I have some free time on my hands this week. Well as much free time one can have after you finish a 10 hour day at work. But still, my evenings have been quiet and lonely this week. My Matty is fishing, cause he is a giant playboy, and my babies have spent the week with there dad and grandparents. I've been fiercely lonesome, but I've got some reading in and tonight I went to the Move The Help. If you haven't read this book, do it is on my top 5 all time favorites and I loved the move just as much. The book I have been trying to complete for the last several weeks was Gone With the Wind. Happy to report I finally finished last night. This is actually my 2nd time through this book, and if you know how long it is, that will tell you it is also one of my favorites otherwise why read it twice. It is a story of survival and gumption which is why I love it. I bawled when the Yankee women made Uncle Peter cry, and when Melly died. I don't often cry in books. It is funny that I have surrounded myself with so much of the South this week, but it got me thinking.
What makes people be so cruel to one another? As I was finishing Gone with the Wind last night, I quit when I had like 25 pages left. I couldn't stand how mean Scarlett and Rhett were to one another, cause they loved each other. I think maybe on some level this struck a cord with me, because I got divorced. What makes people who love or are suppose to love one another do such hurtful things or treat one another with such indifference? Those wounds run deep and sadly, sometimes aren't repairable. I fell asleep quickly, to wake to a welcomed phone call from Matt. After I finished talking with him I couldn't go back to sleep due to Gone With the Wind on the brain, so I had to finish it. It's still a favorite.
Whenever I watch a movie about racial issues in our country it hits a cord with me. The Help particularly touches me as it is set in Jackson, Mississippi. My baby was born in Jackson, and sometimes I can't help but wonder the kind of life he may have had if he'd grown up there. Certainly vastly different that what he has. I know the South is much better now, than during the 50's and 60's, but I also know that old prejudices run deep in this area of the country. I hate thinking of the idea of someone saying hurtful things to my boy just cause he has a different color of skin than them. I'm also, not so naive as to think, just cause we are in Utah he will be immune to this. I know at some point in his life, he will deal with this. I just hope I've done well in teaching him, as Adelaide to baby girl in The Help, "I's kind, I's smart, I's important." I think this may be one of the sweetest parts of the movie. Seeing the hired help, care and love the children who's care they were charged with. It is amazing to me that you could think, someone can't use your bathroom because they are of a differnt race and might pass some disease to you, but they are OK to raise your children. To hold them, and kiss them. Comfort, reassure, teach and ultimately raise, but nope use your own bathroom. If there isn't something faulty in that logic, then I'll be damned.
The other thinkg I wonder about when it comes to racial issues, is does it bother the African American community that I, a white women, am raising a black child? I guess ultimately I don't care, but every now and then I wonder. I also know there would be plenty of people who are fine with it, and then some who would take offense. But what is really important is that I love the big brown eyed boy something fierce. He's sweet, curious, a charmer, BUSY, funny and most of all my boy. Once someone asked me if I loved him less than my biological children. I don't remember who asked me this, but I kinda thought IDIOT. I know that's not nice, but all I can say is Andrew is mine just the same as if I gave birth to him. As long as I can teach him: he's kind, he's smart, he's important then well, I'll feel like it will be a job well done. Cause what we believe of ourselves very often becomes our reality.
I'm so happy that my Matty returns tomorrow and my babies Sunday morning. I've missed them all so very much!

coinforcolleen

My aunt Colleen is a part of some of my earliest memories. Growing up we were always close with my Moms family. We visited my grandparents often, and had family parties at our house. We were close and I loved getting together with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. There is twelve years between my mom and her sister Colleen. So there were several years when my mom had young children and Colleen was single. She would often come and visit us on Sundays. Collen would often take my siblings and I out for ice cream at Smiths. I always got bubble gum ice cream. It seemed like one of us usually dropped our cone on the floor. It probably only happened once, but you know how memories get jumbled.

In my baby book there is a picture of Colleen holding me. My family had gone to the "hills" as my grandpa would say, to gather pine nuts. We did this a few times over the years when we would visit my grandparents in Minersville.

