It's a wrap!

Well, it's official...summer vacation 2008 has come to an end.

School starts tomorrow and our days of staying up late, sleeping in (8:30 even 9 some days!), and planning our days as we go along are a thing of the past as we look toward ninth (LAST year of middle school!), seventh(FIRST year of middle school!), and fourth grades...as well as KINDERGARTEN!

We bid farewell to a lovely summer suffused with all of our traditional activities including Lagoon, the fountains at Gateway, irrigation, Sugarhouse Park, Draper Days, Scofield and St. George...and recall with fond memories American Idol and Chris's new pool. We revel in our expired status as "the new family," and will always count this summer as a turning point in establishing fabulous new friendships while forever preserving the old.



Little things will always remind us of summer 08'...any mention of Michael Phelps, or the theme song of Phineas and Ferb. Treyson's arrival, Aunt Linda's passing, anniversaries (eighteen years!), and birthdays...all encompassed within three months of relaxing, chaotic, frolicking, summertime bliss!

Adoption is a wondrous thing

I have had the opportunity to experience the joy, the uncertainty and the glorious miracle of adoption through my sister, Chris, and her husband and family.

Almost nineteen months ago Braxton entered our world and became my favorite soul on earth. He was adopted by Chris and Jas after they very faithfully followed the promptings that lead them in his sweet, dark-skinned direction. Satisfied with a realized life-long goal and desire to adopt a brown baby, Chris felt that her family was complete. After a short time, however, she and Jason both knew that there was another baby meant to join them by the same route that their fourth little one had arrived.
They never planned to have five children, but they knew they must have five children...three of their own making, Braxton, and one more to match their
chocolate-bunny baby.

Once their minds were made up, they left the rest up to Heavenly Father. They trusted that he would lay out a path for them to follow and would find the baby that belonged to their family. Once again they were led, and they followed without falter to the situation that would secure the presence of their fifth child.


Treyson was born last week, and what a miracle he is. His birth was complicated, but he is strong at a strapping five pounds eleven ounces. One look into his precious olive-toned face and it is so obvious that he is where he is supposed to be. The bond with these little ones that enter our family in a bit of an unconventional way is just as strong as with those that were actually, physically delivered by my sisters.
I am so grateful for a healthy, beautiful new nephew, and for his remarkably unselfish, constantly faithful parents who will serve as an example to me forever.

To be a vampire...or a writer...

Stephanie Meyer is my hero...for a couple of reasons...

First of all, she provided me with four fabulous days of distraction and pure vicariousness as I escaped almost unnoticed from the predictable chaos that is my life to the little town of Forks, Washington and into the enchanting and irresistible existence of the Cullens--a coven of vampires, and their long-haired neighbors/sworn enemies--the legendary werewolves of La Push.
Within my diversion I could visualize the Cullen's white house deep within the forest, I could see Edward's crooked smile and feel his icy touch. I could relate to Bella's conflicted pain as she attempted to maneuver her way through the maze of addled feelings she had for Jacob.

I found myself making frequent references to "imprinting," "Volturi," and "newborn vampire" like they were relevant to my everyday life. Discussions with friends were focused solely on the actions of our beloved vampires, and their immortal destinies.

As I made my way through each captivating chapter I found myself wondering at times why I was so enthralled by this novel series. I tend to gravitate toward "good literature." I enjoy books that are well written and life changing. I appreciate historical novels, and love a challenging book that tests my knowledge and expands my literary boundaries. But I am absolutely smitten (obsessed) with the Twilight series. I know that these books would be ripped to shreds in an English Lit class, and they bear no relevance to the real world, but they are fun...and entertaining...and addictive. They provide a respite from kids and cleaning, grocery shopping and carpooling. With an open mind and a little imagination even the most intellectual, astute reader may just find themselves wishing--even THIRSTING--(see there I go again with the lingo) to become a beautiful, indestructible immortal creature (aka...vampire!!).

Stehanie's heroic act number two in my mind is her success story. Five years ago Stephanie Meyer was just like us...stay-at-home LDS mom with three kids, lots of laundry and endless meals to fix. She never planned to become a writer--it just happened--literally overnight as she dreamt about Edward and Bella and their complicated and dangerous love affair. She is now a highly acclaimed author, compared to the likes of ...J.K. Rowling...!

I believe her story should serve as a motivating factor to all of us who love to express our thoughts and ideas through writing. Who knows who will come up with the next intriguing story to lure legions of fans into a fictional world derived from pure imagination, perseverance and tenacity...(personally, my money's on Brooke...)

