Keepin' Up with the Joneses

We Went to the Temple

2012-02-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

With the Fullmers, the Foutzes, the Muainas, and Bro. Smith. It was great! What a relief it was to come home and find that the kids didn't burn down the house. No over-the-stove marshmallow-roasting occurred, which was better than last time. When we came home everyone was watching "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World" on tv. I don't know what went on before we walked in but they sure made it look like they'd been angels the whole time. Halleluyer!

When we were serving in the temple I thought about Bee the entire time.

Last night when I was falling asleep I thought I was dying. On the cusp of wakefulness and sleep I felt like I was falling into another realm, slipping from this life. I exerted what little control I could muster and said aloud, "I don't want to die!" (or at least I think I did). I was terrified, to be honest. I think I must have death on my mind all the way down to the subconscious level.

Sad News

2012-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

I just found out that someone I was looking for has died.

Friday Confessional--Again!

2012-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

I don't have paragraphs-worth of things to say lately, I guess. Bryce said my last post was too tame, that I needed to confess something way better. Unfortunately I don't have a criminal past or a secret life so my options are limited to my suburban housewife existence. But I will dig a little deeper this time...but don't hate me for what I am about to reveal.

1. I voted for Obama. And since Bryce coaxed me to open this Pandora's box, so did he. There. Two life-long conservatives voted Democrat in the last election. In the voting booth I felt sassy and rebellious, like a bad girl about to get a tattoo against her parents' wishes. It was intoxicating.

(Let's be fair. We all knew that whoever was elected in 2008 was inheriting a million problems and a broken Congress.Will I vote for him again? I guess that depends on whether or not he faces off with my man Mitt. It's too early to tell.)

2. I faithfully DVR the show on Lifetime called Dance Moms. It is the ultimate train wreck and I can't get enough of it. I even told Bryce, "On Wednesday morning I got a little thrill when I realized I had a new episode to watch today." I would not normally flaunt this information but for you . . . well, you are special.

3. I hate it when people with differing opinions call you judgmental for judging them when they are also, by saying that, judging you?

4. It bugs me so bad when people fish for sympathy.

5. This isn't a confession but yesterday when I went to wake Mary for school she blurted out, " They're trying to barbecue me from every side!" Oh, boy, what goes on in that girl's brain should be made into a movie.

6. Sometimes I don't want to be an ambassador for adoption. Truth be told, sometimes I even forget my kids are adopted. And sometimes I think of all the tangled problems and issues we have and think, oh my, I'm not the person you want to talk to right now.

7. This may sound weird but I'm not a fan of the cutesy-ness and trendiness of cupcakes. Too presh.

8. I like to watch the A&E show Hoarders because it motivates me to clean my house and get rid of stuff. But lately the people have been so mentally ill that it makes me kind of sick (physically) to watch it. Mainly it strengthens my resolve to never own cats.

9. When I was a kid learning about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. in school, I totally wished I was black so I could be part of that amazing legacy.

10. I love singing and sometimes think I might be good enough to join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Sometimes.

That's about it for today. It's been busy here as usual. Tonight Bryce, Tyce, and the Teachers' quorum are going on a hike. The twins are going to a friend's house and two of Mary's friends are coming over to ours. It will be quite a change to to have the girl house! I am trying to fight an annoying runny-nose cold (as is everyone else in the family). At least the kids have Katie to lick their faces clean--it's disgusting but admittedly helpful.

Friday Confessional

2012-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've done one, eh?

1. Our Christmas tree is still up. It's been undecorated since January 1st but it's still standing in the corner, beheaded. Only the top piece is off. We started to take it down, but . . . well. You know.

2. The older kids had mid-terms this week. This was not my favorite week. They were done at 10:55 a.m. (Tyce) and 11:20 a.m. (Mary). Do you think they spent their extra time studying? Aha. That would have been nice. Instead I just had kids home for a reeeealllyyyyy looonnngggg tiiiiimmmeeee.

3. I had a Seminary inservice this morning and I skipped it. I've been to every single one so far and I just didn't feel like being church-dressed at 6:00 in the morning to hear what I could have read in an email. If I really did miss something--I'll probably have a message in my inbox tomorrow. See? Win-win.

4. I broke the top off the jar of molasses. It had been more than a year since I'd used it and it was stuck as can be. I whacked the plastic lid with a knife and . . . it didn't behave like a metal lid, that's for sure. But I got it off! I made my barbeque sauce (pretty good) and had a little molasses left over. So guess what I did? I made brown sugar. Mix molasses with white sugar and suddenly you have brown sugar. Cool, right? Wonder why I've never tried that before.

5. I am giving my second talk in church in a month, this Sunday. The first one was January 1st. The next one will be to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Seminary program and all the Seminary teachers are speaking in a ward. I get to speak in my own ward again--to the thrill of my own congregation, no doubt. In the last four weeks I've also sung in a quartet and given the benediction. January is all-me, all the time. It probably makes up for the last few years when I rarely did anything like that at all.

6. I have much reorganizing to do. The kitchen, the pantry, my closet, the garage, the playroom. The house may look clean but just don't open any doors.

7. I sometimes buy holiday socks for the kids--and then wear them myself.

8. That's all for now. I'm off to take Mary to her favorite place, Fresh and Easy. Blueberries are on sale and we can't go on without spending all her allowance on them.

What I Learned about My Boy

2012-01-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

Harrison and I spent the whole weekend alone, as Bryce and the other kids (even the dog) went to Utah. It's been a while since I've had one-on-one time with this little dude and I realized after just a day together--it been too long. The other kids are in my face a lot but Harrison is different. I would say he gets crowded out and misunderstood. After this weekend I certainly hope to change that. Here are some things I learned about Harrison:

1. He doesn't like Ranch dressing. What? Who doesn't like Ranch (besides my mom)? He also dislikes mustard, pickle relish, and mayonnaise. He doesn't really even like ketchup! I had no idea.

2. He loves watching the news and documentaries. I kind of knew this but I really discovered it this weekend. He was happy to watch the Today Show on Saturday morning, and two genealogical documentaries called "African American Lives 2" on PBS. He has lots of questions and tries to make sense of what's going on in the world.

3. He needs a lot of physical activity. I realized with just the two of us around that after a while he'd get antsy and start kicking a ball around the house or jump from couch to couch. Normally with all the other kids around I merely find this behavior attention-seeking and annoying (because with the other kids--it usually involves chasing and yelling). But today it was plain to see that he has a great need to expend his physical energy in a constructive way. I guess that what I learned is that he's not "acting out" when he's running and flipping around. He's just reached the end of his rope and needs to get up and move.

4. He thinks and talks a lot about death. I will admit that I find this disconcerting.

5. He likes chips "in a white bag, with a picture of a lady on the front. She might be an angel." Do you know what he means? I sure didn't. When we went to the store he pointed them out:

These are Bryce's favorite tortilla chips! I didn't know they were Harrison's too. I always buy Mission brand but Bryce is loyal to Santitas. I guess Harrison is his daddy's boy on that.

6. He is getting to be an awesome reader. We played the UnGame together and he actually read his cards to me; for example, "Talk about a time when you lost something."

7. He fancies himself good at puzzles and making houses out of cards. I introduced him to 52 Card Pick-up and he laughed like crazy. Ready...aim...FIRE! But his technique is not as refined as mine so when he did it back to me--he basically threw the deck at my forehead. Don't say it: I know I got what I deserved!

8. He is getting less shy about praying. Tonight we knelt beside his bed and he willingly offered a very nice prayer. I complimented him and asked if he still felt shy about it and he said no, but that "praying is kind of boring....but no offense to Jesus. Oh man, I shouldn't have said that."

9. He is super loyal and loving to his twin brother. He's wanted to talk to Cameron every day they've been apart. He tells me how much he loves Cam, that he hopes he's having fun. He coiled up his own beloved stuffed snake (Grape) on Cameron's bed so it would be a nice surprise for his brother tomorrow. I tell ya, that twin bond is really something special.

Super twins! They were so proud of the identical outfits they chose! Is it bad that I let them go to school like this? Yeah, those are my knee socks.

10. He created this masterpiece in art class:


Displayed on the fridge.

I mean, HELLO!!!!! I think it's really, really incredible, especially for a 1st-grader. In fact, we were all so impressed we suspected the teacher did a lot of it for him! But he said that he followed the instructions (you can see the faint intersection of lines making quadrants on the face) and that he did it himself. He's got talent then, that's for sure.

And what I learned most is that Harrison is a wonderful kid who deserves to be noticed and listened to and appreciated for the interesting, intriguing person he is. He's quiet, he's loud; he's independent, he's impulsive; he's aggressive, he's sensitive; he's frustrating, he's endearing; he's our sweet fourth child--he's our Harrison.

M is for....

2012-01-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Mario, as in the character for many a Wii game. The kids have adored playing the Olympics one, London 2012. This will tell you just how much they love it; even *Tyce* will play. Tonight he and Mary had a bang-up time together. (It also helps that his own video game time was up and that Skyrim wasn't an option.) Yes, we love those Mario games.

Melatonin, the natural supplement that induces sleep in 3 of the 4 children. Grateful for this magic pill. You want to know something bad? Bryce injects liquid melatonin into a Capri Sun every night for Mary, who doesn't even know. That's the only way we can get her to sleep on time and up for school every day (which she has been perfect about every single day since the incident).

Mutual, every Wednesday at church for the youth--and tonight is Mary's first time!

Masood, a character on the British soap EastEnders. Bryce and I have looked forward to watching episodes on the laptop in bed. Do you remember how sad we were when they stopped carrying that show on BBC America? Probably not, that was a long time ago. But now we can log on as Brits and stay up with everyone in the East End. Ah, the more things change the more they stay the same around Albert Square. Love it.

Me. I am doing just fine. Thank you for asking. Will I begin a yoga class next week? I believe I shall.

A Question

2012-01-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Harrison likes to go to The Friend magazine online. Sundays are a good day for that. He found the sweetest video, the true story about Heber J. Grant called, "The Coat." He watched that many, many times and told his siblings, "You have to see this...it will capture your heart." He is a sensitive, perceptive soul. Sometimes he masks that, or it gets misinterpreted. For homework he had the assignment: "Write about yourself." He wrote:

I am a bully. I am sensitive. I get mad easily. I am a friend to Tommy. (I had to encourage him to say something positive.)

That made me sad. Who calls himself that? I would never label him a bully, and yet he labeled himself. There has been bullying behavior, by him and by everyone else in the house. That's true. When he's in the throes of "a situation" and the behavior is most definitely unacceptable it seems that he doesn't care what anyone thinks. Obviously he does. I know he hates to feel out of control and yet he lets loose with wild abandon. Or is that only how it appears? He pushes and pushes away, yells to be left alone. Deep down I think he's really saying, "No matter how I act, will you still love me?" Why is that so easy for me to forget?

He does well at school for the most part. But as Cameron said once, "We hold it in at school but when we get home we can't do it anymore."

So my question is: What can I do? I need to do more to help him see himself for who he is: a smart, nice, sensitive, loving, interesting, worthwhile and valuable boy who is a real light in our lives. Life would not be complete without our Harrison.

I think it's harder being a kid than I give him credit for.

She Had a Birthday, Shout Hooray!

2012-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

See this girl? Yeah, she's my favorite. Not only is she the most creative, funny, clever girl I know, she's also the cause of celebration this week because now she's 12!

Her dad brought her donuts before school--her favorites, including donut holes. After he dropped her off at school Bryce called me and told me about their conversation in the car:

Bryce: Mary, I'm going to sing to you! "You've had a birthday, shout hooray! We want to sing to you to--"

Mary: Dad. Please. Don't.

Bryce: But I want you to know how special you are!

Mary: It's not like we don't sing that song every single month in Primary.

Bryce: But I want everyone to know today's your big day! So when you get out of the car I'm going to sing it again.

{They stop and she exits.}

Bryce: "You've had a--"

{She quickly shuts the door and runs for the building.}

It was all in good fun because Bryce could see her trying not to smile!

While she was gone I picked up the cake, shopped for dinner, made coconut macaroons (per her request), cleaned up the house and decorated the table. It was a busy morning but worth it!

The table with the macaroons. If you don't like coconut you wouldn't like these cookies, but if you do . . . oh man, they were the bomb.

After school she told me that Nikki embarrassed her by informing the class it was Mary's birthday, and then everyone sang to her. By the smile on her face she didn't look too embarrassed to me!

For dinner I set out her favorite things: a cheese plate with sharp cheddar, Brie, and Swiss; a fruit plate with pineapple, blueberries, and kiwi; and a bread plate with baby bagels and French bread. I also made homemade chicken noodle soup (not for her) but for the rest of us. Not all of us can survive on the diet of a Parisian model.

Party time. There's the cake.

We had Bella over for dinner and the party, which was a treat for Mare because she hadn't been able to get together with friends all week.

Isn't she a cutie!

Extremely posed picture of blowing out the candles. It looks more like "sucking in" the candles.

Bryce took this gem of a candid shot! You can see where Cam's mind was during the party!

