"Kiss An Angel Goodmorning"

Halloween party and trunk or treat!

I don't know how Thatcher got Luke to be the one-eyed, one horned flying purple people eater but he danced around him like there wasn't much coaxing, ha ha.

Most of the gang: minus the boys. Alex never wants to be anything but scary, (me too), Kate was thrilled to be wearing her poodle skirt and Ellie changed three times before I gave into her. Happy Halloween!

Comfort Zones

I started writing my blog with my children in mind. I want them to have something of me that they can read and look back on and know who I am. So, as we were sitting in church today I got to thinking about my job that I have had for a little over a year. I work with kids mostly but, I deal with their parents and co-workers as well and one thing that I have learned is that I shouldn't be shy or introverted when it comes to interacting with them. I'm good at passing people and saying, "Hi, how are you?" but that is as far as my comfort zone allows me to go most of the time. It has been really good for me to reach past my "comfort zone" and G-R-O-W. Sometimes it is hard but, the more I get past "myself," the easier it becomes. Sometimes I find myself having a long conversation with a stranger at work and I think to myself that this just isn't me. However, it is not only good for me and the company that I work for but I am realizing how good it is for my children to see me interact with others. I think that it gives them more confidence to do the same. I used to joke around with people when I didn't work outside the home and say, " I need some adult conversation today." Now, here I am with it all around me and it's kind of uncomfortable at times. Or rather, It's just easier to stay in my own little corner of the world and deal with what I know best. Here's to moving forward and overcoming challenges!

"A Sense of Humor?"

When we got home from church today I told my children that they were beautiful. I also asked them what makes someone beautiful? I got various answers: kindness, loyalty, a good friend, non-judgemental, etc. I could tell that my 7-year old, Kate, was concentrating on what she was going to say. She took a few seconds and then yelled, "A Sense of Humor?" Well, I immediately smiled and chuckled to myself. Then she ran upstairs and came down with this ensemble on. Yes, Kate, your sense of humor is beautiful!

Jungle Red Part:3

In the midst of turning 41 this year, I realized that I was no longer just 40 but, 40-something. I don't know why this seems more significant than last year but, alas I wanted to keep working on my goals or "Jungle Red" accomplishments.

One of them was to get into shape, not necessarily to lose weight but, to get active and healthier. I have never REALLY worked very hard at this because of things that pop up like pregnancy or the motivation just disappears. So, when my boss encouraged me to start with her I decided that, if anything, it would just be fun. Well, it's HARD! H-A-R-D hard - at first, however, after sticking with it for a substantial amount of time it gets better. My energy level is higher and I am a lot stronger than I used to be. My husband has also started his own regime as well and we are eating healthier as a family. I am eating things I thought I never would and it tastes good. I don't feel like I am going without because I'm not. We are just eating different things. Anyway, we have to break away every once in awhile and have some good old fashioned, greasy fries but, everyone needs a guilty pleasure, right? I have never felt better. Hopefully, I can influence my children to be active and healthy.

Mullet Love

Ellie likes to use scissors. If you ask her preschool teacher, she is very careful and precise when doing so. Well, last week, she came out of the bathroom with a pair of scissors in each hand and a mullet! As you can see from the picture, she was very proud of herself and did not want the mullet touched! I tried to reason with her as I dialed a friend of mine who cuts hair, PROFESSIONALLY but, she was determined to keep the mullet. So, after much consideration from both her and the adults, we were able to disguise the new creation with pigtails and a big flower barrette. It will at least buy us some time until it grows out a little more. What do you think, a possible career for her in the future?

"Angel Lullaby"

Putting my younger children to bed last night made me stop and think. I was so tired and just wanted to go to bed but, they asked me to sing them a song, which I normally do when it is a little earlier. They have never asked me before, it is just something we do, along with reading a book. Well, I immediately thought of "Angel Lullaby," this was a special song in my household growing up. We incessantly listened to "My Turn On Earth." You could even say that each one of us had our favorites. However, when our special needs, younger sister passed away, it became evident that we all favored one in particular. "Angel Lullaby" was sung at her funeral. I haven't talked about my sister, Cari for awhile but, this gave me an opportunity to share her with my younger children. I could hardly get through the last verse but, what a blessing a few extra minutes were. I am so glad that this time I didn't rush off to bed and miss this opportunity. Here is the song below. I do not know who the baby or family are but it is touching and is the same version from "My Turn On Earth."

I Am Grateful For....

Today was "Testimony" meeting at church. I got brave and felt the need to bear mine. I haven't done so in Sacrament meeting for awhile. I do all the time in primary but, my older kids never hear me much anymore. It is just as hard for me to do so as the first time I did. I'm so glad I did. After me and several youth got up, my two sons got up and bore theirs. I can not remember the last time I have seen or heard them do this. I don't think they ever have. I was very touched. I know that they have testimonies as well. What a blessing. I am so grateful for tender moments like these.

