A great weekend

By way of explanation, my husband never gets to do anything fun with the family. Works all the time, like a crazy person. Sometimes that makes me a little crazy too, but it makes us all appreciate our "daddy time."

On Saturday, Larry took us swimming. It was SOOOOOO fun. William even mentioned in his prayer that night how great it was to have Daddy come with us. Times like these just make my heart smile.

Then, on Sunday, an amazingly beautiful Spring day, we went on a picnic, Daddy included. Two days' activities with Dad. LUUUUCKY!! When Larry got in the car to go with us, Lauren said, almost jumping out of her seat, "Daddy is coming too?!!!!! YA-HOO!"

So here are a few pics from the -nic. Enjoy!

Larry was enjoying the relaxing family time so much that he fell asleep on the blanket!

Lauren and Sarah love their food.

Don't you just LOVE the mountains behind me? I am such a mountain mama!

Hadland is the king of funny picture faces! If I could get him to do a real smile--it would be a MIRACLE!

William, on the other hand, is always waving at the camera.

I am working on the photos--and we'll be back with more! ( like when we had more family time with Daddy on Monday for family night!)

Joshua Tree

About 2 weeks ago, thanks to my wonderful sister and her husband, our family experienced the rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park. I was so pumped for this excursion (part of our family reunion in Palm Springs) because I had never been climbing before. So we headed out on a not-too-hot day to visit the great outdoors.

Devon, being the rock-climbing stud muffin that he is, brought all the gear, set up the ropes so two separate areas could host climbers. He and Laurel are unbelievable. And super supportive of newbies.

To make a long story short, my eldest child demurred. He did a little freestylin', but then he spent the rest of the day gallivanting with his brother and cousins. My other boy climbed a couple feet and then got a little nervous. I was hoping he'd do more, but that's okay. Girl #1 got all geared up and then went up a couple inches. Girl #2 (2 1/2 years) didn't even think of anything but snacks--my kind of girl! Then Ella got on the ropes. And climbed the whole thing. She was the first kid (and a girl!) to finish the climb. I was amazed. But then, she does have climbing in her genes. By this time, I was getting a little nervous. What if I chickened out and couldn't make it to the top? Would this be a repeat of another family reunion embarrassment? I know my family probably thinks I am referring to my "interpretive dance" skills, but you all know I ROCK THE DANCE FLOOR!!! I was actually talking about that same family reunion at Lake Powell where I was such a wimp that I couldn't even pull myself out of the water while water skiing. I tried and tried, but I couldn't do it.

So with that baggage firmly entrenched in my mind, I started to climb. I was a little cocky (RED FLAG, right?) and felt like I was doing well. Then I hit the part that had stymied Jefferson. I had to try the "Emperor's New Groove" move, and I actually made it! I reached the top! I wasn't nervous, more pumped with adrenalin, and I was so proud of myself. Laurel was a great supporter, and I had a great time. It was a lot of fun, and I discovered a few muscles that I had been ignoring (hee, hee).

Overall, it was a great day. So tiring, but so fun. Then we got home, ate, and spent some time at the pool. That is what a vacation is all about--doing things you normally wouldn't be able to with family you love but rarely get to see. Lucky us!

Potty training and all that entails

So, this morning Sarah tells me first thing that she wants to go potty. I think to myself, OK, we can do the panties thing today. I don't have a ton going on. So into the panties she goes.

She went THREE times in the potty. THREE! I was so excited that it was finally clicking in her mind that telling me that she needed to go potty BEFORE she wet herself. Actually, only the third time was she completely dry when she sat to use the toilet.

I was cocky, self-assured, ready for disaster. Oh so ready.

This afternoon my brother Michael and I took the kids to the amazingly wonderful and fabulous Treehouse Museum. If you are ever in Ogden and have kids under 12, you MUST go. Really. Truly.

So I vowed to myself to stay very close to Sarah so that I could ask her every 10 minutes or so if she needed to go to the bathroom. But I have four kids that all like different things and who LOVE the treehouse museum. Needless to say, I was separated from a recently pottied Sarah at a very important crossroads.

