visitation.

Why is it that the end of every vacation means a week of HE-- to get the house/life/kids back in order. So much so that I feel like I need another vacation just to recover. That and the fact that we literally squeezed every last thing that we could into our visit to Idaho and Utah. Here, friends are some highlights from the trip.

Hannah got sick in the car on the second day of driving. We've decided that Mesa is a LONG LONG way from Idaho. We left after work on Wednesday and didn't get there until Thursday afternoon late. (with a brief stop in the middle of nowhere'sville to sleep for a couple hours) Anyways, half an hour into the drive the next morning Hannah starts screaming "There's juice coming up in my mouth!" Yeah we pulled it right over, but she still managed to puke it up all over Carter's arm and blanket, but luckily nowhere else in the car. So he starts screaming bloody murder and yelling "EW!!!!" Craig and I were cracking up so bad that we had trouble even cleaning up the mess. Anyways, she spent the rest of the morning holding a bag up to her pale little face. She didn't throw up again.

This child is so delicious. I know I say that all the time, but seriously. Don't you just want to devour that?

I forgot how pretty the sunsets are in Idaho, always so vibrant. I wanted to take a picture of the kids in front of this one. This is Hannah's version of cooperating.

Sparklers, and illegal fireworks at Uncle Darren and Aunt Melissa's house. I just have to turn off the fire chief's daughter within me.

We smoked up the air pretty good.

Little pyro's in the making. Craig's mom used to let him go out on the driveway and light a handfull of matches if he was being "really good." He said it was so fun. We came from SUCH different upbringings. Unfortunately it seems our children have the same fascination with flaming objects.

Carter at random times will get slightly apprehensive. Here he is in one of his little mini three-year-old anxiety moments before they started lighting them off.

Hannah L.O.V.E.S. Craig's cousin Jenny. Well, actually all my kids do...

4th of July, lunching it up at BAJIOS! If you live in Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Rexburg, Pocatello, or Logan give my father-in-law's restaurant a try. You WILL NOT be disappointed. I crave this place when we are gone. They don't have any in Mesa :-(


Fourth of July Duds. We went non-matching this year. You may remember why. Anyways I think my kidlets are pretty darn cute. That, by the way, is Ethan's "cheese" face. Yummy again.

4th of July on the greenbelt, packed with people, very festive, good good food, the best of the 4th of July. I love this picture, all the big cousins taking a walk with Grandpa while we wait for the sun to go down.

Ethan "cheesing" it again.

Hitching a ride from Daddy.

My father-in-law pretty much insists that we walk about 3 miles to the VERY end of the greenblet to be right across from the place where they launch the pyrotechnics. That way you have flaming ash landing on you the entire show. It's kind of become a joke now, and it really is the best spot. But still not worth making a 9month's pregnant woman walk. (Craig is still apologizing for that one). It also means, that I have to walk another 3 miles to have one of these babies. Oh how I crave my beloved funnel cake, that comes but once a year. So worth the walk. I relished every second of this one.

My mother in law says that the country is treacherous. She wasn't kidding. Hannah's procurred this little baby playing in the spa. Watch as it grows darker with the trip. PS. She still has the bruise a week and a half later...

I love this girly.

The kids are obsessed with the trampoline. I'm obsessed with the next. Brilliance.

Cousins.

And there must be horseback riding of course. But nobody got kicked this year. Thanks goodness Carter learned his lesson.

Swimming up at Hi-C.

My little modest baby, you don't want to show too much skin..
Last night with Grandpa.

Down to Logan, at the Legacy center. I look pretty fierce throwing this tomahawk don't I? Too bad it just bumped into the log I was throwing it at and fell on the ground.

My husband, the warrior.

Nasty little helmets for pony riding. ew. But once again. Cute baby.

Tubin' it on Nick's boat. Hannah was so brave. We totally hit a big wave at the end and crashed into the water. I didn't want her to be afraid, so I told her we should go again. Such a trooper.

they loved handging out in the front of the boat with uncle Ashton.

Nick skiing. He is SO good.

The Hubs, skiing it up.

Takin' a break.

Sushi baby. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

My husband is not capable of taking a non-goofy picture.

Apparently none of us are.

Lagoon. After you've been to Disneyland, Lagoon jsut seems like a giant carnival. But we still have fun.

My kids are so precious.

Uncle Matty. Speaking of cuteness.

Craig on the sky coaster. Yahooo!

My sister's threw Hannah a little Birthday party. They are the BEST aunts ever!

Hannah the little photog. She is so funny. Cute sibs.

Presents. Mmm, lots of clothes. Mommy likes that.

We went to Bear lake on Sat. and I didn't take a single picture. Worst conditions ever. Muddy swampy, sold, choppy water, windy. Yuck. Plus, my dad got a huge call that day just as we were leaving and couldn't come. When a mountain slides down the Fire Chief has to be there. My dad is the world's BEST FIRE CHIEF!

