Dancing Through Life

Solar Ovens take over the House!

2011-04-08T20:17:00.007-04:00

I never realized how the weather could be such a slave driver. Living in the Northwest the sun doesn't always cooperate. After finishing up our unit on light and energy, I decided Solar Ovens would be a great way to test some of our knowledge. WHAT WAS I THINKING! I looked at the weather and Friday was our day. We had to rush all week and the house fell to pieces.

This is Sam's oven. He is one meticulous kid. His wrote out his plan and followed it to a tee.

Once outside he was extremely touchy about where anyone stood. NO shadows please and don't get near in case you might effect the experiment. He was able to get the oven up to 175F. He timed it and checked the temp every five minutes. His pizza was warmed up perfectly!

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Blake is a little more intense. His cooker had some problems at first and I had to remind him that scientist don't cry or get mad. They work the problem. He wasn't to happy about my lecture. Once I got him to calm down we came up with a solution. Then the oven heated up perfectly.

Sometimes being the teacher is a little tough. Sometimes being the student is a little tough:)

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Claire was thrilled to make her cooker and worked very hard on it. She is so fun. I would give her a task and she would work on it until completed.

She was so proud. The yummy smore was a great treat after all her hard work.

I am in no way a decent video maker....this took me 3 hours to do, because I have no idea what I am doing. At least I have it for posterity and they can forgive my clumsiness.

Untitled from laurene ross on Vimeo.

Signs of Spring

2011-03-28T01:24:00.000-04:00

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!!!

2011-03-28T01:17:00.003-04:00

I'm a Big Girl Now I'm Five

2011-03-28T01:13:00.003-04:00

Parkor

2011-03-28T01:12:00.001-04:00

Working with our Hands....Sam's 11th Birthday Party

2011-03-28T01:07:00.003-04:00

The Big 43!

2011-03-28T00:55:00.002-04:00

My Birthday has come and gone, but the memories are still there. They are still on my computer too. So I thought it was high time I got to work on it.

Blake made some bath salts for me with help from his Dad. I loved them. Claire drew me a special picture, precious. Skip's parents gave me a beautiful book. Claire and I have really enjoyed it together. She loves the pictures and we get to talk about our Savior. My sister Maryann sent a package that contained some Christmas/birthday gifts and Claire was over the moon with excitement. Anything from Aunt Maryann will send her into a tizzy.

The best gift is my Family. They bring a smile to my face everyday.

Scrambled Thoughts

2011-01-20T00:59:00.008-05:00

Blake does not have a controller , yet he is moving around like a mad man. Which begs the question......

A couple things have been on my mind in the past few days but..... I come up with a great idea and think I really want to address this on my blog then it disappears into the endless chasm that is my brain. It is like the ideas are on a ledge and they " Can't hold on much longer" then the idea slips away. You watch it as it floats down and at some point you are wondering," What was that.....I think it was something really intelligent, witty and pertinent...but for the life of me I have no Idea what I was thinking about...like twenty seconds ago.

I heard tale of this app that you can get on your smart phone {...like they are really smart. Did you know the there are 22 definitions for smart in the dictionary and the first six have to do with PAIN. Sometimes my phone is a pain, because I am not Smart (Definitions 7-10)enough to figure out how to use it.} .....THIS app is voice activated..nothing new...you just dictate and it writes it all down for you. It is supposedly 95% grammatically correct and spelled correctly. What a dream. Now if I could just remember the name of it.

Things on my mind........

Why... was the car in front of me, at the traffic circle just sitting there when there was plenty of time and room to go. Doesn't she realize this is a race......I honk.....believe me I waited the polite amount of time before I let her know I was there. You would think she would know...mirrors? Three maybe four cars came through with wide spaces between each. After I honk she moves through the circle and slowly pulls over. I look and see she has one hand on the wheel, She is like four years old....okay maybe 16.....She is not even looking at the road, yet is still moving....moving slowly down the shoulder as she texts like mad and the passenger is watching her do it. You have got to be kidding! What is so important that you have to text someone while you are stopped at a traffic circle?

One time, when I was a kid my dad dropped off my brother and me at the grocery store with a list of items we needed and he left us a blank check to pay for it. He ran to the hardware store and said he would be back to get us in a half an hour. We finished the shopping and waited... and waited. Finally, we called our mom from the stores phone. My dad had just pulled up at home. We lived about 2o- 25 minutes from town. My dad had forgotten us. He turned around and came back to get us. Did we freak out?...no. Did we need to talk to him as he drove to get us? No. In fact once we realized that we had been forgotten we waited the right amount of time that it seemed to us it would take for our Dad to get home and then we called and then we waited again.
We were used to waiting. We waited at school when our parents were going to pick us up and were late.....we waited. We didn't talk on phones in movies...we waited until we got home if we needed to talk to someone and sometimes when you called that someone you got a busy signal and you would have to wait longer.

I think people need to learn to wait again. It is good to wait.

One other thing:

I kid comes over to my house and immediately points out that my stockings are still hung on the mantel place. I look at him and say," Yes they are and don't they look lovely." He shakes his head yes. I walk out of the room. Seriously, I don't need this pressure from a four year old. I WILL GET TO IT!

Right now I am going to make dinner for a family that won't really like what I am about to make...while I push one kid to finish his hour long piano practice{ all the time he is complaining, but I press on} help another with math{ that we have been working on for the last hour....he is spinning like a top in his chair} ask another for the umpteenth time if he has finished his cleaning of the upstairs bathroom....What?..... Yes?..... It is done? He answers in the affirmative. Good, you have lesson for Family Home Evening. Could you please get on that now? He looks at me like a tarantula just crawled out of my mouth and then with a heavy sigh says,".... yes......" Ah Compliance, you got to love it.

Wii Sword fighting......sometimes dressing up as a Princess gives you the edge.

The FHE lesson was great. It was on faith. Sam researched and presented it all by himself and then bore testimony of the importance of Faith in out lives. He said," If we don't have Faith we don't have anything..really....I mean faith is about everything." Well said Sam, Thanks.

We are 100% Scripture reading so far this year. It is a goal for our kids in Primary and as a family. The other night Skip and I went out on a date and we didn't read with the kids before we left. In fact I didn't even think about it. Jack put the boys to bed and they didn't read. Sam and Blake are determined. They told me the next morning that they had gotten under Blake's covers and read by flash light. They read 6 verses, 3 each, so they could say they were 100%. They rock my world!

......on calming down and 'The Friend'

2011-01-12T01:37:00.008-05:00

Sundays mornings are usually a little hurried around here. You would think that having church at 10:00 am, one could get it together and one's family and arrive prior to the church meeting starting. I don't have a baby or a toddler in diapers. My kids for the most part can get themselves ready. I am getting close, in fact I usually make it right down to the wire, so the meeting hasn't technically started. Skip has a meeting every Sunday before church and saves us a good seat right up front....nice:) Sometimes, I am even in the building setting up the Primary room and I am still right down to the wire. This year I set a goal to be early. I wanted to sit and listen to the prelude music to prepare for the rest of the Sabbath.

This Sunday started out pretty good. I got up and started to get ready for the day. I realized I was in for stormy weather when I went in for the umpteenth time to tell my boys to get out of bed NOW and looking at the clock, it read 9:15......dang. " Let's go guys. We have about a half an hour to go." I said sternly and without a smile. They complained that they were hungry and cold and everything else under the sun. I retorted back with," I am sorry, you should have gotten up when I asked you a while ago." To which they gave the pat answer," I know, I know." { This answer bugs me to know end. If " YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW" then why don't you do it.}

I still didn't have my make-up on and my hair was wet. I put my hair up and proceeded to put my make-up on in stages, first a little make-up, then a little child prodding, then a little more make-up, then....you get the picture. It was going extremely slow. By the time we had people mostly ready....I thought all ready....I asked,"Did you brush your teeth?" { I had asked them to do this all morning, as they all have breath of a thousand dragons. To which they responded, "No, we haven't had anything to eat yet." "I am sorry. No, time to eat. Next time get up when I say and you may get to eat." { ....yes, I know Mother of the Year...} They run upstairs to brush their teeth....in their shoes.{I have white carpet people.} This does not sit well with me, but I DO bite my tongue.....all except Blake.

All of the sudden I hear "The Whining" starting up.....I despise "The whining." "Blake," I say,"Do you have your shoes?" ......."I can't find them." Whines Blake. My level of calm is decreasing by the Milli second. I take off my shoes and run up the stairs to find him lying on his bedroom floor disheveled, looking quite unhappy. "I can't find my shoes and you were the last one to touch them." he says to me........{ Now, I am not sure why Blake, who has lived with me for eight beautiful years does not understand, I don't like to be blamed for things that are lost. I put things back where they go.} "You lost them." he says with fierce determinism and fire in his eyes.....

UH......I loose it. I see the clock it is 10:08.....we will be missing the most important part of the meeting in just a couple of minutes, The Sacrament, and here I am on my hands and knees, in hose and a skirt, scouring the boys bedroom looking for one lost shoe, as we had found the other. I start ranting and raving........ "I tell you guys all the time put things away where they go and they will always be there when you come back, But you don't listen." " This room is such a mess. I don't know how you ever find anything in here.""Why do you need all this stuff?" " You can wear you gardening boots or your tennis shoes" { I walk out of the room and Blake whales "NOOO"} I come back and start looking again." If I find this shoe under this bed and you said you looked there I am going to freak out!" { Like I am not already. } The clock reads 10:20. We have missed The Sacrament. I then proceed to tear the whole room apart.....by the way Jack is in his bed this whole time. He is sick and watching or peeking at this debacle from under his covers.

The room is 10x10, not huge. As I pull the bed away from the wall and proceed to pull everything out, I say in a rather cold, stern voice,"We are not going to Sacrament Meeting." Blake freaks out. Sam tells me how it is not his fault and he should get to walk to church. Claire just looks crushed and Jack, again, is hidden under a heap of covers. I back up into a corner of the room and survey the damage. I am breathing hard and my anger is raging. I look down at my feet and see the missing shoe. I pick it up and throw it into the hall. I step over the heaps of boxes, Lego's and various other toys, Pulling up my skirt so I don't catch it on anything, to get to the hall. Blake yells,"It is Jack's fault. If he would pick up his stuff I wouldn't have this problem."

....{ I wish I could have laughed here....it would have been a good place.} I raise my voice and say,"Blake, they are your shoes." I slowly whisper or hiss whichever..," Put them away where they go and we won't have this problem." " Everyone, down stairs. We are going to eat breakfast."I vigorously conclude. Sam says," Aren't we going to church?" " Yes, But not to Sacrament. I missed the most important part and I don't want to walk in 30 min late. Sit down and eat." Sam resists. " Eat."I say very sternly. Claire starts to cry. I pour the milk for Blake and Sam sits down grudgingly. I go pick up Claire......We sit on the couch for a few minutes and I rub her back.

What can I do?

I have run the Spirit right out of my house. My kids are all upset. I am on the verge of a break down....not really......maybe? I say," Blake, why don't you get the friend and bring it over here. Let's read some stories from it." Sam is having none of this." I want to go to Sacrament meeting. I like the talks. When Are we leaving? I can walk." Sam says resolutely. I say in a much calmer tone," Sam, it is 10: 40. We are beyond late. Come and sit by me and listen."..... Blake comes and cuddles up next to me and Claire is on my lap. I start to read. The first story is about the Scriptures and how they can bring comfort. The next story { Sam is inching closer to us to see the pictures} Is about resisting temptation and being willing to say no. { Sam is next to me.} The next story is about how we can remember our relatives even after they are gone. The last story is about being friends to someone that doesn't speak our language. The song 'Give Said The Little Stream' sung in Spanish was the center of the story. I got all choked up when I read it. The Spirit was back. I told Blake I was Sorry and hugged him. I hugged Claire and Sam. We left for church.

No one at church knew what had happened. I felt lame when in sharing time one of the leaders asked about a particular talk that was given in sacrament meeting and if any of the adults remembered a detail from a story that was told. I just smiled and shrugged my shoulders. { Sam was right the talks are important.} Through music and lessons that were taught the Spirit calmed my soul. I felt it and I am sure my kids did. As we walked out to the car, Blake gave me a big hug and said," I am sorry mom. I love you." "I am sorry too. I love more than you know." I said.

We came home and ate popcorn and oranges. Blake grabbed a handful of old Friend magazines and asked if we could read more. We cuddled up in my bed and read from The Friend for a while...that is until I started to fall asleep, started slurring my words and saying gibberish. Blake pulled the comforter up over my shoulders and said he would just look at The Friend by himself next to me. Claire fell asleep on the other side of me and Sam and Jack were reading in their rooms. It was quite and still and calm. Perfect.

I love these guys. Sometimes I really mess up. I am so greatful for repentance, forgiveness and our Savior that makes all these things possible. Next Sunday I will try agian.

.....of life a new

2011-01-05T02:11:00.010-05:00

Determination, perseverance, tenacity; strength, fortitude and firmness of purpose what have you against these. Well, not a lot. These are all words. Some of these words roll off the tongue so nicely. I really like FORTITUDE......say it....or.....TENACITY.....nice.....They all have a similar meaning. In fact you can find them all under the word RESOLUTION in the dictionary....RESOLUTION kind of rolls off the tongue nicely too.

We had a FHE all about goals and resolutions. Now Claire is all about it. We talked of Spiritual goals, physical goals, recreational goals, financial goals and many others, but for some reason Claire is stuck on physical goals. Now this is where you should stop reading if you don't want too much information........She has decided that she will make a resolution to stop picking her nose....I am so glad...... She whispers it to me during my lesson and then says," Is that a good resolution mom." " Yes that would be good.", I say and get back to my lesson. " How about not rubbing your chin.", interrupts Claire. " Wonderful, I would really LOVE that { My chin is getting a bit saggy from all the rubbing.}"....Then the biggest goal of all the goals....." I think I should start wiping myself too."Says CLAIRE. I respond," That is the best goal yet! I know none of your brothers can top that." Hallelujah!!! My goal will be to stop being your enabler and have you do it yourself. Ya, we can be resolution buddies......sounds to good to be true:)

Jack is not a fan of making goals....." I am just going to do my best and try to be better." Not going to cut it here buddy, sorry. We are still coming up with his. There is something about teenage boys that I have not quite learned how to deal with. I have two more so hopefully in about 12 years I will have it down somewhat. I can dream right or maybe that should be my resolution. I will learn how to deal with the strange animal that are teenage boys.

Sam is the one that is on this resolution band wagon. He has his chart he is on his way and nothing is going to stop him. We challenged the Primary kids to read the Scriptures everyday and gave them a chart to keep track. Sam came home and put it up in his room and wrote very neatly on the side "Write in my Journal" So far....four days...he is 100%. way to go Sam! He wants to run three miles by August and bike twelve miles too. I have no doubt the kid will achieve it all.

Blake, I am not sure about. He is all about making jokes..... about everything. So he was cutting up all through FHE. He did well last year memorizing all his Articles of Faith. He was so proud when he received his certificate. Now he is working on getting his Wolf badge for scouts, so I know the kid is driven, even though he is a jokester.

I thought for me, maybe......not yell so much. Really, I want to work on this. I started whispering at the kids when I was really mad and Blake was a little freaked out by it. There was a conference address all about this. It is not like am this constant yeller, but sometimes I can't get my kids to respond until I raise my voice. I don't like it. I think one resolution might be good for each category......The exercise might have to wait until it is above 40 outside, because I am a wimp and do not like to be cold.

