are YOU man enough to be an American girl?

Tonight was our traditional Sunday birthday dinner- 12 year old chloe edition. My nephew Marcus who is back from his mission in Brazil and now a student at BYU (hurray we are so happy he is here in Utah with us again :), plus megan & tony came up. What a fun time!! We had cafe rio homemade pork, chloe's choice and finally - the chocolate fountain. It was a blast. Trent was pretty much covered in chocolate by the time the night was over. No surprise there.Afterwards the boys played a game of American Girl. Allie gave this to Chloe at her birthday party friday night & we have been playing it ever since. Brett, trent, chloe & I played it last night & we thought- if we could get the guys to play it... it would be really fun!They were great sports & actually loved it- In the game you are given cards with "wishes" on them. (things you would like to do in your life, or have, etc.) Each person gets a couple of cards, discards one, then tries to choose which one the other players will pick their "wish" as their favorite. The wishes are placed in the players "diaries." If your wish for someone else is chosen as their favorite you get a point. This is the fun part... giving yourself a point with the star shaped key to the diary :)

American Girl= serious stuff

Some of the wishes were just plain funny- some adventurous- it was all hilarious!
You can learn a lot about a guy playing American Girl!


p.s. Marcus won by a land slide!
*do you like to play games
*have you ever played American Girl?

game day

Yesterday Brett & Jack went to their first of many big football games of the season- it was a great one too. Last spring brett bought two season tickets to BYU football. Talk about excited! I think I was just as excited they were going as they were to be going...

After the events of this past summer I feel consumed with wanting to live a more purpose filled life. I feel like buying these tickets back then was inspiration. We are huge fans- Brett & Jack going to the games together- the year before he leaves for college= great times/great timing. Why not use this time- this time on this earth to do what we really want to do & what we really need to do. A couple of weeks ago while reading Jill- I was inspired to buy this book. I've mentioned before. I'm on my second time reading it (this time with a highlighter) this is one reason why:

"Acquiring some understanding of why we do things is often a prerequisite to change. This is especially true when talking about repetitive patterns of behavior that do not serve us well. This is what Socrates meant when he said, 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' That more of us do not take his advice is testimony to the hard work and potential embarrassment that self-examination implies." I only wish that we would've bought the tickets when Brian was here. But hey- Brett will have opportunity to do with him things alone when jack is away and he will use it...
So- what did I do yesterday, besides the obvious work below? I went on an errand to pick up something I ordered at the mall. On my way I realized I had ran out & didn't have any make-up on... even though I am severely fashion challenged (I have been trying to look more presentable therefore feel more put together) I decided to take a risk & do something completely out of my comfort zone. I walked up to the make up counter & asked the lady at lancome to do my make-up. It may sound silly to you but this was huge for me. guess what? it was fun, I tried something new- I liked it- it was different & ya- I did it.
This week I had a meaningful conversation with my lovely sister who is visiting, threw a birthday party, canned produce from my own garden & my neighbors garden, worked on a service project, read a book, played games with my kids, spent quality time with my sweet heart, created with friends, read a book with my son, sent a package & a letter, cried, laughed, went out to lunch, ate dessert, went for 3 walks, told several people I love them...
LIFE- I'M LIVING IT

Beautiful

party time :)

One of my favorite parts of being a mom is throwing birthday parties. I love them. I think all of my kids have had way too many. It's just so much fun. I never over do it... I'm just too tradition. In fact I hate over done birthday parties- get real people- let em' be kids. Kids are just naturally so fun.

So for Chloe's 12th we did go a bit big time & took all these cuties to the local pizza place. (Although the have such a fantastic dinner special it wasn't even that expensive.)

12- is a big, okay huge deal in our church. It's when youth move from the little kid Sunday School- primary- to the big kid youth group- Young Women's. Very, very exciting for sure. Young women's involves- girl's camp, Wednesday night activities, monthly combined activities with the boys, firesides, & eventually dances. Oh it's big stuff.Chloe informed me that she & her friends were recently referred to as "the nerds" by one of the more "popular girls"... gotta love jr high.

I wonder if the "popular girls" were out eating pizza tonight?

Chloe has great taste- thus her favorite pizza matches mine- Margarita yumo! I ordered more traditional ones thinking this would be too much for 12 year olds- but it was the first to go! Brett & I sat quietly at the table right next to theirs & just had a great dinner watching them. Not bad.

