Suzie Petunia

The culprit

2012-01-23T08:42:00.001-08:00

Is it bad that I want to burn it to the ground?

Misery on a beautiful day

2012-01-23T08:18:00.001-08:00

It is gorgeous outside! High 60s, the sun is shining, we are at the park and the kids are playing. This is what we earned after living through 110 degree weather when we moved here last summer. One problem : cedar allergies. My nose is itchy, watery, congested, sore from all the wiping and blowing, miserable. My eyes are red, puffy, itchy, miserable. I can't stop sneezing. All of the antihistamines in my system are drying out my lips and giving me an unquenchable thirst. My organs are probably drying out and shriveling into something that resembles potato chips, I imagine. And I can't enjoy this weather! Help! Help....

But the kids are fine. Yay. I found myself saying, "Hurry up and finish running and playing and having fun so we can go home!" Truly a stellar moment in my parenting career.

2012-01-11T16:55:00.001-08:00

Blankie

2012-01-11T16:43:00.001-08:00

I finally finished making a big boy blankie for Joe. He refuses to sleep with anything other than his one favorite baby blanket and it is way too small! I am really hoping he accepts this new work of love into his life. His little personality seems resistant to change... Just like big brother Henry. I've been encouraging him to " bond" with it all day so he won't toss it overboard at bedtime. It is so cozy! I made it out of his old baby receiving blankets, and the back is super soft and warm. I put the silky baby blanket binding on it...just like his favorite blankie. If he refuses to sleep with it, maybe I will!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

2012-01-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

Today Joe turned two years old! We took him to Zilker Park and rode the train. What a sweet and happy boy he is. It's hard to believe my baby is two.

Is it too soon to potty train? And could someone please teach him to talk?!

I am a RUNNER.

2011-12-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

I remember asking Kelly a few years ago, "How long do you think I can go without running and still call myself' 'A Runner'?" With all of the changes in my life in the last 6 months, and all of the havoc it has inflicted upon my running (or lack thereof), I was beginning to wonder if I could ever really say with confidence "I am a Runner!" ever again.

We moved to Austin, Texas last summer and it took me a while to find my running groove and some ladies who could stand running with me. I miss my #1 running buddy and partner in crime in starting the Marathon Mommies blog: Kelly! ... also known as "M&M" because to me, she will always be the original "Marathon Mommy". She is the one who casually put out there, "Hey, do you want to run a marathon with me?" and not having any idea what I was getting into said, "Sure!" 6 years, 6 marathons, and 3 babies later we are better friends than ever. No, we are not exactly alike. We have always joked that we are like opposites that attract, like "ying" and "yang". Our runs/therapy sessions were where the universe came into balance and the world all started to make sense. And we went home happy and ready to take on anything.

And then I had to go and move away.

Now that we don't live near each other (we even lived next door to each other for a year and it was so fun!) I miss our runs/therapy sessions. After moving it really hit me how important the social aspect of running is for me. I simply do NOT like to run alone. When I don't have any other option, I even try to get my kids to ride their bikes with me while I run. They're not fans. :( Oscar pedaled exactly .13 of a mile with me the other day before shouting, "You LIKE this?!" and turned around and went home.

I have to say, it has not been easy to find the right "fit" for running buddies in my new area. There doesn't seem to be the same kind of running "culture" that there was in Portland. I blame the weather. It takes a woman with a determination of steel to get out and run on summer days like they had here a few months ago. Even early morning runs were stifling. So finding someone to run with has been hard. Long story short... I have started a beginning running group with a few ladies from my ward. It is mostly slow-going, but I love to see new runners finding their legs and their will to keep going when it is tough. And through some friends... of friends... of friends.... I have started running a few days a week with a small group of ladies who like to pick up the pace and run long miles on Saturdays. I do love my long Saturday runs!

I will be running two 1/2 marathons in March, and I would LOOOVE it if anyone out there would like to join me! First, I will be running the Rock 'n Roll half in Washington DC on March 17 (Thanks to my brother-in-law who wanted to run it and paid for my entry so I would come run with him. You are awesome, Clark.) I will then run the ZOOMA 1/2 Marathon on March 31. There is also a 5K with that half, if you'd rather do that. Please come run with me! There is even talk that Kelly/M&M will be joining me for that one. I sure hope it works out and she is able to come run! Wouldn't it be fun to have a super-amazing girls weekend... maybe have ALL of my sisters and sisters-in-law... and friends... and blog stalkers... ANYONE! ... come run with me that day? I'll provide a place for you to stay, a carb-filled pre-race dinner (a la Taylor), and all the entertainment you can handle... that is, if you care to watch me shake my money-maker, and watch endless episodes of 30 Rock on my new couch... treats to be provided, of course. And don't try to tell me, "I'm pregnant, sorry." Unless you have expressly written UNpermission from your doctor, you can walk a 5K.

As luck would have it, I have been chosen to be a "Zooma Ambassador" for this 1/2 marathon in Austin, TX. This means I will be leading some training runs in my area the 12 weeks leading up to the race for ladies who would like to run ZOOMA on March 31. And here is one of the best parts about being an "ambassador" for this race: I get to share a discount code for the race entry!

You can register for the ZOOMA Texas Women’s Half Marathon & 5K at Hyatt Lost Pines on March 31st and receive $10 off the half or $5 off the 5K by using code TEXAMB12 when you register online!

I will also be giving away some of the sponsor's shirts and whatnot here on my blog in the coming weeks. So fun!

And soooooo.... I'M BACK! And it feels so great to feel like a "runner" again. And it feels even better to be helping other women feel like "runners", too!

P.S. If you are in the Austin area... ZOOMA Texas Training Kick Off is at Luke’s Locker on January 7th at 8:30am. Come and join the ZOOMA team for a fun gathering to kick off our training season! Grab sweet swag from ZOOMA and their sponsors and run an easy 3 mile run!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas Eve Ramblings

2011-12-24T00:34:00.000-08:00

Taylor has been home the last 2 days and the kids have been playing so nicely with each other. What's going on here? It's been niiiice. There is a lot I could tell you about, but in truth not much has been going on. It's a bullet-point kind of post.

I got my Christmas gift early: a couch big enough for the whole family to sit on at once! It is red and comfortable and I love it! The only problem is that the previous owner had a cat which the majority of the family is very allergic to. The day after we brought home the couch and discovered the problem we had someone come steam clean the couch and treat it with an enzyme to counteract the cat dander. (This is so gross, I know.) It has been much better, but not perfect. I am determined to be grateful for this second-hand couch.
With the addition of the couch, our family room finally looks and feels like the comfortable room I have always wanted. The Christmas tree and lights do a lot to add to that nice warm feeling. I'll be sad when the decorations must be put away.
Never sign up for anything from a door-to-door salesman. I already knew this, but I told myself, "This time it will be different!" when the AT&T guy came around selling internet and TV in a neat little package. Long story short: it will always be a hassle and be more a pain than you ever could have imagined. P.S. My only exception: DO let Mormon missionaries talk to you if they come to your door. :)
Christmas is here! Every year I am amazed at how many gifts make their way under our tree. We keep telling ourselves that we have a system: Everyone gets 1 gift from Santa, 1 gift from Mom and Dad, and 1 gift from each of their siblings. Wonderful extended family always send gifts, too. But somehow things always get a little out of control and there are more wrapped packages than there should be under that tree. I am so excited to see the kids open their gifts. :)
Today Taylor and I had eye exams. We've been paying for a great vision plan all year and neither of us wears glasses or contacts. We've both had headaches lately and decided to take advantage of that insurance. It turns out I have an astigmatism in one eye and I'm near-sighted in the other. That would explain the regular headaches I have at the end of the day. It was quite an affair to try to pick out a pair of frames. Taylor didn't seem to have an opinion about any of them, but the woman assisting us had plenty of opinions. But based on her own appearance and choice of eye wear, I wasn't sure I wanted her giving me advice on my new "accessory". Harsh? But true. I finally narrowed it down to 2 pairs, took pictures with my phone, and sent them to the two sisters who I know are never too far away from their phones and can receive picture messages. (Sorry Amy and Abby. And to think your vote could have counted!) Both Carrie and Emily voted for the same pair and the decision was made. It was NOT the pair the sales lady was voting for. Just saying. The glasses won't be ready to pick up until after the new year. Just knowing that I don't need to have this headache right now... Ugh, I'd love to have those glasses in hand.... or better yet, on my face.
Taylor also got a very slight prescription, but he'll get it filled at a later time. Like when he interviews for his next job and needs to look super smart and nerdy. He looked cute in 'em.
I am addicted to 30 Rock on Netflix and big bowls of popcorn. This all takes place after the kids are in bed. Every night.
People in Texas really love to give out plates, bags, bowls, and buckets of Christmas treats! And I say, "Bring it on, ya'll!" I'm lovin' it. (Is that catch phrase already taken?)
Today I escaped to Chick-fil-a for lunch all by myself. Well, myself and the stack of Christmas cards I picked up at the mailbox on the way there. I alternated between taking bites of my #1 with extra pickles and honey-roasted BBQ sauce, and oohing and ahhing over cute photos of my loved ones. That's a Christmas tradition I could see continuing...
I actually sent out Christmas cards with year, and we have been blessed with a mailbox bursting with Christmas greetings in return every day. I hadn't anticipated how many more cards we would get now that we have moved! I wish my camera was working so I could show you the picture of them all strung up on the family room wall. I like to stand in front of it, fling my arms out wide, and shout, "They love us! They REALLY love us!" :)
I spent a good part of the afternoon in Target. Don't you just hate that day-before-Christmas-Eve-picked-over feel? I am proud of myself for remembering to buy things like Christmas Eve pajamas long before there is just a few stray sets left on the display tables.
Taylor is always the hardest person to shop for.
I'm starting to get a little bleary-eyed, so clearly it is time to go to bed.

2011-12-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Waverly JOY

2011-12-20T16:58:00.000-08:00

My beautiful daughter. I think she is an amazing individual.

A classic "Waverly" pose for the camera:

I love this one. So real. So true.

When I see pictures of her and I together, I am always amazed at the difference in our coloring. Does she really have my genes? On the inside: most definitely. On the outside: she's mostly a Giles. Good genes inside and out.

My daughters!

The queen of duct tape creations:

Sometimes I have to dance to get a smile out of her:

Sometimes even dancing doesn't work...

Thank you, Spencer, for capturing the teen angst. It is so real. So perfectly portrayed. You can almost see the lasers shooting out of her eyes.

And thank you, Waverly for letting us capture so perfectly all aspects of "you" from this moment in time. You are a delight. Almost all of the time.

And I love you.

Most.

Alice 2011 (AKA Betsy)

2011-12-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

She is a happy, happy girl.

She has her "moments".

... And adores her Dad.

I'm kind of sad I didn't name her Betsy. I just am. Sometimes I call her "Betsy", and she's OK with that. She has a good sense of humor for a 4-year-old.

She's been called a "firecracker" and "feisty" and "spunky" on more than one occasion.

She loves to be loved. And it is easy to love her.

I love you, Betsy-Boo!

Oscar 2011

2011-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

His face says it all better than my words ever could. He is a curious and complex young man.

And I love him to pieces.

Henry 2011

2011-12-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

I love this boy. He is growing so fast.

Portland Pics

2011-12-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

Spencer took these of Taylor and I just minutes before my 35th birthday surprise party... which I don't think I ever wrote much about, but was one of the more awesome things Taylor has ever done for me. It was a good night with good food and the best of people. Taylor and I really love the city of Portland, and that makes these pictures all the more sweet.

I love these people. LOVE THEM. They are family, and always will be...

...this "sister" especially. Love her. Love her. Love her. Miss her like crazy.

Don't worry... I'm not even close to being done with the photos. :)

Some Favorite Pics from 2011

2011-12-13T18:30:00.000-08:00

Well here we are... it is almost 2012 and this year's blog will be "put to bed" soon. Time to post all of the pictures I want to make sure are included in this year's "archive". I have quite a few that I love and adore that Spencer took when he came out to Oregon before we moved. Hold onto your hats. My kids are super cute. Thanks again, Spencer for capturing us in our element in Sherwood!

More to come... Oh, so many more. This is for me. Very selfish-like. What can I say? Um... this is my blog.

Oliver is on his way!

2011-12-06T23:15:00.001-08:00

This is just hot off the press! My sister Carrie's water broke this evening!... exactly one month before her due date! Her darling, wonderful, supportive, funny, and all-around awesome husband is in SINGAPORE(!!!) on business. Can you believe the bad luck? Please please please.... everyone pray that he will make it back in time for the birth of his first child. He will be cutting it so close.

Remember this?

Words cannot describe the joy of knowing "Baby Rhodesbud" will soon be here. So many people contributed and supported and prayed and loved this baby into coming to their family. So many many people are overjoyed knowing he is on his way. Is this real? It feels like a really awesome and weird dream. And a movie. Like Father of the Bride 2. Remember that? Except our mom is not having a baby at the same time...

I am so anxious and antsy and jittery and happy and nervous and excited and and and and... I did something really impulsive and bought a ticket to fly out to be with her... just in case Todd isn't there in time... so she knows how loved and adored she is. I know nothing nothing nothing could take the place of Todd being there. But I can't just sit here! I feel like I'm on crack or meth or something. (Never actually been on either, so its hard to say!) But I'll be in SLC by noon tomorrow.

Please everyone, pray for the safest and s-l-o-w-e-s-t delivery possible for my sister's first baby! All of your prayers worked before to help get this baby on his way here, let's pray just as fervently that his dad will be there for his arrival. I know Heavenly Father loves this family and all of His children. I just hope this last request of our's is meant to be answered, too.

