Kristy, Kole & Kids

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

I think my camera has a mind of its own and like a rebellious child, it is trying to make me look bad. In exerting its independence on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, it decided to go for the blurry look on all my Christmas pictures. For some unknown reason my pictures are blurry as often as they are not. *Sigh* If only guilt trips worked on technology as well as they do on real children. In reality, I am pretty sure it is all my fault- aka "user error." But in my technological stupidity, I have yet to figure out a descent fix. So rather than pout about it, I say we all consider it a "planned artistic approach." Yep, we'll go with the whole "I meant to do that" idea. I'm hoping to be ahead of the curve on the blurry picture movement.

So, here is our Christmas Eve.

Eve, Grandma Wendy, Grandma Louise, and Jack.

Each year we trade off between Christmas and Christmas Eve with each of our families to make everything fair. We also do it to try to not get as overwhelmed trying to go and do and be everything in one day. So, we divide the craziness between two days. Hmmm. Maybe that was not as wise as we had originally envisioned. But we do our best and I think that's all we can do when it comes to the holidays. We also like to find a little time on each of the days to celebrate with some traditions in our own little family.

This year it was our chance to celebrate Christmas Eve with my side of the family. That being said, it ended up just being us, my mom and my Grandma Louise. My dad went back to California to spend Christmas with his dad (Grandpa Cotton) since he wasn't well enough to travel out here. I wish he could have been here too but sometimes you just have to make a hard choice and go with it.

My mom has a tradition of singing Christmas carols at their church on Christmas Eve so we went with her to that and then went back to our house and has dinner and opened presents.

This year we decided to do gifts by theme. We felt that would make things easier and we wouldn't overspend. I'm not sure if it really turned out that way but I still think the concept is a good one. We did 4 categories in which we each got a gift in each of the categories.:

1. Something you want.

2. Something to read.

3. Something to wear.

4. Something to keep you entertained.

(I had seen the idea of "want, need, wear,and read" but the "need" category just wasn't working for us so we changed it.). We all drew each other's names out of each category and then picked gifts accordingly. It worked out perfect since we were each responsible for a gift to each family member. I suppose we can just add more categories the more kids we have.

Kole drew my name for my "want" and I asked him to build me a little manger for my Christmas decor. And he did. Isn't it cute?

In future years we are going to bring out the manger all empty at the beginning of the Christmas season and then slowly fill it with hay or yarn or those little crinkley packing strips. Each day as we do something good or kind or Christlike we will put in a little piece of filling. By the time Christmas comes around, the manger will be full and comfy for out little baby Jesus doll to make his appearance in the manger on Christmas morning.

Gifts...

Jack is still learning to smile...

We were going for the "real" look... crying baby, covered faces, not looking at the camera. Christmas pictures are just so perfect and magical.

Thoughts about Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

I’m so happy it is finally Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, all the presents still sitting under the tree are like a nuclear core of anticipation and excitement. Joy seems to radiate. The tree stays lit all day just because it is pretty and I don’t care how much extra electricity we are using. The house is decked out in its holiday best and we have plans to make happy things happen. I love Christmas Eve probably even more than the big day that follows. It’s the one last hurrah before Christmas morning leaves a FEMA-worthy wake of ripped paper and empty boxes and everyone seems to crash all over the house like marathon runners. Not to mention that for 12 more hours, the threat of being put on “the naughty list” still works. I love Christmas Eve because somehow all the greatest qualities of the season are packaged into one day- the love, the joy, the peace, the kindness, the goodness, the selflessness, the giving, the magic, the anticipation, the traditions, family, friends and everything else. And yet it is always bitter-sweet. I know it signals the beginning of the end (and that always makes me feel a little blue) but it also holds so much potential. As any parent knows, Christmas is so much better when you have kids and can see it through their eyes. I am fully aware of the tick of the clock and all that means and I know Christmas may not be as magical next year. My children’s eyes may not be filled with as much wonder and awe. Children grow and change and that means the way we see Christmas changes too. And though that is not always or even necessarily bad, it still means the life is always moving and evolving. So as much as I love to celebrate Christmas Day and all that it means… it always reminds me that I have to wait 364 more days for it to come again and so much can change in that time. The making and baking of cookies this year means all my children still believe in Santa- and I ache just a little because I can’t guarantee that will be the case 364 days from now. And so I love Christmas Eve because more than gift wrap is still intact--- hopes, dreams, moments, childhood. People are coming and not going. Homes are filled with families who are actually paying attention to each other instead of people consumed in their own little worlds filled with all their new things. So, while it is still Christmas Eve, I will look at my kids’ faces a little longer and I will make a greater effort to remember what they were like this Christmas Eve and what their eyes silently say. And on top of that, I will look up more and kneel down more because though there are some things that will be ever changing, there is One that never changes and it is truly because of Him that we have a reason to celebrate this season (and always).

It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy!

2011-11-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

This year we did Thanksgiving at Grandma Wendy's and Grandpa Rusty's. My Aunt Lori came up from California to celebrate. Thankfully she is an amazing cook and so she baked pies and all goodies for us. With my Grandma Louise here too it was just about the largest family get together my side of the family can have (since the others don't multiply and replenish the earth quite like I do).

Aunt Lori, Grandma Louise, my mom Wendy.

So happy.

Aunt Lori and Eve were best friends the whole time.

Aunt Lori even did Eve's hair- which made Eve super happy because I am just not talented in that department and she really deserves a mom that can keep up with all her girly desires. My fingers can't seem to figure out how to control more than one strand at a time.

Evidently Aunt Lori is so good at the braids because she does her horses' manes all the time.

The ladies get stuck slaving away in the kitchen.

Proof that my adorable apron was not just for show. I actually did help out. And my mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top were delicious! (Even if I am the only one who thought so).

Sometimes Jack's love can be a little overwhelming.

Mmmmmm.... turkey. Kole almost made me cook our own additional turkey just so we would have leftovers. Thankfully there was more than enough turkey to last for a couple days after.

We let Eve set the table...

Perfect.

So blessed to live in such a beautiful place- surrounded by family and friends... and a good meal on top of that. Happy Thanksgiving.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Our Halloween was very low key. Just a little trick-or-treating in the evening. Eve and Jack both decided on costume changes at the last minute. Eve was supposed to be a witch and Jack a vampire but then Eve got a fairy dress up outfit from Grandpa Dave for her birthday and suddenly the whole witch idea (and vampire to go with her) was out the window. Which is really quite tragic because it was supposed to be the first year she chose to be something a little less girly. And since we were so unprepared for the change, her costume is not really complete... see all the normal clothes making their appearance under the fairy wings and skirt. So we ended up with a half-dressed fairy, Elmo and a monkey. It is what it is.

Playing Catch-up (Random days in the month of October)

2011-10-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

10/2/11

Eve loves making beds for her babies. Porter just happens to get sucked into all the fun sometimes. Porter has been crawling and getting into everything since about a day after he turned 8 months old. He is pulling up and cruising and he's even figured out how to go up (but unfortunately not down) stairs. Life is a lot crazier with 3 kids on the move.

10/3/11

"Speak softly but always carry a big stick..." He probably figures he needs it to beat off his big sister and brother. They tend to love on him a little too much.

10/5/11

Arrrrrr.

10/7/11

How cute is that?

10/12/11

Porter is so jealous that he doesn't get to play in the bath with the big kids. He always wants to be a part of the fun. And he LOVES bathtime so he is double disappointed. He is also obsessed with spending time in the bathroom. I don't know why. Bathrooms are not that fun nor are they that clean when you have little boys around. All the time I find him in there just hanging out. Of course he has figured out how to unroll the whole tiolet paper roll so that means he likes to be in there even more lately.

By the way, is it bad that my girl and boy still like to take baths together? I know they are getting kind of old for it but they entertain each other and keep each other safe in the bath when I walk away and it saves on water rather than having 5 people showering seperately all the time. Yea, maybe I need to stop that.

One day, little buddy, you can take baths with your big brother. Though I can't guarantee he won't try to drown you in there.

10/15/11

10/17/2011

10/25/11

Eve's Pretty in Pink Party

2011-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our little pumpkin turned 6 years old on Halloween. We decided that even though her birthday is on Halloween, that's no reason to pull out the black and orange to decorate. After all, every little girl needs a Pink Party at some point in her young life.

This year we decided to simplify our lives and do a small party with just immediate family. It sure does make things a lot easier.

The plan had been for Eve to be a witch on Halloween. I thought, "Wow. Something different than the whole girly princess/ princess fairy costume of the last few years." And then she opened her birthday presents. And once again decided she wanted to be a fairy princess. But who wouldn't with that cute outfit.

Eve also got a fish for her birthday. His name is Perry. If you like Phineas and Ferb, you'll understand the refrence.

Sometimes I think Kole loves her fish more than she does. He's smitten with how friendly of a fish he is and how he always wants to look at you when you walk in the room. I guess that is pretty friendly (for a fish). I mean, we're not expecting Shamu at Sea World talent here. But he does seem pretty happy since we rescued him from the tiny cup he lived in in the pet store. Kole keeps talking about all the different tank decor we should get for him so he doesn't get bored. Uh huh. I say we start with just trying to keep him alive. I don't have the best track record with fish. Sorry, little buddy. I'll really try not to kill you off.

Anyways, I can't believe I have a six year old... and a three year old and a baby! Crazy! Crazy blessed is what we are!

General Authority Interview

2011-10-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Part of the hiring process for Seminary teachers includes a couple's interview with a General Authority. And yesterday Kole and I had our General Authority interview with Elder Per G. Malm. Elder Malm was so super nice (Of course! As if I should expect anything less!) and it was really fun to meet with him. I didn't really know very much about Elder Malm before a few weeks ago (when I looked up his bio and re-read one of his talks). I know members of the Church sometimes act as if the Prophets, Apostles and General Authorities are some type of celebrities but like Elder Malm told us yesterday, "we're just ordinary people who happen to have pretty extraordinary callings."

When I found out a few weeks ago that our General Authority interview had been approved and set up, I was really excited but then a few days ago I started getting really nervous. Kole started telling me crazy stories about the General Authority interviews of some of the other seminary teacher's he works with. I was nervous that it was going to be very long and intense. Thankfully, ours was nothing scary, strange or intimidating. I was really relieved that our interview was very easy going and comfortable. Short and sweet. He asked some questions, got to know more about each of us, took a few notes and said he would write up a positive report to send to the General Board of Education. And that's all we hoped would happen. All in all, it felt somewhat uneventful. But now we get to move onward.

After the interview we decided to enjoy a few more kid-free hours. We started by going to the Salt Lake temple. We had been before but it had been several years since we had been through that temple. My goodness it is so big and confusing inside! I felt so lost. Even just getting to the dressing room. And then we were the witness couple and my timing was so off (it being a live session and all). I guess I am spoiled by the Logan temple where everything is so easy going and familiar. But it was fun to get to do an endowment and short sealing session after in such a beautiful and historic temple.

