A new day. Another try.

Today I needed to wake up early and shower. I needed some quiet time in the morning to myself. I wanted to be alone before the boys woke up.

It’s Friday, we have made it through two weeks of homeschool. I struggle to know if I am doing what I should be with this time we have been given. I feel like there is so much more we should be doing with our time. Yesterday Alex and I made a stop-motion video with his dinosaur and LEGO guy. I think today we may try another and get the older boys involved. Ethan is still working at McDonalds. I worry about sending him there each day, not knowing who he will come in contact with. We stay here at home and haven’t been out.

Thankfully Kaitie our home nurse is able to come and give Alex his weekly infusion. Next week we are suppose to go to Salt Lake to the CCTS, but I have opted out of doing that and asked Kaitie to come here. I don’t know what we will have to do when in another four weeks we should be going in again to Salt Lake and have extra lab draws and  PT. I am scared to take Alex to the main hospital for PT. If he were to get sick I’m afraid his lungs wouldn’t be strong enough to fight this virus.

Mark continues to go to work. Thankfully he is able to have a job and support our family. He did work two days from home this week, but went I to the office early today, leaving at 5 am. He is carrying to much on his shoulders. Between work and church, not to mention our own family needs, I worry about him all he feels responsible for.

We have now been authorized to have the sacrament in our homes each week. We haven’t been to church services for two weeks now. This Sunday President Nelson has asked for a world-wide fast. When I stop and think about that it amazes me to think of millions of God’s children united in purpose as we fast and pray for the same cause. That brings peace to my mind and courage to my heart.

Today I want to try harder to be more intentional with my choices and actions. I want to show and teach my boys how they too can be intentional with their choice and actions. When we are engaged in a good cause I know we are blessed by the Lord. I have seen this in my own life and want to share that with my boys. I need to be that example to them right now. We need direction in our lives. Last night during family scriptures Alex said he wanted his own liahona. Mark tried to explain we have several different liahonas in our lives to help direct us on the Lord’s covenant path, but he wasn’t having it. He wanted a real ball of curious workmanship. I think I’ll go grab some tinfoil and see what I can create to leave outside his “tent” this morning. Maybe that will appease him for the time.

Looking Up

Summer is here and that means more time with the boys. Of course I have made a daily list of task for them to do with the hope that we can stick to it all summer. One list item includes journaling. I wanted them to keep up wth their writing skills and also take time to write down their thoughts and our doings from day to day.

This morning was a fun time trying to get the boys to stay on task with weeding in the yard. It is so nice to have grass growing. We have so many weeds. After nearly an hour of being out here, I am not sure I can see much progress.

Alex is here telling me he wants to save someone. He wants to be a fireman and save a kitty and a dog and rescue people. Sounds like a great plan to me.

Last week he and I were on our way home from therapy. He started yelling, "rainbow, rainbow". I had no clue what he was talking about. I was trying to figure out what he was looking at when he told me that the sun made a rainbow. I looked up and saw a "rainbow" in the clouds.
Later that day I looked it up and found out it is called a circumhorizontal arc. The colors got more and more intense and within  a half an hour it was gone.

He is constantly helping me slow down. Because of him I see things I probably wouldn't otherwise. I love that about him. Remember to take time to look around you. Remember to look up.

Getting Back on the Wagon

I went to Circles last night and realized a few things about myself; the good, the bad, and the ugly. This morning I got the two older boys off to school and started looking over old posts on my blog. I read about several stories I totally had forgotten and was so glad I had written them down.

My life is passing me by, and I can't let it go without any documentation. I love the written word. I used to love to write. I used to be such a happy person. I think I've let some of myself die. I don't want that. I want me back. Only I can be the one to make the change -- well, me, and my Savior. I know I need his help.

I need to find the joy in my life. It's almost been a whole year that we've been here in Erda. I need to embrace my life, it is what it is, and love it! I truly have so much to be thankful for. I know that. Now I need to reflect my gratitude in how I live my life. My boys need a mother and my husband needs a wife. I need me!

Day 4

Today and everyday I am thankful for a great husband. Mark made our favorite and very yummy Market Street clam chowder for dinner tonight AND apple crisp for dessert.  He is the best and calls me his favorite. I love that Mark of mine.

Day 1

I am thankful for a little boy that insists his mommy plays on the trampoline with him every afternoon. Playing Duck-Duck-Goose with two people is quite suspenseful.

Day 2 and 3

Nov. 2 - Yesterday I was reminded how blessed I am to live where I do. I stepped out on the porch and heard some cows and chickens not I-215 or sirens.

But today, Nov. 3, I was reminded how much my life was enriched by living in T-ville. We went there today. It felt like going home, and I was surrounded by so many wonderful people that I love dearly. Miss them so.

