I've Married Into a Nerd-Herd!!

Apparently, SOME people do not have enough responsibilities to keep themselves busy! That or we are all just a little bored with out everyday lives! I want to add a disclaimer that I had no previous knowledge of the nerd-ness I was to marry, and now it is too late to do anything about it since our marriage is going to last a VERY, LONG TIME!

(Love you, honey!)

Happy Christma-versary-day!!

I am a bit slow on the uptake!!
Merry Christmas!

Happy Anniversary, Spencer. The flowers are beautiful and you were very sneaky! I just want you to know that I love you and I am glad that we got married 11 years ago. You are my best friend and I don't know what I would do without you! (Seriously, just ask anybody about my basket-cased, stress-induced days when you are away!)

Happy Birthday, Spencer! For 6 whole weeks you can not torture me with my age! We are the same age and I enjoy this 6 weeks every year! I said it before and I will say it again, It gets really sad when you have to do the math before you can tell people how old you are!!

XOXO

Christmas 08 Outtakes

The Best Christmas Ever

When I was a kid, Christmas was the greatest, most magical time of the year. We spent every fall and subsequent winter in eager anticipation of that joyous day when we would receive our prize for being "good" all year, or at least the latter half of it. I passed every Christmas Eve with a blinding case of insomnia. I was so excited that I just couldn't stand it. And like any boy, I snooped early to see what gifts were laid out by the elf. Most of the family thinks that I was just too impatient to wait. Truth is, when you are sitting up all night, unable to sleep - you get bored. What better way to pass the time than to take a peek. One year, my parents landed on a bag of rubber rats from the old Italian man who lived up the street. They strung the rats along the stair rails in hopes that I would see them and immediately pee myself in fear. Well, I almost did just that. As I made my way up the lower flight of the split level home we lived in, I came about to look across the floor into the living room which was just off the stairs. My gaze rested on a pair of red eyes attached to a black mound. A split second and my synapses told me it was a rat. The shock ran to the pit of my stomach and I gasped quietly. A split second later, my brain sent it to me that they were fake. Funny how long it takes your thoughts to materialize when you are traumatized. I still peeked that Christmas and It didn't cure me, but the incident has been logged into Olsen Family Christmas lore by my Father who repeats it to everyone he introduces me to when the topic of Christmas arises.
Those are my memories - my Christmases - the things I remember most from childhood. There are other things I remember, too. Mom and Dad always made us wait and go out to the Tree together each Christmas morning. Things usually got started around 4am. My Brothers and I would be awake by then, trying to make as much noise as possible in order to stir the rest of the house. I also remember that there were always plenty of nuts on the kitchen table, chocolates in our stockings, lots of oranges and Mom reading "Mr. Skip" to us on Christmas Eve. But there was always one thing that I remember most about Christmas. One thing that stood out above all else. Mom and Dad never let us forget just why we had Christmas - a tradition and responsibility that Roxy and I have labored to pass to our children.
Each Christmas Eve, I read the Christmas story from both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We did it again the other night. It was tough. The two younger children have the attention span of a goldfish. But Ben sat there, glued to me as I read. When I asked questions, he had all the answers. I was so proud of him.
Christmas morning came and went. We opened presents, made a mess of the house, and went to eat Chinese food, just like we do every year. And at the end of the day, we all knelt down for family prayer, like we always do. And my boy Ben bowed his head and thanked the Lord for Christmas and thanked the Lord for the reason we celebrate it and then he thanked the Lord for Jesus Christ.
You spend your whole tenure as a parent lamenting your mistakes, doing your best to make sure that your kids do a little better than you. You teach them and hope it sinks in, and when it does, you feel warm and hopeful inside. This Christmas night, at the end of the day as I listened to my son offer a sincere prayer to his Father in Heaven, I realized that this was the best Christmas ever.

Christmas Morning.

Holiday Ho-down!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The kids and I are having too much fun with this so here's another...we are cracking up!

Saw this on a friend's blog. Wanted to make my own!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Children and the Concept of Money...An Essay...Just Kidding

The other day we were all in the van on the way to get Spencer from work. I was running really behind, that in itself always makes me tense. The kids were not cooperating and getting them into their seats was like pushing a rope uphill - in the snow - both ways! It was not improving my mood. I had a small rant about cooperation, Santa not really liking their current behavior, the crap-tastic weather, running late, not being ready for Christmas, Spencer being gone again this week, and not having any money until Friday. You know, the usual.
Matt pipes up with, "Just go to the bank, mom!"

Ben explains that it doesn't work that way, you have to put money into the bank to get it out. "You will learn these things when you get into 3rd grade. We learned all about banks."

"WOW, you learned about piggy banks!" Matt was very impressed and I just had to laugh!
**********************************************************
Cait's take on nachos

The other night Spencer and I had nachos for dinner, the children had Mac and Cheese. Caitlyn decided that she also wanted a chip and some cheese. I offered her some of the nachos, "Oh, no, mom! I don't want that kind." She proceeds to rub a Cheeto puff onto a tortilla chip in order to "add the cheese".

Pictures

Here is a sampling of this afternoon's attempt at getting my 3 little "monkees" to cooperate for a Christmas card picture!!

Why Doctors Frustrate Me and The Joy Of Giving

I have been in a funk, I am sure that will not come as a surprise to anyone I have talk with this week. I would pull myself up by my bootstraps, but I am not wearing my boots at the moment.

I wanted our family blog to be real, and real life is not always sunshine and funny stories.
Plus this is sort of therapeutic to write it down and send it out into the cyber-universe.

I have been dealing with some pretty weird symptoms for the past month or so, I have a kid-you-not-never-going-away-headache, my arms, hands, legs and feet have been randomly falling asleep, and my finger and toe joints have swollen and are sometimes really painful. Sounds fun, right? So, I go and see a doctor. This is huge for me because I get really sick of sitting in waiting rooms, co-pays, expensive "your insurance doesn't cover this" medication and "Dr. guesses", you get the picture. With 3 kids that have asthma, an accident prone daughter, and a hubby I deal with all that enough. I finally after 2 years get my own primary care physician in Tennessee. I tell you they never saw me coming! I described all of my body's newly acquired talents and they proceed with the "guessing". I have had a needle stuck in my arm more times than I would have liked, I have been scanned and re-scanned.

