The Manning Messenger

For Mr. Nolan

2012-01-06T21:38:00.003-07:00

Okay bud, here it finally is. The trumpet playing robot with perfect pitch, from The Land of Cute.

Abby's Concert with UVYSO

2011-11-15T14:51:00.003-07:00

Thank Goodness

2011-11-11T16:13:00.004-07:00

Today a software update popped up on my phone. How funny is the last point on this:

What's even better is watching my Aussie hubby, who really doesn't have an accent anymore, try to talk to Siri or use any of the voice recognition features. He'll be so glad!

Greece wasn't built in a day...

2011-11-11T15:54:00.002-07:00

Okay I know the real saying is "Rome wasn't built in a day." However, either was the Parthenon. Holy Cow. McKay is learning about Greece & Greek Mythology. So the Parthenon was recreated. This project was started General Conference weekend {first weekend in Oct}; it was just completed on Wednesday. He watched a video on the restoration that is going on; found the dimensions, made it to scale and we started to glue & sand.

The project turned out really cool. I am so glad it's over, no more sugar all over my house!

McKay and his buddy Max

Construction EVERYWHERE!!!

2011-10-21T22:11:00.003-06:00

We went on a day trip down to the arches today. I have so much to post tomorrow, but until then I had to share what we found on our hike to Delicate Arch:

Yes CONSTRUCTION on the trail!!! I had to laugh when two teenage boys, couldn't believe it either and screamed out "construction!? it's even here!".

Dear Mom

2011-10-18T19:03:00.002-06:00

Mom,

On my way to Special Needs Mutual, I spotted this.

We laughed so hard; we had to turn around and take a picture.

They are covering the canal and everything is ripped up. As I constantly sit in construction, I am thinking of you and your nice, clean, non-construction roads. Oh, Utah.

Birthdays

2011-10-18T16:43:00.010-06:00

We have just concluded with the last birthday party. McKay's party was delayed due to weather. He invited just a few friends up the canyon to enjoy a afternoon zip lining down Provo Canyon. The event turned out to be AWESOME! Four, long, fast zip lines through trees, over ravines and along the river. This is an amazing group of kids.

McKay turned the big 1 2 this year!!! He was lucky enough to be ordained on his birthday!! Gramie & Grandpa bought him his first suit for it. Lonnie & Julie were so kind and we got to try them on at their house. Doesn't he look handsome! Later that week he got to attend the priesthood session in Salt Lake and was invited to the dinner with the General YM presidency prior, and ice cream after.

Kimball's party was something I've wanted to do for a long time! We had Scales & Tales come and party with us. It was awesome. From pulling web silk from tarantula, a giant tortoise named Twinkle Toes. With whom Abby danced with. McKay caught the dangerous Rosie. An anaconda, to a giant snake named Nanners. This party rocked and to top it off, Sierra came and took pictures!! It was even her birthday! Yes Kimball and Sierra are birthday buddies! {I totally forgot to tell her happy birthday! So Sierra happy belated birthday!} With so many fabulous pix, I just randomly grabbed a few to share.

{first thing Kimball did was measure himself to everyone

to see if he was bigger...he was}

Oh Abby Ba Dabby is just like her mom when it comes to parties; the poor thing. Even though it was a "friend" party year, she just wanted to have a family party. It was so great! Of course the only thing she wanted for her birthday was a toy for her best friend Larry.

Ab's also got a Kindle. She has become such a reader! In fact just the other night I went in to check on her so I could go to bed, and she was still reading! I had to take her Kindle away for the night. I brushed my teeth, got my jammies on and went to check on her again, she had found another book in her closet! So i took her light bulb from her lamp. The next night I went to tell her to grab her bulb off the counter, but when I went in there she already had one in. I asked if she had already gotten it? "no" "did you get a new one?" "no" as she looked up. My eyes followed hers. She had taken a light bulb from her chandelier! It is a nice problem to have; but this girl needs to get some sleep!

Josies party was a whirl wind of fun, kids & food. To top it off, it was the cheapest party I've ever done, with the most kids. Josie was so excited to have her first "friend" party, that she had invited everyone in her class, along with all of the kids in the neighborhood. So we got creative. We had a cooking party. We decorated chef hats, made pizza & decorated cupcakes. {We also had planned to make cookie dough, but that so didn't happen}.

Craig was teaching at the Y that night. He was so sweet. He surprised me with a drink, not just any drink, but a route 44, DC, light ice and extra limes. oh heaven.

It wasn't just a big busy day for me, it was for the little princess as well. She fell right asleep with her new friend Maximus.

untill next year!!

Couldn't Be

2011-09-06T19:54:00.002-06:00

Remember this:

Kimball's big crash? Well the story continues. Kimball got to attend his first Father and Sons Camp Out this weekend! {And he came back alive and without having to use his Epi!} On Monday after were loading in the car, after attending the Latin American Festival, Kimball looked at Craig and said, "Dad you totally scratched the car when we were camping" as he shook his head. Craig looked totally shocked, and I couldn't help but laugh. He totally has the "Who, stole the cookies from the cookie jar...Who me? Couldn't be?" down. I guess I should be glad that he can adapt what he's learning into life.?

Back...Yuck!

2011-08-30T20:29:00.004-06:00

Back to school....I hate it. I know, you just did an audible gasp. Don't get me wrong when I was little I loved it. The smell of new crayons, the excitement of what hot, fall/winter outfit I'm going to wear even though it's a blazing 90 degrees outside. The way the school smelled when meeting my teacher. Sitting in my desk, with my very own chair. The way the classroom was decorated. I loved it all.

Now... on top of the 3 hours of practicing instruments I get to do without hardly playing a note myself, 2 1/2 hours of reading, and reading tutor runs, music lessons, kids jobs, my house hold "duties", and some "bonding fun time", all of which I love, we then add, homework, fall activities & sports, school schedules, homework, preschool and the list goes on forever, and only some of that do I love. I feel like a chicken running around with it's head cut off. Then only to have teachers tell you that there's a lot of work that needs to be done to get to grade level. Ugh! I should defiantly not have gone to Back to School Night. I want to crawl under the covers and not surface for a long time. I wish I could be one of those "hands off" mother's. At time's I look at them and find myself daydreaming about how wonderful that would be. Then I think of an episode of My Family when the school counselor tells Susan {the mother} to release her "super parent" and that.... "maybe you'd be wiser to adopt a more hands off approach...to ignore them." They get enrolled in a parenting class and she goes crazy trying to act as if she's "chill" with what they are doing or not doing.

I love having my kids home with me, knowing what's going on, being able to head to the dinosaur museum on a hot day, or spend the day making a reading tent and having a read-a-thon equipped with treats. Or sitting and drawing on the sidewalk, and making the worlds longest hopscotch. I am ready for a holiday and it's only a week into school. I want to call the schools and say we have a rare flu that is going to last until May. I know I'm a crazy mom. Most that I've spoken with have started the conversations this last week with, "Aren't you glad schools back?" I want to scream back "NO!! ...." My darling psychologist husband would say I'm a control freak, but he already knows that I know that. So yes the kids are back to school, and I'm going to enjoy the moments I do get with them, because there aren't enough. {and learn, never go to a back to school night or a parent teacher conference, again!}

{1st day of school 2011}

A First

2011-08-10T12:46:00.004-06:00

Josie had her very first piano recital ever! And she did awesome! She played on a 9 foot Steinway Grand Piano, that had the small price tag of $138,000!!! Needless to say I was holding my breath the entire time! She has an amazing piano teacher, who totally gets Josie. She also got an award after for completing the YouTube 50 challenge. They had a sheet of 50 different videos they had to watch and answer questions. Some of the videos were pretty amazing. One of our favorite was this video from Japan. It's a commercial for a wooden phone. {only in Japan} The question she had to answer was "How do you think they were able to make the pieces of wood sound different pitches and go different tempos?

She also wanted to share the video of Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

A Promise Finally Met!

2011-08-10T12:02:00.006-06:00

I promised the kids I would take them camping this summer. I have been reminded of this promise often. Finally, we did it! And a couple of weeks to spare. We traveled up the canyon without a reserved campsite, hoping we would find something available. When we arrived at the base of the canyon, we were met by a Ranger who said the campsite was full, but that we could try a more "primitive campsite". Oh my, taking Craig camping was tricky enough when I promised a bathroom and water, now the only thing available was a "primitive campsite". I couldn't go back on my word, and all the work of getting ready. So up we drove. As we got to the campground that was "full", we saw an adorable older couple who were the campground hosts. So we pulled up and asked by any chance if anything was available. YES! One single campsite was left. And what a campsite it was. The next day we asked one of them, when we need to schedule and what campsite was the best. He thought out of all 70 something sites, ours was the best! And I full heartily agree. It was awesome! So Jan. 1st we will be on the computer clicking away!

Yes, we brought the bike.

I don't know how we fit it in but it was a must!

He did it!

Mr. Can Do

2011-08-10T11:27:00.004-06:00

Mornings at the Manning house start very early to my chagrin. I am most defiantly a night person. My children are all {with the large exception of Josie} EARLY risers. Like 5:30 a.m. risers!! I have found over the years that they {all except Josie} do better first thing in the morning. Well okay side note, and also a note for protection to whomever might enter this house at this insane hour, whatever time Abby wakes up give her a half an hour to sit. Don’t ask her if she’s hungry don’t tell her to straighten her room, unload the dishwasher, or even tell her you love her or give her a kiss good morning. Your life would be endangered. However after that she is very delightful and productive.

Last Friday morning as I laid in bed and thought it’s 6 o’clock and no one is up yet. Oh I jinxed myself. Next thing I know, McKay is pulling out his guitar. So up I get. Josie’s piano teacher came, and I’m still running around in my pj’s, and it’s 8:45. Practicing for two kids is done by this point and we’re half way through jobs, and another has just been dropped off for tutoring, ten min late. I sit down for JoJo’s lesson, and before I can take a breath Kimball is telling me something that is life and death for him. I quietly tell him, without hearing a word, to “talk to dad about it”. Next thing I know Craig comes to tell me he’s taking Kimball to work with him, he doesn’t really have a choice. I was beyond confused at this statement but trying not to interrupt the lesson, he said he’d call me a little later. Later never came so I called him and asked him what happened. Apparently Kimball’s life and death emergency was to tell me that it was time for HIS lesson. When I sent him to Craig, Kimball told him “Dad, I need to go to guitar lessons, I haven’t gone for a really long time, and it’s my turn. I have my guitar in the back of your jeep and we need to leave right now.” Craig had tried to kindly explain that he was on his way to work and that when he got back they would work something out. Kimball wouldn’t take no for an answer. He kept telling him he already placed his guitar in the jeep and it was now time for him to go to lessons. Craig had office work he needed to get done so he put Kimball on a computer next to him. Kimball spent a couple of hours playing PBS Kids, and having everyone bring him food. Not a lesson but heaven for a little boy.

