hailey's sweet sixteen

I can't believe I am writing this post... but it's true- Hailey is

sixteen today!!!

She was born a in one of my favorite months, in the same hospital & town I was born in. We lived in WA at the time. I was delighted- as was megan- to have another little girl. (megan had been praying for a sister for years.

Because of my trip out East- we celebrated the big day the night before I left. The whole family & her best friend Tiffany went to dinner at her favorite restaurant- the Mandarin.

Even Jack was there- love that new haircut jack-

All of my kids & Brett have a major love of Chinese food- major. I myself like Chinese, but I'm a tex-mex girl all the way.

Trent was having a hard time- so I let him have the camera for a bit & this is what he came up with. Okay- there were some other random shots, but don't tell him, I deleted them.

Jack got into the act & decided to try out the new camera.

He likes it.

We couldn't resist & told our waitress it was Hailey's birthday celebration.

They sang & brought her dessert after our meal.

We went home & opened presents-

Her big present was just that- too big to wrap.

Most of you don't know- I haven't written about it- that Hailey is an amazing guitar player & song writer. She has been guitarless since jack took his to college. She plays the ukulele & she is unbelievable. She has written loads of songs & she & tiff sing together.

Seriously- I haven't written or recorded any of her songs because they are so great -I'm not being prejudice- and I am afraid they will get stolen.

After the baby, the missionary, Christmas... we are going to look into trying to get her published.

this is a long time coming

-Hailey & a guitar-

but it hasn't slowed her down one bit.

she is an amazing musician all around.

16 things- or more- I love about Hailey

1. She is so pretty.

2. She is so FUNNY.

3. She makes friends easily & is very loyal to her best friend Tiffany.

4. Her favorite color is Green.

5. She is very helpful & kind to her parents.

6. She is her own person with her own style & not afraid to be just that.

7. She plays the piano like you wouldn't believe. Right now besides Debussy she is working on some Gershwin- I love Gershwin.

8. She is taking the driver's test on MOnday-- AAAAAAH!!!!

9. she is a great driver- I can't wait to have her run errands for me.

10. She is a good student.

11. She is a Fabulous sister!

12. Her REal best friend- is Chloe.

13. She shares my middle name- Jane.

14. She gets my jokes.

15. She loves movies & Lost & Trauma & the Office & Ace of Cakes.

16. She doesn't like a lot of attention....

so if you see her today or have her phone number- call- text - leave a message- she will... love it.

I made it

So I got on an airplane today.

and took a flight to Houston.

I'm not sure which Houston airport I was in, but it's the one that is remodeling their "train" system. I walked to the opposite end of terminal A, went outside & got on a shuttle bus to terminal B.

Houston of course, makes me think of my college roommate Marji- one of my very favorite people- she lives here and Holly the marathon bird- one of my very favorite bloggers... I would just love to sit & visit with them both. I wish I had more time.

The whole time I was thinking- I can't believe I sent Hailey & Chloe off on an airplane in July to come out here!? I'm so glad they didn't fly through Houston. I mean- I was just a little lost. I stopped & asked someone how to get to terminal B-- he replied but had a thick accent & I didn't get a word of it. So- I headed on & followed the signs. Funny, that was only one of two accents I heard today. My luck to ask the one guy with an accent? It was cool though. It reminds me of my mother's side of the family- she is from Oklahoma- if you didn't know.

It took me a while to find my gate, eat a quick lunch (I was starving) & hop on the connecting flight to Megan's town. I wish she lived closer. I'm not complaining- I'm so glad they are happy where they are & Tony has a great job, etc. I'm just sayin'- it will be hard to leave them.

I opted for lunch at McDonald's- I was in a major hurry & let's face it- I had never heard of most of the food options & wanted to play it safe. One thing about mickey d's... you know exactly what you're gonna get. It's all the same- almost.

