The Blu Chippy

When you get that kind of news....

2012-02-09T17:55:00.041-07:00

This post is dedicated to my loved ones dealing with unexpected news. I love you and I know the Lord will guide and support you. I may have blogged part of this before but I thought I would put it all together.

(One day in August 2002) 18.5 weeks gestation
Heavy and gray. For August it was unexpected weather. It had been raining for a couple of days. Three months earlier much to my shock, I found out I was pregnant with our 2nd baby. The shock came because I had an IUD in place. So much for birth control. With the removal of the IUD there is a risk of miscarriage, but so far this baby was doing just fine. It was the day of the big ultrasound. The big unveiling of the gender of this baby. Another boy or would we get a girl this time? I worked that morning and I kept telling my clients "I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, as long as it's healthy". Isn't that what you hear people say all the time? I was meeting Brian at the doctors office. On the way there I called him because I had this uneasy feeling. A little nag in the back of my brain that wouldn't go away. I said to him, "What if it's not ok?" " What if he or she is not healthy" Typical Brian response "Then we will just deal with it."

Ultrasound: First shot on the screen before the tech could even ask if we wanted to know the gender; I could tell, clearly we were having another boy. I was excited, Cambridge and this little baby would be best buds. Then the tech got quiet, as in really quiet. The kind of quiet you know isn't right. Finally the tech said he was seeing some markers for Down Syndrome. There are something like 27 markers and this baby had three of them. There was a thickening at his neck, there was echogenic focus on his heart (calcified spot, but all I heard was problems with the heart) and he couldn't see his stomach. Which meant the baby didn't have a stomach, or quite possibly it wasn't connected to the esophagus. He then said it could possibly be he was wrong and we should get a second opinion. The first thing I felt was shock. Literal astonishment. My brain was in slow motion trying to register everything he just said. They ushered us upstairs to meet with my OB. I love my doctor but she tells it how it is. She said this tech was one of the best and she said based on his findings she would agree this baby had Downs. And then she proceeded to go into all of the health issues and stresses that go along with Downs children...not to mention the baby may not even survive birth. By Utah law we had 10 days to decide if we were aborting or seeing this to term.
She said she was so sorry and we left.

It was still raining outside. My tears started and wouldn't stop; much like the rain.
I called my mom, and through gut wrenching sobs gave her a brief update on the situation. For me, a girl who loves her siblings and friends, I found it strange but I didn't want to talk to anyone. I wanted to crawl inside a dark hole and not come out. I felt like my chest had been opened and literally there was a gorilla sized hand squeezing my heart. I hadn't even met this baby yet and I was grieving for a normal life that would never be. It was the death of a dream. My hopes and aspirations for this baby that were not going to happen. It wasn't until this last September when my Dad died that I realized this type of grief is totally different. When my Dad died I was shocked because it happened unexpectedly and saddened, but I felt peace. In the days after this ultrasound I didn't feel peace. I felt a heaviness that I thought would never ever go away. I felt like I would never smile again, I would never feel joy, and if it was going to hurt this much how in the world was I going to go on functioning as a normal mom for Cambridge?

We did get a second opinion and they did an amnio to genetically confirm the Down Syndrome. When they called with the results I remember them saying you have a week to decide if you are keeping this pregnancy. We prayed and pondered, and talked with our Bishop and Stake President. Their counsel was that they would love and support us no matter what we decided. Now before you judge me or anyone else in that situation and say, "oh I would never never even consider an abortion" you have to weigh all the facts. It wasn't just the Downs, there were lots of other known and unknown health concerns. Having a special needs child changes your life, for the rest of your life. I prayed and honestly felt peace about aborting this baby and raising him in the Resurrection. Brian said, "He is our son and we will love him and take care of him as long as we are able." Ok so Brian was obviously the one in-tune with the spirit, but try as I might I could not find any peace around the decision to keep this baby.

Sometimes you have to wait for it: About two weeks later we had gone to Bear Lake. I was functioning but barely. I had a dream that night that I delivered this baby and when I looked at the baby I saw the most perfect beautiful baby boy. In the dream I said to the doctor, "look he doesn't have Downs" She looked at the baby and then at me and said, "you need to look again" When I looked again I saw the slanted eyes, and the squishy nose, and the extra small ears. Somewhere in the room a deep male voice said, "he wanted you to see him for who he really is" and then I felt the peace.

Raising this boy has not been an easy journey. Those first 3 weeks in the NICU about did us in. And that was just the beginning of the ride. Many times I have cried out, "I can NOT do this" and always there is a prompting or literally someone there that says "yes you can". So if you are in pain or in a place where you think you can't....you can, I know you can.... You will see the sun, feel the warmth again on your face, and feel the peace and happiness in your heart.

Kid to kid

2012-02-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

I went in for a jog stroller. Bubba had other ideas.

Carpe Diem

2012-02-06T20:34:00.001-07:00

I love this, Thanks Kath for sending to me.

From Momastery.com

Every time I’m out with my kids, this seems to happen:

An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, “Oh. Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast.”

Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seizethe moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy every second, etc, etc, etc.

I know that this message is right and good. But as 2011 closes, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn’t work for me. It bugs me. This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. Especially during this phase of my life, while I’m raising young kids. Being told in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I’m not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I’m doing something wrong.

I think parenting young children (and old ones, I’ve heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they’ve heard there’s magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb, are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it’s hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.

And so I think that if there were people stationed, say, every thirty feet along Mount Everest yelling to the climbers: “ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF!? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD BE! ONE DAY YOU’LL BE SORRY YOU DIDN’T! TRUST US!! IT’LL BE OVER TOO SOON! CARPE DIEM!” those well-meaning, nostalgic cheerleaders might be physically thrown from the mountain.

Now. I’m not suggesting that the sweet old ladies who tell me to ENJOY MYSELF be thrown from a mountain. These are wonderful ladies. But last week, a woman approached me in the Target line and said the following: “Sugar, I hope you are enjoying this. I loved every single second of parenting my two girls. Every single moment. These days go by so fast.”

At that particular moment, Amma had swiped a bra from the cart and arranged it over her sweater, while sucking a lollipop undoubtedly found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. A losing contestant. I couldn’t find Chase anywhere, and Tish was sucking the pen from the credit card machine WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, “Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you.”

