Christmas TIME 3

Jeremiah has been in on the act this week...building snowmen with Jadee and the 2 feet of snow we got last week, shoveling with Davis and making sure Jeron wears a helmet to sled. Today he pulled the kids around the culdesac with the 50. Jeron and Jadee LOVED it. Davis...not so much (that is why there is no picture of him).

This picture was taken before the helmet lecture. Our friends, the Fisks, spent a week in the hospital after brain surgery with their 5 year-old after a sledding accident. Jacob's accident was just a couple of days before this picture, at a time when we weren't sure how extensive the damage was. He and his family experienced a true miracle when he went home just a week after his brain surgery. He has some work to do to recover fully, but he's going to do it. I am all about having fun and taking calculated risks, but I am also about using the advances in protective technology we've been blessed with in this generation. So, put a helmet on your kids!

Christmas TIME 2

Jeremiah took the kids all by himself on Saturday to get a tree at Costco. It's my year to have a full tree (as opposed to the skinny, sparse kind we get in the mountains). He refused to take a camera with him, so I took the first picture of the kids with the tree and their Santa hats.

I bought the kids little snowglobe ornaments last year for $0.99 each at the Macy's after Christmas sale. I wrapped them up and they each got to open a present representing the TIME we would spend together decorating the tree.

I don't know why decorating the tree is never what I imagine it in my head to be. I tell myself it is because my children are so young. It's mostly a free-for-all with ornaments yanked from the box and thrown on the tree quicker than you can say "Merry Christmas". Little or no thought is given to where the ornaments came from or what they mean. I work really hard each year to give the kids ornaments that represent something about them or something they did that year. They don't care. Davis just wants all of the train ornaments that belong to Jeron; Jeron wants to make sure that everyone knows he has the most because he's "been alive the longest"; and Jadee just wants to put the most on. Davis spent the entire decorating time crying, yelling or throwing a fit. It was fun. Maybe in a year or two it will be more like I imagine it. Maybe someday they will care that the ornaments mean something. But for today, I'll try to remember that it's not about me. And that's okay...for now.

Christmas TIME

I've decided that I am going to give my children the gift of time during this Christmas Season. I have come up with some simple gifts that represent or contribute to fun activities that we can do together to help us celebrate the season. They are so excited that they get to open presents...even if it's only one at time every day or two!

Today Jadee got to open a little present full of lots of construction paper and glue sticks...we made count-down chains! Jadee did it like she is a pro...even kept up the AB pattern. It's all in the tongue...

Davis started out strong and then lost interest. He then flew his small chain around the living room and eventually tore every link apart.

Jeron has "done this since Kindergarten" so he is a seasoned chain-maker. He wanted his to be a train for his picture...you can even see his mouth making train noises!

The finished product...

Come back soon for some more Christmas TIME fun!

Happy Turkey Trot Day!

We had a great Thanksgiving day, starting with the Sparks Parks & Rec Annual Turkey Trot. The whole family got involved this year. Jeremiah ran the 10K, I pushed the jogger around the Marina for the two mile, and Jeron ran with me. Although neither of us posted any great results, it was a great way to start a day full of otherwise indulging ourselves!

We were blessed to be invited to Arva and Ron's for dinner, and can I just say that I have NEVER had a turkey so moist and juicy and delicious? It was fabulous. The table was spread with all of our favorites: pistachio salad, broccoli salad, yams with lots of marshmallows on top, sweet potato souffle, rolls and raspberry butter, stuffing, mashed potatoes, two kinds of gravy, green beans, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, key lime lemonade and sparkling cider. Did I miss anything? It knocked us out! Nobody had room for dessert until much later in the day. Thanks, Arva & Ron, for having us over and feeding us so well. We love you!

Some of the things the kids listed during our "What are you thankful for?" discussion around the table:

Jeron: a house, the temple, food, a family, Dad working, gymnastics, trophies, friends

Jadee: food, toys, church, gymnastics, family, trophies (she doesn't have any, but she's thankful for them), toys, friends

Davis: food

I am thankful for many things, too. Of course, there's the usual list, then I've tried to be a little more specific on my FB posts over the last couple of weeks...so check out my wall over there!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

The kids with Flash Can, the Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful mascot. The Turkey Trot benefits the KTMB organization.

