Marleys

Last night we stopped at the Harley Davidson dealership with Ryan's sister and her family to eat at Marleys for dinner. I just had to say what a great experience it was. They serve these yummy mini hamburgers with shoestring fries, perfect for the kids. Two or three were great for the adults. They make everything fresh and it tasted great. We ended up ordering more because the kids liked it so much and the portions were a little smaller than we expected, but the food was cheap so no biggy.

I think I'm also feeling a little positive because the guy told us our kids were some of the most well behaved kids he had ever had in his restraunt and gave us free samples of frozen yogurt (which was so yummy). I have to admit I was also surprised at how good the kids were (all nine of them) but the atmosphere was cool and there was lots to look at, very kid friendly. Anyway, I was surprised there weren't more people there so I'm giving them two thumbs up and recommending you give them a try.

Technical Difficulties

Oh the misery! Our computer crashed last Saturday, as in dead as a doornail. I thought for sure Ryan would have solved the problem by the end of the day but here we are almost five days later and I'm resorting to using his laptop because I was having major blogger withdrawls. I never realized how much I relied on my computer. I always thought of it as Ryans computer but I have finally admitted to myself that it was mine because I used it, daily, hourly. Everything was on there, email (can't live without it), my grocery list (believe it or not), addresses, phone numbers, recipes, photos, and everything I need to plan the Retreat.

So, supposedly our computer (or rather the mother board) is being fixed and in the meantime they backed up my info onto an external hardrive which is now attatched to Ryan's laptop so I can reconnect to my life. But I still don't have itunes and email has been tricky. I feel like I've been thrown into the dark ages. I really wanted to post after-Christmas photos but I guess it's going to have to wait a little longer. So sad.

Christmas Morning

Austin always wakes up early and Christmas morning was no exception. The surprising thing was, instead of trying to get him to go back to sleep for another hour, Ryan flew upstairs and woke up all the kids. I think he was more excited than I was, which is a Christmas morning first.

So, before the sun was up, we were up opening presents.

Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words.

Santa always brings movies for the kids stockings. We had a lot of fun putting toys together and watching movies until it was time to go to Rich and Joy's for Christmas dinner. I especially loved hearing Ryan sing along with all the songs to the movie Enchanted. We've been listening to the soundtrack for months but this was the first time he had seen the movie.

Houdini

I realize Dallin named his hamster Brownie, but between you and me we'll call him Houdini. From the moment the sales lady put him in the little cardboard box he's been trying to escape. I was about halfway home on the freeway (in a snowstorm mind you) when I picked up the box to check on him and realized he had almost chewed his way out. The image of dead hamster somewhere in my van haunted me the whole drive home. I kept one hand on the wheel and one hand on his box to keep him from escaping.

When we got home I turned the box over and cut the tape only to realize that was all that was left to keep him in. He had chewed completely through the cardboard. Then to my horror I realized he wasn't moving in the box anymore. I dug through the bedding and cardboard and found fur. Then I uncovered his face. He was staring at me. I've since learned that when escape fails, he plays dead.

I put his cage together and made his home nice and comfy. He seemed happy and so was Dallin when he came home from school and discovered the birthday surprise. That night before bed Dallin spent some time watching Brownie run in his wheel. All seemed well.

Until the next morning when I happened to glance in his cage as I went to make the kids breakfast. No hamster. Dallin was coming up the stairs and, trying to manage the panick in my voice, I asked him to help me find the hamster. We began to search every room when out of the corner of my eye I see something black and white run into my room. We managed to trap him in my closet. He screamed when I picked him up and Dallin says, "See mom, I told you they squeek." He also mentioned that he read on Brownies toy ball that hamsters can run up to five miles in one night. Great.

I thought Dallin had left the cage open the night before and was extra careful for the next few nights to make sure everything was shut tight. But friday morning Ryan came into the kitchen and... no hamster. I heard him running around the living room with Austin trying to catch the thing. I finally cornered it and got it back in the cage. I enjoy a lot of things about this hamster, he's cute, fuzzy, and uncanny in the way he holes himself up during the day with a stash of food to snack on in his sleep, but the escaping was getting a little old.

Saturday morning around 2 am I heard a strange clicking sound. I flew out of bed, (no it wasn't Santa coming early) and ran into the kitchen and flipped on the light. I looked at the cage and saw a head and two little pink paws poking out of the tower on his cage. I swear his eyes popped when he saw me and he flew back into his nest. I slammed the lid down and grabbed the masking tape. Foiled!

