A Simple Crazy Life

A Brand New Year

2012-01-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here it is, another new year. I some how have to get used to writing 2012 since it usually takes me until March before I get used to it. Everyone makes goals this time of year which is a great thing to do. I am always making goals and lists of things I want to accomplish so January is just another month in many ways. Chris and I have a feeling that this is going to be a big year for us though.

I am planning on running my first marathon this year which is a big deal for me. Running outside is very hard for me in the winter since my asthma flares in colder weather but I've decided that's just the way it's going to be so I might as well and suck it up and not complain. Something's we can change other things we can't so it will just be the way it is. Besides the weather will be warming up now that it's January and spring is on the way. At least that's what I tell myself over and over right now as I try not to whine about the weather.

I will have a teenager in about 6 weeks and I'm so excited for her. She's a gem of a child and I look forward to her taking this new step in her life. I love teenagers, truly. I enjoy their desire to question and need for independence. They love to go and be active and enjoying having fun. Bethany will turn 12 this year which means bigger adventures too for her. 6th grade and she is already looking forward to her singing birthday telegram at school.

Chris and I have felt very strongly that we will move this year. We are hoping for Singapore and have not been officially shot down and just told to be patient which is naturally very hard for me. I've thought a lot about what moving my sweet 5 children will mean to our lives and no matter what, Chris and I can not shake the feeling that our little family does not belong here. In almost 6 years of living here, it has not felt like home. That is so sad because we are so blessed here compared to so many. Our neighbors and ward are phenomenal people and the schools and community are excellent. We have tried so hard to be satisfied, but it just has not felt like home. It was hard to leave Oregon and that felt like home. Well see what's in store this year.

I am so grateful to teach at the Utah State Prison. It's such a selfish thing for me to be able to do it. The women are genuinely good people who made some poor choices, some a lot worse than the stupid things we've all done in life. They are so eager for the words of Christ and I am humbled by the little things they do for each other. Above all, I enjoy feeling the love that God has for them, every time I am with them. I wish you could hear their prayers, they are so beautiful.

I also hope to take all my kiddos and hubby down to the reservation this summer and do some more service. Everyone wants to help Africa and other 3rd world countries, but I think people forget that the Indians who live here, in the United States of America are living in 3rd world conditions and have very little access to electricity and clean water and indoor plumbing. As Americans we need to do more.

I have so many other things I could write about, but my kiddos are seeking my attention. I hope that 2012, will be a year of gratitude for me and my family to go along with the changes that we feel are coming. May your 2012 be blessed too.

My favorite person in the whole world!

2011-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to make a quick post about the coolest person I know. Blake Thackeray. No one else can do the things he does. He is the strongest, most handsome, rugged man i know, I am so glad I married into the family that he is part of!

From that first motorcycle ride we took, I knew I needed have the same last name as Blake..... so since he was too young, I married Chris.

The End

Good Reads...

2011-09-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

We love books! I read all the time and if I have nothing at all to read because I’m in between books, then I’ll pull out the dictionary or an institute manual and go for it. I’m sure this is why I come across as a know it all, but I promise I don’t know everything and never will; I do however, LOVE to learn and the world is a fascinating place.

My kiddos enjoy reading too. Bethany will stay up waaaaay to late, past her bedtime reading. The rationale of a growing body and well rested mind seem like poor excuses to her. Chelsie reads a lot too and always makes time for her scriptures. Conner...well, he will read. Mostly, it’s because his mom sits down and makes him, or it's bed time and dad will have him read as well. Conner would much rather play outside or on the computer or wii, if he has a choice. Croy and Callie, well, we read together every day and they have developed a few favorite books that they love and I thought I’d share them with you.

Besides the Harry Potter series, my girls love, “Fablehaven” and the “Percy Jackson” series.

Conner likes the “Flat Stanley” books too.

Callie and Croy love the “Llama, llama”

“No, David”,

The Bear feels…” and “Skippy-John-Jones.”

I highly recommend all these books; we know you’ll love them as much as we do; Happy Reading!

"BCA Games"

2011-09-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

October of every year has been designated as “breast cancer awareness” month. Way back in 1985, the American Cancer Society and pharmaceutical giant, Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs) joined forces to educate women on the importance of getting yearly mammograms; in an effort to detect breast cancer early and thus lead to a higher cure rate. Well, 25 years later, their efforts have paid off. Breast cancer that is detected early enough has a very high (average over 90%) cure rate. That’s great news!!

Recently on Facebook, another “breast cancer awareness” game came to my attention, to which I participated. The “games” of the past have been; bra color, where women like to place their purses when they get home, shoe size, and recently, the “how many weeks you are (assumedly pregnant) and what you’re craving”. The premise of the “BCA games” is that women email each other, forwarding the email they’ve gotten explaining how the “BCA game” is played and the instructions to play along. Women are instructed not to email any of their male Facebook contacts, as this is a women’s only game and the men are to be left clueless until some kind female in their life lets them in on the game.

