Perfect.

Along with everyone else, Google tells me I have no more space to upload pictures. Bummer. Until then, I shall tell you all about what an awesome mother I am.

Last week I forgot Tuesday was Friday's schedule at BYU. That probably means nothing to you, but to me that meant I needed to pick Savannah up an entire hour earlier than usual.

So when it was 2:27 the school secretary called me, and said it was early out day, normally that would be fine.

Except that I was checking out at Target with a cart full of stuff, rather than at home, ready to hop in the car and be there in 7.2 minutes.

So, I got there SUPER late.

Did you know they charge a dollar per minute you are late?

Yeah, I could have bought a new pair of shoes with that.

Or fed a child in Africa for 2 months.

Needless to say I felt pretty sheepish, ridiculous, and like one of "those moms."

You know the type-- frazzled, forgetful, unreliable?

Yep, that was me.

But I've tried to move past all that.

Then Savannah said the most interesting/hilarious/thought provoking/stinging thing. She's still being super awesome about keeping her room tidy (minus the stack of folded, clean clothes I discovered in her hamper 2 days ago-- but I digress. The girl is very proud of her room. She hollered to me downstairs and coyly asked, "Moooom! Do you think I listened to you and put my jammies on?"

I replied, in the way she was hoping I would of course, because any good mother would do that. "No, I bet you didn't get your jammies on. I bet you've just been playing around up there."
"Nope!" (jumps into full view so I can see her in her PJs)
"Wow, great listening, Sis! You are doing so well at being obedient!."
"Yeah, I think it's one of my talents. But do you want to know what I am almost PERFECT at? Cleaning my room. I'm getting so close to being perfect at that.  Kind of how you and dad are almost perfect at your phone and computer."

OUCH.

The thing is, my daughter was doing anything but looking to insult me. She was genuinely coming up with a compliment. And in her truest most honest form, she gave the very best example she could think of.

What it was was a wake up call.  I like to THINK I'm good at being in the moment, being present and NOT being on the computer or my phone. I'm fully aware and make it an effort to not be stuck to my phone or computer. But then the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was. And not in the ways I initially thought she was perceiving. When I think computer-- I immediately think, "Facebook."  When I think phone, I immediately think texting.  That's what people do and I almost wanted to say, "No! I am really good at not getting sucked into social media and texting. I communicate in real life!"  But I, I had spent the last few mornings on the phone with my sisters, chatting. I had also looked up a Visiting Teaching message online. I've been doing Christmas shopping online. I've been reading the news on line...

Regardless of how many "good" things I could be doing, to my children it is no different. To my children I am not being completely present. I am being distracted.

So I have a goal for December to really make it a good month where my children can FEEL my presence. They won't see me as the mom always on her phone and computer.

Here's to being imperfect!

Thankful

This year we went up to Boise to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Kyle and Cade drove separate because they had a date with destiny (hunting) and were going to be staying longer than myself and the girls.

I had the wonderful pleasure of picking up sweet little Aubrey Kropf, a darling BYU freshman who I babysat back when I was 12 when her parents lived in Virginia for medical school. Her family now resides in Meridian and she was up for riding in the car with my two crazies. (Ruby and Sav)

She was a gem! She read stories to them, helped them pick up dropped blankies and toys. She was a great little assistant. And soo patient. This girl is amazing. She is the most positive, upbeat, shining star ever. I have to admit I was a little sad once we got to her house because I so enjoyed spending time with her in the car, catching up on the last 16 years of her life. 

It was so great to see Brenda and Mark, her parents. They have always been the ultimate example of kindness and love. Truly. Babysitting in their home was an unreal experience. Walking into their home you could not help but be smacked in the forehead by the Spirit. 

It was such a place of peace and love.

And now they have a house full of children in every possible stage of life and they continue to amaze me. And that home is still a place of peace and love.

I'm kicking myself for not taking pictures. They are such a darling family.  Just as I was getting ready to go I felt Ruby's head and notice she was pretty warm. Dr. Kropf confirmed my thoughts and was so sweet to ask what her other symptoms were. Spoken like a true family doctor. And he said it so sincere! Just seconds later his wife produced a bottle of pain reliever for us to take.  The little Kropf girls gifted DumDum suckers for Savvy and Ruby, which made the final 20 minute drive of our journey better than just bearable. 

As I drove to Kuna I couldn't stop thinking about what an amazing family that was, and counted myself so lucky to know them.

