The Jacobsens

Introducing Owen!!

2011-11-19T17:07:00.004-05:00

Here he is!!! Owen....

Oh, bless his little heart...he's finally here!! Owen was born at 11:41 a.m. on Nov. 10, 2011. He came a day earlier than our scheduled c-section. Although I was sad that he didn't get 11/11/11 for his birthday, we were so excited to avoid the c-section. It was such a blessing to deliver VBAC after two previous c-sections!!
He was 9 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches of pure baby love. He had a lovely cone head due to nearly five hours of pushing ( he was posterior--face up), but other than that, he was the most amazingly beautiful baby.
This is my family. Sometimes I am amazed that this whole group belongs to me. Oh, how I love them all!

My sweet, sweet baby Owen Gardner Jacobsen!

We are all so in love with this little guy!

Just so you know...

2011-02-09T13:36:00.002-05:00

If you are super bored, and you find yourself thinking, "Wow, I am really bored, and I wish I had something interesting to read...," maybe you want to hop on over to the blog I am working on with my sisters. It is called The Saga of Seven Sisters. www.sagaofsevensisters.blogspot.com
We are each taking a day of the week to write about life, motherhood, or whatever else we think about! My day is Wednesday. Even if you just want to peek at a picture of me and my six sisters, that might be interesting too! I'm just glad that my sisters are coaxing me to get back to blogging. :) My entry today is about a favorite baby blanket. Okay, now I told you about it. Go take a look!
-Rindi

MILES to go...

2010-11-09T11:39:00.003-05:00

Run, Miles, Run!

Four-year-olds have it pretty easy. Their main responsibility is to pal around with mom. But they also play with toys, eat snacks, and learn about life in what seems like hyper-speed! The older siblings are the ones involved in sports, music lessons, and school activities, which require tons of parental energy to keep up with. And the younger siblings are the ones catching everyone's attention because they are still completely adorable (and also require tons of parental energy to keep up with!). Four-year-olds stop throwing as many tantrums and if you are lucky, they can do most things for themselves (like buckle the carseat, use the bathroom, and handle a fork and spoon). So, it might be easy for a four-year-old to get a little lost in the shuffle...

That is why we decided to sign up our little four-year-old, Miles, for a five-week basketball camp that he could participate in with Daddy. Greg bought him some little basketball shoes, and it was precious watching them lace up those shoes for the first time on Miles' feet. Miles was smiling from ear to ear, bursting with happiness at the prospect of going to basketball with Dad. He had his heart set on me coming to cheer for him on the sidelines, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It didn't cost much money, and it doesn't require much time (we still have four saturdays left), but to one little four-year-old it is priceless.

So, when I heard this poem shared by our Stake President in Stake conference on Sunday, you can imagine why I was so thankful for what we had done on Saturday!

I Wish My Daddy Was a Dog
by Elrod C. Leany

One day when Bruce was just a lad, first starting out in school,
He came into my workshop and climbed upon a stool.
I saw him as he entered but I hadn't time to play.
So I merely nodded to him and said, "Don't get in the way."

He sat awhile just thinking.... As quiet as could be,
Then carefully he got down and came and stood by me.
He said, "Old Shep, he never works and he has lots of fun.
He runs around the meadows and barks up at the sun.

"He chases after rabbits and always scares the cats
He likes to chew on old shoes and sometimes mother's hats.
But when we're tired of running and we're sitting on a log,
I sometimes get to thinking. . . 'I wish my daddy was a dog.'

" 'Cause then when I came home from school you'd run and lick my hand
And then we'd jump and holler and tumble in the sand
And then I'd be as happy as a little boy could be
If we could play the whole day through--just my dad and me.

"Now I know you have to work real hard to buy us food and clothes.
And you need to get the girls those fancy ribbons and bows.
But sometimes when I'm lonesome I think t'would be lots of fun,
If my daddy was a dog, and all his work was done."

Now when he'd finished speaking, he looked so lonely there,
I reached my hand out to him and ruffled up his hair.
And as I turned my head aside to brush away a tear,
I thought how nice it was to have my son so near.

I know the Lord didn't mean for man to toil his whole life through,
"Come on, my son I'm sure I have some time for you."
You should have seen the joy and sunlight in his eye,
As we went outside to play - just my son and I.

Now, as the years have swiftly flown and youth has slipped away,
I've tried always to remember to leave some time to play.

When I pause to reminisce and think of joys and strife,
I carefully turn the pages of this wanderer's book of life.
I find the richest entry recorded in that daily log,
Is the day that small boy whispered, "I wish my daddy was a dog."

It makes me wipe a tear as well. And, it has inspired me a few times since, to stop and play a round of that board game, or to tickle a little longer before bedtime. I know I have MILES to go before I sleep when it comes to perfecting parenthood. But, oh how I love these little children!!

Halloween 2010- (I know Austin's costume is pretty lame, but he was happy about it...and let's face it, sometimes you do the best you can do and that is good enough!)

A little bit of heaven...A whole lot of pictures...

2010-11-07T23:19:00.006-05:00

Maui -- 2010

The Tulips of Life

2010-11-04T15:30:00.005-04:00

I took my two little boys out shopping earlier this morning. Before entering the store, I had to stop for a moment and soak up my surroundings. The warm sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the temperature was nearly perfect. We are in our absolutely gorgeous time of year here in Southern Utah. The large palm trees lining the front of the store were swaying slightly, and the birds were chirping happily overhead. For me, it was one of those happy moments, when you feel full to the brim of gratitude for your very life. Sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget to live.

I guess it was my happy mood that caused me to remember an experience I had during our first winter in cold, cold, cold Pennsylvania. I had been eyeing the dreary-looking flower bed next to our front porch for months. 'All it needs is a good splash of color,' I kept telling myself as if that would instantly transform our humble little home into… well… something better.

For weeks, our entire yard had been burdened under layers of frozen snow after the incredible Valentine’s Day Blizzard. I loved seeing the local florists out in droves on that snowy February 13th trying desperately to fulfill their orders before the real snow came dumping down the next day. As romantic as it all sounds to see a parka-clad, boot-stomping delivery man standing on the step holding a dozen snow-dusted roses, I already had my heart set on something different: warmer weather. Winter just didn’t seem to want to leave.

Still, there were a few brief moments between then and Easter when the sun actually shone down on the patch of dirt running along the front of our house just long enough for me to imagine what it would look like full of pinks, reds, purples, and greens.

I love the springtime. It signifies survival after a long winter. And a long winter it had been! I let my mind drift to the future when Greg would complete his residency. I felt like that would be the ultimate springtime of my life. A survival of sorts. After four years of undergraduate work in Provo, Utah, we moved to Ohio for four years of medical school. After medical school comes residency, and the first year of residency is typically referred to as the intern year. We moved to Bountiful, Utah while Greg completed his intern year at LDS Hospital. From there, we trekked back across the country to central Pennsylvania, where he would finish his three-year residency. It had been a long haul, to say the least.

I was mildly intrigued one brisk morning as I herded my three small children along our front walkway to see bits of green poking through the conglomerate of sun-bleached bark and dirt filling this same large flower bed. As the days progressed, we all became convinced that something was indeed growing before our very eyes. We soon settled into a morning ritual of rushing to the front windows to peek out into the bed of dirt trying to discover what special surprise had lain hidden in our dirt all winter. When the neighbors’ yards all started blooming with color, our little sprouts of green did nothing except slowly grow a bit more each day.

Some things require a healthy dose of patience. I can vividly remember sitting in a large auditorium on the campus of Brigham Young University one fall evening. My husband, Greg, and I were huddled together somewhere near the top, listening intently to what was being said. The room was full of some of the best and brightest minds at B.Y.U— pre-medical students. This lecture was part of a series on the nitty-gritty details of the medical school application process. Discouraging statistics and dismal odds were aimed at us like golf balls. I kept thinking the lecturer should shout, “FORE!” before reading the next set of numbers so we could effectively take cover. I wasn’t sure if the point was to frighten us all so we would quit or to inspire us all to try harder. My palms were starting to sweat, and my heart was starting to race. Would we ever make it to that end goal of doctorhood?

I have to wonder, as I sit here all these years later, how many other young wives were sitting in the lecture hall that night? How many other young wives were trying desperately to memorize all the valuable insider information while formulating a confidence-boosting speech she could deliver to her overwhelmed husband upon exiting the science building? I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. I began that day to think in the form of 'we'. We would fulfill this dream Greg had been harboring for years. We would do it together!

At the time, I had no idea how long the curvy road would be. I didn’t stop to think about how old we would be by the time Greg would be billing his own patients. I didn’t fully calculate the costs of medical school tuition. I couldn’t have imagined the places this journey would take us, the experiences we would have, or the people we would meet along the way. I didn't know how our family would grow, or the way I would love my little babies. I didn’t anticipate the things I would learn trying to support my husband and raise a family while he became a doctor. In the beginning, it was all about getting to the end. Somewhere for me, it stopped being about the end and started being about the journey and the amazing surprises along the way.

I’m back to thinking about my flower bed. One morning I stumbled into the front room rubbing my eyes and yawning. I pushed back the bright white curtains out of habit to glance out our windows. There, as if smiling right at me, stood two straight rows of bright pink tulips. I actually gasped. “Girls,” I yelled, “come and see, quick!” They rushed to my side, with their matching nightgowns and messy hair. Squeals of laughter soon filled my ears. Grabbing their hands, I danced happily around the front room, spinning them off the ground. I just kept thinking to myself, I didn’t know we would have tulips!

It’s funny, you know. While Greg was busy building this wealth of medical knowledge, I've been busy too, building my own wide variety of experiences, soaking up life, love, and laughter as I go. During that scary lecture at B.Y.U., I geared myself up for the worst, hoping to survive the difficult process. But life isn't about surviving, it's about thriving. There are definitely long winters to endure and difficult times to get through. But sometimes our most beautiful moments are growing beneath the surface of our most difficult experiences. It is the tulips of our life which help us forget about the cold. Looking back on the whole long process and the many wonderful experiences we had, I feel like I should say, “I didn’t know we would have tulips. I just didn’t know!”

And now I am in a new phase of life. My responsibilites are growing, and life wants to become very hectic. During all of those years of schooling, I always dreamed of getting to this point. It is wonderful, but there are many things and multiple people I miss quite a bit. I am thankful for those times when I can stop and take it all in, when I can feel the sunshine, hear the rustling of the palm trees and hold my little ones' hands and feel grateful for the seasons of my life.

5 Things I love about Summer

2010-06-01T18:16:00.005-04:00

1. Swimming--Every time I sit in the pool, watching the kids splash and play, I feel happy. We've been swimming at the pool, hitting the waterslides, and wading in the river at Town Square. I love it.

2. Sunshine outside, Central Air inside--I absolutely love enjoying a clean house...with the sun streaming in the big windows! It is made even better when I hear the air conditioner kick on. I love the low hum of the cool air. It is such a relief to walk out of the heat and into the house and be met by a blast of cool. Aaaaahhh!!

Miles!

3. Hugs from Miles--He is watching me type this, and he reminded me how much I love his hugs...which I do! (And now he is smiling from ear to ear, knowing that I typed this!)

Finishing the Half-Marathon with my sisters!

4. Running in the early morning--This has always been something I have loved to do, it's just that I'm actually doing it consistently now. I love sneaking out while everyone else is asleep and enjoying the quiet, warm air of the new day.

Julia--at the beach 2005

5. Reading--Oh, I can't say enough about this hobby of mine. Somehow it feels better in the summer, like there is nothing else I should be doing except devouring a good book. Put me on the beach with that book and I'm in heaven.

Welcome Summer. I'm loving you already.

Reflecting

2010-05-24T23:23:00.003-04:00

Our van slowly rolled into our garage late last night full of sleeping children and so much other stuff that I couldn't see the floor. That is one thing I hate about traveling--the way the car gets so out of order. I usually start out quite organized, but then after five hours of handing out snacks, collecting trash, passing around pillows and blankets, changing DVDs, changing diapers, putting on pajamas, handing back books, toys, M&Ms, drinks, etc., the organization becomes completely unrecognizable. Plus, I have to keep everything close enough to me so that I can be ready to pass anything back should anyone desire something. Pretty soon, my leg room and foot space is limited to a tiny square underneath the bag of garbage sitting on my feet.

It was a whirlwind of a weekend anyway. I don't know how else to describe it. My vivacious, fun-loving, wonderful grandma died last week. She was almost ninety years old and had been suffering so much lately. It is always a blessing when someone like that finally gets to leave this life, and although we will all miss her terribly, I am very happy for her. We packed up and rushed up north for her funeral. It had been years since anyone I was very close to had died. The funeral was wonderful and emotional and special. I'm so glad I got to go. It was also a beautiful family reunion, something my grandma would have loved. My grandparents have eight children (my mom is number 5), 50 grandchildren, and 98 great-grandchildren (and growing almost too quickly to count...my brother's baby was born the night that my grandma died). I just felt a need tonight to pay tribute to my Grandma. I love her so very much.

Well, such is life. It just keeps rushing by. I'm enjoying this stage so much! I love my kids so much! I love being married to my husband. Life really is beautiful, and I'm thankful for the plan of salvation. I know that families are forever. Could it get any better than that?

I Love Little Faces!

2009-11-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

We spent an incredible fall day in Zion National Park. Our hike was breathtaking, the weather was splendid, but the smiling little faces made the day absolutely perfect...

Austin--8 months old

Julia--5 years old

Emma -- 8 years old

Miles --3 years old

Zion National Park -- November 2009

The View from Here

2009-09-06T09:31:00.004-04:00

A lot has changed! This summer we said goodbye to a world dripping with green, where the rolling hills are so overstuffed with trees that it looks like one continuous leafy surface. I'll miss the sprawling lawns, the pristine farmland, the freshly painted red barns, the occasional horse and buggy, and the thick and hearty corn fields growing taller every day. And the side-of-the-road garden markets and the little hometown parades we used to go to. We've left behind the humidity, the mighty Susquehanna, and more than a few pesty bugs. We said goodbye to our cute little house and our more-than-friendly neighbors and our fantastic family away from family.

The other day, I was sitting in our new house nursing my baby and looking out the window. The view from here is so different, I thought. I could see the tops of the neighbors' palm trees and their pool reflecting off the underside of the leaves. I could see the ultra-blue skies that rarely seem to have a cloud. In Pennsylvania, the weather can be rainy and overcast for days at a time. Now, it's a rare day when there isn't pure, crystal clear sunshine pouring down on me. In the distance, there are redrock hills and mountains--beautiful in their own way. I like to run in the mornings and feel the difference in the air. Instead of hanging thick with moisture, the air here is light and dry. Even though we have never lived in St. George before, it feels an awful lot like coming home...

I guess you could say we have been waiting for years to reach this point. Greg's finally done with all of his training, and he's joined a great practice here in town. But 'waiting' isn't the right word. Waiting is what you do when you are pregnant and it is difficult to get through another MINUTE! What we have been doing the last 8 years has been living. It was so different than I anticipated it would be--medical school and residency, living back east, being far away from anything I knew. It was so, so much better than I could have imagined.

