Thursday night I had card night which was a late one but so much yummy fun! (Masculine... but you knew that, right?)
Annette and Richard came to Cali to work on their house and so Friday night they came over to do dinner. We headed to Bucca Di Bepo again because the pizza is divine and the atmosphere is easy. Ryan was in a silly mood and wanted to make funny faces (yes, I edited). Andi then wanted to join in but she wasn't nearly as creative as he. Jackson was in heaven downing all the pizza and pasta he could get his hands on. Cole too, I suppose :) I loved how he kept throwing his head back in delight.
Saturday morning Andrew quickly began work on the pavers in hopes to get it mostly done for Jackson's "play date" for his birthday. (Not really a party because we're lazy like that but a gathering if you will of his closest friends)
Because I have a totally awesome husband, this is what was going on when I left the house for Tina's birthday celebration.... The beach, without kids, a beautiful Saturday afternoon, food, food and more food, good convo and laughs.
Did I mention the food? Lauren made us all a delicious sandwich - no really, mouth watering.
Happy Birthday, Tina - here's to an amazing year with loads of fun because let's face it, it's always a good time when we get together.
Heaven on Earth had a few downfalls... one being Michalle didn't get there until I was on my way home. Two being that I had to leave early (but that was ok because it was for a very good reason). Three, being that I wasn't dealing with children, I actually had the chance to lie down and read for nearly the entire time... the bad part you ask, well I'm not used to putting sunscreen on my back side and let me tell you, the drive home was very uncomfortable. Sitting here now is VERY uncomfortable.
But, why did I leave? I left because yesterday afternoon my dear, dear friend Fran, was blessed enough to have her oldest daughter choose to get baptized. Jessica really is amazing and I just love talking with her and laughing with her. She's gorgeous in every way. Congrats to the Milhoan family!
I showed up sandy and burned, but I'm glad I was there. I was also glad to get home and let down my hair and apply loads and loads of aloe.
As for today, today is the biggest day of all because today, my firstborn, turns SIX YEARS OLD! The timing is funny because when I was on my way to the beach yesterday, I of course passed Pepperdine and there was a graduation happening.
I've graduated twice in Alumni Park and there memories that came rushing back were overwhelming. It especially made me miss all our friends that have spread out further than we would have liked. So much has happened over the years and though I envied the emotions and exhilaration of those graduates, I feel so blessed to be where I am now and to be a mother of one of the most amazing little boys I know.
Apparently when you have no carpet in the entire house, children believe it's completely acceptable to rides bikes round and round and round. Even the little one gets in on it. Some days I fight 'em, some days I turn the other way.
On to the point of this post... Mark... he's gettin' old! Wednesday we had the chance to have dinner with the family at La Cabana.
It's nice having Mark back and being able to celebrate with him - his last year in his 20's!
We had another birthday to celebrate this week.... a very first one... Hunter Evans made his appearance Thursday, May 17th and we were all so very excited. The funny thing was we saw Laurel about an hour and a half before she left for the hospital Wednesday night. Andrew called it right then when he commented at how done she looked and he doesn't miss me being in that state. Neither do I which is why it's fun to live it through someone else :) Congrats, Evans family.
This morning my grandparents had to head back home so we all met up for breakfast before they took off. We all wished they lived much, much closer. But go figure, the birthday boy didn't make it out the door for breakfast - he missed out.
Now that we have family out of state, we had to start a little earlier in preparing for this holiday. The kids and I worked on some cards for the grandmas which I think turned out to be more fun for the kids than for the recipients.
Then I got everyone together to take a picture for Annette. Jackson was so reluctant to take a picture with his shirt off because he didn't want gramma nette laughing at him. He is very modest these days and doesn't quite get it he has nipples, not boobs.
Saturday Andrew had a couple softball games so I wanted to get away for a bit before venturing off to the fields. As I was pulling away Andrew called me asking if I wanted "help". Andi had run inside and quickly changed out of her bathing suit and into an outfit so she could come with me. It wasn't what I had in mind but it was nice having time with my little girl.
I returned home a couple hours later and we all headed out to the fields. I am looking forward to these games more so next year, or better yet the year after. There's no enjoying the game when you have four little ones wanting to play at a busy park. But they did well listening and staying together which I am so very grateful.
