Holiday Check List

If you chose to continue, you will have to endure my holiday checklist. This years seemed to be a little longer, and I felt a little less motivated to complete it. Not a very good combination! But...it's mostly complete - miracles do happen at Christmas time! :)

1. Christmas Tree up and decorated: check (a week later than usual, but all the same, it's a check)

2. Lights on outside of house: NOT check (I guess that means I don't have to take them down either - I like this plan)

3. Homemade candy made: check (candy eaten: partly check. But the problem is, it's not supposed to be eaten until Christmas!)

4. Head cold: Big fat miserable CHECK

5. Shovel Snow: check and not check (more to come, I'm sure).

6. Christmas package to Kiritimati Island: Check, then check again

7. "Emergency" care packages to Kiritimati Island: check, check, check, check (we're losing our connection to send my parents packages in the future, so all the necessities had to be sent now, last minute notice - but thank heavens for the notice!).

8. Extended family Christmas packages prepared and mailed: check, check, check

9. Ira's office party (that we host): big fat check (literally).

10. Shopping, shopping, and more shopping (and some returns): check, check, check, check, check, check, check etc.

11. Neighbor and friends gifts, cards, party: check

12. Home teaching (I go with Ira), and Visiting Teaching: check

13. Tithing Settlements: HUGE CHECK! (not that I'm the one doing them, but...)

14. Backed up EVERYTHING on my laptop, because it's having issues - so I had to box it up and say goodbye to my 5th baby for a couple weeks: a very sad check

15. House clean, laundry done: not check (but what's new, right?)

16. Wrap: HaLf ChEcK

16 1/2. (numbered such because I forgot this one, and didn't want to renumber everything!): Helped at Emilie's school party: check

17. Jarin's preschool program: Very cute check.

18. Brayden's band concert: check (the pictures are dark because, as I mentioned, my baby #5 is in the shop - that's the computer I can alter pictures with).
19. Emilie and Brayden's piano recital: check and check

20. Emilie's performing group (TaVaci) program: super check

21. Cousin party: Very FUN check!

22. See Santa, give him "the lists": check, check, check, check

23. Family Christmas party: not checked yet, but can't wait.

24. Talk to my parents on the phone: not checked yet, but REALLY can't wait!

25. Kept my sanity: yet to be determined - but the signs are NOT lookin' good

26. Nap: NOT CHECK...but one is definently in the plans - PLEASE let it be sooner than later!

27. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas: CHECK!!!

Birthday Presents

My conversation with Jarin last night went as follows:

Me: Do you know whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas?

Jarin: Jesus.

Me: What birthday present should we give him?

Jarin: Toys

Me: What would he do with toys?

Jarin: Give them to some children.

Me: What else should we give him?

Jarin: a screwdriver

Me: What would he do with that?

Jarin: Give them to a daddy

I think Jarin knows our Savior better than most adults. After all, he walked with him and talked with him just 4 1/2 short years ago.

I do believe that Jesus would give those prized possessions away to anyone in need. Afterall, He gave His very life for all of us.

I have been feeling an emptiness in my heart over this holiday season, just not being able to feel the true spirit of Christmas. That brief conversation finally lit that candle for me. Thank you, once again, for the sweet example of a child.

Looks Are Deceiving

Beautiful, right??? (well, there's better pictures of the snow sparkling like diamonds in the sun, and the blue sky in the background - but this is what I had to work with for now!). But you can picture it, right? It's really breathtaking. But...SO deceiving!!!My attempts at catching those beautiful sparkling snow diamonds - Uhhh...needs work!



Check out that temperature (the -4 one)! NOT so beautiful!!!! And that was just the beginning of how cold it got last night.



This picture was for you mom and dad, hope your enjoying the south pacific!





Jarin's outfit doesn't make him appear to be the smartest chicken in the coop...

Remember...looks can be deceiving!

So what does that say about me??? He REALLY did beat me bad in our game of memory. You see that small stack, (that would be mine). He even helped me get half of those!

Look at that cute little, INNOCENT face! So sweet, right????...

AAwwwww...even sweeter!...

(remember...looks can be deceiving).

NOT so sweet!...

These dishes WERE in the dishwasher before my silent tornado hit.


notice the empty cupboard behind my tornado named Kam.

Really...enough mess already! (notice the last mess from 2 minutes previous is in the background of the newest mess). No exaggeration either...he really does move from mess to mess that quickly.

