8 + 4 days

This is a post I started the week before Christmas, because I knew I wouldn't get to it on Austin's birthday, better late than never.

Austin is officially 8. I was just talking to Dad about when he was helping us move to SC and he had Austin in the moving truck with him. All of a sudden, Austin opens the door like he wants to get out. Sure, Dad drives slow, but not that slow. In fact, if I recall, he hit the exit pretty fast to get Austin secured again in his seat. Such is the story of his life. Austin continues to take our breath away, or just plain scare the bajeebies out of us. Being his mom is a bit of a balancing act, but most of the time I'm just so thankful to be along for the ride.

Austin has been a little obsessed with anything camo lately, we were teasing him about ability to blend into the background so he took it up a notch and disguised himself as a cattail.

This is back in the day of Super Popper. Austin would put his socks on his hands and transform into Supper Popper. I can still hear his little voice telling me about flying around the universe and blasting off like a rocket.

Go, go, go....containment is not an option, my only goal is to keep him pointed in the right direction, cause there is no stopping this kid.

This was his first race. He didn't want to do it, so I was running with Eve and pushing him in the stroller, until we passed this old man who pointed to him and said, "You should be running." So he hopped out and ran the whole rest of the way.

It was so fun to see him yesterday as he was baptized, and for the last few months as he has been preparing for this. He's put a lot of serious thought into his decision, and has asked a lot of good questions. His thought process intrigues me and I know it's my job to keep him safe and teach him what's right, but the longer I do this "mom thing" the more I'm amazed by their ability to teach me and keep me pointed in the right direction. Good stuff.

Sweet Times

I feel like I've been a little out of the loop. We had a SWEET Christmas...busy, but it was a good busy and very enjoyable.

I've always wanted to do gingerbread houses, I think I even tried once with lousy drippy frosting and everything just slid off. We did one from a kit with Joe and Tawny one year, and that was fun, but I wanted to try it with real gingerbread. It worked out so well. My baking skills are hit and miss, but the gingerbread turned out perfect and my house smelled so good for at least two days. I did mini graham houses for the kids, because I had very little faith in my gingerbread making capabilities, and I wanted a backup. It was a lot of fun, and I loved how different each little house was. Next year I think we'll just all work on one big one...see if we can bring all our different styles together.

Bingham loved having everyone home to play with, and he did a pretty good job keeping up, but after a late afternoon hike he couldn't even make it to the couch, let alone his bed. He sat down on the kitchen rug, took off his shoes and fell asleep.

I love Christmas Break! Crazy....yes, but I love NOT sending my kids to school every morning. And the weather was perfect....everything from waterguns to snowmen...never a dull moment. I'm so glad we have a whole other week to kick back...who knows what it will bring.

I had to sneak this picture in. Austin has always been our climber...the kid can reach anything, but Bingham, he's all about jumping off everything. He has learned that the bunkbed is a little high for a comfortable landing (thank goodness) so I'm hoping his common sense is growing in porpotion to his desire to fly.

It was so great to have family here...and getting here was no easy task, we are so greatful for their sacrifice and braving the winter storms to be with us for Austin's baptism. I'm so proud of that kid. Believe it or not, he does have a serious side, and a strong desire to do what is right. On the way home after his baptism I asked him how he felt, if he felt any different. He said, "Well, yeah! I feel a lot different....everything feels different." I remember after my own baptism, falling asleep in the back of the van on the way home feeling so warm and completly at peace. It wasn't how I thought I would feel, but it was perfect all the same. As I was tucking him in, I told him he needed to write down his feelings before he forgot. He said, "I feel good, warm, clean, good, washed, just good." Not a kid of many words, but he's all heart.

COLD

If you haven't heard, it's COLD here. It's been cold here before, but it usually doesn't stick around this long. I know I have nothing to complain about since this is probably just the norm for most of my family and friends, so I'm not complaining, just commenting loudly about the weather.