After the temple we headed to Maddox. Yum! We totally stuffed ourselves. Then we decided we should head back home and get the kids. We had to leave our home at 7 am in order to get to our interview in time so the grandmas had watched them all day. They all love the grandmas but once Porter saw me, he was soooooooo mad I had left him all day! He wouldn't stop crying for over and hour and then he was grumpy and needy the whole rest of the evening. Quite the contrast to a serene and peaceful day we had. Oh well, opposition in all things. Now back to normal life.

Pumpkin Walk 2011

2011-10-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

The North Logan Pumpkin Walk is an annual tradition for many in Cache Valley and when we realized it was the last day to go see it we decided to brave the freezing temps and crowds. And boy was it a popular place to be that night. I guess dressing up pumpkins and gourds and displaying them in scenes from movies and pop culture just makes for good clean fun. So, like all the other minions, we trudged through the line and saw what we saw and came home to thaw.

I think Porter was the only one who has warm the whole time. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) they don't make adult sized abominable snow man suits.

He was so layered and snugly that we could hardly fit him in the car seat. I don't know how people with really chubby babies do it. I loosened the straps as much as I could and I still could hardly click everything together. I kept telling Eve and Jack to make sure he was still breathing.

Here are the pictures... (the lighting is bad, they are blurry and I am not in the mood to correct red eye- so enjoy)...

Porter at 9 months old

2011-10-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Toothless

2011-10-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Eve finally lost her first tooth! It had been loose for weeks but she seemed set on letting it fall out on its own. At the end it was hanging on by those painful little gum stands but she was stubborn and wouldn't let us use any strings or doorknobs to get the job done. Bummer. She bawled if I even touched it and I wasn't in the mood to get my fingers bit off in exchange for a tooth so I just let it sit until she was ready to part with it. I thought for sure she would end up swallowing it in her sleep. But finally she decided to be brave and she pulled it out all on her own. She'll now fit in with all our jack.-o-lanterns.

10/12/11

Of course school pictures were the next day. Of course. Since I am blogging about this weeks later, she has since lost another tooth and several others are loose. The missing 2 are starting to come in and I can tell she is going to be good friends with her orthodontist one day. Of course.

Monkey Trouble

2011-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

We are always teasing Jack that he is a monkey. We tell him that we stole him from the zoo when he was just a baby and now we shave off all his monkey fur every night while he sleeps so he looks like a little boy. It makes him so mad when we tell him he's a monkey- "me not a monkey!" OK, maybe we're cruel parents but you have to admit he does look a little like Curious George. The other day he was being naughty and we told him that if he couldn't be good that we would stop shaving him and then we would take him back to the zoo. He then promised to be good and begged us to keep shaving him- "Please shave me. Me no want to live in the zoo." I think he's really starting to believe us that this whole monkey things is true. I guess our not-so-subliminal messaging is working a little too well. Look at this video and tell me children don't become what people consistently tell them they are.

It's great to be 8 months old- today!

2011-09-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, another month has flown right on by and suddenly Porter is 8 months old! He is growing and learning and doing all the great things an 8 month old should. He has been working really hard on his crawling lately and he is soooooo close. He's been rocking back and forth on his hands and knees for 3 weeks now!!! I thought today might be the day but so far he still hasn't done it. It seems that his gears are mostly stuck in reverse for the time being. That makes him really frustrated (and me too since I have to go console him all the time when he can't get where he wants to go). Poor kid sees what he wants right in front of him but it takes him forever to get to it. Often he'll end up scooting around in circles or spinning on his tummy until his bum is pointed toward his object of desire and then he'll scooch backwards towards it. Other times he does the lazy baby crawl where he gets on his hands and knees and stretches forward onto his tummy like a giant inch worm and then repeats as many times as necessary to get where he's going. He puts an arm here and a leg there and amazingly if anything is messy, dangerous or fragile he manages to get his hands on it somehow. Atleast he's resourceful. Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly when all the improv-crawling turns into actual crawling but I know it won't be too much longer. Before I know it he'll be climbing the stairs (but hopefully not tumbling down them). Let the baby proofing begin!

So, anyways, here are so pictures of my cute baby (it won't be too much longer that I can still use that "B" word on him. *Sniff sniff sob sob*).

9/20/2011

It's hard being a baby!

So serious.

Being loved almost to death by the big kids.

And some older pics too...

9/16/2011

8/28/2011

7/29/2011

In other news, the grasshoppers are out and "giving each other piggy back rides", in Jack's words. Jack and Eve have been busy turning the nasty little creatures into pets. As you can see they've even been making cozy little homes for them.

Evidently there are "wild" grasshoppers and "tame" grasshoppers. According to the kids, in order to make the grasshopper tame you just have to introduce yourself to them. Uh huh. OK, even tame grasshoppers are not above peeing all over you. Thankfully they are starting to die off on their own. But I refuse to have any grasshopper funerals.

Well, Porter has now lived long enough to see it go from cold to hot to cold again. Well, almost cold. I mean, any true Cache Valley native doesn't really consider it "cold" until the car doors are frozen shut and even the die-hards have given up their shorts for the season. But I'm a wimp and anything below 80 is getting into sweater weather. Ever since September hit it has definitely felt like Fall around here. I even brought out my space heaters the other day and they will have to do until we are desperate enough to turn the real heater on for the season. But I'm holding out and hoping we can squeeze out a few more warm days and pleasant nights before it comes to that.

Family Pictures- Summer 2011

2011-09-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

My sweet and amazing friend Jen Bryner is a blossoming photographer that recently started taking her hobby to a professional level. She took our family pictures several weeks ago and I figured I should finally get my act together and put them all up on the blog.

Who wants to be a seminary teacher?

2011-09-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Look at my handsome hubby posing in front of the Seminary building at Logan High. There he is, standing all awkward and hoping that no students walk by while his wife documents this milestone. Why am I making him pose so I can take his picture in front of this lovely building? Well, because he is student teaching seminary here! Yay!

Kole has wanted to be a seminary teacher for some time now but it wasn't until this last spring that we got the good news that he would have the opportunity to try it out. We are so happy!!! Busy busy busy, but happy!

Now, for anyone who doesn't know about Seminary, it is a LDS religious education class that high school students can take. Seminary is attended by normal kids and taught by normal people who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although the term in other Christian denominations often refers to schooling which prepares and enables someone to hold a leadership position in a church, LDS seminary is more general gospel education to strengthen and prepare teenagers for the many various Church and life positions they will have throughout their lives. Its purpose is "to help them understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple and prepare themselves, their families and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven. In Seminary, kids learn the doctrines and principles as found in the scriptures and words of the prophets. They are taught in a way that leads to understanding and edification. Teachers help kids fulfill their role in the learning process and prepare them to teach the gospel to others." That all sounds pretty fancy but think of it as an everyday spiritual boost to help kids be edified, uplifted and inspired to live the gospel.

Each year the curriculum is focused on one of the standard works of scripture: the Old Testament of the Bible, the New Testament of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine & Covenants. Since there are four years of high school, kids should be able to cover each work of scripture before they graduate. This year they are all going over the Old Testament.

Living in Utah with a highly Mormon population means that most highschools have an LDS Seminary building right near campus so kids can take a seminary class during a free period in their school day and then they don't have to travel. In other parts of the country and world, LDS kids can take seminary too but they often have to attend seminary in the early morning before school since most schools don't incorporate free periods to allow seminary to be part of the regular school day. They also don't usually have seminary buildings near campus so most kids attend seminary in a home or Church buliding.

Outside of Utah and other places with compact LDS populations, seminary is taught mostly by unpaid volunteers. But in Utah and other areas with highly LDS populations, seminary is a paid position because it is a full-time job. There are enough LDS students to fill classes so that seminary teachers can teach class all day long just as a normal school teacher would. Unlike typical callings in the Church that are unpaid and can be filled by whomever the Lord says to call, being hired as a seminary teacher is completely seperate from other Church service. Being a seminary teacher is a career whereas other Church callings wouldn't be considered a career. Full-time seminary teachers work for the Church and additionally they serve voluntarily in other Church callings during their free time just like other Church members. You don't have to hold any specific calling or position in the Church to become a seminary teacher nor does becoming a seminary teacher directly impact any future callings someone will have. It doesn't put you on the fast track to becoming a prophet or apostle. But it does keep your focus centered around Jesus Christ and that is helpful no matter what calling you have. People become seminary teachers because that's what they want to do with their lives. They love the gospel and they love the kids and they want to make a difference for good in their lives. In all this, the Lord is the one who ultimately decides who should be trusted to teach His children in such a special and ongoing way.

To be hired on full-time you can't just walk off the street and fill out an application or hand in a resume to become a seminary teacher. When you work for the Lord and for His Church, it works a little differently. You have to meet certain requirements to show you are prepared and serious about it. First you have to attend and graduate from college to even be considered. You also have to graduate from Institute (which is like Seminary classes but for college students but with a lot more depth and breadth). You have to know, understand, and believe the gospel before you can be ready to teach it to the youth of the Church. You then have to take special institute classes that are specifically geared to help people prepare to teach seminary. You must also meet certain standards of conduct (past and present) and strength of testimony. From there you are given an opportunity to teach real high school students in a real seminary class for a ten day trial. During those ten days, people who are over the seminary teacher program of the Church evaluate you. If the Lord tells them that you have potential and He wants you to do further teaching, then they select you to student teach for a whole school year. That is the step Kole is in now. He gets to teach this whole school year. People will continue to evaluate him throughout this school year. If at the end of the year, the Lord tells these people that he should become a Seminary teacher, then that is what happens. On the other hand, if the Lord says "no" then that's the end of it. We know it is a longshot. Of the 1000 people that start the program to become a seminary teacher, less than 5% will be hired on as full-time seminary teachers each year. But we are hopeful that this is the direction the Lord wants our lives to go it.

But we know it is going to be a super busy year (and cross your fingers... life). Kole's day starts around 5:30 in the morning so he can be ready in time to start teaching at 6:40. He teaches three classes each day. He then goes to his normal job at American Family Insurance until 5:30 (which is really great that they are so flexible with this whole thing) and then some days he does landscaping work for his mom's office on top of that. Then he comes home and has to prepare lessons for class the next day and find time to spend with the family. And then the cycle repeats day after day. Of course if he got hired on full-time he would be able to use parts of his work day to prepare lessons and he wouldn't have to work 3 jobs. We know that we are just going to have to buckle down this year and make it work. It is going to be a hard year with lots of work and a lot less sleep than we would like but we can't help but think it will all be worth it. Who would think that all this craziness would make us so happy?

And so it begins... school that is.

2011-09-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have a kid in school. Real school, not just pre-school. Tuesday was Eve's first day of Kindergarten. Sob, sniff, sob, etc. Actually, we were both totally excited and totally ready. She is almost 6 now and had to watch and wait while all her little friends started school last year. She has been ever so patient but finally it is her turn!