When we arrived in Kuna Don fed us some heavenly scrambled eggs (I'm still thinking about them) and the kids were tickled pink about getting to sleep in a bunk bed. Ruby was scared of Sandy, which really bothered Savannah. Sandy is Savvy's other cousin (not really. She's a Golden retriever, but Sav loves her like no other) and she wanted Ruby to love her just as much. 

I was shocked when I had all the kids in bed without complaints by 8:30. As soon as I uttered the thought out loud, I decied to check on them. They were quiet, but still wide, wide awake. So I gave Cade permission to climb on the top bunk and chat with Sav once Ruby fell asleep.

They had to ask twice what I said because they couldn't believe Mom was telling them to talk to each other.

I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.

Kyle's siblings were running around getting everything ready for the 5K they put on every year. I think it's so great they have something to channel their energy into.

The next morning was the big race and boy did those kids put on a great run. Each year it gets better and better. They hold the run at a great little park in Kuna. A cousin was the DJ for the event which made the entire thing way more official.  The course is a great one, too. Trains came by a few times, making it super exciting for the kids.

When I think back to the time when Mary was in her last days and she had this hair-brained idea to put on a 5K run Thanksgiving Morning, I just thought it was an idea and it would pass. But the woman, despite all her pain and discomfort, forged through and made it happen. That is the epitome of my Mother-in-law. She made things happen. Great things. She didn't let minor details like she's never put on a 5k run before get in the way. And never mind it was going to be less than 10 degrees outside. 

Oh I have much to learn from that woman.

She was so good at being in the moment. She didn't fuss over petty or unnecessary details. Either she relied on other people to worry about them, or they simply weren't worth fussing over.

She touched a lot of people. We are so grateful for all the friends and family who came to support and remember her by. Thanksgiving morning isn't the most convenient of times to come out and run a race in the cold, but fortunately people can look past the thermometer and get a cup of cocoa to get them warm.

After we cleaned up the race and cleaned up ourselves we started preparing Thanksgiving Dinner while munching on inhaling Sarah's delicious hors d'oeuvres. The cousins played together and ran amuck outside. The adults started putting things together in the kitchen (or outside at the smoker) and I couldn't help but be proud of everyone for coming as far as we have since her death. We were a mess when she died. And we were oh so grateful to the kind family who brought Christmas Dinner to us just days after her passing.  We were lost and didn't know what to do.  Ever so slowly each sibling is finding their footing and making the family meal happen in Mary's absence. 

Heather even made her dad the special pistachio pie Mary use to always make. It was delicious.

The following day we visited with some wonderful friends the Smiths. I met Matt Smith the first summer Kyle and I were married. He was home fresh off his mission. He was a big, burly but soft-spoken kid. Fast forward nearly 10 years and he is married with 3 kids on a beautiful lot in the country. He married an amazing woman. This was my first chance meeting his wife and boy was I floored.  She landscapes her yard. She works full-time (while her husband is gone for the summer! wowzers). She makes picnic tables in an afternoon. Because she can. 

Cade was really jealous when he heard that Matt's wife likes to go hunting. 

Poor, deprived child. Sorry, kid. Your daddy married a city girl. :) But I don't mind a spell in the country. 

It was lovely.

Later that afternoon I took a nap. A reaalllllly long nap. It was the kind of nap that when you wake up it's dark and you wonder if you'll ever fall asleep that night. So it was decided that would be a good time to head home. The girls will sleep, Mom will be wide awake. So I loaded up the car, put the girls in their jammies and we were off at 7:30.

Savvy was so sad Sandy wasn't around for her to say goodbye. 

Like, almost tearful sad.

Oh, that girl wants a dog something fierce!

It was a nice thought anyway, thinking the girls would sleep. Savvy fell asleep around 10. Ruby woke her up with her whining. Both girls finally bit the dust at 11. I drove in the peaceful night listening to a book on CD, meanwhile contemplating all that I was so very blessed to have in my life. From petty to profound, I have much to be thankful for....

A home.

Three healthy children.

Tankless water heater.

A van to travel comfortably in.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A calling with the worlds greatest young women.

Incredible neighbors.

Loving parents.

Hysterical siblings.

Dear friends.

The Atonement.

The Scriptures.

The Internet.

Good books.

Chocolate.

Boots.

Old letters from great friends.

Being a stay-at-home mother.

Cell phones.

Lap top.

Lip gloss.

Dove Soap.

Nail polish.

Hot Baths.

Roller coasters.

Beaches.

Sunsets.

S'mores.

Funny texts from my family.

Sisters who come to my rescue.

Modern Medicine.

Legs that can run.

Art-- my children's and the museums. It's all beautiful.

Music.

Butter.

Wax. My eyebrows keep them in business!

Tweezers (to get what the wax didn't)

Massages.

