Random things

O.K. M.C. broke his arm while Stephen was subbing in as coach for Dimples' soccer team. Becks was getting her team pics done while Starr was "watching" M.C. Yeah, that worked out really well. Half-way through the game, Starr brings M.C. over while shaking the broken arm and telling Stephen "he says it hurts when he moves it!" Yep, she did that. Stephen finished off the game, set Becks up with Starr for her team pics and game, then went to the clinic. We have the disk with the x-rays on it, but I'm not sure how to get those pics on here yet. Poor boy! He has a "Supracondylar fracture". I haven't got a clue what the exactly means, just that he did in fact break his arm somewhere near the growth plate. Dr. Bryan wants to see him one week after putting on the green cast...lets hope his arm will heal correctly!
I was running in this race while all of the above was happening. Great Mother's day gift!! just kidding, that wasn't my Mother's day gift. I didn't get one...not until Monday anyway. I needed a new ironing board and cover, a new shower curtain rod, and puff's tissues for our noses. (our noses that seem to run non-stop!)

This pic is of my birthday that I just celebrated! Tickets to a concert coming up very soon. I wish "U 2" could go with us! but I think the best gift was my own set of scriptures. I've never had my own, I always used my mom's old set or Stephen's. Yay!!! now I have my own, can't wait to put marks in them!OK, I think I'm all caught up. minus Easter pics, hiking pics, bountiful baskets, young women's activities...y'all know what its like, impossible to put it all on here.

Finally!!

So, so sorry, he he, I've been really busy and haven't had a chance to do any of this. UGH! anyway, here are the random pics I have of M.C. for his b-day several weeks ago. Man, where the heck does the time go? He's now 4 and life just seems to get crazier and crazier! Enjoy these random pics!

Our Valentine's weekend

*Warning: Be prepared to read for a bit*

Valentines Day is a Monday. That means the kids are in school and Stephen has to work. So the last couple days have been our Valentine's weekend. Saturday, the girls got to have a, or go to a, sleepover. They all had fun and enjoyed their time with their friends. I had an early morning meeting-it was at 9 which is early for a Saturday! So Stephen made breakfast for the boys and girls and played referee. When I got back he and his sister went hiking and I waited for Brake-Time Bobs to call about the car, I wrote about that earlier. We finally got the car back and Bob said the engine's real good, he was impressed with it and knows we plan on keeping that car for a long time. (That car will be the one that Becks gets to drive in about 3 years.) Later, much later, that night, Stephen took me to Outback steakhouse for dinner. Problem for me was, it was too late. Eating at 9 p.m. and my lovely stomach acid issues don't combine. I brought home my delicious sandwich and Stephen enjoyed his rack of lamb. We had fun either way, I got to talk with him while he ate-guess who did most of the talking. We came home and helped Becks get the kids to bed.
Let's move on to Sunday.
My wonderful friends were blessing their cute son yesterday. We were invited to a brunch and then to their sacrament meeting. They were just sealed on Saturday to the cute little guy, making their family a family of four. They are amazing people, so filled with the spirit and so excited for life that you can't help but want to be their friends and friends with their friends. Anyway, after we visited with them and others we went home. Stephen and his sister sue planned on hiking again. He begged me to come with them all-cuz the kids weren't going to pass this up again. He said "It would mean the world to me" if I went with them. How can a wife say no, I hate hiking, after that card has been pulled? I went with them and actually kinda enjoyed it. We hiked up to the "BL", then to some silver square thing (which I thought was our destination-Wrong!), and then a little bit further up. I did okay. I filled my hiking quota, anything else will have to involve money I think. On the way up, M.C. found the cactus, with his knee and finger tips. Thanks to aunt Susie, the prickly hairs didn't stay long in his fingers and thanks to his pants they didn't stick to his knee. The next thing M.C. said was- he didn't want to see anymore cactus. While continuing our hike, M.C. said- Cactus are mean! It was pretty funny, poor kid. We made it up the rest of the way without any further contact with Cactus or falling down in the dirt. The way down was great, Stephen found a herd of deer, we got pics of it and other things that I will post differently. I know why it's faster to come down a mountain hike, but I still think going up to be easier for some reason. I didn't complain too much about the hike this time, so most likely I'll go on another one.
We ate dinner with Stephen's parents and sister. We played Zombie dice and worked on a puzzle of New York City. We came home and eventually went to bed.
This morning, the girls got up and made themselves pretty for school since it was Valentines day and all that. Dimples wore a shirt and tie to school because they are having a dance with all the 1st graders. (I'm so excited to see this!) It's kinda just a regular day for me, nothing special til later when the hubby gets home.