I've been driving Phil to and from work since it hasn't warmed up enough to melt the ice off the roads and it's way too cold to be cruising on a motorcycle. I don't mind the extra travel time since it allows me to warm up twice a day; yep, my car is much warmer than my house.

The kids don't seem to mind too much since hot chocolate has become a necessity. When we're not drinking hot chocolate, we're fighting for a turn in the bathroom. Partly because of all the hot chocolate, and partly because it is by far the warmest room in the house.


Strangely, our chickens don't seem to mind much either, and one has even finally started to lay; of course by the time we get to it, it's frozen. I'm not sure if frozen eggs are edible, and since they usually burst open, only Angel knows. Speaking of Angel, she and Peace (our cat....what Christmasie names, I know) have taken over the underground floor of Austin's hut, I guess it's warmer than the dog house.

The cold has also made for some fun cozy nights around the Christmas tree, part of our "more excellent" Christmas plan. The kids look forward to doing this every night, which makes it less like me entertaining them and more like just wanting to be together. We even strung popcorn this year. I've never done this before, but I love how it looks on the tree. Everyone made a chain except for Bingham who made a mess, then made a bigger mess by plowing the spilled popcorn all over the living room with his bulldozer that has morphed into a snow plow; still, I think this tradition is a keeper.

Counting Blessings at Moab

I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. Our computer has been down, Phil has been working his tail off to get it fixed....I, on the other hand, don't have near enough patience so now we have a new laptop. Maybe I splurged a little, but it is only our second completely new computer since we've been married (and cost less than half of what our first one did), not bad for 13 years. We were able to decorate on my birthday...and that was my wish...and then it snowed, just to make it all complete. So here I am in my cozy home with my new computer, trying to catch up on some of my thoughts....I may be a while.

Thanksgiving was so perfect, just what we needed to weather the cold, dark winter. Lots of hiking, lots of family (more would have been better), and of course good food.

A thankful contribution to the graffiti wall in the Lazy Lizard Hostel. So grateful to those who can make anything pretty. That gene skipped me, but we were surrounded by so many who have a knack for the details.

The Delicate Arch took my breath away. I've seen millions of pictures of it, but there is no describing the whole setting.

Big hikes, little hikes, it began and ended with hikes. I never get tired of this. Too much is missed by just driving by or looking at pictures. You've got to get out in it, get a little dirty and stinky and explore all the ins and outs of creation.

This is a happy time. Yes, Bingham is getting to be a little big, but I'd rather tote him all day than worry about him falling behind or falling off a cliff....you may chuckle, but when panic takes hold and all you see is your kids tumbling down the rock....thank goodness that was all in my head.

I like this picture of Eve. For the most part, she would rather be reading a book, but when it comes to climbing high rocks than make her mom nervous, she is all game.

This is a view I didn't see very often, Austin below me. He was always so far ahead or up on some cliff, it was nice to catch up to him once in a while. On our first hike he kept coming back to warn me about slick spots or to throw an extra bolder in the stream so I could cross easier. So sweet, he takes good care of me.

My adorable masculine girlies. I overheard Joie ask Grandpa why everybody was raising their hands above their heads to pose for pictures. He had to explain that they were flexing their muscles and then he gave her some pointers on how to make it look more realistic....I think they look pretty tough, don't you?

I had to really jump on this moment with Soni since she was usually attached to Grandpa or Becky (both of who completely forget how to say the word "no" when Soni is around). Soni is still so tiny, but was quite a good little hiker; Dad and Becky were so good to give her a hand and keep her moving, oh yeah, can't for get Uncle Larry who providedher with more than one piggy back ride.

See, he really is a little angel (as Ben and Dylan draw horns above his head in the sand).

We had a great time balancing this rock on Eve's head.....told you she's a tuffy.

I have the most amazing nieces and nephews (this is just a few). They are a complete blast to be around....so many different kinds of funny. Such sweet little people too, they really looked out for each other, and I'm so happy to say that we didn't lose a single one of them off a cliff.

Too hard to describe the extent of beauty....just so thankful that I got to witness it.