When Colleen got married after a few years her and her husband Rick built a house about 10 minutes from my parents and over the years our families spent quite a bit of time together. Christmas Eve's, Sunday evening visits. I spent a lot of time in the Cobia home as a young teenager babysitting. Often my friend Natalie would come with me. I have good memories of boating, going to Lake Powell and just spending time together.

A few weeks ago Colleen was in a horseback riding accident and suffered a spinal cord injury. Me being a nurse, I can't think of many challenges that would be more difficult. She is now a paraplegic, while I am hopeful that this condition will not be permanent, we recognize the need to make preparations for home life in a wheelchair. As I contemplated what I could do, I found inspiration from a man who lives in my area, and coincidentally across the street from my aunt.

Five or 6 years ago, he suffered a similar injury. He is a quadriplegic, and has regained some usage of his arms. While I don't personally know this man, I've developed a love and reverence for him. He spoke in my church meeting last week, and he spoke on miracles. He talked about he small miracle in his life and how when he is looking for them, they are in our lives everyday. He mentioned how he had loved all things outdoors, and related to farming, prior to his injury. He also said how one of the things he was still able to do, was mow his lawn on his riding mower. The whole meeting long I was fighting tears. He was an amazing man. Later in the following meeting, it was announced that this man was going to mow lawns of anyone that wanted him to, and the money would go to Collen, his goal was to earn 2000 dollars in order to buy her a special bed that will help prevent pressure sores. It really made me think about how busy, I "think" I am and how many opportunities I probably miss in serving others. So I decided I wanted to help in some way.

I spoke with my brother in law who happens to organize races for a living to see if he could give me some advice on maybe setting up some sort of fun run as a fundraiser, in order to make the Cobia home wheelchair accessible. He said he had a better idea and I think he was right. He is an organizer of the DIRTY DASH, and obstacle course race that looks like a blast. He said he would give me a promo code and any participant who registered for the race using the promo code coinforcolleen, 25% of the entrance fee will go directly to the Cobia family. So join me in the DIRTY DASH and lets earn some money for the Cobia's and we'll get a little dirty, or a lot, and also have lots of fun while we do it. So go to http://www.thedirtydash.com/ and register today, and don't forget the promo code: coinforcollen. September 17 & 24, 2011 Salt Lake or August 27, 2011 Boise.

I'm also hoping to spend a little more time in my own life recognizing the small miracles that are in my life, and taking the time to be grateful in all things. I have so many blessings in my life, and as Colleen said to me when I went to visit her, "I hope one day I can pay it forward." I'm hoping to be able to do the same as I have been the recipient of much help in my life over the past few years.

Step Families

Being part of a step family inherently has it's challenges. There are x-spouses to coordinate with, step-children, and parenting styles that are high on the list of what can create challenging experiences. We are not exempt from these difficulties.

Miscommunitcations occur in the coordinating of schedules and sometimes panties get in a wad. It is funny the range of emotions one feels toward there own x-spouse, as well as the other previous spouse in the equation. (I hate the word "x"). I guess I'll need to get over that as it is going to be an integral part of my, my husbands, and our children's lives. At times I find myself feeling positive towards these x's even seeing the value of keeping a "friendly" relationship for the kids sake. In other moments I feel like it is just setting yourself up for the same disappointments and frustrations you lived through during the marriage. Keep it about business, and the business is the children. I've been given this advice by a few sources, and it is probably sound. Even with these difficulties I think we have been lucky thus far in our step family. Our kids are young so I think this is a huge blessing in the blending process. They range for 6 to 3. They have been loving and excepting of the change, and each other. They play well together and have fun together and when they are adults they will have few memories of not having a blended family. Obviously there is some sadness in this, but we are making the best of our situation and are feeling so blessed to be a family unit, even if it is a bit different than the traditional.