Back before my life as Mrs. Olsen, I had surgery for a brain tumor. It came out of the clear, blue sky. One night I was sleeping and the next thing I know I am awake in the middle of the night, not knowing who I am, or where I was. My tongue is swollen and bleeding, and I am scared. What can only be described as a tender mercy, I did know a phone number. It turned out to be my mom's. She came to my apartment and stayed with me through the night and took me to the doctor's the next morning. Apparently I had had a whopper of a seizure! Go figure. I proceed to go to a Neurologist, she had me do an MRI. Which then turned into a Neurosurgical appointment to schedule surgery for a large mass in my left-frontal lobe. They were able to get most of the tumor out. Crazy how things can escalate, huh?

Anyway, I survived, obviously. I met and married Spencer, have had beautiful children, and the only side-effect was that I sometimes stumble over my words or can not finish my sentences because I am trying to find the right word to use. I do not think it is very noticable, but now you will because I told you.

I tell you that, to tell you this...I went to another Neurosurgeon today, with all the new CAT scans and MRI's my pcp wanted a specialist to look at my reports. I bet you are hanging on the edge of your seat...Or, perhaps, I flatter myself...Anyway, at this time it doesn't seem like it has grown enough to risk surgery again. My left side is pushing into my right side and there is still part of the tumor and a lot of calcification. It really is cool to look at, in a morbid sort of way. I have my scans if you want to see.

So, they still do not know what is going on with me. I will let you know when I know. I am feeling less "funky" today. I want to thank Jennie for taking my kids today and giving me a break. And I want to thank Bonne for being a really great VT and for being so loving and understanding the other night. (Although, I still feel guilty!)

Okay, for enduring this really long post I will grant you the one bright spot that I managed to observe through my week of crankiness...

The other night at dinner (if you call mac and cheese, dinner). The kids started to discuss amongst themselves what should be left for Santa. They wanted to leave him a gift. They thought that no one ever thinks to give a gift for Santa. They started to throw out some ideas. (sorry, can't remember what they were.) Then they asked me what kinds of cookies were Santa's favorites. Ben asked if he drank skim milk or regular milk. Then they decided that Mrs. Clause also needed a gift. They also want to "research what reindeer really eat" - their words, not mine. So, I guess my little vikings have listened a little bit when I tell them it is better to give than to receive.

Possible Scrooge In The Making...

I am not really sure what I am going to blog about. So I am pretty sure it will not be overly entertaining. Sorry, I can't be 'on' 100% of the time. The pressure, Oh! The pressure!

Spencer is going to be really busy with installs this month, which means out of town. Although I am trying to feel grateful that we have job stability, it really stinks! December is notoriously busy. We have not even decided what to get the kids this year. I usually like to bake and hand out plates of goodies. We normally take a family photo and get our Christmas cards out. Then there is the usual amount of holiday parties and get-togethers.

We also, in our young-self absorbed-completely oblivious to all others early love, decided to get married on December 27th! WHY!! I have not had an actual anniversary celebration in 11 years (Oh, except that one time my mom bought us tickets to the Kansas City Ballet performance of Nutcracker...Thanks Mom!) I know that there are quite a few other couples in our ward (that's church) who also have December anniversaries, so I am not saying anything about anyone else only us, the usually stretched too thin, broke, and exhausted Spencer and Roxann. AND...Spencer's b-day is the 28th, poor man is doomed! OK, that was just a little side rant.

Right now my house is in some alternate limbo universe between Autumn and Christmas decorations. I doubt with all my being that I am going to be getting much done in that department. I am just not feeling it.

I think we made google street view...

You tell me...

Is that our van?

View Larger Map

Roxann...

I am so sorry.  I should have taken the pen out of my shirt pocket.  

Please forgive me.

-Spencer

Lindsey...

I am so sorry.

It wasn't my idea.

-Spencer

I didn't do it!

Our playroom/office is a converted garage.  I come up the 3 stairs into the main house and this is the sight that I stumble upon...

What? They fell.

I didn't do it.

This is the sort of thing I deal with on a daily basis.  

A new Slate!

Woo-Hoo, Thanks to Enrichment night I have discovered how to change my backgrounds and add some accessories!  So Enjoy!  I am sure I will be adding and changing things often!  

Sippy-cup Surprise

The rush was exhilirating.  I just couldn't wait to see just what was in store for me.  The present was hidden, far away in the play-room; untouched by human hands and unscanned by the eye for at least 3 days.  It was discovered during a cleaning expedition to the south play-room.  One of the children found it in the futon excurion party.  The layers of ancient kid-mess were carefully removed from the outer shell and it was gently carried to the kitchen for examination.  

That's where I found it.  You see, it had been filed away under a day's worth of dishes, lost to time once again.  It was mine to re-discover.  And so I began my examination of this artifact, excited by the mystery of its contents.

Hot water surged into the sink and the faint waft of steam rose like the morning mist.  My excitement was un-containable as I carefully twisted the top loose.  The smell blasted from the cup, creating an almost visual mushroom cloud of filth.  Powerless to resist, my head instinctively jerked to the left.  The groan was automatic as the tangy, musty stank tore through my olifactory system.  I lurched and dumped the contents down the drain.  As it disappeared into the hot mist of the whirling drain, I saw it.  The prize was there.  Old chocolate milk.  Looks like Saturday.

Thanks, Kids.

Long way to a point

Roxann went off to "All About Girls" (or was it "Time Out for Chicks" or something like that?) this weekend.  Whatever.  It was a convention for Mormon women to get together and complain about how bad they have it and reassure themselves that murdering their no good husbands and unruly children just isn't the answer.  It was a place for them to get together and cry about music and share testimonies and spend money.  It was great for her and she came home really happy.  So I hope she does it again next year.

Anyway...

