I think I am ready to go on vacation. My mind is checking out and I still have a list of things that need to get done before we go out of town. I have 6 loads of laundry sitting on my couch waiting to be folded into suitcases. Presents that need to be wrapped. Gifts that I still haven't been able to find, and half finished Reindeer that I think I may have to give up on. (I'm deciding that toll painting may not be one of my talents.) Not to mention a house that could definitely use some attention. Oh, and a refrigerator we will have to unload before we leave, because it needs to be repaired and stops working every 6-7 days.
Christmas along with being a fun time of year, is also my craziest most stressful time of year. My friend made the comment to me a few weeks ago that she didn't understand why people were so stressed out at Christmas time. In her words she said, "I don't understand why Christmas seems to sneak up on people. It comes at the same time every year." I thought about that and realized that yes, she is right. But, for some reason, I either enjoy the craziness, or I can't function unless I am under an insane amount of stress.
In spite of it all I love that Christmas is about love. I am learning what it means to really love people, and even people you thought you already loved. I listen to teenage girls that I dance with and teach talk about being in love and I just have to laugh. I love that Christmas reminds us how to love and how to be more loving. (Even in times of stress and insanity)
In talking about learning things. . . . . I thought I would post the Christmas Letter I didn't send. I wrote two this year and ended up opting for the more humorous of the two. But hey, if your board I thought I would post the other one as well.
Christmas Letter #2
Do you ever have experiences in your life that seem to define your character, or shape your understanding of things? This year, if nothing else, has been full of “learning moments.”
Joey, now two, learned how to walk this year, then how to run, then how to throw things at his older brother. He also learned what time out was, and that talking isn’t as easy as it may seem.
Jake, who is three, learned that playing basketball is about more then just rolling around on the floor and throwing the ball randomly towards a basket. He also learned how to say, sound out and sign many of the letters of the alphabet.
Sara, now six, learned a little more about gardening as she helped plant all our new flowers and vegetables this last spring. She also got over a lot of her shyness as she performed in school, military, and dance productions.
Rebecca has been learning how to play the piano, and dance with num-chucks. She was baptized on her 8th birthday and given the gift of the Holy Ghost which she has learned is a great companion and comfort to have.
Chad discovered that the military does appreciate all his hard work as he was just awarded the ACC Clinical Excellence Award for 2007. He is also learning that having faith in the Lord is a blessing and that prayer has great power to help you feel at peace even in times of great stress and anxiety.
And lastly, I’ve learned that you can find happiness in the strangest of places and joy in the simplest of things. I’ve learned that love and hope are incredible gifts, offered to us by the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that Christmas is about a whole lot more then a birth. It’s about a life, and a death, and a promise of hope in life again with Him.
So I guess learning, although not always easy, is the part of life we ought to be most grateful for. Why? Because, it helps us to become a better version of who we are and hope to someday be. To all of you who have touched our lives, we thank you, not only for your friendship, but for the many lessons we have learned as a result of our associations with you. Merry Christmas, and may 2008 be a year of continued learning for all of us.
December 20, 2007
December 3, 2007
The Nutcracker at Bella Vista Arts Academy
Okay, so I am now returning to the land of the living now that the Nutcracker is over. Talk about drama. It's always interesting to go from being mildly involved in a school production to being there everyday and helping out with multiple numbers, and yet to still know that your opinion only slightly matters.
The day before the production, two numbers that I had choreographed got modified. The boy dancing in them had been injured and then I guess had a temper tantrum when they discussed the possibility of him not being able to perform. So in a rather hasty moment they cut the kid from the show completely. I spent the night pleading with the principal and dance director not to cut him when he had worked so hard for 9 weeks, but they didn't end up changing their mind.
On a happier note. Sara was one of the children in the party scene and looked absolutely darling. I was so proud of her. I attached some photos of her as well. She has really been working hard in her dance classes, and it showed.
Rebecca wasn't able to be in the Nutcracker. Her class is scheduled for the Spring Opera, so I will have to keep you posted on that in the future.
On a different note altogether, Chad has an interview in San Antonio Jan 4-5th for a spot as a resident in their Orthopedic Surgery program. We are really excited. Hope you are all enjoying the holidays.
November 15, 2007
Something about being in your 30s
Okay Ladies, Is there just something about being in your 30s that makes your whole body change? I mean here I am in my 20s and I never have a problem loosing an unwanted 5 or 10 lbs from pregnancy, my hormones are usually in check, I like coloring my hair, fairly secure with myself, and happy with life in general. Then I turned 30 and everything has changed. Maybe I am fighting the middle age era that is approaching, but I feel at times like I am on a backlash towards adolescence. I all of a sudden want to be a professional dancer again. I can never decide whether to grow my hair out long, color it, or chop it all off and pretend to do the mature mom looking thing. I am weight lifting, working out like crazy and desperate to get back into my 5-6 college clothes (That my hips no longer like). I play mom, but totally just want to grab my husband and disappear behind closed doors every chance I get. (I think Chad's a little overwhelmed.) So what is up with me? If you have any thoughts, let me know, maybe I'm just weird. Boy, the 30's a are kindof a rush. Whooooo.
Tagged
I've been taggggggged!!! So here goes.
Four jobs I've had:
1. Dance instructor
2. RA Resident Advisor
3. YMCA Youth Counselor/Chaperone
4. Inventory Control Anaylist
Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Lois and Clark (Pick a Season)
2. Pride and Predjudice (Newest Version)
3. Ocean's 11, 12, 13 (Although I haven't seen 13 yet, I'm sure I will like it.)
4. Princess Diaries 2
Four places I have lived:
1. Clovis, NM
2. San Antonio, TX
3. St. Louis, MO
4. Trabuco Canyon, CA
Four favorite TV shows:
1. Chuck (So Funny)
2. Numbers (I guess I am still a bit of a math geek)
3. Life
4. House (When I get to watch it) or American Idol or So you Think you can Dance
Four favorite foods:
1. Strawberries
2. Chocolate
3. Ice Cream
4. Peaches from Eckert's Farm or a Good Filet Minnot
Four websites I visit daily:
1. YahooMail/yahoo.com
2. Blogspot
3. ERAS (Residency Application System) Chad is interviewing again
4. Gymboree or Scrapmart
Four places I'd rather be:
1. California
2. Hawaii
3. Europe (Anywhere, I just want to go)
4. San Antonio (to go shopping), or Arkansas (by our friends Mel and Dee), or Florida (by the Lotts), or Arizona (by my sister), or Utah (by members of my husband's family, and friends we have there) Basically anywhere would be fun. Clovis (not so exciting)
Four blog buddies I want to tag:
1. Elena
2. Shara
3. Jessica
4. Kelly Babcock
Have Fun Blogging!!!