That’s not exactly what I wanted to say, though.

There was a famous writer who, when asked if she loved writing, replied, “No. But I love havingwritten.” What I wanted to say to this sweet woman was, “Are you sure? Are you sure you don’t mean you love having parented?”

I love having written. And I love having parented. My favorite part of each day is when the kids are put to sleep (to bed) and Craig and I sink into the couch to watch some quality TV, like Celebrity Wife Swap, and congratulate each other on a job well done. Or a job done, at least.

Every time I write a post like this, I get emails suggesting that I’m being negative. I have received this particular message four or five times: G, if you can’t handle the three you have, why do you want a fourth?

That one always stings, and I don’t think it’s quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it’s hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she’s not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn’t add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it’s so hard means she IS doing it right…in her own way…and she happens to be honest.

Craig is a software salesman. It’s a hard job in this economy. And he comes home each day and talks a little bit about how hard it is. And I don’t ever feel the need to suggest that he’s not doing it right, or that he’s negative for noticing that it’s hard, or that maybe he shouldn’t even consider taking on more responsibility. And I doubt anybody comes by his office to make sure he’s ENJOYING HIMSELF. I doubt his boss peeks in his office and says: “This career stuff…it goes so fast…ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT IN THERE, CRAIG???? THE FISCAL YEAR FLIES BY!! CARPE DIEM, CRAIG!”

My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn’t enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn’t in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn’t MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I’d wake up and the kids would be gone, and I’d be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.

But the fact remains that I will be that nostalgic lady. I just hope to be one with a clear memory. And here’s what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line:

“It’s helluva hard, isn’t it? You’re a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She’s my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime.” And hopefully, every once in a while, I’ll add, “Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up–I’ll have them bring your groceries out.”

Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn’t work for me. I can’t even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.

Here’s what does work for me:

There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It’s regular time, it’s one minute at a time, it’s staring down the clock till bedtime time, it’s ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it’s four screaming minutes in time out time, it’s two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.

Then there’s Kairos time. Kairos is God’s time. It’s time outside of time. It’s metaphysical time. Kairos is those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day, and I cherish them.

Like when I actually stop what I’m doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can’t hear her because all I can think is, This is the first time I’ve really seen Tish all day, and myGod – she is so beautiful. Kairos.

Like when I’m stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I’m haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I’m transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles of healthy food I’ll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world’s mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.

Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think, how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.

These kairos moments leave as fast as they come–but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don’t remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.

If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success.

Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day.

Good enough for me.

Gettin naked at church

2012-02-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

We will call it temperature control. Apparently yesterday in Primary Sport decided he was hot. He took of his sweater. He decided he was still "too hot" and took off his undershirt. And because he was at the end of the row where in the corner, where the teacher couldn't quite see him he decided to take a few minutes in his half naked state and do some poses for the crowd. Awesome

Chips and Popsicles

2012-02-03T16:53:00.001-07:00

Seriously is this February or April?

Fingers and Toes

2012-02-02T14:28:00.002-07:00

Princess Pie and her BFF
I took them to a local shop run by some women with heavy Asian accents. It was all I could do to not burst out laughing as the little girls were trying to understand what they were saying. Luckily they just smiled and giggled which is universal for happy.

Grounded

2012-02-02T14:25:00.002-07:00

Master lost all electronic gadgets this week; always good to see your kids get into a book!

A Girl's Guide To Therapy

2012-01-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

1. Clean a space (notice I did not say your whole freaking house - pick 1 closet or 1 bathroom or even 1 drawer)
***Get a sitter if you have small children and complete the rest of the list***
2. Go work out
3. Go tanning (fake or real doesn't matter)
4. Buy yourself something (new nail polish, new shoes, new shirt, new pen..whatever)
5. Pick up a Diet Coke, Sobe, Sugar free lemonade (whatever floats your boat) for the drive home.
Wa-la - You may not be cured but I guarantee you will feel better!!!

Head Games, 'my take' and Reality

2012-01-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Lately (like the whole holiday season) and since then I have been deep inside my head on this one. It could just be the ages of my kids, it could be the fact I have a special needs child, it could be I'm over analyzing this. This is the deal.... I am for the most part a glass half full person. I really really believe in looking for the positive, speaking of the positive and throwing the positive to the universe. I look forward with positive anticipation to events that are planned in my life, I like having things to look forward too, for me it wards off depression. Example: I was totally looking forward to the SFO trip to watch the Steelers back in December with Indy. It was nothing close to what I had envisioned in my head. Indy was sicker than sick, we had to run for our flight (because I forgot my license) we were late getting to the game, the stadium had a black-out and shut the gates so we were even later getting into our seats, the dumb Steelers couldn't score a single touchdown, we had to wait 2.5hours in line for a taxi after the game. On the other hand....We have the tradition in December of taking the kids to get an ornament on the Christmas Porch at Rainbow Gardens in Ogden. This place if full of breakable things. With my children including Dennis the Menace I was not looking forward to this, in fact I was dreading it!!! It turned out awesome. My kids were great, we didn't break or accidentally steal anything in the store. So???? do I go around thinking everything is going to SUCK and then be pleasantly surprised?? That kind of shoots my whole 'be positive theory'. So what's 'my take'? I'm honestly not sure. When someone asks me about our trip to SFO I can say it was horrible!!! Or I could say we had awesome seats and it was incredible to see the players that close. Both 'takes' are true. I guess reality is both. What do you think?

And that's a wrap....

2012-01-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

Ok all my posts between Christmas and New Years are not even close to in order...Honestly the season was a bit of a blur. Lots to do, lots to see, parties, family etc. etc. you name it. 2011 was a good year. In review there are things we could have done better and others we did well. As the author here I can only speak for myself... I recently saw a quote on pinterest that I loved; I didn't know at the time how to pin and now I can't find it but the jist was this: "let go of the drama and surround yourself with people that you love and make you laugh so hard you cry" for me this is my family and my friends. Thanks for a great year!

White Christmas - NOT!

2011-12-31T12:00:00.001-07:00

My kids were literally praying for a white Christmas - It just didn't happen.