I was picked up from work on Friday night and basically dropped off at the drive-way (Really, I dropped her off, but I am using a literary paint brush.  Give me a break, here).  Anyway, not wanting to actually feed the children with my own hands, we went over to Little Caesers and picked up a $5 pizza... which ended up being 2 of those, some wings, and a drink.  So that actually came out to about $20 (Sorry, Rox).  The kids and I had a great night.  We ate, watched a movie together and then off to bed.  Roxann came home sometime around 11 or so.  She told me all about it and even brougt me a book to read.  (This book)  Before I went to bed I read quite a bit of it.  We got to bed late and Roxann was planning to get up early the next morning.  That left me to deal with Caitlyn.  'Bout 1Am she peed the bed and got up.  I got her changed out and her bed re-made and back into it.  She got up a couple more times, but eventually I think we got to bed around 1:30.  

I don't even remember what happened next.  I woke up at around 9:30 AM.  Too late.  The kids had trashed the kitchen and were working on the play-room.  We watched a movie for a while and I tried in vain to ge them to clean up the play-room.  Eventually I got them dressed and we played for a while.  The pile of clothes on the couch was calling to me.  "Fold us...  Fold us!  FOLD US!!!"  I ignored it and tried to find a list that I was sure that Roxy had left me.  I found it on the fridge.  It said...  Clean up the porch.  So we did.  In the cold, wet rain (Thanks for that, BTW).  Ben and I got the dishes done (first round).  The laundry was calling again.  I wished it would shut-up.  We had lunch...  of course Caitlyn wouldn't eat it.  She never eats anything.  I put her out for a nap and Ben and I did the second round of dished.  I laid down and only got about a half-hour before Roxann called me and said she was on her way home.  She wanted to go to Adult session of conference.  We had no babysitter.  We had a few offers, but agreed that I would continue to stay with the kids while she went with Jenny and the Bishop.  So finally, we had dinner and I did those stupid clothes on the couch.  All done.  Kids to bed late and I got to relax.

Now let me just take a moment and tell you about the clothes that were folded.  I am going to toot my own horn here because that was a feat.  Seriously.  The clothes pile is an evil monster, bourne of "not enough time" and pickled in "it sucks to do".  When it has fermented long enough and grown large enough it is too horrible a task to undertake.  Each day it feeds on the fresh laundry and our sorrow.  So yesterday, I put on my climbing gear and started the trek to the top so I could dismantle the beast.  It is done and I think that I have post traumatic stress syndrome from it.

Here is the before picture...

And here is the after picture...

I shudder at the thought of doing it again.

Anyhoo...  This is all leading up to something that made me so proud to be a father.  I decided that I would read some stories from the book Roxann brought home for me.  It is a collection of Thomas S. Monson stories.  I read a couple to the kids just before prayer.  They loved them.  Especially Ben.  Ben usually reads for a half-hour or so after we put him to bed.  Saturday night, he asked if he could take it with him.  He read for about an hour before he went to bed.  Tonight, we had a mini-home evening and we read some scripture and another story from the book.  Ben had already read it and was able to contribute to the lesson.  As soon as we were done, he went to the basket and produced a hymnal.  He was looking for a song that was in context with the lesson.  We sang three songs together.  It was awesome.  Tonight, he was out of books to read, so he did what he always does when he is out of books, grabbed his scriptures.  Benjamin is such a good boy.  He has an unparalleled love for reading and especially loves to read his scriptures and anything else of a spiritual nature that sparks his interest.  He is building his testimony in a way that I have never seen before. I am so proud of him.

I have moved.

In the interest of keeping this blog politically neutral, I have moved.  Please feel free to visit Spencer's Super Happy Fun time Right-Wing Word Pit at http://spencerswordpit.blogspot.com

All of my political drivel is over there, including past posts.

Danny, Korynn, Merilee, Bo...

Add me to your sidebars.

Thanks, Guys.

Round and round

OK. I officially think that Caitlyn is trying a new attention getting method.  Only problem is, she get's matthew's help and actually injurs herself.  

Let me start at the beginning.

Yesterday, Roxann had a Doctor's appointment.  It lasted half of the day and she also had a second appt in the afternoon.  I took time off work for this.  Roxy then called me today, just after I had arranged to get off a few minutes early to go and see a dentist.  She told me that she had yet another appt at 3:15.  No problem.  I asked for that time off also.  Then a few minutes later I get THE phone call.

If you have never recieved THE phone call, you are really missing out.  There is usually screaming or crying of some sort going on in the background and someone is either hurt or Roxann is at the end of her rope.  When you answer THE phone call, you usually have to listen carefully through the screaming in the background to cypher what you are being told by your spouse. And the call is never happy, cheerful or full of good news.  It's usually something catastrophic and will usually end in tears.

Well I got THE phone call.

"CAITLYN CUT HER HEAD OPEN AND SHE IS BLEEDING ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!  Come home."

Didn't we just do this?!?!  I think we did.  (here)

She is like that Stone Sour song "scars".  You know... (sing it with me if you know the tune)

♫"Yeah, Cause I am made of scaaaaaaaaaars♫
♫Yes, I am made of scar-ar-arars"♫

But I think that she is doing it to get attention... maybe.  For those of you keeping count, however, that's Caitlyn with 3 sets of stitches in the last year.

The score today was...

Futon - 1, Caitlyn - 0

Double Thanks!

I wanted to add my sincerest appreciation to all of the men and women in the armed forces!  I come from a long line of military so I have an especially soft spot in my heart for anyone willing to sacrifice so much.  I get close to tears just thinking about it!  We are so blessed to have people willing to give their lives so that we can have the freedom to do so much.  A lot is taken for granted, because we just don't know how good we have it!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  I think you are all amazing!  

Thanks.

Thanks, Guys.  For all you do for us.

Attention Hog

Caitlyn. yeah, that's right... Caitlyn is an attention Hog. You have to understand the story to understand why Caity is acting like she does. For most of her life, Caityln has been competing with the boys for Dad and Mom's attention. Easy enough. She is a girl and they are boys. That means that attention is spread differently or in other words, she got the lion's share because the boys largely don't care that much. So when Roxy started babysitting a young, female baby in the ward on a daily basis, things changed drastically.
Here is a list of "Attention Getting Activities" that have been approved for use by the "Caitlyn Attention Association":

1. The Fall - This is where Caitlyn will lie down on the floor and exclaim that she has "fallen". Although this techniques is not effective, it still gets employed at least 3 times a week.