Love ya,
Di
Four jobs I've had:
1. Dance instructor
2. RA Resident Advisor
3. YMCA Youth Counselor/Chaperone
4. Inventory Control Anaylist
Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. Lois and Clark (Pick a Season)
2. Pride and Predjudice (Newest Version)
3. Ocean's 11, 12, 13 (Although I haven't seen 13 yet, I'm sure I will like it.)
4. Princess Diaries 2
Four places I have lived:
1. Clovis, NM
2. San Antonio, TX
3. St. Louis, MO
4. Trabuco Canyon, CA
Four favorite TV shows:
1. Chuck (So Funny)
2. Numbers (I guess I am still a bit of a math geek)
3. Life
4. House (When I get to watch it) or American Idol or So you Think you can Dance
Four favorite foods:
1. Strawberries
2. Chocolate
3. Ice Cream
4. Peaches from Eckert's Farm or a Good Filet Minnot
Four websites I visit daily:
1. YahooMail/yahoo.com
2. Blogspot
3. ERAS (Residency Application System) Chad is interviewing again
4. Gymboree or Scrapmart
Four places I'd rather be:
1. California
2. Hawaii
3. Europe (Anywhere, I just want to go)
4. San Antonio (to go shopping), or Arkansas (by our friends Mel and Dee), or Florida (by the Lotts), or Arizona (by my sister), or Utah (by members of my husband's family, and friends we have there) Basically anywhere would be fun. Clovis (not so exciting)
Four blog buddies I want to tag:
1. Elena
2. Shara
3. Jessica
4. Kelly Babcock
Have Fun Blogging!!!
Love ya,
Di
November 8, 2007
Comments
Sorry, my comment function was disabled. My sister pointed that out to me, so I have fixed the problem for all of you who were wondering. For those of you who weren't wondering, I will pretend that you were so that I can feel "Cool," (Joey's word of the week). Hope you are having a great day.
November 4, 2007
Sunday Night Thought
I am sitting at my computer and trying to think of something worth writing about besides our societies obsession with consumerism. (My word for overindulgent shopping tendencies especially during the holiday season). So maybe I'll write about adversity.
I've decided that adversity gets a bad rep. When ever people think about having to struggle with anything, they aren't to excited about it. There were many times during Chad's internship (1st year of residency) that I just wished there was a wife of a doctor out there who wrote a book about how she survived the 4-5 year long residency process (with kids) and could tell me that everything would be OK. But I've learned something through the years. The times that have been the most challenging for me (For one reason or another) have also been the times when I have felt the hand of the Lord more prevalent in my life. So if you had to choose, what would you pick; A care free easy life void of spiritual impression, or a difficult challenge that not only helped you to learn something you could not have learned in any other way but also provided you with the added blessing of peace that almost always coinsides with difficulty.
Sometimes I wonder what we would do if we could see our lives from beginning to end. Would we experience a feeling of wonder and excitement or would we leave wishing that like labor we didn't know what we were getting into until it was to late. I think most of us would rather not know.
I 've been thinking a lot about my friend Rachel. Two months ago she was doing everything most women in their mid 30's are doing. She has two darling teenage girls, she is active in church, she exercises, spends time with her husband and friends, and she works and takes classes at the local college to stay busy. Then she goes to the doctor because she's having problems with her vision and finds out that she has cancer. But her cancer isn't isolated to one area, it's all over. It's in her lungs, her colon, her liver, her brain, and behind her eye. In a matter of days her world is turned upside down. And yet, every time I talk to her she is joking about something crazy that has happened to her and she tells me, "if I don't laugh, I'll cry, so you just have to keep laughing."
My husband has been Rachel's primary care physician and he's been impressed with how at peace she has been. It's actually helped him to deal with the continuous stream of bad news a little better. I asked Rachel how her girls were doing, because I knew that they were having a really hard time, and she said, "you know it comes down to the basics. I just look at them and say, You know I love you, Right!" It's amazing how little really matters when you no longer have control of your physical well being.
I wonder sometimes, what I would do if I was asked to face some of the challenges I have watched my friends deal with. I wonder if I would be strong enough, and then I count my blessings that I don't have to be.
Life is such an amazing gift. No matter what we may be dealing with in our own lives, we have the blessing of living in a free country, of family and friends, of comforts greater then the majority of the world, and blessings so incredible that it makes me cower when I think of my own selfishness.
President Hinckley told a story once of a bricklayer who was sent to repair a building after a hurricane had hit the West Indies. His letter begins,
"Respected Sirs:
When I got to the building I found that the hurricane had knocked some bricks off the top. So I rigged up a beam with a pulley at the top of the building and hoisted up a couple of barrels full of bricks. When I had fixed the building, there was a lot of bricks left over. I hoisted the barrel back up again and secured the line at the bottom, and then went up and filled the barrel with the extra bricks. Then I went to the bottom and cast off the line. Unfortunately the barrel of bricks was heavier than I was, and before I knew what was happening the barrel started down, jerking me off the ground. I decided to hang on, and halfway up I met the barrel coming down and received a severe blow on the shoulder. I then continued to the top, banging my head against the beam and getting my finger jammed in the pulley. When the barrel hit the ground it bursted its bottom, allowing all the bricks to spill out. I was now heavier than the barrel and so started down again at high speed. Halfway down, I met the barrel coming up and received severe injuries to my shins. When I hit the ground I landed on the bricks, getting several painful cuts from the sharp edges. At this point I must have lost my presence of mind because I let go of the line. The barrel then came down, giving me another heavy blow on the head and putting me in the hospital. I respectfully request sick leave."
You have to laugh at life sometimes. (Especially if it kicks you when you are down). I'm not quite sure why I felt like writing all this tonight. Maybe I'm bored, maybe I just have to much spare time on my hands after my kids go to bed and my husband has sacked out. Maybe I wouldn't be so tired if I'd go to bed instead of staying up and blogging til midnight. Oh well, I hope you have good week, and if any bricks land on your head, run before a pulley drags you down. See ya.
I've decided that adversity gets a bad rep. When ever people think about having to struggle with anything, they aren't to excited about it. There were many times during Chad's internship (1st year of residency) that I just wished there was a wife of a doctor out there who wrote a book about how she survived the 4-5 year long residency process (with kids) and could tell me that everything would be OK. But I've learned something through the years. The times that have been the most challenging for me (For one reason or another) have also been the times when I have felt the hand of the Lord more prevalent in my life. So if you had to choose, what would you pick; A care free easy life void of spiritual impression, or a difficult challenge that not only helped you to learn something you could not have learned in any other way but also provided you with the added blessing of peace that almost always coinsides with difficulty.
Sometimes I wonder what we would do if we could see our lives from beginning to end. Would we experience a feeling of wonder and excitement or would we leave wishing that like labor we didn't know what we were getting into until it was to late. I think most of us would rather not know.
I 've been thinking a lot about my friend Rachel. Two months ago she was doing everything most women in their mid 30's are doing. She has two darling teenage girls, she is active in church, she exercises, spends time with her husband and friends, and she works and takes classes at the local college to stay busy. Then she goes to the doctor because she's having problems with her vision and finds out that she has cancer. But her cancer isn't isolated to one area, it's all over. It's in her lungs, her colon, her liver, her brain, and behind her eye. In a matter of days her world is turned upside down. And yet, every time I talk to her she is joking about something crazy that has happened to her and she tells me, "if I don't laugh, I'll cry, so you just have to keep laughing."
My husband has been Rachel's primary care physician and he's been impressed with how at peace she has been. It's actually helped him to deal with the continuous stream of bad news a little better. I asked Rachel how her girls were doing, because I knew that they were having a really hard time, and she said, "you know it comes down to the basics. I just look at them and say, You know I love you, Right!" It's amazing how little really matters when you no longer have control of your physical well being.
I wonder sometimes, what I would do if I was asked to face some of the challenges I have watched my friends deal with. I wonder if I would be strong enough, and then I count my blessings that I don't have to be.
Life is such an amazing gift. No matter what we may be dealing with in our own lives, we have the blessing of living in a free country, of family and friends, of comforts greater then the majority of the world, and blessings so incredible that it makes me cower when I think of my own selfishness.