Yep. That crossroads involved poo.

I walked into the Doll Room where I found Sarah AND an interesting smell. My (and Michael's incidentally) first thought was, wow--a mom seriously needs to deal with the diapering of her child. Then my sweet daughter looked up at me and said, "Poopy in my bum." Shock registered on my face and then the adrenalin rush. I quickly got over to her, felt her "deposit" in her training pants, and ran to the bathroom. No wipes, no diapers, no extra pants, but yes, I did have extra training pants. I won't give details about the next few minutes, but I replaced her old panties with new, unsoiled ones, and left with a child complete with a huge wet mark in her crotch. No worries, right?

The fun continued. I think that first experience taught her that it was no big deal to just wet herself in public. Probably 3 more times as we visited the museum. I was shocked, totally overwhelmed, and finally just gave up. She was wet from the first accident, so any more wet would just add to her character, right? Right???!

I repent. I was cocky. And disaster hit. But nothing a little birthday cake and ice cream wouldn't erase. Gotta love food as comfort.

P.S. I am sure you'll understand why I didn't add photos to this post...

Warning: Girl Stuff Ahead

To any man who may be reading this post, you may not want to. Girl stuff, ya know what I mean?

Ok, girls. Let's talk menstruation.

Not gross stuff, mind you. Just the cramps. YIKES!

I was just talking to my SIL today about what a bummer all that stuff is. It totally reminds me of my crazy back labor. Today as I was kind of moaning and complaining about my sore and aching back, I thought about how intense and amazing childbirth is. I thought about bringing a new life into the world--to love, to teach, and treasure. Incredible, isn't it?

But I still don't like cramps.

Does anyone have any chocolate? Ho-hos? Ding dongs? Brownies? ANYTHING?!!!!!!

Note to self

When you go into the dark basement to

retrieve the candy you hid
for the kids' treat
for keeping their eyes closed
during our family prayer,

turn on the lights,

ok?

oh, and don't always hide the candy.

Guess who eats if it is hidden?

Yeah. Thought so.

A Sarah Funny

As I was getting Sarah dressed this morning, she kept saying "Potty" and fiddling with something in between her fingers.

I thought she was just teasing me that she wanted to go potty and then pee in her training pants either moments before or after I get her panties on or off.

Then I saw this.

What does it look like to you?

I thought so.

It is actually a miniscule piece off of a clip-on earring or something.

Nothing gets by that little chickadee.

Now if she'd actually use it.

The regular sized one, of course.

P.S. nice photography skills, huh? super-macro, baby!

This is the true size of the "potty." See the normal-sized mouse? That itty bitty speck next to it is the aforementioned commode. Now you think I am an amazing super-macro photog, right?

Another William funny

I can't even remember what was said except for one little phrase, said to or about Lauren:

"for our own sins."

I kinda did an auditory double-take. Then I finished it, "and not for Adam's transgression."

Was he really partially quoting the 2nd Article of Faith? In regular conversation?

Does that mean gospel instruction is actually sinking in against all odds and wiggliness?

You betcha! I have hope! You should, too! :)

It reminds me of Elder Uchtdorf's talk (this is a link, but it doesn't look like it--CLICK ON "TALK") in last conference (one of his talks, anyway). Enjoy!

AAAARGH!

Taxes.

Personal and about a trillion businesses.

Need I say more?

I just love it!

Does it get any better when your kids can read the scriptures THEMSELVES?
Granted, they were the kid version of the New Testament, but William read about the grateful healed leper. I only had to help him with knelt and knew (he still is in the dark about silent "K"s).

I am so grateful for reading. It opens new worlds each time they reach a milestone. William is so proud of himself when he can do something on behalf of the family. First it was playing "Silent Night" for the family to sing. Now it is contributing to the nightly scripture story reading.

VICTORY!!

Oh my goodness!

Last night my brother Mike was visiting (after spending the day sitting my kids) with Larry and myself. He mentioned that it was SO hot in our house that he could hardly stand it. It was a bit on the chilly side outside, so we opened the front door for a few minutes to cool off. And if you know me, I do NOT set my heater very warm (much to Larry's chagrin).

