The Latest

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in our lives, and especially our own. 

We got him a grill because he's hot, and because he likes to play with fire.

AND...

We made it to Idaho! Today is our first Sunday here.

Here are some recent pictures, in no particular order.

Jedi Matt, on our front porch.

Gabriella, the flower girl.

#1 Dad, and #1 Lunch Maker

(steak, shrimp, garlic bread, grilled veggies, cantaloupe, strawberry lemonade, and cheesecake.)

By the new grill.

Current sleeping arrangements...

Squishy Cheeks

Happy brothers share a Saturday morning.

Smiley Sleepy

Mia makes Gabriella supremely happy.

More squishy cheeks.

Silly girls.

Our environs.

Happy sisters share a Saturday morning.

The End.

For Now.

Our Newest Addition: Welcome Mia!

Friday, April 24, 2009.

Five plus one equals six.

Just What I Always Wanted

My thirtieth birthday came and went. I can't help but feel grateful that I have just what I always wanted to have when I turned thirty. And the happiness keeps growing. 

Number Four...

I'll be doing this again in eleven days, if it doesn't happen before then. Can one ever really be ready for it? At this point I'm thinking, "No!"

A Long Time Coming

We are alive, despite the two month hiatus from the blogging world.

We finally left California, one of the happiest days of my life!

We bought a dental practice in Grangeville, ID, one of the happiest days of my life! We'll be taking visitors, but, you'll want to come after we have a house.

We're closing on a house in about a month, and while we wait, me and the children are living in UT with my parents. Mickey works Tues-half of Fri, and commutes every weekend to be with us. Since I will deliver my baby in UT the end of April, I have to be here the second week of April. For those of you doing the math, that means I'll be in UT with the children for the next two months. 

Now for the fun link. Here is the Grangeville, ID newspaper article about the big life change for us. Hope you enjoy! http://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/IFPBusiness1.shtml

Christmas ON Killarney!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's a White Christmas in Utah. After 6 am presents, we ate the traditional Christmas breakfast, then geared up for playing the in foot + of new fallen snow. Here are some teaser pictures of our Christmas morning. Grandpa drove our van and pulled us on sleds for 2 1/2 hours. There are lots of pictures, so I'll make a quick video and post them all later for those relatives who care. We love and miss you all!

To the Campbells: Hope you're enjoying the sun! 

Winter in California

It's a joke! I talked to my family today who had a clean house, that smelled of cookies, with snow falling outside. In CA, it's sunny outside, messy inside, and no cookies! We only drink hot chocolate because it tastes yummy, and not because we're cold; the air conditioner still needs to be run. We went to the amusement park recently. Check out the blue skies, short sleeves, smiles, and lack of coats. Then shed a tear for us and our nonexistent snowmen. (*Sniff!*)

Happy Birthday, Dad/Grandpa

I made this little three-minute movie for my dad's birthday. I've posted it for those relatives who care. Love you, Daddy!

                                           

Mitt, Boy, and Gabby

Gabby is getting...well...very gabby. I guess we had it coming when we started calling her that. She calls Mickey, "Mitt" or, "Nicky", and Matthew is, "Matt" or more commonly, "Boy". Not sure where that one comes from, except maybe because sometimes we call him, "Mattboy".

At any rate, she has enhanced her powers over the men in her life by yelling their names with her directions for them. We hear, "Mitt! Help! Miiiitttt!!!!" and, "Boy! No, Boy!" (This one we actually heard screamed during Sacrament meeting last week.) She's also discovered that adding their names to her affectionate whispers and kisses has endeared her even more to them (if that's possible). "Love you, Mitt." "Hi, Boy! Love you, Boy." SMACK!

Motherhood

A good mommy knows that she has to take her babies everywhere, and she does so with a smile. Such is Gabriella...even on the potty. Gabriella has three babies, which fill her arms all day long. She says goodbye to them in a mournful voice when we go to pick up Mickey from school. She greets them with shrill salutations when we return. She smears them with Vaseline and lotion. She reads them books, her favorite being the Stake Directory. They are always covered in her kisses. They each have a place on her pillow and under her blanket. She is hurt when we don't pay attention to them, so we all have to give kisses to them and talk in baby voices to them. She tends to each one, and loves them dearly. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture yet of her with all three, which she has named, Lolly, Baby, and Trisha. It amazes us how strong her mothering instinct is. We love her feminine ways!

Add girl, mix well, enjoy!

It's official. 

We're having another daughter, due May 1st! We're thrilled! Everything looks healthy, and we feel extremely blessed. What's better than a new baby?!?

Name choices:

Mickey: Lola

Matthew: Poke

Gabby: Beebee

...probably won't be any of those...

Hair!

I put sponge rollers in Gabby's hair on Saturday night during the time period when I usually clean the house. Thus, the cute pictures of Gabby and the messy house.

