Wordless Thanksgiving

Dance Recital

The Girls had their little dance recital last Tuesday. They did such a great job here is a clip for you all to enjoy.

Something is roasting...but not the turkey!

This last Wednesday night, I was putting the girls to bed. Kathryn was already asleep and I was trying to get Juliana settled in. Out of no where she said, "Mom, my tummy's roasting." My first reaction was to laugh, and I have to admit that I did chuckle. So I asked her if her tummy was hot. She said, "No, it's roasting." So I tried again and asked if it hurt, it did. So I thought probably a little too much candy. I told her to go to sleep and it would get better. In the morning all was well. Later in the day she brought up that her tummy was roasting a few times. Well she did end up tossing her cookies this morning at the breakfast table. Lovely, I know. At least I now know what to expect when her tummy is roasting! I have no idea where she got the idea that pain went with roasting. I am sure a lot of turkeys would agree with her! Since this morning she has been able to hold some crackers down, and now is acting normal again, so I think that it has passed. I just thought I would share this before I forget it, which will inevitably happen.

Halloween Pictures

Halloween was a lot of fun. Our ward had a Trunk-or-Treat on Tuesday and then we took cookies around to people on Wednesday. The girls had a blast. I am just going to post a bunch of pictures because I couldn't just pick two or three. So I hope you enjoy them. Steve was "dressed up" for the ward party in his bicking gear since he rode to the party from work. I didn't dress up so that's why I'm not in any of the pictures. We hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. Enjoy! BTW Juliana is the blue princess and Kathryn is the purple princess.

Candy Making

Last week my mom sent us a great package in the mail. It was a halloween themed candy making kit. So we broke it out last Sunday and the girls had a blast. I have to say that Steve and I had fun too. Our Sunday afternnon couldn't have been spent better. Althought making the candy was fun, the best part was licking the plate afterward.

So I really can't believe that it's almost Halloween. It dosen't seem possible. Our first year in Nashville is quickly coming to a close. What I really don't like to think about is that we are yet again contemplating a move. Our rent will be going up, and we really can't afford to stay here, so we are even now looking for something cheaper. I am in complete denial that in less that 3 months I will have to be packing all we own once more to relocate it in some other place. It will never end.

Other than the impending move, we are doing well. Yesterday we had a big milestone. The girls have started reading a little bit. It is so exciting to watch them learn. Their litlle brains are so smart, and I love being able to help them see that they can do it. It's very rewarding. Well I need to get going. Have a wonderful day.

Dance Class

It seems nearlly impossible, but Kathryn and Juliana are now old enough to go to dance. Where the last 4 years went don't ask, becuase I just might tell you. Last Tuedsay we suited up took a few pics and headed to the community center for their first little dance class. You must know that both my children love to dance. They watch different dancing movies and will pick up moves they see and learn them. So when I heard of a free dance class I couldn't resist. I thought it would be something they would absolutly love, and I would get a little free time, however short it might be.

Well last week we ventured into the unkown and really I should have taken after photos of all of us. I came home with a few tears on my face as did the girls. Without going into too much detail, they didn't want to unglue themselevs from me, and I really wanted them to have a good time, and in the process not make me look too silly. It was not a pretty thing. Steve came home and had several strategies already in mind for how to attack this weeks class. I have to say I am extremely grateful for a husband who cares enough to solve the problems that I have, in part, created. So yesterday was dance class and everyone came home with smiles. I think it's the beginning of a beautiful thing.

Still Alive

I know many of you have wondered if we are actually still alive. Well we are and I am now trying to get back into a good routine. Somehow are vacation to North Carolina really threw me off. I really got used to having someone to talk to at any time during the day and not really worring about much else. We had a great time. There was one thing that wasn't great, Steven's Granny got really sick and ended up in the hospital. We only got to spend one day with her, and she is actually still in the hospital. She somehow got pnemonia and has had a very hard time trying to get rid of it. We are hoping that she in on the mend and will be home soon. So I am just going to post a bunch of pictures and write a short line about them. I hope you enjoy and that you are doing well.

