Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and other Salutations

Merry Christmas to all! I know it is a little late, but we have been very busy with so much family in Thatcher, AZ! Christmas morning was super with 12 children and 11 adults. The kids were very appreciative of Santa and parental involvement in their Christmas gifting. I think the funnest gift exchange was when we met together later that evening for the cousin/spouse gift exchange. Then there were 16 children and 17 adults in Dawn's front room exchanging gifts from the youngest to the oldest. I don't know how they mixed up my age and put me right before Mike who is 40. Everyone KNOWS I'm only 28! But I took it well and opened my wonderful picture from Ryan along with the cutest snowman family Christmas ornament that I know that Misty found especially for me from the Gingerbread Shoppe the day before.

We had so much fun with the crafting that Mom and Susie had planned. It wasn't called scrap booking but (as Camie put it) "Papering with a Purpose". Whatever you want to call it, I am hooked. Next Badger Mtn. Bazaar I will be having a few more items for sale - paper, gingerbread, vinyl etc. Fun stuff to look forward to!

After our super fun times on Christmas, the next day was more crafting for the girls and golf (0r whatever) for everyone else. Mike and Uncle Don played racquetball. Mike was excited to see what type of player he'd become as Uncle Don has whipped his little rear for the past 25 years. Mike actually beat Uncle Don, but didn't gloat too much about it. I know personally from his behavior (and perma-grin) that he was pleased as punch.

On Thursday we left our great family and traveled with Camie and children to the Grand Canyon. This trip was a little easier for Camie because Mykie was in the car with her kids. Camie was just so impressed that Mykie could anticipate what she needed before she even needed it and that Mykie could occupy her kids so well. We all know that is just Mykie. She makes the world an easier place to be in!

Anyway, the Grand Canyon was great! We had never seen it before (except for Camie) and it was breathtaking. Not only because of it's natural beauty, but because in some places up there it was only 17 degrees. We got some great photos (on my new digital camera), in fact I think I will send a couple of Tyler's shots into GQ magazine!

After the Grand Canyon, we drove into Las Vegas to meet up with Nate and Amber. We took the kids down the strip into Excalibur and New York, New York. What a different world that is. The blatant sex wasn't nearly as bad as when you're there on a weekend, but it is still there. Especially when you see those mobile billboards on the strip. O000, la, la! It gave opportunity to talk to the kids about sin, etc. It was neat to see all the different stuff in the few hotels that we walked through. We didn't make it to the Bellagio for the fountains of water or to Treasure Island to see the ships outside, but we drove by on our way back to our seedy hotel. We got in about 1:30 or so, but I was the only one that slept well. I think I was tired. It takes a lot out of you to sit in the passengers seat for hours upon hours of driving.

The next morning after a quick (or slow) stop at M & M World we headed to Salt Lake City to spend a few more days with Nate and Amber and New Years with them both and Richard and Camie. Again, Camie's return trip was made a little easier with Nanny Mykie in the back and personal driver Tyler in the drivers seat.

It has been a super trip and I am glad that we made it even though we've spent untold hours getting to and from places. The kids have been great for the most part and the company has always been FANTASTIC!

Have a happy day! I know we are!

Look's Like We Made It!

And other 80's tunes or 70's. We've definitely heard a lot of them over the last two days thanks to Sirius radio. We also had some Christmas tunes in there just because "it's the season".

The trip to Utah was only about 10 hours which wasn't nearly as bad as the next day at about 14 hours. We didn't travel that much further mile wise from Utah to Arizona than from Washington to Utah, but we had to go through every little town at about 40-50 miles an hour. Towns like "Many Farms" "Globe" and other ones that definitely were a dot on Map Quest's maps, but flying through, I still don't know what merited a dot for them.

Our night in Utah was spent with my brother and his wonderful family in their new basement. It is AWESOME and was so comfy. The program show we watched was gross, but really realistic in HD (Man VS Wild and the episode was "Bear Eats". It should have been extended to say "bear eats really gross stuff"!)

We are now at Dawn and Bill's great new house in Thatcher, AZ. They are SOOOOOOO nice to accommodate us all. Last night, I asked Dawn how many were in her house and (after doing the math) came up with a total of 26. That doesn't include Grama or Grampa or Susie (she's on bed rest until the baby comes in March). She's so great and so is Bill.

I think we heard one song that basically said the trip there stinks, but it's all worth it when you get the greeting at the front door. That really was so true. Hugs abounded like they were just waiting for us to show up (getting there about 10 pm, they were probably just waiting for us), but as soon as Mike and Tyler walked in, they were dragged into the world of competitive ping pong ball (as a veteran of the Nelson family, I know that is only the beginning of the competitive stuff for the week).

Our weather was great which was very different than it was for those traveling on Friday to AZ. That was such a relief because we were also pulling a trailer (6 people in a Pathfinder for 10 + days - please!). Although the weather was good, Mike kindly did ALL the driving (I'm sure Santa will reward him handsomely).

Hopefully, you all have a terrific day today and if you are traveling for the season - juse be thankful that it's not a 24 hour drive with 4 kids in the car! I love the person that invented portable DVD players and earphones. LOVE THEM!

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

As many of you know, we are leaving town for Christmas. I decided that our annual family Christmas dinner would be held on Sunday so that we could have some of our family traditions in tact this Christmas season. Christmas dinner is really a repeat of Thanksgiving dinner, but with Christmas napkin rings added. It's great, there is something for everyone and no problems getting anyone around the table. Dessert is a different story. Pumpkin pie is on the menu. Most everyone enjoys it except for Tyler who HATES it and Jeremy that has a goal to try it every time it is baked, but always ends up with just whipped cream on his plate. The person who loves it the most and I mean LOVES it would be Brigam.

