New Years Resolution...

Driving home from the dentist with the bad news that I had 2 cavities, my little seven-year-old self piped up from the back seat with an innocent question that made a small impact on my childhood.

"Mom--if I went a whole year without eating candy, would you pay me $200?"

I'm sure my mom thought this was a safe bet and had no idea that I would acutally follow through when she said sure. Well--aside from a pesky bag of skittles that was calling my name, I succeeded going a whole year without candy. My parents made a big deal about my accomplishment and had a little award ceremony the night I was awarded the money. And like Forrestt Gump, I just kept on going.

Ten years later, I decided that I needed candy back in my life. In hindsight, I gained so much from this experience. Not only healthier eating, and hopefully less cavities, but I learned that I really could do anything I put my mind to, the value of working towards a goal and even learned money management. With my parents guidance, I would save 40% of my earnings each year and would keep 50% to be spent however I chose. Tithing seemed more of a willing sacrifice--for some reason, it seemed more of a big deal to give $20 for tithing, verses 10 cents on the dollar that I would earn here and there as a kid.

Unfortunately, candy is still a mindless companion that I pop in my mouth without even thinking about it. I'm ashamed to say that I have LESS will-power than I had at 7 years old. But this will change in 2008. I'm professing to the world wide web that I am going back on the candy deal.

When I told Casey about this particular resolution, he said "I'd be happy to give you $100." To which I kindly reminded him that my parents gave me $200, and he upped the ante due to inflation and told me that he'd reserve $500 if I did it. Not that our bank account isn't joint or anything or that I'd even have to ask for money. But the fact that it would be earned by determination towards self mastery and a healthier pregnancy makes it that much more exciting. So, cross your fingers and wish me luck. Any one want to join my crusade?

Christmas Season

We've loved the snow...

Christmas Morning!
Ash & a favorite toy

Ty--so excited he can't even open his eyes...

Tink and her new baby doll

So sweet!

What a great Christmas! We were really able to make special memories this season, be with family throughout the month and just loved being together. I'm grateful for the example of the Savior in my life.

The Christmas Cutting Room Floor

Anyone else's photo shoots anything like this?!?!?!

And finally...it's not a fun family shoot without some tears!

So we'll just enjoy the best shot we've got and call it good!

Christmas E-Card 2007

Make a slide show, scrapbook, or ecard

Happy Birthday Casey!

I sure love this guy! From undergrad, med school, & residency, 4 moves, 3 kiddos and one on the way, I couldn't have asked for a better husband, dad, and best friend. And you're as handsome as ever to boot! Happy Birthday cutie!

A Season of Gratitude

We were fortunate to spend the week of Thanksgiving with the Irion family in Cancun. Snorkeling, sight-seeing, swimming in the ocean and the awesome pool. It was as relaxing and blissful a trip as I can remember--and to think we had almost every single person in our family (we missed you, cute Rachele!!) Quite a crew! Thanks Mom and Dad for such a WONDERFUL memory--for keeping us connected and just being able to ENJOY each member of our family. Truly, family is at the top of my list of things I am most grateful for.

The boys were all grateful for the internet so they could keep tabs on the Utah/BYU score. Aren't they cute, all huddled around the computer while their kids are probably drowning in the pool somewhere?!?!? I love this photo--boys will always be boys!!

Tender Mercies

We had an experience in our family that if not written down, will be forgotten by this foggy-brained mom--and though seemingly insignificant, it was filled with lessons that I wanted to remember...
The closest thing my kids have to a pet is Molly, my parents Golden Retriever. Ash particularly loves this sweet, old soul. A few weeks ago, Molly was let out of the house without her collar on and didn't return. My parents did everything they could think of to get word out to keep a look out for the family dog, but no word came.

