2012 in Review

When someone asks what I did last week, I may not remember. Thankfully, when I look through the pictures of 2012, I realize we’ve been busy and blessed. Travis had a job change and we are grateful he is employed and has an 8 to 5 schedule that allows him to be home for dinner and evening family time. He coached 4 of the kids’ sports teams this year. It was fun to watch him help a few kids overcome some of their challenges with baseball.

On warm evenings when we didn’t have sports commitments, we took advantage of the 2 small lakes near our home to go fish and canoe. The kids loved catching fish and throwing them back, and finding frogs, snakes, and tadpoles.

During the summer the kids and I would round up what friends we could and head to Pineview Reservoir or Willard Bay for ‘beach days’. Hours just fly when you have a tent to offer shade, food to munch on, and fun company!

We had a blast at our family reunion (my mom’s side) in Eden this year. We rented two beautiful houses and had fun at the water on jet skis, lounging, cooking together, playing games, and grabbing some delicious Huntsville BBQ!

Travis went on his annual boys’ baseball trip to Florida this year. This completes his goal of visiting all the Major League Baseball stadiums. One of the things he loves most about planning these trips is researching the best local cuisine to enjoy!

I was lucky enough to go to Hawaii with Bridget and some of our oldest, dearest friends, Nikki and Jenny. We had so many laughs…and pastries. They are like sisters!

We spent Easter in St. George with my mom, Bridget, Patrick, and fams. Cassidy and Boston just love their cousins. We spent a day at Zion National Park with Bridget’s family and my mom. So fun! The kids were in heaven. They are happiest outdoors.

We went to California and spent a week at my mom’s. The kids enjoyed Sea World and seeing friends. Sometimes it’s just going to the park together that means the most to them. I’m still amazed that Beckett didn’t sleep but a few moments on the road. These kiddos resist shut-eye for fear they will miss a party!

 

With the help a few amazing neighbors, we made some real strides in our gardening. They helped us develop the right combination of soil, as well as some techniques to get things thriving. Travis built a few boxes in hopes that we would not be overcome by weeding duties. We grew bell peppers, jalapenos, lots of tomatoes, squash, zucchini, strawberries, kale, and lettuce.I think this sparked my passion for blending green smoothies. I’ve been reading and researching, and I feel so satisfied when I stuff spinach in that blender. Mmmm! My family doesn’t exactly share my enthusiasm, but they humor me. I’ve been known to offer a candy bribe. It sounds wrong, but my belief is to enjoy some of the sugar as long as you put in good, too!

 

Speaking of sugar, before you start thinking this is all too sticky-sweet, allow me to mention that blasted Salt Lake rental home we had! After much debt and deliberation (and with help from above and our amazing realtor), we were able to unload the meth mess we had on our hands. We learned a lot from it, and we feel very fortunate to be able to focus our attention elsewhere. It also prompted me to ask a friend about an editing job she was doing. I was so blessed to have the opportunity to interview over the phone and receive a position; I work about 10 hours a week and get to choose my own hours.

Raising these little kidlets is a big job. It seems someone is always crying, hungry, wanting a friend over, or arguing. They are great kids, and they are the best kids for us. We love to see them grow and build their confidence as they try new things. We love when they trust us enough to share their joys or little hurts. When push comes to shove (and often it literally does!), they watch out for each other, they take the high road, they give in and give love, and want to be with us.

 

 

 

 

 

Boston was baptized this year, and he is such a great 8-year-old. He is easygoing and social. He enjoys school and is persistent when it comes to learning a new skill. He lets Cassidy tag along with his friends (she’d prefer to be with him and his buddies over girl stuff most days!) and requires not much more than a steady flow of food, time with Dad, and an abundance of sports. He makes good choices and is kind to others.

Cassidy doesn’t know why girls like Barbies, princesses, and dance. She loves sports and wants to be riding scooters, her bike, and playing soccer and baseball in the yard. She collects stuffed animals and an array of little plastic animal figurines. She cares for them, ties ‘leashes’ on them, and cries when one goes missing, which is when Mom and Dad wish her little loved ones were bigger than pencil erasers! We love that Cassidy is aware, affectionate, and wears her big heart on her sleeve.