Her lip gloss be poppin'. Her lip gloss be cool.

She got the DVD of Phantom of the Opera . . . and then proceeded to sing the theme song.

She knew she gave a stellar performance!

We are so glad to have Mary in our lives. She has a big personality and a big heart. It's hard to believe she'll be in Young Women now: going on temple trips, roughing it at girls camp, attending Mutual every Wednesday, and making new friends. Such good things! But no matter how old she gets she'll always be that little girl who stole my heart and showed me that God answers prayers--my baby Mary.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

So guess what, I *did* get the New Year's tree done, but I used my little 3 footer instead of the big one. I think I may have liked the small one better anyway? I don't know. But it worked out well.

Cute, right?

I decorated it before we went to Chuck E. Cheese's. Going there wasn't the same without Bryce and Tyce, who were out snowboarding at Mt. Charleston. I was tired and kidded-out and in no mood for funny business. Good thing that giant rat kept to himself, you know? Somehow I got roped into taking Mary's friend Nikki with us but it actually worked out great.

Monster truckers.

Two pretty young ladies, Mary and Nikki.

I prepared for my talk while the kids played.

I sure do have cute boys.

They're photogenic too. Hello.

The girls hoped to score the mother lode--they did that a couple of times and ended up with a ton of tickets.


The hardest part of winning is deciding what to spend your earnings on. A plastic frog and an Air Head? Three packs of stickers? Heck, I still struggle with that.

Back to the party. That night I had each person pull a Scrabble tile to decide the order of balloon-choosing. We went in alphabetical order of the tile chosen. I would have used a pair of dice but.....I grabbed the first game I could reach. Anyway, Nikki went first. Each balloon had a fortune and some cash. Some had $1 bills, some had coins, and one even had a $5 bill.

Nikki's fortune: You will get an important message from a mysterious stranger.

Mary's fortune: Your smile will change someone's life. She thought that one was lame.

Harrison's fortune: You will eat something on accident, that if you knew what it was, would repulse you. That was a good one.

Other fortunes:

You will succeed in an area you previously found challenging.
Your hard work will pay off in a dramatic way.
You will dream of zombies and bunnies.

But everyone's favorite was Cameron's, which was perfect for him:

You will toot in public but get away with blaming it on someone else.

The the kids put on their beads and took blowers and horns and made an awful racket. I don't know what I was thinking . . . I will never buy those bleating party horns again. At least I had the sense to tell Harrison "no" when he asked me to get everyone air horns. Oy.

Later that night we went to the Hardys and partied it up with the Schillings by playing Quelf. Do you know that game? It was a blast. Tyce went to the 6-stake New Year's Eve dance and had a grand time, as usual. It was a fun night and a great way to bid farewell to another year!

May I speak? Permission granted. And all the brothers and sisters shouted, AMEN!

Last Day of 2011

2011-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve! My dad reminded me that today marks his parents' 90th wedding anniversary. Yes, 90th! If they were alive they would be 123 and 107 (I think). What a fun day to have gotten married. So glad my dad was born to them.

Today I'm taking the 3 younger kids to Chuck E. Cheese's, which we do every New Year's Eve. Bryce took Tyce snowboarding at Mt.Charleston along with Tyce's friend Zack. Later tonight we're going to a Hardy party, aka a get-together with Kim and Rex. Yay! And sometime in there I have to write a talk for tomorrow.

I saw the coolest idea for a New Year's Eve tree. After you take down your Christmas ornaments you redecorate with party hats, blowers, horns, and balloons. The balloons have fortunes and money inside, and everyone gets to pop one. I love it! But I still have my Christmas ornaments up and I'm totally running out of time. We shall see how much I can fit in today.

These critters are my joy and my distraction--finding it hard to get stuff done while they're home (but we're having fun).

This week we've been swimming twice, saw the movie Tintin, played with friends, and spent a lot of money running errands. My wallet will be glad when school starts.

Wishing you a wonderful, fun day as we end another year! Best wishes to you for renewed faith in a loving God, an eternal perspective and a positive outlook, and a belief that you can achieve whatever you desire in 2012.

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

Santa came, to the relief of the twins. He brought a remote-controlled airplane for Tyce, a Mario game for Mary, Pirates of the Caribbean action figures for Cam, and Legos for Harrison. What a nice guy!

After family prayer, the kids were seriously ready to head downstairs.

Santa didn't forget our little miss--she got a gingerbread girl in her stocking!

Cam and his new guys--he was happy.

Harrison got the Lego boat he'd wanted.

Mary liked the snowman snow globe in her stocking.

Yes indeed, it is the R/C airplane he'd been hinting at.

We went to church at 9:00 am, which I thought would be nigh unto impossible to pull off. But surprise, surprise--we were there EARLY, and I mean like 30 minutes early. Hello. It's amazing what a little preparation and getting up on time will do for punctuality. We had lovely musical numbers and I sang with the ward choir. When we came home this pretty scene awaited us:

How lovely!

Some kids changed back into pajamas while others kept their church clothes on. Tyce, Mary, and I kept on our finery. The other three crawled back into comfort.

I think it is so cute how Katie climbs on a dining chair and waits expectantly, as if eating off a plate is a regular occurrence. We all know she's just trying to scavenge leftover breakfast ham.

Tyce passed out the gifts.

Art supplies for Mary!

Part of a bigger gift, but a cheetah puzzle for Tyce!

Border collie book and calendar! Bryce also made me a blanket. When he's finished tying it I'll take a picture.

Expressive Mary! This was a look of disbelief and joy that I remembered what she really wanted.

Make your own lip balm!

Katie's first Christmas with us--she's the best present we could ask for!

Bryce loves his dog.

Harrison really wanted a volleyball.

Cam finally got his own basketball.

Tyce got the boys Lion King hats from when he saw the musical.

Giant sunglasses from Cam.

Hugs!

A Tony Hawk Wii game!

Cam loves to skateboard.

After presents we had a great afternoon playing together at home and at the park. The whole neighborhood was out and it was fun to see kids playing with new basketball hoops, throwing footballs, and riding bikes.

I am grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ and for the joy of Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

We had a nice candlelight dinner of ham, twice-baked potatoes with cheese, green onions and red peppers, AND roasted potatoes (for Bryce, whose excuse is "I'm English"), raspberry Jell-o, sparking cider and pies for dessert (which nobody ate but that's okay).

Mary did a great job! She set and decorated the table.

She used napkin rings for the first time; she said, "I had to roll up 4 or 5 to make them fit!" We do have cloth linens but they are obviously rarely used.

The family--aren't they cute!

We love opening Christmas crackers--Harrison was really hoping for a whoopie cushion as his prize. He got a mirror.

Everything seems magical by candlelight.

We watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas.

Love, love, love that DVD.

Bryce led our Christmas candlelight devotional.

Letting our Light shine through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And we all opened new Christmas pajamas from Grandma Judy and Grandpa Al! Bryce also got books for the kids: an Orson Scott Card graphic novel for Tyce, Phantom of the Opera for Mare (which she read in one night), and Shel Silverstein books for the twins.

Cameron (7), Harrison (7), Mary (almost 12), and Tyce (15).


This is their default pose.

Ready to head off to bed with good books.

Just Checking In

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Winter Break...kids home. But the best part so far was that my parents came to visit for five days! They got to see me sing in sacrament meeting and perform with Tyce in our community choir. I'm 37 years old and there's nothing that makes me more proud than to have my mom and dad smiling at me while I'm on stage. We also did some fun things out and about (which I will show you later) and played games. Ah, I wish we lived closer...after they leave Texas seems even farther away.

Today I'm attempting to bake again. I made one of my best recipes yesterday, sugar cookies, and because I was counting on them to turn out....they betrayed me. Thanks a lot, tough pale blobs. I think I mis-measured the flour or something. Today I'm making bar cookies only. I have faith and confidence that I will have little plates of treats to share by Christmas Eve.

Tomorrow I am having lunch with Jen and Rebecca S. because a girl's gotta have some time with her friends. Friday can't come soon enough, you know?

The twins have been kept in line by threats of ending up on the Naughty List. Thank goodness for that!

The Family Portrait

2011-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

The morning of the picture I was still stressing about the wardrobe. Then Mary decided to have an opinion and not wear the outfit I'd picked out for her. And Tyce begged to wear the blue shirt and vest instead of the white one with a tie. Luckily Bryce and the little boys still obey my costuming commands. I think you'll agree that in the end everyone looked great!

That's the one hanging on our wall. But here are some of the outtakes:

Cameron! What a face.


Oh Harrison.

I like these back-to-back photos. The boys are practically the same height--maybe only a quarter of an inch difference.

Handsome boys.

A similar picture was taken a few years back of Tyce and Mary--and they were almost the exact same height as well. Except that Tyce is nearly 4 years older than his little sis and and hated being mistaken for her twin!


Thank goodness for a growth spurt! But to be fair, Mary is very tall. At 11, she's taller than I am and I'm 5'4.

I love these individual pictures. These are my favorites (though there was so many good ones).


Tyce, age 15.


Mary Rachel, almost 12.


Cameron, age 7.


Harrison, age 7.

At the end of the photo session, Bryce asked the photographer to take one more picture--Cameron doing what he loves to do best.

Head spin!

Decking the Halls

2011-12-09T11:20:00.001-08:00

I am trying to focus on peace as December marches onward. I've done well, except for the insane amount of time I've obsessed about our family portrait wardrobe. What's that saying, the devil is in the details? Maybe. It will all be over tomorrow when--for better or worse--we will have our annual holiday picture.

Focusing on the positive, you know. Here are some things I like about Christmas.

Cute kids playing on the hearth.

The piano dressed up.

The tree in all her sparkly glory.

Giant-headed snowmen from Target for the boys.

Adorable red-scarfed penguin for the girl.

Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. I love this set. But the kids played with baby Jesus so much last year they broke off his head. I can't decide if it's disrespectful to still display this nativity or not?

Stockings for everyone, even the dog.

Mine and Bryce's favorite decoration, cut from our first tree as a family.

Reading special books at night.

Watching Christmas specials on TV! Though I was dismayed to discover Harrison does not like the classic claymation Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer.

I look forward to having my parents visit next week, getting the carpets cleaned (much needed), singing the Hallelujah chorus with Tyce's choir on stage at the high school, our HCA performance at church next Sunday night, wrapping gifts (or more specifically, being done with wrapping gifts), making treats, and all the other good things that happen at this--as Bing would say--the most wonderful time of the year.

Scenes from a Sunday

2011-11-30T12:03:00.001-08:00

Just chillin' on a beautiful day after church.

Tyce and Mary played a game together on the computer. Our neighbor Montana watched for a minute.

Harrison and Montana ate candy in Bryce's car!

Levi and Cam ran around outside--it was sad that Levi and Montana moved to North Dakota this week!

Katie and I--she'd rather be hunting rabbits.

Bryce and Harrison played a little baseball.

Bryce and I enjoyed the evening at the park.

Cameron robot-walked up the hill.

Later we put up part of the Christmas tree and then Tyce and I went to choir practice. It was so nice to have a relaxing day to enjoy being together!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T07:54:00.001-08:00

We have a few traditions around the holiday and our favorite is the Thanksgiving Tree. Mary gathers branches and I cut out leaves. For Family Home Evening that week each of us write things we're grateful for, from the big (family, the earth) to the small (candy, flushing toilets). What surprised me most was how excited the big kids were to write--they even needed more leaves--and to share what they'd written.

The tree--isn't it pretty?

Every single one of us wrote that we were thankful for Katie!

Every FHE someone cries. There's something about Monday nights--I don't know what it is but we can't get all of us happy at the same time.

Not even ice cream and a sisterly hug could console Harrison.

At least he knows he's loved.

Cameron and Mary made hand print turkeys--thank goodness those two were pleasant!

Another thing I like to do is make this trail mix. I gave each of my Seminary students a bag before Thanksgiving. We also played an M&M game in Seminary where each kid grabbed a handful of candy--but the more they took they had to participate! Each color represented a different category; they had to name something they were thankful based on the color. Red--a person or group, Blue--skill or talent, Yellow--item or thing, Green--something in nature, Brown--something related to the gospel, or Orange--free choice. It was a great activity.

The front.


The back, with the symbolic meanings of each item.

For Thanksgiving day we were invited to the Osbornes' giant family dinner at the church. Michele and Shane have 6 kids (including Ceara), lots of grandkids, and Michele's 4 sisters and their families.

Ceara and her mom, Michele. Love those gals!

There was tons and tons of delicious food. Harrison enjoyed sampling it all. It was a feast and we are grateful for good friends who invited us to share with them!

Grabbing a carrot.

Judy and Al came from Utah to join us!

After dinner there was lots of basketball and volleyball.

Every night Grandma Judy read a new book to the kids. This was a highlight of their days!

Captivated.

We also enjoyed playing PIT with spoons (!) and watching The Muppet Movie. Grandpa Al and Mary went rock hunting and found cool treasures.