After 2 days with no luck, I decided that it was time to break the news to the kids that Molly was gone. Ty-guy was pretty sad, but Ash instantly burst into tears. She decided that she wanted to say a prayer to Heavenly Father that Molly would come back to us. Fearing the worst, I suggested that maybe she ask Heavenly Father to make sure Molly is happy, safe and where He thinks is best. Ashlyn obliged and said my suggestion, but ended the prayer with her own, heartfelt plea that the best place for Molly was back with our family.

You know how this ends, right?

10 minutes later, my mom called to let us know that they happened to stop by the Humane Society to check & see if she was being held there, and who had just been brought in--all dirty and excited to see her mom & dad?!? None other than Molly-dog herself.

My tears welled up with gratitude for a Heavenly Father who listens to a pleading child, who humbles a mom that tried to manipulate that personal relationship that her daughter was developing with her Father in Heaven, and gently reminds us all how much he loves each and every one of us. Shame on me for doubting her faith & God's ability to answer prayers how He sees fit. I am a firm believer that if something is important to you, it's important to our Heavenly Father--no matter how trivial it may seem. That was re-affirmed through my 6 year old daughter who is one my greatest teachers.

Ali Tinkerbelle is One!!

How on earth this year has already whizzed by is truly beyond me. All I know is that our lives are so much more full, sweeter and brighter because this little pixie joined us. Here's to conquering the nights, enduring 4 teeth and learning to stand on your own two feet Ali Tink! The world is truly yours...

Post of the Day Award

So, the newly annointed "Post of the Day Award" goes to a fun friend from Charlottesville. Melin has an amazing knack for writting exactly what motherhood feels like, making me laugh with one sentence, and cry over the sweetness of it all on the next. She also happens to be one of the best moms I know and has darling kids.

But most of all, she wins the award today because we've all been there...

This doozie is little C's painting of me for his preschool Mother's Day Tea. The
paintings of all the moms were up with no names. We were supposed to guess
who was who. Obviously I didn't guess "the angry" mom first but went for the
mom in the blue shirt, or green shirt, etc. But apparently this is how
little C views me. Very angry.

So when people ask me how I manage 4 kids under age 5...with anger is what I'll say.

And part two here:

Return of the Beast

Today we had a discussion, prompted by a question from Mms, about who the
Devil was. Basically I said the Devil was someone who wants us to do bad things,
unlike Jesus who wants us to do good things that make us happy.

A rather enjoyable day was finished off by a lot of whinning, crying and
little C throwing an enormous tantrum to which I gave him a spank on his
bum.

During dinner a few moments later.

"Hey, I'm sorry I spanked you. I shouldn't have done that."
"Thats ok mom." little c.
"Yeah, you were just acting like Satan again." Mms.
"Thanks Mms."

The luckiest...

The big 3-Oh was much more painless than I thought it was going to be!:) In great anticipation for the good Cougar football season, Casey had bought a rather large television and signed up for cable, which I jokingly referred to as "My birthday present". Poor guy must have felt a little bad--who knows, maybe the guilt helped motivate him to make this birthday the best ever!!

He threw a great barbecue in the backyard, taking care of every detail from invites, shopping, cooking, setting up and clean-up. Are you kidding me?!? What a terrific guy! The kids really were so great--Tyler every once in a while throughout the day would just come up to me and say, "Mom?" "Yeah, Tyler?" "Happy Birthday!"

That, and the fun afternoon that I got to spend scrapbooking with my aunts & cousins--some of the ladies that have been the biggest influences in my life. What more could a girl ask for?!?

Seriously--I would turn 31 today if I could recreate such a great day!

Preschooler

Big T ready for preschool! The first day went great! We celebrated with a hike around Silver Lake.

Good luck Miss Erickson!

Good Morning Sunshine!

Seriously...could I ask for a happier face to wake up to?

First Grader

"The first day of school is an anticipation of good things to come."

Ash's first day went great! She met up with her good buddy on the way to school and said she had a great time, but it was SO long, and maybe just going 3 days a week would work better for her. Is now a good time to tell her that it was early day and that she'll have even LONGER days the rest of the week?