Did you know that in Texas a Big & Tasty Burger is called an All American Burger?
Also, in Texas at McDonald's you can order Sweet Tea!
I've NEver seen Sweet Tea on a menu before that I can remember. There is no sweet tea out west folks.
Brian says that in Chile they have avocado on all the hamburgers- crazy huh!?


So, I'm here.
Trent sent me an email tonight:
MOM MISS MISS MISS YOU TRENT PS I AM SAD
He called & was laughing within minutes, then begging for the new transformer movie which came out today & is PG-13 & not only violent but full of sexual innuendo... no thank you! He insists that he would not watch the "body parts" ? I'm not sure where he got that or what that is supposed to mean? I told him weeks ago- he is relentless in the begging department, remember our cell phone issues?- not to be mad at me, be mad at the movie makers for taking an innocent kid subject & ruining it with inappropriate themes for kids. It makes me so mad, seriously.

then I said- go ask your dad.
In fact... you can talk to your dad about it all night.
Sorry babe, I hope you get some sleep.

why has it been so long...?

I know-- it's been nearly a week since I've been here.
Oh, I've been reading my blog list daily- you can bet that's a habit that can't be broken.
But I haven't posted.
I've been busy getting ready.
Getting ready for tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a big day for me.
REALLy BiG.
I'm flying out to Megan's house & then WEdnesday-
she is going to have a baby.
Yep- He's almost here.
I can't believe it! My baby is having a baby- what?
I've been making & freezing casseroles- sewing & sewing- cleaning for apparently no reason (it's already undone)- making cub scout plans for my substitute- doing laundry- getting ready for Hailey's birthday (she's turning sweet 16 this week!)
....... and worrying my head off.
My sister told me once-
"that the only thing harder than being in labor, is knowing your daughter is in labor."
Ya- I'm figuring that out.
I feel so blessed that she wants me to be there.
It's a dream come true- but I can't help worrying.
I guess it's the mom in me.
Soon, she will understand.

i needed it- a great day

Yesterday I woke up & wanted to go back to bed. You know, one of those kind of mornings... Luckily I didn't- I got going late yes- but met wende for some shopping, lunch & general Ethan & Wende goodness - Wende has a way of making everyone around her feel good. She is such a great friend to me. I told her I had been craving a donut for two days. We were going to stop at a bakery- but forgot & ran out of time. When I came home from running kids to activities later in the afternoon--- there was a big box with a dozen donuts sitting on my counter.

All Smiles

thanks wend

Later - last night was our R.S. super activity.

These women are AMAZING!!

They are so organized & everything was perfect. There were demonstrations & dinner & loads of projects. I had signed up to make a magnetic checkers board. It's darling. Every time the R.S. meets they invite the YWomen. That's something I LOVE about my ward/neighborhood. They involve the YWomen- it's their activity for the week & they fit right in. I think it really helps with the transition to R.S. Brett had Bishopric meeting so it soon became a family affair.

We had some time to kill waiting for the glue to dry & decided to take some hot model shots.

Hot model or the add for why you shouldn't take meth...

Or maybe it was the glue?

You decide.

I really shouldn't post this picture- but it is so funny!

I had to be "reminded" I was laughing too loud.... again.

This is a shot of what happened when I told trent it was time to go home & finish homework.

I guess he didn't want to go?

brat

So last week- Brian- aka: the missionary ended his letter to Brett & I with this...

"You are the best and I am excited to see you... when the Lord sees fit that it be so. I love you,love, Elder Brian Messer"

I was sick about it all week! what the heck? What was that supposed to mean?

I was so upset about it- later in the week I had a dream. I dreamt that his mission president came to me & told me that I could finally tell him how much I/we have missed him. (I've tried really hard to be so positive & uplifting with my letters & emails.)

So- I did it.

I poured my heart out & told him how proud of him we are & how much we love him, but how excited we are that he is coming home soon etc. I bawled my eyes out writing the letter.

