Popcorn Popping

Popcorn Popping...

My kids are all too funny. We gave them a new air popcorn popper for Christmas. We broke it out tonight after FHE to give it a whirl. It was quite the exciting moment. Here are some pictures that captured some of the intrigue.

Christmas Pictures-- Finally

Hopefully these pictures will show you what a great Christmas we had. It was a beautiful morning and the kids had a wonderful time. Wish you were here!!
1- Baylie showing off a gift, Kyle heading out with one to open and Brandon admiring his.
2- Alex obviously got a new coat for Christmas.
3- Kyle, a bit excited over his gift card to Game Stop.
4- Mikenzie in the midst of the Christmas chaos.

Happy Holidays!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

We hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas, as we have. It has been a lazy PJ day-- I kind of miss going to all the relatives houses and enjoying the day with them, but the web cam has come in handy. We visited with family in Utah, Arizona and St.Louis. It was great to see all of them.

We are all enjoying a quiet evening now. The kids are all busy playing, the three older boys are playing Rook with James and the three youngest are playing some imaginary game. It is a pleasant evening.

I will add few Christmas pictures later, I can't seem to get them to upload. I think James and I are getting tired- we didn't video tape the whole unwrapping fiesta this year, and we just let the kids have at it. James usually makes them open one gift at a time, not this year, they had a gift feeding frenzy.

I don't know about you, but I don't want another piece of candy, cookie or holiday treat for at least another year. Not that the treats weren't delicious-- it's just time to put it all away and hit the gym with a vengeance.

Keep a thought in your heart for my wonderful Grandma. She fell and broke her pelvis last night-- not such a fun Christmas for her. I worry about her, but know she is in good hands at the hospital. We love you Grandma!!

Gratitiude Tuesday at Target

So today has been a bit hectic with the kids home and the weather not the best. I am not in the best of mood either, they are driving em crazy!!! The persistent gray clouds aren't helping much either. So, I used last minute Christmas shopping as an excuse to get out of the house for a bit. Not much of beginning to a gratitude moment is it?

I talked on the phone the whole time I was at Target to James about how miserable the kids were making me. I finally finished my shopping, hung up with James and headed to the check out. While I was there, unloading my cart, a sweet young lady came up and asked me if I was going to spend more than $100. Not hard for me to do at Target, especially at Christmas. I said I was and then she gave me this coupon for ten bucks off of a purchase of $100 or more. I thanked her and she walked away.

Ten bucks isn't a ton of money, but hey, it was appreciated and it lifted my spirits a bit. That was just really a nice thing to do. So, to that lady, thanks for making my gratitude Tuesday a little easier to be grateful for.

I am also grateful for my basement. I know, kind of weird thing to be thankful for. Maybe not. Last night while James was working on fixing the computer and I was cooking, all of the kids were downstairs, playing with hot wheels, working on puzzles, and watching Walker, Texas Ranger ( can you believe that is back with a vengeance? ) It was just a pleasant time for the whole family, and I appreciated it. We have been so blessed to be in a home we all love so much.

Be grateful!!

Gratitude Tuesday

It seems to be the in thing to have a day of the week set aside to blog about. I have decided to make my day Gratitude Tuesdays. Why Tuesdays? Mainly because it rhymes... and I need to be more grateful on a daily basis. So, here goes the first G.T.

Today I am grateful for apples, lots and lots of them. We had a member in a nearby town that owns an apple orchard donate all of the left over apples from the season to our ward and bishops storehouse. The amount donated was over 5 tons of apples!! We somehow ended up with 3 boxes of apples and I have been putting off doing anything with them .... until today.

I spent most of my day making applesauce. It filled the house with such a pleasant aroma and I felt like I was doing my own little part when it comes to being a good homemaker, making wholesome food from organic apples, and stocking up in the food storage area, so overall it was a good day. I was so grateful for all of the apples this morning, and became a little more weary of them towards the evening, but once my first box was empty, the dishes done and the applesauce all stacked up on my counter I was pretty pleased with myself, and the apples.

It made me think about a concept spoken of in The Secret, my book on tape that is driving everyone crazy in the house except for me. It talks about how there is no finite amount of wealth in the world. So, looking at the three boxes of apples, realizing that I could have easily asked for much more and it would have readily been given to me, I realized sometimes we are a little short sighted in all that our Heavenly Father does and can do for us each day. When we need a blessing, it isn't like we get an answer of " Oh, I am so sorry, we are all out and won't get another shipment in until next Monday. " No, we are just blessed, each and everyday.

