Todd, Layla, Jeffrey, Jackson, Logan, and baby girl Hardy

This week, some drama....surprise, surprise.

2010-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

So it's been a helluva week around here. We never really got much of a weekend. Saturday was devoted to to-do lists and Todd's cousin got married. We spent about 8 hours in church clothes running from here to there and there to here. It was a beautiful wedding celebration and it was so much fun seeing family but I was so pooped when we rolled into our garage at 10:30 pm that night. I did find out, however, that Target sells maternity pantyhose and that I can still squirm into pantyhose in the car while Todd's making multiple U-turns and cussing under his breath. That's fairly impressive for 28 weeks pregnant, I think.

Sunday was filled with various church and family activities and while I am glad that we celebrate birthdays and people's lives in my family, I wish we'd all do it when we're ready to actually spend time around each other. I don't think that I was the only one who was wanting to sleep through Sunday evening...and the atmosphere was tense. I love my family, but I still think (5 days later) that maybe I should have just stayed home. Hindsight = 20/20.

I was counting on Monday to be a shiny bright start to a shiny and productive week. It wasn't. Monday brought a failed glucose test and the knowledge that I get to test for 3 hours to ensure that I don't have gestational diabetes. While I've been constantly reassured that even if I do it's "only for a couple of months" I am still a bit freaked out about it. I mean it's MY body that this is happening to. Plus, I love bread and pasta. Aren't I paying enough prices for these kids? Why do I have to give up bread and pasta? I should find out more come next Monday or Tuesday...I tested all morning Thursday so the results should be in soon.

Tuesday resulted in us finding out that Jackson's arm, while healing quickly, isn't really healing super straight. The doctor wants to see him again in a week and will look at the latest x-rays and decide if it needs to be re-broken. How fun. Jackson is a brave little man with much fortitude and strength. However, he does NOT like needles, sedation, or being out of control. I would almost rather hold him down while we "complete the procedure" than ask him to accept sedation or any kind of shot. It's would be easier. I'm not going to spend my time worrying about it because if it's all due to muscular pull, that bone could be straighter next week rather than crooked-er. Crooked-er? Really? I'm going to pray that it's straighter, anyway. Poor Jackson, he's been so brave and patient...he doesn't need an additional 2 to 3 weeks of healing time. He needs baseball!

Wednesday was just crappy old Wednesday full of stuff for me to do and not enough time. Plus, I never get any "down time" on Wednesdays. It's always 90 miles an hour from 6:45 am until well into the wee hours of the night. I hate Wednesdays. Hate. So that's all I have to say about that.

Thursday was ridiculous. Not only was I at Davis Hospital getting poked and fed glucose far more than anyone would like, Todd sprained his ankle so badly that he's on crutches for at least a week and a half. Seriously? By the time I headed home at 12:40 pm to feed and put Logan down for a nap, I was ready to cash in all my chips and catch the slow boat to dream land. No such luck. The dogs, the horses, Todd, it was all crashing in and I have realized that, once again, I have managed to create an environment where I get to prove that I can "do it all on my own" even if I don't really want to anymore. Don't get me wrong. I have a lot of people in my life who are willing to support and love me. However, sometimes they have lives of their own which take precedent to my dramas (which I do understand) and sometimes I don't tell people what I need, and sometimes life just freaking sucks. Now, at a point when I am more tired and more sore than I have been with any pregnancy (thanks so much Father Time), I am responsible for most, if not all, of the manual labor in our home. All of the things Todd does around here to handle the yard, the livestock, the boy management, are not an option for him while he's on one leg. It's so GREAT! (Sarcasm is just dripping off of that previous sentence.) I know I get to ask for help and I know that I get to hold (and teach) Jeffrey as capable so he can help carry the load. I am clear about it. But what a lot of brain damage. It's not my experience that I was lacking in my gratitude for Todd and all he does. I do admit, I like how I do things better...because I am me, so duh. However, I am grateful for what he does, even when he does it his way, and I miss that he won't be doing a lot of it here in the next few weeks. I am hoping he heals well and quickly so that I am not (literally) breaking my back in the last month of this pregnancy. We have a nursery to get ready as well. Ugh.

Today is Friday and so far, so good. Todd is back at work and is finding out if he'll be working at his drill weekend or not. He isn't able to work the flight line, so I don't know if they'll have him attend. I hope he's home with me. I'd love to have a nice Saturday with him. Jeffrey and Jackson are at school and I am listening to Logan eat his "Goo-loo" in preparation for his nap. A Goo-loo is a burrito. I don't know why...it just is. I'm glad I know, so I can respond when he asks for it. I intend to snooze while Logan does. My belly and back are sore and I didn't sleep very well last night. My heart is at peace though and that is a step in the right direction.

I am grateful for friends and family who teach me things. I am also grateful for the wisdom of the spirit and what it imparts. I have much to learn, but during weeks like this, I am reminded to persevere toward what happens next. I firmly believe that once we are done with this phase of our lives, we will move on to a phase where we have magical powers and the horses are fed, the goats watered, and the children bathed with the snap of my fingers. And the house cleaned, and the bills paid, and the blankets knitted, and the laundry done, and, and, and...

Winter is dying...spring is being born..and with her another Hardy.

2010-02-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

It has been too long since I updated and so very much has happened. I'm not going to go into minutia. It makes sense to pick up here and move forward while summarizing what has led to this day and this point in my life, Todd's life, the boys' lives, and our family life.

Blogging is something that I think is a treasure and an important way to spend time. It is a record or journal of our lives through the eyes of someone in the middle of it all. Blogging is a legacy and an opportunity to give and to receive, an opportunity to teach and to learn, and an opportunity to risk and, subsequently, to grow. I haven't been awesome about it, but the template is a starting point. Whether I come back to the start several times (as seems to be the case) or one time, doesn't really matter. It is viable each and every time and I am grateful that you are willing to share it with me. It seems to be something that is infinitely valuable whether anyone else enjoys it or not...because it is a record that I keep and get to partake of, and maybe someday, it will serve those I have brought to be on this earth. Either way, I am glad to be back at it today, it is nice...sort of like sinking into a warm bath at the end of a long and productive day.

I feel that this past year has been so productive. We have been so busy with so many things. As we are. It is our nature. None of us holds still for very long. I would love to blame the seemingly endless vaults of energy in our children on their father but I have to admit, I am a busy-body of the first order. Last May we were coaching baseball (Todd, myself, AND my Dad) for Jeffrey and Jackson and we had a great time and learned a lot. We got Jackson ready for "real" baseball this year and Jeff knows he needs to prepare to pitch because he'll be going into "kid pitch" this spring with the 4th grade league. I, however, will not be his coach as I am going to be having another baby this May...our first girl. We are so excited and I admit that I didn't know how much I really WANTED a girl until I found I was having one.

There is something fulfilling about knowing that I will have the opportunity to participate in the uniqueness of being a "boy mom" as well as a "girl mom". I love my boys and the rough and tumble ways they go through life. Everything is physical and loud and active! It is an invigorating way to live and not a moment is lost on half-way. These boys teach me to go with what feels good and to revel in life's small victories rather than get caught up in how I am "feeling" all of the time. They seem to have a perfect balance on experiencing everything and when I stop them to ask them how they "feel" about things, they have an answer for me every time. Jackson has broken his arm again. It's the other one this time (his left). That's three broken bones for Jackie-Mack and he has told me that he "hates having a broken arm" and that I "shouldn't have let [him] go outside to play". I know, however, that some lessons are learned "the hard way" and that Jackson, Jeffrey, and two other boys from the neighborhood have an opportunity to learn from this. Not only can they learn what games to play and which ones NOT to play on the trampoline, but they can also learn how to behave when one of their own is hurt and needs extra help. Jackson, in the meantime, is frustrated with one less arm and the prospect of 5 more weeks in that position. Patience is a virtue and I can gladly say that the whole thing seems to have cured him of thumb-sucking for good. Hallelujah! My boys...ever physical and ever ready (maybe I should say Eveready).

Back to the girl thing...I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to have someone to give my wedding dress to. Who would I coach and mentor on pregnancy, cooking, housekeeping, husband training? I know I have things to offer my boys, and I know that they lie mainly in the realm of "good habits learned from mom" like pulling the shower curtain shut to dry, putting dirty clothes IN the laundry basket, and putting dirty dishes right into the dishwasher. I, however, am not stupid. I realize that one day they will all have wives and while their wives will never know and will never "have" what I have with each of them as their mother and giver of life; I will never "have" what their wives will have with them and the only way I will ever be able to participate in their lives, once they have wives, will be if she lets me. That means that Priority #1 when they meet "the one" is to respect her and make friends. Otherwise, I will be pushed out, excluded, and doomed to watch from the sidelines. That is terrifying, especially since one lesson I've learned so far is that I can't control other people or the choices that they make. Will I get to participate in the wedding? What about the pregnancies and child births? What about the grandchildren? It's all up to her...

But NOW I get to have a GIRL! I am going to be MOM! That's mom the Role Model. Mom The Source. Mom, the one who "did it with me and will teach me how to do it too". I know this because I have a mom who is just such a Mom. My mom has been so great to teach me all of the above and more. A reliable and honest resource who has "been there, done that" and wants nothing more than for me to succeed and for my marriage to win and for my children to be happy, well-adjusted, contributing human beings. My Mom has been more than welcome in all my bridal preparations, my fittings, my photos, my decisions. My Mom has been in all of my delivery and postpartum rooms and is one of the very first to hold each child I give birth to, for as long as she wants. My Mom gives me advice about my head-strong husband from a place of love, about my children's overwhelmed teachers, and my fears when there is vomiting and high fevers late at night. These are the things that girls call Mom about...not always boys. In fact, not often boys...they don't need to, their wife has a Mom. So now, I shall become Mom. This May. I am SOOO excited! She will be born sometime between birthdays. Lily's birthday on May 12 and Rick's birthday on May 21. She will be a birthday present due (but not born) on her Daddy's birthday and she will, I have no doubt, run the show around here. Jeff and Jackson are SOOO excited. They can't WAIT to have a little sister and I can see (because of age differences and pure cuteness) bonnets, tiaras, and tea parties in their futures. I am sure that Logan will have some immunity to this cuteness since, at just over 27 months he will still be sporting a very healthy dose of his own toddler cuteness when she is born. I do know, however, the power women have over men and I fear that in some ways, I will be the only strength in this home at times. As for names, we have chosen one and I have let it slip to some of you. If you know it, great...if not, you'll find out.

Jeff turned 10 in December and is amazing to watch. He is super tall, super lean, and super smart. He is testing for an accelerated learning program this next month and will be accepted into a gifted and talented school this fall. He will be changing schools and friends but he isn't worried. He is so gregarious and confident that a change like that isn't a big deal because, as he says, "home doesn't change and that's what really needs to stay the same". He is a ton of help around the house and often provides peace and quiet when his brothers would rather fire it up. I appreciate his influence, when he decides for it to be positive. When Jeff decides to be wild however, I am nearly at his mercy. I have to remove everyone from the situation and create a new moment. That is his sway with his brothers and he will either lead them to Heaven or to Hell. He's a good boy, so I'm pretty sure it will be Heaven, but there may be some rest stops along the way...

I am in love with him.

We lost a few cats this year. One to FIP, a nasty disease that ruined her liver and gave her not much of a chance. The other isn't necessarily dead but could be...he's at least on walkabout...we hope to see him again soon. We still have Levi who is needy and cute and mousing away. Bless him. We lost a chicken as well. I'm not sure if she was sick, old, or too cold or if they just hauled off and chicken-massacred her. Chickens are evil and violent creatures...you never know when they'll turn on you. Be mindful of turning your back on chickens. They are stupid and slow but they are NOT innocent. Our dogs are still faring well. Quincy has some unknown "mass" in his chest but it doesn't seem to be bothering him and the fact that he is old and arthritic releases him from a "workup". We figure he's earned a quality of life in his old age and that we'll take what we can get and provide him with a humane ending when it is time. Heck, it could be something he's always had so it may not be anything that will bother him ever...but now we know about it and so we treasure every day with our dear "first born child" Quinn. Daisy is going strong and mentoring our current foster dog "Maggie" who is looking for a forever home. If you find yourself needing a spunky and sweet golden...here she is!

The horses, goats, and other critters are all just fine and dandy. We may add a "younger" horse to the herd this summer, but it's way too soon to even chat about that.

Todd's still working at the A-10 Depot support on Hill AFB and is happy as a clam. I'm still placing veterinarians when I have time, managing the Cub Scout Bear den in our ward, and managing this family's crazy schedule. Jeff played football again this year with Todd and my Dad as his coaches. Their team was the 3A region champions and lost in the semi-final game before the bowl game for their age group. Jeffrey played serious-scary linebacker again and added tailback to his resume. He had touchdowns this year from returned kick offs as well as from caught passes. It was a wonderful season...

Both Jackson and Jeffrey wrestled this winter and had a great time. They were invited to participate in the "invitation only Freestyle club" at Fremont High school but we decided we all needed a break in the action. As I said, sports will pick up again this late April/early May with baseball.

Logan is growing by leaps and bounds. Fully two years old now, he is indomitable and a complete contributor to rabble-rousing and wrestling by sneak attack. He "hurts" his brothers often now, they are finding that rough begets rough and that after he has his howl and his "kiss better" he's coming back to deliver paybacks. He is scary-smart and so we've decided he needs to potty train before his sister comes. We'll see how it goes. He makes all kinds of connections in every single thing and recognizes all kinds of relationships between parts A and B. He regularly amazes me. Every single time he is present at an ultrasound or sees an ultrasound picture he says, in a tiny little baby voice, "So cute! So, so cute!" and yesterday, as we saw our baby girl yet again on ultrasound, he said, "That's just crazy." I'm not sure he gets what he's saying but why else would he say it? It amazes me. He totally high-jacked Family Home Evening earlier this week. As Todd got up to finish our meeting and close the lesson, he got up and stood next to him, folding his arms, and mumbling every time Todd tried to talk. Occasionally he'd yell a legible word like "Pray!" or "Jesus!" and there were lots of throat-clearing noises punctuated with "Ummm". I was crying I was laughing so hard. What a kick. His second birthday was so much fun. We kept it sort of mellow but it was just right and he was SURE he was king for the day...we had no problem celebrating his life. He is a blessing to all of us.

