Kee-Cock the Killer Bird

Visiting This Is The Place Heritage Park for their "Baby Animal Days" seemed harmless enough; I mean, holding a baby chick, petting a tiny baby lamb, stroking the fur of a soft baby bunny rabbit, and taking a ride on a little pony are safe activities for little ones, wouldn't you say?

Well, Grins would beg to differ. Though he rode a pony by himself last year, this year he wouldn't get near them, even though Angel offered to ride with him! And when I placed a baby chick in his hands (at his request), he quickly pulled his hands back (fortunately I saw this one coming and caught the bird so no baby animals were harmed!!)

But the real danger at the "Baby Animal Farm"?? The "Kee-Cock". Grins has always been fascinated by peacocks - once, at Tracy Aviary, we were lucky enough to watch a mating display with the feathers, dancing, screeching - the whole nine yards. And back then, since he was 18 months old and fearless, he was positively intrigued. So much so, in fact, that we had to pry him away kicking and screaming, for fear he would be attacked. (I don't know whether or not peacocks actually attack, but I assume it is best to leave mating animals alone while they are 'doing their thing'...) Anyhow, there happened to be a couple of peacocks in a cage in the barn, just sitting there, sleeping, or whatever it is they do. There was a female, too; a pea-hen (that's really what they're called, I'm not making it up), nesting. There may have been a squawk or two, but it all seemed pretty peaceful and benign. Until that evening.

Fast forward a few hours to 3 am when I hear Grins SCREAMING bloody murder from his bedroom. This is rare for him; usually he quietly walks into our room and squeezes himself between the Mr. and me without so much as a peep. But the screaming jolted me awake and I was in his room in under a second (give or take), expecting the worst. "What is it, baby?" I asked. "The kee-cock! The kee-cock! It's twying to bite me! The kee-cock!" He was wide awake and sincerely terrified. After a few moments trying to calm him down, he would not be consoled, so I finally dragged him back to bed with me (against my better judgement).

He did fine until the next morning when, upon waking, he said "Mommy, the kee-cock tried to get me last night. Can you go get him?" "Where is he?" I asked. "In my bed" he insisted. "Why don't you come with me and show me?" Against his wishes, I nearly had to force him to come with me into his bedroom and 'show me' the peacock - or rather, that I could show HIM that it had been a figment of his imagination. When we got to his bed, he searched and searched for several moments, and finally conceded, laughing, "I must have thought my blankie was the kee-cock!"

I thought we had put it all behind us until this evening when, as I tucked him into bed, he asked "Can I have a special animal to keep me safe from the kee-cock? An animal that can BITE the kee-cock?!" He finally settled on a very convincing stuffed frog.

Wow. I think I may have to consider taking legal action against This is The Place Heritage Park, for both punitive damages to Grins' psyche as well as lack of sleep on my behalf. (I'm teasing, of course. Hopefully that goes without saying.) But seriously. I can't take this little man anywhere. I just hope his sensitivity will serve him well one day.

More Kid-isms

I know I keep saying it, but I just can't get enough of my kids. They are hilarious. They constantly have me laughing out loud which, if you know me, takes quite a bit (I'm an inward sort of a laugher, you could say...).

Today, while feeding Wiggles, I of course got peach puree and some other Unknown Substance plastered on my pants. Not wanting to leave the house that way, I said "Mommy's going to go change her pants before we go, why don't you guys run and get your shoes on.." to which Grins looked up quizzically and said "Did you wet your pants?"

I love how much my children adore each other! I hope and pray they keep this relationship forever, it is SO sweet! I was putting Wiggles down today and Grins could not stop snuggling her. I said "(Grins)! Please leave her alone! She'll never go to sleep if you keep playing with her!" He obeyed but said "But Mommy! She's just SO cute!"

Of course, Angel does her share of making me laugh too, although she doesn't always appreciate my laughter. The other day she wanted crepes for breakfast (which we had had the previous 5 days in a row, and I thought it was time for something different!!!) I said "No, let's try something different. Why don't we have eggs...or pancakes...or oatmeal?" "No!" she shouted "You are ruining my whole life!!!!!" Well, then. I suppose we had better have crepes then. I wouldn't want to be in charge of ruining my daughter's entire life now, would I?

Making me laugh..

These two constantly have me in stitches!

Today we were snuggling for quiet time and I happened to be wearing a pink shirt (Angel's favorite). She rubbed my shirt and said "Mommy, you have such a beautiful shirt." "Thank you, love!" I replied. Not wanting to be outdone by his sisters, Grins stroked the upper part of my shirt (below my shoulders, above my stomach, you get my drift) and said "Mommy, you have such a beautiful chest." "Thank you, my son" was all I could muster, stifling the laughter. "I love you, my lady." he said.

Oh, I just cannot get enough of these guys! If you haven't heard "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks, check it out - it reminds me of my kids! "Is forever enough?"

Things I Will Miss

Every day I realize how fast my children are growing and it makes me sad. Because, despite the fact that I can't remember the last time I slept more than 2 1/2 (ok, maybe 3) hours straight or went more than 2 hours without saying "Be nice!" or took a shower without someone crying for me...I love my life. I could not love it more...ok, the only way I could possibly enjoy myself more was if I had less house/yard work so that I could have more time with my kids. They are just incredible. Rebellious and even dare I say beligerent at times, but nonetheless amazing.

Every day I try to breathe in deep their little 'kid-isms'; adorable little things I know I'll miss when they are grown.

Like Grins saying (looking at the Nativity) "Look! It's Mary and Joseph Smith!"

Or Angel saying "I need to prastic (practice) reading more"

Or Wiggles giggling at her two older siblings, while furiously kicking her legs as if trying to join in.

Or Grins signing "Best" (ASL you point 2 thumbs up - Grins points his pointer fingers up. It is adorably hilarious.)

Or Angel writing by "sounding it out" (Hanu=Hannah, Gramu=Grandma, Mam=Mom, Pup=Puppy, Muthr=Mother, Seru=Sarah and so on).

Or Wiggles trying to sit up and falling over head first because she's top-heavy.

Or Grins saying "Thwocwet" (chocolate).

Or Angel angrily storming off after being sent to her room while stating (as if telling a story) "And she stormed off angrily to her room....and then came back and said 'sorry'." Upon which she returns and says "Sorry Mommy!" As if she's following the script in her head. Now can the script please read that she obeyed her Mommy ALL the time from that point on??!

Or Wiggles shouting angry jibberish when she's tired.

Or Grins helping me peel garlic and asking "Why does the garlic have wrapping paper on it?"

Or Angel's love for our "special time" - the time during which the other two kids are sleeping and she and I have one-on-one time during which we color together, play games, and/or practice reading.

Or Wiggles gurgling herself to sleep.

