LUCK

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck.

My Grandpa Oden passed away when I was only 6 years old.  I have but 3 really good memories of being  with him, since he passed when I was so young and he lived thousands of miles away from me.  As a child South Carolina might as well have been a world away from Provo, Ut.  

As a teenager, snooping through my mother's hope chest, I happened to find an envelop addressed to me.  It had my old Provo address on it, we now lived in Gilbert, AZ, but that is not what interested me about the envelope.   The name in the upper left hand corner said, "Grandpa Oden".  My throat tightened and my heart beat fast, and I tore into that envelope with fast, greedy little fingers.  The envelope was already opened and I am sure that I read it many years before, but still, I had no memory of it at all.  

This, as Grandpa Oden called it, was my "first love letter".  It was a simple, sweet, script.  I read it over and over again.  I still have that letter and consider it one of my most precious possessions.  One thought he shared in the love letter was that if I ever missed him, I could look out at the moon at night.  That moon I saw in Provo was the same moon he saw in South Carolina and he would look at it too and then, I would know that my Grandpa in good, old South Carolina loved me and I wouldn't miss him so much.  I can't tell you how many times I have looked at the moon over the years and thought of my grandpa.

Grandpa Oden was born on February 12th, President Lincoln's birthday.  When his parents couldn't decide on a middle name for their new son, they settled on Lincoln, in honor of that great President.  He never went by Lincoln, to my knowledge, though he loved his middle name.  He once told my Mom that if she ever happened upon a penny head's up - you know with Abe Lincoln's head up - that meant he was there.  

Since his death, we have stumbled upon pennies with their head's up during special times.  My aunt, Mom, and Dad went to the Temple to seal my grandparents by proxy a few years after my grandma died.  After the sealing, my Dad was in his locker room and found a penny, heads up, in the corner.  My Dad didn't notice it before the sealing.  My brother has found one while he was in the midst of a trial.  Today, I found one, and my heart swelled with joy.

I was coming home from a run.  I was discouraged because I was slow and I have been troubled by my children's behavior before school.    Lately, I have been thinking that this marathon training was too much of a strain for my family.  I have been thinking that I should only run a half.  I have been so distraught!  I prayed very hard before I ever made the decisionto run the marathon and I knew that Heavenly Father thought this was good for me.  So why was it such a trial now?  Also, I felt foolish because running this marathon isn't something I have to do here on Earth, why should I even pray to the Lord for help with it?  That's when I glanced down and saw the penny.

Usually when I spot a penny, it is head's down.  So today I almost ran past the penny but something told me to stop and look at it.  It was head's up.  Peace overwhelmed my body and I ran home strong, having a conversation with Grandpa Oden all the way.  

 I also put some things together in my head.  When I first started training, I thought this marathon would be a cinch, I would run so fast, I would break records, well not really, but almost.  As training progressed and it was hard and I was slower than I wanted to be, I was mad.  A few thoughts came to my mind during this time.  Maybe this marathon was to teach me things I wouldn't have learned otherwise, not to be some speed demon.  I have already learned some wonderful life lessons.  I have also learned that I love to run, it is addicting, and it (mostly) makes me feel good.  I decided that it did not matter what my time was when I finished, it only mattered that I did.  

When I found the penny today, my thoughts had been confirmed.  My Grandpa's presence was tangible.  I had ran over that sidewalk three times earlier during my run and never saw a penny there before.  As loony as it may sound, I believe my Grandpa is responsible for that penny being there.  

My marathon is on the Sunday before President's Day, I don't think it is a coincidence.  I am going to take that penny with me, every step of the way. 

Strange, but funny.

-Todd

(I now have the power to hijack this blog!  Hwa ha ha!)

Politics

Harrison, my 6 year old, has a new idol, Senator John McCain.  {Boy, I hope that sentence doesn't cause his Grandpa Smith to suffer a heart attack!} 

I started noticing that Harrison had this special interest in Mr. McCain last week.

"Mom, can I play on the computer?"

"Yes, why?"

"I need to get on nick.com and pick the President."  Apparently Nickelodeon is having kids vote for the President on their website.

"OK, who are you going to vote for?"

"John McCain!"

"Why do you want to vote for him?"

"Because he's from Arizona!"

So we went on nick.com and voted for McCain-Palin.  I wonder how many other kids are voting for that ticket.

So yesterday we had our weekly family dinner at my Mom and Dad's.  Out of nowhere, Harrison exclaims,

"John McCain, John McCain!"

Everyone looks at him as he tells my brother Gavin's new friend that's a girl he hopes McCain wins, as I hold my breath and pray that doesn't offend her.

She asks Harrison why and he says, "Cause my Mom likes him, that's why!"

I didn't know that kid understood the Conservative Talk Radio that I listen to!  I am continually amazed at how bright Harrison is.

