The Quinneys

This Is Me - Challenge #4

2012-02-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

PLAYTIME
(When you have a few minutes or a few days, what do you like to do in your 'play 'time?)

Play time, ever heard of it? Yeah, me neither.

Actually that's not entirely true. I don't get a lot of it, but I know that I function better when I have time to do something for myself (my husband knows it too). Therefore, while it isn't necessarily the first priority I have, it is a priority that is attended to.

Play time. For me this is anything that I can do for ME! It isn't for the kids, it isn't for my husband, it isn't for my calling in church or friends. This is something that sounds fun to me, and I do it because I want to- not because it needs to be done eventually.

What usually happens is a girls night out. A few of us get together to eat, talk, laugh, reconnect... It's lovely. There's something so comforting about an old friend. It's like getting together with your childhood blankie. This person (or persons) knows all of your history and has been there through multiple stages in your life. Understands where you came from and where you are now. I've had friends that I had a lot of history with but couldn't accept that as life changes friendships have to evolve. It doesn't mean that you can't still be friends, but maybe the way you celebrate that friendship has to be tweaked every now and then.

Other things I like to do in my playtime include: singing, reading (a lot), listening to music (sometimes I just like to sit in a quiet room and listen to music doing absolutely nothing else), going on a date with my husband (thank you co-op!), watching musicals, bike riding, taking a good walk, eating, baking and cooking, sleeping...

When I was younger I remember wanting to be alone, a lot. It's not that I didn't love being around my family, but a family of nine makes quiet time a premium. I remember going out into the backyard and laying in the grass and just looking up into the sky. I did other fun things too. I loved to play board games, see my best friend next door, play dolls with my sisters, NINTENDO, I really loved to write. When I was in junior high I read the entire Work and the Glory series within about 6 months.

Our Season

2012-01-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Anyone else out there love it when your laundry room (area in my case) smells like a pool? I love me some Clorox!

Now, onto the main event: our family had a wonderful December! In years past (all of them) I feel like I've really missed the Christmas Boat. I thrive, as do my kids, on schedule so well that it's hard to deviate from that course. But I did, and it was so worth it! I'd done some research and found some really neat ideas for upping our holiday involvement. So Matt and I threw caution to the wind. We delayed the kid's strict 7:30 bedtime nearly every night, ate more take out than I care to admit (although, secretly loved- Domino's please!) and made Christmas a truly magical season this year.

One night early in December we took the kids on a drive to see Christmas lights. We went on a hunt for home lights and also saw the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas street in Taylorsville. This was really fun, but woke up really concerned the next day that because we'd seen those lights we wouldn't be going to Temple Square. We did make it to Temple Square a week or so later. The lights were beautiful, as always.

One of my personal favorites of December was this night. Leah's first on stage dance recital. She was in dance last year, but in a non-performing group. This year Leah got to perform on the stage and she was so excited about it. She took to it like a fish to water, not a bit of stage fright. Leah was right on cue and remembered about 99% of the steps, she's also got a killer hip shake.

Later that night Leah received a very special call. She answered the phone and Princess Aurora was on the other end of the line! My sister-in-law had mentioned that you can get a free Disney Princess call for a special occasion or birthday. I knew this was happening and had it scheduled month's in advance. I wish I could get the video to upload because Leah's reaction to the call is heartwarming. She was ecstatic. Then, to top the night off, I had a received an email from Santa (Portable North Pole) just for her. Santa told her that he knew she'd been working hard to eat all her dinner and that she wanted a Rapunzel doll. He called her by name and even had pictures of her from her birthday and Halloween. To say that Leah was floating on air, would be a gross understatement. She was practically flying.

Matt and I got tickets to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert. It was incredible. I don't know what more to say about it than that. Dancers, bell ringers, Jane Seymore, Nathan Gunn, the decor. It was phenomenal. (er... I guess I do know what else to say about it.)


One of the things I'd heard about was the Larry H. Miller Christmas Carol Sing-a-long. It's an annual event held at the ESA and it's free. You go in, grab some seats and sing Christmas carols with a thousand other people and a live orchestra. Santa made a visit (see the above right picture: "Hi my name is Parker and I approve of Santa... or I want to shoot him."). It was so much fun, not to mention we got tons of free stuff. Since it's such a relaxed atmosphere it was easy to just let Parker do whatever he wanted and he wasn't disturbing anyone else. Matt and I both agreed that this will be an annual thing for us.

Christmas Eve with Matt's family. Traditional Red Lobster dinner.


