Christmas 2010

Our Christmas season most often begins with a trip to Temple Square to see the lights. This year, it was my intention to get a fabulous family picture for our Christmas cards...it didn't happen. We went on a rainy, cold night and I had to threaten my children within an inch of their lives to smile for a picture. Out of about 35 shots I took, ONE turned out. And, if you got our Christmas card, parents were not included. Maybe next year....

This shot I took of the Holy Family in the middle of temple square...despite the bad weather, it was a lovely scene.

Of course it can't be Christmas without a bazillion concerts, projects, and sing-alongs. Nat was in an awkward place and I wasn't able to get a clear shot of her fabulous singing.

Emily's class did a great job with all of their songs. They sang "Silent Night" in several languages, including sign language. Loved it!

Jake, looking "too cool" for a sixth grade Christmas sing-along. Wouldn't even crack a smile. Stinker....

Our nice neighbors that live across the street have invited the kids over for gingerbread house decorating for the last couple of years. The girls have always had a good time, and of course, made a HUGE mess. Good thing those ladies are patient!!

Natalie's house used EVERY piece of candy that came in the kit...it was "gorgeous", according to her....

Christmas Eve PJ's has become a tradition at our house. We have to decorate sugar cookies for Santa (using every assortment of sprinkles that we have in the house), clean up the house (mom's rule), and then the kids can open their jammies.


Here they are being goofballs...


Another tradition we have is reading our Christmas books. We read the story of Jesus' birth and then end with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Then, we shove them off to bed with a threat to not come up the stairs before 7 am. Kim and I actually were up at about 6:30, so we got up and tortured them by not letting them come up early!

Pretty sure Jake was 'in love' with his new snowboard, boots, bindings, goggles and a promise for a day of snowboarding....

Abby, bless her heart, tried to not show her disappointment that she didn't get the Ipod touch she so desperately wanted. It was uncertain, for a few days, whether or not Santa would be delivering ANYTHING to her...she left her $300 retainers on the floor of the TV room and Buddy the Wonder Dog had a delicious snack! UGH! Apparently, Santa must have taken pity on her and did bring her a few things anyway. She was in LOVE with the make up kit that Grandma sent her (thanks, mom...pretty sure I've never seen such an assortment of eyeshadow!) and loved her new wool peacoat. She got a few other items such as an Ihome (ipod dock) and a new bathrobe. Maybe an Ipod touch will come next year??

Although the picture doesn't show her excitement, she was so happy about the pink cowgirl hat. Too bad it wouldn't stay on her head! We will have to return for a smaller size so that this cute cowgirl can wear it all over the place. She was so happy with her horses and corrals, new scooter, cowgirl shirt, new movies, and games. Santa was good to this girl!


Emily was THRILLED with the new artists easel that Santa brought her. He also brought an entire bucket of art supplies (to join the thousands of other stray crayons we have around here...), new boots and clothes, a new scooter, and games.


I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that he put on the ENTIRE lot of snowboard gear AT LEAST 20 times during the course of the day. He loved the Twins jersey (Joe Mauer, of course) that grandma and grandpa sent. ALL of the kids (including the dad) have enjoyed the Wii and all the games that Santa brought. I'm loving that we can stream our Netflix in the house now and watch it all the time! Santa didn't leave Buddy out...he got a new bed that he now loves to lounge in.

The aftermath....it was horrendous for two days straight. I stayed in my jammies all day on Christmas and the only things I worried about were getting all the paper picked up and making dinner. We had a fabulously relaxing day.

This pretty much sums it all up...poor Nat was exhausted and Buddy the Wonder Dog decided to join her for a long winter's nap.

Mary and Joseph

I heart this picture....

Bah-Hum-Bug????

Remember this post from last year??? I will save you the trouble of reading all my woes. I'm in the same boat....feeling grinchy and bah-hum-bug about this years Christmas so far. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment and blogging happy thoughts is the last thing on my mind. I'm determined to find a better attitude and hoping it gets better. If I could only go without sleep, I might get it all done...