Laughter.

Jimmer.

BYU.

Waterskiing.

Snowskiing.

Mountains.

Snow.

Hot Chocolate.

Thank you notes.

My husband:

The only one in this world who can handle my spectrum of emotions and love me anyway.

This man has mastered forgiveness and unconditional love beyond my greatest comprehensions.

He makes me laugh. 

Lets me cry (and doesn't get all weirded out by it)

Tries to solve my problems and then stops and just listens when I tell him to.

Hangs a huge elk head in his office to make me mad.

And then loves me for getting mad.

He puts away the milk when I leave it out.

He reloads the dishwasher when I do it wrong.

Vacuums up my little piles I sweep and leave on the kitchen floor.

I love this guy!

Winter Wonderland

We had a lovely dumping of snow in October. Everyone always freaks out and says, "Seriously--it's OCTOBER! Winter isn't supposed to be here yet!!!" 

We get an October snowfall every year without fail though.

And you know what?

It always makes me happy.

I love snow.

In relief society this past Tuesday evening we were asked to write on these darling paper leaves something we are grateful for then many were read aloud. 

I lost count how many people said they were grateful for their warm homes. 

 I wrote, "The beautiful white snow...."

Fortunately mine didn't get read aloud. 

After all those snuggly gratitude leaves, mine would have messed up the coziness.

But I really am grateful for snow. 

The kids love it, too, and it makes winter SO much more fun.

Well, not quite for Ruby. This was her expression nearly the entire time. All she kept saying was, "I cold, I cold."

Savvy had a blast though.

Never too early to try a snow angel I guess!

Aaand we had to snap a photo of our beloved snowman who melted just moments after this picture. Obviously Savannah is still very attached to her pumpkin and requested to have it in the picture.

As Utah weather would deliver, by Halloween there wasn't a flurry of snow in sight. In fact, we enjoyed a lovely 70* weather day.....

Go figure!

It snowed again the day after election day (which was a tender mercy in and of itself for me!)

with all the snow-angel making outside and the like, Savvy needed two coats so when she went to school, she could have a dry coat to wear. 

Thank you, Costco!

Early bird son and our OCD daughter

There's so much to write about...and so little time! Summer, Bookend #2, Kyle's big jerky-making event,  Halloween, the election (sniff, sniff), last year's Christmas....

One day it will happen. Never say never. :)

As for now, we are great.

:: I am loving my calling with the Young Women. Below was our fundraiser to "raise the bubble" -- that was quite an accomplishment.

:: Kyle is loving his calling with the Cub Scouts.
{insert picture of Kyle throwing candy to scouts and doing a uniform inspection. Oh wait....no picture available. Yet...}

:: Cade is an awesome kid, responsible as ever. One morning he woke up quite early, got his chores done, ate breakfast, got ready for school, then headed to the bus stop...an hour early. He turned around when he saw Junior High students and ran home. And silly me I just thought he left the house to take out the garbage. We had a pretty good laugh about it once we decided Cade really left early on accident rather than on purpose.  Outdoor soccer has come to an end, but fear not, indoor soccer is well underway. Cade actually really enjoys it (hooray!) and has some pretty impressive footwork and quick feet.

:: Savannah is tickled as ever now that she and Ruby have traded bedrooms. She begs at 6pm every night if she can go to bed yet. She LOVES cleaning and straightening her room. She's kind of OCD about it. Considering she was on the other end of the spectrum just months ago, I'll gladly take OCD. We'll see how long it lasts. For now, it's pretty adorable how much pride she takes in her new little dwelling. Today she said, "Mom, I just love to just spend time in my room quietly."

Ruby is hysterical. She loves her friends and cousins her age. They just giggle and giggle when they are with each other. It's as if they have some on-going inside joke. Here is Ruby with her good buddy Jane. We are so sad Jane's family moved from our neighborhood, but that won't stop us from seeing them!

 

We are grateful for so many things--- family, friends, our home and health, our freedom, and Oreos.

Bookend One -- St. Augustine & Orlando

This last March I escaped the winter doldrums and went Florida.  There was an LDS cruise to Mexico with the Eyres (best parenting advice givers EVER!) which was the original plan. Unfortunately the cruise line canceled, so I needed a good back up plan that met my criteria for a getaway: sunny, warm weather and spiritually uplifting. I found that a Time Out for Women was taking place in Orlando Florida the first weekend in March. (TOFW is like a mini education week for women that is none in cities throughout the US and now the world) It seemed lovely. But if I was heading all the way to Florida, I needed to stay for longer than a weekend to make it worth my while. So my cousin and girlfriend thought it would be great to spend a few days in a beach town somewhere in Florida, then drive down to Orlando for Time out For Women. Unfortunately, a few weeks before the trip both my cousin and friend had things come up and had to cancel. Orrrr maybe the thought of spending the week with me was less than appealing?  The jury is still out on that one. :)

With the bed and breakfast booked as well as the flights I went ahead with the plan. Many balk at the idea of heading so far to only spend that time alone. But being alone for me isn't lonely. A little self-reflection and quiet never hurt anybody, now did it? 

