Musings

We Claim the Privilege . . .

2011-04-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday was like foot race to the pulpit for testimony sharing in our ward. We have some very eager youngsters who are very faithful in their monthly testimony bearing. So if you don't have a great start off the line you may not get a chance. Apparently I was a little sluggish as time ran out and I had not managed to find my way to the pulpit. Normally, I wouldn't care but I have a few things nagging me about it this month. So I decided to share my thoughts here so at least it's written down for posterity.
We recently attended a funeral of a family friend. She graduated high school with Trent and has children who are friends with Isabelle and Brennan. This funeral service was held at a church that was not our denomination. That's okay. However, they worship in a way we are not accustomed and I would on occasion get a glance from one of my kids with a "Is this okay?" look in their eyes.
It was a great opportunity to discuss the 11th Article of Faith.
"We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege. Let them worship how, where, or what they may."
On Sunday morning, since we have 1:00 pm church, I have been watching on BYUTV a program called "Our Savior in the Gospels". This is a program where BYU religion professors discuss the Savior in the Gospels, in case that wasn't obvious. But it has been fascinating to listen to their insight and deeper meaning about Christs actions and teachings in the last few days of His life on this earth. I realize there is so much I don't know, but I also learned something very important.
The way we worship, what we do each Sunday, how we sing our hymns, how we pray, how we take the sacrament and how we reverence Him and our Heavenly Father are because that is how Jesus Christ taught us. Exactly.
I find peace in knowing this is truth.

I don't Hate BYU . . .

2011-03-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have a dirty, little secret . . .
I love
GONZAGA!!!!!
Specifically Gonzaga Men's Basketball.
I have watched them for a few years now, back when Adam Morrison played for them, onto Matt Bouldin, to Steven Gray and now David Stockton.
They are a local team, as local as you can get for little old Moses Lake. Neither I, nor any member of my family has attended there. I just like them.
So, as any true blue fan should, I faithfully cheer them on every year, into the finals and hope and yes, pray that they will go as absolutely far as they possibly can through the NCAA tournament. My bracket this year has them proudly in the Final Four. (I have not picked a champion yet)
I did see a very small dilemma when I realized that there was a good probability they would face BYU. But honestly, I knew from the very beginning my efforts at cheering would be directed to "MY TEAM" . . .Gonzaga. My brothers, the sports aficionado's that they are, have always taught me that you have to be true to "your" team. So I was.
But why not choose BYU? I have absolutely nothing against BYU. But here in Moses Lake I can't watch their games. At least not on any channel I get. Also, I don't happen to be an alum nor is any member of my family. My dad went 1 year. Really, if I were to root for anyone

Steven Gray

it should be Oregon State.
I do think Jimmer is a very amazing player! Is there anywhere on the court where he can't make a shot? It didn't seem like it Saturday night.
I was not a Jimmer fan Saturday night and found my dislike was met by quite a bit of hostility!!!!!
So I am here to clarify, I have NOT Apostatized. I DO NOT HATE BYU OR JIMMER! I will be cheering the BYU Cougars on in their next game and as far as they will go. But . . . even next year . . .when BYU joins the WCC, I will be cheering on
Gonzaga!

There must needs be opposition . . .

2011-01-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

I hate opposition. It is so frustrating. I shouldn't complain, actually life has been pretty dang good. We have been blessed with many blessings lately. Some I have been praying for for awhile and am so very grateful. Truth be told it's technically not even "my" opposition. It's London's. She plays soccer and loves it. She has played soccer since she was seven. We did Moses Lake Youth Soccer until she was 11.

She's #2

Then shifted to the traveling IAL (Inter-Association League) team.

The Stryotes (don't ask) . . .

and of late the Varsity team for MLHS.

This picture was taken at the first game of the 2010 Season. ML was down 0-1 with less than 8 minutes left in the game and London scored twice and won the game!!!!! It was an awesome night! Go Chiefs!!!!!

She does well and really loves the sport and the girls she plays with. In fact, she does well enough, that she was invited to tryout and subsequently made a club team. We have, in the past, stayed away from club teams, for a variety of reasons, which included the time commitment, and Sunday games. When the coaches approached London, they mentioned that these girls were busy, i.e. jobs, high school team etc. so they just wanted the girls there when they could and specifically to London, they respected that she didn't play on Sunday and that was fine with them. So we talked it over and decided to try it out.CB United 94

It's has been a good experience. Her coach is very knowledgeable and has taught London a lot.
So where's the opposition?
The season for this team just started and ALL but 1 game is on Sunday. . .ugghhh!
On the positive side, we visited with the coach about it and he has been true to his word and still respects London's decision to not play. No pressure. In fact, he has been working to get a few of the games rescheduled to Saturdays which is a HUGE pain.
The opposition . . . the other players who plead with London to play. (They haven't won yet, they can't score and she's a forward, the one who scores). The parents who out of the goodness of their heart offer, to take London to the games, "If that would help you out?" Another teammates parent who is guest coaching and takes his frustration at her not being at games out on her at practice and treats her not so nicely.
It's only soccer. Right? Will she do anything with it after high school? We'll see.
She is a good sport about it. She knows the commandment . . .Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. I think she hopes she will be blessed for being obedient, so do I.
And I want her to be a successful soccer player, but more than that I want her to be a young woman of integrity.
So for now, we stand strong, remembering that other gospel principle - There must needs be opposition in All things.

No time today . . .

2010-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

I just took a moment to catch up on blogs I haven't read for a while. Which reminded me that I haven't written for a while. Like May. Who has time? Every day I reflect that my time is not my own. It is my husbands, my kids, my jobs, my calling, my house I'm trying to sell, but not mine. I think it will be mine again someday. When I ponder that it seems delightful. Sighhhhhhh . . . . . .

Tomorrow I turn 20 . . .again!

2010-05-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. The big 40. I have really been trying hard to ignore it, or will time to come to a standstill. But unless this wind storm we are having causes the rotation of the earth to reverse and therefore reverse time, the inevitable is happening.
It seems 40 is that age where we reflect back on the life we have lived so far and take inventory. And on the report card of my life I am unsure of the grade I would give myself, I think at this point an "Incomplete" is right. That's OK. My 20's were a whirlwind of playing, dating, finding the man of my dreams, settling into the being married life, starting a family, the brink of discovering who I was. The possibilities were endless. (Notice I started with 20 and not my teens, I have teenagers and all I can say is that I should be grateful to have survived and call turning 20 a New Beginning, hee hee!)
During my 30's I gave myself over to my family. Raising them, caring for them, being mom. Now, they are far from raised but they are little more self sufficient. I think I can take a deep breath and let the pendulum swing. Like I said, in my 20's I was on the brink of discovering who I was. Now I know who I am as a wife, as a mom, as a cub scout leader, as PTA president.
Tomorrow is the day I discover who else I am. The possibilities are still endless.

My sweet boy!

2010-02-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

My Brennan is all boy. Again - ALL BOY!!!! I love it. He goes all day long and it is torture in the winter months when he is housebound, it's truly like living with a caged animal. If you have sons I'm sure you understand completely.
The only thing that can tame the beast is illness. And unfortunately he has been down for about 3 days now. This is when I see his sweet, tender side. He never complains, is grateful for anything I do for him and just lies there with his sore throat and fever. I am grateful for the reprieve from his endless energy for about a minute and then I feel bad.
This morning he woke really, I mean really, early, like before 5 am, and put himself out on the couch without bugging anyone. Trent thankfully heard him and went to check on him. Trent took the opportunity to give him a blessing, which touched me so much. Just a quiet moment between father and son. Trent told me later what he had done, I know he knew it would make me feel better. So I asked Brennan if his dad had given him a blessing. He said he had and that it made him cry a little. I took the moment to explain that when we feel the spirit sometimes it makes us emotional. We know what is happening is right and that Heavenly Father hears that blessing and knows that we need comfort. I asked him if it made him feel better and he said "yes".
What a sweet boy.

Educate yourselves, ladies.

