwind of a great semester. Except for grade time. :)

I got married and never looked back. It was all about me and my new future with my new handsome hubby. Oldest child and oldest daughter leaving home and starting one of her own.

I sent my son on his mission twelve days ago. My son excited for his adventure that he has always dreamed about.

It's different this time. I'm looking at him through my children's eyes that are left back here at home. They miss their older brother. He's gone. And they're not. They wonder how they can survive two whole years without him. G would rather have his brother back than his own room. They miss his personality and the attention that he gave each of them. They are supportive of his decision and are telling him through letters that they appreciate his good example.

In just less than two years, they'll have to say goodbye to A as he goes off to school. I don't know how these younger kids do it. Saying goodbye time after time to older siblings that they look up to.

D asked me how I felt when my brothers went on their missions. I told him that it wasn't hard for me because I had already left. I've never been there when anyone has left. I was the oldest and I left first. I've never been there at home with the changes of having one leave before me. I've never had to change "birth order".

Thankfully, C continues to show interest in the kids' lives. He has cute relationships with each of the kids. He was able to spend time with each of them before he left.

I hope that I can teach each of my children to appreciate each other's birth order and to show respect for each other. That they will always show interest in each other's lives. That they will be supportive of each other. That they will encourage each other. That they will love each other unconditionally. That they will remain friends whether they are the ones that have left or are still home. They are seeing that their family will always be their friends. It just takes one leaving to see that.

Although I hate the word adapt, the kids will get used to having older siblings leave one after another. They'll adjust to their new role in the family each time and gain a greater respect for where each other has been. So, although I'm praying for C all the time as he is gone serving the Lord, my prayers also include my children left behind.

A letter from her missionary

2012-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

We got our first letter in the mail from C. Earlier this afternoon we had been watching for the mail lady to come by for two hours wondering where she was. D's parents stopped by to visit on their way home from a vacation. We conveniently sat in front of the living room window visiting when J saw the mail lady and exclaimed, "She's here!" That's when I yelled, "J, go get it!"

He came running back waving a letter in his hands and then teasing us that there wasn't anything there. He handed me the envelope. There it was. A letter from my Elder. I called down the kids and we opened it up all together.

He said that he is safe at the MTC! He's already learning Spanish and teaching discussions. He even shared his testimony in Spanish with us. I cried as I read his letter trying to comprehend such huge things. I know that he is doing what he wants to do more than anything in this world. I know that he is being watched over by a loving Father in Heaven.

As I folded up the letter and carefully placed it back into the envelope, my father-in-law said, "There's only one thing a woman loves more than a love letter. A letter from her missionary."

I couldn't have said it better myself. I'll be reading, re-reading the letters and chasing down the mail lady every Saturday. It's a good day. :)

I just lived a fairytale

2011-12-31T21:08:00.001-08:00

So, I've FINALLY learned not to go into my birthday with any expectations. That way there's NO room for disappointment.

The night before my birthday, D came home with a Birthday card for me with some money in it. Wishing me Happy Birthday since he wouldn't be going to visit all my family with me for the weekend. I clung to the last few words in the card saying something to the effect that something good would be in the state we were headed to. I cried secretly hoping there would be a letter for me from C before he left.

I woke up the next morning knowing that the day would be a good one since I was feeling better. Each of the kids greeted me by saying, "Happy Birthday Mom". I was content with that. Anything above and beyond that would be a bonus.

After getting my birthday wishes from each of the kids, we scurried around trying to decide whether or not we could go see my family as planned that day since some of the kids weren't quite well yet. We decided that we would be able to leave, so we gathered our stuff, left A home to get better since he was now not feeling well, and we were off.

That night we attended my sister's baby blessing followed by a potluck at the church. After my brother-in-law's family and friends left, my mom got on a mic and asked everyone for their attention. Then she went on to say....

That the night was a special night for my sister and her family since they had just blessed their miracle baby, but that they didn't want me to feel forgotten since it was my birthday. I sat there kind of embarrassed and smiled at everyone. Okay, it's just my birthday. Then my mom handed me a gift that I unwrapped in front of everyone. It was a book of pictures and thoughts from everyone about me! People said the sweetest things. I quickly flipped through it hoping to see a letter from C. There it was. A note from my very own Elder. (That's what he is going by for the next two years) I cried and cried anxious to read what he had written me. Anxious to see what everyone had written to me or what their thoughts were on me. It was awesome! Best present ever.

But then....

While I sat there crying flipping through the pages, my mom continued on by telling everyone that for over a year now I had talked about and wanted a cuarenta-era. But that I had chosen to celebrate my birthday in another way by giving a breakfast to my Veterans. I was sobbing at that point. She called me up and said that I was going to have that dream fulfilled. I went up where she and my dad put a tiara on my head, placed a coursage on my wrist and then my dad asked if I would dance with him. The song, "Butterfly Kisses" came on. My dad held out his hand and I placed mine in his. The other arm on his shoulder and my head in his chest. I danced with my dad crying and crying wishing that I could freeze time. My dad told me that he loved me. I told him that I loved him too. That "that" was the neatest thing anyone had ever done for me. That it was better than any cuarenta-era I could have ever thrown myself. I danced there in my dad's arms at the age of 40 feeling beautiful. I hadn't needed that gorgeous dress, professionally done hair, makeup and nails, and all the glitz and glamour that I had once dreamed about. It was perfect just dancing there in my dad's arms. Knowing that my mom and dad had done that for me.

That's when I realized that becoming 40 was beautiful. I love this age. I love this stage of my life. I love looking back and seeing my own personal growth. I love that I really didn't need a cuarenta-era but that my mom made sure I had one. That night was priceless. Truly mom and dad, I can't thank you enough. I know it seems so silly, but it meant so much to me that you would do that. I love you.

I couldn't wait to get back to my sister's house that night to read through my book. My kids were all asleep next to me and on the floor in one of the bedrooms. I read through it using my cell phone light. I laughed and cried as I read everyone's entries. I texted D thanking him for his letter. He texted back saying that he meant every word. My favorite thing he wrote? That my smile is the most beautiful decoration in our home.

I went to bed so grateful and thankful for the best birthday ever. And to think that some people might have said that I am "over the hill". Not in my book. I just lived a fairytale.

These kids just grow up so fast

2011-12-29T22:08:00.001-08:00

I woke up feeling better physically today. My stomach isn't normal, but I haven't been in bed since noon like yesterday. The kids helped me put away Christmas this morning and we got the downstairs looking like my house again after bedroom changes, Christmas and a son leaving. C has definitely been on my mind all day, but I've been okay. Until...

I took the kids to the park this afternoon. I just sat there as the kids ran around chasing each other on the playground. Then a two year old with red hair walked by. That was it. My mind raced back seventeen years to when C looked just like him. His soft red hair, light complexion and not a single freckle. I remember C being that young boy. I sat there watching him as tears ran down my face. After a couple minutes and trying to distract myself, the older brother around seven years of age with red hair, went running by. I felt as though I was watching C grow before my eyes. Just a couple minutes after that, I overheard two fathers talking behind me and one saying, "These kids just grow up so fast." I thought to myself, "You have NO idea!" I've been warned of this. This whole thing of enjoying your kids because they grow up too fast. And enjoy the craziness and the noise because someday you'll miss it. I never bought into that. I didn't have time to. All it takes though is to have one leave and it hits.

It seems like after the park one thing after another kept reminding me of C. His bedroom that is no longer his bedroom. His car that is no longer his car. His tower of Burek sitting in the fridge that he would have eaten all three meals yesterday. The Christus above the mantel and the spotlight on it that he requested. Not needing to make as much lunch for everyone.

I've been so positive and not a downer about C leaving at all. But I am sick and tired of people saying, "You wouldn't want him anywhere else." Yes, you're right. But, I need to be validated on my feelings. My son just left for two years. There is a hole in our home. I miss his hugs and how he sincerely cared about me. I miss his example here. I know our family will be blessed for him serving. I know that. But this is about being real and I need it.

I did find out how to get him a letter tomorrow that I wrote today so that makes me happy. I know that he will be okay. I know that he is where he has prepared to be his entire life. I know there are people praying for answers and direction in Mexico and that he is the Lord's tool to help them. Knowing that, makes it all worth it.

To the dear people of Guadalajara, my son will be there soon. God is preparing you for His message. My son has prepared his entire life for this. He will share what he knows to be true. He will testify of our Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the atonement. He will share with you the Book of Mormon. It is a favorite of mine and I know it to be true. Our family will keep you in our prayers along with my son, who is now serving as a missionary for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints.

Love,
Me--A missionary mom

I suppose that was some insight that I needed just now. I'm quite humbled actually. Going to bed grateful again.

I'm a missionary mom

2011-12-28T23:07:00.000-08:00

After we scarfed down our Burek last night, we went to get C set apart as a missionary for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints. It was beautiful. C was cute saying that he needed a companion with him. G stepped right up and said, "I'm your companion!" C then said, "Ya, you're my Deacon companion." G thought it was the neatest thing in the world. Once we got home, we sat down together and tried to remember all the things that were said in the blessing and put them on paper. C wanted a copy to take with him and he wanted me to have one.

After that, we all sat around the table talking, laughing and singing. The boys performed several songs at my request from the movie, "One Smooth Stone". We laughed and laughed and I promised them that these videos would be treasures to them one day. The boys headed to bed and C and I got on the computer to watch a couple videos that he was supposed watch before entering the MTC. At around 1:15 AM, C went to bed. I promised him that I would wake him up at 5:30. He finally admitted that he was nervous and that he was feeling sad at this point knowing that he was leaving everyone. We hugged and then we went to bed. I stayed up writing him a letter to hand him just before he got on the airplane.

While I was writing the letter, D called me in saying that S was throwing up. It lasted all night. We were bathing, washing, scrubbing, changing, repeat, all night. My prayer was all over the place. I kept catching myself thinking of C growing up and then would have to get back to my prayer. I prayed off and on all night.

The alarm clock went off and D and I decided that only the boys and I would take C to the airport. He would remain home with the girls. I went down to wake C up. He was sad, tired and not feeling well. I had to tell him that D and the girls wouldn't be going to the airport. He did okay. There wasn't time to sit around and think about it. We were leaving in 20 minutes.

We got the boys up and they came downstairs. C asked D to give him a blessing of comfort. C ran upstairs to tell the girls goodbye. He didn't get to tell S goodbye, since she was so sick and finally asleep. B wouldn't get up and hug him so it was hard.

We got his luggage in the back of the car and we were off. I held C's hand as we drove to the airport. What a tender moment. Once we arrived at the check in counter at the airport, I saw another woman walking over to me followed by a young man in a suit with two suitcases. I quickly asked her if he were a missionary. She said, "yes". They were on the same flight up and were going to be on the same shuttle from SLC down to the MTC. My mind was eased immediately.

I asked the lady at the counter if we could all escort C to the gate since we wouldn't be seeing him for two years. She agreed. We walked back with C and met up with the other young man's family. It really lightened the mood.

