ward split

Today we had our ward conference and our ward was split into two wards. We knew it had to be coming. A 'normal' ward should contain 300 members and we were at 748 people. The stake president took note that this is the first time in the history of our stake that such growth has caused a division resulting in two wards. There have been ward boundary changes, yes, but this time we did not pick up people from other wards, we had enough members to just be split into two separate wards.
James was released from the bishopric. wow - not sure what it will be like having him sit with us during sacrament meeting. I extended a new calling to him today - kid duty! He gladly accepted (he's such a good guy). :)
It was an emotional day. It is a little tearful knowing we will not be seeing certain people each Sunday. Well o.k. - a lot tearful! Still, I have complete faith and trust in our stake presidency and know the changes that have taken place have occured as the result of much thought and prayer. There are sure to be lots of changes for all of us in the next few weeks. I am turning it all over to the Lord. Right now I want to concentrate on preparing myself and my family for the messages of General Conference next weekend. I'm really looking forward to it.

A visiting teaching birthday lunch

Yesterday I got to have lunch with my visiting teacher partner, Lynette, and two ladies that we visit teach, Lucinda and Beth. It was Lynette's birthday two months ago - long overdue for a celebration! I am blessed to have gain friendships through visiting teaching that will last long after any 'assignment' is over. The relationship I have with these remarkable ladies is genuine and true. These ladies are extraordinary. A wonderful afternoon.

lunch - home visit - soccer - scouts

Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with Susan - I really enjoy our monthly lunches. We went to Gus Balon's and had breakfast for lunch - yum! She gave us this pepper plant, I so hope it can survive our home. We're curious to see what it will look like in a year. We're pretty excited about it.
After school Chase's teacher came by for a home visit. Our school district encourages their teachers to visit each child from their classroom in their home. They looked through a family scrapbook, had a snack together and played a game of Apples to Apples. Reid had Mrs. Brook's last year so this is her second time to our home. We love Mrs. Brooks!

Last night was Ryan's first soccer practice. He plays on a five and six year old team. This is where he was most of practice...wandering off, wanting nothing to do with any of it.
James came up to the practice to bring home Chase and Molly, who were with us, and spent some time holding Ryan, having him watch his team practice.
He wanted so bad to join in. When there was five minutes of practice left he said "I'm ready." I walked him out to the coach and he even nodded to the coach that he was ready, let me walk away and then stood there and started to cry. He so wants to be involved but is still learning the skills to be confident enough to do so. His coach seems wonderful, experienced and realistic about the expectations for this age group, but I'm sure he's wondering what is up with this kid as his daughter is very, very outgoing, but time will tell. We will continue our journey of overcoming shyness. So he didn't participate much in the team practice, but we stayed afterwards and kicked the ball around and made it fun for him. The above picture was taken just before we went home - happy.
Then we went straight to cub scout pack meeting. Chase played the part of the sky (which is why he is holding the blue paper with white clouds) in a skit about Chicken Little.
Reid was presented the Engineer award that he completed with his Webelos den.

Unexpected journey

Today Ryan and I went to the bookstore at the mall to pick up a book for Austin. After, I took Ryan over to get a hot pretzel, one of his favorite snacks, and we sat and watched the kids playing at the mall play area. When we were done eating I asked him if he wanted to go in and play and couldn't believe he said 'yes'. I understand for most parents this is not a big deal at all. But I am the mother of clingy children...children who hold on to my leg, don't speak but rather point to what they want, climb under the table shy, don't leave their mother's side children.
So, of course we went in to play. At first he was hesitant if another child approached him and wanted me to hold his hand, then he let go of my hand but wanted me to stand close by, then he began to give a small smile to the little kids, but was leary of the aggresive kids, finally he roamed place to place while I sat on the bench with a watchful eye. I let him play...and play....and play. We finished by enjoying the spring weather, butterflies and small water fountains outside the mall, talking about wishing wells and how to make a wish, how to toss the coin over your shoulder...A wonderful afternoon with my buddy, a trip to the bookstore turned into a beautiful unexpected journey.

a treat at Baskin Robbins

We took a trip to Baskin Robbins tonight to redeem some gift certificates (thanks Susan!) that we received at Christmas. If you look close you can see some little feet at the botom of the card carousel - Chase is hiding and smiling as he tells me he'll come out for a picture if I get him another scoop!
Austin with his chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
And then there is this guy who didn't want anything. Poor kid! He stayed home from school today because he just doesn't feel very well. His temp. never went over 99 degrees, but he slept a lot and rested all day. This photo shows that he just doesn't feel one hundred percent. Just before we loaded everyone up in the car he was even outside playing with the other kids, but I suppose that used up all his energy because he just sat quietly the short time we were there.