President Hinckley told a story once of a bricklayer who was sent to repair a building after a hurricane had hit the West Indies. His letter begins,
"Respected Sirs:
When I got to the building I found that the hurricane had knocked some bricks off the top. So I rigged up a beam with a pulley at the top of the building and hoisted up a couple of barrels full of bricks. When I had fixed the building, there was a lot of bricks left over. I hoisted the barrel back up again and secured the line at the bottom, and then went up and filled the barrel with the extra bricks. Then I went to the bottom and cast off the line. Unfortunately the barrel of bricks was heavier than I was, and before I knew what was happening the barrel started down, jerking me off the ground. I decided to hang on, and halfway up I met the barrel coming down and received a severe blow on the shoulder. I then continued to the top, banging my head against the beam and getting my finger jammed in the pulley. When the barrel hit the ground it bursted its bottom, allowing all the bricks to spill out. I was now heavier than the barrel and so started down again at high speed. Halfway down, I met the barrel coming up and received severe injuries to my shins. When I hit the ground I landed on the bricks, getting several painful cuts from the sharp edges. At this point I must have lost my presence of mind because I let go of the line. The barrel then came down, giving me another heavy blow on the head and putting me in the hospital. I respectfully request sick leave."
You have to laugh at life sometimes. (Especially if it kicks you when you are down). I'm not quite sure why I felt like writing all this tonight. Maybe I'm bored, maybe I just have to much spare time on my hands after my kids go to bed and my husband has sacked out. Maybe I wouldn't be so tired if I'd go to bed instead of staying up and blogging til midnight. Oh well, I hope you have good week, and if any bricks land on your head, run before a pulley drags you down. See ya.
November 1, 2007
Trick or Treat
Happy Halloween Everyone. We had a lot of fun last night. We asked the kids what they wanted to do for Halloween, and so we will give you the rundown.
First: We went to a street off base where a lot of people live. It's a really well decorated area, so it was lots of fun to trick or treat on. Jake was the only one who actually wanted to go Door to Door Trick or Treating, so we did his "one" street first.
Second: The girls wanted to go to the hospital where they were going to have Trick or Treating, games, a Haunted House ETC. . . .Little did we know, the hospital is the place to go on Halloween. So, we waited for 30 minutes (in 30 degree weather with the wind blowing) just to get in the door. Then they walk you through the hospital, and everyone gets one chance to do everything. It was cute. About 15 minutes later we were done, the kids sufficiently spooked from the haunted house, and Joey happy because he won the cake walk on the first try.
Third: We stopped by Papa Murphy's Pizza to trick or treat to them. They give out small cups filled with Cookie Dough. Rebecca was so excited when she found out what they would get. When the man handed it to her and told her what it was she got this huge smile on her face and said "Sweet!"
Last: We stopped by our friends the Heath's house to make a quick potty break before driving back home.
It was a fun night, and everyone had a great time. We told the kids they have until Saturday with their Candy and then after that the rest will be donated to Daddy's Work. We also banned all suckers because of the Cavities three of the four kids just had filled. Well, one holiday down and two to go before the new year. Happy November.
First: We went to a street off base where a lot of people live. It's a really well decorated area, so it was lots of fun to trick or treat on. Jake was the only one who actually wanted to go Door to Door Trick or Treating, so we did his "one" street first.
Second: The girls wanted to go to the hospital where they were going to have Trick or Treating, games, a Haunted House ETC. . . .Little did we know, the hospital is the place to go on Halloween. So, we waited for 30 minutes (in 30 degree weather with the wind blowing) just to get in the door. Then they walk you through the hospital, and everyone gets one chance to do everything. It was cute. About 15 minutes later we were done, the kids sufficiently spooked from the haunted house, and Joey happy because he won the cake walk on the first try.
Third: We stopped by Papa Murphy's Pizza to trick or treat to them. They give out small cups filled with Cookie Dough. Rebecca was so excited when she found out what they would get. When the man handed it to her and told her what it was she got this huge smile on her face and said "Sweet!"
Last: We stopped by our friends the Heath's house to make a quick potty break before driving back home.
It was a fun night, and everyone had a great time. We told the kids they have until Saturday with their Candy and then after that the rest will be donated to Daddy's Work. We also banned all suckers because of the Cavities three of the four kids just had filled. Well, one holiday down and two to go before the new year. Happy November.
October 28, 2007
My Favorite Time of the Year
It always amazes me how quickly the final 2 1/2 months of the year go by. I really enjoy the fall/winter start of the season because there are so many fun things associated with the holidays. There are also plenty of stressful days/ nights/ weeks, . . . okay why do I like this time of the year. Oh yahhh it's FUN!!
So to keep you all up to speed on us, the Halloween fun started last Friday. Our ward at Church had it's annual Trunk or Treat. Jake and Joe were pirates, (Although Joe was commonly mistaken for being Mozart. When I get the pictures back you will see why). Becca spent her 3rd and final year as Belle in the Red Dress, and Sara for the 3rd time was Tinkerbell. Costumes are starting to get a little snug, but hey, they cost to much to replace each year, so we recycle.
Today we had our ward Primary Program, and I have to admit that I am glad we made it through. I know that things always come together and the kids are cute no matter what, but as the Primary President I still stress out. Luckily we only had a few kids not show up, and only two that refused to come up onto the stand, so improvising was kept to a minimum. I think the highlight of the day was the Nursery 3 year olds and the Sunbeams singing "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" as loud as they could with the hand actions. Kids are great.
Next week is Halloween, and hopefully I will be done with choreography for the Nutcracker. Then it blows me away that in three weeks it will be thanksgiving, and then onto Christmas 4 weeks after that. I can't believe how quickly the holidays seem to come and go.
November also marks the start of the interview process for orthopedic programs. What that means is that in the next month as we are counting our blessings and getting excited about Christmas, Chad will be getting either rejection letters or interview dates to attend. We are hoping to have 5-6 possibilities but you never know. It's such a competitive field that I will just be glad when it's all over and Chad is accepted somewhere.
We love you all and hope that you are enjoying your Holiday Season. We'll keep you posted in the upcoming blogs about Chad and where we may or may not be headed. Hang in there and keep smiling. . . .or singing songs about Bones (This one's for Jake). . . ."There are bones, bones, bones, bones, bones inside of you. Bones, bones, bones, bones, more then just a few. So many you can't count them, amazing but it's true, there are bones, bones, bones, bones, bones inside of you." Happy Halloween!
So to keep you all up to speed on us, the Halloween fun started last Friday. Our ward at Church had it's annual Trunk or Treat. Jake and Joe were pirates, (Although Joe was commonly mistaken for being Mozart. When I get the pictures back you will see why). Becca spent her 3rd and final year as Belle in the Red Dress, and Sara for the 3rd time was Tinkerbell. Costumes are starting to get a little snug, but hey, they cost to much to replace each year, so we recycle.
Today we had our ward Primary Program, and I have to admit that I am glad we made it through. I know that things always come together and the kids are cute no matter what, but as the Primary President I still stress out. Luckily we only had a few kids not show up, and only two that refused to come up onto the stand, so improvising was kept to a minimum. I think the highlight of the day was the Nursery 3 year olds and the Sunbeams singing "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" as loud as they could with the hand actions. Kids are great.
Next week is Halloween, and hopefully I will be done with choreography for the Nutcracker. Then it blows me away that in three weeks it will be thanksgiving, and then onto Christmas 4 weeks after that. I can't believe how quickly the holidays seem to come and go.
