Martinfam6

Cami's THREE!

2012-01-06T22:35:00.000-08:00

When I asked what kind of birthday party she wanted, she said, "Pink!" So easy to please. I can do pink, and have fun at the same time ;)

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. This is Cami's best friend, Kylie. They adore one another. It is so sweet to watch. When Cami has her hair curled, she says it looks like Kylie's. Kylie's family came over to celebrate with us. Her dad is also a resident, same year as Jared, in radiology. And her brother goes to the same preschool that Kyle goes to. Kylie gave Cami the dress up outfits, and they "had a ball" trying them on!

Kyle showing Cami how the baby fits in the carrier from Jared's parents.

Putting the crown on this baby from Beauty and the Beast. Cami picked this out over the Christmas season while we were supposed to be picking out her toy she was to give Kyle. She loved this. and insisted that we buy it. Would have been easier to just buy it then and there. I went back later and bought it (with the grandparent $$!).

Happy Birthday, Dad! Luv! Jared!!

2012-01-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

29 and a half? Right? It's hard to keep count anymore, but that sounds about right. He got home after a long day at work to kids waiting up past their bedtime to sing to him and watch him open presents. He got a cool hunting shirt from my parents, something special from his parents that he got early and I can't remember what he said it was, cuz I'm an awesome wife that listens intently to her husband at all times. He got some nice jeans from Cabela's from my grandparents, and an awesome, cool rug from Cabela's, for the elk room from all of us. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it, will post later. Jared was so exhausted he went to bed pretty soon after presents were opened and cake was eaten. I love the pic of Jace singing his heart out to his Dad. Ah, he loves him!

Lance's Birthday

2011-10-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

It really was a lot of fun to make!

Lance's whole 1st Grade class was invited. It's a great way to make friends at the beginning of the school year!

Watermelon Relay - We played this last year at Jace's party, and it was one of the games Lance wanted to be sure and play.

For that smile, that's why we do these crazy parties :)

Happy Birthday, Lance! We love you SO MUCH!!!

Last

Kyle's Birthday

2011-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, KYLE!

T Rex feet stilts. Did you get to do this as a kid? If not you have MISSED OUT!! (big food storage cans with twine tied to them) I LOVED racing on these during field day at school!

Also, the boys are wearing their dinosaur masks we made.

I LOVE this one!

Jace made the awesome, HUGE dinosaur decoration out of cardboard, paints, and an overhead projector I bought on Craigslist :)

Kyle pretending to be terrified

We had Kyle's bday party Friday, and it was dino-mite! Jace made an awesome dinosaur traced onto Cardboard, that we used for both a decoration and "Pin the tail on the T-Rex" (since we couldn't fit the big animal's tail onto our relatively tiny piece of cardboard! They had a T-Rex relay with stilts, or dinosaur feet. And Lance's game he headed, "Don't Crack the Dinosaur Egg", using a balloon that everyone had to keep in the air so that it wouldn't fall and "crack". Lance did a great job explaining the game to everyone. Cami blew out the candles the first time, for Kyle.
I made a yummy banana cake. Here's the recipe - cuz Jared loved it and I may have to make it again someday. 'Cept the frosting. I bought Cream Cheese frosting ready made and added food coloring. So much easier and yummy enough!

What You Need

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
1 cupBREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
3 eggs
1/4 cupoil
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cupbutter, softened
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar
1 cup finely chopped PLANTERS Walnuts

HEAT oven to 350°F.
BEAT first 5 ingredients with mixer on low speed just until moistened, stopping frequently to scrape bottom and side of bowl. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Pour into greased and floured 13x9-inch pan.
BAKE 35 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
BEAT cream cheese and butter with mixer until well blended. Gradually beat in sugar.
REMOVE cake from pan. Carefully cut cake crosswise in half using serrated knife. Place 1 cake half, top-side down, on plate; spread with some of the cream cheese frosting. Top with remaining cake half, top-side up. Spread top and sides with remaining frosting. Press nuts into sides. Keep refrigerated.

Braggin' Rights

2011-09-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I'd like to keep record of :)

Jared got awarded "Resident of the Month". He works hard! Way to go, Dr. Martin!
He's also going to be on the Oprah Winfrey Network sometime in October, on a Sat. I received a phone call asking his job title. He will be in an episode of "Sweetheart's Homecoming" Episode 3.
Jace scored in the top 1% in the nation on last year's MAPS tests. Way to Go, Jace! I told him not to let it go to his head. He's really becoming a teenager lately :) In a good way, of course.
One night I played Paul Cardall's "Sacred Piano" music to help Lance fall asleep at bedtime. When I checked on him a bit later, he told me that the music made him feel the Spirit. I asked him how he knew it was the Spirit, and he said, "my eyes got kind of watery". Awww!
Kyle is counting down the days until his 5th Birthday next month. He is really getting excited for it.
Jace scored in the top 1% in the nation on last year's MAPS tests. Way to Go, Jace! I told him not to let it go to his head. He's really becoming a teenager lately :) In a good way.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

2011-08-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, UT Temple, 1975

Still smiling (er, laughing!) today!

Congratulations, Mom and Dad!

Sleeping Beauty in Pink

2011-08-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today when we returned home from church, Cami was asleep in her carseat, and I took her to soft, comfy bed, without even changing her out of her clothes. I looked at her for a minute, all in pink (she picked the dress this morning), asleep, and I remembered...

she loves this blanket (made by Nancy L.)

...and my angel Gramma, her great-grandmother, whom she was named after, when she held her in her arms.

Ah! Time is flying too fast!

(her cheeks match the dress - it was hot out there!)

( same blanket! :) Plus, though she has to speak up and sometimes get quite loud to be heard in this houseful of boys, her brothers still love her. :)

Ditto

2011-07-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

...To what she said. I was reading one of my favorite blogs just now, written by another mother that lost a child, and when she shared the things she misses and wishes could have been, I completely knew what she meant. I wish Jace could have a buddy like Kyle and Lance have each other. Just yesterday, Jace gave me another piece of clothing that was too small for him, and when I went to the boys' room (Lance and Kyle), realized once again, that I can't just put it in Lance's drawer, but it would go in "Evan's box" up in the closet - clothing that is right between Jace and Lance's size. This time I said it out loud for Jace to hear. "Wish you were here to wear these, Evan. We miss you!"
Stephanie's writings are so inspiring. Read on:

Thursday, July 14, 2011

What I Am Missing

by Stephanie

Sometimes my mind leaves the here and now and wanders to the dangerous land of Couldabeen. In this place I see all the things I am missing. Walking through children's clothing stores I see the adorable little girl clothes. My mind instantly misses the little baby girl I could have been dressing in those clothes. My other girls are all shopping in the big girl section now.

Milestones are particularly difficult. An inner voice whispers to my soul, she would have been 4 and saying those funny things and doing those adorable tricks. She would be starting Kindergarten next year. She would be Lauren's buddy.

I see kids her age. I watch them and feel sorrow that my little girl isn't able to learn and grow and experience all they are experiencing. I am sorry for her and for me not being able to experience these milestones of life with her.

I had such a moment the other day. But this time, in the quiet sorrow in my soul that followed the thought of pity at her missing out, there came a feeling. It was a feeling of thrilling joy and exhilaration, but not my own. It was her joy. I could sense it like you can feel the energy off of someone who is really excited about some thing. It was the same sense of joy I had from her the when she finally passed away. She was happy.

And the thought came to my mind,
"Oh, Mom, if only you could see
the things I am doing now..."

And with that my sorrow fled.
I realized I am not missing what she would have been.
If anything, I am missing all she has become.

http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-i-am-missing.html

Way to Go, Jared!!!

2011-07-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

The patients in the hospital Jared works in have the opportunity to fill out comment cards about their experience there. Here are a few of the comments that were made.

Dr. John Doe:
-“He made me laugh even though I thought my life was ruined.”
-“ He was very helpful and made sure I had a full understanding of my OB
care and my unborn baby health”.

Regarding Dr. Jane Doe-
-“ She was very friendly and helpful with the information provided”.

Regarding Dr. Martin-

-“I love Dr. Martin”.
-“ Dr. Martin is awesome.”
- “Dr. Martin spends time talking with me and explained things.”
-“ Dr. Martin is nice and talks to me and let’s me ask questions.”

Surprise!!!

2011-07-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

We surprised Jace on Friday for his 11th birthday, just a few days early. I didn't think we'd pull it off; he's so hard to fool, but look at his face! He was so shocked, he forgot to smile! His friends did an awesome job keeping it quiet, and all of them were able to be there! Happy Birthday, Jace!

Casey and Becca's Visit

2011-06-05T21:49:00.001-07:00

Jared finishing the bathroom just in time for them! (at least part of it :)

Kyle and Casey

Maybe there should be music to escort the new toilet through the living room on a skateboard.

We went to Jace's violin concert soon after Casey and Becca arrived.

Brothers catchin' up in the backyard while Jared grills some steaks.

Grant's Farm

Dinnertime!

Kyle and Cami fascinated with Casey watermelon slices.

Mmm!!

Monday night dancing to, "Hey, Everybody, it's Family Night!"

Bowling on Xbox

Why do the kids love rearranging Casey's face so much?? I have a pic of Kyle doing the same thing at this age.

Cami enjoys pictures on Casey's camera.

We're so grateful we could have Aunt Becca and Uncle Casey come visit!! The kids are still talking about it!

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Casey for the picture. It is so sweet to see Evan's grave being taken care of back in Utah.

I took a closer look, and first, I thought it was just tons and tons more of white daisies for Evan. Haha, just kidding :) but then I asked Jared, "Is that snow?"
That question was answered on Facebook later when I read someone in Utah complaining about the snow in May. I guess I would complain, too, if I knew what I could be doing if it were warmer...

Here is Lance's face when he heard about the snow in Utah today:

Meanwhile, here in St Louis, it reached 94 degrees today. The pool down the street had an open house with lots of yummy food, including pulled pork, hamburgers, hotdogs, etc. I didn't know about the food and had to leave Jared and the kids to walk back home and take the lazagna out of the oven. What a relief not to have many dishes to do when we got back!

It was so nice to have Dad come today! He worked last night and got a few hours of sleep before I woke him up to come with us!

Jace back diving

Lance walking on water

Kyle singing, "I believe I can fly!"

Super Dad!

Cami thought about it, and thought better, like her mom. I'm a wimp for the cold water. It gets warmer with the summer days, and I can wait for that.