Oh...and that look in his eyes says it all "who me??? You wouldn't get upset at little 'ol me...would you?"

I can't even keep things up out of his reach - cuz he's found a way. In this case, he's got Ira's razer, and found the table full of Christmas candy.
Oh, time to clean up? So lets just throw it all in the garbage! We have found phones, remotes, toys, dishes...you name it, we've found it...IN THE GARBAGE (or the toilet)! We have an ongoing list of things that have never been found too.

And if you've been to my house and wonder why I can't keep it nice and tidy...well now you know! Times Kamden by 4, and that's the way we live around here. In public we may appear to have it all together...but LOOKS ARE DECEIVING!

And yes...I'm bragging - not complaining!

A Child Shall Lead Them...

Before I fill you in on what came out of the mouth of my babe, I have to fill you in on the circumstances leading up to it.
My morning has followed an outline like the following:

1. boxes covering the floor with Christmas decorations in them (at least they HAD decorations in them, until my littlest two hoodlums have pulled them all out.)

2. Decorations that WERE in boxes, that are now spread all over the floor, are being broken by the same two little hoodlums.

3. As I'm cleaning up one area of the mess, they are causing destruction in another.

4. Several ornaments that were on the tree are now broken.

5. Kamden (yes, my 17 month old), has found a way to climb up the bar stools and get onto the counter. The counter is where I keep these valuables that I don't want broken!

The list could go on, but it's pretty much more of the same thing. I even had the thought that if I didn't have these kids here, I could get so much accomplished. I am trying to keep my cool, and smile my way through this - but a great big *sigh* escaped my lips. To which Jarin sweetly began to sing, "I Am A child Of God..."

Alrighty then, point well taken! I was very gently and sweetly taught a valuable lesson today. One that I hope will see me through the rest of the day - as I often so quickly forget the lessons being taught to me. It's true that if I didn't have these children here, I would have a spotless house, full of beautiful decorations. But what good would that do me if it was always spotless...and lonely?

Thank you Jarin (and all of my family) for being so patient with me as you teach me the most important lessons in life.

"I Am A Child of God, and He has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear.
Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday."

5K...again

So I did it again. Let me take you on a walk (or run) down memory lane:

Back in August, I think it was, I ran my first ever 5K. It was pure torture! I hated every minute of it, and I felt extremely out of place with the world of runners.

Now fast forward to this weekend. Smithfield held it's annual "Turkey Trot" 5K or 10K. I had thought I would do it, but when it came right down to it, I scheduled something else instead (shopping, who can go wrong with that?)- DaRn, right?! Well, my shopping plans fell through on Friday afternoon. Now what was I to do? I knew there was a big storm coming in during the night, so I told myself that if it wasn't snowing in the morning, then I would go run. Guess what? As luck would have it - it wasn't snowing. (The first time all season I've actually WANTED to see snow!). So with Ira's pushing me out the door, I went.

I was so stinkin' nervous! I'm not even sure why, who really cared? Who really cared that I looked like a dork in my long white and short black layered pants? Who really cared if I came in dead last? (I didn't, but almost! - and if I had - SO WHAT?!). Who really cared if I walked once in awhile? So why was I so nervous????? I dunno, but I was shaking when I was trying to fill out my registration form. But I had to do it. I had to give it another try after having such a miserable experience the first time around. I just had to see what all this "fun" was about. And guess what? It was still hard. I'm still slow as mud. BUT, I could almost call it fun. So I guess I better try it again, until I can really call it fun. Cuz this time came pretty close to the title.

I met up with my hiking friends after the race. Of course they were at the finish line, along with Ira, cheering me on since they finished WAY before me! Oh well...at least I finished, right? (at least that's what I keep trying to tell myself).

Ann and I sporting our new shirts. After all, we only do these crazy things for the shirt and the picture, right?


Now that it's over, I'm really excited to try it again.
Uh-Oh, does this mean that running is getting in my blood?
I hope not, cuz I think a 10K actually would kill me! Then when I'm done with that (assuming I actually survived it), what's next... a half marathon?...I DON'T THINK SO! Then, heaven forbid, a full Marathon?
Um...how 'bout I just keep trying to survive my 5K's?