UPDATE: (the next morning) I have decided not to go to Utah after all. Carrie is in good hands with an amazing midwife and our sister Amy by her side. She was at a "4" as of 6:00 AM her time and the contractions were getting much more intense. The midwife predicts Oliver will arrive around noon. Amy is coaching her and helping her relax as Carrie is doing this no meds so far. Amy says that even in extreme discomfort Carrie is as gracious and kind to everyone around her as usual. That is so very much my Carrie! I am so amazed with her strength. I can't imagine what it must be like to be doing this without her husband at her side. As of this writing he has about 16 hours until arriving. It isn't looking likely that he'll be there for the birth, but Carrie and Oliver are in good hands. I cannot wait for all 3 of them to be reunited!

P.S. Carrie and Todd, I hope you do not mind me sharing. :)

UPDATE THE SECOND: (5:30 PM Utah time) I last heard from Amy (who has been with Carrie through her entire labor) 2 hours ago. They must both be exhausted! I'm thinking I should have gone now! As of 2 hours ago Carrie was still not quite ready to deliver. It seems labor has slowed, but there is no turning back! It could be any minute as far as I know. Todd should arrive in SLC in about 6 hours. I am currently scheming how to find a police escort to take him from the airport to the hospital! :) Anyone know someone with sirens on their car in the Salt Lake area?

7:20 UPDATE THE THIRD: She is pushing! Yay!

Sometime around 8 PM... FINAL UPDATE: Ollie has arrived! Check Todd's Facebook for pics!

Just a reminder...

2011-12-06T19:06:00.001-08:00

... to myself and my sister Abby... that we (the moms of young kids) are really super heroes in disguise. They just don't know it.

Only a super hero can withstand a young child shouting "Will you just stop throwing up and help me with my jeans!!!!???" ... a pregnant and very morning sick super hero. I mean... Seriously.

(Thanks to my little bro of Oscarson Photography for the awesome photo. He is also a super hero.)

This guy is AMAZING!

2011-12-04T08:10:00.001-08:00

When will I learn that a good long run makes everything better? I'm beginning to see a pattern to my posts. And it goes something like this: I have a rough week with my kids, the weekend comes and my long run puts me back into fighting form with spirits lifted. Next time I post something like I did last time, would someone please remind me to put on my running shoes and head out the door?

It also helps that I have the most amazing man in the world for my husband. As I walked in the door after my long run on Saturday morning the whole family was a-flurry with cleaning up the house. The stairs were being vacuumed, the kitchen was getting a good cleaning, the bathrooms were even done. Yes, this is as good as it gets. Thank you so much, Taylor.

And as if this guy wasn't amazing enough, he performed a magic act at our ward's Christmas party/talent show last night. He was as entertaining as ever! The kids LOVED him, and I think the adults enjoyed it, too. He admitted that he really enjoyed it himself to be performing for people that had never seen any of his shows. Maybe we should just keep moving around so more people can enjoy his show. Wait, that would make us carnies. Never mind. I am just so grateful for him right now.

After putting the kids to bed we went on a date to HEB. It was just a trip to the grocery store, but being alone with him is always a fun "date". He makes everything more fun. He makes me smile and laugh even when I'm determined not to. How did I get so lucky? We went by our favorite convenience store on the way home (yes, we have a favorite) and bought GIGANTIC flavored sodas to take home and enjoy with popcorn in front of a movie. And just to prove how amazing this guy is, I'll tell you that he sat through the movie Snow Flower and the Secret Fan... clearly the most "chick" of all "chick flicks" ever created, if you've seen it. This guy is AMAZING! He made what might seem from the outside the most mundane date night into one of the best dates of all time. And it was because I was with him. I'm one lucky girl.

Hurt

2011-12-02T05:47:00.001-08:00

When I first started this blog my children were much younger. Let's see... my oldest was 6 and we had 3 kids. I was in the process of admitting that I had a major problem with depression and was finally getting real help. This blog helped keep me sane during that time. Not only was it a journal to spew all of my negative feelings, it was also a sounding board and a reality check. The comments of family and friends (and a few strangers) were so helpful. I really will be always grateful for this outlet during that time in my life.

Over the years a few things have changed. One, I realized that this blog was the only place where I was documenting the childhood of my kids and BAM it became more of a family journal and less interesting to read to those who don't know my kids and love 'em. Second, my kids got older. Waverly is on the computer almost every day and she reads this. (Hi, Waverly.) For the first time in my blogging life I am censoring myself in a very serious way. It makes blogging less fun. And not the outlet it used to be.

There is so much I want to say right now. My feelings are really hurt by my kids. This morning I was trying to help Oscar get ready for school. As he ate breakfast I made his lunch. As I asked him run-of-the-mill questions and was doing my job as his mom to help him get to school on time he was rude in every single remark he made to me. Not a single nice - or even neutral! - thing came out of his mouth. It was pouring rain and he usually rides his bike the 4 blocks to school. I begged him to let me drive him so he wouldn't get wet. He refused and even pedaled away with a rude remark.

It hurts.

If this was coming from an older person it would be verbal abuse. So what is it called when it comes from a kid?

It's called "He's grounded from his DS for the rest of the week" for one thing. I don't take this kind of crap.

But it hurts. It affects me. How can I not let it?

I tried to speak rationally to him (even though I know "rational" is not something he understands). In the middle of all of this I said to him, "You are being so rude to me when all I am doing is helping you. It hurts me when you talk to me like this." I made a special effort to say it in the most calm, quiet voice possible. And all he did was continue with his tirade about... nothing. About how mean I am to him. ?? If I didn't want to cry it would be comical.

Let's be clear, I usually laugh. It is a farce. It is hilarious.

But I've had enough. I'm lonely and homesick and I've had enough. It isn't funny anymore. I am tired of being kicked around by my kids. Their words hurt. Their lack of respect stings. Their messes make me want to hide in my bedroom. It is so hard to serve them right now.

And so this is one of those old-timey Suzie Petunia posts that is mostly pathetic and you won't know what to say. Here let me help you. Copy and paste one of these responses into the "comments".

1) Bless your heart. You've got it rough.

2) Stop whining. This is part of being a mom.

3) Don't worry. They'll grow out of it.

Or perhaps you can remind me of some technique I've forgotten from my Love & Logic courses, the dozens of parenting books on my shelves, or the lessons I've learned over the last 13 years. I'd appreciate it. Because at the moment I feel clueless... for the one millionth time.

My boys and their new toy

2011-11-30T22:02:00.001-08:00

Today while driving to the grocery store...

2011-11-30T21:54:00.001-08:00

Alice: Mom, when I'm old you will be dead.

Me: Yes. How do you think you will feel about that?

Alice: Sad and I will get all of your money.

Not if I spend it all first.

Still Crazy After All These (15) Years

2011-11-26T18:46:00.001-08:00

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. We also finished reading The Book of Mormon with the kids tonight for the second time. This time only took us 3 years! (That is 1/5 of our marriage!) It goes very slowly when the kids are young, still reading those big and unfamiliar words so carefully and slowly. And I feel like a referee through the whole 5 - 10 minute ordeal every evening. But we did it! Someday I'm really hoping we'll actually feel the Spirit and learn something as we read together. Right now we're just being obedient and doing the best we can. :) So to celebrate our family achievement we went to get frozen custard at Freddy's.

Then we went to the mall to see Santa. Unfortunately we are too cheap to shell out a minimum of $25 for a terrible photo with him. So, after the kids talked with Santa we took a picture on the other side of the tree from where he was sitting. He's on the other side of that tree there. He's wearing cowboy boots. Welcome to Texas.

There was not a single person in line to see Santa. Is that normal? That doesn't seem normal. What's going on here? Is visiting Santa at the mall not a "thing" here in Texas?

So then we had Henry take a photo to document our big anniversary.

And then we kissed a little bit. Because we're still in love and all that. We even like each other!

Our real anniversary date was a couple of weeks ago. :) Taylor took me to see Paul Simon in concert. Did you know there is a concert venue about 2 miles from our house? Things like SYTYCD come through here. Cool beans. So Paul Simon was very fun to see in concert! That man is 71 and can still rock it! He sounded amazing. His band was incredible. And yes, he is quite short. We had amazing seats... 11th row, right in the middle.

Thank you for the date and for all 15 wonderful years, Taylor. I love you so much.

The Magic of Gratitude

2011-11-20T12:04:00.001-08:00

Today Taylor and I spoke in church. A few people asked for a copy of this talk, so I've just posted it here for their reference. I learned some amazing things about gratitude while studying for this. Don't feel like you have to read this whole thing, but if you do and you enjoy it... then Happy Thanksgiving!

The Magic of Gratitude

Carriage Hills Sacrament Meeting Talk

November 20, 2011

As I have researched the topic I’ve been asked to speak about, I have decided it is like MAGIC!

...it turns whatever we have into enough...and more.

...it unlocks the fullness of life.

… it saves us.

...it magically blesses you AND everyone around you at the same time.

...it _ makes _ you _ happy. Anytime. Anywhere. In any circumstance.

It’s like magic!

What is this principle of the gospel that can do so much in a way that seems almost magical?

Gratitude. The answer is gratitude. Gratitude is like magic.

¡Gracias! Grazie! When a Spanish or Italian speaker says thanks, they are invoking one of the meanings behind the word grace. That’s because grace, gracias, and grazie all descend from the same Latin word, grātia, which means (1) a pleasing quality, (2) favor or goodwill, and (3) gratitude or thanks.

Yes, gratitude is MORE than just giving thanks. Gratitude is:

-a feeling

-an expression

-an experience

-Gratitude is an altered perspective

-an attitude

-a habit

-a successful mode of living

-Gratitude can be a coping response

-a recipe for personal happiness

-Gratitude is always an invitation for the Spirit of the Lord to be in your life

-Gratitude is faith in action

-GRATITUDE IS AN ACTION

And this is where I would like to focus my remarks about the magical properties of gratitude: GRATITUDE IS AN ACTION

1) What is gratitude? CHARITY IS GRATITUDE IN ACTION

2) Why have gratitude? GRATITUDE IS A COMMANDMENT BECAUSE IT SAVES US

3) How can we cultivate gratitude? PRAY FOR AND PRACTICE GRATITUDE

1) What is gratitude? CHARITY IS GRATITUDE IN ACTION

When gratitude is manifested as an “action” it is also known as “charity”, or “the pure love of Christ”. There! Already gratitude has magically changed from what we once thought was just a feeling or to utter a “thank you” to a gesture that deserves the grand title of “Charity”. Gratitude is the fertile soil out of which the fruits of charity grow. John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

For example:

We show gratitude for temple blessings by attending the temple often to help extend those blessings to others.

We can show gratitude for our material blessings by paying a generous fast offering.

Thus gratitude is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ.

2) Why have gratitude? GRATITUDE IS A COMMANDMENT BECAUSE IT SAVES US

We also learn in D&C 59 that gratitude is a commandment. In nothing doth Man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things...” As James E. Faust puts it, “It is clear to me from this scripture that to ‘thank the Lord thy God in all things’ ( D&C 59:7 ) is more than a social courtesy; it is a binding commandment." But like all of our loving Father in Heaven’s commandments, it is a commandment with tremendous promised blessings. He does not want us to be grateful for His benefit, but for our own. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.

So another of gratitude’s magical attributes is its ability to save.

Presiden Faust has said that gratitude as an expression of faith is a saving principle. “As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum....rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”

And just like when we’re talking about muscles or a testimony, it is also true with the principle of gratitude, “use it or lose it”.

...there is a truism associated with all types of human strength: “Use it or lose it.” When not used, muscles weaken, skills deteriorate, and faith disappears. President Monson stated: “Think to thank. In these three words is the finest capsule course for a happy marriage, a formula for enduring friendship, and a pattern for personal happiness.”

Bonnie D. Parkin, former General Primary President said, “Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord’s hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful. In the Book of Mormon, we learn that those who murmur do not know “the dealings of that God who… created them.” The Lord counsels us not to murmur because it is then difficult for the Spirit to work with us. Luke chapter 17 records the experience of the Savior when He healed 10 lepers. As you recall, only one of the cleansed lepers returned to express his appreciation. Isn’t it interesting that the Lord did not say, “Your gratitude has made you whole”? Instead, He said, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.”

The leper’s expression of gratitude was recognized by the Savior as an expression of his faith. As we pray and express gratitude to a loving but unseen Heavenly Father, we are also expressing our faith in Him. Gratitude is our sweet acknowledgment of the Lord’s hand in our lives; it is an expression of our faith.”

Phillipians 4:6

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

The footnote for this verse says, “Don’t be unduly concerned about anything.” Do your best and to God leave the rest. He will always make up the difference. This is grace.

3) How can we cultivate gratitude? PRAY FOR AND PRACTICE GRATITUDE

So how do we cultivate gratitude?

You may have heard this little saying, “What if you woke up today with only the blessings you thanked Heavenly Father for yesterday?” Cultivate gratitude by starting with prayer. Ask Heavenly Father for a grateful heart. The Spirit can change your heart.

We cultivate gratitude as we express it... much like the bearing of a testimony. But unlike bearing a testimony, it doesn’t matter where you are “spiritually” speaking in order to express gratitude to Heavenly Father or others. You may feel like the least “spiritual” person on the planet right now. Maybe you are doubting. Maybe you are in the grips of depression. Maybe you have made a big mistake. Maybe you are feeling very low right now. Even if you are not, I challenge you to try this little experiment. It is like “Step #1” in starting your relationship with Heavenly Father, or rebuilding it, or just making it stronger. Please, no matter how old or young you are... Try this experiment: Practice praying and not asking for anything. Not one little thing. Don’t even let the word “please...” come out of your mouth. Don’t even ask for blessings on others’ behalf for this one prayer. Just give thanks. That is all. Try to think of every little (or big) thing in your day that your were grateful for. Will they be material things you say you are thankful for? Perhaps. But consider what President Monson has taught:

"Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted.

