Alter Egos

This peeked out at me from around the corner in the toy department:

Hulk Megan

Two different versions of this skeleton disturbed my Sunday nap:

Creepy Doll Skeleton- seriously creepy!

Creepy Doll Skeleton coming to get me

Captain Underpants Skeleton

These kids crack me up.  And sort of creep me out.  But mostly crack me up.

Goals and Budgets

Last month Jacob set a goal to earn his Bear Cub Scout badge by this month's pack meeting. He worked hard to finish off all the required achievements. We finished up one of the requirements last night - just in the nick of time since pack meeting was tonight! The requirement was to discuss family finances with a parent and identify ways Jacob could help with the budget. He came up with: packing lunches more often rather than always buying school lunch, not begging for fast food, taking better care of his shoes and clothes. He also pointed out hat he was too young to get a job and so couldn't really contribute money to the family. He's a smart one.

On the way to school this morning, I said I was thinking of making some cookies for an after school snack and asked what kind he would prefer.

Jacob: Well, we should probably try to do something to save money. (Good, remembering last night's discussion.)

Me: Yes, that's why I'm going to make cookies rather than buy something. What kind would you like?

Jacob:  Hmmm. I don't know. (Said with a mischievous grin.) Maybe, um, well. . . we could waste some money and buy donuts instead. 

Haha!  Love that kid! 

He proudly received his Bear badge tonight. Goal accomplished! He's already planning to earn as many arrow points as possible before the next pack meeting.  Way to go, Jake!

Details

"The Lord is in the details of our lives."  

- President Thomas S. Monson

I have loved this quote since I first heard President Monson say it.  I try to look for the Lord's hand in my life and acknowledge His presence in the details of my life.  One day last week I was feeling rather down. As I cleaned my kitchen after dinner, I thought to myself, "I'm going to go buy some flowers for my kitchen."  Fresh flowers in my home always lift my spirits. I continued wiping down the countertops and pondering things that were distressing me.   Not long after, my doorbell rang.  A sweet friend was on my doorstep with a small bouquet of fresh flowers.  She said, "I came into some flowers today and thought you might enjoy them."  She had no way of knowing that was exactly what I needed right then!  I hadn't prayed for someone to bring me flowers. I was just going to buy some myself, but she and her small gift were evidence of the Lord being aware of me and my simple need that day.  I have felt His love each time I glance at the flowers on my table. I am so grateful for seemingly small, but deeply meaningful experiences, for dear friends, and for the Lord and His goodness and love.

Dig

I don't know what it is about boys and dirt, but my boys can't get enough of it.  Last year our in-ground trampoline bit the dust.  After removing it, the boys have loved digging in the pit that was left behind. We're still undecided as to what to do with the pit.  Fill it in and put a new trampoline above ground?  Put a new trampoline back in-ground?  They've requested - begged, really -  that we leave the pit as is so they can dig in it whenever they want to.

Well, the last few days they have been in filthy dirt heaven out in their pit.  What are they doing, you might ask?  Digging.  Holes.  Just because.  They were literally out there today for about 5 hours.

Armed with shovel, spade, and knee pads

Checking hole depth

Overheard during a brief drink and bathroom break:

Jacob:  Do you want to stay inside?  I think we've probably had enough digging time today. We've been out there for like three hours.

Matthew:  Yeah.  We've been building character and we've been building muscle!  It really does build character, Jacob.

Jacob:  I know... Am I still gullible?

Matthew.  No. Not as much.  Just sometimes when people are younger they're more gullible and stuff.

Jacob:  Yeah.

(They returned to the pit for a couple more hours after this break.)

Oh, how I LOVE my boys!  Building character, muscles, and relationships (and apparently becoming less gullible!) while simply digging holes in the pit!  I wish I could plant a secret device outside to record their conversations while they're digging. I hope they'll always be best friends.  

Prom

March 21st was Junior Prom.  Megan was escorted by the esteemed Garrett. He asked her about a month ago with a darling bear that had a recording of his voice saying, "Megan, will you go to Prom with me?"  She ran around squealing for quite some time that morning and I think she sleeps with the bear every night.

 

I really had a lot of fun looking for a prom dress and accessories with Megan. We checked out our local dress shop and found a lovely gown that Megan loves and looks beautiful in.  We found glitzy earrings and a bedazzled headband as well.

The date began with a hike and a picnic with other couples in their group.  It was a beautiful day and they had a great time.

Pre-hike

After returning home from the hike, Megan raced to get ready for the evening.  She pulled it off in record time and had to figure out what to do with herself for an hour before being picked up.  I don't know how she does her hair and make up so beautifully.  She is really so talented in that!  She had fun hanging out with some of her friends who are too young to go to the dance while she waited to be picked up.  They oohed and ahhed over how lovely she looked.