Jace believing he can...

Lance took this one. Maybe I'll frame it :)

I remember playing at the beach with Evan. And hangin' with my Gramma in California. And being at the cabin with Jared's grandparents, who bought the cabin many years ago. I miss them each so much, and can't wait to see them again! Surely there are pools, diving boards, and sunshine in Heaven!

Kids' Bathroom Part 5: It's USEABLE!!!

2011-05-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

So the goal was to have it useable by the time company arrives. Mission accomplished!!!

Casey and Jared admiring our beautiful new vanity!

Check out the faucet!!! Jared isn't crazy about it. We had a discussion about functionality versus looks, and I went for looks :) Isn't it way cute?
Backing up this story a step: I bought a functional, stainless steel faucet a while ago, and Jared asked me if this is the faucet I really want. I was just trying to get that shopping part done. So I shopped around more and found this awesome bamboo one! I figured, since I'm going with a beach theme in this bathroom, THIS IS PERFECT! I was actually really excited about it, unlike the way I felt about the boring, functional one. So, way to go, Jared, for sending me back to the store!!!
And, way to go, honey, for putting our bathroom back to it's functionality!!

Here's another fun fact: Jared wasn't planning on starting this bathroom so soon after our last one was done. He says I just started pounding away at it before he was ready. Way to go, me and, actually more high fives to Kyle!!! Just think how pink it would be still, if I hadn't handed the hammer over to him!!

Gyros

2011-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ah, I miss the Utah State Fair. We used to go every summer with Jared's family. The food there was a big part of the fun for them. I love the gyros we enjoyed. I've always thought it would be fun someday to try making some. Tonight, I did it. With a big help from Jace. The preparation time is estimated at 3 hrs., 45 min. That was about right. I don't think I'll be making this every week. But it was good. I found lamb meat at Sam's club. Here's the recipe:

Tzatziki Sauce:

16 ounces plain yogurt
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
Pinch kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
5 to 6 mint leaves, finely minced

Place the yogurt in a tea towel, gather up the edges, suspend over a bowl, and drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What?! How in the world do I do that?! So I gave Jace my paper towels filled with yogurt and asked him to figure it out. He's a chip off the old block. Here's what he came up with:

Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint. I used two bowls: One with mint leaves, the other with fresh dill leaves. They were both so yummy! Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Meat:

1 medium onion, finely chopped or shredded

2 pounds ground lamb

1 tablespoon finely minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried marjoram

1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Here's the directions I want to try next time I make it. But today, I just cooked on the skillet. I used paper towels instead of the tea towels. Them Greeks must have had a lot of tea towels! I found my paper towels to work just as good :)

Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel. Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice.
Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.

I think I'll make this again on a day I have a LOTTA time on my hands!!

Kids' Bathroom Part Four: Plumbing Completed!

2011-05-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, at least for the vanity. Who needs plumbing in their shower anyway? (it's only 50 yrs. old)
I picked up our shower door this morning (yay!) I cannot wait to have the final touch on our bathroom done! Then we can totally move back in! It's been since Christmas! Lance would say, "That's totally, like, in the day."

Today I sealed the grout and Jared finished this beautiful new drain. Previously, he moved the copper piping over so it would fit into our vanity and the drawers don't any pipes.

Voila! Jared's plumbing work completed. Just need to drywall over that... Oh, and put a vanity in.

... and a toilet.

Our plan is to have this bathroom useable by the time Casey and Becca get here from Utah (Jared's brother and his wife) on Tuesday. Think it'll happen?

The kids are so excited! Kyle wanted to know if they are bringing their horses. I had to tell him they wouldn't fit on the plane.

Part Three: Kid's Bathroom

2011-05-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Doctor by day; Tiler, Plumber, you-name-it, by night.

Hey, Hon!, Smile! You're on camera!

Here's the rest of the story:
Part One: Kids Bathroom
Part Two: Demo

Part Two: More Helping Hands... Still Demolishing

2011-05-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the story starts at Part One: Demolition

I had to throw this one in from the last Demo Part One photo session cuz Kyle is so proud here!

Minus a vanity. Lance worked all afternoon after Kindergartin in here. He really got into it.

6 Handy Hands standing where the toilet used to be.

Clean up, Clean up...

I think these guys and gal are really going to enjoy their bathroom THAT much more, knowing, and being a HUGE part of, all the work that this takes!

Kids Bathroom Part 1: Demolition

2011-04-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Give a boy a hammer and what have you got? Demolition.
Also Cami doing what she does best.

Bidding farewell to the pink bathroom...

Solid White tile is very hard to keep clean in a children's bathroom, where mud gets tracked in several times a day here during the wet season. Goodbye!

First hits

Kyle posing his strong muscles

Can't wait for the next steps!

Master Bath Remodel Part 3: Just One Shower Door Away from Done!

2011-04-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

It's done! Well, except for a shower door, but who needs those, anyway?

Two handymen. Jace must be admiring the quality of his dad's work; or perhaps just missing the demolition days.

I'm still researching brushed bronze shower doors. Home Depot and Lowe's only had one kind to choose from and it's $500! I know there's a better deal out there somewhere.

But I'm not waiting. Demo on the next bathroom begins Thursday!! Jace can't wait!

For previous project pics click here: Part One: Master Bath Remodel

and Part 2

PS - Below is a pic for my memory's sake of the tile that used to be here. I didn't ever get a real "before" picture. Aren't we cute together? I remember thinking what a romantic time we were having, working on our full house!

Christmas Day - this bathroom was a gift from our families. Thank you, Mom, Dad, Granny and Grandad!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

2011-04-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

I was exhausted today and had to take a rest during Cami's naptime. When I woke up, this is what I found. Cami had changed out of her pullups, put real underwear on, and replaced her pants, only backwards. She must have joined her brothers for the movie and given up on staying awake.

I Smell Trouble

2011-04-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

Don't try this at home.

Jace was seriously stuck. I had to get a few snaps with my camera from all angles before pulling him out. Luckily it was after bedtime for the younger 'uns and, except for Kyle, who always has a hard time staying in his bed and promised not to try this, no one saw.
What was he doing? He said something about seeing how far he could go. If he tries this again, I'm going to grab his toes and pull!

NieNie

2011-04-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Stephanie is speaking to our Relief Society Stake tomorrow in Chesterfield! I've read her blog before moving here, but come to find out, her mom lives here in St Louis!
Jace was lost in her blog for a while one night. She is so inspiring. She helps me to be grateful that I can do boring household chores.
Grab a box of tissues and click above if you haven't heard of her. I can't wait!

Random Pics

2011-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Jace playing with the Panoramic setting on Family Night.

The following pics are after church last Sunday. Best time to catch them while they're still dressed up! (Besides before church, which will seldom happen).

Being Lance :)

Cami's brothers love her, too.

Watch out, Kindergartners!

Dancin' Kyle

Accidently took these on the Panoramic setting without realizing it.

Peek-a-Boo!

Smilng, giggly sibs. With an exception to Jace. He wasn't feeling too giggly. It was fast Sunday, after church, and we hadn't even gotten in the car yet!

All In It Together

2011-04-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Cami loves her brothers!

Today, Cami taught me, by example how to show Christlike love to our fellow men (or girls). We were at Lance's baseball practice, and Kyle and Cami were sitting on a bleacher behind the fence, watching the girls (about 9 yrs.) practice softball. The girl that was up to bat had already missed a couple of balls. The ball was pitched again, and as she stood there, it hit her on the leg, hard. She began to cry and when her dad joined her, she walked off the field to the bleachers. Her dad said something about moving out of the way of the ball, and the poor girl was just devastated. Cami asked me,
"Mom, can I give her a hug?
I wasn't sure what to say, and finally muttered, "No, sweetheart, we don't know her."
So Cami asked me if I would give her a hug, and by then I was feeling bad for telling Cami not to help someone feel better, as I have been trying to have the kids do at home with each other.
So I said, "Mmm, okay, you can give her a hug."
So she walked over to the crying girl, who's back was turned to us, and, after I asked the Dad and daughter if it would be alright, Cami reached out and hugged the girl's back. Cami was smiling.
Then I looked over and saw Kyle slowly walking toward the girl, and he did the same thing, hugging the back of her.
They took turns hugging her again, before I refocused their attention on something else.
I hope I can take this lesson, taught by my daughter, and use it more in my daily life. Perhaps I can make someone else's day, whether I know them personally or not, a little better just by one small action of Christlike love. Because, after all, aren't we all in this together?

Jace Stats

2011-03-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Mom, please don't make me smile again.

As of Dr. Appt on 3/21/11:

BP: 108/62

Temp: 98.8

Height: 57.8"

Weight: 80 lb 8 oz

BMI: 16.94 kg/m2

Weight Percentile: 60.49%

Height Percentile: 75.07% (Which is right where he was as a baby!)

BMI (Body Mass Index) Percentile: 48.65%

Lance Stats

2011-03-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

From Dr Appt on 3/21/11:

BP: 106/58

Temp: 98 degrees

Height: 46.55

Weight: 48 lb.

BMI: 15.57

Kyle Stats

2011-03-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Gotta catch him when I can. This little man isn't into posing for the camera today after church. He stayed still long enough!

Kyle also went to the doctor last week for his well child checkup. At 4 and a half, his stats are:

Height: 42.55" (108.1 cm)
Weight: 40 lb 8 oz (18.371 kg)
BMI: 15.73 kg/m2
BP: 97/52

Cami Stats

2011-03-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Took this today right after church, still a little curl left!

We went to the doctor last week, and here are Cami's stats at just over 2 years old:

Height: 34.75" (88.3 cm)
Weight: 28 lb (12.701 kg)
BMI: 16.30 kg/m2
HC: 49.5 cm (19.49")

I Couldn't Resist...

2011-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

...and a couple of Cami today outside in this 82 degree weather! Finally we can wear shorts!

Dirt on my hands! Oh joy!

Uh oh, Mom's got the camera!

Just Us

2011-03-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is the photo I used to put Evan into our Camo pic. I just changed his shirt :)

We were going to a ward Luau in '04. This was just months before he was diagnosed.

I love this one of him in our flower garden with the tulips at our home in Layton, UT. This was the spring before he was diagnosed in July. I loved all the tulips we got at that house! They grew almost like weeds, even in the backyard grass! As I'm watching our bulbs ascend in our garden here, I'm reminded of springtime at the Layton house.