This is our little family photo. Megan, Juliana, Kathryn, Steven

The Three Musketeers, Kathryn, Carly, Juliana

Playing Canasta: Cami, Mom, Dad, Becki, Me, Bobbi

Kathryn at the beach

I know it's not the most flattering picture, but I thought it was cute, and besides in a couple of years she would probably hate me for posting something like this! BTW it's Juliana

Our last night in North Carolina. We actually all managed to sit at the table together to eat dinner.

Crazy Quilts

Last night I decided to embark on a new quilting adventure. I have heard a lot about crazy quilts and have thought for a long time that it would be fun to try and make one. I guess as a reflection of my own state of mind right now, I finally started last night. I found a little info online and figured the rest out on my own. I have to say it is a lot of fun. I have made a lot of quilts in the last 18 months but this crazy quilting is so different.
Perhaps I enjoy it so much because I relate to it. It's lots of little pieces of different colors and patterns slapped together in a crazy way, much like life. Then somehow when you step back and take a look, it's not that bad. On each seem you are supposed to sew a different decorative stitch. These came to seem like the moments of life that remind you that "all of this is worth it." Like when your daughter just says "l love you," for no reason. Or when you get to sit down to "tea" with them and watch one pour everyones tea so very carefully. These moments are the ones that seem to cover some of the rought edges, or crooked corners and make life much like a piece of art. Not one to hang on the wall, but one you want to suggle under when you are cold, sick, or just sitting with someone you love.
I know I am waxing a little notsalgic, but the girls are sleeping and for now I can remember the bright moments without any overtones of crying, or complaints! So what am I trying to say??? Well I guess that even when life seems crazy and disjointed, if you take a moment to step back and really look at it, you might see something surprising. Not a beautiful tapestry with everything in it's proper place, but a crazy mishmash, that somehow works and is even more worth cherishing than the tapestry you thought you were going to create when you first got started. A quote my mom had hanging in our kitchen for many years, "Families are a group of people who stick together and help each other with problems they wouldn't have if they weren't a family."
So keep at it I guess and cherish the beautiful stitches that come through our lives to bring happiness and joy, to cover the less sightly things that are sometimes there. Anway this is getting longer by the second. So just a photo of my crazy quilt block that got me thinking all of this in the first place. Thanks for being a part of the crazy quilt of my life and the color and stitches that you have added over the years.

Out of the mouth of babes

Ah the things that my children say. It's amazing to me that they can say the sweetest things that you never forget. On the other hand, things come out of a childs mouth that can really take you by surprise. Two examples. Friday morning Steve was getting ready to go to work. He was just outside the door checking his bike. Kathryn was hunched down, watching him. I happened to overhear something she said. As she watched him she said, "Daddy when I grow up, I want to be just like you." I had to smile. She was being completely honest and sincere. It was one of those moments of parenthood that make all the other ones worth it. So my second example came the nest morning. Steve had to get up early to go on a bike ride with the young men. The rest of us got up and I was in the process of trying to get the girls to the table amidst their complaints of wanting to watch tv, when the phone rang. Steve had a flat and didn't have any spares so he needed me to come and pick him up. He hadn't made it too far before he realized that he was loosing air, so we only had to go a little ways. So I switched gears and told the girls to get their shoes on so we could go. That's when Juliana decided she actaully was hungry and did want to eat breakfast. Forget about the last 10-15 min when she didn't. I got them both in thier room getting shoes on, when she gave me a speech that started like this, "Mommy, you're a mean mommy." She continued explaining why she thought this. "Mommys are supposed to teach their kids how to get to the table but you don't you just count. Good mommys teach their baby how to get to the table." I did counter with the fact that she was a big girl and already knew how to get to the table, but that wasn't a good excuse I guess. It was humorous and someday when her little girl says something similar I will have to chuckle. Anyway they do "say the darndest things."