After pizza & pop we went home & had peach cobbler- after kristy went to a lot of trouble getting her chocolate fountain together for us to borrow--- sorry kristy. Chloe couldn't decide & when the girls got here we took a vote.

these girls are so much fun. Chloe forgot she had that bow in her hair. I thought she knew it was there. (the white one on top of her head) On the way home from dropping off all the girls- she reached up & felt it- oh my - I've had a bow on my head all night- hee hee funny stuff.

right after pizza we split the girls into teams & sent them on an old fashioned scavenger hunt. did you used to do those at slumber parties? they were all the rage when I was a kid. Anyhow, I hope I don't get phone calls about sending girl's out to stranger's homes. (we had a lot of rules) It was so funny to see them running all over the neighborhood & they really loved it. one of the girls came back & said - "we thought the zucchini was going to be really hard to get - but we got that one right away." oh ya- who doesn't want to get rid of a couple of zucchini this time of year?
the night ended up being a "Murder in the Dark" marathon. Again, I hope I don't get phone calls? They played it over & over. It was pitch black except for the flash light in the center of the table when I took the picture & blinded them with my flash.... they were kind enough to let trent & his little buddy play the last two games before I took them home.

Fun times - Great kids

*do you like birthday parties?

modern day miracles

Many of you may know but most of you don't that my husband has tinnitus. He's had it for years... since he was about eight. Growing up he never gave it too much thought. Every year he failed the hearing test at school. You know the one where you put on the head phones then raise your hand when you hear the beep. When the beep got to the same pitch as the tinnitus it canceled it out- so he would go to the nurse.... yada yada yada-there's nothing we can do- no big deal. right?

I knew he had it when we got married. It never seemed to bother him too much. He had periods of difficulty, more like uncomfortableness (is that a word) in loud restaurants or when the kids got too loud. When it gets loud, like everyone else he concentrates to listen - but as he concentrates the ringing (more like swooshing in his head) gets louder & louder. Every 4-5 years he would ask a doctor about it, they would send him to an audiologist who would announce- you have tinnitus- (duh)- there's nothing you can do about it & that was that.

The last couple of years it has gotten worse & then more worse. It has been a constant struggle- I can see it in his eyes. He is a very successful business man- let's face it- it takes a lot of work & money & drive to support even a frugal stay at home wife & six children. At the end of the day he's tired. Tired of the noise, tired of the distraction- it's frustrating. Some days I can see it's just too much.

Back to the specialist & back to hoping there is some new treatment & guess what? After months of different things... including an MRI two days before megan's wedding to check for a brain tumor... (that's always fun & such great timing)... allergy med's hoping to ease pressure in the ear drum.... puncturing the ear drum with a needle to relieve pressure (ya it was as bad as it sounds)... all to no relief- but then we just started trying this past spring, right? And we really had no hope before that- right?

Well- yesterday he was fitted with a hearing aide.
Guess what- It's working.... these new hearing aides- modern day miracles. they can strengthen the outside sounds & mask the swooshing noise of the tinnitus. It was just another step in his journey to find some relief but- it's working!
Last night he showed the kids. You can't even see it- really, when he came home I looked & secretly thought he had already taken them out.... but no- it's there. Jack of course is thrilled- he's hoping one of his friends will notice so he can tell him he's a secret agent- then swear them to secrecy with the threat that if he tells- we'll have to be "relocated." He took them out before going to bed & BOOM the tinnitus was full blast blowing away in his head- again- but then again that just means the hearing aid- it was working. So there's hope of some relief-

A week ago today (after a mis diagnosis last spring & a week long miserable testing process) his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease... he being her only son- the closest geographically (8 hours away- not good) has been under tremendous stress and sadness. We are all so sad at the thought... I can't even talk about it.

Thank you - thank you to the heaven's above for this modern day miracle that is giving us some peace before the rocky road ahead.
I'm sorry to Keri & Lyn for mentioning mom's disease in this post-I know you're reading & that she doesn't- please forgive me.

Life was starting to feel so long... and now it's just so short.

This week!

It's been a great first week of school-

A new year- change- hope- boundless possibilities- that's how I feel about the start of a new school year.

Our morning routine is off to a great start & I am loving it! We have started reading scripture as a family every morning (minus trent) at 6:30. That means I'm getting up at 6:15 to start some breakfast to make it a little easier for everyone. This is something we have done before at different times of the day but never this early. It's a hard thing to do- but the hardest week (the first) is behind us & I can tell, it's a good thing.I've been walking trent to school & then going on for a walk with max, then trying to make the most of every day. It's hard - I'm adjusting- I don't do change very well & I'm struggling with my day time routine- but I know it will come.This picture really sums up Max's heartbreak with all the kids away...look at that sad face. He was so happy dad came home for lunch on Tuesday!

And hey look at this- I found a new candy bar at the grocery store this week- Snickers Rockin Nut Road- mmm good stuff

that'll get you going!

so we're off to a great new year

has school started at your house?

do you have your "day time" routine down....?

