Sunday Stew...back by popular demand!

YES!! It seems many of you have been having a hankering for some stew...and I aim to please! This is quite the random recipe, so hold on to your spoons.

We are doing a little redecorating in our front room/ dining room, and currently it looks like this!

And this is the view of the front door and stairs. No, we cannot answer the door. Yes, we can go upstairs, but only if you crawl on hands and knees through a maze of plastic. It is making for some interesting moments. Hopefully all will be finished tomorrow and we can start putting the room back together!

The kids have been in swim team for the last few weeks and are doing really well. It is tough, and sometimes they complain, but I love that it gets them up and moving every morning.

I'm REALLY late on posting about the end of the school year. The last day of school here was May 22nd. Jack had a cute little graduation ceremony from Kindergarten. He's so cute!

Here he is with his WONDERFUL teacher Mrs. Peluso. She just loved Jack and it made me so happy to know that they had a special connection.

This is Jack with the cutest little girl from his class Ava. I think they like each other. (the wind was really blowing...I did comb his hair for the graduation ceremony)

Here is Jack with his buddy Johnathan. He is such a cute kid and really liked Jack. Whenever I was at the school I could tell Johnathan wanted to be around Jack. It makes me happy to know that he is a kid that other kids want to be friends with.

I know this is totally random, but I was so shocked I just had to take a picture. This was taken with my cell phone (quite discretely I must say). I was in the UPS Store to mail some things and while I was waiting I noticed this lady making copies. Then I realized she was wearing some sort of Transformer underoos (or something like that) as REAL SHORTS?! OH, an here is the kicker...she was like 50 or something! Just zoom in and you'll see the full nature of the outfit...unreal!

Paul was able a week or so ago to head up to SLC and attend the graduation of his little brother Dave from medical school and the University of Utah. Dave is one amazing kid and we are so proud of him. He and his wife Ashley and daughter Anna will be heading off to North Carolina for a residency in plastic surgery. Paul was able to go visit the grave sites of his grandparents while he was there. He took the above picture with his cell phone. I just LOVE the mountains up there. It made me a little homesick.

It is our off year for birthday parties, but we still do a birthday dinner. Ella wanted to go to Paradise Bakery for hers and we met her cousins there. Her cute friend Macy was able to come too and we were thrilled to have her around again. (she moved at Christmas time) I'm not so sure where they get these poses from, but they were cracking us up!

Her is a picture of Jack trying to pretend that he LOVES swim team!!

Two of the cutest little 7-8 year old swimmers on earth. This is Ella with her darling cousin Lauren.

Woodinville, WA

Paul and I were able to take a quick (36 hour) trip to Seattle, WA this weekend. He had a quick conference on Saturday and I tagged along. I was really sad that we didn't have more time because I really enjoyed the one day I had there. We were actually in Woodinville, WA just North of Seattle. We stayed in the Willows Lodge (pictured above). It was cool (58 degrees or so) but SO SO lush and beautiful. Here are some thoughts I had while walking around by my self Saturday morning:

• As social as I am, I really like to be alone.
• I love to visit new and different places.
• I could live anywhere...I really think I could.
• I have been blessed to be able to see beauty in any environment.
• I love to watch people and see how they live their lives.
• Green is a magnificent color.
• I am BLESSED!!!

I have a really REALLY busy week coming up, so hopefully there will be some fresh new ingredients for some stew next week!

San Diego-2008

So, a few weeks ago we went to San Diego with just our little family. Paul was meeting with a supplier in Carlsbad, so we turned it into an "end of the school year vacation"!! We had THE BEST TIME!!! Oh, and I LOVE Carlsbad. Seriously, Paul and I may just have to retire there. I just have to document about a toy store there that we went to. It was right by the Panera Bread where we had dinner. It is called Geppetto's. The kids were in there for over an hour playing and discovering. Max even came up to me and said, "Mom, they should call this store Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium." It was such a fun hands on store that had such great creative toys. We wish we had one here. By the way...I hate Toys R Us. Now, back to the trip...