I inherited Carson, Matt's boy. He is three. He's is a doll face. Matt doesn't love it when I use terms such as this when talking about his "boy", but it is true. He has beautiful brown eyes, and a mop of blonde hair. I have him practice saying, "Mom, my eyes are my best feature." This is something we started the last few times we've had him, and I wonder if he relays the message to his mom. He will tease me and say, best teacher instead of feature. He and I have had our differences. He as only recently decided he likes me. He informed his mom of this, and she wanted to text me and tell me, but then was worried how I might take it. I was well aware of his distaste for me. From what I can tell Jodi, is positive with Carson about the other half of his family and and think this will go a long way in insuring we have a positive relationship and interactions during the time we have with this cute boy. I am grateful to her for this. This little boy can also be a bit stubborn and contrary. I blame the contrary on his age and we will refer to his stubbornness as determination, that is what I call mine. I'm always of the belief that stubbornness can in some regards be a blessing; at times this life requires a large amount of stick to it spirit, which can be a variety of good old fashion stubbornness. How do like my spin on this virtue I share with the little guy? Carson has been well received by my kids and he and I are getting on quite a bit better, which makes me happy. I love it when I catch Matt watching Carson and I having a positive interaction, I can see in his eyes the happiness and joy this brings him. I can relate to those feelings and the overwhelming feeling of love you have towards someone who loves your kid, when they didn't have too.

I know Matt loves my kiddos and I am so grateful he does. He is a good influence in there lives. The kids have been accepting of him and for that I am also grateful. They love him and we are all lucky to have each other.

Jeremy has also been positive to the kids about Matt which is a blessing. This is not always the case in these situations. There is history and hurts, and so often in the step families I hear about, I only hear the negatives, and I hope so much that we can minimize this and focus on the positives. Our four children, each have 3 parents that love them and want what's best for them. Sometimes it is easy to let our frustrations reign, but I'm hoping for the kids, we can keep them in check. I'm grateful for my family, and for the hard things that brought me to my current family. While I wouldn't wish divorce on anyone, I've learned some hard lessons and am hopefully better for them.

Over the past few months I have noticed the amount of pretend play that goes on with my children. It is fun to sit back and observe, when they don't know you are looking; and when it is on an occasion when they are all getting along. They are 6, 5, and 3 respectively. Over the past three years, when people ask if you have kids, and I prattle of the ages, there are two common reactions. When you you have a 3, 2, and baby people very often say whoa, you've got your hands full. But it was often followed up with how much fun that will be when they are older, usually referring to high school ages. It is true, they have been a handful but as we have left the baby stage, everyone is potty trained ( minus one particular hitch in this department), they can do a few things for themselves I am seeing the vision of how fun it will be with three so close in age. We are excited for Carson, to be joining the clan, as well. Carson is Matt's son who is three. So I guess, now we really have our hands full. I'm excited for all the fun all these kiddos bring to life.

I have this distinct memory from last summer... We were all on the trampoline playing. Me and my kids. Matt and his. It was one of those magical moments. I remember Matt making the comment he could get use to this. It was a perfect summer evening, everyone was getting along, it was peaceful and I was happy. I'm looking froward to many more summer evenings such as this... interspersed with the inevitable disputes along the way. I'm so grateful for the blessing of children in my life. I hope I will take to the time to slow down and learn the lessons they are able to teach. Sometimes with all the housework, laundry etc that comes with children it is difficult to find the balance of work and play and slowing down to really listen to them. Cheers to kids!

The Best of the day

I think I've mentioned the Best of the day tradition I got from a family in our old ward. We don't always do it everyday it is more of one of those things that when we remember the kids seem to really enjoy. We haven't done it in a while but I wanted to do a blog of my best of the day. The following two items have brought me great joy and much laughter and a little sadness:

Drum roll please: This is the hairstyle Andrew will be sporting to school tomorrow, ikes