2. The Paraplegic - This techniques employs kneeling or "The Fall" and transitions into the statement "I can't walk" usually as a whine. When forced to walk, Caitlyn employs "The Zombie".

3. The Zombie - When she doesn't want to do something and you make her do it, she goes limp, gets a thousand yard stare and reluctantly does it all the while whining and flailing like a zombie.

4. The "Ron Popeil" - When faced with a challenge that requires more work than normal, Caitly will attempt to get help. To achieve this, she will horridly fail at the task in a comical and completely un-realistic manner. Example - putting on a coat. Tugs and flaps the coat, grunts, throws it down, and then whines "I can't do it!".  She most likely learned this technique from Matthew.

5.  The Masochist - Katerina (I hope I Spelled that right, Bonne) is the tiny baby that Roxann baby-sits.  As most of you know, babies like to grab things and have no real motor control.  Similar to the "Tawana Brawley", this particular technique involves Caitlyn puting one or more of her appendages or hair in the line of fire.  Once done, Katerina will most likely grab, hit or scratch (through no fault of her own).  The result is an excuse to tattle about abuse by the new one.

(because Carrot Top is hurting himself by not going away already)

6.  The "Tawana Brawley" - When nudged or bumped into, Caity will throw herself down or employ "The Fall".  Once completed, the tattling begins about how she was wronged or beaten by the brutish other. ...and it's usually a lie.

7.  The Snuggle - This is my favorite and least favorite all at the same time.  At night, after she wakes up to pee, Caity will crawl into bed with us and snuggle.  It has to stop and it makes sleep difficult at times, but it is the most loving and sincere of all of her techniques.  I love it and am almost powerless to stop it.  But it has to stop.  Oh well.

Matthew's First Soccer Practice

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

We carved pumpkins last night for family night.  I thought the kids would love it. 

The kids were so excited they were running up the walls!  Spencer started cutting the lids for everyone's pumpkin.  Then they asked what they were supposed to do.  When I told them they had to stick their hands in the pumpkin and pull out the "innards", they looked at me like I had just grown a 3rd eye!  "Really, are you joking, mom?"  Ben tried but then his gag reflex kicked in and he started to dry heave.  I couldn't help it I started to laugh.  (I am a mean mom)  Caitlyn just stared at the pumpkin and kept telling us how dirty it was!  Matthew was the only one that still wanted to do anything.  I ended up cleaning out 3 pumpkins and helping to carve 2 of them before finally getting to my own at 10:30 last night!  Before bedtime we had most of them done and lit up on the porch.  The kids were pretty impressed.  (Thank you, Thank you very much!)

I got tagged! Is that legal?

I got tagged by Katie...I veto all of the rules.

1. Where is your cell phone? On the couch, next to the laundry I was folding
2. Where is your significant other? Work, or at least that's what he tells me
3. Your hair color? Reddish-Brown or Brownish-Red
4. Your mother? Living in Missouri
5. Your father? Living in Oklahoma
6. Your favorite thing? Ice cream 
7. Your dream last night? Don't remember having one
8. Your dream/goal? Go back to School
9. The room you're in? Playroom
10. Your hobby? Scrapbooking, Crafts
11. Your fear? That Spencer will die and I will be alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Wherever God wants us, Happy
13. Where were you last night? Church/Home
14. What you're not? Thin, Sane
15. One of your wish-list items? A new couch or a new washer / dryer (can't have only one)
16. Where you grew up? Flordia, Nevada, Germany, South Carolina, Arizona, and California
17. The last thing you did? Laundry
18. What are you wearing? Clothes
19. Your TV? Sticky, I have children
20. Your pet(s)? No thanks, I tried it didn't work 
21. Your computer? My husband's other woman!
22. Your mood? OK, a bit bored
23. Missing someone? Yes, family, friends
24. Your car? Blue Dodge Grand Caravan (I really want an Odyssey!)
25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
26. Favorite store? Hobby Lobby
27. Your summer? Uneventful

28. Love someone? Yes, but don't tell them

29. Your favorite color? Green

30. When was the last time you laughed? I am always laughing, I have children

31. Last time you cried? Last week, I had my quarterly meltdown, so I am good to go!

I guess I am supposed to pass this on so I will tag my sisters in law...Korynn, Merilee, Sharel and Andrea...Just copy and paste the questions into your next blog post.  Have Fun!!

Yes.

Yes.   It is 3:30Am and we are up.  Caitlyn peed allover herself and the bathroom floor and has a cold.  We have to give her a breathing treatment because she has asthma.  It is really counter-intuitive.  The child must remain still in order not to get out of breath.  Then you hook the child up to the nebulizer.  The nebulizer is like cocaine for tots.  It gets them all glassy-eyed and hyper.  I don't even know why we do it.  Plus, you have to tell them to "Suck the smoke in to your toes" which is a level of wrong-ness all in itself.  It's almost like we are training our children for the "pot-olympics"- you know...  "Hey man...  what?  Oh yeah...  smoke it, man... suck it all the way to your toes, man..."  

Dad is sick also, but I found some Histinex HC in the medicine basket...  Yummy... Antihistimine and narcotics...  YAY!!!

Just for fun-zies!!

So, this week and last week have got to be the lOoooOooOngest weeks ever! Am I the only one that feels that way - I think not!   I am so tired, so very tired.  I don't know what is wrong with me.  I guess my winter hibernation is setting in early.  I never thought I would say this but, I can't wait for daylight savings time!  I just want to see if the extra sunlight will help.  

Today, just for fun-zies I took the kids to Target after we dropped DH off at work.  We were having a pretty good time.  Then the baby (the one I watch) had had her fill and started to fuss.  C decided she HAD to pee!!  We were almost through the check-out process, but she could not wait!  The cashier offered to watch the cart and put my receipt in the bag so I could run all 3 kids into the bathroom.  