I baked pies on Saturday and listened to Brigam talk about having a slice all day. I kept telling him it was for the next day and Christmas dinner. When we were setting the table for the feast, of course Brigam (trying to be nothing but helpful) got out the pie. I had to tell him that was for dessert. It think he felt jipped.

Then, finally, it was pie eating time. We ate at about 1pm and by 8 pm Brigam had had at least 4 pieces. He was laying on my bed with me talking about (what else) having another slice when I said (so maturely I might add), "If you love it so much, why don't you marry it?" To that Brigam stands up on my bed, raises his fists in the air and yells, "I have a wedding to plan." With that he jumps off the bed and runs out the door. What a nut!

The next day after school, I asked him how the wedding went. Without skipping a beat, he said, "Oh, I didn't have a wedding. I just ate the bride and her whole family that came for it."

He is a funny little guy with true love for Pumpkin Pie.

Then we were at the mall (see "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" story) when Brigam sees the mall security guard and asks my why the police is at the mall. I told him that they were looking for him. A long lost cousin of Pumpkin's that was invited to the wedding, had reported Pumpkin and her whole family missing. Brigam tried to tell me that he ate her WHOLE family, but I said that the cousin was very late to the wedding and noticed that no one was there, but pie crust crumbs on the floor. The Police took the missing persons report and now want to question Brigam about the disappearance. He smiled and I thought that was that.

But last night we were at Target and they have store security too. Brigam saw the guy, turned to me with a smile and said, "Mom, he's looking for me too." My 6 year old is on the lamb! Watch out if YOU smell the slightest bit like pumpkin!

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

DISCLAIMER: This is not to be read aloud or by those that can read of elementary age. I truly don't mean to spoil anyone's visions on the guy in red.
On Tuesday of this week, I realized that Brigam had not yet seen the guy in red this year. What was wrong with me? He talks about him all the time. He is counting down the days until Christmas with such vigor! He loves everything about Christmas. He's watched all the cartoon Christmas shows he can get his eyeballs on. I was feeling pretty bad about not having the annual visit to Santa already taken care of. So I decided that even though this week was CRAZY with trying to get all the gifts wrapped and NOT SEEN, the house organized to be left by itself and a family packed and out the door for 10 glorious days in Arizona with family for Christmas - I must take Brigam to see St. Nick even if it was at the mall which is a little bit close to insane, I know.

Brigam knew that after Activity Days on Wednesday we were all heading to the mall. He was so excited about seeing Santa I had to remind him to go back into the house to get his coat and his shoes on so we could go. He was talking all about how he was going to tell Santa that he wanted is own palm pilot for Christmas. I strategically parked close to the Sears store so that there would be as little MallWalking as possible and a pretty straight shot to the "big guy" himself. While we are walking into the mall, Brigam is even squinting his little eyeballs so hard to see if he can make out reindeer and a sleigh on the roof of the Mall.

We've walked in the door and I see that there is actually NO LINE so I quicken my pace and the children in tow follow suit. Then, right when we are weaving our way through the line rope - Brigam asks,

"Mom, is Santa real?"
My immediate thought is - I have a personal moral dilemma that I never thought I would have. See I always wanted to be honest with my kids. One way I decided that I would do that and still have Santa be Santa was that when they asked - I would definitely tell them. It worked great with Tyler. He asked and I told him about the whole "parental involvement" thing. But then I told him that it was not his job or right to tell that to others. It was his right when he was a parent to his kids, but not as a kid to kids. I also told him that now it was his job to help with the "parental involvement" thing of maybe wrapping a few things or helping with that stuff, but most importantly he was to help keep the magic of it alive. I told him that Santa is a symbol of giving for the world. Here is a guy that asks for nothing in return, but he loves everyone in the world and wants to give them a gift. Not just any gift, but the gift that that person really wants or needs. Now Tyler could help in that giving to others.

He was so great! He never said a word to his siblings about his knowledge and even dressed up like Santa one year to entertain the kids. And I think I saw his penmanship displayed in a return response from the guy in red one year as well. He loved the knowledge.

Jeremy on the other hand asked one year and I gave him the same response. However, I must have not been as clear because the next year he asked me again! Funny, funny Bear.

Mykie did the same, but was like Tyler. They have all been great keeping the magic alive for Brigam.

But now Brigam has asked the BIG question and do you know what I said - what my personal moral said? It said a quick, "Yes" and took him to see the guy he'd been talking about all month. Simple and concise and wrong of me? What is wrong with me? I just can't let that baby grow up. I am so sad that this has come up. I fell that Brigam with his MAJOR creative personality just can't be bogged down with such information. Can't I wait to deal with this until at least 3rd grade? The simple truth is I AM A LIAR. I followed through with my plans for 3 kids, but botched it with the 4th. I really think that I just can't stand to see the look of astonishment leave his eyes during the Christmas season. What is a mom to do?

Oh my gosh! It's the dance of the Sugarplum Fairies!

Mykie and I had our annual trip to the Nutcracker on December 8th. It amazes me that she is so enthralled with the performace year after year. I remember the first year that I took her. She was 5 years old and it was our first Christmas in the tri-cities. I really wanted to go to the Nutcracker, but Mike wouldn't go with me. He'd already gone in Utah and told me that seeing a man wearing tights jumping up and down on the stage once was quite enough for him. See what happens when you try to get Mike involved in a little culture? I wonder if he'd only see the performance once if it was football players in tights on the stage? Aren't they already in some pretty funny looking pants or should we call them capris on the field? I guess it's all in the perception.

