Simply Striving

Sometimes...

2010-09-27T00:26:00.006-04:00

I think it would be far more appropriate to name this blog

"SIMPLY SURVIVING"

for that more accurately describes my life!

More actual, posts about my strivings as a wife and mother and person...

SOON, I promise. That is, if anyone is still, even reading this thing!

Our ELISABETH

2010-08-08T12:48:00.010-04:00

This girly here is FOUR today and I just cannot quite believe it! We are all so grateful she came to join our family, what a HUGE blessing she has been and will always continue to be. She is loving, has a tender spirit, and I have already seen that she has many gifts that make her especially kind and charitable. We really are so lucky to have her and I feel completely honored to be her mother.

I am so grateful for God's complete wisdom in her timing as she came to join our family, His mercy and power in her birth, and His knowing exactly what I needed to learn (and am still learning) as a mother to this precious, sweet girl. When I look back on the beginning I wish I could have handled it all better and trusted Him a lot more...the beginning was one of the most challenging times of my life (and hers, I'm sure), but I truly wouldn't trade what I gained from those days and nights and minutes that were so difficult. From it I gained more patience (although, I am still working on that), a tremendous closeness to her, and an increased gratitude for the chance to be a mother to my children. My testimony grew tremendously as I saw He was the only one who could bring me peace and daily reassurance to just keep going. I have a solid and sure knowledge that He is aware of us, even during trying times and He knows what we need in order to grow and progress. He knows us intimately and loves us perfectly. I am so grateful He is in charge and that He blessed us with Elisabeth, she is exactly what we needed! I have gone back to these lessons I learned then, many times, but in the last six months this knowledge has brought me much needed comfort and I have been able to see again that Heavenly Father knows best...even if we may doubt our abilities at times, He sees very clearly what we need and blesses us accordingly, sometimes we just have to accept His will and TRUST.

Everything this girly says is CUTE, we all so enjoy listening to her, there are about five letter sounds she cannot pronounce and we all just find it completely adorable. My personal favorite she says a lot is..."I can't beweve it!" She starts preschool next month and she is so proud that it is her turn. She especially loves her big sister, Annie and I am so grateful they play so well together...it's so fun to see their relationship and the memories they are making everyday. Her favorite movie is Pocahontas and she wants to be an Indian princess for Halloween this year. Her favorite color is pink. She took swim lessons this summer and did great, although she is very cautious. She loves chocolate ice cream, just like her Daddy, they share some almost daily. She is both graceful and hilarious when she dances...she does this ballet move and twirl and everyone says, "aww how cute" then she switches into this crazy shake and throws out her hips and shakes her bum and no one can help laughing. She dances in stores and loves to get down at home. When people ask her what her name is...she does the cutest little shrug off to one side and says, "Ewisabeth", it is so endearing. She is so excited about this baby coming and tells anyone and everyone, "My mommy's having a baby!" She wants a baby "hister" and wants her name to be "Harlot" (translation:Charlotte). She can push around a stroller for hours and takes care of her baby dolls and stuffed animals like a little pro. She can also be found reading books out loud on her bed, which I just love to see. She loves, loves, loves to be chased by her brothers and sister, by anyone really, but also takes it very seriously and gets really scared every time without fail and then she will call it off. I'm sure I'm leaving out tons of things about her that I love right now...but there's a decent list of what she's up to these days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL, We love you!!!

Our family's EXCITING news!

2010-07-09T17:41:00.005-04:00

Most of you know, BUT in case you haven't heard yet...we are expecting a new baby in November. If you didn't know yet, don't feel too out of the loop, we didn't even tell the kids or our extended family until I was about 18 weeks along. I miscarried once, when I was 14 weeks along and so we always wait until we're past that, because of that past experience. Andy and I found out before Easter and decided we'd let this blessing "sink in" for awhile before we spread the word, besides, it's shorter for everyone else to find out 20 weeks in. I'm 21 weeks now and feeling good, just a bit more tired than usual. The kids are thrilled and all came to the ultrasound with us, although the girls were a bit disappointed, they were expecting to see their new sibling in a clearer picture...Elisabeth kept saying the baby looked like a dinosaur, ha! We decided this time to wait and be surprised by this tie-breaker (boy/girl) in the hospital...which will be fun, although we have taken some heat for that decision...some family is even convinced we know and just aren't telling, but I promise...we don't know!!! I made Andy lock eyes with me for that part. Here are some pics, if you're interested. We are so grateful for this sweet addition to our family!

Our doctor said our baby is so curled up in the fetal position, it would have taken some careful investigation to find out whether it's a boy or girl anyway. I'm sure this baby is just preparing for the two little mommies who cannot wait to meet him/her and examine/poke every tiny, precious part.

Lost a Tooth

2010-06-30T10:58:00.002-04:00

Annie is as proud as she can be to show off this beautiful, new gap in her mouth! She wiggled and wiggled this tooth and in the end her Dad couldn't help but help it along in it's final stages.

The Tooth Fairy around this neck of the woods is a tad bit unreliable, often she forgets to come by or I guess has too many houses to visit or maybe she is just TIRED! I have her email address though, and have been known to contact her for sometimes days in a row, in my disappointed, children's behalf and give HER a piece of my mind!!! I will say...when she does arrive, she sure does reimburse better than she did when I was a kid, Annie got a whole dollar and was thrilled as could be!

Preschool Graduation

2010-06-11T13:54:00.006-04:00

Annie graduated from Dixie College Preschool the end of April and then did a five week Summer Preschool that just ended yesterday.
We are so proud of her and all she has learned this year. She made some great friends and she is beginning to read better and better everyday...she loves to learn and to be social!

This is most of her class, there were ten boys and ten girls.

Annie with her best friend from school this year, Paige.

This is Annie with her teacher, Mrs. Provost, she is so calm, patient, and loving!

(love Annie's expression. classic.)

And this is her with the two college student aids that helped everyday, Ranelle and Chelsea, Annie seriously loves these two!

There was an adorable video clip of a song from graduation that I tried to post, several times, but to no avail...oh well.

MAY

2010-06-03T15:33:00.015-04:00

Where in the world did MAY go???

It was such a busy month for our family...I started a new post May 5 and it's just been sitting unfinished, waiting to be published, mostly due to an adorable video clip that I could not get to upload. Well, after two days of trying off and on, I just gave up on it for a while. Today, I realized...a whole, entire month has gone by, kinda pathetic!

SO....

Here is a synopsis of MAY:

For me...weekend reunion with my five, best, girlfriends from college in SEATTLE, a total BLAST!

Then, there was BASEBALL...

BASEBALL...

and yet, MORE BASEBALL...

FYI...since I know you care...BASEBALL was a lot of fun this year, BUT pretty well consumed all of April and May...we literally had a practice or game or both every afternoon of the week, except for Sunday, for two months straight and I am not exaggerating. At all!

For Mother's Day weekend we headed to Flagstaff, AZ to surprise mi madre...Andy was on call, but it was a fun chance to see all but one of my siblings...missed you so much Jared! We totally pulled one over on my MOM, my Dad was even in on the surprise, of course she was the one taking this picture.

Finding lady bugs.

Elisabeth would have looked all afternoon and been perfectly happy.

Oh and to make for a wonderful Mother's Day for me, I lost Annie after church as we were getting ready to leave the cabin. I've never lost a child before, but I suppose, it was bound to happen, being that I am outnumbered and all...had to call 911 and all!

