An Interesting Start

Well, it's a holiday... Martin Luther King, Jr day... a holiday here for schools. But, alas, Bob is down at school working. See, he's not actually hired by the school district. His position runs through the county office. Therefore, he's required to work 183 days instead of 175. This means that, if he doesn't want to work in the summer time, he has to put in those days throughout the year. So... today is one of those days. (Although he's planning on finding a summer job that he can enjoy... anyone want to me by back up coach in case he's not around?... He's considering, with my permission - can you believe that - fighting fires for the summer... he loves it)

At first I was dreading the day, but the kids are actually fairly mellow right now. We've done two loads of sheets and blankets already, a load of dishes and even had a "special" breakfast. During the making of breakfast, I was trying to keep laundry going and get the fire going. Let's just say the fire has been less than cooperative today - though I think we may have finally gotten it going.

During all the time on my feet (much later in the morning than normal for me to eat) I felt the blood drain from my face, got weak, felt clammy and immediately found a chair. That didn't seem to help (and yes, I'd been "snacking" along the way so I wasn't totally empty). As things seemed to be getting worse in the chair, instead of better, and I was going to need to roll the balls (we were having Danish Pancake Balls), I had Gabi get a piece of paper and wrote down Bob's cell number. I told her if I passed out and didn't come to right away to call Daddy immediately. I don't know that I would have been quite as concerned (I'd dealt with this kind of thing before) but last night, most of the night, I'd had bad, sharp, stabbing like pains that were not familiar to me in the area of my uterus. Position seemed to help a little, so I went to bed last night. But knowing that had happened and now I was suddenly feeling so off, I figured the oldest child ought to be prepared to deal with the emergency (call Dad and get him home to deal with it).

I mentioned I had not had any protein yet this morning, and Peter immediately hopped up and said "Mommy, you can eat a cheese stick. Cheese has protein. I'll get you one." Ran over to the fridge, grabbed a cheese stick and gave it to me. The best part (aside from my wonderfully sweet and intelligent, not yet 3 year old) was that I only got through half the cheese stick when all my symptoms went away. I finished it, of course, and things have been fine since!

I guess baby's ready for more protein! (And not going to threaten to spit it back up)

Something Cute!

I have another friend starting up an Etsy site... the stuff looks really cute! Everyone should at least check it out...

What amazes me is that she's so busy - she has two little ones (one only about a month old), works part time (sometimes two jobs), does craft fairs, makes wreaths, and renovates her home. This all in her "spare time".

Her creations are beautiful!

AnnRose's Attic

Playing Around

Okay - so I'm messing with the blog again... I know what I want to do.. but well, that takes time and talent so it won't be right away. However, we'll see changes happening here and there and not always what I'd keep but being interrupted by kids and their needs (like right now while I get them put to bed) will cause things to look a little, well, strange for awhile... just bare with me... I'll get it figured out sooner or later.

Preparing For Baptism

This may seem strange to those of you of different faiths than ours, but this will be our first child to be baptized. It's also the first grandchild on both sides. A very exciting time in our lives. Gabi will turn 8 in March.

8 is "magical" around here - it's the birthday all our kids talk about. It's the age when we believe children become accountable before God. Those first 8 years are a gift to us parents as we prepare and teach our children about our Savior and His gospel. When a child reaches the age of 8, he or she has the choice to be baptized, like our savior, by immersion. This choice is not made lightly. The child is taught to understand that by being baptized he or she is agreeing to follow Christ. To do their very best to be a light and example to the world. To always remember Christ and be willing to testify of him. The child is also taught the importance of repentance, without which there is no way to be saved, for we all make mistakes. In order to make such a decision, the child needs to have developed his or her own testimony of our Savior, of his mission and of his gospel.

When a child has come to this decision and gets baptized, he or she is taking the first necessary step to being able to be united with his or her family for all eternity (not just here on earth). There will be other ordinances necessary as the child progresses from a child to an adult to ensure such wonderful blessings. But getting baptized is the first - it marks the path.

In preparation for this, Gabi has already read the Book of Mormon in it's entirety by herself once through. Since that time, she's been reading it again, focusing especially on the passages of scripture that talk about our Savior and faith. Her goal is to complete the Book of Mormon this way before she turns 8. These are goals she set for herself. Our family reads from the Book of Mormon every night. And she learns about the gospel from the Bible, the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon. All scriptures which confirm the truth of each other - the gospel being the same in all.

Gabi has been thinking a lot about her baptism - who will baptize her, who will confirm her and who will take part in this wonderful program. The first two must be someone who holds the true Priesthood of God here on the earth. The others can be anyone. It's a special thing to know that the true Priesthood of God is here upon the earth and able to be used for such sacred ordinances.

She is very excited - she's planning it all - and she's even making a list of people dear to her that she wants to invite to this special event. We are all so excited and happy for her.

It you want to learn more about this special event or what we believe, please click here.

Spring?

I've been told that this happens, but it's not the norm. Aside from a 3 day crazy cold spell in December (which was still nothing like Maine) we've had really nice weather. Not always "warm" although by Maine standards it would be. Although with the "really nice" temps, we have had a lot of rain. I'm not complaining (though we certainly saw tons of that back in Maine this last summer) - this area really needs it... it's a huge blessing!

I had told the boys that if the weather continued to be "nice" that we'd start walking on those days. I probably can't go far - I've never been able to do much when pregnant as far as walking or hiking or any other "physical activity" without being put down for a three day stint (or more). But this pregnancy is different and I think, as long as I don't push it, I could probably get away with some walking on the level part of the street. It's worth a try!

Anyway... we've not really been able to take advantage of the nice weather because it's been raining... and sorry, but I'm not a rainy walking kind of girl. I like to be wet when I'm swimming, boating (sometimes), showering and the like. Otherwise, I like to be nice a dry. And when the sun has peeked out or the rain as let up for a little while, it's late enough in the day that I'm too tired and then I know it would be unwise.

Today is different... the sun is already out and the boys and I are planning a little walk. They want to take the stroller, but I'm going make them use up some energy (and not over do it for myself). It will be nice.. the fresh air will feel great and do wonders for us... and yes, I'll likely be down for a good long nap this afternoon... that's okay. I need this.

Now... if I could stabilize my iron.....

Where?

While eating breakfast, Peter asked me why I was eating. I told him because the baby likes what I'm eating. Since he was still a little puzzled, I told him the baby could taste what I ate after I'd eaten it.

He went back to eating his cereal and then said "Baby wants to be in my tummy."

Uncle Mike

That would be Bob's brother - crazy guy... or so we've always told the kids. They certainly had fun with him back in September (or was it late August)... oh well. Peter, apparently, has become obsessed with Uncle Mike. He talks about him ALL THE TIME!

A couple of days ago something was said and I mentioned "Uncle Mike" to which I was promptly informed that I "forgot his name"... "I did?" ... "Yeah, it's Crazy Uncle Mike!" Oh, right... forgot that CRAZY was actually part of his name! =)

Tonight was a discussion on birthdays (after all there are at least 8 in January for our family). Today was Crazy Uncle Mike's and cousin Annie's. At this mention, Peter piped up with "When Crazy Uncle Mike turns 3 and then I turn 3, Crazy Uncle Mike will be the same as me!"