Beautiful!

When Garrett came to pick her up, he said, "Wow! You look AMAZING!"  He had a beautiful bouquet of roses for her as well as a lovely corsage.  They kindly posed for a picture and then they were off for pictures with friends, dinner, and the dance.

Dinner was at Garrett's house and his mom had made their basement beautiful with candles, classical music, and an adorable little sister as their server. After a smashing time at the dance, they all returned to Garrett's house for an ice cream bar and a movie.  Garrett sent Megan home with a small gift.  It was a pretty little heart shaped picture frame.  (She loves frames for her pictures.)  Megan reported that it was soooo much fun and that Garrett, once again, spoiled her and was a complete gentleman.

I'm so glad she had a wonderful time and that Garrett treats her so well.  What a fun time of life!

All hail, Mr. Lincoln!

Jacob had an assignment to research an American who has positively influenced our lives today.  He chose the honorable Abraham Lincoln.  He was also to dress up as his chosen person and present some facts at the class "wax museum".  He chose the elements of his costume and even had some letters stuck inside his hat as Lincoln often did.  He did a great job!

Here is the paper he wrote:

"Do you want to learn about Abraham Lincoln?  If you do read this.  He was a great man.  He was born on February 12, 1809.  Its sad that he got murdered. Read this now. He rocks.  This has many facts about him and his life.

He was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky.  His parents' names are Thomas and Nancy Lincoln.  Guess what?  He did not go to high school or college.  How strange.  He taught himself.  How crazy is that?

He was married to Mary Todd Lincoln.  He was the 16th president of the USA. Did you know that he freed the slaves from slavery?  He kept America together.  He was very honest, strong, and athletic.

He died on April 18, 1865.  He was actually at the theater and someone camp up from behind and "bang".  They shot him right in the head.  He died at the age of 56.  Lincoln Memorial represents him. He was also a lawyer.

I think he should be guarded.  I hope you know how important he is.  I also hope you enjoyed this.  But remember he rocks.  I really hope you liked it."

A Fond Farewell

Saturday, February 21st, was the end of an era.  For 13 years I have carted my family around in The Durango.  (Well, maybe for 12 1/2 years it was dear.  It started it's life in our family in a rather bumpy way.  Darin decided to go for a drive one day and came back with The Durango.  Purchased.  No talking to me. BUT, I forgave Darin his misstep and the rocky beginning gave way to delightful times ahead.) But last Saturday, The Durango was traded in for a newer, zippier vehicle. As we left it sitting at the car dealership, I had to stop and reminisce about the adventures we had together. I may have shed a tear or two. Because I'm silly that way.

The Durango

The Durango was still in pretty good condition with one exception - fickle brakes.   Back in November, I was toting the kids to church. (Darin was already there for choir practice.) I found a parking space and started braking as I turned into it.  When I pushed the brake pedal for the final stop, nothing happened.  It was as if a block or something was placed underneath the pedal.  We jumped the curb and made it halfway up the lawn toward the church building before the brake pedal finally depressed and we stopped.  The kids were all yelling, "MOM!  What are you doing?" (I have to laugh at this because, seriously, did they think I was doing that on purpose?!)  The brakes worked just fine on the way home from church, but we took the Durango to the shop the next morning to have them checked. Clean bill of health. So weird!  Between November and now, the brakes have worked just fine, but every now and then I've heard the sound they made right before they failed and I've been a little paranoid.  I have certainly pulled into parking spaces with much more caution!  The Durango had many strange quirks that we had learned to live with, but brake problems are not something you should probably mess with.  It took Darin four months to convince me of this. Yes, I can be rather stubborn.  And sentimental. Stop reading now if you are bugged by sappy, sentimental ramblings . . . about . . . cars.

Really, a car is like a home in so many ways. After so many years of "living" in it, it is hard to distinguish between the actual vehicle and the memories that were created in said vehicle. Some of our favorite memories:  bringing our two baby boys home after their births; trips to the Jersey Shore, Boston, and Rochester, New York to visit family and friends; two cross-country trips to Utah; singing songs at the top of our lungs; telling silly riddles; fighting in the backseat; listening to audiobooks; Yellowstone, Zion, and other camping trips; the list goes on and on.  I asked everyone to share a memory.