I highly recommend everyone go on a vacation with just your family. It's so great to go with cousins, other extended family members, and even friends...but there is something about having that family bonding time. Our attention was only on each other. I LOVED not having the distractions of home and regular life and truly relished in giving the kids my full attention. It gave me a chance to realize that without all the distractions I'm a pretty good mom. I used to think that when I had only two kids. Ever since we had three my parenting has just gone downhill. It was fun to be able to see the glimpses of the capable happy mother I once was and always thought I would be. So, here are the highlights of the trip!

The kids were nervous at first to try the "Journey to Atlantis" ride at Sea World, but ended up going on it about 10 times!! I LOVE my telephoto lens and the priceless images it catches!! You really have to click on the above photos...they are hilarious! I need to remind Paul to really zoom in!

Our kids are still at really good ages for Legoland. They don't love big scary rides much either, so it's perfect. You can do it easily in one day, and it has fun for even the little kids!

This pirate ship ride was a favorite. Max had the time of his life squirting unsuspecting onlookers.

Nora really did have a great time, and caught a few zzzzz's when she could.

These kids have the best Dad in the world and loved having him all to themselves. When we got home it was major trauma when Daddy had to go back to work. We LOVE having him around. Thanks for a great trip Paul, I'm so glad we have such a great little family. I love you!

Funny thing...

So, you know that little ukulele video I posted down below? Well, it turns out those guys live just a hop, skip, and jump away from me and teach my cousin's boys?!!! How did I not know this? So, here is a little video of one of my cousin's boys (Smith) singing with two others. He is the one in the middle that sings first. How cool is this?

I'm totally bummed now that they are leaving on missions and can't help be brush up on my Ukulele skills. Maybe when they come home!!

Ella is Eight!!

Well, my oldest child reaches the age of accountability today!! I cannot believe it!! Did I really have her 8 years ago? Where did that time go? I am so so blessed to be her mother. You will have to forgive this post as I will be going on and on about how wonderful this girl is. Here it goes!

Exactly one week ago was the last day of school. They let all the kids whose birthday's were during the summer break bring in treats to celebrate. I was dropping off the Krispy Kreme (yes, they just opened it back up) doughnuts to her class as the teacher was giving out class awards. She had me stay and they "rewind-ed" a little because she had just given an award to Ella. So she did it again for my benefit.

Ella received the "Friendliest Girl" award. I was not surprised, but how the teacher went on and on about her did surprise me. She said that Ella really was friends with everyone and had never talked badly about anyone. The teacher went on to say that Ella always made everyone feel included and never had fights with others. She said so much more, but I was a mess after just the first sentence. I must say that I could not have been more proud if she had been asked to skip two grades. I made sure to tell her that getting academic awards is a great thing, but that how you treat people is much more important. I'm glad I'm not the only one who notices what a sweetheart she is.

It's funny because I have told Paul many times in the last year or so that Ella reminds me so much of his sister and one of my best friends, Jenny. Boy am I glad that she got some of that! Jenny is one of the most genuine, loving, fun, and humble people I know. Jenny doesn't have a mean, manipulative, or malicious bone in her body. It wouldn't even enter her mind to do, say, or participate in anything unkind. Ella is A LOT the same way. Actually there have been a couple of times that Ella hasn't even realized that someone has done something mean to her because it is so far off her radar that it doesn't compute. This trait also rolls over into her being quick to forgive. She really does forgive and FORGET! I love how she can get over things and move on.

When we were in San Diego last week (post coming about all that fun) we went to Sea World. Ella said that for her birthday she wanted to swim with the dolphins. We decided to let her go for it, and boy am I glad we did. It was AWESOME!! It was even better than I thought and we had a perfect shot to see the whole thing. I am going to do it next time we go. It was amazing. Tell me if you think she was having fun? (click pictures to enlarge)

Ella is the BEST big sister. She really looks after her siblings and is always so willing to share, or give up things for them. I love how she wants to be with me and help me with things. I hope that lasts a little longer.

Ella is the perfect combination (in my humble opinion) of a tomboy and girly girl. She can have fun with a bunch of girls, or a bunch of boys. She really holds her own well in all situations and doesn't get too caught up in drama. I've always wanted to make sure that my kids weren't "followers". I've witnessed many times Ella's great balance in this area. She is often willing to let friends have their way on a choice of games to play, but she always states her opinions in a nice way and stands up for herself. Oh, and you should see this girl play basketball!!