2010-01-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

My contribution to the Cleverly family is to work at Pioneer Pit Stop Lube & Oil,which is owned by my parents,and in doing so I provide health insurance for our family. My job duties are as follows:
1. Welcome you to the Pit Stop and find out why you are there. I know it seems like a no brainer. Like, duh, I'm here for an oil change, hello?! But there are many other things we do there so it is an imperative question.
This is when I will usually answer any questions about your vehicle or convey concerns to the Lube Techs.
2. Input your vehicle information into the computer.
3. Then I am the "detail" person. I vacuum, check tire pressure and wash your windshield.
4. When I am finished with those duties, I will probably fill the vehicle up with oil. Then I start it and check that the oil pressure has come up.
5. Finally, I will cash you out, making sure you know and understand everything that was done or is recommended to be done to your vehicle. Take your money and ask you to have a nice day.
Sounds pretty simple, mostly, but somedays it can be very busy and I feel like I am running like a headless chicken. If you have ever seen a headless chicken you no there is no rhyme or reason to where they run.
I don't like my job every day especially in the winter when it is cold and wet. We service a lot of big trucks which have dual tires in the rear. You know, two tires on each side, and they are a PAIN to check the pressure on. Sometimes I am literally laying on the ground trying to check them and I am thinking to myself . . . a lot of things but I won't post that here.
Somedays I feel good about what I do, especially when I can help someone out, which is why I am writing this post.
So ladies this is for you. You NEED to know about Your vehicle. Even if you have a man in your life who takes care of all of that for you. Because, and you may not want to hear this, but that man might not always be there. I have seen this so many times when older ladies will come in after their husband has passed away and they are clueless and a little scared. Or like the customer, true story, who came in asked if we could show her how to check her oil. She said to me, "Yeah, I used to have a husband who did this, but he ended up being a cheater!"
I'm not trying to be doom and gloom, but I have also had husbands come in to our business steaming mad because their wives took their car to another oil change place and ended up buying parts or having a service done that the husband had already taken care of. The women were completely manipulated and that really makes me mad!!!!!
So here are my car care tips for you:
1. You are in charge of your vehicle. Don't let anyone guilt you or manipulate you into a service or part you are unsure of or comfortable with. If you are on top of the maintenance of your vehicle nothing should ever have to be done TODAY. Take the time for a 2nd opinion.
2. Know your vehicle. Pop the hood, get a good look under there. There is a sticker in your engine compartment called a catalyst sticker. It has the year and engine size on it, you should know this, along with Make and Model. Look at the oil cap. Most vehicles will tell you what weight of oil is recommended for your vehicle. Most newer Chevrolet's are 5w30. Fords are 5w20. Some newer Chrylsers are 10w30. Diesel vehicles take 15w40. Find your oil dipstick it is usually yellow. Your transmission dipstick is usually red or black.
3. You should know how to check both your engine oil and your transmission fluid. Most service places should check your fluids at no charge between oil changes. Do this, and when you do, ask them to show you how to check your vehicle.
Also, know where your coolant/radiator fluid is and know what kind of fluid you take. There is usually a minimum fluid level and if it drops below, which it will, it should be topped off, back to the minimum level. Know the temperature rating. Ideally, coolant should test to 34^ below zero with a boil point of 265^.
4. You should know the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. For instance, usually you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. Changing your transmission fluid might be every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Most coolants have a 5 year/150,000 mile lifespan, but not all. All these recommendations can be found in your owners manual.
5. If you drive an SUV, there are 2-3 gear boxes underneath that run your 4 wheel drive. A front and a rear differential and a transfer case. The fluid in these need changed periodically as well. Your owners manual should provide you with a recommendation. But a reliable lube tech should also be able to tell you by appearance how those fluids look.
6. Tires. You should know the maximum tire pressure for you vehicle and know what the recommended pressure for that tire is. For instance, the maximum cold tire pressure on my tires is 44 psi (pounds per square inch), I keep mine at 35 psi, but anywhere from 32 - 40 is okay, it is kind of a preference. Large trucks might have a max psi of 80 and be inflated to 60 psi.
7. Lastly, at least for today, is know what you are buying. Some vehicles require basic parts, oil etc. where others require fancy everything. For instance, some Cadillacs need regular oil and a common oil filter. Other Cadillacs need synthetic oil and a fancy oil filter. Both these things can drastically increase the cost of an oil change. Also some newer vehicles have what we call a "Dealer Check" transmission, which means there is no access for us to check the transmission, which also means we cannot service it. The dealership will have to check and service that transmission. This will cost you a lot more money, usually, than to have it serviced by a quick lube place.
Like I said, most places, if they value you as a customer, will take the time to help you get educated about your vehicle and the more you know the more control you have. As they say, knowledge is power and peace of mind.

Killing me with compliments - literally!

2010-01-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

So I have decided that as 40 quickly approaches, like at mach speed, I need to take a little better care of myself. So last Monday I took Isabelle's ballet costumes off the treadmill, dusted it off and actually used it for which it was designed. Four times last week actually. I pat myself on the back.
Today, we had a memorial birthday party for Trent's dad at Chico's, Bruce's favorite place to eat. I felt especially pressed to break the old treadmill out tonight after a couple of those pieces of pizza. If you are from Moses Lake I need not say more.
Isabelle read the telltale signs - hair in a pony tale, bangs pulled back in a head band, tenny's and yoga pants, and asks "Are you going to exercise, Mom?"
"Yes I am Isabelle."
"So, how's it going?" she genuinely asks, followed by an appraising look up and down, then says, "you look -pause- better?!"
Thanks a lot Isabelle.
Sigh
Get on treadmill.

A regular appearance?

2010-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am having "issues" with my job! So my thought to create some interest for myself back in my job I have decided to try doing a regular post about it. Believe it or not, some interesting and hilarious things happen around here. Because as "The Doors" say "People are Strange" and can make for some interesting antecdotes.

I say "try to do a regular post" as I'm not predisposed to doing anything "regularly" that isn't life sustaining. You know, things that are controlled by the cerebellum (isn't that the part of the brain that controls things like breathing, heart beat, blinking, etc?).

Anyway, first post:

With the Christmas holidays over and spring looming around the corner, wishful thinking, Trent is feeling that urge, I swear only farmers feel, to work. So today he was at the shop "working". When he got home, I went up to him to give him a hug and kiss, wrinkled my nose, and said, "You smell like exhaust!" He looks at me and grins and says, "You smell like oil. Hmmmm, 10w30?" Nice, uggghhh.

Catch a tiger by his toe . . .

2010-01-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

How would life be if all our decisions were made by a quick round of "eenie meenie miney moe . . ."???

A Beginning . . .

2009-12-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language.

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

They say a goal NOT written down is only a dream. Well the Cleverly's have a goal so this will be the official "writing down" of thus said GOAL!

We want to MOVE!!!!!

I love my house usually in the summer, because I have a patio and a pretty big yard. So we can move some of our "living" outside. But when hibernation sets in sometime in November, the proclamations that it is time to move, begin to be heard.

This house is too small!

We have got to move!

Get out of my way!

Stop touching me! Moving might not help this one.

This house is too small, we HAVE to move!!!!!!

So we are serious. Hopefully, the previously posted stars are beginning to align ( knock on wood) and we can sell our home and move into a home that will accomodate our growing family and by growing I only mean taller. Not one of my kids is done growing yet!

Our focus for the next few months is to finish some unfinished projects around the house including replacing lino and painting kitchen cupboards.

Selling our house will be one big step into creating a new beginning next year. I've been feeling a little "stuck" lately so it will be fun to "rev" things up a bit.

2010

Happy New Year everyone!

-Kim

What life brings . . .

2009-12-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

So. Every now and then I get hit with a wave of grief. As fresh today as the day 9 years ago when I realized my child bearing was done. Who knows what brings it on. The fact that my sister is having her first any day now could be the trigger to these pangs. Other times I see families with several and several in my personal dictionary is more than three, children and wonder if we are missing someone.
Intellectually I know it's okay. Three kids is enough. They are awesome kids. And in a practical sense three is easy. And most importantly I do know that my Heavenly Father knows my circumstances and is pleased with our family. I'm certain this trial is by His design.
But the crux of my whole frustration is that is wasn't my choice. It wasn't my decision. I felt like I had just started "that phase" of my life and it was over.
Don't get me wrong, 99% of the time I have come to terms with what life has handed me, but every now and then it makes me sad.

Catching up!

2009-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

The following are posts about everything going on around here the last few months. Please click on Older Posts after you look at Trent's pictures because there is a post for London and Brennan but they got kicked to the Older Posts page:(

The Nutcracker

2009-12-13T17:37:00.001-08:00

Today's Generation Dance Studio put on a presentation of The Nutcracker and invited the Ballet Academy of Moses Lake to perform the snow scene and below are some of the pictures from Snow. Sorry they are a little blurry, I was trying my museum setting that had no flash and I was actually sitting pretty far back in the theatre.

This is actually a pretty cool picture, but I cannot figure out what happened to her legs?

Isabelle and her friend Heidi.

Thank you Today's Generation for inviting us, it was a beautiful production!

Isabelle

2009-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Seriously late pictures of Isabelle's seriously belated birthday party!

Haley Manly, one of Isabelle's good friends who is loaded with personality!
One of the things they did was make and eat caramel apples. They did there very best to get as much caramel on their faces as possible. They did a pretty good job!
Mercedez (we miss you), Haley and Allison

Quincy, Isabelle and Mercedez

The whole gang! They are soooo cute!

Outside roasting marshmallows.

We are so glad Isabelle has such good friends!!!

Trent turns 40!!!!!

2009-12-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Trent turned the big FOUR-OH in October!!! I threw him a big surprise party. There were close to 100 people in my little house, but it worked out great and I was so happy that so many people came to show him how much they love him!!!

This is Trent coming in the door to hopefully be surprised!

Four lifelong friends. Standing l-r: Monte Bowen and Stacey Grigg. Seated: Travis Palmer and Trent. Missing was Roger Ostler.

Trent Grandma and Grandpa Evans and brother-in-law Scott.

Sister in-law Kim, Stacey and Jeff.

Lots of people!

Thanks everyone who came!!!

London

2009-12-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure I mentioned more than once, London made Varsity Soccer! I'm not proud or anything. I don't have many good pictures because I don't have the best camera for that distance. Guess what is on my Christmas list? Here are a few from Regionals, the first appearance to Regionals ever for MLHS.

She is #2.

This picture is London subbing in.

A back shot as they are announcing the team roster. Those 3 are freshman.

We were really proud of London this season and are looking forward to 3 more!

Brennan

2009-12-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Brennan during soccer. I am terrible at sports pictures because I get too caught up in the game and forget I have a camera in my hand.

This is Brennan back as a defender. He is pretty good back there!

This is a funny picture, I didn't really see everyone's faces untill I uploaded it for this post. I wonder what just happened?!

Of course, fall means Brennan has a birthday. the big 9. Wow, one year left and my baby will be in double digits!

Random Thoughts . . .

2009-11-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

*Quote for the day: Being the first Sunday of the month it's fast Sunday, which personally I think is horrible the day after Halloween. But anyway Trent catches Brennan eating a KitKat before church and says, "Brennan, don't you remember it is fast sunday?" "Yes", says Brennan. "I just need a little snack."

*I have no blinkers in my van right now, so we have resorted to using arm signals until we can figure out what the problem is. Completely humiliating. I'm glad we have been reviewing hand signals in cub scouts for bike safety.

*Chiefs Girls Soccer is going to regionals for the FIRST TIME EVER!!!!! Soccer has been exhausting, expensive, frustrating and totally worth it. We are proud of London for making varsity as a freshman. She has had some growing pains with this new adventure but she has done pretty well for the most part.