I know the eyes are not helping the look but this was the best shot I got before sending him BACK to bed, where you could see the damage. I had put the kids to bed and was upstairs having a moment to myself. I knew they were talking and playing but I thought they were staying in their room and being quiet so I didn't care. Then Andrew came up with his hands over his head. For some reason I didn't think anything of it till he took them off and said," Do you like it?" No, not really, was my thought. I went from anger, to sadness, to this is hilarious in a nano second. The real humor hit when he and Lexie realized it wasn't a good look. I had sent them to bed as I was texting the photo to my fam, and I over hear Lexie saying, "I don't like it. Maybe you can where a hat to school tomorrow so no one sees it." She is four how does she know it is bad? Oh who am I kidding, look at the picture of course she knew it was bad. It wasn't till after Andrew processed this comment that he said he didn't want to go to school tomorrow. I know I''ll just have to buzz or Bic the rest off but I just don't want to. It will take forever to grow back; I suppose that is better than the alternative, sporting a bald patch on the front of your head for the next several months. Why I ask, why?? I could've sworn he did it with a razor but nope just a little pair of scissors from my mom's sewing drawer. At first I could only find one little lock of curls. My sister Nicole, who called me immediately, said, "there has to be more, THAT is more than a lock of hair." I found them in front of the mirror in his room. What to do with this boy? Lexie got in some trouble too, for not getting me when she knew Andrew was doing something naughty.

My second best thing for today: So I talked to Nicole several times today. Well I think just 3 times and every time she was on her way to Target. Guess how many Targets she went to today? She is going to write her own blog about this but I've laughed so hard it had to be included in the list: 6. Yes that is right, six different Targets. I was laughing hard when I thought it was only 3. She then later confessed to 6. Can we say C-R-A-Z-Y. She was in search of something, which like I said she will blog about. It was some decorating accessories for Lucy's room, I think. I suppose, this is why her house looks so great. Not only does she have an eye for decorating, she will also spend all day working to achieve the look in her mind. I love you Nicca thanks for a good laugh.

I finished the evening out watching some 30 Rock. I'll have to admit, when I first saw this show, I didn't really get it. It's grown on me and I think it's hilarious. When I happened upon it on the ON Demand I had to watch. Hadn't seen it in awhile and it was a good way to finish the day out. Life is good and funny. So do you think Andrew should have to sport the look at school for a day to learn a lesson??

Simple Faith

Lexie, Andrew, and Anna March 2, 2010

It is funny the little teaching moments that will come to you throughout the normal doings of day to day life. Today the weather is good. We picked Andrew up from school and the kids went straight outside to play, as I prepared lunch and chatted on the phone with my sister. I love days like this; moments where in this instant life is perfect, and you are doing exactly what it is you want. For me this was one of those moments, and I was being a mom. As the afternoon unfolded it proved to be a magical one, where I got a moment to myself as the kids explored the wonders of the outdoors. As I fixed lunch, Lexie came walking up the deck stairs carrying, to my dismay, a dead bird. We first had a teaching moment about not touching dead animals with bare hands, germs and the likes, and then later as the fascination with the bird continued one about the resurrection. We ate our lunch outside and the bird talk continued. Lexie said it would be dead forever, and I told her one day when Jesus came again it would be resurrected. They then asked about Grandma Truman, my grandmother. Would she be resurrected? What about Grandpa, and so forth. Later my Dad came out to see what they were doing. They were covering the bird with dried leaves to protect it. Grandpa told them to put the bird in the garbage can, it was dead and Lexie replied with simple faith, and utter belief in her words, "the bird would be resurrected." I think she thought maybe tomorrow this would happen, I don't know. Is this what it means to become as little children? My guess is yes. They don't spend time analyzing everything. They take it on faith and know things to be true. They are happy in the moment, burying a bird and would do it all afternoon. I am so grateful for these children in my life. They are so lucky to have each other, and I'm so lucky to have them. Even though life is not perfect, things more often than not do not go as planned, life is good and full of many blessings. The trick is recognizing them, appreciating them, and letting the rest of the crap go. So that will be my goal and don't you think they are darling?

P.S Ward's don't worry we covered the topic of germs and made sure everyone washed there hands very well.

I am Thankful for...

Jeremy and Lexie


Jeremy and Anna

Jeremy and Andrew

I've been thinking about gratitude and how I really need to have more of it in my life. Awhile back I really felt I was doing good in this area, but lately my focus has been in the wrong area. Time for a shift. I have been blessed with so much and today being Jeremy's birthday I wanted to tell why it is I am grateful for him.

