Little House Bytheway

Update

2011-03-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I've fallen off of the "blogosphere" for a while, and for that, I apologize. But it's not that we've been bored by any means, or that there wasn't anything to report! Crazy! Since my last post, we've traveled to Alaska, put the kids back in school, traveled to Canada and the New England Coast, had Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, a trip to Israel and Jordan, Valentine's, many birthdays in between...It's been a busy life.

But today, I'll pretend like you and I are just picking up where we left off, like we've chatted on the phone every day between then and now. Today, rather than posting a bunch of pictures and trying to recapture my life for the last nine months, I'll just sit down and type what's up TODAY.

And...that's really nothing. My two little ones are sitting together ON the kitchen table, sharing a bowl of milk (yes, you read that right). The Honey-nut Cheerios are all gone, and now they are taking turns drinking what's left in the bottom of the bowl. We got about 6" of snow last night, so the glow from the whiteness outside is making the whole house a little bit lighter. There are dishes to be done, laundry to fold, carpets to vacuum, and trash to take out. Maybe I'm stalling, but I prefer to call it blogging. (Not that I'm really saying anything...)

So, there it is. I'm back. For right now. I hope it's not too long before I post again.

Vacation!!!

2010-07-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Four days after John was sustained as Bishop, we took off for two weeks for a cruise that had been planned for over a year! I think it was hard for John to be away for so long with his new calling weighing heavily, but thanks to amazingly capable counselors and their equally amazing and supportive wives, we had a wonderfully care-free vacation to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Russia.

There's no WAY to put it all here, so I'll just post some of the highlights:

The "original" Christus from which the Christus at Temple Square was modeled.

The Copenhagen Denmark Temple

Statue of one of my favorite childhood storytellers, Hans Christian Andersen

The original statue of the Little Mermaid is on display in China for the World's Fair, so they had this live video feed of her in her original place in Denmark.

You may recognize "Kristina", a statue dedicated to the many Mormon immigrants who came from Denmark.

The "gold room" where the Nobel Prize Dinner is held In Stockholm, Sweden

One Place Setting for the Nobel Dinner (now WHICH cup do I use first???)

The AMAZING Vasa Museum with a full-sized ship. Pictures don't do justice.

Typical Swedish architecture

FINLAND
The greatest little town called "Porvoo" near Helsinki. Loved this quaint little place with it's old Churches and cobblestone streets and fun shopping!

The Helsinki Temple

The "Rock Church" in Helsinki, literally carved out of the rock

Typical Finnish Architecture

RUSSIA
St. Petersberg
This was literally the first site we saw off of the ship: Government housing. This typified much of the "regular" parts of housing...dull and frankly, depressing

Contrasted with the AMAZING palaces and rich gardens of the royalty here at "Peterhoff"

The most visibly famous "onion top" church "The Church of the Spilt Blood."

St. Isaac's Cathedral

Entrance to St. Catherine's Palace

It was so unbelievably ornate, it made me think, "is it any WONDER there was a revolution here?" Crazy. This woman had something like 15,000 dresses in her possession.

John and Stalin...do you see any resemblance? hee hee!

We had lunch in this Beautiful Russian woman's home. Three small bedrooms, a tiny kitchen, a miniscule bathroom, and she lived there as a child during communist rule with THREE other families...one FAMILY per tiny 8x12 room. AMAZING.

ESTONIA
This was my favorite place. It was the quaintest little quiet place straight off of a postcard. Loved it! The people there were in traditional "time period" dress that added to the charm.

POLAND, Gydansk
Typical Polish architecture

This clock was made by a man, who, as soon as he was finished, had his eyes put out by the Church who commissioned the clock so that he could never make another. Thanks.

Old Medieval Castle. It is the largest BRICK castle in the world (not stone, etc.)

You could still see the bullet holes in the brick from World War II

Our Cruise ship passed underneath the bridge that connects Sweden and Denmark? I forget... ;)

On board the Ship at dinner

I had to throw this picture in of Mike and Margo Homer. We came to adore this man and his wife. Honestly, he reminded me of my brother-in-law, Tim Johnson, so much. This is what Tim will be like in a 40 or more years! ;)

It's almost embarrassing to admit that this is what I ordered for dessert one night. I couldn't decide, so I had them bring all three, then the waiter knew that I loved blackberries, so he just brought me a bowl for fun. I was stuffed to say the least! ;)

NORWAY
A most interesting park in Norway, with dozens if not hundreds of statues of people all in different and complex positions. Vigeland sculpture park in Oslo.

Uh, NOT ON SALE, apparently.

A Statue from Easter Island

Old Viking Ship

These represent such a tiny portion of the wonderful and interesting things we saw. I can't begin to tell you how grateful we feel to see the other parts of the world that make it so amazing and diverse. What a blessing in our lives.

It was such an amazing trip, and we are so grateful to CruiseLady for taking us on such an adventure! We NEVER could have done it without the help of my parents and other family members who kept our children, watched our cat, and minded things back home while we were away. Also, thanks again to John's amazing counselors who had to play "Bishop" in John's absence!

The trip was such a fun getaway for us and we enjoyed every minute together. We are so blessed!

Bishop Bytheway

2010-07-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

John recently got called to serve as the Bishop of our ward. It was a bit unexpected to say the least, but he and his amazing counselors, Bob Woods and Chris VanLeeuwen, have such great plans for our ward, and we are all fired up!

Last Sunday they introduced our ward's "theme." It's "Onward and Upward Together." Each member of the bishopric spoke about one part of the theme. Onward means working forward, planning, and setting goals (like Enduring to the end, only becoming better in the process!). Upward means exactly that. It means coming up to higher ground and doing better each day than we did the day before. It means coming to the temple. Together implies becoming "one" and more of a "Zion"-feeling ward. This includes fellowshipping and supporting one another in all of our callings. I'm so excited for the ideas and for the fire that they have lit underneath all of us to try harder and commit more. How fun!

The day John was set apart, all of our family was there to support him. My older sister recently sent me a beautiful thought when I asked if she could babysit for me. She said that even though they aren't in our ward, they also raised their hand to sustain John, and to her, that meant serving and helping us with a smile when we need her help to babysit for Church-related activities where we can't take our children. We are so blessed to have such an amazing family!!!

We're excited for what this assignment will bring to our family, and for the opportunities for growth that this will give all of us!

Here's a picture of the cake we had made for John for dinner that night.

It says "Farewell, and Good Luck"

Jeff and Natalie made John a little gift bag with things to help him stay awake on the stand! It was the "anti-sleeping-on-the-stand Pack." It had red-hots, sour patch kids, everlasting gobstoppers, and other "stay awake" candies! Love you guys!

We've already felt such an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and neighbors, and we feel so blessed and excited. Thank you to all of our loved ones!

Friends

2010-06-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

I thugged these pics from my friend's blog. Thanks!

My brain is elsewhere today, and when I posted my last weeks' posts, I didn't do them in order. I should have started out talking about my great friends, the Algers. We met about 4 years ago at Aspen Grove Family Camp. We didn't have much time together, just a few days, but we became fast friends.

Over the years we have mostly chatted through email and kept in touch through blogs, but that has been enough! They are the kind of people you feel close to, even though you live hundreds of miles apart.

Steph is one of those people that I have so much in common with, and yet, someone that is so much better than I am in so many ways. She inspires me! She has NINE children who are some of the most polite and well-behaved kids I have ever seen.

I've only seen them twice since we first met, but they came to visit us recently before heading up to Aspen Grove for their bi-annual family reunion. You'd think that 9 children plus our 6 would make for an overly- "full house" but truly, it was like filling your home with angels. We had a lot of time to chat, play, laugh, and just enjoy each others' company!

I sure love you all! The week went by too quickly, but I can't wait until our next vacation together!

Love you!

Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-06-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Feeding the masses! Look at all those happy faces! Shadow, our cat, left us a little present. I was so sad when I saw this bird, but it was so beautiful I had to photograph it. I'd never seen such a brightly colored bird in our yard before. Turns out, it's a "Tanager." Sad.
Ashley and Josh getting ready to bury the bird
Tim and Tiffany are the most gracious hosts, and didn't disappoint on Memorial Day. We inaugurated her new barbecue grill on Memorial day with a fabulous get-together with all of the family (minus the Dustins) and even our Alger friends from Arizona! It was a PARTY!!! Thanks so much, Tim and Tiff! It was SO FUN!!!

Kids crammed into Thomas's bedroom to play the Wii around a tiny television!

Jeff
Madelyn and Elayna
John and Rich
Laney
Madelyn, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Ava
Me and Steph
Our "killer" game of Elimination (adults only, please!--and the occasional courageous youth)
Mario Warriors
Steph and Laney
We had such a fun weekend with everyone! I'm not the greatest picture taker in the world, and missed so many fun "kodak moments" but we sure had fun!
Love you all!

Splashing with cousins and friends

2010-06-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

We had a great week visiting with our "Alger cousins." We're not really related legally, but certainly emotionally! We went to the 7 canyons splashground at Liberty Park with the Dustins, Hendricksons, and Algers and had a great afternoon! Love all you guys!

Bessaboo

Lauren, Bethany, Ava holding Madison, Timothy, and Daniel
Ava and Timothy
My "sister" Stefanie Alger and her son, Daniel
Look at all those cute kids! Note: the NINE children that aren't mine are ALL Algers. What a woman!

Kirtland!

2010-06-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

John and I got to take a whirlwind trip to Kirtland to speak at a Young Single Adult Conference just before Memorial weekend. Our trip was short, but not so short that we didn't feel the amazing spirit that resides there. As the missionaries put it, New York is the site of the organization of the Church, but Kirtland is the site of the Restoration. It was so great to be there with these SHARP missionaries as well as the young single adults and their leaders who brought us to Kirtland! So fun!

Outside the Newel K. Whitney Store, the site of the School of the Prophets Inside the upper room of the store. So many significant stories originate in this room. John said his first visit to this place, a couple of women came up the stairs, led by their missionary tour guide, and when they reached this room, the women audibly said, "What happened in HERE?" Very special place.

Outside the Kirtland temple, first temple built by the Saints

On the way home, the pilot and a flight attendant recognized John and asked to have their pictures taken with him...Gee...sit in the cockpit? I guess so... :)

Random

2010-06-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Not much "news" to post, just some pictures...

Ashley finishes out the soccer season with a smile...

Bethany teaches Timothy to drive
Andrew makes his own breakfast
Ava found some green food coloring in the basement! Leprechaun toes!
Baby sister Amy turns 28!!!
Matthew takes a break during a soccer game
I hand the camera over to one of the children...
Andrew pondering the complexity of life
Timothy finds a new use for the football
I decided not to "friend" out my "friendship bread" starters, and ended up with these!

Domestic

2010-05-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

John's Mom turned 80 this past month, and so I was asked to bring 4 dozen treats. Feeling ambitious about such a special occasion, my amazing mom helped me whip out 6 dozen of the prettiest little fruit tarts!

We made them with sugar cookie dough, and put them in cupcake cups (like pie crust) and baked them, then drizzled 1/4 inch of chocolate in the bottom, made the "filling" with 1/2 whipped cream and 1/2 jello vanilla pudding (with just 2 1/2 cups of milk instead of 3) then arranged the fruit...and for that beautiful shiny glaze, melted apple jelly on the stove, then brushed the fruit with it.

VOILA!

Soccer Season

2010-05-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

After being cooped up, the kids were SO READY to start running around outside! We haven't done soccer for YEARS, but that didn't matter! The kids LOVE it and are crazy at chasing after that ball! Go Team orange, maroon, and green!

AWESOME ANDREW

AMAZING ASHLEY

GNARLY NATTLES

MAGNIFICENT MATTHEW

Loyal Cheerleader: all tied up in knots!

TEAM BYTHEWAY: (minus Ashley)

My Talented Family

2010-05-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Amy and Marshall planned a fun-filled talent show for the Loveridge family! The instructions were simple: show off. With so many talented family members, the night proved to be a great success! Thanks for the GREAT reminder to all of us of what an amazing family we have!!!

Among the stars of the evening:

Abby recites "The Road Less Traveled"

Adam trips his fingers across the ivories

Ava and Lauren do an impromptu dance to "Sugarplum Fairies"
*note the adorable baby-seat cover in the background made by Tiffany and Mom, gifted to Jennifer as a surprise

Kate demonstrates her AMAZING hugs

Natalie plays "Waltz for a Princess"

Tim shows off his most recent scrapbook

Aaron shows off his home-made go-kart

Matthew and Elizabeth dance (*note the black and white photography above their heads, taken by Tim and Tiffany)

Mom drags us in for "I did, I does, and I do."