At the start line with my running partner (he ran the whole 2.11 miles...except for ten feet he says) and my precious cargo.

Jeremiah at the finish line.

Primary Program

Today was the annual Primary Program in our ward. Jeron and Jadee both had parts, and they both did a GREAT job. They also both knew and sang all of the songs very well. It is always fun to watch them. Arva and Ron came over to watch them in the program. They got a bonus too, as Jeron and Jadee both had the scripture in their respective sharing times. We got the best bonus, though, because Arva and Ron also brought us dinner! It was delicious. Thanks, Arvie and Won! We love you!

I took some pictures of the kids with Arva and Ron before we went to church...pretty cute, I must say!

Happy Birthday, Dylan!

Here are a few pictures of your first party...until your mom can unpack the camera!

LIVESTRONG DAY

Today is LIVESTRONG Day. LIVESTRONG is an organization whose worthy goal is, simply, a world without cancer. Lance Armstrong is the founder of this organization. Many may know that he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer 13 years ago today. He is riding this year to promote cancer awareness and to raise money for research. His is an amazing story.

Jeremiah and I had the opportunity to watch him race in person at the Tour of California back in February. I met him, and he signed a jersey for me. He seems very aware of his fans and goes out of his way to meet as many as he can.

Of course, LIVESTRONG was there passing out chalk and encouraging people to write uplifting messages of hope and remembrance on the roads of the race. I thought today a fitting day to share some of my road artwork.

My mom was a huge Lance Armstrong fan. I think she had LIVESTRONG bracelets before Lance did! I am grateful to people like Lance Armstrong for using their notoriety to advance good causes. The abolition of cancer is one of the greatest causes I can think of.

I love you, Mom! Until we meet again, we will LIVESTRONG.

Jadee's First Day

Jadee is attending pre-school again this year with Mrs. Fowler. She loved going last year and I'm sure she'll love it again this year. One of her favorite things is the bag that Mrs. Fowler gives the kids to decorate and then bring each day to carry their things. Jadee's is red this year and we decorated it in a lady-bug theme. I will take a picture tomorrow and add to this post. I am so grateful to our generous Auntie Heather, who pays the pre-school scholarship so that the kids can go to Mrs. Fowler's pre-school. Thanks, Auntie! We love you!

It's Great to be 8!

The last three weeks have been a whirlwind of fun, excitement and milestones for Jeron. Here is a little photo journal of the highlights...
An 8th birthday "late-over" with lots of friends and fun.

A birthday bike ride with dad and lunch at In-N-Out with Arva and Ron.

The first day of school at a new school.

Jeron's first night as a Cub Scout.

Jeron's baptism with three of his friends from church (Alina, Jacob & Kylah).

Lots of friends and family come to support Jeron at his baptism.

Sampson...or, Davis

Sampson...

Davis, let's cut your hair.

NO!

Davis, you need a haircut.

NO!

Davis, can Mommy cut your hair?

NO!

Yesterday, the haircut stars aligned...finally. Davis was in a GREAT mood after his nap and wanted to watch McQueen. I took advantage of the situation and told him he could watch McQueen while I cut his hair. He did such a great job sitting still and letting me cut, I was amazed. The last two haircuts have been absolute nightmares, complete with screaming and snotting and throwing down. That would be why I haven't pushed the haircut issue this summer. I just couldn't add one more battle to my plate already so full. Imagine my delight when Davis sat up tall on the table, let me use the clippers, and only squirmed and giggled a little bit. After about fifteen minutes, he did start asking me, "Duh? Duh?" That is Davis for, "Done?" There was a lot of hair to cut...and it took a while. I think the outcome is quite handsome...if I do say so myself!

Davis...
The bump on his chin is from a fight with the playground at Jeron's school.

I had to include McQueen in the background...some may say that my children watch too much TV...many days, I would agree...but today, it was well worth it!

The by-product...is that a monster?!