Our lives are full of minutia and details that are so important each and every day but that would take forever to tell, so I will leave it out for now. I am sure that any blanks will be filled as I take this on again and again. I do so hope that this isn't a "false start" and that I continue rather than stop and start again. I don't even really feel like my brain belongs to me right now...this girl is the boss of most everything that isn't already spoken for. I am not willing to make any promises.

Life is so full of so much. I am amazed at how full every single day is. Not just "stuff to do" either. So much emotion, so much up and down, so many blessings, wins, triumphs, and victories and so many losses, sadnesses, concerns, and worries. Everywhere there are lessons. Everywhere there is some way to push harder, face-up, become better, grow, and pursue. It is never-ending. In fact, I find, that even though I am tempted to avoid "reality" and resist the not-so-nice lessons and experiences of life...they are worth it. With numbness to the "bad news" comes missing out on the good and it is not worth numbness to miss the amazing things Logan does and says every single day. Nor is it worth helping Jeffrey rank up in Scouts or read at an 8th grade level or master long division. Nor is it worth the random and periodical opportunities Jackson gives me to "snuggle" or the chances I have to listen to him read big words he didn't know last week and answer questions he has about nature and biology. I hate debt and frustration and emotional let downs. I don't like being used and abused or watching my loved ones go through the same. I dislike worrying, hardship, and sore hips and backs...but such is life and with it, exquisite learning, love and growth. Thank God for all of it...

There are things and then there are THINGS!

2009-05-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

So, in the last month, there have been doings. Many, many doings. And goings on... (note: I wrote this June 6th or something and forgot to post it, sorry...a newer post will be coming along soon).

Todd came home from Texas on May 1st. We were so excited to have him back! We still are, actually....

In addition to his coming home, he brought with him some great news. He has landed an IMA (full time reservist) job at Hill AFB with the A-10 Depot (A-10 SPO) working to make sure that each and every A-10 in the entire Air Force fleet (that's about 390 jets folks!) are uniform in terms of their software, navigation, displays, GPS, etc, etc. This is a really big job and a great opportunity. He only has the job funded for the next 120 days (think early October) but it looks like days will be added and added as funds come available following this fiscal year until he's either a permanent military addition or a permanent civilian addition. How proud I am of him to know what his calling is in life, to feel so guided and blessed in what he does, and to be so committed and happy while he does it. If has been said, to follow your bliss...Todd does best when he follows his. I got to spend about an hour with four-star general Hoffman's (commander of Air Force Materiel Command) wife a few weeks ago talking about what things are "really" like for those of us in the lower levels of the Air Force. While I'm not sure she'll get to do much about any of it, I'm impressed at her willingness to listen and to do what she can. It is women who support their families and communities and who work hard to turn their "position" as the spouse of a leader into leaders in their own right who I admire. I know that if the world were full of such bravery, it would be a safer and cleaner place. Where do you get to own your leadership?

The boys are right smack in the middle of baseball season. Todd and I are coaching their teams with the much needed assistance of my Dad Bruce. Todd took on Jackson's t-ball team and has a great time yelling, "Run, no, that way! Now, stop!" and "Catch it, okay don't all jump on it! Now, throw it to first base. No, that way!" every Tuesday and Thursday.

I have to admit, Jackson is pretty bored with it. He's ready for coach pitch and is biding his time until next year. My dad and I have resumed our dream team coaching staff as we work to coach Jeffrey's 3rd grade machine pitch team. We have so much fun working on teaching these boys "the fundamentals" of America's Favorite Pasttime. Honestly, they don't really know much. There are a few boys who have obviously spent some time "having a catch" with Dad but, for the most part, they are babes in the woods. What we teach them will be long remembered and, heck, we're winning most of the time. So, I can't really think of a better way to spend this early summer. Jeffrey is loving baseball (now that he understands it and knows how to "be a hero"). Baseball ends in two weeks and we will have a VERY short break before football kicks off at the end of July. We're going to enjoy our weekday evenings and our weekends until then.

I got spoiled rotten on Mother's Day and feel so blessed to have such an appreciative husband and gaggle of children. The biggest presents were the boys...who've come in succession, 1999, 2003, and 2008. I am truly rich in love always. Todd's birthday was May 22nd and we video gamed, enjoyed the kids' field day at school, had breakfast and lunch out, and enjoyed X Men Origins: Wolverine, that evening. Todd always gets some awesome movie for his birthday. How cool is Hollywood to him?

Todd went to their first "Father - Son Campout" with the ward on May 13th at City of Rocks in Idaho. They had so much fun hanging out with all the awesome dads and kids (of all ages) of our ward. We live and worship with an awesome crew of people and I'm so grateful Todd and the boys feel at home with them and enjoy spending time with them. They created forever memories and I'm so grateful that Todd is a Dad who is not only willing but excited to create such experiences for his boys. The neighbors boys caught a passel of lizards and instilled them around the neighborhood when they got home. I hope they aren't too out of sorts in our garden. I hope they can stay away from the cats as they settle in...

We managed, shortly after my last post, to find a forever home for our foster dog Roxy. We now have "Louie" who is looking for a forever home. He's had a rough time of it. He's been a little abused and is afraid of the mischief he often finds himself in the middle of. He's happy to have other dog friends who respect him and a home full of people with love and soft hands...he'd be even happier in a home where he would be king of the hill. Louie struggles with seasonal allergies and is 10 years old. But he's a young 10 and loves to play fetch. If you can think of anyone who might want a good buddy...send them my way. Louie is a great dog and is ready for his home. We want to help as many dogs as we can, and we can only help one at a time...so the sooner we find Louie the perfect home, the sooner we can help another dog who is waiting to be out of the rescue kennel and into our warm environment.

The boys' last day of school was May 29th this year. They are home now. We have to get out once in a while and enjoy summer. If only this rain would stop...

Now, those are all of the "things" that I mentioned at the beginning of my post, ...now for the THING that happened this past month...

Lily Mei Solomon was born on May 11th at 7:03 pm and weighed in at 7 pounds 9 ounces (same as our Logan) and 19 inches long. What a beautiful and delicate face she has with a head full of sweet black hair. Lily came into the world to such a happy pair of caregivers in her mom and dad, Jeff and Jen. Jeff and Jen are smitten and will forever be changed. It is so much fun to see them fall into this role that they are so prepared for. I know that they sometimes doubt whether they are up to the task, but they are great! I watch them and am so impressed at their wisdom, patience, and intuition. They make it look easy! Jen was such a trouper during delivery and Jeff was a great coach. We got to see her shortly after her birth and she just hollered and hollered as everyone fawned over her sweetness. Once I saw her fingers and toes I knew she just HAD to be a combination of these people. With Jen's delicately beautiful face and Jeff's long LONG fingers and toes...her parenthood is obvious. I try to see her once a week (at least) and to be there to spell when I can. Anytime I get around her is precious and I am so happy for Jeff and Jen, they truly deserve such a miracle.

We spent last weekend at Hill AFB's air show enjoying the Air Force, it's accomplishments, it's mission, and it's prowess and I know that Todd and I got to revisit our own "new to the Air Force" awe as we watched our boys goggle from underneath the wing of a C-5 as the dogfighter planes flew overhead. We had so much fun reacquainting ourselves with what we've known and loved for years and, can I just say, it's nice to be back in the fold. I'm sure we have many adventures ahead and I'll have to make sure we keep you posted. Have a great summer and stay tuned, I'm sure there will be adventures galore!

Much love to you all!

Saffron goes to Rainbow Bridge and Babysteals.com comes through to save the day (again).

2009-04-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

This gets it’s own post for several reasons. One of the biggest March events was the loss of our sweet dog Saffron. Now, while it seems like I’m teeing you up for a super sad post and a whole lot of grief, hang in there for one of the sweetest things that has happened to me this year. It seems that when we lose things that we love, we manage to be surrounded with some of the sweetest things that life has to offer in the face of our loss.

Mid-March, our 9 year old Golden Retriever Saffron was looking at 3 months of fighting sores on her skin that just weren’t healing. I was realizing that the “beginning of the end” had arrived and that I needed to watch her closely. I was afraid, but I’m not 100% sure, that her chronic hystiocytes had become cancerous and thus would not heal. However, she was still happy, still eating, and still, ultimately, Saffy. We decided that we would just take things one day at a time and that we would enjoy every minute we had with her until we knew it was time to let her go. After about a week and a half, Saffron started to avoid eating. She snorted and snuffled and wasn’t breathing easily through her nose anymore. Mouth breathing isn’t really an option for dogs. You probably think dogs mouth-breathe because they pant, but they don’t. For dogs, panting isn’t breathing, it’s air conditioning. We knew she wasn’t doing well. I tried a new round of antibiotics and beefed up her steroids but it wasn’t helping. We knew we needed to ready to let her go and then, she tanked in two days. Todd and I looked up and realized it was time. We made the decision and she was gone in 2 hours. It was so fast. While we’d been building up to it for a week and even, if you consider her illness, 7 years, it was very sudden. All of our plans went on hold. Everything got dropped.
Those of you who know me well know that the loss of one of my dogs feels the way I imagine it would feel to lose a child. I don’t mean to diminish the pain of losing of a child. I can’t even imagine losing one of mine. I don’t know what to say to explain, I can’t really, except that it is losing a member of the family. I love my dogs SO MUCH. They are so important to me. Saffron had been a member of our family since 3 months before we had Jeffrey! She was a long-timer. We would miss her dearly. However, I have told myself, life goes on. But I was having a hard time getting my crap together. I couldn’t seem to remember the errands I had to run. People who wanted to buy eggs were put off and forgotten, family was ignored, I wasn’t sleeping.

Meanwhile, my dear brother Jeff and sister in-law Jen are expecting their first and long-awaited baby girl on May 15th. This baby is to be celebrated after a long and painful infertility period of 6+ years and then successful invitro fertilization treatment last August. In my excitement to celebrate her arrival, I was preparing for her shower by making her burp cloths and hooded towels. I also found the cutest blanket sleeper on my friend, Jana’s website, which is babysteals.com. Jana and I went to high school together. I am so proud of what she has created! I didn’t really find it until about 6 months ago when I reconnected with her and, until recently, haven’t really seen anything that I NEEDED to “steal”. However, with the impending birth of this baby girl Solomon, her haute parents with their impeccable taste, and my love of blanket sleepers, babysteals.com saved the day! I was able to “steal” the cutest pink and brown polka dotted blanket sleeper (regularly $40 or something, only $13.50 on babysteals.com) to add to my homemade gifts for the April 4th shower.

I had managed to keep my “steal” even more criminally inexpensive by opting for “pick up”, thus avoiding shipping and being able to set up the opportunity to see, if not Jana, then her husband (also a high school friend) Eric by going by his office to pick up my adorable blanket sleeper gift. I had set it up with them via Facebook and was set to pick it up on March 25th, a Wednesday.

As it worked out, that was the day we had to put our Saffy dog down. I couldn’t do it. I didn’t even remember I was supposed to. The shower was quickly approaching; I didn’t have time to screw around. I couldn’t imagine not having that blanket sleeper but I also couldn’t seem to get myself together for another trip to Salt Lake before the shower.

The evening of March 25th, we got home from our trip to let go of Saffron and cried and cried. We fed the kids, put them to bed, and I settled down in front of the computer to check my email and my Facebook. Distraction computerized. I mentioned, in my status on Facebook, that I had put my dog down and, almost immediately, received so many loving thoughts and condolences from friends and family. I guess more people know about my “animal ways” than I had previously thought. I was so comforted.

One such message was from Eric Francis, my friend Jana’s husband. Jana of “Babysteals Mom” fame. Eric mentioned that he wondered where I was; he was going to message me to ask and, when he got online, he saw that I had put my dog down earlier in the day. He mentioned that he and Jana have a Golden Retriever like my Saffy and that he couldn’t imagine how sad he and his family would be if they had to say goodbye to their family pal. He mentioned what a good playmate their dog is and how their kids love him so much. I was tearing up all over again. Eric said that he knew we must be so sad and so overwhelmed. He said that he and Jana decided that I didn’t need to bother coming to get my blanket sleeper. That the least they could do to support me was to send it to me, free of charge, and that they hoped that it would help a little at such a sad time. I was so touched! How thoughtful that these, my friends from high school that I had connected with sporadically off and on, and had been so ingenious as to devise a business that brings beautiful quality baby items to needy moms worldwide at a “steal”, would remember our roots and reach out to me and make an effort that, while not very business-wise, was very heart-wise and would help me and my family at such a sad time. It may seem small, but it isn’t. It made all the difference and managed to extract even more tears.

I got my blanket sleeper two days later and opened it up to find the cutest item EVER! I wrapped it up with my homemade hooded towels and burp cloths and took it to the shower. It was a hit! In fact, my SIL Jen was telling me just last night that she thinks it will be a great thing for the baby to ride home from the hospital in. Not too much, not too little for spring weather, just right! Among the other things people did for us in our grief were to send lots of loving messages and phone calls, a bouquet of a dozen colorful roses, and some handmade frames for the boys to put her picture in so that they will always remember her.