The Sounds of Spring

We had a great Easter this year! First of all, it was spring break the week prior and General Conference that same weekend! I loved it! I wish it could be that way every year!! Anyway, we managed to get a few pictures of the family as well.


Alex was having a lot of fun with posing but, the little girls were ready to be done. She recently bought a T-shirt that says, "I'm the crazy friend." Troy and I couldn't agree more, ha ha.

During "Spring Break" we didn't go anywhere so we tried to make the best of it at home. We decided to give each of our kids one day to choose what we would do as a family and we had a great week! Here are some of the sounds we heard:

1. A very big, "YAY, YEAH and WOOHOO" for no chores the first day! Everyone needs a pajama day every once in awhile.

2. The "pitter patter" of little feet running around the living room, kitchen and entryway, which makes a complete circle. It was kind of cold outside. At first, you think that they will get tired and stop but, little kids NEVER tire. It was only when Alex and I joined in that they decided to stop and watch us pant and try to catch our breath.

3. "Honk, Honk," went the car's horn as Austin drove into the garage with his permit.

4. The "sweet and soft voice" of our youngest, Ellie, singing her own, original melodies. Sometimes, it was just humming and other times it was words mixed with humming. It was as if she was in a fairytale land collecting berries, with all the forest creatures gathered around her. If you didn't stop and tune in, you'd miss it completely.

5. We also did some popcorn munching, candy crunching, and egg cracking to last us for awhile!



Troy even got a couple days off to spend with us! Yay! (Don't we look tired?)

"AKA"

Here is Luke's first Breakdance performance from Saturday night. He started taking "Hip Hop' at the gym that I work at about two months ago and he really enjoys it. Since he has only performed with a group before, he was a little reserved. I whispered to Troy as he went out to dance that we forgot to "Bribe" him. Anyway, the whole night was full of several ages and both genders competing against each other. In fact, one time, Luke danced against his cousin, Corbett. The adults that danced were even given "AKA" names so we decided to do the same with Luke, AKA "Breaka Breaka" because he loves to breakdance and Corbett, AKA "The Cowboy" because he always wears his Wranglers to practice and has always got his boots on. Thanks Luke and Corbett!!! Here's to more "breaking it down in the hood!"

Valentine's Past and Present

Friday morning I woke up with a little bit of nausea and no voice, well, a deep gruff, smoker's voice. So, I have spent the weekend in my sweats, napping, resting and sleeping. It has been so nice to get caught up on rest and to relax. My husband and children have cleaned, and taken care of me so wonderfully. I couldn't think of a better Valentine's gift than that. However, when I woke up this morning, I was greeted with breakfast in bed, flowers and a card from my hubby. He is so AWESOME! However, I am feeling a wee bit guilty for not even getting a card. I'll have to make something memorable before they get home.

Some of my most memorable Valentine Day's:

*Grade School - getting a flower from my father (Troy does the same thing with our girls)

* Junior High - getting flowers at my house from a "secret admirer" (in later years, I figured out it was my older sister that wanted to surprise me).

*High School - Getting flowers from a boy that I had a crush on but couldn't muster up enough guts to thank him in person so I sent him a Thank You card. (Who knows, maybe that was from my sister too, ha ha).

*College - Getting a "Highly" anticipated letter from Troy.

*These days - Having the kids help me stuff Troy's car with balloons, a poem and puzzle that he had to figure out to get to his valentine.
(the kids got the biggest kick out of this)

Happy Valentine's Day! What are some of your most memorable?

"Tootin My Horn"

I don't toot my horn very often. There are so many things that I need to work on but every once in awhile I have a little moment that makes me feel like I can conquer the world, well, maybe just the day!

After school, Luke, Austin and Troy went on a winter camp-out and since Austin has a paper route, there was a little debate over how it was going to get done. This was due partially to only being a one car family right now. However, I said that I would do it on Austin's bike if he would just pack them all up in the sack. Then, after much deliberation, I thought, "Who am I kidding?" If I get on that bike with 50 pounds of weight on me I will surely be falling all over. I could just see the papers flying. So, I resorted to the stroller, something that can tote, is on wheels and is much more familiar to me.

I must admit that at first I was not thrilled about it, one paper, two papers, etc., etc., but, once I put my ipod on and got my pace going it wasn't bad. In fact, once Pat Benetar came on with "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," I was running, pushing my stroller, throwing three pointers, thinking about Rocky Balboa training for the big fight. I think I may have even thrown a few punches, ha ha, no, just kidding but, I thought about it. I also started thinking about how I never would have done this as a kid. Okay, maybe on a bike, but not on foot or with a STROLLER.

As I came down the home stretch, empty bag and empty stroller, it felt good to round the corner and cross the imaginary finish line! Woot! Woot!

I know this is pretty trivial for some women out there and to you I say, "Tally Ho and Hang Tough" and for those of you who are like me and consider this a Wonder Woman moment, I say, "We are Women, Hear Us Roar!"

Now for the Christmas lights...