*I am the pianist in Relief Society. I love to play the piano, but not for other people. Most of my piano skill is self taught. I have a decent amount of musical education but not a lot of actual piano lessons. Little story . . . I decided to take lessons at Ricks when I was there, so signed up. I showed up to lessons the first day to find we had team lessons. The other girl had obviously had years of piano lessons so I went from feeling fairly proud of my piano skills to completely pathetic. I don't remember much about lessons for the rest of the semester but the "Recital" will be forever etched in the "Most embarrassing file" for the rest of my life. I showed up to the recital with my faithful roommate. I think I was last and followed wonderfully, complicated piano pieces. I really wanted to climb under the chair I was sitting on and become completely invisible, but no such luck. Resigned I sat down and played my piece. Variations of Clair de Lune. All I can remember is mine was that piano piece that everyone politely sits through yet can't wait until it's over. My friend and I laughed all the way home. Anyway, today was another one of those days. I swear I'm like the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of pianists. I wasn't told what songs we were singing until I walked into relief society. Sometimes this is ok, but not today. The opening song was Have I done any good? and I couldn't get one note right, it was all I could do to keep from rolling on the ground laughing during the song it was so horrible. They would have been better off singing a capella. The practice song was Because I have been given much. I love that song and didn't miss one note. I even had crescendos and decrescenos. The last song was Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd, nearly as bad as the first song. Somedays I am just so glad when the last note is sung, amen is said and I can put my hymn book away and call it good!

*I tried to make a witch hat out of cake for the Bruneel's annual Halloween party (good times!). I saw Paula Deene do this on her show. Pretty easy or so she made it seem. So I got up and made the cake before we headed out to the soccer game. When we got home I tried to put the layers together that form the hat but my cake was super crumbly. How on earth does one screw up a boxed cake mix? Anyway as I'm frosting it the cake is falling apart. I exclaim to Trent, "My cake is a disaster!" He comes and looks at it and says "Sure is Babe!" I quickly gave up. I did not have time to deal with that. I tasted it later that night, and although it was falling apart and looked terrible it tasted pretty good. So when Trent wanted to throw it away I wouldn't let him thinking the kids might enjoy it still (Brennan had made a token attempt at redeeming it for me, what a good boy!). Well Trent just announced that my cake was starting to look like the Sorting Hat.

*We have a couple new pets around here, thank you Trent. Crayfish. You probably didn't know crayfish could be pets did you? Well apparently you can when you have a 9 year old son in the house. He has been feeding them hot dogs. They are outside on the back patio in a tub. We had 3 but one died so now we have 2. Brennan disected the dead one, so in the tub are 2 crayfish and crayfish parts. I'm not sure how long we will be able to keep those 2 since we have a neighborhood cat that keeps trying to "fish" in the tub. I'll keep you posted!

*Reviewing this post I'm noticing a trend. It could very well be I need to learn a few things about pride. I guess I better ponder that, hmmmmmmmm!

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, But Names Will Never Hurt Me?

2009-09-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Post Edit:
Just to clarify. I, thankfully don't think anyone is gossiping about me or my immediate family. At least nothing too vicious and nothing that has wound it's way back to my ears.
This was in response to some things that were said about some people close to me that shall remain anonymous. But it was so frustrating to hear what was said and know it was pure untruth and very hurtful. It was a good lesson in how truly devestating gossip can be. So don't do it!!!!

I do not know who came up with that saying, but they are far from right.
A Jewish Proverb says "What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. "
I know we all gossip. I think it is the nature of human beings. Some are less inclined to do this than others and then there are those who have "diahrea of the mouth". So I am not going to use this post to further spread gossip but hopefully to warn. When you choose to pass on information think long and hard of the possible consequences. Are you sure it's absolute truth? And even then does it need to be passed along? What do you gain?
I have witnessed the unspeakable harm gossip can do to people. Some have weathered the storm fairly well, but they were in a good emotional state to begin with, where others were not. They were already in a vulnerable position and this has been devastating.
The mind is not as resilient as the body, therefore, sticks and stones may break a bone but that bone will heal, usually with no lasting effects, but "names" do hurt and can leave you crippled!

Love is in the air?

2009-09-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

One of the things I appreciate about little boys is their matter-of-factness. They don't get too emotional about things which is a pretty nice balance to the emotion that abounds with girls.

Today I am driving my 3rd grade son to school and he casually announces that he has a girlfriend.

"Oh, really? Who?" I ask. He tells me it's a little girl who is new to our school and neighborhood and to protect her future rep, we will refer to her as "Jane". I probe him further only to find out that this relationship is not really something he enjoys but rather tolerates. He proceeds to explain that "Jane" follows him around the playground and watches him play soccer and dreamily sighs at his prowess on the soccer field. Are you kidding me?
Okay, so I am belly rolling while he is telling me all this because they are in THIRD GRADE!!!!!!! And his non-chalance about it kills me.

So, after school, we have some more alone time and I quiz him further about his "girlfriend". He tells me he has decided to break-up with her. (Again I have a near car accident, because I'm laughing so hard.)
"Did you ask her to BE your girlfriend?"
"No, she told me she was my girlfriend."
This girls got guts, but I'll give it to her for going after what she wants, albeit a little young?!
Perfect opportunity to interject the fact that he is a little too young to have a girlfriend and the reminder he cannot date until he is sixteen, so he may want to kindly tell "Jane" that she is a nice girl but he is only not quite nine.
"Yeah", he says. "Maybe I'll like her when I'm 16."

Conversing with Rock Stars

2009-08-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Those who live around here may know my friend Nathan Albright. Nathan P. Albright, Attorney at Law to be exact. I'm not sure what the "P" stands for but I like to think it stands for Phineas. If you know him, then there is no explanation necessary for this post. If you don't, then let me just say, that what he did to me last night is totally something one should expect from him.
Nathan and his lovely wife Triscia were invited to an event last night featuring the band "Saving Abel". They didn't really want to attend but tickets were free and felt obligated, so they had London babysit while they went. Now, they had had a long but enjoyable day visiting a local Hutterite colony and Nathan was fighting a migraine so Trish was fairly certain that they wouldn't be gone long. You know, just make a token appearance and leave. Well, this was fine with me as London's mom because she had a long week with soccer tryouts and everything that went along with that this week, including a camp out that ended in a 4 mile run.
At about 10:30 pm last night my phone rings and caller ID says it's Nate. The phones won't connect so I'm yelling into my phone "Nathan!! Can you hear me?"
To which Brennan asks, "Is he drunk?"
I laugh, think about it for a second and say "No, I don't think so. I mean, no."
When he finally got through he tells me to hang on a second and then hear, "Hi, this is Scott from Saving Abel."
We proceed to have a very normal conversation about what a nice time he is having, including the fact that he is drunk and very happy about that. To which I reply, "Well at least you're happy about it." He says he is enjoying our lovely little town but that is quite different from Memphis, which I agreed that Memphis is probably quite a bit different from Moses Lake. And then he wanted to know if it would be OK for Nate to stay out a little bit longer since the party was just getting started.

I informed him of the week London had had, making sure to mention that my freshman daughter made the varsity soccer team, to which he was duly impressed, therefore it should really be her decision. He agreed and after a few obligatory "Nice talking to you's" he hung up.

All I could do was chuckle, shake my head and wonder why I should even be surprised. After all that is totally something Nathan would do.

Random Thoughts . . .

2009-08-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Good News!!! London made the Varsity Soccer Team! I am so excited for her, soccer is her love and I am thrilled she made Varsity as a freshman.

That was the happy thought. The others are more contemplative based on sad news.
One of our employees was killed in a car accident last weekend. He ran straight into the back end of a very large truck that was lit up like noon day. There was no attempt at braking or turning, just straight into the truck. I don't know if he had been drinking I think he definitely fell asleep and now he's gone. I'm sad for me because he was a genuinely nice person. Everyone, I kid you not, everyone knew him and liked him because he was very likeable. I'm sad for his kids because they will now have to journey their life without their dad. But I am the most sad for him. I know how much he loved life. He was a huge HS football fan, he DJ'd, he had a ton of friends and he adored his two girls and treated his step children like they were his own. So I have spent this past week pondering his grief. Does he grieve like we grieve for him? I know he is surrounded by those who have gone before him, but does that help in any way? I know we all die. For some it is at the end of a long and fulfilling life and although I'm sure we hate to leave those we love here I think we are ready for what is to come next. But at such a young age, do we mourn this life in heaven?

My final thought is about Stephanie Nielsons blog, NieNie Dialogues. I happened upon this blog several months ago and was immediately struck by the faith and love her family has for her and each other. When I first started reading I quickly learned that Stephanie and her husband had been in a terrible plane accident August of '08 and she had been burned over 80% of her body. Her family kept her blog going, reporting on her progress and finally Stephanie began posting herself. Some posts were postive and full of gratitude for life, family, her husband, her four darling children, Heavenly Father, etc. Others were frustrated and devastated and painful to read. But last week on the anniversary of her crash she posted a picture of herself. Previous pictures of her show a young, dark haired, freckle-faced, blue eyed beautiful girl. Now those freckles are gone replaced by the tell-tale scars of a burn victim.
I had mixed emotions. I was really proud of her for being so brave. I was in awe of her for being so brave. I was happy that there is a beauty about her. But I was also mad for her. She was a strikingly beautiful woman. I know it seems petty. When you read her words, her inner beauty exudes from her. But I am so sad that she only got that body for such a short period of time and will now be faced with the physical pain and limitations she has because of all the scar tissue. The stares she will face from those who might never know what she looked like before. It doesn't seem fair. I know life is not fair. This is her trial to face and she is facing it with dignity. But that is my thought for NieNie, that it doesn't seem fair.

What we've got goin' on . . .

2009-07-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

London is a Freshman this fall, yikes!!! So we have spent a lot of this summer watching her play with the MLHS soccer team. It has really been a lot of fun. A lot of these pictures are of her playing as I had a request from friends.

Below is London (11), her friends Hunter (9) and Cortney (3) along with the Assistant Varsity coach, Sam. They took 2nd Place in a tournament in Ephrata.

This is a nasty fall she took on her almost broken arm, I believe that girl in yellow played a big part in her ending up on the ground. Foul!!!
I love this picture, because if you look closely, neither London's feet nor the ball are touching the ground. And you can see her wrapped arm. The arm injury is thanks to a Boy Varsity soccer player. Well, my Mom always told me "If you are going to play with the boys, you will probably get hurt." True, but that didn't stop her, the DR. told her not to play:)
I don't remember exactly what was going on here, but to brag for a moment, London is FAST. She set two school records in track this spring in the 100m and 200m. So, what probably is going to happen is she will split these two defenders and go for the goal. Hopefully she scored!

Here she scores!!!

