Ross Reality

Awesome Nursery

2011-12-10T21:11:00.001-08:00

We have an amazing nursery leader in our ward. Truly amazing. Quincy went from being somewhat afraid of nursery to literally running to class every Sunday. Quincy LOVES Sister Moulton--she is the toddler whisperer. Anyway, she sent us home with these blocks one Sunday with the assignment to build a temple and take a picture of us with it. What a fun activity!

Lake Powell Reunion

2011-11-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

For Fall Break this year, Dan's parents surprised us all by getting a week on their houseboat in Lake Powell. Lake Powell has been an annual tradition in their family since they were little. But, the last three years has been a little rough for all of us, so we haven't gone in that time. But we were all thrilled with the opportunity to go back again. Dan's brother's family drove up from Texas to be there, so the whole family could be together. It was a truly perfect week. And we were all grateful to Wayne and Jody for making it happen!

Happy Birthday Quincy!

2011-11-19T22:19:00.001-08:00

Quincy had her third birthday while we were in Lake Powell. At first I was worried that she would miss the splendor of a traditional party with big gifts, a fancy cake, etc. But wait a minute, she at a beach with all of her cousins and having tube rides to her heart's content! It doesn't get any better than that! She absolutely loved the tube. She giggled the whole time and just kept saying, "This is so silly!" The picture below captures one of life's truly priceless moments.

More Lake Powell

2011-11-19T22:08:00.000-08:00

Lake Powell in October is really wonderful. We were worried about the cold, but it was really pleasant. In fact, it was nice not being sweltering hot and sweating in your sleep! The days were warm, the nights were cool, and the water was tolerable.

This trip is magical for the kids. Because we haven't been for three years, it was Fisher and Quincy's first trip. They were in heaven, along with all the other kids. We packed 10 adults and 15 kids on to a houseboat. The quarters were a little tight and the bathrooms get a little stinky, but there is something magical about secluding your family away from the world for a week.

Because it got dark so much quicker than in the summer, we had a lot more time to spend on the boat in the evenings. One of our evening activities was decorating Halloween sugar cookies. Those are a lot of happy, sunburned kids!

Scrumptious Sand

2011-11-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

We found a beach with the most deliciously fabulous sand. We spent endless hours building, digging, and burying in it! As you can see, the whole family pitched in to dig a series of pools, dams, and passageways. Very exciting stuff.

Learning to Ski

2011-11-19T21:51:00.001-08:00

I've got to say the Rosses have perfected the art of teaching kids to ski. They invested in little kids skis that are roped together. Then they have one person holding them steady in the shallow water and another holding the rope and skis straight. They can't fail! Taylor and Loryn both got up when they were 3 and 4 years old and I'm sure Fisher could have had he be willing to try!

Ladies of Leisure

2011-11-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

The mommies play lifeguard while the kiddies build sandcastles and splash in the water.

Ooga Booga

2011-11-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Lest you wonder by these pictures if we have taken part in a cult activity, Ooga Booga is a family initiation tradition that the Rosses have had for years. Every time we go to Lake Powell, we light a fire on the rocks and induct the children who have come "of age." While the rites do include chanting and dancing, they also include a whoopie cushion. So, don't worry, there's nothing too heathen about this!

Primary Program Sunday

2011-11-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

I'm a little partial, but I think I have beautiful children. And I take absolutely no credit for that, by the way. I'm told they look like their dad!

We had our ward Primary program in October and the kids did a wonderful job. I am in the primary myself for the first time in my adult life and I have to say there is something special about seeing all those sweet little kids sing with such conviction and purity.

Coach Dad

2011-11-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here is Loryn with her coach at her last soccer game of the fall season. She played really well this season and we were so proud of her. Sweet Dan went straight from coaching Loryn's soccer team on Wednesday to coaching her basketball team for the season on Saturday. And when he finished with that, he started up Taylor's basketball team the next week. He's a very supportive and encouraging dad.

Fall Leaves in Provo Canyon

2011-11-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we live five minutes from this? How lucky are we?

Happy Birthday Taylor!

2011-11-19T21:22:00.001-08:00

Taylor is my first-born, my darling little baby. But, ten years later, she's not so little anymore. It seems like she is getting taller, more mature, and more grown up literally every day and I feel like time is passing right in front of my eyes! Taylor is a bright, athletic, even tempered little lady. She has been a constant joy. But more than anything else, she has a heart of gold. She is a truly amazing sister. She is my right hand and biggest helper. Without ever being asked, she is always there to console the little kids, put on their shoes, get them dressed, or help them get something to eat. She is instinctively nurturing and innately tender. She will be a wonderful mommy someday. I absolutely adore my "Little Bit" and don't know what I'd do or be without her. She made me a mommy and changed my life forever.

Taylor's Tenth & Tailgate

2011-11-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Taylor turned ten on Friday, September 30th and we packed if full of all the fun we could think of. After school, we had cake and ice cream with friends and then we headed for Extreme Air Sports. This is the coolest warehouse full of springboard, climbing walls, trampolines, rubber mats, and foam pits.

Afterwards, we ran home to host a tailgate at our house for the BYU football game. We invited all of our friends and neigbors to celebrate Taylor's birthday and tailgate with us. We set up our big screen and a huge sound system in the backyard and brought out a ton of yummy food. We partied late into the night and the kids were in heaven.

Sadly, there are no pictures of the tailgate to memorialize the occasion, so these cute ones of the kids will have to do!

A Trip to the Zoo

2011-11-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

We had a random Monday off of school in September. I started the morning off with no grand ambition, but then as I puttered around aimlessly in my bathrobe and the kids were mesmerized mindlessly in front of the television, I thought, "What are we doing?!" So, I called my mom and we quickly rallied ourselves for an impromptu visit to the zoo.

I'm lucky that Jeffrey and my mom are always up for an adventure. It was a beautiful day and SO much more fun than cleaning and watching television! The kids always love the zoo and the little ones are so funny with the animals. Quincy talks baby talk to all the cute baby animals and Fisher can't get enough of the snakes and spiders.

We were able to happen upon a very friendly giraffe who was literally a foot away from us.

My Funny Kids

2011-11-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a picture just says it all, doesn't it?

St. George

2011-11-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

The weekend after going to the Tetons, we had the opportunity to go to St. George on a last-minute whim. One of Dan's friends offered us the use of his house on Thursday night. I quickly packed on Friday morning and we left after lunch on Friday as a surprise to the kids. As we were driving there, we suddenly realized this was the first vacation (if you could call it that) we have EVER taken as our little family all by ourselves!

Though it was a farily short and low-key trip, we had a wonderful time just lounging around in a new place. We ate out, swam, hiked, and watched the BYU game.

Jackson Lake Lodge

2011-11-17T21:26:00.001-08:00

In September, my parents treated us to a weekend in Teton National Park. It was perfect. We stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge, where my parents stay every time they come. The views from the lodge are amazing and you can usually spot wildlife in these fields right behind the patio.

The Lodge sports an honest-to-goodness, old school diner-style, grill with barstools and lunch counters. The kids think this is fabulous. It also boasts a fancy schmancy dining room with floor to ceiling views of the moutains, uppity cuisine, and butter in the shape of moose. This is also fabulous.

We stayed in little cabins that surround the lodge. The kids kept fighting over the honor of keeping the key and unlocking the door. When does that lose its lustre for the rest of us? The mere opportunity of sleeping in a hotel room was such an adventure for all of them. The kids busied themselves in squirrel spotting while the rest of rested and read in between activities.

Yellowstone

2011-11-17T21:21:00.001-08:00

The drive to Yellowstone from the Tetons is a little long for a three day trip, but gorgeous and well worth it. Fisher got to see Old Faithful for the first time. And I spent most of our stay there trying to convince Dan that Old Faithful was not a man-made conspiracy. There was, unfortunately, a shocking lack of wildlife this year, which was definitely disappointing. But, in keeping with tradition, we played the license game and found almost every state.