Next was...Andy's BIRTHDAY! Now if you ask the kids, it was his 26th...but we all know the real truth! He has convinced our kiddos that when you reach the ripe, old age of 30, that you go backwards from there, the boys get it, but humor him...the girls, totally believe him!

Why does it take at least two photos to get everyone looking right, I really need to learn photoshop (in all my spare time).

Then there were all the end of the school year parties, awards assemblies, etc...

***I'm sure you are tired of reading this post and I, frankly, am tired of writing it and finding the pics, so you'll just have to wait on the end of the school year/ Memorial Day Weekend/ Nathan's Birthday details***
Let's just hope it won't take me the whole month of June to post it, we'll see...won't we!

Honeymoon

2010-04-26T12:27:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we went on our weekly, Sunday afternoon walk on a paved trail here, close to our house...there were these black beetles everywhere (I think they were stink bugs, except for the fact, our kids were picking them up like crazy and never once got sprayed) oh well, they were some species of beetle, that are quite proficient at making more of their own kind. We came upon two of them that were, as Annie put it, "giving each other a piggy-back ride" I calmly and maturely stated that they were mating. Too which, Alec gave a little laugh and then Nathan said..."well I guess these two are on their honeymoon"...that made Andy and I both laugh out loud, since Nathan knows NADA about well, any of that. Andy then asked Nathan well what do people do on their honeymoons? Nathan replied..."they celebrate and just do anything that is FUN!" This made Andy laugh even more. We continued walking and Annie and Elisabeth kept pointing to all the beetles that were grouped by two (there were many) and said "oh look, they are on their honeymoons too!" They really were everywhere and so Andy and I decided maybe it was time to just go home...we obviously missed the sign that said:
"BEETLES HONEYMOONING AHEAD"!

OBITUARY

2010-04-20T17:28:00.004-04:00

DRAGON, the Bearded Dragon, of St. George, UT, died on April 19, 2010 in the early morning hours. The reason of his death is unknown. Dragon, the lizard, was delivered by Santa Clause on December 24, 2006 to his proud owner, NATHAN, then five years old, of Norfolk, VA.

He was dearly loved by Nathan.

His life was good for a domesticated reptile, plenty of crickets and kale, a warm heat lamp was always provided, and more space to move around in his custom made aquarium than most lizards will ever get. He even had his own hammock and a surgeon close by in case a surgical procedure ever be needed. Well it turns out, he was very lucky indeed, for not three days after his arrival on Christmas...he needed a somewhat simple surgical procedure. As stated above, mind you, he was dearly loved by Nathan the five year old. Dragon was only to be held with strict supervision and five year olds have a very difficult time waiting on a Sunday afternoon until their Dad is done napping after church. Poor Dragon was at the wrong place of his cage at the wrong time when his back leg was shut in his cage door accidentally. Dragon's leg needed to be amputated below his knee (if lizards have knees).

Nonetheless, he went on living and continuing his good life after a short recovery and learning to walk again. He could eat more than two dozen crickets on a somewhat daily basis during the first year and a half of his life. He was happy and as it turns out, he never even needed that fourth leg that most lizards do. He will be missed by all.

R.I.P.

2010-04-20T17:01:00.003-04:00

Funeral services were held for DRAGON and all family members were present. The above surgeon, also happened to prepare the lizard for burial (good, old ZIPLOC), dug the hole, and conducted the short, but solemn service (doctors do a lot these days). It was a lovely, spring afternoon. Some family members were pretty sad about the loss.

Many kind words were said and good times remembered.

Nathan even explained to a very sad Annie that Dragon is in a much better place now and after Jesus comes again and we are all resurrected, Dragon will even get his leg back and just think how happy he will be. That made her feel much better.

Then on the way to t-ball practice, Annie asked question after question about heaven and what it's like and where it is and what we do there forever...it was a question-intense, ten minute ride, but a great opportunity to talk to her about it all and reassure her.

Book Winners!

2010-03-29T16:30:00.002-04:00

First off, in all seriousness...I want you all to realize, that in my "book", you are all "WINNERS"! I would absolutely love to send off nine copies of this book, but I said two, so I'm sticking to the original rules of this book giveaway. The random drawing was writing each of your nine names on a slip of random paper, folding them up, placing them in a random hat, and letting Annie draw two names out (which she loved, btw). We're so official around here, aren't we? Hopefully that seems fair enough to you all!

And the winners are...
1. Adriann
2. Janice
Congrats you two!!!

As for the rest of you...I hope you're not too disappointed (I hate losing).
Please find a way to read it...it's sooooo worth it!
(Our Costco has it for under $9 and hopefully your local library does too)

HAPPY READING!

Book Giveaway

2010-03-19T13:08:00.008-04:00

Just finished reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and I cannot recommend it highly enough, I fell in love with the characters and have decided it's worth another time through! Many of you have probably already read it too, but if you haven't, you've just got to. It's a quick read and very hard to put down. May sound a little odd by the title, but trust me...it is a "must read"!!!

In fact, I enjoyed it so much I would LOVE to send YOU, yes you, a copy...so leave me a comment in the next ten days and I will draw two names randomly on March 29th! If you have already had the pleasure of reading this book, still leave me a comment and if you are one of the two people drawn, I will send you a book of your choice.

Here's a quote and summary of the book:

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.
(summary from bookbrowse.com)

Latest Purchase

2010-03-15T17:38:00.002-04:00

So.....been looking on Craigslist for a used piano for about a month. At first, Andy was very reluctant and understandably so, NONE of us play the piano, so why would we buy one??? I really would like to give our kids the opportunuty to play and Alec has begged us for lessons now for a year or so. Why not a keyboard, then? I cannot find a good, well-respected teacher here who will teach a student who cannot practice on a real piano, thus my search began. I came across this beauty, made in 1909, which makes it not only a beauty...but an antique beauty, even better. I fell in love with it, did my research, found a certified and highly knowledgable piano technician and had it thoroughly inspected inside and out. I was skeptical that it would still be play worthy after 100 years + and so was the tech, but my gut said to check it out in person, so we did. The tech, who was in his late sixties, kept saying how amazed he was at it's condition and said it was obvious it had been extremely well maintained for it's entire lifetime. He said he was confident it could be played another hundred years and that this piano truly was a find. I offered the owner another $600 less on the price, it had already been lowered once, and he agreed! I am so excited about it (can you tell?) and promised mi madre I would post some pictures of it.

This was also a leap of faith as we are still waiting on word about this house, hopefully it will not have to be moved again. It's a great start to our living room, that we have yet to furnish, due to the fact that we don't know if this living room, is in fact, our own. I couldn't pass up the chance and doubt I'll ever regret it!