Darin:  Kim was pregnant with Matthew and I had reminded her of how quickly her labor went with Megan and to keep gas in The Durango so we could make a speedy trip to the hospital when she went into labor.  I encouraged her to keep the gas tank full because she has the tendency to drive any car until it's running on fumes before she fills it up and the hospital was about 20 minutes away.  The night she went into labor, we were about 5 minutes into our drive to the hospital when the gas light went on and alerted us to needing gas.  I was worried that we wouldn't make it to the hospital before running out of gas so we had to stop and put some in.  Ironically, Kim was laughing at the situation in between gasping with contractions.  I did not find any humor in the situation.  I was stressed that I would have to deliver the baby on the side of the road by myself.  She still thinks it was funny.  I still shake my head in disbelief.  (In the interest of full disclosure, I, Kim, wrote this little memory up because Darin is still trying to de-stress from the experience nearly 12 years later.  I don't think he'll ever let me forget it. Haha!)

Sarah:  "That one time when The Durango freaked out." Five or six year ago, I took Sarah and the other girls in our ward to the stake center (about 30 minutes away) for a volleyball tournament.  On the way home, I stopped at a craft store to look for a certain item that was unavailable at our local craft store.  Because it was a pretty chilly day and I knew it would be a quick in and out trip, I left the car running with the girls inside.  Not long after I had gone into the store, a couple of the girls came running in to tell me that the car was "freaking out".  With no provocation, the horn had started honking incessantly, all the exterior lights were flashing on and off, and the windshield wipers were going back and forth so quickly that they might have lifted The Durango off the ground. Bewildered, I turned the car off.  No change in the crazy behavior.  The girls were completely undone by this turn of events and were fairly confident The Durango would explode at any moment.  They nervously asked if we should evacuate the area.  I nervously giggled and tried to reassure them. This continued for about 10-15 minutes until the lights and wipers stopped, but the horn continued.  As luck would have it, there was a nice man in the parking lot who offered to unplug the horn to stop the honking.  I was very grateful to him as I had no clue what to do.  Seeing as the car seemed "fixed" after that, we started up the engine and returned home unscathed.  No mechanic, Dodge dealer or otherwise, could ever explain that experience, but from time to time when I was driving the lights would suddenly flash and the horn would honk on it's own. Just keeping me on my toes, I suppose.

Megan:  "The milkshake stain!" We went to get milkshakes as a family one night.  Sarah and Megan started laughing hysterically about something.  I wish I could remember what it was!  Anyway, Sarah was laughing so hard that her arm was jerking around and she got milkshake all over the back of Darin's seat. This set Megan off again and as she jerked in hysterics, her milkshake got all over the ceiling of the car!  There is a stain there to this day from her milkshake and she remembers that fun night every time she sees it.

Megan also had an emergency stash of microwave popcorn packets tucked safely into the pouch on the back of the passenger seat.  She told me that you never know when you might go someplace and wish you had some popcorn to eat so she always had some in the car.  She and I love popcorn, and I declared her idea brilliant!  I now take a package of unpacked popcorn with me whenever I go on trips. We'll need to make sure to designate a new popcorn stash location in our new car!

Matthew:  "When we got Cooper!" Two and a half years ago we made a rather spontaneous trip to Morgan, Utah to look at some puppies.  We had talked half-heartedly about getting a puppy for sometime, and I was nervous that once we saw this litter, we wouldn't be going home empty-handed. As soon as we climbed out of The Durango and started playing with the puppies, I knew we were sunk.  There were three adorable puppies, but there was one little puppy that Matthew especially liked.  He was very playful and energetic and chased Matthew around the yard, would fetch a little ball, and climbed all over us.  The other two seemed much calmer.  We were having a hard time deciding which puppy to choose.  In a brief moment of insanity, we even considered taking two of them!  In the end, we decided to take a little drive to discuss what we should do.  We were talking about taking one of the calmer puppies that had very short legs.  My concern was that it wouldn't really be able to go for long walks and hikes with us with such little legs.  Darin and I secretly decided he would be the only one to get out of the car to pick up the selected puppy. Haha! We're so sneaky! We would tell the kids that we would get the calm one with curly fur, but in reality, we would get the more energetic one with curly fur.  We were sure he would have and plenty of energy and long enough legs to go for many adventures with us.  We made the selection, paid the breeder, scooped up that adorable puppy, and headed for home in The Durango.  The ride home was spent taking turns holding the puppy and discussing a proper name for him.  And so, Cooper came to be in our family!  Matthew remembers this ride with fondness and has truly bonded with Cooper.  After hearing Matthew say to many people, "It's a good thing we got the calmer puppy!  Can you imagine if we had got the crazy one?" and laughing behind our hands every time we heard it,  Darin and I finally revealed our little "trick" about six months ago. True to form, Matthew thought it was hilarious and is, of course, very glad that we did, in fact,  get the "crazy" puppy!