Greg and I have been married for ten years. The other day we were in the market for a new entertainment center. I started remembering when we were first married and bought our first entertainment center. We had enough wedding-gift returns at Wal-mart to have enough credit to buy one. We were so excited to bring it home. We called my sister and her husband over to help us put it up and then watch a movie with us. Three hours later, with a few pieces still to go and instructions laid out over the entire floor, we were too exhausted to start a movie. That massive piece of furniture has followed us on eight moves, losing a little bit of itself each time, until it is now just a wobbly little T.V. stand. We decided it was to time to finally retire it. So we bought a new one, which will be delivered on Monday. As I sit here thinking about it, I can almost feel the differences in our life marked by the years with the entertainment center. I remember when we put it together. It was just us, no children to distract our efforts, no other sounds in our little apartment. We had been married for only a couple of weeks. It feels like that was worlds away from where we are now! It has been so fun to grow and change and add children and have experiences together. I can almost feel back to that time and recognize that our love is deeper now--more stable. Kind of like our new entertainment center.

I was pretty sure that not a single soul even checked my blog anymore. It has lain dormant for too long. But after Greg posted pictures of our new house so that his parents could see it, a funny thing happened. I got a few comments. Things like: Where is that? Are you guys done? Things that made me want to send out an update on our life. Like I said, A lot has changed...and not just the view.

Emma and Julia started school at a brand new elementary school. Emma is in the second grade and loving it. Julia started Kindergarten, which is half day here. She loves it too, but I don't love driving to the school three times a day! Miles is growing up and having fun at home with me. He is such a cute little (well, big) guy. And Austin is now six months old--rolling over, sitting up, eating baby food, being just as cute as he can be!

We have had such a fun summer--moving, traveling, buying a new house, visiting family that we hadn't seen in years, enduring Greg's board exams, trying to get settled, playing with cousins, and having lots of visitors. We'll call this a very transitional summer. A lot has changed! But I'm pleased to say that we are enjoying the view...after all, we've always enjoyed the view.

Our new home!!!

2009-08-08T11:06:00.006-04:00

Such a Blessing!

2009-04-27T09:38:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Austin's blessing day. It was the most beautiful day. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the abundance of blessings in my life. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and beautiful children. I love my baby more than words can express. He is two months old, and he is such a blessing to me!!! This life is so, so good.

A Few of my Favorite Things

2009-03-27T15:23:00.002-04:00

He's one month old!!! And so adorable!!!
She's five years old today!! And so adorable!!

I just turned 30 years old!! Aren't we adorable???

I am so blessed...

1 week old!!

2009-03-06T15:34:00.003-05:00

This is the last day in the hospital...ready to go home!Austin's first bath at home! He is sooo sweet!

Ohhhh...I love this guy!

Julia and Austin

Oh, Baby, I'm in Love

2009-03-03T12:53:00.003-05:00

We are soooooo excited to finally have Austin Scott here in our arms. He is absolutely adorable (we may be biased a bit), and as sweet as can be. He was born on February 26th at around 8:30 in the morning. He weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. and was 21 1/4 inches long. He seems small to me, but he is big compared to most babies! And, his hands and feet are really big. Since he was over a week early, we know that he will keep right up with the other kids as far as size goes. He just got to come out a little early! I am recovering well from the c-section...ouch! The kids are in love with Austin. He is our little bundle of joy!

Oh, Baby, I'm in love with this guy!

Keepin' Busy

2009-01-30T11:37:00.002-05:00

January has nearly come and gone. I can't believe it! Once the calendar rolls over into February, I will be ecstatic. For many months, I have waited for this glorious month of February. The weather here is definitely dreary, cold, and frozen, but this is the month that I get to meet my newest little love. The c-section is scheduled for Feb. 26th, and I can't wait. (I'm definitely not excited to go under the knife--yikes!). But, in the meantime, we have had a lot to keep us busy.

Christmas: another awesome year. Life is just awesome with little ones around. We flew to Utah on Christmas day for my little sister's upcoming wedding. That was a bit hectic and one Christmas that I won't ever forget!

The Wedding: my little sister, Millie, married her sweetheart, Robert, in the Salt Lake Temple. It was so fun to be a part of all of that. I loved the reminder of my own wedding--nearly TEN years ago. I loved being with my whole family. I loved passing the time quickly and happily.

Miles turned three!! Miles had a birthday last week. We had a great celebration. He is such a big kid now. Oh, how I have loved these last three years with him. He is the apple of my eye!!

We put our house up for sale! That's right, things are getting a little crazy around here. We also purchased a lot in Utah and are preparing the plans for our new house. I'm just trying to catch my breath. This is such an exciting, crazy, busy time for us. But we are super happy and having fun.

Now, back to the most important: less than four weeks until the baby comes!! Did I mention that I am excited???

Here Comes Dancer

2008-12-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

Our little dancing reindeer, in all her glory!

Julia's Christmas Dance Recital

Merry Christmas to All!!

2008-12-19T12:47:00.003-05:00

I really sincerely wish I could have mailed this card to everyone I know and care about....but, let's face it: I'm not made of money! :) Plus, I have 63 or so first cousins! FIRST cousins! We've got aunts and uncles galore, cousins, and now many friends to keep in touch with since moving around so often. I consider all of that a major blessing...but that is why I decided to post our card. We wish you a Merry Christmas! Love to all!
2008 has been a great year for us! We feel so blessed to have made it through another year happy, healthy, and together. Here’s a little bit about what’s been going on around the Jacobsen home.
Emma turned seven and loves the first grade. She is a great little soccer player and enjoys having her daddy for the coach. She is learning the piano from her mom, and has become such a great helper around the house. She is the giggliest girl around who can really ramp up the silliness in our home. We love having Emma. She is so sweet, such a great big sister, and smiles all the time. Emma CANNOT wait to get her new little brother here!
Julia is four and a half and quite the little princess. She runs the show while Emma is off to school! She loves her ballet lessons and dances all the time. She plays so well with Miles and takes great care of him. Julia can’t wait to go to school next year. She is also very excited for the new baby! We love having Julia. She is very kind, tender-hearted, and cute!
Miles is two, soon-to-be three, and loving life. He loves to play with his race cars, tackle with his Daddy, and he hates trying new foods. He’s really grown a lot this year…and now he’s so funny, trying to make us all laugh. He’s super happy and smiley at home and super shy in public. He’s such an easy-going boy, and we all love him very much. He is a nice, nice boy, who has mommy and daddy wrapped tightly around his chubby little finger.
We have so many new things to look forward to in the coming year. We will finally be finishing Greg’s medical training and moving on to the real world. We will be really sad this summer to leave the rolling green hills of Pennsylvania along with all of our dear friends here, but we are excited to move to sunny St. George, Utah, which will bring us MUCH closer to family and many of our loved ones.
I am busy counting down the days until baby #4 arrives—sometime around the end of February. We are thrilled to be having another little boy, which will even things out around here! Oh, if that day could just come faster…. In the meantime, I love doing all of the things that a “mom” does every day.
Greg is busy trying to be a good husband, father, doctor, and Elder’s Quorum President, while still finding the time to keep completely up to date on anything ever said on ESPN so that he can fully explain it to me in case I was wondering…. He’s pretty successful most days!
We love this time of year. We love thinking about family and friends, but most of all we love focusing on our Savior. We are so grateful for Him and for all of the many blessings in our life. May we all remember His humble birth and His magnificent life, and feel of His love every day. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

With much love, The Jacobsens (Greg, Rindi, Emma, Julia, Miles, and one on the way!)

Feeling Thankful

2008-11-27T10:51:00.002-05:00

The dough is rising; the raspberry/jell-o dish is setting up in the fridge. Greg is off playing football with the guys. The kids are bathed and dressed. And I am feeling really happy. This Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for happiness. I am thankful for the peaceful life that I live, and the safety of my world. I am so grateful for my little family: my three healthy, happy children, and my wonderful husband. I am so grateful for my big family: my Mom and Dad, and all of my wonderful brothers and sisters, amazing in-laws, and all of the grandchildren. I am so thankful for the love that I feel from so many people. I am so blessed to have all of that.

Today, I am so grateful for the little baby kicking vigorously inside of me. I am grateful that I feel well enough to see and feel the sunshine on my face again. It was a dark couple of months trying to make it through the first stages of my pregnancy. But, now, I can see the end, and I can feel the excitement building inside of me. I already love this little guy. I can't wait to hold him in my arms: another treasure in my life. I already know that all of the sickness was sooo worth it, and will pale in comparison to my joy.

Lastly, I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the inner peace and lasting joy that a knowledge of my Heavenly Father's plan brings to me. We are so blessed to be joined as a family, united in our testimonies and faith. The things that really matter in life--family, faith, & love--are what I am so grateful for. I am so, so thankful for those things. I feel so blessed and so happy. Life isn't always easy, or always smooth, but I know that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me and is aware of what I need to learn and grow and become the best I can be. I am grateful for all that He has given to me and continues to give me. And now, I am going to gather my little family, and enjoy a nice dinner at our friends' house. I told my kids last night that this might be our last Thanksgiving far from home. And for that, I am incredibly grateful! So, until next year...have a lovely Thanksgiving Day. Keep the faith and be happy!

Oh, Baby!

2008-11-25T10:16:00.002-05:00

Nearly six months along... and feeling good. I can't wait to get this baby here!!

Leaf City

2008-11-19T16:15:00.001-05:00

Spooky Stuff

2008-11-17T17:05:00.002-05:00

Halloween may have come and gone, oh, 2 or 3 weeks ago, but here are our pictures---better late than never! Emma was a dermatologist (ha, ha!), and Julia was a lovely Cinderella.
Oh, too cute!

I had very strict requirements for the Cinderella 'look.' I think she pulled it off nicely.

Yes, Julia walked a good mile in those shoes--clinking and smiling the whole way. Anything for beauty. (And lest you think I'm mean, I offered better shoes and dragged them along in case she changed her mind. But what would Cinderella have done in this situation? Glass slippers all the way!)

And Miles was SUPPOSED to be Handy Manny, but after a late nap and a long day for the little boy and for the mommy (see previous post!), we are lucky that he got out to trick-or-treat at all. For a boy who doesn't like candy, or talking to strangers, this wasn't exactly right up his alley. He did perk up a little at the end, and he had a great stroll around the neighborhood. If only he could have gotten a bag full of tootsie rolls (the one candy he DOES like) then this would have been a perfect day. But, I'm not complaining about his bag full of candy--most of which I liked...

And to all, a good night.

Halloween Hecticness

2008-10-31T21:06:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween! It is the end of the day and I am all tuckered out. For the past week since my mom left, I have tried desperately to maintain her philosophy of "keeping up, rather than catching up." I've been changing and folding laundry all throughout the day, picking up toys, loading every dish immediately into the dishwasher, etc. I started falling off the wagon yesterday. I could still hear mom saying, "You know, there are two of us here right now. That is how we are keeping up so well." But still, I watched her bustle around and decided that after she left, if I just got my rear end moving a little more, I would actually keep up better, which I could tell would be easier than catching up. My Mom is so amazing that I could wear the same clothes day after day if I wanted to. By the time I went to bed, my clothes from the day were washed and folded on my bed. Anyway, I wanted to try and emulate that level of efficiency a little better. Last night was our town's Halloween parade. It was freezing cold, but I dragged all the kids downtown, all by myself, carrying chairs and a quilt and hats and gloves and holding hands, and then walked a few blocks to find a seat by our friends. It was a fun, very long parade, with lots of candy thrown out. After an hour and a half, we decided to leave. I had to carry the whole load back to the car. We all got to bed late. So by this morning, I was a little off from yesterday. That was okay; I got up and got cleaning. Then I bathed the kids and got us all ready to go to Emma's school at 12:30. I was in charge of their Halloween party. I had done quite a bit of prep work for the party, so by the time I got us all ready to go and gathered up all of my stuff, I was already a little worn out. Then, I ran the party which was fun. Miles had had it by the end, and my arms were full with bowls, and jackets, and my purse, and a CD player and a box of leftover crafts as we headed for the car. I was dragging along a crying Miles, and trying to shepherd Emma and Julia through the parking lot, but my back and arms were burning from my load. By the time I got us all home and all of the stuff in the house, I was completely done in. However, after school, the weather was beautiful for a change, and the kids really wanted to go on a walk, so we did. That really wore me out! After that, I tried to rest while the kids messed up everything. Then, to top things off, Miles just kept crying and fell asleep sitting up. I tried everything to keep him awake, but since they had all gotten up at 5:45 this morning, it was impossible. By the way, did I mention that Greg is out of town again? He left Thurs, and he'll be back late Saturday night. I tried to rally the troops to help clean up before our lovely Ramen Noodles dinner. I wasn't feeling too well from the stress, and a few pieces of candy, and the Ramens didn't help either. Anyway, by the time I got all the kids dressed up, woke up Miles and got us out the door for trick-or-treating, my house no longer looked how my mom would have had it looking. I did, however, cheerfully take my kids all over the neighborhood for an hour and a half, including to one house that was really a spook alley that really scared Julia to death! We are home now. Emma and Julia are in bed. Their outfits are strewn all over the house, candy wrappers are littering the floor, the Ramens still need to be cleaned up, coats and shoes are dropped by the front door, and I am taking a rain check. I just can't do it tonight. I would love to wake up to a perfectly clean house, but I just can't do it. My back is shaking from all of the walking and dragging and stroller pushing and carrying. And I am exhausted. I miss Greg. I really miss him. And he really was sad to miss Halloween. I know he is in his hotel room, all alone, while the rest of his group is out partying in their Halloween costumes. What a good guy he is! As a kid, I never stopped to fully appreciate the hard work that my mother put into events like Halloween. Thank goodness for moms who love their kids!! Anyway, I'll have to "catch up" tomorrow. That's okay, though. The kids had such a fun day, and I can pat myself on the back because at least they brushed their teeth and said their prayers. And sometimes....that is good enough.

Blogging Bonanza

2008-10-29T14:34:00.012-04:00

Hold on tight. Here comes a LOT of stuff. I haven't updated very well for a while, and a lot has been going on. I decided to say it all in one shot. Enjoy!

Miles has turned into our little computer bug. He can get on the internet, manuever through the games on Nick Jr., click, drag, and print. He LOVES playing it! It is pretty amazing to me!
Greg was out of town for a week, so my Mom came for a nice long visit. It was so lovely to have her here. She did EVERYTHING for me. I cannot say enough about all that she did. The kids love and adore my mom and I feel like a new person, what with the entire house scrubbed top to bottom thanks to her. I love my mom and feel so grateful to her. I will always cherish the time that we had all to ourselves. We had many nights to talk and giggle together in my huge bed, plus she pampered me endlessly all throughout the day. I miss her already. She is a great example of service and love. Thanks, Mom!

My Mom with Julia and Emma!

Here is our newest little ballerina, Julia. She is loving her class and actually learning a lot. Doesn't she look pleased as punch?

We went bowling while my mom was here. So, so fun!!

Thoughts from Sunday:

Ummm...this is our Sabbath Day Daddy.

