The Vance Family

Fun and Easy Dinners

2011-08-17T15:40:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone!

I realize it's been almost 9 months since I've posted anything. I've been very busy! One of my new creations was trying to figure out how to make dinner better for my family. And I've come up with a Fun and Easy Dinner blog. It's been fun to try to make dinner a fun time for our family. Check out my blog at www.funandeasydinners.wordpress.com. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks guys!

Theme Dinners

2011-01-26T20:56:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I blogged. Things have been crazy with five kids! But wonderful too. I have been stretched in every direction possible as far as I could go. Things got really disorganized, really fast. Among other things, dinners started going down the drain. I was ordering pizza several times a week, or we'd have frozen dinners or things like that. I'm not saying anything is wrong with that every once in a while, and we were in a little bit of a bind with the new baby and what we could handle, but it was time now that she reached three months old to get ourselves back on track. I didn't know where to start, though. Whenever I'd get online to look at new recipes I was SO overwhelmed! I'd look up "chicken recipes" and several thousand would show up. I was tired of my old recipes too. I was in such a rut. So I roped in my kids and told them we had to do something. We came up with a "Themed Dinner" menu for each night of the week. It's been working out so amazingly! I am able to find meals I want to cook without getting overwhelmed, and the entire family is all okay with trying new stuff. Here's what we came up with:

Soup and Salad Sunday
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chili and Cornbread
Minestrone Soup and Rolls
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Mexican Monday
Enchiladas
Quesadillas
Taco's
Tortilla Soup

Italian Tuesday
Fettucini Alfredo
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Lasagna
Baked Ziti

Waffle Wednesday
Waffles
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Toast
Crepes
Omelets

Cowboy Thursday
Shepherd's Pie
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Chili and Cornbread
Barbeque Chicken Haystacks
Beef Stew

Pizza Friday
Homemade Pizza From Scratch
$5 Little Ceasar's Hot N Ready Pizzas
Frozen California Pizza Kitchen

Shanghai Saturday
Orange Chicken
Homemade Wonton's
Chicken Curry

I've also planned out some fun desserts to go with some of these meals, like Fruit Pizza for dessert on pizza night, and Dirt in a Cup (chocolate pudding, crushed oreos, and a gummy worm) for Cowboy Thursday, and I'm even going to attempt Flan from scratch on one of the Mexican Mondays! Cooking has turned from a horrible dead end into something that is SO MUCH FUN!

Baby Sarah

2010-10-31T13:08:00.002-04:00

On Monday October 25, 2010 at 11:24pm little Sarah Ann Vance came into the world at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda MD. It was the longest labor and delivery I've ever had - 12 hours! - but she's healthy and strong and both of us are doing really, really well. I've had my awesome mom here all week to help us out, and boy what a help she's been! Here are a few pictures of her at the hospital and at home. We couldn't be a happier family!

Day 10

2010-10-02T15:10:00.002-04:00

The report - just a little bit of pain last night. Things are getting there - wahoo!

Isaac's 9th Birthday

2010-10-01T20:45:00.008-04:00

Today my Isaac turned 9. We had the best day today. He woke up and had our "Vance Birthday Breakfast," which is waffles from scratch, fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a candle. I took cupcakes over to the school at lunchtime and it was so fun to visit with him and his friends. After school he opened up some awesome presents from Grandma and Grandpa, then all of his friends arrived for the big Star Wars party.

Our cute friend Joseph made Isaac's cake.

The entire party had a Star Wars theme. I made "Padwan vests" for each of the kids since they were "Jedi's in Training." I made light sabers out of pool noodles and duct tape. The highlight of the party was the constant Jedi battles going on with the "light sabers!"

For dinner we had "Galactic Pizza," "Vader Taters," "E-Wok Veggies," "Wookie Cookies," and "Yoda Sodas" served out of Solo brand cups, aka "Hans Solo Cups." The kids had a blast asking for seconds of "Yoda Soda" or "Vader Taters."

Before the guests arrived, the kids drew two "Death Stars" out of chalk on the driveway. For one of our games the kids all threw water balloons at the Death Stars to try and destroy them. They liked this game a lot. Then we did a pinata in our garage. I couldn't find a Star Wars pinata, but I did find a STAR pinata, so they enjoyed smacking the pinata. I didn't get pictures since I was trying to protect all of the kids from getting hit by each other with the baseball bat!

Isaac's cute friends gave him some wonderful gifts. It was so fun to see how thoughtful and kind the kids were - the guests as well as Isaac.

Thanks to everyone for coming. Thanks Isaac for being born! We love you!

Days 8 & 9

2010-10-01T20:43:00.001-04:00

Good news!!! Mike has had two wonderful nights in a row! He says he still feels a little bit of discomfort for a few minutes, but it's significantly gone away. Last night was his best night ever. I am so happy - so is he! We will continue to update - thanks for all of the tips and prayers everyone. Keep 'em coming!

Days 6 & 7

2010-09-28T09:53:00.001-04:00

Days 6 & 7 have not gone well for Mike. He's been very diligent about eating right, but his nights have not stayed improved. We are not going to give up and have high hopes that this will work - it just might take some time!

Day 5

2010-09-25T15:27:00.003-04:00

Last night was good! He said the pain was quite minimal! He actually got some pain free sleep! Hooray! Monday marks one week, and the Inflammation Nation book says that often people start seeing results after about a week. I hope it wasn't just a fluke, but that all of this effort in changing the diet is working. I'll keep this updated!

Day 4

2010-09-24T19:01:00.002-04:00

Last night was still pretty painful. I don't think he slept much. Today my order of Kodiak Cakes came, which I made for dinner. Kodiak Cakes are amazing! They are a whole wheat pancake mix you only have to add water to, and they taste amazing. No sugar added either. We are not giving up and are still trying! I'm hoping tonight is better for him....

Day 3

2010-09-23T21:49:00.002-04:00

So today was oatmeal with cinnamon and Splenda for breakfast, tons of fruits and veggies and a no sugar PB and J sandwich for lunch. I went to Trader Joe's yesterday (I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be - can anyone tell me why?) and I picked up a fresh Asian stir fry kit. I added some chicken to it tonight and served it with brown rice. At Safeway today I also found some no sugar ice cream sandwiches. Last night he said his pain was a little worse than the night before. I'm excited to see what this night will bring!

Day 2

2010-09-22T12:46:00.003-04:00

Yesterday marked Day 2 of the "No Flour No Sugar" diet for Mike. We tried using "Ezekiel 4:9" sprout bread as well as their english muffins for breakfast and lunch, packed the day with fruits and veggies, and for dinner I made salmon with lime wedges seasoned with Mrs. Dash's lemon pepper, whole wheat noodles with a butter cream garlic sauce (low sodium too). Banana (no sugar) peanut butter shake for dessert. He also took all of his supplements of Borage Oil and Omega 3. This morning he told me that while he still had pain last night, it wasn't as bad as it had been for so long. This has given me hope that all of this hard work is worth it! Stay tuned for more...

Day 1

2010-09-21T08:39:00.002-04:00

My poor husband has been suffering for years with a strange form of arthritis. It moves all over his body. When we were first married it would manifest itself in his hips, and has since moved to his eyes, then his chest, and now it's in his back, and it only comes at night, but is extremely painful for several hours through the night. My aunt Theresa is on a diet for her arthritis which eliminates white sugar, white flour, and white rice. You are also supposed to take Omega 3 and Borage Oil supplements. Mike and I thought that we would put him on this diet and see if we could see any results. I wanted to blog about it so we can really track when the pain (hopefully) will start subsiding.

Yesterday, Monday September 20, was our first day. He ate only sugar and flour free foods for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner with our curry he ate brown rice instead of white rice. I made him a sugar free strawberry shake for dessert instead of the cookies the rest of the family had. He woke up this morning and said his pain was still quite bad throughout the night. But results aren't expected overnight. So we are on Day 2 of his diet today. I will keep you updated on our results. The idea for this diet came from the book "Inflammation Nation." Quite an interesting read. Here's to hoping it helps!

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

2010-08-07T22:31:00.024-04:00

We have been enjoying our summer so much! I know I'm not the only one in our house that's sad for it to come to an end soon. Our summer has been filled with BBQ's, baseball games, and of course the best part - swimming with our friends!

Another special summer tradition we have is to attend Mike's summer evening concerts on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. We sit on the grass and the kids catch fireflies while we listen to the beautiful music. Often we bring friends with us to share in the tradition as well.

In July, my awesome mom came out for my cousin Darren's wedding, and then she took Isaac, Hannah, and Laura back to St. George with her. Mike, Stephen, and I all met up with them in SLC, and had a blast sight-seeing there together.

One of the best parts of my time in SLC was seeing so many dear friends and my wonderful cousins that I hadn't seen in so long. We also had the chance to see our nephew Brandon off to the MTC.

Many thanks to my wonderful Aunt Theresa who let us stay with her during that time. After our wonderful time in SLC we drove up to Idaho (many thanks to my wonderful parents for letting us use their car!) for the Vance Family Reunion. The reunion was spent playing games, tennis tournaments, a talent show, the "Vance Dance," a 21 foot inflatable water slide, a 5k - 1 mile walk/run, and most importantly - bonding with the Vance Family.

We also had a "Vance Family Film Festival." Here is our family's submission!

After a week in Idaho Falls, we drove eight hours to St. George (breaking it up to stay the night in Layton with Theresa once again!), and spent four days with my family. We went to Tuacahn and saw the musical "Tarzan" (a big hit with the kids!), went to dinner one night at Pirate Island Pizza, had a birthday BBQ for Grandma Lund, and mostly just SWAM!!!

We also had some amazing pictures taken by a friend - Rachel Steele. They're some of my absolute favorites!

After all of that fun, it's been so sad to be home now. We miss our families so much, but we are so grateful for the wonderful trip we had. We can't wait to do it again!

Happy Birthday Steve!

2010-04-27T16:04:00.003-04:00

Steve's birthday was on Easter Sunday. So yes - it's been a while, but better late than never! He is really into baseball and Mickey Mouse, so everything that day was dedicated to those two passions!

Probably his favorite gift was his t-ball set from Grandma and Grandpa! He also loved the Mickey Mouse playing baseball PJ's Mike and I got him too. And he even got a baseball cake! Happy Birthday to the cutest three-year-old boy on the planet!

Our Spring Break Trip

2010-04-03T20:10:00.008-04:00

Last week we took our family and our awesome babysitter, Brooke Hayes, on a trip to NY. Our main reason for going was to see Church History sites, but we also had some other stops along the way. We were gone for five days on a much needed vacation, and we had a great time despite some cold weather!

On Sunday (after our 8 hour drive on Saturday) we spent the day in Palmyra. We visited the Smith Farm, the Sacred Grove, and The Hill Cumorah. It was a very special day, and we felt the spirit so strong at these historic sites in the "Cradle of the Restoration."

Monday morning, we visited The Grandin Press (the publication site for the very first 5,000 Books of Mormon ever published), Alvin Smith's grave, and The Whitmer Farm where the church was organized. These were very special sites as well.

Monday evening found us in Niagara Falls. We enjoyed the walk around the falls, the ferris wheel ride that took us right above the falls, and dinner at Rainforest Cafe.

Our final day we spent in Hershey PA at the Hershey Chocolate Factory. It was definitely a highlight for us all. We took the fun little tour/ride about how they make the chocolate (and got the yummy free samples at the end), and then saw a really funny, cute, 3D movie about Milton Hershey and chocolate, complete with special effects, including a smell of chocolate throughout the movie. Definitely a highlight!!!

A GREAT trip, but we are definitely happy to be home and enjoying the rest of spring break just relaxing in the comforts of our own house! It's also nice to not go anywhere, especially since we put over 1,500 miles on the car. It was a very special trip, and we are so thankful to have gone!

I'm BAAA-AAACK!!!

2010-03-23T20:35:00.006-04:00

It's been almost 6 months, but I am back! So much has happened, I hardly know where to start. So I guess I'll just summarize with some pictures.

Our Hannah turned 7 this last November. Her favorite gift was the beautiful doll Grandma Lund gave her.

I was very proud of Isaac this last Thanksgiving. He and his friend Cameron put together a Thanksgiving dinner for a needy family in our area.

The holidays were wonderful - full of baking, gifts from the heart, and visits from friends that are considered family.

And no east coast blog would be able to skip over a big event from 2010 - THE SNOW! Yes, we got our fair share of the white stuff. Our kids were in heaven - no school and unlimited snow to run and play in all day. Oh, and did I mention that Grandma and Grandpa were here for the snow? It made it even better.

And now we are on to spring! The weather is warmer, the allergies are in full force, and Easter - and Steve's 3rd birthday - are just around the corner. I hope to be blogging more and more now. Thanks for stopping by!

(Sidenote: I am trying a new service out you all might be familiar with called Google Adsense. I just added a banner down the side of the blog. If you could all click on one of the ads so I can see how this works, I'd appreciate it!)

Family - Isn't It About....Time?

2009-10-25T10:35:00.005-04:00

This month Isaac turned 8. It feels like yesterday he was just a little baby in my arms. How time flies!

On October 11, Isaac was baptized by his dad. It was a beautiful day. We had such an outpouring of love from our friends and our ward, and especially our family. We had Grandpa and Grandma Gustaveson, Grandpa Vance and Sharon, and Grandma Lund there to celebrate. The spirit was so strong, and it was a wonderful day.

We did a lot of really fun things together with the family, but the highlight (other than the baptism of course) was the trip to Luary Caverns.

We had an amazing time. We miss everyone, but now look forward to Hannah's baptism next year!

First Day of School

2009-08-30T15:35:00.004-04:00

This year Isaac is in 2nd grade, Hannah in 1st grade, and - YES - Laura in Kindergarten. My babies are all growing up. Here are some pictures of the first day.

(We always have to have a funny face...:)

The first day was a little rough, honestly, the second day was better (although a meltdown was in order for the Kindergartner after school), and by Wednesday we were all pro's - including me! The teachers are all great, and we love the school and principal. We're looking forward to a great year!

Family Vacation

2009-08-23T15:37:00.007-04:00

Last Monday we went to Virginia Beach. We invited Brooke to come along since we really need another set of eyes - and arms - for the kids. We had a blast. We all wish we could have stayed longer.

Tuesday we headed over to Williamsburg for the second leg of the trip, but saw something that caught our eye - "Mt. Trashmore." It's a 165 acre park built from compacting waste and clean soil. It's actually a very beautiful place - playgrounds, a track for runners, and a really big hill with stairs leading to the top. It was really windy at the top so we went back to the car and got our kites. We all had a spontaneous good time!

After our adventures at "Mt. Trashmore," we headed over to our family's favorite place (other than Grandma and Grandpa's) - The Great Wolf Lodge: a seven story water park with a hotel built around it. Attractions include a wave pool, a huge kid pool, three large waterslides, a lazy river, the Howling Tornado slide, a treehouse with two slides coming out of it, and a 1,000 gallon bucket that dumps its contents every 5 minutes. It's such an amazing place, and we had such a great time there. It truly was the highlight of the trip. Due to the inconvenience of a camera in a very splashy wet water park (and having to leave valuables unattended on a table) I didn't take any pictures of it this trip. However, we have been several other times, so for those of you who haven't heard or seen what the Great Wolf Lodge looks like, here's some pictures that I found on the internet.

The first day we spent around 9 hours in the waterpark, and the kids wanted more. The next day we lasted about 4 hours, and had to check out and leave. We were beat - but happy.

We had just too much fun. We can't wait to go again! And - thanks Brooke!

Rules of the Kingdom

2009-07-16T18:42:00.003-04:00

Remember that clever poem "All I Ever Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten?" It contained such gems as "Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you are sorry when you hurt somebody." Etc. Etc. Etc.