The flight itself (as any mother with young ones can attest to) was glorious. I spent my first night close to the airport in Orlando. As I glanced through the hotel's binder left in my room, noting the lake my room overlooked was named, "Lake Michelle," that was all the assurance I needed that being away was okay.

I stayed up late reading (because I could) and slept in (because I could)--- but of course one doesn't ever sleep as late as they hope to when they have absolutely nothing forcing them out of bed the next morning.  I refused to get out of bed before 8. Once 8 AM rolled around, I ordered room service-- Oatmeal-- it was the cheapest item on the menu and actually sounded good. I then headed down to the pool for some more reading. I was actually pretty content reading by the pool, but it wasn't long before I had to check out and get on the road to my beach destination.

When I checked in at the bed and breakfast the desk clerk asked who else would be joining me. "Just me!" I proudly responded. It took him aback a bit, but he didn't press the issue. I could tell he thought it was rather strange I was vacationing alone.

The room I was staying in was a little cottage behind the bed and breakfast I ate at each morning (9am sharp!) , which I actually preferred even though it was considered a step down from the suites in the bed and breakfast house. There was an outdoor pool, hot tub, and bikes and chairs all for us to enjoy on the beach.  Being in the cottage was perfect and I enjoyed visiting with the other couples in the morning.  I was definitely the least exciting vacationer of the bunch. Everyone was there to explore the history and sights. I was there to relax.

The cottage. Simple and clean. If the shower had better water pressure --or any pressure!-- I'd say the place was perfect. But I guess it needed to be missing something so I'd want to come home. :)

A different angle  of the room. If you look closely, you can see my token package of oreos and mug with milk. It was my nightly ritual. 

  Even looking at this shot of the beach now makes me happy. :)

 I spent my time journaling, reading (parenting books, novels and scriptures-- a delicious balance of reading material if you ask me), running along the beach ( I was training for my marathon at the time), going to a salon to fix a recent hair cut, and getting a troublesome knot out of my shoulder. After all that, there wasn't much time to do anything else besides eat and sleep!  Really in my perfect world the haircut and knot would have been taken care of before the trip, but it simply didn't happen.

(proof of the less than awesome cut I got that needed fixing. It was just a very blah length...and not quite what I was going for.)

So, while I did have time, I seized the opportunity to make some appointments.  The first massage I went to was a joke slash disaster. The masseuse claimed she was using an energy technique to release the knot. She would hold her hand on the painful area and announce, "It's gone now."  To which I responded, "Um, no. My shoulder still really hurts. The knot is still there,"  "Well, I got it out on my end," she retorted and begrudgingly tried again.

Needless to say, energy masseuse lady didn't help the knot and I went in search of a new masseuse. 

Another event of the week was getting to watch the Ohio primary race (Super Tuesday!) . It seems like a lifetime ago that Romney was trying to clinch the nomination. My, how time has flown! Remember this? Crazy. I stayed up until 2 am when Alaska posted their results. I could finally go to sleep happy.

Nothing of note happened most of the week other than pure calm, relaxed bliss.  I did run into an interesting character during lunch one afternoon.  I sat down on a chair in the lounge area (Think Starbucks)  to enjoy a quiet lunch at a cafe when a gentleman in his fifties (?) asked to sit on the couch next to me. I agreed. He was chatty so I put my book away and engaged in conversation. Turns out he was an author spending his time living at his parents place in St. Augustine.  After enough converstation and it was absolutely obvious I was married (happily) I gauged that he was a decent, normal human being and felt it was safe to actually explain why I found myself in St. Augustine when he asked. (i don't make it a habit to announce I am traveling alone, that is just asking for problems). He found it fascinating I would vacation on the beach while my husband stayed at home and watched the kids. He was so proud of Kyle on behalf of the male species I thought the vein on his bald head would burst. Soon a wanderer friend of his traveling the country on his motorcycle living on pennies joined the conversation and we spoke of religion, politics, and philosophy.  Once I decided I had enjoyed enough conversation for a week, the Author asked if I'd like a copy of his book. I opened my wallet to see if I had any cash and I actually happened to have a 20. "Wow," I said aloud. "I hardly ever have cash,"  The Author gasped and began a dialogue on how our meeting was fate. His book sold for 20 bucks. What a coincidence!  Well, coincidence or not I went away from that conversation with a few thoughts.

