Christmas Newsletter

due to snow and everything that doesn't get done when you are holed up at home I was unable to get our christmas cards out this year. So sad! So i am posting it here in hopes you will forgive me and know that we are thinking of everyone despite the fact you won't be getting a personalized, stamped card this year. So sorry! We truly wish all Happy Holidays!




Dearest Friends and Family,
The time has come again to celebrate the many gifts we have recieved throughout the year. Our greatest gift is YOU! No matter how our paths cross throughout the year you have made a difference just in knowing you are part of our life. Thank you for your thought, good wishes, prayers, kindess and love...it does not go unnoticed. Our family has continued to plug away at life. David celebrated 7 years at Metagenics and continues to teach scouts tothe 10-11 year olds. He celebrates the completion of his “man cave” with his built in Dolby Surround Sound- 110 inch screen
theatre. Lili began the year at University of
Washington and had to put it on hold-plans of
returning Winter 2010. She also got to visit her dear friend in Kansas for a week- touring all of the LDS church sites. She began running again andjust finished her first 5K with thoughts of doing a 1/2 marathon in the future. Alex started 2nd grade and is progressing in his reading and writing. He has a
passion for pokemon cards. He was on his first baseball team this year and is right now on a
wrestling team. He loves to play on the computer and the Wii. He especially loves to have friends over to play. Natalee started Kindergarten this year and just read her first book to me the other day. She loves to read and write and is finding a whole world opening up before her as she progresses. Both she and Alex began piano lessons-thanks to Uncle Rick- and she keeps herself busy with friends, art, writing and being outdoors. Nicholas started
Preschool this year and loves to ride the bus-just like Alex and Natalee. His speech is improving
tremendously and he is talking more and more. He went to his first Monster jam this year and has not stopped talking about it. He loves his car tracks and monster trucks. He wants to do whatever his brother and sister do and is no longer a “little boy” but a “big boy”. He loves to play with his buddy Tobin and is always sporting a smile every morning he wakes us up. He finished potty training this year and we are no longer buying diapers. Life is grand! Our annual camping trip was the best ever this year and I can only see it getting better. We are so blessed this season and would be remiss if we didn’t remember our Savior- Jesus Christ” in our blessings. He is the reason for the Season Thank you for your love and know that you are loved in return.

Happy Holidays!


The Grover Family

Celebrating 12 years

Happy Anniversary to me!

David and I have been married 12years as of yesterday. We had a wonderful afternoon saturday remembering why we got married- because we love each other. Despite the trials that come in marriage and family there are more blessings than we can count. Daily we grow and become better because of each other. We spent the day in Seattle walking around and seeing the holiday exhibits. We laughed, smiled, talked and there were no interruptions. We did what we wanted; together. I love David- i can be a little difficult at times- let's face it both of us can- but through it all he is still the one for me. He is patient and kind; not easily provoked, easy going, funny and well he loves me, in spite of me! Here's to 12 more and more!

Traditions

We started a new tradition in our family this year and we had a wonderful time. We baked all sorts of cookies- classics like chocolate crinkles and snickerdoodles and new ones like russian tea cakes, lemon zingers, coconut macaroons, peanut butter drops and ooh...it tasted oh so good. Here is a compilation of our fun cookie baking day.

My Sweet Boy

Alex is growing up. Its hard to believe because he is still my sweet boy. Since he is growing up right before my eyes i don't always see it and its hard to ignore. The other night I realized just how much he is growing up and also just how sweet he is. Since he was a baby before bed we always say prayers together and I sing him a song. As he has gotten older he has sung with me, or had a specific song he wanted me to sing but it was a tradition of sorts. Over the years David and i have split up the duties of putting the kids to bed and most often he ends up putting the boys to bed and i put Natalee to bed. But still when i get my turn with the boys each one, individually gets prayers and song with mom and David does the same. The other night, after wrestling practice, Alex had taken his shower and was waiting for us to put him to bed. Both David and I were exhausted and David said "hey, lets just say prayer together right here." (We were sitting on the couch talking and relaxing) I piped in and said "no, Alex needs his song" David explained they don't sing song anymore and asked Alex to confirm this, since it was an obvious shock to my mind. I looked at Alex and asked when did you stop singing songs, i just sang songs to you last night? He looked at me sheepishly and said, Mom-I only let you sing songs to me because you like it but really i am usually just to tired for songs. My jaw dropped and I was speechless ( and you know that doesn't happen to often) My sweet boy was only letting me sing songs to him because he thought it would hurt my feelings if he didn't. Well he was right, and I told him he was going to get songs from me until he was 18 years old and then I just hugged him tight. I got up off the couch and we went in and sang songs. How could I miss out on such a special memory between my sweet boy and myself. It is one I will cherish forever.

