Last Lost Tooth

I guess today was meant to be an eventful one. Not only am I one step closer to being over the hill, my kids made an awesome last snowman of the year, but Brandon finally lost his first tooth. Kind of exciting, kind of sad for me. My last little guy is on his way to being a big guy. This is a great time in life, no diaper bags, no strollers, everyone sleeps through the night. It is also ending an era in our lives, which can be a good thing, but sometimes, I miss the days of little ones running around the house. So, here he is, our last child to loose his first tooth.

Happy Birthday To Me!!

I just had to share the wonderful morning I had watching my three kids playing together (from inside my warm house, I will admit I am not one who enjoys the cold). It was the best birthday morning anyone could ask for!!

Working together for a common cause!!

Mission Completed!!

Talk about the snow ball effect!!

Building the great wall

Gratitude Tuesday

Today was an absolutely splendid day. The sun was out and it was just warm enough to thoroughly enjoy every moment. The kids played all afternoon after school, it was wonderful. James helped Brandon put the old soccer goals up so he could practice being " more aggressive ". He is soooo excited about his soccer team.

Alex was especially grateful today. He called me while I was taking Jeremy to piano to let me know he had to be at the high school for a critique of his ensemble at 5:20. No problem, makes me evening a little tight, but sure, I' ll get ya there Alex.

Then, he calls me and says he left his trumpet at school. He called a ward member, but they weren't able to lend him a random trumpet, go figure. So, he wanted me to take him to the jr. high to get his trumpet then run him to the high school. I was not so happy with the plan and felt the chances of him getting into the school at 5:00 p.m. were zero. He argued with me until I decided I would take him just to prove I was right.

On the way, I let him know he wouldn't be getting into advanced pre-calc. because he goofed off all year and now he doesn't have the mandatory A that he needed in whatever math class he is in now. He also was in jeoprady of not getting into AP World History the way his grades are going. So I lectured him on how he needed to step it up and get serious about grades for the entire ride. He was almost in tears by the time we arrived at the jr. high. ( Moms really know how to lay it on thick ) He ran up the stairs, rang the bell, banged on the door, to no avail.

There were some drama crowd looking kids hanging around by another door. He ran over to them, only to find out they were just let out of play practice five minutes before. In a last ditch effort, I took him around to the back where the gym entrances are. Having spent the better half of this year picking Jeremy up from after school football practice/post season training every day, I hoped the doors would still be open. However, I feared even if they were open, the school would be locked in separate areas, if not the band room and the instrument lockers.

Alex was able to get in and returned in a few minutes with a huge grin, a trumpet, and his sheet music. He was thrilled and said as he opened the door " Prayer really works Mom." Well, can I just say, that was worth all of the headaches and arguing from the previous hour.

I dropped one temporarily happy teenager off at the high school. It was a good afternoon. To top it all off, after family prayer tonight, Alex said " Thanks for believing in me mom. " Yeah... that's just what I did this afternoon. I did want to teach him never to give up -- hopefully I accomplished that, without undermining my attempts to teach my children about personal responsibility. Such a catch 22.

Be Grateful!!

Spring is here... let the games begin!!

Today was the first day of outdoor soccer, and it was sure a nice day to kick off the season. Kyle was up first, it was so nice not to be stuck in the stuffy old soccer dome. The grass is ( almost ) green and the sun was out. We hauled the old, smoky soccer chairs out of the camping equipment, grabbed bottled water and sunglasses and we were off.

I didn't attend Kyle's game, I had to run kids to a primary activity and then to Brandon's game. James took Kyle to his game, which was against his old team, from which he was cut. It was one of those growing experiences, where you look back and realize it was a big blessing to be let go. Kyle's current coach was very willing to work with us on the no playing on Sunday rule and has gone to great lengths to get Kyle into as many Saturday games as possible. Kyle is also a very big fish in the pond, which his old coach recognizes every time the have a game together.

His team lost, but at least it burned a ton of Kyle's energy. I am all game for anything that will burn a significant amount of hyperness out of Kyle. He plays 95% of every game and usually only gets a break when he is ready to drop. It may sound like torture, but he sure is subdued for the rest of the day.

So, onto Kyle's clone, Brandon. He was at a primary activity and was anticipating me showing up with his uniform and gear. He was worried we would be late and not make the game, even though we had over an hour to get somewhere that only takes 15 minutes. We arrived at the supposed soccer fields, only to find an empty field and a guy in a truck redirecting me to the "new" fields. I followed his directions, got lost, and arrived just in time for the game to start. I guess Brandon had reason to stress, but that is what leaving early is for.

Brandon, very relieved, ran onto the field, in all of his new -team - shirt glory. He played most positions, including goalie, which was a thrill for him. His team lost too, but it was cute seeing a bunch of 6 and 7 year olds take great concern in a soccer game. They are actually very good for their age and played a good game. I had to laugh at the cool kid playing with sunglasses. Pretty funny.

Brandon's team lost as well, but by only one point. He was generally happy with the game--especially treat time. It was all good. I enjoyed feeling the sun on my face, seeing my cute little blondies have the sun shine in their hair whilst wearing their dollar store sunglasses, and watching my boys play a game they are both great at.