Todd  worries that Harrison is going to be sorely disappointed November 5th.   Me too.  

So we had a talk with him.  We explained that John McCain may not win and someone named Barack Obama would be the President.  We further explained that {hopefully} it would be OK and we would support him. 

I hope, for Harrison's sake at least, that McCain does win.  

Randomness

This week is Fall Break!  I am a little depressed because I had envisioned this week going a little differently than it's reality.   Although, it hasn't been so bad.  We have gone to the outdoor mall and played on the playground, spent more time than usual with Todd, and we went to the library by our new house and checked out books and DVDs.  I made rolls twice and the kids were huge fans.  I am a novice baker, but the rolls turned out pretty well.  Tonight we went to Chilies because I hadn't cooked dinner.  I checked out a book at the library and couldn't put it down.  Before I knew it, it was 5:30pm.  Tomorrow someone is suppossed to come to check out the garage door opener.  It was acting funny earlier and now it is not.  I feel dumb having someone come look at it now, but three days ago, when the appointment was made, the door was not working.  Oh well.  I think that I will try and organize Harrison's closet while we wait for the garage person.  Afterwards maybe we can go do something fun.  Friday we are going with Janette and Janalee to a Pumpkin Patch.  

My running is continuing.  Today I slept in and Todd had an early morning meeting with a client.  I was a little mad at myself for sleeping late and thought that I had lost my chance for a run.  Instead, Todd saved my day when he came home after the meeting and I got to get a run in!  I am doing the run/walk method and my time has actually DECREASED!!  I ran 3.5 miles in less than 40 minutes.  A few months ago I ran 3 miles in 38 minutes.  I know, I know, I am slow - but I am only "racing" myself.  I am very happy with any improvment, no matter how small.

Today a very exciting thing happened.  I surpassed my goal weight!  June 1st Todd and I started to keep track of our weight-fat percentages and body measurments.  I wanted to lose 15 pounds.  Since June 1st I have lost 16 pounds!  I can't believe it!!  I have to say I am very happy with myself.  The weight loss has to be attributed to the running, because my diet has not changed that much at all, I am ashamed to admit.

Todd asked what my new goal was going to be.  I told him it was to run the marathon.  However, I am going to add better nutrition to that list too.  I am positive that better nutrition will help me run stronger.  

Marathon Memoirs #2

Seven Miler Today....

I was nervous/excited to run today.  

Upon walking out the front door, I gave a silent prayer of gratitude for the cooler weather.  The crisp air breezing across my skin was the perfect way to start a longer run.  I've decided that running at the gym is a thing of the past.  I believe the treadmill was easier for me to run on and was giving me a false sense of running level.  I ran on a mixture of asphalt and dirt today, it is the ground that I will be running the marathon on, so it is great for training.  Also, there was some wind, and that is good to train in.  The treadmill has a sleek surface and there is no wind inside a gym!  Another upside to running outdoors is the scenery.  My brother-in-law often remarks how ugly Arizona is, he is from Utah, but I strongly disagree.  I love Arizona's great, big, blue sky, it is breathtaking.  I also love the desert with it's small mountains and unique foliage.  The desert is a pretty place to run in.  Another perk of Arizonan living is the close vicinity to ranches.  I ran past many farm animals today.  It was rather fun seeing the cows and horses staring at me.  Much more interesting than the TV at the gym!

While I was running, I spotted Todd and the kids at the park.  So I ran over to them and took a little break - this was about four miles in.  It was nice to spend some time with them.  I am so glad it is finally cool enough to take the kids to the park.

The last three miles were a little rough.  I felt dehydrated and a little tired.  Next time I need to take water and some energy gel packets.  I think that would help a lot.  I walked a little - maybe 1/2 mile during this time.  I felt like my walking break energized me an didn't take away from my speed.  I am considering run/walk training now.

Today we celebrated Alyssa's birthday!  She is 3.  I made Yellow rice, rolls, salad, and cupcakes.  My Mom, Dad, and brother came over.  Mom and Dad spoiled her and so did Gavin.  After dinner I manipulated my parents into decorating the family room and kitchen.  They really have a talent for home decorating.  Their home is beautiful.  Our place looks like a "home" now with pictures on the wall!

Feelings of gratitude crept into my mind today as I ran and prepared for Alyssa's dinner.  I am so grateful for my husband, kids, and other family members.  I am so grateful for a body that can run.  I am so grateful to live in this beautiful country.  I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son to save us from death and from the heartache that accompany this life too.  

It was a good day.

Marthon Memoirs #1

So, this Monday I started my training program for the Desert Classic Marathon, which takes place at the end of January.  This entire summer I have been gradually adding mileage to my runs.  A month ago I was going 7 1/2 miles in 70 minutes.  I felt strong.  A month later, after a missionary homecoming, excessive fat and sugar intake, closing on a house, moving, and cleaning an old house, plus executing everyday Mom duties have taken a toll.  

