Common Sense, An Oxymoron?

Nate-isms Continued

2012-02-11T21:35:00.005-06:00

Last week Eric was talking to the girls and jokingly said "Dad has issues"

Nathan looked up from a game he was playing and without skipping a beat said, "Yep, Daddy has lots of shoes. Lots of shoes in his closet!"

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Nathan has a pretty bad cold right now and at dinner announced to all at the table, he was very thirsty and he needed a drink. He turned to me, handing me his cup, "Mama, would you get me a drink?" I waited, expectantly. "Pleeeeaaaasseeee?" I happily got up to get him some water. While I was up, Mackenzie, (the most independent five year old you will ever meet) impatiently asked, "Nathan, why don't you just get your own water?"

Nathan responded indignantly with a 'duh' face, shaking his head, "I just did!"

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Tonight I went in to lie by Nathan at bedtime in an effort to get him to fall asleep quickly. I was lying on my side away from him when I felt a soft tapping on my shoulder.

N: "Mama, can I tell you a secret?"

Me: Bemused, "Of course, you can."

N: "Um, um, Mama? What's a secret? I do not know what is a secret."

Me: "Great question! A secret is something you tell someone that you don't want anyone else to know. Like if you bought someone a birthday present you can't tell them because it would ruin the surprise, but you could tell someone else the secret if they won't ruin the surprise."

N: "Oh. OK, um there was a bear and a mama bear and the girl said AAAHHHH! The girl likes the bears. That's all. The end. It's over."

Me: "Wow, I love your story about the bears!"

N: "It's not a story! It's a secret!"

Argh Matey

2011-08-10T23:25:00.002-05:00

While stopped at a red light today, a man on a Harley pulled up beside us. He was wearing a leather vest, sunglasses, sported a tattoo on his left arm and had a handkerchief tied on to his head.

Nathan: Mom, there's a pirate. That guy, that motorcycle guy is a pirate!

Everyone else in the car: Stunned silence followed by hysterical laughter.

He still doesn't know what was so funny... I mean how often do you get to see a real pirate?

Heaven being Seven

2011-06-13T19:38:00.001-05:00

My Li'l Lindsay is seven!? At our home, we do a friend party every other year and this was 'family party' year. It was met with much begging and pleading for friends but she had a great time in spite of her very stubborn mom sticking with the rule. Lindsay wanted to go bowling and have pizza for her birthday. Bowling was very fun (translation, I won. tee hee hee)! When I say pizza, I should clarify, Punch Pizza. Seriously the best part of Minnesota. Punch specializes in traditional Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-burning brick oven at 800 degrees for 90 seconds and it is divine. Then we went home to have unicorn cake and ice cream :-)

Favorite Color: Purple & Pink

Song: You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

Book: Junie B. Jones Series

TV show: iCarly

Video Game: Wii Just Dance

Height: 45.6 inches

Weight: 48.6 lbs

Hobbies: Writing and Illustrating stories, playing soccer, riding her bike, singing, acting

New News: Haven't lost a tooth yet, but has a tooth growing in behind one :-D Hoping for a Tooth Fairy visit in the near future.

Notice the bowling ball brand... Linds, she was thrilled!

Dad, making the wish possible

Making a wish...

Success!

Lindsay, Katryn, Mackenzie, & Nathan post party ;-)

Mom & Lindsay Bear

Minnesota 'Easter Egg Hunt'

2011-04-22T10:42:00.001-05:00

The Friday before Easter, I took the kids to the Lowry Nature Center for their 'hunt'. It was the first time we went and had a blast. I did roll my eyes at their flyer which said "A festive rabbit character will be available for photos". (Let's just say my political correctness gag reflex was in full swing) We were sent on a hunt for colored rocks, since the wildlife may want to eat the eggs. We set off on our hike, looking for markers along the way. Once a marker was found, we knew to look for a small rope within 30ft diameter of the marker, at the end of the rope was a bag with the rocks in them. Each child took one rock then off to find the next. Along the same trail Katryn had a map and clues to find the answers to a secret message. This was the 'challenge' hunt for those who wanted add to the task. Most of the bags were really well hidden in decaying tree stumps and the clues provided quite a challenge! We saw lots of fun trees, rocks, & wildlife on our hike. Upon our return with our treasure, we turned them in for a fun treat. There were lots of fun activities to do as well inside their visitor's center. We took a picture with the aforementioned rabbit character, colored a wooden egg, help bunnies, met a one eyed rehabbed owl, face painted, caught guppies and had an all around great time! This may become a new family tradition. :-)

Easter Bunny ( aka, Festive Rabbit Character) with the Kids

One of the hiding spots

Some of our favorite fungi

An accidental treasure

Guppy fishing

Darling Decade

2011-04-19T14:46:00.008-05:00

Katryn, Mia, Anna, Mary Grace after finishing their karaoke concert

Katryn turned 10. I am still in denial. Where has the time gone? Katryn participated in the Chaska Valley Family Theatre Company's production of Cinderella last month and on her actual birthday had 'tech rehearsal' so we just had her 'party' last week. :-)

Katryn wanted to keep it small and just hang out with her best friends in her class. So Mia, Anna, and Mary Grace joined us for the fun. They painted nails, watched Jumanji, made friendship bracelets, made duct tape wallets, did karaoke, and ate cake & ice cream. (Part of Katryn's present was Dad took the siblings out during the party and came back in time for dessert)

The Fab Four finishing their fancy fingernails

Katryn chose 'Diva' sunglasses for everyone. These are hers.

The spa/craft table is set

Katryn making a bracelet

B F F Bracelets.

They each drew a name out of a bag, then made a bracelet for that person. The beads say B F F.

Switched it up and had cupcake cones.

Andes Mint Chocolate Cinder Cake (Ice Cream Cake)

Can you do sit ups like this?

2011-04-18T10:55:00.005-05:00

Mackenzie volunteered to show us all how to do proper sit ups, with your 'sitting parts'... Still smiling.

Time Passing

2011-04-16T14:48:00.010-05:00

Eight years ago today, on a day very similar to this cold, wet, spring day, I was in a hospital room awaiting the birth of our son, Ian. He was born early at 32 weeks.

We had excitedly gone to my ultrasound in January to find out if we were having a boy (I knew we were) or a girl. We found out almost immediately, we were having a son! Then the ultrasound tech grew uncomfortably quiet. Almost two year old Katryn, somehow knowingly, hopped down from Eric's lap and held my hand. Eric and I just looked at each other. A doctor came in, looked closely at the ultrasound and explained to us that our sweet baby that was happily kicking in my womb, had Holoprosencephaly (HPE). After much explanation, we were told, he likely would not live much longer. To say my world just stopped, would be an understatement.

Over the next few weeks, Eric and I became literal experts on HPE and quite frankly could have given a medical school discourse on the subject. Acquiring the knowledge only reaffirmed what we had been told. Our time was, in all likelihood, short with Ian.

The previous few days in that April of 2003, I had been full of inexplicable anxiety and a strong desire for more family to be with us, so I asked my mom if she could come out to visit. Her work told her if she took her vacation then, she would not be allowed time when our baby was due to be born. We asked my mother-in-law. She was told the same thing. My dad was working and it would be very difficult for him to get someone to cover his shifts. My father-in-law agreed to come the next day (the 15th). I was feeling a bit foolish about my anxiety and strong desire to have someone else out to help, but he was happy to come. Two hours after his arrival, my water broke. We left Katryn with a bewildered Papa and left to the hospital. :-)

My wonderful doctor, Ranjan Dasgupta, had asked a particularly special nurse to assist us, Ruth Micari. Both Eric and I commented how much Ruth reminded us of his mom, both in looks and demeanor. Such a blessing. Unbeknownst to us at the time and we didn't find out until many months later, the previous year, Ruth had been in labor at the same hospital and had birthed and lost a son, Michael. She was a literal Godsend. All the right words.

I went into labor around 5 pm and sweet Ian Bradford was born after a tightly wrapped cord scare, at 5:40pm, 3lbs 5oz, and 17 inches. Eric and I were blessed to spend the next two hours, holding him and singing to him. Two hours. Too short of course but a precious and literal miracle to be sure.

Although eight years have passed, Ian is in my daily thoughts. I am so grateful to God that Eric and I shared those fleeting moments of Ian's life and that because of His Son's sacrifice and resurrection, our family will be together again someday. I'm forever changed.

A couple of months after Ian's birth, while riding the train alone, this poem and many tears literally poured out of me in just a few minutes.

My Weekend Away

2011-01-28T11:27:00.000-06:00

For Christmas, my sweet family gave me a weekend away. To say I was surprised and thrilled was an understatement. My husband had even called my best friend, Cristen, in Utah to see when would be a good time. I went January 28-30th. My cousin Lorien picked me up Friday morning at the airport and then we were off to a delicious breakfast together! After breakfast we went to her fabulous home where I happily explored during a meeting she had scheduled. Lorien is one of the most creative people I know and it was such fun to see her home and examples of things that inspire her. Thank you Lorien for the fun morning, I love spending time with you. I also loved finding the hidden army guys. (Somehow I didn't get a photo of Lorien and I, but I did catch the army guys on a recon mission)

Cristen then came to pick my up and we went straight to Brighton ski resort. Skiing was my 'brilliant' idea. I hadn't been skiing for (uh hem) 17 years. Cristen had a wonderful friend watching her kids and so it was just the two of us. My exuberance was replaced by intense fear. I literally prayed for safety and promised not to try anything stupid.... I couldn't even get over a tiny hill (bump on the trail) to get to the lift. Finally, with much encouragement from Cristen, I made it.

Soon we were off and enjoying the view from the lift. The green run was both terrifying and exhilarating. We both survived. Run 2 we tried a different lift, beautiful view and again went well. We were enjoying ourselves so much, we neglected to notice we took a slightly wrong path and ended at a different lift minus any green runs.... Good news, we noticed right before we got off the lift.... Bad news, only one way down :-P Notice our looks of terror.

My prayers intensified. Cristen did great and I only took one good tumble :-) We took a couple more runs on a more appropriate level and had a fantastic time, no broken bones!

The rest of the weekend included late night chats, good food, shopping, a BYU gymnastics meet and playing with the kids. I had such a fantastic weekend. Thank you Cristen!

It was such a wonderful gift. As fun as it was, I was thrilled to see my family at the airport, full of hugs and kisses! Missed them tremendously. Love you Eric, thank you for the gift of time.

Four!

2011-01-25T21:39:00.007-06:00

When we moved here to Minnesota, I was pregnant with Mackenzie and so I am quite confused at the fact that she turned four today... didn't we just get here?

I think she had a wonderful day. It actually started last night when I took her grocery shopping alone with me to buy her preschool birthday snacks. (I wish it were still legal to bring homemade goodies to school but that it another post entirely) She picked cinnamon donut holes, rainbow goldfish crackers and juice boxes. A very "I'm Four" combination. Our favorite grocery checker, Ms. Nancy, wished her a happy birthday and she thought that was wonderful. On our way home Mack gasped and told me her birthday outfit was dirty. Birthday outfit? "Yes, the one I got last year for my birthday! I don't have any birthday clothes to wear to preschool!" I told her I was sure we could find something cute for her to wear knowing she had a 'birthday outfit' waiting to be wrapped at home. I told her she could open a present in the morning. She was still a bit distressed but calmed down at the prospect of a gift in the morning.

