December at a glance

Matt and I went to his office Christmas party at the beautiful Zermatt Resort in Midway. We were even able to stay overnight, thanks to helpful cousins who played house with our kids. Truly a needed vacation before the busy-ness of the coming weeks. Family pictures on a very cold evening made for some shivery, impatient, grimacing subjects. Serves me right for waiting so long. Luckily, Megan was able to coax enough smiles that we ended up with a few keepers.

In the space of a couple days, we experienced two major snowstorms that brought about a foot of snow to our yard, and about a pound of glee to the kids... ...except Nate, who has no snow gear yet. To bring an extra measure of Christmas spirit, Matthew and I went on two holiday dates: first, to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert on a Sunday morning before church; and second, to see A Christmas Carol at our local theater, which starred his aunt/my sister-in-law as Mrs. Cratchit, his 3rd-grade teacher as a chorus member, and a school friend as a young Cratchit. I was completely impressed by Matthew's attentiveness at both events...he will continue to be my back-up date.

We left our camera at Papa & Nana's house on Christmas Eve. (Yes, it is only a block away, but it was early and cold and the kids were ready to go.) Fortunately, we have video footage of the traditional Christmas morning joy. Maybe that will be posted later. We'll just put this retro goodie in as a placeholder.

The children, dressed for Sunday, indulged my need to have an annual photo of them at the tree.

Jamie Beth's answers

Because I had to know her thoughts, too.

1. What is something mom always says to you? I love you.

2. What makes mom happy? To color together.

3. What makes mom sad? Fighting.

4. How does your mom make you laugh? Tickle me.

5. What was your mom like as a child? She liked to run.

6. How old is your mom? 20

7. How tall is your mom? As tall as an ostrich.

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Color.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Play with Dallin & Nate

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Making books.

11. What is your mom really good at? Cooking.

12. What is your mom not very good at? Fixing pipes.

13. What does your mom do for her job? Clean the bathroom.

14. What is your mom's favorite food? Pizza.

15.What makes you proud of your mom? You cook for me.

16. If your mom were a movie character, who would she be? Mary Poppins.

17. What do you and your mom do together? Color.

18. How are you and your mom the same? We both like coloring.

19. How are you and your mom different? You don't like to play on balloon (blow-up) slides, and I do.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because you tell me.

Matthew's answers

I was tagged a while ago with this one. I won't tag anyone else, but I do recommend this to all moms.

1. What is something mom always says to you? I love you.

2. What makes mom happy? When I help you make dinner.

3. What makes mom sad? When I'm mean.

4. How does your mom make you laugh? Tells me something funny.

5. What was your mom like as a child? Smart.

6. How old is your mom? 31

7. How tall is your mom? 5 feet, 6 inches.

8. What is her favorite thing to do? Read.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Clean.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Reading the most minutes.

11. What is your mom really good at? Cooking.

12. What is your mom not very good at? Football.

13. What does your mom do for her job? Take care of kids.

14. What is your mom's favorite food? Salad.

15.What makes you proud of your mom? You taught me how to read.

16. If your mom were a movie character, who would she be? A girl from Pride & Prejudice.

17. What do you and your mom do together? Go on dates.

18. How are you and your mom the same? We both like to read.

19. How are you and your mom different? I'm good at football, you are not.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because you say I love you.

Conversation with Dallin (of course)...

Mom, did you know that Keoki is a Spanish name?
--Um, I think that is actually a Hawaiian name.
No, Matthew told me it's Spanish.
--I see. Where did you even hear that name anyway?
On Veggie Tales. The bwock-a-wee (broccoli) says, "I'm Don Keoki!"
--Don Keoki?
Yup.
--Do you mean Don Quixote?
That's what I said, mom. Don Keoki.
--Oh, then yes, it is a Spanish name.

Optional questions for additional study:
*Why does Don Quixote the broccoli star in a Veggie Tales show about the Golden Rule?
*As familiar as I am with Dallin's peculiar pronunciations, how could I have possibly misunderstood him in the first place? (Keoki=Quixote, of course.)
*How does Matthew even know that Don Quixote is Spanish?
*Why does Matthew's opinion on word origins outweigh mine?

Just a Thought

I stopped putting on my makeup for a moment and peered at myself in the mirror. I'm not stressed out yet, I thought, but if someone could just take the kids for a couple hours, I could get everything done and continue to stay calm and happy. I wouldn't ask anyone, but...it would be nice.

