Sam says....

*Sitting at the table the other day, Sam says, "Mommy, I can't wait until Jesus comes again to see us!". "What will you do?" I ask. "I will give him kisses and kisses!"

*He's always putting his arms around me and saying, "Mommy, you're my special girl."

*"Charlie, did you know we have bodies! Yeah, Heavenly Father made them for us!"

*After he said to a girl we know, "You have huge arms!" (and she doesn't) I told him that he should never tell a girl that she's big. I said, "Girls only want you to tell them they're small." So now all the time, at random moments he tells me, "Mom, you're small," and gives me this knowing look. It's too funny!

Little Helper

Since this was our first Thanksgiving at home, we decided to start some traditions that would make it fun for the kids. We made homemade butter, collected leaves and twigs to make a banner, made indian corn napkin rings, and our own cornucopia place settings. Sam was there to help me all day...he's my cooking buddy. We made apple pie and strawberry pretzel salad, rolls, and sweet potato casserole....oh, and turkey, of course! I couldn't have done it without my little helper. Spencer and Nicole were here to celebrate, and we're so glad, because it wouldn't have been as fun without them.

I was so overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for the small and simple things: our health, our home, our freedom to worship as we choose, and for the knowledge of who we are and why we're here; for family and dear friends, for changing seasons, a warm bed to sleep in at night, and for the jobs we have that allow us to provide for our family. I'm thankful for all this and so much more!

Charlie rocked us all on the drums!

He entertained us through dinner by singing The ItsyBitsy Spider again and again and again!

Grandma's House

This week we visited Grandma and Grandpa in Idaho. It's so beautiful up there, right on the Snake River. It was gorgeous, cool but sunny, perfect for being outside. Grandpa built a bonfire and walked along the river with the kids. He had to keep Charlie from diving right in. The kids swam in the hot tub with Uncle Jamison and Grandma helped them catch the kitty so they could torture her with their constant mauling. It was a wonderful weekend. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Fall Fun

OK, so I was enjoying Fall so much this year that I didn't even really think about Halloween until a few days before. Sam just wanted to be a pumpkin, so I made some extremely simple shirts and we were a family of pumpkins. Hmm, I think I'll have to be more creative next year, but oh well...it worked. Here are a few more pictures of our Halloween experience:

SaM aFter cArvIng PumpKins

EaTing diNnEr at tHe wArd ParTy

Sam was so happy the jello matched his hair!

CouLdn't beLiEve hE goT FrEe caNdy

TriCk or tReAtinG

WhAt a FuN nIghT!!!

On a lighter note...

Just thought I'd share what my latest cake looked like! I had lots of fun making it...very basic and simple, but sometimes I like it that way. Congratulations to Suzanne and Keith on their wedding! Love you, Suz!

AND....read this after reading the previous post...Please

One more thing...society has already begun to corrode...WHY? Because of a LOSS OF VALUES, (or should I say loss of morality). Look at what happened with the housing market and our current economic situation... greed, deception (thank you Emily); the family is already breaking down because of things like pornography, immorality, and divorce. Children are the ones who are suffering from all of this...our future generations; they will suffer because of the bad choices of their parents! I know, I know...gay couples are already rearing children in their homes and we can't necessarily stop that. Ok, BUT accepting a new definition of marriage makes it more ok to live this way and if more people begin to view it as ok, then more people may choose it and then where will we be?

Now, I realize that my point of view is a purely religious one. It's hard for me to separate from that...I believe that my religion extends beyond Sunday worship and trickles into every part of my life. I do not condone gay bashing or unfair treatment of gays....but I do believe that allowing gay marriage will lead to the breakdown of families and thus society. It's a strong accusation, but it's what I feel to be true. I think we will be called upon to take a stronger stand in these latter days ( or should I say last days) to fight for what I believe to be right and good and true. More and more often I believe we will be like those in Lehi's dream...we will be mocked and yes, even hated for standing up for what we believe.