Then this morning I waited & waited for his email reply & got this:

"mom and dad,So, youre gettin trunky huh? jajaja You guys are funny. I love you. Ps. stopping at wendys on the way home wouldnt be too bad the idea jajajaja. I too am excited to see you... but when the time is right.I love you,love, Elder Brian Messer"

-I am gonna kick his butt when he gets off that plane-

saturday with my parents

Yesterday my parents were in town.Aren't they cute!

They had been up to my sisters & were on their way back home & offered to take us to lunch- of course, we wouldn't pass that up-- so here we are at McDonald's.

No one loves McDonald's as much as my dad- well, maybe my little sister & Trent. I have to admit I like McDonald's too. In fact I have a theory- those who say they don't like McDonald's are lying- or haven't been there in a long time. Our McDonald's of choice has been all remodeled fancy, like a NY coffee shop or something- well, except for the play land where we are seated.

Trent was as happy as a clam & so was my dad.
Growing up- whenever we went on road trips- which was for three weeks every summer- we (my sister & I) would argue over where we would stop to eat. I wanted Arctic Circle- she wanted McDonald's (some things never change.) We didn't eat out hardly ever so this was a huge deal to us. Of course there are a million more mickey d's than arctic c's so she usually won out.

This is my mom & Hailey.
Mom is an amazing musician & artist. My dad a retired Boeing airplane maker. He was in the infantry in the Korean war- you can see from the hat. I never miss a chance to talk to a vet- especially with a hat like this one. I met a vet just Friday at the zoo. He was in Korea too, but in the Navy. I asked him- "how did you make it on a boat like that? My dad said he was so sea sick the amount of time he spent getting there." He told me all about his triumph over sea sickness- he was darling. I introduced him to my scouts- REal American heroes these vets!
I am proud of my parents- they are wonderful people, supportive & always made me feel like I could be/do anything I put my mind to.

It was nice to see you Mom & Dad-
I'm glad you made it home safe & got to spend the afternoon with us.
Love You- patsy

scout field trip- Hogle Zoo

Nearly everywhere we have lived-- several different states-- we have had a zoo pass. I even bought a zoo pass here in Salt Lake City a couple of years in a row when we first moved here 13 years ago... but frankly- hated it.

That old zoo was a pain in the behind, literally.

All hills (not fun pushing a stroller straight up) and terrible exhibits.

Well people- that has changed!
Hogle Zoo has slowly transformed into a wonderful place.
Not so hilly- I'm not sure how they did that- and full of beautiful exhibits.
This past summer a baby elephant was born & I knew right then & there...
I HAD TO TAKE THE SCOUTS!
Today my fellow cub leaders & I took the cubs & we they all earned the zoo patch- hooray!

The elephants were not the only ones with a new baby either. Look at this sweet baby giraffe. I had such a hard time taking his photo- not very cooperative this one- but so cute eating with his mama.

There were baby crocodiles, meerkats, monkeys, snow leopards- it was wonderful.

My own cub & his aspergers scout mate were both acting like their usual, lovely, field trip selves. They were fighting & at one point some lady walked up to them- grabbed them both & said- "WHERE IS YOUR LEADER?" They were hitting each other and ya- I was standing right there a foot away but trying to decide what to do. I said, "I'm right here." She apologized I said - "no problem." I'm sure she thought I was the worst scout leader ever. They were slapping around at each other like two idiots- I said- "hey, if you are gonna hit at least punch- you look like a couple of little girls." Maybe someone will call the scout office? They can get rid of me- I don't care, I'd like to see someone else take on these two... we were right near the tiger exhibit but it had netting all around so throwing them to the tiger wasn't an option, probably a good thing. It's also a good thing I've had so much experience with public humiliation, lucky me- lucky them. I nearly took them to the car- but thought it over & decided to just have a little -how to act when you are upset session, complete with role playing- They apologized shook hands- we went on. It gave me a chance to bring up again to some of the other boys- that they have aspergers- crowds are difficult, sometimes they have a hard time knowing how to act, etc.