I will probably use this one to put above our family someday as he's "watching over" us.

It's Done!!

2011-03-07T22:52:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this for days (naptimes and after bedtimes, including mine :) and it's finally finished! Taken in '09 at the cabin. I'm hanging this (enlarged to a 16x20) in our family room, otherwise known as the "Elk Room". Now I've got to find a frame. Know of any Camo frames? J/K :)

(PS - it didn't need to take me as long as it did, but given my level of experience with Adobe, plus losing my first almost finished work (seriously, I was just about ready to order it late one night when my battery died on my laptop, it wasn't saved, and I had to redo all my work. Lesson learned.)

Hair Fun

2011-03-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

Tried this one out one day just for fun.

Had to post this picture of her on another day with the same hairdo. Shorty!

Speaking of which, she got her hair cut today! I actually think I could have gone a little shorter, but I was so worried about cutting too much off. Like the boys, I forgot to get pictures after the haircut, but this picture of the occupied boys during Cami's haircut made me laugh.

I didn't think about it when I took the picture, but Kyle couldn't have picked a better day to get Silly Putty stuck in his hair. I was planning on cutting their hair anyway. His hair was just long enough that it isn't too obviously shorter on that spot than the other hair. I think it covered up pretty well. I'll post "after" pics later.

Jace had to take this picture of Cousin It, while he had his glasses on.

Curls Are For Girls

2011-02-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

Walking the dog with curlers in before church. Didn't have time to take a pic after we got the curlers out. Sunday morning rush!

...And scooter time after church. What a little lady!

Master Bath Remodel Part 2: Jared's Week Off

2011-02-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

The beginning of this job starts HERE.

Jared's week off has sadly come to a close, but I'm so grateful for the amazing handyman, husband, and father that he is.

His next week off is in June. This week went faster than a lightning bolt in a Missourian rain storm!

Cementing a bronze border in for the tile

"Laying the First Tile" - narration by Lance. He wanted to make a video of this historic event. (Even though you can't see the actual tile being laid - mom's fault because she didn't realize we were making a video of the THE FIRST tile being laid)

GO Honey!

Grandad thought he could see a resemblance with "Picasso"

These future remodelers asked first thing the following morning if they could go look at the bathroom. Kyle has enjoyed sitting with his dad and watching him as he cuts the tile and continues the job. Lance "Super Duper" helped by taking out the spacers after the tile was set.

It is so fun to watch the bathroom transform from

this to this.

To be continued...

We Got the Dining Room

2011-02-12T20:54:00.000-08:00

We redeemed some gift certificates for Olive Garden tonight after Jace's basketball game (which they lost, but Jace had fun anyway). They seated our family of six at this beautiful long table, complete with our own window and coat rack (on the right, just outside of this photo :) There is another wall on the right, and it was really cozy and fun :) I overheard an old lady commenting as she walked by, "Oh, they got the dining room."
Yup, we did! And I didn't even have to clean up afterward.

My Sister and Justin

2011-02-08T21:15:00.000-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Jace's Science Fair Demo

2011-02-04T23:18:00.000-08:00

...And he got a blue ribbon! Way to go, Jace!

He really enjoyed doing this project. He's already making plans for next year's.

SNOW DAY!! AGAIN!

2011-02-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

...And this ice - coated snowman is strong enough to carry Lance!! What a great storm! It's settled down, but school is still cancelled tomorrow due to some remaining icy roads in our school district :) The kids went to school Monday (the 100th day of school) but tomorrow will make their 3rd snow day this week. We might be in school during the summer, but for now it sure is fun! Jace went sledding today with his friends, and while he was gone, these three...well...see for yourself.

Lance wanted a shot of himself sleeping, so of course, Kyle wanted one, too. Cami tried pretending, too. And the silliness just increased from there.

Martin Stars

2011-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Tease

2011-02-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

I asked Lance (my 6 yr old) to grab me a broom, and he said, "a what?"
I answered, "a broom," and he kept asking me what I said. I asked him if he's hard of hearing. He gave me the broom and said, "No, I'm just making fun of you."

Lance's First Piano Lesson

2011-01-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

... And he did great! Thus the smiling teacher. Since his first lesson on Jan. 5 (also Dad's birthday, but that didn't stop Lance!) He has been working hard at it, practicing every day, except weekends, during Cami's naptime. His teacher also plays the organ at our church, as well as the music for the primary children. He also teaches guitar and trumpet, two instruments Jace has interest in.
Kyle really wants to know how to play piano and can't wait 'til he can read, meaning he's big enough to start piano lessons. He gets so frustrated with himself when he tries to play, "Mary had a Little Lamb" like Lance, and is determined to get it. I'll show a video of that when the time comes.

(Just turn your head 90 degrees to the left and this should work for you) lol* I wish I could have a video of that! I'll try to turn my phone the other direction next time :)
We do this drill everyday before sitting down to practice. Check him out! "Whole note, Hold down, Half note Half note, quarter, quarter, quarter, quarter." I love the foot tapping action.
Kyle supports Lance every step of the way. Little clown!

Does X Box Kinect Count as a Video Game?

2011-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Lance was playing the XBox Kinect today when I remembered that this week is s'posed to be "TV-Free Week" at his school.

In a panic, I asked Lance,
"Did they say anything in school today about "No TV?"
"Yes."
"Or video games?"
"Yes." He didn't even blink and kept playing.
"Lance! What's that you're playing?"
"X Box! It's better than video games! It makes me get my exercise!"

And he continued running and jumping hurdles. He's been breaking world records and improving his skills in soccer, bowling, ping pong, volleyball,Track and Field, and even boxing (which I'm not too crazy about and they don't get to play as much).

I'm not sure. Does X Box count as video game? What do you think? You can also vote on the poll to the right if you'd like. :)

SNOW DAY!!!

2011-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

It snowed last night. Therefore we get a SNOW DAY!! NO SCHOOL!! The schools left a message last night around 10pm; The radio newscaster was exclaiming that we might be getting 3-6 inches of SNOW! Jared and I had a laugh about that as we remembered Utah weather and school continuing on, usually no matter how much snow we got. I love it here; Each time it snows on school days, we get to stay in our nice cozy home and play in the snow or drink hot chocolate.

It was fun to watch Jace today as he got right onto his Science Fair project he's been working on, and was almost bummed to have to stop when his friends came over to invite him out to play and see the snow fort they made. We were just excited for the extra time to complete his project. He has to keep reminding me that it's his project; not mine. I like to give him ideas that will make it look more cute and designer-like, but he says if we do that, he'll never get it done. (That's probably why my projects take me forever!)

Anyway, I didn't get any pictures of Jace since he's at his friend's, but here's a few of the boys during Cami's nap:

"Okay, let's not do dangerous things anymore; just have fun."

Lance, protesting, "But Mom, that is having fun!"

Kyle was so busy, I wasn't able to get many of his face, but I'll take this one of him in mid-air!

I was able to get plenty of Lance's face... Oh, I mean, except when it's planted!

Ouch!! Cold!!

Kyle last week, trying to enjoy the last of that snow.

Brrr! Time for hot cocoa!!

Between Now and Then

2011-01-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

Today as I was driving away from dropping Kyle off at preschool, a song came on the radio that reminded me of my sweet angel Gramma and my Grampa that is still here. I miss her so much, and she's been on my mind a lot lately, as has my Grampa. Gramma loves him so eternally much! Their relationship is one that I have enjoyed watching and hearing Gramma talk about so lovingly. A few weeks ago, while Jared and I were falling asleep, I was reminded of something she said of Grampa one day as we were sitting together chatting about him at her home in California, "I love breathing the air he breathes."

My memories of the love they share continue to exemplify what it takes to have an eternal marriage, for me.

G&G on a cruise just a few years ago. Gramma loves this
picture because it was taken just after she'd gotten off the bus,
tripped on the curb and fell, but the pic turned out great!

I read a note my grandma wrote back in 1923

Grandpa kept it in his coat and he showed it once to me

He said boy you might not understand

But a long, long time ago
Grandma's daddy didn't like me none
But I love your grandma so
We had this crazy plan to meet and run away together
Get married in the first town we came to and live forever

But nailed to the tree where we were supposed to meet instead

I found this letter and this is what it said:

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me
I'll meet you when my chores are through
I don't know how long I'll be

But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see

And between now and then until I see you again

I'll be loving you, love me

I read those words just hours before my grandma past away

In the door way of a church where me and grandpa stopped to pray

I know I'd never seen him cry in all my 15 years

But as he said these words to her

His eyes filled up with tears

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me I'll meet you when my chores are through

I don't know how long I'll be

But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see

And between now and then until I see you again

I'll be loving you, love me

Between now and then until I see you again

I'll be loving you, love me

- Collin Raye, "If You Get There Before I Do."

Cami is TWO!!!

2011-01-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

This couple of years flew by fast! Cami has brought so much joy to her brothers and parents. We're so grateful to have her in our family. Just the other day she was pointing at a picture of Evan again, saying, "That's Evan." Only this time she added, "That's Evan's body." I wonder how much she knows or knew before she could talk. How I would love to learn!
Anyway, here's a few pics of her birthday and a few before. My camera quit working, so I had to use Jared's hunting camera. Yes - he has a hunting camera!!

...Getting in the pink and preparing for the big day - painting butterflies and flowers to decorate her room!

On Dad's birthday, practicing before her big day, how to eat large quantities of sugar

Want a handful of icecream?
Without being asked, Cami automatically says "cheese" when she sees a camera. I don't know where she picked that up.

Cake anyone?

Happy Birthday, Dear Cami!

The boys decorated their cupcakes with princess shoes, crowns, pearls, and apples. Jace swallowed his in one bite, I think.

Dad made it just in time for cake.

She ate the icecream and just looked at the cake. Perhaps she thought it was too pretty to eat. I finally cut her a slice and she ate it like a princess :)

She had so much fun opening her presents! She giggled and got so excited when she saw what was inside. Raincoat from Jared's sister and cute cute outfits with matching hair bows. She absolutely loved them! She had to put the raincoat on right away and ran to her closet to get her pink boots to match. Jared's parents got her a pink flamingo necklace that she wore to church and was a pretty pretty princess. The gloves were from my family...