Proposition 8

Okay, before any of you see this and sigh because you are tired of hearing about this subject, I want you to know that I'm writing in response to some comments that I've read from several people whom I highly esteem, but respectfully disagree with very strongly (too many adjectives, I know). I love, love, love them, but feel the need to give my point of view so they can maybe gain an understanding of what I'll refer to as "the other side of the issue". Please...don't take offense because none is intended...and please remember that I am not a debater or good at public speaking...I'm just expressing myself and it may be a little unorganized....and LONG.

First of all, society doesn't "get" to define what marriage is...it's not their right. GOD already defined marriage (from the very beginning of time on this earth), and stated that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children ." ( Proclamation of the Family). Now, we all have the right to think and choose according to what we believe to be true, but when those decisions will have a direct impact on our society as a whole, I believe that our church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) has a right to get involved.
Here are some examples of why I think they have that right:

The family is the FUNDAMENTAL UNIT OF SOCIETY. What does this mean? That it's the basic structure of our society and was from the beginning. God wanted us to be born into families so we could nurture each other, teach moral principles, and "promote social responsibility" to our children.

"Sacred Scripture repeatedly underlines the importance and centrality of the family. The book of Genesis narrates the creation of the first man and woman, and the family is portrayed as having a central role in creation. Other Old Testament books speak of the love to be found in the family, which is also where children are taught wisdom and the virtues."
(Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church [Catholic])

From the beginning, there were families, placing them at the center of social life. We are made in God's image, and as men and women (PATTERNED AFTER GOD), we have divine roles to play in our mortal lives. We are different for a reason. We compliment each other and we have different things to offer. As my friend said, "God created Adam and EVE, not Adam and BOB." What we call gender was an essential characteristic of our existence prior to our birth. Again, God sent us here to fulfill a divine purpose and to come to families to learn how to be responsible and moral parts of society. So, having said that, I believe that because God defined marriage, we cannot try to change the defintion ourselves; and if we do, there will be dire consequences.
Let's start with the powers of procreation....they are the right of every married couple. Only a man and a woman together have the natural capacity to conceive children. This power is sacred and precious; "misuse of it undermines the institution of the family and thereby weakens the social fabric. Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations the moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization." (lds.org) What was that? Misuse of it UNDERMINES THE INSTITUTION OF THE FAMILY! So yes, my dear friends, sex (oops!) is fun...but that is exactly where society gets confused, thinking it should be a right to have whenever and with whomever they choose! It's a natural man kind of urge, unless it is kept within the bonds of marriage, and then it becomes something sacred (which it should always be, but society has changed that as well) ...two people in partnership with God to CREATE.

"Marriage is not primarily a contract between individuals to ratify their affections and provide for mutual obligations. Rather, marriage and family are vital instruments for rearing children" (lds.org)

So, we shouldn't play around with the powers of procreation. And two women or two men cannot create what a man and a woman together can. You may argue that what they are doing doesn't or won't hurt you, so who cares if they call it marriage or not...well, if the family is divinely designed, and if procreation is sacred and divinely instituted, and if we are made in the image of God, with an express purpose to fulfill...then how can it NOT hurt society?

"Every child on this Earth has the right to know and be cared for by the two parents who brought them into this world." Granted, this doesn't always happen in our society with divorce and whatever else, but you can find a lot of articles showing that children who are raised in a home with a MOTHER AND FATHER who love each other and the child, almost always has healthier development in all areas of life; and that divorce (and, I would argue, gay marriage), can be very damaging to a child's self esteem and well-being. Family structure matters for children, AND “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”(Proclamation) Do you believe this, or not? If the parents don't model correctly the way we are intended to be it causes confusion and children will not understand who they are…what their roles are. "Gender differences increasingly are dismissed as trivial, irrelevant, or transient, thus undermining God’s purpose in creating both men and women." (lds.org) If gay marriage is allowed, children WILL be brought into it, and I DO believe that children have a right to be born into homes where marriage is clearly defined...otherwise they WILL be confused about who they are and unhappiness will prevail, as will depression. Can you see how this would be the beginning of the breakdown of our society? Children coming to Earth, living in same-sex homes, where (even if they love each other and their children....because I'm not saying they wouldn't) the children would be taught that it's ok to live a life contrary to that which he/she is here for (contrary to their nature), leading to confusion and unhappiness, loss of morals, and loss of identity. The breakdown of the family unit is the breakdown of society...they are inseparable.
Now, if gay couples want to live together, that's their right...their right to choose, but when you bring marriage and children into the equation, it takes away the rights of the child...to know who they are and that they have a divine role to fulfill. This quote by Dallin H. Oaks clearly indicates this concept:

"While it may be true that allowing single-sex unions will not immediately and directly affect all existing marriages, the real question is how it will affect society as a whole over time, including the rising generation and future generations. The experience of the few European countries that already have legalized same-sex marriage suggests that any dilution of the traditional definition of marriage will further erode the already weakened stability of marriages and family generally. Adopting same-sex marriage compromises the traditional concept of marriage, with harmful consequences for society."

We do it for the protection of future generations...that's why we are sticking up for this, fighting for it. To protect our future generations. "Strong, stable families, headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of civilized society."(lds.org)

The other thing I wanted to address was having homosexual marriage taught in the classroom. I personally don't want my children to be taught about sex and marriage from some school nurse who tells them that marriage can be between any two people who love each other. Parents should have the right to teach their children how they see fit, and as far as something this serious goes, I want full control. AND, if homo- and hetero-sexual relations are considered equal, then my children would have to learn equally about them in school (because everything has to be equal nowadays) and I don't want my children learning about homosexual sex. I'm not judgmental (and yes, I realize you may disagree with me on that point, but just wait) I just don't want my kids to learn about that kind of stuff from someone who doesn't share my values. That's MY right.

Next, to quote my good friend, if I may, "Ye shall know them by their fruits ... the fruits of Prop 8 have been hateful judgement from BOTH sides." Yes, they have...and I don't agree with the hatred that comes from judging, no matter which side of the line you stand on. I too, want to teach my children that love IS good, no matter who gives or receives it....but I don't want them to think that just because love is good, it can or should be shared in an intimate way with anybody. I will teach my children the divine purpose and roles of us as God's children, but I will also try to teach them to love others and not judge unrighteously; and I will love my children even when I don't like their choices. I feel sorry for those who feel that gay people are evil, terrible people. I do not think this at all. I truly believe in the "love the sinner, hate the sin" concept. I try to see the value in all people and what they have to offer...because we all have talents and things to share with each other. I can love a person and not approve of what they do. Heavenly Father does it all the time. Having said this, being tolerant and accepting everything about a person are totally different things. But today’s political definition insists that unless one accepts the sin he doesn't tolerate the sinner. Here is a quote by Elder Oaks again that adds to this:

"Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that “tolerance” demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for “tolerance” advocates a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior taught a much higher concept, that of love. “Love thy neighbor,” He admonished. Jesus loved the sinner even while decrying the sin, as evidenced in the case of the woman taken in adultery: treating her kindly, but exhorting her to “sin no more.” Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another, not “tolerating” transgression."

This is part of an article I read online that I felt expressed it better than I could ever say it, so here's the quote:

"The liberal philosopher Isaiah Berlin famously argued that, in many cases, the real conflict we face is not good versus bad but good versus good. Reducing homophobia is good. Protecting the birthright of the child is good. How should we reason together as a society when these two good things conflict? Here is my reasoning. I reject homophobia and believe in the equal dignity of gay and lesbian love. Because I also believe with all my heart in the right of the child to the mother and father who made her, I believe that we as a society should seek to maintain and to strengthen the only human institution -- marriage -- that is specifically intended to safeguard that right and make it real for our children. Legalized same-sex marriage almost certainly benefits those same-sex couples who choose to marry, as well as the children being raised in those homes. But changing the meaning of marriage to accommodate homosexual orientation further and perhaps definitively undermines for all of us the very thing -- the gift, the birthright -- that is marriage's most distinctive contribution to human society. That's a change that, in the final analysis, I cannot support. " (David Blankenhorn)

I agree with most of what he is saying. I am not homophobic...I'm not completely comfortable with it, but I'm not homophobic. And I do believe that because we have our free agency, people should be able to choose how to live their lives. But not when it will lead to the breakdown of our society. Plus, if the governmant is allowed to redefine marriage, what other rights will that give it? This next quote is so interesting to me....