Later on my sweet neighbor let Kimball borrow their “two wheeler” that has pedals. Kimball was so excited. He’s been cruising around last summer and this on his Kazam balancing bike, which he loves but was ready for more. Craig helped him drive it home. We were sitting on her grass in the shade and the next thing we heard was “BRAKES ON, BRAKES ON, BRAKES ON!” and screaming. Neither of us heard a crash or crying so I figured it was okay. Five minutes later Josie appeared on the deck, and said Kimball had had a crash. So up I got. When I got home everyone was shaken up except for Kimball. He was ready to get back out there. The story went like this: I just took him up to the stop sign {which is up a hill} and back and on the way home, he just kept picking up speed and I couldn’t catch up with him. He hit your car and went over the handlebars, the bikes fine but your car has some scratches on it. My anxiety hit. Is it bad? Yeah, a couple of pretty deep scratches.

And it does, bummer. But everyone was okay and the bike was fine. So we’re all good. I was worried that Kimball would be scared to get back on, so I loaded him, Josie, the bike, and the easy roller {yes the easy roller, Josie is still in her Peter Pan phase that will never end, and wont even ride her Groovy Girl bike with training wheels. Can you say Polar Opposites?!} into the car and headed to the park. I have never in my life met a more “can do” attitude. I am grateful, as long as it doesn’t kill me first.

Too Funny!

2011-07-25T20:40:00.003-06:00

South African man wakes after 21 hours in morgue fridge

July 25th, 2011 @ 1:11pm

By Associated Press

By NASTASYA TAY
Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A South African man awoke to find himself in a morgue fridge _ nearly a day after his family thought he had died, a health official said Monday.

Health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said the man awoke Sunday afternoon, 21 hours after his family called in an undertaker who sent him to the morgue after an asthma attack.

Morgue owner Ayanda Maqolo said he sent his driver to collect the body shortly after the family reported the death. Maqolo said he thought the man was around 80 years old.

"When he got there, the driver examined the body, checked his pulse, looked for a heartbeat, but there was nothing," Maqolo told the Associated Press.

But a day after staff put the body into a locked refrigerated compartment, morgue workers heard someone shouting for help. They thought it was a ghost, the morgue owner said.

"I couldn't believe it!" Maqolo said. "I was also scared. But they are my employees and I had to show them I wasn't scared, so I called the police."

After police arrived, the group entered the morgue together.

"I was glad they had their firearms, in case something wanted to fight with us," Maqolo said.

He said the man was pale when they pulled him out.

"He asked, 'How did I get here?'" Maqolo said.

The health department said the man was then taken to a nearby hospital for observation and later discharged by doctors who deemed him stable.

Kupelo, the health department spokesman, urged South Africans to call on health officials to confirm that their relatives are really dead.

The man's family was informed that he was alive during a family meeting convened to make funeral arrangements. They're very happy to have him home, Maqolo said.

But Maqolo said he is still trying to recover from the traumatic experience.

"I couldn't sleep last night, I had nightmares," he said. "But today I'm much better."

i love how he's so brave he "called the police". then when they arrived "I was glad they had their firearms, in case something wanted to fight with us," because that's going to help with ghosts. and then he, the morgue guy "couldn't sleep last night, i had nightmares" what about that poor 80 year man. he probably couldn't sleep for fear he might get sent back! This was too funny, I had to share. i'm still laughing out loud.

My first sewing classes

2011-06-26T09:41:00.005-06:00

My first sewing class was a couple of weeks ago on a Monday. I go with my friend Eliza Jones. The first thing i made was a pillowcase. I made it out of bird fabric. Next i made p.j. bottoms with flower fabric.

I also made p.j. clothes for my American girl doll.(bottoms-bird fabric)(top-yellow soft fabric.) I only did sewing for 2 weeks on Monday and Wednesday. But I'm excited to start back up in a few weeks.

My teacher is Ms. Vibeka. She doesn't do the work for us. She tells us what to do and how to do it, but we have to do it ourselves. She teaches us a lot, and I love her accent.

IT'S ALMOST HERE

2011-04-27T09:41:00.003-06:00

26 DAYS OF SCHOOL LEFT!!!!

I CAN'T WAIT!

{Not that we're counting over here or anything}

Much Ado About Mormons

2011-04-26T18:27:00.002-06:00

I found this video and loved it. After Craig and I participated in trek this year I felt a deeper love and understanding for my ancestors. To hear that a former President of the United States recognized this great spirit was awesome!

From my mother who's growing that extra arm she always wanted

2011-04-11T08:23:00.001-06:00

date		Mon, Apr 11, 2011 at 2:52 AM
mailed-by		hotmail.com

Hello,
You've probably heard there has been another big aftershock 7.1. We're all fine, it's a little closer than the others. I definitely felt it. I felt really dizzie and everything swayed pretty good.
Janna's here and we're having a wonderful time.
We love you all.
Mom

Another of Mom & Dads Elders

2011-03-28T07:25:00.002-06:00

From Lds.org.au

Australian Missionary Safe after Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Elder Stephen Bardzinski with Mission President Baird and Sister Baird, in Nagoya, Japan

25 March 2011

WYNDHAM, Victoria - "He is where he needs to be," says Heather Bardzinski, mother of Mormon missionary, Elder Stephen Bardzinski, who serves in the Japan Nagoya mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"We were holding our breath until we heard word about Stephen after the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Within twenty-four hours the bishop of our ward (congregation) and the Japan mission office gave word to us that he was safe."

Stephen's fraternal twin brother, Ben, is serving a mission in Ecuador at the same time as Stephen. "They are being looked after," their mother said. "I wouldn't want to hold them back from being where they need to be."

Elder Bardzinski told his family by email that several of the missionaries from Tokoyo were now in his mission. He also mentioned that there were no transfers planned for the next three months.

After the experiences of fellow mission leaders regarding the Brisbane floods and the Christchurch earthquake, Japan mission authorities were well prepared to account for their own missionaries. This took place within hours. Parents were then notified that their children had been located and were being cared for. Many times the missionaries were put right to work in the trenches, rebuilding the area where they were previously teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is Elder Bardzinski's third time to Nagoya. His first was through a scholarship he acquired through a school exchange programme. He loved the country so much that he worked and saved for the funds to sightsee for a month on a second trip.

"Later, when he opened his mission papers his face went white. He seemed shocked to realize that he would be able to live for two years in the same area in Japan that he had grown to love," his mother said.

Elder Bardzinski's friend from a neighbouring congregation in Hoppers Crossing, David Goddridge, is also serving his mission in Japan. He is safe in Kobe.

To read the Wyndham Weekly news report on Elder Bardzinski fulfilling his dream, click here.

3 of Mom & Dads Elders

2011-03-19T07:15:00.001-06:00

These are three of mom & Dads missionaries that came home a little early.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Bach

2011-03-18T12:51:00.002-06:00

Abby did great at the talent show today. Thought we'd share it with our family abroad.

Japan Update...

2011-03-16T15:38:00.002-06:00

date		Tue, Mar 15, 2011 at 10:58 PM
subject		email to Whitney
mailed-by		hotmail.com

This is a letter I sent to Whitney this afternoon after a conference call with our authorities in Tokyo:

Hello Sister Baird,

I'm sure by now you have heard some not so good news for the 80 missionaries coming to Japan. If not please don't share this until your leaders do.

I'm sorry we gave you wrong info yesterday. We didn't realize how big this nuclear plant disaster would be.

Dad had a conference call today with Tokyo. The Quorum of the 12 decided on Tuesday morning they wanted all missionaries in Sendai and Tokyo evacuated. All Sendai missionaries are going to Sapporo and Kobe, Fukuoka and Nagoya will all get around 40 each of the Tokyo missionaries. We've also been instructed to send all of our missionaries that are going home in April and May home on this Friday. They already have flight plans for them. We have a few very sad missionaries and one very happy one ... they told us to send those ones that wanted to go early as well. We have about 9 or 10 leaving on Friday.

They also told us that missionaries coming in April would not be coming, at least at this time. I think they will probably keep you all in the MTC for a while longer just like the ones that can't get their visa's.

The church is very mindful of their missionaries. They want you to be very safe. I know you are all feeling sad but don't worry, we are praying that things will be back to normal soon.

Meanwhile we are getting a bus load of missionaries tomorrow (40) from Tokyo that will be staying here. At the same time we will have around 10 others that will be here to leave the next morning.

{McKenzie inserts: that's 50 missionaries at ONE TIME!!!! Holy Cow!!}

I think this will be a crazy next 2 days. I'll keep you posted.

Love you. I know that you will help others be positive and happy.

Love you forever.

Momma

Pres. & Sis. Baird

2011-03-14T10:16:00.004-06:00

I've had quite a few loving phone calls wondering if my parents are okay.

They are doing well. You are all so kind to think of them, the missionaries and all of us at this time. Your phone calls have ment a lot and I thought I would share the emails (starting with the first one) since the earthquake.

Thu, Mar 10, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Just had to tell you all, we just had my first good earthquake. I was at the kitchen sink, and Urano shimai was in the laundry room getting ready to go. I started to feel so dizzy I thought I needed to kneel down, it kept getting worse. then i heard the doors shaking. I looked at the curtains and they were swaying so was the light and the pictures on the wall. I guess the epicenter was near Tokyo. Wow it must have been big there. It lasted for a few minutes. Weird.
Love you all
Your shakin' momma

		Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 2:15 AM
		earthquake

Hello,
Just wanted to tell you we're all okay. We had a really good shaking that lasted a long time, they said ours was around a 5. Nothing like Tokyo and Sendei missions where it was a 8.4.
The church is so good and protective. They have had us call all our coastal area missionaries inland immediately. We do have many of our Japanese missionaries who have families in the areas that were hit hard.
We love you all.
Sister Baird

date		Sun, Mar 13, 2011 at 6:33 PM
subject		earthquake

Hello everyone,
We are all fine in the Japan, Nagoya Mission. We don't have any damage here that I'm aware of. The missionaries families are safe and now the search is on for the members in those areas.
As I watch the BBC's news and they talk about Japan, they speak of a people who aren't being rude or looting. How everything is orderly. How the people are not out of control. People are still showing up to work this morning, even if there is no building to go to. They are trying to resume their routine. Digging out. Amid all this turmoil, they are still polite and orderly. This is so how the people of Japan are. It's an incredible country, we love it. Our missionaries love it too. They want to go and help. For now, they are helping here by teaching people of the peace that comes from having the gospel. We all love these people. Our hearts break when we see their faces and hear their stories.
Thank you for your continued prayers for the missionaries, members and people of Japan.
We love you all.
Sister Baird, Bonnie, Mom or GrandmaRecently emailed

date		Sun, Mar 13, 2011 at 6:04 PM
subject		RE:

McKenzie,
...We have been traveling up to Nagano which is only about 3 hours from Sendai, we just got back late last night. The aftershocks up there were much worse than here in Meito. We were on the 11th floor of the hotel and we swayed a few times. The cell phones earthquake alarms would go off, it was a little unnerving. All of our missionaries families are good in that area. They were all so worried, we let them call and talk to them, it helped them feel a lot better. We had a houseful that night and it was crazy to get everyone inland, the trains had stopped running. We did it though and had everyone in safe places by about midnight. It's a bit frightening to see how fast those things hit and to see the total devastation it causes. I feel bad for President and Sister Tateoka, they are leaving in July. I'm sure they will feel they are leaving so many things that aren't fixed by then. They used to be in our ward in South Provo.
It looks like the nuclear plants are something we might all need to worry about. Radiation checks are being done in those areas but more plants seem to be having problems which will inevitably mean we may have power problems later. We're suppose to be feeling aftershocks for months they said.
Thank you for thinking about us. There's no damage here, but as I rode over those massive bridges and went through the tunnels to Nagano, I thought a lot about being shaken around on those. The Japanese make things very safe here. It's that an earthquake that is about 9 on the scale, does it's own thing. I guess the tunnels would be a pretty safe place to be.
I hope you're all doing well. We love you all and think of you everyday.
Jamata ne.
Mom

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. I will contine to post progress and changes.