Do you BELIEVE?

2011-12-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

At our house there is no question about Santa. If you don't believe you don't receive. Master asked Santa for only one thing that he 97% wanted the most. An online computer game. I told Master I didn't think Santa could get that for him because it might harm our computer...virus etc. Master said. That, "he just knew if he believed Santa would get it for him". hmmmm seriously!

Dasher the Reindeer

2011-12-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm still not sure what my kids thought of this, although Master informed Pie that Rudolph was made out of immortal crystals that's why he could live forever!

Christmas Dance and Cheer

2011-12-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

Alvin and the chipmunks

At some point I will figure out how to take good 'dance concert' photos. Nice job Princess!

Tubing

2011-12-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Christmas at the Cabin

2011-12-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas Day

2011-12-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Nutcracker

2011-12-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Big Dude and a little towel

2011-12-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Date night in SFO = Black Out

2011-12-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T12:14:00.001-07:00

carolers

James Bond and Santa

2011-12-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

We stayed one night in SLC at what my kids call the James Bond Hotel. We had Breakfast with Santa the next morning.

I love how they all are so anxious to pose for the camera

Shoe addiction phase

2011-12-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Christmas Porch ornaments

2011-12-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma's ginger party

2011-12-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving

2011-12-03T00:25:00.002-07:00

Beautiful job Mom and Aunt Kathie
We missed you Arredondo and McGrath families

Kids Table

2011-12-03T00:18:00.000-07:00

These two dragged their chairs over and started having their own little conversation...hmm

The Best Days....with you

2011-12-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

sometimes the best days and the best moments happen in everyday life

Fall clean-up

2011-12-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

I think the love of motorized things starts early and lasts for a very long time...

The cheesy one up front.

2011-12-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

I love school programs. Sport doesn't know all the words to the songs, but he does the best he can and the kid knows how to work a crowd.

Play-group

2011-12-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is play-group. Eight of the cutest little girls ever! Their favorite part of play-group is when I put down all of the seats in the car, roll down the windows and we blast the i-tunes on the way to school.

All Done!

2011-12-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

Question:

2011-11-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there have a favorite digital scrapbook software they love? And where do you print? I want to be able to print the pages and put in a traditional scrapbook.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-08T14:52:00.001-07:00

Cousin Adam, Master, Sport

Friend Zoe and Princess Pie as a Roaring 20's flapper girl

Nana's Halloween party

2011-11-08T14:50:00.001-07:00

It was divine as usual!!1 Check out those sparkle pumpkins!
Thanks mom!

Halloween parade

Halloween prep

2011-11-05T13:33:00.000-06:00

UEA

2011-11-05T13:31:00.000-06:00

Bubba in training

Princess Pie in training

Love this time of year at Bear Lake, everything looks like it's been lightly toasted

Bubba in training

Bubba having a deep conversation with Shmuffy

I'm considering changing his name from Sport to Safety. This helmet has been everywhere with us lately

End of the Season

2011-11-05T13:28:00.000-06:00

It was a great year with a great team. Good job Master! 8-1

Dennis the Menace drives away...

2011-11-03T21:17:00.001-06:00

This child might need a new blogger name. Instead of Bubba he might become Dennis. As in Dennis the Menace. The other day I couldn't find him and saw the garage door was ajar, he had snuck out, grabbed his sisters helmet, and was clearly ready to go.
Indy has been out of town for 2 days. Early this morning Master started puking about 2am, Sport crawled into bed with me about 4am and at 6am everyone was up and ready to go. WHY oh WHy could God not send me children who like to sleep in?
Rough morning getting everyone out the door, 45 minutes later the school calls and Sport is crying and won't stop. His bum is on fire (remember the no colon thing...anytime he gets a stomach bug it plays havoc with his colon; imagine having burning diareah). I spent the day changing, bathing or cleaning poop. Meanwhile this is what Dennis was up to:
He figured out how to pump the conditioner bottle in the shower and smeared his head and all of his clothes in conditioner.
He emptied the Halloween container up and down the stairs and had the nerds open and spread out.
He threw my open protein bar into Sports poopy bathwater
He took apart his hamburger bit by bit in the car as we were driving.
He threw all of Sports clothes into the poopy bathwater
He found took fishy crackers from Sport and was spreading them behind me as I was vacuuming
We ended the day with him trying to empty the dishwasher faster then I was loading it.
You would think I'm not a watchful mother; but I am, and I had my hands full with Sport and I'm telling you this kid is fast!
Bless me and save me.
Good thing he is cute.

From the Car to the Elevator

2011-10-17T23:13:00.001-06:00

When Sport was 2 days old his bowel perforated; he was septic and we almost lost him. He came through surgery and his little 7lb body was fighting an uphill battle. It was my shift at the hospital; I had been talking to my very good friend as I parked the car in the parking structure next to the hospital. My friend had a normal healthy baby boy about 10 days before Sport was born. She had just discovered her baby had a heart condition and as we were discussing it she said, "oh it's nothing compared to what you're going through right now". I jokingly said, "glad I could be here for you". I was sincerely happy the condition she was dealing with was not life threatening and her baby would be fine. My baby I wasn't so sure.
My heart was very heavy as I headed into the hospital and I wasn't loving the fact that my situation was providing perspective for someone else. I boarded the elevator and there was another couple headed up to the NICU I had seen them before and so I asked (dumb me) "how is your baby doing?"
"He is dying; they think we only have a couple of days with him"
My heart bottomed out; what do you say to that?
I said, "I am so sorry"
To this day I can still see the agony and pain on their faces and it brings tears to my eyes.

So much for perspective, obviously I didn't have it as bad as I thought I did. My baby was still hooked to what seemed like a thousand monitors and tubes, I couldn't hold him, I couldn't feed him but I knew he was going to make it.

This past Sunday morning Indy left for the airport about 5am. About 7am I woke up to Sport's feet in my back pushing me off the bed...and I could smell it...as I looked around he had a poop blow out that basically covered (as he rolled around) every pillow-case, bottom sheet, top sheet, comforter, and himself. I didn't know where to start. It is what it is; that's what happens when you don't have a large colon. I couldn't get mad and I couldn't fix it because they don't sell colons at Walmart or on Ebay. Bubba was awake and crying, Sport had to be cleaned up and it was Sunday, with Indy out of town that meant me and 4 kids in Sacrament by myself. I can do this, I can do this and I did...except..