Beckett keeps us laughing. He is so energetic, and when he’s not Animal from The Muppets, he looks longingly in my eyes and gives the best snuggs (his word for hugs and snuggles). He is full of wonder and often smells of peanut butter and good ol’ boy sweat. He loves to wrestle, hates to wait, and will take to any old guy (he thinks all grandpas are his “Grammer”). He likes kale and banana smoothies, chicken nuggets, ice cream, and marshmallows. His nappy blonde locks and coy eye rolls just melt my heart.

Of course I couldn't think of my family without thanking my Heavenly Father. He is forgiving of me and has blessed me beyond what I deserve. I don't do the best teaching my kids all the spiritual stuff, but I hope that as they grow they recognize the Spirit in our home and always remember that they are children of God—worthy, capable, loved, never alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day

Today I just HAD to write a few words about my mom. If you're anything like me, the second you start thinking about everything your mom's done for you and all she means to you (yes, even as an adult!), you can't help but feel a bit emotional. Having my own kids now, I see her in the way I parent my own kids, and I find humor in the payback she always mentioned would come (haha). It's like finally grasping a sense of the depth of love she has for me, the selflessness, the ultimate service and sacrifice, and the joy and exhaustion all rolled into this fabulous little eternal miracle.

I don't remember everything about my childhood, but one strong memory I have is knowing that if I got a skinned knee, or got hurt feelings, I could come crying to her and bury myself in one of her mom-hugs, and everything always just felt...better. On hard days, she reminded me that everything was harder at night, and in the morning, things would feel better. I still know that to be true. Something happens with sunshine and rest.

Being raised by this super mom—who was often found nibbling a straw and doodling in her month-at-a-glance planner (likely planning a big party or PTA event)—always seemed normal, because it was all I knew. If I played a soccer game, she was there. If I had issues at school, I knew my teachers knew her, and I definitely didn't turn down that notoriety (lol). I also knew that she meant business. She wouldn't tolerate me lying, and she always reminded me of the importance of integrity and being kind and human, especially to the underdogs. With her omni-presence in my every care, I knew that if I didn't belong anywhere, I'd always belong to her and I was important in my family. It is only now that I realize there are many kids who feel like outcasts in their own homes. There are moms who aren't invested, who make selfish choices, and who are just not equipped for the demands of motherhood.

My mom is fearless, direct, compassionate, and giving. She has a can-do spirit, and will find a way no matter how difficult or imppossible the circumstances seem. This is especially true in regards to her children. We learned early on that this momma means business, and yet wherever she is, people gravitate toward her energetic, fun-loving, spirited personality. And if being all this wasn't enough, she provided a comfortable home where my friends could come. She accepted and loved my friends, and became a second mom to many of them.

The greatest gift she has given me is that she taught me the importance of motherhood. She and my dad always validated that being an at-home mom was an important job. She always emphasized getting an education, and she helped me understand why college would be a blessing to me and my family, even (especially!) if my employment was in the home and not a corporate position. She helped me understand that, while life holds no guarantees, there is an easy way and a hard way. I'm grateful that she shared her opinions with me and never left questions in my mind. To this day, there is no question off-limits, and I can depend on her word.

Thank you, Moodums, for teaching me how to earn my self-esteem, and for always helping me understand my value as a human and a daughter of God. I always wanted to be a mom because I knew it was and is one of your truest joys. Love you!

Terror-licious 2's

I can't believe you're almost 2. You've been rough, my friend. You didn't sleep more than three or four hours a stretch for your first six months of life. I prayed you'd do more than act irritable and cry.

You are stubborn and feisty, but as you near these terrible twos, all I'm thinking is how much I love you. You (knock on wood!) give me the sweetest smile as I lay you down for your nap and stroke your forehead. Your blonde hair melts my heart, and while you say only a few words, you tackle some hard ones with glory: shadow, color, green, purple.

You stopped saying 'Dad' and now squeal at Dad with delight, "Mom!" I just figure mom is your word for love (hee hee). You scream almost every time I put you in your carseat, and you flip flop like a fish at almost every diaper-change, but every time I look at you, or you squeeze my neck tightly, or pat the spot next to you on the bed so I'll sit by you, it's somehow worth all the craziness. You are such a joy to me.

p.s. And don't think I'll forget that you terrorize the house with your permanent marker art! Thanks for drawing pink swirlies aaaalllll over the dining room while we went to our cooking class date night last weekend!

p.p.s. This post was written during naptime.

