My kids keep telling me I need to post. So, my friend, Louise Griffin (louisegriffinexposure.com) just took pictures of my kids for Christmas. I loved the pics and thought that I'd share.
I keep thinking that I want to "freeze" my kids in their current ages. I love where they are right now. These pics are probably the only realistic way of doing that.
Lilly: (Five minutes later) Mom, can I watch a DVD?
Me: No, we are not turning on the T.V. today.
Lilly: (Five minutes later)Mom, I love you. Can I just watch a little show? I won't let the other kids watch.
Me: Lilly, no, I already told you we are not watching T.V. today.
Lilly: (Five minutes later). Mom, can we have Family Home Evening right now? (it was Thursday). We can watch a show about Jesus and learn how Jesus wants us to act. I really want to learn more about Jesus and we have a video about Jesus. It shows us how to be good. Can I watch that Jesus video?
So, Lilly won. And she watched a show about Jesus.
Ken and I picked up this little picture of Nauvoo (see the tiny temple on the right) when we went on a trip there a few years ago. Until we ran out of wall space, we used to buy a watercolor of the different places we visited. On every vacation we would search for the perfect picture to take home as a souvenir. It was a great plan when we had lots of wall space and very few pictures.
On this particular trip to Nauvoo, our hotel had lots of artwork on the walls for sale. We walked up and down the halls until we found this little picture that I loved. The frame was quite huge, so we asked if they would just sell us the picture. It was no problem (for $20) and the hotel clerk quickly undid the frame and wrapped up the picture for us (with a funny look on her face). We paid and took the picture to our room. Ken just started laughing when he took out the picture to look at it again. This is what he saw:
A page from a calendar; A RIPPED OUT page from a calendar (look at the bottom). And just in case you don't believe me, look at this: So, we still framed it and hung in on our walls for many years. I still laugh when I see it.
All I can say is I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. Shaara, in historical fiction form, tells the story of the battle of Gettysburg. I love history, and this book brings to life one of the most important battles of the Civil War. In the end, you are left feeling sad for the Confederate Troops and profoundly grateful to the Union Troops. It reminds you of the love and respect that many of the officers and soldiers felt for those they were fighting.
I am so grateful to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and for the freedom of others.
I meant to post this on the 4th, but it's still July, right?
I am so grateful for this land we live in. American is truly a great country. I am so thankful for our founding fathers. Of course they weren't perfect, but they did something amazing with the Lord's help. So often we forget how lucky we are to live here - to live and worship as we desire.
When I was about 15, I had a profound experience that helped me appreciate, in a new way, the freedoms we enjoy. My brother and I were lucky enough to join our parents on a Mediterranean cruise. My father was a guest speaker for a convention being held on the ship and we were able reap the benefits of a great vacation while he worked.
Two of the stops were in the Ukraine. At that time the Ukraine was part of the USSR and under communist control (those were the days of the Iron Curtain). There was a Russian family aboard the ship who had escaped from the USSR many years before through bribing top officials. They had been told by communists officials that, as a consequence, they would never again be able to come back or see their families left behind.
This family had communicated to their family in Russia when they would be at those ports. They were hoping that the port officials in the Ukraine would not be as thorough in searching their documents and that they would be reunited with their families once again. Unfortunately, the USSR Custom Officers would not let the Russian family leave the boat.
I will never forget standing on the dock and seeing the two families crying and reaching out to one another - one group from the boat railings and the other standing behind a chain link fence on the dock. In those moments, I learned what freedom really was and what communism was not.
Every day, I try to be thankful to our founding fathers, to those who have died to preserve our freedoms, and mostly our God, for this great United States of America.
not worrying about getting kids to bed on time - no homework - lazy beach days - sand in the car - no school projects - the family room floor filled with building projects - matinee movies (yeah Harry Potter!) - going to Target and Vons together - craft projects covering both the breakfast table and dining room table - bike rides - baking together . . . .