In the morning we gave her the present to open. Wide eyed and smiley she quickly uncovered....wait for it.... A BIRTHDay outfit... That was her exact reaction. Excitement until she saw it was just clothes. Then she asked if she could open a 'present' like I had promised. I explained to her that it was the present and asked if she liked it. Finally grasping the truth, she turned back to the outfit and agreed that it was very cute and that she would like to wear it to preschool.

She looked adorable. The kids loved her menu choices and her teacher made her a birthday crown that she barely took off all day!

For her special dinner menu she requested macaroni 'n cheese with hotdogs and orange Gatorade. The orange Gatorade was for her and she asked if we could get everyone's favorite flavor for each to enjoy. We also enjoyed ice cream sundaes at her request. Keeping in mind that she likes vanilla ice cream. Period. No chocolate sauce, sprinkles, toppings, etc. She agreed to try some banana in hers this time, but it was a failure. Gross. Just plain vanilla please.
Presents were a success. How could they not be when you are four? Unless of course it is clothes when you are expecting, you know, presents.

She received more Squinkies (Google them, too hard to explain), new princess sheets, an orange letter 'M' for her room and a huge box of crafts. Happy girl. :-) Mack really wanted to celebrate her birthday with her family and a friend at Chuck E Cheese, but we don't have an open night for that until next Tuesday. So she is continuing the celebration next week. So tune in next week, same bat time, same bat channel for part 2.

Happy Birthday Mack-a-doodle! We love you!

Mackenzie

Age 4

Favorite Colors: Orange, Pink, & all of them

Favorite Food: Mac 'n' cheese

Height: 3' 5"

Weight: 36 lbs

Eye Color: Gray with a brown outline around the pupil (try fitting that on your driver's license)

Hair Color: Dark blonde

Favorite Song: 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Favorite Book: Any Dora the Explorer book

Activities: Playing in the snow, crafting, singing, writing her name, drawing, Zhu Zhu pets,

Yet another Nate-ism

2011-01-25T21:33:00.002-06:00

The other afternoon, Nate wasn't feeling well and was having a difficult time getting comfortable on the couch to watch his show. I fixed his pillow and snugged him up with a blanket and piled his 'guys' all around him (Curious George and Dinosaur), then asked if he were comfortable. His response: Yes, Mama. I comf....I comfa-hamburger (the look on his face showed he knew that wasn't right so he tried again) Yes, Mama. I comfa-cheeseburger. (Very frustrated he just growled and gave me the look that I knew what he was trying to say and he was done trying).

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes?

2010-10-23T18:49:00.003-05:00

The kids were off school on Thursday and Friday for MEA. Thursday morning, after we all happily slept in, we piled in the car and went out to breakfast at Perkins. (Obviously a special occasion) By the way, if anyone is interested in opening up a breakfast place here in Minnesota, it could be quite lucrative as our breakfast options are few. Anyone? Anyone? I digress. While waiting for our meals, Nathan became quite restless. Coloring wasn't going to do it this time. So we started playing the favorite 'Name the Body Part' game.
Me: What's this?
N: Nose
Me: What's this?
N: Cheeks
Me: What's this?
N: Ears
Me: What's this?
N: Chin
Me: What's this? (I'm holding up my hand)
N: High Fives!
Me: (Chortling. Laughing some more.)
Me: What's this? (Holding up my fist and pointing to my hand)
N: Knuckos! (Knuckles, as in fist bumps)
Me: I give up! (laughing)
N: OK Mom (laughing)
3 minutes later I try again...
Me: What's this? (This time wiggling my fingers slightly to pull his attention to the fingers/hand)
N: Tickles!

Attack!

2010-05-29T20:09:00.009-05:00

Today was a day sans soccer for the Memorial weekend so we took advantage to run some errands. We drove out to the Albertville Outlet Mall (30 miles or so) to get some shorts, sunglasses and flip flops for the kids. After we were done, we stopped at our favorite restaurant out there, Space Aliens Grill & Bar. Think the "Crash Down" from the show Roswell, but way better. They seriously have my favorite ribs which are simply 'out of this world'. The place is full of alien ware and pictures. The ceiling is painted in an outer space theme and on occasion we are lucky enough to be visited by an alien. He is about seven and a half feet tall and walks throughout the restaurant waving at the customers. We had met him once before but this time Nate was unimpressed. He covered his ears and kept them covered for the next 20+ minutes, long after the alien had left. Understand that said alien made absolutely no sound. Nate did not cover his eyes even once, but the ears remained covered. This became a real problem when his dinner was brought out. He finally decided he could let go of one ear while the other held the spoon.

Nate keeping a close eye on our friend as he left our area

Too Close (for comfort) Encounters

The kids were all such great sports throughout the day and all the other errands, we stopped for Icees on the way home. After we got home and finished off our treat, we sent the kids out to play in the backyard. (I am pretty sure they were nearly outside before I finished the suggestion) Eric and I got to work filling squirt bottles, guns and a Super Soaker attached to a 2 liter bottle. We snuck through the basement and quietly opened the door a crack. Eric opened fire and the screams started! :-) After we got them all pretty well soaked, we shared some of our weaponry and they got us back tenfold. It was a wonderful day.

Samson No More

2010-05-24T09:32:00.010-05:00

My sweet baby had the most beautiful golden curly locks. It was time to lose the curls and let him look like the sweet little boy he is. Nathan did great during the entire haircut with just two exceptions. The first was when the stylist stood in front of the Barney video he was watching and the second was when she had the 'audacity' to turn on the clippers at the end. Nathan hated the sound. In fact he was in mid cry when she finished and the cry ended the moment she turned it off. He looks so handsome. (Much to my relief, when his hair gets wet the curls show up again)

Before....

The locks I love...

Watch the ear lady!

After....

I am not convinced it was worth it...but my Mommy says I look handsome!

Spring Break in Spokane

2010-04-30T10:32:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful time in Spokane! We were able to spend time with everyone. The kids were spoiled and loved it of course.
Some of our favorite memories in completely random order:
*The kids piled on and around Brandon watching Disney's Robin Hood on You Tube.
*Katryn and the girls doing crafts with Aunt Michelle and Katelyn
*Playing Blokus (a tradition now)
*The kids went to Chuck E. Cheese with Aunt Michelle, Brandon, and Katelyn.
*Going swimming with Aunt Melanee, Uncle Mark, Aaron and Ryan at the YMCA.
*Going to Riverfront park with the Malmoe's, riding the Carousel, sliding on the Big Red Wagon, feeding the 'goat'
*Pedicure with Nana
*The best Donuts ever at Donut Parade
*Decorating Easter Eggs with Nana, and spilling 3 of the 6 colors...
*The girls all working on a collaborative art piece with Uncle Arlon
*Linds and Katryn went to the Children's Museum with Aunt Melanee
*Nate wearing his newspaper pirate hat Papa folded for him
*Trip to the White Elephant
Spokane Slide Show Snippet :-)

9 is Fine!

2010-03-14T21:39:00.004-05:00

Katryn is 9! Happy birthday sweetheart. I can't believe how fast the time has flown. She is such an amazing girl. Katryn has a very strong sense of fairness and is always looking out for others. On Saturday, the 13th, Katryn and Dad woke up a bit early and went on a special birthday breakfast date to the Original Pancake House in Eden Prairie. Yummy! We celebrated her birthday with some shopping. Katryn decided she wanted a room makeover for her birthday. We went shopping for a bedspread and finally found one she loves. We are still fine tuning the paint color she would like on her walls. She is deciding between a minty color and one with more blue in it.
Katryn had a yellow bundt cake with teal frosting and sparkly green icing as requested. She also decorated most of the squiggles on her cake and the decorative border on the cake plate. She did a beautiful job!

Happy Birthday Katryn, I love you so much!

I will have to post the answers to the 'birthday interview later' including her height, etc.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

2010-03-14T21:38:00.010-05:00

I had the chance to take Lindsay and Mackenzie to see the Yo Gabba Gabba Live Show. It was so much fun! We weren't sure what to expect, but all the 'real' characters were there and put on a fantastic show. We danced and sang to all of it. The girls loved when Brobee flew up in the air holding onto some balloons his friends had given him. Lindsay promptly asked if we could get her that many balloons for her birthday so she could fly too! The show dropped thousands of balloons from the ceiling and the girls each took one home. During the last song, I bent over and told Mackenzie it was about to end and she should wave goodbye. She immediately burst into tears. I asked her what was wrong. "It's almost over! I want it to keep going all the days!" Lindsay said this was the best show ever, the best day ever, the best ever!
Thanks for a great show DJ Lance Rock, Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, Plex, Biz Markie, and the Aquabats!
(The funniest part to me was seeing several '20 something' couples at the show sans any nieces or nephews. Yo Gabba Gabba has a cult following in the college crowd due to their fantastic array of guest bands and hosts.)
We are wearing our DJ Lance glasses!

The Aquabats

The 'highlight' :-) Go Brobee!

Mackenzie and Lindsay with their balloons

The whole Gabba Gang: DJ Lance, Foofa, Muno, Brobee, Plex, Toodee

Dancey Dance Time!

There's a Party in My Tummy

Grandmother's Testimony

2010-03-10T21:56:00.006-06:00

Mantua, Utah
Jan 6 2002

After our lesson today in Sunday School and in Relief Society I decided I wanted to share my testimony with all of you. I have always felt the restored gospel was true but over the years as I have read and learned more AND thought more, that knowledge and conviction has really grown. I feel so thankful for the knowledge we have. The Savior means more to me today than ever. It is hard to grasp all He has done for us. I feel so blessed that I had good parents who set a wonderful example for me. So many pitfalls in life I have been able to miss but along with that there have been lots of challenges also and Heavenly Father has always been there for me. I have always been so thankful for the Savior's love, and for forgiveness, and a new day. When I look back I can see many things I could have done better and certainly one of those is to talk things over with Heavenly Father and not allow my prayers to become just a habit or take the gospel for granted.

The greatest blessing in my life is my wonderful family and each one of you is such an important part of that blessing. What a privilege to be part of this special family. It is such an incentive for me to keep trying to improve. The knowledge we have of the eternal possibilities of families is another one of those priceless blessings we have.

I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS

--Grandmother

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The day before yesterday was Grandmother's birthday and I spent it looking at some of my favorite pictures of her and reading her testimony she mailed to the family. I keep it tucked in my scriptures. Thank you for such a special gift. I love you Grandmother.

Life's Truths

2010-03-10T21:09:00.003-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, Lindsay and Katryn attended the same evening birthday party and Eric & I took Mackenzie and Nathan to our favorite local Mexican restaurant. At the end of the meal, Mackenzie went with Eric up to pay for dinner. She flashed one of her "I am just so cute" smiles and the lady promptly complimented her and gave her little pack of Chiclet gum that they sell for 25 cents. After dinner, we all went to pick up the girls from the party. Everytime we go to this restaurant, Katryn begs us to buy her some of that gum. We've never relented, as we have plenty of gum at home. The first thing she sees as she gets in the van is the gum. She starts to have a mumbly fit, it is not fair...yadda, yadda, yadda. In defense Eric explained he did not buy it for her and maybe next time Katryn might be given some. To which Katryn promptly replied, "She's three! How can I compete with cute?!" Needless to say, I couldn't stop laughing. My poor baby, some times the truth can be harsh. :-) Katryn is very cute, and obviously quite smart, perhaps a quarter bribe to the hostess is in order...