Have you ever tried helping a 3 year old with her pants and helping her "up" while holding a 6 month old and having to intensly pee yourself, all the while the 4 year old is singing at the top of his lungs in the next stall?  That was FANTASTIC!  

Next, we "herded" our way to the van.  I literally spent 3 minutes next to the driver's door pushing my key fob to unlock the doors!  It would not work!  I started to panic, how are we gonna pay to fix this?!  I glanced down, to see a "stow and go" sticker on the door, hmmm, we don't have stow and go.  You know it usually helps if you are trying to unlock the right car!!  

After finding the correct vehicle to pile into, I went around to help M with his buckle and promptly put my knee into his unfinished Strawberry biscuit.

That had to be the fullest packed 15 minutes of my life.

Now, wasn't that FUN!  

Pictures of the Kids.

We took Caitlyn out tonight to spend her birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa.  She bought a dress and some shoes.  We got some pictures of her and her brothers joined in for more pics.

Declaration of Independence

Today we had beautiful fall weather! - Have I mentioned that this is my favorite time of year!!  (Soon I will begin my hibernation and will be extremely grumpy! I think I suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder.  It is no joke : ) 

 On another side note I wonder if our church is going to offer any sort of "Church Widow" compensation!  Between a youth temple trip, moving a new family into the ward and Priesthood Session, I have not seen much of Spencer this weekend.  I feel like a nanny sometimes, forget the fact that they are my children, but that is a whole other topic for a later time.  

Back to my intended subect...we actually managed to go into Nashville today!  And not to the airport for once!  We took our children to see an original Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence!  It was really neat!  There were 25 original copies of the DOI that were printed the same day it was written.  These were taken by men on horses throughout the 13 colonies.  They were read in town squares as a way to rally the soon-to-be-Americans to the cause of freedom and seperation from England and King George.  This particular copy was found by a man who bought a picture at a flea market because he liked the frame!  He noticed a tear in the back of the canvas of the picture and found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence!  How awesome is that!  If I remember right, the copy was bought and sold a few times and eventually was bought by someone (can't remember the names)  who wanted the document to go on tour.  

How often in ones lifetime are you going to see something like that!  I was excited, to the point of goosebumps, at seeing it!  I love that time in history!  

They had actors dressed as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, John Adams, Abigail Adams, and a few others, but those were the ones we saw.  We took pictues with them and the monkeys.  (to be posted at a later time.) 

As we were leaving the library M states, "I didn't see a single decoration!!!"  **Honey I said we were going to see the Declaration not Decorations!!!  (He thought we were going to see Halloween Decorations!)  That boy has me rolling everyday!  

Then we walked a few city blocks and the kids were in awe of the tall buildings and the trolley and everything!  We are soooo suburban!!  I was nervous the whole time.  My children are not known for being overly obediant and I just KNEW we were going to loose someone!  Ben was great and he and Matt stayed together the whole time ooohing and awwwing at all the new sites!  We had a really nice time.

 I hope that the kids will remember how much people have believed in our country and fought for our country and lost for our country!  We are so blessed to live here!    

"Into the Lungs of Hell"

The phone in my pocket rang.  I pulled the earbud from my ear, raised the phone and listened to Roxann's voice on the other end.

"Are you guys close?"

"Sure, why? is dinner ready?"

"Well, it's been ready for a while." She said.

Benjamin and I had been out on our nightly 2 mile walk about the neighborhood.  Before the phone rang a foul odor of burnt plastic filled the air, faint at first but strengthening with each step and breath.

Ben said:

"Smells like someone's playing with cap-guns."

"Nah, smells like an electrical fire." I replied.

I didn't say it, but I thought it, somewhere close a house was burning.  I looked around for smoke but saw nothing.  Then Roxy called and before I could finish telling her about how soon we would be home, I saw it.  To the north and on down Penny lane, black smoke billowed from a bright flame and lighter, gray smoke curled from the eaves of a single white house.  The fire and dark cloud of soot seemed to rise from the rear of the house in stark contrast like some menacing beast threatening to destroy the dwelling.

"There's a house on fire!  I've gotta go."

I hung up the phone and dialed 911.  The dispatcher put me through to the fire department and I was told that help was already on the way.

As I approached the house the neighbors were standing outside.  A woman - my age and her daughter.  Lots of words were exchanged, but I don't remember much of them.

"Is anyone in there?" I shouted to the woman.  I was now standing at the side of the house.  I could see the bright orange flame rocketing skyward from the kitchen window.  I stripped myself of my Ipod and my phone and handed them to Ben.

"No!" she shouted, "But there are 3 cats in there."  As I looked upon the deck I saw an older woman desperately trying at the door.

"Nana, Stop!  Come back!" the youngest girl shouted to her grandmother.  The calls fell on deaf ears as well as my own admonishing.

"Don't open that door!"

She wheeled back and with strength from some unknown force inside her, the elderly woman kicked the door and it swung open.  Black smoke poured from the opening and she shrank back.  Not to be deterred, she tried to enter the house but the heat and fumes held her back.  She began then to yell for the cats.

The sound was immediate and devastating like a jet taking off then exploding.  It felt as if the earth around us shook slightly, though it did not, as a woosh of flames exploded from the eaves pushing a small bit of debris into the air with a loud Whump!  Instinctively, I ducked my head.  My eyes turned to the old woman, she flew backward and scrambled off of the porch, smoke filling the air around us and the sky.  The smoke saturated the atmosphere and added an ominous glow to things around us.

Two large men approached us from the front yard.  All the usual questions about anyone being home.  The three of us scrambled to push the two automobiles from the rear of the house to the neighbor's driveway as one of the men popped them into neutral from the drive-train.  Then we removed the propane barbeque grill and a gas can from the deck and side of the house as quickly as we could.  Another, thin man ran to our aid.  He ran to the back door and fell to his stomach and slid into the house.

"Is anyone in here!!" he bellowed.  Satisfied with no answer he plead with bystanders for a wrench for the gas meter.  One returned and he disappeared to the other side of the house just as the first firetrucks arrived.

I rushed to Ben who was scared.  I had tried in the confusion to send him home but he didn't make it.  Are you OK? I asked him.