Recently, a friend shared a link with me about a woman who was aware of the “BCA games” and felt very strongly that she needed to voice her opinion in the matter. You can click or copy and paste the link below to read her blog post about the matter.

http://cgwardphotography.blogspot.com/2011/08/regarding-facebook-breast-cancer.html?spref=fb

I don’t know Christine personally, but I can understand and appreciate her desire to stand up for something that she feels is right. Christine writes that she doesn’t like the “BCA games” because they offend some people; such as those who have personally dealt with breast cancer and have had their breasts removed; as well as those (such as herself) who struggle with infertility issues. Okay Christine, your points are so noted. I think that most women, in general, are sensitive and would never knowingly seek to maliciously hurt another woman; especially with such tender and deep topics. On the other hand, I also think there’s more to this topic than she realizes.

I’ve been thinking about this issue a lot today, after I read Christine’s post and her perception on things. The thought that just won’t leave my mind is this. Is the glass half full or is the glass half empty? In my simple life, I’ve come to realize two very important truths. First, you can’t control people; you really only have the ability to make your own choices no matter how badly you might want to influence others, you ultimately can only control yourself. Family relationships and especially parenting teach this truth time and time again. I think the sooner we accept that fact, some of our choice and interactions with people would be a lot different.

The second truth I’ve learned is that difficult and painful life experiences do NOT have to define your life, or who you chose to be now. Everybody goes through difficulties, heart ache, tragedy and pain. Welcome to “the club” that everyone already belongs too. You can still ultimately choose your response to such difficult things; you don’t have to constantly live in the past expecting people to treat you differently because of “your past”. We should be compassionate to others; but there’s a fine line between compassion and living as a victim. As an adult, you have the ability to control your destiny. You don’t have to share all your pain, heat-ache and drama with the world and then be upset that you don’t like the response you’re getting. If it’s painful and private, then it might not always be a good idea to broadcast it to the world.

So are you a glass half empty or half full kind of person? Do you think people are generally good at heart and suffer from moments of stupidity so you’ll cut them a break? Or are people really selfish insensitive idiots who are always looking out for themselves? I guess my point through all my rambling is that we often see what we want to perceive. Harry Potter could be seen as evil if you have a problem with witch-craft, wizardry and make believe. Barbie dolls can be seen as a sexist, unrealistic demonstration of women. Organized religion is a corrupt institution meant to keep people from thinking for themselves, by placing hope in a non-existent deity. You can’t control people so instead, decide to live your life in a way that inspires instead of condemns; the results will speak for themselves. You are who you chose to be. I think it’s all in how you decide to look at it.

A Horrible Tradition

2011-08-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Chris and I went to see the movie, “the Help.” It documents a young Mississippi’s woman’s journey to publish a book in the 1960’s during the civil rights movement. The book speaks from the perspective of African-American maids living in Mississippi, working for white families; raising their children, cleaning their homes, cooking and doing errands. I don’t want to reveal too much of the move which is based upon the book of the same title, but the movie had a major impact on both Chris and I.

I’m appalled that people can be treated as a commodity, and seen as having no value at all. The movie got me thinking about how some people were treated as second class citizens. How in even a place where the constitution guarantees everyone “certain unalienable rights and privileges” some people are viewed “beneath” others. I don’t think I could’ve lived in 1960’s when racial inequality in the USA was an epidemic. While I think equality has come a long, long way since then, I still think our country, and the world has a long way to go.

This “horrible tradition” handed down from parent to child, wasn’t a new concept 50 or 60 years ago. Several years ago I remember watching the movie, “Emma” based on Jane Austin’s book. It seemed to me that those of the “upper social class” spent their days fussing over silly things while being consumed with up-coming social events. I remember thinking, man if I paid someone to cook, clean and nanny my children for me; what on earth would I do with all my time?

If an average person lives to be 80 years old, that means odds are, at least 62 years of that person’s life will be spent on their own, as an adult. I only get a few years, (roughly 18) to help my children develop their character, learn, grow and prepare them for the rest of their lives.

Some of the greatest sorrow in my life has come from watching the way others are so poorly treated. I think we need more joy in this life; we need to help others feel that too. It’s so easy to treat people poorly and forget that we “all bleed red.” That we all just want to be healthy, happy and loved. It’s not enough to know something isn’t right; we need to work to change things for the better. We need to educate our children now, so they will teach their children, so our great-grandchildren will know and understand how people should be treated. Go see the movie, “The Help,” I’d love to hear your thoughts and impression.

Dealing With Doctors...

