Too Many To Count

random

2011-05-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

last night I had a dream that my teeth fell out. I hate that dream and have it from time to time, although not so much recently. A popular interpretation is that teeth falling out symbolizes insecurity, shame or anxiety. Last night at YW there was some trash on the hallway floor, I picked it up but it brought with it a stab of shame for me. In the dream I had lost some teeth and was so upset that I went to bed to sob about it intending never to get out, then my friend Amy came over and made me go to a ward dinner with her where I refused to eat anything but mashed potatoes and tried to hide. Strange and alarming. I think I'd rather not remember my dreams.

For YW we got ready for camp, and I also told the Bishop I could not go to monthly night of ministry. He didn't seem pleased. I told him we had mutual on wed. M&M on thurs. camp clinic on Fri and stake youth activity on Sat. and it was too much for my family. I felt really bad telling him and admitting I was a slacker.

J's car is in the shop:(

The other night at dinner E announced that he has made up his mind about what he wants to be when he grows up. Either a MLS soccer player or a physisist. Fighter pilot is out. Funny boy.

Our garden is growing. The countdown to summer is on and my ear hurts. That is all.

music recital

2011-05-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Car issues today. What a pain, I don't really want to talk about it though, I'd rather talk about our piano recital tonight. It was very lovely. Jenna and Hannah both played and they did excellent. It was fun to see many of our friends playing, some of those kids are talented! Ethan and Lu both want to start lessons now :)

silly girlies

2011-05-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

i heart skype, the next best thing to being there

2011-05-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2011-05-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Today was a Sunday with a lot of meetings. When we finally got home we had lunch on the deck and then made everyone nap, mostly beacause we were exhausted. R and I slept for two hours. So did Jen. Sierra ended up playing with the kids. She and Lu had a pajama party, made cookies and played blokus. She also played with E and watched movies with them. They were all cheerful and smiley when we got up, which was so nice.

After dinner we went to the Martines' for Eric and Ellie's bday cake. The McCombs came too and we had a very fun time visiting together.

Divide and conquer

2011-05-14T07:15:00.001-07:00

A rainy blur of chicklettes :) our last lacrosse morning. The boys are at soccer. Pictures at one park, team lunch, game in another county after. Then we will meet up to clean the church and tonight we are going to dinner with some friends.

Friends

2011-05-14T05:06:00.001-07:00

While the cats away the mice will play, only the cat didn't end up leaving. Last night was the father and sons camp out so the girls invited friends over to celebrate :l The boys ended up not going so they joined in the fray.

Hannah had Ariel and Julia over and Lucy had Emily. We went to get pizza, painted, made jewelry and watched movies. The big girls slept over and spent the night trying on make up and doing hair...at least that is what they were doing when I went to bed.

This week was Big bubba's birthday. The kids had a fabulous time picking out gifts and then after work we went to Outback to celebrate. It was a low key celebration but fun. Work has been crazy busy for him lately and I was glad he could join us for any celebrating at all.

The weather has been so lovely lately. The other morning I looked out Han's window while I was getting her up and saw two deer frolicking in the pond. They played while I watched for a good 5 min jumping and chasing each other. While they are huge pests they sure were cute.

I can not believe in one month I'll be driving my girls to Utah! insert conflicted sigh filled with excitement for them and pride that they have grown up so nicely, and dread because I will miss them so.

the joys of motherhood

2011-05-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

"there is beauty all around", the chorus sweetly swells on the film reel of my mind. The one where I picture my adorable, bright, obedient, cheerful children quietly sitting around me while a fire burns warmly in the brick fire place and an open book is on my lap. We have paused our read out loud to laugh together over something funny one of the small ones has observed; no one is fighting over who sits next to me, no is humming, no one is kicking anyone else.

reality: this morning H refused to get out of bed and when she did she got ready soooo slowly that she missed the bus. She had to get a ride from her father, who miraculously was actually home when we were getting ready.

E didn't like his socks, or his breakfast.

Lu cried while I brushed her hair and then didn't want me to leave her to go to work, even though she would be getting on the bus just 15 minutes later.

After school I came home to find that while Hannah did not do her afternoon chores she and her friends did have a water fight outside and the wet clothes she was wearing were inside on the carpet leaving a trail of water across the wood and a puddle of water in the bedroom.

E was nowhere to be found and not ready for soccer and Lu was crying about something.

When we finally got it together we went to soccer where H and Lu both had to pee, even though I told them to go before we left the house and so we had to use the outhouse at the park. sick.

E, who promised to leave soccer when I called and knew it would be before it was done, didn't actually want to leave when the time came. Then the children were HUNGRY, and didn't to go to church.

E changed into his scout uniform in the car and I said "quote", take off your jersey and leave it in the car so it won't get lost. He changed.

At church Lu cried because she wanted to stay with the Beehives and not come with me to clean the shed, then she cried because she didn't want to leave.

On the way home from church we got a call from Sierra saying that Jenna was stuck in the parking lot at work, she had locked her keys in her car..and her cell phone. When we got there E said "uh... I forgot my new jersey at church". What?! Why was it in the church? Well, it turns out he carried it in to show it off and then left it in the gym. I didn't know it was there because, silly me, I thought it was in the car.

J had to break in her car and get her keys, luckily her friends have skills. We watched. Then we came home where at 9:30 some of the children remembered they had homework, others wanted to watch a movie and one of them cried.

A far cry from my inner movie, although they are awfully cute when they are asleep.

Soccer clinic

2011-05-10T18:32:00.001-07:00

Bub spent his evening at a DC United soccer clinic. Several of his friends also went and they had a great time. We got there and signed in and he ran off to play soccer while waiting for the clinic to start. That boy loves soccer.

After the clinic the kids lined up and got to meet several of the players and get autographs.

Lu and I went to watch. She played on the playground and practiced reading.

J took H to piano and then they hung out at home. Busy night.

mother's day

2011-05-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

What a lovely mother's day. I woke up on the lateish side, at least to get to church on time, and Lu had made me breakfast in bed all by herself. She brought up a bowl of strawberries and oranges and a capri sun for me to eat in bed :) It was super cute.

We got ready and made it to church in time. The musical numbers and talks were very uplifting. I really love going to church.

When we came home we ate outside on the deck and then watched National Treasure 2.

After that was over we went on a Sunday drive and enjoyed some bird watching, beach hopping and talking together.

Dinner was served on the porch and littles put to bed early(ish). They were tired and really needed to get to bed on time tonight.

J, who slept all day, was just getting up :) When I came upstairs for bed I left her and Sierra curled up on the couch watching Jane Eyre. Sierra has been home a lot more lately and is doing so much better. She is preparing to move and I think she's excited about her next chapter.

Big and the kids gave me some thoughtful gifts. My favorite was a beautiful letter that Hannah wrote to me. I will treasure it always. I feel very blessed to be a mother, it is my greatest joy.

senior prom

2011-05-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight was prom night. J spent her day getting ready. We spent our day watching games, cleaning the house and preparing to host a pre prom dinner.

The kids started arriving at 5pm. It was so fun to see everyone's dresses and the boys looked so nice all spiffed up :)

We had tons of food and took tons of pictures.

Tonight after the prom several girls are coming back here to sleep over. I am looking forward to hearing how it went!

Jenna and her good friend Ashley in the top corner. Jenna and her date Brian in the other three.

The whole gang ready to go.

Busy

2011-05-07T06:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had an emergency call at work and had to leave early, we still didn't have a dress. Prom is all about the dress. Failure.

We searched high and low. Looked at friends to borrow. Cried a little. Took a pedi break to console ourselves and finally finally Casey's older sisters dress was found and fit. It is not modest. It fits. I suggested a "protective covering", she won't wear it. I am glad this is our last prom for many years.

So today it's beautiful out. We have two soccer games, a lacrosse game, a house to clean, a dinner for 22 kids to prepare and a pre prom dinner for said kids to host.

When that is done I will head to the church to help clean up from the YW fundraising dinner. Thank goodness we have awesome camp leaders and other YW leaders who are doing everything while I do nothing. Thanks friends!

Cinco de mayo

2011-05-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

In celebration of our love of Mexican food, and sombreros, and watching Jenna work, we went to Salsas for dinner. It was, as always, delicioso!