My sister found this baby doll, perfect for Cami. You can never have too many babydolls! Cami loves that she can take the shoes on and off and change her diaper. She's even potty-training her baby on her little pink toilet.
We gave her a baby doll-size port-a-crib to put all her dolls in, and Lance picked out a purple dinnerware set with Tinkerbell on it. (the pink one had The Little Mermaid on it. She only knows who Tinkerbell is) When we put her bowl and spoon out for her, she exclaims, "It's Tinkerbell!"
Cami is such a delight and we're so blessed to have her!

Day 13, Gratitude Journal

2011-01-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Dear Daddy...

I'm grateful that Jared was born 34, I mean 35 years ago today! He had to correct me today about his age. Man, he's getting old!
...And for the happiness that he has brought to my life.
I'm grateful for the hard worker that he is. Even when he's so tired that he can't stay awake. Even for his own birthday.

Waiting for Dad to wake up to open his presents:
Pistachio nuts from the kids, a dress shirt and tie
from me, Tupperware bowls for making deer/elk
jerky from his family, a T-shirt with a buck on
it from my family, and...

"Utah Deer Droppings" that my mom found. Jace's friend was over, and wasn't sure what to think. We played it up. (Chocolate Covered Peanuts)
Yum! How we've missed those droppings!

When I asked Lance to make Dad a card, he had this great idea to make a card with a picture of Dad's elk on it. I found him one of Jared out in the mountains with his elk, but he didn't want that one, he wanted the one of Dad putting "Phillip" up on the wall (as you can see, far right). Then of course, Kyle wanted the exact same picture for his card to Dad, but he let me do another one of him with his Dad, and the card making fun began... There's even one from Evan, blowing up birthday balloons (3rd from Right, with Jace, for Jace's 4th BD)
L to Right: Daddy and Cami during brother's soccer game, Jace with results of a hunting trip with Dad, Us on our second honeymoon in Vegas just before moving here...
The middle pic isn't a card, just one that Lance and Kyle both wanted for each of their shelves, and Lance used for the birthday dinner centerpiece. It is Jared with "Phillip", just after they met in the mountains.
Then Evan and Jace getting ready for Jace's 4th birthday party, Daddy carrying Kyle to the top of a hill in Utah for sledding, and the hanging of "Phillip".

Day 12, Gratitude Journal

2011-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

My Gratitude Journal was haulted due to the Christmas rush. Aaah! Back to it...

I'm so grateful for time off work and time off school. The kids start school again tomorrow, and they probably would have missed it if Jace hadn't said something today. As we were enjoying lunch together today, I told the kids how nice it's been to have them home and isn't it nice that we have a few more days left before school starts again? And that was when Jace had to inform me that they're back tomorrow, on Dad's birthday. I thought, since we had our own holidays coming up (Cami's birthday is the day after Dad's), that the school district would acknowledge these important days and keep the kids out just a couple days more. It's been so nice!
I'm grateful for clean rooms. With the break off school, Jace and Lance were able to declutter their desks and anything else that needed it. Jace got to decorate his room a bit more with his artwork.
Frozen Dinners. Yesterday was so nice to come home from church and stick the second half of a recipe I made a few weeks ago in the oven, and take a nap!
Leftovers - I know I've gone over the 3, but tonight was super nice because I didn't have to cook dinner with all these leftovers! More time to paint pink butterflies! More on that later... I've even got pics of the boys painting pink!

Master Bath Remodel Part 1: Demolition

2011-01-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day:

Jace, between turns with his brothers on the X Box, asked, "Mom, it's Christmas, why are you guys working?"

I told him this is our Christmas present (with major help from parents and grandparents!) and we can't wait to get started! Thank you, family!

It was really fun working together on this. Look how romantic we are!

Take a nice long look at this shower before Jace comes into the picture.

He worked so hard and got all these walls by himself ! (see below) He couldn't get enough of it, and can't wait to demolish the next bathroom!

Super Cheeser Jared put a new cement floor board down and replaced the drain.

... Then it was New Year's Eve.

Cutting cement board while watching the countdown at Times Square.

Phillip's got his back

It's become tradition. When the clock strikes twelve, Jared pulls out the 'ol silver trumpet and plays Revely. I'm sure the neighbors loved it. He had to take one of me, trying.

We could see and hear Jace banging pots and pans with his friends a few houses down.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

What a Christmas! Tonight as I sat comfortably on the couch, feeling the last of those Christmas feelings and watching Kyle enjoy his favorite card from Aunt Verusca that plays music from "The Grinch" over and over as he opens and closes it, I felt gratitude for all the blessings that we have. We have a lot of good friends and family! And we miss those live far away so much! It was nice to talk and skype with a few of them. We even opened presents from them and got to watch them unwrap our gifts. I asked my Grandad yesterday how on earth they survived without the technologies that we now have.

We got these photos from our ward Christmas party back today, and added them to our Christmas door. Jace missed out on sitting on Santa's lap and asking for anything; Maybe that's why he got coal in his stocking.

Kyle and Cami watching Polar Express tonight while I'm on my computer (They got naps today. It pays to nap.)

Evan's tree. What good little boys and girls to pose so willingly tonight. The kids got to put a link on each time they did a Christlike act, beginning on Evan's birthday, Nov. 30th. Lance really got into this and made most of the links on the tree. One day he even got to put 22 on it! He has been focusing a lot more this month on doing Christlike acts like sharing the toys he really likes more willingly, and helping around the house without being asked, and being the "bigger brother". Everyone else pitched in, too ;)

Reading "The Gingerbread Man", a gift from Kyle's preschool teachers. It was so nice having Daddy around on Christmas Eve! They made Gingerbread man cookies for Santa after that.

Christmas Eve Dinner - Glazed Ham, Green Bean Casserole, Yams with marshmallows, and homeade rolls. Yum. I love this one of Jared. Begging for the kids to smile so we don't have to take another picture!

After dinner, Jace became a donkey, and Cami and Kyle were Mary and Joseph. Dad read the story from Luke Chapter 2.
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

7And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

(The shepherd was hiding behind the camera) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
...And the angel said unto them, (This is Evan's part) "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

(Matt. 2 - The wise men were directed by a star to Jesus); "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and ^afrankincense, and myrrh."

(Taken at "Creches and Carols" a Christmas Nativity Exhibit that is put on every year at our church, and this is just one of the fun things they had available)

"Glory to God in the highest!
... and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men."

Christmas Card 2010

2010-12-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings from St. Louis!

We hope this finds you happy and well. We bought a house we love! Jared found the perfect place and neighborhood for our family, and we moved in June. There is even a pool down the street that we used almost every day in the summertime, with a diving board. Jenny keeps pinching herself to make sure she isn’t dreaming.

Jared is fulfilling his dream career (after graduation from medical school in May), delivering babies left and right in his 1st yr of residency, and comes home exhausted and SO happy. He still finds time to hunt!

Jace (10) in 5th grade, likes playing violin in the orchestra, soccer, basketball, reading, and hunting with Dad. When he grows up, he wants to be a professional soccer or basketball player, and/or a dentist.

Lance (6) enjoys morning Kindergarten, especially riding the bus home. He and Jace walk together to school. He enjoys playing soccer, “capture the flag”, and making stuff with paper. He calls himself an “author” and loves to write. He wants to be a clown so he can make people laugh and be in the circus. His great laugh can be heard throughout the house, usually combined with Kyle’s.

Kyle (4) is in preschool, loves puzzles, trains, monster trucks, soccer, playing whatever is going on at the moment with his siblings, and plans to be a fireman someday. He continues to be easy going and fun loving.

Cami (almost 2) is just as giggly as a girl can get! She usually has a doll in her arms. Luckily, she still plays “catch”, kicks the soccer ball, and pushes cars and trains around with her brothers. She loves to help mom around the house, talk, sing, dance, and, unlike Mom, shop.

We are so grateful for these blessings in our lives, and for this Christmas season, to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“What is the spirit we feel at Christmastime? It is His spirit—the Spirit of Christ. With the pure love of Christ, let us walk in His footsteps as we approach the season celebrating His birth.” – President Thomas S. Monsen

Love, Jared, Jenny, Jace, Angel Evan, Lance, Kyle, Camille

Any Advice?

2010-12-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

Oh Fun! We're re-tiling both of our bathroom floors and walls. (and replacing the toilets and vanities) When I say "we" it means I get to do the fun part, and he gets to do it. I like my roll. Jared's leaving all the shopping up to me. I've got to figure out what colors I want and buy all the tile asap before Jared's off starting Thurs 'til Christmas ( then he's back to work again on the day after Christmas).
I bought a few colors I liked today and tried them in the bathroom, but they're pretty much just like the tile in our entry way and our kitchen. I really like that color and style! Anyway, I'm trying to think, since we're re-doing both bathrooms, if I want them both to be the same neutral colors, or do I want to get spunky and go with a little color? Maybe a slate blue in our master bath (the bedroom walls are a light brown color that I really like - I never imagined myself liking brown walls, but I just really like this house!) and then doing the guest/hallway bathroom a neutral color, yes, like the entryway and kitchen. Is that boring? The walls in our house are, more light brown, same as our bedroom (like the hallway by this bathroom), an avacodo green and a vanilla yellow - which sound really crazy and wild, but I actually really like these colors! ( never would have known to pick them).
I need to shop some more tomorrow, I had about 15 minutes today to pick out the tile I got. Tomorrow's my last day to shop with just 2 kids in tow. Not complaining, just sayin'.
I'm so excited, I just hope I pick good colors! If you were redoing your bathrooms any color you dreamed of, how would you do it? Ideas anyone?

Oh Joy!!!

2010-12-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

What an opportunity it has been to live out here in the mission field. Jared has a calling in the missionary work of our ward, and he was asked to meet with a family that was investigating the church, and, of course, he couldn't do it with his crazy schedule, so he volunteered me! I was nervous because I'd never left my children with anyone here, but I was very comfortable with the mother of 6 that watched them for me (of course, after her husband, who is the ward mission leader, volunteered her to watch them - they had a great time, and it all worked out!)
This family has 4 children, the last of which has recovered from cancer. It was the first time I had ever been a part of any missionary discussions with a family that really wanted to know. Anyway, I enjoyed few visits with them, and they've been coming to church and continuing discussions during the week, and I just found out today that the parents are going to be baptized this Saturday! What a joy to be a part of something like this!

