Nana's Party

My mom has a long running tradition of a Halloween Party at her house. She goes 'all out' as with everything she does 'it is all about presentation'. Thanks Nana we love you!

The Adult Table

The kids party favors

Left to Right: Jayden, Jayla Jonah, Zoe, Adam, Cam, Rem, Ashley, Becca, JP, Julia Rachel

Lauti, Bingham and Roylance cousins

Hallowen Trial Run

Sandi and Jayson Haskell hold a Halloween party every year. Saturday before Halloween was the trial run for all of this year's costumes. Haskell parties are not complete without some fun and games. Go Brian!

Harvey Two-face

I didn't quite have the jacket done; Cambridge cut me some slack and wore his sunday suit coat

Troy Polamalau minus the long hair.

Go Steelers!

Princess Sleeping Beauty

Gov. Sarah Palin comes to visit

I dressed as Sara Palin to go Trick or Treating to my offices. For posterity's sake and anyone who lives in a closet she is currently running for VP on the Republican Ticket. She is a hockey mom of 4 children, one of whom is Downs, is currently Governor of Alaska and hunts moose and bear. I was worried I couldn't pull of the imitation, but according to my offices: "Oh my gosh you do look like her". I handed out home-made hockey pucks with flags on them. (AKA hostess ding dongs.)

Tagged for 7 quirky things about me

1. I am a sleep-eater...not to be confused with a sleep-walker. This started in High School with drill team weigh-ins. I would let me calories get to low during the day and once I was asleep my sub-conscience took over and I would head to the kitchen for a bowl of cereal or some oreos or whatever I can find. I am usually about 3/4 asleep and unfortunately developed a habit that is still with me today. Seriously not good.

2. I have car safety issues. The history on this one is too long but with all of the driving I do with my family/ kids and especially work I HAVe to feel safe in the car I'm driving.

3. I have always had a secret love for toothbrushes. I can vividly remember when J&J came out with their 'reach' toothbrush, mine was green. I think I was destined to wind up in Dental Sales

4. I say 'money in the mail' 'money in the mail' from the book the Secret every time I walk out to get the mail. (I'm not sure it gets quirkier than this).

5. I love to vacuum. I have a 'thing' for vacuums. I think I own 3 uprights and a half a dozen hand-helds.

6. Just to yank Brian's chain I will on the rare occasion bust out a drill team march going down the hallway in our home.

7. I get my superstitions from my aunt "Mootz" and if a black cat crosses my path either on the side walk or the road I will back up, turn around and go the other direction.

Now that I'm thinking about this I have a few more but I will save those for next time. I tag the cute people, based on comments, that I know read my blog; Kath, Jenny, Nat, Brooke, Amber, Sara, Julie, Breanne, Alli, Cass, Jess, Jana and my bro. Now for anyone else who is secretly blog stalking me I tag you as well! (Could someone in their next comment tell me how to get that cute signature thing at the end of your post.)

The costume crazy Momma

This is 'Harvey two-face' from Batman (just in case you're not current on your super-heroes and villains). Cambridge wanted to be this for Halloween. Swell, they don't sell two-face at Walmart or the other Halloween stores, nor can you find his costume online. I can sew a straight line, when it comes to following a pattern that's a whole different story. The last time I followed patterns I was in Mrs. Kingsley's 8th grade sewing class. The only reason I survived that class is my friend Kath sat next to me and she is brilliant with patterns...seriously you should see her kids Halloween costumes. Brian my ever loving hubby believes I can buy a pattern and just whip this sucker out....hmmm no. I honestly can't follow a pattern. I did try again in high school to make a pair of shorts for Allan Ward for a couples dance....disaster....it took Allan a few weeks to talk to me again.) It attempts to avoid the pattern I hit several DI stores hoping to take apart two suit coats and sew them together. Its $80 for a suit coat at the DI (no way) I did find a white polyester suit jacket for $20! Yes! Bought it, came home and ripped it in half, believing I will just die the other half black and sew it back together....not so much...It turned out a lovely shade of dark purplish gray. With dragging feet I finally headed to the fabric store to buy pattern and material. Have you ever looked for a kids suit jacket pattern....not to be found..I bought an adult one, thinking I'd go with the smallest size. Bought material; only to bring it home and realize the white material didn't match the pants I had already made. (the pants came from an xsmall pair of white and black scrubs taken apart and sew back together). Today thinking relief had hit I drove to my friend Renae's house because she called to tell me she had an old lab coat that I could have and maybe it would take the die. I got the coat home only to have Cam tell me it didn't look like the picture....ok...starting over. I grabbed his old suit jacket, cut it in half, completely took the one side apart and used the pieces as my pattern....voila I am amazing! It worked, I have a black and white kid size suit jacket....I'll post a picture when he puts it on tomorrow. Thank Heavens Halloween is only once a year.

