It has been a long time and I realize that I need to document more, he he. That was the whole reason why I started this blog. So, this is a milestone year however, I realize that as I say that, it usually is with someone in our family, every year! :) It is this year for several reasons but the biggest one is that a member of our family has moved away to college! We all miss Austin and it was weird to not be able to talk to or see him everyday. It was also really hard to be without a third driver and babysitter, I'm not gonna lie! However, we are thrilled that he has this opportunity to continue his education and be on his own! What an exciting time in one's life to be on your own! Alex, Luke, Troy and I went to settle him in at BYU-I in Rexburg, Idaho and as we were saying goodbye, Austin said to me, "Mom, I'll be back!" I was a little emotional, not gonna lie about that either. :) He Will be back in December to prepare for his mission! What am I going to do then? We won't be able to text!!!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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?
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."
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.
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?)
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!"
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?
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!"
Here are a couple of beautiful sisters singing, "Si Volvieras a mi." I always get chills when I hear them sing. They are also our nieces. I just love them. I also love music. It can be so powerful.
This is a little late but I wanted to get to it at some point. Every October we make a Scarecrow. This is a tradition I started, thinking that the kids would really enjoy. Well, the younger ones do but, the older ones think of it as more of a chore. However, they humor me anyway and end up helping out. I always tell them that even the "crazy" or "boring" traditions I come up with will be a memory for them that they will laugh about later. It will go under "remember when mom made us do this...."
It was headless at first, as well as gloveless and bootless but we took pictures anyway. Don't our "pumpkins" look great?
I have been lingering around the kitchen, at first I was cleaning up a little and munching a little. Then it turned into a full, blown-out munch fest, ugh! I can't help it. I LOVE left overs and can't seem to put any distance between me and the refrigerator. Cold chicken is awesome! Let's see, what else do I like cold? I like cold Pizza, cold cuts, cold pasta salad, cold cereal (lucky charms), dang it, I'm out of milk, cold Reeces Peanut Butter cups, cold chocolate chips and cold doggie bags from ANY restaurant, no luck there either. Oh well, I should get to bed.
Last night was Austin's first choir concert. He has always been in band so, I didn't ever expect to be going to see him in the choir. Everyone did a great job. Here he is in a tux!! He looks way too old to me, AAwww!
Austin is in the back row with the microphone right in front of his face.
I just wanted to share an experience we had Sunday morning. My thirteen year old, Alex was assigned to give a talk on Sunday and we forgot all about it until Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. I had a meeting at 7:00 so, I quickly woke her up and tried to get her some material. After giving her a couple topics to choose from, she looked at me and blirted out a completely different topic, prayer. I thought it was a great choice. I ran down to the computer and started looking up references for prayer. Well, she didn't come down for awhile. I ran back up the stairs to hurry her along and she met me with a "don't take over my assignment" look. We then proceeded to the computer where there were too many topics on prayer to her liking. By this time, I realized that she did not want my help and I was going to be late for my meeting if I continued prepping her. Both of our teenagers do not like our help when preparing for a talk, which completely baffles me because when I was their age, I very much wanted my parents help! However, Troy and I also think it's great because they are showing initiative, right? We also can focus on other things, like getting the other kids ready or going to a meeting.
I left the house for my meeting confident that Alex would be prepared. She always is.
After my meeting, I sat in a pew waiting for my family to arrive. Go Troy!!! I also knew that Alex does not like to be late, especially when giving a talk, like I said, no attention drawn to her. During the opening song, I quietly smiled when I looked up and saw Alex slipping through the door closest to the pulpit. She looked lovely, I thought. Soon after, the rest of them trickled in. Ellie even had her hair back in a great looking pony tail, Wooo Hoooo Troy!
Now it was time for the talk. She talked plainly and clearly, which I am always greatful for, coming from a teenager. But I was a little surprised when she proceeded to tell the congregation that her topic was the Word of Wisdom. Hmmmm, not what we had talked about but that's okay, another great topic. She touched on what we should stay away from and then starts to mention a popular, spoof movie, Sons of Provo. It's about a Mormon Boy Band that sings about gospel topics in a very modern, funky way. Now, when it's not my own children, I love when kids break from the norm and catch you off guard about what they relate to. However, when she started to recite the following lyrics from one of the Sons of Provo songs, Word of Wizzum, I was a little leary, just a little! IT's a RAPPING Song!! This is what she recited in a very monotone, serious manner:
Don't, don't drink. No, don't even think about it Drinkin' stinks Stinky drink no doubt about it O-val-tine better for you don't you doubt it Keep yo body clean Let's shout it!
Go! Go! Go! Go! Stop!
Meats okay. Yeah, but only twice a day Coffee? No Way! Pero, Postum, yes you may Mount-tain Dew Tasty but no good for you Too Too true at least I'm not sniffin glue!
Oh yes, it was the sniffin glue part that made me burst into outward laughter! I don't know which was funnier though, the fact that it was a completely different topic when I left home, that she recited a rapping song over the pulpit, or the serious manner in which she did it. The girl kept a straight face the WhOLE time! One lady next to me asked me who the Sons of Provo were, ha ha! I quickly told her that our children won't allow us to help them with their talks.
I love my kids, they keep life so interesting and fun!
Well, Genie Industries, my husbands employer just finished implementing another round of lay-offs this week. We feel very fortunate to have made it through another round, Whew! Troy counted up how many times he has been through this and it is 6, Six times! I can't tell you how blessed and lucky we feel. We really thought that this would be IT! I was mentally preparing myself for a lifestyle change, etc. We are hoping for at least three more lives. Troy has been with Genie for 14 years and has been curious at times to try other things but Genie has been so good to us. We have known others who have quit and moved on and it has worked out wonderfully for them, Yay! However, when you're a creature of habit and things are going well, it sounds difficult, maybe more to me than him. I do have to say though, I felt somewhat prepared for what seemed like the inevitable and yet here we are. That's not to say that we are out of the woods, if there is one thing we have learned during our married life is that NOTHING is set in stone and the most important thing is: Things can ALWAYS be WORSE! I want to thank all of you who were so kind to us and worried about us. We had several friends and family pray and fast for us and we are so grateful. So, regardless of how many lives we end up getting, we know that things will work out.
Chaperoned a Stake Dance tonight and worried about all the girls that didn't get asked to dance. You just want to give them a big hug and tell them to "Hang in there."