Our first big hike (Negro Bill) was a little chilly for the little ones. This is a picture of Bingham after he had a chance to warm up in the sun.

This is before.

Seriously.....beauty everywhere you looked.

Talk about decorating a tree....

Not only is Larry good for piggyback rides, he's also good for holding up large boulders so Soni can get through.

I have to admit, this is one of my favorites. I still remember how it felt to have Dad's big hand wrapped around my own.....completely safe. So happy my kids get to experience that, um.... first hand :-)

While we were there, Dad asked us what our most memorable Thanksgiving was. Really there are so many. Two of those were when family made the trip down to Southern Utah while I was in school, a lot of family, a lot of hiking, and so much to be grateful for. The year we were able to spend with Joe and his family was pretty neat simply because we don't see them near enough. And the year we spent with Sarah and her family for the same reason.....not to mention the butt kickin' hike we did to The Walls of Jericho....can't forget that one.

I also remember a more quiet one, one a little more simple. It was after a hard year with Adrienne's fall and Dad getting sick. We were all gathered in the family room for a bit (I remember it was quiet, so obviously it was before my kids). Dad spoke about some of the experiences he had while he was sick. He spoke of being surrounded by such an amazing presence of peace and love that it was indescribable, and how that feeling can too easily be chased away by a contentious spirit. He challenged us to look closer at how we deal with each other and try to always do so lovingly. That has always stuck with me and I wouldn't trade that quiet moment for a hike to the moon. This morning we read this scripture.

"....by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way..." (Ether 12:11)

I love the phrase "a more excellent way." Our Savior offers so much more than just tinsel and lights. We talked a little about it this morning, and we've decided to make this Christmas a "more excellent" Christmas. I have a few ideas, but I would love some feedback or ideas from anyone who wants to share.

What does a "more excellent" Christmas look like for you?

Stuck at home blogging....

I'm home from church today with Bingham and Austin. I can't remember the last time I stayed home from church. Phil usually does the deed when we have kids sick, but now that he teaches the Gospel Doctrine class and I.....well, I guess I'm still trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing on Sunday since they moved me to Relief Society, so here I am.

Last weekend the primary took a trip to the temple. It was bright and sunny, especially for November. My kids even looked a little sunburned that night.

Phil went in while I stayed out to help with the kids, mainly Bingham. It was so fun getting to hang out with the primary again, man I miss those little guys. They took pictures of all the kids, and probably about 10 extra kids that were there waiting for a different primary to show up, they all fit right in. They went on a little tour around the temple and in the visitors center they stopped to talk about a few things. Austin spoke right up about being at the SLC temple the week before and even told about going through the Oquirrh Mountian temple this summer. Some of the things he talked about surprised me....details I didn't even think he would notice. Then on Sunday (during the sacrament, no less) Bingham told me all about the owies on Jesus' hands and how they're all better now. I'm so grateful for being surrounded by people who care enough to take time to help teach my kids, by word and example. I know it's my responsibility, but what a comfort to know I have some backup. (Gratitude list #6)

I could have followed these cute girlies around all day....so sweet.

Now on a completely different note......

Eve had a slumber party this weekend, and apparently Austin felt a little left out, but not for long. I swear that kid can fit in anywhere. Eve and her friends had a blast dressing him up, and I'm sorry to say, this was just the beginning.

He's such a ham, he didn't even care when his friend (finally) came over to play and caught him in the act, it just added to the show.

All in good fun, all in good fun.

Of course I'll keep track of these pictures....embarrassing my kids is just one of the services I offer.

I also posted on my other blog about a sweet little tree some of you may recognize.

Haloween Vacation

Halloween vacation?

Who takes a Halloween vacation?

Apparently, we do.

I know it was almost a week ago, but with birthdays, relief society craft night, tilling the garden, cleaning my house (after a week of no cleaning) and unpacking those darn bags.....whatever, here I am.

A speedy round trip through Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming isn't usually a good idea this time of year, but this one was totally worth it.

The roads were a bit messy at times, but luckily there was not a lot of traffic (all sane people stayed home) so we just took our time and enjoyed the scenery.