Night Hike Retreats

You know what they say, "All good things must come to an end." (I totally disagree with this statement, but that's a thought for another day). In this case...a great activity is being "put on hold" (NOT coming to an END), until it gets warmer, or we decide to take a trip to a warmer location during the winter months - I'm ALL for that! I've never been one to hang out with the girls (not since being married anyways). And when I saw some gals in our neighborhood doing night hikes, I just couldn't resist - I had to join in. (It is an open invitation to anyone who wants to go...next summer). It has been really fun for me to get out, get some exercise, get to know other people, and laugh myself silly. I'm going to miss these weekly adventures, but it will give me something to look forward to next spring.


Smithfield Canyon Hike

Ann, Jaelynne, Me, Shanna & Melanie

Jardines "short cut"

This was our biggest group - and the hike turned out to be a walk through cow poop (that's what we get for trying something new and a "shortcut"). So we ate our smorgasboard of treats, then went to Village Inn and ate some more. Not much hiking this night - but LOTS of eating!

Crimson Trail

This was one of my favorite hikes. It was the hardest hike of them all, but I felt like I had really accomplished something by the time I reached the top. I imagine this is a beautiful hike in the light. I would shine my flashlight across the drop-off and see shear cliff walls on the other side.

Of course we can't burn all those calories without replacing them.

This time was cookies and cinnamon rolls. Mmmmm...Mmmmm....GOOD!

Nicky, Ann, Melanie, Shaley, Jaelynne, Shanna

It's Official

Our family has now officially entered a new stage of life, a stage of complete and total insanity. A stage of off-the-chart emotions. A stage of talking back. A stage of random conversations. A stage of lots of laughter. A stage of "maybe girls don't have cooties". A stage of eyes rolling. A stage of silly games and parties. A stage of "don't give me a hug when anyone can see - that's just not cool."

We have been in this stage for quite some time now, but as of today it is official. As of today, I will no longer have a home free of a teenager for 18 more long years. EIGHTEEN years of teenagers!!!??? Hold on tight...it's going to be a fun ride!
It's official that my "baby boy" is no longer my baby (at least that's what HE thinks! - but I know that he'll always be my baby boy). I'm not handing over the car keys anytime soon!

It's official that having a teenager in my home makes me old, and "old fashioned" (in his words). I remember so well when I turned 13, and my dad called me a "teeny-bop" for the following 7 years. I thought I was so old and wise. And it doesn't seem that long ago in my mind.

It's official that I love Brayden more each day. He really is a lot of fun to have around.

Me holding my sweet baby boy, 13 years ago

When he was about 5 years old

Wrestling the gators in 2005.

That wasn't that long ago - but it's amazing to me to look at this picture and see how much he's changed.

My teeny-bop. What a handsome kid!

Halloween

I haven't been much for blogging these days (what is the DEAL?) So I'm finally back on the bandwagon.

Halloween:

I have a love/hate relationship with Halloween. I love the fall, the fun activities, the traditional chili with cinnamon rolls dinner before sending the kids out into the cold night.

BUT, I really hate all the candy that we (I) consume. I hate the money we (I) spend on costumes and candy.

But not THIS year...this was the year I was going to change it all!

This year I didn't buy a single costume. We just dug through the dress-up box, and the kids were thrilled with what they discovered.

This year I haven't had a single piece of candy. Now I went to extremes for this one. I actually scheduled an appointment with an oral surgeon to have my wisdom teeth taken out (SECOND TIME THIS YEAR), just so I wouldn't eat candy! Not really, but it's a good story, right? I actually did have my teeth pulled (and it really was for the second time - and they were impacted, so it was really that bad), but not for the sake of not having candy. I just replaced the candy with milk shakes. But whatever the story, how many people on this planet can actually say they didn't have a single piece of candy on Halloween, or the week leading up to halloween? I am now part of that very exclusive club! (Next week...bring on the candy ;). )

We're always up for a party. We took the party to Pocatello this year to cheer on my brother, Tysons, football team at the Dome, then Halloween madness at my sister Kellis. Picture above, she is making the most YUMMY cinnamon rolls on the planet - double batch. I won't disclose how many of those babies I ate, but YUUU-MMY! The kids waiting for their chili and cinnamon rolls, so they can go out and collect their loot.

My nephew just got back from serving a mission in DC - it's so fun to have him part of the party again! Our kids adore him!

The young monsters.

(hey...I can call my kids monsters on this day, and not have it be an insult! - why didn't I think of this sooner?) You little monsters...you monsters...you monsters!!

Check out these cutest little creatures ever (so I'm a bit prejudiced). Try having three 1 year olds sit still and smile for the camera. NOT gonna happen!