We also sometimes forget how blessed we are and take for granted all of the blessings we do have, like the other two boxes of apples that I am none too thrilled about making something out of over the next week or so. I mean, I already have plenty of applesauce, so why bother making more? I could just toss the two boxes out, it wouldn't hurt anyone. Lack of gratitude can hold us back from receiving more blessings, so we should always be grateful for the little and abundant things as well-- hence the Gratitude Tuesdays.

So, the next time you eat an apple, think of the 5 tons we were all blessed with and realize there is more than enough for us to be blessed with from a loving Father in Heaven.

Thanksgving Feast!!

( Pictures of the family-- Traditional olive fingers, and the second has the picture that shows the fancy cans of Shasta-- like I said the kids don't miss the good stuff. Now I'm totally picking apart our T-day dinner picture , no tablecloth, no fine china and crystal, the kids aren't dressed up-- Martha would be so displeased! ) You can see the school in the background-- that is so nice, I love sending the kids off each morning and watching them walk into the school.

After cooking for six hours and keeping the kitchen clean and the kids outta my hair, we finally had our Thanksgiving Day dinner. It was small and simple, but the kids really don't miss all the fancy stuff. So, I made a few family favorites, found a new one for James ( the stuffing hater found a stuffing dish he actually liked, of course it took the longest to make with roasted chestnuts and sweet italian sausage ).

The highlight of the day was using the web cam to see cousins we hadn't seen in years. The kids in Utah ( four of them ) and my six were having a blast showing off for each other and talking at the same time. They had a great time and we look forward to using it again for Christmas day. My parents haven't been with my kids for Christmas in eight years, so even it is only via web-cam, they will still be part of our holidays. We live in such a great era, we are all so blessed.

So, I feel guilty not posting a thankful list, but I am tired and ready for bed. Tomorrow will have to be the posting for my gratitude list. I had to laugh though, when we went around the table telling one another what we were grateful for, Baylie said " I'm grateful I don't live in India" Who knows where that one came from. Funny though-- not that we don't love India, we have a missionary from our ward there-- but glad to be American.

Homesick for old friends

I haven't posted for a while. I don't know why, just not in the mood lately. I am not in the mood for much. My trip to Utah left me a little homesick and a call to friends in Wyoming made me nostalgic. I guess during the holidays we all get a little moody, homesick, etc. Especially when you are the one living so far from family and friends.

What makes it worse is the weather is so beautiful, the gas is so cheap, the kids are so bored, I just want to load the van up and take off for the week. But, no, that is not in the cards for me this year. We will be spending the holiday at home, being relaxed and enjoying the comforts of pajamas until late in the afternoon.

So, maybe in a day or two I will get out of the funk I seem to find myself in. I do have the web-cam ready to go. I sent one to my parents so we can chat online during all of the festivities. Maybe that will soften the homesickness.

Tagged-- so here goes

My friend Larissa tagged me on her blog a few weeks ago and I am finally getting around to responding-- so wish me luck ( I hope this is how it works ).


8 Favorite T.V. Shows:

1. Life
2. Criminal Minds
3. The Menatlist
4. Bonnie Hunt ( very funny )
5. Any new Education Week/Women's Conference talk on BUY-TV
6. Ghost Whisperer
7. Those 48 hours type shows ( mystery )
8. One for James - BYU football, basketball, soccer, whatever BYU is playing

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Brick Oven ( I haven't been there forever, so hopefully it is still as good as I remember )
2. Kind of lame but I am on a Chick-Fil-A kick right now, don't know why
4. A great Chinese restaurant here in town we found with some friends after Stake Conference
5. A Mexican restaurant in town ( Don't want to give away names or place so any creeps out there won't find me and my kids-- so e-mail me if you want to know )
6. Olive Garden/ Macaroni Grill - tastes the same but are both great
7. The Pizza Factory
8. Hogi Yogi-- love the yogi part, does that count?