Drove home Sunday, long long drive. But it was a great trip and we're glad to get back to reality.

Um, yikes. that was really long.

p-o-t-a-t-o-p-i-e.

Today I'm packing bags, baking muffins(I hate gas station snack foods), cleaning out the fridge, running to the bank, vacuuming the floors, and everything else involved with loading three little kids, one husband, and myself into the car to make the 14 hour drive up to Idaho. Have I ever mentioned how much I despise packing. Despise!!! I love taking trips, I used to love packing, kind of exciting, you know. But it's not fun to pack 5 people. It's exhausting and stressful, and alot. of. work...

But I am happy to be going up to visit both of our families, and also to escape the heat for 10 days. It's been hot, really hot. The kids are bursting to get out of here, but daddy doesn't get off work for a few more hours. I hope I can nap in the car. Wish me luck on the drive.

Blogging again from the land of endless potatoes...

image found on visitidaho.org

spontaneity

I'm going to see this lady tomorrow morning. And that makes me (and my kids) very very happy.

Something I've always appreciated about my parents is there sense of spontaneity. They're the kind of people who talk themselves into life instead of out of it. Not too many people are like that. Most people don't get online and order a plane ticket for 3 days later to fly down and love up on their grandkids and daughter, even though they are going to see them in 2 weeks. My mom is awesome. So is my dad, he always encourages her to come.

heartbreak.

I've been thinking alot about this family today. They were in our old stake back in Utah. My heart is broken, I've seriously been sobbing most of the afternoon. Sobbing, and clinging to my kids. Keep them in your prayers.

unplug.

Besides the normal mommy business, I've spent most of my day in front of my laptop emailing my husband and realtor back and forth as we figured out how we want to write up a contract on (yet another) house. I did research, weighed pro's and con's, discussed with my better half, all via the web. I also spent some time editing a little project I've been working on for a while now, also in front of the screen. My eyes feel like they are about to pop out of my head. I think I need to unplug. Excuse me, I'm taking my children to the pool now.

safe.

My cousin posted this picture on her blog, and when I saw it, I started crying. Maybe it's because I am tired, and feel a little alone down here. Maybe because it's hard to keep waiting for one of these houses to work out. Maybe because I miss my family a bit today. Maybe it's because my daughter is in her room this very minute playing with a cradle that my Grandpa Brownie built with his own two hands. The same one I played with as a child.

Have you ever had a place where you felt completely loved and accepted? Where you felt safe? Mine was in their home, sitting on their lap, getting wet toothless kisses. I still go back there, in my head, and wish I could hug them, just one more time.

grateful

Today I feel grateful for this guy. It took me a while to get past my, "I think I know everything" stage, and as soon as I did, I realized just exactly how wonderful my dad is. And then I felt amazed at everything he's done, and how he handled raising 5 girls, and how good he is to my brother, and how much he loves my kids, and how much he taught me that I took for granted. Not every dad explains certain things to their daughters, I know that now. Not every dad cares as much as he does. I really wish I could give him a hug today. I love my dad.

And this guy. Who taught my husband how to be tough, and ride horses, and work hard, and rope things, and ride motorcycles, and be a man. Not every dad does that. There are ALOT of wimpy guys out there, and my husband isn't one. Thanks for that Rand. PS. You're a great father-in-law too.

And for this guy. I don't know how I ended up with this man, but I thank the Lord that I did. That at 20 years old I stumbled into him, and somehow managed to understand (even if only fractionally) what an amazing person he is. I'm grateful that I've been able to watch him change from a guy who had never really changed a diaper, into an incredible hands-on father. I'm glad that he made me a mother, and I'm glad that my children look like him.

the state of things.

#3 has spent the week rolling around and whining. Snot everywhere, clingy, grumpy, whiny, agitated, whiny, screamy, did I mention whiny? 5 molars in one week, yikes. Not a happy baby.

#2 has spent the week a beast. I think my second child is possessed. Temper tantrums, growling, spitting, biting, overall naughtiness. Where is this coming from? Seriously pushing me to the limits of my patience, which anyone who knows me, will tell you is not far.



#1 All I can say is, THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE GIRLS. This child is perfection. I try really hard not to play favorites, but right now I just want to give this little girl anything she wants. I'm in love.

When I'm 64...

I had alot of preconceived notions about Arizona before I came down here. For one thing, that it was this ugly barren HOT desert. It is the desert, not going to dispute that part, but it's anything but ugly or barren. In fact I was genuinely surprised by how beautiful it was, and am more delighted each day I discover something new about my new home. It's not barren at all. There is grass, there are palm trees, and bushes and flowers... lots of green. And even the desert blooms around the city with the most interesting array of prickly vegetation that I've ever seen, which upon closer inspection, is actually quite beautiful. Secondly, the heat. It is hot. But it's also quite balmy many days, and coupled with swimming and palm trees, it's almost tropical. Also we've been getting a break this year. It's been in the mid-90's for the past week and a half, which, I guess is unheard of in Arizona. Of course, it's been freezing cold and raining everywhere else. Which brings me to rain. It never rains in Arizona, at least that's what I thought. It does however, rain in Arizona- it's rained at least 5 times since we've been here.