How did I do on resolutions last year? Not so great....I did do one...kind of... okay... and that was eat better. It says in Section 89 of the Doctrine of Covenants, vs 9And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; I figure I need all the wisdom and knowledge I can get.

I hope for a better year this year.....last year actually was pretty good, but I like to think I can improve every year. I might add cleaning my bathroom to the list.......but I don't want to rush into anything.

Blast Out The Old Year....Party 2010!

2011-01-01T00:56:00.000-05:00

...So before we get to the dance....a couple things.....
........blast back about two weeks ago. Jack had his 14th birthday. I gave him some fresh, light and cool smelling cologne. He was some what confused as to why he needed this and what it was for. I just said,"Trust me. I know what I am talking about. Girls like boys that smell nice." He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders...umm okay. I knew this first dance was coming up, so we needed to slowly gear up for it.
I figured it would be pretty lame to send Jack off to a dance with out any practice. We spent a couple of nights before the dance practicing slow dancing and fast dancing. It was fun. My Mom and Dad taught us how to dance in our living room and I figured the tradition should live on!

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It was between My friend Outi and me as to who would Chaperon these guys to the Church dance. I felt like this would be a great opportunity to see what Jack was in for and what we should expect in the upcoming months. I went. It was awesome!
...and we are off. The boys were in high spirits as we drove off the Island to the big party. I ask Jack to take this picture. We then realized we had no card in the camera. I had to turn around and head for home. I wanted pictures. I got a ton!
First stop, the ice Skating ring. The guys took a couple turns around the ice and then it was off to play broom hockey. I watched for about an hour as the hit the ball, laughed, fell and generally had a great time. I must have had a huge smile on my face. It was just so great to see Jack with friends and enjoying himself. These guys were all awesome and each thought of the others constantly.
After playing hard they hit the snack bar and the arcade.
A little pizza break at the Ward building and the dance was up and running......or dancing!
I was walking around taking random pictures when the lights went out and the music started. I couldn't find my boys anywhere. They were not on the dance floor......? Did they diss me? No, they had gone down stairs to play some games. I walked into a room to see Jack with a big grin on his face sitting on some strange girls lap. After that game the boys went to the sword fighting room and then a little twister.
Finally, up to the dance floor. The guys were really on Jack to find someone to dance with. I wondered away for a minute and missed him dancing with a girl for like 30 seconds...at least he got her name...AMY. Some man was walking around trying to find partners for these two girls and the boys threw Jack at her. Dang, no pictures of it, but I am pretty sure it happened since all five boys hunted me down to tell me...lol.... they rock!
I got one dance with Jack, although I would have loved to dance more.....since I am THE DANCING QUEEN. They played a ton of 80's music. It brought back so many memories.
Before it was time to count down some of the guys went back down to play a few more games.

I mean when you can pound your friend or dance with a strange girl and you are 14-15 years old what would you rather do?

The count down...The balloons down..... the stomping the singing...and no one for me to kiss:(

These guys were so great. They were all respectful and helpful to each other. The hung out together and kept tabs on each other. It was great to see.

I asked Jack if he minded me going and he said he was glad I went. My Mom and Dad were always around for dances and parties. It just seemed like a natural thing. I hung back most of the time, but the guys kept drawing me back in, eager to tell me what was up.

PS. I drove the speed limit all night. I was completely aware at all times of my speed. I saw 15 cop cars driving home and was very glad that I prayed for safety and that I would be acutely aware of my speed.

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-31T02:16:00.004-05:00

Christmas Morning came too early for me. Even though it was at 6:15 am, which really wasn't that bad, I was up until 3:00 am. The kids were ready to go. They have to wait for Skip to get the camera and video camera ready. They were all smiles.
Claire and Blake kept their eyes closed. They said they REALLY wanted to be surprised.
Like I said, Claire hugs thank you to everyone.
Everyone was very happy with the books, magic set and Lego's they received.
Sam and Blake got these really cool Spy Watches from Santa. They are awesome. You can take pictures, record voice, take video and a million other things with them. Pretty happy campers I must say. Jack received some electronic Drums from Santa.....What was Santa thinking:)
Claire got what every girl wants....clothes. Specifically a silk scarf, which she believes goes with everything. She got this really cute outfit from Aunt Maryann. When she opened it she said," Oh, Aunt Maryann is not here to hug." She was bummed.

She wanted Barbies.... I am opposed to Barbies.....She got miniature American Girl Dolls, Nellie and Kit. They are very cute and we both like them. We are happy!
One of the reasons I was up so late... homemade Cinnamon rolls. This is another tradition and a good one, but requires work.
Smoothies and Cinnamon rolls around 8:00am. Boy, we got a lot accomplished in just two short hours. I am ready for my Christmas nap. Which a promptly went up and took. Merry Christmas to me:)

We are so blessed.

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T02:03:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve, Claire thought it would never come. I however knew it would. We get asked all the time if we are going home for Christmas. I like to think we are home and that this is where we should be. In the eighteen years that we have been married we have always just been together and I find it quite relaxing. There have been some years where we have spent Christmas Eve with friends and I really enjoyed that, but we get to wait for the Big guy in the comfort of our own beds.....nice.
A question that I have been wondering about for a while is; do people have a big meal on Christmas or Christmas Eve or both? Personally I am of the opinion that one big meal is sufficient. When I was growing up we had one big meal either Christmas Eve or Christmas and a big breakfast on Christmas morning. My dad did the honors and the boys cleaned up. I am sad to say this tradition has been slow to catch on in this family....

It is quite widely known that I am not a real meat person. I think Turkey is appropriate for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is quite another matter. Eleven Christmas's ago we were invited to come to Christmas Eve dinner at my friend Diane's house. She is a marvelous cook and Italian. A beautiful and yummy dinner of Lasagna and this sort of puffy bread with cheese in it was placed before us. Needless to say it was delicious. I was hooked. Italian it would be. It has evolved to Fettuccine Alfredo with roasted Vegetables and a bit of roasted Chicken to garnish it with. I make some Rosemary bread and we dip it in olive oil and pepper. For the past couple years I have made some smoothies instead of salad and pour them into our nice glass wear. Everyone seems pretty happy with that.
Dinner conversation is a must and something I am continually working on with my kids. Christmas Eve is no different. the subject tonight was" How to Get Dad Out of Bed in the Morning." Skip is a little bah-hum-bug about getting up early. I like to open presents by tree light. The soft glow of light gives a magical feeling to everything. Skip thinks it is just hard to see. I like the magical memories the dark of an early Christmas morning bring. Skip seems to have none of these or maybe he is suppressing his inner child...who knows...

Sam's idea-" Mom after dad falls asleep, set all the clocks ahead so he thinks it is 8:00 am instead of 5:30 am." I have to say this is a pretty good idea, except as Jack points out." Uh, Dad is right here listening to the idea, so I think it probably won't work." to this Sam replies," Oh, good point."

Blake's idea-" I say we just throw water on him. that will wake him up." Jack says," I don't think he will be really in the Christmas mood after that." to which Blake so Blakley responds," So...he will be awake though...he might as well come down stairs with us and if he doesn't want to......fine, we will go down with out him."...nice....

Sam's idea#2- " We need to find out when the sun comes up in AZ. Dad said they opened presents when the sun came up. Let's Goggle it. Jack responds," Let's just call Grandma and Grandpa Ross they will know."

Jack's idea-" Dad let's just agree on 5:30am." to which Skip responds," No." " Come on....." says Jack.

Blake is not to happy with this.

Cheers!

Claire is just so excited about everything. The whole Christmas experience this year has been one of wonder and awe. She won't even open her eyes when she is unwrapping her gifts...she wants to prolong the suspense. This was driving her brothers and Dad crazy. I thought it was darling.
We have a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. They can choose which ever one they want. Needless to say they were all pleased. Claire gave a big hug to Blake because she just loved the gift and she loves to give hugs.
After Opening the one present we went into the other room took look at the Santa Tracker on line from NORAD. Santa Tracker? When we were kids we would check out the news or the radio. Claire was so excited about EVERYTHING. It is like she never had a Christmas before. She turned around and said to me, with a huge smile," Okay, we better hurry and open the rest of them before we go to bed." The girl was serious. " Honey no, we open them in the morning after we see what Santa brought." She was not happy with this response.

We hustled them up to bed and then Blake came blazing right back down." What about the cookies and apple we are going to leave out for him." Oh yes." I said," Let's get the special plate." Blake was thrilled, but not so much as Claire. She was brushing her teeth rather sluggishly, because she did not want to go to bed. Skip said," If you hurry you can help put out Santa's treat." She Squealed with a mouthful of tooth paste and just about peed her pants. Oh my, she was excited. With hands clasped together she came dancing and jumping down the stairs to help.
Sam wrote this note to Santa last week when they announced that it was an invitation Sunday. I am not quite sure where Sam stands on the issue of Santa. I was a believer and a really wanted all the magic to be true until around twelve when my parents laid the realities of life at my feet. I was pretty crushed , but understood. I just like magical happy things. I am a optimist!

Christmas Nativity 2010

2010-12-22T02:25:00.003-05:00

Every year we have our Christmas Nativity night. This year was no different. It is always so interesting to me how excited the kids are about acting out this story. They really think out the costumes and where we will be staging it. Last year Blake really wanted to be a Shepherd. This year he wanted to be The Donkey that Mary rides on and a Wise man. I told him that I wasn't sure about The Donkey. What if someone played Mary that was too big to sit on him. Claire assured me that would not be the case...uh humm.
We invite different families over every year and have loads of fun. I thought I was totally prepared this year. I had saved the scripts from last year and had them in a neat little stack. I asked Skip to make sure they were ready to hand out about ten minutes before everyone was to arrive. They were a wee bit out of order. When the guests arrive we were not ready. I was somewhat flustered, but we began anyway.

As we started into the beginning of the story Claire starts to whisper something loudly to me. I try to ignore her. She will not relent....ever....about anything.....anyway, she says where is the manger and can she go and get it....yes, yes...she comes back..... again with the whispering....where is the Baby Jesus... yes, yes go and get it....she is all excited and smiling feeling very important.......she comes back, looks down at the doll....what about swaddling clothes and a blanket.....She says,"Don't worry I got it." With a big thumbs up, she runs up the stairs. The girl is all over this thing. I guess if you are Mary, you better have all the right props.
It was a fun night and we were so blessed to have friends to share our Christmas traditions with. I love seeing the look in the adults eyes and teenagers eyes when I say," You look like a good Shepherd."

Jack's 14th Surprise!

2010-12-20T02:16:00.005-05:00

Jack turned 14 on Sunday. I can't believe it.....well I can, but really it is so unfair how fast time flys. He wanted a party and this was his year for a friend party. We tried to plan something for Saturday night, but many people were busy. Jack was bummed. He said he wanted to do it any way. I had another thought. What if more kids could come on Saturday? What if we surprised Jack? Could I pull it off? I didn't tell any of our kids. I was praying that all the kids would just play along with whatever Jack said and play it cool......they did.

I enlisted the help of two neighbors to keep Jack away while the guest were arriving. One was Jack's good friend. He was awesome. He came over to see if Jack could hang out and off they went to his house. This is when I told the kids. Blake was shocked that I could plan such a great surprised. He kept telling me how smart I was......sometimes all you need is an eight year old to make you feel excellent. Of course then he ask me what would happen if no one showed up...uh....hopefully that won't be the case.

We decorated and got the food ready. Then the guest started to arrive. The timing was working out fabulously.
My friend Katie got a picture of me as I made the call. It was pretty exciting. I had the music playing quite loud like always, because if it had been quite that would have been a dead give away.
He was surprised!

We ate and then played a fun game in UNO. You get two groups playing and then every time someone gets a SKIP laid down on them they put their hand down go to the other table and pick some to take that hand and that person has to go to the other table and pick up the hand that was left. It was pretty fun!

We had cake and sang Happy Birthday.
Some kids stayed a while longer and we played a couple rounds of The Great Dalmuti.

We had a blast. Jack is a great son and I love him to pieces.

SAM and MOM

2010-12-20T02:15:00.003-05:00

This year Sam and I have been able to go on a couple of outings together. Sam is such a fun guy to go with. He sees the world far differently than I do and because of this he opens my eyes to many things I would not have dreamed of.

We were able to go to the Picasso exhibit with his art class at the SAM {Seattle Art Museum} That was very interesting and we talked about paintings and sculptures and the man himself. If you know anything about Picasso, you will know that the man was quite passionate about women and his art. This made for colorful conversations, some questions of which I didn't know how to respond. I just did my best and I think Sam was happy.
Saturday night Sam and I went to see the play ANNIE. Sam's good friend was Annie. He was so excited. Weeks of asking me if we were going to go and me saying I am not sure made Sam feel as if it would not happen, but I surprised him with the tickets on Friday. He was elated to say the least.

The Musical was fantastic, but the best part was watching Sam's expression and sense of wonder at it all. He pays attention to all the details from Annie's locket to the lights and sound. He made eye contact with one of the players in one scene and that guy played to Sam in a scene where his was playing a ventriloquist. The little puppet kept waving at Sam during the whole scene. Sam loved it.

After the play we waited out in the lobby to see his friend. They were both all smiles.

I love all my kids so much and I just love being able to spend one on one time with each one. Sam is awesome.

Progressive Caroling

2010-12-20T02:00:00.003-05:00

What is Progressive Caroling you ask? It is pretty fun and you should try it. In fact, 9 out of 10 families we Caroled loved it:)

First you collaborate with another really cool family { Amelangs} and you start with the Idea of just your basic Caroling to your Home Teaching families. Then you get someone that has creativity in his blood...Thank you Mike.....and walla Progressive caroling. At every house, after you finish caroling, you invite that family to go with you. We had a place that we would end up for a little warm refreshment. I was a little nervous about this and didn't think many would come, but boy was I wrong.
This was the first time in the eighteen years of caroling that we could say" Caroling is an adventure." We started out easy. The house across the street was our first family.....easy, picked up one kid.

Then we went to a family that I am not too familiar with. They live in town, so you are walking on sidewalks and pavement.The Spirit was so strong. I was in tears and so was every one else.

Then we went out to the country.....1 minute away, but worlds apart in the way of walking surfaces.......next house, picked up another kid. House #4 picked one more family and another car......4 mini vans......house # 5 and a comedy of miscommunication,{note to self; get every one's cell #'s before you start out...oh wait, there is spotty coverage so it doesn't matter} We finally, after passing each other on the dark, dark street like five times, and Skip trying to get up a steep muddy drive, decide to park on a side street and walk up the steep muddy drive. Twenty four people, kids, adults and one stroller trudge about two hundred feet up the steep muddy hill. We start to sing...nothing....no one is home....bummer. We trudge down. It is a very over cast night and is pitch black outside. We trudge down slowly, except for the two very cute giggling 4 and 5 year old girls they practically drag me down.

House #6 we pick up one more family and car. The Spirit was so strong I couldn't get through "Silent Night." Luckily there are about 24 people to sing and my cracking voice was not missed.

House #7 we pick up one more family, get fed cookies and one more car. We now truly look like a caravan of mini-vans. House #8......not home..{Jenny, I wonder if you noticed that six cars had been parked in your drive and all the foot prints on your front stoop. By the way your yard smells wonderful:)} House # 9...last house, the 34 of us singing "Silent Night" was awesome.