My Dad's Rock

2011-11-17T21:16:00.001-08:00

This is my dad and this is his rock. For thirty years or more, he pays at least an annual visit to this rock. And almost every time, we take a picture much like this one. This rock sits out in the lake and you have to carefully navigate your way out to it by tiptoeing on smaller rocks. We all pause and give my dad a quiet moment to commune with the rock. And maybe someday he will share the great mysteries of life he has unearthed while sitting on this rock.

String Lake & Leigh Lake

2011-11-17T21:08:00.000-08:00

The annual Fisher family trip to the Tetons is steeped in tradition and habit. And no trip would be complete without a pilgrimage to "The Rock." You can find said rock on a beautiful meandering walk around String Lake and Leigh Lake. Our kids loved the hike and Fisher was absolutely thrilled with this opportunity to "mountain climb." The views were, of course, breathtaking.

Grand Teton National Park

2011-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

This trip was Dan's first time to the Tetons and was totally impressed with the beauty of it. It was also the first time we have been there as a family. My parents have been taking the girls for the last couple years, but we finally decided to come along. My parents have gone every year since they were married and as we got older, we went too. So I guess you could say this place is sort of near and dear to our hearts. We had a wonderful time.

A Flat Tire

2011-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

So, my parents took us to the Tetons the week after Labor Day. We were all very excited, but we had a bit of a delay when my parents got a flat tire about half way there. It tacked on about two hours to an already long trip, but we managed just fine.

We were lucky enough to spot the tire while stopping for gas, so we were able to change it in the safety and comfort of a parking lot. (I obviously use the word "we" very loosely here. I played no part in the actual changing of the tire.)

My mom and I played games with the kids to keep them entertained. And luckily, to their amusement, we found the oddest cockroach/beetle thing we'd ever seen in the grass nearby. Before too long, we were on our way. Once we reached Jackson Hole, we stopped at Bubba's BBQ, which is a tradition. And then we headed into Teton National Park where we would be staying.

First Day of Preschool

2011-10-09T16:53:00.001-07:00

Handsome Man Fisher Dan. He was so excited to start school like the big kids. I was pretty heartbroken I couldn't drop him off myself, but I worked for two weeks at Rock Canyon helping out with some testing. His dad dropped him off and I got good reports. And his Yellow Mimi was nice enough to pick him up. (Yellow Mimi is the name Quincy gave my mother. Yellow is for the hair color. Mimi is random. Dan's mother is Brown Grandma.)

Yard Sale

2011-10-09T16:50:00.001-07:00

Sometime after school started (don't ask me when-it's all a blur), we had a massive yard sale. Our second of the summer, actually. It was the last ditch effort to get rid of all the extra that was leftover after combining the two Ross households under one roof. It was a great success and afterward we took everything else to D.I. So now I have a nice, clean garage to park in! Three cheers for that!

A Quick Splash

2011-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

To celebrate one week of school under our belts, I took the kids and the girls' friends to my Aunt Maridon's to swim. We stayed forever and ever, enjoying the shade and cool weather. After swimming, we went back to our house for pizza and a "Just Dance" competition on the Wii.

First Day of School

2011-10-09T16:40:00.001-07:00

First Day of School! You remember it, right? Packing all those brand new school supplies into your backpack, laying out the perfect outfit, taking pictures in front of the house, seeing all your friends again. It's all giddy excitement. It only takes about a week for it to wear off, but it's sure fun while you've got it!

Taylor and Loryn had the added fun of walking with new kids on a new route to school. I can't tell you how blessed we all feel that they didn't have to change schools in the move, though. Loryn is starting second grade with Mrs. Kusse, a first year teacher who seems very excited, energetic, and capable. Taylor is starting fifth grade with Mrs. Steele, who seems to be very academic, organized, and ship-shape. I'm excited for great years with both!

One Last Hurrah

2011-10-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Sometime amidst the dizzying chaos of the week before school started, we managed to have one last grand adventure. Each of the kids invited a friend and we headed out to the Alpine Splash pad for a picnic and fun.

It was a hot day and I'm pretty confident I succeeded in giving them all heat stroke, but we had a great time squeezing the last days out of summer.

At this juncture, I never know how I feel. Some mothers are literally couting down the days until school starts on facebook. I heard of others getting a little teary-eyed as they send their kids out the door on the first day of school.

I guess I'm somewhere in the middle. The long, lazy (or not so much) days of summer are inviting and liberating. But the structure and productivity of the school year are welcome for everybody, including my kids, who seem to be plagued by boredom toward the end. So, off to school we go!

Ross Family Reunion

2011-10-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Two weekends before school started, we had an extended Ross Reunion at the Heber Valley Girls Camp. It was all of Dan's aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids.

We stayed in these great little bunk cabins and the kids had a blast! We put all the adults in one cabin and all the kids in the other. One of the greatest blessings of my kids' lives, whether they know it or not, is to have such wonderful cousins so close to them. It's a good bunch of kids we've got!

The Camp is run by the LDS Church and staffed by couple missionaries. One of our day activities was the ropes course, which required us to climb a telephone-sized pole. Once up, we walked across another pole high in the air and then zip-lined down.

I suited up with the thought, this is no big deal. I'll show my kids how unscary it is! Truth be told, I was beside myself walking cross the pole in the air. When I reached the other side, a sister missionary whispered to me that it's much like trusting in the Lord and staying focused on him through trials, etc. In a truly atypical fashion, I got choked up. Whether it was the timing of the event or sheer terror, I don't know. But it happened and I got through it!

Loryn was a total champion. She climbed right up that pole like a little monkey and marched across like nobody's business. I was so proud of her!

Sweet little Fisher didn't want to walk across the pole on the top. But who could blame him when his own mother nearly had a heart attack?

He was super brave to climb to the top, though, and then the cute missionaries gave him a little swing in his harness. I could tell he was terrified, but he was being very stoic and brave.

After the ropes course, Dan and I took the little kids canoeing. It was pretty hot, but they endured it well. As luck would have it, they were far more excited by the sandbox next to the lake.

The scenery was beautiful and we spotted a mama deer and her babies right on the shore. Dan was the master captain of our vessel. We had some pretty heated races with some other cousins!

The family reunion was great fun. Dan snuck in a quick game of horseshoes with a couple of his closest cousins, Kevin and Ryan. Dan and I both feel so luck that some of our best friends are our cousins. I feel extra lucky that Kevin married my childhood best friend, so she can be my cousin now too!

Lagoon

2011-10-09T15:49:00.001-07:00

My cousin, Tiffany, treated us to a super duper fun day at Lagoon just a week after we moved and a week before school started. It was the perfectly timed diversion for everyone. When God didn't give me sisters, he made up for it by giving me Megan and Tiffany.
I was a little worried that my kids wouldn't have as much fun without other little kids with them. Boy, was I wrong! Turns out a 3:3 adult to kid ratio is just the thing. And it helps when two of those adults are as fun as Jameson and Tiffany. We literally ran from ride to ride with wild abandon. (And the whole time I was so grateful that my mom had watched Quincy! I love her desperately, but she would have been miserable!)

I spent most of the morning with Fisher on the kiddie rides, while Jameson and Tiffany took the girls on the bigger rides that were sure to make me throw up. Tiffany was nice enough to take Taylor on the ride that drops you straight down. Jameson lead the girls in riding the Colossus six times in a row, followed by three times in a row on the music machine with Fisher. We're all thankful he didn't lose his lunch. And we all got SOAKED on Rattlesnake Rapids and sloshed around the rest of the evening.

Jameson and Tiffany headed home about an hour or so before the park closed, but I hung on to the bitter end with the kids, taking advantage of every last minute until they literally kicked us out. We had such a fun day. I love the rare opportunity of putting everything aside and just being able to have fun with my kids. It reminds me that I should do it more often!

I feel uber blessed to have such sweet, fun kids. They won't find me fun and cool for very much longer, so I'm monopolizing on this time while I've got it.

Moving Day!

2011-10-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

We've lived at this house for longer than we've lived anywhere together. When we moved in on July 24 six years ago, we had two toddlers, neither of whom can remember living anywhere else. I have raised my children here. We have grown up here as a family. We have learned so much from our neighbors and ward members.