Introducing Sister Stress. Keep in mind Sacrament had not been a high point, the main text of the meeting was how we should never wear jeans in the chapel or bishops office and teach our children reverence during Sacrament. Ok, super duper! ... I was walking back after Sunday School and Sport was sitting in the hallway (obviously not in primary) refusing to move. I got him up and we were waiting for sharing time to finish. Sister S. walks up; the long and the short of it was, her daugher that is Sport's age has some learning disabilites. She spent the entire Summer stressed out about the possibility of her daughter being even 'mildly retarted' and couldn't stand the thought of her being in a class like Sports at school. And she told me it would just be so much easier if her daughter had Down Syndrome. I wasn't sure what to say. I'm still not sure what I should even think. I'm not offended; I get that this lady is stressed and sincerely trying to do the best for her daughter, but I really really wanted her to go and take an elevator ride at the Childrens Hospital.
If I could rewind time I would say:
Dear Sister S.
I know this is hard but
Stop and RELAX...You are doing a great job with your daughter
You may think someone else has it easier but you are WRONG and even if they did, it doesn't matter anyway
Love and DISCOVER your daughter for who she is AND not who you think she should become.
AND last CHERISH every breathing moment you have with her
even the hard ones.

He kind of cracks me up...

2011-10-06T22:29:00.000-06:00

#12 Anniversary

2011-10-06T22:28:00.000-06:00

New York, New York that was the big plan for our 12th anniversary. Brian had a work meeting and I was more than happy to tag along. We did my Dad's funeral instead. bummer

But to make up for it we did a quick over-night to the Waldorf Astoria in Park City,
Loved it! We burned up a gift card at Ruth's Chris Steak House and had a completely awesome dinner.
12 Years. It's crazy but I so love our crazy! "I got you babe"

BL Labor Day weekend

2011-10-06T21:01:00.000-06:00

This weekend was basically as my kids would say "chillaxin"

Zoe and Gemma

We had to move the furniture to clean the carpets; for some reason kids love that

Tis the season

2011-10-06T20:52:00.000-06:00

That's my boy.
Practice is every night for 2 hours and games on Saturday.
The regular season is over. His team is undefeated; playoffs here we come!

My mom

2011-10-05T19:58:00.001-06:00

I won't reveal her age, but you have to admit she has rockin legs for a Grandma. I love this picture she is holding Carson's hand. The only part of the funeral I regret is that I'm not sure my mom got enough credit. My parents have been separated for 11 years but never divorced. I can say quite honestly my Dad put my mom through some very VERY hard times. I think sometimes people wondered how in the world my crazy, sometimes scandalous Dad, had four, sane, successful, church going kids....the answer is my mom. She is the rock foundation and the glue that held us all together.

Count your blessings

2011-10-05T19:51:00.000-06:00

If I had anything to say about the picking of my siblings; I picked well, I picked very well.
My two brothers and my sister have always been there for me. I can think of some very tough moments in life and they have ALWAYS been there. My Dad didn't have anything prepared for this death. And dying means taking care of a lot of business. From where to be buried and what to be buried in etc. etc. The week before he died when I was up at the emergency room with him and the doctor was asking me all the specifics of his DNR. CPR? Chest tube? Breathing tube? life support? for how long? ?? I didn't know! Within one phone call my sister was talking me through it. Within an hour Mark was by my side and Matt was ready to take over the next day. We have been through thick and thin together and I am so blessed to have their love and support in my life.

Funeral continued

2011-10-05T18:28:00.003-06:00

How many Nannies does it take?

2011-10-05T18:21:00.001-06:00

I saw this picture and I have to laugh because yes that is me with two, count them two Nannies. So how many Nannies do I need to help me at a funeral? Two.
To be fair Cass is holding my nephew. I knew I for sure needed one there that day and Cass was able to get off work and make it at the last minute. Even in classic moments; real life tends to intrude. Bubba screamed bloody murder during the funeral service; so loud Dani had to take him not just outside the chapel, but outside the church. Just before leaving the church for the cemetery I realized Sport had poop going all the way up his back; and no I didn't pack a spare church shirt in my bag. I though about going with a Hollywood look and taking the shirt off and leaving his jacket on but decided to wipe him down, put the shirt back on, tuck the shirt back in, and refuse to let him take his suit coat off.

