New York, New York

Nate was going to New York for some training, so I tagged along.  Here are some of the highlights.
Zachary Quinto (the guy that plays Spock in the newest  Star Trek) was on our plane and Nate got a picture with him. 

So, the trip got off to kind of a cool start.
Our hotel was right across the street from Madison Square Garden.  We were "lucky" enough to be heading back to our room one night after a Nicks game let out.  The street was packed with people and cars.

We saw a Broadway show, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, and the Empire State Building.

We had dinner at Carmine's one night.  The food was so delicious.  It is served family style so there was a lot of it.

We had a lot of fun and it was so nice to have the time together.  However, it is always nice to get home and be with the kids.

A Work of Art

Zach was being very quiet and I was worried that he may have fallen asleep too soon before bedtime.  No worries.  He wasn't asleep.  When I asked what he was doing, he replied, "Nothing."
This is his version of nothing.

He found a couple markers (one Crayola and one permanent) and decided to "color a picture" for his teacher who is coming for a visit today.
After I suppressed my laughter, I grabbed the camera so his teacher would be able to see the artwork and (hopefully) a clean boy.  I put Zach in the shower and reached for my makeup remover.

Thanks to the Pond's you can hardly tell he used his face and arm as paper.

Golden Birthday

Brandon turned 6 on the 6th of February.  We had a really fun day of playing games, eating donuts for breakfast, and having a giant cookie instead of birthday cake.  Brandon has grown so much in the last year and it has been great.  He is showing that he is more and more like his dad.  He is doing well in school, but he doesn't want to go.  For awhile he was asking me daily if he could stay home.  Not because anything about school is bad, just that he'd rather be home doing nothing.  I love this little guy so much.  Happy birthday, Brandon!

Priesthood Times Two

We are now blessed to have two priesthood holders in our house.  Jacob turned twelve last week and was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday.  What a blessing to have the priesthood in our home.  Jacob was so excited to attend Young Men's on Sunday.  I feel like time is passing so quickly and he is growing so fast.  I am proud of the young man he has become and look forward to watching him honor his priesthood throughout the year.  Happy birthday, Jacob.  I love you!

Number 4 is 3

Zach turned three today. As I sit here typing, I'm trying not to cry. My baby isn't really a baby anymore. He is, however, a very fun and active little boy. He would tell you he is big though. He loves to play. Especially with cars, trucks, balls, and trains. He is so sweet. He always tells me goodnight and gives me big hugs and kisses. I'll take those for as long as I can get them. I love my "big" boy and look forward to watching my three-year-old grow and learn new things.

Call Me Spider-Man

Zach and I were making an "All About Me" page (with some help from friends) for his preschool class. We are not particular about calling him Zach or Zachary, so I asked him which name he wanted me to put on his page.
"Do you want to put Zach or Zachary?"
"Um, Spider-man."
"No, you have to have Zach or Zachary."
"Zachary."
"Zachary or Zach?"
"Zachary."
"Ok, Zachary it is."
"Mom, can you call me Spider-Man?"
At least he enjoys playing and pretending.

Beginning Reader

With about four weeks of Kindergarten down, Brandon brought home his first homework book. It consists of different things they are talking about...letters and the sounds they make, numbers, writing his name, and some sight words. The Kindergarten teachers have taken what is, in my opinion, a really great approach. "Don't push your child if they are not ready, please work at their pace." So, I asked Brandon if he wanted to work on it and he did.
We started going through the book and he was doing so well. Telling me the names and sounds of the letters, reading sight words, rhyming. I was excited and so was he.
When Brandon was younger, he didn't talk...at all. He made some noises, but didn't have any words. So, we put him in speech therapy. He did well, but I was always a little concerned that he would have a difficult time in school. He is doing well.
He doesn't like school, but that is because it is all day and he said, "It takes too long." However, he enjoys learning and is so excited to show me what he has accomplished. In fact, he just came up to me as I'm typing and is picking out the words he knows. Way to go, Brandon!

Jack

Congratulations, Natalie and Garrett. They welcomed Jack into their family when he decided to show up Sunday night. He was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/2" long. He was born at 11:11 PM on September 6. He is doing great and we are excited to have him in the family.

Where Has Summer Gone?

Really. Where did it go? I know we had nearly 3 months with no school, but what happened to it?

I'll admit: By the time August rolled around, I was so ready for school to start again. My kids were feeling ready too. But then, all of a sudden (so it seemed), school started. Jacob and Riley went off to school Monday. Jacob is spending his sixth grade year at a different school this year in an accelerated learning program. Riley is happy to be back with her friends and some cousins this year.

So that I can remember that there was a summer, I'll post some pics of some things we did this year.

We played at the splash pad a few times. Always fun on a hot day. Although, my kids usually ended up playing on the hot toys. Go figure.

We played soccer and baseball with some families in our neighborhood.

We hit the zoo a few times. They've gotten some new animals as you can see from above.

Made it to the Lagoon a couple times. I don't love it, but the kids do and that makes it fun.


We went to the Oquirrh Mountains Temple open house. We were so blessed as a family to attend the open house together. Especially since we had already been to the Draper Temple earlier this same year.