Kinda torn?

I was just released from my calling as primary chorister. I'm kinda torn about it because I half wanted out and half wanted to stay. I had a really hard time with this calling and I'm not sure if I did it justice. I really did try, but somehow I never felt I was doing any good. I never asked to be released, which means the Lord knew how I was feeling. The calling I was given-because you are never without one it seems-is second counselor in the young women program. I'm so excited yet so afraid. The usual self-doubting questions, am I good enough? spirtual enough? patient enough? Will I screw the girls up some how? I really hope not, yet these girls seem to already have such a testimony it's awesome! Stephen says I'll be great, so does Girl #1. She is absolutely excited to have her mama be in the presidency. She's an amazing girl that one, I love her so much.
I used to be in the young women's presidency once before, in the exact same calling. The beehives I had then are now laurels. Which is insane and I hope they are doing what I've taught them. So far it's only been 5 days and so far, I'm doing okay!

Day 30

Day 30. Today. This morning I finally went for a run with Amanda and Lesa. I'm so happy I did. It was freezing cold with a temperature of 11 degrees and we went for a 3 mile run. I swear it's the hardest thing to do when it's that cold outside, but I did. I couldn't keep up, I had the hardest time breathing, and I swear my shoes gained weight. It was so hard to move my legs up and out and down. I really, really struggled. I eventually was able to breath better, but by that time I felt little pins and needles of cold in the back of my thighs. When that went away I noticed my toes were actually kinda cold. We were on our way back by then so it didn't matter. I did finish and my friends didn't have to carry me home. I warmed up way late in the day, but ya all know I'll do it again. I just wish that February's weather would wait until then and not be present in November and December.

Day 29

Day 29. (I am going to finish this tonight.) I'm thankful for the many, many ways we can communicate now-a-days. I'd like to think that I'd be okay if all we could do was mail a letter to others, but in reality, I'd fail terribly! I would probably run to people's houses often if I could and talk with them for brief minutes. Crazy, I know.
The one thing I can't believe now is with all the ways there are to communicate with others, how come I sometimes feel like it's been way too long in communicating with my family and friends? Why? I should be able to call them or text them right? I think life gets in the way sometimes. I am trying harder to call people if I'm thinking of them, just to let them know I love them and I'm thinking of them. Crazy, crazy!

Day 28

Day 28. Tylenol and Allergy pills. and yes modern medicine and doctors. I have serious allergies to my dog, Jake. It seems to be worse in the winter because we can't get outside all the time or air out the house when we want to. Thanks to the allergies I get sinus headaches a.lot. I try to be keep up on my own meds along with anyone else in the family, but man, you get tired of trying to remember everything. Thanks to Tylenol and my allergy pills, I can make my headaches go away and feel like running in the a.m. again with my friends. I am also grateful for the modern medicine and the doctors who do their best to help us, I know many people who would have a much harder life than they do now and I'm glad they are around.

Day 27

Day 27. A date with Stephen to checker auto parts, and other various stores. We were looking for something in particular. My rear windshield defrost isn't connected and Stephen knew what we needed, but we couldn't find it at any of the stores we checked. He says he'll fix it for me, but he needs to find the stuff to do it. I know he will, it's annoying to look out the back and you can't see anything because the kids or dog have fogged it up.

Day 26

Day 26. An "Off" Day. This day I did absolutely nothing. and I'm so happy I did. I should have been catching up on the blog or reading some really great book, but I didn't. I didn't cook, clean, do any laundry, or feed the dog. I left it all up to my kids. They survived. I'm glad to know they can do that. I did shower and look somewhat presentable, but the only place I went was to pick up my daughter from her cousin's house. That's it. I like these days when they occasionally show up. They are nice and relaxing.

Days 6, 7 and 8!

Yes, I'm behind again.
Day 6 11-06-2010: I'm thankful for going up to Stephen's Grandpa's land in Idaho. We went up with the kids to initially work, but to play if there wasn't any work. Yep, we worked. A lot! The trees decided shed, so, we picked up after them. We made a fun-filled day of it by stopping at Gossners, Pepperidge Farms, and La Tienda on the way up. (I Love going to two of the three places.) We got there and Stephen cleaned out the shed while I worked on my Primary music stuffs. The kids all had to start raking up the leaves into piles. They did an okay job for being kids who normally don't have to do this. When I was finished, I joined them. Then Stephen joined us, he had two of the younger ones grab some huge buckets from the shed and they started filling them up with leaves. I had the best rake so I raked up more leaves in 45 mins than the kids did in an hour. It was good times I'm tellin' ya, Good. Times. Girl #1 had a friend with her and they both worked hard. By the time we were done, we needed to head home. We stopped at McD's for some burgers and saw a Momma dear with her baby. It was kinda cool. We then hit 7-eleven for slurpee's! It was a great day!!!!