Fast forward to this morning. I got to sleep in a little, so I hadn't noticed the outdoors until about 30 minutes before we left for church. OH MY GOODNESS!!! Fierce wind, tons of snow falling, and the whole bit! What??! Didn't anyone let the weather people know that it will be April this week? Yikes!

I know what I want for my birthday (nope, you haven't missed it--it is in a week). I want sunshine. I want a picnic for General Conference. Is there anything wrong with a birthday wish?

I didn't think so.

Have a great Sunday!

A conundrum

So, how do you get things done AND take care of your kids?

I'm just not very good at that.

And I have a little bit of a temper.

All of those things put together does not make for a very happy Friday.

I just need to CHILL OUT! (and laugh--something I don't do often enough!)

On a happier note, I am going tomorrow to a seminar to train me how to be a Let's Play Music teacher. It is seriously the most amazing music program for kids I have ever seen. Check out the site. I can't even believe what they (I) teach the kids by singing, moving, and playing. Needless to say, I learned some of that stuff in my COLLEGE music classes. It is the first music program I have ever wanted to be a part of, so I am jumping in with both feet!

Wish me luck!

Geniuses! Geniuses, I tell you!

Whoever came up with the Backyardigans is a genius, I tell you! Every episode has a different musical style--disco, hip hop, 80s pop, etc. Personally, I think it is the most fun show out there (well, maybe a tie with Word Girl). And


when I see my little girl head-banging to some sweet disco tunes a la Backyardigans, it does my heart good. I love "Surf's Up!" and "The Quest to the Flying Rock" and so much more! If you want some awesome songs to get stuck in your head, find some Backyardigans to watch!

Not much to say

I am trying to be more regular in my posts, but I can't think of anything to say today. So maybe I'll post some pics and journal them.

Here goes!

See these cute girls? This is my lovely Lauren holding sweet Erika T. Since L is just two years older than her little sister, she didn't get a lot of "holding the baby" moments (protective mom's fault). Isn't she precious? Lauren is not bad, either! Lauren is my little mommy. She is always talking about what she'll do when she is a mommy. I was never ever like that as a kid, so it is so wild to see my own flesh and blood as such a girly-girl. So cute!

Then there is my handsome William. I sure love that blue-eyed boy. He is holding Erika as well. He was so excited to hold the baby. He was so gentle with her (so different than he is with his own sibs), and that just warmed my heart. What a happy boy!

This pic is Hadland playing basketball. He was so excited to play on a team. Some of his good friends were on the same team, and his coach (former NBA player and Larry's home teach-ee) was completely awesome, so although we moved mid-season, he LOVED it! He was always right on top of the score, making sure he knew if the team won or not (not that they were keeping score at all). Now if his dad could teach him some sweet moves...

This pic has a sweet/sad story behind it. We were attending Erika's baby blessing up in Draper at Grandma and Grandpa Thunell's house, and we couldn't find Sarah for a while. That may alarm some of you, but I just thought she was playing somewhere in that huge house. Then someone went to use the bathroom and found a little girl asleep on the rug. Our guess is that she went in and then couldn't get out. She may have even been crying, but I couldn't hear her (lots of talking, laughing, kids running around), so she just gave up and took a nap. Sad, isn't it? But it makes for a funny picture and story.

Well, Savannah, here are some pictures just for you!

(And for anyone else reading this crazy blog!)

Have a great night, and we'll be back tomorrow. Who knows, maybe with more pictures!

A dream as something to learn?

This is going to be a little on the personal side (but since I am kind of an open book, that shouldn't surprise anyone).

At 4 am I was awakened by the anxiety I felt in my dream. I've had this particular dream before, but this time I was so alarmed by its reality that when I awoke, I had to ask Larry for reassurance that it wasn't true.

"Larry, am I getting married to someone else?"

"What?" (remember, it is 4 am)

"Do I need to marry someone else?"

"No, honey, everything is okay."