2011-08-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago tomorrow, (August 12th) I had laparoscopic surgery to remove my gall-bladder. I’d had a constant stomach ache for 6 weeks that just kept getting worse and worse. On August 8th, I almost went into the ER the pain was so bad, but I knew if I went into the ER with upper-gastric pain, lower abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, as soon as they found out I had Crohn’s disease they’d admit me to the hospital, give me a nasal gastric tube (this is a tube than they put through your nose, down the back of the throat and into your stomach. If you’ve ever watched Ironman, you saw Robert Downey Jr. pull one out after he came too at the terrorist camp) pump me with pain med’s and corticosteroids and put me on complete bowl rest. This basically triggers a landslide and my whole life temporarily falls apart. (Been there, down that, no-thank you) I knew this was not because of my Crohn’s disease.

I’d already had a sonogram that showed I had many gallstones, sludge and an inflamed gall-bladder and was meeting with a surgeon on Wednesday, so I decided to save everyone the stress and asked my primary doctor for some pain med’s to get me through till my appointment. My meeting with the surgeon was less than ideal. He read the report of my sonogram and at first said, “Yea, I definitely think we should take your gall-bladder out.” I asked about other therapies to remove gall stones and he explained them and we discussed their success rates, and so forth.

He asked me why I was not currently on any medicine to treat my Crohn’s to which I told him I’ve been able to control it though diet and exercise. He was really surprised by my answers, and then asked me if I was sure my current problems were not a Crohn’s disease flare? I told him I was confident that the problems I was having were not from my Crohn’s disease, because of the way I felt. He then told me, “We’ll I’d like to give a GI doctor a call, just to be sure, since you haven’t seen one in a while.” I told him that my disease had never presented its’ self in this way before, and I didn’t think it was “magically” going to start presenting itself this way. I’ve had 4 separate bowl obstructions and this did not feel like a Crohn’s problem to me. He said to me, “Well, let’s see what the GI doctor says.”

I started getting mad. Forget the fact that the testing said I was having gall bladder problems. As soon as he heard that I wasn’t currently being treated for my Crohn’s disease, his whole attitude changed. I looked at him and said, “Look, if I don’t have to have surgery, fine, I’d prefer not to deal with surgery because it’s a huge problem in so many ways. I just want to feel better. I’m having a hard time functioning and taking care of my family. I can’t keep living like this.” He softened a little and said he wanted to go ahead and schedule the surgery and that after he talked to the GI doctor he would call and confirm it with me.

He called me later that night and confirmed Friday’s surgery and also shared some interesting information. The GI doctor told him that because my Crohn’s affect’s my Ileum; gall-stones can be a frequent complication of Crohn’s disease and recommended my gallbladder be removed if I was having problems with it. The GI doctor also recommended doing an upper-GI scope to make sure I wasn’t having any additional stomach or esophagus problems. I told the surgeon I didn’t think I needed and upper-GI scope to which he replied, “Well, you’ll be knocked out anyways so it’s really no big deal.” Tired of arguing (and wasting my energy to argue with someone who doesn’t seem to be used to listening to patients anyway) I said fine.

I showed up Friday afternoon for same day surgery and everything went fine. Saturday morning when I actually was a little more cognizant of everything; what Chris told me made me so mad, I wanted to scream. While the surgeon was removing my gallbladder, he decided to go and have a look down near my ileum anyway. He noticed that I have a condition called, “Meckel's diverticulum” which is tissue left over from structures in the unborn baby's digestive tract that were not fully reabsorbed before birth. It’s a little finger like projection that I’ve had no problems with what so ever. He told Chris that he almost removed it and “sewed me back together” but decided against it.

Not only was he considering additional surgery on me, but he apparently didn’t even think it would be necessary to ask for consent from myself or Chris. His arrogance really, really made me mad. I’ve done a lot of research on intestinal re-sectioning since sometimes it happens with Crohn’s disease. The statistics are horrible. 80% of people who have one re-sectioning have a 3rd or 4th re-sectioning procedure. Thankfully, even with my bowel obstructions, my small intestine has opened back up. I pray I will never need this surgery, which is a BIG motivating factor for me to take care of myself and be as healthy as I can.

I’m happy to say I am feeling mostly normal again. I’m still a little sore from my 4 small incisions and can’t wait till my belly button isn’t the size of a small continent. But I am healing well and don’t need any pain medicine. After having my gallbladder removed, I felt much better and am no longer having any of my previous problems and even more significantly, I’m not having a Crohn’s flare which always occurs after any surgery I’ve had, which including all my c-sections are 7 surgeries in all.

So why am I sharing all this? I really want people to understand a couple of things. First of all, you have got to advocate for your health no matter what. You’ve got to get educated and really help yourself feel better. You need to trust your body and the way you feel about it, even if it means you’re going to argue with a doctor or surgeon. I’ve come across way too many medical doctors who really don’t listen and think they know EVRYTHING. I’ve been swore at, laughed at and ignored. When you don’t feel well, you shouldn’t have to deal with these types of attitudes. If you don’t like how you’re being treated, tell them. I really wish “patient listening and communication” classes were taught as part of medical school.

