my: Way Nice Wife

On my way to take Aysen to playgroup I was on the phone with my dear, sweet husband having a little discussion; I wanted him to send an email.  An email I wouldn't have cared so much about if I was significantly more perfect.  More full of love.  Filled with more charity.  The chatter lead to the fact that he has NO vices and I have plenty.  He tried to disagree and claimed I was a "way nice wife."  I asked him to name two things he isn't perfect in, knowing this would be a challenge.  I had my lengthy list of imperfections spinning through my mind, the downfall of being able to see into your own heart.  I do not remember both vices he named but one he claimed was his inability to hula hoop.  For reals.  Virtues aren't his problem, he just hasn't conquered his physical self yet.  He seems to center his life around Christ more than me, much, much, more.

The conversation ended upon our arrival and after playgroup I went to work.  My mother-in-law had offered to help with Aysen (m.i.l. was a great example to her son of sainthood).  I didn't have anything pressing for the day so I went to work on monthly reports.  

While sitting at work I received the following email from Andy:

Hey Sweetie,

Just wanted to say thank you for being the "Way Nice Wife" that you are!  Not just for the salsa yesterday, but for much more.  I feel like I have a really good life, and I believe the core reason for that is because I have a really good Wife.  You are so amazing to me.  You manage so much of our home, and keep it all on track, and working like a well oiled machine.  I feel like my role is to fix stuff, and you take care of the rest.  We certainly have our struggles, but without the struggles, how would we recognize the perfection we have in our home?  You are a wonderful Way Nice Wife!

I love having you as my best friend too.  Even before we were married, you were one of my best friends.  You've always been so easy for me to get along with...and I know others saw that too.  We were made for each other, and I love being with you.  I wish I was more funny, more interesting, had a six pack, could leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc.  But, I am what I am, I can do 30 push-ups, I can do about 23.5 sit-ups without stopping, I can't hula hoop very well, and I hide my growing mid section by not tucking in my shirt.  I have gray hair patches, and facial hair patches, small feet with apparently gross toes (I actually like my toes).  I hear that I have some pretty good looking legs from the knee down....and I'm cool with that.  Some of these things I can change, some I can't...although, I may end up with a six pack some day.  But in the end, I just want to love and be loved.  You are the one I want to love and be loved by.  You are so special to me.  I hope that you know of my love for you.  I want to make you happy, I want for you to feel loved, I want for you to feel special.  I want to be the one your excited to tell about your amazing day, the one you tell about your not so exciting days.  I want to share your laughs and sorrows.  I want to be one of the reasons your excited to wake up every day for.  Thank you for being all these things for me, I hope that I can become these things for you.

I love you so much!

PS.  Since you've claimed WNW status, I wanted to see if I could figure out how to arrive at WNH ("Way Nice Husband") status.  I've got a few ideas attached...let me know what you think.

Here were the attached ideas:

Way Nice Husband Idea #1

Way Nice Husband Idea #2

Way Nice Husband Idea #3

When I read the title to the email I wasn't surprised.  He sends nice messages quite frequently, especially when I'm down on myself.  But, I had NO idea this was coming.  

When we got home from our trip to California (to play softball) this summer, Andy started looking for vacations.  With the pressures he felt coaching he returned home far from relaxed and refreshed.  He mentioned going to Boston (a return trip has been my dream since we went for his work in 2003).  I fell in love with the city, the people, the food, the history, the weather and Fenway.  I toured the ballpark the day we were leaving and have wanted to watch the Red Sox play from that day forward.  Andy is well aware of the fact that if I was to ever run away it would be to Boston.

When he mentioned going back in August I told him my ideal vacation would be to have NO notice.  (I am much better at doing things last minute.  I feel confined or claustrophobic when my calendar is scheduled out months in advance).  

Ask and ye shall receive.

This weeks scheduled was pretty routine.  It involved softball, soccer, dancing, piano, crochet, art classes (I'm teaching at the elementary), cannery, homecoming and a primary program practice.  With the help of our parents he had taken care of all of it except for the art class which I promptly asked to reschedule.  

I wanted to cry and shout for joy all at the same time but I just sat at my desk dumbfounded that it was real.  I was going to Boston with the love of my life.  Four days with no obligations except for sitting behind home plate at a Red Sox game.  The rest of the time we could punt.  I love punting.  And while I'm being irresponsible, basking in the arms of my husband, I knew my children would be well taken care of.

I have heard the word spoiled come up when others hear how I will be spending my week.  I cannot argue.  It is true.  Just by being married to Andy, I am spoiled.  He is my better half.  He is the calm while I am the storm.  I love every last drop of him, even his toes.

I am blessed.

Andy I love you.  Thank you for making amazing things happen.  This is the second time I have been kidnapped during our marriage.  Spectacular, everyday is this.  I know you love me, even with my vices.  You take care of me, our children and our home.  I know you can fix anything and succeed at anything you decide to conquer.  I love your ability to have patience and not sweat the small stuff.  To look deeper into a person's soul and find the good that dwells within.  You are not perfect but close enough I may need to figure out a thing or two to keep you on this earth with me.

Thanks!

P.S.  WNH status was achieved the day you gained the title of husband.  I love you!