Over the last few months, Isaac and Hannah have been creating their own set of rules - "Rules of the Kingdom." In their imaginary play land, Hannah is queen and Isaac is king. So they could establish order in their kingdom, they sat down one day and began to charter out the rules if you were going to live in their kingdom. Some are funny, some sound like things I say, and some are quite profound.

I'm impressed that they are continuing to add to this long list of rules. I'm more impressed with myself for writing out the entire thing. It's best to just take a minute and read them all in order. I find it much funnier that way.

Enjoy.

1) Don't cry on the king and queen's feet.
2) Don't fight.
3) Be good and helpful.
4) Eat healthy everyday.
5) Don't eat sloppy.
6) Don't yell.
7) Don't call out during story time.
8) Don't run around in our garden.
9) Don't climb trees.
10) Say please and thank you.
11) No burping.
12) You can only eat one piece of candy everyday.
13) Feed our pets with our permission.
14) You should play an instrument.
15) Read adult books as much as you can.
16) Follow these rules.
17) Don't kill anyone.
18) Dance nice.
19) Help.
20) Clean.
21) Only drink hot cocoa during the winter time.
22) Don't cut your finger.
23) Have fun.
24) Eat all of your dinner.
25) Always brush your teeth.
26) Stay in bed.
27) Everyone makes mistakes.
28) Don't boss around.
29) Be kind.
30) Love everyone.
31) Have a nice time.
32) Wear your handsome or prettiest clothes.
33) Be honest.
34) Don't forget anything.
35) Remind me if I tell you something.
36) Make a lot of books.
37) Be cheerful and helpful.
38) Go to school.
39) Don't move out of our kingdom.
40) Protect the jail.
41) Protect the pets.
42) Don't be mean.
43) Remember who you are.
44) Do some chores and then you can play video games.
45) Work a lot.
46) Close the door.
47) Be scientists.
48) Don't whine.
49) Plant the plants in our garden.
50) Wash behind your ears.
51) You can't put other people in jail.
52) Wash your hands before eating.
53) Go to outer space to fight wars.
54) Don't climb on chairs.
55) Don't stand on the table.
56) Protect the castle inside the war.
57) Be brave.
58) Make good friends.
59) Do good shows.
60) Don't be bad.
61) Watch if bad guys come.
62) Don't drink iced tea.
63) Be a loving person.
64) Don't cry.
65) Go to the park on Saturday.
66) Always eat carrots and vegetables and fruits.
67) Don't have cavities.
68) Always use toothpaste.
69) Never ever disturb the king and queen.
70) Don't scream in bed.
71) If you are grown up, kiss on the lips.
72) Don't pick your nose.
73) Eat an apple everyday.
74) Don't break your clothes.
75) Make good decisions.
76) Always wear your best smile.
77) Don't act like the king and queen.
78) Never put in a DVD - only we can.
79) Don't copy my rules.
80) Go and play outside when it's sunny.
81) Go poo everyday.
82) Rest and go to church on Sundays.
83) Never mind your business.
84) Don't disturb while we are working.
85) Don't be loud at bedtime.
86) Never be scared at all.
87) Don't play outside on rainy days.
88) Play nicely.
89) Dance good.
90) Never sit on our thrones.
91) Ask if you can be a princess or a prince.
92) Go to the potty on time.
93) Scrub our toilet.
94) Burp with your mouth closed.
95) Don't have babies in our castle coming out of your tummy.
96) Don't take these rules away.
97) Don't drink out of baby cups.
98) Use toothpaste.
99) Don't drink alcohol.
100) Don't smoke.
101) Don't wear immodest clothes.
102) Take baths or showers everyday if you're dirty.
103) No bad decisions.
104) Don't make extra rules.
105) Don't try on our outfits.
106) Don't be super mean.
107) Have a good time at our castle.
108) No pets allowed.
109) Faint a lot.
110) Obey the king and queen.
111) Follow these rules or else you will get kicked out of the castle or kingdom.
112) Read at least 5 books everyday, 3 on the weekend.
113) Never kill.
114) Don't talk with your mouth full.
115) Help the king and queen.
116) Remind me to answer the phone.
117) Don't break the rules.
118) Go to the bathroom.
119) Be really great.
120) Always keep your promises.
121) Ask all the things you want with our permission.
122) Don't spill.
123) Put things away nicely.
124) Don't fight.
125) No silliness.
126) Be happy.
127) Go to the doctor with babies.
128) You have to memorize these rules.
129) Do the dishes.
130) Don't upset us.
131) Don't disturb us while we are working.
132) Eat nice.
133) And clean.
134) 13 and up can wear lip gloss.
135) Go to bed when we say so.
136) Don't teeter.
137) Eat politely.
138) Be responsible.
139) When you're at - be honest.
140) The table obey us.
141) Help in the nursery.
142) Gather berries for us only on our trees only for that.
143) Eat what we make.
144) We have to obey these rules.
145) Wash your smelly feet.
146) Go play at the nursery if you're a baby 3 and under.
147) Play.
148) Play the violin!
149) Eat ice cream as much as you can for dessert.
150) You can faint as much as you can.
151) Don't burp in peoples' faces.
152) Don't pick flowers in our garden.
153) Don't make messes in the castle.
154) Dress up nicely.
155) Don't burp on the king and queen's feet.
156) Be bear full.
157) Be dainty.
158) Don't be silly.
159) Show responsibility.
160) Care for others.
161) Don't make messes with dessert.
162) Say prayers.
163) Have faith.
164) Gather green beans.
165) You can eat watermelon.
166) Tell the truth.
167) Eat chicken.
168) Wash your stinky feet.
169) Wash your belly.
170) Be careless.
171) Be detectives.
172) Help set the table.
173) Don't let Isaac in the garden.
174) Play calm.
175) Cry calm.

A Wonderful Two Weeks

2009-06-25T22:12:00.008-04:00

SCHOOL'S OUT!

Yes, it's been out for a while, I know, but - I just love having peaceful mornings!

So, that's been wonderful, but even better was that my awesome sister Holly came to visit. We spent two wonderful weeks together just enjoying each others' company, sight seeing, and she was gracious enough to tag along with me on all of my crazy things I had to do. Just having her along was a total blast!

The week Holly arrived, the Mormon Orchestra had a GREAT children's concert at the Visitor's Center, and then we performed it again at the National Children's Medical Center later that week. These two concerts were so touching I can't put it into words. The concert at the hospital was so special. I felt so blessed to be part of such a wonderful service. You can visit the orchestra's website to get more information. www.mormonorchestradc.org Our concerts are all on YouTube as well - here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/mormonorchestradc

The following weekend was Stake Conference. President Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy was attending our conference, along with Elder Chay of the Seventy. I was asked at the evening session to play along with a ladies' choir from my ward, and Holly was also invited to sing. It was a very exciting thing to play for two general authorities, and I felt the spirit so strong as the meeting began. Then, before President Jensen began his talk on the temple, he got up and said "Sister Vance, with a nod or shake of your head, can you play 'I Love To See The Temple' from memory?" I nodded yes, and then began praying that I really did know that song! It wasn't coincidence that Steve Erickson was accompanying that night, and he even asked me what key I wanted it in! While I played it, I was so full of emotions and the spirit was so strong! After I finished playing, President Jensen, with tears streaming down his face, stood at the pulpit and thanked me from the bottom of his heart. I was so, so touched. He came and talked to me afterward, and it was such a treasured moment.

The rest of Holly's time we spent just hanging out,

Sightseeing at the NEW Museum of American History (GO! THIS IS A COOL NEW MUSEUM!!!)

And we attended a concert on the Capitol Steps performed by Mike's band.

We recorded a really pretty song called "The Lover's Waltz" and put it on YouTube for Dad for Father's Day! You can view the video below!

We also swam, went and saw "Star Trek," and really had some great laughs and made some wonderful memories. I am so glad she came out to visit me! Please come again - I MISS YOU!!!!

One Question You NEVER Ask A Woman

2009-05-31T17:06:00.002-04:00

So I've been getting asked this question - A LOT - lately.

"So, when are you expecting?"

WHAT?!?!?!

Okay, I may not be my pre-preggo weight, but I know that I certainly do not look pregnant. At least, I didn't think so.

I realized that - okay, while I may not look it, I do weight 15 pounds more than I used to. So - I unofficially started the Weight Watchers program. I didn't sign up or anything, but I did a TON of research online and have been following it fairly accurately. And while I didn't eat particularly unhealthy before, I did snack a little. Or a lot. So, after 5 days on WW, I have lost 4 pounds. Pretty cool!

But that's beside the point. Did I mention above that none - may I repeat NONE - of the people that asked me if I was expecting lately have been male? Yes - they're all FEMALE! I guess society has trained men well to never ask, even if the woman looks like she swallowed a watermelon whole and has toothpicks for legs. My hat goes off to you.

Ladies....

Just never ask. Just because you're female doesn't mean you can. LOL

And no, I'm not expecting.

What I Did Today

2009-05-08T19:41:00.002-04:00

-woke up to Stephen singing
-poured four bowls of Froot Loops and milk for breakfast
-ratted Hannah's long blond hair for "crazy hair day" at school
-battled the commissary at Andrew's AFB
-battled my two year old while battling the commissary at Andrew's AFB
-took three cute budding violinists to group lesson
-had fish sticks and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner
-wiped a runny nose
-wiped a dirty bottom (ew)
-sang "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" so many times I will be singing it in my sleep
-ran 3.25 miles on my treadmill
-talked to my mom, grandma, and sister
-spent some time alone, recharging
-got lots and lots of giant hugs from little people
-built a Lego tower
-thanked Heavenly Father...

Book Recommendation

2009-04-30T09:13:00.003-04:00

I love reading, but naturally I don't have a lot of time for it lately. If I find a book worth ignoring my house and kids for a time, I'll jump in. I found one like that this month called "The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio." It's the incredible story of a housewife in the 50's who had 10 kids and an alcoholic husband. This book is written by one of her daughters, and it recounts the incredible life of this woman who raised her family by winning contests. You know, the contests where you had to finish a jingle, slogan, or write why a product is so great in "25 words or less." This amazing lady somehow managed to keep her family together and afloat during an age where women were discouraged to work outside the home, and she managed to feed and clothe and house her family when almost every penny of her husband's paycheck went to liquor. Not only that, she managed to smile, laugh, and thoroughly enjoyed life and being a mother. I really wanted to recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a really inspirational story. It makes one's own trials seem like nothing compared to what this lady went through.

They also made a really amazing movie about it too. We watch our movies on Clearplay, so I don't know what kind of language it has or other content, but the edited movie we saw was fantastic as well. It stars Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson.

You Know You Have A Boy In Your House When...

2009-04-23T19:53:00.004-04:00

-toy cars are frequently left on the stairs barely out of walking space
-baseballs fly through the kitchen, grazing your cheek while you're browning ground beef and it barely misses the boiling noodles
-random squeals of "DOG!!!" ring through the air when the stuffed version of "man's best friend" is found in various places throughout the house
-you find notes taped under the coffee table, under the dashboard, in the fridge, by your bathroom sink with such messages as "you're dead meat," "beware," "I'm watching you," and "danger"
-the bunk beds have officially been dubbed "monkey bars"
-2 year old brother sneaks into 7 year old brother's bed (ie the top bunk) in the middle of the night, obviously scared and wanting someone to cuddle with but still wanting to be considered "brave," or "a big boy"
-discovering dirt on one's hands is "SOOOOO COOL"
-anything with wheels is automatically accepted as a toy
-anything that resembles a stick is immediately a weapon (sword fights with violin bows, to name one example)
-you end each day with a prayer that everyone is alive and uninjured.

I LOVE MY BOYS!

Spring Pictures

2009-04-19T15:16:00.006-04:00

Since illness pervaded our home during Easter, I didn't get a chance to snap some pictures of the kids in their Easter attire. Grandma Sandy was not thrilled by the lack of pictures, so I dolled them all up in the Easter attire - again - today, and we shot some pictures before church. I'm no budding photographer, but I must say that I was very pleased with some of these.

So - Happy Belated Easter!

Isaac, 7

Hannah, 6

Laura, 4

Steve, 2

Catching Up

2009-04-16T09:29:00.018-04:00

I'm blogging again. And I actually have some things to blog about. Fancy that, huh?

The first - Happy Birthday Steve!

On Saturday April 4, Steve turned 2. In contemplating what kind of a cake to get him, I thought about his favorite thing in the world - DOGS. So, I created a Bolt cake. What this consisted of? Picking up a bright orange cupcake cake, placing Bolt cake toppers on it, and watching Steve laugh and giggle like this was the best thing in the world.

Many thanks to everyone for the phone calls, gifts, and well wishes. And thanks to Grandma Lund for coming out and helping us celebrate!

The next thing to report - we had a REALLY cool trip to NYC the last week of March. We discovered last year that Mike's brother, Carl, his wife Emily, and four of their kids - Jonny, Jessica, Cassi, and Josh - were all taking a trip to NYC over their spring break. We are only 4 hours away and thought - we really need to go see them AND see the city! Mike's been up several times for work trips, but the kids and I had never been, so this was a perfect opportunity.

We started out our trip by heading up to North Point Academy just outside the city to visit our friends, the Sparrows. They graciously fed us dinner and we spent the evening with them. The next day we dropped Steve off at their place where they again graciously offered to watch him for two days, and the rest of us headed into Grand Central Station. I wasn't sure what the kids would think about NYC. Even though I've never been, I know it's crowded, noisy, and dirty. They loved every second of it!

(We walked in to Grand Central Station and the kids pointed to the clock and screamed "This is where Melman on Madagascar smashed his head!")

The days without Stephen were days that we did some things that would have been hard with a baby. We did a lot of walking, and thank goodness for teenage cousins that did a lot of shoulder and piggy back rides! We spent some time in Central Park, and our kids absolutely loved it.

For whatever reason, my kids also LOVED riding the dirty, smelly, crowded subway. They called it the "sub-worm," a nickname from the extremely cool cousin, Josh.

I found an awesome hotel room in downtown Manhattan at the Holiday Inn, and thanks to awesome Trevor, got this room for $99 a night and they allowed all 6 of us to stay in the same room! At night we'd allow the kids to stay up as late as they wanted to and watch tv. Favorite new shows? Spongebob (unfortunately) and Home Improvement.

Another favorite visit was the Toys R Us in Times Square. We had fun window shopping, let the kids pick one toy as their souvenir, and we rode the famous ferris wheel inside.

One of my favorite days was the day we spent in Times Square and saw two Broadway shows. The first was the matinee of Lion King, and we all went as a group. My kids were in total awe and loved every second of it. I thought the costumes, acting, singing - everything was amazing! After that, Mike took our kids back to the hotel and I went the rest of the group to see Wicked! I wasn't going to go, but Carl's family was all going, and Mike had seen it last November when he came up for work, and he really wanted me to see it. Plus I've been singing the soundtrack for the last year and a half.....

Words won't be able to do it justice. It was just incredible. I cried in it. Yes, I cried. I also took a picture of the stage before the mean ushers came around the aisles and yelled at other people for taking pictures. I guess they didn't notice me because I was taking it on my phone without a flash...

Other highlights were running across the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, and getting to know my awesome extended family better.

Other happenings...

Ballet Recital (Hooray Hannah and Grace!)

Time with Dad (whom they lovingly will refer to as "Bishop Vance")

New (used) car (I promise we don't like red so much...just the price! :)

Destination Imagination - Go Team Sharks!

Funny faces

Visit with Grandma

That's it! Thanks for sticking with the long blog post!