The funeral

2011-09-12T23:21:00.001-06:00

I'm still not sure I have the words to express what I'm feeling. There is a part of me that is afraid 'to go there'. While I have a minute I will do my best to re-count what I said during my portion.
"I remember dancing as a little girl with my Dad and then again when I was in high school during my drill team years. On many of those drill team early morning practices he would drive me and on the cold mornings I would just sit and hold his warm cup of coffee. To this day I love to hold a warm cup of coffee. I can't stand the taste, I just want to hold and smell.
I'm going to talk about three things and how they relate to my Dad; Protection, Priceless gifts, and love.
Protection - When I was about 5, I was going through a phase that I couldn't go to sleep because I was convinced the boogy man was going to get me. My Dad took me into his arms and said, he had a relationship with God and because God knew how much He (my Dad) loved me, he wouldn't let anything happen to me....and that was all I needed I could sleep after that. A few years back I was going through something tough and my Dad sent me a text saying he was sending GA's my way and I thought What???? He doesn't know any General Authorities...and then I remembered Guardian Angels. When he first passed away my mom asked me if I could feel his presence and I said I couldn't feel anything. Later that day I was reading a message on facebook and it said, "I believe our Dad's become our protectors even more so after death than they were here in this life". and then I could feel him there closely watching over me.
Priceless gifts - In July when my Dad was staying with me I sat down on the edge of the bed and he said, "Meli my biggest regret is that I don't have anything financially to leave your mom and your siblings" I said, " Dad you probably missed my blogpost but this past Fathers Day I said I was grateful for a father that has given me things money can not buy. Dad, you've always believed in me and been one of my greatest cheerleader, you gave me the gift of confidence. It's amazing what you can do when you know someone believes in you." I've said things like this before to my Dad but he looked at me, and the look on his face said, he finally understood.
Love - My Dad was never shy about telling us he loved us. Even when he wasn't making the greatest choices my mom would always reassure us how much he loved us. I know my Dad loved me and yet at the sometime when he was making certain choices it didn't always feel that way. It's a hard thing to understand, on the one hand you have this man that loves his family, and serves, and would give whatever he had to you, but you've also got a man making bad decisions and struggling with addiction. So what is the missing link? Where is the connection, or what is the disconnect? As I was talking to a friend last night he very simply said, "Melanie it's the Atonement" My heart started to beat faster and instantly I had tears running down my face, I knew that was the answer. BUT I didn't want it to be the answer. The Atonement to me is this BIG powerful thing, that I understand very very little of. This is what I do know. I know that all of us want to live life at seventy-two degrees because it's comfortable there, it's money in the bank, it's stress free. The problem is life doesn't happen at seventy-two degrees. All of us have things to deal with; it could be grief, or envy, or failure, or guilt; in those defining moments we make a decision to either give those things to the Savior and let go of whatever heartache we or feeling and let the Atonement start to work in our lives, or we take a path that looks easier and it's more comfortable to hang on to our hurts and injustices. Sometimes my Dad made the right decision and sometimes he didn't. One time we were sitting in the ER waiting room of Lakeview hospital after one of those very bad decisions. My filter must have been off because I made some inappropriate comment and my Dad's friend turned to me and said "but he's still your Dad" I was so mad, at my Dad I had had enough and I was ready to turn him in for a different model. I don't understand all of the decisions my Dad has made in his life, but I'm grateful for his life and what I have learned from it. I am grateful it has given me the opportunity to turn to my Savior. I believe in eternal progression and I know as I learn these things my Dad is doing the same on the other side. I love him and I would not trade him for anything. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Obituary

2011-09-11T20:44:00.000-06:00

Paul Victor Roylance
1944 ~ 2011
Paul Victor Roylance, age 67, passed away Friday, September 9, 2011 in Bountiful, Utah from heart failure. Paul was born on April 22, 1944 in North Ogden, Utah to Grace Wolthius and Victor Storey Roylance. He attended Weber High School, served an LDS mission in the Netherlands and graduated with a finance degree from Weber College. Paul married Linda McMullin on August 25, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. He worked for much of his life in the financial industry. He was an avid reader and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and the Oregon coast. Paul's greatest joy in life was his family. He always had a special connection with little ones and he loved to sing them to sleep.
He is survived by Linda, his children Matthew (Lynette) Roylance, Melinda (Kerry) McGrath, Melanie (Brian) Bingham, and Mark (Jana) Roylance, his 13 grandchildren, and his siblings Sharon (Dee) Neuenschwander, Nancy (Ross) Olsen, Gay (Hugh) Bringhurst, and Grant (Karen) Roylance. Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father.
Services will be held on Monday, September 12 at 2:30 pm at the LDS Chapel at 205 East Elberta Street in North Ogden. His interment will be held at the Ben Lomand Cemetary immediately following at 526 East 2850 North, Ogden, UT. Funeral Services provided by Evans and Early Mortuary in Salt Lake City, Utah. Paul will be dearly missed.

Gone

2011-09-10T22:47:00.001-06:00

Thursday about 12:45a.m. my Dad passed away. I'm just not sure I have the words yet.

I think it was the shirt

2011-09-01T22:59:00.001-06:00

My day was going as planned. I was working while Bubba was sleeping and noticed I had missed a call from my brother. Funny how a 20 second little message can change your entire day.
It's Game Day (GO UTES!). I dressed my entire family in their UTE gear this morning. Myself, I was sporting a new UTE shirt that is black with a sparkly U logo on the bust. I was feeling good not 'hot' but good in my new t-shirt.
That 20 second little message was my brother saying they had taken my Dad to the ER. The ER was a zoo today. I was there from about 2:45 to 8:30 And somewhere around 6:00 I really needed a diet coke. I noticed a group of fireman - EMT had come into the ER. I'm not one of those girls that has a thing for fireman. I dated two briefly and found them a little strange. BUT these three were cute. I wandered out to the hallway to see where in the world I could find a soda, I asked the nurse, she turns to the EMT and says 'will you get her a drink'. He looked at me smiled and said,
What would you like?
Diet coke.
Straw?
Yes
In a cup
Yes
Over ice?
YES!!!
He was my new Bff! Did I mention I was wearing a cute shirt with a sparkly U on the bust BUT I didn't do my hair today, it was on top of my head in a messy bun and my make-up had pretty much worn off. Which means I think the shirt saved me.
More on my Dad tomorrow.
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Back to School

2011-08-30T22:17:00.000-06:00

Gifts from Grandma

3rd grade

5th grade

Kindergarten

"I'm too cool for you to walk me to school mom"

Bear Lake with Duke Dental

2011-08-30T22:14:00.000-06:00

I've almost got it

try again

Big concentration

Peace Out!

Backyard entertainment

2011-08-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

Summer tradition

2011-08-30T21:55:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mindy and Becca

2011-08-30T21:26:00.000-06:00

yep seriously check it out...

we did have one party crasher; of course he had to have a hat

She works sooo hard to make everything perfect.
Thanks mom we love you!

Say cheese

2011-08-30T21:21:00.000-06:00

Of all my babies Bubba has a thing for Sunglasses - he thinks he is sooo funny

Cousins and Lagoon

2011-08-30T21:20:00.000-06:00

First solo Lagoon ride..holding on tight

Totally has the hang of it now...

She's been at it again....

2011-08-30T20:46:00.001-06:00

My mom made this whole ensamble for Princess Pie AND another compelte set for KK to take home to Oregon.

Bear Lake with the Dougalls

2011-08-30T20:17:00.000-06:00

Remember that BFF that brought me the cake ball BONbons's that were the Bomb! Her family hasn't been to the cabin in 10 years...It was high time for a visit. Come back soon, we loved having you!