My first 5k

At the beginning of October I was in serious need of exercise and my friend Leslie invited me to come walking with her one fine, crisp morning. I went, mostly for the social conversation, but also to get some much needed exercise. Well- she happens to walk faster than I do and I found that I needed to do a little jogging to keep up. We ended up running a bit and found that we liked running. We decided to get together 2x a week to keep up our efforts. After a few weeks of running I found that I loved being outdoors. The feel of the wind against my face and breathing in of fresh air (sometimes mixed with the fumes of passing cars) was invigorating. I began running every day- after I drop the kids at the bus or before david left for work. I told Leslie that I was doing the Turkey Trot 5K and she said she would do it too. When I first started jogging a mile killed me. i was winded, sore, and dreading how much further I had to go. Now 2 months later and a 5K behind me I am longing to do more. I can run up to 5 miles and am aiming at doing a 10K and possibly a 1/2 marathon. Running is my time to be alone, to think, to process my life, no one needs me, no one wants anything from me and I can think and act for myself. I'm still a bit sore but it reminds me I am active and living. Here are my before and after pics at the Thanksgiving day/Turkey Trot 5K. It was extremely cold and by the time it started my toes were a little numb and my nose was frozen and in spite of it I'll do it again next year.

I am thankful for....

It is funny how kids minds are constantly thinking about things that as an adult we take for granted. I have noticed this recently with Nicholas. A few weeks ago I picked up Nicholas from school and while driving home told him that his friends T –n- T were coming to visit. He was thrilled! A few seconds later he pipes up in the backseat… T is not my buddy (pause) she’s my friend…but T is my buddy. T n T are twin boy and girl and it was interesting that Nicholas distinguished between the two of them. They all play so well together but Nicholas has already classified the difference between his “buddy” and his “friend.” Well anyway, time has passed and I hadn’t really thought about it again, except to tell a few people how cute I thought it was and then yesterday he made a comment that really put it all into perspective. We were all sitting around the table for Thanksgiving dinner, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Tradition involves everyone of speaking age to say what they are thankful for, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest- Nicholas being the youngest. Of course we are all saying things like we are thankful for our family, our homes, our freedom, all the things that are on the forefront of our minds. When we asked Nicholas to say what he was thankful for with no hesitation he piped up, “I am thankful for my buddy, T.” He knows what is important and I have to say, I am thankful for him too, as well as his family. I love that Nicholas has already begun to make good friends that he will remember for his lifetime.

Twilight

This weekend was the Twilight Premiere. It has been a countdown to seeing it and we had our tickets purchased over 2 weeks ago. The anticipation was eating away and yesterday was the big day. A large group of my family and friends headed to the theatre to see the book and characters come to life on big screen. As we waited in the theatre for the movie to begin there was talk of our favorite scenes in the book, our expectations (if any), and the feeling in the air. All the mid-teen to teen girls giggled and whispered and then the lights went dim. the moment had finally arrived... 2 hours 10 minutes later, it was over... in that 2 hours there was giggling, screaming (when Edward entered the scene), oohing and aughing, and silence! What did I think? Does it really matter...if you liked it...enjoy it..if you didn't...keep your mouth shut so that others can continue to enjoy it. I will say am one who enjoyed it for what it was. Was it what I expected, YES!!! It is a movie for teens and that is who was geared towards. Ask any mid-tween to teen and they were probably drooling and twitterpaited throughout the entire movie and didn't have sense enough to pick it apart 'til there was nothing left. I, on the other hand, am no longer a teen and am surrounded by movie critics with opinions about every detail...so while I know there are flaws if you want to look for them or maybe they even jumped out at you, I still choose to enjoy the film and take it all in. Watching my favorite scenes come to life on big screen was exhilarating. I will own it...why! Because of the memories that go along with it. I, for one, will see it again...for the same reason because it was fun and joyful and the friends that surround me are worth it. I'm sorry if you didn't like it...but please keep it to yourself and let me continue to enjoy it.

Tribute fo our Friends

A little less than a year ago a family moved into our ward – the dixon’s. I had known E through various venues with the youth. When she showed up at church one Sunday, I was excited to see her and also find out they were here to stay. Instantly we became friends, our common interest in the game Settlers of Cataan made it even easier for our husbands to relate also. Who would have known the kind of friends we were to become. Over the past year we have had many a game night, movie night—social night, dinner night and so much more. Just the other day David commented, “I think D is the first friend I have every had the phone number memorized for.” I think that comment was an omen and I will, from this time forward, not allow David to memorize any of our friends numbers because that evening D broke the news that they would be moving…not just across town but to ARIZONA. Yuck! Who would leave beautiful, green, plush Washington to go to dry, allergy infested, brown Arizona? Well I guess they would and for good reason, D is going back to school. On the one hand we are very excited for them and the new adventures they will endeavor upon, on the other hand we are going to miss them tremendously. We have been very blessed in the past year to make some very good friends and we are glad they are not all moving but I must admit when the dixon’s leave, a piece of our heart will go with them. Of course we will miss their kids too- S, Z and J. It will not be as fun watching them grow up through pictures. Maybe one day we’ll make a trip to the desert and visit them but always they will be in our fondest of memories. We love you guys! Good luck and keep in touch!