My Mother

2010-03-08T15:39:00.002-05:00

Today...I've been overcome with emotion several times as I think of my dear, wonderful mother! It's her birthday today and I woke up thinking about her and how incredibly blessed I am to have her in my life. Last year, my Dad wrote me a letter for my birthday and in it he said how proud I have made him and that it is because of my mother that I turned out so well...it's because of him too, but that letter meant so much to me because he went on to tell me all the ways I am like her and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for her influence on my life. You see, if there is any person I would strive to be more like, it is my mom! She is the most unselfish, kind-hearted, thoughtful, and forgiving person I know. As a mother she gave us everything she had to give, now that I am a mother, one of the things that I realize made such a huge impact on all of us was her ability to be there...I remember daily coming home and feeling so glad she was there. She would drop everything and listen, really listen to me. When I came home from dates, she would listen. I don't know how she did it, but she was there for each one of us and to this day all of her kids...(3 girls, 2 boys) call her a lot (some of us, everyday) we call when we are happy about something, excited, scared, nervous, frustrated or just because we miss her. She is always so encouraging and full of faith and I always feel uplifted after I talk to her. For as long as I can remember she has truly been one of my dearest friends. From a young age I remember finding notes she would write me and from that I gained great confidence, as she would always point out the good and make me feel so special. Her letters to me in college made such a difference and came just when I needed them, sometimes the timing was literally an answer to my prayers. She is very much in tune, to this day...a letter will come, a call or a visit just when I need the help. She is fun too...one of my favorite memories was of going to Disneyland with her, just the two of us, totally spur of the moment, I'll never forget that afternoon and evening. She was in YW for years and was the kind of leader that everyone just loved, I can remember her giving piggy-back rides and pulling pranks at girl's camp. She is so creative, something I did not inherit, but she can sew anything and creates incredible handmade cards. She is such a wonderful grandmother...calls just to talk to each grandchild and hear their voices, reads stories, sends packages, and always makes them feel so special. Did I mention she's wonderful!? She loves Autumn and Christmas...both of which I just love too. She always made our home have an extra special spirit at Christmas time and decorated every space in such a beautiful way, her Christmas tree is so amazing every year, it could literally be in a hotel lobby...I tell her that and she is ever humble. She joined the church after graduating from high school and is the only member in her family, when I think about what courage that took and all the good that has come to our family because of her testimony, I am so grateful for her faithfulness and the way she has lived her life. I could go on and on and on...I am so, so blessed to have been raised by such a woman. I think about her everyday as I have the opportunity to be a mother and often look to her example and goodness and it keeps me going to think of all I owe to her and hope I can be half the woman she is today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM, I am so lucky that you are mine!!!

Puppy LOVE

2010-01-26T22:41:00.016-05:00

This is our new puppy, that we gave the kids for Christmas...it took almost three weeks, but we finally settled on the name, YANKEE!

Some of the other name options were pretty interesting, to say the least, and everyone had a favorite, on which, they wouldn't budge. For instance, Elisabeth wanted to name him "PEACHES" from the very beginning...there was NO way the boys were going to call him that, they were completely appalled that she would even suggest naming a male, "PEACHES". We had a harder time naming this dog, than any of our four children (of course, there wasn't a nurse holding us hostage at the hospital, either), so we took our sweet time with the name, and hopefully our kids learned what it means to compromise, which apparantly is not a huge strength for our family.

He is a German Shorthaired Pointer, they are used for tracking/ hunting, but they are also bred to be excellent, family dogs. He came from a breeder with four kids, almost exactly our kids ages, so that part has been pretty easy.

His favorite toy is a monkey that Nathan gave him...he is getting really good at playing fetch.

His favorite spot to take a nap is up on the deck in the sun. He will also come up on the deck when he wants someone to come out and play, he comes right up to the dining room window and whimpers until someone pays attention.

Nathan and Annie are the ones who have consistently shown the most interest, they are both really good with him. Alec is great about taking him on walks and Elisabeth is still pretty timid around him, he can just about knock her over in his excitement to see her. Andy has taken on most of the responsibilities involved (baths, training, etc...) which has been nice, as I am not a huge dog person, don't get me wrong, I like dogs, but I am not one of those people that completely adores them. Andy is not a huge dog person either, but has done such a good job with him (he's read all the books and watched the training DVDs) and he has really enjoyed having a dog. We both went into this, a bit unsure, you hear all these horror stories about puppies and all the trouble they can get into...but (fingers crossed) so far, so good!

Nathan: the Dictionary

2010-01-20T15:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, on the way back from Nathan's basketball game, I found myself laughing out loud...Annie was singing at the top of her lungs, John Mayer's song "Say", over and over. After about three minutes straight of singing, Nathan said,

"Annie" (very sternly, enough so she was quiet and listening to him)
"You singing that song is BOTHERING me."
"Which means you are irritating me."
"Which means you are annoying me."
"Which means you are aggravating me."
"Which means you are frustrating me."
"Which means I am getting angry."
"Which means I am now mad."
"OK?"

Alec and I just laughed and laughed!
And then, of course, she started singing it again...
because she understood Nathan completely, he explained the concept well...
and now she was just pushing buttons!

Caught in the act...

2010-01-13T16:10:00.006-05:00

So why not take a few pictures???

After all, I am gathering evidence, for the inevitable day when she will call me concerning her own daughter!

My own, dear mother can attest...what goes around, most certainly comes around!!!

Golly gee, sometimes I sure wish I hadn't been so darn naughty as a girly...
I know what you must be thinking (gasp and shock), me and naughty do not even belong in the same sentence...
okay well, maybe you weren't thinking that, but ohhhh...
I really was. really. VERY. bad.

Our Holiday Break: A Series of (mostly) Fortunate and (some) Unfortunate events:

2010-01-03T20:18:00.006-05:00

Fortunate:

Fun trip for kids and I to AZ for a week, plenty of Christmas tunes and movies on the way.
Visits with extended family that I love and don't get to see often enough!
Having great siblings (aunts and uncles) who make everything awesome for my kids.
Racing with Aunt Erika at her gym (5 laps:Nathan won, then 3 laps: Alec won, confirmed: Annie is a sprinter, but dang, that girl can accelerate!)
Eating at all my most favorite places (not even feeling guilty with my New Year's resolutions...well, RESOLUTE, that is, after the 1st.)
Evening of shopping (Ann Taylor) with my sister, Erika, so enjoyable.
FHE at the Mesa temple, beautiful holiday lights and music.
Seeing old, dear friends.
Andy made it earlier than we thought and suprised us on the 23rd (life is so good when he is around!) and, luckily, he brought our video camera.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day & Day after Christmas day at my parents, beautiful, new cabin in Northern AZ.
Abundance of great, holiday food to partake of!
Andy and Brian skiied all day on Christmas Eve, plenty of perfect snow.
4 kiddos that somehow made it onto Santa's good list!
New, adorable puppy & the most suprised children Andy and I have ever seen, so fun!
Everyone's favorite: sledding for hours after Christmas dinner and first thing on the 26th, again for hours...Lori and Delv brought up tons of sleds and we just went again and again and again. (My Mom and Dad even went...great memories!)
Safe travels to and fro.

UNFORTUNATE:

Our camera, that was already in very bad shape, was dropped by a certain child...and well, it completely died, cannot be fixed. (thus, no pictures with this post).
My brother, Jared, that lives in Boston, worked Christmas day (because he's single and so kind) and couldn't be with us...we all missed him soooooo MUCH!!!!
We arrived home to SG very late, kids were grumpy and we all had the beginnings of cold/flu-like symptoms.
Said, puppy...is greatly loved, but...of course, is taking up loads of our time. The initial attention needed is great and it's a good thing he is sooooo adorable.
As do all living things...he pees frequently. Very frequently.
He, the puppy...still does not have an official name. (Andy calls him grandpa and the rest of us just keep boycotting that one!)
It has taken an entire week, to get all the post-trip laundry done, for all of us to get feeling better, to put away all the Christmas decor, to find places for all the new stuff, and to get into a really solid routine with our puppy. This was definitely a week of adjustments.

All in all...we had a great Christmas break, we feel so blessed, and we are all looking forward to a a FABULOUS New Year!!!

What in the WORLD is a SUNBEAM, anyway?

2010-01-03T19:17:00.007-05:00

In case you were wondering, this is a SUNBEAM:

She will shine for HIM each day!
In every way, she'll try to please HIM...
at home, at school, at play.

We feel so LUCKY to have one in our family...although we cannot quite believe it!

