Drew's Crew

April Showers

2011-05-03T14:12:00.001-06:00

My oh my--this last April about put me over. There were A LOT of rainy days and gray skies--and that's coming from a girl who LOVES Seattle!!

Here were a few bright spots.

The little chick finally started strutting her stuff.

Finding pictographs at Zion National Park

Hiking with the three hooligans

Saturday springtime soccer

Candy-filled eggs--parent taxed, of course

Sunday Best

Toothy grins!

2011-04-03T14:38:00.001-06:00

Lucky

2011-03-08T23:02:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday handsome!

Fourteen years ago I remember picking you up for a hot date to celebrate the day of your birth. While both slaving away at the books we managed a break from our studies. We went to your favorite restaurant--Louie's. We ordered yummy food and were so excited to drench our romaine and iceberg with the trendy dressing of the time--raspberry vinaigrette. I gave you rag-wool socks and probably a few York Peppermint Patties. I am pretty sure the night ended with a sweet Birthday kiss! You were LUCKY.

Now here we are. You are working your guts out and making it possible for me to stay home to raise the sweet hooligans. We garnish our baby greens with many new favorites. You have the softer feet because you're still a fan of special socks. And, we've traded in the Peppermint Patties for salted caramels. I am LUCKY.

You challenge me. You have expectations. You reach goals. Together we've been challenged. Together we've fallen short, met and exceeded expectations. And, together we have reached goals! We are both LUCKY.

I love you and hope that you have a wonderful year.

I am so glad that you were born!

Sweetness

2010-12-08T23:07:00.003-07:00

Sometimes people say they love their little kids so much that they could just eat them--it's a funny thought, but I really get it. I could nibble on these little cheeks all day long.

She's a JOY. Maybe it's that third kid thing. It's all more familiar; I can let loose a bit and have more fun . . . Maybe I am just older . . . Maybe it's nice that she doesn't talk back . . . yet.

Regardless, I love her.

And I am wild about these hooligans too!

Let there be PEAS on earth!

2010-12-03T23:12:00.000-07:00

Can you guess who is who? I sure love these sweet peas!

My top 10 about Ashwee Whippet

2010-08-11T23:02:00.001-06:00

She is always up for a good time.
She loves to make yummy food.
She is forgiving.
She has fun with ALL kids--especially hers!
She is supportive.
She doesn't beat around the bush.
She does what's right.
She gets stuff done.
She's a strong woman.
She's finally joined me in the THIRTIES and now I don't feel so lonely!

I adore you and admire you from afar. HAPPY BIRTHDAY sis. I hope it's been a great one.

We are FAMILY

2010-07-27T12:49:00.001-06:00

We got together and it was GREAT! We were missing three (frown).

These are a few of my favorite things (smile):

My mom's Chex Mixes--yumm
Cousins playing together
Uncle Mckay getting buried alive by the nieces and nephews (with pillows)
Watching my brother, Tony, create an oar out of drift wood and garbage from the beach
Playing games--I can't get enough (unless it's PIT with three people--it does NOT work)
Watching my daughter pull herself into the boat after a failed attempt at wakeboarding (I have never seen anyone get in a boat so fast)
In-it-to-win-it OREO eating
Everyone's efforts to be there

So. Much. Fun.

2010-06-25T22:30:00.002-06:00

Fifty years!

Yes, my in-laws have been married for 50 years. We celebrated in Mexico with all of their children and it was really great. A BIG thank you to the nieces and nephews who watched all of the little people (minus Carmen, she was clearly along for the fun!).

My top ten memories from the trip:

Waking up to the birds at 5:45 am. Really it was a treat. The garden at the place we stayed had this huge cage of birds in it. Waking up to them reminded me that we were in jungle territory.
Carlos' enchiladas. Oh they were so good. I wish I would have watched him make them.
The Mayan Ruins, specifically Ek Balam.
Swimming in cenotes.
Guac and pico EVERY day! And I did not have to make it.
Attempting to speak Spanish--I should really send thank you notes to those who endured it.
Listening to my guy speak Spanish--English does not elicit such excitement and passion in his everyday conversations.
Do I dare say food again?? Okay, yes, Limonadas--I did have Carlos teach me that one.
The towel creations--on our beds.
Being able to i-chat with our kids and knowing they were in great hands!

p.s. I have NO idea why it's spacing things like this . . .

GOA*L!!!

2010-05-20T10:18:00.000-06:00

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about GOALS and priorities. It seems like this motherhood thing is a revolving effort to properly balance my time between creating happy memories with my children, keeping my house managed, equipping my children with the tools they will need to contribute to a happy world, and you know I could keep going.

As I sit and feed Carmen (whatever shall we call her in the blog world?), I think about all of this. When I am done I think, "Oh crud, where do I begin?" I would so love to know how all of my friends and family find their balance. Maybe I can implement some of your game plans.

p.s. S#1's soccer--HILARIOUS! She is the frolicking queen. If there is a dandelion on the field, she WILL find it. If there's a good spot for a cartwheel--it's going to happen If there's a need to have a water break--she will find the water bottle. She has a great hop with her kick. Spring soccer--A BLAST!

So much to post, so little time

2010-05-17T08:24:00.001-06:00

Just coming up for air. And responding to the overwhelming request for photos of sweet Carmen.

I am totally eating my words (spoken within the first week of her life), "Why wasn't I good at getting stuff done when S#1was a baby? I feel like I have so much time."

(She must have known we were leaving--yes a date night--celebrated 12 years of marriage!)

Life has gone into overdrive and I've got white knuckles.

Not a day goes by when I don't create a post in my mind and I think there are a few unpublished drafts just waiting for their turn.

I've got a feeling this week is the week . . . I may actually come out of hibernation!

2010-02-05T21:34:00.002-07:00

A little update.

You don't suppose he just pinched her do you?

Look at them thar Hills

2009-12-28T22:45:00.010-07:00

We are thrilled to announce our newest discovery--a new Hill in Idaho! Nope, not a geological find--a new little person and we couldn't be happier.

Hill: Carmen Heather

Date of descent: December 27, 2009

Peak elevation: 1.58 feet (19 inches)

Weight: 5 pounds 15 ounces

p.s. baby and mother are doing great!

Budding in Winter

2009-12-21T23:41:00.007-07:00

Today I saw buds. Not on the trees--but as I looked at my little girl. I have been an admirer for many years of many components of her personality, but I must admit that it feels like she is so often pushing my buttons that I fail to appreciate her as I should.

After I had read a very CLEVER Christmas card (yes--you Liz/Dan Player!) to S#1 the word "budding" came up for discussion. As I explained the meaning to her I had a flood of thoughts enter my mind. All of the ways--just today--that she is growing up and continually becoming more fabulous and amazing--to me.

Now, lest you worry, this is not a bragging post. Simply one of those "ah hah!" moments when you recognize how blind you have been.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a mother to my two little people. I am even more thankful for the moments that I realize what a sacred role it is.

I have been privileged to be with child during the Christmas season through each of my pregnancies. Each time I have considered Mary and her thoughts about giving birth to the Messiah. In Luke 2 we read about the birth of the Savior and all of the excitement regarding his entrance to the world. My favorite verse--reads:

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (v. 19).

Mary was aware of who He was and His role--I am sure she was in awe more often than not. Although my intention is not to liken my little one to the Savior, I can't deny the admiration I feel for her and all of the good in her. Today she has awed me.

A Dignified Position . . .

2009-12-16T18:28:00.005-07:00

On Sunday we shared a birthday dinner with my niece. Per her request we were all given a FORTUNE COOKIE to open after we ate. We enjoyed listening to everyone's as we sat digesting. I finally cracked mine open to reveal:

You will find yourself in a
dignified position
in the end.

I burst out laughing. SERIOUSLY?! At this point in time my belly is sticking out so far I don't think any position I am in right now seems remotely dignified. Additionally, HOW ON EARTH could my position "in the end" be DIGNIFIED?!

Although I treasure motherhood and find pregnancy and childbirth remarkable, I am now to the point where I remember what is coming around the corner and I am wanting to backpedal.

Someone please help me . . .

Oh and Happy Christmas!

Give me some of your tots . . .

2009-10-09T22:36:00.006-06:00

Look at that mountain of starchy goodness!

We recently took a trip to the A-Daddy's homeland. It was quick, but nice. We experienced our first, "Oh crap, we have a child in school now--we can't just stay on vacation until dad needs to get back to work."

picking out clods

We did opt to miss a day of academic training to teach our kids where REAL FOOD comes from. Although neither one of them really likes a baked spud or even mashed ones, they are definitely fans of the fried and chip varieties. Yes, I am a dietitian and yes, my children eat chips and fries!

They sure love you Jadems!

It was fun to have them learn all about the process of harvesting spuds.

The lovely tour guide

Thanks for the tour, the strong work, and of course the HUMONGOUS box of spuds fresh from the producer! We sure are lucky folks!

Worth its weight in GOLD!

2009-09-05T12:32:00.020-06:00

Joe Jaszewski / Idaho Statesman

It's all been worth it! We've been away from family for YEARS (10 to be exact) and the last two days we have been able to CA$H in. Two football games, two brothers, backpacks full of snacks, cousins shaking gold pom-poms, loads of family, sweaty hugs . . .

Joe Jaszewski / Idaho Statesman

And then, because a sister can brag (right?), newspaper articles to read (here and here)--just to increase my JOY and lengthen my celebration!

Joe Jaszewski / Idaho Statesman

I am clearly delighted. Go JJ and McKay!

JJ-#8 and McKay-#21 (behind #62)

Here is the team serenading their fans with the school song following the game--cute tradition I thought.

p.s. Ultrasound yesterday--baby looks great.

What Good Luck--What Bad Luck

2009-08-09T17:44:00.008-06:00

As a kid my mom had this story she'd tell. It was some stick person (a good one, she doodles quite well) who experienced all different things. The good (what good luck) mixed in with the bad (what bad luck).

Unfortunately I do not recall why she told this story then, but as an adult I have come to understand the What Good Luck--What Bad Luck experiences in life as opposition. We come to know the good because we've experienced the bad, less desirable, or uncomfortable. There's a scripture in the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 2:11), that states:

For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, . . . righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.

My life has been filled with various moments of opposition, which have given me the ability to appreciate and enjoy the final outcome or at least the earthly one. Don't worry, I'm not going to go into detail about my life's struggles.

Instead, enjoy a few of our What Good Luck--What Bad Luck moments that have shaped our last few years, months or days:

What Good Luck--we FINALLY finished training!
What Bad Luck--we had to leave good friends, my favorite GYM ever, yummy food, fireflies, and the BEST schedule ever behind.

What Good Luck--we have a new house and lots more space!
What Bad Luck--I have more to clean (smile).

What Good Luck--we live close to good friends and family!
What Bad Luck--we're not sure how to juggle it all!

Grandkids the family reunion--missing a few

What Good Luck--S#1 finished preschool.
What Bad Luck--now she's really BIG and moves on to Kindergarten.

High-five for the five-year old graduate

What Good Luck--we have a fun local Farmer's Market.
What Bad Luck--the road we take into downtown has been CLOSED and the commute has become looooooooong!

Yummy donuts at the market

What Good Luck--S#2 has become more comfortable in the swimming pool.
What Bad Luck--he STILL doesn't want to immerse his head (Jackson help us!).

What Good Luck--We finally get to add another child to our family
What Bad Luck--we will have THREE children's birthdays in January!

I realize I started this on a more serious note--there was a purpose for that. Life changes, we have to stretch and hopefully we learn. The things we experience, BIG and small, good and bad, really do shape us. I feel so blessed and to be perfectly honest, I feel bad for even writing "What Bad Luck."

Yeah, I know, none of it is really bad!

Getting my ducks in a row

2009-05-01T13:41:00.006-06:00

Photo from castillion.deviantart.com

I was recently sent an email of all sorts of funny and clever pictures of animals. Sydney loved looking at it and laughing. When I got to this picture, she wasn't super interested, but it totally hit home for me. I feel like my daily quest is to get my "ducks in a row." Sometimes that means my kids, sometimes that means my house, sometimes it's our finances, sometimes it's my cooking, sometimes my fitness, and sometimes it's my spirituality.

I've never been really good at prioritizing. I can do things that are important . . . I do them everyday. But I tend to be a very reactionary person. This system works to a certain degree, but it's not completely functional.

As one who struggles with confidence I have made a very conscious effort the last several months to focus on letting my confidence wax strong in the presence of God (D&C 121:45). In this scripture and the one following it we are encouraged and given promises.

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth . . .

Although my efforts have not been perfect, they have been good, and I have been incredibly blessed! The Holy Ghost has been my constant companion, my confidence has been strong, my testimony has grown and my desire to live, parent and love righteously has increased.

May you know, that I know, that getting your spiritual ducks in a row is worth the reward.

One Year Older and Wiser Too

2009-03-17T14:31:00.002-06:00

Our kids have Birthdays 2 years and 3 days apart. These delightful days also come less than one month after Christmas. I feel bad for the kiddos--I get excited about their special days, but sometimes there isn't a ounce of creativity left following the holidays. I often seriously consider celebrating their 1/2 Birthdays.

So, nearly TWO months have passed since the days occurred. What do ya say I bring you some photos? HA!