Typically we see both of our families on Christmas Eve, but this year (being a Quinney year) we spent it all with the Matt's family. It was different for me, not participating in the potluck, but it was still a lot of fun. After Red Lobster, some of the Quinneys came over to our house where we played games, made spritz cookies, read Luke 2, and sang some Christmas hymns. Afterwards we opened one present and took the PJ Pyramid photo. Want to know the best part about this night? The kids were in bed by 8:00 and since Matt and I had previously wrapped all of the presents, we were in bed by 11:00. It was so nice and quiet.

Christmas morning was so much fun. You can't see it well, but Santa left a trail of Santa Magic (kind of reminds me of glitter) from our fireplace, to the cookies and then to the tree. We had a smaller Christmas this year, trying to focus on keeping to a budget. We figure our kids are still small enough that if they don't see GOBS of presents under the tree now they won't expect it later. Each of the kids received four presents from Matt and myself and one present from Santa. Leah knew that she could only ask for one present from Santa and she was stuck on getting a Rapunzel doll. She really is a cute little thing, although the hair is really out of control. Parker's Santa gift was a basketball hoop. It's in his room for now, and he pretty much hasn't come out of his room since then.

Since Christmas fell on a Sunday we attended Sacrament meeting after our Christmas morning was over. The meeting started at 12:30 which gave us plenty of time to do presents, eat some yummy Christmas Morning Breakfast, and get ready for church. We really weren't rushed for anything. By 2:30 we were gathered with Matt's family, then left at 5:00 or so we left to see my family. It was a really wonderful day. We got to go to do our Christmas thing, spend a little time at church and then we saw our families. It was very low pressures and we kind of waltzed along our morning. I think I'm going to have to start being selfish about our Christmas mornings from now on.

Leah will do anything to get a laugh out of Parker. And Parker is a willing participant.

A preview of one of Leah's Christmas presents. Stay tuned...

There were many things that I wanted to do, but didn't end up having time for namely the Live Nativity at Lincoln Park and Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park. One of my favorite memories of this month was decorating sugar cookies with the Lufkins and Hancocks. But alas, this memory will have to stay logged in my mind, because I didn't take any pictures of the event; like so many other events throughout the month.

I think what impressed me most this Christmas season was that our Heavenly Father really loves us. He listens to the righteous desires of our hearts, and blesses us as often as He can. I feel like I understand more about tender mercies and the spirit of service. Keeping a positive attitude even when all I want to do is growl can actually make me feel better.

One more holiday pondering: why is it that I can rarely find a good parking spot when I'm Christmas shopping, but when I vacate one no one is waiting for it? That really bothers me, especially at Wal-Mart and Costco. There should always be someone waiting to poach the best possible parking spot.

Heard in our Home

2012-01-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

Leah: "What does, 'What I want to be when I grow up' mean?"
Me: "Well, some people are firefighters, some people deliver mail, some people work at the bank like Daddy, some people take our garbage away, some people work on computers, some people get to stay home with their kids all day..." this went on for a while, "...what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Leah: "A part of our family!"

Clearing Up My Camera Space

2011-12-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

What? Not even Pintrest can suck my time away?

It's not my fault, I tried. There just weren't enough new posts for me to look at, and I couldn't think of anything to search for that I haven't already.

So I've decided to post an entry. For me the only slightly bigger time suck than Pintrest is blogging. By the time I've uploaded photos, edited them (however amateurly), then thought through and written a post I've spent at least an hour, likely more, on dear old Blogger.


Parker Quinney: terrorizing households since 2010

She's a reading machine these days.

Whenever we tell him, "Parker, be weird," this is what happens; without fail.

Parker went through a three week phase that apparently wouldn't allow him to keep his left arm in his shirt. And in case your wondering: that is a spoon on his chest. Weirdo.

Live, Laugh, Love

2011-12-16T17:07:00.003-07:00

Heard in our Home

2011-12-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

On the way home from dance Leah was telling me about the Holy Ghost, "Mom, I know that I can hear the Holy Ghost when I am quiet and still. He makes my heart feel warm. Wow, I feel him a lot right now. He's making my heart so hot that I need to drink some water. Oh wait, that's just my coat."

Then she told me that she is going to marry her cousin Fisher, because he's the funniest.

Calendar Love

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just wrote in my 2012 calendar for the first time. I love writing in a brand new calendar. Of course, I also hate crossing things out in those new calendars... makes 'em look all messy -shiver-. That's why I'm using a pencil this year.

Phoebe: "Nesele Toulouse... Oh, you Americans always butcher the French language."

2011-11-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

I just made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Probably not noteworthy to most of you out there, but it is to me. Let me tell you why. I am a habitually terrible chocolate chip cookie maker. TERRIBLE. Too flat, too crispy. I made the kind of cookies that make milk dipping a necessity, not an option.