Can you keep a BIG Secret???

2009-12-21T00:37:00.007-05:00

Our kids are getting one of these for Christmas!
(the burgandy one)
The kids and I left for AZ this last Friday and Andy went to pick up this puppy (literally) on Saturday...our kids have no clue and I'm so excited and a little nervous (okay, a lot nervous!) Andy is bringing it with him on Christmas Eve.
JUST HAD TO TELL SOMEONE...wish us luck, I'm sure we'll need it!

ummmm...I thought this was a DESERT!

2009-12-14T01:14:00.009-05:00

Well, my Saturday morning...one minute Andy and I were sleeping IN quite peacefully...the next thing I know the girls are screaming, something about snow. Enough to play in all morning and not even bring up breakfast until 10. Everyone claims it has been unusually cold this past week and I hope that's true...I do not like to be cold. ever. Snow is fine and dandy...to look at from inside one's warm house or to ski/sled in on occasion, that is about it for me.

The inevitable snowball fight begins!

Poor Elisabeth, poor aim dearie!

The boys kept throwing snowballs at me while yelling, "This shows our LOYALTY to DAD"!

ummmm....what does actually bringing these two into the world get me???

The "sista" team (they lost horribly).

Snow Fun!

Driveway sledding on a boogie board (I knew we kept that for a good reason)

Too cute!

After being hit with a snowball!

A real sled...much better.

I LOVE BIG, SWEET, PINK MARSHMELLOWS!

ummm....I could literally eat her up!

Our ANNIE Girl

2009-12-07T16:33:00.010-05:00

Okay....so I feel as if I am always behind on this blogging thing, another thing I don't seem to get done (could list about a million)!

SATURDAY was a special day...our DEAR ANNIE turned 5!!!

I know everyone says it...but it's so true...so I'll say it too,

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO???

Everyone who knows our family well, knows...Annie has definitely made our lives more exciting and at times, more exasperating! I truly love this girl, she has so many traits that are and will continue to be amazing strengths as she grows. With each passing year, I realize more and more she is STRONG for a reason and I feel so LUCKY she is mine!!!

In My Next Life, I'm....

2009-11-20T13:46:00.001-05:00

Thank you GALS...

2009-11-13T12:17:00.009-05:00

This last weekend I went to Time Out for Women here in town, thanks to lots of dear friends in VA...they sent me a ticket for my birthday present. I would not have taken the time to go on my own, so I am sooooo glad they provided me the opportunity, I needed it more than I realized. The entire thing was so uplifting and I came away from it feeling empowered to do better and with some clear, specific goals for myself. Hilary Weeks was there and I just love her...she has such an amazing talent and I'm so grateful she shares it with others. I got to go with Dixie, Andy's aunt that lives here and so enjoyed spending time with her as well!

So, THANK YOU...to wonderful friends, who gave me such an amazing and timely gift that has blessed my life, I love and miss you all!

p.s. The CHOCOLATE was also greatly appreciated and had incredible timing the day it arrived on my doorstep, you are TRUE friends, indeed!

My piece of FALL

2009-11-09T12:59:00.018-05:00

My FAVORITE season of all is AUTUMN!

As you know, we now reside in a desert and I was not expecting to see any evidence of my favorite time of year...this saddened me greatly.

To my complete surprise and JOY I have been able to see this for weeks now!

I know, I know... many of you will say it doesn't even compare (to you know where) but for ME it has been just what I needed. Having not expected anything at all, I have been completely pleased!!!

Oh and BONUS...the cool, brisk mornings of (45-50 degrees) followed by the lovely and splendid afternoons of (70-80 degree) consistent weather has added to my love of this new place...the WEATHER is PERFECT! Sweaters in the mornings with flip flops...FABULOUS.

FRIENDS!!!

2009-10-16T12:29:00.010-04:00

Friends are so important...
I keep reminding myself it just takes time when you move,
I miss so many of you from VA, more than I can put into words!

We've been so lucky this month to be able to see some dear friends of ours...
The Hungerford's just came through and stayed with us overnight...it was so GOOD to see THEM and visit! It was like picking up right where we left off 5+ years ago in med school...they will always be so special to us, because of going through that experience together. It meant so much to us that they took the time to stop and see us!

AND then, earlier this month...
Jaesi and her cute kiddos came to SG to be with family and we were lucky enough to get together a few times...I love that girl and her kids, they are so fun and it meant so much to me to see their familiar, wonderful faces! Nancy and Kristy also came down with their kids and it was just so fun to see them and get caught up.

ANYHOW...
I have noticed a big difference in how happy I've felt recently and it sounds simple, but it has been because of FRIENDS...I have been so BLESSED in my life with wonderful friends, I mean amazing people, who have enriched my life and experiences wherever we have lived...I wish I could transport all the ones I hold dear to SG, but I can't! I'm sure if I'm patient here and perhaps a little more outgoing, I will find those blessings (friends) here. In the meantime, I am so grateful that FRIENDSHIP continues on and on no matter what or where you are!

2 QUOTES that sum it up nicely:

"Good friends are like stars...
you don't always see them,
but they are are always there."

"Friends are like bras:
close to your heart and
there for support."

Classic ANNIE moments...

2009-09-24T16:53:00.005-04:00

Sometimes, I am convinced this GIRL...will be the END of ME!!!

If she wants something (in this case, it was a juice box) and I'm busy (switching the laundry), she just finds a way! She is DETERMINED and SMART! She can also be SASSY! She is CONFIDENT about who she is and what she can accomplish!

She is a great BIG sister, here: she and Elisabeth are, after Annie decided they needed whiskers, since they had spent the entire hour before this crawling all over the house pretending to be CATS...she plans activities like this almost every afternoon and Elisabeth is always happy to oblige and goes along with whatever plan ANNIE has in mind!

I could publish a book with pictures like these! This GIRL, this GIRL...I wouldn't trade her for anything...I just need to remind myself of that, at least once a day when she has her CLASSIC "ANNIE" moment or two or three! AHHHH!

Troubling Ticket Tuesday

2009-09-16T00:18:00.002-04:00

I am becoming a BELIEVER about this text messaging thing! Today, I sent the following text to Andy and it helped ease the major guilt I was feeling for a major mistake I made.

me:
"i regret to inform you i got a traffic citation this morning. and no, i was not speeding, i did something worse. i had no idea why he pulled me over at the time, but admit i am completely guilty of the violation that he informed me of. honest, complete mistake on my part and i feel just awful because i didn't even realize what i had done. apparantly, i did not see the crossing guard out in the crosswalk with her big, red, stop sign this morning while dropping the boys at school. very BAD move."

andy:
"you probably didn't see her because she was diving out of the way, sounds like you will be pulling weeds."

me:
"yeah, i won't even go into my reasons for not seeing her...though some are quite valid, i made a big mistake and i accept responsibility for it...i did not see her, obviously, or i would have stopped. i am very sorry for what i've done and will tell her personally this afternoon."

andy:
"WEEDS"

me:
"yeah, i know."

Yes, I know it's hard to understand how I didn't see her...all I can say is I honestly didn't. SCARY...that there are people like me who make mistakes like this around school zones. One things for sure I won't ever forget it and I do feel awful, I fell apart while apologizing to the sweet crossing guard lady. Alec was ducking down, so as to not be seen with me, when I returned to the car. All in all, very important reminder and lesson learned. By the way, pulling weeds, tumbleweeds, that is, has become the boys chore if they want to earn some money around here, we have an empty lot next to us, with huge, abnoxious weeds. I am grateful for a husband that just left it at that, after a very emotional morning, I needed some humor to lighten the load.