What has been really fun is hanging out with some of the high school girls. Here is Liza B. doing a happy dance after winning at a lawn game call Kuub.

We have had a lot of family visit this summer and Jeff and Stacey have moved to ML for the summer. Here is Evalie who likes dirt and Miss Isabelle.

Boys. Posing like gangsters while wearing John Deere hats. Hmmmmm?!
L-R: Jaeger, Brennan and Owen

Luke. I think he was just happy to be playing with the big boys.

Makia and Jakob visiting from AZ.

News I'd like to share . . .

2009-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago this fall I was diagnosed with Lupus. This news was a little hard to accept since out of the litany of symtoms associated with Lupus, I had one. Joint pain. I obviously was not at all happy to receive this news and, of course, had to face every potential worst case scenario that an illness like this could bring. However, there was some comfort in the form of a very clear message of the spirit that told me I would not deal with this my whole life, and as can happen when we are told something by the spirit, I believed this as sure as I believe in the sun rising and setting.

As my doctor and I were working through various forms of medication to get control of the joint pain I found myself unexpectedly expecting. I very thankfully had an obstetrician appointment already scheduled. So I had my first prenatal visit at 6 weeks along. I cannot tell you how many times I have thanked Heavenly Father that that appointment was already in place. You see, I had no idea at the time how complicated a pregnancy could be with Lupus and on my own I would not have gone in until after the 12th week.

I was grateful because we were already in trouble and the next 8 months were filled with biopsy's, a lot of medication and several doctors with their accompanying visits.

Those who were around may recall the tell tale signs of corticol steroids, i.e. the huge face, zits and warts which brought on the whole separate issue of facing myself in the mirror every day trying to remember who "I" was, along with worrying for the child I was carrying, as the challenges he was potentially facing were huge as well.

Skip ahead, blessings were given, prayers were heard and although he came early, Brennan was fine. And so was I. Minimal damage done. Whewwww!

Now, my very smart, very active little miracle is a perfectly normal 8 year old.

Aside from a relapse a few years ago, I was a little lackadasical about taking my medication, my health is perfect.

And here is the good news I would like to share . . . my doctor dropped one of my medications and would like me to consider dropping "THE" drug that has kept me healthy these last few years. I may just not need it anymore!!!!! I may never have a Lupus flair again! WOW!

My personal mantra is "Lupus does not run my life, nor will it ruin my life." The only reminder on a daily basis that I have this disease is when I take my medications for the day. What will life be like if I don't even have that? I smile at the possibilities.

The moral for me in this is that prayers are answered. Of course they are almost never answered on our timeline but they are and of course prayers are not always answered the way we want them, but if I could have seen today from my eyes ten years ago I think I would have been okay with the outcome, but I certainly needed the journey.

"Dancers are the athletes of God." - Albert Einstein

2009-06-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

The ballet is a purely female thing. It is a woman, a garden of beautiful flowers, and man is the gardener.-George Balanchine-

This past weekend was Isabelle's ballet recital. The director chose a Stars and Stripes theme to pay tribute to those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces. There was beautiful patriotic music and some beautiful dancing.
Isabelle is beautiful ballerina and the quote about ballet choosing the dancer definitely applies to her. We could tell very early on that she was meant for this art. She almost walked in first position and when soccer didn't seem to be exactly her cup of tea (she preferred twirling on the sidelines to scoring goals) we enrolled her at the Ballet Academy. She has been there for 6 years now.
Bless her heart too, she unselfishly watches countless soccer and basketball and volleyball games and even endured a couple of endless track meets this spring and never feels sorry for herself that she only has one recital a year. Because of this generous attitude we try to make her recital weekend a big deal. Everything is about her that weekend and everything else comes second.
I have to say I burst with pride every year as I see how much she has grown from the previous year. But it's no suprise at the improvement considering she dances 4 days a week. This year she graduated up to the pre-pointe class, which for those of you less knowledgeable in ballet is a BIG deal. This means she is that much closer to the ultimate goal of dancing in pointe shoes!
Her feet, however, need to cooperate a little more and quit growing. Hopefully next spring we'll be able to take a trip to the dance supply store in Spokane and buy her first pointe shoes! I can't wait.

Here she is (sorry it's a little blurry) during one of the dances.

This is a group shot where they dance in synchronization in a line, I think they did a great job!

Isabelle in Arabesque after the recital.

A final salute!

Some peoples children SUCK! (That's as lady like as I can be!)

2009-05-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend was fabulous! Friday we spent time at McCosh watching the dancers, then eating ridiculously expensive carnival food, followed by an adequately entertaining lip sync.

Saturday started out with some serious overdue yard work, then down to the 3v3 courts, through the Classic Car Show for some serious offending of the 8th commandment and back to the carnival for some more ridiculously expensive carnival food. I had a Gyro. Of course the night ended with the annual Moonlight Parade. (More like an advertisement parade, but that's another blog)

Sunday morning brought church which is often a relief after an especially crazy weekend followed by a scrumptious BBQ at our house with my family, sans Mother as she has a nasty cold. I made an addictive Basil Tomatoe Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, yum! And the cousins wore themselves out completely! A sure sign of a successful family function.

Monday morning arrived way too early but my little cubscouts, the Wolves, were in charge of the Flag ceremony at the ward Memorial Day breakfast. We had been practicing for 2 weeks. I was sure we were going to do something wrong and offend every Veteran and Serviceman there. But I think it went off without a hitch and the boys were complimented mightily so I breathed a huge sigh of relief and enjoyed a yummy, cooked by somebody else, pancake, sausage and egg breakfast.
Home we went to get ready for Trent's family's annual picture at Grandpa Dodgen's graveside and then off to the park for the final "Food Function" of the weekend, when . . . .

Here is where I would like to get on my soap box and rant and rave about how this society is seriously lacking in anything resembling morals and ethics. Where everyone should have a copy of the Proclamation to the World in their home and the dads need to step it up and be men and teach their sons what it really means to be a man.

AND BEING A MAN IS NOT BREAKING INTO MY HOUSE WHEN I AM HELPING CUBSOUTS RAISE A FLAG THAT IS THE SYMBOL OF ALL THE FREEDOMS THEY ENJOY IN THIS COUNTRY AND STEAL MY STUFF!!!!!!!

This was the give away. The basket that holds our XBOX and Wii remotes, games etc. Notice to the left the empty hole where our videos are kept? They stole our new release videos including Twilight and Phantom of the Opera. Jerks! The left however, all the Living Scripture videos. Those they should have taken!

Next we moved through the house and discovered they broke in through mine and Trent's bedroom window that was cracked open slightly.

This is the grody footprints on the sheets of my bed.

They stole perfume and cologne. Knives that were Trent's dad and grandpa's. My jewelry which is mostly department store jewelry, but my YW medalion and my promise ring from Trent was with that jewelry. They stole Isabelle's money and the girls jewelry and went through Brennans room but didn't take anything. Luckily they didn't see the DS under his bed.

They used my pillow cases to take our things!
Below is the outside of my window covered with finger print dust.

This is my headboard covered with finger print dust.

Yes, finger print dust. And did we find finger prints? Yes we did, but even better than that (dummies) we are pretty sure we saw them walking past our house before we left and even better (dummies) London knows who they are and showed their pictures from the yearbook to the police and even better than that, the neighbor boy saw the same kids (dummies) running from our house while we were gone. And even stupider they live on our street. Shall I say DUMMIES one more time? DUMMIES! Oh, and lest I forget, one of the dummies just got out of jail so I'm hoping that it's his fingerprints all over MY stuff.

But, we are safe and most everything is replaceable.

Why a new Blog title.

2009-05-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog about a year ago. I had no clue what I wanted to do with this, it just seemed like a fun way of keeping in contact.
Well a year later, I feel that it's purpose has changed a little for me.
I do enjoy posting about the family and what's going on, but I would also like to use this as an outlet for some creative writing.
I once did creative writing for the newspaper prior to being married. Creative writing is something I enjoy a lot. My kids are a little older and I feel it is time to readdress some of the creativity I hope is hidden inside. I am on the one year count down to 40 Yikes!!!!! and am desirous of exploring this talent.
I have been pondering this for some time and apparently today is the day to make the transition.
Please wish me well and continue to read.
Thanks Kim

My 2 Cents!

2009-05-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

This week was my birthday. Somehow a tradition has started and my Mom gives be a hanging basket every year. I love this so much! My mom knows how much I love flowers and these baskets are instant color! Something to start brightening up the yard.

My next house WILL have a mudroom!

Who knew goldfish got so big?

Do your knives look like this after the kids (hubby included) make PB sandwiches?

A great phenomenon has occurred. Brennan who adores his Dad, as he should, has been showering me with attention. Here is a note I found on a pillow when I went to bed one night. How cute!

This is a birdhouse we made for Mother's Day in scouts. It too was found sitting on my pillow. It's all I can do to keep him from giving me the gift he made in school before Sunday.

We were officially inducted into the world of teenagedom. We were TP'd and Forked. Those who TP'd and Forked must have had limited supplies because the "damage" was minimal. What you see is what we got.

I told London and Isabelle that "I" surely was not the intended target, therefore they got to clean it up.

I believe they were finished in less that a minute. That's my kind of clean-up!

London participated in Track this spring. Here she is freezing to death before running the 100 yard dash which she took 1st place.

O, to be like Luna Lovegood

2009-04-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

We have been pondering our self worth in the Cleverly home these past few weeks.

Some are entering that phase of life when their self esteem takes a beating on a daily basis and friends don't always treat us how we think we should be treated.

Disclaimer: If your child is a friend to a Cleverly kid, please know that I appreciate everyone of them and KNOW what great kids they are, so please do not be alarmed by this post.

A discussion was needed, because the "Pity Party" was going on way too long.

Our own personal flaws were discussed to remind us that we are not perfect and if we are not perfect should we expect our friends to be perfect?

With chagrin, No.

Maybe a friend doesn't react exactly the way we would like, but should we be oversensitive, which leads to dwelling, which is the invitation to start the "Pity Party"?

No! Unless you are Satan.

Heavenly Father wants us to be tolerant and forgive.

But how?