School Days, School Days, all the Golden Rule Days

While attending Back to School night with Keanna and Kyler we had a conflict.  Aysen searched all over Kyler's classroom for his desk.  Explanation and reason couldn't convince him he wasn't old enough to attend school like his brother and sisters.

He was unhappy.

This posed a serious problem.  His 3rd birthday is quickly approaching and he will no longer be invited to attend playgroup through the Early Intervention program.  He has been going for over a year and this is "his school."

Keanna auditioned for Nutcracker a few days after back to school night.   While I was watching her I was visiting with Kyler's old preschool teacher, Ms. Shauna.  She was wondering how Kyler liked his new teacher.  My response included the fact that the teacher was great but Aysen couldn't figure out why she didn't have a desk set-up for him.  I finished by asking her if she didn't want to start a class for 2 year olds and before the conversation was over, Aysen was enrolled to be the eighth student in her 3 year old class.

Today was his first day of school.  He dressed himself.

Aysen, Age 2, First day of School

The shirt is on backwards, his legs only use one hole, and except for the incessant choking caused by the shirt facing the wrong direction he was dressed to perfection in his "baseball outfit."

Grandma Linda dropped him off for me (I was attending a funeral) and reported he went with no hesitation.  I picked him up and he had a gigantic smile, carrying the treat bucket that was almost his same size.  If he was potty-trained all complications would be resolved.

My older children also had their first day of school and I did pause my anti-photography strike.  The traditional pictures were taken and each child even added in their own pose or two.

I love to see what outfits are chosen for this most important occasion.

Taylei, 8th Grade, 13

I took each of the children shopping SEPARATELY this year.  Brilliant, every once in a while I surprise myself that I can be so smart.  Except for the fact that I spent most of two days in dressing rooms, everything else went so much smoother than normal.

The mother-daughter date included lunch, haircuts and treats.  The shopping trips even concluded before their money ran out, though it is still burning holes in their pockets.  Taylei finished with 7 pairs of new shoes and is online seeking out the eighth.  She also purchased her first four pairs of colored skinny jeans.  How long do you think this trend will last?

Keanna, 5th Grade, 10

Keanna informed me she didn't want any shirts with pictures or words.  It must either be a sign of growing up or maybe she has discovered she doesn't want to advertise for a company without being paid. 

As we were driving to the stores Keanna pulled out a list of what she hoped to buy.  Hilarious.  She had itemized her needs and budgeted the funds she anticipated spending in each category.  A shawl was her greatest priority but we didn't find one.  Taylei was mindful of this.  She kept an eye out and found a white one to do the trick.  When we brought it home to give it to her Taylei thought Keanna would be so excited she wanted to video her reaction which did not disappoint.  If awards could have been offered I would have held the title of "Best Mom Ever."

Kyler, 1st Grade, 7

Boys are much easier to shop for.  I have been purchasing t-shirts for Kyler as I found them throughout the summer and he didn't need much more.  Finding some shoes though were a giant problem, nothing he liked was available in his size.  Our search area kept expanding and we were finally successful just when I was on the verge of giving up all hope.

I did strip Kyler of his agency as he chose what to wear for the day.  He only likes basketball shorts.  I instructed him he had to wear denim for the first day (since the camera was coming out of the closet I wanted to document he does have more options than he chooses).  Maybe not nice, but I am the mother and I do need to ruin their lives on occasion, isn't that part of the job description?

The Woodland's met at our house for our annual back to school group shot.  (I'm pretty sure Keanna is still taller than Jake.  He was always standing on the high side of the ground.  I may need to investigate further).

Back to School pictures taken August 22, 2012

Wicked

For our tenth anniversary my sweet, dear, kind, amazing, smarter-than-me husband took me to The Big Apple, also known as New York, New York.   I loved almost every minute but at the same time had a deep feeling of gratitude that this was just a short visit.  Relishing in the knowledge we would be returning shortly to our quiet, country town living.

While there we went and watched Wicked.  A broadway musical I knew nothing about and was slightly nervous of the title (not scary I learned).

I dreamed from the moment I watched this magnificent production of attending with my daughters.  I loved the message of the show and wanted to share it with them.  When it began touring and came to Salt Lake  I was extremely disappointed; the ticket price was outrageous.  It would almost be worth flying the girls to New York.

This year with Mary Dawn's assistance we had tickets in her cart.  I was ecstatic.  Short lived mind you.  She was delayed checking out and the tickets were dumped.  Never to be found again.  I was comforted that it wasn't meant to be and I would try again the next time it toured.

But blessings abound.

My mother purchased tickets and then found she would be out of state for the performance.  Through her great kindness I had the opportunity to take my girls to my favorite musical of all time.

We made it into a mini-vacation and used one of our free Marriott nights.  Andy swam with the boys at the pool and the girls and I went on a date.  They wanted to know what it was about.  I explained it was the prequel to the Wizard of Oz and that maybe Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West, may not be the evil person they have been lead to believe.

Magical -- the best word to describe it.  Both girls sat on the edge of their seats absorbing the fictional world being created.  Their eyes glistened, smiles beamed and there were giggles, giggles and giggles.  It was a night I will always remember and I hope they do as well.
  