That's my big brother!

Today Brandon was appointed by the govenor as Idaho's 21st state controller. Can I help it that I am a little excited for, not to mention, pretty proud of him? Brandon is an all-around good person and is married to one amazing woman. I love this photo of the two of them. Brandon and Jana make one great team. They always say behind one good man is an even better woman.



I am sure Grandpa Woody is up there singing for you Brandon, "And here we have Idaho! Winning her way to fame!"

Growing Up

Alex started preschool today. He attended a preschool through our local school district for four months prior to our move and loved it. He adored Ms. Aubrey and Ms. Mindy (Not me, his teacher also named, Mindy). He stills loves to wear the little apron and baker hat they made there.

This time we decided to try something different. I, along with three other moms, will be taking turns teaching in our homes. I am excited about this and think it will be good for both Alex and me. I am happy to be taking an active roll in teaching him and the other cuties. He really seemed to like it. The real test comes on Thursday when he realizes this wasn't a one time deal. Happened to each of the boys the first time they went to preschool. Loved the first day, cried the second. Some the third, and the fourth. You get the picture.

In a few more days Alex will be turning four. It is crazy to think about how much he has changed our lives. I couldn't imagine life without Alex. He helps me slow down and enjoy the little things in life. He has always taken things at a slower pace than everyone else. That's just his way; I hope he never changes.

I am grateful to his old physical therapist, MaryAnne, who told me to find what he enjoys and let him develop his talent in that area. I can't imagine Alex being a star athlete or top scholar, but he has so much more to give. He really is an amazing little person.

Alex loves music, and today he came home singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Pretty sure I have never sung that one to him. He cracks me up when we're riding around in the car and he starts singing along to the radio. Half of the time you can't get this kid to repeat the words you are trying to get him to say when praying, but put it to music and he may just surprise you.

My morning was a little more quiet with him gone. I'm not ready for him to grow up!

This kid has the best blue eyes ever, maybe even better than his dad's.
His long, dark eyelashes are killer.

He had to wear his gator shirt and shorts.
If you ask him, the shirt can only be worn with this pair of shorts.

Bye, Mom! I'm off to preschool! Big Boy back pack and all.
Don't tell him it's one of Aaron's old ones.

Roll Me, Mom!

This one is for my family. I told you about the big pipe we played with before Mark put it in the HUGE hole we dug. It was fun. I almost got inside once. All three of the boys had their turn at some point playing in the pipe. I laughed and told Mark we needed to buy one for each of them, but then remembered just how much a big ol' piece of pipe costs and decided the boys could find other ways to entertain themselves.

I had never rolled Aaron over more than once, so this time I was a little worried about how he was doing. My camera man didn't move with the action, but Aaron was able to maintain his stance the whole rotation. Love my farmer uniform - shorts and boots. They are pink leopard from Target.

Another school year

Summer was over before we knew. We had to drag ourselves out of our beds and make the walk up to the bus stop. This year the bus stops at the top of the lane, rather than down by Grandpa and Grandma Gull's. It takes us roughly five minutes to get there, faster if you know you're late or she's early...

First school picture taken on the porch at the new house.
Seemed a little surreal.

Ethan started 6th grade and is in the orchestra playing the violin. He surprised his mother completely with that request. He's quite excited! He just got his violin on Tuesday. He goes to the high school twice a week before school and then is bussed over to the elementary. Can't believe this is his last year in elementary. Next year I'll have a junior high kid. Not sure how I feel about that one!

Aaron stared 3rd grade and loves school, being with friends, and learning. He also loves that he is taller than his older brother. They certainly have their own style. And as they get older it is harder to not force my own style on them. They are who they are. And I love them for it. At least Ethan will pull down his socks a bit for me, you can see the slouch in the socks here.

No time like the present

Thought I better do some posting. Life has been passing me by.

Yesterday we took the boys up to the Brigham City Temple Open House. Of course the bus ride is always fun. Alex thought it was great. The two big boys wanted their school bus to be as cool as this bus was: reclining seats and a bathroom. While watching the video presentation prior to the tour, Aaron leaned over and said he was thinking about making a goal. I nodded, and he told me he wanted to make a goal to go to every temple. Maybe we'll just start with the ones here in Utah -- made my heart smile. I think he got the spirit of the temple even in that small moment. Elder Holland's comments made me reflect on how much Mark and the boys mean to me when he said heaven without his wife just wouldn't be heaven to him.

The temple was beautiful, and I'm so glad we took the opportunity to go and take the boys. We are also taking them to the dedication later this month. Ethan said he just wants to go inside the Salt Lake Temple, RIGHT NOW! I can't believe he has less than a year before he can.