Buddy Boy

It's funny how a haircut can totally change the way you look at someone. We have been growing out Nicholas' hair for quite some time now and if you look at previous posts it was getting pretty long- and it was pretty dang cute. Well, David was growing for the sole purpose of cutting it like a mullet for Halloween. If you look at those pictures, he got his wish, under the condition it would not and could not stay like that. So, after a couple days too long of having my little boy look like...well the description is a bit dirogatory, anyway I took him to get his haircut yesterday and well...ta da! My little boy is growing up. He is too cute! Take a look for yourself.

Great site for winterwear!

Take a look at this site below and you will fall in love with the gorgeous hats. there is even a way to custom order. this link will take you to her blog but if you click on the icon "Etsy" to the right it will show you the variety of hats she makes. I love the styles.

Shana's music, writing, etc etc etc.: My Very First GIVEAWAY!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween, Halloween, Halloween is here!
Ghosts and Goblins, Spooks and Bats are flying through the air.
Boo!
Halloween, Halloween, Halloween is here!
Ghosts and Goblins, Spooks and Bats are flying through the air.
Boo!
*sung to the tune of Jingle Bells

Here's to a Safe Halloween From the Grover Family

Update on Natalee's school Photo

Natalee came home today and i was showing her the pages I did for her, Alex and Nicholas. (see entry below to see what I was showing her.)Leave it to her to comment- "But mom, where is my photo like Alex and Nicholas?" Yes i put an extra pic of the 2 boys but I thought the one I had of Natalee just said it all. I guess it wasn't enough for her. So here is the updated page- and it has been approved by Natalee.

School Pictures

I don't buy the professional photos for the kids. I think sticking them in front of camera in the middle of the school day cannot capture the essence of their personalities. As they get older I may reconsider but for now on the day of "School Picture day" they get dressed up (so they'll fit in at school) and of course they choose what they want to where (It's all their doing) and i just take photos of them in the morning before they catch the bus. I just took a photoshop class from a good friend and learned a few new techniques and i thought I would try them out on their "home" school photos. Take a look. you can see the original photos in my previous post and see what photoshop allowed me to do with their scrapbook pages. I truly love my kids and these photos capture them in ways that only a mother can cherish.

Joy in little moments

I love reading other peoples blogs because a lot of them give me insight into myself that I may not have ever gotten. Each of my friends gives me thought about different aspects of my life; things like my kids, my husband, being a mom, etc… Reading blogs helps me put my life into perspective and prioritize in a way I wouldn’t without having read their thoughts. I guess you could say I am voyeuristic- I peep into others’ lives… and for a moment I see something that only I could see, at that moment in time. Lately I have been thinking a lot about time and how it seems to tick away second by second- sometimes without my even realizing it. The other morning I was laying in bed thinking about something, I don’t even remember what, but all of a sudden, moments of my child’s life past before me until he was grown. I don’t remember the events- it came and went so quickly and yet it entranced me for a brief moment and when it was over, it startled me. It got me thinking even more about what I am doing with my time and how when those seconds pass away, I don’t get them back- not even one second of it. That moment has been with me for almost a week and I can’t get it out of my mind. I have to think it was or is a personal revelation, an epiphany, of some sort. My children are a joy and yet I sometimes get so wrapped up in myself that I forget that. I was gone for a little over 24 hours last weekend at Time out for Women. The hours were filled with motivational, inspirational, spiritual, uplifting words and suggestions on finding joy in our lives, despite being surrounded by so much negativity. I found myself thinking a lot about my children and my husband. What am I doing to show them the joy they give me? Am I getting so caught up in myself that I am losing sight of what is most important to me? I found myself this week putting more effort into making little moments make a lasting impression. I found myself playing Candyland with Nicholas, even though he didn’t want to play by the rules. I found myself snuggling up with Natalee, reading a book and singing songs and just letting her know she is loved, the way she needs to be told. I found myself spending more quality time helping Alex with spelling and other aspects of homework. I found myself taking time to sit down for tiny moments with David and talk with him- without rushing off to do something else. This is not to say I didn’t find time for myself too. I spent time running mile after mile, listening to my old school walkman, thinking in my head, making goals for the day to day stuff. I was able to do some scrapbooking. I was able to talk on the phone, I was able to read, I cleaned my house- including the bathrooms. Yet in all this “work” I found joy. Joy in knowing I was doing something productive, Joy in knowing I was creating lasting moments, Joy in knowing that I am a work in progress, Joy in knowing I am the mother of 3 beautiful children, Joy in knowing my husband sees the “real me” and loves me in spite of it, Joy in the relationships I have established past and present, Joy in the knowledge I have of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope that comes in having that as a guidance in my life, Joy in the glimpses I have that remind me of my joy and help me to get back on track. I am so happy with my life and while things around me want to take that joy from me I know what I need to do to be at peace and keep that joy in the forefront of my mind. I need to stay focused on those things that bring me joy- my husband, my kids, my friends and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I need to take the focus off myself and put it on others’ and their happiness- in return I am happy and full of joy. So thanks to my friends and family who give me those reminders and help me to become the best me I can be.

