Christmas lights

I love Christmas lights. Matthew used to love Christmas lights. Since we moved into this house, however, Matthew doesn't put up lights anymore. For the first couple of years I got out a ladder, stabilized it with a block of wood on our "oh so ever" level driveway, and put lights on the lower part of the roof line. If I weren't such a baby about heights I would go Griswald up on the roof. The last two years have been pathetically lightless with the exception of the lights I put around the front door. I don't think they really count.

Not this year. When we bought Matthew a flagpole for father's day in my mind I was calling it my lightpole. I knew I wanted to hang a star with lines of lights streaming down. I know, everyone with a flagpole does this, I DON'T CARE! I just want lights.

I searched for a good star to buy. They were all stupid, small or non-existent. Then I decided to make one. Finally, on Tuesday all my dreams came true. I made my own star, painted , wrapped lights, then hoisted it up the lightpole. I didn't have stakes to hold down the streaming lights so I wrapped a couple strands around the pole. Then, even though it was 2 in the afternoon, I plugged the lights in. No one has dared turn them off yet!

Thanksgiving

Since it is almost Christmas, I thought I would finally post about Thanksgiving. It was the first Thanksgiving in several years that I was really excited about. Usually Thanksgiving is a great way to kick off the Christmas season. Not this year (though the Christmas season followed any way.) This year I really looked forward to spending 5 days with my family. By family I mean, Matthew, Katherine, Emilia and Elliot. Matthew's parents have migrated to Florida and so we were able to have our own Thanksgiving. When a friend asked me about my plans her comment was, "I'm sorry. It will be a let down. We did that a couple years ago and we were bored." In my mind I thought, "I'm sorry you don't enjoy your family."

So, to start the day out we went on a 5k charity run. It was small, mostly just the family of the guy who organized it, but held in a beautiful park. The kids were mostly good sports and I was very proud of them.

After the race we went home to warm up and prepare dinner. I love cooking a good meal. Because of my schedule this year, I haven't don't much in the way of "good meal" cooking. My goal for the meal was to not use the microwave at all. (It doesn't count that the water for the jello was boiled in the microwave because Emilia made it the day before.) I had fun creating a nice setting at the table and serving a Thanksgiving Feast.

So, with dinner finished the kids were anxious to put up the tree. I put them off for about an hour while I took the traditional post turkey nap. The kids must be growing up because they actually allowed this and didn't bother me at all. I rewarded them by putting up the tree and all the decorations in the house. We especially loved watching "Elf" while decorating.

Finally, the girls and I went through the ads. Emilia realized that Old Navy was having a great sale and it started at 3 am. Bedtime: 8 pm Wake up: 2 am. Stayed out shopping until about 1 pm. Enjoyed every last minute of it.

I loved having time with my family. They can drive me crazy and make me wonder why I would want to spend time with them but in the end we have a lot of fun together.

I am thankful for time with those I love best.

student quotes

It has been awhile since I have had something to post about funny things my students say. But now I do. A little boy was editing his sentence he wrote (Yippee, he wrote a sentence!!). He realized he forgot a capitol at the beginning. "Snap, I forgot a capitol." Funny enough, but it gets better. Then, "Damn it, I forgot punctuation." It was very difficult not to laugh out loud.

This and That

Once again, we ran the Layton Classic race as a family. This year we actually did a little training to get ready. The kids were troopers as we woke them up at 5:30 to get runs in before school. Katherine, Elliot, Matthew and I all ran the 10k while Emilia ran the 5k. Of course, Emilia was the first to finish. She called me on my run and reported a time of 29 minutes. Good Girl! I am so proud of her, not only did she beat her goal of 35 minutes, she ran it by herself. She is certainly growing up and becoming more confident and independent. It was also nice to have her at the finish line to cheer as Elliot and I finished. We crossed the line at 52 minutes. Matthew was just a few minutes behind us and then Katherine finished as well.

Then came the awards assembly:

Katherin won her division. (do I need to mention she was the only one in her division?) Still, way to go!! She got a cool sports bag, perfect for dance competitions.