This is where Luna Lovegood comes in. I hope you know her from Harry Potter. She is cooky and quirky, but most of all self-knowing. Her self-knowing is not something you immediately see. It's camoflauged by her downright weirdness, but when you take time to look past the weirdness and really get to know Luna, that's when you see it. She knows who she is which enables her to NOT dwell on the snickers and comments and names that are directed her way. She is happy with herself.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily want my kid to be quirky to the point of being weird. I do want them to feel free to be who they are and not worry about every real or perceived injustice. To love themselves. To know they are a daughter of God, that they are talented and likeable and that most of the time they are a good friend. (Remembering that we are not perfect, but we are trying.)

I know this will be a task, we are all self-centered and want the world to go perfectly our way, but it doesn't.

So when the "Pity Party" starts up, remember Luna.

Let's Catch Up!!!

2009-04-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

We have been busy, busy, busy in the Cleverly home these last few weeks. Our time has been filled with things that we love so our busyness is enjoyable.

Here is a recap. If you need a nap when your done, catch a few winks for me!!!

London had her first "formal" stake dance. Gratefully Stacey and Melissa have left all their high school formals at mom's, so she had her pick of dresses. She didn't like me taking her picture. She's not really into primping yet. Not one for a lot of make-up or too much time fussing with her hair. She is naturally beautiful and I'm glad she is confident in that. So I had to help her, which was fun but she makes sure to let me know when it's "too much".

The weekend before Easter my whole family, minus Justin and kids, were in town for the weekend. Here is a picture of Jaeger with his Easter Egg haul.
How cute is this!!! Nieces Jayda and Evalie holding hands, it was so precious.

Savana

Little girls abound in the Redford family right now and they are very adept at posing for the camera. L-R: Kaylinee, Jade and Evalie

Sweet picture of Kim and Kaylinee!

Grandma did not have the flower bed planted yet, so all the grand kids spent plenty of time digging in the dirt.

We are a soccer family. London's season started a few weeks ago and after a rocky start, won their two games this weekend. She was voted as a captain again along with her friends Hunter and Camiel. She scored the two goals in Saturdays game and Hunter scored the two in Fridays game. It was a good soccer weekend!!!!

Brennan's season ended last Saturday. I believe they won all but one which ended in a tie. They are good little team and have fabulous coaches who offer A LOT!!!!! of positive reinforcement, which I appreciated so much as a parent.

Brennan is #7.

Wow! I'll say it again, Wow!!! Beauty and the Beast was awesome! Isabelle was a village girl or part of the chorus. It was sooooo much work for them, but Isabelle loved it and promptly told us after the last performance that she wanted to do it next year.

Isabelle is our ballerina, and has but one performance a year. She watches her siblings all year long in their sports and never complains that it is unfair.

So when she wanted to do this, I really felt like I should encourage and support her, so I went to the school with her every night, ushered in the theater before it started and then did whatever was needed backstage.

It was a long, but fun week, and I am so impressed with the array of talent in our little community.

This is Isabelle and Jessica (Belle).

Funny story: The week like I said was long. At the beginning I called Jessica by her name, Jessica. Middle of the week, Belle and by the end of the week . . . Isabelle.

Trent is full into farming. Everything is planted except for one circle of potatoes. So we don't see him as much as we would like, but that soon will change.

I am PTAing, Den Leadering and Grease Monkeying around!

I went to my new rheumotologist, my old one retired, and All is Well. What a blessing good medicine is. My lupus has been dormant for 3 years now and I feel great. Every time I go and the doctor tells me I am doing great, it is a reaffirmation of every blessing given and every prayer said.

Good news for Brennan too. He is such a smart kid, but reading is not his forte. Teachers worry, and although I appreciate the concern, I think they jump the gun a little. I knew Brennan would get it if given time. Well, they just did some follow-up testing and he is at grade level, so no longer needs some of the extra help he was getting. We were so proud of him and he was of himself as well. But, what gives me a little vindication is that some of the teacher giving him the "extra help" said that he never really needed it. Trust mother's intuition!

Well, that's about all but it should be enough, don't you think?!

Attention all Redfords!

2009-04-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry to everyone who is not a REDFORD as this post is for them.
The calling tree is not working well for this event so I am posting all info on my blog.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT SO I KNOW WHO HAS READ THIS!

We are so excited to have everyone together this weekend and these are some of the plans and assignments:

1. Sunday dinner after conference: Potato Bar, bring a topping to put on top. Grandma has chicken nuggets for little kids. (In your comment please let me know if you have an idea of what you will be bringing)

2. Easter egg hunt - bring a couple bags of candy to share and 1 dozen empty Easter eggs per kid in your family.

3. I know Kim wanted to do Jaselynne's birthday, but I was thinking that we could do Feb, March and April, for those who have missed birthday's, so this would include Anne, Savana, London, Jaselynne, Jaeger, Jeff and DJ, tell me what you think.

4. FHE - Anne, I believe you said you had an idea for FHE, do you need help with anything?

Thanks everyone and see you soon!

London turns 14!

2009-03-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

London turned 14 this month and we celebrated with her friends at the Bruneel's shop. Huge thank you to Gaylene. This is the perfect hang out spot for teenagers!

Charlie's Angels

Muscles!

It's ridiculous how many kids, including London were sick this weekend, but in typical teenage form, suffered through and were party animals.

This is the funniest picture ever! Teenage boys, what can I say? I had to take this picture because they stayed like this for a long time and I kept checking to be sure that Bryce wasn't killing Easton but finally had to determine that Easton was actually enjoying himself and after a few minutes they moved on to something else.

Birthday Cake

Boys watching Twilight!

Cameron and AJ getting in a little exercise in.

It was a fun night. I was really impressed by what good friends London has and felt encouraged for the future as they get nearer to High School. I know how important a good peer group is during these years and these are good kids.

I should have kept my mouth shut!

2009-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

I jinxed myself! If you recall the whole "I need a new house, before I need a new car post" you will remember that I said, "our car may be a 1998 Dodge minivan and lovingly referred to by my hubby as the "Purple Barney Mobile", but it is paid for and works just fine (except for occasional blinker shorts)". Yeah, well . . . the transmission is going on the dumb thing!!!!! I should never have put out into the cosmos that I need a new house before I need a new car. Now "Spite" has stepped in to put me in my place.
I am hoping Trent, who can fix anything, can fix it, but we are worried this is a sign of future things to come. The end of the "Purple Barney Mobile". RIP
I really, really, really don't want to buy a new car right now, it really messes with my plans. Pray for us!

My Mormon Marlboro Man!

2009-03-20T19:23:00.001-07:00

I feel like I always knew, that I would know, when I met the man I would marry. Not like a "hit you over the head" knowing, but the "deep down in your heart, burning" knowing. This kind of "knowing" is tricky because you have to be paying attention.
I had some criteria, a check list of sorts, I wanted a Mormon Marlboro Man.
You remember the Marlboro commercial from way back when, before tobacco commercials were banned from television? He was a couple of days post shave, tanned, dark and brooding, riding a horse. Sigh! I know it sounds crazy but I wanted my own Marlboro Man who was a Mormon, so hence, I created my version of the "Mormon Marlboro Man". Unshaven, tanned, dark and brooding, horse lover, return missionary, worthy priesthood holder and thereby worthy to take me to the Temple. Knowing my husband as well as I do now, it is shocking that I didn't see him immediately as "HIM".
I wasn't paying attention.
So when I met Trent I didn't "know" he was the one and promptly got engaged to the one I was "waiting" for. You know, the missionary I sent on a mission while attending Ricks College? (There should be a warning posted on all dorm and apartment walls, with all the possible treacheries that come with attending a church college, such as the inevitability of "sending out missionaries", "diamond blindness" -this happens only in the spring when school is about to end and the RM's and the 2nd year females are equally desperate to become engaged before the semester ends, so diamonds rings are flashed about everywhere- and lest we forget the "freshman 15" due to a high consumption of Top Ramen.)
Thanks heavens for the spirit. It did not take long before the promptings grew increasingly uncomfortable to the point of unbearable and I knew. Without a shadow of a doubt I knew.
It wasn't easy, the poor returned missionary had to be sent home and I had to pay penance and beg for forgiveness more than once, but he did forgive me and yesterday we celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary!
Sixteen perfect years. Not that all has been perfect, we have trials like everyone else. But I say perfect because we get through those trials together and were better people, more in love, stronger, with a bond that grows deeper by the day.
So to celebrate our marriage, I would like to celebrate Trent, my unsung hero.

Here are 25 things that I love and appreciate about him (in no particular order):

1. He loves me. I never question this, he always shows his love for me, I can never doubt it.
2.His unshaven face. Even better his tanned, unshaven face, that smiles a perfect white smile.
3. He knows EVERYTHING! Sometimes I am amazed at what he knows, whether it's a gospel question or something about the plumbing, he knows it all.
4. He loves our children.
5. He makes me laugh, a lot and often.
6. He takes care of me. I am definitely not one that needs taken care of, but on occasion it's out of my control and he steps up everytime. Most of these times occur around the birth of our children, especially Brennan.
Mini story. Brennan's birth from beginning to end was rough. Many of you know this, but my trooper husband was definitely my rock. During the pregnancy, with all the trips to the doctors, being big as a house with all the steroids that were being pumped into me, warts, zits and oily skin (all side effects of the steroids) crazy emotions, some pregnancy induced, some steroid induced and then the late night feedings at the hospital. When Brennan was born and still in the hospital and I was sent home, he understood my need for a parent to feed Brennan each night although I couldn't bear to go up there and leave my baby and go home and sleep without him. So even though Trent had piled potatoes all day, he would shower and head to the hospital, because it gave me peace.
6. He is so good at his job! He IS the best potato farmer in the Columbia Basin!
7. His testimony. He is not a "shout it from the rooftops" kind of guy, but when he shares his knowledge and testimony I'm always in awe.
8. He does his calling well. He just was called as Elder's Quorum President and he faithfully attends all his meetings, visits those who need visits, blesses, moves, prays for, thinks about all who need extra thought and care.
9. Thinks I'm beautiful, always.
10. When I call him midday, I love the sound of his voice when he says "Yes, sweetheart?"
11. Midday at work he'll call me and cheerfully ask "How's it going, princess?" which is just what I need to hear when I'm feeling especially grease monkeyish.
12. Appreciates what I do, whether it's around the house, paying bills or cooking his dinner.
13. Doesn't get mad, when it's been "one of those days" and it's either breakfast for dinner or worse yet, not even started and he jumps in to start cooking. (usually tacos)
14. Just shakes his head and smiles, and again cooks dinner, when I seem to be caught up in a particularly good book and can't seem to put it down. (reference past Twilight posts)
15. Is a devoted brother to his sisters.
16. Hauls away mountains of yard debris and grass clippings. And fertilizes my yard, so it is wonderfully green all summer, even though he knows it will create mountains of grass clippings.
17. Promised me one day, before we were married, that he would plant me a whole circle of flowers. It's the thought that counts.
18. Still holds my hand.
19. Takes me on a Sunday drive, every Sunday, even after a long morning of meetings.
20. Can says things honestly and bluntly, like no one can and never offend.
21.Is still glad he married me.
22. Has faithfully changed some health habits since being diagnosed with diabetes.
23. Takes Brennan to work all the time, even though Brennan can sometimes be a nuisance and Brennan LOVES it!
24. Holds a temple recommend.
25. Sings goofy, off-key songs to wake-up the kids in the mornings.

