Boys Week

My girls are at girls camp this week and so it has been me and all of my boys. What's different? Lots fewer babysitters. No sympathetic hugs from my girls when I'm tired. No funny stories from Tia. More burping. Boys all in one room at night. Nice Connor getting up super early with Dan -- which allows his mom and dad to sleep. Some fun adventures.

Monday started with a bang with Dan whining all day long until his Mother (okay so that's me) was tired and not very cheerful. Home evening was a bit on the pathetic side. Dan went to bed really late and so did Derek and I. Sigh.

Tuesday is much better. Aunt Mandy and her two beautiful little girls agree to go with us to the zoo. Eventually -- after Annie and Dan have napped -- we arrive at the zoo to find a place to eat our picnic. I skip the obvious tables and we end up eating in the shade on benches after viewing several animals. I think it was the hottest day of the week but we hopped from shade to shade to view the animals and had a good time.

We saw the elephants -- even the pregnant one. Her baby will be about 200 pounds when she/he is born but we couldn't really see any signs of movement other than the mama elephants breathing. "Goggy!" says Dan. "Woof woof".

We saw tigers "meow" says Dan (hey it's close). We see giraffes. "Meow" says Dan. When I say no he probably tried "oo oo aa aa". He was confident that everything at the zoo either sounded like a monkey, a dog (goggy) or a cat.

We even went to the snake house and saw a sloth, an iguana and a diamond back rattle snake. Dan watched the snake calmly until it moved and then he looked rather scared. It was right at his eye level. He was pretty much done with the snake house. Tuesday was good. It made up for Monday.

Wednesday was hang laundry on the line day. The washer is hooked back up but we need another part to hook up the dryer. Our towels are now "invigorating" if anyone wants to borrow some. We also picked up the new stove which is safely in the back of the truck still. It tipped over in the truck on the way home -- against the taile gate. "Scary!" said, Connor and I. "Cool" said Jake. It went straight again when I stopped to fix it. "Yikes" said I. "Scary" said Connor. "Awesome!" said Jake.

We stopped for a snack too before getting the washer. We walked through Sears to get to the food court. "This doesn't look like a good place to get snacks" says Connor. "Growl" said I (sort of). I should have seen the humor in it and offered him a tasty tool. I told him to trust me and he wisely stopped whining about my choice of a place to get snack. He liked his ice cream cone just fine and Dan liked his hot fries though I think he might have burned his tongue.

Today they were hoping I had really fun plans for them. They're watching "Scooby" and playing with friends. It will have to do.

Wild Week in Review

These pictures are out of order but try to overlook that. Sometimes I'm technology challenged. Last Monday was a very busy day. At the end of the day the toilet was pulled off the main bathroom floor and put in the tub.
Before that, the appliances were all moved to the porch where some of them still are. We got so used to the fridge being outside that several of us went out on the porch to get something or put it away even after it was put back where it goes.
Hmm. You're not going to get a good picture of the week this way! Day 4 (Thursday) our guests arrived to find all of the family room furniture still in the living room, the appliances outside, and the main bathroom toilet still in the tub. On top of that, we took some of them to pack night where Connor was awarded his "Bear" in Cub Scouts and raced his boat in the rain gutter regata. What a way for them to start their vacation!
This picture is helpfully from day 3 (Wednesday) The carpet was put in on this day, the main bathroom was painted (except the part I couldn't reach because the toilet was in the tub and I wasn't going to try climbing on it). Food for dinner was cooked at Grandma's house as you can only eat so many sandwiches and microwaved rubber chickens -- I mean chicken nuggets.