The English author Aldous Huxley wrote, “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.”"

So as you say this prayer of gratitude, try hard to take nothing for granted. For “all good things come from God.” So if He has thought enough to bless you with it, no matter how small it may appear, should we not think enough to thank Him for it?

Now...

Notice how differently you feel as you conclude the prayer. You will feel differently. And you will like it. I dare say it is “like magic” how differently, and how much better you will feel.

Now, do it again. Soon. And again.

After you try this experiment with your prayers, try to use it in other areas of your life. With your spouse, your children, your brothers and sisters, your classmates, your co-workers, your friends. For one day ask nothing of them. Only express gratitude. See what kind of magical thing that does for your relationships.

One of the blessings that comes from living the commandment to live with gratitude is real, pure happiness.

President Uchtdorf in conference last month gave a memorable talk in which he said, "The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."

The author Melody Beattie said,

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. We lift ourselves and others when we live in a spirit of Gratitude.

Presiden Monson has said, "The Lord has two homes: heaven and a grateful heart.”

When you choose to be grateful, you are opening your heart to others. It is in the fertile soil of gratitude that the seeds of charity are planted. When nourished by faith in Christ and gratitude for his infinite atonement on our behalf, the seeds of charity will grow and bloom to bless not only the lives of those you serve, but your own life as well. Everyone benefits from YOUR grateful heart, including you. It is a gift you can't help but give yourself when you are giving it to others. At this time of year when we start turning our minds to gift-giving, perhaps you can contemplate how to use the gift of gratitude to bless everyone around you.

Let us follow our Savior. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. When we do this, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

I can’t think of a better gift to give the Savior this holiday season than a thankful heart. A heart that walks, talks, and shares His love and His gospel. The greatest gift we can give him is to be saved. To return to Him. To help Him in His work of bringing his children home is the one thing to give this eternal being who “already has everything”.

I close with my testimony of the power of a grateful heart. When we cultivate gratitude, we are cultivating charity. It is a commandment from our Heavenly Father to be grateful because He knows that is blesses all of our lives, makes us truly happy, and has the power to save us. He will help us cultivate gratitude if we pray for and practice it.

As President Monson recently said, "My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

When I Grow Up...

2011-11-17T20:39:00.001-08:00

We asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grow up during dinner tonight:

Henry: "I want to be a scientist. A geologist. Maybe an archaeologist. But not a crazy one, like Indiana Jones."

Oscar: "I want to be the guy who tests the ice cream at the ice cream factory."

Alice: "I want to be a spy... the good kind... that delivers gifts to people."

Joe: *Made demanding "ehh! Ehh!" noises and demanded more Ranch dressing to dip his vegetables.*

Waverly: ...had already left the table.

Taylor: "When I grow up I want to have happy children and a clean house." (And a smokin' hot wife, I'd add.)

When I grow up, I want to be as funny as my kids.

Halloween 2011 (Playing Catch-up on the posts here)

2011-11-14T20:51:00.001-08:00

Oscar was a kind and benevolent Lord Vader.

Joe was the saddest Yoda you ever did see. And not just because I made him eat a bag of veggies on his way out the door.

His hat was too tight. Poor baby. Big heads run in the family. It only lasted as long as the photo shoot.

Alice was a ninja. She's so awesome.

Henry was Hiccup from How to Train a Dragon. It was surprisingly cheap and easy to make.

The gang. Pre-trick-or-treating.

We started early for maximum candy collection time. (And so Joe could go to bed.)

Henry was very sweet to take Joe to each door. He didn't get impatient to run ahead. He's always so nice to the younger kids. OK, usually very nice.

Waverly was a beautiful, duct tape butterfly. She was not very happy with me that I wouldn't let her go trick or treating. I kind of have a policy about teenagers not doing that. Call me lame. But she looked darling and handed out candy like a pro. I was grateful, because Taylor was actually out of town.

I'm not big on dressing up, but I did try a funky hairstyle for the day. I embarrassed Waverly so bad.

Joe discovered that it was much easier to just get candy out of our bowl instead of doing all of that walking from door to door.

The boys stayed out a little longer.... terrorizing the neighborhood.

When they all got home it was time for the annual sorting and trading of the candy.

We skyped with Dad so he could see the loot. He loves this part. He was sad to miss it.

Pixie Stix = quickest way to ingest sugar.

Butterfinger = Henry's favorite. He collected 23!

Pure childhood happiness.

This photo freaks me out.

And that's what Halloween is all about.

You are reading the blog of the mom of the most talented kid in the second grade.

2011-11-13T20:00:00.001-08:00

Oscar came home from school last month with a permission slip to audition for the school talent show. He wanted to perform his green belt form. I suggested he also break a couple of boards and VOILA! We had a talent show act! Saturday night was the show, and well, you'll have to see the video to witness how it all turned out. Spoiler alert: I was so proud of him, I'm pretty sure it was bordering on being a sin. :) And he was just beaming. I love to see my Oscar so happy and proud of himself!

Everything is better...

2011-11-12T10:05:00.001-08:00

...after a long run. And half a pan of the best rice crispy treats in the universe. I think I made this up:

I call them

Samoa Rice Crispy Treats

5 T. Butter
1 package marshmallows
1 package crushed up graham crackers
1 heaping cup coconut flakes
a few cups of rice crispy cereal (didn't measure, sorry)
1/2 bag of milk chocolate chips

Add everything together in that order. Do the chocolate chips last and be sure not to mix too much so they don't melt all over. Next time I might melt the chocolate and drizzle it across the top.

That's all.

Have a happy weekend! 13 miles and my legs are killing me. Time for a nap!

Life is not so mysterious after all

2011-11-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

Turns out...

.. a certain child accidentally knocked my giant silver spoon off the wall last night after I went to bed. It shattered into a million pieces and she got rid of the evidence. Then she lied to my face three times today that she had no idea what happened to it.

...the camera is still broken.

I guess I just can't have nice things. Just like my Mom. She used to say "Why can't I have nice things?" and now I totally get it. Sorry, Mom.

And I just texted something really mean and unapologetic-ally to someone. I'm so dumb.

I want to go home.

Life's Little Mysteries

2011-11-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Mystery #1

Yesterday I hung a giant fork and spoon in my kitchen. I've wanted them for a while, but most I found were really expensive. I finally found some I liked for 50% off at Hobby Lobby last week. They were the wrong color, so I spray painted them. (I'm a little bit obsessed with spray painting things these days.) I finally hung them on my wall yesterday. And I love(d) them!

This morning I came down to the kitchen and the spoon is missing. The fork is still there, but where a spoon once hung there is now only a nail in the wall.

???

Mystery #2

I have really bad luck with my point-and-shoot cameras. It could have something to do with the fact that I'm really hard on them. Regardless, my newest one started having a "lens error" several months ago. Sometimes it wouldn't turn on. It often displayed "lens error", or the lens would not retract. I finally contacted customer support. The camera is still under warranty. All I had to do was print out a form, fill in the blanks, and mail it with the camera to their repair center. That was 2 months ago. After finally getting ink for my printer and having this on my "to do" list for 2 months, I printed out the form, filled it out and got the camera out of its hiding place this morning.

And the camera is suddenly working just fine.

Blah!

"Bloom Where You're Planted": 5 Months in the Making

2011-11-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last February we decided to take a job in Austin and move our family. As I was feeling anxious about the move I decided to start a creative project to help calm my nerves. Early on in the process of moving I decided my personal mantra would be "Bloom where you're planted". I remember my Mom had a framed Mary Engelbreit print with this in our home growing up. Knowing how much my Mom has moved in her life, and how grounded she became in each new place, I can see that it has been a theme of her's as well. I didn't just want to move to Austin and survive. I wanted to thrive and bloom! I searched online and found a design I really liked, but it didn't have the words "Bloom where you're planted" on it. I ordered it from an etsy shop and told the seller my plans. When she mailed the pattern she was so kind as to also write out "Bloom where you're planted" so it would fit into the design. (Thank you, Charlotte Lyons!)

While still packing up the house in Oregon, I taped the not-started-yet pattern to one of my kitchen cupboards to give me motivation. It wasn't until we were in Irvine, CA for the summer (a 6-week layover of sorts before landing in Austin for good) that I began working on the embroidery sampler. As soon as I began I knew it was going to be a joy and a labor of love. The kids liked to swim in the pool at the apartments where we were living just about every day. My favorite thing all summer was to sit poolside, hear their happy play, and create a new little work of art. It also accompanied me to hours and hours of Tae Kwon Do classes, late nights watching TV, and moments of sitting in the car waiting for this or that.

Poolside in Irvine

It was after our house-hunting trip to Austin in the middle of the summer that I decided what the home in the sampler should look like. I made it look like the brick pattern on the house we are renting.

Happy Alice, Happy Mom

Joe loved the hot tub. I loved seeing progression on "Bloom where you're planted"

Periodically I texted pictures of my progress to my sister Carrie to get her feedback. One night Waverly asked me what color I was going to make the path leading up to the house. I wasn't sure, but she suggested making it yellow like the yellow brick road from the Wizard of Oz. I thought that was a great idea. After all, "there is no place like home"!

Sewing in bed

It's coming along nicely! The kids liked to see the progress, but kept saying , "When will it be DONE?"

You can see between this picture and the previous one how I had to change the design at the bottom to fit the words.

We've been living in Austin for several weeks at this point. I'm ready to be done and hang this on my wall!

Taylor has been out of town all week, and I've been spending my evenings on the couch with a bag of left-over Halloween candy. Last night I decided to work on this project. I started just as the kids went to bed. I stitched through Thursday night TV (a disappointment last night, btw), through the news and late shows, and on into the paid programming for weight loss solutions. It wasn't until 3:30 when Henry came downstairs upset from a nightmare he had that I realized just how late it was, but also just how CLOSE I was to being done. Henry sat with me and we watched Patch Adams (Ugh, what an awful movie!) as I finished my masterpiece. I can barely bring myself to type what time I was done... 5:00 AM. !!! That is some college-age-Sarah stunt. NOT mom-of-five-Sarah! I was wasted, and drifted off to sleep. I barely noticed when Henry got himself ready for school and left.

Ta-DAAAH! It is done!

How lucky that I picked up this frame just a few days ago at Goodwill! I didn't have the sampler in mind when I bought it. I just thought it was a great quality frame at a terrific price. But it is the perfect size and color for framing my new work of art! I felt really guilty removing the art. This was some kid's masterpiece who someone treasured enough to have it custom framed. This was not some off-the-shelf pre-made frame. I'm dying to know the story behind Stephen, his lovely little birdie, and how it came to be for sale in an Austin Goodwill for $2.99.

Goodwill: $2.99

Poor "Stephen"

I could not be more happy with this project and how it all came together! I think it will hang in my home for a very, very long time. And it will always remind me of our great adventure as a family in the summer of 2011.

Hanging in my kitchen as of 10 minutes ago.

I can't help but marvel at the timing of the completion. It comes at the exact time that I have decided to stop waiting for happiness to fall into my lap in our new home, and to go out and find it for myself. It turns out it actually takes a little effort if you want to "Bloom where you're planted"! ... as was the case with finishing this piece. And just like the result of seeing this hang in my home, it is all worth it in the end.

Good News!

2011-11-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

I've decided to be proactive about finding my happiness! Yay for me! Yay for you! Yay for anyone who has to deal with me!

I am going to run the ZOOMA half marathon on March 31.
I would like to start a training group for anyone who would like to join me! There is also a 5K (3.1 miles) that day, so if there is enough interest, I would hold separate training sessions for people who want to do a "Couch to 5K" training program. I have a lot of experience in training for races, but it is so much more fun to train with others! It would be a 2-3 days per week commitment. Come on, you know you want to! Please message me if you want to join in. And pass this along to any friends in the Austin area who may be interested. Thanks!

(Thank you, Spencer at Oscarson Photography for the great pics of me with my running buddies in Oregon!)

What has HAPPENED to me??

2011-10-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

Who is this person?

She hardly ever runs these days and can only fit into one pair of pants. Truth.

She eats everything and anything. Halloween candy is awful stuff.

She walks into a store because she "needs" one little thing, and walks out having spent more than half of her weekly budget. On what? She spent it on her own indecision(s).

And what is up with not cleaning the kitchen ALL THE WAY? Just clearing enough counter space to prepare the next meal is not good enough. What is her problem??

She posts too many (bad) pictures on her blog. She should have been a real photographer with a real camera. It was her calling in life and she missed it. WAY missed it.

And her teenage daughter hates her. (She made fun of my hair today.)

And her husband is in Nebraska this week. NEBRASKA.

What happened to her will power? Her self discipline?

She still stays up late. Too, TOO late. And ALWAYS regrets it in the morning. But she does it every night. (Has anyone ever walked into a psychiatrist's office and said, "I am addicted to sleep. Help me." Because I'm considering it, and I just want to be forewarned if I am the first person on earth and the doctor doesn't know how to help me.)

She's a real drag. She thinks she knows what she wants, but she's usually wrong.

What a bummer to be around. Don't you feel sorry for me? Because I'm stuck with her!

She really needs to wash that pair of pants. Or I'll have nothing to wear tomorrow... To the two different meetings that I just realized I scheduled on top of each other. Crap.