Thoughts running through my head

*Disclaimer- these really are my thoughts- it many not be enlightening but its my way of clearing my head.

I haven’t written anything for awhile and this is not because I don’t have anything to say. More likely because I have so many things on my mind that I can’t narrow it down to just one thing so I’ll be brief about a few different subjects.
1st- I finished the Twilight series- I started writing this long drawn out piece on why I like the book and well…it can all be summed up with just a few words. I liked that Bella accomplished what I hope to accomplish in just a few years- she went from being a selfish, all about me, young woman to a selfless, all about “we” woman. I guess that is what happens when you “grow up” in a matter of a few years. She recognized the talents she had and used them to protect those she loved rather than use them to save her. I could go into this long drawn out analysis but really my take on it only matters to me. I figure that those who read it will take what they need to out of it as it pertains to them at that time in their lives. I loved the passion she and Edward had for each other and I loved that she opened herself up, at the end, to allow him to see her innermost thoughts. I wonder if I am willing to do the same, but what a beautiful scene to play over and over in my mind. I know a lot of people who wanted there to be a big battle at the end and for someone to pay for the heartache they had experienced. However, I liked how it all ended. I guess I am more of a passivist than a warrior and I loved how everyone coming together as one, against their enemies, defeated them. Without each other they would have all failed and lives would have been lost. Unity is the only thing that will win in this world of chaos. There are so many power hungry, greedy, selfish souls that will do anything to break us and bring us into their world through deception and fear. I know read a lot into this book but I guess that is what I needed at this time of my life. Because of her love for her child she was willing to sacrifice all that she had so that Renesmee could live and love. Isn’t that what a mother (and father) does?
2nd-oh, I hate to say it but “politics” is plaguing me. I am not a “politics” person in fact I will be the first to admit “I know nothing” but because of the state of this nation and our world I find that I must give in and actually do some research. I feel like I have to go to school and take a class that I don’t want to take. There is no motivation to do the homework except I want to pass the test in the end. Only this test there is no right or wrong answer, you just have to be able to explain why in a big essay format. With that being said I must say I hate this time of voting and choosing- I hate all the spam that we get supporting one candidate or the other, I hate the exaggerated, lack of detail ads we see all over the media, I hate the back biting that goes along with having different opinions. I hate the lack of respect others have for someone who doesn’t see things the same as they do. I hate the blame that is put on the previous president or party. I hate that we (and I mean as a nation) don’t take responsibility for ourselves and that we expect our government to for us what we should be doing for ourselves. That being said I will do my homework and make an informed decision based on what I believe to be the lesser of 2 evils- so far neither candidate gets a high rating in my book so it will come down to which one is closer to my ideals. I may be in the clouds, I may be uninformed, I may not know everything but I have an idea of the kind of world I want to live in and I have hope that someday it will come to pass. Until then I must do my part, I must lead by example and live in such a way as to be part of the world that I dream of. It starts with me doing my part and not blaming someone else for the problems I have. It starts with me changing my attitude and instead of living in a “me” world living in a “we” world, what works for me may not be the answer for someone else but it is my responsibility to find a way so that we can live together as a unified whole. How that will happen…well I have my ideas and you have yours! Let’s just find a way to bring those ideas together.
3rd- and this is off track but it is something I have had on my mind. Have you ever had someone in your life that tests your patience to the core? I am not talking about the daily grind with my children or the off and on disagreements with your spouse but someone who no matter how hard you try puts you on the defense every time you come into their presence. I have had a few such people in my life- I know hard to imagine for those who know me. Most of these people I have come to respect over time and while I still get defensive I have learned to see their views and respect them however there is one person in my life who I cannot seem to find that respect for. In fact I was talking with David the other day about it and really frustrated at my lack of empathy. Why can I not forgive this person for the hurt that she/he has caused me? I was justifying my lack of forgiveness by saying that most people who hurt me in my life I choose to distance myself from but this situation does not allow me to do so and so I was explaining that it was OK to feel this bitterness because it has been demonstrated over and over to me that change will not happen. No more than an hour later I was sitting in church and listening to someone share the same kind of experience she was having and her struggle with the same feelings I am having. I felt as if she was sharing her words specifically directed at me. It is my responsibility to forgive over and over again-sometimes these are challenges we are faced with only to strengthen us. If I can’t forgive how can I expect to be forgiven? It’s not like these aren’t thought I haven’t thought before but for some reason I heard them this time and while I still find it a challenge my resolve is strengthened and I will continue to persevere. I will continue to find reason to love rather than hate. Not only will I be blessed for it but so will those around me. I guess the world needs more of this and if it doesn’t begin with me, where will it begin.
Finally, on the other end of the spectrum, I find myself again very thankful for the people in my life who cause me to ponder, meditate, and gather knowledge that I have not had or have not considered before. I am grateful to be respected by so many who feel comfortable to share their knowledge, opinions, and insight sometimes knowing that I don’t necessarily feel the same. Because when they do I am enlightened and strengthened by their experiences and feel a greater sense of unity. I have come to realize that there is more than one way to look at every situation and it’s not about being right or wrong it’s about understanding and making an informed choice based on your current situation or sometimes making a choice based on faith for long term situations. There have been people throughout my life who have made choices that didn’t necessarily benefit them but in the long term blessed my life tremendously. I love them for it. I would not be where I am in my life without their love, their understanding, their selflessness. There are people who come into your life and you know there is a connection that can’t be explained. Those connections never go away, they bless my life daily even after being separated by distance and circumstance but I know that someday we will be able to look back on our lives and see the purpose. I am grateful for all who have made that connection with me who have helped me become all that they see in me and more. You will continue to bless my life here and eternally.
These are my thoughts- I know too much running through this head of mine but has I have said before writing is my therapy and now that I have it out on paper I can continue to ponder these thoughts without having them running through my head continuously.