Happy Hawaii

I have the most generous, giving friends. How fortunate I am, as well, for a husband who supports and expects me to nurture my friendships. This last trip to Hawaii with Bridget, Nikki, and Jenny was so beautiful and relaxing.
Even when Nikki and Jenny's Uncle Leslie (we've always called him our uncle too!)was taking us to the airport, he was getting nostalgic about the four of us growing up together. He even had a picture of us all sitting on Nikki's porch swing (I think we were only 8 and 10 or so at the time. We grew up as sisters. I get emotional to even imagine not having in my life.




Some of the new memories we made, well, let's face it, occured around a table doing the eating we do best. Some num nums included Argentinian donuts called malasadas, shave ice, huge pancakes with nut butter and mango syrup from Cinnamon's, omelettes, baked goods from a random market, shave ice, cream puffs from Liliha bakery, Jenny's 55 cookie purchase (Nikki did the math so she had to buy the most economical quantity!), and poolside nachos. I'm amazed at our ability to eat and then eat some more.

***In the pic above, we had just opened our malasadas, which are donut-y. In line, Bridget said to Nikki, "These things are basically donut holes, right? Nikki sort of shrugged, so when B opened the box and saw that they were each the size of a large dinner roll, she was laughing about buying 4. Deception! Good times!)

We also had fun sitting in the fabulous infinity pool overlooking the ocean, floating on these foam beanbag floaties (while often gawking at people making out who must have forgotten they were not alone!). I delighted the crew with some hula dances, incorporating some sign language imported from Beckett's favorite tv show, Signing Time. While at the mall there, we saw Leland from Dog the Bounty Hunter. Bridget and I followed him a while before deciding we should give him his space because he was with his family.

The first day we got there, we were sitting on the beach near a woman who advertises this catamaran ride. Her voice was so rhythmic and hypnotic as she'd call out, "Catamaran ride? Sail today?" She'd also speak in Japanese to some tourists. Eventually, Bridget and I were sold and took the hour ride. There were only a few people on the catamaran ride, and in true 'me' fashion, I made friends with a sweet gay couple from Canada (who had a waterproof camera!). We saw a couple turtles, but no dolphins this time. There was a pretty attractive guy sailing the catamaran, and I noticed one of the pictures our new buddy took had him subtly in the background (okay, I'm only assuming here!). Turns out the 'sailor' is the son of a sailing legend, Woodbridge Brown (there was a movie made about him called Of Wind and Waves).
**I'm assuming our new buddy wasn't intending on taking a nice picture of the older couple on the catamaran ride (hee hee). I think Nikki should date Mr. Sailor!.

When Uncle Leslie picked us up, he was so excited to hear every detail of the trip. "Yes, what else? And what else? And what else?!" We apologized for getting him up so early to pick us up from our red eye flight, but he reminded us that he's a morning person and has a whole cer-E-mony as a part of getting ready for the day. Love that guy!

Swiss Miss

Excited for the bff to have a baby! It seems not long ago that our moms were pregnant together with us. I had intended to try to re-create this scenario, but let's just say that my toddler has made the idea of a new baby sooooo haunting, daunting, and ripe for the crazy-making. He's lucky he's so cute. I took the kids to the aerospace museum at the air force base today. He loved the aircraft, but his favorite part was trying to eat dirt and sneak a lick of some rusty airplane nail. It's funny how, when I was first a mom, I'd be mortified to be dragging out a screaming child. Now, instead of feeling bad for onlookers' ears, I look at them as if to remind them that my ears are under assault all day. As America's Super Nanny would say, "Back to the calm down corner." He did give me two adorable smooches yesterday at Shannon's. Makes it worth the feistiness (where does he get such strong-willed personality? Haha).
Anyway, congrats Char. I was so blessed to be a part of her baby shower in L.A. I'm still dreaming about the delicious food. S'more bars, cookies, cupcakes, brunch delights like egg yumminess and fresh fruit. Dang you, s'more bars.