We then went to the Amelangs for Hot Chocolate and Wassail...yum!
And here we are.

This little guy fell asleep and who can blame him. There was about five to ten minutes between each house, plenty of time to fall asleep for a little one.

I wish we could have gone to more, but it was late and we had to stop. It was taking on a life of it's own.......next year is going to be awesome. We have great plans already.

Drive to This Drive to That.......and smile

2010-12-17T02:34:00.005-05:00

This Dec has been crazy and I am sure it is that way for every one. Just last week we had something on every night and sometimes we were double booked. Thursday was no exception. We had our Winter Craft Fair that we do with the Mosaic Home school Group. Blake is taking Spanish and his class gave a concert, in Spanish of Christmas carols. Blake was very excited and wanted to be there early, but I was trying to get my bread out of the oven { of course bread never cooperates when you are in a hurry} for the potluck lunch and finish off the teachers gifts, so we arrived on time instead of early. Blake was a little mad, but he made it on time just the same and his madness became a smile of happiness as he sang. It was great.

We made a lot of crafts ate lunch visited and had a great time. Jack really helped me out with Claire while I did some clean up during the fair. We had to leave early to get Claire to a birthday party. Claire was so excited to go to this party she was talking about it for days. It did not disappoint. She is still talking about it. They went trick-or-treating inside her friends house and she thought that was awesome. Thank you Brook for inviting her, she is all about party's:)

While she was there Blake and I went to pick up one little detail he needed to finish up his present for Sam. Blake was so particular about what he was getting. I made several suggestions, but he had to see everything and make sure he had covered all his options before he picked out the right thing.....it wasn't fast. I do not like to shop and when I do I shop fast....not Blake. In the end he was extremely pleased with the gift.

We raced home and wrapped it. then we got ready and rushed off to Jack's Winter Concert.

Jack played wonderfully. He has come a long way in the year that he has been playing the trumpet.

The problem came in the fact that Sam and Blake's Pack meeting was at 7:00 and the concert was at 6:00. Sam was supposed to receive his WEBLO award and hid Arrow of Light award. I really wanted the whole family at both activities. I told Sam we might have to wait until next month to get the awards. He was not happy, but he understood. We spoke to his WEBLO leader and he said he would be ready just in case we could slip out of the concert and get over to the church for the meeting.

The concert unexpectedly flew by and we realized we might be able to make it. I left at a strategic time to race home and get Sam's uniform, because of course I didn't think to bring it. Skip and the others listened to the end of the concert and met me at the church. Life is just crazy.
Blake didn't have his uniform, but he was still able to get his first aid badge and was very happy.
Look at the Arrow of Light box.....apparently Sam was bothered by the upside downness of it. He fixed quite quickly when he was called up. Very funny....you had to be there I guess.

Sam really wanted to get these awards this month, because he wanted to get the early before his 11th birthday..... so he was so happy our whole family could make it.

Candy Houses 2010

2010-12-08T04:08:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Advent Surprise

2010-12-06T03:22:00.003-05:00

On Nov 30th I was Checking out at the grocery store and I saw these Chocolate Advent Calenders. We usually have these every year, so I picked up four. Like I said we had them last year. Well Claire did not remember. She asked me," Mom, what are these?" I explain.... She says," REALLY, I this is so wonderful { as she dances around the room with it, I wasn't quite expecting this response} I am so pleased with how this day is ending up." I think- { HOW OLD ARE YOU?} She Says," Oh Mom, I love this idea a chocolate every day." Me too!

The morning of day two she is up with the roosters, standing next to my bed, with bed head hair, sleepy eyes, advent calender in hand and sleepily says," I am ready to open today's Chocolate, to count down to Christmas."......I have no response to that. I smile and turn over and go back to sleep.... She taps me on the shoulder," So can I open it?" she says. "Yes." I mean what are you going to say, anything, just leave me alone it is still dark outside. Then she smiles, eats her Chocolate, climbs into bed with me and goes back to sleep.

The Tree 2010

2010-12-06T03:08:00.004-05:00

Line them up and decorate for weeks! Well, it seems like weeks....... Okay, it has only been one week and all the decorations are up. This really could be some sort of land record for me.
This tree I have is a monster of a tree. It is about 40 and them some years old. Somebody gave it to us ten years ago, because they were tired of putting it together. Every year we say we are getting a new tree {I am tired of putting it together} and every year we don't. It is not pre-lit. It is old school. Every branch has to be affixed to the center tube and the lights have to be wrapped around the center then up through every branch....it takes FOREVER......I plan about four to five hours just to get the tree together and you can add on another hour if Claire is talking to you.
We ended up with 1300 lights. I can only get down on the ground so far so Sam helps me out when we get to the nitty gritty bottom. The weird thing about this tree is that it drop needles just like a live tree. All you need is a "Smell of the Season" candle and you are good to go for the whole tree experience.
The best part about Christmas is the kids. Claire is so excited about everything. It is all new to her. I think four is a magical age. You could give her a Popsicle stick, tell her it is a Christmas ornament and she would give you a ten minute oration on the grandeur of the stick. Every ornament was lovely or beautiful or ooh magical.
Why two trees? Well, this tree has all ornaments relating to the true meaning of Christmas. Such a fine line between Santa and The Nativity. We try to get them both in, with emphasis on The Story of Christ birth.
Time for tree #2. We usually cut tree #2 up in the mountains, but we really are pressed for room here so this 4 footer would have to do for the kids tree. Skip thinks it is real strange that it sits up on the counter, behind the sink. I like it there. I got my Christmas tunes going and a tree to keep me in the Christmas mood, while I make dinner and stuff. I like it!

lights off .....lights on.....Thank YOU!

2010-11-28T21:44:00.007-05:00

SNOW DAY

2010-11-27T01:04:00.003-05:00

SNOW DAY from laurene ross on Vimeo.

Blake's 8th Birthday Bash

2010-11-13T03:15:00.003-05:00

Origami was the word for Blake's birthday party. The ceiling was adorned with cranes and swans, thanks to Jack and Sam. They looked pretty magical flying through the air. I was up until 2:00am giving them the gift of flight and cutting out the construction paper streamers to hang from the walls. Smiles abounded on the kids faces as they walked into the party.
I planned for a rainy day and thought making origami would be just the ticket to fun. We could incorporate our desire to "Give Back on Birthdays" into our Birthday theme by constructing origami Blessing Boxes. Sam instructed the kids on how to make a paper swan. Blake instructed on how to make a paper boat. We finished with Jack instructing on how to make a paper box. The box was a little difficult, but in the end the kids got it.

The plan was to play " Minute to Win It" games. I had them all set to go, but when the sun comes out in the Northwest sometimes plans must be changed......SO.......
The "Minute to Win It Throw Balls at a Velcro Mom" was born. Boy, the kids loved it! Can you blame them..... I was making Origami and thinking furiously fast," What can we do outside...what can we do outside????? We had this Velcro suit and Skip had worn it for Halloween......and I knew were all the balls and cones were.....so it might just work.

I divided up the kids into two teams, set up the cones to form a gauntlet, gave each team a certain color of balls in a basket and Sam timed the game. I would run back and forth down the gauntlet, while the kids pelleted me for one minute and the team with the most colored balls on me won! I was slightly nervous about getting beaned in the face. Which was well founded...beaned in the nose twice. No blood though. Those eight year old kids have quite the arms. It was fantastic and I mean that as in crazy!... I think they had fun.
We were running late and a wonderful woman named Rain, Mother of one of the boys Blake invited, came early to help me bring up the rear of the party. Skip could not take the day off. Sam and Jack helped, but I needed one more adult. Thank you Rain!! The Cake was a yummy applesauce Vegan Cake and Blake loved it.

________________________________________

The Blessing Box was an Idea I got from Skip's Sister Michelle and it has been so fun to do. Click on the three links in blue here to find out more. The kids really got a kick out of it the last time we did it, so I thought we would share it with our friends. I hope they enjoy it as much as we do.

Blake's Baptism Weekend

2010-11-13T02:27:00.008-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa Ross drove all the way from Utah for Blake's Baptism. We were so grateful. The kids were asking me every ten minutes,"How much longer until they get here?"
When they drove up they were a little shy about going to the door. The shyness didn't last too long.
After they arrived we sat around visiting, that was when Grandpa decided to tell a joke. Well, the kids thought he was hilarious and wanted to get in on the action, so soon jokes were flying out of every ones mouth. Claire was on a roll with every Knock-Knock joke ending with the punch line "Santa!" Grandpa encouraged the impromptu joke telling by laughing at each one. Claire responded with more and she giggled uncontrollably as her jokes got more and more silly.
Then Jack jumped in with some Quantum physics jokes, of which he prefaced with," You might not get this." We didn't. I am not sure if he did either. Grandpa thinks we need to work on our joke telling skills.

The next day as we were driving around the island, showing of the beautiful scenery and the beach. Claire showed that she does have some comic understanding as she let us know that "Hammered" means "Drunk." " What are you teaching these kids." Laughed Grandpa.
We went to Mora's an extremely popular ice cream spot...very tasty! The kids enjoyed watching "Toy Story III" with G&G while I made Bread and goodies for the get together after the baptism.
Blake and Sam had a great time playing games with Grandma. Blake played "Blockus" with Grandma on Saturday. That night as I was putting him to bed he told me how much fun it was to play games with Grandma. When I came down from getting ready for the day on Monday, Grandma had agreed to play "Risk'.......well this game takes FOREVER. Sam has been trying for weeks to get someone to play it with him. They kept it up and Grandma continued to play right up until she walked out the door to go home. Thank you Grandma you are awesome!

Grandma also showed us this really cool quilt she was working on and the kids thought that was interesting. They love the quilts she has made for them. Claire says she gets a hug from Grandma every night as she pulls her quilt around her neck. After they left Blake was talking to me and said, "Mom won't it be great when we go to Grandma's house next time and we can see the finished quilt on her bed. I bet it looks really good." Clearly impressed by Grandma's talents. I am too.

On Monday we went to "The Museum of Flight." We took the ferry over to Seattle. I think Grandpa was a little afraid for his life with me driving. I assured him no one had died yet and I always arrive at my destination more sooner than later. I drove the speed limit. We enjoyed the Museum it was quite fascinating and informative. Afterwards we drove downtown and met Skip for dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory. The kids were dying to go there. The ferry ride home was beautiful as we gazed at the lights of Seattle.

The kids were so excited Sunday for the Baptism. We came home from church to get all the food ready for the get together afterward. A big thank you to G&G for helping me.
Blake was so happy about his Baptism. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
I am so grateful that Skip is worthy to baptize him and confirm him.
Grandma and Grandpa gave the talks on Baptism and The Holy Ghost. Both talks were wonderful and the Spirit filled the room confirming truth to all that were there. Both G&G said they were speaking primarily to Blake, but that we could all listen. Blake was loving it. We have been to every child's baptism this year. They were all Class mates of Blake's and most speakers said something similar to this. Blake really wanted G&G to talk directly to him.

After the baptism several people came up to me and told me how much they enjoyed the talks. One of my friends told me later how wonderful it must be to have two very stalwart grandparents for your kids to see. I agree whole heartily . We are truly blessed.

It was a wonderful weekend. I can't adequately express my gratitude to Skip's parents. It means so much to me personally to have them show such great interest in their grandchildren. I know it means a lot to my kids, because they can't stop talking about it. To my kids Grandma and Grandpa can do no wrong........I can't wait for this day to come for me;)

Bobcat!

2010-11-13T02:24:00.002-05:00

Blake has entered in to Cub Scouting and boy is he excited. After every Den meeting, of which there have been three, he comes up to me, gives me a big hug and with a huge smile says," I love Cub Scouts."
You can find Blake reading his Wolf Book daily. There is so much to learn and do.
At his first meeting they practiced knots. If you need a knot tied, Blake is your man...err. Cub!
He earned his Bobcat in just two weeks and boy was he proud. The funny thing was that he wanted to know if Jack and Sam had earned theirs as fast as him. He is a wee bit competitive.
Sam was so proud of him also!

in the shadow..............

2010-10-19T01:52:00.007-04:00

This is a soap box rant.....you have been warned.

.....So I did something I don't ever want to do again. I went to a movie without checking it out online and getting the low down on it. I don't go to a lot of movies for many reasons. One being there is a lot of junk being touted as "Good intellectual story telling" or "Must see good fun." For these reasons I am pretty thorough in checking out what I spend my money on and I usually know what I am getting into before the movie even starts....not this time. I thought it would be a story of a start up company and my 13 year old son's friend, who saw said movie, said it was more of a lawyer film......lawsuits and stuff.....he was 14 and he saw this film...sigh....

My mind has been going in circles since I saw this movie and I have been kicking myself for not walking out of the carnal cornucopia that was this movie. I think I was in some sort of shock and dismay. I had never seen anything so demoralising in my life. The portrayal of women and lack of honor of men was horrifying to me, yet I stayed and partook of the sleaziness. After watching the movie I was completely speechless. I couldn't even really talk to Skip until I had processed what I had just seen......and I wish I could process it right out of my head.

I am very sheltered and quite an optimistic person and right now I think..."You know..... that is a GOOD thing." Why on earth should I have to see all these images even if, according to the Screen writer, all these things in reality did happen, do happen and no one is putting a gun to these girls heads. They do these things of their own free will......great! What a terrible message to send out to the youth of this world. It is okay, it is fun and it is happening so just accept it and partake.

What really angers me is that this is so okay to so many people. I am left wondering are there men out there that would see this filth and get up and walk out or try to shield the woman that they are with from it....... I have read too much Jane Austin lately and I am looking for some sort of 19th century chivalry {Yes, I realise there was a double standard then, but my optimistic side hopes there were men of morals too, like I know there are now}....... and 'The Proclamation to the World'.....By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Is not this something that I want my kids protected from. How am I to teach this commandment to my sons? Are we as a society so immune to the demoralizing portrayal of men and women that we just accept it as status quo?

I was not allowed to see PG movies until I could drive myself to them. I saw two movies that were PG....Star Wars and Heaven Can Wait before I was 16. Was that so bad? Did I die a slow death...no. After I could choose for myself, I admit I made some definite questionable choices. Some might argue that if I was allowed to see more before I was 16 I might not have picked some of those movies to see, because I was so held back .....{none were as bad as this one though.} ...I beg to differ.

Now PG 13 is the norm and many times these border on R. My son, now that he is 13 almost 14 thinks he should be able to see PG13 movies......and we just { a year ago } started in with some PG movies. I find myself saying, " No not that one.....sorry, but no." Do I really want to desensitize him to gratuitous violence and lasciviousness?

I get so much back lash for my standards on what I let my kids see.....and I can tell you right now this cements it for me. I want my boys to be appalled by seeing such filth. I want them to recognise that the Spirit has left the building and they should high tail it out of there too. I want to be a better example to them. My oldest asked me when I got home," How was it, Mom?" "Terrible." I said.

We are commanded to "Stand in Holy Places." I failed this time, but I am trying. I do believe that there is hope, but it will take not going to these movies or bringing them into my home. My standard must rise too.

Eight Is Great!