I really could go on and on, but you get the idea. Ella is just a great girl all around and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her in our family. She teaches me so much everyday. I love you with all my heart Ella Belle!! Have a GREAT day!!

Thoughts from Women's Conference...and life.

These guys right here are what it's all really about. Aren't they great?!

Of course now that it has been a few weeks since Women's Conference I don't have as much to say about it as I would have. Perhaps that is a good thing. I had a great time and definitely came away feeling energized and like I had things that I could really improve.

Many times I get bogged down by all the things I "should" be doing with/for my family. There are so many good activities, traditions, projects, etc. I start to get overwhelmed with the time and energy it takes to actually put many of these things into action. The biggest blessing to me about the conference this year was that I felt like I came away with just one main thing to work on.

After attending many great classes and getting good ideas, it struck me that there was a common thread throughout most of them. Many speakers talked about how having the spirit in your home is so important. It made me think about how true that is. If I can try with everything I'm doing, to create an atmosphere where the spirit can dwell, then that is the best thing I can be doing at that moment. I firmly believe that most people don't remember details of how things were put together, decorated, planned and executed. I think most people just remember how they felt. I'm hoping to make my home a place where the spirit is felt often.

In doing this I am also hoping that I can help my kids recognize that spirit so that they can take it with them when they are at school, playing, and other activities, and use it to help them make good choices. I also believe that if I can have the spirit present more often in my life then I will be guided to which of the activities, projects, and traditions are important for MY family. I can't do it all, all the time. The Lord knows what my family needs and I believe He will guide me to those things that are of most worth.

It was seriously so liberating to come to this realization. Yes, it would be great to have perfectly planned and executed Family Home Evenings every week. Yes it would be great to have coordinated family scripture study every morning together. Yes it would be great to have everything planned out just so EVERY DAY. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. Now I know that IT'S OK!!! Instead of having a million things I want our family to work on I now just have one. BRING THE SPIRIT INTO OUR HOME AND LIVES.

I have been so much better at slowing down and listening to the kids. I have been enjoying them and our daily lives so much more. I have realized that no one wins in the rat race of life. I am drawn again and again to two of my favorite books that teach just that. Gift From The Sea, and Mitten Strings For God. I know you regular readers of this blog are sick of hearing about them, but they really speak to me. I highly recommend them.

I now have this sudden urge to purge everything in my life that isn't important. I'm not just talking about activities, but also about THINGS! I would love to go through every drawer and closet and seriously clean out. I want to live simply and not in excess. I want to have less. Things clutter our lives and we get too caught up in them. I am determined to scale back on what I own, buy, and store. I truly think that will help bring me closer to the spirit and what the Lord has in mind for me.

I had one of the most precious moments so far in my calling in the Primary today. We have a handful of children with special needs. Some more severe than others. There is one girl in particular who has captured my heart. She has Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome and is 10 years old. She does not speak with words, but her spirit is very strong. She loves music and has been my buddy ever since one activity where I let her be in charge of starting and stopping the music for musical chairs.

She has never been able to give a talk, scripture, or prayer in primary because of her disabilities. Today that all changed. She has been using a new computer that allows her to choose words from a screen and communicate. She gave the closing prayer in Primary today and the whole room was filled with the spirit. She got up with her mom who stood next to her with the computer and she touched the screen choosing exactly what to say. I was overwhelmed with the spirit from the beginning, but lost all composure when she said in the prayer TWICE that she was grateful for singing time. There was no doubt to anyone at that time that SHE was giving that prayer. It may not have been her voice, but it was her words. I am so grateful that my kids along with the other children in primary are able to interact with such a choice spirit. It allows them to learn compassion and service. We are so blessed.

Thanks for letting me get my thoughts out in this forum. It was a little disjointed, but putting my thoughts down often solidifies my feelings and determination. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that teaches the principles of happiness. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that gives us guidance through others. I know that even though the church is run by men/women that aren't perfect, that the gospel is. I have to remind myself that we are all human and things aren't' always done/said/presented perfectly in the church. Like I said, we are human beings on the road to becoming better. I'm grateful for those who forgive my imperfections and don't negatively judge my beliefs because of some of my faults. Most of all I am grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who loves all of us and sacrificed for all.

Something to tide you over!