We chose to send her to the local elementary school about 5 blocks away. I am so happy we chose Adams School! They have great teachers and I love that Eve will get to know more kids in the area. I want my kids to be close and I support public education. Strangely I also feel a lot more part of the community already. We feel really blessed to be involved with Adam's School. We feel like this is exactly where we are supposed to be right now.

Now, please don't be offended (I tend to be very blunt, if you've never noticed) but I feel like where kids go to elementary school is so competitive and I hate that it is one more thing for parents to become cliquey and critical about. There are lots of elementary schools in the area to choose from but I hate when people look at me like I’m a bad mom for sending my kids to, oh no, a local public school. It bothers me when people imply that their child is getting a better education elsewhere and therefore their child is going to grow up to be smarter, richer and a better person because they're not sending them to a public school. Blah blah. And don't even get me started on home schooling. I live in Cache Valley where our public schools are safe and kids can get a good education. The teachers work hard and do their best to help each of their students succeed. I honestly don’t care if my 6 year old doesn’t have to memorize the Declaration of Independence as long as she is progressing as a kid should. I want my kids to be mentally stretched but not broken. I want my kids to get to know and become friends with people that don't always have the same ideas, opinions, beliefs and background they do. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to allow my kids an environment where they can learn about such things and then return home to discuss such things with our guidance. I want to give my kids the best start in loving education and lifelong learning without giving them a chip on their shoulder.

I hear too many other parents almost brag about all the high pressure stuff going on in their child's kindergarten class at other schools and I think, since when did that become a good thing? Kindergarten is not college. Kids have enough stress in life, the last thing I want is to purposely put my kids under more stress and pressure to outperform other little kids. There is so much more to education than the academic aspect. Children learn through playing, experimenting and exploring. I feel like many other types of schools don't put enough emphasis on that. They need that to be well-rounded and adaptable in life. Going to a school where the social aspect with be nurtured in balance with the rest of the educational experience is a priority for me. Kids need all the positive social help they can get now days.

I'm thankful we live in America where we have so many different choices for quality education- and often our choices don't have to cost an arm and a leg. If others feel their child would benefit from a different school or another type of school, good for them. But should I really need to apologize or defend actions for wanting to give my kids a traditional education. I think not.

I suppose I could write an essay on my opinions but instead of boring you all, I'll hop off my soapbox now.

So far, so good. Eve loves her teacher- Mrs. Garrido. Eve calls her Mrs. Burrito. Ha. She loves her class and her new friends. She's meeting so many that she can't even remember their names. When she passes by them she just calls out "hi friend." Cute. I love that she loves school. Now if only we could get her to love homework too. One step at a time.

It's going to be a fabulous year!

BBs and Bug Bites

2011-08-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Damion's birthday by having some cake and ice cream, spending a little quality family time together and then the boys got a little bored and decided that they needed to really celebrate so this is what they did next...

Yes, that is Kole. Of course I'm documenting his amazing choices for our posterity to look back on and learn from. I guess these little BBs won't kill you or put a hole in your buttocks but still... why?

And then there is Damion, the birthday boy. He's the oldest of the brothers. I'm not sure if that makes the situation better or worse. Some people get wiser with age and others... well, maybe next year.

Yes, Deb and Dave stood by and mocked and laughed (and didn't stop anything) while all their boys shot each other with BBs. I'm passing these genes down to my children. Sigh.

Eve practicing her red neck skills. What you can't tell is she's aiming at Jack. Just kidding!!! My mom would have a heart attack. I don't promote child abuse. Brother-in-law abuse is a whole other story.

"I'll let you shoot me if I can shoot you first." I guess that seems fair. Not bright but still fair.

From left to right: Sam, Keaton, Grayson, Kole (with the oh so manly BB gun) and Damion. Did I mention they're all single- except for the really cute one with the gun. Right now some of you out there are thinking "Line me up! Those are the brains I want to pass down to my children!" Yes ladies, if that is what you are thinking, I'm sure we can work something out. You'll just need to fill out an application and attach a current color photo. They're kind of picky so don't call them, they'll call you.

Maybe he is so grumpy because he wanted to wear a thick long sleeved shirt in the middle of August. Really kid? Do you like heat stroke?

Can you see all those mosquito bites? They are a week old in this picture and they still look like he got struck with a plague. His whole face was covered with them after he had a sleepover under the stars at Grandma Wendy's house. I was embarrassed to take him out in public for days. It looked like he had early onset acne. I'm hoping we didn't get a sneak peek into his teenage years.

Cache County Fair 2011

2011-08-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

August in Cache Valley means hot summer days, the final count down to school, last ditch efforts to squeeze the remaining bits of fun out of the season and of course Fair time! Our Fair screams country living at its best and it makes you remember that this happy little valley is still full of farm country and cowboys. I always think of the Cache County Fair as the last hurrah of valley events before the lazy days of summer fade away into the hustle and bustle of fall. The Cache County Fair is not the biggest or best fair I've ever been to in my life but you can't beat the local fair when it comes to running into old friends, indulging in that craving for oh-so-bad-for-you but you-just-have-to-have-it fair fare, and enjoying the constant ambiance of nostalgia.

On Friday evening my mom and I packed up the three kids and headed to the fair grounds. Kole actually got to go to the fair too- but he didn't get to have any fun. He was stuck slaving away in the American Family Insurance booth. Poor guy all stuck in a little cage like one of those fair animals. So we stopped by to point and laugh at his misery and then ditched him for some real animals.

The kids loved all the stinky animals. I'm not sure how many of these cute animals we saw will soon be on someone's table but I try not to think about it.

Can you tell that sheep behind Jack was trying to ruin our picture?

Sheep in turtlenecks... because obviously it is cold in the middle of August if you're missing your wool sweater. Ha ha.

Eve kept saying "I'm really good with cows... goats... chickens (whatever animal happened to be within reach at the time) huh mom?" ha. Yes honey, animals flock to you like the Disney princess you are.

I think Eve would have bought a goat if I hadn't stopped her mid-sale.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

And of course the cuttest animal of them all.

Just ignore the random kid hanging out in the background of our picture.

Jack's angry face- this is what happens when Eve makes him switch places.

Grandma Wendy can't resist those kissable baby feet...

...and neither can big sister Eve.

She can't help posing lately. At least her love for the camera is reciprocated.

Some people see a blurry photo- I prefer to see photo effects.

We found the pony rides to be a better deal than the other kiddie rides... and the money went to a better cause that carnies.

Riding off into the sunset at the end of our fun filled evening.

Sweatin' like daddy

2011-08-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kole's been doing the "Insanity" workout program and since Jack wants to be big and manly like his daddy he's been doing it too. I'm a sucker for his goofy cuteness so I just had to take some pictures to embarrass him with as a teenager.

Feel the burn baby boy!

Grandma Camp 2011

2011-08-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

07/18/2011

For 4 glorious days and 4 peaceful nights Eve and Jack went on their summer vacation to "GRANDMA CAMP 2011." Since Porter was not the minimum age requirement of 3 years old (Grandma, we need to negotiate this in the future), I got a week of bonding time with him- which I absolutely LOVED!... and some much needed time to catch up on projects, house cleaning and rest! While I was thus in my week long getaway from real life, Kole's mom opted to make her life more stressful by inviting the hurricane force of little kids to invade her house for a week. I know, I know... what was she thinking? And since her personal horde of grandkids is not growing quite as quickly as she hoped ('cus I can only do so much on my own here), she decided to be super ambitious and invite a few "adopted grandkids" too. We all say, "Thanks Deb! You rock!" Eve and Jack had a blast and everyone survived (including the innocent bystanders like Grandpa Dave and Kole's stay-at-home brothers) so I think we can consider it a success and hopefully a YEARLY (huh huh?) tradition. Deb was good enough to take some pictures of the fun and chaos. I'm wondering just how many bonks, bruises and bloody body parts she had to edit out of these pictures before she gave them to me. Obviously I was not there (I'm sure I was lounging somewhere quiet and tidy at the time instead. Can you feel your jealousy bubbling up right about now?) so my lack of first hand knowledge does not allow me to comment on the pictures. But I'm sure you'll get the gist.

7/19/2011

7/20/2011

7/21/2011

I'm sure we're all looking forward to next year.

Porter is 6 months old today

2011-07-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Time flies by unfairly fast. Our little Porter is now 6 months old. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding my teeny 5 lb 10 oz baby boy and now suddenly he is a 6 month old little chunk. He had his 6 month check-up at the doctor yesterday- he now weighs 15 lbs 7 oz (20th percentile), he is 26 1/4 inches (50th percentile) long and his head is 16 1/4 inches round (4th percentile). I think he has grown faster than my arm muscles and it is getting increasingly harder to lug him around in his car seat.

He is such a happy, easy going kid. He is content just to chill as long as he gets to be around everyone. He doesn't even care about trying to keep up with the other kids... he doesn't seem to want to crawl or start scooting or anything. He can roll over (but never wants to) and he's getting to be a pretty good sitter but he likes to just lay back and take in all the excitement. I could tell even before he was born that this was his personality and he seems to be sticking to it. He still couldn't care less about his solid foods because he's still too much into his "booby snacks"- as they're called in our family. He is an awesome sleeper- he goes to bed at 9 and sleeps ALL NIGHT LONG until 9:30 in the morning! Good thing too because a morning child would not survive in our family.

Waking up from a nap is rough no matter how old you are.

Now, for the change... this is the day he was born...

and July flies right on by

2011-07-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

6/30/2011

Just Porter's natural cuteness.

7/1/2011

We had a BBQ at a friend's house and then headed up the street a few blocks to watch the fireworks. I love that we live within walking distance to the University. It makes it so much easier to go do stuff without having to fight traffic.

7/2/2011

Hanging out at Grandma Wendy's and finally big enough for the Jump-a-roo.

Grandma bought a swing set and the boys got to set it up.

7/4/2011

Lounging in the backyard hammock. It can be quite relaxing when the kids are not using it as a swing.

7/4/2011

Sparkle, sparkle, boom and fizzle... that pretty much sums up our fireworks.

Fun at the Firestation

2011-06-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

We got to go to a Books and Buddies activity at the fire station this week. What little kid (and mommy) doesn't like firemen? They had crafts, safety games and free books. We ran into friends had lots of fun.

They had a super fun tubing activity. The firemen used four wheelers to pull the kids in tubes across a slippery tarp and grass like they were tubing behind a boat. A generous spray down with water made it as authentic as possible and was a nice treat in the summer heat. The kids just recycled throught the line over and over.

Friends and cousins.

Lazy Summer Day

2011-06-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

My handsome buddy Jack. He is so sweet and funny. He's such a thankful little kid. He tells me thank you all day long. I love that he cannot pronounce his "r"s right now. I love that he calls Porter "Poto". Luckily his sister seems to possess the Urim and Thummim and she always understands him.