Anyway, Mykie and I always go out to lunch or dinner first and then we are off to lose ourselves in the beautiful dancing on stage and the music filling our minds. Then we get to listen to the CD afterwards and get lost in our own imagination. It is truly wonderful! I love the Nutcracker with my girl!

How do you spell relief?

Well, I finally have a few minutes to update my blog. Over the past few days I have enjoyed reading some of yours, but haven't had an extra minute to type anything of my own creation. Thanks for urging me on with your writings.

I am finally not as sick as I was. I really had a tough time of it for about 10 days. Two Wednesdays ago I was really down and out. I felt quite yucky on Thursday and to describe my condition - I now know what a stuffed animal feels like all the time. It made me want to grab a knife, head in to Mykie's room and do some seam ripping to aliviate what has to be a very uncomfortable life in her collection of stuffed animals. But I was way too sick to even have the energy to roll out of bed to retrieve a knife. I probably would have been so disoriented having blood rush to my already stuffed head, I wouldn't have known which direction Mykie's room would have been. It probably wouldn't have been a good day for any of us, so I just stayed in my room and tried to breathe through my occational one clear nostril. Sad stuff. My fellow employees and boss lady, Vicky were so nice telling me to stay home and that they didn't want my kind around there. By my craft show on Fri and Sat I was feeling much better, but very weak. On Tuesday this week, Vicky sent me home from work because I couldn't really help anyone workout if I was leaning on the machines my whole shift. I really feel much, much better now.

Poor Brigam and Mykie got sick Wednesday and Thursday. When Brigam woke up on Wednesday and I asked him how he felt, he told me he felt like Jello. I could totally understand the use of a noun as an adjective in that situation. Leave it to Briggy to give me a laugh about almost anything and any situation.

The vinyl machine is almost put to sleep for the year. Monday the 10th will be the last day I take orders for Christmas. I am sure that so many people don't understand how long it takes to "pick" vinyl after it is cut. It is time consuming and bends my back. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy it (can't you tell I LOVE words?), but a bunch at once makes me only have one focus - VINYL. That's ok if you aren't the mother of 4, wife of 1 (sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I had my very own wife, hummmmm), worker of TCCC and maid of the palace, etc. But I am and it is Christmas so I am looking forward to it all.

Well I am off to deliver the remaining orders of vinyl. Enjoy your day!

Yea! For snow!

I am so glad that it snowed! I can't believe that Yakima had 7 inches! At least now I have a little reminder of Utah. I know that the coming days will just be cold and bleak with no promise of beautiful white stuff falling, but yesterday I had beautiful white stuff all over the ground.

The kids got home from school, but were apparently too cold to play in it. I just have to tell you that I was such a good mom having hot cocoa ready for sipping as soon as they walked in. Maybe I was trying to make up for the mean sick mom visit that they had had. (By the way, I am feeling MUCH more human today.) They came out later when the sun was asleep - CRAZY KIDS! They built this great snowman.

Brigam was out there too, but didn't stay until the work was done. As always, Jeremy was happy to be the photographer for the whole event.

On Being Sick

Well, I have finally decided to admit that I am sick. I don't just have a little tickle in my throat or a runny nose. I am really sick. My ears are plugged. I can hear me, but when I talk it seems as if no one else can. They all say, "Huh?" which only aggravates me even more and turns me into scary mom. I usually only become scary mom when it is past about 8:00 pm or so and I am done being mom for the day. That's when "mom" becomes a "3-letter word" that is punishable with soap in the month. Being sick makes me "that mom" a lot earlier than 8:00 pm.

Anyhow, I am sick. My throat is the new home for an army of frogs (yes, a group of frogs is called an army, but I have been warned to leery of an army of frogs carrying guns or knifes). My head feels like what a stuffed animal head must feel like on a daily basis. My nose feels like I am smelling some really strong ammonia and it hurts.

Anyhow, even though scary mom has ruled the roost, Jeremy is the one that takes care of me the best. He was so sweet making me his famous Hot Cocoa from his secret recipe.

He is so sweet to me when I am hurt or sick. Apparently I am a little emotional as well as this is tearing my up at his thoughtfulness. Especially considering that a couple of weeks ago he came in to my room at 2:30 am to tell me that he threw up. The kind mother that is in my bed at such an early hour told him, "Go ahead and get some of the extra blankets and sleep on the couch. If you don't feel well in the morning you don't have to go to school." Is that the most thoughtful mom in the while wide world?

Anyhow, I also have a super boss who called me this morning and told me that I wouldn't be needed at work today. I was suppose to stay home and get better. People are so nice to me, even when I am a sick chick.

Anyhow, I'd better get better real quick because tomorrow and Saturday I am doing my one and only Christmas Bazaar at Badger Mtn. Elementary. I have made a ton of stuff this year including gift certificates for Just Say It! vinyl. Sick or not, I am going and smiling the whole time through! I love the bazaar. It is so fun to hear (most of) the comments about my stuff. It makes me feel good and we all need a little bit of that, scary mom or not!

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Now we're at the end of another one of those times in life that parents either look forward to with joy or loath it completely; the end of P/T Conferences. Like Tiffani said, you never know what you're going to get. You hope for the best, but don't want to look too confident (giving the impression that you really don't know your kid).

Mykie's conference was great. Her teacher loves her and thinks that she is great to have in class. She said that if Mykie had to go to 6th grade at the middle school today, she'd be ready. She's got the social, organizational, and learning skills she needs to be there. I am so proud of her and her abilities to push herself. Math has been tough, but she keeps working at it - on her own, by herself. Amazing. I told Mykie's teacher that I tell Mykie that I wish that everybody had a Mykie. Life would be so great for them. Mykie's teacher is pregnant and she said, "I hope I have a Mykie" while pointing to her belly. That comment thrilled Mykie. Mykie was proud to get letter grades for the first time in her educational career. She earned 3 A's and 1 B. She really puts a lot of effort into her schooling. I am proud of her.

