I've Lost It

On Sunday I put Jaxon's shoes on the wrong feet. Hello! I've only been putting on shoes for the last 25+ years. I didn't even notice. It was until Jaxon was showing his "fancy shoes" to Aunt Becky that she noticed and said, "Are his shoes on the wrong feet?" No! I would never do anything like that. Yep. Wrong feet. No wonder the kid had a hard time walking to the car.

This morning I quickly put some toast in the toaster, grabbed the butter, and what I thought was strawberry jam. As I spread the "jam" on the toast I thought to myself "Brian is right. I really should keep this in the freezer." "I must have done something wrong when I made this batch. The consistancy is really weird." When I put the items back into the fridge, I noticed another container of strawberry jam. It was at this point that I smelled what I had put on my toast. Jell-O. So this morning I had toast and Jell-O. It's not the same. By the time I got to work my toast was getting soggy. And there was very little flavor.

Just One Of Those Days

It's 3:13 p.m. and I haven't:

• changed out of my pajamas
• made any beds
• cleaned the house
• showered
• made my shopping list
• opened the front door
• done any laundry
• figured out what to make for dinner

But I have:

• watched Beauty and the Beast and How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• played cars
• built a "temple" and with the Legos
• eaten breakfast, lunch, fruit snacks, and pretzels
• played with Dinosaur, Elephant, and Puppy
• watched the snow plow clean our streets
• worked in the Cars sticker book
• read "Beautiful Savior", "I Am a Child of God", "Curious George Goes to School", "Curious George Takes a Job", "The Crayon Box That Talked", "Skippy Jon Jones", and the January Visiting Teaching message
• made a race track with yard sticks
• played baseball and golf in the basement
• helped dry off Dinosaur after his bath
• dried up bathroom after aforementioned bath
• put a tired boy down for an afternoon nap

It looks like a tornado tore through my house (and it looks like I was stuck in the middle of it). It's just been one of those days...a day when the things that take up my life have been put aside and I did some things that truly mattered.

Field Trip

Jaxon's Joy School class went to the fire station today to learn about fire safety, er, to see all the cool trucks and stuff.

The Gang

(top row) Jaxon, Katie

(middle) Boston, Declan ,Mason

(bottom) Addie, Keegan, Cianna, Garrett

Really. I tried to get a decent picture of all of them. Not going to happen. Not. Going.To.Happen.
The firemen told the kiddies that if they are ever in a fire and they see a fireman to run to him and give him a big hug. At first they were ALL afraid of the man in the mask, but eventually Jaxon and Garret went and gave him a hug.
The lights are on, but no body's home.

Together Again

I love the prophet! His passing is such a bitter sweet moment in many of our lives. It is always sad when someone we love so much passes from us. But when I think of the happy reunion he and his sweet Marjorie must have had I can't help but smile.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

"The time has come to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. We have nothing to fear. God is at the helm. He will overrule for the good of the work."

"Love the work. Don't do it grudgingly. Smile about it. Be happy in doing your duty. Shape up and say your prayers. Everything will be all right."

"Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday."

"Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam..."

Adam and Emily

January 25, 2008

My very studly boys at the temple

Who's da man? I'm da man!
Jaxon and Adam

Jaxon and "Elmily"

(He seriously doesn't leave her alone. While we were in the temple, Jaxon told Aunt Becky that he was going to "break through those windows and see Elmily right now!" When Emily is around, no one has a chance with Jax....she is the only one he wants.) Brian, Adam, and Jaxon in their tuxedos.

(Don't they look snazzy?!?)

"I'll have a slice of that banana cream pie with extra whipped cream, and hold the pie."

"And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva... "

Candy Straws

The other day Jaxon asked me if he could have a candy straw. Candy straw? I had no idea what he was talking about. Before the frustration had mounted full force, he patiently led me to the pantry and showed me what he was talking about. Duh, mom!

It's candy. It looks like a straw.... A candy straw.

One's Not Enough

Jaxon's imagination is at full swing right now. It's really pretty funny to sit and listen to him play. The greatest thing is that he doesn't have just one imaginary friend...he has an entire class! He plays with his "school kids". (I'm sure having a mom as a teacher has absolutely nothing to do with that!) His school kids are super teeny. So teeny in fact they are usually in his hand. So, when he's washing his hands you can imagine the fun he and his school kids have in the bubbles! (The group can make quite a mess as well.) He's so random, but so much fun to have around!!