T-shirts were purchased as souvenirs.  I really wanted to get them a "Defy Gravity" shirt (a message I hoped they learned) but their size was sold out.  

If dinner had been better the event would have been perfect -- perfection is over-rated though, really.  

Sunday morning we toured Temple Square as a family.  It was beautiful.  The grounds were serene, the temple had windows which were cracked open, something I would have never thought possible.  We spent a great deal of time in the basement of the North Visitor's Center viewing the interactive exhibits.  The spirit was strong and I felt an overwhelming peace.  

The whole deal was sweetened when I found I had captured this awesome photograph of my children.  They are my greatest blessing along with their father who happens to be my favorite, just saying.

Event occurred August 25-26, 2012

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

This was the theme of my relief society lesson. 

The last lesson I gave was completely scripted.  Word for word for word.  It was awful.  This is not how I normally speak.  I usually like a few bullet points for prompters and then my mouth runneth over from there.  The inherent risks of said bambling, tangents.  Tangents which seem to distract from the spirit.  I thought then complete scripting might be my solution.  That was the last time I will prepare a talk so that it could be given by someone else if I happen to get run over by a runaway go kart on my way to church.  I hated it.  I sat down and felt like I missed the boat.

Bookmarks I made for the sisters

Today was a different experience.  I woke up this morning with media helps, notes, handouts and "fluff" for the table but without any direction on how to connect the dots.  I had decided upon a video I wanted to share quite some time ago.  Then I choose a song (we just listened, I didn't like the music video) to accompany the message.  Andy thought the song might be a little too rock and rollish, I liked that it was upbeat, that maybe service was fun, not work.  I also visited lds.org to get some material from the prophets on the subject.  Research doesn't get any easier.

I wanted my focus to be on doing good in our everyday journey.  To make a conscious effort to look for the needs of others, especially within our family.

I felt so unprepared, yet prepared so I yielded to a deep hope that the Spirit would direct me when I began.  The tears were flowing by the end of the meeting.  I felt the spirit and I know others did as well.

I now feel an overwhelming sense of relief.  The pressure has been eliminated and I was spiritually fed.  The giant blessing which comes from preparing a message.  I began with 8 pages of awesome stories and quotes and ended with 2 to share with the sisters, eliminating stories and messages I loved that time wouldn't allow.

Some of my favorite thoughts (please note, none of the following were my thoughts, all were copied from lds.org):

L. Tom Perry shared this in regards to "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today."  "There is a familiar hymn I would like to have you adopt as a theme song.  I would like to have you sing it each morning as you arise to lift the hearts and spirits of your family. Whistle it as you go down the street on your way to work to remind you that the path you take will be a cleaner, happier place because you passed that way. Hum it in your shops or offices to encourage all around you to make a greater contribution. Meditate on it as you retire and kneel in prayer of thanksgiving for the opportunities you have had that day to make the world a better place."

Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.  What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace

An article written by Jack McConnell, MD tells how he grew up in the hills of southwest Virginia i as one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?”   The children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report to their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell calls this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for that expectation and those words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivation for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.

We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the “thick of thin things.” In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes.

President Monson shares "Many years ago I heard a poem which has stayed with me, by which I have tried to guide my life. It’s one of my favorites:

I have wept in the night

For the shortness of sight

That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet

Felt a tinge of regret

For being a little too kind."

I ended the lesson with my testimony and this challenge:

"May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we “[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.” May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”"

Look Up

This is Taylei today.

This was Taylei yesterday.

Softball was a play all day kind of deal.  Eleven straight hours.  She pitched her little guts out.  The stands were cheering her on. "Dig deep" seemed to be the constant cheer.  We ended in second place after battling back from deep in the losers bracket.  She was amazing and so were her ten other teammates but that is another story, for another day.  I seem to get lost and delayed when I post about tournaments.

When you play that much ball, in that much heat, with no breaks for meals, bad things happen.  It is hard to keep going when your little 80 pound frame has 0 energy reserves and has been giving 113 percent all day long in 90 degree plus temperatures.  I believe every member of her team were taking ibuprofen to try and relieve the pains of the day.

We arrived home at midnight on Saturday and to Taylei's horror she realized it was fast Sunday.  I, being the mom and all, quickly assured her she did not need to fast.  I knew she had nothing in her.  I knew her body was past exhaustion and rightfully so.  I knew she needed food.

I underestimated my little girl and her will to follow the commandments of our Heavenly Father.

The last Relief Society lesson I gave was based on a talk given by Carl B. Cook entitled, "Look Up."

Elder Cook shares an experience with his daughter: He served as a mission president in New Zealand during his daughters high school years.  When she turned 21, she said, “Dad, Mom, I think I need to serve a mission.” He was pleased with this righteous decision, but knowing it had been a sacrifice for her to move away from friends and family during her teenage years, he told her, “You’ve already served a mission.”

She smiled and said, “No, Dad, you have. Now I want to go serve the Lord.”

She served her Heavenly Father and His children in Spain, following the impression she felt. She didn’t let a well-meaning parent—convince her to do anything other than what she felt was right for her life and Heavenly Father’s plan for her.