See my adorable little girl. I can't believe she will start school this fall. *Sniff Sniff*. She is getting so outgoing and she makes friends so easily. Give her a couple minutes with someone she's never met before and soon you would think they've been friends for years. I love that she is so protective and motherly to Jack and Porter.

Porter thinks he is so big. He loves practicing his standing. He's only 5 months. He won't sit up yet or roll over but he wants to walk already. Not yet little buddy. I need a few more months to get ready.

Yummy... or not.

2011-06-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

Porter's first taste of solid food...

I guess "solid" might not be the best choice of words. It's really more like breast milk thickened with rice cereal. Hence the face.

But a bath and some naked baby time seems to make everything all better.

I can't help it. Baby bums are just so cute.

5/18/2011

Ward Primary Activity: A Royal Feast

2011-06-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

(Yep, that's me- second person from the far right. Eve and Jack are near the middle).

Doesn't everyone look so Medieval?

This last weekend we had a primary activity... ah hem, I mean "ward activity geared towards the primary kids". ;) It was a Royal Feast and it was really fun. I think it could be duplicated or modified pretty easily if someone wants. The hardest part was creating ideas from scratch and since we’ve already taken care of that part, I thought someone might find it useful for something in the future if I give a run down. I’ll add some extra ideas I had that we didn’t really have enough time, helpers or were organized enough to implement.

We decided it was really important to create a medieval atmosphere so we decorated our church gym like a medieval banquet room... we got the long tables from the church and set them up in a "U" shape (3 across and 3 down each side) and dressed up the tables to look festive. We decided that was the best shape so we could have entertainment in the center while the kids were eating and the kids wouldn’t have to be turning around during it. You could add extra tables if needed or a big long table would work if you don’t have enough kids to use a “U” shape. We played Celtic and medieval music. We had ward members volunteer anything they had that we could use to make it look medieval. Lots of people had weapons and we actually had them at the activity. We just put them on a table and had a couple people manning the table so the kids didn't touch anything they shouldn't. We also looked up facts about the weapons so the people manning the table could tell the kids about the different weapons. Someone made royal crests out of dollar store wrapping paper and we hung them on the walls. Someone else painted a castle on a big cardboard box and we used it as a backdrop. And of course part of the whole atmosphere is speaking like you are in the middle ages- “thee, thou, thy, etc.”

We all dressed up in medieval attire. Most people came as knights and princesses but we told them they could also be things like court jesters or peasants or whatever was fitting to the time period.

As the kids trickled into the activity, we had them go into the primary room and they decorated crowns. We figured this worked in two ways… first of all, they would be fully dressed when they arrived in the gym for the feast, and second, since not everyone arrives at the same time, this padded our time frame so we could start when everyone was there. For the boys we got Burger King crowns (for free) and spray painted them gold. Then they glued fake jewels on them. For the girls we had wreath type crowns and they attached little fake flowers. But really, any kind of crown would work.
I think it would have been fun to have someone at the door who announced when the kids entered the “royal banquet hall”- like “Princess Eve has arrived” or “Presenting Sir Jack.” Maybe someone even could make their own trumpet out of soda bottles or whatever (other people are way more creative than I am) and they could trumpet when the kids come in.

Once the kids finished their crowns and got into the gym, we had some games going on. We figured it would be best to avoid games in which the kids were tempted to fake sword fight or do anything where they would get hurt. We had a chess set (and really we should have had 2 and a couple checkers boards because the kids wanted to play more). We had a jousting game where the kids used swimming noodles to knock stuffed animals off stools. We had another game where two kids each had a spoon with a plastic egg on it in one hand and in the other they had a foam sword. They had to use their sword to knock the other person’s egg off while defending their own egg from falling. Winners got to keep playing against more players. I figure it would have been fun to do it as one big group also and see who was the last one to finish with an egg on their spoon. (Evidently bocce and bowling were medieval games too and that would have been pretty fun).

Once everyone had made their crowns and played games for about a half hour we began the feast. The kids all sat around the table and the adults served them. Our meal was pretty simple (though not all that authentic since we decided gruel wouldn’t really be that appetizing). We had chicken legs, corn on the cob, grapes, rolls and cream puffs for dessert. We did the whole meal at once for time reasons but I think it would be great for the kids to come back to the gym and have dessert after their “quest.”

I thought it would have been really fun for the kids to have some entertainment with the meal (juggling, a fake sword fight, play some kind of musical instrument) but no one would volunteer to do anything! If only I had a marketable talent but we all know I don’t. Instead I just read a story I made up that would get the kids ready for the quest. It was kind of long so I read it for about the last 15 minutes they were eating. The story is basically about the Plan of Salvation and the premortal life in fairytale form. I am sure the older kids understood what the story was actually about but I never came out and told them while I was reading or anything. The younger kids didn’t seem to grasp the deeper meaning. They just thought it was a fun story. But I think it is fun to keep the whole meaning disguised until the kids finish the quest and then you could take a couple minutes to explain how everything related. I think it worked really well to do the story while they were eating instead of just trying to make them sit still and listen for so long. I suppose others could make pictures to go along with the story or maybe have people act out certain parts (you will in fact need someone to play “the Prince” as part of the quest. Maybe you have someone as willing, or at least as easily bribed as my sweet hubby). Anyways, by the time they were done listening to the story, they were ready to embark on their quest. We have a pavilion and grassy area at the top of the church parking lot that we used as the place they performed the quest. If you don’t have such a place, or it is winter or whatever, other rooms in the building would work.

Going along with the whole story I read, the kids were sent to complete their quest by accomplishing goals having to do with the first principles and ordinances of the gospel (faith, repentance, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost). For faith we had a faith walk and the kids were blindfolded and lead to the pavilion. For repentance we had the kids try to perfectly perform a long list of tasks and when they messed up they had to go to “the dungeon” and they could only be released by asking “the Prince” for forgiveness. For baptism we had the kids search for pearls in a tub of sand and water. For the Gift of the Holy Ghost we had the kids unwrap a gift box full of glowing rocks. And finally we had a battle against “the dragon.”

Now, I put a lot of work into creating this whole quest thing so I am including all the details from here on down. I don’t expect you to read it… but I want to remember it some day so I get to put it in my blog!

**************************************************************************

Here is the story to start the quest...

A long time ago, in a land far away there was a magnificent kingdom. Of all the kingdoms you’ve ever read about or seen or heard of, this kingdom was more wonderful and splendid than them all. All parts of the kingdom were beautiful and glorious- from the castles to the stables and from the snow capped peaks of the mountains to the wide stretching ocean. There could not a more wonderful kingdom be found anywhere.

Now, this kingdom was beautiful but what made it so special was not its beauty. Like any other kingdom, this one had a King. This King was good and kind and wise. He was all that anyone could ever dream of in a king and his kingdom reflected his goodness. He loved his people and they loved him. The good King loved the people of his kingdom so much that he called them his sons and daughters and they called him “Father.” Because the King called each of them his sons and daughters, they considered each other like one big family. The people were always kind to one another and joy and happiness filled their lives every day. All the people felt safe and cheerful. It was a wonderful place to live.

The King also had a son of his own, his firstborn child. His son, the prince, was good and kind and wise- just like his father the King. This prince was destined to one day be a king himself. The good prince loved the people just like his father and the people loved him, just like they loved his father. With great love and compassion, the King and the prince served the people of the kingdom day and night.

One day, the King announced that he had a wonderful idea. Since all of his people were like sons and daughters to him, it would not be fair if they could not become kings or queens just as his own son would become one day. The crown prince thought this was a superb idea. The people were so excited. But the King and the prince knew that becoming a king or a queen was no easy task. The people would have to do more than have their heads fitted for a crown- they would need to be trained in a way that would prepare them to be good kings and queens, just like their King.

The King determined that what his people needed in order to be prepared for such a position was a Quest. The people were excited. They had only heard about quests in stories. They never thought they would get to go on a quest themselves. They all looked forward to completing the quest and returning to the kingdom to make their King proud. The prince and all the people were so happy. Well, all were happy except for one person. There was someone in the kingdom that was not happy at all. This person was the King’s second son. This son was not like his older brother. He was not good, nor kind nor wise. He was prideful, angry and jealous of his older brother and his father the King. He did not love the people of the kingdom. He hated them. He did not want them to become kings and queens. He wanted to be the one and only King in all of the kingdom. He felt that his father should be dethroned and his brother should be banished for wanting to make commoners into royalty. He soon began to plot how he could make this happen.

On the day the King was to reveal the details of the quest, the whole kingdom turned out to listen. The King explained to the people how the quest was specially designed to prepare them to be kings and queens. He explained how this quest would test them in a way so that everyone could know if they were really ready to be kings and queens and rule a kingdom of their own. He would never force them to be a king or queen if they were not prepared or if they did not want to be one. This quest would not only give them the opportunity to become kings and queens but would also allow them to choose not to be one if they decided they didn’t want to. He told them that a quest like this would be very dangerous and difficult. He further explained how they would have to leave him and his kingdom and live in a far away land for a time to perform this quest. Perhaps the scariest part of this quest was that not everyone would make it. Some of the people would not be able to complete the quest, others would choose not to. Whoever did not complete it, would not be able to return to the beautiful kingdom. This worried many of the people. The King understood the concerns of his people and he promised to help them on their quest. To help them, he promised he would send letters of counsel and maps to help them on their way. He would also send messengers who would direct them onto the right paths and give them instructions on how to complete the quest. He would give them ancient books of wisdom to solve problems and riddles of the quest. And most importantly, he would send his eldest son, the crown prince to help them overcome their toughest obstacles. He counseled them that they would need to work together and help one another. The people were full of hope and nervousness but they shouted for joy at all they had heard.

But the younger prince saw this as the perfect opportunity to seize his father’s throne and belittle his elder brother. He asked his father if he could address the people of the kingdom. When his father gave him permission, he told the people how he understood their fears. He further declared that surely the King must not love them enough to guarantee that everyone came home to the kingdom. His father and older brother knew he was lying but they quietly stood and listened to the younger prince make his speech. He stated that he had a better quest. He told the people that he had a way to ensure that every person would complete his quest so they could all return home and be crowned as kings and queens. But the King would have to send him instead of his elder brother to help the people. As payment for doing such a great thing, the King could reward him by stepping down from the throne and making him King of the kingdom instead. Some of the people of the kingdom, especially those who had been the most fearful of failure, were excited and thought this was a wonderful idea. But the good, kind and wise King knew this was not a good idea. It would defeat the whole purpose of the quest if it was so easy that anyone could complete it. Such a quest could never prepare his people to become kings and queens that could rule kingdoms of their own. The King could not let this happen. He thanked his younger son for his suggestion but announced to the people that because he loved them, the quest would be the one he designed and that his elder son would be the one to help them.