I picked up Saffy's ashes a few days ago. The tears flowed again so freely as I thought about how we’ve missed her spirit these past weeks and how it is amazing that her once bouncy and beautifully red body fit into such a small box. We will never forget her. In her memory, we now open her “spot” in the family to foster golden retrievers who are looking to be adopted through Utah’s Companion Golden Retriever Rescue. A week after sending Saffron over “Rainbow Bridge” we took in “Roxy” who is a 10 year old Golden with more spunk than most puppies have. She is learning rules, getting lots of love, and waiting for her forever family. When we find a home for her, we will take in another, and another, always filling Saffron’s “spot” with compassion, love, and patience for a dog who didn’t have the family that Saffron got to have until we are able to find one who does.
I am so grateful for the Francis’ love and compassion to help me get my “steal” on time for the shower despite the sadness I was experiencing. I realize that it really doesn’t seem like much but it is something I will always remember. I also find that I am more eager to learn about the daily steal now. Maybe in hopes of being able to give back to them by supporting their business while keeping the babies in my life outfitted and supplied with the best items available to steal on the web every day at 9:00 am MST. Check it out, http://www.babysteals.com/

Happy birthday Babysteals.com and thanks to Eric and Jana for being great, compassionate, and understanding friends at such a sad time in our lives. May your Golden Retriever have lots of years left to romp with the kids and shed in your home.

Parenthood, gardening, and schtuff...

2009-04-27T08:24:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! It's been forever and that's so unforgivable. I've been super busy. Too much to say or do in one post, yet an attempt at an update is warranted.

Todd's been in Texas for almost all of April. He comes home this Friday, May 1st, and I think his plane lands at 11:30 pm or something. Slumber party in the car! I better make sure we're stocked up on Spongebob movies and juice for Jack. Todd's been doing some training for his new job with the Air Force Reserves as the Operations Officer for the 419th AMXS here on Hill AFB. I think if we lined up all the training Todd has had for jobs with the Air Force, it would be taller than 18 semi trucks stacked on top of each other. He's worth millions to them at this point. I would think...

Being a single mom isn't all it's cracked up to be. I have no idea how "they" do it! I truly deliver my respect. I have thought a little bit about this and I know that, to some degree, it's about bucking up, not giving up, taking things one day at a time, and realizing that failure is not an option. I've definitely been applying all of those principals this last month. Even when I wanted to cry "UNCLE!" because yard work was inevitable, I made it happen. I also think my kids have "two parent syndrome". This is a good syndrome to have. Don't get me wrong. They deserve to have "two parent syndrome". I'm grateful I could give it to them. "Two parent syndrome" is a syndrome that is derived from a child having an "intact family" where they can take for granted that all things adult (and even some things not) will always be handled by one parent or the other at any given time. This is because both parents are regularly on the spot and have their "personal" stuff handled to the degree that they are "on top of" the family as a unit. Now, just because a family is "intact" doesn't mean that their children will end up with this syndrome. I think it only happens when both parents are actively involved with the children, the household, and all other family dynamics on a regular basis. Who knows? Maybe my kids have an especially "severe" case because their dad has been around a lot more than the average dad this past year plus? It's just a theory people. Ultimately, my point is, that my children do not behave like the children of a single parent. My children are a little bit "spoiled" because they just spend most of their time being kids. They don't worry about helping unless they are asked to. Unless something has become drilled into them as a habit (i.e. my kids make their beds every morning right after breakfast because they've been hounded so much about it, it has become routine) they don't think to help or assist unless they are asked. If you combine this with my ridiculous lack of talent in asking for assistance you have one wiped out mom and three confused and helpless kids. So, what we've been working on this month is helping them learn to be aware of their environment. I've been working with Jeff to realize when something "extra" needs to happen. He's learning to look up and realize that the baby needs juice or the dogs need to eat and I can't be expected to ask him to handle it because I don't know about it or because I'm otherwise occupied. I think that children of single parents are a bit more independent. They tend to realize that their one parent can only do so much at one time and so they either develop extreme patience (not a trait of my kids) or they develop the ability to take care of themselves (to a degree). As I said, it's just a theory. But I realize that if we were this way (sans Todd) for the long term, my kids would get to shift. They would get immediate occupational therapy for their "two parent syndrome" and they would become more mobile, more self-starter-y, more independent. The thought, while comforting, is also terrifying. Anyone who knows Jeffrey knows that he would be hell on wheels were he more independent.

Other activities this past month plus are that Logan has developed, along with the ability to run and climb, an extensive vocabulary. He's now saying the following: "mommy", "daddy", "monkey", "dog", "Jack", "Je-ree", "kitty", "more", "yum yum", "bird", "horse", "bye bye", "night night", says "gook!" for drink and food, and makes monkey and kitty noises. He's also giving kisses with a "smack!" and blowing kisses when he says bye bye. He's wonderful! What can I say? His "Crazy Larry" hair is back and I need to cut it. I'll get around to it before Todd comes home. Maybe this afternoon?
Jeffrey tested in the top 10 percent in the NATION in Social Studies on the IOWA test. What a smart cookie! I'm so proud of him. He's unstoppable. Jackson just got an award for reading 200 books this year at school(and we've still got a month of school left). He's one of the top 3 readers in his class and we're so proud of how hard he's worked to learn and grow this year in Kindergarten. It seems that, considering their performance at school, my method of less television and video games is working. Hmmm, good to know.

My yard is rockin'. As soon as Todd's insurance settlement comes in, I can complete the project and finish the easement and rubber mulching but it's nearly there! I planted 250+ bulbs last fall and they are coming up so cute! My cherry trees are rocking and so beautiful with their flowers. The Forsythia are gorgeous this year and my flowering crabapple tree popped blooms this morning. My perennial garden is going to be amazing this year because everything is mature now. The little Killdeer family is back this spring, making their nest in my burm and raising their brood. I love them so much! I am loving all of it! It reminds me how much God loves us. If He didn't, we wouldn't have such rocking biology!

Easter was short and sweet. We participated in the Easter Egg hunt at Hooper Park. It started at 9:00 am and ended at 9:05 am. Jeff and Jack got tons of loot, of course. Logan was hilarious. He took off to "hunt" and just sort of wandered around. At some point, after passing many pieces ofcandy and a few colored eggs, he found "it" because he stooped down and picked up a tiny green tootsie roll fruit roll. He dropped his basket and took off. It was if that is what he had been searching for his whole life. At that point, the hunt was over. He did, later, pick up a small leaf and put that in his basket. He didn't "need" anything else. What a man.

Todd's parents came up for a few days and we had lots of fun with them. They took the boys golfing and spoiled us with some dinners out and "Monsters Versus Aliens". It was very helpful and a lot of fun! I am grateful for their support.

This next week will be my last as a "single" mom for a while. I'm glad. I'm tired. While we've all survived, there is no reason to believe that we need to continue to do it and I'm certainly clear on the reason for the Lord's plan with regard to family. I love Todd. I am grateful he is such a great husband and father and I wouldn't trade him. Not for the single life and not for anyone else. He's mine, I'll keep him. I am grateful for the work he has with the Air Force. I know he loves it and that he feels like he's completing some of his purpose by being able to serve our country. I am grateful for the income and the stability the Air Force provides. I am willing to pay the price of being an occasional single mom so that we can have those things. I just don't want to do it anymore RIGHT NOW. Give me a few months to get my feet back under me again, then we'll talk.

I love you all and hope you're well!
HUGS.

Winter Doldrums...or not.

2009-02-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello everyone. While it's been more than a week, it is less than two and so I'm not perfect, but I'm getting better (go ahead, think Monty Python, that was my intention). There just hasn't been a whole lot going on this past week and a half. I guess that isn't completely true. Just not much picture-worthy, not much exciting, not much astounding. We've been living along though, and with life, has come growth, experience, and something new every day.

Last week was a busy one. Todd was working, working, working. Over the weekend (prior to Valentine's weekend), he was full-time Captain Hardy at work with the 419th Maintenance Squadron here on Hill AFB. The base was having a readiness exercise and it's a lot of work when you're martialing active duty guys around who work with their equipment and status every day of the work week. Imagine, preparing guys to deploy to war when they only think about the military 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year! While I'm sure that these guys and gals would be great in an active theater...getting them there is another story. They aren't used to having their equipment prepared, their records updated, or their bodys in the right place at the right time. Todd was ready to blow a gasket every time I talked to him all weekend long. It wasn't just the reserve troops he was struggling with either...the active duty folks were making things doubly difficult because they are used to having immediate access to all military personnel whenever they want them. Apparently reserve folks aren't always that accessible.

All in all, he was a great leader and got things done. However, it wasn't without some yelling, goose-stepping, and threatening. He didn't have the nickname "Ray Liotta" in Basic Training for no reason. In addition to his UTA work on base, Todd has been pouring, shooting, and testing body and vehicle armor for the newest Phoenix Alloys project. They are working with two big armor contractors to land sales contracts or maybe, even limited partnerships, to work this armor. This stuff is pretty amazing. It's stronger (by far) and a third lighter than anything our military and/or law-enforcement personnel are using right now. We are anxious to get it out the door and into practical use. Not just because of the money it will bring in, but ALSO and EQUALLY important are the lives it could be saving this very day. Keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers...this stuff is miracle stuff, I'd love to see it get out there on our real life heroes.

Todd, Jeff, and I all had the (in)famous Blue and Gold Banquet last week. With Todd as Cub Master, me as Bear Den Leader, and Jeff, our token scout, it was a family affair. I had no idea how much time and attention it would occupy. Luckily, my mom and dad watched Logan and Jackson while we scurried around, decorated, and ran the thing. We had so many big to-dos that night! Four boys received their Arrows of Light, not to mention plenty of awards in the Bear and Wolf dens. Thankfully, we had lots of help from the other cub scout leaders and from some parents. At the end of the night of "Presidential Celebration and Learning", we knew a lot more about our past and current presidents, had bellies full of lasagna, garlic bread, and salad, and a bunch of happy scout families. Can I just say I'm so glad it only happens once per year? What an ordeal.

With Todd running around like crazy working several jobs (how many does he even have now?), I was re-living my days as a military wife/single-married mom. Only, I never did do that job with THREE kids. Three is hard. A lot harder than two and vastly harder than one (not even in the same ball park). As a friend of mine once said, "When you have three kids, you switch from man-to-man defense, to zone." No kidding. I have two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs, two hands...when what I really need is NOT three but at least five of each! These boys are all over the place all at the same time. It has been an adventure but not one I wish I could change. I am growing into a better mother (I hope) and have spent a lot of each night evaluating how to be a better parent. It is going to require my growth and adaptation as our family makes this next transition with Todd gone most of the time. One thing is for sure, Jeffrey is going to have to step up and be the oldest (and most helpful) child. I do enjoy watching him embrace his role as biggest brother. He is a mother hen to Logan. He follows his around way of his risk-taking and

worried about catastrophe. He enjoys watching Logan learn new things and develop new skills but he's just certain that each risk he takes will be his last. As a result, Logan refers to Jeff as "No No!". That's what is always coming out of Jeff's mouth at him, "No, No Logan!" I think it's really funny. Jeff walks in the room after returning home from school and Logan smiles and yells, "No No!" and points at Jeff. Snicker, snicker. The joys of parenting abound.

As far as Logan is concerned, Jackson's name is "Jack!" Both brothers have earned exclamation marks after their names. That is how Logan says them. His two big brothers, "Jack!" and "No No!" We also have "Da!" (Dad), and "DoG!" (the dogs) who also often get told "Go!" when he says their names. As in, "DoG! GO!" Shouting all the way. He is now asking for more of any snack or drink by saying "Mmmmoe" which I think is adorable. We have been working on that for a while in order to curb the screaming he WAS doing. Some times he screams a little and then remembers and says, "Mmmmoe". No exclamation. "Mama" doesn't have an exclamation either. I prefer to believe that is because he has tenderness in his experience of me. Just let him have it. Let me have it.

Logan is walking. He doesn't walk ALL of the time, EVERYWHERE but he does really well. He can walk several dozens of steps at a time, catch his balance, and change direction. He has trouble when his giant head gets behind him and sends him onto his bottom. Most often, whether he walks depends on how safely he wants to get to where he's going. He's equally fast at crawling and walking, but his walking style is pell-mell and results in occasional big crashes. His walking, however, is becoming "more controlled" and it won't be long before crawling goes the way of the dinosaur for him.

Both Jackson and Logan were sick last week. After fighting off a cold (colds?) for more than two weeks, we had two sleepless nights, lots of sadness, and one fed-up mom. I took them to the doctor on Friday last week and good ol' Doc Eberhard determined that Jackson had an ear infection, a sinus infection, and a bronchial virus. Logan had infections in BOTH ears, a sinus infection, and RSV. Needless to say, we filled the Amoxicillin and spent Valentine's Day, President's Day, and the Sunday in between, at home. Jackson was pathetic. He didn't even care that he missed his first Valentine's Day party at school. Jeff brought his Valentines home for him and he spent the weekend reading (and eating) them. He carried a particular Spongebob Valentine around all weekend. How cute! He loves Spongebob. I guess that's okay? Spongebob is weird but oh well. They are both much better today and Jackson is outside with Jeff as I write this making a huge snowman in the massive amounts of snow we have been getting. Logan is currently chasing "The Girls" (Saffron and Daisy) around the living room with a lawn mower walking toy my mom gave him for his birthday yelling, "DoG! GO!" Oh, they love it. Trust me.

