GNO ---June 2010

Every year, there is an event called, "Fathers and Sons" - it's a camping outing for the boys and their dads in the neighborhood.


And when the boys are away, the girls play.  Ada gets to pick what we do.  In the past, we have
*eaten at Noodles and Company  (more than once)
*Shopped at Old Navy (she likes that place)
*Gone to a movie
*Made treats

Last year, we met up with my sister in law (aunt Laurel) and we ate at the Golden Corral.  Laurel loves that place and Ada was curious to try it out.  I wasn't too impressed, but Ada liked it.  Laurel and Ada had a blast together, telling jokes and making each other laugh.  Laurel showed Ada the ropes- where to get the ice cream and how yummy it is to sprinkle cheese on your corn- stuff like that.  I mostly watched.  They were cute together.  I wish I had thought to bring my camera.

Later, Ada and I rented a movie and had a spa night at home.  A foot soak, painted fingers and toes.

We even made a homemade facial mask, with all sorts of crazy ingredients from the fridge (yogurt, oatmeal, strawberries, avocado, maybe lemon and I can't remember what else) - we kind of made it up as we went along.

 It looked strange, but it smelled good and didn't seem to do any damage.

 I think the strawberries stained our complexion a little, we had rosier cheeks afterward.

 She's fun and sweet and I love her so!  I can't wait to do it again this year.

Since My Birthday is Fast Approaching...

I think I will spend the next 10 days or so recapping and posting some pictures from this last year.   Not necessarily in chronological order.  I wasn't blogging much last year, and so I like the idea of taking a few minutes each day to recall some memories through pictures.  It was a good year, I think.

May 2010 [???] - - BYU Women's Conference with Valerie (left), Katie (right) and Cristie (not pictured, unfortunately).  All women I ardently admire and enjoy being with.  It was a fun day.  Fun girls, a most delicious brownie and lectures that left me refreshed and wanting to be just a little better.

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY NINETEEN

For about 14 years now, My grandparents have been hosting an annual

Granddaughter Party.

They have so many granddaughters that they actually have to split it up into two groups.  I'm in the 12 and older group.  :)

• A homemade feast is served on beautiful china.  It occurred to me last night that I will really cherish these memories of seeing both my grandfather and grandmother wearing their aprons, working together in the kitchen, joking and laughing, refilling our goblets.  Those two are the ulitmate example of the beauty and power of teamwork.

• A theme is presented by both grandparents -they impart their wisdom, love and hopes for our happiness in life.  This year the theme is Humility.   We all talked about what it means to be humble and why humility goes hand in hand with every other Christ like attribute. 

• A beautiful gift made of crystal is given to each of the girls.  It is always made of crystal (for symbolic reasons) and represents the theme in some way.   This year we received a crystal bowl to remind us of the time when Jesus washed the disciple's feet.  An act of humility, love and true leadership.  My grandmother had one out on the table, with a poinsettia floating inside.  

My challenge was to make sure I take a picture of these people I love so much.

Looking at this picture makes me feel so lucky.  We are missing a few and they were really missed!

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE: DAY EIGHTEEN

The nativity.  A new experience? The challenge for today, is to write about it.   But I can tell you from the get-go, it's not going to be easy for me.

For the 33rd time in my life,
I sat in a room full to the brim
People young and old
Babies,  each one looked like my own


I never noticed that much before.  How much we all resemble one another.
Maybe it was because Laura wasn't there
(In body, anyway).

Searching for her in every embrace, in every smile,
I found, she was there.  Her presence was all over the place, in body and in spirit.
My sister, from behind, heard her laugh.
I saw her smiling, happy eyes over and over and over again.

I told her daughters that this silly little Christmas challenge was really inspired by their mother. 
And I wanted to write about it, about her,  but I just can't.
How can I write about my regrets for not showing my love and appreciation for her.
How much I will miss her.
How much I love her girls and how her home felt like home, always.
How she seemed to be ever youthful, soft skin, fresh faced.
Determined to make sure I felt loved and more than adequate.

My beautiful aunt Laura

 I can't do it, because I'd want to write something as beautiful as I think she is.
But it just comes out as fumbling.

Maybe someday.