November also marks the start of the interview process for orthopedic programs. What that means is that in the next month as we are counting our blessings and getting excited about Christmas, Chad will be getting either rejection letters or interview dates to attend. We are hoping to have 5-6 possibilities but you never know. It's such a competitive field that I will just be glad when it's all over and Chad is accepted somewhere.
We love you all and hope that you are enjoying your Holiday Season. We'll keep you posted in the upcoming blogs about Chad and where we may or may not be headed. Hang in there and keep smiling. . . .or singing songs about Bones (This one's for Jake). . . ."There are bones, bones, bones, bones, bones inside of you. Bones, bones, bones, bones, more then just a few. So many you can't count them, amazing but it's true, there are bones, bones, bones, bones, bones inside of you." Happy Halloween!
October 23, 2007
Cleansing the Inner Vessel
If you are scripturally inclined, you are probably familiar with the phrase "cleansing the inner vessel." When you are preparing to have a colonoscopy, it gives new meaning to the phrase. The good news is, for all of you that were wondering, I DO NOT have cancer. I guess getting older and having 4 kids means you are more susceptible to internal hemorrhoids. (Which is what I am so fortunate to have. . . lucky me) The good news is, everything I have to deal with is treatable. But out of all unpleasant experiences comes something good. I decided to use the cleansing as a good time to start paying more attention to the types of foods I put in my body. I am definitely grateful that this is one procedure I shouldn't have to do again for a LONG Time.
October 15, 2007
Halloween Themed FHE
Tonight I decided to go with a Halloween Theme for our Family Night. Jake had been wanting to decorate the house and so here is what we did. . . .
(In case you want any fun ideas)
-We started off reading the story "The Witch has an Itch" by Donna Guthrie (really cute story about an bad witch who has to change her reputation because she finds out she is allergic to evil magic)
-Then we talked a little bit about the importance of being kind, and we read the scripture from Matthew 22:36-40.
-We talked about why Jesus thought that loving God and one another was so important and what we could do to be more kind and loving towards the members of our family.
-I quoted a few things from Elder Worthlin's talk "The Great Commandment" and then I shared with them why I think loving people and being kind is so important.
-After we had chocolate pudding with cool whip and Halloween Sprinkles.
-We decorated the house, and painted these cute pumpkin and spider ornaments to hang in our trees outside.
It was a fun night. The kids got a little crazy when we started decorating. I think they were just really excited. Well, I hope the rest of you are all having a SPookTacular Evening.
(In case you want any fun ideas)
-We started off reading the story "The Witch has an Itch" by Donna Guthrie (really cute story about an bad witch who has to change her reputation because she finds out she is allergic to evil magic)
-Then we talked a little bit about the importance of being kind, and we read the scripture from Matthew 22:36-40.
-We talked about why Jesus thought that loving God and one another was so important and what we could do to be more kind and loving towards the members of our family.
-I quoted a few things from Elder Worthlin's talk "The Great Commandment" and then I shared with them why I think loving people and being kind is so important.
-After we had chocolate pudding with cool whip and Halloween Sprinkles.
-We decorated the house, and painted these cute pumpkin and spider ornaments to hang in our trees outside.
It was a fun night. The kids got a little crazy when we started decorating. I think they were just really excited. Well, I hope the rest of you are all having a SPookTacular Evening.
October 14, 2007
Gratitude
Last weekend our church held a world wide conference, and there was one talk on "Remembering our Blessings" by Elder Eyring that I really liked so I thought I would share a part of it with you.
Maybe it's because we are getting closer to Thanksgiving, and maybe it's because I am so much happier when I feel like my life is being blessed and that there is someone out there who is watching out for me, but his comments on gratitude really struck me. He started by telling a story
Elder Eyring's experience:
"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I came home late from a Church assignment. It was after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, surprised me as I walked toward the front door of my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work clothes. I knew that he had been building a system to pump water from a stream below us up to our property.
He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”
I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family. Grandpa didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it.
I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."
So I have decided that I would start to keep a journal of the ways in which the Lord is blessing me. I can't say that I am as good at it as Elder Eyring, because I have missed a few days, but I thought I would share my experience over the past week as a way of maybe encouraging some of you that are reading this to do the same. It has definitely made me more aware of my blessings, and it is a good time of year to start thinking about that.
Monday 10/8
Today I went to my friend Kelli's mom's house to learn how to can. I needed to find something to do with all my tomatoes and so I wanted to make salsa. My sister in law has this amazing recipe for salsa that you can so I had been trying to get ahold of her with no success. I was at the store getting a few extra ingredients before we were to get started when my cell phone rang. My sister in law was calling to give me the recipe and I was able to get everything I needed at the store before we got started. Talk about timing.
Wednesday 10/10
I was asked to help choreograph a section of the Nutcracker for my daughter's school production. As I was listening to the music in the car, the choreography just started to come to me. The more I listened the more I learned. I was able to write it all down with the dance teacher at their school when I went to pick up the kids after class. I don't think that I have ever had ideas come so quickly.
Sunday 10/14
Today we had a primary presidency mtg and I had asked one of my counselors to share a spiritual thought, and then I chose a section to review for training. Interestingly enough we both choose to talk about the same thing "Teaching by the Spirit." It was a testimony to me that it was something that was important for us to talk about, and that the Lord wanted us to learn more about as we discussed the needs of the teachers and kids.
There are so many more things that I could write about, but I thought I would share a few of the events that stood out to me. Good luck with your own journal writing efforts, and to end this "Churchy Blog" I thought I would quote one more section from Elder Eyring.
". . .the challenge to remember has always been the hardest for those who are blessed abundantly. Those who are faithful to God are protected and prospered. That comes as the result of serving God and keeping His commandments. But with those blessings comes the temptation to forget their source. It is easy to begin to feel the blessings were granted not by a loving God on whom we depend but by our own powers. The prophets have repeated this lament over and over:
“And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
“Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”
And the prophet goes on to say:
“Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!”4
Sadly, prosperity is not the only reason people forget God. It can also be hard to remember Him when our lives go badly. When we struggle, as so many do, in grinding poverty or when our enemies prevail against us or when sickness is not healed, the enemy of our souls can send his evil message that there is no God or that if He exists He does not care about us. Then it can be hard for the Holy Ghost to bring to our remembrance the lifetime of blessings the Lord has given us from our infancy and in the midst of our distress.
There is a simple cure for the terrible malady of forgetting God, His blessings, and His messages to us. Jesus Christ promised it to His disciples when He was about to be crucified, resurrected, and then taken away from them to ascend in glory to His Father. They were concerned to know how they would be able to endure when He was no longer with them.
Here is the promise. It was fulfilled for them then. It can be fulfilled for all of us now:
“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”5
The key to the remembering that brings and maintains testimony is receiving the Holy Ghost as a companion. It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us. It is the Holy Ghost who can help those we serve to see what God has done for them."
Have a great week.
Love the Priors
Maybe it's because we are getting closer to Thanksgiving, and maybe it's because I am so much happier when I feel like my life is being blessed and that there is someone out there who is watching out for me, but his comments on gratitude really struck me. He started by telling a story
Elder Eyring's experience:
"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I came home late from a Church assignment. It was after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, surprised me as I walked toward the front door of my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work clothes. I knew that he had been building a system to pump water from a stream below us up to our property.
He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”
I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family. Grandpa didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it.
I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."