Other talents not pictured:

Ashley plays "Alla Turca" and Andrew plays "Scherzo" on the piano. Joshua does a dramatic reading of Shel Silverstein, Thomas shows everyone how good he is at hiding during Hide and Seek, Madelyn and Elayna show off their beautiful ballet costumes, and John shows a video of "learning to play the banjo".

What a great night!

Afterward we retreated outdoors for some fun:
Gabriel enjoys cake like NOBODY'S BUSINESS!

Kids in the wagon

Holden!

Matthew opens a few birthday gifts

Thanks again!

We have a talented family!!!

Dodging Bullets

2010-04-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

If you read my last post, you learned I'm in limbo, waiting for my new drivers license to come, and waiting to call and find out how much my fine is for my traffic stop. When the cop generously offered to "waive" the speeding issue in order to seize my license, I asked him outright if he was doing that because he knew it was more expensive to drive on an expired license than it was to speed. (I just ask quesitons so I know how many tissues to buy when I make the call to get the fine. Risky? Maybe.) The cop simply told me that they can't quote fines, and he wasn't sure. Well, I knew a girl once (of COURSE not ME) who got a speeding ticket for $150or so...same number of miles over the limit, and I was braced for the worst.

Today, I called. I figured my fine would be somewhere in the range between "I'm never getting in a car again" and "can I get some sort of car-diabling device installed in my car if I go over 25?".

I dialed the number, and after only 6 or 7 menu tree branches, I wound up typing in my citation number. "Your fine is......(enter digigized automated voice)....$300.

HUH????? REALLY????

I decided I was going to court for this one. I'd heard that if you appear, they are likely to lessen the fine just because you went out of your way to contest. My defense? SIX KIDS. Need I say more? Doesn't that cover a multitude of sins? Aren't I entitled to forget a few doozies now and again simply based on the fact that some mornings I can't even remember if I put on deodorant or not? And hey, I donated to the Sheriff's "Shop with a Cop" program last Christmas. I figured that was worth at least a couple hundred dollars right there.

I dialed again, choosing a NEW maze of menus to navigate through for a court date, and landed with a LIVE person. I gave the citation number...and BINGO. Suddenly, all those little good deeds I've done in my life started falling out of the sky onto the scales of justice...(dinner for the new mothers, changing diapers, pulling slivers out of my kids' hands, not purposely stepping on certain bugs on the sidewalk, on and on and on...)

The lady said there was a mistake, and apparently when the cop wrote up the ticket, he wrote in the code for "Driving on a SUSPENDED license." I was merely driving on an EXPIRED one.

Here's the bonus. If he had cited me for speeding (for which I was guilty), the fine was around $150 (as per my FRIEND'S past experience). The fine for driving on an expired license?

$40.

I'm going to write out a check right now for "shop with a cop." Oh, and I'm going out to get new shoes. But I still have an ugly license picture. You can't win 'em all.

Illegal

2010-04-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Don't you think a good Driver's License picture is as rare as a matching pair of child's shoes on a Sunday morning?

Well I do. But I happen to actually like mine. Well, I DID. I DID until about three days ago. You see, when I got it about 5 years ago, I went to an unknown little division of the DMV where I was one of about 5 patrons. When the guy took my picture, he swung his computer screen around and said, "are you happy with the picture, or should I take another?" LIKE THAT EVER HAPPENS!!!

So for 5 years, I was HAPPY to show my I.D. whenever asked. Three days ago when I got pulled over, even though I was feeling bad for WHATEVER I was being unjustly accused of, I knew at least my picture was cute. :)

This cop was funny. Not only did he flash his lights at me, he waited a good three or four blocks before he did...AND, he turned on his SIREN. WHAT??? I KNEW I wasn't doing anything wrong. Was Timothy jumping up and down in the back of the car without his seatbelt? Was a tail-light out? Why in the world did he target ME?

Well, as it turns out, my eyes don't work as well as my lead-foot, and I was speeding. He took my license, and when he came back, he said, "the news just went from bad to worse." huh? I haven't had THAT many tickets before!

Apparently, my license had expired about a month before on my birthday. So, this man decided to SEIZE my license to "encourage" me to take care of the matter quickly. I jokingly asked him "well, if you have my license, how am I supposed to get home?" He said, "Carefully."

It didn't help that I had all six kids with me, and Ashley remarked "I can't wait to get to school tomorrow and tell my friends that you got your license taken away." I'm sure you can't, honey.

The next day, and 2 hours and 47 people ahead of me at the DMV later (they closed my favorite little unknown branch) I have a license (at least on paper until the "hard copy" arrives) and UGH. I HATE the picture. I guess good things can't last forever. My picture, OR my driving record.

Pinewood Derby

2010-04-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where the communication break-down occurred, but the night before the Pinewood Derby, we got a call saying it was the following night. We hadn't even STARTED making Andrew's car, and I was pretty certain I'd seen Timothy sometime in the last week walking around with some unnamed block of wood.

Needless to say, I picked up the kids from school and headed to the Scout store. I was looking for those mostly-done derby cars that you basically paint and hammer in the wheels. No go. I should have known the BOY SCOUT STORE was going to want me to make it from scratch!

On limited time, I ran to Michael's...they were out. I ran to Robert's...they were out. I turned to Andrew, and told him there was another store, but a considerable distance away. He said, "Mom, I'm tired of shopping. I don't care if I don't have a car. Let's just go and I'll cheer on my friends." I asked him over and over if that's what he wanted to do, and he assured me it was.

Later that evening, I asked Andrew again if he wanted a car and he matter-of-factly said, "Last year I worked hard on my car, and took second place, and all I got was a small bag of M&Ms." Secretly I was chuckling, but a bit mortified that that's what it all boiled down to for this kid. Where's his sense of competition??? Where's the pride in beating everyone else? (OK...my competitive side is coming out...)

So, we showed up to the church at 6:00 (later found out it didn't start until 6:30) but saw the Scout Master pulling out some cute TROPHIES and putting them on the table. NOTHING woos a little 10-year-old like a trophy! He turned to me and said, "Mom, now I feel a little bad for not making a car."

Not to disappoint, I got on the phone and called not one, but TWO nearby family members to see if they had any "winning" cars we could borrow. (Shameful, I know). Jennifer AND Mom and Dad came through beautifully!!! Michael is apparently WAY into this! He gave us a really cool "shark" car...and...Andrew took second place at the derby.

We realized later that ALL of the boys got trophies. I felt sheepish letting Andrew accept one...but he was proud. Not sure why...he didn't do ANYTHING to earn it! Oh well. Today goes down in history as "bad mothering" episode 7,352.

Field Trip!

2010-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Once in a rare while, I get to go on a field trip with my kids' classes at school. Back in the Fall, the school postponed a trip to the zoo due to weather, and rescheduled this week. Of course, we were still snowed on, but we had a great time. The older grades (Ashley's class) got to "chaperone" the kindergarteners (Matthew's class) on the trip, and I was luckily invited to go along. Great day!

We caught this snow leopard just about feeding time. Check out that bone!

I TOUCHED this snake. REALLY good for me.

On the carousel

How do those kids measure up???

Up close and personal

Matthew makes friends with a bird

Geese with their newly hatched little ones. (the highlight for Ashley!)

We had a great (albeit cold) time! Can't wait for the next invite!

Spring Break

2010-04-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Most kids get a few days off for Spring Break, but our kids got 10 days! We opted to stay home for our vacation but we still had fun! Between Easter and Conference, there was much to do!

First, I got a new niece!!! Emily Nicole Dustin was born on April 3, weighing in at 9 lbs., 4 oz., measuring 20 1/2 inches long!!! Jenn, you're AMAZING! Her face was a little bruised, but isn't she just ADORABLE! Just like her mommy! Love you, Jenn!

We had Aaron, Abby, and Daniel over to watch conference with us while Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital, and they did so GREAT! We played Conference Bingo with M&Ms...I think I heard "Bingo" so much (the kids get a mini candy bar when they get bingo) that we were ALL on a sugar rush for the whole weekend!!!

That night, we went to Grandma Loveridge's house to dye Easter Eggs! We had a great time with the Hendricksons and Johnsons!

Easter Sunday was a little uneventful. On Saturday night, I was at the store with Andrew, and I asked him a question about easter baskets. He replied, "What's an Easter Basket?" Uh...I KNOW I've done them before, but I guess it's been a few years! I just go overboard with the chocolate, and decided to stop doing baskets as an excuse for more treats and toys that my kids don't need! Funny, huh?

My mom told me later that she said something to Adam (my sister's son) and he also replied, "What's an easter basket!" The only funny thing is, I think she DOES do one every year!!! Well, feeling sheepish, I dropped 6 giant chocolate Easter bunnies and a few other treats into one giant Easter basket that the kids got to go through when they woke up Sunday morning. (Baskets: check.)

Conference of course is a HIGHLIGHT in my life. I feel like those 8 hours FLY by, and WAY too quickly. I can't wait for the Ensign to come out, but until then, we've been watching our tapes of the recorded conference.

Monday, we took ALL the kids (cousins included!) to tour the Sweet's Candy Factory. Here is Amy with her three girls donning their gorgeous "smurf" hats. My favorite part of the tour? Discounted candy in their store! Chocolate covered cinnamon bears!!! yay!

Next, we realized on the first day of Spring Break that our Wii was broken. We sent it in to be fixed, realizing it wouldn't be back for about 1-2 weeks. Truthfully, I think that made for a much better Spring Break! Andrew created his own "Mario Kart" game with cards...he designed them with me on the computer, and we had a great week playing that instead. The kids also took the Wii driving wheels, and ran around the house all week long "racing." That was even better! We did have pretty cold weather for the vacation, so I was glad for some indoor fun!

We celebrated Matthew's birthday!!! My little guy turned 6 this week! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this kid. He is so sweet and loving, and constantly gives me hugs. He has a litte problem with focusing at school, so I think he enjoyed being away and just running around the house with family all week. With Andrew's Mario Kart Card game, he did a lot of reading of the cards (which usually he doesn't like, but put a little Mario in it, and he LOVES reading!)

Matthew is a funny little man, and although a little "distracted" at times, truly has a sweet and loving heart. He is kind, and really wants to be a helper. He IDOLIZES Andrew, and likes to do anything Andrew does. Andrew is so cute to sit and draw with him, or play ball with him. Andrew also lets Matthew sleep in his bed at night (the top bunk on the bunk bed.) It's great to see my boys getting along so well!

On Matthew's birthday, I was looking forward to going out to dinner and maybe some fun activity like bowling or a movie. I asked Matthew what he wanted to do that night, throwing out a few restaurant suggestions. He didn't like ANY that I suggested. I started to get "kid"-minded. I stopped suggesting places like "Applebee's" and started to recommend McDonald's playplace and Fat Cats. He didn't want to do those either. (I could see my vision of a night out crumbling fast.) He finally came to me that afternoon and said, "Mom, I just want to stay home and eat Macaroni and Cheese and make Easter decorations."

I fought the idea (I wanted to go out!) but that's what we did. Matthew got his macaroni, I got Pizza Hut for the rest of us, and he made some giant Easter Eggs out of construction paper. Ashley and Andrew decorated the kitchen with crepe paper, and all was right with the 6-year-old's world.

Johnsons, Hendricksons, and Grandma and Grandpa Loveridge came over to help us celebrate and eat that gigantic Costco cake!!! Love this family!!!

Hendricksons brought him a Sprite. He was SO EXCITED!!!

The next day, we took the kids swimming. They were so excited about going, but about 30 minutes after arriving, some were asking when we could go home. Oh well. We had fun while it lasted!

All in all, we had a great spring break, but I think when it was over, the kids were ready to get back to a regular schedule. I'm so grateful that we have such fun together, and that we have so many family members who live close enough that we can do so many fun things together! Love my family!!!

Konnichiwa!

2010-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

John and I just got home from a week in Japan! I knew I was in for adventure when I married John, but I had no idea the places we would see throughout our lifetime. We are so lucky and blessed!

Our dear friends, Rich and Corina Clark invited us to attend their Youth Conference 13 years ago in Japan. Now they are back living there, and put in charge of Youth Conference again! So, with the help of my amazing family who offered to babysit our 6(!) kids (THANKS MOM AND AMY AND MARSHALL AND JENNIFER!!!) we agreed to speak, which turned from Youth Conference into also visiting the Tokyo missionaries as well as speaking to a couple of groups for the American School in Japan. It was so much fun!!!