8 Things that Happened Yesterday:

1. Went to work for the last weekend at 6:30 am!!
2. Enjoyed my weekly Sam's Club run with James 7:30 am
3. Tried to take a nap, but found James in the basement watching football instead of keeping the kids away from the piano and computer and the guitar-- so no nap for me
4. Larissa will probably laugh-- ironing!!
5. Took the girls shopping for long pants-- winter suddenly arrived
6. Picked Alex up from debate and dropped him off at the movies with some friends
7. Went out to dinner with James and some friends
8. Came home, watched shows on the DVR while James snored away



8 Things I look forward to:


1. My new family room furniture, which according to The Secret, should be miraculously appearing any day now, just because I wished it.
2. Loosing weight-- of course
3. New clothes ( because I have lost so much weight nothing fits )
4. Visiting Utah this summer
5. Seeing all of my children in the temple, all together
6. Going on a long vacation with James once the kids are all grown and gone
7. Driving a new(er) car someday soon
8. Feeling like I am doing okay at this whole "life" thing


8 Things I Love about Fall:


1. The beautiful colors
2. The wonderful weather
3. Not a fan of Halloween- but I love the excitement in the air for the kids
4. Watching Kyle and Brandon play their little hearts out on the soccer fields
5. This is a stretch, but sending the kids back to school-- is August part of fall?
6. If August is part of fall, then November is too? My anniversary ( 14th for the temple, 21st for the wedding )
7. Kind of weird, but pulling up all the dead flowers and prepping the ground for next year
8. Hearing leaves crackle under my feet while I am on a walk


8 Things on my wish list:

1. Still waiting on the new couch
2. A nice new car
3. All of my scrapbooks to be done
4. A nice family vacation to somewhere far away-- like South Africa or Ireland
5. My kids will stay close to the church and be willing and humble servants
6. My kids will have many more good memories than bad when they look back at the short time they had as children.
7. All student loans paid OFF!!
8. I will be a size 8/10 someday


8 People I tag:

Sorry, not gonna tag, Larissa's is the only one I really follow at this point. Maybe I will sneak up behind you someday and tag ya-- so be on the look out.

Answers to Prayer

At the end of the historic presidential campaign evening, the kids and I read scriptures before bedtime. I was feeling a little saddened by the outcome, and concerned for our country's future, for my children's future, when we read the following scriptures from Helaman 5:

2: For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.

3: Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked people, insomuch that they could not be governed by the law or justice, save it were to their destruction.

12: And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail.


Need I say more? I am so thankful for the gospel and for the scriptures that always have a comforting message, regardless of the comfort we seek. I feel a stronger need to prepare my children for the turbulent times we may or ( may not ) face in the near future. There are so many opinions floating around and we could go in circles forever. I guess my greatest concern would be of the moral fortitude of the ( most likely ) president elect, specifically on the abortion issue. If a man has no mercy for the defenseless, no respect for the gift of life, what does he consider sacred? That is where my line was drawn long ago, and what a sad day it is in America when we elect a person who can turn a cold heart to the innocent and unborn. Where do the rest of us stand in his line of value?

God Bless America!!

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo You can come too, too, too

Here are some fun pictures from our day at the zoo. Brandon was so tired at the end, he was mumbling " I can't take another step... I can't take another step..." Then, he saw a bench and said " Oh good, a bench!!" And sprinted all the way up a hill to sit on the bench. Last burst of energy I guess.

We were able to watch the " Big Pumpkin Smash " as the zoo keepers fed the elephants pumpkins. Probably the highlight of the day for all of us. It was fun to see all of the elephants different personalities.

PS--

This is a picture of Brandon about 15 minutes after we returned from trick-or-treating.

My cute little B story--

I called Baylie to come upstairs for family prayers. She didn't want to come, she was watching TV and didn't want to turn it off. I repeated myself " Baylie, come on, time for prayers. " She finally replied " Ohh, I don't want to be obedient right now, but I guess I have to " Then, she bounced all the way up the stairs with her sweet smile. She is such a pleasant little girl. What a blessing she has been to us for the last eight years.

Halloween and Nascar

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Today was obviously Halloween, but I have to start with a funny story first. My poor old Suburban has become increasingly louder by the day. It was pretty loud today, and then all of a sudden, we were driving up a hill and something must have broken on the muffler, because it became REALLY loud. Brandon, noting the obvious said " It sounds like someone should say-- Gentlemen, start your engines. " It was so funny, I can't believe how much kids pick up when we aren't looking. Grandpa would be proud.

So, onto Halloween. It was a terrible one-- unless you are a kid who scored with a bag full of candy. Since the kids were out of school, I thought I would take the them down to the zoo ( 30 minutes away ). We get there and the sweet lady at the counter explains if I buy the family pass today, it will expire in March '09. If I wait until tomorrow, it will last until March 2010. Well, considering the family pass is $75, I said " We will be back tomorrow." Which, of course made Mikenzie cry.