Lucy started jr jazzersize after school today. Big missed dinner because he had to work late.

dress drama is on going.

homework

2011-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

9:30pm, after a full day of school, an afternoon of doing who knows what since I had an appointment right after school and got home a little later than usual, cub scouts (where they made recipe holders), activity day recognition night (where Han played the piano), YW, dishes and some laundry folding they suddenly remembered they did have homework.

Why do they not get a long this nicely at 4:30 in the afternoon??

we have a tragic situation developing. Weeks ago we ordered a beautiful, elegant prom dress for J. Prom is Saturday. The dress has not arrived. What will I do if it doesn't get here tomorrow?!

Storage

2011-05-03T15:58:00.001-07:00

Would you store a giant gumball in your stinky soccer cleat?

Me either but someone here thought it was a good idea.

2011-05-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about blogging is my ability to instantly copy pictures of sweet T and put them on my blog:) Cute little monkey! I am looking forward to spending some time together this summer!

Warm weather is upon us and it's great. DH has been busy planting.

School is going well for everyone. J is taking AP tests. S graduates from CSM next week. The littles have end of the year field trips to look forward to. I love spring time!

beach picnic

2011-04-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

This evening we had a very fun picnic with some of our friends. We met at the beach on base and ate. The most fun for everyone was the nice beach and the water.

It was not really warm, in fact all the adults had sweatshirts and light weight jackets on...but the kids were "not cold" and would not stay out of the water :)

I found a great rock that is shaped like a heart.

My favorite sound in the world is the sound of surf pounding the shore. It's so peaceful. It was a very nice evening.

sport Saturday

2011-04-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Big was soccer mom today. He took the kids to their games by himself since I was at Christmas in April. Bub's team won again. He sure loves soccer.

Lu also loves her sport and is having a lot of fun learning how to play lacrosse.

Christmas in April

2011-04-30T10:57:00.001-07:00

The Laurels and Priests were given an assignment by the Bishop to participate in the community service project, Christmas in April. We met early this morning at the home of an elderly couple and painted, planted, cleaned and scrubbed.

It went very well. The youth had a good time and the service was meaningful and appreciated.

After we had lunch and everyone went off to finish their day.

2011-04-29T20:20:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite picture of the day. The little page boys and flower girls were really cute. A little royal wedding watching was a fun part of my day. I loved the parade of ugly hats.

Today we had soccer practice and a soccer game. After we went to Cici's.

This and that

2011-04-29T04:38:00.001-07:00

This is my little corner of the world where I spend my days enlightening little minds and sharing my love of literature.

cute Tate and Tal dancing at Greg's birthday celebration:)

E got accepted into STEM.

J had her last orchestra competition, they went to state on Wednesday. I wish I could have gone to listen.

Stake leadership was last night, it was a really good meeting. We talked a lot about strengthening families.

My sweet baby

2011-04-27T08:51:00.001-07:00

Jenna got some photos done yesterday for her announcements. Here's a sneak peak. I can not believe she is all grown up and going to college in less than two months. She is such a good girl, and talented and beautiful and thoughtful. I will miss her.

Last day of spring break

2011-04-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our break went too fast. Today we cleaned and vacuumed then treated ourselves to some brusters! It's 86 degrees out and feels like spring!

Easter

2011-04-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!!

the end of the trip

2011-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Rain boots, umbrellas and flashlights were placed by the door and we turned in for the night hoping not to need them. 2am brought a familiar groan from our rogue vomiter. E dashed for the door and threw up over the deck. I don't know why he randomly barfs but he does. He went back to bed and since I was now awake I needed to pee and headed up the hill to the very chilly bathroom.

4am. Mom?? (groan) yes? I need to go to the bathroom. So we geared up and went out in the rain to the chilly bathroom again.

That is not the best part of camping.

Today we woke up to more rain, and lots in the forecast so we packed up, checked out, and went to Bob Evans for an end of vacation breakfast.

Vacation was a delight. One thing I found so interesting was we gave each child $20 at the beginning of the trip and told them they could buy whatever they wanted but when the $ was gone they were done spending. We would buy meals and admissions to what we were doing but anything else they wanted was up to them. Watching them spend and choose was fun. Lu found a package of lip gloss at the camp store minute one. She wanted it but didn't buy it right way. She used it as a measuring rod for all other purchases. Did she want whatever she was looking at more than the lip gloss? In almost all cases the answer was no. She did pool some money with Ethan to buy Tatum a present, and she did buy Ethan a pack of cards from the Disney store. This morning we went back to the camp store and she got her lip gloss. E spent most his money day one. He bought Tate a present and he bought me a cute baby stuffed owl. He spent the rest of his money on playing games at Hershey. He likes to throw balls at things. I would not have chosen that but he loves it. H saved her $ until we went to the outlet mall and then bought some jewelry and a bag at aero. E was the only one who asked for more money, he spent most of his on others and gave his prizes to Lu, he is very generous. He just wanted to play more.

Hershey park

2011-04-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

We missed the rain!! The radar showed rain all over all day but this morning we had a sliver of sunshine and decided to go for it. Unlike many park goers today we had the right clothing and we bundled up in many layers and headed out. It was cold but we had a really fun time and it didn't rain until late in the afternoon.

The kids loved the scrambler and the comet best. Lu was a little worried about the first drop but after that she liked it, E was apprehensive but in the end said it was fun. We ate park food and looked at shops and were so happy to be dry and that we brought our gloves!

When the rain came we went to chocolate world. The Hershey story was so interesting, he was quite a visionary man. I'd call our trip a success and we all agreed we'd come back again. We didn't get to see and do everything so there would be lots to still do!

bedtime

2011-04-21T18:22:00.001-07:00

We rented a rustic cabin for our stay. It has beds and is warm but no plumbing and a fire to cook on so we are kind of camping.

After settling in Big built a fire and we put some beans and dogs on. Little cooked our hot dogs for us and everyone ate up!

Super cute hershey thing: the lamp posts are topped with hershey kisses! Some are chocolate and others foil wrapped with tags, so cute!

spring trip

2011-04-21T18:21:00.001-07:00

I've been looking forward to our trip to Hershey for some time. I wish the big girls had come but they both had work and wanted to hang out with friends. It's only a couple months until they leave for school and I will miss them!

We've been watching the weather and it's been calling for cold and rain. We actually talked about not going but decided to take our chances and hope for the best.

Our first day turned out perfect! We drove up and got here by noon. Our first stop was at Friendly's for some lunch...okay mostly it was for the ice cream:) but we also had lunch.

Then we went to Zoo America and to Hershey Gardens. Both were very nice. I loved the zoo. Lu loved night in the desert, Bub enjoyed watching the peregrine falcon and Hannah liked all the owls. Their habitats were so nice you could really see the animals up close.

The gardens were beautiful and we had a lovely time walking through them and enjoying the different plants. I loved the children's garden and the herb garden best. The kids loved rolling down the hill :)

dumpster diving

2011-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

We had a busy day. Going away to have fun always takes a lot of work. We did laundry and straightened up. Big tidied up the yard and we took the car to fill it with gas and give it a wash. We went shopping for trip stuff and for Easter. We packed and made some lists. Everything went smoothly except Lu is still suffering from a bad case of the grouchies and we had a debit card crisis at the gas station. I swiped the card to get some gas and then stood in my drivers door talking to the kids and cleaning out my purse while it was pumping. When I was done I looked for my card and couldn't find it. We checked my wallet and purse and the whole car and the ground.

Finally I took the plunge and looked through the trash can where I had thrown some papers.

Gross.

Still no luck.

I checked that trash four times, carefully.

We searched every and I was bummed, no luck.

Finally we went over to the car wash and drove thru and when we got to the vacuum searched again. Thankfully I then uncovered it! We were thrilled and said a prayer of thanks! It would have been a terrible day to lose my plastic.

zoo

2011-04-19T17:40:00.001-07:00

Maggie and Lucy on the metro

All the kids minus three at the zoo

Why is it that vacation days go by so much faster than work days? Today is already Tuesday! Wait, slow down!!

We went to the National Zoo with some of our good friends. We met at the metro station and rode the train down. For the kids that is just as fun as the outing itself. They especially love standing while we are moving. It was kind of crowded and we stood by a handsome, good natured man who chatted with us and the kids. He asked them where they were going and we talked about different zoos. He is here from Co. Springs area. We asked him if he was here on spring break and he said no, he was here to go to the Cancer Institute. He just finished treatment for a melanoma that had metastasized to his brain. He was hoping for a clean bill of health. Before we parted ways he wished us a good time in our day, and we wished him well with his. I had told him that 20 years ago I had cancer and we high fived to the hope that he would see 20 years from now. Strange little moments. When we got off the train Laura said, he's too handsome to have cancer. I agreed. Someday everyone will be well and whole. Won't that be a blessing. For today everyone has something and no one is spared. That's part of mortality, isn't it.