Secondly, I really hope people understand the importance of taking care of themselves. You have to be proactive now, and not wait until you have a medical health crisis. I limit my fat, sugar and meat intake and exercise regularly. I have to do these things because if I don’t I’m going to end up sick again and on such powerful drugs that do not give me much of a quality of life now or in the future. I’ve been down that route and it’s no way to live. Forget about putting things into my body that impairs it’s natural functions, (like alcohol and cigarettes) my body doesn’t work right naturally on its own any way. I can’t afford to not take care of myself and honestly, neither can any of us. I FIRMLY believe that the body has the ability to heal its’ self if we allow it to and take care it. If you have your health, you truly have so much!

Patterns

2011-04-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, that’s how I feel after being in Northern California for 12 days. I am grateful we made the choice to go as a family and be with Chris’ mother Elsie. Our kids got the opportunity to see her and say goodbye which was so important and made the trip so worthwhile. I could write several posts just on her and my experiences with what I learned being near her and the family but I’m not ready to do that. Maybe the time will come for that; some of those things are intensely personal.

Today as I was able to get back into the routine of things, I struggled to do my normal Monday workout. I’m used to being able to go full throttle and yet this morning was a reality check for me. While in Etna, I was able to run only 3 times where I’m used to being active 6 days a week. I’m not complaining at all, I just find it interesting at how quickly my body can adjust to a more sedentary life style.

Gaining a couple pounds doesn’t bother me because those are easy to lose, but what bugged me was having my endurance level drop. I’ve got a month till my next triathlon so I’m interested to see how long it will take my body to adapt. One thing I was reminded of very clearly is the power and value of consistency. Onetime events don’t have to define us, but good patterns are the key to success.

What Would You Do?

2011-03-29T14:59:00.001-07:00

When Chris asked me back in February what I wanted for my birthday; I didn’t really have any answers for him. While I personally think it’s nice to honor someone on their Birthday; I’m not a big fan of buying a gift as a token of how “special” someone is. I don’t really need anything so why waste the money? I don’t really like clothes, make up, jewelry or shopping so poor Chris was stuck with trying to find some way to celebrate my Birthday and Valentine’s Day. This year he decided my gift would be to participate in a triathlon with me. Triathlons actually happen to be something that I really enjoy doing and knowing he would have to train along with me made the gift extra sweet.

Last Saturday’s triathlon pretty much started just like any of the other triathlon’s I’ve done. Chris had trained and was signed up to compete too, which was a first for him. Everything was progressing just like they always do in a triathlon. Getting your transition area set up, going and getting the timing chip and bib’s and talking with the other athletes; killing time until we were all ready to line up according to our swimming times so the race can begin.

The swim felt nice compared to the chilly temps outside that greeted us as we headed to the transition area to hop on our bikes for the 12 miles before the run. I was making good time on the bike even though my asthma was giving me some trouble. (This is normal for me when it’s really cold outside) As I was headed south on the Alpine highway and approaching the intersection where the first and second loops of the bike course intercept; I was focused on the woman (her name is Nicole) riding in front of me whom I was fast approaching; to see whether she was going to turn right for the second loop or head straight. I noticed a silver car was stopped in the intersection. What happened next was one of the scariest things I’ve even seen.

Instead of stopping in time, or veering right or left; I watched as Nicole slammed straight into the front driver’s side panel of the silver car. She slammed into the car, flipped head over heels onto the car’s hood and then rolled down on the street. She left an impact dent and long gash down the side of the car with some of the paint chipped away. I hit my bikes, made a hard turn right; jumped off my bike and ran over to see if she was okay. Nicole’s head had a huge gash right above her left eye and was flat on her back, thankfully conscious.

I didn’t have anything with me to stop the bleeding since I was only wearing my tri-suit, but I leaned down and told her not to move. The driver got out of his car and came over and handed me a rag that I put over the cut and held into place. I asked if someone had a phone to call 911, to which Nicole replied, “I’m okay, I’m okay,” over and over. The driver called 911, and I asked Nicole what her name was and told her my name was Amy and I was right behind her and saw her slam into the car and that we were going to get her taken care of.

About a minute later another athlete stopped and told us he was a doctor and wanted to help. He said we need to keep her head and back still and see what she could feel or not. I told Nicole I was going to touch her legs and I wanted her to tell me if she could feel my hand. She had one shoe on, one off and could feel everywhere we touched her. The doctor looked in her eyes to see if they were dilated and checked out her head and cut. Thankfully, her helmet was intact and had done its job, protecting her.