We moved on despite the disappointment and tears ( nothing a little McDonalds won't fix). Later in the day I took Alex to get his learners permit--yes, he is really that old!! So, being a total airhead, I took Alex to the DMV on the last day of the month. The place was full of people who had licenses and plates that were going to expire at midnight. We waited in line for 40 minutes, just to get to the counter and be told we were at the wrong location and were sent on our happy way. The lady did praise me for having all of the correct documents-- unlike the previous two people. Still, not such good news. ( No, he didn't get it, I had too much to do-- so he will have to wait a little longer ).

Later, I found myself with all the other procrastinating moms at Party America desperately looking for that one last required item to make the costumes perfect. I spent $30 on a bunch of junk, another $15 at Target on candy, $20 at Papa Murphys, and we were on our way.

At last, we were almost out the door for trick or treating when Brandon decided mid-way that he hated his costume ( which he had changed 10 times today ) and decided to abondon it completely and become---- an army guy with regular clothes on, carrying a sword. At this point, I was thrilled he stopped complaining and we were out the door!!

Can I just say-- it was a perfect night. About 65 degrees, not even a chill in the air. We live in a wonderful neighborhood. People were so friendly and great with my kids. Some even had the fire pits going in their driveways and most were sitting on their porches passing out candy. James and I were able to just walk and talk the whole time. It was a great ending to yet another hectic Halloween. I wouldn't change the outcome one bit.

Pumpkin Time!!

Here are some pictures of the kids carving pumpkins. Lots of fun!!

AHHHH!! KIDS!!

Kids have NO concept of time whatsoever!! This morning, as I am trying to scoot the younger three out the door to school, it seemed like they had no care in the world. I told Brandon to get shoes and socks on, instead he played Jingle Bells on the piano. I told Mikenzie to get dressed and she spent 15 minutes brushing her hair. Baylie decided to go on-line to look up which books are checked out at the library with just 2 minutes to go!! Hello-- hustle people.

Then, once I finally get them out the door, they all had to stop and look at a bowl that had been left outside that now was full of ice water. They had to stop and look at the frost on the grass, and the leaves on the trees that are different colors. I know-- I should take a lesson from my kids and stop to smell the roses, but not when you are running late for school.

I do enjoy my wonderful children, I love how cute Mikenzie looked this morning with her braids and Baylie with her cute pony tail ( because it was PE for her and she needs her hair back to run the mile ). Brandon plays the piano amazingly well for a 6 year old. It is a blessing/pleasure to be home with my kids-- but they need to hustle a bit more in the mornings.

Yesterday was a great Sunday. We took the kids to the future temple sight and had a look-see. It will only be about 10 minutes away from where we live, so that is exciting. Everyone in the area is looking forward to three years from now.

Here is a picture of the kids standing on the cement barriers in front of the lot. It was a bit cold and windy, but the pictures turned out well. The two older boys are both wearing James' old suits. The one on Jeremy is a bit big, but they feel so grown up in them. I can't believe they are big enough to share a suit with their dad!!

Not The Fun One

I am starting to think that my efforts as a fun mom have been unappreciated. Actually, I know it for a fact. Today I had the three youngest loaded up to go to Target and I get the following question " Why is dad the fun parent ? " Hello-- DAD is the fun parent????? I feel so totally " dissed ". And this is not the first time this question has been asked over the past few weeks, so my usually callous feelings to what my kids say to me, are starting to be a little hurt.

If I remember correctly, DAD is the one who was in school for eternity, and was gone from 6 am to midnight everyday for three years. And then, DAD was the one who had to move all over the country during his fourth year of medical school and wasn't even living with us for close to 18 months. So, I ask you, who do you think went to all of the petting zoos, playgroups, church activities, crafty things, class parties, birthday parties, story times, parks ..... who do they think did all of that? Who reads to them every night? Who sends them off to school everyday with a hug and a kiss? Who is here when they get home everyday? Who runs missing assignments to school? Who helps deliver the newspaper every Thursday? On top of trying to be " fun ".

I am in no way jealous of my husband, but c' mon... give me a break, I have no appreciation whatsoever from my kids for being " fun" ???? Seriously? I feel so... I don't even know how to feel, I know kids never appreciate much, and they usually say things without thinking ( as my kids tried to backtrack very quickly and say " But you're the serious one and that is really important ", as if that helps ). I realize all of that, but ouch.

As a mom, usually with than two or more car seats in my van for a good portion of my life, I put so much effort into just getting out the door, with the kids dressed and clean, let alone myself, so we could go to all of the aforementioned activities, and the only credit I get for years of that is " You're the serious one, and that is important "

GIVE ME A BREAK!!

Happy Birthday Brandon!!