I'm goin' to sleep.

Putting the "Fun" in "Funeral"

2011-10-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

I hope that isn't too offensive for anyone, but being with my entire family for Grandpa Green's funeral last weekend was amazing... a true gift... and yes, fun. But I'll get to all of that...

My parents flew from Sweden to Utah, and my Mom had a layover in Houston. A couple things about Houston: 1) It is a 3 - 4 hour drive (depending upon how many bickering children you have in the backseat) and 2) We moved to Houston just before my senior year of high school. I have a little history there. My parents lived there for 12? 13? years. 2 houses. Lots of history.

Because all of my kids would not be flying with me to Utah for the funeral (and thus not see my parents whom they haven't seen in 2 years) I thought it would be a good idea to drive them to Houston to see their Mo during her layover there. In non-Sarah fashion, I left with plenty of time to spare. And we ended up having a couple of hours to fill before her plane arrived. So I drove the kids by the house we lived in when I was in high school. It was a good house. Good memories. Awesome pool. I was sad the kids couldn't see that part. I'm sure the current owners were a tiny bit annoyed that I had the kids pose for a picture on their driveway.

And then we still had lots of time. And a need for a potty. So we drove to the Houston LDS temple, which is just a mile or two away from our old house. LDS Distribution Center = Nicest car trip potty break ever. I even went in and updated my subscription to the church magazines. So, you know, we were legit.

And then my rambunctious kids who had been cramped in the minivan for 4 hours did their best to be reverent on the temple grounds... With varying degrees of success.

It was so beautiful and serene... when my kids weren't trying to go for a swim in the fountains. You might notice the absence of one Waverly. This was a tough moment in parenting for me. I had to take the kids out of school early, and Waverly had play practice after school. She felt very strongly that she needed to be at practice. I pulled a "It's your choice. You know how I feel and what I hope you will do, but you are old enough to make your own decision" and she did indeed make her own decision. I was sad she didn't come with us. Mo was sad not to see her. But she understood.

Well, wouldn't you know it... her plane was delayed over an hour, cutting our together time in half. So I took the kids to get some Rudy's BBQ. We got a loaded baked potato "to go" for Mo, and we headed to the airport. And soon we were with our MO!!

She brought a package of Bilar (candy) for the kids. Before we knew it, they had staked out their share and devoured it.

Mo finally met Joseph! It was a very happy moment for me. Joe was thrilled too. I promise. Mo looked great for having just spent over 12 hours on an airplane. (Unfortunately my Dad was on a different flight!)

Hanging out in the airport has never been so fun. And it went by so fast. Then it was time to drive home to Austin as Mo continued on her journey to Utah. It was a late night for us all.

And bright and early the next morning, Joe and I got on our own flight in Austin to head to Utah. My travel buddy didn't have his own seat on our first flight. I sat in the (almost) back row of the full airplane in the middle seat with this big, wiggly boy on my lap for 3 hours. That was not the most fun part of my trip. Arriving in Utah and being with Amy, Chris, Chip, Marie-Laure, Carrie (and her adorable pregnant belly!), Todd, Emily, Abby, Miles, Spencer, Mo and Dad... THAT was the best part of all. I even got to see my in-laws who were so kind as to come to the funeral. I have the best family on all sides of me. The BEST.

The viewing on Friday evening was like a giant family reunion. I only hope Grandpa Green was there to enjoy it, too. He would have loved to have been with all of those children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandma was beautiful and strong. I love that lady. There was a photo taken at the end of everyone who was there. I hope I get a copy... hint, hint, ahem, Spencer. :)

The funeral service the next day was a perfect tribute for my Grandpa. Each of his four children spoke, and their words memorialized this man we all adore with stories from his life, and lessons he taught us. Live with humor. Serve everyone with love. Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. He will be so very missed.

My Grandma Green is a beautiful woman. She has the most rock-solid testimony of Jesus Christ of anyone I know. There is no doubt in her mind that she and Grandpa will be together again. I loved the moments I had during the weekend to talk to her. There was a family gathering on Sunday evening at Chip and Marie-Laure's home. It was a celebration for my Mom's birthday! What a treat that we were all together for her special day! Grandma Green was there, and I felt special that I got to sit next to her at dinner.

Another special part of the weekend was seeing one of my best friends in the whole wide world: Nicole! (She is my cousin's wife.) We became close friends while we were in Oregon together. I miss her!

I know it seems like there are a lot of photos here, but there are so many more I didn't get on my camera! I loved every minute with my family. I loved staying at Carrie and Todd's house. I loved that Joe and Miles got to play together. I loved being all together at Amy and Chris' home. It felt so right. There were a few in-laws missing. That was the only thing that would have made it better. But most of all, and I just can't seem to put into words how much this meant to me... it was a GIFT to be with my parents. I have missed them so much. Every time I found myself in the same room with them, I couldn't help but give them a big hug and stand or sit as close as possible. I felt nothing but warm, safe, comfy, happy love from them all weekend. And Papa finally met Joe, too!

And then all too soon, it was time for us to go our separate ways again. I am so glad families are forever.

The end of this story is that Joe and I had a very long and late flight back to Austin. He was one tired little buddy. He fell asleep on the last flight and woke up the next morning (almost afternoon!) in his bed at home. It was so fun to have him with me. He was a happy boy who relished all of the one-on-one time and attention. I did, too.

Families are the best.

Worst picture of me. Ever.

2011-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

It is too horrible to not share.

It looks like some crazy photo-distortion iPhone ap. But, unfortunately... No. That's me. Today.

Alice took this at her preschool Halloween party today. She has a real gift, no?

I love that Alice is a ninja for Halloween.

I think she was the only girl in her class who was not a princess of some variety. But she still wore her sparkly pink butterfly shoes, so, you know. She's got a good variety of stuff going on inside that curly head.

I had an amazing weekend. Joe and I flew to Utah for Grandpa Green's funeral. It was a beautiful and meaningful service, and being with all six of my siblings AND my parents who I haven't seen in two years was a true gift. More pictures to come. The witching hour and dinner is upon us.

"Hope all is well in your ten acres..."

2011-10-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

I just received the news that my Grandpa Green passed away last night. I'm still in shock and don't have a lot of words. He was a great man. A good man. The best kind.

Grandpa loved to tell stories, and especially about his days of flying airplanes. That man loved airplanes!

Grandpa's first solo flight

He was the happiest, most cheerful person. He always put a smile on my face, and everyone elses'. I have a sneaking suspicion I may have inherited my silly side from him.

I don't even know the story behind this picture, but I'm sure it was a pretty typical scene.

He and grandma married young, and eloped at that! Their courtship and early marriage in the 1940s would make a good plot for a movie. And he was a very handsome leading man. Oh, that hair! He had the best hair. He still had all of it, and most was not even gray up until the end. (I hope I inherited those qualities, too!)

Grandpa Green wrote a letter to his children and grandchildren every week for the last... I don't even know how many!... 40 (?) years! Over the years close friends were also added to his weekly mailing. I would be interested to know how many people were receiving his updates. Does anyone know? He taught me the power of sharing, especially through the written word. For all his love of technology and new things, he understood the power of an old-fashioned letter arriving from a loved on in the mailbox. I looked forward to reading it every week. Living so far from where he and Grandma are, it will be the most tangible thing I will miss about his absence. He kept the family informed and together. We always knew about new births, anniversaries, birthdays and changes of address thanks to Grandpa's weekly letter. I am going to miss his letters so much. So much.

Why, it looks "colder than a dead Eskimo's nose" in this picture!

Grandpa Green was the most generous person I know. He worked hard his entire life providing for his family and serving in the church. Once he retired he served numerous missions with my grandma, one of which was to the Philippians. They served as auditors for the church for many years and traveled all over the country. He had a story for every place he had been. I'm not lying when I say I loved hearing every one. Even as his body was wearing out, he did not like to sit still for long. (One might say he was "busier than a one-armed paper hanger!") He volunteered to do anything that needed doing. He was the go-to man for rides to the airport, and he often joked that he was a shuttle service. He loved to drive. He bought a fun and fast new car a few years ago and drove it all over the west and northwest to visit family... all by himself! I'll never forget how he called me when we were living in Oregon and said, "Are you home? Can I come by in 30 minutes?" And sure enough, there he was on my doorstep 30 minutes later. He came in, we visited, he took a picture of me with my kids, and insisted he could not stay for dinner for he had to be on his way! I was a little dumbfounded, and quite honestly sad not to spend more time with him. But he was off! He had an adventure to get on with! Oh, I love this man.

Grandpa was the unofficial photographer of all social gatherings, small or large. He always had his camera within reach, was quick to take a portrait, and always promised, "...An 8 x 10 glossy will be delivered to your door!..." He had thousands of slides that he converted to a digital format, which he burned onto DVDs and shared with the entire family. He was not scared of technology. (But technology should have been scared of him!) He jumped in and tried his darnedest to figure out the next new thing. He was forever having troubles with his computer and printer. Poor grandpa. But secretly, I think it was a ploy to get his sons and grandsons (who were always willing to help out) to come out and pay him a visit. ;)

Grandpa and Grandma have had such a full life together! They moved very often, and lived in numerous states. (I don't want to start listing, because I know I'll forget several!) They had an adventurous spirit together, hiking and camping together. As they got older and even official church service slowed down, they gave themselves a "mission" of sorts. They bought a home near the Bountiful temple and dedicated their lives to temple service. I think they were there three days a week for years. And as time has passed ("Old age ain't for sissies!") there have been health problems and setbacks, but they got to the temple at every opportunity. Their's is a legacy of service, especially in the church. Their lives have taught me to live my religion by doing. I am sure Grandpa is already asking "What needs to be done? What can I do?" in the Spirit World. I bet he will be an extraordinary missionary there.

There is so much more about him I'm sure I don't even know. I hope my cousins, aunts, uncles and anyone else who knew and loved him (for to know TJ Green was to love him!) will all share their favorite thoughts and memories about Grandpa Green so our children can get to know him, too. He will never be forgotten. And I don't want to leave out any of the fun details when I tell my kids about him.

I am going to miss you Grandpa. I can't wait to see your handsome face and hear all of your stories - new and old - again one day.

SLY

TO DO:

2011-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

1. Learn to use tools and build things.
2. Build this.

3. Build this.

4. Build this x 4

5. Build this.

Boy, I'm going to need a lot of white paint...

I have been going back again and again to this site for over a year. I am drawn to it like a moth to a bright light. I love that the title after the blogger's name is "Home Maker". She truly does make her home... one piece of furniture at a time. And even now, it sounds like she is building an entire home from the ground up. I'm not anxious to do that, but the creative side of me really wants to make furniture! I have been getting all kinds of antsy living in our new house and wanting to make it functional and beautiful. It consumes me. And that makes me feel vain and guilty. Why do I think about what my house looks like so much? Why does it matter? I have a testimony of what is truly important and meaningful in life. I am torn. Can I have both beautiful surroundings and humility to focus on my family and not our dwelling?

A friend pointed out that this is a natural feeling for women to have. (Whew!) We have a desire to make our homes beautiful for a reason. I want to believe it is an altruistic reason and not a vain one. There is one thing for certain, and that is I don't believe I should make it beautiful at the risk of draining our bank account. That is a tough one. Even the most creative projects usually take a bit of money. So the idea of making my own furniture is very appealing to my creative and cheap side (it's the same side, don't you know?). This is why I want to build my own furniture:

1. It seems cheaper.
2. I could get the exact result that I want and not have to compromise form for function, or function for form.
3. How satisfying would it be to look around my house and be able to say "I MADE this!" ??

But. But....

I have a few obstacles.

1. I don't have all of the right tools.
2. I don't know how to follow all of the instructions.
3. I'm sure it is not as cheap as I imagine.
4. I'm sure it is not as easy as she makes it look.

You know what I need? I need a new friend who:

1. Lives nearby
2. Already owns all of the tools
3. Knows how to use the tools and can teach me
4. Has all of the time in the world
5. Wants to help me build my dream furniture.

Anyone? Anyone?

*crickets chirping*

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

1 box yellow cake mix
1/4 cup softened butter
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 can pumpkin (the smaller one)
As many chocolate chips as the batter can handle

(No eggs. Eat the batter to your hearts content without fear of salmonella.)

350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Stop reading this and go make some.

Go.

Craigslist Furniture Makeover

2011-09-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

My front entry was looking a little bare. (As is the rest of the house.) I wanted to hang my pictures, but without some furniture to "ground" them I was having trouble. Without the funds to buy my dream furnishings I turned to my trusty blue painters' tape and my imagination. This is what I came up with:

A few days later I found this little desk and hutch on Craigslist for $45. I drove out into the middle of nowhere in cattle country north of Austin to buy it. On my way there I called my sister on the east coast and gave her the exact address of the house where I was headed ... just in case it was a nut job who was luring a poor housewife into the country to kill her and bury her body where no one would ever find her. Turns out the stay-at-home-mom who home schools her four kids was not trying to kill me. Just wanted to sell me a piece of furniture she no longer needed. Whew. We all take risks in life. This one paid off for me. She also had this old Pottery Barn chair in her garage that she gave me for FREE! It was all wood, just a little beaten up.

...Nothing a fresh coat of paint couldn't fix. The red paint went on the chair like a dream. I love it. I want to marry it. The white on the table was a little more tricky. You take risks, you win some, you lose some. All I have to say is, I love spray paint. I think this is the first time I've ever used it on furniture. I don't think I'll ever paint furniture with a paintbrush again! This was way more fun. And WAAAY faster. I still need to paint the hutch. But I'm enjoying my new little cozy space.