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Sometimes I think I run around so fast I don't pay attention to the fact that EVERYTHING is sinking into Zoe's 2yr old mind. Zoe is the one holding the basket gazing at her new Aunt Jana. (The beautiful bride is Jana Fuehrer Roylance that married my little bro Mark in April). Zoe was the party princess that tight and held onto her flower basket so tight the next day she had blisters on her hand.
The other day Zoe was sitting and reading books in my bedroom and she caming rushing into the bathroom to show me a picture of Ariel in her wedding dress with prince Eric and said, "Look Mom they're going to the temple." Wow where did that come from? I've always heard you should have a picture of the temple in your home. There is a picture of Brian and I in front of the Logan temple that hangs in our bedroom. Much to my chagrin we have never had a family home evening about the temple. We've been more focused on being nice, baptism, and lately we've only sung the FHE song in the van on the way back from Cam's soccer games because they fall on Monday nights. Somehow despite my lack of teaching Zoe has figured out that everyone including Ariel should get married in the temple.

Tag of 4th and 4th - Brian fishing in the Bahamas

I picked this tag up from some very cute people in my ward..Fourth file...fourth picture in...very random! This is Brian holding some exotic fish while having a 'business' meeting in the Bahamas. Two of his partners are avid fisherman and thus this is where they have business meetings. (poor suckers) When people ask me what my husband does, I have to ask them if they want the full description or the readers digest version.... I can't just say 'he does drugs' because people might take me seriously. But 'seriously' he does. He negotiates between....ok never mind.....and it's all legal!

I am so grateful for Bing and his employment, especially in this crazy world we live in. He is a hard worker, he is smart and honest and tenacious. I am grateful for the partners he works with and the opportunities he has for change and growth.

I tag all of those that might read this! That means YOU!

Cam the Birthday Man

My baby is 8 today! I can not believe it. I was bemoaning the fact that my boy is so big and my friend Steph pointed out how much she loves watching her daughter grow up. I love it to, I'm just afraid I'm going to blink and this blog will have a picture of him going on his mission...(can you imagine what blogging will be like in 11 years...who knows). I think every parent wants their kid to be great at everything they do. As I watch Cambridge try new things and develop certain skills I'm not sure if it's harder on him or me. You find some things they are great at and some they are not. I'm also finding that as your child grows you start to see more things they do exactly like you, or exactly like your husband, and some you're not sure where they picked up. The other day he asked me if when he went to College if he could live there? Could he take his play station? Could he keep his room as messy as he wanted? And last but not least could he have Crazy Parties??? What the......?

I never want my blog to be a brag session but I have to use this day to say; these are some great things about my very cool Cambridge: He is not shy, he will get up in front of people and talk without hesitation. He is funny. He is great at video games. He loves superheros. He still loves gloves and costumes (this started at a very early age). He will try almost any sport. He is a red belt in Karate. He currently plays goalie for his comp soccer team. He takes great care and is very protective of his brother and sister. He can handle a moderate to difficult ATV trail and can ski a black diamond. Last but not least he loves his mom (and dad) and is not too big or too cool to give me a snuggle and a kiss.

Thank you Heavenly Father for sending me this very precious spirit.

Pumpkin Patch

This is the Pumpkin patch field trip with Remy's kindermusic pre-school class. Miss Angela is the best!!!!!! I can not sing her praises loud enough!! I believe so much of the progress Remy has made is because of her. Because kindergarten is only a half day Remy gets to do one more year with Angela...I'm kinda hoping he can just tuck her in his backpack and take her to 1st grade next year. I need to give special thanks to Cassandra. Cass has the kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays, therefor she gets to do all the field trips this year. I keep telling her its the best 'mom training' she'll ever get. She claims its the best birth control out there!