Jeremy's conference was different than that of McLoughlins. Here, you make an appointment with his teachers and they all come to the same classroom for the student lead conference. He'd written down goals and what he had done positively through the quarter. I was impressed with his writing and his personal insight on himself. He also got some great grades (6 A's 1 B) and his teachers were so complimentary it made me want to cry. Even the science teacher that everyone hates. He said that he really loves having Jeremy in class. That not very many kids earn 100%, but Jeremy did. Jeremy even graded himself on his behavior in the classroom - he gave himself a 2 out of 3. His science teacher said that a 2 was too low. He never saw anything less than a 3 behavior-wise out of Jeremy. Wow, I knew that he was going to be a rough teacher (from parental comments I had heard), but Jeremy looked past that and really enjoyed learning from this teacher. Jeremy really has grown so much since we've moved over here. He is so much more in control of his actions and of his feelings. He really is so fun to be with.

Tyler has finally gotten a 4.0 at Pasco High School. Mike and I are so proud. He got an A in weight training. Um, yeah, that was the only class he took at PHS this quarter. We are so proud of that 4.0 and told him so. He hasn't gotten grades from CBC yet, but I am sure that they will be fine. He is a pretty good student and understands the importance of his college grades even if he is in high school.

School is their job right now. It's about their only job and the kids are doing a great job at it. I am impressed with what all kids have to learn now. I don't think that we were expected to know that much about so many things when we were in school. Maybe I just need to play that game, "Are you smarter than a the grader?" I might have forgotten what I was supposed to have learned! Do you think that kids are expected to learn so much more now?

Brigam's Parent/Teacher Conference

As many of you know, Brigam has had a tough time in 1st grade. His little personality has been SQUASHED and MUTED by those that think he should be different than he is. It started with mid-term reports of "Brigam doesn't try hard enough and isn't good enough when he tries". After I wrote a note to the teacher explaining that in our house we focus on the positive and encourage the children to do better, she wanted to meet to "see if we can get Brigam on grade level." Grade level? You've had him for 7 weeks and you've already gotten him off grade level? What the????? I met with the teacher. It was then that realized that Brigam just might have a terrible 1st grade experience this year and was really considering moving him to a different teacher or, if need be, a different school. Some suggested home schooling, but I think the lack of social involvement for Brigam would just about kill him.

After my teacher meeting, I met with the school counselor who, by the way, is a fantastic attribute of Lincoln Elementary. She listened to me and agreed that all children learn in different ways and are at different levels. She agreed with me about Brigam's small shortcomings being a preemie and that the teacher should understand this as well. She suggested that the principal or herself should be at our parent/teacher conference. I really didn't think that would help me in this situation. I mean, really, how do you act when your boss is sitting right next to you? So I never made the appointment, I just planned on meeting with me, Mike and the teacher.

On Tuesday last week, when Brigam got home from school, he ran right in and said, "Mom, my teacher says my handwriting is getting really good!" From that point on Brigam started soaking up learning like a sponge. For example, each week our first graders are given 10 sight words that they have to pass off in rapid fire fashion. We are on week 10, Brigam hadn't passed off week 3. But the next day when he went to school, he passed it off easily. He came home on Wednesday so excited to work on week 4's to pass off the next time. He had finally gotten an "atta-boy" and wanted it again. This is exactly what I was telling the teacher that would motivate Brigam to success. I was excited for the change in Brigam, but was wondering what prompted it. Had his handwriting mysteriously changed overnight?

By Friday, when we got to parent teacher conference, lo and behold, there was the principal sitting right next to Brigam's teacher. Sitting down with her, all she could do was compliment Brigam on his effort, attitude, etc. She was thrilled to have him in class. He was a joy! On and on she went. The couple of comments Mike and I made reiterated the fact that Brigam is propelled by positive feedback. I let her know that Tuesday was the first time Brigam had ever come home sharing a positive comment about school and that his success that week was immense after that.

It hit me after I left that she must have been told on Tuesday that the principal would be joining the conference and she really prepared for the meeting by getting to know Brigam. It was a WAY different meeting than that initial one was. She was really prepared and knew Brigam. Brigam is liking his teacher now and hasn't asked me once in the morning if it is Saturday on a school day. I know that the counselor was the one that made the appointment with the principal. I'm glad that she knew what she was doing. It sure has made a world of difference to Brigam. I really didn't think it would make any difference - hat's off to Ms. Debin!

Brigam and the Tooth Fairy

Brigam (finally) lost his first tooth. He's been saying that it's been loose for sometime now, but no one has really tried to help him pull it out. You'd think this job would defer to the mom because I am his main source of parental sunshine throughout most of his day (Mike leaves early and gets home late), but I can NOT stand to look at loose teeth! The thought of it gives me the shivers! I used to have nightmares of my teeth falling out and watching someone wiggle that loose tooth makes me want to hurl! Jeremy loves this little personality trait of mine and has always enjoyed chasing me around the house saying, "Look at my tooth, mom. It's sooooo loose!" I usually end up locking myself in the bathroom until he gives up and goes in to play video games or (depending on my mood) I threaten him with bodily harm if he continues his teasing. I do not like nightmares. I need my beauty sleep.