Today Oscar was Baptized

2011-09-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

And what a special time it was. I'll never forget how happy, smiley and calm Oscar seemed to be. He is a special boy, and I'm so grateful he is mine. His favorite song is We'll Bring the World His Truth (The Army of Helaman). We sang it for the opening song. When Taylor confirmed him a member of the church and gave him the Gift of the Holy Ghost and a blessing he mentioned what a good missionary Oscar will be. He will bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to many grateful souls. When I see Oscar I see a powerful missionary ready to burst out of his little body. He has a light that draws people to him. It is the light of Christ. And today he was especially shiny.

Nevermind.

2011-09-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

Alice brought Baby Beth to me before getting into bed tonight.

"I don't want her anymore."

"Why not?" I asked.

"She's creepy."

Poor Baby Beth.

Alice, Preschool and Baby Beth

2011-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

It started a couple of weeks ago, but I never mentioned it! Alice is in preschool 3 days a week. She is loving it, and so am I. Joe, too, I think.

Her first assignment and her new teacher.

"Joe time" begins the minute we drop Alice off at preschool. We get kind of excited about that.

They have "nap time" for 1/2 hour at the end of school. This is a new concept for Alice, but she takes a blanket and makes the most of it. She comes home sweet and happy. Preschool is worth every penny.

And now for a bit of a blast from the past. I found a box that had not been unpacked in the garage. In it I found a little treasure from my past which Alice has adopted and made her own. Baby Beth continues to be loved and cared for by my posterity. I couldn't be more happy. Baby Beth was my doll when I was little. For reasons unknown to me, the rest of my family had great disdain for Baby Beth. They thought she was ugly and that I only liked her because I took pity on pathetic inanimate objects and felt sorry for her. Maybe. But I've always liked her. And I've never had the heart to leave her behind in the many moves we've made as a family. And now Alice loves her, too. I'm so happy to know that Baby Beth will be cared for when I am gone. If she didn't, who would?

Is it just me, or do they look alike??

Thank you, Gladys Knight and The Saints Unified Voices Choir!

2011-09-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

You know when you're all full of the Spirit and love of God and happy and it feels like your heart is going to burst, but you have no one to share it with?

*sigh*

That's how I'm feeling right now.

I saw Gladys Knight and her choir, Saints Unified Voices. A-MAZ-ING. If you ever have the chance to see them in person, you absolutely MUST do so. If not, check this out. Check this out regardless. It was the best song of the evening:

I Am a Child of God

Oscar is getting baptized on Saturday. He will be confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We've been talking a lot about what this means and what the Holy Ghost feels like. Tonight as I felt it so undeniably, I wished Oscar was there so I could lean over and say to him, "THIS! This is what I've been talking about! You are feeling God's Spirit: The Holy Ghost! Isn't it amazing?"

It's in the Mail!

2011-09-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

Got a call from my personal photographer/brother, Spencer who flew out to OR to do some family portraits before we moved. Turns out the envelop was from him! (I KNEW it was boy handwriting!) The bad news is that the envelop contained the flash drive with all of the photos from his trip to OR. :( The good news is that he still has them on his computer and will resend them soon. (Yay!) I've been looking forward to getting those pictures for a long time, and this set back just makes me laugh. A sad kind of laugh. But a laugh nonetheless. It seems it has been nothing but a comedy of errors trying to get those pictures sent across the country. The files are so big they are difficult to email, and there are A LOT of pictures from what I understand. He did send a couple, one of which is my new banner. See, his work is awesome and you would be sad too if you had to wait even longer to get your hands on the files.

So, somewhere out there is a flash drive with tons of photos of me and my family. I can't help but wonder who's hands is it in? If anyone's? Is it on some mail room floor? In the garbage? In my mailman's computer?? Glad we didn't shoot any boudoir photos... (As if!)

Have you noticed how much I like my photos? Well, today I finally downloaded all of the random photos I've taken with my phone. They are all of the random pictures that I capture when I didn't think or know to bring my camera. They're awesome because they capture some of my favorite and most spontaneous moments from our summer. Here are some of my favorites:

The Ferris wheel at the Spectrum in Irvine

Henry takes good care of Alice. They are buds.

On the Ferris wheel:

Beach sunset in southern California

Painting with pudding / pudding fight while visiting Abby and crew in Las Vegas

Oscar lost his two front teeth this summer!

The only acceptable form of a goatee: a chocolate one.

Dr. P, treats, and So You Think You Can Dance with Abby after the kids went to bed

I thought it was hot in Vegas. That was before we came to Austin.

One day while we were living in the apartment in Irvine we came down to the pool and hot tub only to discover that someone had put soap in the hot tub! The water looked normal until we turned on the jets. I know it can't be good for the maintenance and all, but it was probably the most fun we had at the pool all summer. Fun + bath for the kids = A win for mom!

Eat your heart out, Lady Gaga!

Maintenance had cleaned out the soap by the time we came back the next day. :(

"ART SHOT" appropriately taken as we were leaving The Getty Center in LA. I love this one.

Alice held up her pear and said, "My pear has a BUM!"

A much-needed haircut for Joe

Alice has decorated her bedroom wall. She is very into art projects these days. Just like Waverly at her age.

And this is what you get for sending me this picture on my phone while I was at church, Abby.

I love a good photo memory.
And a bit of blackmail.
And regular mail, when delivered properly.

Did you send this to me?

2011-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday this "piece" of mail arrived in my mailbox. Literally. It is a piece of what was once a hand-written envelop addressed to moi. Oh, the devastation! Snail mail of the non-bill variety is golden. And to have it destroyed, well, this is killing me. What was in it?

A love letter?
An invitation to a fun party?
A scathing accusation that will now live bitterly only in someone's heart?
An apology?
Money? :)
A thank you note?

My detective skills are telling me it was addressed by a male. (Women don't mix upper case and lower case vowels.) But I could be wrong. I am just dying! Who sent this? Was it you? I would like to apologize on behalf of the United State Postal Service that your letter to me was destroyed almost beyond recognition, and that its contents remain a mystery as they have not materialized.

Please, my curiosity is KILLING me. Was it you?

Love,
Sarah

Lucky Number 8!

2011-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today is Oscar's 8th birthday!

(And this cake just may be my culinary masterpiece.)

We "woke him up" as per family tradition, even though he had been up and insanely excited for over an hour. It was early.

Here he is hugging his first gift: "Apple Zings". He gets THAT excited about his own bag of sugar cereal. Doesn't even care that it is generic. Ya gotta love 8-year-old boys. He also got a new bike. So I'm not a totally lame parent after all. Where is that picture??

He's 8! That means he is a cub scout now! He is THIS excited about a shirt and belt. And candy. I love him.

Dad took him to IHOP for breakfast. Then they went and played his favorite sport: tennis!

Oscar's baptism will be September 24, and we're all excited and looking forward to that. Being in a new place, we are going to miss having friends and family with us for the occasion.

Number 8 really is lucky around here today: This just so happens to be my 800th post! WOW!

Post Edit:

During the birthday dinner we have a tradition of telling all about the day the birthday child was born. Then everyone says one thing they love about the birthday boy/girl. Tonight Alice said, "I like Oscar because he plays with me. He is fun."

I love Oscar because he loves a good laugh. He is very funny and loves to make other people laugh.

When we were all done, he said, "I want to say something about my family now that you've all said something you like about me. I love my family because you make me feel safe and not alone."

***Jaw-dropping-mom-PAYDAY***

Are we doing something right after all?

I Want.

2011-09-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Ever since we moved I've been thinking about my "dream house", and especially my "dream kitchen". I've decided. THIS is what I want.

Every new house in this area has dark wood cabinets and brown speckled granite counter tops. They are lovely. But they are not "me".

I am my mother's daughter.

I want white cabinets.

And black granite counters. (Here is where Mo and I might diverge. She always had white. No. I take that back. Her last house had black granite!)

And black and white checkered floors.

And white subway tiles for the backsplash.

Throw in those drawer pulls from that last picture, too.

The End

I felt very validated as I came across this website about white cabinetry:

The use of white kitchen cabinets is striking since it creates a timeless style that can stay in vogue for many years. While most other styles and colors used in kitchen cabinetry may be obsolete, this is one color that is bound to stay for a long time.
The overall feel is a very clean look that is also sleek and elegant – most people want their kitchens to look like this.
White kitchen cabinets have been around for a long time – at least 20 years – and there is no sign that this style will become obsolete. In fact, you have so many options to choose from in terms of modifying your color themes in your kitchen from window treatments, countertop accessories and place mats that white kitchen cupboards are more likely to stay than disappear.
This is what I've been saying all along! I thought I was the only one (besides my mother and sisters) who felt this way. Thank you, internet, for your validation.

Now I just need to find a builder who is flexible. And who accepts payment in chocolate chip cookies.

I am the mother of a teenager!

2011-09-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

But today is not about me... My blog has been a bit heavy on posts about Waverly as of late. But today is certainly NOT the day to let up. Today is Waverly's 13th birthday!! And as per her request in the notorious Blogging Rights Contract of 2011, I am more than happy to give her the birthday video montage she requested. She did not receive the miniature turtle she requested in the contract, but she made out alright with a sweet new ride for getting to and from school. Not to mention the 300 million yards of multi-colored duct tape. Yes, that is still her thing. I love this girl. She makes me happy.

First, here's a little video:

And now for the birthday montage:

I love being Waverly's mom.

Waverly, I hope I embarrass you just enough so you know how much I love you. And maybe just a little bit more. Mother knows best. ;)

Happy birthday, Wavy-Gravy!

"A Shining, Glittering Star in Hollywood's Firmament..."

2011-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Waverly auditioned for her middle school's production of Arsenic and Old Lace on Thursday. On Friday morning she called me right after she got to school: "I'm Martha!" she exclaimed with joy, exuberance, and just a touch of disbelief. She got one of the lead's in the school play!

This play is a dark comedy. Martha and Abby are elderly ladies who take pity on old bachelors who are lonely by poisoning them and ending their sad existence. They see it as their own, personal "charity work". They are darling, sweet old ladies. And more than a tad bit crazy.

The school is entering this production in a one act play competition on December 9. The public performances will also be in December. I don't know the dates yet, but you are all invited to my thespian's big debut! We are so excited! I am very proud of you, Waverly!!

In Negotiations for Blogging Rights

2011-09-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in one of my last posts that Waverly had revoked my right to blog about her. I was devastated. Taking pity on me, she drew up a set of instructions and a contract to allow me to blog about her again. She taped this 4-page, handwritten document to my bedroom door late one night. With her express permission, I present to you the terms and conditions of my rights as a mother to blog about my soon-to-be-13-year-old-daughter, Waverly. Ahem.

Useful information regarding Blogging rights: Use this to study for your blogging test.

GOOD BLOG POST
9/6/11

Waverly turns 13!
posted by Suzie Petunia

(Slide show of cute childhood photos with special message at the end)
Happy birthday, my Awesome daughter! You are so amazing, and I hope you enjoyed your slideshow of flattering photos AND your new miniature turtle! You are the coolest person ever and I hope you enjoy your broccoli and chicken casserole I prepared for you just now! love you!

posted at 5:30 pm 39 comments

BAD BLOG POST

3/13/11

Waverly Changes Lightbulb
posted by Suzie Petunia

Yeah. So she changed a light bulb all by herself! how exciting! by the way, Waverly, I think your sorta cool. I hope your rash goes away soon. Like you!

posted at 2:30 am 1 comment

Hopefully this study guide was helpful. Continue on to quiz.

Congratulations on (almost) receiving blogging rights on your daughter _____________! Now before you have permission to begin blogging, you must first correctly complete this blogging test. Answer the questions to the best of your ability, and once your score reaches above 93% or higher, you may continue by signing the contract.

True or False: Is this blog worthy?
_____1. Waverly's first day of school
_____2. Waverly switched from Trident brand gum to Orbit.
_____3. Waverly gets into National Junior Honor Society
_____4. Waverly is totally awesome.
_____5. Waverly has an allergic reaction and develops a rash.
_____6. Waverly reads a good book and recommends it.
_____7. Waverly's beautiful oil painting sells on eBay for $10,000.
_____8. Waverly told a hilarious joke.
_____9. Waverly suffers from a mental disorder and I took her to a psychologist today.
_____10. Waverly killed a spider - all by herself.

Continue to back-

Multiple choice: Why would / wouldn't Waverly want you blogging about this event?
11. Waverly purchased a box of crayons.
a. People love and exciting story.
b. No one cares.
c. Native Americans might take offense.

12. Waverly get the lead role in the school production.
a. Readers might be angered, as they are jealous.
b. It's a great opportunity to embarrass her.
c. It's great for ticket sales business, plus, bragging rights of how awesome she is!

13. Waverly got a miniature turtle for her birthday. (hint, hint)
a. Who doesn't love a happy child?
b. Cute pics to follow!
c. All of the above.

Use complete sentences. Answers: explain Waverly's reasoning:
14. Why does Waverly frown upon unflattering pictures and/or pointless blog entries?

BLOGGING RIGHTS CONTRACT: read carefully (the following was written in teeny, tiny print)
I, ________________ by signing this contract do hearby declare and an agreement in which I agree as to be aware of my duaghter, _______________'s feelings towards unflattering pictures, pointless topics (ie. Waverly had Frosted Flakes for breakfast) and embarrassing subjects (Waverly and I went bra shopping!) in every post planning on being published to the webernets. I agree to before even CONSIDERING blogging, I'll ask myself WWWS? (What Would Waverly Say?) By doing so, not only am I avoiding conflict involving embarrassing matters and touchy subjects, you are avoiding writing about things no one cares about. Always ponder on the following questions: "If I were in her shoes, would I really like these personal daily affairs to be available to everyone on the interwebs?" And/or "Is this blog post going to be found offensive by Waverly?"