Day 7 11-07-2010: Babies! My brother blessed his baby girl yesterday. It was so fun to see them and the other families. The blessing he gave was so nice and I'm sure little A-girl will be able to become what Heavenly Father wants her to be. But this isn't just about her, it's about babies in general. Saturday I was at a baptism and one of the Stake Presidency members was there. He is older, his kids are mostly grown and on their own, but there was a cute little baby that sat at his feet during the talks. The Stake Pres. member watched him for a bit, then picked him up just smiling the whole time he held the baby. It was interesting to me the way babies can turn the hardest of men and women into softies. It happens everywhere and all the time. I know how much they can change a persons life and a families. My good friends Amanda and Jared were able to adopt children and I have seen the wonderful changes in their lives. Stephen's cousin's adopted a baby girl and it has been world of difference for them. Babies are amazing! No matter how they enter your life!

Day 8 11-08-2010: Monday is Laundry Day! I know, it's the bane of some people's existence, and probably mine, but! I'm grateful to have clean clothes, bedding, towels, and whatever else you can wash and dry. My washer and dryer have gone on the fritz a few times lately and I'm glad for the handyman in my life, maybe even more so because I don't have to go to the laundromat! I know I will always have work in my home, because of laundry. I will never get bored here. Because I can watch a show or take care of other little things here at home while I'm getting the laundry done, then my house is clean for a bit. It's also a sign that I am always needed. I'm not so sure my hubby could get it done or that the kids wouldn't put in a brand new red shirt with the whites. I'm sure they could figure it out, but I'll only teach them about it and I'll still be the one to do. In fact I have taught the girls how to do this. They conveniently forget or don't have the time to help me out. Whatever, I know I have job security. I do like that they have to put their clothes away. That is prolly one of the best parts about it. Either I will seperate the loads once they are done or all of us will. Then, they have to put their stuff away. and I don't mean, thrown into the closet or drawers. Folded and/or hung up. Matched socks. folded underwear.
It feels so good once it's all done, I love the feeling.

30 Days of Gratitude and Thankfulness

A few years back a friend did this, 30 days of Gratitude and Thankfulness. I did it last year and thought I'd do it again. I'm a little bit late in getting started, but I'll do it anyway!
Day #1 11-01-10
Boy #1's new Asthma and Allergy Dr. He's awesome and I feel like this time he really cares and wants to help rather than just prescribe meds. He wants Boy #1 to take as little of steroid for asthma as possible and to really just help him with his allergies, which are: Dog, Horse, Cat, Sagebrush, and Grass. Thankfully not much else. Boy#1 is doing great with his Asthma testing, he blows out all the candles on the computer screen and has really good sounding lungs. As long as I can remember to give him his meds at night instead of the morning, everything will work out just fine. I'm thankful the Dr. wanted to do another skin test so we could know what will set Boy #1 off with an attack. Now we know what to avoid if possible. In the meantime, Jake will be getting a bath every week! (probably should have already been doing that.)
Day 2 11-02-10
The right and privilege to vote. I have always tried to make sure I get out and vote, even for the little things. This year I wanted to make sure I voted, because I'm tired of what promises never kept, people complaining that didn't vote, and many other things that I won't get into. I don't want to debate anything political, I only get angry with the person I debate with, so I don't do it. I know, not very grown up, but I'm not going to fight, I don't like how I feel later. I just hope that with the new people we have in government that they actually do what is best for the people who are here naturally and legally.
Day 3 11-03-10
A clean dog, house, and life.
As I mentioned, Jake will be getting baths every week. I decided that Wednesday's are the days.
I have successfully changed the bedsheets every Monday for a month now. I read somewhere that it will help cut down on colds, flu's, or any other sickness that decides to poke it's ugly little head in my house.
I'm grateful that even though I may have a cold now, I am generally healthy, that I don't drink anything that will harm me. I don't smoke. I don't take any drugs that will hurt my body. I try to run often, eat the right portions, drink plenty of water, and basically do what I'm supposed to to be healthy. I'm still not getting enough sleep (because that really is important,) but I'm working on that as well. Early to bed, early to rise...