Picture 1- Brandon loved helping James build the garage. Somedays, James would come home and Brandon had been out with the hammer and nails making all sorts of creations.

Picture 2- One of my favorites, Brandon tried to take a picture, he just had the camera turned the wrong way.

Picture 3- The infamous cape. Brandon had to pick every last detail out. I had to make it for him as soon as we got home. He strapped it on and ran around, jumping off of furniture yelling Up, up and away!! After a few minutes, he came to me a threw the cape at me. He told me " This cape won't work!! You made the cape all wrong! " He really thought he could fly, if only I hadn't messed that cape up, who knows where he would be today!!

You say it's your birthday.... it's his birthday too!! Yep, the man is SIX years old today. Boy did time fly. I have been looking at pictures today and he sure grew up fast. He is such a great kid, he makes me laugh all the time.

Some great things about Brandon--

1- Ya gotta love this kid's attitude. He thinks he is at least 8, maybe 12. He just doesn't get that he is a little guy. He is totally independent. He used to insist he could open the door to the suburban. We had to put our arm through the driver side door, open his door just enough, so he could "open" the door himself. Then he would climb in by himself and buckle himself into his car seat. This was all before he was three.

2- He is a great soccer player. We just finished a soccer clinic with the competitive league here. He would score 6-8 goals a game. I finally told him he had to play "goalie" so the other kids could score, or even kick the ball. He loves playing soccer. They all got medals for participating and Brandon said " I know why we got the medals, because of me, I totally saved my team this year." A little confidence there buddy?

3- He is brilliant. He is reading and does math in his head. He loves to learn and is bored with the typical 5-6 year old toys. He can talk Wii with the best of them. He can log on to Youtube-- a little scary, I know, and find all the thumbwars videos. He is too smart for his own good somedays.

Well, enough bragging for now-- I love my boy!!

Hoofin' It

I feel so totally pathetic today when it comes to my fitness level. I have been trotting along on the treadmill, in fact, yesterday I did 2 miles and shaved 30 seconds off of each mile. I thought I was doing so well.

So, today I went over to the kid's school with them. They have a walking trail that goes around the playground area. I thought it would be great if they played while I walked/ran a mile or two. I started running, and was winded by the first quarter of the first quarter of a mile!! So pathetic. Totally NOT what I wanted to be when I grew up. Some out of shape, old mom, trying to feel like she is in shape, wearing an old T-shirt and lame shorts. Not even cute clothes!!

And then, to top it all off, as soon as we walked in the door, Brandon's sweet little 18 year old primary teacher knocked at the door, with a nice gift and a card she made for his birthday. I am sure she just looked at my sweaty, red face and probably thought " That is exactly what I do NOT want to be when I am 37" Which is what I would have said at 18, and still am saying at 37.

I tried to explain we had just been out and... I had been "running"... and I usually don't look so pathetic... I have a thyroid problem ya know... forget it!! Have a nice day and thanks for the gift Monica. Enjoy your thin-ness!! I did, once, a long time ago.

Conference Thoughts and Dog Hair

Thought #1--

I have loved every minute of conference!! I am so excited we are getting a temple. Some of the talks seem like they were written just for me. I really loved Elder Holland's talk, he has been one of my favorites since before he was in the big 12. I heard him speak when he was the President of BYU and really felt like he had a special gift. He is always so optimistic and upbeat. One of my favorite talks is found at BYUTV. He talked about speaking with missionaries on Sept. 11th. One of the Elders came up to him and asked him if we were in the last days. Elder Holland replied " I may not be the brightest one in the quorum of the twelve, but I do know the name of our church ."

Brad Wilcox also shares a story of when his daughter found a story problem in her math homework, using Jeff Holland as the character's name. She sent it to Elder Holland. She later received a letter saying " I guess you haven't heard about my part time job. Sometimes I can't think of a name, so I use my own. Here is a problem for you to solve If _______ Wilcox dates 15 boys, how many of them will join the church?" ( For a more accurate recall of the story, see BYUTV, under 2007 Women's Conference ).

Pretty good sense of humor. I had to use mine today.

Thought # 2 Brandon has always had a fetish for hair, ever since he was a newborn baby. He would somehow lean himself forward in his baby swing and play with his own hair. Once he could reach mine, it became his favorite toy. He still loves to feel hair. One day, Mikenzie had just come out of the shower and her long blonde hair was combed, but still wet. Brandon walked across the room, almost hypnotized by it, with his arms reaching out, just to touch it.