S#1 is a SWEET fiend. If I have enjoyed chocolate anywhere in the house and she is not present she soon will be--asking, "mom, did you just eat chocolate." WHAT?! She enjoyed cupcakes with perfectly chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

We had some friends come over in celebration of S#2's day. They were sweet and brought gifts. Dr. Cowboy actually made a rope maker to create one of the gifts--a rope so that we could lasso the kids. I think it may come in handy when I am out in public and getting those evil eyes from persons thinking my kids should be closer to me or on a leash of sorts.

Dr. Cowboy getting a tight hold on the Birthday Boy!

The A-Daddy had a bit of trouble catching the little man, but he's gotten a bit better since then!

Lastly, my littlest man is in love with Little Einsteins. His sister gave him a "rocket" for Christmas and it is a beloved toy. I attempted to make a "rocket" cake.

I am fearful that it was more of a carcinogen than a cake--that frosting took a lot of red food coloring--YIKES!

I am so thankful for my two little people and yeah, maybe we will celebrate 1/2 Birthdays just for kicks!

Here Comes the SUN!

2009-03-05T11:56:00.006-07:00

I called my sister today. We did our usual catch up--which also included our talk about the weather. Usually she gets to BRAG about how gloriously warm it is in Vegas and my teeth chatter as we chit chat. Today, yes my friends, it is ONE DEGREE warmer here than Las Vegas. We decided this needed to be documented.

The temperature reads in at a balmy 56-degrees . . . lovely really.

p.s. there's actually no sun, but I don't care--I am NOT frozen and that's really all that matters right now.

I am thankful for sour cream

2009-02-27T08:50:00.011-07:00

Yesterday morning when I woke up it was a gray, dreary Seattle day. For many months, basically since winter hit around here, I have longed to be in Seattle (a.k.a. my heaven). I've thought the rain and gray skies there wouldn't bug me because I would have more mild temperatures, beautiful green EVERYTHING, mountains, my favorite restaurants, delightful friends, etc. But with yesterday's grayness I had the reminder that the grass is not always greener, that the grayness of Seattle would probably affect my mood despite the surrounding beauty (don't worry, there are some delightful friends here too). I decided I just really needed to be happy where I am--that's the point right?

Several months ago, at a local church meeting, we were encouraged to keep a list of things we were thankful for each day. I have been doing this faithfully and I have been amazed at the blessings that come my way. More importantly, the realizations that I come to regularly because of these simple blessings makes my smile.

A few years ago a church leader, President Henry B. Eyring, also encouraged us to write things down. His approach was to ask: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” From his talk O Remember, Remember:

My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done.

I really do believe that we are blessed as we remember the good that is constantly happening in our lives.

Now, with all of this said, I found myself a little frustrated yesterday. Help me come up with reasons to be grateful these things happened:

My kids turned the fridge to "off"--I don't know when. When I reached inside to grab items for breakfast they were luke warm.
When tossing some of the aforementioned luke warm food, I managed to wipe-out on the icy sidewalk--imagine the two containers of sour cream in my hand splatting all over. Oh to be a neighbor watching me. Just FYI--the hose is not hooked up so how does one get sour cream off of a frozen sidewalk?

Gathering

2009-02-10T20:21:00.006-07:00

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11

This week has been a hopeful one for me. There are often Sunday nights I find myself anxious about what the new week will bring. This last Sunday night I went to bed in peace--even with a bit of JOY and anticipation.

Although I have shared a few times how I value my role as a mother, it is surely something that has been more difficult than I had ever imagined. Satan is constantly at work in encouraging me to see and seek my failures as a parent and homemaker. When he's doing his job well (or when I am not as strong as I should be) I live anxiously and negatively.

Today while studying Isaiah 40 I was impressed by the verse I included above. Although the phrase "and shall gently lead those that are with young" may be literally referring to pregnant sheep, today and probably forever now, I am choosing to think that it is referring to Christ gently leading mothers who so desperately need Him.

I do.

Gathering is hard for me and I do a lot of it as a mother. I gather clothes, toys, books, garbage, food--those things aren't too difficult. But gathering little people--more difficult. Getting my little people out the door (pretty much anywhere) tests me. I am striving to be more gentle.

It is interesting to me that we hear gather in the Old and New Testament, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Christ continually gathers. Additionally, when there are scriptural accounts of Christ being near children they are brought to him. He gathered and He blessed them. He was gentle.

I find that when my kids and I have gathered a stack of books and then gather to the couch we experience my greatest moments of the day. Oh that I will gather more gently and more often there and that I will remember that he is gently leading me . . .

So fooled!

2009-01-24T09:32:00.009-07:00

It is beautiful outside! I mean really, if I were in Seattle on a day like this I would have thought I must be in HEAVEN.

I am itching to go outside; thought I would take the kids on a walk.

I check the temperature.

This is what I see:

Sunny
-1°F
Feels Like -16°F

So rude I think Mr. Sunshine.

Yes, I know the SUN picture looks like a sunny side up egg.
Yes, I know it can be colder and has been.
Yes, I know I can still go outside.
Yes Ash, you are over 60-degrees warmer than me.
Is there a positive to this? ABSOLUTELY!! I will get more done inside today. Maybe.

A Bejeweled Birthday

2009-01-20T19:53:00.010-07:00

I'm five, I'm FIVE, I'm a big girl now I'm FIVE

Yes, it was S#1's day on Monday. She's been so very excited and anticipating so many things. I am not sure which part was more FABULOUS for her:

Going out on a date with dad--shopping and lunch. The hunk o' burning love LOVES to shop and S#1 loves to try stuff on. Can you imagine the fun?
Getting to chew GUM for the first time. Legally at least--at age 3 she asked for a piece and I desperately threw out an age at which I thought she could manage a wad of sticky gooey stuff in her mouth. Five seemed so far away.

The two were gone for what seemed to be hours. I missed them both. And S#2, boy the kid looked out the window for his sis and dad every 20 minutes. I guess I should say we both missed them. Our together time was nice though.

For Christmas S#1 received a skirt (the LOOOOONG one she requested on her Christmas list) from her grandparents (thank you for looking HIGH and low and making her wish come true). It came equipped with a BEJEWELED belt that my little fashionista adores. Fortunately for the sweetheart the top accompanying the skirt is also BEJEWELED! Oh the jewels. Please direct your eyes to the shoes in the picture below. Yes, the are BEJEWELED. She is thrilled!

Happy Birthday kiddo--you have definitely added life to my every day!

Living the Single Life and TOTALLY Negative

2009-01-15T08:48:00.005-07:00

To what am I referring? OH, just the temperature! It is WICKED cold here. The last few days the highs have been in the single digits, and today, the high will be -5 (it's currently registering at the balmy reading of -14--please come visit us)!

My sister keeps requesting pictures of the snowfall (since they don't really know what snow is in Las Vegas--wait! Didn't it snow last month??). It's just TOO cold to go out and shoot, so here are some from last month.

While my man was shoveling (in the very warm and insulated scrub bottoms) the kids received SHOVEL rides. They had so much fun!

Well, thank goodness something in this cold weather is HOT!

The Good, the bad and the BEAUTIFUL!

2009-01-12T13:15:00.005-07:00

We are back. Yes--BACK! Holy moley I didn't think it would come. We went to Idaho for a wedding several days before Christmas (stayed a week in fact), then my hunk o' burning love had to come back and work for three days. Since his schedule stradled Christmas we all came back home. Then we left again for what will soon be home. We stayed for two weeks.

Fourteen days.

336 hours.

We are glad to be back in our own space. There's a freedom that comes with it. Freedom to do what you like, when you like. But it's quiet . . . although welcomed, causes me to smile at the privilege of being able to mingle so regularly with people I love for those last several weeks.

The good
We spent lots of time with family. Ate favorite foods. Sumo wrestled. Saw many wonderful friends! Drank lots of hot chocolate. Survived nine flights!!

The bad
We engaged in ZERO exercise (i-yi-yi!) unless you want to count being BLoWn down the mountain at Targhee (yeah, our snowboarding trip was cut short due to poor weather). We hopped from house to house to house so many times that we managed to leave or lose things pretty much everywhere. I determined that I get car sick--or maybe it's just VAN sick. Or maybe it was just the Van's way of getting me back for running the running board over a curb?! (yes, I damaged my sister-in-law's van--YIKES!).

The beautiful
We were able to take three cousins with us on a road trip (yes we had FIVE for a few days) to see other cousins while their mom was on bedrest. We found houses we adore (one of which keeps me up at night because I get so excited thinking about it!!). We ate at a delightful restaurant I can't wait to revisit. Made friends with the flight attendants.

I shall post pictures when I've conquered Mt. Laundry!

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

2008-12-24T15:41:00.002-07:00

Only a HIPPOPOTAMUS will do!

I know that gift giving/receiving are not the focus of the season, but every time I hear this song. I crack up!

Please tell me you've had a chance to hear it?

Rulekeeper meet Rulebreaker

2008-12-12T06:52:00.005-07:00

I play by the rules. I do things that are safe. I think I learned it from my mom. My husband is convinced that my "prepare for the worst and then be pleasantly surprised by great outcomes" is a miserable way to live. Sometimes I agree.

I think that my rule keeping days are to be beaten out of me. I am beginning to believe that S#1 and her dad are conspiring to "fix me."

She is great. Ever the fashionista--the A-daddy is thrilled!! Finally someone who will love shopping with him. Please note, I do not mind being the recipient of his purchases. Anyhow, you gotta love her sporting S#2's tie and shirt with the undies?? She was very proud of this ensemble.

On to the rule keeping. Because I am home I am the primary ENFORCER. I have decided she must hear "NO" too much because today she said to me, "Mom, why can't we call November YESvember?"

Why can't we?

SNOW Day

2008-12-09T08:15:00.004-07:00

We have LOTS of *SNOW*--gobs of it in fact.

We were to expect 6-8 inches last night.

The A-daddy finally got the driveway cleared enough to pull out, only to get stuck four times in our little neighborhood (they don't plow it and it has turned into a luge run of sorts) on the way to work. He is of course trying to determine how he will get around our fair city for the next 4 months until all of it melts. Feet, the bus, some old 4-wheel drive something or other.

I just want cocoa, our fireplace, a cozy sweater, and a book. Out of necessity however, I think I shall have a date with the washing machine and dryer--maybe I will invite my headphones?

I am just waiting for the kids to decide that they want to make a mess of the back yard which seriously looks like it is covered in a thick layer of whipped cream (not Cool Whip --eww).

Just so you know, it is still coming down and it is oh so pretty.

Come What May and Love It

2008-12-02T09:23:00.009-07:00

I have had a lot of things on my mind for the last several days--like everyone I am sure. Some of those things have brought me a great deal of joy, others some anxiety and excitement, and then a few--a bit of discouragement. Having just had Thanksgiving I have been grateful that I've been able to channel my thoughts to those of gratitude, but I will admit, some of the gloomy things have crept in.

I am so thankful for prayer and the opportunity we have to solicit the Lord's aid in helping us find peace in our lives. I am also incredibly grateful for the words of Prophets, present and past. Today I noticed that Elder Wirthlin passed away. His last conference talk was probably written and shared specifically for me. What a wonderful message his mother shared, that in the face of difficulty and disappointment that one should remember "come what may and love it."

Elder Wirthlin gave some wonderful counsel--to learn to laugh, seek the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation and to trust in the Father and the Son. I think some of my favorite quotes are these:

I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

I need to remember, that like Elder Wirthlin, I have seen examples of happy people working through adversity and I myself, have been the beneficiary of amazing compensation from the Lord. Oh that I will have greater faith!!

It's a MARSHMALLOW World

2008-11-25T07:24:00.003-07:00

It's a time for play it's a whipped cream day

The world is your snowball see how it grows

We woke up to a winter wonderland yesterday--although I guess it is not technically winter yet. The kids had a ball. We were grateful that we had purchased a new snow suit for S#2 on Saturday (the one we were counting on fitting him didn't--so much for thinking the hand-me-down thing would work). Ice castle building, snow eating, and of course, lots of *SNOW* angels--so fun!

I wait for it the whole year 'round

Still CRAZY, but crazy about the CUTIES!

2008-11-20T08:29:00.008-07:00

What do you do with a scurvy pirate?

Last week I was feeling CRAZY. Although my post was not written to solicit kind remarks from friends and family on my parenting, thank you.

I told the A-daddy that I really did want answers from all of you. Solutions. I guess maybe we are all in search of those huh?

I have long thought that really I just need to be better about identifying my priorities. When in college or working the office that was usually pretty easy, a test here, a project there . . . with little ones it seems that plans have to be in flux to accommodate their fragile needs (last minute potty trips, breakdowns about the chosen outfit, one more story). Many people have recently cited President Monson's talk, Finding Joy in the Journey as a necessary and powerful reminder to relish these special times with children.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly.

I remember hearing this quote and thinking, "Has he forgotten?" as I feel like many who are out of the trenches seem to have. It has been amazing as I have read and heard that quote several times since, to have the Spirit witness to me that, "No he has not forgotten. These are special times. He is reminding you to remember them."

This sucker was ridiculously HUGE, but watching her eat it was totally SWEET!

Thank you to all of you for inspiring and encouraging me!