I Do Believe There Are Angels Among Us

2009-03-06T15:44:00.008-05:00

Remember that Alabama song from years ago, "Angels Among Us?" I always choked up a little when the kids joined in to sing. Well, I have been singing it all week long. And here's why.

This past Sunday night I had an orchestra concert. This orchestra is actually one of my callings in the church. Crazy huh? My stake president called me as a "Stake Music Specialist" with the assignment as the President of the Mormon Orchestra of Washington, and wanted me to start this audition only regional group. It's been a fantastic ride. Sunday marked our first concert as a symphonic orchestra. We had put so much time and work into this, as had many others, and were discouraged when we heard a snow storm was going to hit our area that night. Sunday afternoon I was counseling with other leaders about what to do, and we all determined "the show must go on." Mike had later duties that evening, so I dropped my kids off at the Goodes' house (they live about thirty minutes north of me on the way to the Visitor's Center where the concert was). Light, light snow was falling, and it got less and less the further north I drove.

The concert was something out of a dream. I have never seen anything I've worked on before turn into such a masterpiece. Even with the pending snow storm, we had close to 400 people in our audience. The orchestra sounded wonderful, and I was on a high coming home.

Everything seemed fine until I pulled into the Goodes' neighborhood. I couldn't get up their driveway, so I called Norma and asked her if they could bring the kids out to me. I contemplated for a moment if I should stay the night at their house, but I thought I better just get going because the storm will get worse and worse the longer I wait. So my four babies and I braved Mother Nature's fury and headed home.

We had just pulled onto Route 301, still 15 miles from my house, and I was going 25 miles an hour at the fastest, when my car started sliding to the right - and fast. To avoid going into the ditch, I started tapping my breaks and slowly moving my car to the left, all the while trying to stay calm. Then the car started flying left. So I pulled again to the right, and before I knew it, the car was out of control, flying into a ditch. A deep, ditch. And a tree. There was no time to think, to react, to say anything. We flew nose first into the ditch, and hit a tree with the right side of the car - hard. I jerked around. The girls were screaming. Stephen cried out. Isaac, with a panicked look on his face, said "What happened???" It took all I had to stay calm, and tell everyone else to stay calm. I asked everyone to calm down. They didn't. "Where's my phone?! Where's my phone?!" I was muttering under my breath. "MOM!" screamed Laura. "Can we say a prayer?!" "Of course." We all folded our arms and I offered the most sincere prayer I knew how. I don't remember what I said, but I knew the Lord heard me. Then I just kept looking for my phone. The girls were still crying. "Is anyone hurt?" I asked. "No," was the reply. Thank heavens. I found my phone - it was under the gas pedal.

It was dead.

Okay, I thought. Someone had to have seen that. I'll climb up the hill and see if I can get a car to stop so I can use the phone. I turned around to tell everyone what I was about to do. The window Isaac was sitting next to was completely shattered. I realized there was shattered glass all over the inside of the car.

"Stay put," I told everyone. "I'm going to see if anyone can help us." The girls were still crying. I climbed (mostly slid UP) this steep hill in my spiky heels and black dress suit. The snow had turned into a downright blizzard. No one had stopped. No one was stopping. Then, a pair of tail lights started backing up. A very kind couple got out of the car and asked me if I was okay. I told them what happened, and that I had four little kids in my car. They immediately called 911, and then handed the phone to me to call Mike.

Someone else was stopping now - someone in a big SUV. He climbed out of his car and said we could put the kids in it. "I have heated seats and a TV." Just then Hannah started SCREAMING. "ISAAC'S BLEEDING MOM!!!!" The kind couple and I flew down the hill and started pulling kids out. I didn't see who grabbed what child - all I knew was Isaac was next to me and Stephen was in my arms. We settled Stephen and Isaac in the front seat, and turned on the light. Isaac's "injury" was on the back right side of his head, and - honestly - I've seen worse scrapes and more blood from climbing a tree and being a boy. I think my girls were scared and panicked.

Once I got everyone settled in the car, my hands started shaking, and it wasn't from the cold. "Stay calm, stay calm..." Mike was on his way, along with our wonderful neighbor Joe, who owns a van. Just then a police car, ambulance, fire truck, and tow truck all showed up on the scene.

Oh no. My viola. My $7000 viola. It's in my trunk. Oh no oh no. I flew again down the hill, grabbed it out of the trunk of the car (which barely opened) and put it in the SUV. Then the paramedics started checking out the kids. They were all fine. I had to fill out papers from the police. The tow truck gave me a card and a number to call in the morning. The kind couple stayed until all of this was sorted out. The paramedics dug the car seats out of the car.

I started realizing that I couldn't feel my toes in my shoes. Walking started to really hurt. I went in the SUV and sat with the kids for a few minutes. My toes started to feel normal again. My kids were calm and warm. The nice man let me use his phone. Mike was almost there.

We loaded up the car seats in Joe's van, stopped at a grocery store for Hannah to use the bathroom, and headed home. I was still in shock. I just sat in silence. When we reached my house, I thanked Joe profusely, got the kids snuggled in their beds, and then lost it in Mike's arms. I think I slept 4 hours that night.

I also had nightmares all night. The last thought in my head before falling asleep was "I never checked to see if my viola was okay." My dreams were all about opening up my case, only to find my instrument and bow in pieces.

The first thing I did the next day was check on my instrument. Not a scratch. Not a bump. It wasn't even out of tune.

I checked out my kids when they woke up. Hannah had a deep purple bruise on her cheek. It was from hitting Isaac's shoulder. Isaac had a deep purple bruise on his hip. The cuts on his head were so small. What a miracle. An absolute miracle.

That day, after playing in the snow, the insurance adjuster called and told me my van was totalled. What? It wasn't that bad, right? Wrong.

That window is where Isaac was sitting.

How could we have come from this crash with hardly a scratch? How is it that we are all walking and talking and having normal lives still? How is it that our children, one or all, are not in a hospital, in critical condition, broken bones, head injuries, traumatized? How is that I'm not planning one - or four - little funerals for these wonderfully precious little people? How is it that my family is still completely in tact, not a scratch on one of us?

I do believe there are angels among us. I know that as we lost control of the van and flew into that ditch, the angels from heaven were flying with us. I know that the kind couple and nice man with the SUV were sent to me on God's errand, and are some of his earthly angels. I know that Joe and the ride home in the blizzard was inspired by angels. I know I am married to one of the most choice angels of all.

I know Heavenly Father sent His angels that cold, snowy night to protect me and my angels. "I do believe there are angels among us..."

I Have Never...

2009-02-28T16:50:00.003-05:00

Tanya, you inspired me.

I've not been tagged either, but you tagged yourself, and so now I'm making up my own thing and tagging anyone who reads this. And myself.

List 10 things you have never done, in any order. That's it.

1) I have never broken a bone. I did have my ribs dislocated in high school, and then again when I was pregnant with Stephen and I fell down the stairs, but never have I broken any bone. Now, Laura's broken her arm, and Hannah has broken each arm. They obviously didn't get it from me. Or Mike. Hm. So from whom, I ask?

2) I have never had surgery. Plain and simple. I was put under anesthesia when I had my 4 impacted and infected wisdom teeth taken out, but I've never had surgery.

3) I have never had my tonsils taken out.

4) I have never been skydiving. And I never plan on it. I did watch my uncle do it twice. And that was close enough for me!

5) I have never failed a class in school.

6) I also have never gotten a 4.0. My GPA was 3.7, just because I know you're now wondering.

7) I never got my college degree. I plan on going back to get it someday, but for now - my children are my teachers...I know, I'm cheesy, right?

8) I'm stealing this one from Tanya - I have never been to New York City, and live 4 hours away. Lame huh? But guess what - I'm going in March! Yay!

9) I have never been stung by a bee. So I guess I don't know if I'm allergic or not, right?

10) I never imagined my life would be so cool and fun after I graduated from high school. I love it!

FYI

2009-02-12T20:07:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends.

Just so you know, I'm probably not going to be blogging quite so much for the time being. I'm seriously stretched so thin that the obligation to blog must be put on the back burner. I know, I know, you're all crying your eyes out, but - seriously - I'm going insane. Every day I wake up and life grabs me by the horns, throws me around all day long without a second to recover, and then throws me back into my bed just in time for me to get a few hours of sleep and do it all over again.

But I really love life. I really, really do. My kids are awesome. My husband is awesome. I love my house, my ward, my friends, my - life. It's just on fast motion right now and until we slow down...blogging will have to.

On another note - here's a video I made for our family members for Christmas this last year. If you have three minutes (which I am sure most of you don't and I'm not offended if you don't watch this) it's our life and how much we love it. Enjoy a glimpse into our "paradise."

Does Anyone Else Think This Is Hilarious???

2009-01-30T15:56:00.002-05:00

Every time I watch this I laugh out loud!!! I'm not a fan of this woman's lifestyle, but I do think she's completely hilarious!

Here's the REAL infomercial!

The Worst Weekend

2009-01-26T09:38:00.002-05:00

This past weekend marks the worst weekend in my history as being a mom. Well, almost. I guess childbirth comes pretty close. But this was pretty bad.

Thursday evening Stephen started throwing up. He was really sick from about 8pm to midnight, and then slept until 7am and was fine after that, mostly just had a decreased appetite, etc. He seemed just fine. Well, Saturday night Laura started, and it was really intense. It was non stop into the early hours of Sunday morning with no break. When she was at her worst, and my eyes and body were starting to shut off from exhaustion while I was wiping up the bathroom, I heard Isaac on the stairs. "Mom?" he said as he rubbed his eyes. Then - BLECH. He lost it all over the stairs. So, I got Laura settled on the couch and began the arduous process of scrubbing the carpet and walls at 4am - after having no sleep. Isaac's kept going until about 2pm on Sunday, as well as Laura. Then, they miraculously stopped - they fell asleep around 5pm and stayed asleep until about 8 this morning. Steve, however, began losing it again Sunday evening right as Mike got home from church. I had held it together all 24 hours of not sleeping, and I guess the sight of him walking through the door right when I needed him made me feel like I could lose it. I was also out of cleaner at this point so he immediately grabbed the keys and ran to the store and came home with a wonderful assortment of cleansers that really helped make the house cleaner feeling and smelling - and it did wonders for my sanity! Wonderful Mike...who then came down with it at 2am. UG! So, he's luckily on the mend now, and Hannah and I have been free and clear of this, and I ask all readers to pray for us that we won't catch it!!!

The kids said the funniest things in the middle of the night that I had to write down.

"This is THE horrible night. This is the worst night of 2009!" -Isaac

After throwing up, Laura started screaming "I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!!" I asked her who she hated. "My throw up," she whimpered. She also kept telling me she wished she was me because I wasn't throwing up. I neglected to tell her that I was the one that was cleaning it all up, and I don't know which was worse. Then she said "Mom, my tummy's still cute, even thought I threw up."

Hannah wrote an especially touching letter to Mike and I. Mike had mounds and mounds of church responsibilities yesterday and felt a little stressed about it all, and it ended up all working out great, but she knew he had a ton going on, and with that and the combination of my plight, she wrote this letter:

"Dear Mom and Dad,

I no mom how hard you have been cleaning up thro up and no one can help. Dad I no you had a bad time to. Remeber I love you parints. Love HanWho"

Thank goodness the worst is behind us. Three kids all sick at the same time was near unmanageable. I just hope Mike gets all the way better really soon. I'm so glad everyone else is getting better. And I'm so glad I got 9 hours of sleep last night with no interruption. WHEW.

So I'm A Lazy Slacking Blogger!!!

2009-01-20T20:15:00.006-05:00

These last four weeks have been so busy I can't even say! So, I guess I'll have to sum it all up the best I can:

1) Christmas was AWESOME. We had hardly any presents under the tree come Christmas Eve, but I was so happy about that! Our kids didn't notice, and were genuinely happy with the presents they had received and were so grateful. We spent Christmas Eve reading stories, reading scriptures, decorating cookies for Santa, discussing Jesus, etc. Christmas day was full of laughter, squeals, and a wonderful evening with the Isoms. It was a simple, yet wonderful, Christ centered Christmas.

2) Mike and I were able to take a trip to Utah to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday party on January 1. Martha (wonderful, wonderful Martha!) was so great to come and watch the kids for four entire days so we could spend some real, true quality time as a family. It was an amazing party. We had such a great time surprising mom! The best part was seeing her face when she saw my face! She hugged me, cried, and kept saying in my ear "What are you doing here?!" Heather put a wonderful DVD together of Mom's life and a wonderful book of memories for Mom. We spent the rest of the time just hanging out. I can't say in words how wonderful it was, and how grateful I am for Martha!

3) My awesome sister Heather and her adorable daughter Emma came out for a visit this last week. We had the best time just hanging out and chasing our kids around. I really miss my sisters, so it was so great to spend time with one of them this week. My kids had a wonderful time with Heather, but an especially wonderful time with their cute cousin Emma. Emma reminds us of "Boo" on Monster's Inc. I'm so glad you finally made it home, Heather! I love you and thanks for an AWESOME week! "Curry Nightmares" was my favorite!

4) My wonderful husband was called to be the bishop of our ward a couple of weeks ago. It has been a really special couple of weeks since the call, and we have had many tender moments where the spirit has been so present in our home. Mike will do a fantastic job. I'm so excited for this wonderful blessing in our lives. I love you Mike!

Christmas Kick-Off

2008-12-14T14:10:00.004-05:00

I think this has been one of my favorite weekends of the year. Friday after school, the kids and I headed over to AC Moore (craft store). I wanted to decorate a gingerbread house with them this weekend, and I had seen them there, so we went over. Hannah had asked if the kids could do their Christmas shopping for each other there too. I told them if it cost a dollar (since they all had about $5 each in their banks) or less, they could get it. When someone found something they wanted to get, they'd say "turn around!" and throw it in the cart and I'd throw my coat over it. It was so much fun seeing what they were picking out for each other! When we got home, we had dinner (pizzas from the Pizza Hut Book It program, so they were free except Laura's!) we started our Christmas crafts. I had gotten them some things to decorate as well, like painting wooden ornaments and red and green pipe cleaners and pom poms and popsicle sticks, so they started with those, and we topped off the night with the gingerbread house decorating! I just set everything out and let them all go to town! We turned on Christmas movies, like Elf and Frosty, and just had the best time. The kids engaged in several really fun conversations with me and with each other, and I felt so close to them and had such a great time.

Yesterday we went to DAR Constitution Hall with Brenda and Brooke, and saw Mike's band's Holiday Show. It was just fantastic. They had the stage all decorated and lit up, and the music they performed was just amazing. I really enjoyed their guest artist, Jennifer Larmore, mezzo soprano, and Mike had transcribed a piece for the concert that they performed as well (it's one of my favorite Christmas songs - See Amid The Winter's Snow). Anyway, it's been a really wonderful two days.

Tonight we have our annual Stake Christmas Fireside that I coordinate every year. I'm really excited for it, and I think it's going to be a wonderful event. What a fun weekend!!!

The True Spirit of Christmas

2008-12-12T22:07:00.002-05:00

Apology: Long Post

Yesterday was an awful day, and a wonderful day all at the same time. Three weeks ago Hannah came down with bronchitis, two weeks ago Laura came down with pneumonia, one week ago Isaac and Mike and Stephen all caught colds, and a couple of days ago I came down with - well, something, but I wasn't sure what. So after I was up coughing all night, Mike said yesterday that he really wanted me to go and get seen by a doctor. "I'd hate to have you come down with what either of the girls had." So I followed that advice, really hoping that I wasn't coming down with it either. I was supposed to hang out with Kiersten, so I called her and told her how crummy I felt and that I was going to go and see a doctor. Immediately she said "Bring Laura and Steve over." I graciously accepted her wonderful offer, and then had my horrible and wonderful day.