On the way out one of the zoo workers was standing out & showing everyone a Dung Beetle. OH hooray! She let all of the boys get up close & pet it. I bet you can guess what dung beetles eat? ya- hand sanitizer all around.

Just after that--- the best part of all--- the part that made the whole trip worth it--- we saw THE BABY ELEPHANT

Just look at her!

She is so adorable & cute- I started getting teary!

The whole way there I kept telling the boys that seeing a baby elephant is a once in a lifetime thing- it's really very rare- they are so lucky & I hope they remember this!

Look how tiny!

Her name is Zuri & she weighed 250lbs. when she was born. She is closer to 350lbs. now. She is 36" tall & so cute. She was playing with this ball. Oh I loved seeing her.

so did this guy!

sometimes the hard times are worth it.

Especially when the two fighting babies get home & decide they need to play, eat dinner together & have a late night... ?

seriously- there's nothing going on here...

So- my lack of blogging is just because there is nothing to say...

Until yesterday when I had the thrill of dropping the dogs off at the groomer.

(hello, that was sarcasm)

The grungy mutts were dropped off & I ran downtown to do a little shopping!

I wanted to get this
but they were sold out.... dang- that apple is so cute!
I ended up getting an orange apron with an embroidered pumpkin on it.
happiness


On the way home I couldn't help myself-
I stopped off at Tulie Bakery & in honor of Michelle
bought one of these...

HolY COW!!!
It was so good- It was buttery & crunchy on the outside & sweet & moist on the inside with almond flavoring... oh my. I was only going to have a bite... I ate half then called my sweetheart & offered to bring him half at his office. He didn't even act excited & could care less about the best ever croissant of my life. What? I took it home & ate the rest a couple of hours later. He was not croissant worthy- no, no, I do not get excited about all baked goods- this was exceptionally fantastic & we are going back- me & some bakery enthusiastic person.


On a positive note:
I am still working on Christmas projects & slowly making progress. I wish I could post them all over the place. I am so happy about how my projects are turning out!

Another positive note:
some bloggers are meeting for a creative day here today!
YEs- something to blog about

Another positive note:

did you see nie nie on Oprah!!!? she was gorgeous & inspiring & I love her for making me feel like being a better wife & mom. Hooray for NiE!

** are you a bakery enthusiast?

conference weekend- backwards edition

Even though it ended in tears we had a fabulous conference weekend. As I type- these guys are finishing it up with a Clue tournament- riveting!

I've been such a slacker blogging lately that I completely forgot how to upload photos in the right order!?
So this post is going to be backwards.

Tonight Brett ran out to rescue Trent in the rain. Trent was out sobbing after college bound Jack left for his dorm room tonight. He was so sad to see him go that he couldn't bring himself to come inside. They decided to take a picture to send him.

Jack being a busy teen- who doesn't even live at home- doesn't have a lot of time for Trent.
Trent worships Jack. It's hard being the youngest in a large family. heck- it's just hard being the youngest, but somebody has to do it. This past week Trent has been unsuccessful in trying to talk me into adopting a baby so he can be a big brother. I told him -I'm too old- I'm going to be a grandma soon. Somebody has to be the youngest- sorry bud.

The Boys
Just before the tears.

They all helped run out his fresh laundry & confiscated groceries in the rain.

It's been raining buckets all day & all last night.
In fact there was a huge storm, we lost some tree limbs & I didn't sleep at all with all the wind!

Trent started out helping Jack with no shoes or jacket...

Being the youngest does has it's benefits. I would never have let the older kids run out in the rain.

Last night - us girls & Trent went to the fabric store & yogurt place while the big boys went to the Priesthood session of conference. Notice Brittany is here? I'll get to that soon.

After getting yogurt Trent ran over & saved us a place- nice.

We had gone to the fabric store just before & it was PACKED. I didn't take any photos because I wanted to get the heck outta there. This place was pretty crazy too. I guess it was a hot Saturday night to be out?

