random

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

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

i heart skype, the next best thing to being there

Sunday

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Happy Easter!!

the end of the trip

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)