Today,  in that room of lookalikes, big and small -
My daughter was the donkey.
She asked to be
She said she should because she's strong enough


I was the donkey several times.
That happens when you are one of the oldest grandchildren.  You have the strongest back.
I never wanted to be the donkey
I wanted to drape a soft blue cloth over my head
And sit on the donkey, as Mary, the beautiful star of the show
Who carried the glorious babe.

Surely, Ada would feel the same.
Knowing how much she likes to be center stage,
decked out and sparkling.

Little did I know
Ada had it right
"It's an important job" she said.
Mary and Joseph,
"They needed that donkey to get there."
And she was strong enough.  


Ada.
Have I mentioned before how she's like sunshine?  (Oh, I have?)
Can you see what I mean?
She's a smart little girl. And good.  And sweet.
I can see her face in the photo below

Dan & Barbara:  They are crazy for each other.   And they are my grandparents.

 I look so much like my grandpa.  I even have his hands.  I never noticed before.
I love my family.


That's all.  Now I'm going to bed.  I think I've overdone it the last few days.  :(

DAY TEN HAS BEEN RESERVED (all photos are so dark. boo.)

For this big kid.

Christmas is set aside.  The front door wreath is covered with a birthday sign.  Streamers hang from the bedroom door.  The birthday hat, chair and banner is put out.

[I bought this banner on Eddie's first birthday.  Just a few years ago I noticed why this birthday message is extra special.  Do you see it?]

 From dawn until way past sundown we celebrated on this gray, drizzly Friday. 

• Treats for the school kids.
• He had lunch with Grammy and Grandpa.
• Opened presents.
• We went to the 3D opening of "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and invited a couple of neighbor friends.
• Eddie had a yummy cake idea and it turned out great!

Can you tell which child was being the most difficult at this moment?

I can't believe it.  I can't believe he's twelve!  He's a great kid, a very cute birthday boy.  I feel so blessed.

Eddie's Favorites, as of today:

Color - blue

Book - "Titan's Curse" [ from the Lightning Thief series]

Movie - Lord of the Rings

Subject in school - Science

Toy - shoot pellet gun (his bday present)

Scripture Story - The tree of Life

Candy - Zots

To do - Hanging out with family

Food - pasta

Drink - Sobe

Sport - football and baseball

Holiday - Christmas

Animal - Cougar

Other favorites: 

-marbles

-slap jack

-pomegranate

-Ferrari

-Crazy Train (the song)

-Legend of Zelda (the game)

[he is a delight]

Mondays Get a Bad Wrap.

Okay, I admit I often dread Mondays.  Monday does have it's bright spot.   It's the one night of the week where Sam and I won't have meetings or other obligations (most generally).  And we spend time together as a family (with the exception of that one family night fiasco involving the "juiceless" hot dog).

I'm going all out tonight.  Usually family night consists of someone getting in trouble and sent to bed and the rest of us reading a story...and then going to bed.

Not tonight.  Tonight we have a THEME.  We're going BANANAS.

Family Night + Theme = Totally Exceptional Utah Mom.  (right?)

Not that you asked, but here's how it came to fruition (get it?  Bananas...FRUITION?  haha...):

Sam, Jack and I went shopping for one of those roll up chess sets at our local toy stores.  We couldn't find any, but we did come home with "Bananagrams".

Apparently this game is really, really fun.  We'll see.

 Then we'll eat banana splits.  Because we also found out this weekend that my children have no idea what a banana split is.

I was as shocked as you are.  How is this possible?  I guess I've got to quit being so selfish with all the treats around here because I KNOW I've had many banana splits since becoming a mother.

I hope I'm not getting my hopes up too high.  If tonight ends up being a big let down, we can always go back to taking pictures of ourselves (refer to above photo).  We think that's hilarious fun!


IN OTHER NEWS:

A BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!
It's true...

My sister in law is having a baby today (or probably had her baby by now).  YAHOO!


Oh, I'm sorry.  Did you think I was making an announcement about myself?  (hee hee).  Mean trick,  I know.
I'm so exited for Ali and her family.  I'm tempted to hop in my car and make the 5 hour trip so I can hold that sweet newborn goodness.  My arms are aching at the thought.