Ok, you can't see Elliot in this picture, but everyone cheered and clapped for the little kid who also won his division. (again, only one.) He just didn't even pause as he went up on stage and grabbed a hat, later to be traded for a bag.

I can't wait for next years race.

One more picture. It was crazy hair day at school for the 6th graders:

First day of school

Don't you love the feeling of the first day of school? I love the excitement and unknown of the year to come. Katherine, Emilia and Elliot were up early and ready to tackle their first day. I loved it because every chore as done, rooms were clean, nobody asked to watch t.v., piano was practiced and everyone was looking cute and groomed by 7:30! What mom wouldn't be happy with that?

I also love the first day of school photo. It was raining so we didn't pose in front of the rocks like we usually do.

You can't tell in the picture, but Katherine's braces match her shirt (blue and green bands) and her nails are painted green. Everything Elliot bought has something to do with soccer and Emilia is as usual just stinkin' cute.

The report from the day was positive. Everyone has friends to hang out with and most teachers are liked ( in 8th grade it's hard to like all your teachers.)

9 months till summer..... 12 to another first day of school. Lucky me, I don't have to miss my kids because I can check up on them at school.

I am a survivor

Trek: Accomplished. Matthew and I ended up having a great experience on trek. Amazing that our 8 kids were willing to push that handcart like they did. We never had to ask them, they just did it. I think they learned the lesson of hard work and I know one little girl learned that she could do things that she thought were too hard. I truly learned to loved all my kids. They were so very different but came together nicely.

I should chronicle all of the kids but there is one in particular that needs to be described. Garrett was the funniest kid. He adopted this "country boy" persona complete with the look and accent. (He is the boy laying down in the front row)He certainly kept us in stitches. On the last day in camp he decided to catch seagulls. At first they were going to get under a tarp with some bread on top. Then they would jump up when a bird landed. Didn't work so well. They moved on to a lasso with chips in the middle. They spent hours at this little game and never caught anything, but we certainly laughed at him.

I understand why those who have gone on trek before have nothing but positive things to say. I guess when you are put into a situation where you must work hard but are with great people, it becomes unforgettable.

Heaven's Help

Ok, So tomorrow Matthew and I will embark on what may turn out to be a disaster. We are going on Trek. The weather forecast? Nothing but rain, lightning and thunder. Not the best idea for being on the high plains of Wyoming. So, I guess I am just keeping my fingers crossed, saying a little prayer and hoping for Heaven's Help.

Karate test

Elliot began karate 1.5 years ago. He wasted an entire year at a worthless school. Now, he is at a great school with a master that really teaches. Last week he tested for a new belt. We were surprised this week when he skipped a level and earned the orange stripe. (For everyone like me who knows nothing about karate, a stripe is one level above solid color belt) His master said it was the best test of all last week, so I knew we needed it recorded for posterity. I cajoled Elliot into redoing the form in the backyard.

Wow, that is one noisy cricket.

Lessons learned

Last weekend Matthew and I spent an entire day in the middle of nowhere pushing a handcart trying to prepare to be a ma and a pa for trek. Apparently we didn't get enough. Yesterday, after planting 15 bushes in our yard, we headed out in search of treasures hidden in the desert floor. Yep, geode hunting. Of course we took Matthews car, why put the miles on one we actually own. Off we went into the vast Utah dessert. You might think we were alone, but you would be wrong. We learned that anyone with an ATV heads out that way for Memorial weekend, we watched crazy ATVers doing things I never want to see my own children doing. Finally, after 50 miles of dirt road we arrived at the Dugway Geode pits. WHEW! That was a long ride, thank goodness for the miracle of having every ounce of music we own on an ipod. (Miracle #1)


Now, remember we already dug 15+ holes back home? Now we get to dig even bigger holes, in the desert floor. This isn't nice soft Sahara sand, we are talking about anciently packed and hardened sand and clay. This is a lot of work. Elliot and I had a pretty good system. He would loosen up the dirt with a crow bar, then I would shovel out. Emilia sifted through what I shoveled out looking for promising rocks. Katherine busied herself with carving her name into a rock. What can I say, she is a self absorbed teen and wants the universe to know she was there. After two hours, we came up with two small geodes, at least we think they are, we haven't cut them open yet. ( I believe this qualifies as miracle #2)

Remember again, we took Matthew's car even though my car has a higher clearance? Remember also, 50 miles dirt road? When we got back into the car to leave we had a completely flat tire. YIKES! We are out in the middle of nowhere. See picture below.