Barely even a prayer, really. Just a brief thought directed heavenward during a quiet moment as I prepared for our trip to Denmark the next day.

Yet, a couple hours later, Paige stood at my door. I can't remember why my neighbor stopped by, but I remember what she said: "Would it help if I took Dallin and Jamie Beth for a while today?" I hesitated because my first instinct was, Oh, no, I'm fine; we'll be just fine; everything is fine. Then that non-prayer came to my mind and I realized it was being answered. "Yes," I responded, "that would be very helpful."

Like any mother, I worry about my children's educations, futures, health, and safety, and I think about their social, emotional, and spiritual development. And then, in addition to the big stuff, I also pay attention to their favorite books and favorite foods, their daily ow-ies, who they play with at recess, what they want for Christmas. The big things and the little things that matter to them, also matter to me. I believe in a Heavenly Father who feels the same way about me. He helps me work through the important issues, and sometimes he sends someone like Paige to help with the littler matters.

"The Lord does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other."
*Spencer W. Kimball--Ensign 1974*

Happy Thanksgiving

We are grateful for...
*the world *our house *Santa *outer space *food *baby brother *family *school *Thanksgiving *me! *churches & temples *a body *holidays *shelter *Nana's Wii *Heavenly Father & Jesus *literature *birds *flowers *health & safety *music *answered prayers *good friends *sweet husband & children *inspired words of prophets *right to vote *wife & kids *job *BYU football *golf *gospel of Jesus Christ

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought;
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
~G.K. Chesterton

Around our house

Lately...

Much to her joy, Jamie Beth lost her first two teeth within one week. That was about six weeks ago, and today she wistfully asked, "Will my other teeth ever fall out?" She constantly wiggles potential candidates as I mourn the past days of sweet, perfect, tiny baby teeth in my little girl.

Jamie Beth loves school with her kind, pretty teacher. Working on her "homework" packet is the highlight of any day, as well as coloring, coloring, organizing her coloring cupboard, and coloring.

Nate adds words daily to his vocabulary, the common favorites being: thank you, "wuvoo", baba, and no. In his charming voice, even the no is irresistible.

Nate also adds scars to his baby face. We super-glued shut two cuts--one on the outside of each eye, occuring at separate instances. The three other bumps and scrapes are minor, but the overall effect is not what I had in mind for our family photo. The munchkin is a climber, a runner, and an all-out crazy boy. Mastered two months ago: climbing out of his crib. New bedtime routine: put him to bed, close door tightly, listen as he scrambles out of crib, wait for the noises at the crack of the door to stop, squeeze carefully through door to remove Nate, asleep at the base of door with his head jammed into the corner by the hinges.

Matthew finished tackle football, which he loved. Apparently he was a strong kicker and a fast runner, so he was able to try several different positions, each of which he says is his favorite. He supposes he'll someday play defense, offense, and special teams for BYU. Matt was a very interested, very supportive dad; I'm afraid I was more of a grumbling mom regarding practices, but I did clap and cheer at the games. I'm much better at aiding his academic prowess. (Matthew's new favorite word: rhombicosidodecahedron. Yikes.)

Dallin continues to make us laugh everyday. It is his talent. He is currently learning to read by default: I work with Jamie Beth, and he just picks it up. He has also picked up coloring, perhaps also from watching his sister. I'm amazed that almost overnight he went from barely wanting to scribble to spending real time carefully staying in the lines and filling every space with color.

I could talk about them for hours, but I'm happy to find a few minutes to write about them so I don't forget all their antics and achievements. Sweet little tykes.

(Oh, and they're posers, too.)

Late Halloween

Highlights of Halloween:

• Jamie Beth decided on a non-princess costume; she is a cute witch, not a scary witch.

• Dallin and Nate's ghost costumes were the easiest I have ever made.

• After three years as a football player, Matthew chose a completely different costume (roll eyes).

• Someone asked me if I were a character from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"; I felt smart and cultured, and didn't tell the person that I was going for "tree".

• Matt consented to dressing up once again as a vintage golfer...a costume that doesn't feel like a costume.

• The trick-or-treat tour at Matt's office tended more toward fun Halloween rather than scary, creepy, not-good-for-my-munchkins Halloween.

• The weather outside was not at all frightful; we walked the neighborhood with a few cousins and without jackets.
  