A blessed Easter

Today was a good day - so thankful for the spring weather and the emphasis on our Savior. Our church meetings were wonderful, lots of great messages on the power, truthfulness and blessings of the atonement.
For Easter I gave James this picture of the Seattle temple. It is the temple we were married in back in December of 1990. No, we don't exchange Easter gifts - I just wanted to give this to him for being so good to me. I am married to a wonderful man.

The kids were awake very early for their annual scavenger hunt to find the easter baskets. The little boys had to drag Austin and Molly out of bed! They had to follow clues that lead them through the house and outside and included reading a couple scriptures also. As the above picture shows, the final destination was the bathroom! They each got a small basket of candy and a little something from mom and dad.
Normally we color dozens and dozens of eggs, but this year we only did two dozen and you know what - it was enough! Often less is more...
Here I am with my pretty pink egg!
Chase drew a cute bunny on his egg!

Ryan showing off a dozen and a half eggs! He was very hesitant at first when we began coloring the eggs and then I realized he might not know 'how' to color an egg. Once I recognized that, I could invite him into the activity and he really enjoyed it, was thrilled to come sit next to me and liked picking out which color he wanted to choose...

We enjoyed a ham dinner and mostly, time spent as a family. A wonderful Easter Sunday.

Ladies Only Event #3!

Our Ladies Only met again on Friday night, this time at Joanne's home.

back row: Stephanie, Tricia, Sharla, Kendra.

middle row: Mary, JoAnne, me, Joanne.

front: Erin

We each brought a salad and Joanne provided rolls and lemonade with strawberry shortcake for dessert. y-u-m-m-y! We made bath salts for our craft - so fun! We each added our preferred scent and coloring...then we got to decorate these cute tubes to place the bath salts in. It was a fun, relaxing night. I'm so glad I'm a part of this fun group!

Spring break...

This is what has been happening at our home this past week! Lots of tinkertoy fun! The kids have been on spring break for two weeks and the little boys have been playing very well together. Along with the tinkertoys and the new Wii game Reid earned they have also built lots of forts in the living room with all the couch cushions and played outside in the beautiful spring weather. Molly has completed cleaned and rearranged her room. I noticed her clothes are color-coordinated in her closet! It's kind of sad though to see her get rid of dolls she had when she was little, but nonetheless very sweet that she has shared some stuffed animals she no longer plays with with her little brothers. Austin has had a lot of friends inviting him over. I guess at 15 years old it's not called a 'play date' anymore...ha! But he has been 'hanging out' with some great kids, playing a lot of guitar hero and video games. Today we went to the library and stocked him up on books to keep him busy the last few days of break.

A very happy St. Patrick's Day!

Yesterday I spent St. Patrick's Day with these fabulous ladies watching a fountain turn green for the special day and having a picnic lunch by the lake. From left is me, Christy, Kristen, Wendi, and Shari. We used to all be in the same ward together and have remained friends since I moved away four years ago.
Here is Molly and Amy with the green fountain behind them...It was a pretty chilly day!
After the fountain we stopped at Bahama Bucks for shaved ice! It is one of Austin's favorites so I knew it would make his day if we stopped for a treat.
Austin, Taft and Spencer
Afterwards we spent the day at the Peterson's home. Here is parting picture of Christy, Amy and Marion. The big boys spent the day playing the Wii, ping pong and talking. Amy and Molly went on a bike ride, played the Wii and hung out outside. The little boys loved the big backyard with green grass and trees to climb. They were so sad to have to leave to come home! Thank you Peterson's for hosting all of us!