I made these butterfly cookies for a recent Relief Society Lesson. I made a ton and it turned out to be a lot of work! But, I loved the Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin quote about trials that I put with it. I thought I would share it:

"Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing
chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The
butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in
the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?
Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator's
design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so
it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the
strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to
become something extraordinary.
Adversity can strengthen and refine us. If
only we would look beyond our present suffering and see our struggles as a
temporary chrysalis. If only we would have the faith and trust in our
Heavenly Father to see how, after a little season, then we can emerge from our
trials more refined and glorious."

So, so, so true!

Miles made this headband in nursery. He insisted on wearing it all day. He thought that the white feather was one of the neatest things he had ever seen. I think he is so cute...and usually honest, too! :) Early in October we visited a Red Deer Farm. We went on a fun hayride and fed the deer. Be sure to notice the gorgeous rolling hills and fall colors. We love Pennsylvania! It's beautiful.

Soccer ended for the season. Emma had a great year and scored lots of goals. Greg did a great job coaching a bunch of little girls. I love this picture of him. He is so coach-like with that whistle. I love it. He's a natural out there...taking after his dad.
There's our little tiger...running her guts out. Go, Emma, go! It was so fun to watch her.
Pumpkin Night for Family Home Evening:

Does it get any better than this?
Julia and her "Max"

It's serious business for Greg. Careful with that scalpel, Dr. J.

The finished product. Too blurry to see the amazingly intricate details! :) (ha, ha)

Have a happy, happy halloween!

We Love Crazy Hair Day!!

2008-10-10T18:37:00.003-04:00

Emma and I have a grand time coming up with our design for the annual "Crazy Hair Day" at school. It's a great day to have long, luxurious locks. Lookin' good, Em!

The Day My Nose Betrayed Me

2008-10-04T21:20:00.003-04:00

At Skytop Resort---I'll never forget the way it smelled.

First of all, I want to thank you all for your well wishes regarding my pregnancy. And to answer a few burning questions: No, I had not previously announced it on my blog, and yes, I am feeling slightly better. (Here’s proof: I am posting a long, elaborate post!) And now, for a few complaints (which will probably bore you to death, but oh, how fun it is to lay out one’s ailments). I say I am feeling slightly better, and I am. I really, really am doing better. Still, about fifteen minutes ago, I was leaning my head into the toilet, depositing my dinner, while contemplating the adverse effects of bulimia. Supposedly they are terrible. Ruined teeth, eroding esophagus, etc., etc. And, I’m feeling a teensy bit concerned as these thoughts are swirling in my head. I have been having this constant heartburn feeling lately. Actually, it isn’t so much of a heartburn feeling as an eroding esophagus feeling, and to make matters worse, my teeth hurt! And to make matters EVEN worse, I’m gaining weight! So, take it from me, the next time you think, ‘maybe I should give bulimia a go,’ just let that thought slide right on out the door.

Okay, okay, enough complaining. I’m doing a lot better. Well, except for one thing. My nose. It smells everything! Now, I know this is actually a blessing. When I was eighteen, I had surgery on my nose. After a few breaks, we had decided it was time to repair the damage. The surgery was the single most terrible thing to ever happen to me. I thought I would die from that darn surgery. And to top it off, I lost my sense of smell for a few months. This was the second most terrible thing to ever happen to me. Food, glorious food, became nothing to me and I longed for something really tasty. I took to eating mashed potatoes around the clock. They are bland enough that I felt like I was actually tasting them, and eating anything else just felt frustrating. I almost cried the day I started to smell, even just a little bit. It was heavenly.

They say that smells can evoke strong memories, and that is especially true for me. I’ll get a whiff of a certain cologne and be instantly taken back to a high school dance, swaying slowly to Depeche Mode and “Somebody”; and to this day, whenever I smell a certain kind of gum, I am swept away to the moonstruck decks of a Caribbean cruise I went on years ago. I won’t go into that one. And I love the smell of the newborn blankets and Onesies in the hospital. It must be the detergent they use, but occasionally I’ll get a hint of that sweet smell and feel as though I am back in my happy place: the first few days snuggling my newborn, absolutely elated about completing another LONG pregnancy! I seriously anticipate that smell—I love it!

So yesterday, the kids and I ventured to Wal-Mart where we smelled our way up and down the shampoo and soap aisle, searching for new stuff. You see, I love my Pantene Pro-V products, but for some reason, my nose has betrayed me. The moment I smell my shampoo, I feel nauseated. Somewhere in my brain, a strong memory has been formed which associates Pantene Pro-V with my morning-noon-and-night sickness. That’s weird, huh? I’ve used Pantene Pro-V for a while now. I’ve also been showering and shampooing my hair for a while now, too (…most of my life…) but suddenly, I can’t stand that smell. It makes me feel like I am sticking my head in a soap bottle amidst 100% humidity, inhaling deeply and then…oh, boy, I am starting to get that feeling again!

Luckily, we found some pleasing ‘Herbal Essences’ products, in the lovely flavor combination of white nectarine and pink coral flower. I don’t even know what that is, but it sure smells different than Pantene Pro-V. I also picked up some great new watermelon hand soap, and my nose is thanking me already. Then to cure the stale smell that hits me the moment I walk into our little old house, I’ve been burning a candle, spraying Febreeze, and frantically opening and shutting windows depending on temperatures. Without any form of central air, or any air circulation at all for that matter, I feel like I might suffocate from staleness. Let’s not even talk about diapers or the way I feel inside when I hear the words, “Mommy, come wipe me.” I have to clamp my mouth shut to hold back the nausea, therefore leaving me breathing through my one and only nose. It’s a tough life.

And poor Greg. Poor, poor Greg. I normally love the way he smells. And when I’m not pregnant, his breath is always perfectly fresh. His aftershave makes me weak in the knees…and it still does, thank heavens, it’s just that he has to continuously reapply, or the smell is gone. Other than that, he lovingly accepts the other inevitable changes of pregnancy (and I don't mean mood swings and big bellies), like the new huge bottle of mouth wash staring at him from the medicine cabinet, or the large pack of breath mints I “conveniently” grabbed for him on my way out of the store. And he barely even flinched when I finally broke down and told him that something on him smelled “too soapy.” We never actually figured that one out, since we use the same soaps and laundry detergent. But luckily, that went away. And after he spent the morning in the cadaver lab, he knowingly bypassed his normal attempts to smother me in kisses and went straight to the bathroom to clean up. I happily steered clear for the rest of the day. Like I said, “Poor, poor Greg.” And like he says, “Pregnancy is hard for me too!” Very true, very true.

Well, I guess I’ll go eat something (maybe a few Tums while I’m at it), since technically I never had dinner. See, that’s why bulimia could never really work for me. After throwing-up, I would think, “Oh, great, now there’s room for more!” The only problem is I just can’t have the same thing again. So, the yummy taco salad that Greg whipped up earlier won’t do for a third time (down once, up once, and down again). It was super yummy though (on the way down), although while he was making it, I was quick to question his usage of seasonings: “Are you sure you didn't use too much?” Greg: “Yes, I'm sure.” Me: “Hmmm, smells a little strong.”

And once again, I blame the nose.

Whose Toes are Those??

2008-09-29T09:04:00.002-04:00

Okay, so the Lightning McQueen pants probably give it away, right? I had just gotten Emma off to the bus this morning when Julia came rushing upstairs and said, "Mom! You've got to come see what I taught Miles to do!" I burst out laughing the second I got downstairs. Miles has never put tap shoes on before, and here he was tapping along with Julia to a little song and following all of her moves. They started off marching and then twirling around together, and then jumping and on and on. Throughout the whole song, Miles followed Julia. It was the funniest thing I have seen in a while! I ran up and grabbed the camera and video camera to capture it all. Apparently those tap shoes fit him now! He was very proud of himself. And Julia was just beaming to think that she had taught him how to do it! By the way, the Lightning McQueen pajamas are his favorites. He is totally obsessed with "Cars." He cried really hard the first time I told him that he couldn't wear that to church. But, if not suitable for church, it is awesome with shiny black tap shoes, if I may say so myself.

Oh, Boy!!

2008-09-23T12:15:00.003-04:00

It's another boy!! And we are thrilled! He'll grace us with his presence sometime around the end of February/first of March. Until then, we'll just think blue and deliberate over thousands of names... Any suggestions?

A Date with Daddy!

2008-09-12T12:59:00.003-04:00

It's not always easy, but we try to occasionally get some one-on-one time with each of our children. So, the other evening when Greg and I were discussing our children and their needs, we both concluded that he and Julia could use a little date. Children need so much love! It is amazing how this one evening out changed (for the better) the way Julia has responded to us lately. It meant the world to her, as you can see by her darling smile. They had so much fun, and she talked about it for days. Fathers are so important to daughters, and I'm thrilled that my daughters have such a good one! Here are a few shots of the little Daddy-Daughter Date (which by the way, took very little time and very little money and meant the world to one little four-year-old!).

If that's not the happiest little golfer...then I don't know who is!

Emma's First Day!

2008-09-08T21:25:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know that I am really late in posting this! Please forgive me! I think it is cute enough to post anyway. Emma is loving first grade. Here she is ready to go on the very first day.

Going to school is a family affair around here! Emma has many proud supporters!
Miles isn't sad...he is saying, "Cheese!" He's so funny. And Julia would be happy to be in every picture.

And, at the end of the day....
She's home again...and looking thrilled!
Good job, Em!

A Soft Voice Turneth Away...

2008-08-31T13:00:00.003-04:00

I admit, sometimes I lose it. You can decide what 'it' is--my brain? my sanity? my temper? does it matter? Anyway, occasionally it happens. (I apologize if you never lose 'it' and this revelation is shocking to you.) So, last night I sat on the edge of my girls' bed and tried to explain how they could help me to not lose 'it'. I demonstrated the "nice mommy voice" which is the voice I use when I ask them to do something the first time (and for probably seven or eight times after that, depending on my daily ration of patience) and then gritting my teeth and nearly growling, I very kindly demonstrated the "mean mommy voice" (not that they needed much demonstration lately!). Feeling proud of my theatrical skills, I quickly slid back into my silky smooth "nice mommy voice" and said sweetly, "Now which voice do you want mommy to use?"

At this point, my super-sweet Julia, the one who is so darn cute, yet knows how to push me to the edge, had tears welling up in her eyes and then she sobbed, "Your nice voice is just so beautiful it makes me want to cry..." (followed by more heartfelt sobs). Well, I was a little stunned. And a little heart-broken too. I've never thought my voice was beautiful enough to bring someone to tears! I've actually never even thought it was beautiful at all! But then I thought that of all of the beautiful sounds I've ever heard, my own mother's voice ranks up there pretty high. Especially when she is singing a lullaby, or laughing happily, or soothing away my troubles (even now!).

I came to the realization that my children will probably love me no matter what. Little children are pretty forgiving...but apparently the "nice mommy voice" hasn't been around enough lately. I wish, wish, wish that their little ears never had to hear the gritting, growling mean voice and that I always talked sweetly to them. It is definitely my fault, not theirs. I love my kids so much it hurts--it's just hard being a mom sometimes, you know? So that's my new goal: A little less yelling, a lot more singing, laughing, and soothing. After all, isn't that what every child needs? Wish me luck...

BYU Blue!

2008-08-29T13:44:00.002-04:00

My little sister is heading back to BYU today and I admit, I am slightly jealous. I would LOVE to go back for just few days. Here's why: I would love a few days of independence, being in charge of my own schedule!, studying quietly in the library (studying at all sounds heavenly!), eating lunch on the grass in the beautiful fall weather, walking across campus on a crisp morning, and football games and devotionals, and awesome lectures, and religion classes, and jogging around the temple, and volleyball classes, and on and on! Those years were so exciting for me, and I always look back with such fondness on my days as a BYU Cougar!! Go BLUE!

Splish Splash

2008-08-20T15:25:00.006-04:00

Nothing beats a hot day at the splash park. I had so much fun testing out the new camera. And, with plenty of zoom, I was completely out of the water's way. Doesn't it look like I am right in the middle of it all? Since quite a few people have asked about it, I'll tell you what camera we ended up buying. We did a lot of research and finally decided on the Nikon D60 with the 18-55 lens and the 55-200 zoom lens. We got ours at Sam's Club. And, so far, we are completely stunned by the great shots we are getting. Aren't these precious? (I know, I'm VERY biased!).

Miles

Julia

Emma

It's hard to believe that the summer days are drawing to a close. School starts on Monday! It'll be sad to see Emma go back, although she is so excited. I'll miss the freedom of summer!!

Bubbles!

2008-08-14T11:45:00.003-04:00

This is what we do on a lazy summer afternoon! (Ignore the fact that Miles has no pants! Yeah, some days are just like that.)

A Swingin' Summer

2008-08-11T17:22:00.002-04:00

We broke down and got the new camera. We still have a lot to learn! But, here are some shots of the kids in the backyard. Now Greg and I argue over who gets to hold the camera!

Camera-less

2008-07-28T17:14:00.002-04:00

Summer is really zooming by. Too fast... A few days after school let out, we piled in the car and traveled hundreds of miles up through Massachussetts and Maine and into Nova Scotia, Canada. It was beautiful country and wonderful to see my in-laws on their church mission. We stopped in Boston on the way home to visit my cousin Emily and family. We took lots of pictures! We had only been home a few days when we turned around and flew out to Utah for a week and a half. We had a great time visiting my family. But, our camera turned up missing! I'm heartbroken...to say the least. We have turned this place upside down! I've called the airlines and exhausted every possible option. I have to just face it. It is gone!! First of all, we lost about half of our Canada pictures (sniff, sniff), second of all, we didn't take ANY pictures in Utah (sniff, sniff), and third of all, I don't know what to do now (sob, sob). See, Greg has been begging for a digital SLR camera for a while now. And I have resisted thus far (being the frugal gal that I am--at least when it comes to electronics), but now, sigh, we should probably go buy the nice camera. It might help in the blogging department, of which I have been lacking as of late.

Okay, that's all. I just thought I'd give a quick documentation of our summer and to say that we are still alive. Although, you'd never know it if you looked in the photo album, which is blank for this summer (wah!!! wah!!).

Oh, These Nine Years!

2008-06-27T21:22:00.003-04:00

That's right! Yesterday was our anniversary. We have been married for nine years. That is so hard to believe! It has just flown by, but it also feels as though we have known each other forever. I love Greg so much...words are not enough. So, here's to nine great years! There is no one else I'd rather spend my life with......... I love you, Greg!