The doctor asked if Nicole could put her left leg down straight since it was still in an upright, bent knee position. As soon as we tried to move it, she cried out in pain and we left it upright. I noticed all along Nicole’s left side there was bruising along her thigh and calf, with the worst of it right at her knee.
We could hear the sirens from the cops, ambulance and fire trucks that were thankfully very close. The paramedics came over and we told them what we saw and had done and they started assisting Nicole. A cop asked me if I could come and fill out a witness statement, took my name and number and handed me a clip board to fill out. About this time, more athletes started approaching the intersection to either continue south or turn for the second loop. Traffic was all backed up in every direction and several athletes started slowing down but whizzing in and out of the intersection where we were.

A couple cops got really irritated, and one turned to me and said, “No one is to come through here; this is an accident scene.” I told him the racers had no way of knowing what happened and that they were just trying to either turn or head south. Another racer came into the intersection and almost hit a cop standing near the stopped car. He yelled at the guy, “Do you want to be arrested? You can’t come through here.” The guy took off heading south and the cop turned to me and said, “You stop those bikers from coming through here or I will shut this entire race down.” A fireman said, “I’ll head up the street and tell everyone to slow down.” So the racers are slowing down and a couple of the cops are trying to direct the north and south bound traffic that’s really backed up; but because of the accident all the racers have no choice but to turn right and head back toward the transition area from that direction, adding an extra mile to their bike route.

As I’m filling out the report the riders are coming toward me asking, “Why do I have to turn, I’m on the second loop, I need to head south?” And I’m yelling, “You have no choice, you have to turn right no matter what.” It was so crazy.

They get Nicole in a neck brace and load her into the ambulance as I finishing filling out the paperwork, yelling at other riders, and finished up with the cops. When I’m done with their questions and the report and Nicole is taken away; I asked the cops if I can go and they tell me I can. I asked if it was okay for me to head straight and I headed out. By the time I got back on my bike I was shaking pretty hard. I was only in my tri-suit and the air was still really cold. I shivered my way back towards the transition area and glanced at my watch which read 1:20 minutes which normally means I would be finished with my race. I decided to go ahead and do the run so I wouldn’t get a DNF (did not finish) and so I could warm up as well. I knew Chris was somewhere on the course and wondered if I was still going to finish before him.

As I headed out on the run, I just kept seeing Nicole crash into the car over and over in my mind. Whenever a rider would pass next to a runner on the course; I had to keep myself from freaking out because I thought everyone was so close to each other and it felt like I was going to see another accident. I passed a few runners’ struggling on the run; and was happy to see the American Fork cemetery which meant I was almost done. There were a lot of fellow athletes lined up along the entrance to the finish so I knew I was somewhere near the end of the race. I sprinted through the chute and reached down to push stop on my watch and glance at my time which was 1:48 minutes; my slowest time ever for a triathlon. I looked around and there was Chris standing in front of me, all smiles. Not only had he finished, he had done fairly well for his first triathlon in 1:29 minutes.

I searched around and found one of the race directors and asked if they had heard anything about Nicole. He said she was at the American Fork hospital and hadn’t heard yet. He was kind enough to give me Nicole’s phone number and I called and talked to her son after we got back home. Amazingly, nothing was broken, just severely bruised and 12 stitches for the cut above her eye brow.
I spoke with Nicole again yesterday just to see how she was since I never had gotten the chance to speak with her. She told me she was doing pretty good all things considered and was looking forward to competing again in a few weeks. She thanked me for stopping and told me that the woman who won the Ice Breaker Triathlon for the women was actually a good friend of hers. She had called her Saturday afternoon and told Nicole she had won. She also mentioned that if Nicole hadn’t wrecked she probably would’ve won because she was leading before the accident. She also told Nicole she had heard her scream about her leg. Nicole said it bothered her that her friend chose not to stop but continue to race.
I was really surprised to hear that. I would hope that if I was hurt, someone would be willing to stop and see if I was okay. Nicole was going over 25mph and she could’ve been killed. In my mind, it’s not even an issue. Races come and go, but everyone is some body’s loved one. You never know how you could make a difference for someone who can’t help themselves.

Chris and I have naturally talked about this quite a bit and have wondered why people chose to, or not to get involved? Have you ever seen that TV show called, “What Would You Do” where they stage certain situations and gauge people’s reactions and later asked individuals why they choose to get involved? Chris told me later that when he came upon the accident that he knew I’d be right there in the midst of it. Sure enough, I was and I yelled at him to turn right too. Even though I REALLY wanted to beat Chris in this triathlon because he does EVERYTHING so well; it’s okay that I didn’t finish before him. I did beat him in both the swim and run but I guess we’ll never know about the bike. One thing I do know is; I might never get to be on the podium by placing in a triathlon, but if I ever do; I know it will be because I earned it and didn’t sell out to get there.