Ah. Back to day 1 where we ripped out the carpet and the kids removed lots and lots of staples. We moved the furniture first -- except that heavy t.v.. Thanks to the neighbor for helping with that and the heavy appliances until quite late at night. Thanks to my children for being very, very helpful and not complaining on a rather exhausting day.
Day 1 still. My kids not only helped me all day but then went and cleaned Aunt June's car for her birthday. It was supposed to be a gift but Aunt June treated us to ice cream at the Red Barn so we were well paid. She gave us each a quarter too -- even me -- though I think that was really Dans because you know how big of a help he would have been.
Day 2 -- we got linoleum and Day 3 we got carpet. Kayli had swimming lessons and band and they were busy days for all of us. It looks nice even if it's hard to see in this picture. The kids enjoyed the empty room and used it for doing dances and gymnastic like tricks.
Day 2 through today -- we learned to enjoy breakfast on the pergola. It's quite pleasant to eat breakfast with the birds -- who come to the bird feeder even while we sit right there by them. Of course, sometimes the birds leave little surprises so you don't want to actually put your food on the table. It's a bit too sunny out there for dinner. We tried last night and it started well with cloud cover -- but they moved before we were done. I needed sunglasses.
Day 5 -- We take our guests on a nice "easy" hike through trickling mountain streams. We've done the hike several times ourselves but never when there was so much water! My nephew declares that he is NEVER going on that hike again. My brother just figures he won't be carrying his youngest daughter the entire time next time -- we'll have to leave the young ones at home. Really, everyone put on happy faces and trudged through the water -- sometimes up to the thighs of the Jake sized people. We all ate leftovers for lunch and the kids had pizza while us adults went out for some mexican fare.

Day 6 I went to the store since the leftovers had been eaten and it's rude to send your guests away famished. After helping move the fridge back in, my brother and his family left. We are hoping we didn't scare them off forever. Brian did get to ride the motorcycle and maybe if we promise them no furniture moving and no wet hikes they'll return someday. When they left I painted the laundry room, helped the girls shop for girls camp, and mowed the lawn -- only the front -- I'm not superwoman.

Day 7 was Sunday. I tried not to look at the tape that needed to be removed and the trim that needs to be painted and the clutter that is everywhere so that I could rest. It worked as well as ever! Today the girls are off to girls camp and the boys and I will carry on -- hopefully at a slightly less frantic pace.

Grandma and Grandpa -- Hooray!

Just a quick post to say that it is ever so nice to have my kids' grandparents C. home. Just think how nice it is to have Connor's birthday be wonderful because Grandma took him out to a movie and that Kayli's day was made a good one because Grandpa patiently listened to her for two hours when she decided on the spur of the moment that a trip to Grandma's (and Grandpa's) house was just what she needed. In a busy week when I'm sure I'm not giving my kids quite the attention they deserve it is nice to have someone (besides my good Derek) picking up the slack.

Hooray Grandparents!

The Golden Crown

It's the busyest Monday I've had in a long time and yet I am writing in my blog. I needed a break. Dan woke up at 6:30 after sleeping in my chair. He went to bed in his bed -- but around 4 a.m. when Jake was up needing something or other (I was a little sleepy at the time) -- Derek heard some snoring and found that Dan had made his way out sometime during the night and slept in my chair. What a silly boy.

At 8 a.m. I was having my golden crown fixed. Of course this isn't the kind you wear on your head -- I don't have one of those -- it's the kind that goes on a tooth. Mine fell out a week ago and has been sitting on top of my jewelry box looking a lot like a gold tooth. It took a little over an hour to get it reglued and then feeling normal again. I learned about the dentist's bear hunt and remembered that it's hard to hold your mouth open that long.

Meanwhile, Trisa took Connor and Jake to swimming lessons where Connor was put in the wrong class. He thought it was my mistake but I had the paper to prove I had put him in the right class (whew!). Fortunately he's a good swimmer and so they moved him up anyhow. Jake went to class but did confess that he didn't put his head under water. If he wanted to shock me he would have needed to confess that he HAD put his head under.

Before the boys got home I had finished being re-toothed and had signed Kayli up for band camp. I came home and paid a bill and registered the car (printing out a temporary registration so that I would not get a ticket today). I traded Trisa and she took the car to a job interview while I went and picked up Kayli from piano in the truck and took her to band camp. The truck is beastly to park and Trisa didn't want to add to the stress of her interview -- or not get the job because she parked on the owners car or something.

Anyhow, I also went to the pharmacy and two more people attended piano lessons plus we all ate lunch and the laundry has been running throughout. Aren't we impressive? Maybe not, but some days we can get a lot done if we organize things just right. I still get to tour the brand new high school, take Kayli to 4H and attend a ball game. We might consider eating dinner too. I'm hoping the cooking fairy is coming over soon or I might have to do the cooking too.