So, since that last escape attempt we've had no other incidents but we've been considerate enough to put Brownie in his ball and let him run around the house in a controlled environment.

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Dallin's birthday party was a little squished between Cameron's play practice and Dallin's scouts but I think we still managed to make it fun. The big surprise was the hamster Dallin got. Our first pet. He named it Brownie. I'll tell you more about Brownie later.

Dallin has grown up to be loving, smart, helpful, considerate, and practically perfect in every way. I feel honored to be his mother and am thankful for the things he shares with me. Since he is the oldest it seems like we're trailblazing with every new experience. I couldn't have asked for a better trailblazer. He sets such a good example for the others and for myself. I find myself looking up to him and admiring his patience and compassion for everyone around him.

Happy 10th Birthday Dallin! I'm sure in a few short years I'll be looking up to you in more ways than one.

Christmas Memories

Sometimes I find myself at this time of year getting lost in the anxiety of all that needs to be done and acting more like an Ebenezer scrooge. But this year as I set out my traditional Holiday decorations I found myself reminiscing about the Christmas' of my childhood. Instantly sights and sounds and smells came back as if it were yesterday.


One of my favorite things was the way the morning sun made all the decorations and ornaments sparkle making the house feel wonderous and magical.


I also remember the subtle reminders of Holiday cheer. Tokens of the Spirit of Christmas on every mantle and in every corner.


I can still feel the excitement in my stomach when I remember taking turns hanging ornaments on our freshly cut tree. And I loved the smell of pine that greeted me every day as I came home from school.


The house always seemed warmer and brighter and happier, filled with freshly baked treats and holiday music.


It was hard to count down the days. One in every six was my turn to hang a decoration for the advent calendar and it seemed the days just didn't go fast enough.

I realize now that all these memories were gifts given to me through the quiet efforts of my mother who arranged and baked and wrapped and bought all without my hardly noticing. I can't imagine how much work it was for her with six children to think of and buy for (especially without Amazon and free delivery).

There were school parties and ballet recitals and piano recitals. There was driving around to see lights and ward Christmas parties and Woolf family parties and so many things that made December wonderful as a child. And I don't remember ever hearing my mom complain. In fact I don't remember much of her face at all. I think my memories are too full of the things that she did for me that I forgot to notice her.

But at this time in my life I feel grateful to her for making Christmas special and wonderful and magical, just for me. I've been watching my own children over the past few weeks as Christmas draws closer and have found a new sense of joy in hearing them sing carols as we drive in the car and laugh as Austin exclaims, "Christmas Lights!" at every house he sees. I've heard the quiet whispers as they try to guess what Santa might bring and I've noticed their own excitement at counting down the days by hanging an ornament from the Advent calendar.

There are so many traditions at Christmas time but for me, this year I've added one more. The opportunity to bring Joy to my children. How easy it is to forget the sacrifice of our Savior that we might all feel Joy. In comparison it is a little effort to bring a smile to my child's face. But Christ made the greatest effort that we might smile every day of every year. For Him I am forever grateful and for my mother I am also grateful.

Who's Doing The Shopping?

I was at the store with Austin this morning trying to find ingredients for Christmas treats. Jacque called with a question and after talking to her for a minute I realized Austin had thrown a container of Bread Crumbs in the cart. I asked him to put them back because we don't eat those. He says, "but I want it."

Huh, I thought, that's a weird thing to want. I kept prodding trying to get him to put them back but he only got angrier. So I took the container and put it back on the shelf. "Mommy can't eat this," I said. "I don't cook with this. We can't buy it."

Next thing I know Austin has grabbed another container and throws it into the cart. "I like it!" he huffs. Okay then, I thought, time to give up on that argument.

So, in the next isle I see Austin looking carefully at a box of My Little Pony fruit snacks and hear him mumbling something about "Eden will like it". And then he throws it into the cart. I had a list in my hand but Austin obviously felt like he had some shopping of his own to do.

Clips From Conference

Our friend Brian Hansbrow put this together. I really enjoyed being reminded of some of the great talks from this last Conference. I know our leaders are in tune with the world we live in and with the will of the Lord for us today.

Mama's Little Helpers

Ryan's been gone all week for a training in Arizona and I'm feeling a little exhausted. It seems there are always extra things to do in December in addition to all the normal daily responsibilities. To say the least, it's a rotten time for Ryan to be out of town. So, on that note, I have to say that I owe my kids a big huge "Thank you" for stepping up and helping out.