Jacob: In true Jacob fashion, he simply said, "Going to the pool."  Since moving to Utah, we've bought a membership to our local (slightly ghetto) pool each summer.  Think, "The Sandlot" type of pool.  No fancy bells and whistles, just a pool, two diving boards, and a little snack shack.  Each summer, the pool has been quite a draw for the boys and myself.  Most weekdays we go to the pool in the afternoon for at least an hour or two.  You'd think they would get bored, but no, they want to go pretty much every day.  It is such a simple activity, and I have loved spending the time with my boys there.  The trip from our house to the pool is a short one, but we always have plenty to talk about on our way there and back, and the trusty Durango has taken us back and forth many times.

Jacob almost always sits in the third row of seats in The Durango, even if no one else is in the car but me and him.  He usually sits quietly gazing out the window.  I've often looked in the rearview mirror at his sweet face and wondered what was going on in his mind. He's a deep thinker, that one.  I hope I'll still be able to see him in my rearview mirror in whichever seat he claims as "his" in the new car.

So much tied to The Durango! Loving, fighting, laughing, crying.  Living. Farewell, dear car!  You have served us well!  And now, we're on to new adventures and memories to be made!  Adieu!

Family History, I Am Doing It!

I need to be keeping a family history, and I think this blog is going to be the vehicle.  It's fun to see how much my kids love to read through archived blog posts and reminisce.  I need to include them in creating a family history - even if it is a minimal one! I'm hoping to record bits of our lives at least every Sunday. It may not be interesting to anyone but us, and that's ok!  I'm doing it anyway!

Darin had his Valentine Birthday yesterday.  Unfortunately, it wasn't a very festive birthday as he had a lot of work to do and I spent much of the day in bed not feeling well.  We're hoping to do some fun things as a family tomorrow to make up for the downer day. We're so thankful for him!  He's such a hard worker and always makes time for our family. Love you, Darin!

Megan had a wonderful Valentine's weekend.  It was her girl's pref sweethearts dance and she asked her cute friend, Garrett.  (I don't know if I'm allowed to call him her boyfriend, but ... you know.)  She had a wonderful time and hasn't quit beaming since she came home.  "He is such a gentleman!" , "He is just amazing!", "It was so. much. fun!" These kinds of comments have been frequently heard. I'm glad she had such a great time and that Garrett is such a good guy! Doesn't she look beautiful?

Getting ready to pick up Garrett

Darin, the boys and I took advantage of the unseasonably gorgeous weather this afternoon and went for a walk along the Jordan River. Nature therapy is always a spirit lifter!  Darin and the boys found a path through the dried reeds and brush to the river and even discovered a little "island" to jump to.  Cooper and I stuck to the paved trail, but loved hearing the boys talking and laughing, listening to the breeze in the reeds and the gently flowing river. 

Sarah spent the weekend with friends at Bear Lake.  She is in denial that she has to return to the real world tomorrow.  I'm glad she has had such a great time.  A break from the real world is always a gift - especially when it's spent with good friends in a beautiful place!

Last, but not least, while talking on the phone with my mom, I was delighted to spend over half an hour today looking through my front window at my two boys talking up a storm.  I love that they are such good friends and hope they always will be.

Best Buds

Here's to another great week!

Hello Friends!

Hi! My mom keeps on saying she is going to start blogging again but doesn't know what to blog about. so here is her new post in a new era. I'm doing the same, so be sure to look out for my blog too! Thank you all! :)
-Megan

Empty

As I was setting the table for dinner tonight it struck me that our table is looking like this more and more often.  No, we aren't eating tacos more frequently.  Count the plates.  Five.  Not six.  There is an empty spot more and more often as Sarah becomes busier and busier with school, work, lacrosse, and socializing.  Really this has been increasing in frequency since high school began. Some nights it has annoyed me.  Some nights it hasn't phased me.  But tonight, it really hit me.  An empty place.  That will be empty more and more frequently.  That may be empty semi-permanently after this Senior year of high school is complete.  And only to be followed by more empty places.  I felt a little empty inside.  And I might have cried a little.  I might still be crying a bit.  As fun and exciting as it is to see your kids grow up, and learn, and become more independent, it is hard, too.  And the hard is coming.  All too soon.

Thoughts

A month and a half ago our dishwasher quit working.  Normally, I would have rushed out and purchased a new one, but for whatever crazy reason, I decided I want my kids to learn how to do dishes the old-fashioned way.  After all, I didn't have the luxury of a dishwasher until I was a Senior in high school and not only did I survive, but I feel that washing dishes with my siblings helped me grow closer to them.  Lots of laugher and talking took place at the kitchen sink in our home. I'm sure some fights occurred, too, but those memories have faded, and the happy ones remain.  Doing dishes by hand is not done quickly.  Dishwashers truly are very convenient and free up some time, however, we are still washing by hand . .