To make a long story short, it's impossible to get an appointment at my doctor's office - or any doctor's office - on base. Since we're military, we have to go to military doctors. Well, mine was full. Of course. So they referred me to this civilian (and ghetto) doctor's office in Waldorf. After an hour and a half, they said "Um, well, we don't really know what to tell you, so go up to Andrew's Air Force Base ER." I did what I was told, and after waiting 90 minutes there, they told me that they couldn't see me because I wasn't an emergency. "I know that," I thought. "I didn't even want to come here!" So somehow they miraculously pulled an appointment out of the air - for 3:00 - at my normal doctor's office. "But it's 1:00 right now - and I have to pick up kids from school at 2:30!" They basically told me it wasn't their problem and to figure something out or go home. So I called wonderful Kiersten, who said "Of course your kids can stay with me! Don't even worry about them!"

Then I called wonderful Becky Michela, my dear friend who lives around the corner, and she said she'd happily pick up the older kids from school and play with them until I got home. "In fact," she said, "it's sugar cookie day, so they can help me!" So, I went to my appointment at 3, only to be told I had viral bronchitis and there's not a lot they can do for that.

Great.

So I started my drive home in the pouring winter rain, in the midst of rush hour and dwindling daylight to pick up my kids. I passed a McDonalds on the way, and thought I'd stop there for dinner after I got Laura and Stephen. When I showed up at Kiersten's finally - at 4:30! - she had not only watched my kids all day, but she had made me dinner! I felt such an overflowing of gratitude for this wonderful friend who really helped me in such a bind, I didn't know what to say. I wanted to hug her, but then I'd probably pass my illness to her, and - what kind of friend would I be if I did that? So I said thank you about a bizillion times, trying not to cry, and got in my car to go and get Isaac and Hannah from the Michelas.

I would have gotten there in about 15 minutes if one of the biggest and busiest intersections in Waldorf wasn't shut down due to some electrical failure. In the dark and pouring rain, the police had closed down 301 and Smallwood Dr - and no one was getting through. So I tried two different alternate routes, and they were both jammed. Finally, I don't remember exactly what I did, but I made it through and got to the Michelas. When I walked in they were all sitting around the dinner table, my kids happily eating, and Joe and Becky thanking me for such a treat.

Treat? Me, throwing my kids on you at the spur of the moment was a treat? What wonderful people. My kids didn't want to leave yet. So, Joe volunteered to bring them home when they were done. Wow.

So I went home, had a tasty Isom dinner, tucked the little ones into bed, and then greeted my happy older kids, all fed and happy and covered in flour and frosting from making cookies. With smiles on their faces. And plates of cookies to share.

If these two families didn't show me the true spirit of Christmas yesterday, I don't know who could. With Mike having to be gone all day yesterday for his dress rehearsal for the big holiday concert the band has coming up, I had no one else to turn to. Thank you, Kiersten and Becky, for showing me the true spirit of Christmas, and for being my Maryland family. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Merry Christmas From Mike and the Kids

2008-12-08T12:35:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

My Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T19:19:00.009-05:00

Finally!!!

I know, I know, it's only December 6, but I feel like half of the Christmas season has already sped by, and I'm just barely posting about Thanksgiving that's long gone. But - it was seriously the best Thanksgiving ever. Well, I think it ties for those years we've spent in Utah and Disneyland. This year, Utah came to us.

It started the day before Thanksgiving when I told my kids that we had a Thanksgiving Day Surprise for them. On Thanksgiving we all woke up and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. After the kids got dressed in the afternoon, Mike told them they were all going to get the surprise. Filled with giggles and smiles, they got into the car and headed to the airport (hint hint) while Steve and I stayed home and cooked the dinner.

I wish I could have seen the looks on everyone's faces when the kids saw Grandpa, Grandma, and cute Aunt Holly at the airport. I'm sure it was absolutely priceless. So by 7pm we had all settled down at my festive table, filled with turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green beans (yes, I have had a change of heart with this vegetable!), rolls, cranberry sauce, and Martinelli's sparkling cider (even in wine glasses!) and had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Mike said afterwards "Honey, I would have paid $200 for that dinner!" I replied "Well, actually, you did!" Wink. The groceries came under $200 for the entire week, but we all laughed anyway.

The following day was Hannah's 6th birthday. We woke up and had "birthday breakfast," then went to see "Bolt" at the theater (which was darling, by the way), and then went to Red Robin for dinner (a nice contrast to turkey!). Hannah had requested a Wizard of Oz cake, so Mom, Holly, and I all did our very best to create something resembling Oz, but it ended up looking like it belonged on World's Worst Birthday Cakes.com. I think the best touches were the broomstick made of a pencil and toothpicks, and Isaac's hand drawn flying monkey. Hannah loved it!

The rest of the trip we spent relaxing and bonding, plus Mom and Dad decided to help with my house. They finished painting my upstairs hallway, and also hung Christmas lights. My house always looks so pretty after they leave.

Other highlights included Dad's new found piano playing talent (House of the Rising Sun and The Hokey Pokey were some of my favorites!) and we had a great evening with my Uncle Doug, Aunt Sheila, and cousin Darren (who just returned a couple of months ago from a mission to Russia!).

It had been a year since I had seen Holly. I have missed her so much! She is just a stellar young woman. She will be graduating this year, and I am so proud of her. She's worried about where to go for college, but I know she's going to be just fine figuring this out because she's just simply - amazing. Spending time with her was absolutely one of the major highlights of my Thanksgiving.

So, until next time, my dear family! I love you and miss you, and we all are so thankful you took the time and money to come and share 5 wonderful days with us!

What I Did Today

2008-11-26T15:10:00.002-05:00

Slept in until 7.
Woke up to Steve's happy squeals, and snuggled the kids that would actually hold still.
Got Hannah ready for a date with her dad.
Watched Monsters Inc. while making two pies.
Also made a sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin bread.
Thawed out a turkey in my sink.
Gave pneumonia stricken Laura her antibiotic and a nap.
Changed my pants twice due to Thanksgiving cooking spills.
Braided spun gold.
Wiped a nose, a face, two hands, and a bottom.
Actually saw my husband and hugged him for a while.
Counted my blessings.
Said a prayer of thanks.

Yesterday

2008-11-21T21:09:00.003-05:00

I felt like a kid again.

Seriously.

Well, as close to being a kid again as an adult can be while still holding down responsibilities. My responsibility yesterday - find new dining room chairs.

I spent four hours devoted to this cause yesterday and still do not have any.

The flip side? Well, awesome Katie took Laura and Steve while I went chair hunting. I began at Costco (for which I feel like I'm in heaven now that's open!) and had no luck, and then ventured to Ikea. This was wonderful amid the tedium because - I had no kids with me. I love my kids to pieces, but on a day like today - well, let's just say they had a total blast with Natalie and Ryan and were way happier there than standing in lines all afternoon.

The next good part? It snowed yesterday. Okay, well, not really snow snow, but it was enough to make me giddy...little flurries as I drove. And to top it all off, the pop radio station here began their 24/7 Christmas songs yesterday. I drove along the Capitol Beltway to classic Christmas tunes such as "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" and Manheim Steamroller's rock version of "Carol of the Bells." And I sang along the whole time.

I got to Ikea and, after I got my flatbed cart, I searched out some chairs. The two I liked were at opposite ends of the aisle. I was feeling pretty happy, so what did I end up doing while I made my decision? I figured I was alone in the aisle, so I'd push the cart (hard) and stand on it as it rolled down the aisle (not just forward, but sideways too - those Ikea carts go every which way, just like Willy Wonka's glass elevator). I spent about 40 minutes gliding up and down the aisle, feeling like a kid again, all the while humming Christmas songs and attempting to pick out chairs.

The chairs didn't end up matching, so I'll take another trip Monday up to Ikea to return them. But, hey - at least I had a fun day, right? And I got to ride the cart again through the parking lot to the cart return, so that was cool. Maybe I'll do some cartwheels tonight.

Tag!

2008-11-20T21:08:00.003-05:00

Okay, I was tagged. Here it is: All you have to do is go to your 6th picture album folder, pick the 6th picture and post it. Then tag 6 friends.

I'm sorry - I'm not tagging 6 friends. I won't put any of you through that obligation. But you can feel free to steal this from me...:)

This was two Octobers ago when my dad came out for a visit. With him, he brought Isaac his Halloween costume, which as you all can see, is Superman, and what did Isaac immediately do after trying it on? What any 5 year old boy would do, naturally - try to fly down the stairs!

I hope he stays imaginative and happy forever.

Pearls Before Breakfast

2008-11-19T20:26:00.003-05:00

I have been fascinated with this story for months. One of my absolute favorite violinists, Joshua Bell (who also attended the same music school I did!), was asked to participate in an experiment from the Washington Post last year. I think they wanted to see how cultured we "Washingtonians" were. They asked Josh Bell to dress in normal street clothes and a ball cap, and stand in one of the busiest Metro stops at the busiest time of day - morning rush hour - and play for 45 minutes on his $3.5 million Stradivarius violin. Would you believe only, like, 3 people recognized him? And he earned $32 in change. And what would you say if I told you the previous night he performed at Strathmore in Bethesday MD and some people paid a couple hundred dollars per ticket? View the movie below - it's seriously fascinating and only 2 1/2 minutes. I am certain I would have recognized him since I'm a musician, but if I wasn't - I'm sorry to admit that I'd be rushing by just like the rest of them...

You can also read the article here. It was published in 2007. There's more video clips here too.

Musings

2008-11-16T19:47:00.003-05:00

As I wrestled Stephen during his diaper change today, and later as I wrestled him again while changing him into his pajamas, I thought to myself (but silently directed it at him) "I really don't like changing your diaper or your clothes." And then I thought "You don't like it either! So why the heck do we do this???" Come on, though, I know why I do it. I don't want my baby to have diaper rash, or stink, or...whatever, you name it. I do it because I love him. And I love to take care of him, but neither of us want to do it.

And I swear Laura is Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. Yesterday she was the best girl - ever. No crying, no tantrums, no fighting - buddies with everyone and Mama's Little Helper. But today - I mean, did she wake up today and decide to be awful? "I think I'm going to see how much hair Mom can pull out of her head today..." No, she's a wonderful little girl, but - she has real issues with how clothes feel on her body: crooked socks, pants too tight, shoes not tight enough, and any of those things can set her off on a path no one wants to follow. She cried all day today about her socks. Come on - it was 29 degrees this morning - am I a bad mom for forcing her to wear socks? I seriously wish parenting came with a handbook. Half the time I don't know what to do. But tonight as I made dinner, she flipped into Good Girl Mode and set the table with Hannah, helped get things out of the fridge, cleaned her room - it's truly a mystery. But I am thankful for those "vistas" when we all sit around the table together, and everyone's happy (even Laura), and we are truly enjoying each other's company, like tonight. I think after a horrid day like today, the Lord knew I was desperately in need of a vista.

And I only needed one leg to hold Stephen down during his diaper change tonight. I guess we need to be thankful for the little things.

Marbles and Umbrellas

2008-11-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

For the last few months Isaac and Hannah have been writing a book. I haven't sat down to read it before, and today they notified me it was finished. I figured - what better place to post their first work of genius than on our family blog? Not a thing has been changed - the wording, spelling, and everything is original. I will warn you - it's very odd, and not at all a glimpse of the relationship we have with our kids. It's also the funniest and strangest thing I've read in quite some time...I'm just looking forward to the illustrations now...

It's titled "Marbles and Umbrellas" By Isaac and Hannah Vance.

Marbles, Marbles, Marbles.
Umbrellas, Umbrellas, Umbrellas.
“My goodness!” Said mother and father.
“What happened to your adatood???”
“WE ARE FRUSTRATED!!! And a little mad!” said Kelly and John.
“Why that?”
Becuase we were hurt so bad!!
How?
We feel it,
I can see blud.
Wear?
On the back of your heads.
Ow, Kelly and John cryd;
‘’HURRY ,TAKE THEM TO THE DOCTER!!! “
Beep,beep.
‘’Goodbye,”
In the car,
They still were so hurt ,
That umbrellas and marbles were still all around!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!;
Said the Dad, and
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! said the kids.
They slipped on the marbles,
They tripped on the umbrellas….
O DEAR,
O DEAR,
O DEAR!
Why did they do that?! We are so painfull!!
Now lets run inside the building
OK NOW LETS RUN IN!!!!!!!!
Ok evrybudy sit on your chair
O KELLY AND JOHN I AM SO MAD AT YOU!!!!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU C C CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“ Yes I can! All mom’s do.’’
“No they don’t’’
said the kids,
John said “I don’t like you” to mom,
Kelly said “I don’t like you” to dad.
“Kid’s you got a note”
it said
dear Kelly and John, I hope you feel better. From, Aden.
Mommy when I get home I am going to write a note to Aden ok, O k. YIPPY!
It said …

Dear Aden,

Thank you for the note,
I could not live without it.
It’s so good

Love, John

Are You FLY-ing yet?

2008-11-09T13:48:00.003-05:00

Has anyone ever heard of the FLY Lady? I love this woman. She is the expert on how to clean and organize your home with the least amount of time and effort. A couple of years ago my friend Katie Johns told me about her. I signed up for the emails (which are free) and found myself cruising through housework and de-cluttering. It has helped me set habits that will last me my entire career as a homemaker. Some things she emphasizes are:
-a clean sink every night and an empty dishwasher every morning
-use your crock pot - it's the secret to a successful and non-stressful dinner time
-use a timer and de-clutter as much as you can in one room for five minutes
-27 Fling Boogie (walk through your house weekly with a garbage bag and get rid of 27 things)

She also has amazing tips on being organized through the holidays, yummy recipes, and tips for excersize and staying healthy. I don't subscribe to her emails anymore - you get a TON, I will warn you - but you can still get most of her tips just from reading her site. Go to her site now - I promise you won't regret it!

My Big Race

2008-11-05T19:45:00.004-05:00

Before I say anything, I'm just here to let you all know that I am not going to say anything about this recent election for fear of hurting someone's feelings. Well, actually, I guess the only thing that I'll say is that I didn't vote for the guy that won. That should probably sum up what I'm feeling right now. But that's not the purpose of my particular blog. My blog is to update you all on my life. And so, on to what I did last Saturday - my 5k!

I dropped the kids off at Norma's (they call her Maryland Grandma), and headed off to Patuxent River Scenic Park for the Jug Bay 5k, munching on my trail mix the whole way. I met Katie and we warmed up and stretched together, and then the guy started the race by shooting a gun, but the gun made the sound of some squawking, dying bird, to which we all laughed and began our run.

It was so pretty. The fall colors were in full swing, and we ran along this huge bridge over a pond. It was a little disconcerting when we saw the 12 year olds hauling by and leaving us in the dust, but, hey - we weren't there to set a record. We were there to reach a goal - just to finish it! Here's a little glimpse of what it looked like...

At home I had run this 5k on my treadmill at about 38 minutes. I finished at 28:28, and Katie finished about two minutes ahead of me. I was so happy I ran it in such good time (for me, anyway!). And it was so fun to spend that time with such a good friend. I'm so glad she helped me set that goal and achieve it. As my cousin Alesa commented on one of my last posts "Careful, Haleigh. You're headed down a path that loses toenails!" I agree - I won't let it go too far. But I do feel like now that I've actually done one of these, I have been bitten by the running bug. I'm anxious for our next run together.