Speaking of school kids....I thought I would share this story from the Standard Examiner. As one of the student council advisors at our school we decided to grant a wish for the Make-A-Wish foundation as our service project. We held two days (since we are year round not all the kids are in school at the same time) where the students could break the rules. We've done this fundraiser in the past and it is a HUGE success. It's been neat to see the kids on student council pull through and do their jobs to help grant this wish.

Here's the story:

Break a rule for Make-A-Wish

Saturday, January 19, 2008

By BETH YOUNG

Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau

West Clinton students hold contrary party to help youngster

CLINTON -- Students at West Clinton Elementary School spent Friday breaking the rules, but the teachers made sure they paid for it -- $1 a rule or $5 for all of them.

"We are breaking the rules to have money to help Josh go to Disney World," said third-grader David Clark, who was wearing pajamas, a hat and had a spider painted on his face.

Although none of the students have met Josh Reynolds, a 5-year-old Roy resident, they are raising $5,000 to make his wish come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.

"Not only is it a tremendous help financially but it allows children to help other children," said Krachel Greenwood, Make-A-Wish of Utah communication manager. "The thing that's fabulous about it is there is a name and face you know the money is going to. There is something about seeing who you're helping that makes all the difference."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation held an assembly to introduce Josh, who has heart and lung disease. Posters with his picture also hang throughout the school.

"I feel really bad for him 'cause he is really sick, and I am glad we are helping him," said second-grader Holly Porter, dressed in pink pajamas with butterflies painted on her face.

The students had six rules they could break: have crazy hair, chew gum, extra recess time, have an extra treat at lunch or wear hats and pajamas.

"They are having fun with it, but I don't think they lose sight of why they are doing it," said Vice Principal Diane Cahoon. "They ask about Josh and how he is doing. They are excited about helping him. They haven't forgotten what this is for."

Friday was the second Break the Rules Day, a service project of the West Clinton Student Council, who came up with the idea to have fun while raising money. However, not every student breaks the rules.

"One little girl told me she didn't want to break any rules, but wanted to give all the money she had to Josh," said Marlys Bauder, fourth-grade teacher and student council adviser. "She handed over 45 cents."

Many students chose to break all the rules, but also donated $20 or more. One parent gave $100, and two teachers paid for their whole class to be rule breakers.

"It has really touched our hearts," Bauder said.

Breaking rules can be very profitable. So far the school has raised more than $4,000, and plans to continue fundraising until they have the entire amount.

The average wish costs $5,000, butmost elementary schools raise about $2,500.

"West Clinton has been fabulous about sticking to their guns," Greenwood said. "They are determined to raise the full amount. They are not going to settle for less. That is pretty special for an elementary to raise that full amount."

Depending on the wish recipient's health and circumstances, Greenwood said, wishes are sometimes granted before all the money is raised. Josh and his family returned from the trip to Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 12.

"He was on cloud nine the entire time," said Chasi Reynolds, Josh's mom. "His face would light up every time he heard Mickey's name. He didn't want to leave."

Reynolds said Josh spends a lot of his time at Primary Children's Medical Center. She said it's a great hospital, but the change of scenery in Disney World was needed.

"It was nice to see him not hooked up to an IV, be a little boy and enjoy himself," Reynolds said. "It's wonderful of the Clinton kids to help another kid fulfill his dreams."

Food, Glorious Food!

Here are a few of my latest favorites:

English muffin with a fried egg and slice of ham

(much like the Egg McMuffin seen here, but w/o the cheese and margarine, and with a real egg)

Fruit salad: 2 chopped red apples, 1 c. green grapes, and 1 c. frozen raspberries tossed in

1/2 cup raspberry yogurt.....yummy!

Yes, it is that good! I made it yesterday and between Jaxon and me (and a little help from Brian) this is all that is left.

Fast food favorites Crisp Bean burritos from Taco Maker

Pretzel Bites from Pretzel Maker

And last but not least....

My All Time Favorite

(though not with this pregnancy sigh )

Big Ben Burger from Burger Bar (located in Roy, UT)

This hamburger is so decadent that no photo can do it justice.

Things that make it great:

It is flat....you can actually take a bite without hurting the sides of your mouth.

It is huge...you won't walk away feeling hungry

It consists of toasted bun, hamburger patty, shredded lettuce, and their secret fry sauce...divine!

(No, that is not my belly pictured above. And yes, it does make my belly feel that happy!)