Yikes!

The last day of school ... until August. This was a surprisingly quiet day with pretty much everyone opting to go somewhere else to celebrate their freedom. They were probably afraid I would really make a chore list. So, my neighbor calls me a little before 2 (I think) and asks if my older girls can watch her youngest (who's 5) from 3:30 until 5. I explain that they may not be around but she's welcome to send her daughter over here since I'm not going anywhere. We agree (after I insist) that no payment is necessary. So the afternoon goes on and 5 o'clock comes and my neighbor (the husband this time) is at my door. I see him and think "Why is he here?" And then my stomach sinks. I was supposed to have his daughter and I haven't seen her once! He says, "I have S.(though he went ahead and used her name) and I'm going to take her to her party now. Do I owe you anything?" Yikes! I explained that my kids had been playing outside all day (which is absolutely true though they checked in now and then) and I hadn't even seen her. She was absolutely no trouble -- that is true -- except for the feelings of horror and guilt that I didn't even remember she was coming. I am so glad she was fine! I guess when her sister sent her over she went straight to playing outside without ever ringing the doorbell. Either that or she came when I was outside in the back with Dan. Tip for people who want me to watch your kids. I do much better at watching people if I know they're around! I'd better go before I need to write a blog about burnt chicken.

Why THAT music?

I can't seem to resist explaining myself. So, why did I pick THAT music? Laura helped me get it set up yesterday and there is a limited selection of music to choose from. For example, MoTab is my favorite but the selection didn't include too many of their songs and I took the Battle Hymn off because they were missing my favorite part of it. They did have Michael Buble. I heard his songs first on the radio and second at my younger brother's house -- they are, at least mostly, remakes of old songs. "Save the Last Dance for Me" is a favorite of "baby" Dan's since he is my usual partner for dancing and he thinks it's fun. Derek will dance with me when I listen to "Everything" if I beg-- though I confess it's "junior high dancing" which makes the kids laugh. I have a few Lex De Azevedo cds and so I chose one from the few of his they had -- no really fun story there but it is a beautiful song. "Edelweis" comes from one of the best movies of all time(no, don't argue with me, I won't be convinced) and is a favorite of mine for singing around the house -- though I can't seem to manage the duet part by myself. Finally, Engelbert Humperdink (everyone is thankful that isn't their name!) was a favorite of my mothers when I was in elementary school -- at least that's my memory. I have fond memories of opening the door after school to hear him singing. I would curl up by the record player while my Mom worked in the kitchen. I really don't remember "She" but I liked it when I listened to it. I put "Quando, Quando, Quando" on because I do remember it and can still sing along to a lot of it -- and because if Der ever visits my blog he might laugh -- friends of ours actually sang this song at convention in October -- but I like Engelbert's version best!

I love kids!

I was trying to catch one of the really crusty looks that Dan gives me sometimes. He's very good at it. Unfortunately I accidentally set the timer on my camera instead of just clicking the correct button and so it took too late. He just looks sad and grumpy. He wasn't feeling well. He's better now.
This is from that same series where he was making faces. He had woken up from a nap in the car and when I started to take his seatbelt off he got mad and wanted it back on. I put it back on and started taking pictures. He didn't want out for a while.
Wow, Derek managed to catch Jake happier than he was looking most of graduation -- except the part where he kept waving at me. I liked that.
Jake sort of participated in graduation. He kept giving the boy next to him who was doing all of the movements enthusiastically a look that seemed to say "why are you doing that?" He half heartedly said some of the words and did some of the actions and he yawned a lot. I chuckled the whole time. Jake is cute. He is very excited to have school out. His eyes lit up the other day when he said "Mom, do you think I have any homework?" I couldn't lie because I'm kind of bad at it so I said "no" and he just smiled and said "NO MORE HOMEWORK!". He's okay with just reading a book every day as long as I don't call it homework. He thought Kindergarten was long. I'm afraid of next year!