Before I headed back to get the kids, Norma told me to stop by the Amish Farmer's Market and get some goodies. She wasn't kidding when she said it was awesome. What I ended up getting after all of that running? Two loaves of the softest, most delicious Amish homemade bread, and 5 hand dipped caramel apples, two for Norma and Ron, and the rest for us! I could have gone wild there, but thank goodness I restrained. They had everything imaginable there. There's something about the Amish food. (And quilts. And gazebos, I guess. They have Amish craft stores all over southern Maryland, most of them containing hand made Amish gazebos. Didn't know they were so good at that.)

Anyway, then I came back to Norma's and we took the kids on a little walk around her property (that's about all I could handle - little!). They all gathered on her swing and I couldn't resist taking this picture of them. Thank you for your help, Norma! Couldn't have done it without you either!

Halloween

2008-11-02T13:32:00.003-05:00

We had a really fun Halloween this year. We went to our friends' house, the Cheney's, and had chili, and then went trick or treating around their really cool neighborhood. My favorite part was when Steve got out of his stroller at the last couple of houses and ran to each door, holding out his little bucket, and then proceeded to go to the next house, and the next...We got back to the Cheney's and he plopped down on the ground and handed me his M&M's with this look in his eyes - "I'm ready to eat them now!!!"

I hope you all had a great Halloween too!

Mike

2008-10-30T20:01:00.005-04:00

October is really a big month for me. I posted earlier about my dear friend Georgia, and I also posted about Isaac's birthday, but there are two days in October where I get to celebrate my wonderful husband: our anniversary, and his birthday.

We were married on October 5, 2000 in the Salt Lake Temple. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thanked my Heavenly Father for sending this wonderful man to me. I remember the first time I met him. It was at a young single adult fireside at the Institute building on the campus of Indiana University. From that point on, he always had me laughing. He was by far the funniest, wittiest guy I had ever met. I was always so happy around him. He'd call me to just see if I wanted to hang out, and we'd talk about different guy/girl problems we were having with people we were dating.

I remember the night he told me he really liked me. It was funny because I had been feeling that way about him lately too. We went from being good friends to good friends in love. I remember shortly after this how his behavior changed toward me entirely. I showed up on a cold and rainy day to Institute class in some sandals, and I remember how worried he was about my feet being cold. He ran into the other room and got his jacket and wrapped it around my feet.

I went to Utah for the summer. He was planning on staying at IU to finish his final class for his master's. He ended up coming to Utah instead. The way he put it: "I followed her." One day in July we were hiking in the Albion Basin - the very same area where I practically grew up. My grandparents owned a lodge there, and had sold it about five years before. We were in a very special place to me. We stopped to rest on a big rock, and he got this look in his eye and just - proposed! We were married in October in the Salt Lake Temple - the happiest day of my life up until that point, and it's gotten better ever since.

He's the best dad too. Our kids adore him. He tells them the best stories - some of our favorites involve our kids as the heroes, with their names slightly changed, such as "Ikey, Hankey, Lorky, and Steve-key, the world's most amazing birds, and not only can they talk but they can fight crime too." There's also the series about the magic closet that "transports them into an amazing world filled with adventure and joy and wonder and hope." I quietly laugh to myself as he tells them these stories. He's also amazing at making the scriptures come to life for them. Our kids know the scriptures now better than I ever did in high school, and it's because of Mike. He's also a stickler for family and couple prayers, as well as family night (which we have every week without fail, and thankfully our kids still love it!).

So, sorry for the cheesy post, but I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and how grateful that I have what I have, and it's all because of Mike.

The Best $.25 I Ever Spent

2008-10-26T14:42:00.006-04:00

The other day I was at a thrift store. I have found myself often in thrift stores and garage sales lately, trying to save a little here and there. I guess the economy has me thinking a little, and I guess it would be a good habit to be in - saving money, that is. A couple of Saturdays ago I went "yard sale-ing," and I found a gold mine of brand new girl's clothes, all Hannah and Laura's sizes for $1 each. I got the nicest new Sunday dress for Laura for a buck. Well, I was in the Waldorf Thrift Store the other day, and they had this huge display of stuffed toys. Stephen is obsessed with dogs, so of course he runs over to the first stuffed dog he sees, wraps his arms around it, and I haven't been able to pry his arms away from it since. Here's the best part - I got to the counter, and it cost me $.25. For a brand new toy.

To quote a famous commercial:

"New dress for your daughter: $1.

New jeans for your other daughter: $1.

New stuffed dog for your son: $.25.

Extra money in your wallet and a very happy 18 month old? Priceless."

Forrest Hall Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-19T14:33:00.009-04:00

On Friday I took the kids to Forrest Hall Farm. The last time we went to this farm (or anything like it for that matter) was when Isaac was 23 months old and Hannah was 9 months old. It was really fun then, but this time was so much better! My kids had a blast!

We first rose to the challenge of conquering the corn maze. The kids each grabbed a flag (provided by the farm) so if they got lost they could wave it around and be found.

No one ever got officially lost, but they all thought it was really neat to veer off the path away from me just far enough...

Steve even felt the excitement in the air from his stroller!

There were also lookout towers throughout the maze so you could see where you needed to go next. They had a great time climbing to the top and seeing the acres and acres of corn surrounding them!

Next we journeyed to the barns where we saw goats and ponies. Steve especially liked the goat - he giggled hysterically when the goat stuck its head out of the pen and looked at him.

They also had a play area for the kids with a wooden tractor, slides, tunnels, and a sandbox.

We then went to the pumpkin patch and everyone got to pick a pumpkin. Hannah carried one for Steve back and tripped in the dirt!

Remember Cabbage Patch Kids? Well, these are my Pumpkin Patch Kids!

We waited for a hay ride...

...which the kids all enjoyed (while eating their candy sticks I got them at the farm store - interesting way to eat it, Isaac!)

After the hay ride, we went back to the little farm store and bought them the most enormous apples I have ever seen! Isaac's was almost as big as his pumpkin! They ate theirs for lunch on the way home. What a fun day!

5k vs. Marathon

2008-10-12T13:39:00.002-04:00

So, my sister Heather just ran the St. George Marathon last weekend. It was raining and cold the entire time, and she ran the last half of the race on a twisted knee. I was so amazed - seriously amazed - that someone could run for 4 1/2 hours - in the rain no less!

I have begun "training" for my race - yes, Ladies and Gents, I will be running a 5k with my friend Katie on November 1. I'm really so excited, and I'm excited that Katie asked me. But I can't help feeling a tiny bit - oh, I don't know - like I'm underachieving or something! Especially when my little sister ran 26 miles! But we keep saying - you have to start somewhere. So here's where I'm starting.

I hope in 10 years that I could be halfway ready to run a half marathon. Only time will tell! In the meantime, I'll run my wimpy race and let you know how I do.

It's only 3.1 miles - how hard can that be?

...On My Mind...

2008-10-08T23:46:00.000-04:00

APOLOGY: LONG POST

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of daily life, the several hundred decisions one must make in a day (what should I make for dinner? when will I get my laundry folded? will I have time this week to squeeze in that makeup lesson with that student?), and in making sure I'm doing all that I'm supposed to be doing, I forgot someone last month. I'm so embarrassed to even admit it. It was so tragic and so sad. I had only felt grief like that once or twice before. I can't believe I forgot her.

Georgia.

I haven't told you about Georgia? Sweet, beautiful, talented, wonderful Georgia? Hm, well - I shall try to do her justice.

But where to begin? The first time I met this sparkly, bubbly spirit was in the Young Artists Chamber Players in 9th grade in SLC. She was going on about why she needed braces (to close the gap between her front teeth, naturally) and how it would only be a few more months until they were off, and then she gave me this contagious grin, and I thought - her smile is perfect. She doesn't need braces!

Happy, friendly Georgia. There were no groups, no cliques with Georgia. Everyone was always invited, included, loved. We became fast friends. We played in a string quartet together, with Brittany and Cami - two other amazing friends that each deserve their own posts sometime. I remember looking up to the violin section during orchestra to Georgia's enormous grin: so happy to be there, making music with her friends. She played with such energy and soul.

The time came to decide where to go to college. I had narrowed down my choices to the University of Michigan and Indiana University. Georgia had narrowed down her choices to BYU and Indiana University. We vowed not to speak to each other about college until we had both decided where we were going, so as to not sway each other. And we both decided on Indiana!

After both being accepted to school there, we made arrangements to be roommates. It's hard to even know where to start! I learned so much about her, and learned so much from her that shaped who I am today. Some things she'd say: "Six is my lucky number. Do you know why? Because I'm the sixth child of eleven." Yes, eleven kids in her family. And then she'd have a million other reasons why six was her lucky number. She also told me that her dad used to pack her lunches everyday for school - a sandwich and a banana were always in it.

She loved to sing, and literally had the voice of an angel. I have seriously never heard anything like it before or since. She'd sing everywhere. In the shower, blow drying her hair, walking to class. She also always was balancing something on her head. Most of the time it was her water bottle, but occasionally a book or something edible, like an apple. It was the oddest thing to see her walking towards me on campus balancing a water bottle on her head. But somehow, it just seemed so natural I didn't even need to ask her why she did it. It was just - Georgia!

We had bunk beds in our dorm room. I slept on the bottom, and some nights as I'd fall asleep I'd hear paper crinkling and I'd see a note come sliding down. In the morning I'd wake up to a large note that said "GOOD MORNING HAY! HOPE YOU SLEPT WELL!"

One day she said to me "Haleigh, I have a goal. I am going to bear my testimony to someone I don't know every single day!" "Good luck," I'd mutter under my breath, thinking how that would look around the music school. But - Georgia knew how to handle people, how to talk to them, how to get into their hearts and souls and love them. She made many friends doing this, and some took the missionary discussions because of it.

It was like rooming with a sister that you hardly ever fought with. I think the only time we had any kind of frustration was when a pile of her clothes had begun to stack up in the center of the room for the last week or two, and one evening I was sitting in bed and said to her "Um, Georgia?" Brief pause. Then her classic response: "Yeah, I know I know. I'll clean it up tomorrow!"

She was a little bit of a mess. She'd fall asleep doing her homework and then wake up the next morning to realize she hadn't finished those blasted chord progressions, and she'd finish them in record time and proceed to run to the music school in her flip flops and pajamas in the rain to hand in the assignment before the lecture began.

That's my Georgia!

We had a wonderful year. I was all set to return in IU the following fall, but I was so very fortunate to find myself getting married instead. And who took two days off school to fly out for my wedding? None other than Georgia! She even sang and played her violin at my reception.

A couple of years went by, and we stayed in touch with email and occasional phone calls. I know we both felt that we had unintentionally grown apart a little, so we played phone tag for a couple of months. Then she left for Vienna for study abroad. It was after her summer in Austria that Mike had this crazy idea one night in September that we should give her a call and see how her summer was. She was never home, but it was worth a try.

Ring, ring...Her roommate Shanna, one of my other amazing friends from IU, picked up the phone. No, Georgia wasn't there - she didn't know where she was. But we talked for a little while to Shanna and caught up with her. Then unexpectedly we heard a click and - Georgia's sweet voice on the other end! It was so great to talk to her after so long! She seemed so different - even closer to the Lord than ever before. I could feel the Holy Ghost on the phone with her. It was an amazing conversation!

The next morning I got the phone call from Shanna. Georgia - hit by a dump truck while riding her bike - in the Bloomington Hospital - unconscious - fractured skull - will probably be okay after a few weeks in the hospital. What? Was this a sick joke? I don't understand! The tears came. They didn't stop all day. Her family was all flying to Indiana. Her parents were mission presidents in Brazil. Her mom was on a plane right then. Mike pacing - worried about our friend, worried about the horribly upset mother on the plane, both of us worried worried worried.

Another phone call - everything should be fine. The doctors think she'll be out of there in a few days if she can gain consciousness.

A few more hours pass - another phone call. "Haleigh, are you alone?"

"No, my mother in law is here."

"You need to sit down."

"Okay."

"Georgia died. Just a little while ago. There was a blood clot in her brain. It just stopped everything."

Silence.

"Haleigh, are you okay?"

"When is the funeral?" (between sobs)

"There will be two - one in Indiana, one in Salt Lake."

She gave me the dates. We cried for a while together on the phone. And then I stayed up all night searching and booking a ticket to her funeral in SLC.

Her parents received permission from the first presidency to come home to bury their child. At the Indiana funeral, her siblings put 300 Books of Mormon together with Georgia's testimony in it, and gave all 300 out with people asking for more. I later learned several of our anti-Mormon friends ended up taking the discussions because of Georgia's death. They had over 900 people attend the funeral.

The family learned that I was flying out. I was also 8 months pregnant with Hannah, and was bringing 11 month old Isaac with me. They asked me to arrange the prelude music - string quartet, and play in it. I was so honored.

I attended her viewing the night before. I got there early, and ended up standing in a two hour line. Georgia was everywhere in that church. Slideshows, pictures - so many of us together, too. I think we got camera happy as roommates. It was silly at the time, but now - I was so thankful for that.

I later learned the President Hinckley attended the viewing. The following day over 1000 people came to her funeral. Thomas S. Monson and Richard G. Scott spoke at it. Her family all sang and played and nearly all of them spoke too, even just a little something. The spirit was so strong. I was initially so devastated, and then I found myself healing so quickly during the service, and saw the big picture with Georgia in it. How lucky we were that Heavenly Father let her stay on this earth for as long as he did! How lucky I was to have her in my life! What a great missionary in life, a tremendous missionary in death. I feel so fortunate to have known her. I have thanked the Lord many times for my association with her.

So when the leaves start to turn and I smell "back to school" in the air, I turn to my roommate days with Georgia, and laugh to myself about so many little things that we did, and occasionally I'll cry a little when I think of her death, but mostly when I feel the crisp, cool, autumn air, I have "Georgia on my mind."

Anyone Want To Come For a Visit???

2008-10-08T20:50:00.002-04:00

The fall colors are starting to show - anyone up for a last minute trip???

I Love Conference

2008-10-06T10:34:00.004-04:00

This last weekend was the 178th Semi-Annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church broadcasted four 2-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and we hear from most of the apostles, the first presidency including church President Thomas S. Monson, and a handful of other general authorities from the church. I felt so uplifted by so many of the talks, encouraging the members to be knit together in unity, show more love to our fellowmen, attend the temple, and how to strengthen our faith and testimony.

A talk that hit me so profoundly was President Monson's talk on change. Life is inevitably going to change. Everyone's life will change. Children will grow and leave. "Find joy in the journey - now!" The part that really touched me was when he spoke to parents of little children.

"If you're still in the process of raising children, remember that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface,

the toys scattered about the house,

the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled,

will disappear all too soon, and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly."

How often I have worried more about the cleanliness of my house (which is important) than about playing with my kids (infinitely more important). I become stressed and worried about not being able to complete all of the tasks at hand. Let's face it - motherhood and wifehood are such demanding tasks. But they are eternally important. And the days of little feet running around my house, though they seem long now, will inevitably disappear, and I do not want to be one to lament when they do. Let us all heed President Monson's council to live each day to its fullest, and savor each and every minute before they're gone.

Isaac's Birthday at the Circus

2008-10-03T09:53:00.007-04:00

So Wednesday October 1 was Isaac's birthday. He turned seven years old! He started his day with "birthday breakfast," a tradition in Mike's family where you have waffles with ice cream. He loved it.

Then he opened his present from me - a "didj" Leapfrog handheld game. He has never had anything like this, so let's just say - he's been playing it ever since he opened it!

I took some cupcakes over to the school that day, and then after school we had an awesome cake made by Charlene Marquez. Isaac said he wanted pirates, so - he got pirates!!!

we took off to - the circus! We actually were able to get free tickets from the military for that day - some luck! So my wonderful friend Jane took Steve and we headed out to the Dulles Town Center for a very cool night. They had talented jugglers, acrobats, dancers, and clowns, and our kids loved the animal portion of the show: the dogs and the horses. We had hot dogs and popcorn for dinner, and afterwards put the kids in their pj's where they fell asleep for the ride home. Happy Birthday Isaac! We love you!