Jeremy is very passionate. While dating him this was something I was attracted to. While I still recognize it as a strength, it sometimes makes me nutty. Sorry Dear, I am working on it. I love your passion. It is great that when you like something you immerse yourself in it and become very knowledgeable about it.

I love Jeremy for the how hard he works. He gets up at a hideous hour most mornings to be at work. Me, not being a morning person, am amazed he is able to drag himself out of bed. I would be pushing snooze over and over and he just gets up. I am also grateful he goes to work, does so willingly and genuinely enjoys his job. I complain too much about mine, and it probably makes him nuts. (I am grateful for my job and my skill set that allows me to be employable, and easily. It is just time to find the right fit.)

Jeremy is very smart and I think he has a photographic memory. He remembers everything he reads. He reads lots of news and magazines and if it were not for him I would not know what was going on in the world.

Jeremy told me he wanted some socks for his birthday. He was very particular in the socks he wanted. They couldn't be too high or too low. A cotton synthetic blend, but not to much synthetic fabric. I was finally like why don't you pick them and I will wrap them up. So when he got them another of his good qualities I could learn from: the bargain shopper. Not to say I can't find a good deal, but not like Jeremy. I'm not as cognisant of the price as I maybe should be. He got eight pair of socks for $1.40. He had a coupon to Kohl's and they were on sale. I told him he should get into the coupon scene. People save lots of money doing this and I am trying to learn, but if Jeremy took it on he would be like the COUPON MOM who was on Oprah.

Jeremy is a fantastic father and in this area we are able to balance each other out. When he kids are pushing me over the edge he is the voice of reason and vice versa. He is great to get down on the ground and play with them.

I really love cooking with the J-dog. He really got into the Food Network a few years ago and cooking is something we enjoy doing together. Some of the best things that have improved my cooking came from his suggestions ie kosher salt, a must for any kitchen. Adding a dash of salt to fudge as well as hot fudge sauce, it really brings out the flavor.

I am so grateful to have a good husband great father for my children, someone who knows what is important and has a testimony of the gospel. Happy Birthday Jeremy, I love you. I hope you have a great day! Thanks for all you do.

PS Does everyone have trouble manipulating photos in blogger or is it just me?

Fall=Home

So Sunday (9/12) after church Andrew wanted to put out the fall decorations. I remember doing this as a kid and always loved it. So we pulled out the fall and Halloween stuff and got the house looking all festive. I need a few more, as it seems there are not enough decorations to go around. Do you have fond memories of pulling out the decorations as a kid? It made me think about that even though I'm not "home" , home is where you are. A quote I've heard a lot lately, I read it on a blog somewhere, my dad said it to me, and it was in the movie Julie and Julia. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something. So thanks to my little Andrew for wanting to do the fun things that make a house a home, and for being the first person I see when I get home. (He is always the first to greet me and is oh so excited to see me.) I love you buddy!

Randomness

My sister Nicole made a comment awhile ago on my blog how I needed to do a post a day, so I challenged her through the blog world. I could do a post a day if she could. I thought the competition would end this week because she is out of town. Good old Lake Powell, the yearly Larsen family vacation. Wish I was there. Andrew also wishes he was there. He has talked about Lake Powell and getting a ski boat quite a lot. She wrote and scheduled all her blogs to post and so the competition is still on. I thought I would have an easy win. Jess is out though (my other sister). So here I am in the ninth hour writing my blog cause I'm not going to lose to a girl who isn't in town. I'm so glad I have sisters to do silly things like this with me. I hope we will always be close, and I can't imagine we won't.
My mom's sister died this past week. As she has been out of town I haven't been able to talk with her and ask her how she is feeling. Her passing has made me think more of my own sisters and family and how quickly time passes and how we never really know when our time will be up. I am so grateful for sisters, the gospel,and and the knowledge of forever families.
I start a new job tomorrow. A new hospital, a new department, all new. I never have liked being the new guy at work. Oh well. I am long since past having butterflies and being way nervous for a new job. I just don't love being the new guy. Wish me luck.