This made the younger prince furious! His plot had been foiled and he felt humiliated in front of the entire kingdom. In his heart, he hated his father and brother all the more. The younger prince felt that if he could not become King of the kingdom the way he suggested, then he would take it by force. He would put an army together and he would declare war on his father.

As the days and weeks passed and the people prepared to begin their quests, the younger prince mingled among the people of the kingdom. He sought out those that had been the most fearful in the meeting and with lies and empty promises he began to sway many of the people of the kingdom to follow him. But the King was not ignorant of his younger son’s treason. And as the prince prepared his army, so did the King.

As the days and weeks passed, and the two armies prepared for the impending battle, the evil prince began to be filled with more and more hate and pride. It burned within him and it grew painful like someone had lit a campfire in his stomach. But even that didn’t make him want to stop his plans for revenge. And with his hate, that burning fire grew and grew. But his anger could not stay hidden down deep inside. Instead, his hate began to overtake him and it began change him from the inside out. You could practically see the fire glowing in his eyes. As his hate grew, so did he. Bigger and bigger- he grew to the size of a school bus, then two school busses, then a house. Soon his body shape began to change. His head and neck began to stretch and bulge. He began to hunch over and his arms and legs grew tall, sturdy and wide like giant tree trunks. They were heavy and clumsy and he found himself needing to use his arms as well as his legs to walk. His fingernails and toenails grew thick and long and curved. They were really more like claws. His skin began to turn a putrid green. It became shiny and scaly. It was thick and hard like armor. Row after row of razor sharp horns and spikes ran along his body from his head to the tip of what was obviously a tail. That fire was now completely overrunning his body and when he spoke it escaped from his mouth. His hate had changed him into a terrible beast, a dragon!

The Dragon prince looked at his new body and with great pride he knew he must be the most powerful thing in the kingdom. Surely he could easily win the war- he wouldn’t even need the help of his army. His father and brother would not stand a chance. He bellowed a deep evil laugh at his great luck.
But The King and the good prince had created a plan to defeat the dragon. They would not kill him or his followers. They would capture them and punish them for their treason.

The dragon prince called his troops together and they marched toward the castle to declared war on his father and brother. The King’s troops stood at the ready. All the people of the kingdom, those for the King and those for the rebellious prince, were waiting for the battle to begin.

All of the sudden, a great fight erupted. It was time for the King and the good Prince to put their plan into action. They would use the Dragon’s new body against him. The King’s army began to divine in two and encircle the Dragon Prince. The Dragon prince was big and he could not turn quickly. His big back half kept him from seeing all the people behind him. He could hardly tell what was going on. According to plan, the troops would attack him when his back was turned to them. As the dragon would turn to defend his backside, he ended up turning into more troops who would attack when he wasn’t looking With wave after wave of people, the King’s army attacked the Dragon Prince. While many of the troops attacked the dragon with swords and kept his attention, others took strong ropes and began to wrap them around the dragon’s legs. Soon the dragon prince was turning back and forth and round and round trying to evade the attacks. But he quickly became dizzy. When the King saw how the dragon was weakened, he gave the command to take him down. All the troops grabbed the ropes and pulled them tight around the dragon’s legs. He fell with a great crash. The King’s troops then climbed all over the Dragon tying his whole body to the ground. They also bound his mouth. At the fall of their leader and their secret weapon, the dragon prince’s troops scattered and fled for their lives. The good crown prince held his sword to the dragon prince’s throat and forced him to surrender. The King’s loyal people had won the war.

But the kind King was saddened by all that had happened. He loved all the people of his kingdom but he knew what he must do to maintain peace in his kingdom. He could not let his younger son nor the rebellious army stay and make his kingdom unsafe. They would all be banished forever. He sent his dragon son and his followers to a land far, far away. It was far from the kingdom but it was also a place where the King’s people would see them again. It was the same land his good citizens would attempt their quest in. But unlike the King’s people, the others could never participate in the quest and they could never return to the beautiful kingdom or become kings and queens.
With the banishment of the Dragon and the evil army, the good people of the kingdom continued their last minute preparations for their quest. The King spent his days traveling throughout the kingdom to encourage his people one by one. He told them that He loved them very much and he had confidence in them. He also reminded them that He would help them along the way but that they should also help each other. He reminded them to pay close attention to his letters since they would give them direction and counsel on what to do in their quest. They should also listen very carefully to His messengers. They must do exactly as his messengers instruct or they cannot complete the quest. They must never cheat on the quest. That would not be fitting of a king or queen. Cheaters could never wear a crown. They should rely on the ancient books of wisdom when they need help. Most of all, they should never listen to the Dragon or his followers. They would only keep them from completing their quest.

The people of the kingdom were ready. The first thing they would need to do before they could begin their quest was travel through the Enchanted Forrest of Forgetfulness.

Do you think you would like to go on such a quest?

And here is the quest...

Basic premises: The kids will be on a medieval quest and will perform tasks symbolically representing the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel (faith, repentance, baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost). They do not need to know as they are performing the quest that they are doing things that represent these. However, many of the kids may figure it out and that is OK. We will sum everything up in the end when they finish the quest and return to the cultural hall. As they perform the quest, they will receive clues as to the tasks they need to perform by figuring out coded messages by using the scriptures as well as listening to the instructions from the “King’s messengers.”

You will need at least 4 different adult helpers to represent “the King’s messengers” at each of the locations. The term “you” is direct instruction for each of the adults at their determined location.

Quest Activity #1: Faith
Supplies needed: Chalk board with message written on it
Blind folds
Rope
(Scriptures)

This leg of the quest will begin by having the messenger read a letter from the King instructing them on the first part of their quest. The letter is as follows…

Message #1: Thou hast not been gone from home very long now but I long for thy speedy return. I wish thee well in thy adventures. Now that thy quest has begun, I give thee thy first charge. It is important that future kings and queens be able to use their heads to solve problems and figure things out. Therefore, for the first part of thy quest, I have sent a riddle for thee to solve on the great erasable board. If thou will solve this riddle, and do as it instructs thou will gain the first token of thy quest. To solve it thou must look to the ancient books of wisdom thou have brought with thee. -Sincerely, The King

The kids will have to solve a riddle by using the scriptures to find out what they need to do first. The riddle will tell the kids that they will have to show faith by being blindfolded and taken to a new destination You will represent a messenger from the king and the adult will lead the way- taking the kids on a journey along the sidewalk and parking lot until everyone makes it to the pavilion and grassy area at the top of the church parking lot. You will also ensure that none of the kids trip or get hurt.

(The following riddle will \need to be written on the chalk board ahead of time so it is ready when the kids arrive at the starting point. The chalk board allows all the kids can see it at once and solve it better together. The underlined words will be blank and they can use the clues given to search the scriptures and fill in the blanks and then follow the instructions of the message. They do not need to solve it individually. They should work on it together and help one another as a group. The older kids can aid the younger kids who are not yet able to read.)

Thy first charge is to do as described in 2 Corinthians 5:7 “WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT.” Put on thy BLIND (the word used to describe the disability of the two men that followed after Jesus in Matthew 9:27) (the first thing the Lord says there shall be one of in 3 Nephi 15:17) FOLD. Carefully (what we are instructed to do to the words of Christ in Moroni 8:8) LISTEN to my messenger and he will LEAD (12th word from the end of the verse in D&C 38:33) thee to thy next charge.

Once the kids solve the riddle, give them the further instructions on how they need to hold on to each other… Leading the kids while blindfolded will be easiest and safest by having the kids hold onto a rope with their right hand while holding on to the shoulder of the person in front of them with their left hand.

Quest Activity #2: Repentance
Supplies needed: (Scriptures)
Rope
A Prince

Once the kids have completed the firs part of the quest by reaching the pavilion, you will take them to the large area of grass. You will direct the kids to do a long list of things, in the correct order without messing up or skipping any. This would represent obeying the prophets and if they don’t do what they are supposed to, they have to stand in “the dungeon” represented by a circle made of rope. Since everyone fails in some way in real life, everyone should end up in the circle. To make this more difficult and ensure that happens, no one can start doing the things on the list until it has been read completely or have them complete all the tasks as they are read and then start over and have the kids repeat them by memory. In order to be released and continue on the quest they must follow the instructions in a message from the King. It will instruct them to ask forgiveness to be set free.

Message #2: The King has given me instructions to give to thee. Thou must listen carefully and follow each one perfectly and exactly or thou will be delayed in thy quest.

(make sure everyone is ready and listening and then read the list)

1. Stand up tall and stretch your arms high in the air
2. Kneel down on the ground
3. Close your eyes and then open them again
4. Sing the first 10 words to your favorite song
5. Shake the hand of the person on both sides of you
6. Stand up and turn around 1 ½ times
7. Pretend like you’re reading a book
8. March in place while you continue to pretend you’re reading
9. Stop marching and bend down and touch your toes 3 times
10. Pat your head with one hand while rubbing your hand in a circle on your tummy.

When you see someone messing up, tell them they must stop and go stand in the circle. Once all the children are in the circle, deliver the following message…

Message #3: “My good and faithful servants do not worry. All is not lost. I knew from the beginning that no one would make it through this quest without making a mistake. Even though thou are now in captivity, I have prepared a way for thee to be free. Ye must once again look to the ancient books of wisdom to learn how ye can be liberated. Turn to the book of First Nephi, in the twenty-first verse of the seventh chapter. Ye must ask Prince for the same thing the people did pray unto the Lord their God for (FORGIVENESS). If ye ask humbly, he will surely let thee go free that thou may continue on thy quest. -Sincerely, The King

Quest Activity #3: Baptism
Supplies needed: A plastic tub
Sand
Pearls
Pebbles and other things to make it harder to find the rings
Water
A Prince

You will take the kids the plastic tub of sand and water up on the picnic tables under the pavilion. Once there, they will need to search for pearls amidst small rocks and other things. Make sure to have the youngest kids go first so that they can find things easier in the sand and then have the older kids go.

You will read the following message from the King…

Message #4: Thou must now seek a wonderful treasure. (Show them an example of what they are looking for) It has been buried in the sand and must now be retrieved. Thou should give that which was lost and will now be found to my good and beloved Son.

The Prince” will accept the pearls from the kids as they find them.

Quest Activity #4: Gift of the Holy Ghost

Supplies needed: Gift box with 10 different layers of wrapping paper and correct instructions printed on each layer
Glow in the dark stones

Once all the kids have completed their last task, you will direct them to sit in a circle and you will give one of the kids a wrapped gift.