I have a half-baked novel that has been rolling around in my head for ages that someday...sigh...I hope to put actual words to. I wouldn't expect overwhelming fortune as experienced by Miss Stephanie, but just a bit of recognition would be so sweet.

So...Read on...Write frequently...Dream big. There you go.

All things American Idol

It is a time honored tradition...Mothers passing down treasured skills and diversions to their daughters...a legacy, if you will. Pursuits enjoyed by a mother and instilled into her daughters that will shape and influence them as they grow and mature.

I am pleased to say that I have passed on a significant legacy to my girls. One that they have embraced with the same level of enthusiasm (obsession) that I have. Is it a traditional legacy? One that involves a love of cooking, sewing, or gardening, perhaps? Absolutely not...I have introduced my children to the love of all things AMERICAN IDOL.

I have taught my girls that though the audition shows are funny, they do not represent the true spirit of American Idol. The show really begins when the top twelve contestants have emerged. From that point on all press and personal stories relating to the AI finalists become top priority. Any magazine that bears their pictures, or news story that mentions their names must be saved and/or recorded. Favorites must be picked early on so that a personal, emotional connection can be made (this is very necessary even though it can lead to heartbreak if your fave gets voted off early).

American Idol begins in January, top twelve begin competing mid-March. By the end of April, Fox reveals the summer tour schedule (we knew SLC would be a definite stop--with David Archuleta leading the way!). Our tickets were purchased before the finale even aired, and though we were saddened to see our David come in second we reveled in the thoughts of seeing all of the idols live in July!

We counted down the days until July 15th, maintaining focus on the most important day of our summer. The girls held strong, discussing AI in one aspect or another every single day.
(As a mom, I teach, I mold, I strive to set a good example. In the end...it all comes down to one distinct event--THE CONCERT!)

Here we go...
Concert day arrived and it was a flurry of activity as we prepared for the ultimate "girls night out." My girls and I joined Jennie and her girls, Rachelle and hers, as well as Chris and Cami. We arrived at the E-Center giddy with anticipation, the girls in outfits that matched their friends', all of us with David Archuleta, and Brooke White on our minds. We made our way to seats on the floor, not too far from the stage itself. As the concert began, and I bounced to my feet, screaming at the top of my lungs, I looked over at my girls who were standing on top of their chairs shrieking and clapping their hands together, and realized (with a grateful heart, and a tear in my eye) that they had truly reached an admirable level of crazed AI mania! I watched proudly as they rushed the stage, avoiding the scrutinous glare of the security guards, and declared their love in deafening shrieks for certain rockers (Michael Johns, David Cook) and crooners (that would be David A.). My girls were in top form...they certainly did not disappoint...it was a sensational evening (as well as a killer concert!)!

Carly Smithson! This girl can sing! And she is absolutely delightful!



Brooke White! She is gorgeous, very funny and genuine! (fabulous singer as well!)



Jason Castro! So much better in person than on TV! Loved him!



Syesha Mercado! Beautiful...and so very very talented!!!



David Archuleta! Our boy is incredible! Such an amazing voice, and so humble! He wiped away tears as he sang...and so did we! We love you, David!




David Cook! Our American Idol! He deserved to win...he is fabulous!



I spotted Justin Guarini (second place, first season of AI) at the concert! I was a little star struck (to say the least), but held it together enough to walk right up to him and say hello! (he is a cutie!)



After the show our entire group gathered near the inconspicuous exit where the idols delighted the frenzied crowd with autograph signing and pictures. And...in an attempt to squeeze as much out of this American Idol experience as possible, we returned the next day for more precious autographs and photo opportunities...
Four hours, ninety-five degrees, sweltering sun, scorching hot MICHAEL JOHNS!

Cute Brooke...



The kids with Kristy Lee...very pretty girl...



...and Chikezie...Cami's favorite! He hugged every single one of us!



...and Jason Castro...loved his outfit...loved his eyes...mmmmmmm



...and Michael...need I say more?



...HELLO!!!!!!



This is my life...this is my legacy...this is AMERICAN IDOL!!!!

Happy (belated) 4th of July!