We had a great weekend and and have so much to be thankful for. I hope I show my gratitude for my blessings because I know I have been given so very much.

My Favorite Brother

2011-11-23T08:07:00.001-08:00

Even if I had 10 of them I'm sure David would still be the best! I love when he comes to Las Vegas for a conference. Thank you, Brooklyn and the girls, for sharing him for an extra day!

On Saturday we went to Mission Hills park to play soccer. It was a gorgeous day.

Harrison showed David up the stairs.

And then Harrison entered . . . the TIME TUNNEL.

Mary and Bella insisted on playing barefoot!

David showed off his Pele-like skills he learned at his U of H soccer class. Nice!

Tyce really liked hanging out with his uncle.

Brother and sister--and friends!

We all loved spending time with him and are grateful he wanted to hang out with us! We love you, David!

A Dog's Prayer

2011-11-20T17:49:00.001-08:00

"Dear Lord, I thank thee for this lollipop . . . "

"I am grateful that I could unwrap it myself."

"I thank thee that it is delicious and pineapple-flavored . . . "

"and that no one is taking it away from me."

"Oh Lord, please bless that the kids will leave their Halloween candy out again. Amen."

Dinner with the Embletons; YA at Tuacahn

2011-11-16T10:07:00.001-08:00

We made the 2-hour drive to St. George to have an awesome night of family and friends! First we had dinner at Cracker Barrel with adorable newlyweds Alisha and Ben Embleton; you might remember we went to their wedding reception this summer. We had four people at each table--Tyce and Harrison were the lucky ones to sit with their cousins. Guess what's crazy: we also saw two different sets of friends there from home!

Bryce and Cameron puzzle over the cryptogram in the kids' coloring book.

At first Tyce wouldn't pose for the picture.

And then when he did, I cut off half his face. So sorry.

I enjoyed sitting by Mary.

Mary took this picture of her dad!

We stayed at the Crystal Inn. After dinner we got ready to see the Young Ambassadors perform at the outdoor theater, Tuacahn.

It was cold but the group was amazing, as hoped and expected. They did their show "Harmony: the Music of Life" which is uplifting and touching. Tyce learned several of the numbers when he went to YASE this summer.

Bryce got us perfect seats--three were on the 2nd row! Tyce couldn't stop himself from dancing in his seat.

Afterward the cast members mingled with the audience. Tyce was thrilled to see many of his mentors from camp this summer!

I was impressed that everybody remembered Tyce's name. This guy wasn't even his counselor and he knew exactly who Tyce was.

Tyce wanted to make sure he got meet to "the only black guy" on the stage. He was more than willing to chat with Tyce. Conlon did impressive backflips and HE was Harrison's favorite part of the whole show.

Cameron passed the time by chewing (and admiring) his 12-piece wad of gum.

This was Tyce's counselor, Brad. He seemed like a great guy and looked genuinely pleased to talk with Tyce after the performance.

This pretty lady is Jessica.


One of the best parts of the night was getting together with fellow YASE-goers, Conor and Aubree!

Tyce proclaimed to the world (via facebook) that this was officially the best night of his life, except for the YASE concert. I guess he has his dad to thank for arranging such a great experience, hm?

And it was a very enjoyable night for the rest of us as well. The next day Tyce and I went back home so Tyce could go to the stake dance that night; the rest of the family (even the dog!) went to Grandma Judy's and Grandpa Al's house until Sunday night.

Half of 42 is . . .

2011-11-14T20:46:00.001-08:00

A manageable Seminary class size. Thank you to the Powers That Be who let our class split--last week was the hardest week EVER. I got through probably 10 minutes of material in the 35 minutes I have to teach mostly because I had to wait, over and over, for different groups to stop talking. I'd been scheduling parents to come to class, to sit in the back and help with crowd control but I didn't do it on the 3-day week--and boy, did I pay for that. I came home those days feeling pretty bad.

Today they were great. I am sorry to lose half of the freshmen because I really, really do like them. But they'll be fine with their new teachers and I can do better by my 21 kids. Man, if I were Michelle Duggar I'd be taking all those kids home with me. That's quite a thought.

Tomorrow I'm teaching Exodus 20, about the 10 Commandments. So excited to teach them the visual I learned in Primary many moons ago as a child.

The visual.

We played Bingo again today. This time, instead of using dried black beans as markers (my biggest failure to date--the kids ended up throwing the beans when I wasn't looking and I even found out some boys took them to school and threw them there), I used Smarties. Then they just ate their markers after the game.

Okay, I'm ready for tomorrow and The Sing-Off is on. Like 5-part harmony, I'm gonna split.

We Love Harrison

2011-11-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

In Family Home Evening we sometimes watch youth videos on lds.org. They are interesting and short--two must-have qualities at our house. Harrison likes them all but is fascinated with the one called "The Sting of the Scorpion", which is about the speaker when he was a 7-year-old boy. He has watched that one at least dozen times.

That night Bryce said, "Harrison, you really like those videos, don't you?"

He said, "Yeah, I do. But you know what, Dad? It's not the videos I like--it's the Spirit."

How awesome is that that a 1st grader feels and recognizes those tender feelings? Harrison was a great example to me that night. I challenged my Seminary class to become as a little child--as MY little child--and to be receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

Love Language

2011-11-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

In the Marriage and Family Relations Sunday School class on Sunday, the McDonalds handed out an assessment. It was to determine which of the five "love languages" we use to express and interpret love.

Of the countless ways we can show love to one another, five key categories, or five love languages, proved to be universal and comprehensive—everyone has a love language, and we all identify primarily with one of the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

Bryce was home with a sick child. I took the quiz and then came home to tell him about it. However, we got interrupted and so I told him he'd have to guess what my love language was.

Anyway, today he sent me a text that said, "You are superwoman and I love you". I called him later and said, "Thanks for that text! I suppose I should tell you that you have figured out my love language, which is Words of Affirmation. Good job."

Bryce said, "What? Sorry, I wasn't listening."

And then he laughed and laughed. Oh boy, he thinks he's funny.

Tyce is Nice

2011-10-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bryce relayed this sweet story to me.

On Friday while I was at Mary's salon appointment Bryce and the three boys went to Food 4 Less. They picked up manly food staples such as chips, salsa, and nacho cheese in a can. As they put their stuff on the belt they saw a lady ready to bag her groceries--the most groceries they'd ever seen anyone get at one time. The woman looked like she'd had a rough day. And with a daunting task in front of her (you bag your own stuff at this store) it wasn't likely to improve.

Tyce looked at his dad and smiled. Then without saying a word, he went over to her lane. He scooped up her items and loaded them into sacks. Then he put the bags into her cart.

Bryce said that the woman looked shocked that someone would help her like that, and he could tell that she was really touched. She thanked Tyce and was really grateful. She offered him money for his service; he declined but she insisted. So he took the $3 . . . but when she wasn't looking he slipped it back into one of the grocery bags.

Harrison said to Bryce, "That was so nice of Tyce. If he was at my school he would definitely earn a 'Be Kind' bracelet."

For being a good example to his brothers and letting his light shine for others, I am really proud of this kid. We love you, Tyce!

Trunk-or-Treat

2011-10-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

Let the candy-gathering begin! Trunk-or-Treating at the church on Friday, and then Halloween night on Monday.

He "vants" to suck your blood.

But he'll give you a hug if you ask nicely.

He also "vants" to suck your blood.

And he has the hillbilly vampire teeth to do it!

Tyce's cool "costume" was courtesy of Aunt Betsie and Uncle Andy.

Flip the shirt up, and . . . Holy zombie apocalypse! Run!

Get ready to bow to this beautiful Egyptian queen.

Cross her once and she'll send you to the Underworld.

Some of the girls: Taya, Reahna, Sara, Mary, Bella, and Bella's cousins Haley and Chloe.

This was mostly an excuse to show you our kids' cute costumes. I can't say that Trunk-or-Treating was a red-letter event but we did talk to some nice people and see some cute (and some terrifying) kids.

Later that night Tyce had a get-together with Spencer, Zack, David, and girls from Green Valley, Jasmine and Amber.

Trip to Venice! Buon Viaggio!

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

At the library Harrison checked out "Olivia goes to Venice" by Ian Falconer. Do you know Olivia? She's a very energetic, precocious, strong-willed little pig. On her latest adventure she traveled to that many-canal'd city. It was a cute story and both boys loved it.

The next day Harrison said, "Guess what, Mom. Dad told me you've been to Venus!"

No my child, it only seems that way.

I've not traveled outside Earth's orbit, but I have been to Italy.

The kids have a 4-day weekend in honor of Nevada Day, and Bryce grandly offered to take us to the City of Lights, the City of Water--to Venice.

But instead of Venice, Italy (which would be too crowded this time of year with Carnivale anyway)--we went to the Venetian in Las Vegas. As The King would say after a pizza Margherita, Viva il Venezia!

Two things the boys wanted to do were ride in a gondola and eat gelato. Everyone was cool with that.

The kids were fascinated by watching the gondoliers.

It was nice to have Miss Bella along for Mary. Living in a world of brothers, she likes to bring a substitute sister along whenever she can!

The gondolier told the kids to keep their hands in the boat. He jokingly said he'd count their fingers at the end to make sure they hadn't lost any. I sat by Cam, who was very serious and solemn about the threat of losing a digit.

Our gondolier had an Italian accent and he was a lot of fun! He belted out "Santa Lucia" pretty convincingly.

Tyce and the girls had their own gondola with a female gondolier.

At the end of the ride she held her hand out to Tyce first and he stood up. She said, "You failed! Ladies first!" and the other gondoliers teased, "Oh man, you got owned."

The shops were decorated so gorgeously for fall.

The picture doesn't do it justice but these vines were breathtaking.

We traveled by foot to the Piazza San Marco. It looked quite authentic except it was way too clean, way too small, and way too restauranty. But the most telling thing of all--no pigeons. (And thank goodness for that.)

We got there just in time to watch an opera buffa, which I loved. I am serious...I want to be a street performer. Hello, look at those costumes! And look at that teeny stage! Who wouldn't want to hang out with jugglers and stilt-walkers while singing your heart out?

The kids got gelato during the show: their choices were, starting with Cam: spumoni, blood orange (my fave), spumoni again, cherry (super delish), and mint chocolate chip.

Mary and Bella paid a buck and posed with the living statue! During this photo Cameron yelled, "I'm going to steal your $20!" to see if he could spur the statue into motion. (Scaring the statue: FAIL. Humiliating the parent: WIN.)

When I'm a street performer, this will be my business casual.

Pumpkin carvers attracted huge crowds. Their work was amazing.

Ugh, how creepy and talented is that?

The moving sidewalks through Madame Tussaud's wax museum--the girls just wanted to ride.

Poor Bella, she almost lost her head. Mwahahaha.

Bella took this gem of a picture.

Later we ate at the Grand Lux Cafe. The kids got to play with Wikki Stix, the greatest waiting-for-dinner activity ever created.

So it was a nice quick trip. We would have loved to have stayed, but as I learned in my own travels to Lo Stivale ("the boot") so many years ago...you can leave Venice but a little piece of Venice will always stay with you!

Pumpkin Guts, Pumpkin Brains

2011-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Oh, the squishy joy of digging in there. Thank goodness for Monday night Family Home Evenings or I don't know when we'd ever fit in the fun. (Not sarcasm.)

This is the first year that the boys could do a lot of the work themselves.

Bella came over. As you can see, these girls are two peas in a pod.

"The brains! Must eat more braaaaaains!"

Tyce was intent. And if I'm honest, intent mostly on avoiding getting his picture taken.


The kids' spooky faces as they pose by their frightening creations!

It would be miracle if the jack-o-lantern's lasted a week until Halloween night, but we'll enjoy them as long as we can. We sure do love these fun-loving kids!

That Awkward Moment

2011-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Bryce drives Mary to school. One morning as she exited the car Bryce called out, "Have a great day, beautiful!" She gave him a friendly wave. Later that night she sat at the kitchen table coloring. Bryce said, "I love you, Mary."

She put down her crayon and said, eyebrow raised, "Dad, I wish you would stop saying these things at such inconvenient times."

"You mean like this morning, when I called out to you in front of your friends?"

"No, I mean like now when I'm sitting here just minding my own business."

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

2011-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Suddenly scenes from my life--snippets, really--are flashing across the screen of my mind. That friend who needed my shoulder to cry on. That book I read. That class I attended. That phone call I made. That family with the problems. Such random things, and yet they fit together now in a most unsettling epiphany. Maybe the people and things in my life have given me what I need to get through this.

Ohhhhhhh my word.

Sometimes when you get news--it's all you can do keep going.

God give us the strength to travel the rocky path ahead.

The Twins' 7th Birthday!

2011-10-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

I told the boys I'd let them have a friend party this year. However, I have yet to plan the thing, and their birthday was September 3rd. Lame, I know. I thought I'd write about their big day after we'd had the big party, but since that hasn't happened yet . . . well, I just need to get on it.

So their birthday was on a Saturday and Cameron and Harrison were so excited to go on a treasure hunt for their first present. We drove to Donna's house, where a surprise awaited them!

