Happy 16th Birthday Jeremy!!

How blessed we are to have such a wonderful son
in our family. You have given us many smiles,
happy moments and great memories.

Thanks for being the buffer between your brothers, the stalwart priesthood
holder and great example that you have become.

May you have many a pin, tackles and moments of
glory during your next few years of high school!!

We love you Jerma!!

Is that all I am?

The other day while I was out shopping, desperately trying to find something for my teenage boys, I stopped by Famous Footwear ( and found a nifty gift by the way ). I asked the lady at the counter if they had any Crocs ( Kyle loves Crocs ). She told me they did and pointed me in the direction of their over priced plasticky shoe aisle. Then, I overheard her speak into her little microphone/headphone set: Can someone help the lady in the black capri's and gray hoodie ( yes, I was dressed to the nines ) find the crocs?

As I walked back to look at the selection, I thought to myself... I'm just not some lady in black capris and a gray hoodie. She doesn't know I am a wife to a wonderful, giving husband and mother to six rambunctious kids. She doesn't know I am from Utah, that I ran four miles this morning, where I have been or what I have done with my life. True, it was the end of the holiday season and I can imagine she really didn't care who I was, as long as I purchased something and went on my merry way so she could move onto the next lady dressed in a whatever outfit. But, I am more than the lady in capris and a hoodie. I am a child of God.

As I have reflected on that experience, I think of a book S. Michael Wilcox, my favorite author and speaker of all time, called Daughter's of God. It is all about women in the scriptures. The title always makes me think of how interesting it is that we are called Daughters of God. What is a daughter? How does a Father teach, protect and provide for his daughter? We are not merely Women 4 Jesus, nor are we a forgotten clusters of cells floating randomly around this planet we call home. We are not a niece, a step-daughter, nor are we adopted. We are daughters of God. Children of God. A God who is our Father, watches us, guides us and loves us.

How easily we forget, that we, along with all of the strangers we bump into through out the day, are truly children of God. My belief is that if we could see just a sliver of what our Heavenly Father sees in others, we would be kinder, more generous, more Christlike. If we could see the true divinity in each soul, what an amazing change of heart we would see. Conversely, if we could see a sliver of divinity in ourselves, a hint of what our Father sees in us, perhaps we would have an even greater change of heart, with an exponential effect on those around us. By remembering who we truly are, would we not change our behavior towards our fellow men?

I think of the life of Christ and all those whom he walked with, taught and healed. I often wonder, what he saw in Judas. He knew there was a traitor in his midst, and yet Judas was brought to the inner circle. Loved, taught, valued, even trusted. Judas carried the bag of money that provided for the temporal needs of all of the apostles, and yet he betrayed the Savior for a handful of silver. What did Christ see in Judas that we do not? Where we see a traitor, Christ sees a Son of God. Where we see an average person in the aisles of Target or sitting in the row next to us at church, Christ sees a valiant and noble spirit. What does Christ see in all those imperfect souls around us, that we cannot? If we really try, can we see it too?

" What think ye of Christ? " can be turned to " What does Christ think of you?" What does he see in you? What does he know about you, see in you and believe in you? The primary song asks, If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do? I often ask, if the Savior were to replace me, what changes would those who know me best see? How different would my actions and habits be, if the Savior stood in my shoes, not just by my side? I can only hope, the changes would be minimal. That I am more Christlike than not.

So, as this Christmas season comes to an end, may we all see what our loving Heavenly Father sees in us. May we treat others as Christ would treat them. May we live as Christ would have us live.

Be Grateful!!
Be Christlike.

Running With The Boys/Bulls

There is a strange and crazy tradition in Spain, Portugal, Mexico and even in France called Running With the Bulls. It is a well known tradition, one of which I have no desire to either participate in, nor view. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. One can only imagine the aftermath of dozens of bulls along with hundreds of men, running through the streets, full speed ahead.

