JKLMnO

Shut off

2011-11-21T00:51:00.001-05:00

At the end of the day sometimes my mind doesn't shut off. I have things that need doing but I don't have the mental clarity to get any ONE thing done. I nibble a little at this and a little at that. Yet here I sit still unable to unplug and fall to sleep.

Things on my mind...
(in no particular order)

Leah's party
Christmas (multiple entries could be written here)
Thanksgiving dinner
Parent-Teacher conferences
This weeks schedule
Teacher appreciation luncheon
Birthday present for Kevin
Finances, how to be more efficient with what we earn
Cleanliness of our home-laundry needs doing, dishes need cleaning, rooms need to be rearranged
How can I help my kids know they are loved by their parents and by a loving father in heaven?
What can I do right now to help them develop their relationship with Jesus Christ?
How can we reinvigorate our Family Scripture Study and get everyone excited again?
Mason
Owen- ornery on Sundays
Leah- tired but "too old to nap", "I'm not tired I'm resting my eyes"

I'm thankful for...
Beds
Children, my own included ;)
Hard Work
My faith
Jesus Christ
Plan of Salvation
Good Friends
Good Food
Good Schools
Technology
Talents
Ability to learn, to try new things
Joy in the Journey
Prayer
Good music
Running water, clean

Good night

Growing up Graham

2011-10-05T06:05:00.001-05:00

My Maternal Grandparents are Grahams. My grandfather passed to the next life in January 1990, over 21 years ago! My grandmother returned to his loving embrace on Thursday, September 29th, at 9:09pm PST. She didn't wake Monday after suffering what they suspect was another stroke. She had her first in May 1996. She was treated with "Comfort Care" at the Kaiser South Hospital in Sacramento. All family members, in their own way, are saying good-bye to this amazing, talented, loving woman. I can’t help but reflect on both Grandparents, as they have always been my measure of a committed, covenant keeping, faithful couple.

Grandpa and Grandma Graham

Theirs is a story of love at first sight. It goes something like this... In the 1930s, my grandpa was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called to serve in the California mission. My grandmother was in her early 20s living at home with her parents and working for Breuner's Furniture store, home was Sacramento, California. My grandpa and his companion were being transferred from Roseville to...I'm not sure...but I do know that Pearl (my grandma's cousin) was the one to drive them into Sacramento to the home of my great-grandparents. When they arrived they visited in the front room where a picture of my grandma was sitting on the mantel. (She was not yet home from work.) While looking at the photo of my grandma my grandpa said, "Elder, that's the woman I'm going to marry." And he did!

My earliest childhood memory of my grandmother and grandfather was in the summer of 1985 when I was 3 turning 4. My mother was close to her due date with my sister, Heather, and my siblings and I were sent to stay with grandparents and an aunt and uncle, in rotation. I remember walking from the side door around to the back of the house and seeing Grandma and Grandpa sitting on the back patio. They always seemed so relaxed together.

Within a year and a half of that memory they were gone on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Ireland. We lived in their home while they were there. I remember receiving letters from them. My grandmother was always the one to write them. Sometimes there were pictures of them visiting ruins, sometimes with investigators or recent converts. I always loved to see what was going on with them. I know that it is because of their service as a Senior Missionary couple that I have the goal with my husband to serve, hopefully, multiple missions together.

About that time I caught on to a tradition that has since passed from our family. A Family Newsletter. Every family, and sometimes individual kids, would submit a letter to…someone. At the time of their mission it was either my mom or my Aunt Mary, can’t remember. The letters would be copied and then sent out to each family so that everyone would know the going on’s of everyone else. If there was a struggle that you needed fasting and prayers for that was how you let everyone know. [Facebook has now ‘kind of’ taken over that role for us.] My grandma always wrote a letter to everyone.

When they returned home from their mission we had a family get together at a LDS meetinghouse. [When we all get together we HAVE to use a meetinghouse. These two were prolific: 8 children, their spouses, 33 grandchildren, great-grandchildren all for over 130 descendants!] I remember my grandma sitting me down with me and sharing a claddagh ring with me. Many times have I wished I knew where that ring has disappeared to.

At a BBQ gathering at my Uncle Lynn’s in Elk Grove my grandpa offered to change my little brother’s diaper for my mom. My mom, siblings and grandma went inside ahead of us and I waited with him. The thing was he couldn’t do it! I remember getting all giggly and saying, “Grandpa, that’s not how you do it! You’ve got to turn the diaper around!” He looked at me and said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve done this and I’ve never used one of these things.” Shaking the diaper. I took the diaper from him and said, “I’ll show you…” And that is how I taught my grandpa to change a disposable diaper at age 7.

When I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8, I remember my grandma gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. She gave the talk directed at me, to ME. She told me how I would feel it, like a warm blanket being wrapped around me. That some times I might hear a still small voice. She instructed me to keep the commandments I had been taught and to listen to my parents, that if I did those things the Holy Ghost could be with me and guide me to do what was right. After the talk I was placed on a chair in a circle of men holding the priesthood, my father, grandfathers, and uncles stood around me and placed a hand upon my head. The weight was great, but the emotions were stronger. I felt love like I had never felt before, like I was being wrapped in the biggest, warmest, comfiest blanket ever. When the blessing was complete I shook hands and hugged each man in the circle, then I went to my mother climbed into her lap and asked her, “What is this feeling?” My mom replied, “That is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, telling you that what you’ve done today is good and he loves you. Remember this feeling. Hold on to it.”

My grandpa’s hands were large to my child-sized hands, and oh so smooth. In the palm of his right hand (I think) he had a scar, it was about and inch in length and 1/4” in depth and diameter. I remember likening his scar to the wounds Jesus received while on the cross at Calvary. When I am thinking on my Savior and his death, so all of us could be redeemed from death, I think of how I would hold Grandpa’s hand in church on Sunday when we would visit. Gently stroking the scar up and down, up and down. Also, during Sunday services he wore a hearing aid attachment that helped him to hear the speakers, once he let me put it in my ear. I remember thinking how weird it was to have something in my ear, now I am spotted often with a bluetooth semi-permanently attached to my ear.

My grandparents lived in the same small 3 bedroom Ranch-style home for the majority of their marriage. It was located 3 blocks Southeast of William Land Park in Sacramento and about 4 blocks Northeast of a Raley’s grocery store. We were over for dinner and we needed a few items. My father and grandpa were walking to the Raley’s and I asked to come along. While we were in the let me push the cart and more importantly to me, he let me sit on the bottom rack of the cart. I remember I was able to sit up straight and not touch the bottom of the top shopping basket. I also remember them swinging me between them.

My grandfather loved a little sweet. :) When having breakfast with him and my grandmother I remember he poured himself a bowl of Cheerios, pour some milk over top, then sprinkled sugar over the top. I asked him, “Grandpa, why did you add the sugar?” “I just needed a little sweet to start my day.” For many years after that I too put a little sugar on my Cheerios after pouring on the milk, that is a very important step.

After my grandfather passed I remember helping my mom and aunts clean out my grandma’s house, and hidden away in various corners of the pantry were Hostess “Ho Ho’s” and “Twinkies”. I have since learned that my grandma was concerned about his health and tried to keep him away from sweets. This was one of his silent rebellions.

A Woman of many Talents

My grandmother was a wife of a California State worker and a stay-at-home mother to 8 children (5 boys, 3 girls) in the 1940s-80s. Do you think she had many financial resources? No, I don’t think so. So what did she do? She followed the counsel of the prophets and increased her talents.

KNITTING
These beautiful knitted hats and scarves were created with a knitting machine by my Grandma. Kristen’s red and white set (on the right) is still around. So is Josh’s (in the middle), but my tan and white have been erased from memory except in this picture and the memory of lovingly using them as a child.
I also still have my machine-knitted acrylic variegated-orange blanket created on this very machine. And 6 years ago my mom gave me her brown and blue machine quilted blanket. I remember sitting outside her workroom and listening to the “ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-……….whooooosh” rhythm repeat again and again. And who can forget the confusing intricacy of the threaded yarn, it looked like a GIANT serger with the threads looped through a long skinny metal wire before heading to the machine.Also, she was the one who taught me the basics to knitting. I never finished the blanket I started with her help, but because of that exposure at a young age I’ve been able to pick it up now. I’ve knitted a couple of humanitarian aid wraps, a sweater (which still needs finishing touches), and multiple washcloths.

CROCHET
She taught herself to crochet. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: washcloths, hot pads. You are sorely mistaken. She found an instruction sheet to recreate DaVinci’s “Last Supper.” (To the RIGHT, this is a machine rendered lace of the same design.) A coveted family treasure that has been debated over who gets it. I’m not even sure which child does have it. I do know that my mother is NOT the one who got it, which is just fine by her because she would much rather make it herself. Last year I found the instructions online from the same Berkeley company my grandmother originally ordered it from back in the 1960’s. I assembled the needles and thread she would need to complete the project and gave it to her for Christmas. I’ve already called dibs. ;)

QUILTING
In my experience, the majority of my grandma's quilting was quick and functional. Find a fabric with a pattern that repeats so you can quickly tie it together. Only sometimes for very special occasions would she actually use a "quilting" stitch on the blanket.
For my 13th birthday, I got to pick out material from my grandma's stash. (Yes, she had a stash. A closet in one of the bedrooms was full from ceiling to floor with fabric. My mom has carried on the tradition and now has a room devoted to fabric crafting in her home.) We set it on a quilting frame and quilted it, not tied. It was my first experience "quilting" and I had friends and siblings come by throughout the day to help. I loved that day, it is one I still treasure. And the completed quilt? It is still around today, Leah thinks it should be in HER room. What!?! I guess it does fit her bed and not mine, okay.

I have several memories of quilting with my grandma and her girlfriends. A collection of cousins, life-long friends and Church members. I loved sitting with those women it was so great to talk to them, listen to them, and just hear them tell the stories of the past. It was during one of those quilting sessions that I heard Pearl tell her side of my grandparents love story.

The last memory I have of my grandmother as a vibrant, active woman was of her in her home climbing under and walking around a quilt frame. My cousin, Kenny, was getting married and she was quilting a wedding ring quilt for him and his new bride. I was down visiting my friend Sarah and we walked over to Grandma's to check in on her and see how the quilt was coming. She was sitting on the far side of her living room with the cable on tuned to AMC. She heard us at the door and was crawling out from under the quilt when we walked in. We had a quick conversation, a hug and a kiss, and we parted ways. The next day, a Sunday, while at my ward building for a practice of a choral number I found out that my Grandma had had a stroke. She was now in the hospital and they were trying to discover the level of her...change, damage...From that day forward she was changed--the same--but changed.

To be continued....I still need to cover music, food preservation, acting...there is SOOOOO much more!