A 5 yr. Old's Perspective

Natalie brought the "Kindergarten Sharing Bag" home from school yesterday. Her assignment was to draw a picture of her family and then bring it back to class and tell everyone about each person in her family. So, last night, we broke out the colored pencils and paper and she drew a family just as she pictured it in her mind...you know the kind...huge heads, stick legs and arms. She did a great job and even drew Buddy in. Today, she got in the car after her day at school was over and this was our conversation:

Me: "How was the sharing bag?"
Nat: "It was great. I told everyone about our family."
Me: "What did you say?"
Nat: "I said "This is my dad (pointing to each person in the picture as she talked about them). He likes to play golf and watch football on TV. This is Abby. She likes to play violin and watch TV. This is Emily. She likes to play with her friends. This is Jake. He likes to play football."
Me: "What did you say about me?"
Nat: "Oh, I told them: "This is my mom. She likes to clean house."

Nice. Really nice.

In Case You Were Wondering....

Just in case you were wondering what $5,ooo can buy these days....it's straight teeth! Abby's finally free of a metal mouth after only 18 months! Now, if we can only get her to keep track of the retainer she has to wear....Metal Mouth
No More Metal Mouth!

FB Season #2

Jake has been playing football since late August and I have yet to post anything about it. This is his 2nd season and I think he's in love...he eats, drinks, and sleeps football right now. He's loved all those 90 degree afternoons at practice with sweaty head and stinky feet. He's loved getting munched under a pile of 4-5 other boys. He's loved getting pushed, shoved and tackled. I have loved that despite all the necessary roughness, he's been uninjured, thus far (knock on wood). He's had a great season and has even scored a few touchdowns. He finished up his regular season last night with a win and now we're entering the playoffs...just a few more weeks of rough and tumble and then it will be on to basketball....

Moving Right Along...

I've given up trying tp play "catch up" with the blogging...I've decided to just start posting again and NOT try to post about all the stuff we've done in the last couple of months that I've missed! Simplify, Simplfy, Simplify is my new motto for myself....this new way of thinking came about after hearing this talk given at General Conference a couple of weeks ago. I love President Uchtdorf! Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he always directs his talks directly at ME!

So, in light of my new way of thinking, here are our pictures from this last weekend. The kids were out of school for UEA weekend (fall break) and so we packed up the car on Wednesday night and drove to sunny St. George. We spent Thursday swimming and relaxing and drove out to Washington Fields to a crystal pit. The walls of the ravine were lined with bright, sparkly crystals. It was quite a sight to see and the kids had a fun time picking out a few to bring home. Hopefully, it's legal, because we didn't ask anyone! In our defense though, there was a guy who hauled off an entire BOX of them!

Friday, we joined up with Brenna, Chris and Halle and went to Zions National Park in Springdale, UT. We hiked to Emerald Pools, only about a 3 mile hike, but alot of uphill walking! The kids did great and the scenery was AMAZING. I loved every minute of it, despite the warm-ish weather and lots of sweating! We ate with family that night at Mike and April's...Mike is the KING of the BBQ and makes a MEAN brat!

Saturday, the girls and I hung out at the hotel, swam and shopped a little bit. Kim and Jake played golf and then we met up with family for a BBQ dinner of steak and shrimp...lots of yummy food. Sunday, we slept in and then finally packed up the car for the drive home. We found our apple tree shedding it's apples all over the ground and a little cooler weather than when we left.

We had a fabulous time and can't wait to hike in Zions again next year...I think it will be a tradition from now on!