Important Note: I am so behind on my blogging and so many significant events have transpired in the last little while...I am committing to one post a day for the next week (starting with today)...so come back often...wouldn't want you to miss anything!

Out of Town

The kids and I have been out of town for the last two weeks. Here's a quick picture update of our travels...

The 24th of July parade in Panguitch, UT. Grandma and Annette are sitting in their chairs in the background.

Jeron's favorite part was the fire truck spraying any who would stand under its hose. He got soaked!

After we went to Panguitch, we got to meet Auntie Heather in Provo for a stay at a hotel and some swimming! The kids LOVED swimming...we went three times in 36 hours!

I was also able to attend the temle with my Mellor family, as James and Richard received their endowments. It was a very special experience.

Later that night, Brad's family and James and Richard shared their fireworks with us. So fun!

The kids loved the little poppers that you throw to the ground.
We drove home on a Sunday, then turned around and drove back to Fallon for swimming lessons with Kennedy. She did such a great job. Jeron is officially a swimmer. He can dive and bob and float and swim the length of their pool.

Davis blew bubbles and jumped in.

Jadee learned to kick and move her arms. She still has tubes, so putting her head all the way under is not her favorite thing to do.

We'll go back to Fallon next week for some more lessons. Thanks, Kennedy! You're the best!

First Harvest

Okay...so it's not really a full-blown harvest, but it IS something! These fine specimens came from the perfect soil garden. The top on the carrot looked a lot bigger than it actually was...poor little guy! He sure tasted good! I know the zucchini isn't that big, either. But, I think I like them small and tasty? I do know from experience that they seem to lose flavor and good texture if they get too big. So...the question of the day is...what is the best size to pick zucchini? And while we're at it...how do you know if a carrot is ready to be plucked? I'm counting on all of you expert gardners to weigh in on these questions! Don't let me down!

Garden Update

Well, it's been two months (exactly) since I planted my little perfect soil garden. I've only had to plant the pumpkins three times...we finally got three little plants last week. Hopefully we will have pumpkins for Halloween. Here are the pictures of my garden today. The tomato is trying to take over the entire place...

Carrots, Onions, Tomato

The boys' garden is growing...some...I'm not sure what happened to the middle parts? I think the watermelon may have gotten a little parched the last few days. When Mom delegates the watering, sometimes water is conserved because the waterer is lazy, mostly. I might note here that I have been doing the majority of the watering and all of the weeding in all gardens.

While the perfect soil garden looks much prettier than the others, I believe that Jeremiah's will be the first to yield fruit. This little lovely has been growing for weeks now. We can't wait until he and his brother are ripe!

Now, for the family garden...

For reasons we are not exactly sure about, this little garden seems to be growing the best and the fastest. Remember, the two manure gardens are 10 days behind the perfect soil garden. Although I am not entirely sure what all of these plants are (note to self: mark planting areas next year with little signs indicating what has been planted), I am pretty sure they are not weeds. Please tell me if I'm wrong in identifying these...and let me know if you know what the last one is?

Pumpkin...? Maybe we WILL have pumpkins for Halloween?

Squash...of this I am sure.

Some kind of flower (yes, I planted flowers...that's what you're supposed to do, so your garden is lovely and it makes you want to go out and tend it). I think that little bundle in the middle is going to bloom soon...?

I am not entirely sure that this is not a weed...but, I am hoping that it is maybe broccoli? If it is, it will be the only broccoli plant of like 20 seeds that I planted that actually grew.

I always say that the prophet said to PLANT a garden...he never said anything about the HARVEST... Well, we planted, and I think we will be blessed to have a little harvest, too!

I am posting a new poll. This time, I will put all three gardens on. You are voting on which garden will grow the best and produce the most. I'm not sure how we'll judge growing the best, but I plan to tally the harvest and divide by the square feet used to grow to determine which one produces the most. Since I've basically taken over the care of all three, the outcome is just fun for me. Of course, if Jeremiah's manure and mulch produces more than the perfect soil...even though I'm sure it has everything to do with my weeding and watering and replanting where nothing grew in the first place...I know I'll never hear the end of it!