Gratitude 101

2011-03-07T23:12:00.001-05:00

Today is Monday and time for a weekly tradition and practice, Family Home Evening. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are asked to gather with our families each Monday night for time together. Sometimes we have fun-filled activities, but usually we have lessons about principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today we started by singing “Count Your Blessings”, followed by a touching prayer given by Mason, then into a lesson on Gratitude. The idea came from the March 2011 issue of the Friend, a First Presidency message given by President Eyring. The article entitled “Count Your Blessings”, go ahead and read the article it’s short and to the point.

I reviewed the story of Moses and the Israelites. The kids knew everything up until the crossing of the Red Sea then the facts got hazy for them. Leah kept trying to tell the story, but she was missing information---like the Lord feeding the Israelites with Manna from heaven. We had to remind her of the importance of listening. ;) She simmered down, thankfully.

What I wanted them to take away from the story of the Israelites is how they were continually blessed by God but they often forgot and would have to repent before they would be blessed again.

To help all of us remember how blessed we are by the Lord we have each started a “Gratitude Journal” that we will begin to write in each night. Here are the kids entries for tonight, verbatim:

Leah:

What has God given us? He gave us school and Parants.

I am greatful that we have a school because I can learn new things evry day. I am also greatful for parants because they are loving & give us a lot of atenchen & they are the best blessing I’ve ever had.

Mason:

I am thankful that I love my Mom, Dad, brother and sister.

Owen:

I am thankful for…

the story of Moses
bed
Church (playing with friends, teachers who teach me [Flakes])
Jesus Christ
the run to school this afternoon
toys [blocks, dress-ups]
ghos-tez [the Holy Spirit]
dogs, like Stella [Friberg] and Ty [Cooper]
wiggly worms [putting them on my finger and watching them wiggle, wiggle wiggle like t-h-i-s…(image a quickly swaying Little Man)]
Leah & Mason coming home from school
Mommy & Daddy
Spencer Friberg---my bestest, super-duper friend!

Following President Eyring’s guidelines here are 2-3 good things that happened today:

1. I was able to go back to bed from 8:45am-10:25am, while Owen watched shows on Netflix. [I woke with a migraine that was quite mind-numbing. I could barely see straight and it had banished the nice-Mommy to oblivion, leaving the mean-Mommy in control. My poor kids this morning before school. ***Blessing- I was restored to the point that I could function. I was still miserably, but the mean-Mommy was replaced by a reasonable-Mommy.]

2. Mason’s prayer to go along with Family Home Evening. [Whenever he prayers I KNOW he is thinking about what he is saying. The Spirit is tangible and a smile is always left on my face.]

I know that my Heavenly Father was watching out for me and my children today. Owen was safe with no parental supervision. Mason’s prayer helped to set the tone for our lesson tonight. All of my children sat and listened to me tell the story of the Israelites, A-MAZE-ING! I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of a loving Father in Heaven who watches over and loves me and knows me.

My 3 musketeers

2010-10-31T22:16:00.001-05:00

No time to really write about the events of the last couple of weeks but everyone needs to see my 3 musketeers. My mom sewed the ‘hard’ part. ;) I put together the pants, shirts, HATS, sword-belts, and swords.

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FYI-The pink musketeer was inspired by ‘Corinne’ from “Barbie and the 3 Musketeers”. Leah has to have her pink. :D

Owen at 4

2010-10-21T09:04:00.001-05:00

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An interview with the Birthday Boy:

What is your favorite color?

-ummm…red (i happen to disagree, it’s blue)

What’s do you want for your birthday?

-A Nutcracker and 2 blankets

What is your favorite thing to do?

-Do Scribble-scraps (drawing)

What is your favorite treat?

-My favorite treat is a red one.

Do you like chocolate chip cookies or chocolate cobbler?

-I like chocolate cobbler. But mom I like Chocolate COOKIES. (He likes them both)

What is your favorite snack?

-Animal Crackers

What is your favorite TV show?

-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Diego WITH Dora

What is you favorite song to sing?

-The ABC song … A, B, C, D, E, F, G, …

What is your favorite Primary song?

-God of the world (I have NO idea where this came from, can ANY one help me out?)

Who is favorite person?

-I don’t like persons. I like happy monsters.

as the interviewer of this fine young man I have made some observations…

He loves to contradict you.
He loves to laugh. Give him a tickle he loves that.
He would rather sit next to his mom while she folds laundry or washes dishes than go off and play by himself. He IS a Momma’s Boy.
He loves to wrestle. (Anyone know of wrestling class for 4 year olds?)
Playing Dress-up and Make Believe is his favorite thing to do.
He is Mischievous. He gets a look in his eye that means trouble has happened or is coming…beware!
He loves to give kisses and hugs. But he only dishes them out on his terms. Night time kisses are few and far between.
He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES babies. He never wants to see them sad, hungry, dirty…JUST happy. He's a great big brother to many a baby…lillyth, miles…just to name a couple.

I love this boy. He makes me crazy many times a day, but he is mine and I am glad to have him.

I love you my Little Man.

Birthday Boys-Monster Bash

2010-10-19T00:53:00.001-05:00

***WARNING: This post contains a plethora of images. Lots of pictures taken by many hands. There is not much writing but we’re heavy on the pictures. If you don’t have the time to devote to a good perusal I’d come back to the post later…There IS a lot to see.***

DEDICATION- This post is dedicated to the Daddy working hard in the land of FAR FAR AWAY. We love you, miss you and wish you could’ve been here with us.

This was an experience of ‘Monster’ proportions. The preparations were ‘monstrously’ daunting. Good thing we started planning early. ;)

Owen & his friend, Spencer, have birthdays 16 days apart. They spend ‘monstrous’ amounts of time together each week, and they both LOVE to pretend to be monsters. So when we asked them if they wanted a ‘Monster Bash’ Birthday Party they were both on board. :D

(The sign says it all, doesn’t it?)

After some snacking on Pizzas, Carrots & Apples there were 3 stations for the Kids to rotate thru.

***Note- All signs below were designed by me and executed/colored by Leah (with some help from her bros on the “Monster Toss”).***

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The Bean Bags were designed by Leah & Mason and executed by the Mommy, me. ;) The Board was designed and painted by moi…the night before the main event. I swear I was NOT procrastinating…you try and find time to paint with a 3 year old Mama’s Boy 2 steps behind you all day long. ;0) I am pleased with the out come. It is something I’ve wanted to do for years and it feels so good to have it DONE! Total Man hours for Bags: 14. Total man hours for Board: 10.

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The Craft is the little 3-eyed Green Monster/Alien on the Board. The packaged craft is from the Halloween Craft aisle at Hobby Lobby. The kits makes 30. Needless to say, I have extras.

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****BREAKING NEWS***

We interrupt this broadcast with urgent news from our sponsors…

If you have balloons staked out in a large yard, perfect for running in, children will confiscate them and run. ;)

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Then there was the Pinata… This was one tough “cookie” to crack.

We killed the Friberg’s broom handle in the process…

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And of course there were Monster Cupcakes, why wouldn’t there be? Carolyn Friberg and I got together on 2 separate occasions in the week to make fondant, roll out fondant, begin the cutting, planning, decorating bit AND, of course, complete it. Total man hours: 20 (we have to combine her hours with my hours compounding the hours of “interest”).

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Friends started leaving after the sugar rush of candy, cupcakes and Hawaiian Punch, but we stuck it out a bit longer to open presents inside the warmer house.

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To round off the day we finished with ME having a little mini photo shoot with the “Birthday Boys”, siblings and cousin. These are just for us. But you’re welcome to see them too.

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Madsen Cycles-“the Bucket Bike”

2010-10-15T09:06:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard of the “bucket bike”? I hadn’t till this morning, and I have to say I am intrigued. The idea that I could have a child plus ‘accessories’ all in one location sounds awesome. And it is so cute. Check it out.

I can easily envision myself going on bike rides with the kids with this. Leah & Mason on their bikes, Owen in the back of this one and a trip to the library, or park, or grocery store would be a breeze. Currently Leah & Mason have to stop frequently waiting for Owen and me to catch up to them.

If you’re in Utah, Monday they are having a rally in Provo, UT. A gathering of ‘Bucket Bike’ owners and will have a few bikes there to check out. Also, if you look at the bottom of the flier below you’ll see that you can enter a contest this weekend, just send an email to NieandMadsen@yahoo.com with your name & why you want a bike. If you win you have to be able to make it to the Rally to pick up the bike. Just another reason why I wish we were in Utah.

Groupon is cool

2010-09-25T08:39:00.001-05:00

I’ve been using Groupon to get some cool deals check it out here.

I’ve treated Kevin & I to a delicious meal and today I purchased the Groupon for a Bucket Bag by SnapTotes. I’m ubber excited. :)

“You’re STILL here!?! WHAT!?!”

2010-09-20T15:41:00.003-05:00

(This photo was entered in the iHEARTfaces weekly photo challenge “Smirk”)

On Mason’s first day of Kindergarten we parents hung around to get some photos of the “BIG DAY”. He caught us hanging out at the edge of the blacktop and he rewarded us with this look. This kid cracks me up. He is totally saying, “You’re STILL here!?!? Why haven’t you left yet? GET OUT OF HERE!” Then he ignored us pretending we didn’t exist any longer.

Go here and check out some of the other photos submitted this week:

The Big Sister

2010-08-30T22:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Leah,

I love that you are a big sister to your little brothers. You have always opened your arms and welcomed them into your classrooms at school, introducing them to all your friends. I know that you look forward to having Mason in school with you and you are happy to share your space with him.

As your mother it makes me so happy, proud, teary and emotional to know that you have that love for Mason and Owen. Thank you for being a loving big sister to both of them. And just remember to use quieter voices with them when they irritate you and I'll work to do the same.

You are a beautiful girl growing up to be an equally beautiful young lady, inside and out.

You are loved...Always and Forever.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mom

Family Time---busy, busy

2010-07-20T21:56:00.002-05:00

MONDAY

-Clean house.

-Set up beds.

-Everyone (but Owen) staying up late to see Grandpa, Grandma, Ryan, Ethan, Anna & Garrett arrive. Then staying awake a little longer to visit before sleeping.

TUESDAY

-Wake up early. Everyone up and out of the house by 9:20am for the Early Bird Showing of "Toy Story 3." Movie was enjoyed by all. Owen and Mason made Kevin leave a total of 3 times for potty breaks. Such a good Daddy, not a single complaint crossed his lips.

-Lunch at Chick-fil-a. A free sandwich with your movie ticket when you buy a drink and fry. MMMmmMmmMMmmm. Diet Dr.Pepper. A weakness.

-A trip to the National Cryptologic Museum at Fort Meade.

Leah decoded 14 messages and earned a circle puzzle. We'll be going back in the next couple weeks to explore in more detail.

I might not take the boys along. Mason’s idea of a good time in there was playing “Angry Birds” on his Uncle Ryan’s iPhone. That won’t be accompanying us next time.

-I then took the adults to Ann’s House of Nuts Outlet store off Berger Rd in Columbia. No pictures, but we did get a steal of a deal on some nuts and dried fruits.

-The day ended with Susann & Frans Martin’s family joining us for a dinner of personal pizzas and salad. (Susann is my in-laws niece.)