Gabriella was thrilled with the whole process. She absolutely pranced in front of the mirror.

Sleeping in Mickey's shirt.

She posed herself with her puppy and "Lolly" the dolly. 

Sunday morn, before church.

When Little Mickey saw her hair, he giggled and announced, "Well, that's new!"

"She looks just like Cherie."

Then I giggled.

The back view.

After church.

And I have bangs again. 

She's at it again...

I'm not sure what to say about this post. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Please note the way Gabby lifts her chin in order to see from underneath her bangs. 

It's so painful to grow out bangs, isn't it?

It wore off after several days. 

Finally

For Colie. At your request, I've posted more pictures than I normally do. Of course, I was happy to oblige.

:D

We went to UT for Halloween weekend.

The annual pre trick-or-treat feast. Can't you almost taste the soup?

Luigi and Mario, aka, Matt and Mickey. Pose not prompted. 

Miss Chiff, aka, Gabriella. Pose not prompted, just copying her brothers who took their photo right before her. 

Of course I did her hair! She pulled it out when I went back in for the camera. Drat that girl!

The trick-or-treat clan: Kylee, Matt, Mickey, Tanner, Gabby, Haley, Allie, Emily, Neighbor.

Cowgirl and Conrad Birdie, aka, Emily and Mark.

Fun Fact: Conrad's blouse came from Jim's crazy costume stash, Mom spray-painted the gold vest, and those fancy gold pants are Kimmie's.

Sweet girls eating sweets.

Our 18-day-old cousin, Ty! Beautiful boy.

Mickey's loot.

Mark's organized loot. 

You can take the costume off Matt, but you can't take the Luigi out of him.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Scriptural Geography

Matt drew, "a map of where Jesus lived". I thought it was worth sharing.

Our Other Little Artist

Matt, 22 months

Gabriella, 22 months

I realized the artist genes are strong in our children when I discovered Gabby's penned legs yesterday. The best part? She was wearing pants. She had carefully lifted up her pant legs to color her gams, then carefully pulled them back down so I wouldn't know. Artistic and clever.

I also think it's interesting to note that Matt looks sheepish, as if he knows he did a bad thing, and Gabby looks thrilled. I'm telling you, she is SO much like her daddy.

She is Mistaken

Gabriella runs our house. She thinks we want and need her to. 

We do like her cute voice and sweet ways, though.

Yes on Prop 8 -- Part Two

For your enlightenment and further education. Copied verbatim from protectmarriage.com:

"Six Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails"

"1. Public Schools. Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage. The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage is between any two adults regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the rights of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

"2. Churches. Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries. 

"3. Adoption. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already closed its doors in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.

"4. Private Schools. Religions that sponsor private schools with married student housing may be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.

"5. Free Speech. Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages may be sured for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A California court recently held that municipal emplyess may not say 'traditional marriage' or 'family values' because, since the legalization of same-sex marriage, 'traditional marriage' and 'family values' are now considered 'hate speech'.

"6. Litigation. It will cost you money. This change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. For example, some cases already lost: photographers cannot now refuse to photograph gay marriages; doctors cannot now refuse to perform artificial insemination of gays even given other willing doctors. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today's activist judges), think of the money--your money--that will be spent on such legal battles."

Yes on Proposition 8 -- Part One

I'm constantly talking to people who think Proposition 8 has little or no consequence to them or their families, and ask, "What's the big deal? I don't get it." 

Here's the big deal. Take the time to get it. Educate yourself and fight for families.

(This is copied verbatim from the ProtectMarriage.com campaign, Vote YES on Prop 8. Go there to donate. Sign up to be on the blog roll for "Bloggers for Marriage". Take part, because this does and will effect you!)

"61 percent of California voters said 'Yes' to marriage as a man and a woman. 4 San Francisco-based judges said 'No'.

"With Proposition 8, we can place into California's constitution the simple definition that marriage is between a man and a woman--so no judge can over turn the will of the people again. 

" While death and divorce may prevent it in too many cases, the ideal situation for children is to be raised by a married mother and father. Proposition 8 is a positive step.

"Proposition 8 protects our children from being taught in public schools that same-sex marriage is the same as traditional marriage. Those kinds of discussions are best handled by parents at home, not at school.

"Proposition 8 doesn't take away any rights or benefits from gay or lesbian domestic partners. Under California law, they 'shall have the same rights, protections and benefits' as married spouses (Family Code 297.5). Proposition 8 will not change this. It just wouldn't be called marriage, and public school teachers wouldn't have to tell children it is the same as marriage."

 

Bum Odds

I overhead Matthew singing this tonight:

The sun'll come out, tomorrow,

Bet your bottom 

That tomorrow...

It made me laugh.

Check out this blog

www.mentaldentist.blogspot.com

. . .This should be good. . . .