I didn't sign the kids up for lots of activities this year and it's been great. And fun. And relaxed. We've actually even had some birthday parties this year (something we haven't done in a long time).
Banana turned 14 and invited some friends to an indoor play center. She was so happy!
She made some adorable cupcakes to take to the party.
And she had a good laugh when her mom absentmindedly told her to just add some red food coloring to the green frosting to make purple (just one more reason why I should never homeschool my children)
Big also turned 10 this month. We went with friends to a Pirate Dinner Show. The kids loved it! I can't believe he's already 10.
We also all went to Boy Scout Day Camp. Big LIVED for the times when they could shoot the BB guns. Big went as a camper, but the older girls went as volunteer helpers. I thought it was important for them to do some service this summer and signed them up for three days without asking. They didn't complain and actually had a good time. Banana even went for one extra day on her own. It's already the middle of July and summer is just going way too quickly. We still have some fun left, but I am not anxious for mid-August to come around!
I was enjoying my summer night with the kids - a non-hectic bedtime when it doesn't really matter if they are a little late getting to bed.
Princess and I were cuddling and talking on her bed after reading a book together. I was telling her how much I love being her mom and that one day I would get to be a grandmother to her little kids. It felt like a great moment.
She put her arms around me and said, "Mom, even if you are a really ugly grandmother, I will still love you and think you are beautiful."
What???? And it wouldn't be so bad except yesterday I overheard her tell the following to her friend . . .
"My mom had really curly hair when she married my dad. She was really pretty. She had a different face."
Ok . . . Ok. . . So these comments then brought again to my mind my favorite comment of all. This happened about two years ago when she was only four. We were sitting together on the couch looking at a clothing catalog. I asked her which bathing suit she thought I should buy for myself. She carefully looked at the bathing suits and then innocently asked,
Two days ago was the funeral of my grandmother, Norinne Richards Callister. She died at the age of 97 and lived a long, good life. She lived a life devoted to her family and service. When I was really young, she and grandpa Reed lived nearby. I remember spending the night often and helping her cook in the kitchen. My grandmother was one of those ladies who always set a beautiful table and served delicious food. Many of my best and favorite recipes come from her. When I went to BYU, I often spent many weekends at her home. She was always trying to get me to bring dates over. Once she even set me up on a date with a boy she had met somewhere and thought was "charming."
Norinne was the daughter of LeGrand Richards, an apostle. She was once nominated as "Best Dressed Woman in California." (I've never even heard of such an award). My grandfather lamented at the time, "Who nominated her? This is going to cost me a fortune." At the age of 80, she served as ward Relief Society President for the fourth time. I remember her always dishing up an extra plate at dinner time that we would quickly deliver to someone in her building.
We will miss her, but know that she must have had a sweet reunion with her daughter Paula, who passed away when she was only 16, and her husband, who passed 20 years ago. I am so grateful for eternal families. I love you grandma NeNe.
My oldest, Banana, graduated from Junior High a couple weeks ago. This is her getting ready for the promotion party. She looked so beautiful. I can't believe she'll be in High School come September. She has grown up so quickly. I love watching her talk and laugh with her friends. She is a good girl without a lot of drama. I couldn't ask for a better teen.
I just read an interesting book, "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a non-fiction book in which the author studies the background and stories of successful people and groups of people. It reminded me somewhat of another favorite book of mine, "Freakonomics." Both books make you look at things in a different way. My favorite chapter was the one in which Gladwell shows the connection between a pilot's culture and airplane crash rates.
Another interesting chapter was when he discussed studies that showed how middle class students do better in school (based on standardized test scores) than lower class students. Based on these studies, many public schools try to pour more money into schools in the poorer areas. Gladwell then discusses how further studies actually showed that the true distance between middle and lower class students didn't occur during school, but during the summer months at home. Because the middle class parents, on average, provided more learning opportunities for children on their own, their children either fell less behind, or even continued to improve, during the summer vacation months. I disagreed with Gladwell, as he argued for the lessening of summer vacation, so that all kids would have the same learning opportunities. But, this chapter strengthened my knowledge that kids excel when parents are involved. We can't leave our job to anyone else.