WEDNESDAY

-Drove into DC and parked instead of riding the Metro in. $16 all day/car.

-Spent much of our day inside the American History Museum. We found an exploration lab that Leah and Mason had a great time in.

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-Went over to the National Archives building. My brother-in-law Garrett had a large pocket knife with him that wasn’t allowed in the building. Mason and I volunteered to wait outside with the knife instead of going up to view the documents. We had some fun snacking and taking pictures.

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-We finished of the day with a quick visit to the Natural History Museum and a walk past the Smithsonian Institute Building.

-Came home to dinner 1/2 prepared by Kevin. I finished it up and we were off to bed…after waiting for our turn to shower. ;) Having one shower really has its draw backs when you have company.

THURSDAY

-Grandma and Grandpa stayed home with the grandkids for a low-key day together.

-Kevin went into work.

-I drove the Young Adults and Teenager into DC once again, but this time to tour the Memorials and Monuments. I didn’t bring my camera along. I didn’t want the extra weight. I was the official photographer for everyone else using their cameras. Because of that I do not yet have any pictures, but that’s ok I wasn’t in any pictures. (I would like to note that it was over 90-degrees with humidity that day, probably over 100-degrees. I didn’t really want to know. I was so glad we left the kids at home.)

***Each pin represents a stop we made. In the following order.***

Parking garage
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
FDR Memorial
Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
World War II Memorial
Washington Monument
White House
Holocaust Museum (This was my first time and it was AMAZING!!! I could’ve spent ALL of our time in there. Informative, creative and worth every minute spent there.)
Air & Space Museum
Parking Garage

-We got stuck in horrendous traffic when there was a miscommunication between me and my navigator. A typical 30-minute drive ended up taking 1 hour-40 minutes.

-We were cutting through DC to get to the Washington, DC Temple. There is an exquisite display right now of bronzes statues depicting the life of Christ. Amazing craftsmanship! Anyone in the area reading this? Be sure you get down there to check it out. It’s on display till October and I plan on taking the kids down a couple times before they are gone. Beautiful.

-It was a record setting 36-minutes from the Temple to Home. Dinner was waiting for us---Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Thanks Mom!

FRIDAY

-Leaving our home behind at 10am we drove up to Palmyra, NY. Getting to our hotel and KFC at 5:35pm and to The Hill Cumorah Pageant by 6:10pm.

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-The Pageant was fabulous. Despite being ‘oh so very tired’. I stayed awake by photographing the program and taking kids to the bathroom.

SATURDAY

-Up early. 6am. To shower and get to the Palmyra Temple by 7:30am.

-Attended the 8am Endowment session in the Palmyra Temple. I was so tired. I stayed awake, but just barely. The building is beautiful. I love stain glass and that Temple has it everywhere. So beautiful.

-We got back to the hotel with 20-minutes to spare before checkout. Everyone got packed up and out of there with minutes to spare. :)

-We went straight to the Joseph Smith Family Farm. Where you can tour the Log Home, Frame Home, a Threshing Barn, Cooper Shop, and The Sacred Grove.

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-We ate lunch at the picnic tables.

-Drove into Palmyra, NY. Walked Main Street, past the Print Shop where the Book of Mormon was first printed, saw an intersection with a different Faith’s church on each corner.

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-At 5:14pm, we parted ways with the Grandparents, Aunt and Uncles.

-We headed home from there. It took us 12 hours to get home. Mostly because I was SO TIRED I couldn’t keep my eyes open and help my husband to stay awake. We pulled over twice to sleep. The first time for only about 30 minutes. The second time for about 2 hours. I still couldn’t keep my eyes open enough to read to Kevin, but he was wired and awake. We pulled into home just after 5am on Sunday. It felt so good to fall into bed. I didn’t wake until after 2pm. My husband is the best Daddy…he got up at some point to take care of the needs of our 3 children.

And so I say, THE END…to this adventure.

"I spy..."

2010-07-10T23:18:00.003-05:00

This is my Owen having a conniption at a family celebration last June. He cried, he screamed, he was not a happy little man. I believe he was tired and not getting his way...gasp! I must be a terrible mommy. ;)

Today after finishing our weekly trip to Costco I once again witnessed a little boy in his Daddy's arms having a royal meltdown. Gratefully it was NOT one of MY little boys. I looked on with a sense of camaraderie, here was a Daddy who wasn't going to allow their child to tantrum and get away with it. The Dad was cool headed and the kid was...not. ;) The little boy was screaming for his mama, I'm sure she would have made it alright. ;)

I digress. My story is about my Owen afterall. As I was climbing into the car, while Kevin was returning the cart, I was thinking how much I wanted to give the Dad in front of me a high five and congratulate him on a job well done. I was quickly pulled out of my revelry by the sound of my little man's voice.

Cool as a cucumber. "I spy with my little eye someone screaming."

His voice was calm and sounded like a calculated scientific assessment on the scene before us. The greatest, most hilarious part to me was the dichotomy, nay the juxtaposition, of the picture of Owen up top and the calm voice coming from the back seat of the van, "I spy with my little eye someone screaming."

Honored

2010-06-29T10:54:00.002-05:00

I entered this picture of Mason at last years Freedom Festival Parade in Provo, UT into a Photo Contest on Pioneer Woman Photography, and it was included in the first group of photo finalists. I am so honored.

Check out the website here. Or the flickr group here.

Owen...The Right-arm of the Law

2010-06-21T08:38:00.005-05:00

(Owen on the left and Mason on the right)

I am a mother to two boys. Two boys that spend HOURS together everyday. Often they are together in the same room, sometimes they do things TOGETHER, usually they coexist in the same space. When Owen gets bored and wants to play he tackles Mason to the floor. When I call for Mason Owen says, "I'll get him." This usually results in him yelling through the house and tackling Mason either where he is or when he is in front of me (because Owen has chased him up/down the stairs and into the room with me). Owen loves to "GET" Mason.

One day back in May, I had Sally, our minivan, for the day to run errands and pick up a few last minute items needed for a Church activity. My list had been enlarged and revised multiple times and I was trying my best to be snappy and frugal. The boys were troopers. But after 30 minutes in one store they were starting to unravel and didn't want to listen to Mom anymore.

"Mason, Owen, please stay by mommy. Hand on the cart...PLEASE. I'm almost done...Now where can I find an exacto knife?"

Mason and Owen let go. Mason teases Owen and runs 5 steps away. Owen chases but comes back with a, "Please stay by the cart." Mason continues to taunt. Owen jumps for him, both of them squeal with delight. Mason runs down the shopping aisle and turns the corner.

Exasperated and attempting to mother and shop simultaneously I call out, "Mason, come back I can't see you."

Owen instantly pipes in, "I'll get him." Then takes off running down the aisle and out of sight.

Moments later Mason rounds the corner of the aisle from the opposite direction and stops in front of me panting and smiling.

Owen comes 'round the same corner, yells, "I'll get him for you." And proceeds to TACKLE Mason to the ground, "I got him Mommy!!!"

Mason yells, "Get off, get off!" But you know what? He was laughing, they both were.

For an additional 2 minutes this wrestling on the ground continues and helps me to have the time to find the knife I was looking for. Thank-you!

Deals to Meals

2010-06-08T15:23:00.002-05:00

The Deals to Meals blog is having a Bosch mixer give away this month. So Awesome!!! Go check out their website, especially those of you on the West coast. If I lived out that way I would TOTALLY get signed up.

Mason's Decision

2010-05-11T14:12:00.003-05:00

On Sunday April 25th, 2010, while I was doing dishes Mason came into the kitchen. He stood there watching me for a couple of minutes and then said, "Mom, I love you."

I responded, "I love you too, Mason."

"Mom, when I get big I'm going to marry Emma."

"Big Emma (MacFarlane) or Little Emma (Scott)?"

"Little Emma, of course. We love each other."

"I'm so glad you love each other. Where are you going to get married?"

"I don't know Emma hasn't told me yet. But ...um..." Very smart boy. The girl gets to decide these things. ;)

"How 'bout the temple?" I ask.

"Well, yea that sounds good."

"Do I get to come?"

"Yea, I want you there. You'll get invited."

Then I stopped doing the dishes, got down on his level and said, "Mason, I love you so much. And I am so glad you want to get married in the Temple and have me there. You know I wouldn't miss it for anything."

"I know Mom. I love you."

Then he leaned forward gave me a big hug followed by a kiss on the cheek just before he turned away and went back to playing with his brother and sister. Isn't raising kids fun?

Looking Back...December 2008-early June 2009

2009-10-06T08:09:00.005-05:00

Well, it has been many months, six in fact, since my last post and it wasn't even about my child. lol. Many things have happened that I haven't acknowledged here so here come the bullets.