When we put our house up for sale more than a year ago, I kept saying that "a house is just a house." And while that's true, I didn't fully appreciate how hard it would be to leave the people and the neighborhood that made this house feel like a home.

It sounds terribly silly because we've only moved a handful of blocks. But, the occasion to rub shoulders with these people that we've come to love is gone. I don't see them as much and it's hard. The move went smoothly. The kids transitioned seamlessly. But the transition is still taking place for me. It's harder for adults, I think, to find a niche and settle into a groove.

But to end on a positive note, our yard is much bigger and flat for the first time in years! We are in the same ward with grandparents and cousins, we live across the street from an awesome park and we are surrounded by people we have known and loved for years. So here's to new beginnings!

Dan Turns 33!

2011-10-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

By some strange miracle, I married the most wonderful man, friend, husband, and father a girl could ask for. He is kind, genuine, hard-working, committed, funny, honest, determined, sensitive, supportive, loving, and involved.

He is the perfect husband. A day has never gone by that he doesn't tell me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. He eats whatever I fix, including the early days of marriage when Tuna Helper made frequent appearances. He is my best friend: we love spending time with each other, laughing together, and talking about anything and everything. He has never ever raised his voice at me or made me feel badly about myself. His is one of the most complimentary, supportive and uplifting people I know--but he's genuine and realistic. A perfect balance for me.

He is the perfect father. Even after the hardest and most stressful days, he puts on a happy face for our kids and pitches in wherever needed. He coaches all of our kids sports teams, goes to all their games, and practices with them in the backyard. He stays up late helping with math homework, listens to them read, helps give them baths and brush teeth, and pitches in with dishes and laundry after we send them to bed.

I'll probably spend the rest of my life trying to be as good to him as he is to me, but I'm looking forward to it. Happy Birthday, Dan!

Megs the Legs Birthday

2011-10-09T15:21:00.001-07:00

Megan is my dear, dear cousin only a few months younger than I am. We have grown up together, and I love her oodles. She has become a wonderful auntie to my kids. Megan's sister, Tiffany, my other "sister" threw Megan a wondeful birthday party in July. She made these adorable cupcakes, ordered Brick Oven pizza, and we had a picnic in the park.

After all of that fun, we headed to the bowling alley with all my kids and all of Megan's friends. And let me tell you, there was nothing more exciting than when they dropped down the disco ball and we got to bowl to 70's music. It was a truly beautiful thing.

4th of July Parade & Party

2011-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

For the first time in our entire lives, we spent the entire 4th of July with our friends and neighbors as opposed to family. (This is because half the holiday was celebrated on the previous Saturday, which we spent with family.) Anyway . . . we had a wonderful day with all the neighbors whom we've come to love over the last six years. It was bittersweet knowing that we'd be moving in a couple weeks, but we had a wonderful day nonetheless. (sadly, most of it was not catpured on film!)

We began the day watching the parade in the front yard of the business our neighbor owns. He had invited the whole neighborhood to come and we had a BBQ afterward. Later that day, another neighbor had opened her pool to the neighbors for another grill. And, of course, we took advantage!

Later that night, we attended the Cul de Sac of fire which was slightly dampened by a brief, but intent, rainstorm. It was a great night of fireworks and treats and lots of good neighbors. We miss them dearly!

Not a Fan

2011-10-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

For the record, I am not a huge fan of blogger. I don't like the layout and the restrictions, or the photo upload process. I'm just saying this so you can appreciate the painstaking this effort is for me. I don't like it, but it is capturing our thoughts and pictures in the webosphere, so for that, I am grateful.

Balloon Fest

2011-10-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

As I'm sure you've come to notice, the Freedom Festival Balloon Fest is a tradition in our family, as it was for each of our families growing up. Dan's dad is the emcee and one of the ring leaders of the event, so the kids think that's especially cool.

This year was the first appearance of the Darth Vader balloon, which brought its own following of Star Wars junkies. They patrolled and guarded their balloon in complete costume, which was completely hilarious to me. My kids didn't really get it since they haven't ever seen the movie, but they did appreciate the odd balloon.

Take a load of that view of Timp in the background! Do we live in a beautiful place or what? We love the Ballon Fest. It's sort of like Christmas morning at our house. And if we look like we all have pillow faces and bed head, it's because we do! We have to drag our kids out of bed before 6:00 am to get there on time.

MIA

2011-09-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Okie dokie folks. I know, I know, I know. I have been missing in action for a very long time. And I will probably remain such until I can pull my act together. (which we all, quite frankly, know could take a while.) I genuinely appreciate that a few of you have begged me for posts, which means that you actually read this. And they will come, in time.

But I have moved in the last couple months and I have still not unpacked many of the boxes. I have a yard sale. I have been a couple vacations. I am the new primary secretary, even though I have never been in the primary in my whole life. And for the last two weeks I have been working at my kids' school. So, there you go, I've been busy doing other things. But the blogging will come. Don't you worry.

Sprinklers Again

2011-06-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Car Wash

2011-06-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

My brother Jeffrey's absolute favorite thing in the whole wide world is car washes. So we got together with Tiffany to let him wash her car and mine. He was so tickled he actually had a seizure (a fairly common occurrence, no worries.) Of course, my kids join in the fun too. And even though, this car wash actually necessitates another car wash, it's the fun that counts!

Brother Firefighter

2011-06-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

For the past several weeks, my little brother has been in Arizona fighting the Horseshoe 2 Wildfire in the very southeast corner of Arizona bordering Mexico. That is not my brother in the pictures, for the record, but it is the same fire. He worked the graveyard shift and then slept during the day in a school gymnasium. Though these pictures are not him, this is the same work he's been doing. A lot of steep grade uphill climbing in super hot temperatures, digging, starting fires to stop fires, cutting trees, etc. He's coming home this week, though, so perhaps we'll find out more!

Sprinklers

2011-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Could there be a more quintessential, time-honored summer activity than running through the sprinklers. I think not! P.S. I love that my two year old has already mastered the art of "laying out."

Best Friends, Worst Enemies

2011-06-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

My babies. A year and a half apart. They love each other. They hate each other.

Hanging out at the Mall

2011-06-26T15:58:00.001-07:00

I hate the mall with a passion. I hate it more with kids in tow. But I endured it this once for Loryn's ear piercing. This trip was slightly more tolerable since I wan't on a mission to actually find or buy something.

We played on the playground for a bit and called it a day.

Ears Pierced!

2011-06-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

Loryn has wanted to get her ears pierced FOREVER! Unfortunately, she has an aversion to needles and pain that causes her to break into hysterics at the mention of flu shots. But, out of nowhere, she decided she could be brave enough to get her ears pierced. I could tell she was scared out of her whits, but the desire overwhelmed the fear and she went through with it. She didn't cry or flinch or complain once, so I've got to hand it to her! She loves them and looks so cute! (this picture is taken pre-piercing as she nervously awaits the unknown!)

Papa's Birthday

2011-06-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Two days before his 92nd birthday, my sweet Papa had a slip and fall that landed him in the hospital, which meant he spent his birthday in the hospital. Jameson, Tiffany, my kids and I went to visit for a while. He is currently in a rehab facility and seems to be getting stronger and more sharp every day. I adore my Papa. He has perfected the art of "being there." With secret drop offs of homemade soup or fresh fruit, weekend trips to McDonalds, or constant surprises, he has always "been there" for us.

Cousins Day

2011-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, every summer we try to have regular cousins day to wrangle all the little ones together for some organized activity. For our first attempt, we went to a splash pad and park in Spanish Fork. Unfortunately, since our summer weather was still very cold, the water had not been turned on yet. So the kids just ended up playing on the playground, which turned out fine. You can't go wrong with cousins, right?

Ladybugs, Butterflies, Oh My!

2011-06-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year, our aunties Tiffany and Megan, gave the kids a butterfly and ladybug garden. We waited until spring to order the larvae which were delivered by mail. Over the next few weeks, we were able to watch ladybugs grow and caterpillars change into butterflies.