Life Lessons

Mario Kart is one of my favorite things in the world. I'm not sure if I love Double Dash or Wii Kart better; that's like asking me if I like chocolate cake or ice cream better. That is to say, I love them both, and I'll take them both on any given night. 

Lately we've been playing Wii Kart exclusively, but tonight, at my request, we dusted off Mario Kart Double Dash and had a jolly good time of it. 

As we were playing, I got to thinking that life is a lot like Mario Kart. Maybe that's because we watched Conference today, but whatever the reason, I came up with a list of similarities between life and Kart. 

1. It's always rude to throw bananas at people. 

2. It's more fun to drive if you have a cohort throwing things at other drivers who get in your way.

3. It's important to choose a cohort who has fancy tricks up their sleeves.

4. It's always best to play for the sheer fun of it. First place is fun, but last place can have it's perks, too: blue shells, lightning, chomp chains, etc.

5. When you're in first place, others want to take you out, and your lead never, never, lasts long.

6. Change courses frequently. It adds to the overall fun, even if you have to get used to new obstacles.

7. Baby parks may seem like fun, but they're just an excuse for the little drivers of life to squash you to bits. Or to throw fire balls at you.

8. No matter how pretty the princess is, she slows you down and only has subpar tricks. She does look good in pink, though, and she's a professional waver. Ergo, only pick her to be on your team after careful thought.

9. Never underestimate the little people. If you don't pay attention, they'll beat you every time.

10. Don't be fooled by titles, i.e., "Rainbow Road" is a misnomer. It should be: "Crazy Road with No Side Rails Where You Can Easily Plummet to Your Death."

  

Interrogation

This is a list of some of the actual questions my children asked me today, in no particular order. None of these is made up. Many of these were asked more than once. You'll get a good idea of what my day entails.

Can you help me?

Will you fight swords with me?

Can I eat this brown banana?

Tandy? (translation: Candy?)

What?

Will you put me on the potty?

Can I have fruit snacks?

Are we gonna be late? 

Did you wipe your bum?

Can I play Dizzy Bee (on your iphone)?

Was that your stomach (growling)?

May I please have a Jew Box? A Jew wiff a Box? A Juice wiff a Box?

Will you rewind it to, "I'm a Heffalump!"?

What's a migraine?

Are you gonna be blind for life?

Mom, wanna fight?

Baby nie night?

Can you make this as good as me?

What if 3 dollars isn't enough?

Wanna fight now?

Can we go pick up Mickey (from school)?

How do you spell "there"?

Can I play Star Wars?

Can I have a break?

Can you help me find my pencil?

Is Webkinz working?

Mommy, hold you?

Can we get up now?

When's Mic gonna be done?

Hay did doo hoe doo?

Do you feel like a servant?

Me?

. . .I'm tired tonight. 

The Girl I Want to Be

My last trip to Utah, I stumbled across this picture, recognized it as a treasure, and snatched it up so I could preserve it properly.

This is my mother, at my approximate age, bathing five of her six children. Cherie is not pictured. I guess she decided she no longer fit in the tub (smart girl). The other bathers are Ron, Natalie, Nicole, Ricky, and John. 

Here are the things that astound me about this frozen moment in time:

1. Mom's smiling. That's a genuine, peaceful, unforced smile.

2. All of her children are happy, and some appear to be having the best day of their lives.

3. No one is drowning; every head is above water, even when she looks away for a second to smile.

4. Complete modesty. 

5. She's 30 and has 6 children. No wrinkles. Is thin. Looks amazing.

6. This was a regular occurrence. 

7. These five bathers represent less than half of her children.

8. She still smiles genuine, peaceful, unforced smiles.

9. She calls motherhood a privilege, not a sacrifice.

10. Sometimes I feel picked on because I bathe three children at once, and Mom gives me sympathy and encouragement.

11. She looks at this picture and laughs.  

For me, this picture represents that life could always be harder, and Mom can't get any more angelic. When I get to heaven, I'll feel right at home with those angels, because I grew up as the daughter of one. 

Be sure to notice the way I'm looking at my mother. (I'm the child on the far right.) This is the only picture I'm aware of that I'm smiling at someone else besides the person who's holding the camera. It's evident that even as a young girl, I wanted to grow up to be just like her. I'm still working on it, and probably always will be, but with her as my goal, I can't go wrong. 

Confessions of a Mother

Sometimes, I...

Blog instead of make dinner.

Wish I could go to the bathroom alone.

Hold tight to my children in the hopes they'll stop growing and stay this size forever.

Cry because that doesn't work.

Ignore breakfast dishes until it's time to make dinner.

Dance in the kitchen instead of clean the house.

Wish I could have tasted dinner while it was hot, and without sharing my serving.

Make lovely dreams for myself, then realize I'm living my fondest dream.