**Our Group: Chris (and Halle on his back), Brenna, Erin, Kim, Paige,

Abby, Natalie, Emily, Jake and McKenna (kneeling)**

**Pausing for a break going up one of the steep caverns**

**Beautiful Mountains**

**Gorgeous Waterfalls**

**Breathtaking View of the Mountains**

To Do List

I know I'm a blog slacker. I will be the first to admit it. I have at least 50 pics on my camera that I could tell a story about, yet I've not done it. I have a "to do" list with quite a few items on it. I am posting it with the hopes that you will see that updating my blog IS on it....it's just not at the top.

To Do:
1. Re-define the color of my bedroom floor. This may require picking up and folding several loads of laundry that have been looming there for awhile. I think the carpet is brown, but I've not seen it in awhile, so I will let you know.

2. Finish canning: salsa and applesauce to be exact. I am proud to say that I HAVE finished the beautiful pink grape juice and some amazing looking peaches. Patting myself on the back for that accomplishment. They are still sitting on my counter so that I may look at their beauty for awhile longer.

3. Clean. Everywhere. It's bad around here. I crawled into bed a little depressed last night after noticing that there was NOT ONE clean room in my house. Literally looked like we had a tornado inside our house. Today, I've spent much of the day just making it look slightly better.

4. RS Meeting and Visits. Our bi-monthly presidency meeting that requires me to think of others and be self-less. It's hard for me these days. I'm still (after 1 1/2 years) trying to figure it all out.

5. Classroom Volunteering: Thursday. 1 hour spent in the magnificent Kindergarten room watching kids pick their noses and wipe it in places you don't even want to know about.

6. Quilting with my peeps. The ladies are coming to my house, which is why #3 is towards the top of my list. I'm just about through with a quilt top for a Christmas gift...can't wait to see it done.

7. Re-arranging Visiting Teaching (relating to #4). It seriously gives me a headache just thinking about it....

8. Take a shower. Yes, it's 5:00 and I've yet to get in the shower today. It will happen at some point before bed tonight....just not sure when yet.

9. Wade through all the papers in the office. An entire table piled with (mostly Kim's) papers. Things will be tossed, I assure you.

10. Update my blog. I haven't even posted pictures from the 1st day of school. Bad mother.

As you can see, my list is lengthy. I've left off quite a few things that have been pushed to the bottom of my list. I'll get around to them, eventually. And, I know what you're thinking...because I'm thinking it too. "If she'd get off the computer, she could have had a load of laundry folded by now..."

Emily's Day

Last weekend we had a big day at our house...

Emily's baptism! She's officially a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! We had a busy weekend with LOTS of family here - It was a bit chaotic at times, but well worth it. Grandma Lueck flew in from ND and we had lots of family from Southern UT, Las Vegas and even Arizona! Grandma Lueck made her beautiful dress and we had a special day for Emily. Her program was beautiful and I was a proud momma as I watched her make such a big committment. I was proud of Abby, who played her violin for the program beautifully and proud of my husband who was worthy to perform the ordinance. Lovely, lovely day....

Change

**Warning**: This blog is my way of journaling our happenings as a family. So, as a part of this journaling, I have to add in things that aren't always fun, silly and exciting. If I've lost you, please feel free to exit now.

Change....isn't that something we've heard alot about in the recent months?? Well, today, we've experienced a little change ourselves.

On September 11, 2001 (Yes, that's THE September 11), Kim began working at Phone Directories Company. He was brand new to the world of advertising and sales. I am proud to admit that he was great at it from the very start. He's got the ease and confidence needed to make people feel comfortable and he knows his advertising stuff. He was made 'salesman of the week', 'salesman of the month', and brought home several national awards those first few years. Our income flourished, we felt comfortable. We've bought 2 homes, a couple new cars, and put our first kid through braces. A few years ago, the company was bought out by some bigwigs from Canada. Policies changed, management changed, and Kim's work experience was made to be a little more difficult. The company changed names several times, but through all of this 'change', Kim had great clients who trusted him. All of this brings us up to this last year.