Drive: MD to UT- My Dad flew into BWI 2 days before the drive started. We loaded up our storage unit. Gave away some things and started driving a day later than planned. We stopped in Munford, TN at my cousin Kelly's on our way to OK. Spent the evening of December 23rd sleeping there. Christmas Eve we took some Family Photos for them then drove the last 6 hours into Tulsa, OK. We spent Christmas Day and two days more there then continued our drive west, with Kev and I in the Buick and my Dad and Nicole in the minivan. For the first time we took I-40 west thru Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Things I remember...1) It was POURING down rain as we were leaving Tulsa. A Semi went plowing down the highway past us and we couldn't see ANYTHING! But we did get out of there safely. 2) We paralleled Route 66 thru Texas and saw "Cadillac Ranch" south of the Interstate. I would've liked to have stopped had I made the connection sooner. 3) I experienced the coldest temperatures of my life driving thru the mountains of New Mexico, -2 F. 4) Sleeping at a motel ON Route 66. 5) Stopping alongside a highway and having Leah take pictures with me of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon off in the distance. She really enjoyed that :) I even let her use my Camera taking shots while we drove thru Northern Arizona on our way to the Utah border. 6) Stopping in St. George for In-n-Out Burger. yum. YUM! 7) Getting into Cedar Hills, UT around 2am.
Moving into and living in Ogden, UT- We quickly found a place, a split-level 3bdrm, 2 bath, 2 car garage, single family home all inclusive rent for $1100/month. An absolute bargain especially considering what we've been paying in Maryland for years. It was great finding a home and being in our own space. A negative we discovered early on was not having a fenced in backyard. I couldn't let the kids go outside to play unless I was watching. I just wasn't comfortable leaving them unattended. Rightfully so because Owen 'escaped' on more than one occasion and was then found 5 houses down. Several times a month we would get together with my Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and their kids for dinner. I love having lots of people around to eat my food.
Leah's Utah school experience-Leah was in AM Kindergarten so she could take the bus to and from School. I was not impressed with the school she was at and had a very difficult time getting connected with ANY one there. Her teacher, the school secretary, anybody. When I registered her I mentioned that she had come from a full-day Kindergarten. The secretary registering her mentioned that they had 1 full-day class but Leah had missed the lottery draw the spring before and the class was full. So into Mrs. Cravens AM class she went and became 1 of 32 students in a 2.5 hour long class. She never came close to studying at the same level out there that she accomplished in her first 3.5 months of Kindergarten in MD. At the end of the school year Leah was invited to test into the Ogden School Districts "Accelerated Learning Academy" for grades 1st-8th. She spent 3 days out of class testing at another school. Right before we left Utah we found out she had been accepted into the Program. From what I learned of that school I know she would've enjoyed it.
Our Weekends in Utah- Friday-Sunday we were living in Cedar Hills with the Rowburys. Hanging out with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncles, Aunts and Friends. Cramming as much Family Time into those days as possible.
Get-Away- In January we had a 3-day weekend, so Kevin and I escaped to St. George while LMO were having fun with Gma and Gpa. We stayed 2 nights at the fabulous Green Gate Village Inn. We stayed in the Christmas Cottage. AMAZING! The Breakfast on Sunday...delicious. They had a baked apple that was too DIE for! I got to do what I love, take pictures all weekend long. Of course we also ate In-n-Out Burger. :) It was a much needed break. Come to think of it we could use another. :) Any sitters?
Draper Temple Open House- We attended twice, once with the Rowbury's and once with the Karoly's. It was a special experience to share with my kiddos. Especially Leah and Mason. Leah really felt the Spirit confirming to her that Temples are the House of the Lord and she and Mason both can't wait to be old enough to perform baptisms for the dead.
Too Much Excitement- In February, while at the Temple Open House with the Karoly's, we had our house broken into and our 3 week old computer, case of 100s of DVDs & CDs, and our Xbox all stolen. Nothing has been recovered. very lame. moving on. Luckily our External Hard Drive was left behind. :)
February- My family was in town. :) I got to have them all hang out at my place, including my brother and sister-in-law that live in Provo. It was Valentines Day weekend. It snowed 16" overnight. The girls went clothes shopping in the morning, came back with some FANTASTIC buys and had a snow ball fight with everybody. The single sisters and brother watched the kiddos so the married ones could go out for V-day. Kev and I doubled with my folks at Texas Roadhouse. Sunday we took a family picture and prepared for a massive family dinner with my Dad and Mom's extended family and friends in Utah. We ended up feeding 53 people Tacos and Cookies in my modest home. All had fun! :)
Family Wedding: Nathan and Scarlett- Kevin's 2nd Brother, Nathan, got engaged and married in the time we were in Utah. I got to do there Engagement Photos, Wedding Photos, and Flowers. It was busy and because we were there we went to California for an Open House out there.
California Trip- Leah flew to California the day after the wedding with Gma Phipps. They love spending time together and wanted some time alone. Leah got to go shopping with Gma and rafting down the American River with Kev's Uncle Mark and his boys. Leah had a BLAST! I'm jealous of her because even though I grew up visiting the River I've never had that opportunity. I drove out by myself with the Mason & Owen following behind Kev's parents. We spent time at Gma Phipps' place in Shingle Springs, went to the Open House, took more pictures, an afternoon with my Gpa and Gma Karoly, an hour with my Gma Graham, an afternoon in Rocklin with cousins and a few days with my Aunt Mary & Uncle Danny in Galt (my second parents home). We took the kids to Rancho Seco Lake for an afternoon. Owen nearly drowned, but he still kept testing his boundaries on how far he could go out into the water afterward. Scarier for me than him apparently. While staying in Galt I met up with an old friend, Julie Roope, and her 2 y.o. son at Funderland in William Land Park. It is a ticket based ride park, but we got an all day pass and rode all the open rides at least once. Owen loved the fast "Dragon Coaster" and we went on it 3 times in a row. Lots of fun! We hung out in Galt till the day after the Hamm Boys showed up. (They are my cousin Kelly's 3 boys...all are about the same age as my kids. They call Leah "the Princess".) We stop at their place in Tennessee all the time. Their Momma, Kelly, is Mary & Danny's daughter. I've spoken of Kelly often, but maybe I should do some "Flashback Friday"s involving her and I. I drove home with Kevin's 15 yo brother, Ethan, as a helper managing the kids. I must note that we ate at In-n-Out burger at least 3 times during that trip and it is the ONLY hamburger/cheeseburger that my kids will eat. :) They have excellent taste. :)

If you made it thru that "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" I'll have to finish up another time...June-October coming soon.

Happy Birthday Josh!

2009-04-07T09:44:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated my nephews 1st Birthday. On Sunday I took hundreds of pictures of him in an attempt to have the PERFECT 1 year old picture. Well, I believe I've got some GREAT images and wanted to share them. We'll have to wait till later today for the present, cake and ice cream pictures...my camera is still in the trunk of Kev's rental that he drove to work this morning.

Isn't he a cute kid? So intense. He observes everything and takes everything in. He takes a little while to adjust to new surroundings, but he did a fantastic job of rolling with the ups and downs of Sunday. He is my very first nephew/niece. Because of him I am an Aunt and I just love getting to be with him. ;) He warms up to Kevin quickly every time we see him. Leah LOVES having a cousin and being able to follow him around and show him how to have fun.

What can I say? We love that kid!

10,000th Image on my Rebel Xti

2009-04-06T15:38:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, April 5th, between the Conference sessions I went into my in-laws backyard and took pictures of kiddos and all who were "stretching their legs". During that unwinding time I hit my 10,000 image on file in my camera. The image in question is of my brother Joshua's left foot covered in sand from the sand box.

My image straight from the camera...

My Image enhanced with the Topaz Add-on for Photoshop...

What a dirty foot!?!

I, I, I...

2008-12-01T13:52:00.004-05:00

I am - a wife, a mother, a sister and friend.

I want - to finish knitting the sweater I started for Leah BEFORE we leave for UTah.

I hear - Mason laughing at Dragon Tales and smacking on Popcorn. (Yes, smacking--while snacking.)

I never - want to live without my husband.

I wonder - where we'll be in two years.

I always - wash behind the ears.

I usually - start new projects before finishing old ones. Not a good habit. One I am trying to keep my kids from developing.

I search - for the perfect recipe, for everything, and then I DON'T follow the recipe exactly. I find I ALWAYS change a recipe even the first time making it. :)

I am not - a challenger. I'd rather not have a confrontation, but sometimes...sometimes people make me so...so...ANGRY! Especially a certain Disney Store in the Arundel Mills Mall.

I dance - but not as much as I should. I have a classic moment involving Leah. An old friend of ours told Leah that her mommy (me) is a wonderful dancer. Leah looked at this friend as if she were crazy and said, "My mommy can't dance!" Leah has since been shown a number of tapes exhibiting her mommy's said dancing talent.

I sing - my children Hymns at night-night especially on the nights that things are the craziest.

I wish - I could wiggle my nose and have my "list" completed.

I dislike - making phone calls to any one I am not related to, and sometimes even relatives, sorry guys.

I rarely - cry.

I cry - not often enough. At least that is what some family members have told me.

I am not always - patient

I lose - hair daily. Wads of it come out every time I brush or wash my hair.

I fear - for the safety and security of my family.

I'm confused - need I say more?

I need - to pack, pack, pack.

I should - be making dinner, helping Leah with homework and keeping better tabs on the activities of my children. hm...what is that sound? ah, well it can wait I'm nearly done.

I dream - of one day permanently living in a single-family home with a yard close to family.

I have - a wonderful family who love me, pray for me and offer any support they can give.

I love - my best friend (Kevin), my children, to talk on the phone to my mom, Sunsets on the beach, swinging in a hammock with a good book in good weather, and being able to live each and every day I have.

I tag - YOU! please???

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", BYU Devotional, 10 Oct 1978

2008-11-18T07:53:00.001-05:00

Prophetic Counsel...

"Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters -- in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kgs 18:21).

"President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional or political life.' (CR, Apr 1941) This is hard doctrine, but it is particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ…

"Your discipleship may see the time come when religious convictions are heavily discounted. M. J. Sobran observed, 'A religious conviction is now a second-class conviction, expected to step deferentially to the back of the secular bus, and not to get uppity about it' (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, p. 58). This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain of people's opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will soon be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened…

"Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even these, however, must leave a record so that the choices before the people are clear and let others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, that others will step forward, having been rallied to righteousness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds--a majority which was, till then, unconscious of itself.

"Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves 'summer is nigh' (Matt. 24:32). Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", BYU Devotional, 10 Oct 1978

Flashback Friday

2008-11-14T11:37:00.004-05:00

Sorry, no pictures to go with this post today. We are having computer issues right now. Major drama for a mama with over 20GB of photos that haven't yet been backed up. scary...

10 years ago, yes 10! Kevin was a Freshman at BYU finishing up his Fall semester and waiting for his mission call. (It took 5 weeks for that to show up, but that is another tale for another day.) I was in California attending High School and counting down the days to when Kevin would be home for Christmas Break. Kevin and I were inseparable for 3 years to have him gone for months on end was difficult, but we always said it was good training for his mission. ;)

While I was counting down the days, going to school, working as a Assistant Director in a performing group and preparing for our Christmas performance Kevin was up to something entirely different. In his free moments during the day he was writing me a song for Christmas. Lyrics, accompaniment the whole sh-BANG! I feel I must note that although Kevin had taken piano lessons from the age of 8, playing the piano was more a work of perseverance than a great accomplishment. (Does that make sense? He can read music and play, however, it is always after much practice.)

I wish I knew how, or had the capability, to save a tape track on the computer. So you, dear readers, could hear the tune that goes with these words. Alas, I am unable, therefore you must just read these words and think of a much younger Kevin sitting at a piano and performing this for me. At my request he sang this to me at our Wedding Reception, now THAT is love. :)

"I Can't Stop Loving You"
by Kevin Rowbury
November 1998

Today I thought of you,
Good times together spent.
Our life, our love, our laughter,
No matter where we went.

You are my love, my life,
And that I won't deny.
You are my other half you know,
And now I'll tell you why.

Chorus:
Hand-in-hand we walked,
Lovingly we talked.
Our best times were together,
I've oft'thought of forever.

You are my best-est friend,
Our friendship has no end.
Oh, everything is true,
I can't stop loving you!

Last night I had a dream.
It was about a kiss.
For her, the one I love,
The one I surely miss.

Sure it was just a dream.
But to me it was so real.
Your lips pressed close to mine,
Something I've longed to feel!

Chorus:
Hand-in-hand we walked,
Lovingly we talked.
Our best times were together,
I've oft'thought of forever.

You are my best-est friend,
Our friendship has no end.
A moment of pure bliss,
That dream about a kiss!

Oh, everything is true,
I can't stop loving you!

Back to it

2008-10-22T10:40:00.008-05:00

First things first. Kevin applied for a 6-month TDY to Ohio back at the beginning of September, and we've been planning on him going their come January since July. However, on Friday October 3rd, Kevin received an email at work asking for those interested in a 6-month TDY to UTAH to apply, by the end of business that day. Well of course he DID! And last Wednesday he heard back. WE ARE GOING TO UTAH!!! TO WORK!!! FOR 6 MONTHS!!! STARTING in JANUARY!!! We're pretty excited. The to-do list has extended and this week we MUST give our 60-day Notice to our Apartment complex. I just realized that MUST be done TODAY! That's our exciting news. Yea!

