Tyler's Mission Call

On Friday January 25, Tyler received his mission call. 

His mission is in the area of California where my parents grew up.  I was even born there!  I also have an Aunt, Uncle and cousins that live there!!

He is super excited to start this phase of his life.  He will enter the MTC on March 20th!

Blogging!

I'm seriously going to start this thing again!!  It's almost February and I have two great things to share with you!  Tyler has been preparing for is mission.  Part of the process usually includes the removal of wisdom teeth.  When Zac got his out, I was working and my in-laws were in town so they took him.  But I had the pleasure of taking Tyler.  They were both lucky enough to have then removed at the local Dental school, at a huge discount compared to a regular surgeon.  Tyler had Dr Austin, who happens to be a member of our church, bonus! 

The best part was drugged Tyler.  He was so funny!  So talkative!  I had to video!  Next time I will take a second person so that everything can be recorded.  I missed some funny stuff when I had to talk to the doctor.

Enjoy!




For the non-LDS - our Word of Wisdom tells us to not drink tea, that was why he was worried about the tea bags!

My Craft Room

You know those Christmas letters people send you.  You know the ones, they tell you about how their child found a cure for a wretched disease.   And their 10 year old is going to college.  The kind that make you feel like the most incredible mediocre family in existence.  I hate those letters.  I am so tempted to send one out telling our story!  How my son has had his cell phone taken away for almost the whole school year because he refuses to turn in work.  Or how my 17 year old will sometimes spend an entire day playing some sort of Zombie game.  He tells me he is just preparing for the day when we will have to actually fight them. Oh, and when he isn't fighting zombies he is tormenting the 12 year old.  And how the 12 year old just keeps going back for more.  And how as much as I love and adore my 10 year old daughter, I am glad she can now facetime on her Ipod, so she has other people to talk to, and I can have a moment of peace.  There is that one kid of ours.  The one serving a 2 year mission in the Philippines!  He's pretty perfect right now!

Sometimes I get those mediocre feelings when I am surfing the net, looking at blogs. I visit quite a few blogs that sometimes feature craft rooms.  They are always so amazing!  And I find myself getting very jealous.  I wish I had an extra $1000 I could drop on cute cabinets or a huge counter/island in my craft room.  I wish I had the desire to look for old furniture I could transform into a thing of beauty.   I wish I was a neat freak that would keep an amazing craft room looking tidy and unused.

There are rooms like this one...

and this one...

and this one...

But alas, I do not have a magical amazing craft room! I do have a craft room and feel very blessed to have the space. I wonder if there are other people like me. Other normal every day women that look at these sort of pictures longingly. Dreaming of what it would be like to work in a room like that. Surely the things I would create in a room so perfect would be magnificent. And if my craft room looked like this it would be sure that the rest of my house would too. Right?

Against my better judgement.  I have decided to share some photos of my craft room with you. I do this with the hope that it may make you feel better about the space you have.  My craft room has become more or less a dumping ground.

The Couch - this couch was supposed to make it's way up to the bonus room, a year ago.  But the old beat up falling apart couch has never been removed from the spot where this one is supposed to go.  There have been moments, when someone could come in this room and sit on the couch and visit with me. In fact it wasn't that long ago that this couch was completely empty of stuff.  I'm not even sure where it all came from.

 

My work table.  Now you understand why the couch is once again full of stuff.  I will many times hand something to a child and say, "Go put that in my office."  This is where it usually gets put.  You may be wondering - If this is your work table, where do you work?  That's easy, the kitchen table. Which actually explains the couch situation.  When it's time for dinner the kitchen table has to be cleared off!

And to show you that I am not completely lacking in organizational skills.  There is sometimes order to this space.  I promise my mother did her absolute best in teaching me to keep a clean and tidy room.  But as I have learned as a mother myself, you can't make them want to do it.

Another feeble attempt at organizing.

My lovely desk.

And a few years ago I started following this blog.  And I fell in love with this wall.

It just so happened I had an empty frame and some chalkboard vinyl. So I made a cute chalkboard frame like hers.  Then I started gathering things I could put on the wall above my couch!  I was getting excited to have a fabulous spot in my not so fabulous room.  So far this is what I've got.

Yes, they are laid out on the floor, and have been there for a week now.  I have come to the conclusion that I get bored/distracted very easily.  And I tend to start a task and never finish it.  And you know what, I'm ok with it.  A few days ago on a blog that I really like C Jane, she wrote about all the things she has on her plate. 