There is a silver lining in all of this.  I am often cold in the winter.  Very cold.  And putting my hands in hot soapy water has warmed me up every day.  Small perk, but a perk nevertheless!

Way above and beyond being warm, though, is the time that it has given me for pondering and reflection.  Many things are always happening in life and I don't often take the time to really sit and reflect on their meaning.

As I was recently given a new calling at church that has required me to rely on the Lord much more fully, more than a few realizations and inspirations have come while washing dishes and praying.  

As disease and dementia has progressed in several family members' lives, I have pondered on memories with those sweet people and am so grateful for their lives and influence on me and have prayed for their comfort as they face pain, difficulty, and decline in quality of life.

As people I know have lost loved ones - many of them suddenly, my heart has ached and my tears have mingled with the dishwater for the loss they are feeling and will continue to feel for some time. I have wondered how I can help ease that hurt.  I have thought more about how much those I love mean to me and how I can show them that love more often while we are all here on this earth together.

I have loved looking out my window above the sink to see my kids playing in the snow with each other and friends, having photo shoots, and chasing the dog with laughter and squeals of delight ringing out.  I've laughed out loud watching them, and also felt a twinge knowing that in only a few short years I will be looking out at an empty yard.  How much I love them!

I have washed and dried dishes with Darin by my side, and have appreciated his willingness to be an equal partner (and really he is so much more than equal - he does more than his fair share) in our home, to be a loving, supportive husband and father, to be someone I enjoy working with and spending time with.  I think we make a pretty good team.

These moments at the sink full of dirty dishes are treasured and a reminder to me that I need to take more time to sit and reflect on my blessings and thank the Lord for them.  My kids may not be learning how to wash dishes very well. In fact, they are very good at avoiding that task! But in doing the dishes, I am learning so much more than how to clean dishes.

And I am grateful.

New Kid on the Block

Meet Cooper.  He is our new puppy.  He is a Cockapoo.  He is cute.   He is soft.  He is playful.  He is fun.  He likes to go on walks.  He is learning to go potty outside.  He likes to meet new friends. He likes to chew on his toys, but he prefers to chew on socks or shoes. He likes to sleep on my lap while I am computing.  He is there right now.  We like him.

Love

For seventeen years, this man has been my main squeeze.  (A little longer than that if you count the dating days.)  It has been seventeen years full of ups and downs and sideways, and definitely full of love. 

Thank you, Darin, for being patient with me when I talk on and on and on.  Thank you for rubbing my back and playing with my hair.  Thank you for letting me warm up my icicle toes on your toasty warm legs.  Thank you for holding my hand when we go on walks together.  Thank you for being a voice of reason and pragmatism when my emotion laden soul needs grounding.  Thank you for being a wonderful father to our kids - for rough housing with the boys, for talking tenderly with the girls, and for generally spending a lot of quality time with all of them.  Thank you for being a spiritual leader in our home.  Thank you for working in the garden with me.  Thank you for taking me to the symphony.  Thank you for hiking with me. Thank you for giving me encouragement when I'm feeling down.   Thank you for being my best friend.  I am so blessed to be married to you!

 

I love you, Darin! 

Quote of the Day . . . Or Maybe of the Year

Sarah threw out this bit of wisdom last night in the car: 

"You can't just quit life!  Sometimes you just have to work through things!"

How true, how true.  I immediately informed her that I would be reminding her of this sage advice frequently.  :)

The hilarious sidenote to this is the context in which she came to this conclusion.  We were talking about our hot tub.  It has been exhibiting sub-par performance since we inherited it.  I mortified the kids when I said, "I'd be fine to just get rid of it."  A chorus of "NO's" sounded from the backseat.  And then Sarah's insightful comment was made.  In regards to  hot tub.  A leaky hot tub.  Oh, yes, you can't just quit life, and apparently you can't quit hot tubs either.  I think I'll have this quote made in to one of the darling printables with a clip art picture of a hot tub on it and frame it in our home.  Truly, words to live by!

My Boy, Matthew

This is my boy, Matthew.  He had a birthday last month.  He is nine now.  Yep, nine!  He has been such a happy boy right from birth, and I can't imagine my life without him. 

Nine things I love about Matthew:

1.  His laugh.  He has the most contagious, from the heart laugh.  We recently watched some family videos from when Matthew was about 3 years old.  We caught laughing fever just from the video.  He has a full, open-mouthed, loud, whole body laugh. You just can't help but join him.