Actually, in general, I loved the studies that he provided and discussed, although I didn't always agree with his conclusions. Probably because I believe that parents and families should be encouraged and taught to provide the opportunities that will help a person "succeed" rather than looking to society or government to provide the opportunities. I highly recommend this book to anyone (and thanks, Nate, for the recommendation).
Since my parents live in New Zealand, I though I'd start this blog as a way to keep them better involved in our lives. An added benefit has been keeping in touch with other family members and friends, both near and far. I've also found that blogging makes me keep a journal of sorts - something I have not been good at lately. In that vain, I have a lot of pictures and activities I want to journal, so bear with me (or skip to the next blog):
If you thought that your kids would stop playing with boxes as they get older, think again. This large box (and another identical one) kept my 9 and 11 year old busy for days. I can't even imagine what the neighbors were thinking as they ran up and down the sidewalk inside these things for hours upon end. The fun only ended when the 11 year old ran into a tree and knocked herself out. To make matters worse, I had no idea and was outside taking pictures of her lying on the ground inside the box. In my defense, I didn't see her hit the tree. She wasn't too happy and I am not allowed to post those pictures. So, here is a picture of the fun times in the box:
My kids love to cook - cookies, brownies, cake, toffee, etc. Notice, nothing on the list is healthy. I think this summer I will have to require one healthy recipe for every unhealthy one they want to bake. This passion for cooking is very helpful as it seems like we have to take desserts everywhere we go. I can announce I need cookies or whatever, and the kids do the rest. Here is Princess making cinnamon rolls (with a little help). They were yummy!
Finally, after 10 years, we will have a wonderful harvest of berries from our yard. They look like blackberries, but are another type, I just don't know which. These vines have been torn out several times during different construction projects ( removal of a shed, building of a fence, etc.) The kids are very excited and keep eating them off the vine. I debated making them wait, so we could save them up and make jam, but I changed my mind. I think the fun of eating them off the vine as they ripen is an experience well worth it.
Banana was able to go to Washington D.C. with her eighth grade class. It was a great trip that she absolutely loved. Our neighbor was the administrator in charge of the trip which made me feel much better. The trip company told the kids that they were one of the most well-behaved groups they have ever had. It's great that she has a good group of kids to grow up with. Here she is with some of her friends in Arlington Cemetery: And, something I'd like to forget, the LA Marathon. Ken and I ran it with some friends from the Stake. Well, "run" may not be the correct word for me. Some better words may be "limped," "hobbled," "walked," or even "cried." But, we all finished. And, LA put on a great race. The support along the race was incredible. Many residents stood along the course with oranges, bananas, juice, pretzels, candy, and water that they personally provided. Those offerings saved me. All of us finished over an hour slower than our last marathons, but we did our best that day.
Here's Big in his latest 5k. He lives for those things. Since I had just run the Marathon, instead of running in the 5K and missing his finish, I was able to watch from the finish line. It was great to see him sprint to the end. After the 5k, there was a "kids fun run" which was basically one lap around the grass field. Big decided the lap wasn't really a real race and just decided to watch. You should have seen his face as they handed big huge medals to all of the kids who ran in the fun run. No medal for a 5K but a medal for one measly lap around the field? Oh, the unfairness of life to a 9 year old boy!
Easily best school project we have ever done - Big's lego Mission Project. He built the mission all by himself. It only cost $10 for a few extra legos we needed. He never once complained about working on this homework project. If only all school projects could be this easy!
A week or so ago, Ken and I competed in our third Wildflower triathlon (6th overall). Every year as we are driving to the event, I ask myself "Why are we doing this?" Every year as I am standing at the edge of the water, in my very uncomfortable wetsuit, I again ask myself, "Why am I doing this?" And every year, in the middle of the swim, as I am getting hammered by hands and feet around me, I swear (yes, swear) that I will never, ever do this again. Yet, within minutes of the race being done, I join in the conversations about how we can do better next year. Somebody, please, stop this insanity.