We love you all.

Scat jazz - Sizzlin' Summerland

2010-12-07T14:28:00.002-07:00

Last year at this time we were on our way to the land down under. While the 6 of us were driving around in a sedan a song was playing on the radio that was fabulous. I tried and tried to find it to no avail. Sizzlin' Summerland. I LOVED it! It totally made me laugh. It's so Australian and so different from our cold white winters here. Today someone commented on my blog from my post last year about this song. They knew who it was and was kind enough to pass on the info. So to you Anonymous: THANK YOU! I am now going to see if I can get someone to find the CD for me over there and then we'll be able to play it all through the house. But for now we'll be playin' it on the computer. Oh and I love that they have reference to blue bottles. Yes, that is what my kids were trying to CATCH last year. You no longer have to go to the hospital for them but from what I understand they hurt like crazy!

Not First, But Second!!

2010-09-08T10:03:00.003-06:00

Okay I got the pix. I did forget the camera in all the hustle this morning. Thank goodness for phones!

Kimball has talked about school for at least the last month. He has talked about "Mr. {Mrs.} Graf who's name is Bawbwa {Barbara}", how she has a cool car, a truck {said manly}, a bus, a speed boat, 5 tarantulas, 10 snake that are free in the house, and any toy you could imagine, along with candy. Well Ms. Barbara doesn't seem to have a speed boat or a bus, truck and I have yet to see a tarantula or a snake. But Kimball has not been disappointed. He loves Mrs. Barbara and loves going to school. I on the other hand am having a hard time realizing that my last little guy has started preschool. How has time gone so fast?! When did they get permission to all grow up?

Four Thumbs UP!!!

2010-09-07T21:20:00.005-06:00

Holy cow what a day! Abby has not been doing well at Quail Run. It just doesn't fit with her personality. Over the few days she was there she couldn't sleep without me reading her to sleep, her stomach hurt her all of the time and she wasn't eating well. The hardest part of all was she wouldn't say anything bad about it. She just kept trying to make it work. My parents, Craig & I all fasted for what to do with schooling for the kids. Yesterday it became so clear. They don't all have to go there, it can work to go to both schools if we all work together. So I called the assistant principle on Labor Day! At her home! I know, gutsy. And pleaded to let Abby back and possibly Josie. She was great and today I woke up early and put together a piece offering. A big jar of my aunts licorice caramels. And it worked! Josie had chosen to go with Abs back to Rocky Mountain. Each school has elements that would work for JoJo. So I let her decide. {JoJo is always very intuitive, and understands how she feels. . .I wish I did. I always over think things.} They were awesome and helped place the kids back where it would fit them. Not just what numbers would work. I was totally impressed.

I was so anxious to find out how it went, Kimball & I showed up 30 min. before school got out. My stomach was so nervous! As they came walking out together, they were beaming! I asked them how it went and it was a total TWO THUMBS UP! Yahoo!

Kimball's first day of preschool was also today and because it took a bit of time this morning transferring the girls back we were late and can you believe I didn't even get a first day of school pic with Kimball on his first of all first days! Oh, I'm kicking myself right now. But you can bet I'll get one tomorrow. Kimball has talked about "Mr. {Mrs.} Graf who's name is Bawbwa {Barbara}", for over a month now. I asked him to show me if it was a thumbs up, thumbs down, and he said as he twisted his thumb and wrist in a circle "around the world. . . THUMBS UP!"

McKay was the last test. Would he be okay going to school without a family member. Yahoo, another thumbs up!

I feel like a winner! Minus the no pic, but still over all, a winner!

Now with all the running around, 2 different types of lessons, staggered by a half hour, going each for an hour, across town, and a soccer game, I've gone through 1/4 of a tank of gas in one day!!! Probably not part of the Quail Run's Mission statement.{They are an environment friendly and "responsible" school} But hey.

The Mom Song with lyrics

2010-09-03T14:12:00.001-06:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one. . .

The School Update

2010-09-01T18:59:00.003-06:00

I think this is one of the hardest things I've done as a mother. Take my kids from a school they know and are familiar with, for the hope of something more. Our bully did show up to school. This is one of the reason we left our school. But despite that, McKay LOVED his first day of school. Which is totally ground breaking. Abby my school lover, said it wasn't what she expected and is very unsure of this upcoming year. She doesn't do well with chaos, and right now that is what it is. Josie, oh Josie. I cried all day thinking of her at a school all day. I can't believe she is that old, and I'm not coping well. She does have my cousin Hazel & my Aunt Cami who came to lunch today.

My fingers are crossed with a pleading prayer that things get better.

Back to School!

2010-09-01T12:21:00.001-06:00

Not only is it the start to a new school year, but a new school! They just got it finished YESTERDAY! And I think the word "done" in this case is a very loose translation of finished. I'm as nervous as they are {maybe more so}

My little Jojo shadow isn't following me today and I'm making cookies to cope. I'm telling myself I'm making them for the kids for when they get back, but who's kidding who.

Strike!

2010-08-26T08:04:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago we had planned to have a "fun water day". Well the day came and the kids had done what they needed to, and it was POURING! Change of plans. . . Fat Cats and Costa Vita. They love bowling!

Kimball kept hugging everyone after their turn.

We all love the bowling and the food, . . . . very good food, I think we should do this again—love Costa

Every shot I got of McKay has him bowling with his eyes closed. So funny.

Joise was beating everyone for a while and she loved that!

Love how they have made bowling fun for everyone with the ball dispensers for little kids and the bumpers so the ball doesn't go down the gutter. It kept the scores close for everyone helping to keep everyone interested and having fun. Of course in the end Craig Won!!!!!

It was a Splash

2010-08-25T06:38:00.004-06:00

At the end of everyones long season and extra long summer camps the athletic dept. at BYU throws a big party. They rent out Seven Peaks! The best part {drum roll please}. . . Costa Vita caters! It's awesome. There isn't any lines, crazy people

{except us}, and did I mention NO LINES! The older two and Craig head off to the slides and the younger two and myself enjoy the kids pools.

We finally spotted these two, as they sped along the lazy river.

Kirk was awesome! The kids hung on him and drug him all over that kid pool. He's such a good sport.

We'll miss being at BYU but are excited for our next adventure with Griffin Hill!

Domo Arigato

2010-08-23T20:33:00.004-06:00

Domo arigato Okasan!

The kids LOVE their new pj's from Japan. Craig and I have put in an order for a pair. The kids say they are soo comfy. We had a little fashion show.

Can you find Kimball?

Don't you love them?!

Ja mata ne! Okyakusama no ai!

{If you add Ohiogozaimas you then have the extent of my Japanese ;) }

july 24th

2010-08-22T21:19:00.002-06:00

on the 24th we went to this is the place heritage park.

with cameron and sierra.

it was so fun.

we were watching some indigenous american dancers.

candy from the candy cannon. yuck for salt water taffy.

we learn how to play pioneer games.

me and abby explored

all of our favorite place

i think it must have been hard and fun to be a pioneer.

Trek ~ Life Changing

2010-08-22T18:31:00.004-06:00

We were so blessed to be asked to serve as a Ma & Pa for our stake trek. A couple of friends from our Ward who had been Ma & Pa's on the previous trek told us that it would be a life changing experience. We thought it would be great but weren't sure it would reach the lofty heights of life changing.

They were right, it was life changing. We have a new appreciation for the word experience. Until you experience what the pioneers went through you can never fully understand what they went through. Our stake made our trek experience, amazing! The level of humility that it takes you too, will hopefully exist within us throughout the rest of our lives.
The connections established with our trek family will hopefully be a part of us forever. Even as I write this it is hard to put words to explain the "experience". The family that we were assigned turned out to be a wonderful collection of youth. We lucked out big time to have these kids in our family.
They all contributed in every aspect of the trek, pulling the cart without hesitation, cooking dinner, participating the assigned activities, getting into the spirit of the trek. We enjoyed every minute of the time we had together. At the end of the trek they asked us for feedback. The one thing several Ma's and Pa's asked for was more time with our families.
The stake members that organized our trek tried as hard as possible to make the experience as authentic as they could. This meant wearying clothes similar to what the pioneers wore. Pulling a hand cart the same dimensions as they had. Having the same amount of provisions etc. I know we still had it a lot better then our pioneers had it, especially since we were crossing parts of the country that they crossed in the dead of winter while we crossed it in the middle of summer.
But yet again the efforts from our stake helped us all to "experience" the trek rather then think contemplate trek.
As you can see from the above picture they had some fun activities organized for us. McKenzie was not good at this particular activity, it is a bad sign that she has markers over her face.
The picture above was right after the women's pull. The women's pull is where the brothers are not allowed to help the girls pull the cart up a steep sandy incline. It is a challenging sequence both physically and emotionally. After the women's pull the boys in our family would not let the girls pull or walk for a short while. They insisted on the girls riding on the cart. Activities like this helped bring everyone together. The spirit was incredible throughout the trek.
The picture was taken after pulling the cart through a mud hole. There where about four of them. The "experience" was life changing. I hope our own children get the opportunity to receive the tremendous blessing of attending trek, because it is hard, tiring, expensive, and requires a significant time commitment. But it is an incredible spiritual "experience."

-Craig

A Birthday Celebration

2010-08-09T02:18:00.005-06:00

My grandmother was amazing. She was with all of the time growing up. Grandma was creative. She always made up games to help us learn. We spent A LOT of time in the car waiting for my mother at fabric stores. Grandma made up a little jingle that we would start to chant after a while; "mother, mother where are you. mother, mother tell us true. mother, mother we love you." We chanted that over and over. Sleep overs, senior citizen bingo dates and chuck-a-rama. She made the best raisin cookies and her banana bread was always my favorite! If I had a bad day I always knew I could go to grandmas and she'd pull out a loaf for me. Grandma was also born on the 4th of July and always told me the festivities were for her.

She past away the January after Kimball was born. I miss her terribly.

Grandma, we celebrated your birthday with three days of fun this year!

There were balloons.

Stadium of Fire, which you would have loved. It was country music.

A parade for sure.

And ended with one of the things I loved to do with you and Grandpa, visiting graves. Even though now it is yours I visit, I know that you are with us still. I also know that you are happy and I'm sure you still worry about us all.

We love you grandma!

Strawberry Days

2010-07-30T14:38:00.005-06:00

Strawberry Days has come and gone and we enjoyed the rodeo festivities. We duded up, rugged up and headed out. Kimball was sporting his very fashionable Outback Spectacular hat.

We lassoed these two fine ladies to go with us.

And as entertaining as the festivities are. . . I confess, we really come for the strawberries and cream. We come every year and they never disappoint.

'till next year.

Adventures Begin

2010-07-29T18:30:00.002-06:00

Last year Brittany posted this picture:

I did a double take and had to look close. I was sure this was us when we were little, it wasn't. This was the way my dad took us "hiking". It was always an adventure. Our first Y hike was more then an adventure. My dad never takes the "path", that would make it too easy and not exciting enough for us adventure seekers. At one point we were hugging the side of the mountain holding on to clumps of grass. I think it only took us 30 minutes to get to the parking lot.