Or Grins' contant concern for the happiness and well-being of his sisters - bringing them toys, stroking their hair and saying "It's ok, sister, I'm here. (Grins) is here." (I HOPE this never changes!!)

Or Angel asking for stories about "fairies, rainbows, flowers, and everything beautiful" (her direct quote), and then proceeding to tell me specifically how the story goes (ie - a story about a princess that rides a train, and on the train was a clown who was trying to make everyone happy. And the princess was wearing a yellow dress with a purple rose on the front, and purple rose earrings. And a purple headband......)

Or their incessant laughter - contagious giggles that they pass back and forth all day long, anywhere from the middle of the prayer (I struggle SO hard, and often fail, to keep from laughing; this reminds me exactly of my sister and I growing up!) to up to an hour after I put them to bed! I laugh just thinking of it; their laughs are seriously contagious!

Yes, indeed. Life. Is. Good.

Funny....

Back in the Lindon B. Johnson era, someone said we would eventually elect a black president. A skeptic replied: "We'll elect a black president when pigs fly!"

100 days into the Obama administration headline say "Swine Flu."

The Power of Prayer

This sweet little thing is one of the greatest joys of my life. My home is full of the sounds of her contagious laughter and made up songs and jokes. I am continually in awe of her intellect and budding creativity. My walls are adorned with her beautiful artwork. I am constantly amazed by her endless energy. My heart melts as I see the love she has for her younger brother and sister. How I love this precious child.

And yet, she knows how to test her limits! This child of mine seems to personify the age old nursery rhyme "There was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very, very good; and when she was bad, she was horrid." It seems there is no middle-of-the-road in her emotions or her behavior. No ambiguity. No mediocrity. She is either charming, loving and obedient to a fault, or else beligerently testing the number of ways in which she can simultaneously defy my authority and laugh my rules - and me - in the face. Though I haven't kept a tally, it seems that, most days, the good moments outnumber the bad....but some days I'm not so sure. In my heart of hearts I believe that, deep down, she is an amazing, talented, wonderful human being, but I often find myself wondering where I have gone wrong in teaching her love, respect and integrity.

Yesterday, while the Mr. was putting the baby down and I was reading stories to Angel and Grins, I asked Angel to please keep her noise level down. After my second warning she proceeded to look me squarely in the eye and scream at the top of her lungs. I calmly picked her up and carried her to the back deck, where I explained that her loud behavior was only acceptable outside, and that she would need to remain on the back deck until her father had finished putting the baby down (about 5 minutes lest you deem me a negligent mother). She laughed and I left, thinking some less-than-charitable thoughts about this child I nurtured in my womb. When the baby was asleep, the Mr. retrieved Angel from the deck and deposited her into bed. To my surprise, she requested I be the one to tuck her in for the night. As I stood at her bedside, I told her how much I love her and that I was sorry if I had seemed angry, but that I was simply trying to teach her acceptable behavior. She replied, "Mommy, when I was out on the deck, I prayed. Twice. And then I felt better. I forgive you. I love you." Holding back the tears, I held her for a while, then kissed her goodnight. When I told the Mr. of this, he tearfully replied that he knew; when he had gone to let her in he'd found her kneeling in prayer on the deck.

Will love and goodness prevail in this sweet, headstrong little girl's personality? I, too, am on my knees every night, pleading that it will.

WikiBridge

My brother-in-law just came up with a great idea; a way for people to list a side-by-side comparison of two 'competitors' or 'peers' (ie - Costa Vida and Cafe Rio) for others to get the 'quick and dirty' comparison. There are a couple of entries I'm thinking of submitting - one about Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioners, and one about different methods of sleep training children - because those are really the only topics I know anything about - but I don't know how interesting they would be to anyone else so we'll see.

Anyway, I think it's a great idea, and it's just in the beginning phases so it's definitely open for submissions if there are any comparisons/bridges you have to offer! Check it out here!

Menu Plan Monday (on Saturday because I'm just so organized!)

The past few months have been such a whirlwind I've neglected my meal planning. I'm going to start back up again and would LOVE suggestions for kid-friendly vegetarian meals. Although the Mr. is easy to please, the kids are a bit more difficult, since their ideal meals are KRAFT macaroni & cheese (I don't like the homemade kind, Mommy!), chicken nuggets (at least they'll eat my homemade sneaky chef version!) and hot dogs (ugh! I don't know how these got on the top 3 - they've had them all of one or two times because I don't buy hot dogs; they are against my religion... well, against my own personal value system.)

Saturday - "Friend Party" for the kids; chicken nuggets, carrot and celery sticks, apple slices (the Mr. and I will finish off the week's remaining leftovers)
Sunday - dinner at our friends' house; we'll bring Gooey Butter Cake for dessert! :)
Monday - sweet corn chowder, mixed green salad, crusty bread...sneaky chef brownies with a dollop of soy dream for FHE treat
Tuesday - The Mr. has class - homemade mac 'n cheese and sweet peas for the kids, I'll pop a vegan quickie meal in for me
Wednesday - homemade creamy chicken-pesto and tofu-asparagus pizza (2 separate pies!), pear goat cheese salad, fresh fruit
Thursday - cheese fondue with crusty bread, carrots, celery, apples (any other ideas?)
Friday - I work; the Mr. is in charge! I love to see what he comes up with! ;)

Escaping Adultitis

AGES ago I posted about wanting to rid my life of "Adultitis" - "...a common condition occurring in people between the ages of 21–121, marked by chronic dullness, mild depression, moderate to extremely high stress levels, a general fear of change, and, in some extreme cases, the inability to smile." (adultitis.org) Then, Kim & Jason (learn more about them here) were kind enough to send me their Escape Plan manual, to enable me to do so. Unfortunately, due to 2 moves, the birth of my third child, and a few other small but nonetheless time-consuming events, I have procrastinated reading said manual. Until now. A few days ago I finally opened the book and how I wish I had started sooner! It is an easy read- takes just a few minutes a day - and it has truly started a change in my life! I am only a few days into it, and already I'm feeling more "free". I obviously still have a ways to go - about 36 days to be precise - but I am really enjoying it and want to recommend the book to anyone who feels a little weighed down with the pressures/cares of the world which we all face. I intend to keep reading and I'll keep you posted as my journey progresses!

By the way, check out http://kimandjason.com - they have a very fun website with TONS to do!! :)

Huh?

So the Mr. has been attempting to grow sideburns for a week or so but with very SLOW progress. It has finally started looking like slightly more than a spot he missed while shaving, but today Angel noticed it for the first time. She was sitting in his lap when she suddenly reached up and stroked the growth with her hand, with the most quizzical look on her face. "What is THAT?" she wondered aloud. "Daddy's trying to grow some facial hair" I responded. "Why?" was her only response. "So he'll look cool." "Huh?" she replied. I know, my dear. I know.