• The children willingly traded their stash--minus all the candy eaten during the evening and twelve additional specially chosen pieces--for one small toy of their choice. While painstakingly dividing the candy into piles, they all wanted to know if "healthy" treats (fruit snacks, goldfish, etc.) counted toward their quota. I was merciful on this point, much to their scheming delight.

Awww...my very first tag.

6 TV Shows I Watch:
(I have only four, so I'll add two movies that I frequently watch)
-Eli Stone
-The Office
-Lost
-Samantha Who
-Pride & Prejudice (BBC 1996)
-Wives & Daughters

6 Things That Happened Yesterday:
-Helped in kids' school classes for two hours
-Stopped by Megan's house during a walk
-Prepared a very mediocre new crockpot recipe
-Colored with Dallin
-Vacuumed and swept
-After the kids were in bed, spent 45 minutes by myself at Barnes & Noble

6 Things I'm Looking Forward to:
-Brunch with friends next week
-Thanksgiving week: kids home, lots of delicious food on a fancy table (not mine), relaxing
-Matt's office Christmas party: makes me feel fancy to dress up
-Finishing the small quilt I started last November
-Picking out a dining table and chairs (this month, I hope)
-Taking a quick nap after I finish this post

6 Things on My Wish List:
-A week of as much sleep as I want
-Take my family to live somewhere back East for a year
-All my remodeling and redecorating ideas to be completed for a bargain price
-Make a month's menu of favorite, healthy meals, including new recipes to try
-Start a library in a town that doesn't have one
-Print and put into albums the hundreds of digital pictures saved on my computer

3 People I Will Tag:
Mary, Jen Mc., Carissa

How I feel this weekend:

Ever cleaning and never coming to the knowledge of a clean house.

(And not dressed so charming as above vintage housewife.)

Community feeling

Every day, all day long, all year long, I see a community outside my kitchen window. The road that is somewhat busy with car traffic is also constantly busy with foot and pedal traffic. A popular trail starts nearby: a trail that beckons morning walkers, avid joggers, and dedicated stroller-pushing moms. Bikers cycle past frequently: some are trained, focused groups; some are families calling out to each other; often it is a lone rider daydreaming or maybe counting miles. Even the high school cross-country teams regularly pass by as I wash dishes.

The other day, I happened to glance up as an older--I might even say elderly--man rode his bike in figure-eights next to his walking wife. All over the street he meandered like a ten-year old boy, watching for traffic, but not watching for what anyone might think of his carefree manner. I smiled at the sweet picture that the couple didn't even know they had made.

For the most part, I don't know the people I see; yet, as I observe their recreation, their exercise, their schedules, I feel they are a small part of my daily life. They are the background of my own activities.

Fall Break

Having our schoolchildren home for a couple days last weekend motivated us to plan mini-field trips. On Thursday, we just stayed home to do chores and play and rest. Friday was spent with cousins and friends at our local Scarecrow Festival, where we enjoyed old-fashioned games like hit-the-milk-bottles, new-fashioned blow-up slides, and a picnic on the grass.

Then Saturday we went to Tracy Aviary (think bird zoo). I took the kids up there in July and they loved it so much that they were excited to take Matt. They eagerly led their dad through the little park and showed him their favorite birds. Matthew liked the "chubby quail", Jamie Beth played with the tinamou, Dallin stayed quite a while with the flamingos, and we suppose Nate liked the cuckoos, because he kept putting his fingers in their habitat, even as they pecked him and his shirt. We also shared a bit of our lunch with one of the roaming peacocks. (The pictures below are actually from our July outing, but last weekend's trip looked precisely the same.)

note the sign

Later that night, Matt and I went on a date while the kids stayed at Nana and Papa's house. I think this activity was their favorite of the entire weekend. Pizza, movie, popcorn, and Nana's favorite: Nate carefully spooning strawberry Qwik powder onto her carpet.

Sunday was, of course, Sunday, with church and our usual dinner with grandparents and cousins.

Monday we ventured out again...this time to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point, where an event called Barnyard Boo provided very basic activities that appealed to the little crowd: frosting cookies, digging for "bones" in a sandbox (I thought that was disgusting), beanbag toss, pumpkin bowling, wagon ride. The kids also fed bits of dried corn to the many ducks, horses, goats, sheep, and alpacas; but, of course, the main attraction here was the pony ride, which elicited broad smiles from Nate until he decided midway that he was done, so he hopped off. Luckily, I caught him. As had become tradition, we enjoyed another picnic before heading home.