I'm not quite as adventurous. However with all Manning children now potty trained and old enough to walk longer distances. . . it was time for our adventures to start. . . Needless to say the Y was the first thing on the list. They did it—they were so awesome!!

Well they all almost did it. I carried Kimball up the last third of the way. But he's still so proud of himself.

Whitney was our amazing hiking buddy.

We loved having her along.

Adventure number two: Stewart Falls.

On the way up McKay asked "What's gotten in to you. Why do we have to go hiking all the time now." "It's fun" "Not to me" "Yes it is. We're going to continue to hike every week and your going to like it, dang it". He thought I was funny, he didn't realize there was a note of truth to it. As an added bonus it was part of the Trail of Faith Craig and I were working on for Trek. {which was totally awesome!}

I challenged the kids to a king size candy bar to whoever went under the waterfall. They were awesome!!

We miss you hiking buddy.

We've got trails lined up for when you get back ;D

the coolest pet

2010-06-10T14:39:00.000-06:00

the coolest pet is a bearded dragon (Lizard)

i love my pet.

Which is better?

2010-06-10T06:31:00.001-06:00

I was goes thinking which one people like more?
or
you pick.

What the. . .

2010-05-24T06:50:00.004-06:00

"What is this? A picture from early April?" You might be asking yourself. Well my friends that is from this very moment in time. 6:30 on this morning, the 24th day of May. Yes also the last week of school. . . dance festival practice is today. How am I suppose to finish that up in this? Tomorrow is the actual dance festival, then on to the Lindon pool on Wed. Yes that's right folks I said the pool. {I think I'm taking my space heater and ice skates.} However this is Utah and who know by then I might be complaining that it's 104. But for now I'm going back to bed and hiding my head in the covers.

****UPDATED****

In our back yard we have a group of scrub oak which we refer to as "our forest". It is now 11:00 and our forest is crying. I even sent Mr. Magoo out with a broom to knock off some of the snow. To late. trees are bending to the point the tops are touching the ground. We have two that have snapped at the base. Good buy dear friends who have provided a magical place for my monkeys. We will miss you dearly.

Lauren Has Done it AGAIN!

2010-05-17T14:55:00.003-06:00

Mrs. Lauren Jones Spencer has done it again! She is wonderful! We took family pix to update before my parents left. These are a few that she posted on her web pages {here & here}last night. She is truly amazing! I can't wait to see the rest.

{a few jumping pictures}

{this one made me cry. my mom and dad are the best grandparents ever! we will miss them terribly!}

So if you need family pix. Get a hold of Lauren. . . she is fab!

And They're Off!

2010-05-07T10:17:00.005-06:00

We finished our Craft Hope Bean Bags for LOEP. We had a fabulous FHE night! McKay showed us on the globe where Liberia was, Craig briefly taught about the unrest and touch on the blood diamonds, and i taught how educating can give them more freedoms and opportunities.

{"We are tired of fighting. We want to trade our guns for pencil and paper." ~Liberian Child Soldier}

Then we were off and running.

{our photographer via the trusty phone}

The finished project!

When we were finished Josie summed it up beautifully

"My heart feels happy".

Pix from my Phone

2010-05-05T19:21:00.005-06:00

Things that make me smile:

McKay and me on our "date night".

We had a great time at Comedy Sportz.

The kids doing PX90 Yoga with Cyd & Whit. How cute are they?!

Craig's dream. His book on the bookshelf at a national bookstore. Not only is it in our local Barns and Noble but is on the shelf in EVERY Barns and Noble across the country!

SO AWESOME!!

St. Patty's Day. Wearin' of the Green and our Green lunch.

While enjoying the a little bit of spring.

Ab's "strike a pose". In her new St. Patty's dud's. Grammie buys the kids new shirts for every fun holiday. This has been a supper fun thing for the kids, and I know it will be something that we'll all miss. This year she even gave green fingernail polish!

Kimball's shirt. It makes me laugh.

Does that Grammie know Bug-a-lugs or what!

Enjoying our tennis lessons, from the greatest coach on earth!

How funny are these kids?!

Spring Break: The boys enjoyed a football game preview with Great Grandpa Baird and the girls got glitter toes. So cute!

These two need explaining. It was cleaning day and Kimball had been in and out to ride his bike in the driveway. It was time to pick up Josie from school, so I went through the house and no Kimball looked out front, no Kimball, looked in the sandbox, no Kimball, not in the back yard. I couldn't find him anywhere. Some at this point {and myself 3 1/2 years ago} would be freaking out about now. Me no this was the 3rd time on this day! I was more bugged because I was going to be late to get Josie. Something that you just don't do. Finally I went on the hunt I knew I was going to have to take inventory of the bikes see which one he took and calculate how fast and in which direction he could have taken. Bike were all there. Great, he's on foot, that opens a lot more directions, and homes.

So as I walked to the front sidewalk,

I found him. . .

He was on the grass in front of the garage. He had decided he and I were going to play a little horse shoe. {Do you think the kid was wanting us to spend a little quality time together or what?} I don't know how he carried that heavy box out and I'm scared to even imagine how he got into the shed, into the tool box and then pulled out the mallet.

Teacher appreciation week, done!

I think the doors turned out pretty fun

& matched their personalities.

So there you have it. Some of the pix from the last little bit saved by my lifeline, my phone.

{I think it deserves a real name. . .

hum, I'll have to ponder over it.}

Tagged!

2010-04-06T20:57:00.002-06:00

The MTC minute countdown was today! We started off with an amazingly home cooked meal of Honey Nut Cheerios. Craig took him down to Walkers and showed him the amazing world of cheap big soft drinks. The ladies there are wonderful, I'm not sure how it all happened but they ended up taking him in the back and showing him all the carbonation & drink tanks. Dude I've been going there for 8 years and haven't gotten to see that. After it was off to outfit him with some duds to handle this fabulous spring weather we are enjoying.

{new waterproof coat with zip out fleece liner. accessorized with a little reflector bling.

perfect for biking on the wet roads of Japan.}

{Kimball's photog skills at Missionary Mall}

{A real american meal! IN AND OUT!

He must have a little American in him because he loved it!}

{The absolute must for a missionary: pix in front of the MTC sign!}

{TAG + a dork dot. a dork dot is the orange dot showing everyone it's your first day! This way everyone can help you and love you. Definition given from my sister who works at the MTC. I love it, leave it to a bunch of 19 year olds who name it "dork dot" to show "love"!}

A Day in Salt Lake

2010-04-05T22:26:00.002-06:00

We have had a wonderful day in Salt Lake with Elder Allan. We were lucky enough to meet Elder Allan in Australia while were there at Christmas. He was preparing to serve a mission. While meeting with him, he expressed his hope to be called to Japan. If he did get called to Japan he would be sent to the Provo MTC to prepare. We made plans that if he did come here we would pick him up and show him some of the Church sights. When he got his call we received an email that he had indeed been called to Tokyo Japan! How awesome! And even more awesome that mom and dad were called a few weeks later to Nagoya!

Today was the day! We picked him up from the airport and the adventure started. {I am laughing already.} One bag didn't make on a plane-somewhere. You gotta love it "somewhere". Of course it had all of his suits. The poor missionary! So after a 14 hour flight he was starving obviously we headed to a sandwich shop which once we found had been closed. Change of plans, we headed to the ZCMI Center which is no longer the ZCMI Center, to eat there. Can you tell how long it's been since I've been downtown? We did find the "food court". Found the parking garage, and headed up. Oh my goodness. If you're hungry please don't try the Phillie Cheese Steak Sandwich. YUCK! They put the nacho cheese sauce on it instead. Have you ever. Elder Allan was such a good sport. {Still laughing to myself}.

After our fabulous gourmet meal we headed to Temple Square. We stopped first at the Joseph Smith Memorial building to get a birds eye view. I am always amazed. It is simply stunning.

As we entered Temple Square two fabulous sister missionaries met up with us and took us through the North Visitor Center. The spirit is always so strong, and that last min. presentation in front of the Christus is always so powerful.

After visiting Temple Square we dashed over to Desert Book. While we were there it started to snow! It's always fun to see someone in the snow for the first time.

As we walked back to the parking garage it was CLOSED!!! Don't forget it's snowing, and now the wind is picking up. It took us about thirty min. to get into the car. Which was a tender mercy from the Lord. A lady who was visiting her husband, who was working late, needed to get something from her car. Tender Mercy!

When we got home mom, dad, whit & kat were there to teach us the 1st lesson from Preach My Gospel. Which was AWESOME! It has been an amazing weekend, with conference, a family fireside, missionary pick up, temple square, and to end the day with the first lesson was unbelievable. Mom told about the reason they will be going to Japan and leaving everyone, they love the Lord. They want others to know how they can have an eternal family as well. Elder Allan came prepared with tissues and we will need to repay him with a new pack. I was overwhelmed by the Spirit. I was touched that here sat not one missionary but three, almost four {whit}. And how Elder Allans family is feeling the same. We have had a wonderful day.

I am grateful families can be forever and not just for this lifetime. I am grateful for a living prophet Pres. Monson. I am grateful for the joy the gospel brings to our lives everyday. I am grateful that the Church is the same all around the globe, and that it helps bind us to each other. I am grateful for my Savior and sacrifice he paid for me. I know He lives and loves everyone of us.

It has been an amazing few days.

Project 7 has been launched!

2010-04-01T11:15:00.006-06:00

I have so much I want to share and update, but I'll do that later this week. Right now I want to pass along the project 7 from Craft Hope!

This project seems pretty fun and a little bit easy. In fact I'm going to enlist my children to help for an upcoming FHE.

"This time we have partnered with the Liberia Orphan Education Project (LEOP) to provide school supplies to orphan schools in Liberia, West Africa. The LEOP started out seven years ago simply by sending crayons to Liberia and they now currently provide school supplies, teaching instructional supplies, and teacher training to these schools. The founder, Beth, sent me a sweet email asking if we could make bean bags to send to the schools. Heck ya we can!"

They are needing a specific types of bean bags. She has examples linked in the content on the post. But if any one else close by is wanting to make them as well contact me and lets ship them together! Or we can even split a set, we could even make the same set and share the fabric, anything. This is going to be a fabulous project. I'm so excited!

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission!

2010-02-17T17:10:00.003-07:00

Several people have asked why I haven't posted about my parents. The reason was at first, when I was in shock, we couldn't. We were asked not to talk to anyone about it so my dad could talk with his clients before they found out from, say, my daughter who told her friend who happened to be a client of my dad before he had a chance to talk to them in person. Since that time, I've been; excited, in a state of denial, and teary.

So to take a few steps back, my parents have been called to be missions presidents in Nagoya Japan! This means they will be over the LDS mission efforts, & missionaries in a chunk of Japan. They will live in Japan for three years. I am so proud of there willingness to serve. Over that time I think of the client base that could have continued to grow, family milestone that will be missed, and the everyday phone chats and interactions. But despite all of that, I also think of; an exciting three years for them. Meeting general authorities, engrossing themselves into a new culture, learning {a lot of learning}, loving & caring for a ton of young missionaries. I also think of the fabulous fabric they have in Japan, the awesome washi tape {I'm in love with these items}. And I also think of the blessings. Blessing they will be part of, blessings they will receive, blessing that will pour upon all of us while they are serving.