In between writing a book, making meals, swaddling Erin and taking the others to the park, I had time to whip up a Deseret News column.
(HOW DO I DO IT? I am comfortable with mediocrity...)

I can totally relate!  I have people say that silly thing to me!  I just don't know how you do it?  I usually respond that my house is a mess, and I make really unhealthy dinners for my family.  They just laugh as though I am joking!  But I'm not!  I decided at some point that I would rather spend more time doing the things I enjoy (which is sometimes nothing) than stress about not having a perfect house!  Please notice I used the word house, not home!  Because in our case, our very lived in, sometimes messy, sometimes chaotic, almost always noisy house, is the perfect home for us!  

And I am comfortable with mediocrity.

ps - please be kind with comments.  And PLEASE do not offer any service with helping me in my pathetic situation!  I am totally capable of taking care of this room, and there are even people that have seen it in order!  I just thought a realistic blog is sometimes a good thing.

Cute Giveaway

I rarely post anything like this, but...

A friend is having a giveaway on her new site!

Isn't that the cutest bag!  I'm a sucker for nautical stuff!
Visit her website Across the Sea and see all the details!!

A Christmas Poem

My friend Lisa who is serving a mission in Washington, sent me this poem.  She said it made her think of me!  I am so grateful to be a mom, and one of the hardest yet most satisfying milestones was sending Zac out to the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Philippino People.  As I read this poem it struck me in more than one way.  It made me miss my Zac like crazy!  But it also makes me want to take in every moment I can with Tyler, who will be taking his turn in a year and a half.  I hope you all enjoy, but I am mostly posting this for my fellow Mom's missing their boys this Christmas!

 This year for Christmas
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn’t there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause.
My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,
Two suits and socks…no fun.
I’ve bought him all white clothes because…
This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I’ve spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from his words.
I’ve reread November’s Ensign,
And my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently.
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war,
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence.
I’ll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him.
I’m giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he’s not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He’s always hungered for the part of him
That makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard.
His choice and mine are one.
I’ll put my faith in God’s hand.
This year, I’m giving him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter.
I think I finally understand.
Christ’s birth should e celebrated
By giving Him a hand.
It’s because I know Christ lived and reigns
That all his packing is done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year…I’m giving Christ my son.

When I Grow Up...

Today my Mom celebrates 70 years on this earth!!!  And if that wasn't a feat in and of itself, let me tell you about some of the things she has done with her 70 years.  That make me want to be like her when I "grow up."

She tells me all the time that she was tom-boy growing up.  I guess that came in handy later when she had 6 sons to raise.

After high-school (where she met my dad) she went to, and finished nursing school.  Then began working as a nurse.

At age 20 she married my dad and they soon became parents to my oldest brother.  More children would come in the next 12 years, six more!  For a total of 5 boys and 2 girls.  Years later she would get another son, Erman!  He came to live with us during the school year, his family lived on a reservation in Arizona, and this gave the kids a chance to see life outside the reservation.  After a few years Erman stopped returning to the reservation and became a permanent member of the family.

She has been blessed to travel all over the world, and see things most of us would only dream of.  She and my Dad still travel A LOT!  In fact I think they will be gone the entire month of August.

She taught all her children the value of work, and was/is ALWAYS doing something. 

If you were to ask her what she is most proud of, I feel quite certain she would answer, without thinking, her family.  They added 7 daughters and 2 sons through the marriages of their children. They have 38, that's right, not a typo, 38 grandchildren.  And 4 great-grandchildren.  And if you've got an hour or two, she will tell you a little about each of them.

All but one of her children served missions for our church. (you can guess which one didn't)  And she and my Dad recently served a mission of their own in Australia.

All of her children and one grandchild are happily married, and raising some pretty amazing kids of there own. And her sons all work hard to take care of their own. 

She taught all of her kids to love music.  ALL MUSIC!  She plays the organ at church and has quite a few piano students.  Money she uses for fun stuff!!

Like most of us she's quick to point out her failings.  But when you look at the big picture, and what's really important...  I say she's lived a most amazing 70 years.  And is doing pretty good for an "old lady"

I love you mom!!  Wishing for many more birthdays to come.

(she has celebrated many birthdays at the beach during family reunions.  Wish we were at one now!)

Start Spreading the News!!

I know you have all been dying to see more of our vacation, so here ya go!!

The kids were all pretty blown away by times square!

We decided that any trip to New York wouldn't be complete without taking in a show!  So we all went to see Phantom of the Opera! (they are still singing and humming the songs!!!!)