Anyway, Mike in all his sun shininess was home the other day when Brigam, being bugged by his loose tooth, asked Mike to help him take it out. After two little pulls and absolutely NO tears - the tooth was out. Brigam was very proud that he had his tooth and was a little confused about it's shape (because he can't see below the gum line.) The tears and anxiety didn't come until after the tooth was out and he saw BLOOD! I wonder if our children's deepest, darkest worries about blood is that they will instantly die if they loose 1/8th of a teaspoon of it? I had to console him repeatedly and let him know all the wonders of blood clotting. I wasn't very convincing. He wasn't really going to believe me until it stopped bleeding. It did.
The next morning was even more fun for Brigam when he found a $2.00 bill under his pillow (I guess the tooth fairy realized this was MY last "first tooth" loss and decided to overpay in the excitement of it all. At this rate, I think it will cost the tooth fairy about $56.00 over the course of Brigam loosing his teeth. It doesn't get too difficult until he starts in on the 12 year old molars and looses 1 a week for a while. I wonder where she keeps all those two dollar bills?)
His question to me that morning was, "Mom, can the tooth fairy come two days in a row?" He was so excited about the money that he couldn't wait to get started on his next tooth and telling me that it was loose! Of course I don't know if it is or not, remember - I don't look. Either way, the tooth fairy had better stock up on $2.00 bills!

"Oh, they're soooo cute - especially when they sleep!"

Those words are the saving grace for a few of my "most prized possessions" the past few days. Being a parent - at least trying to be a GOOD parent - with those that have their own ideas on how the world works is sometimes trying. That's the thing about everything in this life. Something that may be good can also be bad at another time. I have always loved watching my children grow and come into their own ideas about things. Even if they are stupid ideas, at least I had raised them to think for themselves. But that "thinking your own thoughts" thing can backfire as well. Not that Tyler is going off any deep end or anything, but he does have his own ideas about stuff. Teenagers have the same problem today that we had when we were teenagers (only 10 years ago for some of us). They think they are invincible.

Tyler has been on just this side of the obnoxious line - OK, he's actually stepped across that line this week. He is obnoxious. I guess I find some consolation that at least he feels unconditionally loved here at home enough that he can be a turkey around me and to me. It's really not much consolation.

It also could be that I am experiencing that precious time that comes around every 28 days or so that makes no one in this life understandable or me patient, but I DOUBT THAT LADIES. I am sure that it is all his fault. I really don't think that there is much he can do to remedy the problem short of 1 dozen red roses, an apology ad in the school newspaper and a heartfelt "Mom, you are the smartest, wisest, most knowledgeable, most wonderful person in the whole wide world" comment in front of all his friends followed up by a two handed/armed hug (not just the jock wave). Yup, the more I think about it, I think that would fix it. Do you think I ask for too much?

As I have told you all many times I always, always, always have 1 perfect child. Who that perfect child is might change by the minute, but at any one time one of my 4 children are treating me perfectly. I am a selfish person though, an sometimes 1 is not enough. Today, I've had enough. I need chocolate, a girls night out and some good ol' belly laughter!

GIVE ME WHAT I NEED GIRLS!

Brigam's "Sick" haircut

I don't know if any of you noticed Brigam's new "do" today, but he had one and yes, it was on purpose! Tyler's "friend that is a girl" (we can't say girlfriend because that causes stress on teenagers) - her name is Jackie - gave Tyler a haircut. She really did a great job! Brigam was next and I was happy to let her. You know what they say about a bad haircut - it's only bad for 2 weeks. Anyway, she asked Brigam if he wanted a design cut out in the back of his head/hair. Of course he did! He wanted things that were next to impossible to create so clever Jackie came up with this "artsy" design and a mock Mohawk.

Brigam was thrilled and so was I. He was so excited about it, but thought it might disappear. He asked me when he woke up on Saturday if it was still there. I had to take a picture so that he'd know that it didn't disappear. I guess the science of hair growing is lost on Brigam.

I think he also had a little "crush" on his stylist.

Because when I asked him if he liked Jackie, this was the expression I got! Then he shook his head and said, "Man, I've got sooooo many girlfriends!" I didn't have the heart to tell him that when he gets only 1 is definitely all he'll be able to handle!

Snowboarding Season is Almost Upon Us

Saturday was a special day, it was the day we get ready for snowboarding! Mike, Jeremy and Tyler spent a good part of the morning at the annual Ski/Snowboard Swap at the fairgrounds. We had a few items to sell, but we also had a few items we were in need of.

Jeremy got some sweet snowboarding pants with butt and knee padding (not that he'll need it, he is a crazy man on the slopes - bombing it down the mountain stoping only for the lodge) for only $10.00. They are a great buy! He and Mykie also got new "Clicker" bindings so that they don't have to mess with straping their boots in anymore. They just step on them and head off down the mountain.

Mykie loves snowboarding. She is a natural at it.

Her gymnastics talents with balance really make

snowboarding come easy for Mykie. She is really looking forward to trips with dad and the boys this year. They will plan their annual one for Utah in April when they will take in a little boarding and General Conference with Mike's siblings.

Brigam is also looking forward to snowboarding season this year, although he has never snowboarded before. He has always been a little frightened at the thought of putting something attached to his feet on a mountain covered in slippery stuff, but for right now - he's pumped.

I do think that this is how most of his first snowboarding experience pictures will turn out, just that the surroundings will be white and wet. Hopefully, he'll just jump right back on and try it again.

As for myself, I haven't been snowboarding for years. I haven't even gone since we've been up here. I went a couple of times in Utah and really liked it, but the mountain was just 20 minutes away and I could leave anytime I wanted to. Here you have to drive at least 2 hours and stay ALL DAY because Mike is going to get his money's worth. We'll have to wait and see if I can try it this year. But knowing that I will be in the same position as Brigam for most of the day - that thought is kind of a downer! I wonder if the lodge has some place I can lie down, hummmmm...