"Acidity vs. Alkalinity"

2011-03-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Here's an artcile written by my friend, Keena Schaerrer who is a world class triathlete that has competed all over the world. I get quite a few questions regualry about acid and alkaline foods and so when I saw Keena's article I wanted to pass it along. You are what you eat!!

Nutrition And Your Body: A New Perspective

Today we are going to take a different angle on nutrition and HOW it affects
our bodies on a little different level than you have probably considered
before.
We are going to learn about the ALKALINE/ACIDIC nature of food and how
maintaining a healthy acid/alkaline balance can improve our health (both for
those wanting to lose weight and those wanting to perform at their athletic
potential!).

Every food has the potential to either be an acid or alkaline creating
food. Acidity and alkalinity are measured in pH (potential of hydrogen).
The pH scale goes from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, and 14 the most
alkaline. Stomach acid pH is 1 (very acidic), water is 7 (neutral), venous
blood is 7.35 and baking soda is very alkaline at 12. Ideally, our pH
should stay on the alkaline side: between 7.35 and 7.45. (Just so you
know….Coke is a 2 on the pH scale…so, just a teeny bit less acidic than
your stomach acid!)

Foods are classified as acid-forming or alkalizing depending on the *effect*they have on the body. An acid-forming food *contributes *hydrogen ions to the body, making it more acidic. An alkalizing food *removes *hydrogen ions from the body, making it more alkaline.

The body continually strives to maintain a balanced pH. So, when this balance is compromised, many problems occur because a highly acidic pH forces the body to borrow minerals from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body.

Dr. Loren Cordain (author of the Paleo Diet) tells us: “After digestion, all foods report to the kidneys as being either acidic or alkaline. The kidneys are responsible for fluid balance and maintaining a relatively neutral pH in the body.” When acid-yeilding foods lower the body’s pH, the kidneys coordinate efforts to buffer that acidity. Bones release calcium and magnesium to reestablish alkalinity, and muscles are broken down to produce ammonia, which is strongly alkaline. By the time the response is all over, your bone minerals and broken down muscle get excreted in urine….and you are left with weaker bones and muscles.

The problem with most of us is that we are eating far too many foods that create an* acidic* environment inside our bodies. Imagine a container full of acid. What do you envision? A healthy, life supporting, disease free, energy creating environment….or do you see an environment that is diseased, corruptive, corrosive and destructive? The answer…just in case you were confused. is the diseased, corrosive, destructive one! If you are creating hostile environment inside your body by consuming foods that create a highly acidic environment in your body, how can you expect to have healthy cellular function, tissue regeneration,
muscular repair, efficient fat burning capabilities and an overall healthy and vibrant body? You can’t!

Acidosis (or too much acidity in your body…) is one of the consequences of eating a highly acidic diet with little intake of alkalizing foods to balance your body’s pH.

*Some of the more negative effects of acidosis are: *

- Arthritic and rheumatic diseases.

- Weak bones and increased risk of osteoporosis. Dr Michael Colgan, in his book “The New Nutrition,” says “Acidosis

- destroys bones, because the body has to steal alkalizing minerals from them to keep blood pH from dropping into the acid range”

– Heartburn

– Overweight and or increased risk of obesity

– Cardiovascular damage

– Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup

– Degenerative diseases

– *Insomnia

– Water retention

– Depression

– Migraines

– Constipation

– Fatigue

– And how about…general, overall feeling of crappiness!

So…wanna know what FOODS you are eating that are most likely causing
Acidosis?

– Sugar

– Soda Pop

– Fast Foods

– Refined flour and processed foods such as: muffins, pasta, buns,
bagels, pastries, breads

– Overcooked animal flesh, lunch meats (especially with all the chemicals
in them), canned tuna.

– Coffee and alcohol

– Starchy carbs

– Most dairy products

WOW! Wait! Don’t despair! I promise….This isn’t gonna be so bad! Even as I was writing that list I was starting to feel discouraged and crappy cause we ALL eat some of the above listed foods! “Seriously”, I am thinking to myself…”What the *#@# CAN we eat?” Well….guess what! A LOT!

It isn’t that we can’t eat *any* acidic foods. We need some of them (like certain nuts, quality carbs and dairy).
We just want to maintain a nice healthy balance of about 70-80% alkaline foods and the other 20-30% of our food choices coming from the acidic foods (ok…NOT the sugar, pop, and refined crap types of foods! Nice try,
though!)

All you Commit To Be Fit peoples….you are already following the healthy alkalazing/pH balancing nutrition…so, you’re on the right path. That’s why, when you have followed the nutrition plan with all it’s leafy greens, wide variety of veggies, fruits, lean proteins (that are not overcooked), essential fatty acids (flax seed, borage oil, etc.) and lots of clean water….YOU LOSE WEIGHT AND FEEL REALLY, REALLY GOOD! That is your body responding positively to it’s improved internal state of a balanced pH and increased ability to heal itself, utilize food for fuel, repair muscles, bones, brain, and tolerate all the demands of life!