Welcome Gemma Mae

2011-08-27T21:26:00.000-06:00

Mark and Jana had their second baby. Darling little Gemma Mae.

J.E.M.C.O.

2011-08-27T21:22:00.000-06:00

John Edwin McMullin Cousins Organization.

John Edwin is my great grand-father on my mother's side.

He and his wife, Edna Mae Dayton had three children....

They had children, and their children had children.

You get the idea...

It was my year to plan; along with my cousins, Ben, Katy, and Kelli

It was a TON of fun! We don't just gather for a meal, linger longer, then leave

Oh No

We start with a Moose, a BIG MOOSE

not joking, see pictures below, he wondered right up to the lawn,

Flag ceremony,

Rocket making and launching

Tie-Dye shirts

Olympics

Fancy Nancy Party

Talent Show

Video

and Fireworks.

(Don't be thinking these pics are in order)

LOVE my JEMCO cousins!

Good Times!!!

They Arrived!!!!

2011-08-27T21:00:00.000-06:00

For real! Ask and ye shall receive! You wish you had my BFF! Check these out.....my darling friend (since the 8th grade) came from Oregon and brought me these. They were DIVINE!

When do the BonBons arrive?

2011-07-18T23:01:00.000-06:00

Somewhere at sometime I heard that stay at home moms sat around and ate BonBons all day. Granted I'm still working BUT I have lots more stay at home mommy time it's been two weeks and the BonBons have NOT ARRIVED! I think 'sit at home and eat BonBons all day' is code word for run your fanny off chasing children, picking up toys, ordering the children around to do chores because I'm supposed to be teaching them something, laundry, more chasing, wipe poopy bums, locate the lost dog (a couple of times) dishes, make breakfast, lunch and dinner, which means more dishes, ya you know the list goes on and on. I was so tired today I took a ten minute power nap at 10:30am. I know I will adjust and honestly I couldn't be happier....although I think I need to do a better job of showing it; The other day I was fixing breakfast and and I had awoken to a txt from Indy saying that my wallet and all the make-up I own was still in the car; which he had just driven to the air-port. Bummer serious bummer. I slapped down some eggs and Master says, "mom you seem a little grumpy this morning...you might need to take a nap like Bubba does." All I can say is if I'm gonna stay home and 'eat BonBons' all day, I am going to occasionally need a nap to go with them.

I changed my mind...

2011-07-13T23:15:00.000-06:00

Going private....If you want to keep reading leave me a comment with your email address. Or shoot me an email at melaniebingham6@gmail.com

In trouble!!

2011-07-12T18:41:00.000-06:00

He has been a grumpy bear all day and now he is perfectly happy picking my flowers! THE stinker!!
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Vacation re-defined.

2011-07-06T23:34:00.000-06:00

Serious business

We took a week off and headed to the cabin. I know what you're thinking...Ahhhh sweet vacation! Well, that would only be true if you count laying sod, painting doors, chasing after children, organizing and cleaning as a vacation. We had friends and family join us on the weekend. The question I've been asking myself for the past week is where is that sweet spot between teaching your kids to work and having fun. I realize that spot is going to vary by your perspective. (being the kid or the adult). In case you're dreaming of owning a cabin. Start dreaming of years and years of projects. The projects get old and tiresome and expensive, but maybe I should be grateful they are giving me an opportunity to teach my children to work.
We did need a break for a fashion show....

and a little 4-wheeling

Rocket Launching

And a little time to chill

Happy 4th of July!

Bubba and Shmuffy

2011-07-06T16:53:00.000-06:00

Bubba and more Oreos

2011-07-06T16:49:00.000-06:00

Dance Camp

2011-07-06T15:00:00.001-06:00

I ration dance out-fits. Princess gets one new one a year right before dance camp. We were in the dressing room and the first two she says, "I look fat" "What?" Then she put on this very simple one and she loved it. You could tell she felt good in her skin and I love that

Race Day

2011-06-25T11:28:00.001-06:00

Bountiful Tsunami Tri
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How to Ride a Bike without training wheels...

2011-06-23T22:35:00.000-06:00

The training wheels came off and according to Pie this is how you ride a bike:

Me: Pie how do you ride a bike without training wheels?

Pie: You hold the wheel steady and you gotta FOCUS!

Me: And you tell yourself I think I can I think I can

(I said this because when I was running along side her I heard her say it)

Pie: NO mom, I KNOW I can!

Little stink! I love that confidence!

Grahams go with everything...

2011-06-23T22:26:00.001-06:00

I love graham crackers. I think they go with just about anything, chocolate, marshmallow, a cold glass of milk, icing, you name it. My mom says when each of us kids were blessed as babies, she asked my dad to bless us with a sense of humor. I am grateful for that! This life is hard at times, and if you can throw in a little humor it helps. I went to the UPS store today to mail back some company returns. The box was had been in my office and then in the back seat of my car. The box had some generic dental and medical supplies in it. I went to tape the box shut and noticed the edge of a zip-lock baggie, I opened the box back up and found a zip-lock full of graham crackers. Obviously at some point one of my kids dropped them in there. Then I had a little vision of this warehouse worker un-packing returns to open this box and find a baggie of graham-crackers thinking to himself "what the heck?" I was tempted to put a note with the grahams that said, "take 5 love the Bingham kids" but thought I might get in trouble. So, according to my kiddos Grahams also go with Dental supplies

To be or not to be...continued

2011-06-23T22:10:00.000-06:00

Not going private for now. In case you were wondering I had someone throw me under the bus at work and another someone that I think, I made feel bad (unintentionally). There are things that I like about 'private' and things I like about not private. And to clarify, those of you with 'positive blogs' I love your blogs! I've said it before, I am super grateful for blogger, it is the longest running journal and or scrapbook I've ever kept.