This Weekend...

We had a fun, yet busy weekend. Most of this was Saturday. In fact I believe it all was on Saturday.
We ran in the ward 5k! All of us. well most of us. one of us got to ride in the stroller, but, he's only 3. Girl #1 ran it in 35 minutes!!!! Boy #1 was right behind her with 35 and half. I was right behind them with 37 minutes!!! I felt great and I loved that my family did this with me. Sorry, but no pics., we forgot the camera. Girl #2 started out the same, but she kinda gave up when the other two wouldn't let her catch up. Stinkers! She did come in before her daddy I do believe, but I could be wrong-I have been before. Stephen and boy #2 came in with 47 minutes. Stephen's knee went out on him again. We tried running earlier in the week and he did ok up to 3 miles, but then we had to walk out the rest of our run. Poor guy, I feel for him.

We then hustled home to grab a small breakfast, Girl #1 went to a young Women's service project we were off to Boy #1's soccer game. They won, but who's really counting at this age! He played his heart out and he didn't have any asthma problems!!!! I'm so grateful for that. I just love the little guy!

Then we were off to a Ragnar Team Picnic! We had so much fun. Stephen got to play with the metal detector and the kids got to play on the playground. I got to talk with some wonderful peeps!

Then off to the wonderful and spiritually lifting General Relief Society meeting! I went with my M.I.L. and we ate dinner at her stake house and watched the meeting there. None of her daughter's were able to make, but we all try to when we can. I heard what I needed at this meeting. Sister Beck's talk was wonderful and I needed it. It only reaffirmed that I'm doing exactly what I need to be doing right now. I really, really, really appreciate the fact that I have friends to pay better attention than I do. I really have a hard time remembering what's been said. I'm also glad that I can go online and catch what I missed.

The rest of my fam went swimming! The pool water was very warm from what I was told. They had a lot of fun and I'm glad my hubby was able to go with them. The next day, we went to church, girl #1 was set apart in a calling in young women's, we enjoyed church and the speakers, came home and did nothing really. It was soo sooo soooo nice. What a great weekend!

By the way, Stephen sorta fixed my dryer! more like put a band aid on it, so no more visits to the laundromat! Watch, it'll break for good and he'll really have to fix it, now that I've said something.

100th post. Wow

So I've been blogging long enough to get to 100 posts. That's cool. Man, I feel like I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to blog. So I think I'll use some bullets to help me round out our summer.

July

• Ran Riverdale's 4th of July 5k-did great 33:16
• S.i.l. got married
• Had a couple of reunions to attend
• Went to Bear Lake for 3 nights
• On our way up to Bear Lake, a.c. compressor in durango went out. Cost: too darn much, but paid it anyway.
• Celebrated Pioneer Day with my family. Sent kids to stay with cousins in Tooele for a few days. Yipee!!!
• Celebrated 13 years of Marriage. Love my man!!
• A s.i.l. delivered her 3rd baby. A girl. Finally, Yay!!!
• Stephen was asked to, and did, baptize our neighbors son. I feel grateful that Stephen holds the priesthood honorably.

August

• Girls camp for girl #1
• taking the kids to a movie
• talking the kids school clothes shopping
• Primary activities, birthday parties, and activity days
• Soccer. It has started. Tuesday evenings through Saturday mornings our lives will be Soccer. Plus schooll and church callings and activities.
• Back to School night. For the Elementary kids, this was easy. Walk in. Find out who the teacher is. Meet the teacher, see the classroom. Walk out. For girl #1 though, we had to get her schedule, find her locker, try out her locker (about 30 times total while we were there), find the classrooms, meet the teachers, help her find the best ways to her classes from her locker and the other classes. It was about an hour and a half of us going through all this. Not bad though, it made her first day a breeze.
• School started and got new vinyl flooring for kitchen. I already posted that.

Well that's a good summary of our life in the last two months, but now September has started. I don't see my life slowing down one bit. I am happy for my kids and my hubby. I love them all.

We have been blessed with a new little baby. My other s.i.l. had her little girl-finally-last week. She is super cute. I just love her. She has such pretty hair. My brother already has 2 boys and they wanted a girl so bad. In my family it seems boys out number the girls, well this newest little girl almost evened out the score, we are only down by 1. Someone else needs to take care of that though!

We had my 3 brothers celebrating a birthday, my m.i.l., and a nephew on Stephen's side. All within a week of each other. It seems like Christmas.