2010-10-19T01:46:00.006-04:00

My boy Blake is eight! How time flies.......it seems like yesterday when I brought this bundle of energy home. A ball of fire. He loves me with no boundaries, yet fights me tooth and nail on everything. The kid is passionate about life and I am passionate about him. Every night without fail he calls me....." Mom, You didn't give me a hug and kiss.".....even though I have hugged him and kissed him and snuggled with him.....he tells me," I just like being with you."
His smile is contagious. He is outspoken, funny and extremely shy. He asked for Blueberry muffin Tops for breakfast....check.... Black bean burgers for lunch.....didn't have time:( .....Southwestern Chili for dinner.....check.....and a Chocolate Mint cake for dessert...check.

He refused to do any school work today.....claiming that no one works on their birthday.....sigh....

The cake was a semi success. It tasted great and was very rich, but I cooked it too long and it was a little crumbly. I have decided I cannot have real cooking success when all the kids are talking to me. Especially one little girl who shall go unnamed. She is my constant shadow and is getting a bit bossy as of late.....but she does have one cute smile. Don't worry I cannot be swayed by cuteness. The bossiness has got to go.

I know you are on the edge of your seat wondering what secret ingredient did I throw in to the cake this time...avocado and coconut sugar...and yes it was vegan right down to the rich ganache topping.
A pocket knife is every eight year old boys dream and Blake put it to use right away. He used it to slowly and meticulously open all his presents, to his brothers dismay. He did not want to tear the paper. You know it will all go under his bed in his "Collection."He was thrilled with every gift. Claire was thrilled too. The girl loves a party. She hugged him after every gift...he was kind of ignoring her after a while, but that did not stop her. She summed up the day," This was a fabulous day, don't you think so Mom?"....yes .....yes I do!

More to come on this eight year old celebration...this is just the beginning .....

.......been a little busy;)

2010-10-13T02:52:00.001-04:00

Travel Log.....read if you dare.....don't blame me if you fall asleep:)

2010-10-13T02:25:00.007-04:00

Don't we look cute? Well, we like to cheese it up. Especially when we are so excited about an awesome adventure. This one was down memory lane. Maryann and I decided we would take a drive down to Jackson { little MO town that we spent about seven years of our childhood in} I was almost 7 when we moved to MO and Maryann almost 6. We moved there from sunny CA. I was almost 15 and Maryann almost 14, when we moved up river to St Louis. We both figured we wouldn't be back in this neck of the woods for a long time, if ever again, so we should go for it.

We packed up some water and chocolate for our day trip and we were off. We were giddy with anticipation.

When we drove into town......which had us all in smiles......we stopped at the city pool. Ah to reminisce, this was a place that my Dad threatened to call the police if I didn't high tale it out of there one fine Sunday afternoon.......needless to say I wasn't supposed to be there on a Sunday and...well.... there is a story..........good times!..............I believe I was grounded for the whole summer after this little incidence.......that would have been.......'82 I believe.
This is a small town, but Football is King here. We used to go to all the football games and meet our peeps. We would walk around the track looking for cute boys....and friends too...The whole town would close down for these games.......think of the movie 'Hoosiers' and that is pretty much it. The stands would be full to the brim every game with people from the age of 90 {that graduated from Jackson High, in say.... 1924} to little babies.....everyone went. It was awesome to see and it looked quite the same, some 27 years later......wow!

We drove by our grade schools and Jr. High. In this town the grade schools at the time were housed in three buildings, two to three grades per building. It is so weird how it all comes back, how vivid one's memory can be. { I wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but there were kids at recess and Maryann spotted a teacher with a walkie talkies so......the picture will just have to be etched in our minds} Maryann and I were driving around and remembering how to get to the library {where we went every summer with our mom and the other five or more kids} and how to get to the store where we bought our hamsters and gerbils and the health food store where our mom would always get fresh carrot juice. The park where we would stop and play in the creek. The tennis courts our dad would take us to and hit balls with us.

It is so weird what you think of and what sticks in your memory.
This is a market and Orchard we would go to to get peaches for canning......all the time with the canning in the summer.......I am so grateful that I know how to can, Thanks MOM:) We walked around in here and bought some produce and then we saw the candy stand where they sell those old time candy sticks and we both laughed. Our mom used to let us each pick one stick when we would go and we always looked forward to that.
This was the best part.....We drove through the country to see our old house. We started out in Cape {another larger town near Jackson} and drove by the church building where we were both baptised. It was smaller then. Tracing our way back down the roads we used to drive on to get to church was so cool. Although, there was this hill called Snake Hill and it had,... obviously,... a lot of curves, but they were gone....they had straightened out this hill....bummer.

I used to stare out the windows at all the fields as my Mom or Dad drove. There were no hand held devices then.....just scenery. At night, in the summer, the fields would be full of fireflies and as you drove past them it was like you were going light speed.......the light trails were incredible. Each field caught my eyes with all the colors that my mom used to point out and a feeling of comfort washed over me.

We went over the three hills that my Dad would drive over really fast and make our tummies tickle. The roads were really curvy and slim.....Maryann was driving and she knows I have a lead foot. She kept saying,"Oh you would love driving on these roads."....funny how she never let me.

We passed by the dairy where we would get our milk straight from the cow and on to.... " The Bridge."... OH MY, we were really anticipating this. When we were little our Dad and Mom, if the time was right, would drive over this bridge really fast and we would bounce off our seats and if we were lucky, hit the ceiling of the van with our heads....ya, no seat belts.....bummer they fixed the bridge. I guess that is progress for you.

Finally, we arrived at the hill. It is hard to tell, but this was quite a steep hill and when we lived here it was gravel not asphalt. When it snowed or iced many times we would have to leave the car at the bottom of the hill and walk the half a mile up to our house. We did this on several Sundays in Sunday dress. My poor Mom and Dad, trudging up hill with babes in arms and six to eight other kids in tow, does not sound fun to me.

The running to catch the bus flooded into my mind next. We would be running late and my Mom would send us out the door and tell us to run or we would miss the bus...you were only as fast as the smallest kid could run.....we missed the bus many a time.....I am one of the oldest.....just say-in.....not my fault.....sometimes if the driver, an older farmer named Alfred, if he was in a good mood he would wait....if he saw us at the top of the hill.....sometimes, even if he saw us, he would drive off. What a bummer to walk back to the house and have to tell Mom we missed the bus.....She would not be happy, nor my Dad if he was home. Chasing the bus was always a fun adventure. My dad would speed around corners and curves to catch up with the bus at some other stop. We were all quiet as we watched his precision driving, praying that around the next corner the bus would be there.....it was tense.

We also took some picture of the lake we used to swim in every summer and shoot fire works off the island......we swam in this?

The highlight was seeing Mrs. Hensley our old neighbor. She was a so cute and she remembered us. Maryann went walking up to her and asked her if she was Mrs. Hensley and she totally remembered who Maryann was and that she had broke her arm on their swing. She filled us in on the neighborhood and all the people we used to know. It was awesome!
We drove back up to St. Louis and decided we should visit an old friend and our old High school. Tim was my first date when I was 16 and a good friend of my older brothers. It was fun to see him. When we drove up into a full parking lot of cars he could see it was us and we were trying to surprise him.....oh well, I was with a Rock Star. The girl knows people every where.

Our High School was great. The first place we walked into was the Commons which is hooked to the lunch room and the smell.....well it smelled exactly the same......we looked at each other and just smiled. The senior hall was the same too. They had made it into a shrine to the Alumni, so I took a picture of my senior picture.....something like 900 students? We went to the sports activities office, because we wanted to get a sweat shirt with the school logo on it....we are crazy that way....and I wanted to find out if I could take a picture of the banner that had my name on it from when my basketball team took third in state.....they told me, "Ya, that banner was old and worn we took it down"....WHAT!....so, I just took a picture of the cool circular library where I spent most of my lunches in High School.

I am so glad Maryann and I made this little side trip. It was a blast!........good times:)

If I was Invisible.......Sleep ah to Sleep

2010-07-02T12:27:00.006-04:00

Just a word or two about sleep, how come it takes me so long to fall asleep? I go to bed between 10..ummm, okay...11:00 pm and 1:00 am. I am usually reading a book on food, homeschool, or church and family or I am perusing Vegetarian, vegan or 'whole food' food blogs before I try to drift off into lala land. Skip is right beside me on his computer. He is usually catching up on work. We finish about the same time. I wash my face, moisturize like a mad woman, brush my teeth and get into bed. Skip does the same.{ I think he skips the moisturizing though}. We go to bed. Within five minutes or less Skip is snoring away........ Irritating...... I on the other hand I am wide awake for at least 45 min to an hour......sometimes longer. I have some paper beside my bed to write down ideas. This helps a little. The whole thing is extremely frustrating.

Now to my children. Claire is like Skip. We read, say prayers, talk a bit, cuddle and then she lays down and is asleep within five minutes easy. It is like clock work. It is awesome! The boys, not so awesome. They all seem to have my same problem. We read, say prayers, talk a little, cuddle or give hugs depending on their age and then we wait.....and wait. It can take up to two hours......Irritating......no matter how much I say go to sleep they are wide awake. They are frustrated too. Sometimes there are many tears shed for want of going to sleep.

The newest phenomena to hit my night time slumber, is the fact that once I do get to sleep, I sleep really heavy. This is somewhat disturbing to me. I mean, I guess it is good in a way, but I have, for the past thirteen years heard every little thing, noise, snore, grunt; that went on in this house during the bewitching hours. There are several reasons I know I am sleeping heavier.

First, a couple nights ago Blake got sick around 4:00am. his m.o. for this is crying first and then the sickness starts. I did not hear crying. I did not hear sickness. What I did hear and what made me jump like three feet out of my bed, was Jack at the foot of my bed yelling through a mega phone {he says he didn't have one, I am not sure I can believe that} " Mom, Blake is sick!! Mom!!"

Second, about a week ago I am sleeping in bed around 3 or 4 in the morning, when I felt this presence. It takes me a minute to come out of my blissful dream state. In fact this presence becomes part of my dream. I slowly come to realize someone is staring at me. Their eyes are pretty much at the level that my bed sits. I slowly, almost dream like, open one eye and again I am startled into awakeness. My body jumps about three feet off the bed again. Blake is just standing there staring at me. I ask him how long he has been there and he just shrugs. I ask him what he needs. He shrugs, starts to leave and starts to cry. I have scared him. I feel terrible and grab him and hug him. It turns out he needs to use the restroom. I should have known.

Third, this was sometime in the past week or so. I sit up out of a deep slumber around 4:00 am, because I swear I heard someone running down the hall and I thought I felt a presence beside me while I was sleeping, but I couldn't wake myself up.......I listen...nothing...still listening and sitting straight up in bed....I finally decide to go check it out. I creep down the hall, look in all the rooms, and whisper Blake's name. I think it may be him because of our past history. He is asleep. They are all asleep. I go back to bed, somewhat dazed......flash forward to breakfast the next morning....Claire says with a smile on her face" Mom, I watched you sleep last night." " What?.. Why did you do that?" Okay, I am not crazy. The words come to my mind from some song," If I was Invisible, then I would just watch you in your room...." Claire smiles and says."I wanted to cuddle with you, so I waited for you to wake up and you didn't so I sneaked quietly out of your room, so I would not wake you up{ she smiles and cocks her head to one side, obviously proud that she thought of this.} and ran down the hall {loud enough to wake me} to my room..... I got my baby and cuddled with her." BIG SMILE ON CLAIRE"S FACE.

This is all well and good. I am glad they are not yelling my name from their beds in the middle of the night. I am glad Claire could solve her own problem in the middle of the early AM, I am glad once I do get to sleep I am actually sleeping, but what if there is a fire or someone is in the house or they need me because they have fallen behind their bed in and can't get out. I mean what if the freakin' boogie man comes and I cannot be wakened from my slumber....I mean what then?........And what is the deal with the magical time of 4 am anyway?

A Working Summer

2010-07-01T02:17:00.009-04:00

It is summer........Although, you would never know it from where I sit. It hasn't been above 77 degrees for-FOREVER. My garden is growing S-L-O-W-L-Y. The slugs are enjoying it though, which is why I planted it so someone or something can enjoy it.{Salting nightly to battle them} In all fairness I do cut greens from it daily { even though they are anaemic...lack of sun} for my green smoothies and salads. The tomatoes and peppers have flowers on them and it is July.....whoopee!!!! I was so afraid I wouldn't have any zucchini, but never fear the vine is now a whopping nine inches long...no flowers at this point.

I am in the throws of picking curriculum for next year. We school all year round so we are busy with the three R's of school. The poor neighbor kids keep coming over to play and the kids give them their list at the door and approximately how long it will take to get through that list so they can play. It's kind of funny to listen to.

The boys are in golf camp and loving it. Jack is getting ready for Scout camp and the 250 mile bike ride. Claire is learning to read and is so excited. She is really picking it up fast. It bust me up when Blake reads a story problem from math and Claire finishes his sentence for him. It ticks him off though so I am trying to get her to do other things while Blake and I do his math.

I am loving this no extra classes thing. It really messes with my schedule. We are getting so much more accomplished. During lunch we listen to "Story of the World"1650-1850 by Susan Wise Bauer on CD. The kids love it. The problem is they want to lunch to drag on and on. I am using this CD as a point of reference for our study of American History next fall. We are making time lines that show all the relevant historical people, dates and events that happened in World History and then we will line up American History underneath that and then..... since we are studying church history next year that timeline will line up nicely underneath. It is kind of exciting for me to watch these guys really get into it. I am reading " The Well Trained Mind" by Susan Wise Bauer, very helpful and fascinating. I am also listening to several lectures by Susan Wise Bauer. These have been very motivating and informative.

I am working on recipes that are plant based..... finished reading " The China Study" for the second time, excellent book. Coming up with good recipes is very tiresome work without very much accolades. I spend many hours a week at night looking for recipes on food blogs. Having a husband that is allergic to most veggies and many summer fruits makes it hard and children that eat like mice doesn't really help either. I have pretty much rid our diet of white sugar, white flour and most processed foods. This means I have a lot of time spent in preparing meals, time which is not really enjoyable since my family is incredibly picky. We have meat occasionally.....sparingly and even then my kids are not jumping on the carnivore wagon when it is offered to them. A dinner of homemade bread, peanut butter, whipped huckleberry honey, fresh strawberries and green smoothies seems to be the best for the kids. Waffles are always good too. My sister-in -law suggested having the kids prepare some meals and we have been trying that, yet still it is a question of what they like. We can only eat taco's and pizza once a week and there are four kids.

There is a Ross reunion coming up and they want us to race in this 10k if we feel so inclined. I have been trying to train for it. I thought I was doing pretty good. I have been working out daily on an elliptical and doing some strength training. I think I am more of a sprinter. I ran outside today and it was awful...... that is all I can say......embarrassing.......I will continue to try, but I can promise nothing. Seriously, I thought I was doing so well.....so depressing.

So that is it....oh and the Primary, VT, and other various and sundry things like being "The Enforcer" when it comes to chores, laundry and such. Worrying about my kids. Comparing too much to other kids. Wondering if I am a good parent. Trying to figure out how I can do better. Reading "Christlike Parenting" by Dr. Glenn Lathem, excellent and " Raising a Family to the Lord" by Gene R. Cook, excellent also.

We have been here almost a year now. Time sure flies. It is a great place to live and I am adapting. I miss my friends and I am glad for Face Book so I can keep up with them. I have struggled with some depression, but I think the exercise is helping that. I can't complain too much I am very blessed.

Trying to Catch up......