The kids loved this process and were excited to come home from school every day to see the next phase of their butterflies.

On the first warm day of summer, we let our ladybugs and butterflies go. The kids were able to hold them on their hands for a little while before they finally got the gumsion to fly away.

We all scream for Ice Cream!

2011-06-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

My parents definitely know the fastest way to their grandkids' hearts. Ice cream. My children know that all they have to do is to ask. When he's in charge, this is how my sweet dad satisfies my children. He gives them a gallon of ice cream, a bunch of spoons and let's them go to town. I kid you not, this is at least a weekly occurance. No wonder my kids always want to visit!

Loryn's Family Program

2011-06-26T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have been on hiatus from blogging. Don't think I don't notice the irony that a writing-loving English major has completely lost the motivation to write and the ability to string sentences together! But, alas, I have returned in a less-than-valiant attempt to chronicle the goings on of our lives. An embarrassing amount of weeks have passed since Loryn had her "One Big Happy Family" program at school. She sang with gusto and purpose as only Loryn could. Loryn is my singer, like her dad. I'm not talking about ability so much as love. The two of them are ALWAYS humming and singing, sometimes on tune and sometimes with the right words.

I love my little Lo Lo and can't believe she is growing up so fast. Next year, she's off to second grade and I can barely stand it. She is such a delight. Many years ago I served in the Young Women's presidency with Loryn's first grade teacher, Mrs. Niccoli. At the time, her husband was diagnosed with cancer and ultimately passed away. Over the course of this school year, Mrs. Niccoli started dating someone, got engaged, and got married weeks after school let out for summer. Loryn was all abuzz with the latest details of Mrs. Niccoli's romance and upcoming wedding. Loryn is such a romantic!

Fabulous Fourth

2011-06-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

The fourth graders had an end-of-year assembly to hand out some of the awards the kids had received for the year. Above is Taylor's best friend, Kendyl and her amazing teacher, Mrs. Harrington.

Taylor got the National Fitness Award and a Fabulous Fourth Award, which recognizes grades, attendance, reading, etc. They announced the kids in starting line-up style, letting them run down the aisle to music. I thought it was a cute little touch that the teachers showered the recipients of the awards in silly string.

Extravaganza

2011-06-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Yet another sign that summer is drawing nigh . . .The Rock Canyon PTA Extravaganza!

The kids wait all year for the school's Extravaganza. It's basically a hot, sticky, school carnival where you shell out a bunch of money for your kids to play silly games with dollar store prizes, repeatedly attempt to win the cake walk, and jump on inflatables. But they love it!

This is Jasmine. She plays on Taylor's soccer and basketball teams. They are the two tallest girls in fourth grade, so the two fellow sporty spices stick together.

The Fun Run

2011-05-16T09:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, another school year is drawing to a close which means another Fun Run has come and gone. As a reminder, the Rock Canyon Fun Run is a 5K for the students to run around the school and surrounding neighborhoods. The winners from each grade are awarded medals in front of the school in an assembly. It's become a pretty competitive deal.

This year, like last year, Dan ran with Taylor and I ran with Loryn. The intent was to help pace them and push them when necessary. Not to our surprise, however, they each left us in the dust. They both ran sooo fast and we were very proud of them.

I have never aspired to be a runner, nor do I even pretend to be, but I think I'll have to train this year so I can at least keep up with a first grader! Loryn did so well.

Taylor nabbed the 3rd place medal for girls in the fourth grade, and Loryn narrowly missed the podium with an impressive fourth place. (But she's convinced some "butting" took place at the finish gates.) Either way, I can't tell you how proud I am of my little girls.

Swimming at the Basin

2011-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's offical. Summer must be on it's way because there is mountain water in our park. Despite the fact that there was an impending storm and it wasn't extremely warm, the kids insisted on participating in this annual rite. So, on Saturday, we took them up to brave the icy cold mountain run-off. And we got in a lot of fun before the clouds opened up.

Women's Conference

2011-05-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

All in all, we had 1250 flowers made. That was less than we hoped for because about 100 of the kits were not returned. Regardless, it was a contribution. These are a few of the spiral felt flowers that were made. I wasn't smart enough to get pictures of the two other types of flowers we made, but they turned out just as cute. Our service project was a take and make, which meant the conference goers picked up a kit, made it at conference, and then turned it back into us. This meant most of our time was spent in pre-work. Everything had to be pre-cut and assembled, as the ladies wouldn't have scissors. We had to package needles, buttons and beads, wind thread, etc. It took forever, but our family was so good to help us. We had ten family members show up over Conference weekend and spend all day helping us. Wow!

So, as I write this, Women's Conference has come and gone and our flowers have been successfully delieved to various agencies, including hospitals and women's shelters. Sarah and I had never attended Women's Conference before, so we didn't really know what to expect. The morning of the grand "pass out" was craziness, but I think we did a pretty good job. For the next two days, we sat at a collection booth and fixed dilapidated flowers, hot glued on clips, and packaged the flowers. We even managed to squeeze in a few classes when our volunteers arrived.

I guess I never fully appreciated the scope or magnitude of the these service projects until a follow up meeting a week later. Literally thousands of humanitarian kits, blankets, children's supplies, etc. were made and assembled. It was truly amazing to be a part of. Months of work finally paid off. It took Sarah and I about another two weeks of work after the conference to finish everything up, but we are officially done now!

Sarah's mom, Maureen, and my mother-in-law, Jody are best friends and sewing geniuses, so they were kind enough to help us pass out kits Thursday morning and answer questions for befuddled conference-goers.

Sarah and I had lots of help from other family, friends, and neighbors and we couldn't have done it without them, particulary when the line starting wrapping around the Marriott Center (who knew?)

Easter Sunday

2011-05-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling more than a little sad that I didn't get a traditional Easter picture with all of us dressed up nicely. But, with 9 0'clock church and after-church meetings, things kind of got away from me. Luckily, I was able to nab Fisher before he changed his clothes. Isn't he a handsome devil?

We had Easter dinner at my parent's house and then we headed over to Brint and Natalie's (Dan's brother) in Springville for the annual grandkids easter egg hunt. Fisher thought this was the most wonderful thing ever. And we topped it all off with a chocolate fountain intended for dipping fruit, but I'm pretty sure it just ended up all over their faces. All in all, a wonderful day.

Easter Fun

2011-05-15T13:00:00.001-07:00

The kids loved their Easter-themed singing class. Aren't they the cutest little bunnies you ever saw?

Y Day

2011-05-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

This year, I taught switched off every week teaching preschool to these two little kiddos. Her mother would take one week and I would take the other. As we brought the year to a close, the last week I taught was the letter Y. I took the kids to the BYU bookstore to find all the Y's we could and bought them each a Y shirt. And we topped in all off with donuts at the Cougar Eat.

Through all of this, I have decided that I am not nearly as patient as I thought I was, particularly with other people's children. I've also decided that I'm not cut out for teaching preschool. Every time I have that fleeting thought of homeschooling, I can remember preschool and embrace the goodness of public schooling once again! But, regardless, it was a good experience and I think the kids had a good time and learned a lot.

Grandma and Grandpa's Racoon

2011-05-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our Grandma and Grandpa Fisher have a couple of recurring visitors at their house every season. There is Perry the Squirrel who has lived under their porch for years. There are the deer that pass through their backyard daily. And for the last couple springs, there is this mother Raccoon. For the past two seasons, she has given birth to her babies in my parent's chimney. When she leaves them, they whimper and cry until my mother starts to cry herself. Anyway, animal control left this little trap for mama so they could relocate her after she had removed her babies. All very sad, but we had to take advantage of the photo op nonetheless.

Sunday Afternoons

2011-05-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Daddy was trying to catch a quick nap in between a couple Sunday afternoon meetings. And the kids thought this would be a great idea. Don't they look pleased with themselves?

Spring Break, Day 6

2011-05-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

We took the kids on a walk/bike ride up the canyon and had a picnic at one of the picnic areas. They absolutely loved it. We spent forever throwing the frisbee, tossing the football, flying kites, and climbing rocks. We stayed until it was almost dark and had a great time. This will definitely be an encore activity.