Ringing the doorbell. The suspense!

Just inside the door--brand new bikes!

They were definitely due for updated vehicles.

They were pretty anxious to get on and ride!

Tyce rode with the boys all the way back to our house!

We followed along in the car for a bit. Amazing how some people can ride and pose at the same time.

Going down Burkholder on a gorgeous day. . . you can even see the Strip from here. Thank you so much, Donna, for harboring the bikes until the big reveal!

Later they opened their other gifts.

New shirts from Grandpa Al (who spent the weekend with us), and Grandma Judy.


Their "birthday cake"--during our family party the missionaries showed up and got a cool treat. Perfect timing for them!

While the men watched the BYU game I took Cameron and Harrison swimming and diving at the indoor pool. That night they were scheduled to go to Chuck E. Cheese's with their friend Johnathan (who shares the exact same birthday) but their family had an emergency room visit and couldn't make it. So we had a movie night and called it good. Maybe it was all the excitement but the boys were exhausted by 7 pm.

We love Cameron and Harrison and are so grateful for them. What would life be without these twin boys? Less interesting, less joyful, and less fun, that's for sure. Their different personalities and their super-tight bond make me wish I were a twin myself. I love being a mom to two terrific boys! I hope this will be a great year for them both. We love our Cammer Jammer and Scary Harry!

Birthday lunch at school with Harrison, Emily, and Cameron, super-cute 1st graders.

Doggie Swim Day

2011-10-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

The outdoor pools close after Labor Day but in one last hoorah to summer, Black Mountain hosts a swimming day for dogs!

Katie was not a fan of swimming.


She preferred to take shelter under tables and between my legs.

But she was fine away from the pool. Mary and Katie won 2nd place in a dog-and-owner look alike contest!

They liked playing with their new squeaky toy. All the other dogs liked it, too.

The lighting was lovely on this one.

Katie even got samples of dog treats.

Smooches!

Many dogs actually had fun racing and chasing in the water! They were fun to watch.

Two beautiful girls, wouldn't you say?

My camera battery died before Bella and her adorable dog got there, but here's a picture of cute Cosmo. He and Katie are best friends and loved being together at the pool!

All Manner of -Ites

2011-10-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Glory be, we have cute kids. Life would not be the same without the funny things they say.

When we were a the Hardys' last week Kim showed me her newest yard sale finds--four tall chairs. She wanted to use them as barstools but wasn't sure they'd work. Harrison exclaimed, "Pupite chairs! They have pupite chairs! Pupite!" As you can imagine I was horribly confused.

"Like ours, Mom. Our new tall table Dad bought from that guy? We have tall chairs like these."

Of course it made perfect sense then: PUB HEIGHT. We just bought a pub-height kitchen table and chairs off of craigslist. And yes, Kim's chairs were the same size.

There's something about that fake word that makes it run through my head when I'm not thinking of anything else.

"Pupite! Pupite!"

The Least of My Worries

2011-10-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

The dishwasher is still not fixed. Can you believe it's been so long? Seriously, this has been going on for over 3 weeks. The old-guy repairman came twice and it seemed like he didn't know much about dishwashers. Bryce said the second time he started mashing buttons on the control panel and said, "I have a feeling it's going to work. Let's just run a cycle and see. Gotta go." Okay....bye. And thanks for not fixing anything? See you in another 2 weeks, or however long it takes you to get back out here.

But now something good. I volunteered in Cam's class yesterday. What cute kids--seriously adorable. There's a girl I have my eye on for Cam, fast-forward 20 years. I got to help make applesauce in Harrison's class last week and it was a blast. I'm so glad I can be part of these little boys' school days a few times a month.

Have you watched the show "The Sing-Off"? It is our new favorite. I don't know how the judges can possibly narrow it down to one winner--those groups are amazing. But we are rooting for Vocal Point from BYU--one of Bryce's best friends (Shaun Koldewyn) was one of the early members of the group in the mid-90s. He wrote and is the bass voice (the wolf) on The Three Little Pigs Rap. Love that song, love Shaun, miss him every time we hear old school Vocal Point. It's hard to believe he's been gone almost 10 years.

Now I've got to take Tyce to a practice. Mary has an appointment right after school, then the boys need to get picked up. Run run run, but it's good.

Today Was a Hard Day.

2011-10-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years. ~Author Unknown

To young people (particularly my own): Your parents are on your side. They really are. They love you through good times and bad, and they will never stop.

Colt of the Month!

2011-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

"For being a good friend and a good helper" . . . our Cammer Jammer was chosen to be his class's Colt of the Month!

I was so proud of him when I found out. "When is the ceremony?" I asked.

"Oh. I forgot to tell you. It was today," Cameron replied. "Sister King and Sister Hafen were there, though. They were nice to me and Sister Hafen took pictures."

Well, thank heaven for friends who love my kids and pitch in when I'm out of the loop. Seriously grateful for awesome people like Shannon and Danette.

Cameron and his certificate.


Cameron with Kyle H. and Tommy K., fellow 1st grade Colts of the Month!

I found his invitation the next day, in a pocket of his backpack! Oh man, I wish I had been there. It's always nice to see your children recognized for the good things they do. I sure am proud of Cameron--he's truly a great kid and we all just love him to pieces! Way to go, Cam!

******

In other news, I enjoyed the Saturday session of General Conference. If you saw it . . . how adorable was President Monson? I think he's turning into quite the comedian. I also enjoyed President Packer because it was to the youth (and very good), and Elder Scott because he talked about his love for the scriptures (and he referenced many Old Testament verses).

Also, our dishwasher's been broken for a week and the repair guy must be making money hand over fist, because he's in no hurry to get to our problem. Feel sorry for me, because I have had to do dishes . . . by HAND . . . for like 9 days. Actually, I will confess that I did about 5 days worth of dishes today. And Bryce did about 4 days worth, so maybe we've only had an empty sink twice. I kept waiting for the guy to come! Hello. I'm a modern girl suffering through these primitive conditions, but as I learned in Conference today: I must--and I will--endure.

A Moment Between a Brother and a Sister

2011-09-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tyce asked me to drop something off to him after an after-school practice. I had Mary with me, and she was amenable to making one more stop before going home. I thought it would be nice for her to be the one to make the hand-off and she was shy but willing. She got out of the car and started walking towards the choir room. Tyce met her half way and enveloped her in giant bear hug.

Finally they separated and Tyce waved a "thank you" to me. As Mary walked back to the car I could tell she was surprised by what had just happened.

Buckling her seat belt, she looked at me and said, "I suppose you think that looked very sweet, don't you. What you couldn't tell is that he practically squeezed my guts out." But she couldn't stop herself from smiling.

The love language of siblings: there's not much higher than a gut-crushing bear hug.


Remember this from Christmas Eve? It's a classic.

Surreal

2011-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

When we pick up one end of the stick, we pick up the other . . .

Today is a hard day. Funny how the things you dread, when they happen . . . it's like watching a scene from a movie. You'd think it would feel more intense.

Tough love is a hard thing.

Tales from the Bus

2011-09-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mary said, "Mom, guess what I learned from the boys on the bus."

Oh gravy, I can only imagine. "What's that?" I asked.

"I learned three ways a paper clip can maim and ten ways a math book can kill a person," she reported, half disgusted and half impressed.

I know it's bad but all I could think was Thank goodness that's all you learned.

Miss Mary at Lake Mead.

Classroom Management

2011-09-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

I really love my Seminary class, each and every person. I love getting to know each student better and I appreciate their different personalities, interests, and contributions to our discussions. Like I've said, Sister Bindrup and I truly have some of the best youth in the stake. However . . . the class is unmanageably large. Forty kids is too many, sorry, I'm just going to say it.

I've heard people say, Yes, but the numbers will get smaller as the year goes on. I would counter with this: Which students do you hope stop coming? Which ones deserve to fall by the wayside? Which ones don't need rescuing? We want them all, plus more. But it seems incongruent to encourage our students to invite their friends when we hardly have room or resources to handle the number of those who already come to class.

I am really passionate about reaching "the one". I feel that it's vital to people--young people, especially--to feel loved. With our current class size, that's hard. We're not strengthening the most motivated ones, and we certainly aren't reaching the struggling ones. Perhaps my main issues are with classroom management--I have room for improvement there. (Today the kids were mostly attentive but extremely chatty. And I noticed as I walked around that some kids didn't even have their scriptures out. It's too easy to hide in a very large group like that.) But what I really want is the kids to learn, to enjoy the scriptures, and feel the joy that comes from studying and applying gospel principles in their lives.

I'm not one to complain (other than to my husband or to you) but I might really push for a class split. I would much rather lose 20 kids but know they are well-cared for by another set of teachers than lose 20 students in my own class to disinterest and unmet needs.

Better Busy than Dead

2011-09-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

4:58 a.m. Send text to Rebecca S. saying Tyce has volleyball right after school and I won't be driving Spencer home.

5:00 a.m. Speed-shower for the day.

5:59 a.m. Leave for Seminary inservice (5 minutes late).

7:20 a.m. Remember I have Mary's binders in my minivan; ditch after-meeting conversation to meet Bryce and Mary (and the twins) at the junior high in the nick of time.

7:35 a.m. Help finish twins' homework (confession: I drew a picture with my left hand on Harrison's reading log under the prompt "Draw a new cover for your favorite book"). Make breakfast. Give meds. Shower and dress boys. Supervise teeth-brushing. Write excused absence notes. Let them buy school lunch.

8:55 a.m. Find a place to park at school, just in time for Friday's flag ceremony. Walk boys to their classes. Success!

9:15 a.m. Arrive home, pet the dog, check Facebook.

9:55 a.m. Put leash on the dog for her salon appointment (5 minutes late).

10:30 a.m. Pick up dog (looking good after her "pawdicure"), go to Fresh 'n Easy. Park in shade.

10:39 a.m. Drive home with ingredients for a really good salad.

11:00 a.m. Put stuff away, survey the house. It looks like a tornado came through. Should I get to cleaning? Of course. Will I? Hm, maybe. I have a book I'm trying to read ("Stone Tables" by Orson Scott Card) that is calling my name.

Later the kids will come home and tonight is Basic's Homecoming game against Coronado. I can only imagine how jazzed those high-schoolers are today.

Oh man, it's not even noon and this has already been a long day.

“My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.” -- Erma Bombeck

Oh Erma, we have a lot in common.

The Best Laid Plans

2011-09-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

1. Yesterday Cam and Harrison were prescribed Z-packs, steroids, and cough syrup for their wicked sickness. The pharmacy guy asked me if I wanted the medicines flavored, because some of them were known to taste pretty bad. I asked the boys and they were excited by the menu of fruity choices; they chose watermelon, sour apple, bubble gum, and orange twirl. I joked that I felt like we were ordering slushes at Sonic.

I don't know what the original tastes would have been, but the flavored meds were horrible (especially the sour apple!). Poor Harrison suffered through his and then rinsed his mouth out repeatedly.

2. Carmen and I finally got together to work out at my house to P90X. We had Carmen's girls, my boys (for just today) and right as we got into it . . . Mary's school called. She was throwing up in the nurse's office. I left Carmen with four kids and a dog while I retrieved my sickie. I feel like I hardly worked out at all! And poor Mary, who did such a good job of getting ready on time and looking nice, only made it through a quarter of the school day.

3. Speaking of school, Tyce handed me his picture order sheet this week. But he went to school today without any money--I never even saw him. Good thing we're getting family pictures (and individual pictures) soon but I feel bad that I dropped the ball on this.

Sometimes it seems like the harder I try the crazier things turn out.

Manipulation

2011-09-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

One day the doorbell rang and my little kids scrambled to answer it. "Mom! It's for you!" they cried as they pushed and shoved each other for the best view of the visitor. I thrust my leg across the threshold to keep my puppy-like preschoolers from escaping. On my porch was a very handsome young black man, selling a cleaning product.

"Really? Another salesperson?" I inwardly groaned. I had a NO SOLICITORS sign up once but it had disappeared. I had my rejection speech down as pat as any salesperson's pitch: "Nothankyounotinterestedgoodbye" as I shut the door. I'd done it dozens of times.

But this guy threw me off my game. He completely charmed me, mesmerized me, and put me under his spell. I don't even know how it happened. He complimented me and I fell for his lines. He spun his sales pitch like it was written for me, with clever rhymes and polished cadence. Before I knew it I had bought his magical cleaning supplies. I hated myself while I wrote the check--for $100!--but I couldn't stop it. I knew there was nothing special about those chemicals but yet I was compelled to buy three bottles.

He left and I shut the door. I looked at the name of the product on the bottles, Avantage . . . and realized I'd bought cleaner from a company that couldn't even spell a real word. A one hundred dollar mistake? What a fool I was! I hid the bottles and tried to hide my shame along with them. I made a new NO SOLICITORS sign and slapped it on my door. Don't come around and sell your snake oil to me again! I'm on to you!

