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!

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

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.

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!

Ten Things Good About Today

1.  Piano Festival.  Taylei and Keanna performed their pieces today.  The best thing about this?  Superior Ratings.  The second best thing?  The four songs they have played, played, played, memorized and played some more can be forgotten.  (Maybe not forgotten, I truly hope they will play them on occasion but anything more than this may be considered illegal).

On a side note, I believe both daughters may quit playing if the consequences weren't so great.
They are allowed, by me, to quit at anytime, but if they do quit, they also quit all other activities they are involved in.  This list includes: dance, basketball, soccer, volleyball, leather craft, tennis, ipods, nooks and even the mighty, most important, not to be messed with softball.

I heard hints that others may consider be to be a 'mean' mom last night.  Keanna loves spending time with her second-cousin Bailey.  Bailey and Keanna get along beautifully.  Bailey brings out Keanna's personality in its purest form.  I learned that Bailey likes to limit the time Sulena and I visit.  She is afraid her mom may impose some of my same rules.  Examples: bedroom doors are to be shut NEVER or if you don't practice the piano the required amount, I am repaid for the lesson.  Maybe my daughter's journals compare me to Cruella deVil or the Wicked Step-Mother, maybe even both?

2.  Survival in Judging.  I was asked to fill in and be a judge at the previous mentioned festival.  Really?  It is a good thing they didn't ask for a resume, my qualifications would have been seriously lacking.  At one point, I was reading the music and comparing it to the notes the student was playing and felt like I was in way over my head.  Had I missed a sign that called for the music to be played an octave lower?  I was reassured when one of the other judges asked the student to play again with hands in the proper location.  I was nervous but the poor students were terrified.

When it was over, I realized I had enjoyed the experience.  Piano is a talent you have forever.  Until I hear someone tell me the hours their mom forced them to practice in their youth were a waste of time, my girls are going to play.

Next question, when should I have Kyler start?  A man is never sexier than when he is tickling the ivories, commanding them to send forth a melody that moves your very soul.

3.  Keanna and her passion for the keyboard.  Keanna seems to be at a desperate state in her development trying to decide what HER interests are.  Piano?  Nope, her mothers desire.  Softball?  Nope, something her father, grandfathers (yes, both) and even grandmothers want her to participate in.  Dancing?  Enjoys tremendously but.  Duct Tape?  Fad.  Sewing?  Fad.  Ice Skating?  For almost a week this is the only thing she talked about but once again, the desire seems to have past.

This week she began her adventure in her newest passion.  The fourth grade has began a unit where they are learning to type.  Home row keys and all.  Every spare minute she is sitting at the keyboard.  Today we found some typing games.  Now she can increase her skills while saving the space ship from alien invaders one word at a time.

4.  A patient husband.  Tennis lessons 101 commenced at the tennis courts today.  Andy helped Taylei and Keanna.  I arrived and he devoted his attention to me.  How I hold my racket, how I should spin the head, how I need to hit and get back to ready position and how I hit more home runs in 10 minutes than in my entire softball career (too bad that only took one).  We volleyed a little but he only had to get into his ready stance for me to have a chill of terror run down my spine.

We have been married 14 years and in that time I can count on both hands the amount of tennis games he has gotten to play.  This was his sport.  He played doubles and they were slated to win state.  He choked.

We keep saying we are going to start playing, then, he takes our family to the court and although he never shows his frustration, exasperation and desperation I know we drive him crazy.  Too bad I don't find a private coach and gain enough skills to volley against him, then invite him on a surprise date to the tennis court, complete with a candlelight dinner, cute tennis skirt and a tennis game he could actually enjoy.

5. Beds that are unmade.  Why?  This bed, in its state of chaos, represents something good.  Unmade beds usually don't make me smile but today I was lucky enough to be reminded of my bounteous blessings.  I have a daughter (daughters and sons for that matter) who are healthy, active and my joy in this world.  I realized there are parents of children who have passed to the other side of the veil who will never get to make a child's bed again.  I will pull up the covers and be grateful the bed was slept in the night before.

6.  A girl who loves the game as much as her dad.  Taylei was invited to a friend's home for games and was in the process of getting ready when Andy informed her she needed to pitch before she could go.  Outside she went to make her dad happy, wet just-got-out-of-the-shower hair and all.  (Some of her pitching pictures make her arm look quite deformed.  I really should turn them into a collage for her posterity's enjoyment).  Since Tom and Jerian moved to California, Andy has stepped in as pitching coach until a replacement is found.  I only ventured out and watched for a minute and it was obvious this is a problem in desperate need of a quick action.

7.  The power of the sun.  I love the shape of Andy's legs but after seeing them today, basked in the glory of winter white, I can't wait for the power of the sun to transform them into a glorious bronze.