So I have decided that I would start to keep a journal of the ways in which the Lord is blessing me. I can't say that I am as good at it as Elder Eyring, because I have missed a few days, but I thought I would share my experience over the past week as a way of maybe encouraging some of you that are reading this to do the same. It has definitely made me more aware of my blessings, and it is a good time of year to start thinking about that.
Monday 10/8
Today I went to my friend Kelli's mom's house to learn how to can. I needed to find something to do with all my tomatoes and so I wanted to make salsa. My sister in law has this amazing recipe for salsa that you can so I had been trying to get ahold of her with no success. I was at the store getting a few extra ingredients before we were to get started when my cell phone rang. My sister in law was calling to give me the recipe and I was able to get everything I needed at the store before we got started. Talk about timing.
Wednesday 10/10
I was asked to help choreograph a section of the Nutcracker for my daughter's school production. As I was listening to the music in the car, the choreography just started to come to me. The more I listened the more I learned. I was able to write it all down with the dance teacher at their school when I went to pick up the kids after class. I don't think that I have ever had ideas come so quickly.
Sunday 10/14
Today we had a primary presidency mtg and I had asked one of my counselors to share a spiritual thought, and then I chose a section to review for training. Interestingly enough we both choose to talk about the same thing "Teaching by the Spirit." It was a testimony to me that it was something that was important for us to talk about, and that the Lord wanted us to learn more about as we discussed the needs of the teachers and kids.
There are so many more things that I could write about, but I thought I would share a few of the events that stood out to me. Good luck with your own journal writing efforts, and to end this "Churchy Blog" I thought I would quote one more section from Elder Eyring.
". . .the challenge to remember has always been the hardest for those who are blessed abundantly. Those who are faithful to God are protected and prospered. That comes as the result of serving God and keeping His commandments. But with those blessings comes the temptation to forget their source. It is easy to begin to feel the blessings were granted not by a loving God on whom we depend but by our own powers. The prophets have repeated this lament over and over:
“And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
“Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”
And the prophet goes on to say:
“Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!”4
Sadly, prosperity is not the only reason people forget God. It can also be hard to remember Him when our lives go badly. When we struggle, as so many do, in grinding poverty or when our enemies prevail against us or when sickness is not healed, the enemy of our souls can send his evil message that there is no God or that if He exists He does not care about us. Then it can be hard for the Holy Ghost to bring to our remembrance the lifetime of blessings the Lord has given us from our infancy and in the midst of our distress.
There is a simple cure for the terrible malady of forgetting God, His blessings, and His messages to us. Jesus Christ promised it to His disciples when He was about to be crucified, resurrected, and then taken away from them to ascend in glory to His Father. They were concerned to know how they would be able to endure when He was no longer with them.
Here is the promise. It was fulfilled for them then. It can be fulfilled for all of us now:
“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”5
The key to the remembering that brings and maintains testimony is receiving the Holy Ghost as a companion. It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us. It is the Holy Ghost who can help those we serve to see what God has done for them."
Have a great week.
Love the Priors
October 8, 2007
Dance! Dance! Dance!
On Saturday, in between sessions of conference, I had the opportunity to take a master class at our dance studio from a young guy named Drew Burgess. Okay lets just say when the guy can pose like he did in this picture upside down on one hand BEWARE. The class was great. He worked us hard and I had a lot of fun, but I don't think I have been pushed to stretch my muscles like that in years. I had to take Extra Strength Tylenol just to fall asleep last night and 2 more in order to get out of bed this morning. Why is it that the older we get the less our bodies voluntarily want to do. You think I ought to just get into something a little more relaxing like knitting (NOT)! I can't even cross stitch a tiny heart can you imagine me knitting, and yet my brain still seems to think I can keep up with a 19 year old that travels around the country performing with Il Circo and dancing professionally for a living. Yeah I'm messed up. I guess old dreams die hard. I still joke with my friend Brynne that we will take classes together once our kids are all in school. Who cares if we're 50 and trying to do Hip Hop, we're still cool right? Okay maybe somewhat pathetic, but life is short, you have to do something you love.
NO TV!!!
Okay so Friday I had finally had it. I tried the nice guy approach, but after days of whining and begging for things I got tired of my kids not acting like the sweet young children that they are. So, I grounded everyone from TV until Tuesday. The only exception was conference. Okay good idea, but I was a little bit nervous since my kids were going to be out of school and at home all day with me on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (Our school had a fall break in conjunction with Columbus Day.) Anyhow it ended up being the best thing I could have done. By Friday night Rebecca goes, "Hey mom, I think this no TV thing is kinda working." The whining had gone down considerably. By Saturday night the kids had exhausted their toys and were now having dance parties with themselves. And today the girls put together a puppet show (as part of our FHE) and started writing a book about it. I was seriously impressed. (Although the puppet show would need some revision if done again in the future.) It's amazing to me that we go from traveling and playing all summer long to school starting, and the TV becomes the sit and veg activity of choice. It was good to get out of that habit for a few days. I may have to extend the no TV idea even longer; It seems to help the gratitude level in our home. So if you are ever having a rough time with your little ones, I highly recommend the idea.
September 20, 2007
Rebecca's Baptism
I haven't figured out how to do a slide show on here but I wanted to attach some pictures of Rebecca's baptism. It was such a great day. We had both sets of grandparents in town, Aunt Cindy and Uncle Jake, cousin Blaine, friends from the ward, and some friends from school and dance. Rebecca was baptized by her Grandpa Prior and confirmed by her dad. Uncle Jake and Grandma Brown gave talks, Jake, Uncle Jake, Blaine and Sara sang I am a Child of God, and Cindy and I sang A Window to His Love. Rebecca was beaming the entire day. She has been looking forward to her baptism for monthes. She had the entire day planed 4 monthes in advance. It was cute to see how happy she was to be baptized. I hope that she will remember how she felt throughout her life, and always have a desire to be like the Savior.
September 4, 2007
Jake's First Day of School
Jake getting ready to leave for his first day of school.
Isn't he a Big Boy.
Jake and his teacher Mrs. Montoya. (I think I caught her at a bad moment, but it was the only one of three that I took where Jake was looking at the camera)
Jake just started his first day of preschool today. He tested into a head start program, and so he will be working as a peer to other kids with developmental delays (speech, hearing, autism, etc. ) He is soooooooo excited. We bought him the Spiderman backpack and the CARS lunchbox last Wednesday after he found out he had passed the screening. He has carried his backpack around everywhere since then. It's cute to see how much he has grown and how excited he is to go to school and start learning more. He is really excited about the "park" (playground) they have out back. Wow, only one at home for 3 hours 4 times a week. It's hard to believe, but I think I could get used to the down time.
August 31, 2007
Children of the 80's
We put gel packs in this one with shrinkydinks and glitter inside. She also mentioned that you could dye the gel blue and make fish shrinkydinks. Cool huh.
This one was made out of a family stamp set. You put together the heads, bodies, arms, and any accessories you want. It's cute.
Holiday Greetings
Close up of the gel card and the shrinkydink buttons we added.
For the last year and a half I have been a part of a "stampin up" card making club. If you've never seen their products and you like scrapbooking or card making BEWARE!!!! It is addictive. Anyhow, last night we made shrinkydinks to accent our cards. Okay, I loved shrinkydinks when I was a kid and had no idea that #1 you could still make them and #2 You can use certain types of ink and stamp on them to make accents, buttons, etc. (All with the help of a little heat gun and some cool paper you can buy at Hobby Lobby). Needless to say I think this was my favorite card making moment. Chad even thought they were cool. So, if any of you want tips on making shrinkydinks with your kids, let me know. The funny thing was that only about half of the people there even knew what shrinkydinks were. Okay, so I guess you have to be in your 30's to know about them. Crazy huh. I guess we are finally getting older. (Not old, older).