Spring Break, Day 4-5

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

I'll be honest, its starting to get a little blurry.

On Thursday, my mom took us to see Hop in celebration for Easter. It was a cute movie and it got the kids really excited to see the Easter Bunny the following weekend.

Somewhere in there, I developed a nasty and painful throat condition that was driving me bananas and prompted my first doctor's visit in my married life (excluding pregnancy visits of course.) It turns out I'm just a whiner and was suffering from severe heartburn. Nothing a little Nexium and a few days didn't cure. Clearly, all the Spring Break festivities are getting to me!

And we also worked like mad on Taylor's Utah County projects (Ok, so my mom worked liked mad and we were a very attentive support crew.) Then Dan and I took the kids to eat at Pizza Pie Cafe.

Spring Break, Day 3

2011-05-14T21:49:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, before the Hansens left for the weekend, we met at the ever beloved Trafalga. Every kid's dream, every mother's nightmare. The kids loved the rock climbing, laser tag, bumper boats, mini golf, and kiddie rides. I didn't love my migraine.

A Hospital Visit

2011-05-14T21:43:00.001-07:00

Oh, and I forgot, we also made a hospital visit on Tuesday night. Our Auntie Tiffany, who is a school teacher in our district and was also on Spring Break thought it would be impeccable timing for her to have a gall bladder attack and appendicitis. She had surgery and we visited her to laugh at her medication-induced comedy. She never fails to keep us laughing. The girls decided to strike a pose with the sculpture in the hospital. With their addition, it makes our family exactly! (although we're a little less serene and put together than this sculpture.)

Spring Break, Day 2

2011-05-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday, my mom and Jeffrey visit our Papa Ace, so we decided to tag along this time. Luckily, my kids love visiting Papa Ace because his retirement home has an aviary, fish tank, and duck pond. In addition, he is always so excited to see them and insists they drink his mini apple juices and cashews. They don't put up much of a fight, either. My sweet Papa Ace tears up every time we show up too. Such a tender heart.

It being springtime, with all the birds and the bees out (if you get my drift), we encountered some very feisty male ducks and some very pathetic beleagured female ducks. It was traumatic for us to watch, so we ditched the duck-feeding after a while and headed for McDonald's where the kids ate and played on the playplace. (I know, I know, my germophobe friends are panicking right now, and they have every right to be.) But I think they had fun and narrowly escaped without any major viruses.

After some naps and regrouping, we met up with our Hansen cousins for some bowling at Fat Cats. Quincy has never lasted happily through an entire game and Taylor hit Loryn in the face with a bowling ball and bloodied her lip, but other than those few hiccups, I think we had a good time!

Spring Break, Day 1

2011-05-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Spring Break was an entire week this year, which presents a bit of a challenge for families that don't actually "go" anywhere. How am I to live up to my kids' expectations of Spring Break when their friends are going on cruises or to Disneyland? Anyway, I am posting our Spring Break festivities only to remind my children that I made a valiant effort to keep them entertained. And I think we had fun! On Monday, we spent the day at the park just letting the kids play and enjoy the sun. Later that night, we grilled some hamburgers with the Hansens and roasted marshmallows in their backyard.

Soccer

2011-04-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Such is the life of these little ones. Watching from the sidelines. There such good sports to go to all these games. They spend a lot of time watching their sister do this.

I love my babies.

And yes, I will probably still be calling them that when they are 35.

Temple with the Ladies

2011-04-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the temple with my high school friends last week. (two of them had left before I had the good sense to pull out the camera. Sorry!) Anyway, I was really touched by the experience of being there with these ladies who I love so much. We've seen each other through a lot, and continue to face a lot. And I felt a sense of triumph as we were there together. We're weathering the storm alright, you know? The event that brought us all together there is that one of my friends is going through a divorce. Life is tough for everyone. But there is such comfort and joy in knowing that you have people. And for my part, I am glad that these gals are some of my people.

Mommy Guilt

2011-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie. I have a fair amount of mommy guilt. Maybe even more than the average person. When we've lost something or someone pops in for a visit, I am absolutely humiliated that the house is messy or I'm disorganized. When I'm cleaning the house, I feel bad that the kids are parked in front of the TV. When I'm spending time with the kids, I'm beating myself up that the house is a mess. You get my drift?

One great source of my mommy guilt is the time I don't spend with the tikes. Sure, I spend every minute of the day with them. But I feel like I don't have the time to really invest in them as I did with the older ones because now the older ones need my help with homework, lessons, sports, etc. So, in my moments of extreme guilt, I leave the dishes and laundry undone and take the kiddies to do something fun. On this day, we went to the mall to play on the playground and ride the quarter rides. And they loved it . . . for the most part.

Fisher Plays Soccer, Sort of

2011-04-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

So, Fisher has been dragged around to countless soccer games over the years and has begged for his own chance to play. Well, it has come! The kid was so excited, he wore his uniform all day in anticipation. And then came the game. We had no idea what to expect since he had never played before. It turns out, that he spent the entire game making cool moves like the ones in these pictures. He as jumping, dancing, doing ninja moves, giving us thumbs up. He didn't touch the ball once. But he was as happy as a clam just to be a part of it.

Service Project

2011-04-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

My BFF Sarah LaPray Abbott asked me to help her head up one of the service project for BYU Women's Conference this year. Initially, we were overwhelmed by the enormity of the task (1500 fabric flowers that we had to design, shop for, pre-cut, pre-thread). But, we've been able to piece meal it over time and we finally finished assembling the take-n-make kits that will be passed out during the conference. Whew! But there is no way we could have done it without the help of our Young Women's groups. And the last minute work session our family all showed up for Conference weekend was invaluable! And I know that the cancer patients will feel prettier having our cute flowers to put on their caps!

Sprained Ankle

2011-04-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dan has been playing basketball on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with the same group of guys for 11 years. With several ex-college and high school players in the mix, it gets pretty competitive. There have been broken fingers, broken hands, broken ankles, stitches, bruises, etc. But none of them for my Dan. Well, I guess he was about due for an injury when he came home with this sprained ankle. The picture really doesn't do it justice. His left foot was about twice the size of his right. And he couldn't walk for days. Two weeks later, he still can't run, but the bruising is finally starting to die down.

First Taste of Spring

2011-04-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Back before the series of storms that brought heavy snowfall, hail, and threats of flooding, we had a delightful touch of warm weather. The kids were so excited for this little bit of sunshine, we went to the park, blew bubbles, went on walks, and had a picnic outside. We chose the front lawn because there are about six houses being built across the street from us. Fisher is in heaven with the endless parade of cement mixers, dump trucks, and backhoes. He sits on our corner and watches them regularly.

Singing Class

2011-04-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

A darling neighbor of mine hosts a singing class a few times a month in our church building. She was an elementary school teacher and loves music, and has so many cute songs and ideas for the toddlers in our neighborhood. Fisher and Quincy absoutely love singing class. These pictures are from a St. Patrick's Day singing class. From the looks of it, Fisher has got the Irish jig down!

Happy Birthday Loryn!

2011-04-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

Loryn turned 7 on March 22, which was a Tuesday. We had late swimming lessons, so we ended up having a quick late-night cake and ice cream with family. But I took her to lunch earlier in the day. She thought me taking her out of class was the best! And the previous Saturday we took all of her friends swimming at my friend Jamie's indoor pool.

I have to say I love my little Loryn. She has always added such a fun dimension to our family. She is full of excitement and energy and passion. She is tender-hearted, concerned, and thoughtful. She always has a lot to say and is just fun to be around. I have absolutely loved watching her grow up (even though I don't really want her to!) I can't believe she is 7 already, but I know she has big things ahead of her. I know it's tough being a "middle child," be she has really carved out a place for herself in our family and in our hearts. We love Loryn and her silliness, sparkle, and sass!