I'm sure there are more, because there definitely should be. He fits all the criteria on my checklist of my perfect Mormon Marlboro Man except "horse lover" but he humors me with the idea of getting my own horse some day. (Even though he thinks they are just over grown dogs)

Car Conversations

2009-03-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when I don the hat of a chauffeur. It's soccer season and I do have to say "Glory be . . ." for carpooling or I might have to figure out how to do laundry from the Barney-mobile.
Conversations between 8 year old boys is always entertaining. The following is one overheard this past week.

Cast:
Clueless Kid - Brennan (I was sooo proud)
Story Teller - Austin Hyer
Clue Giver - Myself
Innocent Bystander - Brandon Wood

Story Teller: "Brennan, do you know Brandon Wood, he played on the MoJo's?"
Clueless Kid: (thoughtfully) "Hmmmm, Brandon Wood? Brandon Wood?"
Story Teller: "He's my cousin."
Clue Giver: "You remember Brennan, he was in your preschool? The one with the red hair?"
Story Teller: "Yeah, he has red hair!"
Clueless Kid: "Hmmm, Brandon Wood. He has brown hair?"
Clue Giver: (exasperated) "No! Red hair!"
Clueless Kid: (excited) "Oh! Brandon Wood! He was my best, best, best, best friend!"

Gotta Love that Kid!

Everything comes gradually at its appointed hour.

2009-03-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

(This post has been edited, I was reminded I forgot part of the story, so by request, the rest of the story continues at the end of the original post.)

The parable of The Man, The Boy and the Donkey, dictates a lot of the decisions in my life. If you are unaware of the wisdom in this parable, I will share.
"One day a man and a boy were going to take their donkey to a distant town to sell at auction. They left on their journey, both walking beside the donkey. After a while they came to a village where everyone they passed mocked them for being so foolish. It was their opinion that the old man should ride the donkey, after all, he is old and deserves the privilege of riding the animal. So, ashamed of the mockery, they old man climbed on the donkey and they continued on their way. Before long they came to another village, where these villagers also mocked. However, it was their opinion that this old man was selfish and the poor young boy should be the one who was riding the donkey. Again, ashamed, they traded places and the boy rode the donkey. Eventually, they reached the town where they would sell the animal, but to their dismay, the donkey faired a poor price because it was so worn and haggard from the journey." The moral of the story being, if you have a plan and stick to your plan, no matter what others think, you will be much more successful in achieving your goal.
Well, today at the Pit Stop we serviced a 2007 Yukon XL with leather seats, the much desired (and at this point in our marriage, required) dual climate control, built in DVD player, pretty much everything I would enjoy in a new vehicle. Did I mention this car is for sale? Yes it is. We service cars for a small car dealership and this is one they have in stock right now. So I say, "Mom, (she's the car shuttler for the day) ask them how much this costs, and if they can give it to me for less that $200.00 a month?" She list off all the accessories on the car, in that tone of voice that cleary is saying, "Keep Dreaming." "I know", I say, "but ask anyway."
She asks and they tell her the price is in the neighborhood of $25,000. They follow up with "and if she wants payments under $200.00 then she can only finance $10,000." At this point my mother bursts out laughing because she realizes my 1998 Dodge minivan would therefore need to be worth $15,000 on trade-in. Yeah right!
Back to The Man, the Boy and the Donkey. "That's okay," I say, "I need a new house before I need a new car."
(New house needed because we are bursting at the seams. We were only supposed to be here 5 years and now have been here 10. London was 3 and Isabelle was 1. It was the perfect house for 2 little girls, but flash forward 10 years and London is approaching 14 and is taller than I am. Isabelle is almost 12 and we added another kid 8 years ago. And our car may be a 1998 Dodge minivan and lovingly referred to by my hubby as the "Purple Barney Mobile", but it is paid for and works just fine (except for occasional blinker shorts).

"Yes," mom says, "but I worry for you because . . ." (insert conversation about how dreadful the economy is, and how many people overextended themselves in mortgages and so now they will be restructured which means banks are losing money and so to recupe some of their losses they will raise interest rates, which may put a glitch in building the house I want to build in a year or so.)
Sigh, "I know, I'm going to be 80 years old living in this house, still waiting for the stars to align and the odds to fall in my favor, waiting to build my house, still driving the Purple Barney Mobile, because heaven knows, I need a house more than I need a car!"
"And my children, as they leave my home when they turn 18 will turn to us and smile and say, 'I hate you, and I hate you, and I hate you and you and you!'" Never to return again, at which point hubby chimes into the conversation and says, "Good! My plan worked!"
So, always practical, Mother points out "You can always add on."

Something about this conversation had Mother laughing so hard she was crying. So I wrote it down so she could remember how the conversation went to be able to share with my dad. So this post is for you mom.

So Let the Sunshine In, Face It With A Grin!!!

2009-02-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

"I've been waiting for that bright sunshine to show up and shine in my back door someday." Luther Allison
Sun shining on my hardwood floors = Me smiling contentedly.
I hate winter after Christmas. Of course I need the whole "White Christmas" but after that bring on the sun. Moses Lake has many great qualities and can be quite beautiful in the summer with the lake and all the crops growing etc. but . . . January and February does not do this town any favors.

I painted my walls yellow and hung white curtains, just for blah late winter days when the sun pops through. My living is a great place to be, it is warm and cozy and the curtains just let the sun stream in uninhibited.

I Love the Sun!

So we like everyone else has the crud creeping through our home. London had it first then me, Trent, Isabelle and now Brennan. When he gets sick it immediately becomes a cough. I don't know it that's just how he is or if it has to do with him being born premature. So today he woke up with sad eyes, white as a sheet and a disgusting cough (I say disgusting, because he was coughing up a lot of phlegm, I guess the cough is working) and I knew I couldn't send him to school.

So today I'm being mom. I know that sounds weird so I'll explain. Now that I work part-time it always seems like a juggling act between doing the mom thing and going to work.

I work at my parents business part-time which enables us to get health insurance pretty reasonably. (No benefits IS one of the downsides to farming.) Luckily, it allows me some flexibility, so today I'm home taking care of Brennan. I miss those days of being home with little ones, Scooby-Doo is on, PBJ sandwiches are on the menu. Kids grow up way too fast. London turns 14 in a couple of weeks. YIKES!

P.S. Look for a future post on my life as a Grease Monkey!

GO CHIEFS!!!

2009-01-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

I did not graduate from Moses Lake High School, in fact, I had finished my 2nd year of college before we moved here. I actually graduated from Ellensburg HS. But, EHS holds little fondness for me, at this point in time, it is the school I happened to be attending when I graduated high school. (One nice thing about EHS was being on the drill team and being a captain my senior year).

By the time I did graduate, I had attended 9 schools including 2 high schools.

My elementary career started in Canada where I attended through 2nd grade, then to Provo for 3rd. Fourth and part of 5th were in Eugene, OR some of the rest of 5th was in Corvallis, OR. Sixth grade was back to Eugene, 7th was also in Eugene, but in a different school district than the one that 4th, 5th and 6th had been. Eighth grade was same school district but different middle school and 9th and 1/2 of 10th was at Willamette High School. This is when we moved to Ellensburg and I finished out high school.

It was hard but for the necessary good. My dad had bravely gone to school with 5 kids under age 8 and finished a bachelors degree in 2 1/2 years (Go Dad!). So all these moves were either school or job related.

For me now, I have lived in Moses Lake for 18 years, and as Trent intends to keep on farming, we will be here for the forseeable (is that a word) future. Which is just fine by me. I really do like Moses Lake, I love that Trent farms and more than anything I LOVE that my kids will grow up here and go to school with the same kids they were drooling with in nursery.

So I really love going to the games, (we mostly go to girls basketball since London plays basketball for Chief Mo), and cheering on the team. I love listening the band and watching the Tribe and seeing friends and feeling that feeling that can only be describe as "school spirit".

Trent just rolls his eyes at me (he's not a real sports fan), but I considered Moses Lake High School my adopted high school.

GO CHIEFS!

Christmas Spirit?