Tribute to Grandma Pearl

Thelma Pearl Kaster
David's Grandma turned 90 years this year. At the party we surprised her with we all had to stand and say something about her. I felt a bit awkward doing so but as I stood to speak my heart was full of emotion. This is a woman who, when she welcomes you into her heart, holds you close forever. Everyone who knows her, knows all about her 2 girls and her grand kids. When I married into this family I automatically became a grandchild and have been treated as one ever since. Ultimately she is an example of loyalty, love, and compassion. Her love for her departed companion Wally will forever be etched in my heart and mind as an example of the friendship that should be between husband and wife. They were loving, forgiving, kind, accepting and oh so much more. They could joke without guile, they accepted without strings attached and most of all they lived what they taught. I love this woman and long to live the same life as she, so that in the end when it is my time...I will leave this life having lived it fully and being surrounded by the ones I love. Here's to many more years Grandma!

I feel better already!

I got this on my email and had to share it with everyone- it is so me!

By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr. Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the
things you have started and have never finished.'

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished
off a bottle of Dr. Pepper, a carton of Ice Cream, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the
cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now.

A priceless gift!

Parenthood! (Putting someone else's needs before your own) It’s got to be the most amazing gift a person can experience. Granted there are those who don’t see it as a gift and well…it’s all in your attitude. But for me as I get deeper and deeper into my role as a mom, as I watch my friends and family do the same I am constantly amazed at how it changes you; how being a mom (or dad) allows you to become someone you could never be without having children of your own, however it comes to pass. I know I talk about my kids and what I learn from them all the time-- I have too; its my job. But can I tell you what I learn from others who are moms and dads. Shoot! I think I have plagiarized everyone else’s parenting skills and made them my own. For instance, “M” feeds her children oatmeal every day, she’s even blogged about it. When I first met her I thought, wow! I need variety. Well, I now see the genius in that (healthy, filling, low cost, no thinking about what to eat in the morning, no fighting over which cereal each kids wants…the list goes on and on). So now, since school has started…the kids get oatmeal every day (except on the weekends…then I might spice it up with French toast). As I was talking to my mom today (and my sister) I was reminded that is what we ate every day, which I now realize is the reason I was against oatmeal for breakfast in the first place. Another instance, “Ali” discussed options for me when it comes to the humongous tantrums Alex throws when he doesn’t want to do homework (which is really just 15 minutes of reading and about 5 minutes of math). I couldn’t have done it on my own and with the brainstorming session I have now found something that works (at least for the time being). “L” and “M” teach me about making the most of our time that we have with our kids now (it’s only a few years and they won’t want me around). I have learned organization (I am getting better), preparedness, selflessness, patience, kindness, tone of voice, love and oh-so much more. I couldn’t do all this on my own. ( I am still perfecting most of these, but truly, I wouldn’t care about doing any of this- if it wasn’t for my kids). I wouldn’t be able to see my life through someone else’s eyes without my kids. Having them to take my eyes off myself and focus my heart on them is a gift… a priceless gift. As with any gift sometimes I need to be reminded of how I felt when I received it… I need to be reminded that I am better with this gift then without it…I need to not take this gift for granted. Everyone who is a parent or will be a parent has their own parenting styles and I am so grateful to be able to learn something from each of them. As I think about the last almost 8 years since becoming a parent I wouldn’t take back anything. Now is my time to be a mom and I am going to make the most of it…so my kids will know how much I cherish them, respect them, and most of all unconditionally love them.