Proof I met the author in person. Now if I could just sit down for a minute and read that book of his...

One, the world is full of interesting people. There are a lot of people who feel the need to travel the world to find themselves. If I was living in my folks' vacation home for an undetermined amount of time in St. Augustine, FL I think I would collapse for lack of progression. If I drove my motorcycle across the country living off friends and charity for food and entertainment meanwhile expecting to find myself, I don't think I ever would.  While both of those two men were great conversationalists, open-minded and I'd say genuinely good people, I couldn't help but think about all that wasn't getting done because of their need to be "away from it all" for weeks at a time. 

One can vacation for so long, you know?

I still haven't read the book from the guy. Maybe one day?  It's called "Hitchhiking with Larry David." 

Then it came time to bid farewell to St. Augustine and head to Orlando where I was actually going to meet up with someone!  A dear friend of mine, Hannah, lives in Florida now while her husband is doing his residency in radiology in Gainesville.  She joined me at TOFW and while there, she shared some exciting news --she was expecting!  She kept apologizing for how "blah" she was acting.  I just kept shaking my head in disbelief that she was so pleasant, despite being in those early icky stages of pregnancy.

The highlight of the stay with Hannah, of course aside from all of the wonderful, powerful speakers and staying up late chatting, was discovering that she loved Friendly's, too. Friendly's is a restaurant that has yet to make it's way west of the Mississippi. She and I both grew up on it, and hadn't eaten there in ages. When I told her about a nearby Friendly's the decision of where to eat for dinner that night was pretty easy.

{I was conservative and went for the medium-sized Reese's Sundae. Back in the Day I could pack away the 5-scoop like nobody's business}

It was really nice spending the weekend with her. She is a great example to me in so many ways-- her unfailing support to her husband over the years has been truly inspiring. Hannah and I met as undergrads  and at one point were next door neighbors in Provo.

{Read here if you care to take a break for a crazy it's a small world story--- Hannah's husband's  is Garrett Woodbury. Garrett's Mom and Dad were the sweet couple who took us under their wing when we were living in Savannah, Georgia when Kyle and I were first married. Dr. Woodbury was actually the one who told me I should take a pregnancy test when I thought I had a parasite. Hannah's mother-in-law and I actually endured the woes of pregnancy together for a spell that summer. Or rather I murmured and puked while she carried her baby gracefully. Yep, Garrett has a little brother not much older than Cade! Two years later Hannah and I were chatting outside of the relief society room and made the connection. Small, small world!}

Now Hannah and her husband have made it through Medical school and are in the middle of residency. She has been through a lot of moves,  and change over the years but never complained. It doesn't take much to make her happy. And we all know living on a student's budget is only romantic for so long. Imagine stretching that out for double the time. And for more exciting news-- Hannah delivered their third daughter  just last week.  Pretty great.

It was a bummer to have to bid farewell to a great friend, but Hannah is one of those who first of all, blogs pretty regularly, so I feel like I know what's going on in her world. And second, whenever one of us gets to go to Friendly's we are sure to tell each other-- so that keeps us connected. But best of all, she's one of those friends that it doesn't matter how much time passes, we just pick up right where we left off.

{Proof Hannah and I saw each other for REAL in person. After like years!}

Hannah reminded me what a blessing it is to live in Utah. She cracked me up by asking if I ever run into any church celebrities. Up to that point I couldn't think of a single experience except for maybe getting to see David Aruchuletta at Deseret Book, or watching Jimmer play basketball.  On my flight home I noticed a couple of the TOFW speakers shared the plane with me, including Hilary Weeks. I was a stalker and had to snap a photo of her at the baggage claim to prove I was legit and texted it to Hannah. We had a good laugh.

{Hilary is the cute lady with the hat and boots.}

Since then, it has happened a few times. I spotted Sheri Dew and her mom at Costco, Julie Beck was sitting in the row behind me at the Stadium of Fire.... you better believe I text Hannah every time it happens and we get a good laugh.