Answered Prayers

2010-02-09T21:50:00.003-06:00

Well we have had quite a bit of snow over the last couple of days (10+ inches). Of course this is when Eric is out of the country on a business trip. He has managed to escape many 'opportunities' to snow blow while traveling. It is a gift he has, traveling while it snows here in Minne-snow-ta. To be fair, it does stress him out knowing he can't be there to help. The good news: I was able to dig out our driveway 4 times yesterday, help 3 neighbors with their snow dilemmas, and best of all...dig out a garbage truck stuck at the end of our cul-de-sac. The garbage truck was quite fun. I watched for awhile thinking something that big would have no trouble with the snow. I finally grabbed two shovels and headed down. Much to my surprise, the garbage man was not a man at all. :-) She hopped right out, cheerfully and thankfully took my other shovel and we proceeded to get her free. Later my neighbor came home from work and misjudged the snowbank and got her car quite stuck. Fortunately, Katryn saw the whole thing and came to tell me she was going out to help. I smiled, grateful to know where her heart was. We both got our snow gear on and went over. We were all quite a sight, but we were able to get the job done :-) Today, my sweet neighbor came over to tell me, she had literally been praying, saying "God, how am I going to get this car out? It is just me and my son. How can we do this?" when she looked up to see us walking across the street, shovels in hand. She wanted me to know we were an answer to her prayer and that God was looking out for her. The most wonderful feeling came over me. It was three years ago, almost to the day, when Eric was on this same trip, and we had a tremendous snow storm, I had a newborn inside with severe acid reflux, who hardly let me lie her down for more than 15 minutes at a time. I opened our garage to see an amount of snow I didn't think I would be able to handle, even with a snow blower. I silently prayed. "How can I do this? Please help me." I started clearing the driveway. Not 5 minutes went by when I heard this same neighbor calling to me. She said not to worry, she was sending her two boys over to help me. (Schools were closed due to the snow that day). My neighbors were my answer. God was looking out for me and my family. Miracles are around us daily, we just need to notice them and be willing and open to be a part of them.

My Mommy finally let me out!

2010-02-09T20:21:00.002-06:00

Today was Nathan's first real experience playing in the snow. I think it was a love/hate kind of experience.

The first impression

So the play equipment doesn't work so well in the snow

My unwilling angel...

I love these cheeks!

I'm a BIG girl Mom!

2010-01-25T21:59:00.007-06:00

Mackenzie turned three today! Where has the last three years gone? I remember her birth so vividly. My little miracle. There is something about her personality that amazes me. She know what she likes. She is very decisive. We had a Dora the Explorer birthday party for her today. When asked who she would like to invite to her party she listed everyone in our family. I didn't argue. :-) We did the full on party here with just us. It was wonderful and she was thrilled! Mack and I went to Party City on Saturday so she could pick out what she wanted for the party. We had Dora plates, cups, napkins, tablecloth, balloons, party hats and cake. Lots of accents of orange and pink since these are her two favorite colors. She was so thrilled with the entire evening. Dinner Menu: Mummy Dogs (aka pigs in a blanket), broccoli, steamed carrots and juice. Then it was present time. Since this was a 'Dora' party, she had a 'Map' to show her where her presents were hidden. She had a blast running through the house to find her gifts. Yelling "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for my birthday and my presents!"

Words to live by

2010-01-19T13:27:00.000-06:00

Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Just Desserts

2010-01-19T13:21:00.000-06:00

After dinner last night, I had one of my favorite desserts: a bowl of canned peaches with a 'healthy' dollop of plain yogurt. Ah, dessert Grandmother style. If only I had canned raspberries for tonight...

Opportunity Knocking

2010-01-19T12:49:00.000-06:00

I love the visiting teaching program through our church. Once a month we go with a partner into the homes of a couple of other 'sisters' who are members of our congregation. We visit, have a short lesson/discussion about a gospel topic, and find out if there is anything they need for themselves and their families. Conversely, once a month I have the opportunity to have two 'sisters' come to my home and perform that same service for me. If you are in a bind, you can always call your visiting teachers for help. Today I found yet another blessing of this program. For those who don't know me well...I am, shall we say, organizationally challenged. Once a month I have the opportunity to get my house in order to welcome these wonderful sisters. Of course there are other reasons and opportunities to do this, but this is one that I can count on. So, here I am blogging and not feeling guilty about it. AAAhhhhh, I love a clean house in the middle of the day. Thank you, my visiting teachers :-)

Today's lesson was on Becoming Self-Reliant. Here are a few things that were taught that struck me.

What Is Self-Reliance?
“‘Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions for our own problems.’ Each of us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before they happen and to learn to overcome challenges when they occur. …

“How do we become self-reliant? We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.” -- Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Gospel Responsibility
“As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care. Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.

“It is important to understand that self-reliance is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance.” [ “A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action,” Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 1–2.]

I love this topic. I love that we are given gifts to help ourselves and when we do need help, there are those around us who are put into our lives to bless us. I have been on both the giving and the receiving end. I was so struck with the above concept: Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance.

I love my Savior and am grateful for my health, circumstances, and His perfect example. I hope as I work to increase my self-reliance, that I will recognize my ability to continue to help those around me and that the Lord will guide me to do His work.

Times are Changing

2010-01-12T15:52:00.009-06:00

I have started to feel immense anxiety building. Mostly, stemming from not keeping up on this blog. I love blogging, it is an escape of sorts but also a way for me to focus on a day or an event. My days zoom by and if I don't stop to journal or blog, they just run into one another. My days seem so similar as I reflect on them as a whole, nothing too exciting to differentiate time passing. Yet, as I stop to record a moment, that day, that time becomes special. Perhaps that is why we have been challenged to journal. Most of us feel we live unextraordinary lives and we do in a way, but the way in which we choose to meet life and live it is incredibly unique. I love hearing/reading how life was different for my grandparents, as well as for my parents. I chuckle when my own children ask, "What did you do when you were a little kid?" My life can't be so different than their right?

January 2, 2010, I was walking through the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport with my children waiting for our flight to board. As we walked, Lindsay asked what this was:
A Pay Phone. :-)

Which led to another question from Katryn. What is that?

A Phone Book. The blurry close up is a picture of Grampa and Gramma's phone number and address! "A book that has everyone's phone number?! That is so cool and helpful! - Katryn

When we got back to the gate, the education continued. Mackenzie asked what are all the empty boxes for?

Newspaper stands with 10 empty boxes. The kids loved climbing in the slots. Newspapers? What are they?

Apparently my life is changing. I had better give myself to blog now before I forget these little stories. My stress is that I want to spend quality time with my ?(insert subject) post. I keep thinking I can't blog about this until I finish blogging about that. At this rate, I will never get to blog again. I am freeing myself from the chronological chain to which I was tethered. Don't be surprised if my 'Christmas' post shows up in July. :-)

Eric's Birthday

2009-12-11T10:25:00.005-06:00

We had a fun time celebrating Eric's Birthday this year. We went to eat at Axel's and made a chocolate cake, with a chocolate ice cream center, and chocolate frosting. The C3! The girls went shopping for him and chose some special gifts for him without any help. Katryn chose a running shirt and a race car. Lindsay: a cool new ruler and permanent pens. Mack: a BMW motorcycle, she made a Perler bead circle, and beach stickers. Nate: a blue race car. The kids all worked really hard to make Dad a humongous birthday card and Mack decorated the table with tape for the party ;-)

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-11T08:56:00.005-06:00

This year for Thanksgiving we were so blessed to have Eric's sister's family come to visit from Washington. Melanee, Mark, Aaron and Ryan braved the cold to spend a week in Minnesota. The girls had a great time playing with their 'big kid cousins' and their uncle and aunt. :-) Nathan was thrilled to have the testosterone equal that of the estrogen. (5 guys + 5 girls=10) One night, Eric and the rest of the guys, went to a movie. As they were preparing to leave, Nate was visibly upset and I believe, knew he was the only guy staying home. He yelled quite a bit as they were leaving. I think the Mall of America was the highlight of the week (of course this doesn't count Thanksgiving) The Malmoe's went twice, a day of shopping and a day with us to do the fun stuff. My kids thought their cousin's were crazy to go on the 'super scary' rides. They put us to shame. :-) We also played Wii and they were a great audience for the kids' antics. Nathan misses all the attention he got from Mark and Melanee. Snuggling with Melanee and wrestling with Mark. Nathan also picked this week to take his first steps! Show off! Thank you for such a fun week. We love you and miss you!

Thanksgiving was wonderful! I confess I have never made my own turkey. That didn't change this year. Mark did a fantastic job on the turkey, stuffing and yams. Thank you! I only wish I'd remembered to get a picture before the carving commenced...thus the one sided pic. We had more food than we knew what to do with. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green been casserole, cranberry relish, rolls, yams, strawberry kiwi jello, pie and I am sure I am forgetting something else. Nate went crazy for the yams and the girls for the jello. Mmmm, it makes me hungry thinking about it. Needless to say, the house smelled wonderful. We were so thankful they came to spend the holiday with us.

Blessings

2009-12-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

I am so thankful for this season, which encourages us to count our blessings and share them aloud. I am thankful for God, His Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. The fact that they know me and my needs. I am thankful for my loving husband who is my champion and true companion. I am thankful for motherhood. It is the most rewarding and difficult experience of my life. I love my children so much, they teach me something everyday. There is true wisdom in the Bible when we were encouraged to be as little children. The way they view the world amazes me. I am so thankful for parents, mine and his. I am thankful for my family, those near and far and the love and support they give me. I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for prayer, for scriptures and for the Holy Spirit in my life to guide me. My heart is full of gratitude that I was blessed to live in this great country, for my freedoms, for volunteer soldiers who protect me and the weak in the world, for their families who sacrifice so much for them to do this for us. I am thankful for music, the way it can touch the soul and bring goosebumps of truth. I am thankful for the seasons, even winter, :-), the unique beauty that each brings. I am thankful for the trials in my life, they push me to grow and also help me to recognize the beauty in my life. I am thankful for chocolate, squishy new socks, electric blankets, hugs, washer/dryer, magic erasers, heated seats in my van, books, photos, journals, computers, fresh cut Christmas trees, hummingbirds, horses, light, food, education, self reliance, help, and love. I think I should make a 'counting my blessing' paragraph every month. The miracle of counting is once you start, there is no end. One thought triggers another, and that triggers ten more...my heart is full. I am blessed.

Cinderella Kissed a Fella...

2009-11-13T14:01:00.005-06:00

Last night I went to a business dinner with Eric and visited with some of his colleagues. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed meeting some new people, including a couple of people visiting from England and Japan. The food was delicious and the company quite fun. The dinner ended a bit early in the evening and we have such a wonderful babysitter, so we went for dessert and additional 'alone' time. I love my husband. I love that we enjoy spending time together. I love that we can talk about most things and understand and appreciate each other's humor. I love being married. I love dating my husband. I love getting ready for a date. (I take the time to lose the mom ponytail, put on my makeup, shape and polish my nails, shave my legs, a hint of perfume and suddenly I remember a bit of the pre-kids me. The truth is, there is no one but myself keeping me at home in 'cinders', why don't I take the time to go out to a 'ball' more often. It feels good. Something else to add to my 'things I can do better' list.)