Sign me up for making the same mistake.  A good friend told me we sometimes 'rationalize' why it is o.k. to not follow our Heavenly Father's commandments.  I was doing this with my daughter.  She is greater than me.  She has more faith.  She is an awesome example to me each and every day.  She is one of my greatest blessings and I love her, and each of my children, dearly.

Pomp and Circumstance

With great anticipation, as of today at 9 a.m., Kyler is a kindergarten graduate.  In true Aysen fashion I say, "Yessssssssssssssss."

We made it!  He made it!

Kindergarten was a challenge for this little boy.  He is not Taylei nor Keanna.  Another moment in life that taught me he is his own person.

At our first parent teacher conference his scores were TERRIBLE.  40%.  I almost fell out of my chair with shock.  I didn't expect him to be the brain surgeon of the class but . . .

Things progressed, homework was given, learning occurred and we ended the year with an almost perfect report card.

I will testify the greatest help to accomplishing this, a little thing called the Book of Mormon.  Our family scripture study isn't perfect but I believe in the promise that reading this book together as a family will teach a child to read.  This helped this little boy.

As part of graduation, Kyler was asked to make a poster.  His assigned topic, "flowers grow in the ground."  I was super excited about the assignment.  The creative juices were flowing.  We had an extremely busy week and I kept delaying Kyler and his desires to work on his poster.

I came home the day before it was due and found he had taken matters into his own hands with clouds, dirt and a sun.  I was hit with an internal brick.  This wasn't my project.  This was my son's project.  It wasn't about how creative I am.  It would be much more impressive to see what his beautiful mind would create.

I let go and let him take control.

He chose out the paper and I used the Cricut to cut the flowers for him.  He arranged and adhered them.  I cut leaves and stems.  He once again glued them in place.  I loved doing this with him.  He has so much talent bottled up within his head, I'm glad he had the opportunity to use it.

The results were magnificent.

Mrs. Larsen was an amazing teacher.  Kyler had 28 kids in the class.  Wow!

I helped in his class on Friday's and I would usually leave shaking my head, completely bewildered.  She let them do projects I wouldn't want to try with just one child, example - paper mache.  They learned how different cultures from around the world celebrate Christmas.  The list of going above and beyond goes on and on and on.

Mrs. Larsen did all this and NEVER raised her voice.  She didn't need to.  The students listened and responded to her gentle command.  I need to take some parenting lessons from her.

Her discipline system involved colored dots.  Each day a calendar came home with a dot colored for the day.  Green = good, Blue = warned but didn't correct behavior, Red = serious trouble.

I'm proud to report Kyler had one blue and all the rest green.  The blue dot was on the very first day the system was used.  We talked about respecting our teacher and following directions.  I'm glad Kyler adapted to the importance of this very quickly!

We once again enjoyed amazing support from our family as they came and watched him graduate.

(Why we had to have his popsicle in every picture I can not understand, why kindergarteners were given popsicles while in their Sunday best is a mystery as well.  I'm guessing this is another learning moment for me, something like seize the moment and don't fret about things a washer can solve).

With the recent change of address for Grandma Williams we also got to enjoy her presence.

I must take a moment to add how amazing she is and how much help she has been in our home.  I believe my children are praying against them having a timely completion of the remodel next door.  They love having her live with us, Grandpa and Jason are o.k. too.

Graduation pictures seem to be a great way to show growth.  I predict in the next graduation picture I will take the role of the shortest participant.  I'm not trying to wish any days away but these two boys are growing so fast, sooner or later they will pass me by.

The kindergarten class created self-portraits which were hanging on the walls for decoration.  I was in the classroom the day they worked on these and the personalities were shining through.  (I ended up loving all of the kids as well, each so different, each a spirit sent from heaven).  Uncle Jason was nice enough to agree to Kyler's request to attend and photographed the event for me.

I've always thought Kyler was a spitting image of my brothers but maybe he looks like his Uncle Jason as well -- they seem to have an uncanny resemblance.

Aysen spent a ton of time in Kyler's classroom.  He thought he was just as big as the students in the class.  He participated in stations, art projects and he even ran the Mona mile which is a pretty big loop around the playground.  Mrs. Wohlforth, the principal gave the students a flag.  Aysen was determined it was really his and by the time we made it outside we found Aysen had used his persuasion skills and convinced his father the kite needed to be flown sooner not later.

My little boys aren't so little anymore.  I'm so glad they are growing and learning but a few blinks and one year has past and then two and three.

As the words of the song so elequently express:  Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back;...life is quick in passing. 'Tis as a single day. ("Improve the Shining Moments," Hymns, no. 226).


And in the beautiful words of our holy prophet: Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It's so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they're gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of 'what if' and 'if only.' 

If I could only learn to live by those words.

Event occurred May 25, 2012

Thoughts in my Brain . . .

Today is the Sabbath.  My coveted, favorite day of the week.  I love the fact that most of the activities my family is usually involved in are not activities for this holy day.

I always have giant expectations for myself for a perfect Sabbath day.

Top of the list:  Blog.

With the amount of blogging on this site lately.  I profess failure.

I hate failing.

As of late I have spent a significant amount of time wondering about myself and my failures.

The list also includes: exercise, housework, meals, family time and even laundry.