Not today though! Thanks to Pintrest (it'll be the first time Matt will be thanking that website) I found this website and I now posses the knowledge to make a good cookie. The soccer-mom chocolate chip cookies. The all-the-kids-in-the-neighborhood-flock-to-your-house chocolate chip cookies. Baked (! I can hardly believe it myself), soft, chewy, and just the right amount of brown on the outside to keep the goo on the inside.


http://theperfectchocolatechipcookie.com/instruct.php

The picture above shows all the wrong ways to make a cookie and details why they were made wrong; well, example one is the perfect cookie. For reference: prior to this tutorial my cookies turned out like example 4 every time (with the exception of one time when it didn't look like any of the examples and tasted really, really weird). First time trying this recipe and following the instructions they turned out like example one. What?!?

My hips are about to get very cushy... well, more cushy.

Heard in our Home

2011-11-23T18:07:00.001-07:00

Leah called me out, "Mom, why do you get to roll your eyes and I don't?"

Happy Hallow-mas!

2011-11-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

"Mom, why are there Christmas AND Halloween things in the store?"

That's it stores AND consumers! You've successfully confused my daughter as to which holiday and season we are in. Leah thinks it's normal to sing Jingle Bells while out Trick-or-Treating.

I was annoyed last year when Christmas decorations were being sold on November 1. I was almost angry when I saw them in the store two full weeks before Halloween. TWO WEEKS! A logical holiday cram would be Hallow-giving (creepy sounding as it is) or Thanks-mas (too much 's' sound for me), but Halloween and Christmas together does not sit well with me. Sure, lets have gross zombie masks next to delicate snowflake decorations and beautiful light displays, why not? Does anyone even know that it's still Autumn? Winter doesn't, technically happen until December 22. With all the griping that surrounds the winter weather, you'd think we'd put it off a little longer.

I swear, I'm not a Grinch. I love Christmas and everything that goes along with it. I just think there is a time and a season for it. My daughter, thanks to all this, has been telling me what she wants for Christmas since mid October. It's really taking a toll on my resolve not to threaten this year with statements like, "I hope Santa doesn't see you acting this way."

Just relax people, the season will come. It does every year, I promise.

Seasons

2011-11-03T15:36:00.000-06:00

Life is good. I feel like I've entered a part of parenthood that is roses and hazy sunshine most of the time. Parker is in my favorite baby stage. The 18 Month Old. He's funny, clumsy, silly, and cuddly. Sure he throws tantrums, kicks his feet while I change his diaper, and throws food everywhere, but I wouldn't trade this age for anything. Leah's at a great age too. She's a willing helper, protective sister, and concerned and playful friend.

If I'm upset in the evenings it's usually of my own making. I've put too many time constraints on myself and all of the sudden the kid's antics become stifling. Not their fault. I'm too lazy to think about dinner and all of the sudden the kid's hungry tummy complaints becomes incessant whining. Not their fault. My schedule is hectic therefore, if those toys aren't picked up off the floor I'll probably throw them away. Not their fault (ish).

For the last little while I've been trying to better myself as a mother. My sister-in-law commented recently that it isn't that I don't have time to (for instance) take my kids to the park, but being a mom is what time exists for. Recently for a young women activity we put together character studies of individuals in the scriptures. The individual I chose was Emma Smith. I've thought so much about how much she must treasure being a mother. Loss of life, extreme trial and hardship, not to mention a husband that was... well, Joseph Smith. Those things wouldn't have made her a worse mom, they would have made her better. She probably didn't yell at her children when they were making small obnoxious noises (even though I've told them a million times not to). I have a demanding calling in church right now. And it's very important that I attend to that calling. However, it should never be constantly at the expense of my family. Balance. Balance is what it's all about. Unfortunately I feel that as soon as I find a good balance, something else gets added to the scale and I have to switch it all up again.

All in all I'm happy. I get to hear things like, "Mom, my heart isn't beating but I'm still alive. It's a miracle!" Or, "Mom, where's the DVD's suitcase," which I think means, the cover. One of my favorite things to hear is Parker's, "Me!" I'll ask, "Who wants to eat lunch?" Parker responds, "Me," with one arm raised in the air. I have sweet kids that want to give me hugs and kisses and snuggle me all the time.

I'd say I love this season of life.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

The Ward Halloween Party was hosted by our Young Men and Young Women programs. Our youth really took off with this and left me to and the others leaders to just fill in the blanks. This was the first year our ward has done a Trunk-or-Treat. I'm hoping it will be a repeater, at least I really enjoyed it. Following the Trunk-or-Treat we had a Chili Cook-off. This aspect of the night had me a little concerned. I only had eight individuals sign up for chili entries. I thought that should easily feed the 75 people that will show up. I didn't expect a lot of people due to the fact that we didn't send out reminder fliers or have regular Sunday meetings the previous Sunday (Region Conference). All of the sudden people started showing up. A LOT of people. I think we ended up with close to 150 people in attendance, definitely standing room only. Luckily there were a lot of people who didn't sign up to bring chili, that did. Thank goodness! Overall it was a great success, and I didn't even stress out very much.