Grandma

2009-11-12T09:24:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Grandma! My Grandma is wonderful and such an amazing example to me. She raised five boys and a daughter. (Yes, FIVE boys) My Grandma works at the Temple every week. She is an exceptionally strong woman who has always been very generous and loving to her family and those around her. As a child, I loved spending the night at her house and getting a warm glass of milk with some molasses stirred in before bed. One of my favorite memories was the time I was able to stay with her to be her helper for about a week after she had surgery. I loved all that one on one time. Grandma is also quite an artist, although she hasn't painted for years, I love her paintings of flowers. :-) Happy Birthday Grandma! Wish I were there to celebrate with you. I love you, see you at Christmas.

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-02T14:55:00.005-06:00

The kids cleaning out Big Bertha, she weighed in at a whopping 31 lbs!

We had a wonderful Halloween! Katryn and Lindsay went as Princess Leia and Darth Vader respectively. Mackenzie was a fierce tiger and Nathan a very sweet scarecrow. We spent the morning carving our pumpkins and then the face painting. Eric took them out to trick-or-treat while Nathan and I manned our haunted house for trick-or-treaters. (Sadly, we only had about 15 total kids come to our place. We live in a very small neighborhood and most skip it in favor of the candy paradise across the main street from us. For example, they had no less then 100 carved jack o'lanterns lining the street) Our kids went to the homes in our neighborhood then went to the other one as well :-) It was wonderful! One of our neighbors sat out on a bench near the front door, looking very much like a scary statue. As the kids rang the doorbell, he asked them to get him some candy as well. Mackenzie was more than wary at any other sizable 'decorations', the rest of the night! After it was all over, much candy eaten, and counted, faces washed, bobby pins removed, we went our treaters off to bed with smiles on their faces.

I lamented that the variety of candy had greatly diminished. Not one piece of Brach's Royal Cremes (I love the Butter Rum and Raspberry), nor a piece of Pal gum, you know the one, chew it 25 times then the flavor is gone, mmmm and not single butterscotch. I was part of the problem. I succumbed to the Costco Chocolate bag, M&Ms galore, Snickers, Crunch bars, and the usual. I love Halloween candy. It is not always the best, but it is fun to have the variety once a year. Candy Corn :-) Next year, I am going to give a variety of candy, avoid the chocolate usuals and smile.

Warm Fuzzies

2009-10-28T09:20:00.005-05:00

Monday night we had Family Home Evening (a night where we are together as a family, we have a lesson on a variety of subjects, do an activity and have a treat). Katryn was our teacher. Her lesson was on service. It was wonderful! She shared a couple of scriptures with us that explained the Lord's teachings on service. Then she also reminded us that the Prophet of our church, President Thomas S. Monson, had been interviewed prior to his birthday this year and was asked what he would like for his birthday. He asked that everyone preform a service for someone else. One congregation's children's group filled a jar with 'Warm Fuzzies'. Each fuzzy was representative of an act of service a child had preformed and then they mailed him the jar. Katryn loved this story and for our activity, we made our own Warm Fuzzies. We can either put our fuzzy somewhere to remind us to do nice things for others or we can leave a fuzzy for someone we did a service for. The girls had a great time yesterday with their Warm Fuzzies. They picked up the playroom without being asked, made a cute necklace, and they made my bed for me. :-) I had a darling note and Warm Fuzzies sitting on my bed. I was so touched and I certainly felt warm and fuzzy inside. My girls are so kindhearted and sweet. So far, our Warm Fuzzy experiment has been a success. Thank you darlings! I love you. You are such great examples to me.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2009-10-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

We went shopping at Walmart on Monday. As we were loading up the car and getting ready to go home, Lindsay asked me if I saved money. I said yes I did. Lindsay: Great!!! Now you can Live Better! (Walmart ad saying: Save money. Live better.)

Yesterday, Mackenzie asked if she could say the blessing on the food at lunch. As she finished her sweet prayer, instead of finishing with 'Amen', she gleefully said, "In the name of Jesus Christ, The End!" We'd been reading that afternoon and she loves the "The End" finale.

Whenever I say, I am out of time or need more time, Lindsay pipes up, "Buy some Claritin, it's like getting an extra two hours."
(As opposed to Alavert which takes longer to take effect.)

Mackenzie: I'm Drinky!
Mom: Stinky?
Mack: Drinky!!! I want some water!

MEA

2009-10-17T10:08:00.001-05:00

On the 15th and 16th, we had MEA days (Minnesota Education Association), where the students have two days off school while their teachers have the opportunity to attend a conference to continue their learning as teachers. On the 16th we had friends over to make Snickerdoodles. The Hobbs came, Bonnie, Andrew, Jacob and Danny and our neighbors, Kaleah and Isabella came. They made some very yummy cookies! If you think that looks like a lot of dough, you are right. I meant to double, somehow I doubled in each bowl, so yes, it was quadrupled, UG! ;-) The kids had a great time and really made some beautiful masterpieces. After we baked a few batches and sampled them :-), we went to McDonald's to play in the playland. They had a lot of fun despite the crummy cold weather. There was no way we could have baked all the cookies at once so we sent some dough home with the Hobbs and took some plates of cookies to Kaleah and Isabella.

Birthday Boy!

2009-10-11T22:56:00.012-05:00

Nathan is One! My baby is one! He is such a sweetheart, full of love, hugs, and mischief. Nathan is quite unique in our household. One, he is the only boy in the house with three sisters and two, he loves to watch football. We watch an occasional game, but they are few and far between. We noticed that as we were channel surfing, he would be mesmerized by football. He would literally stop playing and watch the game. So we decided this cutie, needed a football themed 1st Birthday party. We were so grateful Grampa was able to be here for the fun! After questioning his mother's sanity, Nathan decided he loved birthday cake and the ice cream. The ice cream was spit out immediately, then Nate realized how yummy it was and was quite upset when his serving was gone. He even licked his plate when he was done.

The Cake

The Song/Confusion

The Hat

The Question

The First Taste

The Revelation

The Party

The Aftermath

The Proud Parents

At Nathan's 'well child' checkup the next day, he measured the following:
30 3/4" height
21.8 lbs weight
19 cm head circumference
He is still cruising along the furniture and climbing anything he can get away with :-) He loves rolling balls and then chasing them down and rolling them again. (especially if one of his sisters is chasing it with him) Nathan gives very wet kisses, much like a puppy ;-) He loves ham, bananas, cheese, yogurt, birthday cake, and much much more. Nathan also loves to wave bye bye, say dada and mama, and snuggle.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy. You are still my baby. I love you.

Whoooo Whooooooooo!

2009-10-06T09:40:00.004-05:00

Nathan LOVES to read books. His favorite are the "Snappy" pop-up books. Lately, he has enjoyed just about anything. He just loves to be read to. Last night Mackenzie chose "Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo" by Kevin Lewis. (Wonderful read aloud with a fantastic rhythm, and the pictures are so bright and fun) Nathan has enjoyed this book the last few times we have read it. He crawled right over to us and lifted his right arm and did the 'pull the whistle' motion as we were chanting Whoooooo Whhhoooooo and pulling the whistle as well! So funny!

What did you do on the last rainy day?

2009-10-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

Lindsay and Mackenzie took full advantage of the newly opened Halloween box. Nathan was an unwilling, yet curious participant. Poor Katryn had the flu and was holed up in her room. The giggles were infectious!

Tasting the Sweetness

2009-10-03T22:40:00.003-05:00

“Inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions such as anger, hate, passion, fear or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.” -–Elder Richard G. Scott

What a beautiful explanation and reminder. I am so grateful for General Conference and the teaching I learned today.

Sis. Julie B. Beck

2009-09-24T15:38:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, September 19th, I had a unique opportunity to hear Sister Julie B. Beck speak in person. Sister Beck is the President of the Relief Society, the world wide women's organization for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The building was packed! There were women that had driven over four hours to be there. A huge gathering of Christian women there to be edified and grow spiritually. It was beautiful. Sis. Beck shared many sweet, sometimes funny and often poignant stories. The meeting was a question and answer format. One question was, How can we avoid burnout and encourage those who are feeling that way? One of her many comments: "We as women impose things on ourselves that the Lord would never require of us." Also, we need to understand that we cannot do it all. There are times when we are faced with the difficult realization we need to choose between two worthy ways in which to spend our time. We were encourage to become 'experts' in personal revelation. So that when we pray to God, we can ask for help deciding how best to spend our time, and that we will be able to feel and know His desires for us. She reminded us that we should be an example of joyful gospel living. Living a Christian life brings joy. If we begin to feel overwhelmed, one idea she suggested was making three columns for our 'to do lists'. Essential (things we need to do for eternal life), i.e. prayer, reading scriptures, perhaps service or temple work, this lift should be short. Should Do: Go to work, feed family, housework, etc. , Nice to Do: hobbies, etc. Accomplishing the Essentials gives us strength to accomplish the Shoulds. Prioritizing has always been a challenge for me. Perhaps this will help me. One sister asked about feelings guilt in our lives. The response: The feelings of "I'm not good enough" are damaging, feelings of "You can do better, and I will help you." are from the Lord and are pushing us to grow.

One of my favorite moments was when we were reminded that the Savior leads by influence not force. I thought this was an appropriate reminder for me as a mother. We are all much more likely to Choose the right paths in our lives if we are guided not forced. Of course, my kids still have to go to bed on time, but I am resolving to use influence whenever practical. He truly is our perfect example.

NOT QUITE AN ANGEL

During the meeting, Sis Beck shared a story when she was with two other women at a restaurant and the waitress asked them if they were "Nuns or something", surprised, they said no, but asked why she thought that as they weren't wearing any religious items. The waitress said, "I don't know, you just look spiritual or something." After the meeting, I went to dinner with two of my friends, as the three of us walked up to the restaurant, we joked that perhaps someone might ask if we were nuns (we were dressed in our Sunday best). Instead, as we walked in, the waitress exclaimed, "So you would like to sit at the bar?!" Well to say we were surprised, was an understatement. We managed to ask for a booth instead and laughed constantly for the next 15 minutes. Our poor waitress probably thought we must have already visited a bar elsewhere. We could barely talk we were laughing so hard. I guess we need to work on looking more spiritual. I am thinking of writing Sis. Beck to share our version of the story. Nuns? I guess not.

11 Months on the 11th!

2009-09-12T22:06:00.005-05:00

You have to admit, he is yummy!

My sweet pea is almost one! This next month better go by slowly. He loves to climb the stairs (and fall down them). Fortunately, his sisters, especially Mackenzie, keep a close eye on him as he bee lines it for the stairs. Mack calls out "Mom! Dad! Nate's in trouble!" Nathan is now crawling on his hands and knees and he still continues to army crawl. He is climbing on anything he can and is very impatient to grow, grow, grow! He is a sweetheart and finally started saying Mama! I think Nathan's favorite new skill however, is screaming. He especially loves to screech in the car. Let's just say it is a talent to reach the notes he does. :-) I love my Little Boy Blue.

It was just yesterday...