Speaking of laundry, you should see the stack of darks in my closet, Andy was getting ready for church and wanted to know if we had any darks (washed, waiting in a laundry basket to be put away).  He was out of his 'preferred' black socks.  Two things about this struck me as funny.  One - I now know he has summer socks, winter socks and 'preferred' church socks.  Two - socks were the first clothing item he ran out of.  Maybe I should turn it into an experiment and see what he comes up short in next.

My deal with Lisa seems to be broken.  I check my blog daily.  I have great anticipation for updated reading material.  Plus, I have to check to see if she has blogged.  When nothing is posted I feel relief and sorrow.  No pressure for me to find a spare minute to write something but nothing to read either.  Bittersweet might be the correct word.

Today I was going to overcome the giant hurdle and get 20 posts finished.  Today I re-heated Taco Soup for lunch.  Easy.  Today I was Andy's home teaching companion.  Today I downloaded 600+ pictures from my memory card.  Today I felt literal stomach pain as I sat in my self-proclaimed spot on the sofa and checked the news and family web sites instead of diving into my blog, then glancing at the clock and seeing it was 7 pm.

I need to be grounded.

What is wrong with me?

I need to take control of my life instead of letting life control me.  Direction, purpose, drive but still willing to adapt to life's circumstances.

I told my children tonight we were going to, as a family, create some rules for the summer.  Scripture study, chores and rewards for success etc.

Keanna keeps begging for a workbook to complete during the summer.  She has chosen to do her first report on Australia.  Taylei will stay busy enough, maybe she should be required to do a book report each month, reading is not on her hobby list.  Kyler is hoping to have his dad help him build the chicken coop he designed tomorrow.  Aysen will have to be grounded from Curious George, the little monkey might need to be off limits for summer vacation.

Me - I still have my barn flower bed to plant.  Sod to finish preparing for.  Blogging.  Book reading.  Bill paying.  Laundry.  Classes to take in CS5 and maybe if I won't fall over dead I think I might try some form of exercise.

One day at a time . . . that is truly what I need to remember.

Tender Mercies

Today I must share my testimony:  I know my Heavenly Father loves me and my family.  

Yesterday afternoon I went to Juab Title.  I needed to work on monthly reports and reconciliations.  Aysen loves to be there with me, or loves the ice cream and has even realized the fridge is usually stocked with soda.  Soda.  I don't drink soda.  I don't like the taste.  The carbonation is terrible and I would rather spend the calories on so many better options.

He found a root beer and left it on my desk.  While he was sleeping for hours on my lap, I became thirsty and decided a sip would help satisfy my needs.  Wrong!

One swallow was all it took.  The headache began.  My migraines usually start with a dull pain and develop into something nasty over a few hours.  I ignored the ache, went home, toured the improvements at the house next door, and headed to the park to watch Keanna and Kyler play softball and baseball. By the time I arrived back at home my head was on fire.  The nausea had set in.  Death seemed easy.

Not good.

When this happens I go to bed.  Force myself to sleep and ignore all responsibilities.  I wake up the next morning with a hangover but usually cured.

Tonight I had a daughter who was relying on me.  This was not an option, she needed help her with campaign posters.  The posters were due today.

Not good at all.

After two hours in bed, I gathered myself together and prayed for a miracle.

When I made it upright I found the headache was functionable.

Let the work begin.

Taylei and I had only found one poster idea online.  The other inspiration was coming from the cute owls on my blog header.

I finished Poster Number 1 at 11 pm.  I asked Taylei if one might be enough.  Negative.  Even though she loved the final result she wanted two -- I would have wanted the same.

Taylei needed to go to bed, it was way past her bed time.  She approved my paper choice, left me a note of what she wanted the poster to say and she fell asleep with great hopes that when she woke up in the morning two posters would be ready for display.

I crawled into bed at 2 am.  My head not awesome but not terrible.  I finished Poster Number 2.  I hadn't let Taylei down.  This was important to me.  I want her to know she is loved by her mom and I'm willing to help her with any righteous desire.

I know she was praying for me.  I know Andy was praying for me.  I was praying for me.  Heavenly Father answers prayers.

This morning I'm left with the famous migraine hangover.  I'm planning to take a nap with Aysen and sleep the rest of it off.  I'm truly blessed.

About the election:  I don't know if Taylei will win, but I do know she will do an awesome job if she is given the opportunity to be a student body officer.  She is amazing, astounding, awesome, adorable and these are just a few of the "A" adjectives that describe her.