At the end of the weekend, I think we almost felt we had been on a vacation. Aside from being able to re-live a little of the summer freedom with the kids, my favorite part was being finished each day just in time for naptime.

Ideas, ideas, ideas

Matthew and Jamie Beth are out of school for fall break until Tuesday, and I'm so glad. The fact of the matter is that I love having my kids at home with me. We have a couple outings planned, but plenty of home-time too. Since I have many good intentions, but few fun ideas, I am using RedRoko as a resource for things-to-do. If I can manage to get pumpkins tomorrow, we'll do an activity like Pumpkin Seed Hide 'n Seek.

Just a Thought

Some of my favorite words come from a woman whose views, for the most part, were not shared with the world until she was in her eighties. I find great wisdom from such experienced, genuinely happy women.

"We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are."
*Marjorie Pay Hinckley*

Comfort Foods

When I am stressed out or overwhelmed I drink hot chocolate. Even in the summer. There's something calming about the steamy heat, the warmth of the mug in my hands, and of course, the chocolate. Stephen's Hot Cocoa is my favorite, but I'll take whatever I have available.

Does that count as an addiction?

I want to know if anyone else turns to a specific food item for peace and tranquility.

Stranger Danger

Oh dear, Dallin. Oh, dear Dallin.

As if the child hasn't provided enough material for our family journal/blog, here is his latest story, as related to me by my father-in-law.

A neighbor walking past our house one morning last week noticed all the children gathered at the bus-stop, which is on our property. The neighbor was suddenly attacked by one small boy who loves waiting for the bus with the big kids. Dallin. "He just started hitting me," said Brother Aland, "and when I asked him why he was doing that, he replied--My mom told me not to be nice to strangers."

And now, this is why Dallin thinks he should treat innocent walkers in such a way: Also last week, while at a playground, Dallin told me he needed to go to the bathroom and took off in that direction. By the time I got to him, possibly one minute later, he had already struck up a conversation with another bathroom-goer, a large construction worker type of guy. Though I consider our area to be very safe, populated with mostly friendly, kind people, still...talking to strangers in the bathroom doesn't seem like the greatest habit for a four-year-old to pick up. I reminded Dallin that we should never talk to people we don't know unless a mom or a dad is with us. "But I do know that man...his name is Eric!" In response to this logic, all I could do was (shake my head and hold in the laugh; oh, and...)reiterate the rule about strangers, adding the information that we had discussed before as a family: never go with someone you don't know; if a stranger asks for help, get your mom first; and if someone tries to grab you and steal you away, hit, kick, and scream as loud as you can.

Obviously--and painfully for Brother Aland--Dallin did pay attention to some of my instructions.

So, now I want to know...how do you teach your kids
1. to be friendly and polite to others,
2. to not interact with strangers,
3. to protect themselves from harm-doers,
4. to not beat on innocent people, even if they are technically strangers.

I simply didn't realize that not only do all these rules seem to conflict with one another, but they also confuse little minds who sincerely try to obey their moms.

Just a Thought

I enjoyed the general Relief Society conference last week, and President Dieter Uchtdorf's talk was my favorite. His words about creating spoke especially to my heart, but I also liked this thought:

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

I Like Blocks

I do not consider myself crafty, but I am definitely making these blocks. I'm pretty certain that Nate needs them for Christmas. I heard of these from Martha Stewart, where there are instructions for those lacking vision and innovation (me); then I found them at their original Etsy store, hiccupdecor. Anyone who wants to try this with me, please come on over--I'm much more likely to tackle a project if I have a partner.

Just a Thought

I recently read the following thought on miracles from C.S. Lewis and found it so brilliant, insightful, and beautiful that I can't help sharing it.

"One of their chief purposes [of miracles] is that men having seen a thing done by personal power on the small scale, may recognize, when they see the same thing done on the large scale, that the power behind it is also personal--is indeed the very same person who lived among us two thousand years ago. The miracles in fact are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see....God creates the vine and teaches it to draw up water by its roots and, with the aid of the sun, to turn that water into a juice which will ferment and take on certain qualities. Thus every year,...God turns water into wine. That, men fail to see....But when Christ at Cana makes water into wine, the mask is off. The miracle has only half its effect if it only convinces us that Christ is God: it will have its full effect if whenever we see a vineyard...we remember that here works He who sat at the wedding party in Cana.