A Woman's Tear

If you haven't heard this, I thought it was worth sharing: (author unknown)

A Woman's Tear

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm a woman,' she told him. 'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.'

Later the little boy asked his father, 'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?' 'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?'

God said: 'When I made the woman she had to be special.' 'I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. 'I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times
comes from her children.
'I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.
'I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances,
even when her child has hurt her very badly.
'I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her
from his rib to protect his heart.
'I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.
'And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use
whenever it is needed. That tear holds more then men could understand.
'For a woman's tear is full of unconditional love, power,sacrifice,beauty,pain,and compassion, all ten fold of what a Man is able to feel.'
'She's my gift to the world; she's an Angel on Earth. Love her and praise her, for there will be no other here on Earth that will Love you like I do than your Mother.

'You see my son,' said God, 'The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.' The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Easter Celebrations

Easter weekend was beautiful; though a bit on the chilly side, at least it didn't snow, and the sun even graced us with it's presence for a few hours!

Saturday, the Mr. was at the hospital (what's new?) so I took the kids to a local Easter Egg hunt. The sign said "10am sharp" and they weren't kidding - they had all the kids stand behind a ribbon at at 10:00 on the dot they cut the ribbon and let 'em all loose. I'm not sure how many kids were there, but the hunt lasted all of about 90 seconds - if you blinked you probably missed it. Lucky for us we were on time for once. The 'big kids' were fast, seasoned 'egg-hunters' and therefore scored most of the goods but fortunately my kids were content with their 3 eggs each just for the novelty of it all. (I'm glad they aren't yet to the stage where everything has to be exactly "fair"!) The thing that thrilled them most of all was the real, live bunny someone brought (on a leash!) - Grins was convinced it was the Easter Bunny himself! Wiggles enjoyed the hunt because I carried her in the front pack and let her have her binkie the whole time; she was in heaven!













Sunday, the children woke up before dawn even thought about cracking (a new trend these days....super!) Because it was a holiday, and to allow myself a shower, I let them watch "He is Risen" which they of course enjoyed since screen time is such a rare treat. We ate a quick breakfast and then donned our easter finery and headed off to church - the only TRUE way to celebrate Easter, I would say, it symbolizing the Resurrection and all.













We came home from church and found that the easter bunny had left some 'goods' which the children were of course thrilled about! Then we headed to Oma and Opa's house for Easter dinner. For dinner, we made 'easter tomb biscuits', in which you wrap a marshmallow inside a piece of biscuit dough and then bake; the marshmallow symbolizes Jesus' body, and the biscuit is the tomb. We also sprinkled butter, cinnamon and sugar on top, symbolizing the oil and spices with which Jesus' body was annointed. When an uncle asked why we were adding spices, Grins answered "So the body doesn't STINK!" After baking the biscuit, you open it to find the 'tomb' empty. Angel and Grins were a bit disappointed that their favorite part of the biscuit had disappeared, despite our reminding them "He is not here, but is risen!" Finally, Grins got it and said "Did Jesus melt?" We got a kick out of that.

I've decided that, with my little loverlies around, there is never a dull moment! I truly don't know what I would do without these sweet little angels in my life! I am SO grateful for Easter and what it means to me to know that, because Jesus was resurrected and lives again, death is not the end. That knowledge is truly the greatest gift I've ever known, and I can't imagine living without it - especially now that I have such precious children whom I so dearly love!

Draper Temple Open House

My kids, especially Angel, were SO excited to attend the open house of the Draper LDS Temple. (for more information on LDS temples click here.) Since this is a rare and special occasion for us, we all got dressed in our Sunday best and made the (somewhat long) drive out there. The children thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which is a 'silent' tour with minimal talking, and crowds just walking through quietly, pondering in their hearts the beauty surrounding them and the feelings within their hearts. The Mr. and I exchanged more than one tearful glance as we thought of what temples mean to us, and reminisced on our most special day in the Portland LDS temple nearly 8 years ago when we were married and sealed for eternity. We were pleased with how well each child did - considering the whole ordeal took a few hours (an hour in the car, a half hour at the church, waiting for the bus, a few minutes on the bus, then another hour or so in the temple, WALKING, not running, being QUIET! - not the way our children usually spend their afternoons by any stretch of the imagination!) Then, as we neared the end of the tour, we took a moment to sit in one of the larger and, in my opinion, most beautiful rooms of the temple. We asked the children to think about how they were feeling so we could discuss it later. We all sat for a moment until I suddenly noticed, in the corner of my eye, that our sweet little Grins was jumping on the couch!! Stifling a laugh at our spirited child who was rejoicing in the spirit of the temple in his own little way, the Mr. and I quickly grabbed him and held him close so as not to preserve the quiet, reverent nature of the room and building. Right after that, we proceeded to the last room of the tour, where a sweet 'mature' couple shared their memories of their own temple marriage many years ago. As they spoke, our little Wiggles proceeded to FILL her diaper. Very loudly. Very obviously. Very smelly. We found it interesting that she would wait until that very quiet moment to clear her bowels. The Mr. and I could barely contain our laughter and were relieved when the couple finished their remarks so we could quickly remove ourselves from the building and let loose. Some may find us irreverent, but I know that there is a special place in the Lord's heart for sweet little children, and, in my heart of hearts, I think he just may have been laughing with us.

David after Dentist

So, I'm too computer illiterate to figure out how to post a you-tube video on here (I'm sure it's incredibly easy but I'm just clueless - feel free to clue me in and I'll update it!) but, if you haven't already seen it, you should really watch "David after Dentist" on YouTube. The original, by booba1234. I don't usually laugh out loud but this one had me crying. Seriously. If you're stressed it's some great stress relief. And if you're not, it's just plain funny.

Pay it Forward Spring Surprise

OK, I know the picture has nothing to do with the post, but I'll never pass up an opportunity to show off my kids, and I hate posting without a pic...

"Paying it forward" - I saw this idea on my aunt's blog, and thought it looked fun so I agreed to pass it on, so here goes:

The first three people to comment on this post will be the lucky recipients of something cleverly handmade by me, to be gifted in the near future.

And here's the only catch. In order for you to comment and be a receiver, you must post this same "deal" on your own blog to keep it going. That way, we can all get a little springtime cheer. And, I'll add my own little wish, which is that you'll post what you made, too, because that would be fun to know.

I'm off to think, think, think about whether I'll cook, sew, craft, or or or . . . . Watch for my post on what I've gifted and I'll be watching for yours!

Wow!