We began our trip with a rather long train ride from the airport, but in Japan, most people don't own cars, and trains are the only way to go! By the end of the vacation, we were pros! Loved this sign posted in the train station. This is typical of their culture...so RESPECTFUL of everyone around you. I bet I could count on two fingers the pieces of litter I saw the ENTIRE TRIP.

Having "American" breakfast in Japan (thanks to our hosts, Rich and Corina!)

We met for Youth Conference outside the Tokyo Temple! The Angel Moroni is a new addition since our visit 13 years ago. Our friends, Rich and Corina Clark
We headed to Youth Conference, about an hour away from the city of Tokyo (little side-note: they do NOT heat this facility. Bring battery-powered socks next time.)

Our traditional "futons" on the floor
I loved the slogan on this ice-cream vending machine in the cafeteria: "Good taste, health and happiness. With the angel, the messenger of happiness, as our symbol, we have contributed to a richer life." Oh.

Eating "cafeteria style". (note: do not be fooled. In a room that was probably 50 degrees, the Japanese "spaghetti" was cold...as was the rest of the food. Good thing they serve hot rice and miso soup! Too bad I didn't have my camera ready when we ate the Nato...fermented beans. No need to say more.) But we LOVED the curry!
But the rest of the time in Japan we ate like KINGS! Our new friends, the Hymases (sp?) took us for a really nice dinner of (I forget the traditional Japanese name) some pork, breaded and fried...SO AMAZINGLY GOOD! Check me out with the chopsticks!
I forget what this was called. It was like really stiff jello in texture, but SO GOOD!
Our amazing dinner
Sister Hymas (this woman is around 60. WHAT????!!! She is so BEAUTIFUL!)

If I remember correctly, this is tofu. It was so yummy with the ginger on top!
We also tried another little place. They served Kimchi (LOVED IT) and we cooked our own meat on a little hibachi grill. SO UNBELIEVABLY GOOD! (These are the LEFTOVERS! You wouldn't believe the rest of the meal. Huge, even by American standards.)

Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo. (I laughed out loud at King Kong when I saw him).

Visiting an observatory with an overview of the city of Tokyo. I'm not sure what motivated the "spider" artwork outside. Up close, you can even see an egg sac. (I think the camera caught John off-guard.) From the top of the tower, you can see the Tokyo Tower in the background. It was a bit overcast, but we could see the base of Mt. Fuji from here!
We left the Clark's home and stayed with the Millers. What gracious people all of our hosts were! We are so lucky to meet so many great people! Their neighbor, Diane Harris took us to a nearby shrine.
We drank the Holy Water
and just enjoyed the tranquility of this place inside the buzzing city outside.
We were luky enough to be there during the Cherry Blossom festival. It was FREEZING outside, and we were rushing to get to church on time, but saw these beautiful Japanese dancers and grabbed a quick picture.
We are so thankful for the people who made our trip possible, and for all of the new friends we made! We love you all! Thanks Family, old friends, and new friends! Domo Arigato!

Visions of Sugarplums

2010-03-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Christmas is a full 9 months away, but those visions of sugarplums dancing in Timothy's sleepy little head are less and less like visions, and more and more like REALITIES.

This is how he looked when he woke up yesterday morning.

I guess I'm a bad mother. I have NO IDEA where he got the sucker in the first place, and well, the cookie? That was his breakfast. (Thanks, Amy for that GIGANTIC bag of chocolate chip cookies....but maybe I need to hide them!)

Last night when I went to tuck them in around 1 a.m. (late night with the cousins at Grandma's house) he had ANOTHER sucker in his hand! WHAT??? I'm going to go on a "search and destroy" later today...

It Aint Easy Being Green

2010-03-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

Well, St. Patrick's sorta sneaked up on me this year, and in an effort to try and be a teensey weensey bit like my mother and create memories for my children, I ventured to make green shamrock pancakes for the kids for breakfast, which really looked more like green misshapen circles, blobs, and well, deformed flora. Oh well. I think they tasted good.

Andrew was so funny. I dropped a bit of green food coloring in the bottom of his glass, so when he came and ate first, he poured his white milk from the carton, and it turned green in his glass. I've done this many times before on other occasions, but for some reason, he was confused.

"Mom, why is the milk doing that? Why is it green?"
"Well, it IS St. Patrick's day. I guess it's just St. Patrick's Day magic!" (wink wink, because, hey, this kid is TEN YEARS OLD!)
"WOW."

That was it for about 5 minutes, when suddenly he bursts out..."oh. I get it!" (He had looked in the other glasses and saw the food coloring. I wonder why it took him so long! I guess they still like surprises!)

That night we were invited to "green dinner" with my mom and a few cousins, and of COURSE I forgot my camera! Ugh!

Oh well. I did manage to sneak chocolate gold coins into their lunches without them seeing. Not much else happened. I guess we'll find that rainbow another day.

Feelin' the Love

2010-03-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

Yep. I turned 35. I wasn't really thinking much about my birthday. For me, this year, it seemed the real reason for celebrating was so that my children could have some cake. I remember not too many years past my birthday was a sort of colossal event that took days of planning and filled weeks with anticipation. Now, it kinda seems like "just another day."

But I was wrong. It started like any other day. Matthew had a program at school, so we went. I came home, helped John shovel the driveway from our surprise snow storm, and checked my email. That's when the celebration began. There were so many messages from friends and family, many on facebook wishing me a Happy Birthday. As I was reading, my doorbell rang, and a couple from my ward (it was also his birthday) came and gave me a gift certificate for a 60-minute massage (she is a therapist!). I was feeling so LOVED!!!

I left and ran to Zupa's to catch lunch with my awesome family that could make it (Dad, Tiffany, Carrie, Amy and her two daughters. What a great time we had just talking and laughing. Tiffany shared some very cute and personal thoughts with me about a dream she had regarding me. It was just a very sweet afternoon.

We followed up with pastries from Cafe Normandie, and took them down to Jennifer who was tending all of the children so that we could enjoy lunch (I forget her "lame" excuse for not joining us, but she offered babysitting, and when she makes up her mind, there's no changing it.) We delivered the pastries, then sat around and laughed hours longer with her. I came home to sweet little notes from my children, and a kitchen decorated by John and Timothy with crepe paper. (Nice deco Job, boys!)

The day continued with gifts and surprises and phone calls from my amazing friends and family. I can't believe how MUCH each little call and visit meant to me. It really MADE MY DAY. My cousin, Bryan, lives in Boston, and somehow convinced a friend here in Salt Lake to even bring some cookies by my house. WHAT??? Molly, Carol, Kate and Erik, Lynette, Michelle and Linda, Marjean, Mary, Elder Swinton, and of course, my FAMILY!!!...you are ALL so thoughtful. I feel so lucky!

I then dropped pastries off to my mom (she was diagnosed with pneumonia!) and spent a few minutes visiting with her. Later, John wanted to go to the Roof for dinner, but I was feeling more like a low-key kind of celebration, so we ended up at Outback Steak House for my favorite "chicken on the barbie." Yum. We went home, rented a redbox movie, and just relaxed with the kids.

It really was a perfect day filled with friends, family, FOOD (my GOODNESS, the SWEETS!) and lots and lots of love.

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for making my day!!!

Where Has the Time Gone?

2010-03-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

I'm facing turning 35 this week. I think that's a sufficient excuse for not having blogged for the past four months. It's either that or those six "other" little reasons running around under my feet asking for cereal and peanut butter sandwiches and diaper changes and baths and trips to McDonald's and new shoes and tadpoles (WHAT???) and the like that have kept me from this site.

Not that I haven't been on my computer. No. I've got 100% record on 69 games of FreeCell right now. THAT'S something to be proud of. (Really, if John dies early, and I need a new husband, that's going on the dating resume).

So, while the rest of the world accomplishes goals, runs marathons, makes science fair projects with their kids, I'm jumping back into the blogging world. Here we go. Jump.

The past four months. Do I recap? There is TOO MUCH! Let's sum up in a list (Thanks for the "boost" idea Steph!)

CHRISTMAS. I don't think a whole lot needs to be said, here. I managed to stay within my Christmas budget this year, and still surprised my kids with a Wii. I remember the first time I sat down to play the new game "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" with my kids, Ashley, Andrew, and Matthew. I was pumped, because with the Playstation, they CREAMED me at every game, because Uncle Christian had a playstation long before we did, and I could never beat my kids at ANYTHING. The Wii, however, is new to all of us. Within 3 or so minutes, all of my 5 lives had been lost. To Matthew (my 5-year old.) Huh? Are my remote batteries charged? This button IS the jump button, right? Come to find out, Super Smash Brothers Brawl is a newer version of a game Uncle Christian had on his game cube. BUMMER. At least I can still beat them at bowling (the REAL version without bumpers.)

BIRTHDAY. Natalie turned eight years old. She gets more excited about holidays and special days than any of my other kids. Being Christmas vacation, we got to spend the day together with cousins having all kinds of fun. I splurged and bought her a really nice baby doll to play with. She carried it around with her every day, changing clothes each morning and night. It was interesting to watch her do that, because she had never really played with dolls before.

BIRTHDAY. Bethany turns 2!!! My baby is 2!!! Time has flown. I can't believe what a little angel this girl is. She is really so sweet. She hardly ever gets upset, and when she is, can usually be calmed down quickly. I guess Heavenly Father knew with 5 older siblings we needed a little "calm" to our storm around here!

BAPTISM. Natalie got baptized. I love this girl. She honestly exudes joy and light and happiness everywhere she goes. She flits around the church hugging all of the neighbors (gathering fruit snacks in the process....it's all coming clear to me now...) but everyone LOVES her. I get at least one person every week telling me how much they love her. And it's obvious why. She loves everyone. She was baptized by John the first Saturday in January. I found a little "necklace pack" at Walmart that I gave her for Christmas. It's one chain with 5 charms you change out. One was a locket. Forget the other 4 charms. It's her favorite. She calls it her baptism necklace, because I put a picture of her, me, and John on her baptism day inside. Love her!

BIRTHDAY PARTY: I've never been one to do "friend" birthday parties, so I told my children they get one when they turn 8, 12, and 16. Natalie wanted to do her party at the Lion House. They put on such a beautiful and classy party, and play pioneer games and tour the Lion House. They pull taffy and eat special ribbon sandwiches that they even served when I turned eight! At the end, they surprise the birthday child with a beautiful porcelain doll to take home. Such a great party!

BABY MADISON IS BORN: After a long and sometimes scary pregnancy, including MONTHS of bedrest (some even in the hospital), Baby Madison finally was born on January 12. She is absolutely ADORABLE just like her sisters. This makes girl #3 for their family, and Amy and Marshall couldn't be happier, and neither could we! Love her so much!

BRACES: Ashley got her braces. She was so excited. I remember as a child wanting braces so I took a paperclip and bent it along my teeth so it appeared like I had a retainer. Ashley got the real deal (*lucky*).

AND ALL OF THAT SQUISHED INTO TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO OUR AMAZING TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO ISRAEL.

TRIP PREPARATIONS. When most people plan to leave the country, they get lots of time to prepare and get things in order. With Christmas, birthdays, braces, parties, and the like, I had no time to think about our vacation. About 12 hours before we left, I threw some clothes into a suitcase and called it good. I had tried in the previous months to "read up", but my "study" was minimal. After putting children to bed and doing scripture study, there wasn't much time to do more than just fall into bed each night.

We were at a bit of a loss as to what to do with our children. When someone offers you a trip to Jerusalem, you say "yes" first, and worry about the details later. We originally had my older sister, Jennifer, tending our children, but figured that with she being pregnant and working, it was too much for her to handle, especially on the nights she was working and her poor husband would have to worry about "crazy" time (bedtime/scriptures/bath/prayer at our house) all by himself with our 6 kids and three of his own. She was almost DESPERATELY wanting to help us, but we just felt like it wasn't fair to her husband. She's too kind anyway. She does SO much for EVERYONE around her.

So, "cue the second angel." Tiffany called me one day and said, "don't say "no" until you hear me out." She then laid out a ridiculously organized and well-thought-out plan as to how she would care for my SIX children in addition to her FIVE. CRAZY. I've thought about this many times since it all happened. There are special places in heaven reserved for people like her, but I think most of them will be wearing straight jackets.