"The walls of a home provide a defense against detrimental social influences and the sometimes overreaching powers of government. In the absence of abuse or neglect, government does not have the right to intervene in the rearing and moral education of children in the home. Strong families are thus vital for political freedom. But when governments presume to redefine the nature of marriage, issuing regulations to ensure public acceptance of non-traditional unions, they have moved a step closer to intervening in the sacred sphere of domestic life. The consequences of crossing this line are many and unpredictable, but likely would include an increase in the power and reach of the state toward whatever ends it seeks to pursue." (lds.org)

Wow...that is a powerful statement. But it's a whole other direction that I don't really want to go in, I just thought it was another way to show why we need to fight for the definition of marriage to remain as it is.

Lastly (yes, it's going to end), I have to say that I do not feel that gay people are born that way....why? Because of all that we know about who we are and why God created us, I cannot understand why we would be sent here to become something we never were to begin with. God created us with purpose...we KNOW this. We KNOW we are divine, and created in His image. We all have different challenges and trials....who knows why some struggle with these feelings. I don't understand it, but I do understand and believe that they can overcome it, just as one can overcome depression or illness, with help. Dallin H. Oaks said:

“Most of us are born with [or develop] thorns in the flesh, some more visible, some more serious than others. We all seem to have susceptibilities to one disorder or another, but whatever our susceptibilities, we have the will and the power to control our thoughts and our actions. This must be so. God has said that he holds us accountable for what we do and what we think, so our thoughts and actions must be controllable by our agency. Once we have reached the age or condition of accountability, the claim ‘I was born that way’ does not excuse actions or thoughts that fail to conform to the commandments of God. We need to learn how to live so that a weakness that is mortal will not prevent us from achieving the goal that is eternal." (Keep in mind that he is referring to the gay/lesbian concept, not other things beyond our control.)

Mortal weakness...we all have it...just differently from one another. Yes, I know the word conform is in this quote....no one seems to like conforming these days. But conforming to God's commandments is essential to our salvation. And God doesn't tell us we HAVE TO, just that to be happy, we SHOULD. Just like when the seat belt light goes on in the airplane....you put on the belt because you trust that someone who knows more than you knows something about why you should wear your seat belt...that something could happen that would cause you harm. It's the same with the commandments. Heavenly Father doesn't take away your right to choose just because He gives you commandments. And you don't give up your right to choose by putting on the belt (obeying the commandments)...you choose to know that Heavenly Father gives us these rules (or guidelines) because He knows better than us how we can be happy and how we can avoid confusion and hopelessness in this crazy world. I need to say that I believe in the family unit....I believe that gay marriage would eventually cause the breakdown of society, confusion, and heartbreak. I understand why they want rights and why they want to be recognized as couples. Fighting against gay marriage, for ME, is not because of hatred or intolerance, but because I believe it is fundamentally wrong. And I cannot justify it when I know what the outcome would be. Read The Proclamation of the Family; WHY do you think the prophet and apostles (or God, for that matter) sent it out into the world? BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE FORCES OF SATAN WOULD BEGIN TO TRY TO BREAK DOWN THE FAMILY STRUCTURE. God knows all things...He is a loving God; I don't and never have seen Him as a God who's always yelling "Fire and Damnation!" He loves us, despite our sins and despite our faults. And yes, there will always be people full of hate and contempt...even some of us "Mormons", but that is not the way of the Lord, and it's not the way He wants us to treat each other. This is a bit cheesy, but I think of the spirits that are still waiting to come to Earth. I would want people, the Church, whoever, to fight for my right to be born into a world that clearly defines our divine roles as men and women, because it DOES matter. I truly believe that the Church has a right to fight for the definition of marriage to remain as it is and always has been. If we believe this is a church of modern revelation, we should then believe that the prophets and apostles know why it is they are fighting this battle. I intend on fighting it too...I feel that there will be more and more issues where the lines are easily blurred. Society doesn't see in black and white; the choices aren't always easy to make. Sometimes it's about making the better choice, even when neither choice is all that great (i.e.-Obama vs. McCain). I know that God will speak to us through his prophets, and through the scriptures; and help us to know which side He wants us to stand on.