Kamrie and I spent our last afternoon at The American Girl store!  It's on 5th Ave!  We got off the subway pretty close, but found ourselves in the middle of the St Patrick's day parade crowd!  It took FOREVER for us to finally get to the store, but it was worth it.

It was wonderful trip, and hopefully memories were made that will last a lifetime!!

Brooklyn

We were so lucky to get to stay at a friends while visiting New York!  Lloyd and Greg Porter have been friends of mine since elementary school!

(I realize that I probably didn't need to tell you which one was Greg, but I felt dumb only labeling myself)

We stayed in the top floor apt of their brownstone.  Lloyd and his wife and daughter live on the bottom floor, and Greg lives on the second floor.

OH, did I mention that Mr. Gregory Porter was a Grammy Nominee this year?  You should check out his amazing album Water on Itunes, or where ever you purchase your music.  Or you can see his video here.

Lloyd gave us a great tour of the neighborhood, he is a veritable superstar there!  He and his lovely wife Hillary have a wonderful coffee shop just blocks from their home.  As part of staying with them we were able to eat muffins and drink hot chocolate each morning for breakfast.  It was so YUMMY!  The shop was like a tv show, everyone that came in seemed to know each other.  And while we were there we were introduced to a few of the regulars.

The subway to Manhattan just a few blocks from the brownstone!

On our last morning we went with the Porter's to Juniors for breakfast!  Some of the best french toast I have ever had!

So thankful for Facebook that allowed me to reconnect with these gentleman!  We had an amazing time and they were a big part of it.

Jersey Baby!

We left DC and headed to Jersey!  Living so far from our family, we are always excited to spend time with cousins!  We got to Erman and Jessica's around 8 that night! (minus Erman, he's in New Mexico)  We finally got to meet Marissa, she is completely adorable. (even when she is sick)  The next morning we headed to Hoboken, to visit Carlo's Bakery, home of The Cake Boss.  If you don't know what that is, then this post will be unimpressive, sorry.  After waiting in line, in the freezing cold for 2 1/2 hours we finally got in, and made our purchases.  OK, I actually waited in the van, I'm a baby when it comes to the cold.  And Jim actually got a parking space right in front of the bakery!!  After Carlo's we headed up the street and had lunch at Five Guys, it was my first time and it was DELICIOUS!!  I think it's way better than In and Out!  Finally we headed to liberty park to catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, we got there at 4 and the last ferry was at 3:30!  So we drowned our sorrows in cupcakes, cream puffs and cannoli's!

Day Two in DC

Not a lot of pictures today!  Jim and the boys spent time at the International Spy Museum - no pictures allowed!

Spring Bread 2011

Day One - Washington DC

Wanna Do Something GREAT?

Five years ago, my friend Ashlie's dream of having a daughter came true.  Little Emma was born and life was good.  But shortly after her birth Ashlie was sure something wasn't right.  I will let you watch the video or visit her blog for all the medical details.




I feel extremely blessed to know this family.  Just to sit back and watch as Grandma's, Aunts, and other family do all they can to help love and support Emma is an inspiration.  They have MANY expenses that go along with a handicapped child.  One expense they just can't afford is a wheelchair accessible van.  So, please consider donating.  Any amount will help.


You can even donate through Paypal!  Couldn't be easier!!

Please feel free to share with friends, or post it on your blog!!

Bowling!

At the end of school Kamrie brought home a flyer that said, "Kids Bowl Free".  Well I checked it out and sure enough, I could sign up my children under 16, and they would get coupons to bowl two games every day!  We just had to pay for shoes.  Then they had a deal for $24.95 you could sign up 4 others!  Well. I paid the $24.95 and we spent at least one night a week, and sometimes Saturday bowling!!  The first few times the younger kids wanted the bumpers, but by the end of the summer they could all bowl pretty well!

Funny story:  One evening a family came in and were bowling next to us.  It appeared that Uncle had brought his Nieces and Nephew.  The Uncle sort of knew how to bowl and was attempting to tell/show the kids.  When it came to the youngest of the group, a little girl about 7, her uncle was trying to help her.  She turned to him and said, "I have a Wii, I know how to bowl!"  I then shared with him that they could have bumpers.  They all had a much better time after the bumpers were up.
 

Zac

Jim

Tyler

Chad

Kamrie

Scott

Amy

Birthday Boy!