Hope everyone else is having an enjoyable September thus far, and that you all had a great summer.

So many blessings. So many exciting things happening. Wow, and I get to be part of it all. Love it! really I do.

Hidden Valley...sooo not the salad dressing.

On Sunday after church, we went for a hike as a family. Stephen has been dying to hike to a place called Hidden Valley. The trail head you start from is at the top of 22ND st. in O-town. You start using the Indian Trail and about a 1/2 mile up there is a bunch of rocks that look like steps going S instead of NE. On one rock is painted Hidden Valley. Okay. The hike, according to one Internet source is 1.4 miles, difficult, the paths aren't recognizable (to anyone except my husband!), and the elevation increase is from 5080' to 6760'. What!??! yep a difference of 1680 feet. My kids hiked the whole way, except for boy #2, he gave up early. We ran out of water. Our dog was dying thanks to his black fur. Oh, it was a heck of a hike. But the best part of our total 5 hour hike, being together. The two middle kids just love hiking and were running often on the trail. The oldest griped, but she had me as an example when she was younger. What can I say? I don't enjoy hiking but I go anyway. most of the time. She finished the hike stronger I think. We took this opportunity as parents to explain to our kids that they were given strong bodies, healthy bodies, able bodies. We should be grateful we can hike this particular trail. There are those we know that are the same ages and wouldn't be able to hike it. at.all. Boy #2 enjoyed his ride on Stephen's shoulders, back, being carried in his arms like a little baby is cuddled. Yep, he has the easy life. We ran out of water, but were lucky enough to get into the trees. We made one major stop to eat a few snacks we brought, I thought we would turn around & go back home. Stephen scouted ahead, came back and told us we had less than 1/2 mile to go. We finished to the top. Looking at the pics now and remembering how everything was, it is gorgeous! Definitely a hike to do if you like to hike, and it's early spring/summer. It was Totally worth all the dust, dirt, bugs, bites, lack of restrooms, trips on roots, lack of water, and my fear of heights. We took pics of the scenery, kids standing on ledges, hiking the steepest parts of the trail, and us at the end of the trail. Totally worth all of it. I won't do that hike again, (probably,) but we are heading out to do Ben Lomand Peak in a few weeks. Tell me what you think, should we take our kids to Ben Lomand Peak starting at the divide? or should we leave them home so we do the full 18 miles by ourselves? Just wondering. Stephen is sure the kids can make it. I'll decide later.
Recap: Full afternoon sun. Ran out of water. One kid whining. Heights. Ready to give up. Finish to the top of trail. See tip of Mount Ogden across the valley. Beautiful views of valley and O-town. Seeing that my family and I can do what I think is impossible...Absolutely Better than anything I could imagine.

April's going's on's

Holy cow!!! where does time go? I don't think it flies, it just totally avoids me.

So, onto a lot of mini posts!

Easter: We had a good one. The kids loved trying to find their baskets, poor girl #1 had to really hunt for hers. I even gave her the best of all hints, and she still didn't get it. She's older, that's why she has to look harder. Girl #2 found hers in the oven. She laughed and thought that was the silliest place in the world for it. Boy #1 and Boy#2 had it easy this year, but me thinks that boy #1 had help. When we dyed Easter eggs a few days before, we had some brown eggs to use. I got to color those eggs and they turned out fabulous! The colors were richer and darker, just gorgeous eggs to be hidden. It was some good fun for Stephen and the kids. We visited with family and had a great time.

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Soccer: Soccer started at the first of this month. All my kids have been having a blast and rockin' the field. I love it. Girl#1's first game, she scored the first goal and then they kept playin' their hearts out for another one. They didn't win, but Wow! they worked hard and it was a very entertaining game. The others that she's had have also been very entertaining. The teams have been well matched and they all work so hard it's awesome to watch. She works hard and wants to keep playing. Girl #2 is coached by Stephen. They have been doing very well. If the whole team makes it to practice, they usually win the next game. Just goes to show that teamwork starts with practice. I'm proud of Girl #2 for the hard work she is putting in. Boy #1 is coached by me. I'm so proud of Boy #1 and his team. They work together, they put their all into each quarter they get to play, they are playing like they should, that's all there is to say about it. I'm very, very proud of them.