I will always avoid strange and touchy subjects such as bad test scores, spanish speaking Buzz Lighyears, being in a field of pansies while in the nude, or poisoned red apples. I will refrain from posting embarrassing or unflattering photographs of my daughter.

I agree to always remain positive when referring to my eldest and most amazing daughter and to only post things that will make other people like her more. I will only tell my blog's readers/viewers happy thoughts. Never shall I dare type a negative comment, otherwise this contract is in violation and will be immediately introduced to the paper shredder and I will go back to the state of being banned from posting any picture, story, or mentioning of my daughter Waverly.

By signing this I agree to the above terms and will not violate them in any circumstance unless my driver's liscense is in danger of being fed to a miniature turtle. (hint, hint)

_____________________________________
author of "Suzie Petunia", seeking blogging rights

I am in the process of studying for my blogging contract test. I hope I pass! I love blogging about Waverly! I have one qualm, which I hope our lawyers can settle out of court. In the contract she wants me agree to only "telling my blog reader happy thoughts" and to "never type a negative comment". My blog is a "NO BULL ZONE". I tell it like it is. I "THINK OUT LOUD". ALL of my thoughts, not just the sweet and happy ones. My blog is not, nor ever shall be a sunshine-lollipops-unicorns-and-cupcakes-bull-crap-fest. Maybe Waverly and I can find a compromise.

P.S. Once this post has received 20 comments, I will reveal some REALLY GOOD NEWS about Waverly. It is going to be awesome! (This is an experiment. Just trying to see who is actually reading this stuff.)

Something Old, Something New

2011-08-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

I am still in the honeymoon phase with this new house of our's. I estimate that this phase will last about 6 weeks. That is how long it took for our apartment in Irvine to get really dirty, lived in, and all around disorganized. And then we moved out. Perfect! Maybe I should just move every six weeks! We have been in this house for 8 days. Just long enough to have put everything away where it belongs, not long enough for the kids to rearrange everything yet. I love this phase as a homemaker.

While this is not my "dream house", there are definitely a few things I love about this house. Let me share them with you:

The master closet is enormous! This is just the back 1/3 or so. Empty! I don't even have enough junk to fill the whole thing. Yet. Sadly, I'm sure time will fix that.

The "honeymoon phase" includes hanging all of my clothes so they look like a pretty rainbow.

I bought all new hangers, including special ones just for Taylor's ties, substantial wood hangers for his suits, and non-slip hangers for certain clothes that need it. When I'm ridiculously rich I will buy 200 non-slip hangers. It's the simple things.

When we moved we left a lot of furniture behind - things that weren't worth the money it would cost to move them. We arrived couchless. (That is a word, Blogger.) Although I promised myself I wouldn't do this... we bought a couch off craigslist. Cheap wins. It is a decent couch. And comfortable. And the family we bought it from were the nicest people! We chatted for an hour!

The next day we bought some furniture from craigslist for Waverly's room. It is in really decent shape and we only paid $80 for a dresser with mirror, chest of drawers, desk and chair! You just can't beat "cheap". I have also told myself that I prefer to buy the kids' furniture used because then I can't get too upset when they beat it up.

Does the green furniture clash with my green carpet, or enhance it? :)

I think this little chair is darling.

I have vowed to not "cave" and buy my bedroom furniture on craigslist! I have had in mind for quite some time what I would like to get, and I'm willing to wait for it! Until then, our mattress will reside on the floor. And I'm ok with that.

Here is something else I'm excited about as I set up our home: The future entertainment center! I have envisioned what I want for quite a while, and while my lack of available funds cannot make it a reality THIS pay period... I was able buy a roll of tape and let my imagination go a little crazy.

This is all based on the dimensions of the Hemnes series from Ikea. While we're at it, let's take a vote. Should we buy it in "black-brown" or "white"?

I really like the white, but I'm afraid what our crew's "wear and tear" will look like in a couple years.

And while I'm at it... I want this coffee table and matching end tables.

Anyway, on to the rest of the tour...

This one's for Kelly. It's a long story, but we have 14 of these white cubes. They have come in very handy as I like to rearrange and then rearrange again all of the furniture in my house. They were especially useful in the cottage where space was tight and we had to be very creative. Kelly always got a real kick out of how many different configurations I could get out of the cubes. Well, Kelly, the cubes live on. As does their flexibility and usefulness. In my bathroom...

...In the kids' closets... (Each room has a walk-in closet. I love it!)

... As a TV stand in the playroom... I like the playroom as it is, wide and open. I may never get furniture for it. The toys seem to take up all the space anyway.

Speaking of wide, open spaces. Here is the front room/living room/dining room. I've even cleared out all of those empty boxes, so it is as spacious as can be. Right now it is the "pull your brother around with a belt on the slick floor" room. Among other things.

The pantry/laundry room. I love it. I really love it. I love that I can pull clothes out of the dryer, fold them, and put them on a shelf until someone runs out of clothes and decides to come put them away. Mark my words: I will never have a huge pile of clean laundry taunting me ever again. (What? Stop laughing!)

This is what my kitchen looks like during the new-move-in-honeymoon-period where I clean up after every meal and keep it sparkling.

I am itching to hang my pictures. I love love love hanging things on the wall that make me happy when I look at them. I bought several things for myself as a birthday present(s) right before we moved. It has been like my birthday all over again putting prints into new frames and trying to decide where they should go. It is tough hanging some things when there isn't furniture in the room. I kind of need a reference point.

So that is the grand tour. I am really liking our house. And as long as the temperature fails to fall below 100 degrees (It is supposed to be 108 on Friday and Saturday!!) I will be very content to sit in our new home and enjoy the air conditioning. And dream about where to put the next nail in a wall... And maybe create some more make-believe tape furniture. :)

Everything New

2011-08-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school for Waverly, Henry and Oscar in our new town. There was a different feeling for all of us as we prepared and headed out. There wasn't as much excitement and exuberance. There was more an air of apprehension and nervousness. Everything is new. Everything is different. It is difficult to not fear the unknown.

I have one tradition I like to keep on the first day of school: A great big breakfast that includes bacon, eggs and pancakes. I noticed that the kids didn't eat as much as they normally do.

Taking the absolutely essential portrait outside the front door was challenging. Waverly refused to smile and Oscar refused to be in the picture all together. :( But aren't they handsome, folks? Henry decided at the last minute to wear a sweater. 1) It wasn't entirely clean. Boo. 2) It is about 100 degrees here! Can you say "security blanket"?

I snapped one of Oscar in the car because I deem it to be my duty and responsibility as a mom to document the first day of school!

We attended a back-to-school night for the boys last week and they met their teachers and saw their classrooms. I am glad for that. All of the classrooms have lockers for each student instead of cubbies. The boys thought this was pretty awesome. School starts at 7:45! I am not a crack-of-dawn kind of person, and this may prove to be a challenge. Eventually the boys will ride their bikes to school. It is 1/4 mile through our neighborhood and they don't even have to cross a street. Good news.

Here is something different: The middle school doesn't start until 8:55! (That is my kind of schedule!) I'm not sure yet whether it is good or bad that the schedules are staggered. So far it is working out alright. It means Waverly can stay home with the littles while I take the boys. There was a bit of a snaffoo (that's a word, right?) getting Waverly registered for school. She was missing 2 immunizations required for her to start classes.

The paperwork to enroll in a Texas school from out of state is endless and eternal torment.

Poor Alice and Joe had to sit and wait A LOT. I gave Alice my camera to keep her entertained.

Waverly was really disappointed that she couldn't start school. I made an appointment with a random pediatrician (How do you know which one to pick??) and we got in at 2:00 PM.