All 3 are napping at the same time - don't think this has EVER happened before, at least since I can remember. :) Going to take advantage and fold the 4 loads sitting on the dryer, start on dinner, and mop the kitchen floor...

but first I have to jot down the latest 'kid-isms' lest they are forgotten: (It's been TOO long since my last post, simply because what with planning a very large medical student event, trying to keep up with Angel's reading lessons, getting through potty training Grins, trying to train Wiggles to sleep on her own, plus my own very serious bout of mastitis that nearly landed me in the hospital...it's been a busy few weeks. Now just trying to catch up on the housework, etc.)

First, there is the pronunciation of words. I'm sure they are't unique but they are so endearing and I hope my kids always speak this way:

Angel -
~prastic/prasticing (practice)
~pretect (protect)

Grins -
~bizanya (lasagna)
~lellow (yellow)
~swain (train)

Then, there's the events:

We RARELY watch TV in any version (movie, TV or otherwise) but the kids were given "Horton Hears a Who" for Christmas so we had a special family movie night and watched it together. Great flick but unfortunately has some language issues; Angel the other day was angry at me for some reason or another (seems to happen more frequently these days, since I'm either "not a very nice mom" or "the best mom EVER!", depending on her frame of mind at any given moment....anyhow, she said, "Mom, you idiot!" (a word she could only have learned from Horton) to which I said "Excuse me?" Without skipping a beat she sad "Mom, your name is Lydia." Would that I had such a quick wit about me.

When I put her hair in pigtails and then she examined herself in the mirror: "I look like an airplane!" (um..really? ok. how about a ponytail?)

We were playing "Pirates" the other day - during which we are each in a "boat" (the couch, a basket, a pillow, etc). Angel dumped out a box of balls and I said "wow! Balls! Are those our cannon balls?" She answered "No! They're pirate heads!" Yikes! Where does she come up with these things? :)

Grins is the ever-sensitive little gentleman. He is quick to soothe either sister if ever they are sad by saying "It's ok, (sister). I'm here. (Grins) is here. Don't worry. I'll pretect you." I cherish his sensitivity but have to remember to take things slow with him - a few weeks ago we visited a candy factory and he was HORRIFIED - he seemed to think we were at an airport and would be "going up" and insisted on being carried (which was somewhat of a challenge with Wiggles in the front pack, and holding Angel's hand, but mothers with 3 ages 3 and under must learn to juggle, mustn't we?). He was terrified - although his tension eased considerably once a piece of chocolate was sampled....a boy after my own heart, I tell you.

Next big adventure: Theatre movie. My children had never been to the theatre so when Oma and Opa offered to treat us to Velveteen Rabbit, the Mr. and I thought it would be a special treat. Grins literally jumped into the Mr.'s arms and clung to his neck with all his might. Again, the tension eased once the actual show had begun, but it took quite a bit of coersion to keep him there at first. Who knew what great lengths we would go to to get our child to watch a movie!

Latest hurdle: the wind. Yes, my son is truly afraid he is going to blow away. At the slightest gust - no, the gentlest puff - of wind or breeze, he comes running to me and CLINGS with all his might to whatever part of me he can grab hold of (usually the pant leg, although hair, clothing, and even certain unmentionable parts have all been squeezed). I ought to just get the poor kid a leash, but as long as I remain within an arm's reach at all times while we're outside, he's ok.

I feel guilty for feeling this way when my sweet little innocent son is so terrifed, but I find his phobias hilarious. It's just so funny to see him get so worked up over something I know is very benign and safe. Don't worry - I try VERY hard to keep my humor concealed. But I suppose that's how our Father in Heaven views us at times. And, I have to admit, I love how much he trusts me to protect him. And I love his sensitivity - I know he gets much of it from his father, and I think it will serve him well in life.


Although there are days I am pulling my hair out, overall I am just overwhelmed with how much I love these sweet little pure and innocent souls. They are truly the light of my life and the most meaningful 'things' to which I have ever devoted my time. They make it so hard to think of anything else and I'm afraid my friendships, career and housework have all seemed to go by the wayside, but truly, I am happier than I can ever remember being in my whole life. I cherish these moments and I, while I know it's a fantasy, I wish and hope and pray that I can stay in this moment, with my children these ages, forever. They are perfect.

Publicity

Since I've received one too many email forwards regarding this, I felt it appropriate to post the following quote, taken directly from www.lds.org. today:

"The Publicity Dilemma

SALT LAKE CITY 9 March 2009 Like other large faith groups, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sometimes finds itself on the receiving end of attention from Hollywood or Broadway, television series or books, and the news media. Sometimes depictions of the Church and its people are quite accurate. Sometimes the images are false or play to stereotypes. Occasionally, they are in appallingly bad taste.

As Catholics, Jews and Muslims have known for centuries, such attention is inevitable once an institution or faith group reaches a size or prominence sufficient to attract notice. Yet Latter-day Saints – sometimes known as Mormons - still wonder whether and how they should respond when news or entertainment media insensitively trivialize or misrepresent sacred beliefs or practices.

Church members are about to face that question again. Before the first season of the HBO series Big Love aired more than two years ago, the show’s creators and HBO executives assured the Church that the series wouldn’t be about Mormons. However, Internet references to Big Love indicate that more and more Mormon themes are now being woven into the show and that the characters are often unsympathetic figures who come across as narrow and self-righteous. And according to TV Guide, it now seems the show’s writers are to depict what they understand to be sacred temple ceremonies.

Certainly Church members are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Last week some Church members began e-mail chains calling for cancellations of subscriptions to AOL, which, like HBO, is owned by Time Warner. Certainly such a boycott by hundreds of thousands of computer-savvy Latter-day Saints could have an economic impact on the company. Individual Latter-day Saints have the right to take such actions if they choose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an institution does not call for boycotts. Such a step would simply generate the kind of controversy that the media loves and in the end would increase audiences for the series. As Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Robert D. Hales of the Council of the Twelve Apostles have both said recently, when expressing themselves in the public arena, Latter-day Saints should conduct themselves with dignity and thoughtfulness.

Not only is this the model that Jesus Christ taught and demonstrated in his own life, but it also reflects the reality of the strength and maturity of Church members today. As someone recently said, “This isn’t 1830, and there aren’t just six of us anymore.” In other words, with a global membership of thirteen and a half million there is no need to feel defensive when the Church is moving forward so rapidly. The Church’s strength is in its faithful members in 170-plus countries, and there is no evidence that extreme misrepresentations in the media that appeal only to a narrow audience have any long-term negative effect on the Church.

