Proof to Posterity . . .

The birthday party was delayed but we did celebrate.  After a quick dinner of barbecue beef sandwiches with all the fixings the guests changed party locations and we went to my parents home to watch the BYU basketball game.  Our family seems to have caught on to Jimmermania and no one wants to miss a game.

Andy and Taylei always request Pink Cloud Cake for their birthday.  We have to get creative with how we arrange the candles, 38 plus 12 on one cake would be a definite fire hazard.

The End of the Season for Nan

City league basketball ended tonight.

Keanna plays on a 3rd and 4th grade team and has loved every minute of the competition.

She still has plenty to learn but has a better understanding of the game

 than most of the kids her age.  

This has everything to do with the time she has spent watching her sister play

AND all the extra help she gets from her dad.  

She was on fire during one of the games and scored 20 points.  

The games are pretty low key and the rules are lenient.

During one game Keanna ran half way down the court with the ball and then began dribbling.

The best thing about watching her play is the smile she always wears on her face.

I'm always reminding my children one of the main reason we play sports is to have fun (threatening to stop playing and go home and find extra house or garden work if they find it impossible to smile).

Keanna is great with this, smiling when she makes the shot and smiling when she misses.

She smiles when she steals the ball from another player and smiles when it is stolen

from her and she has to hustle down the court to try and get it back.

She is a wonderful example.

Happy, Happy Birthday, Children Dear

Does 12 still count as children?  Do I need to go with 'adults dear' instead?  Taylei is 12.  Andy is a year older as well but he is already over the age of 25, old enough to drive a rental car but not old enough for a senior citizen discount.  His age has a little less meaning.  He is aging though, the wrinkles are deeper and his hair is greying but all at a snail's pace.  Then, there is Taylei.

Taylei turned 12.  No more primary.  She is on to the Young Women's program.  It was just yesterday she came to our home.  4,383 yesterdays to be exact but they have all seemed to meld into one.  How did this happen?   Next year she goes to junior high.  She is wearing braces and spending more time hanging out listening to the grown up conversation instead of running off with the kids.  Child no more.

On a more optimistic outlook, she is beautiful.  Both inside and out.  She has talents she is developing and talents she has not yet discovered.  She is a blessing to me and to our family.  I love her!

To celebrate her birthday she played in a basketball tourney.  Basketball has not been our sport.  The girls do well but it isn't softball.  I'm a softball mom.  We're a softball family.

Kyler thinks basketball is fine.  He has learned to play 'Angry Bird.'  I tried this once, enough said.  His friends play with him, each on their own electronic gadget.  All are happy.  He is easy to keep track of.  Mom is happy.

Grandma and Grandpa are awesome to support and help with Aysen.  Aysen started off the season and I would walk the gym with him holding on to my fingers.  He now goes on his own.  This mobility is a blessing and a curse . . .

We anticipated being in Salt Lake for just a few hours.  But then we won both our games and played for the championship.  We rescheduled the birthday dinner and the birthday girl chose to eat at Tempanyaki.  The food was good but the hour was late and when the game came around, Keanna succumbed to sleeping on the bench.  Not quite comfortable but still effective.

Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people in all the world.  

As a side note, on the way to the game we talked about how awesome Taylei could do --  her muscles performing perfectly helping her shots to fall and being able to make all kinds of defensive miracles.  It would be the present her body gave to her.  

This did not happen.  She had an average day.  Then she made a basket FOR THE OTHER TEAM.  She expects perfection from herself and was so disappointed.  Years from now I know she will look back and giggle.

And the second side note, I do also love Andy so very, very much.

A look at everyday . . .

This is Aysen.  Aysen has one word to describe comfort.  Onesie.  He likes them.  He actually may prefer his birthday suit only but as his mother I have to draw the line.  No.

Three good reasons as to why:  1 -- It is illegal.  2 -- The clean-up of the potential contamination.  3 -- It is COLD outside.  (Even though our home thermostat is set at 70, the view through the window adds a chill factor.  The weatherperson may need to begin taking this into account.  Instead of just a wind chill factor, we can have a 'mental perception' factor added in as well).

He is smiling.  For a normally happy kid he has been sick bunches as of late.  I'm sick of sick.  Glad today smiles were in the air.