Leah and school. She is loving school. A couple of weeks back she started receiving homework packets. The packet contains all the assignments for the entire week. Each Monday she comes home with it and finishes it THAT day. She loves to learn and is seeming to do exceedingly well. According to her teacher they are not concerned with her ability to "keep up". Apparently she is always going the extra-mile on her assignments writing out words that describe the picture. For example, October 6th she had a field trip with her class to the Farm and Kevin went along as a chaperone. Before they left the children were coloring pages with apples on them and Leah had to write the word "apple" on her page. She wasn't asked to she just wants to know. It makes me so happy to see her desire to know everything. Although it can be a challenge for me to keep up with her bombardment of questions I hope she never stops asking.

Mason. He is finally potty-trained. HIP-HIP-HOORAY!!! With Mom and Heather in town I figured we had enough help to make sure that he got to a potty. We are still having accidents, sometimes at night and sometimes during the day, but there will be NO regression to diapers. Already him being potty-trained is saving us money, fewer diapers to go through and buy. Today Owen decided he wanted to use the potty and has refused diapers. He has had 2 accidents and no pee has made it into the potty, but I think he is realizing what it means to USE said potty. We'll keep at it. Mason is doing a preschool program called "Joyschool" with 4 other boys his age and he is loving it. We switch of teaching and hosting, and next week is my first time teaching. I should probably look over those lessons...

Owen. We celebrated his 2nd birthday last Monday, Columbus Day, with kids his age at a park. My Mom was here and Kevin didn't have to work that day (federal holiday). There was a good turn out of kids and it was a beautiful Indian Summer day, "sunny with a high of 75". Friday we celebrated again with Nicole and me taking the kids to a farm then, after Kevin was off work, out to dinner at Applebee's, using coupons at both places the kids had earned by finishing the Libraries summer reading program. This was all followed up on Sunday (his actual birthday) with a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

He is getting so big. He is eating and drinking constantly these days and has entered into 3T Clothing. Because he has his Daddy's short legs he wears 2T pants, but I suspect by next summer he'll start wearing 3s.

Projects. I have Leah's Halloween costume to finish up. She will be Jessie from Toy Story 2, we have a hat and wig, I am sewing up her cow print spats and adorning a white shirt with cuffs and a lapel. Mason and Owen's costumes were purchased entirely from the Disney Store, no sewing necessary. :) Nicole cut fleece for a new blanket for Owen which she would like my help with. :) I have started to knit a Wallaby sweater for Leah, it is a new endeavor and I am having a lot of fun. It will have a pocket and hood when I'm done, it is nearly ready to add the pocket to the front. :) With us moving in about 60 days I am going through closets, clothes, toys, boxes, EVERYTHING and trying to weed more things from our lives and simplify.

Four Today

2008-07-24T09:57:00.003-05:00

Four Places that I go to over and over:
Sam's Club, East Columbia Library, (this week) Scarlett's, Utah ;)
Four People who email me regularly:
Elder Justin Karoly, Savage Mill Sister Group, my Ma, Josh
Four of My Favorite Places to Eat:
Outback, Chipolte, P.F. Chang's, Olive Garden
Four Places I would rather be right now:
A beach, in a dark quiet room, at my Ma's, on a plane to some where new

Buzzword

2008-06-24T13:19:00.002-05:00

My father forwarded this thought to me that an old friend had sent him. It seems to hit the nail on the head.

"Buzzword"

The buzzword of this election is 'CHANGE.' Candidates toss it around without saying what they want to change to.

Years ago, there was an old tale in the Marine Corps about a Lieutenant who inspected his Marines and told the 'Gunny' that they smelled bad. The Lieutenant suggested that they change their underwear. The Gunny responded, "Aye,aye, sir, I'll see to it immediately."

The Gunny went into the tent and said, "The lieutenant thinks you guys smell bad, and wants you to change your underwear. Smith, you change with Jones, McCarthy, you change with Witkowskie, Brown, you change with Schultz . Get to it."

The moral: A candidate may promise change in Washington but don't count on things smelling any better.

Here We Go Again!

2008-06-19T12:24:00.003-05:00

So we have now finished our move into our new apartment. We have had personal items in for 12 days, HOWEVER, I have come to depend upon and need the INTERNET for my sanity!!! Well, after 14 days of NO internet we are now back up and running. YEA!!! I have spent a good portion of the morning checking emails and reading through blogs, but I'm still behind. It's like the unpacking at my house....not anywhere close to being where it needs to be. O well.

My brother commanded me to post and since he is the Eldest I have obliged...this time. ;)

I do have quite a bit to blog about: my kids, my great husband, my fabulous sister, our new place, etc. But today will focus on me.

My health has been a bit under the weather for some time now. Starting with my uterine fibroid that starting getting worse last fall. Well, in the process of getting ready to have surgery on said fibroid I've had to have other tests done. Beginning with a Colonoscopy. Well 4 weeks ago I had the procedure done, they found a polyp, which they removed and sent off for a biopsy. This last Saturday I got the communication from my doctor telling me the results. It turns out that the polyp was "adenomatous and had the potential of turning into cancer." Yea, so that took my breath away and made me grateful to have had to have the Colonoscopy performed since because of my age it would have been YEARS until a doctor suggest having a "routine" Colonoscopy done. I'll have to have another Colonoscopy done in 1 year. Okay.

A week ago Sunday night I woke with a sharp pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen. I wasn't able to get an appointment with a doctor till Tuesday. She thought it might be a Gall Stone. I went in Wednesday morning for an ultrasound of my Gall Bladder. Friday I called my doctor's office and found out YES I have a Gall Stone and was given a number to call a surgeon. Apparently the only way to take care of a Gall Stone is to have your Gall Bladder removed. Yea, another procedure/surgery to add to this year. The downside to this is that now I have to wait 10 days before I can talk to the surgeon. Ahhh...

The upside to all of this is that I have now reached the individual copay for my insurance and now they should be footing more of the costs of all this. :)

Another health issue is that now I need to have what is called a "hysterosonogram", a specific sonogram to check the health of the inside lining of my uterus. (This is for the Gynecologist to know how best to take care of my fibroid, what kind of procedure can/should be done.) Well, I have to have the procedure within 7-10 days after the start of my period. However, right now knowing when it will start is a guessing game. Hooray! For the 2nd month in a row they did not have appointments available for when I needed it. :( Very frustrating because it puts me off another entire month until I know what EXACTLY will happen with my fibroid. Ooooooo...

One last thing is I have Migraines on a more regular basis. They have been debilitating. Last week was mostly spent lying on my bed. I've consulted with a number of friends I know who suffer from migraines and have learned that I need to find a Nuerologist who specializes in migraines. So another doctor needs to be called and consulted. yea...

Well, now I've aired my health woes to the world. So if you see me at times with a glazed look in my eyes just know that I'm just pushing through like everyone else. I know all will come together and I will be "whole" someday. ;)

What a BALL!

2008-05-04T15:43:00.013-05:00

Saturday was full of fun, fibbing and fantastic surprises!

I returned home from Oklahoma to discover that our Stakes 'Rose Ball' had not yet happened. So I decided since it was our last weekend with a live-in babysitter (my sister Nicole was still here), at least for a couple of weeks, Kevin and I should go. It's the first time in a while that Kevin and I have had the opportunity to go out dancing. For those of you who don't know our history, Kevin was my very first 'slow dance' at my very first Church Youth Dance. He was also my dance partner for our Stakes Youth Dance Festival, when I was 14 and he was 16. From the Dance Festival experience he and I have a smattering of dance techniques that are now over 10 years behind us. But I get ahead of myself.

I informed Kevin that I really wanted to go and that I had set up a babysitter. He was up for it. FABULOUS news! I had a surprise a-brewin'!

Well, I decided that it was time for me to "Blow Away" my husband. We spend so much time in our daily mundane routine that I figured it was time to knock his socks off. With the help of my sister and two good friends (Mendy and Scarlett) I was able to do just that.

It all started on Thursday, May 1st, when my sister Nicole helped me to pick out the "perfect" dress. We spent 2 hours scouring the racks at Burlington Coat Factory and trying on dresses in various sizes, styles and colors. I fell in love with the dress when I put it on. (Pictures to see below, but wait.)

Earlier in the week I had approached two friends from my ward about doing my hair and makeup. And both graciously accepted. I am so lucky to have such good friends here who are also talented. Mendy and Scarlett you both did a fantastic job, thank you.

Scarlett's Make Over

I have never before had a true "up-do" and really liked the way my hair turned out. Doesn't it look amazing?

Mendy's Amazing Up-do

(side note: I was able to sleep with a shower cap over my hair and still have my up-do looking great for church the next day. That was awesome! Getting up for church and not having to do my hair! What a blessing. Also, I was super proud to do it and let every one know just how amazing Mendy is with a curling iron, bobby pins and hairspray. ;) )

So the fibbing. . .To get out of the house on a Saturday without Kevin becoming suspicious Nicole, Leah and I were out having a "Girl's Day Out." According to him that included a trip to the Mall, library and miscellaneous other errands. Well, we did do miscellaneous errands but we were mostly at Scarlett's getting made over. At one point he called, we were nearly finished and I had to just get some finishing touches on my make up and hair done. I had to assuage his fears that anything had happened to us and that "Yes" I would be able to be ready to go by the time we were meant to meet up with some friends for dinner before the dance. As I hung up we women were laughing out loud just anticipating the surprise he would get.

Half an hour later I hadn't yet left and again my phone rang, it was Kevin. I was in the middle of getting my dress on and putting on the final touches. I called him back as I was getting in the car and he was so anxious and scared that something was wrong. According to him we should have been home "20 minutes ago." Again I calmed him said we were on our way and asked him if he were ready. He came back with a quick, "No, I've been watching the boys." I said the boys would be fine, just get dressed so at least one of us was ready to go. He agreed and we hung up.

When I pulled up Mason heard the car and came out the front door. ("Mommy you're home! Hi Mommy! Leah! Leah home! Hi Leah! Hi 'Cole!" I was out of the car pulling out some things from the back when Kevin came out. I tell you he looked right past me! He didn't even realize it was me for 5 seconds! O that was fabulous! Leah was given the job of announcing the surprise to Daddy and though her thunder had been stolen by Mason coming out the front door she still ran to me and said, "Daddy, my I present my Be-u-ti-ful MOMMY!"

(side note: That suit Kevin has on is the one he wore on our wedding day, nearly 7 years ago. He stills looks pretty good in it don't you think? I do. ;) )

We had so much fun that night. Eating out with friends, visiting with old and new friends, dancing, twirling, sitting, talking, complimenting (Kevin kept telling me how beautiful I looked that night. Ah.) and of course...