In particular I was touched by Cameron last night. I was trying to give Eden and Austin a quick bath after dinner so I could hurry and clean up the kitchen and get to the church by 7:00 for the youth activity. Since Eden is terrified of being left anywhere alone I was hanging out in the bathroom trying to speed things along when Cameron came upstairs and said, "how about I watch Eden and Austin in the bath so you can clean up the kitchen and then when they're done I'll take my shower." I felt an instant sigh of relief and asked Cameron if she felt like she could wash their hair too. She was more than willing.

By the time I got the kitchen cleaned up the kids were done with their bath and I was able to get Austin dressed before I had to leave. Dallin was great to keep an eye on things until Grandma got here. She said when she came in that the house was peaceful and all the kids were downstairs playing nicely with each other.

I'm so grateful for my children and their willingness to help when needed. I appreciate their compassion and love for me and for each other. They have their moments, of course, but its days like these that show me they're growing up to be considerate and responsible and that they truly care for one another.

A Tribute to a Great Coach

I just found out today that my High School Water Polo coach, Grafton Weiss, passed away Friday night just a few days after his team won CIF. I just wanted to share some of my feelings about a man who made a big impression on me at a critical time in my life.

I started playing water polo the summer after my freshman year because I didn't make the cheerleading squad again with all my friends. I was devastated and terrified to be doing something I'd never done before without my usual support group. My older sister had played water polo for a few years and I remembered going to some of her games. Mostly I just remembered all the hot guys and figured that being surrounded by that was justice for not getting to be with my cheerleading friends anymore. As I approached the coaching office with a friend I was giggling out of nervousness and heard, without ever seeing him before, the coach say "I hear a Gilroy." It turns out that Grafton loved my sister and was more than happy to add me to the team. I felt like I had some big shoes to fill and didn't exactly make the best impression that afternoon as I clung to the ball in the deep end just trying to keep my head above the water.

I spent the next few weeks fighting cramps in my legs and doing pushups for every time I held on to the ball (which was a lot). Just because Grafton had girls play on his team, (which was incredibly rare back then) didn't mean he was going to treat us any different than the rest of the boys. I remember having arms so sore I couldn't lift them high enough to shampoo my hair. We were in the pool by 6 am every day during the summer and then again at 2 in the afternoon, and then went to games at the local community college at night. It was intense. I had never worked so hard my whole life. But you could always tell that Grafton was proud of his players. He pushed everyone hard and his team played better because of it. I know I always wanted to do my best to make him proud and to prove that I was worthy to be a part of the team.

I felt like Grafton acknowledged my efforts by letting me play Varsity my junior year and by letting me be on the starting line. During a time when there were many things going wrong in my life water polo was a refuge and a place where I felt important and successful. The boys on the team were such good people and many of them were an inspiration to me as I made decisions about where to go to college and what to major in. They didn't treat me any differently because I was a girl but still had respect for me as a girl. I know their friendship was a reflection of expectations and standards set by a good coach.

To this day I believe that a good coach can make all the difference in the life of a teenager. I believe that being able to play for Grafton was a blessing from God and that had I not been in a good place surrounded by good people my life may have turned out dramatically different. I was surprised to learn that Grafton went to Katella High School the year after I graduated but I'm sure he affected as many lives for good there as he did at Magnolia.

I'm so sad to hear that Grafton passed away and I mourn along with his family for the loss of a great coach, and a great man.

Thanksgiving Day

We had Thanksgiving Dinner at our house this year. I really enjoyed being able to have my family over with enough room for everyone. My only stress was that the Turkey finished cooking an hour and a half before I had planned. I frantically started calling everyone to hurry over so we could eat early but it turned out they were all already on their way. Yeah! The food was great, of course.

After dinner Jacque planned some fun games to play together. She always does such a good job. One of her ideas was to have everyone write one thing they're grateful for about everyone else and put it in a little bag. It was nice to read later that night the thoughtful things people said.

We were definitely all feeling a little full and comfortable as the evening wore on.

Some of us were very happy...

And some of us were very tired. But all in all it was a great day.

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

We've had such nice weather this fall that the kids have still been able to play outside. Austin's favorite thing is to dig up dirt from the garden and transport it somewhere else in the yard. This particular afternoon he was under the play set while his big brother and friends climbed on top. I asked Austin what he was making and he said, "I making cupcakes for Eden." Anytime one of the big boys started climbing around Austin he would yell, "Hey guys, go away, I making cupcakes for Eden." It's funny, but I see so much of myself in him.

