EWWW. . .GROSS

There are some things we never want to know about our parents. For Kelsey this may be one such thing.

We're gathered around the dinner table playing our usual game of Settlers as a family when Kelsey makes the comment,

"Dad, your earlobes are unusually large."

We all turn to look and with a smile on my face I joked, "I made them that way."

It took a second for it to register and then Kelsey burst out laughing while at the same time looking positively mortified.

It was a funny moment.
I guarantee Kelsey will never look at her dad's earlobes again.

You're Fired!

Sometimes I think that if what I did at home was a real job that I'd be fired.
Disorganization, low morale, inability to motivate. . .
It's a good thing I'm a mom too because if I was just anybody doing this job I'm sure they'd let me go.

Independence Day

Jenna has declared her independence. I'd forgotten, 2 year olds want to do everything themselves. All day long, all I hear is. . .

"I want to do it."
"My turn."
"Let me do it."
"Let me get it."
"I'm big."

I don't dare buckle her car seat and if there is a knock no way can anyone else open the front door. And if I happen to forget or just want to hurry things along then . . .we'll let's just say I wished I had exercised a little more patience and just let her do it.

But 2 year olds can change their mind. The world revolves around them and rules change according to their mood. So when her cuppy is on the floor next to her feet or her blanket is just out of arms reach, all of a sudden she can't do it or she doesn't want to do it.

"Get me my cuppy."

"No Jenna, you get it. It's right there."

"I can't. I'm too little."

The words "can't" and "little" are spoken ever so softly to prove just how little and helpless she really is.
How convenient Jenna. I wish I was two and could use that excuse. But unfortunately for Jenna I've come up with a comeback.

"Yes, but you're STRONG."

It doesn't always work but at least it stops the whine and gives her something to consider until there's a knock at the door or a snack to get out of the cupboard. Then the real Jenna is back.

Ryan and His New Bike

It's really not new. In fact its about 4 years old. But it's new because Ryan has never ridden it. Sure he rode it a couple times with training wheels when we lived in Guam but ever since we moved here-nothing, nada. It didn't help that both summers that we've been here Jasons been gone. That left me to teach him and well, that didn't go too well. It would have been easier if we didn't live on such a busy street or if there have been a lot of kids riding their bikes to entice Ryan to ride his. That's how I learned. A boy in my neighborhood teased me about my training wheels. I was so embarrassed I went home and taught myself. Ryan on the other hand didn't care. He just rode his scooter.

Not this summer. With rising gas prices and living in close proximity to the YMCA, city pool and library I was determined that we were going to use our bikes this summer. In order to do that Ryan had to learn. Jason and I picked a night and told Ryan this was it. No if, ands, buts about it. Reluctantly he got on and ended up walking his bike while straddling it.

"Ryan, you have to get on the bike to ride it."

Then came the arguments.

"I don't want to ride my bike!!"

"Ryan, I guarantee that once you learn you won't want to get off. You'll love it that much. It's fun!"

"No I won't."

Of course he knew he wouldn't like it because everyone he's seen riding a bike looks absolutely miserable, right?

Anyway, once he finally got on the bike he took off. He's a natural. It just took 4 years to learn. We are having absolutely beautiful weather right now-80's with a light breeze. So today, with Eric and Jenna in the Burley and everyone else on their bikes we rode to the library.

Now Ryan can't wait to ride his bike. He begs to ride it. Because you know what? According to him its FUN! No, really? If only I had thought to mention that.

Vacation Bible School

Last week, at the last minute, I decided to sign my kids up for Vacation Bible School. I wasn't quite sure I wanted to do it but some other friends were signing up and I'd heard from others how good it was and that kids who've done it before enjoyed it. Besides, only good can come out of Bible school, right?

The first day as I was picking Ryan up his teacher commented to me what a good boy Ryan was. I thanked her and smiled grateful that Ryan was being a good example. As we walked out to the car I asked Ryan how his morning was. He looked at me and said, "My teacher said that some of the things Mormons believe aren't true." What???? I tried to be patient and waited until we got home to hear the whole story. The topic of the day was, "God is Real." The kids were asked how they knew God is real. Some answers were miracles, the Bible. Then it was Ryan's turn. He answered, "The Book of Mormon." Which then led to the teacher making her comment. I was frustrated. While I know that this wasn't our church and they could teach what they wanted I was offended that they weren't respectful of what Ryan believed. And to tell a 7 yr. old boy that the things that his parents teach him aren't true I felt was going a little too far. Come on, he's only 7.

I didn't know what to do but then decided to talk to the teacher. I wasn't going to be confrontational. I just wanted to let her know that her comment made Ryan uncomfortable and I felt that it could have been handled better. I ended up talking with her and then the director. It was a polite conversation and we both expressed our feelings regarding the situation and unfortunately disagreed. What bothered me most was their lack of respect. If someone came into my church I would never tell them and especially if it was a little kid, that what they believed was not true. We teach what we believe and then allow others to choose whether to accept it or not.