2009-09-11T12:23:00.006-05:00

Eight years ago today, I woke to an absolutely beautiful clear morning in New Rochelle, NY. I'd actually had a fairly good night's sleep. Katryn was 6 months old and finally getting some sleep. My parents had left the day before. They had come to New York for Katryn's baby blessing and we had had a wonderful visit. I was sitting on the couch nursing Katryn and watching the "Today Show". I had just said to myself how nice it was they were doing a follow up show to see how people had bettered their lives since they had last done a particular story on them. Then "Breaking News". I said give me a break. Rarely did I think breaking news was really worthy of "breaking in". Wait. I see a horrible picture: the World Trade Center was on fire, there had been a horrible accident. A small plane had inadvertently crashed into the South Tower. I sadly continued to watch, thankful it was still a bit early and knowing it could have been so much worse. Then the unthinkable, in horror I watch a second plane crash into the other tower! I screamed. We were under attack?! Katryn started to cry. I put her down and ran to the phone. I frantically call Eric, he had left only 30 minutes before. He needed to get off the train. I was sure Grand Central or the Empire State Building was next. I dropped to my knees when his cell phone started ringing next to me. Eric NEVER forgot his phone. Why today?! I left a message at his office. What now? I called my neighbor upstairs. We cried. We sat in silence on the phone watching the horror unfold. The Pentagon, Flight 93, and incredulously, the collapse of the towers. Rapid fire thoughts were streaming through my head. We had celebrated our anniversary the year before at the Windows on the World, the restaurant on the top of the North tower. Eric called, he was safe. Everyone was crowded into the conference rooms with the view and also watching the television in the break rooms. When Eric was interviewing for positions in NYC, one firm he was very interested in was located in the WTC. I said no way. Those thoughts kept running through my mind. My daughter still had her father, I had my husband, my in-laws still had their son. Why? The rest of the day was a bit of a blur. Phone calls to and from loved ones. Yes, we were safe. Phone calls to our friends and neighbors, everyone was safe and accounted for, everyone we knew anyway. Went to my neighbors to take turns watching the news and our children. What could I do? Would 'they' let me donate blood? I was still nursing. What could I do to help? I prayed. I paced. I rocked my baby. I cried. When would the miraculous rescues be reported. Of course there would be scores rescued....Who would......Why would they.....

They didn't count on the fact that this is America, home of the brave, land of the free. These are not words of rhetoric, they are words of fact. We always get back up and brush ourselves off. We have heroes, most of which are unsung, unknown, still they are my heroes. Our military, police and fire services are amazing. Thank you for your service. We will stand. We will remember. I remember.

God Bless the USA.

The Sphere by Fritz Koenig, meant to be a symbol of peace. Once found in the WTC Plaza now found in Battery Park

Lindsay's First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-09-10T12:26:00.003-05:00

Yes, I cried. Several times. Repeatedly. My little Lindsay was off to Kindergarten today. She took the bus with me following close behind. ;-) Her teacher is Mrs. Blomquist. Lindsay was so excited, I am almost certain she had no qualms. A parent was allowed to ride the bus today with their child. Since Eric had to go to work early, I just followed with all our kids in tow :-). As I followed, I was surprised to see how many old friends from the last two preschool classes were on our route. As everyone got off the bus, I was snapping pictures and a sweet woman came up to me, introduced herself and asked if I were Lindsay's mom. Surprised, I said I was and then one of the other moms I knew broke in laughing and said all the kids got on the bus and excitedly said "Lindsay! or HI LINDSAY!" (she was sitting up front), all but one that is. Then the other mom said yes that was my son! We didn't want to be left out so we had to meet Lindsay and her mom!

I interviewed Linds when she got home. Favorite part of the day: Playing outside. What she learned: How to use the bathroom sign, red means someone is inside and green means you can go in. Most surprising thing: Another girl named Isabella (we have a neighbor with the same name). How was your day?: I loved it!

Katryn's 1st Day of Third Grade

2009-09-09T13:40:00.004-05:00

My sweet Katryn had a great first day of school. Katryn got a new haircut to start off the new year (too cute). She has five kids in her class from last year and her teacher is very nice. Cursive instruction started and Katryn was thrilled. At her school, the kids cannot do cursive without a 'license' and she is so excited to learn it. It is going to be an exciting year.

Letter vs. Spirit...

2009-09-01T17:21:00.004-05:00

I came running into the room as I heard shrieks of "Stop squishing me!" I arrived in time to hear my very smart and creative 2 year old sweetly explain, "I am not squishing you anymore. I am not even touching you." She was being truthful. Sort of. Poor Lindsay.

Why? Because I said so?

2009-09-01T14:28:00.003-05:00

I have a button. (In addition to the one on my 'belly') This button is ridiculous. It is pressed by a very little word/question. Why. Why? Add a whine to the why, then you have found my button. Mack discovered it and is enjoying this kryptonite. Don't get me wrong...I love curiosity, I love questions. This is neither. It is a ploy to make my hair turn gray more quickly.
Conversation:
Mom: Mack, after you finish your lunch it is time for your nap
Mack: Why?
Mom: Because you are tired
Mack: Why?
Mom: Because you stayed up late and woke up early
Mack: Why?
Mom: Because we were out late back to school shopping
Mack: Why?
Mom: School is starting soon and the girls need some clothes
Mack: Why?
Mom: The weather is getting cooler and they have outgrown their pants
Mack: Why?
Mom: Just because. Time for your nap.
Mack: Why?

Mom: Why do I love you? Let me count the ways... :-)

Thoughts

2009-08-23T22:24:00.004-05:00

Time. I miss Grandmother. Yesterday marked the 1st anniversary of her passing. My thoughts were full of memories of her. I longed to call her phone, (long since disconnected, I know because I would occasionally call to hear her voice on her message) and hear her sweet voice again. I miss our phone calls. I had a lovely day, I remembered to do my 'yoga breathing', I ate some Grapenuts, and looked through several pictures of her. :-) Thankfully, this is not the end. I know I will see her and be with her and my loved ones again someday. I am so thankful for a merciful God and His blessing of family.

Practically Perfect in Every Way (Mary Poppins that is)

2009-08-17T23:15:00.006-05:00

I have this little drawer in my kitchen that is 'my' drawer. My wallet, phone, and keys are supposed to go in it, but over the last several months it has become a catch all. In fact, it caught so much that I finally had to ban my kids from opening the drawer for fear something might jump out and grab them. They were of course, so curious as to what could be in there. Today, I was curious. I grabbed a bag and emptied the drawer. I was shocked, I have lived here for nearly three years and didn't know I had a magic drawer. This drawer, I found is a cousin to Mary Poppins' carpet bag. You know the one, it housed a large mirror, a standing hat rack and other sundries. I should have taken a picture of the contents. (Nothing too exciting: gum, keys, random buttons, Pampers Point codes, coupons, money (the coin kind), hair bows, and more.) I am not sure I would have believed it had I not seen it myself. This recovering junk drawer excited me! I have opened it and closed it no less than 5 times today just to admire my handiwork. I even welcomed my husband home with a kiss and a tour of my newly organized drawer. True story: I couldn't find my cell phone tonight for about 10 minutes. I looked in all of the usual places and was stumped. Lightbulb. It is in the drawer where it belongs. It fits now. :-) Maybe I will tackle another drawer tomorrow...

New Arrival

2009-08-14T21:28:00.008-05:00

We just purchased a playset from one of Katryn's friend's family who had outgrown it. As soon as we told the girls it was finished being set up, Lindsay ran out of the house full speed, smile and eyes bright enough to rival the sunny day, yelling at the top of her lungs "YYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! Finally, we have swings and a slide. :-) News travelled quickly, the neighborhood kids were over within 20 minutes, but for those first 20 minutes, it was their personal park. Each one, Katryn, Lindsay and Mackenzie full of joy. (So was I) Nothing quite so fun a watching children on a swingset in the middle of summer.

10 Months

2009-08-14T21:23:00.006-05:00

Another month has flown by! Nathan is still growing and smiling nonstop. He is so much fun. He loves to show affection by head-butting and snuggling. He is incredibly sweet and is trying to pull himself up to stand. Nathan is still army crawling (he is so fast, I don't think it occurs to him to try it any other way). He has a radar for unprotected air vents. As soon as we walk out of a room, he bee lines it to a vent to lift the cover and pull out the vent, hair flying all around in complete satisfaction.

He is also a big fan of the "Johnny Jump-Up"

Nathan is our little sweetheart. :-)

Blessings

2009-08-14T21:22:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, August 9, 2009 we also had Mackenzie and Nathan blessed. This is a blessing where they are presented to the Lord and given their names that are recorded in the records of the church. This is their full names given to them at birth. Then they were given special blessings by their father of things he hopes for them in their lives. It was beautiful.

Katryn's Baptism

2009-08-14T21:21:00.015-05:00

On August 8, 2009, Katryn was baptized by her father. She was baptized by immersion as was our Savior, Jesus Christ. Shortly after, her Grampa, through another priesthood blessing, gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost to be a guide and a comfort to her. It was a beautiful and special day, and Katryn was radiant. We are so proud of Katryn for her decision to follow in Christ's footsteps.
Katryn and Eric just prior to the Baptism

l to r, f to b: Lindsay, Katryn, Mackenzie, Nathan, Great Grandma (Cleora), Grampa (Marc), Gramma (Valerie), Eric, Kristin

Our Family

We had some very special people there to support Katryn in her decision to be baptized. Gramma, Grampa and Great Grandma were able to come from Arizona to be here for the occasion. Katryn's best friend, Justine also came. Family friends who came: Christy Congdon, The Murray Family, The Green Family, Kristen Johnson, Tracie Ogzewalla, Elder Jackson, Tim Lanier, Robbie Lyman and Becky Lyman. Thanks to all our family and friends who could not be there, but sent their well wishes and love. It was a wonderful day for our family.
Katryn and Justine

Katryn and Christy

The Green's (Matt, Kristen, Alli, Emily, and Natalie)

Katryn is eight years old, which we believe is the age of accountability. Our Heavenly Father knows that we must learn what is right and wrong. When we have grown enough and learned enough about right and wrong, we become accountable for what we do. Being accountable means that we must take reponsibility for what we do wrong, and that we are blessed for what we do right. We are baptized after the age of eight for this reason.

Riding Lessons

2009-07-23T10:23:00.005-05:00

Katryn had her first riding lessons. She has always had a love of horses, unicorns, pegasus', and ponies so she was very excited! The horse she rode is "Sheik". She did a wonderful job and is a real natural. Katryn was a bit surprised at how sore her muscles were the next day :-)

Gorgeous! This is her favorite picture.

What are they teaching them?

The race! They took all the students' boots off and tossed them at the other end of the corral, mixed them up and had the girls ride down, dismount, find their boots, put them on, climb on the horse and trot back to the start! Very fun! (Tied the first race and took second the next race)

Posture a mother loves and is jealous of...

15th Anniversary

2009-07-23T10:22:00.006-05:00

Eric and I celebrated our 15th Anniversary on the 16th! I took the kids with me to help me find a new dress to mark the occasion. That was a fun time ;-) The girls helped me find a beautiful royal blue and black dress. I am ashamed to admit, I didn't get a picture of us that night.