I felt like weeping from relief. I don't think i can adequately express my turmoil. I do remember that, in my dream, I had cried for several hours because of my predicament.

As you can probably construe, my dream consisted of me making the decision to marry someone else while still married to my sweetheart. There were several things that I didn't like about the situation (completely apart from the marriage thing):

* why was everyone, including my husband, supporting me in this idiotic decision?

* why was I doing it? what was I thinking? why did I feel I needed to go through with it if it was causing me such pain?

* was i trying to "steady the ark" by confronting the loss of my husband? was i taking all of the burden into my own hands in advance?

* where is my faith? don't I know that if something were to happen to my husband, the Lord will see me through?

* why am I trapped in my own decisions? am I not able to change course mid-stream?

In my dream, I felt like I had no choices. But I know that isn't true. However, I sometimes limit my own choices and opportunities by what I think is possible. The overwhelming feeling I had was, I MUST TRUST IN THE LORD--HE WILL TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME!

When I awoke, I wanted to record not the unpleasant circumstances of my dream, but what I felt I was learning. Do those things have application in what is going on in my life now? One thing I know is that I adore and cherish my husband. I want him and none else. Nothing but my own stupidity and poor choices can ever change that. But what about other choices in my life? Am I an "ark-steady-er" in other areas? YIKES! Don't want the consequences of that! The Lord knows what is best. But is my stubborn-ness getting in His way? How can I feel and show my trust in Him more? How can I let go of control more? I know that the Lord doesn't want us to wait for Him to make all our decisions, but sometimes it is hard to know if I am on the right track. I try to study things out in my mind, but sometimes I want things to go a certain way so much that I "override" His approval without even realizing it.

Any thoughts? I'd appreciate some.

Backpedaling

So, I must have jinxed myself last week by my knee-length skirt celebration of spring.

Why, do you ask?

I woke up to snow today.

I feel betrayed, like I been done wrong.

Oh well.
Goodbye, skirts.
Hello, thermals.

Hurry up and come for real, Spring!

What a magical weekend

I have to just boil it down to two things from this weekend:

Saturday: University Singers' concert at BYU
Sunday: Draper Temple Dedication with my hub and my #1 boy

I'll start with Sunday.

Larry and I were planning on going to the Draper temple dedication, and then we found out that our oldest boy was able to go, too. We were so excited for him to experience the joy of seeing a temple turned over to the work of the Lord. As a little background, we were up VERY late on Sat. nite (more on that later), so we were all a little tired. So Hadland basically slept through the entire dedication until Pres. Monson stood up to speak. We were FINALLY able to wake him up long enough for him to hear the prophet speak. It was a glorious occasion. There were many speakers, but they all took only a few minutes, so it didn't seem long at all when Pres. Monson spoke and then gave the dedicatory prayer. As we waited for the dedication to begin, they showed pictures of the different rooms of the temple. I loved explaining to Hadland what everything was--the murals, the bride's room, the celestial room, the sealing rooms, all of it. Temples are such as amazing blessing in our lives! I am so grateful to be sealed to my family, and I pray that there will never be any "empty seats" for any of us.

On Saturday, the whole family went down to Orem/Provo for the evening. The kids spent a fun evening at Delyle and Shauri's while Larry and I met the Livingstons for an amazing choral experience. A little background...when I was at BYU, I was blessed to be a part of Concert Choir under the direction of Mack Wilberg. Let's just say, "GLORY DAYS" for a singer, ok? I loved every single moment I spent in that choir. Yet Concert Choir wasn't the elite of the choral dept at my beloved alma mater. The University Singers, directed by Ron Staheli, was/is the cream of the crop. That group, made up of approximately 30 fantastic singers, is the pinnacle of choral singing at BYU. Unfortunately, I was a lot more immature then (I know, unbelievable, right?), and I consoled myself that I didn't really want to be a part of that bunch of snobs. Yikes! It hurts me to even say that now. Now, being so much more mature than then, I can see that I was just consoling myself that I was having the best experience to be had in the BYU choral department. I never tried out for Singers, but I don't think I was really a good fit (but, to be honest, I would have loved to be proven wrong).