Spring is here... Be Grateful!!

A Week of Music

This has been quite the music filled week for us. It has been interesting to participate in as well. Monday started us off with a violin solo by Mikenzie. She is so excited to participate in a little competition ( w/o prizes, just comments from the judges ). She played Ode to Joy on her very out of tune and beat up violin. She looked so cute and serious as she warmed up and then played her number for us. Very wonderful to hear her progress.

Tuesday night was the much anticipated 6th grade concert. All of you beginner band parents know how exciting these concerts can be * wink, wink *. It is fun to hear Twinkle Twinkle played by all of the sections, all out of tune and out of time with each other. The kids are all so proud. Our band director came out in a bit of a huff and said " Too many kids in too small of a band room for too long. Let's get started " That was about all he said until the 3rd or 4th number. Kyle enjoyed the performance and we watched proudly as did all of the parents. I have noticed a decrease in video cameras as our children get older. We honestly enjoyed the 7th grade jazz band, they were amazing.

Just a little memory here-- When Alex played in his first concert he was so frustrated. He came out after the concert and told me " All of the trumpets were off and I had to keep playing louder and faster so I could correct them. But they just kept playing louder and faster. No one would follow me!! " I think all of the 6th grade trumpets said the same thing to their parents. It still makes me smile, it is so Alex.

Onto Thursday night, the 8th and 9th grade band concert. Jeremy's band was up first and they did quite a good job. Jeremy plays sax and loves it. He also plays piano and is learning to play the gee-tar. He loves music and is inspiring at how determined he is to learn to play--despite his parent's weak budget.

We had to sit through the South Valley's 8th grade band before we could move on to Alex's combined 9th grade band performance. It is amazing the difference a year can make. We did have to laugh at a fellow ward members son who was on percussion, tympani drums no less, when he lost not one, but both of his sticks. Poor kid, he was frantically crawling under the drums trying to grab them before anyone could notice. Alex did a great job, he always takes the performance very seriously. ( See above memory )

Friday night was the creme de la creme. Our generous and thoughtful friend Jodi called and offered tickets to the KC Symphony. We juggled a few kids around ( Kyle and Jeremy were heading out the door for the Klondike-- not an easy task to prepare for ). We hurried them out the door, pulled some frozen Chimichangas out of the freezer for the remaining children ( such a great meal ) and ran off the the symphony.

There was a world renowned trumpet player. She was amazing, as was the entire symphony. We felt very cultured and enjoyed the evening. As I listened to the last ( and very, very long ) piece, I thought of all the concerts I had been to in the last week. Starting with a sweet little 5th grader all the way to very professional and gifted musicians. It made me think of our path in the gospel and in life. We start out as little sunbeams and move all the way to qualifying for the Celestial Kingdom. It is amazing how little by little, day by day, we practice and learn to become who we were sent here to be. We are so blessed to have a patient and loving Father in Heaven who listens to each little recital and realizes that someday we too will be worthy to perform as part of a much grander symphony in the eternities. I could go on and on with this analogy, but this posting is long and you get my drift.

Be Grateful!!

I Love B!!

Baylie was home today with a nasty ear infection, so I was able to spend some one on one time with her. She is such a pleasure to have as a child.

We were driving along and while I was waiting at a stop light, I looked over at my sweet B just in time to see her use a tissue to keep her ear dry ( I don't want to get into too many icky details ). I looked at her crooked nose, her missing teeth and her lop-sided chest. I was feeling so sorry her ( and myself ) as I thought about the painful challenges she/we face in the near future.

We continued through traffic and she put her blond little head out the window to let the warm breeze blow her hair back and enjoy the sun on her face. She pulled her head back in just long enough to give me such a huge content, sweet smile.

I realized then that Baylie was enjoying the wonderful moment of a sunny, warm day and was making the most of it. She hadn't a care in world. She wasn't worried about future surgeries and pain, just the sunny day we had to enjoy together. What a sweet moment to share with a sweet little girl. If anyone can face the challenges head on, it will be Baylie. She has a strong spirit and a determination that are uniquely fit to those hurdles she will have to jump over in life. Knowing B, she will do so with flying colors.

I need to keep that eternal perspective and cherish the good moments in life as well. To realize this is a brief moment, one that was meant to be full of challenges to help us grow. Although these are not challenges I would have preferred, I doubt the alternatives would be any more appealing.

So, put you head out the window, let the wind blow in your hair and feel the sun on your face. Then smile like you are having the time of your life.

That's why I LOVE B!!

Gratitude Tuesday
Lunch al fresca

My friend Kelli came over this morning to give me scouting info for my new calling. We spent all morning talking and catching up. We had both just sent our kids to school, so we were both looking just lovely. Kelli suggested going to lunch at the Mexican restaurant on the square.

I was a little taken back, no shower, no make-up, sitting there in a t-shirt and running shoes. Sure, why not, I'm up for the challenge!! So off we went, in all of our natural glory and enjoyed a great lunch together.

It was fun having someone to talk to all morning and it was topped off with a spontaneous lunch that we both enjoyed. I am grateful for good friends, it is such a blessing to have sisters in the gospel to boost me up every now and then.

Be Grateful!!