We are surrounded by those crazy ATVers (many of whom are carrying guns) and there is absolutely no cell coverage. But all is ok, right? We have a spare, we know how to change a tire (0k Matthew knows). Getting back into the car we realize that we are now on the one and only spare, one other tire is now at low pressure and we have fifty miles of rough terrain to traverse. Oh yeah, no food in the car. It is now 6 pm and we haven't had a bite since noon. Emilia is certain we will all die. I even feel like we are in the opening sequences of a slasher movie. But we make it, 50 miles to highway 36. (miracle #3)

Side note: Emilia is able to make herself pee on a tree (miracle #4).



Food in Tooele, safely home, decent movie after for Matthew and I (Seven Pounds).



This morning on the way out to church, Matthew's other tire is flat, and Matthew still managed to make it to Sacrament meeting (miracle #5)



Lessons learned. Digging holes in your own backyard produces treasures enough, no need to go out into the desert.

What does every mother want and need for mother's day? Beer, of course. I laughed hard when Matthew presented me with my 24 pack of Busch beer yesterday. I had actually asked for it. Now, before you all send me links to AA, let me explain. I use beer in a recipe my father gave me for the lawn. My lawn is very thirsty right now and I am too much of a chicken to go out and buy beer. Matthew, however, loved going out on a Friday night and joining the beer buying/partying crowd.

I never thought I would want to drink it, but after a long day of emotional Emilia, defiant Katherine and poutty Elliot, I did hold one in my hand for several long seconds. My biggest reason to not partake? I hear it doesn't taste very good.

I hope you all had a good mother's day. I bet none of you got beer!

Wii Fit

I have been on the look out for the Wii fit board. Finally I found one and picked it up. We have all enjoyed it. I thought, this is great, the kids aren't just sitting on the couch. However, now I have a few misgivings about it. First, my darling little Emilia, who has just started her growth spurt, was way at the top of healthy weight range. She cried for an entire day about almost being overweight. Then, Elliot, asked me if I were in the healthy range, then proceeded to talk about how he needs to eat more at every meal because he is in the underweight range. I have tried to tell them that the program is probably written mostly for adults and the important thing is eating right and moving around. They give the the "whatever" look. What if this fun little toy turns my now healthy children into obsessive, worried unhealthy kids? I can only hope that the newness and excitement of Wii Fit will wear away like DDR and Rockband.

Jen gains point but deer win game

I may have won the battle of the bird food with the deer, but the deer have absolutley won this season. I checked out my tulips this afternoon. Every single tulip has been munched down to a stubby little mass. I can only hope there is enough left for the tulips to make food to keep the bulbs alive for next year. I now have a year (hopefully) to devise a way to win the battle next year.

Happy Dancers (warning: proud mom moment)

Today was one of those days!! Beginning with a fun visit from Grandpa Hafen for a Guest day at school and ending with the picture to the right.

In between I ran my car to the dealership for a leaky sunroof. Ran Emilia to the doctors for a broken finger (she hid her cast in the picture). Re-worked the choreography for the girls duet due to Emilia's lack of tumbling abilities now. Dressed the girls for competition and made it on time.

I was so proud of both girls. They have worked hard with me for the last few months. It was a joy to be able to choreograph something more difficult than bounce, bounce, clap, clap. They are beautiful dancers and even though I know Emilia was hurting, they still took 1st place. (They call it queening in the dancing world, thus the tiara's)

Thanks girls for making this a great experience for me.

Good News

No, I didn't see a dog today. I did, however, manage to find a place for my bird feeder where the deer can't get it. This morning the deer tracks go to the feeder, and I see some marks on the rocks where she tried to get the seed but the seed is untouched. I win, deer lose!

How did you celebrate?