Feeling a wee bit CRAZY!

2008-11-14T13:04:00.009-07:00

The two hooligans playing in the corner cabinet.
Could they be having anymore fun?!

They are always scheming. I am sure that it's not to make me bonkers. But today I am seriously feeling a bit crazy!

I need some answers. How are we supposed to juggle it all? How do we make the day nourishing, educational, restful (naps), active (at least 30 mins for preschool-aged kids), not too much "screen" time, and yada, yada, yada. Not to mention how do we make it so that when they come in the next morning declaring, "MOM, it's SEVEN-O-O!!!!" that we jump out of bed and think, "Oh my it is! What a WONDERFUL day we are going to have, I can't wait!"?

sighhhhh

I really do love this.

Promise.

Thar Be Good Things Happening in These Parts!

2008-11-07T12:51:00.004-07:00

The Dread Pirate and the Sweet Pious Angel

Halloween was of course a week ago, it was GREAT! The big A had the afternoon off, so we had plenty of time to carve pumpkins and reminisce about our engagement 11 years ago (yup--that's right, engaged on Halloween, the ring was in a pumpkin covered with pumpkin guts and he asked if he "could be my spook forever"). After hearing the story S#1 kept asking if there would be a pretty ring in her pumpkin. Maybe I will have to start a tradition of putting a fun surprise inside our kids' pumpkins every Halloween night.

He adored his mustache, sword and "pirate patch"
She loved that her dress sparkled (I sprayed it with glitter!!)

Our neighborhood transformed from Friday morning to Friday night. Homes and yards were decorated with lights, webs, tombstones, and HUMONGOUS spiders hanging in the trees. Tricks were played at a few homes--both involving fake hands--S#2 was totally SPOOKED! I loved getting to meet some of the neighbors we haven't met and having a chance to see everyone all decked out it their Halloween best. It also didn't hurt that the weather was perfect! I trick-or-treated in short-sleeves (the high was in the 70s earlier in the day).

Of course a mouth FULL of candy and the GOOD witch who let her eat GOBS of it!

I took the opportunity to dress as a witch--you know it's the day of the year that you get to be something crazy and different, so I was a GOOD witch. My striped purple and black tights and funky broom were my favorite parts--sorry they aren't pictured.

The most rewarding part of the night (aside from the "Parent Tax" on the collected candy) was witnessing the politeness of our two little ones. When you see and hear them say the things you've taught them, but don't get to see all of the time at home, you know that you're doing something right. HOORAY for unprompted "Happy Halloweens," "Thank Yous," "Arghs," and "Yo Ho Hos!"

Hope your haunting last week was a BLAST!!

Quirky Me!

2008-10-14T20:06:00.007-06:00

I was tagged last week by my SIS and have been compiling my list of quirky behaviors. I had to remind myself it was not a "pet peeve" list or a "tell everyone how COMPULSIVE you are" list. Deep breath . . . here goes:

I like to do my dishes. I like to be the only one who does my dishes. I like knowing that everything in my cupboards is CLEAN--clean the way I like it. I have been using Costco's Environmentally friendly dish soap and I love it--I think it smells so good!
I love to listen to songs in REPEAT mode. If I find a song that just moves me I want to hear it over and over and over and over and over and over and over and . . . of course this only works if I am alone, have headphones on, or my kids like the song too!
I like to have a GOOD elastic in my hair. I sport the pony, bun, and nub (great name Wiebke) on a regular basis. It's great to have a nice hold! When mine are wearing out I get so excited to buy nice new ones.
I really like to have a glass of milk with brownies, cakes, cookies and other desserts. We hit a Monday Night Football game at Lambeau Field last month and they actually sold MILK at the dessert carts--I was in heaven!
I am a BINGE reader. I am so all or nothing in this regard. If I am going to read I want to read and finish. I am not very good at pacing myself or just carving out time for small spurts of reading. This is something at which I desperately wish to improve.
I have to order cheese enchiladas at a Mexican restaurant with a side of beans and rice and if it doesn't come garnished with lettuce and tomato I will ask for it. This have to order does not apply when I am at my mostest favoritist restaurant Cactus! Yes mostest and favoritist are not really words, but Cactus elicits all sorts of nonsense out of me.
I MUST have a good cry every month. My husband noticed this early on in the marriage and is a gem for tolerating it for nearly 11 years! I love him more than you can know.

There you have it. Those are just a few of the quirky things that make me well um . . . me.

I-N-L-A-W-S, what does that spell?

2008-10-11T20:23:00.007-06:00

FUN TIMES! This last week we had a nice visit from my man's parents. We have been privileged to have them come out in the fall for the last few years. When we owned a home they usually came to help with a project (I know, they are great huh?!), but because we are renting and in a new place they got to just come and chill--hooray! Here's a TOP TEN list of our favorite memories of their visit.

10--S#2 realizing that he and Grandpa share a name
9--S#1 having a captive question answerer (Grandma)
8--Renting a VAN for our trip to see Fall colors (we figured we better "rule in/out" the carpool mobile)
7--Handing S#1 the map and repeatedly asking her, "are we there yet?"
6--Missing our exit because S#1 had a hold of said map
5--Eating yummy cheese, cherries (crisp & chocolate covered) and HONEYCRISP APPLES!!
4--Viewing beautiful fall leaves up close and up HIGH
3--S#1's confidence in the condo's swimming pool
2--Staying up late playing SCRABBLE!! Why is it that the poorest speller in the group WON nearly every game?
1--Seeing the connection between grandparents and grandchildren GROW

Some other funny things to note:

My mother-in-law hates the name mother-in-law and would rather be called a Green-eyed Monster. She is a great woman and that name would never fit! She strikes the perfect balance of being interested but not overly-involved. Plus she always tells me I am doing a great job and that makes me feel really wonderful. Do you know monsters that make people feel wonderful? I don't.
Our Scrabble games induced some HILARIOUS discussions. Mostly as players were exploring word options. My great mother-in-law (who may kill me for this--thus the monster name just might be appropriate) asked if "LAWNSEX" was a word--she was desperately trying to rid herself of an "X." A#1 responded with, "Yes, but you've got to watch out for grass stains." A#1 also had a 60-point word that forced a lead we could never catch.

Clearly good times were had by all!

p.s. it was so nice to entertain guests in 1800 square feet as opposed to 800! Hooray for an extra bedroom and bathroom!!

I get so EMOTIONAL!

2008-09-28T20:24:00.010-06:00

So I have continually felt like S#1 and I see the world differently. There are many and I mean many days when I feel like I am pounding my head against a concrete wall when it comes to parenting her. It has been very challenging. When discussing this with a woman I visit teach, she reminded me that challenging experiences are one of the reasons we came to this earth. I know she is right.

Anyhow, with all of this said, one of my frustrations is that S#1 hasn't seemed to care much about how what she does impacts others. I am pretty sure that her narcissism is completely age appropriate, but the fact that her mother is a BIG time pleaser has created a mismatch so to speak. Of late she has now turned into Miss Emotional. Although sometimes totally over the top, it's kind of a breath of fresh air. It's been so good for me to see this softer side of her and she has really demonstrated kind feelings towards others. HOORAY, we are both making use of this challenging time-eh?

I looked out the window and what did I see?

2008-09-19T12:37:00.013-06:00

Two HANDSOME fellas!!

I love it when A comes home early enough for a trip to the PARK! I was supposed to be making dinner, but when I decided to sneak a peak at the BIG guy and the little people this is what I saw.

Then imaginations started growing and so did S#1's ability to reach the hoop . . .

WAS

GOOD!

S#2 managed to get ball burn right under his eye--it left a MIGHTY fine mark.

Don't you just love his little
SQUAT?!

Today is a WONDERFUL day!

2008-09-19T12:37:00.005-06:00

For I am going AWAY
Not to the CIRCUS
Not to the POOL
Can't you guess?
I'm going to SCHOOL!

I have laughed since I took this picture over TWO weeks ago, that S#1 actually looks like she is wearing a UNIFORM! No, the local Lutheran Church Preschool which she is attending does not mandate plaid skirts and white tops. We actually found the skirt at a Land's End store for a steal and it looks SUPER cute with her black boots (unfortunately not pictured).

School has been going great for her. Her teachers are wonderful and the school is less than FIVE minutes walking distance from our home. I have loved the Christian influence and have been impressed with the information she is retaining from Bible Story time (she has corrected me time and time again when I ask her what the scripture story was that it is BIBLE story!!).

S#2 would love to be there with her, but he's too young, still in diaps and has no idea that his preschool teacher probably wouldn't cuddle him and love him like I do!

p.s. for those of you waiting for a mullet picture--we'll see. A's been feeling a bit mocked since the last post. I do have to say that Eric A's white tail still has me rolling! Thanks Katie for the LAUGH!

"Business in the front . . . party in the back"

2008-08-29T10:59:00.004-06:00

I just read a hilarious article in the Seattle Times. Seriously HILARIOUS! It was all about mullets. Some of my favorite parts (which you will find are pretty much the WHOLE article):

"People with mullets either love them and want to keep them, or they don't know they have them," . . . "They're in mullet denial."

"I don't know how many times I was sitting at the bar when a girl started braiding my hair,"
Erik "Mac" McCullough, a mechanic at Bay Ford in Port Orchard, wears a "rat tail" rather than a mullet, but he can relate.

When he got out of the Navy, he swore he'd never let anyone tell him again how to cut his hair, but trouble finding a job led him to the subtle deception of his current 'do, which he can tuck in a collar.
The East Bremerton man was proud to remove his bandanna and display his locks during a recent visit to the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede, but he denied he had a mullet.
"I just like to keep it longer in the back and have it shorter on the top and sides."

His wife loves running her fingers through his hair, his daughters like to put barrettes in it and he likes the way it feels when he's flying down the road on his Harley.
A man with a "raging mullet" walked in and hesitantly asked for a haircut. But alas, he only wanted a trim.

While Penland was cutting his hair, she noticed he had a tattoo on his arm of himself, mullet and all.

Maybe I find this so amusing because my guy spent a few years sporting a New Jersey Neckwarmer (I am going to wet my pants as I type this and S#1 just asked if I am crying). His was blonde and curly and I swear he has told me of days when girls just wanted to touch it (I am gagging now)!

If you aren't yet laughing see if you can keep a straight face after reading what's below and then of course be sure to comment on your feelings about the mullet!!

The mullet hairstyle, perhaps best known as Business in the Front, Party in the Back, is also known by many other names, including:
Ape Drape
Tennessee Waterfall

Canadian Passport

Mississippi Mudflap

Camaro Crash Helmet

Femullet (used to described any mullet on a woman)

Mulletino (used to describe a mullet on a person of Hispanic descent)

Missouri Compromise

S & L Crisis

New Jersey Neckwarmer.

Source: Wikipedia, mulletjunky.com and www.mulletsgalore.com

I Like to Ride My Bicycle I Like to Ride My Bike

2008-08-24T20:55:00.003-06:00

And swim like Michael Phelps, dress up like princesses, catch grasshoppers, chase bunnies, pinch my brother and say things that make my parents laugh!

Saturday morning on the way home from the Farmer's Market (which was oh so good! 10-year aged cheddar cheese=HEAVEN for me!) S#1 said something that made us both laugh so hard!

History--we've been listening to "With My Own Two Hands" from the Curious George Soundtrack. One of the phrases is, "I'm gonna help the human race with my own two hands." S#1 was super curious what "human race" meant. I thought I had explained it well until we were driving home on Saturday and she yelled out, "Mom, Dad--look it's a human race!" while pointing to a high school cross country team out for their run. We laughed until we realized we'd hurt her feelings (aww man!). I guess that is one interpretation of human race?

Camping with Dr. Cowboy!

2008-08-20T14:30:00.003-06:00

This last weekend we went to our ward camp out. It was really fun! A few of the HIGHlights:

the campground was less than 30 minutes away--wa-hoo!
I had one of my TOP 10 nights of sleep since moving here (camping--go figure?)
we ate YUMMY fajitas with fabulous GUACAMOLE!! (avocados are 2nd to cheese on my list)
the mosquitoes are no longer out in droves like they were a month ago
S joined a little choir of Primary kids at the fireside and sang "Called to Serve"
the outhouse featured TWO "holes" and NO wall to separate them--WHAT!?! (this came in handy when S and a friend both needed a potty break and I was the adult in charge, but come on!!)

The next HIGHlight--my kids being roped by a real Wyoming Cowboy! I seriously think I need lessons--this would come in super handy in public don't you think?

We have been befriended by a great couple in our ward. Dr. Cowboy and his wonderful wife--I still need to think of a good alias for her. He is here doing a fellowship and they have two children so we are able to relate pretty well. They had us over for the 4th of July and while there, Dr. Cowboy was roping the kids. It was HILARIOUS and my kids can't be around him without requesting that he chase them and try to catch them with the rope. Fortunately for us he brought his rope to the camp out and all of the kids had a BLAST! The pictures aren't great, but they capture the FUN!

Lastly, S#1 has a HUGE crush on Dr. Cowboy. I feel bad for the guy, she practically smothers him. This picture actually shows her giving him some space--very unusual.