A Roller Coaster Weekend

2008-06-02T16:55:00.003-04:00

Boy, did we have a weekend to beat all! On Friday night, we got a babysitter and went to an amusement park with our friends Jennifer and Lindsay and our Bishop and his wife, Lisa. We rode all of the big rides that we don't normally get to go on with the kids. There were two huge, rickety, old, wooden roller coasters that about knocked my head off, literally. Every bump and bang about killed my sinuses (I'm just getting over a terrible cold), and then at one point I lost all control of my head (yes, I know I have a very wimpy, long, skinny neck that doesn't support my head very well. Slender necks might be pretty, but they aren't that useful!). Anyway, my head just flipped straight back like a bobble-head. I had to ride the rest of that wild ride holding my poor neck and screaming with the rest of the people. And to top things off, I suffer from mild motion sickness, and this was no MILD motion. According to the rest of our group, those roller coasters were awesome. But, I certainly should have stayed off. I like roller coasters and think they are fun, however, my head doesn't like them. I spent the rest of the night pretending I wasn't ready to puke. But, I did have a ton of fun regardless. We went on the bumper cars twice, and that was a blast! We had so much fun doing that. We also had fun on the bumper boats. They were these big round motor-powered tubes. For a while, I couldn't get my tube to stop spinning mercilessly. I was screaming (wanting to puke) when somewhere in the din of the background noise, I heard the Bishop's voice shouting, "Turn into the spin!" I thought I had tried that, but I tried it again and immediately my boat started going the right way. Why do men handle motor-powered things better than women? I was incredibly grateful to not be spinning anymore! Always listen to the counsel of your bishop and he will lead you in the right direction! We also got ice cream cones and watched the park light up after dark. It was a super fun night. I haven't done something like that for years. I hated to ruin such a fun night, but by the time we got home, my neck was so sore and my head felt so carsick that I had to drop into bed to sleep it off. So, if you are ever with me at an amusement park, please, please, keep me off of the roller coasters. It is sooo not worth it!

On Saturday, Emma had a soccer game and scored another two goals! She was really excited. She loves to play soccer and I already love watching my child play sports. It is difficult to suppress my competitiveness. Heaven help me when we get to anything more serious than 5-year-old soccer! Miles was tired from our late night before, so he made the game pretty miserable, but oh well. Only one more game.

By some small miracle (and a Herculean effort on the part of the parents) we got all of our kids to take a nap on Saturday. Now, if you know Julia, you will know that this was an amazing feat and took every trick in the book to make it work. We were adamant on naps because that night we went to the circus. It was a small traveling three-ring circus. The circus tent was about the size of a football field. They had it all, though: elephants, trapeze, motorcycle daredevils, acrobats, horses, etc. Our kids had so much fun. Greg and I were totally impressed by the guys doing the behind the scenes work. When the attention was turned to one of the rings, these worker guys would be setting up major pulley systems or wires or removing things, etc. in a different ring, getting ready for the next act. It was a crazy logistical task, but they always pulled through. You know the Marriott commercial where the girl is swinging in the curtains? Well, they had two of those girls and it was beautiful to behold. The world champion hula hoop girls were pretty amazing, too. We were on the front row; we could have touched the huge elephants as they went running by, which was a little scary, but the kids were awestruck. Miles' favorite show is Dumbo. So, this was a dream come true. It ended really late, and we were all exhausted, but it was a wonderful day. Oh, I forgot to say, but we went with our friends, Jennifer and Lindsay and kids. It was a lot of fun.

On Sunday, the weather was breathtaking, so we ate dinner outside. Testimony meeting turned into a farewell for Jennifer and Lindsay. They have finished residency and are heading back west in a few weeks. They have touched so many people's lives and are such great people. I cried through the whole thing. I will miss them dearly. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who knows my needs and sent us to a program where such a wonderful family was waiting to be our friends. It has made all the difference to me. These past two years have been fantastic with them. I know that families are forever, and I think special friendships are forever, too. I look forward to meeting up with all of my dear friends in heaven...
(if I make it there, of course!) ;)

Could that really be my baby boy?

2008-05-20T07:47:00.003-04:00

Doesn't he look so grown up?? Oh, where did the time go??

Just when you think you really know someone….

2008-05-18T20:52:00.003-04:00

After nearly nine years of marriage, I thought I pretty much had my husband figured out. However, Friday night he really blew that notion out of the water. You see, we went to a dinner/dance party at the Country Club here in town. It was an end-of-the-year celebration for all of the residents. I, of course, had been so excited for this night to come. We hired a babysitter, dressed up fancy, and went out on the town. The thing is, and I was totally prepared for this, my husband is a self-proclaimed non-dancer. I, on the other hand, love to get down on the dance floor. I should say that I used to love it. It has been quite some time (and three little babies) since I really let my hair down and danced the night away like the good old days. But still, I have distant, and very fond, memories of my dancing days. I have to give Greg a little credit, though. He has always forced himself to give me a dance or two whenever we have the opportunity. But, definitely with reluctance and definitely only slow songs. He wouldn’t touch a fast song with a ten-foot pole. Up until last night, that is…

We had a lovely dinner (anything I didn’t cook, and I don’t have to clean up ranks as ‘lovely’). The food really was delicious, though, and the conversation at our table was so fun and enjoyable. I could have been satisfied right then and there with our date. Just then, the music really started pumping through the speakers, the lights were dimmed, and the deejay started calling people out onto the empty dance floor. This is the precise moment when Greg turned to me and said something I will never, ever forget until the day I die. He asked me if I wanted to go out and dance!! I looked at his eager face and then at the empty dance floor, and suddenly I froze. Could it be me who was now too embarrassed to go dance? I hesitated slightly, still reeling from Greg’s offer. Then he leaned in and whispered, “Say yes to me before I chicken out and change my mind.” Well, that was all it took. We grabbed hands and like two carefree teenagers headed to the dance floor with the other couples from our table. (Peer pressure is a great thing at times like these!) Every single couple from our table kicked up their heels last night. And Greg kicked them up with the best of them.

Was I shocked? Yes! Did I love every minute of it? Yes! And do you want to know the best part? Greg says we will definitely do it again. Man, I have begged, coaxed, and cajoled Greg onto the dance floor for nine years!! Nine years, I’m tellin’ ya! And, now…boom! He’s suddenly a dancer!??! And every single song was fast! And the room was full of fellow doctors watching us make fools of ourselves while we tried to dance! That didn’t stop Greg.

It’s not that Greg has regressed to some former childish state. He has always loathed dancing in public. In fact, his parents actually paid him to go to his high school prom. He hated it that bad. So, what happened? Why did he do it? Well, he said I looked beautiful (awww), and he doesn’t want to be a “schlub” anymore (in his words!), and if it takes flopping his limbs around under the disco ball, then, that is precisely what he will do. And, I love him so much for it. I couldn't stop smiling or dancing! And you know what? Turns out, he’s been hiding a few groovy moves from the outside world. I think he was actually having fun out there! So, beware…just when you think you know someone, they might completely and pleasantly surprise the heck out of you. The human spirit is amazing…

I’ll let you know when he starts spontaneously scrubbing the bathrooms. But until then, I just have to say, “I could’ve danced all night…” (with my non-schlubby husband, whom I love very much).
The girls were ecstatic to think I was going to a 'ball'!! We obviously don't get out enough around here!

Mommy & Julia

The Dancing Duo (I'm glad I got it on camera in case, heaven forbid, it was a fluke!)

Lately...

2008-05-14T07:52:00.002-04:00

I am dying a slow blogging death, I think. I have absolutely loved blogging since the fall when I first started. But, now, I am getting to it less and less. It has been a while since I really posted anything of any significance... I blame it on the better weather, and the lovely yard I like to dig around in. I blame it on the gardening and lawn mowing and picnicking. I blame it on the sunshine, which draws me outdoors to places like the park, the river, and the backyard swings. Ahhh, well, that's the way it goes, I suppose. And who could complain?

I do realize, however, that for those of you who have actually made an effort to check my blog lately, there has been little or no reward. So, sadly, I have probably already lost the meager handful of followers I once enjoyed!! And, I don't really blame you!! That's probably okay, too, even though I hang on every word in my comment section!

I told Greg a while ago that the biggest fan of my blog was definitely me. I like to read and reread it, and just stare at the pictures while the music plays. I know that seems super self-centered!!! But, it makes life happier, somehow, to see my own life from an outside perspective. I like to take a step back and read about my own family and look at our pictures as if I were someone else. Do you ever do that? Then, it makes me realize just how very blessed I am. Life, for me, is so beautiful. I am so, so grateful for my husband and my kids and my cute little house and the great weather and the warm sunshine and... blogging, which gives me a chance to express my gratitude for it all! So, if anyone is actually still checking my blog... sorry for the lack of interesting material!! Plenty of interesting things have been happening, I have just been living it without writing about it. I'm sure I won't go much longer without writing about it, too!!

Okay, I'm off to do my daily things. I just had to get on and say that I haven't suffered blogging death! And, if you want to, stay tuned for more upcoming events: a fancy dinner/dance this weekend, kindergarten graduation, soccer games (Emma is quite the tiger on the field---she's a scoring machine!), and most importantly, a big trip up the east coast, through Boston and into Canada (including Anne of Green Gables-land, aka Prince Edward Island!). I get sort of picture-happy on vacation, so there's sure to be some postings, some musings, and lots of snapshots. And, I'm sure I'll be reading, rereading, and staring at it all! I know, I know! I am sort of strange.... :)

Hmmm...

2008-04-29T21:43:00.002-04:00

My sister-in-law Jill sent me this quiz. I'm not sure how I feel about the results! Probably true, though...

Take the Quiz here!

Although, she looks sort of sad, which I am not. I am happy. I wanted to be Lizzie. I LOVE that movie. :)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2008-04-25T11:22:00.003-04:00

My Mom and Dad with Emma, last Fall.

Today is my Mom's birthday! I just wanted to quickly tell her how much I love her. She is one of the greatest people I know. She is a fantastic mother, an exceptional grandmother, and an amazing role model. And, I have to brag just a tiny bit: Last week, she took first place in a mini-triathlon!! She could outrun, out bike, and out swim me, easily. She is amazing in every way. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you.

The Hunt

2008-04-24T08:13:00.003-04:00

Last night was one of the funniest nights of our entire life. I’m sure I can’t even begin to do justice to how classic it was, but I’ll sure try.

Here’s what happened.

After the kids were in bed, Greg and I watched a little NBA basketball until I just got so tired I couldn’t watch it anymore. I went off to bed alone, with Greg promising to be back shortly. I was basically unconscious as soon as my head hit the pillow and dreaming peacefully when forty-five minutes later, Greg flipped on the light and startled me awake by saying, “Rindi! You are not going to be happy to hear what I just saw!”

Confused, I said, “What?”

Greg, looking very spooked, said, “A mouse! In the front room!”

Now, I must stop the story to say that Greg and I may not be the absolute bravest couple in the world. The ‘bat incident’ certainly comes to mind! And, if brave we are not, then animal people we definitely are not.

Together, we tiptoed back to the front room and peered into a veritable wonderland for a mouse, what with furniture, pillows, blankets, a piano, curtains, diaper bags, toys, and (as Greg was quick to bring to my attention over and over) lots of crumbs under the couches. I’m not quite sure what we expected to happen, but right before our very eyes, that little tiny mouse ran out from under the T.V. stand and headed straight for the hall. While we calmly sustained MILD HEART FAILURE, we watched the mouse dart in AND out of each bedroom before finally settling on the bathroom as a good stopping point. This is the moment when we came up with our ingenious (or completely crazy) game plan for Jacobsens vs. a teeny, tiny, extremely devious mouse. It consisted of multiple barricades; brooms, mops, and a fly swatter; every single book off of the book shelf; the kitchen table; blankets, towels, and shoes, and a wide open front door. Oh yeah, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, of which the mouse never did partake!

First, we secured the bedrooms by barricading our children inside. Then, we created a nice little pathway for the mouse to run along and out the door. We didn’t have to wait long for the mouse to come out of the bathroom and run along Greg’s amazing little track toward the door. But, our plan failed when the mouse veered off course, hopped a barricade and ran under the couch. UGH!!! By now we were starting to get mad at the little guy!!! We quickly, and rather noisily, secured the opening to the hallway so that we could at least keep him in the front room and then proceeded to look around for him. But, this time we couldn’t find him…for awhile.

My bladder was about to burst, so I left my lookout and crept back to the bathroom. Out of the corner of my eye, though, I thought I saw movement under the closet door in the bathroom. Completely petrified, I ran out into the hall and screamed, “He’s in the bathroom!”

Greg was saying, “Did you see him? Are you sure?” To which I could only answer, “No…I didn’t see him, and no, I am not sure.” We COULD NOT believe that he could have made it back to the bathroom, but Greg somehow mustered up the courage to go search in the dreaded bathroom closet with a pile of dirty laundry on the floor. By now, we were on high alert. Our nerves were shot! Greg was perched on the Little Tikes step stool as he slowly opened the closet door. As if right on cue, out darts the mouse and heads down the hall towards me (yes, I am shrieking wildly) and turns as if to make us think he will run outside, but instead goes into the front room, again foiling our little plan of making him ‘want’ to run outside.

Since we now knew that he paid little heed to our so-called barricades, we stepped up our efforts and tried to REALLY block off the rest of the house. Things got a little crazy right about then, and the memories are fuzzy, but it involved an overturned kitchen table, couches moved out of place, furniture upended, moving the piano, a few cases of food storage wheat (finally, those came in handy for something!) and reinforcement mops and brooms. For the next, oh, two hours, give or take, we chased that darn little thing back and forth, under and over, around and through, until exhausted, Greg concocted a plan of building a cheese-covered ramp up onto the edge of a garbage can, into which the mouse would fall trying to grab the last morsel of cheese. As for me, I had resorted to appealing for divine intervention.

Up to this point, we had been very kind to the mouse, allowing him every opportunity for freedom. But, now, NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY!! We started talking about the possibilities of ending this battle once and for all!

Greg made one last attempt with the books and DVD cases from our bookshelves to block off every possible avenue except a pathway to the door (where we sprinkled cheddar cheese…well, I say ‘we,’ but I should really say, ‘Greg,’ because very rarely did I leave my spot behind the kitchen table to enter the war zone. And lest you think I was perfectly safe there: At one point the mouse ran right at me. I was screaming, swinging a broom haphazardly ,and nearly passing out from fright, but that mouse just kept on trying to get through my barricade! I am proud to say I prevailed, barely. Thank you, kitchen table!). As the clock neared two a.m., that’s right, two a.m., the mouse finally ran right along the path toward the door. He tried to exit Greg’s funneling efforts, but Greg was not to be outdone this time, and we watched as the mouse ran right past the cheese, paused for an excruciatingly long second, and then escaped out into the dark night!

I couldn't scream loud enough or fast enough: “Shut the door!”
Greg did shut it, after which we high-fived and collapsed on the couch (which was now conveniently right by the front door).

We had to look around and laugh at the mess. Greg told me to get the camera (which I did), and then we straightened just a bit. To say we were very hyped up is an understatement of incredible magnitude. But, eventually we went to bed. Greg sat on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes and then his socks, which he tossed toward the door. I saw the flying sock out of the corner of my eye and jerked and screamed loudly. Greg, thinking I had seen something, flinched wildly, too. Once we realized it was only a sock, we collapsed onto the bed and laughed about it. And then Greg said matter-of-factly, “Oh, we must have PTSD (post-traumatic-stress-disorder).” That really made me laugh!! But, he was probably right because about a half-hour of silence later, I said, “Are you still awake?”

Greg said, “Yes.”

I said, “Are you still scared?”

Greg said, “Yes. All I can think now is…I bet he has a BROTHER!”

This is a great shot of part of Greg's illustrious funneling track! (The pictures don't do justice, again! Notice the precise placement of volumes 1,2,3, & 4 of The Work & The Glory...pure genius, Greg!)