I have a new job. It is something that is, I am sure, an answer to a prayer. I have often felt frustrated this past year and a half at being a stay at home mom. I think that this is partly because of the years I HAVE worked out of the home and because I am uncomfortable not contributing financially when we really could use more. I felt particularly frustrated earlier last week and then an opportunity fell into my lap as I met a dear friend for lunch. I will be working for a company called My Veterinary Career

doing what we call "Match Making" for veterinarians and hospitals nationwide. I will begin by helping the company recruit hospitals for us to take under contract. Sort of a "let us be your matchmaker" kinda gig. I have such a passion for the veterinary industry. I have, as most of you know, worked in that industry for a great deal of my adult life. I worked as a technician for nearly 7 years and have many long-term relationships with veterinarians across the western US. I also have a very special sisterhood with a veterinarian on the East Coast. The industry, while critical to so many of us in the US, is way behind schedule and is due an upgrade. I will be working from home about 2 hours a day, 5 days per week, and will be able to make a significant contribution to the veterinary industry as well to my own sanity and our family's financial coffers. I am really excited! I will finish training this week and should be hard at it by next week. I will have to update you on my progress. If you have questions, you can visit the website at www.myveterinarycareer.com and I would be more than happy to answer them as well! It is such an opportunity and, as I said earlier, an answer to a recent prayer. Wish me luck!

Well, even though I said that not much was happening, you can see that there has been a lot going on. This week promises more growth as Todd pours more metal on Thursday, enters negotiations with Winchester about the development of "non-lead shot", and prepares for another exercise on base. I will continue my training with My Veterinary Career and will be the best mom I can, and the boys will be boys...I'm sure they'll do something raucous. I will be hosting a bachelorette party for my friend Andrea this weekend. We're planning some good clean fun, I'm sure to have more pictures next week.

Love to you all!

Oh my gosh....where did the time go???

2009-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

So, even though I made a commitment to post once per week...I haven't this past 6 weeks. I have posted twice. Not twice a week, twice in the whole last six weeks. Dreadful me. Bad, bad word-breaking liar. Oh well. I am a legend in my own mind and like to think that you all just wait on baited breath to read my blog each week anyway....but you don't all. I have to harrass my parents just to get them to read it. I don't really even think my Dad does. I think he acts like it when I ask, but the genuineness isn't really there. I've decided to stop asking him...ha ha ha. Save myself some approval cup drainage.

To update you all, you can be assured that even though I haven't been posting, we've still been living. We've been super, super busy kids. After going to Nevada to attend Todd's sweet Grandma Hardy's funeral and connecting with lots of family and cousins, we came back to the routine that is our lives. A routine with lots of kinks, additions, snags, and surprises. Over the course of the last 6 weeks, several things have been going on. To list them they are:

Todd's attendance, with my Dad, at the "2009 Annual Shot Show" in Orlando, Florida for Phoenix Alloys.
The celebration parade for the University of Utah's Football team, fans, and undefeated season/2009 Sugar Bowl win.
Logan's 1st Birthday! Yay Lo lo Bear!
Jeff earning his Wolf badge in Cubscouts.
Jackson becoming a kick butt reader.
Saffron getting so sick she might die and then miraculously (with antibiotics) perking up and becoming a pain in the butt again.
The chickens producing a million eggs.

There are so many other things that have happened. So many details I am leaving out. I hate to do it. I brings me pain to list just those above life events in such a blithe way. As if they are ho- hum, as if they don't warrant a blog each, as if they aren't monumental in one way or another. All of them are SO monumental. If I did do much more than list, this blog would be 9 miles long, if not longer. I will say a few short things.

At the Shot Show, Todd and my Dad got some great interest and leads in their alloys. They came home with renewed faith and vigor. They have a new project they are working on with

excitement, partly because of great interest on the part of First Choice Armor and partly because they both feel passionately about it. They are developing (have developed?) an armor (for use on body and vehicle) that is lighter and stronger than the stuff our law enforcement and military members are using now. It could mean everything in so many ways. GO GUYS!

The celebration for the U football teams was so fun! 13-0 and Sugar Bowl Champs. We couldn't wish for more. The boys and I went to the parade and pep rally in downtown Salt Lake with my Mom, Jeff, and Jen and had such a great time! Go Utes!

Logan was so fun on his birthday! I swear he knew it was a special day for all of us because we got to re-live his birth and celebrate his life. He was happy all day long (even when he was tired). We took him to a toddler soft play land at the mall, rode some quarter rides, gave him real chicken (not baby food) and ice cream. That night we had a small family party with dinner and cake and boy did he love his cake! He was so much fun. He still plays with his birthday toys more than any others and enjoys his new skills. He'll be

walking in a matter of days and often stands alone for long periods without sitting down. He has taken up to 6 steps before falling. He now has 8 teeth and is always looking for ways to escape out of the play area we have created called "The Arena" by Todd and the boys. Go Lo-Lo!

Jeff earned his Wolf badge for scouts this month. We are so proud of him! Just in time to turn 9 and go into Bears. He worked really hard on it and earned it honestly. He loves scouts and with parents who have callings in scouts, even if he didn't love it, he'd get to do it regularly. I am so glad he does like it though. Scouts is very important. It teaches valuable skills and lessons, and is critical in the endeavor to raise our sons

to be contributing human beings. I love it, love it. Go Jeffrey!

The lights have come on for Jackson. He can read like nobody's business all of the sudden. Blending sounds, remembering what

sound each letter makes, and combining words to make up sentences that he understands, are all skills he wields every day. I am so proud of him and his success. He is quite proud of himself. He was getting frustrated but he soldiered on and is glad he did. Go Jackie!

Saffron, who suffers from a chronic and congenital skin disorder that results in massive and multiple hives all over her body, is starting to head down hill...unfortunately I don't know how long we've got her.

To make a long story short, she is on several medications to try to control her symptoms. She used to go into remission but doesn't seem to be able to do that

anymore. She is coming up on 10 years old this summer and so she has had a long and good life with us. However, I don't know that we'll see her 10th birthday. She gets sores now that don't heal well due to her medications and she often gets infections. I give her antibiotics but that won't last forever. She became quite ill this week, she wasn't able to eat or anything. I thought we might lose her but she rebounded with another round of antibiotics. We bought some more time and she is happy again. As long as she is happy, I will keep her around but if she gets depressed for too long and I'm unable to revive her, we'll have to send her to Rainbow Bridge. That's the bad news about our pets....rarely do they outlive us. That's one reason we have a parrot. With a 70-80 year lifespan, he may make it beyond our years. I don't know that I like that he's yelling "Grandpa Bird!" at the top of his crop right now, but oh well. The rest of the animal farm is great and is scratchin' around with fervor.

The chickens, while bound in their wire coop/yard, are at it. They are so self-important it cracks me up. I can't get enough of it. I watch them strut around and cackle and they just think that the world revolves around them. Maybe they have something. Maybe they are secretly geniuses and can solve the world's problems but no one will give them a chance? NO...that's not the case. I'll tell you a secret...they are the STUPIDEST animals on the place. That's why

they think they are so great....they have NO idea. Now that the days are getting longer, they are starting to lay eggs again with regularity. With 12 hens, we are getting 5-9 eggs every single day. That's a lot of eggs. What happens when it's summer and they are all laying? Please buy eggs people...I promise you'll love them. They are yummy!

So that's 6 weeks in a (relatively) short post. I will post again next week. The hard part is getting back in the grind. I'm there now...so you can count on me. Ah, I'll probably just be here by myself. Reading and laughing at what I write. Getting a bigger kick out of it than anyone. I'll make Todd read it....but that's enough for me...I guess.

Love to you all!

2009, What's New!?!

2009-01-06T08:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I knew I wouldn't be blogging during the holidays. Too much going on to take the time to sit and do it, along with everything else. I don't even really have a lot of time today, but I thought I would squeeze in a quick note about our holidays, along with some new pics, so that I don't have this nagging at me.

The Monday before Christmas, we took our family's annual trip to Temple Square to see the lights. What a beautiful adventure this always is. The children really enjoy the festivity and they are also always keen to talk about the Savior's birth. I am happy we have this tradition and that we are blessed to live so close to Church headquarters so that we can do it every year. My camera didn't have a memory card in it so I wasn't able to get pictures for you all. I guess that means we take some next year. I really am such a dork.

Christmas was wonderful! We had my parents, sister Denise and her family, and brother Jeff and his wife Jen for Christmas Eve dinner and we had a great time opening presents, eating Honeybaked ham, and reflecting on the year together. There were some really funny moments of note. Denise's boy Roman, who is 7 weeks older than Logan, is just getting good at walking. Logan is getting good at cruising. So, while Roman struggled to walk around, Logan struggled to use Roman as an object to cruise on. Sort of a mobile cruising device, if you will. Watching the two of them struggle to remain upright and balance each other was a lot like watching a couple of Navy guys on shore leave coming out of a bar at the end of the night. "Hey! Hold me up man!" "I am holding you up, hold me up!" It was pretty funny. Very cute too. I hope my little analogy doesn't turn into a reality for those two, they are close in age and I am afraid that they could end up being partners in crime down the road a few years. Logan, of course, was fascinated with wrapping paper. He spent most of his present unwrapping time playing with the wrapping...

After Denise's family went home to see what the Elves brought them in jammies, my mom and dad, Jeff, and Jen, and the rest of Me Hardys found Elf gifts in our beds!

After opening them to find a haul of awesome pajama wear, the boys bathed and showered and went off to bed and we stayed up a while playing Texas Hold 'Em and watching Jeff kick our butts. Jeff and Jen stayed over Christmas Eve and we woke up early Christmas morning (the older boys were up at 5:00 am but we made them wait until 7:15 am) to fresh snow and Santa's haul! Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Dorothy joined us for the festival of present opening and "passing out" because the gifts were so good.

They moved on to Denise's to witness her present festival around 9:30 am and we cooked a big breakfast and spent the rest of the day playing with new gifts, reorganizing old toys, cleaning up wrapping paper, and contemplating the Savior's birth.

I love our family traditions because each Christmas Eve night we watch a short video on the Nativity and read the passages in Luke that describe the circumstances of Jesus' humble birth. What a story! To think that the greatest human being to ever live, and our personal Savior was born, like we are, to a woman, in a stable and slept in a manger of straw. I'm sure it wasn't hay, hay is much too scratchy...unless it was grass hay, then maybe. Anyway, somehow, for me to consider His birth in such a way causes me to feel hopeful that maybe I may be able to be more like Him. Such a time of hope Christmas is.

After Crazy Christmas, we settled in for the 3 day preparation for Jeff's 9th birthday. I can't believe my child is 9 years old. He's super tall too. He's up to my shoulders these days. How in the heck did that happen? Jeff lost the opportunity to have a big friend-invite birthday due to some behavior issues at home and school but we had lots of fun anyway. Todd's parents (Nana and Papa, Lorna and Rick) came up to visit just for Jeff's birthday and what a great time we had! After Jeff went scrambling around opening his multiple gifts (and "passed out" some more due to their fabulousness), we had a big breakfast at home and then went to Fat Cats for pizza, bowling, and arcade gaming. Jeff went crazy. I bowled the game of my life.

It was a good birthday for both of us. Jackson is quite the bowler too...who knew? Logan doesn't do so well. Actually, he kind of sucks. After a while we took off his bowling shoes and took the ball away and occupied him with other pursuits. I'm kidding...Logan didn't bowl. The afternoon of Jeff's birthday involved going to Barnes and Noble and picking out some new books (he reads at a 6th grade level) and going to dinner at Tepanyaki. He loved it! We had a great time. My parents were there, Todd's parents were there, and there were the Me Hardys. It was so much fun! A more apt celebration for a special 9 year old boy was never had. We love our Jeffrey and are so grateful for him. I am sure, after his birthday celebration, there is no doubt of that.

We took another quick trip to see the Zoo Lights at Utah's Hogle Zoo on December 30th. We went with Nana and Papa. We all had a great time seeing the animals in fresh snow and marveling at the great job the zoo does making this event one we are definitely going to add to our yearly holiday traditions. Rick and Lorna had recently been to San Diego Zoo and, if you've been you know that it is the BEST ZOO EVER, but I think Hogle Zoo impressed them with the Zoo Lights. Way to go our little zoo! In addition to this event, Logan got his first hair cut, and his first "being mobile" war wound. You can see both here...our poor little carpet-rashed baby! He's gonna be walking in days. I am terrified!

New Year's Eve was spent at a party with our neighborhood plus at our dear friends' Brad and Stacey Jackson's home across the street. We had so much fun eating grilled Bratwurst and Chicken and playing Texas Hold 'Em. It was a lot of fun to ring in the New Year with neat friends and their abundant children. At midnight, we set off some of Brad's impressive collection of illegal fireworks. We brought 2009 in with a BANG! It was funny to note that my horses are all completely conditioned to the fireworks now. Living across the street from Brad has made the well-prepared for hunting, bombing, strafing, and general war use. What a bonus! I don't think any of them even opened an eye to see what the noise was about.

As we moved into the New Year, our beloved University of Utah Utes beat Alabama (yes, ALABAMA!) 31-17 in the 2009 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 2nd. This means that they end their season 13-0, undefeated, and some of those games were against super tough teams. We are so proud of our Utah Utes and await the verdict...will they get the #1 ranking they deserve, being as they are the ONLY undefeated team in the nation? It's not likely, but it may, at least, cause the "powers that be" to reflect upon whether the current system for Championship College Football is working...I can only hope. It was a great game and I love my Alma Mater! One last note, Utah governor John Huntsman Jr. declared January 5th Utah Utes Day here in Utah. How cool is that? BYU doesn't have a day... GO UTES!

Today, as I sit and relay the highlights of the last two weeks and our holiday and birthday celebrations, I have one last bit of not so good news. Todd lost his Grandma Mary Lou Hardy this morning. She has already been fighting off several different ailments over the past year and has been gradually deteriorating in her health. It has been hard to watch such a strong, independent, and vibrant woman struggle with the ravages of time. The day before Christmas Eve she suffered a fall when visiting Todd's aunt and had a serious head injury as a result. Since she was in Salt Lake when she fell, we were able to see her regularly through out the holiday weeks as she struggled with her injuries and existing conditions. Unfortunately, her health was poor enough and her injuries severe enough that she wasn't able to fight off a serious lung infection and ultimately passed with pneumonia. We are so sad to see her go. She will be greatly missed! It is times like these that I am so grateful that we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that we know our families can be together forever. I have no idea how people get through these times without that knowledge. We will be attending her funeral in Alamo, Nevada sometime within the next week. I ask that you consider Todd and his family in your prayers and that you all remember to enjoy your loved ones while they are here for when they are gone, they will be missed!