And finally, the last preconceived notion: there are A LOT of old people in Arizona. Sunbirds, snowbirds, whatever you want to call them, this is actually true. This place is crawling with the elderly. It's kind of fun. They are always so nice to me, these ladies I run into at the fabric/ grocery/clothing store. And they talk to my kids and tell me all about how they had 3/4/5 kids and how they all grew up 40 years ago and their Grandkids grew up 20 years ago and now their oldest grandchild just had their first baby, and so on and so forth. It's been interesting to observe these geriatrics, and to discover that there are some stereotypes about old people that are, in fact true. Not true of everyone, but for some.

Here are a few of my observations:

All old women have their hair cut super short and get it permed. Seriously, I haven't seen one old woman down here with hair past her chin.

Old men like to where socks halfway up their calves and comfortable tennis shoes (which are by the way bleach white) with shorts on, and yes even when it's 108 degrees. They won't wear sandals.

Old people love those clip on sunglasses that attach to the front of their glasses. Then all they have to do it flip them up while they are inside (so convenient!) and they have a little mini visor over their eyes.

Which brings me to Visors. Old women love to wear those things. Seriously, I haven't seen this many visors since 1989.

And finally, cars. Old people love to drive big- boat like cars. I don't understand this. Maybe it gives them more room, I don't know. But they all have these cars that look like they could double as watercraft.

It got me to thinking about what I am going to drive when I am old? And then what I am going to look like when I am old? And what I'm going to act like? Hmmm.

When I am old, I think I will drive a VW Beetle, or else a mini. That, I think would do just fine for me, especially since I fully intend to be a crazy old lady.

People apparently shrink as they grow older, so I'm banking on the fact that I'm probably going to end up about 4 feet 5 inches tall, but I'll be so old and crinkled at least people won't keep asking me if I am a teenager. Which they, by the way, ask me all the time. I can't go out in public without at least one person exclaiming that I look seventeen. Seventeen. Seriously.

Also, I love to tell Craig the back story on every movie/ Beatles' song/ random thing I see on the street, so I'm betting that's only going to get worse as I grow older. I'll be one of those old women who tells everyone in their vicinity the entire story of their life back to birth while they are standing in the grocery store line, and my great-grandkids will sit through it too, probably smiling because GG Cori is awesome and drives a mini.

Also, the Beatles' will still be my favorite band.

That's all I've got for now, I've got to get a little older to know the rest.

in the shade of the temple.

Today I made a little trip out to the LDS distribution center. It's location only a stones throw away from the center of Mesa, right there in the shadow of the temple. I pulled my three little children out of the car and explained to them that this was kind of like a church building we were going into, and they needed to behave, code word for be reverent. (Hey, it's a church operated building)

They sat very quietly reading the Friend issues piled on the waiting table while I purchased the goods my husband was desperately needing. A woman walked in and told me that my children were so well behaved. I smiled, thinking about how Carter blew a raspberry at me yesterday, and then screamed that I was a "MEAN SKUNK!" I thanked the woman, winked at the kids and then grabbed my bag and skedaddled out of there before they started running a-muck around the small quiet room. Blessings.


We walked out into the mild Arizona heat, and I opened the door for my angels (today) to climb into the car. There was a reflection of the temple on the car window, and it warmed me. I looked at my watch. It was only 3:15 and we didn't really have anywhere else we needed to be at that moment. I buckled the baby in his seat, and watched the older two slip their restraints into place.

"You guys," I said after they turned to see why mom was still staring at them instead of in the car starting the air conditioner, "how would you like to go over and walk around the temple?"

They brightened, and so did I, so I climbed in and drove across the street to the temple parking lot. I grabbed our two water bottles (a must have for every errand in Arizona) the Ensign and Friend that I had just purchased, and pulled my little sweaty darlings out of the car.

And we spent the rest of the afternoon meandering along the walkways, putting our fingers in the spray from the sprinklers, looking at the carvings on the side, watching the water shoot back and forth in the fountain, the birds dance on the ground, reading articles from the friend and sitting in the shade of the temple. I took photos. We were all happy. And my children were slightly subdued. It was peaceful, reverent. It made me a better mom. Thursday afternoon is peaceful at the temple. Just a few old ladies carrying their bags in for a session, and one old man with a cane who told me my family was beautiful.

And we talked about why we go to the temple, and whose house it is, and why we need to live the right way so we can go inside. And we talked about how our family started in the temple. How, being married there meant we get to be a family forever. That no matter what happens we are a family.

And Hannah looked up at me and said, "And we don't ever have to be afraid, because no matter what happens, we'll always be a family."

And she was right. There is nothing to fear if we stay close to our covenants, if we stay close to the temple.

We are safe in the shade of the temple.