Parker was a fish to accompany...

...Leah the Mermaid!

We had so much fun this season (when I wasn't reminding Leah that it isn't Christmas yet). Parker was a trooper and walked up to every single door and even said, "Trick or treat," and "Thank you." Leah was even more of a trooper and was out gathering candy for three hours with her dad and some good friends. I am thankful for a warm-ish evening, and the option to stay inside and hand out candy. It was the first year we've stayed home for Halloween, and while I missed seeing our Quinney cousins a lot, it was nice to have a holiday with just our family.

August Adventures

2011-10-17T13:30:00.002-06:00

It's October, I know. I'll have to deal with it.

BYU Football preview.

Redfish Lake

Melanie: Trek; Matt: Birthday

Splash Pad with Isaac and Mason

Heard in our Home (ish)

2011-10-11T09:58:00.000-06:00

This one's about Parker... I know. He does do something more than just terrorize the household organization.

I was on the computer one morning, completing some tasks for my calling. I looked down from my seat to see Parker curled up in the crook of the chair legs, sleeping. Ah, cute. Leah used to do this. A minute or two later I stood up to grab something from the kitchen. As soon as I turned my back, I heard, "Aha!" I turned around to find Parker sitting in my chair at the computer with a big goofy grin on his face.

*****

Last night Leah and I were reading the scriptures before bed. We happen to be in Jacob. You know, the tree guy.

After finished a few verses, Leah said, "What does that mean?'
I said, "When Jacob was talking about a tree, he was really talking about ..." I glance at Matt for a little explanation help, and Leah cuts in, "The House of Israel." I replied, "Yes, your right! So, Jacob is saying that when we plant a tree we have to help it so it can grow the correct way. Nice and straight and give us good fruit. It's like that with the House of Israel. We need to do the right things so we can be on a straight path." Leah replied, "Okay Mom, but houses don't make fruit."

What did you do today?

2011-10-06T16:36:00.005-06:00

I put a length plastic wrap on a hot stove top. It melted. The smoke alarm went off. My kids screamed.

I'm special.

Also, my house smells just awful.

Heard in our Home

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Leah, sounding like she's heaping on mounds of praise, "Mom, I like you more than Satan."

***

Leah, while playing with her Wonder Pets toys, "Now, will you take this awfully wedded man to be your husband?"

Heard in our Home

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

"Mom, Fisher is a genius! He knows how to make the color purple!"

2011-09-21T10:30:00.002-06:00

Why yes, I think I will have a pink frosted cookie for breakfast this morning. Thank you.

Heard in our Home

2011-09-17T09:43:00.003-06:00

Leah: "Mom, what is the biggest number?"

** a few days later **

Leah: "Mom, who was the first baby?"

Where does she come up with this stuff? I don't know how to sufficiently answer these. Anyone?

More Summer Favorites

2011-09-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday to me!

One morning I was working on cleaning the house. I heard Parker whine: he was trapped in an upside down ottoman. Two minutes later, I heard Parker whine again: he was jumping off the couch onto the floor. Five minutes later, I heard Parker whine again: see the above picture. Luckily, for him, I hadn't cleaned that room yet.

Leah's swimming lessons at Gene Fulmer Rec Center.

Meeting her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Raines.

Hail in July. Leah was ecstatic!

Because she's such a good big sister... and she gets his leftovers.

Last minute canyon trip with the Snells and Gillespies.


"Parker scare me!"

Foiled

2011-09-14T17:00:00.000-06:00

Is it mean that I chuckle in an evil tone (sometimes in my head, most often out loud) every time Parker gets frustrated when he can't get into a locked cupboard or door?

This Is Me - Challenge #3

2011-09-14T16:50:00.000-06:00

ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME
(Whenever I ~~blank~~, I ~~blank~~.)

*Whenever I smell rain, I instantly inhale as deeply as possible and relax.
*Whenever I open a new book, I hear my sister's voice in my head, "Don't open it too much. You can't crease the pages."
*Whenever I hear the song "Two Princes", I'm transported back to seventh grade walking to Jessica Griffiths house.

This Is Me - Challenge #2

2011-09-14T15:37:00.000-06:00

CHOICES

What are some choices in your life that affected where you are now?

