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!

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

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.

Just Another Manic Thursday . . .

Today had an agenda: reading with Keanna's class, wedding luncheon, and avoiding the Republican caucus.  This morning I was busily getting ready when I got a phone call from Ms. Emily.

Ms. Emily (we added the Ms. onto her name to help Aysen distinguish her from the other Emily's he's acquainted with) works in the Early Intervention Program and has been assigned to help Aysen.  Aysen LOVES her.  We see Emily weekly at playgroup and she comes to our home to play twice during the month.  We began the program last July, they have become great pals.

Ms. Emily was scheduling a last minute play date in the Mona park and was hoping we could come.  The sky was blue, the schedule open during that hour and we agreed to attend.

Aysen loved being there.  He loves anything if we are outside.  Add a few friends, a playground and Ms. Emily and he has found heaven on earth.

More on Emily:  Tuesday morning, Aysen and I walked from work to playgroup and back to work.  On the way back he was insistent to walk in front of the Taco Shop instead of behind it.  I figured he might be listening to the spirit (someone was sitting in the parking lot in their car, possibly hoping for a kidnapping victims?) and we followed his desires.

When we got to the front door of the Taco Shop, Aysen stopped.  He wanted to go in.  I explained to  him we would have lunch in a little bit and we went to work.  Shortly thereafter, my dad walked in.  I told him of Aysen's predicament, his desperate need to eat.  My dad happily agreed to getting lunch for all and took Aysen with him.

They didn't come back for almost thirty minutes.  In the meantime, I couldn't figure out what had happened.  We usually walk the thirty-three steps, order, pay and return to work while it cooks.

Aysen must have been receiving all kinds of inspiration because when they got there, Ms. Emily and Pat had just sat down with their food.  I'm told Aysen found a high chair, pushed it up to their table and they lifted him up and in.  Ms. Emily even shared her chicken taquitos with my son.  Funny.  And, if you want funnier, my father had NO IDEA who the ladies were.  He could tell Aysen knew them but he had never met either one.

Another example of Miss Emily's amazingness . . .  A home visit was scheduled the day of our first snow storm.  My home was also doubling as Grand Central Station -- It was Super Thursday, Mary Dawn was down visiting and a friend had stopped by to drop off a project I had ordered.  Ms. Emily's car ended up boxed in.  Her reaction: make some little boys 'day delightful and engage them in their first snow ball fight of the season.

We are blessed to have Ms. Emily.

Sometimes we are given trials to help us learn and grow.

Sometimes the trials end up being some of our greatest blessings.

This seems to be the case in Aysen's speech delay.

P.S.  I did attend the Republican Caucas.  I was happily spending the evening pruning bushes and was about to work on the apple tree.  Aysen and I were home alone (Andy, Taylei, Keanna = Softball Practice, Kyler = Friend's home).  I began to worry my clutzy side might set in and I would fall out of the tree.  He wouldn't be able to call 911 and then what if he wandered off?  My mind was going 100 miles a minute down the What If? Highway when it came to a screeching hault at 'President Monson Has Cancelled Church Activities For The Week Crossroad.'  I realized by blatantly ignoring the council of the prophet to attend I was in danger of losing blessings etc and not completing my civic duty.  Can you say, ginormous guilt trip.

I went and I drug Aysen along.  I was totally impressed with how many others felt the same need to attend.  And, to make a long story short, I was elected a county delegate and will be attending the county convention.  The apple tree and I will have to reschedule our date.  

Snow pictures taken October 6, 2011

"We almost lost Keanna"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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