Plug my ears because it's just too loud.

Wonder how clean the house would be if only I lived here.

Know that I'd be lonely and selfish if I lived alone.

Feel unappreciated.

Realize that's just because I need a nap.

Will only give you something if you say, 

"Please, Pretty Mommy."

Will give you what you need, before you know you need it.

Wish the poop would stop.

Lock myself in the closet.

Smile about washing hands and faces.

Grumble about washing hands and faces.

Make dessert for dinner. 

Try new things for dinner, then wish I had poured up cold cereal instead.

Imagine how quick shopping trips would be without children.

Look at my sleeping children and wish I had been a better mom today.

Feel like the greatest Mother in the world. (After my mother. I'm never that good.)

Call Mom to apologize and express gratitude.

Wish I was still a little girl in my nightgown, at Daddy's breakfast table.

Dream about spending lots of money on new clothes for my beautiful children.

Read books with funny voices.

Pray really hard to know what I should do.

Laugh because the children are laughing, and I love that sound.

Cry because the children are crying, and I can't take it anymore.

Wish it was my turn for a bath.

Smell my husband, just to relax.

Wish I had more charity.

Think, "This isn't what I thought it would be. It's SO much better!"

Wish I knew what my daughter was saying.

Scoot the sleeping baby over. It's my turn to sleep by Daddy.

Try to hold still and just think. 

Set a lot of outlandish--but worthy--goals.

Feel glamorous and beautiful.

Wonder what I can accomplish when the children are grown.

Wonder what on Earth I'll do when the children are grown.

Wish it would stop.

Hope it will never end.

And I always

Wonder what I did to deserve all these blessings.

Here's to Us

Our Eighth Anniversary came and went. Here's us on our wedding day, at the luncheon.

A lot has changed, but some things hold true.

You still look smashing in a top hat.

We still love to eat a big, yummy breakfast.

Our smiles are still at the surface or spilling off our faces.

You still make my eyes dance with happiness.

While the storm rages around us, we hold on tight to each other, smile through the ripping wind, feel triumphant that forever is ours, and hope for the best.

Here's to Time and All Eternity.

So far, SO good!!!

I love you. 

The Derby Master

On Matt's birthday, our ward had a tailgate BBQ and adult pinewood derby race. Matt thought all the festivities were for him, and we were okay with that.

Here is our third-place winning Kart. You should have heard us--and the crowd--cheering Mario on. We were the favorite, for obvious reasons. Little Mickey is thrilled to finally have a trophy.

Once again, Dad's hard work and diligence makes all our dreams come true.

LuigiKart driven by Mario. Please note the superior craftsmanship.

The rear view, complete with turbo boosters.

Each child is holding their most prized possession: derby kart, trophy, dolly.

The Derby Master and his biggest fans.

Happy 4th to Matthew!

Happy Birthday to our Matthew! He is our very favorite four-year-old in the whole world, and we think he is everything fun and good. We had a great day celebrating this amazing boy. We're excited to see what life brings to him, and more importantly, what he brings to life!

Birthday morning and birthday presents.

Let the games begin! Matt's choice of birthday activities.

The cutting of the cake, and the ducking of the guests.

Our annual birthday picture. I have four of these now! I feel so blessed to be Matt's mommy.

The Scripture I'm Memorizing this Week

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: 

for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song;

He also is become my salvation.

(Sunset in CA. The only place left in CA where you can look for unadulterated beauty: Up.)

Hand in Hand

Without going into details, I've had really one of the hardest months of my whole life. Too many disappointments, too much murmuring, too little faith.

The one thing I did have was my husband. Today I find myself rejoicing because my fondest dream is my reality. Having each other is really enough. You make me stronger, happier, better. And though you'll deny I was a mess, thank you for putting up with me, without complaint or criticism. God must love me, because He gave me you. 

I love you.

Happy Grandparents' Day!

Bob and Virgie

Jenalyn and Richard

Today my calendar says that it's Grandparents' Day. This should be celebrated!

Simply put, I love my grandparents. I can't remember life without them. They've been at all my major life events. They've made me many beautiful memories. It is because of their lives that my life is so richly blessed. I'm 29, and I still get a birthday card from both of my grandparents--always on time. At this point of my life, I know I only understand a small measure of their sacrifice, faith, and love.

I know of Heavenly Father's love more perfectly because of the love of my grandparents.

So here's to Virgie and Bob, Eddie Dean and Dick, The best grandparents in the world! I love you!!!

For Grandma

Some translation: 

When asked what a dog says, she always says, "Hi! SSSSS!" I'm thinking Pooch really does speak, both English and Parseltongue.

When asked where her nose is, she always says, "Meep!" when she touches it. (Daddy's trick with all his children.)

When asked where her armpit or belly button is, she always smiles and says, "Tickle, tickle, tickle!"