August 27, 2007
Back to School . . . well kind of
Two cute girls ready for school
This year school started on Wednesday, August 15th 2007. The girls were so excited to see their friends again and start a new year. They got all dressed up in their new uniform clothes and bows and headed off to class. No long drawn out goodbyes this year it was. . . we're good mom. . . you can go now. I've officially been ditched. Oh well, they still get excited when I come into class and volunteer.
So just as I think we are going to get back into a routine Rebecca and I get pneumonia. Yuck!!! I can now officially relate to all of you out there who have had it. I am used to one or two days of being knocked out, but five days is a new experience for me. I started to wonder if I'd ever get over it, but low and behold I did. Rebecca is still out today because her cough needs some work, but all in all we are doing much better.
With all challenges there is still a silver lining. I am really glad this all happened now before I started teaching dance again, and before Rebecca's birthday. This year is her BIG 8 year old Birthday. She is planning to get baptised on Sunday, September 16th which is her actual birthday, and she is sooooooo excited about it. It's amazing to watch your kids grow up. I look at her and can't believe that my baby is so big. Five more years and I will have a teenager. AHHHHHHHH!!!! I am so not ready for that. Well hope you all are well. Until later.
August 11, 2007
Family Trip to CA
So here is the rundown on our family trip to CA. On August 1st we left at 4am and drove to my parents house. We managed to all arrive in one piece 15 hours later. The good news was that the sun was still out and our kids had time to run around before bed.
On day 2, I (Diana) took the girls up to Huntington Beach so that they could take a dance class at "The Clifton Dance Project Studio" from Keith Clifton and one of his assistants. It was great. The girls both had a really good time. (If you don't know who Keith is, he's one of the founders of the Edge in LA, awesome dancer, and his wife was a principal ballerina. It's a great studio to check out if you are in the area.) After class we met up with Chad, my parents and my brother Rich to go see "Wicked" in LA. Really, Really Fabulous Show. It's worth the money if you are able to go see it.
Day Three started with my sister Cindy and I attempting to take dance classes at the Edge. Having never done the LA thing, I wasn't prepared for class with 50+ people, no room to move, and no mirror space to see yourself or the teacher in. I can happily say that I made in through the warm up, and muddled across the floor, but after the first 3 Eight counts of choreography were taught, and I hadn't been able to see a thing, I decided to quietly slip out and watch from a side room. (where ironically enough I could see better.) After the second class we planned on taking was cancelled, Cindy and I decided to pick up whatever pride we had left and go find "sprinkles" (A cupcake store/LA HOT SPOT). After 2 hours of driving around, we finally called my brother Bob to guide us there via Cell phone. Looking for rows of palm trees isn't the best guide to go by in LA. We finally made it home around 6:30pm and decided that maybe we should take a few local classes before attempting LA again.
Day Four Chad went golfing and I stayed at home with the kids. We managed to get a little shopping done to prepare for the Lake, but then we spent more time playing games and visiting with family then we did packing for the lake. We also met Jared and Rachel, Jamie and Rich's significant others. Who knows. They both seem like cute kids. Interesting that their names match. Who'd a thunk.
Day Five we went to church and later had dinner over at the Gardner's home. My mom took some photos of our family in their backyard. I'm not going to post them all because I plan to use one of the family photos for our Christmas Card. They turned out good. It's always fun to visit with the Gardners so I'm glad that we were able to do that before we left.
Day Six it's off to the lake and goodbye to Grandma's house. After packing all morning, we managed to leave around 10am. By 4:30 we had arrived at the lake and were heading down to the beach to check things out. We stay in these great condos above the lake, but you have to climb 200 (my count) 207 (Chad's count) stairs to get to the beach from our condo. Let's just say it's a good workout. We all got checked in and my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Dave met us at the condos with some of their kids, and friends. Wendy was able to win my girls over with some old pairs of aquasocks that she wanted to get rid of, and hot chocolate in cool looking cups with lids each day that we were there. We love the Clarks.
Day Seven we went out on the boat. I went on the wakeboard, and tubes with Jake. Becca tubed for the first time by herself, and Sara tubed with Aunt Wendy and decided one time on the tube was enough. She was much happier on the boat or playing in the lake with all her aunts and uncles, and their friends. That night we BarBQued and played games.
Day Eight we were out on the lake again, but this time slightly more sore then we were on day one. Still I wakeboarded, and kneeboarded. I was still able to do 360's on the kneeboard, but not quite like my sister Cindy who pulled off 20 consecutive 360's in a row. (She needed 4 motrin to sleep at night.) Chad tried his hand at the kneeboard and wakeboard, and the kids all tubed. When we weren't on the boat, Jake was skipping/throwing rocks with Blaine, Becca and Sara played in the water with all the Big Kids, and Joe wandered around and played on the boogie board. It was a great day and ended with ice cream up at Grandma's cabin and yummy dinner before bed.
Day Nine we packed up, loaded up, had breakfast, and headed back to New Mexico. We left at 8am PST, but didn't arrive home until 3:30am MST. Needless to say it was a long trip home, but we lived and I'm happy to say that everyone would do it again in a heartbeat. We all love visiting CA. I guess that's what happens when you have a car full of beach bums.
Well, it's back to life again. School starts next week, so I am trying to get the house back in order. Hope you all are having a great summer. See ya.
On day 2, I (Diana) took the girls up to Huntington Beach so that they could take a dance class at "The Clifton Dance Project Studio" from Keith Clifton and one of his assistants. It was great. The girls both had a really good time. (If you don't know who Keith is, he's one of the founders of the Edge in LA, awesome dancer, and his wife was a principal ballerina. It's a great studio to check out if you are in the area.) After class we met up with Chad, my parents and my brother Rich to go see "Wicked" in LA. Really, Really Fabulous Show. It's worth the money if you are able to go see it.
Day Three started with my sister Cindy and I attempting to take dance classes at the Edge. Having never done the LA thing, I wasn't prepared for class with 50+ people, no room to move, and no mirror space to see yourself or the teacher in. I can happily say that I made in through the warm up, and muddled across the floor, but after the first 3 Eight counts of choreography were taught, and I hadn't been able to see a thing, I decided to quietly slip out and watch from a side room. (where ironically enough I could see better.) After the second class we planned on taking was cancelled, Cindy and I decided to pick up whatever pride we had left and go find "sprinkles" (A cupcake store/LA HOT SPOT). After 2 hours of driving around, we finally called my brother Bob to guide us there via Cell phone. Looking for rows of palm trees isn't the best guide to go by in LA. We finally made it home around 6:30pm and decided that maybe we should take a few local classes before attempting LA again.
Day Four Chad went golfing and I stayed at home with the kids. We managed to get a little shopping done to prepare for the Lake, but then we spent more time playing games and visiting with family then we did packing for the lake. We also met Jared and Rachel, Jamie and Rich's significant others. Who knows. They both seem like cute kids. Interesting that their names match. Who'd a thunk.
Day Five we went to church and later had dinner over at the Gardner's home. My mom took some photos of our family in their backyard. I'm not going to post them all because I plan to use one of the family photos for our Christmas Card. They turned out good. It's always fun to visit with the Gardners so I'm glad that we were able to do that before we left.