Tyler - He Works Hard With A Little Help From His Friends

Tyler's new job at the new house is to rake the leaves. Mike has asked Tyler to do this for quite a while now, so when Saturday came, Mike was done with being Mr. Nice Guy. Tyler had to complete the job or no fun for Ty Saturday night. Apparently, Tyler needed a bit more prodding, so he brought along some friends to make sure the job was done right.

This is Jared and Dirk, they are really the "muscle"

behind the work getting completed:

This would be Tyler hard at work.

He really hasn't been working too hard - his jacket is still on! So Dirk had to pull the big guns out:

Dirk may look like all he does is work, work, work; but he and Jared have plenty of time to play as well. They all took a swing on the big ol' tree swing. I do think that they were actually making more work for Tyler to do by stressing the tree and making it drop it's leaves, but that means less work for Tyler next week!

Actually, these guys are super guys and we're just glad whenever they come around! Martin and Jackie were here too, but I guess they missed the photo opps that could have been theirs. By the way, Tyler's mission was successful, now he's on to the dishes!

The Boy Scouts Of America (or (better titled) Things That Can Make A Parents Job Harder)

Tonight we attended a Court of Honor. For those of you who don't have scouting aged boys, that is where the boys are awarded their patches for the merit badges they have earned. Lots of boys LOVE scouting. My boys do not. It all started with Tyler. He was enjoying scouting until about 7th grade. Uniforms, respect, helping little old ladies across the street - now in 7th grade these things are not cool (I think he also had a few leaders that didn't like scouting at all and some that were 110% scouting FOREVER. I think visiting those two ends of the spectrum in 2 years was too much for our Tyler.) I admire those that face their crowd of peers and say that they actually enjoy scouting. Personally, I think scouting is great because it gives opportunities for the boys to gain experience and knowledge about many, many, many things without having to dive totally into something with no understanding of it at all.

Tyler FINALLY earned his Eagle. We are so proud that he did it, but kind of sad because he really didn't enjoy the journey. In fact, he doesn't even want a Eagle Court of Honor even if there is dessert involved. He just wants us to be off his back about it.
Jeremy is kind of along the same lines as Tyler, but only because of Tyler's attitude. I tell him that it is OK to like scouting because of the many faucet's it can open up to him. Just because Tyler doesn't enjoy it doesn't mean Jeremy doesn't have to enjoy it. These guys are as different as night and day so why do they have to agree on this one thing? Deep down, I think he does enjoy it, he just doesn't want Tyler to think he's not cool.

Brigam, on the other hand LOVES scouting. He's only 6, but every time we go to something that has to do with scouting, he has to wear the old Cub Scout Shirt and Neckerchief. He loves the uniform and looks forward to the day that he will get to be in scouts. Let's hope this sticks.

Like I said, scouting is great when you don't have to berate! What makes your job harder?

Your Best Reason For Blank Blogs

The following is the #1 reason why I have been lame on blogging this week.

Vinyl orders abound at my house. My back makes me feel like a 90 year old woman - where hunched over is a natural posture. For those of you who don't know the process, vinyl comes in a big long roll. My uber-smart computer allows me to write (or should I say design to sound artsy-fartsy) whatever I want in whatever font I want in whatever height I want and then sends it to my vinyl cutter. The vinyl cutter lovingly cuts out the design and then the rest is up to me. I have to "pick" away the extra vinyl leaving the great design. It is a beautiful thing when it is done (I love walls that talk to you), but it is a time consuming, back bending process.

I had to break yesturday for a quick workout at the gym and spent sometime trying to put my back back on one of those large workout balls. I'm glad no one was watching but my friend Dacia. Dacia already thinks I am a geek, so I don't have to pretend not to be one anymore when I am around her. Lucky her. She gets me in all my naturalness.

I am back at the vinyl machine this morning - these creative juices cannot be stopped!

F.H.E.

Well, for those of you who brave FHE and have everyone still in attendance with no tears by the end of it – my hat’s off to you and I’d like to know just how you pull it off! Usually, I strive so hard for the Spirit to be in attendance that I usually offend about 1/3 of those at FHE with my orneriness. Then that 1/3 is sent to their room with reminders that they will be getting NONE of the delicious treats that were going to be handed out to those who actually made it through the “joyful family time” which means that I have to pull something out of the pantry to make those being punished salivate. It’s usually just some old store bought cookies that no one really likes the flavor of anyway because it’s not Oreos. Needless to say, the Spirit is no where in feeling (I was going to say in sight, but it just doesn’t work with the Holy Ghost.)
There is one reason and one reason only that we had a super successful FHE on Sunday – that reason was Tyler. Yes, ours in Sunday. Monday always looks like a great day for FHE until it gets to be about 9:00 pm and it still isn’t done. Tyler’s lesson was on the Armor of God. Not only did we find out what each piece of armor spiritually represented, but we proceeded to make it out of super-strong, super shiny tinfoil. Then we took photos(all Tyler's idea). My warriors….

Aren’t they looking like they are definitely the victorious types? I thought I’d share my successful FHE will you all complete with the pics. Tyler is available for loan for your next FHE, just make sure the treats are homemade and delicious!

What are you Thankful for?