Examples:

* During the Mitt Romney election campaign for the presidency of the United States, commentator Lawrence O’Donnell hurled abuse at the Church in a television moment that became known among many Church members as “the O’Donnell rant.” Today, his statements are remembered only as a testament to intolerance and ignorance. They had no effect on the Church that can be measured.
* When the comedy writers for South Park produced a gross portrayal of Church history, individual Church members no doubt felt uncomfortable. But once again it inflicted no perceptible or lasting damage to a church that is growing by at least a quarter of a million new members every year.
* When an independent film company produced a grossly distorted version of the Mountain Meadows Massacre two years ago, the Church ignored it. Perhaps partly as a result of that refusal to engender the controversy that the producers hoped for, the movie flopped at the box office and lost millions.
* In recent months, some gay activists have barraged the media with accusations about “hateful” attitudes of Latter-day Saints in supporting Proposition 8 in California, which maintained the traditional definition of marriage. They even organized a protest march around the Salt Lake Temple. Again, the Church has refused to be goaded into a Mormons versus gays battle and has simply stated its position in tones that are reasonable and respectful. Meanwhile, missionary work and Church members in California remain as robust and vibrant as ever, and support for the Church has come from many unexpected quarters — including some former critics and other churches.

Now comes another series of Big Love, and despite earlier assurances from HBO it once again blurs the distinctions between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the show’s fictional non-Mormon characters and their practices. Such things say much more about the insensitivities of writers, producers and TV executives than they say about Latter-day Saints.

If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world."

Angel the fashion diva

Angel has always loved dressing up, but lately she has taken to dressing up her younger sister. Every single day, she picks out an outfit, complete with socks, shoes and a hat or a headband, for the baby. But one morning she went the extra mile and added another accessory, all by herself:


Her fashion sense is rubbing off on Grins as well...one morning I went looking for him since he had been alone - and QUIET - in the bathroom for a while, which usually means trouble. This is what I found:


My kids are seriously funny. Who needs TV?

Your Ideas, Please??

As you may know, the Mr. is nearing (a long-awaited) graduation from Medical School in just a few months! Since he's worked so hard and has handled everything so beautifully, I would love to do something special for him to celebrate. But since I am lacking in the creativity department, I would love any ideas any of you may have. Keep in mind we are on a very limited student budget (as in, the cheaper, the better) but I do want this to be special. I am working right now to save aside a little 'celebration money'. :)

Some ideas I've come up with:

~Dinner at Five Alls (he's wanted to eat there ever since I can remember but I've never heard anything about it....does anyone have experience/know details such as pricing, ambiance, etc?)

~A Party or Get-Together of Sorts (possibly medically themed with scalpels for knives, face prosciutto, brain jello, etc - I know the Mr. would enjoy it but is that too grotesque for guests?)

~A little vacation (since he'll be working at least 80 hours per week for the next 4 years of his life!)

....that's all I have come up with, which is why I'm asking for your clever thoughts and suggestions! :)

What I see when I get out of the shower each morning...

in case you can't find her, the baby is actually in her little swing, showered with gifts from her doting older siblings. at least she can still breathe...

The REAL Sleeping Beauty

How adorable is she? How lucky am I?!

Is there life after birth?

(Our little Wiggles, moments after her entrance into the world)

Maybe you've read this before, but I hadn't and I found it thought-provoking!

"A womb had twins growing in it. Their joy grew in proportion with their consciousness: "Isn't it wonderful to be alive?", said one to the other one day. "Oh yes," said the one spoken to. Over time the twins began to discover their world. In the process they found the cord that connected them to their mother and fed them.
Delightedly they said: "How great must be the love of our mother that she shares her own life with us!" Weeks passed that way and they noticed themselves changing. "What does it mean that we are changing over time?" one of them asked the other.

He answered: "It means that our time in this world will be over soon."

"But I don't want to go," replied the other and added: "Do you actually believe in life after birth?"

"Yes, it exists. Our life here is only meant for us to grow and to prepare us for life after birth, so that we will be strong enough for what awaits us."

"Nonsense, that is not possible. What is that supposed to look like anyway, life after birth?"

"I don't know exactly either. But it will certainly be brighter than here. And maybe we will walk around and eat with our mouths?"

"What nonsense! Walking around, that's impossible. And eating with the mouth, what a strange idea! We have the umbilical cord that feeds us, and it's too short for walking around even now."

"No, it's definitely possible. Everything is just going to be a little different!"

"We are going to lose our life cord. But how are we going to live without it? Others before us may have left this mother's womb, but none of them came back and told us that there is life after birth. No, birth is the end, I am absolutely sure! Nobody has ever come back from 'after birth.' Life ends at birth, afterwards everything is dark and torture." The one then fell into a deep grief and said, "If conception ends with birth, what purpose does life in the mother's womb have? It's senseless. Maybe there is no mother?"

"But she has to exist," the other argued, "how else would we have gotten here? And how would we have stayed alive? Even if I don't know exactly what life after birth is going to look like, we will at least see our mother then and she will take care of us."

"Mother? You believe in a mother? Tell me, have you ever seen our mother?" asked the first one. "Maybe she only lives in our imagination, and we just made her up in order to better understand our life. Where is she supposed to be?"

"Well, here, all around us. We are and live inside her and through her. Without her we cannot be."

"Nonsense! I have never experienced a mother, so she doesn't exist."

"But sometimes, when we are really quiet, you can hear her sing. Or feel her touch our world..."
The last days in the mother's womb were filled with many questions and big fears. Finally the moment of birth arrived. When the twins left their world, they opened their eyes and what they saw exceeded their boldest dreams and imagination."

~Author Unknown

We Love our GG!

The kids are having a great time in Oregon and we make sure to visit GG (great-grandma) every day so she doesn't get lonely! Here she is with 3 of her great-grandkids (the 4th is in the background in Aunt Abbie's arms!)

Unto Us a Child is Born

"For unto us a child is born" had an extra special meaning to our family this year, as our little wiggles joined our family shortly before Christmas. Our kids LOVED having a "real, live baby Jesus" for our own little rendition of the nativity story this year. They were SO adorable - Angel was so gentle and motherly, carefully holding little Wiggles, while Grins reminded us "I'm Jo-fuf" and continually pulled his headband off. Not an entirely quiet or reverent rendition, but very touching indeed! I'm so grateful for the holiday season in which we pause to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

She's Here!!!

She's here, she's beautiful, and, already, she's VERY loved! Her parents are having to compete with her proud older brother and sister for any time with her! More pictures and details to come - we're simply too busy enjoying her right now!

Manna from Heaven

The past few days have been somewhat of a challenge for me. My two little darlings just got over a NASTY, TWO WEEK (!) bout with some THE WORST stomach flu I've ever known (and let me tell you, I don't like cleaning up vomit and diarrhea when I'm NOT pregnant, so this was NOT very special for me.) Aside from the cleaning and laundry, this has resulted in 2 weeks of sleepless nights, incessant whining, and carrying an extra 40 (sometimes 80) pounds around when the poor little dears were too sick to even walk - loads of fun for my back, I say. Mix in a good dose of nausea and heartburn, a terrible fall one night, a husband living at the hospital and several pretty hefty contractions and you have quite the treat for a 9-month-pregnant body. I hope I don't come across as complaining, because I write these things now, looking back, in jest and even with a smile on my face. But my message is one of hope and inspiration, a testimony of how grateful I am for Prophets, friends and blogs.

