Oh what a world...

From September 2009

FINALLY!

Freedom!

From September 2009

From September 2009

Freedom at last! We are under 100 degrees here in TX, so off to the park we go!

Goodbye, Hello

From Collages

Goodbye Summer. Hello School!

Summer can never be long enough for me. It is yes time at our house.

Can we sleep outside? Yes.
Can I have a popsicle? Yes.
Can I practice the piano later? Yes.
Can I run through the sprinklers? Yes.
Can I go to Grandmas? Yes.
Can I wear this? Yes.
Can I do a messy project? Yes.
Can we bake something? Yes.
Can I go swimming? Yes.

Until next time, Summer. You've been good to us...

I'm Going There Someday...

From August 2009

From August 2009

We had a wonderful morning at the San Antonio Temple doing our "Temple Treasure Hunt". After discovering the many treasures at the temple -- stained glass windows, Angel Moroni, the temple workers inside the foyer, the words written above the doors, meeting the gardener -- we drew our own pics of the temple. Of course, by this time Johnny Scott was literally diving into the fountains, so we had to make a break for it. We grabbed a CTR ring at the distribution center, then some free bread across the street.

From Collages

From August 2009

From Collages

Peaceful, even with a two year old.

Dreaming of the Northwest...

From Collages

Just for about 45 minutes I pretended like I was at Pike's Place in Seattle. Yes, I was dripping sweat -- but I so enjoyed the Farmer's Market I finally found downtown. We tasted new foods, learned all about shrimp, checked out the slim pickin's of produce (we need some serious rain!), met Lulu the one-eyed dog, listed to live guitar music, taught my kids all about fresh and healthy foods. And of course, grabbed some gorgeous flowers for $5.00 -- just like Pike's Place!

My Pioneer Children

From Collages

I loooooove Pioneer Day, probably due to my summer spent in Nauvoo 15 years ago.
Now that I have 3 kids of my own, I love singing the pioneer songs, the costumes, the stories, and the celebration!

All this and I'm not even from Utah!

Baptism Day

Miss Tressa was baptized today! We had a wonderful day filled with dear family and sweet friends. Tressa was all smiles as she cuddled with her dad. Jared has been listening to "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof today :) -- both of us mourning a bit as we see our little one grow. What is not to adore about this blondie? She's such a help, still likes me, wants to do what is right, loves to read, is a little athlete, reminds us to do what is right, cuddles with her dad, is best friends with her brother Brian.

I must say on days like this it is a comfort to have family surrounding me and friends near. I am reminded of the love that fills my life and I can be nothing but grateful. Beautiful, beautiful day.

Groom Creek and friendship!

What a treat! My Grandma Jeanne just remodled her cabin in Groom Creek outside of Prescott, AZ. Nobody was using it the days I was visiting AZ, so I was out of the Phoenix heat in no time and up at the cabin. I couldn't go alone (Jared was working back in TX), so I called my dear friend Melissa. She hopped in the car with her 4 darlings and we spent 2 fantastic days together! We all fell in love with her kids and I loved every minute of my Melissa time! Since we've grown up and moved away from our hometown of Yuma, AZ it has been hard to find time with just each other. But as the kiddos slept, us blondes made ourselves stay up way too late and laughed our heads off into the night. Thanks, Melissa! I do love you so!

Ahhh -- Mexico

We are home from paradise. San Carlos, Mexico treated us better than ever... Despite all the scares -- there was no sight of swine flu, or the drug cartel, or many Americans for that matter. This is the one place I am calm, relaxed, happy, and rested!

Of course I did the usual: wake up for the early morning jog on the beach, spend the morning on the beach and boat, NAPS, pool, sunset, sleep. We were treated by a dazzling show from the dolphins as they raced the boat and dove all around the tube the kids were being towed on.

Honeymoon Island is in the background.

Jared, BC, Shala, and I swam to Honeymoon Island and back. At one point near the island it was so shallow that I was just floating along pushing myself along the bottom with my hands. I put my head back in after a breath and was my face was about 6 inches from a very large sting ray with a formidable stinger! Whoa!

Jared took us to a good snorkeling cove and I forced, oh, I mean took Tressa and Brian snorkling with me. We saw tons of gorgeous fish, a sting ray, and a large blow fish.

The best part was my mother has started a "Seagull Club" that is for older grandkids only. They go to her condo all afternoon for crafts, stories, music, snacks, and some serious bonding time! Since I was not invited, I enjoyed my daily naps during that time.

We rented some kayaks and took the kids into the ocean and off into the estuary for a few hours. They were champs at the rowing, and Johnny Scott didn't even jump overboard.

Jared and Tressa at Look Out Point at sunset.

The first day we were there, Uncle BC and Uncle Kimball snuck the boys upstairs and shaved their heads into mohawks! They were a perfect combo of very cute and white trash. It was classic.

The Smith family!
I really was reminded this year how much I really adore each of my brothers and sisters and their spouses. Wow! What great, funny people! I couldn't get enough of the conversations and stories and many memories.