So we had a good day. We had 14 kids, 4 moms and an auntie on our little field trip. We didn't lose anyone. The weather was perfect, we were worried about rain but didn't see more than a few drops. We were concerned about crowds, but it turned out fine. The kids ran around and looked at animals. We were able to catch a couple of "talks" by zoo volunteers that were so interesting. One on the giant panda, and one on the naked mole rat. Everyone got along and mostly no one whined. One little girl did have a bad start to the day and hated her lunch and was whinyer than normal. She's six and belongs to me.

After the zoo we rode a very crowded metro back to our cars. We were a little afraid for the children and feared that they might be squished in the masses. We made it though, thanks to some very skillful and aggressive mamma bear parenting, then ate at chikfila and drove home. Lucy fell asleep on the way. I love the zoo. I love my kiddos. I love my friends. I love warm weather. I love when you are worried about something and then nothing you worried about actually happens and everything goes well! Sweet :)

Birthday

2011-04-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

Today I celebrated the 30th anniversary of becoming a teenager. Then I was very excited to be 13, I went to Park View Jr High, my BFF was Lana, I loved horses and reading and walking to Winschells for donuts. I loved to watch the Dukes of Hazard and CHiPs and when I could the Love Boat, although I wasn't supposed to. Valerie Dopp was my Beehive leader and the only things I could cook were chocolate chip cookies and instant pudding.

Now I am just happy to be on this side of the dirt:) I cook a lot of things, still love to read and I am the YW leader instead of the YW. I still like chocolate chip cookies....but I have vowed that this really is going to be the year I get that under control.

So we had a fun day. First we went to the movies and saw Rio in 3D. It was cute and snappy. Then we went to Okada. Everyone but Lu enjoyed it. She was scared of the flames, hated the food and was mad that a shrimp touched her plate. She did eat my complimentary birthday dessert. In the evening we went to the Martines' for a fun BBQ. Chelsea made a cake and we had a campfire after dinner. We ended with FHE.

a sunday in the spring

2011-04-17T18:57:00.001-07:00

Sweet Sabbath day of rest. We had a great Sunday. Sacrament meeting was about families and I loved the talks. My favorite was when Sarah and Stephen Henderson, who got married last week, got up and bore testimony about their gratitude for their eternal marriage and their families. It was so sweet.

When we came home we had lunch and then the girls and I went in the basement and made some fun summer skirts and the boys went on a bike ride and played at the park.

When they got home the girls joined them for some more park fun this time across the street at the neighborhood playground and I took a nap:)

After a nice nap I watched Tangled with Sierra, we had some yummy corn bread and chili for dinner. Lastly we built a fire and roasted some marshmallows with the neighbor kids.

rainy day

2011-04-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

Lax was cancelled due to rain, this little girl was very upset. We decided to go get donuts for breakfast to cheer her up. Fortune smiled on us, McKays had a special visitor....

EB! We took a picture, dyed an egg and came home with a new pencil, a balloon and a happy girl.

Our rainy day plans are a cleaning party, then tonight we are going to a wedding.

spring break kick off

2011-04-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our first official moments of spring break fun! We had a neighborhood flashlight Easter egg hunt!

Many many neighbors gathered at the playground and the kids ran around hunting eggs, and each other. The parents stood around watching, chatting, drinking. It was a merry time for all.

Lu checking out her haul :)

Looking forward to 10 days of family fun!

Eggs

2011-04-14T16:48:00.001-07:00

This girl could not wait one more day. She has been begging to dye eggs for weeks. Usually I like to do it a day or two before Easter but then it is sometimes rushed or otherwise not fully appriciated. So I decided that it didn't really have to be done then and so tonight was the night and she is thrilled. I doubt they will last until Easter but we can just eat the chocolate variety then:) Never put the fun off for a better time.

how long will it be before we own a watercraft?

2011-04-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

jenna, ashleigh, katie and susanna. Sweet Laurels!

osprey mating season, there are tons of them out and about.

Capt J

where are my sunglasses?

the sail...duh

gorgeous sunset

2011-04-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I had sick kids, really we are not yet 100%, but we are getting better. Lu had a fever starting on Monday. H has been feeling poorly for two weeks. She stayed home one day last week and then again on Tuesday. Thank goodness for big girls. S doesn't have classes and didnt have to go to work until later so she stayed home with the girls. J has early release so she covered the afternoon. There was a 45 min gap but we thought H could handle it and she did.

Last night the Laurels went sailing. The weather was a little iffy all week and I was worried but we went and it was perfect. Beautiful and not cold. The girls had a really good time and so did I. I will post pictures as soon as one of our laptops works. My baby sophie is having a break down, it is sooo slow, like back to the days of give a command and come back in 10 to see if it's done, and it locks up still. R's wouldn't talk to the camera, don't know why. Hopefully tonight we (read:Big) will figure something out....or finish our taxes seeing that tomorrow is the deadline.

One more day until spring break!! one more lunch duty, one more night of homework, one more!

mormons and muslims

2011-04-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the nicest day. The weather was mild and sunny. We went for a family bike ride, Lu is doing really well. We had some really good talks in Sacrament Meeting and Steven B. sang my favorite hymn and did a great job. In the evening we had some friends over for dinner. While subbing I met Suhani, who it turns out has a husband that works with Big. We worked together several times and got along well. A few weeks ago R mentioned to me that he wanted to invite Brian and Suhani over for dinner, I was agreeable and looked forward to it especially since I knew her and thought it might not be all airplanes all night :) All the times we had lunch together I never saw her eat meat so I asked Big to ask Brian if she was a vegetarian, she is not but doesn't eat pork (she's Muslim). I made chicken. No problem :) About an hour before they arrived they called to say they would be bringing a tieramasu. Except we don't drink coffee. Turns out when Mormons and Muslims dine together the menu gets kind of limited :) They brought a fruit bowl instead. We had a fun time, the kids really enjoyed them and we ate and played games and agreed to get together again soon. It's sort of an unlikely friendship, a 20 something Bangladeshi engineer turned substitute teacher and a 40 + mom of 6 but we get a long well. This morning I woke up in a good mood, the weather was supposed to be 80 degrees and I was looking forward to it! It was warm today!! Yeah, spring~ welcome!! J had a date tonight with Brian. He was very nice, for the minute I met him. They are going to dinner and bowling. Lu's class eggs hatched and she got to hold a chickie. E scored the first goal at the practice scrimmage. H and G are feeling poorly, I hope they are well tomorrow. Really hope. recently blogger has not let me format the text the way I want. It's really annoying

galaxy

2011-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Some time ago the boy came home from school and told me that Webb and Grant went to watch a soccer game. He was amazed, it had never occurred to him that people went to pro games I guess. He asked if maybe we could go to one some time. I told him maybe.

After thinking about it for a while I talked with Big and we decided to take him. It would be a fun outing. I checked the schedule and his favorite team, the LA Galaxy was coming to DC to play. We got 3 tickets and looked forward to going. The only bummer was it was the same night as the cub scout campfire :( We wanted to go to that too but chose soccer for the evening. I think it's safe to say we had a good time. As many forays out to worldly events are it was fraught with excitement, high energy and loud laughter. The parking lot was full of tail gaters enjoying pre game festivities and the stadium was full of anxious fan. We took our seats and watched people and players. The whole event was loud and exciting. We were rooting for LA and they scored early in the game and held off "the dark side" until the last 5 minutes of the game when literally a moment before the clock ran out there was a foul and a free kick that tied up the game. In the 5 minutes they played after the clock both teams powerhoused for a winning goal but the game ended in a tie. I was struck by several things. First of all , those men are not very good sports. There were many fouls, pushes, kicks and dirty playing. If the boys played like that they would be red carded in a second. I was very disappointed to take my boy to see some of his heros and have them behave so poorly. We haven't evolved much from the days of gladiator fights in the arenas of ancient Rome. Also the crowds were obnoxious and many of them were drunk and unruly. It made me a little sad. I know men have a fight reflex or something but it was lacking in dignity and friendly competition and from the spectators? come on, you aren't even the one out there kicking the ball! The athletes were amazing players and it was exciting but for me I left dissappointed in the experience.

chores

2011-04-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Between sporting events we did chores. Lucy helped dad outside. She loves to plant stuff :) We are trying some new veggies in our garden this year and are hoping for great success.