And to prove I am pampered by my daughter . . .  Taylei is getting to be really good at nail art.  I get to sit comfortably on the couch using my favorite tool (may or may not be a mac, for those of you that have one, you understand).

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon if I must say so myself.

Meeting with the Big Dogs

This week the school board was meeting.  I should attend all school board meetings.  I do not.  No excuse even, I just never go.  I'm not alone.  Why is this?

For the first few minutes of their meeting they take the time to honor achievement and it was Mona Elementary's turn to brag.  The spelling bee winners were invited to be recognized for their spelling achievements.

I'm thinking if there was a spell off between these students and the board members the students would have won.  Power to the little people.

I'm glad the district takes the time for this.  They become real people to the students.  As soon as the awards were divvied out the room emptied.  I left as well.  I should have stayed.  Maybe next time . . .

Valentine's Date as FHE

For our Valentine's Day date, Andy and I went with our children to the bowling alley in Payson.  We had been given a gift certificate a few years back and had never gotten it used.

When bowling, taking the kids is an extra good excuse to have the bumpers up.  I took a bowling class in college and can admit my skills are lacking.

I started off the night with a strike and so did Andy.  This was the only frame where I was competitive with him.  I almost delighted in the fact his shoes were sticking funny making his release a little hard.  I am carnal, sensual and devilish.  To this I do admit guilt.  Not that it mattered, I stood no chance.

Aysen was a handful.  He seems to always be a handful.  I commented to Andy that I was afraid of when he hits the terrible two's.  Andy thinks it can't get worse.  I remember having those same thoughts with Taylei.  On the day she turned two, I swear she bumped it up a level.

Aysen had a great time hanging out at the ball return.  He was clever enough to get a ball out -- so grateful it didn't land on his toes or my toes for that matter.

Taylei worried for a few minutes about staying ahead of her little sister.

She is not lacking in the competitiveness department.  

Keanna is always concerned with style.

She likes to look good.

I'm constantly being told she needs to be in dancing.

The other night she was reading a story with such inflection

I thought I needed to find a way to get her on a stage.  

A family showed up next to ours with little children and when they began to bowl they had the aid of this contraption.  Kyler was doing fine without but as soon as he saw there was a "tool" to aid him he couldn't resist.  He would get a giant running start and hit the ball with all the force he could muster.  I laughed.  Andy tried to correct him.

We had dinner at IHOP and used more gift cards.  The date was quite inexpensive.  I love being around my children.  I love being with my husband.  I love to save a little money.  I love freeways (except for those under construction which is creating a gigantic hindrance to our relationship as of late). I love being back at home snug in my bed.

It was an awesome Valentine's day.  The sugar cookies were once again delicious and I'm still saving my children from the extra cal's.  A giant sacrifice that I'm way to willing to make.

Happy Valentine's Day

Andy climbed out of bed bright and early this morning.  I heard a little commotion but it seems to almost take a natural disaster to get me out of bed one minute earlier than necessary.

During the morning hustle I found a note from Andy.

The note read:  "To find your valentine,  you must follow your instincts, hopefully they are sharp this day, to solve all these clues!!!!  Here is your first clue:  A portal into the past, a reminder of the present."  The family took a break from routine to help me.

Too bad my instincts were anything but sharp.  I looked in the scrapbook sitting next to me.  Nothing.  Andy is smarter than me.  I will admit it any day of the week.  We think on different wave lengths.  His seems to function at a higher, more productive, slow to react, analyze the situation, solve the problem kind of level.

Answer to clue #1:  The kitchen window where I can see the barn but be reminded there are still dishes to be done.  Higher level I tell you.

Clue #2:  "NEWS FLASH, Andy loves Tina"  I once again was stumped.  We only get the newspaper Friday through Sunday and it had been disposed of.  I went in to check my computer, ksl.com, ktvx.com, msn.com and todayshow.com are my links to the world.  Andy shook his head at me and said we needed to watch more television at our house.

Clue #3:  01001001 001000000 0111011111 0111011001100101 0 . . .  the only clue I figured out on my own - the computer.