Thanks Dr. Cowboy for giving our kids such fun memories and for being so kind to them!

p.s. for a COSTCO update--yes it's open and it's FABULOUS! My list was much shorter than what my cart brought home, but I am sO, SO happy! What did I come home with--stay tuned my friends!! I will compose the post of a lifetime (oh, I really am a GEEK!).

It's a week away and YES I am counting!

2008-08-13T12:59:00.004-06:00

I am a geek. No, I don't have a paper chain hanging in my kitchen so that I can tear off a ring everyday, but I will admit, the opening of a Costco in our area is on my calendar.

Many of you know that I love to eat and fortunately I also love to cook. Along with that I usually enjoy my trips to the grocery store--especially if I can "hire some sanity," as my sister-in-law calls it, and go alone. I will admit the grocery shopping experience here for me has not been that great. It seems like I have to go to four different stores just to find the right items at the right prices. Additionally I have felt all sorts of "budget" guilt when I throw certain items in my cart, that my menu and I can't live without, which I know are so much more reasonably priced at my dear Seattle-based store! So yes, I am creating my list of items I must buy in bulk. This will probably be the first Costco trip where I won't cringe when I see the total--I can hardly wait!

Christmas in July!

2008-07-29T15:41:00.006-06:00

So at the pool today (supposedly my therapy) S#1 came up to me and said, "Mom--pretend that I am Santa and S#2 is Mrs. Claus." I clarified that she couldn't be Santa and her brother couldn't be Mrs. Claus, but that didn't stop her. Next--"Mom, what would you like for Christmas?" My QUICK and very well thought out response: "Obedient kids!" She left for a moment and then came back--"Mom there are not any obedient kids in my presents." I laughed and said back--"S, there aren't any in my presence either!!"

Ha ha! I had a Heather moment* and totally laughed at myself.

On another note, thanks to all of the listening ears who helped me believe that today could be better than yesterday--just so you know it has been.

*A Heather moment is defined as a time when you say something you find so funny that you just can't gain control of yourself. My mom does this ALL of the time. Ash and I love her for it and find it quite amusing that we are experiencing them as well!

"GG" who are you??

2008-07-26T22:14:00.004-06:00

Hey, so on the last post someone named "GG" posted--I don't recognize you--who are you?

I hear people talk about that nerve-wracking feeling of having strangers post and then needing to go private with their blogs. I don't feel that freaked out, because I am sure this is someone I know, but who??

So, if anyone knows, please help a girl out!

Thanks--

A (ha!)

Decision 2008--it's been made!

2008-07-24T06:02:00.007-06:00

Residency Graduation--June 2008

No, A is not going to be McCain or Obama's VP. We finally made the job decision--hooray! It's a HUGE relief to have this decision behind us and we can't believe that our future is truly taking SHAPE. Thanks to everyone for your support.

For those of you familiar enough with our choices--we are going with the group affiliated with the larger hospital in the area. A feels like he will have more opportunities to do the work he is currently being trained to do. Although the decision meant he would be sacrificing some great perks of the other job, he is really excited about the promise of creating a "pain service" with the hospital so that he can help alleviate the pain people are feeling in their joints (especially in their spine). These procedures have brought him a great deal of SATISFACTION during his fellowship.

I am so proud of him and my goodness--we have a JOB!

Treasuring . . .

2008-07-19T19:36:00.000-06:00

I just read a darling post written by an old friend. Her second child has just gone to school (must be year-round) and she is finding things to be a bit different with kids not home anymore. This section of it totally caught me--I hope she doesn't mind me quoting her:

. . . tomorrow is Saturday, and for the first time in my life as a mother, I'm looking forward to it not because my husband will be home, but because my kids will be home. I find myself FIERCELY guarding the precious moments we have to be together as a family.

Don't you love how she used FIERCELY! Honestly, I don't know that I can claim that I have guarded the precious moments I have had with that much passion. Oh how I need to change.

Here's one that I am going to TREASURE for now!

On the hunt for her next catch!

S#1 is already worried about leaving the fireflies next summer. They are completely magical to her. I should also admit that once it's dark enough and I look across the street into the park I find myself thinking "there are seriously fairies flying over there" because the fireflies are so AMAZING!

She caught one!

Hello, Hello, Don't Know Why I Say Goodbye . . .

2008-07-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

Happenings of late:

Our final family photo our our porch in Seattle

We closed on our house in Seattle--it is officially not ours! The feeling is totally bittersweet.

We saw some really BIG faces! Our kids also refuse to 1) look at the camera and 2) keep their fingers our of their mouths--tips anyone??

We said goodbye to our niece/nanny! Our kids miss her so much and so do I. I am no longer octopus-like! Honestly the sweetheart gave me the EXTRA pair of hands every mom desires!

Additionally we have been incredibly blessed with offers from both of the groups A interviewed with on our way out here. The decision process is much harder with TWO offers, but we appreciate the opportunity to align ourselves with our Father in Heaven's will. The start date will be either July 1 or August 1, 2009 and I am trying REALLY hard to enjoy the moment and not look too forward to the future.

And you thought you'd get pictures didn't you?

2008-07-01T22:36:00.001-06:00

So I have been formulating "BLOG POSTS" in my mind the last few days. While driving my title was going to be "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" (a song title from what movie???). I will admit the first few days were rough and that title was tossed. Please don't worry though, today was lovely and I am going see if I can't find that title and save it for a future post.

One of the difficulties is that I am so struggling getting my directions straight here. I realize that some of you will say, "get a nav system--it will save you" but to be honest, I really just want to get it figured out. Having mountains on one side and large bodies of water on another are OH so helpful in figuring out directions.

Church on Sunday was good. Lots and lots of people from Utah have been transplanted here--in fact I am not sure if there are many "natives"--but most people seem to really enjoy it here.

Now, just because you are dying to know more, here are TEN tidbits about our new place--enjoy!

Our kids' greatest wish to have something furry has come true. We have resident rabbits! (Outside of course) Sometimes we see more than one, but usually just one at a time. No matter what, his/her name is Karl (yeah, not sure where the name came from--A's idea). Picture the kids chasing our dear little friend all around--it's quite cute--really.
The dishwasher here is NOT (I repeat) NOT full-sized! I am now realizing the the kitchen picture was a bit streeeeetched out--gotta love digital photography!!
Fireflies are AMAZING! I am not seeing any at this hour, but boy are they cool. Too bad our kids have not been awake late enough to see them (we need to break some rules I think!).
Just because a house BOASTS 1800 square feet does not necessarily mean it has more storage space than 800 square feet. This realization has been a bit humbling. We really had things figured out in our little bungalow. No worries though!
Living across the street from a park on a non-busy street is FABULOUS! 'nuf said.
Just because you live in dairy country doesn't mean that milk is less expensive.
The zoo here is FREE! It also has a carousel with FANTASTIC animals. I don't mind the $1 fee per child because a $2 zoo trip is great!
Cleanliness standards vary--needless to say I am not going to be overly concerned about how I leave this place. I am still chuckling that our landlord said he "hired" someone to clean it--he so must have meant me (and my sweet niece of course).
Having three bedrooms and two bathrooms is WONDERFUL!
S is having SOOO much fun meeting neighbors--she goes outside and just yells, "Hello neighbors!"

I am excited about this next year--I promise to keep you posted (wink)!

p.s. Abbey, the two interviews were with groups affiliated with the two major hospitals there in the area. We liked both of them!!

Are we there yet?!

2008-06-27T06:33:00.000-06:00

The answer is a simple--no.

It's 7:30 am and I have been awake for a few hours now. I am not sure if it's the anticipation of our arrival to our new place today or the fact that we've failed to maintain regular sleep habits since we left Seattle last week.

All is going well. We are currently in Minnesota and so far the trip has been really BEAUTIFUL. I have loved seeing all of the farmland perfectly equipped with red barns and tall silos. It has also been so green--easing me through the transition out of the Emerald City.

The kids have been GREAT! I think they are ready to LAND somewhere though. We've really lacked a normal life since February--when we started making preparations to put the house on the market. Since then it's been an ultra clean house, too many boxes of Annie's bunny pasta and continually interrupted naps. We may not know what to do with ourselves here in a few days when we've finally set up our house.

Just in case you are curious, the job interviews with the two groups in our desired settling city went FABULOUSLY well. A feels like he could be happy with either group and we feel blessed by the promising option of being close to family.

Anyways, there's an update for you!

A Family is Forever

2008-06-15T00:13:00.000-06:00

Washington Seattle Temple

A few days ago my sister told me about the passing of a friend from high school. He was a great, great guy and it is just a tragedy that he is no longer on this earth.

Although quite busy with moving (this coming week!!), my thoughts have definitely been turned to the loss of this great man and this trying experience for his family. It has caused me to reflect upon my life, my marriage, my relationships with my children and siblings and ultimately my relationship with my Savior.

Tonight as I was preparing for my final day as primary chorister I was touched by the words from "I Love to See the Temple" by Janice Kapp Perry.

I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside someday.
I'll covenant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God,
I've learned this truth:
A family is forever.*

How grateful I am that the words that may possibly bring the very most comfort to his family at this time are contained in a song that I will get to teach the young children tomorrow. That because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings of the temple families can be forever!

Although there is and will be pain because of their loss I know that God "will not leave us comfortless" (John 14:18). He has provided a way for there to be peace now and joy forever!

*I really wish that the punctuation here was an !

Please indulge me . . .

2008-06-06T08:47:00.001-06:00

Our final test is complete! The results . . . PASS! We now have a Board Certified physician in the house. It's delightful to witness the end result of 13 years of hard work!

Just for those wanting to know--we have interviews with our two desired groups in the city we have wanted to settle. Exciting times!

We are proud of you D!

We are excited for a little more "DAD" time!!

Neener Neener Neener!

2008-06-03T23:18:00.001-06:00

Yeah, so I am pretty much feeling like the only way to feel good about being the BIG 3-0 is to stick my tongue out at all of you who are not yet as OLD as me. Honestly--I'm feeling it and it stinks. I remember when D turned 30 and was freaking out--I thought it was ridiculous. Now I totally get it.

Today D and I went shopping and while driving downtown got into a total road rage incident with a CRAZY woman on her cell! Later while telling our "nanny-mother's helper-niece" about it D mentioned that CRAZY woman was an "older" lady--in her 30s!!! I wanted to cry.

Then, tonight at an Enrichment class on skin care and make-up (it was very fun by the way) a presenter was talking about skin changes as we age. She discussed the GLORIOUSNESS of the 20s and then said, from the 30s on there would be CRAP to deal with. I am NOW in that category!

No need to worry though--I am not going to carry on with this pity party. I really have lived a beautiful life and the years that I can remember have been filled with lots of learning and love.

Here's to being 30!

Because I am a Mother

2008-05-10T23:37:00.000-06:00

(This girl really keeps me running--she just doesn't stop!)

Tomorrow is Mother's Day--I can't tell you how many times today I thought, "You know, it's really great that there is a holiday just for MOMS, because today I feel the need to be appreciated and thanked for what I do." Of course my little people didn't exactly say, "Gosh mom, thanks so much for doing ____, I really appreciated it." But in their own little ways today they made me grateful to be their mother and appreciative of the opportunity that is mine to be here on earth with them.

(my son who doesn't really like to be DIRTY--clearly not a problem here)

If you know me well you know that this mothering gig has been much more of a challenge than I had anticipated. When pregnant with child #1 I remember thinking, "I am ready. As the oldest of seven children I can do ANYTHING. Making dinner with a child on my hip while some are fighting and the others are playing with grated cheese like it's confetti--no problem! I am going to do fine at this mothering thing." Uh, well, no.

(I don't think she was sticking this out at me . . .)

I have come to realize that through no other experience would I more fully understand my Heavenly Father's love for me. I am sure that He is flustered with His children and wonders why they don't obey or just follow simple directions, but I KNOW that He, at the end of the day, possesses that unconditional love that only a parent can have for His child.

I watch lovely people all around me who desperately want to bring children into the world. I sometimes wonder how come I have them when I feel like such an awful parent and I know darn well that they would be AMAZING! Maybe it's partly because they already love unconditionally and don't need to learn how . . .

With all this said, I am grateful for my role. The one which has tested me more than any other. The role which causes me to plead for more assistance and aid from the best parent I know--my Heavenly Father. I don't need my kids to say, "thank you," or "I love you," as much as I need them to know that I am thankful to have them and I love them more than they will EVER know!

You two are GREAT little people and I LOVE you!

And, just in case anyone out there needs this--it is my favorite quote about mothering and from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "Because She Is a Mother":

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope." (2 Nephi 31:20) You are doing God's work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even--no, especially--when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master's garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole."(Matthew 9:22) And it will make your children whole as well.

p.s. to my man, thank you for being ever supportive and encouraging. We are SO in this together!

It's not easy being green

2008-04-22T21:36:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's Earth Day and I have been thinking about a fond childhood memory. When in sixth grade I was asked by my teacher to get a group of classmates together to attend a "conference" (if there can be a conference for 6th graders?). It was in celebration of earth day and we had to come up with a name. I congregated the group and came up with what I thought I was super clever name for us--S.A.V.E. for Students Also Value Earth. Don't worry I am patting myself on my back (teasing)!