More 'change'. Let's face it...the economy sucks. Being 100% sales commission has been rough on us. We've taken a huge pay cut this last year. Still, we've felt blessed in many ways. At least we've HAD a job, right?? At the beginning of this year, due to change in management (again), and due to all the hoops and shenanigans that Kim had to go through to collect on commissions, he decided to hire himself out as an independent contractor (meaning SELF-EMPLOYED) and went to work as an ad rep with Valpak. Since January, he's been working 2 jobs. He's felt strained and pulled as he's tried and tried to collect commissions from the old job - money that he's already earned, but that has been tied up in paperwork and collections for MONTHS. But, most of all, he's held onto that old job because they paid our benefits. Full medical, dental, eye.

Today, more 'change'. We're down to one job. They've known that Kim was trying to work both sales jobs, but seemed uncaring about how hard he's had to work in order to collect any money from their clients. They told him this morning to quit the other job, or take a hike.

We're hiking....

Today, I've spent the better part of the day worrying, crying, and worrying some more. Don't get me wrong...we knew this was coming. It was inevitable. But now, our family is faced with 'change'...the kind I don't like. The hard kind.

How in the world are we going to afford to add health insurance into our already tight budget?? Why am I going to have to worry about paying for doctors visits, prescriptions, dentist appointments? Am I going to have to quit my job as a stay-at-home mom and go out into the workforce AND manage my family AND try and serve in my church calling? How is all of this going to work??

And then, I came upon this. (If you're not too computer savvy, click on the word 'this' and you will be able to see my link)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminds me: "Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some blessings come late. And, some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust in God and believe in good things to come."

We have to trust in this message. We have to trust in our beliefs, our faith, and our knowledge of the truth. We have to trust that as we do our best to live a good and righteous life that there are many, many good things to come.

Hint, Hint

My Dearest Husband, (originally sent via email...)

I'm dropping you a 'not-so-subtle' hint for my birthday this year. It's 12 days away....start thinking about it RIGHT NOW! I realize you're busy, and that after 14+ years of knowing me, you still have a hard time shopping for me. So, I've decided to give you a list...that way, you're happy that you don't have to think of things on your own, and also, I'm happy...you thoughtfully are giving me exactly what I will love.

Requests for my B-day:
#1 - Dinner and a movie - no kids. Friends can be included, but NOT invited to OUR house for cake. I don't want to worry about cleaning my house for company. This should be a standard rule for my b-days. If going to a dinner and movie is NOT possible all in the same night, then I will take a raincheck for the movie and we can attend another night without friends. (I'm stating this because we have friends who might possibly NOT splurge on a 'real' movie)
#2 - A cheesecake from Costco. If they have it, I would LOVE a key lime cheesecake. If not, I will gladly devour a cherry or strawberry.
#3 - Two matching chairs for the dining room table. We've already discussed this one and I think we're in agreeance. I would like to pick them out, however, and will gladly use my b-day $ from parents/grandparents to contribute towards the purchase. We can start looking as early as tonight, if you wish. I'm hoping to find something at RC Willey Clearance, but if that fails, I did see some really cute ones at TJ Maxx that I'd check out again.
#4 - The DVD version of 'Little Women' - the one with Winona Ryder and Claire Danes in it. You may have to ask Brenna about where to purchase it....I know I've seen it at Target and possibly Walmart, but it may require looking at the FYE store or Best Buy.
#5 - A card from YOU. Hopefully, professing your un-dying love for me. Maybe even including what a great mom I am and how you just couldn't get through life without me and my beautiful smile. I know that you may not possibly REALLY think these things, but it IS my birthday after all and you could just FAKE it, if you have to. I am in need of some ego-boosting, so carry on as much as you wish to.

I love you. Hopefully, my requests will not be too much to handle and hopefully, you will see the wisdom in me sending you this list. Or, you could just think I'm a brat...not sure which way it will go.