Something to blog about

Ah. It's Wednesday, so we have officially made it through the middle of the week and are on the down hill slope now. Funny how we always are looking forward and back at the same time. I have been wondering what to add here for a few days, and we finally did something that bears mentioning.
For their birthday, the girls got a kit with beads and string to make bracelettes. They were very excited about it, but because I didn't want the beads to end up in every crack in their room I put them up in the closet for a future time when supervision could be given. So the weeks have passed by and I kept seeing the box and saying, "Oh yeah, we need to make something fun." Finally I pulled them out the other day and the girls had a blast. They both decided that they wanted to make anklets. I was amazed at their adept little fingers stringing beads. They really do grow up before our eyes don't they? So the anklets are a big hit. They can wear them to the store and not lose them because they are down near the floor and can't be played with at all times. That makes mom happy and the girls love showing everyone what they made. They keep asking to make a bracelette, and I actually wanted to today, but we ran out of time.
Right now they are snuggled up to Steve on our bed getting a story. He is such a great dad. Everyday I am so greatful that we can be together through everything. Now I am waxing nostalgic. Crazy. Just a plug for a fun movie experience...We went to Harry Potter at the IMAX here. It was a blast. If any of you get the chance take it. The last 30 minutes are in 3D and it's pretty good. Well I need to roll and get the kids ready for bed. PS (can you have a ps in a blog?) Juliana is in the blue shirt and Kathryn is in pink.

Hot One

You know it's going to be a warm day when you wake up and you are already sweating a little. That's how today started. Of course, we don't turn our air on at night, so it does get stuffy. But the temp is already 77 and we should hit 96 today. Now a lot of you reading this may be scoffing. 96 you say, that's nothing. But when the air outside can be described as thick then 96 is not pleasent or inviting. Good thing there are so many ways to beat the heat. We are going out early today to get new license plates and then I plan on staying in. We have plenty of cold water, and popsicles to keep us going. So on this rather warm day in Nashville I wish you all a good one. Hopefully no matter where you are, you will be able to stay cool and refreshed.

Flushed

A few short moments ago, while doing the dishes, I was writing my next blog in my head. At first the ideas were few, but as I kept going they were flying out of me like the water coming out of the faucet. Each new one was funny, whitty, perhaps even inspiring. Now as I sit there is very little. The last 25 minitues have done something to me to erease such things. They have all been flushed down the toilet with the poop that took 25 minutes to come out of my child. So I now try to salvage any good humor and positive thinking I have left to say, "Tomorrow will be better." Really it has to be better or why would we keep going day to day? Must I be the one that makes tomorrow a better day? I think so...but no matter how many times I try I usually don't make it, and by 7:00 pm I am so ready for lights out and bed time that I am like a bullet train through the brushing teeth, and night time routine. Now don't get me wrong, life is not horrible, yes it could be better, but it could also be worse. But does it really have to be SO tiring? How much harder will it be if we add another child to the mix? (That's not news or anything, just my musings). Will I make it to 50 without being broken down and prematurely old?? These questions remain unanswered. I only know that I will get up and try it all again tomorrow. The results may be better, or they might be worse. But each day my eyes will open and I will try yet again to make it through the day with all my patience intact. Am I crazy? Perhaps, but it wouldn't do any good to give up now. So here are a few pics for you to enjoy the two best things in my life that drive me to my crazy place more often than I would like to admit.

Biking for 160 miles

This last weekend we headed up to Bloominton IN, our old home so Steve could ride his bike in the Ride Across Indidana. 160 miles of rode and nothing but a bike and your legs to get you across. He went with our friend Derek Oler and they both actually made it. Not only did they make it, but they are still alive to talk about it. In fact, I think they actually enjoyed it. After hearing about it, two other guys in our old ward think they want to do it next year!! Did I miss something? I find it hard to understand, but somehow it's fun. Steve loves it. I am greatful he has found a "hobby" that is very healthy, even if it is a little on the costly side. It will keep him active and lean for years to come. My only fear now is being able to keep up. Anyway this picture is of him at the beginning of the race. He looks like the real deal huh?

Hopeful for a better future....