Thursday

Today I met up with the blogger moms & Laurie- janae we missed you- to work on some unfinished projects at wende's house. NICE. It was fun to get together, do something productive, & enjoy their company. I have prioritized this one day a week to do this & hope it really works out. I know if we can make it work it will be a real blessing in my life.Well, I'm not sure about them- but it truly turned out to be a great therapy session for me. Out of much frustration- I swore probably 10 times... and belly ached profusely about some situations beyond my control. yes I need to relax a bit - and wash my mouth out with soap - and get a grip. The thought of swearing in front of little Ethan... What is my Problem??? I am so ashamed now. I can only blame it on my parents... heeheee ha ha - my mom is going to be so mad- but hey- in my family when I was growing up if you got mad- the words you know-

let em' fly.

How is it possible I have any friends?

*do you ever give in & let lose swearing?

*does it help?

12- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHLOE

Today Chloe Turns 12!

here are twelve things I love about her....

1. She is so darn nice. Really she is nice to everyone. I'm not saying this because I'm her mom... she is really... you know- nice.

2. She loves to organize things!- I know?- incredible- she helps me clean out the pantry & the fridge all the time for fun. (We are not sure where this came from?)

3. She has a happy disposition. When she was little she was really crabby & fussy. She would throw her sippy cup if I didn't put nestle quick in her milk... she grew out of that :)

4. She plays the piano beautifully & doesn't complain when I tell her she can't quit because she has talent. She doesn't complain when I insist she practice. I hope someday she'll thank me.

5. She has a sense of humor & she doesn't mind laughing at herself -or me- or us.

6. She is responsible & helps me with trent a lot.

7. She is patient. Over the years she has had to take a back seat to trent when he is having difficulties, but never gets upset, or at least not for long.

8. She is incredibly focused. We think she may have gotten all the focus for her & for trent... maybe.

9. She's all girl- loves dolls, ballet, clothes, jewelry... fun girly stuff.

10. She takes her lunch to school in a cute lunch box. Even though her sister takes hers in a paper sack or buys it.

11. She's extremely thoughtful. She insists on getting everyone a birthday present & makes cards whenever anyone in the family is sick. Often I go in my room & she has made my bed or left me a note.

12. She can hold her own around here & away from home. When she was little she was so shy. I don't have anything against being shy, I just wanted her to be able to stick up for herself & be confident when she needed to be. While I was doing her hair, if she was nervous about something, I would tell her how she came from "strong women." That she was strong too. We would look in the mirror & say- "I'm a strong woman." It kind of seemed silly at the time... now it doesn't. She is in jr. high & not scared but just fine & her own girl.

my missionary boy

Oh just imagine my delight when I found this in my inbox yesterday!

first day of school 2008

It finally came

the first day of school-

Don't get me wrong... I do like having my kids home & I love summer. This has just been a tough summer for many reasons that I have not blogged about....

really tough. Maybe someday I will talk about that but for now it'll have to wait.

Anyhow, something about the first day of school makes me feel like it's a new beginning. Even though I'm not in school, I feel like one of the kids. I couldn't even sleep last night. It's just that night before school feeling- it's all very exciting.Look at this! Jack & Seth going to school.

SENIORS

tHAT just makes me sick- what in the world?? Seth picked up jack aka: the cheap gas saver, in his new truck. Pretty sweet ride baby.

These two cuties go to the same school again!!!!

And this guy- so big- third grade is not for wimpy babies no sir!

Even though when he saw me after recess when the parents meeting got over he begged me, "don't leave me here mom!"

he has the BEST teacher. I knew he would be fine. When he came home I asked him how it went, "third grade is AWESOME!"

not bad for the first day.

So we all survived...

even max who whined & cried at the door. Even though we leave him home lots he too knew today was different. Poor guy- it was a rough day for a lonely ol' dog.

*has school started at your house?

family fun before school starts

In an attempt to get out & do something fun before school started

- the six of us went bowling & out to dinner Saturday!

Guess What?

It worked. We had a great time :)

Trent loves bowling & I mean loves it.

He's not too shabby at it either...

well that's what we thought until about 1/2 way through the set when he shoved one half heartedly. It went SO SLOW that it actually stopped right before it hit the pins. I thought it was pretty darn funny & down right amazing when you think about it. I don't know why- but I think it's comical when big kids try to throw a fit. It just didn't work- he's too big now. We just walked around him and that was that.

Luckily it lasted all of about 45 seconds. I remember the missionary doing the same thing once in a grocery store. I just stepped over him & he had this look in his eye, like- dang that didn't work.

This is Jack below after throwing

THREE STRIKES IN A ROW

He talked the whole drive over to the bowling alley about what a cruddy bowler he was too- what a guy- he's a big fat liar is what he is!