Somedays, I wonder if I am somehow an unwilling participant in a micro running of the bulls in my own life. The halls and rooms in my home would be the equivalent of the the streets of the town. The bulls and crazy men-- my family. Each one of us have our own special part in the analogy.

You see, I have three teenage boys, two sweet daughters and a caboose. The three teenage boys, less than three years apart, have become the family thugs. Their new and frequently used saying/attitude is " Too bad, I'm bigger than you, there is nothing you can do about it " ( this applies to food, TV time, video games, etc ). I liken them to the bulls in the streets. They usually dominate dinner conversations, inhale all of the food before the rest of us even realize the prayer has been said, and leave us wondering if we had a meal or a wrestling match. They smell, they are ornery, they make a lot of noise, and they "think" they rule the house. You can usually hear them well before they come through the front door, you always know when they are home, and the silence is amazing once they leave. They laugh loud, talk loud and play video games LOUD. Their music is loud. Generally speaking... they are the herd of bulls running through our home.

Having known many a rancher from my former Wyoming days, most of them appreciate and care about their cattle, just as I care for my teenage boys. I do however remember the ranchers had a lot of land, and even more fencing. The young bulls would push up against the fence to see just how far they could go, just like teenagers are always testing their boundaries. As long as they had plenty of their own food and space, the bulls were happy. Teenage boys: food + space= happy.

Why anyone would deliberately lock a ornery bunch of bulls up over night and then release them while in the process of trying to out run them, is beyond me. Most normal people avoid bulls, even when they are in a rare but good mood, if that is possible. A teenage boy is much like the bulls. Not that I avoid my children, however, if at any time during the day, all three boys are in a good mood, at the same time, the attitude of " if it aint broke, don't fix it " prevails. Every once in awhile, I do need to stir the pot a bit, starting a running of the bulls in my home. This would include things like chores, scripture study, homework... you know, all of that inflammatory stuff we parents seem to enjoy doling out onto our children.

Now, the girls, they are the innocent villagers who have no choice in the matter. They can only stand on the side lines and watch, or better yet, close shop and go to the beach for the day. I am sure once the villagers return to their homes, it is surrounded by disaster and untold damage. They can only shake their heads and start the clean up process. The girls usually steer clear of the boys, although I have seen them stand up to the boys plenty of times. Sometimes it is charming, most times, tears are shed and the bulls/boys rule the day once more.

Our little caboose, or bull-in-training, has the attitude of the bulls, just not the stature of one, not yet. He is like the little calves I used to see early in the spring. They grew so quickly and there was just a short time where they were " cute " Before you knew it, they were out on their own, playfully romping through the pasture and staking claim on their territory. My last little bull has been a challenge and he tries so hard to keep up with his big brothers -- one day he will catch up, although in his head, he already has.

Me? I am not quite sure where I fit in. Somedays I feel like the guy running as fast as he can, screaming like a mad man trying to stay out of the path of the bulls. Other days, I feel like I actually have some control over the boys/bulls and have them contained, fed and happy. Yet, other times, I am like the villagers, left with a big mess to clean up after the bulls/boys have stampeded through my town/home.

I find myself asking how did I become a part of this running of the boys? Where did those sweet little toddlers go? How did they get so big? So loud? So smelly? So hairy? Will I ever out run the bulls? Or just get trampled over by them? As I look at things, from a balcony in the analogy of my life, I see the greatness of the bulls. They are strong, they are fast, they are determined. They provide entertainment. They take a bunch of middle aged men and get them running and loving life once again ( ie: Turkey Bowl ).

So, like the ranchers, I love my boys. I will continue to feed them, give them space, plenty of room to grow and one day,when I look back on my life, I will have sweet memories of the many times I ran with the bulls.