Once we got to the gate we had a seat for about half an hour. We talked and laughed. I saw my son talk to a total stranger easily. My how he has grown up. Then it was time to say goodbye. Each of the boys took a turn hugging him goodbye. C was so cute, holding them and talking to them as their older brother. He told them to stay worthy, to mind mom and dad, and that he loved them.

Then it was my turn. We hugged and held each other. I told him some things and then said that I loved him. We walked them down to the door and waved goodbye. I was fine those last few seconds when his back was away from me. But then he turned around, saw me and cried as he walked away.

I cried as I walked through the terminal at the airport. It was hard thinking that I wouldn't have that hug for two years. It was a quiet ride home.

Upon arriving home, D told me that B had been throwing up. I guess it was a distraction having to deal with cleaning up puke and the runs off sheets, towels, clothes and carpets all day. I began feeling yucky around noon and stayed in bed the entire day after that.

Just as I was getting in bed around noon, I called the boys up. They raced up the stairs and I told them that C was walking into the MTC any minute. Then I handed them letters that he had written each of them. They were excited to get them and wondered how I got them. I told them that he had written them on Christmas Eve and they were to be opened the day that he left.

I read each of the letters. I kept saying, "Oh C". He had made a point to personalize every letter. They were beautiful. Truly. They will be cherished.

The boys have said that they don't know if they can do this for two years. Meaning, not have C here. They are sad that he is gone. They can't believe that he is gone. I can't either. I let them say how they feel and we usually agree. Then we talk about how it will be good and that we will hear from him and we can keep in touch.

I can't count how many times I prayed for C today. Praying that he felt okay today. Praying that he won't be homesick. Praying that he'll be comfortable and learn what he needs to learn. Praying that he won't become discouraged. Praying that he will know that Heavenly Father is always there now that I am not.

I love you C. I will miss you. Can't wait for that first letter.

My son is now a missionary. I guess that makes me a " missionary mom".

He knows I need this

2011-12-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

Remember my post about making Burek for C on his eighteenth birthday? It was a tender mercy that it worked out. I was so grateful. I've made it a couple times since and it hasn't worked out. I've had to throw the whole thing out since the dough was bad. It's all about the dough!

Knowing that C will be leaving, I've wanted everything to be perfect, including his last meal with us. I decided to make Burek for him. I silently prayed that it would work out this last time. I read and re-read the directions not to overlook a single detail. Then it came time to check the dough....

It was beautiful. It was perfect. I called the kids in to come see. I called my friend to run over to see since it was working out. C asked me, "How come it's working this time?" I then told him through very humble tears, "Because Heavenly Father knows I need this." I looked over at him after saying that and he looked at me with a smile. I knew that I was once again given the tender mercy that my heart needed.

My heart was so full as we sat down eating our Bosnian Burek for C's last dinner tonight. It was perfect.

My grandparents

2011-12-26T23:33:00.000-08:00

Made one last trip to see my grandparents before C leaves. It was a good quick trip. Glad we made it.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T22:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas with C this year was such a gift. I loved having him here before he takes off for the MTC on Wednesday. He knew that Christmas was going to be different this year. His "Christmas" fits inside two huge suitcases and a new backpack. He was a good sport as he sat there watching everyone exchange gifts.

I loved having him at the top of the stairs Christmas morning being the oldest child. I loved hearing him sing the Christmas songs at church. I loved watching him give each family member hugs as they thanked them for his gifts. I love that boy.

The kids were all thrilled with their gifts including A's hammock in his soon to be bedroom.

Our cute neighbor that we love, dressed up in our Santa suit and came over to see the kids Christmas Eve.

Such a good day knowing that we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Such a good day with my children and this gift I was given.

Merry Christmas!

Gift wrapping

2011-12-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

The kids got money from both sets of grandparents this year for Christmas. The kids were thrilled out of their minds and eager to head to Target. After we got home, S proceeded to wrap her gifts that she bought herself.

Introducing...

A Barbie wrapped in lots of shreds of paper with as much tape as there is paper.

Makes me smile to see how my three year old does gift wrapping. :)

B's miffed

2011-12-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

I learned not to dump out the dolly's bottle. B got a little miffed.

Their nanny got married today

2011-12-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

When the girls were babies, D hired his sister to come help be a nanny for the summer. I was kind of against it because I was doing just fine all by myself. But D, was cute and insisted that I really could use some help. He was right. Not only was his sister a lot of help with the babies, but she cleaned and organized my pantry, the girls' room, and probably a lot of other places. We got to know each other. It was fun having a girl in the house. She was respectful to me and a joy to be around. I'm so grateful for her and the time we had together. And, D, yes, I needed her. I was able to enjoy my summer, enjoy my babies, and made a new friend.

Since then, my girls have grown up and have become best friends.

D's sister got married today. She looked beautiful in the most gorgeous wedding dress. It was stunning in person.

We enjoyed the day with family and it was fun seeing her with my baby girls grown up.

Congratulations Ang. You looked beautiful and it was neat to share your special day with you. I love you. As I tucked my girls in bed tonight, I told them that you, their nanny got married today.

Balleret-tards

2011-12-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

The girls have now completed two sessions of tap and ballet classes at the rec center. They look forward to it every Monday. After a few months now, they've finally gotten the dance lingo down. They know ballet terms, tights, and leotards. There at the beginning, B was asking when she could put on her "balleret-tard".

S found some Isotoner slippers in the bottom of my closet along with my clogging shoes the other day. She quickly pulled them both out telling me that I could now go to dance with them. I think we'll just dance in the privacy of our own home. :)

C was able to watch them at class last week. He watched them wondering if they were getting any better. Like, he was serious!. Just then, a grandmother of another girl leaned over to ask me if my daughter had had dance before. I told her that it was her second session. She said that she "could tell". C about fell over. I was such a proud momma. :)

Although they know that they now wear leotards, tights and skirts, I'll always remember hearing, "Mom, can I wear my balleret-tard?" and smile.

He Will Not Be Still

2011-12-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

It's so surreal to think that my oldest son C, had his mission farewell at church today. People have asked me if I can believe that my son is old enough to be going on a mission. Yes, I can. I've seen him grow up and mature all these years. I've seen his testimony grow, how he has become more independent, and how he has this eagerness to get out and teach the gospel. He's ready.

It was the perfect day. My heart is so full. I'm humbled at the thought of a son that is so obedient and so strong. He has taught me.

He asked Bishop Foutz, Bishop Owens, and Mike B. to sing his favorite song, "I Will Not Be Still". I remember the first time C had our family listen to the song. C had told us that the song described him perfectly. It does. The song was beautiful. Not just because of the message, but by the men who sang it. They have been so influential in C's life. It couldn't have been better.

C had his Priest advisor, Kurt H. speak with him. It was neat to hear him speak of things that led into C's talk perfectly.

Finally, my future missionary stood at the pulpit. There he was. Dark suit, missionary haircut, my son. After much studying and prayer, he spoke with such confidence and humility hardly needing his notes. I listened with a smile on my face, not wiping the stream of tears that ran down both cheeks. I watched my nineteen year old son testify of the things he knows to be true. It was beautiful.

We then closed with the song, "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again". Then I allowed myself to wipe my tears. My son sat on the stage all grown up. It was now my son that we were singing about.

I went up to hug him and tell him what a good job he did afterwards. After hugging him, I saw J all red in the face. I thought he might be sick. After talking to him, I realized that it was the fact that C will be leaving. We hugged for a few moments while each of us cried. I had never thought how it was going to affect my other children when C leaves. That broke my heart.

We then went home to feed our families before they needed to head back home. We had Ropa Vieja tacos and fried ice cream. I had done it all the day before so it was easy. And yummy. It was fun visiting everyone that had come to support us. We had a house of forty nine I think.

I'm going to bed so grateful. Grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, a supportive family, my own little family, (people laugh at that since there are nine of us) C's decision, my Latino friends and my ward family. The Lord has been so good to me.

All he wants for Christmas

2011-12-08T22:15:00.000-08:00

My ~~cute~~ handsome little g. He's outgrowing that. He came home from school after having his tooth knocked out by a little girl. Actually, it was dangling in the center of his mouth so it just needed a little shove. Like a whack to a lunchroom table shove. He was brave though. No tears. (Can we please try that at home? I would love not having to think that someone was trying to break through the door, or a head practically lying on the ground when in fact there was a tiny drop of blood!)

Oh I love this little guy. Time to play Tooth Fairy again. Fortunately D has taken over that role, because I STINK at playing Tooth Fairy! G handed me an I.O.U. the other day from missed lost teeth. That's how good I am.

I sang the song, "All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth" to him the other day when he had lost the other top tooth. He thought I made up the song and quickly corrected me that that was in fact, NOT what he wanted for Christmas at all.

That's good, because Christmas is already purchased. :)

Elder Christensen

2011-12-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, it just hit. People have been asking me for weeks how I was doing with the thought of C leaving on his mission. I've been fine. Really haven't thought about it. Until....
He brought his best friend over tonight to say goodbye. He'll be leaving for the MTC in the morning and then be known as Elder Christensen for the next two years.

I can't do my thoughts justice right now. I'm sobbing thinking back nineteen years at my baby boy. Just seven years ago, many other mothers at church told me that before I knew it, my son would be a missionary. Now that I'm looking back, I'm wondering where the time has gone.

I'm going to miss my son. He brings so much to our family. To me. As much as I'll miss him and hate the picture in my head of the last wave goodbye in the airport, I know he is going where he is supposed to go. I know that he can't wait to get out there and be a missionary for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints.

In just five days he'll have his farewell at church and in three weeks he'll leave. But for right now...

Good luck Elder Christensen. Thanks for being a good friend to and for C. You're in our prayers.

Joy to the World

2011-12-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

The other day I was telling myself that this year I was going to say, "Merry Christmas" rather than Happy Holidays when out shopping. But then my very sensitive to others self, shyed away from it thinking that it might not be a "Merry Christmas" for everyone. Like, what if they were having financial hardships, a family member battling cancer, loss of a loved one, etc. I just thought it was easy for me to say that since I was having a great Christmas with my son just before he leaves on his mission.
But, that is when the Spirit taught me differently. All of us in a way, are going through hardships. Some, harder and more trying than others. But Christmas time is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I mean really, that's why we sing, "Joy To The World" with such enthusiasm. It's not because we have found the perfect gifts, or are gathered around the table for Christmas dinner, or I have my missionary one last time. It's because we know that we have been given the greatest gift in the world.

The holidays are fun. They are full of tradition. Advent calendars, The Christmas Eve Elf, The Food Fairy, Christmas lights, Christmas Eve dinner, the children lining up at the top of the stairs Christmas morning, reading Luke 2 on Christmas Eve, etc. They are traditions. NOT what makes Christmas Merry. Jesus Christ is why I will be wishing people a Merry Christmas this year. He is what I will be teaching my children about.