Unfortunately I didn't capture any of her usual chatter and singing. It is in every way a delight!

Ancestry

This is entirely his own trick. He is one-eighth Italian and one-half Daddy after all....

Artistry

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture. But today is the first day Gabriella has been her actual color. 

Let me explain. She got ahold of a black permanent marker and put stripes all over her limbs. She also took a brown marker and carefully and deliberately colored her belly button in. Little Mickey found her and when he brought her to me, he asked, "What do you want me to do with the Little Tiger?"

We called her Tigress for a whole week. Those things really are permanent. Hours of soaking still do not fade them any. I guess the plus side is that we now we know how long it takes for Gab's skin to replace itself: about a week. 

I've already added that to my list of things I wish I didn't know.

Happy Belated Birthday!

They say twenty-nine is the end of the fun years. Somehow I just don't see that being the case with my man. I'm not going to publicly post what I think of him; he knows. I'm pretty sure everyone else knows, too. I don't even try to hide the way I feel about him. 

Mickey got a brand new Honda Civic on his birthday. It wasn't technically for his birthday; it's for his commute. We paid $4.63/gal this summer. Getting a new car was actually cheaper than keeping our SUV gassed up. 

Happy Birthday, Handsome!

The backside. 

A roof with a view.

A Dolly and a Sandwich

We bought Gabby a dolly that looks just like her. It's the perfect doll, and Gabby adores her. She's a cute little Mommy. My husband laughed when he found me sitting at the computer with the doll on my lap (I put her there). I'm thrilled to have some girl toys finally!

I eat a sandwich almost every day for lunch. I always have. I love this sandwich especially.

Blood and Guts and Gore

Proof Sharks love blood.

Mickey's fifth...

...And sixth. We can't blog fast enough.

Supremely Blessed

You are the trip I did not take;

You are the pearls I cannot buy;

You are my blue Italian lake;

You are my piece of foreign sky.

~Anne Campbell, "To My Child" 

"Many of you are mothers. You are responsible for the nurture and upbringing of your children. When you grow old and your hair turns white, you will not ask about the fancy clothes you once wore, the cars you drove, or the large house in which you lived. Your burning question will be, 'How have my children turned out?' If they have turned out well, you will be grateful. If otherwise, there will be only small consolation for you." ~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

It is in my roles as wife and mother that I have my greatest challenges, my deepest heartaches, my grandest triumphs, my sweetest joys. There is no woman I'd rather be than the wife of Mickey and the mother of Mickey, Matthew, and Gabriella. 

I am hereby resolved to be a better mother. More patient, loving, forgiving, selfless, and fun. 

I think I just jinxed myself for tomorrow...

Sisters, Sisters

There were never such devoted sisters. Here are Daddy's six gems, and our own daughters. (This was taken at Ricky's wedding reception two weeks ago.)

FYI for Colton: Kimmie is the one on my left. Yeah. You better do something before someone else does.

Our Prediction Came True

Fourth tooth gone. Maxillary central incisor. Despite much wiggling, it took a cousin's punch to the mouth to make it sufficiently loose. I couldn't do the final rip; I thought it was still in too tight. But Mickey came back a few minutes later with his tooth in his hand. He told me he could hear the skin ripping when he pulled it out, and he liked it. I guess you don't have to be grossed out when your mother is disgusted enough for the both of you.

Friends at First are Friends at Last

"Friends are relatives you make for yourself." ~Eustache Dechamps 

That's definitely how we feel about the Eberts. They were in Utah at the same time we were, and we were lucky enough to visit for awhile. The reunion was sweet, the goodbyes hard. True friends indeed.

Kristen and me. So much history, such a short blog.

Michael Ebert and Michael Nelson. This visit they arranged to be roommates at BYU.

(L-R) Gabriella, Courtney, Michael, Mickey, Matthew, Jason.

Party On!

Here are the pictures from Ricky's Bachelor Party.

 The other love in Ricky's life: MarioKart for Nintendo DS, eight player style.

I Hate Statistics!

On Saturday, July 12, I drove to Utah for Ricky's wedding--without Mickey. He had to fly later. I drove my three children, Mark and Emily (my youngest siblings), and our beagle. Here are the stats:

12 hour drive

3 poop stops

3 vomit bags discarded

2 times peed on

2 diapers blown out

1 speeding ticket for going 5 over

Thankfully, no bodily fluids in the car. Also, all 5 children and the dog arrived alive. If I want to contest the speeding ticket, I can appear next week in court in Battle Mountain, NV, which is 6 hours away, in the middle of nowhere. 

While in Utah, we contracted diseases. Here are those stats:

2 pink eyes on my 3-year-old

1 case of croup where the same 3-year-old's lips turned blue

2 simultaneous diseases on my 1-year-old, Herpes and an ear infection

1 tooth punched out of my 7-year-old's mouth, though it was wiggly anyway

Guymons' Summer Fun

So I Married an Italian Pyro...