Stealing the Show

2010-12-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Jace's 5th Grade Musical Program, and we (including Jared) got to go together to see it. It was a great program, the kids did an awesome job. Cami was clapping her hands and laughing. At one point, it was quiet, and Cami let out a loud giggle that turned heads in the whole auditorium followed by the loudest laughter from the audience that we'd heard that night. It was hilarious. She seemed to like the attention. Even Jace's classmates on stage saw her and were laughing. Luckily, after that, her giggles usually came while there was music playing and the show went on. Thank goodness!

Day 11, Gratitude Journal

2010-11-30T20:01:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful that Jared has a good job. I found myself complaining today about him just finding out that his night float starts tonight. A night float is a night shift for a month, that each resident gets about twice a year, and Jared has it for the month of December. He was planning on beginning it tomorrow night, but called me from work today to tell me that he found out that he'll be working tonight as well. I felt bad for him, he'd gone to bed a little late last night, and has been working since 6 this morning. He'll be back home tomorrow morning sometime to sleep, then get up to go to work at 7pm tomorrow. But as I was talking about this to the cashier while I paid for Kyle and Jace's winter coats (I don't know how I got so chatty, but there wasn't anyone behind me, so I wasn't keeping anyone waiting!) Wait, I know why, because he called to tell me while I was checking out. I thought how ironic it was that I was buying these coats with the money that he earned at this job he has. With so many hard times in the economy, I was embarrassed and quickly told the cashier that I am grateful that he has a job :) By the way, he loves his job, and comes home tired, but really happy, especially on days that he gets to bring new babies into the world. That's a blessing in itself!
I'm grateful for my warm shower. 'nuf said.
I'm so grateful that there is a sweet lady in my ward that let me come to her house, bring my kids to play with her kids, while she cut my long overgrown split-ended hair that was driving me nuts! I feel so much better now :)
P.S. for Evan's birthday tonight, we lit 9 candles in each of our icecream bowls ( 2 per kids; 1 for mom) and sang to him. Then the kids wrote something Christlike that they can do this month onto a chain link, and made a paper chain for Evan's Christmas tree. (It's the one with red bows on it, that a family left it at our doorstep while he was sick, with dollar bills tied to each bow). They also get to put another link on each time they do a Christlike deed. Jace picked our song, "A Child's Prayer", which is kind of our theme song for Evan - his grave stone has "of such is the kingdom of heaven" engraved on it. And the kids got to open a present, things I've been meaning to give them anyway: Winter stuff - coats for Jace, Kyle, and Cami, and boots for Kyle and Lance. It was a nice evening, only we were missing two people: Daddy and Evan.

Happy Birthday, Evan!

2010-11-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

9 Years today.

'Til we meet again

We miss & love you, Evan!

Day 11, Gratitude Journal

2010-11-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

I'm ditto-ing what Jace said at the Thanksgiving dinner table: I'm grateful for my nice car/van. It is so nice to travel in comfort and with happy kids. Where were movies in the car when I was growing up?
I'm grateful for this beautiful weather we've been having. While my family and friends were freezing in a blizzard last week, we've been having 63 degree weather here. It did, however, snow for the first time here on Thanksgiving day. It's melted. I hear that we'll get our turn for cold weather, so I'll try to be careful not to brag too much.
I'm grateful for paper and scissors that give children hours of fun - as long as the scissors stay at the table!

Day 10, Gratitude Journal

2010-11-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'm going to say "Ditto" to what Lance said at our Thanksgiving dinner table. I'm grateful for my nice shoes on my feet.
I'm grateful for my nice warm bed.
I'm grateful for my house (I know! Already used it!) and my nice toys that I have to play with (i.e. my computer and camera)

Gramma's Obituary

2010-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Day 9, Grateful Journal

2010-11-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

I figured I could count last post, "Happy Thanksgiving" as my day 8 :)

Today, I am grateful for the spirit of Christmas that comes when we unpack our Christmas decorations. We completed our Christmas decorating today, and as the kids were putting up their nativity scenes, I got to read a little bit to them from Luke (so nice to have the scriptures handy in my cell! - hey, I could use that for another "grateful" item :) It was nice to bring that spirit of Christmas into this home for the first time, for our family. Lance and Kyle got to read a few Christmas books with me today. I love this time.
I'm grateful that we got to have Thanksgiving dinner yesterday with Jared. He was working, of course, and we got to meet him at work and enjoy lunch with him. I have to say that, honestly, I wouldn't mind doing it that way all four years that we are here. I got to enjoy the morning with my kids, putting up the Christmas tree, instead of cooking like crazy. Then, after the delicious all you can eat turkey dinner, we picked up our plates and threw them away. NO DISHES! I was about to wipe off the table when Jared reminded me, "They'll get it". See, that's what I'm talking about!
I'm grateful to have had this amazing Gramma in my life. Here is a poem that she wrote and gave to her dad, Harold Walter Miller. The date on it was 11 May 1949. She wrote, “He must have thought enough of the concept to have kept it all these years.” She found this poem among his things after he died. Grampa put it in the program for her Memorial Service.

LOOK UP...WEEP NOT

When the candle of my life is blown out,

Don’t bury me in the cold, dark ground.

But take my ashes to the highest hill,

Where below the countryside,

Nature in her wedding gown is peaceful,

Yet alive with the beauty of existence.

And my loved ones, left behind to weep,

Will lift their faces to the heavens

Where the sun

And the wind

And the rain

Will mingle with the tears and loneliness

And wash them away,

Leaving only happy thoughts

Of days that were and are to be

For both the left behind and the gone beyond.

I want no hanging heads

Or tears wetting the bleeding hearts

That cover a mound of earth.

I want no gravestone, hard and cold,

Keeping my spirit down.

I want to fly with the skylark,

And run with the weaving brook.

I want to dance with the blowing trees

And sing with the wind and rain.

Lift your face

And heart

And soul,

For I am not gone forever

But have changed my garments of worldliness

For the cloak of godliness.

~Janet M. Tilton~

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so grateful for helpers in the house!

A few pics I took this morning in spirit of the day:

Cami was so excited to get ready for today. She even picked out her outfit. I'm so grateful that I have cute clothes to dress my children in.

Catch!

Love at home. I am grateful for siblings happily playing together and being best buddies.

More loving siblings. Tuesday at the railroad tracks by Kyle's preschool. The only picture I got before we headed back to the car. Brrr! We'll come back in the spring.

Last night's shelves. I bought these at a yard sale months ago, and couldn't decide exactly where, in Cami's room, I wanted to put them. I finally decided that I've gotta get these up before we move again. I am really happy with how they look here :) I'm so grateful for my handyman!

Day 7, Gratitude Journal

2010-11-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for school being out and more time with kids and a more relaxed schedule.
I'm grateful for the public library system and free movies and books to borrow for the holidays.
I'm grateful to be able to witness Cami singing, "I am a Child of God." by herself. Tonight, Dad was putting up shelves in her room, and she sat on the rocking horse and sang. It was the cutest thing.

Day 6, Grateful Journal

2010-11-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

My Gramma passed away today. I am grateful for the knowledge that, like Jesus, she lives! And she would laugh at having her name so compared with Jesus. Last Thanksgiving was our last time together. There was a feel to our hugs and goodbyes at the end of that trip, something in her misty loving eyes, that told me that I might not see her again in this life. How I loved sitting next to her, laughing at her quips about this or that. She has an incredible talent with humor. If you walked into her house, you would see where her heart is. There are pictures of her family, children, grandchildren, everywhere. There's a really cute one of her and her eternal companion, Grampa, when they were dating. She made sure that relationship ended with the two of them. She calls herself a "Jewish Princess" because of what a wonderful husband Grampa is to her. Oh, how I miss her!
I am grateful for the gift of prayer. I know I'm not s'posed to say the same thing again, but last time I called it, "power of prayer". Today it is a gift. Last week, the kids were playing capture the flag, the flag being Lance's camoflauge jacket "because it's easier to hide". I told them I didn't like it, but if they were sure to bring it back inside, they can use it. Of course, the friends that were here that day had left when I called the kids in for dinner and the rest of the evening took our minds off the camo jacket that was still sitting out in the dark somewhere. The next day, Lance could not find it. It's been about 4 days, and by this time, Lance wanted to play capture the stick. I told him that he could play it after he looked again for his jacket and said a prayer. He looked, but wasn't big on the prayer part. After a bit, he came back to me after having said his prayer. He was bummed that, although he had said a prayer, he still hadn't seen it. However, he was excited that now he could play the game and move on to other things after doing what was asked. A few hours later, I happened to glance outside in the backyard. There, in the middle of our yard, was Lance's jacket, as if it had landed there from heaven. I asked all the kids if they found it, and none had. Needless to say, Lance was pretty excited to have witnessed this gift and miracle from prayer.
I enjoyed a good conversation with Grampa this morning. He told me that Gramma's been in a great deal more pain lately. She even woke up yesterday while her Visiting Teacher was with her and, dissappointed, asked, "I'm still here?" Even at a time like this, she's making us laugh. In our family and couple prayers, we've been praying that Gramma might have the desires of her heart. But later today after talking to Grampa, I said a pleading prayer. "Please let Gramma be relieved of this pain." Hours later my mom called me with the news. I'm so grateful that she is no longer suffering. I love thinking about the reunions she is having with so many, including our Evan!

Day 5, Grateful Journal

2010-11-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for Primary music that helps our Sunday mornings run more smoothly.
I am grateful for missionary work, and the opportunity that I have to share it with others that have not had the blessings of this gospel in their lives. One family, that the sister missionaries introduced me to, came to church today for the first time. It was a different experience for the father, and the mother absolutely loved it. The kids got to meet my children, who have been anticipating this during the week. They have a little girl that overcame cancer, so our kids have this little bit in common that not too many others have. It is such a joy to look into their eyes and see the happiness they are feeling through experiencing the gospel for the first time.
I am grateful for ward choir and singing Christmas songs. It's fun :)

Day 4, Grateful Journal

2010-11-20T18:29:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my garage, that in the winter time when it's snowing outside or frozen, my car is ready and waiting for me in the garage. I gave a ride to a friend today that is in an apartment and only has a carport for her car. The ride I gave her was to the store to have an automatic starter and remote for her to use this winter. She is a single mom with a daughter. I'm grateful that my garage saved me from even having to consider such expenses.
Plus, I'm grateful to be a mom with a good husband.
Warm soft socks.