Rockin' R Triathlon

Another triathlon under my belt! This was another sprint in the very quaint community of Gruene, TX. Our swim was in the Guadalupe River, with some stretches of it so shallow we had to walk! The bike was GORGEOUS, it helped that their was a light rain and it was overcast. And the run -- my dreaded event -- was great! My time was a bit slow, but due to the hills I think that it was to be expected. So, I came in 5th in my age group -- I'm working my way up the ladder slowly! I must say I felt much better this time around. I've been doing more endurance training the past few weeks and it paid off. The best part was Miss Tressa was there cheering me on. I really would search the crowd for her little face and then could speed up once I saw her. I didn't realize it would mean so much to me to have her there as my own personal fan club. I dream of the day she is doing these with me! So, I'm on a triathlon hiatus for a few months due to vacations, but hopefully will do another in July. I am loving the training aspect of it. It is FANTASTIC to focus on something new!

Mother's Day and Miss Rhapsody in Blue

Mother's Day was as usual a very special day for me. It started with Jared shoving me back into bed with firm directions to stay there. Brian came and took my order (he just wrote the first letter of everything I wanted like "O" for omlete, "F" for fruit, etc.). While it was being made was my favorite time. Just sitting in my bed, writing down my thoughts in my journal, reading a good book -- that part never lasts long enough. Then, the crew comes bursting through the door with delicious food! I ate a huge breakfast on a Winnie the Pooh tray and all my kids jumping on the bed around me (I seriously think that is the only time they've been on the bed all year. I was feeling generous, I suppose). The food was perfect -- who knew of Jared's secret culinary skills! The omlete was pack with veggies and flavor, the fruit was ripe and perfectly cut, the bread was fresh... Mmmmm. I loved the homemade gifts the kids made for me (I'm wearing the shrinky dink Brian gave me right now!). I didn't know I had a soft spot for homemade gifts, but something about Mother's Day brings that out in me. Jared spoiled me with many generous gifts and I appreciate and love every one!

We invited many families over for dinner that night and as usual I loved having a full house. We used my Grandma Melba's china which got me thinking a lot about my Grandma who passed away a few years ago. I got out her album and have devoured her life story and rich photographs today. Wow, what a woman! I only remember as being older, strict, and always having order all around her. It was amazing to imagine her as a young girl, leaving her home of Rexburg, Idaho to work her way to performing at the Roxy Theater on Broadway. She known as "Miss Rhapsody in Blue" was the star of the number with the same name. She was painted in metallic blue paint, and danced to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with a 32 girl chorus behind her. Her name was on the marquee as simply: Melba. She was a one-named star!



Her story is so rich, so varied, so full of ups and downs that I cannot possibly relate it all. But, for her to trade all the parties, spotlight, and standing ovations for a life in Scarsdale, NY as a wife and mother of two speaks volumes to me about motherhood. She writes in her life story:

"Suddenly my life was no longer mine. Upon [Brian's] birth, my time and feelings were relegated to second and even third place, for there was always my life as a wife to Eddie. Oh, how I loved them both!"

I've felt that so many times. My needs and wants have been on a list pushed somewhere in the back of my head, while the needs of my husband and three kids have been put first. Needless to say, there are many times I've resented that, but after reading my Grandma Melba's perspective I've realized it is truly something to celebrate.

As I tucked my kids into bed last night, I just cried with gratitude that I get to do this job called "Mother". I wouldn't trade it for anything, nor trust anyone else to do it for me. I love it more as the years pass. It has forced me to serve and finally I can say I like it, even love it! I appreciate that Jared has allowed me to do this and supported our family so I can be the mother I want to be. I love it more as the years pass. It has forced me to serve and finally I can say I like it, even love it!

Windcrest Triathlon

Another year, another triathlon! Man, it felt good to do one of these again! I did it with a few friends at their urging, and I'm sure happy I did! In fact, I'm signing up for another in two weeks... I came in 6th in my age group. I've got to pick up the running by quite a bit to be more competitive. However, my chronically aching knees were painless today -- so that was reason enough to rejoice!

The kids and I joined some people from our ward on a bike ride of the San Antonio Missions. It was a 8.5 mile loop along the San Antonio River and I am proud to report that Brian and Tressa did AWESOME! There was not one complaint, except from Johnny Scott of course. The weather was fantastic, the scenery perfect -- yet another thing I like about San Antonio.

Happy 2009!

Man, it feels great to bring in a new year! We are ready!

Christmas was fantastic, filled with family at every turn, dear friends, and lo and behold -- NO ILLNESS! We stayed with my brother BC and his saint of a wife Shala. Each morning started with some kind of awesome workout (P90X baby!) and the day ended with 4 or 5 episodes of "What Not to Wear". What could be better?

We visited our friends Ryan and Krista Brown in Prescott and really enjoyed playing the snow. I got to see Prescott again and even my Grandma Jeanne's Groom Creek cabin! Whoa, now that's some memories!

I was also able to visit Yuma - my home town - and meet up with two dear high school friends: Charlotte (Davis) Foret and Michelle (Marks) Legros. We talked and laughed as if it were 15 years ago. They are wonderful and I can't wait to see them next year!

I took my kids on our annual Usary Pass Hike. It is very kid friendly and makes them feel like a million bucks to hike to the top of the mountain (it is actually a hill!). Then we play "Roxaboxen" (it is from a favorite children's book of mine) and make our own desert town in the wash. Our horses are sticks, the money is rocks, we each make our own store or home. It was really fun for us. It is ironic -- here I am dragging my kids on a hike, just like my mom always did while I grumbled the whole way. Now I can't get enough of it!