"...Do not imagine I am trying to make the miracles less miraculous. I am not arguing that they are more probable because they are less unlike natural events: I am trying to answer those who think them arbitrary, theatrical, unworthy of God, meaningless interruptions of universal order. They remain in my view wholly miraculous....True miracles express not simply a god, but God: that which is outside of Nature, not as a foreigner, but as her sovereign."

*C.S. Lewis, Undeceptions* (emphasis added)

Four-ness

After months of asking, "When is my birthday?" and weeks of, "What number is today?" Dallin finally turned four years old on September 24.

I remember the day he was born. Ten days before his due date I started having contractions that didn't hurt, but were inconvenient. And noticeable. Maybe regular, too, but since the other children had been late, I could not believe that I might be in actual labor. So I went and had a pedicure, which was my one major goal to be completed before giving birth. (After all, if nothing else looked good, at least I could see pretty toes. This pre-baby tradition continued with Nate, too.)

Pedicure done, home for dinner, bedtime for kids, and then because I was "tired and sore", I went to bed around 9pm. By 2am I could no longer sleep, so I rested on the couch and flipped channels. Still in denial. By 4am, I thought maybe I might be in labor. I woke Matt at 4:15, he called the neighbor who had offered middle-of-the-night services, and I could not stand long enough to brush my teeth.

We rushed to the nearby hospital, took the elevator to labor and delivery (should we put the maternity ward on the main floor? Nah, those ladies can make it a little farther), and assured the receptionist that I was not the 5am c-section, but I was actually in labor. They calmly led me to a room, calmly gave instructions, and calmly said someone would check in on me soon. Obviously, I did not look upset and pained enough. After tearfully dressing--and oh, I remember how difficult that was through the fast, painful contractions--I asked Matt to please, please find someone. Someone finally came, that someone finally checked my progress, and then asked if I remembered my measurements from my last doctor's appointment. "A one, I think?" I answered. "Oh, honey, you're not a one anymore," she said--and in my incoherent state I thought she was going to say I was less than a "one" and send me home--"Oh, honey, you're a nine and this baby is coming right now."

I had to admire how fast those nurses switch into business mode when business, so to speak, is immediately at hand. No doubt, I have provided more detail than anyone wanted to know, so suffice it to say: No time for epidural? I can't do that! Panic, faster contractions, panic and terror. One very helpful, also very pregnant nurse who coaches me to breathe and hum. Miracle of an available anesthesiologist who can give a spinal block. Again, seems unnecessarily slow. Relaxing and taking control of my brain again, as medication takes effect in seconds. Oh, there's a doctor, the one in the practice whom I hadn't yet met. Apparently he lived closest. And then, quick as that, came Dallin at 5:15am.

After it was over, and I had this beautiful, black-haired baby boy in my arms, Matt and I reflected on how surreal, yet wonderful, this experience had been. We had been accustomed to waiting for several hours through hospital labor, with epidurals, monitors, and even movies. We had previously seen all the "necessary" staff come through our room before, during, and after labor and delivery. We had packed a bag before. But, Dallin's birth turned out to be as unique, unexpected, and precious to us as his own little personality.

And now, four years are gone. How fast they fly and how torn I am between wanting Dallin to grow and learn and progress, and wanting him to stay a cuddly, little guy full of sweetness and funniness. He is so glad to have finally reached this anticipated day, that when I asked him today what made him happy about his birthday, he said in his usual accent: "All my four-ness."

Before I forget...

But how could I ever forget this party, where the hats set a mood of old-fashioned elegance. Where the food overwhelmed me as I wondered how I could both appreciate the current course and leave room for the upcoming. Where the conversation with friends lasted until the moon rose and the mosquitoes bit. Special thanks to Bekah for giving me a night from someone else's life, and to Mary for sharing her beautiful photos.

The entire group, happy before we even get started.

Sitting at table one: Mary, Annie, Hadley, Erin, Bekah, and Holly

And at table two: Megan, me, Ginger, Elizabeth, Eden, and Paige.

Thanksgiving Point actually brought the chef and servers down to the Secret Garden to prepare the food right beside us.

Can you believe I ate six courses of food that look like this? Luckily, when the main course came (that was fifth), the servers said we could have take-home boxes. Otherwise, we might have taken it home in our purses.

Just a Thought

"...My heart assures me that the dearest possession a man has is his family."