We've been teaching them how to skype, and blog. This way we'll all be able to stay in touch.

Today Katheryn and I put together a Nagoya Japan Mission Blog for them. This way, not only we can know what's going on, but the parents of the missionaries they're over.

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

Time Out

2010-02-15T21:03:00.002-07:00

So I'm sure you were all wondering how our day was. Well let me show you:
Kimball had, had quite the day, and ended up in "TIME OUT". {This was after he threw his shoes at me.} The way time out goes here is; once you gain control and say sorry you can get out, 1 min. or 10. Well he was throwing quite a whopper of a fit. Finally he stopped, so I went over to talk to him. And I found him like this. A SLEEP IN TIME OUT! I'd say poor kid, but I'm really thinking, poor mom. ;)

Craft Hope

2010-02-15T20:49:00.002-07:00

Awhile back I came across this fabulous group called Craft Hope. It's a blog that is set up to do services for others in need. We've done all kinds of fun projects that have been sent around the world. The latest project was knitting red scarfs for orphans that are collage bound. Each year 25,000 students 'age out' of the foster care system and the Orphan Foundation is "committed to helping them become tomorrow's successful citizens." A red scarf is placed in a Valentines Day care packages for each of them. Here's the one I sent with a little note:

I love the pattern. I can't wait to see the next project! I don't know what the next project will be, but I can hardly wait. If anyone else wants to do it next time, let's get together.

Australia Day

2010-02-11T12:49:00.005-07:00

We love celebrating Australia Day. It is so fun incorporating Australian holidays into our family. While I was quizzing the kids about why we celebrate Australia Day, the kids looked at me blankly. I got all kinds of answers. I started going over in my mind, how we do this every year and I'm just not doing a good job teaching them. Craig being the fabulous hubby he is saw me turning this over in my head and decided to help the kids out. We were talking about England, the discovery of Australia, I asked "who discovered Australia?" Craig piped up "Christopher Columbus" McKay and Abby looked at him totally puzzled. McKay countered with "Christopher Columbus discovered American in 1492." Obviously we have a lot of work on Australian history in front of us.

We love having our traditional Aussie dinner. For some reason, making this very simple Australian meal takes me ALL day. I know the words "over exaggeration" are going through your minds. I mean look at the table there's not enough there to take all day. But for some reason it does. Every year I think, oh I'm doing so well on time I'll totally be done early enough this year. I'll get the mess washed up, before we eat. And yet it never happens.

This is the biggest culprit. Meat Pies. So good & totally Aussie. And totally worth it {at least once a year}.

And lamingtons. My ultimate favorite dessert. . . ever!

While we were in Australia last time, we picked up a rugby ball. The boys threw it around a little in the dark, on the ice. On one of the "bounces" McKay totally slipped on the ice and fell right on his rear end. {and being the fabulous mother I am, I laughed} Poor kid.

Someone HAD a Birthday!

2010-02-11T12:35:00.003-07:00

Over a month ago now, Josie turned 6! I can never understand how time flies by, and yet it seems like they've always been with us.

For her birthday she wanted a "friend party" this year. So I sat down with her and we drafted her list; Abby, McKay, Kimball, Grandma, Katheryn, . . . the only ones in the family not on the list was Craig and myself. We celebrated by heading to the movies and Bajio {her favorite restaurant}.

Grandpa couldn't make the party. But before we sang "Happy Birthday" gramie called him so he could sing with us, then he had a little chat with the b-day girl.
Josie's "friend" party filled with loving family. It turned out to be "the best birthday party ever!"

Happy very late B-day JoJo!

planing for next year

2010-02-04T18:53:00.002-07:00

When I was making my post about the best books in the world, suddenly my mom shouted yes. and said that we don't have to do wax museum this year. but then I remember that next year I have to do a state poster. I asked my mom what state I should do. then she started singing we've got more bounce in California. I THINK I KNOW WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. California so easy. I'l bring my surfboard.

the best books!

2010-02-04T18:26:00.005-07:00

I never knew that I like books. It is the best book In the world. I even have on my ipod.

I am going to the movie. and I cant wait for It.

TODAY!!

2010-02-04T10:12:00.002-07:00

"Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way." ~Dr. Seuss

It Craigs first book singing! YES TODAY!!!

Good Luck my dear author!

My Father's Eyes

2010-01-31T20:55:00.004-07:00

Here's my little bug-a-lugs:

check out his eyes. . . they're very debonair, deep brown and screaming mischief.

Last night while folding clothes my little bug entered the my room and started to have a very delightful conversation. All of the sudden the conversation took a sharp and sudden turn, mid sentence. "mom i don't want my brown eyes"

"what"

"i don't want my brown eyes like you anymore. I don't want to have your eyes, I want my blue eyes back."

"I love your brown eyes. There so handsome!"

"No I don't want eyes like you anymore. I want my blue eyes back. . .I want my blue eyes like my daddies blue eyes."

"But I love your eyes. Look there like mine."

"I don't want eyes like you. . .I want my blue eyes. . ."

"You're eyelashes are so long and pretty"

"I want my blue eyes back. . . JoJo's got my eyes"

~suppressed laughing

"What?"

"JoJo took my eyes. I want them back"

~Josie enters very concerned

"Josie isn't it funny. Kimball thinks your eyes are so beautiful, he want them. Isn't he funny"

~Josie still not laughing

"He loves you so much, isn't that cute."

"She took my eyes. I want my eyes back"

~can no longer suppress the laugh, between the little boy squishing his eyes trying to get them out of his head and the little girl very concerned"

"Mom, this isn't funny (said very non emotionally). This is a very serious situation."

Much to Kimballs dismay, his eyes are still brown.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2010

2010-01-01T23:17:00.002-07:00

Every New Years is spent at Grandma & Grandpa's with a lot of food, great games, and of course, fabulous people! A mean game of Slapwich & UNO was going down last night. Then we celebrated New Years Eastern Standard Time. It makes the night even better.

From Sweating in Sizzling Summerland to Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2010-01-01T22:53:00.004-07:00

I can't believe that just a few days ago we were wearing shorts, t-shirts & sunscreen. There was the greatest Christmas song. I could never track it down & I still can't find in online. Anyways, it was a play on "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" but went "Sweating in Sizzling Summerland". It was fabulous, and totally made me laugh. Now we grub up just to get the mail.

Craig and the kids have been scraping and shoveling snow and ice since we've been back. Even with all their hard work we still can't see the sidewalk.

Yet Another Flight & Christmas Again!

2010-01-01T22:31:00.004-07:00

Kimball & Josie found a set of wheels to make traveling easier. Well for them anyways.

As soon as we would sit in our seat on the plane Josie would buckle up and find the flight emergency card. She would attentively watch the "in flight safety video". She checked it several times during the flight. Towards the end she had Abby doing the same thing.
Only 2 hours into the Sydney to San Fran flight, McKay ate a Minty and pulled off his Lower Lingual Holding Arch aka built in retainer with a crank. But it only came off one side. The poor kid couldn't eat anything.

But as soon as we got to Salt Lake, Kimball decided he couldn't walk any more. When I told him Grammie was outside waiting for him, he took off. He was so excited! Grammie had presents waiting for everyone. It was Christmas all over again!

They loved them! The girls were totally blown away by American Girl dolls, and grandma had even made matching jammies!

Escaping Death

2009-12-29T15:22:00.004-07:00

The other day as we were walking long Circular Quay we were watching some of the street performers. Just as we walked up, the performer called on me to "assist". Yea right. I'm a total wall flower type of person. To stand in front of a ton of people and do things is not my cup of tea. Kimball followed, he's always up for some fun. The guy was CRAZY. Literally. The longer I stood there the longer I got worried. I could see the headlines. . .

In the end we all made it out alive.

The next day we walked the bridge. Yes as if the previous day wasn't terrifying enough, I took on one of my biggest fears. Not just heights, but heights with children. I was soo proud of myself. However there were certain rules, like 1. Josie~ no throwing fits, on the bridge, what so ever, no laying down, turning, stomping of feet ~anything! 2. Kimball was to be held the entire time away from the edge. 3. Josie was to hold an adults hand the entire time! 4. No running 5. no holding on to the edge or looking over the edge. 5. absolutely no teasing mom with any of the following

It was amazing! I will never look at the Sydney Bridge the same again! Once we were on the other side We ate lunch, fed the pigeons and enjoyed a lamington.

{don't you love Kimball's fit? He's decided he can't walk anymore. }

Not only did we walk the bridge once but then we walked back over. It was beautiful up there.

At the close of the day Craig's Auntie Karen came and met us for dinner. She lives two hours away. How nice is she. She brought gifts for everyone, and then shouted for the ice cream at the end. She is such a sweet person. The kids adored her!

And today we are headed back home. For Christmas Santa brought Josie the Wizard of Oz. We have watched it continuously lately. As the trip has gotten closer to an end, I keep repeating in my head, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home." It has been an amazing trip. It was nice to have a break from routine, but now it will be nice to have a routine again.

An Incredible Day!

2009-12-27T05:25:00.005-07:00

The morning started off at 4:05 a.m. ~ good thing Kimball wore his glasses, it's pretty bright outside.;0)

Then we caught the train up to Sydney. This was Criag's and Kimball's favorite thing so far. It was great. Very relaxing
We checked into the hotel and hit the streets. We saw the bridge and watched the brave people walk on the top of it for a while.
Actually visited the Opera House. We've always "seen" it, but never really checked it out up close. How do you love Josie's fit in this picture. She was feeling the 4 a.m. wake up call.
This is better:

After the bridge, lunch and the Opera House we went onto the Botanical Gardens. The boy's are enjoying the grass.
We played UNO. This was my favorite part. Playing together as a family enjoying the views, and each other.
Kimball photography skills. I don't know how he made it red, I want to figure that out
Then the races started which led to a game of pile up.

And as everyone knows a perfect day has to end with some ice cream!

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

2009-12-27T04:38:00.002-07:00

In Australia, Santa delivers all of the presents in a "Santa Bag". A red bag or pillowcase is placed on the bottom of each child's bed before going to sleep. This takes place of the Christmas Socks. Then during the night if you've been good Santa places all of your toys in that sack.

This was a fun tradition that I felt we HAD to implement while we were here. However it was quite hard. I knew that even if I had a "no peek until you get on my bed" rule, it would be too hard to resist. But the only one to peek was little Ms. Tink. It was pretty fun to watch them "dump" their bag on our bed. Then sort through all the exciting things Santa left.

In the past one of our favorite things to do was take everyone to the dollar store and let them buy a gift for each person. However this year with us traveling around during Christmas, I didn't want to loose the "meaning" of Christmas. We decided we'd have a "homemade" Christmas. It was really fun! It was great to watch the kids plan and work on their projects before we left. We even worked on a few once we got here. McKay made a marshmallow gun for Kimball and stamped charms for the girls. Abby sculpted and painted a figurine for everyone. Josie wrote and illustrated books. And Kimball, well I cheated on helping Kimball, he got everyone an Australian book. It was a very neat experience to watch. The kids LOVED it!

After presents we had a Christmas "brekkie". Pam's side of the family came over and we had a large breakfast. It was great catching up with family. It was fun to see all of their children too. We'd only heard about them, to see them in person was fabulous!