Sunday, actual Mother's Day, my day began unofficially at 5am then again, officially, at 7am when all came onto my bed with breakfast. Oh man I was not ready to get up and eat. We lounged most of the morning until a slight Primary mishap was brought to my attention at about 9:45am at which point I went into crazy mode. I hauled booty to my 11am meeting only to discover I was the first one there. At church I was overwhelmed with the love and appreciation from others. In sacrament the Bishop presented myself and the other presidents with a set of flowers and a speech of gratitude. Oh man, go figure this would happen on the day where just an hour before I had called him out on something in our morning meeting. Haha, good timing :)
From church we headed to Acton to celebrate with my mom. The kids were in heaven, as they always are out there. And now that the jacuzzi is working it's even better. In fact yesterday Jackson asked if we could go visit them again.
When I think about my teenage years, I think about my mom sitting in the jacuzzi with her hands in the air so she didn't mess up her nails. I think this picture is perfect because she's in her favorite place (well maybe her favorite would be a jacuzzi in Utah) with her favorite little people.
I am so grateful for these little characters in my life. They teach me valuable lessons each and every day and I hope and pray I do all I can to raise them to love God and their family and to always remember what's most important.
My mom and I were given the gift of "relaxation". We had the chance to go together to Glen Ivy and waste away the day in the sun, pool, jacuzzi and massage table. It really is quite a way to spend the day and an even better way to spend Mother's Day. I am grateful for my mom and all she does and all that she is. And to add to it, she's a fabulous grandma. Cheers - to us!
*The best part about being a mom is hearing the way they think:
Me: "You can't ride in Ryan's car seat because you're not heavy enough and it's dangerous"
Andi: "But look, I fit" (yes, we drove to Pinetree and I didn't even realize she wasn't in her seat but instead in Ryan's)
Me: "No, the policeman wouldn't be very happy about that. If we got in an accident, you would fly out of the car!"
One day last week we made our way over to our friend's house. This was the first time I had attempted to "exercise" in about a week and it killed me. My lungs were dying especially when Andi decided five houses was enough and she ready to abandon her scooter and join the others on the stroller.
It was so nice to be able to hang out with Jenni and the kids and it was such a simple outing which is just what I like these days. The only problem was Jackson's allergies acted up from the cats and dogs - this boy seems to be getting more and more sensitive and I realize I need to get his epipen refilled. I'm also going to request more bloodwork when he has his 6 year well check. But after some benadryl, he was good to go. On our way home we passed four little plastic chairs - well, remember my lungs?? I was not going to add more weight, albeit two pounds or so, to the weight I was already pushing. I told Jackson he could have them if he carried them all the way home... he did it! He shifted the chairs many different time but he never complained and he never gave up. This determination I know will reward him in the future. Psh, I think he felt rewarded when he got to set them up for FHE that night.
Cole has now joined us at the table - it has been driving u crazy that his booster/tray wouldn't slide up under the table and so he was always a bit distant. I finally splurged and got him a new booster which now allows him to scoot in at the table. He loves it but I'm not sure my table does (he is obsesses, like Andi was, with my protein shakes in the morning).
When Nikki suggested MM after school Friday, I wasn't so sure I'd muster up the energy to join them all. We had two activities we had to attend that evening and I have been so tired lately, but with Andrew being available and the weather just gorgeous, we decided to take the kids for the first time. They were ecstatic. There's nothing better than living through the excitement and pure joy children bring to an outing.
My little man is just that, the "man" of the house. He immediately takes charge to figure out where we're going and what we're going to do. It made me smile to see him so excited especially because he had just given me the card he made at school:
"Dear mom I like your meals. i like when uyu lay (I promise he uses "lie" when he speaks it) down with me. I like the places u take me. Love Jackson"
We ultimately followed Nikki but Jackson doesn't know that :) She took us to the play place with a ton of balls... oh man was Cole in heaven!
Jackson is not much of a thrill seeker. Ryan is down the middle and Andi is a go getter. She had so much fun hanging out with Jessica and everyone else while venturing onto any ride available. Jackson was hesitant; brave but cautious. Ryan would try it out or sit out depending on the ride but was always content. Cole did not like the airplane ride but he of course loved the juice and snacks he was given.
All week I have been trying to figure out how to install a splash pad in my backyard. Then we stumble upon one at Magic Mountain and it reinforced just how awesome it would be to have one. Turns out it's about $3k and it's so not going to happen :( But seriously, check out how excited Cole is. Or better yet, how excited they ALL are.
It really was a nice way to end the week and I am grateful it was possible. I'm also grateful my husband was around to experience the kids' first time there. I love that his family, his children, are his number one priority. There was plenty that needed to be done for work but he recognized that this was something he wouldn't want to miss. He loves sharing in the kids' joy and for that I am truly grateful.