8.  The trampoline.  Our yard no longer has a 5 feet deep by 14 feet wide hole.  Andy must have given up on winter and has returned the mat to its proper location.

9.  My right hand man.  Grandma Lou bought shovels for my boys.  A shovel of their very own.  Kyler wanted to make sure his would not be mistaken for his brothers and in his finest Kindergarten handwriting, he labeled each one.  He has been begging to dig weeds since the shovel was placed in his possession.  I keep telling him it still isn't time.  Today we found pits under the plum tree.  He gathered them as quickly as possible and ran after his shovel, determined to plant them deep in the earth.  I had to deny his location choices, right in the middle of my flower beds or the lawn wasn't quite what I had in mind.  We finally agreed on a place or two and he commenced Operation Plant A Tree.

10.  Spring is here.  I believe Heavenly Father is the God of this earth.  This earth was created under his direction and power.  Miracles occur each and every day.  One of which, tulips.  Tulips.  The bulbs sit in the earth through the summer, fall and winter and each spring, the plant pushes its way up through the rocks and frozen earth.  Each spring we witness the love Heavenly Father has for us.  The cold, dark days of winter are replaced with the vibrant colors and glorious new birth spring offers.

I love spring.  I love knowing I'm loved on this earth and in heaven.  My blessings are bounteous, especially if I take a break from my own agenda to look around and see what Heavenly Father has done for me.

My Boyfriend

For Valentine's Day I stayed up half the night attaching hearts with sweet poems to little gifts for my family.  I had planned ahead for once and even purchased a card for my husband.  (I hate paying for cards BUT sometimes they express perfectly the thoughts of my heart.  Thoughts I can't put into words).

I left the valentines in various places my family could find throughout their day -- nothing like a little surprise to boost your happiness.  I cut a deluge of extra hearts to use the next morning for the other valentines I wanted to give.  Andy woke up and in a matter of minutes had used my hearts and hid love notes for me all around our home.   No complaints -- if this is all it takes to get love note, I'ld cut hearts until my fingers were covered in blisters.

Later in the day, flowers arrived.  A dozen red roses to be exact.  The card was simple, "Happy Valentine's Day, Lyn."

Things that make you go hummmmmmmm.   A million thoughts ran through my mind, like, "Were the flowers delivered to the wrong location?" Or, "Did Lynn Bateman send Gail flowers and the cards were accidentally switched?"  Andy was home from work but on the phone.  When he was finished I let him know my conclusion, "I have a boyfriend."

He questioned, "Who?"

My simple response, "Lyn."

"Lyn who" was his reply.

With a hint of the unknown, I answered, "Just Lyn."

I proceeded to show him the flowers and the card.  The mystery was then solved.  He had asked them to write on the card, "Capital LYM."

M not N.  Funny.  It is amazing the difference a missing vertical line creates.

(Stealing a picture from Lisa, since no copyrights were found I believe I'm safe from going to jail).
Due to the fact that we DIDN'T follow the vanishing tradition of doorbell ditching valentine's this year,
Kaci wasn't the only Woodland with a valentine.

Event Occurred February 14, 2012

The Tradition Continues

This is my dear husband, Andy.  This is him on the bunny slopes of Brian Head.  His feet are strapped to his snowboard.  He happens to be quite good at this sport, not Olympic material, but can handle his own and makes it look easy.

Andy may, or may have not, fallen in love with me on this very slope.  In December, 1997 he planned to take his brothers on a night skiing trip to Brian Head.  He invited me along so they could have somewhere to spend the night -- Extremely long story and my story differs significantly from Andy's but I've written my version down and so in 50 years mine will be fact and his will be lost into the great abyss of the unknown.

Then a few weeks later, my family was headed to Brian Head to stay in Dave Wilkey's condo for the New Year's weekend.  At this time, Andy and I were interested in dating and I invited him to join us.  We had the shortest distance to drive and arrived first.  He was sick with the flu, broke the glass on the fireplace while trying to start a fire and almost killed my sister, Mary Dawn, when he took her down her first black diamond.  True love.

Fourteen years later the Brian Head tradition continues.  We try and make it to the condo and on the slopes yearly.  Andy has given up boarding (black diamonds anyways) and devoted his attention to helping our children.  Taylei began as a skier (the biggest crush of her life so far has been her ski instructor), but now has her own snowboard and does really well.  Keanna gave up her skis during this trip to become a snowboarder too.  Kyler liked skiing and started to have success but hanging out in the condo was equally alluring.  Aysen only got to play in the snow, Andy can only handle helping so many children at a time.

I made it out onto the slopes during the afternoons.  Skiing is something I enjoy but I hate the cold which complicates things tremendously.

Taylei was lucky enough to share a bed with Aysen.  To say she had a miserable night would be an understatement.  She made sure they didn't share the same bed again.  Notice how he has pushed her off the pillow?  And how she has been forced down to the bottom of the bed?  And his fingers are wrapped up in her hair.  Evidence to the world as to why I sleep so much better when he doesn't sleep with me.