What an amazing Christmas! We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas as well!

And the Tradition Continues

2009-12-27T04:22:00.003-07:00

A gift to open on Christmas Eve?. . . What could it be?. . . New jammies! Who would have guessed?!

Christmas Eve is so special to me that even having an Aussie Christmas we continued a few of our family traditions. However it was very sad not having the costumes to act out the Nativity, but we still read and talked about the true meaning of CHRISTmas.

And then of course we had to open new pj's.

Pre-Christmas Fun

2009-12-27T04:14:00.002-07:00

While I was helping the kids wrap their presents, Kimball came running back in with another present to wrap. It was "for dad" he told me. I had to laugh, he snaked it from Pam and Boris's cooking books. A, can you say the ultimate regifter?! He even wrote the card. He's so funny.Later that day we headed over to a bbq that Boris's daughter Natasha was throwing. It was great. They kids had a fun time. Kimball for some reason took his shirt of turned in inside out and put it back on backwards. Why you ask. . .I don't know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-12-27T03:57:00.003-07:00

My adorable hubby had a birthday! We got down to Canberra the night before Craig's birthday. It was great. He didn't want to do much for his birthday, his only request was visiting the cemetery. It was really neat. The kids don't know much about Laurie, nor do I, however I think he must have been a lot like Craig. We enjoyed listening to stories of his childhood. And then we drove around and showed the kids some of the sights of Canberra and tried to get a little Christmas shopping in as well. By the end the kids were tuckered out.

After we enjoyed a fabulously cooked pepper steak meal, cooked by Boris. Due to Kimball's very late nap he wasn't tired at bedtime, so we took him for the famous "watch and chase the kangaroo's" drive. He loved it!!!

Craig HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are the best dad and most fabulous hubby ever! We love you a ton!

Time Extended!

2009-12-27T03:50:00.001-07:00

We were so lucky to extend our time up in the Gold Coast. The Alpins gratiaously took us in.

{the Alpins are Craig's cousin Michele, her hubby Ross, Jason, Mark & Justine} Tonight when we were asking the kids what was the favorite thing we've done so far excluding Christmas, Abby's was swimming at the Alpins pool. It was wonderful. We sat out in the back yard ate lunch and dinner, swam, jumped on the tramp, relaxed in the hot tub, and we even got to watch the fruit bats fly over head at dusk. That was totally earie. They are HUGE and there are TONS of them. But I think the favorite thing at the Alpins was the company. They are so amazing. The kids absolutly loved them. Their cute teenagers took over entertaining them and caring for them. The kids have had a very hard time leaving them. When we all loaded up to got to the airport, Kimball wanted to get out of the car because Michele, Mark, and Justine weren't coming with us. Then at the airport he woke up when I told Ross good by and reached for him. He is still asking for "my Rossie" or "Mawk". Josie left her favorite "Pie Pony's" which she calls her miniture My Little Pony's, so they will always remember her. And they are still sporting the fabulous purple sparkle fingernail polish.

It was so relaxing that I didn't take many pictures, which I'm kicking myself for. I didn't even get one of McKay so . . . picture him in the pool 6 hours a day and on the Wii, with a little garage band practice in the mix.

We're Back in Business

2009-12-27T03:01:00.006-07:00

It's been tricky to find Wi-Fi here in the Land Down Under. I've had to be very creative to be able to pay bills, post, check emails etc. I have come to realize how much I depend on my little laptop with internet, passwords, user ID's and so forth. I even had Craig drop me off at the Marriott when we were up in Surface. I had bills to pay and couldn't find it anywhere. So I figured with as much time Craig's spent over the years there it was like home. So I sat in the lobby and enjoyed a Diet Coke with nice elevator music and my trusty laptop {which I've decided deserves a name, I need to think about that} I've never been so great full to pay them before. So with out further adieu the vacae & Christmas updates.

The Crocodile Hunter's Zoo

2009-12-23T18:39:00.003-07:00

One of the first things we did when we first arrived down here in Australia was visit Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. McKay loved Steve when he was younger and still carry's fond memories of him as we all do that know him. The zoo was incredible, very clean and well organized. The obvious difference in animals drew all of our attention. We saw all sorts of birds that are native to Australia. We feed elephants and Kangaroo's, got to hold a Koala and a baby croc. At least McKenzie got to hold the Koala (a life long goal) while we patted it. McKay got to hold the baby croc which in his words was "pretty scarey". I didn't say anything at the time, I didn't want to freak him out but there was no way I was going to hold it. Josie and Kimball got to ride ponies and we all saw a lot of crocodiles. They were everywhere. In one of the show's they had a huge croc named Murry. He was an aggressive sucker, it gave me the chills watching him eat the foot they were using to get him to move about. During the croc show they stressed many times the best way to aviod being attacked by a croc was by staying out of the water. It wasn't very reassuring. The Kangaroo area was fun, the roo's were pretty docile having been feed all day by zoo visitors. I did get a little concerned when Kimball and Josie got a little over comfortable with the roo's and started huging them. I have lived in Australia for 20 years before moving to the states and I have never seen anyone hug a Kangaroo. Needless to say it took forever to get the two young ones out of roo exhibit.

Fwip Fwops & Fun

2009-12-15T23:05:00.004-07:00

Since being here in the "Land Down Under" we've been able to swim, go to the beach, and hang with family. We have spend almost every night sitting out by the pool watching the kids swim, eating and enjoying the Alpens. Michele is Craig's cousin. She and her husband Ross, along with the kids have been fabulous! The first night the kids loved swimming with some flippers. The next day when we came over, they had decked out the pool with little kid toys, blow-ups and kid size flippers. Kimball took to them. However he does call them "fwip fwops" translation: flip flops. After a late night {5:30} Kimball was zoned into a movie, but wouldn't take off the "fwip fwops". He was so cute.
He loved them so much, he wore them quite a bit at the beach the next day.

What is McKay doing? you might ask. Well let me tell you. He found a boy who was catching jelly fish and blue bottles. Go figure. And joined in on the fun. My only solace was that at least he was keeping an eye out for them. Of course it didn't take long for Abby to join in on the fun.

Josie was working on a collection of sea shells. One for everyone in her class. She's so sweet.

McKay wanted a picture by this tree. He thought the roots were really cool looking.

And at the close of a trip to the beach. . .

Paddle Pops: aka ice cream on a stick.

We Made It!

2009-12-15T22:24:00.004-07:00

I can hardly believe we made it here. And before I go any further, a HUGE thanks to the Youngs! They are awesome! For family home evening, a couple of days before we left, the Youngs brought over early Christmas gifts. They had made backpacks for each of our children for the flight. They had a coloring book, crayons, balls, little toys, a bag of goodies, a stuffed animal, a personalized note, and more. The kids loved them. Craig and I also got goodies. They are the best neighbors ever!

Getting ready for Christmas & a trip over seas 3 weeks before Christmas was insane! My mother came to the rescue. With countless services and aid before we left. And as if helping out before wasn't bad enough, we dropped off our zoo before we left.

After 32 hours! this is what we looked like, caution it's not pretty:

But the feight I never thought possible {taking four kids to the other side of the world, mind you, while potty training}. . . was. I know this is due to friends, neighbors, visiting teachers, family and especially my mother.

THANKS!

fild trip

2009-11-09T14:31:00.004-07:00

I went on my fild trip day a last month. It was fun. we waited for all the other classes. Me and Bryson and Dane. We played until it was time to go walking. It was a long walk but it was fun. first we meet the owner of the lindon pool. He gave us a tour. It was fun. Then we went to the police station. We meet 2 police men and a girl at the desk. After we went to the lindon city bilding and meet a person that works there. We got to go in the meeting room. After we got to go to my friend Danes pizza factory. And have a tour. It was fun. Then we went to eat in the park. It was fun. After we went to the fire station. And meet 2 fire men and after they squirted us. It was fun. But I had was out of memory in the camera so I did not got a picture when they did that.

bradens nice parints

2009-11-08T17:38:00.002-07:00

bradens parents came with us to sea world. It was fun with them they helped us there it was fun that they could come with us they even let us sleep in there hous with them. Braden's mom helped me with trick or treating and grandma kat cid wit and braden and bradens dad.

in sea world

2009-11-08T16:50:00.003-07:00

the next day from Disneyland i went to sea world. we got up in the morning i asked grandma if i needed a swimming suit she said maybe not. when we got there we went and saw

shamoo cid and braden and me were in the soak zone. grandma,wit,kat didn't want to be wet. so they were not in the soak zone. I got so wet.Then we went on a river ride. and then touched star fish,

and holded them But you can not take them out of water so you omly hold them in water. then we went and looked at fish and sharks. and then went around

trick or treating and then went to look at the dolphins and then wached a sea lion show and then went and feed the sea lions. Cid got a fish and was givingit to the sea lion she was tring to make it do a trike or somthing. and the fish was dagaling and then all a suden a brid sweped down and got it. then we pet and feed the stingrays we also ate there and then went back to braden's house and went to sleep.

In Disny land

2009-11-08T15:44:00.003-07:00

when we got to california me, which is abby,grandma,kat,wit,cid,braden.

we went to bed becase it was night time. in the morning it was friday. we got water bottles,got dress,we ate got in the car and started of. it took a wile to get there . But...

we were OK. when we got there we got in Disny land we went on the night befor christmas,

indiana jones,a pitrate ride,a mary go round a faris will,

we ate ther,and then wached the parade i got tired

then we went shoping. well just me and grandma. kat wit cid and braden went on splash montain. and at night we wached a firework show.

But befor all of that we went to california kat wit cid and braden went on tower terror we went on a roller coster cid braden kat wit went on again grandma did not like roller coasters so much and i was dizzy so wile they went me and grandma went and got a frozen straberry juice.It was good the mary go round and faris will was at california to.

Four Little Pumpkins Sitting on the Steps

2009-11-01T19:02:00.006-07:00

What a Halloween! We had some type of party every night this week. But it has been filled with fun, friends, family, food & I can't leave out CANDY tons of candy! Somehow I signed up for two of the kids parties at school. I thought I had spaced them out but obviously not so well. However because Abby & McKay are a.m.er's and Josies a p.m.er it worked out perfect. After the school parade I ran home finally got ready for the day and pulled together a game for party #2. We ate a little lunch & it was time to take off again. Party #1 started 10 min. after the Kindergarten parade. Josie was so happy. After the parade started, I took off for Ab's class party and we had a fabulous time!

They were so funny! I couldn't believe how many moms were willing to help out. I had moms who hadn't even signed up to help calling asking if they could come. Like I said fabulous!

Then off to Josies.

They were so cute. This was the first class "party" they'd had. It didn't take long for them to get how it worked. They were adorable. At the end of the party this cute little guy came up and hugged me and told me he loved me!

Halloween was crazy busy. My mom had a party for the grand kids. I was so far behind, Craig & I stayed home to try to catch up. {We didn't, but we got closer ;) } But the kids have talked about it non stop. It must have been a blast. From the sounds of it, I think Josie was mauling Eleanor. She doesn't seem to think that was why the dog had to have a timeout by itself in the bathroom, but I'm pretty sure it is. I also heard all about her adorable ballerina costume.

