science fair.... FINALLY!

Today was the big Elementary School Science Fair!

Trent has always wanted to participate in the science fair- since kindergarten!

I'm what you call... "science challenged." Well, that is in the areas he wants to go. I know, I know I should try, it's something he is interested in, etc. Honestly, I am trying but there is something you need to know about trent & aspergers... he has no limitations to what he thinks he can do. this is a great gift & challenge at the same time. Last year the science fair was optional for 3rd graders- Trent came home & announced he was going to build an airplane & fly inside it- around the school. I had to put a stop to that- I hate crushing a kid's dreams - but realistically people?

Thank HEAVENS- trent got the best ever fourth grade teacher who actually is a food scientist. She went back to school to be a teacher so that she could teach kids to love science. It has been such a huge blessing in his life which equals a huge blessing in our lives too.

I talked to her early in the year about many things but especially his love for science and thoughts of doing something crazy impossible for the science fair. She loved it! She directed him into a project that was perfect for him & he has been successful.

Parents were allowed to visit the fair after the judging approximately 11:30. Around 11:45 we got a phone call from the school secretary- trent was pacing the halls waiting for us. We should have been more specific with him that we would be there sometime- not necessarily 11:30 sharp- aspergers is so literal.

that's brett & I in the back talking with the teacher.
photo by trent

The best part of all was Jack is home. He came over too- this is the same classroom Jack presented his 4th grade science fair project in- Trent was over the top thrilled to show Jack everything, introduce him to his teacher & invite jack to stay for lunch.

Even though he didn't eat school lunch- he stayed. What a great big brother.

So- I never thought I would be saying this... but HOORAY FOR THE SCIENCE FAIR.

it's thursay

* yes the blogger moms still meet on thursdays!
* it continues to be great therapy :)
* My MIL's doctor told us that people who get together regularly with friends live healthier, longer lives. I believe it.
* Brett is in Seattle
*I'm GREEn with envy- even though he is only there for an afternoon.
* On his flight to Sacramento yesterday it was so turbulent they had to turn around & people were throwing up... so. glad. i. wasn't. on. that. plane! EVen happier all is well.
* Jack's Visa papers go in today.
* He has been working like crazy & rarely home. soon we will be shopping for a suit, white shirts (short sleeve- lucky guy!), heavy duty shoes, etc.
* I am so excited for him- Brazil is going to love him!
* Hailey got the most amazingly cute haircut Monday night!!!
* she is resistant to me taking a photo & posting it- teenagers!?
* it's short & cute & you are gonna love it.
* Chloe nearly quit piano last month... drama. her awesome-fabulous teacher talked her out of it. fewww! She's got so much talent... again- teenagers!
* it has been rain/snow mix all week & the air is CLEAN - ahh I can breathe!

marji & me

During Christmas break I got a phone call from my college roommate Marji.

I adore Marji & she was in town!

We met for lunch one afternoon before she left for her home in Houston. We talked & laughed & laughed some more & it was great to see her. Marji was one of my bridesmaids. She is one of my favorite people of all time. She was there when I met & fell in love with Brett. She & I threw water balloons off the balcony at passers by in college. We stayed up late & giggled way too much. She is married to a "U" guy- he's great despite that. She has two beautiful daughters & two handsome sons. She grew up in Utah- I didn't. We think it's funny that I never wanted to be a "utah mormon" and here I am... without her.

I wish she lived closer.

better late than never?

Two weeks ago the blogger mom's had a little baby shower for Janae.

Janae is absolutely the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen.

She seriously glows. Of course, she's just beautiful all the time so I'm sure that helps... I keep thinking that maybe I'll be one of those really pretty old ladies? You know the kind that are always put together & look so fashionable. Something tells me it's not gonna happen?

dang

the kids were mesmerized by tom & jerry
this picture just cracks me up.

Kristy made the most delicious cheesecake- light & fluffy & not too heavy.
Yum!

today-


(front)
I finally delivered my gift.
It took me a little longer than I wanted to, to finish this little quilt.

(back)
But, I love how it turned out!

It's just like I wanted & envisioned ahead of time.

I think my problem with the Christmas quilts was I followed a specific pattern. I think I work better just throwing things together without so much planning. I have this little over planning/over thinking problem....

*do you follow patterns or just wing it?

* don't you love this fabric!!

I just want to kiss him!

For Christmas Grandpa & I bought Charlie the world's best teething toy

then I forgot to wrap it & put it under the tree.

It's a good thing USPS is so dependable.

He got it & megan sent me these photos this morning.

Brett immediately got on the computer & added skype.
I just want to pick him up & kiss him!

I mIss YoU ChaRlie!!

just what's been a goin' on?

So I've been missing from the blogging scene?

for a bit-

ya... I guess I just needed a little time off.

But- I'm back!

In the last week- we've had a lot of coming & going.

School, work, college classes (not for me luckily), ballet, piano lessons, musical practice, parents meetings, book club, card club, ballet camp auditions...

and hugging.

and lucky for us-
some big dinners with friends & family.

