Grandpa

My Grandpa passed away this last Tuesday.  My mom volunteered herself along with me to help put pictures together to display at the funeral.  It was such a treat as I've never seen any of these pictures before.  Or even any of my grandparents from their early years.  I thought I'd share just a few of my favorites.

Grandma and Grandpa, Driggs, Idaho.  I think about 1945(?).   Not quite married.

Grandpa served in the military for 2 years.  First in Camp Roberts, CA and later in both Germany and Torino, Italy.  Just as he was called to the front lines, the war ended.

 Grandpa home on furlough:

My Grandpa came from a teeny, tiny town in Idaho.  Love his cowboy hat.

The home computer is down. We had a wonderful Christmas though. The kids got the big things they wanted. McKay was so excited about everything he got, even if it was "boring" stuff like clothes and a thermos.(aren't we cool parents?) Sophie was a little disappointed she didn't get a Rapunzel doll. In my defense (and Santa's) she didn't really make it well known how much she wanted one. But she did get a lot of other things she wanted and a few happy surprises as well. Lyndsi seemed really happy with her haul as well, especially the shaved ice stand she received for her dolls. Kids plus Christmas equals the best.

We've spent the week playing and cleaning up the mess. It's been great. Everyone is back to a regular schedule soon which is sounding just as nice.

Overcome

Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson was from Revelations. I noticed the teacher constantly referring our need to overcome. It was one of those lessons that feels specifically for you-or rather me in this case. I love it when someone says something in a way that changes my perspective.

Because of that lesson I've been working on "overcoming" this week. Overcoming clutter. My Christmas to-do list. Sin and mistakes. A sore knee. My dislike of making my kids cold lunch. It's been good. Overcoming I'm finding requires change, though. Never an easy thing. Not only do you have to remember that you are trying to be different and better but you have to actually do something about it. Constantly. Even when you don't want too. Even when it seems impossible. But you do it because you have reached a level of commitment with yourself where there is no going back.

I'm really looking forward to sending my off-track kids back to school.  I've loved having them home (mostly), but I'm not getting any Christmas stuff done. Fortunately they go back on Monday.  Wahoo!!

Earlier this month we headed out to Denver to visit Jeff's parents.  Last time we drove I-70 there.  Yuck.  And I-80 back.  Double Yuck.  This time we flew.  Awesome.  The kids did spectacularly on the flight.  Even with the hour delay.  Going through airport security with 4 little kids is quite a feat, I'll tell you.  The kids were great.  Six people with one back pack each, plus laptop, plus purse, plus stroller is a lot of stuff.  It was totally worth it though to see the kids excitement through the whole process.  On the way home (a 7-something a.m. flight) we had several people compliment us on our well-behaved children and baby.  (Like I could control the baby's behavior. lol.)  If dirt cheap flights ever come up again, I'd fly with them again in a heart beat.

While there we took the kids back to the Natural History Museum.  This time we checked out an exhibit all about our bodies, health, etc. McKay loved it. No, he really loved it.  We went the first day and he asked to go back every day after.  We were able to take the girls to the American Girl store as well.  Let's just say there was a lot of love that weekend. :)  Sadly, we found out too late there is a Lego store in the same shopping center.  Next time, McKay.

How fun to run into good friends far from home.  Terry, our old neighbor, has been doing a lot of work in Denver.  Jeff called him up and invited him over for dinner.

And just for fun. Sophie was channeling her inner Lady Gaga.  Never mind the fact that she doesn't know who Gaga is. :)

1st Birthday- Twice!!

Chloe is one now.  Where did the time go?  It makes me a little sad that she's so big now.

Obviously she's a little sad about it, too.  But she is such a fun kid.  She loves to entertain our whole family.  She really loves to tease her big brother though.  And he eats it up.  :)  She's still crawling everywhere and toothless.  I'm ok with that.  She does stairs in both directions, cruises along the furniture, handles a sippy cup well and does a little baby jabber.  She is best at being the center of attention and pulling funny faces to make us laugh.

Chloe celebrated her birthday first with Gma and Gpa Maynes in Denver.  Jeff set a huge piece of cake down in front of her.  She poked around a little bit and then picked up the piece and started shoving it in her mouth.  It was Grandpa's favorite moment of our trip. :)

We celebrated again later with my parents.  She loved playing with the boxes before they were unwrapped, and playing with all her new things once they were unwrapped.  She cuddled her baby, read her books, and pushed lots of buttons. The exception would be the doll stroller/walker.  I think it scared her when it moved on her.  She still doesn't love it, but it will come.

We love our little Chlo-bug and are so glad she's a part of our family!

Hello, sad little blog

I've missed you.  A lot.  While we've been apart, I've done lots of fun things.  Both with friends and family.  Like having silly Twilight parties

Going to the pumpkin patch:

A trip to the cabin:

Celebrating Halloween:

In between all the fun stuff and yummy food I get to eat this time of year, it's just been the same-ol' thing.  Homework, dance, soccer, piano.  Oh.  Not for me.  My kids do all these things.  I just mostly try to keep the mess to a minimum, hunger under control (theirs and mine-hehe), and some good quality time with this cute guy I kinda like. ;)  Lyndsi has started her orthodontic visits at the beginning of the month and just last week she had her expander put in.  She's not loving it.  It's hard to eat and talk, and she has a new slurping issue that didn't existed prior to her new appliances.  McKay is doing well in school and is reading Harry Potter.  Sophie couldn't be happier to be in kindergarten.  K-kids are the best!  And Chloe.  My sweet little angel.  She's so big and is so delightful to have around.  She loves to entertain us all!  It's been a great October.  We really should catch up more.  Maybe we can do lunch sometime?  Mwah!

Love,
Me

September in a Flash

4 miles in
2 nights
4 miles out.
6 miles in between.
7 lakes (at least)
Too much trail food
Little Weight
No compass needed.
4 friends
1 awesome backpacking trip

Lots of junk
Giggly girls
Silly moms
Always a craft
Uplifting thoughts
Time away from boys
And presents! (Hey! That was mine!!)
Forever a good time
Marchant Girls Weekend in Park City

Butterflies
Fairies
Makeup
Music
Dancing
Food
Impromptu Fairy party/Costume Picnic

First.
Ever.
Principal Pride Award.
Happiness.