An Italian Proverb says, "Since the house is on fire, let us warm ourselves." Sadly, it was after I was married that I read this quote. Too late. 

Truthfully, I do love that my husband fills my world with fireworks. And his mad pyro skillz make for a crazy Fourth celebration.

Why You Need a Dad and a Grandpa

Dave Barry said, "Fishing is boring, unless you catch an actual fish, and then it is disgusting," and as much as I want to like fishing, I think I agree with the Barry school of thought. I mean, I can subscribe to the delight of standing at the water's edge and watching the gentle ripples, feeling the cool, clean morning air in your hair, thinking quiet, meaningful thoughts without interruption, and saying nothing for hours on end. At this juncture of my life, I could really go for that. 

But when you get to the gutting of what you caught (we'll skip the details), it gets slightly less glamorous, and then you have to find a place to throw away the guts, and that's when I throw up my hands and think, "Fish sticks! That's why we have fish sticks!" 

Our trip to Idaho Falls provided that crucial memory that every boys needs: going fishing with Grandpa and Dad. I stayed home and helped Grandma cook dinner. The boys returned covered in a think layer of dirt, and I greeted them refreshed after a nap with Gabby. Ergo: we all had a fun day in our respective natural habitats. Here are the pictures:

Mickey caught a fish! Proof that fishing isn't just a sport of drowning worms...

Good things come to those who bait. Big smiles come, too.

Fact: He wouldn't be Grandpa Goodell if he didn't buy you ice cream. Thanks, Grandpa! We love you for a lot of reasons, one being for making this memory happen for us! 

A Grandfather with Silver in His Hair and Gold in His Heart

We were at Grandpa and Grandma Goodell's house maybe 20 minutes when we heard a large crash. My heart stopped. One or two of my boys had smashed Grandma's glass butter churn into one million pieces. Actually, it was more like glass dust than actual shards and it settled into crevices across the entire floor. Grandpa and Grandma acted like it was no big deal and cleaned it all up as I held the curious vandals at bay. But all I could think about was the chaos and terror we would be inflicting for the weekend. I mean, come on! The first 20 minutes??! Sheesh!

But Grandpa Goodell taught me an important lesson. The next evening, after the rest of the families arrived, we were gathered for our first family prayer, and Grandpa offered it. In his prayer, he thanked God for "all of these beautiful children". He hadn't given the glass dust a second thought. Never mind the noise, the confusion, the tired whining, the endless chatter. He saw it all as part of the amazing blessing of having children in his house. And he loved it. He relished feeling closer to heaven. What a fantastic reminder that we are to be like little children if we are to inherit the kingdom of God. 

We're looking for a glass butter churn on ebay...

784.30 Miles Will Give You Such a Crick in the Neck

We drove to Idaho Falls, ID for the Fourth of July weekend to visit the Goodells with the Guymons and Campbells. The drive was ridiculously long, and it felt so good to get there finally.

Since we play Mario Kart as a family most days of the week, we were happy to see this sign, and felt that this is, indeed, the promised land.

We were immensly happy to make it to Idaho, and now we know why the license plates say, "Scenic Idaho". This is the gorgeous sunset at the end of our long day, though the picture doesn't do it justice.

Gabriella fell asleep on Matt. I guess riding for 12 hours in a car seat can wipe you out. Matt's face would be toward the camera, if you could see it. Mickey's face is buried in the background.

Third Tooth Gone

Mickey lost his mandibular lateral incisor. The Tooth Fairy brought a silver dollar. He likes "the way the hole feels". He practices squirting water out the gap. There is much rejoicing in the land. We think a maxillary central incisor is next.

Organizational Skills

Note the tray. Gabriella has sorted out the fruits and vegetables from her dinner and "trashed" them in the cup holder. She ate the meat--every bit. And even with this kind of behavior, she expects dessert.

It's All about Perspective...and Crayon Drawings

Mickey keeps everything in my world in the right perspective. He's quick to forgive, slow to freak out, not a word of criticism, "this too shall pass..." 

I love him for it. He keeps me calm and happy with his eternal perspective. 

He also keeps me happy and entertained with crayon drawings. The first piece he did in this medium was on his mission when he was sick and couldn't work. Today he has a fever and feels terrible, and though he was in bed all day, he managed to make a crayon drawing.

Here 'tis. I think it shows what a great dentist he is. He always thinks about things from the patient's perspective. And I think the ceiling poster is clever and true: Brushing your canines is 'Woof' derful!

Wordsmithing

It's when you create a new word for your needs. Little Mickey made one up, and it's my new favorite word, and I use it almost daily. It is....