Today when I needed it most, I sat down to the computer for a quick second to do my daily perusing of blogs - I usually have only a couple of moments and check just a few blogs each day. As fortune would have it, I looked at the blog of an old college friend here and saw a post which was truly, to me, Manna from Heaven! (Thank you Jennie!!!) She discussed difficult moments as a mother and shared a talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland entitled Because She Is a Mother. (Due to the length, I have simply posted portions which really 'spoke' to me - but then entire talk is definitely worth reading! Click here!)

As I sat down and read, I was so moved I could not withold the tears and it felt good to let them flow freely. Thank you Jennie, Elder Holland and the modern day wonders of the internet!

"If you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.

There are some lines attributed to Victor Hugo which read:

“She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to her children, who ate with eagerness. ‘She hath kept none for herself,’ grumbled the sergeant.

“ ‘Because she is not hungry,’ said a soldier.

“ ‘No,’ said the sergeant, ‘because she is a mother.’ ”

In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife—or both—may still be in school or in those earliest and leanest stages of developing the husband’s breadwinning capacities. Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent. The apartment is usually decorated in one of two smart designs—Deseret Industries provincial or early Mother Hubbard. The car, if there is one, runs on smooth tires and an empty tank. But with night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.

Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Husbands—especially husbands—as well as Church leaders and friends in every direction, be helpful and sensitive and wise. Remember, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” 6

Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever. And if, for whatever reason, you are making this courageous effort alone, without your husband at your side, then our prayers will be all the greater for you, and our determination to lend a helping hand even more resolute.

One young mother wrote to me recently that her anxiety tended to come on three fronts. One was that whenever she heard talks on LDS motherhood, she worried because she felt she didn’t measure up or somehow wasn’t going to be equal to the task. Secondly, she felt like the world expected her to teach her children reading, writing, interior design, Latin, calculus, and the Internet—all before the baby said something terribly ordinary, like “goo goo.” Thirdly, she often felt people were sometimes patronizing, almost always without meaning to be, because the advice she got or even the compliments she received seemed to reflect nothing of the mental investment, the spiritual and emotional exertion, the long-night, long-day, stretched-to-the-limit demands that sometimes are required in trying to be and wanting to be the mother God hopes she will be.

But one thing, she said, keeps her going: “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.

“It is this realization,” she says, “that I try to recall on those inevitably difficult days when all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe it is precisely our inability and anxiousness that urge us to reach out to Him and enhance His ability to reach back to us. Maybe He secretly hopes we will be anxious,” she said, “and will plead for His help. Then, I believe, He can teach these children directly, through us, but with no resistance offered. I like that idea,” she concludes. “It gives me hope. If I can be right before my Father in Heaven, perhaps His guidance to our children can be unimpeded. Maybe then it can be His work and His glory in a very literal sense.” 7

In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island–sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly for the capacity to raise these children to be what God wants them to be. Moved by that kind of devotion and determination, may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.

Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that “men [and women] might be” 9 and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you.

You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you—He who resolutely goes after the lost sheep, sweeps thoroughly to find the lost coin, waits everlastingly for the return of the prodigal son. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be.

Remember, remember all the days of your motherhood: “Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.” 10

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” 11 You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” 12 And it will make your children whole as well.

In the sacred and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

A Lesson in Prayer from my two little Angels

Once upon a time, I would have told you I never wanted to have a second child, for fear he/she would take time away from the beautiful, perfect little daughter around whom my life revolved. But on days like today, I am SO grateful that my daughter got a sibling. Does she ever lose some of my attention on his account? Of course. But she gains SO much more - she gains a brother; a little blue-eyed, tow-headed wonder who adores her more than life itself, who (most of the time) worships the ground she walks on. She has gained someone to direct (aka BOSS) around, a shadow, a playmate, a cohort in crime, a best friend. And it brings me so much joy.

I LOVE when I am busy cleaning, cooking, or putting my feet up while eating bon-bons on the couch (ha ha!) and I overhear them playing. Of course, there are moments the playing develops into quarreling and I must intervene - but I try to stay out of them as much as possible because I simply love listening to them!!

Yesterday, Grins was trying with all his might to remove a toy from a tightly-wedged hiding place. When he started getting frustrated, his older sister said "It's OK, (Grins). Let's just say a prayer and Heavenly Father will help us." I then listened as she proceeded to utter a simple "Please help us get the toy" prayer, after which the toy was, of course, easily removed (who, especially a loving Father, could resist such a request?!) I sat there marvelling at these sweet little spirits with whom I spend my every waking moment. How truly blessed I am!

No baby yet.....I'm just growing a brain!

Could the last 2 weeks of pregnancy be any longer? And yet, I know whenever the 'big day' arrives, and we have entered the 'twilight zone' with our beloved little newborn, the pregnancy will have seemed to fly by and I'll look back and long for my nights of uninterrupted sleep and the ability to keep my shirt dry (you nursing mothers know what I'm talking about!).

Yesterday in church EVERYONE looked at me and said "What are you still doing here?!" "Where is that baby?" "Oh, you poor thing"...and so on. Which didn't make me feel all that special. Until one sweet sister said "You hang onto that baby as long as you can! Recent studies have shown that during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy the fetus' brain develops at exponential rates, and that each day is vital in the brain's development. Each day! It's worth it!!" While I've never heard of such a study, it really made me stop and think. Rather than search for a source to validate her claim, I am going to choose to believe these sage words simply to make these next few days/weeks seem 'worth it'. Rather than focus on my heartburn, my need to use the bathroom every 2 minutes and my aching back, I'm going to be grateful that I have a body that is able to conceive, nurture and bear healthy children so easily. And rather than be frustrated at being unable to plan anything in my life for the next month, I am going to enjoy the mystery of wondering what I'll be doing and where I'll be when my new little daughter will courageously leave the arms of her loving Heavenly Father to join our humble little family here on earth. I am going to recognize what an incredible and divine miracle I am taking part in - the miracle of life.

So, right now, I'm just growing my little girl a brain.

Any Day Now...

Right now I am:

~Enjoying the silence of naptime
~Almost through unpacking boxes
~Cooking pumpkin soup and baking rolls for dinner
~Making my way through about 6 loads of laundry to be folded
~Crossing off my 'to do' list one thing at a time
~Oh, and did I mention - dilated to a 5+!

So, any day now, I could be doing this:




But, then again, it could still be weeks. Who knows. One of life's great remaining mysteries.