"Please untangle these" He said handing me a wad of headphones intertwined from our Ipods."I want to put mine on and make the noise stop"  I hugged him and assured him that things would be alright.  We watched as neighbors an firefighters worked together to unroll the great hoses.  A pumper truck moved down the street un-coiling a hose behind it to the hydrant.  Soon, the water began to flow.  The house was consumed now with thick smoke and bright orange flame.  The sun was setting and the glow was eerie.  The heat standing across the road was felt and Ben and I watched with almost the entire neighborhood and the gallant firefighters gave all they had to save the house.  At one point the front door was open and the bright, flickering flame glowed from inside like the lungs of hell, consuming all around it mercilessly.

After sending the ladder truck and a man up to fight the fire from above the roof, the men retreated to defensive positions and all we could do was watch as the house continued to burn.

Roxy and the rest of the kids came to get us.  We went home and ate our dinner luke warm and prayed for the family who lost so much tonight.

Not Much

There isn't a whole lot going on in my neck of the woods.  Things are running in their usual "barely contained chaos" state!  I did want to post though because I haven't in awhile.  

I am feeling very blessed right now.  I have a wonderful family.  My husband is fantastic!   He works very hard for us.  (Honey I love you and you are perfect for me!)  My children are angels trying their hardest to be devils!  Ben is so smart and willing to help.  Matt keeps me laughing and is such a good big brother.  Caitlyn is a cuddle bug that gives me all the kisses I could ever want. 

We are so lucky to have made so many wonderful friends here, it has helped to keep me from being homesick.  I know that we made a good decision to move to Tennessee.  I know that Heavenly Father was and is always looking out for us.  I am so thankful for the gospel, even when I have a hard time doing my best.  To have a perspective beyond this life is truely a blessing when things get hard.  

Saturday's Warrior

Today on the way to pre-school Matt asked me to play the Primary CD. (The songs the kids will sing in church in November.) I obliged and put the disk in the player.
"No mom! Not that song! The one that says, 'We thank thee O God for a Prophet that guides us on some Saturdays'!"
Woo-Hoo that made my day!! I had to correct him of course that it was Latter-days...

Soccer, Stitches, and Safety Helmets

I am about 2 weeks behind...

Well, I got the boys into soccer!! We started a bit late, but I think it will soothe the savage beasts (and help them to forget that mom missed the original cut-off!)    Ben is giving it his all and I think with some more practice he will get more "fluid" in his movements.  They won his 1st game and he was really exited!  

Matthew is thrilled to be able to start.  He has been watching Ben for the past 2 years and has been asking when he gets to play.  I thought he was going to pass-out from excitment when he learned he actually got to keep his jersey!  

On the 14th, Caitee wanted to "help" me make pancakes and eggs for breakfast.  She pulled a kitchen chair over to the counter and started to pull things out.  She tried to open a drawer that was directly in front of her.  She leaned back and the chair tipped backwards,  knocking her to the floor.  Then the seat rocked all the way over and smashed her in the face!  I watched the whole thing in slow motion, and yet it happened so fast I couldn't stop it.  The chair had put a nasty looking gash in her chin.  The blood was deep red.  Not a sight for the faint of heart!  I surprised myself with my very calm, "Spencer, you are going to have to take Cait in for stitches."

Sure enough my dirty, little princess received 4 stitches in her chin.  

You might think this was her 1st set.  But Oh, NO!  This is her 2nd set!  I think she has some personal goal to have one set for every year of her life.  Believe me you DO NOT want to tumble with this girly!  She is one tough little cookie!!  

We try to get together for playdates with families from our ward (church).  The weather has been unbelievable perfect, so we have been to the park quite a few times...anyway it was decided to meet up for a bike ride.  The older kids did not have school that day, so I was more than ready not to be at home.

Matthew had gotten a bike for his birthday back in April.  Caitlyn had her tricycle.  Ben did not have a bike.  The reason for this is because he would literally freak out when we tried to teach him how to ride a bike.  It was too much for Spencer and I's patience!!  We gave up a few years ago on that one...I digress.

I was feeling bad that he would be the only one without anything to ride, although he does have a scooter, it just isn't the same!  I wanted to get him a bike.  So on Thursday, we loaded up and headed to (quickly becoming my least favorite place...) Wally-World.  Taking 3 children into any retail store is another post all together!  

Long story short (oh! sorry, too late...)  Ben AND Caitlyn ended up with a new bike.  Because as I have mentioned before Cait can and will do anything before, better, and faster than her brothers!!  

I do not know if it because this area is so dang friendly or if everyone will experience this phenomenon. There is something magical in getting your 1st bike.  Everyone and I do mean everyone stopped and talk to us and we headed to the checkout.  People smile at you and give you thumbs up and are very excited for you to get to ride your new bike.  The kids basked in the limelight from the back of the store all the way to the parking lot.  It was like something you would see in a movie.  I don't even know if I am getting the feeling across, but I will never forget the way it felt - well, magical!  

Spencer taught Ben to ride his bike!!!!  It only took 1 night!!!  I am so proud of him for overcoming his fears!  (I am sure that there was some pressure of being the only 8 year old with training wheels!!)  He loves it!  She loves it!  They love it! Everyday the kids want to go out and ride.  And now I have a marvelous, wonderful new thing to hold over their heads if their rooms aren't clean!  (picture me wringing my hands in menace) Mwhahah!! 

I am going to post pics when Spencer gets home and reminds me how to get them off the camera and into this blog!!  (I would never survive without my techie husband.)

 

HAHAHAHA. Awesome.

"Without George Washington's teeth, we wouldn't have Bonaroo!"

--Posted by Spencer, not Roxann, but logged in as Roxann, but Spencer.... see?