The End Of An Era

After 30 + years in the junior high classroom, my dad walked through the doors for the last time yesterday. Retirement will be a bitter sweet experience for him. Junior high school can be a challenging age group to teach. Having substitute taught for him on multiple occasions, I saw first hand just how challenging, and fun, those bigger kids can be. He loves to learn. He loves to teach. He loves the youth. He loves life. He isn't old enough to retire by even the governments standards, but it is his love of life that has motivated this final decision. Seeing so many that have retired only after their health has failed, he has decided to retire at a time when he can actually enjoy it. He is a workaholic by nature and will not have any trouble keeping busy. Between construction, church, family, and, of course, playing, he will have more to do than he has time to do it.

Being the daughter of a science/social studies teacher has been an awarding experience. It wasn't uncommon to stop while hiking along a trail and be quizzed on the type of trees around us. Was it deciduous? (Deciduous trees loose their leaves.) Or was it an evergreen? Another item often quizzed was rocks. I remember sitting in an Institute class in college when the teacher asked if anyone knew the three types of rocks. Without thinking I raised my hand and shared: Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary. My teacher was a little surprised when he learned I wasn't a science major. I was a little surprised that not everyone knew the three main classifications for rocks.

Teaching is at the core of his being. He is a life-long learner, always eager to learn and experience something new to share with someone else. My desire to be a teacher wasn't necessarily because that is what my dad did. However, my love of teaching has been nurtured as I have been able to learn from such a master educator. It has been a special bond that we have shared and a memory I will always cherish.

ROCKS

Rocks come in many shapes and sizes, too.

Some are green, some are gray, and some are gold.

There are plutonic and volcanic rocks.

One has small crystals, the other's a show.

Wingate, Keyanta, Navajo, Chinle

All are sedimentary that you must see.

Quartsite and Marble, Coquina and Coal

Were all once organic, lived long ago.

Schist has no odor and Gniess has no smile

Hiking and hiking, inches, feet, and mile

Nothing is finer than rocks that have style.

Kayla Sue...Happy Birthday to You!!

Kayla with nieces Lauren and Jayne

Here are five fun facts about my sister:

1. She had a "gum plate" growing up where she would put her gum at night so she could continue chewing the next day.
2. One time she got a toy car stuck in her hair (the kind you pull back and they go on their own) because she wanted the wind to blow her hair like they do in the movies.
3. Not sure how, but in junior high she fell off the curb waiting for the bus.
4. She has a witty sense of humor and is the life of any party.
5. She is a wonderful wife to Josh, amazing mother to Wyatt the boy and Roxy the dog, a genuine friend to all who know her, and a fabulous sister!

Happy Birthday Sue! We love you!!!

(Sue is not her middle name, but my dad has called her that for as long as I can remember.)

When The Boy Takes The Camera

" The Dresser and Tools"

"Blocks""Under My Bed"

"Helictor Jammies"

Helicopter Pajamas...He was wearing them at the time.
"Swim Suit"

The night before this photo shoot Jaxon took a rather interesting picture of Brian with my cell phone....which he then managed to send to one of my co-workers! Isn't modern technology great?

A Productive Day

I'm getting that nesting feeling early. Maybe it's because I have this week and next off-track from school and I know that my next break will be the last 4-5 weeks before baby boy joins our family....and who wants to organize then? I feel like I don't have any time left to get things done. True, there are still 16 weeks left, but it doesn't feel like enough time.

My list of things to do:

1. Paint the interior walls of the house. (Not going to happen but a girl can dream, can't she?)
2. Turn the 2nd bedroom into either a) baby's room or b) toy room. Option c) would be to finish the basement. (Again, not going to happen before May.) Options a) and b) are still being discussed and will most likely remain undecided until Brian returns from his ER rotation.
3. Organize all those neglected closets.
4. Get organized. Period. Upstairs, downstairs, bedrooms, garage, etc.

So far, this week has been pretty productive. Yesterday I organized the kitchen pantry, made a menu for this weeks meals, went grocery shopping, had the oil changed in the Escape, bought Jaxon new church pants and me some prego pants, made Lasagna and french bread (took a freaking 3 1/2 hours....not good incentive to keep being domestic), cleaned the kitchen, and started the laundry ta boot (but only because Brian felt he needed to wear socks to work today...honestly, socks are so overrated!). Today I finished the laundry, changed the bedding, organized the master bath closet and my shelves in our closet, filled one garbage bag for the DI drive, watched my niece, and I even showered! Wow! What a day!!! I've included the before and after shots of my closets I organized. (Caution! This is kind of scary, but I just had to show the progress I made today.)

Before

After

Before

(well, kind of during. I emptied the contents of the shelves onto the bathroom counter.)