There will be Christmas' in the future where things are not so perfect. I hope that my children and I can then remember that. That we can find the Joy in Christmas. Because if we can, Christmas will always be perfect.

Now I'm off to listen to Joy to the World and Handel's Messiah. My favorite music of all time.

Merry Christmas everybody and Joy to the World!!

20 Years

2011-11-27T23:56:00.000-08:00

D and I spent the last few days together. Just the two of us. It was quiet. I liked it. I liked being with him. I even liked watching football with him. Actually, he watched football as I wrapped myself all around him. I don't watch football. We spent our time going on walks, taking pictures, shopping for right hand rings (I'm a little giddy), eating out without children, Black Friday shopping, ordering movies, romantic ride on a gondola, buying chocolate in a chocolate shop and eating it in bed, and all the normal getaway stuff. ;)

Check out this stud muffin.

This little French restaurant reminded me of the movie, "Ratatouille". The French music was playing and I could just imagine the little chef and the mouse working together. Yummy food.

Two Asian guys commented about how cute we were as a couple and how we interacted with each other. They had been watching us take our "kissing pictures" on time delay with my camera. What they didn't know was that I was trying out the "Bachelor and Bachelorette kisses". Have you seen how they hold each other's faces every single time they kiss? I've been kissing D wrong for 20 years! LOL It is kind of sexy in a picture though. We'll have to try it again for a really good Valentine's Day picture for D. (D, forget you just read that part.)

Our gondolier was excited at the thought that we were still together after all those years. The fact that we gave him hope for his generation. Kind of fun.

D was cute to meet every need I had and a desire to make and keep me happy. He bent over backwards for me doing things that weren't always convenient or fun. I'm grateful for the time that I had with him. For the inside jokes that we'll have from this time together. Boy do we have some. :)

So grateful for D and all that he is. He's not perfect. Neither am I. Trust me. I despise laundry. And the fridge can get gross. But, like Celia's grand-dad said, "I'm grateful for....". Lots to be grateful for. And I'm grateful for D. I love you.

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried to catch a gobbler? I haven't either but I did run a 5k with three of the boys Thanksgiving morning. As hard as I tried to get the boys to wear their turkey hats while running the race, there was no convincing them. So, we put on our shirts and hats when we got home and struck our best turkey pose. Not really, but C sure does look like one. :)

We loaded up the suburban a couple hours later and headed out for Thanksgiving lunch. Yip, that's how we do it some years. We go out to eat Thanksgiving. It's not cheating and it's not lazy. It's not cheap either. But, it's fun and creating memories as a family. The kids were happy.

little g enjoyed his plate full of bacon, orange chicken and a slice of wheat bread. What? A slice of wheat bread for Thanksgiving when there were hundreds of choices? Too funny.

The bacon wasn't just a hit for little g. I think all the kids had all they wanted. G had fun with his fried turkey drumstick. Don't let him fool you though. He actually pulled every bit of meat off and then posed as though he had devoured the entire thing. Can you even imagine? It's just sick.

After returning home, D watched a football game and then he and I headed out for our 20 year anniversary getaway. Still kind of wishing I was there....still! I can't stand the confusion and the noise around here. Crossing my fingers that tomorrow I'm good to go again as a mother of seven. :)

We heard some amazing talks in church last Sunday prior to Thanksgiving. Celia shared a story about her grand-dad. Despite being under hospice care with cancer he was heard saying that he was so grateful for so many things. He could have been complaining about being in bed, being in so much pain, etc. But he was grateful for breakfast in bed every morning, the great views from every window of his bedroom and so on. I talked with the boys about living our life like her grand-dad did. Looking for the positive around us at all times. Having a good day despite things going wrong or disappointments. Recognizing our good lives when we're faced with hardships and trials. I was grateful for that. I've been trying to work on that myself the last year or so. I find that when I do that, I'm easily convinced of my good situations and am grateful for all that I DO have. I'm thankful that I'm learning that. Hopefully I can teach my children that too.

All put back together again

2011-11-20T21:37:00.000-08:00

It seems like whenever it's a holiday, we're out of town or it's a Sunday, we're headed to the E.R. Seriously. What's up with that?

B and S were playing on the stairs in front of the big mirror and got silly. Too silly I guess because B ended up crying with that dreaded cry. J brought her down to me and I lifted her onto the counter to see if she had a bump that needed ice. Nope, just a huge gash that needed staples. So, I calmly screamed my head off for D to come running down the stairs. We threw a pack of chopped up frozen bell peppers on her head with a dish towel and raced her to the hospital. Actually D did, because I had a practice at our house in just twenty minutes.

Two hours and six staples later she was playing in my room with S pretending that they were dead.

Doing silly poses and putting lipstick on D.

Glad she's still her cute little self and all put together again.

Thank you HHS

2011-11-19T21:43:00.000-08:00

I'm married to a guy that "likes" sports. When we were dating he asked me if I liked sports. Oh sure. I played sports and had an amazing pair of black Nikes. (Before everyone else did) At that point in my life, I didn't even know who any pro teams were except the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys thanks to Justin Matheson and Wes Baker in my fourth grade class that went on and on about them. Or their cheerleaders rather.

Well, D loves sports. Loves to watch them. Keep stats on them. Should have ESPN calling him up any day offering him a job. He knows that much. But, he wouldn't be good on ESPN because he'd say way too much about his teams. He'd be the best coach and referee out there too. ;) You know what I mean?

I thought I'd shock him yesterday. Kind of like, put him at the top of my totem pole kind of a thing. See, his high school team was playing in the state football championship game last night. They play in it every year. Seriously, this is the fourth year in a row. But, they never seem to pull out a win. I kept hearing about this team they lose to every year. Well, when that team was beat a couple weeks ago, there was a glimmer in his eye and some hope that his team might win their first state title. I talked a lot of smack about my team beating his team, but I really didn't even care who won or have any allegiance to my own high school for that matter. I'm gone, by dad isn't there, and my children aren't there, so it's just a school now. We're different like that. We keep laughing at each other and how differently we think.

When D was a kid, he would hold his Dallas Cowboys garbage can while watching them play for good luck. He needed something like that for today's game. A good luck party if you will. Because I couldn't live with him another year after another possible championship loss. It was time to intervene.

When he got home from work yesterday, he was greeted with a sign and balloons in the drive way.

"Eye of the Tiger" blaring as he walked in the door on the ipod dock. A "good luck" spread to wear while watching the game.

An arch of balloons and a note I wrote to his high school team awaiting him on his computer screen. Which read:

3A State Football Championship Game

November 18, 2011

HHS vs DHHS

Dear HHS football team,

Please win tonight!! I'm not especially fond of your team seeing how I was a _____ and the CHS _____ rock! But...I find my husband sobbing in "his" room every year after you've been defeated in the last three State Championships. Our 20 year anniversary is next week and I would like my husband happy and in good spirits for our weekend getaway. So, just because I love him so much, I'd like you and your "Eye of the Tiger" team to tear it up out there.

Thank you.

He was like his eight year old self all over again wearing his beanie, shirt and gloves for the entire game hoping they were good luck. Must have been, because his team took state. Thank you Tigers!! He was all smiles and took the family out afterwards to watch Happy Feet 2...in his beanie, shirt, gloves and cupid pajama pants.

Now there's the sports fan I fell in love with. And the perfect situation to be "festive" D. Seriously, black and red look good on him. You're looking pretty hot D.

Meet "Roberto"

2011-11-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

Hola. My name is Roberto*.

*This is C's version of "80's" attire for a dance he went to. What?? We did NOT dress like that. The eighties were cool!! And....we most definitely did NOT change our names. I think it was all about the disguise seeing how the dance was for 14-18 year olds. He thought he was pretty awesome. He is.

Veteran's Day...MY way

2011-11-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Remember that big cuarenta-era I was going to have this year? I had big visions of a gorgeous dress along with all my friends and family at a Ball for my 40th birthday. But...I grew up in the last few months. I couldn't see spending all that money frivolously when I could do something really great and for a better cause. So, I decided to go bigger and better on recognizing our Veterans this year.

I've spent days getting ready for today. I have a perma-grin on my face right now. I'm so happy. It was so much better than the perfect dress. The kids and I served breakfast to eight Veterans/Heroes and their families. We had eighteen guests over this morning.

We rolled out the red carpet* for our Veteran's this morning. Had our new flag hanging on the front of the house. Had a welcome sign with balloons upon arrival. And 54 long stemmed red roses around.

(Kind of feel like the Von Trapp family with the picture above. House. 7 kids. Flag of our Nation on the front of our house. Makes me happy.)

We had an amazing breakfast! I can't wait for lunch to eat it all over again. We had cran-apple juice, mint hot chocolate, fresh berries and pineapple, bacon, the most amazing frittata (thanks E), lemon poppy seed muffins, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and all bran muffins.

We compiled a book for each Veteran with thoughts and thank yous from each family member. Here are my thoughts:

"Dear Veterans,
From the time I was a little girl, I have loved those that have served our country. I grew up having a dad that was drafted in the army and other family members that had enlisted or were also drafted for different wars. I remember hearing their stories. They were heroes to me. As the years have gone by, my appreciation and love has grown for all Veterans and what they represent. Freedom, safety, pride, gratitude, sacrifice, and patriotism. It's important for me to teach my children to recognize and remember the Veterans of The United States of America. This past year I have interviewed and questioned all of my family Veterans and have compiled a book for each of my children. I cannot let them forget you. You are the heroes that I teach my children about. We talk about you often. None of you are any less important than the next Veteran. We have needed all of you. We have the lives we have, because of you. You are not forgotten!

Thank you so much for serving the country that I love. Happy Veteran's Day."

We recognized each Veteran individually and then had them tell what branch they served in and when. I expressed my thanks to each of them and told them when and why I learned to love our Veterans the way I do.

The kids and I sang "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. It was hard fighting back the tears. I love that song and so do my boys. They were singing at the top of their lungs. Even little g who has become a great reader this year was singing out with such pride.

Each Veteran and family member thanked me several times. They were so grateful. I'm so grateful.

I can't wait for next year. It will be bigger and better still. I'll be looking for more Veteran Heroes all year.

I'm going to go collapse now. With a smile on my face of course. Then in a couple of hours, we'll do our visits to those that couldn't come this morning and call our family Veterans.

*I bought three runners and three quart cans of red latex paint and got to painting them last night. G and I took turns using the paint roller to get them done. We were quite thrilled with how they turned out. After all is said and done, I need one more for next year. Oh ya, don't pay attention to the walkway. Hard lesson learned. Don't pay the worker until they are DONE with the project.

B's net head

2011-11-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

B fell asleep the other day with this net on her head. I just thought it was cute.

D's feeling festive

2011-11-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

So, D told me that it's National Mustache Month. I don't know about that, but C told me that it's No Shave November. So they may be on to something.

D said that he was feeling "festive" and was growing out his mustache. But, after reminding him that our 20 year anniversary was this month and we'd be on our getaway together and I didn't exactly find it super attractive...