What we've been up to....

You may have noticed the sparsity of posts recently. We are still alive, but most of our time is being spent packing (our things, not our children!) It's amazing how we can feel as though we have so little, and yet packing can consume SO MUCH of our time!

I also spent HOURS upon HOURS on the computer researching consumer reports, computing, searching out deals, calculating, etc. and we finally added a new member to (and, really, FOR) our growing family. Meet "Suzie" (named by Angel):





Yes, against our better judgment (prior to the prospect of having 3 kids, we thought we were 'too cool') we have now joined the ranks of the millions of minivan drivers on the road. And all I can say to you SUV lovers out there is: SPACE! We could seriously live out of this thing. And, since our purchase has left us completely penniless...if we can't afford rent we may do just that. (kidding, of COURSE. About living in the van.)

Anyhow, just know that, if you don't hear from us for awhile, it's because we are packing - then moving - then unpacking - and possibly then going to the hospital to have this baby (hopefully in that order!) We'll be sure and post updates when we can, though.

First Snow of the Season!

This morning we woke up to several inches of snow on the ground. The kids arose while it was still dark, as usual, but as soon as they looked outside they started BEGGING to go out and play in it! I insisted that they absolutely HAD to wait until the sun came up, at least, so they stood for the next hour or so with their noses pressed to the window. I couldn't resist the photo-op with their delightful morning hair! :)

OVERHEARD at the window:

Angel: "It's so beautiful!"
Grins: "Coming down! Snow coming down! WOT (a lot) of snow coming down!"

(In response to my question "What do you want to do when you go outside?"
Angel: "Make snow angels!!"
Grins: "Throw snow balls! Snowball fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" (is he a boy???)
Angel: "Make snow cones and eat them!"
Grins: "Catch snowflakes in our mouths, AHHHHHH!" (he proceeds to tilt his head back and demonstrate his snowball catching techniques, then both children break out in Barney's rendition of "If All the Snowflakes were candy bars and milkshakes..."
Angel: "We could build a snowman!"
Grins: "Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" (Just remember, this is a child who would - and often DOES - throw ANYTHING he can get his hands on - and snowballs are just about the ONLY parent-approved item he can throw at people, so snowball fights are pretty much HEAVEN to him.)

Fortunately for me, despite the fact that he was up all night with Angel, the Mr. offered to take them outside. Not that I didn't want to leave the warmth of my robe and slippers and try to stuff my gargantuan belly into some snow pants, but....needless to say, the Mr. is my hero. I then proceeded to gather up all the coats, snow pants, gloves, hats, socks, boots, etc. and get to work. After what seemed an ETERNITY (and not without a LOT of whining because they were MUCH too anxious to get outside to bother with bundling up) I got both kids bundled. The whole while, I was thinking "How am I EVER going to get THREE kids ready to play in the snow! Good grief!"



They finally made it outside, which is where they are as I write this. I helped myself to a nice, hot shower, and then made some hot cocoa and tea, hot cinnamon bread french toast and fresh fruit...but they have yet to come in from the cold. I keep getting glimpses of the flying snowballs, the snow angels being made and the snowmen being built, and wondering if I shouldn't break down and go join them. But then I remember my fuzzy robe and my warm, dry slippers and I am content for them to enjoy it with their Daddy. Does that make me a bad Mom? After all, we do live in Utah, so there will be plenty more snow days to come!...

Happy Birthday Daddy! by Angel

(The following post was composed entirely by Angel (except the italics) and typed by her mother):

Today is my Dad's birthday. He is turning 82 (we still occasionally mix up our 8s and 3s). He is not as old as my mom though because she is 27!

For Daddy's birthday, I wanted to get him a truck. A toy one. But I didn't. But I got him some chocolate balls that are his favorite candy. And he will have one and he will share the rest with me because he loves me so much.

I made a card for my dad. It has a "T" on the front, and Happy Birthday - my mom wrote that. And I drew pink and light blue smiley faces with yellow hair. And I wrote an M. And this is what it says because I told Mommy to write it:

Dear Dad,
Happy Birthday.
I love you.
I love you giving me hugs.
I love you playing with me.
If you want, you can come to my house.
I hope you have a good day.
Love (Angel)

And I made wrapping paper all by myself. It has my hands and feet on it. Light blue and pink ones. And rainbow even black and white.

You're the best. (she actually says that! It's hilarious!) And I hope Mommy will go to work and then I can stay home with you again. But if you have to go to the hospital I'll come with you and help you help the sick people. Because sometimes I love you even more than Mommy.

The Love of My Life: My Husband, Eternal Companion, Significant Other, Spouse, Better Half, Best Friend, Lover, Confidant .....

I was just tagged by Ma Fitz so here goes . . .

1. Where did we first meet?
In Hawaii - that's right, folks, Paradise makes for a very romantic beginning!
Laie, Oahu, Hawaii - Human Genetics and Concert Choir at BYUH to be exact.

2. How long did you date before you got married?
The short answer: We knew each other for 1 year without really dating, then when we finally decided we were interested in being more than friends, went on 1 date, got engaged, and were then engaged for 1 more year (longest year of my life!).

3.How long have you been married?
7 years and 2 months as of tomorrow. :)

4. What does he do that surprises you?
He always has something up his sleeve.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
VERY hard to decide. For blogging purposes, I'll have to go with his SMILE...

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
His integrity, his strong work ethic, and his absolute devotion to God, me, and our family.

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
LOVEY - cheesy, I know, and I can't even remember how it started, but there you have it.

8. What is his favorite color?
BURGUNDY. (Must have the "R" rolled and be said with an Irish accent, I don't know why.)

9. What is his favorite food?
Very hard to tell. He eats and compliments EVERYTHING I make (even the disasters...) and if I ask his preference for dinner, he says "Whatever's easiest for you!" I know he favors asparagus, chicken enchiladas, tortilla soup, zuppa toscana and a special tofu stir-fry I make, but I couldn't tell you his favorite.

10. What is his favorite sport?
Watching: Nothing (One of my most favorite of his qualities!!!) Playing/Participating: Hard to say - he loves running, biking, volleyball and basketball most, but I'm not sure which he'd rank highest. Probably running?

11. When and where was your first kiss?
I'd like to say the rooftop of the Grand Hotel in Taiwan (we came oh so close but he lost the nerve) - but about a week later I finally decided to take matters into my own hands in the ocean at Temple Beach (Laie, HI). Awkward because he wasn't expecting it, but special nonetheless. And it had to be done because he was leaving Hawaii that night. :)

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Talk.