Yeah.... no concept of what age means... but that's okay... he's very fond of CRAZY Uncle Mike!

Heading For A Masters

Bob begins his Master's program today... the next year and half (or so) will be a bit hectic... but really, what's a "second job" around here? No, really we're very excited for him to have this opportunity. He's doing it completely on-line, and the Lord has been blessing me to not be completely down this pregnancy. The kids are able to do more - and typically are more willing. We'll see just how demanding of his time this ends up being, but it's important and we're excited to get it started (and finished)! Let the next chapter begin! =)

Blog Changes & Blog Addresses

As you can see, we've had an adjustment to our blog. I have a wonderful friend who did this for us - she's from skittles and scraps. Anyway, although the the nice change, we lost our blog roll - much of which I had listed in Google Reader (but I stopped using that when I started the blog roll). I was able to import many of the old blog addresses.

So - if your blog is no longer listed or if it's got the wrong connection, please let me know what it is so I can add it again. I really love to keep up with everyone and I'd hate to miss you just because we don't know where to look!

Treat

I've been making more treats lately... don't know if that's good or bad, but the family is enjoying them. Today Jeremy and I decided to make muddy buddies... once they were finished and Peter finally decided it was worth trying he said:

"Jeremy I tried it and it's scrumptious! I really like bunny food!"

Chicken On The...

With the clean house - that has, for a few days anyway, remained as such with progress actually happening a little every day.... I've been cooking more dinners (which means Bob can stay at school later in the day and stay caught up on correcting and such)...

Last night I was trying to figure out what to fix (that's the hardest thing for me to do while pregnant...especially since all I've really wanted was pizza and I'm waiting for cheese to be brought home) - I figured we'd do rice and chicken with gravy. The chicken I pulled was legs (or as my niece refers to it: chicken on the bone). Suddenly I thought we'd do Grandma's pan fried chicken with rice on the side. I still thought I'd throw together a nice little gravy for the rice, but got side tracked making cornbread... Courtney's very yummy cornbread....after all, what's pan fried chicken without cornbread? Anyway... all went well, save the gravy which we decided to nix due to time.

As the dinner progressed, we kept telling the kids we were having pan fried chicken on the bone. Beth made a face (to which I reminded her that she likes chicken on the bone), Gabi got the one that was already pulled apart (since she really doesn't like it on the bone) and the boys kept asking how to eat it. Bob told them to hold it like corn on the cob and eat around the sides. Jeremy figured it out, but Peter wasn't too sure.

As the night progressed, Peter still wondered how to eat it - in part because he decided he didn't like the crispy outside (the best part, which he just wouldn't try). So I told him to pull that off and eat the rest.

He was gone a couple minutes and then came back saying "my chicken has a stick! I don't want to eat the stick" I told him he didn't have to, and showed him where more chicken was. When he finished he said "Can I throw away my stick? I don't want to eat my stick."

So - no more chicken on the bone... apparently, in our house, it's chicken on a stick!

Baby

Bob was talking to Peter this morning about how many kids were in our family...

P: "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8"
B: "No... not 8... Gabi is"
P:"1"
B: "Bethie is"
P: "2"
B: "Jeremy is"
P: "4"
B: "no, not 4, 3"
P: "3"
B: "Peter is"
P: "4"
B: "and baby is"
P: "5"

Then the conversation was about when the baby will come - Peter couldn't seem to pull it up himself (we tell him "after Jeremy's birthday", as a reference point)

P: "When baby comes out he'll burst this bed"

Apparently that would be just one too many on the bed =)

Unpacked

It's amazing, but it's true... we've unpacked everything in the house... I think we might have one box of craft stuff in the garage still, but the craft cabinet needs some attention before we bring it in! The biggest accomplishment is that our bedroom is actually clean - as in no boxes stacked hap-hazardly around - things hanging out of them as we've attempted to find something but not unpacked it yet. That's where the "move in mess" landed this time, and it's great to have it done.

Bob's a great motivator - and good at finding homes when I struggle. We were able to get a lot done and the kids got their rooms cleaned as well... and can you believe it, all the dirty laundry was washed and put away! Now the real question... can we maintain such clean... I hope so, but I also know I've not got the energy that I had when we first got here. We'll see if we can keep the kids focused (they like knowing they have clothes, clean and where they can find them).

If nothing else, we'll keep things tip-top until Wednesday morning... I have Achievement Days at my house Tuesday night! And with any luck - and with small and few goals per day (and week) things should be looking good for a long, long time!

A Giant? Or Something Else? Tell Me!

Well many of you know we're expecting again... yes that's baby number five (if it's a giant). I suppose that's entirely possible given how big Peter was - certainly smaller by weight than I'd heard of others, even in my own family, but he was 22 1/2 inches long... that's really long for a baby.

Strangely, for those who know me, I've not been terribly sick this time around. Two of my previous pregnancies I was more or less sick the whole time. One I was violently ill for the first half and the other I threw-up 5 times and felt ill for at least half. This time I did "feel sick" almost immediately, and often thought I'd wake up sick. Nope... as long as I got to sleep when I started to feel crummy I was doing okay. I did start in on mints (a nausea coping mechanism) at 4 or 5 weeks..... much early than usual for me.

For the first two and half months I felt that I was eating all the time... not that I could eat the same thing in a row. No, that would have been too easy. But I was easily eating every hour and maybe even sooner when I was awake. I would wake up in the middle of the night with hunger pains and have to eat something at least once and often twice before morning. Not to mention eating before trying to get out of bed. And protein was difficult to eat... it seemed to upset my stomach, although that always got worse as the day progressed.

We thought we'd be cute and announce our pregnancy on Christmas Day... hey, I've always been able to hide it for that long and longer before (even with number four). But I realized I was showing by 5 weeks. I had the "right" shirts, though and wore button up sweaters and zip up sweat shirts (great for minimizing what can be seen when left open). By 6-7 weeks we decided we best let Bob's folks know because, well, they are just across the street and see us often. I knew it wouldn't be long before someone would be asking anyway. I was already starting to get a few questioning glances... apparently I was still hiding it well enough for them not to ask though (or they figured I was still new enough to the area that they would be kind). When I announced it at church, a girl beside me commented right off that I was showing.

It wasn't until a few weeks after telling Bob's folks that I stood up when we were visiting and my stomach was a little achy... I moved the sweater back a little to rub my belly and my mother-in-law exclaimed "You really are showing!" with surprise. Yup.. I wasn't making it up... I was just good at hiding it (to a point). After all, I had been out of my normal pants by 6 weeks, had only one pair of bigger pants and they were tight and uncomfortable. (Christmas remedied that... maternity clothes have been a huge blessing and comfort)

So... to add to our fun with the huge, uncomfortable belly (which also meant back pulling as early as 6 weeks - normally something that starts, mildly, in the late second trimester for me) is our little Peter. He loves to "hug a baby" - where he snuggles my belly and grins up to me. He would then say "I tink it's two babies". That was cute and I often would ask him just randomly if we were having one baby and his response has always been the same. Then he learned the word twins - and though we've stopped asking how many babies, he'll tell me "I tink it's tins. A brodder baby and nodder brodder" If it is twins, I do hope it's not two boys... the two I have, being 19 months apart are handful enough! Peter even said, yesterday, that then it would be "like Peter and Jeremy again"!