Day 3, Grateful Journal

2010-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for the power of prayer that has blessed my life, even in the simplest ways. Today I got a spoon stuck in the disposal. I tried to free it. I tried and tried to get it out. I got it to move a little, but it was determined to stay put. Jared wouldn't be home until the next day after working all night. I was pretty sure he wouldn't be excited to already have an urgent, "To Do" list when he got home. I just wanted to have my kitchen clean so I could move to the next item on my list! It was quiet time, so the kids were all in their rooms. I got on my knees and said a quick prayer. I stood back up, reached my hand in, and pull it out. Seriously, just like that. What a blessing to have the gift of prayers in my life.
I'm grateful for my health, and my family's health. I have not gotten sick at all since we've been here. The kids have been doing great. It seems like we got sick a lot when we were in that tiny apt. breathing the same air all the time. I'm knocking on wood, but so far, so good...
Modern technologies, like Skype. Jared's Dad sent us the equipment, and last night I was able to get hooked up and had my first "in person" conversation with my father in law since we've moved. I'm excited for the kids to use it. They have really been missing their families in UT, and it will be so much fun!

Day 2, Grateful Journal

2010-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for my children.
I'm grateful for Jace. He is an incredible helper, especially on Sunday mornings with the kids in the morning rush before getting to church. He reads long stories to them at night (during my one-on-one time with, you guessed it, the kitchen), and they love it. He even began putting Cami to bed after reading her bedtime story. He continues to excel in school, getting better on the violin, likes his teacher (even makes her laugh sometimes!), and is actively involved with his friends both in school and in our neighborhood. Their favorites to do together are: soccer, capture the flag, wrestling, and baseball.
I'm grateful for my Evan Angel, and the opportunity that I had, and continue to have, to raise him in the next life. His laugh and stomping feet as he runs throughout the house are the most missed. I look forward to the day that I can watch him laugh again with his brothers and sister, and run with those thumping feet.
I'm grateful for my Lance. Lance has an amazing amount of energy that has been used, a lot of times, to help mom out around the house. If he had a slogan, it would say, "Get the Job Done". He does it! If there's something in the house I really want to have done, he's my man! I call him my "super duper cleaner". He is also beginning to write and read, and loves making things out of paper with drawings and scissors. Currently, he's been making tons of turkeys by tracing his hand and decorating it. I didn't know this until yesterday, when we were filling out his spotlight for Primary at church: When he grows up, he wants to be a clown because he wants to make people laugh and he wants to be in the circus.
I'm grateful for Kyle. Kyle is my cuddler. He is full of love for anyone around him. A common thing that he and I say is, "I want you, " usually followed by a cuddly hug. It began a long time ago when he was supposed to be taking a nap, but was being unhappy. I asked him, "What do you want, Kyle?" And he replied, "Mom, I want you." In the mornings, he and Cami are the best of buddies. In the afternoons, during Cami's nap, he and Lance play like they haven't seen each other in days instead of a few short Kindergarten hours. Today Lance had a friend over, and Kyle didn't mind a bit that they road his Power Wheels monster truck that he got for his birthday, and didn't mind being on his own team for "Capture the Flag", or even being the scary monster - which I objected to until he assured me that he really wanted to be the monster. If Cami is throwing a fit about something, he'll just give her what she wants. Pretty much same goes for Lance, although he does hold his own if he needs to.
Cami is a joy. It is so different having a little giggly girl around. She usually has a doll in her arms. Totally and new thing to us. Unlike her mom, she loves to shop. In the stores, she seems to like all the attention she gets, like her mom :) When we're checking out, while I'm busy with the cashier, she's charming the person behind us. In the mornings, she actually lets me do her hair and likes to check it out in the mirror afterward.

Okay, so maybe I went over the three for today, that was fun. I'll try to follow directions better tomorrow!

Gratitude Journal

2010-11-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a Relief Society Dinner at church. We got to enjoy a delicious meal and then listen to a phenomenal speaker that shared a motivational lesson about how we can have an "Attitude of Gratitude" through recording the things we are thankful for each day. "Gratitude Journals" were available for us to take home, inside which we were to record three things each day for one month ('til Dec. 16th) of those things we are thankful for (Rules: you can't use any of them twice! and it has to be positive). I forgot to bring one of those cute journals home, and so my trusty blog gets to pick up for my slack :)

So here goes:

I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice for us.
Today, and everyday, it easy for me to remember how grateful I am for this nice house Jared found for our family. It's always there for me to look at! The kitchen is my favorite room in the house (besides the front room and family room :) Most nights, I am able to have one-on-one time to thank my kitchen as I load the dishes and wipe the counters. It's my chance to give back a little for what it gave our famiy throughout the busy day. Sometimes, when I'm too exhausted, I thank it in the morning.
I am grateful for my busy husband, who isn't always there for me to look at. In fact, one morning as we were leaving for church, he got home after working all day and night before, and the kids were shocked to see him. Lance asked him, "How did you get home so early?"

Which brings up my children, but that's for another day...

Like You

2010-11-08T20:39:00.000-08:00

It was evening and we were bustling about with the regular chaos that goes on with more than one kid, when I realized that I hadn't heard or seen Kyle for a bit of time. I did a quick check in all the bathrooms, downstairs, bedrooms, even my closet! (I'm hiding some Christmas gifts in there).
I finally found him quietly curled up with a book on the love seat in our front room. I gave him a hug and told him I was looking for him and was happy to see him reading a book. He said, "I can't read it." And then he took my face into both of his hands, looked me sincerely in the eyes, and said intently,
"I want to turn into you."

It was the sweetest moment. All he really meant was, "I want to know how to read like you," but I will not forget this time when my youngest boy cradled my face in his hands and told me from the bottom of his sincere heart that he wants to be like me.

I'm "Mommy-like"

2010-10-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight after our Halloween party, 10 yr. old Jace said, "I had a good time. I thought it was going to be a little cheesy, but it was actually fun."

"Why did you think it would be cheesy?"

"I thought you were gonna be all mommy-like."

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-22T22:49:00.001-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

I Love This Song

2010-10-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful Primary presidency here, and the primary has been working hard to prepare for its upcoming program on Sunday. This is one of the songs they will sing. I just love it. It came out in the Oct. 2002 Friend magazine, and again in January 2010, for all the primary kids to learn. When I hear it, it reminds me of our awesome primary presidency and leaders back in UT. They put a series of songs, including this one, on a CD for each child, and we played it every time we went anywhere in the van. When it came on, I could picture our primary music leader, who is a dear and beautiful, talented friend of mine with a crystal clear voice, leading the children to this sweet song. Lance and Jace know it. When I asked them tonight, they agreed to help Kyle learn it tomorrow night during family night and throughout this week before our Primary Program on Sunday.
It is called "I Know That My Savior Loves Me." by Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell:

A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

I know he lives! (The children sing it just like this. You don't have to be in the primary room to hear it):

I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above

I know he lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

Kyle's 4th Bday Party

2010-10-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

Kyle is FOUR!!!

2010-10-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Make a Wish! 

Kyle was his Daddy's FIRST and Mommy's FOURTH delivery

Kyle is such a huggable, loveable, silly little tiger! This is a typical "Kyle" look, taken the day he began riding his bike without training wheels.

Kyle's support group waits with him at the hospital, on his birthday, after breaking his collarbone 2 days earlier after a fall from a LaZ Boy recliner onto hardwood floor. The children's hospital here was awesome, and not only spoiled him on his birthday, but showered his sibs with gifts as well. FYI- the break wasn't a bad one, the bone is still alligned, and is healing perfectly, according to the 2nd Xray taken on his birthday.

Video taken on his birthday, for the grandparents, just reassurance that Kyle is okay :) and bounced right back to riding the scooter and throwing a fit about the other scooter in his way on the sidewalk that he would like to have removed.

Happy Birthday, Kyle! We are so grateful to have YOU and all the smiles and laughter that come with!

Jared Got a Straight!

2010-10-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today Jared delivered 6 BABIES! And he got a "straight 5!" (He delivered the babies in Rooms 4,5, 6, 7, and 8. The sixth one was in, like, room 10 or something.)
This is the most babies he has delivered in a day. He said one resident that worked call, 24 hours, delivered 24 babies. Not one each hour, they come in clusters. (i.e. one after another: the resident delivers the baby and gives the medical student the remaining jobs, like delivering the placenta, while they go deliver another baby after which they assign a med student to deliver that placenta and on to the next...).

Also, he won a gift certificate at work for collecting the most umbilical cord blood. Way to go, Jared!
I made him pose one morning before work because he was wearing his coat, about Lance's birthday time.

Here's what it says, isn't that great?!

Come on, Mom! Work It!

2010-10-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

We got a treadmill today free on Craigslist. Jared asked me to watch for one; he's been wanting to put one in the basement to use. So today Lance and Kyle were taking turns on it, and while Lance was running, he said,
"I'm gettin' the fat off me."
I told him, "I don't think you have any fat on you."
He asked, "Do you have any fat on you?"
"Yes."
"Mom, you should really get on here!"

Mom's Helpers

2010-09-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

I Get to Go to School Today!

2010-09-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray! Kyle before his first preschool class

This is the poem we learned from Lance's Kindergartin class, and kept repeating Tuesday morning as Kyle got ready for his first day of Speech Preschool. Kyle has been wanting to go to school since his brothers began. I remember one day that I told him how much I love having him home with me and when I asked him if he loves it too, I got a, "No! I want to go to school!"
Kyle was in a Mommy and Me speech class in Utah for the last 2 months that we lived there that I absolutely loved. The teachers were phenomenal and everything they did had to do with the sounds they were working on that day.
So after contacting the school district here and going through a series of testing hearing, vision, and speech, he received a Missouri IEP (Individualized Education Program) stating that he qualified for this speech class with 3 other boys his age with similiar speech impediments. It is twice a week for an hour and a half. There are 4 students and 2 speech pathologists. They have circle time, centers, and all the regular preschool gadgets, only the focus is on articulation of speech. It is in the same school district as his brothers, so they are all on the same schedule, making things really great for mom :)
Plus, Cami loves it, too, because we go shopping instead of going home, since it's 15 minutes away. I have yet to learn about all the great stores in this neighboring town. :)

Yay for great programs!

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray!

Sweet Music

2010-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

This music is amazing. It is called "Gracie's Theme" from the album, "Sacred Piano". I want this CD for Christmas if anyone in my family wants to know (hint, hint). It's been out for a while, but I was just browsing on the composer, Paul Cardall's website just now. He was here in St Louis last week visiting a girl at SL Children's Hospital with Congenital Heart Disease, which he was also born with.