What's in a name?

I have been re-named. Most little kids go through a phase where they figure out what their parents names are besides Mom an Dad. Remy and Zoe have hit this at the same time. Remy can't quite say Melanie so it comes out 'Mel-yay' and Zoe just calls me 'hey you'!

Gotta watch!

Yes I have become political and yes I have an opinion. I hijacked this from my Kathy's blog. This is good, and it gave me the chills. (you may need to scroll down and hit pause on my blog-music)

Go bloggers go!

My Great-Grandfather George Newby Roylance - their small cabin after the weber/farmington flood

My Great-Grandmother Margaret Storey Roylance

While in Oregon I took sat down to read my Dad's family history. At some point in your life suddenly this stuff becomes cool to look at (probably a sign of age). I was so touched by the history especially the stuff that was written in their own hand. I knew that my great-grandfather was an alcoholic, but I never knew his drinking started with the death of his 5yr old daughter. Reading my great grandmothers reaction to the death of her daughter and how she coped through her grief was inspirational. It made me think about blogging. I never been a great journal writer. I have several journal-books I have started and it goes well for about 2 weeks and then the next entry is about a year later. (so much for that!) This blogging thing seems to be going a little better. So for all of you bloggers out there (that I check on) thanks for living in my computer, and sharing your lives, YOU inspire me.

Rain Rain Go Away!

I've told a couple of people it seems lately 'when it rains it pours' In the last ten days lots of stressful things have hit all at once. Maybe things come in three's, whatever, I should have kept my mouth shut about the raining and pouring comment. For months we have had this trip planned to Bryce Canyon to do some four-wheeling. Its conference weekend and call me crazy but I think there are big reasons we get a break from traditional church every 6 months. It's a 5.5 hour road trip with lunch and potty stops. The kids were great! We got there and it rained and rained and rained and rained and rained. Did I mention it RAINED and it was COLD!!! The four-wheelers never came off the trailer. It was fun to spend time with just the kids and Bryce Canyon was beautiful even in the freakin RAIN!

Dressed for Success

(sorry stock photo - I forgot my camera)

Min (dear darling sister) has run into some stress and is experiencing some health side effects because of it. My Dad has been living in her driveway in a trailer and has decided he would prefer to drink himself to death (literally) and needed to be moved into a trailer park. I flew to Portland Tuesday morning with the mission in mind of helping some of Min's stress by getting Dad's stuff moved into the new trailer (out of her driveway) and helping her with the kids for a couple of days. Note for posterity..Aunt Mindy is Superwoman - she invented the term multi-tasking. She has a stressful full time job, part time side job, manages her husbands jobs, mom of three kids, teaches gospel doctrine, she is amazing!!!!

I got on the plane and looked down at what I was wearing....camo shorts. Was this subliminal ?Was I going into battle? When I got to my rental car...the cheapest they had (no joke) was a Jeep Commander - army green. At this point I am convinced I am going into battle. My patriarchal blessing says I have a team of guardian angels watching out for me...those angels must be working over-time. I considered stopping at the pawn shop to pick up guns and ammo but decided it was only fun to think about. (25 years of dealing with an alcoholic father can make you a little crazy).

The good news is my dad is usually a quiet drunk..I found him in pretty good shape, he actually helped me with the first load. I ran errands for Min, hung out with her kids, and bought and hooked up various hoses at the new trailer. Three more loads and I had all of his stuff moved. Dad won't remember I was even there. When I left him he was very sad and ashamed. I told him I loved him, but didn't love his addiction, and once again he needed to figure this out on his own. Hopped back on the plane wednesday night - Mission accomplished! Big thanks to Brian for supporting me and Cass and Heidi for watching the kids.

Betty Crocker

Zoe in training

I would never claim to be a 'Betty Crocker' type or Domestic Goddess or whatever you would like to call it. Every once in a while my Betty Crocker side sneaks out and she has to take over my kitchen. Luckily my mom is there to help (Mom is actually guilty of persuading my Betty to come out of the closet). This summer/fall we have done strawberry,raspberry, and peach jam, canned and frozen peaches. Next is homemade bread. Goodness Betty I need some sleep!

Someday, I'll understand....