Clue #4:  "my safety champion"  The only idea that came to my mind was the gate to block the stairs from Aysen.  Taylei figured out the clue immediately but before I had an idea, Andy left for work and the girls headed to school.  Taylei tried to hint as she was walking out the door but no lights came on.  At this point, I quit.  Clueless.  The word describes me in so many ways.  Andy called and said Champion is a brand for this item but ours was a Yukon Gold.  The only thing I could think of now were potatoes.  Andy basically had to spell it out - our gun safe.

Clue #5:  "ready, get set, eat!" lead me to the fridge.  I found a clue carefully taped to the ceiling.  I was so proud of myself until Andy told me I was wrong and had just skipped a bunch of clues.   The real answer: the kitchen table.

Clue #6:  "whirly twirly, you mesmerize me"  By this point Andy decided to just stay on the phone with me and help me through.  Answer:  Our bedroom fan.

Clue #7:  "clothing not recommended"  Not my first guess but the shower was my second.  I found the clue above the shower door, secured in a ziploc bag.  (Maybe Andy presumed it might take me a few days to complete this hunt and he wanted it preserved).

Clue #8:  "ray, ray, where art though?"  The sun!  Which I have missed for the last four months.  The clue was taped to the side of the plant.  I had watered the plant earlier in the morning and didn't even see it.

Clue #9:  "too much black delight will make you sweat"  Once again my instinct was wrong but in honor of the need for heat I found the clue taped to the wood-burning stove.

Clue #10:  "magic light, i only come one when you need to see what you eat"  Luckily I had already found this clue inside the fridge.

Clue #11:  "no leftover keys here"  After looking in our spare key box, Andy reminded me it said "no leftover."  The piano.

Clue #12:  (My favorite clue) "I Love You!"

Taped to each clue was a red puzzle piece.  On the back of the completed puzzle was a love note from my sweetie.  A love note is my favorite kind of present.  I love him!  I will be forever in pursuit of becoming his equal.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  The day to remind those you love that you love them.  This can never happen to frequently.

Serving Others . . .

Today I was lucky enough to be asked to speak in sacrament meeting with the relief society presidency.  I do use the word lucky in the loosest sense.  We were asked to speak on service . . . I won't add the whole talk but I'll leave a few of the thoughts I shared . . . (thanks to lds.org for making it so easy to research and use the messages given by His apostles).  

JOHN 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Alone in the upper room with the eleven, Jesus uses the last teaching moments of His mortal life to teach this commandment.

Jesus’ unconditional love for us motivated His atoning sacrifice for our sins. Without His love, we would be unable to return to our Heavenly Father. How He lived His life is the example we should follow.  He showed us that we must go about doing good, that the spiritual and physical welfare of our fellowmen is as important as our own, that we should show genuine concern and compassion for all of our Heavenly Father’s children.

Moroni defines Christlike love as charity. “And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.” It’s not enough to say we believe and that we love Him; we must be found possessed with His kind of love for others at that last day.  Like the Savior, we should bless the lives of others by giving of what our life is made up of—our time, our talents, our means, and ourselves.

President Kimball taught that “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.” 

What are ways we can serve?  Serving our family, Kindness for our Neighbors, Visiting Teaching/Home Teaching, Missionary Work, Senior Missionary Work, Church Callings, Temple Attendance, Serving in the Temple.

When we seek to serve others, we are motivated not by selfishness but by charity. Throughout His life, the Savior must have often felt tired and pressed upon, with scarcely a moment to Himself; yet He always made time for the sick, the sorrowful, and the overlooked.

When we stand before the Lord to be judged, will He look upon the positions we have held in the world or even in the Church?  Do you think He will care how packed our schedule was or how many important meetings we attended? Do you suppose that our success in filling our days with appointments will serve as an excuse for failure to spend time with our family or serving others?

Mosiah 2:17  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

"We almost lost Keanna"

These are words you hope to never hear.  Before Andy explained further my mind flashed with different scenarios as to what they may have meant.

Andy took the girls to Brighton to spend some time on the slopes.  They had a late start to their day . . . Andy had duties to attend to at the Klondike.  When he made it home I had a migraine hit with a vengeance.  I went to bed for an hour while he fed everyone lunch.  

They couldn't have chosen a prettier day . . . the sun was shining and it was warm . . . too bad there wasn't any fresh powder.  

Andy took pictures from his phone and sent them to me.  They will NOT load into this post.  I've tried and tried and tried and tried.  