4 doors down

2011-06-21T10:16:00.000-06:00

I was standing in my kitchen yesterday afternoon and I heard sirens, lots of sirens. I thought man, those sound close. The phone rang and Indy said the neighbors four doors down had their house marked off with yellow tape and had full scale emergency vehicles out front. I walked outside and looked up UofU life-flight was circling. My neighbors started pouring out of their houses. What could have happened? Nice family 3 kids, the dad is full service military and had just deployed on June 4th. It was their son. Their 15 year old boy that hung out with good friends all weekend and had just said the prayer in Sunday School the day before. Shot himself. His friends found him and started CPR. They life-flighted him and did Surgery to keep him stable on life-support until his Dad could get there. The note said something about feeling like a failure and that he could never measure up. Why and How? How does a 15 year old boy that is loved and supported by a good family and great friends feel that way? My heart is so full. Our neighborhood took flowers over to plant in their yard and lay at their doorstep. Our hearts and prayers are with them.
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Surf's up Bubba is One!

2011-06-19T22:55:00.000-06:00

This is my first attempt at a fondant cake....It's a surfboard...I don't think I will play with fondant again it stressed me out!

Happy Birthday Bubba! We love you!!!

A 'funny' on fathers day

2011-06-19T22:41:00.000-06:00

I had all 4 kiddos with me on Saturday at Walmart. I saw these shirts and I thought "oh that would be fun for the kids" Obviously I didn't READ the shirt until I got home. When I realized my mistake. Master says, "mom let's give it to him anyway, it will be funny" We laughed our guts out this morning when he opened it. I will say shout out to fathers everywhere! They have a big job. I am a lucky girl. I have been blessed with a father that has given me more than worldy possessions can buy, and a husband that is more than I could have ever wished for. Happy Fathers Day!

It's official!

2011-06-19T22:36:00.001-06:00

This kid is officially ours. He loves double stuff Oreos. If he didn't Indy would start to wonder where he came from :)

How does your garden grow/

2011-06-19T22:33:00.000-06:00

What is the opposite of a green thumb? A black thumb? That is me!!!! I love flowers. I have tried this before and failed! This year so far so good. I think the rain has helped.

What it's really all about.

2011-06-19T21:47:00.000-06:00

The shoes! What was I thinking? I sometimes forget my kids have ears. Last week when Indy and I were discussing the modesty thing Pie says, " you can pick out my dress, but REALLY it's all about the shoes. I get to pick out my prom shoes." AGREED. I said Pie you can wear any shoes you want. (Within reason of course the ones pictured above are Jimmy choo and if she wants those she better start saving now.)

To be or not to be Private and Comparisons

2011-06-18T12:15:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking it's time. I try to be as open and as transparent as possible on my blog but I've had two really bad experiences in the last two weeks; it has come back to haunt me. Have you ever sat down to read a blog and it made you feel bad? Maybe you were not in the best place yourself and then you looked at someone else's "perfect life". And try as you might you compared. When we compare it leads to jealousy and pride, both are extremely destructive. They are negative thoughts which only lead to more negative emotions. There is a great quote by Sister Hinkley (which I am determined to find) that talks about pride is not in the having it's in the comparing. When we read other people's blog we have no control over what they post. It's their blog after-all. If they choose to post only positive stuff then that is their right. On the positive side, I think blogging and sharing is awesome. It has allowed me to see and hear the perspective of others. It has allowed my to keep current with what is going on in someones life that I may not see very often. I may not see or know that person but their words may touch my heart and help me in a way they will never know. On the negative side, I know that for me I can't go blog surfing if I'm in a negative place. It's like giving Satan an open pass to plant negative thoughts and feelings. As much as I try to give a true picture on my blog; I edit. Have you read "The Secret"? I don't always want to throw my negative thoughts and feelings to the universe by blogging about them.
What is the solution? Go private? I think if it makes you feel bad, don't read it. If my blog has made someone feel bad or less than; I truly apologize. Meanwhile I'm not sure what to do; any thoughts out there?

Uncle and Faith

2011-06-16T00:12:00.000-06:00

Remember the hand game you played as kids where you had your knuckles squished backwards until you cried "Uncle". Everyone has stuff (trials) that they are dealing with big or small, wide or narrow, yesterday, today and tomorrow everyone has 'stuff' they are dealing with. If we didn't have stuff there would be no growth, no change. I don't believe my 'stuff'' is any bigger or weightier than anyone else's. It's just mine and I have to figure it out. My Dad is dying. It's a reality that I am accepting in small moments. His first diagnosis was 2-5 years. Now it is looking like 6-9 months. He is in Oregon with my beyond awesome sister, and because of the distance I don't have a constant reminder, the clock is ticking and this is going to happen. But the reminders are there and they are coming more frequently. When we first found out Sport had Down Syndrome I told Indy I could handle a special needs child, but I couldn't handle a special needs child AND a traveling husband. Things are constantly changing and evolving for Indy at work and it's meant A LOT of travel. Some of you may say, no big deal. My full time job, plus four busy kids, plus special needs child that is 8 and still in diapers = a good amount of stress. I have always wanted to be a 'stay at home mom; for various reasons (mostly health insurance) it just hasn't worked out that way. About 2 months ago the still small voice started whispering I needed to pay attention as in CLOSE attention to my children. I get one chance to take 4 awesome little people and help them grow into awesome big people. Because of the stress and demands of my job I feel like I am constantly multi-tasking; looking at my phone, returning emails, stressing about work, when the soccer game, dance recital or small child saying 'mommy' should have my full attention vs. "hold on a minute". If I ask them to hold on for too many minutes they are going to be old and leaving the house before I give them my attention. UNCLE UNCLE UNCLE Time for a change. After pondering and pondering and praying....Nothing felt right. Finally a good friend said, "you need to exercise faith" DUH. I made a decision and figured at some point if I was on the wrong path the Lord would re-direct. I told my boss 4 weeks ago I was quitting or in this case retiring. I think he almost fainted. The last 9 months at work I have been busting my fanny to turn my territory around. Honestly a year ago when I had Noah it was in the dumps. The hard work has paid off and things are finally turning around.
My retirement plan lasted 5 days. My region director got wind of it and said, 'No, you can't quit'. Serious? Remember how I said I would have faith if I wasn't on the path I would get redirected? This is my new direction. I am staying with my awesome awesome company. I am switching to strictly handling Special Market, and a handful of large group practices. I'm excited about this opportunity; I think it's a great opportunity. I will be saying good-by to my regular accounts. Some of those accounts I have called on for 15 years, 8 years, 1 year, and all I consider not just my clients but my friends. Change is hard, but change is good.