The plan: borrow a 12-passenger van from a neighbor (who charged SO MUCH LESS than a rental agency), and get ALL 11 kids in the van by 7:50 in the morning, including the ironed, pressed, and combed 7 school-aged kids (all having been fed, of course). Drop her own children off at their school in SANDY, then drive 30 minutes to SUGARHOUSE where my kids go to school. (You see where the straight Jacket imagery comes into play, here.)

She had the bedrooms all set up, chore charts, menus, snacks, and even a piano practicing schedule. AMAZING. She figured out the meal budget, and dotted every "i", and crossed every "t." (Even with just 6 kids, I don't know how she did it all.)

The trip itself is its own blog post. But I wanted to mention that if she wasn't busy enough with her 11 children, she STILL found time to set up a blog: "From Utah to Israel With Love" where she posted pictures and kept us updated so that we could check on the kids while we were gone. Unbelievable.

Meanwhile, she and my other sister, Jennifer, still managed to take care of our cat who was still living at home, and Jenn even "rotated" which lights she left on every night so that it would look like we were there. My sisters are honestly too good. How can you plan a family like that? Boy, did I SCORE!

(Watch for an upcoming post about Israel. No promises as to when....just a promise that it will happen.)

RESUME PAST 4-MONTH UNBLOGGING RECAP:

CALLING: I get to work in the Relief Society Presidency with some of the most amazing women I know. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. My job is to work out "Sundays." I think that my title is officially the "education counselor." The task is simple enough. I organize who teaches what, and when. We have two regular teachers, then have a "floating" spot that we ask sisters in the Relief Society to fill for a one-time teaching day. I LOVE this idea. It gives those who don't otherwise have a teaching calling currently to share what's in their hearts for a lesson. So great. In addition, we had a goal to visit all of the sisters. WOW. We do lots of visiting and have had some very important talks with sisters that I otherwise might not have gotten to know very well. My current job is to take everyone's pictures (just a headshot) and make a book of their faces. We have so many new move-ins, that we thought it helpful if we all had a picture reference for us to learn each other's names better!

BIRTHDAY: Timothy turned 4!!! He is such a smart little whip! He loves puzzles and loves making his own cereal and peanut butter sandwiches. He had an interview for pre-school (for the upcoming fall) and it seemed a little strange to see this teacher take him by the hand and lead him away down the hall. He just seemed so LITTLE. He is a tiny little thing (I think Bethany outweighs him by a pound). I'm going to miss him so much in the fall, even if it is just 3 1/2 hrs. a day!

VALENTINE'S DAY: John agreed that WE would speak at a Valentine's dinner in Tooele for our Friday Valentine's day. Yep. But actually, I like speaking with John, and we had a chocolate fountain AND cheesecake, and a GREAT group of the most generous and kind people to share our evening with. What more could a girl want? And top it all off, I got a round trip long drive in the car alone with my husband. (That doesn't happen very often.) Perfect!

BIRTHDAY: Andrew turns 10!!! This brilliant little guy is so great! He loves to make his own board games and is tutoring Matthew at all of the ins and outs of BYU football. He is so helpful and kind (when he wants to be!) and such a delight in our family. He is a great big brother! How did I get such cool kids?

NEW BEGINNINGS: Ashley turns 12 this year. She is definitely mature, but so child-like and innocent in so many ways. It's strange how I seem to date my life according to how old my children are. Am I ready to parent a Young Woman? Do I remember all of the "issues?" Wow.

DESERET BOOK AUTHOR DINNER: Every year Deseret Book hosts a nice dinner for those authors and artists that have published with them in the previous year. It is one of my favorite nights of the year. Elder Scott, Elder Ballard, and presiden Eyring attended this year, along with the "who's who" among LDS authors and artists. It's not your typical church meeting. They play a silly movie (John played "Robin"...as in "Batman and Robin") starring Superman, Mr. Incredible, and other notables. So funny. Elder Scott and President Eyring also spoke. What an amazing group to be with. John had a very tender personal exchange with President Eyring and Elder Ballard. What an amazing night!

And now, it's March. I'm going to be consistent. No more eternal "recaps." Hope you enjoyed the read, both of you readers out there. Thanks for the support!

Rise and Shout!!!

2009-12-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

We have loved a whole season of BYU football tickets, but of course, the game I looked forward to most this year was the last home game against the Utes. As usual, the game was a real nail-biter, but it seems this rivalry is always that way for me! It was great fun to cheer the cougs to their final home-game victory. Way to go! I forgot to take my camera into the stadium but managed to catch this one in the car before we got there.

Andrew and Aaron "Cougars in training"

Las Vegas, here we come!

Thankful

2009-12-06T16:50:00.001-08:00

Recently I had someone tell me that I seemed to be one of those people to whom life comes easily, and that I didn't appear to have any trials. Of course, as any person would, I beg to differ, because we all struggle with many things in our lives whether or not they are visible to anyone else.

But this Thanksgiving, I chose to be grateful. Today in Church we talked about the blessing of being content. It doesn't matter who you are or what your special circumstances are. You can be thankful for the things you have and the blessings that are so abundantly showered down...and they are...on ALL of us.

I know this is supposed to be my Thanksgiving post, but in this lesson (now in December) we talked about Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and looked at the many people Dickens wove into the story, and what we stood to learn from each one of them. We talked about Scrooge's nephew Fred who ALWAYS extended his annual invitation to Christmas dinner, expecting rejection, yet nevertheless unwaivering in his attempt at a family connection with his uncle. Then there was Fezziwig and his wife who were joyful, cheerful, delightful, and very generous. Of course, there are the Kratchits. Bob made next to nothing, but had such a great treasure. His family loved one another. They cared for and loved their disabled little brother, and on Christmas morning (before the visits of the three spirits) Bob Kratchit made a toast to Scrooge, the "founder of the feast" which wasn't much of a feast at all.

It was a parallel discussion that followed the Proclamation to the World on the family. Dickens managed to portray such different circumstances in these different characters, yet all seemed to have Truth. They knew the value of family and recognized it as their greatest treasure.

So, this Thanksgiving season helped me reflect on the many blessings I have in the form of the angels that surround me in my family. I have AMAZING parents who are two of my greatest friends. I have AWESOME siblings (and siblings-in-law) that I LOVE to spend time with and learn from. I have the greatest aunts and uncles, and completely cool cousins you could ever imagine. I have wonderful nieces and nephews, and even some great-neices and nephews! I am married to the most indescribably great man I ever could dream of. I have six healthy, happy, and busy children. Yes, I do have much to be thankful for.

So this season, I'll put aside my perhaps disguised trials, and focus on the very obvious blessings I have.

Our Thanksgiving celebration started off the night before. We have sadly realized we can't fit much pie in after all of the turkey and stuffing (of our bodies), so we have pie night before Thanksgiving. Everyone brought pies :)Natalie and Ashton and Elayna

Tiffany and Amy (on supposed bed-rest)

Lauren wants more pie!

Tiffany and Tim took on the gargantuan task of hosting our entire Loveridge family at their home. Not only was it beautifully and tastefully decorated, the spirit was there. Their home just "feels" nice...and that's with 35 people, most of them children, running around.

On Thanksgiving Day, Tim started us off with a spiritual thought on gratitude and Thanksgiving before we started eating. It was a beautiful expression of the gratitude we all feel.
Tiffany's beautiful table decorations

Some of the kids
I think Daniel is trying to say he's "finished"
Look at all of those children!Carrie baked a beautiful cornucopia out of bread. So cool!
My first homemade cherry pie. Dad was thankful!

I love that we have this national day set aside for us to remember our many blessings. It's a nice preview to the Christmas season. Of course, my greatest blessing is my Savior, and his sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to repent and live with my family forever. Yeah, I am blessed.

Budding Balloonist

2009-11-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Natalie's friend had a "magic" birthday party complete with magician and tricks. The best part was that they learned to make their own balloon animals and hats. She was so anxious to show us her tricks and to make us all our own animals. What a fun idea!

Midnight Madness

2009-11-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

At the last minute, I got a phone call from Tiffany, ecstatic that she had gotten us tickets to go and see the new Twilight movie "New Moon." THEN, she broke the news that our showing was at 2:50 in the morning! CRAZY!!! But I love those fun times that break up life! I really liked the movie (minus the FAKE make-up on the vamp lead, and the expressionless acting) but really, the story was great. Thanks again Tiff for mixing it up! It was a great time! :)

Not old enough yet...but still fun

2009-11-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Ashley was in a play at school, and was directed to put on make-up before arriving at school. It was so fun to see what a LOVELY thing she is. Her eyelashes are like tarantulas! Lucky thing!

She's just growing up too fast. :)

Girls' Getaway

2009-11-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

This year marked the first year of our annual tradition...a favorite of mine (I can already tell.) We kissed our husbands and kids goodbye and went to Park City for an overnighter full (and boy, do I mean FULL) of food and fun. Special thanks to hubby John for footing the bill for our hotel room! LOVE THAT GUY!!!

Just before dinner (homemade Egg-drop soup and asian chicken salad)

Carrie, Natalie, Mom, Amy, and Tiffany

Tiffany and Mom (after NO sleep) making an early breakfast for everyone

Carrie and Amy in the bathroom getting ready to hit the outlet stores in style!

All of us again...minus Amy

Me, Mom, Carrie, Natalie, Tiffany

You girls are the BEST! I can't believe the coolest people I know are in my very own FAMILY! I'm one lucky chica! Love you all! Can't wait for next year! :)

HALLOWEEN!

2009-11-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

I just LOVE Halloween! My kids did the best to "scrounge" up their costumes after weeks and weeks of indecision. John and I did alright as well! I dug up my wedding dress and threw it on with Tiffany's veil, and voila! Costume! My mother, of course, was MORTIFIED that I would trapse around town dragging my dress. I figured it was nice to actually let the thing breathe for once!

We trunk-or-treated our ward parking lot, then headed off to Grandma Loveridge's neighborhood to increase our loot! The weather was great, and the kids FAST! I think they're finally catching on to the trick...We had a great time with the Mercers, Johnsons, Dustins, and Hendricksons.

Mom, on the other hand, spent her night in the ER...she was sharpening a knife, looked up to see a play during the U of U game, and SLICED her thumb! She was trying to be brave, but when Dr. Tim showed up, immediately shooed her off to get it looked at. She was sent from InstaCare to a specialist who diagnosed her cut TENDON. Crazy! She got surgery, and is now healing...but talk about a SCARY HALLOWEEN! Love you, Mom!

Ashley...Indian...(after I talked her out of being an "archer.")
Andrew...never gets tired of the BYU thing. I think this is 3 years running. Looks like many of his friends wanted to show thier colors this year as well.

Natalie, the good little witch.Matthew...Navy admiral. Love that grin!
Here we all are! For the first year, Ashley asked to trick-or-treat with friends. She was a little torn, because she wanted to be with us, but gave into her friend and went with her. We truly missed having her with us, but she had a good night! Happy Halloween!

Cheesecake, Anyone?

2009-11-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jeff and Josh who earned degrees...Jeff a masters in Education, and Josh his Bachelor's in nutrition? I can't remember. Sorry! :) But I DO remember the party! Love you guys! Way to go!

Wheeler Farm

2009-11-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

My sister, Tiffany, teaches a little pre-school with some other moms, and during their study of animals, decided to visit the farm! She invited me and Amy and Marshall along with our kids to join them! It was a fun day! Thanks again!

Timothy and the TRACTOR!!!
Sisters :) (Me, Amy, and Tiffany)

Lauren braves up and tries to reach out to pet the horses

Elizabeth, Bethany, and Timothy

Timothy tries to make friends with the geese

Dear John

2009-10-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is a tough post to write. I love that line in the movie "Contact" when Jodie Foster is in "space" and has to try and describe to others what she is seeing. She simply says, "You should have sent a poet." That completely describes how I feel.

I love John. He's just one of those people that I never knew existed until I found him. He is kind, caring, and so very thoughtful. He is so other-centered and selfless. He spends much of his time doing things for others. The best part is, he does most of that for me. He has made me his priority...and yet, accomplished so much for so many other people in the process.

He just turned 47. I can't believe how much he has become in so few years. He reminds me of what Ezra Taft Benson said: "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can." John is one who truly has turned his life over to God. He just wants to fulfill the mission that he said he would finish. He is constantly engaged in that work.

He has a GREAT sense of humor. We laugh ourselves silly at our house. People often ask me what John is "really" like, and it's so fun to tell them that what they see is what they get. He is what he seems and more: Funny, happy, spiritual, and lively.

John is a great dad. EVERY one of my children could be described as a "Daddy's girl" or "Daddy's boy." They ADORE him. It's very obvious who the favorite parent is at our house, and I simply LOVE that, because they couldn't love a better man. He is always laughing with them, playing with them, teaching them in ways that only he can.