I am putting a list of ALKALIZING AND ACIDIFYING FOODS at the bottom of this motivation.

Remeber: Many of the acidifying foods are GOOD for us! We just want to manage portion control to ensure they are in balance with the alkalizing foods that should take up about 70% of our daily nutritional calories!
**DO NOT overcook your protein sources to ensure they are not denatured and destroyed** AND…seriously…to keep this simple (cause that really is what we all want)…

JUST DO MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1) MORE LEAFY GREENS,
2) MORE VEGETABLES,
3 MORE FRESH FRUITS,
4) LEAN PROTEINS (especially Whey Protein Isolate because it is highly bioavailable)
5) LOTS AND LOTS OF CLEAN, PURE WATER.

It really is that EASY! And, in case you didn’t notice…THIS IS NOTHING NEW! I have just shown you a different angle on the same nutrition we’ve already been working on eating more of! By the way…This is yet one more reason why I LOVE the Green Protein Smoothie EVERY day…before noon, so you have started your day with amazing nutrition that gives your body a ton of alkalizing benefits!

*ALKALINE/ACID FOOD LIST * ** *People vary, but for most,* the ideal diet is 70 percent alkalizing and 30 percent acidifying foods by volume.**

*ALKALIZING FOODS* VEGETABLES
Garlic
Asparagus
Fermented Veggies
Watercress
Beets
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Chlorella
Collard Greens
Cucumber
Eggplant
Kale
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Mustard Greens
Dulce
Dandelions
Edible Flowers
Onions
Parsnips (high glycemic)
Peas
Peppers
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Sea Veggies
Spirulina
Sprouts
Squashes
Alfalfa
Barley Grass
Wheat Grass
Wild Greens
Nightshade Veggies

FRUITS
Apple
Apricot
Avocado
Banana (high glycemic)
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Currants
Dates/Figs
Grapes
Grapefruit
Lime
Honeydew Melon
Nectarine
Orange
Lemon
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
All Berries
Tangerine
Tomato
Tropical Fruits
Watermelon

PROTEIN
Eggs
Whey Protein Powder
Cottage Cheese
Chicken Breast
Yogurt
Almonds
Chestnuts
Tofu (fermented)
Flax Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Tempeh (fermented)
Squash Seeds
Sunflower Seeds
Millet
Sprouted Seeds
Nuts

OTHER
Apple Cider Vinegar
Bee Pollen
Lecithin Granules
Probiotic Cultures
Green Juices
Veggies Juices
Fresh Fruit Juice
Organic Milk
(unpasteurized)
Mineral Water
Alkaline Antioxidant Water
Green Tea
Herbal Tea
Dandelion Tea
Ginseng Tea
Banchi Tea
Kombucha

SWEETENERS
Stevia

SPICES/SEASONINGS
Cinnamon
Curry
Ginger
Mustard
Chili Pepper
Sea Salt
Miso
Tamari
All Herbs

ORIENTAL VEGETABLES
Maitake
Daikon
Dandelion Root
Shitake
Kombu
Reishi
Nori
Umeboshi
Wakame
Sea Veggies

*ACIDIFYING FOODS* FATS & OILS
Avocado Oil
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Flax Oil
Lard
Olive Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil

FRUITS
Cranberries

GRAINS
Rice Cakes
Wheat Cakes
Amaranth
Barley
Buckwheat
Corn
Oats (rolled)
Quinoi
Rice (all)
Rye
Spelt
Kamut
Wheat
Hemp Seed Flour

DAIRY
Cheese, Cow
Cheese, Goat
Cheese, Processed
Cheese, Sheep
Milk
Butter

NUTS & BUTTERS
Cashews
Brazil Nuts
Peanuts
Peanut Butter
Pecans
Tahini
Walnuts

ANIMAL PROTEIN
Beef
Carp
Clams
Fish
Lamb
Lobster
Mussels
Oyster
Pork
Rabbit
Salmon
Shrimp
Scallops
Tuna
Turkey
Venison

PASTA (WHITE)
Noodles
Macaroni
Spaghetti

OTHER
Distilled Vinegar
Wheat Germ
Potatoes

DRUGS & CHEMICALS
Chemicals
Drugs, Medicinal
Drugs, Psychedelic
Pesticides
Herbicides

ALCOHOL
Beer
Spirits
Hard Liquor
Wine

BEANS & LEGUMES
Black Beans
Chick Peas
Green Peas
Kidney Beans
Lentils
Lima Beans
Pinto Beans
Red Beans
Soy Beans
Soy Milk
White Beans
Rice Milk
Almond Milk

CHALLENGE:
#1: Once again…I am going to challenge EVERY ONE of you to make it a goal to drink a quart of GREEN PROTEIN SMOOTHIE EVERY DAY BEFORE NOON! Just blend up a wide variety of the healthy, leafy greens, combining them with some fresh squeezed (not canned or in a carton) grapefruit (very alkalizing), adding some whey protein isolate, berries, a frozen banana and some awesome essential fatty acids (flax seed oil, borage oil, etc.) You are going to be giving your body MORE nutrients in that one quart of awesomeness
than you probably would have received over the course of your whole day! AND…I have found that if you start your day out with something that is really good for you, you will experience LESS cravings for the crappy food throughout the rest of your day! GOOD STUFF!