He shaved it off. I love you D. Let's be festive doing something else okay?

Today I made a ...

2011-11-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Ask me what I did today. I made something. hehe

Yip, my kitchen was a dust bowl with my sawing and sanding all day. Three different moldings, two decorative pieces, nails, wool filler, a handsaw, kitchen knife, and white paint later....

No more track home mantel. One made by my very own little self. :) I guess I'm happy. I've been staring at it all afternoon.

Now for my next project. Sign above the fireplace. New baseboards. Crown molding. Frame in the flat screen. Frame the mirror in the bathroom. Different banister. Faux paint the cabinets. (Hire that one done) Tile the blacksplash. And about a gazillion other things I've seen on pinterest.

What did you do today?

He's really happy

2011-10-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

C came home from his church history trip this summer telling us about a girl he met. A girl that he hung out with. A lot. He told of how he liked her and why. I couldn't argue with his reasons. I was excited and happy for him.

They have kept in touch since then talking and texting almost every day. They have "skype" dates every few days. He wanted nothing more than to see her for his birthday. So, we made it happen. I spoke with her and her mother to see if it would be okay, and we got a flight for her.

He greeted her at the airport with flowers and returned not long after hand in hand with his girlfriend. They had so much fun together those three days. They went on dates, had picnics, hung out with us, and then the dreaded goobye.

It was hard saying goodbye to each other knowing that Thanksgiving would be the last time they would see each other until after his mission. Possibly.
We've all talked about the chances of it "working out" between them. They know that. She's supportive and excited about him serving a mission. They love each other for all the right reasons. They make each other want to be better. They are honest with each other and have no secrets. They make each other happy. She is his best friend. He told me that he really likes her. He said that he loves her and that she loves him. I loved that he would tell me that. That I was the kind of parent he would share that with. I love our relationship.

Oh, and I like her too! :)
We'll see how this goes and what happens in the future. But for right now, he's really happy.

Ice blocking

2011-10-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

We had a long weekend here so we decided that we needed something to do. More than dinner or a movie. A memory. So, we bought five blocks of ice at the gas station and headed to the park. The kids are asking if we can go tomorrow for Family Home Evening. I'll take that as a success and memories made. Makes me happy.

Trunk or Treat...for weeks

2011-10-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

The end of my kitchen counter has had a pile growing on it for weeks now. Blue gingham fabric, pink shoes, freezer paper, rick rack, paint, colored hair spray, Cheetos jar, etc. It evolves as the weeks go by too. Pink shoes become Modge Podged with red glitter. Freezer paper is used to make iron on stencils for a BYU jersey, etc. Little by little, my Halloween collection is complete. Ready for trunk-or-treat. Ready for my reputation for costumes. I'm happy.

Where to begin? Hmmmm.....

I was afraid the girls would want to be princesses for the next ten years so I suggested a couple characters in bed one night. They had never heard of Little Red Riding Hood until I told them the story that evening. They wanted to hear it again and again. I like the crazy, hunting, creative process of it all so, I ran down to the Goodwill and found an old Gap hoodie, tore it apart, hand stitched it together, unpicked all the Gap logos, glued on some rick rack with liquid stitch since my sewing machine is acting out and voila. Little Red Riding Hood.

I then suggested Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Once again, they had never heard of her. So, we made a trip to Target and got the movie. It's been a hit ever since. S agreed that she would be Dorothy once she heard she would have red glitter shoes. Have you ever made a dress without a sewing machine? Or pattern? Check out what liquid stitch can do. I'm serious!! New BFF. Bought my first jar of Modge Podge too and glittered her pink patent Old Navy shoes once I cut off the straps and such.

After making my sister's skeleton shirt using freezer paper, I kidded that I could make anything! J demanded a "Jimmer" jersey. Easy enough. After about eight to ten hours, he had a jersey and a pair of shorts good enough for Jimmer himself. Although the freezer paper thing is very tedious work, it too is a good friend of mine. :) J then requested his hair be dyed like Jimmer. I bought a brown paint that I use for crazy hair days, but he wanted it dyed. Okay. Dyed it was with Revlon 41 this afternoon. Followed by several foam curlers. Do you know how hard it is to get "Jimmer" hair? It's hard. But so worth it. He was thrilled.

I wasn't quite sure what to have little g for Halloween. He came up to me two days ago and said, "Mom, I've never been a vampire". So, he was a vampire. It's about the fifteenth one we've had, so he got robbed of anything cool. I mean, I just look at this picture and I can tell I was like, "Just slap this kid together and call it a costume!" At least he thought it was cool. It's all about the fangs at that age.

I saw a costume idea on line the other day and showed it to G. It was a quick sale. He couldn't wait to parade around as the headless dude carrying his head. Too bad we didn't have a Cheetos jar. So, we headed to Sam's to buy Cheetos. Took a knife to the jar, then scissors, then a saw, then a pocket knife, then finally sanded it so that it wouldn't literally behead him. He said that he had over 25 compliments on it tonight and got extra candy because of it. I guess it was a hit.

I found a dress at Ross the other day and it screamed "Wicked Witch". So, a witch I am. I needed a broom though. Not any broom. Her broom. So, I bought a wreath, cut it in half and wired it around my garage broom stick. It was good but not good enough. So, I cut the grass off a plant in the back yard and wired it on too. Little brown spray paint and the perfect Wicked Witch Broom.

I had fun watching all my costumes parading around the gym during dinner tonight. I could appreciate all the hard work I had put into them. I had a few different women make comments to me about how I always pull this together every year. That's when I would say, "Trunk or Treat takes me weeks!" There is NO WAY this can be done over night. Makes me happy.

Pumpkins our way

2011-10-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

The kids did their pumpkins for Family Home Evening tonight. It was crazy. Long gone are the days of the pumpkin cutter thingies. We pulled out the apple corers, cookie cutters, wood rolling pin, knives and cheese grater. Yes, the cheese grater. G said it made his pumpkin look cool and old. Whatever. :)

A had an apple corer. Rather than kind of twist it into the pumpkin to make a hole, he just kept stabbing it. Pumpkin innards were flying across the kitchen every time he pulled back out. It was hilarious. Until it came time to clean up. Kind of wish we had a few chisels at that point. Do you know how hard it is to clean up dried pumpkin innards? Not cool.

Anyway, my soon to be nineteen year old in two days thought it was quite childish to have to carve a pumpkin. But, it's his last one with the family so we made him. I'm sure he especially loved the family picture with pumpkins and sparklers out for the neighbors to see. He'll miss it all next year I'm sure.

How do you do your pumpkins?

Bees, bubbles, boys and B

2011-10-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

So there were a few ticked off bees in the cul-de-sac the other day. So many in fact, that the fire department came to our rescue. Thing is....the kids in the neighborhood had a blast while the firemen were at work hosing them down. My G was the ring leader riding through, then jumping in, and then doing "snow" angels in the foam bubbles that ran down the street. The adults laughed and laughed as the kids got crazier and crazier. It wasn't long before B had to be a part of it.

The firemen told the kids if they stuck around until they were done, they would turn on the fire hydrant and let the kids run through it. We thought it sounded great. Saturday night baths taken care of. :) Lather up and then rinsed off. Perfect.

I love this picture of B getting her shoes on after all was said and done. That hair do is proof that she had a lot of fun. Oh sick, is that a night crawler next to her?

Homecoming

2011-10-22T18:56:00.003-07:00

A shocked the heck out of us when we found out that he had asked a girl to homecoming. His date was Jordan B. Their group went to a show, out to eat, Build A Bear and back to a house to watch a movie and have dessert.

Temple Night for C

2011-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy day for me. Temple night with C.

Give it up D. Your son is taller than you. :)

Such a neat night with friends and family. Can't wait to take him back.

Today

2011-10-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Scheduled my first mammogram today.

Made doctor appointments for B.

C started his college applications today for when he returns in two years.

Finished two Halloween costumes. Can I just say how much I LOVE liquid stitch? It's life changing.

Felt B today and took her temperature. 104.5. No biggie. Headed to the pediatrician to find out she has strep. It's going to be a long night.

Had Family Home Evening. Discussed our family scripture study and how we can do better. It's always a try this and try that kind of a thing. So, we're trying something new. Thanks J.

I don't know why today seemed so eventful. I'm sure it was the fact that I'm old enough to have my first routine mammogram next week. Kind of weird.

You know that whole thing...Keep Calm and Carry On? I'm trying to do that. Literally.

Sisters and babies

2011-10-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Do you Pinterest? I just discovered it this week. It's awesome. Rather than having to google ideas, pictures and tutorials, they are right at your fingertips. Genious. I saw this tutorial on how to make this pregnant skeleton shirt and HAD to make it for my sister that is having a baby in a month. Love it. Makes me happy.

She and I were laughing (When I say that we were laughing, we LAUGH!! Hard!!) this past week when asking her what she needed for her baby. She said that she really didn't need anything. Well, you don't just gift because someone needs something. You gift because you genuinely love the person and want to celebrate whatever the occasion. Or not occasion for that matter. Did you know that you can do that? I love doing that. After laughing and laughing, I came to the conclusion that I'd get diapers. But, that is so not me. She jokingly said to "bling" them out. She had no idea that I would take the idea and run with it.

So, I put Auntie (me)'s stamp on them. There. Now that's a gift from me. We laughed and laughed when she opened her gift. Mainly because it was our own inside joke. Made me happy. Made me happy to gift. That's what gift giving should do you know?

So, a few sequins, cute fabric, a little zebra and hot pink ribbon, oi la! Blinged out diapers for my baby sister that's having a baby.

I love you C. You've watched me be a mother since you were nine years old. You've waited patiently for your turn to be a mom and to have a family of your own. I'm so excited for you. Your baby is so lucky to have you as her future mommy. You're going to do great.

Advice to myself

2011-10-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Have a super weekend. I am.

The Gleaners

2011-10-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful needlepoint of "The Gleaners" I got at the Salvation Army thrift store today. I have loved this piece of art for years and now I finally have a huge 20x30 of it.

Thank you Lois Burrage. The thought of this piece being dismissed by your family actually breaks my heart. But, it's in good hands and a good home now. I can appreciate the many hours that it took to do it seeing how I've done a lot of cross stitch and even a little needlepoint once upon a time. I love the story of Ruth and the fact that you loved it too. I was almost three years old when you finished this. I love my new heirloom. It is something that I will enjoy for many years to come.

It popped!

2011-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

About eighteen months ago I went to the podiatrist because my big toe was killing me!! I could hardly walk, let alone train for the St. George marathon that I had drawn out to run with my siblings. I've gotten arch supports, top of the line running shoes, a cortisone shot, and am forced to leave lots of my heels behind because of my toe. My big toe is always black because I've developed some new way to walk due to my toe not moving right. Someday, I'll have to have surgery on it due to previous injuries that have jacked it up, but for now, I'm grateful that I can walk and run on it.