Last night we went to a Kennewick East Stake performance called CELEBRATE AMERICA

It was truly unbelievable the talent that is hidden in one
stake. We actually were going because Mykalyn was in the children’s group.
(Sorry the pictures are so bad; I am trying to get Mike to cough up the dough to buy a cool camera like Lees! I am using the old “if you take enough bad pictures, they are going to help you do it right” routine.)
Mykie is in the back row, third one in. It was pretty cool on this song
(Nifty Fifty) because they were holding cards that actually made up the flag of the Good Ol’ USA. They did a great job and had two numbers.
This next couple, Fred and Pat Dixon, have just celebrated their 43 wedding anniversary. They had 4 daughters and now have 13 grandchildren and even some great grandchildren. They sang some cute “the art of raising parents” songs. One was called “Never Say No”. I thought this song was so cute and really so revealing of what happens when a parent says “NO” that I had to include the lyrics with it:

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh! Dog's got to bark, a mule's got to bray. Soldiers must fight and preachers must pray. And children, I guess, must get their own way The minute that you say no.

Why did the kids pour jam on the cat? Raspberry jam all over the cat? Why should the kids do something like that, When all that we said was no?

My son was once afraid to swim. The water made him wince. Until I said he mustn't swim: S'been swimmin' ever since!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh! Dog's got to bark, a mule's got to bray.
Soldiers must fight and preachers must pray. And children, I guess, must get their own way The minute that you say no.

Why did the kids put beans in their ears? No one can hear with beans in their ears. After a while the reason appears. They did it cause we said no.

Your daughter brings a young man in, Says "Do you like him, Pa?" Just say that he's a fool and then: You've got a son-in-law!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!Sure as the June comes right after May!Sure as the night comes right after day! You can be sure the devil's to pay The minute that you say no.

Make sure you never say...No!

Doesn't saying “NO” sometimes give you a scary kind of feeling of things to come?
There was this fun women’s trio that sang Boogie Woogy Bugle
Boy. They were energetic and full of smiles. Mykie and I loved this group. She told me about it at all her practices.
There were tons of performances by groups and great soloist that sang Summer Time and hit those high notes in a fantastic way, but the best (or most entertaining) was the Young Men’s Quartet. They didn’t sing, as much as they lip-synced and danced.

The dancing was so great. It was reminiscent of the 70’s in style, but it was choreographed so well. The boys are part of the “in-crowd”, but weren’t afraid to be silly and entertain us all! I wish I had it on video so I could share it with you all. You’d all get a good laugh!

The only downfall for the evening was Brigam. He kept saying, “I hate singing” and hang his head. I did get him to pose for one picture, but as you know pictures can say 1000 words. Brigam’s says boredom!

It was a great performance ending with the song “Proud to be an American” were the audience was invited to “stand up” and sing with the entire cast on the last chorus. That is one of my favorite songs and always fills me with pride and a host of goose bumps on the arms. I do love America and feel so blessed to be here. What a great show to kick off the Thanksgiving season to remind us that we do have so much to be thankful for!

Enjoy your day and don’t forget to say “thanks” for the blessings that are your own!

Fore!

If there is one activity that Brigam is always up for, it would be GOLF with dad! When I see them go off golfing, it reminds me of that Primary song “My Daddy is my Favorite Pal…” He thinks it is the funnest sport!
I, on the other hand, feel quite differently. For one, golf is a very expensive sport. Apparently six year olds don’t cost that much, that is why Brigam is getting to go all the time, but 28 year olds are FULL PRICE all the time – even if they are cute! My second reason for not enjoying the hitting-the-puny-little-ball-with-the-puny-little-stick game is because I don’t see the need to pay for frustration. Geez, I am the mother of 4 children, a wife, I have a teen-tiny, less than part-time job, and a craft business on the side (can you say “vinyl” anyone?) I don’t need to pay for frustration, I get it for free.
Anyway, back to Brigam and his love for the sport and all its facets. He also wants to dress that way. Here’s one of him getting ready to have his own clubs put in the car.

The next is a better view of that “golf” hat.
No, he doesn’t wear that because he wants his ears warm. He’d wear that in the dead of winter. But it is his “golfing” hat – plaid and all. Thanks to Grampa Anderson (and Aunt Hermona) – wearing that hat is the cherry on top of a great golf session!

Compute-TARDS

As much as I love computers - I really hate them just as much. The more I do, the more I have to lose. One of our computers opens up in Windows 2000 even though it also has Windows XP on it. I have avoided switching over to XP because I didn't have the XP version of Microsoft Office and didn't want to fork out $200 for it. The computer could only be patient for so long. Now when I try to boot up in 2000, it tells me it's missing a file. But it will boot up in XP, but there are none of my files on it. I don't know where the missing file went too, but I would like to file a missing file report. Unfortunately, I think I would have to direct my questions about the missing file to the XP portion of my computer and I really think that XP is responsible for it's disappearance. I don't think XP will look into the case to deeply. Stupid compute-tards! Now I will have to go outside in the cold to my money tree and harvest some leaves to go shopping.

Halloween and other Scary Things

Well, the BIG night is over and the fun has now just begun! Mykie was ever fashionable in her "birthday" heelys making for the perfect illusion of a floating witch. Make-up curtosy of Mykalyn Productions. Pretty good for her first go with make up (by the way, that is why she'll have to wait until 12 to wear the real stuff. Anyone remember the 80's and all that blue eyeshadow?) She had a great time with her girlfriends and brought home way too much candy.

Brigam was our scary vampire (not Dracula, for some odd reason I haven't figured out). He did want the make up until we got into it, then he fought me all the way. It was worse when we tried to scrub it off in the shower. I am sure that he profusely thanked Heavenly Father in his prayers last night that he wasn't a girl and had to do that every day! He loved trick-or-treating. It was just he, Mike and I trick or treating which was reminisent of those earlier Halloweens with Tyler. He was very polite to the trick-or-treatees running from the houses after he got his loot saying, "I said thank you mom!" He loved the fact that he got a stash of sugar of his very own. He did share one cherry flavored tootsie pop with me. Very thoughtful after all the walking we did last night.