Friday Night Fun

2008-05-02T19:07:00.004-05:00

I have many a post I would like to do, but I'll put that off just a little while longer. :)

Tonight Leah and Kevin had a date. ;) They went to a movie and then dinner...at the house. Kevin sat down and watched "Enchanted" with Leah. Then when that was over their restaurant experience was waiting. In "Enchanted" Giselle and Robert eat at an Italian restaurant on her second night in the city. So what did Leah and her Daddy get? Chicken Parmesan!!! It was delightful. And how did they pay for their dinner? (This was last minute BRILLIANCE on my part.) They had to clean up the dishes. Oh, it was MARVELOUS! I have not had her be so willing to help for quite a while.

Beautiful. It was a good night.

Dun, dun-dun, dun...DONE!

2008-03-10T13:23:00.006-05:00

So a lot of my friends thought me crazy when I told them that Owen would be getting his first haircut while we were out in Utah. Yes, they were right. I waited till Mason was 2 1/2 years old and Owen is barely 16 months, but it HAD to be done.

BEFORE

DURING
AFTER

He was really good during the haircut. He was perplexed by the hair falling down around him. He lost a good 3 inches from the top, and the "rat tail" at the back was a good 4 inches. He now looks like the "Big boy" that we knew was there. It is just amazing how each child's personality is unique and different.

Doesn't he look cute?

My New Look

2008-02-16T12:04:00.004-05:00

I just spent the morning creating my blogs new Header, and I am very pleased. I think it came together well. I had to shrink it to size so for those of you who would like a closer look click on the image below...

I used an assortment of pictures from last March through this past January. I put it together in Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 and tried to showcase each of us equally. Well, there goes my Saturday morning. :)

Quilting...A New Adventure!

2008-02-14T16:54:00.003-05:00

I grew up being schooled in the ways of home-making by my Grandma Graham. One of the skills I worked on with her was Quilting. I would spend hours and hours working with her on one quilting project after another. But my grandmother's idea of quilting was finding a piece of fabric that could easily be followed to tie or quilt. The quilts were clean, fresh and beautiful but very uncomplicated. She knew how to piece-quilt but, as a mother of 8 home alone 5-out of-7 days in a week, simpler was better. Quilts were always made for birthdays, graduations, weddings and births of little ones.

Nearly eleven years ago my Grandma Graham was working on the quilt for my cousin Kenny's wedding when she had a stroke. The stroke has left her with limited use of one-side of her body and she has had to give up many of her former activities. I know that she misses the opportunities she use to be able to take to serve others. So throughout the years I have tried, at every opportunity possible, to do what she might do and (in this case) make a Quilt.

Last year my cousin Rachael had her first baby and at her shower I had everyone help to tie a quilt. This year my older brother, Joshua, and his wife, Adele, are having their first baby, a boy! Once again I have decided that a quilt IS needed for the baby shower. But because I am soooo excited to be an aunt for the very first time I decided that I would learn how to do something new and piece-quilt. Well, I started with the idea of piece-quilting and instead learned how to strip-quilt and modified the "log cabin" design to come up with this:

It was loads of fun. Excepting the children climbing all over me while I was thus consumed. All is not yet finished, of course, I am the one making this after all. I plan on using a machine washable pen to draw in designs for people to quilt while at the baby shower next month. And then I am still planning on putting a fun pointy edge on it after it is quilted. This project has been fun and didn't take too long (Monday of last week to Tuesday of this week) and I can't wait for the fun to begin at the Baby Shower! ;)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2008-02-14T08:20:00.005-05:00

10 Things I Love About My Family

10. All of my children still give me hugs and kisses upon request.

9. Leah will draw pictures for me on days when I've been having a hard time.

8. Mason is the first one to run to the door and give you a hug when you've just arrived home.

7. Owen snuggles into your shoulder and pats your back when he is ready to go to sleep.
(It just warms my heart to have him still be my little "baby".)

6. Kevin takes out the trash.

5. Leah tells me, "You're the prettiest mommy ever."

4. Mason will cuddle with me on the couch.

3. Owen's smile, that's all I have to say. :)

2. Kevin's easy interaction with our children. Those kids love him and so do I.

1. The knowledge that I have that we WILL be together FOREVER.

Sabbath Day Moments

2008-02-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

I had a Sister from my ward today ask me if I had journaled about an experience we had a couple weeks ago with Leah at Church. I had NO idea what she was referring to, she reminded me and that is what brings me here today.

Leah is our "fun, fun, fun" child. Games, activities, friends the more hype the better. This energy of hers has made her a bit of a phenomena to her parents. We love her, we just struggle daily to help her...make the decisions we want her to make. :) For instance, going to church.

Over the last couple of months, and especially since the start of the New Year and 9 am church, Leah has been struggling with the concept of attending church. Our preparation for Sunday usually begins on Thursday or Friday talking about our weekend and what we would do each day. Maybe talk about what she wants to wear to Church, who she would see at Church, we might even discuss breakfast options. :) I have borne testimony of why I go to Church and want to be there. I have sung with her her favorite Primary songs while getting ready for Church and still, still we have experiences like these...

Sunday, December 16th---Leah was dragging her feet all morning long. She didn't want what was made for breakfast. She wanted a snack at 12noon when we are suppose to be heading down the stairs to the car to make it to Church on time. When we got to Church we sat in the pew behind the before-mentioned Sister and her family.

As a rule I do not allow my children any "distractions" when the Sacrament of Bread and Water is being passed around the congregation. They are allowed to color in a coloring book until a member of the Ward Bishopric stands to begin the service. Then all coloring books are removed and Quiet Books with pictures of Christ, prophets, and other gospel principles are pulled out and available. Only the Quiet Books are allowed until the Aaronic Priesthood members (generally 12-18 year old young men) are dismissed to sit with the congregation. Leah knows this routine and it has served, at times, as an added incentive to prepare properly and arrive at church with time to settle in and acclimate (i.e. color).

On this day Leah was having (to quote her) "a rough day". So when the Sacrament was being passed and we were sitting sans coloring book it really wasn't too surprising to us to hear her say, "Church is boring. Why do we have to come? All we do is sit...and do nothing." Kevin and I just looked at each other shaking our heads and sadly smiling. We have worked so hard to instill in her a love of the gospel, and though she loves aspects of Church her "fun, fun, fun" mentality has a hard time wrapping her mind around "Church". I'm not too worried, she's 5, and I believe we are on the right path to helping her see Our Savior's love in all things.

Lets fast forward to this past Sunday, February 3rd---We prepared Saturday night, bathing/showering, pulling out clothes for church, setting the alarm, and making sure there was something pre-made for breakfast. Sunday morning came and things went pretty well. We got to Church at 8:45am and I really needed to have been there at 8:30am to do all I needed to do, c'est la vie. Kevin took the kids into the Chapel and sat with them while I made a mad dash to draw a "Great and Spacious Building" and "Tree of Life" for Sharing Time and to pull out and review the attendance roles. Kevin was getting pretty nervous till I slid in during the Sacrament Hymn. Disaster 1 averted. But possible Disaster 2 still hung in the future.

The previous day I had been called and asked to give the Benediction. I accepted and remembered all morning long...until the closing hymn was being sung. I was gathering all coloring things and cleaning up so my kids could focus on being reverent for the closing prayer (i.e. Benediction). When the final note was sung it took me a moment and a half to realize I already should have been heading to the pulpit. I quickly stood and pushed out of my pew and to the pulpit nearly losing my footing. Owen screamed thinking I was leaving him and didn't stop till he realized I was before him and talking, by the time I had spoken 10 words he was calm.

After saying, "Amen," and starting to leave the "stand" Leah says, in her normal voice, "Good job Mommy. You did great!" Her normal voice is what most would consider their voice projecting. It made me smile. I think I caught a few others smiling as well. :)

Yummy, yummy Cinnamon Rolls....mmMMmm!

2008-01-20T19:58:00.001-05:00

Reminiscent of a favorite stop at the mall...

Sweet Rolls
3 ½ -4 cups Flour
1 package active dry Yeast
1 cup Milk
¼ cup Sugar
¼ cup Margarine
½ teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs

In large mixer bowl combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast. In saucepan heat the milk, sugar, margarine, and salt just till the mixture is warm (115˚ to 120˚) and margarine is almost melted, stirring constantly. [If too hot cool down] Add to flour mixture in mixer bowl; add eggs.

Beat at low speed of electric mixer for ½ minute, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Continue to knead and add enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that feels smooth and elastic. (8 to 10 minutes). Knead dough on hook for an additional 10 minutes. Shape into ball. Cover; set raise in a warm place till double (20-25 minutes).

Cinnamon Filling

1 cup Light Brown Sugar
5 Tablespoons Cinnamon

½ cup Margarine, melted

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll part of the Dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Brush dough with the melted margarine; sprinkle sugar mixture on margarine. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting from long side; seal seam. Slice into rolls. (I find it easier to use Dental Floss, but I don't really have a great knife.) Place rolls, cut side down, on greased baking pan or cookie sheet. Let rise until doubled, about 35 minutes.

Bake 350˚ for 15 to 18 minutes. Top with Frosting when cooled.

1x makes 12 BIG rolls (that's what I like), or 18-24 smaller rolls (if you're lucky).

****Whipped CREAM CHEESE FROSTING****

The crowning glory that truly sets this recipe apart from all others.

4 oz. Cream Cheese
½ cup Margarine
1 ¾ cups Powder Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Place cream cheese and margarine in a mixing bowl and let them sit for 30 minutes, (so they are not too cold). Mix for 6 minutes at low speed. [If you have a KitchenAid mixer use paddle beater and mix on #2 setting.]

Switch to the Whip beaters and whip the Cream Cheese mixture for another 10 minutes at medium speed [or #6 on the KitchenAid].

Add 1 cup of the powder sugar and whip for 1 minute. Then add the remaining ¾ cup of powder sugar and whip for another minute.

Add the Vanilla and whip for 1 more minute.

Once the Cinnamon Rolls have cooled...Top with Frosting. YUM!!!

Part 3...Surprise Reaction

2008-01-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

***Length disclosure- This post seems really long but should be quick because the pictures are what make it so very long. Be forewarned, there are LOTS of pictures.***

Now we walk you through the arrival of the JKLM-n-O Rowbury family to the Karoly family in Tulsa, with pictures. (Because EVERYTHING is better with pictures!)

(Da-da-da-DAAAA!!!!!)

As we approached Tulsa we were in constant communication with Josh & Adele. The excitement was mounting, the anticipation was peaking, and we were all loving the adrenaline rush. :) We were giving last minute advice and instruction to each other, because the moment WE arrived at the family's door step we had to act as though they weren't coming.

Leah and Mason were asleep and Owen was quietly taking in the drive.

When we were 15 minutes from the house it began to snow, and the closer we got the heavier it fell. I was giving directions and snapping pictures as we went. (hehehe)

By this time we had woken Leah and told her we were close, very close, and she needed to get her socks and shoes on.