A hard worker and his reward

When Reid has his mind set on something he is a willing hard worker! I purchased this game at Costco yesterday afternoon - put it away in a kitchen cupboard, not hidden, but away, and Reid saw it within an hour of me being home. I told the kids this was a treat to be earned and Reid was determined he wanted to earn it himself, but let everyone play it. This is a game that was #1 on his Christmas list - it was all he really wanted, but the release date contined to be moved back and finally it is available for purchase. Here are some of things he did yesterday and today:
cleaned inside microwave, dusted mini-blinds, picked up toys in the backyard, cleaned kitchen sink, bathroom counters/sinks, straighten video games and movies, sliding glass door, brought dirty clothes downstairs to laundry room, wiped down top of refrigerator, cleaned bedroom, emptied and loaded dishwasher, wiped baseboards, played a fun game with little brother while mom got some work done, took out garbage and recycle, put shoes in shoe basket, wiped down staircase banister and walls in stairwell, swept outside our front door and sidewalk by street, straighten computer desk...
As you can see all of these chores are age appropriate for a ten year old. At our house I add up dollar value for chores more by the childs attitude than by perfection of task completion. I will give more to a child who is willing to try than a child who asks all day, "If I do this, how much money will I get paid?" Attitude is everything!
Reid really worked hard yesterday...He was asking for more things to do at 9 p.m. when his dad told him he needed to stop and go to bed. So what did Reid do? He put the dusting cloth and spray on his desk next to his bed so he could start up again right when he woke up! James woke me up at 6 a.m. to tell me Reid was up dusting his bedroom blinds! Cracks me up! So-he did a few more things this morning, paid his tithing and now is enjoying his new game. And yes, he is letting his two little brothers play too! Great job Reidy!

spring break fun!

Our school district has a two week spring break since we are on a modified year round school schedule so Chase is attending a four day sensory day camp at his home school. They have provided so much fun for the kids! Here he is on a scooter board. They have done activities with slime, rice, puffy paints, planting flowers, obstacle course, and even yoga! All of these different activities provide input to different sensory needs.
Chase and Mrs. Gonzales, the inclusion specialist at Mesquite and his camp counselor. They have a very special relationship as she has been with Chase since the beginning of kindergarten.

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B.O.O.T. (Building Our Own Testimonies) Camp Fun!
Last night was our stake's young women camp kick-off! The girls had a blast singing camp songs, writing and performing a camp cadence, making camp posters, going through an obstacle course and of course, building friendships!

Here is a photo of the four head ycl's performing in their camp skit.
Molly attempting part of the obstacle course. They had to walk with golf balls on top of golf tees without them falling. It was harder than the leaders anticipated it would be.
Oh no! One has fallen!

Last Thursday...

These are some photos from last Thursday - the day before we took off for Utah. The above photo is from the middle school rehearsal of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This is the scene where the grandparents are confined to the bed (currently wood blocks as the bed still needs to be made) and Charlie's mom, Mrs. Bucket (a.k.a. Molly) is bringing them soup. I volunteered for about an hour and a half helping to get the kids' measurement done for costumes. It was pretty fun trying to round up 50 kids and have them stand still long enough to get their measurements. This is such a fun group of kids though!
Here is a photo of Molly and Adam at McDonald's with "apple pie tree". We all laughed because we didn't know who this character was when we walked in and a McDonald's employee told the kids that it is "apple pie tree" - we hadn't even noticed the apple pies in his branches along with the apples!

Directly after leaving musical theatre we stopped at McDonald's to get a quick dinner before going to see a musical put on by a couple fourth grade classes. Adam's mom and my friend Laurie, is a music teacher at one of the schools in town. They performed "At the Hop" and it was fantastic! I kept forgetting that I was watching fourth graders. It was fun for me to see the hard work of my friend Laurie.

Here she is with a couple of the other teachers. They performed during the encore. A great show!