This Monday, according to my training program, I was supposed to jog 40 minutes.  Monday's experience  was like pulling teeth with no anesthetic. P. A. I. N. F. U. L.  L.  I wanted to cry, scream, throw a fit.  "How can I run 26 miles in 4 months if I can't run 40 minutes now" I thought to myself.  I was pretty devastated the rest of the day.

Tuesday's workout consisted of 30 minutes of cross training.  I decided to take a walk in my new neighborhood.  One of the perks of living in this community is the many walking trails it offers.  I had a great walk!  Those doubts about my running are still lingering in my head though.

Wednesday's workout assignment was Six Quarter mile runs at a 2:05 min - 2:15 min pace.  So, it is basically running 1/4 mile fast and then resting a bit, an then repeat 5 more times.  I did this at a different gym than I usually do.  I was going the Mountainside at Greenfield and Brown but now I am going to the one in Gilbert.  Their treadmills are older and are harder for me to run on.  This workout was difficult, even though it shouldn't have been.  Thankfully I managed to push through. 

Something remarkable happened to me on Wednesday.  I was really starting to feel sorry for myself.  Until I reminded myself why I had decided to run this marathon in the first place.  It wasn't to lose weight or be the fastest runner.  It was to help myself grow and to allow myself to do something that makes me happy.  I imagined how amazing I will feel at the end of that race.  Then I realized that everyday while I train I will have the opportunity to feel amazing.  It is not just the marathon itself, it is the entire marathon process that will make me grow.

Running - or in my case very slow jogging :) - enables me to come home from each run feeling like I accomplished something great for myself.  It energizes me and makes me a more confident person and mother.  Every morning run is like this great big self- esteem booster.  

After realizing this, I was so excited for my thirty minute jog this morning.  I had trouble sleeping even.  Finally it was time and out the door I went.  I started off pretty strong, but by the mile and a half marker I felt tired.  Knowing I still had half of my run in front of me, I was a little disheartened.  However, Miss Diana Ross, The Supremes, and my pretty pink ipod helped me out.  

I don't know why, but "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" gives me a rush.  It certainly put more energy in my step.  Gratefully, this song was followed by Queen's, "Another One Bites the Dust"  and "The Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky IV soundtrack.  {I have a pretty eclectic  song list}.  These great songs pushed me to the end.  Even though I didn't run as well as I would have liked, I drew on my run all day for emotional strength.  

Running, cheaper than therapy!

I think every person should have their version of running; maybe sewing, baking, reading, whatever...this endeavor has really helped me.

Tomorrow I have 20-30 minutes of cross training and Saturday  is a 7 mile run!

**I am following the training advice from the book, "Four Months to a Four Hour Marathon" by .

Can I just say?

How excited I am about John McCain's "veep" choice, Sarah Palin?  

Kids....

On Saturday night the kids and I  played hopscotch on the front driveway.    We also drew pictures with the sidewalk chalk.  

When we came inside to get ready for bed, Harrison exclaimed, "That was the best time of my life!"

Should I be happy he is so easy to please, or feel like the WORST.  MOM.  EVER?

My son, the next Al Roker?

The following conversation happened Monday morning on the {VERY LONG} drive to Harrison's school:

Me:  What a pretty day we are going to have!

Harrison:  It is going to rain.

Me: No, I don't think so.  Those clouds are pretty, happy clouds, not rain clouds - unfortunately. {I love rain!}

Harrison:  Those clouds are rain clouds.  It is going to rain.

Me:  We'll see.

Soon after I dropped him off at school and went on my way.  I stayed indoors the entire day.  We had friends over for a birthday party and then my visiting teacher stopped by.  Then it was time to pick Harrison up.

As soon as I got on the road, I noticed something.  A giant, black wall of clouds due south of me.  Harrison's school is due south of us,  many, many miles away.  Then it started to rain.  The further south I got, the rain drops grew in size.  It felt like hail was pelting the car.  I couldn't see in front of me for a while.  I admit it, I was scared.

Thankfully I arrived to the school unscathed.  It was pouring and windy.  My dad, the principal, and his teachers kept the kids inside the front hall.  My dad and his teachers would run out to the parents' cars, ask which kids belonged to each cars, ran back inside and got the appropriate kids  - covered with an umbrella - to the appropriate cars.  By the time I got there, my poor dad was soaked.  It was quite a site.

After Harrison was heralded into the car he immediately said, "I told you it was going to rain."

Yes, Harrison, yes you did.   

Back to School

Harrison started school last week.  First grade!  He has is going to Quartz Hill Elementary School and Mrs. Morris is his teacher.  His principal is Mr. Hallock, but Harrison calls him Pappy!  That's right, Harrison is going to my Dad's school.  