This year we went with my brother, Nate, and his wife, Bethany for their first ever triathlon. Wildflower is the place to start - there are three different distances, the races are pretty challenging (the most challenging according to "Competitor" magazine), it is set in beautiful Lake San Antonio (central, coastal California), and professionals from all over come to compete in the half-ironman distance. Of all the races we have done, it is definitely the most fun.
This year I learned a few new things about triathlons:
1. You cannot race without training. I tried this year to get by with only running beforehand. I was running hills, so shouldn't that count? Evidently not. I was a full 15 minutes slower than last time (two years ago). Bummer, but what could I expect?
2. The swim never gets easier - at least here at Wildflower. I have swam distances four times as long as the swim at Wildflower, yet the Wildflower swim is the hardest I have ever done. For some reason (maybe the cold or the crowds), I can never catch my breath. It is truly one of the scariest physical things I have ever done (so why do I keep doing it ???).
3. You need to really make sure the bikes are tied down tight on the trip up. Or, one might bounce off and get hit by a semi-truck. And, shatter into a hundred pieces across the freeway and neighboring farm. On the way TO the triathlon.
Obviously my brother has a great personality. You can see him here smiling as he clears the wreckage from the freeway. Smiling, regardless of the fact that now he had to pay to rent a bike for his wife and buy a new bike for their friends (it was a borrowed bike). I know it's overdone, but I have to do it: bike rental - $100, new bike for friend - $300, racing your first triathlon - PRICELESS. Here's one more look at the bike:
4. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you can watch some of the greats race: Andy Potts, Sindballe, Chris Lieto, etc. It is incredible watching these elite athletes perform. This year I met one of my favorite triathletes - Julie Moss. She has been "MCing" the event for many years, but I never realized who she was until this year when she shared part of her first Ironman story. Here we are with Julie:
If you don't know Julie's story - take a look at this video of her first triathlon (keep in mind, she was an unknown, non-triathlete, who had decided to race the Ironman since she was writing a dissertation about it). Her race helped catapult triathlon racing into the public eye. Below is a short video of her race in 1982.
Anyway - thanks(or no thanks) to a friend (Denise - you know who you are), we are now addicted to triathlons. Does anyone want to join us?
Wow - you know it's been awhile since you posted when you can't remember your password to log on!
It's been a few busy weeks. My brother Jeremy was married to a sweet girl, Mandy, in the Denver Temple. They planned the wedding and open house around General Conference so that my parents could be there. Almost the whole family flew to Denver for the Wedding and it was wonderful. I was already so happy for them, but when my dad walked in the temple wearing white the tears really began to flow. He was able to perform the marriage and sealing. What a special moment for our family.
On a sadder note, a sweet family friend was killed in Ogden last week. Derek was the boyfriend of our niece. He was awaiting his mission call that would be coming this week. He and a friend were hit by a car full of gang members that were fleeing the police in Ogden. Derek had stayed at our home this summer and our family had fallen in love with him (especially Princess). He was just a really good kid that you could not help but love. Our sweet niece is having a difficult time, but is focusing on earning money for her mission sometime next fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and Derek's family. These things remind you, once again, of the important things in life.
Big is sandwiched between a lot of girls and often gets way too much input from sisters. Sisters, especially teen/preteen ones, sure give a lot of "advice" about clothes and hygiene - something a 9 year old boy really doesn't care about. So, it's nice when Big can get away and excel on his own.
This weekend was his first track meet as a member of the Tustin Equalizers. He's had a hard time finding an organized sport that he loves. This summer he ran a couple of 5Ks and decided that running is something he really likes. After he started wearing running shoes/clothes everyday for school with the hope that they would run the mile in PE, I found a track club he could join. It's been a few weeks and he just keeps getting faster each time. This is a little hard on my ego. Just last July we ran a 5k together and I told my friends to go ahead, that I was going to take it easy and run with my son. Three weeks ago we ran a 5k and I couldn't keep up with him ( I ran my 2nd fastest 5k ever). Last week he took me on a run through Peters Canyon and up "Big Red" (a killer, steep hill). Besides having to wait for me at the top and bottom of each hill, I could hardly walk for days after while he was fine. OK - done lamenting.