Well, that's it! I hope you are all having a wonderful New Year! I hope you enjoyed Utah Utes Day and that you realize what a great team they are and that you just go ahead and join the fan club! My New Year's Commitment this year is to get myself back in shape. I am physically stressed with post-baby weight (and then some), too much worrying, and yummy (yet not so good) food. I commit to get my body back to healthy and liveable and I challenge you to take on growth yourselves in this new opportunity 2009. May you all be blessed with health and abundance this year! Much love to you all!!

December Traditions...

2008-12-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

As next week descends, I am feeling more and more "ready". I got a lot done yesterday with Todd as the fuel. He was so tired of not having presents under the tree, he just got sick of it and said, "We're doing our Christmas shopping today." That was that. So, while the boys were at school, we did some and then, after we picked them up, we did the rest. I really think one more trip out for a few last minute things and we are done! I am contemplating getting gift cards for the rest of the presents needed. People always like those. They can get what they want. I don't know, we'll see.

In the meantime, we are looking at the last full week of school before our 14 day break, the preparations for Christmas dinner, and the celebration of our Savior's birth. I am excited. Finally. It seems like there is so much going on, I have to get close to it to enjoy it. This last year has taught me that it is best for me to live as "in the moment" as I can. It cuts down on my tendency to "worry" about stuff and it allows me to fully appreciate where I am in any given moment. It's a good trend for me. The bad news about it though is that it seems like I can't really ramp up to anything. I don't know if that's really bad, it just is. So, now that Christmas is 9 days away, I am beginning to see it come around. I am, finally, excited for Logan's first Christmas, for Christmas Eve dinner at my house with my family, for all the traditions that mean Christmas for me Hardys.

This past week we were in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. It was so awesome! Thanks to Laurie for getting me those tickets! I love it so much every single year. Jeff and Jackson went to Alamo for two days and spent quality time with their "Papa" there. Logan stayed with Todd and I and went to the rodeo. He was such a trooper! Between the rodeo and the Cowboy Christmas trade show, he was way off schedule, shorted several naps, and ridden hard, but he hung in there and even had a GREAT time!

Turns out that he really likes the show, the music, and the rodeo. He was riveted by the events, danced whenever there was music on, and loves arena food. It was so fun to have him along. My parents were our companions as were my friend Andrea and her fiancee' Jason. They were all so much fun to have along! I don't celebrate well alone so, the more, the merrier! I am glad we did it, and after 5 straight years of attendance, I am pretty sure that it is now one of our fully-entrenched December traditions.

Today I am ordering our Honeybaked Ham and our eggnog from Winder Dairy. My family will be coming for Christmas Eve dinner and I am excited to have them. I need to prepare! This week we will be attending tithing settlement, some more choir performances, the temple, and my nephew Jake's birthday party celebration. Jake turned four last week but we were gone. We will be going to Salt Lake on the Frontrunner train and will be having dinner and seeing a movie with him. I can't believe he is four years old! I remember his birth, I was so blessed to be there! I sent out our Christmas cards yesterday and so you shall be receiving one soon. I hope. So, choir performances, tithing settlement, Honeybaked Ham, Christmas Eve dinner, the NFR, Jake's birthday, Christmas cards, these are all December traditions that we are participating in and we are so glad to have you along. There are more, I'm just not there yet. Still in the moment.

On a "farm" note, the chickens are pretty boring. They are all alive and are surviving the colder weather and the periodical snow we are having here. The new chickens (Feathers Kaboom-Pellet and Parmesan) are starting to fit in, though one of them keeps dorkily laying eggs outside. What is that about? We did inherit a new family member yesterday. Right after I wrote, printed, and copied my annual Christmas letter too! Oh well, he'll be on there next year. His name is Levi and he is a naughty indoor cum outdoor cat. He has joined our other two mousers Charlotte and Tom. He is actually their litter mate. He was peeing in the house and shredding stuff and so his owner asked me if we would add him to our crew. Todd and I figured that we would be the best home for him, even if he is declawed, because he can be in the garage if he needs to. Besides, what's one more cat? I draw the line at three though. It's three more than I ever said I would have. But for the mice, I wouldn't have any. I'm not really a "cat" person. I hate the mice though. They better do their job. That's all I can say about that. So Levi looks just like Tom only he's not as fat. He's scared and cute but I'm sure he'll fit in eventually.

That's it folks! Watch for your Christmas cards and please stay in touch! We all love you so much! Have a great week...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

2008-12-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to see an awful lot of snow falling outside. Dare I get excited? Don't get me wrong, most of you know I'm not a die hard ski bunny (anymore) but once it gets cold, I figure it oughta just snow. My perennials won't grow or bloom, the leaves are off the trees, the horses are all fuzzy, and the dogs bring in dead leaves every time they go outside. It's time to cover that dead and yellowing grass and all of those leaves with beautiful, white, and cozy snow. Besides, I love watching my animals work with the snow. They often enjoy it the way we would, and sometimes they play in it. I love to watch that. My dogs will roll and roll in fresh snow. Especially Daisy. She enjoys it at 100%. The horses will weather it as it falls and then, once it has stopped, they get out and play in it. They run, buck, kick, and rear playing and playing. They like to watch it fly around. They love the crisp air. For now, they are weathering the storm.

It is something I can stand and watch for hours. It may look boring but, to me, it is not. I don't know if that makes me weird. It doesn't really matter to me if it does. It's one thing I love about living where I do with all that I have. Truly something that causes me to reflect on my blessings and to feel grateful. Who knew that the weather would call forth such a reflection? Either way, I am grateful for the weather change and all it brings.

This week has been standardly busy for us Hardys. Jeff and Jackson weathered another week of school with flying colors. They are getting along at school and making good grades. Things seem to be evening out. We attended another choir performance for Jeff on Thursday. They performed at Ogden City's Christmas Village and did 5 songs. He was in the front row and we could see him SO well! I am sorry I didn't bring the camera this time. He did a great job and was so much fun to watch. He is such a performer. Is there anything that kid doesn't do well? I guess sit quietly. He doesn't really sit quietly. I don't think any of us do though, I can't really point fingers. As Jackson tells me, "There are no faults Mom."

Jeff performed tonight at the Joseph Smith Memorial in Salt Lake and at Utah's Hogle Zoo for the Zoo Lights display. We went down to watch him and I took lots of pictures and video of this extravaganza. It was so much fun! For one thing, I think it's awesome that Jeff's choir teacher takes the time to set up such neat performance venues! What an awesome lady! The Joseph Smith Memorial was typically opulent and beautiful and our little choir made the vestibule ring with Christmas cheer. It was fun to see the kids gawking at the decorations as they sang. It also brought such warmth to my heart as I watched the passersby stop to partake of the season in such a beautiful place while they listened to the innocence and joy of these children as they sang. Considering the location, I would say it was a great missionary tool as well. My son Jeff has such a strong testimony. I know it was special to him that he got to sing in such an important place. It was also fun to listen to Jackson shout, "Look, it's the temple!" as we walked by the west windows. Our family still needs to make the time to walk Temple Square this season. It is an important tradition for us, maybe next Monday we will spend our FHE that way.

The Zoo Lights at Utah's Hogle Zoo were awesome! If you haven't been, you gotta go. They have begun to do it every year from December 1 to December 26th. It truly was magical. I know that sounds cliche, but it was! I told Todd that it was like a "Layla Christmas". Christmas lights and animals, how can it get any better. The new snow added a special magic to the whole scene and I really think it was as good as any Disney theme park. That's saying a lot. We are Disney junkies. Watching Jeff sing there was lots of fun but I know that the choir director set it up mostly to get the kids in for free because they didn't have many people to sing for and they spent an hour walking through the zoo to see the animals and the lights. What a special occasion. I can't wait to see the video I got of the whole thing. I hope it does the place justice. The best part was the segment I think I'll be sending to American's Funniest Home Videos. Jeff kept sticking the end of his electric candle in his mouth instead of singing and it was pretty dang funny. You'll have to watch AFV for him sometime in the next year.

Jackson is getting dang good at all of his letters and their sounds. He says he feels like the letters are "tricking" him sometimes. He tells me that "g" and "c" don't sound like they "should". I just tell him to be patient with the tricky letters, being able to read is a power he will have his whole life. He is hanging in there. He had quite the time at his last wrestling meet this weekend.

He took his first 1st place of the year! For someone who is wrestling for the first time against some kids who are their second year, that is impressive. I would say he's a chip off the old

block and I don't mean me. He pinned the first two boys he wrestled outright and then won on points with his third match. I am so proud of him. Even though his coach wasn't there (Todd) he wrestled better than I've ever seen him. Todd wondered to me if he needed to just stay away next year. I don't think that's the case. I think it was just a good day for Jack.

Jeffrey wrestled his last tournament this past Saturday as well. He wrestled two boys he has already met up against (and beaten) and then a new kid. The new boy was a wrestling progeny. As I watched his family

line up around the mat I saw his brother, who wrestles for Weber High (state champs the last 3 years), and his dad who is an MMA fighter with a wrestling base. Jeff picked that moment to come to me, quite forlorn, and say, "Mom, this kid's been wrestling for 5 years!" I told him not to worry, to work as hard as he could, and to have fun. He gave it his best shot but in the last of his three bouts against this boy, he was pinned. It was his first time being pinned and meant that he finished this tournament with his first 2nd place medal. He was pretty frustrated, considering he's had 1st place medals every other week. I think it is good for him to find out what second place feels like though.

It gives him something to work toward for next year and supports him in learning that he isn't invincible. I say, overall, they both had a successful first season and they have told me that they want to do it again next year. I am happy to provide them with that. I, however, am very excited that this is the end of their sports until this summer when they go back into baseball. Mom needs a "sports" break.

Todd had his first "UTA" Drill Weekend at Hill AFB this past weekend. He was getting "oriented" on being in the military. Ha, ha. It was good fun for all. He was on Cloud 9 all weekend long as he was back in uniform and back in the boys' club. What more can I say? He got all the details of his military record/life organized, added Logan to his records, and reinstated our life insurance. So now we can all die and leave somebody something. You can

make a bid on who gets our life insurance. The will goes to the highest bidder. Good luck. Just kidding. What else can I say about it? It's nice to have that kind of security back in our lives again. I can't really overstate that at all. We have health insurance, we have life insurance, they are with a stable "company". It is (almost) all good. I think with the couple of "big" contracts that are still outstanding with Phoenix Alloys are signed and the guys are delivering on them every week, I will feel "totally" secure (whatever that means). Until then, I am grateful for my blessings, for the abundance we are experiencing every day, and for the continued blessings of the Lord.

We are headed out to Las Vegas this week. We are going down to our annual run at the National Finals Rodeo. Laurie got me tickets for my birthday this year and we are going with my parents and with Andrea and Jason (Andrea's fiancee'). I am really excited! This is the one really special thing I get to do EVERY year with my parents and Todd. It has become a tradition that we all enjoy and it truly is the best damn rodeo you have ever seen! I love rodeo, I love looking at horseflesh, and I LOVE shopping at the Cowboy Christmas trade show that happens at the Las Vegas Convention Center every year. It is Layla heaven. I am so grateful that my family "gets" me such that they support me in this thing that I love. I know they don't all love it, but they support me, and what more can I ask for? Besides, I think my parents and Todd have become quite the rodeo junkies anyway. Todd would say that he has always loved rodeo, and I know that's true, but he's way more invested now that he has surrendered to his roots. Bless him. We will see Laurie while we are there and kiss her face (and the baby Russ' face too!). Jeff and Jack will go with "Papa" to Alamo for a sleepover as Grandpa Rick will be watching them while we rodeo fan. We'll keep the Lolo with us. He needs to go to the NFR since he's free. It's gonna be a nice vacation and I am grateful for our babysitter/petsitter Courtney for taking care of our critters while we're gone.

As far as "The Chicken Letters" are concerned, there just isn't much to share. Our chickens are safely living in captivity now and, it seems, they don't have much drama unless they are roaming around "free range". They've been "cooped up" (ha, ha) since Thanksgiving week and all are healthy, happy, and fatter. We're getting 5 to 8 eggs per day (do you need any?) and they have worked out a semi-humane pecking order. Even our new ladies, Feathers Kaboom-Pellet and Parmesan, are getting along well though they are on the bottom rung. Sorry there just isn't more to tell. I am disappointed though relieved that I don't have more drama. I am sure this spring, when we are letting them range a bit again, there will be more to come. Who knows, maybe something else will happen? I pray they all stay alive and that all our critters stay healthy. We have to knock on wood around here, we have some old horses (25 and 18) and some old dogs (11 and 9). No one needs to head over Rainbow Bridge just yet.

Well, that's it. I will do more Christmas shopping when I get back from Vegas and intend to wrap up (I'm really hitting the puns today) my holiday preparations next week. I am sure we'll have stories to tell about our time down south. I hope this finds you well. If you want a Christmas Card/Letter, email me and I'll get you one. You can always catch me at laylahardy@gmail.com.

Love to you all!!

Nevada and other stuff...

2008-12-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Oh you're so lucky. We won't be talking about wrestling in this week's post. I guess that isn't good for those of you who LIKE to talk about wrestling but for those of you who don't care, GOOD FOR YOU! There wasn't a meet because of Turkey Day. We didn't do much in the direction of wrestling at all, so you're safe. The truth is, this weekend is the last tournament so we're nearly done anyway and I'm looking forward to the break. I love watching my boys go to town but seriously, it would be good to have a weekend off. So-to-speak.