I really wanted Harrison to go to this school, for many reasons, not just because of my Dad.  For one thing, the hours are better - 8:53am - 3:40pm.  It is also brand new with brand new technology, equipment, etc.  All of the teachers are superb.  At Harrison's previous school it was hit and miss. I would talk to parents and they would say: "Whatever you do, don't get Ms. fill in the blank for this grade or Mrs. fill in the blank for this one and on and on".  Also the student pick-up/drop-off was a mess.  I could go on forever.  Bottom line, it wasn't a good fit for me as a parent and more importantly, it wasn't a good fit for Harrison as a student.  Admitedly the best part is that my Dad is there to keep an eye on him.  It is nice to see him every day when I drop off/pick up Harrison.   Plus he plays kickball with the kids every lunch recess, so Harrison can play with his Pappy everyday if he wants to!  

There is a downside, it is a 30 minute drive.  That means I am in the car 2 hours a day.  

But not for long.   

Our tentative move-in-date is September 29.  After September 29 it will take 4 minutes to get to school.  That's 16 minutes in the car a day for me.  I can't wait!

I am excited to be moving back to Gilbert.  We are still not too far from our family and friends in Mesa - about 20-25 minutes - so I am not too sad about leaving the area.  

Happy Birthday Harrison!

{Please forgive this post, I am writing this for posterity's sake!!  Read if you wish!}

I can not believe that my boy is 6 today!  How did this happen?  Where did the time go?  It is true what they say, they grow up so fast.  Six years ago today I was laying all alone in a hospital bed as Harrison went into surgery a few floors above me.  Todd was right by his side, until he was forced to leave and they whisked Harrison into the OR.  Thanks to my labor lasting all night long, our family, who were at the hospital for the duration, were all exhausted and I sent them home to sleep.  So I layed there just praying that everything would work out the way we had been praying for it to the previous four months.  

Harrison had gastroschisis - his intestines protruded through a small hole in his abdomen wall.  The surgeons had to put them back in - if they weren't too damaged by the amniotic fluid.  I can't remember what would have happened if they had been too damaged.  I think that they would have had to cut the damaged part off and try to reattach the intestines.  Luckily, they were not in too bad of shape.  Luckily, Harrison was big enough that his intestines fit into his body the first try.  Luckily, he recovered very well.  Luckily, we took him home 12 days later- this almost never happens.  I really don't know if luck had anything to do with it at all, I give all credit to the Lord.

One of the things I will never forget was that Todd and my brother, Gavin, were able to give Harrison a blessing right before surgery.  Gavin had just returned from his Spanish speaking mission three days prior.  He couldn't remember the words to the blessing in English, so he did it in Spanish!  I also remember how respectful the hospital staff was to our religion.  I had him at St. Joseph's and they offered to have a Priest come by and give Harrison a blessing.  They were quite surprised when I told them that my husband has the Priesthood and was going to give our baby a blessing himself.  I then had to explain a little bit about our religion because that made them pretty curious.  Harrison had me doing missionary work the minute he was born!

This past year Harrison has experienced a lot!  He went to kindergarten, learned to read, learned to tie his shoes,  improved his swimming abilities, and basically grew up the way a 5 year old should!  I am excited for another year!  Harrison, you are pretty terrific.

Going Private...again!

OK - so I will be going private by the end of next week.  Please leave me a comment or an email to let me know if you would like to be invited to see the blog:

jenny_sundevil{at}hotmail{dot}com

Thanks!

God Bless America

Have a great Fourth of July!

I'm Back

I couldn't stay away when I realized that my Mom's favorite sister - Hi, Aunt Joyce - frequents the blog.  Joyce lives all the way in South Carolina and I haven't seen her since I got married, over 8 years ago.  It makes me sad that we don't see my Mom's family often and since blogging is a way of communicating and connecting, then I am going to keep blogging!  I just need to be disciplined and not stay on the computer for hours just browsing after I post on my blog!!!!!

Here is a sampling of what I have been up to lately.  Enjoy!

This picture of the "Smith boys" was taken right before Tyson left on his mission.  It was a blistering hot August day, and standing outside taking pictures in the afternoon was sheer torture, but I am glad we endured!  This quote is particularly pertinent for two of these brothers.  Trevor, Todd does love you!  We hope you love him!

Harrison was the master mind of this picture!  He told me exactly what to add and where to put it.  He has loved trains since forever and he has recently become obsessed with the American Flag - we have a patriot in our midst!  This was taken last year, on the Heber Valley Railroad, in Heber City, Utah.

What can I say about this?  Alyssa is sassy!!  The tongue sticking out was purely her, it was so not coaxed.

Goodbye!

I thought I would let my readers {all four of you :)} know that I am taking a blog posting break for the time being. Don't worry we are all OK, I just don't have the time to publish posts that I consider worthwhile right now.  