I of course stink at bowling. I mean if anyone should never go bowling just because they are so bad- it's me. Once I went bowling with a large group of women for a girl's night type outing & bowled a 39. I'm not kidding, it's down right humiliating... & yes you can stop laughing now.

I did a little better this time.

I only threw 6 gutter balls-- what can I say? It's not my thing.

Hailey was having a rough time & at one point Brett suggested he have them put up the bumpers for her- she looks happy- huh?
But then - the bumpers did the trick. She actually wasn't even doing bad!

Imagine my joy & happiness (I'm being completely sarcastic) when the bumpers came up on my next turn- OKAY I ADMIT I STINK BUT THAT WAS REALLY NOT FUNNY.

Trent had the most fun rearranging the bowling balls & handing them out.

I'm so glad these three are such great sports & so fun to be with.Afterwards we went to Cafe Rio & had a great dinner & even better dessert-
the best ever key lime pie!
They make it from scratch there & it's just right- loads of whipped cream & not too tart. *what did you do this weekend?
*do you like to bowl?
*have you ever scored a 39? Or worse????
(that would be sad & hard to do)
*were you wondering if I fell off the planet??

a little bit of this week

I haven't been blogging much- you know the blogging funk & all. But here's a little bit of what I'm doing these days. The newlyweds came up & we went out to dinner with Grandma & Grandpa. I forgot to take a picture at the restaurant?? We had a great time. It was fun be out downtown & sharing so much food & fun at one of my favorite places Biaggi's. We were so big they put us in a dark private room off to the side- blah. I love the main restaurant it is so pretty & modern- if that ever happens again- I'm asking for a regular table in the regular dining room.

I can't wait to go see meg & tony's new apartment. Grandma is here having some medical testing done at the U of U & we just don't have time to get down there this week, so next week when the kids are in school I'm going down on my own- SCORE! Hey jill, maybe I could meet you for lunch?For about 10 seconds we thought hailey was taller than megan- but no- it was just her shoes. Darn it for hailey- she was so excited- then so disappointed. They are exactly the same height 5'1". I'm 5'4" so I wonder how tall Chloe will be?
I'm taking my turn this week driving my three days of ballet. these girls are precious. We stopped & got cookies on the way so we had to really hustle to be on time today- it was worth it. Once a month I clean out my care & wash the inside/outside windows etc. while waiting the 1.25 hours for ballet to get over. I also sent a good mail package & read some of my book. It was so hot today I was burning up- hence the red cheeks. Man I love a clean car!

I found out that my favorite bakery sells gourmet miniature cupcakes now! wow- I didn't try one- no way! the strawberry cream puffs with fresh whipping cream are worth walking 10 miles through a snake infested forest of glass- so why even bother?

While waiting in the waiting room for brett's mom I finished this book. I mostly loved it- so much so I decided to read it again- this time with a colored pencil to highlight my favorite parts. Okay- those of you who know me well are fainting right now. I am only recently a reader. So to be reading a book over again is- YA - unheard of for me. It's that thought provoking to me. Jack continues to spend his nights in an Olympic hyper trance with many friends. They are sometimes here sometimes at other's homes. I have to say- these Olympics are absolutely spell bounding!! Did you see the Women's Beach Volleyball win?- man, they're nearly naked but so cool. Normally it would be so offensive to me... especially white suits... I mean come on?! White suits?- geez people- who are your stylists? No wonder Jack & his friends stay up every night watching the Olympics? (that's not cool)


I took this picture of my favorite house to stalk near ballet. I like to see it in all four seasons. Someday I am gonna get up the guts to drop off a little gift & bribe the owners to let me see the inside... does that sound like a good idea? maybe I need some advice on that one?

Trent went with me to run several errands this morning & to swear in my first local PTA president! I sure like alone time with this guy, especially in the car- great conversation time. Here he is talking on the phone with his dear friend lily. Trent is not what you'd call a "phone talker" this conversation lasted - oh about 3 sentences- even though he really misses her. She is visiting her aunt & not back until Sunday- oh the misery! We have the greatest conversations. I frequently wish I had a tape recorder with me. He is so funny & animated when he gets a goin'. I learned more than I ever wanted to know about Transformers- again. I also stopped counting how many times he said "why" after 15... ya it's exhausting but when I laid down next to him last night he said- You know why I like you so much, mom? me- no why? trent- you're a real sweetie pie!
Gotta love that
So it's a wonderful life - this week anyway-
*do you think I should "drop" in at that house?
*do you like whipped cream?
*do you like to talk to your kids while driving in the car?
*are you surprised I'm 5'4" & my girls are only 5'1"?