Well, suffice it to say, Bookend One was a success...mostly.  From Orlando to St. Augustine, in St. Augustine and from St. Augustine to Orlando I would search along my route while driving for an antique shop to  stop at. I was really excited at the prospect of getting to do this sans whiny children or grumpy husband (never, ever ask Kyle to stop by an antique store on a road trip!) EVERY SINGLE STORE I pulled up from my GPS was either closed for the day (who picks a random day in the middle of the week to be closed?!) or out of business (thanks un-awesome economy) .  I tried and tried and TRIED (17 times to be exact) to find a single, solitary antique store to no avail. It was a bummer. Other than that though, no complaints. I'm sure Kyle was beyond thrilled that I didn't come home with "useless trinkets and knick knacks." 

I came home to a sparkling clean house and an awesome candy gram from the Kyle and the Kids. It was great to be back home.

{ I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it until two of of the candy bars mysteriously disappeared....hmmmm.}

{Disclaimer: no, you don't need to glasses or to clean the glasses you are wearing. All the pictures in this post were taken with my phone. They are terrible quality, but I am grateful to at least have something to break up the words and illustrate my trip.}

11 summers

This last summer marked my 11th summer as a "significant other" to my pest controlling man. The first summer I was a friend slash almost girlfriend. The second I was officially a girlfriend. (Lucky me!) And ever since the 3rd summer, I have been a wife.

That third summer was a doozy. It all started out fun and adventurous. As newly-weds we rented a darling 1 bedroom just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. We worked the same hours and the same job. Selling pest control contracts door-to-door. Glamorous. Kyle was far superior than I at it, which was a good thing. After 2 months, we left our cute little home and travelled to smaller cities throughout the south spending a few weeks in each city. As a single guy, this would have been a great situation. But as a married couple who just got the surprise of their life {the puking and nausea were a result of pregnancy. Not a parasite caught in Cuzco, Pero  after all}, it did a number on me. I was no longer able to work and was left hours at a time car-less in a stuffy, and more unbearably stinky extended stay apartment.

"This is what newly-wed life is about?" I pitifully pondered. I was so, so sick. Smells of all sorts, including the smell of our little extended stay repulsed me. The smell of my husband-- even the showered and clean-shaven smell!-- sent me gagging over the toilet. Again.

The end of the summer couldn't come fast enough for me. Heading back "home" to Provo to go to school was my solace. I remember coming down University Parkway and seeing Y mountain against the most beautiful sky. It brought tears to my eyes. I finally felt like the "endurance" part of the pregnancy was over. With the mountains in view I could overcome anything. Even though the nausea remained and I would dart from class to gag again in the toilet, there was something about this place that made it bearable.

And so my love of this valley was reignited and has burned ever since.  It was always sad to have to bid farewell to the valley every summer though for the pest control gig.  I had always wondered what a Utah Valley summer was like.  Friends who stayed at BYU often told of the laid-back atmosphere surrounding the campus in the summer time. Traffic slowed. And 7 Peaks Water park opened. What could be better?

When we moved back here  I looked forward to making my own discoveries of what summer was all about.  Indeed the dry weather was delicious. There was always just enough to do in the summer time and the heat was rarely oppressive. Living close to family made it more fun and living in a fantastic neighborhood with wonderful friends have made the summers not just endurable or bearable--- quite honestly they are enjoyable and I still claim summer as my favorite season.

There would be some give and take, though, finally staying in the Valley at Home for the season.  Kyle would travel and we would spend many weeks apart.  He would leave during the most stressful time -- April. Soccer practices, games,  end of the year school assemblies and activities. But once I made it through til the kids' summer began, I managed.

Many ask each summer how I do it. How I can stand being apart from Kyle for so long and take care of the kids on my own for weeks at a time?  Over time I have learned a few things that help with my sanity, but the root of it is this: if your livelihood depended on it, you would do it, too. We all do what we have to do. This is what works for our family at present. While it may not be an ideal commuting situation, I cannot deny the abundance of blessings we have received because of this, financially and otherwise.

Lest these words have thus far painted a bold picture of myself as a superwoman-- an independent mothering woman who does it all, I will be the first to walk away from that portrait and paint you the real one: I am no superwoman. Just a real woman.  During the summers I often find myself rushing to put the kids to bed at night, and can't deny the relief I often feel when 7pm rolls around. I have often missed magic moments or just simply being in the moment because my thought process can often be "destination" programmed rather than journey enjoying. I am less than exciting to talk to at the end of the night when Kyle calls to hear of our day and less than appreciative of his hard work when I had a less than stellar day.

I have great kids. That makes up for a lot of it. And their greatness I can only thank the Heavens and my God for because gratefully they are very different than their mother.  Savannah lives so much in the moment and finds joy in everything. And Cade is so thoughtful, aware and responsible it is almost frightening. Ruby, as a toddling baby has been a joy and manageable (mostly!) up to this point. Babies are so good at bringing sweetness into the home, no matter how chaotic or stressful the environment. She often brought be back to reality and reminded me to take in the sweet moments.