You will read them the following message from the King…

Message #5: Because thou has worked so hard and done so well, I have a gift for thee. Something to light thy way in the darkness. Follow the instructions of my messenger and (s)he will surely teach thee what thou must do to gain thy gift. If thou does not know the answer to the clue so thou may unwrap thy gift, make sure to have thy ancient books of wisdom to help thee in thy way. -Sincerely, The King

On the outside of the gift will be clue #1. The kid you first gave the gift to will decide who best matches the clue and then they will past the gift box to that person for them to unwrap one layer. That child will then read and figure out clue #2 and pass the gift to someone else who they think fits that clue and then they will unwrap a layer and so on down the list of clues until someone gets to open the last layer and open the box. (You can use as few or as many layers as you want. These clues do not have to be in a particular order but if you change the clues to be more specific about the kids in your group, just remember to be careful when you wrap and attach the clues… the last clue goes on the first layer you wrap). You may need to help some of the kids read the clues. The kids may need to use their scriptures to figure out the answers to some of the clues. Have everyone try to figure it out rather than just making the person who is unwrapping at that time. Someone in the group may know the answers so no one has to look it up. Once the box has been completely unwrapped, have that child pass out all the stones inside to everyone. The clues are as follows.

1. How do we find the one who goes? The one with the most ribbons or bows.
2. The one for this we share, who has something (the 3rd color mentioned in Exodus 28:5) to wear?
3. The next one we will call, is someone who is very (in 1 Samuel 17:4, the way Goliath would have appeared to the Israelites if they were looking up at him).
4. This is now what has been said. Who is wearing something (the color of the sea the Israelites crossed to escape from the Egyptian Pharaoh)?
5. Now what do you think? Who is wearing lots of pink?
6. The next thing that we care, who has the longest (something on the Lord’s head that will be white at His 2nd Coming as told in D&C 110:3)?
7. The one who now is right, is wearing something very (In D&C 14:3, the color of the field that is ready to be harvested).
8. Next you see what we mean, who is wearing something (in Psalms 23:2, the color of the pastures that Lord maketh us to lie down in)?
9. And now who is a sport, someone who is a bit (In Romans 3:23, All have sinned and fall _______ of the glory of God).
10. We have another clue. Who is wearing mostly blue?
11. Now we will get, someone who hasn't played yet?

Quest Activity #5: Overcome Satan and Return to Heaven
Supplies needed: A Prince
A small toy dragon

Kristy will bring the kids to the south end of the grass field to finish the quest and the story.

The kids will receive a final message from the King.

“I am so proud of thee. Thou has done well and they quest is almost complete. Thou only has one thing left to do before thou can return home. Thou must defeat the dragon and bring him back captive to me. But thou may find this charge difficult. The dragon has found special powers in this new land. He has become invisible. Thou must protect thyself from his power by putting on thy armor. It is not visible, just as the dragon is not visible but the armor is strong and will keep thee safe. Now is the time when you will need my Son, the good prince the most. I have sent Him to aid thee in this final task. -Sincerely, The King"

The Prince steps forward and gives the further instructions:

“Let us begin by putting on our armor. Does anyone know what kind of armor we need to put on? Let us turn to our ancient books of wisdom to make sure we have on all the armor we need.”

The Prince has the kids turn to Ephesians 6:14-17. As they read down the list, have the kids pretend to put on each of the items.

“Now we shall begin our search for the dragon. Where doth thou think we should look first?”

The kids will make the Prince search all over but of course they will not find the Dragon.

The Prince announces, “I believe the dragon is in hiding because he is afraid of us. He knows we defeated him once and he knows we can do it again. But we must defeat him and take him back captive. I will go and battle the dragon.”

The Prince pretends to fight an epic battle with the invisible dragon. As the prince battles the dragon, he suddenly falls and dies. All seems lost.

Kristy asks the kids, “Now what shall we do to defeat the dragon?”

As they are discussing their options, the Prince returns to life.
The Prince tells the kids “My Father put a magical spell on me that would ensure I was brought back to life if I should die. My Father had a plan that would greatly weaken the dragon. It would make it so we could see him and he would no longer be big and powerful. The King knew that in order for the magic spell to work, I would have to be killed by the dragon. But now, look at the dragon.”
The Prince holds up the little toy dragon. He does not look scary.
The prince tells them “The dragon no longer has any power over you. All that you have to do to defeat the dragon completely so we can take him back captive is tell him that he has no power over you.”
When the kids tell him that he has no power over them- Bam. The dragon falls over dead. The kids take him back to the Church and the quest is complete.
When the kids get back to the church, explain how everything relates to the Plan of Salvation.

My Sacrament Meeting Talk

2011-06-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I spoke in Sacrament meeting this last Sunday along with my two amazing primary presidency counselors. We got to pick our own topics and I choose to speak on "Our agency, our influence and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives." I decided to post my talk on here- mostly for my own records but anyone is welcome to read it... if you have the time (yes it is long but you should be thankful this is the edited down version. It could have been much longer). I guess I'll start it off where the talk officially begins and skip the beginning "thank you"s and stuff. But you should know how thankful I really am for the other members of my presidency. They never fail to do everything in an extraordinary way. So, here it goes.

"You may be surprised to find that even though I am the Primary President, the message I have chosen to speak about today is not directly about the Primary or children. Instead, I feel directed to speak on the topic of “our agency, our influence and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives.”

I have prayed diligently that I would have the power of the Holy Ghost with me so that I may convey to you His message in a way that will allow for you to understand and apply the things that I talk about. Nevertheless, I’m sure you will find that what comes out of my mouth will not be nearly as important as what the Holy Spirit speaks to your spirit- the sacrament talk He has tailored just for you. I just hope that my talk may be a catalyst for your own personal revelation.

Over the last several months I have been pondering a lot on the concept of catalysts. Often this term is associated with science and is described as something that causes a reaction. I’ve thought a lot about cause and effect as well as chain reactions- especially in regard to how these things related to our lives. I’ve reflected on my own life and pondered on how the different people, experiences, and decisions have shaped my life and soul.

President Hinckley gave a vivid analogy of how even small decisions can impact our future in great ways. He said, “Have you ever looked at a great farm gate that opens and closes? If you look at the hinge, it moves ever so little, just a little movement of that hinge creates tremendous consequences out into the perimeter. That is the way it is with our lives. It is the little decisions that make the great differences in our lives.”

As I’ve contemplated all of this, I’ve found that God’s divine design for the lives of each of His children can be compared to a theory called the Butterfly Effect. You’ve probably heard of this idea before… the simple action of a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a chain reaction of events that could cause a hurricane on the other side of the world. I suppose that may sound or even be extreme when you think of it in those terms, but when it comes to our lives; I can see the Butterfly Effect in action all around me- all the time. I believe that the billions of people in this world today, as well as the countless individuals who have once lived or will yet live on this earth, are much more connected than we might realize.

To illustrate this more fully, I would like you to imagine a calm glassy lake with giant storm clouds looming overhead. As those storm clouds begin to release the heavy moisture within them, the rain falls until it breaks the peaceful surface of the lake. First a couple drops here and there, each one creating a bulls-eye formation of ripples, and then in a complete downpour, the surface of the lake is seemingly boiling. Each individual water drop and each ripple is multiplied so substantially that you can hardly tell where one starts and ends and where the others begin.

Of course this is more than a simple exercise in mental imagery; it is a parable of our lives.

Each of us is like a drop of water that falls into the lake of life. Each of us is at the epicenter of our circle of influence.

Our influence starts with people we know and interact with personally and then radiates outward. It reaches unto people we may not know or interact with directly- but who are nonetheless still influenced by us because of the chain reaction we started. Each of those people affects the lives of others and those others do the same- onward and outward- perhaps indefinitely.

What we do, what we don’t do, what we say or even don’t say- it all makes a difference. The Lord puts us in different situations throughout our lives not only because of the effect it will have on own lives but also on the lives of others. Be it consciously or unconsciously, we are sending ripples out into the world that can affect multiple eternal futures for generations to come.

We may not instantly see the far reaching effects of our ripples. However, I believe that one day the Lord will reveal such hidden things to us.

What amazes me, and honestly boggles my mind, is the omniscience of God- His perfect, complete and infinite knowledge of all things. Not only does He know all things from the beginning to the end but also all the infinite number of possible scenarios in between. He knows how all of us will shape the lives of those around us and yet He still allows us our use of agency, be it for good or bad. Nevertheless, He remains all powerful and in control. He knows when to intervene and either pour out or withhold blessings depending on the plan He has for our lives. Amazingly, He has a plan and purpose for us as individuals and as a whole human family and he uses His omniscience to direct us into situations, callings, and life experiences that will bring to pass His will for each of His children.

I’ve come to understand how the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has put each of us in the various places and positions in our lives for a reason. Each individual is unique and each is uniquely designed to make a difference in the world. But the use of our agency will largely determine the scope and effect of this difference. I’ve come to see how important it is for all of us to listen to the Spirit and find our own individual place in His plan.

For me, this concept is overwhelmingly evident.
Nearly ten years ago I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. I was all of 20 years old. At that point, I had lived in Utah for 5 years and had somehow managed to evade becoming a member. Thankfully the Lord was patient with me and allowed me the time I needed to be ready. Looking back over my life, I see how family, friends, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, etc. each played a significant role in how I progressed and evolved in my preparation to receive the Gospel. Some saw the outcome of their efforts, but many others never did. One classmate gave me a Book of Mormon my freshman year of high school that sat on my shelf for years until I was finally ready to pick it up and read it. She never knew her small act made a difference. Others invited me to church activities and dances whenever they got the chance. Still others were just consistently good examples to me. And perhaps there is one person I can most fully thank for their personal preparation so they could be the right person, in the right place, at the right time in my life. Of course this person is my wonderful husband Kole. For this I am eternally grateful. And hopefully my children will grow up to be eternally grateful as well as they continue to ripple the blessings of the gospel unto their own children one day.

In D&C 18:15-16 we read:

“And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me.”

We often think this verse applies solely to our missionary efforts towards non-members but I believe that the principles outlined in this verse apply equally to those in the Church as well. Repentance, the call for a change of heart, is an ongoing commandment for everyone. I know we can save many souls when we start by influencing the people closest to us.

Mother Teresa once said “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

We do not have to be a powerful world leader to make a difference for good in the world. Nor do we need to hold any kind of leadership position in the Church. We just need to make the decision to act in accordance with the promptings of the Spirit. Even when these promptings appear to be small and simple, we have been assured in scripture that “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

In like fashion, our ripples start small and grow exponentially. They start internally and work their way outward.

You’ve probably heard the famous quote by William Thackeray:
“Sow a thought, reap an act,
Sow an act, reap a habit,
Sow a habit, reap a character,
Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny”

Now, while thoughts often do pop into our head spontaneously, and many seem to come out of nowhere, if we truly trace their roots, we will often find that they are not new or singular but instead they have been shaped out of previous thoughts or experiences. Even pure revelation comes line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. It seems that further information leads to further revelation. So, if this is the case, it would stand to reason that if we want to have positive thoughts that lead to a positive eternal destiny, then we need to decide to pursue experiences with people, places and things that will positively impact our minds.