The night came faster then I thought possible. We were so lucky. Three of the girls from the tennis team, who had never had a true Halloween, came to go trick-or-treating with us. So we started off with our dinner tradition, hot soup. Next thing I knew, McKays friends came to pick him up to go trick-or-treating.

I about cried. 'Is he really that old? He can't be. He's friends are here to go together. Is he really not coming with us? He just can't be this old' I thought I'd better play it cool. I gave them all some candy, took there pictures, went over safety rules, and didn't even cry. On the way out the door, he did give me a kiss. He must have known, I still needed it.

The girls were great! Elle brought over the to die for cupcakes. So good. They were such good sports. From what I understand Meagan & Abby were having a great time. Liza carried Josie. And Elle. . .

Elle, was tagging along with Kimball. I guess he wouldn't even go to Craig. {I sacrificed & stayed in my warm house to hand out candy.} I hope these great girls had an amazing first true Halloween, because they helped make it amazing for us.

{doesn't he look exhausted!?}

p.s. I don't know how I didn't get a pic of Abby's loot. She must have been trying to be incognito, so we wouldn't hold it hostage.

Festival of Witches

2009-10-28T18:25:00.003-06:00

Festival of Witches has become a tradition at Halloween. Gardner Village is a favorite anytime of year, but at Halloween it is quite "spooktacular" {hehehe}. We love to go hunt for witches & end the trip with a delicious caramel apple.

This year as we sat to eat our apple by the pond and watched the ducks, I had to laugh at the different personalities of each child. Kimball grabbed the apple gave me the wax paper it came on and took off for the ducks, eating it upside down

Josie sat with her legs together wax paper pressed open and neatly ate her apple, very lady like.

After 10 minutes McKay handed me his apple to operate on. He had squashed the wax paper into the caramel. I had to rip it piece by piece to get it off, in some places I had to even scrap into the caramel.

Abby was enjoying the magical world of Disney with Grandma, & we missed her terribly. {Watch for her post. Coming soon.}

Our New Favorite Place

2009-10-27T10:14:00.004-06:00

We have lived in our home for 7 years. Up the street from our home is Dry Canyon.

We have often driven up there and looked over the valley and been amazed at our little corner of the world. We have always talked of hiking up the trails but just haven't done it. So last week for FHE we put dinner in the oven & went for a quick hike up one of the trails. Amazing! And I was kicking myself the entire time for two reasons 1. I forgot my camera! 2. we hadn't done this before! We all loved it so much we took a picnic up for Fun Friday. It was still absolutely amazing but not quite as breathtaking. Within those few day most of the fall leaves had fallen. But as i said still amazing. The kids asked if we could do it every week. We'll see, but I agree with them, it's one of my new favorite places too.

Job Change

2009-10-19T20:55:00.003-06:00

This past summer has been absolutely insane! For the past two years Craig has been not only the Women's Tennis Coach @ BYU but one of the athletic dept. Sport Psychology Consultants. It's been a ton of work and too much travel time. {I think this one of the main reasons why Kimball dislikes me so much & favors Craig~although, my hubby is totally awesome and full of fun!} He felt it was time to make the switch to full time Sport Psychology Consultant. After a summer of unknowns, we finally negotiated the week before school went back a part time contract @ BYU. He is still up at the US Olympic Ski Team once a week. He is loving working with all types of athletes & helping them perform better.

Totally shallow as it seems, one of our concerns with the change was the kids & what they thought. McKay especially has always loved that Craig is a coach at BYU. He's always been very proud of it and the girls. He's checking who won, who's doing well, where there from, wanting to know more about their culture etc. But they have embraced this change. Craig has been working on a book for the last two years. When a publisher wanted to pick it up, McKay couldn't have been prouder. Either could I! {Don't worry, as soon as it comes out, I'll let you all know!}

Wedding Day

2009-10-18T18:50:00.006-06:00

"Goin' to the Temple & their

goin' to get married"

On the 11th of September Cyd & Brayden got married! We are all so excited. They truly love each other. We started off the celebrations with a fabulous dinner at Magelby's. The sealing ceremony was beautiful and the reception was great fun, filled with flowers, pictures, friends, Costa Vita, dancing and great people.

Photo by Lauren Jones Photography

Lauren did the pictures. She was fabulous as always! {If you need family pix for Christmas or anything you have to call her! Not only is she great & puts a ton into it, she's very well priced!}

{Oh, and Ashley you'll have to link over she's got one of your cute kids posted.}

The book signing had a bit of a twist: a photo booth. You took your pix, kept one strip and the other went in the book next to your name. It was supper fun!

We love you guys!

ScHoOl

2009-10-16T21:25:00.003-06:00

Another school year is well underway!

McKay loves that his teacher is a boy. This year we decided to mix it up a bit. I'm home schooling him for Math and Language Arts, he then goes for Art, Science, Social Studies and P.E.. It's been really fun I think for both of us.

Abby didn't think she could ever find a teacher she liked half as much as Mrs. Nelson, but she has. Mrs. Nelson's really good friend works at the school and Abby has her this year. Her classroom is "western". Right up Abby's ally with the horses. This girl loves school and everything that goes with it.

Josie, oh Josie. She's in Kindergarten now! I can't believe it, and either can she. She still, shall I say, strongly dislikes school. She's "too little" to go to school, or read, or clean her room. First thing in the morning she asks "do I have to go to school today?". I think it's going to be a long 13 years. A few weeks ago we had some cute neighbors over for the afternoon. It was time to take Josie to school, so I loaded everyone in! We got to school, I opened the door to kiss and send her off to school, and she doesn't have shoes! "Josie I told you to grab your shoes. You can't go to school without shoes." "So that means I don't have to go today right?!"

Kimball throws a fit to go to school. And so do we. If you ask him how old he is, he'll tell you "four". I told him at the beginning of the year he can go to preschool when he's four, so you know, now he is.

FiRsT DaY oF ScHoOl 2009

George

2009-10-15T10:01:00.003-06:00

I've got a ton of catch up posting to do; back to school, birthdays, activities, job change & an amazing baptism! But before I get to that I promised Sierra I'd blog about George. George is the sock monkey that was sent to the burn unit preschool camp in Cali. It was project #4 for Craft Hope. {It's this really fun blog site that puts together handmade craft projects with those less fortunate.}

my new birds.

2009-10-02T15:20:00.007-06:00

You can see in september 2008 3rd I had bindy. But then she died and that night my Mom came in and i asked her if i can get another bird. she sad yes!

A year later I have been begging each day to get a bird. And one day my mom and dad could not take any more. So we went to petsmart and I got 3 finches. One is brown and blackish.

her name is Jessica. one is all white her name is named after my other birds name bindy.

one other is light brown and white and her name is Kit. And here is a picture I drew for you!

Park City

2009-08-10T17:05:00.003-06:00

We went to the Olympic ski resort. My dad works with them. Especially Speedy & Emily. We went to park city. And stop to get some food at Dairy King it was really good. Then we got to the pool. My favorite is Speedy. They go off jumps and do tricks. Then we went lower. And saw a carnival. And then we went home.

{sorry it took me a while to put the video on. McKay ~ the post is finally up! McKenzie}

Learn What?

2009-07-17T12:47:00.001-06:00

Did I learn? From the famous words of Amy Winehouse "NO, NO, NO"

The kids were all getting ready for bed, Josie was in the shower. I went in my bathroom to get Kimball's toothbrush and I met this. . .

I knew right away to whom it belonged to. So I checked on her in the shower and yeppers, cut short right up front. Now, Josie's hair does not grow quickly. And she has been the scissor girl, which has made it a bit tricky. So we grabbed the stool and away we cut. {Heather do you do haircut emergencies?}

She was so upset because her whole life she's wanted "long hair, like the princess's have". We were hoping she was getting close but, "NO, NO, NO". If you see her, don't mention, THE hair. She didn't want a picture of it because now it's too "short". She went to Katheryn's on a bribe and a ton of soothing words, along the line that, Katheryn won't make fun of you. I can hardly get her to go anywhere, she's still so upset. Hopefully she learned, as well as myself. . . at our house scissors need a lock box!

Oh, Jo, Jo {sigh}

2009-07-10T00:15:00.003-06:00

This week has been very quite at our house. The older two have been doing camps with Craig. Although I absolutely love spending time with them, it's been fun these past few days doing simple things with the younger two. We spent a few hours at the book store a few days ago. They each got to pick their "one favorite". When we got home we cuddled up were reading the books. Josie was playing with my hair, which I love, while we were reading Kimball's "Harold and the Purple Crayon". She left to get another comb and a bow. She started to comb and the next thing i heard was, yep you guessed it, a slow, ssssnnnniiiip. I froze, what was that. . . it couldn't be. . . it has to be! Yes she cut my hair. I'm so needing to put her in beauty school now so she can give good hair cuts. For those that know her this is no surprise. She has always been a haircutting gal. But she hasn't done it for probably over a year. So many new bridges and discoveries have happened since then. Will I ever learn?

{another self portrait}

Fantastic Fourth

2009-07-08T17:13:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that the fourth has come and gone!

This year was a very unique year for us. Normally Craig is working BYU camps during the fourth. This year he had that week off! YAY!! It was fabulous. We filled the entire weekend with activities. We hit the balloons & breakfast, tennis, parade, Milestones to Freedom @ Ellis Island, jets, fireworks & smores.

We've been reading the Fablehaven's as a family. While we waited for the fireworks we all cuddled up on the deck and read by the light of a lantern. It was really cool.

Jet's are always the favorite but this year we added a "most meaningful" as well: Milestones to Freedom @ Ellis Island. Amazing is an understatement. I am so grateful for the passion that was put into this. My kids {as well as us} understood & felt better then ever what we were celebrating. A big Thank You to all who contributed to this!

***We hope you all had a***

FANTASTIC FOURTH!!

Dog Tags

2009-07-08T16:27:00.003-06:00

We did this awesome activity from "Little Birdie Secrets". Stamping dog tags. It was sooo fun! Perfect for boys & girls of all ages. We even made one for Craig's keys & a tag for Kimball titled "Monkey Boy" with his phone number on it. Hopefully that will help. :)

In case you wanted to do one too:

A Great tutorial by: Beaducation.com

{they have cool tools on their site as well}

Dog Tags: ArmyNavy.com {the best price I found}

Stamps: Harbor Freight {sku #800}

Books

2009-06-20T12:30:00.003-06:00

While reading a recent post on Mormon Mommy Wars I exclaimed to Craig. "She totally gets me!" My favorite date night {much to Craig's chagrin} is hanging out at Borders. The feeling, people, smells, comfort. I never could put into words how it makes me feel, but she did, fantastically! Yes I'm a book hoarder. I have stacks of books in almost every room in the house. My night stand is always toppling over with books to read. And I must also admit, I like to buy them. Not check them out or borrow them, buy {however I love lending them out}. The characters become real to me and to give them back to the library seems like abandoning my own children or a friend.

"How can I possible describe the feeling I get when

I’m standing in a room full of books?

For me it’s comparable to a pair of warm wool socks,

the security of an heirloom family quilt,

or the fulfillment of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Peace envelops me when I enter a library or book store.

Bookshelves provide the perfect shelter from the static of my life.

The spines of thousands of books become friends I haven’t met, waiting for me to invite them home, to discover their true identity.