Todd got notified that his application for the Reserves has been processed and he is now "in". The computer hasn't finished putting all the tabs into all the slots yet so he won't get his new ID card until Wednesday or Thursday but that's just the shouting. It looks like we'll be able to go onto military insurance which is so freakin' awesome I can't even tell you! I'll give it a shot. Can you imagine paying $180 per month and not having any other medical costs at all? I'm serious. NONE. No prescriptions, no copays, no deductibles. NOTHING! Awesome! I'm so excited. We should be covered by mil insurance by the start of next week. Todd has his first "drill weekend" this weekend (because the processing went faster than we thought) and we're about 90% sure he'll be in Texas for all of March. It's going very fast. I couldn't be happier. Things, all things, having been going so slow for about 2 years now and it's good to have something go fast. (Well, except my kids' growth, that is really super fast.) I'm relieved. Yay Todd!

We had a busy week last week. We went to Nevada to spend Thanksgiving with Todd's family in Alamo. It is about an 8 hour drive for us. That's not too bad because we like road trips. Unless you're Logan, than you hate road trips. He is anti-car seat today. He hates car seats. Don't give him a gun because he will shoot the car seat. It wasn't just the end of the week that was crazy though, the first part was as well.

On Monday last week, we had the Roy City Christmas Lighting concert that I told you about. Then Tuesday night was Bunco night for me. That made things hectic because we had to get everything ready to go before Tuesday night because I was gone for 4 hours at Bunco (which I love). Bunco is a lot of fun in itself, but I actually like the "hanging-out-with-the-girls" part of Bunco more. I love those girls. I always have a great time. Sometimes I laugh so hard I cry and sometimes I just have great conversations with a bunch of really amazing women. Either way, it is something I am so grateful for and I will continue to attend as long as they will have me! I hope they will always have me.

So anyway, after Tuesday's getting ready and my going to Bunco (there is more, but it is for the "Chicken Letters" part of this post), Todd and I passed out cold. We got up ready and raring to go on Wednesday morning, all aboard the Mayflower. We drove to Alamo via I-15 but had to stop in the Salt Lake area to run some metals around for Phoenix Alloys. It is the kind of stuff that takes time and is a pain in the neck but is so valuable and important to the company. So, while we wished we could have just hit the road straight up, we were glad to have metal to run around because it means Todd is working.

When we arrived in Alamo, we were immediately set up to do family pictures. That's our 2nd round in less than 4 days. I'm telling you, some of these pics we've had done have GOT to turn out...there have been so many taken! I'm hoping to have them soon. I'm anxious to see

them!

After taking pics with tired, anxious, and excited kids, we retired to dinner and then staggered off to bed. We weren't the only ones either. Todd's sister Tawna and her husband Matt (shouts out to you seals!) have four kids and were just as whipped! Todd's brother Rick and his wife Kristi and his sister Taura and her husband Scott were sports and helped out. It was a lot of mocus (that is commotion and ruckus all rolled into one word) but we got 'er done! On Thursday we woke up and had a great breakfast thanks to Todd's dad Rick and settled in for "the big cook". We played cards, smelled the turkey and watched/listened to the kids tear up Nana's house. It was a combination of fun and crazy. Isn't that what family time and the holidays are about? Once the food was done we fed the kids and fed ourselves and then fed and fed some more. It was a lot of feeding I tell you. I ate too much. Todd filled up his "fat tummy" pants. Logan was even full and I didn't feed him anymore than I normally do. I think it was in the air. We took some very cute pictures of Logan and Tawna's baby Ethan who is 10 weeks younger. Here they are, working in their baby cubicles.

Logan is in the blue jammies and Ethan is in the green. Thursday night ended around 10:00 pm for the kids via a movie and around 1:00 am for the adults via cards and food comas. It was a good Thanksgiving, lots to be grateful for.

On Friday morning we woke up to get ready for a day in Las Vegas. Alamo is about 90 miles north of Las Vegas and that means that Vegas is the nearest city. It's really the nearest settlement of any size. There are a few very small towns about 40 or 50 miles north east but they don't have anymore in the way of amenities than does Alamo so you know Vegas is gonna play a critical role. Tawna and I woke up early to get our kids showered and dressed so that they would be out of the way of the other adults. But something went haywire, and there was a mad scramble for showers and hot water and the like. I don't know why. Tawna and I thought we had a good plan but I guess all the kids getting up and getting ready spawned some kind of mad dash. The whole thing was really silly because we didn't even need to leave for Vegas until about 10:30 am.

So here we are, fighting to stay alive in the bathroom as people give you "the look" because you are in there and everyone is working hard to get the showering done before the water goes to ice. Seriously. It was like calf roping and showering and hygeine all rolled into one event. I've never seen anything like it since I moved out of my parents' house. Even then it wasn't that crazy.

After we were all done "getting ready" there was all this sitting around and wondering what the hurry was. Todd will want me to emphasize that he wasn't hurrying. He was the only one in his right mind. I think Matt was in his right mind too. To be fair. So anyway, we're all sitting around and thinking it's gonna be a long time before we leave. What do we decide? We decide to take some pics of the kids. This is because they are all dressed up in the outfits that their "Nana" got for them when she went on an Alaskan cruise earlier this year. Here are some of what we got...

Aren't they all adorable? I think they were definitely done with pictures by the time we got done though. Check Abby out in that middle pic. All you can see are her legs. I don't blame them. I was done as well. While this was all going on, we (the adults) were hungry. Our Thanksgiving dinner-stretched stomachs were growling for MORE and most of us were pretty sure that we wouldn't be able to wait until Vegas. Todd noted that all the cereal had been decimated by the kids and that we needed a Plan B. I just suggested that we eat the left over rolls with peanut butter on them. That idea went over like wild fire in southern California so people descended onto the kitchen and began the mad spreading of peanut butter upon roll after roll. After a few minutes of chewing and groaning noises, Tawna mentioned that the peanut butter tasted a bit "different". I said that I thought that it tasted like maybe the peanuts had been seriously roasted before being made into "butter". There was some general shrugging and then more chewing and groaning until the rolls were gone. Matt and Taura watched from a distance, not being tempted or hungry for our improvised breakfast.

After we were done eating, I headed to the kitchen to throw my styrofoam away and walked by the peanut butter. I picked it up wondering what the label was, thinking that maybe the taste could be attributed to a "no name brand" type label or something. Upon seeing that it was, in fact, "Western Family" peanut butter I decided that maybe that was why it tasted so different. However, I turned the jar over to look at the expiration date just the same. It turns out that our particular jar of peanut butter had expired in January of 2007. Nearly two years ago. Rick and Lorna (Todd's parents) don't eat peanut butter. It doesn't agree with them. So, they hadn't had a reason to check the date. It didn't affect them. It did, however, affect 4 out of 6 adults in the home that day. Todd, Tawna, Scott, and myself were all burping, vurping (those are the little burps that make you throw up in your mouth a little bit), and tasting expired peanut butter for the rest of the day. Suddenly, a Vegas buffet didn't sound anywhere nearly as good as a Sprite did. Despite the "after-tasting" that went on all day, as well as the many trips to the bathroom, we survived. Turns out that expired peanut butter isn't anywhere nearly as dangerous as other expired foodstuffs. I wouldn't recommend it though, it whacks out your digestive tract for a few days. Layla is thankful for fresh peanut butter.

After we got to Vegas, we went to the Las Vegas Museum of Natural History. We all had a great time. They had lots of neat stuffed specimens, some live sea life, hatching bamboo sharks, and dinosaurs! It was awesome! The kids were screaming, yelling, and running all around stuffing their little brains with knowledge. I don't think I've ever been so fortified in Las Vegas.

If you want to see more pics, and I took a lot of cute ones, check my Facebook out. After the museum, we caught a movie and braved TGI Fridays on Friday (it wasn't as busy as you would think) and basically had a nice day out. We got back to Alamo late Friday night and put the kids to bed and commenced playing cards. We were totally slap happy and it turns out that Tawna snorts when she laughs really hard. Who am I to throw stones though? I do the same thing. The police came to tell us to shut the car door (how's that for tired) because there were three cats inside our car and we finally staggered off to bed at about 2:00 am.

Saturday was our originally planned trek home. We thought about staying, decided to leave, and then waited so long to go that we ended up staying anyway because traveling through southern Nevada and southern Utah at night is inherently dangerous. Think, "BIG GAME on the road." when I say this. Saturday afternoon was a lot of fun with just our little family and Todd's parents. Rick took us to the C-130 quick strip landing site there in Alamo where we shot up tin cans, water bottles, and shot gun shells with a 22 rifle and revolver. The boys (and I) were LOVING it.

I have to say, it's been a while since I've shot a gun and I can still hit something. One out of ten times at least. The boys did great and learned a lot about gun safety. That's important, considering that where we live is very rural and there are lots of guns around. Not my house, but others...

After we were done there, we went further up the dirt road to Box Canyon where Todd spent his childhood bouldering around on huge slabs of sedimentary mudstone. What an awesome place it is. We decided to get out of the car (leaving Logan with Nana, of course) and to go bouldering up the canyon to a rock that has been hollowed out by the wind and rain of time.

Believe it or not, this rock is about 200 feet above the desert floor and is pretty intense. To give you an idea of the height, the car we came in is viewable behind Todd on his left. It was a nice opportunity for Todd to share some of his childhood with Jeffrey and Jackson as well as to give them some cool memories of their own!

Saturday night was for card playing, college football watching, and rest. We had a nice time and went to bed at a decent time (for a change). We got up early Sunday, showered, packed, and headed home. It was a lovely day for the drive and Logan was good and tired when we left. We went through all the areas of southern Nevada that remind Todd of his youth, stopping to document our transition from Nevada to Utah.

We stopped in Cedar City (where Todd and I met and spent our first year of college and the first 4 months of our marriage) to show the boys where their dad played college football and where he broke his back.

We ate lunch and continued north through horrendous traffic. I can't believe how bad it was! By the time we got to Payson, we were actually stopping and starting on I-15. That is crazy to me! We got home at about 7:00 pm last night to our home and animals, all lovingly cared for by our wonderful babysitter/pet sitter Courtney! What will we do when she graduates from high school this year? I guess hire her brother Logan. He has a nice name. So we are home and are catching up. It is gonna be a busy week ahead, but no rest for the weary.

A short installment into "The Chicken Letters" this week. I am sure I told you about General Tso's unfortunate gunshot wound. She is healing nicely and is back to her old self. It turns out that the wound wasn't as bad as it could have been and she will persevere, purple heart and all. I wish I could say that the story ended there but it doesn't. When I went to Bunco on Tuesday night, I was telling my neighbors about the modifications that Todd was putting on the coop so that the chickens weren't ranging anymore (they work great by the way). I told them that after General Tso was shot, that was the end of it and we were gonna put our chickens in their place. My chicken affectionate neighbor (aforementioned when referencing mouse bait) put her hands over her face and moaned, "Brad confessed to me last night. He shot your chicken." She felt bad. I told her the General was going to be okay but she said that Brad felt "like a fool" and wanted to make restitution. It turns out that he had already gone out and purchased two chickens to replace some of our lost flock. I asked her when he was going to bring them over and she explained that it was "his thing". Come Wednesday morning, we saw Brad jump into a friend's truck and drive away so we figured he would either be putting the chickens in our coop or that he would be housing them himself until we got back. Apparently he was so embarrassed that he let his temper get the best of him so that he shot at the General AND that he had run away when Todd yelled at him (he, he) that he didn't really want to face us. I told my friend to tell him not to worry but again, it was "his thing". So, I didn't press the issue.

When we got home last night we found that we have two new members. It looks like they are a couple of older Rhode Island Red hens who are missing a few feathers. I thought that our chickens had removed their feathers during some hazing but it turns out that they came that way. I hope that they are either molting or were living with a nasty rooster and that their feathers will grow in as they find our home to be a healthy and safe environment. The other chickens seem to be accepting them alright and I am sure we can take good care of them. I hope they don't have parasites. If they do, we'll take it on. Either way, we have two new layers. I am happy about that and I'm always happy to put animals who have been in a rough environment into a better one (mine). I think they will eventually thrive here. They seem very scared and are having a rough time feeling comfortable. With patience and lots of care, I am sure they will soon feel at home. We have decided to name one Feathers Kaboom (ironic, considering the feather issue) but haven't quite decided on the other one's name. We will, as I am sure you know, keep you posted. Here they are, rough looking and all...

Feathers Kaboom is the one missing feathers on her head (smaller comb) and the other one's wing feathers are looking weird. I wish they would stop being so scared!

Other than that, Terri, our dog-injured chicken, is back in with the flock and has secured her spot with her old girls. Look at her tail feathers growing back in! She is doing well and I'm sure she'll be all the better for her trails.

Aren't we all? So, the chicken drama this week ends up being "good" drama. That is, provided the "new" chickens aren't missing feathers due to parasites. I'm crossing my fingers that the weather is too cold for parasites.

Well, that's it! A lot, I know. I'm okay with it. If you aren't, don't read, just look at the pics. I am happy to say we are attending my nephew Roman's birthday party, planning to decorate for Christmas, instituting a new work out regimen, and watching Logan continue to grow in his mobility (he pulls up solidly now, no more capital N) this week. I hope to see some of you around this week. Either way, much love to you and we'll post to you next week, watch for updates! Happy December!

And the holidays commence...

2008-11-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody. What a week it has been since our last update. I am not sure where to start, but maybe the best place is with the best news. Todd got a call last week from a Major Paladino with the 419th reserve unit at Hill AFB here in Layton and he wanted to meet with Todd ASAP. He was very excited to meet Todd and, it seems, he got ahold of Todd's resume and reserve application from a recruiter that Todd was working with about a year ago when he was on the hunt for a full time Air Force Reserves job. Of course Todd isn't available for full time employment anymore but Major Paladino wasn't looking for a full time troop anyway. It turns out that he has been on the look out for an officer to come in and work as his Operations Officer which, in Air Force speak, is the second in command! What an honor!