2008-12-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

I've been trying really hard to have the "true" Christmas spirit this year and in turn have that spirit spread through my family. I am trying to practice patience, tolerance etc. so as not to get too high strung thinking and doing all the things expected of mom at this time of year. I'm doing okay. The tree is decorated, the house is reasonably clean, the Christmas shopping is done and most is wrapped (woohoo), I plan on baking over the next two days and if a miracle happens I may get out Christmas cards.
Yesterday I was thinking to myself that today was the Sunday before Christmas and it is usually such an extra nice day. We sing and hear lots of Christmas hymns, hear stories and everyone breaks out their "Holiday Wear". I was really looking forward to today. Well, we woke up at a decent hour and was just getting ready to cook a nice Sunday breakfast when . . .
The phone rang. Now, you may not realize, but Trent was recently called as the Elders Quorum President. Enough said, right? Sure enough, a single sister had frozen pipes, and being she is a single sister, I knew that it would be best if I went and helped him. So we put on all our winter clothes, headed to the shop for an industrial strength heater, (side note: one of the coolest things about farmers is they always have the "stuff" you need, that's probably why they called him) and headed to this sisters house. Well, 2 hours later we were home and long story short even the cool industrial strength diesel powered heater couldn't do the job. Too stinky, they would have died from carbon monoxide poisoning before the pipes thawed out.
So we quickly got dressed and out the door and were 15 minutes late for church but luckily in time for the sacrament. This is when I realized, "Hey, today is supposed to be that special Christmas Sunday and we are late!!!" I was kind of miffed and embarrassed. What kind of members were we to be LATE on Christmas Sunday? It took me about 2 seconds to realize that we were exactly where we were supposed to be that morning and that Heavenly Father did not care that we were late.
I did end up with a raging headache, I have no idea what that was about, but have felt totally at peace about my day.

Twilight the Movie

2008-12-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

So I went to the Midnight premiere Thursday night, which was soooo much fun! My girls were there, their friends were there, their moms were there, there were crazy people there ( such as the lady with the feather shirt, DO NOT ASK!), there were obnoxious teenage boys there and we had awesome seats (thanks Brittany). I loved that everyone in the theater cheered as soon as they saw the Summit Entertainment icon come up on the screen. But that night, I will confess, I did not LOVE the movie. When I started reading these books I had no idea they were such a phenomenon, I had no idea there was a movie in the works, they were just a series of books that a few friends had recommended and on a really bad TV night I picked up Twilight. If you read my earlier blog you know that nothing has touched me the way these books have, so when they announced the cast I was less than thrilled. Edward was ok but I was really upset about the choice for Bella. However, at the end of the movie, I was actually happier with Bella than Edward. I felt that Edwards wisdom and presence in the book was missing in the movie. Also, having read the book at least 5 times I think I knew the story too well. I also felt that the special effects in the movie were probably hampered by their budget. I also thought Jasper looked like a serial killer. So at the end of the night I was a little disappointed, but remember, I did say I expected to like it, not LOVE it. This was true.
But, I went again the night before Thanksgiving with my mom, my sisters and sisters-in-law and I really liked it a lot more. Now that I had no expectations (and it wasn't 1 am) I was able to enjoy the movie and found that although my basic opinions were the same, there were still a lot of really good things about the movie, I may even go back for a third viewing!
So now, I'm waiting for my mom to finish Twilight so I can get it back to read it again, so while I wait I'm taking another trip throught Breaking Dawn and reread the draft of Midnight Sun, posted on the website.
It may sound silly but I love being able to escape to Forks, WA and immerse myself in a world of vampires, werewolves, and truly devoted love.

Twilight

2008-11-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

You may be wondering what has taken me so long to comment about my Twilight experience since I made such a to do about it this week, or maybe not. Well, this is not going to be that blog. I'm still trying to come up with the words to describe my feelings about it. Now don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean it was such a euphoric experience it transcends words, but it also doesn't mean I walked away so disappointed there are no words for that, either. I am somewhere in between and I'm trying to decide where. Plus, if I criticize and there are people who read this who haven't seen it yet, I don't want to taint their experience with preconceived ideas. So stay tuned.

Denied!!!

2008-11-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

The movie isn't going to make it from Seattle tonight. After all this, and I was totally excited to go. Oh, well, I'm going to the midnight showing tomorrow night.

The exit polls say . . .

2008-11-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the votes are in. All you have to do is read the comments to see that it was unanimous. I'm going to Pullman.

Help me decide, People!!!

2008-11-17T19:21:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is the big week. Twilight the movie opens this weekend. I will say upfront that I'm not expecting to LOVE it. I am expecting to like it, but as many of you have probably experienced before, the movie never does justice to the book. And in case you haven't gathered from previous blogs I have an intimate relationship with the characters in this book and since 90% of the characters in this book "superhuman" or vampires for pete's sake, how does an ordinary human play this part. I do not know.
Now to the dilemma. Stacey, my sister, has invited myself, my other sister and a friend Wednesday to the midnight showing for employees at the theatre she works at. This means I will get to see it 24 hours before all of the rest of you ;) So I am supposed to drive to Pullman (2.5 hours) to watch a movie at midnight sleep a few hours and drive home where I have to work as a "lube tech" (hee, hee) to then attend a relief society dinner and preside over a PTA meeting. The 38 year old PTA president mom in me says "ARE YOU CRAZY?????" The 18 year old social butterfly says "GO FOR IT, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!!!!".
Now, I have been invited to attend Friday night with some friends here in town, which will be fun as well and to be honest I will probably go Friday even if I go to Pullman.
So, tell me what you think. Cast your vote for the 38 year old Kim or the 18 year old Kim.

More random pictures

2008-11-13T19:47:00.001-08:00

Isabelle in a Midsummer's Night Dream.

This picture does not show how horribly windy it was that day, but that is ONE NICE TRACTOR!

IF you're confused see the post below about the pre-school trip.

Brennan as goalie, apparently not much action on this end of the field, but that's a good thing.

Random pictures

2008-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Isabelle as a preppy vampire for Halloween!

Some of Brennan's friends at his birthday party.

London during volleyball season.

This is a group of my friend Gaylene's pre-schoolers. Every fall she brings them to the potato field and the potato storage on a field trip. This day was the worst day EVER!!! This wind was blowing so bad that Gaylene and I had dirt up our noses, in our eyes, ears and deep in our hair. We took out 2 groups and quickly learned during the first group that it was a REALLY BAD IDEA to ride on the back of the digger during 30 mph winds.

By the way, the little girl in the back wearing the light blue jacket is one of mine and Trent's favorite little friends name Laine.

More Baptism Pictures.

2008-11-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Trent and I with Brennan. We have a picture with each one of the kids in front of this picture.

Above is Brennan with cousins Owen and Jaeger.

Brennan's friends Garrison Ostler and Noah Heaps were baptized the same night.

Brennan's Baptism

2008-11-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

November 1st Brennan got baptized. Another important milestone in ones life if you are LDS. It was such a nice day and I was so proud of Brennan. Isn't it amazing that these kids, even at 8, seem to sense how important this event is. I was a little nostalgic that week because I couldn't believe that my baby was getting baptized. I remember when he was 4 pounds and those first few weeks when my life was a constant revolution of feedings, trying to get some weight on that kid. You wouldn't know it now. He is taller than most his peers, though still as skinny as a rail. But if you know Brennan you know that he burns calories almost 24 hours a day. Like I've said before, he is a CRAZY kid and adore him.

Glad it's over!

2008-11-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

If you read my list of quirks, you may remember that I said I am not politically minded. The reasons for this are many, but one of the main ones is, I hate election years. Let me reiterate, I HATE ELECTION YEARS!!!! I hate political ads, political analyzers, debates, liars, cheaters, and the ridiculous amount of money that is spent on these elections. I especially hate the news media who claim to be unbiased and so blatantly are. Give me a break!
I am disheartened by the outcome of this election, though not surprised. The idealist in me kept hoping that the people in this country had a better sense of values and morality but I guess my values and theirs are different and that worries me.
I wanted to have a screaming hissy-fit but that's not going to get me anywhere. We will, however, be praying on a daily basis that the leaders of our country will make good choices and have wisdom in the governing of this country.

Soccer Mom!!

2008-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

One does not know that when one drags her young ones down to the Park & Rec, kicking and screaming, to sign them up for soccer, because you are sure, as the parent, that your children needs to become involved in something that will help build some self confidence, that one of those kicking and screaming children will turn into a "Soccer Star" and you in-turn the "Soccer Mom".
Isabelle didn't take to soccer. It was quite evident when she was doing pirouettes on the sideline that her talents lie elsewhere. London, however, did and she has blossomed. Sometimes her team has a rough go at it. Last season they came in 2nd place in their bracket. This season they haven't won a game. Last Saturday they lost 0-7, it was HORRIBLE!!! But let me tell you, yesterday they came out and played awesome. They played the team that was ranked #1 at the time and ended up tying 5-5 and my London scored 4 goals and assisted with the 5th. I thought I was going to burst with pride. All the practices, driving here and there, spending all day on the soccer field some days- that game epitomized why I do it. She was so amazing I wish you all could have seen her.

Okay, to appease my mother's guilt I will now take a minute and brag about Isabelle and Brennan.
Pour Bellarina, she only gets the limelight once a year at her recital. We try to make it a really big deal because she graciously goes to London and Brennan's games all year and never complains. Then she practices hours each week and never complains. This year she advanced to a pre-pointe class and is so excited. And this spring when she dances in her recital I will watch with tears in my eyes because she is such a beautiful, graceful dancer that again I am bursting with pride.
Brennan's soccer games are torture for me right now because they are just in that learning stage and compared to London's U14 games they're pretty boring, but I go because of course I wouldn't be anywhere else. Brennan has the potential to be a lot of great things right now. He is fast! So he will make a good soccer player once he figures the game out and can remember that when he's the keeper he can pick-up the ball. He's actually not a bad defender, he can kick the ball really far, and he has yet to figure out that forward means "forward". I think I will try him in wrestling because he is strong and wiry and tenacious. He thinks he is employed by his dad and insists on working in the potato storage right now during harvest. But he also goes to work with me in the mornings for about 1/2 an hour before school. One day last week it was crazy and he thinks he works there too so he pulls on the too-big gloves and walks around the cars asking our lube-tech questions. Then he sees that a windshield needs washed and washes it. Then the phone was ringing and when he saw I was having a hard time getting to the phone he answered it, "Hello, Pioneer Pit Stop, may I help you?" What a crack-up. Later that day we drove by a vehicle with it's hood up and he says "Mom, you should stop and help that man. It looks like he didn't make it to the Pioneer Pit Stop". He is a crack-up and I can't wait to see what this kid does with this life.
I've got great kids and not just because they perform well and make me proud. They are all good students, good friends, thoughtful and kind -most of the time;). They have small testimonies that are growing and that makes me prouder of anything they do on the soccer field or the stage.