I figured I'd not say a whole lot until we knew for sure if it was one or twins or whatever.... but, seeing that I'm nearly 13 weeks and we still have no idea and the next chance to have a clue won't be until I'm 16 1/2 weeks... well, here we are! Apparently the doctor we see is rather old school. That doesn't actually bother me.. but I'm finding some interesting differences between his methods and what I went through with my others. Like, no inital ultrasound. Okay. And then at my last appointment being told that the doctor rarely hears a heartbeat at 12 weeks. When he "checked for one" he set the doppler in one place and listened for awhile but didn't move it around. The other doctor's I'd had always probed around until they found it. That's not this doctor's style. So we'll wait another 4 weeks.

In the meantime... I know someone is having twins... it may well not be me, but someone connected to me is having twins. I've known this since before I got pregnant. Since I won't know for sure about myself for another 4 weeks, if it's you, please tell me... then I won't have to wonder who it is any more! And if it's you, then I can try to prepare Peter for just one baby! Of course, I suppose you might not know yet either.. but when you find out, let me know! I've already asked everyone I know that's expecting!

Peter's Favorite Saying

"OK, My Friend!"

A Little Taste Of Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Christmas is, of course, always wonderful when you have your family around you - but this year we had our family and Bob's parents and his grandmother. Adding to the number of family really helped to make it more special.

Since we went over to Bob's folks for Christmas Eve dinner (which was really yummy, but no surprise there) the kids were able to watch some Christmas specials on TV and the adults were able to visit. It was great because the kids were actually kept up later than I thought they would be - it was after 10:30pm when they were finally tucked in and asleep! I was, of course, finishing up Christmas presents (fortunately it was not a lot) so though I wasn't feeling the best and knew I needed to be sleeping, I stuck with it and got them finished up.... oh, that is except on for one for a couple who were on vacation and not at their home anyway... I do feel bad that it's not complete, but that should be remedied tomorrow!

Anyway, with such a late night for the kiddos, we actually had to wake them up! We had thought we'd be going back over to Bob's folks around 8am Christmas morning... it was 7:15 when I woke up Bob (me being awake only because I had to eat something or be sick). We got the kids up and out to stockings around 7:30 or so... needless to say, we made it to Bob's folks at 8:30 after we'd opened what was under our tree (some presents were waiting at grandma and grandpa's).... oh, yeah... still in our PJs!

It was wonderful... the kids were very happy and excited with all their gifts. Bob and I also received wonderful gifts too... cards will be written this week as well.... After presents (having stopped half way through for breakfast) the kids spent a good time watching specials and playing games. I took a nap and everyone eventually found clothes before Christmas dinner!

As we were not really home "holiday-wise" until Saturday, we waited until then to open up the new games, puzzles and toys here at the house. We had received a TV (our old one didn't make the move) and DVD player (was dead before we made the move), we cuddled up with kiddos and watched a movie as a family in the living room (not in the dinning room on the computer) actually comfortable Saturday night! Yeah! It's nice to know we'll be able to do that more often. (Oh, and that if the boys are watching a movie I can still work on the computer!)

It was great... peaceful... different for us than years past, but so enjoyable!

Now... to get that online card done up so you all can see our family and read our letter.... this week... seems I have quite a list going already!

Santa

Santa has always come to fill stockings... but other than that, Santa hasn't been a huge thing around here. Well, last week, the girls had a wonderful little Christmas play / concert that we went to. And who was there at the end? None other than Santa giving out candy canes. All the kids went up and got one without any trouble.

The following night, we were invited over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to see a special visitor. Santa was there, waiting for us at the front door. It was funny to hear the kids:

"It's Santa!"
"No, It's grandpa!"

Of course, grandpa came into the living room a little while later and Santa was still there! Wow! That was something for the little ones! Santa had brought each kid an ornament and two candy canes (the ones that are like candy sticks). Peter had fallen asleep before we went over and we had to wake him up. So although he was very excited the first night to go and see Santa, he wasn't sure what to make of the second one. Eventually, with the help of the train controls, Peter warmed up.

At the end of the night on our way back home, Peter turned to me and said "There was two Santas!" Yes, yes there was!

Christmas Carols

When Peter was born he gave me a great gift. He was easy in so many ways, but not in going to sleep. That is until I realized he would only go to sleep if he was sung to. Not just any songs, but the Hymns. It was perfect for me - Bob's schedule was crazy, I was in many ways a single mom (with the benefit of a husband) with three very young kids and a new baby. I was so tired all the time and rarely picked up my scriptures or Ensign or anything that might fill me spiritually because I was sleeping whenever I possibly could between the baby and the demands of life with kids.

That half hour every day of singing the Hymns to little Peter filled me and kept me going. It was a time for me to feel the love my Savior has for me and recharge and get ready for the next round of chaos.

Well, this year I've had a special treat. Peter has always enjoyed music - usually he's very specific about what people can sing - and he loves to dance, to sing, to listen. As I've been spending more time in the chair, he'll come cuddle up and sing Christmas Carols with me. He smiles, tells me the song or agrees to one I suggest when he can't think of another. His focus seems to be on Santa right now, though his favorite carol is "The Little Drummer Boy". He'll join me several times a day, snuggling and singing.

I especially love when he lays across my lap and looks up at me while we're singing. That's when those precious baby memories gather round - another special gift my Peter has given me!

The Magic Wand

It never fails that one kids or another (usually the boys) will find something that becomes a magic wand. The typical game includes making things and people "vanish" which (though it's all imaginary) causes quite a stir and much frustration from the unexpecting party. Well, there has always been the usual Abracadabra and such, but this is what the boys have been saying lately:

AbracaDoodle!

The Rest Of The Story

The tree went up Saturday night - though without lights. Sunday afternoon, the lights went up and the kids decorated. Normally Bob puts on the lights and then adds the glass balls. This year he let the kids decorate until they were finished - I lifted a couple up to get to some higher branches because they thought ornaments needed to be up there too! =)

The tree turned out nice - though no glass balls this year. We have mostly homemade ornaments, so the tree has that simple, homemade sweetness to it. It goes along great with our "homemade Christmas" this year. Yes, everything is homemade - okay, everything we are giving! =)

I'd put up some pictures, but really, I need to finish cleaning out iPhoto - I was working on it a month or so ago and never got it finished. Since our computer is many years old (we've had it for a good 5 or 6) and it belonged to someone else for a few years before that, I figure I best not overload it. It's old, after all, and since it's still working, I'd like to keep it that way. I do want to get some nice snow pictures up on the side of the blog, and I might do that directly from the camera just for the season, but please forgive the time it takes to post other pictures!