*My choice of friends in high school, definitely. It's not that any one person made a particular difference, but I had the opportunity to surround myself with good kids. Friends that didn't make me think I wanted to challenge authority just because. Friends that tried to be good themselves.
*Joining every choir I could. I grew up in a home with music. Singing, piano, instrumental soundtracks on Sunday, and lots of Disney movies. I remember that on Saturdays I would blast my music while I was getting my jobs done. I think this gave me a love and appreciation for music that I wouldn't have otherwise had. Now as an adult I recognize that music and singing is an outlet for me. I listen to music and sing as a way of release. I believe it's a part of who I am.
*Participating in church. Particularly the Young Women Program. I received my Young Womanhood Recognition award when I was 17, when I first started the Personal Progress Program it was because I wanted to do something that my older sisters hadn't (as the third daughter and fifth child there wasn't much left for me to do). That's how it started, it ended with an intense desire to become what my Heavenly Father saw me as. I owe a lot of my confidence and testimony of individual divinity to the Personal Progress Program and to the Young Women leaders who encouraged me to keep doing it (Linda Jackman, Kelly Durrant, Melanie Perschon, Linda Timothy).
*Dating a lot. I enjoyed dating, and I enjoyed getting to know people. I love that because I got to know so many different boys, I ended up with the right man.

This Is Me - Challenge #1

2011-09-14T15:24:00.000-06:00

TOP TEN

If you were forced to go back in time to the olden days, but were allowed to take ten modern conveniences with you, what would you take?

* Definitely a camera
* Also a computer
* Car
* Indoor plumbing
* Gas, whether it be for a water heater, a car, or the furnace... Matt's I can do without though
* Stove/oven
* Microwave
* Refrigeration system (including freezer)
* Memory Foam
* Toothbrush

Early Summer Favorites

2011-09-09T09:25:00.001-06:00

Leah's Preschool Graduation

Love me some naked baby bum.

Leah has been a really beginner reader since last September, but in June she really took off with it. The last few months she's been picking out books on her own and reading without any help.

Game nights

Tuckered out..

One of Leah's favorite things to do is gather all the downstairs pillows and make a bed out of them.

After giving Parker a banana, unattended.

It looks like Woody is choking Parker, but he's just getting a piggy back ride (courtesy of Leah).

We are involved in a babysitting co-op with some of our neighbors. One Friday a month we babysit up to 10 kids (including our two), the remaining three Fridays are our designated date nights. Free babysitting for three weeks = AWESOME!

Braden wrote this for Leah completely unprompted one night.

Parker's first time swimming; he's not in love with the idea. Leah took a two week swimming course this summer and has really done a great job with it. She is a kicking pro and just working out how to get her arms to really move her.

Leah also learned a little piano number this summer. I can't wait to get her into lessons.

First Day of School

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

First day of kindergarten, Jordan Ridge Elementary, Mrs. Raines

Aren't those freckles to die for?

I think the nerves are getting her a little bit.

School is always more fun with a cousin.

Goodbye hugs

Definitely nervous walking in to the school. Look at the set of her jaw.

We celebrated the first day of school with ice cream, THEN lunch, cookies and dinner. She got to choose everything we ate that day, right down to the flavor of our dinner milkshake. I'm really excited for Leah to go to kindergarten. We're both ready for her to start her school years journey.

Family Camping Trip (otherwise known as... I'm a Fool)

2011-08-29T15:34:00.000-06:00

We made the, supposedly, three ~~how did it take us four~~ hour drive to Twin Falls on Thursday. We were hoping that splitting the six hour drive up to Red Fish Lake would help the kids boredom/complaining/crying/screaming. We were wrong. Leah did fine (she's lovely isn't she?), Parker did not. That's all I have to say about that.

On Friday we drove the remainder of the way with my brother and his family. Red Fish is past Sun Valley, ID. It's a beautiful drive. Shortly after arriving Parker took it upon himself to get into every imaginable place he should not have. His favorite pastime was throwing dirt and sand on the not-quite-erected tents. Within 15 minutes of arrival Parker managed to dirt-ify and land himself in the car (a place he totally loved- eye roll), strapped to him car seat. Leah was wonderful. She played and explored and I'm sure I had to tell her to stay by the campsite a few times, but overall, she was lovely. Isn't she lovely?

Day two of camping was spent at the lake. All day. The lake was clean and had a lot of shoreline. We arrived a little after 10 am and found, what I can only assume, a prime piece of beach. We planted our gear and stayed there for the next six hours or so. The kids rarely strayed, Parker only at a little bit of sand, and we all had a fairly relaxing day at the beach. Talk about built in entertainment. And it wasn't even too hot.

Day three was pack up day. By this point I was ready to face the full six hour drive and go home. We had a really good time, but camping with a toddler is just not super easy. The company was fantastic, the location was incredible, and we made some great memories. Thanks Tyler and Katy!