We went to the Treehouse Museum with a free pass from a friend. Thanks! The kids had a lot of fun.













And, finally, the biggest project of all...we got grass! Who knew that could be so exciting? We love it. The kids can play in our yard. We even got our swing set put up. It took a lot of hard work (Nathan had lots of blisters) and we are so grateful to many people who helped out (including a local University football team that helped lay the sod).

So, that is where our summer has gone.

Happy Birthday, Nathan

So, Nathan has finally caught up to me. Today he is 33. Although, he will tell you that I am still older. Yes, technically, I am 1,193 months and he is a mere 1,188 months. Just a few of the things I love about Nathan:
He works hard.
He takes care of his family.
He tries so very hard to make me happy (not a simple task at times).
He enjoys spending time with our children and he's a good example to them (and me).
He supports me in my various roles...mother, callings, volunteering, and friendships.

I love you, Nathan! Happy birthday.

Second White Dress

Baptisms are always very special. Riley was baptized last month. This day was made extra special by sharing it with her cousin, Tylee.

Riley and Tylee have had a kind of special bond from the beginning. When Tylee deccided to show up three weeks early, she was born exactly one month after Riley. Then, my brother and his family moved down south and decided to bring Tylee back this way to have her blessed. Riley and Tylee were both blessed in our ward on the same day. They even ended up in matching dresses (not planned-her mom and I just happen to have picked out the same one).


So, this year when they both turned eight and my brother once again was far away, they brought Tylee up here to have her baptized. We were so excited to share this special day as both girls put on their second white dress and prepared to enter the waters of baptism.



We are so thankful we could share that day with many family and friends that came to witness Riley's baptism. And as the the poem by Elder Perry's daughter says,
"And if I try my very best,
Then richly blessed I'll be,
Wearing inside God's holy house
White dress number three."
But that's a long way off right? Just don't blink.

Lucky 13

Thirteen years ago I was blessed to be sealed to my wonderful husband in the Logan temple. I remember that day so well. How exciting it all was. It was so beautiful outside, a lot like today. The sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot.

Now, thirteen years and four kids later, I love him even more than I did that day. Each night I kneel down to thank my Father in Heaven for this wonderful blessing. The circumstances of our meeting were a little unusual, but it all worked out. We are meant to be together.

He works hard to take care of me and our family. He does whatever needs to be done whether it's putting in a yard or cleaning up pee. I look forward to spending all of eternity with this man. I love you, Nathan!

The Good Old (Primary) Days

I went to dinner with these girls for Jen's birthday. I had fun and it brought back some really great memories.

I moved into my house two years ago. I was having a hard time with the move. I left some good friends and a calling in my ward that I loved. I was in Primary. I struggled going to my new ward each week.

Then, I got called into the Bishop's office and was given a calling. Second counselor in Primary. I knew the 1st counselor and secretary from high school, but didn't know the president very well. It wouldn't take long for that to change. We all got to know each other so much better while we served our Heavenly Father together. I loved being at church, in Primary with those wonderful women.

I was doing my best to serve and got something so wonderful out of it. I finally felt like I belonged, like I knew I was suppose to be there. I gained some wonderful friends.

Callings have changed, but we continue to grow closer and I am so grateful to have these women in my life. Ahh, the good old Primary days.

Memorial Day Fun

Monday morning the family headed off to the dinosaur park. We had a lot of fun (along with a whole bunch of other people who decided that was a good place to be Monday).


This is a picture of Zach telling me that the dinosaur bit his neck.


After digging in the sand for some fossils, we left and headed to another park for a picnic and more fun.


Here we found some friends to play with.

And let's not forget the reason we have this holiday. Thanks to all the men, women, and their families who sacrificed their lives to bless our lives with the many freedoms we enjoy.

8 is Great!

My baby girl is eight today. Riley has been so excited for this day. Eight is a very special birthday. She starts going to activity days and she will be baptized. Yikes! She is growing up so fast.

She loves to write notes to Nate and I letting us know how much she loves us. She is so sweet. She loves to help take care of her little brothers and she always wants to give Jacob hugs. She really likes to do that when she sees him at school. Not exactly his favorite time for affection from his little sister.

I love that she loves to pretend. She is entertained for hours playing with houses she's built out of laundry hampers, pillows, blankets, and other items around the house.
I love you, Riley!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love my mom so much. My Mom has taught me so many things. Most important of those things is how to be a mother. I am still learning from her and so thankful that she sets such a great example for me to follow.

I'd also like to say thanks to all the other "moms" in my life and the lives of my children. There are many who teach and care for my family. I have wonderful relatives and friends. My children have teachers at school and church. Even a great pediatrician. They may not be our mothers, but they teach and help us, most often by example.