And, here is my saving grace...the overturned kitchen table (notice the ironing board, and "The Book of Mormon for Families," --again, very handy items in a mouse hunt!).

Wow, if I never do that again, that's just fine with me. I don't think my poor heart can take it! I, of course, attribute it to divine intervention that all of our insane plotting and scheming actually worked. So, I am super thankful!!

Whirlwind Weekend in D.C.

2008-04-20T21:02:00.002-04:00

We had the fantastic opportunity to see Greg's dad in D.C. this past weekend. He was there for a Mission Presidents' conference, so we made the drive and met up with him in the city. We hadn't seen him for a year and a half. It was so great to be together again! We missed Greg's mom terribly (the Mission Moms weren't invited to this conference, so she stayed back in Canada), but it turned out to be a really fun, and fast, little trip. We took so many fun pictures...I just HAD to put them together in a slide show. If you would like to watch it, be sure and go to the side and push pause on my music because the slide show has its own music. I hope you had a great weekend and are enjoying some great spring weather!!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Spring Has Sprung

2008-04-14T20:03:00.004-04:00

I can't even begin to describe the happiness that this little bit of color in my yard brings to me. I just had to grab the camera. I hope these shots bring some sunshine into your life, too!
The blooming Forsythias are just gorgeous right now! I love the yellow against the blue, blue sky. These line my side yard and go into the back. Lovely!
Julia really wanted to be in every shot. She, of course, brings sunshine and happiness into my life as well!!!
Emma and the flowers...beauties.

This is the beginning of my starter garden, which I have planted indoors. This is a total experiment...so, who knows if it will be successful. I started this a few weeks ago. This has been a joyous project for the kids--oh, boy!
Miles loves to look at our little garden. He just can't wait to touch the dirt.
Julia was my partner in crime. She did most of the planting.

Out on a warm, spring day...
Here is the garden today! If it all dies, then I'm out a few bucks, but it has sure been fun to watch it grow. Eventually (if it survives), I will transfer it all outside. I can't wait for the day! Fun, fun, fun!
There is something so uplifting about opening the windows and feeling the breeze blow through your house, or standing outside and feeling the warm sun touch your skin after such a long time without it. It makes my spirits soar. I love this time of year. It is like a big, deep breath after nearly drowning! I just have to say how grateful I am for God's creations and this beautiful earth on which we live...wow, what a place!

I just can't resist posting this!

2008-04-04T16:33:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when you have daughters:
I love you, Greg!

My Four-Year-Old Birthday Girl

2008-04-02T09:40:00.003-04:00

(Click to Enlarge)

The Wonderful Happened...

2008-03-26T19:39:00.007-04:00

My Darling Julia--March 2004--looking ever so much like a Jacobsen

Four years ago, something extremely wonderful happened to me...my little Julia was born. I was fascinated by my second child. It was such a joy to go back to having a baby in my arms and to relive those wonderful moments I had experienced with Emma, yet it was so different. She came with her own spirit, completely unique and wonderful, and because of that I was so grateful to experience the joys of adding a new member to our family. I've always said it doesn't exactly feel like we are adding someone new, just rejoining with someone we already know, someone I have loved forever in my heart and will love forever, too. I am sitting here on the eve of her birthday and, of course, like all mothers tend to do, I am feeling sentimental over the fact that time goes by. I can't explain it, but the time just keeps ticking by. I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to slow down and appreciate life. We always say things like that: "Enjoy them while you can..." or "Cherish this time while they are small..." But, I feel desperate to know how one goes about cherishing it, because no one ever explains that part, and I would actually prefer to slow it down. That seems like a good way to cherish it, to me. For the last few days I have tried to focus on this very thing.

Today, we had a beautiful day. The temps were somewhere in the mid-50s and when the wind wasn't gusting it actually felt pretty warm, so we ventured out to a park on the banks of the mighty Susquehanna River. I had taken along a book, but instead, I sat on a swing, swaying back and forth slowly, and watching as my three children ran, and climbed, and laughed, and played. I tried my very hardest to 'cherish' the moment. I don't know how to tell if I was successful in capturing the moment in my heart. I certainly tried. But I saw Emma excitedly introduce Miles to all of the different slides and help him climb to the top of the tower, and then clap and cheer as he went down, arms outstretched for Julia to catch him at the bottom. They were all laughing so sweetly. Then Miles would run full speed to me, his chubby little legs pumping fast, while wood chips were kicking up around him. And he would shout in a very high pitch, "See, Mommy?" And I knew that I was supposed to grab him, hug him, kiss his soft cheek, and cheer for him because he went down a very tall slide. And I watched as Julia climbed a big ladder, shouting for me to watch, so proud of herself. And I cheered for her accomplishment, all the while thinking about how she suddenly looked so grown up and tall running around the park with a big smile on her face. My heart couldn't believe what my mind already knows, that she will be four tomorrow. Four! And Emma, my sweet Emma, laughed out loud each time I gave her an under-doggie push on the swing. Then, I listened as she coached herself on pumping until she was going very high.

Together, we all walked towards the edge of the river and stared at the moving water, which was glistening with the afternoon sun. I could feel the little-boy fingers held tightly in mine. It felt so good to be outside. I kept wishing I could 'cherish' it more, somehow--like something I could wrap up and save forever. We found a hopscotch game painted on the ground and with rocks we played together for a while before heading for the car. At the car, I noticed a caterpillar, and a very fuzzy one at that, crawling on the road, right next to where I was standing. I got in and shut the door, and then I thought of something. I hopped right back out and opened the side door. Then I pointed to that caterpillar and watched as they all leaned from their carseats to see the fuzzy little thing. It was only a caterpillar, but it was special to them.

On the way home, I thought about the fact that my house wasn't perfectly straightened; the laundry needed to be folded; there was no dinner waiting in the oven; and now everyone needed a good bath. And then I thought about how I really, really want to have this time with my little ones last forever. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to make that so. The more fun we have, the faster time flies, and the more boring it is, the worse I feel about everything. I so badly want to be a good mother, with sunsets and mud puddles, and fireflies and treehouses, and stroller rides and swimming pools, and dripping ice cream cones on a hot August day. Is that type of mother only a figment of my imagination? I think Emma sort of understands me. On the way to the car, without any prompting from me, she said, "Wow, Mom, thank you so much for taking us to the park today for such a long time!" I just smiled. For an extra moment, I cherished it all. And for that brief second, among all of the hours, days and years of my motherhood, the wonderful happened. Today, the wonderful happened.

Gosh, I wish it would last forever.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-25T07:37:00.003-04:00

A friend from Church took this picture and sent it to me. Easter was a big day for us. Greg and I were the Sacrament Meeting speakers...and the girls sang in the Primary (and I accompanied on the piano!), but it wasn't stressful. It was a glorious Easter Sunday, and we were thankful for the opportunity to reflect on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for Him. Happy Easter!

Colored Easter Eggs

2008-03-22T08:02:00.006-04:00

Occasionally, I have a momentary lapse of intelligence (okay, maybe more than occasionally). That was the case yesterday. I had planned to let the girls color their Easter eggs. I started this activity during Miles' nap, and had only boiled enough eggs for Emma and Julia. For some unknown reason, I was leaving Miles out of this activity. Maybe I just figured he wouldn't care or that he would only make a huge mess, I don't know. It sort of hit me half way through that he isn't a baby anymore, and that he would probably love to do this. I had a vision of the girls finding their eggs while Miles sat on the side, watching them. Oh, it broke my heart! I was almost shocked by the realization, and I said out loud, "What was I thinking?" I quickly boiled more eggs and got him up from his nap. Then I sat Miles up to the table and started showing him the wondrous thing of coloring Easter eggs. And it was truly a wonder! He dipped and stirred and oohed and aahed. Then, when he was done, he started all over again and double-dipped his eggs. After that, he took a paintbrush and added more color. Every time an egg came out of the colored water, he said, "Wow, Mom!" And we all said, "Pretty!" And of course, the girls loved it all.

I can't believe I almost missed this fun opportunity with my little two-year-old. I think I may have written about it before (it was a big ah-ha moment for me), but I once overheard some women talking about a cute art project their children had made at their daycare. One of the women said, "I am so glad my daughter gets to go to daycare. She gets to do so many more things there than she would ever get to do if I just stayed at home with her." Then the other woman said, "Oh, you are so right. Like we would ever pull out all of the paint and glitter and other things that they do there every day. It is such a great experience for them, and so fun." First of all, I was glad that their children seemed to be in a good daycare. Nothing breaks my heart more than to think of children stuck in an unloving environment day after day. But, I determined that day to have my children experience more at home than they would if they were babysat by someone else all day. I sometimes fail.

When you combine colorful water, spoons, fragile eggs, and a two year old, you are bound to have a huge mess. I don't always make the right choice. I get so stressed about a chaotic, messy house, that sometimes I stop my children from being children. It is so difficult to be a mother, and exhausting, too, that adding more mess to the situation is sometimes just too overwhelming. I need to try harder to overlook the messes and just enjoy this brief time of childhood. I am glad that in this case at least, I came to my senses and let Miles join in the fun. I don't know if he'll ever remember the experience. But I tried to imprint his happy image in my mind, so that some day when he is a big grown up teenager, I will be able to remember how he oohed and aahed with me at the simplest things--like colored Easter eggs.

Happy Easter!

Twenty-Nine and Feeling Fine

2008-03-18T18:09:00.003-04:00

I have always LOVED my birthday...and this year was no different! (I'm sure it is really lame to write about your own birthday, but I am famous for tending towards the lame in life...and when I am happy, I just can't help it!) I am on the very edge of my twenties, ready to fall into my thirties. It is only sad because my twenties have been so fantastic!! I look around and feel so blessed...could it possibly get any better than this??
I only included this picture because I love the way my little princess Julia looks!
Apparently, this guy LOVES cupcakes.
And this guy did the dishes (along with pretty much everything else on my special day including ironing for an hour!)...what a lucky gal I am!
Here's to my last year as a twenty-something! I hope it is full of love and laughter.

I guess it was inevitable...

2008-03-13T10:52:00.003-04:00

Thanks to wonderful grandmas, we have quite the dress-up collection. It is always a huge hit when friends come over to play. For about the past year, I have gotten a real kick out of watching my friends' little boys throw on fluffy dresses and sparkly, high-heeled shoes to join all the girls we usually have running around here. Now, it is Miles' turn.

Just lovely, Miles!

Maybe this is only funny to me, but it is. Never fear, though, this is not a delicate little boy. After the pictures, he kicked off the shoes and returned to his favorite toy hammer and began pounding random things around the house. And based on the size of those legs, I don't think ballet is a realistic goal for him!!

Ebony & Ivory Car Park

2008-03-11T17:17:00.002-04:00

I knew my piano was good for something! This is how I found Miles' cars today. It is so cute how each one was carefully backed into its slot. I love that little boy and his boyish ways.

Simply Irresistible!

2008-03-10T20:29:00.007-04:00

I'm not sure if the clothes make the man, but a few new ones can sure make the woman feel happy!

I really, really love to shop. I love trying on and picking out new things and imagining when and where I might wear them. The thing is, I don't shop very often (maybe once a year??). In fact, I try not to set foot in any clothing store if possible, because then I just see things I wish I owned!! I'm not necessarily complaining, just mentioning the normal restrictions I have placed upon myself in an effort to maintain the lovely budget. After a while, it starts to bug me. The more I look into my closet, the less I see. But, shopping (or spending money) actually makes me cringe with guilt. It's a psychological abnormality developed during our income-less years of medical school, which may require counseling to overcome!! (Or at least a few good shopping sprees.)

So, you can imagine my excitement when Greg took me to the mall for our date on Saturday night. My birthday is coming up and he wanted me to get a few new things. I LOVE shopping with Greg; it somehow removes the guilt when your husband is picking things off of the rack for you and telling you how 'simply irresistible' you look in that outfit and how you 'definitely HAVE to buy it'. It essentially made my day, week, and probably month. It isn't so much the clothes, just the whole idea of feeling my best. Granted, Maurice's was having a huge sale and we mostly stuck to the clearance racks, and I had a 20 per cent off coupon (our budget says thank you), but I actually came home with a few great things, including a huge smile.

I'm grateful that I don't shop all of the time so that when I do, it feels extremely special, and I am grateful for a husband who loves me and thinks I am beautiful (even though I am sure his vision is a bit blurred!). The new clothes will definitely help...I'm good for another year, at least! :)

Hallelujah!

2008-03-04T07:12:00.003-05:00

It really warmed up yesterday, to almost 60 degrees! It was such a wonderful breath of fresh air for us. We played outside and rode our bikes and got super, super muddy because we still had about three inches of snow on the ground when the day started. It felt strange to be playing in the warm sunshine and throwing wet snowballs at the same time! Miles, of course, loved it and screamed when we had to come in. It will get cold again, but at least things are looking up.

Now, here are some pictures from about a week ago...

Greg was having a bit too much fun with the snow shovel! It was highly entertaining for the kiddos.

You Know It's Cold When....

2008-02-29T14:33:00.003-05:00

We are freezing our tail ends off back here! I waited a little longer than usual at the bus stop yesterday and nearly froze to death...I'm still not sufficiently thawed. When I noticed these lovely icicles on our tree, I said: You have got to be kidding me!! Now THAT is what I call cold.
And this poor fella didn't even stand a chance. He must have froze to death mid-flight; his wings were still spread (either that or he had a heart attack in the air, but I still contend that he would have tucked in his wings--as in 'curling up to die'). Now THAT is what I call cold.
He was a little bit covered in snow and since I knew that everyone would be wanting a more detailed picture, I did a VERY brave thing and nudged him slightly with the snow shovel...oh, how it made me shudder...but for the good of everyone, I HAD to get a better picture.
Gruesome, but newsworthy. I'm shuddering again, either from the bird or the cold, or both! PLEASE, could it just warm up a little? (Oh, yes, I have since disposed of the bird...another HUGE shudder.)

To Grandma Jake...

2008-02-28T15:33:00.002-05:00

PANZANELLA!!

2008-02-27T17:50:00.004-05:00

Oh, I just knew it!! I just knew that a salad so scrumptiously delectable HAD to have a name as fantastic as it is. The name of the salad I described below is....are you ready??...it is.....Panzanella. It's glorious, isn't it? Panzanella, Panzanella....I am going to let that roll off of my tongue a few times. My sister-in-law, Jill, just called and informed me of the name. I screamed into the phone, "Oh, I love it!! I love that name!" I will never call it Lame-O Bread Salad again. It will always be Panzanella to me.

Warning: You Just Might Get Hooked!