The story behind almost losing Keanna goes something like this:  They were going down the slope (Andy and Taylei were both strapped into snowboards and Keanna was on skis) when Keanna noticed a hill she wanted to ski down.  Andy explained to her how this was NOT a good idea.  They were not able to see over the hill and the yellow caution sign was a pretty good indication injury was imminent if you followed this path.  A few runs later they went to the same area.  Keanna got off the lift and pointed.  She did turn a little as she went down the run but was basically trying to gain maximum speed and distance from the voice of her father.  By the time Andy realized her intentions, it was too late.  She was out of the reach of his ability to stop her. 

The people on the lift started to shout at Andy.  There was a cliff on the other side of the hill and Keanna had launched off of it.  The lift riders told Andy where she had landed and if their words were true she caught more air than Andy or any of her uncles have ever mustered.  

Keanna was walking back up the hill unharmed to retrieve her ski's when Andy reached her.  The snow in this area was still powdery since you were NOT suppose to be there.  Keanna was fine.  The age of miracles exists.  We have been blessed with one right after another.  

Keanna is fine.  I'm hoping she has learned to heed the voice of her father and realize yellow caution signs are put in place for our protection.

The rest of the day went without incident, only a few minor crashes which just means you are testing your limits and becoming better.

The Celebration of Love

Little Miss Kaci has a favorite holiday.  The day of love.  She has been asking for a girl party to celebrate and this is how we spent our Friday evening.

The menu of Kaci's choice: Hawaiian Haystacks.  She let everyone know the best possible recipe.  Kaci only likes to top her rice and sauce with peas, cheese and chinese noodles.

Lisa made Oreo balls for dessert.  I believe I will refrain to comment on the number I ate.  I loved them.  I love everything sweet at this moment.  Andy has nicknamed me JFJ at the moment.  Not quite nice but all too true.  I will gain control of this mortal body one of these days.

Taylei and Keanna were the oldest friends invited.

None of us followed Kaci's recipe for the most delicious meal.  We all seemed to have our own ideas for the best blend of foods.

Grandma Lou brought a gift of truffles for the hostess'.  I'm once again going to refrain from comment.  I did eat more than one but less than five.  Who is counting anyways?

While the food and dishes were being taken care of Miss Kaci and friends decided to help Taylei and Keanna get a little more fancy (we came straight from Taylei's basketball practice and didn't have time to accessorize our outfits). 

Kaci chose for us to make crafts instead of play games.  We made the cutest hair bows with the fabric of our choice.  Taylei gave me instructions of what fabrics to cut for her.  True to form, Keanna wasted no time taking care of business herself.  She folded her own fabric, drew her own circles and did her own cutting.  We had a little discussion for next time.  I'm hoping she caught on to maybe cut all of her circles out of one area instead of random holes everywhere.

The evening was super nice.  Lisa and Kaci were awesome hosts.  Dinner was delicious and my girls can't wait to model their new accessories.

Soon He'll Conquer the World

Mr. Aysen has found a new love which surpasses his love of air-hockey, the wii.  My children have been good about letting him join in, sometimes he even has a 'live' remote.  He is great at mimicking their actions and shakes the remote just as they do.

Tonight we were invited to the Durbin's home to celebrate the birth of their two outstanding children, Ty and Olivia.  Aysen didn't seem to even notice the difference in the brand of controllers, he knew just what to do.

He watches the game and with his facial expressions you would think he has full comprehension of the going ons.  I would love to spend a day inside his little (not really so little) head.  Too learn how he thinks, what he really comprehends and maybe to try to convince him to sleep through the night.  

Any time we are with the Durbin's 95% of the conversation is geared towards sports.  Cris and Andy are both obsessed with trying to help their children be their best, especially in the sports arena.  I once again will not complain.  Time spent with a dad is well spent.

And every once in a while these two girls get a break from a ball and have a minute to play a different kind of game . . . Happy Birthday Ty and O.D.

A New Kind of Trophy

Today was the 3rd grade spelling bee and Keanna had practiced her little guts out.  She went and stayed with Aunt Mary Dawn for the weekend and my mom became her spelling coach.  Even though she was right in the middle of reading Harry Potter 4 for the second time she kept the book closed while she learned how to spell words like 'bombastic.'  And out of pure curiosity, when was the last time you used that word in a sentence?  Just in case the answer was never, I spent a little time with the dictionary:  bombast |ˈbämbast|, noun, high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people.  DERIVATIVES: bombastic |bämˈbastik| adjective.  Where do words like that come from?