After

Still left to do: fold the laundry, do my hair, go to Lowe's, fix Jaxon's shelf, make dinner (or heat up left over Lasagna...Brian will be gone late, why go through the whole production for a 3-year-old who won't eat it anyway?), and over course, watch American Idol.

The Music Is Everywhere. All You Have To Do Is Listen.

Good flick + Good friends + Good fun = A Great Girls Night Out

Newest Obsession

I've seen the Sudoku puzzles in the Sunday paper. Monday night a friend of mine let me try a few puzzles in her Big Book of Sudoku. I was immediately hooked! I've spent the last 2 nights up until 12:30 solving puzzles. For the first time in my life I actually wished I had to wait longer in the waiting room of the doctor. What can I say? I am an individual who becomes obsessed in knowing how things will end up. Hence the need to finish a book ASAP. This newest obsession is coming in handy.

Go ahead and give it a try. You know you want to!

Another Year (or two) Older

Happy Birthday, Trevor!

This is a shout out to my little brother teaching English at a university in Gwangju, Korea. He's been gone since October 2006 and doesn't have plans to return (for good at least) any time soon. Many ask "Did he serve a mission in Korea?" No. That would make sense and it would make moving to a foreign country a little less frightening. He moved to Korea, alone, and has been learning Korean as he goes. He's a brave little soldier who's traveling the world, making memories, making a difference, and making good money in the process.

When I saw this picture of Trevor and Juyeong skiing it reminded me of my most memorable skiing adventure to date...

New Year's Day 1997. We got to Powder Mountain right when it opened, bought our passes, and jumped on the lift. When we got to the top of the run we cut across the top of the mountain to another run. This run was down in a valley. The only way back to the other runs was with the chairlift at the bottom. It was perfect snow...light and powdery, not a single person had been down this run. We had it all to ourselves. It wasn't until we reached the bottom of the run that we realized that the lift wasn't running. There were no workers in the lift station. We had no cell phone. We were all alone. Thinking about our options we realized that we were left with just two:

1. Wait for someone to come down to start the chairlift and then ride it back up to the top, or
2. Climb to the top of the run.

The easy choice to make is to wait and ride the lift. The one major problem with that was we had absolutely no idea how long we would have to wait for that to happen. So, we took our only other option....hike.

We started out side-stepping up the hill with our skis on, but quickly decided it would be much faster to hike up the mountain without the skis attached to our boots. So there we are, two dumb kids carrying our skis and poles trying to climb a mountain. I'm sure it would have been a sight to see! We took quite a few breaks and it took us a long time. These were not the boots to be hiking in. Ski boots are designed to keep your ankles and feet stationary. For anyone who has ever been skiing think of how awkward it is to walk through the lodge in boots. Yeah, and we were trying to climb a mountain!

When we finally made it to the top we saw that an orange mesh fence had been placed at the top to keep skiers off that run. Wouldn't that have been helpful a few hours ago? We also noticed later that day a sign at the ticket booth. Something about a lift not being open due to high winds? Oops. I guess we should have paid attention to that.

It ended up being a very unforgettably long day with very little skiing. We were so worn out from climbing the mountain that we didn't have much energy left for skiing. It was a memory I will treasure forever and an experience I hope to never repeat.

In Korea you don't turn another year older on your birthday. Everyone turns a year older on January 1st. They also say that you are 1-year-old on the day of your birth. So, if you're born on December 31st, (already 1 yr), and everyone turns a year older on January 1st, do you turn 2 the day after you're born?

So Happy 25th (or 26th) Birthday, Trevor. We love you!!!

A Sunbeam

We had our first "Meet and Greet Your Teacher" yesterday morning at the church (seriously, how did he grow up so fast??). Jaxon has expressed in so many terms that he is NOT going to be a sunbeam, at least not willingly. When I had to coax him out from under the table to come meet his teacher I actually started to worry about the whole transition from Nursery to Primary.

Good news, folks. One of his teachers happens to be one of his former nursery teachers, and he kind of has a crush on her....in a big kind of way. Today went without a hitch. No complaints from him or his teachers. Well, that is until you try to sing the Sunbeam song. Or mention that he is now a Sunbeam. Point taken. There will be no more singing of said song or mentioning the name of his class. As long as he goes and is happy we're all happy.

Calling the Authorities

While Jaxon was with Brian's mom on Friday he became a little upset when she put him in his carseat after their trip to the post office.

"I'm calling the police on you!" She was obviously a little confused, until he exclaimed: "You didn't put my buckle on right!!!!"

Yikes! I guess I know who not to cross. If that's all it takes these days, I may be in some serious trouble.