Sunday Summary
09-12-10

It's been a few weeks since I last posted, due mainly to our hectic life. As you can see in the pictures below it's all about sports right now. Alex is in scholar bowl, marching band and has become a part time taxi driver, which is a huge help. Jeremy is in football and marching band, Kyle is in football and competitive soccer. Mikenzie is in a school play, volleyball and piano lessons. Baylie is in soccer, piano lessons and is running for student council. Brandon is in flag football, competitive soccer and piano lessons as well. Yeah, we are just a little too busy right now.

Add to that me being the ward activities chair and James serving as scout master and you have one crazy life. In the last week we have had:

3 football games
5 soccer practices
1 volleyball game and a practice
1 Hillbilly Hoedown
1 overnight scout camp out
3 piano lessons
1 scholar bowl practice
Youth night
Scout leadership training and meetings

It doesn't really slow down, I just feel lame typing it all out.

So here are some snap shots of our life. The one of Baylie coloring a huge picture is a photo board we made for the ward activity. The kids had a great time getting their pictures taken. The activity was a success, after hours and hours of cooking. I don't think I will ever eat or cook a sloppy joe again!!

Be Grateful!!

Brandon getting coaching advice on the sidelines

Set....

Going for the pass...

Mikenzie "rockin' out " while she serves up at the volleyball game

Keeping an eye on the ball

Jeremy and Baylie after the JV won another game--
Baylie's only request was that Jeremy not touch her,
he was too sweaty and too gross.

Jeremy walking off the field after a great game...
#57?? He's a freshman if you can believe it!!

Baylie after soccer practice in her trademark pink,
if you are going to wear it you might as well own it.

One of my rare creative days-- just ignore the dirty dishes in the background.
I thought it would be a fun treat to make pretzels for an after school snack.

As you can tell, Baylie and Brandon jumped right in...

Nice to see them enjoying the time together

No, this is not the worlds largest coloring book

Brandon and Mikenzie helping me out

Sunday Summary

I am thinking I need to go backwards so I can remember the past week. My memory seems to be failing me... am I really that old?? Or time just going by really fast?

Sunday-- Total Loss

I woke up at 4:00 a.m.and could not get back to sleep. So, I figured since the sun wasn't up just yet, a little house cleaning wouldn't hurt. I cleaned and cleaned, and then at 7:00, I crashed. Headache, sore throat, feeling generally yucky. Maybe I was cursed for breaking the Sabbath. I stayed home from church and slept allll day. Even after the kids were home and James was banging around in the kitchen, asking how to cook the roast. I guess I just needed some rest. The kids had a relaxing Sunday, James was busy as usual. We ended the day with our Prophet Study by reading the Ensign and called a night.

Saturday Soccer: 3-0 Nemesis

What would a Saturday be without a soccer game? I started the morning taking Jeremy to football, then Brandon headed off to flag football, Alex took Mikenzie to volleyball, Baylie had soccer and I went to Kyle's first soccer game. They were victorious of course, Kyle played very well, even the other parents said so... so I am not biased at all, really, I'm not, we just happen to have the best player on the team, that's all. I enjoyed getting a little sun, still enough heat out there for a bit of a tan.
James was able to join us for the end of the game, Kyles other coach showed up at the game as well, I think Kyle appreciated the support.

Yard work and house cleaning rounded out the day. I wasn't feeling well and was asleep by 9:00. James took Alex to buy the coolest shoes ever, at least Alex thinks so. I think the foot doctor has a different opinion.

Friday Night/Girls Night:

A friend called and invited me to a girls night out. We left around six and went to an outdoor theater to watch The Producers. So, six Molly Utah Mormons and a broadway play... yeah, we made it to intermission and headed out for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We may be close minded, but I am so grateful for like minded friends who have the same values as I do. We all enjoyed our yummy cheesecake and were home by one, so still a bit of wild and crazy left in all of us moms.

Thursday: Scrimmage

Can you believe anyone on earth can play 2 hours of tackle football and then play 2 1/2 hours of soccer and still be standing after it is all said and done? That would be Kyle... man does that kid have energy or what? How would it be? He was given four positions on the football A team to choose from... like I said, how would it be?