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I started running at the first of the month again. I'm so syked to do the races coming up. I love to run and have missed it so much. Stephen has been going with me in the mornings 'cuz of how little miles I could do in the beginning. Last Thursday, we got up to 4 miles with some hills. It was awesome! Friday was a hill-ey 3 miler and Saturday, oh Saturday. Oh.My.Goodness! I met my friend Lisa in So. Ogden at O'Dark-thirty. We went for a 4 mile run. We were in South Ogden. Many of you know the area and only see the main roads, not the neighborhood. Oh. Ouch. The neighborhood we went in had some very wonderfully hard hills to run. I had to walk several times (sorry Lisa,) but had a wonderful day the rest of the day. I was sore. Almost immediately, but overall I felt great! In this pic, this is what I saw by the time I was home. So beautiful and welcoming. I love running. I haven't had a chance to go again, but another Thursday morning run will be just what I need. It is 5 miles with Lisa. So excited.

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New Couches!!!!!!! I have never, in all my 12+ years of marriage, owned new couches. We had some hand-me-downs that were probably as old as I am. They have served their purpose and have been disposed of. We are getting the home ready to sell and Stephen decided that new furniture, carpet, and paint will make it easier to sell. I'm so excited. The bathroom on the downstairs floor is finished, so onto the kitchen for new paint and flooring. The living (front) room will also get new paint and flooring. We have been storing things away to help us have some more room. I'm so happy! We will hopefully have the paint and new flooring done before the end of May. Woot! Woot! we should have done this years ago!!!! Oh yeah, I also got a new camera with the couches. Love my hubby!

My oldest still has fits.

So Sunday came around and we were getting ready to go to church at 9a.m., and my oldest thought it'd be okay to wear a white t-shirt with her skirt. It had holes in it, it wasn't as white as it used to be, and I have been telling her and girl #2 that church is no place for t-shirts. Stephen and I made her wear a beautiful shirt. It was long sleeved, button down, and was made with fabric that had eyelets at the bottom. She started to cry and decided she wasn't going to church. She said she'd then change her skirt. I was okay with that because I hate the skirt she's wearing.
Stephen on the other hand said, "No, you have to wear both." She still kept going on and on about hating what she was wearing! I told her if she kept it up, she'd be wearing that shirt until spring. I just had to take some pictures of this. Stephen was totally backing me up on this issue. I love him and his support.
Poor girl, she may need therapy later, just because she didn't get what she wanted. I'm having a hard time feeling bad for her because she's been puttin' up the 'tude since she turned 12. Good luck to me, eh?

Our Christmas

It's never too late for Christmas!

Our Christmas season was a wonderful one. We celebrated with wonderful family members and friends. On Christmas Eve, we visited with Stephen's side of the family in Morgan. It was great. We had our traditional clam chowder and chili and a new soup- Hot dog soup. His aunt made it and it tasted yummy! This year for the gift exchange, only the great-grand kids who were there exchanged gifts. The rest of the adults donated the money they would've spent to cousin Baylen's charitable account. He is the one going through the medulla-blastoma treatments. What a great way to give back to our Lord (after all he has given and done for us) by donating to them so they can make it through this. The road to recovery is very long, but we believe that Baylen will make it. He is, by the way, done with radiation treatments and will start chemo soon. And he's doing very well for a 3 year old (soon to be 4.)

On Christmas day, we spent the morning opening presents from each other. The kids all loved what they received and loved to give gifts even more! We visited with our only-ever landlady for breakfast, then went to Stephen's parents for a late lunch. We then went to my parents for an even later dinner and pies.

We were late to almost everything we did, but, I was okay with it. Usually, I'm running around, not happy, screaming at everyone to get going. It is very, very, unpleasant. This year, I did a better job of trying to relax. I knew we'd be late to everything, therefore, I didn't have to worry about what my mom thought or my mother-in-law thought. We showed up when we could. And do you know what? everything worked out just fine. Nobody died because we were late. Nobody was crying, screaming, or unhappy. It just was a great and wonderful day. Like it is supposed to be.

I'm happy to say I finally got all 7 Harry Potter books, a yoga mat (from girl #1,) new pants and Pride and Prejudice the movie! Yay! I love this movie. It's my Favorite! It fills me with happy thoughts warm fuzzies, and what I loved more, was my husband FINALLY watched it with me. He laughed at the right times and was quiet when he needed to be. I do believe he enjoyed watching it with me and now understands a little bit more why I love to read the book. Happy feelings all the way around! Stephen was happy with what he got, a laptop, socks, legos, shoes, blah, blah, blah. The kids received what they wanted: Girl #1 a new bike, Girl #2 Art items, lots of them! Boy #1 a guitar (which hubby wants to teach him,) and Boy #2 Thomas sheets and blankets for a new bed, among other things for each of them.