That said, I wish I could claim that I was super at GREEN living, but I am not. In fact, I feel a lot of green guilt. Our city has a great recycling and yard waste program and our garbage can is teeny tiny (it holds maybe two large kitchen bags). For the most part I am great at rinsing out my yogurt containers and properly disposing of my vegetable scraps, but when I have an empty lotion bottle or peanut butter jar--ahhh! I seriously want to cry. I feel like I use more water trying to "prep" the item for recycling than can be beneficial to preserving our dear planet. Sometimes when it comes to the lotion bottles, I must confess, I have been known to throw them out.

One thing I am good at is using my reusable shopping bags. I LOVE these things. They hold so many more groceries than the plastic bags and many of the stores around here offer a 5-cent rebate or they donate 5-cents to earth-friendly programs for each bag you use!! My target bag (kind of like the one pictured) actually folds and zips up so I just keep it in my purse and I always have one ready. Someone actually had this picture posted--so you can get the full effect of the Target bag--hilarious!

Anyways, all this said, I want your quick and easy green tips. I will form a new group--A.V.E. "A" Values Earth!

Tradition . . . TRADITION!

2008-04-17T13:33:00.000-06:00

"And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you that in one word: Tradition." Tevye--"Fiddler On the Roof"

Last night I attended an Eternal Marriage course offered through our local Institute of Religion. It is taught by some of mine and A's favorite people, the Tuckers, and I left it inspired and ready to be a better mate and parent.

The topic was "Traditions of the Fathers" and provided for some great discussion and personal evaluation. We know from the scriptures that there were many times in which poor traditions were passed on to generations and eventually lead to their demise, while at the same time we know that positive traditions have continually brought people to our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ.

Sister Tucker cited this great quote from General Conference that I remember hearing, but did not quite internalize. Cheryl C. Lant said:

What kinds of traditions do we have? Some of them may have come from our fathers, and now we are passing them along to our own children. Are they what we want them to be? Are they based on actions of righteousness and faith? Are they mostly material in nature, or are they eternal? Are we consciously creating righteous traditions, or is life just happening to us? Are our traditions being created in response to the loud voices of the world, or are they influenced by the still, small voice of the Spirit? Are the traditions that we are creating in our families going to make it easier for our children to follow the living prophets, or will they make it difficult for them?

Really, think about that last sentence. As I think about our days and recognize that some of our "routines" have become tradition I am grateful to realize that some of what we do is making it easier for our children to follow the living prophets. But I also think about some of the other ways that we spend our time and to be truthful, I am not sure. Anyways, I guess I am writing this post as more of way to consider where we need to be better.

There are so many different types of traditions and as couples and parents I guess we just have to prioritize and realize as Elder Oaks said:

We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives."Good, Better, Best" from the Fall 2007 General Conference.

Now, I realize that not all traditions have direct correlation to the Plan of Salvation--but I guess that as we think about them we may find that many actually do. For example, I have a dear friend who is a single mother and a wonderful cook. Every Monday night at her house is "Soup Night". When her children moved away for college she discontinued making soup for herself every night. However, when they would come back into town they were appalled that she wasn't planning on "Soup Night" while they were there. Those kids treasured that tradition and my goodness, doesn't eating as a family allow for a great way to build relationships, discuss, celebrate, etc.? The question must be: Can I share my testimony of some gospel principle while doing ______ with my family? If yes, then it will make it easier to follow the living prophets.

I know that S & G are full of fabulous traditions which in many cases have been passed down from the Fabulous C-Dog, but what other things are the rest of you doing that you feel unite your family while also making it easier for them to follow the living prophets?

I am all ears (eyes)--smile!

Really, OUR HOUSE is a very, very fine house!

2008-04-11T16:01:00.000-06:00

It's finally on the market! Hooray! Cross your fingers and think good thoughts for us!

Cousins!

2008-03-28T14:34:00.000-06:00

So S has a friend at preschool who asks her to come over for a sleepover quite regularly. I am not a BIG fan of sleepovers (my issues with them could take up a post of their own, not to mention S is 4!), and so I have responded to S with, "you have sleepovers with your cousins and playdates with friends."

I thought this would solve the issue . . .

Today when I picked up S she informed me that Jane no longer wanted to be her friend, but that she had now "made up her mind" to become her cousin. I laughed for a sec and then realized WHY this new "relationship" would be so important to the two of them---very SNEAKY!!!!

I am scared for the teenage years--this little girl of mine is CLEVER!

p.s. the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL! We have snow sticking to the ground (weird!)

Inspiring Folks

2008-03-23T14:46:00.000-06:00

Photo By: JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Yesterday I was running on the Burke-Gilman and I came across this amazing girl I read about in the Seattle Times. Her name is Laura D'Asaro and she is working to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to crawl a mile. She seems to have such a zest for life which was so apparent yesterday as she sported a HUGE smile while crawling alongside her dog in the dirt.

I was reading over her article today and was impressed by a few things she said. First, "I've had people tell me to stop smiling so much," she said. "I say, 'We need all the happiness we can get.'" I loved that.

I can be such a grump, but if I step back and think about it, being happy is a great place to be. Additionally, I have a lengthly list of people I've met in life who seem so joyful and I love, loVE, LOVE to be around them.

Another thought I liked was this--"There is not much point in living if no one knows you're alive." I don't necessarily mean that you have to be this person always seeking attention, but we can either exist or live and wouldn't we rather LIVE and inspire others to do so?

The next person who I am inspired by today is my Aunt Natalie. She was chosen as the Wasatch Woman of the Year 2008. I have so many fond memories of things she did with and for me as a child. I will never forget picking up my first REI backpack, learning how to put in contact lenses or even hiking Angels Landing as a teenager in Zion National Park. In addition, she was a major supporter of education and spurred me onward in regards to receiving a college education. Her words of wisdom, written in a letter at my time of high school graduation, remain a treasure to me.

If you get a chance, check out this fabulous article about her. If not you are missing out. She's a great woman who has done amazing things. I love you Aunt Natalie and am so proud of you. Thank you for encouraging me to be better.

Our house is a very, very, very fine house

2008-03-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

So we are now able to check at least ONE item off of our lengthy "To Do List"--hooray!

We have a house in Madison. We are excited about it because:

Our rent will be less than our current mortgage
It has 1800 square feet (at least 1000 more than our home here)
There is a raspberry patch in the backyard (Syd can't wait!)
Andrew's commute will be less than 10 minutes to all of his work locations
It is right across the street from a park
We found it on Craigslist and don't have to make a special trip to find housing (don't worry--we had friends check it out!)

Anyways, we are really looking forward to this next step.

p.s. sorry for the blurry photo--it's all we have right now

Don't worry, I do want to live

2008-03-09T20:35:00.001-06:00

Despite my last post--please know I do love life and I have much for which to be grateful. Especially my bed!!!

"Daylight Savings is sucking my will to live"

2008-03-09T17:42:00.000-06:00

A few years ago I was talking with a good friend of mine. It was spring and daylight savings had just transpired. She had two young children and was EXHAUSTED! Today I seem to find myself in that very same place--it is really sucking my will to live.

This last week was a super busy one for us--which combined with DST is why I find that I am too tired to think straight! Andrew's parents came up to visit (insert the word "WORK" here). They are amazing. I know they love our kids and us, but I think what they love more is a purpose for a visit. A few years ago it was to help us keep Sydney in the backyard by building a 6 foot fence. This year it was to help us get our house ready to sell. They sanded, painted, consulted, decorated, cleaned, lopped (my mother-in-law's favorite thing to do), shopped, filled holes in walls, in fact you name it--they probably did it. I am so grateful for their help! We are hopeful that things go well with the sale.

This week proves to also be a busy one. Andrew will be really busy with preparing for his oral board exam and my dad is coming up to help me finish up some house projects.

I think bedtime tonight will be 7:30 for ALL!

Can we really do this?

2008-02-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hi, so tonight I find myself wondering if we can really leave Seattle. We have found a house in Wisconsin that we think will be a lot of fun. It is furnished and we're growing fond of the idea of not having to move all of our belongings back and forth over the next couple of years. Andrew's dad specializes in storage in Idaho--so we have connections for that--yipee!

Anyways, as I sit here compiling our list of what we will take and what we won't I am sad. We're clearly moving on to a new chapter--which to be honest actually feels like a whole new book! We have been in Seattle nearly eight years. So many memories, restaurants, friends, games, pranks, and obviously years have been enjoyed here. Can we really do this?

My funny Valentines

2008-02-14T21:28:00.001-07:00

Eleven years ago I was preparing to leave Rexburg, ID to head home for the Valentine's holiday. I didn't yet have an "official" Valentine of my own and so I was heading to Salt Lake to hit some ridiculous young adult dance in hopes of finding some fun with my college roommates. (Just in case you are wondering--it was CREEPY!!! Not fun!).

Just a few weeks prior to leaving I had met a guy who was really great. We weren't quite an item yet and so I wasn't really sure what was expected of me for Valentine's. I concluded that a heart-shaped frosted cookie with a tiny note was going to be my offering--a decision I soon regretted.

That day after classes I found a PERFECT long-stemmed red rose on my bed along with a card. The card was cute--but the words written took my breath away.

I'd have gotten you a dozen, but there's only room for one spoiled person in this relationship.
Andrew

What girl doesn't want to feel like she is IT!!?? He made me feel like I was so great that just being with him spoiled him to pieces.

Okay, back to the story. When I met up with Andrew later that night I was so embarrassed to give him the cookie (I think I hid it under the seat in the car and made him search for it). And despite the adorable card and flower I still went to Utah (I had committed to drive everyone . . ). I ended up longing to be with him all weekend and was so excited to connect with him that following Sunday night! Pretty soon after that we officially became an "item."

His gift giving skills have only intensified in their perfection! He keeps a list of anything I have ever mentioned and seems to surprise me with them at just the right times. Now, lest you think that it's all about the gifts he gives, please know that no one on this earth spurs me on to be a better person.

I love you Andrew--and I'd like to argue that I am the spoiled person in this relationship!!

p.s. Syd and Si--no two "little" people on the earth make me smile more than you!! I LOVE you two!

*A few weeks ago Sydney came up with a game that involved stacking a bunch of heads on top of one another--that was the impetus for this picture.

Tiny Dancer, Ballerina Girl, or just CUTE!

2008-02-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

Every night when I am putting Sydney to bed she says, "Mom, where am I going when I wake up?" Lest you worry that she is over-scheduled, what she is really trying to ask me (I know because it is always the next question) is, "do I get to go to ballet tomorrow?"

I enrolled her in a ballet class once a week at a cute local studio. She took a community class last year and I wasn't really sure that she wanted to be a dancing girl. Now I feel more confident that my conclusion should have been that she was three and not really ready for so much "structure."

Now a year later I am amazed at her level of focus. She is mesmerized by her teacher, her leotard, her ballet shoes, her skirt, and most of all the huge mirrors. I watch through a tiny slot under the curtain in the pictured window with the BIGGEST smile on my face. It is just so fun to see her so captivated by the simple steps and her efforts to make her body complete them.

This photo was taken after her first class and it just doesn't do her cuteness JUSTICE!

p.s. Andrew can't believe I didn't edit out her snotty nose--I told him that snotty noses are real life and I want our blog to portray real life. I said it nicely--don't worry. Are you proud SG?

My inability to communicate

2008-02-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks I have come to the conclusion that email and blogging have aided me in becoming one of the poorest communicators ever! Honestly.

First, I have been trying to coordinate a get together with some people and I would prefer to do it all via email. Yes, it's convenient, but I find myself shirking at calling these individuals--WHY!? I LOVE to talk (at least I thought I did). In addition these are people who I WANT to spend time with. Humm, why am I struggling at picking up the phone?

Next, we are trying to get our housing figured out for our time in Madison. When someone emails me why do I prefer to email them back even if they list a phone number? Then when I have questions I want to email all of them rather than talking with the person.

I would love to blame this on the fact that I am never sure if I am going to have an uninterrupted phone call because of my toddler and preschooler, but I really do think I have created some issues with talking directly to people.

Emailing is nice. I can "type" what I really want to say and then delete it. I have purged my thoughts and can see how nice/mean they sound and then make changes. I don't have to worry about how my words came across because no one has read them yet. Once fully tweaked I can send it off confidently while I wait for their response. I often feel so much liberation when I have "put the ball in his or her court".

Blogging is also nice. I can once again type my thoughts/feelings and then 1) tweak them, 2) save them as a draft, 3) publish them or 4) delete them. I get to add pictures that say far more than I could, etc.

All this said, I do really think that I need to come to grips with my communication issue. Anyone else struggling? How about we talk . . . on the phone!!

Oh just a wee bit LOST!?

2008-01-31T23:04:00.001-07:00

So I watched LOST tonight--was SO excited! But to be honest now I am lost! I am not sure if I was doing too many things, but it just wasn't super satisfying for me. Maybe I missed too many of the little details . . . it just seemed to be all about choosing sides and that was it. Wouldn't you expect more of a "cliff-hanger" for a season premiere? Thoughts anyone?

I Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

2008-01-28T09:19:00.001-07:00

What an incredible blessing it has been to be guided in these latter days by a prophet of God. I add my witness that Gordon B. Hinckley was the one chosen to lead the Lord's church here on this earth for the last 12+ years.

