Magic Kisses

I'm finally back! I have spent every spare moment and then some on working on my parents, in laws, and sister-in law's gifts and finally got them DONE, Yay! I guess you could say I have a little OCD in me, some would say a lot of OCD but who are "they" to judge.

I have noticed lately that everytime my kids get hurt instead of running to me for a KISS to make it all better they run for the BANDAIDS! Since when did bandaids make everything all better. I mean come on Mothers are supposed to kiss the owie all better. I guess if you're bleeding a bandaid is good to STOP the bleeding but when did they become so magical that all is well after the bandaid is placed on the owie? I don't even stoop to getting the fun action figure or fun bandaids just the plain old run of the mill ones. Even Cortlynd has to put a bandaid on her finger because it is "hurting", no open wound, no cut, no blood! The last time Gavin came in crying I said, "Do you want me to kiss it all better?" He looked at me like I was crazy. "That doesn't help" he cries. So I say to the "All Powerful Bandaid" I will fight you to the death! The death I say! I won't let you take my magic from my kisses!

I was greatful to find that I do still have the "magic touch" when it comes to scary dreams. Graham came in our room the other night crying that he had a bad dream. He went to Darren's side of the bed as they all do because Mom doesn't always let them in bed. It was such a bad dream for him that just being with us was not enough for him to go back to sleep. He kept crying so my sweet husband suggested to sing a song. They both proceeded to softly sing 3 songs together but that still didn't help he was still crying so he wanted to get in the middle to be by me. I held him tight and suggested he say a prayer. Which he asked if I would say it for him. After my prayer he said "I can't close my eyes because I keep picturing my scary dream." I asked if he wanted to talk about it which he did. Then I said he sould think of good things to think of but that didn't help either. I finally had a thought to remind him what I have told him before when he is scared at night. "I am filled with faith not fear." That was all it took he said it 3 times and his breathing slowed and he fell back to sleep in my arms. It was amazing to witness the faith of a little child!

Our First Significant Snowfall

Gavin couldn't wait to get out and go sledding at the first sign of snow. We have this tiny mole hill by our house that he had a blast of a time going down. I had to join in on the fun but thought it would be fun to try and document the experience. Now, being the perfectionist that I am with my picture taking (don't get this confused with a professional photographer, which I am far from,) most of the following pictures would have been deleted but that wouldn't document how much fun we truly had. Even looking at them now, brings back joyful memories! I had a really hard time getting us both in the picture while sledding down the hill as I took the pictures as you will see.

I think this one was posed but it looks as if I'm being choked.


We got two fun filled days out of our snowfall. Today we built a huge snowman that my neighbors son had to help me lift the middle piece up on the base because it was so heavy but we ran out of time finishing the snowman with a face etc. so I never took the final picture. I just thought it was cute because Gavin had a hard time pushing the ball of snow when it got so big.

Enjoying the Journey

For the last several months I have felt an overwhelming need and desire to be with my children more than just our normal time together. I have ached to spend more time with them and it has really hit me, especially with Gavin, that my days with them are numbered. Next year Gavin will be in Kindergarten and I will only have half a day with him. I don't even see Cortlynd some days before nearly 5:oo p.m. and Hunter and Graham are also always on the go. Where has all the time gone? I had heard this before but I have never felt it or understood it so strongly. I struggle with finding things that everyone wants to do or even will be willing to do together now that we have both older and younger kids. Some days I just wish we could live on a remote island somewhere, where the only thing we could do was to work and play together as a family in order to survive. I long for a simpler life.


This school year I have recognized the inspiration from my Heavenly Father to really spend time playing with Gavin for hours and letting go of all the things that I thought I had to get done first (they will always be there) before I could "have fun." I treasure this time with him but feel sad that I didn't do this more especially with Graham and even with Hunter. I am grateful that there is still time and I take each moment that I can to spend with each of my children! I loved what President Monson said in his talk "Finding Joy in the Journey" in this last General Conference. It was everything I had been feeling and trying to emulate. These are some of my favorite things he said:


"Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes. This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly. (I loved this and it has stuck with me.)

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4

Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed.

Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Take the time to read his whole talk again it is so eloquent and uplifting!
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-26,00.html



Yesterday I heard that Lindsay Sandstrom who was one of my young women in our ward from Highland, passed away on Oct. 24, 2008 from a terrible car accident. I was in shock to think that this beautiful bubbly beehive (as I remember her) had past from this mortal existence at the tender age of 16. She and her older sister Kaylee were such great examples and I loved knowing them and being apart of their lives for the short time I lived there. http://jaredandjocelynsallee.blogspot.com/2008/10/lindsays-obituary.htmlI recently heard a new song from Hilary Weeks. It reminds us that each day is important, and to spend each day doing what matters most with those we love.

We never know what each day will bring, time will be gone before we are ready. Hold your children a little tighter, laugh a little longer, be thankful for your blessings, love more and complain less.

"If I Only Had Today"

It seems like I've watched a million sunsets
And stared at a thousand full moons

Sometimes it feels like I've been here forever

And sometimes it all feels brand new

I could never count the heartbeats

From the day I was born until now

But not a single one goes unnoticed

By Him who breathes life in me somehow.

But if there were no more tomorrows
If I knew that I could not stay

I know how I'd spend every moment

If I only had today.

I'd hold you and listen

And I'd let the dishes sit in the sink

I'd tell you I loved you over and over

And for once I'd just let the phone ring

Then I'd remind you of forever

And how our love would never change

If I only had today.

I'd wake up before the sun did

And I'd watch as you quietly sleep
I'd pray for time to move slowly

Knowing the moment won't keep

All the gifts that Heaven has given

Every blessing that's come my way

Wouldn't mean anything without you

So if I only had today.

I'd hold you and listen

I'd memorize every detail of your face

I'd tell you I loved you over and over

I wouldn't let excuses get in the way

Then I'd remind you of forever

And how our love would never change
If I only had today.

There's no time like the present

Life doesn't come with any guarantees
The sun will set and time won't wait.
So while I have today

I'll hold you and listen

I'll let the dishes sit in the sink

I'll tell you I love you over and over

For once I'll just let the phone ring.

And I'll remind you of forever

And how our love will never change

Because I have today

http://hilaryweeks.com/

The Heber Valley Girls

Before the Century began.

We are Pumped!

Tana, Me, Kim, and Mylissa at Lunch.

Pulling into the FINISH!

O.K. so I went a little over board on the pictures. Truethfully I elimanated several but I am knd of proud of all of us that accomplished this that I wanted to share it with others. I have to start off by thanking my sweet husband who was there for nearly 8 hour experience driving along, cheering me on and taking pictures! He only left to watch Gavin during his soccer game and get the kids situated.

The Heber Century is an amazing ride! I use the word ride loosley beacuase though it wasn't a timed race, riding a 100 miles in one day is quite the challenge especially this praticular century. We started at 8:00 am in Heber, went over to Midway, then over Jordenelle to Fransis, Oakley, past Rockport to Wanship, to Coalville then back over the freeway passing back through each of the previous towns on the loop back to Kamas and Fransis then over Jordenelle back to Heber! (That was a mouthful.) There were some good climbs in each 25 mile leg of the ride especially the last 25 miles or so. It took us just under 8 hours to ride the whole 107 miles including our pit stops, 6 1/2 hours on the bike, OUCH!

For me it was as much mental as it was physical. I broke the ride down in 25 mile sections, looked at the elevation levels before hand to prepare myself mentally, and listened to some great tunes on my Ipod. Unfortunately it died the last hour of the ride. I trained for this ride by working on climbing hills rather than the miles. The 2 weeks before I climbed over Jordenelle to Kamas and back and felt that even if I was left to go at it alone I could do it!

Though this was not my first completed century, (I finished the Little Red Riding Hood which goes through the beautiful area of Cache Valley in June of this year and only 57 miles in the Zion's Century in January this year.) it was one that I wanted to prove to myself that I could accomplish. I went with some amazing girls who I owe a lot to. Thanks especially to Tana and Kim for sticking with me even when they could have gone ahead at a faster pace. You know you are AWESOME. You both are also thoughtful and gracious.