O Christmas Tree - part one

Bob went out with his Dad and a family friend to a get a tree today! Hurray - success! That means there wasn't so much snow that a tree was impossible! Kids are very excited - they were hoping to put it up tonight, but since little ones seem to think getting into PJs can take over an hour they lost out. Besides, Bob had to go pick up a tree stand (we left ours back in Maine).

So, two Christmas stories, prayers and scriptures later - Bob is putting together our tree stand, trimming the tree to fit the house - I think he's going to get the tree in and up with the lights on. That means it'll be all ready for the kids to start decorating as soon as they return from church tomorrow! The boys made ornaments this week in preparation for the "big event".

What a great holiday!

Bringing Out The Worst

The kids spent the evening at Grandma and Grandpa's house since Bob and I both had meetings at the church. I returned before the end of the Go-Fish game so was able to listen in on the excitement.

As the kids went around taking their turns, Bethie turns to Jeremy knowing that he has everything she needs to have another complete match (she's already ahead of everyone). She asks for it and then announces (through a smile and a giggle) "I'm evil!!!!!!!!!"

Adjusting Traditions

Christmas is coming - around the corner really, and this year we're looking at changing some traditions. After all, we're near family now and so some adjustments make sense. I have to admit there is part of me which screams "no way... this is how we've always done it with our own little family so this is the way we'll always do it" and yet another part is finding a growing sense of excitement in trying to think up other "new" things to start.

So - I think we've decided the Midnight gift opening ritual (which the youngest always seem to sleep through anyway) is going to have to be set aside. The kids seem fine with it... the only problem (though the kids don't see it as a problem yet) is that the kids will not be able to open gifts until a "reasonable hour" when family has a chance to gather (sometime after 7am).... I know, I think it's asking too much, but we'll see.

One of the "exciting new" things for me is coming up with something yummy for first thing in the morning. We never really worried about it - made snowman pancakes as the kids came to the table (we just might have to continue with that too). Bob, of course suggested cinnamon rolls, which everyone loves. Simple enough to have together the night before and then pop in the oven that morning. But when he said that, I thought of Danish pastries... I love those. I've never made them, but I've always wanted to learn. So, I've just found a recipe with great reviews that I'm going to try out sometime this next week. And if all works out well, I'll be making homemade apple and cheese danishes (not mixed, two different kinds). Maybe a lemon one? I'm excited. We'll have a little "bakery" of sorts... I might have to make up some doughnuts for the boys... we'll see.

Now... to keep them entertained from 3 until the gift opening time..... (maybe we'll be lucky and it will be 6am).... maybe some special Christmas games ... yes, there are stockings, but really, how long will those last? Any ideas?

Tummy Needs a Nap

Peter decided he was full before he had emptied his bowl of cereal yesterday. This was our conversation:

P: My tummy's full. It needs a nap.
M: Oh.. don't you think you could eat a couple more bites so your tummy stays good and full?
P: No, my tummy is full. It needs a nap.
M: Does your whole body need to take a nap, or just your tummy while you play?
P: Just my tummy needs to take a nap while I play.

1 of 13

We just found out today that Gabi was one of 13 winners of an art contest. The art will be used to create a calendar for next year for the community! She's very excited - as are we! There will even be a special awards night for her and the other lucky 12.

Congrats, Gabi! You did a wonderful job!

And The Cat Trumps

When cleaning up the books and magazines in the livingroom a few days back, I picked up one of the Book of Mormons that was given to the kids by their old bishop. Wondering whose was not in the bedroom, I opened it to find that it was Peter's. Since he was working with me, I said to him:

"Peter! Look what I found!"

He eagerly grabbed it and started turning to the pictures (his favorite part) and said very excitedly

"My Book of Norman! You found my Book of Norman!"

At first I wasn't sure I'd heard him right, but then later, when he was suppose to have taken it to his room but didn't, he came out and told me again that he had his Book of Norman. Laughing (because Norman is the cat he plays with at grandma's several times a week), I corrected him. He repeated Mormon, and then proceeded to tell me he was putting away his Book of Norman.

Famous?

Okay, maybe not quite, but Beth made the paper this week! A week ago, on Veteran's Day, the girls were part of a salute to veterans concert. They prepared for weeks, loved all the "America songs" they learned, and I must admit that I loved the concert. Being kids and all, I wasn't sure just how much I'd understand in the back row while I tried to record and take pictures.

It was wonderful, though. The Veterans who came only added to the beauty of the program. When the theme song from their particular branch of the military was sung or played, they would stand in salute. Just amazing. And to hear certain heartfelt songs about our country and about the people who fight for it, well, I must admit I got teary eyed a few times. None more so, though, than when they concluded with "God Bless America".

Anyway, only one picture from their particular school made the paper, and Beth, being right up front wearing a red shirt and her blue with white stars jumper was apparently patriotic enough to land center! The downside - well, it doesn't seem they post pictures on the Newspaper website, so I can't link you there to enjoy it. But Beth is especially excited today!

Update

I'm not doing so well with keeping up with the blog... I have several pictures and events to post about, but it will have to come here and there. It seems we're all pretty busy in our own ways - in our own worlds!

But, some things I don't want to forget:

Last week, after the Bishop had help confirm someone at church, he had walked back up on the stand and Peter got so excited and pointed then said "Look, Mama, that's MY Bishop!"

We're spending more and more time playing games! It's better than TV, better than movies and of course it's better because Bob is around more! Jeremy's favorite game is Checkers - another favorite (which Peter is getting the hang of) is Guess Who!

Wood heat is still wonderful! - Though we have an insert instead of the actual stove, it's still nice.

This morning Peter told me: "I'm Petor! There's a different Petor. It's not like me."

There will be some "school blogs" on our school site too. Again... late, but at least you'll have an idea of what is happening. Due to the particular's of our children and the structure of schooling in their age groups, we're developing a home school plan which is a supplement to the schooling. They really are doing well there, but there really is only so far they can go with certain things under the circumstances (mostly with the kindergarten). I don't mind, and I think it will mostly be on the "vacation" times - which is when they would be wanting to do it anyway!

Soccer

So this is old news.. .but I wanted to share it anyway!

Soccer is done differently out this way... in large part because there are many more people and lots of kids who are interested in playing. So there is an actual league which include levels based on age. Arriving when we did, we nearly didn't end up with any players this year. But since they needed one more coach, they asked Bob if he would do it. So, though the girls would not normally have been on the same team, they allowed Beth to "bump up" so he could coach them both!

It was a fun season for them - started in August and ended around the end of October (maybe a week before). So kind of long for what we're use to as well. They had practices in the first few weeks and then it was just games (which were typically two or three a week). They had a lot of fun and the parents were very impressed with Bob's style (focusing both on "fun" as well as teaching skills).

As this was Beth's first year ever playing on a team, I must admit that I was pretty impressed. In the beginning it was pretty obvious that she didn't have experience. Later on, she'd improved, though being so little and all, it was still obvious that she was not as experienced as the older kids on the team. All in all, though, I am very happy with how she played. How she was so enthusiastic. Her favorite thing to do was to giggle with excitement while she was running after or kicking the ball. Her favorite position ended up being goalie - and though she was little and not as experienced, she could hold her own against several of the other teams. She also had incredible defense to protect her! While in goal, she would often dance around and laugh - occassionally laying down because the ball seemed to be staying at the other end of the field.