Her class has been having some practice spelling bees the first of which she won.  The next time wasn't as favorable, she came home in tears because she had lost.  She spelled worldwide and forgot to include the 'e' on the end.  She will never forget how to spell that word again.  (I still remember the two words I got out on in spelling bees twenty-five years ago: secretary and colonel).  The six kids left in the competition had gotten out on the same round.  I explained to her she wouldn't have lost, everyone would have gotten to spell again.  She was a finalist in all of the other practices which didn't ever finish because of time running short.  


Last night my mom came to our home at 9:30 p.m. to help her review the words one last time.  They had established a system and had made it to column six of seven.  Many of the words I can't pronounce.  To say Keanna was nervous would be a great understatement.  Her stomach became continuously more upset as she missed words she had never missed before.  Shortly after 10 p.m. my mom declared Keanna was too tired and rest was more important.  I tried to help relieve the pressure and kept telling her if she won or lost I wouldn't love her one ounce more or one ounce less.


The spelling bee ended up going 13 rounds with words on the 8th grade level.  Keanna's list of words included: hitch, makeshift, vision, dignify, abolitionists (this is a word she can't pronounce but spells without hesitation), notorious, salary, fortification, establishment, preliminary, capillary, desolate and engineer.  I believe on round 7 everyone was eliminated except her and another girl who had also spent some time practicing.  Her competition misspelled 'rhombus'.  Keanna's championship word was 'misinterpret'.  She won!  I, along with her cheering section, Grandma and Grandpa Sperry, Aunt Diane, Kyler and Aysen were so excited for her.

Thanks so much for all of your help Grandma.  She couldn't have done it without you.

Egg-fried-ramen topped with cheese . . .

As of late, I've been starving.  I eat a meal and within ten minutes I'm looking for something to supplement it with.  This problem may be linked to the amount of mint flavored goodness that is found around my home this time of year.  Fernwood Mints are still number one on the list but Kara's Mint Truffles and the chocolate mint orange come in a close second.  My supply is now completely dry.  Maybe the urge to eat will slowly die off but doesn't seem likely.

Yesterday Paul and Garrett stopped in.  They were in the process of nursing Diane's car home.  It had overheated on her way to work.  They needed to let it cool off again and came in for a visit.  I was in the middle of cooking the high-class, loved by all, non-nutritious meal of Ramen for Kyler and his friend, Bridger.  Paul told me I needed to make fried-ramen instead.  My interest was peaked and he made a batch for himself, Garrett and I.  I had him add an egg to make it a little more authentic.  One pack of noodles divided into three doesn't go very far.  My palate was wet and I dreamed of having more.  Not quite as tasty as sushi but still on the top end of goodness.

Today I was determined to make it on my own.  To make sure there was plenty I made two packages.  Kyler was quite distraught.  He couldn't understand what I was doing to his noodles.

Food never seems to taste as good the second time I try it.  Lessons were learned though.  1.  Two packages of Ramen is more than enough for two people.  2.  Never look at the nutrition facts while you are eating.  I've always considered Ramen to be a non-food food.  Something your children love and is extremely cheap but lacks nutritional value.  I would have never guessed so many calories were packed into such a small package.

I'm sure I'll eat it again but not for a while and maybe just served as a side dish instead of the entire meal.  I'm still not sure how to curb my love of food.  It seems the more I think about losing my extra 20 and making my husband happy by becoming a little more fit, the further I drift from accomplishing this goal.

I no longer have a burning desire to eat egg-fried ramen.  I've moved on.  I'm ready to dabble in baking a gourmet dessert, something rich in caramel, chocolate, maybe even with a little mint and a crisp texture.  Visions of sugar plums dance in my head . . .