2.  His face.  He is obviously a handsome devil, but I love watching his face when he talks.  His eyes tell stories even if his mouth is silent (which is rare).  He has so much animation and expression that it is  pure entertainment to listen to/watch him.   There is no doubt how he is feeling when you look at his face. 

3.  His energy.  Boundless, I tell you.  Boundless. Matthew rarely does anything without putting his whole heart into it.  His energy is infused into whatever he's doing. 

4.  His sense of adventure.  Matthew is not always the most cautious boy, but I admire his willingness  to try new things.  In the last year he has learned to go off jumps on his bike, skateboard, do flips onto the trampoline from the top of the swing set (I have to close my eyes for this one sometimes), and jump off the high dive at the pool.  I think Parkour (sp?) may be in his future.

5.  His voice.  Like his face, Matthew's voice is very expressive.  I love hearing him say, "Hi, Mom!" when he runs into the house.  His voice alone is like an embrace as it carries much emotion. I also love that he uses all sorts of fun words that most kids his age don't toss around very often. 

6.  His dancing moves.  The boy can move and groove!  He must have found some recessive genes and made them dominate because he is pretty awesome.  Break dancing is his specialty.  It is a dance form goes well with his sense of adventure and boundless energy.  :) 

7.  His curiosity.  He's always one for learning new things.  He asks a lot of questions.  I answer as many of them as I can.  The ones I can't answer (and there are many of those), we research on the Internet or at the library.  I love that he loves to read non-fiction as much as fiction.  He's a smart one, my Matthew.

8.  His thinker.  When he slows down enough, Matthew is a thinker.  He often brings up topics that I would never think that he had any knowledge of or interest in.  He is also thoughtful in his thinking - often concerned about other people.  How can you not love that?

9.  His hugs and snuggles. I know this won't last forever, but I am so grateful that Matthew will still come snuggle up to me on the couch to read a book, to watch a movie, or to just talk. I love it when he puts his head on my shoulder and wraps my arm around him, or when he asks me to lay down by him at night and sing him a song. I'll take that as long as I can.

I love you, Matthew! 

Happy Birthday, my boy!

Bedtime

I need to get a "real" journal going, but until I do, this blog serves as such for me.

Matthew just warmed my heart and I had to record what he said, and some subsequent thoughts and feelings.  I read to my boys almost every night before bed.  We have recently been enjoying "Charlotte's Web" together.  Tonight as I finished reading a chapter, Matthew quietly said, "Mom, I love you so much.  And I love you in a special way.  One of the reasons I love you so much is because of how you read.  It's so nice and quiet and peaceful."  He followed that up with a big hug.  Wow! I didn't see that one coming.

I love you, too, Matthew and Jacob! I love you because you will still let me read you stories and ask me to sing you songs before nodding off to sleep. And for so many, many other reasons. 

Most nights I treasure that time reading with my boys.  However, some nights, I am ashamed to admit, I am eager to "get it over with", and get on with some personal time.  After Matthew's sweet comment though, I was reminded of what a precious time this is.  One day they will be too grown up to want me to read to them and sing them songs before bed.  Then I'll probably have too much personal time, and ache to read them one more story and sing one more lullaby. 

My girls have "grown up" and no longer require bedtime stories or bedtime songs before going to sleep.  However, once in a great while, often when things have been a little stressful or traumatic, one of them will ask me to sit or lie down on their bed and sing them songs.  They often want to me to sing the same songs I sang to them when they were little - songs that I learned from my parents. We've even read a book or two "together" since they've "grown up" - the girls drawing or knitting while I read out loud.  How grateful I am that this has always been a ritual for me and my children!  I think it  helps them feel safe and loved - at least I hope it does.  And, interestingly, it provides me with the same comfort.

My mom and dad both sang songs and read stories to me and my siblings before bedtime when we were young.  Dad often sang a silly song called "Piccadilly Circus" complete with silly voices, as well as several John Denver songs - my favorites being "For Baby" and "Lady".  He would tell us stories from his childhood that lived larger than life in my imagination.  Just ask me about "Peaches the Pig", or "Old Jim", or forgetting to turn the water off at the pig sty- fun stories there.  Mom sang "Jesus Once Was a Little Child", "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus", "Teach me to Walk in the Light", and "I Am a Child of God".  I think they were often in that order, too!  Mom would read stories and also relate experiences from her childhood. I remember how loved I felt  to have my mom and dad sit on my bed, rub my back, tell me stories, and sing songs to me.  I still feel so loved when I think of that time in my life.