Tonight we were super lucky!
We had Brittany, Brittany & Marcus here for dinner.

Then chocolate fondue!

mmmmmm

Tiffany was here too!

It's a sweet way to start the week and

it's good to be back!

What have you been doing?

misc. 25

1. is anyone else out there excited by the return of A. I.?
2. Hailey is over the top about it tonight!
3. I quilted janae's baby quilt today...
4. I just need to bind it. It is so cute.
5. i made 5 small quilts for Christmas.
6. two didn't turn out like I wanted.
7. I thought about never piecing a quilt again, a lot.
8. I was so mad.
9. I'm tired a lot lately.
10. january is so dreary here. the air is dirty (really dirty) and it's ugly.
11. sky let me borrow one of those lamps that are supposed to make you feel better.
12. if it works- I'm on it.
13. I wish it would snow. old snow is yucky. new snow=beautiful.
14. last saturday night brett & I went to the movies... wow
15. we saw "have you heard about the morgans?"
16. I liked it. Not love-- but I really liked it.
17. It was clean! So rare...
18. lots of great shots of cody, gotta love that?!
19. The boys were home for the weekend.
20. I just love knowing they can come home if we/they want to. LOVE it!
21. Brett worked from home yesterday & it was such a nice day.
22. I love having him around during the day.
23. yesterday I searched for a new soup recipe
24. I found this one- made it- loved it- I love this blog!
25. I put up my Valentine's Day decorations last week, too early?

that was quick?!

After my recent tantrum...
our computer issues are all fixed.
i am back---

as soon as I get all these people out the door, then get back from being a reading tutor, then my visiting teachers leave...

I should be blogging again- if it kills me- or the house falls down- or more likely the floors don't get swept.

so happy to be here

just too much on a friday

There's just too much going on around here these days.
Too much to keep up with.
I lost all of my scout stuff
We are supposed to meet today.
I've searched the house & garage & I'm going crazy.
Hailey doesn't feel good.
Jack has a million papers to get for his Visa.
Brian is coming home today & needs a computer badly for school.
Our home computer is busted-
We spend (me included) way too much time on it anyway.
so...
I'm sending my laptop with him when he leaves.
It's time for me to take a blogging break.

I will miss posting- but mostly I will miss reading & commenting.

here we go again....

last night was family night.

The first family night of the year is always on GoALs-

but not this year....

Stress- Anxiety and Healthy Coping Skills

was the topic

Goals are on hold until next week.Teens are stressed- adults are stressed- apparently even kids are stressed these days. Dang- that's a lot of stress. Our family is certainly not the exception. We briefly discussed ways all kinds of people cope with stress, then listed healthy ways to cope with stress.

The boys ate cookies...
Brian stuffed one in his mouth- so Jack of course, couldn't be outdone--- and stuffed two.
I love this picture of the girls just watching them. My title for the photo-
"so this is what boys do?"

It was good timing- this family night lesson.
A new year, college, high school, jr. high, work, looking for jobs, play practice, homework, mission... there is a lot going on here! We are certainly not immune from feelings of stress, anxiety & depression. How to cope:
Reading scriptures & prayer
Being around people & not "holing up alone"
Exercise
Self pep talks- positive thoughts
service to others
laughing at yourself & having a sense of humor
relaxation exercises
memorize for times of stress- hymns, primary songs, scriptures
having daily- weekly- monthly- yearly things to look forward to
and setting realistic goals

It's a lot of options not a list of things to do...

just before family night trent & the neighbor kid were playing legos in the family room
trent: mom, can friend stay for dinner?
mom: no we are having a special family night.
trent: darn!
trent to friend: do you have family night tonight?
friend: we almost never have family night.
trent: lucky!

Today Brian & I went shopping & packed up a final load of stuff.
Stuff to take to his new apartment.
-dang-
he took some stuff down yesterday
but school starts tomorrow... he had to go.
It was weird.

Like-
shoot, he's not leaving again is he?
cause, ya- I can't take that...

so...

he's all filled up

food

gas

new sheets

notebooks, pens, paper, cell phone....

more food

class schedule.

~sigh~

Ya it's a good thing we had that lesson last night.

it finally caught me....

after successfully dodging the stomach flu bug last summer & this past fall-
it finally got me last night.
oh my goodness.
misery.
Nothing helps the flu misery than getting on my blog & seeing 13 comments! WOW- it's been forever since I had that many comments :)
thankfully I'm feeling lots better & looking forward to getting back to a routine tomorrow.
Sad to say Chloe got it too. we all stayed home from church- all. Brett felt like it was better to keep everyone in than spread it, that is just in case anyone else is next. School & work start up again tomorrow with Hailey, Jack & Brian still dodging the bullet. I just hope & pray they don't get it.