Sometimes I've been charmed; sometimes I've been intimidated. After I'd graduated from college I needed a job; one morning I searched through the newspaper's classifieds. I called on one that was vague but intriguing. I spoke with a young professional man who used terms like "self-starter" "immediate growth" and all the other buzz-words that surround multi-level marketing. There was also travel involved, and we only had one car. I was turned off by his attitude and knew this wasn't the job for me. He was persistent, strong-arming me to bring my husband to an informational meeting. Trying to be diplomatic I said, "I will have to ask my husband about it." The interviewer snidely asked, "You have to ask your husband for permission to get a job?" That did it! I hate confrontation and I sure wasn't going to cave in to a bully. I hung up without another word.

And I thought I'd wised up. I certainly haven't bought anything like that again I haven't taken a job I didn't want. Perhaps because I've become more savvy in that department, I thought I was doing well, perhaps immune to manipulation. Well, if I had no children I might still pat myself on the back. Kids are the ultimate salespeople, the ultimate charmers. I can't tell you the number of times I've bought into a plan, idea, or excuse that when I explain it to Bryce, it dawns on me: I've been played like a fiddle.

Sometimes it's done in a positive way: offering to help me, distracting me with a story from school. Other times it's done negatively: guilting me into helping/doing/enabling, or going for my personal jugular (like the one night a child told me that God didn't want me to have kids because I would have been--and am--a terrible, uncaring, lazy mother). And other times I don't even realize it's going on at all. There have been two times when professionals have proffered that *I* wasn't really running the show at our house. At first I scoffed, because, hello, I'm the mother, I'm the boss. But when you weigh the facts and evidence there's a lot to support the claim that there are certain things I'm not in control of at all. Somewhere along the line, slowly, I have bought hundreds of proverbial $100 cleaners--for the sole reason that I am charmed by the seller. And sometimes, wanting to avoid a fight.

The thing is, I love my kids so much that I want to help. Do things. Etc.

Now that I know what's going on and want to change it . . . oh boy, it's not going to be an easy road. I read a really good article that make me feel like the author has been spying on our household. But it is what it is . . . all we can do is move forward and try our best.

Today

2011-09-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

This week it rained so hard the twins wondered if they would cancel school. They aren't used to thunderstorms--to them it felt like what they see on TV, a natural disaster. They were happy to wear hooded jackets and "accidentally" step in puddles going from car to building, though. I feel sorry for those poor teachers who had to deal with the excited and soggy kids!

Yesterday I brought Katie to meet Mary as she came off the bus. It was a gorgeous, cool afternoon. How nice it will be to have that fall weather on a regular basis (eventually--I know we have triple digits coming again).

I got to eat lunch with Bryce today. We have been coming and going in opposite directions and so I met him by his office at a Halal kabob place. I parked by his building and then we walked over together . . . it reminded me of our vacation to NYC. The traffic, the cigarette smoke, and the many different food smells blended together to transport me to my happy place. Or maybe it was just walking with my honey down a crowded street?

We saw this guy:

or a guy wearing this costume, holding a sign for apartment renting. Anyone swayed by Stewie Griffin is not someone I'd ever want to be neighbors with.

Now I'm off to take Tyce to volleyball. Then Mary will come home, then I get the twins, then dinner....this is the price I pay for free time.

(But it's worth it.)

First Days of Seminary

2011-09-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

I really look up to my team-teacher, Sister Bindrup. I don't know how I always get the awesome partners! We set up in the Primary room, expecting about 25 kids. Imagine our surprise when we had 39 show up! That's 39 *freshmen*. The next day we had even more. They were extremely quiet--a little awkwardly so--but I'd take that any day over the rowdiness and insanity of my sophomore class last year. (It's crazy how much I still love those kids--man, that was a rough initiation to teaching.) Today the freshmen participated more and are still well-mannered. No one talks over me or texts or snores through class, as far as I can tell. I think it must be a really great group of kids. I know several of them--maybe half--and they are some of the sharpest kids in the stake. I look forward to getting to know the rest of them, to mold them and bend them to my will. Just kidding.

I have slept, hm, not-at-all these past two days. I just sort of napped at night, skimming over the top of real, deep sleep. I tossed and turned, worried I'd forget to get up, churning over the lesson, rearranging the classroom, etc. Ugh. It's a wonder I can function today. I even dreamed that I was out of town and didn't have to teach today at all--I was surprised to wake up to find that I was in my own bed with my cell phone's alarm ringtone playing at 5:00 a.m. Once I get up I am happy to go.

Did you know that the word "testament" can also be translated as "covenant?" And doesn't that make perfect sense, that the Old Testament was before Christ's coming and the people lived the Law of Moses (their covenant) and that the New Testament is about Christ's mortal ministry, Atonement, and the church thereafter (fulfilling prophesy as the Messiah and thus doing away with the preparatory law, the Law of Moses--thereby ushering in the new covenant)?

One thing I love about our class this year is that Sister Bindrup divided the kids into four Zones with a Zone Leader for each. This week Zone 1 is in charge of getting the prayers, music, devotional, etc. I love that the Zone Leader welcomes and conducts the opening exercises. Our first devotional was first-rate, exactly the kind of devotional other kids can use as an example. Good job, Zach King! I am constantly impressed with the awesomeness of young people. I'm really glad to be teaching Seminary with a great class again this year.

Joy

2011-09-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today when Mary came home I had a good snack waiting for her of pretzels, strawberries, and lemonade. She gladly sat down and did her homework, chatted about her day (a girl wore a bikini under a see-through shirt! Dad made her a crazy lunch! The computer teacher made a funny joke!) while I chopped tomatoes and peppers for salsa. It was so nice and so peaceful, the two of us alone, together. It was a moment in time that will be etched in my mind and heart for a long time--validation and reward for being at home, when so often it seems that there is no benefit. (No immediate benefit, I mean. No one's complimenting my homemaking skills or praising my service as a chauffeur or therapist.) But today--I am so glad to have been there at the crossroads. It was a lovely feeling to spend time with my beautiful daughter. Today I felt that true joy in motherhood that we talk about but rarely have the luxury of feeling. What a nice gift that was!

Slightly Racist, But Sweet

2011-09-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today at church one of the elderly ladies, known for her colorful personality, stopped Bryce in the hallway.

"I want you to know that I really admire you," she said. "You adopted all those children . . . from another race," she whispered. "I could never have done that." She shook her head.

"That oldest one, I told him he's an example to the others. He's probably got more brains than Obama." Then she patted Bryce's arm and was on her way to class.

So Far, So Good

2011-09-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

The first week of school was pretty good for the kids. And since everyone's gone all day, pretty good for me. Wocka wocka.

Tyce has a heavy course load this year with geometry, chemistry, English, world history, ROTC, and choir. Seminary starts next week. He is one of the managers for the freshman girls' volleyball team, which means he goes to practices and games and keeps statistics. I think he helps with set-up and take-down also. He ordered a hat before school started and it still hasn't come. Everyday he runs to the mailbox, poor guy. Bryce let him pull the minivan into the garage last night--can you imagine that in a year he'll be able to drive for real?

Mary seems to be doing fine in junior high. She's in all honors classes (called accelerated) and her elective is Art. She takes school seriously and does "homework" even when she doesn't have any. One afternoon Sara came over and Mary was drilling her on math facts, and states and capitals. I asked how Sara liked that activity and she said, "She wasn't into it at first but when she found out she'd made an 80% she was happy." Probably happy to be done!

You will be happy to know that she's gotten up every single day without a problem. Believe me, I'm as shocked as you are. I think some of it is excitement, and some of it is fear. She has the notion that if she's tardy they will publicly humiliate her over the announcements. I hope she never figures out that's not the case. As far as absences . . . either we or the school have sufficiently scared her into regular attendance. It's only been one week though so we will see.

Cameron is such an easy-going fellow. I showed him where to line up that first day and he's gone happily by himself each day after. He knows a lot of kids from last year, many of whom were in Harrison's class. His first day he told me how much he enjoyed "P.T." I asked what that was--he told me about the running after beanbags game. It was then that I realized he meant P.E. and not P.T.--Physical Training--which is what Tyce has in ROTC! I am really happy that he is loving the 1st grade.

Harrison is our sensitive kid. Change is hard for him. He's gone to school just fine but really wants me there, standing by him, until the last possible second. He death-grips my hand until his teacher gives the signal to march into the building; then he lets go and soldiers on. He is the personification of my own generalized anxiety. My heart goes out to him because I know how he feels. He dislikes the parts of school that most kids like best--lunch and recess--because there are too many variables, too many "what-ifs". The last thing he wants is to be confused or embarrassed. Cameron wanted school lunch today because it's pizza day--and although Harrison initially wanted it too he couldn't bring himself to go through with it. The line, where to go, how to pay...it's too scary for now. So I packed a sandwich and an orange in his lunchbox. I know he'll feel comfortable soon because he has really great kids in his class, and a super awesome teacher. But for now it's so poignant to see him deal with and work through his issues; I am proud of how well he's doing.

I am eating lunch with the boys at school today because TOMORROW IS THEIR BIRTHDAY! They will be 7 and they are sooooo excited about that. Don't tell anyone but they are getting new bikes for their big day. Next week (or the week after that) we'll have a friends party at the park. As an added bonus their special day is over a 3-day weekend (Labor Day) which means that Grandpa Al is coming to visit! I'm sure it's just to see the boys and has nothing to do with the the first BYU game of the season! (Go Cougars!)

(And then Tuesday is my first day of Seminary. I am alternately pumped up and terrified to teach those kids.)

The First Day

2011-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the big day! Everyone seemed to do just fine. I've taken one full-body shot and one close-up so you can see how cute these school-goers are.

Mary before her first day of 6th grade. I love the outfit she chose.

After school she didn't have a lot to report-- but she was happy.

Cameron and Harrison on the first day of 1st grade--I love everything about this picture, from their cute shoes to their lunch bags.

Harrison liked many things about his class but had some nervousness about going back the next day. He likes to be in control, and being new at something is always hard for him. But he did great. His teacher is Mrs. Centeno.

Cameron loved everything about school and kept saying, "I had a great day!" He sat by Harrison at lunch. His teacher is Miss Eccles.

Tyce on his first day of 10th grade. Check out his shoes!

For him it was a giant social reunion of all his friends. He had a blast. Now if he would apply his passion for people to academic subjects, he would be a straight-A student. (Which, by the way, he is completely capable of being.)


Our Family Home Evening treat!

Bryce gave each child a blessing for FHE and I think the kids are set for a really great year.

Last Tribute to Summer Before School Starts

2011-08-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

For all of my complaining that August would be longest month ever....it flew by. School starts Monday and I'm not sure the kids are really ready. What do the boys need for 1st grade? Where's the list we always get with their class assignments? I just guessed and bought a bunch of everything--crayons and glue sticks. Pencils and folders. Kleenex and Handi-Wipes. I did a more sophisticated gathering for the big kids...I'm assuming they have enough stuff to get them through the first day. Wal-Mart, get ready: You will be seeing the Jones family on Monday afternoon, scrambling for whatever it is that teachers want their students to have (but couldn't tell them about before the first day).

Soon summer will be but a distant memory. Here are a few more pictures from the past two months.

Grandma Judy's whiteboard, meticulously colored by Kess and Mary for Bryce's 40th birthday! It's a picture of a scene from Mario Kart--Bryce's favorite car (super blooper), favorite character (Waluigi), and favorite track (Delfino Square). They spent a long time creating this and Bryce loved it.

Close-up. There are other favorite courses named: Dry Dry Ruins, Mushroom Gorge, Peach Gardens, and Coconut Mall. Three lovely ladies are swooning over Waluigi!

If you remember, we went to the Bombay House in Provo before seeing Tyce's YASE performance. What better place is there to celebrate your birthday? Thank you to Bryce's parents for treating us to a delicious meal!

Mary had her 6th grade orientation at Brown. I struck up a conversation with the guidance counselor and Mary groaned that I was embarrassing her by being too bubbly.


Our 16th anniversary dinner, at the Italian restaurant Luna Rossa in Lake Las Vegas. It was late and we were melting from the heat.

I spent an afternoon taking pictures of our family's cool moves on the diving boards. Harrison did a twisty jump.

Cameron's front flip.

Tyce and his "Geronimo!" jump.

Mary's pike jump.

Harrison!

Cameron!

Tyce!

Mary!

Tyce flipping on the low dive while Mary rainbow dives off the high dive!

Bryce did tons of flips and dives too, and the kids were delighted to have him swim with them!

My gorgeous anniversary flowers.

Our amazing dog Katie and her volleyball. (She doesn't play, she just chews.)

Montana, Harrison, Levi, and Cameron built this cool block tower. These are the cute neighbor kids we take to church.

Also, Tyce and Bryce and the Young Men just got back today from an awesomely awesome leadership retreat in Brian Head (Utah). They stayed in Brother Anderson's family cabin (which was bigger and nicer than our house). A highlight of the trip was the 12-mile bike ride from Brian Head peak.

The view from the peak.

Where they started.