The front of the temple was really crowded with people, so we went to the side and found this cute old man to take our picture. He was asking us to say the funniest things before taking our pictures, that I was laughing a bit too much and look like a mess. Well, that's me - laughing, double-chin and all.

Aaronisms

Aaron is one funny kid. He surely keeps it interesting around here. I got an email from his teacher that cracked me up and had to preserve it. She wrote:
"I know many of the boys in the class will really miss him and I’ll miss his fun sense of humor. I joked with him that it is a shame he can’t stay until the end of the school year and he said, 'No, my Mom wouldn’t let me, that’s why I haven’t even asked.' "

Poor kid, he isn't always laughs and giggles though. The other morning before school he broke down crying and told me he didn't want to leave our house and move away. He said that this was the perfect place to live, and he didn't want to go. We had to quickly come up with a long list of great reasons to move. He said he didn't buy any of it. He had me crying too. I think this is going to be harder than I ever imagined.

Boxing Day

My new nightly ritual -- boxing up the house. I know we have several more weeks before the move, but we have been in this house for nearly 14 years. In that amount of time you can really pack it in.



There are so many memories that live within the walls of this home. Mark brought me here to check it out when he was looking for a place to call his own. We were just dating, and I really didn't think I would one day be living here, let alone, marry this guy. He said he knew it all along. He even bought the stove we have now with a "power boost burner" just so I could can. I'm not even sure I knew how to can. But, alas --- here we are, three boys later and lots of stuff. We have made this our home, both inside and out.

It will be a bitter-sweet day when I have to leave. As for now, I'm reliving lots of memories as I box up what I can. Ethan just found his long-lost Lego Lava Monster. I am sure there will be many more great finds as we continue to box up and clear it all out.

My boy Ethan

This is a totally random post, but I decided I just had to get this on today. I have put it off for several weeks. We found a half destroyed paper ball Ethan had made in class with favorites of his. Rather than throw it away, I kept it, but I knew I wouldn't be saving it forever. I would just have to document his responses. Here they are:
Favorite Movie: Star Wars - like this was a big surprise!!!!
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Favorite TV show: Tom and Jarry -- Tom and Jerry
Favorite Song: Call to sere -- Called to Serve
Favorite Subject: Sientce -- Science
Born: Salt Lake
Birthday: 81 -- That's literally how he wrote it, and it cracked me up. I joked and asked him if he thought he was 81 years old.
Least Favorite Food: Brocole and peas -- broccoli and peas, he knows when I've cooked broccoli for dinner and comes walking in the house in fear that he'll have to eat it.
Free Time: Draw
Favorite Number: 10
Person to be like: Mark -- how sweet. This one made me smile.
Future Job: Lego deziner -- Lego designer
Favorite Color: Black

He really is a good kid, and I love him so much. It is hard to see your kids struggle in life. I'm sure it will never get any easier being a mom. Love you, Tate Man.

Growing Old

Today I saw an older couple in the grocery story. By older, I mean in their seventies. They were in the produce section picking out some fruit. What caught my attention was that they were holding hands; not because one of them needed assistance getting around, because they were in love and cared about one another. It showed in their faces.

That's what I want to be like when I grow up - deeply in love with my Mark, still holding his hand.

Kitchen Creations

What do you get when you mix a gallon of vinegar and a whole lot of lemon pepper? One stinky mess.






Alex found his way into the lazy susan and dumped out the vinegar and mixed it up right nice with lemon pepper. Needless to say, it was a rather interesting smell I found as I came down the stairs.
Note to Self (really just to Mark): We aren't that ready to get rid of all our baby locks on the cupboards.

Halloween Spooks

These are for our missionaries so far away. I didn't get to them till this morning and now I hear they are off on a African Safari for the weekend. They went 6 more hours north to visit a small group of Saints and take them some things. I can't wait to hear about their adventures and see the pictures they take. I know a few boys who will think their grandparents are the best after this safari.



This boy loved all things Halloween. He wasn't a bit scared by creepy masks or skeletons in the stores; he thought they were great. He isn't one of those scarey skeletons - I think he's one of the cutest skeletons around.

Aaron wanted to be a zombie. I wasn't really onboard with this idea, but it sounded easier than last year's Lego guy costume I had to make, so I went with it. Gone are the days of cute costumes for Aaron. He got dressed up on three different occasions, and yes, I had to put makeup on him all three times. Unfortuately for him, I think it got progressively worse and on Halloween night, it was a train wreck. I know zombies are dead guys, but really he was looking pretty sad. Glad he just went with it.



I talked Ethan into being Indiana Jones. He loved the whip he got at Cub Scout camp and after a few finds at the local thrift shop, he was good to go.