Clarissa and Drew Ferguson

Our family enjoyed a weekend in St. George, Utah for our niece's wedding. It was such a fabulous event! I am so thrilled she is so happy and wish the happy couple all the best! (Above) Here's the happy couple leaving the St. George temple back doors.
A picture of the beautiful bouquet. I love the flowers she chose!
This picture was taken at the luncheon following the temple ceremony. It was hosted by the grooms family - everything was beautifully done. The pasta house catered the lunch: hot pasta with choice of red or white sauce, chicken as a topper, steamed squash, breadsticks, green salad with cheesecake for dessert. The sister of the groom did an outstanding slide show of the newlyweds and there was even an interactive activity involving these fun centerpiece bags. Each bag had a cute tag with a little poem hinting at what was inside - each was presented to the bride and groom and all in attendance tried to guess what was inside.
The wedding colors were black and white with pink and yellow as accents. Isn't this cake so cool! James and I went very traditional with our wedding cake and I feel like I missed out. This cake is so very fun! I love it!
A picture of the yummy goodies - there was three or four times this much stuff: all beautiful and delicious! So well presented also. A wonderful evening!
Congratulations Clarissa and Drew!

I've been tagged...

My friend Erin has tagged me to answer the following ten questions so here goes:

1. Who inspires you?

I get inspiration from friends and I have family that are great about passing on to me ideas of cute things they have seen. I am inspired most by the quiet moments in my day.

2. What is your first memory of making something artsy/craftsy?

I remember in third grade we had coloring contests every Friday and the teacher invited me to be the judge because I kept winning every week. HA! I have a sister who is a year older who is and always has been great at coloring and she taught me all I know. :)

3. What do you like to create?

I love the written word - I was a journalism major in college and still find myself editing menus, church bulletins, reader-board signs (ah-if I only took time to edit my blog!) - so I really enjoy different forms of scrapbooking because it allows me to use the written word with photography and paper (other loves). I probably journal more than anyone else I know because I love to tell the story for future generations.

4. What creative process defines you as a person?

The joy I find in scrapbooking my family and our everyday moments.

5. Which of the tools you use are your favorite and why?

My paper cutter and double stick adhesive because they simply my life. Oh - and my camera.

6. What keeps you motivated?

deadlines

7.If you had time, what craft would you learn and why?

I would love to learn about making jewelry! I am very into silver right now, I would love to learn to make some non-traditional pieces.

8. What is your favorite thing to create?

Personalized gifts for friends. I enjoy the process of giving from my heart.

9. Where do you get your inspirations for your projects from?

I have to say I have never taken a scrapbook magazine and copied an idea. Although I so appreciate the beauty of others' work, I just do my own thing. I am very much into 'simple'. What is wrong with simple? There is much beauty there.

10. Describe your perfect day.

I love another friends comment about having a clean house, because that would so be at the top of my list! I am so happy when my house is clean! Other things would be: being with my family, eating good food out, (not cooking), reading, scrapbooking, shopping the independently owned decorating stores, oohhh- and I love a good garage sale although I haven't done that much since I've lived here.

Enough about me. I tag the following people - I'll be checking up on your blogs, I'd love to hear your answers...
Erin, Michelle M., Tressa W., Cindy Jo, Melissa K. and anyone else that wants to play along.

Choir concert

Molly performed in the spring choir concert last night at her school. They performed, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off, By Heart, a Forever Motown medley, and Hot, Hot, Hot. A fun show!

Holly's dinner and Kindergarten round-up

A group of us took our friend Holly Fullenwider out to eat at Marie Callendar's last night since she is moving out of state on Saturday. It was such an nice evening visiting with friends! We will miss you Holly!



Today Ryan and I attended kindergarten round-up at the local elementary school. We all went into the gym and the kids got to color a coloring page. They introduced the kindergarten teachers and then took all of the kids to the library. Ryan, of course, wanted nothing to do with getting in line and leaving mom. We waited a few minutes and then I took him to the library where he immediately hid under one of the tables. I got him out and we went over and learned a fun song about monkeys...After just a little while he was able for me to leave and he stayed and listened as they sang and heard a story. After the library all the kids got to go on a school bus ride! He seemed to like that. Finally the kids came back to perform their song, Ryan didn't go on stage, instead he stayed with me and we watched the other kids up on stage. What he loved however were the snacks served at the end! Soft pretzels are one of his most favorite snacks so he was very happy. He is our 'shy guy' and we know there will be bumps in the road, but we are hoping for a somewhat smooth transition. It is hard to believe that our youngest will begin kindergarten in the fall (actually July since we have year round school here).

ramblings

Warning: this post is some serious ramblings about the day in the life of a mom with five kids.