13. Do you have any children?
Only the 2 (almost 3) most AMAZING kids EVER CREATED - one boy, one girl (and one more on the way)

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
My favorite one: He gives the MOST AMAZING massages - I've been to TONS of massage therapists, but not one has even come close to his magical hands. Sorry, though, I'm the only beneficiary, so you'll just have to take my word for it. :)

15. How old is he?
32 tomorrow! - if you're reading, Happy Birthday, babe!

16. Who said "I love you" first?
Him, and he's almost always first every time since.

17. What is his favorite type of music?
Classical, spiritual and celtic.

18. What do you admire most about him?
His determination and willingness to work hard through some of the most difficult challenges I've ever known anyone to be faced with.

19. Do you think he will read this?
Maybe. I know he checks in periodically for updates since he's probably on the computer more than he's home these days (due to school, not by choice).

20. I tag: Sarah Mudaliar

Our Life from our Children's Perspectives

(BTW: NO, they do NOT still drink bottles - or sippys - this is them pretending to be babies!)

A few quotes from the past few days:

As we drove by the hospital the other day, Grins said "Wook! Deuw's da hospital - dat's wheuw Daddy wivs!" (There's the hospital - that's where Daddy lives). Not really, sweetheart, it just seems that way. :)

And then there are Angel's constant questions:

"Why do Daddys have to go to work and school and Mommys and kids get to play and go do lots of fun things?"

"My dolly got hurt. I need to get her a CT scan."

"Can I go to the Doctor and get an Xray? I really want an Xray."
Me: "An xray of what?"
Angel: "All my bones."
Me: "Why do you want an xray?"
Angel: "I want to make sure all my bones are growing great."
Me: "Well, normally we only get xrays when we get hurt, to see if any bones are broken. I am sure that since you haven't been hurt and you are eating so well and growing so much that your bones are just fine."
Angel: "Well, I really want an xray. I really want to see my bones growing. Maybe I'll fall down today."

Angel: "Why do only Daddys run, and not Mommys?"
Me: "Mommys can run too, if they want to."
Angel: "Why does our Daddy run but our Mommy doesn't?"
Me: (Not wanting to fess up to my inherent laziness - especially in the department of physical activity) "Right now Mommy can't run very fast because she has a baby in her tummy."
Angel: "Why can't Mommys run with babies in their tummies?"
Me: "Some Mommys can - if it doesn't hurt the Mommy or the baby, the Mommy can run really fast with the baby in her tummy. It just hurts Mommy's tummy and her back right now, that's why she doesn't do it..." (I didn't get into the issues of preterm labor, bladder control or laziness...)
Angel: "Well, can we find a Mommy with a baby in her tummy and go to her house and see her run really fast? I would really like to see that."

Buchanan Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Yad Vashem research - Old photographs

Buchanan Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Family search

So Long, Dear Nutmeg

I almost feel like I've lost a family member...ok, that might be stretching it, but if so, it's not by much. I don't know how I became so sentimental but I seriously have such a difficult time letting go of certain things. The Mr. and I bought this car (which we affectionatly call "Nutmeg") just before celebrating our first year anniversary over 6 years ago! About a week after our purchase, Nutmeg took us from the West Coast to the East Coast and back again, with several stops along the way. She was with us while we served in the cast at the Hill Cumorah pageant. She was with us as we toured medical and PA schools. She has safely transported us to 18 different states and even another country! She has taken us to job and graduate school interviews, weddings, funerals and, most importantly, took us (VERY quickly) as a couple to the hospital, then brought us home (MUCH more cautiously) as brand new parents of a brand new family. She has been dependable and trustworthy, never causing us worry or trouble.

And now, suddenly, my dear husband has said it is time to move on. My expanding belly (and our expanding family) have led him to feel we need a bigger ride. How simply he casts aside our dear, sweet baby of 6 years for a 'bigger, better' model. Sigh. I suppose he is right, and yet, I cannot help but shed a tear at the loss of my dear traveling companion, my 1997 Mazda Protege, fender bender and all. And so, sweet little Nutmeg, I bid you Adieu.

Cuties

This picture was obviously taken a couple of months ago (July) but I just found it and since our camera is MIA I haven't posted a pic for awhile, so I figured this would do the trick. :) Aside from being adorable, these two are just the center of my world. I don't know what I did to deserve such great children. They are just too perfect. And now one of them is pulling at my shirt (I guess 'quiet time' is over for today...) and I've vowed not to use the computer while my kids are awake, so I'll have to finish this post later....

I Love My Family!

Friday the Mr. came home and announced that, since he is in between rotations, he got the entire weekend off! This hasn't happened in AGES (he has generally been "working" at his rotations 6-7 days a week, 16-18 hours a day and sometimes more) and is not likely to happen any time in the near future, so we took advantage, loaded up the car and kids, and headed for the mountains. We found ourselves a beautiful little secluded campsite on a stream, fairly close to a lake, and enjoyed nature and one another's company for a few days. It was WONDERFUL! Aside from my obvious lack of excitement about air mattresses and no running water, it was heaven! The kids were so excited to be outside and able to play in the water nearly 24 hours a day that they got along famously. I loved being able to prepare meals in less than 5-10 minutes with virtually no cleanup afterward. The Mr. loved being able to read a non-medical work and rely on his manly braun rather than his brains. And, best of all, we relished the time together as a family.

Since we had about 30 minutes to throw everything together and get on the road, I happened to forget socks for the kids and I, and the Mr. couldn't find his. The first night we all had FREEZING feet and none of us slept very well at all. The next morning we actually thought about driving into town and buying socks, we felt so desperate, but during the course of the day, the Mr. found the socks he had packed - 4 pairs to be exact - so that evening we each got a pair (in the kid's case, they were more like thigh-high long johns). Despite the thunderstorm and beating rain, we all miraculously slept very well that night. Who knew a little think like socks could change lives?!

I wish I had pictures to post, but unfortunately our camera is 'hiding' somewhere - we're hoping it will show itself soon! In the meantime, a couple of cute quotes from our little quick-wits:

Grins - Picked a dandelion and said "Daddy-lion!" Then walked to another, picked it and said "Mommy-lion". We all got a good laugh. The funniest thing was that he was dead serious.

Angel - Asked "Mommy, why does (name withheld) get frustrated more than you?"

Grins - Went inside the house and, after a minute, realized he had forgotten to remove his shoes (customary to do so in our home) - he clapped his hand to his head, as if exasperated, and said "Take shoes off, siwwy biwwy!" (his "L"s still sound a bit like "W"s)

Angel - "I met my husband (Grins) in Peru. We were loving it."

Angel - "Why does red mean stop?"

Angel - When we visited the Visitor's Center at Temple Square, we went to see the Christus. The Mr. went to ask the missionary if she could play the audio dialogue of Jesus speaking. Since the Christus is surrounded by stars, Angel asked the Mr. "Oh, did you ask them to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?" loud enough for everyone to hear.