Birthday Shopping

2011-04-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad were on a cruise during Fisher's birthday, so when they got home, my mom took Fisher on a shopping spree to Toys R Us. The funny part of this story is that he couldn't really decide on anything he really wanted! What kid has that problem? Anyway, we finally settled on some games. And the real treat of the day was riding the quarter rides at the front of the store. Isn't that how it goes, though? You can spend an arm and a leg on kids and they always like the littlest things best!

Swimming Lessons

2011-04-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

This winter, I signed up the three oldest kids for swimming lessons. Fisher has been waiting for months for his chances to have swimming lessons like the big kids. They had a wonderful time and were all quite the little swimmers!

Happy Birthday Fisher Dan!

2011-03-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love, love this little boy. Fisher turned four on February 25th. He has been looking forward to and counting down the days to his birthday for months. So, there was a definitely an expectation to live up to.

He started out the day with a donut breakfast. Then he went out to lunch and birthday shopping with Grandma Ross. After naps, we geared up for our pirate-themed birthday party at Pirate Island. Unfortunately, he was so excited for Pirate Island, he went running in so fast, he tripped and fell, and completely scraped up his nose on the street. It was a pretty bloody and traumatic injury for the little guy, but perfectly suited for a pirate, I guess!

After all that, we went back for pirate birthday cake, ice cream, and presents at our house. Grandma and Grandpa Ross, all the Hansens, Brint and Natalie's whole family, Jameson and Jeffrey, Tiffany, and one of Fisher's little friends were all in attendance. Fisher defintely reveled in all the attention and had a wonderful day.

Fisher got a bike for his birthday that he has been riding in loops around the house since then. He totally loves it and can't wait for spring to come to test it out on the road!

President's Day Weekend

2011-03-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Jameson and I were in charge of Jeffrey while our parents were away on a Carribean cruise over President's Day weekend. We decided the best thing to satisfy Jeffrey's endless nagging for adventure was to escape to Idaho! And, of course, my kids' nagging provided a fair amount of motivation too.

We had a great weekend because Megan and Tiffany went home too. We went out to dinner, swam a lot, and just had fun hanging out together. One of supreme highlights for my kids is the opportunity to test their hands at driving around on the back roads.

Fisher and Quincy have sensitive eyes in the sunlight and complain about it often. So they borrowed mommy and daddy's sunglasses the whole way home.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-03-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day offers a flood of memories for me, good, bad, and all the way in between. As a kid, it was all excitement with the exchanging of valentine's, the making of an original mailbox, the rush of candy.

During the adolescent and college years, it became known as Single Awareness Day. But actually, my friends and I always made light of that by dressing up in formals and going out to dinner, pretending to have been stood up by our dates. Why did we do that? Who knows, but we garnered a lot of pity and a free dessert or two!

Valentine's Day 1995 was my first date ever. It will go down in the books as one of the most catastrophic and horrific dates of all time. But it definitely makes for a good story and one that is hilarious to share.

On Valentine's Day 1997, Dan and I were each dumped (probably within hours of each other) by our respective girlfriend and boyfriend. Though sad at the time, it was the beginning of us. Months later, in a conversation about those very break-ups, Dan and I started an interest in each other. And the rest is history!

Since marriage and kids, Valentine's has become a family holiday. Dan and I always go out some time that week, but we usually spend the actual day having dinner with our kids and exchanging small gifts. And I wouldn't have it any other way! This year, I had my parents, brothers, and Tiffany down for dinner as well. It was a great day.

Goodbye Old Friend

2011-03-01T09:23:00.001-08:00

This was my hair two weeks ago. It was super long. The longest it's ever been in my life. But it was driving me nuts. Although all the men in my life loved it, I couldn't stomach another day of it. I guess it's become a symbol too. I haven't cut it since the day we found out that our business was heading into a downward spiral three years ago. But it's time to move on. Time to move forward, right? So off goes the hair! (Don't worry, it's still past my shoulders.)

New Year's!

2011-02-04T13:51:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know, New Year's has come and gone already. Most of us have already tossed our resolutions out the window. New Year's is a funny thing to me. I'm as eager as anybody else to turn the page and start afresh, but why must we do it at the coldest, darkest, most depressing time of year?! It's hard enough just to get out of bed in January, let alone to do it full of purpose and resolve!

Anyway . . . we had a fun New Year's celebration, even though it was six weeks ago. On New Year's Eve, we "partied" at the Hansens with lots of fun treats and games. On New Year's Day, we took our kids sledding and then went out to eat and bowling with the Abbotts. A good time time had by all!

The Parenting Handbook

2011-02-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

There isn’t one. A parenting handbook, that is. We’re all just making it up as we go. And every year that I venture further into the parenting frontier it becomes more perplexing. Every year that passes unfolds a new issue, a new dilemma, a new question. I find myself asking almost every parent I know, “How do you handle this?” “What is your approach to that?” “What is your philosophy on such and such” Not surprisingly, even among the most exemplary parents, the answers range from one end of the spectrum to the other. This inevitably leaves my head spinning. I admire a lot of parents and families I know, but they all seem to do it completely differently. So, perhaps that is the answer in and of itself. You do what works for you and your kids. And pray like crazy it works.

A Lesson in Children's Sports

2011-02-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Parenting Lesson #2,542: Childrens sports are not just fun and games.

It’s no news to anyone that I did not grow up playing sports. It’s no news to anyone that my husband absolutely DID, and the discrepancy was almost a deal-breaker for us. At any rate, the world of children’s “pee wee” sports was completely new to me when I entered it. I was naïve to the fact that your ability to actually play a sport is only half the battle, if that.

The other half is comprised of who your parents know, how involved they are, and their time and money resources. Who knew? Everybody but me, apparently. But, I’ve wisened up and understand the system now. This is how it goes on around here these days. If you want for your child to possibly play high school sports, you better start now. First, everybody starts in the city recreation league. Here, you pay a meager $25 to be randomly thrown on a team coached by volunteers, who may or may not know anything about the sport. At this level, savvy parents and would-be coaches start “scouting” out the good players, the kids you want your kids to play with for years to come.

After a couple of years in rec league, you form a competitive team, which gives you the ability to choose your own players and allow them to play together for years. Or you have your child “try out” for one of the uber-expensive and time consuming club teams. The coach of this team is important. You want him to be in the “pipeline,” so to speak, because he may end up being the Jr. High coach or having some connections to the Jr. High coach, also a volunteer position. If you were really smart, you would volunteer to be the Jr. High coach yourself to further ensure your child’s opportunity to play. And, everyone know that the Jr. High coaches are in cahoots with the high school coaches. And high school coaches at Timpview have their team chosen before the kids even reach high school, let alone high school tryouts. And, if you were really, really committed, you would hire a private coach/trainer for your child to work with one on one. That’s what everyone around here does.

There, now you know the innerworkings of childhood sports. Does that blow anyone else’s mind?

Loryn's Cheer!

2011-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Because Taylor is involved in so many things right now, I'm always on the lookout for extra things for Loryn to do. In one week's time, Timpview offered both a ballroom dance workshop and a mini cheer camp as fundraisers. I jumped on the opportunity of something quick, affordable, and right up Loryn's alley. Loryn loved her afternoon of ballroom instruction, despite being paired up with a sixth grade boy as her partner. Megan and I "spied" on her for a little while and could barely contain our chuckles. Quite the sight to see!

Later in the week, Loryn got to go to three cheerleading classes. The grand finale was the opportunity to cheer at the halftime of one of Timpview's boys basketball games. We joined the Hansens and Grandma and Grandpa to watch she and Katie cheer. I don't know if they're hopefuls for the varsity squad, but they definitely had a lot of fun!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve Day with all the Ross cousins at Trafalga. We had so much fun playing mini golf, arcade games, and watching interactive movies. Afterwards, the big kids went to see Secretariat while I took the little ones home for naps. That night, we had Christmas Eve dinner with the Fishers. It was a fun day.

Lovin' This Boy

2011-01-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

I've got to tell you. I have a crush on this little guy. I absolutely love him to pieces. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more naturally happy and sweet little boy. Maybe he knows he's wrapping me around my finger because every day he tells me, "Mom, I love you so much. Thanks for being my best friend." Melt.