The Month of April

For some curious reason, I failed to blog in the month of April.  Utter and complete failure mind you.  April was an awesome and amazing month.  I met Senator Orrin Hatch while serving as a delegate at our county convention.  My littlest broskey Paul married Arianne in the Manti Temple (I made super cool edible center-pieces for the luncheon).  Kyler got a baby chick as a prize from an Easter egg hunt, the chick's name is Hatch.  I took dead last in my parents Easter egg hunt.  Andy accepted a call to be the new stake executive secretary.  Aysen has began to speak in 3-4 word sentences -- his first sentence, "Help, Stuck, Hand," when he couldn't get it out of the dishwasher.  Taylei and Keanna began taking crochet lessons and love learning from their 90 year old instructor.  Spring break.  We spent a few nights at my sister Mary Dawn's home and loved being pampered MD style.  Keanna played her first game as a Dirt Devil and loved the coach and team.  Aysen has advanced from just wanting to "feel" my hair in his hands, he now tries to tickle it on his belly.  Made a deal with my sister, Diane, to avoid candy, first one to crack owes dinner to the other party at an expensive restaurant.  Kyler began practice for the two different coach pitch teams for which he is a player (his dad coach's one).  Steelers 12u played in St. George and for the first time in their history went 0-4 -- only played Vegas teams.  Taylei was called to be the Beehive Class President.  Andy's parents sold their home in St. George and are now living with us while they remodel their home next door.  Our home was hooked into Mona's sewer system which added to our yard mess.  Keanna tried out for the Candy Shop Wars 2 "book trailer" and was chosen to advance to the video screening.  I conducted in Relief Society and gave a lesson with a focus on "Looking Up."  The month was amazing, I hope to add more details soon but plan on repenting once again and work on promptness in blogging for the month of May.

Arrangements

Andy and I came to a conclusion regarding our recent differences.  Items on my agenda were abandoned and our children were placed in the custody of others while we spent a night away.

Besides the side effects of driving up and down Provo Canyon everything was spectacular (I do have one or two adjectives in my vocabulary besides amazing).  I surprised Andy by picking him up from work earlier than expected.  The American Red Cross missed me at the blood drive but I realized as the day progressed I needed to make the most out of our evening together.

This was our first night away since Aysen was born almost two and a-half years earlier.  We have left our other children much sooner than this and vacationed in Hawaii, New York, and Boston.  Midway, Utah isn't as exotic as any of these destinations but it was just what the doctor ordered.

Time with my husband.  One-on-one time.  Time where his focus was me (and maybe his new calling).

Everything was low-key.  Late breakfast.  Shopping trip in Provo.  Miscellaneous errands and then back to reality.  Softball practice and children.  A beautiful reality, mind you.

Terrific Kids

Keanna was awarded Kiwanis Terrific Kid at school today.  The award came with a note, and I quote:

Keanna Williams
4th Grade - Mr. Moore
March 28, 2012

"I have chosen someone this month who really deserves Terrific Kid due the extraordinary amount of work she constantly does, both in and outside of school  She has made subtle changes in her approach to school, which has made a difference in her achievement level.  I'm speaking of Keanna Williams, who continues to exemplify what students can accomplish with a focused mindset and good work ethic.  I appreciate the time she puts in, the questions she asks in class, and the level of responsibility she puts forth.  She is an inspiration to me and others to work harder.  Keanna is always searching for the next great book to read.  She stretches herself at home by typing ridiculous amounts of minutes in order to improve her typing fluency.  Her work still gets done on time, every time.  Thank you, thank you!!!  Keep working towards your goals.  Mr. Moore."

I concur with the words of her teacher.  Keanna is amazing at anything she chooses to devote her time and attention.  At her first parent teacher conference of the year we learned Keanna wasn't focusing.  Her report card had two H's and two S's (Honors and Satisfactory) in regards to her behavior.  S's are not acceptable in our home (at least with Taylei and Keanna, I know all children are different but these two are capable of following class rules).

Keanna was reprimanded and the teacher separated Keanna from her friend whom she choose to visit with instead of listen.  Since this time the report cards have yielded H's and everyone involved is happy.

Picture Taken March 14, 2008 - Age 6.  

Scramble, Words and Where is My Time

I may have an OCD disorder.  When I like something, I might become obsessed.  Evidences of this are located throughout my home.  Stamp sets, paper punches, ribbon, and paper are found in abundance in our office.  At a time in my life I couldn't pass Roberts Craft without going inside and finding a way to spend a 40% off coupon.  Then weeds -- if I pull one, it's over.  Physically removing myself from the garden, lawn or flower beds takes all the strength I can muster.  Usually it is accompanied by prodding from my children reminding me of the responsibilities I'm neglecting.

I own an Iphone.  I didn't desire a smart phone for quite some time.  My feelings about cell phones were closely in line with the elderly -- a phone is for talking, period.  Then my heart began to soften.  Being able to check my email anywhere, view my calendar, and most importantly access coupons merchants would honor if displayed by phone.  Sold.

This phone is far from reaching its maximum potential while in my care.  I have no movies and no songs for starters.  I wouldn't put any games on it for some time -- my track record for losing things made me not want to have my children borrowing for their enjoyment.  I have an app to scan bar codes, a flashlight app along with the LDS app and scriptures.

Then I was introduced to games I would enjoy (not Angry Birds and Temple Run).  I started playing Words with Friends a few months ago against Paul and Andy.  What should be a quick game transformed into torment.  I stare at my playing options for 30 minutes at a time, trying to make a word that could award me enough points to stay in the game (Andy and Paul are masters of utilizing triple letter and triple word spaces).  This became almost painful.

Diane introduced me to Scramble with Friends this month -- an electronic version of Boggle with a two minute time limit.  Sign me up.

Not such a good idea.