To my wonderful friends, I truly respect your opinions and feelings; and I hope I haven't caused any offense. And to those of you who stuck it out and read to the very end....thanks. :) I promise I won't turn this into a habit.

Where I got my info from: The Divine Institution of Marriage, lds.org Same Gender Attraction, by Dallin H. Oaks
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-blankenhorn19-2008sep19,0,2093869.story

Who We Are...and What We Can Become

I'm about to be a bit cliche ( I know it and I choose to do it anyway), but I need to express my feelings about some of the things I gleaned from conference. President Uchtdorf's talk at the Relief Society broadcast was so inspiring that I have been pondering it for a while and I wanted to get my thoughts out. What impressed me so much was his desire for us to know who we are as women in the church and what our purpose is on earth.

"Our birthright-and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth-is to seek and experience eternal happiness."

When things in life are hard, happiness sometimes seems so far from what we could ever feel. But when we think about WHO we are...it changes everything.

"You might say, 'I'm not the creative type'....If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of THE MOST CREATIVE Being in the universe. Isn't it remarkable to think that your spirits are fashioned by an ENDLESSLY CREATIVE and ETERNALLY COMPASSIONATE God? Think about it-your spirit is a MASTERPIECE, created with a beauty, function, and capacity BEYOND IMAGINATION."

I agree with President Uchtdorf that I, as a woman, often "undervalue [my] abilities...[and] focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who [I] really [am]." I am too hard on myself...I see all my faults before ever finding a positive. But how can I read that passage and not be in awe of who I am? I was created by the "most creative Being in the universe"! How can I not have talents and compassion to share when that is where I came from? We are only ordinary if we allow ourselves to think in ordinary ways. Heavenly Father doesn't think us ordinary...and He didn't create us to be ordinary. What is so great is that we are all different...with different talents to share. I always felt I was inadequate because I didn't have an outstanding talent...like singing, or playing an instrument, or being good at sports; but I've come to realize that not all talents can be seen from the outside. Many come from within.

"...the Savior, who, THOUGH A KING, did not seek position, NOR WAS HE CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER OTHERS NOTICED HIM. He did not bother to compete with others. His thoughts were ALWAYS TUNED TO HELP OTHERS. He taught, healed, conversed and LISTENED to others. He knew that GREATNESS HAD LITTLE TO DO WITH OUTWARD SIGNS of prosperity or position. He taught and lived by this doctrine: "He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.'"

There's no denying that we all long to be noticed...to feel that we belong, but the Savior was too busy worrying about what others were feeling to ever worry about Himself. I never really thought about it that way before. President Uchtdorf said that when we "IMMERSE" ourselves in service, God will encircle us in the arms of His love. I know that is true. I often, selfishly, feel that I have nothing to contribute or that I am alone. So I've learned from this that I need to step up and be the woman God needs me to be. I need to look at my talents and try to strengthen them instead of put them down. I need to remember that I am a DAUGHTER OF GOD, and that I share some of His traits....His creativity and compassion...and that I can use them to help those around me.

"In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair: let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers."

How bad I would feel to know that because I was only looking inward, I did not see the need of someone who was worse off than me. I am grateful for how much I am loved by my Heavenly Father; I'm grateful to know that I am His daughter, and that I can return to live with Him someday.

(Thanks for indulging me!)

Awesome fun

Lots has happened in the last few weeks! I did a wedding, hosted a baby shower, took one of my kids for stitches, and a million other things that basically just make up a crazy, normal life. Today we were shopping in a random aisle when Sam caught sight of something "awesome". There were these little wooden cars in the craft section that he had to have, and since they were only $.88, I figured it would be a good craft project. So we brought some home to paint. The pictures didn't turn out too well, but Charlie was getting into trouble (as you can see) and I had to hurry! Sam had SO much fun painting. I think he put 30 coats on, and now the wheels don't turn, so he decided that the one I painted is actually his and I could have his dripping wet one. Ah, Sam, I love you so....