Day Six it's off to the lake and goodbye to Grandma's house. After packing all morning, we managed to leave around 10am. By 4:30 we had arrived at the lake and were heading down to the beach to check things out. We stay in these great condos above the lake, but you have to climb 200 (my count) 207 (Chad's count) stairs to get to the beach from our condo. Let's just say it's a good workout. We all got checked in and my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Dave met us at the condos with some of their kids, and friends. Wendy was able to win my girls over with some old pairs of aquasocks that she wanted to get rid of, and hot chocolate in cool looking cups with lids each day that we were there. We love the Clarks.
Day Seven we went out on the boat. I went on the wakeboard, and tubes with Jake. Becca tubed for the first time by herself, and Sara tubed with Aunt Wendy and decided one time on the tube was enough. She was much happier on the boat or playing in the lake with all her aunts and uncles, and their friends. That night we BarBQued and played games.
Day Eight we were out on the lake again, but this time slightly more sore then we were on day one. Still I wakeboarded, and kneeboarded. I was still able to do 360's on the kneeboard, but not quite like my sister Cindy who pulled off 20 consecutive 360's in a row. (She needed 4 motrin to sleep at night.) Chad tried his hand at the kneeboard and wakeboard, and the kids all tubed. When we weren't on the boat, Jake was skipping/throwing rocks with Blaine, Becca and Sara played in the water with all the Big Kids, and Joe wandered around and played on the boogie board. It was a great day and ended with ice cream up at Grandma's cabin and yummy dinner before bed.
Day Nine we packed up, loaded up, had breakfast, and headed back to New Mexico. We left at 8am PST, but didn't arrive home until 3:30am MST. Needless to say it was a long trip home, but we lived and I'm happy to say that everyone would do it again in a heartbeat. We all love visiting CA. I guess that's what happens when you have a car full of beach bums.
Well, it's back to life again. School starts next week, so I am trying to get the house back in order. Hope you all are having a great summer. See ya.
Photos of our trip to the lake
Dad having fun on the tube. (Look at thosearms, someone has been working out)
Becca was the little dare devil at 22mph. 
Joey wasn't so sure that he really wanted to tube once the boat got going.
Jake and Blaine playing ball on the beach
Joey playing in the sand.
Dad attempting to kneeboard
Sara decided that she really just enjoyed riding on the boat.
Throwing rocks. Always a thrill.
Cindy and I getting ready for another day of kicking bootie on the wakeboard, kneeboard, you
name it. Don't we look so intimidating.
June 29, 2007
Movie Review
Okay, so you want a movie review. Lets see. My taste changes constantly. Considering the fact that I have probably listened to every Disney Movie, and Veggie Tales out there about 500 times it's hard to think of the movies I actually enjoy, but here goes.
Pride and Prejudice (The newest version): I don't know, but there is something about the chemistry between the characters that I love.
What a Girl Wants: I don't know what it is about this show, but it's definitely one that I can watch over and over again.
The Wedding Planner: It makes me laugh and smile.
Lois and Clark the Series: Okay, I admit it, I have all 4 seasons of Lois and Clark. I love it, my kids love it. It's great family fun.
Center Stage (The final dance piece): I love the choreography at the end of this show. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be a dancer, this movie gives the most accurate depiction that I've ever seen.
Ocean's 11, 12 13(?): Okay so I haven't seen Ocean's 13 yet, but I love the thought process and the humor in these movies. That and have you seen the cast. Hello. Not bad if I do say so myself.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: This one I don't watch all that often, but every time I do it makes me laugh.
Indiana Jones: Well, I've only actually seen the 1st and 3rd ones but it was definitely Harrison Ford's best films.
A Night at the Museum: So, if you are like me and watch mostly what your kids pick, this one is really a kick. I enjoyed it a lot more then I thought I would. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth renting.
Well, that's it for now. I wish I could tell you that I've seen anything that has come out in the past 6 monthes, but I can't. Maybe I will get a chance to see a few more things this summer. See ya.
Pride and Prejudice (The newest version): I don't know, but there is something about the chemistry between the characters that I love.
What a Girl Wants: I don't know what it is about this show, but it's definitely one that I can watch over and over again.
The Wedding Planner: It makes me laugh and smile.
Lois and Clark the Series: Okay, I admit it, I have all 4 seasons of Lois and Clark. I love it, my kids love it. It's great family fun.
Center Stage (The final dance piece): I love the choreography at the end of this show. If you ever wondered what it would be like to be a dancer, this movie gives the most accurate depiction that I've ever seen.
Ocean's 11, 12 13(?): Okay so I haven't seen Ocean's 13 yet, but I love the thought process and the humor in these movies. That and have you seen the cast. Hello. Not bad if I do say so myself.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: This one I don't watch all that often, but every time I do it makes me laugh.
Indiana Jones: Well, I've only actually seen the 1st and 3rd ones but it was definitely Harrison Ford's best films.
A Night at the Museum: So, if you are like me and watch mostly what your kids pick, this one is really a kick. I enjoyed it a lot more then I thought I would. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth renting.
Well, that's it for now. I wish I could tell you that I've seen anything that has come out in the past 6 monthes, but I can't. Maybe I will get a chance to see a few more things this summer. See ya.
June 27, 2007
You Lift Weights HOW????
Okay, so this week I have kicked it into gear by adding weight lifting to my 4 mile run. Let's just say, I've never really lifted weights before and wow. I used to think my husband was kinda whimpy for lifting and then resting, then lifting and resting. Me, no way. I had 45 minutes and I was going to work it. Nobody bothered to tell me that you weren't supposed to work everything all at once. I am going back tomorrow and I seriously wonder if I will be able to lift more then 10 lbs after yesterday. Talk about whimpy. Oh well, it's a process right. After four kids I still have dreams of looking the way I did in college, so we will see. Enough of that. I hope you all are having a great summer. Till next time.
June 25, 2007
Back from Vacation
So we are finally back to reality again. Our trip to Arizona to visit my sister Karen and my Grandparents, became an extended trip to CA. Needless to say, we are having a lot of fun so far this summer. In Arizona we were able to experience Karen's neighborhood clubhouse/waterpark. Talk about fun. The kids had a blast going down waterslides and running through spraying hoses. Oh ya, there is a pool there too.
Then off to see my Grandma and Grandpa Brown. Grandpa isn't doing so good these days. His lungs have decided not to work as well as they used to, but you would never know it from the pictures we took. He is as happy as he's ever been, and I think satisfied with life. On to California to visit my mom and dad and play play play. On day one, we went to the beach and Boomers. Day two Grandma and Grandpa were throwing a party for the old ward bishopric, Day three was church, father's day, and I had two sisters, and a brother stop in to say hi to dad. Day four, we went to Legoland. (The highlight of Jake's trip). Jake carried around the legoland map for the next week, showing everyone who had a minute exactly which rides he went on and which ones he plans to ride next year when he's a little bit taller. Day five we went to the pool and hung out with Aunt Cindy. Day Six Grandma took the kids to Surf's Up and I think we did some shopping. Day Seven we returned what we bought, went to the pool with friends, and to Chuck E Cheese to finish off the day. Day Eight we drove 15 hours home. As you can see it was a lot more fun then staying in Clovis.
Well it's back to the real world, back to mom attempting a new weight loss plan, and back to responsibility. Not to bad a way to start the summer. Now it's time for art lessons, swimming, golf, friends, and fun until the next trip. I'll write again soon.