So those were scary things, but the following was the scariest of them all:

Tyler goes to his first Homecoming. He's so handsome, Kelsey Carver is a knock out and my baby is off and in the dating world. I guess that before now he was in the dating world, but now he's all dressed up and looking so old. It was a double date and they had a great time. Appearantly, Tyler tore it up on the dance floor (I don't know if everybody else thought that he tore it up too, but he said that he did utilize some of the moves showcased in the movie Hitch. I think that the moves were the ones that were banned by Will Smith's character, mind you.) It's weird watching your kids grow sometimes. Brings back some memories - some fond, some not so fond. But I am so glad that he is who he is. He is an awesome guy that will be an awesome man! Stuff for you all to look forward to my friends!

Happy Halloween!

I am excited for tonight, but a little sad too. Tyler thinks he's too old for trick or treating. Being 16 I don't see that there is a problem, it's not like he's 28 like me! I even have the perfect costume for him - a create a huge magnet he wears around his neck and then put little (fake) plastic baby chickens all over him. He's a chick magnet! It would be perfect, but he's not biting. Jeremy is going to dress up like a 70's Superman/Clark Kent (which just means the Clark Kent costume and a huge black afro) or he's going to wear a size 4 Toddler Eyore costume. WHATEVER - the point here is that he is going to go trick or treating with friends. Mykie, my little witchy-poo is going to go trick or treating with a friend and her mom too. That leaves my little dracula, Brigam with Mike and I. Maybe Ranch and Home trick or treating isn't such a bad idea after all. Quick and enough candy to keep the Andelin's in business for the next year. Hum....
I did my Halloween dress up already. The girls from work and I dressed up as storage boxes. I was Christmas Decorations, we had a St. Patricks Day Decoration Box, a Thanksgiving one and a Halloween Costume box. It was pretty funny. Note to all, going up the stairs in a box is quite a little workout. You'll have to work that new one into your workout routine! I'll post pics later. Have a great Halloween!

The Princess' Birthday

Yesturday we celebrated Mykalyn's Birthday. Unbelievably the girl has turned 11! She is getting older faster than I thought she would. I am still 28 and she is catching up fast! For her birthday, she got her ears pierced and was allowed to shave her legs. She is so very excited! I never thought Daisy disposible razors could get somebody to hug you so hard. She's had "issues" about the hair on her legs as of late. It was enough to stop her from wearing skirts, but now she is ready to "skirt" once again. In fact, she is already up and asking for help in the shaving department this morning.
Mykalyn is such a great little girl. I don't know why I was so lucky to get my one girl to be so fantastic. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She is so helpful. She helps you before you knew you needed help. She's just that type of gal. I am so glad that she's my friend. Gotta go shave!

Burp Barfs

Last week was one of those weeks that I really missed my mom and dad being here. For those of you who don't know - they are on a 23 month mission in Mongolia (yes, even Outer Mongilia). I'm driving home in my car wishing I could call my mom to rattle off to her for an hour about nothing. Thank goodness for e-mail!
I also could have used mom and dad this week because there is only one of me and I have 4 kids (Mike works in Oregon - an hour away). On Tuesday, I had just dropped Brigam off to get on the school bus and was on my way to take Mykie to the dentist (by the way, don't let your kids brush their teeth on their own. No matter how much they squirm and scream when you pin them to the floor, sit on their chests and floss and brush for them - DO IT - it is apparently important to do. Cavities like it when kids do the brushing) when I get a phone call from the school. Brigam is supposedly not feeling well as he threw up on the bus. This confused me because there was no indication that there was a "pukey" child during our morning's activities.
I dropped Mykie off to face the dentist ALONE with her two cavities and 1 sealant. She's so brave.
I rush to the school to pick up my sick child. Seeing him sitting on the bed in the nurse's room puts me immediately into mothering mode. I rub his back and hold his little hand and ask him how he's feeling. He's fine. I asked him if he felt like throwing up again. No he doesn't. I asked him if he was sick this morning and didn't tell me. No, he isn't sick. I ask, so patiently I might add, why he threw up then. He informed me that he didn't throw up, he did a "burp barf". Trying to hold back a smile, I asked him why he "burp barfed". He said, "It was all this kid's fault on the bus. This kid on my bus picked his nose (his own nose, not Brigam's), showed his booger to me and then he ate it. It made me sick so I burp barfed!" At least I know that my kid doesn't eat what comes out of his nose. Needless to say, I have asked him to keep his eyes closed on his bus ride to school. Being in first grade, I don't think that Brigam has seen the last of those who cannot dispose of their findings appropriately.

The Day Before the First Day of School

No matter how much I prepare, this day inevitably finds me scrambling to get stuff done for tomorrow. The clothes are all bought down to the new socks and undies. The paper, anti-bacterial wipes and pencils are all ready stuffed in backpacks waiting for little children to lug the pounds of school supplies to their waiting teachers on their first day. My running around has to do with the need to have lockers decorated NOW, much needed ID badges (that aren't really necessary for those first few days, but are somehow MANDITORY during the rest of the year), and dealing with student services people who forget that the last part of their place of employment is SERVICES. Even with all that running around, I feel that God has sent me a gift in starting school on Tuesday in Kennewick. Knowing that Wednesday is the first day in the Pasco School District (the district I just moved from), He wanted to give me a little extra love by starting the school year one day earlier. He loves me!