We were also reminding her that Josh and Adele coming was a "surprise", a "secret." We were just not going to talk about them or what they were doing. We want them to be able to surprise Grandma. We asked her, "Can you keep the secret?"
"Yea, yea. Sure, sure. I can keep a secret."
We trusted her. What else could we do at this point? Besides we had a strategy, if Leah ever did start talking about Josh and Adele we would tell her that they couldn't come because Adele was pregnant and couldn't make the long drive. Sure, it confused and flustered her, but it threw nearly every one off the scent...Ok, it only seemed to work on my mom, but that was the best part...we'll get there, I promise.

***Special note--While we were still 20 minutes away I called my Mom to see "how things were goin' ", "what they were up to", "did they know what they were doing for dinner, 'cause I was trying to get that started for us." I'm sure you can see where that was all going. I had Kevin listening to a Bowl game on ESPN (we have SIRIUS--it is GREAT for us!) so they thought I was just sitting at home having a laid back Saturday. O the joy! :)***

AT THE HOUSE

The approach to the house was taken slowly and we went over who would help which child. And how we would ACTUALLY do this.

When I got up to the door, we checked the handle and it was unlocked!!! So I pushed it open, and with camera in one hand and Mason at the other, began calling out, "Hello! Hellllo! Helllloooo! MERRRRRY CHRRISSTMASSS! MERRY-MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!" Seriously it felt like an eternity before Kristen and my Mom appeared.

My Mom was positively the HAPPIEST-MOM-IN-THE-ENTIRE-WORLD at that particular moment. She of course went right into planning everything! Dinner, Beds, Sleeping arrangements, Breakfast, Christmas...O how she LOVES to be BUSY!!! hehehe...It's the truth. Just ask her. :) Remind anyone of somebody. ;)

My sisters, Nicole and Heather, and my Father, were all at work. Well, we decided that Leah, Mom, and I would pick up Nicole and Heather.

Ahhhh! I love my sisters! They never seem to let me down! Their reactions...Well, pictures speak a thousand words, right?

PICKING UP NICOLE

Isn't that a great face in picture #2? Look how wide her mouth is! :)

Well, a story...

Nicole was telling me about the gift she wanted to have made for Josh and Adele for Christmas. But all Leah heard was "Josh and Adele for Christmas."
She blurts out, "How did you know about Josh and Adele coming?"
Nicole's eyes got big, and I brushed it off with the story that they couldn't come because Adele was pregnant and yada-yada-yada...Well, Leah had a confused look and Nicole became suspicious, but Mom was completely immuned. I guess it shows just how much my mom trusts me. (Thanks mom, because truly I am the worst liar...ever.) I pulled Leah aside and tried again to tell her that it was a secret and we could NOT talk about it around Grandma or the Aunts. It didn't work.
After we got in the car and were on to out next destination (Sam's Club-for dinner and miscellaneous food items), Leah whispers, "Mom, I got to talk to you about something. It's about the secret."
Well in our car she is in the seat furthest away so EVERYONE can hear her. I tell her that we'll talk when we stop, but she was persistent. FINALLY, she stopped. (Thank you Leah.)

PICKING UP HEATHER
hehehe!!!

Heather was in the back room finishing up. She had us standing outside that door for 10 minutes waiting for her to FINALLY come out! Her reaction was by FAR the BEST, especially with the way it was caught on camera! Right after that last picture was taken her bottom lip ran into my camera lens. The lens was fine but her lip was cut and a little bruised. She said it was worth it. I was just AMAZED with the ferocity in which she hugged me, and she came to me first, NOT Leah. Usually when people are given the choice Leah wins out. That was nice for me. :)

I have no pictures of my Dad's reaction. I was in bed, snoozin'. He did call shortly after we got back to the house from picking every one up to just see how things were going at home. Heather asked, "Does Dad know?" with the phone in her hand and him on the other end. Sweet Heater! (And "no" I did NOT misspell her name, that's a term of endearment for her.) He was suspicious from then till he got home, but he thought it meant Josh and Adele were there NOT us. :) Our minivan let him know the truth when he pulled up.

I DO, however, have a picture of my hubby's reaction to BYU's miracle win.
He was so astonished! I don't recall ever previously seeing this look on his face. GO COUGARS!!!

JOSH & ADELE ARRIVE

Kevin stayed up waiting for them to come in. Besides myself he was the only one that KNEW they were coming. The others only guessed. Kevin, in good conscious, could not sleep knowing they were out in the snow, which was still falling. So, at 2:42 am CST, Josh and Adele came through the door. Mom was pulled out of bed and the surprise, for her, was COMPLETE.

Part 2...In the Car

2008-01-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

I would like to say that we moved on shortly thereafter, but we did end up staying there an additional 45 minutes. It felt like we would never get anywhere, or at least that we were not getting where we wanted to be as quickly as we would have liked. Nearly every stop we made lasted at least 10 minutes and up to an hour when food and bathroom breaks for all were involved.

***I would like to note that Leah kept her Pull-Up dry all night long! A first for her during a long car ride. I think it was the 3 stops during the night for fuel and restroom breaks that helped her with that. YEA!! for LEAH!!! :)***

Kevin and I had an animated conversation discussing possibilities for the future. Where we could live? What we could do for additional income? How we could make things work better financially, now and in the future. It lasted for a good 2 hours, plus. However, by the time that had petered out we were a bit tired so we pulled off the freeway, got some fuel and napped in the corner of a Pilot and got some rest. After about 2 hours we were off once again.

By 10am we were in St. Louis and on our final stretch of highway, Interstate-44 would take us directly into Tulsa!

By this time every time when we stopped Leah was the one encouraging us to move on and quickly. She was tired of being in the car, but more importantly she COULD NOT wait to get to Grandma Annette's house. Two movies and a nap helped the time to pass quickly, for her at least. ;)

There was an important development that nearly ruined at least part of the surprise. Because of Josh and Adele's unforeseen stop in Wyoming they were NOT going to be Oklahoma at the same time as us. The problem comes from Leah knowing they were coming and expecting to see them when she got TO Grandmas. Well we did our best to explain to her that they would be late so we needed to NOT talk about Josh and Adele, we'll talk about how that went down later.

I really love how well our kids travel in the car. They are just GREAT!!! They don't get car sick and are very patient. They watch their movies, use their activity books and listen to books on tape/CD. They are ok with having only short breaks out of their seats and then sitting for hours.

Christmas Surprise!...Part 1

2008-01-01T11:37:00.000-05:00

This blog is the first in a LONG line of blogs that must be posted and will be posted all in due time.

Friday, December 21st, Kevin took the day off work to take Mason to the Doctor. Well, yes he did take Mason to the Doctor and we DID have to get an antibiotic for strep throat; however, we were secretly grateful for Mason's need to see the Doctor. You see we had been planning on sneaking out of town that day of days and heading off to Oklahoma. Yes, we crazy people decided with my brother, Joshua, and his wife, Adele, to surprise our family for Christmas. He left from Utah and we left from Maryland that Friday with the plan of meeting in Oklahoma the next day and surprising our folks and sisters.

We had great weather, excepting the light rain that was coming down therefore made it impossible to set the cruise control. :( (I love driving with cruise control!) However, our weather challenges were nothing compared to Josh and Adele's. They got stopped in Rock Springs, Wyoming at 5pm because I-80 had been closed from there to Laramie for the evening. They had to stay in a dirty old motel, but did get to see "Enchanted" at the local theater. :)

Our first 150 miles were our slowest (it took us 3.5 hours just to get that far! yuck!!). When we left town (with our car packed to the hilt) Leah was suspicious and asked us what we were doing, where were we going, were we going camping? what? We told her we were going to take a long drive and our destination was a surprise, and yes we would be camping, sort of. We stopped at a McDonalds hoping to find a Playplace for the kids to get some wiggles out. When we found that they didn't have one we sat in the van for a while discussing our drive. As Kevin and I were consulting our route Leah started to have a melt down in the back seat that went something like this:

"I miss my toys," sniff, sniff.
Kevin and I looked at each other.
"..they are going to be lonely without me..."
Again Kevin and I look at each other than back at Leah.
"I miss my bed, it's so soft and comfy. I want my bed. I want to go home," sniff, sniff, tear, tear.
In hushed voices, with Leah continuing her tearful entreaty, Kevin and I decide to let Leah in on the big secret and ask her if she wishes to continue.
"Leah, would you like to be part of a BIG secret?" Kevin asked calmly. Through tear-filled eyes Leah looked at her father and nodded slowly.
"Well, we are driving to Oklahoma to surprise Grandma Annette and Grandpa. Heather, Kristen and Nicole will be there. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
"Yeah, but I miss my bed..." a few tears dropped down her cheeks.
"But you haven't heard the biggest, best part. Would you like to know what that is?"
With big eyes still filled with tears she once again nodded slowly.
"Uncle Josh and Aunt Adele are going to Grandma's house too. We're all going to get there and surprise Grandma, Grandpa, Kristen, Heather and Nicole. What do you think?"
Really, before Kevin could even finish what he was saying Leah broke in with, "Josh and Adele!!! I love Josh and Adele! Let's go to Grandma's house!"
So sorry, Grandma, Grandpa and all you aunts, but Uncle Josh and Aunt Adele were the big deal maker for this 5 year old.

Candy Cane Cookies

2007-12-20T13:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday Evening I participated in a Cookie Swap with some ladies from my ward. I made this particular cookie recipe for a couple of reasons. First, this is a family tradition dating back to the early years of my Grandma Grahams marriage. She made these every year of my childhood and my Uncle Joel has carried on the tradition with a twist. His twist is that he makes 6 batches or more with various colors and has everyone "create" their own cookie. In the past we've had children in a snowball fight, a UPS truck, Christmas trees, Christ in a Manger, and MANY others. The kids have a great time eating their "play dough" as cookies. Second, related to the first, it just doesn't seem like Christmas without them. So Tuesday gave me the perfect opportunity to bake up some Christmas Comfort. Enjoy!

Cream together:
1/2 Cup shortening (butter or original)
1/2 Cup butter/margarine
1 Cup confectioner sugar, sifted
1 egg
Add:
1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, I usually don't add this.)
1 teaspoon vanilla (if I don't use almond extract I increase this by 1/2 tsp)
(I add food coloring at this stage of the "game" because adding them later makes them heavy and stiff.)
Sift together and Add:
2 1/2 Cup flour, sifted
1 teaspoon salt

Candy Cane topping;
1/2 Cup crushed candy cane, make into a powder
1/2 Cup granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Let dough refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before handling. Shape dough and dough in Candy Cane topping or sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Recipe yields approximately 2 dozen 6-inch candy canes.