Being Charitable

I've had several ideas that I could write about. My first idea was to write about the funny slip ups that people make in speaking. Then I thought -- is this charitable? Maybe they don't want to remember when they've goofed up in speaking. I think that Derek's co-worker will forgive me for mentioning his slip up in leaving out two words the other day. He was speaking at a convention recognition session after a banquet and he said "After today, you'll never be again". If that were true then I doubt we would have knowingly spent our last hours at the banquet / session -- even if the food was tasty -- but it was fish so I wouldn't have picked that for my last meal either.

Then -- frustrations. I must be having trouble being charitable or it would not bug me so much when my checker/bagger moves really slowly and then carefully packs my loaf of bread in with two boxes of crackers and the container of rice milk. I removed the bread trying to rescue it from a completely flattened state. All the while, Dan was not speeding up the process by moving the bagging turntable thing.

I tend to get easily frustrated when I'm tired. Thus Monday, when we were supposed to be getting ready for FHE (family home evening) I was trying to restrain myself from yelling at everyone and maybe even clobbering somebody. It is when I'm tired that I think my children don't work hard enough and are too loud. When I am not tired I may still think that but I'm nicer about it.

Finally -- true frustration is when you are looking forward to finally getting something done -- so you put your one year old down for a nap only to have him climb back out. Instead of charitably rejoicing in his accomplishment I just bemoaned my loss of quiet time. Now I have snoring on my shoulder and only one hand free. Argh.

Learning a Language

"Hooray Pets!" yelled Dan while doing a happy dance (the picture is from a different hooray -- I don't always have the camera handy). The television was on to the surprisingly humorous "Wonder Pets" and so he was cheering for them. It was the end though so a picture of Dora the Explorer popped up and he said "backpack!" For those not versed in childrens shows there is always a backpack on Dora. And then a baby popped on the television and he said "Baby! Awwwww. Baby! Awwww. Biper(diaper). He was doing pretty well at identifying things that came up.

Watching my children learn the English language has been enjoyable every time. Dan will look me right in the eye and chatter away. I understand maybe two words but he's so pleased that I'm paying attention. I got to wondering if it is as amusing for people in other countries when we go over there and try to speak their language. Do they chuckle to themselves over listening to Spanish (or Finnish, or French) with a Utah accent or even a southern accent? Probably if we were as cute and innocent as babies -- and a lot less concerned about what people thought -- we'd learn languages faster.

They might put us in the loony bin (that's probably not politically correct) if we did the things kids do though. Trisa used to chase birds yelling "Here birdie!" All of the kids liked to "talk" on the phone (which might just be a block that is subbing as a phone) and some said "Hi Shannon" so you could tell who I was talking to because they imitated me. One said "Heaven sakes!" a lot and it took me a while to figure out that they got it from me. Dan says "Oh man!" The kids taught him. He says "Daynit" too and I don't know where he picked that up. I even find it a bit sad when they learn things aren't right. I'm dreading the day that Jake says "thing" instead of "fing". On the other hand, I suppose I'd be embarrassed if he still said "fing" in high school.

I'm out of time. I'm going to go practice the English language and maybe soon I'll brave practicing my five words of spanish on someone.

20th Wedding Anniversary -- May 11

Just over 20 years ago Derek's Mom threw a bridal shower for me. This is me in my wrapping paper "wedding dress". My hair was lots more curly back then and I was just beginning to learn the names of aunts and cousins. I think I had all of the brothers and sisters and their nick names down by then.
This was May 7, 1988! My Mom is on the far right. My dress was home made -- by my Mom I think since I'm not a seamstress. Only four more days until the wedding! Our singles ward only had one more Sunday to call us cute (something that was repeated frequently -- maybe to see Derek scowl).
Due to a miscommunication with the photographer we never had any professional pictures of our wedding. We had a professional video which disappeared sometime in the last five years -- which made me sad since the technology to take some still pictures from it exists now. Even with this, I always thought of our wedding day as the perfect day (sigh).