Today was Jackson's funeral. I have never been to a baby funeral. I was dreading and at the same time because of how great this family is I knew it would be beautiful. Both Grandpas spoke as did the dad, my cousin Coby. They were amazing talks. Acouple of things stood out for me...
1.The Grandpa Burton related a story about when he was five he prayed his guts out for a real superman suit. His intentions were good and his heart was pure, but no superman suit appeared at the end of his bed. The same is true for a trial like this. Today we do not understand and we may never understand in this life but he bore testimony in the next we would.
2. When Coby spoke he related an experience of being in the temple a few weeks ago. I thought; am I standing in Holy Places? Am I where the Lord needs me to be?
3. A comment was made to Brian that because we had Remy we were assured a place in the celestial kingdom. NOT! Remy for sure, but not us. I'm sure this man had good intentions but it's not what we believe. I better be working my butt off to get myself and my family to where Remy will be.
This poem was written by a family member and posted on the program.

Bright blue eyes, soft baby skin.
Mom and Dad, don't cry...I'll see you again.
Please don't cry now, and I hope you'll always know.
Though my time with you was short, it was my time to go.
Mom and Dad I love you and my spirit is alive.
And as your journey here continues, I'll be with you by your side.
Please believe in angels and know that I am yours.
I have a mission that is greater than what was planned out on this course.
Mom and Dad I love you and please know that I'm here.
On those quiet summer days when the air is crisp and clear.
Listen for me, hear me, and you'll feel my spirit by your side,
And always remember that I'm very much alive.

Jackson - Deseret News Obituary

Jackson Burton Rich Our Beautiful Boy Jackson Burton Rich, our beautiful joyful baby boy, returned to the presence of his Heavenly Father on September 23, 2008.Jackie leaves his family and extended loved ones with so many wonderful memories. His blue eyes were captivating and through them we all saw the light of Christ. His smile and laugh were unforgettable and his countenance pure. Our hearts are heavy, but our spirits confident in the knowledge that he lives on in the glories of the heavenly home he was not long gone from. Jack, born May 20, 2007 brought immeasurable joy to his family and gave only sweet love in his short life, and it was returned in abundance by his parents Coby and Tiffany, older brother Corbin, grandparents James and Joanne Rich, Wayne and Laurie Burton, aunts, uncles and countless extended family members. His loving memory and example of innocent love will forever be in our hearts. You are our little guardian angel. Memorial Services will be held noon Saturday at the LDS Chapel on 5980 South 1300 West. A viewing will be held prior the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial you are welcome to contribute to a memorial fund set up for Jackson at any America First Credit Union. Many thanks go out to all those who helped to save our baby and those whose love and support we feel so deeply.

Just Breathe

When I was told Remy had Down Syndrome I was 18 weeks pregnant, I remember vividly everything about that day. I remember in the subsequent days that taking a deep breath actually hurt my heart. It was a physical pain to actually breathe.
Last night my darling cousin and his wife lost their baby. He was just over a year old and he drowned in a small pond in their backyard. I can not think of the words for that type of grief.
I spoke with a parent this evening that lost a child 16 years ago and I asked how they got through it and his response was, " a minute at a time" My heart and prayers are with this young family. I love you Rich clan!

The Fight for Today

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - I have seen and read and heard this quote many times. (most recently I hi-jacked it from Jenny's blog - thanks Jen) In the past week, my Dad fell off the wagon (so much for the 90 day AA chip) been told of 2 women my age fighting breast cancer and a little girl in my primary fighting OMS. What is up???? About six years ago I attended a funeral of a lady in my ward. She was bi-polar and her husband was a marriage therapist. She had died from a drug over-dose. Her husband much to my surprise spoke at the funeral. He said that often with people that have brain tumors or similar issues we have come to understand that their ability to exercise good judgement is suspended. He presented that he felt that same suspension in judgement to apply to those suffering with Bi-polar or depression. I would say it even extends to those that are fighting addiction. All of us fight our battles big and small every day, but why do we fight? Do we do it for ourselves? Do we do it for our family and loved ones? I am still realizing that I can not, nor can my kids be reason enough for my Dad to stay sober. He has to do it for himself. But what does that really mean? I am obviously still in thought process on this one. For me it comes down to having really believing in the plan of salvation. Believing my life has a purpose and I will be held accountable for that which I do here. My dad has lived his life in and out of membership and in-activity in the church. I asked him to share his testimony with me last Christmas. He knows God, he believes in Jesus Christ, but at this moment in time it's not enough. Why I don't know. I wonder if it's because years of drug and alcohol abuse have impaired that reasoning that says make a better choice for yourself, make a better choice for your family, choose to fight the addiction. The addiction is so strong and I think it infiltrates on more than just an obvious level. I watched one of my darling work associates walk into work with her little boy. She is single and back in the dating scene because her husband became addicted to pornography. I thought that guy must be nutso, look at that darling girl and his darling son. Some new guy is going to walk off her and that cute boy because he chose his addiction over them. It make no sense at all. I pray my Dad will fight this battle daily and win. I tease him he is the energizer bunny that keeps going and going; that clearly there must be something here in this life he still needs to learn and accomplish.