Baylie went to the scrimmage with me while the rest of the family was scattered. Alex got lost while picking Mikenzie up from volleyball, needless to say, her coach was not pleased with the 35 minute delay. Alex was a little humbled, but grateful to find his way to the school. I'm just grateful to have another driver in the family, he is an immense help.


We called it a pizza night and ate at 9:00 p.m. Nothing like being ahead of the game... I need to pull out the old crock pot so we can eat earlier and healthier.
Wednesday: Where did you go?

No clue what we did on Wednesday... seriously wondering what has happened to my memory. I know the b-day pics are a week late, but isn't Baylie the cutest 10 year old you have ever seen? Absolute joy that one. I love the expression on her face in this picture.



Tuesday Night Trouble

Poor Brandon, the last of the group, always left out on Tuesday nights while everyone else gets to go to youth. He and I hung out, against his will, but I think I bribed him enough he almost enjoyed himself. Nothing a little Chik-fil-a and a lot of Sheridan's can't fix. Kyle was at soccer practice, after we picked him up, he was able to partake of Brandon's good fortune at Sheridans as well. Only a few more weeks and Brandon will be an official Cub Scout and will be able to join the crew. He can hardly wait.

Monday Night: FHE, I think...

At least we should have had family home evening. I guess we live in a perfect world, so I will say yes, we had family home evening and everything went wonderfully. It must have been a good day, the kids were all in school, you can't go wrong with that.

Sad, crazy and a little boring, but that is our life in a nutshell.

BE GRATEFUL!!

Sunday Summary

What a long and hectic two weeks we have had!! It seems like time goes by so quickly, I can never catch my breath. My kids are all growing so quickly and nothing reinforces that like the school year starting once again.

Monday-- Just another Manic Monday

The last of Jeremy's two a days started this week. I was coming back from picking him up from football when James called and told me Alex refused to go to work. It was a long, drawn out battle, and in the end, our sweet Mikenzie went to work with her daddy. Leave it to a woman to save the day.

Tuesday-- 24 hours and counting

This had to be the longest day of the week. I agreed to take Alex to get his license so he could drive to school on the first day. The only office open and willing to give road tests was about 30 minutes away. So, off we went. We arrived at the GPS directed location and found it to be an old parking lot. We drove around and I could almost hear the special effects sound of crickets chirping. So, we drove around and around and I remembered there was another office just a few blocks away. I put the address into the GPS and when we arrived we saw the sign and were relieved. We pulled into the strip mall parking lot only to find it mostly abandoned and nowhere to take a test in sight.

Luckily, we saw a police officer and Alex asked for directions. He told us to go to Antioch Road, a few more blocks away. Again, we put in the address and drove to the third location. We arrived, relieved to finally find an office with actual people in it. When we explained we were there for a road test, the man explained they only do written test at that location. He redirected us back to the original location and explained the address system.

We loaded up, drove all the way back to the original address, went a few extra blocks and there was the office we had been searching for all along. We joyfully went into the office, presented the paper from the written test and were asked for ID. I looked at Alex and he said he didn't HAVE any ID. I almost cried. I searched my purse, begged, pleaded, didn't bribe as I was in a police station and had a feeling that wouldn't go over so well. All to no avail, guess they are kind of sticklers for the rules there.

So, with a tight grin, we all turned around, loaded up and drove alllll the way back home for some form of ID. Then we drove alllll the way back to the testing office. Alex finally took his driving test, passed ( you've got to give those driver examiner people some credit, that must be one scary job ). We drove back to our local office, turned in the driving test results and finally walked out with an official drivers license. All in a mere four hours time.

Alex and I then sat through the obligatory lecture/disccussion with the insurance agent for a good hour. He drove me home and I think I aged a few years in about 15 minutes. Good times.

Wednesday-- HALLELUJAH!!!