The boy helped me with inside chores. Not his favorite. I really want him to grow up to be a man who knows his way with a broom and some ajax. I find this a very desirable and attractive quality.

Jen and Han did our grocery shopping. It is such a treat to have daughters old enough to drive, responsible enough to take my debit card and willing to do the job. It is very interesting to me though that while the children have all grocery shopped with me since they were days old and I have modeled shopping skills to them all that time they still don't know how to do it. I thought they were learning a lot about shopping, yet each girl when sent to the store has struggled. I get multiple phone calls asking stuff like "where do they keep the chicken? What kind of milk? I don't think this Wal mart has sugar??" They often bring home odd sizes of stuff, brands we don't normally buy and missing items. Which is fine. Teach and reteach. I am just still surprised. It makes we wonder what else I have modeled for them, that I thought they learned, that they really have not...and conversely what have I taught that I didn't mean to.

Lax practice

2011-04-09T07:32:00.001-07:00

soccer

2011-04-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is Han's first time to try soccer. She is enjoying it and it's fun to get out and watch her. We had a game last night that they won. E was a great cheerleader for her, which was a fun switch. After we went to the STEM open house, he was not impressed. When we got home we discovered he had a temp of 103, which probably had a lot to do with it. We called Pete, our home teacher, and he came right over to help give him a blessing. It is such a wonderful thing to have the blessings of the Priesthood in our lives.

This morning I took him to the doctor, got the Z pack, then J took him home to eat Popsicles and watch Star Wars while I went to work.

Now she is at work and I am home. I sure will miss her when she is gone.

Speaking of we got her dorm room yesterday (Helaman Halls) and her class schedule earlier this week. So exciting!!

In other exciting news I think S is also going to move to Utah this summer. Our house will sure be different with just the three little kids here and all my girls across the world in the Beehive State.

home for 3 days

2011-04-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is day 3 home with sick kids. I hope they will all go back tomorrow. I have a feeling that a good employee shows up, from time to time at least. Being a mom is most important, I'd like to be able to do both, for now. Anyway, since being home what have I accomplished?

all three floors are vacuumed

all the laundry is done

the kitchen is clean

groceries have been bought

books have been read, to the children and by me

2 hours were spent on BYU's website getting class schedules figured out

lessons have been attended

a need to mail item was mailed

blogs have been read

cookies baked

basketball watched

dog walked

kindergarten classroom visited

dinners cooked

...that's it.

Piano lessons

2011-04-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Bub is still sick so I was home again. I got some cleaning done and read a book and made some dinner. H had piano lessons today and I thought she looked so grown up. She is doing really well and playing nicely. when J got home from school I left E with her and ran to Lu's class. On Friday they are having student lead conferences and assuming I still have a job I won't be able to go so I went to have snack with her, to see the eggs, and to talk to her teacher.

Four Generations

2011-04-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

All the little families

2011-04-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

All the cute little families, love them babies!!!

My family

2011-04-04T10:03:00.001-07:00

home

2011-04-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

My alarm went off this morning and I greeted it with a huge groan. We went to bed around 2 and had to get up at 6 :( I got H up and hugged her and had a short visit in the dark while she was getting ready for school. We had bought her a new CTR ring and she was very excited about it. Then Lu and I got going on getting ready. She told me about her week and her dream last night, finally I went to get E who was warm to the touch. When I tried to urge him to the shower he said he felt sick so I took his temp and he had a fever. No work for me (I know, I really am an exemplary employee). So I got Lucy ready and walked her to the bus stop then came back and hopped into bed with my boy and went back to sleep. (insert sigh of contentment). Eventually he wanted breakfast so we went downstairs and I made some waffles, let our old dog out to lay in the sun and started the day. Now E is laying on the couch watching college basketball and I have a moment before the next load needs to be switched. I had a few things I wanted to say. a) I find it weird that he chooses to randomly watch sports on TV, although I get that it's a boy thing and I find it cute. When the girls are home sick they watch movies, or Dora depending on their ages. b) I love being home. A house needs a homemaker, it feels different; at least it does to me, maybe it doesn't to my family. I like to be here to dust things and wash things and shop and do my visiting teaching and read some blogs and bake some stuff and make some beds. Who lets the dog out when I am not here and the warm sun is beckoning? I miss a lot of important stuff by working. c) I like making a litte money. I don't think I will have this job next year, maybe...but I don't think it will be offered to me. I have enjoyed the little bit extra $$ so I can risk my life flying to Utah, so we can go to Hershey park at the end of the month, so I can get J set up for college a little easier. And really all my money hasn't gone to extras, I also spent a whole pay check paying the winter propane bill and as a result we didn't have to dip into savings to do it which made Big and I both glad. d) I wish I lived near my family. Being with them this past week was such a delight. There is something so comfortable and secure about being with people who love you and who have known you your whole life. There is a peace and sense of well being. I love watching my sisters laugh with each other, tease each others husbands, scoop up each others babies. I loved being with my parents and talking with them. I loved seeing my husband and my dad leave for priesthood session together and then having all the girls go out to Blue Lemon for some def girlie food :), Jose was a good good sport and came with us and he was so funny and cute. I am glad I got to meet him. I love sitting at my dad's hand and hearing his counsel and feeling his love. What a blessed week it was. e)I need to figure out why the older I get the more I hate to fly. It's ridiculous. I know in my head that it's safe, but it sure doesn't feel that way. Last night's flight was froth with unpleasantness but even calm flights unnerve me. It's not that I am afraid to die. I am looking forward to it, not in an I hope it's soon way, I hope it's much later after my kids are grown, my grand kids are sealed to wonderful spouses and Big and I have served 3-4 missions. But I am not afraid. In our ward we have had three deaths in the recent weeks and in each case I felt happy for the departed. Zane Mason was a handsome, spiritual giant of a man who lived an exemplary life. I am sure he is happily at work on the other side. (side note:I ran into Sister Mason at Michael's wedding, she looked great and I shared a hug and hello with her). Vicky Brown likewise was a darling lady, faithful and true. She was trapped in a disabled body for 2 decades and I am sure she is running and jumping and thrilled with her new found freedom. This morning Sandra Rose passed. She has been dieing slowly as long as I have know her, yet despite her frail body she was always cheerful and her testimony shown brightly in her eyes. I am happy to have know her, and happy she is out of pain and at peace. There is sadness of course for those left behind. Particularly in Sandy's case. I feel sad for her mom, a daughter should not die before her mother; and for her husband who will struggle. There is sadness in death, but not for the dead. So if it's not that then what?? f) I loved conference. It was so wonderful. A couple of themes I noticed, welfare. I need to do more to help others. And testimonies are built in small simple steps, daily acts of obedience, one tiny fleck at a time and as we search for the big things we may over look the testimony we already have. Don't look for nuggets, look for flecks and grow it little by little. Not that nuggets don't come, they certainly do miracles are alive and well and plentiful. We just can't base our testimonies on them.

Landed

2011-04-03T20:09:00.000-07:00

This was the good part of our flight. That and the fact that we did land alive.

The bad part was the 40 min we sat de-iceing, the terrible turbulence, the throwing up, crying and lightning storm.

Watching conference

2011-04-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

Fun day

2011-04-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

We had a very fun day today. We went to Gardner's Village with Alec and Kelly, Papa and Andrea and Yoho and Reggie. We walked around and looked at the shops, ate some yummy lunch and enjoyed the warm weather and the good company.

After we went to Val's house for a family cook out. Tate enjoying playing with Grandpa on the trampoline, wagon and in the house. She also did some dancing and some high heel wearing :)

Me and Papa strolling through the village.