So it's July 5th and I haven't added anything here for way too long. But there is always repentance right? We now live in Nashville TN, and Steve has a real job. The girls and I are adjusting and things are looking good. The year has been slightly uneventful, in a good way. For a few seconds while logging on I had the insane idea that I could actually "catch" up and add everything to our blogg that has transpired, but it was a moments insanity and since has passed. So with a little sadness of what has been missed I look with promise to the future in hopes that this time I will do better. Of course doing better with this means something else may suffer. Is there ever perfect balance? I don't think so, and maybe that wouldn't be the greatest thing. Maybe it's the need to find balance that keeps us going, and always looking for a better way. So it's with hope and positive thinking that I begin once again, hopeful for a better future....

S'MORES

I have been reminded just how wonderful a roasted marshmallow tastes. Today we grilled for dinner and I figured that since the coals were going to be hot we shouldn't waste them. So I ran to the nearest store for some marshmallows and chocolate. I think it's actually the girls first s'more ever. Sadly enough we haven't had them a lot since being married. My neighbor mentioned that she always makes them in the microwave, but that wouldn't be the same.
After enjoying a s'more I roasted a marshmallow and just ate it. Wow! I had forgotten how good they really are. It's a good thing we are not sitting around a fire pit because I would probably eat way too many. As it is, Steve just spread out all the charcoal so that it can cool, and to tell the truth it's chilly outside and my sweaters are all upstairs. So this is just a small tribute to the marshmallow and the great out doors. I hadn't thought about how long it's been since I sat around a camp fire until tonight. I think the last time I did was when Steve and I were first married. It's been way too long. Well that's all. The girls need to be wiped down, and put in bed. If you haven't roasted a marshmallow lately, do it, you won't regret it.

Chiffon Cake

So right now in the oven is a coconut lemon chiffon cake! It smells really good and my only wish is that friends and family that are far could share it with us. The girls are reading books on the couch and Steve is home teaching. Believe it or not, I am listening to Christmas music! Steve would say I'm crazy but I love it, and don't see any harm in listening every now and then.
It seems like fall might be just around the corner. The days are cooler now, and it's nice park and walking weather. If any of you need a vacation you should come and visit in about a month. You will not believe how beautiful it gets. I am excited, because this year no matter how much home work Steve has we are going to go and see a few of the great fall attractions. One of them is the covered bridge festival which we have heard is very nice. This time of year always makes me think of home and friends that are far. So I hope you have a wonderful fall this year.
This is a picture that a friend took last year when we were visiting with them I thought I would share it, in hopes of enticing someone out here. Have a wonderful day and keep in touch.

Rain

Today it's pouring rain. As much as we need it, I sure wish it would come when I want it to! I had great plans to get some errands done today and I think they are going to have to wait. The girls are watching Strawberry Shortcake and they don't seem to mind that it's soggy outside. I guess I should be greatful because I am getting my laundry done and I won't have to worry about it tomorrow.
The picture here is, of course, Steven at the LA temple. He was able to visit with his mom and dad the day before his interview. Speaking of LA, if we do get a job out there, does any one out there know much about the area? We would love to know anything that would help us make a decision about where to live and how to find a decent place that won't put us in the poor house. You can just click on the comment button below and reply if you like. That's part of the beauty of the blog, anyone can comment and we can all share ideas/news. Well I need to wrap this up and get on with my day. Have a good one.

It's Been a While

So I was all excited when I started and then life happened and I sort of forgot that I started a blog. Then this morning a friend sent her new blog and I was reminded, thanks Chloe. So as you may guess life is busy. Steve just returned home yesterday from LA and his interview at UCLA. He had a good experience, even if it was a lot of pressure. He had a day long interview on Thursday, and now the waiting game begins. They did say we should know one way or the other in 3-4 weeks.
We got to pick him up yesterday in Indianapolis and then we all went to dinner. We finally made it to Buca Di Beppo. If you haven't ever been I highly recomend it. We only needed to order one dish for all four of us, although we didn't know that until we were all done, so we did order something seperate for the girls. Anyway it's a great place to eat. It's great to have him home again, and it sounds like the interview went really well.
So I will now send this out to you all. Fell free to add your own comments/questions.

Something New

Hello All,
I have decided to enter the world of blogging and see how it works. I think this should be a fun way to share photos, updates, and maybe video with, well, you. So here I go. Please be patient as I work out the kinks, and feel free to add your own comments to the site.