So, today he was playing with my hair while I was on the computer. He looked at me and said " Your hair is just like dogs hair. " Wow, how do you take that one? Then he followed up with " I mean, your hair always looks like a dogs does " As if that helps!! So, I just smiled and said thank-you. I am sure there was a 5 year old's well intentioned compliment in there somewhere.

Ode to Mr. Wonderful

I have been sick, like in bed not wanting to live sick, for the past week. I am the sickly one of the family. Most people just get a little cold, I get a full blown case of strep and whatever else seems to come along with it. My body is fighting my thyroid so much that my immunity is really low and I get really sick, really fast.

So, on Monday, being what I thought super mom was, I told James I would be fine and he could work late. I basically laid in bed and ignored the kids until it was bedtime for them, sent them to bed and then got back into my bed. James on the other hand, after 12 hours of work, stayed until midnight painting and laying carpet in his new treatment room ( the fumes from the paint irritated his office partners contacts--lame excuse I know-- so he left after an hour). This was after driving the kids to early morning seminary at 5:00 a.m. that morning.

Then Tuesday he stayed after another long day and organized his treatment room, picked Kyle up from soccer and had members from our ward waiting for him as soon as he walked through the door of our house. After he helped them, he made phone calls to find guys to babysit for E night in our ward. Then he got all the kids to bed and stayed up for an hour listening to me complain.

We got into bed around midnight and my lovely feverish chills kicked in, even my teeth were shivering. So, my Mr. Wonderful rolled over, even though he was exhausted, took me in arms, under my pile of blankets ( because I was freezing ) and gave me all the warmth he had to offer, despite the sweltering heat coming from my fever.

What can I say? I am not really a super mom, I just married a super guy. I wish I was as compassionate when he is sick, but I'm really not. Maybe I will be, after being given such kindness through all of this. Actually, I probably won't, I think I'm am lacking the compassionate gene, which is why I would never be a good RS Pres.. I would be totally annoyed if he rolled over all sweaty and wanted a big bear hug so he could warm up. Gross!! But, men are more gross then we are, even when we are sick : )

Thanks James.

Funny quotes from The Man

Brandon just cracks me up. Here are a few of his latest one liners:

This morning as I was trying to comb his curls down ( he likes the slicked down look and he has just enough curl that it never happens ). After the first few combings of his hair he looked at me and said " My hair is not in the mood today, just give it up Mom. "

On Saturday I was home, sick with whatever wonderful illness my kids brought home from school. I had been slow cooking dinner and was laying down, trying to get over this terrible headache. Brandon came in and I asked him what time the clock said. He looked over and said " It says it's time for you to get out of bed and fix dinner, that's what time it says. "

The other day we were having our cookie council and we were talking about Brandon's yelling -- the last defense as the youngest sibling. The boys just laugh when he tries to tackle or chase them. We told Brandon his yelling was getting really bad and that he needed to stop. He just looked at us and said " Do you want to know what would be worse? If was laying out in the street beaten up and dead, that's what would be really bad. " What could we say? We actually all laughed, which didn't sit too well with Brandon.

We were talking about The Savior and all He did for us one day in FHE. Then Brandon asked " Wait a minute, isn't Jesus like a billionaire or something?" We sort of agreed, that yes, technically He is. The follow up question " Then what's He doing letting bad guys beat Him up for? He needs to pay for a body guard or something!"

What a blessing these sweet spirits are to have in our home. I am thankful for all of the smiles they bring to me each day.

Happy 15th Birthday ALEX!!

It's been 15 years since that little baby came into the world. My first born. It is amazing how fast he has grown--literally, he's 5'10!! I never expected him to be taller than me so soon. Not hard to do when you are as short as I am.

Here are a few pictures of Alex--

1- Quite a shiner, eh? That is what happens when you sit up on a trampoline just as your friend swings on a rope from the roof of a shed. Long story.

2- The day he was ordained a deacon.

3- Helping Brandon with his bike

4- Having fun at an amusement park

What's great about Alex?

--He is a worthy priesthood holder-- a dream come true for me. That was my number one goal for all of my boys. I am so blessed, I know there are a lot of parents out there who have no clue where their 15 y/o is or what they are doing. Right now, Alex is in our back yard listening to an S.E.D. ( Sunday Evening Discussion ) with the youth of our ward. How blessed am I?

--He is brilliant, even if I do say so myself. He is in three honors classes and pulling straight A's. What more can you ask for school wise?

--He is a great example to his younger siblings. He was truly sent here to be a leader in our family, a role he hasn't taken lightly ( some days I wish he would lighten up ). The kids look up to him ( once again the height thing ) on a daily basis.