Something miraculous happened today. I don't know how, or for how long, but my big toe popped and my big toe bends. It hasn't been able to bend for over a year and a half. That's huge! Like, I was tempted to put it as my facebook status today, but decided it was a little on the weird side. So, I've chosen to scream it from my desk out to the blog world and it feels great!!

I called D right away and told him my good news. I've greeted each of the kids today telling them that my toe "popped" and that it bends. J and G wanted to see it bend again before they just left for bed. Too funny.

Anyway, it feels great to bend my toe like everyone else bends their toes. I know you're thinking that this is sooo lame, but I seriously can hardly even contain myself. Really. :) I'm giddy and I just keep enjoying watch my toe bend.

That's all.

Keltson's Run with my son

2011-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday C, the girls and I went to Herriman to run a 5k in honor/memory of my friend's son that passed away almost three years ago. I thought of sending out the big invite to any girlfriend that might want to jump in my car and go for the weekend like two years ago, but C heard that I was going and wanted to go along. I decided that I wanted to just enjoy the trip with him seeing how I'm running out of time with him. Why does it take him leaving on a mission in three months to feel like that? Anyway, it was good. Good for several reasons.

We enjoyed eating places that he wanted to eat. He wants to get his Italian fix in before it's all rice and beans for the next two years. I had fun getting him his Flamin' Hot Cheetos to keep him awake while driving. He looked so handsome in those slacks, white shirts and suits that we picked up at Mr. Mac's for his mission and he swears that he now has the most comfortable shoes out there. Good. Hope they last.

This trip was different than other drives we've been on. It wasn't just me at the wheel with a teenager in "gunshot" hooked up to his iPod staring out the window. We talked the entire trip. It was neat talking to my mature adult son. We talked about a lot of things. Growing up, why I think the way I do, A going to homecoming, serving a mission, etc.

The time spent with my friend and her family was good. They embraced C and were excited for his mission call. For months I had been nervous to even talk to them about C's mission knowing that it was in the near future. I didn't want to be insensitive to their feelings seeing how they lost Keltson just weeks before his mission to North Carolina. But, there was a peace I felt about taking him with me. I felt like they would be okay with it and happy for us. They were, my fears had been dismissed.

The race itself, was the second most physically challenging thing I've ever done. The course is "hilly" and I was pushing a double stroller with two girls in it. A good 100 pounds. The competitive person in me had to run and pass people. When I was done, I wasn't sure if I wanted to puke, pass out, or collapse on the grass. C was cute and was cheering me on at the end of the race. That's a role reversal that was neat. He introduced me to Popsicles afterwards swearing that they were the best thing after a race. He was right, they were the best thing after running.

I've been learning a lot lately about myself. I've learned that I live in Phychological Time. That for some reason I live in the future. You know, the whole "what if?" thing. They ~~run~~ used to run my life. But, I can see myself changing and doing better. I'm learning to live in the present. The last several months prior to becoming "healthy" I've lived in fear that I might lose C like my friend lost her son. Trying to look for signs that it might happen. But, I finally came to terms with myself that just because she lost her son prior to serving his mission, didn't mean that I would lose mine with the same timing. For me to take C on that trip, was huge to me. I wasn't living in fear. I was living in the present and embracing the moment and time with him. I'm so grateful I've gotten over that. Seriously, you have no idea.

It was a good trip, a good time, and good to be back. C got his passport on Friday. We're now working on the details for his Visa. I visited with him a lot yesterday. I love him. I love the man that he's become. I love the example he has been for my other children. I love how he teaches me. I love you C.

I'm glad I went to Keltson's Run with my son.

You is...I love you

2011-09-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

You is beautiful.

You is smart.

You is important.

Can you imagine being told this all the time by someone that you loved? I think in some ways we are, but I'm going to hold my children close to me, look them in the eyes and tell them the same thing.

The last while I've made an effort to tell my children I love them different than I have before. My anxiety is being lifted. What is different? Reassuring them that it's not conditioned on choices they make, grades they get, their performance in sports, scouting, CTR, etc. We all have our agency. I need to let them have theirs. I called them on the way home from my therapist tonight and spoke to them one by one excited to tell them this once again while REALLY believing what I was saying. I'm happy. To my seven children,

I love you NO matter what! You don't ever have to EARN my love. I love you ALREADY. I will ALWAYS love you.

*Possibly my favorite picture EVER taken! If I could have it as a wall mural I would. Not of me necessarily, but of me with my children. The notperfectness of it all. Joy. Taken by my sister-in-law of Yellow Pear Photography.

There's a future missionary around here

2011-09-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

After receiving 178 guesses as to where C might be called on his mission, he opened his call Thursday evening at our home with lots of friends and a little bit of family. (Thanks K & B)

He has been called to the Mexico Guadalajara Mission. He reports to the Provo MTC at the end of December. We are so excited. C is excited to earn a little more money before he leaves. The boys are excited to have him for one more Christmas. Me? I'm thrilled with all of the above.

Thanks for making your guesses. It has been a lot of fun for our family to see the dots appear on the map for the last week or so. Would you believe C guessed that he would go to Mexico? He says he never ever imagined that he would go there. He just decided to guess that since no one else had and it needed a sticker on it. Just one hour before he opened his call, two guesses came in for Mexico from younger cousins. One of which actually chose his specific mission.

Our favorite guess? Ireland. "Red head" speaking. Made us laugh our heads off every time we read it.

B's first day of preschool

2011-09-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Don't want them to know

2011-09-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

So, if you've been following my blog for awhile, like since I started...you'll notice that I don't use any names, I cover up any shirts with school logos, I cover up license plates, and I throw people with locations and destinations. Because.....I don't want psychos to know us. I like having my blog open to anyone. But I really try to take every precaution not to disclose too much information about our family.

So....if you link or connect to my blog, or leave any comments, please don't reveal any more information than I publish. Thanks.

I'll try to do the same for you. Just because I'm cool like that. :)

Labor Day

2011-09-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

We took the two cars and headed out of town for the weekend. His and hers style. That's how we roll. At least for now.

We had hamburgers and hamburgers. I had a hot dog and a hot dog. We didn't think of coordinating meals with the other family members so it was quite funny.

The kids had fun chasing down horny toads. Like thirty two of them to be exact. Here G is with twenty of them on himself. Thirteen babies and 7 big ones. Here he is with his cousin placing the twenty on another cousin. They had so much fun naming each of them. Seriously. They could recognize them due to birthmarks (LOL) and other characteristics. Fun memories.

A climbed trees as usual. He insisted he didn't need a shower until in the morning because he was in a tree while the rest of us were around the campfire getting stinky. Ya, okay. Doesn't smoke rise?

All my life I've kind of been trained to look for deer while driving through the mountains. My dad is an avid hunter so we were always on the lookout. It seemed as though we never saw a deer before my dad did. It was like he had deer antennas. A's starting to catch onto this whole "Mom loves eagles" thing. He's watching for eagles, huge birds and nests all the time. He mentioned the other day how I've got him liking birds now. So cool. Anyway, it's hard to look for deer like my brain has been trained when I'm looking up in the tops of the trees now. But, I did it quite well today. A was driving back down the mountain when I saw a "huge" bird. He quickly asked if he should turn around and go back. "Yes, as soon as you find a place that you can!" So, he did. I grabbed my camera and sure enough, a golden eagle perched in a dead tree. It soon took flight and I was giddy with excitement. I mean really. Check out those wings and feathers. Awesome. (I actually just sang that in my head.)

We went to a small town where my Great great great grandpa was the first to settle it. My kids were excited to get a picture with their 4th great grandpa. B had an instant connection while S wasn't quite so sure about the whole thing. Actually, she went racing up to him calling him grandpa until I don't know what happened.

Well, now it's my turn to go shower. I touch my ponytail and it seems like I should just break out in song singing, "I'm My Own Grandpa" around the campfire. (Just because that song is a family favorite.) My hair smells so smokey. I'm sure our waitress today loved serving the campfire crew. Oh well.

What did you do for Labor Day?

So yummy I want to eat it

2011-09-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

I walked into Anthrologie the other day and I felt as though I was in a cartoon with my body following my nose. I could hardly even pay attention to the fun little details throughout the store because it smelled so yummy in there. Like, "I want to eat it up" yummy. After doing a quick circle around the store, I grabbed the first candle I met and then proceeded to the back where I found the second candle that was calling my name. Needless to say, I walked out of there with the two most amazing candles EVER! You know me. I've got a thing for lipgloss and all things smelly. (Yummy smelly that is. I don't smell socks to determine if they're clean or not.) Anyway...I've burned the Sugar Cookie candle by Gold Canyon religiously for about eight years now. I've bought them in bulk. Given them as gifts. Run to Postnet just to buy one from behind the counter. Yes, they are that good. But, my nose knows yummy when it smells it and sugar cookie is going to be taking a vacation. You know how I really feel? I feel like sending the family away to the cabin this weekend so that I can just enjoy these exotic smelling candles all by myself. Maybe have a bubble bath. Probably eat a Caramel Almond frozen yogurt from Yogurtland covered in coconut, almonds and caramel syrup. Wow, time to wake up and get back to reality. Have I mentioned how yummy they smell? How they take you to a whole other place? You need to get yourself these candles. Calgon ain't got nothin' on these babies!!

Where in the world will C serve his mission?

2011-09-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read the post right! My son C will be getting his mission call soon and we're all taking guesses as to where he might serve. We'll have a giftcard sent to whomever gets closest to his mission call. So, just say where you think he might go. That's it. His world map is getting polka dotted by the day. Tis fun to see.

*My son has been preparing to serve a TWO year mission for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints his entire life. He's saved his money, he's gained a testimony of the gospel for himself, and he's eager to go out ANYWHERE in the world to teach about the Savior and his teachings. Want to know more? Leave a comment and I'll follow up.

Back to school

2011-08-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, summer is over. At least the non structured two month period is. It's still hot. Like, I find myself complaining hot. Like, setting a record since 2001 hot. Anyway...it's been a great summer and should be a great school year. We've been busy school shopping for school supplies that inclue ziplocks, baby wipes, paper towels, kleenex, Purell, etc. Weird. Times have changed. It was time for a couple new backpacks and G is now in middle school so he got new clothes due to no more uniforms. He was thrilled about that. We've made three trips to the Hurley store just in the last three days. But, he and A are outfitted and ready to go. A, my money consious child, hopes he doesn't have to buy anymore clothes until his mission. But, he also has big plans of growing taller than 6'3" so we'll see how that goes. G was cute watching how he spent his money. I quite liked it actually.

We gathered together as a family yesterday for blessings twice. First, right after Stake Conference where C was ordained an elder, and then last night where the kids lines up for Father's blessings to begin the new school year. All the blessings were so neat and were truly inspired for each child. This year is going to be a crazy one seeing how six of the children all have extra curricular activities above and beyond scouts and young mens. What's everyone doing? A is running cross country. G is playing lacrosse. J is playing flag football. little g is playing soccer. B is in preschool, tap and ballet. S is also in tap and ballet.