I'm sure most of you don't care, but I have had a few friends email to see why I haven't been posting...especially when I have promised to do so. Well my friends, it has been a crazy busy couple of weeks, and there is not much of an end in sight. Besides, our computer was in the shop for a few days, we got if back for a few days, then Nora decided to put safety pins in the disk drive. So, it's been back in the shop for a few more days.

Thursday was the last day of school, and it seems like life is only busier now. Anyway, my friend Julie posted this on her blog and I loved it so much I decided to do the same. It makes me want to break out my Ukulele's! I have two of them and need to brush up on my skills that I learned in 5th grade...thanks Mrs. Pack!!

I don't know the story behind this, but they look like missionaries to me. Wouldn't it be great if every young man had desires like this?!! Enjoy...

I'm learning...

...to choose my battles.

BUMMER

I just found out that I didn't get a spot in the St. George Marathon. I am actually really bummed about it. I also feel really bad for all the people I convinced to join in a group with me. Not that it really is my fault that we didn't get in, but somehow I feel responsible. Maybe next year. Anyone up for the PF Chang's Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix in January?

Blogapalooza 2008

Last weekend I was able to head up to Utah and attend Women's Conference. It was so great and I will post about the conference tomorrow. On Thursday night I was able to attend Blogapalooza 2008 and meet a bunch of blogging friends. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! Of course I knew a few of the girls personally already, but there were a handful that I had only known through their blogs. Here is the whole group together. There were over 40 of us and it was such a blast. Everyone was so open and friendly. I didn't follow all of these people's blogs but there are a few I have added to my Google reader because of meeting them in person!!
This was SUCH a fun table. We were talking blog issues. There is (from my left) Anne Marie, Holly, Celia, Jessica, Jill, Sally, and Denae! I was so excited to meet these people!
Here I am with two of my faves...Jill and Denae.
This darling gal is Laurie (Tip Junkie, Executive Homemaker) and my Witch Switch partner. It was so great to meet her in real life and she is as adorable as can be. What style!Here I am with Jessica...my best friend I had never met! Now I can call her a real friend. She was even better in person and we stayed up until 1:00am talking in my car afterwards. I LOVE her.

Of course my camera battery died before I could get a picture with Mique, Celia, Paige, Ashli, and Shally. It was SO FUN to see you all and I can't wait for next year!!

Guess who's back...back again?

Oh yes!! We use this...and love it. I'm tellin' ya it's the best $$ you will spend!

After we found this...spread all over Nora's room, hair, carpet, crib, blankets, clothes, and walls when we thought she was sleeping...we realized it was time.

No, we don't have cows, just kids that often get chapped lips, sore bums, etc. It's the best stuff around...just not all over the above mentioned items.

So, let's just say don't leave the latter favorite item out without the former favorite item!

The evolution of Nora's swimming lessons

Nora Loves Swimming Lessons!!



Nora's not so sure about swimming Lessons!!



Nora HATES swimming lessons!!

Yes, I am laughing at her in the last video. I'm not heartless...just the mother of four kids who knows she is just fine.

I must say that this video was taken on day one. She is now on day five and did not cry AT ALL!! She goes straight to the instructor and jumps in by herself!! Tough love...gotta love it!

Joy School...my way!

A couple of months ago during snack time in Joy School, Max wanted to hear his favorite song. This is what we got...

I cannot explain my son's "moves" or whatever you call that. That's Max!!
*EDIT*
People have asked what song that is. It is Lollipop by MIKA. He's got a lot of fun stuff to dance to. He reminds me of Freddie Mercury (lead singer of QUEEN) Good stuff.

Nora's first Haircut

So, we went from a LONG mullett to... a shorter mullett!! This was a cute place and totally worth the price just for the keepsake photo and locket of hair alone. I usually cut all my kids hair, but this time I splurged. All my other kids hair from their first haircut is still in a ziploc with sharpie pen labeling the outside. Not half as cute as this!!

I scanned the whole thing in so you could see. If you can't tell by her face, here is how it all went...

"Like my "Flock of Seagulls doo?"- "What's going on here?"


"What are you doing to me" - "I have HAD IT!"


"You keep saying it will be pretty, but I DON'T CARE!"


"Wait...I get that?!" - "Still wasn't worth it."