With this in mind, can you see why the Lord has put you here today? What have you been sowing today- maybe even in this meeting? What will you now help others to sow? What about the rest of today or the rest of the week? Will you live your life as merely a Sunday Christian or will you live a full life of faith, purpose and power?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a key component in sowing anything of eternal value. When we bind ourselves to Jesus Christ by making and keeping covenants, we will find a power and ability beyond our own to do the Lord’s will. When we desire to become true disciples of Jesus Christ there comes a realization that we need to have our hearts changed- yet we know that this change does not come naturally or easily. In fact, it is impossible on our own. Like any transformation, it is a process, not an event. This change requires that we must first desire and then decide to allow this change in our lives. This change can only come as we allow our will to be consumed by the will of the Lord. When our will is consumed, and the power of the Atonement is working in our lives, we will find that our works are not our own- we will instead have Jesus Christ working through us. We become his hands on this earth. Through the Atonement, we are not only cleansed from sin but we are enabled to accomplish good beyond our own mortal power.

By way of the Atonement, we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Those who live with the companionship of the Holy Ghost will be able to know, understand, see, hear, do, be and become things which others who lack the Spirit simply cannot. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and our attendant covenants, our agency can be used more perfectly and the scope and effect of our influence can be expanded and multiplied.

One of the ways the Lord accomplishes this is through His Church. The Lord’s Church is a church of order and organization. He has organized it in such a way that all of His children- past, present and future- can be blessed with the power of Gospel and the Atonement- if they so choose. The Lord has created quorums and auxiliaries to bless individuals and families as they move along the continuum of coming unto Christ.

Since I was called as the Primary President almost 6 months ago, I have felt a great weight of responsibility rest upon my shoulders. One of this calling’s responsibilities that I have perhaps thought the most about is the task I have of suggesting individuals to serve in the various Primary callings in our ward. I know that as I suggest to the bishop the names of individuals to serve in various callings, that it is going to set in motion experiences and events that will affect not only the individual being called but also those they serve and interact with- not only at Church but also in their daily lives.

I take this duty very seriously because I know that the Lord is depending on me to be sensitive to His Spirit so that He can bring to pass His plan and purpose in the lives of His children.

I would like to take just a moment to address the primary workers of this ward. I cannot fully express how thankful I am for your service. I have a testimony that your service in the primary will truly bring to pass great goodness in this world. You are teaching some of our Heavenly Father’s most special spirit children. They have been held in reserved for thousands of years to come forth in this day and age when the world grows increasingly more polarized between good and evil; a day in which we are preparing for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord saved them for this special time in the history of the world just as he saved you. It is a wonderful time to be alive but it is also full of peril. Our children need the word and example of their family members, teachers and leaders so that they may learn how to hold fast to Jesus Christ and combat the increasing evil around them. The Lord called you because He trusts you. This is an enormous responsibility and we may overlook its significance if we are not careful.

These callings do not come from ward leaders- yes, they may be the ones to extend the callings for you to accept, but the calling is from the Lord. As ward leaders we simply attempt to accomplish His will. He has placed you here and now because you are the right person, in the right place, at the right time to make a difference for good in the world. You have been set apart and given a sacred responsibility to teach and lead a rising generation of God’s children. Most of us will find our service in the Primary to be for just a season of our life. There are very few permanent callings in this world- beyond that of a spouse or parent. You will likely serve here for a time and then the Lord will call you elsewhere to edify, inspire and enlighten His children in a different way. But at this time, these children need you and you need them. I know the Lord has called you now and He will make you equal to your task. Thank you for all you do.

Now, do these words apply only to the primary workers in the ward? No. Of course not. We are all children of God and we are all called to teach one another in some way, shape or form.

Though callings are important, the Lord does not always give us a specific calling to focus the energies of our service in His Church. Sometimes He simply asks that we be where he has asked us to be in the organization of the Church. There are many ways we can apply this in our lives. On way is by attending the ward the Lord has placed us in the boundaries of instead of jumping from ward to ward or simply going where our friends and family go. There is a reason the Lord refers to the ward as a family, and we need to be loyal to each other in the same way family members are. Another way to apply this counsel is by attending the meetings in our ward as we are supposed to.

Whether you are in this ward for 6 months or 60 years, be here and be involved. We cannot afford to aspire, to retire or to avoid these responsibilities. Participate and therefore radiate. With our time as a precious commodity, we only have enough of it be where we should be and do what we should do. Anything else becomes a waste of our time. It could be that your lesson or comment or example in Sunday school or Relief Society or Primary or while visiting or home teaching or where ever else, will sow a thought and lead to an eternal destiny.

Of this principle, I have a great testimony.

Through personal experience I have found that there is greater happiness in being where the Lord wants us than in being anywhere else. We may think we want one thing for our lives only to find that the Lord has better things in mind. When we are in line with the will of the Lord, we will be able to be exude a positive impact upon others as well as see the positive in whatever happens to us. As we submit to the will of the Lord, we will find not only happiness but a peace that encompasses us and sustains us.

Now, I’ve talked a lot about the importance of making positive ripples around us, but the other half of the scenario is what happens when we or others have failed in this charge. Obviously, if we can see the importance of making positive ripples, certainly we can see the consequences of making negative ripples. In fact, I’m sure we are all intimately aware of our own regrets and I’m sure we have all been let down by others. But instead of focusing on the negative, let us not lose hope and let us not forget that opposition in all things is a good thing. And most importantly, let us never forget that Christ is waiting to help us.

I am absolutely sure that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all will be made right in eternity. No eternal blessing will be withheld from those who were denied the positive ripples of others in this life. And if we know the ripples we are creating in this life are not what they should be, repentance is always possible. I have no doubt that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, God’s Justice and Mercy are working in perfect harmony to ensure that all will be repaired in the end.

But in this mortal life, ours is the blessing and privilege to see, do and be the good in the world. By so doing we will find and spread great happiness not only in eternity but also here and now. Why wait?

In closing I would like to leave you with a quote from our wise and beloved prophet, President Monson.
He said, “Try as some of us may, we cannot escape the influence our lives have upon the lives of others. Ours is the opportunity to build, to lift, to inspire, and to lead. We cannot be careless in our reach. Lives of others depend on us.”

I testify to you that God lives. I testify that He loves us and is intimately interested and involved in the details of our lives.
This truly is the Church of Jesus Christ and he leads and guides it today. He will lead and guide our individual lives as well if we allow Him to. Of these things I leave my witness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. "

Family Vacation: Day 4- The End

2011-06-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

On our final day we decided to hit both parks and finish what we missed and redo the best stuff... a little bit of everything.

But before we could start the fun we had to see The Princesses at

Princess Fantasy Faire

1 line + 2 hours later = 3 Princesses

He wouldn't give Sleeping Beauty a kiss. He obviously has a favorite princess.

Enough of all the princess outfits, he finally wants to be a prince.

Big thunder mountain railroad

Making some final wishes at Snow White's wishing well.

Paradise pier at California adventure

Waiting for the World of Color show.

Water, lights, music, movie clips and COLOR...

The World of Color

Catching a nap on the ride home.

Our amazing Disneyland vacation was over. The next day Eve and Jack flew home to Utah with my parents but we got a consolation prize... a 14 hour drive and this beauty.

Isn't she lovely? And comfortable too. It's like driving a couch! I know, I know, you're probably thinking "When did she grow old enough to drive that kind of car?" Yes, everyone thinks I'm driving my grandma's car and they are totally right! This is my Grandma Louise's car. It had been sitting in her garage in Southern California doing nothing but collecting dust since she moved up to Logan last summer. She is no longer able to drive so she told us we could have it. We just had to get it and drive it back. It fits everyone with room to spare and it solved our problem of only having one car.
Disneyland and a free car. Can you get a better vacation?

Now, I know Disneyland is known as the happiest place on earth and it surely is a very happy place but let me tell you, after a vacation like that I sure am happy to be home.
I think home is really the happiest place on earth.

Family Vacation: Day 3- The Best California Has to Offer

2011-06-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

We decided to start the day by meeting the classic characters and becoming honorary toons in

Mickey’s Toon Town in Disneyland

Porter was such a good baby. He was happy to just chill in the stroller the whole time.

While you're wishing, just don't fall in...

There is no way a trip to Disneyland is complete without seeing

Mickey Mouse!!!

Next it was off to

Fantasyland

We hit some favs and then decided to leave the Magic Kingdom and head next door to explore something new and different...

Next it was off to

“Almost Disneyland” aka

California adventure

If you've never been to California Adventure, you should know its name is a perfect description. It is basically like having all the wonderful things about California stuffed into a theme park. It is still family friendly but it is a little more geared towards older kids and adults. You get the mountians and rivers, the beach and boardwalk, the wine country and old time Hollywood without having to spend days driving all over to see it all.

We spent some time in the Hollywood Backlot area. I am amazed at all the technology and innovation Disney is using. One of the funnest things we did was

Turtle Talk with Crush.

You're in a movie theater setting where kids get to sit in front of a big "window to the ocean" screen and Crush from finding Nemo comes and talks to and interacts with them. It's really cool because the kids can ask him questions and have an improptu conversation and Crush still talks back and looks as if it was all planned. I was amazed at how funny and quick he was to interact with the kids.

They asked if any of the kids had a question for Crush and I could tell that Eve wanted to ask something but she was too shy. She was totally holding Jack's hand up in the air and he got called on. She whispered in his ear the question she wanted him to ask but the poor kid cracked under the pressure and instead all he said was "green."

I'm guessing Eve kept whispering to Jack "What's your favorite color? What's your favorite color? What's your favorite color?" It can be very disorienting when you have your big sis and a talking turtle both talking to you at the same time.

But without missing a beat Crush was like, "Let me guess... true? Your favorite color is green?"

He was so fast to respond and he did it in a way that didn't make Jack feel silly. Eve patted Jack on the back like he did such a great job. Jack just kept smiling.

There are 3 must ride rides at California Adventure:

Soaring over California,

(It's like hang gliding over the California landscape. Totally feels like you're flying. Jack was a half inch too short to ride and they totally caught us trying to sneak him on. Boo on safety!)

The Tower of terror,

(I don't think my dad was ready when the elevator dropped because he grabbed Kole's leg in fear and screamed like a little girl. I guess it truly lives up to its name. Good times.)

and finally-

California screamin’

.(This one is a giant roller coaster that shoots you up the first hill at super speed. It's so fun. My parents, Kole and I were the only ones tall enough to ride it so we traded off turns watching the kids and went on it over and over and over. I felt like a little kid.)

It's one of those rides where they take your picture so you can see what an idiot you look like. Like I'm going to post those pictures of me. Instead I've volunteered others.

The only toy Jack begged for. The kid managed to be good the whole day so we would get it for him. It all went downhill after.

When the sun goes down the cool stuff really starts. But you'll have to wait until next post to see the pictures of

World of Color.