This morning went really well as I sent all the kids out the door with their backpacks loaded, lunches, and hugs all around. This year is different than any before. High school and middle school were both pushed back an hour so there is time for breakfast now. No more 6:00 A.M. seminary. Yippee

The kids all greeted me with smiles saying they liked their teachers and were excited about the year. I'm excited too. I think my girls just may be turning the corner as one of my good girlfriends told me about her twinnies. They've been playing in their room the last couple of days. Do you have ANY idea how life changing that is? Remember those posts awhile back about their nap times? Nothing has changed. They still get into mischief but playing in their room is just pure awesomeness!! I don't think I can tell you how giddy that makes me. Actually, it just gives me hope.

So, here's to another year of school. Another year of learning, not only reading, writing and arithmatic, but learning how to push forward, to work harder, to work smarter, to be inclusive, to be careful, to be a leader, to be an example, to practice their faith, to be responsible, to be patient, to be happy. My children are learning these things. It takes time. I've taken time. I'm happy. :)

Next time

2011-08-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was SO. MUCH. FUN!!

I love my suburban. I remember driving it off the lot a few years ago thinking I had the most amazing car in the world. It felt as though I was driving a truck high off the ground. I was spoiled with leather, a DVD player, Onstar, eight seats, lots of cargo space and the list goes on and on. I've gotten really good at driving and parking it. I've taught two sons how to drive in it. It's taken me lots of different places. It makes me feel independent. But not even my suburban can compare with the dream of a ride I took yesterday. I laughed and giggled the entire five times around the 1.1 mile track in my Porsche. Oh, no, not my Porsche. Just the one my spoiled little self got to drive yesterday. Helmet and all. Unfortunately my hair didn't look like Faye's of Progressive Insurance when she took her helmet off. I did in fact have helmet hair.

D knows someone that invited us to spend the day out at his business. It was a rough day I tell ya. Me and my Porsche. D and C driving each of their own Lamborghinis. A, G, and J driving along side a professional car racer in a Ferrari. It will be a memory that we'll have forever. The boys talk of going back. I tell them to enjoy their videos because that's all the "next time" they're going to get! (Seeing how we added it all up and it would have cost us around $2000)

I know I giggled my entire five laps around the track. But when I watched my video I laughed and laughed and had a huge smile on my face. I had fun. D on the other hand, was sure that I was a dork and wanted me to just be quiet and drive my car. I quite like my laugh. Makes me happy.

I've never really understood men and their need for speed. What's really so cool about that? But....wow! It was awesome flooring the pedal and getting to 95 mph in a short distance and going around a corner at 47 mph and not tipping over. I was just crazy out there! lol

But, I'm back in my suburban now and I'm happy that I have it. Happy that it can take me, my family and friends to all kinds of great places. After all, I've got my own "next time" video to enjoy forever.

B turns 4!

2011-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Highlights of the day...swimming with daddy and cupcakes.

What will she say next?

2011-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

B surprises us with the funniest things some times. She came running up to us a while back saying she had a "lizard" in her finger. We soon found out that it was a sliver.

At our family reunion last month, she received a toy Caterpillar from her secret cousin. She misplaced it and wondered where her "patacillar" was.

For some reason, we've had a couple flies in the house lately. She wondered where the "swy hopper" was so that she could get them.

She fell and scraped her arm on Monday night after FHE. D asked A to put some hydrogen peroxide on it. So, last night after tripping out back again, she got right up with tears in her eyes and told me that she needed some "Sye Possy".

D and I have promised the girls dance lessons for quite a while now. B asked about getting her a "balleret shirt" for the tap and ballet class I just signed the girls up for. I asked her, "You want to get a leotard?" She said, "Yes, a balleret tard".

We all get a kick out of her when she says all these funny things. Sure makes me wonder. What will she say next?

*Picture taken by my sister--in-law of Yellow Pear Photography.

Dried apples for lunch

2011-08-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

"Can we do what they do on I Carly?"

2011-08-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

The kids and I ran out to D's office yesterday for his birthday. We delivered his favorite carrot cake in cupcake form. We were greeted with literally dozens of cupcakes that people had made or gotten him already. So, several were sent home with us since we have seven kids.

The girls each had a cupcake and then they've just been sitting there. A came over to me after lunch and with a mischievous grin asked, "Can we do what they do on 'I Carly'?" I hesitantly asked, "What do they do?" That's when he gave G and J the eye until they figured it out. Next thing I knew, they each had a cupcake in hand ready to throw them at the sliding glass doors. Why not? So, the three boys, soon followed by little g began throwing cupcakes at the glass doors. They screamed out with delight when their cupcake stayed glued to the window longer than their brothers'. Soon, it was a race back and forth to the box with over twenty cupcakes to be thrown with hopes of winning. Their giggles made me happy. Even when I saw some of the cupcakes entirely miss the windows.

Afterwards, the cupcakes were then smeared onto the windows and fingerpainting followed.

Now, I'm listening to the boys complain that the others aren't doing their part cleaning up. Totally worth it though. Everyone needs a mess now and then! It's healthy.

Happy Birthday D!

2011-08-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the most handsome hubby ever!

The joys of a pool

2011-08-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Who knew how much fun a swimming pool could be? The splashing, dunking, feeling like you're going to drown and go into panic mode. Who wouldn't want that? Plus, the fact that you're exposing every little inch of your body. I'm kind of a "Look at that airplane over there!" kind of person. As you turn to look, I run to the edge of the pool, drop my towel as I quickly slide down into the water. It's pretty much magic. It was a little embarrassing when I was in high school and dated a swimmer. When he was looking at his friends dorking around, that's when I did my magic. Anyway...

Jen, remember when you heard that I didn't know how to swim and you about fell over? Telling me that everyone in AZ had a pool so it was so natural and that you just couldn't even conceive a human let a lone an adult not knowing how to swim? I'll have you know that I have taken a few swim lessons. I can get across my shorter than I am pool. I have this thing about my feet needing to be able to touch the pool. While I stand! With my face above the water.

But, my kids are a different story. They are little fish. I see them spit, splash and dunk each other, and they usually giggle and tease me that I am so afraid when they are just playing. I do get nervous, but I'm so happy that they don't have that same stupid fear. That they can live in the normal human world. So, I'm happy to report that my children have broken the chain.

During the summer we're out swimming at least once a day.(The kids in the pool. Me sweating it out on the patio.) Although it's great to have a pool, it's not like having a basement or a cool backyard to send the kids to. I have to play lifeguard. Sometimes, several hours a day. I won't complain though. I'd rather be raising fishies than fradies.

Nothing brings me more swimming pool joy than discovering the floor of the pool covered in poop just fifty minutes before a playgroup from church pool party at my home. My first response? "What the crap?" Sorry mom. Without lots of time to notify people of my predicament, I ran out and bought a slip and slide and lots of otter pops. Pool gone poop party a success. Without the pool of course.

It took twenty four hours exactly for the pool to be drained. But, the kids weren't disappointed. They ran through it like it was their very own skate park. If A hadn't been gone to volleyball camp, I'm sure that he would have asked to sleep in there while it was filling up over night. The next day, the kids played in the filling pool like it had been their own beach. It was as high as the girls' necks so they all had fun running and swimming.

I'm happy to say that the pool is back and working in great condition again. The kids are back to being their little fishy selves spitting, dunking and splashing. They've even made the most out of the slip and slide as a dingy in the pool. I love how J's diastema comes in handy for making him the perfect water fountain. Love having a pool to beat the heat.

*Ever been swimming with just your spouse? You must try it. :) Just sayin'.

G turns 12!

2011-08-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

The "Birthday cake" he asked for? Chex Muddy Buddies. It was a lot of fun being in front of him while he blew out the candles. Nothing like a shower of powdered sugar. :)

You're not forgotten

2011-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

C is in the nation's capital today. I've had this unexplainable feeling of reverence all day knowing that he is in Washington D.C.and Arlington, VA. I love that city. Actually, all that it means to those of us that love the United States of America. And I do!

I think of my eighteen year old son walking from one memorial to the next. Hoping that he's taking it all in and appreciating all that we have as Americans. Hoping that I've taught him to love our country and veterans enough. Hoping that he too has those feelings of reverence as he witnesses for himself the different war memorials, monuments, grave sites, past presidents, and possibly the flag that inspired, "The Star Spangled Banner".

Actually, I found myself crying earlier today in the Marshall's parking lot thinking about those that have served our country. I can't wait to hear about C's experience there.

A year ago I made the announcement that I was going to have a quarenta-era on my birthday this year. I know I told you to be looking for your dresses, but I've had a change of heart. I'm learning that I'm evolving and that becoming 40 is wonderful in so many ways that we don't hear about. I do love a gorgeous dress, glam, and dress up. But as much as I loved the quinceñera dress that triggered that whole thing, I'm dreaming of something larger. Something more meaningful. Something that really is me at this point in my life and that I want to pass down for generations to come.

I've interviewed my family veterans this year. I've so enjoyed it. I've learned things that I've never known. I've gotten an even greater appreciation for those that serve. I feel like I need to make others aware of those that have served or are serving our country. My children and I always remember our family veterans each Veteran's Day. But I can do more. WE can do more. It's about making others aware. Remembering them so that they're not forgotten. Remembering our country and how freedom isn't free.

I'm going to be doing something great for Veteran's Day instead. I'm thrilled. Start now and think about those veterans in your life. Think about how you can remember them and how you can create awareness for those that have served and not just think of it as a "day off".

Care to join me and my family on my "40th" celebration? I'll be celebrating my 40th becoming me on Veteran's Day, November 11th. Let me know if you're in. Let me know if you can help. Let me know if you're willing to create awareness for those that have helped keep our country free.

Thank you Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and all those that have served our country or helped other nations. My son is there today and has seen your memorials. I can't help but remember the time I walked through history fourteen years ago when I was there and the feelings I had as I stood in front of each memorial. It was much more than just seeing the statues, the buildings, the grave sites, and the monuments. I felt a certain reverence. An appreciation. A feeling of gratitude. A longing to return someday. I will. But today, it is my son's turn. I'm so grateful that he has this opportunity to see one of the neatest things one can ever witness and experience.

You're not forgotten.

Off to a wedding

2011-08-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

My sweet brother just married an awesome girl. We love her and feel as though she is one of our sisters already. I loaded up the car with the six younger kids and headed to SLC for the wedding. D stayed home to work and C was gone on a church history trip back east.

The trip was a lot of fun. I seriously love road trips and the spontaneity that comes with it. At least how I do it. Anyone want to go? We visited one of my friends from high school and ended up at her hairdresser's salon at 10:30 PM to get my haircut. I got six inches cut off my hair. D hasn't noticed yet. I've got an appointment with MY hairdresser on Friday. Couple more inches and lots of thinning out. It's a little too blunt for me.