Why I Love Saturdays

2008-09-27T12:00:00.004-04:00

I "slept in" until 7:30am.

I didn't have to rush anyone through breakfast.

I stayed in my pajamas until 9:30am.

I layed on the floor and watched "Barbie and the Twelve Dancing Princesses" with my two dancing princesses.

I ran an errand without kids that took 10 minutes vs. running it with kids and it taking 45 minutes.

Mike is telling the kids a story right now.

Half of the family is still in pajamas.

We don't have to do anything all day. We just get to do nothing.

My blood pressure is at an all time low due to the lack of stress today.

Most of all...Mike is home and we are all together today as an entire family.

Yeah, I love Saturdays that much.

Just For Fun

2008-09-20T23:03:00.003-04:00

Ward Party at the Beach

2008-09-12T21:08:00.006-04:00

We live in such a fun area! Our wonderful friends, Doug and Pat Gourley, live in a beautiful little community called "Golden Beach." They hosted a fabulous ward party tonight, all pulled together by talented Brenda Hayes, our ward activities chairperson. We didn't bring swimsuits, but the kids didn't mind! The activities included:

Visiting

Eating

Fishing (Wonderful Brother Moyers helped each of the kids catch a few fish! So fun!)

And TONS of water and sand play!

Even "Ring Around The Rosies" was part of the evening!

We missed Mike tonight. He was out working, but we had a wonderful time at the beach! Thanks everyone! And Happy Birthday, Brooke!

Summer Review

2008-09-11T16:19:00.003-04:00

I love the fall. I love it when the weather turns cool and the leaves fall and little produce stands everywhere start selling pumpkins, corn, and squash. I even love winter more. I guess I love it because I grew up in the mountains and the snow and spent every winter skiing and building snowmen. Mostly I love Christmas.

I hate summer.

Especially since I have moved here to Maryland. It's just plain old miserable. It's sticky and hot and muggy and there's nothing to do here in the summer except swim.

This last summer has been my favorite summer of my adult life, without question.

Perhaps it had something to do with my kids' ages. 6, 5, 4, and 1 isn't bad. They were all old enough to be enthralled by the swimming pool day in and day out without it getting old (until it got colder outside!). They were much more portable, so we were able to "go and do" much easier than other summers. Perhaps the highlight of the summer was going to my mom and dad's, and spending time with my wonderful family out there. It was an extra bonus to see Heather, Trevor, and silly little Emma! It was a little slice of heaven. That was probably my favorite thing of the entire summer. Laura asks every day when we're moving to Grandma and Grandpa's. I wistfully say "perhaps someday..."

I've loved the friendships I have cultivated this summer, too. I am grateful for all of the friendships I have enjoyed this summer, but found great happiness and fulfillment in my close bonding with Kiersten. What a great blessing she and her family have added to my life!

Above all, I loved having all four kids home with me all day every day. I love each one of them for how wonderful they are, but also what makes each one different. Other than the gospel and my husband, they mean more to me than anything this life holds. I wish some of you could meet them - they are tremendous little people!

I never thought I'd ever say it, but I was very sad to see this summer end. I wished I could have hung on to it for a few more weeks. But I'm seriously not going to complain about fall. I have one thing to say to Mother Nature...

Bring it on.

I Think I Could Die A Very Fat and Happy Italian Woman

2008-09-09T21:53:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I wish I was Italian. But I'm not. I'm Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Swiss. I take pride in that. Mike says that, after spending two years amongst the Norwegians, that I'm more Scandanavian that most of them there. I love my heritage. But there are certain times when I feel like I should have been born Italian.

Like when I eat Italian food. That's mostly the reason I wish I was Italian. Because somehow in my mind if I were Italian I would be some expert in making Italian food. I visited Italy when I was 16 for two weeks. I gained 15 pounds there. And it was the happiest 15 pounds I have ever gained. Better than my freshman 15. Those were wasted on cafeteria food - baked ziti and cous cous fried in oil. Yuck.

I guess I started obsessing (well, re-obsessing) over this on Friday night when Mike and I ate at Carrabas for the first time. We've had one here for over a year, and finally got around to going. "Heaven, I'm in heaven." That's when I declared to him that if we ever had to move abroad, I would not mind one second if we had to go to Italy.

"I think I could die a very fat and happy Italian woman," I muttered to him as they brought out my lobster ravioli.

I think I'll go have some pizza...

Hurricane Hanna

2008-09-06T13:25:00.002-04:00

We are experiencing some rough weather today due to the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna. You can view some live footage of the actual hurricane below, although we have been told it has been downgraded to a "tropical storm." You decide.

Ye Olde Maryland Renaissance Festival

2008-09-01T11:16:00.006-04:00

Gather 'round, fair lads and lasses, for I have a tale to tell! In days long gone, of yesteryear, there was a family of Vance, and a family of Isom, that traversed the land near and far, searching for merriment and pleasantries. Their search was not in vain, for upon the boundaries of the town called "Annapolis" in the fair country of "Maryland" they found what they sought. Upon entering the village, the lads and lasses sought knighthood, and not just knighthood, but knighthood from the Queen herself. We now have the honor of having Sir Isaac, Dame Hannah, and Dame Laura living under our roof. (Sir Isaac was quite devastated that knighthood did not come with a sword.)

But what luck - the fair knights and dames were taken and put in the stocks! What treachery!

After their release, we then sought entertainment at the jousting arena, where we watched the brave knights themselves battle with their lances. Many a lance were shattered, but no knight was injured, and aside from the stifling sun, a merry time was had by all. (Photos here courtesy of Kiersten!)

We then came upon some fair steeds which all of the children, even wee little Stephen, took a turn riding.

We progressed to Wee BairnLand where the young ones scaled a pirate ship, slid down slides, and swung from the tree tops. We also tackled "Ye Old Slide" - a treacherous journey, but all who tried it came through alive.

The families also enjoyed the mimes on stilts,

the sword swallower, and the jugglers (even though the juggling man was mean). We thank family of Isom for the most enjoyable day. Truly, fun was had by all!
The End

First Day of School

2008-08-26T21:13:00.002-04:00

Here are my little school kids, all ready for the big day! Isaac had a great first day of first grade, and Hannah came home bouncing about how great kindergarten is! Their first day was Monday, and it was not only their first day of school, but their first day in a brand new school. I'm not kidding when I say - I have never seen a cooler school in my life. I'll have to post some pictures of it sometime. They are the Mary B. Neal Blue Crabs of Character. I guess Southern Maryland isn't famous for much of anything, other than it's crabs. Or it's character. (Okay, well, we all know that's not true!) Blue Crabs of Character - go Isaac and Hannah!

Stake Temple Day

2008-08-21T21:46:00.002-04:00

Last week we had a wonderful Stake Temple Day with the Suitland Maryland Stake at the Washington DC Temple. Our Stake President also calls it a Stake Day of Sacrifice. All patrons are asked to take the entire day off of work, find sitters for the kids, and spend the entire day serving in the temple. He has had this goal for the last 3 or 4 years, and every year we attend all day like this with our wonderful church brothers and sisters, we come away so edified and armed with the Spirit! We left the house around 10am, and the kids were left in the wonderful hands of cute Brooke Hayes (to which they were very thrilled). I left them frozen pizzas and PB&J and we headed up to the temple. I walked the halls and rooms of that holy place, feeling so strongly that this is what heaven would be like. Everyone dressed in white, serving one another and working hard, but also pondering and studying and feeling the Holy Ghost. And - being surrounded by dear people we love so much. It was a marvelous day. And to top it all off, Mike conducted the 70+ member choir that sang in the upper room of the temple for the evening meeting. The day couldn't have ended better. I am so thankful I live so close to a temple and have the opportunity to attend often. I am so thankful I am sealed to my wonderful husband and children and extended family - not until death, but for eternity!

Laura's Day At Church

2008-08-17T12:52:00.004-04:00

I asked Laura just now what she learned in church today in her primary class. She said "We went fishing!"

Thinking it was something like an object lesson, since the Savior likened all people "unto fishers of men," (and because she has a really clever and creative teacher) I asked "What did you go fishing for?"

"Crabs!" was the enthusiastic reply.

"Crabs?" I said, somewhat pathetically.

"Yep!" said Laura. "And I caught Sebastian!"

Hm. Okay, so the teacher brought stuffed toys to fish for? "Did you fish in your classroom?"

"Nope. We went fishing at the mall."

Now - I'm thinking that they never had any kind of fishing lesson - period. And I know she's taking us all for a ride. "How did you get to the mall?"

"We walked."

"And where did you actually fish in the mall? Was there somewhere inside? Did you go outside somewhere?"

Isaac pipes in at this point. "Hey, you can't go to the mall on Sunday! That's breaking the Sabbath!"

Laura knew the gig was up. "Just kidding! We didn't go fishing! Or to the mall! My teacher just brought me some cheeses!" (Laura's passionately addicted to cheese. I know. It's odd. I call her the mouse of the family.)

What a funny little girl.

Us On The News

2008-08-10T22:45:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we had a really tough morning.

The kids came into my bathroom where I was doing my hair, worried because it looked like the neighbor's house was on fire. I was sure that it was exhaust from the dryer or something. Oh no. When I looked out the window, the ENTIRE house was covered in thick, dark, brown smoke. Just as I wondered if someone had called 911 yet, policemen showed up and began bashing in all of the basement windows trying to get in. Within about 30 minutes we had over 40 firefighters and their trucks there, several paramedics, police cars, and rescue units. They began taping off our street and closing down our neighborhood. Mike and I took several pictures, and I even video-ed (very crudely) a few seconds of the firefighters on their roof with axes bashing in everything so the smoke could escape.

Unfortunately the woman's 28 year old son who lives in the house died.

He served in Iraq a couple of years ago. Amazing. To survive brutal war, and die in your sleep (hopefully) in a fire - at such a young age.

The news story is two minutes long. Click on the link below (the embedding inscription code doesn't work).

http://cfc.wjla.com/videoondemand.cfm?id=20273

Shelby's and Gustavesons

2008-08-08T21:47:00.002-04:00

This is so random, but lately I have been thinking so much about my Shelby cousins. Alesa, Dana, Jenelle, and Katie lived five houses away from me when we were kids. I remember they moved into our neighborhood when I was in 1st grade, and Dana and I were in every class in elementary school together from then on out (I'm pretty sure, anyway). These girls became like my own sisters to me. We did everything together. And since we were so close in age, close in distance, we grew even closer in friendship and love. Things I love and remember about them:

-Heather and I would meet them every morning and walk to school with them.
-The walks through "Mr. McGregor's Garden" to get up to Holiday Oil (old school!) so we could buy a candy bar.
-Oliver and Company's "Why Should I Worry?" (Who's happy I'm not expanding?)
-Our plays. Ug. And our movies. Bigger Ug.
-Sleeping over at their house on their trampoline.
-My mom running over Buddy's foot on accident.
-That reminds me - Alan always bringing home stray dogs, hence Buddy's name "Gutter Boy."
-The hamsters that ate each other.
-Sea Monkeys.
-Alesa being "The Bloopy." (Was that the name?)
-Panthers, Leeches, and The Lone Crow.
-Jenelle's scorpion impression.
-Playing Kings after school and Dana and I always cheating, and then promising we didn't.
-The Mask, The Addition, and "Cuban Pete."
-Dana hitting that flagpole and going DOWN. And me leaving her for dead. Well, in all honesty I didn't know what happened.
-Late night trips to Taco Bell in the Mercedes.
-Lake Powell trips - way too fun.
-School's out parties and creaming my dad with water balloons.
-Alan taking us on the four-wheeler through the snow.
-Care Bears for Halloween - yeah!
-Unicorn Grove (nerds!!!)

There's tons more memories - girls, comment away! I know I'm missing tons! I miss you all and love you so much! I can't wait to see you all again someday - I hope it's soon!

Peeping Tom

2008-08-05T19:02:00.003-04:00

Steve does this every time someone uses the bathroom. He lays down outside of the bathroom on the floor and tries to look in. And waits. And waits. He makes no sounds. Just slides his fingers under the door. It's pretty funny. We're all conditioned to open the bathroom door very slowly now, since he's always out there.

Laura's 4th Birthday

2008-08-04T14:08:00.002-04:00

It's been 4 years since Laura was born. Yesterday I sat there thinking, "4 years ago I was not delivering our wonderful little daughter in a hospital - I was delivering her in the front seat of Mike's Saturn." Wow. It still does not seem real that this incredible and horrible experience happened to me. Having said that, we have had four amazing years with Laura in our family! She is definitely the funniest of all of our kids, the spunkiest, and the one who holds the keys to many hearts.

Yesterday we went to church, and she was sung to in Primary. She also got a treat from the bishop and was thrilled by this! When we got home (yes, Mike was only 10 minutes after me!) we opened presents, sang to her, and had cake and ice cream. She got some great new clothes from Grandma and Grandpa, and Barbies and Barbie movies from them as well as Mike and I. She loves Littlest Pet Shop ("Pet Shops" as she calls them) and Great Grandma Lund sent some new ones for her - she LOVED them. Pet Shops were what kind of cake she wanted too. Hannah was the sweet little helper all during present opening, and had a little of the "Green Eyed Monster" when it came to actually playing with the toys! Ahh, sisters...

It was a fun day - thanks to everyone for the calls and well wishes! She felt so special and loved - well, she is!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

2008-08-01T19:56:00.012-04:00

Ahh, to be an inventor. To have a mind that can create something that contributes to society. To lay claim to at least one invention of the day - be it paper clips or automobiles, I know we all have our "favorite things" out there, and I wanted to share mine with you. This post was inspired by my friend Emily's post not long ago, and it really got me thinking!

1) Ziplock bags I go through probably 100 every couple of weeks. These things save my life - wet wipes, toys, snacks - they all go in. We also pack our clothes with those jumbo sized ones - keeps things nice and organized.

2) My Toyota Sienna This car has over 20 cupholders, roomy seats (so little people don't get in each other's space - theoretically), mirrors everywhere (Moms can have eyes in the backs of their heads), latch supported seats, the back row folds directly into the floor, tons of storage space, an automatic sliding door, and among a ton of other things - it doesn't drive like a truck! It's a really cool mom car. I test drove tons of different vans - this one beats them ALL!

3) The Crock Pot How did people live without this amazing invention? It makes being a mom of four a piece of cake. I throw dinner in the crock pot while the baby takes his morning nap, and - voila - at 5pm when everyone's starving and cranky and need everything under the sun - dinner is prepared!

4) Lysol or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes I love these things. I use them everywhere and constantly - it gives surfaces a quick but thorough cleaning, and I don't have to worry about spraying cleaner around little people. It's a winner!

5) Jergen's Natural Glow (Sorry I'm copying you, Emily, but it was on my list in my head before I read yours!) I used this stuff a couple of months ago before I went on my cruise. Before I left people were telling me I looked a lot tanner. Me? Tan? I don't. Heather (my sister) and I used to go "fake baking" in high school - I think that lasted about twice for me, coming back both times very badly burned. I prefer the Jergens method.

6) 100 Calorie Packs For me, these are great. I get the snack I want, but in portions. Little did I think how cool it would be for kids. My kids have NO CLUE about portions, they just eat until they are satisfied. I never knew how much they were getting, and in this age of childhood obesity, I wanted to be better about their measurements. But - count calories with kids? It didn't seem likely. Until this handy little invention came along. Pre-measured packs of your kids favorite snacks? It's too good to be true...