Anyway, yesterday he ran a 6:22 1500 meter race which is a 6:55 minute mile. I am excited to see how he will improve as the season progresses. Here he is with his two ribbons:
And while I am bragging about Big, let me include a few other things. He loves crawling under the house (eek!) to help his dad with home repairs. He has actually been a real help to his dad fixing the air conditioner and moving cable.
He's also really creative and makes cool things out of lego, wood, etc. For the Boy Scout Blue & Gold dinner, he was supposed to bring a collection and also decorate a cake. He decided to bring his coin collection and decorate his cake like the coin collection. He cut little pieces of yellow fondant into circles. Then he used a toothpick and copied the design from his coins onto the fondant coins. It was so cute, I wish I had a better picture.
Lastly is a picture of Big removing all of the baseboards in the Family Room, Dining Room & Entry. As part of our remodel (see earlier post), we decided to update floor boards. Ken showed him how and then left on a business trip. Big spent the next two days between school & activities removing the boards and nails. He did such a great job and saved me a lot of time.
I always try to remind him how grateful I am that Heavenly Father sent him to our home. He is a good boy who wants to do what is right. It's not easy being outnumbered, but he sure makes the best of it.
So - my effort to eat healthy in anticipation of the LA Marathon in May was going along great. Until . . . . Yes - the dreaded Girl Scout Cookies. Don't get me wrong. I love Girl Scouts and their cookies. Heaven knows my living room was filled with those dreaded boxes several years in a row while my girls peddled them to my friends and family. But, they are so darn addictive.
So, as our cute neighbor showed up with the four boxes we ordered (her sweet mother bought from us many years in a row, so I owed her), I started thinking, "How many of these boxes have I ordered?" I know one daughter asked if she could order from a friend at school. I think another neighbor came by. I know a couple friends' daughters called on the phone. I guess everyday will bring a "surprise! "
What am I going to do with these things?
Let everyone go at it for one afternoon, get sick and then be done with it?
Freeze them so I am tempted every time I open the freezer?
Just give the money to the girls and let them keep the cookies?
Donate them to a food bank? The last is probably the best option, but will I really get them there or will they tempt me in the car while I drive around town?
Elementary School Talent Show + 22 kindergarteners + Puttin' on the Ritz = Adorable!!
It was a lot of work, but a group of us moms put together a dance for the school talent show. Princess and 21 other kindergarteners were the hit of the show. The kids were so excited, it made every minute spent teaching the dance and making the costumes worthwhile. Princess wore her costume for several days afterward. I love being able to stay home so that I can do fun things like this with the kids. I am so blessed.
Happy 90th birthday to my beautiful Grandma Fernith!
She's hardworking, loving, kind, & generous. Even into her eighties, she could outwork most of us grandkids. My uncle finally hid the chainsaw to keep her from trimming the trees (this was just a couple years ago). As a child, I loved spending the night in her home. There was always chocolate in the drawers and fun 50's teen novels to read (from her days as a school teacher). I loved her beautiful blue jars in the window sills and warm plums from her backyard trees. My cousins that lived near her really worked hard, but I think I got off easy (sorry!!).
Best of all, is when she would tell us about meeting grandpa. She was a local Arizona girl. He was a handsome Italian boy from Boston. Below is one of my favorite pictures of him (he's in the middle). I LOVE the white shoes and sunglasses.
They met at a USO dance in Arizona while he was in Arizona for desert training. She was wearing a beautiful black dress with fringe that swayed when she danced. He was in his army uniform. She caught his eye; he walked around her once, and they feel in love. That night he told her that she was the girl he was going to marry.