2010-06-28T02:09:00.008-04:00

Sam followed up his wonderful performance in " The Case of the Missing Ring" with a comical performance as a dancing cactus in his Spanish class play. Sam loves acting.
I am done with my "Learn to Row" Class. I can't wait to get out on the water a couple times a week. It is so fun. The rhythm, concentration, speed and team effort make me feel awesome.
Fathers Day was a little tough. Blake woke up with a very high fever and Skip's present did not arrive on time. I stayed home from Church with Blake, while Skip and the rest of the kids headed off to church. Blake had a burst of energy and wanted to decorate for Skip. We cut out streamers, hung them and made signs for Skip and then Blake's energy disappeared. He went to sleep and I made a special lunch for Skip.

Claire went a little overboard with her creations, but it was fun to watch her enthusiasm as Skip opened each one.

There are so many places on the Island to explore. The kids and I headed out to Fort Ward to see what we could find. We studied rocks this year in school. Everywhere we go now the kids question what type of rocks we find.

Skip and Jack were on a fifty mile bike ride, of which I have no pictures, in preparation for the 250 mile bike ride in Aug. They made it home and were very tired, but alive.
Jack enjoyed band very much. After his last concert we headed out to Mora's for their famous Ice cream.

Skip took the boys on a "Father and Son" camp out this year. Then, not to be left out, our ward had a "Father Daughter" camp out. Claire loved the boat ride over to Blake Island. She wanted to be in the tent the whole time. She also received her new yellow boots, took them camping and they worked beautifully.

Jack was offered a great opportunity to go into a professional recording studio and record a few of his piano songs. He was even able to lay down separate tracks on his trumpet. He put the trumpet tracks over the piano for an intensely played "Battle of the Heroes." Then he and the owner edited all the songs and burned them on to a CD. It was awesome!

The Simpleton and the Golden Goose

2010-06-03T02:08:00.005-04:00

Blake was in his first play. He was very excited about it. He was the lead, playing "The Simpleton." It was so fun to watch him work on this play for the past six weeks. The kids were involved in every aspect of development from dialogue to set design. Blake took a special interest in the dialogue and gave many suggestions. Most of his suggestions made it in to the script.
He got action...chop, chop, chop!!!
He was the leader.
The Enchantress gave him loads of help and good advise.
He was married to the princess in the end.....Look at her, she was delighted.....Blake not so much.
Curtain call!!

Learning to Row!

2010-05-21T00:46:00.005-04:00

Okay, I admit it I saw a really lame movie in the 80's Called "Oxford Blues" ......laugh if you must. I just watched the trailer for it and can't believe I went to see it. All I remember about it was the rowing. I think I was drawn to it because of the rowing. I mean, I would like to think that. At sixteen most of your decisions regarding movies can be questionable, right. Although, that same year I saw Ghostbusters, Footloose, and Amadeus and I remember where I was for each of these movies.....not so much Oxford Blues.....maybe a bad date?....mmmm.....yes, that must be it. I do recall several of those.So ever since then I have wanted to row. It has been a secret desire. There is a reason behind this secrecy. First the inspiration is really nothing to brag about and second I mentioned it to a couple of friends and they thought I was weird. I am weird. I own that with a smile:)

Before we had officially moved to the Island we attended the 4Th of July parade held here last summer and low and behold the BI rowing club came marching through and my heart skipped a beat. I was giddy inside......

I told Skip about it. He thought I was weird. I decided it might be a dream never to come true, plus I am so busy with the kids and stuff. Then in January I mentioned it to my friend Rhonda and she lit up like a Christmas Tree...WOO HOO!!! Someone understands!!

She found out all the info. It turns out she had been trying to do this for the past two years. I was so glad to be her comrade in rowing.

I needed to take a ten minute float test with my clothes on....never did that before. Claire sat and watched me jump in the pool with all my clothes on and was delighted. A rush of nerves set in at first...What if I don't pass? What if I sink? Should I really be doing this? I got some what panicky after the first few minutes of treading water, then I realised I could swim and float on my back. Claire was smiling at me from ear to ear and I knew I could do it. Sometimes as a Mom you feel like doing something for just you and no one else.... and it cost money, it is like... I don't know......like a betrayal in some way, like that money could go for the family or pay for one of the kids lessons.....I felt a little sneaky.....mothers guilt...I got over it and I passed.
I took that test in March. We had our first "Learn to Row Class" on Saturday. It WAS AWESOME!!!! I felt so empowered. It was a beautiful sunny morning. The water was glass like.....well, there were the occasional wakes from something called the FERRY. We turned and went into the harbor. Loved it! It is not easy mind you. There are so many things to think about to get your stroke right. It is kind of like a golf stroke. You will be working on the stroke for the rest of your time rowing to get it perfected. I am willing to do that.

I can't wait to go out again. These ladies were great to row with. Everyone was so enthusiastic and I might add patient with the fab five newbies. Mid June is our next class and then I can start rowing several times a week. I can't wait!

I also should mention we had to watch this safety video, which scared me, but not enough to back out. It showed all the ways you could crash and fall in the water. The water here is 40 degrees Fahrenheit and that is pretty much all year round give or take a couple of degrees...ccccold... When we stepped in the water to put the oars on and systematically get in the boat, I thought I might SCREAM. The water was cutting like a knife. I didn't want to be a wimp so I silently screamed my head off. They numbed up pretty quick and it didn't bother me as much....nice!

How Do You Measure, Measure a Month........

2010-05-15T09:07:00.006-04:00

Ah to be young.......

2010-04-12T02:21:00.005-04:00

S o this is a fun group with "mucho" energy. We had an awesome time with these friends.

After looking through these pictures I was worn out and I was only taking them. I am getting a little old. Several things have brought me to this conclusion, which reality I have fought tooth and nail since I discovered these things. I mean really didn't I just graduate from high school.......oh that was about 23 yrs ago. Why does it seem to me like yesterday? Maybe it's dementia. I do tend to forget a lot of things.

I was combing my hair when I noticed some white things and of course I jump right to lice, since it is going around. When I get out my magnifying mirror { which I need, since I can't see clearly any more, sometimes I add the help of my reading glasses} I notice it's not lice, just a bunch of gray hairs. Great, not lice only gray hair. I should be so happy, but you can buy this special shampoo to get rid of lice for good.....gray hair.....you must continue to color, for life....Yes, a life sentence. True; I do color my hair and have since I was fourteen, but I can usually go a while between color.......not any more!

And what about eating? My gums are receding. My type A brushing technique has led to this and it happens as we get older "so says my dentist." He is a great dentist don't get me wrong, but this is not fun news. Please be a cavity I was thinking. You can at least fill that, but no, now all cold things, like salad, strawberries, apples, make my mouth hurt and it is painful. now I go to bed and rub Sensodine toothpaste all over my gums. Really attractive. At least my breath is good.
I am reminded from these pictures how old my body feels sometimes. I was playing with the kids doing Karate moves. I tell them I used to be able to walk on my hands. they say," Do it, do it." And like a fool I try and I try. Big mistake. My back was not thanking me. It seemed so simple. In my mind I felt like the same person that I was back then. Oh how our minds deceive us.

And the pores on my face...what the! How did they get so big? This is where I put down the magnifying mirror. I mean the wrinkles are coming on fast and when I smile I can see where the two jowl indentations will be slowly making their appearance. Wonderful...... And what is up with the adult acne? One problem a decade please.

I used to be able to sleep any where. Now I really need a good surface or my back is killing me and every muscle aches when I wake up......what is up with that. I used to make fun of that "Icy/ Hot" stuff, but now I might just need some of that.......don't even get me started on why I avoid sneezing at all cost.

I guess it's not all bad news. I have these beautiful children that keep me young at heart. My diet is better than it has ever been and maybe that will keep the diseases at bay.

I do love being in my forties and feeling like I have been around for some history. I am trying to run a 10K with limited success. More Pilate's is what I need. Maybe some yoga....and a pedicure......maybe a good massage.....there are some advantages:)

These are just observations, not complaints really. I know many have it worse and it will get worse as I age.....just documentation for Claire when she is Forty -two and wants to know what it was like and I for some reason can't remember who I am at 84.....what?

Wonderful Easter Conference

2010-04-07T02:56:00.007-04:00

Every year .....well not every year.......but most years we dye eggs for Easter{ two years ago we did it after Easter, because I can't stand this tradition, but felt guilty and did it after.} This year I decided we are done with that tradition. No one eats the eggs....okay maybe Skip, but not all of them. I usually throw them away and really what do they have to do with Easter any way?

About ten years ago we went to this community Easter egg hunt, which was a terrible experience. Jack was three and was left in the dust of hundreds of 3-5 year olds and received no eggs. It was crazy. I was turned off to the commercial holiday and decided to try to make it more Christ centered......which is what it is all about, right?

SO.... a slow ten years later we are down to a small egg hunt in the house. They do receive baskets, but they are full of books, games, pictures, and things that are Christ centered. The plastic eggs do have some candy in them, but not a ton. I have found that the journals, scriptures, and other things that they receive make for a more worshipful Sabbath and raise more questions about our Savior.......to each his own, but this is working for us.

I was so happy that conference was on Easter this year. Wow, it was uplifting to say the least. Now Conference in our house does not always go swimmingly. No matter how hard I try it gets noisy, there can be fighting, some people are prone to fall asleep and keeping the kids interested for eight hours of Conference can be an overwhelming task.
I think I found the secret though; invite people over to watch, and invite the missionary's over for good measure. Plan a nice lunch, make sure everyone is showered and dressed nicely. Seriously, you don't want to fall asleep with your guest there; that would be rude. The kids behave in such a nicer manner when they are groomed properly.

It helps that the youth need to take notes for the Conference Bowl that is the following Wed. night youth activity. In fact I love this, because Blake and Sam watched Jack and Skip take notes. { Skip serves with the youth and they were both constantly pausing the broadcast to make sure they got all the details. Plus telling us to be quiet so they could hear} Sam and Blake decided that they should take notes too. Now Blake is not the best speller yet, so he would write down a key word then draw a small picture beside it. It was awesome to see what things jumped out at him and then see his illustrated interpretations. When we discussed Conference later he was able to pick out a number of things from his notes that he had gleaned.
Claire did much better sitting at the kitchen table with me, taking her own notes and stamping like crazy.

We stood together and sang. I loved this. I am usually the only one that does this.....sometimes one of the kids will sing with me.
Listening to a Prophet of God say all the inspired words that he did, which incidentally seemed written just for me, was at times overwhelming. The whole conference was a spiritual experience for me. The Spirit in our home was calm and peaceful. I was able to listen without getting mad. I know that sounds crazy, but many a conference I just have to say I can't wait to read it, since I could barely catch any of it.
I love that so many talks were testimony's of our Savior and his love for us. It was just perfect for celebrating Easter. The kid's got it......they still want the candy, but they got it.

Have I done Any Good?

2010-04-02T01:03:00.007-04:00

We have had some crazy weather today. First the rain, then the sun, then it hails, sunshine again and then on with the rain. Plus it is windy and cold. I'm not complaining. I mean we have no snow, I better knock on wood. Sorry about my peeps in Utah:)

This has been a spring break week and unfortunately I have not been much for fun. I have been really sad. I feel like I am being somewhat selfish. I just feel physically drained and I haven't even done anything. That is part of my problem. I feel like I can do nothing to comfort or help so many of my friends that are hurting. I am praying for them and you would think this should be enough. I know the Lord hears and answers our prayers.....I know this. It just sort of stinks being far away.

So we had this talk about two weeks ago in church about the song "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?"We were challenged to write a note to someone that might need a kind word or pray about it and maybe some one's name that just pops into your head might need a note.

I have also been thinking about the hymn, "As Sisters in Zion." My friend Samantha past away Monday night and boy she was and I know still is, a Woman of quiet service and Charity. She was just constantly going around helping, not saying much, just a small smile and she would move on to the next thing that needed doing. Her kids and Husband are the same. They are one incredible family. I was thinking , really.... How am I honoring her memory? I need to do something.
"Super Suppers," catchy name huh? On our Island the Inter-faith council with the cooperation of several churches put on these dinners. They are last week in every month. Every night of the last week a church or I should say two churches team up to offer a free meal to anyone that needs it. The idea being that those that are having a hard time financially might need more help at the end of the month. Our Church teams up with the Catholic Church and we do a big dinner.

Jack and I went to help this week for a couple of hours. It was so great to serve with these wonderful Sisters in Christ. The Spirit of service was so strong. I put my arm around one of the ladies and just told her how wonderful it was to be able to help. I got a little teary. My emotions are really at the surface this week.

I imagine some of my friends will be in a Church kitchen tomorrow. They will be talking about Samantha and laughing and crying. They will be serving up food, washing up dishes and growing closer as they show love to each other. I know..... I have been there with them, many times. They say the more you serve someone { and I might add serve with some one } the deeper your love grows and I believe it. These ladies have been given 'The errand of Angels'...to comfort the weary and strengthen the weak. They are up to the task. My spirit will be there with them, but I think my hands will be busy some where else. They have to be.

I am going to try and ask myself everyday; Have I done Any good in the World Today and hopefully get to it!.......Just like Samantha......cool!

.....I'm Sad......and Hopeful

2010-03-31T00:59:00.004-04:00

I took the 6:20am ferry over this morning to go to the Temple. I checked my FB account and found out a dear friend had passed away in the night. Her teenage daughter had posted a sad good-bye and my heart broke for her.
I called my friend Suz and we cried......not for her, because we know she is safe and in loving hands, surrounded by family and friends. We cried for her husband and children and friends...and us.
Then I went to the House of the Lord. I was quiet, prayerful, sad, and hopeful. I fought back the tears and prayed for the loving husband, the faithful son on a mission, the teenage son and daughter, the little angel ten year old daughter......I cried some more.

We never know what will happen from one day to the next. Yes, we can plan and yes, we must plan, but we must also remember life is short. We must make time to love and serve and love some more....... and tell those we love that we love them....a lot.

A hole in the fabric that is my life can be mended through time, but her mark will stay forever and I want it to. Some people stick inside you.

I am glad for a ward of Saints that serve unceasingly. I wish I could be there, but my prayers will have to do........man she was awesome.

A Package for Claire

2010-03-30T00:59:00.005-04:00

Claire received a package in the mail From Grandma Lewis. She was thrilled with the package it's self. She looked at the outside, saw the stickers ad exclaimed in a girly giddy voice,"I love it already."

The package was taped up pretty tight and you know the brothers are on top of things. Jack was the helper this time, much to Sam and Blake's dismay.

Oooooo......ahhhhhh. A necklace from Aunt Julie and the beads have little flowers in them. Grandma sewed Claire a little doll.....too sweet........and a pink Tutu to match. " I have one of these and it's pink like hers." cries Claire

She is thrilled beyond all get out!

"........And her face is shaped like a heart like mine. I will call her Elizabeth."

Testify of Miracles

2010-03-28T18:37:00.006-04:00

Today in church we had our Fast and Testimony meeting. I always enjoy these meetings, especially hearing the many Testimonies of how Christ has worked in other peoples lives. Some Testimonies are stories and others are just plain Testimony of a principle of Christ's Gospel. Those are the ones that touch me the most.

Sam has always felt strongly about bearing his Testimony. We bear Testimony in our home regularly and he is aware of what it means to Testify of Christ.