Notes on camping:
*18 mo. old boys are not prime candidates for family camping trips. The next time Parker gets to go camping he'll probably be with the scouts. Not me.
*There's nothing like a campfire in the mountains.
*Trek weight vs. camping weight. When I came home from Trek, I'd gained 5 lbs. I weighed myself again 24 hours later and I'd lost 5 lbs. I attribute this to all the GALLONS of water I consumed. When I came home from camping I'd gained 5 lbs. again. I weighed myself again 24 hours later. It was still there. Something tells me that smores and marshmallows don't go to the same place that water does.
*Sleeping with Parker up in the mountains was miserable (my guess is that my brother's family will attest to this truth). The end.
*I'm so glad that the sunburn that I'd received from Trek the week before was re-burned while camping.
*The good thing about the burn is that I'd gotten some pretty bad lines from Trek because of the pioneer clothing: 3/4 length sleeve, raccoon eyes, and a bonnet brim. This all even out significantly on the beach. Well, except the raccoon eyes.
*When faced with a six hour drive I will do anything, ANYTHING to keep those kids quiet. There is no amount of treats or movies that is too much for this situation.
*When we came home the first thing I did was get the kids in the tub. It was nearly bedtime and we needed to unpack. After pulling my squeaky clean kids out of the tub, I was suddenly hyper aware of how gross I was. Yuck.

The last time Matt and I went camping was with a nearly 18 month old Leah. It wasn't a miserable experience until we tried to sleep at nights. After that we swore we'd never take a child under the age of three camping again. This idea was cemented in our minds after this weekend.

Bottom line: Red Fish Lake is beautiful, go there... not with Parker.

Pioneer Trek

2011-08-22T13:58:00.003-06:00

West Jordan East Stake Pioneer Trek

Martin's Cove, Wyoming

August 3-6, 2011

How do I even begin describe Pioneer Trek?

It was definitely the most all-around hard experience I have ever put myself through. Physically (obviously), emotionally (duh), and spiritually (I'm in awe). I don't know if I have ever felt so many back-to-back testaments of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I was able to go on Trek as a youth leader, as a part of the YW Presidency I was ~~accidentally~~ designated as our ward's Trek Master. By the time Trek came around I was so ready to stop thinking about details and start pushing a freaking handcart. There was definitely a huge amount of burnout prior to even loading the buses. The evening prior to departure, I tried to put all that aside as I watched each youth and the supporting adults drop of their gear- gear, that the Pioneers likely didn't have, ie. sleeping bags, pillows, multiple changes of clothes, tents, etc. Most of my Young Women were excited, although clearly nervous about what was ahead. Most of the Young Men were quiet and ready to go.

When we arrived at Martin's Cove the handcarts were immediately loaded and we started on our walk for the day, a mere five miles. That day we entered Dan Jones Cove, Martin's Cove, and had a river crossing. It was a fairly easy walk with minimal hills and no blisters for anyone in our ward at the end of the day. Spirits were high as we walked in to our camp- another thing the Pioneers didn't have and proceeded to set up our tents. There were some mean mosquitoes that night in Sage Creek Camp, but that's all anyone had to complain about. The evening was filled with delicious food, really good company, and a lot of frog catching (they were
everywhere!).

The next morning began our first long day. Thursday dawned with a wonderful breakfast and a 16 1/2 mile walk before us. You'll notice I didn't just say 16 miles (as it would have been an easy round), when you've walked 16 miles pulling a heavy handcart, you notice E.V.E.R.Y. step of that last 1/2 mile. It was a long day. We had our fair share of troubles including, but definitely not limited to: a nasty sprained ankle on one of our biggest YSA's (he walked another five miles on it though), scarce water (totally unplanned), no communication with the Stake Base (see scarce water for how scary this actually was), knee issues, back issues, carrying a leader in the handcart, and BLISTERS! It was a long day. This was the third Trek for two individuals in our ward and they agreed that it was definitely the hardest and longest day they'd ever had on any Trek. But as we walked in to camp, our tents were set up and dinner was ready. To anyone taking notes for future Treks, GET CAMP JACKS! Life would have been so much more miserable had we not had Camp Jacks to set up our tents and throw our gear in the right spots.

Friday morning opened up another long day. 15 miles, but it included the Women's Pull up Rocky Ridge, more river crossings, and mud like you wouldn't believe. I don't know much about it because due to a scary allergic reaction one of my YW was having I stayed with her the entire day at camp. I was so upset at not being with the remainder of our group, but I know that this individual needed me that day. I also know that there was a greater purpose in my staying behind. I feel a lot more understanding towards the concept of leaving the 99 to go after the one. All I can say about this day is that when I finally saw our ward's handcart flags coming in to camp surrounded by our dusty, worn-out, muddy-teethed youth and leaders I felt a deep, deep appreciation for how Heavenly Father must feel watching us go through our daily trials. I have never been so happy to say the words, "Go jump in the river," and clean up and bandage so many ragged feet. I totally get why Heavenly Father wants to bless us.