We left the park at about 5pm and chose to ate outside the gates of overpriced and expensive dining. We haven't been out, just the six of us, in a long time and it truly felt like a Friday again. Does that make sense? TGIF... as a mom with young children that TGIF just doesn't have the same joy but this past week it did. From there we had to run an errand and then they all dropped me off at the Stake Center for an Activity Day girl's activity. This activity was to address modesty and standards for 8-11 year old girls. It's insane it has to be discussed at such a young age but I know it's necessary. The age at which girls begin eating disorders is mind boggling! But then I think about it and I was 13/14 when I struggled with my body image. So sad the perception the world gives on what our bodies should be. Disgusting, really.
Andrew and the kids were supposed to go to Bishop Eddy's farewell from there, but it was too late and the kids were too sleepy. Sad thing was my friend's son broke his arm shortly after they arrived at the park. Man, life truly is crazy.
Totally unrelated... Jackson's favorite color is orange. Green is second. Crazy. I believe green has been THE favorite for a couple years now. He's growing up :)
Why must one always be exhausted upon returning home from a trip? Is there a trip out there when you come back fully rested? Two weeks on an island maybe? Or maybe one longer than one evening because when you have one evening of freedom, you don't want to sleep, you want to live it up as much as possible. Regardless of how sleepy I am, and how heavy my eye lids are, I had a great, much needed "me" weekend.
Saturday we were able to head out early enough to enjoy lunch, shopping, and swimming all before TOFW actually started. I really would have liked to have had all afternoon in the pool or the beach so that will be my plan for my future girl's weekends.
Once cleaned up we headed over to Jamba to get "dinner" if you will. It was sort of sad being across the street from Kristal's house and not being able to visit with her. We really do need to get the family together more often. Anyway, Jamba was delicious and the company was fabulous as always. Getting lost on our walk to the convention center not so fabulous. It's ridiculous that the people working there can be so very confused about the entrance to a big event. Oh well, it made for some way cute pictures.
Being in a room full of strong, faithful women is quite an empowering experience. Even more so when you add some of the women that have truly impacted my life as of late. Each one has and continues to teach me so much about life, myself, my children, and God. I treasure each conversation, each encounter. It means a lot to me to see them happy and so I am truly grateful for all the laughter this weekend.
I mean how could you not love a spicy Italian that steals a butter knife just to protect her friends!?!?
The conference ended around 9:45pm and so dinner had to have been over at about 11pm or so. Not sure but what I do know was at this point I wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep. Yes, I arrived tired and I left tired (just had to go clean up Apple Juice spilled all over the table, oh look, now someone is crying... and why am I tired???)
Despite that exhaustion, I humored Becky and stayed up play Pfelph, or something like that, I have no clue. Whatever it was I'm glad I did it; I'm glad I had a chance to witness the drill sergeant, straddle the game board, you get the picture.
Saturday morning came way too early - way too early. One our way over to the convention center we stopped at a Crepe place, the same place Kelsey, Jenna, Kelly and I had lunch on Friday, and enjoyed a million more calories.
Saturday morning also brought another joy, Michalle and Lauren were able to join us that day and it was so great to see them. Again, I am grateful for great women, great examples, in my life.
Think about it, 2,000 LDS women and only four or five restaurants with an 80minute lunch break. There is no better choice, purely for efficiency, than to dine at Hooters! I've actually always wanted to try it because I do hear of the great food but man, 1,600 calories for a chicken sandwich you have got to be kidding me. Oh well, I still enjoyed myself and much needed girl time. No, not the hooters girls, my friends!
That afternoon was the last round of talks. I was actually sad it was coming to an end and it made me think I should try, soon, to make it to Education Week. Huh, yeah, a week... maybe a little later than "soon".
Hilary Weeks hosted a "dance party" and it was so much fun getting up there and feeling the love. United, with the same purpose...
The trip was a bit chaotic and ended with a lousy "car sick" drive home, but it was a weekend I needed on many different levels. I'm grateful for the chance we had to talk all the way home (me with my eyes closed, hand over mouth) about the things we learned, pondered, and desired. I was able to ask these girls questions that had been on my mind and they were able to so beautifully open up my heart and help me to better understand things I have been pondering. I felt stronger walking out of that car and I felt ready to see my family. Andrew picked me up and we headed to Acton where our children were playing with their grandparents and great grandparents. It really was a profound end to it all and I just hope and I pray I can remember the things I learned this weekend. Yes, I'll still yell and yes, I'll still get ticked (ha, I just did 15 minutes ago), but I hope I can remember my renewed appreciation of all that comes with this stage of my life. Shoot, maybe I'll even go to another state in the Fall (Sacramento in Sept. or Richfield, UT in Oct. or Arizona in Nov.) and do it again because let's face it, I forget quickly!