Another secret weapon for my summers is something I wonder why I didn't start doing sooner. I mean, logistically I don't think I ever could have done it sooner; financially or otherwise. But these last two years we've been able to make it work.

I get away.

I "bookend" my summers with two uplifting, fulfilling experiences and  leave Kyle in charge while I re-charge my batteries, catch up on sleep and feed my Spirit and belly.

It has been a proven method to help me  gear up for the summer, then give me something to look forward to at the end of it.

And Kyle couldn't be more supportive of it, which makes it all the better.

Conference Weekend

Every April and October, my the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) gather in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City to address members of our faith. None of the topics are assigned. Each speaker has personally prayed about what to share in conference.

I look forward to General Conference weekend every time it rolls around. I promise myself to never, ever take for granted getting to watch it at home in my comfies. Growing up my family watched General Conference at church-- (we didn't have cable-- a tradition I proudly carry on in my own home....except when things like presidential debates aren't broadcast on our local channels. Then I begin to think perhaps I shouldn't hold so fast to that tradition), which naturally resulted in wearing my Sunday best. And the two hour break in between sessions was really about an hour and 13 minute break.

Next were my college years where I gladly took up any opportunity I could to see conference in the Conference Center. (that means live. The conference Center is where it takes place) That was really cool. I remember my American Heritage teacher, upon hearing I would be spending my weekend in Salt Lake to attend conference, proudly shared how nice it was to watch conference at home in his jammies.

WHAT?

For a moment I considered the idea sacrilege.

Then I remembered back fondly to a spell in my wonderful childhood. Our family friends the Walkers lived down the street. They were LDS and they had cable. It became tradition to have brunch and then watch conference with them in their home. Even better-- I didn't have to wear a dress. It was awesome.

Then they moved away to Idaho and we were back to churchin' it for conference.

Now that I am in the phase that my beloved professor was in-- a parent of young, fidgety and boisterous children I see his point. There is something wonderful about wearing your comfies and all the family gathering around the TV listening to wonderful words of inspiration and the children coloring or building with legos at your feet, also listening.  It's a wonderful kind of serenity that I deeply appreciate and enjoy.

This year just before the Saturday morning conference session Savvy and I went to the Regional track meet of one of my awesome young women, Rachel:

Savvy and I had a blast.  Being there was very reminiscent of my Saturday mornings spent at many a cross country meet.

After the race we ran (drove, really) to the Creamery on Ninth to grab some treats and snacks for conference.  With 7 minutes remaining before conference was to start, we jetted home and pulled into the driveway just as the Motab was singing the opening song.  I quickly printed of pictures of the propet and apostles, cut out their pictures, then Savvy and my dad taped them to paper plates.

(This is sounding strange, I know)

Once the faces were taped to the edge of the plates, I set out a treat on each one.

When that apostle began speaking, the kids could eat the food from that particular plate.   It keeps things exciting in the house. We did it last conference and it was a hit, so we had to do it again.


In between conference sessions I helped design a flier for Cade's pest control business, "Spy Pest Control"....

By the way, it took some serious work removing the pipe from the spy clip art. I just didn't think it would be a good idea promoting a child's business with the token pipe smoking spy as the logo.

and then he and Daddy got them ready to pass around the neighborhood.

And while Daddy was away for the priesthood session, I took the kids bowling at BYU. Then we met Daddy for dinner. 

There were so many great talks given, but by far the most exciting part of conference was when President Monson announced that young men are eligible to serve a mission at age 18 and women are eligible at 19--- effective IMMEDIATELY.  That was incredible, exciting news.  We watched the press conference following General Conference and we really enjoyed that.

Here is an article more about the announcement.

There is a lot to consider -- especially the method of preparation for missions for these boys and girls.   I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of spots opening up for future BYU students winter semester from all the girls turning in their papers to serve a mission. Time will tell!  In the mean time I will be drying my eyes knowing Cade's got one less year to be ready to share the gospel to the world.

Savvy and Tuacahn, Years 1 & 2

Last year Savannah and I decided to go to our own little "wilderness" when Kyle took Cade to cut firewood with his Dad and brothers last year. We went to St. George! My Sister Rebecca was so sweet to watch Ruby so I could take Savvy to see a show at the Tuacahn in St. George. We had a blast-- both this year and last.  

Year 1

The drive was enjoyable, despite the traffic hold up that made the trip an hour and a half longer than it should.  We had to get a shot of our arrival. Savannah was SO excited!

In the hotel with her awesome carry-on bag.