I am grateful for this day when we can take the time to let our moms know how special they are to each of us. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

Found it, Found it

I lost my camera. Not that I take pictures as often as I should, but I missed it. It was about a week ago I wanted to take some pictures, but I couldn't find it. I searched my house, even looking in some odd places (Cupboards, toy box, bathroom). Nowhere to be found. I called Jacob's school because I remembered having it there. Nope. I kept searching, trying to remember where it could be. Suddenly (a week later) I remembered. I had put it in Brandon's backpack after his last day of school so I wouldn't leave it there. I may have to borrow the title of "Forgetful Jones" from Mindy. I think this would be a good time to download the pictures, charge the battery, and put everything where it belongs.

Good Practice

It was sometime after 4 AM today when Nate and I were awoken by a loud, strange noise. He sat up and asked if I heard that. I told him maybe it was the alarm clock. Zach and Brandon mess with it sometimes and they could have turned it on. Nate checked. Nope, it wasn't on. Hmm, weird.

Then it happened again. Maybe it was the smoke detector and the battery was dying. Yup, it was the smoke detector, but they started going off over the entire house. That's not something that happens from a dead battery.

I ran to the kids bedrooms. Riley and Brandon were crying, Zach, was sitting up, and Jacob had to be woken up. It was time to get out of the house. They were scared. It was so loud. I gathered the kids together in our entry way so we could all go out together. Then, I went to get my purse. I know, I know, just leave, but I wanted to have my cell phone.

I was pretty sure there wasn't a fire because we have fire sprinklers and they weren't going off. But, the noise was too much and I turned on the lights outside and the kids and I went out the front door to the sidewalk in front of our house. Thankfully it was a fairly nice night. No rain or snow, but it was chilly. We were all barefoot and the kids were freezing.

Nate didn't come out with us. I decided to go back in and get a couple blankets to wrap up in. I saw Nate and he was going around checking for the cause of the alarm. Again, breaking all the rules. I asked if we should call the fire department, but there was no fire, no emergency, so I just went back out to keep the kids warm while he stayed inside.

As I was wrapping up the kids, a police officer stopped to ask if we were ok. I told him what happened and he called for a fire truck then went inside to help Nate. I was curious to see which direction they'd come from since we live between two fire stations. They came and checked the house with some kind of infra red tool looking for heat. Then they checked for carbon monoxide. Negative for both. One firefighter went with Nate around the house checking all the smoke detectors. They found the one in our bedroom has a bad sensor on it.

While we were outside it was a good opportunity to review what our family plan is in the event of a fire. We also talked about keeping something warm and a pair of shoes by the sides of our bed. The smoke detectors did their job. They woke us up.
The police officer came by at just the right time. I am grateful to him and the fire fighters that were woken up to respond to our non-emergency. They are there, willing to help, even when it's to find a faulty smoke detector.

We were let back in our house around 5, so if my family seems a little tired today, you'll understand. Especially Jacob, Riley, and Brandon. After all that excitement, who can sleep?

Remembering Gene

May 5, 2004. It was a Wednesday five years ago. Brandon was almost 3 months old. Riley almost 3 years. Jacob was in Kindergarten. It was a little after 9 AM when I got a call from Nate telling me his Dad had been taken to the hospital and he was on his way there. He wasn't sure what was wrong.

Nate's Dad had problems with blood clots in the past and we figured maybe it was the same thing this time. I asked Nate if he wanted me to come, but he said he'd call and let me know once he got there. The hospital personnel began doing CPR shortly after Nate arrived. Nate never got a chance to talk to his Dad. He died the morning of May 5 at the age of 55.

The viewing was Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day) and the funeral followed the next day. So many people came to greet the family and share their love. I felt so blessed to be part of that.

I am blessed with the belief in eternal families. Brandon was suppose to be blessed the first Sunday in May, but we had to postpone it. He was blessed in June and I'm sure my father-in-law was there in spirit.

Gene loved to read the grandchildren stories. He also loved to give them a soft kick and lift them in the air sending them "to the moon". He was a man who knew the gospel well and lived fully what he believed. He was a great example.

I Am a Mother

Yes, I am a mother. That is just one of many titles that I currently have. I am also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, in-law, and Primary President. I feel blessed to be each of those things at this time.
I may not have a job outside my home, but I've got plenty of work to do inside my home. I do not have vacation time or sick time. I do not get 15 minute breaks or lunch breaks. I use to work outside the home when my oldest was a baby and toddler. Compared to what I do on a daily basis, being a working mom was so much easier. I had adult conversation without a toddler hanging on my leg. I was good at what I did and people told me so on a regular basis. I didn't have to make anyone else lunch or break up a fight over a toy. I could still be working and then I could have more stuff, but that's just it....stuff. The stuff comes and goes, but my daily influence on my children will last forever. I didn't have children so that someone else could raise them. I had them because I want them and I want to care for them. No matter the kind of day we have, it is all made better by a hug and "I love you, Mom."

Elder Russell M. Nelson had this to say about mothers.
"During my professional career as a doctor of medicine, I was occasionally asked why I chose to do that difficult work. I responded with my opinion that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. Since that option was not available to me, I thought that caring for the sick might come close. I tried to care for my patients as compassionately and competently as Mother cared for me.

Many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” 3

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women."

No, I may not have all the stuff or a big career, but I am a mother. I am doing the Lord's work and caring for these sweet souls for this short time I am blessed to have them in my home.