Last weekend we made our annual, (very highly anticipated) trek down to Scofield for the 4th of July weekend. Although we suffered a few mishaps and missteps we managed to pull together a spectacular weekend!
Highlights included:
--Grandpa Louis and Grandma Jo...youthful and sassy at 87 and 77 respectively, Grandpa and Grandma are an inspiration and a riot to be with. Grandpa was able to oversee a toilet repair without blinking an eye, and Grandma revealed all the latest fashion trends in Price this year. They are special and unique and I cherish every moment with them!
--wave runners...they sunk before our eyes as the menfolk realized they forgot to put the plugs in before setting them out to sea (I mean lake!)! As luck would have it there just happened to be a wave runner fixer (???? not sure the exact job title) also vacationing at Scofield, and he had them running again before we knew it!
--Zach and Erika...first time at Scofield as a couple. They are in LUUUUVVV! We think Erika is the best, and it is awesome to see my little brother so incredibly happy!
--Pleasant Valley Days parade...our annual tradition was a hit this year as we presented the Scofield Monster Expedition! Pictures below will show the boat decorated as if on the lake and filled with kids posing as expeditioners looking for the legendary "Scofield Monster." The monster was Lexi's idea and my undertaking. I take credit for making the ridiculous, (I mean really fun) monster because I don't ever make anything! I was rather proud of our parade entry and even though we didn't win a prize we were definitely a crowd favorite and the kids had a blast!
--Boating...out on the lake for hours, everyone taking their turn at tubing or wake boarding. The kids are never deterred by the chilling water as they fight about who gets to go next!
--Braxton...he is always a highlight of anything we do! He loved the boat, the tube and the sand!
--Baileys...the beautiful people! We love our gorgeous relatives, we just wish they would put on a few pounds so we wouldn't feel so gargantuan around them...
--Sitting around the fire at night...roasting marshmallows, inhaling gooey smores, and watching Scott let off illegal fireworks (I was so afraid he was going to get caught that I had my "I told you that was not a good idea..." speech all prepared). Luckily the Scofield police had more pressing matters to deal with and did not end our law breaking fun!
--Family...of course! We love to be together! We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we love each other like crazy!

THE PARADE!!!





BOATING FUN!!!








ROO, YOU ROCK!!!

A perfect summer evening...

I experienced a little smidgen of paradise last night. Not the kind of paradise that involves tropical islands, palm trees or crystal clear turquoise colored water, but the paradise that is a calm summer evening without commitments or schedules. An evening where pjs are on by 7, hair is damp from showering late, and there is no makeup to remove at bedtime...

We spent the entire afternoon swimming at Chris's pool. The kids played with cousins and friends, and I got to sit in the sun and visit with my sisters and BFF, Jenn.
We finally pulled the kids out of the pool at about 6:40 and made our way home. I decided along the way that this was going to be a "perfect summer evening..." We picked up Fazoli's for dinner because there is absolutely no cooking on a perfect summer evening.




After dinner the kids suddenly disappeared. I looked out the back window and saw them playing football...all of them...together...
Scott was out on a ride and I realized--"I have the house to myself!"

I wasn't sure what to do at first, this perfect summer evening had suddenly become even better! I knew I had to remain calm, to think clearly so as to not waste one little bit of this personal paradise.
I realized it was Wednesday night...So You Think You Can Dance...!!!
I snuck an otter pop from the outside freezer, plopped down on the couch, put my feet up on the ottoman and watched Chelsea, Twitch and Co. hip hop and tango their way across my TV! That lazy, hypnotic feeling you get from lounging in the sun all day was setting in... There is no place we have to be...the kids can stay up late...my favorite show is on... I had exactly thirty minutes of tranquility before the players tumbled through the door asking for snow cones.

Although I was no longer alone, my perfect summer evening continued as my kids sank into the couch beside me drained from their afternoon of swimming and after dinner game of ball. We discussed the dance routines and made plans for the next day.
Just as things were winding down toward bedtime...the doorbell rang...NIGHT GAMES! PLEASE MOM!? They begged to join their friends on the streets of the neighborhood playing games and running from house to house--their laughter echoing from darkened doorways. I consented of course--these perfect summer evenings will soon turn into...oh I can't even say it...these perfect summer evenings will not be here forever! We have to enjoy them while we can...

Bad Hair Day

My dog, Danny, is truly special.
He is almost like one of my kids with just a few exceptions...he is ALWAYS thrilled to see me (even if I've only been gone for twelve minutes), he never slams doors, and I have never once heard him say "FINE!"
He is the epitome of uncondional love, he is super loyal and very protective in his itty-bitty, yip-yappy way. He is playful and smart and has an affinity for little beams or reflections of light...

Danny is a handsome dog with fluffy white tufts of fur that feel like cotton balls.
My practically perfect pup does not shed, so he requires grooming once every four months or so.
Well...Scott decided one day that rather than take Danny to the (very capable, experienced) groomers, he would purchase some clippers and shave Danny himself (hmmmmm...).
The kids and I were at Lagoon one evening and by the time we arrived home...my Danny's downy coat had been whittled (by a well-meaning but slighty over-confident husband) to little more than a sparse covering of very fine fur over his now emphasized scrawny little frame!
My poor baby!