--He always does what I ask with a " Sure Mom ". I can always count on Alex to do a great job.

I could go on and on, but I know it is boring to most of you, so just know I have a GREAT kid-- who will be driving really soon, which is a little scary. Almost as scary as when we brought him home from the hospital exactly 15 years ago today.

Personal Fitness

I have been working with a great trainer for the past few months and have lost inches, but not a lot of pounds. It has been so discouraging, and I usually blame it on my thyroid problem. But for some reason, this weekend was a light bulb moment for me. I have been putting a lot of effort into my weight loss on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m., but it usually stops there. Maybe a walk during the week, or a good 40 minute work out here and there, but I am not 100% committed the way I should have been $500 ago!!

So, either I need to kick it into gear or stop wasting my time. So, as I watched all of these runners line up at the race on Saturday, I realized how pathetic my efforts have been. It is time!! Time for me to make a full effort, time for me to loose the excuses, time for me to take control of my health and body.

So, with rejuvenated zeal, I am off to a better mental place and ready to put the effort I need to in order to reach my long term goals, like being able to swim with my kids and not be depressed over my shape. To be here with my grand kids and feeling great at 60. To be a good role model to my children, especially my wonderful girls.

Wish me luck and send motivation!! ( No chocolate please )

My First Fun Run

Yesterday my mom and I ran a 4 mil-er ( savvy runner talk ). We had such a great time!! I will admit my time as lousy, as we walked the whole way. But, I DID IT!! So I am really proud of myself and I had a great time with my mom-- the seasoned athlete. She even wore her marathon runner shorts. Here are some pictures from the run.

More Holiness Give Me

This weekend was a very fun one for our TOFW group. We had such a wonderful time bonding as sisters and being inspired by speakers from all over the country. We are so blessed to live in a time such as this, so we can tap the spiritual resources the gospel has to offer us.

Last night was a great end to a wonderful weekend. Our family attended a fireside that had such a strong spirit, it was almost palpable. I was blessed enough to be a speaker and able to bear my testimony as part of the program. It was such a great evening, one that I will not forget. I am so thankful to have been part of it all.

As I pondered this weekend over the things that I needed to personally work on, humility seems to be one of the first areas that needed some fine tuning. It seems that my prayers have been answered as things in my little world have been a more difficult to control than usual, and are requiring great patience. I can almost feel the load on my shoulders as I " endure to the end " of this mini-trial.

It is funny, how we forget when we pray for our weaknesses to be shown or to become a strength, that we forget that Heavenly Father will actually answer those prayers, usually in ways we don't particularly enjoy. So, here I am, being humbled and not enjoying the process so much, but grateful that I have a loving Father in Heaven who will listen to me complain the whole way through, and stay with me to the end. I am truly blessed to know of His love.

Amusement Park Fun!!

On Monday we went to an amusement park. The pictures speak for themselves. I only wish I could have taken a picture of Jeremy on one of the rides. He had a face of stone, he didn't even flinch. He was the official chicken of the day. I was in second place. The three younger kids were the daredevils. It was pretty pathetic as the three older boys and I watched James take Mikenzie, Baylie and Brandon on the a spinning roller coaster. Yellow bellies must run in the family.

Alex did ride a big scary roller coaster once-- that was a big step for him.

Brandon is a Wii bit addicted

We all know how much Brandon HATES going to school. Yes, the newness of going to the big school wore off within a week, and now we are back to the daily battle of getting him to school.

Today he had a new plan of attack. Usually he just groans and mumbles about how boring school is and how he isn't going. Today, he came crawling down the stairs, telling me he was too sick to go. As usual, I tucked him into my bed and gave him kisses and told him I hope he would feel better soon. I reminded him it was black and white day and I had his black shorts all cleaned and ready. No luck for me, he was convinced he was too sick to go.

Soon, he came crawling out of my room and laid on the kitchen floor. Then, he had a brilliant flash of inspiration. He remembered that Jeremy stayed home sick last Friday and was able to watch TV all day. So Brandon reminded me of that and then said " Do you know what really made Jeremy feel a lot better? Staying home and playing the Wii all day. That is how he got better. Maybe I should try that " I couldn't help but laughing out loud.

Nice try buddy-- now go get your clothes on and get to school!! If you can think that one up, you are feeling good enough to go to kindergarten.

Best Back To School Idea- ever

Well, maybe not ever, but this one was pretty clever/inspired on my part. Okay, you know how your kids all come home with papers galore and you're supposed to keep track of everything, so your fridge looks like a recycling bin with magnets. I hate clutter like that.