Amphibians and Car Keys

Yesterday, I made my usual rounds in the morning. Drop off Ben, drop off Spencer, drop off Matthew. On the way home with the girls, I noticed a "bump" up ahead in the road. As I drove closer I realized it was a turtle. I swerved to miss it. I only got a few feet and then my neurotic impulses kicked it. "I had to save that turtle! If I didn't go back, no one else would! I couldn't bear the thought of him getting squished! He would never make it without me!" I turned around, and pulled into the turn lane of Compton Road. (It's a pretty busy street, about 40-45 mph) I am flashing my brights at all the incoming cars to get them to slow down. Then I thought "This is crazy, I am going to get hit by a car, and leave my 3 children without a mom. To save a turtle." I did it anyway. I picked him up, put him on the other side of the road, came back, got into the van... and then got back out of the van, picked the turtle back up, and put him in the van. Caitlyn was very excited at this point. We were driving home with a turtle in the front seat!

I love where we live. We see horses, cows, donkeys, goats, turkeys, quails, and even a peacock and that's just taking Ben to school! I think it is really neat. Spencer is starting to make fun of me because I point them out to the kids all the time. I guess it's lost it's "newness" for him. I however am a Cali girl and it all seems so different to me.

Anyway back to Snake, the turtle (that's what the kids named him) We pulled some grass and set a pie plate of water into an extra Rubbermaid container I had. I just knew the boys would love to see him when they got home from school. He immediately climbed into the water dish and "took a bath" (Cait's words) The boys were really excited and have been showing and telling everyone that comes to the house, "We have a turtle, come see him." They fed him some celery and were thrilled when they saw him eat it. We are planning on letting him go over by the river. But for the last few days my kids have been in awe of their temporary pet.

We had a good day, I got the kitchen cleaned, even swept and mopped the floor! woo-hoo, we had friends over to play, had a yummy lunch (Thanks L!!) Went to load the girlies in the car to pick up M, and promptly locked myself out of the house! Wow, haven't done that in awhile!! Sucks! Called my hero/husband and he was able to get M from school and with some magic powers unlock the back door.

Moral of the story.... No good deed goes unpunished. Just kidding there is no moral, silly.

Remember.

Like any other day at the office, I settled into my seat and unfolded the mark-ups that I would be correcting for the day.  A old boxcar was in need of repair so I began the task of making the suggested changes to the drawing.  I don’t remember what time it was, but I remembered that I had to go potty and decided to heat up some oatmeal for breakfast while I was headed that way.  As I moved past one of the engineer’s desks, I heard his radio.  Just some frantic chatter, I paid it no mind.  Sounds like a fire somewhere or something.  I did my business and set about heating up my breakfast.  Now there were about 3 or four people gathered around the engineer’s desk speculating about something.  I couldn’t really hear what so I finished with the microwave and went back to my seat with my oatmeal.

Paul Gwatney, the design drafting supervisor was at his desk on the phone.  He finished his call and quickly put the receiver down.

“A plane crashed into one of the twin towers.”  He said in a matter of fact tone.  “My sister just called.  Come check out this picture”

Paul had pulled up a news site where there was a picture of a plane about to crash into the tower.  I remember how horrific it looked suspended there in the air like the angel of death.  It was macabre.  We made some small talk about it and I went back to my desk. My thoughts were only that it was probably just a horrible accident, a circumstance of chance or pilot error.  I had no idea what lay in store.

A few minutes later Paul cursed, “Another one hit the other tower!”  I didn’t know what was going on.  By this time, the whole office was listening to radios and the television in the break room was on.  It all happened so fast and suddenly; 0 to break-neck in an instant.  I opened my desk drawer and pulled out my cassette walkman.  I clicked the radio on and placed the earphones in my ears.  Immediately, I heard the crackly sputtering news from the AM dial.  No one really knew what was going on.  There was a lot of speculation.  I decided to see if I could get better coverage on the FM band.  I moved my finger over the switch and rolled the tuning dial.  Each and every broadcasting station was commandeered by its affiliate.  You couldn’t hide from the news.  I chose the station that came in the best, 98.9FM just as another frightening announcement came across the airwaves.  I heard the frantic reporting, heard the sounds from on the ground as the towers collapsed.  I was stunned. 

By this time, the reporters were guessing what had happened.  Reports rolled in that the airlines had been grounded.  Stories began to surface about missing planes, and where they were headed.  The White House, Chicago’s Sears Tower, any place of landmark and importance was given credence.  Then, they began to report the toll. They began to report the horrors and the terror of what had just happened.

Soon, about quarter to 11 AM, the media announced that another plane had crashed into the Pentagon.  I had a sick “out-of-control” feeling in my stomach.  When was this going to end?  How much more could we take as a country.  Later we learned about the crash of flight 93. 

At about 11:30 our boss came in to talk to all of us.  He let us know that anyone who needed to could go home and admonished us to pray when we could.  We stayed and work; no sense in going home.  At lunch time I walked outside.  There were few cars on the street and I looked up to the sky that by this time was empty.  It was spooky and unsettling and a little too quiet.  I headed home like I always did for lunch.  I only had a little time to catch some news on the TV before I went back to work.

I listened to my radio for the rest of the day soaking up whatever information I could.  When I got home I watched the television to see what was happening.  I remember feeling sick about the whole mess.  Roxy at one point had us turn off the TV to get a break from it all.  The next few days were a dizzying blur of information, reports, corrections, rescue, death, and numbers.

But what I remember most was how we came together.  Everyone was kinder, more outgoing those days.  We all were shocked into an awakening of sorts.  We all remembered, if for a brief moment, how precious life was.  We remembered how much we needed to love our neighbor.  And most of all, we remembered how much we love our country.  Our resolve was strong and unwavering.  Over the next several weeks we saw politicians actually act as humans.  We saw the politics give way to humanity and common sense.

Sometimes it takes tragedy to bring people together.  We are all still human beings and even the most cynical among us find a heart when faced with adversity.  We are all, most of us, compelled to compassion and love for our brothers and sisters.  I know I’m starting to sound really sappy, but I just want all of us to remember what it felt like that day.  Remember where you were and what you did.  Remember that you cried for people that you didn’t know and for people that you did know.  And remember how we stood together as a nation, as a people, and as a family.

Mostly, remember those who gave their lives or were caught up in the maelstrom of violence and death.  Remember the sacrifice by those people who lost or gave and who still do on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.  United we stand is not just a clever bumper sticker, It origins are in the speech given by a great president in a time of social and political upheaval.  President Lincoln said that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And later during the second great world war, it was a slogan reminding all of us to stick together and fight the good fight as one. 