This is new and important: Waverly has informed me that she doesn't want me to blog about her anymore.

~~~****Maternal devastation!!!****~~~

Dear Future Waverly,

I am sorry that there isn't much from here on out about your teenage years on my blog. My memory is bad and I may not be able to remember them clearly when you ask what I remember about them in 10 or 20 years. I am respecting your wishes. Even if it makes me sad to do so.

Love,
Mom

She did not specifically forbid me from posting pictures, so until she does, I will continue.

There is much I could say about our visit to the doctor. But, as I just stated, I have agreed to keep my trap shut. This is going to be hard. There is a lot to say. A lot. She is my favorite topic. She is the most creative and entertaining thing in my life. This blog may get a lot shorter in the future without reference to my favorite almost-13-year-old. New stuff. I don't like it. This really is causing me some angst. I have been blogging about her since she was 5. I am feeling a real sense of loss here, folks.

When the boys came home from their first day of school it was a big ol' mess of emotions. There were tears. Lots of tears. The harshness of the reality of their life being different now was very much "in their face". And in mine. How did I do this when I was young? I moved just before 2nd grade. Just like Oscar. I moved just before 7th grade. Waverly's age. I moved just before my senior year of high school. You would think I would know what to do for them. How can I make this better? Why do they push me away when I try to offer comfort? How did my mom do this so often? Witnessing the great emotional discomfort of my children and not being able to do anything about it is heart-wrenching. There is nothing I can say or do to make it all better. Or even a little better, it seems.

Time. Time is the only thing that will make it better. Sometimes having a bad memory is a blessing.

Welcome to Texas, Ya'll (Photo Addendum to my last post)

2011-08-18T00:35:00.000-07:00

The loaded minivan in all its glory.

The rest stop where mosquitoes tried to eat us alive and where we let Joe drive the car.

Fact: Alice can run 14 laps around the car while waiting for dad to use the bathroom.

Not enough hours like this one.

Everything is bigger in Texas. And New Mexico?

Choices, choices. Fast food? Or fast food?

The back of Taylor's car: This is what I stared at for 22 hours.

This is where there was an actual spontaneous cheer from all of the kids. It made me smile.

We ate breakfast at some very unique holes in the wall.

This road trip has been brought to you by Duck Brand duct tape.

Nothing says "Classy Ride" like florescent duct tape holding everything together.

DQ break.

We are so going to this.

The kids are about to walk in the new house for the first time! I was so excited! Don't let her look fool you... Waverly was excited, too.

Unloading the POD. We were secretly disappointed that they didn't lose it in transit. Our junk was insured for $100,000! Although that Tempurpedic mattress is priceless. No joke.

First night in Austin: We took the kids to the best BBQ place around.

Rest assured, she was singin' a different tune when she left with her full belly.

Stay tuned for more adventures to come! Most notably: Suzie Petunia meets the nicest people in Austin when she binges on Craigs List!

First Post from Texas!

2011-08-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

Howdy, ya'll!

We are here! We are REALLY here! It was last March that we first learned we would be moving to Texas, and that seems like an eternity ago. I have been thinking and planning for so long. And now we are here! (Now what?)

We started our long journey from Irvine, CA on Saturday. We drove 7 hours or so and stayed the night somewhere in New Mexico. We drove for probably 13 or so hours the next day and then stopped again somewhere in Texas. We arrived early in the afternoon yesterday. By 5 PM three elders from our LDS ward arrived to help unload the storage container. They were great! One even volunteered his wife to be my new running partner. So everything is in the house. Now it is time to get settled.

Here are my thoughts on the long drive:

Duct tape held us all together... everything from the luggage on top of the car to the binki that Joe kept tearing off and throwing somewhere difficult to find in the car. Duct tape saved the day.
The Sonic in Deming, New Mexico needs to change its fry oil. Bad.
Finding hotels on priceline.com is awesome.
The speed limit in Texas was 80 MPH in most places, which is awesome. This means that it was technically impossible for me to "speed" because my minivan couldn't physically move any faster.
I am grateful for my GPS.
I am grateful we didn't get any tickets.
I am grateful we arrived at our new home safe and sound.
Waverly was my co-pilot and read to me a lot of the way. I found it to be utterly delightful. Anyone read Sarah's Key? Shhh. Don't tell me how it ends! It is really good!
Taylor drove his car. Oscar rode most of the time with him leaving the minivan very ... calm. He and Taylor had some terrific bonding time.
Free pancake breakfasts for the kids!
There is an "Oatmeal Festival" next week in a little town in Texas.
I introduced my kids to They Might Be Giants and their album Flood.
I heart cruise control.
Remember when my car got detailed and it was so shiny and clean inside? That was awesome.
There is a whole lot of nothing between here and California.
We were attacked by mosquitoes at a gas station late at night in some small town I can't even remember which state we were in.

My thoughts on our new house:

The space! Oh my, we are in heaven!
We have no furniture. We bought a couch tonight from craigslist.
The kitchen is unpacked.
Waverly has her own room. It has a weird smell.
Henry and Alice are sharing a room. One of the walls is blue and it is a very nice color.
Oscar is sharing a room with Joe, and he is very excited about that.
Joe is having issues. He has never had a problem being put to bed, but with the many, many changes and different locations where we have put him to bed recently, he is screaming when we leave him in bed. Bless his heart. Change is hard. And confusing.
One of the walls in the master bedroom is the exact color of burgundy/purple that was in the cottage.
The purple wall in the kitchen really isn't so bad!
I LOOOOVE the big, big pantry.
I LOOOOVE the huge walk in closet in the master!
I LOOOOVE the water pressure. Hey, that it important to me. The water pressure was awful in Irvine.
The house is in perfect condition and so clean. I am so grateful, but so nervous about what we're going to do to it.
I have registered Henry and Oscar for school. The registrar hasn't been in the office at Waverly's school. But we'll try again tomorrow.
Waverly is excited to make new friends. She keeps hassling me to find out when the YW activities are. I'm glad.
School starts on Monday. We went to buy school supplies today.
I have purchased over 200 hangers. Thank heavens for Walmart.
I love air conditioning. It was 103 today. My kids are melting. They want to go outside and play, so they go out and come right back in 2 minutes later. About an hour passes and they think, "Hey, I want to play outside!" So they do it all over again. All day long. Tomorrow I'm going to try and figure out how to use the neighborhood pool.

There are pictures of all of this somewhere. I'll post them when I have a second.

3 Belts

2011-08-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Before starting the test, Master Kim made a point of saying "I'm going to miss Alice!" He told her to keep practicing Tae Kwon Do with the same kind of enthusiasm and spirit that she has shown. It really has been a joy to watch all of the kids take classes together this summer. It will be something I'll always remember when I think of our summer of 2011 in California. I know Oscar and Alice will continue to take classes, but I haven't been able to get a firm commitment from Henry. I like the confidence and discipline practicing TKD instills. I would be happy to see him continue, but I understand if he doesn't think it is "his thing". I just hope he does find what he loves and puts his all into it. I'm thinking he might really enjoy getting into a swim team in hot Austin. He has been like a fish this summer in the pool. We'll see. I just love to watch my kids having fun and loving what they do!

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Getting "All Bronzed Up"

2011-08-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

Our time in southern California is drawing to a close! It is hard to believe it will be over this weekend. We've had some great adventures while we've been here. One of the best things about our time in Irvine has been seeing some of my old friends from my BYU days. Yesterday we spent the afternoon with my friend Alyssa and her adorable children at Cardiff Beach. Once again, my camera is misbehaving. Lucky for me Alyssa is (and always has been) the official photographer of our friendly get-togethers. She has a great camera and a great eye. Check out these fantastic shots! Thanks Alyssa! We loved being with you again!

Sometimes I wish pre-arranged marriages weren't such an old fashioned idea. Joe ate sand all day and had a sweet sand goatee the whole time. I hope he outgrows the urge to ingest sand before he is old enough to date Matisse. She already knows it is gross and not cool.

I LOOOOVE this photo. Those are my boys watching the surfer. I want to frame this one to remember our time here.

For some reason Oscar refused to wear his swim trunks to the beach. Whatever. That kid.

Oh, Alyssa. You have always been so gorgeous. And beautiful inside and out! You have not changed. You are a beautiful mom!

Joe loves the water and the waves, but I'm grateful he is cautious and keeps his distance. Mostly.

If I had known how much my boys would love the boogie boards I would have purchased some at the beginning of the summer. What can I say? I'm a So Cal newbie. Thanks for sharing, friends!

It is my dream come true to see my kids interacting and playing NICELY with my good friends' kids. Way to go, Giles kids! I like to think that in this picture Britain is saying, "...And when we pulled the fish out of the water, it was THIS BIG!!!..."

Britain spent most of the afternoon pretending his shovel was a guitar. He is a charming boy. I hope Alice looks him up after his mission. ;)

Waverly was very sweet with Alyssa's littlest: Matisse. What a sweetheart she is!

This is one my favorites: Alyssa said, "Hey, you guys, let me take your picture" and they set up this pose and arranged themselves like a couple of professional models. It cracked us up. And gave us one awesome picture!

Thanks for a great day at a very pretty beach, and especially thank you for the wonderful photo memories, Alyssa! I hope it won't be too long until we see each other again.

The Best News on the PLANET!

2011-08-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR THE AWESOMENESS

And I've had to keep it hush-hush for way too long!

Three cheers for Team Rhoderson!

Baby Rhodesbud is on HIS way!!

A Day at the Beach

2011-08-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Self Conscious

2011-08-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Here is something. I am sometimes very self-conscious about my kids' behavior and my parenting skilz in general when we are in public. Or if we are just in front of anybody really. I hate that. I want to be the kind of person who doesn't care what other people think, especially about my performance in my chosen profession (motherhood). But here is the fact: I often feel like I am not very good at my chosen profession. I try. Mostly. Mostly I try really hard. I try to be easy on myself, too. But I feel like the moment I go easy on myself someone is looking over my shoulder and wondering, "Why does she have so many kids? She clearly can't handle them!" I wish I was a rock star mom. But I think rock star moms are probably just a myth. The perfect mom is an illusion you find on blogs. I know a lot of blogging moms who consciously or subconsciously make their lives look ideal, charming, quaint, uh... happy. But I know I'm just seeing the good stuff; the stuff they want to share. We usually only take out the camera when we are smiling. I know that is true. But somehow this doesn't stop me from being self-conscious. I try to show the real stuff on my blog so there are no pretenses about what my life is really like. But I am inclined to only post the most flattering pictures of myself and stuff like that. So no blog is unsanitized. Including mine. Here I'll post a really awful picture of myself as a gesture of me attempting to "keep it real".

There. That wasn't so hard. I have some much worse ones somewhere. I'll try to dig them up...

Back to where I was, if that was anywhere to begin with... No matter how much I tell myself that it doesn't matter what other people think, or that most people deal with the same kind of insecurities, I can't help it. I feel self conscious.

Part of the reason why I love family so much is like that quote: "Sisters are friends that know everything about you and love you anyway." Or something like that. Well, ain't that the truth? But I haven't lived near any of my immediate family for over 8 years. So when I come into town with my brood, it is kind of like meeting me for the first time in some ways. What are the rules of your house? What is OK with you? Do you eat out of the kitchen? Are you OK with kids making messes? What is "out of bounds"? Is "stupid" a bad word in your house? What time is bedtime? How do you handle a misbehaving child? How much misbehavior are you comfortable ignoring? Do you insist that your baby or toddler share? How do you reward your children? How do you punish your children? Is it OK if your kids have sugar? How about a sip or two of Dr. Pepper?

Clearly there are as many ways to "parent" as there are parents. So even when it comes to people as close as my siblings, and friends that are as close as siblings, I feel self-conscious about my parenting because it sometimes differs from their's. So imagine, if you will, what it was like for me to leave my litter with my sister Abby for 5 days and 4 nights. The way the timing worked out, we weren't all together to let the kids acclimate to each other and new authority figures before Taylor and I headed out to Austin to look for a house.

The first text I received from Abby the first day was something like, "I had to physically carry Oscar to a time-out." Oiy vay. OK. This is not unusual for Oscar. I was just wishing ("wishing upon a star!") that he would either 1) be like a deer in the headlights and just go along with whatever Abby asked of him as his temporary guardian, or 2) miraculously have excellent behavior for her the entire time.

A second text from Abby said something like, "I would seriously consider counseling for Oscar."

It was actually kind of comforting to hear someone voice this. When I'm in the thick of it, I can't see what is normal and what is not sometimes. It is true, Oscar is unpredictable. No, that's wrong. He predictably gets out of control regularly. And over the exact same things every time: Alice bothers him, Henry won't play with him, I don't love him because I won't let him have his way.

We have tried to help him learn to control his emotions. Starting Tae kwon do was an effort to help him with this. I try really hard to be firm and consistent. We recently took a Love and Logic parenting course, mostly because we didn't know what to do with him anymore. But the truth is that he is so loud when he gets out of control that I am not just imagining that other people are staring at us. Truly, when I start considering whether or not I actually want to take a certain child out in public, it is probably time to consider counseling. It is on my list of "Things to do" when we get to Austin. All of this change this summer has got to be part of the problem. But trust me, his problems did not begin with all of the change that has been going on in his life. And this goes way beyond "middle child syndrome".

OK, that was more of a tangent on Oscar than I intended... I was trying to make the point that my kids - all of my kids - were not angels for Abby. She has three kids of her own. The youngest is about Joe's age, and he probably didn't appreciate his mom's attention being divided with a new baby in the house. And her older two don't line up in age/gender with my kids. Unfortunately my Alice decided it would be really fun to have a younger girl cousin to tease and not play nicely with. And my boys are older than her oldest and don't play with nearly the amount of imagination as her Cubby. I would like to say that my kids were not on their best behavior at her house. But the truth is that they were par for the course, and I didn't like how it looked.

When I came back to Vegas, my kids and I stayed another 5 days. My kids may have had time with their cousins (bless their hearts!) but I wanted time with my sister! I LOVE Abby. She makes me laugh all day long. She shares my love for Dr. Pepper, though she likes it "straight up" and I prefer diet. (How she is not 300 pounds, I do not know.) She taught me it is OK to have a can with breakfast. Thanks for that, Abs.

Turns out she is a "real" mom just like me! (Already knew that.)

She struggles to keep her house clean, she worries about her kids' behavior, she is just sick of it all and sometimes wants it to go away. Just sometimes. ;) I spent all of my time with her feeling grateful that she understood me, she was honest with me, she commiserated with me, she laughed at things that I thought were funny. AND she taught me that having a lock on the outside of the kids' bedroom door was golden. For the first time in... forever.... when I had to put a child in "time out" for five minutes they were in a place where they couldn't defy me, test me, etc, etc. They had no choice but be removed from everyone and any fun that may have been going on for 5 minutes and calm down. They were safe. There was nothing they could harm. It was like a true time out for me, too, which is exactly what I need sometimes. You'd better believe I will be adjusting a bedroom door or two first thing in TX. Thank you, Abby.

Once the kids were in bed at night we just wanted to hang out, eat yummy food and more Dr. Pepper, watch So You Think You Can Dance, look online to see what exactly different cosmetic procedures would entail, and chat. We would stay up so late because it was so fun to not have the kids around with us, but then we would pay for it in the morning. But it was worth it.

We tried to do a few fun things with the kids. The story of my life (this summer) is that when I try to do something that is a real treat - something really fun! - with my kids, they act ungrateful and whine the entire time. And then I hate that I have spent money on them that day. And I resent that they put me in a bad mood. And I hate that I have to tell myself, "No one can MAKE you mad. You get to choose." Just like I tell my kids. At the end of the day, it is just hard to say "I had a good day regardless!" when the whole point of the day was to do something fun with the kids.

The one thing I am most sad about is that I know her kids started acting like MY kids - copying their worst behavior. That made Abby sad. And that made me really sad. It is one thing to misbehave. It is another to be modeling misbehavior for a younger cousin. For this, Abby, I am truly sorry. I hope you were able to de-program your kids and that they shook it off quickly.

And now for a few pictures. OK, more than a few.

If we wanted to go anywhere together in one car, we had to break the law. Shhh.

Once a life guard, always a life guard. We swam one day at Abby's in-laws house. Making sure our babies didn't drown was top priority. Stressful. The look on Abby's face kind of sums it up. Classic.

A recurring theme for the summer is Henry taunting Oscar about not swimming in deep water. It makes me so mad. Here Oscar is summoning all his nerves (and all flotation devices available) to jump off the diving board for the first time.

...And then the next thing we know he was doing flips. Kids are baffling, I tell you.

Two-handed popsicle-eating-awesomeness.

There's a genuine smile.

In every other context imaginable ... this would be heaven.

I feel like I am complaining a lot. We really did have a lot of fun, too. It was just so very... sprinkled throughout. Random. Fleeting.