I have been blessed by his words and constant encouragement to be a little bit better. I will miss his humor and the sweet little wave of his cane.

Despite the sadness felt at his passing, I am delighted to know that he can now reunite with his sweet wife. What a comfort to know that families can be together forever!

Happy Birthday to my little buddies!

2008-01-22T20:44:00.001-07:00

The kids' birthdays are two years and three days apart. This last weekend we had a party. An island party to be exact. It was great. The party was mostly for Sydney--she picked the theme and the guests, but Simon was most definitely there to have some fun (until nap time).

There were 10 kids total--I thought it was going to be out of control, but it ended up going great!! This was largely because Andrew was the best assistant EVER--thanks babe!

It was a fun two-hours and Sydney later said, "Mom--I just KNEW you could throw me a wonderful party!"

Here's what we did: made paper and pasta leis-played a beach ball game-danced the hooky lau-did the limbo-made fruit kabobs-ate pizza-drank slushy lemonades garnished with umbrellas-chased and popped friends' balloons-played hot coconut (the HIT of the party)-ate cake and ice cream-opened gifts

On Simon's actual birthday he was sicker then a DOG! Poor kid--I think we'll celebrate for him next week--that's not illegal is it? You can tell in this picture it was going to happen huh? He has what my mom would have called "sick eyes".

Something to Smile About

2008-01-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

Today I hosted a Moms' Group at my house. I had planned to read a few Valentine's-themed books, sing some songs about love and then let the kids play while the moms talk. Everything happened beautifully!

I got out some snacks and the kids had fun chowing--then one thing led to another and the snacks turned to lunch for the kids and I had stuff on hand to make my favorite salad of the moment (pear, Gorgonzola, dried cherries, field greens or romaine, toasted pecans and balsamic dressing). It was so fun to have lunch with friends and the best part was--I was so not stressed about it. The spontaneity of it all allowed for overlooking any inadequacies that occurred (i.e. slightly burned pecans).

I am sitting back looking at the day thinking, I should have stuff on hand for girlfriend lunches more often.

Just something to smile about . . .

I've got a sneeking suspicion . . .

2007-12-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

That 2008 is going to be GREAT! Honestly that's all I have to say.

The Dreaded Christmas Letter #3

2007-12-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Andrew wrote our Christmas letter for this year and in an attempt to simplify (already putting a 2008 goal into practice), our 2007 letter appears here.

Following the creation of last years dreaded Christmas letter, I vowed to keep a list of all the amazing things my children, my wife, and I did during the year so as to include them in this years volume and impress the pants off ya’ll. Now, as my eyes gaze at the empty list, not for want of a pen mind you, I come to terms with our simple and slightly less than glorious lives.

Simon, now nearly 2, helped us ring in 2007 by perfecting a screech so piercing that it actually made the journey to that place in his father’s mind, long hypothesized by scientists and defense attorneys, that immediately induces the hearer to commit mindless acts of brutality on the emitter thereof. He lives only by the grace of having outgrown the ability and his mother’s recognition of homicidal ideations in my eyes. At this point he has moved on to ignoring us and imitating his sister’s best nose picking pose. We anticipate great things from the boy.

Sydney, nearly 4, remains the long awaited answer to all of my siblings’ prayers. I only wish I had written down all the advice I had for them when their children were so awful. Big events for the little kahuna were her trip to “D Washington” and beginning preschool. Although she could never get the name of our nation’s capital right, she had no problem mapping in her mind the exact location of the carousel on the mall and directing us to it anytime she saw the “monument” (Washington). A teacher tells us that an experience exemplary of her preschool persona is Sydney standing in the middle of a playground and with her hands stretched heavenward exclaiming “I have so many friends. And it’s all because of lovely me!” Hard to deny my paternity with such an ego.

Andrea and I have muddled through another year. She was a trooper in D.C. She adapted readily to the tiny grocery carts and travel by foot of Dupont Circle by attaching bags to places and body parts that only a vagabond could truly appreciate. So capable is she that she was given a calling in the inner city ward to lead singing time in the nursery for the 4 Sundays we visited. This fall she organized a babysitting co-op that is uniformly hailed as life saving by the women in our congregation. And one must not forget her ever-expanding culinary expertise with a newly acquired whole wheat bread to die for (Thank you Gillespies). Now you must ask yourself how does a man cope with being so outclassed and overshadowed by his wife. Easy, grandiose delusions. I continue in my last year of radiology residency. Every time I show up at a hospital after a short absence the staff say “Are you still here?” Nice to know my presence is so cherished. They’re relieved when I tell them I graduate in June. We’ll be headed to Madison, Wisconsin for a fellowship next summer and have been reading some Wallace Stegner in preparation. We did manage to spruce up our back yard a bit, with new plants and a stone pathway. Of course, my 70-year-old parents did most of the work, but it’s only fitting since they put in the fence and swing set last year.

All in all, it’s been a very enjoyable year with lots of days filled with laughter and nights laying tired bodies down into bed. We have felt our Father in Heaven’s love for us in multiple ways, but most often through loving family and thoughtful friends. We’re grateful to have you and pray for your joy and well-being. May you feel of our Savior’s love this Christmas and always.

Love, the Hills

*Yes, this is the best we could do in the picture department!!

Run, run as fast as you can; you can't catch me

2007-12-13T23:40:00.000-07:00

. . . I'm SIMON!!

It's so funny, as a mom I really feel like I am always running and trying to catch up to someone or catch up on something (i.e. blogging). I thought this picture illustrated my frazzled existence at times.

My maternal grandmother has eleven children. Throughout the last four years I have reflected often on how she did what she did. Recently I sat down and read part of her personal history. This recollection was just following the birth of her 9th child.

We had remodeled our home again rather than move off the homestead . . . Merritt was wearing himself out being husband, father, pediatrician, and bishop in double tandem. We adjusted to the clutter and the clatter. I had spent enough time in Clara Rebecca's (her mother-in-law) home to cherish at least a semblance of order which took care of the clutter and being in Mary Dott's (her mother) house had given me a good tolerance for the clatter. Heather caught a few more bugs than the other eight children as we began to break the long established pediatric rules and took her to church before she finished her immunizations. The bishop's wife is expected to be present each Sunday and by now, it took a whole row to accommodate us. I was experiencing, with each passing day, the complexities of multiparity. The big family you dreamed about and planned to have as you slept under the stars at girl's camp, had presented itself in all its awesome reality. We had put our hand to the plow and couldn't nor wouldn't turn back. And Jesus said unto him No Man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom (Luke 9:62). I was trying hard to refute Shakespeare's Frailty, they name is woman. I knew in my heart that motherhood was not just getting pregnant, minimizing morning sickness, seeing my waistline disappear, bearing down, and crowning a baby and offering the breast at intervals. It was a prolonged and mighty social, spiritual, and physical commitment. (White Acres, 46)

I am grateful to have Marcia White Egan's words and wisdom regarding being a mother. I will use her words to strengthen me rather than realize I feel overwhelmed at times with just two little ones.

Working Girl

2007-12-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Sydney is obsessed with Andrew and his work. She wants him to get there safely and return safely, but more importantly she wants to know where he is working. We have visited Andrew at all of his working venues, but only one has lingered in her mind. She remembers that there are fish there (an aquarium in the cafeteria). This afternoon she was talking with him about going to work with him. He told her he would take her someday, but he couldn't take her to work with him where he is right now. She asked where. When he told her Harborview--she replied, "barbecue?". Oh we had a laugh! If only Harborview was a barbecue. Sydney's cute words and interpretations add so much to my life--how boring it must have been without her!

*Photo is from our trip to an ice cream shoppe in Las Vegas.

A spider and a mermaid

2007-11-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

These two LOVED Halloween and although it's almost been two weeks I thought it would be good to post a few pictures of these two candy collectors!

Sydney wanted to be a mermaid and we looked high and low for a costume--finally found this one and she has worn it everyday since we purchased it. All of the sequins on the backside of the outfit are falling off. We love Mermaid Syd!

Now Simon was compelled to be the spider that Sydney was two years ago. Initially he was spooked by the extra legs, but pretty soon he seemed to like it (maybe it was the sack full of candy he was gathering). I think he thinks that anytime we ring someone's doorbell that we should be saying "trick-or-treat" and be offered a piece of candy. That'll be a disappointment . . .

On another note, today was the primary program in our ward where I am the primary chorister. We have a fairly small primary and most of the kids are under the age of 6. Thus many of the words in the songs are poorly understood and therefore not sung. Sydney has been learning all of the songs here at home with me and knew all of them. I thought we'd pull her out of nursery for the program to help with the volume. She did great at the practice, but was SPOOKED by the full chapel. Oh well, maybe next year. The rest of the kids did just great--I was SOOO proud of them!

Simon on the other hand is not afraid of speaking in a microphone to hundreds of people. After our meetings we had a Linger Longer and a child picked up the microphone and shared some very interesting words. I remember thinking, "oops, someone lost track of a little one." Humm, guess who those irresponsible parents were? Uh yeah . . . Simon was just delighted with his debut!

Things are great for us--hope that is the case for you too!

Logs By the Fire Fill Me With Desire

2007-11-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Four years ago Andrew had 1 1/2 cords of wood delivered to our house. He chopped and stacked wood with his dad all throughout his childhood and with our new home and a fireplace he was pretty excited!! He chopped and chopped and chopped. I even chopped with my prego belly--I was incredibly helpful let me tell you.

Anyways this weekend we stacked the remaining wood on our back deck so that it was easily accessible for fall and winter fires. Andrew made one yesterday and the kids just loved it. We were so cozy until I woke up this morning and our house smells like CAMPFIRE! I love campfires when I am camping--not when I am in my home. Ahh! So today, the logs on the fire are filling me with the desire to open every window and get some air into this place. I am hopeful it was just some wacko log that did this!! And just in case you were thinking you know the answer to my problem . . . the damper door was open.

Stay tuned--Andrew's pictures from Halloween will soon be posted!!

The picture post

2007-10-20T16:14:00.000-06:00

Just catching up on some photos. The first few are from our trip down to the Ballard locks. Apparently, there were hundreds of Chinook running the week before. We saw 5. So we spent most of the afternoon taking pictures.

Syd's donning of the vampire teeth is from her preschool Halloween party. More photos of our bloodsucking mertoddler to come.

The kids' rainy day with dad at the arboretum was documented only by this picture of the two resisting photography.

The last shot is one I took of my beautiful wife at the locks. As 'tis the season and Andrea's worried about others thinking she likes to post pictures of herself: I'm Andrew Hill and I approve of this posting.

Music stirs my soul!

2007-10-13T23:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight I was getting things ready for my "Sunday Job" as chorister and I thought, "I wonder what the new song will be this next year for the Primary?" Traditionally there is one song incorporated into the outline for Sharing Time and the Sacrament Meeting Presentation that does not appear in the Children's Songbook or the Hymn Book. This next year it is "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" by Sally Deford. It is beautiful and something I personally needed to hear. Here's a recording. I can't wait to teach it to Sydney and Simon and hopefully the Primary children in my ward (that is if my calling stays the same for the next several months)!

Anyways, tonight I am feeling blessed that music touches me and reminds me who I am, why I am here and how I can be better.

Pregnant Skeleton and Scary Spider

2007-10-03T14:03:00.000-06:00

No, this is not an announcement. I have had some requests for pictures so of the pregnant skeleton costume and it just so happens that Sydney's fun spider costume is also featured. No there is not a full body shot of the skeleton--at that pregnant stage I wasn't really in the mood. Not to mention, as you will see in the picture below I can't even keep my eyes opened during a shot! Really please accept all apologies for such poor pictures.

My mom had a costume like this that she wore when she was pregnant with her last two and I think even a year after that just for shock value. She made this for me when I was pregnant with Syd. It is comprised of a black long-sleeved shirt, black pants and white puff paint. Lisa--I am sure Sam could help you with the bone drawing!!

I really joked that I wanted to name Simon Xavier Ray so we could call him X. Ray for short--wouldn't that have been a great name for a radiologist's son?

Happy Haunting!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2007-10-01T10:22:00.001-06:00

I really do love Christmastime, but if I had to pick another holiday that was my favorite--it would probably be Halloween! I love it. I am sure some of you are surprised I am not saying Thanksgiving because you know of my unceasing love of food. But really, I enjoy this time of year so very much!

I am fond of the fall decorations, the colors, the costumes, the candy (particularly chocolate with peanut butter or caramel), the sugar cookies, and of course the pumpkins. Don't worry, it's not an obsession with the occult--just the fun fallish things.

Ten years ago I actually found a diamond ring inside of a pumpkin I was carving on Halloween (what a tricky, handsome devil I was dating). Needless to say, pumpkin carving is always a BIG deal around here! We are super excited because we will get to do some pumpkin carving with cousins Bailey and Davis (in Las Vegas) this year--what a TREAT!

Happy Halloween from the Hills! Our celebration has clearly begun!

*Pictures are from October 2006--and no Drew's costume was not a doctor--he came straight from work. I've always thought on Halloween you get to be someone different--although last year I was a witch . . .

Feeling grateful

2007-09-22T00:25:00.000-06:00

I feel so selfish. Earlier today I blogged about my crazy morning where nothing seemed to go right--it happens to all of us--right?