If anything "news worthy" happens in our little family, I will for sure get my blog on!

SnAP Back to Reality!

We got back from Utah a few days ago and are slowly getting into a summer routine.  Harrison missed the last few days of school and now we are in the midst of summer!  I had to keep reminding myself, when we were up there, that it was May, and not January.  We were freezing!  I understand that it was cold here too, and I am a little bummed that we missed it.  

GG's funeral service was beautiful.  I think that she approves of it. One blessing that came through all of this, is that we got to see Todd's parents.  They flew to Salt Lake from Hong Kong for the funeral.  My kids were thrilled to spend some time with their missionary grandparents.  Another blessing is that we got to spend time with Todd's extended family.  We stayed with his aunt and uncle, who live in a dream house.  Their son and daughter-in-law invited us over to "play" - our boys are the same age - and their house is also a dream.  It was like candy to my eyes and has given me a lot of decorating ideas for our new house.  Todd's has another cousin - from the other side of the family - whose perfect skin has convinced me to go back to using Mary Kay!  So, yeah, basically we just played with Todd's cousins and siblings the whole week!

We got home Sunday evening, right in time for dinner at my parent's home.  They invited us over for a BBQ on Memorial Day.  Of course we went, and even though the weather was a little too cool {I can't believe it either} for me to comfortably swim, everyone else did.

                                                     Poor Harrison, shivering cold!
                                     

                                     The loves of my life!!  If you're thinking Lyssa looks

                                      a little thick, it is because her swimsuit has built in

                                      inflatable thingies.
                                       My brother, Gavin, being a good sport.  I made him

                                       flex.  He is single ladies, give me a call if you're interested.

GG

Marian James Smith 
(July 23, 1926 - May 18, 2008) 

Marian James Smith passed peacefully from this mortal existence on May 18, 2008.

Marian having been born of goodly parents, was the second child of David Wilmer and Irva James. She was born July 23, 1926. She was raised in the farming community of Paradise, Utah. Hers was a happy and joyful childhood surrounded by her beloved family.

She met and married her eternal companion Sherrod Smith on April 1, 1949 in the Logan, Utah temple.

Her life exemplified her love of the Savior through her service to Him, her family, and friends.

After many years of church service which included music and leadership, in 1989 she and her companion fulfilled a mission in the West Indies, Trinidad Mission. She listed this experience as one of the highlights of her life.

She leaves behind many who loved her. She is survived by her children Michael (Janis) Smith, Ruth Anne (Jerry) Erickson, Paulette (Randy) McMillan, Jayna (Allen) Lofgran, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, with a great granddaughter on the way. One grandson is serving a mission in Argentina and her son and daughter-in-law are serving a mission in Hong Kong. She is also survived by her loving siblings - 2 sisters and one brother, Irene Maughan, Carol Bowen and Gordon James. Preceded in death by her sweetheart Sherrod, parents, son-in-law and a brother.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Heritage Stake Center, 7350 South 3200 West. Viewing on Wednesday May 21st from 6-8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy. (10600 S.) and from 11-11:45 on Thursday at the church. Interment Redwood Memorial Estates.

Dear GG

Dear "GG",

We love you and are so happy that you are with Grandpa Sherrod now.  We are going to miss you so much.  We are going to miss all of those stories that you used to share; all of your story telling habits too - "I'll never forget" you would say holding up your index finger and shaking it, ever so slightly.  We will never forget, don't worry.  

We will never forget that you always let us come and stay with you, even on a whim.  We will never forget the sloppy joes you made us every time we visited.  We will never forget that you let Harrison watch his PBS kids, when we know how you loved your "Price is Right".  We will never forget that you held our babies and kissed them and loved them.  We will never forget that you remembered our birthdays, always.  We will never forget our last visit, perhaps our favorite, when we got to take you to your favorite restaurant.  We will never forget what a treat that was to us.  No, we won't forget.

We will never forget that you served a faithful mission.  We will never forget that you strived for and attained 100% visiting teaching every month.  We will never forget your stalwart Temple attendance.  We will never forget your  love of family history.  We will never forget that you have a strong, steadfast, belief in the Gospel of Christ.   We won't forget any of that. 

We will never forget you, GG.

Love,

Todd and Jennifer

Sad news...

                                                      West Jordan, Utah April 2006

                                    me, Todd, Alyssa, Grandma Smith, Todd's Dad, Harrison

We received some sad news this evening.  Todd's Grandma Smith passed away today.  She just recently went to the hospital with pneumonia, so I am very glad that she did not suffer long. I am thrilled for her, she is reunited with her husband and other loved ones who have already passed.  She is a wonderful woman and tomorrow, when I am better rested and thoughtful, I will record some of my favorite memories of her here.  I just wanted to write down my immediate thoughts and feelings while in the moment.  I am so thankful that I got to know her and that my kids got to know her too.  Todd loves his Grandma very much and has been lucky enough to have a great relationship with her his whole life.   