Between around mile 60-70 or so I hit a low. I had even popped a caffine filled gummie something or other but just felt myself straining to keep up. I knew that if I could just make it to the next pit stop I would be fine. During this section of the ride Kim was kind enough to bike alongside me. She could tell I was fading fast and asked for my water bottle. I tried to take the lid off for her but couldn't and continue to ride, she proceeded with what seemed like seconds to take off my lid rip open a package and pour in some electrolytes all while riding her bike. I was oblivious to this until she handed it back to me. I was focused just on pedaling. Her kindness made the difference for me, I made it to the next pit stop and felt great the rest of the way!

I was wiped out once I got home, after taking my great anticipated shower I was unable to do much but lie around for the rest of the day but was pleasantly surprised to find that I was not sore the next day.

We were blessed with the most perfect weather we could ask for, not to mention beautiful fall colors everywhere! I had a fleeting thought after finishing the ride that maybe I didn't NEED to do that century again but the very next day I was excited to do it next year. So for any of you out there that want to take this challenge to do this either again or for the first time I will be planning on it so come join me!

"It Looks Like it's a 100 MILES But it's Not!"

Doing some tricks along the way

Riding up the hill!

This is the hill he biked up!

Gavin (who is 5) said he wanted to ride his bike to preschool. Over the summer I refused to drive the kids to their piano lessons, swim lessons etc. and told them we were going to save gas and get some exercise. They all did great but I had always had Gavin in the bike trailer while I biked to and fro thinking he would get to tired. But he did a great job biking all the way to preschool yesterday he only had to stop a few short times. The first time he yelled out that his bike wouldn't go anymore. I saw that his backpack strap was caught in the chain. I was able to get it out and then we were off again with the backpack on my back this time. When we were 2/3 of the way there he says "It looks like we've been going a 100 miles but its not huh?" What felt like a 100 miles to him was an AMAZING total of 2.07 miles! It was pretty flat except for a small hill just at the end. He was almost to the top of the hill when he said "I just can't take it anymore" I said look we are almost there and he just kept on going! Another cute thing he said along the way was "My hands are getting tired and they are say to stop but my legs are saying keep on going, keep on going!" I am so proud of him. If he keeps this up I'll have a new partner for my century rides in a few years!

A Feeling of Peace Among the Hustle and Bustle of New York

Our last day in New York we really wanted to attend sacrament meeting and see the temple. We had heard that they held church meetings in the temple. We finally found out when the meetings were held and the four of us (all small town country girls) made our way by subway to the temple. We were so proud of ourselves that we were finally able to figure it out. Sad to say that when we got there there was a sister Missionary standing outside to tell us that the meeting house section of the temple was under renovation. We were disappointed but so glad we had made the trip to see this beautiful modest temple in the middle of this huge city among skyscrapers.

Some More Big Apple Pics

It was so fun to go to the American Girls store. Unfortunately we only had a few minutes to spend before it was time to go to the airport.
Central Park

Watching Legally Blonde

The REAL New York Experience

If you've ever been to New York you may have noticed the street venders on the sidewalk selling things; perfume, souviners, purses etc. Well when we got off the subway in China Town an Asian man whispers to Mel "I show you designer purses!" He flashes a picture of some designer purses and says "Come." Mel follows him and the rest of our group follows her across the street, down anther sidewalk and then he opens up this dirty old door that leads upstairs. "Come quickly." He says. Meanwhile we are all saying to Mel "No! Let's GO!" "Come now or I get other people" he says. Mel insists that she will not go without her family and she grabs us by the arm and shoves us through the door "We are all going!" she says. My mom and I give eachother looks as if this may be our last good-bye and I keep close to Cort. As we are walking up the dimly lit staircase I notice how it looks as if it should be condemed but there is a tatoo parlor off to the side and we go up another flight of stairs. I was about to loose it and turn around when all of a sudden several women with stuffed black garbage bags pass us on the way down saying "It was really worth it!" We are all still quite scared especially when he unlocks a door, funnels us through and then locks us in. The rooms are all falling apart and dimmly lit and he takes us to a very small room with tons of purses. Some of our group purchase a few purses but they wanted us to make a purchase within a few minutes so they could bring more unsuspecting victims. I tried but to no avail could get them down to the price I wanted to pay so they said it was time for us to go.