One Of The Boys

The other day Dallin's friends came over to play. Things were getting a little rough so Dallin thought it would be better if they "took it outside." (Oh, my thoughtful son.) Anyway, Austin was ecstatic that he would get to go outside and play with all these boys. I got his warm jacket on and then he went in the garage to get the soccer ball. That's cute, I thought.

A few minutes later I heard, "Guys!" "Guys!" and then crying. I opened the back door and Austin said through tears,"These kids not play bouncy ball with me!" I looked at the boys and asked if any of them would mind kicking the soccer ball with Austin for a few minutes.

I was so impressed with their response. Immediately these sweet boys went to the other side of the yard and took turns kicking the ball with Austin. They didn't play it down, either, but really got into it with sideswiping kicks and "goal" shots (meaning they hit the fence). But Austin was so proud. They really made him feel like he was one of the boys.

I'm so glad my son has good friends who are thoughtful and helpful. I know Austin looks up to all of these boys and I'm proud that they have made such a good impression on him.

A Better Attitude and a Question

Yesterday we were driving to Grandpa's house and Dallin says, "I feel so excited mom. It's just this time of year, the smells, the sounds, the weather. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I just feel so excited." I was wondering what exactly he was excited about since I had just spent four hours researching gift ideas online and was feeling the spirit of commercialism. So I asked him why Christmas was his favorite holiday and he said, "because we get to read stories and talk about the baby Jesus and we get to think about other people and feel so much love."

Yeah, I felt like a schmuck. But then Dallin says, "you know what I want for Christmas mom?" And I thought, here we go, the ultimate request for some $120 electronic gift. I asked him "what?" bracing myself and he said, "I just want to spend time with you."

Those words have been ringing in my head for the past 24 hours. So I've been thinking how I can make this Christmas less about "stuff" and more about "people". I was thinking I might let the kids decide some activities we could do and maybe put them in charge. Instantly, the controlling voice inside of me sent off warning sounds. But I thought about a conversation I had with a friend yesterday as we were going through the Reflections entries. We talked about how much better it is when kids do the projects all by themselves. Of course, they don't turn out perfect and sometimes it's hard to tell exactly what they made but we both recognized the pride our children felt knowing they had created something all by themselves. I can see how the spirit of Christmas could touch my children deeper if I let them be in charge of some things and have their own experiences with giving and serving. In addition, I think it would take some of the pressure off of me trying to make everything perfect for everyone.

So what to do? I have no idea. Because I'm a control freak creative ideas like this don't come easy. So what do you do? Or better, what do your children do to make Christmas special and take the pressure off of you and gifts, etc?

Bah Humbug

I went to Sam's Club today to pick up a few groceries with Eden and Austin. It wasn't until I was almost done that I noticed my stomach was tied up in knots. At first I thought I had the flu again so I stopped and paused to see what the problem was. That's when I noticed it, Christmas music, "NOOOOO!" I felt the panick attack coming on. Instantly my mind started turning over everything I need to do and what should I get the kids and when am I supposed to put up decorations, ...

I've never left Sam's Club so fast. Just thinking about Christmas causes me anxiety. Even though I'm a highly organized person and tend to get everything taken care of well in advance, it's just the idea of it ALL that is so daunting. I know I stress too much about trying to get the perfect gift and the best deal. Someday I might learn to actually enjoy the holiday. But that's why I go on the Retreat in January. To recover from my anxieties of the previous two months.

But personally, I wish they could hold off on the Christmas music until after Thanksgiving at least.

Oh, To Do Something You've Never Done Before

and love it!

I just finished my first triathlon. I can't believe it but I really did it. I got the flu for the second time in two weeks on Thursday and thought for sure I wouldn't have it in me to try the race but I also couldn't stand the thought of not trying.

So, here's how it went. It was about 39 degrees this morning when we started. I was toward the front but in a matter of 30 seconds about 80 percent of the group passed me. To say I'm a slow runner is an understatement. I like to think of myself as the tortoise, I just keep plugging along. I admit that during the last half mile I was on the verge of crying (sound familiar?) and ready to run through the finish line for the 5k runners. But I made the turn and went for my bike. I saw my sister-in-law leave just as I was getting there and thought "a forty year old is kicking my butt."

Once I got on my bike, though, it was a whole new experience. I loved it. I started passing people like crazy (which felt so good) and flying downhill toward UVU. If I wasn't so chicken I could have gone faster. I confess anything over 26 mph freaks me out. But I enjoyed my ride and recuperated a little before tackling 400 North. "What a beast," some guy said as he climbed past me up the hill. But once again I wasn't the slowest so I felt pretty good, even though I almost threw up at the top.