Then later this afternoon I found out that a relative of one of my dearest friends has melanoma and although I don't know the actual prognosis it's still scary. The woman diagnosed is 29--she's my age. She has three boys, is a wonderful photographer and has a husband she loves!

Since that point all I have been able to think about is how grateful I am for everything. I need to be a nicer mom and a more loving wife. I need to stop rushing and spend time enjoying the present.

I can't imagine what she is thinking right now.

Mama said there'd be days like this

2007-09-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, so not really. It seems like my mom never complained about anything--that I can remember. Is that why she could have seven children and I am drowning with my two? No, really today was a doozy (and it's only 10:45 am!).

Once a week I meet a friend and her little son to run around Green Lake (a fabulous park, path, lake in Seattle). We went this morning. It was "soggy" (Syd's term for foggy), but actually a nice morning to run. I spent a good portion of last night collecting items for the run/day since we meet at 7:30 am and the kids wake up right around 7. When I went to bed I remember thinking, "boy I am good. I have planned perfectly--tomorrow is going to be GREAT!" I totally jinxed myself.

So the kids wake up, I have everything loaded in the car, but Sydney does not want to wear the clothes I have set out for her. Then she complains that her socks feel too tight . . .

We get to Green lake and I load the kids into the jogger and we get running. Now, the highlight of the morning (other than meeting my good friend to run) was running into another good friend with whom I used to work. She just had a baby last fall and I have wanted to see her forever! Oddly enough my running partner knew this gal too--so of course we chatted for a minute and went crazy over all of the kids.

The rest of the run was uneventful. We stopped by the playground to cool down and let the kids blow off some steam. Sydney soon reported that she had to go to the bathroom. Since work is being done on the community center the only bathroom option was an outhouse. As I RAN her to the outhouse (since she has been waiting too long to go lately and manages to go to the bathroom in her clothes in the bathroom), we opt for the wheelchair accessible option since it's a bit larger--no toilet paper. I remember thinking, "Sara Gillespie, this is why diapers are great!" So we venture into a smaller option and we make it in time (HOORAY!). Well, as I am helping the curious kiddo out (she is wondering what all the "stuff" is "down there") and heaving in the process, I realize I have been rubbing up against the URINAL!! This is why I usually pick the wheelchair sized one! We walk out--now there's no soap at the hand washing stations. No worries--wipes and hand sanitizer in the car.

We go meet back up with my friend so we can retrieve Simon and rush Sydney off to preschool. As I am putting Simon back into the stroller I get a faint scent of a baD bAD BAD diaper! No problem, wipes and diaps in the car.

We get to the car and I realize, oh this delightful treasure created by my son is all over is pants, shoes, socks, undershirt, legs . . . and then I think I even suspect some on my shirt (I already have urine all over my pants). I promptly clean him up and throw him in some clothes (which I had just given to my friend since they were too small for Si--but of course I did not have an emergency outfit with me).

I hurry and do Sydney's hair and she decides that she wants one orange ribbon and one brown one--hummm.

Okay, now to preschool (which starts in 10 minutes and is probably 15 minutes away). Yes, teacher Marybeth said, "there's no such thing as being late for preschool," but I say, "humm I have paid for that time and by dang she's going to be there for ALL of it!"

As I am driving my lovely fuel gage's yellow light (which has been on for a few days) is screaming "out of gas, out of gas, out of gas!" I veer off to fill up and resign myself to the fact that, "being late to preschool is okay today."

We pull up to the school and while Sydney is getting out she manages to see the "Mary Poppins" DVD that we have rented in my purse. She acts as though I am betraying her to take it back to the store. She gets very emotional and as I coerce her out of the car she says, "I don't feel much like playing today." Eventually we make it into school (9:20 am) . Her teacher notices that we are not ourselves today and tells Sydney about all of the great things they are going to do since Sydney also told her that she wasn't up for playing today. I grab Simon who wants to stay--and oh how I wanted him to--and we drive home.

Now we are both finally cleaned up, fed and can you guess . . . ready for a nap. The sad realization on my part--a large part of the stress was induced by me. Why on earth would anyone pack a morning that busy with two kids under four? Maybe this is why my mom didn't complain, maybe she was smarter and knew that playing hide and seek in the covers would be a lot more relaxing. I will learn . . .

A broken camera and SO much to document!

2007-09-13T12:16:00.001-06:00

Yeah, so there will be no pictures to accompany this post. The Canon PowerShot purchased after Sydney's birth has decided it's tapping out. It's kind of a bummer since this week Sydney started preschool. I managed to snap a picture with my cell phone--weee! She is having a blast and on the first day her teacher predicted that she and one other little girl will "rule the school." When I picked her up her teacher said, "it's like she's been here for five years. I can't believe you were thinking of only sending her two days a week." I was of course relieved her day went well, and that her teacher validated my feelings of my little Syd being a busy gal.

Another fun thing to document . . . the fun Si and I are having. It was so great to hit the grocery store with just him (and not have to push the obnoxious car cart around the store). I plopped him into the regular cart and we proceeded to giggle all over the store. After checking out we went to take a ride on "Felix" (the horse outside of Fred Meyer). Neither Sydney and Simon realize that this is a horse that moves once a quarter is placed in it. They believe that they start out in the paddock and then hear the trumpet announce them as the first horse in the Fred Meyer Derby. I proceed to call the horse race and they of course win. This was Simon's first time riding solo--he did just great!

He misses his sister like no other. He walks around the house saying "Sidddney" and his searches are always fruitless. He is much more clingy without her around. Which to be honest I find kind of fun. It's nice to cuddle with the little guy and get him giggling. I tell ya, this preschool gig is SWEET!

Now some of you have asked about my menopausal ovens. They were replaced. I would love to produce a picture for you of the newbie, but alas another item in our house has decided to call it quits. I think that means Drew gets to go shopping . . . his favorite.

I got a self-cleaning ceramic top off of Craigslist for a nice price. It's working great and baked up three of the most BEAUTIFUL loaves of banana bread I have ever seen. Drew honored me by saying slices of them were "little pieces of heaven"--gee thanks babe!

Things are good, life is good--so blessed.

Posting for the sake of posting?

2007-09-05T22:09:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else feel this horrible pressure to post amazing things every time they post? I guess I don't really feel like everything has to be amazing, but it's almost like, "hum, I don't really have a great picture and/or thought, so I will just sit back and enjoy everyone else's blogs." Then I get these gentle nudges from loved ones wondering where my new posts are. Part of me feels like, "I really don't want to post just for the sake of posting--I just don't have anything I want to say . . ." and then the other part of me thinks, "if you don't think you have anything to post then are you not PUNCTUATING life?" So now that I have introduced you to the two individuals who stand on my shoulders and whisper in my ear . . .

Really, I have done so many things in my life for the sake of doing them. I am so sad to actually see myself type that! I am a pleaser and always have been--therefore I have gone through the motions all too often. I am so grateful as I sit here tonight and realize all of the fabulous examples I have around me (not necessarily in location) who do what they do because they believe in it, they make time for it, they are passionate about it, etc. It really is inspiring. In fact, my own little crew here is a great example of this. Drew is so good about prioritizing--it's sssslowly rubbing off on me. Sydney is so wonderful at living--she really enjoys every moment. And my little Si, he just seems glad to be along for the ride. Tonight I am hopeful that in the future I will consider (1) how important it is that I do the things I feel good about, right about and passionate about and (2) how important it is that I teach my children this.

Now, I am sure that there are those who would/will say, "life is not all about pleasure or enjoying every second." It's not really THAT that I have the problem with--it's more of with all of the "extra" things in life that I do. Two things that come to mind: blogging and developing friendships. How can I make those moments worthwhile and not just do them for the sake of doing them.

Hummm any thoughts. I am sure there are a lot of you out there who have wonderful tips for me!

As for what's been going on with us . . . we spent this last weekend with some great friends--the Gillespies! They chronicled the trip quite well here. Since we have returned home, I am going through chocolate withdrawals and Sydney expresses gratitude for Vancouver in her prayers!

Do I dare admit I used to watch a show called

2007-08-21T17:47:00.000-06:00

Supermarket Sweep!?

Okay, I am totally blushing. Yes, I used to be a fan. I think I became addicted at 13 or 14 when I nannied for my aunt one summer. It was that or "Barney and Friends."

Supermarket Sweep was a game show having to do with the grocery store. There were trivia questions about various items sold at the store and then there was a "BIG SWEEP" where the teams ran around a fake grocery store filling up their carts with the most expensive items possible. The team with the highest total won and then had the opportunity to win money. However, in this "BIG SWEEP" round, there were BONUSES allowing teams to instantly add $$ to their total. These bonuses were often an unusually large version of an item.

Well today I received such an item and that is why this post. Quaker Oats sent me an enormous pretend container of oatmeal. It was stocked with all sorts of free oatmeal (YEAH) and then some literature on the health benefits of oats in a heart-healthy diet for dietitians to use with thier clients.

I felt like I was on the show. All sorts of fond memories flooded my mind and I thought, "I must post this and see who else would dare admit they watched this show !" I have a feeling it will only be my sister, Ashley, but if anyone else has please feel free to surprise me.

If not, "next time you're at a checkout counter and you hear the beep-think of all the fun you could have on Supermarket Sweep!"

Oh the JOYS!

2007-08-20T14:22:00.001-06:00

I cannot dress my child. She must do it herself and it must be an outfit she has picked out. Then, after she gets dressed she often wants to play dress ups! Oh the JOYS! I stopped folding the clothes in her drawers several months ago and just recently cleared everything out and only put coordinating outfits in the drawers so she can't go wrong with what she picks out. Today a friend told me about little tags that used to be on clothing that matched so that kids would know that you had to have two of the same for the outfit to work--nice idea. Anyone know what those are called?

Well, back to the dress ups. Nearly every day Sydney dresses up and dances around our living room. Both she and Simon love it when I join in (not in the dressing up, but the dancing around). I dare say I have burned a few good calories and have choreographed a pretty good little dance to "Chim Chim Cher-ee". Really, oh the JOYS!

This picture is of Syd and her good little friend Ella. Ella has an adorable little room where Sydney's imagination (and clearly her acting) really comes ALIVE! It's these funny little things that kids do that really bring JOY to every day isn't it?

My ovens are going through MENOPAUSE!

2007-08-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

So my range is struggling. I have really enjoyed it. It is pretty old 1940s or 50s and has two ovens. One large one and one small one. For the last year or so I have had to babysit the temperature gauge for the large oven because it is literally out of control. 250 degrees becomes 550 and if I turn the dial to warm it could then drop only to 300 then to jump again. Yes, it's having HOT FLASHES! Now, I did mention there is another oven. A smaller one. You can fit a 9x13 pan in it or something smaller, but no regular sized baking sheets or a roasting pan. This little oven was working fine, so I was just going to scale down my cooking to smaller containers. Sunday dinner was a JOKE! It too seems to be having hot flashes. There are three solutions to this problem. 1) Replace the thermostats in BOTH ovens, 2) Get a new range or 3) Not bake anything tasty or wonderful for the next 9 months (YIKES, that's all the time we have left here!). I really don't consider the last one an option. I love to cook and bake way too much!

Initally replacing one thermostat wasn't going to be that big of a deal. Just order the part and install it. However, now that I need one for each oven the cost is climbing and really quite close to the cost of a new 30" range.

SOOOOO, I want some advice. Self-cleaning or not? I usually clean my oven when my mother-in-law comes to visit. So it's once or twice a year. Is it really worth the extra cost? How often do you use yours if you have a self-cleaning one? Also, would anyone steer me away from a ceramic top? I would choose gas if I had the option but I don't. My kitchen is small enough that the added counter space from the ceramic top would be welcomed, in addition you can see from the above picture I am used to having a bit of cooking space on my current range.

HELP!

Happy Happy Birthday Ashley Dear

2007-08-11T09:02:00.000-06:00

So today is my little sister Ashley's 27th Birthday! I am SO glad that she was born. She has always served as an inspiration to me and I LOVE being with her.

Here are a few of my favorite memories of her:

1) She used to get out of doing the dishes after Sunday dinner by going and "practicing" the piano--keep in mind she was NOT taking lessons.

2) One year my mom had to buy her red, yellow and blue clothes that all coordinated so that no matter what she pulled out of her drawer she would match (not such a problem now!).

3) She LOVED to make home movies with her friends. Nearly every VHS tape in our parent's home contains some movie or "infomercial" created by Ash.

4) She has a wonderful cackle laugh and her nostrils flair like nothing you have ever seen before!

5) THIS ONE TAKES THE CAKE!!! So I was a senior in High School and I was cheering at a basketball game. Prior to the game I had set out my "outfit" for later that night (it was ironed and ready to go). While cheering at the game guess which cute little sophomore girl walks by me and gives me a wink, smile and wave? Oh, Ashley and what was she wearing? My outfit!!!

I really could go on and on, but my favorite thing about Ashley is how kind and good she is to me. She always builds me up and and makes me feel wonderful. She is a dear friend and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

I LOVE YOU ASH!!

*p.s. I won't tell them about the 100 calorie Dorito story!!

This is a picture of me, my brothers Tony and Justin and then my sister Ashley. We look thrilled don't we?