Just moments after we got to the hotel we had to jet to the Tuacahn. Here she is all ready for the show!

We had dinner at Tuacahn. Savvy didn't eat much of the dinner, but she happily helped herself to the ice cream.

I get it. I'm the crab, and she's the sea princess. I know how I am perceived.

When the show started Savvy could hardly stay in her seat. With all the singing and dancing, Savvy was ready to jump onto the stage herself. It was precious.  At intermission she asked, "Is it over?"  Boy was she thrilled when I told her there was much more singing and dancing to come. 

The next morning (which came earlier than I was ready for---so much for Savvy sleeping in after a late night!) we did a little shopping at Home Goods (St. George has a huge one compared to our piddly 2 aisles at our TJ Maxx here in Orem) and then Savannah got her very first pedicure. 

Initially I was hesitant. I was 19 when I got my first pedicure. And it was because my sister-in-law Lesley treated me to it. She was aghast when she learned I had never had a pedicure and I happily obliged after we went grocery shopping when I visited she and my brother in California (this was one of many ways she has spoiled me over the years). 

Did I really want to start something?  Did I really want my 4 year-old daughter to think this was something she deserved or was entitled to?  

But then I looked at her feet again. They were bad. They needed some serious scrubbing and grooming.  

So I justified the outing, making sure she knew this was a VERY special treat.   

She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  I was thrilled to finally see the dirt and grime off her feet.

Afterwards we hit up Tai Pan and Savannah was a hoot. She could hardly stand all the cute items there. This was October so they had just set out Christmas Decorations.  She was in 7th Heaven.

"Mom, can I PLEASE buy these? Or are they too expensive?"  I always responded with, "Yep, too expensive, dear."  She was totally fine with window shopping. And boy was she a fun one to do that with.

We ended our trip with a quick lunch at a park by Dixie State College. 

 Goodbye St. George!!!

Year 2

This year on a whim I decided to make this trip a tradition when Kyle and I were sitting in bed one evening talking about what we could do for UEA weekend. I looked online and sure enough they had 2 tickets available to see Aladdin at the Tuacahn during UEA weekend. A visit to Priceline.com later, we had our hotel booked --- this time for 2 whole nights -- and on Thursday afternoon we bid Kyle and "the twins" farewell. 

We stopped by the Library on our way onto the freeway so we could check out some books on CD. Once well-stocked with stories, we set out on our adventure.

Savvy is a great traveler and we didn't stop a single time. It wasn't until the end that she started to get a little antsy asking "how much longer".  She decided we should probably get something to eat before we reached the hotel. I was starving myself, so we happily indulged at Red Robin.

Ice cream with sprinkles, a driving arcade game-- Red Robin was a great choice.

We later checked into the hotel and Savvy requested we bring her pumpkin into the hotel. I forgot to mention her pumpkin joined her on the car ride and kept her company. Since she doesn't have a pet, her pumpkin is the next best thing and she really takes pride in her little friend. 

So she and Pumpkin watched Arthur before getting ready for the big show.

 She was sad I didn't let her bring Pumpkin to Tuacahn to watch Aladdin though. Well, more like mad.

Uuuunfortunately it rained. And the show was canceled.  I had fun visiting with some friends in my neighborhood/ward we ran into while we were waiting for Tuacahn to decide if they were going to begin the show or not.  

We did get a picture to pretend we saw it though!

Savvy was amazingly a good sport about not getting to watch Aladdin which really warmed my heart. I  know very well had it been me I would have been DEVASTATED,  She kept her smile and we had fun swimming outside at the hotel pool together that night instead. We met some folks also from Orem who also were bummed about the canceled show.  We weren't the only people excited at the prospect of a warm, sunny getaway in October. 

 That nigh Savvy enjoyed watching a re-play of the debate, falling asleep to CNN and Fox News. 

The next day we decided to continue with tradition and the two of us got pedicures.

She looooooved the massaging chair.

But had to slouch so her feet could reach the water. Her head in turn got a massage, too.

Unfortunately it was still rainy and chilly. We swam again at the pool and then ate at Savvy's all-time favorite place, Yuck-a-rama.

She begged to watch more of the debate and was deflated when I told her Paul Ryan was not going to be debating again tonight, but we could watch the news that talked about the debate.

She was satisfied with that.

Of course, the morning that we had to get going first thing, Savvy slept in for the FIRST time in several months. {she is my early-riser-no-matter-what child}  After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we got gas and put in another great story on CD and head for the hills.

We had a great little trip even though the show never happened. I am looking forward to bringing Ruby next year when she is old enough.