YEAHHHHH!! The first glorious day of school. Alex and Jeremy went to High School, Kyle went to Junior High, Mikenzie to Middle School and Baylie and Brandon to Elementary. I sent them all off and had a huge, deep sigh of relief. Free at last.

Alex was able to drive to school, run an errand for me and pick Jeremy up from football. It came in handy to have an extra driver. Kyle decided to go out for football and loved it. He called and wanted me to drop everything so he could have a physical before the first practice so he could get out on the field. Being the mean mom that I am, I made him wait until after practice... can you believe the things we do to our kids these days?? I knew Kyle would never be able to sit on the sidelines and watch, that applies to everything in Kyle's life, he is no bench warmer. That is a good thing.

I went for a very long and hot walk while Brandon was at soccer practice and ended up with a total of 5 1/2 miles logged for the day. Pretty good if I do say so myself. Brandon told me on the way to soccer practice he was pretty sure his soccer coach like having him as a soccer student.

Thursday--Spring Cleaning, just a little late

I woke up and six and started cleaning and didn't stop until almost two. My parents had visited the week before and I was horrified at how dirty our house had become over the summer. So, the cleaning bug hit me and I attacked the kids bedrooms with a vengeance. I felt very accomplished, just a week too late for my parents to see the fruits of my hard work. Oh well.

I picked Kyle up from football and he announced he was no longer interested in soccer and was going to drop the sport all together for football. I saw years of hard work and sacrifice, thousands of dollars and hours of practice slipping down the drain. I took a deep breath and told him that decision was a year away and we would cross that bridge when we came to it. Then I screamed inside of my head " Over my dead body will you be quitting soccer" Smiled and went on with the drive to soccer practice. Only time will tell. Kyle will excel in any sport, that is my one comforting thought.

Speaking of sports here is a quote from Jeremy: As you have probably realized, there are various girths in football. This was after I overheard him exclaim while watching Top Gear: Ha!! Tom Foolery, I suspected as much!! He cracks me up as much today as he did 13 years ago.

Friday: Rain, Rain... glad you are finally here

Generally, every single day of my life, I love NOT being a school teacher and then there are days I am really thrilled I am not a school teacher. Like when the tornado sirens go off in the middle of the day and all of the students have to be evacuated to the shelters. Yeah, those are the days I am really sooo overly happy I am NOT a school teacher. And then when the 2nd grade teacher has to explain to her class recess was canceled because of the tornado warning-- especially happy NOT to be a school teacher. That would be Friday, very glad NOT to be a school teacher. I can't decide which would be worse, canceling recess or sitting in a smelly wrestling room with a bunch of 10th graders-- such a toss up. I love NOT being a school teacher.

Saturday--Run Girl Run

That would be my mantra for every Saturday. 9:00 flag football, 10:00 scout thing, 12:00 volleyball practice, 2:00 soccer tournament , 3:00 soccer practice, 5:00 shopping with 3-6 kids at all times, 9:00 finally, a date with Mr. Wonderful, 11:00 shopping at Wal-Mart for school supplies Midnight, bed time. Not a busy day at all.

Sunday-- A day of rest... and embarrassment

I had early morning meetings, James got the kids ready for church and the day was off to a great start. After we spent a looooong time talking to Alex, I finally had to lay down for a much needed nap to get rid of my relentless headache ( long weekends with teenagers tend to bring on these headaches, be warned ). The house looked like a tornado had ripped through it, but I happily collapsed into bed thinking it was Sunday and no one would see it. ( Tornado season, both inside and out ha ha ). When I woke up, James was gone, the Teacher's quorum presidency had come and gone, and the Priest quorum adviser had stopped by. All while dishes were stacked in the sink, laundry baskets were strewn around the entry way, scriptures and white shirts and ties were everywhere. I may have taken my much needed nap and my headache was gone, but boy did I pay for it. If only Tylenol would take away complete humiliation... I would be fine. I NEED A HOUSE WIFE!!

Be Grateful!!