Pantynapper. (Pan-tee-nap-purr. Noun. Compound word. A cute little girl who ransacks Matthew's drawers and steals his drawers. The bandit slings them over her shoulder, then walks down the hall singing "Happy Birthday to You" to herself. She repeats this many times a day. Matthew can't find his unders, and Gab has armfuls of them. Actual example: Mom, what do you want me to do with this pantynapper?)

Here's the proof. I know it's long, but my sisters (i.e., only readers) won't mind.

Before and After

Before:

After:

Meet my stylist, Raul (Rah-ool):

Tired, damaged, dry, lifeless, unmanageable. Those are just a few of the adjectives that I was applying to my hair yesterday. So I went to Mickey and asked him to lop it off. He said no. I said he was a surgeon with a steady hand, a natural problem solver, and it would save a hundred bucks. Okay, he said. I went to get a chair and when I came back, Raul had his hair done, was talking with a lisp, and was rocking out to music in the "salon". I think it is the best cut of my life. Just what I wanted. I'm telling you, there's nothing this man can't do!

My Dear, Loyal Reader

For Colie, the only reader of my blog. You're the only person in the world who checks my blog six times a day, hoping I'll post something. It always amazes me that your faith in me is unfailing. You believe in me against all odds.

I tried to pack this catch-up blog session with lots of video footage, all for your enjoyment.

 

I love you for lots of reasons, one being your unfailing love and support, and another your genuine interest in my blog. 

Kids Gone Wild

Because California is burning, the air quality is horrific, and we have to stay indoors. Because we've felt cooped up all week, today we went to Kids Gone Wild, a warehouse that has five different jump house thingies. Our favorite: the tall slide. I climbed to the top with Gabby so she could ride down with me, but she jumped out of my arms to slide by herself--without a stitch of fear. I climbed back up to the top with her to get this shot from this angle. She'll be 18 months on Sunday, and we can already tell she's Daddy's girl. We had a good time, and our lungs remained healthy. Bonus!

And here's Mickey and Matthew. This is one of the four hundred times they went down.

California Ablaze

You can't legalize gay marriage and not expect to go up in flames. Here is a shot of the hills just outside our balcony. You can see a little bit of them at the bottom of the picture at the horizon. Usually you can see much, much more than that. And today, we can't see those hills at all. Ash floats around in the air (and I don't mean my sister). We better move...

Lucky is the girl who has Mickey for a brother!

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." 

~Marc Brown, Arthur author

Here's one reason Mickey is the superhero of our home, and why Gabby thinks he hung the moon. (We all do.)

Konked, Sacked, Wiped Out

This is how we found them sleeping this night. We had played hard that day. My favorite thing to do is sleep. I should do it more.

Lip Sync is Good for the Heart

Here we are in the car on a Saturday afternoon. Little Mickey is lip syncing to one of our favorites, Harry Belafonte's "Turn the World the Around". It cracks me up that each child on either side of him is stone-faced while he is so animated. Enjoy!

"Swim!" said the little fish...

Last Saturday we went swimming in our pool. Here is the proof:

Gabby underwater! Notice her expression. (Sorry the shot isn't framed just right. It was really tricky to do this...)

Little Mickey underwater. This picture is not upside down. This is how he swam up to the camera. Notice how happy he is.

The aftermath. (Why do I keep posting pictures where I look like a wreck? Oh. It must be because I am.)

Two Things

1. I got home from Utah and CRASHED! I was deathly ill all week. Hooray for the LoveSac where I could lay with the children, and double hooray for a husband who takes care of me.

2. Gabby's bangs are growing out, so I put them in a little pony on top of her head to keep them out of her eyes. Brother Mickey calls it her "tree", and I think that's hilarious.

Roll Over!

Three kids in the bed and the mommy said, "Roll over! Roll over!" 

When I see this picture, I realize why I didn't always get the best sleep in Utah. This was my bed, BTW.

Kimmie's Graduation Pictures

This is Kimmie. Isn't she a BABE??? Ashley and I took these pictures. While we were taking them, Ash says, "I used to be the prettiest girl on the shelf..." To which I replied, "No. I used to be the prettiest girl on the shelf."

And so it goes...

Webkinz Craze

Confession: The Campbells gave Mickey a Webkinz for his birthday, and I can't stop playing in the arcade. It is seriously one of my favorite games now. 

Incidentally, I think a new episode of The Office should be written where Dwight gets a Webkinz he names Angela. (It would be a wolf.)

Seven Reasons We Love Mickey!

1. You are the best oldest son anyone could ever have. You're always helping and taking care of Matt and Gabby.

2. You have a great love for your Heavenly Father and are always sharing your testimony.

3. You make us laugh! You have always been able to do that, and we love it!

4. You are extremely intelligent and talented. We can't wait to see what you will accomplish, and are grateful for the front row seats!