Jeez, I didn't start this post to have a true confessions session! Anyway, since leaving BYU, I try to get my hands on any and all choral CDs that come out of BYU. Most of them happen to be by Singers. And I love them. I adore them. I could listen all day long to the AMAZINGLY talented people who collaborate on those recordings. Many of my friends were Singers at one point or another, and I am proud to say that I am one of their biggest fans (now that I am more humble about my experiences :). The funny thing is that Larry also had many friends in Singers. One of them contacted him on facebook a while back that he was traveling from Florida to attend a Singers reunion/concert. When Larry asked if I wanted to go, I was thrilled! Then I asked my good friend Liz to come along, and it was absolutely wonderful! Better than I had expected, far better. They even sang a piece by one of my favorite composers, Morten Lauridsen. I sighed with contenment, shed a few tears, and, in the end, gave them a standing ovation (by choice, not by peer pressure). I don't know what it is about choral music that finds such a deep place in my heart to touch, but I know I can't live without it. Let everyone else have their favorites, mine will always be choral music. My ipod proves it. I have even converted Larry (although he keeps his dance music close by).

Let's just say that this weekend I felt so blessed by the beauty in my life. Blessed by temples that dot the earth, and blessed by heavenly choirs singing what is in their hearts. How grateful I am!!

Happy Spring!

On the official first day of spring, I am SOOOOO excited for nice weather.

To commemorate, I am wearing a knee length skirt! Hip, hip, hooray!

I have also noticed that I use the exclamation point so very, very much! (hee, hee)

Another book pick

So, after finishing The Count of Monte Cristo, I remembered a piece of advice from the comment section: keep you updated on the books I am reading.

Well, I have another one.

But, I didn't finish it. I had to return it to the library before i had to pay money.

Still, it was amazing. I plan to check it out again so I can finish it.

It is by the same author of The Five Love Languages. (i know I am supposed to underline book titles, but there is no underline that I can find on this program, so you'll just have to accept my bolding instead.)

It is called Love as a Way of Life. Basically, it is a handbook full of examples, anecdotes, and helpful suggestions of how to become more Christ-like. Some of the characteristics it focuses on are: humility, courtesy, forgiveness, patience, kindness, and so on. Amazing book. It also talks about the characteristics that are opposite to each Christ-like one so we know what we are trying to overcome. Very helpful, I must say!

I have really enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to enjoying it more.

Creative kids...

You gotta love 'em.

Our oldest boy has imagination oozing from every pore. Yesterday he spent all afternoon preparing some family fun for St. Patrick's Day. Unfortunately, Daddy took us for an outing, so we didn't get to take advantage of his creativity.

So after dinner tonight we went to the backyard for the festivities. We had a scavenger hunt, played shamrock tic-tac-toe, played tag (where "it" had to wear a green bowler hat), leap-leprechaun (aka leapfrog), and hide and go seek the leprechaun.

I love it when the kids come up with the fun. My boy was so happy to share his ideas with us. But, as usual, it ended with him in tears. His little sister tagged along when he wanted to hide with his dad. What a bummer when a younger sibling needs to take over. It is a hard thing to realize that you have to sacrifice for ones younger than yourself. It isn't always so easy for parents, either.

On a side note, our younger boy went to sleep about 9 p.m. (late you say? he usually can't go to sleep until about 11 p.m.) Tender mercies!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

I love green.

And potatoes.

But that is pretty much it when it comes to March 17.

Oh, I also love Ella M. and the fact that Mike married Kristin 20 years ago. (Is that really true--TWENTY years?!!!)

And gold. I like gold. But mostly the kind made of foil that has chocolate in it.

So I guess I am kind of an March 17th fan. A little bit, anyway. I wore a green shirt. Does that earn me any credit? (Probably not, since Larry did, too. He's not really one to decorate himself for any holiday.)

I guess everyone has to has at least one green-ish wardrobe item for this day. That seems a little weird. We don't really wear any other color on any other particular day.

But I do love green, so who am I to complain?