I really couldn't resist putting in this picture of our wedding line. My grandma is there! She was almost 85. The baby in the picture is my nephew who will be back from his mission next month! The tall one is our friend, and best man. He was so nervous for us that morning that he got to the temple almost as early as we did. He kept us laughing while we stood in line. Always pick someone fun to stand next to you in a wedding line -- then the smiles don't have to be faked and you keep grinning even if the cheeks feel exhausted.

Uncle Brad is in line for some cake while Derek and I consulted together (and with our best man's advice) over the best way to proceed. I don't think we even fed each other cake -- if so it was not messy and therefore not too memorable. My Mom made the cake. It was good -- for months. We kept cake in our freezer and ate it until it was finally a bit freezer burned.

This is a picture taken while Der and I were on our honeymoon. We couldn't really afford to go anywhere fun but we stopped anywhere that looked pretty and took pictures. We did have a one nights stay at a cabin as a gift, but then we drove to Price and stayed in a dingy room with a squeaky bathroom door. Hey -- it still gives us chuckles 20 years later!
Due to circumstances beyond our control we graduated from college in our lovely apartment. I thought you might enjoy seeing the duck washcloth that hung in our apartment as a picture for a couple of years before I could convince Der that we could finally use it as a washcloth. I guess it was lovelier than the wall.
I bravely added this hilarious picture of me, pregnant with Trisa, so you could appreciate the fine countertop color, the lovely wallpaper and the red curtains with a green fringe (you can't tell from this picture but it was red with a green fringe) You can't see the yellow linoleum or the orange carpet. For years I figured that either I, or this apartment were scaring all of the brothers away from marriage. Really they were just waiting for the stellar women they married.
I couldn't resist putting this picture in. I've always loved it. Derek has always been a proud dad. This just happens to be Trisa and the first child he had to be proud of.

This is the day Trisa was blessed and so you can remember that I'm kind of old -- but not too old and you can look at "Cold Cocoa and Megz" and Di wearing white tights. You can also enjoy seeing other family members who were there that day. This would also have been Der's Dad's birthday. Festive times!
Twenty years later our house looks (I hope) more than a tad nicer than the apartment did and we have lots more family members to enjoy (both children and extended family). We were very happy then though, and we are really happy now. I think we were exhausted both times. So in honor of our anniversary --

HOORAY! JOY! CELEBRATION!

Fun fashion for today.

Here are some examples of fashion (or lack of it) from my picture files. My niece looking very fine in her Mom's boots.
The girls are looking eighties for their uncles party.

Tia is dressed up in some nice Cambodian fabric. Dan is wearing his Aunt Tonya's boots. Doesn't he look fabulous?

Mo-Tab on the life list?

I realized while I was watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last night that I broke the "think like you're seven" rule when I made my list. If I really made the list as if I were seven, I would have put "Be a member of the Tabernacle Choir" on it. Since I am now not seven, I figured that there is a 99.9 percent chance that I would never sing in the choir. I left it a little open in case they ever get desperate or go back to not having auditions. Perhaps I could be famous like Jimmy Stewart and lead the choir in the new movie "Mrs. Kreuger's Christmas" -- but being famous isn't on my life list.

So, for your reading amusement, here are some of the things on my list:
Enter the hymn writing contest every year.
Finish "Precious Sherie" series of books (about my life).
Ride my bike with Derek on the Provo River Trail.
Learn Spanish
Go on a service vacation with the family(after I've learned Spanish)
Write a rock song for Derek ( he's always wanted me to).
Make a jean quilt.
Learn to dribble a basketball between my legs.
Carve something (it had better be easy -- soap carving never was a skill of mine.
Write a book.
Learn how to cook food that's good that Dan can eat.
Go to the zoo with the kids again.
Feed the ducks (there had to be some I'd for sure accomplish)
Notice nice things about people and tell them.
Finally get 72 hour kits made and rotating.
Go to Finland with E&R and Der
Get those family photos organized (maybe I'd better lose my camera)
Have a nice flower garden at least one year.
Learn to play the guitar (more than the chords I keep learning & forgetting)
And....
Though Derek said I can't really put this on the list since it depends on chance....
Ride on a plane with an apostle (preferably sitting next to them:)
There's lots more but I should perhaps put "Don't write things so long that people start yawning before the end".