Christmas break

We had a really fun Christmas break this year-

I'm super behind posting-- so I'm working on a little catching up.

For Christmas Brett & I made our two Grandson's a tee pee.

It got there just in time - on Christmas Eve.

Megan sent me this picture a couple days after Christmas & it is such a joy to see.

(biscuits & gravy for breakfast- we had way too much rich food this break)

During the break we were lucky enough to have Brett's parents with us. They were here two weeks. Their flight was interrupted in Denver on the way here & canceled (they had to stay an extra day) on the way back! Winter traveling can be such a pain. 

Trent played with Brett's childhood train set- a lot!

Grandpa was impressed it still worked so well. 

New Year's Eve food & cute girls-

Jack & Cory- 

Cory got home from his mission to Columbia in October.

Oh so happy to have him around. What a great guy. 

Jack's New Year's Eve plate- which explain s few of his stomach problems. 

Maybe it's not leftover illness from Brazil? Maybe he's a TERRIBLE EATER????

Gee I wonder? 

We also sent the boys the movie The Incredibles & "Super Fast, like Dad" t-shirts with built in capes, with built in capes- of course!

I think they like them?

One of the many high lights of having Grandma & Grandpa here 

was getting together with Brett's High School buddy Mike.

Mike hung around Brett's home in his teenage years. 

In this picture he is telling Grandma what an amazing influence she was in his life.

How she was the only person who wrote him when he was in the Army & on his mission to Germany. 

She is such a sweet heart. It was a tender moment.

Mike has a Beautiful family -

5 boys & 1 girl- amazing.

(1 boy was home sick)

We had so much fun having them over to the house for dinner.

***

It's been a rough winter.

Besides all the snow - which is good & bad for different reasons, mostly good- Chloe has had a drastic increase in tics. She is home from school now. Her tics are too disruptive & violent in nature at times. She is such an amazing girl, full of optimism & hope.

 Now and then it really gets to her- but boy I tell ya- she is tough!

We are going to the specialist & working at NOT having to take the meds that will most likely stop the ticking. They have a lot of really bad side affects- so for now- trying some other medicine combinations, meditating & enjoying some time together.

We are so lucky to be close to the University of Utah where there are specialist that really help us & her. We are humbled & blessed by so many of you praying for our family & continually putting our names in the temple. Thank you.

Instead of looking at this as a hard time- we are trying to think of it as a learning time- and time to do the things that are fun to do for Chloe, when she can. It's nearly impossible anyway for her to do homework-  so we are watching movies & cooking etc.

*GREAT NEWS*

Megan, Tony & the boys arrive a week from today for a visit & Soon (hopefully not too soon) after that

 WE HAVE SOME TWINNERS COMING!!!!

YES

Laura is doing amazing & is 33 weeks tomorrow. 

Twins are on their way!

It won't be long now. Anywhere between now & 3-5 weeks & they will be here.

missionary jack's last call

Latter Day Saint (LDS) missionaries only get to call home a couple of times while on their missions. I didn't understand this rule... until Megan went to Ecuador to work in an orphanage one summer. I won't go into my "phone call theory" right now... but I do agree this is a good idea. EASIER SAID THAN DONE-- but better for everyone in the long run for many reasons. Anyhow--- HOORAY for Christmas Day because we got to talk to Jack!!!

It was glorious.

I have to say-- that I started bawling hysterically & couldn't stop about 1/2 hour before the call. I had tried really hard not to think about the phone call for so long that all of the sudden- I just broke & I was so excited! As soon as I heard his voice... I was fine. He sounded just like Jack. He sounded good. He has a bit of an accent (cute) and--- he is in full on missionary mode- hasn't thought once about coming home. I had to remind him that he does have to make some plans for coming home... college plans etc. He will be going back to BYU of course, but housing - jobs - etc. I'm glad he is not thinking about it- it will come soon enough. Still I needed to know a couple of things to help him be ready for the transition back to regular life. bummer for him - awesome for us.

So-- guess what?

Jack comes home in exactly 95 days.

CaN YOU BElieVe iT?

He will be home right smack in the middle of spring break. Plus Megan, Tony & the boys will be here. I am so excited for this week--- I can't even describe it. Also- everyone will be home for Easter. EVERYONE will be home for Easter 2012. Oh gosh- I can't think of anything I would enjoy more.

BRING ON 2012



welcome 2011

Let's be honest...
2010 wasn't what I'd call
my best year.

January:
Hailey started having what we now know is extreme anxiety... seizures...doctors visits & tests & medication. Many trips to the school to pick her up off the floor. Watching your child suffer= extreme heart ache.
Then lots of psychiatrist visits & therapy.
Then, a new therapist... it goes on.

April
Jack left for Brazil...
I know, I know... as a Mormon mother I should be ecstatic?
Yes I am happy for him- thrilled he is a worthy missionary.
Still, I'm human & my babies are growing up, leaving home & I don't like it.
Sue me.