So...what do you think? Certainly, a conversation over the phone could have ended with a very different tone, I was already very emotional and I think texting helped me get everything I wanted said before I pushed send. Just a thought, but I am a believer.

Happy Birthday to BRENNA!

2009-09-12T11:14:00.007-04:00

This young, wipper-snapper here is my niece, BRENNA! Today she is officially a teenager and I CANNOT believe it! I mean, yes, she looks the part, but it makes me feel OLD.

This is my older sister, LORI...she must really be feeling OLD today! Aren't these two too cute together? This summer after we got a bit settled I convinced them to come visit SG and go to see Lady Antebellum in concert with me! Loved it.

The concert was awesome and it was so fun, it was a good, ol' small town country atmosphere. They sounded just like they do on the radio, I seriously love all their voices.

Lori and I thoroughly embarressed Bren, as this was her first concert and she was with her MOM and aunt, who were dancing and singin along...she still had a good time though!

During a the whole show, we kept our eyes peeled for the grand prize of "worst UTAH hair" this may be a bit blurry, but I think you can probably imagine who won and let me tell ya...there were plenty to pick from!

Love this picture...love these two! Brenna, I hope you have an awesome birthday and that this year is filled with wonderful opportunities for you! You are an amazing young woman, the most kind and generous with others that I know! Annie and Elisabeth look up to you and love you SO MUCH, thanks for being such a wonderful example to them and letting them FOLLOW you EVERYWHERE when we're together! I have NO DOUBT you have incredible things ahead of you and you will GO FAR! So...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEENAGER, we sure LOVE YOU!!!

New Callings, never can tell what you're gonna get!

2009-09-10T16:23:00.003-04:00

I was sincerely and honestly ready to accept anything I was asked to do. I had substituted in Primary twice and there were two openings that I knew needed to be filled...then, I got "the telephone call" and I was just positive my time had come...primary teacher. Now, let me just clarify, I am intimidated by primary...okay, so I am afraid. I have never served in the primary, well alright, I just remembered Andy and I had the short six-month nursery assignment in our BYU married ward. From the time we moved to VA, I had always served in YW...love, love, love Young Women's! Every time I had a chance to sub in primary, it was like I had to give myself this pep talk, "I am an adult, I can control a small class of smal children, really it will be okay." I have so many friends who are just awesome in Primary and I am so grateful for the amazing job they all do, my children love primary! Okay, so enough rambling...I left the bishopric's office, just beaming...I seriously got my dream calling and I was not expecting it at all...BEEHIVE advisor. Apparantly, I still have a lot to learn in YW and I couldn't be more thrilled!

ANNALISE's First Day

2009-09-03T16:03:00.004-04:00

Annie woke up Monday morning yelling, "It's TODAY! It's TODAY!!!" She got up, got dressed and did everything she was asked to do, including hair (huge issue in our relationship), without complaint...it was an awesome morning for Me.
She is just so thrilled that it is FINALLY her turn to go to school, she goes to Preschool 4 days a week in the mornings. Elisabeth cried the first few mornings and is really missing her. I have really missed her too, I'm not sure I was as ready for all this as she was! I have enjoyed the one-on-one time with Elisabeth though and better cherish it...before I know it, this year will have passed and it will be her turn next year, these kids of mine are growing up WAY too fast!

Here she is after we first got there and she hung up her backpack, little nervous, but mostly excited!

She had a GREAT experience her first day and was so proud to tell us all about it at FHE.

That afternoon, I put Elisabeth down for her nap as usual, she never gets out of her bed...this summer when we arrived in SG, we moved her to a big girl bed and she has done beautifully. Anyway, I went up to check on her and this is what I found, too cute and still awake, I had to get a picture.

I love this sweet, sweet girl!

Part 2: The LONG of it...4 IMPORTANT things to celebrate before the move!

2009-08-29T01:52:00.015-04:00

(I posted these backwards, chronologically, but oh well)

#1: ALEC TURNED 10...June 22nd!

His cousins were headed home that morning, so we celebrated with a birthday breakfast before they left.

Alec loves Belgian waffles, as much as cake, so in went the candles!

His Grandma Vaughan made him a wonderful new quilt.

Thanks Crowther cousins...the camo was the perfect gift for these boys!

Later that day, I took Alec and some friends out for a movie and ice cream sundaes...but overall HIS day was very low key, the moving truck was coming early the next morning...and try as I may, there was still MORE to pack! Both of our parents helped with the packing and I do not know what we would have done without them...that weekend was packed full of major events and thanks to everyone's support, it all came together, I cannot say thank you enough for all they did!

2009-08-28T17:48:00.013-04:00

#2 Nathan was baptized...June 21st!

From the time Nate was six, he knew we would be moving right after he turned eight and he has always insisted that no matter what, he wanted to be baptized in Norfolk, with all his friends around. Luckily, we have tremendously, supportive family that all came out to VA for this very special occasion and also helped us pack up and move. I am soooooo grateful for all the family we had there to help and that came, especially for Nathan!

Nathan's Great Grandpa and Grandma Vaughan.

Grace, Ron, and the kids were so sweet to come down from New York.

Annie with her Uncle Macc.

Macc, Lisa, and sweet Ella came too!

I'm so glad these two have each other.

The 3 Musketeers, again.

We were so grateful for everyone's support, especially since his baptism was at 4:30, think of all those children that had already been at church for 3+ hrs.

Our kids and their cousins sang.

Even Elisabeth practiced over and over and could sing all the words!

I love this picture, it's all the kids watching as Nathan was getting in the font.

Tyson, Zachary, Nathan, Alec: best buds.

Tessa, Annalise, Emma, Elisabeth, and Ella.

All our family that came: Vaughan's and Mooney's.

Four generations of Vaughan men...fantastic picture.

2009-08-28T16:26:00.017-04:00

On June 20th Andy and I celebrated two wonderful milestones...

#3 Our 11th Anniversary and
#4 Andy's Graduation from residency training

We were so busy with the move, getting ready for the baptism, coordinating family stuff with lots of visitors, graduation activities, etc...that it wasn't until the afternoon of the 20th that it dawned on either one of us that it was our anniversary...things were THAT crazy. I mean I had known for a long time the night of the official graduation was the same day as our anniversary, we had talked about it several times and all that we would have to celebrate, but we both totally forgot because there was SO much going on! Oh well, at least the forgetfulness was mutual, we just felt really dumb by the time we remembered.

Here we are with Kaalan and Gretchen, (Kaalan and Andy were the two graduating), they are such wonderful friends and always will be considering we all went through it together. Obviously, we are all, VERY HAPPY!!!

Most of the pictures from graduation turned out too dark, but we took lots and had a wonderful time reminiscing the five years of Andy's training. I have to say, I had been to several other graduations and by far enjoyed this one the most, not just for the OBVIOUS reason (it was Andy's turn), but that night I got to hear countless stories and memories that were such a tribute to who Andy is and his outstanding character, it was amazing as his wife. I mean it's not like Andy came home from work and told me all the wonderful things he did and all the people's lives he affected. His fellow residents and attendings were so sincere and obviously hold him in high regard for who he is, what he believes, and how he treats others. I left in awe of the impact for good he had, both on those who he worked with and the people he cared for! It made all of the tough, tough times when he wasn't there seem all completely worth it. His residency was such a hard time in so many ways, for me, for him, for the kids...but we are all so grateful for the whole experience. It's hard to explain, but that night it was like I got to see all that my husband has become these last eleven years, nine of them in schooling for medicine, and I was AMAZED! It feels incredible to get through something that TOUGH and LONG and know it's over and you made it through...we are so GRATEFUL!