For Gabi, she improved a lot. Though she's played before, she'd never played on a league like this and the dynamics are certainly different. She made three goals over the season - for which she was very happy - and was the team enthusiast always cheering for any member of the team when they got the ball, kicked the ball, made a goal, etc. She loved making new friends and playing with them. Sometimes she'd be talking with another player or singing songs with them while she was waiting for a chance at the ball. Though having improved tremendously, going after the ball is still not her strong point. She'd go for it until it looks like someone else (even from the other team) has it. Then often she'll pull back and wait to intercept after it's been kicked. But, considering age, I don't think that's so bad!

Anyway, it was a fun season and the boys and I went to most of the games. It was hard on Jeremy because he really just wanted to play (so warm ups were fun because he could be included). On one of the fields, there was a tree that many children (waiting for a playing sibling) would climb. Around it were lots of rocks that they also thought were fun to throw it the "ditch" where the tree was. Jeremy and Peter took part in this.

Peter was really only interested in the naps or the snacks. He'd often fall asleep on the way to the game and stay that way as I carried him up. So he'd either sleep on me or on a blanket we'd managed to get spread out. Peter would like to play, but it's not the problem it was for Jeremy (at least not yet) and that's good, because he's got at least another year to wait through before his turn comes up!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! We do hope it was fun for everyone! We had a lot of fun - it was a nice mellow day, which seem abnormal for us for Halloween, but it was really nice. The weather was great - 67 degrees when we started out! I must admit I was thankful for that since the girls outfits would have been hard to "bulk up"!

Unlike other years, I didn't make all the costumes! Okay, so that's not entirely a first, but I generally make them all or most of them. This year three were store bought (two this year and one from a couple years ago) and the other, well I used a lot of safety pins. Spanish Princess on a budget! =)

Bob and the kids made jack-o-lanterns right after an early dinner. Then the boys played outside while I got the girls together (mostly Gabi) and then we got them into costume. They were, of course, very excited to go "trick-or-treating" and Gabi insisted it be a family affair... so it was. Peter, being Thomas, said "peep, peep" and "clickity clack" all along the way! It was fun, but everyone was happy to be home!





Thomas The Tank Engine! (yes, his smoke stack is missing, we just couldn't figure out where tha ended up!)



Princess Elizabeth - Or is she the Glenda, the Good Witch?



Jeremy the firefighter! He was so excited!


Spanish Princess - Not bad for a put it together yourself!

It's All About The Apple Cake

I was making dinner tonight and Peter wanted to help. The stockpot was hot and he couldn't see in it even standing on a chair, so I figured it wasn't really safe for him. That's when he told me that when he grew up he'd be a mommy....

I asked him if he was really going to be a mommy or if he was going to be a daddy... he said "Daddy" and then told me all the things that mommies cook and the things that daddies cook... ending with "And mommies make apple cake. I'm going to be a mommy when I get bigger"

Don't worry about gender, it's all about the apple cake!

License

I guess that's that last thing I needed to do before being officially a citizen of this state. My marriage certificate came amazingly fast - I had no idea that mail could go across the country and back in less than one week... I'd say that's a blessing!

Anyway, it arrived a couple days ago, this morning I went in - and blessings once again, I received someone else to deal with - someone who was actually nice. The test was, as tests go, filled with many questions that didn't have enough information to be certain which answer to give. Blessed again, I was some how able to come up with the answers they were seeking. Needless to say, I have officially passed (I feel like high school all over again) and my new ID / License will be in within the next two weeks.

I think that's all for the headaches of moving. I think everything else is just part of life!

Jack-O-Lanterns

We don't carve them until a day or two before - or if it's last year, the day of - halloween. The kids do get to draw on them before. Peter wanted to tell me (again) about his....

"Mama, you see my junky ladder?"

Blessings

So with all the ups and downs of moving, I've been thinking a lot about why we moved and what has come of that.... I realized, it's time to do a little blessing add-up - so forgive me, for a minute, while I indulge myself in some of the good things in my life.

I'm incredibly grateful for the many blessings I have - blessings that I treasure and blessings I can share. So, in no particular order, here are some that come readily to mind!

The Gospel - for it's guidance and direction, the knowledge of where I came from and why I'm here, the sealing of families together for eternity, they understanding and acceptance of Christ as my Savior

My husband - concerned, dedicated, loving, kind, strong, sweet, understanding, worthy to hold the priesthood, devoted, an amazing father, wonderful provider, forgiving, patient, generous, loving, all around incredible man. (And, yes, I am well aware that I've just embarrassed him, but I do hope he'll forgive me. After all, he truly is one of my greatest blessings)

My children - full of mischief, love, curiosity, joy, laughter, forgiveness, patience, they keep life so very interesting and full!

My mother - in all her struggles always taking time to listen, loving, generous, sweet, helpful, compassionate, enduring, for giving me this gift of life, for raising me in the gospel when all else was against it, for believing in me, understanding, accepting.

My father - for showing me what life means (second chances are special and to be cherished), for teaching through example things he would never have been able to teach me otherwise, for being someone my children can look to as an example of love and gospel endurance.

My in-laws - for patience, unconditional love, helping in more ways than can be counted, for raising my husband to be the man he is, for sharing the sacred bonds of the gospel with us

My friends - for support, encouragement, listening, guiding, teaching, helping, loving

T.S. - love, understanding, acceptance, family, example, teaching, for making me laugh at everything (especially when it seems there is nothing to laugh about)

A.J. - for never changing, still and always dear friends

J.G. - laughter, support

K.S. - Compassion, assistance, love

B.H. - generous, loving, understanding, supportive, concerned

G.E. - straight from the heart, an answer to prayer

Library - where I can volunteer and take my children and keep them reading! And where I can find a book to comfort myself from time to time.

School - where my girls are actually having fun, have friends, are being taught in a broad-spectrum so they can stay with their classes and still be challenged, and where I can also volunteer.

A view - that calms my heart and soul every time I see it

A steady job (for Bob) - that allows him to be down to one job!

Computer - that hasn't crashed, allows me to connect with distant friends and relatives, allows me to get much work done and pay the bills

Food - so we can eat, stay healthy and thus enjoy life

A ward family - truly, who so willing step in and help out even when they don't know me yet or at least not well

Being able to walk, run, jump, laugh, cry, shout, and anything else the body can do. I'm blessed to know be troubled with any major issues yet

A home - to live in, raise my children in, feel the Spirit in, keep us safe, warm and cool, dry

Van - to get us around

Toys for the kids, tools for Bob, craft things for me - we can all stay busy (we've been a bit too busy to enjoy all of that recently, but we've still got it)

Many "niceities" - which make life more comfortable

Phone - I'd be nearly lost without it as I don't have the time to write much any more! I love being able to keep in touch that way, even if it isn't often.