The 11th Article of Faith for our church states,"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

I just wished she felt the same.

Lake Texoma

I thought I'd never get around to Part 2 of our vacation. It's been a busy week around here. Between swimming and unpacking, which in itself took 3 days, and just being plain tired, I'm not in a summer routine yet. But here's a little about our week at Lake Texoma. (that's on the border of Texas and Oklahoma)

It was a great week. I really didn't want it to end. All of Jason's family made it and with the addition of Traci's family we had quite a party crowd. It was a relaxing-meaning no worries, responsibilities. Everyone did what they wanted-we ate when we were hungry and went to bed when we were tired. No rules, just fun. I think that's why I'm struggling now. I want to go back to that. It was too wonderful. Dishes, no I think I'll do them. . .tomorrow. Beds, we'll make them when we check out. My kids loved it.
I was a little nervous before we got there. Jason decided to give us a little safety talk warning us of scorpions, snakes, ticks and all these other bugs and animals I've never worried about before. Turned out the only thing we ran into was an armadillo. Phew!

We played all week. Jason rented a boat the first day and took people out on the lake to water ski. This was Kelsey's first time and she got up for a few seconds. I'm positive if we'd been water skiing in Alaska she'd have gotten the hang of it a little faster. Alaska lake water will freeze your little hiny if you stay in the water too long. Warm Texas lake water is hardly an incentive to get your body out of the lake. While they were water skiing the little kids either rode in the boat or played in the lake.

The second day Uncle Ryan took the kids fishing. Kelsey caught a bass much to the chagrin of Uncle Ryan. His fish is still somewhere waiting to be caught. Actually he spent a lot of his time helping the kids. Thanks Ryan.When the kids weren't playing in the lake or fishing they were kite flying, playing at the park, playing Sleeping Queens and Rat-a-Tat-Cat or roaming through the campground enjoying their freedom. If you were Jenna you were climbing trees, snacking and putting on lipstick.The 3rd day we visited relatives in Durant. We swam in their pool, some golfed and they fed us delicious banana pudding. It was good to reconnect with them.
There was also a lot of LATE NIGHTS. 11 pm, when the kids were finally in bed we got the cards out-Hand and Foot, Phase 10. There was also a game of Scrabble. I only mention it because on the first round I used all my letters. For the record that has NEVER happened to me before so I am basking in my glory, although I lost the game to Kelsey. Only that was because I couldn't concentrate after my amazing first round. (Just kidding)

The culminating event of the week was the talent show. Though I'd use the word talent loosely on some of the acts. We had some great dancing acts, a magic trick, a lot of people getting wet and a sweet song by grandma and grandpa. I absolutely love this picture. It captures 7-8 yr. old boys so well! Then it was time to say good-bye. I really wasn't ready for it to end even though we were all really tired and dirty. I think it was especially hard for Kate and Hayley. They were pretty much joined at the hip the entire week. I don't know how we manged to pull them apart. I wished we all lived a little closer instead of so spread out. We got the whole United States covered-North, South, East, West and Midwest. It was great to be together. We appreciate Grandpa and Grandma for making it happen and for bringing everything we needed and more. They thought of everything. I pretty much just brought the grandkids.Before going home we headed north to Jason's old stomping grounds. The last time I'd been here was 15 years ago on our honeymoon. He showed the kids where he grew up and visited close friends in Harrah and Choctaw. Every time I drive through this part of Oklahoma I am surprised how lush and green it is. It really is a beautiful place.

One more night at a hotel and then we stopped at the Oklahoma Bombing Memorial before heading home. Another 10 hours in the car. We weren't sure we were going to make it. Fortunately, a Redbox (McD's movie rental) saved us and that kept the kids occupied the last couple of hours until we drove into the driveway.

Trouble with a capital T

With baby food splattered in my hair, down the inside of my fridge and all over the floor I'd say my luck has run out. Whoever put the baby food jar in the refrigerator without a lid on is in
T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Friday the 13th

Many might consider Friday the 13th an unlucky day. For me it was the luckiest.

First off we've been pretty busy this week with early morning swim practices and late night swim meets. Last night the meet ran long and we didn't get home until 11 pm, the second night this week. I was dreading having to take Kelsey to her 5:30 practice this morning. Luck would have it they cancelled practice and I got to sleep in.

Jason was home today so I let him bond with the kids while I snuck away for the day. A friend and I went to the temple. Despite major road construction and being completely unfamiliar with the area I was driving in, we got to the temple and then to the mall for lunch without any problems. That was a major feat in itself. I still can't believe we drove straight there. My friend Sundee was really helpful. "I just feel we are going the right way." She hasn't steered me wrong yet. (No pun intended)

A group of us met for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. One of my friends received a secret envelope from a previous visit to be opened on her next visit. The manager came over and scratched the card to reveal her prize- 50% her entire meal. While most restaurants would only allow it to be used on 1 meal ticket, California Pizza Kitchen offered it to our whole group, all 9 of us. Wow! Thanks CPK, we'll definitely be dining there again!