The Night of High Performance

Tonight we had a pretty low key FHE.  Andy took a break from his closet building and announced the theme of the evening: The Night of High Performance.  Each member of the family was given five quiz questions.  Kyler's questions had to do with addition facts -- his skills in this area have improved greatly as of late.  Keanna's questions were spelling words (she has the third grade spelling bee this week and has been studying her little heart out).  Taylei's questions started off with her play scales on the piano.  She was successful with the scale of C but became confused on the next one.  She was then asked random questions about the boiling temperature of water, the stars and stripes on the flag etc.  Andy and I weren't left out of the game.  He wanted me to name the planets - I think I got 7 of 9.  After he threw out this question I changed from the easy ones (name the continents of the earth) I had been giving him to a question Mr. Farr asked Keanna's class while I was there.  If you have 13 quarters, 22 dimes, 45 nickels and 429 pennies how much money would you have?  Keanna's class is learning to figure these out using mental computation only.  Andy was off by $1.  Keanna nailed it - $11.99.  (I was dumbfounded when Mr. Farr asked his class this question and couldn't believe how many got it right.  Being able to figure out money is a life skill not many people learn.  Props to Mr. Farr on challenging his class to think.)  Kyler answered the most questions correctly, 5 for 5.  Maybe I should be creative and come up with an award for the winner to be displayed neatly in the bedroom until the next competition.  Maybe this warrants a need to go and shop . . .  or maybe I'll just stay home, save my money and spend more time with these glorious beings.

The Super Bowl was second fiddle to . . .

Litte Miss Maci -- the star of the day.

 We traveled to Holladay for her baby blessing.  Ryan did an awesome job and Maci is a little princess.

Mary Dawn, as always, was an amazing host.  The food was delicious.  The company was great.

The Super Bowl though, was disappointing.  I was hoping for a Steelers win.  Andy and I both wore our jerseys to show our support but no go.  I admit I have no idea who any of the players or coaches were.  I was just cheering for the Steelers name.  In all reality, I just like watching the commercials, the game is extra.  The day turned out way nice . . . an awesome time spent with family and we even avoided all forms of Sperry fits.  The week of miracles.

We (means Andy) are almost ready for the blue and green

Kyler has wanted his room painted for some time now.  I store my craft paints under his bed and have often questioned how wise this is when he sees them and his interest in painting is peaked.  A little spark in his brain reminds him how much he wants his room painted.

Last summer while we were visiting Mary Dawn, we went to the paint store and chose a few samples.  They have been taped to his wall since this time waiting to become reality.

This is the last room we have to redo.  It was retextured and painted when we first moved in but that was of the orange peel variety and the walls were a bright version of white and it was 11.5 years ago.  Time for a change.

I wanted something with more color but I'm also scared of color.  While visiting a friend's home garnishing ideas the vision hit me.  Andy complied and the trim boards were the project of the day.  It is going to be miserable to paint but I believe it will look awesome when it is all is finished.

Now I just need to work on convincing Kyler the paint colors belong where I want them.  His idea is a little different than mine.

Protection of Angels with a Graphic Warning

Kyler and Taylei had a play date tonight at Uncle Mike's house.  Kynlee wanted to play Super Mario with four players.  The night had went well to the best of my knowledge and I called Taylei when I was on my way to pick them up and asked them to be ready.

The journey took a little longer than normal when I had to stop and purchase fuel (which has skyrocketed in price, again).  I called Taylei as I was driving up the street hoping to have her and Kyler just run out.  Sounds kind of lazy I know but it was terribly cold and Aysen was with me and all mothers understand the pain of moving children in and out of carseats (nice run on sentance). 

When Nikkii answered Taylei's phone I was slightly confused.  She quickly expained the situation had changed in the last few minutes and she had taken Mike to the emergency room.

Super Mario may need to attach a warning, it should read something like this:  Do not play this game while sitting on glass coffee tables.  Sounds a little ridiculous but really, McDonald's has to put the warning that the 'coffee is hot' on their cups.  Same mentality I believe.

The story:  Mike, Kyler, Taylei and Kynlee were in the middle of a serious game of Mario.  Mike and Kyler must have felt the hard, glass (remember the need for the warning) coffee table gave them the competitive edge over the cushioned, leather sofa.  I'm told Mike has also sat in this same position with his brother Paul while playing the game.  Warning needed. 

The glass shattered.  Kyler fell straight through and Mike caught himself on the wood frame.  The size, shape and sharpness of the glass pieces under the table is hard to imagine and quite undescribable.  (My mother and I cleaned up piece after piece.  When the shock of it all wore off we regretted not taking a picture.)  Mike yelled for Kyler to hold still and lifted him up out of the glass.