POP Goes my Heart!

Notice the POP Beads Zoe is wearing!

I played with these when I was a little girl and loved them. My mom and I have looked for them ever since. We found them at the Logan Walmart. Zoe discovered them at the cabin and promptly roped her daddy into making her a necklace and bracelet. Cambridge devised a whip out of them, and Rems found great joy in twirling them around.

Today was a perfect day for an ATV ride. It rained just before we headed out and just after. We rode part of the Logan Canyon Summit trail. We did about 23 miles. For Cambridge riding on his own; that is really good. It was beautiful! The fall colors were amazing nestled between huge pines.

"truth in blogging" The morning did not start out so amazing. We overnighted at the cabin and had to clean up an load ATV's to get to the trail. Anyone who has kids knows anytime there is adventure and kids mixed there is work involved. Between Cam's whining, Remy's moaning and Zoe's crying I didn't think we were going to make it to the trail head. Just when we arrived and off-loaded the machines it started to pour! Within a couple of minutes the rain passed and it was perfect. On the way home Brian said, "I really enjoyed that". As did I. It pays off to preserver through the whining, crying and moaning. It seems most things that are worth while involve some whining, some work, and a lot of patience.

Cam the Riding Man

Remy's first time in a full helmet. He's not sure what to think.

Say CHEESE!

"Annie get your gun!"

Ok in this case it was more like, "Brian, Oh my gosh, Brian." As I sunk lower and lower in the seat of the car.
Brian and I celebrated our 9th anniversary this month. We went golfing, had a couples massage and spent the night at the Grand America. After checking out we decided to hit a small cafe for breakfast. As we headed down main street we had an encounter with a guy that was higher than a kite. Without giving out all the details (this is the internet) I'll suffice it to say we no guns were drawn and we safely went to enjoy our breakfast.
Experiences like that get your adrenaline pumping and your mind racing. I have concluded a couple of things. I am grateful to live in a country where we have the right to bear arms. I am grateful for a husband that protects our family.

Let me hear you ROOAAAR!

Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point

Ready Set Go! - Labor Day 08

Mindy, her kids and my Dad arrived in town for Labor Day weekend and we hit the ground running. Thursday we went to Park City to ride the Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster. Friday we went fishing in North Ogden and headed to Bear Lake from there. We almost had everyone there. Ashley and Lynette had to stay behind for soccer and Aunt Jana had to work and Uncle Kerry was still in Oregon building their house.
Truth in blogging: I don't have the perfect family. My family growing up has seen some tough times. I have these fabulous parents that are separated but not divorced and my Dad just got his 90 day sobriety chip (go Dad). Still we love to be around each other. Cousin time is some of the best time there is. I will admit after four days it's time for a break, but it's so fun to watch them grow and enjoy being around each other. I treasure each of my siblings and I love the people they married. I love my nieces and nephews (even Adam when we throws grapes in the cabin and I catch him eating cereal on top of the dresser sitting in the window). I am also grateful for a husband that helped me realize one of my childhood dreams of having a cabin at Bear Lake.

Cambridge getting ready to jump!

Roylance Cousins

Aunt Mindy and Kaytlin

Dylan

Rachel

Uncle Mark and Remy

Becca

Brody

Sunrise Saturday Morning view from my window

Nana made each grandchild a back to school pillow case
Dad I have a secret for you.
I'm going to steal your hat. "my hat"


Grand Finale - Minnetonka Cave