We then spent some time with a friend from college. They are having Keltson's run again in September. Anyone up for it? Her cute husband took the boys to Cabelas. They came home with the Cabelas video game. That's as close to hunting as we get. No, I take that back. A has shot a couple pigeons in the backyard with his BB gun he got for his birthday last year.

We saw the "Up" house.

We went to the Jordan River temple. That day was awesome. We visited a lot of relatives that day at all the festivities.

Love this picture of me and and my sisters.

Don't mind my double chin. I was too busy pinching my mom's boonie to be thinking about face placement. I think I caught her off guard. hehe

We went to a cousin's mission farewell. It was as though she had written her talk just for me. I am Peter. I have faith, but I still live with fear. That's changing.

We hung out with one of my cousins and had a cookout.

We climbed the "U" in SLC.

On our way up to the "U", we found all kinds of snails. A had forgotten his shoes so he only had church shoes to wear. He decided to go barefoot so we were watching every step so that we wouldn't hear a crunch.

We ate at Taco Time and stocked up on our Taco Time sauce. I'm talking 10 bottles stocked up.

We dropped A off at BYU volleyball camp.

After five days away from home and darting around hundreds of miles. It's great to be home. It's been a really fun summer.

Reunion time

2011-07-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's weird to think that my family has to have reunions to get together. We've gotten large enough and spread out enough, that we have to get it on the calendar months ahead so that we can get together. Actually, we've never ALL been together. There have been scout camps, EFY, work, etc. This year we missed one hubby and my brother since he was meeting his fiance's sister that was returning from her mission.

We have so much fun. The kids play, the adults visit and when we're not doing that, we're eating.

What is it about our reunions that makes them so much fun?

1. We're all friends! We love and accept each other.
2. Candy cannon. Seriously. It's so much fun. We all bring several pounds of candy, stuff it into this cannon thing, and shoot it out hundreds of feet. And shoot it. And shoot it. It's a crack up. Once in awhile someone gets pegged in the head, but it's worth it. :)
3. Mountains. We love the mountains.
4. Camping. It's cheap and we can all shower when we're DONE having fun.
5. Food
6. Activities. This year, there was a fishing pond where the boys got cowboy hats.
7. S'mores

8. The kids build huts.

New to this year?

1. We did a flag retiring ceremony. It was very neat. I love our flag and all that it represents.

2. A slept on TOP of the suburban.

3. G slept on a trailer bed that was there.

4. We threw out our tent after the campout. The door didn't zip closed. That was an adventure.

5. D got us alligators.

6. We swerved around an avalanche as we were driving up the mountain. Seriously. I was pointing out to the kids where an avalanche had been. My finger pointing and all, when all of a sudden,we see a two foot boulder rolling down the VERY verticle hill. It bounced OVER the cement barrior and on to the road. I had to swerve to miss it otherwise it would have hit the front passenger side of the car. It was crazy. I was the first one at the reunion so whenever the next family member got up there, they would ask, "Did you see that huge boulder on the road?" And we would say, "Yes, we had to swerve around it after watching it roll down the hill and bounce over the cement barrior!" And yes, boulders DO bounce. We saw it. Anway, we felt very blessed that we hadn't gotten hurt.

7. Watching my big boys be SO cute to the younger cousins. They were good sports. They don't have any cousins their age on either side, so it's been very lonely for years. It melted my heart to watch them.
8. Secret sibling/Secret cousin day

Thank you family for making the effort and being great. 'Twas fun.

All is well. All is well.

2011-07-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

While at my family reunion over the weekend, little g came running up to me with a huge grin on his face. He handed me a beautiful white flower that he had found in the field. After taking it from him and thanking him, I went on to tell him not to pick any more of them. He was confused seeing how we were on the mountain and not in our backyard. I went on to tell him about the Mormon pioneers and how the Native Americans taught them to eat the flowers' bulbs in the winter when food was scarce. I explained how special they were to the Mormons, the people of Utah and to me. His smile left his face. My heart ached knowing that I had hurt him. I tried to take a picture of the beloved Sego Lily with little g, but the damage was done. He didn't buy into my story. Someday perhaps.

Today at church we heard Mormon pioneer stories seeing how it's the anniversary of the LDS saints reaching the SLC valley in Utah. Their lives of courage and faith strengthen me. If they can do what they did, then certainly I can do what is asked of me. I'm so grateful for those that have paved the road so that my family and I can have the gospel in our lives. I've struggled with some anxiety this past week again. I know what's brought it on. I'll be visiting my therapist again Tuesday. I think I need to talk things out, perhaps even pay her to whack me on the side of my head so that I can be normal again.

I know I'm not having to push a handcart, bury my children or go hungry, but I have trials that try me. I'm grateful for the simple beauty of the Sego Lilies yesterday, the pioneer stories that I heard today and the words of my favorite hymn, "Come, Come Ye Saints". They give me the faith and courage to go on. For in reality, I too am a pioneer paving the way for my own descendants.

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell -
All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
'Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we'll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!

We'll find the place which God for us prepared,
Far away, in the West ,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
Where the saints, will be blessed.
We'll make the air, with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we'll tell -
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell-
All is well! All is well!

On the Lord's time

2011-07-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight for family home evening we watched something that was on 20/20 not too long ago. It was about a legal drug called "bath salts". We had another really good discussion about avoiding all drugs and anything that could potentially become addictive.

Afterwards, we were reading the Book of Mormon together where we read about pride. We pointed out to the boys the dangers of pride and how easy it is to become prideful. We talked of comparisons, thinking you're better than, what you have is better, being proud of your children, and being able to do things without any Heavenly help. C pointed the latter one out and we really discussed it. The fact that we have to be humble and realize that we can't do and have all that we have by ourselves. That brought up a story that I hadn't even shared with D today. So, I did.

This morning, C and I darted out to the health department to get his TB test done for his mission. This would be our fifth attempt at getting it. It seems as though we have no luck getting this last requirement done. The offices either don't do the test, have just closed for the day, or don't take our insurance. With all of my travels lately, we've had an even harder time fitting it in on the days that places do do it. So, today was going to be the day. We were going to have the follow up test done on Wednesday, followed by a call to the bishop for an interview that night. C had already decided this morning that he would fast tomorrow so that he might get with the stake president for his final interview on Sunday. Done. Ready to push "send" on Monday night. Leave for his church history tour on the 26th and come home three weeks later eager to open his mission call with friends and family.

But....

We got to the clinic this morning, waited in line and then realized we didn't have C's identification on him. So, we turned around and made the twenty minute drive home, grabbed his wallet and headed back to the health department eager to check off this last little detail. We checked in again, paid the cashier and went back to the nurse. He was called in quickly and asked if he had had any immunizations in the last month. He told her that he had received the chicken pox vaccine. After doing her math, she turned to us and said that he couldn't get his TB test done until the 28th. I just stood there. I told her that he was flying out on the twenty sixth for three weeks. Knowing what that meant, we turned around and I headed to the cashier with tears welled up in my eyes. It was a long and quiet ride home.

When we arrived home, I dropped C off and told him that I would be back in a minute. I drove around the corner to a friend's home. She wouldn't answer the door or her phone. I called her cell and she finally answered. After asking her how she was doing after sending two of her children on missions just this past Wednesday, she asked me how I was doing.

I sobbed as I told her that I just needed to cry and that I was sitting on her front step with my back against her door. I told her of my frustrations and the many stupid trips I had been making across town for this TB test. Telling her that I felt like I did when I was nine months pregnant and how you just want to wear a sign on your shirt saying when your due date is. That's how I'm feeling about this mission call. Everyone is excited and curious and always asking.

I sat on the right front porch today. My friend reassured me that Heavenly Father is aware of C and knows his intentions. Just because things haven't been submitted like we thought they would have been, doesn't mean that anything has changed. C will still go where Heavenly Father wants Him to go. He will still learn the same language if he is to do so. He will go when he is supposed to go. I felt better after talking to her. I had just needed to cry out my frustrations to someone and I had called the right person.

I hadn't thought anymore about it for the rest of the day. I'm realizing what that is right now.

So, back to family home evening and telling the family this story. As I was telling them this, I suddenly realized that I had been prideful. That I was determined to get this mission call when I wanted it. I had been humbled this morning. How silly. How silly to think that I could know more than my Heavenly Father and His timing for my son to go out into the world to spread the gospel of His son Jesus Christ.

I'm grateful that I was able to be the "latter day" scripture story for my family this evening. I'm thankful for the humility that is required from me. I'm okay with everything now. There's no rush. It will happen. C will go on his mission. On the Lord's time. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Written by my 10 year old

2011-07-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today is J's 10th birthday. I can't believe it. I was so pooped from all my traveling that I had him write his own talk for primary today. I was going to help him once he got his thoughts on paper, but it was so cute and sincere, I didn't touch it. He asked B if she wanted to stand next to him while he gave his talk. She smiled and said, "yes".

"About three years ago my family went to the temple to seal my little sister B to our family because she was adopted. We got to the temple and we all thought it was beautiful. We went in and had to dress in only white clothes. We went to the sealing room. Right before the sealing room there was the Celestial room which is the sacred toom in the temple. Something that was very special was that my great-grandpa sealed her. We got to the sealing room and saw all of our family members. My grandpa said the prayer and after it felt very special like wow my little sister just got sealed to us. She takes a very big part in my life. I'd like to bear my testimony that I know that Heavenly Father has blessed my family and I to have a little sister like B. I know this church is true and I know that Joseph Smith and Thomas S, Monson are both true prophets."

Isn't that the sweetest and neatest thing ever? Happy Birthday J. I'm so glad that I have you. I couldn't have had a better concert buddy this weekend. You were a blast. I love you.

*Another hilight today....watching A participate as a priest for the first time today with C while doing the Sacrament. It was such a neat sight and I couldn't stop crying.

Hey, we ARE having fun!

2011-07-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

We went on our family vacation this past week. We decided that we needed to take the whole family since this will be the last vacation before C leaves for his mission. We didn't want to do a couple motel rooms each night or flights for nine, so we decided to rent a cabin at the south rim of the Grand Canyon for a few nights, head up to the Hoover Dam and then take the four older boys to the American Idol Live concert in Los Angelos. We even had a little extra time and found the L.A. LDS temple in Santa Monica.

A couple days into our trip, I found myself crying my eyes out to D wondering if we had made the right decision. It seemed like all we were doing was cooking, cleaning, cooking, cleaning, the big boys playing games, me babysitting, and then when an older boy didn't cooperate he was sent to his room. That's when I lost it. It didn't seem like a family vacation at all. Or rather, a vacation! No one should have to cook on a vacation or even clean. But then to have enough rooms to send your kid to his room, I couldn't take it. I was ready to jump in my car and drive home.

Before we had ever left, I had told myself that even though this wasn't exactly my dream vacation, I would be a good sport and go along with it since D has been so good to me letting me go to Oregon and then to see my parents in the Dominican Republic.