Over the course of a day, two minutes add up.  I need to blog but it takes more than two minutes to sit down and gather my thoughts.  So instead, I check to see if my turn to play awaits.  Too bad that when I have eight different games in the works two minutes rapidly multiply until twenty minutes have passed and the laundry and dishes are still untouched, my scriptures are on the table and lets not even talk about how many push ups or sit ups I could have done in the same two minutes.  

When I'm waiting to pick up my girls it is a great way to waste time.  But that is the complete extent.

The game has limits to keep me in check - it costs two coins to play.  One coin is earned every twenty minutes with a maximum of fifteen held in the bank and if I have found that many spare free minutes that I run out of coins it is time to re-evaluate my 'spare' time.

Just for the record, Paul consistently beats me, Andy and I are about even and nth is a word.

Frustration, Anger and

Today it was cold, really cold.  Andy had a game scheduled for Insanity (a new softball team Taylei is a member of, don't ask) to play against the Strikers in Spanish Fork.

This morning, when it was time for Taylei to go to the bus, I drove her.  The wind was blowing horizontally.  The stop is one-half block from our home but I feared that a gust might pick her up and drop her off in the land of Oz.  Or, what if a tree branch broke and in its spiral to the earth found her in its path and knocked her unconscious.  This was serious.  Driving her to the bus stop is ridiculous but after watching the trees sporadic movements I was truly concerned for her safety.

By mid-morning the wind died but brief snow flurries, rain, or hail kept appearing.  During this time I had a realization.  My calendar was void of obligations for Tuesday, March 27.  Last week I was constantly running.  A free day was heaven sent.  Andy has FTO (flexible time-off) he has to use or lose by the end of the month.  He purchased a certificate for a night at the Zermatt resort in Midway last December and we have been trying to schedule a night away.

Tonight would have been perfect  -- except Andy had a softball game on the calendar.  Solution: CANCEL due to weather.  The expected high for the day was 50.  The wind made it feel like 10.  There were no umpires involved so the game could easily be rescheduled for a later date.

Softball, my greatest blessing and greatest curse.

I should have never suggested the cancellation.  As it grew closer and closer to game time my frustration levels increased.  Andy was not willing to give up a game to spend an evening with me.  The coach of the other team was at the field and didn't feel the weather would be a factor.  I tried to explain to Andy he had as much right to cancel as the other coach.  Negative.

I had a slight temper-tantrum and refused to attend.  Taylei was begging for a ride with the other girls and I stayed home.  Feelings hurt.  Softball was more important than me.  We haven't even made it to the month of April and I'm already feeling my place of importance has been upended.

Dinner was waiting when Taylei and Andy came home.  They ate it on the way to Ari's birthday party.  (Direct quote from Taylei, "This is going to be the best dinner of the entire week."  Potato cakes, hard-boiled eggs, and hash browns were served).

Andy and I had made it to bed without discussing the state of my being.  He can read me like the newspaper so I know unhappiness was written across my face.  He ventured to say good night and hoped I was fine.  In an unprecedented act, I admitted my hurt.

Have I ever mentioned Andy is my better half.  He didn't lash back in disgust.  He patiently rubbed my feet while I blogged, hoping to have a discussion with my soul.  So funny, three days earlier I'm on cloud nine with his softball involvement and today I have a passionate hatred.

He has mentioned my mood is unpredictable.  That I'm a thousand-sided dice.  He never knows which mood I'll land on, how long the mood will last, or what action will prompt the change.  Tonight it is hurt.

I love him, he isn't perfect.  I realize I frustrate him as much or more than he frustrates me.  I'll get over the hurt and wonder why I ever had such feelings but for today, this is me.

I write this to acknowledge Andy and I have moments when things aren't perfect.  I'm human, he's human.  Repentance and forgiveness are needed on a daily basis.

P.S. -- After he got home he did wish we would have gone out of town.  He got a phone call that made him extremely uncomfortable.  I get to smile inside, he gets to worry, speculate and stress.  Funny how things work.

Picture taken January 23, 2008, Hawaii
Warm enough to play softball -- I would never be able
to suggest weather cancellations.

P.S. -- After he got home he did wish we would have gone out of town.  He got a phone call that made him extremely uncomfortable.  I get to smile inside, he gets to worry, speculate and stress.  Funny how things work.

VIP at BYU

Warning:  Terrible post, it has sat on my computer screen for over a week now, staring me in the face.  I should have known to have skipped this event.  Softball posts are my downfall.  Too much information with too many pictures with no sense of fluency from one paragraph to the next.  It is what it is, and to avoid my blog re-entering hibernation I am publishing it, flaws and all.

Andy loves softball.  In case there is doubt, I hereby solemnly confirm and attest to his addiction.  For one of his birthday gifts he requested to attend a softball round table training hosted by the coaching staff of the BYU Cougars.  He enjoyed the evening and learned a few new things to teach his team.

The coaches in attendance were invited to bring their team to an upcoming college game.  Andy was quick to get it arranged.

The promise offered: BYU gives the girls and their families free tickets to the game,  a tour of the facility along with being introduced at the beginning of the game.  It was all this and so much more . . .

The event:

One never knows what to expect with the weather when you attend a March softball game but we couldn't have been blessed with a more perfect night.

All of the team was in attendance with two extra girls, Keanna and Stormy, coming along for the ride.