*David O. McKay, Pathways to Happiness*

Maturity

I have sometimes wondered when exactly I became an adult.  Did it occur with a birthday, perhaps on my twentieth, when I officially left the teen years?  Or earlier, when I moved out of my parents' home to go to college?  Maybe I became an adult when I took on responsibilities such as a full-time job, or motherhood, or a car payment.  Or when I started noticing and caring about people and circumstances outside myself?  When exactly did I become "mature"?  

Jamie Beth answered that question for me when she asked me a question this morning:  "Mom, when I'm twelve, can I crack the eggs and read in the bathtub?"  Ah, now I see; those privileges are truly the marks of maturity.

These two...

Nathaniel and Dallin, August 2008

Note Granddad's bent left ear on both of them.

In the past 24 hours...

• Dallin buried one of his socks in the sand at the playground. "It's gone fo-wevo."
• Nathaniel ate play-doh.
• Both removed their shoes and their socks in the one-minute interval between errand A and errand B.

These two boys are major contributors to my vague sense of moving backwards: yes, I finished the dishes, but what disaster has occurred at their hands during that time? Still, they are such sweet, hilarious little guys that when the frustration is past (and particularly once they are sleeping peacefully), I am very glad for the kookiness they bring to our family.

Odds and ends

1.  You might wonder whether Matt contributes to our family blog.  Besides reading the posts and comments, he also fixes all the html problems I manage to create.  In addition, Matt will be responsible for any widgets you see in the future.  

2.  Because a friend recently told me that the following information made her feel better, I will share my secret with the world:  I bathe my children only on Wednesday and Saturdays.  

3.  I just saved 20 cents at the grocery store simply by bringing my own re-usable grocery bags.  Our local Smith's surprised me by applying their "bag refund" to my bill, at a rate of 5 cents per bag.  I had no idea that I had technically been paying for those plastic sacks, and I am glad to have the bonus pennies...in addition to the good, environmentally-responsible feelings, of course. 

4.  Yesterday, a woman had just sat down on the pew in front of us when Dallin tapped her shoulder and said, "You are in my way.  I cannot see Sister Trujillo." (He really loves his Primary teacher and wants to be sure she notices him.)  The woman kindly and laughingly scooted a few inches to give Dallin a better view.  

5.  I really need to make another batch of plum jam before the bucket of plums rots away in the refrigerator.  The result is always so gorgeous, gratifying, and of course delicious; I just need a little more get-up-and-go (or maybe a little less laundry) to start the process.

Poor thing

School has again provided us with the opportunity to stretch our immune systems. Sick, sick, sick...that best describes out last 11 days. The problem starts with an upset stomach (you know what that means...and it's always the middle of the night!), and then continues with a fever that forces my energetic kids into their beds for hours. Worst of all is the relapse a couple days later. Jamie Beth has been down three separate times, Matthew twice, Dallin once, and luckily, Nate has been fine (so far). The latest patient was little Jamie Beth, starting at 4:30 this morning. She is much better now and just complained that she hasn't had enough to eat today. So, I thought that while she is on my mind, I might post some recent pictures of the munchkin. Here's to happier, healthier days...both past and future!

At cousin Scott & Amie's home in Idaho, August

With cousin Gaby, July

At Tracy Aviary, July

Lady Liberty on the Fourth of July

After her first dance recital, May

Sunflower at sunrise

Wait at Walmart at 3am on the day after Thanksgiving so I can save $20 on a bike? Go to RC Willey on a Saturday afternoon, not to buy furniture, but to get the free hot dogs and drinks? Stand in line for hours to get tickets for the first showing of some movie? I don't do that. (Okay, once years ago I did wait in shifts with friends for two days to see the re-release of Star Wars...but I was single and crazy, so that doesn't count.)

So what was this urge I felt to awake before dawn, carpool with two sisters-in-law to Sunflower Farmer's Market, and eagerly join the long line of customers who gathered for the grand opening...just for the chance to be one of the "first 200 who will receive a free bag of groceries (with in-store purchase)"? We pulled up around 6:40am, and immediately wondered whether we would make the cut. Who knew so many people actually read those small words on the mail flyer? Despite our mounting doubts, we joined the line and waited for an employee to approve or reject us. We assured each other that, even if we didn't receive the reward, we had made the trip (possibly one mile!) and might as well stay. But then, oh yes, that good employee handed us our cards...numbers 147, 148, and 149. We were in.