Tal and Tate in Aunt Val's shoes :)

a beautiful day at Gardners Village

2011-04-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

a few more

2011-03-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

all my sisters ...and crazy Ama in the back and little Tal sneaking in the front :) Mom and Dad Tate with Mimi and Grandpa

What a blessing family is.

the wedding

2011-03-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Michael and JaNee got married at Red Butte Park. It was beautiful and the weather was perfect, sunny and nice but not at all hot. They had a cake table which I thought was so fun.
Tate kept busy during the ceremony :)
My newest sister, JaNee
The Babies, Tal, Reggie, Tate and Joneaux
Our family.
Grandpa and Tatum.
All my siblings and their spouses. Jose and Emily, Alec and Kelly, Val and Ryan, Anna and Amadeo, Michael and JaNee, Me and Big, and Andrea and Yoho.
All the men.
Mackenzie and Joneaux

It was really fun to see some old friends that I haven't seen in a long time and to see all the babies and my sibs!

wedding morning

2011-03-31T14:46:00.001-07:00

The menfolk all met up to go shooting.

Meanwhile the sisters met and went for pedicures and shopping. I got the cutest shoes! We went for lunch at Zuppas and it was delish, I had the best salad ever, blueberry vermont maple heavenlyness and the Thai lobster curry. I could eat that every day!

Good morning

2011-03-31T08:54:00.001-07:00

2011-03-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

Me and Papa and almost all my sisters!

At the rehersal dinner Tate and I went out to pet the horses.

Stop 3

2011-03-30T17:47:00.001-07:00

Stop #2

2011-03-30T14:40:00.001-07:00

Its so nice to be in civilization again! Diet strawberry limeade and cheddar peppers.:) Sweet!

stop #1

2011-03-30T14:31:00.001-07:00

Made it safely to SLC. Our first stop was the temple for a couple hours. It was peaceful and sweet.

trip

2011-03-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

getting ready to go somewhere is kind of a pain in the neck. I have to do essential to travel chores like sweeping the laundry room, washing every item of clothing we have and emptying all the trashcans in the house. I like to leave it neat and clean, just in case. Big and I are going to Utah tomorrow for Michael and JaNee's wedding. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. I wish I could take the kids. We haven't seen my parents in 3 years, and this will be the first time in I don't know how long that everyone will be together. Mom and Dad, all my brothers and sisters and their husbands and wives and all their children. My 5 will be the only ones missing, which makes me sad :( We just could not fly 7 people across the country and it was the wrong time of year to drive. We could barely fly the 2 of us. $$$ cha ching. Tonight at bedtime I gave extra long hugs and kisses, snuggled in extra close and agreed to "one more story" one more time than usual. Being away from the babies for any days is always hard. I miss them. I am very grateful that Colleen is so sweet and willing to keep them and that our kids get along well. I know they will be safe and well taken care of. In other news, Emily and Jose are expecting a baby boy in July. This will be cousin #15! Jenna had her orchestra competition tonight and they did really well and got the good news that they are going to state. She is very excited. Lu's class chicks are peeping and rocking and we are expecting hatching soon :) That's it. Wish us safe travels, and to find all well when we return.

the groundhog lied

2011-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's almost April, yet we had the unexpected surprise of a snowy Sunday morning.

We had a lovely Sabbath morning. The testimonies were sweet and strong, the songs were uplifting and the fellowship heartwarming.

Lu has a friend over, E is on the wii, H is reading and S and J are still at church. It's going to be a nice afternoon too.

#8

2011-03-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

First game of the spring season, looks a lot like the last game of the winter season (last week) but outside :)

The boys really hustled and they did awesome!

We spent a lot of time outside today watching sports and playing at the playground.

Park fun, again

2011-03-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

lacrosse

2011-03-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lu started "chicklettes" lacrosse today.

cutest thing ever:)

2011-03-25T15:30:00.001-07:00

Playing at the playground. Hannah is at her first ever soccer practice. She is one of two girls on the team and has no experience. This should be interesting.

luau

2011-03-25T03:38:00.001-07:00

It's 33 degrees out right now with an expected high of 45. It is luau day. I am happy to dress up but I will not freeze my feet.

look who can ride her bike!

2011-03-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

She's been working on it and has the bruises and scratches to prove it but now she can ride up and down and all around. She's a zippy bike rider!

All the trees are blooming and beautiful, I guess that means spring is on the way, although it's still too cold out for my liking. Everywhere you look there are blossoms of pink and white, lining the streets and in the fields and church yards and schools and every where. Across the street from my school is an old church with the most delightful garden all around it. It looks so "churchy" and the cheery blossoms are just drooping the branches they are so heavy. My favorite tree is by the funeral home in front of the hospital. It has enormous pink flowers all over it. I don't know what it is but I want one! Gorgeous!

Last night was our youth temple trip. It was really nice. We had 33 young people and all their "old" leaders. We got there a bit early and got to spend some time in the visitors center, there is a new art display there that is very nice. Then we walked over and did our work. It is calm and peaceful and wonderful there. We got home late, and I wanted to sleep in this morning but other than that it was a good trip :)

Looking forward to a crazy weekend and then next week a trip to see mi familia! Yeah!!

Fancy Nancy

2011-03-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

This fancy girl went to school today very excited to check on her chicken eggs. They are doing well.

We started out with a stormy morning but it ended nice and the boy is out playing ball with friends, and Lu is out adding to her scratch collection with Big.

I paid some bills today:(

We are having leftovers for dinner. Last night we had the missionaries and the Nelsons over for dinner and we have some left. We had a nice evening. Brother Nelson is a test pilot and he talked airplanes a little with our boy, admired his telescope and brought him a key chain with an x-35 joy stick on it. Pilots at our house are like rock stars elsewhere so it was a pretty cool night.

cool treats

2011-03-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

Is this an awesome ice cream truck or what? It made me want to get a little jar and stick some dollars in it so next time we can run out and get a refreshing treat while listening to reggae music!

We had no dollars, but we did have Popsicles in the freezer that tasted just as good (at a fraction of the cost)

catch up

2011-03-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Catching up. Life is too busy.
Monday night we had our pi party. The whole family was looking forward to it. Big and little made a fun game where they had different significant pi equations on paper plates, and what they meant on other plates and you had to match them up. We made a poster of fun pie facts, like did you know that Mark Twain's fav pie is/was huckleberry pie? A pie chart where everyone could indicate their favorite pie (chocolate won in our sample but in the US apple is the #1) and we had a pi recitation contest, which E won with his stunning 36 digits out. Now he knows 50 something (he's going for 100). Lots of friends came over and we ate and played and visited. A perfect evening.

Wednesday we had a fun YW night. I was looking forward to it. I told the girls about my love of literature and how I always relate to different characters in the books. When I was their age always related to the heroine, now I often relate to the mother in the book. My girls will tell you I am like Mrs Darcy (so not;) ) but the mother I told about is Mrs Pig, of the 3 little pigs. She taught her little piglets well and all they needed to know to make their way in the world. Then when they grew up they moved out of the house (and off to BYU) and were on their own. They each had to make their own choices. I had three volunteers go to the board and we talked about some of the choices you make in life and what might be a "straw" choice, a "wood" choice and a "brick" choice. After a while of that I told them that while all the houses looked nice and were holding up for now when the Big Bad Wolf (Satan) came by to tempt them some of the houses would stand strong and others would fall down.
After that I gave them each a brick to paint with whatever inspirational thoughts they wanted that would help them build a strong foundation.

Thursday was St Patty's day. We wore green. I had a YW/AP round table meeting in the evening. I was very grateful because Lu was invited to go to Emily's house after school and to stay for playing and dinner . She hates when I am gone but this was such a fun treat for her that she didn't mind.

Friday was sunny and pretty out. We went to the park.

Today we had a stake women's conference. I wasn't going to go because Saturday time is precious and chores are many. I am glad I decided to go. Amy, Laura, Johnna and I drove up together and it was a lot of fun visiting with them. The workshops were wonderful and the messages were uplifting and positive. Meanwhile Big got the first sunburn of the season as he spent the day with the children outside digging up the ground for our garden, sealing the deck and helping Lu bike.

Little Lu is excited, they got an incubator with 20 chicken eggs in their classroom. They are looking forward to hatching them and seeing how cute they are. She's also been working on riding her bike, which resulted in 2 bloody knees and a scrapped hand today, but she is getting better.

We got E's STEM application done and turned in, now we have to wait to hear the news.

J's phone broke.

H is got to spend all day Saturday playing at her friend Susan's house.

E had a soccer game this morning where he made two goals.

an essay

2011-03-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

Things we like about day light savings time, by Hannah and Mommy

The End

ready for pi day

2011-03-13T18:54:00.001-07:00

two apple, one pumpkin, two razzleberry, one cherry, one blueberry. Three for J to take to school, one for Big to take to work, three for the family.