At our ward's first ever Trunk-or-Treat. Alex wasn't having a good time, but the other boys loved it. After Alex got into it, he was thinking it was a fun time to get candy. I can't remember the last time it was so nice on Halloween. No need to cover up those costumes with coats and gloves. Even Ethan was warm walking around in short sleeves. It was a fun night.

It was a bit of a rush to get out the door and over to the church, no Halloween porch picture for us this year. Sad. That's right up there with a Christmas morning picture on the stairs.


Wax Museum
Last night Ethan's school particiapated in what they call the wax museum. All the 5th graders choose a famous American to dress up as. The research the individual and make posters for the event. It was a big deal that the teachers have been talking about since the first day of school. Ethan got to be Babe Ruth. Thanks to a kind neighbor, he had a Yankee hat and a real wooden bat. I couldn't come up with a jersey, so I did the next best thing. I made one.



I had no idea how easy it would be to cut fabric using a cricut, but it worked liked a charm and with some heat and bond, Ethan had him a jersey. I even made him iron it on himself.



Not sure why he thought he needed to put his hand in his back pocket, but these kids did a terrific job holding still for so long. I really didn't think Ethan had it in him. He cracked me up in the video I took when they sang their song. He's holding really still and knows I'm taping him and he wants to look good. Then he finds Mark and Alex walking around and he breaks character and tries to get Alex to recognize him.

Dear Skype,

I knew it was fun to speak to my sister in the next time zone; it's even better to talk to someone halfway around the world! I love you, Skype!!!
Love, mg



Just got off of skype and had a chance to talk really quickly with my parents. They are serving in Francistown, Botswana, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sounds like they won't be sleeping for the next 18 months. There is lots of work there to do. They have one branch and two units. They said it is HOT and they have a little car. Random little facts, I know, but when you only get a few minutes, the conversation and questions are rather scattered.

Happy Birthday to my dear dad! It's his birthday today. Mom said they even had a little party for him there. Here's to a big adventure for you and Mom!

Departures

Today was the day. I finally had to say goodbye for the last time for real. I met the missionaries and their adorable chauffeur (Tony) at the airport this morning bright and early. Three of dad's sister were there too, Muzette, Sherry, and Marvalee. (Aaron told me tonight that Sherry is Muzette's side kick - where does he come up with these things?)



It is strange how much the airlines have changed since I went on a mission. After they checked in we really didn't have anywhere to go to say goodbye or even wait with them. Sister Grandma (my newly coined name for her - Elder Grandpa for dad) took Alex on a walk on the moving sidewalks. He really thought they were the bomb - those and the escalators.



We took a few pictures and really had to say goodbye quite quickly. The lines to the security were getting longer and I think they were a bit anxious to get through them on time.





I was proud of myself - I didn't cry too much at all. I think Mark was a bit worried about me after all my crying late last night, but I was a big girl. I just feel a little like an orphan now.

Dad said that while he was at the MTC he realized he had a pretty good companion and that he was glad Mom was going to be with him this time around. Mom joked the first time they had to teach there Dad did all the talking. They were pretty excited, and it seemed a little strange to see my mom wearing her Sister Woolf tag. I am so excited for them!



I really don't have a super great camera, so I am sorry to my siblings that these aren't the best pics - they'll just have to do. Mom was cute and got the grandkids a little something to remember them by. It has already been carried all around the house tonight. I am hoping he makes it the whole 18 months. Alex seems to really like the little guy.


Love me some Tony.


And so does Alex.


A special thanks to the guy who "isn't a part of the LDS community" who took our group picture. He's almost as great of a photographer as I am. I had include it even though it's a blur.



Mom wanted to do a "Call to Serve" wave. I ran over to try and get the pic while she was trying to explain to dad what he was suppose to do. I am not sure he really got it. Didn't he ever watch that video? Remember when mom got that video for Christmas, just after Brandon went on his mission. It must have been Tony that had her name. What I can remember is him being so excited about giving it to her, and when he did, he had to tell her how much it cost and that dad helped him buy it. Maybe that was one of my crazy dreams? But I'm pretty sure we all had a good laugh about that Christmas.

Conversations in the kitchen

I have no idea what he was doing, but after dessert tonight Aaron grabbed the garbage can and hugging it said, "Hey sexy, lady." He then pretended to kiss it.

Me: "Ah, Aaron, what does that word mean? Sexy?"
Aaron: "You know, Mom!"
Me: "But I want to know what you think it means."
Aaron: "Tell her, Ethan!"
Ethan: After a short pause. "It means you're really beautiful. Like you, Mom."
Me: (Trying not to laugh and wondering why their dad always misses conversations like these) "But you wouldn't tell me I was really sexy would you?
Aaron: "No, you're just really pretty, Mom."

At least that one is settled!