I have issues!

It has been a week of school now…and for the most part I have stuck to my goals; I may not be up at the same time everyday but I am up by 7am and that is progress for me. It is against everything I have ever done-unless I had to work. But I must admit I get more done and I feel like I have accomplished something every day. The sun shining every day for the last week has helped quite a bit with this and I hope I can make this a habit before the clouds and rain appear. Another thing that I have done pretty well with is getting back to better eating habits…I can’t say I don’t jump off the wagon at full speed every once in a while but I would 80% of the time I am eating properly and watching portions. What a difference it makes in my attitude and self esteem. I don’t know why I am so caught up in my weight- I can’t think of a time in my life where I wasn’t concerned about it…I maybe didn’t do anything about it but it was always on my mind. It is kind of a consuming thing but not nearly as bad when I am eating the way I should. It’s all about moderation and self control as with everything in this life is. I wish those two things came naturally to me but they don’t so I continue to try over and over again. So why I am I writing this…well the kids going to school has brought back so many memories and well I realize I have had these same problems well…since I can remember. Does it ever go away? I guess they just make me who I am and these are issues I am always going to have to battle. I can either go into the battle with a good attitude or a bad one… the latter will make it more bearable.
Another issue that I have been constantly thinking about is that of “relationships.” I must admit, and those who know me know this, I am fiercely loyal. As a youth I realize loyalty in my eyes, was more of obsession in others’ eyes. Yikes! How embarrassing. Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t stalkerish-or was I?? But I have to say I had a hard time moving on, dealing with change, giving my time to other activities and why? Because I was afraid if I wasn’t available at the drop of a hat for my friends they wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. Pathetic…isn’t it! I didn’t realize this of course at the time. In fact I am just realizing it. Some friends knew this about me, even before me, and yet they were still my friends. Well maturity and self esteem has grown with me and these things are learning tools for the rest of my life and yet I know my children will have to learn them on their own. I only hope I can let them experience without the heartache that I experienced. But still I am loyal- it’s a loyalty that is now healthy. My friends that I had back then, for the most part, are still my friends. I don’t have to be around them constantly. I don’t have to talk to them daily. I don’t have to know what they are doing at all times but I do have to know they are loved, cared for, and healthy. The same goes with the friends I have now! Once you are my friend, you are always my friend. You have captured a part of my heart that never goes away. While you may take different roads, you may find different friends, but no matter what “I will always love you!” You know who you are—don’t forget it. Life may allow us to be in each other’s lives at another time or maybe memories will be all we have. I am happy with my life and wouldn’t want it any other way- I have learned, I have grown. I will continue to be fiercely loyal to all who come into my life and make it better. Thanks to you for “having patience with me” and allowing me to grow and learn in your presence. We make each other strong and we will meet in the eternities knowing we each had a purpose in the others life. Until then…you are always in my heart. Thanks for the memories-past, present, and future.

ohanepecosh 2008

Tradition!

Every year for the past 12 years (except when we were away at school) we have gone to Mt. Rainier (ohanepecosh) to camp over Labor Day. the kids count down days until we get to go. It is a great time for all and every year we can't wait to do it again. Here's to another 12 years.

2 down - 1 to go!

School started yesterday and well...we're off! Alex and Natalee were so excited they couldn't think straight. I made a resolution that if I can't be in school then I would put the same amount of effort into being a mom as I did being a student- so every day (I am on day 2) I have made a list of what needs to be done. First off...NO TV in the morning. I can't believe how much more we get done and how much less bickering is taking place. Oh...its music to my ears. Anyway, I get up at 6.45a with Alex and we read scriptures... then he goes to clean his room and I make breakfast...we actually eat breakfast as a family. After breakfast everyone gets dressed, brushes their teeth and tidies rooms... I make lunches and we listen to Disney Channel music, read books and hang out until its time to go to the bus. It makes for a nice morning. So far, so good! I hope I can keep it up...the atmosphere in the morning is so much more pleasant. Here are some pics of the first day of school. So much fun!