Lauren & I

2008-09-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Trent was channel surfing and stopped on PBS where Celtic Thunder was on. We really enjoyed Celtic Woman but we haven't sat and watched Celtic Thunder. He didn't stay on the channel very long but it was long enough for me to find this song and I LOVE IT!! I added to my playlist. Listen and enjoy!!

My poor Fridge!!

2008-09-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

There are some things I am pretty good at. At least as far as my home is concerned. I tidy the bathroom daily and disinfect it weekly. The dishes are done everyday, beds are made, the floors are swept and mopped and for the most part I keep up on the laundry. In general, my home may not be imaculate but it is tidy. Usually you are always welcome to come into my home and I won't be too terribly embarassed at the state it is in. You may, however, NOT look into my fridge. It is my one downfall, I confess. The poor thing got so overcrowded and in dire need of being cleaned out this week, that Trent decided it was just too far gone and bought a burial plot and intends to bury the whole thing. "After all," he says "It's just a coffin now, full of decomposing leftovers or past their expiration date. And why stink out the neighborhood by putting everything out in the garbage?" Oh well, I guess I have something to work on. I will work on remembering that Scarlet O'Hara's famous line "I'll worry about that tomorrow" may not be such a good idea.

Tag I'm It!

2008-08-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

http://therippys.blogspot.com/ Tagged me.

The Rules:

•Link the person(s) who tagged you.

•Mention the rules on your blog.

•Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.

•Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them.

•Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Six unspectacular quirks about me.

1. I like things that smell good. I like to smell Trent's armpits. His deodorant with his pheremones make me happy. I like my house to smell good. Whether it's bleach or a candle, whatever, it just can't smell bad or like nothing. I love the smell of roses, honeysuckle and lavender. (All grow in my garden) I love freshly cut hay. I am very scent oriented. Even I have to absolutely wear perfume EVERYDAY!

2. I'm extremely curious. When I'm with Trent I am forever asking him questions. I have to know how and why everything is the way it is.

3. I love languages. I studied french in high school and college and will sometimes talk to my kids in french ("un petite peu", a little bit). The most common phrase is "assez toi" or sit down :) DJ don't edit, I'm sure I haven't conjugated my verbs properly.

4. Unlike my sister Melissa I am highly unpolitically minded. I could care less. I too am Canadian but have always been proud of that, but that is where I was born. I'm still not an American citizen. Oh well, one day.

5. I love music. All kinds, as you can see by my short but eclectic playlist.

6. I love reading. This is a problem since when I am enjoying a really good book I am hardpressed to do anything else. This is partially why when I started reading the Twilight Saga I didn't function in any other capacity for a week and lost 5 pounds.

P.S. I just read my quirk list to Trent and he said "Are you putting this on your blog?" I said "Yes." And he rolled his eyes and said " Okaaay?!"

The rules did say quirks right?

Finis? Mais, non!

2008-08-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

I finished Breaking Dawn. Normally, I grieve ( a little) when I finish a really good book. This time too, a little, but then I remembered, one of the great things about books is you can read them as many times as you want so the story is never really over. That made me smile.

We've got a sugar situation!

2008-07-31T19:25:00.001-07:00

Lemonade
Originally uploaded by Julie Lynn 4

So, I love summer. I would vehemently lobby against year round school, because I believe whole-heartedly in summer vacation.Bare feet, popsicles, sprinklers, sleeping in, s'mores, camping, boating, reading good books outside, dinner at 9 pm, children who never change out of their swimming suits and lemonade. Lemonade, however, is the cause of the one thorn in my side this summer. Trent bought about 107 lemonade flavored kool-aid packets and has one of the kids make it each evening when he gets home so he can have a nice tall glass of lemonade. Sounds refreshing I know. But, before I go, on I must digress for a moment. You may notice that in my list of favorite things about summer, being bare foot was #1. I never wear shoes if I don't have to. This tradition starts in April and will hopefully end around Halloween. I LOVE walking around bare foot! Hence, my problem - the lemonade. My kids make the lemonade and inevitably spill about a cup of sugar on the floor EVERYTIME! And then my bare feet walk through it. UGH! I hate that! I don't know how they do it, but they do it everytime. And I clean it up. Yes, I , clean it up, because if any of you have children, you know the job they will do sweeping. They can sweep to their little hearts content and miss every grain of sugar. So I clean it, so I can walk blissfully around, bare foot.
This is the end of this blog as the the kids just made some lemonade!

My Only Obsession

2008-07-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

I don't obsess easily. I learned early on in my life that I am a huge romantic but I don't give MY heart away easily. Twilight really surprised me because it touched me so deeply that I did a lot of inner contemplating about why? I mean I loved Somewhere In Time, Phantom of the Opera, Gone With The Wind, but never have I been so completely memsmerized and preoccupied. I could not think about anything else, eat, function, it was crazy! (Thank you Trent for feeding me and keeping up on the house work, while I checked out for a week and read. P.S. these are just a couple of the reasons why he won my heart, I don't think he would tell me to my face, but I think this kind of craziness he actually finds endearing in me.) I still don't know why. I frankly don't care, I can't explain it, I can't and don't really want to justify it, I just know that I really connected with this story and I'm going on the ride. So hence the widgets and links and thank you Stacey for reserving the movie poster for me. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts as it may never happen again. I am on the one week countdown for book 4 Breaking Dawn, so don't plan on great things from me next weekend. My mind will be in Forks, WA. Anyone wishing to join me at the Midnight Release Party Aug. 2 at Hastings is welcome to join.

Fishing

2008-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Some of our farmer friends have an irrigation pond they stock with trout each year and they told us we could go fish there. So Trent thought it would be fun for the kids to do that last night. We only have 2 fishing poles. A grown-up size one and a kid size Pirates of the Carribean one. But we have 3 kids. (However, one of these kids this week is not ours, we swapped London for Isabelle's friend Andrea Ostler. London is in Seattle with Cassi Ostler.)
Trent being the very smart man that he is, engineered another pole out of a stick so everyone could have a pole. Brennan got relegated to the stick pole, being the little brother and the girls took control of the "real fishing poles". Well, believe it or not, Brennan caught the only 2 fish we caught all night and he did it with the stick pole and a salmon egg!! It was hilarious. Andrea was throwing a fit and wanted the stick pole now and Isabelle never having been present when a fish was caught before decided that she liked the casting and reeling of the fishing pole but reeled her line in at lightning speed to avoid actually catching a fish. It was too gross. Imagine how she would have reacted if we would have kept them and gutted them. We threw those lucky 2 fish back.
Of course, I forgot my camera to post pictures but I may be to convince Trent to go back tonight for some photos:)

Success!

2008-07-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

I set my first syphon tube today!!!!

Electronics Possessed

2008-07-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know the story of the possessed "Woody" doll. But for those of you who do not here it is in a nutshell. A couple of years ago, Brennan took his Woody doll in the tub with him. I had warned him this was a BAD idea but, he didn't grasp what water can do to an electronic toy. Anyway Woody was left in the bathroom to dry out and in the middle of the night, the freakiest, possessed noise came from the bathroom. I sat straight up in bed and shook Trent awake. Being totally freaked out at this noise we warily went down the hall to find out what is was. Of course, as Woody was drying out his "voice box" was involuntarily making the freaky, possessed noise. We laughed, sort of, and shoved Woody to the bottom of the laundry basket. Well, a few months later, Brennans battery operated dump trunk, that is supposed to sound like the real deal, it even has those obnoxious back-up beeping sounds, starts up in the middle of the night again, scaring the crap out of me! Trent and I again are traipsing around in our skivvies looking for this really loud toy and I kid you not could not find it. The next morning we found out that it was at the end of London's bed under a blanket and every time she kicked it with her foot it set off this really obnoxious toy. Who gave him this? I told London and Isabelle to clean their room.
Apparently, Woody did not teach Brennan that electronic toys do not go in the tub so he washed his little purple car that revvs it engine and then plays the song "You know you make me want to shout, kick my heels up blah, blah, blah Whoooooooo!" So, I think you can see where I'm going with this. Yes, middle of the night, jerked wide awake, shoved it under some towels in the bathroom which did not work and I believe ended up locking it in the drier. You would think that would be it but oh no. NO, NO! The timer London uses to time soccer games when she reffs soccer has a timer that goes off at 12:30 am. Right about the time we have just reached REM sleep. At this point we just ignored it, it only beeps for a minute and then shuts itself off. I would just turn the timer off all together, but I'm convinced I need a PhD in engineering to be able to do this so we ignore it. And actually, we hadn't heard it for a while (I think we left it in the car.)
So now, no I'm not done, we got the kids a cell-phone that they share. Somehow it has a timer that goes off at 3:30 am. Scaring the crap out of me every morning at 3:30 am. I do not know how to cancel it either I can not find it anywhere in the phone. I can see the alarm icon in the upper right hand corner, but when I go to alarms, no alarm. Ironically, the phone asks me if I want to create a new timer.
Well miraculously that problem remedied itself. But last night, the flippin' soccer timer went off at 12:30 am!

Edward & Bella

2008-06-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

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Yes, believe it or not, I went to my 20 year class reunion!

2008-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Need I say more. It was this past weekend, and to a degree it was fun. It is amazing how true out-of-sight, out-of-mind is. So many friends and memories that had been pushed to the back of my memory came flooding to the fore front! It's really bizarre. I told Trent, I will not be attending my 30th, 20 was enough for me. Many seem to have good marriages, families and jobs and I am happy about that. It was also good to see friends like Julie, Noelle, Rachel and Caron. Trent went with, Friday and Saturday night and was a real trooper. He was also the best looking guy there hands down!!!

Thanks Stace!!!

2008-06-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my little sister Stacey, my blog is starting to look like something to be proud of. She even logged on and set up this very perfect background. So, thank you Stacey for being such a great sister!!!

Attempt at Blogging

2008-06-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, friends and family, I consider myself fairly up to date on technology, but this is kicking my butt. I have spent an hour trying to customize this page to no avail. You know, make it personal, as a blog should be. Ugghhh! I give up for tonight or I'm going to have to see the chiropractor. If you happen across this page please don't think I'm lame. It's a learning curve, a work in progress.