Today is the first day of spring? Did you celebrate? I did, this is how.
1) I gave my house a really good scrubbing. Things like getting the cobwebs off the ceiling and washing windows (althought there are more windows to wash)

2) I mowed my lawn. I didn't really cut much grass but it sure looks neater and I think it will act as a wake up call to the grass.

3) I raked some of the really matted spots on the lawn. That has to be a good wake up call.

4) I raked out the last of the leaves and branches leftover from the fall in the flower beds.

5) I took a walk around the yard and enjoyed all the new life out there. I hope to have some great flowers soon to take pictures of.


Now maybe I will go fly a kite!!

Apology or amendment

Just a little clarification. Working may work for many women. I am not one of them. I appreciate that many women can work full time and take care of their house and family. I just happen to not be one of them. I wish I were one of those super moms, really, I do. My limitations were made abundantly clear to me last month. To all the super moms who are able to do it all, hats off to you.

I hope I didn't offend any of you. Sometimes I need a better filter on my thoughts.

First day off

Today is my first day off work since February 16th. I am happy that I was able to help a couple of friends out by working for them, but it was kind of hard. Now I know all of you that work full time all the time is thinking "What a whiny little girl" but I don't care. My house has gone to pieces and my children have been neglected. The good thing that has come out of this is a firming of my decision to not work full time. In fact, should my job be eliminated due to job cuts, I probably won't look for a replacement position. I realize the toll working takes on my family and it just isn't worth it.

With that said, (or ranted) I still love my job at the school. When I am only there 3.5 hours, I can still manage the other parts of my life. I feel like I am actually doing some good by working with the kids I do. In addition, I get a lot of hugs. Last night we had a stake activity days night, and I had many hugs from girls that I have worked with either at school or at dance. I can honestly say I love each of them.

Oh, and for the deer eating my bird food. He got it again Sunday night. I had moved it into the rock wall hoping he couldn't get to it. Now I am on a mission to find the perfect deer-proof bird food hanging place. Don't worry, I will keep you all posted.

(Good news, I only used the "love" word twice, ok now three times.)

More spring wonders and mysteries

I thought I would document the growth of spring in my yard. Lucky all you... you get to see it also.

Week #1, I think, tulips.Week #2,

I was mystified why my bird seed was disappearing over night, here's why:

First Signs of Spring

I watch every year for the first life after winter. I do this with binoculars from my bedroom window. I get a lot of joy from watching my bulbs emerge, grow and bloom. All of these pictures are from my back flower garden. (a work still in progress) I also keep a close eye on the buds on the trees and shrubs.

Deer

I love how this deer has settled in.

When I got home from the school this afternoon, I found a group of deer in my backyard. I love, love, having deer in my yard. Even when they eat my foliage, I still love the deer. (However, I try and plant stuff the deer doesn't really like). I managed to sneak outside and get a few pictures. The deer were very aware of me so I wasn't able to get too close.

One guy had lost an antler, I think I will go out later and see if I can find it. Elliot would love it.

Simplicity without friends?

Today in Relief Society the lesson was on simplicity. The focus was one the four basic needs, food, clothing, shelter and fuel. However, my mind kept going to a quote on my mirror. "Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods" Aristotle

So, while I am thankful for my sugar free food, clothing, shelter and fuel, I am much more thankful for people around me who I love and care for and who love and care for me. This thought led me to think specifically of my sister, Jilynn.

This is not the most flattering picture, but it does depict our friendship. When we are together, we laugh, a lot. We don't even have to say anything to set us off. It can be bad enough to annoy everyone around us. But I think we can laugh like this because we are so much alike, and care deeply enough to never knowingly hurt each other. I know how to clean her kitchen and when to back off her kids. She knows what I love and hate. She takes great care of me. I would be lost without her.

THANKS Jilynn for being my BFF.

Oh the Snow!

Here is the pile after shoveling today. And what has fallen in our backyard.

Yep! I still love the snow.

The Last Baptism

Yesterday we had Elliot's baptism. It was a beautiful, snowy Valentine's day. Elliot was very handsome and a bit subdued the whole day. Actually, I take that back. He was excited and could barely contain himself up until others were around. He tends to be a bit quiet in public settings.