Friendly Neighbors - don't complain about the noisy kids (even when I do)

And I could get even more particular than that, but these things remind me of so much that I've been given. Especially when I see so much around me where such things are not all there. I've had so much to be grateful for, and never more so than now!

DMV - A WOMAN'S HEADACHE

I've noticed that over the last month or so I've been crazy emotional.... go figure, after all a lot has changed and happened. It's not like it happens ALL the time, though it does happen at strange times - not all strange times, but at times when I'd normally be able to hold myself together, get through whatever it is, and then be angry and mad and whatever.....

So... today.... off to go get my license, finally. This has been an interesting ordeal anyway - as in they want you to have an appointment but then the system for setting up appointments was down. On top of that, everything you need to know is, well, normal... unless you live somewhere where there is no such thing as a "light rail vehicle" for which the question (on a "practice test") didn't even have an answer listed in the book. I do hope common sense will provide the right answer should I get questions like that.

Anyway... a woman.... well, lets just say there's strong discrimination... I mean really.... okay, okay, let me back up....

I called to find out if the marriage certificate we had would be accepted... it had, after all, been on the wall in a frame since we got married. It was the one handed to us with the original signatures when we were married. It was the same one used to get my name changed with social security. Anyway, it did not have a raised seal - thus the reason for my call. I was assured by the person I was talking to that although they prefer the raised seal, it would not be necessary because my name had been changed with SS and I had my card and that was who they did the check with. I would not let her off the phone until I had this verified 5 times.

Okay... no big deal... I set up an appointment (the soonest is two weeks away) and think I'm okay. Bob had just walked in and apparently in this "small town" (that's all relative, right?) you don't have to wait for long periods of time... in fact, you don't take a number, just a row of seats. So I went in today thinking I'd get my license and take care of registering the van.

WRONG!!!!!!!!

Nope, apparently because they cannot verify that I was married (no raised seal on the document - and we never have had one with a raised seal) I am "possibly not who I claim to be" - never mind that I have both my new and old SS card and that can be verified (something they are suppose to do anyway), as well as several credit cards, and (more importantly) my old out-of-state license (which has a special marking so they can tell it's authentic). All these with my current name, which I've had for about 8 1/2 years! Nope, apparently no one else is smart enough to verify a person's identity except for the DMV of the state we're currently in. (At least that's the way it came across). And I was told that they needed the certified copy of the marriage certificate because it verifies a name change - WRONG - it simply states that my husband (his full name) and myself (my full maiden name, not my new name) were married!!!!!! The only official change - that would be recorded - for my name is with SS!

So, regardless of what I was told - and they lady didn't want to hear about that - I was not allowed to get my license. Fine. The only problem... I need one to register the van (which is in both names, not just Bob's) and that has to been done within 10 days of Bob having received his license.... well, let's just say the "certified copy of our marriage certificate" will take longer than that for me to receive.

Oh - but there's good news!!!!!! She'd be happy to go ahead and register the van using my ME license...... hummmmmmmmmm.... okay, I'm not going to argue.. but seriously, what the heck! My ME license proves I'm who I am to register the van, but not to take a test and get a driver's license in this state!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY, WHO MAKES THESE RULES!?!?!?!?!?

Anyway - so there I am, frustrated at the situation and I immediately feel my eyes trying to whell up! What's wrong with me???? As I'm trying hard to pull myself together and deal with the rest of the issue.

So... marriage license..... it would have cost me $40 to go through the state we were married in, but I looked again directly at the town and cut the cost in half. So $20 instead... that's better.. the kicker.... no one takes a credit card any more so I have to mail them a check before they can turn around and mail it back.... let's say at least two week.

Guess, for all the emotional and irritating headache it was a good thing to walk in today... otherwise I would have gone in for an appointment and not been able to go through and it would have been a month from now instead of two weeks. As it is, I'm hoping the mail hasn't started to slow down (as it often does from now through Christmas)!

WHY DID WE MOVE AGAIN!?!?!?!?!?!? (I know, we weren't thinking about the DMV)

Back On Track

Potty Training Blues... well, maybe not. Peter was interested before we moved.. he even did well. But we weren't helpful and we were, well, not involved because of the packing and moving. I didn't really worry or encourage! We got here and it was time to start in again.

Problem - Peter could do it, but he knew he could also just go in his pull up.

Solution - No more pull ups. Just "undy pants".

Today - he got it... told me every single time (and even some times when he thought maybe and tried and nothing happened). Not a single accident - and that includes two bowl movements! He's back on track - let's hear it for cloth!

Our Newest Songs

Moving presents a challenge to children in many ways - but none so much as being in school when you're expected to know your address and phone number and you haven't had a moment to hear it let alone learn it! We, of course, ran into this problem being that we got here in just enough time to start the kids in school - our focus was not on address and phone number memorization, but rather on unpacking... uuuummmm, I wonder if our priorities were mixed up?

Needless to say we had a very upset Gabi when the class was apparently quizzed as to their phone numbers - she was, of course, the only kid in her class who didn't know hers. Ouch!!!!!! Talk about bad parenting... oh, wait, that's right, we'd only had a phone number for a few weeks and she'd never needed it and well, where was my head?!

Our very next FHE became a learn your phone number and address one. Important information... though apparently with a lot of stress. So we made it fun. We put together two songs - one for the address and one for the phone number. They are to the tunes of "I've Been Working On The Railroad" and "Pop Goes The Weasel". All the kids helped to create the songs, though they were fun and silly, and we spent that night singing them... as well as the following days. Everyone (yes, even Peter) knows both phone number and address because of the songs!

But, because it's so much fun, they go around singing those made up songs around the house and in the van just for fun! I guess reinforcement isn't a bad thing... so much for lousy parenting, I think I rank top notch for that one (even if I do say so myself)! (Okay... so it's really just catch up, I had to do something "fast")

Apples

One of the many blessings of living near Bob's parents is the apples they share with us. They have three trees - all of which produce tons of apples. Since I bake a lot of things with applesauce (okay maybe only a few things, but all the time) this is great! We've been able to pick way more apples than I would have ever thought about picking up somewhere else. And I've enjoyed making the applesauce as well as apple butter.

Since half my kitchen is filled with apples, I'll not only make more applesauce and apple butter, but I think we'll try making apple fruit leather - if we really like it, we'll probably make more.

In addition to the apples, I have pumpkins to process and we have beats to pull up and then process. So though we left behind our own garden and we don't have nearly the variety of foods to "put away" this year, we certainly have our work before us. And we're happy and excited about it - maybe not so much about the work ahead, but about having the food stored and ready for winter use!

Oh... and did I mention we're suppose to be getting a storm... I almost have to laugh because back in Maine a storm meant snow (or severe thunder and lighting). Because of our location, we're not likely to get snow (though the mountains should see plenty of it). We are, however, suppose to get 2-6 inches of rain (which might not sound like much, but for here, that's a lot). I understand because of how fast the rain will come that things around here might be a bit scary out there - especially when you add the 40-65 mph winds we're suppose to get (better than the 125 mph projected for the mountains).

Anyway, this is our first "storm" since we've moved - so this should be interesting. It's suppose to be chilly, but that's okay... we'll be processing apples and drinking hot cocoa - I think we'll stay fairly warm.... I hope!