Ryan, Kamden, Des

We went to the Pumpkin Walk too. There are some very imaginative people in Logan (I'm NOT one of them). I took the above picture for you, mom and dad!



I simply could not resist adding this picture. Kamdens facial expression just matches the character. I'm sure his wisdom does too, he is MY son afterall! (my family is laughing hysterically at that comment now, I'm sure!)

We went to 10th Street Grill (10th West in Logan), and they were having a pumpkin carving party and served soup, breadsticks and hot cider. So much fun!! And so yummy! Of course, my kids had to pick the BIGGEST pumpkins there. That hummer that Brayden picked was so heavy, even when it was carved, that I couldn't carry it out to the car! Besides the fun company and yummy food - there was no mess for me to clean up!!! HELLO...GREAT IDEA!!!

Our family also won the first place prize for our carved pumpkins. I'm sure we won that due to our expertise in carving pumpkins, not cuz Emi put on the tears right when they were looking at hers cuz it wasn't going as she wanted.

Here's to you...

Mom & Dad. I know it is sweltering hot in the south pacific, but THIS is the alternative! Of course there is not tons of it, and my kids think they have to pull out ALL the snow clothes. (can you hear me sighing and see me rolling my eyes?) AND...to hold to tradition, it had to come BEFORE Halloween!!!!!

Moving on...

So I have been walking around my house feeling pretty sorry for myself for a few days now, and worried for my parents and their new lives (refer to post below). Today, we got an EMAIL from my parents, yes...COMMUNICATION! I would SO love to be able to talk to them, visit them, send frequent packages etc., but at least there is email (even if it is slow as tar and hit and miss at its best).
So today I'm moving on! Instead of feeling sorry for myself and all I'm missing. My view is changing to being excited for them. They were met at the airport by the elders and sisters. There are dinners set up for them for a week from branch members. There really are people on the Kiribati island who will love my parents as much as we do. Now, I actually feel a tinge bit of jealousy! What a fantastic experience my parents get to have. YIPPEEE!! I can't wait to start seeing pictures and hearing about their experiences. Let the fun begin!

Goodbye...for now

I love getting to hear the voice and message of our latter-day prophet of God. The scriptures are full of testimonies of prophets in history, so it only makes sense that God would have a prophet on the earth today as well. He loves His children now every bit as much as He loved His children in the Old and New Testaments. I love the Book of Mormon, and how it goes hand in hand with the Bible. It is another one of those things that just makes sense to me of a loving Heavenly Father. I mean, if God was commanding people on one continent to keep a record (the Bible), then wouldn't he also command people on the other continent to keep a record (The Book of Mormon)? If God sent angels to people in the Bible, then why is it so unbelievable that He would send an angel to Joseph Smith to show him the record that had been kept on the American continent? If God the Father had shown himself to prophets in the Bible, then why is it so unfathomable that He would show himself again in latter-days?

I just said goodbye for 18 months to two of the most important people in my life. My parents left on their mission for the LDS Church to go to Christmas Island (part of the Marshall Islands in the South pacific) to share this same message and serve the people there. They will be on this small island with a population of 5000 people. There are land -line phones, but nothing to where we can call and talk, no cell phones. They can't call out even to the mission president whose island is 2000 miles away. They have dial-up internet...IF the power is working (which is very hit and miss). We can't send letters because they just get lost. We hoped that we would at least be able to send packages through a lady who works for the airline that goes over to that island, but that is now looking very doubtful. They will live in a home that is the size of my living room, with a small bed and a fridge (if the power is working - they have a fridge). I won't butter it up by saying that it is all great, and it's all for a good cause. Truth is...it isn't great. My heart is broken, and I will miss them terribly. However, it IS for a good cause. I KNOW that my parents wouldn't leave the comforts of their home, the farm, their friends, their family for any other reason than to serve God, and knowing that their family will be blessed for their service. And to share these truths with people on the isles of the sea. They are a great example to all of us, even from thousands of miles away. Right now, I'm not even sure how to make it through the day, let alone 18 L-O-N-G months! But I do know that Heavenly Father will hear our prayers, and even though my parents can't call us, they can make that "phone call" to heaven, where there is always an answer on the other end.

We love you mom and dad! God be with you till we meet again.

Kisses for mom and dad

Grandmas last comforts for Kamden

Walking my sisters family to their car as they depart

Grandpa & Grandma looking on after the goodbyes have been said.

A picture can say 1000 words.

My daddy after having said goodbye to some of the family.