Saturday afternoon session Marcus & Brittany drove up from Provo to stay the night & watch conference with us. We were so happy to have the company & Bronco was thrilled to have Marcus here to give him some love. Marcus was continually stalked by his new best friend.

Saturday morning we were THRILLED BEYOND THRILLED at the announcement that a new temple will be built near where the missionary is serving in Chile! I almost cried as I could imagine him crying tears of joy when this announcement was made.

Dad & Trent immediately got on the computer to track the distance. From Osorno it's about 25o miles to Concepcion, Chile. What a thrill for the people of southern Chile to have a temple so much closer to them.

The girls started out conference taking notes- they are so sweet. We played our new favorite game- which will remain nameless because I have bought it for everyone I know as a Christmas gift- and I worked on needle work, help trent with homework & cooked yummy food. I am so happy to say I only slept through one talk! A first for me. I think my favorite talk... was maybe... Elder Uchdorff, Elder Oaks, gee that's a hard one?

Jack was wiped out tired & caught up on some much needed sleep, even though he tried really hard to stay awake. He got home at 3:30 AM. He had decided to come home so that he would be here for the beginning of conference - Zach, his roommate & he left later than planned & when he got here he realized his key wouldn't open the deadbolt on the front door- we weren't expecting him. He tried to get in, then looked through the living room window to see Bronco in full on attack stance staring back at him- crazy barking ensued. Brett ran down stairs & let the dogs out- then from my bed I could hear a quiet knocking at the front door & knew immediately- jack was home. We all met in the kitchen- and visited for a while. I made him a taco- heck- doesn't everyone eat tacos at 3:30 AM? & it was so nice to have him here. Trent of course woke up & I went back to bed.

The hot new spot in the house is Brian & Jack's basement room. I spent most of the day Friday cleaning it out & setting it up for the missionary to return home next month. There is a T.V. & the kids loved having a place to hang out & watch movies this weekend. I cleaned out the closets, under the beds, behind the dressers, etc. I won't lie- I was thinking about slapping them both upside the head... it was a disaster. But it's all done now & I am glad to have it done a little early so that I don't worry about it anymore!

I realized tonight it's just over two weeks that I leave for the baby's birth & just a month 1/2 until he is home. Shoot - I've gotta lot to do.

*did you watch General Conference?

*do you have a favorite talk?

pictures found

I found all of these on my camera - funny kids-

october 09

1. what's my problem?
2. I am not blogging regularly.
3. maybe you do- maybe you don't- know....
4. I've debated it for years now-
5. telling the world that is, those who read- and there are just a few of you........
6. Gosh- I can't even type it.
7. I suffer from the "D" word.
8. I take meds for it.
9. But- have felt so overwhelmed this summer-
10. that last week I went back to the doctor (mostly because brett made me, man I love him)- with the symptoms that took me there years ago- to increase my dose.
11. I'm feeling much better already.
12. such as: not napping twice a day- or snapping at everyone like a gone crazy mad woman- or sitting playing computer games & not accomplishing anything...
13. I don't know why i need them?
14. I just know- I do. I am happy & grateful everyday for my over the top glorious blessings in this life. But I need them & I'm thankful they help me.
15. Now I am behind in everything.
16. and my better self cannot stand being behind on anything!
17. So, I am playing a little catch up.
18. My house looks like summer hit it.
19. I'm working on that & a load of Christmas projects.
20. of course, I've taken on more than I can probably handle.
21. But- busy- that's better for me.
22. On a different note.
23. It's FALL here now-
24. It came just in time!
25. Last Sunday was the Primary Program- the kids put on Sacrament meeting- this weekend it's Conference Weekend. My two favorite Sundays back to back!
26. I turned the heat on today
27. It rained all day yesterday.
28. I went with friends to a late movie last night (I never do that) & LOVED IT.
29. I went fabric shopping with a friend on Monday & fell in love with more fabric & want it all.
30. I went V.Teaching & took conference kits yesterday!
31. 21 more days until I meet my Grandson. Oh I just can't wait!! Yes- I am truly blessed.