So, here was my solution. I bought a 3 ring binder, some dividers and page protectors. I divided the binder into 6 sections- one for each child. Then I filled the page protectors with all of the useful information the teachers sent home. I have Alex's debate schedule, Kyle's soccer practice, Mikenzie's class list. You know, all the stuff you need to keep handy but always seem to misplace in some school pile that gets moved from one place in the kitchen to another.

I am using the pockets in the sides of the binder for papers that need to be signed and returned, like permission slips, etc. Or, maybe for homework that a child needs help with, or order forms... can you believe the amount of paper we get in one week!!

Now, I have my binder next to my recipe's, neat and tidy, and everything in it's place because I have a place for everything... almost. Hope this helps someone out there.

Best Month of My Life

This has truly been a blessed month for our family. Growing up in Utah in a less active home, it was difficlut to see the blessing the gospel brought to so many families around me. I couldn't wait to create my own little heaven on earth.

Well, it isn't always heaven, but this last month has given me glimpses. At the beginning of the month, on August 3, Kyle was ordained a deacon. He was so excited dressed in his suit and tie, ready to join his brothers in the YM program.

On August 10th, all three of my older boys passed the sacrament together. It was such a happy moment for me, a lifetime of dreams coming true. The most touching moment was while we were driving to church in our big white van, I over heard Kyle expressing concern about passing the sacrament for the first time. Jeremy looked over at Kyle and said " Just stay by me Kyle and I'll take care of you. You don't have to worry, I'll be there. " Nothing like a brothers love to warm a mother's heart.

Today was equally as special, Baylie was baptized. It was a hectic morning. We worked as a family -- an arguing family-- to get the house clean. My friend reminded me " It's all about the ordinance, that is what counts " She was so right. I was the last one out the door, and a bit late, but the service was beautiful, as was Baylie. She had such a radiant smile. It always brings tears to my eyes when I see my husband baptize one of our children. It reminds me that I did live a worthy life to have the blessings Heavenly Father has promised me.

We have so many wonderful friends who attended to support us. Living so far from home, it was great to have such a show of kindness and love. We had a casual lunch -hotdogs and chips for the kids, pulled pork sandwiches for the parents. It was nice to have them in our home, just enjoying the family we call a " ward ".

I am indeed grateful for the best month of my life.

August 1, 2008-- Turkey Meat

As I sit in the stillness of my home, while most of the kids are sleeping, I am wondering what I should write as my very first post on my little blog, which I doubt many will read. Alex is in the other room arguing with James about buying a graphics card for the computer. We are so not electronic savvy people, and the need to spend big bucks on a little card, to make a computer picture look more clear is just foreign to the both of us. Alex is the electronic ant born into the home of a cassette and VCR grasshopper family.

I still don't know how to download a song onto the computer, let alone onto my cell phone, which apparently has an MP3 player, which means I don't have to carry my trusty old CD player, along with my phone and keys when I go walking. Great concept, I just have no clue how to implement it.

20 years ago, I would have been horrified at myself. I would have never guessed I would be a mom who was so out of it. I remember talking to my friends and laughing at our Young Women leaders for having " turkey meat " for legs and not being tan. Now I rarely spend time outside, let alone, wasting precious time basking in the sun for that " healthy tan ". I can only imagine what a day in the sun would be like.

It would start with me in a swimming suit, staring into the mirror, horrified at the shape that has been left to me thanks to six pregnancies and two C-sections ( and a bit of brownie batter, cookie dough and ice cream here and there ).

I would then proceed to the back yard, followed curiously by all six children. Once I began lathering on the sun tan oil, I would need to pass around the bottle, as we would all need to share and share alike. I am sure one child would not get an equal amount of oil and thus would begin the great debate of who got more or less.

After the evenly distributed suntan oil was applied, we would all try to fit onto one blanket. We can all see where this is going. " He's touching me!! I don't have enough blanket!! I want to be by mom!! I never have any fun!!"

Shortly after the great wrestling match over the blanket, oh within five seconds or so, the rapid fire questions would begin " Why are we out here? Why do you want a tan? Why is it so sunny and hot? How long do we HAVE to stay out here? When are we going in?" Then the complaining would begin " I hate hot days, I don't want to be out here."

So, five minutes into my tanning session , I would be back in the house, back into my comfy yoga pants and a roomy T-shirt, I would be chasing kids around any way. Turkey meat is definitely the way to go on this one.