To the Dads in my Life

Jeremy, Lexie, and Andrew March 2007

First a Happy Fathers Day to all the men in my life. I am so grateful for the Dad's in my life and the examples they are to me. I grateful that Jeremy, is and involved Dad like mine was. He is hands on. He loves to play with the kids; chase laugh, tickle. He loves his kids and they adore him. Thank you Jeremy for being a great father; I don't think it comes as naturally to all as it does for him. For this I am grateful.

Rory and Anna Christmas 2008

I am grateful for my father-in-law Rory. He is so good to my kids and really loves them. He is a great example of service and and commitment to his beliefs. I hope one day Jeremy and I can work towards the devotion I see in him. He is kind to all and no respecter of persons, and wouldn't the world be a better place if we were all like this. Thank you for teaching Jeremy to be a good Dad.

Anna and Dad September 2008 Annie's first Birthday

And last but certainly not least my very own Daddy. He is the measuring stick by which all other men are measured. This is maybe not fair, as a store clerk once told me no man will measure up to a little girls father. Lucky for Jeremy, he has two girls of his own to idolize him this way, and I think in some respects this is the way it is suppose to be. I love my Dad because: he taught me I could do anything no matter what; he is always supportive, at my soccer games, track meets, piano recitals, and still counties to be supportive in my adult life; he loves my kids; he is Christlike and leads by example. I love you Daddy and miss you. Thanks for all that you do. I can't wait to see you next month.

Eight Years!

This is J-DOG the summer we dated (I think). He came to Lake Powell with my family and no one could believe the tricks he could do on the wake board. As initially this was something that impressed me, as the years progressed a few concussions occurred it turned into something that worried me and angered me a little bit. I do half to admit I still think it is pretty cool he can get that kind of air. IMPRESSIVE! This is the passion I was referring to before. When Jeremy decides to go after something he really goes after it. That is what he did with me, who else would put up with being dumped that many times. Kidding. I love you and think you are a great Dad, better than I could have hoped for.

Happy Anniversary Jeremy! Can you believe it has been eight years? I can't. Lots has happened. We have had our ups and downs. Thanks for putting up with me, I'm sure no one else would ( I put up with him too). I love you and all you do for our family and me. When I get upset over things that are important but in the big picture really don't matter you keep me grounded; thank you for that. Here is to eight more. I love you have a great Day.

FLATTERY

Me and Annie June 2009

Who ever said flattery gets you no where must not have had children. As you can see from the picture Anna is into imitating me, and isn't imitation the most sincere form of flattery? I think this is one of the things I love most about being a mom. It reminds you how much little kids want to be like the adults in there life. There little minds are like sponges and they hear and remember all the little things we say and do. I need to do better at being the example they need. Don't you just love when they try on your shoes, especially the high heels, which Lex has taken to doing. She thinks they are soooo pretty, in her little, high pitched, excited voice with a smile that would melt your heart. As taxing as motherhood can be on somedays, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

P.S. After seeing this picture I am glad I'm usually behind the camera and not in front.

JUST BECAUSE!

Lexie, Anna, Andrew June 14, 2009

Last night I decided I would have a camp out in the yard with the kids. They were so excited. It is really the little things. We were out in the tent and Andrew was telling us a story about Lehi, which was a story that was all over the place, when he decided he was headed in for the night. He ran off saying, "Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning." I hope I am not raising a sissy. He returned a few minutes later because he forgot his blanket. Then this morning he said, " Hey, why didn't we sleep in the tent?"
I guess he forgot he was scared. The girls and I lasted until about 3:00 am when I had to go to the bathroom and wanted a real bed. We will have to try again.
Lexie and I had fun talking about shooting stars, I remembered the song "Catch a Falling Star and Put it in your Pocket." Because Lex, asked if you could pick up a shooting star. We sang Primary songs, and I listened to her make up her own songs. I tried to point out the Big Dipper. We talked about crickets chirping and how they made that noise. I love these little kids and sometimes feel like if I blink I will miss something. It is easy to forget that the little guys just want some of our time and if we give it the rewards are great. Don't you think they are just darling? I love you Andrew, Anna, and Lexie!