It was a super rough ride in many places and all the boys and leaders biffed it at least once--but no one was seriously injured.

So how's that for a hodge podge of pictures? Kind of makes you wish I had more, doesn't it?

Farewell, summer . . . until we meet again next year!

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

2011-08-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Mary has always had a hard time going to bed at normal hours and waking up at normal hours but it has gotten exponentially worse in the last year. It was so bad that we took every light bulb from her room so she couldn't stay up reading or cleaning or drawing all night--she would even set up camp in her walk-in closet and shut the door! The next morning we'd find her curled up amidst art supplies, books, and cereal, dead to the world.

Even if we send her to bed at 9 or 10, even without lights, without distractions....she won't fall asleep for hours. She'll sing, she'll make up stories, she'll be hungry and get a snack. In the morning it is an hour-long process (or more) to wake her up. We've tried alarm clocks but she sleeps though the noise (though no one else does). I have shake her, talk to her, shake her again, talk to her again....sometimes I think she's responding to me but then she'll say something like, "Okay, I just have to finish the last lap in MarioKart" or "The boy said to take the fish back" and I'll be like, Really? All this time I've been here you've been dreaming?

Then when I turn up the heat, she gets angry and yells for me to leave her alone. So then I back off and try again, nicely, usually with the dog (because she won't yell at the dog). That usually wakes her up, but I have to stay with her until she puts her feet on the floor and actually stands up. Even if I'm certain she'd lucid and awake, if I leave she'll go back to sleep. I don't know how many times I've been incensed to discover her sleeping when I thought she would be walking out the door.

Left to her own will, she'd got to sleep around 2 a.m. and wake up around noon. Sometimes even later.

She's not lazy; in fact, she is quite productive during the hours most people are asleep. Obviously the world does not accommodate or accept that time shift in children; kids are expected to be at school bright and early (and parents want to get to bed). It was this discord that led me to do some online research, and I think I hit the nail on the head with this: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS).

Delayed Sleep-Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which the individual's internal body clock is delayed with respect to the typical sleep at night, rise in the morning pattern of most adults. Such people are sometimes called "night owls", though for those with DSPS, their hours are not by choice. 

 People with DSPS generally fall asleep late at night, often in the pre-dawn hours, and wake in the late morning or in the afternoon. Furthermore, there is a striking inability to fall asleep at an earlier, more typical bedtime. As a result, many people with DSPS have been labelled as insomniacs. But if such a person is allowed to follow his internal sleep pattern, he generally has no problems with either falling asleep or waking naturally. 

 However, if he ignores his internal clock and attempts to live on a normal schedule, DSPS can cause difficulty thinking clearly, driving safely, and generally functioning well. Over time, this may significantly reduce a person's productivity and enjoyment of life, and can lead to clinical depression or other stress-related medical problems.

(source: http://dspsinfo.tripod.com/) 

I read several forum discussions and thought, YES! this is how it is (to live with someone like that, anyway). It made me feel less angry and more compassionate. I thought of an addiction recovery commercial from a long time ago: It's not your fault . . . but it is your problem.

We already ordered some liquid melatonin, the body's natural sleep hormone, as an aid to help her feel more tired at night. She refuses to take it in pill form so we hope she will take it in liquid. This is something that others dealing with DSPS have tried (with varying degrees of success). As far as waking up, some suggested blue light therapy and an alarm clock that shakes the bed. I think I will order the vibrating alarm clock but I'm not sure about the blue light yet (mostly because of the cost).

It is kind of a relief to know that this has a name. It's not just she's stubborn or makes poor choices; or that I am a bad mother for failing to get her to sleep / get her up the next morning. It's a real issue for quite a few people. But it's also sad because there's no easy solution, no medication or sure-thing that will change the matter. I think that half the migraines he had last year were due to sleep deprivation . . . and she just can't afford to miss that much school again. That's one of the main reasons I considered home-schooling Mary last year; luckily she pulled through but it's still an option for this year. I would prefer for her to go to junior high like the rest of the 6th graders and to succeed there, of course. With a 7:40 a.m. start time, that would be a monumental feat--but not impossible. We will see.

P.S. Mom, do you think this could apply to you?

P.P.S. I have a wicked summer cold. Lame.

The House is Quiet

2011-08-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Another post? Why yes, indeed. The kids are all off doing things (twins--swimming with neighbors; Tyce--managing the girls' volleyball team; Mary--playing Wii Party). It's mostly quiet and mostly clean and I am mostly able to think.

I have anxiety about school starting. As hectic and kid-centric the summer can be, I'd take that over the pressures and issues that come from school. When they are here, I manage the kids directly (and they are generally wonderful--ever-present but very good). When they are at school I manage them remotely, and things don't go as well. My kids need more supervision than most but they believe they need it the least. There have been incidents over the years; I have PTSD every time the phone rings during the school year, no lie. Man, just thinking about seeing "Clark County Schools" on my caller ID makes my stomach drop.

(One time CCSD called me on my cell phone and I nearly had a panic attack. Turned out it was a recorded message about immunizations--dang, I almost threw the phone across the room.)

Have you ever heard of anyone not being able to get up in the mornings? Is this a real problem, or just a choice? The thought of waking Mary up in the mornings for middle school is about as unpleasant as the thought of swimming with sharks. I'll get my head bitten off either way, but at least the sharks wouldn't yell. Getting Mary out of bed is definitely the task I think I will dread the most.

I think the twins will be okay. Fingers crossed.

This week we are doing our end-of-summer list of doctor's appointments, hair salon (for Mary) and lots of swimming. Tyce and the Young Men are going to Brian Head for a leadership retreat tomorrow, but I think it's going to be the nicest "camping trip" they've ever had. Sounds like they're staying in a mansion! I'm sure Bryce is glad he's going along.

End of summer, beginning of school....maybe it's the transitions that get to me. (But on the upside, this will be my first year, EVER, of having all 4 kids in school all day long. I hope that's a good thing.)

Good Things!

2011-08-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have had some really great experiences lately. One was at the Seminary symposium, where I attended a class on effective teaching; the teacher really opened my eyes to the importance and awesomeness of "why" questions. He had us read a scripture block and then write down a "why" question. It was much harder than it sounds. Then we got with a partner and shared our questions.

For example, our block of scriptures was Moses 1:6-11 in the Pearl of Great Price. My question was taken from verse 11, "What can I do to see God with my spiritual eyes?" Which, by the way, is not a why question but an application question. See, I told you it was harder than it sounds. My partner asked, "If God had a work for Moses (v. 6), does he also have a work for me? What is it?" Ah, much better question because it led to a really awesome discussion.

The teacher asked if any of us wanted to share what their partner had said--I thought that was a cool way to get participation, since people can be hesitant to share their own ideas but have no problem sharing someone else's.

I felt the Spirit many times throughout that class and I felt my heart and mind expanding to become a better teacher. I'm excited to use my new knowledge in the classroom.

Another great experience has been the Preach My Gospel discussion we've had the past two Sundays in our home. There's an established group for the 16-19-year-old kids but Tyce really wanted to have a group for the 14- and 15-year-old youth--he invited a bunch of kids to our house last week after stake choir practice. We had a wonderful discussion and then practiced role-playing. When it was Lynsie's turn to teach a missionary discussion, she began with a prayer; as she prayed my heart began to burn. The Spirit was so strong! She was able to speak with power and conviction, and my whole group was uplifted. I learned more that day from a 15-year-old girl than I did from anyone else.

Last night we had 15 young people over. What an awesome thing it is to have teenagers yearn for gospel discussion and fellowship.

The last thing I want to talk about is our anniversary--we celebrated 16 years yesterday! I love Bryce so much and I'm grateful for him. He gave me the best gift by cleaning our whole bedroom and the whole bathroom--I truly can't think of anything I would have wanted more. What, you thought I was going to say diamonds? Uh, no. And he knows I would have beheaded him if he had done that. He is a smart fellow (and has become smarter every year he's been married to me. Har har). At Preach My Gospel he gave me some gorgeous roses, to the ooohs and aaaahs of the young people. Special occasion flowers--that's good. And a sweet man to give them to me? That's better. Everybody loves love, don't they!? It was a great celebration weekend.

My heart is so full with good things.

Alisha and Ben's Wedding

2011-08-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Bryce's cousin Alisha Hill married Ben Embleton in the Salt Lake temple. We attended their wedding reception in Nephi. What a cute couple!

The cute bride and her handsome man.

The cake table--the twins had a hard time not touching the pretty fondant flowers.

Alisha's sister and brother--Ashley and Ben Hill.

The twins and I sat at a table with some people I didn't know. I asked if they were guests of the bride or groom and the lady said, "I am the bride's father's cousin." (Uncle Steve's cuz). She reciprocated the question, and I replied, "I am the bride's father's niece-in-law." That stumped the whole table in an awkward, now-what kind of way. It was much easier to say I was Bryce's wife, whom they had apparently talked to moments before. Good thing I had to the boys with me; I said, "Cameron, show these nice people your dance moves!" and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Betsie and Natasha, with Ben Ottosen doing a photobomb!

How adorable is this picture of Grandpa Al dancing with little Kira?!

Ben and Mary were tearing it up!

Ben is a good big cousin to the little kids.

Mary and Kira whirling and twirling.

Cam and his ninja dancing.

Happy Harrison.

It was a very fun reception and Alisha looked gorgeous. She sure has a lot of Bens in her life--a husband, a brother, and a cousin! Ben and Alisha are good example of a great couple who are starting life out on the right foot. We hope they have a happy, wonderful life together, now and forever!

Heber Creeper and Cookout in Little Cottonwood

2011-08-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

This post is otherwise known as Trip to Utah--Part 2b (since 2a was our BYU adventure), or A Ton of Pictures Taken on One Day.

We drove through Park City and into Heber valley to ride the train. By the way, I am also going to have a summer home in Park City, def. Man, so gorgeous there!

Heber Valley Railway, aka the Heber Creeper. Not a bullet train, that's for sure. We were to start in Heber, go to Provo Canyon's Vivian Park, and then ride back.

Seconds before we were to board the train, Harrison was stung by a wasp behind his ear! Oh, there was so much wailing and freaking out, poor guy. We debated whether he'd be able to handle the train but luckily he was fine.

Ah, look at the cute picture of Bryce and me. He was going for the mountain man look in preparation for his 40th birthday.

Help! Marshall! Our train was robbed!

Since we were some of the last passengers on the train, we couldn't all sit together. Part of our group was in the back.

Grandma Judy and Cameron were more towards the middle.

Some of our fellow travelers got off to go river rafting. Those were the smart people because not only did that look way fun, but our train only got halfway to the park before it had to turn around! A fallen tree could not be removed in time for us to make our journey. That was a very hot ride.

After the train ride we had a picnic at a nearby park. Mary and Cam liked to spider swing!

Monkey girl.

Ben enjoyed pushing Cam on the swing!

Harrison and Mary liked the jungle gym.

Harrison: King of the World.

Self-portrait at the park.

Later that night we made foil dinners, got Grandpa Al, and rented a campsite for the evening at Little Cottonwood Canyon.

The kids loved exploring, and Grandpa Al took them to see the river.

Can you believe what a beautiful evening it was?

Mary showed Bryce the rocks she collected while she was down by the river.

We had foil dinners of hamburger patties and potatoes. But it looks like Mary had see-food. Haha.

Product placement at its finest.

Ben whittling a stick with Harrison looking on.

Mary wanted to build herself a chair of sorts out of boulders but needed some help in moving them. How nice was it of Ben to offer to do it for her?

Sitting pretty. Fire power!

Ben showing off his muscles!

Katie really loved Ben.

Sweet moment between Mary and her furry love.

This stick looked like a person.

Just being cool Cam.

Father and son tend the fire.

S'mores!

These cousins were BFFs for the night!

Later that night Grandpa Al told the scariest story in the world, "Short-Fuse Harry." The kids were terrified and delighted.

Later Bryce told a story about a gypsy fortune-teller on his mission--this was the climactic end! It scared Harrison so bad you can see that he fell off of Bryce's lap!

The boys couldn't stop asking questions and freaking out about those scary stories!

It was a great day and a great night, and I'm so glad we had so much fun!

While Tyce Was at YASE...

2011-08-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Bryce, Heather, the twins and I spent some time on the BYU campus. Mary stayed at the grandparents' with Ben.

The mountains are so beautiful and green in the summer. As we enter Provo Bryce always says he'll pay $1 to the first person to see the "Y" on the mountain . . . so far he's only had to pay himself!

The Flower Patch has been there since way before I was a freshman. I liked the marquee's message at the top and snapped a picture for Tyce: KEEP UR SHAWTY HAPPY. Haha, young people.

We spent some time in the bookstore--sans kids, we could have spent HOURS there. I love this cute picture of Cam.

Heather and the boys in their new BYU shirts.

Cameron and Harrison with me!

I love this adorable picture of Harrison. He was super proud of his new sunglasses and wore them backwards just like Tyce.

Self-portrait outside the HFAC.

Bryce, Heather, Cam, and Captain Moroni. Check out Cam's face!