Oh What Do We Do....

Okay... I know... it's about time... here are some pictures of some of the fun things we get to do and see here... in our new home! (Sorry no pictures of the home yet...)


We have views! Wonderful, beautiful, glorious views! When I was first struggling with some much change and getting unpacked and all that, the views from my living room were a great comfort! I still love to look out the sliding glass door and see these wonderful mountains - it's peaceful! And the back is not the only place we have views... we have them out the front and down the road as we walk to school!

The kids can bike ride and roller skate in our own driveway! Can you tell they are having tons of fun with this?

The girls can see Dad at school... and he can see them too! We always stop in to see him in the morning and before we leave to come home... okay, so they sometimes go in with Dad and sometimes they come home by themselves....



When we walk, it looks something like this.... (when I don't take the stroller for the "long way home").

A favorite reading spot is out on the deck... it's quiet, peaceful, beautiful, and if you forget you're reading you can stare at the mountains! (And no bugs to eat you alive!)


We're settling in... I have tons more pictures.. but I thought you'd enjoy seeing the fun side of our lives... not just the crazy, unexpected - expected stresses!

The Power Of Love

While eating lunch we were discussing choices (since our children often choose actions they know are not okay).

Jeremy: I'm going to be on Jesus' Team!
Peter: I want be on the devil's team.
Me: What? You do? Oh, I will really miss you!
Peter: No. I want be on Jesus' Team to be with you.

Never under estimate the power of love!

(Of course, knowing my kids, Peter said the first simply to get a reaction... still, it's nice to know he'd rather be with me!)

Family - Trials And Blessings

I arrived back last night - Thanks so much, Bob, for the date... and thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for babysitting!

The service was beautiful -if a funeral service can be that. The greatest gift Jeani gave me was my Dad - she's the one who made him who he is. Someone that I not only love, but can admire and look up to.

The time with his family, as well as with my sister, was certainly taxing emotionally, but I was grateful for the chance to be there for them both. To listen - because I really had nothing else to offer.

I'm also very grateful for those who helped out, even not really knowing us, to make it possible for me to attend the funeral and be there for them.

Over the week I've had the opportunity to once again see just how blessed I am right now. My husband is dear and loving. He adores his children, loves them with all his heart, and wants what is best for them. He cherishes our marriage - encourages us to grow closer. My children may be full of energy and brains (far smarter than is necessary or good at their age, causing anguish and frustration) but they are also some of the sweetest gentlest children in the world. They love each other, reach out to others, cherish family and the time we have, and give us great insight into what's really important.

My extended family is going through a lot right now - death, divorce, betrayal, grief, anger, loss, anguish, fear, depression, addictions, and more. How easy it would be to wallow in the endless despair that can accompany such a mess. And yet, what would that serve? Nothing but the will of one who wants nothing more than to take us away from what matters - the only thing that can truly make us happy.

I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that testimony that rings bright and true within my soul. I'm so grateful for the peace that is brings into my life, as I understand that trials will help us to grow and become better people - bringing us blessings and bringing us closer to Christ. I know that's difficult for others to understand - trails bringing blessings, but they do. In all things there is something good that can be seen - something good that will come of it. Growth is something we allow to happen by facing our trials with the help of our Savior to overcome and thus reaching those blessings that are just waiting to be poured out upon us.

Though my heart weeps for my sister, for my brother, for my father and his family, for my mother, for my sister, I know that the other side of their trials will bring them joy. It may not be visible right now, certainly difficult to see at best. I worry about them, I share their concerns and their pains, but I know that the end result will bring much happiness if they can see what is most important. My prayer is that they will see it, grab hold of it, take the hand of the Savior and walk through this mess to a happier tomorrow.

Peaceful Passing

Jeani, my step-mother, passed peacefully this morning near 6:30 EST. Although expected and long in coming with her cancer, her passing marks a sad point. She touched so many lives and taught so many people lessons that can only be shared through knowing another and watching how they live. It is also a happy time, as Jeani is now in the next part of this eternal progression - she is reunited with her own mother and together they have work to do. We know, through sacred priesthood power, that she will be a great missionary in the work that needs to be done on the other side of the veil.

Though she leaves behind much family, the truth of eternal families (and knowing she was sealed to hers) is a great source of strength. It is the light of hope and truth which makes such passing bareable.

Jeani, your great love, sacrifice and friendship to so many will never be forgotten. Your memory will serve as a reminder of what we are working towards. May peace find its way into all our hearts until we meet you on the other side.

To My Sister

There is too much hurt and pain in this world. Though I understand that hurt and pain are part of the trials that help us grow and change and become who we are, it doesn't make it seem any more fair.

I go through my own moments of hurt and pain - often trying to work my way out of it. But what's hardest is the hurt and pain of a loved one. Especially when there is no way to take the hurt and pain away.

Clarissa, I love you... I'm sorry you are going through this. I'm grateful you have a strong testimony - that you understand how very much the Lord loves you. I pray that this love and understanding along with support from family and friend will see you through triumphant. That in the end, through all the trials that are a part of this, you will be in a better place.

A Really Nice Day

Today was really nice. Our Friends J & G E were kind enough to watch all four of our children all day (along with their own 3) so we could go with Bob's folks to Reno to the Temple. We stopped and picked up a few things, then headed over to Great Grandma's (Bob's grandmother) where we visited for a quick minute and then picked up the old car that she was giving to Bob. Don't know what year it's from (I'm sure he could tell you) - it's old enough not to have airbags... but does have cruise control, auto windows, air conditioning and a moon roof. But it looks like it should be too old for any of that!

Anyway, before I get too far along, there is a slight problem with the car which Dad figures is an easy fix... he's good with fixing cars so he's probably right. Never the less, getting from grandma's house to the Temple was interesting... the car stalls out when you take your foot off the gas. Bob basically treated it much like a standard. Except for a few hard jolts, it was actually pretty funny... and yes, Bob drove it all the way home, where it's sitting right now.

But, once in the Temple we had a wonderful time. It was my first time needing to wear a headset - the session was in Spanish! That was great for Bob - it's been awhile since he's had the opportunity to enjoy it in Spanish. What I loved most from that experience is how sad I would be if I was not able to speak the "common language" but my husband was and therefore I was to be left out. There is an opportunity to gather where the "most commonly spoke language for the group" is used but where there is no translation. Fortunately we were able to participate anyway. But having that experience and realizing how it would be the same with the "spiritual language" needed for the eternities. How sad our loved ones (friends and family) will be if they do not know the needed language. How sad if we do not share it and allow them to be a part.

I'm sure my words do not do justice to the impression I had, but it really sent home the message of Temple work and just how important it is. Not just because of the known reasons for it to be done, but because of the sadness that lingers as people wait for their work to be completed - waiting, but being able to partake or be part until that work is completed. What urgency there really is! And the great need for Missionary work. It's so vital - giving understanding and meaning to the life we are in as well as what is to come. Our spirits are always seeking for such truths.