I'm not fully versed in the way the reserves work. We all know that reservists are supposed to work 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks per year and that they are to stand ready should our full time active duty troops need some help. It turns out that some reservists work "part time", some just do "drill weekend", and some work "full time". It looks like Todd will be working on drill weekends as well as some hours part time when the Major needs his help with things around the squadron. The squadron is 178 people strong and is a maintenance unit that works on F-16s. As most of you know, Todd worked on A-10s when he was an enlisted troop and already has a maintenance patch. However, his officer training was in logistics so he'll need to go to Texas and Shepard AFB some time in the near future for four weeks of maintenance officer training so that he has all the right credentials. Other than that, he is (and I quote) "exactly what [Major Paladino] needs." We are very excited. Not only will this be of financial support (major tithing blessing here) but it will also be good for Todd's psyche and his soul. If you know Todd well at all, you know that he loved serving in the military and has been feeling it's absence since he separated in mid-2006. We are all very excited about this. He should be fully processed into the reserves by December 15th. He will be meeting with the other officers and the group commander on December 6th for drill weekend so that everyone can become acquainted. Between that and his duck hunting escapades the past few days, he is in heaven.

Jeffrey and Jackson are excited that there are only two school days this week and that one of them is a "short" day, meaning that they only attend for part of the day. From what I can tell, they are partying for most of their time at school. I am Jackson's room mother and I know he is in for a great time because we have scads of "indian" food for his party. Of course it's not Indian food as in food from India. They will be eating popcorn, craisins, corn nuts, raisins, beef jerky, and other foods the Native American tribes would have enjoyed. He is quite excited, especially about the popcorn. Jeff said that his class was having a potluck but I have no idea what they are doing because we didn't send anything as a contribution (we weren't asked). We'll see what he has to say after school today.

They are still wrestling and had a really good meet last Friday at Weber High School. They are both getting better and better with every week. I am so impressed with how strong, coordinated, and intense they are. Neither of them likes to lose and so they rarely do. As I've said before, it discomforts me how much emotion goes into this whole thing and I rarely see a bout go without crying or extreme upset, either on the part of my boy or the one he is wrestling.

I know Jeffrey is incredibly frustrating for many of the boys he wrestles because he can't be pinned and they are 2 and 3 years into this whole thing and are used to being able to pin their opponent.

Jeffrey wrestled three of the toughest kids he has faced yet and ended up in a three-way tie for first place. We are very proud of his accomplishment!

Jackson got pretty frustrated this last time around because the boy he was wrestling couldn't pin him and nearly refused to finish the bout. His opponent started crying and wailing and his frustration just confused and upset Jackson so much that he didn't want to go on.

Todd and I spent some time with him and he bucked up and finished the bout but didn't want to continue to wrestle. He kept telling me that his Dad "Didn't know what he was talking about with wrestling." and that "None of the stuff he told him to do would work." and that "He wasn't good enough to keep going." I was quite surprised because the whole problem with the previous bout was that he was SO good that the boy he was wrestling wasn't able to beat him. I am starting to think he's like his mom a little bit. He was feeling and projecting the other boy's feelings and it was really getting him down. We talked and I explained that if he didn't keep going and keep practicing that he wouldn't ever be good. I told him that lots of times we aren't good at things right away, we have to work to be good. After a few minutes of "thumb therapy" in my arms, Jackson decided to finish the meet. He did a great job and ended up finishing second in the bracket. I was so proud of him!

That's two places he's jumped in one week! What a stalwart little guy!

Jeff is also very into choir these days. He's finally old enough to sing in the choir (3rd grade is the youngest grade that can sing in the choir) and he and his elementary school choir sang at the Christmas lighting ceremonies for Roy City last night. He was such an animated singer and had so much fun. That, of course, made him lots of fun to watch and I just couldn't get enough of him! Too bad that they only sang 3 songs and then were finished. I am looking forward to watching him sing at the Joseph Smith Memorial, Hogle Zoo, and the Newgate Mall this season. It will be so much fun to see him growing himself in this way and I am so glad he likes it so much!

Logan is going to prove me wrong. Isn't that what kids are good for anyway? It looks like he may crawl after all. He's been doing that thing where he gets up on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth. "Motor revving" I like to call it. Once he figures out how to move his hands forward, and then his legs, he'll be off and then I'll be frenzied! I'm looking forward to it, just because I think he'll be a much happier baby when he can move himself around. He's a pretty jovial guy anyway, but never underestimate the power of mobility. He has figured out how to clap since last week and he's been waving for about a month and a half now. I'm thinking that as his coordination in hand gestures improves, his communication will improve. I hope Jeff doesn't teach him how to swear with his hands. We did some family pictures with my parents and Denise's family last weekend and he was so funny the whole time. He was irritated when we had him pose sitting but when we stood him up, he was a total camera ham. I took him to get some pictures done at a studio the day before and he was a ham the whole entire time. So maybe he wasn't frustrated by the sitting. Maybe he just didn't enjoy sharing the spotlight. Who knows? Either way, I should have some dang cute pictures to post next time. He is a photogenic baby and loves to perform, so we shall see how they go over...

Utah won this past week. Need I say more? I probably should state that they won 48-24 and that is pretty dang awesome. I love the Utes. It looks like they are up for a BCS bowl now and we are just (impatiently) waiting until December 7th to find out who and where we play. We may go to the game if it is the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix but any other bowl is too far away for us to be able to justify going. We are super excited and are proud of our team. You'll be able to tell when you get our Christmas cards and I'm not letting any more out of the bag.

We are headed to Alamo for Thanksgiving with the Hardys this week. We will be leaving Wednesday and coming home Sunday. I'm excited to spend time with all of them and to let our kids play together. I'm hoping that we spend lots of time telling stories, playing cards, and enjoying one another. That is what the holidays are about for me and I am sure hoping we can do lots of it this week. I will be sure to take lots of pictures so I can post them next time.

The most recent installment of "The Chicken Letters" is jam-packed with drama. I don't have much story to tell, just some incidents to relay. Our adventure chicken "Kung Pow" was at it again this week. Unfortunately, she has met her demise. I am sad. I love Kung Pow. Such spirit, in a creature that epitomizes fear (i.e. the term "chicken"), is rare. Due to her ranging and her "adventure chicken" ways, Kung Pow is pecking and scratching and laying her green eggs in haystacks on high. She always did push the envelope and I'm afraid that she pushed it into my neighbors garage where she may have sampled mouse bait. I don't know this for sure but I found her dead, after she acted strangely for two days, in her coop. No wounds, no feather loss. I am pretty sure that the mouse bait got her because my neighbor (who is sweet and bears NO chicken malice) told me she was afraid that it may have happened. Then to find a seemingly healthy Kung Pow dead two days later is too much coincidence. RIP Kung Pow Adventure Chicken. You are missed. That is not all my chicken drama this week. It seems we have a double dose. Yesterday Todd was out "chicken herding" because the little rangers found themselves at the neighbors again. Not wanting them to meet the same fate as Kung Pow and, wanting to respect our neighbors' landscaping, we are trying to keep them in the yard. As he was chicken herding, her heard a loud "pop!" and saw General Tso fly up in the air and cackle as if she had been shot. He shouted out reflexively and then ran around the building he was in front of but didn't see anyone around. Thinking he must have mis-heard, he drove the chickens home and came inside. Later that day I couldn't find the General anywhere. I was concerned, considering the story Todd had told me, so I started looking in all of the chicken "hiding places" we have. I found her under the horse trailer looking miserable. I chased her out only to chase her under the coop. After getting her to come out of there I caught her and found a small spot of blood on her leg where it joins her body. She is limping badly as well and it does seem that General Tso deserves a purple heart. She has been shot. We are thinking a high powered BB Gun or Pellet gun probably got her. Due to this recent string of events, we have decided that it does not serve our chickens (or, obviously our neighbors) to "free range". It seems that they are more trouble for everyone than anyone had thought they would be. Todd and I are building a completely enclosed yard for them and will have it done before we head south for the holiday. I am hoping that it will end the sadder chicken drama and that, after this, we will only have flock drama that is more like a soap opera than a war on chickens. I'm tired of losing chickens. While the General is okay and I think she'll make it after a few days' convalescence, I don't want to lose anymore. I love the General and Kung Pow was very close to my heart. I would rather we keep them penned and keep them period than that we continue to let them range and lose them. I don't know how I'll ever get up the gumption to kill and eat them in a few year. Todd says that as long as they are producing eggs, they are safe so I will pray that their production goes on forever...or until I am tired of them. Here is a picture of General Tso...send good thoughts her way, she needs them!

Well, that's it! We are off to Nevada to bulk up our waistlines! I am so grateful for so much this season. As Thanksgiving is about what we are grateful for, I will list here something from each of us that represents what we are grateful for this year. Todd is grateful for family and for new opportunities. Layla is grateful for healthy family and tithing blessings. Jeffrey is grateful for his friends and family. Jackson is grateful for "Indian Day" at school. Logan is grateful for the Johnny Jump Up and for the fact that his Mommy will still nurse him.

May you consider all that you are grateful for this season and enjoy the friends, family, and rest that comes upon you. Remember, we are so grateful for each of you and wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Cheers!

November isn't just for Thanksgiving

2008-11-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

I find that November is a busy month. I'm not talking about what people are used to with November busy-ness, I'm talking about extra busy-ness. You know, the kind you don't regularly take into account when you're thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, and raking leaves. There is all this extra stuff to do in November that I don't think about. It's biting me in the butt so far. Don't get me wrong. A lot of the stuff, I love to do and to be a part of. It's the extra stuff combined with the regular stuff that tempts me to feel overwhelmed.

It seems like every November I get some Sha-nasty cold. I should automatically budget in about 4 days for sickness every November. Now, my "training" tells me that to do that would be to "create the space" for myself to get sick. However, history shows me that I get a cold every November and that about 2 out of three years it just kicks my butt. This is the case this past week. I am still quite yucky today but I feel like I'm on the climb out. I actually fed animals this morning. That's a bonus. Especially to Todd. So, back to my point, this past week I have been quite sick. Still a Mom, still a wife, still a sister, a daughter, a friend, and sick. While I did a lot of things that were fun and that I loved this past week, it's been rough and I have to wonder, did I get anything done to prepare for the "regular" November stuff? The answer is NO. I still have no idea what Christmas is going to look like. I don't know what we're getting the kids, what Santa will be contributing, what family will be getting. I am up in the night. Thanksgiving is going to be in Alamo this year. We have planned our travel days (loosely) but not securely and I don't know what we are responsible for, if anything. I also haven't budgeted (ack!) for it. So...maybe I'm using the "extra busy-ness" to avoid the "planned busy-ness"? Now, that's an idea.

Anywho...this week was busy, sick, and GREAT. We had a rough Monday because we hit the ground skidding for some reason (sick) but the days after that only got better. Did I tell you we were sick? Alright, I'll leave it alone. Todd and Jeff had pack meeting this week and Jeff earned his Geology belt loop. He is amassing quite a collection of belt loops for his uniform. What a haul he is getting!

He is on track to earn his Wolf badge at pack meeting in December or January which is right on time, considering that he'll be moving into Bears when he turns 9 at the end of December. He is enjoying scouts as Todd is enjoying being the Cub Master. I have fun being the Bear Den Leader because even though Jeff has been in Wolves, I have been working with the Wolf Den to get some of my Bears their Wolf badges before they move on to Webelos. I have been able to work closely with Jeff and we'll have even more fun when he's a Bear. Todd likes that I'm the Bear Den Leader. It means he's my boss about yet another thing. The Lord loves to remind me of my place. :-)

Todd has been sick, as has Logan this past week, though I think they went through the worst of it last weekend. They are both feeling much better and seem to be nearly through the forest. I am jealous. I am even more jealous of Jeff, he hasn't been sick at all! Todd's been stalwart throughout. This week has been busy for him: Pack Meeting, a trip to Roosevelt, a couple of big deals with work, and wrestling to oversee. I also threw the kids in his lap twice when I took my dear friend Andrea out for her birthday and when I attended a monthly "Girls' Nite Out" this past week. Lots of Hamburger Helper at our house. He's a champ. I honestly couldn't have picked a better dad for my kids. He is awesome and so supportive! He starts school again this week and will be that much closer to his Master's degree. Six more classes (including this one) and he's there! I'm so proud of him! He's also got more going on with Phoenix Alloys and, as always, wrestling.

Jeff and Jackson both got their report cards and I met with their teachers this week. It turns out that they are smart. I know, it's a shocker. Jeff's scores on his CORE test for last year was a 4. That is the highest score possible. As we tracked the individual test scores down the page, there were mostly 100% marks with a few mid-90%s and 1 88%. He obviously grasped 2nd grade very well. He is doing fairly well this year.

I guess the method for testing reading has changed this year and he has been struggling to get used to it. His teacher says that is true for all of the kids in her class. I have a hard time believing that is the actual truth. I asked her how a 3rd grader who reads at a 6th grade level and is one of the two best readers in her class can be getting an 85% in reading and she told me that bit about the testing. I think she has realized that the way she was teaching it wasn't really working. She did say that they are "getting it now" and that she "expects all of their

scores to be better from now on" so I guess I won't press her too hard, unless that isn't true. His first test of the second term was a 90% so I guess we'll go with that. I am watching though. He is doing A work in math and spelling though he has struggled a bit in citizenship. Jeff was swinging on bathroom doors and getting "physical" at recess earlier in the term and I know that has affected his grade. We have a new system in place that should help him remember how to behave though. I am praying he is growing out of this because if he isn't, his life is going to change drastically for him. He is such a smart boy, he knows better than to act out. I expect him to behave as well as he can think. Is that really too much to ask? I'm thinking he needs more responsibility...