We went bowling at the Wilkinson Center. I bought socks for the occasion.

The twins had bumpers...and so did we. The boys did great!

Bryce and Harrison!

Cameron and me!


Who won? Heather, who squeaked ahead at the end! I think all the bumpers did was keep us from getting gutter balls (which totally benefited some of us, who otherwise would have had scores under 50. Some of us named Me).

After bowling we went to eat lunch at the Brick Oven. Oh man, I'd love to have a summer home in Provo.

Babble Babble Like a Brook

2011-08-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for laptops...otherwise I couldn't blog in my bed.

This week I've gone to a seminary inservice training and gotten some really good information and ideas. I am excited to really get started on the right foot this year. I'm mostly excited to be in control and in charge, instead of having to ask the students what was going on (since I started teaching last year at the end of February). One thing I've been hearing a lot is that when we expect a lot from our students, they rise up and deliver. Go Youth!

On the way home I listened to the radio. The DJs (Mark and Mercedes) were talking about songs/artists that were romantic mood killers. Some of their picks included Alvin and the Chipmunks, Justin Bieber, and songs special between you and an ex-love. That reminded me of why I hate Bryce putting his iPod on shuffle . . . one minute we're swaying to Air Supply and the next we're broadsided by the Mood Killer. You just never know what's coming up next. I have actually swatted the iPod out of the player when these came on:

1) Anything by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir--for example, a patriotic rendition of this:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

2) A dramatic reading of journals from the Mormon Pioneers--especially ones like this:

December 3, 1845. My baby is dead. We buried him in the snow. I want to die.

3) Sports clips--remember this one?:

Here it  is. One play for it all. . . . Snap to John. John backpedals. . . . He’s  moving to his left. . . . All kinds of time. Now the heat comes. . . .  John Beck is on the run. He throws behind him, and it is—caught for the  touchdown! Caught for the touchdown! Caught for the touchdown! . . .  Harline by himself in the end zone! The Cougars win it on the final play  of the game!

However, Bryce would emphatically disagree. Nothing could be better than reliving that winning play for a true Cougars fan. Ah, I sense this has all been a "thanks for sharing" moment for you, am I right?

I made a very good salad on Monday night. It was made possible by my newest kitchen toy, the salad spinner.

Green and read leaf lettuces, tomatoes, carrot coins, grilled chicken, and bacon. Ranch dressing for those who wanted it but it was super delish just plain. As Cam would say, "superb". We also had tiny champagne grapes and French bread. I want to make that again to eat the rainbow.

Mary, Bella, and Sara are taking a diving class. They are so awesome. I would never dive head-first off of a high dive unless significantly threatened or bribed. Sometimes when the girls are in class the twins and I swim on the other side until they're done--in the deep end. My babies can swim! In the 13 ft. pool! A whole new world has opened up to them now that they can truly survive and enjoy deep water.

Heritage Park. That's a big indoor pool.

Sometimes it's still fun to hang out in the shallow pool.

And they can do everything at the Black Mountain pool, including going down the water slide!

But eating candy from the snack shack is a pretty big thrill too.

Drying out in the sun, eating a Popsicle and playing Catan on my phone: Mary's idea of a perfect day.

Tyce and his friend Dalton--they've known each other since 1st grade.

Harrison's first time having gone down the water slide--he loved it!

Cameron finally went down for the first time a couple of weeks later. I was so proud of him! I was so inspired by his courage that I went down for the first time, too! I don't know what I was scared of....probably waiting in line. But it was super fun.

Backstroke Cameron.

All four kids...it's almost like I lined them up.

Our little mermaid.

Harrison hitching a ride.

We saw the final Harry Potter movie yesterday--except that Mary wouldn't go. She said she didn't want to see it, although I changed my original plan from "The Smurfs" when I thought she was coming. I have read all of the HP books, of course, but it has been a long time. And I have never seen a HP movie, though I knew what the main characters looked like. Boy, I should have done a movie marathon or re-read the series because there were several times I felt lost. Cameron has mastered the art of whispering--finally!--but still talks a ton during a film. One time he said, "There's a force field around the castle? To protect it from the bad guys? Are you wondering how I knew that, you might think I've seen this movie before?"

It was a good movie and Tyce and the twins loved it.

We've had tons of friends over and I should take pictures to prove they were here. We're lucky to have such good, nice, and fun kids next door and down the street. Shout out to the neighbors!

Now I'm off to take the dog for a walk, feed the kids, and then do the opposite: walk the kids and feed the dog. Haha.

Summer Trip to Utah! Part 1

2011-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

We had a fun-filled vacation with family mid-July.

1. Heather and Ben came to visit!

Two weeks before we went to Utah we had three houseguests--Heather (Bryce's sister), Ben (our 15-year-old nephew--Kim's son), and Daisy (Heather's golden retriever). They drove all the way from Houston!

Katie was terrified of Daisy at first, but they became BFFs!

Heather and her "stop-calling-this-dog-a-giant" companion, Daisy.

Daisy was super playful and especially liked nuzzling Ben to death.

The boys went to a stake dance. I asked Ben if he met any cute girls and he said, "Yes, but I don't plan to contact any of them because long-distance relationships rarely work out." Indeed!

Heather left for a week in Utah with her parents while I kept Ben. Tyce absolutely loved having his cousin here--the two of them got together with some of the neighborhood boys for video-gaming and movie watching and had a great time. Ben endured pestering by his little cousins--particularly Cameron. He and Mary got along great, as usual. I like that he won't back down to her demands--they played chess together and their negotiations on who got to be what color was as much a test of strategy and will as the game itself.

2. Ute Stampede and Rodeo!

We drove to Nephi, Utah, for a family reunion. Bryce took the twins, Mary, and Katie in the minivan and I took the two teenage boys in the car. The music was loud but tolerable--we listened to a lot of Weird Al, a cappella groups, and Ben's favorite group, Weezer. At one point I was singing loudly and Tyce asked, "Who sings that song?" I told him and he said, "Let's keep it that way." O no you di'nt!

We camped out at Judy's brother's house--Uncle Steve--for the parade down main street. The kids gathered up lots of candy, pens, and other small things thrown from the floats. The strangest thing they got were lighters--as in cigarette lighters--with a business name on them. Those were quickly confiscated by the adults.

Nephi is full of Bryce's extended family--cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd and 4th cousins and beyond. Every time I looked his sisters and parents were talking to a different relative.

Mary had a headache but I thought this was a sweet picture of her getting some comfort from her daddy.

Later that night we went to the rodeo! Uncle Steve's daughter Alisha was there with her fiance, and Tyce really enjoyed hanging out with these older cool kids.

3. We had fun with family!

The kids spent a ton of time in the backyard picking raspberries, building forts, and splashing in the pool. The dogs were in heaven with so much room to run and play (and constant friends to play with).


Betsie wanted our dogs to have a doggy-cousin picture! Here are Toby, Katie, and Daisy!

Betsie's youngest daughter, 13-month-old Natasha, is sooo cute. Look at those eyes!

She has such a sweet and sassy personality--she was adorable.


We ate a lot of good food together.


Katie saw Daisy jump in the kiddie pool and decided to try it out.

The girl cousins played together as often as they were allowed. They can't get enough of drawing on the white board and picking fruit.

YASE!

2011-08-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Young Ambassadors' Singing Entertainers (YASE) camp was a definite highlight of Tyce's summer--between that, Trek, and EFY in June he's had some amazing experiences. YASE is a a week-long musical dance theatre camp. The website says: You will have the opportunity to interact with other performers from around the country while you participate in group classes, auditions, rehearsals, and performance–enhancement workshops during your week. Other activities include an outdoor barbecue, a fireside given by the BYU Young Ambassadors, a musical theatre performance, the Entertainers’ Showcase, and Friday’s Final Concert.

The 2011 Young Ambassadors’ show, Harmony: The Music of Life,  celebrates American musical expressions with some classics by  well–known composers such as George and Ira Gershwin, Benny Goodman, and  Rogers and Hammerstein. The show celebrates the harmony of the music of  life. 

He made some awesome friends who love doing what he loves. He copied this cute quote from the YASE group onto his facebook page:

"Yeah, well, I've got a dream too. But it's about singing and dancing and making people happy. That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And well, I've found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream. And it kind of makes us like a family." --Kermit The Frog

On his way to registration.

Making his bed in the dorms, Felt Hall of Heritage Halls. He didn't know his roommate but quickly made friends.

See that blanket? His special friend Lauren made that for him.

The kids practiced long and hard every day. Tyce and Miranda.

And they had a lot of fun. Jeffrey, Annie, Tyce, and Tessa.

Tyce's Friday-night performance was on Bryce's birthday--and seeing the show was the one thing Bryce wanted to do on his special day. (Besides eat at our beloved Bombay House.) There were solos and small groups. Tyce was in "Got So Far to Go" from Hairspray and "Stand by Me". He also sang in the chorus of "Casey at the Bat". There were two all-cast numbers, "Lullaby" by Billy Joel and "We Believe," an original song based on the 13th Article of Faith.

The first number was an all-cast a cappella performance of Billy Joel's song "Lullaby." It was gorgeous.

Singing and dancing in "Stand by Me".

The "Stand by Me" group.

He was in the chorus for the very cute number "Casey at the Bat".

Dancing to "Got So Far to Go" from Hairspray--he said his dance partner Molly was a pretty amazing dancer.

What I loved most is that he was having a blast!

It was a challenging but very fun number.

He says that even at home he feels like doing the routine all day long!


The final song was an all-cast performance of "We Believe." It was inspiring and beautiful.


We got to see the kids after the performance, and they were all bouncing off the walls with adrenaline and the rush of a job well done. They got to turn around and do it half an hour later for the next group--I would have loved to have seen the program again!

Apparently the kids stayed up almost all night long talking about their weeks, pledging their undying friendship, and eating junk food. Thank goodness for energetic counselors who can keep up with those kids.

I am so glad Tyce had the opportunity to go to YASE. It seemed like a truly awesome experience.

Pioneer Youth Sang as they Walked and Walked and Walked and Walked

2011-08-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

The youth of the stake went on a pioneer trek during the first week of July.

A handcart.

They were placed into families, with an older youth as a "ma" or "pa" and two adult leaders as grandparents. Each family had a doll for a "baby", which they were instructed to care for at all times as they pulled the 400 lb. handcarts across the rugged terrain of Kolob Canyon. There were many fun, special, and sacred moments experienced as they simulated some of the hardships and sacrifices the Mormon pioneers faced as they crossed the plains.

Stopping to rest.

Some must push and some must pull.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is something that true pioneers faced along their journeys. On the last day of the youth trek, our stake suffered a devastating loss of our own when beloved father, leader, and friend Ken Selch suddenly collapsed on the trail. Medical personnel did their best to save him, but he was already gone--he had died from a heart attack. He was 55 years old.

Ken Selch on the trek.

Brother Selch was one of the most outdoor-loving, physically active, hard-working and funny people I had the pleasure of knowing. He was Tyce's first Cub Scout leader and served for a time as Mary's Primary teacher. He had such a way with young people that they couldn't help but love him. In this picture taken on trek, he's hiking uphill with a smile on his face--he always had a smile.

As you can imagine, the youth were devastated. I can't imagine how the leaders broke the news to the youth, when they themselves were in shock. The kids were heart-broken--but not hopeless. They understand that their sorrow and pain was and is justified in missing such a great man; certainly it is, with an intensity that can be soul-crushing. But they also know that he is not gone forever, just gone ahead. He lives, as we all will after death, alive in Christ. But we all would so much rather have him here, with us! Why, oh why, did this happen? Oh, to have faith in God's will can be so hard. After the youths' many spiritual experiences on the trek, I believe that Brother Selch's passing was the ultimate trial of faith for the youth and the ultimate lesson in service and love for us all.

We went out of town the day before the funeral, but I heard that it was packed with youth, families, and friends all come to honor this wonderful man.

The theme of the trek was "Whatever it Takes" and I hope that the youth--especially Tyce--have a renewed desire to work hard, stay the course, and hold to the rod in everything they do. Because choosing the good things in life isn't always easy--but it is worth it. As one quiet hero showed us, you never know when you will be called Home. Choosing the good things in life means having clean hands and a clean conscience--and I think that's definitely worth it in the end.

__________________________

"Brigham Young's words concerning his own death and burial are worth noting. After giving instructions concerning where he should be buried, he said, 'There let my earthly house or tabernacle rest in peace, and have a good sleep, until the morning of the first resurrection; no crying or mourning with anyone as I have done my work faithfully and in good faith.'

"As we reflect on those who have gone before us, and as we consider our present labors for the good of ourselves and others, would that we all might say each day, 'I am doing my work faithfully and in good faith.'"

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Faith of the Pioneers," Ensign, July 1984, 6

A Fabulous 4th

2011-07-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

Many organizations at Basic High School run fireworks booths as fundraisers; Bryce, Tyce, and I took 2 shifts the week before Independence Day to raise money for the choir. There was a steady stream of buyers; one tank-top-wearing guy alone bought over $300 worth of stuff. Oh man, I'd have hated to have been his neighbor. But thank goodness for patriotic people with more money than sense, because the choir made a lot of cash.