We went out on our big date the following night. We went to a wonderful restaurant, NorthCoast in Wayzata. We had a beautiful view of Lake Minnetonka. After a delicious dinner (I went for the filet mignon and Eric had the ribeye) and dessert (molten chocolate cake) we walked along the pier for a bit and came upon a darling park on the water. Next to the park were these fabulous birdhouses. I'm not entirely sure birdhouse is the correct term...perhaps high-rise Bird Apartments would be more appropriate. :-)

Later that night we went to see the film, "Angels and Demons". Quite fun. The funniest part was the lady with an extremely long braid down her back. She walked in chewing on a very long piece of straw. Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy people watching?

I am amazed fifteen years has passed. I can't believe how fast the time has flown and also how many experiences we have shared. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful husband and friend. He still makes me laugh and even surprises me. :-) He is so loving and protective of our family. I love you Eric. To our adventures in the next 15...

9 Months, Are you kidding!?

2009-07-23T10:03:00.005-05:00

Nathan and his cousin Arianna on the 11th, exactly 9 mos :-)

Nathan is 9 months already! To mark the occasion, he cut three more teeth (Top right: 07/10, bottom right: 07/12, Top left: 07/22.) He had his 9 month Well Baby Check on July 13. He had two shots, one in each leg :-( , he weighed 19 lbs, length: 29", and his noggin measured 47.5 cm. (We have a saying in our family: "Big Noggin, Big Brains") Nathan was rolling everywhere he wanted until the last week in June when he discovered army crawling worked pretty well. He mastered the army crawl while we were in AZ the week of the 4th of July and hasn't looked back since! He is Fast!! Nathan still loves books (anything with a pop up or a picture of a baby are his faves). He also loves food. So far he has liked everything and seems to really enjoy green beans the most (of the veggies). Nathan is incredibly sweet and loves to hug and snuggle and tell us all about is day.

Alligators at the Airport

2009-07-15T13:11:00.002-05:00

On our way out to the parking garage at the airport, Mackenzie asked if she could "Push the button on the Alligator". What? She pointed to the elevator bank as we neared it and repeated her request. 'Elevator' is a word she knows and says, it was 12:30 am. 'Alligator' it is. :-)

"I am your father?"

2009-07-01T09:29:00.003-05:00

A couple of months ago, Eric thought it was time he exposed the two older girls to the Star Wars Trilogy (the original). They loved it I much as we did! My girls have been happily playing Star Wars ever since. Lindsay even received a couple of Star Wars figures for her birthday a couple of weeks ago. Just a few days ago, Katryn and Lindsay were playing Star Wars again and were giggling about something. I asked what was so funny, then they admitted to me that they were laughing because they always pretend Dad is Han Solo. I thought that was pretty cool. Then I asked if they pretend I (their sweet and loving Mom) am a Star Wars character. Big eyes looked at me then one another then me again. Hmmmm. Then they started laughing and said you are "Dark Vader" (Linds doesn't believe anyone that the word is Darth). Me Vader? Why me? Am I representative of the Dark side?! I smiled and bemusedly asked how I got to be so 'lucky'. The answer: Mom, you sound just like Vader. When you are making his voice, your Vader is better than Dad's! OK. Vader I am. :-) May the Force be with you!

PS: My favorite 'fun app' on the iphone...the Lightsaber.

The Spice of Life?

2009-06-24T15:33:00.003-05:00

MMMMMmmmmmmmm Mom I like salmon! MMMMMmmmmm I like salt stuff! (aka Lawry's) If a little is good...
(Please click on the picture to get the full and glorious effect)

Preschool Rhymes

2009-06-24T15:18:00.003-05:00

We love the little rhymes with actions at our house. I think the favorite is probably the 5 Squirrels taught to me by my mom...

5 Squirrels
5 little squirrels sitting in a tree,
the 1st squirrel says, "What do I see?"
(Hand like a visor above the eyes)
The 2nd squirrel says, "I smell a gun!"
(Touch your nose and look suspicious)
The 3rd squirrel says, "OOH let's run!"
(Pretend you are running with your arms moving quickly)
The 4th squirrel says, "Let's hide in the shade."
(Hide behind both hands)
The 5th squirrel says, "I'm not afraid"
(Say with confidence and pretend you are holding a suspender out)
Then BANG went the gun and away they all run!
(Clap your hands together loudly for the gun shot then scurry your fingers behind your back.

Any other favorites out there?

Meet Stubby aka Lucky...

2009-06-24T15:10:00.002-05:00

He's one of our new neighbors :-)

Blisters

2009-06-24T14:53:00.004-05:00

What is wrong with this picture?

At church a couple of weeks ago, I was trying to convince Mackenzie that her shoes were on the wrong foot, to no avail of course. I believe her quote went something like this, "No isn't! They my shoes! They FINE!" While I was listening to the speaker I started wondering about my 'shoes' being on the wrong foot. How many times does God patiently try to tell me I have my shoes backwards? How often do I brush aside His wisdom thinking I already have the right answer. Amazing how His perspective is perfect. I do things all the time being in the midst of something only to gain that 20/20 vision of hindsight later. Mackenzie came home that day saying her feet hurt and her shoes were "too owie" and still not believing me that she should switch them. Hmmm. I ruefully noticed a few 'blisters' in my life and have vowed to try much more diligently to trust a larger perspective, His. l love parenthood. I love my Heavenly Father and am so overwhelmed at His patience with me.

The Big 5!

2009-06-13T22:48:00.008-05:00

It is official. Lindsay Kaye is 5 years old today! We had a very busy day doing some of her favorite things. She had a soccer game this morning and even scored a goal! Then this afternoon, the entire family including Nana, visiting from WA went to the Mall of America to visit the Rainforest Cafe for dinner, the American Girl Store for an outfit for her doll and go on a few rides! She went on the Blue's Clues Skidoo ride, the bumper cars and the carousel. We came home exhausted and happy. Lindsay opened her gifts and she blew out her "5" candle on her cake. (We will all get to try it tomorrow. We had the 'Volcano' dessert at the Cafe and she was sung to by the employees. The Volcano is a pile of vanilla ice cream, surrounded by planks of brownie topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce and the best part...a sparkler) For the official birthday cake Lindsay requested a yellow, smiley face funfetti cake with purple eyes and smile. :-) What a fun day! Happy Birthday sweetheart, I love you and your sparkly eyes and smile. You bring so much joy to our family. Have a wonderful year 5!

Lindsay's Faves:
Color: Purple
Food:
Candy:
Stuffed Animal: Bun Bun
Show:
Game:
Book:

Nathan 8 months!?

2009-06-13T22:44:00.004-05:00

Nate is 8 months old and just cute as ever (if not cuter if that is possible)! He is sitting much steadier, and rolling all over place. Just yesterday, he was trying to crawl a bit! The next amazing milestone....Nate cut his first tooth today (6/13)! I measured him at 27 1/4 inches. He is amazing, I am so thankful Nathan is our son, he brings so much joy to our family.

100 Posts

2009-05-06T13:45:00.009-05:00

I just got on to do a little more ranting. It seems to be my modus operandi as of late. Then I noticed this is my 100th post. My how time flies. Perhaps I shall post something a bit milder first....

Chorus to "Miracles" by Sally DeFord

There are hands I cannot hold
Hearts I cannot comfort
Tears that only miracles can stay
So let me love and sere and teach
Those who come within my reach
For miracles begin that way

Today is amazing, 65F, partly cloudy, warm enough for bare feet, Nathan's first time in a 'real swing', loud laughter as I pushed Lindsay and Mack on the swings, a bit of Spring cleaning, a piece of chocolate, three kids napping quietly, dry training pants so far ;-), Ensign magazine in the mail, gerber daisies are bright, tulips are growing (one finally has a visible purple bloom), new squirrel as a neighbor, green grass, popcorn popping on the apricot trees (OK, they aren't really apricot trees. a girl can dream), no sack lunch today, husband has a job, my children have WONDERFUL teachers, capri pants, crisp white shirt, healthy family, smiling kids (w/dimples), and a chattering chipmunk running by the fence.

The new neighbor

Three going at once, not bad :-)

Linds

Mack

Nathan

Nate's cute feet

Lindsay's first time down the firepole at the park!

I couldn't resist

Parenthood - a good thing

2009-05-01T22:59:00.004-05:00

Parenthood: The days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy this link.

H1N1 aka Swine Flu

2009-05-01T22:37:00.004-05:00

Before I begin my rant...Nathan loves this pig! He (Nathan)is so cute!

Further proof our media is insane. H1N1 is a flu. No more deadly than the 'regular' influenza. Anyone in the media find it curious that the majority of deaths are in Mexico? Hmmm could it be that Mexico's healthcare system isn't as good as ours? Perhaps they are unable to get into see their doctors as soon as we can in America? No, that can't possibly be the case, because the media likes to tell us how 'broken' our healthcare system is. I took literally 12 seconds to Google flu related deaths:

In 2009, CDC published additional estimates of flu-related deaths comparing different methods, including the methods used in the 2003 JAMA study. The seasons studied included the 1993-94 through the 2002-03 flu seasons [9]. Results from this study showed that during this time period, 36,171 flu-related deaths occurred per year, on average. (This was taken directly from the CDC website)

36,000 deaths/yer in the United States alone, from the regular run of the mill flu bug. Does the media 'run with that story'?

For such a modern world, this almost constant alarmist knee jerk reaction is quite bothersome and disappointing. Let's stop panicking. Let's take a breath. Let's ponder our options. Let's trust our common sense. Let's take a moment to notice the silver linings. We look for the bad, we will find it. We look for the good, it will be found.

K

2009-05-01T22:25:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, Lindsay and I went to the Kindergarten Center for an open house. The future Kinders went to a room and met a 'real' Kindergarten teacher and 'pretended' to be Kindergartners while the parents went to a Q&A. Lindsay made an "I am growing up" necklace, played with the kids, and the highlight...toured a 'real' school bus and sat in one of the seats. When we were reunited afterward, Lindsay simply said, "Mom, I wish Summer was already over!"

I was saddened my little Linds was growing up so fast, happy she was so excited, and horrified that anyone living in Minnesota literally days after the last frost would wish summer over for any reason.

Tea Party Anyone?

2009-04-22T15:32:00.006-05:00

April 15, 2009, no I wasn't frantically trying to get my taxes in order...that was done beforehand. Okay, I didn't do them but my financial wizard,aka, my husband previously finished them. Instead I was frantically making signs. During naptime, I finished them. I woke my children, dressed them patriotically in red, white and blue, loaded them in the minivan and drove 40 miles to our capital building in Saint Paul. We marched, we cheered, we chanted "USA! USA! USA!". It was wonderful! Surrounded by families and people from all walks of life and circumstance. We celebrated our right to assemble, our right to free speech and our right to disagree with our government. There were Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, and who knows who else. We were there together to protest, not the paying of taxes, but how our taxes (and the taxes of those yet to be born) are being spent. I am more than a little concerned with the ease that a 'trillion' here and there is being used when talking about money and spending. I am not blaming our current administration, nor the previous one; their hands were only the most recent to visit that cookie jar of irresponsible spending. I was there begging for Common Sense. (The name of my blog should have been my t-shirt logo). I want what is best for our country. I also think it would be fun to have a maid, a horse, and a Jaguar (the car, not the animal), the trouble is I don't have the money for these things. Yes, these are good things, the maid would help increase my time with my children (a very good thing). Guess what? I don't have a maid. There are certainly plenty of 'nice things' in the stimulus and budget. Until we figure out how to pay for them, we cannot have/do them. Simple math really. Yes, there is plenty broken in this blessed country. No one ever said it was perfect. It is an amazing place. Full of love, genius, service, charity, hard workers, and fallacies. I embrace it all. I love this country. I love that I could take my children to a protest with 10,000+ people, where there were smiles, hugs, freedom to speak our minds and concerns, no acts of aggression, yelling, or poor language. How disappointed I was with the news reports calling me a racist, calling me selfish, calling me an uneducated hick. In lieu of discouragement I felt empowered, I am empowered, I will continue to tell my congressman (whenever the courts finish deciding who that is) that I don't want wasteful spending. If I can tighten my belt, and be more conservative with my spending, then so can my government. Washington: be a help not a hindrance. Be an example. My kids can't take a toy from a store just because they 'really want it', they scrimp and save until they have the money. They earn it. May God continue to bless this great country. May we use the rights we have. The protest was a wonderful experience I won't soon forget and hope to repeat. I have definitely been inspired to let my voice be heard. Too long I have been silent.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-22T14:00:00.010-05:00

The kids looked so sweet for Easter.