I just thought that we should all remember today.

Today, Matthew and I wanted to be on the computer at the same time. Him, To play Ben 10 games on Cartoon Network. Me, To play Webkinz. (I know, it is sad) Anyway, He says to me...

"I am making myself the Dad. You are making bad choices. You are making Jesus sad!"

Wow! It sounds different coming the other way...

I feel bad because we are always blogging about M, I DO have 2 other children. I guess they had better start upping the comedy ante or they are not gonna get any screen time!

I also was pondering how it can not be a coincidence in what we name our children. In Mr. M's case, his middle name is for Spencer's Grandfather (Evan, in case you wondered.) He is my only child that looks just like his dad and his sense of humor is most definitely from that side of the family. It must have been divine inspiration!

That's what an older brother if for...

We have been back for a week from our "extended weekend", and I am still struggling to get back to "normal". First of all we are broke, and I mean my piggy-bank sounds like an dark, craggy cavern. I wonder if I hollered down the slit if I would get an echo...Oh sorry, just a side thought...Anyway, you get the picture. Secondly, our washing machine has given up the ghost, not bad for a $40 find 4 1/2 years ago. Well done, washer, well done. Thank you, I L for the use of your awesome, super capacity washer (I have got to get one of those!!) Thirdly, our dryer is apparently missing said friend, washer, and has started to mis-behave. If problem #1 did not exist then I would be excited to pick out a new washer/dryer. Why would I be "excited" about a washer/dryer? Is my life that sad? Yes! What number are we on, Oh, yes, fourthly (is that a word?), We have no food in our house and I have not been to the grocery store in 2 weeks (see problem #1). OK, I told you all this to get to this story...
One night over the weekend, we got some Chinese food for dinner. (#4) (not sure how that worked with #1) and we had a nice little sit down family meal at home. We were finishing up the meal, I handed out the fortune cookies and we each read ours out loud. I turned to Matt and he was chewing something.
"Matthew, what is in your mouth?"
"He told me to."
"What?"

he spits a wad of slimy white paper into my hand...
(sorry, those of you who are germ-a-phobes)

"Ben said I had to eat my fortune or it wouldn't come true!"

Like I said, "That's what older brothers are for."

Ben's Baptism Part 1

Well, there we were. Thursday morning we all got up and proceeded with last minute packing, arranging, showers, etc. The kids got a little restless as we made our final preparations to go back home for Benjamin’s baptism. The kids were good. Too good. I asked them all to go potty and they complied eagerly. One by one, I strapped them into their seats. Roxy and I made final rounds of the house, turning off lights, shutting doors, making sure that the house was secure. And so we started out of the driveway and onto the road. A tiny voice crept into our ears from the back of the van.

“I have to PEEee!”

2 miles later, we stopped at McDonalds so that Caitlyn could pee. The rest of the trip was largely uneventful. As we got out onto the open road, the kids immersed themselves into their gaming apparatus’s and Caity looked on, bored. I saw her in the rear view mirror. She grimaced. I made note of it to Roxann who then prompted her to open her travel bag and get her crayons and coloring book out. We did not stop again until we had reached the northern half of Kentucky. We stopped for potty and lunch. It took too long. I noted that we had lost about 40 minutes. Roxann reminded me to relax as she always does and off we went. We made it all the way through St Louis without a potty break. But I had an agenda that would soon prove to be the downfall of my good timing.

There are two things that we do not have in Tennessee that should be required by any state. These things are Chipotle Burritos and Quick Trip. I conspired to find a QT to stop at for potty break… and a sweet, sweet eggroll. I reasoned that we would stop, but at the very last moment. As we passed St. Charles, I realized that there were no Quick Trips until Columbia. I was foiled. What was worse was yet to come.

Roxann let me know that she had to pee. So did Caity.

“Kingdom City is close.” I pushed on not really knowing how far it was. I had remembered seeing a sign, but couldn’t remember how far. I continued on, trying to push the envelope of distance as far as I could. Finally, it was too much for poor Caitlyn. She began to whimper. I looked desperately for an exit but found none. I pulled to the side of the road. We brought her potty chair. Roxann jumped out, grabbed the chair and rested it on the cooler. Caitlyn was pleased with herself. She thought it was exciting to pee right there in the car on the side of the road in the middle of Missouri. We packed it all back up and started back on the highway. ½ a mile later, I saw an exit. D’oh!

Again, I pushed on trying to make up lost time. Roxann turned to me. It was over. I found the nearest exit with a gas station. I was defeated. We did stop in Columbia for gas at the QT. I was excited. I finally had my drinky and my eggroll.

As we neared Oak Grove the sky started to get dark as the storm ate the horizon. By the time we got to Blue Springs, the heavens had opened and the downpour was torrential. I reasoned with myself and with Roxann on how to carry on in the low visibility and pouring rain. We exited at Woods Chapel as we heard the hard repetitive pinging of hail. Looking for cover, we found it at the BP station right there off thehighway. Seeing an empty pump under the awning, I moved quickly to secure it.

There we sat, watching the rain and hail, assuring the kids that everything was OK. Then we saw it. In front of the garage was a half collapsed canopy. The man under it was trying in vain to keep It up. Roxann looked at me and said, “go help.” So I did. I ran out and asked him if he needed some help. He did. So I stood there, holding up the tent poles futily while he and his wife gathered up the cooking supplies and hastily threw them into the back of his maroon Cadillac. When we were done, we introduced ourselves to each other. He graciously thanked me and we ways. I sloshed back to the car. There was not a single spot on my body that was not soaked. I reached over and change the controls to heat as the A/C was making be cold. We finished the last 3 miles to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Mark and Bo helped me unload the bags and I got into dry clothes. It was good to see everyone. I was re-introduced to nieces and nephews and got some time to catch up with a few of my siblngs. We got the grand tour and as we have always done, we sat at the table and had dinner. Not as the whole family, but there with Bo, Merilee, their kids, and Mom and Dad. It was familiar, warm, and pleasant. I felt relief as we all settled back into each other's lives. Home again. Home at last.