Andy with his Dad, I love this picture.

Andy with his wonderful and supportive, Mom and Dad!

The actual "document" that officially means, it is over!!!

He recieved, the coveted, temporal bone dissection award this year and his fellow residents sent in a picture of him and had this bobble-head M.D. made up...ha, ha.

This is from the Department and his attendings (bosses), it's a tradition to recieve one of these beautiful chairs for your office, love it!

Part 1: The LONG of it...saying goodbye to VA!

2009-08-15T19:11:00.014-04:00

Our last week before we moved was bitter-sweet...it seemed packed full of farewells and by adding as many VA memories as we could! This post is WAY long, so you don't have to read it...it's for our family's record more than anything else!

The girls and I met up for lunch at Panera with the sweet women I have served with in YW for the last seven years, I will miss them all very much!

On, Sunday, June 14th, some very thoughtful friends of ours organized a farewell get together for our family. This sweet friend, Helena, was so generous to host it in her lovely backyard. The weather was just beautiful that evening and we had so much fun visiting with many that we love, there are so many people in Norfolk that we will NEVER forget! Our family's opportunity to have nine years in Norfolk, will always be one of our greatest blessings!

Amazing women...

Holly and I.

Jonah, Nathan, and Marshall.

Michael, Heidi, and Harley.

Nathan took these...

We even got to visit with a lot of our friends from the 1st ward, it is crazy how just splitting the ward made it harder to see people.

Gotta love Nathan's talent for photography...

All the kiddos had fun too...

Thanks so much we'll never forget that evening!!!

On June 15th, I got together for brunch with these six gals! These are the dear friends I saw everyday, when we picked up our kids from elementary school. They have, every one of them, become some of my favorite women and I admire each one of them very much. It was so refreshing to be able to visit with them everyday and it helped us all stay SANE!!! Miss you guys so much!

These are all of our kids combined, 19 in this picture + 5 that weren't + 1 on its way! Needless to say, all the kids are friends too!

2009-08-15T18:04:00.010-04:00

June 16th, was the LAST day of SCHOOL! The kids go in for not even two hours and basically pick up their final report card and say their summer goodbyes. So, to celebrate, we went up to BUSCH GARDENS with all of our friends who had summer passes, and spent the rest of the day having lots of fun, when we should have been home packing boxes!

Had to include these first two, Tara and I were B.G. best buds and took our kids up lots together, since neither one of our hubby's could go...she is an incredible person and friend to me! She had already headed off on her summer road trip, so we were very sad she wasn't with us on the 16th!

Tara and Kenzie on the new Sesame roller coaster!

Nate, Jonah, Marshall, and Jonas after riding Escape from Pompeii.

Elisabeth's favorite, The Balloons in Italy.

Riding with Eliza.

Holly, Annie, and Marshall on the Battering Ram.

Jared, Jonah, and Nathan on same ride.

Top 2 rows from left to right: Shelby, Savannah, Harley, Harley's friend, Josh, Caleb, and Alec.

Marshall, Jonah, and Nathan.

Twins.

We'll just call them the 3 Musketters.

Annie and I on the flying swings.

Eliza and Deborah before take off.

Gracie and Heidi ready to fly.

Gracie and Annie on the airplanes (are those gang signs?)

Jenn, making Alec get wet, he kept wimpin out, thanks, hon!

Alec and Nate on teacups.

My girlies love this ride!

THANKS to wonderful friends for the great MEMORIES!!!

2009-08-15T17:13:00.009-04:00

On June 18, we headed up to GREAT WOLF LODGE (hotel with indoor/outdoor waterpark) in Williamsburg one last time, THANK YOU Grandma and Grandpa for the very FUN break from packing! Only regret, Andy couldn't come with us this time, he had his last night of call and last day of work, BUMMER! Obviously, we were not too bummed to go have fun anyway...thus was our way of life during residency, may seem horrible, but we couldn't let his schedule stop us and he didn't want it to either!

Grandma took all of these pictures, bless her heart, so we have no photographic evidence of it, but she sure knows how to have fun at a water park, for certain.

The kids and I after the GIANORMOURS tube slide!

Elisabeth hung out with G&G a lot (she is our only cautious child)

Annie is almost too confident in the water...

Alec loves this place!

These floating logs are tougher than they look...

The boys got better everytime we took a trip there.

Annie and I in the lazy river.

Good buds...

All packed up and ready to come home.

We made sure we were home before our resident-HERO came home from his last day of work!!! Goodbye FOREVER ugly, aqua green SCRUBS!

The kids ambushed him with silly string to celebrate!

Simple ADDITION +++

2009-08-13T11:41:00.012-04:00

WAFFLES +

STRAWBERRIES +

BACKPACKS +

NEW SNEAKERS +

VERY EAGER 5th + 3rd GRADERS +

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION =

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

It'll be a great year for sure!!!

The LONG and the SHORT...

2009-08-04T16:38:00.014-04:00

"THE SHORT" of it all:
Miss you all tons. This summer...boys finished school June 16, went to Busch Gardens to celebrate with friends. Lots of family came out to help with our move. My Mom and Dad took us all to Great Wolf Lodge one more time, ton of fun. Andy graduated from residency, WOOHOO! Nathan was baptized, wonderful. Alec, turned 10, can't believe it. We, packed up a great number of boxes, family to the rescue. June 23, a giant moving truck came, took stuff, emptied our sweet little house, SAD. Said goodbye to our amazing friends in Norfolk, VERY SAD. Two girlies flew off to AZ with wonderful grandparents and waited, while two boys and their fine parents drove across the great USA. First, VA, beautiful and green, kept thinking how grateful I was to have spent 9 years there and how it will always be home to me. Next day, West Virginia, mountain mommaahh...... (John Denver, oh yeah) gorgeous, why is it more people don't live there? Kentucky, I drove, Andy slept, boys watched many, old school episodes of Cosby show, funny. Realtor calls, owners of the red brick house we have an offer on, want to know if we want to rent it until the bank makes a decision...ummmm, YES! Then, we drove through a corner of Indiana and a section of Illinois, Nathan quizzed us all on Abe Lincoln. Then through Missouri and St. Louis, saw the arch, cool. Next morning, went to Liberty Jail, Mormon Tabernacle Choir was there, neat. Drove through Kansas, incredibly peaceful with nothing around and amazing blue skies. Then, through Denver, my favorite part of the drive by far, I have really missed these things they have out west called, mountains! The next day, made it to good, old S.G. June 29, girlies arrived with my mom and grandma, great to have them back. July 1, moving truck arrived, more and more boxes. July 3, trip to San Diego, to see Andy's parents for 4th of July, now we can say, we've been from sea to shining sea! We love being close to family...visits in July from my brother, Andy's grandparents, my grandma, Andy's mom and sister, my sister and niece came for the Lady Antebellum concert, it's been great. Andy started his new job July 13, he's doing great and gets home between 5-6 everyday, we're loving it. We just got back from a wonderful fam reunion last week up in Idaho, near Yellowstone, with Andy's extended family, very fun. Tomorrow, I am headed to AZ to see my family and then the boys start school August 13, CRAZY! Possibly the best news of the summer...Elisabeth is potty trained and it only took about a week and a half, Halelujah! That's the jist of it, did I say this would be short?

"THE LONG" of it all:
I'll be posting some more in the next few days with pictures. We've been very busy having fun and I have a lot of catching up to do. I promise it won't be too long.