***As a side note, from start to finish (i.e. mixing the doughs, refrigerating them, rolling them out and baking them) was 3 1/2 hours. All said, not bad. We had fun in the kitchen. I just didn't make dinner, we got Chipotle. :)

My Dearest Kevington

2007-11-28T20:05:00.000-05:00

Sunday marked the 13th birthday of Kevin's that I have celebrated with him. It had no fanfare. He got his celebration the day before with the commemoration of the BYU v. UTAH football game. I know he enjoyed it because he spoke maybe 20 times to me the entire game. Thats EXACTLY what I expected to happen, really it was good to see him enjoying and soooo into one of his favorite things...College Football, especially BYU. He was born with BYU fanaticism in his blood. (His parents met at BYU, in the fall of 1978. They were married shortly thereafter, and he was born in Provo during the fall of 1979. Both occurred DURING football season. :)) He loves BYU football. Enough said.

I thought that since it was just his birthday, and I have been a witness to nearly half of all the birthdays he has ever had, I will do a highlight of some fond memories.

Sixteenth Birthday!---First birthday I was around for, but we didn't really do anything. I think my brother, his best friend, spent the night or something... The week following his birthday he got his drivers license, what a proud kid he was. He was the FIRST of our group of friends to get his license, subsequently he became "the driver" for the next 3 years of High School. Whenever there was a big dance he drove the group of us. When we had early Saturday morning rehearsals in Lodi, CA with Troupe Cabana, he drove. When we took the trip to San Jose his Senior year to play at 'Great America' with a car load of friends, he drove.

Eighteenth Birthday!---First birthday of his where we were actually a 'dating' couple. (I had finally turned 16 four months earlier.) Also the first year I played a large contributing role in organizing and throwing his party. It was a surprise party! ;) The guys attacked him in his bed while he was sleeping with the girls watching from the door. He really didn't appreciate that, but he did appreciate the waffles, french toast, cheesy eggs, hot chocolate and juice waiting downstairs. It was an all day event that leaves a smile on my face when I think about it. :)

Nineteenth Birthday!---After waiting 5 weeks for his mission call to come in he received the word, just days before his birthday, that he would be going to Taiwan Taipei Mission. His parents went out to Utah for Thanksgiving to help prepare for his mission. He went to the Mount Timpanogos Temple for his first time, ate dinner at Chevy's, and called me for a few minutes that night.

Twenty-third Birthday!---After 16 days in the hospital Leah Rose was born and on the 18th day in the hospital she and I were released. That day was also Kevin's Birthday. While I was in the hospital and it was getting closer to his birthday he informed me that he didn't want to share his birthday with Leah. So he got his birthday wish and Leah was born 2 days before his birthday. ;) That night after being released from the hospital we left Leah with my Mom and went out to dinner at P.F. Chang's with his parents. Crazy, huh? It tasted sooooo good!!! :)

24, 25, 26, 27---We have gotten together with family and friends to eat and play games. There was usually some football watching as well. :)

Twenty-eighth Birthday!---This year we invited over every one we could think of that was a BYU fan to watch the BYU v. UT football game. We had a Mexican night and Kevin's favorite dessert, Brownies. (Thanks Mendy for bringing those. :)) His favorite part was the football game, ofcourse. :) It was fun having a houseful, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I love my husband with all my heart. We have grown together on many different levels and I am grateful for his loving kindnesses towards me and our children. Looking back on all the years we've been together it is AMAZING and unfathomable sometimes. Are we really this old? Are we really this young?!? (I am sure some of you are thinking that. :)lol) Kevin IS my best friend. He has been for nearly HALF my life, that's weird and mind blowing all at the same time.

Happy Birthday Kevin! I love you and look forward to many more birthdays with you...

Over, Under, Around and Thru...

2007-11-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

Today my darling daughter hit a major milestone. hehehe!!! She tied her laces all on her own. She was so proud of herself that she came running into me, "Mommy, mommy I did it! Look I tied my shoe. Look!" She hadn't even done the other foot yet, she was just so proud. What can I say i was proud of her too.

Isn't she getting big!?!

Look-A-Like Mason

2007-11-17T08:14:00.001-05:00

Well, I have joined the trend sweeping my friends sites and have finally done the Look-alike Meter for all 3 of my children. I did the Meter two different times for Mason and confirmed something I already knew.

Depending on WHAT my kids are doing or HOW they are acting determines which parent they look more like. The first time I ran Mason he was 7% on my side, then you have this picture that puts him as 15% more like his dad.

It was fun, but my conclusion? I have ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE kids who are SOOOO much better looking than Kevin and I alone. We've got a good genetic match! :)

Look-A-Like Leah

2007-11-17T07:57:00.000-05:00

Look-A-Like Owen

2007-11-17T07:44:00.000-05:00

Don't Know What to Say

2007-11-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

I am not a fan of going shopping on my own with my 3 kids. However, sometimes that just CANNOT be avoided. Like today. Kevin is going on a Scout Camp Out tonight and needed a sleeping bag. (We are seriously lacking in the Camping gear department. We now own a lantern and a sleeping bag...that's it.) Leah's birthday is next week and so is Thanksgiving, supplies were needed. And OFCOURSE we needed to make our weekly trip to Sam's Club.

The kids did really well at the first two stores so at Sam's they got to have a pretzel as an afternoon snack. Leah and Mason got long pieces and I broke Owen's up into smaller pieces. I got every one situated and then started shopping while they were thus distracted. But today must be a lot of people's pay days and next week MUST be a holiday 'cause it was CRAZY in there!!! And there I am pushing my 2-seat stroller and pulling a shopping cart through the chaos of the Holiday Shopping Season that is descending upon us all.

I was pushing and pulling through a slightly crowded corridor when Owen turns around in his seat and gives me a look I have become quite familiar with as of late---he was choking! I had to stop right in the middle of the aisle to save my son from choking. It took 2 swipes of my finger to the back of his throat to clear his breathing passage. He coughed once and then was fine.

BUT behind me was a different story. As I turn around I find one woman gently trying to move the shopping cart that Leah is in, and another standing by saying, "That's what happens when you have too many kids."

I was shocked into silence. I couldn't think of what to say except to the woman who was trying to get by, "I'm sorry ma'am. My son was choking." That woman understood the situation and asked if he was "ok". The woman who had spoken out seemed to be shocked into silence. She spoke before she understood the whole situation I hold no malice toward her. I re-learned an important truth: Never pass judgment--especially without knowing every point of view.

On a positive note, there was a nice gentleman who works there that saw what happened and gave me paper towels to clean off my hands and Owens face. I could tell he was genuinely concerned for Owen and myself. I am grateful for his concern and his parting words to me, "Some people just don't know what to say."

May I always be a help to those around me and not a deterrent.

Here Baby...Fetch!

2007-11-09T14:16:00.000-05:00

This morning Mason came up to me carrying a bag of chocolate yogurt covered raisins, "This peeze Mom. Peeze, Mom."

I caved, "Sure, but you need to share with baby Owen." (Owen was in the room with us and was already following around his big brother. I would have made a similar request if Leah had been around as well.)

"K, mom."

I pulled out a small bowl and put in about 15-20 pieces, gave it to Mason ("Tanks mom") and didn't think much on it.

Till about 2 minutes later I see Owen on the floor crawling after what looks like a chocolate covered raisin. I get Mason into view just as he throws said raisin in the general direction of Owen and hear, "Here Baby."

I step fully around the corner of my kitchen counter and asked, "Mason, what are you doing?"

"Share with Baby. Here baby fetch! Get it!" And off flew another raisin with Owen crawling quickly after it.

I couldn't handle it! I turned around and just had a great belly-laugh. Followed shortly by a quick call Kevin to let him know just HOW cute his kids are. Kids really are good for a joyful laugh. :)

I tried to snap a picture but the moment was lost. :(

If I Can't Love Her

2007-11-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Not just the title to one of my favorite songs from a Broadway Musical ("Beauty and the Beast"--it's the last song of the first act before the intermission) it is also how I feel about my beautiful, intelligent, helpful, creative daughter-Leah Rose.
Tomorrow marks the 5th year since I went into the hospital to "have" her, she just wasn't born for another 16 days. :) For those of you who don't yet know the story...I went in for what would be the start of my every two-week visits to the Doctor and was diagnosed Preclamptic. My doctor's office was located in the same block of the hospital and he sent me right over to be admitted and have an Amniocentesis (a large needle is inserted through the abdomen to retrieve a sample of amniotic fluid to determine the maturity of the childs lungs). Her lungs were rather underdeveloped for her age group so they loaded me up with Magnesium Sulfate (to drop my through the roof blood pressure) and gave me a 4-dose steroid treatment to encourage her lungs to develop. Well, 16 days later she was delivered and 18 days later I was released from the hospital.

Some things I learned about Leah before she was born...
-She loves to move, especially to dance. She was dancing in my womb at 16 weeks.
-She does things in her time and if she wants to. Thinking of creative, positive ways to encourage to make certain/good choices is a FULL-TIME job.
-I love her with every fiber of my being. She is the one who taught me of the love there can be between a mother and a child.

Some things I have learned from Leah over the last 5 years...
-Love is unlimited and unconditional.
-Compliments given and received brighten everyone's day.
-Forgiveness comes without conditions.

I love my daughter. My greatest hope and prayer is that we will have a close relationship throughout our lives.

Seven Wonders of the World

2007-11-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

Now I am not a huge fan of forwards...However, my cousin sent me this video...and who knows if the circumstances described are real or not---BUT the thought is great! What would we list as the "7 Wonders of the World"? What would be in my list? I'll have to think on that.

For Myself

2007-10-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

I put a widget on page all by myself! Usually I have to result to calling family and friends and being walked through the process. Yay! It feels nice to be able to do something on my own for myself. I have many opportunities throughout the day to do for others. Ofcourse, those others are my three children that more or less EXPECT those things and others to be done for them. How to teach them to be appreciative...well, we're working on that.

Mother of Three

2007-05-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

It is both a joy and a challenge raising three small children. Late nights and early mornings make for a tired and touchy mommy. With our recent move the kids have been responding well. However, I know Leah has been having the hardest time adjusting to not having friends around 24/7. She just loves to play and misses all of her friends she use to see daily. Finding ways for her to entertain herself and her brothers has been the challenge as of late. I keep telling her it will get better once we are setup in our new apartment and everything has a place, for it is not till then that I would feel comfortable having other children in my home.

Mason is a trooper. His quiet self is starting to assert itself more and more. He loves his big sister and little brother, but he doesn't love being bossed around by her. Mason is so helpful with Owen, he brings diapers, throws them away, and brings the bottles when Owen is ready to eat. His favorite things have been the Hot Wheels and larger cars we have. And ofcourse, we can't fail to mention his love of all things round, oblong, hard and soft, namely BALLS. But an interesting addition to his list of favorites are the color red and baseball caps. It just so happens he now has a red Mickey Mouse cap he loves to wear.

Owen has mastered crawling and flown right into the standing up to EVERYTHING trick. He is a baby on the move, it appears to me he doesn't wish to be left out of anything Big sister or brother might be doing, or his mommy for that matter. His favorite place to be is right at his mommy's feet while she's in the kitchen cooking and cleaning---not the safest place for a seven month old.