So then it became the "mission" of eveyone else to "help" me get a purse since everyone including Cortlynd had bought at least one purse if not 15! (Cynthia) By the last evening Cynthia with her charm bought a cute green purse for me for the price I wanted to pay! Yeah!

Later in the trip we notice that "others" sell purses on the street from a bag at night. We were walking back late one evening when a guy whispers agian to Mel. How do they know that she will say yes? She follows him around the corner out of the light of the business and behind an electrical box on the street corner. He looks around for cops and opens up his bag of purses. A few minutes later a cop car drives by and he gets pretty nervous. We thank him and pull Mel away. She just laughs at both experiences and says "I just wanted you all have the REAL New York experience!!!

Stardust Diner

Kristy and Cynthia found this great diner where the waiters/waitresses sing songs from table to table in between serving. It was really fun and they all had great voices. All of them work on and off Broadway in minor roles too. We even noticed one of them at "Legally Blonde" the next day. I was surprised when all of a sudden this guy sat on my lap and started serenading me

Adventures with Mel

My Maralyn Monroe Impersonation

Mel and I with "Blinkie"

"D.J. Slim"

Chris

My sister in law Melanie is all about the adventure. If you want to have fun stick close to Mel cause you'll never forget your experience! We were on the 102 floor of the Empire State Building and I was wishing I had bought the "Empire State Building A Guide to the Views Souvenirs Map" like my wise sister in law Kathy. I kept looking out each window and didn't know what I was looking at. I mentioned this to Mel and she felt the same way. She asked attenedent if it were possible to go back to the souvenir shop (5th floor?) and then come back up. Yeah right like they let you do that. But Mel can get anyone to do anything you know. So she radioed down and got the o.k. Simple right? Well not exactly it. The elevator attendent told us to make sure we say we were Vinny's cousin and that we needed to get back up to the 102 floor. We thought he said to talk to Vinny's cousin. Well we get down to the shop and find the attendent who was radioed with our ok she told us to go back to the shop but make sure not to get in the line to go the rest of the way down. She said they would try to tell us we couldn't go back up but to try to find her. Well once in the shop we found out we couldn't purchase the books there that they were only sold on the 1st floor. So we talked to another attendent who said that if we talked to "D.J. Slim" that he might let us go down and then back up but we had to call him "D.J. Slim" loud enough for him to hear. So that's what Mel did. She called out to him and they both started laughing. Well he gave us the ok and said to talk to Chris on the 1st floor. So we get down there and buy our wonderful maps. We make our way back to Chris who lets us skip the enormous line and sends us back up to the 5th floor. We are welcomed by D.J. Slim and he tells us that the other guys name was "Blinkie". We talk to Blinkie and he tells us that he was the one to nickname everyone. He calls himself Blinkie because he always blinks. He even told us the name of the girl on his floor that we talked to was "Babyface". (It was straight out of a movie.) Blinkie got us up to the observatory and found our original elevator attendent who took us up to the 102 floor. Of course by the time we made it up everyone else was ready to leave (or had already left in Cort's case). We looked around with our newfound maps and enjoyed ourselves. On our way down to the observatory we mentioned to the nice guy that we never found cousin. He laughed at us and said "I told you tell them that you were Vinn'ys cousin." He said I'm Vinny! Who knew? (It was hard to undertand the thick New York accent at times.)

LOBSTER Anyone???

We ate at a wonderful seafood resturant. Great service/fun waiter! (Very expensive but Mel was gracious enough to take care of the bill.) I ordered lobster I was just surprised that I got the whole thing eyes, antenea, claws, and all yike s! My nieces were quite freaked out about it
and it became the joke of the evening! We then thought it would be fun to play a joke on our waiter by telling him that we couldn't pay but Brooke and Jaime would do the dishes instead. Of course none of us could keep a straight face and they couldn't even get the words out so we left him a nice tip in change! It was a fun night.