P.S.  Breaking News:  She's HERE. She's a GIRL!  (just like Dad predicted).   

Christmas 2009 Memory #2: Christmas Magic

I learned this year-
When you don't have it together,
You can still have Christmas.

Christmas Eve morning I stood in my messy, messy (I mean, messy) kitchen.  Dishes overflowed the sink and onto the sticky crumb-filled counter tops.  Garbage and neighborhood holiday gift carnage strewn everywhere.  Heaps of laundry sat in piles downstairs.  We were out of towels and pants and I had not one clean washcloth with which to wipe my dirty counter tops.  I was overwhelmed by the hustle of the season.  And my house seemed to be past the point of restoring order.  I couldn't keep up.

As I stood in the kitchen, looking at the fruits of my disorganized and distracted (let's just say it) lazy nature - I had a decision to make.  Will I make toffee before Christmas?  I really tried to prepare for Christmas, but I only got half of my Christmas cards out and I just couldn't get my act together when it came to our yearly tradition of toffee and braetzlis. 
Dishes first.  I need to at least see the counter tops before making a decision.
I strapped my ipod to my arm and turned on the hot water.  I  began singing loudly with the music (not Christmas music, I wasn't in the mood) only to press pause periodically when my kids wanted to speak with me.

My family is often plagued by the sound of me singing along with my ipod.  Being able to hear oneself is an important aspect of singing well.  Also, it's nice to have an accompaniment.  As the one wearing the ear buds, I am oblivious to the negative effects that occur when these two elements are removed.  My family is generally very patient and long suffering in regards to my loud habit.  On this morning however, when I paused to speak to one of the kids, I noticed that Sam speedily took advantage of the moment and plugged in some Christmas music before I could start up again.  I took the subtle hint and turned off my ipod.

The  kitchen counters began to emerge. Once the pots were clean I felt like I could make some candy.

And that fast it felt like Christmas.  Even though my house was a disaster,  Even though I knew I wouldn't have time to deliver this toffee before Christmas.  I was working in the kitchen and my family was all around and I felt happy.

Eddie and Jack were at the table, drawing.  Ada had spent the last few days working on a story.  It's about a girl named Ann who will prove to her father that she can be a warrior, even though she is a girl.  I stirred the boiling candy and Ada stood beside me reading about Ann bravely facing the black knight and cleverly getting past the moles and into the thick forest using her clever sense of humor.  Ada's big eyes expressed focused vibrancy as she used different voices for each character, or looked up at me to make sure I got the funny parts. Occasionally, she would pause to explain the specific details that will go into the movie once her story is bought.  Every few minutes, she would be interrupted by one of her brothers who came in to show me their new creations of fierce, scaly eyes for the dragons they were drawing.  Dragons that blew ice crystals instead of fire.

And in the background I heard sweet sounds of Hallelujah and praise for the One who makes up the difference.  It was at this moment when I realized, It is a joyous Noël, because I fall short.

Hallelujah!
He is born.
I am warm in my messy house.
I am filled with His love and compassion as I look upon my own.
I am supported by a dear friend and companion who refuses to give up on me.
I am determined to be better.

Christmas Magic.

Christmas 2009 Memory #1: "Marmee..."

I was newly married when I first read Little Women.  I loved it.  A story of women being and doing good, exemplifying loyalty, strength, devotion, charity and fostering relationships.  The girls were influenced by a strong and kind mother whom they referred to as Marmee.

After finishing that book, I began occasionally calling my mother "Marmee".  Why?  Because, like Margeret March, she is an exceptional lady.  She really tries to be kind and good.  And she actively raised her children to adopt those philosophies.  Even in hard days,  as a young mom working full time and doing internships for school and really trying to make ends meet, she taught us the importance of giving.  She taught us (mostly by example) that no material possession is worth clinging to, but should be given freely to one who is in need.  And further, not to judge, but to give because it is our responsibility to be giving.  She taught us that everyone deserves love and a listening ear, and a break.

During the holidays especially, she tried to provide opportunities for her children to give and serve.

*We went to homeless shelters and churches and served soup.
*I remember when I was about 10 or so, we hid in a back room as Santa's elves ready to pick out gifts from the Christmas bags for homeless kids. 
*I remember going to someone's home while they were away (an outing arranged by my mother) and cleaning their house  and other secret services depending on her friends' needs.