He is a hard worker. I used to not understand how on vacation he constantly had his computer with him so he could write, or how he was always reading and studying something. But now I know that it's just IN him. He is a worker. He is happiest when he is accomplishing something, and he accomplishes great things. He recently taught himself to play the banjo! He's always trying new things!

He is generous. I don't mean to embarrass him, but he is ALWAYS doing things for others. Whether he pays for others' car repairs, lends them his truck, or slips them some needed money, he is always doing for others. He spends at least a couple of nights a week helping others, either in his church calling, or his own chosen goal to better others' lives. It's amazing to watch.

I can't believe I get him. He is the best friend I've ever had. He doesn't judge me for my inadequacies, but focuses on my better traits. What more could I ask for? He's simply perfect for me. I love you, honey!!!

Bubble Trouble

2009-10-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

I just love bathtime pictures:

Sometimes happy...

Sometimes sad...

Nice and clean

Football Season

2009-10-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Andrew and John have been playing flag football all fall...well, Andrew has played, and John has coached! The games are usually at night, and with a cheap camera, the pics aren't so good, but you get the idea! Way to go Andrew!!!

Candy, Caramel, Cool Crowd, and a dash of Chaos

2009-10-22T08:34:00.001-07:00

Every year we have our annual "Haunted Gingerbread House" Family Home Evening. Of course, they're not that haunted, and they're not gingerbread, but we have fun nonetheless. My friend gave me an ingenius idea...I melted sugar on the stove and pre-made the houses for the kids. I just dipped the sides of the crackers in the liquid sugar, and put the houses together. The sugar hardens like a sucker, so those houses held up so well! Great idea! Here are pics:
Look at all that Candy!!!

Ashley

Matthew

Madelyn

The kids are so excited!

Holden

Gabriel

Elizabeth

Taking a small sample

Joshua

Adam

What a crowd!

Carrie and Holden

Andrew and Joshua

Ashley, Abbie, and Natalie

Lauren takes a nibble

Aaron

Elayna, Ava, and Timothy

Ava

We decided to make some caramel apples as well!

Ashley decided to make a "torture chamber". I think she gets these genes from her Grandpa Loveridge. (He has a guilloutine in his Law Office). Note the skeleton, used to be a man with a spear through him...:)

Here's the bigger picture...note the skulls atop sticks...what????

This is an "orange man" who has been, uh, "speared" also.

We held this during the U of U game...here are the die-hard fans, Michael, Marshall, and Tim:

We had an AWESOME night with everyone! Thanks again for all the treats everyone contributed! For me, one of the best nights of the year! Love you all!

I just Like My Kids

2009-10-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

I just like my kids. I think it's funny when they turn my kitchen into a restaurant (almost weekly). I like it when they head-butt my thigh and hug it to tell me they love me. I'm even getting used to their own "decor" in their bedrooms, including their dart-gun targets and "do not enter unless you are Adam, Aaron, Joshua, Thomas, Ashley (or any other cousin.)
Last Monday for FHE we did a little lesson, then afterward built a temple out of blocks. I thought the "Angel Moroni" was particularly clever.

Yep, I just like my kids.

I thought 35 was the new 25!!

2009-09-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

So, although I'm not yet "approaching" 35 (I've got well above 5 months to go...), I thought I'd post my frustrations about my age. I remember after my first baby was born, I lost those whopping 25 extra pounds in about 6 hours (give or take a few minutes.) Fast forward to child number six, 20 months old already, and I'm still struggling to lose that last 10 lbs! It used to be that if I sacrificed an only ate the HALF dozen donuts, the weight would drop off. Now I'm subsisting on water and celery and gaining weight every time I pass the candy bar aisle at the grocery store. So, thanks to my friend who posted this comic...it made my day.

Timothy

2009-09-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

I love how this kid gets into the car. It's like a Herculean effort just to open the door. I wish they could stay this little forever.

School!

2009-09-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

AT LAST! My kids were so anxious to start school and the day finally came! We had been ready for school to start for weeks, since most of the kids in the neighborhood started school two weeks earlier. We did make a last-minute stop off to buy shoes with Auntie Tiffany...who makes EVERY shopping trip fun!

We got some caramel apples for the teachers, woke up late (!) and sent them off!

Things are so QUIET during the day with all four of them in for a full day! I miss thier running, chasing, teasing, chaos,....um, wait. I miss THEM. Not that other stuff. ;)

Dad's in a Jam...Raspberry.

2009-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I dropped in at my parents' home, and Dad was in the kitchen, proudly hovering over his latest creation: his own self-bottled freezer jam. He went to the store, bought bottles, something like 10 packages of pectin (a little much, Dad!), and went to town. In just a few hours, he had raspberry jam to last a season, and a sense of accomplishment to match. Way to go, Dad!

Birthday Celebrations

2009-09-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

For Ashley's birthday, we took the kids up to Park City to ride the Alpine Slide. It was such fun! Ashley zips down first...

followed closely by Nattles

and Andrew....

For the first round, Matthew rode with John, but then for the second ride, he was supposed to go with me. He was so mad, and probably couldn't quite understand WHY he had to go with me, so he said he would rather just sit and cry, and MISS riding with me because he couldn't go with John...and somebody called it the terrible TWOs. I think it's the frustrating FIVEs. :) I'd rather just sit here and cry...

Mom came along to sit with me and tend Bethany while we awaited our turn down the slide. Mom's a speedster down that mountain!Riding on the lift up the mountain with TimothyThat night we opened presents...and of course I forgot my camera, but thankfully Auntie Amy had hers handy! While we wait for pictures, we'll just post the "present!" We gave Ashley a certificate for horseback riding with us up the canyons at Snowbird Ski Resort. She was in HEAVEN! It was the perfect activity in the perfect venue. We had a great time!

Riding the Snowbird tram to the lookout point. What a view! On top of the world...
Helmets on for a rocky ride down the canyon in a little 4-wheeler
We passed a tree that had been struck by lightning
Ashley on "Captain Morgan." Check out those horse's blue eyes!
John on "Malone."

Here I am on "Easy Money."
Malone had one speed....slow and steady...and WAY behind. We rode for about an hour in the BEAUTIFUL back-country of Snowbird and loved every minute. The horses were so mild, and even trotted a bit from time to time. What a fun birthday present for ALL of us! Thanks again, John, for a fun day out with our not-so-little girl.

...and before you know it...

2009-09-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Your baby's ELEVEN! Happy Happy Happy Birthday Ashley. Eleven reasons why I LOVE this girl:

1) She is so responsible! She has started babysitting, and after her first job, the mom called me to thank me...not only for being a great babysitter and playing with the kids, but for feeding them and CLEANING up her kitchen. Way to go Ashley!

2) Her smile. Who can't love that face of hers. She is such a sparkler and flashes those pearly whites often

3) Her sense of humor. She is always telling jokes and making us laugh. She has a very witty comment or remark often, and keeps us in stitches

4)Her amazing artistic ability. From a very young age, Ashley showed her special ability to draw and create pictures! We LOVE it when she draws. She is constantly working on her art, trying to improve her talent. One of our favorite things is when she combines her artistic talent with her witty sense of humor with her original comic strips. Here's one she drew after she learned how to play badminton up at Aspen Grove:
(the caption reads: "Tim, maybe we should stop playing since you can't leave the birdie alone.")

5) Her ability to "sense" a situation and act accordingly. I can't tell you how often I'll be feeling a little overwhelmed, and without being asked, Ashley will dive in and start doing something to help me: dishes, vacuuming, etc. What a doll.

6) Her ability to entertain other children. Ashley is the "head" of so much of the play that happens at our house. She is giving somebody a "horsie" ride on her back or building huts, or playing some sort of game, or helping someone build something. Her imagination is endless!

7) She is turning into such a lady. She is starting to mature so much and has just started to get into those little "girly" things...but not too quickly! She's the perfect balance between childhood and pre-teen. Perfect! I might add that she is also an adventurer. She will try new things without worrying. She loves green marinated olives, Brie cheese, and tried pheasant for the first time this summer. She LOVES it when I buy her those strange and unusual fruits and veggies at the grocery store (that right now I can't even name because they're so unusual!)

8) She is grateful. Whenever we do something for her, even the littlest thing, she is always gracious and thanks us...sincerely. She truly appreciates everything we do for her, from buying her new socks to making meals. She is just appreciative.

9) She is smart! She gets great grades, and although may need to work a little harder at some things, sticks to it and hangs in there until she gets it done. She takes pride in her own work and doesn't have to be pushed by us to do well. She just wants that for herself.

10) Ashley is unassuming. When we go to the store, she NEVER asks for things. If another child asks for a candy bar or something, I'll see her nudge them and quietly tell them, "Don't ask. That's not nice." I LOVE that! I guess it sort-of goes back to the "appreciative" thing. She doesn't expect anything.

11) She is mine. What a blessing in my life to have this first child, and such a gem. She is truly a rare and wonderful gift to our family. She is a leader in our home and such a great teacher to her little brothers and sisters. We couldn't feel more blessed to have her in our lives.

Love you Ashley!!!

Aspen Grove Family Camp

2009-09-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Every so often, we are invited to go to BYU's Alumni Aspen Grove. This time, it was for their family camp. We just LOVE this place. It it this little "resort" tucked up Provo Canyon above Sundance. During the day, the kids get to play with supervised groups of kids their own ages while the adults attend classes (or really just do whatever they want!)

They have a great cafeteria with good food, and a buffet where the kids can easily serve themselves.

There is Basketball, Badminton, volleyball, two extensive playgrounds, an old-fashioned cowboy town, tramplines, rock climbing, a ropes course, trout fishing, entertainment, every board game you can imagine, swimming, a family dance, ping pong and billiards, air hockey, arts and crafts center...the list goes on and on. You could spend all your time doing something new each day. And the best part? No television. The perfect getaway.

Eating lunchAshley with her fish (these fish are very well-fed creatures, as the pond is fed from a running stream, so the fishing is not for the weak-hearted! Most fishermen leave empty-handed, but Ashley was so lucky to catch a fish early on!)Ashley tries rappelling Natalie, Timothy, and Daddy playing CandylandBethany tries her hand at badmintonMatthew at the pool

We had such a great time. Thanks again, Aspen Grove!

Simply Selfless

2009-08-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just love my kids. Today I woke up to the heavenly aroma of cake being baked. This is what Ashley made for me...and Natalie helped decorate. Love you, girls!

The Family that Plays Together...

2009-08-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

For Loveridge FHE this month, Jeff and Natalie organized fun in the sun at their neighborhood splash ground! It was amazingly hot, but the water was as cool as the company.

Jeff splashes a little with Ashton Thomas...just walking and waiting for the perfect time to join the fun Bess-a-booAdam with his newly broken arm stayed on the outskirts. Notice the mis-matched flip flop! Boys will be boys.Holden tries to "man" the blow fish gunEven in the extreme heat, it feels good to snuggle in a warm towel
Carrie, Mom and Dad, relaxing in the shadeOur splashground hostess, Natalie Adam takes a reading break

Tiffany, enjoying the shadeTimothy and JohnTimothyElizabeth, smiling in the sunJoshua, runnin' aroundFirst-grader MadelynMarshall managed to get himself in the middle of a waterfight with EVERY child on the playground!The entire Hendrickson FamilyGabriel is at that stage between walking and crawling. He can do both, but sometimes, it's just easier to combine the two!Bethany trying to endure the heatThe kids take a break for lunchAshley versus AndrewAndrew and Aaron Jeff, the new target of the kids, uses Ashton as a shield.Then he realizes he can use the blow-fish "gun." All those hours of "Blackhawk Down" sure can come in handy!The kids plan their next attack! Kate Keeps HydratedI played with Daniel's curly locks and got him this "Who hair"The Birthday bunch

(Gabriel reached out and grabbed the cake while we were singing. He just couldn't wait!)"Even the best-laid plans...." Jeff and Natalie brought the amazing cake, but accidentally forgot the forks! The cake literally was..."finger-lickin' good!"Michael and Tim enjoy their ice-cream

We had a GREAT time together! Thanks again everyone! We sure love you all and feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing family! Kisses!

Pizza Night

2009-08-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not too domestic. I admit it. I've never made homemade pizza in my marriage. But, you throw in a lazy Friday night, the Johnson cousins, Tiffany's handy kitchen skills, a trip to the grocery store, and voila!