In a perfect world, I would wander through every row of fiction, launch into the 100s of Dewey’s wonderful decimal system and finish with biographies,

only to begin again to make sure I didn’t miss anything."

Mrs. Nelson & Me

2009-06-16T09:24:00.003-06:00

Hi my name is Abby. I use to be in 2nd grad Mrs. Nelson was my teacher. Mrs. Nelson was the best teacher in the wold! I loved her. I learned alot about her & other things like fractions ; fractions are my favorite. I wish i cold be in 2nd grad still. But Mrs. Nelson does not teach any more she stay's home with her grandkids. Mrs. Nelson loved us we loved her. But now i have Mrs. donathorn. She will not be better than Mrs. Nelson though. Mrs. Nelson alwaus had fun with us. We did with her too. PS.I HOP YOU ENJOYED MY STORY

Max and Tom's birthday

2009-06-16T08:48:00.003-06:00

I went to max's birthday! His big sister was baby sitting. So I help finding the presents for max! Got a soccer net and a soccer ball! And tom got a scooder-ripstic! And they both got a tent!

You're AWESOME Lauren!!

2009-06-15T11:16:00.007-06:00

I haven't backed-up my photos since 2005. I'd had repeated "caution start up disk is full" for a few months now. I of course thought that they were nothing & continued to over ride them. Lauren gave us the prize I won on her blog. A PHOTO SHOOT. Not the Josie kind, a real photo shoot! I couldn't believe it. I'm not sure she new what she was getting herself into {poor girl's never going to want to have kids}. She spent an hour and a half shooting—that didn't include the gum, balloons, otter pops & editing. She is totally amazing! When I got the disc I couldn't stand it... they were awesome! So I went to download them to share them and the computer wouldn't let me. Apparently the "caution start up disk full" really was something. It wouldn't even let me open safari. So . . . we've finally gotten a back up hard drive, & I put everything onto discs {a lot of discs} ready to be placed into the safety deposit box. Pictures have now been deleted, & the computer is working better then ever! After a little catch up power blogging last night I can share these FABULOUS pictures.

Follow You Wherever You May Go & a Good Friend

2009-05-27T23:19:00.002-06:00

We took a "sickie" the Friday after the kids had finished end of year testing at school. They were fried and way excited for Cyd who was coming home that night. It also happened to be the opening of "This is the Place". We love the special events up there. The mountain men, the activities, it's so fun, and a bit educational as well. We decided to take a day off from school & check it out before the crowds came. While I was finishing getting ready, the kids were out riding their bikes & scooters in the driveway. McKay's best bud, Max, walked past on the way to the bus stop, realized that McKay, being an am'er, should have already been at school and asked "Hey, you're not at school yet?" "Nay, we're taking a day off". I am now inside thinking, I know McKay's always honest but does he have to be that honest? They continued to chit chat till the bus came. Then we were off to enjoy our day.

Kimball LOVES the goats & sheep. This lucky little guy became Kimball's new best friend. Kimball followed him ever where! It was so cute. I was a bit nervous—because the bigger goats get a bit mean, but this little guy was a trooper. Kimball was not letting him go.

We loved it once again. Before pulling out to head for home I noticed I had missed a few calls due too all the noise and cannons going off. One was from my friend Steph who had subbed in McKay's class, her message said she hoped he was okay, and that she'd left another message at the house. The next day I was out front finishing a sprinkler & sod project. During that time I had two people stop and ask if McKay was alright. "Yea, he's great." The first time I didn't think much of it, but then when it happened again I thought it was a bit weird. I remembered Steph saying she had left another message at the house. I figured I'd better check it out. As I was checking my messages, before I'd gotten to Steph's I'd had two from the school office. What the? Steph sounded really concerned & said the kids had made get well cards. Then went on to say how sorry she was to hear McKay was in the hospital due to blood poisoning from a mosquito. Huh? Huh? Oh my goodness...Max. What a cutie. Apparantely he was so worried that McKay would get in trouble for ditching school, that he had tried covered up for him. Then Steph showed up at my house with a stack of 30 get well cards! One had a picture of him laying in the hospital with his tongue hanging out his mouth, titled "Hope you don't die". Some had flowers drawn on them, hearts, footballs, tennis balls...all kinds of things some were even pop-up. When I told her what happened she looked a bit upset. She'd worried about him and when I didn't get back to her it made her more worried. The poor thing. The poor kids. But even as I right this, I just laugh. What a good kid that Max is. There's not many friends who would do that for his buddy. It's been a good lesson though. Monday was a holiday so first thing Tue. I had to explain my actions to the principle, office staff, teacher, past teachers, janitor, neighbors, children, ect. I love that Max! And thanks Steph for caring so much!

She's HOME!

2009-05-27T00:10:00.001-06:00

Welcome Home Sister Baird!

After our fun filled day in Salt Lake we raced down to pick-up Craig & head over to Costa where we were meeting for dinner before heading back up to SLC airport to pick up Cyd. I had felt guilty we hadn't had time to make welcome home signs for her, luckily or unluckily for her she had been delayed due to baggage issues. This gave us time after eating with the family to pick up some poster board and head to the airport. While we waited for her by baggage claim, {and my dad at the gate, by ways of a refundable ticket} the kids decorated the poster for her.

And Craig kept everyone in line.
My dad called my mom as the plane was pulling into the gate, so we could all get ready.
And then my camera died. Bummer. But a picture can't capture the emotion of a missionary welcome home.

Cyd is a great example to my children. Welcome home Cydie!

Josie's Photo Shoot

2009-05-23T22:34:00.001-06:00

I plugged the camera cord into the computer to download the pictures I had just taken of the table & chairs. To my surprise the prompt said I had 43 pictures to download. What? I only took three pictures & the night before I had cleared the memory on the camera. After all 43 were downloaded I started to review the pictures. The first pictures were of the computer screen? Then pictures of furniture, flowers, wait a minute . . . a pink blanket? Another pink blanket, then a pinki up in front of the blanket, okay now a thumbs up . . . Josie Posie. Yep, there she is. Can I just say I'm so thankful for digital! Love it!

No!!! No we're out of Cheerios?!

2009-05-18T21:53:00.000-06:00

If the Honey Nut Cheerios are gone, watch out world.

How!?!

2009-05-18T21:11:00.002-06:00

Kimball and I sat up on my bed to watch a little Thomas after church (okay, I'll admit it, I was checking out every ones blog pages, he was the one watching Thomas). We were snuggled up so close that our arms were touching each other (this is huge for Kimball & I). I was thoroughly enjoying the moment. I could even smell the fabulous C.O. Bigelow lotion I had put on earlier that morning. It was amazing how the smell had lasted so long. But while sitting there with the breeze coming in through the window, listening to the birds, enjoying every ones great stories, sitting next to my little Kimball, I figured I was in such a peaceful mindset that the delightful smell was heightened.

WRONG as I turned my head to kiss my little guys head my lips met this...

How in tarnation did I not notice him squeezing the entire tube onto his head! I must have been relishing the moment a little too much. As I mentioned before we were close enough that we were touching. HOW?! My favorite lotion! That Kimball. Good thing he's cute! I still can't get over it how did I not know?!

Look How Cute!

2009-04-21T20:50:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite sites is, One Pretty Thing. They search other sites and blogs for craft ideas of all kinds. Today an adorable double layer skirt was posted. And as we all know, Josie is my dress/skirt girl. I'm always on the look out for cute skirts. When I clicked over she also had this adorable Cupcake purse. Due to my lack of brain function, I'm journaling and linking it here so I don't forget.

Isn't it cute?!?

2009-04-21T12:27:00.000-06:00

My Abby is 8!!

I can not believe she could possibly be that old. Abby ba dabby is such a helper. One of her favorite things to do is to wash the dishes - by hand! She loves her sister and has such a sweet bond with her, and she is so caring of Kimball, McKay & Abs have always had such a close relationship. They are very good to each other. Abby has such a tender heart. And is filled with fun and spirit.

I worried this year would be a bummer birthday. We had planned to drive home from Vegas that day. And 5 1/2 hours in a car on your birthday, what a bummer. She said it would be fine and thought it would be fun as long as we could open presents when we got back home. A deal was made.

When the tennis team goes to Vegas the first night is always Cheesecake Factory night. Craig was awesome and told our waitress that Abby's birthday was this week. She came back with a gang and a yummy cheesecake for her. I think Abby loved everyone singing for her.

On the way home we stopped by grandmas & grandpas to pick up Luna & they had dinner & a cake waiting for her! {I had the camera in the car & forgot to get it}. She loved every minute of it. Then as promised, when we got it was present time!

I loved her face when she opened Nan & Boris's card.

She got her first nice set of scriptures. She was so excited.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TINKERBELL!

We Love you soooooo much!

Serendipity in Vegas

2009-04-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

Vegas has a Serendipity 3 now! We had to take the kids to one of our favorite places to get a frozen hot chocolate. SO GOOD! I think they loved it as much as we did. ;o)

Are You Kidding Me!?

2009-04-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

Okay, I don't know how everyone else is feeling in Utah, but this has got to stop! It's half way through April and we keep getting snow.

These pictures were taken the day before we left for Vegas. Later that night the storm got worse. I ran down to pick up some new movie for the kids to be entertained on the way down. When I left Walmart I decided I must have been the stupidest person in the world. Then I realized there were a few other as stupid as I was. People were stuck all over. The storm had brought in over a foot of wet heavy snow! The first street I tried to go up I had to reverse all the way down. The next street I made it up! {I love these studded tires} However I didn't make it to the house. But it was close enough I could walk. To add to my brilliancy, I didn't take a coat, or a cell phone. The next morning we barley made it out of our driveway. Even the bottom of the car drug through the snow. I was sooo ready for Vegas, wind or not!

Our Crazy Week!

2009-04-19T10:13:00.000-06:00

This year and last I've been the Individual Development chairman @ school. It's a lot of fun & a lot of work. One of the biggest things I do through the school year is a cultural arts week. Last year I did China to gear up for the Olympics. This year I chose to do Australia. 1) we love it 2)several families in our school are from the land of Oz 3) it's easy-I wouldn't have to do a lot of pre research.

It turned out to be a fun week, minus one casualty. We decorated the school with yellow and green banners draped through the ceiling tiles, the bulletin board featured Craig's dad's akubra hat and other things. That week the principle gave me the speciality classes. In music we talked about Waltzing Matilda (learned the what the words meant & learned the song), they all got to try the didgeridoo, and showed them how to work a bullroarer- which they got to try at Thursday lunch recess. In P.E. they got to throw boomerangs and compared them to American Frisbee's. And for computers I put together a blog page for them to learn about different things. I didn't get a chance to complete the blog but it turned out okay. You'll have to check it out.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi

Monday through Thursday I put together lunchtime activities: aboriginal dot painting, making boomerangs out of paper (which is when the casualty happened. A cute little guy cut his finger with scissors and had to get stitches. I wouldn't have felt as bad if he was one of the jerky older kids. But he's one of the sweetest little guys I know. He's in Ab's class.), played "what time is it mr. wolf", and the last day they could try the bullroarer and taste veggie mite on crackers. Most of them liked it as much as I do, YUCK!.

After taking everything down and returning a teaching kit to the zoo. The youngest two were exhausted, the poor things.

On the way back from the zoo, I turned to check on the kids and saw this:

{Don't worry, Craig's driving}