China!

For FHE, we learned about China.  This is important to us because Grandma and Grandpa Smith are in Hong Kong serving a mission.  So, we checked out this very kid friendly and informative book, and read it together.  We asked Harrison to share the three favorite things he learned about China.  They are:

1. Astronauts can see the Great Wall from outer space (Todd doesn't believe that though)
2. They don't start school until they are 7 years old.
3. The majority of people only have one child.  His eyes lit up when he realized that one.  He said, "It would just be me!"  I know he loves his sister though and is very glad that we live here, where we can have many children, if we so choose....or so I hope he feels that way! 

CONGRATULATIONS TREVOR JAMES!!!

Todd's brother, Trevor, is graduating from University of Utah on Friday.  We are so excited for you and proud of you too Trevor!  We know that you will be successful.  By the way,  he already found success with his sweet wife, Whitney.  He couldn't have been any luckier in the wife department.  I feel lucky too.  She is a great "sister".  I am always in a good mood when we are together.  

Have a great weekend you guys!!  We'll be thinking of you.

(The above picture is them as newlyweds with an almost 2 year old Harrison)

Turn Off TV Week

We are not completely following the no TV thing this week, but are significantly cutting back.  So what's a Mom to do?  After all, TV is so tempting as it can be a great babysitter, entertainer, and so forth.  I decided to come up with some ideas and thought that I could share them here, if anyone is interested...

1. Read a book
2. memorize an Article of Faith, scripture, or poem
3. teach the kids to bake
4. draw pictures
5. write the missionaries
6. go for a walk
7. go to the park, splash pad, etc
8. go to the zoo
9. go to the library
10. go to a museum
11. sidewalk chalk
12. blow bubbles
13. run in the sprinklers
14. ride bikes and scooters
15. go to Sonic for Happy Hour
16. go swimming
17. have a puppet show
18. organize the house
19. write a story
20. wash the cars
21. visit the Temple's visitor's center
22. take a nap!
    

I am excited about this week now!  I hope my kids will do well.  

  

Recent Happenings....

We have been keeping pretty busy around here.  I love it!  I thought that I would take just a few moments to record what we have been up to.

We finally made it over to San Tan Village, which is adorable.  Becca, Stephanie, and I took our kids to the splash pad.  Alyssa decided the sprinklers were not for her.  Luckily there was a darling Puppy Store across the way and we got to admire the cute puppies instead.  Becca and I also enjoyed some good lunch and adult conversation!

Stephanie told us about the Fun in the Sun Festival, put on by Mesa Public Schools Early Education program.  I am so thrilled that we went.  Although, Alyssa decided (at first) that the festival wasn't for her either.  I was feeling frustrated because there were so many fun things for her to do and she didn't want to leave her stroller!  So, I pretty much forced her out of her shell.  We made fruit loop necklaces, she liked the idea of making a necklace.  Then we went to checkout a fire truck.  She would not go in it, so I carried her and we both went in it.  Firetrucks are pretty cool.  Finally she started to realize that this was fun and we got to enjoy the rest of our time there.  They had so many wonderful ideas of what to do with your toddler to preschool age children.  My favorite ones are:

•   getting a large container and putting flour (or rice or cornmeal) in it with some small spoons and cups and let them play with it - like sand 
  
• bubbles - they just used water and dish soap
• fruit loop necklaces

                                             Lyssa playing with stamps
                                          Who doesn't like these parachutes?
                                              Bubbles!!
  After all of the neat ideas, I felt as though I really needed to be more educational at home.  So after school, instead of "Sponge Bob", Harrison and Lyssa made paper sack puppets and had puppet shows.  They loved it.
I decided to get bangs and get (very subtle) red-brown highlights.  The Young Women kept saying, "You look pretty, what did you do?"  
I have been crafting a little.  This is my cheap alternative to vinyl, I heard about this technique on Tip Junkie.  I loved Elder Ballard's talk and wanted a quote from that talk on my walls ASAP.  Now, while it isn't the most eloquent plaque, I smile whenever I see it.  
   Some canvases for Lyssa's room.....
    I wanted some Italian in her room too....
This is Harrison's old bulletin board.  All I did was paint it red, used a cowboy boot stamp and stamped it on top of the red, stapled the fabric on top of the cork, and then Velcroed the wood pieces on it.  I still have to make some pillows with the rest of that fabric.
We finally saw "Juno" and "I Am Legend".  Well I think I saw 30% of "Legend" the rest of the time my hands were in front of my face.  It was scary!

We are still busy with T-Ball.

I cooked every night this week, wowsers!