Yesterday was a good Monday.

I got up and took care of some emails and phone calls then Ryan and I went and spent a few hours helping my friend Holly pack up for her move. I am so sad to see her go, but I am thankful that I have had this chance to know her. A few of us are taking her out for a good-bye dinner tonight. All are welcome to come - let me know! I'm still in denial she's leaving. I call it the 'gubler curse'. If you become friends with me - you will move away. In todays day and age, people move, but this is ridiculous. I have had so many friends move away since I've lived here. (Thank goodness for blogs and email so we can still remain in contact!)

After coming home from helping Holly I changed really quick then went to a meeting at the elementary school. It has been three years since Chase was enrolled in the special needs program so it was time to re-do the paperwork. As a team we had discussed if he was ready to be discharged but all agreed that that time has not yet come. We still have areas we need to work on - mostly his dislike of anything competitive, (his fear of losing and things being unfair) as well as handling transitions and change. On an academic point of view he is doing terrific - yea!

Following the meeting I picked up Reid from band - came home, got after-school snacks for everyone, helped with homework then got Chase ready for soccer practice. It was his last soccer practice for this season. We will be out of town for the last game so this was the last time he played with this group of kids. It has been a lot of fun and he has learned a lot. I have signed him (and Ryan) up for the next session, so he'll start right up again soon, but most likely with a different coach and a different group of kids.

While I was with Chase, James got Molly from drama and they came to the soccer field and we switched kids. While James stayed with Chase, I took Molly to sign up for her high school classes. WOW - did I just say that? Our daughter is going to high school next year! She got signatures from all of her teachers to take all honor classes next year - I tried to get her to only take two honor courses as a freshman. She finally decided on taking three: honors english, math and history and will take regular science. I just hope it is not too much for her but she says she'll be fine. She did choose a choir class as her elective, along with P.E., and those will not provide much homework.

SO-I brought her home from that, dropped her off and headed up to the high school for a band parent meeting. It started at 6:30 with the principal speaking for an hour on the lack of kids enrolled in band for next year and how that is a concern financially (they still need to pay the band teacher even though his classes are not full). We knew Austin didn't sign up again (he'll take a band class but not marching band) but was not aware that a lot of kids are dropping. Something is going on there. We are hearing from kids about marching band not being 'fun' anymore. They are willing to put in the hard work, but they want fun mixed in. I tend to think they deserve to have a some fun mixed in - those kids work hard! I couldn't march in line while carrying a heavy instrument and play all my notes correctly in extremely hot weather.

I didn't get home until 9:30 and had scrambled eggs for dinner. A good Monday.

our weekend

I went to scrapbook all -day Saturday. I must admit, it was a little lonely. Yet, also relaxing and fun! I had the opportunity to attend a fantastic class on digital scrapbooking and organizing my digital photos. I learned a lot of basics and am excited to look into it more. The hotel provided a delicious lunch (salad with chicken breast and tortilla strips, gourmet desserts) and afternoon snack (different chips with several choices of salsas and dips, soda). I met fun ladies (I think it would be a blast if my husband scrapbooked and came to one of these events, but he has different ideas!) and got 19 pages completed. The above photos are of me and the Wiggles page I finally completed. The photos of this party (Ryan's third b-day) were lost on our computer...stuck in a folder within a folder within a folder...I found them and am so happy to get it done as they were what was holding up my choronological order album! I still need to add some Wiggles stickers and some more journaling, but happy it's about done. The other photos are of me and my consultant (and friend!) Gina and our group of ladies. In all there was hundreds of ladies at the event.

The top photo was taken yesterday of James and our friend Greg Healey. We used to live by Greg and his family in WA, he now lives in CA and came to our area to get his son settled in college. He served as our bishop years ago and James was one of his counselors and his wife, Kari, and I served together in a Relief Society presidency at that same time. It was so great to see him. A terrific visit!