2008-02-25T13:57:00.007-05:00

You know how you have that one thing that you just LOVE to eat? The thing that you would love to curl up with on a cold and lonely day, but then you feel too guilty because you know how much your husband loves it, too? Or the thing that you hope your kids DON'T eat a lot of, so there is more for you? Well, this is it for me!! I owe so much to my sister-in-law, Jill (an incredible culinary master), for introducing me to this fantastic dish. I don't think she is aware of the effect it has had on me! I can specifically remember the day she made it for us. Mmmm.... I get hungry just thinking about it! The other day, as I was making it for the umpteenth time, I thought it was about time I shared it with the rest of the world. Maybe you won't like it at all...but since I am so hooked on it, and Greg and my kids are so hooked on it, and I've managed to get most of my family hooked on it, I daresay you should give it a try. The real tragedy of the whole thing is that it has no name. Or better put, I don't know its name. We affectionately call it 'Bread Salad.' But, that doesn't quite do justice to the mouth-watering, craving-inducing, incredibly delicious thing that I am about to show you. Jill, if you are out there, Thank you, thank you for changing my life, and, by the way, What is this called?

Okay, let me show you what to do...First, you smile in anticipation. Then you grab a knife, and a few simple ingredients...

Here is my lovely assistant, Julia. She rivals or surpasses me in my love for Bread Salad! As you can see, you need a few tomatoes and a cucumber (seedless is best, regular is cheaper).
This puts the BREAD in Bread Salad. You need to cut up a baguette into bite-sized pieces. I highly recommend the mini baguettes from Costco. They come in a package of six, which, if you used them all, would make a lot of salad. My little town lacks a Costco, so I settle for the long, skinny baguette at the grocery store and I cut up the whole thing, sometimes two. Then, I put the pieces on a cookie sheet, like so.
Next, drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the bread. (My lovely assistant took this picture!) Put the bread in the oven, at say 350 for ten minutes or so. This is so non-technical. But, you want to get your bread toasty. Take it out when it starts to feel toasted on the edges.
While the bread is toasting, thinly slice up your cucumber. I prefer seedless, like I said, but usually opt for the cheaper seeded cuke. I use my cheese slicer to get the thin slices. Cut up your tomatoes (maybe 2, 3, or 4, depending on the size of your salad) as well, into small pieces. Then thinly slice a purple onion (1/4 to 1/2 of it) and put the slices in a ice-water bath to reduce to potency of the onion.
Remove the bread and dump the pieces into a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, and drained onion slices. Then, make the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. I think Jill did equal parts of oil and vinegar, but I have adjusted it a little, and I usually just eyeball it. Again, it isn't very technical...and you really can't go wrong. Whip it together with a fork and immediately drizzle it over the salad. Then, mix it all up.
This is what it looks like without the dressing. You might not want all of the dressing on it, so pour it slowly, or add it to taste. I LOVE vinegar and salt, so I drench my salad, grab my own salt shaker, and thoroughly enjoy myself. I could eat this whole bowl...if I can fend off Julia and Greg, which I usually can't.
I hope you like it....whatever it's called.

My Telegram

2008-02-22T21:35:00.002-05:00

Still alive. STOP. Very busy. STOP. Will write soon. STOP. Don't lose hope. STOP.

Oh yeah, another snow day today...no school!!! This place is CRRRAAAZZZYYYY!!!

Puzzle Mania!

2008-02-15T08:02:00.004-05:00

Julia is crazy about puzzles! I am amazed because she can do them faster than I can!! I had to take this picture because she did all of these puzzles all by herself while I was cleaning. Pretty good if you ask me... (but don't ask me, because I am an overly proud mom)... and a couple of them have 63 pieces and say 5+ on the box. Wow, good job, Jules.
Hmmm, there is only one other person I know who loves puzzles just as much and can do them just as fast. It's quite puzzling to me, actually.

For Those of You Less Fortunate

2008-02-13T15:30:00.004-05:00

These pictures don't do justice to the huge flakes drifting down today! Every so often, it is really fun to sit inside and look out at a beautiful winter storm. And, since not everyone gets this chance, I thought I'd share the view from our window. This is about the only time I am glad that it is winter... Of course, school got out early yesterday and was cancelled today. I am starting to panic about all of the days we have to make up!! It has been raining all morning and so, yet again, we are covered in ice. The snow is very crunchy and frozen. For now, we are happy to just enjoy it from inside. I hope you enjoy it, too!

100 Days!

2008-02-11T15:30:00.000-05:00

Today was the 100th Day of Kindergarten! Emma was really excited to go because we had packed up 100 snacks to share with the class (all of the kids were asked to bring 100 snacks to share...all I could think about was, wow, that's a lot of snacks!). Unfortunately, they had a 2-hour delay, which made it even harder for Emma to wait. See, we are very sensitive to the weather, here. They delayed school because it was only about 5 degrees this morning. So, being the nice wife that I am, I packed up the kids and we took Greg to work instead of making him walk. And, BRRRR, it was cold!!!

At school, they were having a big 100th day party...and this is how Emma looked when she got off the bus at the end of the day...

...And this is what Julia and I thought when we saw her...

...and this is what Emma thinks she looks like now....

...and this is what she thinks she will look like when she is 100 years old...
...and I think she is adorable now, and will be very adorable forever...
...even if she lives to be 100. Happy 100th Day of School!!

The High (and low) Lights of My Week

2008-02-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

It is only a mere three or four hours until Greg returns from his week-long conference in Texas. Just typing the word Texas makes me want to break out in song: (in a twangy voice, if you please) "The stars at night are big and bright...da, da, da, da...deep in the heart of Texas!" Okay, now that I've got that out of my system! It has been a rather interesting week, what with no husband and no wedding ring. I've been sitting here reflecting on the week and decided to briefly recap some of the highlights--and unfortunately, a few low points, as well--of my week alone (well, not exactly alone).

So here are the highlights:

The night I put the kids to bed, pulled over my favorite comfy chair and curled up in front of the computer and watched "Only You," an old favorite of mine. This was thanks to my free Netflix trial and the 6,000 movies you can "watch instantly on your PC." By the way, I am loving the Netflix membership...
Watching "The Pursuit of Happyness," with Will Smith. Thank you Netflix, again. I recommend this movie to everyone. LOVED it.
The day Julia stomped her foot dramatically and said, "I can NOT believe that daddy is at a meeting that lasts this long!" Tell me about it.
Emma losing her two bottom teeth!
The two nights when all four of us ended up in my bed.
The morning Miles woke me up by banging the back of his very hard head into my cheekbone...and the intense headache that followed soon after. (This, by the way, was one of those nights when all four of us ended up together.)
My trip to Wal-Mart.
Yes, a trip to Wal-Mart is a highlight around here. It is fifteen minutes away and always an adventure. Besides, I got to pick out a new temporary wedding ring ($8.88, very well spent). Now, that was fun! Now I don't look quite so crazy...I think. I just felt awkward going around with three children and no wedding ring, I don't know.
This is a particularly low point: I had to get my oil changed while at Wal-Mart, but ta-da, one thing turned into another and I had to get two new tires (a huge chunk was missing out of one) and the guy informed me that I had a major leak and my transmission fluid was going everywhere. Ugh! Miles was starting to lose it at this point, but we now had to wait for another half hour. My head was still throbbing from the cheekbone crushing experience and I couldn't take it anymore. I stooped lower than I ever have. I marched back through the store, grabbed a gallon of milk from the dairy section, a sipper cup from the baby section, opened them both and poured Miles a drink. Right there! Then, I went to the front and paid for them both (I practically scanned the sipper cup with Miles still sucking from it), before making my way back to the automotive section. I know, it is unbelievable. That reminds me of the time I grabbed a new pacifier from the shelf, ripped it open and gave it to my baby. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And, I'm exhausted.
This is a highlight: Pres. Hinckley's wonderful funeral and tribute, as well the announcement of the new First Presidency. I love this church.
Another snow day.
Having my mom call from Hawaii, and visiting with her while tropical birds chirped ever so LOUDLY in the background. Oh, it sounded so amazing to my dreary Pennsylvania ears.
The many nights we had cold cereal and toast for dinner while still in our jammies!

I'm really excited to welcome Greg home, even if it means I have to get back to cooking and dressing myself every day. It's been a long week without him. Not that all of my troubles will be over, or that I'll get a major break. Right? There is just something about having the presence of another adult, a partner, a friend at the end of the day. You know, a fifth person to share one's bed with.

The Bonds of Matrimony

2008-01-31T21:18:00.000-05:00

Oh, the good old wedding ring. You know, the eternal band with no beginning or end? It is more like an extension of my fourth finger on the left hand, really. I have followed the wise advice of my mother and rarely removed it (she lost her original one years ago, poor thing!). Even amidst begging and pleading from my daughters--sometimes the sparkliness of it is just too hard to resist--I have kept it securely on my finger. Lest I lie, I must say that they have each had a few properly supervised turns with it, but not very often, and not for long. I have been bound and determined NEVER to lose or misplace something that means so much to me.

Now, let me divert your attention a moment to tell you about the unlikely series of unfortunate events that occurred a few mornings ago. Our school system is rather sensitive to the weather, and with the slightest bit of snow or ice on the ground, they immediately declare the lovely 2-hour delay. But, on this morning, I looked outside to find normal-looking conditions. I readied Emma for school and since Greg's walk to work that day coincided with our usual walk to the bus stop, I kissed them both and sent them off together. After about ten minutes, Greg called home to inform me that the bus had yet to arrive. He also urged me to check about a delay, since the light rain was causing a crazy amount of ice. (I am talking LIGHT rain!). I dutifully checked the internet--no delay, but told him to head off to work, and I would come and get Emma and our neighbor Parker and run them to school, all the while wondering about the bus.

I put shoes on my other two children, grabbed coats and headed out the back door just as Christie brought Emma and Parker toward the house. She yelled for us to be careful because it was icy. I still had no comprehension of how icy it really was. Let me try to explain it while they slip and slide their way toward me. I am talking about a thin sheet of ice over everything. Not just patches here and there, or bits of snow and ice, but ice covering every square inch of our town. I am talking about not being able to walk at all! I am talking about standing in the middle of an ice rink and thinking how I would feel better if I had ice skates on, even though I am carrying a thirty-pound child in my arms and holding the hand of another. It is actually indescribable. I have lived through snow and ice and old man winter--many times--but I have never seen anything like this. And it wasn't freezing rain, which I have seen before as well (when it hits the ground like little bits of ice). But, it was a light drizzling rain that froze on impact. We could barely move. Somehow, slipping and sliding and shuffling along, we got to my van, which now appeared more like some bizarre ice sculpture than a mode of transportation. Maybe at this point I should have declared my own personal 2-hour delay, but with great determination, I chipped away at my windows, just enough to have a small 'window' of vision. Christie helped me load the kids and then carefully turned to head back to her neighboring home. She was moving ever so slowly, but I watched, helpless, as she crashed to my driveway. Risking my life, I skated over to help her up, and like two unskilled dancers we fumbled our way to the grass. Unbeknownst to us, Greg was experiencing similar difficulties and had lost his footing on the hospital sidewalk, crashing down hard as well. Both he and Christie were much more fortunate than one surgeon (whom Christie's husband was waiting to assist that day in the O.R.). He fell just outside the hospital and split open both elbows, causing him to head to the E.R. instead of the O.R.

Anyway, back to us. We made it miraculously to school going about 2 miles an hour, and the kids were very late, but we made it. My friend Jennifer had attempted to take her kids to school (oh yeah, the buses were too frozen to run that morning), when a fireman stopped her and said they weren't allowing people on her road to come down the hill. She hadn't even made it out of her driveway, but thank goodness, since one of Greg's attending doctors lives on that hill and had only moments before, totalled her Escalade in a run-in with a snow plow. And I know how tough Escalades are. That reminds me, someday I should tell the story about how an Escalade driven by a drunk driver completely demolished our parked car, and then kept on driving!! Now, either Escalades are tough, or that lady was really drunk, or both.

Once I made it back home, I knew it would be rather precarious to get Miles out of his car seat while standing on sheer ice. So, I braced myself and started to lift him out. I immediately felt my feet slipping, and as I set him back in his seat and let my hands fly out to grab onto something--anything--I whacked my hand really hard on the edge of the van. But, I didn't fall. It sort of hurt my hand though, so I looked down and to my horror....

I have now come full circle. That's right. My diamond, along with the setting it was resting in, was no longer sitting atop the gold band on that particular finger on my left hand. I could not gasp deep enough to do justice to the moment. The worst part is, I realized while on my hands and knees searching, everything in the whole town was sparkling at that very moment. Try finding a diamond lying in a bunch of ice. Soon, I came to my senses and began searching inside the van. Call it luck, or call it inspiration, but I found it tucked down in the crevice behind the driver's seat. Whew!

My ring (or the pieces of it) is now resting in a ziploc bag, hanging from a clip on my fridge until further attention is given to it. For now, I am ringless. When Emma got home from school, she voiced what I had been wondering all day, in a shocked and worrisome tone, "Oh, no! Are you and Daddy still married?" You see, I had used that logic to ward off a few previous pleas to borrow my diamond ring, explaining that I had to wear it to show that daddy and I are married. And then I heard Emma turn to Julia and say, "If Mommy takes off her ring, that means she broke up with Daddy." (I hadn't responded to her first question because I had been laughing too hard!) And now, with two little upturned faces staring at me, all I could say was--

"Oh, yes, we are definitely still married, because I didn't want to take off my ring. But, we are absolutely cursed." And Greg tends to agree.

Bowling with the Kindergarten!

2008-01-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

I was able to go with Emma's class to the bowling alley for a Friday night party! It was really fun to see how excited the kids were to be there. Emma said, "This is the funnest night I have ever had!" Well, all right...I guess her life is complete. :) But, it was fun to be together, listening to fun music, bowling our hearts out at a kindergarten-style fever pitch. Life is sooo exciting when you are six!
Here's Julia (a kindergarten wannabe), Emma, Parker Knight (our neighbor and friend) and Nikki (a fellow classmate)...by the way, Emma got the highest score...atta girl!
Here's Emma with her friend Kevin (one of her adoring suitors).
I am including this last picture of me and Emma, even though it is very flooded with light, because it was sort of interesting to me. I see some striking similarities...don't you?
I have to add one funny part of the story. While I was enjoying myself at the party with Emma and Julia, I thought (more than once) about Greg at home, and how he may or may not be struggling with a temperamental Miles. I was a little worried about how their evening might be going and rushed home when the party was wrapping up. I came in to find two happy campers. Miles had been playing with his cars quietly while Greg had enjoyed an hour long nap! I can easily forgive Greg for his siesta on the couch, because there have been many a days when I have curled up on the couch and tried to catch a little shut-eye myself. Those are the best moments! I guess we all had a pretty good night.

To My Amazing In-Laws!