We had a special visitor come through the neighborhood...

Mackenzie was not too sure about the candy egg the Easter Bunny was offering. She took some plastic grass instead. E.B. was kind enough to place the egg on the floor for her to take (the floor is a bit less intimidating)! :-)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-04-19T21:16:00.004-05:00

Today is my Mom's birthday! She is amazing. I am the eldest of six children. I have no idea how she did it. She is incredible, I love the way she smiles, I love the way she laughs. I love the kindred spirit I have in her S.H.E. tendencies. I love the way she can sew anything we or she can dream up. I love her Sheep Herders Pie and Won Tons. I love when she plays Les Miserables songs for us on the piano. I love her flowers in the front yard. I love her rants. I love her dimples. I love her calligraphy and her addiction to Print Shop. I love her television and movie predictions. I love Veronica Mars and Everwood conversations with her. I love The Highwayman, Pirate Don Durk of Dowdee, and A Ballad of China, and Nancy Drew because of her read alouds. Schluck?! I won't go so far as to say I loved it, but I have vague good feelings about it, same with Spam. hmmmm. I love our late night talks. I love her foot rubs. I love that she loves Almond Joys (I share this love). I love that she is my mom. I love you Mom. Happy Birthday!

Katryn asked how old Gramma is. I told her and she said, "Wow, she must have been born in the 70's!" From someone who was actually born in the 70's...thanks a lot Katryn!

He Lives!

2009-04-12T14:37:00.005-05:00

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living head!

He lives to bless me with his love;
He lives to plead for me above;
He lives my hungry soul to feed;
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply;
He lives to guide me with his eye;
He lives to comfort me when faint;
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears;
He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart;
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend;
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death;
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same;
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Text: Samuel Medley
Music: Lewis D. Edwards

I will take this Easter Sunday as an opportunity to share a portion of my personal testimony of Jesus Christ. He is my Savior and Redeemer. He knows me personally, He knows my potential, He loves me. Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, he lived on this Earth and was our perfect example. I was baptized my immersion by someone who had the priesthood and the authority because He was. He showed me the way and continues to show me the way. I love my elder brother, Jesus Christ. He broke the bonds of death, and because of this I can live eternally with my family. He inspires, He comforts, He blesses, He teaches, He helps, He loves. I love Him and try to honor him by being a Christian in the verb sense. I know that I am NOT perfect, He loves me in spite of my failures and weaknesses. He only asks that I take His name upon me, as a 'Christian', continue to remember Him, and keep His commandments. I am overwhelmed that He died for me and my sins. I share this testimony of Him, in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Happy Easter!

A Day of Firsts

2009-04-06T22:22:00.005-05:00

Friday, April 3rd was balmy and beautiful, Minnesota-wise. It was mid 40s. So I did what all desperate Minnesota moms do, took the kids to the park to enjoy the 'warmth' and sunshine. Fortunately, I thought to bring the camera and happened to catch a first for each of the kids...

Nathan: First time down a slide.

Mackenzie: First time down a 'big kid' slide alone.

Lindsay: First time climbing such a tall rock climbing wall.

Katryn: First time going all the way across the monkey bars.
Great job everyone!

Below are random cute pictures from that day. It is not my fault kids are so cute. :-)

Beauty and Power

2009-04-05T23:12:00.005-05:00

March 9th was quite stormy most of the day. We went for a drive in Haliewa, the rain finally stopped, the sun broke through the clouds and the resulting light over the ocean was quite ethereal. I didn't even ask Eric to turn around and park so I could take some pictures. He read my mind.

Practice

2009-04-05T23:01:00.004-05:00

Uncle Jason with Nathan.

Aunt Michelle with Nathan.

We were able to spend some time with Jason and Michelle while we were in Hawaii. These are a couple of pictures of them 'practicing' for their big day... ;-)

(Drum Roll) Dum DuDu Dum, Presenting...

2009-04-05T22:19:00.003-05:00

Victoria Elementary's Artist of the Month, Katryn! What more is there to say? She is very talented and has a real eye for color and her use of space. Congratulations sweetheart!

Magic

2009-04-05T10:02:00.002-05:00

Lindsay is our family magician. Whenever it is cold outside she offers to turn on the fire with her magic. This morning was a bit chilly so she did her magic for us. An hour later she was too hot so she asked if she could turn off the fire with her magic words: Abracadabra Alakazam please turn off fire BAM! BAM! BAM! (The bam, is quite loud) As usual, it worked beautifully! (One of us acts as an 'assistant' and stands subtly in front of the switch to activate it on que, without the knowledge of our magician)

Sadly/humorously/ironically Mackenzie (just turned 2 in January) figured out what the mysterious light switch near the fireplace was for months ago...She ran for the switch to take her 'magic' turn! Magic for her entails turning on the switch then standing in front of the fire and saying abracadabra! We utilized the great diversion technique and got Lindsay out of the room. Mack took her turn, and all remained well in the world. Magic still intact.

Sleep?

2009-04-02T00:18:00.002-05:00

Nathan had been sleeping pretty well the last month or so, then we went on vacation. We get home and he starts waking up every 2 hours again. It was time for the tough mom to come out. I let him cry himself back to sleep. I just sit outside his door and cry with him. Night 1: 40 minutes, Night 2: 10 minutes, Night 3: 34 minutes, Night 4: 0 minutes! He also goes down for his nap without so much as a whimper! His bedtime routine is a book (he loves 'Snappy' pop-up books), a bottle, I sing I am a Child of God and carry him up to bed. Nate just gives me a sweet, tired grin and goes to sleep. AAAAAHHHHH. He sleeps from 10:30 til 5:30. Now I just need to convince him to sleep just a tad longer. What a sweetheart! Good Night and Sweet Dreams my sweet baby boy!

April Fool's

2009-04-01T23:21:00.002-05:00

Mother Nature please let this be an April Fool's Joke. Can't you read the calendar? It is officially Spring! No more snow. Just please let the tulips grow.

Favorite Scripture of the Day

2009-03-29T23:17:00.003-05:00

Today at Church we were discussing some of our favorite scriptures from the Doctrine & Covenants and I was reminded of D&C, Section 64, verse 33.

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

I love this scripture so much. I have especially come to love this scripture when I became a mother. I am reminded that the little things I do to teach and prepare my children are building blocks in their lives. Raising children is such a far-reaching task. I sometimes need that reminder that the occasional tedious moments are important and vital. I love motherhood. It is so difficult and so overwhelmingly wonderful. I am so grateful to have this experience in my life and that the Lord blessed me with these sweet angels.

(The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of scripture containing revelations from the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to a few other latter-day prophets. It is unique in scripture because it is not a translation of ancient documents. It is scripture used in conjunction with the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The text can be read online at www.lds.org)

Mystery Anyone?

2009-03-26T15:37:00.005-05:00

On the walk back from riding horses, we saw these great trees with the caves below where the ocean had washed away the sand. Fabulous root system.

Then just as we pass where the photo was taken we spot something blue...
Allysha, this made me think of you and how we used to play 'Nancy Drew'.

Jinkees! Is that?!?! Yes! It is! It is a plastic Halloween decoration with a blinking lights on/off switch underneath. Of course inoperable. Hysterical!! Someone has a fabulous sense of humor. They would have gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for you meddling kids!

Island Time

2009-03-26T15:02:00.006-05:00

We went to O'ahu, Hawaii for Spring Break and of course Mackenzie got an ear infection. We weren't sure what was wrong, she had a high fever and was very listless. We became concerned after her fever was holding strong after three days. Our insurance company found a pediatrician 'in-network' that was very close to where we were staying. We loaded up the car and I took Mack 'in' while everyone else stayed in the car and watched a movie. I say 'in' because the waiting room was outdoors. It was raining, and there was a large area covered for our convenience. It had been raining for quite some time and the nice padded chairs were a bit damp. (mold anyone) Our appointment was at 1:30pm, 03/09/09. I stood in line to check in and the line was very short but not moving along. So I kindly went to the front to ask if there was some paperwork I could fill out as she was a new patient. A look of surprise/shock greeted me with a "yes, there is paperwork. I will give it to you when it is your turn." Needless to say I meekly tucked my tail between my legs, got back in line and continued waiting. When it was my turn, the receptionist gave me a huge Hawaiian smile and asked how she could help me. I told her and she gave me the paperwork, asked me to fill it out, then asked me to wait in line to turn it in. No joke. Once I finished and turned it in, she asked someone else to input the information as "she was so busy". Some time after 2:30 we were taken to the doctor. He introduced himself, sat down and stared at us. I finally started to explain why we were here and he interrupted and asked Mackenzie if he could tell her a story about why she was there. He read off her chart about a little girl named Mackenzie who had a fever, cough, and a sore throat. She just stared at me confused (I stared right back also confused) Then he proceeded to tell me I should give her butterscotch candy to stop the cough because I said she had a coughing fit the night before that didn't stop until 3:00am. Then he checked her ears and said one had a little infection. More staring. I reiterated the sore throat... More staring. He listened to her breathe. Wrote me a prescription for amoxicillin. Never looked at her throat. Stared some more, reiterated the butterscotch and sent us on our way. Strange, very strange. I figured if she had strep or something the amoxicillin would knock it out anyway... Just grateful to have healthcare when we needed it! :-) Very funny experience. Other fun Hawaii pictures and stories to follow. :-)(I am so far behind)

Picture of the clinic.

Picture of the waiting room

Katryn

2009-03-14T21:26:00.003-05:00

Katryn at the hospital shortly after birth

Katryn in Hawaii a few days ago, she is so beautiful!

Today my first baby turned eight! Where has the time gone? She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I am so proud of her. Katryn is such a smart girl and pays attention to how those around her are feeling. She is so in tune with others and tries to help whenever possible. I am amazed with her sense of humor, she comes up with the funniest jokes! Lately she has become the queen of an online game called Poptropica. Katryn is so loved and such a joy in our family.

Her Faves:
Colors; turquoise and aquamarine.
Movie: High School Musical 2
Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Food: Dessert!
Subject: Math

Happy Birthday Arlon!

2009-03-14T20:43:00.007-05:00

March brings us many birthdays. Most recently my wonderful brother-in-law, Arlon. This is a sweet picture of him holding Nathan last October. He is an amazing artist check out his blog at arlonrosenoffart.blogspot.com to see some of his work. This is my latest favorite, "Peaceful in Port Ludlow".