I have one more thing I have to share...it was very windy out today, so after getting back into the car, Sam says, "Whew, it was so windy it blew my handsome-ness away!" I laughed a long time about that one.

Oh, and yes...his hair is green...he's practicing for Halloween

"Scientist in the house!!!"

Okay, so I'm the kind of person who doesn't really let my kids watch a lot of TV. It's not that I hate it, I just think that half of the shows out there are nothing but mind numbing cartoons where all they do is act stupid and call each other idiots (example: Disney's Cars). Don't get me wrong, my kids have watched these shows and there are times when we all need to unwind and enjoy ourselves, but I've found myself wishing for more educational shows that would teach important lessons instead of just providing entertainment. It can't be that hard, right? Enter "Sid, the Science Kid", a new show on PBS for 3-6 year olds (made by Jim Henson), that teaches great things while making it fun. Basically it encourages kids to explore science in everyday settings...they do things like observe, compare and contrast. They teach about measurements, heat, transformation, reversible change, growth, textures, and more. It might sound like a lot for a three year old, but Sam has caught on quickly, and we've been doing all sorts of science projects around the house. This is one of our favorites so far: http://pbskids.org/sid/parentsandteachers/activities.html?frozenFruit. Kudos to PBS for this great new show that allows our kids to gain knowledge and have fun at the same time!

Precious Moments

Watching my kids playing together, I was suddenly amazed at how old they're getting. How does time get away from us so quickly? My baby isn't a baby anymore....at 18 months he's big enough to look like a two-and-a-half year old, with his own opinions; he knows exactly what he wants. He says big words, like "blueberry", "hamburger", and "alligator"...and he even sings Mama Mia (you know, that old Abba song?). I don't know where the time went...it feels like yesterday that the doctor handed him to me and I realized I now had two children instead of one , thinking "how am I going to do this?". I'm constantly trying to remind myself that this is time I'll never get back...that when they are terrorizing my newly cleaned house, or throwing a tantrum with screams that may eventually cause deafness in my old age, that this is all the time I have with them. And I know I'll always miss how they run to my bed in the morning (even at 6am) and shower me with kisses and hugs saying "Let's go eat breakfast, Mom!", or sitting at the breakfast table with their hair all messy, dripping oatmeal all over themselves talking about how we want to spend our day together. These are the most precious moments life has to offer us...and though they may be some of the toughest, I know I wouldn't trade them for anything.

FALLing into Autumn

I love, love, LOVE, the Fall. It's my favorite time of year....I love the crisp air, the changing leaves, and the fruit stands that pop up everywhere! To me, Fall is a time for long walks through crunchy leaves, big soft, cozy sweatshirts, and homemade apple pie.

Yesterday we bought a box of honey crisp apples (if you haven't tried them yet, you're missing out) and a box of peaches to make peach freezer jam...which of course necessitates the need for homemade bread to put the lovely peach jam on....it doesn't get much better than that.

LAGOON...it's what fun is

We had our yearly trip to Lagoon as part of Jason's summer work party....so off we went. Since this is one of Sam's favorite places (he can often be heard saying, "Hey, I know, let's go to Lagoon!"), we could hardly pass up the chance to drive the 2 HOURS it took to get there during rush hour traffic. The things we do for our kids....but the smiles on their faces say it all; and, we did get in for free. Can't beat that! (Ironically, in the other room I just heard Sam say, "Lagoon is REALLY fun!")

They thought they were SO cool...riding off in their own little car!

Sweet Sayings:

I was cutting onions the other day and Sam's eyes started to water. In a surprised voice, he said, "Mom, there's juice in my eyes!"

It's so fun to listen to what your kids are thinking. The other night I put Sam to bed and was in my room when I heard him call out, "Mom, come here, I need to show you something!" He was standing on his bed staring out the window at the moon. He said "The moon has holes in it!" I asked him who he thought made those holes..."I don't know, somebody just digged them!" Well, how did they get up there, I asked..."They climbed up the mountain and just jumped right on."

Gotta love it!