Because it's such a small Temple, there was an hour gap between the end of the session and the start of the next "session" - it was so nice to just sit together visiting and talking about things that matter and concern us. We've not had much time over this summer, and it's really taken it's toll. It was nice to recapture some of those important elements. Especially in such a peaceful place.

We ended our night with dinner at our friends' house. It was great to hear the kids did so well and to see them all playing and getting along. It was wonderful to visit with another couple near our own age and to just really enjoy ourselves... I believe a game night is in the works! It's very good to feel that our surroundings are a part of our "home" - that we're settling in and finding things that uplift us!

Maryland

After the museum we scurried over to AJ's for the night. It was nice to see Anna (who was teething and certainly ready for a change of face... it's amazing how little kids do that). Peter had me awake at 2am... it was really way to early and I was really hoping he'd go back to sleep... no such luck. So while I tried and tried and tried, well, I didn't either... by 4am I packed the kids into the van and off we went. I figured if I wasn't sleeping I ought to be driving!

It made for a nice get through of major areas before rush hour traffic hit - it also meant that we arrived at my father's house about 2-3 hours earlier! That was nice... it gave the kids a great break to run around, me time to get things settled into the apartment (which is where we stayed for the week), and then to be ready to sleep that night.

Time at my father's was nice.. a bit stressful from time to time, but that's to be expected under the circumstances. Two different families - two different age groups - as well as a dying step-mother (Grandma D) and all that... I was able to be around to assist Jeani during the mornings. It was interesting, and though I know I got her food and even stuff for the nurse to change the bedding and all, I really didn't do a whole lot there. Jeani slept a lot, and so I just rounded the kids up in front of movie to keep them quiet... or, when that wasn't working, sent them up to the apartment to play a game. (Thank goodness they couldn't get into any trouble at the apartment and that it was all part of the same property!)

For the afternoon on Wednesday we took the kids to the park. It was a nice little park that had a pond of sorts when we first arrived. There were two swans sleeping and tons of ducks. I loved watching the ducks as they puffed themselves up and flapped there wings hard against the water! When we first got there, Gabi noticed the swans and yelled "It's Swan Lake!" My father really liked that - thought it was cute and special and made sure to tell Jeani about it later. The kids' favorite part was playing on the merry-go-round (I can't blame them, that was always my favorite thing to do as a kid).

Bob arrived very late Wednesday night - crawled into the apartment and slept hard. He and Gabi left Thursday (I left some updates about that during the time). But, Thursday as they were getting everything ready, we set off some gysers and loaded up the van. Peter thought it was most fun to play under the truck - reaching up and getting grease all over his fingers, which then promptly became part of his face! He looked like a little chimney sweep!

After they left, I spent time talking with Papa and Nanny - remembering stories and remembering PopPop. The last night we were there, Papa brought out his guitar and sang us a few songs. He'd not played in a rather long time so his fingers got sore quickly. Still it made for a nice FHE and a nice end to the trip. I was able to record the songs that Papa sang- and no, Amber, I've not forgotten to make you a disk, I've just not gotten there yet. By Christmas for sure! =) My favorite song to be sung is "Bringing Mary Home" which is actually a sad song, but it means so much for me to hear it because it was the one that PopPop always sung. Papa used that as his warm-up song and I told him he'd cheated... that I was going to record that one. So he played it again - that's not normal. Usually "Bringing Mary Home" is a one time deal.

Next Stop - MOS

Next stop along our traveling route was to pick up my long time best friend from 7th grade up. We met AJ at her office and then all headed over to the Boston Museum of Science for about 4 hours of fun. The museum, of course, is much bigger than what 4 hours can accomplish, but it was a nice break and end to the day. They got to play a lot.

For more of our story and for pictures take a look at:

Fly Away Home - Boston Museum of Science

Boston Temple

Okay, ready for some "flash backs"... I'm going back in time to share some stories and pictures... these next few blog entries will be scattered here and there, but pictures are on the computer, so I'll try to set aside time to get them up.

The day we left Maine was very emotional. Gabi and I kept having our moments, but with lots of redirect, we made it through just fine. It's hard to walk away (or drive away) from a place of so many memories and so many friends. It was always my intention that we would stop at the Boston Temple. I had wanted the whole family to have a chance to be there together, but that just didn't work out. Still, it was important to me that all the kids were there. Both the girls have been before, but I don't believe either of the boys had been.



The ride was long - for kids - and they were certainly ready to get out. Peter fell asleep about 15 minutes before we arrived and really didn't want to wake up. Still, I pulled him out of the car and set him down beside me. As he began to fuss (being tired), turning towards me, he saw the temple down the path between the trees. His eyes lit up and with the largest smile I've ever seen from him he says "We're at the Temple! Mommy, we're at the Temple!"



Priceless. My little two and half year old knew without a doubt that we were at the Temple, The House of the Lord!

The other three had already run up the path and to the Temple. They ran from flower to flower, up to the walls and back down the various sidewalks. They climbed on the decorative walls, looked up at Moroni, and enjoyed themselves.


Peter and Jeremy were hard to take pictures of. I had really wanted to get a picture of all four kids right in front of the Temple where Bob and I had our picture taken when we were married, but the two little boys couldn't be bothered to stand still. I did get a foursome on the side, so I was at least content to say I had them all.



I don't know when we'll get to the Boston Temple again - though we'll be to a temple more often here. Boston is our Temple.. the one where our family was sealed for eternity. It will always, for us, be more special in our hearts than all the others. But we are very grateful to have the Reno Temple close enough that we can much more easily visit - and take the kids.

Temples are sacred - the Spirit felt there is divine. Children know of the presence and even though they are too young to go inside, they want to be there. Want to see, touch and feel. I am so grateful for Temples and what they mean for families, both living and dead!

Moon Rise

Last night Bob and I sat out on our deck after tucking in kids (who don't like not being able to stay up late). Just chatting and relaxing, looking out at the dark shadows of mountains and seeing the lights of the city far in the distance at the base. It was beautiful... and I'll even admit it, more relaxing that sitting out back East. (Can't believe I'm really saying that.) I do still love my back east heritage, but there is something calmingly different about where we are.

To look out, from our own deck, and see the great expanse of the universe laid out before us - it was unlike what I'm familiar with in the east laying out in a big field. Bob says it has something to do with the sky disappearing into the trees at the edges of such fields. I don't know - I just know it was awe inspiring.

As if that weren't enough, as we looked out over towards one of the mountains, a glow began to show at the tip of it. I noticed it, not certain what it was. Bob pointed it out and asked me if I knew what it was. At my admittance, he than told me it was the Moon Rise. Seriously - a Moon Rise. I had never noticed a moon rise before - never really thought it happened, though never really thought about it. Back east the moon would just always be there.

Apparently the moon rises every night - just often times it's before it really gets dark. So it's not really noticed. It was so beautiful... I couldn't get over it and Bob had a good chuckle at my constant awe filled comments! Had I know it wasn't something that would happen every night, I might have gotten kids up (they had only just gone to bed a little while before). Oh well... Bob also says the moon is predictable, so I'll check some charts and things and plan a "late night" with the kids... maybe even tape it!