I am grateful for such kind and loving parents who took time to do those little things with me.  I am grateful that I grew up thinking that all parents read and sing to their kids, and so when I had my own children, I naturally, carried on that tradition believing that that's just what parents do!  Those bedtimes blessed my life as a child, and are now blessing my life as an adult . . . and, I believe, blessing my kids, too.

Here's to many more bedtime songs and stories.  And to loving my amazing kids.  And to my wonderful parents.

Intensity!

Tonight marked the end of a fun, eventful, and impressive season of the newest sport added to our family's repertoire:  lacrosse, or LAX.  Sarah decided in December that she wanted to play on the LAX team this year even though she'd never formally played before.  I went to the first informational meeting for parents and was impressed with the coaching staff and their philosophy: "We are building character girls."  We were happy to encourage her in this endeavour - building character is a good thing after all, and physical fitness  isn't a bad side benefit, right?   Conditioning started at the first of January and it was brutal.  Running, running, running, and more running!  I was proud of Sarah for sticking with it. It wasn't easy by a long shot, but she pushed herself hard and her hard work paid off.  She learned skills quickly and became very fast. She even recruited three other girls to the team. 

Games started in March, and the first one was a bit disappointing - they were soundly beat by the other team.  But, the coaches and team members took it as a learning experience, and quickly recognized skills needing improvement.  The very next game it was apparent that they had worked hard on those particular skills.  Before games, the players raise their sticks in the air and shout, "INTENSITY!"  The season progressed with much intensity at practices and at games.  The girls have improved a great deal and won many games, but overall, I am truly impressed that these girls really are "character girls".  They have really pulled together as a team and support each other 100% 

Many family members and friends came to games to support Sarah. I know it means a lot to her - and it's fun chatting with family and friends on the sidelines while we watch and cheer!  Thank you!

Unfortunately, as cute as it is, this is the only picture I have from this season.  I took a whole bunch of awesome shots tonight of Sarah racing down the field with the ball in her stick only to find out when we got home that the memory card was not in the camera.  Ugh!  I am so upset about that, but I hope that Sarah will play again next year so we can catch some great shots of her then. 

Sarah and her two friends, Ellery and Nataya at the Skyview game

Thanks, Sarah, for being brave enough to try a new sport, at a new school, with new people! That takes a lot of courage!  I admire you and am proud of you for your hard work and determination. Plus it was just darn fun watching you play!  Let's do it again next year!

INTENSITY!!!

Plucky Leprechauns

(Or, in other words, more than you ever wanted to know about my race. This is really more of a journal entry for myself, so though anyone else may read it, I can't guarantee boredom.)  So, guess what. . .   I did it!  I did it, I really, really did it!!  (View this if you don't know where that came from - specifically at 6:58ish.Hee, hee.)  I finished the 5k, on my feet, and running - very slowly, but running!  I didn't walk even once.  I must say that I am super proud of myself.  This was something hard for me.  And I did it!

My family support - Mom, me, Nicole, Matthew

Of course, I had a lot of encouragement and support.  I really don't think I could have done it alone.  In January,  I started walking  about 2.8 miles most weekday mornings with 3-4 other ladies in my ward.  They are super speed walkers.  (And several of them are also veteran 5k, 10k, and marathon runners.)  I could hardly keep up with them.  Seriously. (I still can't very well!)  So, I would walk, start falling behind, and then jog to catch up.  Walk, start falling behind, and then jog to catch up.   Repeat throughout the route.  One day, I decided to just keep jogging slowly to stay with them rather than falling behind.  I started jogging more and more of the route, and soon my walking buddies started saying, "Are you going to do a 5k?"  I laughed it off,  "No way, I am not a distance runner."   But inwardly, I thought, "Maybe I should try."   Hence, my goal was born.  I decided that I would do a 5k sometime this year.  That meant run a 5k.  No stopping.  No walking.   I was thinking maybe summer or fall would give me enough time. 

Feeling fresh before the race.  The wind was horrible though, so we left the hats behind in the car.

Not long after I decided I would try to do this, my neighbor, Cherie, texted me asking if I would like to run a 5k with her on St. Patrick's Day. As in March 17, 2012. Yikes!!! That was much sooner than summer or fall. I think it took me over a week to commit.  And even then I felt a little sick to my stomach when I said yes. I started jogging as much of the morning route as I could.  My walking buddies were such a huge source of support.  One in particular, Joyce, would run along with me and keep up a steady stream of conversation so I would be distracted from my fatigue.  Every now and then she would say, "I'm talking too much.  I'm sure you have things to say, too!"  Uhh, no.   I was just trying to breathe.  :)  I would occasionally puff out "Wow, uh-huh, oh," type expressions as I forcefully exhaled, but that was about all I could do before gulping for more air. :)   Joyce was awesome, though, and I look forward to many more jog/walks with her and the other speedies early in the morning.