I feel like I get a lot of things now. Not everything, and that's okay. But I understand so much more than I ever have. There was something about walking along the exact trail that the Pioneers did. A trail that saw a lot of pain and suffering, but ultimately gave way to a miraculous rescue. President Hinckley stated that Martin's Cove is hallowed ground. I could feel that. It is certainly sacred to me.

The following pictures are courtesy of Chris McConnehey. He's awesome, the end.

Loading the buses, 4:30 AM

Flag: Handcart #1

Flag: Handcart #2

Flag: Handcart #3. They made these on the buses with no more than felt, scissors, and Elmer's glue. Awesome, right?

The first, and deepest, river crossing. The water was pretty cold in 90 degree weather. I cannot imagine having to cross it in the winter with no dry shoes to change into.

The men and YM wouldn't even consider letting the women and YW get the handcarts across.

Brother Newland (Stake Trek Master) and President Bowler (Stake President)

West Jordan East Stake

The first hill.

What goes down will also, likely, go back up.

Melanie, Shona, Allison

When I came home from Trek Leah asked me what I did on Trek. I said, "I walked."
"Well, what else did you do?"
"I also, pulled a handcart."
"Okay Mom, I know you walked and pulled a handcart. But what else did you really do?"
In all honesty, nothing.

Get Ready

2011-08-19T11:25:00.001-06:00

My mind is so full right now, here's why:

*At the beginning of this month I was able to go on Trek with the youth of our ward (and stake).
*One week after that we went camping in Redfish Lake, ID. (8 loads of laundry, bringing my two week total to 15 loads. Nearly 3 times the amount of laundry I usually do in two weeks)
*I just finished Leah's kindergarten registration, she starts school on Tuesday.

Sigh...

I will get it all posted.

Rant

2011-08-09T16:15:00.000-06:00

So this is why people hate doing laundry. I'm on my fourth of at least six (probably seven) loads. This is taking ALL DAY!

It will fold itself, right? Right?!?

Freedom Festivities

2011-08-01T08:00:00.006-06:00

Things I want to remember about The Fourth of July: Potluck breakfast with all of our neighbors, having a lazy afternoon, BBQ lunch with the Quinneys, RAIN, Matt driving 'The Mini' in the Sandy Parade, potluck snacks and fireworks with our neighbors in the Hancock's circle, Leah and her boyfriends, 6 grown men going crazy on the 20 ft. slide, Ripple, tons of ginger ale, letting Leah roam, watching Matt, Spencer, and Dave play with fire.

Things I want to remember about Th 24th of July: our first parade together, Leah's favorite part, "President Monson.", Parker and Leah waving to all of the floats, Leah figuring out that all the policeman were wearing fake mustaches, pebble ice, stadium seating, a big bonk on the head.

More things I want to remember about The 24th of July: another year another bounce house, great weather, yummy hamburgers, Parker and the German Mustard, Leah enjoying fireworks for the first time in her life.

Heard in our Home

2011-07-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

I think I've mentioned that Leah had a mom-diagnosed case of seasonal depression this last winter. Nearly every day she would say one of two things: with a big heaving sigh, "Mom, is it ever going to be Spring?" and "I hate the snow and I hate the cold!"

The other night Matt and I were discussing the amount of rain we've had this season. At some point I said, "I hope that just because we've had such a mild summer we won't have a really yucky winter."

Leah immediately exclaimed, "Stop talking about winter!"

Live, Laugh, Love

2011-07-27T14:55:00.000-06:00

My very first sight of Parker. Seconds-from-heaven old.

Live, Laugh, Love

2011-07-18T15:29:00.000-06:00

Ward Campout

Jordan Pines

July 1, 2011

Heard in our Home

2011-07-14T08:45:00.000-06:00

Leah: "Mom, my armpit is so soft."

Did I Forget?

2011-07-11T13:15:00.000-06:00

Leah is sporting a new 'do'. I immediately loved it, Dad likes it but had to get used to it. And it only took a tiny bit of convincing to get Leah to consider a cut. In the past, our Adventures in Hair Cutting have involved a lot of screaming, crying, and A LOT of climbing. This time, we went to Cookie Cutters. Armed with cute chairs to sit in, a movie to watch, and the weight of being a good example for her brother, Leah marched in, sat down, and let the stylist cut away.

7 inches later, we have a cute little bob (I think) that really looks adorable.