You may notice the lack of cheese on Tiffany's pizza. I guess in her hurry she forgot it...but not to worry...we smothered it on top, and it all tasted wonderful. ;)

In Love with Lagoon

2009-08-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't been to Lagoon in years. No, let me retract. I haven't been to Lagoon when I'm not pregnant in years. Usually I stay off the big rides with whatever small children are clinging to my motherly skirts and watch all of the big kids have fun with John. (I did cheat when I was 5 mos. pregnant with Timothy and ride the Rocket as well as the Spider, but alas, I digress.)

This year, with the benevolence of Jennifer and Amy in my corner, I left Bethany, Timothy, and Matthew home, took on cousins Aaron and Abby, and left with Ashley, Andrew, and Natalie to Farmington. It promised to be 100 degrees, and I had it in my head that you can't wear open-toed shoes there for certain rides. So, I wore my shoes and socks, but didn't have any of those cute little "hidden" socks that look like you're wearing NO socks, so I thought I'd have to wear pants because you just don't wear calf-length socks with capris! Then, as I got ready, I realized I didnt' have any t-shirts...just a capped-sleeve turtleneck...which I wore, and to any who know me, YES...it WAS black. I think I looked like the biggest idiot with long pants, shoes, and a turtleneck! Oh well! I had fun regardless! I'll let the pictures do the talking!

We ran to the Wild Mouse FIRST!!!Music ExpressWaiting for the Spider

A mid-day rest In line for the Log ride

Trying to avoid the Waterfall on Rattlesnake Rapids

AFTER Rattlesnake RapidsSometimes the kiddie rides don't hold enough excitement for an almost-11-year-oldThe Scrambler!These two are the cutest little friendsBuddies Aaron and Andrew

On the Cliffhanger...sopping wet!

Thanks again to the babysitters! At the end of the night, Ashley and I ran to the Samurai for one last ride. That thing is a killer! When the ride ended, the park was closing, but there were still 15 people in line for the last ride that could hold 30 people, so we rode once more. Twice in a row was a little much for me! I think for the first time in my life I was a little nauseated getting off of a ride! Hmmm.... But we love Lagoon!

Splish Splash

2009-08-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to a close, we're trying to fit in as many fun activities as we can! Yesterday we ended up at the Gateway for some splashin' fun! We had a great time with the Dustins, Mercers, and Hendricksons! It was a great day! Auntie Jennifer bought everyone pizza and drinks so we could splash on full stomachs! Thanks Jenn!

Gabriel tries out his walking skills! Daniel--ready for action!
Holden waiting for the water to spray... Matthew, in heaven
Andrew and Aaron having fun Bethany, a little too timid to brave the "splash ground."
Fun to watch the synchronized musical water show
Natalie, waiting, waiting, waiting...
Ashley tries to coax Bethany into the fun
Timothy learns what happens when you look down into one of the splash holes...(Uh, note the "floating" swimming suit. I told the kids to get their swimming suits on, and Timothy INSISTED on wearing this suit rather than his swimming trunks. Oh well. No sunburn to worry about with him!)

Andrew fell and got a little "owie" and a nearby concerned citizen decided to call security! We had to file a report for his "scraped knee." More excitement than they usually get, I'd wager.
Natalie takes a break and tries to get warm...
Holden gets the biggest thrill of the day when he sees an airplane! Carrie splurges and buys everyone snowies..the best slushies we've ever had!
Matthew struggled the entire time to keep his swimming suit up!Ash SplashToo shy to get in the wet, Ava spent most of the time singing on the sidelines!

...and little sister Lauren followed suit!

Getting ready to go home...

We had such a great time! We are so lucky to have so many fun cousins nearby! It wouldn't have been the same without all of you!

Mt. Rushmore

2009-08-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jennifer and Michael, we took a caravan trip to Mt. Rushmore last week with them and with Mom and Dad! It was amazing. I don't think it was on the top of my list of places to visit, but thanks to their planning, we tagged along...and what an adventure! I am so grateful we got to go!

We rented a 31-foot motorhome, and drove the 700+ miles via Martin's Cove in Wyoming to Custer, South Dakota, and saw Crazy Horse monument, Mt. Rushmore, the Jewel caves, and drove through Custer State Park. It was such a wonderful vacation. Thanks again Jenn and Michael for inviting us along! It will definitely be a trip to remember.

As we drove, the highway was so bumpy in spots, Mom held up the Pollyanna board so we could still play games without our pieces moving! Now that's game dedication!

Bethany was pretty content to sit in her carseat for most of the ride! She would often fuss until we put her in, then she'd clap her hands as we buckled her up!

As we drove, we realized that on the range, the antelope really do play...and in abundance. We saw so many!First we stopped over in Martin's Cove. Near this visitor's center, the Pioneers who left late in the season got stranded and weathered severe winter storms without protection or food. Rescue eventually came, but the death toll reached over 10%. It was a very sobering thing to see all of the names of the pioneers in the Willey and Martin companies, with the ones who died highlighted in red. Amazing. It really made me think I have never really had to sacrifice anything.The kids get a chance to pull a small handcart as the pioneers did.John, here in front of Rattlesnake Pass (leading between the mountains behind) through which the pioneers passed, as well as the pony express. Part of the Oregon Trail.
John, in front of Devil's Gate
And on to Custer! We found a great campsite with electrical, sewer, and internet hookups. What more could you want when you're camping? The kids are having breakfast:
When you're staying in a small town, there aren't many franchises around, but we did manage to find a Pizza Hut buffet! The kids were in heaven!

The next place we visited was Crazy Horse monument. It is a mountain sculpture in the works depicting "Crazy Horse" pointing over the lands where his ancestors are buried. It is (if I remember correctly) going to be 5x the size of Mt. Rushmore when completed. The man who began the project has refused funding from the government in an effort to show that the Indian Nation is independent. The project has reportedly turned down offers of $20 million from the government to complete it. Thus, it has been in the works for over 50 years, with what seems like hundreds of years to go to completion. Here is Jennifer in front of the mountain. If you look closely to the left you can see the face of "Crazy Horse."
A small-scale sculpture of what the finished mountain will look like:
Dad teasing Daniel. That kid is ALWAYS smiling!
Matthew was tired, and having a hard time getting comfortable in the stroller, so he just parked it and got cozy on the wooden deck. We tried to hold him, but he just wanted to be left alone to sleep!

Abby and Natalie in front of a motorcycle on display at Crazy Horse. I'm not really sure what it has to do with the whole thing, but I thought the picture was cute nonetheless. After Crazy Horse, we headed to the Jewel Caves. Here we are in front of the elevator that will take us some 39 stories underground! With a temperature of 49 degrees in the caves, we tried to bundle up!
Inside the Jewel Caves:
I think this rock is called "Bacon" rock. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it really did look like a big piece of bacon.I think I learned just how many times a tour guide can say "don't touch" in one tour by walking around with this kid underground. 357.
After the caves, we headed to Mt. Rushmore. It is absolutely breathtaking. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Great men. Washington, who turned down a third term to be president, also declining job as emperor or king of the country, Jefferson who made the Louisana Purchase and penned the Constitution, Roosevelt who was instrumental in getting the Panama Canal, and Lincoln, President during the Emancipation Proclamation, are all depicted, immortalized in stone.Our group on the hiking trail at the base of Mt. Rushmore
At Mt. Rushmore, the Avenue of Flags, representing all 50 states.

Mom and Dad:

Listening to our recorded tour to get the fullest experience and to learn the most about Mt. Rushmore. Highly recommended!

Our kids had little booklets that they completed, answering questions during a very detailed "interrogation" so that they could become Jr. Rangers. We were SO SO proud!!! (You think I'm kidding. The guy drilled them for a good 40 minutes total before he would pass out those plastic badges. They EARNED those puppies!)

The kids hiking on the GRANITE rocks in the BLACK hills, near the PONDEROSA pines at Mt. Rushmore. (They're not the ONLY ones who learned something. Where's MY badge?)

The next day, we headed to Custer State Park for a drive. The wildlife there was amazing! The kids got up close and personal with donkeys:

Dad had the chance to pet this buffalo, but wimped out. Bummer. I was hoping for a great photo op at the time.

For lunch, we ate at scenic Sylvan Lake.

The kids were BEGGING to swim, so although the water was FREEZING (by my standard) they all went in anyway. Andrew and Aaron feeling safe with their floating devices!

There were many "creatures" in the water. Tadpoles, minnows, and crawfish! Abby gives "fishing" a go.

Then Michael drove us up to a place called "Needles", named for the cool rock formations. We had a great time crawling around!We drove into a small town called Keystone to do a little shopping. Cute place with some really interesting shops!

But a child can only stand so much shopping. We thought this pose that Timothy had when he fell asleep was so funny.

Back at camp, Abby and Natalie made themselves a little town out of dirt. Abby used her new souvenir jewelry, as well as rocks gathered from around the camp to create their settlement. They had a petting zoo, Crazy Horse, Rushmore, and even a bowling alley. Sounds like a great place to visit!Then we all went to bed for the long trek home. We made the drive in record time, with only a few small stops for the most essential things:All in all, we were only gone for a few days, but packed in so much! We had a wonderful time! Thanks again to the Dustins and Mom and Dad for making the trip so fun! Love you all!

Alaska

2009-07-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

We are among the lucky ones. Last week we took a cruise up to Alaska. It was amazing. But even more amazing than the opportunity to be there was the chance we had to be there with Mom and Dad, Jeff and Natalie, four of our kids, John's mom, and two of his aunts and two uncles. SWEET!

We went with an LDS group organized through a company called "Cruise Lady." It's so fun to be there on board with not only family, but a large group (over 160) who are all LDS. You have such fun getting to know people during the trip!

We spent a couple of days on board the ship, but stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, Canada. There were so many highlights to the trip, but I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

All Aboard!!! (I think Ashley's smile was fading by the time I got Matthew to even LOOK at the camera!) And Straight to the Buffet (a really hard habit to break now that we're home!) Honestly, you go from two meals a day at home (well, that's me talking) to eating at least FIVE! Thank heavens for the menu selection of "sweet and nutritious fruit"!
Is there life without shrimp????
After our first day at sea, we stopped in Ketchikan!

Totem Byte Park:Ashley and Andrew were so happy to find handfuls of "Salmon Berries" along the path. The berries look like "pink" raspberries, and much more tart!

Gorgeous Natalie in front of a totem pole

John, just lookin' good.

There was an amazing view of the ocean nearby.Messing around in the gift shops:

Natalie tries on an $80,000 GREEN DIAMOND ring. (That was the SALE price!)

Back aboard, the kids ask, "what should we do in 65 degree weather? SWIM, of course!"

Panning for Gold in Skagway:

Dad hits the jackpot!

Natalie: Worth her weight in gold!

The Breathtaking Butchart Gardens in Victoria Canada

Formal night on the Ship.

Jeff and Natalie

Mom and Dad

Kim and John

Ashley wanted to try the Pheasant!

Jeff, with his SECOND helping of Lobster Tails!
And Dessert never disappoints!

Looking at the eagles on shore...with NO zoom lens. No kidding, they were 10 yards away.

Jeff makes friends with a sea urchin:

Could it even BE a vacation without Settlers of Catan?

It's so amazing to realize the great opportunities we have! We are so blessed! We couldn't have done it without the Cruise Lady, and especially the help of Amy and Marshall for watching our two babies and kitty while we were away! You guys are the best! We love you. Thanks again!

...and to Alaska: See you next year!

Farewell, Christian

2009-07-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Amy started a new blog for Christian documenting his mission, and is doing a beautiful job. She has great posts, and you can check it out at http://www.elderloveridge.blogspot.com/.

I had a few things to add. We spend a lot of time together as a family. At least some of us are together probably 4 or 5 days a week. But with Christian leaving on his mission, I think I at least saw him every single day for the last three or more weeks. Crazy! We are really going to miss him.

This is just before he was set apart with his Stake Presidency and bishop. I could hardly believe what a BEAUTIFUL blessing he received as he was set apart. It was specific and custom-made for him. It was an amazing experience to be there.

With the new MTC drop-off rule, you can only have ONE car drop him off at the curb, and NO family goes inside the MTC. So, we had a breakfast buffet at Tiffany's home in the morning, and then those who could drove to Provo, and we met at a nearby church parking lot so we could see him off once again.

As my parents drove him the last two blocks to the MTC, we all stood in a long line and waved goodbye, and just as Christian drove past, he stuck his head out the window, threw his fist in the air, and yelled, "Hurrah for Israel!" What a cool brother!