2008-01-24T15:44:00.001-05:00

In this picture, my husband Greg, the "bacon-ator" (he coined the term himself!), is sporting a lovely new apron sent to us by his parents. It bears the emblem of their mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia (and for those as terrible at geography as I am--that is in Canada (you know, the country north of the border?), the eastern part). Greg's dad is the Mission President and his mom has so many responsibilities that it is difficult to put one title on it! They are doing a fantastic job and loving it so much. We miss them terribly since it has been about a year and a half since we have been together. But, we are so grateful for their incredible service and feel blessings pouring into our lives because of it. Seeing this picture made me think of them, and by doing so, I felt a surge of gratitude for a number of things:
1. They are such a great example to all of us of service to the Lord.
2. They have welcomed me with open arms since the first time I met them as their son's fiance!
3. They are amazingly generous to us, and I hope they know how grateful I am for that.
4. They have always loved me like their own daughter, and I have to breathe a sigh of relief when I realize how lucky that really is!
5. Because of them, I have a gorgeous silver punch bowl, the wildly popular "Coco-Motion" Hot Chocolate Maker, 8 fantastic dinner goblets, a bin full of colorful table cloths, an extra set of dinnerware, a great T-Fal skillet, 2 beautiful glass hurricanes, a chafing dish (I never even had a clue what that was!), a set of formal table cloths, the greatest set of salt and pepper shakers, a set of china, the extra T.V.!! etc., etc., etc., ...I'll stop now, but pretty much anything stylish or fancy or extremely useful came from them (I'm not sure how much my father-in-law had to do with this, but since he happens to be the "bacon-ator" of their family, I'll just thank him anyway!). But even though there are plenty of things around my house that remind me of them, it isn't the "things" that make me love them. They are such good, loving people, and they are so enjoyable to be around. I love them a lot and I hope they know that.
Lastly (oh, the list could go on and on...)
6. They have given me a wonderful husband and best friend who looks mighty fine in the new apron: Go Nova Scotia!!

I miss them; Greg misses them; my kids miss them... and we love them to the moon and back.

Like Mother, Like Daughter!?!

2008-01-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

Emma just HAD to make a Smilebox album to put on the blog! She is into my blog almost as much as I am. The kids love to look at it! So, here is the album that Emma put together this morning. It has a few repeat pictures, but it also has some cute ones of the kids dressed up for church. Remember: turn off my music on the side, and then push play on the Smilebox!! Enjoy Emma's creation!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Miles' Big Day!

2008-01-21T16:24:00.000-05:00

Miles had a really fun birthday (not without his share of tears...it's hard to be two!) If you'd like to view this scrapbook, first go and pause my music: click on the music player over on the right side and then click again on the "pause" button. Then, click on this scrapbook and navigate through it by clicking on the arrow in the bottom right corner. Enjoy!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Kindergarten Cutie!

2008-01-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

After I get over the initial shock of realizing that I have a six-year-old child, I am constantly amazed by how cute I think Emma is. Thank Heavens for mothers who find their own children irresistably adorable! Sometimes I wonder, is it just because I have spent so much time staring at that face? Or is it because I can see myself in her eyes? Or is it because she loves me and needs me so much? I don't know the reason, but I love being a mother and I love looking at my children. I had to take a picture of Emma this day because there was just something about her little braids and her new shirt (thank you Sokoloskis) that made her seem like the cutest little Kindergartner around!

Remembering....

2008-01-20T22:46:00.000-05:00

The kids are all asleep and I am feeling a little sentimental. I just looked back at the pictures of when Miles was born. That was such a scary time for us all (emergency c-section and all that jazz), but he came (finally!) and was so beautiful to me! I miss that little bundle of joy...

Two Years Ago!!

2008-01-20T22:02:00.000-05:00

I just couldn't resist posting this picture of Miles. He turned two today, so I thought I would snap some pictures before church (ignore the jacket covering up his very cute church clothes). He obviously had some objections to the whole picture-taking thing! That's okay, Miles, we still love you!

He is the sweetest little guy. I love him so dearly! Even that screaming face melts my heart. I can't believe it has been two years, but then it feels like I've had him forever (very cliche, I know). What an amazing two years it has been! Happy Birthday, bubby!

Luvin' Life

2008-01-16T16:10:00.001-05:00

Here's Emma ready to ride down the hill at my sister-in-law Laura's parent's farm. We got our fill of snow while in Utah. It was absolutely gorgeous, though, with blue skies and a perfectly white landscape...WOW!
Here's Mommy and Miles...my cute white ski suit is courtesy of my beautiful sister, Judi. Thanks, Jude, I looked adorable while sledding, thanks to you! Miles looks cute thanks to our dear Ohio friends, the Sokoloskis, who generously ship us their hand-me-downs and have kept us looking stylish for years now. I literally cannot thank them enough!
Here's Julia, all bundled up and ready to go...I could kiss that face. I finally got to meet little William. I wish I had a better picture of him, but I was too busy holding him whenever he was around. I miss him already. Judi is an amazing mom and she looks awesome--like she never had a baby at all! He was born on Thanksgiving Day.
Lucy, Emma, Kamree, and Julia--my girls and my sister Stalee's girls (minus Maggie!). We love cousins!! Oh, the hours of fun.
We had such a fun time while in Utah. It was so good to see everyone. I live so far away from home...it sort of recharges the old battery when I get to go home and visit. Now, I am ready for another six months or so!

Life Goes On...and so do we.

2008-01-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I got released from my calling as a Young Women leader. I have been a leader for the past year and have enjoyed it immensely. But, now, it is time for something different. That's just the way it goes in our church, and I love that about our church! I love that we all get to experience so many different things and work with so many different people. With every new calling, I have learned and grown in different ways. I can't wait to find out where I will be serving next!! But, in the meantime, I would be less than honest if I didn't say that it was extremely sad!! I love these Young Women. They are beautiful and faithful and so very strong. I have loved working with them and serving them, and I will miss that a lot. Here they are at our recent Youth Conference...in a primitive cabin...in the woods....freezing to death....but still laughing and smiling and having fun! I'll miss you girls! I love you all.

I know that the new leaders will be fantastic. I am so excited for them and for the girls. And now, life goes on...and so will I!

The Greatest Toy on Earth!

2008-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

These pictures didn't have a prayer! We all know that I lack in the area of picture-taking under the best of circumstances. Now, add in bouncing, flying children and...well...you can see for yourself. But, you get the idea! This is our new bounce house, or "jumper castle" as we like to call it. My parents gave it to us for Christmas and it has been an absolute hit. The kids are in it all day long. Miles is so crazy inside that we sort of fear for his life, but he loves to jump so much! Thanks Mom and Dad for hours of energetic fun! I am all for calorie-burning toys...so right now, this is the Greatest Toy on Earth for us! Now, if I could only find something that makes me want to exercise all day long...

Actually, these pictures are kind of cool...maybe I'm not as bad as I thought!

The Greatest Snow on Earth!

2008-01-05T10:49:00.000-05:00

We love the Utah snow...

My mom, me, and my sister Sunee: enjoying some warm sunshine!

I'm absolutely, positively NOT bored!

2008-01-03T17:02:00.000-05:00

I know you have all been holding your breath, just waiting for another installment on the Jacobsen blog...well, I am finally sitting down to add a new post and I started thinking, "My only excuse for not blogging for so long is that I have been absolutely, positively NOT bored!" Which means the opposite must be true: I only blog when I am bored! The ironic thing is that lately, I have had tons of "blogging" material, but I haven't had time to post it. And, yes, there have been days when I have been bored and wanted to write, but had nothing interesting at all to say. However, today is not a boring day...how could it be? I am on vacation (a last-minute, surprise vacation to visit my parents in Utah) and we are having a fabulous time. But, in the back of my mind I keep thinking of all of you who might be a little bit bored and looking for something new to read...so here's to you!

We had a fantastic Christmas. It seems like each year gets better. For one thing, our kids get older and more excited, and for another thing, our income slightly increases above the poverty level a little more each year! :) I wanted to post just a few Christmas pictures...I hope you all had as much fun as we did!

Our kids with the Sewell kids on Christmas Eve.

A little serenading??

New pajamas from Daddy before Santa makes his stop!

The girls in their new, very stylish, very sparkly, very shimmery P.J.'s!

Emma made "Reindeer Food" at school, and she very carefully spread it around the yard. I thought it was so cute to see her out there in the freezing night, spreading her bag of food!

Let it Snow!

2007-12-21T21:49:00.000-05:00

Talk about all dressed up with nowhere to go! It was 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning when we got the call that church was cancelled due to the freezing, snowy conditions. That was all well and fine, but we were all ready to go!! We couldn't exactly crawl back into bed. So, what do you do???? You hold your own Primary class...with Mommy as the teacher!! This was the most exciting thing to happen around here for like....EVER! We actually had a fabulous day because we spent it together. We played scripture games, read from "The Friend" (our FAVE magazine), sang songs, and made fudge... And, I just have to say it: YUM-O (sorry to anyone who might not care for Rachael Ray!).

Check out our "snowed-in" church time, and you WILL need to go over to the side and pause "my music" in order to hear the music with this slide show. Oh boy, that's confusin'! Whew! Anyway, here goes....Let it snow!!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Greg....

2007-12-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is kind of cheesy (okay, really cheesy!), but I was sort of thinking about this today as I rearranged the presents under the tree so that I could vacuum. I saw a couple of presents from Greg to me, and none of them simply said 'To: Rindi, From: Greg.' They all said something cute or sweet or funny. A smile crossed my lips and remained there while I ran the vacuum around the house. I kept thinking about what an amazing thing a marriage is. I am just thinking about the joys, and the tears we have shed together, the laughter, the hopes and dreams, or the times I have gripped his hands in the delivery room, when I have needed him so much, or the moments spent kneeling together praying for our family and our children, or the quick smiles we share when our kids are doing something special. We haven't been married that long, really, which only makes me more excited for the future. But, I love marriage, and I love that I know this is what my Father in Heaven wants me to be working on...because marriage is like that: it needs a lot of work! But, it is such a sweet relationship. And the rewards are endless. So, sorry if I have caused you to gag...I just wanted to put in my two bits about marriage today. And, Greg, since I know you will read this: I love you so much! And, I can't wait to spend another Christmas together!

THEN.....

NOW......

P.S. Since I was searching, I realized that Greg and I need to take more pictures together...there weren't many to choose from!!

O Christmas Tree!

2007-12-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

Gosh, I love this time of year! The kids are so excited...they are ready to burst. The tree is a bit disheveled by now. There are random ornaments hung on it (from school, from parties, etc.), and the branches are sort of knocked out of place. And, the real ornaments have been rearranged a hundred times, but there is nothing quite as pretty as a room lit by a Christmas tree. We love our tree...and notice our paper chain hanging from the branch! It started kind of long, and is getting awfully short. Christmas is just around the corner! I cannot believe it....where has the time gone? I hope I never forget the excitement of children or never lose that innocent childlike joy in my home! I love my kids...what a gift they are to me...the best gift I could ever want. Also, I'm so thankful to be celebrating our Savior's birth. Oh, how I love Him and need Him in my life. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

Santa!?!?!

2007-12-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

We went to a "Brunch with Santa" at the hospital on Saturday. We aren't sure why it is supposed to be fun to sit on some scary, hairy man's lap, but Emma realized how necessary it was to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. Good job, Emma! Santa won't forget what you told him (a pink guitar).Miles was slightly traumatized... oh by the way, he wants tools...
...and Julia wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole!!
Good thing Mommy filled him in on what she wanted, because she wanted the same thing last year, only he didn't bring it. We had hoped that all of the excitement of the new toys last year would make a two-year-old child forget what she had asked for, but NOPE she didn't forget and she STILL remembers this year that she wants a Dora Talking Kitchen!! Maybe now that she is three, Santa will get it right...as long as he forgives her for being terrified of him and she forgives him for messing up last year! Whew! It must be tough to be Santa Claus. :)

A Night on the Town

2007-12-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the blurry pictures...I'm horrible at taking pictures! This is the girls all dolled up for Greg's work party. We left Miles with my friend Christie and went out for a fun night on the town. The girls had such a good time and so did I! It's not everyday we get all cute and go out for a fun dinner!! Thanks Greg for showing us a great time! Thanks Christie for keeping Miles! The best part was the huge snowstorm that allowed Emma to stay home from school and made the backdrop for our night out so Christmasy and beautiful. Merry Christmas!

My Little Angel

2007-12-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

Emma was an angel in our church Christmas Pageant. I thought she looked so cute! She sang the song, "Stars Were Gleaming," with three other little angels. They did such a good job. I was so proud of my little angel! She is the one looking at the camera (second from the left).

Emma and Julia, before the pageant
Miles didn't really care much about the pageant...he just wanted to get to the nursery where he could do this....

...and this...Where is his cultural refinement?? We obviously need to work on that!

Holiday Hustle & Bustle

2007-12-12T22:41:00.000-05:00

Try as I might, I cannot stay on top of the holidays! Every year, I start thinking about my Christmas card picture in early November and then I think, 'Oh, I've still got time...' Somehow, I always seem to be scrambling to get it printed, packaged, and sent to the post office. And, the only thing my mom ever wants from her children for Christmas is a few select copies from our scrapbooks that year. It is actually really cute because she has a big book with scrapbook pages from all of us through the years. But that means getting caught up enough to photocopy and mail the pages in time. Last year was completely hectic!! But, this year I have gotten into digital scrapbooking and I am actually really caught up, I just need to get them printed. My biggest hurdle is probably the fact that I need to sit down and choose which pages are my favorites and the ones I want to send. Then, I haven't finished my shopping...not even close! And, to top things off: This year for Youth Conference with the youth at church (I am a Young Women's leader) we decided to do a January "roughing it" cabin-in-the-snow conference and I have a big hand in the planning, so that is also on my mind! Ughh.. I just want to relax and enjoy it all. Last night, Greg and I stayed up until almost midnight (WAY, WAY past my bedtime) putting together the gifts for the nurses and staff at the clinic.

Sparkling Cider (non-alcoholic of course!) & Popcorn! Good Job, Greg!

Greg nicely volunteered and I nicely helped him! Really, it was fun and wouldn't have taken us so long if we hadn't been so darn distracted by the ESPN year-in-review and "Best of ESPN" show that we were watching!! But, I made it to the post office today to drop off my cards, and I made it to the hospital to drop off these gifts, and I made it to the Young Women's activity to talk about our upcoming conference, and I even took the kids to the park for a tiny bit (it was sort of warmish--like a touch above freezing!), and now I am getting to blogging, which I have really wanted to do, but have put on the back burner for a few days. What a day! I'm glad it's done...and now I am going to bed. I've got another big day tomorrow! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2007-12-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

I've always wanted to make "real" gingerbread houses...but I figured the kids probably care more about slapping on the frosting and decorating the house than whether or not it is real gingerbread. So, we opted for the graham cracker option. And, it couldn't have been a better after-school project! Maybe someday I'll attempt the real deal, but for now here are some pictures of the girls and their creations. Yummy!

A Little Unexpected!

2007-12-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

I love being a mom! It is my dream come true. So, when I decided to start blogging, I thought it would be a great way to show off my kids (and for me to say one more time just how cute I think they are!). But, what I never expected was how peeking into everyone else's life would make me want to be better! I am blown away by all of the great moms out there: moms who adore their children, dress them up cute, produce crafts with them, bake treats for them, put on awesome birthday parties for them, travel with them, stay home with them and manage to grab the camera to capture it all. I love seeing so many moms who take their children to church, teach them to choose the right, and help them to grow and learn in a loving environment. I have been able to catch glimpses of moms who keep their houses looking nice, keep themselves looking nice, and keep their blog sites looking nice!!! The blogging world is huge and extensive and I really had no idea how much was out there, but I also really had no idea how many amazing moms were out there trying to raise amazing kids! I love seeing it firsthand. It is so encouraging. In a world so overwhelmed with problems, I want to say, "Hurrah for Mothers!!" We can do it!