My mother presented the girls with ear warmers.  (While we were shopping she found them on clearance and paid to have them embroidered).  They look awesome.  I'm just hoping they never have to use them, never again playing in freezing cold temperatures.  If this could change fate I would mourn the fact they weren't purchased four years earlier.

The Steelers have decided it is cool to wear coordinating attire and hair styles on game days.  On the menu today: upside-down french braids finished off with a messy bun (Taylei requested I braid straight this time).  I went up her head higher than normal, and the bun landed right on top.  This added three or four inches to her height.  Maybe I should try it during a game, a little height might help her seem at least a little intimidating.

Andy -- I love him.  This is a fact.  I both love and hate (see below) his love of softball, fact.  He looks good carrying my purse, (he should just be grateful it isn't hot pink with extensive bling) fact.

Often times I become frustrated with the amount of time softball takes from other activities our family could be involved in.  In the summer when each weekend is dedicated to the ball field and most nights are spent practicing I reflect on the why.  Why?  In the good, better, best, scheme of things where does softball rank?  What benefit will pitching lessons, batting practice and hundreds of hours of game recaps be to my family's eternal salvation?  Then the money aspect floats through my brain: tournament fees, gasoline, food.  I'm spending thousands of dollars a year when the money could be spent increasing our food storage or decreasing our home mortgage.  Why?

Many reasons I guess.  He spends 10-20 hours a week with my daughters, teaching and coaching them.  How many other girls have a dad so involved in their lives?  My girls are both good at it, they are developing a talent.  There are many other reasons, both pros and cons involved with the obsession but a major reason for this madness . . . .

Our parents.

They love watching their granddaughters play.  Both sets of grandparents have watched my girls compete in four different states.  My mom even went to Tennessee.  Our dads will review situations with Andy for hours.

Today was a perfect example:

I was on the phone early this morning with Terry.  I reminded him of the invitation to come to the BYU game tonight and watch the girls play at an umpire training in the morning.  He wasn't feeling well and declined.  Then the phone rang at approximately noon.  Terry had changed his mind, he was just leaving and wanted to make sure he was still invited.

My father is the same.  Lately he has been assisting Andy with his practices.  He is watching videos and reading articles on softball philosophy.  My mom claims that games are the only thing he worries about being on time to.

Our dads are crazy.  A fantastic crazy.  And, our moms are much the same.

Back to the evening's events . . .

The girls were taken through the training rooms.  I was jealous of the laundry chute.  The players dump their dirty attire into a bin and when they come back for the next game it is laundered and ready to wear. Washing uniforms isn't on the top of my list, especially when St. George dirt is involved.

The team was on the field warming up so the coach allowed our tour guide to take us through the locker room.  Most of the lockers had three extra pairs of cleats and at least that many bats.  These are in addition to what the players had taken onto the field with them.  Impressive or excessive?

My brain began churning once again.  Is this something I hope for my girls, to play ball on the collegiate level?  What would they be giving up to achieve this?  The good, better, best question auto-populates again.

Then reality sets in, it isn't what I want, but what they want.  I need to support them.  Period.

The Steeler girls were sporting a new look -- uniform tops with bling-bling denim.  Not the usual attire you find these girls wearing at a ball field.

While the girls were out showing off during the warm-ups waiting for their introductions they began to notice their phones were becoming a liability.  The worm, back hand-springs, and sprinkler were in the plans and damage to their phones was inevitable.  My pockets were soon full (which does nothing but accentuate the size of my hips).

The game ended in the most perfect fashion -- BYU winning with a walk-off double in the bottom of the seventh.  BYU handed out team posters and allowed the fans onto the field for player autographs.

While everyone else was in line garnishing signatures, Aysen had much better ideas.  After watching hundreds and hundreds of softball games he has picked up on some finer points of the game.  One of which, when the game is over he is allowed onto the field.  He snuck away to first base without anyone noticing -- when I noticed his location my thoughts went quickly to wondering if this was permitted.  He ran between the bases and was on top of the world, loving every minute of his base running action.

Before we left for ice cream, Keanna found her 'buddy' -- the girl she got introduced with and asked for a picture.  24 was more than happy to oblige, she was on cloud nine, it was her hit that won the game.

Miscellaneous Highlights:

• The tickets we were given to attend were not just for the game but the entire season.  It also included a ticket for a hot dog, we had dinner and entertainment all wrapped up in one, free of charge.
• My father, in his dedicated position behind home plate, never argued with a call BUT my mom was mortified when she realized they were on television the entire game.  Being filmed eating a hot dog was not on her bucket list.
• Cris and Ty Durbin competed in the hot dog eating contest -- they both barely ate one in a minutes time, they better stick to sports, shoveling food is not one of their talents.
• Keanna was hugged by Cosmo on live television -- adorable.
• Although you couldn't see Taylei on the television her voice was easily recognized, cheering the Cougars on to victory.
• The head coach's wife loved watching Kyler dance and recorded his moves on her cell phone.
• My dad conducted the wave, Steeler fans have become pros at following his lead.
• BYU couldn't have treated us better.  The girls were highlighted numerous times and everyone left with gigantic smiles on their faces!

Thanks BYU and thanks Andy!