We hope all you had a great Christmas, whether it was with extended family or just your own little one. We are thankful for wonderful family and friends to be around during the Christmas season and love that we can be involved with your lives. Thank You!

Piano- Let's try again.

Yay! I tried again and it worked! This is Girl #1, my oldest. Isn't she cute. I like both my girls and I'm proud of the hard work they put in to learn their pieces. I'm really proud.

I don't play the piano, but I do play the violin. My mother and I played just last night for our ward Relief Society Christmas Party. It was a lot of fun to duet with my mom. She plays the viola and does a terrific job! I like to play with her and I love the sounds of the viola, so deep and gorgeous.

Piano

So last week our girls had their Christmas piano recital. They did an awesome job and looked so cute at the piano. I'm thankful for our friend who teaches them, she does an amazing job with the kids. She is also a great friend not only to me, but to our family as well. She did a great job with the whole little program, it was only a half hour. NICE! So I'm trying to post some video of the girls playing, I started the camera too late, so no names of songs or people on it.
okay, only one video would load, stupid dumb whatever. UGH! I hope you enjoy the music.

Gratitude Catch Up!19-30

Oh. My. How time flies by!!!
All right, if I was cute or artsy or a little literary smarty-pants, I'd make up a song or a poem for the rest of these, but I'm not, so you don't get a song or anything remotely close. Get settled with a cup of hot cocoa, put on your slippers, and enjoy the (not written well) novel!
11-19-2009: My Calling. In our ward, I'm the primary chorister. I really like and am glad to say we finally, have a pianist for primary and she is excellent! I love to hear the kids sing and especially if they know the song well, they tend to sing louder than me.
11-20-2009: Friends to hang out with. On this day my friends and I were finally able to get together. No one was sick and no one had anything going on. I loved it. It was so much fun to talk about whatever and laugh. Oh, how I love to laugh and these friends of mine made. me. laugh! I'm grateful for them and being able to around them. They always have a good, uplifting attitude and are very inspiring.
11-21-2009: Baptism and Cookies! On this day my family and I were given the opportunity to witness a young girls decision to join the church. She asked that I speak at her baptism on the Holy Ghost. I was so grateful for the opportunity. I mean how often do you get this? usually only for your children or nieces and nephews. Cookies! Oh I love cookies, they are so bad for me. If we have them, I eat them. If I make the dough, I'll eat just it. I love cookies and I'm glad to report, that I'm learning to control my passion for them and eat only a few instead of all.
11-22-2009: Boy #2! Oh how I love this little guy. He makes me: smile, cry, frown, laugh, dance, tired, think about how best to potty train him, HAPPY, more loving, search, have my own "A-ha" moments. I'll comment on this last example. He's now noticed when I look for something, I'll say ah, there it is. He is now saying (anytime he's looking for something) "A-HAA!" Oh it is funny, walking out of the store, "A-Ha! there it is" when asked where the vehicle was. He says it when looking for a toy, book, shoe, food, anything.
11-23-2009: Boy #1! Oh he is a cutie. I love this kid. He is smart and works hard in school. He laughs hysterically at all the funny things-even if they aren't. He smiles and has the cutest dimples that will melt your heart. He's a charmer, but refuses to kiss anyone, except for special occasions. Which, by the way, there haven't been any. He loves to run and play on the couches. He loves, loves, loves to tease his big sisters! Oh. my. goodness. The fights that erupt. I'm learning to be patient and calm when this happens. I'm trying to get the girls to realize he likes them and will tease them because of it. He is full of love which then helps me love him even more. He tries so hard to do well, and gets upset when he fails. He knows we love him and will always be here for him. He needs a hair cut often, but that is part of what makes him so cute. There is so much to him, I love his personality and the things that make him, him.
11-24-2009: Girl #2! Oh what a fun loving gal! When she was little, she used to stutter. It was the. cutest. thing. in. the. world. She is always so helpful and loves, loves, loves art. She is constantly drawing a picture of the family or something else. I just love her so much. She calls her grandma to arrange sleepovers for her and boy #1, without my knowledge. She is the best girl #2 that I could ever have asked for. She once asked when she could quit piano, I told her when she can play like her teacher. She frowned at that, but she is still trying hard. She makes me laugh. She tries to make everyone happy, but she is a tease! She is a great reader and loves it. She likes to play school and other games at home. She loves to play on the computer and is getting good at the games on the pbskids website. She loves school and what more could a parent want than that!