Every day I lay down with him until he falls asleep for his nap, and he gives me a goodnight kiss, tucks me in, and tells me a story. His stories are hilarious. It's my favorite time of the day. Today his story was all about finding a friend, who invited Fisher to come to his house and play with his new toy. And he said, "I like you so much." This story is especially sad because Fisher has no boy friends and is desperate for one. A day rarely goes by when he doesn't say, "Mommy, I need a boyfriend!" And he gets so sad every time his sisters go off to play.

Fisher also prides himself on being "my best helper." He's obsessed with being a super awesome cool dude like a super hero. (this really plays to my advantage when we need him to eat his meat and veggies.) And a couple days ago he informed that he was going to be a superstar when he grew up. And one of my all-time favorite things he does in this vein, he runs everywhere. But not a normal run. He starts just like Bugs Bunny in the cartoons. He backs up and runs in place really fast, like he's getting speed before he takes off. Hysterical.

Yes, I love me some Fisher Dan.

Wannabe Sociologist

2011-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

This is me when I was little. Oh, to be that cute again!

This entry is one of those personal confession types. Most of my posts are dedicated to the latest and greatest that my kids are doing, but this one is just about quirky old me. I don't know if many people know this about me, so I thought I'd come clean. Since the time I was little I have been a wannabe sociologist. I love to study people, their relationships, their personalities, their motives, their actions. I don't even know that I do it consciously. And I don't know if this make me unique. Although, I think it might because it drives my sweet husband bananas.

But I felt like I had to confess. So, you can bet that if you're reading this, I've personality profiled you, studied your relationships, and theorized about my relationship with you. But don't fret, it's not in a self-righteous way, because heaven knows I'm crazier than a bed bug. Anyway, now that I've got that off my chest, I feel much better. At least now you know.

The Little Things I'll Forget

2010-12-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

There is likely no moment more sad to me than when my older girls ask me what they were like when they were toddlers like Fisher and Quincy. I can remember little bits and pieces to tell them, a cute phrase, a funny habit, but nothing really tangible or significant. And my heart bleeds. I pour my heart and soul into raising these little ones and I'm already forgetting. And they will too. Let that me a reason for all of us to be more dedicated journal-writers!!!!

Fisher is HILARIOUS right now. I wish I could bottle his little personality up in a jar and put it on a shelf. He is so delighted by things, and has such a funny little sense of humor. This year, he called Christmas "Chrikris." We thought it was funny. He talked incessantly about Santa, his reindeer, the sleigh, and the North Pole. He found a little maze sheet with the North Pole at the end and was convinced it was a map. He walked around showing it to everyone, weaving his finger through the maze and proudly concluding, "And that's how you get to the North Pole." One day, he even told me he was going to the North Pole himself and asked when we could leave.

Fisher is also pretty good at giving cute little prayers. All summer he prayed that we could go to Idaho to see Kathy and Paul. Once we went, he started praying that we could go swim at my friend Jamie's house. The other day he said thank you for Jesus Smith. So funny. And quite efficient really, he covered the two big guys with one name.

Quincy is pretty astute and intuitive. And it cracks me up to see the things she picks up on. We've been to see my Papa Ace quite a bit lately and she somehow surmised that he is sad. So now, whenever she talks to him or about him, she says Papa Ace Sad. As if it's his name. She also know where he lives. Everytime we drive down University Avenue, she points to Jamestown and shouts Papa Ace house! As I teach Fisher his alphabet, she picks up on the sounds just as quickly as he does. Same with counting.

My children also liven up our sacrament meetings, which does not have a lot of children. After each closing prayer, they loudly shout, "Time for Nursery!" After a musical number last week, Loryn forgot herself for a moment and clapped out loud. Then, she was so embarrased, she started to laugh, which made her snort. I got at least 20 comments afterward.

Traditions!

2010-12-26T21:13:00.000-08:00

Every year, we think we don't have any traditions. And then we start doing them and realize we do!

Somehow, I managed to NOT get a picture of any of the fun things we've been doing, but here's a quick synopsis. By the way, this is for our family journaling purposes. Not to flaunt the fact that we have had tons of fun with tons of family and friends. We realize we're especially blessed that way.

* Celebrated mommy's birthday for three nights in a row.

*Took around homemade cake bites for neighbor gifts and laughed as our kids took them to our neighbors' doors.

* Hosted the Fisher Family Christmas Party.

* Enjoyed having cousins Taylor and Laura stay for two nights with their cute baby Peyton.

* Mommy had a Ladies' Night Out with all her high school friends in Salt Lake.

* Made Christmas cookies with the cousins at Grandma Ross's and then went sledding for hours across the street at the park.

* Went to see the Spanish Fork Festival of Lights with all the cousins bundled up in the back of a pick up truck, followed by cookies, hot chocolate and sleepovers.

*Celebrated Christmas as our little family for one night at the Riverwoods mall.

* Ate Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Fisher's house with Papa Ace. Sang Christmas carols with Jeffrey afterward.

*Watched the kids try to overcome the obstacle of dad's "booby trap" he made to prevent them from getting up the stairs to their presents on Christmas morning.

* Opened presents Christmas morning with both sets of grandparents there to watch. A yummy breakfast afterward with the Fishers at our house.

*Had Christmas Day lunch at the Ross's. Opened presents from the cousins gift exchange, watched the family slideshow mommy makes every year, and played games at the church.

The Holiday Rush

2010-12-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

I'll be the first to admit that I LOVE being surrounded my so many people at the holiday season. I LOVE having the reason and the means to be busy at the Christmas season. I would really have it no other way. Having said that, however, I felt completely pooped by preparing for this holiday season. Perhaps I was much more inefficient than in years passed, or perhaps I am suffering the holiday blues that I've never understood, or perhaps there is just simply too much to do and not enough time to do it in. I am favoring the latter.

Between school programs, weddings, church programs, teaching lessons, birthdays, homemade neighbor gifts, family gifts, friends from out of town, house guests, taking food to EVERYTHING, and LOT of time consuming and ill-timed projects, I found myself becoming grouchy and frustrated. While all of these things are extremely good and I wouldn't trade ANY of them, perhaps I will learn my lesson for next year-- simplify.

But then, when all is said and done, you see the sweet smiles and feel the spirit of Christmas on that day. And it's all worth it. God bless us every one!

The Night Before Christmas (Eve)

2010-12-26T20:50:00.001-08:00

December 23rd was one of those bittersweet days. Inevitably, we remember the birthday of our best friend, Dan, who passed away four years ago. This year, my Dan attended a foreclosure sale (not on our house by the way) and then took a state mortgage test (which he passed!) So, a victory following defeat. Bittersweet.

Either way, we felt the need to dust ourselves off and celebrate. We took the kids to the Riverwoods mall. Amid a light snow, there was Santa, carolers, lights, and a busy bustle of shoppers. The kids loved a jaunt through the new specialty toy store there too. We topped it all off with a family dinner out. It was a wonderful evening, and we enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with just our little family before the upcoming holiday.

32

2010-12-26T20:39:00.001-08:00

Last week I celebrated my 32nd birthday. On that day, however, I hosted my entire extended family at my house. So I got to celebrate for a couple days beforehand just to compensate! You'd be sick to know how spoiled I get on my birthday. I'm just too lucky to have so many good poeple to love me! On Saturday, Dan took me to dinner. On Saturday, my sweet mother made us dinner and the kids made me a cake. On Monday, my mom watched my kids so I could clean and cook for my family Christmas party. That afternoon, my sisters in law brought me lunch. That night, I enjoyed the opportunity of being together with all my aunts, uncles, cousins, and my 92-year-old Papa. The next day, my sweet friends from my neighborhood brought me lunch. All in all, a wonderful birthday weekend.

I have to say, though, as my birthday so closely coincides with the beginning of a new year, it is an added impetus to reflect, review, and renew. And I've been doing a lot of that. I felt like I really let a lot of things "slide" this year. While all are healthy, happy, and well accounted for, I know that I really wasn't up to par. I spent most of the year feeling like I was running a day late and a dollar short. And then I spent the rest of the time beating myself about it. And nobody benefitted from that! So here's to 33 and 2011 being the year of my greatness!! Or something like that.