Worth waiting for...

2009-06-18T06:52:00.002-04:00

So...we are having a heck of a time getting anyone to rent to us month to month (not that I can blame them) while we wait on either one of these:

These are the two houses we have offers on, they are both Short Sales, we were not looking for a short sale or forclosure to buy, these just happened to be our favorites after looking for three straight days...they are both DEFINITELY worth waiting for, I just never thought it would be so tough to find something temporary. We have six days before the moving truck heads off towards what is currently, a very general location. Another option to rent fell through last night and that is honestly, the first feeling of panic I've had yet, which was followed by a simple, but profound feeling of reassurance that everything will work out. I am still amazed at how blessed we are to have sold our house here, and cannot complain, even a little, if there are a few bumps in the road along the way. I mean, maybe neither one of these houses will even go through, if that is the case, I'm sure there is a reason! I have felt an overwhelming peace since March and cannot deny a way will be provided. When I look back on the last nine years...I am so grateful for the way things have worked out. I have learned WELL that we may not always get what we want, but then again, we do not always know what is BEST...I will trust in that and I can WAIT for that!

"SEW" much FUN!

2009-06-11T21:56:00.006-04:00

Okay, so I kinda feel like I am tooting my own horn, but I am way excited about this! So I made this for Heidi's Birthday and I REALLY enjoyed making it. Anyone who knows me well, knows I am not real crafty, I enjoy a project here and there, but I do not feel a NEED to make things... well that could all change, because this was so fulfilling and I was so pleased with the whole process, if I wasn't in major moving mode (MMM) I would totally be making another one right away. Allyn helped me by picking out the fabric (a big thanks) I was totally dragging my feet on getting started, but now I actually want to do another something crafty and SOON!

NATE the GREAT...turned EIGHT!

2009-06-01T23:47:00.004-04:00

Oh, how we love this BOY!!!
Happy Birthday Nathan, you bring so much to our family and we are so glad you are ours, it's been amazing watching you grow into who you are today...cannot wait to see what life has in store for you, one things for sure...you'll do GREAT!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2009-05-27T23:05:00.002-04:00

Andy and I planted four of these hydrangea bushes our second summer in this house...we knew nothing about them and have managed to keep them alive and thriving, although it has not been hard. They bring me great JOY and satisfaction every MAY...and most unfortunately, will not survive where we are moving.

LOVED IT AGAIN!!!

2009-05-27T22:47:00.002-04:00

I was lucky enough to see WICKED in 2006 right before Elisabeth came along...when I found out it was coming here...I jumped at the chance to go again and I'm so glad I did! It was a treat to go with great friends and the performance was FABULOUS!!!

WAY TO GO GRADUATES!!!

2009-05-23T14:24:00.005-04:00

This last week Annie and her friends graduated from JOY SCHOOL, we had a little celebration for them at the park. It's been such a fun year with these cute kiddos...but I think all of us mamas were glad to bring the year to a close (one less thing to do is never a bad thing). The kids all sure learned a lot and had a great time getting together every week. Congrats ANNIE BANNANNIE!!!

Such CUTE kids...and not BAD odds for Banks!

The BIRTHDAY BOY

2009-05-12T12:02:00.002-04:00

To the most generous husband and father I know...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Explanation, Excuses, Etc...

2009-05-11T13:57:00.012-04:00

So, yeah, it's been a while since I paid any attention to this blog...APRIL was busier than I anticipated and something had to give. The sad part is a whole lot of great stuff happened in April and now, of course I regret not updating more...so here's the condensed version of:

A ton of fun trip with Jenn to New York City!
Practically living at the baseball fields with our boys.
Really great Easter weekend in upstate New York with Crowther cousins!
Incredible performance of Treasure Island, Alec and Nate both had parts.
Lucky enough to close on our house, and go look for a new one the day after!

The adventures of New York City...

Spring Break trip to see cousins in New York...

Treasure Island costumes...

On a happier note...

2009-04-01T13:25:00.013-04:00

Thanks for all of your sweet comments and words of encouragement about the below post! I am lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family members who care about us and our family. My boys have so been looking forward to me posting about the pinewood derby/ dessert auction our ward had last weekend. Our ward has this event as a fundraiser for YM/YW camps during the summer and it's always very successful (we love our youth)! Anyway...good news Alec got 1st place and Nate got
4th place for the derby and they were just thrilled, talk about making a 7 and 9 year olds' weeks, they're still talking about it. They designed the cars and helped Andy, but I think the key was the wheels and axels this time...Andy did everything he could to ensure they would do well, probably because he is competitive too and has been somewhat disappointed in the past many years, where the car he has helped build has not even placed...he was determined to figure it out and through much trial and error (they've done seven cars now) has at last felt the sweet reward of victory along with his boys. Andy got stuck at the hospital that night, but the next morning it was a celebration like they had won the superbowl! WELL DONE, BOYS, WAY TO GO!!!

Completely FRUSTRATED

2009-03-30T05:22:00.010-04:00

UUUURRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I am so frustrated with Andy's work situation I could just scream...I just laid in bed for an hour trying to go back to sleep, feeling completely bitter and so ready for it to be over. I actually kept track last week on my calendar and he put in 120+ hours last week, they are suppose to cap it at 88 hours a week, but it hardly ever happens. I know what you must be thinking, I am bitter because I'm on my own with the kids a lot, NO. Seriously, I am way, way past that...got over that one a long time ago, I am fed up with them sucking the life from my husband whom I absolutely and completely LOVE, he is utterly exhausted. Every morning I feel completely helpless as he leaves, I do what I can to show my support, but on a morning like this where he got home at 2:20 a.m. and was gone by 4:30 a.m. what can I say to a man who quietly pushes on. He is not bitter, never complains, he amazes me with his goodness and character...I know he wants it to be over, but IT'S NOT and he just isn't the type to wallow in it. Well, I AM! How can they ask this of any person? It is brutal, plain and simple. I literally pray he can just make it to work and home without falling asleep at the wheel, let alone...do his job safely. I know, I know, this is the life we chose, I am grateful he loves what he does enough to go through this, although there are times along the way we have both wondered if it is worth it. Okay...so if you've made to the end of my sob story, thanks for letting me vent my deep frustration...this is, in the great scheme of things, just for a time, and will end. I do have much, so very much, to be grateful for and I'm not acting like it right now, it's just tough to watch him go through this.

It is DONE!!!

2009-03-26T07:40:00.007-04:00

I've been talking about doing THIS for a long time...

and NOW that it is DONE, I'm so GLAD I finally went through with it!

Elisabeth and I got cut short too, but it wasn't nearly as exciting...

THANKS NANCY! How am I going to SURVIVE without YOU???

FUN in D.C.

2009-03-26T06:14:00.002-04:00

Okay, it's already been a month, but I wanted to post about our trip the end of February to D.C. We met our REALLY WONDERFUL FRIENDS, Jason, Katie, and their children, whom we hadn't seen since Nathan was born, way too long! Andy and Jason go back to their Freshman year at BYU...great friends. Anyhow, we've been talking about getting together and have kept in touch these many years, when last year they moved much farther East and so we decided to meet up in Washington for a day and then they came to our house for a visit. We had so much fun catching up and the kids all get along extremely well...like cousins, only they had no recollection of each other. Seriously, I was amazed at how well they all took to each other. We started with Air and Space, then the National Archives, then we got to go to the top of the Washington Monument (thanks for getting those tickets, Katie) and ended up at Natural History, add: a trip to and fro on the METRO (that rhythms) with nine children, four adults, several backpacks, strollers, etc...it was way fun, and could definitely be catagorized as an adventure! We stayed at a great hotel, close to the Washington D.C. Temple and both got a chance to go, WONDERFUL. Then on Saturday we all headed down to our house. It was so great to have them! Wish I had taken more pictures. Jason and Katie are the type of friends where we came away truly uplifted, inspired by their goodness, and feeling so fortunate to have friends like them in our lives!