Also, a little Domino effect occured in her classroom where one boy on her row started to cry because he was missing his family, then the girl next to him started to cry. Ash said she started to get tears in her eyes because she missed us too, but decided to be brave and try to help the kids next to her not be so lonely. I assured her that she only missed us doing laundry and mowing the lawn. She felt a little better about not missing out on too much at home:)

So, if you need to get a hold of me this week, I'll be doing totally boring things like running errands, cleaning the house, organizing and whatever else would make a first grader think that being at school during the day would be much more exciting!

Ash Rocking the New Glasses

Ash got my eyes...nuts! But don't the frames look fun?



She's also sporting 4 new teeth. Life is good for this 6 year old.

A token Ty shot. I really need to get my camera out more when Tink is awake! Poor third child!!!!

Rub a dub-dub, three bubs in a tub

Holding tight to the last bits of summer...

I never realized the mixed emotions going back to school would bring to me as a parent! I'm so excited for the kids to meet their new teacher, make fun friends, get into a more consistent routine, wear the new school clothes and use the crisp, clean backpacks, folders and books. Oh yeah, and learn a thing or two!

The other side of me wants to hold on to summer forever. I LOVE having all of my kids together--riding bikes, playing in the backyard, boating, sleeping in a tent, swimming at grandmother & grandpa's, coloring with chalk on the sidewalks, checking out the zoo, aquarium, museums, parks, etc. all on our time table.

So, I'll relish the fun memories made this summer, enjoy the next 7 days to the fullest and choose to be excited when Monday the 27th rolls around and celebrate the new school year. Happy school year!!

T sleeping with his soccer trophy

A on her new bike

T on the Rock It

Settling in...

And we're home! Hooray!




We're so happy and are loving our new place, neighborhood and ward. We feel extremely blessed to be where we are at. Although every day for the first week T would occasionally say "This is fun, but when are we going back to grandma's house?" He's enjoying the bunk bed in his room. The first night here we didn't have them set up, so we pitched a mini tent in his room and he and Ash got to camp out in the new house.



Another joy of home ownership is figuring out how to make the things work that were left behind. Exhibt A is the self-propelled lawn mower. This is an awesome mower with quite a little bit of pep, and apparently a bit of a learning curve for me, as it dragged my around half the front yard until I got the hang of it. Unfortunatley, our first week at church Brother Shupe introduced himself to us as the new neighbor across the street, and commented on the laughs and entertainment I provided him while he watched the machine defeat me! So, note to self--figure out how to use the ding-dong machine in the BACKYARD next time. By the way, the lawn looks awesome.

Travelling

I was just talking to some of my siblings about some of the places I've travelled. Some days it seems like a lifetime ago--living in Jerusalem, back-packing through Europe, a medical/micro-credit mission to Africa with C, and then the cross-country flights/drives with kids from Virginia to see family, not to mention all the great family vacations all growing up.

We've really settled in lately--now traveling consists of quick road trips, or watching the Discovery channel and learning tips from Bear Grylls on Man Vs. Wild. And I'm completely content with the stage of life we're at.

Kid sayings

Walking home from church...

T: Mom, I just cut my toe. You go get the band-aids, and Jesus will make it better.

______________________________


A weekend spent in Park City, getting things boxed up and ready to sell my parents cabin...

A's face was pressed up against the window.

T: Why you doin' dat, Ashy?

A: Because I'm trying to memorize everything about Park City so I won't ever forget it.

Homeward Bound

We bought a house! Holy cow--what have we done!?!? One minute I'm thrilled beyond belief, the next I'm sick to my stomach about the debt we've just incurred. I'm constantly thinking about it now--where to put the furniture we have, what to get, how I'd like to tweek things.

I'm trying to be calm and collected, but inside my stomach is a jumbly mess of every emotion. Above all, I'm so excited to raise our family in this home because it feels like it's the place we belong and where we should be at this stage in our life.