7) Portable DVD Players Now, my kids have regulated TV viewing, but if we are on a trip (either airplane or car) that will last longer than two hours - bring out the DVD's! My parents gave us a great portable DVD player a few years ago, and not only do we use it in our traveling, but we have enjoyed movies in my room in our bed - complete with pillow fights, fights, and wars over the covers. I love this invention.

8) Leapfrog. Everything. Even though it can financially add up, this company has come up with the best educational games and toys for kids of all ages. Our favorite is our world famous globe that taught little Laura so many country capitols, but we also have a word speller, a video game, and a few other great things by this wonderful company!

9) Good Old Fashioned Bleach I never knew this, but that black mildew or mold that creeps into your tile grout in your shower is so easily removed with 1/2 a spray bottle filled with bleach and other 1/2 filled with water. I turn on the bathroom fan, spray it all over (usually after the water from that morning's showers has dried), and when I check on it later that day I have a fabulously sparkling white shower! I love it!

10) Crest White Strips My teeth weren't bad, but I asked my dentist one visit about what teeth whitening system he'd recommend, and he recommended these. So, I tried them. And even though I didn't enjoy the taste thoroughly, it whitened my teeth significantly! I loved the finished product so much! They even have 7 day treatments now instead of 14 - a big difference! I highly recommend it as well.

Watkins Park

2008-08-01T11:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we spent the day with our good friends, the Isoms. We spent the day at Watkins Park. We rode on a carousel, a train, and played on the playground, plus we went to their farm and saw all sorts of really cool animals. Our kids had fun, and Kiersten and I had a great time too. If you'd like to check out some great pictures from Kiersten, see The Isom Family Blog. Thanks for a fun day!!! (I just added this picture of Steve that Kiersten sent me - he loved the playground!)

Fun In The Summer Sun!

2008-07-30T20:58:00.002-04:00

We have been enjoying parks, the pool, and friends this summer! I haven't taken any pictures at the pool because I am trying the entire time to keep Steve from drowning himself! Hopefully I'll get some taken soon and be able to bring all 4 children home from the pool alive as well. The other day we went to our favorite park, Laurel Springs, for FHE while Mike is out of town. We had a blast - all of us did! "Roll out those lazy hazy crazy days of summer..." or something like that...

What I Did This Morning...

2008-07-26T14:00:00.004-04:00

Woke up to whispers, giggles, and squeals.
Made Mickey Mouse waffles in my pajamas.
Pieced a carpet puzzle of the Solar System together, with the aide of a 3 and a 5 year old.
Comforted a teething toddler.
Wiped peanut butter and jelly from the sides of each kitchen chair.
Washed, dried, and folded play dresses, camouflage shorts, onesies, and swimsuits.
Taught my six year old pig latin.
Played my violin for 30 (very interrupted) minutes before throwing in the towel.
Pulled 2 heads of spun gold into pony tails.
Regretted teaching my six year old pig latin.
Watched three blonde kids run around the yard pretending they were somewhere else.
Filled multiple tupperware cups with milk, chocolate milk, fruit punch, and water - several different times.
Laughed.
Cuddled.
Hugged.

These were the good parts of the day so far. "The glass is half full..."

Trip to St. George

2008-07-20T15:49:00.002-04:00

We took a trip to beautiful, sunny St. George to visit Grandma and Grandpa earlier this month, and I haven't had a second to put the pictures up! But here they are now! We had the BEST time - thank you mom and dad for such a wonderful trip! We did so many fun things - went to some splash parks, had BBQ's, saw "The Sound of Music" at Tuahcan, visited Grandma Lund, played with every cool toy the grandparents had, and we SWAM SWAM SWAM! Our last day there, the kids were in the pool for over 5 hours straight! Aunt Heather was the BEST swim teacher EVER. I'm not kidding - if you want your kids to learn how to swim in about 10 minutes, it's totally worth it to come to Heather (or bring her to you!). My kids improved in their swimming about 100x better than our two weeks of swim lessons here would do! It was the best summer trip! (Oh, and Isaac got to have his first motorcycle ride with grandpa, too!)

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

2008-06-28T20:23:00.002-04:00

We were reading our kids' journals the other night that I have kept for them since they were babies. In it, I write funny or cute things they say. Here's what I found.

Entry 1: The other day, Mike was reading out of the Old Testament children's reader. He read the story of the Israelites worshipping idols and the evils of it. He explained that if we worshiped or loved something like our toys more than God, that would be like worshipping idols.

The next day, Isaac (3) and Hannah (2) were outside playing. When they came in, I asked them if they had a fun time.

"What were you doing out there?"

"Oh," said Hannah very matter of factly, "We were just worshipping idols."

Needless to say my jaw was on the ground for half a second, and when I recomposed myself I sat her and Isaac down, and we reviewed the story on idols and why they were bad. Then I went in the other room and had a good laugh.

Entry 2:Another story along the lines of scripture, Mike (again) was reading the scriptures to them, not long after the first entry. He came across the story of Jezebel, and they all had a long discussion on why she was so bad and how we can choose the right, etc.

Again, the very next day, I am folding laundry in my room, and Isaac and Hannah are playing on the stairs, and what do I hear?

"Isaac," said Hannah. "Let's play bad guys."

"Okay," said Isaac. "Who should we be?"

"Oh, I don't know. You could be Satan and I could be Jezebel."

HUH??? WHA???? Did I just hear that? From my 2 and 3 year old? Before either one said another word, I pulled them both in my room and (AGAIN) we reviewed the story of Jezebel (and Satan, might I add) and I firmly told them that not only should we always choose the right, but we shouldn't even pretend to choose the wrong.

This time I didn't laugh - I called my mom and asked if I should be worried...

Entry 3:We have a little princess doll, Ariel, actually, that is about 2 or 3 inches tall. She's almost like those Polly Pocket dolls I used to have as a kid. Anyway, Laura and Hannah went through a HUGE phase of dressing this doll up in different clothes and playing with their doll house.

One day I went to get something out of the fridge (the vegetable drawer, i think) and - lo and behold - Ariel is sitting in there. I laughed a little, finding it amusing, set the doll on the counter, and went on with whatever I was doing.

A couple of hours later I needed wet wipes for some reason, and I opened up the wipes box and - there's Ariel again. I think I laughed out loud this time! I set her on the counter again, and went about things.

Still, a couple of hours later, I put everyone to bed and was doing the dishes, and I opened up the dishwasher to start loading the dishes, and - there's Ariel! Sitting on the top shelf of the dishwasher! What the heck? I seriously am cracking up at this point. Luckily the girls were still awake, so I went up and asked them what was going on? I think Laura was just a couple of months from turning two, and said to me

"Ariel was very bad today. She needed lots of time outs."

So there was the answer! Ariel was in time out! Ahhh! It's so clear now! I laughed and laughed and laughed...

And I still found her in odd places around the house (the dryer, my bed, the sink) and I giggled every single time!

CLEARPLAY

2008-06-27T12:05:00.003-04:00

Okay friends, I know most of you have heard about this product from us, but I have to just tell you all about it again anyway. This is one of the best inventions ever! The product? Clearplay. What it does? It edits DVD's while you watch it! It takes out sex and nudity, violence, language, etc. It's awesome! How it works? Purchase the DVD player from Target for $49.99. When you get home and are setting it up, take the flash stick and plug it into your USB port in your computer. When you log into Clearplay's Website it will walk you through the steps, but it will download filters into your flash stick. You then take the flash stick, put it into your DVD player, and - VOILA! - if there's a filter for it, whenever you play the DVD it will filter out the garbage.

You can choose your settings too - such as mild setting for violence, and a strong setting for sex and nudity, etc. The filters also cost, but when you purchase the DVD player it comes with everything they have made filters for up to that point. Any new filter you buy, but there are different plans you can get on and it's really not that expensive.

It's also great with kid's movies. A few movies our kids love have mild language in it, but when we pop in our filer - it's gone and no one knows what they missed!

Some of our favorite movies we have seen with our player:
-Michael Clayton
-3:10 to Yuma
-The Great Debaters
-Night at the Museum
-Outbreak
-A Time To Kill
-Waiting for Guffman
-Best in Show
- And tons more!

Loving it!

Conversation

2008-06-25T12:09:00.003-04:00

The other night Mike and I got to bed way too late. We had been up talking about stuff, and when we were laying down and finishing our conversation, we heard little footsteps. The house was all dark, and we laid there and waited to see who it was.

"Mommy..." It was Isaac.

"Yeah," I whispered.

"Are you guys having a little conversation?"

I felt Mike's silent laughter next to me. "Yeah, we are."

"Oh. Okay, goodnight!"

And he walked back to bed. We stayed up a little later and laughed for a while. That was one of my favorites!

The Seven Minute Time Out

2008-06-20T20:33:00.002-04:00

I don't know exactly where this method came from. I think it might have been a fluke episode of "SuperNanny" that I watched once a long time ago. Or it might have come from the inner realms of my odd little head. Needless to say this really works. And unfortunately, it's time to resurrect the "Seven Minute Time Out" method with one of our children.

To spare them embarrassment for the future, I won't say just who needs this treatment (but you relatives out there or people who know my family real well could probably guess in 2 seconds flat.) Let's just call this person - M.

How it works: "M" is have some real behavioral issues right now - picking fights with siblings, teasing, yelling at mom, etc. The list goes on. So I sat "M" down and had a talk the yesterday about what happens when we behave that way. I explained bad consequences in children's terms. Like, what are the consequences of eating cookies and candy and chocolate for dinner? Probably a stomach ache. Or, what are the bad consequences of not buckling up your seat belt? If the car stops fast or crashes, you would get hurt or probably die. Then we talked about good consequences, like what happens when we brush our teeth everyday? We don't get cavities and don't have bad breath. You get the idea. So I asked what happens when tease our siblings or fight with them or yell at mom? We get in trouble. And then I explained the Seven Minute Time Out: Each time you start a fight, tease, or yell at anyone, you get to sit in the time out chair (just a chair in our front room, removed from the rest of the house) for seven minutes. If you get up, the time starts all over again. Once the seven minutes are up, I'll come and get you, and you will need to apologize for what you have done. "M" was in agreement.

So not 30 minutes later, "M" was picking a fight. I immediately scooped the culprit up and placed them in the time out chair, with kicking and screaming the whole way. "M" screamed for about 4 minutes, and then calmed down and sat there quietly for the last 3. We had a nice and civil talk afterwards, a hug, and I got an apology. It happened two more times yesterday. Today it only happened once.

The other children have clued in too. They are NOT interested in a Seven Minute Time Out. If I hear a fight brewing, all I have to say is "Seven Minute Time Out" and the fight is nipped in the bud.

Why seven minutes? I don't know where I heard it from, but it's just long enough for the child to calm down, think about what they have done, and be somewhere they don't want to be for just the right time. Not too long, not too short, and consistently the same amount of time.

Discipline - it doesn't have to be painful, but it has to be structured, consistent, and unpleasant. And let me tell you - it really gets the job done!

Diapers or Potties - Which One Really Is Better?

2008-06-18T21:46:00.002-04:00

Okay everyone - this entry is a little gross, so feel free to not read this. I won't be offended. But moms out there - I'm sure you can appreciate it.

After I had our third baby, Laura, I had 3 kids under the age of 3. Tough, right? Not so bad, until it came time to change each diaper, which happened constantly. I was so excited when, after one week of this, Isaac potty trained. Not 6 months later, Hannah potty trained (girls do go quicker, and Hannah and Isaac are just over a year apart.) I only had Laura in diapers, and was living on easy street. My errands were short, so we rarely had to use the public bathrooms. I was so excited for Laura to potty train. Then everyone could take care of themselves, right?

After today, I'm tempted to put everyone back in diapers for good. Yes, I know my oldest is almost 7, but I tell you, I feel like I visited every public bathroom in all of Charles County Maryland today.

We went to the park this morning, only after I made sure everyone used the bathroom at home and I had changed Steve's diaper. We're good, right? The second I unload everyone and step onto the playground - bam! My girls have to go potty. So we run across the street (with all 4 kids and a big water jug in tow) and the girls take care of business. Whew. Little did I know that Laura didn't do any business. We haul back to the playground, and we're there 30 seconds when Laura announces she has to go #2. "Didn't you just go???" I asked a little too loudly. So - we haul everyone back to the bathroom - again. Laura sits and sits and still - nothing. So after about 10 minutes there (we've been at the park for about 30 minutes by now) we get off, haul back over to the park, and finally begin playing. 5 minutes go by and Laura's doing a horrible dance. I sigh a very loud sigh, tell Isaac and Hannah to just stay where they can see the bathroom, and I haul only two kids and the water jug back to the bathroom - for the THIRD TIME. Finally - SUCCESS! And we play happily for an hour and a half.

And that was just my morning.

This evening Mike was on a temple trip with the youth, the kids were acting like they had been cooped up in the house all day long after 2 hours at the park, so I think - what the hey - let's go swimming. So we all use the bathroom, get dressed in our swimsuits, and head over to the pool. We were there for maybe 20 minutes when a nasty brown substance works its way up Steve's back through his swimming diaper. Out goes the baby and we head to the bathroom to change. I'm all finished with this nasty mess when I hear Laura (yes, Laura again) screaming at the top of her lungs. I look outside and she's doing that same nasty looking dance - in the pool. I run out with the baby in one hand (mind you, he's quite big now at 14 months and I've been carrying him around all day from bathroom to bathroom) and I grab Laura with the other hand and whisk her away to the bathroom. "I pooped my swimsuit!!!" Okay, take a deep breath. I strip her down to nothing, throw her and the swimsuit in the shower (after disposing of a certain object) and rinse everyone off. Isaac and Hannah proceed to take advantage of the situation and instead of sitting there watching, they use the bathrooms themselves. I got everyone all cleaned up and back to the pool.

And I'm thinking - how did my day turn into this??? Do my kids have some burning desire to insure that we see every potty in town???

Has anyone out there ever had a day like this???

Happily, they're all tucked away in bed right now, exhausted from what I was hoping to be the day's activities, but deep down I think it's from all of the trips to public potties...sigh.

Win A Free Blog Makeover!!!

2008-06-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

Heather's Blog Designs is having a FREE blog makeover drawing! The winner will receive a FREE (yes, I will say free again) FREE blog design package of their choosing!
NO KIDDING!

Heather's Blog Designs is also offering 3 "runner-up" prize offers for the drawing. A special of $5 off any package of their choosing. This is an amazing deal if you are interested in a new look for your blog.

Interested in finally giving your blog a Makeover? This is the PERFECT opportunity!
Get it free or for a steal of a deal! All submissions will be notified by e-mail if they have won a free, or discounted package. The winner and 3 runner-up prize offers will be posted on this site. ENTER NOW!

To enter, Simply send Heather an e-mail at:

heathersblogdesigns@hotmail.com

Be sure to include the key word "MAKEOVER" in the title and body of the e-mail. All entries must include:

1.YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL THAT YOU WANT US TO CONTACT YOU WITH IF YOU WIN
2.HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT HEATHER'S BLOG DESIGNS
3.WHAT STATE YOU LIVE IN
Thank you and good luck!

THIS DRAWING WILL LAST UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON JULY 10TH. SO ENTER NOW! (sorry, Blogger only)

The fine print.....:)

*Entries must be received by Midnight, July, 10th 2008.
*A winner will be drawn at random on July 11th, 2008. Odds of winning are determined by the total number of entries received.
*The winner will be notified by e-mail.
*The winner must respond within 24 hours that they have received and accepted the prize. If Heather's Blog Designs has not heard from the winner in 24 hours, we will offer the free blog design to the next runner-up winner. The preceding also applies to the 3 runner-up winners. You must respond within 24 hours to claim your prize.
*The winner's name(s) will be posted on this page by July 14th, 2008. Please check back for results!
*We will respect your privacy. We'll keep any information you provide confidential.
Please, only one entry per person!
*This prize is non-transferable. Heather's Blog Designs reserves the right to deny services to any person(s) that does not comply with these rules or Blog standards and etiquette.