As I was listening to the Testimonies in the meeting Sam tugs on my sweater and says," I feel like I have to bear my Testimony." Sam is not a kid that does this every month, in fact I think it was two Christmas's ago when he last bore his Testimony in church and let me tell you the boy has a deep testimony of Christ. I told him if he felt like he should then he should go up and do it. (I could do well to take this advise.)

He walked up to the stand very resolutely and sat down waiting for his turn. Then he strode up to the pulpit, cleared his throat and said," I would like to testify that Miracles still happen today and that Jesus listens and answers prayers. I had been praying for something to happen and a miracle happened. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that because a young boy prayed a miracle happened and that if he didn't pray, God and Jesus wouldn't have appeared before him. I know that if that didn't happen I wouldn't be here today. I know Christ lives and answers prayers. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Tears were welling up in my eyes. You hope as a parent that your child will have experiences that will help them feel and recognise the Spirit. My prayers were answered too. Sam came back, sat down next to me and gave me our three squeeze sign on my leg. I love you, was what the three squeezes meant. I squeezed him right back with the answer. Four squeezes on his leg, I love you too!

Race Day!

2010-03-28T02:19:00.005-04:00

Today was the Pinewood Derby. Skip was able to fly stand -by on a full plane. At the last moment one seat opened up and he got it. A prayer answered. Sam was thrilled.

Being early to the race was important to Sam and Skip. They both wanted to try the track out before the race to see how fast the car was. Two older cars were brought along to the race to share with some new members of our ward that didn't have time to make their own. These were not winning or loosing cars, just middle the Pack cars. The minute they arrived Sam raced his car against his last years car and lost. He was worried. They loaded it up with some graphite and hoped for the best as the track was now closed.

A prayer, the Pledge and the race was on. The track was running fast on lane two, but our Cub Master had things under control. He would race several heats so each car would get to race in different lanes and all would be fair. {Sam is all about fair. He doesn't mind loosing as much as he minds if it was a fair race.} Let me just say the person that runs the race has a tough job and gets all my respect. Our crowd was pretty good, but they still gave him a hard time on some of the races. The Pinewood Derby can get quite emotional to say the least and not just for the boys.....if you know what I mean.

'Crash' was running well after being doused with a ton of graphite. The car was winning all it's heats. You could tell by the half smile on his face that Sam was pleased. In one race his competitors car was back heavy and shimmying. The owner decided to run it backwards this made a huge difference. Sam told them to turn his around too. Then Sam started changing the position of the way his car was running in random races, or so we thought. Skip and I were just scratching our heads. One way was slower than the other and we knew Sam could tell.

Sam is not really emotional unless he feels like he has been wronged. Then he gets emotional and really stubborn and I am usually pulling my hair out when he gets this way, because you cannot reason with him. On the other hand, he likes everyone including him to get a fair shake and have a good experience and he is an incredible compassionate kid. He was sitting at the front of the track giving every racer high fives, a smile and words of encouragement as they came back from their race.

You may think this is easy if you are winning. What we found out later was that Sam was changing his car so he wouldn't smoke the really slow cars. We have had the really slow cars. We have been in Derby's where we didn't win one race. These races were heart breaking to watch. Sam remembered. He told me later,"Mom, I just wanted everyone to have a good time."

I love the Pinewood Derby and from talking with a lot of Moms, I may be in the minority. I like that the Dad has too work with his son. I like that they spend time together. Yes, the Dad generally does most of the work and the boy does the grunt work, but they are working together. When Dad's are busy this doesn't always happen. The dead line kind of forces the issue.

In the end Sam won. He was so happy and so was Skip and me and Claire and Blake and Jack. I was so proud of the way he behaved during the whole race. We felt like, whew.....finally. He got a trophy that he gets to hold onto for a year. All the previous winners names, from our ward, for the past 14 years, are on there and soon Sam's name will be engrave on there too.

He told me tonight, as we talked before I tucked him in, that he felt like it was a pretty fair race. He was so glad his Dad made it home to help him, and was happy his car turned out pretty nice. He looked at the trophy nodded his head and gave me a half smile. I gave him a big kiss.

Now we go to districts. Win or loose I think Sam will be okay.

Pinewood Mania!

2010-03-24T01:48:00.005-04:00

"Hey Priscilla, are you going to the Pinewood Derby this Saturday?"......." Yes Victoria, of course, I wouldn't miss it!" .......These are what Claire considers Barbies. I must give Aunt Maryann credit for this. She gave them to her. It works for me! {kind of reminds me of Maryann and me}
On your mark.... get set.... go!....
Sam is testing out the awesome car that Skip and he built.
Skip is giving Sam last minute instructions on the In's and outs of graphite.
Skip will not be attending the Pinewood Derby. He has a business trip. Sam is pretty upset about this.
Perfect weight! I am in the Primary over the Scouts, so Sam has ask if I can change the date. I told him that it was kind of late for that. He was pretty upset.
Have you ever prayed for something that you really want? Sam has been praying for the past two weeks and has asked all of us to pray also, for his biggest desire. ...... "Heavenly Father, Please help my Dad to come home Friday night, so he can come to the Pinewood Derby. He has worked really hard helping me to build a great car. He really deserves it. If there is anyway, please help him to know it. " Every personal prayer and every family prayer for the past two weeks.....my heart melts every time.
Sam rocks my world!

.....Looking Back

2010-03-19T00:55:00.008-04:00

If you look at the top right hand corner of my page you will see where I used to twitter. I stopped exactly a year ago. Why? I don't know. I think FB and blogging are really all I can do; and because I used to tweet I know what I was doing on this day one year ago:) What were you doing?

I lived in VA and was visiting the beautiful Maymont Park on a spectacular spring day. My friend Beth and her kids were with us. We had a blast, except for the five minutes in which Blake was lost.....extremely hilly place, lots of trees......I was enjoying the beauty and Blake was not really paying attention.....so there you go.

I was also preoccupied with finding a job for Skip. The lead we had at this time was with a company called Cricket. I received a phone call in the park from the lead Hr person in the area. Nothing came of it, but I had to put my hope somewhere......Anyway, I miss Richmond, it's beauty, and my dear, dear friends. At least twice a week my boys and Claire played with Beth's kids and Beth and I could visit. That my friends is hard to not miss.

Don't get me wrong I am loving it here. I am making new friends slowly, watching as my kids struggle to make new friends too. There are a lot of great people here and I am always amazed at how divine providence works, but some days you just wish.......I know, If wishes were fishes......who came up with that anyway?

"Bloom where you are planted," another great one. I am trying to. I have had Recipe Club for five months now. It's going....fare......no one's fault, it just hasn't worked out how I had hoped. I might have to rework my thinking on it. It is hard to duplicate perfection.....thanks Suz you are awesome.

Well, Back to life. Back to reality. To tell the truth, it is a pretty great place to live and my kids and I have had some experiences we never would have had in VA. We are together, we have the Gospel and we have a job. Life goes on and we roll with the punches and soar with Eagles when we can.....I wonder where I will be next year?

Sweet Perfume

2010-03-18T02:57:00.004-04:00

I am not sure what this flower is, but the fragrance at dusk is hypnotic. I was taking out the trash, when this delectable smell wafted into my nose. The scent is so subtle, you don't really know where it is coming from. I had to smell every bush in the yard until I found it. I love discovering all these new plants and flowers...I really need a gardener. I don't have time to give them the proper attention. This yard, because it is a rental, has had better days, yet these flowers are still hanging on.....barely.

Pin the tail on the Pegasus

2010-03-17T03:11:00.002-04:00

Blake wanted to participate in the Birthday festivities on Monday. He decided to do a pin the tail on the Unicorn. Then he drew the horn on the head of the of the Unicorn and didn't like it.... So he erased it and called it a pegasus.
We hung it on the wall....
And started to play. Claire loved it!
She was very upset when I was not in the right place.
Jack did well.
Blake was happy to help his dad.
Then it was his turn.
He came really close.

I'm sinking!

2010-03-17T02:55:00.002-04:00

HELP, I AM SINKING IN THIS INCREDIBLE TACKY CAKE!

HELP ME, PLEASE!
SERIOUSLY PEOPLE I AM SINKING!

I made this cake. Yes, it was a long day people. The cake itself was easy. A nice vegan chocolate cake with AVOCADO......yum! The frosting was another story. It was supposed to look different, but my frosting didn't work out and the coloring didn't work out. Claire did not care she loved it and asked for another one next year! It was an all day affair. I am not sure I can do it again.

Claire big number Four!

2010-03-17T01:59:00.005-04:00

Jack played happy Birthday on the guitar.
Blake made a pin the tail on the Pegasus. There is a story behind this one!
Sam decorated the Big Girl birthday chair.
What girl wouldn't want Lego's?
Blake knew she would love them.
What girl doesn't love a new pair of shoes?
Especially if they are sparkly and have a slight heel.
She thinks she will be wearing these to church........uh no.
This box came from Grandma and Grandpa Ross about four days ago.
Claire has been begging me every day to open it....I am sooo glad her birthday came.
This cradle and bedding were so beautiful.

Blake ran up, grabbed her baby and tucked her in. What are big brothers for?
The best was she blew out the candles and when we asked her what her wish was, she didn't hesitate, she said, " That my fifth birthday will come soon." Classic.
Claire announced to us at the end of the evening,"I want to thank you all, for making my Birthday so wonderful." She is my sweet angel!

FHE Entertainment!

2010-03-09T02:54:00.008-05:00

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!
OKAY......LA, LA,LA,LA,LA........LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA.....{ PRINCESS OF ALL TIME!} The girl has never seen a princess movie, yet she channels them?

Blake and Claire worked on the choreography of their Kong Fu fight FOREVER...okay maybe for just an hour or so, but it was a long hour for me.
Throwing each other around the living room, all Choreographed mind you.....that sure takes a load off my mind. Really, Claire loved it. She was giggling { like any true Ninja warrior would}... through the whole thing...so was I!
Jack and Sam were mildly amused..... they tried. It did go on for a while.....I don't know where they get it?
Then they break out the sword choreography.......watching to many Star Wars Extras? Maybe.
You can't tell here, but just a second before this leap Claire was in his way. She did a 360 and was out of there....all part of the plan.
A little magic at the end...... and this is a show that could go on the road. BRAVO!!!! no encores please.
Just a nice bow and smiles all around.......Nobody was hurt in the making of this skit.....THANK GOODNESS!

Just so you know my kitchen did get cleaned up:)

Beautiful Guilt

2010-03-06T02:36:00.005-05:00

Thank you to Blake, Sam and Claire for taking all the pillows off the couch and LEAVING them in a nice little pile. It really adds to the ambiance of the living room and makes sitting on the couches so much more comfortable. At least all the Lego's are picked up.

Between everything that was going on today, I watched a Blue Jay build it's nest, saw a Humming bird, was loving the warmth of the sun and wishing I could be out running on this gorgeous day.

Today, Blake and I went on a field trip to a master guitar maker. The field trip was about 30 min long and I am not sure if the kids really liked it, Blake was on the fence. I was really fascinated by it, but the guy wasn't really set up for a group of kinder/1st graders. Blake is studying wood in his science class, thus a man that works with wood.

Then on to a check up for Blake and he is doing pretty good. We elevated one end of his bed and haven't had an episode for a month, so that is great!

Serious slave labor here. Look, the girl loves to help me. She is all over getting the laundry upstairs and bringing it down the stairs to go in the washer. Who am I to stop her?

Skip stayed home from work today to get ready for a camp out/bike ride with Jack.{I spend any free time today talking to Jack about why he really doesn't want to go on this trip..ie..he can't sleep well on these camp outs, he hasn't really gelled with anyone yet, he doesn't think he can ride the ride physically......I try to reassure him on all these points and feel bad that he feels bad.}

Skip said he stayed home to get everything together, which included buying a new bike. Now we all have bikes. Now he gets go riding with us..whahhahhahha....

I forgot about feeding the Missionary's tonight. Lucky for me they called. I was in the midst of trying to find a few things that Skip could not locate for his outing, while doing Math with Blake and Sam, doing dishes, laundry, keeping Claire happy, and then getting Jack to his trumpet lesson, driving him to the church to go on the camp out (Skip was there waiting and watching, as someone was attempting to attach a bike rack to our Van...they did it! Asking me if Fed-Ex had come with his new sleeping bag and bike helmet, I have no idea I haven't been home in the past 45 min. I will call if it came when I get home. ) I kissed Jack goodbye and headed home.

I made an executive decision that Sam, Blake and Claire would go with me to the store to get the food to make some dinner for the Missionary's. The kid's had been left home three times already today for short spurts, but each time I returned home the reports on what had happened while I was gone were not stellar. So off we went. We flew through the market. I had an hour and a half to make everything and get it to the church for them.( Skip wasn't here, so they really couldn't come for dinner. This made for some interesting conversation with my boys.) I made Chili with chips, guacamole, cheese and sour cream. Of course as I am making it I realize I am out of cumin and cilantro, so I run back to the Market without the kids. I think it will be fast, but I didn't think of ferry traffic...dang! I get home, throw it together, with the homemade cookies (which were not awesome, not even close!) and met them at the church. I looked at them and then at the food and thought," This is not enough food, I am so lame." I schedule them for Sunday dinner........guilt is......it just is..... I come home feed the kids and watch a movie with them. They are loving it, because it has been 3 1/2 weeks since the TV has been on.

This is my kitchen. It is 11:30 PM. I tell myself, first of all it's Jack's night for dishes. Doesn't really fly, Jack is not even here. Okay.....If I do the dishes it might wake the kids....I can live with that? Not really.......I leave the room and do a lot of self talk.

What is good about this picture at 11:30 at night? The clothes on the chair ARE folded.....I tried to think of something else.....pretty much a mess.....again with the self talk. I grab my computer and head upstairs.

I run into this little number. Thanks a lot. I would have loved to run today in the warm sun enjoying the beauty, but no. Now go away and let me eat my chocolate chips in peace....for heavens sake I don't need this kind of guilt................ I still have to get Claire up to use the restroom, goodnight!

No TV...NO Electonic games.....for four weeks?

2010-03-03T00:57:00.006-05:00

About two weeks ago, I, in the fury that sometimes accompanies Motherhood, banished TV and all Electronic games for FOUR WEEKS! Why on earth? This is a question my husband asked too. Look, when you are mad and out of your mind, because you have told your kids for the umpteenth time to do something and they whine and complain.........sometimes you just loose it. I picked FOUR WEEKS out of the ever-lovin hat that I wear as a Mother......and really once you have laid down the consequence you have to stick to it, no matter how hard or that the Olympics are on or that 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' just came out or whatever. Consistency that is the key....RIGHT?????
Okay, I do have to admit four weeks is a LONG TIME and perhaps the kids will tire of trying to obey me and forget about the TV {they only get to watch it on the weekend} or the Wii { they only get to play on Saturday}.....not likely since they ask me everyday if the four weeks up. I just needed them to understand I was serious. I cannot ask them to do things over and over and really, I can't take whining, rolling of eyes, stomping of feet or any other type of protest over just doing what is expected on a daily basis. These expectations are not huge....ie...Make beds, brush teeth, put laundry away, practice piano the list goes on, not too far, but on. I am only one person and they are four, so there you have it I was a bit tired. After trying for a week and a half to not loose my temper, speak in whispers, and hold it together with no anger coming out.....uh it did and in a big way.
We have made it through. Actually, it has been somewhat pleasant for the past two weeks. As you can see from these pictures the kids have found other ways to entertain themselves and I like it. Look at the smile and joy in Claire's face here. She is loving dancing with her brothers. They missed the Olympics, {we did DVR a lot of them} but really did it hurt them to miss it? I don't think so.
They just found other means to keep their minds and body's busy. We have made a ton of paper airplanes. We have painted more and played more games.
We have listened to more music and laughed together. It has been nice. The pressure of getting everything done so they can play their Game Boys is gone. The rush job they did on cleaning the bathroom, gone. I have been able to enjoy just talking with them.
Skip felt like we should give them a chance to earn it back early. This week they are earning stars every time they get everything done and without complaints. We shall see if they make it. I know some complaining is natural, but in order to keep some sort of order I do need some sort of compliance. I really have enjoyed these past two weeks with them though and hopefully once we get back to the modern wonders of the world they will still want to play, paint, sing, and dance with me:)

Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree

2010-03-02T11:00:00.005-05:00

Spring has sprung! I love it! As you can see it has been springing for a while. It started in February and just kept Springing. This morning I went outside to the Delicious smell of flowers.
This is a flower I have been watching for about a week from my kitchen window. It is all by it's self and I have no idea what it is.
A sad little Daffodil all by it's lonesome. At least I have one in my yard:)
This is a tall shrub that is about to burst at the seams. I can't wait!