As we waited for Mom and Dad to come back and report, I asked the kids what they were going to miss most about Christian. Andrew said, "playing games, like Sardines." Ashley said, "leadership." Adam said, "him just being there." They LOVE their Uncle Christian!

Mom and Dad said the MTC was short and HARD, and sweet. They pulled up and a couple of dozen missionaries greeted them as they unloaded his luggage. Mom described them as just "BEAMING." Dad said he was glad that they didn't have to go inside because that would have torn him apart. He said it was hard enough as it was.

Later that afternoon, we went to Brick Oven for lunch, and as I sat there with Dad, he said he was thinking that if Christian had been born sooner after the other children (he's 8 years after my youngest sister) that he would be graduating from graduate school about now. I said, "yeah, but isn't it sweet to have this experience of sending a missionary off this late in your life?" He then got a bit emotional, and said, "Christian is like an encore. You go to the performance, and you think it's over, and then, they play an encore, and it's like they saved the best for last." Coming from a musician, I thought that was a beautiful analogy. He really is like a wonderful "addendum" to our family, and we simply wouldn't be complete without him. LOVE YOU CHRISTIAN!!!
Bethany waves goodbye:

Nacho Libre!

2009-07-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

So, I've seen Nacho Libre once in my life, and thought it amusing, but when my brother-in-law decided to host a Nacho Libre party, I thought we'd better get our kids decked out for the occasion. I got online to get the costume ideas. Andrew, of course is "Nacho Libre" and Matthew (far right) is his side-kick. Timothy is one of the opponents...I remember my brother-in-law showing me a clip of these two little dudes in furry costumes (I think they're called the Devil's cavemen) so I knew he at LEAST would get a kick out of Timothy's costume. Thanks for planning a fun night for all of us! I didn't take enough pictures at the event...All the kids had decorated their own little paper plate masks, and Christian had SEWED a "Strong Bad" from Home Star Runner mask! I'll have to get pics from the fam for that. We had Nachos, toast, and of course, "the Lord's cheeps." Thanks, Marshall!

Oquirrh Hills Temple

2009-07-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today, thanks to Jenn getting reservations, we went to the Oquirrh Hills Temple Open House. We had the chance earlier this year to see the Draper Hills Temple, so we feel doubly blessed to be able to take our children inside TWO temples. I remember as a child going to the Jordan River temple before it was dedicated, and am grateful that we get to give our children the same experience.

We actually saw some friends who had never been to an open house before, and who probably don't know much about the LDS church, so it was an added bonus to see them there! Overall, it was a great day!

Here I am with all of my kids! And they're all looking and smiling! A rarity!

Jennifer with her sweet kids!

Aaron and Abby

All of the cousins together

Natalie and Abby

My Dad

2009-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's funny how you think many things, but often they don't make it onto paper. Actually, I think my family is pretty good at expressing love, and we're pretty good about writing notes and things, but I don't think I've taken the time to share publicly how cooooool my dad is.

My dad rocks! He is often called "the life of the party." He is quick to laugh, ALWAYS has a joke ready, and loves to share his quick wit in conversations. He is jovial, fun, and a great joy to be around.

My dad is smart. He is an attorney by profession, but his wisdom extends FAR beyond his book-learning. He is "people" smart. He is a genius with others and really knows how to love. He is fun in his office and when I meet his clients, they rarely tell me that they met my Dad without adding how much fun they had with him and telling what a wonderful man he is.

He loves his family. My dad shares that his parents RARELY used the words "I love you" with him, but I can't imagine being with him that he doesn't hug me or tell me that he loves me. He is free with his emotions and makes sure that we all know that he loves us.

My dad serves. As a small example, when we visit their home, he is ALWAYS at the door helping carry out small children or bags of our "litter" to our car. It was especially apparent when I was pregnant, and he wouldn't let me carry anything! Even when he's at my house and I have heavy things to carry, he, with his "bad knee" will heft things up my garage stairs to help.

Dad is a great GRANDPA!!! My kids LOVE him. He is a bit of a tease, and likes to tickle, excite, and surprise all of the grandkids. He's good at letting us know if we need to watch the kids, but rarely gets after the kids himself when they need to be calmed down.

Dad likes to be with others. If we're all together, and someone has to run an errand, he's quick to jump in the car and go along. He's quick to pick up the bill for treats and other outings, and is extremely generous. From my very early years, I learned that Dad would do anything for us. He really, honestly, just would love to shower us with everything he could. Secretly, he would spoil us all if he could. He is so giving.

My Dad is a giant. I have watched him for years take the "high road" in ways that I often couldn't understand. He has been the champion of the underdog, and has a real understanding and love for those who need an extra push. He has given of himself in church, family, private, and even professional matters.

My dad is a teacher. He has lived life...and I mean that in a way that only those who have lived that roller-coaster life full of ups and downs can understand. He has seen the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows, but ALWAYS comes out on top. He has wisdom to share, and experiences to offer. He wants the best for his friends and family, and hopes they can learn from his life.

My Dad is my friend. I love hanging out with him. He has achieved that delicate balance between father and friend, and knows how to be both, without being "too much" of one or the other. He knows when to back off, he knows when to jump in. He knows just the right things to say.

I am blessed. Yesterday at Youth Conference, youth were asked to name something that can be "hard" in their lives. One girl said, "Parents." I simply cannot relate. This isn't to say that mine are perfect by any stretch...nobody's are. But mine try, and they try perfectly, and that's what really matters.

I appreciate what a "glue" my Dad is in our family. He likes a good party, he often initiates get-togethers (especially when they involve restaurants ;) ) and is right in the middle of every discussion.

My Dad has a testimony. Together with my mom, he taught me that participation in the church is not optional. We don't question our leaders, we just do what we are asked to do. We keep the Sabbath day holy. We are honest with our fellow men. We try to help others. We work together as a family to help each other out. When somebody needs help, we are ALL there to shoulder the load. I learned these things from him.

Dad, you are amazing. You can't fit a heart-ful of gratitude on paper, but I know you know how much you are loved. You have achieved with your family what eludes so many. You and Mom have kept us together as friends through the years and years of family activities and outings. You continue to keep us together, sometimes at the sacrifice of a clean yard, or child-proof home, but your example will be felt for generations.

Happy Father's Day!

Hello? Is anybody there?

2009-05-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

So, Uh, where DOES the time go? Since my last post, I've kissed two, yes, you read that right, TWO computers goodbye. Does ANYONE have that kind of bad luck? Well, in losing all of my email contact list and a few photos (thank heavens for the separate hard drive Dad encouraged me to buy), I sorta lost heart as well. But now, thanks to a SAINTLY neighbor who BUILT me the fabulosa machine I'm using today, I'm up and running.

We've wished three kids Happy Birthday, as well as myself, said goodbye to my 91-year-old Grandma (what a lady!) and lived life as fully as we know how. Here are a few photos of the past three months...if I can find them on this new computer...

Dad, messing around when I'm trying to take a picture for his passport:

Sam's Club really takes it out of you...

Natalie's Easter cookies

Kids making cookies at Grandma's house

Natalie, Easter

Bethany in Nursery (illegally until July!!!)

Kids on Easter morning

Ashley!

Mom...a little hairspray goes a LONG way :)

Matthew pulling Bethany on his tricycle

Gettin' together with some cousins

Matthew with some Birthday guests!

Matthew turns 5!!!

Ashley with a butterfly she nurtured herself!!!

Timothy: "Can I cook?"

At the Zoo with the Hendricksons..."Gobble gobble, Ava and Lauren!"

Amy and Christian. We REALLY only go to the Zoo for the hats.

At the Zoo with my "babies"

Turning 34...or is that 24? I forget.

Playing "Kiss the Mommy"

My biggest fish

Andrew with his "Famous Dave's" fangs

Timothy swims!

Matthew bowling

Natalie gets a strike!

Ash and Andrew await their turns

Andrew turns 9!!

It's been a wonderful few months with so much more packed in that there's no time to mention. Life is good! ...and here's to blogging again. :)

The Happiest Place on Earth

2009-02-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

There are just some feelings that surface no matter how old I get. I get that giddy feeling whenever I'm riding up a ski lift for my first run of the day, every day when I pick up Matthew from school, when my husband comes home from work, and of course, when we round the corner on Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim California and see DISNEYLAND.

Here are the kids Sunday morning dressed and ready to find a church in Anaheim. Of all the wards we could have attended, surprisingly, we ended up in cousin Scott's ward on accident! What a fun surprise!

Christina and fam hosted our family for a CRAZY Sunday dinner at her home. With Uncle Bob and Aunt Sandy, Todd and Celene and kids, Mark, Scott and Kelly and kids, and her own kids, coupled with my kids, Tiff's kids, and Mom and Dad, it was so FUN...and loud. ;) Thanks again Christina!

Monday: Disneyland

Then Heidi, my new BFF got us some AMAZING passes that saved us all HUNDREDS of dollars! We love you, Heidi! What a gal! She even gave us some passes that allowed us to walk onto any ride we wanted. The lines were short enough that we used them when the line promised to hold us back 20 minutes! We felt so spoiled!

We had an especially large crew this year...Mom and Dad, Jenn and Michael and their kids, Tim and Tiffany and their kids, and of course, our crew. What a party!!!

Waiting on Main for the rides to open...even the candy store was fun!

Mom and Dad

Jenn and Michael

Tim and Tiffany

Kim and Ashley (John?)

The babies were PERFECT the whole time:
Daniel:

Tiffany and Kate:

and Bess-a-boo, sick the whole time (threw up her lunch!) but still content to sleep in her stroller most of the time:

We were the first riders on Splash Mountain. Now, note to others: If your smallish children haven't been to Disneyland before, and are somehow tall enough to ride Splash Mountain...DON'T GO THERE FIRST. It's one of my favorite rides in the park, but we dragged little 4-year-old Matthew, and 4-year old Elizabeth on the ride, and it spoiled them for the day. They were scared of EVERY ride after that. UGH!

In fact, one of the funniest moments of the day was on Star Tours with Elizabeth. Just as the ride starts (it's a movie in a "moving" chamber, so it feels like you're actually moving through space) Elizabeth screamed out "No! I don't want to go down!" Tiffany leaned over and tried to tell her that it was only a movie, but she cried out, "but MOM! I feel things!" At least we could get them calm on our driving sprees!
Jenn and Aaron lead the pack:

Dad takes the wheel:

Joshua:

Ashley and Adam:

Another funny moment came on California Soarin'. Dad was trying to buckle his seatbelt, and Michael "reminded" him to be sure and "thread" his seatbelt through the little strap between his legs. Now, of COURSE that little 6-inch strap is reserved for very small children to keep them in place on the ride, but Dad didn't realize that, and this very "grown-up" guy was trying to thread his seatbelt down between his legs to the "hidden" strap...meanwhile Michael is nudging everyone around him to look at Dad as he strapped in. Finally, in frustration Dad said, "I can't get this thing" and Michael said something to the effect that it was for "all you little avaitors." We are still teasing Dad about that.
Tim practices his skills on a less-threatening L.A. freeway:

our little "honeys"

Mr. Toad's wild car:

On the last ride of the trip, we raced to the Matterhorn and as the man asked us how many were in our group (there were 6 of us) he motioned us into the lanes where you wait for the car to arrive. As we all paired off, I came to the realization that my little sister Tiffany was paired off with Jennifer's husband, Michael. I said, "oh, you're going to have to ride with Michael" (realizing that you straddle the seat like a motorcycle, almost) and said..."awkward!" I sorta chuckled under my breath, and Tiffany, looking over and realizing I was right said difinitively "I am NOT riding with Michael." She grabbed Abby, Michael's daughter who had wanted to ride with me and said, "come on, Abby. You're riding with your dad." Of course Abby didn't want to, and put up a little fit, all while we were laughing and laughing at the comedy of the situation. Fortunately the people in front of us listening to the exchange thought it was pretty funny, too!

As we rode the Matterhorn, John took Matthew to see the Tikki room. At the end of the birds' performance, they said, "and now we're going to do a trick. We're going to make all of you disappear..." and Matthew looked up at John and started to cry! "I want to go see Mommy." I guess he never got over the fear after Splash Mountain!

All in all, we have to agree; It is the Happiest Place on Earth!

Hangin' out at home

2009-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Amidst the low buzz of general chaos, occasionally you can hear strains of actual civility from time to time in our home. I just loved this picture, captured one evening...with no planning.

There's no turmoil a little bit of guitar can't quell. Yep, I married well.

Bethany turns ONE!