2011-03-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Is this the stinkin cutest little family evah? or what?!! My sister Anna and Amadeo and baby Joneaux. Can't wait to see them in a couple of weeks!!

Went to church, went to cub committee meeting, went to an adult fireside, baked pies for pi day, made soup and corn bread for dinner. That was my day.

tagged

2011-03-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my friend Debby in this four by four meme that revels some little facts about me. It will be great fun getting to know my blogging buddies better! So check at the bottom and if your name is listed copy and paste this list onto your blog and insert your information in the four categories below.

1st ~four places I go

church
school
the playground
to bed :)

2nd~ four favorite smells

Princess by Vera Wang
new babies
baking
oranges

3rd~ four favorite TV shows or movies

Survivor
Iron Chef
Throwdown
house hunters international

4th~four recommendations

smile more
don't sweat the small stuff
read the scriptures every day
a little chocolate brightens any day

Tag: Caroline, Val, Marcia, Dani

littlest helpers

2011-03-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

While everyone was working this morning E and Lu were partners and they were to go upstairs and make their beds and pick up their toys. They were happily occupied for a long time. I knew that was a problem but decided to not investigate.

When I finally went up I found them building forts and tunnels in the linen closet. They had a great time.

Big and I got to refold everything after they were done. The after picture is above.

Well, at least the closet is all organized now :)

no such thing as a bad Saturday

2011-03-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

We had a good day. This morning we woke up and had family cleaning hour, that lasted all morning but we got a lot done. H and Big worked outside. The rest of us worked inside. When they were done they came in a helped inside too.
When we were done we had some lunch and then Big and Little went biking, H went off to play with her friend Ally and Lu and I went to shopping. First we had a stop at Target. We got, among other things, some spring colored chalk and play-dough. Very fun. Then we had to get some new shoes for little miss. She's been growing a lot and her shoes were all pinching her toes. She was extremely excited because the shoes she picked came with a pink bouncy ball. Ahh, the joys of being six. Then we went to Giant for groceries.
Meanwhile the others had headed to the drill hall for some racquetball and after Lu and I put away the groceries we met them on base for a free showing of "Gulliver's Travels". It was funny and very silly and I was glad it was free, but the popcorn was good :)
We topped off the night with a trip to CiCi's pizza.

date night

2011-03-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

Sitting at the Front porch enjoying a date I almost didn't go on. Big really likes and needs to go on dates. I like them too but need them less often and need to be home more. I really wanted to do chores tonight. However I have to say we had a lovely evening. it's so cute there and the food is good.

I am looking forward to a weekend without too many plans.

Update: this was my first try at mobile blogging from my new BFF, my little droid2. It was a little cumbersome but fun.

2011-03-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

For homework this month Lu had to build a leprechaun trap. It's due tomorrow. I have been putting it off. She and E have been coming up with many great plans but explosives and lasers and multi layer structures are all out of my ability level, and out of the expectations of the Kindergarten teachers :) Today I could not put it off any more and went to Michael's on the way home from work. I bought green paint, glitter and some jewels. When I got home Lu was waiting, apron on, at the kitchen table. We got a shoe box and she painted it green, then glittered it. While it was drying we went down to the basement and sewed a little bag and leprechaun legs. We stuffed the legs and stuck them in the bag upside down (like he had been caught in the bag) and then used yarn to hang him in our trap. Lu painted a tiny pot with glitter and filled it with jewels, we also spread jewels around the box. All that went under the leprechaun. Done. She was happy, it only took a couple hours and although we had to throw away the table cloth because it got so much glue and paint on it that was okay, it was made of plastic and someone had already "accidentally" cut it.

It's raining today. Pouring actually. Tonight J and I went to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription and we could hear the bugs chirping out in the woods, through the rain. It was super loud, I guess the weather is warming up and spring is on the way!

I am behind on laundry.

After work today we had an all hands meeting. The school board has approved their budget for next year. Basically they will have to eliminate 135ish jobs. Tenured teachers are no longer safe and there is a lot less money going to education. Our county used to spend 52% of it's budget on education, now it's down to less than 42%. This is criminal. At my school the kids are so low, so needy, so delayed that it takes tons of staff and resource people to support the kids in the classroom. They are on the low end, but really all kids need our resources. Our high kids need a curriculum and learning environment that allows them to excel, not one that tries to push them to the median. Our "average" kids need to be pushed and encouraged and helped to rise to their potential. To do better than they think they can.
What are we thinking?
We are getting a new jail, I guess we'd rather incarcerate then educate...and with the quality of education going down I am sure we will have more and more need for jails. Ridiculous

when in doubt charlie out

2011-03-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

We are in the throes of MSA testing. I am an accommodator, which yesterday meant I spent 4 hours reading math questions out loud to kids who have that stipulated in their IEP. The only hard part was staying awake, wow, that was long and tedious.

Yesterday was fat Tuesday, I am not Catholic or Protestant but i do like pancakes so we had a pancake dinner. We did talk about the tradition of fat Tuesday and lent (which I looked up on line) and then we decided as a family to spend the weeks leading up to Easter studying the Saviors earthly ministry. It will be a good preparation for Easter, which is really the bedrock of Christianity. Christmas is wonderful and we love to remember with reverence the circumstance of the Lord's birth but Easter is the foundation of all that we hold dear, the greatest miracle of all. The fact that Jesus Christ died and then broke the bonds of death and was resurrected and opened that door for us so that we can all be resurrected and live with Him again is, for lack of a better word, miraculous. How grateful I am. I am looking forward to spending these next weeks walking, metaphorically, with my children through the days of his life and ministry.

Yesterday we had a warm afternoon. We spent the afternoon playing at the park. Jenna went for a run with Millie. It was delightful! Come on spring! we are ready for you :)

be obedi"ant"

2011-03-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Tate and Mimi like to Skype :)

I am loosing track of time, I don't know how 5 days passed without me being on the blog. Busy busy.

Wednesday night we had scouts and activity days and YW. Liz planned a fun personal progress night, we built puzzles and it was really fun.

Thursday I got called to the principal's office :( My responsibilities at work changed, I am now doing small reading groups for the lowest kids. I will miss my little class, although I still go in and help them with math in the afternoon. I am really debating about what to do next year. I am concerned about taking Lu to that school, also me working full time is stressful for the kids. They hate having me gone from home, except for Hannah who likes running arond the neighborhood in the afternoon with her friends and they all hate that we have to do all the house stuff and shopping when we are all home. I make very little money so I am not sure it is worth it. We'll have to really examine it and decide. For now I will stay until summer.

Friday Lu had Emily over to play, we went to the park, the day was nice. In the evening we went to Olive Garden for soup and salad. So yumm.

Saturday we had soccer practice at the drill hall, then ate breakfast at McD, then saw Big's plane fly, then went to BJ's, then the kids played in the neighborhod with friends while I cleaned. In the evening Big and I went on a date to hear the Cosmic Orchestra. Katelyn, one of my Beehives, was a soloist and she was amazing. The concert was lovely and we really enjoyed it.

Today I had ward council, church, BYC, then home to fix dinner, then in the evening we had a YW class presidency leadership meeting complete with a chocolate fountain . I had the training portion and did an "ant"theme. We talked about qualities of a good leader and how to apply them in our YW group. We talked about being dilig-ant, obedi-ant, assur-ant, and two more ants that I now can't remember. Then we divided into classes and had our class presidency meetings. We try to have one combined meeting every quarter and the other 2 months the classes meet after church and have a meeting. It was productive and we had a good time, the girls are awesome. We got a new secretary today. Kim is moving, she has been wonderful and competent and I am so glad to have served with her. Now we have Kori, and I am very excited to work with her. She is lovely and has a lot to offer the girls.

Finally now, 9pm, I have a moment to relax. We are going to watch "Chopped All Stars" in 3 minutes.

looking back

2011-03-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

Here is my boy at 2 years old, in his future pilot shirt. What a fun little guy he was. He has been a delight since day one, still is...although at times he's getting a little big for his britches; he is generally a really nice, agreeable, delightful, noisy, on the go, full of plans, curious boy.

This little miss is leaving the nest in 4 months. She is a wonderful little fish, then and now. A hard hard worker, fun and full of life. She has a spark in her that is bright and wondrous! This picture was taken 10 years ago, seems like yesterday.