Thirteen years ago today, Jim and I headed to the hospital for our first induction.  It was my longest labor, and at 5:57 PM we welcomed our biggest baby.  Chad has spent the last thirteen years continuing to do things his own way!  We love him, and have loved being a part of his life.  He is an incredibly happy kid, and makes friends with everyone.

Television, and what it teaches a 6 year old!

As most of you know I care for two children that are not my own. Carlie is six, and a very bright little girl.

As part of my "job" I pick her up from school pretty regularly. This was the first week back to school and on Wednesday, I picked her up. As we started pulling out of the carpool line she started to tell me how I could send in my jewelry and they would melt it down and send me A LOT of money! This brought a smile to my face, and I then I thought we would talk about how you can't always believe everything you see on tv. At that suggestion she let me know that she believes everything she sees on tv.

"I beleive in Santa Claus, I saw him on Frosty the Snowman"
(I just assumed she also believed in a real live snowman.)

I believe in Cash for Gold, AND I believe in No more tweezing and no more waxing!"

And after she told me all about the above product, I told her I thought she watched too much tv.

Tyler's 16!!

Tyler turned 16 in April!  Another driver!  He had a pretty fun party with his best friend Patrick.  Patrick's birthday is the day after Tyler's so they combined their party!  Here's a few pictures:

First Things First

I have A LOT of catching up to do on this blog of mine.  So here goes nothing.

Back in March I decided it was time to make a change.  I was heavier than I wanted to be, and really wasn't exercising AT ALL!!   I knew that changing my diet wasn't gonna happen so I had to find something else.  I wouldn't pay a gym membership, and I have plenty of things around the house that I can use to work out, but didn't. 
"I am not a runner", that's what I always said.  But I would see people out jogging and wish that I wanted to do that.  I had heard of a program a few years ago called Couch to 5K, and when I researched it, thought it looked like something I could do.  The problem is the motivation, I had none.  So I looked it up again, and to my surprise, they had a APP!!!  I love APPS, I love my Iphone.  So I downloaded the app and a few days later was ready to start my 9 week program.  Then a week later I started again.  This time it stuck.  30 minutes, three times a week.  Each week the 30 minute work out changes.  The first day, I did a 5 minute warm up, then for 20 mins alternated jogging for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds, then a 5 minute cool down.  Now, for me, the best part of the APP is the little coach in my headphones that talks over my playlist and tells me when to walk and when to jog!  She even told me when I was halfway through the work out, so I would just turn around and head back home.   I am not ashamed to admit that the first work out KILLED ME!  I could barely jog for 60 seconds!  But each week the work out contained a little more jogging and little less walking.  And by the ninth and final week, I could jog for the full 30 minutes, for a distance of about 3 miles!  Now I actually look forward to my runs.  (Although I don't always enjoy them while they are happening)  So this blog is to record my goal attained, "I am a runner" (well jogger, and not a very fast jogger)
I need to thank the creators of this amazing program and APP-

And a very special thank you to my many running partners.  They all played there part in encouraging me, and keeping me going!  So thank you to - Carrie, Plain White T boys, Coldplay, Gwen, Justin, Saving Jane, Kelly, and Kris.  I couldn't have done it without you!

Sharing Bathrooms

We are VERY blessed to have the home we live in.  We have three and 1/4 baths, that's FOUR toilets, and with 7 people that is a great number of bathrooms to have.

The kids all sleep upstairs and Jim and I are downstairs.  Ever since we moved here the upstairs bathrooms have each been shared by the boys.  Kamrie was only two and so she had her baths in our bathroom.  If you have boys you understand that I could not make my daughter share a bathroom with two brothers.  So, she still shares the master bath with Jim and I.  I just wanted to document a glimpse of what it's like to share a bathroom with and 8 year old girl.

Birthday Build!

Jim and I have never had nightstands.  Really, we never needed them.  I always kept the clock on a desk in our room.  Jim has never needed an alarm to wake up, he just always wakes up when he needs to.  But now with a cell phone that gets charged nightly he has started using this!

(pretty sure Kamrie originally brought this

in our room for her popcorn)

Well, about a month ago I happened upon a most amazing girl and her amazing blog!  It's called Knock-off Wood and is truly inspiring.  She takes famous brand furniture, and then creates easy plans to make them yourself.  AND she posts them all for free!!

So for Jim's birthday I thought I would build him a real night stand.  After a few different finishes on the legs, I think it looks pretty good.  Of course I had to go buy a lamp and a fancy charger for the phone so my inexpensive gift cost a little more than planned, but it was all worth it!