5. You always CTR, and we are amazed by your inherent desires for good. 

6. You are an amazing singer. You keep us entertained and enriched by your sweet melodies.  

7. This list could go on forever! Happy Birthday!

Happy Seventh Birthday, Mickey!

I can't believe you're seven! That seems so old! We had an amazing day celebrating you. Campbells spent the night, Kylee and Emily made a treasure hunt, we ate breakfast croissanwiches, opened scads of presents, played tons of games, Mickey and Allie flew a kite, and that was just the morning!

Firm as the Mountains around Us

Here are the mountains that surrounded us when Mickey and I grew up in Utah. We miss those mountains! Vermont has "mountains". They're not quite like these.

Welcome Home!

I drove the children to Utah by myself so that Mom and Dad could watch them while Mickey and I went house hunting in Vermont. After an eleven hour car ride, we finally turned onto Killarney Drive. There was a big sign on the road, just for us. It read: Welcome Home Nelsons! I love that my siblings think we should live there.

Saturday at the Park

We had a really fun Saturday afternoon, with a picninc in the park. Here are the children:


But don't be fooled by this cute picture. It took us several tries to get Gabriella to leave her glasses on long enough, and Matthew to smile the right way, and both to do so in the same picture. Mickey was constant, just like always.

Here is one of the tries we took before we got it right. Drat that Matt! You know you've been in California too long when your three-year-old flashes gang signs in pictures. His dad thinks it's hilarious. Cute of Gabby and Mickey though.

Props to Pooch

Distinguished members of the jury, I give to you: Exhibit A.
Wherein, the perpetrator is charged with: breaking and entering, trespassing, indecent exposure, assault, public disturbance, etc., all to which the perp pleads not guilty.
And so we pass the Sabbath day....



Sorry the sound is a bit off, but you'll get the idea.

Disneyland

We went to Disneyland with the Campbells in April and had a blast. Here a couple of pictures at Cinderella's castle for the new fireworks show. It actually was the highlight because of the extremely entertaining neighbor we had. We laughed till we cried, and Kimmie was watching the neighbor instead of the fireworks. Good times.

What Gabby Taught Me

She really wanted--really wanted--to get a cup from the top shelf of the dishwasher. So she climbed. Quite easily, I might add. But then, reality struck.
Gabriella discovered she couldn't get a cup because that would require letting go with at least one hand, and if she did that, she was sure to take a nasty tumble.
So, she cried. It was that, "Why is this happening to me?" kind of cry. So I came to her rescue and put her back on the ground. But she was even more unhappy with that.
She repeated what she had done before: wished for a cup, climbed onto the door, clung to the basket with all her might, and bewailed her fate.
And I thought, "Hmmm. What's wrong here?" And in the answer, I found a lesson that has changed my perspective on life.
So many times, I want something really badly and climb to the top to get it. But once I'm there, I quickly find that the task requires something of me that I am lacking. So, I bawl.
I don't accept help, I don't do anything to change my situation, I don't try again. I just cry about failing at everything.
Now I will celebrate the climbing. That's what makes me strong!

The Original Thirteen

This is one of my favorite pictures of our family. It also explains a lot about me. ;)
Back Row (L-R): John, Ron, Dad, James, Ricky.
Middle Row (L-R): Nicole, Kimmie, Ashley, Mom, Cherie, Natalie.
Front Row (L-R): Emily, Mark.
BLISS!

I'm smiling

...even though craziness is happening all around me. That's because I went on a HOT date tonight. And, I didn't have to make dinner either. Note all the funny faces behind me.

I like adverbs...

...I always have. Here's a cute joke I read at the dentist's (Dr. Nelson's) office today that celebrates those wonderful parts of speech.

How did the hot dog speak?
~Frankly :)

Isn't that delightfully funny?
It gets better. Here's Matt's joke which was delivered at the lunch table.

Knock , knock.
Who's there?
Water.
Water who?
Pineapple. Water Pineapple!

And don't ask me to perform that impatient cow knock knock joke. I never get the timing right.

Guymon Family Tree, by Little Mickey

My parents have 11 children, 15 grandchildren. Emily (my baby sister) has a niece older than her, a nephew her age, and other nieces and nephews not far behind. 

Thus, genealogy is indeed a study in our home. Finding out where you fit in is sometimes confusing. But you get the general gist that you are loved--by a whole lot of people--and you better obey the ones who claim to be your parents. 

This is Little Mickey's rendition of our family tree. If you're not listed, perhaps Mickey's unclear as to if you actually are a Guymon, or just an Anderson or Price that is joining in for the meal. (Note that he also left off Lillian, Shelby, and Jake-the-Snake-Dead End-Bingo-Price, all of whom are cherished heirlooms in the Guymon home.)

*Natily's Note: You can click on the picture to get a larger view. Uncels Rikey and Jon might want to do this.