Driving around town is a complete delight. A feast for the eyes.
Daffodils a sure sign of spring!
The library and turnabout. Thank you to the Garden club for keeping things so lovely.

A view of my backyard. The fruit trees are starting their show! Soon the azaleas will make the stage.

In between Awake and Asleep

2010-02-23T00:48:00.003-05:00

Sam and I had a good talk Sunday about feeling the spirit in primary. Jack was of course documenting for posterity. Do I really use my hands this much when I talk?
It was gorgeous outside. The sun coming through the window was getting me a little drowsy and this is when things get little dicey. You see, I tend to talk nonsense when I am just about asleep, especially if my kids are in the room. I was really trying to stay awake.
....And no I was not picking my nose....ewww. I was trying to act very interested in what Sam has to say. I mean it was interesting.....I just couldn't hold it together.
This is in mid sentence....Jack thinks he is so funny. I dose off and then I say out of the blue...." "Sam eat with your fork." I kind of realize I have said something not quite right, I mean there is no food anywhere. I open my eyes and act all.....I'm awake...what? what? I ask Sam about his primary class lesson.
Sam tells me I already asked about that....he is not buying it. Then I listen to him for a few more minutes and I just can't keep my eyes open. I slowly drift away. Then out of my mouth comes, "Claire, go get the spray bottle." { Claire is not even in the room} and this has nothing to do with Testimony or the Spirit we felt in Primary.
Sam and Jack are busting up........I have given in and I could care less at this point about shouting out random things and my boys laughing at me. This happens all the time. They have some pretty good one liners I have said between sleep and awake.

Here is my photographer. He is taking a lot of random pictures after he is through toying with me.
I looked at this and thought, " That is nice a picture of Christ."...... but then I looked at the books beside him and thought,"Something is wrong here. I put these pics up all over the house at eye level. I never really look to see what is beside them. I just want the kids to have reminders daily, but maybe I should move Him somewhere else. What do you think?

Need a massage?

2010-02-16T02:50:00.004-05:00

Every now and then I like to get a good massage. I happen to have a few people that live with me that like to get a good massage too. How about a group massage session for Valentines day!

Valentine Boat by Blake!

2010-02-15T01:47:00.005-05:00

These hearts should be outlawed! They are totally addicting and I have eaten entirely to many. The crunch is what gets me....I love to crunch ice too!

Blake taught us how to make Valentine Boats after dinner on Friday. He was so excited to teach us.

He was patient and guided us through each step.

Claire was really pleased with hers.
Sam opted for a more traditional sail.

Musings From Claire

2010-02-12T01:52:00.006-05:00

CLAIRE- {announces out of the blue at the dinner table} " I am not going on a mission"

ME- " Why not."

CLAIRE-" Because I am going to be a Mommy. I can't wait.....I don't want to be a Grandma."

ME-" Well.....you can go on a mission and be a Mom after. Your Aunt Michelle did and she has five kids. She is a great Mommy."

CLAIRE-{ Thinks about this}" Okay, I will be a missionary and teach the Gospel and about Jesus and about being a Mom....is it Legal for a Missionary to teach about being a Mom?"

ME- "Yes."

CLAIRE-" Who will I marry After My mission?.....I will marry your husband."

ME-" No, he is mine....get your own."

CLAIRE-"Then who.....Sam? { She says with a smile, looking at Sam.}

ME- " No, you cannot marry your brother."

CLAIRE-" It's not legal to marry your brother?"

ME-" No,....but you could marry Timmy or Andre..they are nice boys." { Boys in her church class}

CLAIRE-" No." Shaking her head.

ME-" What if ten boys asked you to marry them?"

CLAIRE-{ Thinks for a second} "I will marry of them each, one at a time, is that legal?"

ME- " No."

CLAIRE-{Without missing a beat.}" Then I will say....sorry....."

ME-" To who?"

CLAIRE-" All of the boys, but one....right? Just one is legal?"

ME-" Yes."

CLAIRE-".....and we will live with you and you can be a grandma...but not me."

Did you need something?{Uh.... ya...that is my phone.}

"Mom, I don't want to practice my letters on your IPhone. I'm talking to Riely, she is my best friend you know." { How old is this girl?}

Sam's 10th Birthday!

2010-02-11T19:23:00.006-05:00

Sam turned 10 yesterday. We started off the day with a little math and then piano lessons. I figured that was just not going to cut it for a birthday , so I suggested we take the ferry over to Seattle to the Science Museum. They had a new exhibit about Mars and since we have been studying space and geology, I thought we could have fun learning. Sam thought that would be great.

Here we are with the Cake. I went and bought a small cake at Whole Foods. Sam said I didn't need to buy a cake we could just eat the two we already had at home.{My cakes from my birthday...mostly eaten} ....like I would just piece them together and throw some candles on top, I don't think so. He needed his own. This smile told me I was right.

We stopped in at the food court by the museum for some refreshment and a foot massage for the birthday boy. He was so pleased.

The refreshment was not my idea of good food. They seemed to suck down the Orange Julius with no problem. It was a good chaser to the chips they devoured. Food for the mind!

Inside the Museum we had fun building rockets and blasting them off. Jack was able to feel what it would be like to walk on Mars. Sam tested the gravity factor on his face. Then we watched a great movie about the Mars Rovers, Opportunity and Spirit. Claire kept asking, "Are these guys real or just pretending to be scientist?""Are they good guys?" and then after they said the Rovers would never return to Earth. Claire responded," That is just so sad."

The bubble machine is always a big hit. These guys and little girl made some huge bubbles!

We came home on the 5:30 ferry with Skip. Pizza and cake were on the menu for dinner. We opened presents while the pizza cooked. Sam received Lego's. I know big shocker, but that is what he loves. While he was preoccupied with the Lego's, I hurriedly decorated....because that's how I roll! Claire was thrilled with my decorating skill, throwing me compliments like candy. She was so happy we were able to get in all the components of a "Birthday Celebration." Sam was surprised when he came into the kitchen and gave me a big hug.

After we ate, blew out the candles and played some more, Skip and I were ready for these guys to hit the hay. Then Sam pulls one out of left field,

SAM-" Mom are we going to watch Star Wars II now?" {It was 10PM}

ME- " Uhh... no, not tonight sweetie. It is really late."

SAM-" But you promised when I turned 10 I could see Star Wars II."

ME- " What....I did? Honey, when did I promise that?"

SAM-" Last year, you promised, no matter what, I could watch it ON MY BIRTHDAY."

ME- " I do not recall that and I really don't think I would promise that. Maybe I said when you turned 10 you could see that movie....."

SAM-{Very emotional now} " You promised on my birthday, no matter what. You promised! { almost crying}

ME- " Sam, I don't make a lot of promises and I don't think I said that. I would be happy to have a date with you for another evening to watch that movie, just you and I...."

SAM-" You promised. YOU PROMISED!" {crying now}

Wow, I did not expect this. There was no way we could watch this movie at that time. To make matters worse the whole lot of them have been grounded from movies for the next four weeks........Whew, things were not going well.

I put Sam to bed , told him I loved him and that if we could work on the things we needed to, we could schedule a date for another time. He seemed a little better. ......Fast forward to tonight, after dinner was all cleaned up.

SAM-" Mom are we going to get these guys to bed so we can have our date?"

ME-" No, It is time for everyone to get ready for bed. I told you we would have to wait four weeks and work on obeying in a timely manner."

SAM-" You Promised, last night, you promised we would have special date."

ME-" I didn't promise , but I did say we would have a special date in four weeks."

It went on for ten minutes and ended in tears. I am not sure what to do. The poor kid is so distraught........so am I! Sam is such a great guy and I just love him to death, but there is no reasoning with him when he gets something in his head.

Beauty!

2010-02-08T02:21:00.004-05:00

What on earth? Why this plant is blooming right now is beyond me. I am not sure what it is called, but in the middle of winter it is wonderful to see such beauty.
This guy keeps me on my toes. I have been trying to get a good picture of him for weeks. From what I understand he is a Stellar Jay. Just beautiful!
Look at this beauty. This was a Christmas gift that bloomed on my birthday. I love it. We have been watching it's progress for about six weeks.

Birthday Bliss

2010-02-07T02:40:00.008-05:00

I woke up to Claire wishing me Happy Birthday. She was so sorry that no decorations were up yet. I really don't think that's going to happen I told her. Claire was so disappointed to hear that. Really, how can you have a birthday with no decorations? I did get this really big bag though. What a beauty!
Come on every one let's open it up. ( Look at that sun streaming through the window. It was a beautiful day.)
My girl Claire always ready to help.
Mom go faster!

Woo Hoo!!! A food processor. Just what I wanted....really:)
Caution SHARP! Nobody touch it!
Go ahead and stick your finger in there while your mom is fiddling with the tape.....and yes she cut it. Why can't they listen?Daddy's lap and a band aid, all is well with the world....... Kind of....

________________________________________________________

Eating lunch at the beach, lovely!

We had a great time at the beach collecting rocks. What more could you ask for on your birthday? Smiles from my kids is an awesome present. Skip was a little cold. As we were driving home Skip announced a cake was waiting for us. Cheers all around. Claire looks at me and say," Now your birthday is complete....without decorations though.... you can share mine on my birthday."

"How old are you mom?" Asked Claire. " She's 46." Says Jack with an air of authority. "No She's not." Says Sam ( I'm thinking, "Really guys! Thank you, Sam for knowing.")" She's 44." Says Sam......... I feel my crows feet growing bigger....." I am 42 guys." I say. They all start in with," We know, we know...we just wanted you to feel good.".......... " What?"..............

I forgot to buy matches, so these cheese balls acted it out, so I could make a proper wish.

Thank you! I hope my wish comes true:)

Just some fun pics with my girl!

2010-02-06T02:05:00.004-05:00

42 and feeling fine!

Detective Wiley Jones at your service!

2010-02-05T00:20:00.004-05:00

Sam was in his first play tonight, "The Case of the Missing Ring" it was so fun! Sam played one of ten Detectives in the play and had a blast. His personality really shined through. He had a number of lines, but the best was watching him as he meandered through the play holding this magnifying glass up to everything and everybody, not saying a word, just nodding and smiling. He told me later that this was his idea to throw the audience off the trail of "Who Done It." So thoughtful this one!

The kids loved it. We came home and were trying to get them to bed. Claire is running around trying to hide from us, pretending to have a magnify glass in her hand, crying every time we address her, telling us," You not supposed to see me...wha wha, wha..." Blake is saying over and over," remember when they said ".........."...ha!ha!ha!" Busting a gut after every repeated line. {Try getting a seven year old to get into his PJ's, brush his teeth, and get into bed while he is busting a gut. This is no easy task and I did not yell. Try leaving the dark room as he says, "Mom, one more...remember when so and so said.....GO TO SLEEP BLAKE. said firmly.} Sam is on a blissful high.....while Jack is mucking it up with Blake and trying to figure out if he still has time to read.
So the bummer thing was that I brought my camera. Skip took loads of pictures. Towards the end of the show he asks me," Is there an SD card in this camera?" Dang! I forgot to put it back in the camera, so I took these with my phone after the play.

Update on Blake........

Test came back great. He does, however, have a bacteria in his gut that he has probably been carrying around since he was a toddler. This bacteria when not treated can cause stomach problems and ulcers. So I think we might have a handle on this...fingers crossed:)

My new Teen

2010-02-03T01:18:00.002-05:00

This is my new teenager. He turned 13 in Dec. Times are a changing for our family. Teenagers are an interesting thing. I think I may be on my knees more than ever now. He is a great kid and I love him so much. The problem lies with me. I am not sure how to reach him. The way I dealt with things before just doesn't work now. SO......back to square one.....sigh......
He took this picture........ I think I will start with similar interest first:)

Black History Month!

2010-02-02T00:44:00.007-05:00

"It feels like spring time on this February morning, in the court yard birds were singing your praise." It is a beautiful day today! The daffodils are up and I think it may hit 55, yes!

We are celebrating Black History Month and I thought I would share a few of the books that we are starting out with. Henrys Freedom Box, Ellen Levine

Most Loved in the World, Tonya Cherie Hegamin

Moses, Carole Boston Weatherford
We are starting off with some early hero's and then moving forward in time as we progress through the month. The conversation yesterday was very interesting and quite tender. I am always amazed at what kids can understand and how much compassion they have.

Claire was ultra sensitive to the stories. She understood the words as I read them off the page, without any explaining. Her response was, " They should pray. God will help them."
We started on a unity wreath. Of course the ALS I love you symbol could not be left off. Sam's idea.

Busy hands in more ways than one:)

UpDATE!

2010-02-01T14:21:00.003-05:00

I wrote about Blake's problem last night. It has weighed heavily on my mind for quite a while. He woke this morning with the same problem. We were able to keep it to one incident instead of the ten to fifteen we usually have, by trying some different coping techniques. In doing so the vomiting and sickness lasted for about two hours. This is great.

I thought about yesterday and how much I yelled. I know I got upset with them one time and yelled. It's not like I am some screamer that constantly screams, but I am trying to check my behavior too.

Thanks to your great comments and support. Sometimes I feel alone in this parenting thing. It's nice to know friends and family are out there and care........now onto my next kids troubles:) You might be hearing about it. Maybe with our combined experience we can change the world!

Anxiety and Gentleness

2010-02-01T01:58:00.007-05:00

For almost two years now I have been worried quite a bit about this crazy kid. He seemed to get sick about once a month with some sort of stomach flu. As his mother I felt completely hopeless. I asked the Doctor in VA, but she just told me to keep tracking it and that lots of viruses were going around. No one else in our family seemed to get it. I pretty much ruled out viral. I tracked his symptoms and ruled any sort of food allergy. I thought perhaps it was the house we were living in. The house in VA had some mold problems. We moved out of that house and the problem persisted.

You just worry about your kids so much and I was feeling very inadequate. This past Thanksgiving one of our parents told us that we might want to think about a stress factor. It had never occurred to me that stress could be the culprit. Our life is not real stressful, although once I started thinking about it and him I realized this kid did have some major anxiety problems. I am so grateful to this parent. (they will go unnamed, as I don't know that they want to be revealed) They opened up a whole new way of looking at this child. I am so blessed to have parents that follow the Spirit.