Then off to see my Grandma and Grandpa Brown. Grandpa isn't doing so good these days. His lungs have decided not to work as well as they used to, but you would never know it from the pictures we took. He is as happy as he's ever been, and I think satisfied with life. On to California to visit my mom and dad and play play play. On day one, we went to the beach and Boomers. Day two Grandma and Grandpa were throwing a party for the old ward bishopric, Day three was church, father's day, and I had two sisters, and a brother stop in to say hi to dad. Day four, we went to Legoland. (The highlight of Jake's trip). Jake carried around the legoland map for the next week, showing everyone who had a minute exactly which rides he went on and which ones he plans to ride next year when he's a little bit taller. Day five we went to the pool and hung out with Aunt Cindy. Day Six Grandma took the kids to Surf's Up and I think we did some shopping. Day Seven we returned what we bought, went to the pool with friends, and to Chuck E Cheese to finish off the day. Day Eight we drove 15 hours home. As you can see it was a lot more fun then staying in Clovis.
Well it's back to the real world, back to mom attempting a new weight loss plan, and back to responsibility. Not to bad a way to start the summer. Now it's time for art lessons, swimming, golf, friends, and fun until the next trip. I'll write again soon.
June 5, 2007
End of School Crazies
Okay, so I am not very good at staying up to date with this yet, but life has literally been crazy. Let me back up and I will fill you in. At the end of April I was out visiting teaching and feeling really good about things when I took out one of my visiting teachee's mailboxes. The mailbox, easy to replace. The van, a little more complicated. After a month of waiting to hear back from the local auto body shop, I can take the van in on June 18th. Yippee. . . .For the last two monthes I have been choreographing and teaching classes at my daughter's dance studio and elementry school. Sara's class performance was May 15th and the dance recital was last weekend. I think we had 6-10 hours of rehersal time each day last week (except for Monday and Wednesday). To add to the chaos, Chad received a call from the residency program he attended in San Antonio wanting to interview him for a second year orthopedic position. So, we spent a quick memorial day weekend in San Antonio, TX. The program at the University Hospital is looking to expand, and so although Chad is unable to accept a second year position this year, things are looking like he might have a chance at landing a second year spot next year, which would be fabulous. (It cuts residency down to 4 years instead of 5)
As for life here at Cannon AFB, things are finally starting to warm up and Chad's work load in finally starting to slow down. I think some of the higher ups are feeling bad about how overworked Chad has been, so they have randomly given him days off, and cut down his appointment schedule. Don't get me wrong, he still works 10-11 hour days but at least he's not on call 5 days out of each week. At home, Jake has been the bedtime snack for some lucky spider. After waking up with a huge welt under one leg and what looks like a swollen black eye, housing agreed to pay for someone to come out and spray. So the good news is, maybe we will have fewer insects in the house this summer. At least that's the theory right.
With summer in full swing things should slow down a bit and I can write a little more often. The girls start a summer art class at the college next week, and I'm still toying with who will take swimming lessons, and when. We have our pool pass, our garden that we planted about a month ago is already starting to yield bell peppers, and playing outside has become the activity of choice. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Hasta.
As for life here at Cannon AFB, things are finally starting to warm up and Chad's work load in finally starting to slow down. I think some of the higher ups are feeling bad about how overworked Chad has been, so they have randomly given him days off, and cut down his appointment schedule. Don't get me wrong, he still works 10-11 hour days but at least he's not on call 5 days out of each week. At home, Jake has been the bedtime snack for some lucky spider. After waking up with a huge welt under one leg and what looks like a swollen black eye, housing agreed to pay for someone to come out and spray. So the good news is, maybe we will have fewer insects in the house this summer. At least that's the theory right.
With summer in full swing things should slow down a bit and I can write a little more often. The girls start a summer art class at the college next week, and I'm still toying with who will take swimming lessons, and when. We have our pool pass, our garden that we planted about a month ago is already starting to yield bell peppers, and playing outside has become the activity of choice. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Hasta.
April 16, 2007
Welcome to our Life
Okay, so can you tell what we love. When you live in a small town in the middle of nowhere you learn to appreciate the things that make you happy (IE: dancing, the beach, etc.). Of course if the weather would start cooperating maybe we would have at least green grass and a few flowers. But enough about that. I think I have received blog spot info from at least 5 different people in the past week, so I thought I should try it out. My husband and I took our first trip together (without little bodies) since our honeymoon. We went to Maui, and if you have never been there, GO!!!! It's worth every penny that we will be paying back our credit card for. What a beautiful place to be. (Especially when the only thing I see out my windows are dead grass and cows.) To look to your right and see the mountains with the most incredible greenery, and then to your left and see the ocean with all it's magnificent cliffs. Wow, talk about take your breath away. It was definitely worth nine years of waiting.
Okay, so to keep some anonymity, I will try not to use names, or personal info. You ought to all know me well enough to fill in the blanks, so here goes with the fam. update.
Back at home, I have started teaching dance again (Yaaaa!), and would love to get a job teaching at my girls Arts Magnet School, but we will see. My oldest daughter is getting ready to perform her first Opera. She is staring as a SNOWFLAKE. She's really excited. Both girls are also preparing for their dance studio's production of Geppetto the first weekend in June. Needless to say, we have a lot of rehearsals going on around here. Not to mention the Pleasure Island sequence I am helping choreograph.
The boys are enjoying life as little boys. My oldest son just finished his first basketball season, and is already making plans to play soccer, tennis, baseball, bowling, and golf. Unfortunately he will have to wait until his 4th birthday before he can play most sports. Our baby is growing up way to fast. He thinks he can do everything his brother does. He is a sweetheart but has yet to learn the value of sleep. I guess he takes after my side of the family. You would think after sleep training three other children I would have it down, but oh well, what do you do. I keep hoping he will learn that sleeping through the night is a good thing, but he still seems to think that a drink of water at 1:30 is essential, as well as a reminder around 5 am that we are still in the house and he's okay to go back to sleep. But what do you do when he's so cute about it, and just wants to give you hugs and kisses. Any ideas, Let me know.
Okay, so to keep some anonymity, I will try not to use names, or personal info. You ought to all know me well enough to fill in the blanks, so here goes with the fam. update.
Back at home, I have started teaching dance again (Yaaaa!), and would love to get a job teaching at my girls Arts Magnet School, but we will see. My oldest daughter is getting ready to perform her first Opera. She is staring as a SNOWFLAKE. She's really excited. Both girls are also preparing for their dance studio's production of Geppetto the first weekend in June. Needless to say, we have a lot of rehearsals going on around here. Not to mention the Pleasure Island sequence I am helping choreograph.
The boys are enjoying life as little boys. My oldest son just finished his first basketball season, and is already making plans to play soccer, tennis, baseball, bowling, and golf. Unfortunately he will have to wait until his 4th birthday before he can play most sports. Our baby is growing up way to fast. He thinks he can do everything his brother does. He is a sweetheart but has yet to learn the value of sleep. I guess he takes after my side of the family. You would think after sleep training three other children I would have it down, but oh well, what do you do. I keep hoping he will learn that sleeping through the night is a good thing, but he still seems to think that a drink of water at 1:30 is essential, as well as a reminder around 5 am that we are still in the house and he's okay to go back to sleep. But what do you do when he's so cute about it, and just wants to give you hugs and kisses. Any ideas, Let me know.
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