It's OFFICIAL, as of last Friday...

2009-03-11T09:47:00.007-04:00

It was a huge RELIEF when the FOR SALE sign was finally up in our yard...and for the first time, it really hit me that we are MOVING! We have been working so hard to get our home ready, it has been so CRAZY here. Andy is on the worst schedule none to MAN (okay, well worst for his profession) right now, so he took care of the bigger fixes on the weekends he had off, but I have had to take care of almost all of the repainting...four kids, five years in a house...you know every room/hallway/ door/baseboard/ stairway/porch had some, if not all painting involved. We also minimized our stuff by going through everything and packing up what we could live without for a while and giving a lot away. The boxes are in storage and it has helped me feel like we've done a bit to prepare for the packing phase. I have felt like an awful mother, wife, and friend the last month and a half, focusing so much on the long list of "TO DO'S" everyday, and doing a very lousy job with the PEOPLE in my life...my kids have been very helpful and understanding, especially the boys! My sincerest apologies if I have seemed completely self-absorbed and a thank you to so many who let me vent or helped out with the girls. Right now, keeping it clean feels like a cinch...although no one really lives like this...it's impossible to keep a house spotless and I've determined to just do the best I can. The good news: there has been a fair amount of interest so far and in this market we feel very blessed.

Looking FORWARD to my new sewing project...

2009-03-11T08:38:00.007-04:00

Official Congrats to the winners of the Pay it Forward post, you know who you are! Okay, so I know you must be wondering what will my lucky prize be??? The only clue I'll give you is that it involves me sewing...those of you who know me WELL, no worries...I am really excited about the idea I found and it only requires the ability to sew straight lines, which I can totally handle. Admittedly, I ordered the pattern and will be starting this weekend. I am NOT the craftiest person, but lately I've actually had a desire to make a few things...like randomly right before Christmas I decided to sew these aprons for my girls as a gift, it was really fun, and I was so proud of how they turned out! My neighbor has an embroidery machine so they even have their names on them, I really am looking forward to sewing again...my goal is to complete Heidi's and Anna's before we move in June...and no, you're not getting handmade aprons with your names on them, something totally different, I'm so excited!!!

PAY IT FORWARD

2009-02-17T14:15:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Teresa for the fun idea!
The Rules:

1. Be one of the first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.

2. Winners, you must then post this challenge on your blog, meaning you will PAY IT FORWARD, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers that leave a comment on your post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your three friends can be made from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your items. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And remember, it's the spirit and the thought that counts!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the top three commenters on this post, you can still play along! Post this challenge on your blog and continue a PAY IT FORWARD chain, and encourage others to do the same! I will post the three winners, once I know, don't know for sure what they'll be receiving from me, but I've got some great ideas brewing!

Favorite pictures from January 2008

2009-02-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

Playing Catch Up

2009-02-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

Since I am using this as a "journal" and wishing I had done this sooner, I decided I would post my favorite pictures from 2008, every month. Since I just had this idea I posted one for January and February of last year...this is mostly for me, but hope you enjoy, nonetheless!

Favorite pictures from February 2008

2009-02-16T08:48:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Package

2009-02-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

This morning, my girls decided to color with a highlighter all over each other, so they needed a quick dunk in the bath, right as we were coming downstairs to do hair, the mailman knocked on the door with a package...boy were they excited! Grandma sent fun Valentine cards, heart pillowcases she made, and little bears...we'll open the rest when the boys get home, thanks Mom, you're always so thoughtful! I caught a funny moment on video, so thought I'd share. Note: Our family watches "Sound of Music" almost every Sunday...it's my favorite!

"Where is TALL-MAN? Where is TALL-MAN?"

2009-02-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

In case you have been wondering, tall-man is all too alive and well, ANNIE knows where HE is... funny story and you definitely deserve some background. So, being the good mother that I am...I have taught my children ALL of the necessary songs of childhood. You know, the songs you sing while trying to pacify your kiddos in waiting rooms and on long car rides...well, the girls and I have our favorites and Annie in particular, was obsessed for about a month with "Where is Thumpkin?" Let's be honest, it is difficult to successfully single out some of the fingers on the human hand...Annie is very persistent when she deems something worthy and we sang this song over and over until she mastered the tall-man and the ring-man part. One Sunday, while, trying to listen attentively to the speaker at church and actually get something from our meeting, I was checking on my relatively reverent children periodically, well I thought often enough, until I looked over at Annie who was proudly displaying her ability to single out her middle finger, to the new, young couple behind us! Yes, folks it was their first Sunday, no children...they were totally laughing as I put Annie on my lap and whispered as loudly as I could reverently muster, "you can't do that, that finger up all by itself means something very bad." To which she replied, "Mom, it's just tall-man!" Of course, I was mortified...how do you explain/apologize to someone behind you the reason your four year old was flipping them off. After a few minutes of nothing happening, I put her back on the pew beside me, but she could not resist doing it again and again to see if it made them laugh and it did, EVERY TIME, until I just got up and carried her off. Annie noticed that couple this last Sunday and whispered in my ear..."look Mom, can I just show them tall-man again, they really like it!" LUCKY for me, our neighbor was over yesterday and taught Annie the "Go Bananas" song and I think it's safe to say, it's her new favorite...that should make for some definite fun in line at the post office any day, don't ya think?!

Rocket Scientist in the Making...

2009-01-26T06:18:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I'm NOT a huge fan of the science project, it always seems like it's as much work for the parents as the students. Alec, who loves science, came up with the idea this year, "what ratio of vinegar and baking soda produces the greatest reaction?" it was approved and we were supposed to work on it over Christmas break. For Christmas, his grandparents gave him a rocket kit that you build yourself and is fueled by CO2. It was perfect...before, I didn't know exactly how we were going to test and prove "the greatest reaction" and now we could use the rocket, (thanks G&G)! Well, Alec had a great time setting up three trials with Andy, they launched it nine times and even Andy was suprised that it ended up working so well. The rest was up to Alec and me, we were, of course, up way late the night before it was due, but it looked great and Alec was thrilled with the finished board. Turns out, he was chosen, along with five others, to represent the fourth grade at the science fair and be judged. He had to give a presentation and then answer questions, he did GREAT, and we were very proud. After sitting through the PTA meeting and third grade choir concert with two girls who just wanted to be home, they announced the winners. Alec got second place and was so excited!!! The look on his face, made all the rest worth it and this time I was a FAN, at least of my very scientific SON!

My Header

2009-01-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

A great BIG thanks to Adriann for making my header, she did a wonderful job. Without my two sis-in-laws, I'd still be blogless. Thanks for getting me started.

FUN WEEKEND WITH COUSINS

2009-01-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Can't get enough of each other
Overly excited to see
Up 'til all hours of the night
Silly games
Intense energy
New York is too far
See you next time

Twirling Girlies

Lego-crazed Boys
Andy under frequent attack!

Here I go....

2009-01-17T11:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think I just might be the last person on earth to start one of these. My sister-in-law, Grace, has been so sweet to help me, but I'm totally new at this, so bear with me.