If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad . . .

2007-08-06T14:03:00.001-06:00

Simon is my serious child. He often has a furrowed brow or even a scowl. It's been interesting to watch him approach life because he is capable of doing things and having a great time while doing them, yet sometimes doesn't seem so thrilled.

As I have pondered this about him I have been worried, largely because I wonder if he has learned this behavior from me. I am cautious, calculated, conservative and careful about nearly everything I do. Sometimes it takes the fun out of living.

I have long admired Sydney's passion and inhibition and find on some days that it inspires me to be more like her.

So I now sit here wondering, how do I teach both of my children to be responsible individuals but enjoy they lives they live?

When we were in DC a few months ago Drew and I were having a discussion about my rigid way of living and making decisions. He encouraged me to PUNCTUATE each day. Although I haven't lived it fully that phrase has really inspired me to make moments count with my kids and let them get dirty, wet, sticky, muddy, undressed and dressed back up more often.

Life has been better and maybe just maybe, my serious son will learn that fun can be had while living responsibly!

p.s. the picture is of my niece Camryn, Simon and me on a tube at Island Park Reservoir in Idaho.

"May my child be a builder"

2007-07-26T00:54:00.001-06:00

My aunt is an artist and I remember a cute picture she painted of a child building a snowman. The caption, "May my child be a builder" has always stuck with me.

These pictures from DC show Simon building with some fantastic blocks. You also see in the next photo that he is pretty proud he is of his tower.

As I think about my kids and the things I am trying to teach them, I hope with all that is in me that they will be builders. There is enough negativity and tearing down in the world.

I have many people I love who constantly build, stabilize and strengthen me. How grateful I am for their help!

My mom's efforts in building me were largely manifested through notes. I have several on which I can look back and see the strength she offered me at various times in my life.

I am excited to have the opportunity to encourage my own children and help them to also become builders!

He's a SENIOR!

2007-07-02T10:59:00.000-06:00

Today marks Drew's first day as a SENIOR resident. It's so crazy that we are almost done. I found this picture (although kind of blurry--sorry) from his internship year.

Syd and I would go hang out with him at Swedish Medical Center in the evenings when things were slow. Now that he is one of the more experienced residents working at UW he is super busy and there is very little time to balance his daughter in the palm of his hand or style such long, beautiful hair! (Thank goodness)

We are so proud of him! Hooray for Drew!

The Price of Motherhood?

2007-06-29T23:22:00.000-06:00

Today I attended a Board Meeting for the Washington State Dietetic Association (WSDA). I have been on the Board since 2003. The past four years I have served as the Media Chair and this year I will be working as the Mentoring Chair.

You may be thinking . . . "what does this have to do with motherhood?" Here's what.

Although this volunteer position has been an interruption at times in my role as a mother, it has also served as a nice diversion and way to interact with individuals from my field. Today my roles of mom and dietitian collided as a friend there related that she's having a hard time finding contentment with being a stay-at-home mother. This is an issue a lot of my friends (mostly from church) have faced and today I found myself reflecting on where I stand in the contentment category and my quest of getting to this point.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I am in a good place and really enjoy my role. I am not sure if it's because my kids are at good ages, I've gotten more figured out or a combination of the two.

There are tons of books out there that look at motherhood and its place in society. One that comes to mind is called "The Price of Motherhood". I have not read this book fully, but I have read parts of it and discussed parts of it with other mothers. I realize we all need to feel valued, but I have never questioned the value of a mother. I have an incredible one! I am sure that a large part of why I value mothers is because my mother loved what she did. At this point in time I consider the price of motherhood things like this

(We were visiting the monuments in DC on a really hot day, I had rolled my pants up, but one side didn't stay up. I snatched the kids out of the stroller for a picture and was not thinking a bit about how I looked).

As I have watched Sydney and Simon develop I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. Although I know I can't take all of the credit for their greatness I feel proud of who they are already. I am thrilled with these young fruits of my labor (no pun intended) and even though I will confess it has been SO HARD a lot of the time I think I am willing to look like a dork pretty much every day to have this expereince.

I am hopeful that my friend will realize that adjusting to motherhood can be tough, but the experience is priceless!

I'm IT!

2007-06-27T15:03:00.000-06:00

Now that I've been tagged a few times . . . here are some facts you may or may not know about me.

FOUR jobs I've had:
1) Salesperson at Fred Meyer--Home Department (I even had fork-lift keys)
2) Sandwich Artist at Subway
3) Tutor at "The Reading Lab" at Ricks College
4) Catalog and web layout for Nordstrom.com (TEMP job--but very fun)

FOUR movies I can always watch:
1) "Pride and Prejudice"
2) "Life is Beautiful"
3) "The Happiest Millionaire"
4) "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"

FOUR places I have lived:
1) Sandy, UT
2) Rexburg, ID
3) Provo, UT
4) Pullman, WA

FOUR TV shows I enjoy:
1) LOST
2) CSI
3) Grey's Anatomy (yes, I admit it)
4) Any one of the "Triple Crown" horse races

FOUR favorite foods:
1) Cheese--probably Cougar Gold
2) Ravioli (not Chef Boyardee)
3) Peaches from the Farmers Market
4) Chocolate--dark or with peanut butter

FOUR websites I visit:
1) Yahoo mail
2) Blogs
3) LDS.org--music
4) usda.gov--National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

FOUR places I would rather be--I don't like this question. I am changing it to:
FOUR places I LOVE to be:
1) Out to a nice dinner with Drew
2) Lake Powell with my family
3) Cooking in my kitchen
4) At Pinocchios Toys picking out something fun for my kids

FOUR blogger buds to tag:
1) Ashley K.
2) Abby H.
3) Camille G.
4) Amy H.

Human napkins

2007-06-23T16:49:00.000-06:00

Hello all. It has been a good week--I got a lot done, had a ton of fun and learned a thing or two--wahoo!

First of all, I had some work stuff come up that took me to the cities of Kennwick and Spokane, WA. Drew's parents offered to come up and spend some time with the kids and so I was able to go. Thank you Raymond and Shanna.

It was really great for be to reminded how much I LOVE my job . . . I LOVE being a mom. It's fantastic. I love my kids. I am really happy with my role in our family. Oddly enough, the book I took with me to read was "I Am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. The book is basically about what a blessed calling being a mother is and how we should not feel bad for being a mother or dimiss ourselves by saying "I'm just a mom." I say it was odd, because as I was reading it I was away from home. I was working in a different job and although I have a passion for nutrition education and I enjoy the work I get to do from time to time, I needed NO convincing that spending my time home with my kids is a worthwhile endeavor.

Now, to the napkin thing . . . I came home to find my kids playing in the backyard with their grandparents. They all looked so cute. I grabbed some popsicles and we enjoyed the warm summer day together. Pretty soon Sydney was wiping her sticky hands all over Grandma Shanna's legs! I was so embarassed. I thought, "I promise we have taught her better than this" and then I thought, "Have I? She always seems to be wiping sticky, wet, or dirty hands or noses on me!" So, needless to say, I am adding human napkin to my job description as a mother.

Don't worry, I got Shanna a wipe!

UW Radiology Graduation Dinner 2007

2007-06-15T16:32:00.000-06:00

Last weekend Drew and I attended the Radiology Department's Graduation dinner. It's a chance to honor all of the residents and fellows graduating and receiving awards. It's a fun night at a cool location (Columbia Tower Club--on the 76th floor).

I don't tend to bring my camera to things like this--for some reason the camera seems to be reserved for "kid only" shots . . . however, one of Drew's friends snapped a few of us.

We had a blast with his year of residents and came to the sad realization that this was our last year to chit chat with his buddies. Next year we will be having fun entertaining family members.

I can't believe we are embarking on our last year of residency. It has flown by and been WONDERFUL. Once again, I am so blessed.

Following the leader

2007-06-15T15:56:00.000-06:00

Simon is a hoot! He is just so happy to be a part of anything. He especially loves to be doing whatever Sydney is doing. Yesterday after a bit of fighting I finally had Sydney go in her room (which is Simon's too) and shut the door so she could play trains without interruption. Si was SO bummed.

In DC, this was no exception. At the Natural History Museum he wanted to climb right into the rock Sydney had found her way into.

He too wanted to ride a horse on the carousel--this will rank as one of my favorite DC memories (riding along with both of my kids).

And, you could never let Syd out of the stroller to run around without Simon getting out too. They loved all of the flags at the Washington Monumnet.

Lastly, you will see at Hains Point, while running through the grass, Sydney did not want Simon to be left out and was trying desperately to attach her ribbon to his head. Maybe Simon's desire to to all she does is actually him just following her orders (she can be bossy).

Things seem to be working out just famously for these two. They are enjoying each other so much--I am SO blessed!

Overgrown and overwhelmed

2007-06-08T15:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this blog isn't really "mine," but I am the one doing the posting. So today--I am feeling overwhelmed as I look at my house (some of which is still in boxes--since we moved out so someone could live here while we were in DC) and my yard (which is totally overgrown--since no one has done yard work for months). I would like to know what all of the people I love (those of you who read this blog) do when you are feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

I am going to take what I think would be my husband's advice and just get working, but there is this little part of me that wants someone to commiserate with me and then give me the "fix it" pep-talk.

So, yes I am soliciting advice to serve as a kick in the pants.

Thanks--Andrea

I love this kid!

2007-06-04T22:52:00.001-06:00

Sydney is GREAT! Really, I love the kid. She lives life with such passion. I have had a blast listening to her vocabulary expand and her sentences become just flat out fabulous.

Lately we've been trying to help her be more grateful--specifically in her prayers. Before praying we discuss what happened that day and for what things she is grateful. Today Drew and I both had classes at "the club" (as Sydney calls it)--in our words, the gym. Anyways at prayers tonight she thanked Heavenly Father for "the club". I am glad she had a good time there and more importantly am thrilled that she is able to identify some of the wonderful blessings in our lives.

*The pictures of Syd are from the Carousel at the Smithsonian Mall and the one with the microscope is from the natural history museum. Of course while she was there she found a green dress up dress!

More updates on our trip to DC are on the way!

Quite a handful!

2007-05-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

Nearly every day as I walk the streets of DC I hear "you've sure got your hands full." When Syd and Si were climbing all over the hand of this statue "The Awakening" I could hardly help myself from snapping this picture.

This statue is located on the southern end of Hains Point just across the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. He is a giant who is emerging from the earth and is HUGE! The kids had so much fun climbing in his mouth, tickling his toes and sliding down his shin.

*I must add, Syd picked out her outfit today. It was SO hot--you gotta love the leggings!

Are those Hyde boys?

2007-05-01T10:53:00.000-06:00

My brother Regge just returned from an LDS mission to Wisconsin. I have yet to see him, but this last weekend these adorable pictures were taken of all of my brothers (5), father and my grandpa. It is wonderful to see them all together!

Drew's Crew

April Showers

Lucky

Sweetness

Let there be PEAS on earth!

My top 10 about Ashwee Whippet

We are FAMILY

So. Much. Fun.

G*O*A*L!!!

So much to post, so little time

Look at them thar Hills

Budding in Winter

A Dignified Position . . .

Give me some of your tots . . .

Worth its weight in GOLD!

What Good Luck--What Bad Luck

Getting my ducks in a row

One Year Older and Wiser Too

Here Comes the SUN!

I am thankful for sour cream

Gathering

So fooled!

A Bejeweled Birthday

Living the Single Life and TOTALLY Negative

The Good, the bad and the BEAUTIFUL!

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Rulekeeper meet Rulebreaker

*SNOW* Day

Come What May and Love It

It's a MARSHMALLOW World

Still CRAZY, but crazy about the CUTIES!

Feeling a wee bit CRAZY!

Thar Be Good Things Happening in These Parts!

Quirky Me!

I-N-L-A-W-S, what does that spell?

I get so EMOTIONAL!

I looked out the window and what did I see?

Today is a WONDERFUL day!

"Business in the front . . . party in the back"

I Like to Ride My Bicycle I Like to Ride My Bike

Camping with Dr. Cowboy!

It's a week away and YES I am counting!

Christmas in July!

"GG" who are you??

Decision 2008--it's been made!

Treasuring . . .

Hello, Hello, Don't Know Why I Say Goodbye . . .

And you thought you'd get pictures didn't you?

Are we there yet?!

A Family is Forever

Please indulge me . . .

Neener Neener Neener!

Because I am a Mother

It's not easy being green

Tradition . . . TRADITION!

Really, OUR HOUSE is a very, very fine house!

Cousins!

Inspiring Folks

Our house is a very, very, very fine house

Don't worry, I do want to live

"Daylight Savings is sucking my will to live"

Can we really do this?

My funny Valentines

Tiny Dancer, Ballerina Girl, or just CUTE!

My inability to communicate

Oh just a wee bit LOST!?

I Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Happy Birthday to my little buddies!

Something to Smile About

I've got a sneeking suspicion . . .

The Dreaded Christmas Letter #3

Run, run as fast as you can; you can't catch me

Working Girl

A spider and a mermaid

Logs By the Fire Fill Me With Desire

The picture post

Music stirs my soul!

Pregnant Skeleton and Scary Spider

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Feeling grateful

GOA*L!!!

SNOW Day