Choir booth at the Shell station.

Bryce, Tyce, and Eddie. Can they help you find what you're looking for?

July 4th was an insanely humid day for the desert. It's surprising how fast you get wimpy when it comes to humidity--I'm sure it was nothing compared to what I lived in practically my whole life, but of the 9 summers I've lived in Nevada I don't remember anything but that famed "dry heat." Just walking to the Shapiros seemed like a pioneer trek. But we persevered and made it to the promised land of grilled meat and canned soda.

After dinner the kids did their fireworks in the street with the Tippetts family. Rebecca made delicious homemade ice cream and we enjoyed sitting on the driveway until it got dark. Eventually we went to the park at the end of the development to watch the fireworks display on the Strip. We set up camp and had perfect seats--that is, until the sprinklers came on during the finale and had us running for the sidewalk!

Pow!

Equally impressive were the illegal fireworks shot off by our neighbors at the park!

Right over our heads.

And then the kids did more sparklers and fireworks at the end of the cul-de-sac.

It was great to have Heather and Ben spend the holiday with us, as well as sharing the fun times with many neighbors and friends.

Tyce's 15th Birthday

2011-07-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

July 3rd was Tyce's birthday! How does it feel to be 15? I have a whole journal devoted to that year, which I will spare you from reading. I wish I had said more about my deep feelings regarding spirituality and life goals, let's put it that way. I wrote so much fluff it's like reading an episode of the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. When I asked him how he feels, Tyce says, "like just another year gone by. No change." Perhaps he is more mature than I was at that age.

Cousin Ben and Aunt Heather visited that week. The day before Tyce's birthday he, Bryce, Ben, Heather, Mary, and Spencer Shapiro went to Skyzone, an indoor trampoline park. They had a blast! Tyce says he liked jumping from the trampolines into the foam pit. It must have been quite the workout because the next day everybody was sore.


In the sea of foam.

The next day was Sunday, his birthday. After church Tyce invited our friends, the Osbornes, to our family party. This family--well, there aren't words to explain how special they are to us. They are angels in our lives, doing things for our children that no one else can. I will write more on that later, but suffice it to say that they are in tune with our kids' needs and rise up, over and over, to really be there for them. Besides that, they are the most fun family you will ever meet, and even the most normal chat with them feels like a little party. So when Tyce invited them over, it was really no surprise that they brought 10 people with them, and came bearing a Texas sheet cake!

The original ice cream cakes. Transformers partyware!

He lit his own candles, of course.

The Osbornes knew just what a 15-year-old boy would like--illegal fireworks!

There was Brother Osborne, son-in-law Tom, Tom's 11-year-old daughter Tayana, Sister Osborne, and friends Tasha with her boyfriend from USU.

Also Ceara (Mary's special friend) and Natalia, who they met on a cruise ship and now lives with the Osbornes. There was also Ceara's husband Kirk and the Osbornes' grandson, Cash.

Heather got him bacon-cheddar popcorn! He also got a lot of cash from family for YASE--he worked hard to earn the money and this helped put him over the top. He loved YASE and was thrilled to be able to go.

After the cake and presents, we moved on to the next event...the toilet paper game! Tyce and Kirk faced off.

Tyce won by a hair, proving that experience counts for a lot in this game.

After several rounds we had a good pile of TP to play with!

Cash and the other kids loved tossing and throwing the toilet paper onto the ceiling fan.

Check out that mess!


Then Tyce and Brother Osborne stuffed their shirts.


In all his shirt-stuffed glory!

Tyce says that his birthday was "church-y, fun, and full of toilet paper." Sounds like a pretty good day to me!

Later he got a special present from a special girl in Colorado, which was basically the coolest gift in the world--a Denver Broncos jersey (his favorite team), with the number 15 (his age) and the name "Fresh Swag" on the back (his nickname). That was an awesome present! Tyce sure is lucky to have an amazing friend like Lauren--she's a super sweet girl who encourages him to do--and be--his best.

Tyce, we love you so much and are grateful you are in our lives. We hope this next year is wonderful and that you reach for the stars in all you do. Always remember that you are a child of God and that you are a blessing to those around you. Have fun, do your best, and shine on!

What I'm Doing Right Now, This Very Second.

2011-07-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on my bed with the just-read Sunday New York Times spread out all over and my laptop resting on my outstretched legs. The kids are all in bed and the dog is wandering, wondering who she'll settle with tonight: Mary, Tyce, or me? (Personally, I think it would be me if the kids didn't keep bribing her with chicken jerky.) Bryce has a case going to trial first thing tomorrow morning, so he had to go into the office. I miss him already in that post-vacation, I-don't-want-to-resume-normal-life longing I always feel. The icy-cold air conditioning is making me wish I had a sweater on, and though I've tucked the white duvet around me, I'm relishing that my bedroom has become my own private December.

Thinking of dreams. While I was gone to Utah I had the strangest and most disturbing dream. I was in my kitchen, when I saw something spine-tingling and heart-dropping at once. "Bryce?" I said, cautiously, "You know how I'm really observant? Well, look at this dishwasher. It's not ours. Someone has come while we were on vacation and replaced our black dishwasher with a 1970s white model. Someone took our dishwasher. They took it! And they must have swapped ours for theirs. Yes, that's it. And there's only one person I know with this white dishwasher: [Random Boy I Hardly Know in Real Life]." And then I proceeded to awkwardly confront this teenager in a crowded park. I don't remember how this got resolved; for all I know he could have morphed into a giant lemur who took me to a rainbow to see baby unicorns sliding into tubs of cotton candy. All I know is that I woke up feeling very violated and disturbed that someone would break into my house, steal my dang dishwasher, and replace it with another.

I must have deep-seated appliance issues. Oh, the things that dreams can tell you.

Now I'm thinking about how today is July 24th, Pioneer Day in Utah and the world-wide LDS church. And how the SundayStyles section of the Times is dedicated to New York's allowance and celebration of same-sex marriages. Sometimes it's like I'm living in two different worlds. Do you ever feel like that? That what is at the heart and center of one community isn't even on the radar of another. In the entertainment world there's no bigger news than the untimely death of Amy Winehouse, and the obsession with the age of 27. I can't imagine anything else as the cover story for the latest issue of US Weekly. All of this on the 24th of July.

In church we sang "They, the Builders of the Nation" which ends each verse with the lines, "Bless-ed, honored, pioneer!" When I studied abroad in Italy, the same knickknacks were sold at every touristy venue. I couldn't help but sing, "Bless-ed Catholic souvenir!" every time I passed another Mary candle. . . I would like you to believe I sang this song to myself, but being that I was 21 and feeling clever, that was not always the case. I almost bought a strand of rosary beads because things always seem "must-have" when you're in a foreign land. I was not above the pull of the blessed Catholic souvenir. The downside to my alternate wording, of course, is that every Pioneer Day I must force myself to sing the real words to avoid offending and confusing anyone around me. Because let's face it, when you sit as far back as I do, there aren't many people singing at all.

Tomorrow is a new day of doing who-knows-what . . . definitely housecleaning, possibly grocery shopping, hopefully swimming. I've taken my last sip of water. I'm getting up to turn off the lights and whisper one last "Go to sleep" to the big kids. I'm back in my room, ready to say my prayers. I've shoved the papers to the floor because I just got the text that Bryce is on his way home. I have one *eye open and one *eye squinted shut. I just realized that I typed the word "I" instead of "eye" twice--as in TWO TIMES--in that last sentence before I corrected it. Seriously, that's insane. And annoying. Well, the time is at hand for me to sign off and bid you farewell as I write the very last words of this post, which are, finally, at long last . . .

Good Night.

Tyce on his way to YASE registration. I didn't want to leave you photo-less.

Non-Stop Fun!

2011-07-23T04:41:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love when your child wakes up in the middle of the night? We have one we call "the terrorist" because unless his demands are met, he makes life miserable. If you come across some tranquilizer darts, let me know.

But one funny thing tonight was in the midst of the demands, the other boy woke up and asked, "What does a turtle say?" and then went back to sleep. Wonder what he was dreaming about?

Oh man, what a week. We have enjoyed a week in Utah playing with cousins, yee-hawing at the Ute Stampede in Nephi, dancing at a wedding reception, riding a train, having a cook-out in the mountains, playing on the BYU campus, watching Tyce's awesome Young Ambassadors' Singing Entertainers performance (where I took illegal pictures), celebrating Bryce's birthday, and romping with the dogs (ours and Heather's) in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

And before that it was Tyce's birthday, hello. And the 4th of July. And the youth went on a pioneer trek. And we had Heather and our nephew Ben visit for a week. Obviously I have a lot to catch up on.

Oh, JULY . . . you are the busiest of the lazy summer months, by far.

Headlines Floating Around In My Brain

2011-07-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

Public Pools: Granny, You Don't Own That Piece of the Wall
"Don't look so shocked when you get splashed", local mother says

Faith in Every Footstep
A quiet hero gives the ultimate sacrifice

Cameron Jones Obsessed with the Word "Gizzard"
Uses it in surprisingly creative ways

Angels are All Around Us
Sometimes the small things mean a lot; Jones family very blessed by the kindness of others

He Likes to Sing and Dance, He Likes to Wear Tight Pants
Tyce Jones preparing to attend Young Ambassadors camp at BYU

Dog Single-Handedly Controls Rabbit Population at Park
"She seems confused to find they're not made of stuffing," bystander says

Kids Finish Swimming Lessons
Disappointment stems from discovering graduating from the 2-week course does not warrant flowers

Visitors Are the Bomb
This summer, treat yourself to a visit from your favorite people

Kids Spaced Far Apart Like Raising Three Separate Families
Tips and tricks for moms trying to juggle the demands of a bunch of kids in the summer

"When Does School Start Again?" Cry Mothers Everywhere
All eyes look to August for relief from the summer schedule

Researchers Confirm that Watching SpongeBob Kills Brain Cells
"The song alone will lower your IQ," scientists say

Packing For Vacation Deemed As Stressful As Lobotomy
Local mom will do anything to avoid packing, including writing a blog post

More to Come, With Pictures
Optimists' advice: Never give up hope that one day it will be quiet enough to think and write in paragraphs again

.

Graduation Celebrations

2011-07-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year brought us three special events. Harrison and Cameron graduated from kindergarten and Mary graduated from 5th grade!

I was late to nearly every ceremony, truth be told. The first one, on Wednesday, was Harrison's . . . just as I was about to enter the classroom the school nurse called and said Mary was in the office throwing up from a migraine, and no, they couldn't keep her until the graduation was over. So I signed her out, dashed her to the car, turned on the air conditioning, and ran back to the classroom. Unfortunately I only caught the tail end of the kindergarten class's extremely cute song and dance from the back, but of the four kids' feet I could see from under the whiteboard, at least I saw Harrison's!

He was so funny before graduation because he really wanted me to buy him a bouquet of flowers. After the kindergarten play a lot of kids--girls!--got flowers from their parents, and Harrison was a bit jealous that all I got him was a high 5 and a trip to get ice cream. I guess he wanted something a little showy-er, so I went to Fresh 'n Easy and got the least pink and frilly bouquet I could find. He was thrilled!

Part of the very cute slideshow. It was hard for me to keep my eyes from welling up and spilling over.

After the ceremony, manly flowers in hand. I'm so proud of how he has grown and matured so much this year! Congratulations, Harrison!

The next day was Cameron's graduation. I determined to be early to this one, and I was. But somehow I got the same position in the room I did when I was 10 minutes late to Harrison's--in the corner in the back. Oi. The good news was that I got to see the song and dance routine from the front this time--it was an adorable parody of Sinatra's "New York, New York". It was so cute to hear those kids sing, "Start spreading the news, we're leaving today, we want to be a part of it, 1st grade, 1st grade!" Ah, I was very emotional that morning because between that and the slide show, I was seriously blubbering into my sweater. I had to tell myself to hold it together because I was in danger of becoming a spectacle, the Mother Who Cries at Everything.

Cameron and his amazing teacher, Mrs. DelGiorno. What a hard worker he was this year! Congratulations, Cameron!

After Cam's ceremony I picked up Harrison and we went (late) to Mary's 5th grade graduation. I held up a small piece of the wall near the front, which actually turned out to be an okay spot for picture-taking. I was so glad to see Mary really finish and graduate from the 5th grade--with all her absences I wasn't sure she'd make it. It would have been silly to have her repeat though, since she made a perfect score on a standardized test (CRTs) and is ready to move on.

Slapping some skin with some front-row friends, on her way to her diploma!


I'm so glad Mary has had her sweet friend Sara by her side in life. Ready or not, it's on to junior high! Congratulations, Mary Rae!

What a morning! Mary invited friends over for a last-day-of-school party, the twins played with friends, Tyce went to a swimming party that night, and it was a good lead-in to the much anticipated, much-needed summer break.