Legacies...

Grandma and Grandpa Truman June 2001

Like it or not, we are so much of who has come before us. I think of the things which were important to my grandparents and my parents, qualities good and bad come through to the next generation, and the chain goes on. When I think of it in this light is makes me nervous about passing on my bad qualities, so I will have to really focus on the good in order to perpetuate that. I'm going to try and be mindful of the Legacy I leave behind. Here are some of the things I see in my family today and where they came from.

1. A love for books. Both my parents have always loved to read. They read all types of books and instilled a love of reading in all of their five children. I think they did this by there example, as well as reading to us. I remember my mom reading us books like, Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yellar, and the like on road trips. I remembering going to Bob's Book Barn with my Dad and Jessica. We would trade in our old books for new ones. I got the Twits there, and it is still one of my all time favorites.


2. A green thumb. My grandmother had an amazing garden and grew prize winning peonies. This is a love she passed onto my Mom and she has passed on to her daughters. There is nothing like digging in good dirt and planting. It is the best therapy out there, and I think Grandma knew this.


3. Politically Astute. My Grandparents where always very politically active. My grandfather served on the school board, My grandmother was the mayor of Minersville, because when she asked Karl to do it and he said no, she said,"Then I'll do it." And she did. My parents always taught us the importance of doing our civic duty and voting and were always abreast of the current events. I admittedly am not as well informed as I should be, but my siblings certainly are. Jason is always listening to some sort of news and knows what is going on in our world. Michael too.


4. Hard working. Both my parents are hard workers and they taught there children to work as well.

There are also some legacies which are not as positive which we continue to carry on, but like I said we are focusing on the good, right? I hope I will remember the importance of the work which those who went before, and be mindful of the legacy I am leaving my children.

Happy Birthday Nicole!

Nicole and Family November 2008

Happy Birthday Nica! We are getting old. I just wanted to wish my big sister a happy birthday. I hope your day is great. I have always tried to emulate Nicole. As a little girl I remember being called "little Nicole," because we looked alike. Nicole always watched out for me growing up. She would intervene in fights and protect me. We had a special relationship and I always, and still do want to me like her. Do you remember "for the first times in our lives", and "Iguana and Kola Bear"? Some of the things I admire about Nicole:

1. She is organized
2. Anything she does, she does well. A job worth doing is worth doing right.
3. She has a great laugh and is fun to be around
4. She is a great cook, and a wonderful hostess.
5. She is dedicated in her church service and beliefs
6. She is determined and a hard worker
7. She is a great wife and mother

Nica, I love and miss you and hope you have a great day. Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister!

Nicole 1995

"Little Nicole" 5 years old

The Drive-In

Andrew, Anna, and Lexie @ the Drive-In May 30 2009

Last night for a family outing we went to the drive-in movie; it was a double feture and kids 5 and under are free. I'm telling you this is the way to do family movies as it is much less expensive than a regular theater. Twenty dollars for a family of five with treats. I felt like we were going back in time a little bit. The place had Grease written all over it. We had a fun time and I think it is important to be building memories and traditions with our children. I'm hoping this is something we could maybe start.

Jeremy having some popcorn. Rare he never eats popcorn.

Part of the Grease feeling I was referring to


The movie screen. They had four screens and the place was packed

Jeremy and Anna in the concessions line

The concessions line

Me and Anna ( she has become a total pill as of our arrival in Texas)

SISTERS

Lexie and Anna in a field of Dandelions April 2009

Don't you just think sisters are the greatest? I do. When I was pregnant with Anna I just knew it was a girl. I was happy Lexie would have a sister, because I love having sisters. When the ultrasound tech said it was a girl I just sort of nodded my head, cause it was like saying the sky was blue, no news there. These to fight a little bit now but they also love each other and I hope as the years progress they will treasure having a sister. I know I treasure mine.

Annie was so cute for the pictures, I loved this one

I finally got Lexie to sort of look and Smile. She was being a pill that day. Who could imagine?