Soon after, grandpa was sent back to the east coast for more training. He got a furlough for eight days and they arranged to meet. Grandma traveled on a train by herself from Arizona to Chicago where she met her handsome Italian. They called the mission home and asked to be married. A young missionary by the name of Marion D. Hanks was a witness.
Soon after, grandpa's unit was sent overseas where he served as a medic. Grandma stayed home, anxiously waiting for letters and listening to the radio for news. It was a surprise when she received a call that Grandpa had been baptized at a stopover in Hawaii. He had waited to tell her that he had been studying the church until he had a testimony.
I love them both dearly and am so grateful for the influence they have been in my life. Grandpa passed away before I was born, but I feel like I have always known him. They truly had a great and real love for one another. This love continues to bless our family. Thanks grandma & grandpa!
A page from a calendar; A RIPPED OUT page from a calendar (look at the bottom). And just in case you don't believe me, look at this:
So, we still framed it and hung in on our walls for many years. I still laugh when I see it. 
All I can say is I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. Shaara, in historical fiction form, tells the story of the battle of Gettysburg. I love history, and this book brings to life one of the most important battles of the Civil War. In the end, you are left feeling sad for the Confederate Troops and profoundly grateful to the Union Troops. It reminds you of the love and respect that many of the officers and soldiers felt for those they were fighting.
I meant to post this on the 4th, but it's still July, right?
We also all went to Boy Scout Day Camp. Big LIVED for the times when they could shoot the BB guns. Big went as a camper, but the older girls went as volunteer helpers. I thought it was important for them to do some service this summer and signed them up for three days without asking. They didn't complain and actually had a good time. Banana even went for one extra day on her own. 
It's already the middle of July and summer is just going way too quickly. We still have some fun left, but I am not anxious for mid-August to come around!
Two days ago was the funeral of my grandmother, Norinne Richards Callister. She died at the age of 97 and lived a long, good life. She lived a life devoted to her family and service. When I was really young, she and grandpa Reed lived nearby. I remember spending the night often and helping her cook in the kitchen. My grandmother was one of those ladies who always set a beautiful table and served delicious food. Many of my best and favorite recipes come from her. When I went to BYU, I often spent many weekends at her home. She was always trying to get me to bring dates over. Once she even set me up on a date with a boy she had met somewhere and thought was "charming."
My oldest, Banana, graduated from Junior High a couple weeks ago. This is her getting ready for the promotion party. She looked so beautiful. I can't believe she'll be in High School come September. She has grown up so quickly. I love watching her talk and laugh with her friends. She is a good girl without a lot of drama. I couldn't ask for a better teen. 
And, something I'd like to forget, the LA Marathon. Ken and I ran it with some friends from the Stake. Well, "run" may not be the correct word for me. Some better words may be "limped," "hobbled," "walked," or even "cried." But, we all finished. And, LA put on a great race. The support along the race was incredible. Many residents stood along the course with oranges, bananas, juice, pretzels, candy, and water that they personally provided. Those offerings saved me. All of us finished over an hour slower than our last marathons, but we did our best that day. 
Obviously my brother has a great personality. You can see him here smiling as he clears the wreckage from the freeway. Smiling, regardless of the fact that now he had to pay to rent a bike for his wife and buy a new bike for their friends (it was a borrowed bike). I know it's overdone, but I have to do it: bike rental - $100, new bike for friend - $300, racing your first triathlon - PRICELESS. Here's one more look at the bike:
If you don't know Julie's story - take a look at this video of her first triathlon (keep in mind, she was an unknown, non-triathlete, who had decided to race the Ironman since she was writing a dissertation about it). Her race helped catapult triathlon racing into the public eye. Below is a short video of her race in 1982. 
Yes - the dreaded Girl Scout Cookies. Don't get me wrong. I love Girl Scouts and their cookies. Heaven knows my living room was filled with those dreaded boxes several years in a row while my girls peddled them to my friends and family. But, they are so darn addictive. 