Hope you had a wonderful birthday, we love you and we hope to see you soon! :-)

Happy Birthday Grandmother

2009-03-08T21:17:00.001-05:00

Today my Grandmother would have been 81. I miss you and love so much!

Feliz Cumpleanos Matt

2009-03-08T21:13:00.003-05:00

Matthew aka Matcha Boy turned one year older yesterday! I loved growing up with you Matt. I loved being your big sister. Matt was and is a great brother. We used to build some incredible forts together and spent hours flipping on the trampoline. I love you!

Thoughts on Freedom

2009-03-01T17:21:00.002-06:00

A few quotes I snagged from friend's Facebook posts... I couldn't have said it better myself:

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from someone else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work, because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005

"A society that puts equality—in the sense of equality of outcome—ahead of freedom will end up with neither equality nor freedom. The use of force to achieve equality will destroy freedom, and the force, introduced for good purposes, will end up in the hands of people who use it to promote their own interests." Milton and Rose Friedman in Free to Choose: A Personal Statement (Milton Friedman won the 1976 Nobel Prize for Economics)

Confessions of a tired mom

2009-02-26T23:20:00.004-06:00

This is my lurid confession...Mackenzie had not been sledding since last year. I believe she only went once or twice last winter. My excuse is pretty lame. The only time we have gotten any good snow, it has been arctic cold. Subzero, I draw the line. The only other time I went out this season with Katryn and Lindsay was during Mackenzie's naptime. After all this, I only felt guilty because when I finally took her 'sledding' she had a wonderful time! On Tuesday it was 40 degrees outside and when I realized how 'nice' it was, I woke her from her nap to go play. The snow ws melting all around us. She kept saying 'FUN Mama!' 'FUN!!!' 'Snow Fun!' She had such a fantastic time. So did I. Her giggles were infectious. My other excuse is Nathan, it is not like I can take him out for a run down the hill. Next winter what can my excuse be? Hopefully there won't be a need for one. I will probably have to look at these pictures and remind my 'I will always be an Arizona Girl' self that playing in the snow is fun! Good Times!

Grampa's Visit

2009-02-25T11:12:00.004-06:00

Grampa came to visit over the Valentine's weekend. We had so much fun spending time with him. A huge thank you for being our babysitter for Valentine's Day! This was also the first time Grampa met his newest grandson, Nate the Great! He was smitten (and vice versa) :-) The girls loved playing Hulabaloo & Rock Band with him! Come back soon, we miss you!

Counting the Minutes

2009-02-25T11:07:00.002-06:00

Even the girls are tiring of winter. I have a tote I have been gathering items to pack for our trip to Hawaii. The last three nights have been spent 'snorkeling' in the family room. We are definitely ready to go!

Just For Fun. My smile stimulus package.

2009-02-24T17:46:00.004-06:00

How can you have a bad day when you have access to this? Homeopathic antidepressant. :-)

Sad Day

2009-02-14T00:23:00.002-06:00

I am so disappointed in our Congress right now. Regardless of your position on the TARP (stimulus package), we should all be disgusted at this bill being PUSHED through without even being read first. How can we spend that kind of money without reading the bill? Would you buy a car/house without reading the contract first? Do we mistrust our own guts and feelings so much that we are trusting those in Congress to do what they think is the right thing, without obviously 'thinking'? After all how can someone 'think' about anything they haven't studied or debated (very difficult task when you haven't read it). Perhaps Congress has superhuman osmosis abilities. I am nearly panicked at the direction we are moving as a country. I would LOVE to call or write my Senator and share my feelings, but I don't have one thanks to Minnesota's archaic election laws. We are letting a court decide who our Senator should be vs. having a runoff election. This is costing millions of dollars and will leave half the state frustrated with the results. Why can't we have a runoff election where the clear winner will be found. If you don't know, we had a third party who received enough votes to send the message that the people of Minnesota were fed up with the pathetic Franken/Coleman attack ads, and to end up with a virtual tie for the other two. Who would those have voted for...we can only guess since the government doesn't want to hear from 'WE THE PEOPLE'

We must be watchful, we must be heard, the time has come where the status quo will not do. Read the Constitution, stand up for this inspired document.

1/3 year old!

2009-02-11T22:14:00.003-06:00

Nathan is 4 months! He is 13 lbs 2 oz. In our home, with our scrawny babies, we call that chubby! :-) He is so cute and full of giggles. He blows lots of spit bubbles and loves to be talked to. He loves being tickled and is getting very quick with grabbing things and is getting adept at pulling hair. He is growing so fast! Love you Nate the Great!

Mack Attack

2009-02-11T21:56:00.004-06:00

Mackenzie started putting on her 'Sansa' (Santa) Jammies when she saw Daddy was eating an orange. She hadn't put the shirt on yet and begged a slice from him. A juicy, make that a very juicy slice, dripped right down her tummy. I commented, "well at least she doesn't have her shirt on yet." She overhears, runs over to put it on. I say, "honey, no, no. Wait until you are done with your orange. Your tummy is too sticky." Mackenzie solves the problem by cleaning her tummy off with her jammy shirt. Observing our surprise and slight distress, she sneaks off to make things right. She reenters the room carrying her 'clean' shirt. Drip. Drip. Drip. The shirt was cleaned in the bathroom sink. Drip. Drip. Drip. Followed the trail to the bathroom. Drip. Drip. Drip. Two year olds love to help. :-) Such a shame that enthusiasm for helping doesn't continue to an age when the ability is there. :-)

Devster

2009-02-10T23:05:00.003-06:00

Happy 21st Birthday Dev! Devan is my not so baby 'baby brother,' we are 14 years apart. I know it must be frustrating sometimes to be the youngest, but he will admit there are a few perks. Most of my memories of Devan are from his early childhood and conversely he has few memories of me even living in the same house with him... ;o) I am pretty sure Eric still has scars from Devan's TMNT days, when he was about 4. That kid had skills, ninja stealth skills. Devan has truly always had serious gaming skills. All of his older brother's friends would call him for codes and help. He just has a natural ability. I have always been impressed with Dev always seeming so comfortable in his own skin. He feels confident in his decisions (something completely foreign to me). He is a talented artist and very creative. He also has more nicknames than anyone you know...

Happy Birthday Devan, we love you!

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

2009-01-29T21:46:00.002-06:00

Yesterday Nathan was a bit grumpy and tired, yet he just wouldn't fall asleep. Finally, after bundling him, singing and rocking for quite awhile, he fell asleep. The day had been crazy and there was so much to do, I started to stand up with the never ending 'to do' list was clicking through my mind. I took a deep breath and smelled 'baby'. It is such a wonderfully intoxicating smell. I sat back down, breathing in his sweetness. It was one of those moments that your heart takes a picture of and stays with you. The 'to do' list will keep.

Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

2009-01-25T21:08:00.005-06:00

Our Baby Mack is officially 2! When/How did this happen? How does time fly so fast.

A few things about Mackenzie: Favorite color: Orange, Favorite show: Yo Gabba Gabba and Barney, Favorite Breakfast: 1 Waffle, 1 scrambled egg, and a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, Favorite Book: Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis, Favorite Game: Take something of my sister's and stare at her until she notices and then run for my life laughing hysterically, Favorite Responsibility: wonderful big sister to Nathan and loading the dishwasher with the plates and silverware.

Birthday request: Brobee cake. Reaction: cool! pronounced 'coo!', (Take a bite of your cake honey) Reaction: Ewwwwww (won't try it, it is green.) Gave her a piece of cake that was trimmed off, (no offending green frosting) "Yum!"

Being 2 is COO!

We love you Mack, Mackadoodles, Bubba, Macky, Macaroni, Smacks! Happy Birthday Sweetheart, have a wonderful year!

Dos, Swei, Deux, Two

2009-01-23T16:14:00.004-06:00

I am going to be two on the 25th! Can you tell? I am a wonderful artist, full of creativity. My Mom really despises the blank wall along the stairs and her indecision inspired me to take action. Please click on the pictures to see the details. Thoughts? Critiques?

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-22T16:06:00.002-06:00

I love the beauty of a crystallized tree...

Changing of the Guard

2009-01-21T10:31:00.008-06:00

Yesterday, as I watched the Inauguration and the ensuing festivities, I was overcome with emotion. While President Bush made some mistakes (didn't we all), he served us passionately, he made great personal sacrifices. We do not know all the information the President has, we do not know what keeps him awake at night, we do not know the weight on those strong shoulders. I prefer it that way, I am grateful I can live in somewhat blissful ignorance so that I do not live in fear. President Bush truly deserves our thanks and admiration for his selflessness and I believe for the most part, a job well done. Thank you sir, thou good and faithful servant.

The presidency is not something I aspire to, it is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. These men deserve our respect. We can disagree with someone on an issue. Voice your opinion, it is your right. When we turn to personal attacks, that is the sign of a small mind and hard heart, nothing is gained on either side. Let us work together. We can agree to disagree, we can make some compromises where necessary.

While I freely admit President Obama was not my choice, he is my President and he is entitled to my respect. President Obama has my respect. He will have my full support on the issues I can morally support him and my respectful voice against that which I cannot support. This wonderful and blessed country allows for this. The new President and I don't agree on many issues but I know he is going to try to do what is right. I pray for him and his family. I pray that the world's leaders make decisions for the good of the people and remember to turn to the Lord for guidance.

I am grateful also to see the time when an African American has risen to be President. This country is making strides. In the bible we are commanded to Love one Another. This is a step in that direction. I disagree with the idea of 'color blindness' when it comes to race. This world is diverse and we should take note of our differences. Embrace them. Celebrate them. Find our various strengths and buoy one another up in them.

This country we live in is truly great. Where else in the world does the change in power/leadership happen so peacefully and amicably. There is no fighting, lives are not lost, the outgoing President and his family merely move on.

God Bless America.

America remember your God.

Ouch!

2009-01-19T15:08:00.003-06:00

This morning I went to a friend's home to 'work out'. Wow! Rita put me through the ringer! I am already sore and it was just 9 hours ago. It felt great to use muscles that haven't seen action for more years than I care to admit. I have been really trying to keep up with my resolution if working out and getting regular exercise. I still haven't made it a habit but I feel I am making progress, so I am giving myself credit! Maybe not a gold star but at least a shiny silver one! :-) The truth about resolutions getting broken is I feel we get too discouraged if we don't suddenly become perfect at it. If it were that easy to change, we wouldn't need goals. We really need to remember to 'progress'. A few steps forward is at least that, forward. Wish me luck getting out of bed tomorrow morning.

Our Catch of the Day

2009-01-14T18:33:00.004-06:00

Katryn took a spelling pretest on Monday and came home to tell us she had gotten them all correct so she would not have to take the real spelling test on Friday. She noticed that one of the words was actually incorrect. The next day, Katryn decided to show her teacher the test. Her teacher was very proud of her for being honest. Today Katryn came home with a "Catch of the Day" Award. Her teacher submitted her name to receive this school award that is given for being 'caught' doing something great. Her name was read on the announcements and they also shared that her honesty was why she had been given the award. We are so proud of Katryn for choosing the right by being honest. She is a wonderful example to us. We love you Katryn!