In the end, it only took us about an hour longer than usual. Did I mention the scenery? So beautiful.

We got to South Jordan just in time for Halloween party #1. The kids love to see their cousins and costumes only added to the fun. We had a nice family dinner with a few of Phil's brothers and sisters and a lovely discussion about the funding of public education....that'll heat things up.

The next day, Grandma and Phil took the kids swimming and then we went to temple square. It was such a good time. We've been many times before, but I think I spent most of my time chasing kids up and down the escalators (in fact, I remember when I was younger, being chased on those very escalators), but this time was different. The kids seemed to get it, and not just for a minute, but they were really reverent and interested in the pictures and stories. I love the interactive displays downstairs in the visitor's center (yes, there was a little escalator play then), we were able to spend a lot of time down there.

Then my favorite, always has been, is walking up to the large statue of Christ, I always feel the Spirit so strong here. I think I could just sit there for quite a while and just soak it all in. While we were there, there was another little family taking pictures of their kids in front of the statue. There was a little girl Soni's age and without even hesitation, Soni went up to her and gave her a flower to hold in her picture, cause every girl should have a flower to hold when getting her picture taken, and then when the picture was done the little girl gave it back, cause of course it wasn't to keep. So cute.




It was a little chilly outside, but we walked around to the reflection pool, and here's my reflective boy.....

.....or maybe he's just bored...hehe.

We really miss being close to family and it was so good to be there now, even if it was a short visit...this alone would have been worth the trip.

After lunch we zipped on up to Juniper for Halloween party #2. This party is always so fun....and just about the only party I'll dress up for. Phil's a scarecrow and I'm his crow. Eve's a mascaraed ball girl, Austin is an army dude, Soni is a Butterfly Girl (that's her own made up super hero) and Bingham is Superman; I tried to convince him to be Austin's grenade, but he had a stubborn two year old moment and wouldn't go for it.

Saturday, after all kind of kid juggling (THANK YOU, MELISSA), we hit the road to Twin Falls for reason this whole trip was planned in the first place. So happy Mike and Michelle shared this amazing moment with us, and I never get tired of being in the temple with my family.....there is more clarity and purpose to all of it, and I am so grateful for that time. Whenever we are able to meet like this, it always surprises me how obvious the holes are....those who couldn't make it were definitely missed.

That night we drove back to Juniper and got the kids for Halloween party #3. This was the first actual trick-or-treating we did (thank goodness) and the kids got loot! I got to take Bingham around this time and he was so funny. Everybody we passed that was dressed up he would point at and laugh a good belly laugh, like each time he was completely surprised that someone else was dressed up. It only took him about two cars to catch on to the game of asking politely for candy, he would even ask other kids that had full buckets for "trick-or-treat". So much fun, til Phil stole his popcorn ball....not the proudest Daddy moment, and in his defense, he did give it back.

We didn't get much time to be with Mom and Dad, so that night we stayed up a little late (a little celebration for the time change) talking. Bingham actually came and crawled up on my lap and told me he was ready for bed....then fell asleep...yep, I'm that kind of a mom.

Then, all that was left was the 11 hour drive home. I let the kids have free reign on their candy and after 10 1/2 hours Bingham slipped into a sugar coma and didn't even wake up when I changed his clothes and put him to bed. I think we're all acclimated to long road trips but the stretch through Wyoming can be a little long; then just when you think you'll keel over if you see one more pile of dirt, God rewards you with this. K, I know, the picture doesn't quite capture it, but my soul did.

A decade.

Half a score.

One tenth of a century.

Yep, that's my baby girl.

It's been a flyin' good time.

Ten years? Was it that long ago that I first saw her and couldn't stop my trembling arms from reaching out for her?



That I trained her to only sleep on me because I couldn't put her down....couldn't stop looking at her?

Now, hundreds of horses later,

always with style and flare,

and loads of fun

We celebrate today, and look forward to eternity...hehe...

Love you Eve, happy birthday!