While at the temple I just happened to notice my credit card and 2 debit cards were missing. Although I didn't panic, I was a little nervous that someone might have access to my bank accounts. I called and put a hold on the cards until I could figure out what happened to them. My first thought was it was either stolen at the swim meet the night before or Jenna took them. I did leave my purse unattended for a time at the meet. I know, I know better than that. I got home and asked Jenna. Of course Jenna denied it, "I didn't take the cards." she replied innocently. A few minutes later Kate comes out of Kelsey's room with the 3 cards and a play purse. It turns out Jenna WAS my little thief.

A package I ordered didn't arrive before we left for our family vacation. I asked a neighbor to keep an eye out for it. When I got home he said he picked it up but left it out on his porch while he mowed the lawn. The next morning it was gone. What???? While I would have been sick to my stomach if I lost a neighbors package, he didn't seem at all concerned. I was frustrated all week over it because unfortunately it was an expensive package to lose. But today his wife came over and turned over the missing package. Turns out she saw it on the porch and thought it was the Father's Day gift she ordered. When she went to wrap it she noticed it wasn't hers. Needless to say I let out a big sigh of relief.

This day keeps getting better and better. I think I'll go to bed before my luck runs out.

Speaking of lucky days. One of my FAVORITE children's books is My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza. It's cute and clever. Check it out. You'll definitely let out a chuckle!

Alaska Adventure

A great wave of nostalgia rolls over me each time I go home to Alaska. Simple, ordinary things whispering to me, "Remember when. . . " My mom still lives in the house that I grew up in so everywhere I turned there was a memory. It felt good to be home.

I was a little worried when I woke up that first day to rain. We just left behind a month of rain and that was not how I wanted to spend my vacation. Luckily, it only rained one day and that gave us an excuse to go see the new Indiana Jones movie. Not a great movie but Harrison Ford is still fun to watch. My dad and Rose picked the kids up and treated them to Sams Club's hot dogs, pop and ice cream. They loved it.

Sunday was a reunion with my church family. Although many have left the state there are those faithful Alaskans I can count on being there to see. Later, we went to my friend Carinne's house for a couple games of Settlers. It was good to see her and her family. Our kids even got their own game of Settlers going.

Monday, Memorial Day, my dad and Rose took us out to Eklutna Lake. I've only been there once before for Girls Camp. It was a bit chilly. We had lunch and walked around a bit. It was beautiful and scenic and the kids were content skipping rocks in the water. Then Ryan found some ice and he and Kelsey decided to have batting practice Alaska style.

Tuesday, we went to the zoo. Then later after hunting down some halibut, my cousin Sean and his wife came over and Sean cooked up my favorite-deep fried halibut.My mouth waters just remembering how good it tasted. My Aunt Donna and Uncle Jim also came and we had some friends Holly and John drive up from Kenai to see us. They were so nice they brought us halibut and my aunt gave us salmon to take home. I'm definitely going to enjoy it later. Wednesday was our hike day. I planned to do 2 hikes on our trip but we had to cancel the one to Flat Top because of snow. This left Winners Creek down at Alyeska. There were a few patches of snow but for most of the hike the trail was clear and dry. Jason and I have hiked this before with Kelsey when she was about 3. I remembered it to be a fairly easy hike and figured all the kids could make the 5 mile round trip. I was excited because of the hand tram at the end. The kids did great, even Jenna. I figured we'd end up carrying Jenna but she hiked pretty much the whole way. Of course Oma helped with the stash of Reese's Pieces and chips she carried with her. We didn't bring the backpack so I ended up carrying Eric in a front pack. I felt like I was pregnant all over again. My poor back.My mom came with us after I showed her how easy the hike was with pictures from the Internet. She has a hip that's giving her some trouble, but she came and trudged on anyway. The next day at a previously scheduled Dr. appt. she found out she needs surgery. I asked her if she mentioned our hike to her Dr. "No way!" was her reply. You're amazing mom! On our way home we saw 2 moose. You can't really tell from the pictures but we were pretty high up. It was a good thing Jason brought his gloves. He went back and forth quite a few times to bring us all across. Thursday I went out to lunch and caught up with my good friends Julie and Lindsay Green. When I last saw Lindsay she was a Young Women and now she's returned from a mission, married and older than I was when I was her YW leader. I can't believe shes all grown up which is probably the same thing everyone else is thinking as I show up with my 5 kids. Kelsey spent the day with her good friend Ashley. Later we went to my dad and Roses for one last BBQ. They got out the pit and we roasted hot dogs.One of the things my kids love to do when they are at Oma's is sleep in her bed. They each took a turn but the last night they decided they wanted to sleep out on the porch. It was something my sisters and I did each summer. The great thing about the porch is it's enclosed so you can still feel the cool Alaskan nights without the annoyance of mosquitoes buzzing in your ear.
Then it was time to go. As I prepared to leave I took one last sip of the cold Alaskan water and one last whiff of the cool fresh air. I reluctantly said good-bye but hope it won't be long before we're back.