I had the privilege of hearing one of Paul Cardall's firesides with my mom about 10 years ago in Utah and knew I wanted to hear more. Years later, I got to know Paul's mom through working with her in the Relief Society Presidency. She was our Stake Relief Society President, and was such a joy to work with and cry with. I love her! For Christmas, she gave me her son's CD, "The Christmas Box", along with the book, "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans. (Another fav book I have!) And if you haven't read or heard either of those, I highly recommend them. In fact, if you're my neighbor, I'll give you one for Christmas, 'cuz I have a whole box of them that I bought just for the occasion :)

I know I may be sounding like an advertisement, but I really like both of these artists' work. Paul Cardall also just came out with this new book. The following quote is a press release about his latest book titled, "Before My Heart Stops".

"Doctors told four-time Billboard charting pianist Paul Cardall without a heart transplant he would die. And if he was fortunate to live long enough to receive one, he would most likely not survive the surgery.

...Tens of thousands of fans offered support, but it was the love of his three-year-old daughter that motivated him to endure countless painful procedures which gave him a second chance at life....

Cardall now shares his story in a new book, Before My Heart Stops, offering insights and wisdom into matters of love, gratitude, overcoming trials, and fulfilling your destiny. After reading his story, you may ask yourself, “what do I need to do before my heart stops?”

P.S. "Living for Eden" is also another really great album that he wrote and I really like but don't have yet ;)

"A Bite, Dad! Bite, Bite!"

2010-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Cami absolutely would not be ignored while Jared was enjoying his icecream tonight. She knows how to get what she wants.

First Trip to Botanical Garden

2010-09-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

This month's Relief Society Meeting was at the St Louis Botanical Garden, where the kids and I visited this morning for the first time.

I cannot believe this photo is actually one that I took. We got to stand by a real live banana tree.
Kyle's checking to make sure that Rex doesn't see us.

This spot would have been great to stay and get more photos at, but we had to keep moving! We had a couple of soccer games to get to!

Photogenic dude. This smile reminds me of picture day at school. I ask him what they said to get him to smile and he told me, "Give us your best smile!" and showed me a smile, something like this.

Kyle is into a "spikey hair" look these days.

I wish we could have stayed longer! It is free to go on Saturday mornings, so we will definitely have to do this again when soccer season is over.

A Short, Forgiveable Farewell

2010-09-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

I remember...

Without fail,
In rain,or Shine,Cami's pigtails brightened anyone's day...

I remember when her hair was just getting long enough to play with.Irresistible loops!Kyle loves her so much, too. I'm guessing he must love her pigtails so much that...

He could just keep them, in her helmet, hidden, under a blanket in her room. They will be missed!

(Jared found Kyle in the act, and told me to grab the camera. I didn't get a picture in time for the action; Kyle was otherwise occupied by the wall in a time out. He is grounded from scissors, and for the rest of that afternoon he, "didn't get to do anything fun!" It is a good thing that Kyle is so easily lovable and has a pair of irresistable, fluffy, kissable cheeks!)

Lance's Birthday

2010-09-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Birthday Morning before school: Lance is wearing the shirt he really wanted me to make for him with Sharpie markers to match one of Kyle's, also marker-made. Jace is being like mom, too busy worrying about their masks to put his own on. I've done that with sunblock too many times. Lance's Birthday turned out to be "a Super, Duper, Plooper Day". As he wrote in his Kindergartin class's Birthday journal:

("I had a batman party. We played batman, ran around my house, ate cake, opened presents, had soccer practice. It was a SUPER DUPER PLOOPER DAY. By, Lance")

When they got here, his friends climbed through the "bat cave", got their capes and decorated masks on, and after running around like wild batmen, they played a few games like "Mr. Freeze" - when the music stops. I didn't even know there was a Mr. Freeze in Batman, but then, the last time I watched Batman was in '89. Hey, I'm one up on Lance, who hasn't seen any of them! He just wanted this party because his friend and our neighbors had one that was really fun back in Utah. That was almost a year ago. Ah, good memories...

Speaking of which, when I was finding batman music on the internet, I remembered the "Batdance" music by Prince. Do you remember that? I would have used it for Lance's party if it didn't have inappropriate stuff in it. I was so bummed. Such a catchy beat. Made me want to start dancing at 1 am when I was finding it.

Anyway, thanks to my sister, Jamie, I was able to find some appropriate batman music from the 60's. It was great. Thanks, Jamie :)

Anyways, playing "Follow the Joker"Waiting in line to-Pin the Bat on BatmanKyle was smallest, so he got first hit at the pinata. Turned out that he got the only hit while it was still in the air. So each kid got a turn beating Batman while he lay on the ground. Whoever thought of making the hero of the party a beating target? Seems like it should be the bad guy, but then that doesn't encourage good or praiseworthy feelings, either. I told Jared that maybe next time we'll go back to beating homemade soccer ball pinatas (his BD last year). At least they would last longer.

(Lance's birthday last year with his cousins, at the cabin - miss those times!)

Later, I found the label on Lance's shelf that got taken off the pinata when filling it. It said: "Pull-String Pinata: A safe, fun party activity! Ask each child to take a turn and stand under the pinata, select a ribbon, and pull it. Only one ribbon opens the hidden door and releases the goodies."

I still think the kids had more fun beating the dude on the ground.

Partyin' friendsMommy and Batgirl

Happy Birthday, my super duper 6 year old!

Which Day Was That?

2010-09-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

"Lance, when is your birthday?"

"After the tomorrow day happens. The tomorrow day, and then that tomorrow, the other tomorrow is going to be my birthday."

Storytime

2010-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

I love this: It's bedtime, and Dad is reading to his future hunters the story, "The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter".

We Have a Violinist

2010-08-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Jace came home one day and said he wants to be in the 5th Grade Orchestra! So as soon as we could leave the kids home with Jared ( about a week and a half later), we went to the music store and rented this violin. He can already play the beginning of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!" A friend in his orchestra class taught him.
He remembered playing with his Grampa Gilland, and he also took a bit of piano lessons from his Gramma. So I had to pull this out:I made this a while back for my parent's music room. Jace is 5 years old, playing a violin duet with his Grampa Gilland, then listening to them both, then making music with his Gramma Kimmy, who is a talented pianist and teacher of many years.

Hurray for music and talent in the genes!

Jace's First Soccer Game of the Season

2010-08-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dribbling away.

The game didn't turn out the way Jace would have liked, but it's the fun and experience that counts, right? Daddy went exploring with the kids while I got to sit back and enjoy the game. It was so nice to have Jared with us during the game. When I told him it would be great if he could work his schedule so he could be with us for all the games, he just laughed at me.

The End. The key to good photography is getting the best angle. At least I had it right for Kyle's shorts that he put on backwards.

It's a Monarch Poo-pa!

2010-08-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Kyle found it one day on our green bean bushes, then lost it. The following day, Lance found it again, among the same green bean bushes. He was so excited to have "the one that found it" privileges. They used a timer to take 5 minute turns with the "poo-pa", as Kyle called it after we looked at and learned about the life cycles of a butterfly.

Taking Turns

Just Ramblings...

2010-08-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's been busy here! I love and miss my blog and my friends back in Utah. One of these dear friends said she just spent an hour on my blog. I feel like we almost got to spend that time together. I'm so grateful for email and, of course, blogs, for making it so much easier for us to keep in touch! On that note, I'm going to share a part of an email I wrote to one friend today, nothing big, just notes I want to get down for my own blogging and journaling. I actually enjoy reading my blog, too :)

"Tonight I got to leave Cami home with Dad while I went to help coach Kyle's soccer team, and it was SO MUCH FUN! I forgot how much I enjoy coaching. I thought for the first time, that I would really enjoy being a soccer coach for my younger kid's teams. I can't do the competitive stuff, just the fun.
Anyway, we have a playgroup in our ward here, so it's been great to visit with other moms every Friday and get to know the ward better. There are a few other resident families here as well.
I am starting a new thing now. Don't laugh because you have probably already been doing it. Okay, laugh. It's sort of a common sense thing that just came to me today as an epiphany:
Right before the weekend, get the house clean enough for company so that we CAN invite people over!
So today, all the floors got swept and mopped in a major way. I even rolled up the rug so I could get underneath it. It's a really long rug that runs from our back door, across the house to the hallway. " Cami took a long nap, and in the afternoons, Lance and Kyle play so well outside together, like two buddies that didn't get to see each other all morning ;)

I miss summer when I didn't have to mop floors or unload dishwashers. But I am loving the crisp, cool air I'm beginning to feel. I'm getting excited for Christmas. A Christmas where I can unpack all the decorations and not hold back. I was singing Christmas songs today just thinking of it! I already know where the tree will go. Jared laughed at that.

Anyway, I am loving it here (if you haven't already guessed). I love the location of our home. It is right in the center of our friends on our street, so they come here to play! Our back yard is perfectly huge. Jace is learning how to mow it all. And now I'd best be off to bed. Jace's first soccer game is early tomorrow morning!

Big Brother

2010-08-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

We were at Kyle's soccer practice, and another soccer mom asked me if she could take Cami home with her. I sat down with her and we chatted for a bit, Cami happily sitting in her lap, Lance sitting on his soccer ball with us. I got up to help Kyle for a minute while Lance and Cami sat with the soccer mom. When I returned, she told me that while I was gone, Lance explained to her,

"You know, you really can't take her with you."

Oh, what will her brothers do in a few years when she goes on a date!

One Incredible Woman

2010-08-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

This smile comes from a woman that gains her happiness and joy through serving others. This is Jared's mom. Her life is devoted to her family's well-being, as well as her friends. She is an incredibly talented nurturer, cleaner, and organizer.
The day after we had our first child, Jared had to go to a business conference out of town. She took me into her home, gave me her bed and room while she slept on a mattress in her living room, fed me delicious food, and gave me advice that I'd never heard or even imagined that I would need after giving birth to a child. Needless to say, she took care of and showed me how to care for my newborn baby as well.
She put up with our whole family living in her basement for several weeks while our first home was being refinished. Each time I had a baby, she came in and helped with whatever needed done, usually tons of laundry and house cleaning.
When Evan got sick, she quit her job and spent countless hours, days, weeks helping us, whether it be in the hospital, especially while I was in the other hospital having my 3rd child, or at our home, where she kept it and the laundry under control during that entire difficult year.
On Match Day, when we found out that we would be moving to Missouri, she was in the hospital after having a hip replacement the day before, and when we called to tell her, she cried because she was hoping so much that we would get to stay in Utah, but she quickly added that she would ride up with me in the van to help with the kids on the trip. She helped us survive the long 3 day journey up here, and then stayed for a week to help us unpack and get organized, especially the kitchen, which she unpacked and put away completely, making it convenient for me to finally use all of my things, including the china that we stored for years!
Her health hasn't been the best, but she tries to ignore her aches and pains and continues to serve others.
I have learned so much from her Christlike example, and I think I've become a little better of a person because of her.