A fear of dogs. A fear of thief's. A fear of strangers. These are all normal childhood fears. I can totally relate, because I was a stress case as a kid. Only through constant prayer and scripture study have I been able to over come some of the anxiety that has persisted into my adult life. I am still a freak show, just less emphasis on freak.

After Thanksgiving I did some research into this vomiting problem. I watched my son with different eyes. He had three more incidents after Thanksgiving. I started to believe that stress could be the culprit. After talking with Blake I found out a little more about his concerns and I tried to help him with them. As I tracked his prognosis I realized that before every incident I had yelled at him...not in the early morning hours when the episodes would start but the day before. This killed me inside. I felt I was causing him to have this anxiety. I knew.

I prayed about it, asking for help and forgiveness. This child, so precious to our Father in Heaven, I felt I was messing up. I have him in my charge for only a few short years. Trying to have more patience was a real challenge. Then one day as I was driving down my street all alone when a quite voice inside my head said, " Gentleness, he needs gentleness. He is my son. I know him." Wow, this was what I needed to hear. Really we could all use more gentleness. I am sure that the Savior would be gentle, and long suffering........ I held him more, read to him more, and listened to him more.

During this time I also did lot of research I came up with some ideas about the stress problem and then went to a doctor to discuss a plan of action. This doctor was extremely kind and helpful. We went in and did some blood work, just to be on the safe side, but the doctor seems to think it could be an acid reflux problem that could be stress based.

So, we are trying some different things in hopes that we can get rid of this problem. I realize so many other people have bigger issues with their children, but this is an issue I must face and it is big and real to me. I LOVE MY KIDS SO MUCH. I just want to do the right things to help them to be strong, faithful, independent, loving people. I guess that is where my anxiety lies, but that is for another time.

Let them it Cake...good Idea!

2010-01-30T01:46:00.002-05:00

This is my question. Why do we have to have something different for dinner every night of the week. It's crazy! In so many countries they eat rice at every meal and the same veggies. I know variety is the spice of life, but can we make a good pot of chili and eat on it for several days? Maybe a great soup?...... I really couldn't stand to eat pizza every night of the week. I might be able to eat some form of Mexican food every night as long as we have the avocados. I am so tired by the end of the day and trying to eat as plant based as possible is sometimes so daunting.

This week's Menu: Potato Leek soup With Rosemary ...yum!

Penne pasta with Roasted red pepper red sauce..pretty good!

Seven layer bean dip (canned beans but homemade salsa and guac)

Vegan Southwestern chili....love it!

We had left over chili and Claire had hummus and chips.

Green Smoothies with every meal!:)

Breakfast is so easy. Lunch, I am working on it, but really I would be happy to have a salad at the end of the day and call it good. Picky eaters have got me down. All five of them!

I am now at 11:30 at night, trying to figure out what we will be eating for the next couple days and it is so depressing. I know what I want and believe me it is scrumptious. The other five are not so easy.

I should be screening a movie right now, so I can see if my kids can watch it. Not enough hours in the day! We learned to knit today from a great new friend and her son, so I will stop now go, watch the end of the movie and practice my new found skill...knit two...pearl one!

My Bear Cub

2010-01-29T01:46:00.005-05:00

Do you know this guy?
Perhaps you know this guy? Wawhahaha!!!!
This is my Cub Scout. He is leading the pack meeting in the posting of the colors and the Pledge. He rocks!
Tonight he received his Bear award and Religious Knot award. He has worked really hard the past couple months to finish it all up. His testimony has grown and so has his confidence. I am so proud of him.
I received my second Bear Pin. For a minute I thought I might not get it. It was going through my mind that maybe they forgot about me. Crazy.....I mean, it isn't about me and I was all obsessing about it. My mind was racing" If I don't get it I can always take Sam's card and get my pin."...weird...I am so weird. I didn't think about how much I loved getting my pin. {I just realized they didn't give him a card. I would have been out of luck!}

Big Hug! I just love that he hugged me first and gave me a big kiss in front of the whole group. Really, the kid is awesome!
A Cub Scout hand shake. He was ready to sit down.
A little Cub Scout round of applause and it's all good. I love Cub Scouts!

Homeschool Group VA....so Fun!

2010-01-26T19:32:00.004-05:00

I Am A Child Of God

2010-01-24T23:47:00.002-05:00

"I Am A Child Of God" This is one of my favorite children's songs. We do sing it a lot and so I can see why people may get quite sick of it. I, however, never do. It is a song that I sang to my babies at bed time and we sing it every FHE. Claire sings it walking around the house and I don't even thinks she knows it. She does sing it in a high falsetto voice, which after a while can be very annoying, but a least she knows who she is.

She was extremely excited to find this pillow case. It had been packed in a craft box, that had been unopened since the move. She finished it up, I ironed it and now she sleeps with it. One less thing for me to find a place for.

I am forever trying to find places for things. A "house of order", well I am trying.......but my room and bathroom will not cooperate. It seems that my room is "The Island of Forgotten Toys/papers/clothes that don't fit/ whatever you have that you don't know where it goes." I am not sure how to get a handle on it.

The bottom floor of my house is okay.....let's just say, "I don't feel like I will be having a nervous break down anytime soon if I STAY DOWN STAIRS!" This is is kind of hard since I sleep upstairs and the printer is upstairs. I guess I could sleep on the couch.....no then you have all the blankets and those dang pillows would be tousled.

So, I need to schedule some time, some how.....to clean my room. The other problem is I am on these kids all the time to keep up their chores, which includes their rooms and I feel like a hypocrite. "Do as I say not as I do." ...oh well back to my Bon Bon's....ha!

What to do?

2010-01-21T11:34:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning and checked out my e-mail and some strange Chinese person had left a comment on my most recent post. It was all in Chinese. and it was a list of some sort that you could click on and it would take you some where else, some where I suspected, that one would not want to travel too, so I searched out a translator to see what it said. Judging by the names, they were all terrible sites. I deleted the post. I just hate that these freak-shows are out there. I know they can take my content and pictures easily off my site. What to do?

This is my first experience with this and I have been blogging for going on three years. I have thought of this many times. I have also met some people through blogging, that are wonderful. I would not have met them other wise. Troubling.....

So far this week....

2010-01-21T02:07:00.006-05:00

Christmas is down...I know...Shocker! I was pushed to get it done, so that I could have my third attempt at Recipe Club. What do you know the third time is a charm. We had eleven awesome ladies. We had yummy food and great conversation. I was thrilled. My pictures didn't do it justice.
Sweeping the floor is for fools.
Self defense is much more fun.
Claire does not mess around
She is one tough cookie.
Where she learns these moves and how to hold her hands.....brothers are great!
Blake be careful what you teach her. It may come back to haunt you.
Claire's Questions of the week:

-In response to Martin Luther King conversation," Mom, Are we black or white?"

-Driving home from the pool in our bathing suits," Is this legal? Can we get arrested for driving around in our bathing suits."

-I have no idea where this comes from," Mom why aren't babies baptized?"

-"Why did they name "Winnie-the-Pooh that", don't they know, it is so yucky? I don't like Winnie-the Pooh."

Sam taught his Bear den how to do string tricks for Cubs tonight. I was so proud of him. He came to me about two weeks ago and told me he needed to teach his den something for a requirement and that he wanted to teach them string tricks....I was busy, but said, "Great." He took it on himself and set the whole thing up with his Scout leader at the next den meeting. He planned it all out; made strings for each of the boys, gave them a hand out and was ready to teach.

It didn't really go how he planned, but when does it ever as a teacher. He said," I think it was okay, but I didn't have the time I needed and some of the guys, I had to spend a lot of time with, so that really messed things up." He was happy that he was able to do it and will get to present it at pack meeting next week.

I love that as a nine year old he gets the opportunity to teach a group of peers, understand what it means to teach and learn you have to roll with the punches when teaching. FHE has really helped with this. The gospel is so awesome. The Church organization is so awesome.

Seventeen Years Later......

2010-01-16T02:34:00.006-05:00

Seventeen years ago today I was stranded in the SLC airport with my new husband. Our flight had been delayed. We were waiting to find out when we would be flying out to enjoy our three day honeymoon. Much to our disappointment we waited all day until about 11:30 at night when they finally canceled it. We spent the whole day in the Airport waiting and reading "Patriot Games" by Tom Clancy. So fun! A great way to spend your first day of marriage and it only got worse from there....the honeymoon I mean..... Lost luggage, (wearing sweats always makes a nice fashion statement when you are the bride and groom at a wedding reception) credit card issues (apparently you could only use it to pay for so much in a certain amount of time. This fact would have been nice to know.)....I could go on, but we are now seventeen years into the future..We have this angel of a kid. He likes to ham it up in every picture. Close your mouth please:) and yes the tree is still up...tomorrow...maybe....hopefully.....it will all come down.

At least we are back to doing our school work without any fuss. Cross your fingers.

Jack helped me out with Claires reading lesson...Thank you!

I was taking lots of picture today. I received a new camera for my anniversary.

Hey kid, get going on those dishes. He can't get enough of the song " Walk Like a Man"

Seriously, dishes!

Nice....you are so talented with the balancing, now to the dishes!

We are making some progress. At least he has a rag in his hand and is touching the dishwasher with the other.

A ham through and through. Quit with the balancing act and get to the dishes you fruit pie:)

Please......you're busting me up. Dishes now!

What are you doing?

Rocking out to 'The Jersey Boys!' Time to turn the music off.....to much distraction. Dishes!

My Angel eyes.

My Pumpkin Pie!

My future Knight.

___________________________________________________

This is something that I was so excited about. We were at the store last night to get some ice-cream. I was getting some "Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate." Skip was getting "Dryers." I needed some Almond milk and I ran into this deal. Chocolate Hemp milk for .99 cents...rock on...I was so happy I purchased five of them ( they expire at the end of the month) My kids love it and it is so good for you. I am sure we can down this in the next two weeks.{ Skip just rolls his eyes at my excitement. He is not on the same page as me when it comes to food, but he eats what I cook...}

Claire was happy too!

" He's an Angel Straight From Heaven"

2010-01-12T01:50:00.002-05:00

Blake is extremely strong willed......so am I. Today, after screaming at the top of my lungs and throwing a couple of toys { childish I know....very immature.....I was at my breaking point.} I took all of Blake's things away. He now has a bed, pillow and some clothing in his room. We are trying another strategy. Earning things and privileges back for good behavior. Hopefully this will work. Hiding from me because you don't want to do your math is not an option here.

" Look at him, he's an Angel straight from heaven"Sometimes I just need to be reminded of this. It was a tough day, but it is over now. I hope I can remember who he is better tomorrow.

Angel From Heaven from laurene ross on Vimeo.

The Nativity aand a tale of three Mary's

2009-12-23T05:23:00.005-05:00

We had our annual Christmas Nativity for FHE. A big thank you to Katie. Without her I would have no pictures. This year we took a couple pages from my sister-in-law's Nativity script. Well really we took a whole bunch and then I added some to it. I hope you don't mind Michelle. My kids wanted Samuel's story in there too.
We invited four families and packed them in to our small living room like sardines. It was tight but cozy. The more the merrier I say.

We had the Shepherds.
I love this picture. This little guy was happy to hide out under his mother's chair for the duration.
We had two narrators....I kind of added a little more there too.
We had Mary....who has been dying for us to have this play for weeks. We had a dress rehearsal with just our family Sunday night, because she couldn't stand waiting.
We had the wicked Nephites.
We had the Wise-men.
And then we had three adorable Mary's.
They sat and watched over the Baby Jesus that was adorned in pink. Apparently the Wise men brought some fine twined linen...in pink!
I love Christmas! I love that my kids were so excited for this night. It is all they have talked about for the past week, planning costumes, which parts they wanted to play and where the stable should be.

I love that I grew up with so many fun family traditions like this one. Ever since I was a little girl our house was full of friends that we shared all of these traditions with.

We had our 8th annual Gingerbread house making night and soon we will be caroling bearing treats of fresh bread. Thank you Mom for making sure these things happened. My life is so full and I am so blessed.

I also think that it is so awesome to know that while my family was acting this out with friends, this same activity was going on in homes of my family and friends on this same night. That just fills my soul with light!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T23:49:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Mom Can I use your Camera?

2009-11-22T18:36:00.002-05:00

So I can see if I look like a crazy maniac when I get really close to the camera.
So I can document me putting the beat down on Blake!
So I can take pictures of myself floating in the air.

Recipe Club

2009-11-22T17:52:00.003-05:00

I have been feeling out of place since moving. I guess this is normal. I have met a lot of people and some wonderful women. Yet, I have an empty feeling in my gut. You know the feeling when you walk into a party and everyone smiles at you, there is some small talk, after all the pleasantries are done, everyone settles into their group and you end up feeling like the person standing without a chair in musical chairs. You are out of the game.

While I doubt this is the way people mean for it to be, it is just the way it is until you get your bearings and make some friends. The process of becoming friends can take a while. I decided I was the captain of my destiny. I decided I loved "Recipe Club" Richmond, so why not here? This way I could get to know some women a little better.

I sent out the invitations and waited. Everyday checking for RSVP"S. This was a long, drawn out, painful process. Slowly after two weeks I had 5 yes, 6 undecided, 15 no, and 44 hadn't responded. Okay, I thought this is good.

The day of the RC I received four cancellations......great, I thought maybe this will be a bust. I was stressed out and a migraine was pounding at my front door. Oh well ......nothing I can do but just prepare and hope for the best.
The Table was decorated and the mood was set and I waited.

We had six women show up for the first monthly meeting of Recipe Club. The conversation was wonderful. There was a great spirit of love and sisterhood between us. I really enjoyed getting to know these women.

I find it so comforting to know that anywhere I go I can find a group of incredible women to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They left early by my standards, which was fine. My migraine was dulled quite a bit and I was feeling like it was a success.

Just one last thing

2009-11-11T01:49:00.004-05:00

I just got my water bill and let me just say.......aghhh! So, now I am thinking do I really want to rinse out all my recycle stuff so I can PAY the garbage people to take my clean recycling. This is getting ridiculous. They say conserve water, they say recycle, they say clean everything so you can recycle, but the water bill is through the roof. This being Green is out of control. How can a girl save the world...I mean afford to save the world,.... really!

Rain is falling all around.....

2009-11-09T14:32:00.007-05:00

The rain is falling and Claire is still asleep....it is 10:45 in the AM, crazy. I am getting a little worried that she might just be getting her nights and days mixed up.....she is three! She has been sick, but the fever is gone and she is dancing and singing so I think all is well.

We have been sick this past week. Who knows if it was the flu or not? There where headaches, body aches, coughs, and just plain tired bodies. I don't know if it was the SWINE FLU. It didn't seem that different from other sickness that we have had. I have been keeping the kids immune systems up with Vitamin D drops and Loads of Vitamin C, we are drinking our Green Smoothies with tons of good immune fighting foods in them and taking probiotics to keep the good bacteria fighting off the bad and with less dairy in our diet and less meat, I am hoping that if it was the evil flu, our bodies battled and won.

Look at this picture the leaves are gone, but what on earth is growing on that tree?
Icy green moss. Beautiful isn't it?
The leaves are fast falling, because they are heavy with water.
Just look at the drops clinging for life.
The rain makes everything glossy.
More drops.