After talking to D, I calmed down and swore that I would have a little better attitude. Things changed from that point.

I began taking pictures and noticing that we were making memories and inside jokes as a family. It turned out alright despite what tourist trap of helicopter rides I bought into (the prices), the ghetto hood of a yard around the cabin, the two separate cars, the cooking and cleaning, no air conditioning for four days, attempt to walk on the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West (drove two hours on the worst gravel washboard of a road only to find out it was run by the Hualipai Indian Tribe and would cost about $900 for our family to enter!!) etc. We had fun together. We saw amazing scenery, neat wild animals, the coolest clouds, did things you can't do in the city, and got back alive.

All the kids have thanked us several times for each segment of the trip. That makes me happy. Makes me feel like it was a success after all. Oh,and...the American Idol concert was the best concert ever!!

Here's what kept me going all week.

J turns 10!

2011-07-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

Homemade Reese's with sparklers since we were out of candles. :)

little g turns 6!

2011-07-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Homemade Reese's made by G for the birthday cake. Complete with an icing shark. :)

Portland Temple and Pesto Sandwiches

2011-07-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

We got to go to the Portland Temple which is actually in Tigard. We were sure that as soon as we got on top of the hill and could see out to see the temple spires, we'd surely find the temple. FYI, there are a ton of really tall and leafy trees in Oregon. We couldn't see a dang thing. We asked a kind lady in a parking lot where the LDS temple was and she told us. We just forgot to stay in the left lane like she had mentioned. Ya, we got on a wrong freeway and were heading somewhere else. We got back on track and then all of a sudden, we could see the spires in between some pine trees. We had a great time there. I'm so excited to cross off another temple on my temple list. Oh ya, proof that I went to Oregon with my sister. :)

I wanted to find a cute local place to have lunch on our way back. We saw this Victorian house turned into a restaurant in Newton. I was thrilled. We requested to sit outside under a big shade tree. I had a turkey sandwich with pesto cream cheese, carved turkey, lettuce, tomato, and a red pepper spread. Super yummy. I'll be making this at home.

We MUST fit it all in by 5:00 P.M.

2011-07-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

My alarm went off early Monday morning seeing how we had a long list of things we needed to see before we left the beautiful state of Oregon. Time to hit the road, running!

As we were leaving the small towns we had become familiar with, I saw a sign that I had fallen in love with. I must have said it over thirty times over the weekend. I guess we were staying in Yamhill County. Well, I loved to say, "What the Yamhill?" Or, "Yamhill Gaston" because it was on several other signs throughout the area. Makes me happy. :)

We had seen a field with real scarecrows in it several times while driving back and forth places. I wanted to make sure we got a picture. Thing is. They are NOT like the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. These are creepy. Pulling out from the field, we saw these railroad track and I couldn't resist. I'm not proud of this, but yes, those are my splits. lol

While driving north we saw a herd of cows. They were so cute. Seriously. Did I just say that? The bells on their necks were so cute. It just made me think of cowbells and happy cows. But then I realized that happy cows come from California. But I was sure that these cows, surely were the happy cows seeing where they lived.

While continuing northbound, we saw what I thought was an eagle. Heaven forbid I miss an eagle. So, I slammed on the brakes and ran back with my camera. Thing is, I haven't seen eagles swarming together. Like thirteen of them to be exact. After taking the pictures and drawing our own conclusions, we decided they were probably vultures or scavenger birds. Sure enough. Turkey Vultures. Oooh.

Tillamook was calling our names. We drove the hour and a half only to find out that the workers weren't actually making the cheese that day since it was the 4th of July. Oh well. We did have the most amazing curd ever and I had white licorice ice cream. (I love licorice. I buy the black jelly beans at Easter. ) The really funny thing up there in Tillamook was that the high school mascot is "The Cheesemakers". It just struck us as really funny. I mean really. Aren't mascots supposed to be kind of intimidating? Can you imagine going up to your opponent and them saying, "Back off. I'm a cheesemaker". Oooh. Scary. lol

Next we were heading south to Lincoln City to go to the beach. It was hard believing that it was the 4th of July. It was freezing! We sat there stiff on the beach with our hoodies pulled over our heads so that the seagulls wouldn't poop on us. It's happened before! Just before we left, we did the token, "stand in the water for a picture" thing. That reminds me. I need to get my shells and rocks out of my suitcase. The rocks were kind of cool.

Next stop. Newport and the Yaquina Head lighthouse. It was really pretty there with black river rocks on the beach. On our walk down to the lighthouse we found the most amazing Oregon trivia sign. I'm not one to really read those things, but it caught our attention like no other. See what I mean?

After the lighthouse and my next gymnastics effort, we decided that we wanted to find a little local place for some fresh fish and chips. We were thrilled to find a little place and we hurried in. We had fun talking with some of the locals and noticed a hugemungous hamburger on the wall. I sat there working up the nerve to ask if I could hold it. A man told us that it's a replica of the 7 lb burger they sell there. Eat it in 45 minutes and get $1000. Who are they kidding? I guess the guy from "Man vs Food" will be there to tape a segment in September. I couldn't help myself anymore. I had to hold that hamburger. I asked and lo and behold. I was holding that 7 lb burger. I think I want to throw up. What was once really fun there, turned into a long wait while we sat at the counter waiting for our fish and chips for over half and hour. I finally yelled across the counter and asked the cook if he was cooking our fish and chips. He had lost the ticket with our order on it, so that would be a no! Rather than eating our fun little lunch outside on the main drag, we scarfed it down on the scenic byway. That's not easy. Dipping fish in tarter sauce while driving through mountainous terrain.

At that point, we had two hours to get back to the Eugene airport and I still had all those pictures of barns I needed to get. That's when we started zig zagging, braking, backing up, and turning around to get all 23 of the barns. We made a bee line back to the airport with me ready to sprint up to the rental car counter and slap down my keys two minutes before 5:00. We made it. It was a great trip with a lot of fun memories. The people of Oregon are such kind people minus the gas station helpers. Can't wait to take D back with me some day.

Multnomah Falls

2011-07-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon, my sister and I decided that we would head up to Multnomah Falls north of Portland. It was known for its waterfall with a beautiful bridge and a great lookout area. I saw a picture of it and I was sold. We drove back to our sleeping quarters, changed into pants and shoes rather than heels and skirts, (We had been forwarned that we would want our running shoes. But, I told them that running shoes were for running, not to wear with jeans. I just can't do it!) and we headed out. This time, we did in fact get some mapquest directions so we weren't quite so clueless.

The drive there was beautiful.

Before we knew it, we were driving through what seemed to be mountains. I don't think they were, but the vegetation seemed like it was. We got to the top of the look out and had some sisterly fun. At one point, when I was pretending to be in jail while squatting down, I began laughing saying, "I'm 39 years old! What the heck am I doing?" We laughed and laughed at who could do the dumber pose.

After spending some time at the lookout, we jumped back in the car and got back on the scenic byway looking for our Multnomah Falls. Not too many minutes later, to the right we saw the beautiful falls. We were giddy at the thought of finding them. We grabbed our hoodies and started down the trail.

While walking along, my sister pointed something out with a shriek in her voice. It was a slug. A monster slug. Have I made myself clear? Wider than a finger, longer than a size ten women's shoe big toe. We may have been slightly freaking out. Maybe. We decided that we had better watch our step as we continued down. Not ten feet later, I told my sister to really watch her step because she had just passed another slug. She freaked out wondering where it was. We snapped a picture and then really got thinking about the situation. We could just imagine a slug losing his balance high in a tree and landing on our head, or perhaps stepping on one and sliding down the trail. That was it. We bolted back up the hill covering our heads and watching every step we took. We both agreed that if a slug had landed on our heads that we would just like our heads cut off right there. We talked about the slugs for hours. We still are.

Once we reached the top of the trail, we headed over to the bridge for a picture. We were confused. We wondered how on earth someone got the picture with the falls behind the bridge. We walked all over trying to figure it out. My sister suggested that the picture may have been from an arial shot. I was sure that it had been photoshopped in. What a cruel joke. Nonetheless, we loved the memories that came from our hike to the falls. Or, small jaunt towards the falls.

Just as I was starting this post, I decided that I had better look up Multnomah Falls to be sure I spelled it correctly. There it was again. The picture with the waterfall behind the neat bridge. (I have a thing for bridges too!) Then, I noticed several pictures that all looked similar from other people that had posted their pictures. How could that be? How had all those people gotten that shot? The trees were so thick that you couldn't even see under the bridge let alone the waterfall. As I scrolled down through the pictures, I noticed a picture that looked similar to the ones I had taken. Too bad my sister is sound asleep right now, because I cannot wait to tell her that we saw Latourell Falls. Joke is on us. So, where the heck were the Multnomah Falls at? lol

It's okay. Waterfalls? You can see them anywhere. But a five inch slug? You can find them on the Latourell Falls trail that's where. Seeing them with my sister. Priceless.

Stop the car! There's a barn!!

2011-07-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

My Sister and I headed off to Oregon for the weekend to attend a quinceñera. It was four days of laughing our heads off! We arrived in Eugene only to realize that we had flown into the "wrong" airport. Our destination was an almost two hour drive from there. We asked if they had a map of Oregon and we headed out not having the slightest clue at where we were headed, what we would see or do for four days, or if we'd be able to find our way back.

But...having a sense of humor really paid off! We just giggled our way around the state asking people for directions everywhere we went.

On our trip from Eugene north, we started to notice that there were really neat barns everywhere. I kind of got obsessive about it. We were in too much of a hurry to take pictures of them on the way to McMinnville that first night so we told ourselves that we'd take pictures of them on our way back. Thing is...we were even in a bigger hurry on the way back, but I was not going to miss out on my barns. So, it was a stop and go, whip around, back up, run across the highway, whiplash of a trip back taking pictures. It was a blast!

There have got to be hundreds of barns there. Here are the ones that we could snag on our way back.

Mending B

2011-06-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

I've done a lot of mending in my days, but this was one of those times that I wasn't about to pull out a needle and thread. Yesterday I opted to take B to the E.R. instead.

She and S had been rocking on the rocking chair while standing, and it tipped over into the bar stool just twenty seconds after I told them to stop.

B did a great job. One stitch underneath and five on top. And yes, that is a goose egg on her forehead also.

Class of 2011

2011-06-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations C! You did it. You've made it through some of the most trying years of your life. You've been an example. You've persevered. You've been a good sport. You've been responsible. You've been a leader. You've got me crying. You looked so handsome tonight at your graduation. It's just starting to dawn on me that you'll soon be leaving. Of course I want that for you. I want you to pursue your dreams, continue to learn and grow and someday have a family of your own. But...you've been mine for eighteen years. You've cared about me. You've been a wonderful oldest brother. You've been such an example in our family. I only want the best for you. I love you C.

Have a great summer C. Enjoy all your trips.

A turns 16!

2011-06-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Cake of choice this year....Peanut Butter Pie.