Jackson's report card showed what we already know, that he is bright and eager to learn. He is still working on knowing which sounds go with which letters. Sometimes I worry that he isn't "already there". Then I remember that he turned 5 two days before he started Kindergarten. He is young and busy and just hasn't had the pre-school I wished he would have. I have truly seen what value that has to offer a child the year before Kindergarten. I will be sure to get the rest of my brood into pre-school before they go into Kindergarten.

Whatever it takes. Mrs. Cragun (Jackson's teacher) told me that he is so great for her class. He is friendly with everyone and gets along at all times. He is a wiggle-worm but works hard to do better and that he is always smiling and happy. She says that he is a major sunshine in her room every day. I know how she feels. I feel the same way about him in our family. I have told Jackson, nearly every day since we had him 5 years ago, "Thank you so much for coming to our family." and I have meant it. He is a such a blessing.

Logan, aka "Crazy Larry", is cutting another tooth. It's his right second incisor on the top and it is KILLING HIM! Just ask him. He has had quite the week this week as he's been coming out of his first cold (no croup), is getting proficient at getting around (even though it isn't crawling), and that darned tooth!

Logan isn't going to crawl. I don't think he is. I think he's just going to lay on his belly and do "The Worm" to get where he's going. That's really what he does. He does that 80's breakdancing move "The Worm". Seriously. I'm not too worried about it because I'm pretty sure he won't still be doing it when it's time for him to start Kindergarten. If he is still doing it then, it mostly likely won't be his primary mode of transportation. I call Logan "Crazy Larry" this week because of two things.

First, his hair. It's is CRAZY. I took the other three boys to get their hair cut and was tempted to cut his but I just couldn't get myself to do it. I LOVE baby hair. Even crazy baby hair. So it has stayed and it is crazy. The second reason is the wobbling. He won't crawl but, if there is a person or other solid object around, Logan is all about pulling up. He pulls up on anyone or anything that will let him. However, he isn't real solid and can't always get his legs over by the thing he has pulled up on. So sometimes he just stands like he's making a lowercase "N" and whines until someone rescues him. We are all good at rescuing him so he doesn't stand there for long. When he does get straight up, he wobbles all around. Too much motion in the ocean. Too much swivel in his hips. With his hair waving all around him on top and his hips shuckin' and jivin' down low...he's Crazy Larry. That's all there is to it.

In addition to Logan's antics, Jeff and Jackson had another wrestling meet this weekend. It was at Layton High School and was absolutely ridiculous. Logan and I chose out after 2 and a half hours of uncontrolled chaos (I was promised controlled chaos), Logan throwing up on my pants, me having a fever, and still no wrestling for either of my boys. It was very poorly organized. I just couldn't do it anymore. I am sad I missed their matches but I was too overstimulated and wiped out. Too sick! My mom and dad got to watch and they took some great pics.

I will post them on my Facebook site if you want to see more of them. The good news is that they both had great success. Jeff won first place in his bracket and Jackson won fourth. For a couple of dudes wrestling seasoned veterans in their first year, I'd say that's dang good. They have both been wearing their medals for three days straight. Taking them off only to sleep and to shower. Todd and I had the fight of our lives today when Jackson insisted on wearing his to school. Needless to say, the medal sits on his dresser now as he is at school but it won't be there for long. I predict that it will be back around Jackson's neck at 3:25 pm.

We went to Johnson's Mill in Midway on Saturday afternoon to celebrate Jen's birthday with Jeff, Jen, my mom and dad, and Jen's family. It was a lot of fun and she is 30 years old now! I know she loves that I am publishing that. She is so happy to be 30. What can you say? I am older so I HAVE to rub it in.

Jeffrey and Jackson spent a great deal of time wrestling with Jen's brothers Justin and Nate. They were relentless and all I can say is "Thank you Justin and Nate for wearing them out." They were asleep before we left the Heber Valley on Saturday night. I am glad to see how much my bro still loves his sweet wife. I would go so far as to say he loves her more now than he ever has. I love that he went all out for her birthday and that he did his best to celebrate it in a way that made the day special to her so that she felt special. I think that the best thing I could wish for them is a stable and happy marriage. As they prepare to bring their first child into the world in May, I know that baby will be part of an already happy family. That brings me great joy. I am happy for Jeff and Jen, they deserve this happiness they are finding. I hope that neither Justin nor Nate has lasting bruises from Saturday. If they do, I guess that's what they get for doing "the leg grab" and playing "bucking bronco" with two of the most energetic boys the world has ever seen!

While I know this is long and, let's be honest it probably will be every week; I need to make an installment into "The Chicken Letters". Todd and I noticed on Friday afternoon that our healthy Buff Orpington hen "Gertie" was missing. We looked and looked everywhere and found everyone else but just couldn't find her. She was MISSING! Oh no! There were no feathers, no carnage, so what had happened? Todd assured me that she was just too far out ranging for me to see and that she would show up to roost at sunset. However, when sunset came, there was no Gertie. I was sad. I love Gertie. Heck, I love them all but Gertie clucks the loudest when she lays an egg and it is so darn cute! Todd told me that she would show up Saturday, not to worry. Well, as you know, Saturday was crazy so when she wasn't out there in the morning with the others, we couldn't stay to look for her. We just decided to have faith that she would find her way home. We spent all day and all evening gone and then, when we got home at 11:30 pm Saturday, we checked and still no Gertie. I was getting sad. To make matters worse, when I counted the chickens in the coop, we were missing yet another mature hen, our "Adventure Chicken" "Kung Pow" was gone! Terror! Kung Pow is an awesome chicken. If she could bungee jump, base jump, and sky dive, she totally would. I was just heartbroken. Two chickens in two days! I was starting to get paranoid. Is someone "whacking" our chickens one at a time? Is someone picking them off? What did we do to deserve this? I went to bed sad and lonely for Gertie and Kung Pow. I couldn't help but think, "Who would be buying the farm tomorrow?" so-to-speak. The next day, we checked off and on all day. No Gertie. No Kung Pow. Where were they? I had about given up on them and Todd was outside feeding everyone and putting everyone away for the night while I fixed dinner when he burst through the door and yelled, "I found 'em!" I was so excited! "Both of them?" I yelled. "Yeah! C'mon, come see!" So I ran outside with Logan attached at the hip and a jacket for both of us and there they were, drinking water like no tomorrow. They looked okay. They were a little slow and weak but they were okay. When I asked Todd where they were he told me that when he moved the last bale of hay in the row he had been feeding from he saw a head and when he looked closer, he saw it was Gertie. Stuck in the haystack. He reached in and pulled her out and set her by the food to eat. When he came back around to look back further in the haystack, Kung Pow came flying out. Yay! Our chickens are back home to roost! (Say nothing of the fact that they never left.) I don't really know what to say except that chickens are the dumbest animals I have ever seen and if your chickens ever go missing, check the haystack. Besides having our whole flock home now, there is one more funny piece. In the haystack, where Gertie had been for nearly 3 days and where Kung Pow had been for about 24 hours, there were 4 eggs. 3 brown (Gertie) and 1 green (Kung Pow). How awesome are they? Stuck, hungry, thirsty, but still laying their little hearts out. I love 'em. Here is a picture of Gertie and one of Kung Pow. Gertie is the orange chicken and Kung Pow is brown. This gives you an idea of what I am dealing with every day in my "Chicken Letters". I told you it was daily drama. The horses don't ever do this stuff.

This week we gear up for the Holy War. I hate to say it (well, not really) but BYU is going DOWN! It's inevitable. I plan to have friends and family over to watch the game and I am sure this will be the clincher for our beloved Utes. They will walk away with the Mountain West Conference title. Until then, I will enjoy a few more wrestling practices, Scout Den Meeting, lunch with a friend or two, volunteering in Jackie's class, date night with Todd, and Logan, Logan, Logan. Oh, and some chicken drama. Always chicken drama. I hope it's not bad this week. I will keep you posted! See you next week.

Here we go...

2008-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been avoiding the whole "blog" thing for a while now. I didn't want to "make the commitment". However, I am starting to realize that with all that happens for us every single day, it is really the easiest way to update friends and family on our lives. We are a busy bunch and have so much going on, I don't like to tell the same story over and over again and I worry that much is lost in translation by the 5th telling. This way, like so many others out there, I can just tell people to go to our blog to get a full (and hopefully accurate) accounting of what we're up to.

So here we are, with the Holidays upon us. After a busy football season for Todd and Jeff, we have had around 4 weeks of "down time" with regard to sports. We don't really get any down time but taking daily practices and weekly games out of the mix made homework and family home evening a lot easier to attend to. However, those times are over as wrestling season is upon us. Jeffrey and Jackson are wrestling with the Roy High School Junior Wrestlers and practice two to three times per week and have weekly tournaments every Saturday morning. This goes on until December 6th.

It is amazing to me to see them wrestling. With football, baseball/t-ball, and other team sports, I watch the team and hope my son gets the ball or has the sack so I can see him excell. With wrestling, I get to focus on my son as he works so hard to dominate his opponent. Both Jeff and Jack are good wrestlers. Those of you who have seen them perform athletically (whether formally through organized sports or informally in your yard on a sunny day) are not surprised to hear this. This is the first year for both of them. Jeff finds himself three, four, sometimes even five years behind the boys he is paired up with but he has yet to be pinned. Jackson has less history to work against but he is young and still learning the rules. Jeffrey has had more experience with applying rules in physical contest. As I watch them both, I see two traits that stick out and are directly related to their success. They are both incredibly strong and incredibly intense. I don't think you could hold either of them down for three seconds just because that would mean an end to the match! I told Todd Saturday afternoon that the hardest part about watching them is the intensity of the emotion. Not just in my boys but in the boys they wrestle. There is so much boiling going on in that tussle! He explained (and I agree) that it is so good for them to learn to have such high and intense emotions in one moment and then to drop it all, shake hands, smile, and move on in the next. I am excited we have made the decision to participate in this sport. I am sure, as with all of our other adventures/experiments, it will be a wonderful ride.

Logan is creeping along in all of his nine month glory. The owner of 6 erupted teeth and many more to come, he is battling his first REAL cold this week. The poor little guy! He has a stuffy nose, a nasty cough, and a hoarse little voice. He is a patient and sweet baby and is doing his best to stay chipper. I am hoping we get through the experience without it turning into croup. This poor child doesn't need anymore medical issues this year. Logan is smaller than the other two boys were at this age. He is less precocious with his large motor skills and, instead, has learned to focus on the finer points. He is working on words. Yes! Words! I hear him trying to say, "more", "Mama", "Dog", "Dad", and other words. He is very dexterous with his hands and can do things that the other boys weren't yet doing at this age. He isn't crawling yet but he doesn't really need to as his two older brothers, and his parents, are great at "fetch" and "rescue". He will come along, as his brothers did, all too soon and then I will be blogging about my frustration with childproofing a mostly stone-tiled home. He is so sweet and special and has been such a blessing to us all this year. We are grateful for his spirit in our home.

Jeffrey is learning a lot in the third grade. I know he is learning to write cursive letters but he won't show them to me because he says he isn't any good at it. I will continue to bother him until he shows me. He needs to learn that we aren't always good at everything the first time we try it. Some of us have to practice new skills for a while before we are adept. Jeff isn't use to the idea of that since he is good at most things right away. Jeff reads at a 4th grade level, is so good at math, and is learning to be a good speller and a good student. One thing he is struggling with this year is that he is finally having to work a little at being a good student, it won't just happen. I am hoping that this past quarter's grades help him to realize that good grades aren't always just going to happen to him. I think it is starting to penetrate into his understanding, I pray that it is.

Jackson is loving Kindergarten. He is loving that he is learning to read and write and that he can come home and show me new things and get such an amazed reaction. He is struggling with sitting still and with focussing on "hard" things for a long time but I am told (and remember from when Jeff was 5) that these are typical things for 5 year-old boys to struggle with. Jackson smiles all through his wrestling matches and is such a happy and loving boy. He exclaims his love and yells it to us in such a joyful way every day as he heads for the front doors of Hooper Elementary. What would we do without Jackie?

Todd is working to get the start up company he is a part of off the ground. So much of the work that goes into Phoenix Alloys is faith, hope, and trust. In himself, his partners, and the Lord. He is doing a great job! He works hard on the product and development of new and better ways to get it done, so that is part of every day but the rest of it is prayer. He gets to go to Roosevelt, Utah once or twice and month and that is fun for him because he gets to see his grandmothers and reconnect with the Bastian/Elmer sides of his family. I am proud of Todd, his steadfast faith and courage and his patience with me. I have struggled to be patient and faithful and he is a great and gentle reminder. We are growing stronger together than we ever have and we are grateful for that.

Our little farm is a daily joy and soap opera. The horses, dogs, goats, cats, and house birds are all very tame in comparison to the chicken drama. I never knew chickens had such drama! I thought we would get them, get some farm fresh eggs, maybe sell a few to other people, and then eat them when they stop producing down the road but no, that is not the case. Between the neighbor's dog, three roosters (all but one were supposed to be hens), and the innate drama that they are born with, every day is a new story. This whole blog could easily turn into "The Chicken Letters". I promise it won't. It could though.

So, that was long but it was my first. I promise, from now on, I will keep things short and simple. I will update you weekly and let you know about the things (and feelings) that really matter. I also hope that this brings you joy and that it brings us closer together. I am happy to share my life and family with others mainly because, at this point, I am convinced that learning new things and experiencing major life lessons is what life is about.

I am grateful for my blessings and for all that I have. I am grateful for my family and I am grateful for you, my friends.