Toodles.
Me

Response: sent via email:

Dearest Wife,

I loved seeing you smile this morning when I asked you to to kiss my bruised lip. When I'm silly like that its just to see you smile. I love you. Thanks for the b-day hints. And thank you for realizing that I really do need them to be able to make my gifts more meaningful and practical. Love your bum and your cute smile.

Love, Husband

My Cup Runneth Over...

It seems that at the beginning of each summer, I look at our calendar and the DREAD begins....what in the world will I do with the kids to keep us busy all summer long?? At first glance, that calendar looks empty. But, as the days and weeks go by, the calendar FILLS up and we have no spare time to even relax! It's the beginning of August already and we've been so busy that I've had no time to blog our adventures. So, here's another really long post with a ton of pictures to document what's been keeping my cup running over....

#1: Baseball - it's occupied most of our summer - Jake played for FOUR different teams throughout the summer. He played for his regular team, the Titans, a city league team - the Rays, an All-star team - Orem All-Stars, and then filled in with another team for a tournament - Ultimate Sports. He's had a blast, Kim's had a blast coaching, and it really has kept Jake from being too bored this summer. And, best of all...it's over now!
#2: Smore's: While we were at Gma and Gpa Lueck's house this summer, smore's were our nightly treat. Sometimes we had dessert, then a couple of hours later we'd get someone to start a fire and we'd have the smores. So, when we got home, we had to break out the firepit and do it smore (some-more, get it?). We've had friends over, neighbors over, and any excuse of a holiday...Here are the kids with our friends that live across the street.

#3: Swimming lessons - Em and Nat took lessons again this past July. It was every morning for two weeks. They couldn't get enough of it and both of them advanced to the next level. Emily learned to dive and even did it off the diving board a few times. After lessons were over, we had to go and get Em's long locks trimmed. I say "trimmed", but really we cut 6 inches off the bottom because they were so fried from all the chlorine!

#4: Baseball - Did I already say that?? Well, I'm certain that I did, but just to emphasize it some more...Jake played ALOT of baseball this summer. Here he is with Kim posing in their baseball uniforms and Jake's 2nd place trophy. His All-Star team took 2nd in the District tournament this year. Aren't my boys handsome in those uniforms???

#5: Swimming - ALOT of swimming. We've been to the Scera Pool, the Lindon City pool, Cowabunga Bay, back to the city pool and many many hours in the sprinklers. It's pretty typical for me to have a 'farmers tan' - you know, when you lift your sleeves and you are stark white where your t-shirts have been?? I usually have a pretty good one going on - all those hours of watching baseball in the sun. Well, this year, I am proud to say that we've been in the pool so much, that I've NOT got one! We're all as brown as a nut around here and we've still got all of August to be out in the water. This picture is of a water park we went to with the kids a few weeks ago...Cowabunga Bay. We went with cousins and had a blast! The best part is that ALL the kids were old enough to just let loose (Nat armed in a life jacket, of course!)....while the moms sat back and read a book! Loved it!

#6: The Garden - We've had a plentiful harvest of beans already this year...we've eaten them multiple times a week for a few weeks now. The tomatoes are coming on quickly and we've harvested a few of them already along with some peppers. It's a full time job staying on top of all the weeds and we have a tiny garden!

#7 - Quilts - My peeps and I haven't seen each other almost all summer long (come on girls, lets get together!) but I've finally finished this quilt with matching runner. I actually finished the sewing in late May, but it sat and sat waiting for it's binding. A few weeks ago, I pulled it out and in a matter of a couple of hours had it done. Love it. I've got the material for a couple more and can't wait for a few spare hours (days, weeks) to get it started. I've found a new addiction and it's slowly taking over my office/scrapbooking space.

I think I've caught up now....

We've been busy, had lots of fun, and now I'm counting down the days until I can have some peace and quiet around here. I know the next few weeks will fly by - I am plotting out our calendar for school shopping and getting anxious for some structure with our days. 24 days and counting!!!