*For questions or to enter the drawing please send an e-mail to:
heathersblogdesigns@hotmail.com

Update

2008-06-17T22:46:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted that I was doing the P90X workout DVD's. I could barely stand without falling during yoga, toppling this way and that, and couldn't get my chest off the floor during Ab-Ripper, and I was SO SORE after every work out. But guess what - nope, I didn't quit. In fact, I have only missed 1 or 2 days since 6 weeks ago when I started. And I'm totally noticing changes. I don't know if I really look all that different, but the point is - I feel different. I'm happier, I have more energy, and I feel great. And yeah, I'm getting little muscles in my arms, and yeah, I am toning a little, but I just wanted to do this to feel better. And it's totally working. So, maybe it's not so bad after all. Thanks to my sister Heather - she's awesome for getting me into this!

Our Cruise

2008-06-15T16:15:00.004-04:00

Here is just a taste of our trip! There's a lot of pictures to look at, so I understand if you can't see all of them, but it's just a sampler.

One of my favorite parts was when Mike, his brother Joe, and my nephew David competed in Karoake Superstar! Mike did a couple of different songs, but my favorite I think was his near perfect impression of Niel Diamond's "Hello, Again." He even had that awesome hand raise down!

He also sang "I've Got You Under My Skin." I have to add that Mike was not necessarily thrilled at this, but everyone in our group wanted him to sing. After all, when you have a really "useful" talent down perfectly, like sounding like Neil Diamond, how often can you use this? It was perfect. David sang a great rendition of Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe," and Joe did an original version of Brian Adams's "Everything I Do," which was like nothing I have ever heard! To hear sound bytes, check at the right. I'll have them up soon!

Another thing that was hilarious to me was every night when our room steward would create towel animals and leave them on the bed! We got an elephant, a bunny, a monkey, and more! What's better is that they taught us how to make them, so if you ever come to visit, you might get a towel animal on your bed!

We're BAAAAACK!

2008-06-11T09:43:00.002-04:00

What an amazing time! The cruise was phenomenal! The food was amazing! But the company beat it all. We had a wonderful time bonding with Mike's siblings and their spouses. We played games, snorkeled with hundreds of fish, played at the beach, went shopping, ate (TONS) of food, but above all grew closer to each other. It was an excellent trip! And yes, pictures will be coming soon. And detailed explanations of everything. Stay tuned!

What A Saint!

2008-05-24T19:53:00.002-04:00

Mike and I are preparing for next week. We are going on a 7 day cruise to Mexico with all of his siblings and their spouses. We are seriously so excited! My parents are coming out to take care of the kids, as well as my wonderful grandma, and our "adopted" grandparents, the Goodes, are going to fill in on the last two days while my parents have to get back to work. So, everything is all set, but upon examining my our wardrobes, we discovered that we were ill-prepared for a cruise. Let's just put it this way - it's not like we don't have things to wear, but come on, we're in the "spit up, spit on, bugars wiped on" phase of life. We're not in the "I'm going to take a cruise" this week phase of life. The last dress that was bought for me was when I graduated from high school.

That was 1999.

I'm ready for some new clothes. But - can I just say what a total nightmare it is for an LDS woman with clothing standards such as myself, to shop for dresses? I'm picky anyway, but after a week or two of checking out the local malls, it was seriously becoming a problem. Everything is strapless, backless, or a mini-skirt. Ug.

So, Mike took it upon himself to head up this project, and you wouldn't believe how much time he spent on the internet and at department stores looking for dresses for me. Since we have four kids, it's not that easy to get out and hang out shopping somewhere. Someone inevitably has to use the bathroom or gets hungry at the worst times. Not to mention cranky. And bored. And running around. Need I go on? So Mike would come home, day after day, with different dresses for me to try on. And day after day he would take back the ones I didn't like and come home with yet another load. One day last week we spent the entire school day hours at the Tyson's Corner mall (GREAT mall, by the way), and he would watch the three younger kids while I tried on dresses. Awww!

And we finally have narrowed it down to two dresses! And they're modest! And I actually like them! And I feel like I look decent in them!

And I can't say what a load off my back that is! Sweet Mike - what a husband! He seriously rose to the challenge, and found me some great clothes.

Thank you honey! You're a saint!

Violin Workshop!

2008-05-18T20:39:00.002-04:00

This weekend my good friend Monica pulled together a wonderful violin workshop for our students and others from around the DC area. It was such a blast! Thank you Monica for putting together such a fantastic weekend! The kids took different classes on Friday and Saturday ranging from Music and Movement, Art, and Music History, to group violin classes, private instruction, advanced chamber ensemble, and fiddling! We even had a little store where the kids could buy little incentive items like Whistle Pops, pinwheels, bubbles, and pencils. We had such a great weekend - my kids were so sad it was over last night! Many thanks to all!

The Prayer

2008-05-13T20:59:00.002-04:00

Sitting at the breakfast table one morning last week, Isaac and I were having a discussion over a bowl of oatmeal.

After taking a few bites, his bright beautiful eyes were darting around the room, his mind lost in his thoughts while he ate. Finally he said "Mom, guess what."

Trying to hide a smile (since everythinghe says begins this way) I replied "What, sweetie?"

"Did you know that a long long time ago Jesus said a prayer that was so romantic no one was allowed to write it down?"

Again, trying to hide my smile, I said "Really? Who told you that?"

"Daddy," he said matter of factly as he put another bite of oatmeal in his mouth. "He said that Jesus came to America and said a prayer that was so romantic no one was allowed to write it down."

"It wasn't romantic. It was sacred."

"Nu-uh. Dad said it was romantic."

"Isaac, do you know what the word 'romantic' means?"

"No," he said, swallowing. "Not really."

"Well, if something is romantic, than it's really mushy and gushy and kissy - like when mommy and daddy kiss or something like that."

Isaac's look turned from being grossed out, to a light bulb clicking on, to a laugh. "Mom, I think you're right. Jesus's prayer wasn't romantic. I think it was sacred."

I didn't try to hide my smile this time. "I think I'm right too."

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T14:23:00.002-04:00

To all of the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, friends, role models, and dear women in our lives - we love you! We hope this Mother's Day is the best one yet!

Goodbye, Old Friend

2008-05-08T12:37:00.002-04:00

Dear Violin,

I know that you will miss me. I know that I will miss you. And we both know that the time has come to find you a new home. You have taken me as far as you can, and I am grateful for all I have learned from you and the time we had together. But alas - a new master awaits you - awaits all that you can do for her now. I would only let you go to someone I love and trust, so you will have a happy home now. You will be well taken care of, played often, and loved much.

I must find a new violin now, but I will never forget you. Another instrument can't take your place or do what you have done for me. Thank you for all you taught me.

Tomorrow you will no longer be mine, but you will always have a piece of my heart!

Goodbye, Old Friend!

TBall

2008-05-08T12:31:00.002-04:00

I just had to post a couple of pictures of Isaac at bat last night. He's so cute when he plays TBall! He was kind of clueless the first few games, but he's got it now and tried SO hard last night. He's getting better and better. I love watching him, and he loves playing! GO REDS!!!

Some Fun Family Nights

2008-05-05T20:03:00.002-04:00

The last two Monday nights have been so much fun! Last week for Family Night I made an almost true to size "Goliath." He was almost 10 feet tall - mine was 8 feet tall. (Our ceilings are only 8 foot ceilings!) We talked about how our lives today are like the scriptures back then, and how we can overcome "Goliaths" that aren't really giants, but big problems. We then took turns throwing wadded up socks at Goliath's head! We had so much fun!

Tonight we went down to this gorgeous park called Gilbert Run. It's right on the lake (do you remember this park Holly?) and during the summer months there is paddle boating and canoeing. We fed the ducks, played on the playground, walked on the bridge/boardwalk, rolled down the hills, and had a picnic dinner of chicken pasta salad, apple slices, go-gurts, and banana bread. It was such a fun night!

Gilbert Run

2008-05-05T20:00:00.000-04:00

Goliath

2008-05-05T19:55:00.000-04:00

Some Funny Things The Kids Said This Weekend

2008-05-05T15:07:00.002-04:00

Last week Mike was keeping an eye on the girls for a couple of minutes while I ran over to the school to pick up Isaac. While I was gone he couldn't find them. Finally they were discovered in the pantry, with the door closed, eating. Well, they weren't just eating. They were DEVOURING Fudge Shoppe Cookies - an entire bag of them - like 24, at least. Mike and I were very upset by this, and the girls were grounded for a week from dessert since they ate their entire week's worth of dessert in about 5 minutes. When I asked Hannah why she did it she said

"We were just hungry."

Laura said

"It was an accident. And MOM - there are two left."

Oh, well then everything's okay, right?

Yesterday we attended a baptism for a wonderful lady joining the church. Laura and Isaac sat next to the world famous Jan Sagers - whom they love and adore to pieces. Jan usually has her purse stocked with goodies for all of the little ones who usually flock to her in droves. Laura snuggles up to Jan at the baptism and says

"I sure hope you didn't bring me any treats because I can't have any."

Jan said "Why not?"

"Because I sneaked food."

When I explained that it wasn't just "food" but tons of cookies, she understood!

Then Jan proceeded to kiss Isaac on the cheek. Isaac immediately rubbed it off. Jan said "Why'd you do that?"

Isaac: "Kisses are for family, not friends."

Jan took his face in her hands and said "I'm as close to family as you got here so you better let me kiss you!"

Book Tag

2008-05-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

My sister Heather book tagged me, so here it is! This is really interesting.

Here are the instructions:
1-pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)
2- turn to page 123
3-find the 5th sentence
4- post the 5th sentence on your blog
5- tag 5 people.

"Under the date of Tuesday, July 16, he wrote: ...heard a letter read...giving the particulars of the murders of Joseph and Hyrum."

Kind of abstract, huh? The book is "Brigham Young: An Inspiring Personal Biography" by Susan Evans McCloud. It is his retelling of the murder of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. This book was sitting in our office. I guess Mike has been reading it - I probably should!!! I love church history.

Okay, so I now tag
1. Alesa
2. Brittani C
3. Katie H
4. Tanya
5. Tawni (if Heather hasn't already tagged any of you!)

Yoga X

2008-04-29T15:20:00.003-04:00

I did yoga today. It was my first real experience doing it. And it nearly killed me. It was so hard and exhausting. I thought it was supposed to be this amazing trip to Nirvana with the mind and body as one. My mind and body were at battle. I will say my limbs feel very good right now. So, I guess that's a plus.

The funny thing was that Laura was watching me. She attempted a few of the moves. The one that killed me was when I was toppling over doing the right-angle pose to extended right-angle pose and grab. Laura did it much better than me. It was hilarious. It was like a body pretzel.

Ahh, to be a kid again.

Is It Really Worth It???

2008-04-28T21:29:00.002-04:00

So my sister Heather got me doing Beach Body's new workout dvd series, Power90X, and let me tell you - OUCH. It hurts! It works a different area of your body every day, and by the time you're supposed to do the next workout (the next day by the way) I can barely walk! I'm starting to wonder how much this will pay off in the end. I'm sure it will. Or will it?

Yeah, this is how I feel.

My Battle Wound

2008-04-26T12:06:00.004-04:00

I did have a battle this week. Several in fact. Some (most) have involved my children. Others have involved housework. Honestly, I don't know which one I dislike more. The housework just piles up and up, almost like it's taunting me, and laughing at me. My kids actually fight back most of the time.

Well, actually - my housework fought back on Tuesday. I didn't think anything of it. Mike and I were getting ready to go to the temple on Tuesday morning. I was searching through my tauntingly enormous pile of stuff to iron, searching for my cute new Gap shirt and a white one for Mike, and I plugged the iron in. I kept searching while I waited for it to heat up, and once I have found the desired clothes, I began to iron. At least - I thought I did. I reached around to the back of the iron to grab the handle when the iron literally attacked me and gave me a pretty bad burn on my right forearm! Nasty little household appliance! So I cleanly expressed my exasperation with some "shoots" "darns" and a couple of "craps" and went about my day. Yesterday - I woke up to what looked like a full on infection! So last night after we got the kids settled I drove on down to the ER in LaPlata, and after waiting one hour and 45 minutes to be told what I already knew - yes - it is infected. So a little antiobiotic cream and I should be fine.

I know what you are all thinking. Thank you so much for posting such a nasty story and such a nasty picture.

No problem! It was my pleasure!

President Bush and The Pope's White House Arrival

2008-04-22T21:31:00.002-04:00

A section of Mike's band - The Pershing's Own Herald Trumpets - played for the arrival of Pope Benedict at the White House recently, and the President's Own Marine Band played there too. The Herald Trumpets attended a dress rehearsal - the Marine Band did not. So when President Bush arrived on the lawn just before the Pope did, the Herald Trumpets played 4 flourishes (fancy musical things for those of you not familiar with the term) and the announcer said something like "Ladies and Gentlemen, President and Laura Bush." Then the Herald Trumpets were supposed to play "Hail to the Chief." Well, the Marine Band didn't realize this, and they began playing "Hail to the Chief" at the exact moment - in a different tempo AND A DIFFERENT KEY. If you would like to hear this, follow the link below. Honestly, you won't believe your ears. It's QUITE a sound!

http://www.c-span.org/search/basic.asp?ResultStart=1&ResultCount=10&BasicQueryText=white%20house%20pope

-click on the first link

OR if this doesn't work, go to www.cspan.org and type in the search engine "pope white house." You will be directed to the search results, the first one being the one you want.

The White House and the Walls

2008-04-15T21:14:00.004-04:00

Can I say what a cool area we live in??? I just don't get tired of DC. Saturday Mike's band played at the annual White House Garden Tour. It's free to the public, and the band plays from the balcony while the guests stroll through the paths and lawns of the White House. It was quite an exhausting day, but the kids had a fun time, and we took our cute babysitter Brooke along for the ride!

Also, here are some pictures of my walls - finally! I had to wait until it was dark outside to take pictures, but I was always so tired at night to clean up meticulously enough for pictures. So - here they are!

The Day of Orange Juice

2008-04-13T16:34:00.003-04:00

This morning I got into the back of my van to find something, and I found a can of frozen orange juice concentrate that had neglected to make it's way into the house last Tuesday when I went shopping. SO - something heavy had been placed on it (my double stroller, actually) and it had burst. So to my surprise, I had a lovely sticky OJ mess to clean up in my church clothes.

If that doesn't make you smile, this surely will. Isaac said he wanted to get a drink of orange juice after church, and so he got the pitcher out, got a cup, and instead of waiting for some help to unscrew the lid of the pitcher, decided to just turn it upside down until the juice came out. Well, nearly the entire pitcher cascaded onto the table, the floor, and Isaac's church clothes.

Thus, I have officially dubbed Sunday, April 13 "The Day of Orange Juice."

Some Help

2008-04-12T10:44:00.001-04:00

Isaac is currently doing an online fundraiser for EVA TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL... and you can help!

Go to www.kathrynbeich.com before 5/05/2008
Shop from their great selection of personalized items, chocolates, and more!
Enter 164809 under Option 1 after selecting an item.

By entering number 164809, you'll credit Isaac and Eva Turner Elementary School with a large percentage of your purchase price.

Isaac thanks you for all your help!

ALSO - if he gets enough orders, Isaac can win a Wii!