Piano Recital

2010-12-14T14:31:00.001-08:00

Taylor has been taking piano lessons for about six months and is doing really well. She had her first "recital" this weekend to an adoring audience of family and friends. Her cousins are taught by their grandmother, so they were kind enough to include us in one of their "at-home" recitals. She did a wonderful job and everyone was impressed with how far she's come in such a short time!I think music lessons are a necessary evil and rite of childhood. All children should be made to yell at their mothers for making them practice. All mothers should be made to yell at their children to practice more. It's just the way things are. Because eventually they'll grow up and thank you that they're able to play, right? Even despite the ranting and raving, I can tell that Taylor is pleased with and proud of her new found talent. She will just never give me the satisfaction of overtly enjoying it!

Ski Bunny

2010-12-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

If you're lucky enough to live 15 minutes away from a benevolent ski resort, you get to go skiing with your school class. Last week, the entire fourth grade at our school went to Sundance for ski lessons. Taylor was super excited to ski her first time. She was a little disheartened when they were limited to the tow rope. But thanks to my parents, she'll have a few more lessons to really test her abilities!

Loryn's Skating Lessons

2010-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

My parents were so kind to treat Loryn to ice skating lessons for the last several weeks. She is in heaven. I think it's an absolute hoot to watch those knobby little legs wobble around out there like a baby colt. But she has come a long way and is absolutely loving it. As a proverbial "middle child" she doesn't get to do much just by herself, so this was really something special for her.

Fa La La La

2010-12-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

We started off December with a bang thanks to my mom. She personally ushered in the Christmas season with a trip to see the NYC Rockettes Christmas show in Salt Lake, the Festival of Trees, and BYU's Christmas Around the World. Whew! I know, she's amazing. We had a wonderful time being submerged in the lights, sounds, smells, and spirit of Christmas. And I couldn't help but thinking back to the days when my own Grandma Laynie would do the same things for me. Don't we just love grandmas?

Thankful

2010-12-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a wonderful dinner with my family. And then I hosted my mom's entire family at my house the next day. Thanksgiving and Christmas offer plenty of time to reflect on one's blessings. And I have so much to be grateful for . . .

*Four beautiful, healthy, bright children who are in a stage of life that is full of discovery, excitement, and unadulterated love (most of the time.) And the true blessing of being able to stay at home with them to be their full-time mom.

*A husband that is consistently and unfailingly supportive, loyal, hard-working, honorable, and optimistic. I am one of the lucky few who really, truly married her best friend.

* Employment. Yes, that's what I said. The past couple of years have been kind of a nightmare in that department. But it's made us both realize how much we had. And still have, for that matter. And I am grateful that Dan is still working with his dad and has already begun another job.

* My health. I couldn't be more physcically unfit, but I am so grateful for a strong and healthy body that allows for me to care for my family.

*Two parents who worry about me than I worry about myself. They are constantly thinking up ways to help out, supplement, and provide. Ice skating lessons, skiing lessons, standing weekly babysitting appointments, the list could go on and on and on.

* A beautiful home. Who knows how long we'll be here, but I know that whether it's here or there, I will always have a roof over my head and the opportunity of living in a beautiful, safe, supportive community.

* My freedom and all the opportunities, ammenities, and experiences that go with it.

* The gospel. I've always taken the amazing knowledge that I've had for granted perhaps. But what a wonderful blessing to be able to know for myself and teach my children that their lives have meaning, purpose, and direction.

*My education, talents, abilities.

* Friends that I have known since I was a little girl and who continue to my kindred spirits. They know me inside out, backwards and forwards and love me still. And new friends too. I am surrounded by really wonderful people.

*In-laws. It's quite a miracle to marry into a family that accepts you, loves you, and offers such amazing help and support. I am so grateful to have gained so many brothers and sisters, and an additional set of parents that are so good to me.

* Indoor plumbing and heating. My father-in-law's stories of getting pecked by chickens on his way to the outhouse make me especially grateful.

* Who I am, where I'm at, what I have, what I've done. No one's life is perfect, especially not mine. But I can't think of one person who I'd trade with. Not one.

Sunday Morning Muffins

2010-12-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Breakfast has been a battle with my kids forever (I wonder where they get that from?). My girls won't eat cereal. And they hate almost all other breakfast foods. Any food that one of them likes, the others don't. The one thing they can agree on is lemon poppyseed muffins. So we have them every Sunday morning, without fail. And if any of you have any other suggestions, send them my way.

Jameson

2010-12-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

This is my baby brother, Jameson. He has been nagging me to update my blog for the last six weeks that I've been MIA. So, dear brother and faithful blog reader, this is for you.

Jameson was born under truly inspired and miraculous circumstances, and his life has continued to be an against-the-odds fight since. Eight years his senior, we have always been in different phases of life. As a result, he has often born the brunt of my teenage angst or my frazzled motherhood.

The three of us siblings are all as different as night and day. But I have learned and grown from these differences and deeply appreciate them. I am so proud of Jameson. He has more fight and strength in him than he gives himself credit for. He is strong where I am weak. He has the sensitivity, passion, humor, and intensity that I have never had. And he'll quickly remind you that he's the "good looking" one in the family too. Amen to that.

I have admired the way he has bounced back from trials and challenges and continues to persist. And I know that he has great things ahead of him.

P.S. And I can't say enough how lucky I am that my kids have an uncle to wrestle with them, give them swirlies, and chase them around the house. They love their Uncle "Mint."

So Cute

2010-11-13T08:15:00.001-08:00

I have about a thousand other things to catch up on this blog. But, in the meantime, is this not the cutest picture you have ever seen? Quincy was my reluctant model yesterday as I was taking pictures of my mother-in-law's new hats. But she snuck in a couple smiles here and there! Want to see more pictures of my kids in cute hats? madhatterknits.blogspot.com

A Moment

2010-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

The day after Halloween, Dan and I attended the funeral of my sister-in-law's special needs brother, Thad. Thad's skull had not formed completely before birth, leaving his head and face misshapen. He was not expected to live more than a few days, but he lived for 33 years. He had an unusually small body and never learned to walk or speak. He was fully dependent on his family for his basic needs. His wonderful parents and nine siblings were devoted to him. His funeral was lovely and as each member of Thad's family spoke, I couldn't help but think of this guy . . .

As my sister-in-law told about inflicting her wrath upon those who dared make fun of her brother, I chuckled out loud. How many times did I stare back at the kids who stared at Jeffrey? As Thad's nine brothers and sisters spoke about the honor, blessings, and privilege of serving their brother, their feelings resonated with my own. As they spoke about the wonderful example and testimony of their parents, I echoed.

I have never heard my parents refer to Jeffrey as a burden. Never. I have never heard them refer to Jeffrey as anything other than one of Heavenly Father's choicest spirits sent to live in our family. I was raised to believe that Jeffrey was an angel among us. They will never know what it means to be empty nesters. They will never enjoy a leisurely and quiet retirement, complete with golf and travel. And they know that. But they have never said it. My parents are amazing and they do it all very quietly, with no show, no call for applause or recognition.

So, while Jeffrey's limitations and challenges are extremely different than Thad's were, I could relate whole-heartedly to the sentiments shared in his funeral. And I sat their with a permanent lump in my throat.

Jeffrey was born when I was four and a half, so I can't really remember life without him. For eight years, he was all I knew of a sibling, so I didn't really expect anything else. He was and is my brother, and I can't imagine life without him. Certainly the blessings of being raised with Jeffrey outweigh any inconvenience. I have learned much of patience, tolerance, service, and gratitude that I would not have otherwise. Every time I am with him, he gives me perspective, grounds me, humbles me. Lest you think otherwise, life with him is not idyllic. He's bossy, he frets, he's anxious and OCD, he doesn't like my food or my house . . . but I love him desperately. And even if I had the chance, I don't know that I would change it. Because he has changed me.