Happy Birthday Jason

Today is my big brothers birthday. As a joke, Jess and I have been putting a comment a day on Nicole's blog, with a topic assignment for a new blog. We are protesting until she writes one. Anyhow, today I suggested Jason as a topic and thought I would take my own advice. (p.s. if you are looking for a topic to write about checkout the comments on Nicole's Temple Square Post, there are many.)

Jason in many ways reminds me of my Dad. There is probably not a better compliment I could pay Jason, as I think the world of my Dad. He has a tough exterior but he is a big old softie on the interior. He doesn't show this side often; actually I've rarely seen it, but I know it is there. Jason is well read, politically aware, abreast of current events. He is ambitious, funny as hell, and a nice guy.

He drove out to Texas with my family and I, and drove the big Truck. He was a huge help, and I was especially grateful he was here. The truck would probably still be sitting in front of our house if he hadn't been here. I love him and think he is a great guy. This is something which is not always easy to express to him because he has the tough guy appearance. I'm grateful for his example and wish him all the best life has to offer. Happy birthday Jason, I love you.

Love,

Kimmy, (your favorite little sister )

All things Jessica

In an effort to get back into blogging, I thought I would write about my sister Jessica, and the Jessicaesque qualities.

Jess and her Family on Easter 2009

First a Jessicaesque quality I see in myself, is a new found love for lip stuff. A great chapstick, gloss, or stick. Especially the glosses, here a few of my favorites.

I think Jessica's love affair with Chapstick started during the high school years. It has now grown into a full fledged love of make-up and beauty products in general. I remember she once told me about a dream she had where she had, "like a hundred chapsticks, it was great". She was disappointed when she woke up and it wasn't true. I think it is true today, she may have 100 lipsticks. This is actually a great quality because when she decides she has too many she will give them to me and Jess has great taste.

The 2nd Jessicaesqe quality is something I have noticed in Lexie. This is the quality of the NOSE. Jess can smell everything. If there is an unpleasant odor in the vicinity Jessica will find it. Maybe she would be good at hunting, you know tracking and stuff. We always would tease her about this growing up, but after being pregnant and be a little hyper sensitive to smell, now I just feel bad; to have such a good sniffer all the time. Lexie is the same way; if Anna has a poopy diaper, or someone farts, she is right on it.

The 3rd thing is fashion savvy. Anytime a get a compliment on my clothing, almost always is something Jessica bought me or has given me. The bad thing about this is if you dog ear an item in a catalogue just plan that Jess will show up wearing it at the next family event. This has happened to me, and my other sister, Nicole, more than once.

Jessica is a great sister and we are lucky to have her in our family. She is a great mom. I remember when Jack was born, I was so impressed with her as a new mom. She really loved it and her kids love her. She reads to her kids far more than the recommended 20 minutes a day, and has instilled a love for books, reading, and knowledge in her children. What a fantastic gift to give your kids. Sometimes I think of the things I can't or haven't given my children and when this is something I could do and it cost nothing but, my time. Interesting that the person who is in a position to give her kids most anything, she has the wisdom to give them what they need and what is important. A lesson I will try and remember.

Jess is a wealth of knowledge from politics to fashion, best beauty buys. She is smart, funny, pretty, health conscious, all and all a WELL put together women. I love you Jessica and am going to miss you! I'm planning on 2 visits a year from you. I know you said 1 was realistic, but, I'm not a realist I'm a dreamer and I'm going to keep on dreaming.

In the mind of a kid...

Andrew April 2006 (21 months) and his Don King Hair

It is funny to see the way children reason. The other day, Andrew said,"Mom am I black? I said, "Yes." He then followed it up with, "Did God paint me?" He is four, African American, in a white family. He is in preschool doing activities such as finger painting and the likes. I can see how his little mind came to this conclusion. I told him,"No, God makes people all different colors and he made your skin brown, mine white..." and so forth. So today, he rode his John Deere tractor over to the neighbors, and informed Shauna, his tractor is green cause God made it that way. At least he got the lesson, I think. I love this little boy and am Grateful he is in our family.