Sierra and Han enjoying some time in the water. Two more fish! What sweet girls.

I love looking through old pictures and reminiscing.

I am so glad it's March, so we can also look forward to warm weather and many more good times!

balm

2011-03-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight after dinner Big took little and H to Best Buy. Last weekend little negotiated a trade. He wants the new Pokemon DS game, one of his friends gets an allowance. I am not sure all that happened but at the end of the day Grant traded his allowance, $38, to E for his Pokemon cards, one plastic coin and an old Ben10 game. This happened yesterday but we didn't let him spend it because we wanted to make sure it was fine with Grant's mom and dad. It is, so tonight they went off to get the game. J took Lucy upstairs to help her get ready for bed and read some stories and S was gone so I went to "clean the kitchen" by way of the computer. While I sat there I realized it was so quiet I could hear the heater blowing. It was so peaceful. I miss quiet. A lot. I wake up to an alarm (not quiet), wake up 3 children (not quiet) get them ready (really not quiet) and head out the door. That is my morning.
At school it is constant noise and little people needing something.
Before I got to my car in the parking lot after school my phone had already rang, it was Lu wanting to talk about her day, and wondering where I was and would I "stay with her until I got home". I did. (not quiet)
Walked in the house kids are home, homework, snacks, chatting, dinner fixing, dinner eating needed to get done. (not quiet) Bills, planning, laundry, etc. (not quiet)

My moment of quiet was a gift.

Today little M in my class called me over for some help, turns out she wanted a chat. I sat down by her and she said "Mrs. U, have you ever had your heart broken". I told her yes I had. She said she had too. At this point I thought it was going to be something about Justin Beiber, who's birthday is today and who's life is celebrated in our classroom by the children. He is a hero. Many girls were sad this morning that they don't live in CA so they can't go to his party. But instead she said, my mom broke my heart.
How?
She told me I can't live with her anymore. She was mad because I left my toys on the floor and she stepped on one so she said I had to live with my dad, and maybe she will come back after spring break.
I told her she probably didn't mean it, but it turns out she's been gone for a while :(
She cried, I hugged.

What is wrong with these people?? Seriously, not a day goes by that doesn't shock and upset me. These little babies deserve better.

I find myself turning more and more to the scriptures and prayer and hymns for peace. Life sure doesn't offer it. So many struggles and heartaches around. I can't even list it, all I can do is try to help, and pray.

Snow Ball

2011-02-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

Robert and Jenna went to the SnowBall tonight. They looked so nice, especially when Lucy made them matching pipe cleaner bracelets :)

celebratory dance

2011-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

report, take 2, the one problem with a blog is that there is a ? about what is TMI. I want a record of my family but since I am sharing it I want to be careful not to hurt feelings or be disrespectful of my family. I don't want to share what they wouldn't want public. Perhaps the days of the blog are drawing to a close, I am not sure. I love to write. Obviously. Much of our life is consumed by dealing with issues and trying to help children and most of my thoughts are there so that makes it difficult. If I write about it what is the consequence? At work we have darling children, with huge struggles. I can't really write about their family issues and traumas without breaking their confidences so that's hard. I spend my day there, and I've grown to love my little class and want to help them. The other night I dreamt that Stephanie (the teacher) and I took the whole class camping & it was so crazy. We tried and tried to keep them out of the ocean and they wanted to go in. They are seeping into my unconscious thoughts, which is okay...but hard to write about. Then there are my wonderful young women. I love my calling and working with them. They are dear to me and always on my mind. I spend a lot of time thinking about activities to help them, preparing lessons. They are the recipients of all my "wisdom" ~ the boy you choose to marry will determine your future happiness in a greater degree than any other single thing, after you personal commitment to follow Christ. (nugget #1 that they hear regularly), cover the girls, it's more becoming, it shows respect for yourself, the Lord and those around you (nugget 2), you can do anything you set your mind to, Heavenly Father loves you, etc. Some have big struggles and I pray for them and think of them and talk with them and can not write about it. All have the struggles of youth. They are awesome and face their challenges without fear (usually) and with courage and resolve to get it done (always). Then there are my own children. My heart and life. Each of them struggles and is learning. Each has great strength and each is not perfect. As I write about them I am always mindful of keeping them safe, being true to the trust that is given me with the gift of motherhood. Yet some things I would like to say, to remember that I feel like I need to refrain from. So is this just a log of nice things that happen to us, holidays and trips and the good FHE's we manage to have? Maybe......

SO Jenna got into PROVO!!!!!! I am so excited and thrilled and happy and proud of her. I will miss her so much and am I a little jealous but mostly I am just glad for her new adventure and the wonderful time she will have. I can't wait to hear all about it. I can't wait to visit her dorm. She has worked really hard and I am so pleased. GO COUGARS!!!!

Last night I got a droid. I have no idea how to use it. I am very excited, I've been wanting one, even though it is a complete extravagance. Big and I went on a date, we went to the very noisy Cheeseburger in Paradise, and talked about the kids (as usual), one in particular a lot. Sierra, come on girl you know better. Then we went to the Verizon store. When we got home I was the baby sitter driver and it was funny, I had to leave my phone behind because Big was setting it up and I felt so weird going out the door, like "how can I drive down the road without my phone" naked. I remembered my childhood and playing in the back yard with Alec, we often played Star Trek. We would take my barrettes and they were our communicators. Never in a million years did I think that technology was anything but the thing of science fiction fantasy. Today I walk around with a computer in my purse, I can call anyone, I can look up anything, I can have music or movies of books at the tip of my finger. I am used to the technology but still it is miraculous! Who would have thought?

Little had a soccer game this morning at 7. I was a bad mom and didn't get up to watch, Big was the hero and took him and while I felt a little bad I didn't care that much. Dirty little secret, I like to sleep, even if that means I miss soccer game # 1042 in his little life. I love to watch him play soccer...at 9am. Now they are at a team practice at the drill hall, then Big will go fly missions. I will clean the house, do some laundry and take a trip to Old Navy to exchange the pants I bought my boy the other night. He is the only child I have ever had that has to get new pants not because he outgrows them but because he rips out the knees. He goes through more jeans...hey, Mr Levi Strauss what's up with that??

The sun is out, it's not warm yet but I have hope. I rented a cabin at Hershey park for two nights during spring break, not a luxury one but a camping one. Looking so forward to that. Love me some spring break!! Also really looking forward to our Beach week!! and in less than a month I'll have Tate in my arms and will be smothering her in Mimi kisses!! Can't wait to meet Reggie, and Joneaux and Jose. Looking forward to the wedding and seeing the whole fam!!
Lots to look forward to!

pots on the stove

2011-02-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

had a little snow fall last night, which resulted in a 2 hour delay in school starting, which gave us time to make waffles and read stories:)

Tonight we are making home made spaghetti sauce, eggplant parm, artichokes and for dessert fresh coconut. The boy is looking forward to hitting it with a screw driver :)

Everything is ready, we're just waiting for the big guy to get home.

The girls had piano lessons today. Lu is busy playing with her squishy squashies while waiting to eat.

We had fun skype with Dani and Tate.

Good day :)

time flies

2011-02-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

my goodness but the weekends fly by so quickly. On Saturday Bub had a soccer game in the morning, then Big went off on a bike ride, we went grocery shopping and everyone helped with some cleaning. The kids spent the afternoon playing soccer at the field with the neighbors, then we went to the Blue and Gold banquet (photo above is E practicing his presentation), it was really nice. It was a cultural night and everyone brought food from different countries, some from their heritage, some from the places their moms or dads served missions. We brought pirog. After the banquet we had one more soccer game to go to. They won the morning one, lost the evening one. It was a soccer day.

Sunday was busy with ward council, church, cub committee meeting and an invitation to have dinner with Sister Gupta. She made the most lovely Indian dinner. We all enjoyed it sooo much. The table was beautifully set and the food was delicious! Of course Sister Gupta is so lovely, kind and sweet and always fun to visit with as well.

Sunday night my Beloved and I stayed up way too late talking, solving the world's problems (or at least figuring out how to raise the delightful children we've been blessed with without too much angst)

Today was a divide and conquer day, we all had school and work off for Presidents day. I took Jenna and Robert to Towson to visit the campus and get the collegiate feel. I am rooting for BYU of course and hopefully we will hear within a week or so, but in the mean time she really wanted to check it out and we had a fun day. They were silly and good company and the campus was nice, once we got out of the ghetto of Baltimore and onto the campus.