11-25-2209: Girl #1! She is FUNNY! at least she thinks she is. ;} I really love her and appreciate all she does here at home. She helps watch the kids, does her piano without being asked, does her chores, helps the others with their chores, and she still gets to hang out with her friends. She is getting older and looks it. I'm sad that my first is growing so fast. I didn't realize that she is going to be a teenager within a few years and I'll have lost her to her friends. I hope not. I hope she'll always be able to talk with me. I hope she knows how much we love her. She is an amazing kid, full of love for all, happiness, joy, the occasional bad day, joking, teasing, patience. I could learn a lesson from her.
11-26-2009: Stephen. I love him. He is my rock. I love his support for me and for our children. He supports us all in sports, church callings and activities, home endeavors, school work, friends, and most of all, family togetherness. He always tries to be home when something is going on for the kids or me. He loves us and it is evident. He works in S.L.C. and the drive takes him away from us an extra 2 hours from what we're used to. He loves to: hike, bike, camp, fish, backpack, metal detect, scouting, go to parks, go on walks, pretty much anything outside, and the most important is, that, he always involves us in these activities. I'm grateful for him involving me and our children in his life.
11-27-2009: Thanksgiving and the run that morning. I was able to meet up with Amanda, Lesa, Lisa, Trevor, and Celeste for the Ogden Regional M.C. 5 mile run. It was actually closer to 4 I believe. I ran it in 46 minutes and 28 second. That averages my mile to 11:57. That is fast for me. I usually have a 13 to 14 minute mile. I'm very pleased with it. I'm grateful for the friends that went and ran it with me, even though we stayed together for maybe a half mile. The crowd that was there was huge! I'm glad they waited for me to finish before they went home. That was nice of them. Thanksgiving was a good time spent with family. I enjoyed it and the food.
11-28-2009: Santa Run 5K in Ogden. I ran this by myself, no friends. I was a little sad about that, but I handled it because my wonderful husband and great kids were there to cheer me on. I ran this 5K in 34:50. That is my fastest time of all my 5K's this year. I loved it. I felt good, but tired and hot. I overdressed because we were staying for the parade and fireworks after the run. I was happy though. I wasn't last. I finished the race in great time for me. My husband and children got to see me race. It was my exercise for the day. In 72 hours, I started with a race and ended with a race. It was a good weekend.
11-29-2009: Jake our dog. Jake is a black Lab and Weimaraner mix. He's beautiful. He protects my family from strangers and other dangers. He watches them when they play and makes sure they are safe. He protects us while Stephen is at work or gone camping with scouts. He is always ready to play, but, is obedient when he can't. He is the best dog for our family. He went hiking/metal detecting with Stephen this day. They went early in the morning and they went far up the mountain. To the top in fact. Jake was right there with Stephen, always loyal and faithfully by his side. At the beginning of the hike, about 3/4 to the top of the mountain, Stephen misstepped and started to slide on the rocks going down. He caught himself quickly, but Jake, sensing Stephen's initial fear, pushed his head onto Stephen's chest. It was harder for Stephen to hang on and he had to let go sliding down the mountain face, Jake jumped onto Stephen's chest hoping to stop him before he truly got hurt. Stephen did stop and Jake jumped off him. I'm glad Stephen wasn't alone on his hike, he was bushwhacking and didn't go on a trail. Jake was there to help where he could. Jake will always be a part of our family, no matter if Boy #1 and I are allergic to him and have asthma due to him being in our home. Jake is a faithful, loyal, truly good animal and a huge part of our family. The kids love him, Stephen loves him and I like him very, very much.
11-30-2009: Our general good health. Other than the normal colds, we haven't fared too bad thus far. This is the season for many sicknesses and usually we get them by now. I'm very glad that my kids are all healthy, no diseases for us to worry about. We have truly been blessed by the Lord. Earlier this month, our cousin's son was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, medulla blastoma. He has tumors on his brain and some on the spine. The doctors are treating it as aggressively as it is acting. The poor little 3 year old has been going to radiation treatments five days a week for six weeks. I believe this is the beginning of week three. We pray constantly that all will go well. He will begin chemotherapy after the radiation treatments. He will have several of those, I don't know exactly how many. It will be a long process, a very long time before any of us can be near him, due to it being the cold/flu/pneumonia season. We love this little guy and think he will make it. We hope and pray for all those who are sick, we hope all will be well with all of you who read this. We are very grateful for our general health and hope you will be as well.