She really wanted us to see what we have.  It was more than that, though - She taught us (and teaches us), that it is not about us having and others not having.  There is no need for self-righteous acclamation upon our offerings of service.  We are all in need.  This is why we must give.  It is in the giving that we really understand who we are and why we are here.




Jesus, when giving His sermon on the Mount said;

"But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."

-Matthew 6:3

My Marmee.

-My boys and my Marmee, Thanksgiving Day 2009-

Once I was at a family gathering.  My mother (who was not present) came up in the conversation.  Story after story began emerging of quiet acts of kindness and help she gave.  We were all surprised to hear that each of us had been helped and quietly cared for.  She doesn't think about it or mention it or act like it's a sacrifice.  And I know there are times when nobody knows.

To her siblings, she is known as the truly compassionate one.  It's because she is not afraid to seek out those who are left alone in the dark trenches socially, mentally, physically, spiritually.  She doesn't shirk from trying to revive and to help them.  To love them.

And it's not only during Christmastime.  My dear Marmee is like that all the time.

I guess this isn't exactly a 2009 memory.  But this season I felt a keener sense of gratitude for her example.  It is one I am determined to better live up to.


I'm very, very lucky she is my Marmee.

Halloween Weekend (in pictures) -

It was an amazingly beautiful weekend.

And lot's of spooky fun, too.

d-d-d-Derby.

DERBY 2009

I learned three things at this event:

1. Being a den leader is a lot of fun. Seriously. I know you don't believe me. I wouldn't have believed you 6 months ago, either. But it's true! I really wanted all my boys to do well. They did.




2. My oldest is now TEN years old. Apparently the "T" stands for "too cool". I embarrass him daily. Mostly I do it on purpose. I make a point to say things like, "oh thanks, sweetie pie" during troop meetings. My dad used to try to embarrass me, too. I remember my dad (John) pulling his shorts down really low while at Lagoon once (when I was a teenager). He just walked around like that and I was mortified. He was always trying to embarrass us kids in public. I never understood why, until now. It's easy fun.
This picture took work:






3. My kids are so lucky. I already knew this, but they have devoted and supportive grandparents, aunts and uncles. They regularly show up to support my kids. I wonder if my kids even have a clue how lucky they are.




This is the man, who just hours before, put the finishing touches on the cars. He's not only handsome, he's also reliable. And best of all, he's mine.


Ed's, Ada's and Jack's cars-respectively. All of which are much, much cooler looking in person.

That's all for now. I am very tired.
G'night.

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIKKI!!!

What Do You Call

A skeleton that never wants to do any work?

~LAZYBONES.

And what do you call a 7 year old boy that learned a Halloween joke?

~INCESSANTLY repetitive.

(And his punchline delivery is adorable - every single time!)







HALLOWEEN '08

FIRST:
The Neighborhood Halloween Parade

From Left: NeighborFriend, Eddie the Secret Agent, Indiana Jack, and Ada the Rock Star


NEXT:
A visit to Grammy's
Aunt Lizzie and Ada



FINALLY:
A Visit With the Neighborhood Witch
(My friend's mother). Famous for a reason, she gave my kids a good scare.

Jack said (while crying), "I thought this was going to be a fun day, but it was NOT a fun day! I don't think I'll ever sleep AGAIN!"
Don't be fooled by those forced smiles, this spooky witch laid it on thick after the photo, and they couldn't get off her porch fast enough. (She was awesome).

It was warm and the wind blew the leaves around- a perfectly spooky setting for trick or treating.

I love this holiday. I love my family.

More Reasons...

Spooky, glowing, Jack-O-Lanterns!



Jackie (not holding still for a picture) and his howling wolf.










Ada and her cute pumpkin face.
I love that she designed it all herself!















Eddie and his spooky Grim Reaper.

















My boy Jack makes an expression similar to this EVERY DAY. He does it to try and make me laugh, so I tried to put it on a pumpkin.

















Sam used his dremel (which explains the pumpkin gore all over his face and shirt in the previous post). He always does something really fabulous. This looks even more amazingly cool in person.




I love Halloween!