September
Brett lost his job.
As our lawyer put it, "it wasn't illegal, but unethical."
Not nice.
Not nice at all...

On the flip side-
Hailey doesn't have a brain tumor.
she is more confident & stronger than ever.
she has grown leaps & bounds & we didn't even know she needed to?
she is becoming more talented & writing incredible music.
She is kind & empathetic to other people with problems.
She has an understanding & a "way" with people who have special needs.

Jack is very happy.
Possibly happier than any other time in his life. He has purpose. He knows who he is & who He is & loves teaching & serving. Now.... my only worry for him is- how will he ever adjust to coming home?! Thankfully that trial will wait until 2012.

Brett has a new job & in just less than 3 months-
this is truly a blessing & miracle from above.
It's a good job too!
One with great potential & he is happy.
Yes- we have learned lessons & yes we have many more lessons to learn.

Trent is doing okay in school.
There are definitely trials ahead.
I am grateful for such kind boys his age in our neighborhood. There are more than a couple who look after him. I can't even tell you how much better his life is because of this. Childhood can be so cruel. Thank you boys (some of them my former scouts) for being kind. Each one of you will be truly blessed by your efforts someday. I know Trent doesn't show it & is even rude to you at times- but he really does appreciate your friendships. I am eternally grateful & love you.

Chloe-
she is such a lady. She is also growing up... but just so lovely. she is a dear sister & loving daughter. she cleaned & organized my laundry/sewing room for me as a Christmas present. Can you think of a better gift? I cannot. Jr. High has not been her favorite experience... but who loves jr. high? This year- she will start High School! Hard to believe.

Brian (aka: lover boy) that's what we call him now that he has a girl friend. He has stopped mourning leaving his mission, as far as we know? He loves teaching the missionaries in the Missionary Training Center & receive letters from many of them on a regular basis. He is doing well in college- not just passing. He has great friends- we adore Laura- he comes home a lot. ya we like having him home.

Megan, Tony & Charlie are the frosting on my cupcake. I can't imagine them being better examples for my other children & OOOH that Charlie! He is the most darling thing I have ever laid eyes on. I am so in love with him & someday he will love his Grandma Messer. He will have a sibling this year!! Oh my joy is full.

I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me trials that help me to grow.
I am grateful for a new year.

Now that I have boasted over my children...
surely one or all will do something terribly embarrassing & public.
that is what always happens when a mom gives into pride... me included.
Let's just hope it doesn't make national news...

HAPPY NEW YEAR

new year... new goals?

Oh boy... I thought I had done okay on my goals for 2008.

I did really well on the list I made on my side bar!

~make a quilt - did it x 2
~organize the basement- again - did it with the help of the whole family!
~paint the inside of my kitchen pantries - did it- thanks for helping brett!
~go to a BYU football game - didn't do it... I just couldn't bear to take one of the kid's chances to go. I've been before-
~Send at least a card to each family member on their birthday - did it mostly... I miss some great nephews.
~send a package at least once a month to the missionary- did it!
~100% Visiting Teaching - almost did it- (I think I missed two visits, not bad!!)
~blog regularly & get my blog bound near my 1 year blogaversary my goals this past year- didn't do it or even attempt to. I am way too overwhelmed by the thought.

But then... just to check...

I read my last year's spt on goals.

maybe I shouldn't have done that?

(read the post or made the goals in the first place?)

both

so my goal for now is to put some REAListic goals on my side bar. where I can see them everyday. so I can check in on how I am doing on a regular basis. I guess I work better that way.
Don't get me wrong. I know I need to take better care of myself. In some ways I really have made progress in that area. I spend more time doing the things I really want to do, I have more friends in my life... what can I say?

some habits die hard

*did you make resolutions last year? How did it go?

welcome 2009!

~ New Year's Eve 2009 ~

We took down all the Christmas decorations

(taking them down feels as good as putting them up to me)

then the blogger moms & husbands & some of the kids came over to celebrate.

Except for Janae who was with family(we missed you.)

Everyone brought something to share...

It's not the best picture...

but we had loads of really great finger food, slush, plenty of diet coke & sparkling cider to toast the new year.We played wii fit.Holy cow- that thing is TONS of fun.

I can see why everyone wants one & we can't find one anywhere!

I did see a stack of them before Halloween at Costco & walked right on by!

Who knew??

Obviously... not me!

I really love these guys.
Karrie's husband troy brought us all a DVD he made out of pictures from our blogs.

All the times we did things together or with the kids he put on the DVD with great music about friendship. I was so amazed & really touched watching it. It made me think about a lot of fun times in 2008 & really look forward to 2009.