Family Vacation: Day 2- The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-06-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

If you don't know where the happiest place on earth is, then you have definitely never been to

Disneyland!!!

I was hoping to be able to break out my shorts and blind everyone around me with my snow white legs, so when I woke up that morning and saw the gloominess, I almost cried. But my sadness didn't last too long. Afterall, who can stay sad at the happiest place on earth?

No, this is not an attempt to suffocate Jack (at least not this time :P)

As it turns out, the stories my mom always told me growing up about the way the clouds magically part over Disneyland and how it never rains are NOT TRUE!. OK, I am not dellusional enough to believe the dry sky fairtales but I was optomistic enough to not bring any rain gear for anyone. Thus we were all forced to make due with the plastic poncho approach.

My family has a great legacy of all things Disney. My parents both grew up in Southern California, in the epicenter of the whole Disney experience. Of course they've been multiple times throughout their lives and Kole I have been a couple times in our younger years but this was the first time my kids have been to Disneyland. They were so in awe of it and of course watching them was like experiencing it for the first time myself. There was a whole sense of newness and nostalgia going on at the same time. Brought tears to my eyes. *sniff* sniff* My mom has recounted her childhood memories of being at Disneyland on the Grand Opening Day for all Disney employees way back in 1955! How cool is that?!? My Great Grandad was in the film industry and he worked on the original Mickey Mouse Club (Do people even know what that is anymore?)- hence the special invite to the big day. Back in 1972 my parents got to go to Senior's Night where the park stays open all night long and all the So Cal kids graduating from high school get to play until the dawn--- a tradition continuing now days. There was a Senior's Night on our last day there and there were lines of buses full of high school seniors making their way into the park as we were leaving. I don't even remember our senior trip but I'm sure I would have if it was to Disneyland.

Things have definitely changed over the years. Gone are the days when you could see it all and ride every ride in only a day. This time around we had a 3 day park hopper pass (Between Disneyland and California Adventure) and we still didn't get to everything. They just keep building and improving all over. I'm sure that by the next time we go we will need a week long pass to see everything.

Since it was our first day and everything seemed overwhelming, we decided to make our way around the whole park and get a feel for the layout and see what rides and attractions we simply could not leave without doing. We rode a few rides all over but we figured that we could always come back to the things we wanted to do most or again.

We started with
Tomorrow Land

Our first ride at Disneyland:

The Astro Orbitor

Gotta love the open cockpit so the rain can pelt you directly in the face.

_{The Buzz Lightbeer} _{astro blasters}

(As Jack calls him)

While still in Tomorrow Land we got to go on some other rides including

The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage,

Innoventions,

and

Space Mountain

We discovered that Eve LOVES rollercoaters. She's an adrenaline junkie.

Finally the sun decided to make an appearance.

On to some outside rides and attractions...

Ah,

Autopia

... I admit, I don't understand the appeal of this ride. Why are adults waiting 45 minutes to drive a car? I mean, if you have a kid with you, that's one thing. It just seems kind of sad when you're by yourself.

I remember

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle

being so much bigger when I was a kid.

We took a short trip through

Fantasyland

but decided to make a real go of it another day.

Catchy tune first 100 times it goes through your head... not so much the next 10,000.

Porter went on this ride with me. Your should have seen the look on his little face. It totally said "What in the world did you put in my milk?" Kid, I was totally thinking the same thing.

Off to

Adventureland

The Jungle Cruise

The kids loved this ride. They wanted to go on it over and over.

Next we headed to

New Orleans Square

Yo Ho, Yo Ho. Waiting in line for

Pirates of the Caribbean

I guess even at the happiest place on earth you can't do whatever you want.

Ooooooooo.

The Haunted Mansion

Kole was disappointed that even the kids were not scared. Ha ha.

I don't think that would make it a very family-friendly ride.

We were all pretty tired by 7 that evening. We missed a lot of stuff but decided to call it a day and come back well rested for two more days of fun.

Family Vacation: Day 1- The Joys of Traveling with 3 Small Children

2011-06-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been back from our latest and greatest family vacation for nearly 2 weeks now and I'm just getting around to posting about it. It was so fun, amazing, wonderful and EXHAUSTING! I really needed a vacation to recover from my vacation but since I never got one, I feel like I am still in the process of getting my head screwed back on straight.

I figure that if I try to put the whole vacation in one big post, it will never get done. Therefore, you all get the day by day, play by play.

So, anyways, a little over two weeks ago we set off on our family vacation to "the happiest place on earth":

DISNEYLAND!!!

My awesome parents were good enough to treat us to this amazing vacation. And I guarantee there is no way we could have done it without them. But the first leg of the journey had to be attempted on our own.

Here we are at the SLC airport waiting for our flight.

I suppose the worst part of air travel with small children is hauling all their supplies. Hence the scarceness of pictures. I decided that attempting to take a picture with my teeth since my hands were so full was not worth breaking my camera on the first day. Not only did we have all the bags of everyone's clothes but we also had carry-on bags for everyone and car seats and a stroller. I already feel like I'm packing enough stuff for a week long vacation when I'm just heading to church, imagine when I really have to pack for an actual week long vacation. Luckily we flew Southwest and they are super family friendly. They don't charge extra to check as many bags and kid junk as you want. Good thing. But that didn't mean we got rid of enough stuff to get through security unscathed. You even have to take sleeping children out of strollers and car seats so they can run all your stuff through x-ray machines. Lovely. Call me backwards, but I'm in favor of racial profiling simply so my lack of terrorist characteristics would help me not to have to unpack all the bags I spent hours trying everything but magic to fit everything into in the first place.

The kids' first airplane ride was extremely uneventful. I would have thought they would be super excited, or maybe even nervous or terrified, but they really weren't. Maybe I should have hyped it up more beforehand. Personally, I LOVE flying. Maybe it's because it brings back fond childhood memories of heading off to my grandparents' homes or going somewhere with the possibility of having a very un-ordinary day. I suppose the thrill of flying has never worn off because I don't do it often enough for it to become overly boring. (I obviously have never been on a flight more than 8 hours long). Nor do I fly for business- I'm sure that would totally spoil the fun. But really, who doesn't love being waited on and given snacks and drinks as they stream through the skies at almost 600 MPH all the while never needing to keep your eyes on the road in order to make it there alive. I especially love the thrill of take off. Eve and Jack happened to agree that that part was pretty cool. Eve got the window seat- which I think should be mandatory for any first time flier. Unfortunately since all our kids were first time fliers and they couldn't all get a window seat, we opted to give her the coveted place since she was the most likely to remember the vacation at her age. Poor Jack and Porter, they'll have to wait for their turn. We ended up towards the back of the plane with a bunch of other families headed to the Magic Kingdom. Everyone was in a good mood and even the little babies were pretty quiet and well behaved. Jack and baby Porter slept the whole time and Eve just colored. I didn't even have to drug them! Thankfully there was an open seat next to me so they let me keep Porter in his car seat and he just snoozed away. I was worried that he would be cranky from the changing air pressure and everything and I would have to try to nurse him without flashing everyone around me. Surprisingly, he was a perfect angel. I think the constant hum of the engines reminded him of the fan we run in his room and it seemed to work better than Benadryl.

Thankfully once we got to California, my parents were there to meet us. I really don't think Kole and I would have ever attempted such a vacation without the help of others. I'm sure our new equation of 3 kids to 2 adults would have ended in an episode of "When Vacations Attack."

The first thing we did when we left LAX Airport was head right to the beach 5 minutes down the street.

It wasn't a sunny or warm day in any way but Eve still ended up taking a little swim the ocean first thing. And doesn't she look so happy about it?

Where's the baby?

Next we headed to our hotel. It only took three times as long to travel the same distance as it would in Utah. California traffic is... great if you like a lot of time to sit in your car and reflect upon where else you would rather be- not so great when you would actually rather be at your destination. Say what you will about Utah, but whether the season be winter or road construction, the traffic is still better than California.

Our hotel (The Fairfield Inn) was nice and close to our main event. Right across the street, in fact. We could even see the Tower of Terror from our room. If I had some binoculars I could have watched all the little people scream their heads off as their elevators plummeted down.

Now, all you moms probably know what it's like to sleep with a new baby in your room- all the little baby snores, grunts, and gurgles ALL NIGHT LONG. You probably also know how dads seem immune to these noises while moms are always just on the verge of wake in case they need to jump out of bed and be all motherly. Now multiply that by 3, minus a beloved sound drowning fan (as anyone who knows Kole knows he cannot sleep without a fan so really it's like having 4 kids to worry about) = Needless to say, before we went to bed on night #2, we found a Target and paid twice as much as we would have in Utah for "a good night's sleep." But it was so worth it.

Day 2- soon to come.

In the Mean Time...

2011-06-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I would love to post more about our Disneyland adventure but I am waiting on some pictures from my mom. I am totally an impatient person but I figure I better just wait and do it right rather than have to add in stuff later. So, in the mean time I am posting some recent pictures of the cuteness closer to home.

This is Nellie... the kids' newest pet. She has the benefits of a real horse but without the smelly stuff. She lived at the D.I. for a while but $5 later, she came to live at Grandma Wendy's house.

"Mom, save me."

Jack and Porter May 7, 2011

The best big sister.

May 8, 2011

May 10, 2011

May 11, 2011

May 27, 2011

Scooby-dooby-doo
May 30, 2011

Bald Men + Weenie Roast= Memorial Day Weekend at Grandma Wood's

2011-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

5/28/2011

Easter

2011-04-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure why my dear son has forgotten how to smile.

One word: sugar!

My Grandma Louise and Grandpa Cotton... not married. My mom's mom and my dad's dad. I have this eerie feeling that my mom is trying to set them up together since they are both widowed. If they got married would that mean that my mom and dad would be brother and sister? Eeeewwwww.

No, we are not appearing on an episode of some Animal Planet show with tamest big horned sheep in the world. This is my dad's trophy from his hunting trip last fall. It now is a stuffed, life sized pet that lives in their living room. That's not creepy or anything.

A Mommy Daughter Date Fit for a Princess

2011-04-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago Eve and I went on a mommy daughter date for charity. The Cache Child and Family Support Center threw a princess party and just like Cinderella, Eve was not about to miss the ball. She got all dressed up and partied with over 200 other 3 foot tall princesses. Yay. They had a tea party with the Mad Hatter, Crown making, face painting, finger nail painting, princess games and pictures with princesses and Prince Charming.

Still Growning

2011-04-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

3/29/2011

4/7/2011

4/8/2011

My mummy baby. He won't sleep in his bed unless he is bundled. It's going to be a really hot summer.

Kole making fun of Porter's "sock hands." Poor kid has to wear them because he's a scratcher and he makes his face bleed if he doesn't wear them. Kole thinks we should put a face on them and make them sock puppets.

4/9/2011

4/11/2011

4/21/2011

4/24/2011