Cheap Entertainment, By Natalie Brooksby

Yes, we're cheap around here...but not THAT cheap!! We have been to the swimming pool 4 times in the last week as a family and EVERYDAY for 2 weeks for swimming lessons. She's getting plenty of time in the water. But, today, she had to try out her new goggles. And, since her mother couldn't spend ANOTHER day at the pool accomplishing nothing but a darker tan, she had to improvise. And to top it all off, she came out with clean hair!

Happy Summer, All!

Welcome to No Dak

I'm finally getting around to uploading all the pictures we took in North Dakota. I'm sure that you've all been anxiously waiting for them....and, I'm sorry to disappoint, but they're not all that great. I had all these intentions of spending a day just snapping pictures to share when I got home, but didn't get around to it. So, here are a few of my favorites that I did take. Enjoy the tour....As we crossed the border into North Dakota, the kids were patient enough to stop (one more time) and take a picture....after about 12-13 hours on the road, it was a welcome site. The kids were a little disappointed when I told them we still had 6-7 hours to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Yes, I took this one while driving....I thought it kind of funny that as we crossed into ND this was my GPS picture the ENTIRE time we drove across the state. Occasionally, it would show a small body of water off to the side, but mostly, just the purple STRAIGHT line.

This is how we know we're close to Grandma's house....the OREO cows!! Their true name is a Belted Galloway cow, but around these parts, they're known as the Oreo cows. There is a pasture just a mile or two from town and they are peacefully grazing there, just minding their own business. The kids think they're pretty cool and almost positive that these cows are solely responsible for the cream in the Oreo cookie. I won't tell them, if you won't....

These are a staple on every farm - grain bins. They are everywhere. And, so are the GREEN, GREEN fields and the trees that line the acres and acres of open land. The trees are specifically planted to line the roads and are called shelterbelts. They are used to keep the soil from eroding away and keep the ice and snow to a minimum along the roadways.

Hay bales line the fields. I remember on my grandpa's farm, as a child, we used to jump across these. They still make me sneeze like crazy, but way back in those days, I didn't care if my eyes swelled shut - we jumped on them anyway!

Okay, now the truth comes out. Even though I grew up here in these miles and miles of green lush earth, I did NOT grow up on a farm. We lived in town - I walked to school (in mile high snow, barefoot, both ways...at least that's what I'm telling my kids) and though many of my friends lived on farms, I really don't know the first thing about farming. But, I do know that these fields of yellow-blooming something-or-other are BEAUTIFUL. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that it's an alfalfa field....but, seeing I am/was a city girl, don't take my word on it. Whatever it is, I thought it was a pretty site.

We had a fabulous time....I'm sure that Grandma was not sorry to see us go, however. We disturbed her peace and quiet and destroyed her house. The kids played in the orchard, swam everyday, and blew over $120 at the local Dairy Queen. I enjoyed seeing my family, visiting with friends, and attending the All Class Reunion. Most of all, I enjoyed giving my kids a little piece of what I grew up with....a couple of weeks of slower life, good people, and good old fresh air. We miss it already....

I've updated our slide show at the top of the blog with pictures from our trip....please, stop by and have a look.

Top Ten's for ND

Top Ten Ways You Know You're in North Dakota

10. You've been driving for no less than 12 hours and you cross the state line (after you stop to take a picture of the "Welcome to North Dakota sign) and your GPS shows nothing but a STRAIGHT line for the next six hours. If you're lucky, you may see a little standing water off to the side of the road.

9. After driving approximately 3 more hours, you see the largest cow ever made off to the side of the road. Welcome to New Salem, North Dakota. You know you've been here a few times when your children no longer have any kind of reaction to the giant cow. And, if you don't have a clue about the giant cow, you have no business being here.

8. After the sun sets gently in the west, you now have to keep your eyes peeled in the distance for those dumb deer that think they own the highways around here.