Family Dinner at Grandma's

Every Sunday when I was young we had dinner at my grandma's. We celebrated every birthday, anniversary, and holiday together. I remember walking in the front door to the smells and sounds of my grandma's house, where everyone was always welcome. She always let me help set the table with her nice dishes and fancy silverware. I still remember the smell of the velvet lined drawers in the hutch, the green shag carpet in the dining room, and the long table that held all of our family. Some of my very best memories are of those times. I have really missed that....but now with my brother here, I have family close by that I can start those traditions with, memories I can begin to build for my children. I don't think there's anything more special I can give them than memories of a loving family building bonds that will last forever.

ODE to a sister-in-law

Did you know that the definition of an "ode" is: a kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing and often expresses deep emotion? I didn't, but now I do....and if anyone deserves it, it's my sister-in-law, Nicole. Here goes (and please remember, I'm NOT a poet):

Someone who loves me and helps me with all,

the things that I do whether big or small.

Generous, funny, amazing, and kind,

my brother was lucky this beauty to find.

A place in the hearts of my kids she did make,

we'll love her forever, a bond that won't break.

Thank you , Nicole, for your warm, loving heart,

for all that you gave us, right from the start.

A special place in our family you have, don't you see?

I'm grateful for all that you've done for me.

Trip to Chicago

So here's a little recap of our trip.....

*driving all night, crabby kids, spending time with Grammy and Papa, COUSINS!, children's garden at the Morton Arboretum, parks!, splash pad, finding bugs in the backyard...lots of bugs, tears over a ruined sunflower broken by two mischievious kids, picking up Lincoln Logs...again and again and again, Chicago pizza, time with NaNa and TaTa, crabby kids, canoeing/swimming in the lake, driving Grandpa's mint green Thunderbird convertible, Portillo's, five kids under six , boat ride on Lake Michigan, crabby kids, holding new baby Austin, a bath in Nana's jacuzzi, missing Daddy, walking down Michigan Ave, happy kids, visiting the Lego store, sand box in the backyard, the Old Graue Mill, dressing up like pioneers, sword fighting, Steve's INCREDIBLE pasta, jumping on the trampoline at Aunt Lucy's, being with people we love love love, Nauvoo on a very rainy day, swimming in the hotel pool, getting the truckers to honk, Aunt Nicole headbanging, Sam singing Mama Mia, getting back to our Dad......

That pretty much sums it up! Thanks to my mom and dad for everything they did to make our trip lots of fun...and to everyone for being patient with our chaos....and to Spencer and Jay who were the very best of friends....we love you guys!

Crazy

So I just might be crazy....I'm taking a road trip to Chicago with my kids...yes, that's right...I'm driving, with my kids, in the car, 1500 miles. I really do love road trips. I love to watch the country change as I go, I love the smell of the air, the beautiful farms in the midwest, the sunrise (and the sunset), and I love how you can see for miles in every direction. So, here's to craziness....and to going home.

I caught this picture driving home the other night...Sam was so excited to see a rainbow. He said we should drive until we got there, and it's too bad we can't really do that. It would be so fun.

Reunion

I love family reunions! You get to see all your cousins you haven't seen in years and you know everyone is commenting on how much weight you've gained during the last year....just kidding, well...not really. I can say that I had a lot of fun, but my kids....I think it was the highlight of the year! For any of you who know Sam, he LOVES cars....I mean, LOVES them. His universe revolves around them. So we're eating dinner and we hear this "Vrroooommmm" sound; Sam stands up, reminding me a little of a dog, ears raised, who knows something exciting is about to happen. Then from around the corner comes this ride-on four wheeler and he says "MOM! What is that?" Needless to say, dinner was forgotten and I didn't see him for over an hour. It was heaven on earth. He also jumped endlessly on the trampoline. Did you ever see such a happy face? Meanwhile, Charlie, who is extremely shy, went and sat on all the men's laps! I don't know why, but he likes to be one of the guys. He doesn't want anything to do with the women...weird, but ok, whatever! Uncle Tim was his favorite! Lucky for me, they got so worn out they were asleep the second their heads hit the pillow...I love nights like that.