The "Cleaning Fairy" has been stopping by the house and leaving treats for Harrison sporadically.  This has made him extremely happy to clean his room.  Ya, I just made up the Cleaning Fairy and he ate it up.  I love it.  It is fun.  I usually just write a little note that says keep up the good work and leave a small toy or candy on his bed while he is at school.  This week the Fairy was feeling generous and left him a huge bucket of sidewalk chalk!

We got our Summer Movie Fun Tickets!

My Mom had Friday off and we spent the day at Tempe Marketplace.  Fun!

My Mom has been dragging me to her Zumba classes.  She is a Zumba junkie.  So last week Stephanie came too.  Let me tell you guys, Stephanie is a good dancer!  Zumba is way fun too.

Well I could go on.  But, it is late and I am sure that no one is interested in reading any more about my life right now.  I will have to update my blog as I do things in the future!  Oh and I have a rodent story to share, so don't let me forget!!

Creme Brulee French Toast

I am so not a breakfast eater.  Quite regularly I have leftovers or a cheese quesadilla for breakfast - breakfast of champions, eh?  Anyways, this dish has convinced me that not all "sweet" breakfast meals are gross.  Furthermore, this is one breakfast that I would eat everyday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  I got this recipe from "The Essential Mormon Cookbook".  In case you don't have a copy of this book, here is the recipe:

1/2 Cup Butter

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 loaf Texas Toast bread, cut thick slices

5 eggs

1 1/2 Cups half and half

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 recipe Syrup Butter*

In a small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat stirring occasionally.  Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.  Spread to cover the entire dish.  Places slices of bread on top.  Mix together eggs, half and half, salt, and vanilla.  Pour on top of bread.  Cover and place in refrigerator over night.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.  Serve Syrup Butter on top.

*Syrup Butter:

1 1/2 cups butter

3 cups maple syrup

I didn't make the syrup butter and the French Toast was amazing, who knows how delicious it would have been with the syrup??  Oh and by the way, I didn't say this was good for you, it just plain tastes good!

This is so decadent I think I will add it to my traditional Christmas morning breakfast menu! This would also really impress overnight guests.  AND it is so easy too, way easier than pancakes or waffles or regular French Toast....can you tell I think this stuff is great??  

PLAYTOPIA

Chandler's Tumbleweed Park has, quite possibly, the world's cutest playground. They call it Playtopia. Playtopia has three distinct areas for the kids to play. All of the areas are near one another and they have ramadas interspersed, so you can have a nice little picnic if you want.  They have "City Land" which has a little city street for the kids to ride their bikes on and pretend they are in cars. They have "Critter land" which is a nice sized sand lot, covered by a sun shade. They have fake Woolly Mammoth bones sticking out of the sand box and the kids can pretend they are digging for fossils. Then they have "Farm Land" which is a gigantic playground that is totally farm themed. It is so adorable. The best part is that is completely covered by a huge tin roof, it looks like we are under a barn roof. This is so important to me because Alyssa is so fair, and it is so hot here. The shade provided by this structure is way better than what a typical playground shade thingy provides. We had a blast and I can't wait to go there again. It is on Germann Road, just west of McQueen, if you are interested in going.

                                                My cute little farmer...
                                                   Farm Land...

                                                   Critter Land...Katherine was ready to go home, 

                                   we had been there for almost three hours and didn't realize it!

I Have an Announcement!

And no, I am not pregnant!

I have been reading and re-reading Elder Ballard's talk from General Conference.  I was really touched by it, particularly when he encouraged us to find one or two things to learn and do to "fill our well".  I have been thinking about this a lot, even before Conference, and this is most likely why his talk hit so close to home.  So, with a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided that one of the things I am going to do is start running again.  Last spring I trained for two races and having a goal in sight brought a lot of fun and challenge to my running.  So, my announcement is....I am going to run the PF Chang's Marathon in 2009.  I figure if I announce this so publicly I will more apt to follow through, of course that didn't work with my Diet Coke habit, but I really like running!  So, I think I will be ok.

I have also started to do a lot more to fill that well of mine and be a better wife and mother.  If I can get a spare moment - and when I am not dog tired- I will actually post some pictures of these things.  

So, what do you do to fill your well and be the great mothers and wives that you all are?

Autism Family Day

This Saturday, while the "boys" were at Priesthood session, my Mom and I took the kids to Mesquite High School's 2nd Annual Autism Family Day. We went because it is a fundraiser for Autism Awareness and my Mom is a counselor for Mesquite High School (and was working one of the booths!). This was so much fun. They had all of these inflatable toys for the kids: a bounce house, a huge slide, a maze, and one where you are tied to a bungee cord and you run and then get snapped back. They also had booths where the kids could fingerpaint, play hoola hoops, do a dunk tank, get "tattoos" etc. A good time was had by all. The weather was perfect too. An added bonus for me was adult conversation with my Mom and some of her co-workers. After that we met up with all the "boys" and my parents treated us to dinner at Tia Rosa's. A night like this was just what I needed.