We love you Gramma Judy!

Happy Birthday!

Back to School: Kindergarten and 5th Grade 1st Day

2010-08-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

The School-goers

I had to stop them to get this photo. They were so anxious to get to school. The little man in pink is Jace's good friend and neighbor. Actually he's great friends with all our kids. They'll be walking buddies all year.

Kyle and Lance We met a flock of wild geese on our path toward school. Too bad they're in a school yard. Jared would love to get a permit for these tasty meals.
Buddies.

Lance found his spot without a problem.

... And it turned out to be a great day! Amazingly, even though we live very close to the school, we are also in the zone for getting a bus ride (they don't count the shortcut we take, they count the distance away from school by driving distance), so Lance will walk to school with Jace in the morning, and ride the bus home with the other kindergartners. One of the first things he asked me was, "How did you and Kyle do while I was gone?" His concern for his brother is so sweet. Kyle really wanted to stay and do puzzles with Lance. I told him we did okay, but we missed him, Cami too :)

I looked out my window this afternoon, during Cami's naptime, and saw two brothers playing together again in the backyard, grateful for each other's company. Sweet. I am so glad he's only gone for the morning!

I didn't get a picture of Jace coming home because he snuck inside and was doing his homework long before I realized it. Typical behavior from Jace. He had a great day, too, and was anxious to play with his neighbor friends as soon as he was done. He likes his teacher and is making lots of friends, he says. Looks like it's going to be an awesome year.

Back to School Party!

2010-08-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

My mom always had these when my siblings and I were school-goers. She wrapped all our school supplies and new clothes to open before each new school year and we had a little party to get us excited to go back to school. I thought about it while Jace has been in school, but wasn't sure if I was ready for that kind of commitment every year. Plus, he was already excited enough, back then, to go to school.

This year seemed like a good time to start. Jace had a lot of homework last year, and isn't looking forward to that again. And Lance is beginning Kindergarten! So the kids and I went shopping together for school supplies. I gave Jace and Lance their lists, and they pushed their own carts around the store and loaded them. Kyle and Cami helped, of course. I found a few extra glue sticks and items that didn't even look like school supplies in the cart.

Then yesterday while Jared was home, I took off to Kohl's (I just found out that we live right by it!) and got some shopping done so the boys would have crisp new clothes. I remember how much I loved getting new school clothes. I bought a few cute things for me, too, of course, to reward myself for the great job I did of shopping :)

It seemed like a waste to just hand all these new things to them without a party!waiting patiently to open the goods while mom gets a pic You can't tell, but his shoes light up when he walks. He absolutely loves these! Kyle and I are going to have preschool at home this year. I thought hard about putting him in preschool, but I just feel so much more at peace with having him home with us. He doesn't begin Kindergarten until he's almost 6, just like Lance. So perhaps he can go to preschool next year. It will be nice for Cami to have a buddy home with her.
Cami's not sure what the fuss is all about, but she's ready to party anytime.

Jace seems to like his shirts: (Top) "Dear Teacher, I'm a dog & I LOVE eating homework! But you've been assigning TOO MUCH! Please STOP! IF I eat any more homework I might EXPLODE! signed, the dog."

(Bottom) "What I WISH my parents would say...We're raising your allowance to $1,000 a week! You must be tired, I'll clean up your room for you. I know you busted the window, but let's blame someone else! Here's your new touch screen phone. Just for fun, let's pretend everyday is your birthday! TV is GOOD for your eyes!"

Lance loves his new clothes, shoes, and Camo backpack. He quickly changed into them, and my goodness, he looks so grown up. He is so excited to make new friends in school!

~doing the Back to School dance~

We've found the classrooms, met the teachers and principals, and loaded our bags. We role-played how to introduce ourselves and meet new friends. Each child, including Cami, received father's blessings. I think we're ready! Here's to a great school year and many more to come!

Couldn't Resist

2010-08-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

The boys did something naughty today. Luckily they looked so cute with their empathizing sister that I can't remember now what got them there in the first place!

Reverse Roles Again

2010-08-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Jace and I seem to be having some confusion with the parts we play in this family. Last time it was about the floor that he'd just mopped. This time it was the noise. We were going for a drive together after the kids were in bed and Jared was home. We headed out to pick up a boxspring, making Jace's bed complete. (Yes, he has been sleeping on a mattress on the floor until now!) It was a great deal. (Can't beat free!) Only had been used about 6 times because it was in someone's guest room. I love Craig's list! I was definitely way more excited about this than Jace, who was perfectly content with his mattress on the floor.
So we began our drive, and a really good song came on my favorite radio station here, "The Arch". I pumped up the volume and began jamming to the music. From behind me, I heard a voice in the distance,
"Could you please turn the volume down?! I'm trying to read!"
Oh, well. At least he likes to read.

For Gramma

2010-08-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

A few photos for you, as you wished :)Just hanging out on the porch, where we were when we chatted with you just now :)
Lance is holding up his bug for you to see, Cami's got mom's mug, and Kyle's holding the coveted toy between him and Lance, the whistle dad brought home from work (prizes for the residents with correct answers!)

We love you, Gramma!

Friends

2010-08-01T21:00:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful evening last night with the Linscotts, our good friends that used to live in our little neighborhood back in UT. Luke was also in med school, and now they've been doing their residency here. When we found out that we'd be practically neighbors again we were thrilled! Jared stayed with them while he went house hunting. It is such a blessing to have great friends who keep in touch!

Here or There?

2010-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Do you like green eggs and ham? Would you like them here or there? We might as well have been eating our eggs in a box with a fox, or elk, just to see how well that would work.

Poor "Phillip", Jared's trophy elk, named by his brother in law, when he came to visit (and bring our car, thankfully!). The neighborhood kids needed an explanation for this big animal sitting on the floor of our living room. So Grant gave them a story about finding Phillip in our backyard in Utah. A completely made up story that Jace is continuing to follow up on with his friends.

Anyway, his poor head has been sitting there since we moved here, almost 2 months ago. We couldn't decide where this cute head would fit best. Then I made matters a little more difficult by getting this awesome entertainment center free on craigslist.com. I love it! Anyway, I needed some visual aids to make a decision, so I out came the camera. Hmm. Does he look better here? Or there?

How 'bout this spot?

We considered putting him above the fireplace, which I thought would have been perfectly cozy, but Jared was concerned about the heat from the fire getting to him. Gotta keep Phillip comfortable :)

We thought this felt a little crowded. (for Phil, of course)

Then we were lucky enough to have some good friends of ours come visit and get us a little more motivated. We were hoping to have Phillip up on the wall before our company arrived, but still hadn't come to a conclusion.

Jared showed Luke the photos we took and discussed it with him, and they came up with this idea:

Just inch the entertainment center over! I'm pleased with it, Jared's happy, the kids, of course, love it, and, finally after almost two months, I can put our living room together! I'm thinking of putting a small bookcase under Phillip. By the way, Jared makes it very clear that he didn't name him.

(Just a note: We got rid of our entertainment center before moving, and since we got here, we had the TV sitting on a bedside table that we haven't gotten to use as a bedside table since we bought it at RC Willey (obviously before I discovered craigslist) 7 years ago (our bedroom was always too small). So I quickly moved the TV over to its place.

It is so nice to use this table for what it was made for after 7 years!

Look What We Got (cont'd)

2010-07-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the desk I told you about. Jace has been thoroughly enjoying it. He is reading the 5th Harry Potter again, and he's getting a lot more out if it this time around, he says. That's a map of St Louis. I love that the lamp from my mom's parents match it so nicely :O)

The china cabinet and buffet, all put together :) I had to take my time on the decision of which wall to put it. ... and here's a couple of clowns!

Look What We Got

2010-07-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

I have a new hobby: Craigslist. I had heard about it in Utah, but didn't try it because I didn't have an urge to try and stuff more things into our already crowded apartment. I miss the memories, though :) I remember living there and thinking longingly, "I will have memories of living here someday."
The day has arrived that we have spaces to fill, and I'm having so much fun! I've been looking in the "Free" ads on Craigslist for things like a desk for Jace's room and a kitchen table. I found someone offering a free desk AND crib. True, we didn't NEED a crib, the Port-A-Crib has worked great since she was born, and would have worked just fine until Cami moves to a toddler bed, but wouldn't it be so fun?! Why live temporarily when you don't have to, and it's your last time to enjoy your last baby? The boys all had slept in a white crib that I bought at DI for $15. It worked great until after Kyle grew out of it and moved into a toddler bed. We needed the space, and since a Port-a-crib fit much more nicely in Jared and my bedroom, we gave it away.
Now I can enjoy Cami's babyhood without being temporary!

She's all for that.
( Isn't it great that it matches the other furniture in her room? Both of those chairs are from my mom's parents and my great-grandmother.)

Then, this morning, I went yard-saling, and was really bummed after going to 3 yard sales and not buying one thing. So I happened upon my handy dandy new phone that I am still trying to learn how to use, and found on Craigslist that there was this very sturdy oak dining room table with a leaf and 4 chairs for free! I went to pick it up, and found that they were also offering their matching hutch and china cabinet! When you've got the space, why hold back?!
We've been eating at a card table for the last 2 months. A table cloth gave it a dining -like feel, and it worked fine, we just couldn't all fit around it. So tonight after swimming, as we were enjoying our first supper at our "new" dining room table, I asked my tired family to take a moment and look a-round.

We all fit!

The generous donors got tons of phone calls about this table, and I'm so grateful that I was the lucky winner! (First one there gets it.) What a blessing.

Here's another great plus: if something happens to it, like a child driving a fork into it, I can easily remember which is more important between the table or the kid. There are already scratches on it :)

Gotcha!

2010-07-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

In this case, it was actually Jace that got me. He was pretending to be asleep with his Harry Potter book one evening, and as I tried to sneak up with a camera.... he couldn't hold it in any longer!