I need to "feel my feet", right now, in my present state. I am waiting for the business to thrive and financial security to greet us. I am waiting for Cole to walk, kids to start school, and a chance to work again. But while I wait, I want to live as though I knew the deadline was soon approaching. I want to live as though I knew our security would be here next week. The fact is, you never know how much time you've got and you can't sit here waiting instead of living. 2 Nephi 28:30
Courtesy of Jenna:
"Feel your feet...stay in the present. Trust the math...Obedience in, blessings out. Live as if...the promise has already come to pass. God waits, too...for us to to be ready to receive...to ask boldly for what we need."
Hilary was the performer for Saturday and so she shared much to ponder through her songs and brief monologues. What I really hold on to, though, is the idea that I need to focus on my positive thoughts. I need to give them credit and they in turn will brighten my mood. No need to dwell on my "300" negative thoughts a day because that won't get me anywhere; I don't need to give them any power. She also reminded me that my "beautiful heartbreak" has a purpose and I will strive to live up to that purpose.
Chris lost half his family in the blink of an eye and yet, he was able to forgive AND love the kid that was responsible. You think of all the little things you hold on to and realize how very silly it is. That's not what God intended, He did not intend for us to carry the burden of anger, bitterness or resent; he intended for us to LET IT GO. Chris is now a happy family man but how happy would he have been if he held onto the hurt or anger of losing his wife and children. What a remarkable example of Christ's Love. Thank you Chris for the good cry and the good wake up call.
I forget to remember to slow down. I forget to remember the legos on the floor aren't the end of the world. I forget to remember that my job is important. I forget to remember that I don't need to fill out the box "occupation". I forget to remember I have everything I need. I forget to remember they're watching every little thing I do or say. DeAnne, thank you for helping me to remember.
Emily, I was pretty tired by this point but I am so glad it all ended with you. I laughed, I cried, and thanked you. What is good? What can I do to be a catalyst? I can tell you there's so much more that I could do. I need to really get back down to the basics and remember my purpose here on earth. How can I reach outside my comfort zone? I need to visit those that are inactive despite the fact that it terrifies me. I need to be willing to stand up for what I believe despite who it is I think I will offend or tick off (dad). I need to remember it's ok to be different that I chose to be baptized for a reason and I could never doubt the confirmation I received. What good might be hidden in this trial? Oh man, put salt into the wound with that one. I don't do this at all and yet Andrew does. Which is a reason I chose this man, he has always been the one to remind me to stop and smell the roses. Two days before conference he reminded me of all we really do have. All the is important and all we are gaining out of struggling. Fact is, we can't be strengthened without hard work. How can I increase my trust in the Lord? Yep, here I am diving into the ocean with a limb chopped off (did that only make sense in my head??). These are quite personal even for me, the open book. What can I do? How can I bless someone's life with good today? I strive on a regular basis to let people know I love them, think of them, or are here for them. And yet I feel my efforts have weakened as I have become more exhausted. I need to remember it doesn't have to be big, it just has to be done. I should never be too tired to do good for someone else.
Because the fact is, I thought of my children when she asked the last question, "Who mught be learning to play the game of life my watching me?".
I feel blessed to have had this weekend and I hope everyone else enjoyed it as much as I did, if not more. I look forward to next time but I hope that I am not sleepy and I hope that I can laugh without coughing!
A day late and a dollar short - the story of our lives and now the story of Cole's. Yesterday marked his 14th month on earth. The age of which Ryan accomplished the walking milestone. At 14 months and 1 day, Cole decided to take his first steps. Unassisted and gracefully, Cole walked three steps towards me but not a step further. He was actually quite ticked we asked him to walk again. Maybe he'll be in a better mood at 14 months 2 days?
Although he was in a great mood moments later when he decided to start a food fight at the dinner table.
"To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest to you that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous education effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many--now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
The end of 1995 was the start of our life together. We took a break for two years in 1997, but once Andrew returned, we continued finding out who we were together and apart. We both ventured off to college but came back together again in 2003 when it was finally time to get married. Our first son was born May 20, 2006 and we love every minute we have with Jackson. Our second son, Ryan Wesley, was born February 15, 2008 and he is simply adorable. Both so wonderful yet so very different. We gained a daughter with the birth of our third child on January 13, 2009. Andi keeps us on our toys and we can't wait to see all she does! Our fourth child, Cole, was born March 2, 2011. This little man makes us all so very happy. We are grateful to God for our incredible family and all the joys and challenges they bring!
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