I'm a believer in children's specialists. Stay tuned for Leah's next dentist appointment (September). We've decided to go with a pediatric dentist since our regular dentist suggested that, "our office isn't equipped to deal with her situation." No, they certainly weren't. I still have nightmares.

On a completely unrelated note: Matt and I are seeing HP7.2 (Harry Potter 7 Part II, for those out of The Loop) on Friday. I can't wait.

Huh?

2011-07-05T07:57:00.001-06:00

Leah woke up one morning and said, "Mom, my finger is itching." Okay, so itch it. Big deal, right? Later that morning she showed me her finger and this is what I saw:

Notice her middle finger. Red, swollen, small dots on it. Okay... nothing on any of the other fingers on that hand. I compared it with her other hand, the only other affected finger was her other middle finger. What? Two middle fingers with the same issue and no other fingers even remotely resembling the issue?

Finally I called the doctor and they suggested it was probably wasn't a bug bite (two fingers on opposite hands), poison ivy or something similar (not affecting the rest of her fingers) but hives. They think she had an allergic reaction to something (although I CANNOT for the life of me figure out what) and this is how hives present on her. Alright, I've had hives: stomach, arms, legs hives. Not fun. This was so odd.

What's a mom to do? Drug her up with some Benadryll and wait for the swelling to go down. Which it did within 24 hours.

2011-06-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

I honestly don't remember the last time I made chocolate chip cookie dough and baked it into cookies.

'Tis a red letter day.

First Date

2011-06-27T14:31:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to send your little girl on her first date.

No-Guilt Shortcuts

2011-06-27T09:35:00.000-06:00

I found this little article from Parenting Magazine online. I found it funny. Mostly. The article details 9 guilt free shortcuts that most families commit at some point. I just can't imagine people actually setting up these standards for themselves. NEVER and WON'T are such definite things.

1. You Said: "I'll Never Serve Frozen Dinners."
I don't serve frozen meals, I serve boxed meals. Not every day, but in a pinch nothing is more of a life saver. Plus Leah loves it.
2. You Said: "My Living Room Won't Look Like a Playroom."
Oh please. I'm a Cleaning Crazy and I knew this would never happen.
3. You said: "I Won't Ever Raise My Voice."
Um, yeah...
4. You Said: "I'm Never Wearing a Girdle!"
Spanx is the best thing that ever happened to my church wardrobe.
5. You Said: "My Kids Won't Watch TV."
We limit the TV and movie watching in our house, but it happens pretty much every day. I think that as long as you can control that amount of time spent in front of it and the content, worse things have happened than TV.
6. You Said: "I'll Never Skip a Haircut."
I wasn't even good at this prior to having kids, or being married, or being a teen. I just don't have the time or desire to worry about my hair being perfectly trimmed at all times. It's always up in a pony tail anyway.
7. You said: "I Won't Snack Between Meals."
I try not to make a habit out of it, but I do it. My problem is self control. It's so easy for me to rationalize away a few bites here and there, then all of the sudden I've gained 10 pounds. Stupid cookie dough. When I snack I try to make it fruits and vegetables though.
8. You Said: "I Won't be a Homework Nag."
I haven't crossed this bridge yet, but I'm sure I'll be a nag when it comes to school. Nagging is kind of in my nature. Come on, you know it's in you too.
9. You Said: "I'll Never Complain About My Hubby."
I try REALLY REALLY REALLY hard not to complain about him. I know he doesn't complain about me (cause he's freaking awesome) and I feel I owe him the same. Occasionally a less than flattering remark may spill out concerning men in general, but rarely mine in specific. I just think he deserves more than that.

Heard in our Home

2011-06-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

As I was in the shower I heard a loud metallic thunk. Knowing Leah and Parker were in the bedroom near our elliptical made me a little nervous.
Me: "Leah what happened?"
Leah: "Mom, Parker threw the spray bottle at the exercise machine. Don't worry, it was nothing too significant."

Later that day as we got home from the library Leah got out of the car and stated, "Mom, this weather calls for lunch al fresco. Mom, do you remember what al fresco means? It means eating outside."
Thank you, Fancy Nancy.

The Boy

2011-06-16T11:53:00.001-06:00

At the park with his buddy Mason.

Because I can't resist a naked baby bum.

Relaxing

Parker will put just about anything on his head, but this is his favorite. He'll just wander around with this toy bucket on his head waiting for someone to laugh.

If I tell him, "No," when he is doing something he knows he shouldn't, Parker gives me this face.

The drool is incessant, but I love this cheesy smile.

At 15 months old, Parker is still hanging in there with only four teeth.

I think the last one he grew was in January.

He was so proud of himself when he figured out he could climb in this.

Unfortunately he couldn't get out. Now Parker is sporting his shy face.

Parker has also taken to climbing quite a bit. On everything. It's so obnoxious.