Having said that, I got this fun idea from my sister Sunee (a fabulous mom) and thought I would try it out, too. See! Without blogging I may have never done this...and my kids loved it!! (Okay, maybe I would have done it since (as I mentioned before) we do talk on the phone a lot!) But still, I love the ideas I get from other moms! We baked homemade ornaments and then painted them for Family Home Evening.

Here is Emma holding up our cut-outs:

Miles was a little frustrated by this point...he only got to use play-dough and it all ended up on the floor. Such a sad face!

Here is Emma having a great time painting! She loves art! It is sort of exhausting for me to keep up with!
Julia loved it, too! Miles mostly liked the water and the paints. Is he getting the paint ONTO the ornaments? Not so much.
Even Greg joined in the fun (I think he likes art, too!).
I tried to help Miles, but...it was just too fun to swish the brushes in the water.
Here are the finished ornaments:
After we did this activity, my friend Christie did it with her family. Maybe she'll blog about it, too...and then maybe someone else will think it looks fun and try it and then the cycle continues... So, to all of the great moms out there: keep doing what you do and sharing snapshots from your lives. You make me want to be a better person! And that is an unexpected blogging side effect!!

P.S. For the recipe, visit Sunee's site. Just look under my links!

If You Don't Have To...

2007-12-01T22:16:00.001-05:00

If you don't have to put on these dusty beauties...

...to open this hot stove...

...to retrieve this pan of ashes, (which needs to be dumped outside in the frigid cold)...

...and then shovel coal from these barrels...

...to fill this bucket...

...to fill this stove...

...to heat your house, then maybe you should consider yourself fortunate the next time you adjust your modern, super-convenient thermostat!!! When we first moved in, I was like, "WHHHHAAATTT???!!??! A coal stove??? As in COAL???" But sure enough, it is coal, as in black and dusty. It was so mysterious to me at first. And it has remained very fascinating to me ever since! I try not to think about black lung while I am shoveling and small bits of powder are floating around me! But in reality, I love to talk about it and how warm and cozy it makes everything. Seriously, I love having a coal stove! And now that we moved the coal bin into our house, it's like a luxury! However, I am still so surprised that I have a coal stove in my house!!! Who would've ever thought? Of course, we have to drop the old Santa's-bringing-coal joke to our kids as often as we can, and Greg and I usually play "not-it" to see who has to tend to Old Bessie's daily needs, but overall, it has been a highly educational experience for me! You should try it...

And for my sister Sunee's benefit: Don't you think this deep, dark, dungeonous (is that a word?), door is super creepy? I'm slowly warming up to it (thanks to the heat from the coal stove, of course)!

Thanksgiving!

2007-11-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

Greg's out of town, so what am I doing??? Sitting here in my pajamas (it IS one o'clock in the afternoon...yikes!), scrapbooking and blogging!! How fun!

We had such a fantastic Thanksgiving hosting some of our friends. There were 28 people in my little house and it couldn't have been more enjoyable!!! I'm serious! Surprisingly, the kids all got along and played quietly in the basement, while the adults had plenty of time to laugh and talk and enjoy the good company. I feel so blessed to have such good friends...occasionally the line between family and friends gets very blurry. I didn't mention my friends in my "Things I am Thankful For" post, and I should have, because they are very dear to me!

So, here's a peek into our Thanksgiving Day: (remember, you navigate through it by clicking in the bottom right corner, or it might go on its own, but you can slow it down by pushing the pause button in the bottom right corner as well)!

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Lots of Pictures!!!

2007-11-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

My lovely sister-in-law Suzette needed some pictures of my kids for a Christmas thing she is putting together. I tried to e-mail them, but, alas, my e-mail program could in no way, shape, or form handle this many pictures (now, I know that all of you super savvy picture senders out there are thinking about how I should have compressed them or shrunk them or something like that, but I just didn't want to take the time to figure it out!). So, rather than send ten e-mails, I figured this might be the easiest way for me to send them. I apologize for the repeats!! I just wanted them all together for her... Enjoy the close-ups! Now, let's just hope that Suzette can figure out how to copy them off of here!! Oh what a crazy world we live in...

Gosh, they are cute! I could just kiss those cheeks!!!

Long Distance Sisters

2007-11-27T08:20:00.000-05:00

These are some very non-flattering pictures of me doing one of my favorite things! Greg must like to take random pictures of me with that thing stuck to my ear (thank heavens for portable!) Anyway, I entered the following little blurb into a sisterhood contest (trying to win us all a much-needed vacation) and, of course, I lost!! So, some of you may have read this before. But when I saw the lastest picture of me on the phone, I just had to post it! And it goes beyond sisters...aren't we all sisters anyway?

Ah, the telephone! That most beloved of all inventions—well, at least for girls. And while I am supposedly “all grown up” now with a husband, a house, and young children of my own, I still reach for my favorite thing—the phone—when I need some sisterly love. Over the years the sounds in the background may have changed (the current chaos consists of the splash of bath time, the clank of breakfast dishes, and the constant chatter of children) but the voices on the line are always the same. We talk about everything; we chat about nothing; we laugh; we cry; and sometimes we just listen, but somehow I feel as close as if my sisters were sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of me. Through the births of our babies, the buying of our houses, and the busyness of our full and hectic lives, those amazing phone lines have linked our hearts together forever. Life’s winding paths have taken me to new cities, new states, and eventually across the country, but I still have a shoulder to put my head on when I need a good cry. It just happens to be my own shoulder with the phone wedged tightly in between. At the end of the day, no matter what comes our way, I know that as long as the sun keeps rising and the phone keeps ringing, my sisters are only a phone call away.

Giving Thanks!

2007-11-23T21:19:00.000-05:00

One Thanksgiving holiday, some years ago, my dad sponsored a “Thankful Essay” contest amongst our family. By sponsor, I mean he offered a large cash prize to the winner of the contest! That was sufficient motivation for each of us to sharpen our pencils and begin spelling out exactly what we felt thankful for at that time in our lives. At the appointed hour, we gathered in the living room to share our heartfelt essays. From the simple words of the little ones, to the creative essays of those a bit older, we all listened as each of us shared our thoughts and feelings. That experience was filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of tears! In the end, my dad collected the essays and handed each of us a fifty dollar bill!! I remember feeling amazed at the payoff, but even more amazed by how rewarding that family moment was.

It has been years since that first contest, but many Thanksgiving holidays since, we have gathered around to share our essays. Ironically, the money was only passed around that first time, yet no one seems to have noticed its absence. Our family has grown significantly from that day, and while my husband, Greg, likes to chuckle at the level of girlish emotions in our house (he mostly has brothers –sorry, Jill!—and I mostly have sisters—six of them!—with one valiant brother as the oldest), the new members have been good sports about joining in the family tradition. And, I just have to say how much I love my family—every single one of them! I love the insight, the humor, the quirks, the laughter, and personality that make each person who they are. I miss them dearly, sitting here on the opposite end of the country, knowing most of them will be gathering for the holiday, but I feel happy knowing that more than just sharing a meal together, they will be sharing a lot of family love around the table.

I want to say thank you to my dad for inspiring me to “count my many blessings” today. I’d love to name them “one by one.” But here are just a few big ones that I thought I’d mention this Thanksgiving Holiday:

1. My Little Family

2. My Big Family
Greg's side of the family (in the Sacred Grove, Palmyra, New York!)

My side of the family (in my parents' yard!)

3. My Happy Home

4. My Amazing Husband

5. My Heavenly Father's Plan for Eternal Families

In front of the Washington, D.C. Temple (the thing that makes the rest of it worth it!)

As if right on cue, the newest member of our family arrived on Thanksgiving Day. Congratulations to my little sister Judi and her husband, Mike, and a warm welcome to little William!! I suppose he didn’t want to miss the family fun…adding one more thing to be thankful for—precious little babies straight from Heaven.

I love Thanksgiving! I love taking the time to think about all of the wonderful things in life... I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and to all of our family and friends: We Love You!

Mommy's Little Guy

2007-11-19T20:43:00.000-05:00

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I can't say enough about little boys. Mmmmmm....you could just kiss those cheeks continuously! I love my little guy. To view this slideshow, just click on it, let it load, and then navigate through it by clicking in the bottom right corner! Enjoy!

Apple Pie!

2007-11-18T15:39:00.000-05:00

Emma and Julia with our unbaked apple pie!

During the summer, I read the book, "A Gift from the Sea," by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (I hope I got that right!). My sister, Sunee, recommended it to me, so I went to my local library and checked it out. It is a small book and an excellent read...especially for busy women! I don't remember the whole thing, but I do remember a few parts.

She talked about baking bread. Fresh homemade bread is somewhat inconvenient now that we have so many options at the grocery store. But you can't beat homemade bread--the smell, the warmth, or the quiet time spent rolling out the loaves. Our world is so convenient now, but it is so rushed, so fast-paced, so hectic, so demanding...as women, do we ever stop and refresh ourselves? Are we able to see the fruits of our labors at the end of the day? How wonderful it feels to see five loaves of warm bread resting on the counter at the end of the day!

Yesterday afternoon, just as I was buckling the girls into the car for a quick trip to Wal-mart, Greg got paged and needed to go into the hospital for the second time that day. With sighs all around, I unbuckled the kids and we went back into the house so that we could stay home with my napping Miles. Trying to cheer us all up, I decided to bake an apple pie (something I have maybe never done before!). It turned out the be such an enjoyable afternoon...and when Greg got home a while later, I couldn't have felt better about myself. That night, as we ate delicious, warm apple pie with ice cream, I was overwhelmed by my happiness at this small domestic act (Greg was pretty proud of me, too!). It's not that I never do anything domestic--it's just that it felt good to create something so inconvenient, so out of the ordinary, but very visible. I kept thinking of Anne's book and how I was doing something so old-fashioned and fun. I went to bed refreshed and full! And it was great to do with my girls! They thought I was the best 'baker' ever! May we all take time to do something for ourselves this busy time of year!

Here's the finished product!

Believe me, it was yummy! And I hope to do it again...soon.

Aren't They Cute?

2007-11-17T07:52:00.001-05:00

Isn't it amazing how much you love your own kids?? And, for some reason, your own kids are about the cutest thing you have ever seen--from the moment you first lay eyes on them! Poor Miles has to wear pink sunglasses, I know. Things around here are pretty much pink and purple most of the time. We are trying to convert, however! After talking to my sister Katie and hearing how shocked and appalled she was that we didn't own even ONE play gun or sword, I went to the dollar store and bought two swords! Emma and Julia had a great time with them at first, until Miles attacked us all, whacking our arms and heads with his sword!! After tears from the girls and much laughter from Miles, we put the swords away. I sat back and thought, okay, that was very boyish! Now, I feel much better about my parenting! But for now, I think they are adorable in their pink shades...especially the one where Miles is tipping up his glasses and acting all cool. And, lest anyone should worry, there isn't even an ounce of girlishness in that boy. He is a bruiser all around!

Keeping up with Julia...

2007-11-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

I love three-year-olds--they are big kids, but still little kids. Julia is funny almost every day! The other day, she drew an 'X' and then a lower-case 'T' and said to me, "Mom, guess which one is the X." Well, of course I pointed to the X, to which she replied, "Nope, you're wrong." I tried to tell her that I wasn't wrong and that that one was in fact the X. Then she looked at me all serious and said, "That's kind of tricky for you, huh Mom?" :)

A Day in Kindergarten

2007-11-15T20:11:00.001-05:00

There is something so all-American about kindergarten children dressed up as Pilgrims and Indians singing Thanksgiving songs for their parents! It seems like the day your baby is born, you have this flash of things that will now be a part of your future. For me, I pictured soccer, bike riding, school days, high school sports, graduation, college, marriage, and of course, singing in the Kindergarten program.

Well, check one experience off of my list, because today I got to witness my very own kindergartner decked out in Pilgrim garb, singing (granted, very shyly) songs about Turkeys being "gobbled" up and Indians with their bows. She looked adorable, far too grown up, and very pleased to see me sitting on the front row with my multiple cameras shooting away.

Of course, she had to be on the back row most of the time, probably because she is tall! Yeah, I know how that feels!! But it was still very cute. After the program, we all went to the cafeteria and had a hearty (yep, school lunch is still school lunch) Thanksgiving Feast!! (And, yep, "hearty" is the best word I could think of to describe it!).

And since I am on the subject....I just have to say that school has been the most pleasant surprise ever! I had worried about it for so long (as had Emma). I cried the day I took my little baby to the school and dropped her off for her first day. I anxiously waited for the day to end so that we could be reunited. Somewhere in all of that, I never stopped to consider that it might be the most exciting thing in Emma's life. She rushes home to tell me about the fun things that happened, and then rushes to tell me about what will happen the next day. I have watched her change and grow and learn in ways that I could have never taught her. I never expected her pure excitement for each new day. And the funny thing is, it is sort of exciting for me, too! It was the first cut of the apron strings...and yes, it hurt just a bit, but then it healed. And, we are still as close as ever, but in a different and better (less obsessive!) way. So, hat's off to Kindergarten!! Pilgrim hats, that is.

Girls, Bows, and Lots of Hairspray!

2007-11-13T18:44:00.000-05:00

Hair fixing is really fun for me!! Crazy, I know! Luckily, Emma is a pretty good sport about letting me try new creations. We just couldn't let Crazy Hair Day come and go without doing something different. Those stray pieces used to be sticking straight up!! She even got her picture on the big bulletin board at school! She has lots of hair, and she's so cute! I love Emma! And, I wish I looked that cute on my multiple crazy hair days...oh well, I can't have everything!

Can you believe it? We have a blog!

2007-11-13T08:29:00.000-05:00

I have been debating for awhile whether or not to actually have a blog (I actually started this a long time ago and then didn't tell anyone!). I worried that I would become totally addicted to this, and then I would turn into the Mom who is trying to blog about how cute her kids are while either ignoring them or screaming at them to leave her alone! Also, so many of our friends have such cute blogs--it is daunting to start one of my own when I KNOW it won't be nearly as spectacular!

But, then I was talking to my best friend/cousin Emily (who has a fantastic blog) and she told me that she has been reconnected with so many of her friends/family/roommates with whom she had lost touch. Well, I started to think, I have so many friends that I wish I still kept in contact with...not to mention all of the family we have spread all over the country (and Canada!!). Maybe I can do this without spending too much time on it!!

So, from the very beginning, I just want to admit that it might not be the fanciest, prettiest, or most amazing blog ever, (hey, that kind of sounds like us!) but I can promise you it will be a blog! And, if it helps us to keep in touch with family and friends, then hallelujah! One thing we have learned while moving around the country is that there are fantastic people where ever we go! We move in, get to know and love them, and then move on and eventually lose touch. That has always been sad to me. Maybe that can change for a few of us!!

Now, I need to go play baby dolls with Julia--we are going to the beach with them (I am already supposedly sitting on the sand...ohhh that sounds lovely) so that's it for now! Thanks for reading our very normal blog!

2007-11-12T22:26:00.001-05:00

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2007-11-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

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