The day before we left we took the kids to see the fountains and the gardens at the Bellagio. Surely they would think it was so amazingly awesome that they would forget that it was hot, and that they were "hungry" and that they were "tired".

Here is the thing about going on an "adventure" with kids: One minute you are twirling your daughter and dancing to the music on the strip...

...and the next... LITERALLY the next minute you have three hot, cranky, moody, unhappy children hanging on you. It is like living with several short, schizophrenic people.

The moments when they were playing nicely together were so fleeting, it was rare to capture them with the camera.

"Hey, can you help me get outta this joint?."

They shared one thing very well: snot and eye boogers. :)

Abby, as you have read this, I hope you have understood my true meaning: that of appreciation and gratitude for taking on a really crappy job and doing it admirably. Thank you so much. And thank you for not insisting that I take my cranky kids and leave immediately after I got back from Austin. I needed those few days with you to feel loved and understood. When I left I couldn't stop crying, and I couldn't understand why. We had planned for Abby and co. to come visit us in Irvine this weekend. I would be seeing her soon! I wasn't crying because I would miss her (although I would indeed miss her!). I was crying because I was leaving a place of emotional comfort and rest. We are leaving Irvine (where we have only lived for about a month) in 12 days to start the real deal. I am so scared in the weirdest ways. Newness freaks me out. What if the other moms don't like me?? :) And that, my friends, is why I need to stop being so self conscious.

I was lost, but now I'm found...

2011-07-30T02:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight I decided to clean out a bag that had been sitting in the corner of my bedroom since we arrived in Irvine. It was a bag that had come home with Taylor when he surprised me by getting my minivan detailed after our long drive here.

( I must insert here that I have been driving the van for almost 8 years and it has never been detailed! You can just imagine what it looked like. And smelled like. I mean, I've done my best to vacuum out the inevitable crud that accumulates while chauffeuring 5 kids around. But it looked shiny-new... almost! Amazing! I feel a little embarrassed to admit that it is one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me. And I am proud to tell you that I have kept it just as clean, even after a road trip to Las Vegas and back.... which I promise I will still write about. I am the queen of broken promises these days. Sad to say. But back to the minivan, because apparently that is the most happiest, exciting thing that has happened to me in a while... I don't let the kids eat in the car anymore. I honestly can't remember why I am on this tangent. Hold on. Let me think... )

Oh, yah. I found my camera! Apparently it was somewhere in the car, which amazes me. Because I had looked there several times for it! It is just a little bit sticky, so I can only assume it was found under several layers of kid crud. But I have it back! And what is most exciting is that I have the pictures that I took the last few weeks before we moved! It is like a little photo time capsule. I had forgotten what exactly was on the memory card. Now I know. And I am so happy I have these not-so-long-lost pictures. Seeing pictures of myself and my family in the cottage and in Sherwood almost took my breath away. There is nothing like the feelings of familiarity and "home" that we felt there, and seeing these pictures brought back some pangs to my heart that I felt as we were preparing to leave. I don't know if these photos will have the same affect on anyone else. Some of the photos were taken by Waverly and I didn't know they were there at all. Like this one of the view I saw several times a day as we came and went about our daily routine. This is the long walk from the bus stop to the cottage. She always said she hated it. But deep down, I think she loved it as much as I did. Thanks for capturing this, Waverly!

Oh my goodness. I already miss all of that green! There is nothing like it anywhere that I've seen!

And these next photos, oh they just about break my heart. They remind me of when I moved in the middle of middle school. I took so many pictures just like these! It makes me feel horrible all over again for making her leave her school and her sweet friends.

Forget it. I was not nearly as cute at that age as Waverly is. And she is handling this move with way more grace than I did.

This next picture was taken at the last book club night that I attended. I was a part of that group for 8 years. People came and went, but the food was always good, the conversation was always delightful, and the ladies were some of the most outstanding women I have had the pleasure to call my friends. I hate that I only took a picture of the food that night. As delicious as it was (and it WAS), I am kicking myself for not capturing the faces of those wonderful women all sitting on the couches and gabbing it up.

It amazes me how different Joe looks already from these next pictures. It was only two months ago! Here he is at my favorite park of all time. I miss it so.

I have so few of these pictures! My brother, Spencer of Oscarson Photography came to visit in June. And thank heavens he brought his camera and good eye! He took some great shots which I hope to share soon. I love the candids I took of him with my kids.

This is my favorite one of all! My youngest brother with my youngest son:

We visited the Japanese gardens in Portland with Spencer. Gorgeous. Simply serene. So naturally, we brought along our two rowdiest kids.

Did I ever write about my amazing birthday party? Taylor surprised me! It was a genuine, bonafide surprise party! He really pulled it off, and I felt so loved! It was at the Kennedy School in Portland: an amazing place that deserves its own gigantic post. Which will probably never happen. It is a school that was built in 1914 that has been converted into an enormous restaurant/hotel/bar/party place. It is amazing, but so difficult to describe. Pictures do it best, but unfortunately I don't have very many.

The surprise party was in one of the old classrooms. Here I am reenacting my surprised face. :)

Taylor also surprised me by having us stay the night in one of the hotel rooms converted from an old school room. So weird and SO COOL.

Here is a random shot Waverly took of me. I was a day late returning something to the library and we were late getting to some other place when I finally dropped it off. So very much the story of my life. This picture captures the "crazy" very well. And it captures Sherwood's fun blue light posts. :)

Eventually Spencer had to go home. Sad. What? You think we look alike?

Oh yes. And I turned 35. This is a self portrait captured on the big day. I think it captures this time in my life rather well: Me in my minivan as I'm waiting at the bank drive thru.

I love running errands with Waverly. She's just fun.

So here it is really, super late and I can't remember if this post had a point at all, other than to show the pictures I thought were forever lost with my camera. If you hang on til the very end, you should be congratulated. And I'm sorry. But I am grateful you cared enough to stick around. But I am mostly sorry. It was rather self-indulgent. But wait. This is my blog where the very point is to be self-indulgent. It is about me and my life. And these days it is changing so quickly. I miss my old life. My friends. Having a church calling. Well, kind of. My feelings and emotions and insides are all a big, swirly, up-and-down mess these days. It is heart-wrenching and comforting to look at these pictures.

And that is why I blog.

P.S. A great big, huge, ginormous THANK YOU to my thoughtful sister-in-law who sent me a camera she wasn't using when I thought my camera was gone forever. I love you tons!

Checking out the soil so I can "Bloom Where I'm Planted"

2011-07-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

To "Bloom Where You're Planted" is my personal theme for this time in my life. (I'm evening making a little embroidery do-hickey. Wait and see.) It has been incredibly difficult to visualize just how and where I am going to be "planted" because up until last weekend we had not yet seen Austin, our new hometown, in person. We finally got our first peek, and boy was it an adventure.

We drove to Las Vegas on a Wednesday evening, put our kids to bed at my sister Abby's house, slept for a couple of hours, and then Taylor and I left on a very early flight to Austin to look for a house. I'm not sure how sane I was... thinking it was OK to just leave five kids... MY five, very difficult five kids... with my kind sister. Her husband works very long hours, and she has three kids of her own. Her time and energy are already stretched thin, and here I came along and piled the work and stress up high and thick. But here is the thing. I don't know what else we could have possibly done. I have but a handful of acquaintances here in Irvine who I have only met a couple times at church. What else could we have possibly done with our kids while we secured a place to live in our soon-to-be new home? Left them all with our oldest in an apartment in Irvine? A twelve year old? I'm pretty sure that is very illegal. And if it is not... it should be. I'm not sure it should be legal to leave 8 children ages 12 and under with one person, even if she is an adult. But that is what we did. Oh, Abby. Bless your heart forever and ever. What would we have ever done without you?

Our trip to Austin was an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, we were in a fun, new place as a couple!... A 5 day, 4 night date! But on the other hand, we were on a very tight time table with no room for error. Either we found a suitable place for our family of 7, or we would come home empty handed and homeless come August 15. Between sticking to our price range and finding a place with at least 4 bedrooms, it was tough. We spent the business hours of each day searching for rentals, both apartments and houses. By the end of each day we would be pretty sure we had found something that would work. We would then go out to a nice, fun dinner - just the two of us - and pretend we were on vacation.

This one apartment complex seemed very promising. Four pools! And they had a floor plan with four bedrooms. But because none were currently vacant, we couldn't see them. Knowing what I do about living in an apartment with five kids (no yard or "escape" from each other), we wanted to like this place, but we were holding out hope we could find a house for the same price.

On the recommendation of Kelly (who lived in Austin with her husband during an internship) and other people we met while visiting, we ate at The Oasis, known as "The sunset capital of Texas", or was it "the world"? I can't remember. The sunset over Lake Travis was spectacular, as advertised.

Not pregnant. Just really enjoying the food in Texas. :)

When the sun finally sank behind the hill, everyone on the patio dining area gave a big applause for the good show. It made me smile.

And then... and then we would come back to our friends' home where we were staying (even though they were out of town! You guys are so generous and awesome!) and I would proceed to have a nervous breakdown. Every. Single. Night. I would lay in the dark and think of our options. I would try to imagine each house or apartment as our "home". I tried to imagine having the kind of friends we've had in Oregon. I tried so hard. And every night it ended in tears, a massive headache, and me getting close to hyperventilating. Meanwhile... my sweet husband who is able to shut his brain off much easier than I... he slept. I thought many times during this trip about my own parents who moved their family of seven children multiple times. Hey Oscarsons, remember the Trent Motel? And then we lived in a two bedroom condo for several months when I was in second grade. We lived in a Holiday Inn for three months when I was in seventh grade. I knew that what Taylor and I were doing was not a worse-case scenario. I knew my mom had dealt with even tighter living quarters and more children. I knew this could be done. But how? It made me appreciate my mom more and more for all she did as we grew up. She claims she doesn't remember any of the hard times. If they were anything like mine (and they were probably worse) then that is a blessing. Whoa. That sounded really pessimistic. Sorry. Just keepin' it real.

On Sunday we visited four different wards in the area. We had not made any firm decisions about which area to live, so we thought if we found a ward that we felt was "home" it would narrow our search. Here's the problem: ALL of the wards in the northern Austin area are A-mazing. No one has anything bad to say about any of them, and from what we saw, we would have been completely happy living in any one of them. You would think this would make our decision easier. But no.

We walked in to the first church building at 8:30 before the meetings began. We chatted with the first man we met, and it turns out he is from a family that my family was very good friends with in St. Louis. They happen to have the same last name as Taylor and I, and his wife happens to have my first name. It was very cool and a little eery, and I was trying to determine if this was a "sign" that this was "our ward". You see, we felt so very certain in moving to Sherwood that we were absolutely in the right ward. We were wondering if there was another one out there meant just for us. Is meeting someone with your same name a "sign" that "this is the right place", or does it mean they already have one of you there? (It WOULD be confusing, after all.) Regardless, the sacrament meeting was incredible. It was like the speakers were speaking directly to me and for me. One in particular spoke about faith. Faith is the opposite of fear. You cannot fear and have faith. She touched on everything that has been in my troubled heart and worried mind. I found great peace in it. The people we talked to before and after the meeting were so kind and welcoming. This was the ward we would be in if we decided to live in the apartments with four bedrooms and four pools. It seemed like a no-brainer.

And then we visited a ward that had been recommended to us by friends of friends... of friends.... who had lived in it. It has a strong youth program, and it is in the area that we would ideally like to build a home in the near future. That is one thing we had determined in all of our house hunting: we want to build a new home in Crystal Falls on the edge of the hill country. It is the most beautiful area of all we saw in Austin and reminded us a little bit of home in Sherwood. I saw my mother in me once more as we looked at the new model homes in the area. It was obvious that I was happy happy happy with the idea of moving into a new home. But the idea of moving into someone else's house was giving me a nervous breakdown daily. Without the means to immediately swoop in and put down money on a new home, we decided that if we liked the ward we would rent in it and try to build a house in it within a year.

I attended Relief Society. Before the meeting I chatted with a few ladies in the hall who all insisted that this ward was THE best ward in the world and that we ABSOLUTELY MUST live in it. What a welcome! We talked with some young women in the hall, and they were so impressive. They are a fun, tight group who seem to take good care of each other. That made me really happy. In Relief Society they made me feel so welcome and a part of their family. After the meeting several women talked to me, gave me their numbers and ages of their kids. It just seemed like the ward was that perfect glove that would fit our family. One problem: We had less than 24 hours to find a rental home within the ward boundaries. I stayed up late looking on zillow.com and craigslist for rentals. It turns out the ward boundaries are pretty small, and looking for a rental house was no small task. On Monday morning Taylor had to work in the Austin office. I sat in the corner of his office at my computer and started calling about every house for lease in the ward boundaries.

I arranged to see three different houses. The first one we looked at is the one we signed on with a one year lease. Green carpet and purple walls, but it seems just right for our family. I keep telling myself it is temporary. The plan is to save save save and build build build our dream house ASAP. It is a very well laid plan, if you ask me... :)

And so just hours before my plane was to leave Austin, we had a place to move it before school starts. Now that I finally knew which elementary and middle school our kids would be attending, I raced around town to the schools and the district office to gather as much information as I could, and to take pictures for the kids to see.

There is something really surreal and yet calming about attending meetings in a church building that is identical in layout to the one we've been attending for 8 years. It is easy to feel at home there.

I even found a Tae Kwon Do school and got all the info there. The dojang is right next to an orthodontist's office... the next thing on my list to find! Now I just need a piano teacher for three kids and a preschool for Alice. Whew. This is exhausting. But the nervous breakdowns have subsided. And I take that as a good sign. Now if only I can stop grinding my teeth at night and get rid of these horrendous headaches!

I'm looking at my calendar and realizing that we only have 2 more Sundays here in Irvine before we go to Austin for good. Taylor will still be commuting quite a bit for a month or two. But we'll get the kids in school and get settled. Boy, does that sound nice. Before that all happens, my sister Abby and her family will come to visit us for a weekend. And Kelly and her family will also be in town, and we plan on seeing them for a day or two. Besides that, I will continue to hang out at the pool with the kids and take them to Tae Kwon Do in the afternoon. Waverly is content to hang out all day in the apartment. The kids actually don't want to go out and have the fun adventures I had kind of been planning on all summer. They are so tired of being in the car, and that is where bickering escalates into true ugliness. I have to admit, I am anxious to move on to Austin and start our next, permanent phase of life. This transition stuff is tough. Oh, I have so much more to say about all of that. I learned so much as I stayed with Abby in Las Vegas for the week after I got back from Austin. I meant to write about all of that, and somehow I got off on this tangent about looking for our house in Austin. What I learned in Vegas will have to be continued....

And so...

To be continued...

But first, here are some more pictures of the fun moments during our trip to Austin where I was not hyperventilating or having a nervous breakdown:

Thanks for the memories...

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We had some really great moments, too. Ones that didn't involve screaming kids, snotty kids, tired kids, too many kids in a minivan, kids throwing tantrums, kids hot and thirsty, and ungrateful kids. But that all happened after the kids went to bed.

Viva Las Vegas!

Not Homeless in Texas

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It may have purple walls in the kitchen and dark green carpet upstairs, but it is clean and spacious and OUR's! (For a year long lease.)

I love the big tree in the front yard.

The front room/living room

Living room/dining room looking into the kitchen

I especially like the like fixture above the dining room table.

Let's not focus on the fact that the walls are purple in the kitchen... rather, let's focus on how the fridge, washer and dryer are included!

Just off of the kitchen, the utility room is HUGE and full of shelves. A dream come true. Imagine my junk, I mean my very organized and totally necessary items there, instead of someone else's.

Family room adjacent to kitchen. That door is a powder room.

Looking from the family room into the kitchen and and living room.

At the top of the stairs is an open game room. PLAYROOM!

Nice and big master room... where the random accent walls continue. :)

One of the bedrooms

A tree in the backyard just right for hanging a swing and a patio for a picnic table in the shade.

There is a pretty sever drought going on, so no on is allowed to water their yard. Therefore, no one has grass. Sad. Maybe some rain from the Northwest will move with us...

The End.

We plan to move in August 15.

Please, come visit!