This new year I definitely want to take more/better photos. I didn't get one with Brett & I or troy, or Hailey, or jack... who else did I miss? We also had a rousing game of Texas Hold Em'.
I had never played before & now I wish I would've taken a picture of my winnings, because I didn't do too bad.
The kids played twister, watched a movie, played wii-
& with their Nintendo DS's- several kids got them for Christmas.

They are a great bunch & got along so smooth.
Lucky for them Karrie brought poppers & blowers.

At midnight they took pots & pans with wooden spoons out to bang in the front yard.

There was already plenty of noise & fireworks going on-
We made a quick rule- no blowing in the house.

2009 promises to bring a lot of changes here in my world.

first off- megan & tony move to Arkansas

jack - graduates from H.S. & goes away to college

brian - comes home from his mission

hailey- turns 16 & goes to H.S. starts... driving?

oh boy

I hope it's a good one.

RIght now....

I think it will be!

*what about you- are you looking forward to a new year?

New Year's Blogging Questionare

I am so excited that I have time to finally do this today. I can't wait until 2009 so that I can compare 2008 to 2007. Because of the new awareness of life that blogging my life has given me - 2008 is going to be so much better. Thank you blogosphere!
(I my update this list over & over as I remember more)

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Started blogging! Joined a book club. Both were really good for me.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No & Yes

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes - Ruthie had the peanut & one of the breakfast gals had a beautiful baby girl.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes the first pet I have ever really loved. Jake - my jack russell terrier. I had no idea what loving a dog was before we got Jake. I'm sure it sounds silly to most- it would've to me once upon a time. I loved how he followed me around like my shadow. I loved how he loved me so much and so unconditionally. I loved how if I was sick or sad he knew it & stayed with me. Even though he was a really difficult dog for many reasons... I really miss him.

5. What countries did you visit?
We went to NYC in the spring- which is like a different country compared to Utah. (Oh how I love New York!)

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
More balance. I need to take better care of myself.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Going to Seattle for my oldest friend Stephanie's 40th surprise birthday party!

Going to a phyciatrist for the first time- Don't ask I won't tell.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being named volunteer of the year at the elementary then at the district & region level. It was such an honor. I wish I was blogging then, so I would have better memories- it was such an honor for me.

9. What was your biggest failure?
The weight I gained.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, what a blessing!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
New TV- no more smacking the old one. (I called that interactive TV)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Brian graduated from H.S., sent in his mission papers, got his mission call, then left for an adventure of a lifetime on November 14th.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I better not say.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Definitely the mortgage- but I am so thankful to have one, really. Not a mortgage but a house & a mortgage I can afford.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finding that perfect Christmas present for Jack, going to Steph's birthday party.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Anything by Jordan Sparks

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? 
b) thinner or fatter? 
c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier- with such greater awareness b) fatter by 20lbs - OUCH c) richer in so many ways

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Cry

20. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I'm one of the lucky ones- I fall in love over & over the more I get to know my husband.

21. What was your favorite TV program?
Monk, American Idol, The Office, The Apprentice

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No, but I am scared of one lady (that will remain nameless) in my neighborhood.

23. What was the best book you read?
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller- life changing- really!
I am so proud of myself, for the first time ever I read a lot of books, thanks to my friend Anne who invited me to be in her book club.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Going to the Josh Groban concert with Linda in the fall. We discovered that it wasn't easy to sneak into better seats even though we really tried & had to move several times!

25. What did you want and get?
A new floor!!!

Man did I want that - I am so happy it worked out. Brett, thanks so much for working so hard.

26. What did you want and not get?
A slimmer, healthier body.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?
Dan in Real Life.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Brett & I took 3 couples to dinner for my 40th birthday party. It was my favorite birthday party in years.

29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I would've started blogging in January!

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Sad really sad.

31. What kept you sane?
I'm not sure I am sane. :)

Ringing In The New Year

For New Year's Eve- we were lucky enough to spend some time with our friends the Johnson's. we ate yummy sandwiches & the best ever chips & dip. Plus Karen's mom brought this. All I can say is WOW. I knew I had to get a picture right away. Is that amazing or what!? It tastes amazing too, let me tell you!
Even though can has been really sick with strep. She had us over (she's feeling much better- but still!) It was so kind of her- we had so much fun. There was some guitar hero & ping pong going on, a video for the little ones, & loads of great conversation.

Brett spent the whole night trying to get their dog LuLu to be his friend. He loves dogs.

LuLu is a little nervous of men for some reason- she just came that way. He was mostly successful even though I didn't get a shot of them together.

Megan came up from Provo. We are not sure who the orange head girl is. JK

Hailey & friend too! Don't they look like fun?! We came home with extra kids & stayed up until midnight. Or shall I say I stayed up with them until midnight. It was tough I was getting crabby from dealing with a hyper guy- no names mentioned- but we made it! After counting down the old year, drinking some sparkling cider, banging outside with pots & pans -so cold...

I took the first picture of the New Year.

HAPPY 2008 I HOPE IT'S A GOOD ONE