For the strength of women in the latter days

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Most everything I learned about myself-I learned from my children.

Ok so it has been a while since I have posted I haven’t done too much thinking with the kids at my feet, under my feet and on my feet all summer long. Since returning from Kansas I have been trying to keep the kids and myself busy. I wanted to make sure the kids had a good summer so I have been trying to have something for them to do every day, whether it is going somewhere or just having a friend to play with. So from the Monday after my return until now we have been busy-thanks to the sun being present. We have gone to the beach, to Manchester state park, Aunt Bonnie's (on their cool bike hill), to the lake, and had numerous friends over for dinner, lunch and snacks. Except for the few days where Nicholas was sick, Alex was sick and mom felt sick from cleaning up the sick – we have stayed busy. Of course if you ask Alex- we don’t ever do anything. Being busy is a lot of work…I am exhausted and I still have 6 more weeks to fill. Thank goodness we have plans to go to Mt. St. Helen’s, Ohanepecosh, Lake Sylvia, Ocean Shores and a few other fun trips. Of course I am making sure to take pictures so I have proof when they grow up and want to know why we never went anywhere. I am glad to be a scrapper so I can at least have that as a journal for the kids to enjoy as they get older. I do have to say though, my kids, while they argue, whine, tattle, and truly make me want to pull out my hair, they are my life and I love to do things with them. I love seeing them explore new things. I love the smile on their faces when we are doing things together. I love how they ask questions and think they know answers to the most complex things. I love how they think they are “big” and they can do anything. (that will never go away) I love that I learn more about myself through their eyes than anything else in this life. Kids are hard work- but they truly are the most rewarding- it’s not instant reward but it’s the kind of reward that comes after working for it and looking back and realizing you could have never discovered “that” without them. Children truly are a blessing from God. Not only do I grow closer to them but to my Heavenly Father because it is by having children that we glimpse just a small portion of the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of his children (everyone that ever has lived, lives, or will live). It is hard to think about my kids making poor choices, I can only imagine what our Heavenly Father thinks of all his children on this earth and the choices they are making. But as a mom of children I am realizing, my kids can only learn from their choices, all I can do is teach them the best that I can, give them opportunities for learning, and be a good example- the rest is up to them. (That’s a scary thought) I continue to glean from my children all that I can learn and continue to try to be an example that they want to emulate, even to the slightest degree, praying that they will make good choices for themselves as well as be examples to others in their lives. Isn’t that what this life is all about?

*Picture of Natalee teaches me that life is too short to not enjoy it to its fullest. Not to be afraid to put yourself out there for others to see you, love you and learn from you

*Picture of Alex teaches me that we need to take time to sit back and observe, to relax, to reflect. That while we need to enjoy life to the fullest we must be willing to take a moment and enjoy the view from a distance.

*Picture of Nicholas teaches me that we should not let the "owies" in life get us down. That we need to pick ourselves up, recognize the hurt and where it came from and then move forward a better person for having experienced it. (Don't get me wrong, some "hurts" take a long time to heal but that doesn't mean we have to let the hurt control every aspect of our life. I am sure there are exceptions but its just a simple observation.

I'm not in Kansas anymore!