2009-01-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

My goodness how time flies! I can't believe it has been one whole year since this little bundle of joy came into our lives. She is an angel and a dream. Happy Birthday, Bethany!

Pizza for dinner (her first taste of the good stuff!)

Here's the cake!--but who can be happy when you're wearing such a silly hat??!!

"Happy Birthday to you..."

And a little swipe of frosting...

And a fistful of chocolate

And another...

It CAN'T be all gone ALREADY!!!

"It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to..."

Birthday wishes from Grandma and Grandpa

Mountain Madness

2009-01-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Johnsons for planning a fun family outing sledding up Little Cottonwood Canyon! We had a great time!

John

Timothy

Kate

Bethany

Natalie

Tiffany, Adam, and Thomas

Tim and Andrew

Ashley and Matthew

Adam, cuttin' it up

Elizabeth

Natalie and Thomas

Tiffany

Tim and Natalie

Adam

After we were all done, Tim stayed behind to let the big kids go on a few more runs, while the rest of us crammed into the car to try and get warm with "Horton Hears a Who" and hot-chocolate.

It was a great afternoon!

Auld Lang Syne

2009-01-13T18:03:00.000-08:00

We had a very special New Year's celebration this year. Due to an unfortunate and sudden illness, my dear Aunt Susan spent her holiday in the ICU, but the blessing amidst the trial was that we got to enjoy the company of my cousins who came all the way from Texas and back East to be with her. I'm so glad we could see them! Love you guys!!!
Here are a few family pics:
me and the "bubbly" martinelli's (and my "party" shirt)

Here are Mom and Dad:

Can't you guys just KISS???????

Catherine and Doug

Jenn and Michael

me and the hubby

and Mom's famous Trifle...a perfect New Year

Seven is heaven

2009-01-13T17:53:00.001-08:00

Natalie turned 7!!! I vividly remember that Christmas eve back in 2001 when I was having contractions, and despite my self-imposed bedrest to avoid a Christmas baby, I thought the baby was coming anyway. After our Christmas Eve parties, we went to bed, KNOWING in a few hours we'd probably be at the hospital having our baby...but she WAITED! We did some shopping exchanges on the 26th, and Natalie Noelle was born on the 27th (Auntie Carrie's birthday, too!) What a fun memory. Happy Birthday, honey!

Here is what I love about Natalie: she is a SWEETHEART. She is ALWAYS thinking of others. She got a gift-certificate to Build-a-bear for Christmas, and wanted to buy bears for everyone in the family! She is constantly making pictures and letters for everyone, and is the "huggiest" child I've ever known. She is loving and thoughtful, and a real nurturing soul. She always asks for "one more kiss" and "one more hug" at bedtime, before leaving for school, and loves to snuggle.

She is every bit a little princess, and loves to look "pretty" and feminine. She has MANY friends at school (she said to me the other day, "mom, all my friends keep asking me if they can have a playdate with me, and I just say, 'I'll have to think about it.'") So funny!

She loves having "company" whatever she does (is this a fatal flaw?) For example, "Natalie, please clean your room" is quickly followed up with a response of "what is Ashley doing?" But the best part is that she loves to hold hands and sit on my lap, and I hope she always does. She's a little angel, perfectly situated at the middle of our family to balance the rest of us out.

Love you, Nattles!

Christmas morning

2009-01-13T17:42:00.001-08:00

Well, the kids slept well. In fact, I think I slept well, too...except for the second time in my life, I'm pretty certain I could hear Santa bustling around our living room in the night. I'm not one to spoil his Christmas secrets, so I lay quietly letting him get his midnight work done. He was very kind to us this year.

Christmas was a fun fun day. Love it all.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

I once read somewhere that 6 months was an acceptable "grace" period for sending out Thank you cards from your wedding...and thus, here's my Christmas post, well within the confines suitable for "Dear Abby."

Just before we took off for Christmas Eve, I had to get a picture of the kids in front of the tree. I realize that I don't remember to take Christmas pictures, so if nothing else, I would have this one...

Of course we began the evening in Bethlehem: Here are a few random pictures of fellow travelers headed to the city, singing as they went:
Here's cousin Aaron (shepherd)

An angel (Natalie)

a "royal" pair (Ashley and Adam)

TWO Marys (Elizabeth and Madelyn)
Daniel and Michael (not the ancient ones, the Dustin ones)

Matthew--the shepherd version

Andrew and Eva--Yes, this time the Ancient version! ;)

The Loveridge bedouins

Tiffany and Kate

Joshua

Angel Thomas

and our THIRD Mary, Elayna

Here's a shot of the ancient appetizing food: Greek Salad, hummus, steak strips, chicken, pita bread, apples and grapes with honey, and of course, white grape juice.

And here it is: BETHLEHEM

Thanks to Mom and Dad for hosting such a wonderful event. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere of Christmas eve at Grandma's house! We read some great stories, re-enacted the nativity, and had a wonderful time.
After, we stopped into Grandma Bytheways for a talent show and PRESENTS!!! Then we rushed home and opened jammies!!!

After the kids were nestled all snug in their wee little beds, John and I brought out the Martinelli's and enjoyed a relaxing evening, waiting for Santa to come...and COME HE DID!!!!

2008-12-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

Do people really blog during Christmas? I'm not ready to post the holiday stuff yet, but my little sister had this on her blog, so I thugged it, and want to pass it on.

You are supposed to copy the list, and bold the things that you have done (mine are bolded).

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (Does XBOX Rockband count? :D)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis (Kim Smith dropped one down my shirt in 9th grade!)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (do a few phrases count? I'm oct-lingual!)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (Cinderella... a Loveridge Production, thanks, Amy!)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (sorta)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia --going next summer!
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (25mph was way fast for me!)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a car... on Ebay :) (twice!)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating--pioneer trek!
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (Carrie thinks I saved hers when we were kids...whatever, lol!)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (SIX!!!!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own-- (Yeah, this one!)

There are a few more I'd like to do...CHINA? Hint, hint, John! ;)

Time Flies

2008-12-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Wow! So much has happened since my last post!

GOOD KIDS:
I love my kids. This is what I woke up to the other morning.

I love that. Thanks Andrew! Ashley also made this fun game that the kids enjoy playing on Sunday mornings before Church. It's called "food-opoly". She even made all of the "mortgage" cards for each individual space on the board including the cost of rent, the cost to build a food stand (house) and the cost of a grocery store (hotel). She included each of the four food groups: Meats, Vegetables, Fruits, and Grains. She even cut up her own money! I love it when they create.

THANKSGIVING:
We had a wonderful holiday beginning with the annual Pie Pig-Out at my mom's house a couple of days before Thanksgiving. The idea is that because you're so "full" after Thanksgiving dinner and have no room for pie, we have a "pie only" night just before Thanksgiving! We have a few minor appetizers, and pie, pie, pie. Love this tradition! For Thanksgiving day, we headed to John's sister's home where she hosted 46 (!) of us for a wonderful dinner! It was so great to be there with everyone, laughing and sharing memories. Then we followed up with our traditional viewing of "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby. What a great night! (Oh, and I DID have enough room for pie as it was :0

BLACK FRIDAY:
Well, I did it again, but this year, I was smarter. I slept in until 5:30, and arrived at the stores around 6:00 to avoid the "standing in line in the freezing cold" thing. I got some AMAZING deals at Toys 'r' us, and of course, WALMART! Half-way through my shopping spree, John called me to tell me to be careful, because a Walmart employee was trampled and killed in New York. How sad. I didn't get to WalMart until the rush was over, so I didn't trample anyone that I know of, but still got 90% of my shopping completed! I dragged Carrie out later that day to Walmart (a different one in Sandy) and had the humiliating experience of getting my card declined! (John had put in a transfer that morning, and I guess it hadn't registered yet!) Fortunately, I wrote a check for the bounty, and we were on our way!

ANNIVERSARY:
I don't know if 13 is a lucky number or not, but all I can say is our anniversary was unbelievably MAGICAL! Of course, it didn't hurt that my fabulous lifetime friend, Suzie, gave us a "getaway" package to the Little America hotel that we were able to use! We were given an amazingly HUGE room at the hotel, and a wonderful gift certificate that we could use anywhere in the hotel. We ended up having steak and salmon in their very romantic restaurant.

The rest of the celebration was just that: a celebration of 13 years of being the luckiest girl on the planet! Even one week later, I can't believe how our little get-away has affected my mood! I've been walking on air since we got home! I feel like I'm engaged again! John, you're amazing, wonderful, and well, PERFECT for me. Thanks again to Suzie, and of course, to John! I love you!

CHRISTMAS DECORATING!
We always put the nativity up first. Maybe I shouldn't allow it, but my kids play with it like they do a dollhouse. I love that. Every day that I come in, the figures are placed in a new position. I guess as long as nothing gets broken...

Got the tree up just after Thanksgiving. I did a major overhaul on the tree this year and went RED RED RED! I'm so grateful for Tai-pan Trading!

Then last night the kids got to decorate "their" tree. They were so cute! They kept saying "this is beautiful. We need to enter it in a tree-decorating contest!"

I was laughing a little under my breath, at the hap-hazarly placed ornaments all crusted the front-only of the tree leaving the sides and top mostly empty, but they were proud of themselves, and I LOVE that they were enjoying themselves.

We've already had our first school Christmas pageant! Here's little Matthew as a shepherd. I LOVE having my kids in a school where they can actually celebrate CHRIST'S BIRTH as the center of the holiday! Matthew has been singing "Far Far Away on Judea's Plains" all around the house for the last two weeks! YAY!

I'm excited for the rest of the season. I LOVE Christmas! I'm looking for ways to create "magic" in some unsuspecting people's lives, and that is probably my favorite part of the season! Merry Christmas!!!!

Clever Sisters

2008-11-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have such clever and creative sisters. Two of my little sisters have ventured into the small-business world and I just wanted to share the joy! My sister Tiffany is a beautiful "princess." She shows up to your little girl's birthday party, or your corporate event and dazzles these youngsters with her fun games, her winning personality, and her cute puppets and stories. Of course she is a princess in real life, but she doesn't always get to wear the crown and ball gown when she's doing dishes, so these parties are a great way for these little girls to see her in her "true form" ;)

Check out her blog!
http://www.pinkprincessparties.blogspot.com/

My other little sister is the artsy type. Amy has created GORGEOUS felt pictures that have brought my family home evenings and nursery and Sunday School lessons back to life. They are adorable. I just got some for my family for Christmas, but when I saw how ADORABLE they were, I just had to open them on the spot. See for yourself!

Check out her blog!
http://www.familynightfelt.blogspot.com/

It's fun being related to such a talented crew!

True Colors

2008-11-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

Rise and Shout...a Utah Man am I!?
I laughed out loud when a few days before the big game, Ashley came home from Art Class with this special little clay model:

It's a little hard to tell 2-D, but it's a cougar pinning down a red-tailed hawk! I thought that was so funny. Anyway, we were all set and ready for the big game!
And, despite a blowout for the Utes, the extended family had a BLAST at our BYU/Utah rivalry party! Pics below:
Most of the fans...like the window painting?

BYU BLUE BYTHEWAYS

The Decorators:

The decor:

The most important part; THE FOOD

And despite a crushing blow for the Cougar fans, and a lost king-sized Snickers to Michael from me, it was a wonderful evening! Win or lose, I can't wait for next year! Go COUGARS! :)

He's at it Again!

2008-11-19T14:07:00.001-08:00

So, speaking of art, just wanted to post John's latest. I think this took him an hour and a half. Isn't he cool?

My favorite Artist for Children

2008-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love the artwork by Scott Gustafson. I don't think the detail will show in these little pictures, but he really has a way of making these little Fairy Tales seem "magical." I dream that someday when I'm old and grey, I will have a "grandchildren room" and these paintings will line the walls...

The Frog Prince (notice the face on this sweet little girl)

Little Bo Peep

Alice in Wonderland

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater

"Patty-cake"

The Owl and the Pussycat

Old King Cole

Little Miss Muffet

Little Red Riding Hood

Jack and the Beanstalk

Humpty Dumpty

Hansel and Gretel

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

The Wizard of Oz

Entitled "Happily Ever After"

St. Nicholas in his Study

The Night Before Christmas

Tom Thumb

The Three Little Pigs

Entitled "The Journey Begins"

Entitled "Special Delivery"

Rumplestiltskin

The Queen of Hearts

Puss in Boots

Hope you enjoyed visiting the gallery with me. I just love the sweet little innocent faces of the children in these pictures. Thanks for indulging!