It's really just another health food store selling organic products that I would like to buy, but can't afford to buy on a regular basis. But then, they entice me with their inexpensive produce; that alone pulls at my frugal-and-trying-to-be-healthy side. In addition, today they generously handed out all sorts of free samples--including chocolate--thus creating a friendly atmosphere (or addiction) designed to welcome me and the rest of the early-riser community. I loved it. And that wonderful, mysterious, birthday surprise-like bag of groceries? I loved that, too; it was simply fun. There was something, something, about that gimmick that made the waking and the waiting worthwhile.

After all, aside from the bread, baby carrots, and shampoo, I have definitely been needing bottled "firehot" red peppers.

Dang it! I nearly had the laundry done before more laundry piled up! The last load is in the dryer and I see in the dirty hamper: Matt's softball uniform, two bibs, one errant T-shirt that I found in my "clean" pile. So close...
(This is amusing today only because I am in a good mood...otherwise, a little discouraging.)

Tales beneath Timp

On Saturday evening Matthew and I went on a "date" to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. We went to the Laughin' Night and loved it (despite our poor blanket location--precariously perched on the far, far stage right slope, hoping gravity didn't launch me into somersaults). The storytellers perform with such ease and comfortable friendliness that they ignite a little spark within me. "These people are great and I love these stories," I think. "I tell stories to my children sometimes...I like to talk...I should try telling stories to a small audience...maybe I could go professional...that's it! That's how I can pursue my dream of traveling! Yes! This can work!" And so the tiny flame grows out of control into a bonfire, until I remember..."Oh, I don't like to be the center of attention, and it is likely that large groups of people would stare at me if I were a professional storyteller." So, as I come back to reality, truly the talent and atmosphere at the festival inspires me to tell more of my own stories to my children, and even, dare I hope, to write down some of those memories. Those are worthy and attainable goals for me. And, maybe next year I could even volunteer. Be still, my dreamy, storytelling heart.

Favorite Books

A Christmas Carol
A Tale of Two Cities
A Town Like Alice
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Agnes Grey

All But My Life
All Creatures Great and Small (series)
Anne of Green Gables (series)
Big Stone Gap

Circle of Friends
Don't Bite Me, I'm Santa Claus

The Forgotten Garden
The Glass Castle
The Giver
Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Hinckley
Gods and Generals
Good Families Don't Just Happen
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The Help

I Capture the Castle

The Ladies' Auxiliary
Little Men
Little Women
Persuasion
Precious Bane
Pride & Prejudice
Sense & Sensibility
Silas Marner
These is My Words
Thoughts of a Grasshopper
Truman

The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman

Wives & Daughters

The Little Basics

MATTHEW

Age 9, in the fourth grade; almost as tall as his mother.

Three great loves are BYU football, golf, and books (a little of me in him, much more of Matt).

Enjoyed playing in his first golf tournament this past summer.

Just started tackle football for the first time (Matt: "That's my boy." Cissy: "I think flag football was just fine.").

Happy, easygoing, bounces back quickly from upset, helpful, smart, eager.

JAMIE BETH
Age 5 1/2; in kindergarten; sweet and petite.

Loves dress-up, princesses, fairy tales, coloring, and her purple bike.

Would like to have girlfriends over to play every day.

Took her first dance class earlier this year; loved the practices, the recital, and of course, the purple dance costume.

Giggly, creative, sensitive, helpful, wants to copy mom in everything (cooking, sewing, putting on makeup, etc.)

DALLIN
Almost 4; big kid at home with mom; as tall as sister, at least 10 pounds heavier.

Loves cars, new scooter, playing make-believe with Jamie Beth (she's the mom, he's the big bad race car), animals and bugs and all things outdoors.

Has a unique way of pronouncing words, a unique way of phrasing his thoughts, and unique (hilarious) facial expressions.

Makes us laugh, super-sensitive soul, very friendly, fast learner. Everyone needs a Dallin.

NATHANIEL

18 months; runs faster than his mom.

Loves animals, especially birds in our backyard; draws and colors on the walls (!!!); enjoys being outside, even just for a stroller-walk; already likes golf and throwing balls.

Unusual way of voicing in the back of his throat, but does say mama, dada, wawa (water), wow, and "set, go!"; takes everything apart (see post on outlet covers); wants to be with the big kids.

Sweet, sweet, sweet, absolutely loveable and cuddly; fearless and a little crazy; curious (aka: gets into things faster than we can blink); fanastic, giggly laugh that makes us laugh, too.