I am proud of the great kid he is. I look forward to many more milestones in his life. I only regret seeing my baby getting so old.

Thanks to everyone who braved the snow to support Elliot. We all feel grateful to have such great family around. To those who live too far away, or had to work, or had a fussy baby to care for, we missed you.

Why I am glad I conned my husband

Fourteen years ago, my parents were trying to convince me to date other people and not Matthew so much. I am glad that their words weren't even in my mind that night as I told Matthew I loved him and would marry him. I knew he was the man for me to marry in October of 2004. It took till February of 2005, however, for me to con Matthew into thinking we should get married. I am so thankful I did and I still love him very much. So, because it is sappy valentines day (nearly) I thought I would post a sappy list of why I love Matthew. Here goes, in no particular order

1) because of his multiple personalities. Never the same man comes home two nights in a row.

2) because all of his multiple personalities are kind and good.

3) because he is willing to finish all of my projects when I am in over my head and doesn't get very mad. (think old wallpaper)

4) because he is willing to always check out what goes bump in the night (and in the day too)

5) because he always has an alternate plan b when things go awry.

6)because he tells me everyday that he loves me.

7) because he tells me several times a week that I am beautiful and sometimes he even makes me believe.

8) because he only rolls his eyes a little bit when I jump up and down like a two year old because it is snowing, again.

9) because he pushes me out of my comfort zone, sometimes he has to push me overboard (scuba diving)

10)because he encourages me to become better.

11) because when I ask, he never tells my secrets.

12) because he tries to stay healthy and encourages me to do the same.

13) because he got me into running

14) because he can take a hint, most of the time

15) because he loves my family

16) because he is the only one who can convince me I am wrong

17) because he let me pick out the red couches

18) because he makes sure I get Mexican food on a regular basis

19) because he doesn't complain when I wear pink 14 days in a row.

20) because I still enjoy looking at him

20) Mostly because he didn't run away when he realized what I con artist I am.

I love you Matthew!!

Why you should check your kids homework...

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)
Dear Mrs. Jones,I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in. Sincerely, Mrs.Smith

Hate

So, Matthew pointed out that I love a lot of things. (the last 3 posts started out with "I love...") He told me I should blog about what I hate. I really only have one thing on that list.

1) I hate it when people tell me what to do.

2008 Christmas season

One of the strangely opposing events of the Christmas season is the Christmas Dance show. I love watching my girls dance, however, the stress of having 3 classes of little girls dancing in the same show creates the opposing feelings of stress and anxiety. My daughters were beautiful and I managed to sneak out and watch them.

This year we had the opportunity to attend a recital for Katherine at a beautiful "concert" hall (actually just a piano store with a large room and 5 grand piano's in it). While she didn't get the chance to play her favorite piece, she did a great job. Maybe she learned to value of practice.

Finally, Christmas! I was a bit apprehensive about Christmas this year. I always felt like Christmas was for the little kids. I am just about out of little kids. (Elliot still believes and Emilia still wants to believe) I was afraid some of the magic and fun would be lost. I was so wrong. This was the best Christmas yet. Everyone had fun. No one needed to go down for a nap. Everyone played together and we just had a great day of family time. My favorite picture of the season is always the one of the kids in their Christmas best in front of the tree. It is fun to see how they change, or don't change from year to year. I look forward to many, many more Christmas days.

New Year

New Year. I love the new year almost as much as I love snow. To me they are both crisp and clean. I haven't marred my life yet this year. I can't wait to see what will happen in 2009. Not that I am allowing just anything to happen. I have set goals again this year. I hope to put myself in a position so that when a classroom in the school district comes up (one that will fit my requirements) I will be able to be considered, seriously, for it. I also hope to be able to run 4 half marathons. It would be awesome if I could shave a few minutes off each consecutive race. But just finishing is always a great accomplishment for this body that is getting older. Mostly, I want to be a better mother and wife. I hope to be able to do this by making the time I spend with my family more patient and attentive.

Happy New Year to everyone reading this little blog. I wish the best for everyone, except maybe Alabama.