* I took this picture as the sun was setting on the Mississippi river

What was it like to be in Kansas City with my friend Leslie-without any kids and no one to answer to but myself? Delightful, Mind clearing, relaxing, and oh so much more. I think that every mom, wife, woman should take time such as this to gather her wits and renew themselves- allowing for time to reflect, think, and appreciate the life they have. A day or two isn’t enough, 5-7 days is perfect not only do I find myself longing to be with my husband and children but I am pretty sure they have had ample time to feel the same about me. (I hope) There is nothing like spending time with another family to make you appreciate your own. Pat and Leslie are amazing and I am so thankful to them for putting me up in their guest room and taking me to see all the sites. In 6 days we went through Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. I was able to take in all of the LDS Church Sites in those areas, as well as see the bank that Jesse James held up and the city that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) based his book Tom Sawyer off of. I, of course took a plethora of pictures and will be posting them for all to see when I get them sorted through. I look forward to scrapping them. I am sure a number of my LDS friends will ask which site I enjoyed the most and I must answer- having following in the footsteps of the early saints, beginning in Independence, MO and concluding in Carthage, IL- with all the reflection and the entirety of the trials they endured for their faith- I must say Carthage Jail was all encompassing. My heart was full of emotion the spirit truly testified of the reality of these events further solidifying my testimony that the prophet Joseph Smith is and was a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ and that he restored His church to this earth in this-the last-dispensation. I am so grateful for this once in a life time opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Of course, I loved going to see the Marketplace in Kansas City and eating some authentic Kansas City BBQ. We also had an early 4^th of July picnic with grilling and fireworks to top it off. We played a great new board game called “Ra” which anyone who loves strategy gaming will enjoy. We swam in their new pool and went sliding down the waterslide ( I even got Leslie to do it when her kids had been asking her since they got it.) *Leslie, you have to admit it is exhilarating. We went to swim meets and baseball games for the kids and made excellent Rigatoni last night for dinner and to top it off saw the movie Hancock ( I personally enjoyed it- it was full of humor, drama, and action jam packed in and topped off with googling at Will Smith.) * there is a bit of language in it for those who are sensitive to it. The entire trip was fantastic and the icing on the cake I had time to read a book for fun and I am hooked- I am sure you have heard of the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer and well, after hearing about it myself and receiving the first book from my sister in law for my birthday I started and finished it in record pace while visiting, staying up until the late hours of the night turning the pages faster and faster so I could see what was going to happen. I have butterflies when I am reading the love story and I feel everything they are feeling as if it is happening to me. Once you start reading it, its like a drug and you can’t put it down. Its definitely for tweens but as an adult it takes you back and makes you feel those feelings all over again. I can’t wait to read the next one- in fact as I sit her in the Kansas City airport I am hoping that the Denver airport carries the paperback. Thank you again, my dear husband who gave me this opportunity and my friends and family who helped make it possible.

My husband is great!

I write this in tribute to my husband. Why, you may ask? Well I sit here on a United Airlines Flight, my ultimate destination being Kansas City, KS. It doesn’t sound like a glorious destination however it is not the destination but what awaits me there—my friend, Leslie. As a mother’s day/birthday gift, David presented me with the go ahead to plan a trip to see her. I could write an entire piece about her and the connection we made in such a short time but I must get back to praises about my husband. As of late I have really been thinking about him and the relationship I have with him. We have been married for 11 ½ years and I must say we have been blessed with the things we need, sometimes want…we graduated (he did with my help) from college with no financial burdens, we have 3 wonderful children and yes, we still have each other…we own our home and have even been able to build a garage this year…we truly are blessed. We both come from families who strengthen us to various degrees and support us in all our endeavors, which adds to our already gifted life together. These are a few of my thoughts but those thoughts are about “us” as an entity—we complement each other and bring out personality traits some good, others not so good. Yet my thoughts drift deeper. My natural instinct is to think about what could be better, how he could do more, love more, understand more but what good does that do. Do I want him to do the same for me? I can readily admit his list, while he doesn’t voice it, would be twice as long as mine and so I take those thoughts and set them aside to make way for the true gratitude I have for him and what he does for me. Not only am I on my way to Kansas to relax and reconnect with a dear friend but I get to be gone for entire week. Granted we have family members watching the kids while he is at work but the evenings will be filled with making dinner, cleaning up dishes, jumping on the trampoline, probably some Wii time, song time, prayer time, teeth time, bed time (probably later than normal) and mornings beginning at 6am with Nicholas crawling into bed next to let him know he is hungry for breakfast---and this is just during this week. He gets the entire weekend with the kids and to prepare a talk for Alex to give in primary. I am so grateful he recognizes the need I have to be with friends. Yes, this is a big trip and he has been counting down the days and hours for me but he does this for me weekly. I get to go to the movies, get my nails and toes done, go out to dinner, talk on the phone, do my scrapbooking, and oh, so much more and he makes it possible. While I occasionally complain that all he does is the dishes, I am actually very thankful he does them. I hate to do the dishes and while it may not get done to my standard - the dishes are loaded and unloaded and I don’t have to do it. After a long day at work he always comes home with a smile and is ready to give me a hug with open arms and spend some quality time together. He wrestles with the kids, jumps on the trampoline, is bombarded with a myriad of questions, comments, stories and everything else that comes with having kids and still he smiles and has more patience with me than he needs to with the kids because by the end of the day I am on shut down mode and ready for someone to take over. I know this is rather selfish of me as I think about it more and more and so I find myself being even more thankful for him and wanting to make the necessary changes to show him the love I have for him. But even more so I find myself wanting to treat him as I would a friend. Now we both have different ideas of what a friend is and quite often I find myself treating him less than that and so as I make this tribute I commit to doing so. I truly have a husband to be proud of. I know have a lot more in him that I fail to recognize but as I put aside the natural tendency to think of me and make room for his wants and needs as he does for me I am able to see clearer than ever. I love my husband…he is my friend, my sweetheart and I will treat him so from this day forward. (I do reserve the right to make errors in my endeavor and ask for forgiveness and in so doing become even more appreciative of his love for me and my love for him.)