Special thanks to my mom and dad for making this trip possible, they are wonderful parents.  I couldn't have been blessed with better.  They still spend some time on the slopes with their skis on.  They set an amazing example for my children.  Thanks also to Dave Wilkey for still having an interest in the condo that he hasn't visited in over five years.

Event occurred January 26 - 29, 2012

Venom like a Snake

Today was to be a most glorious event, last week wards were adjusted and with the creation of the Mona 4th ward we are assigned back to our old building.  This is the church a half a block from our home.  The church building I grew up in.  The one I have walked to almost my entire life.  Celebration!

With the change I needed to turn in my keys to our previous building.  Keys that could not be located this morning.  Keys which I seldom use but Andy and Taylei take advantage of for a little bit of basketball practice.  Where had my husband lost them?

Our children lost patience waiting for us to leave and started walking without us.  We headed after them but I had fire in my soul.  My tongue spewed forth words which were extremely unkind and directed towards my husband, venomous words.  The same man who just yesterday I sang praises to on this blog of mine.

I sat in sacrament meeting still steaming.  Thoughts circled and circled and went something like this, "Lost keys, I will be a disgrace."

People would know of my lack of perfection -- this is something I try to hide, the fact that I'm, you know, human.

Now, don't get me wrong, I have thousand of weaknesses and I am all to aware of each of them but I try to keep the rest of the world from knowing.

Wow!

I am a wreck.

In an effort to be more honest with myself, I'm determined to let the real me shine forth on this blog and not just share the person I hope the world perceives me as.  My cousin, Marie, does an amazing job of this very thing and I love reading her trials, her imperfect thoughts.  My soul is lightened after almost every post.

Back to the story . . .

I was to turn in my keys after sacrament meeting.  While waiting to explain my failure, I sent Taylei home to check and see if the keys were in my church bag (you know, the place I should have looked first).  Within a few minutes, she was back with keys in hand.

No one at church knows they were lost.  No one knows I was once again imperfect.

No one except for Andy, the one who happens to matter most of all.

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Why do I repeatedly take out my frustrations on him?  Why am I not better?

When Taylei and I made it home from church he was out on the driveway shooting hoops with our boys.  As soon as he saw Taylei he questioned her about the last time they had used my church keys.  He didn't know they were found.  Even after my unkind words, he was trying to help me.

On the way to the church, he was accosted with, "We all know he is the superior being" in a tone I wished didn't dwell within my soul, a tone that could have cut diamonds.

And now, I'll say it again, he truly is my superior.  This time though, I say it with all the admiration and love my heart can muster.  I love him.  I love all of him.

I'm so grateful for the scripture that admonishes us to forgive 70 times 7 (Matthew 18:21-22).  Andy has done this for me and then some.

This is our engagement picture.

Way back when he decided to take a chance on me.

My life has been beautiful because of it.

Morning Reflection . . .

Andy wakes up first in our home.  He will usually shower, get dressed and ready, wake up the girls and commence scripture study.  I regretfully admit I am not always in attendance.  Morning is still my least favorite time of the day and sometimes when it has been an extra rough night with Aysen the bonds of the bed hold me captive.

Aysen and Kyler join in on occasion.  Aysen sleeps quite well as long as there is a body he can curl up next to.  When he realizes he is on his own he awakens and voices his plea for rescue.  Kyler sleeps and sleeps unless he has something he is looking forward to and his internal excitement alarm goes off.

This morning Aysen joined the morning routine.  He may not say one word but he communicates quite effectively.  You know what he wants and how he wants it as long as you pay attention to his guiding finger and grunts.

Today he had a need to wear socks.  As I watched his dad's crew (mid-calf) socks reach the top of Aysen's thighs I was amazed.  He is so little but has also grown so much.  My thoughts raced to the future when he will be the same size as his father.  The years of schooling, scouting, athletics(?), other interests, a mission, college and marriage?  This was way more than my mind wanted to embrace.  He is only 21 pounds.  He doesn't say a word.  But Taylei was this small eleven SHORT years ago.  Time flies to swiftly.

Today as I complain about the cupboards he empties I need to remember this phase won't last long.  My dishes will stay where they belong and our hygiene items won't be strung all over the bathroom floors.

He will be able to eat on his own without requiring a call to hazmat to clean up the aftermath.  He will grow and someday fill his daddy's socks.

I need make a note to self to enjoy the hear and now, to embrace all the stages of life.  To smile and enjoy the journey especially after I find the 'splashing in toilet water' mess.

I also need to try and embrace a quote I once heard, "Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning Satan says, "Oh, %#*$! She's up again."  Right now I'm quite sure he just sits and smiles as I sleep away my morning . . .

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.

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.

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.