I thought I would answer some of the questions from my last post.
Yes- in the afternoon on Christmas day the boys were wrestling- you wouldn't believe how much wrestling has gone on in this house in the last month since brian got home- jack went to give brian the dreaded nurple purple... brian grabbed his finger & pulled it backwards and broke it. Yes I was mad, jack was mad, brian called him a baby- jack used some profanities. It was not nice. Just keepin it real.
Kim Sue mentioned that it seems our house is anything but quiet. she is exactly right. YEs, it is mostly in a good way- but I guess that is what I wanted- a house full of kids= loud. My sweet nephew who is the youngest in his family & spent a couple weeks here every summer growing up- would frequently get a headache the first day here. It has definitely slowed down & is not as loud as it used to be & frankly- I'm loving it & it is good for trent. Wrestling & nurple purples have been banned.

For Christmas I got this book- which I love, love, love!




and this.... fresh herbs have already sprouted in the office!

and a new fondue pot- somehow my old one is missing?
and my yearly book from the kids. I wish we would have gotten a picture of that- darn.

* do you know what a nurple purple is?

the first person to guess it right in the comment section is getting a PRIZE

I'm sure you don't believe me, because my last set of prizes haven't gone out yet...

So those of you who guessed jack's mission call are getting $5 gift cards this week- there were SIX of you!! good job!

My Best Christmas Ever

2009 was a wonderful year for the messer family.

I personally looked forward to Christmas all year & it was just as good as I had hoped.

For the first time we had the whole family together including our wonderful son in law- Tony, the former missionary Brian, the former college kid - almost missionary- Jack, and who could forget our our precious Charlie?!

our traditional "Christmas morning on the stairs" photo

Santa must have known it was a special year because he was extra generous!

Trent happily received the two transformers he has been dreaming of & a new scooter for the third year in a row. Somehow by the end of summer his scooters have disappeared- most likely left at one of the neighbor's homes. This year- mom is going to mark it with his name. I'm sometimes a slow learner.

Jack loaded up on new luggage- new scriptures in BYU blue (of course) & a Book Of Mormon in Portuguese- his soon to be- new language, and a great book on Brazil!

Brian got a new camera (the one he had on his mission was purple- it's a long story), scriptures & I can't remember now....?

Hailey & Chloe made out like bandits.

Hailey lucked out with a new ipod touch!!!

Chloe got an Ihome & nano cover.

Santa had already come to Megan's house in Arkansas early but did bring them some treats in their stockings here- not to worry- we made up for that under the tree. It was so fun to see them open the presents we got them. I am glad we chose to have them open their presents here & ship them later - rather than just send them there. I love watching my kids open their presents!

Trent got a "lap top" it didn't take him long to figure out that this is a cool toy- and not the real thing.. oh well- santa's not crazy you know!?

Hailey opening a really cute hat Jack bought her from the BYU bookstore. Let me just say- jack is really good at picking out presents- he scored a home run here!

Some how I got so caught up in the excitement that I didn't take a lot of photos... dang.

I missed - Brian opening things like toasters & food storage containers for his new apartment.

Chloe with new jewelry & a mani pedi set she's excited to use.

Trent's new alarm clock that shows the constellations on the ceiling of his bedroom.

Megan's new food processor & Tony's new wii game.

Charlie's great board books.

AND MORE

It was a perfect day- until the boys got in a fight over nurple purples & Brian broke Jack's finger.

But we won't talk about that...

or the presents I forgot about & brought out a day or two later... do you do that?

One of the best parts- was Christmas Eve.

We had our traditional hoagies & floats - then Brett read the Christmas story out of Luke.

I love my family.

Thank you Father in Heaven above for our blessings- our trials- for the opportunity to live her on this beautiful earth. For freedom, for the gospel, for health & education. For a job. For a home. For good food & good friends. For talents. For love.

I don't know who all reads this- I wish I did.

***

If you are still reading this...

please leave me a comment-

I did not send out Christmas cards this year- I have chosen to go back to sending Valentine's day cards. I would love to send you one. If I don't have your address- or don't know who you are? How will you get one?

***

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

love, patsy

some photos from Charlie's blessing

He's being held by his great aunt debbie, my sister.

She has NINE grandkids from her own kids and even more from her cute husband Pat's kids- wow, lucky!

Great Grandpa & Great Grandma with Charlie.

I know it's getting a little ridiculous the amount of pictures of Charlie on the blog... but what can I say? I'm a grandma now. All reasonable attitudes on who's baby is the cutest are out the window!

He was blessed - in our church babies are blessed soon after birthed & baptized when the turn eight - at his other Grandparents home so that both families could be there. Typically babies are blessed on Sundays at church before sacrament meeting.

It was a really special day- Charlie all dressed up & wrapped in a sweet blanket made by his great aunt Keri. Both sets of Grandparents & my parents- his Great Grandparents were there! Charlie is my parents 17th Great Grandchild, but not for long... two more are due in the next three months.

*note- blogger allows 1 GB free storage on picasa, today I purchased 20 GB more for $5 a year to keep this up & running without having to delete any old photos- totally worth it!