7. You pull into a gas station at 11 pm and literally cannot see through the windshield becuase of all thebug guts. You have to spend an extra 15 minutes just cleaning your windshield.

6. After several days of being in North Dakota and being with your sisters all day, everyday, they are already showing signs that your children are driving them nuts. Admit it, Brenna. I know you're annoyed.

5. After several days of being in North Dakota, you don't care that your sisters are annoyed with your children and you leave them with your sisters anyway to adventure into the closest city with a Wal-mart. Walmart has never looked so good.....did I mention that we had to drive at least 45 min to get to that Walmart? Okay, it really was like 1 1/2 hours because my mom drives like an old lady...seriously, mom....you CAN drive the speed limit. It's allowed!

4. On the third consecutive day of being a return "North Dakotan" you catch yourself mid sentence saying "Yah, you betcha!" or "Don-cha know?" Tonight, I caught myself saying the "correct" pronunciation of "tacos"......"taaaahhhh-cos". It's all coming back to me now. Next thing you know, I'll be asking for a "bay-g" (bag) or a "soooo-da" (as in soda pop for you non-North Dakotans).

3. After a few days of being in ND, you think you've seen it all and then Mother Nature shows you what it's like to REALLY have a storm. Lightening, thunder, and hail the size of softballs. Maybe, if you're really lucky, you'll get a tornado warning!! (Seriously, the last few trips we've had here, we've had some rockin' storms!)

2. On your way over to the next largest town (Lisbon, where I grew up), you see white caps on the slough. You then have to explain the term "slough" to your sheltered brother-in-law who has no clue what a "slough" is. And, if you don't know what a "slough" is, you probably don't belong here....

1. And, the #1 way to know you're in North Dakota is.....drumroll, please..... you have a mosquito bite on every square inch of your body!!

**I have plans for a "Tour of North Dakota" for the month of July....please stay tuned for a photo post of all the lovely things that I do LOVE about being here. It's home....always has been, always will be. And, although I jest in fun, I do LOVE it here. There are going to be a bazillion things to show you, but, I can only get dressed and leave the house a few times while I am here. So, stay tuned. I'm sure you're just itchin' to see all there is to see about the great state of North Dakota.**

P.S. I am not being paid as a tourism guide from the state of North Dakota. However, I will entertain offers....

WWJD?

It's day ONE. Summer vacation.....oh, the dread that consumes my soul.... I honestly have anxiety just thinking about the LONG summer ahead. I know I am probably the ONLY soul who feels this way - any old June Cleaver would relish in the fact that her children were at her side - constantly, asking for snacks, food, rides, money for the stupid ice cream man, money for the pool, movies and trips to Maceys - All the while they are avoiding chores like the plauge. In fact, any old Mrs. June Cleaver would probably do their chores for them, while they enjoyed several hours of extra sleep, TV time and relaxation. And, she'd do it in a starched white apron with a smile. So, as we begin these few months of mother/children time, I find myself asking this question: What Would June Do??My guess is that behind the starched, white apron and the painted on smile, June Cleaver herself was a summer-hater. She probably was driven crazy by the Beaver and Wally and had a few not-so-nice words about cooking dinner in the roasting hot house. She probably ached for the quiet house that September brings and quietly anticipated those hours she could sit and watch soap operas and eat Bon Bons. So, as I ask myself WWJD, I know the answer....

If she were not a fictional character in TV land, she would let the house fall apart, make dinner in the crockpot or on the grill, give her kids a chore list EVERYDAY! She'd spend time at the pool, read a few books, take a vacation, ride her cruiser bike, sleep in a little, and for heaven's sake....DITCH the starched white apron. Flip flops and ponytails ROCK, Mrs. Cleaver!!

Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls: I will try, try, try to enjoy the summer with my kids. I will try not to lose my patience more than once a day (or twice, if they really deserve it!). I will try to enjoy the squeals from the backyard as they jump on the trampoline with the sprinkler under it. I will try to ignore the sticky mess that the lemonade stands make in the driveway and the ants that come along with it. I will clean up hundreds of Otter Pop wrappers and listen to Kim yell at the kids for dripping them everywhere. I will try to have patience as I play taxi driver, entertainer, and referee. And, I do assure you that I will be counting the days until school starts again. 85 and counting....

Another Milestone

I'm thinking about these things more frequently these days...the things that Nat's doing that will be the last. Yesterday, she "graduated" from pre-school. She was entirely too proud of herself and it was a little wrenching to the heart for mom.

Last week, we did her kindergarten shots. She didn't even cry. She's getting older, more independent, more stubborn. She's almost 5....just a few weeks to go and my "baby" will be 5!! Can't believe it.

And, then there's this photo....we came home from graduation and I was busy painting and planting in the garden. Apparently, Nat graced the neighborhood with this outfit all afternoon....lucky them.....

Redemption

As you may remember, my Mother's Day last year was, well... uneventful. If you don't remember, you may re-read my exciting post here. This year, I was sure to make my "wish list" early....way early. Like, March. I was a bit surprised last week, when Kim called me and asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day....I was shocked for 2 reasons: #1 - He was thinking about it before Sunday morning and #2 - I'd been TELLING him, not even HINTING at what I wanted for months now. So, me trying to be gentle, reminded him that all I was wishing for was new shutters for the outside of the house.

We've lived here for 3+ years now. We've needed new outdoor shutters for 3+ years now. I've decided on the kind I want, settled on a color, and made my request a FEW times. I volunteered to do all the priming and painting myself. All he had to do was build them. And, I'm happy to report that my request was granted!!!

Mother's Day this year was better, MUCH BETTER. I can honestly say that compared to last year, any efforts had to be an improvement. I had breakfast in bed (french toast...it's the only thing he cooks) and didn't even come out of my room until a few minutes before church. After church, Kim grilled steaks and as I retreated to my room (again), he rousted the children into cleaning the kitchen and picking up the TV room. I was lazy for the rest of the day. It felt nice.

I've been admiring my new shutters for a few days now and I feel as though my husband has redeemed himself. Now, I'm waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate and dry up the sky so I can get busy with my priming and painting. I dare say, in a week or so, I may have newly painted shutters on the outside of my windows and a newly painted front door. Stay tuned for the results....

My New Shutters

Fourteen

Fourteen years ago:

1. You and I got hitched. Forever. Yep, you're stuck with me.

2. You and I didn't have any money. Yep, still the case. Sorry, Dear.

3. You and I could go anywhere, do anything, at any time. Now, not the case.

4. You and I could sleep in till noon. Those days are over.

5. You and I could have peace and quiet. Those days are definitely over.

6. You and I could have dinner out, by ourselves, anytime we wanted. Over.

7. You and I didn't drive a minivan. Or, I should say, we didn't HAVE to drive a minivan.

8. You and I could make out in the car. *Probably WHY we have to drive the minivan....

9. You and I didn't own a home, didn't have car payments, and had few responsibilities.

10. You and I didn't have 4 children that can make us laugh and cry and want to strangle them all in the same breath.

11. You and I didn't have 12+ years of parenting under our belts.

12. You and I didn't know the shear happiness of seeing our kids do something great.

13. You and I didn't know that having hardship and tough times in our marriage would make us strong.

14. You and I didn't know that after 14+ years together, we'd be as happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise as we are today.

I'm glad that we've had all the happiness and heartache. I'm glad that we've stuck it all out. I'm glad that you can tolerate my mood swings, my obsessive/compulsiveness, my hair all over the bathroom floor (and shower drain, and bathroom sink drain **BTW, could you fix that drain??). I'm glad that you are still happy to come home, happy to drive the minivan, and happy to be married to me. You are, aren't' you???