Taylei helped Kyler undress to check for injuries.  The worst of it was a small scrape at the base of his back that didn't even draw blood.  Mike didn't come out of it quite as lucky. 

He doesn't know when he received this gash to the inside of his elbow.  It makes me physically ill just looking at it.  He was stitched up but it didn't require additional medical care .

I know Kyler should have been seriously injured.  I know he should have required stitches in multiple locations with the possible internal injuries.  Glass is nasty.  I know he was blessed.  I know Heavenly Father protected him from harm this day.  I know I am blessed.  Miracles are abundant this week at our house.

He did it . . .

Mr. Aysen has been on the verge of walking for the last few days.  He has been taking 3 - 5 steps at a time but has a tremendous amount of fear and promptly sets himself down.  

Tonight with the help of a peanut bar he took 20+ steps multiple times.  He didn't seem to understand he was walking.  His attention was focused on opening his prize.

Walking hasn't taken over as his main mode of transportation but he has made it past a great hurdle.

Congratulations Aysen . . .

Happy Valentine's Day

Picture me singing gleefully, "I did it, I did it, I did it."

My valentines were placed in the mail today, February 2.

Notice I am writing the 2nd not the 11th, 12th or even 13th.  

Me the queen of procrastination actually accomplished something in a timely manner.  Maybe my lack of accomplishing the task last year added additional inspiration for this year.  

Thanks to the staff at Kimo's for the helping with the finishing touches.  On my list of things I hope to accomplish, a goal if you must,  is a photoshop class.  I want to learn to edit, adjust and design in this powerful program.  It is overwhelming.  Period.  Another dream for another day.  Maybe when the littlest man in the family doesn't control so many of my hours.

Speaking of Aysen, I was laying in bed with him the other night and was actually still awake when he gave in to the depths of slumber.  I couldn't bring myself to get back up.  I spent a few moments staring at him.  Life is amazing.  Eyes that see.  A heart that pumps.  Muscles that allow movement.  How anybody can doubt the divinity of life as a gift from our Heavenly Father hasn't taken the time to watch a baby sleep.  I do complain but soon he is going to be grown and not need me.  I'll enjoy it while I can.

From years gone by . . .

I made myself a little mess over the last few days.  All of the photos from my past were pulled from a box, sorted, tossed, and a handful were sent to be scanned.  The piles have been all over the floor and not once have my children relocated, messed with or used them for their art projects.

Another reason to believe miracles still exist.

 While I have been sorting, many of the photos have made their way into the round file.  I've learned that  scenery pictures have little meaning 15 years later. 

I.E.:  The pictures of the backlots at Universal Studios have all been discarded.

During the purge I found a few classic photos . . .

Why Andy's drivers license has made it into my box of treasures is a mystery.  But since it has been located I will use it to prove my professions.

Taylei is small.  I wish she would grow a little.  I tell people she gets her size from her father.  I'm sure they think I'm crazy when I use him as the reason . . . he is 6'0" and 190 pounds. 

This license is my proof.  At age 16, if you look closely he measures in at 5'3" and a whopping 110.

Taylei will grow . . . it is just a matter of when.

For the record . . . my mom did used to dye her hair.  She was a blond beauty when she married.

I once was quite small myself.  

I could also add an entry in a gratitude journal.  It would allude to the fact that I'm grateful upholstery fabric of this fashion is no longer available for purchase.

Once upon a time my father had pepper hair.  Quite different than the salt variety he has aged into.  He is holding Mike and I.  Notice Mike's cute little bottom.  This proves my father to be quite brave in my book.  He was holding a loaded weapon with no protection and I know first hand the risk he was taking.

And one last picture in honor of Mona Days.  My mom always made us AMAZING floats.  Mona style, we were at the top.  My Grandpa Ewell was always kind enough to let her use his garden cart as the base.  Kami and I would be the horse power to pull the cart through the entire four block parade route.  I believe it was this year our mothers decided to pull the cart home and were amazed by how heavy it was.    This mystery could easily be solved.  Mike and Clint were sitting on cinderblocks.  

I'm once again inspired to work on documenting my past for the members of the future.

Too bad it seems I would have to give up the present to get it done.

The solution: sleep less a whole, whole lot less.