Ready to Roll

2011-06-12T21:57:00.000-06:00

Becoming a great little driver

had her first 'solo' with Brian running alongside

Thinks he should be able to drive (Someday Sport)

Happy to chill

Training on the John Derre

2011-06-12T20:45:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist posting all of these. I was far enough away I couldn't hear what they were saying but it was highly entertaining to watch them.

G.O.A.L.

2011-06-12T20:41:00.000-06:00

Get. Out. And. Live. I borrowed this acronym from the Ogden Chamber because I love it. As a family we've made a goal to get out there and explore the world around us. Pics are from the trail halfway up Trappers Loop on your way to Snowbasin

Nuff said

2011-06-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

It's funny how you let things lie for a week and you wonder what you were so worked up about. As for church last Sunday I think Satan must have been sitting on my shoulder. I do believe modesty is a 'weightier matter' and like my BFF Kath stated in her comment it begins at age 6 not 16. As I've thrown this topic around this week Indy said to me, "It doesn't really matter what you or Pincess pick out for her to wear to the prom; I know how 16 year old boys think and I get the final say." So ...that's that....nuff said.

Hell in a Hand-basket

2011-06-05T23:53:00.001-06:00

Some Sundays I come home from church and I am convinced this is where I'm going. I was in a good place today. (I thought) Sacrament meeting was great, Sunday School was great, Relief Society I had high hopes for, but it didn't turn out that way. The lesson was on Julie B. Beck's talk about fulfilling your mission and the teacher focused on being the "lioness at the doorway". Our ward has two distinct geographic neighborhoods to it. Everyone that she quoted and held up as an example was from her neighborhood. Fine whatever, if they are all lionesses in that neighborhood, what does that make the rest of us? She then continued to hold up her sister-in-law as a great lioness because she baked cookies for her son's Prom date to thank her for wearing a modest dress. I think that's weird. When I was in high school I would have thought that super weird....again fine whatever... She then told another example of her other sister-in-law that lives in California. Apparently because there were no modest LDS girls in her son's ENTIRE high school she drove 2 hours south to pick up a girl that he had met at youth conference so he could take Her to his Prom; thus this awesome mom is a 'lioness at the gate'. I am obviously not a lioness at the gate because I wouldn't do either thing as a mom. In this example I see a mom that said it's ok to judge your entire high school female population as not modest because none of them are LDS. ? really? I know I know, surely I don't have the whole story.....But it got me thinking about my own prom dresses and modesty. Mine were mostly modest, some may have showed a little shoulder, and a little back. I certainly didn't go dressed as a pioneer but it could have been worse. One of my cute friends that was head cheerleader, she had a few sassy numbers and she looked freakin hot in them. She is now currently serving as the young women's president in her ward....so what do you make of that? This is what I make of it. My mom was a lioness at the gate because she wasn't freaking out about a little shoulder or a little back showing. Her trust and relationship meant more than a hard line in the sand about a dress. I guarantee if she had made it an issue; I would have made it an issue right back; because that's what teenagers do. The lesson right before RS in Sunday school was on hypocrisy. We read in the Bible (Mathew 23) where they (scribes and pharisees) had paid their tithes, gave to the poor attended worship services and went regularly to the temple. Jesus (in my words) said great but you missed the boat. They missed the faith, charity and 'weightier matters'. Jesus says they have 'blinders' on. I am scared, as in scared to death to navigate the teenage years with my children and I know I will make PLENTY of mistakes. My interpretation of the 'lioness at the door" is this: my mom did a great job with all of us and I pray I will follow her example and be in tune to the 'weightier matters' of my children's lives.

What cha been up to?

2011-06-03T18:10:00.003-06:00

This is how I feel. After April and May I am ready for a big long nap! From projects to parties, sports, work, year-end to-do's and everything in-between we survived!.....Now on to Summer!!! I've got the chore charts made and the calendar chuck full! It's gonna be great! (ok it will be great after I maybe hopefully get that nap!!!) Page down there are like 17 new posts!

Trophies

2011-06-03T18:05:00.001-06:00

Master ended up with two trophies. Those trophies mean a lot when you are 10. Sport was looking at the trophies and Master said, " Sport, I know you want a trophy, you can have one of mine". Indy told Master how cool that was, that he would offer, but Master Jonny had a special trophy he was presenting to Sport at the end of the tournament. Make my heart happy!

Weapons division for Master

2011-06-03T17:59:00.000-06:00

Karate Tournament

2011-06-03T17:58:00.001-06:00

Obviously my camera settings for 'action shots' needs help, but these were too awesome not to post. In the picture below look at the poeple's faces behind Sport....they tell the story

Mothers Day pre-sechool program

2011-06-03T17:54:00.000-06:00

The boy on the right is Chase; according to Princess 'sometimes they look at each other and smile

April showers bring May showers

2011-06-03T17:50:00.001-06:00

Officially May was the wettest May on record for Utah. On the rare occasion the sun came out we went outside and played anyway.

4th Grade Egg drop

2011-06-03T17:13:00.000-06:00

Little 'eggy' survived. We LOVE bubble wrap!

2011-06-03T17:11:00.000-06:00

I know I'm weird...but this was fun for me. I've never had braces so I'm living vicariously through Master, and I must say he is doing a fabulous job with them. We left the dental office and he promptly pounded a hearty breakfast from McDonalds, obviously the braces are not going to slow him down.

Pinewood Derby

2011-06-03T17:08:00.000-06:00

I don't love the pinewood derby...Somehow Indy manages to be out of town each time we do this. We did ok, better than last time, does that count for anything? Note in the parenting book of life; when your boys are distraught they didn't win, use the DISTRACTION tool. I offered to get shakes at DQ and had happy boys once more.

Project Food Storage

2011-06-03T17:02:00.000-06:00

Remember this

It's now this

Summer

2011-06-03T16:59:00.000-06:00

Time to stock up on popsicles!

4th grade hike

2011-06-03T16:57:00.000-06:00

Every parent should go on a field trip with the 4th grade. They are so funny at this age. They are still little but trying so hard to be big and responsible. I love it! ps Master you're a pretty awesome hiker!