Conference was wonderful too. Didn't you all just love Elder Ballard's talk? I can't wait until Thursday, when lds.org puts the talks up on their site, to print it out and read it over and over again!

Hong Kong Night Night

Todd's parents sent these darling silk pajamas to our kids, from their mission in Hong Kong. It is pretty much a "Mission Impossible" to get a decent picture of both kids together!

"Freckleface Strawberry"

My parents gave Lyssa the cutest book for Valentine's Day, "Freckleface Strawberry" by the lovely and beautiful Julianne Moore. I think the book is semi-autobiographical as it chronicles the life of a 7 year old girl, referred to as Freckleface Strawberry, who has, yep you guessed it, red hair and freckles! Alyssa, and the whole family for that matter, love this book. We read it to her all the time.

I think Lyssa knows that little Freckleface Strawberry looks a lot like her, minus the freckles (although I am sure she will get them sometime). In fact, we now catch ourselves calling little Lyssa "Freckleface Strawberry"!!

One day this week, after reading the book for about the millionth time, Harrison asked me if I had any freckles. I said, "Yes! Everywhere...on my face, arms, legs...You know you could call me Freckleface...(I thought for a moment) Blackberry. You know, because I have black hair instead of red hair." Harrison looked at me for a moment and then said, "Or Freckleface Greyberry".

WHAT??? I think I have found like 2 or 3 greys over the years. Thanks a lot Harrison. With him for a child I should have an entire head of greys in no time.

I have an appointment for a cut and color next week....I am thinking of going red. It would be nice to look more like my own little Freckleface Strawberry.

T-Ball!

Harrison's first T-Ball game of the season was last night. It is surreal to me that we have a kid old enough to be doing things like T-Ball, school, and so forth. Anyways, the game was a lot of fun. I love that there is no score and it is all about the kids learning and having a good time. I really love that the game was only two innings long! I think if we let them go a whole 9 innings we would still be there!

Harrison's Team aka The Cardinals

Harrison, #11, and his teammates waiting to bat!

Harrison up to bat.

Harrison was the "pitcher" for one inning. That is Todd in the yellow, helping in the outfield.

Alyssa did pretty well. She only ran out into the field once! I think she wanted to play with her brother.

Our little All Star!

"All American Girl"

"Since the day they got married

He'd been praying for a little baby boy

Someone he could take fishin'

Throw the football And be his pride and joy

He could already see him

Holding that trophy taking his team to State

But when the nurse came in with a little pink blanket

All those big dreams changed...and

Now he's wrapped around her finger

She's the center of his whole world

And his heart belongs to that sweet little

Beautiful Wonderful Perfect

All American Girl"

from Carrie Underwood's "All American Girl"

We love listening to music over here and whenever this song comes on, we dance, sing along, and laugh. This perfectly describes Todd's feelings towards little Lyssa George!

I Don't Wanna!!

But I have to clean!!

Instead here I am on the Internet looking at all my favorite blogs and checking my email. I need to do some laundry, do the dishes, and my floor would probably appreciate a mopping. Plus I have presidency meeting here in about an hour. Then Harrison (who did some major damage to his room yesterday - he decided his room needed painting!!!) will be getting out of school at 11:55. It is early day. So I need to get my booty moving, but I don't wanna!!

OK - enough whining, I gotta get going.

Have a fabulous day everyone.

"People died so that you could have this right"

was Todd's response to my whining about not wanting to leave the house to vote today.

Well, how do you argue with that? So I voted. Actually, Todd left work, voted, and came home so that I could go and vote without Alyssa at my side.

I am very grateful that my husband is so on top of things like this. I have a feeling that if it were not for his civic mindedness, I wouldn't vote at all. Not to mention even think about our founding fathers or the civil rights activists that made it possible so that I have the blessing of voting for what and who I want.

So, did you vote today?

How Often?

do you go shopping?

At the end of a long day last week, Todd and I were talking about what the other did that day. After I filled him in on my day he asked, "Is it a goal of yours to shop everyday?" You have to know Todd to understand that he wasn't being mean when he said this. Perhaps a little concerned about finances, but not mean. I am a pretty frugal girl too. My shopping excursions don't total to very much. (Except at Target, every time I go there I spend at least $70 - I have to stay away from their bulls eye) I think Todd really was curious to know why shopping is always on my "to do" list.

So, I am wondering, am I alone here? Do you make daily trips to the store? Or are you a really good planner and do all of your shopping - food, gas, clothes, etc, on one day? I aim for this. However, I always seem to forget something, or something doesn't get put on the list in the first place. At any rate, I am making it a goal to not spend money or shop for at least three days this week! I bet this will please my husband, and my daughter. She hates shopping with me!