After we went to the mall and looked around, didn't buy anything.

In the meantime the rest of the family got together with the McCombs. Maggie and Lu played all day at their house, under Katie's watchful eye. The rest of the gang took off to do some mountain biking. H and E both reported having a great time. I think most of the day was spent playing out in the woods and riding bikes for all. After I got back I joined them and we had a lovely dinner and then a camp fire in the backyard.

Tonight we are expecting some snow so I am really glad they got to spend some time outdoors.

So I am falling behind on laundry and cleaning, but the kids are getting played with and taken care of.

2011-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

I drove home from work today and every person in our neighborhood must have been outside enjoying the warm temperatures. When I got here J had the littles, and some extras. They quickly sought permission to run to the mailboxes and play soccer. Lu and I went to the park, she played with lots of friends. There were kids playing basketball, kids playing soccer, kids riding bikes and rip sticks. Girls walking around in groups, boys digging in the dirt freshly mounded up for new builds. Dogs were being walked, neighbors were chatting and dads were chasing kids around.
I love the sights and sounds of spring.

We had a busy week. Wednesday was the pine wood derby, and activity days, and YW. After that Big took H on a daddy daughter date. When she got home, at 9:00, she "remembered" she had a 15 page assignment due the next day. Big went to bed, because he had an early morning mission. I stayed up to help.

Thursday night was monthly night of ministry. I had a good visit with one of my sweet Laurels.

This morning Big went biking.

Now we have a three day weekend!!

spring where forth art thou?

2011-02-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

last night we were awoken by the sounds of a child throwing up outside our bedroom door.
Like life long partners we sprung from the bed, without a word passing between us. Big grabbed E and ran to the toilet, sadly spewing a trail of vomit behind them :(
And we started our middle of the night cleaning ritual. I helped our boy to the shower, got clean clothes, stripped the bed and cleaned the toilet and the tile.
Big grabbed the carpet steamer and began cleaning the trail.

Eventually he was tucked back into a freshly made bed, the carpet was clean, the washer was running, we changed jammies and washed hands and got back into bed.

I was hope hope hoping that he would be fine in the morning. Today I was supposed be going on a field trip, to the beach, where it would be cold but fun. Instead I had to call in for a sub, again. Second time in the four weeks I've had a job. 2 other days Lu was sick and sweet Michelle kept her, and 1 day Han was sick and I left her home alone. (she is almost 12).
What is the deal?

I can not wait for fresh air, sunshine, warm weather, spring break, healthy children!

2 valentines

2011-02-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

Jenna broke up with Cameron, the tall.
There was great sadness in the land...for a few hours.

until Robert, the not as tall, but much more handsome, called and invited her to come to Ledo's because he wanted to make her dinner.
He made a heart shaped pizza with heart shaped pepperoni and a little note asking her to the snowball. And look he even cut out snowflakes. What a clever, nice, young man.

She said yes.
I took pictures.

All's well that ends in pepperoni hearts!

score!

2011-02-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

22 valentines

5 pencils

9 suckers

2 boxes of candy hearts

8 chocolates

2 tattoos

1 heart shaped crayon

a sticker and a plastic heart box

Pretty Sweet!!

2011-02-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

How we spent our Sunday afternoon:

some found a warm bed and a book to snuggle up with. (he's actually under there :) )

some of us went out for fresh air.

some did homework.

Hannah lay on the couch feeling sick :(

In the evening we had our family Valentine Party. Everyone got a gift and we enjoyed a yummy dinner and some lively conversation.

E got a telescope. Now we are waiting for dark so we can go outside and check out the stars!

a blurr

2011-02-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

this morning we had a soccer game. We won, 6-2. It was a fun game to watch, full of action. At the end E played goalie, which makes me nervous! I hate it.

After that I went to WorldWide Leadership training, it was really great. I got a lot of out it.

E was invited by Justin and his Dad to go to an indoor pool and rock climbing wall. He was excited, everyone was sad.

Now it's time for chores :(

problem solved

2011-02-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

ironing 101

and she's off and running...I believe there was some discussion about 25cents a shirt.

a fun family night

2011-02-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

here's how we have fun in the house of U.
Tonight Big brought home a "present" of a big box of bubble wrap, which FYI I love :). He knows me well, my man. It was part present part apology (this morning we had a short and lively discussion about who should iron his shirts, and how they should be laundered) and wholly perfect. I am not saying he was in the wrong, I am saying that he was the one kind enough to come home bearing gifts.
We were all elated, the kids spread it all around and jumped on it. Big and I jumped too. Then they started doing hand games and the squeals and frolicking got going full force.
We all popped and hopped to our hearts content, and there are bubbles left for tomorrow.

late arrival

2011-02-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

a flurry of snow fell in the night, which lead to the welcome 5:45 am call announcing a late arrival day for school. Yeah! With two extra hours this morning we slept in a bit, made banana-blueberry pancakes and sorted some socks :)

Lu's creation!

After school I picked up the kids and we ran to Michaels, our February Family Project is due tomorrow and we hadn't started it.

Then we came home, ate dinner, did the project and began homework and valentine writing.

It was messy but fun.

I like my job and really don't mind working, what I mind is the time away from home and the catch up we can't quite get to each day. Glitter, legos, laundry and books litter the floor. Cooking and laundry and shopping and scrubbing still needs to get done. Play dates and story time and homework and talking still need to happen.

That's the hard part.

2011-02-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

it's a beautiful day outside. The sun is out! Hello sun, we missed you! are you staying??

Poor Lu threw up at church, all over the bathroom and all over herself. I had the fun of cleaning it up and Big took her home. Luckily it was at the end of the 3 hour block. I hope hope hope she is better tomorrow, I don't want to miss another day of work. Hi, I'm new here but really I'm not going to come that often.

Super bowl weekend. S is off with friends, J is leaving to watch as well. Big and little will go to the Ray's. I will stay home with sickie. It's all good though because in July I will be here....

sitting in the sun, sipping diet coke, enjoying the family. It's going to be awesome!!

It's a hard knock life

2011-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

this is "the only girl, in the WORLD, who has to waste her Saturday doing chores"

and this is her smiley sidekick, who is wiping down the cabinets, a job deemed unjustly easy by the "fairness police" of which poor Cinderella is Captain.

Love being a mom :)

p.s. soon after these photos were taken J came down stairs complaining that we were making too much noise, "she was out late last night and needs her sleep"

for the record: it was 11:10 am at the time the complaint was registered

in my head: Count your many blessings, name them one by one...

10 Commandments hike

2011-02-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Mormon missionaries, sharing testimony at a Baptist church, something you don't see every day.

The cubs and scouts are hiking through historic Fredricksburg today, visiting different sites and learning about one of the big 10 at each stop. It's rainy, but it looks like they are still having fun!!

saturday

2011-02-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Last night Han had her friend Ally spend the night. The girls played just dance, watched a movie and fell asleep at 10. It's those killer middle school hours they keep :) This morning they helped me make bacon and pancakes. H has cute friends, it's fun to hear them giggling together.

Lu's teacher is a huge Steelers fan. She made all the kids scarfs for the big game! Lu's been wearing hers as a hat. Funny girl.

This morning the boys woke up at the crack of before dawn to leave for Fredricksburg, VA for a "10 Commandments" hike. E didn't want to go, he's not a morning person. I got up and packed them some food and found gloves and hats then when they walked out the door I dove back into bed!! Love a Saturday morning!

My sleep has been self interrupted lately, which is extremely unusual for me, I have the gift of being able to sleep. Lately I've been waking up a lot, having some trouble going back to sleep once awoken and having dreams about my little class. They have such struggles, not enough to eat, no where to sleep, no one to read to them, fights at home, learning problems a plenty and I just can't get them off my mind.

Looking forward to a good weekend. Have lots of chores to do today, tonight we're going to a game night at the Wilson's. Tomorrow is fast Sunday, followed by meetings, and preceded by meetings (ah, a day of rest :) ). Tomorrow night we're going to the Ray's to watch some of the Super Bowl. I feel very blessed with good friends, enough to eat, bright children, a warm (albeit that comes with a $$$, house), and the Gospel which makes my life so much more directed and trouble free than it might otherwise be.