Me and Cherie after the race.

A little more red-faced, but feeling great.  Mom took 3rd place in her age division!

Cut to March 17th, 9:00 am.  Cherie, my mom, Nicole, myself, and it turns out my studly brother Matthew (who had been signed up by his loving wife that very morning at 7:30 am) started moving with over 300 other green-clad jokers as the starting gun sounded.  Matthew, who claims he hates running, and Nicole, quickly outpaced us.  (Not all that suprising.)  Cherie, my mom and I stuck together for quite a while.  Then it was just me and Cherie.  We stayed together for almost the entire race.  Towards the last half mile or so, I moved ahead of her, just a bit.  This was not because I am so amazingly fast, it just happened. However, having her just a little behind me turned out to be more motivation.  I realized she would see me if I started to walk.  And then I would embarrassed.  So I kept running.  I started feeling very tired, and thought, "I'll just walk for a second."  Then I thought of my sweet daughters, who had told me over and over, "You can do this, mom!" I did not want to let them down.   And I kept running.  I was maybe a quarter of a mile to the finish line, and somehow knowing that made me feel even more tired.  I thought of an article I had read previously that week about a woman who was training for a marathon.  She was on a treadmill and her trainer had her running as fast as she could for five minutes.  When she thought she could not possibly run any longer (near the last 30 seconds or so), the trainer got right in front of her and said, "Don't you dare. give. up!   You can do this!" and then would count down to the finish.  She made it. I was in the last "30 seconds" of the race.  I kept telling myself over and over, "Don't. (explosive exhalation)(gulping inhalation) you.(explosive exhalation)(gulping inhalation) dare.(explosive exhalation)(gulping inhalation) give.(explosive exhalation)(gulping inhalation) up!  You can do this!  You are almost there."  I nearly started crying when I crossed the finish line.

Even more amazing,  I think I'll do it again. 

 Because I can do it!

Wish Me Luck

Today is a big day for me.  It is St. Patrick's Day.  And it is the morning of my first ever official 5k race.  I know this is not a big deal for most people.  Three point one miles is not that far - for many - to run.  But for me, it is big.  I set a goal for myself to do a 5k this year - and run the whole way.  I could walk it, no problem, but running is another story.  So, on this day of luck and leprechauns, and all that fun stuff, I need the luck o' the Irish with me.  :)  Thankfully, I'll have a few friendly leprechauns running with me - my amazing mom, my stellar sister-in-law, Nicole, and my awesome neighbor, Cherie.  (She is the one who talked me into this so early in the year.) So, instead of cooking corned beef and cabbage, I'm going to go run.  Wish me luck.  To be continued . . .

J is for Jacob

... and joy!  This little boy of mine (who isn't so little anymore) has brought so much joy into my life and into our family.  One week ago today, he turned six.  Just ask him.  He will tell you.  ("Hey, Jill.  I'm six," stated in a very matter-of-fact voice.  End of conversation.)  I asked him if he is still my baby, and he said, in no uncertain terms, "No, mom.  But I am  your boy."  Whew!  So glad of that.  He'll always be my Jakey-boy.

Six things I love about Jacob:

1.  He gives me a hug every single morning when he first wakes up.  He comes looking for me to give me that hug.  Love it.  Who wouldn't?

2.  He loves to build things - and is quite good at it, too!  He can spend hours constructing the perfect train layout, lego ship, marble run, or other imaginative creation with his wooden blocks.

3. He has passion.  Trains have obviously been his passion since he was my baby, but, stop the presses - he now claims drawing is his favorite thing in the whole wide world.  Guess what he likes to draw?  The two passions have now combined.  :)

4.  He is inquisitive. This summer he heard some snippet about the Titanic somewhere and asked more questions about it.  We now check out books at the library on the Titanic, look at websites about the Titanic, and watch shows about the Titanic.  He recently drew a picture of the stages of the ill-fated ship sinking.  Sad, but impressive.

5.  Jacob still loves a good tickle fight with Darin.  I love to see them two of them wrestling and laughing together.  When Jacob has had enough, he suddenly transforms into a black mamba and is safe from any more tickles, for as we all know, black mambas are not to be messed with. . . unless Darin suddenly transforms into a mongoose . . .

6.  Even on days when Jacob is feeling more like this:

He usually turns around quickly and becomes the happy, fun-loving boy that brings so much joy.  (Plus, don't you think he still looks so darn cute - even when he's mad?)

Happy 6th  Birthday, Jacob! 

 I love you!