So, one more lap of that on the bike. As I approached the hill for the second time I noticed I was even with another woman. I turned and said, "is this your second lap?" hoping to give her some encouragement. But when she turned and said, "yeah" I noticed it was my friend Monica. That was fun. So we gave each other props for making it that far and fought our way up the hill.

Okay, so what no one ever told me was that your supposed to strip down to your swim suit by your bike and then run into the Rec center barefoot in 40 degree weather. Man, that was cold. But I shoved my hair in a swim cap and ran in to find a line of people trying to get in the pool. The first lap was so crowded I kept swallowing water. I wanted to scream at everyone "hey, I'm a swimmer, get out of my way!" Instead I clawed past them one person at a time. My arms were burning but all I wanted was a little space to do what I do best. Turns out, it worked. I climbed out of the pool, crossed the finish line, and saw my sister in law standing there. "Did you just finish?" I asked. She said "yeah" and then told me that she saw me get in when she was on her third lap. So I think my fighting paid off.

I did the whole thing in 1 hour 27 minutes. Definitely not something to brag about. But I feel good anyway. The thing I find most funny is that I did my 3 mile run in 34 min. and was in about 30th place (I think that means for my age group or something) then I did the 10 mile bike in 41 min. and was in about 24th place. But I did the 300 meter swim in 8 min. and dropped to like 6th place. Just goes to show what I'm really good at. The funny thing is that isn't even a very good time for me but the pool was so crowded it was hard to get anywhere. I don't know what place I took overall. Like I said, I don't know how these things really work. But I feel good for having tried something I've never done before (and for not chickening out when I had a pretty good excuse).

I'm really grateful to my sister in law for encouraging me to do this. I was terrified this morning and just followed her around and did everything she did, which was really helpful. I only hope I can do half as good as she did when I'm forty.

The Passing of a Great Woman

On Wednesday Oct. 29th Ryan's Grandma Clara passed away. She had seven children and 26 grandchildren with a total of 115 members of her posterity (including spouses). She was a great woman with a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel. We are happy that she has been reunited with her husband Thales, her daughters Marie and Jeanne, and even her great -grandaughter Lillian.

Her funeral was held Saturday in Pleasant Grove. It was wonderful to hear her grand children and great grandchildren sing and to hear stories of her life that were great examples of her faith and testimony. She was buried in the Lehi cemetary next to her husband and eternal companion.

I will alway remember the impression she made on me. I know she loves her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I know she worked hard all her life. She is an example to me of humility, patience, love, and faith. She showed me what is most precious, our families.

All Hallowes Eve; From Morn 'till Midnight

8:00 am

I don't usually have entries this long but this was a pretty big day and I think the length of this entry only emphasizes the true size of this special day.

It all began not so bright but very early. It was my turn to drive for carpool and I needed to get Cameron's makeup done, finally (she's been waiting weeks for this). I thought I might have Ryan's help until I woke up at 3:30 am and realized he was just barely getting home from his trip. Ugh.

We finally managed to get Cameron back from the dead, Dallin the "Hot Dog", Austin the frog, and Eden partially ready as Sleeping Beauty. And then we were off for school.

10:00 -12:00 pm

Eden's Birthday Party

First, the kids decorated crowns but this was really a Baking Birthday party so we set the crowns aside to dry, put on our aprons and got busy making cookies...

and mini pizzas. I couldn't have done it without Grandma's help.

The girls ate their pizzas and decorated their cookies.

And just before we ran out of time we blew out the candles and opened presents.

What a bunch of cuties! Eden had so much fun.

1:00 pm

East Meadows Elementary Halloween Costume Parade

My sister in law Joy. Her daughter Katy says, "My mom rocks!"

Cameron back from the dead.

My son, the "Hot Dog".

3:30 - 4:30 pm

Trick or Treating at Novell

5:00 pm

Eden finally gets to open her presents from the family.

It was worth the wait.

6:00 pm
Trick or Treating in the old neighborhood with the Mickelsens.

Ryan took the bigger kids so they wouldn't be slowed down by the little ones. It was a good thing too because Eden had to tell every neighbor who they were dressed up as and that it was her birthday.

After about five houses I asked Austin if he wanted to get out. He said "no" and spent the next forty five minutes eating candy out of his bucket while I pushed him and Aleeya in the stroller.

It was a long day but so much fun.