#2: KEEP UP YOUR STRENGTH TRAINING! Don’t forget last week’s motivation. MUSCLE is a HUGE key to health! By adding in the fabulous nutrition you are powering yourself with to your daily activities, you are going to see even more results from your efforts at strength training and maintaining a strong, lean and healthy body!

That’s it!
That’s all you’ve gotta do this week! (Unless you want to keep working on some of the other challenges I have given you such as: DRINK 96 oz. water/daily; Get 7+ hours of sleep every night; and write in your nutrition journal so you can track what you are doing) you definitely NEVER EVER have to be bored or unmotivated!
Just find what lights your fire and GET GOING!! Have a great week working on these challenges!

***RECIPE ***
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu & Coconut Milk*

Tofu is made of soy beans, it’s very healthy and has an alkaline effect on the body pH-level.

*Ingredients for 3-4 servings*
1 pound firm tofu
3 medium-sized zucchinis
3 tomatoes
1 red pepper bell
1 green pepper bell
? pound green beans
1 to 1 ? cups fresh coconut milk
2 tbs. cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
Some sea salt and pepper
? tbs. curry powder
? tbs. Ginger
Your favorite fresh herbs

*Directions*

Dice tofu, and chop the zucchinis, tomatoes, pepper bells as well as the beans in bite-sized pieces.

Put the oil in a pan or wok and fry the tofu for a few minutes. Then add the zucchini, pepper bell and beans and stir fry for another few minutes. Finally add the tomatoes and the coconut milk, stir well and cook for a couple of minutes.

Last but not least, season with salt, pepper, curry powder, ginger and your favorite herbs. Serve with soba noodles or wild rice. Enjoy this healthy alkaline Vegetable Stir-Fry! There you have it! Enjoy your terrific week of healthy eating, quality movement, sufficient rest and feeling AWESOME!

I know you can do this and make your life an even better one because you have taken charge and conquered those things that are hard for you! Don’t give up on yourself if you have a bad day. Just try again the next
day!

It’s all about consistent effort….NOT perfection! SO, just keep trying and you are going to reach your goals!
I know you can do it!

Have a great week!

Keena Schaerrer
USA Triathlon Certified Coach
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
BS Recreation Mgmt/Health: B.Y.U.
keena@coachkeena.com

Why?

2011-03-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Athletics can be a very interesting world. You have athletes who work hard, dedicate countless hours, practice, drill, focus and push for something they are trying to achieve. Success is not immediate; it often takes years of this dedication to see quantifiable results. In American culture it seems like the sports athletes rule. They are considered role models; they even have clothing lines and food products endorsed by them. All this money is invested with hopes that consumers will see these athletes’ achievements and invest their time and money to become like the select few they are watching who are so talented.

There’s nothing wrong with striving to excel in whatever you are doing. Sometimes though, I think the drive that helped these athletes reach amazing results can also end up being they’re down fall. It seems like a lot of athletes end up as self-centered, reckless crazies who forgot why they were challenging themselves in the first place. Personally, I only enjoy collegiate sports. To me, collegiate athletes are competing in sports because they love it; they’re hearts are still in it. Whether it’s school pride or a sense of community; they are also trying to get an education too. While money and big business still has a hand in college sports, I don’t see it as dominate as on the professional level.

My point to this post is to ask the question, why do athletes do what they do? Why do they train so hard; what’s their motivation? Personally, I will never be a professional athlete. I enjoy training and competing because there was a 9 year period in my life where I was so sick that my life really sucked and I couldn’t do the things I needed to do. I am a very self motivated, and goal oriented person so racing gives me a level of accountability and something I’m working for. I have learned that it is extremely liberating to have self control and be the master of my body.

I think everyone should regularly ask themselves why they chose to do what they do. Within the next 5 years I want to be an Ironman. I want to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a crazy 26.2 mile marathon. Why do I want to do this? Because life is about doing hard things, enduring to the end, and having self control, especially over my mind, body and spirit. I’m also excited to discover who I will become along the way. Hopefully it will be a stronger person, wife and mother. If I want to, I can.

Pandora's Box

2011-02-18T15:46:00.001-08:00

I think most people are probably familiar with Pandora’s Box from Greek mythology. Pandora was the first woman and each god helped create her by giving her unique gifts; they also gave her a box and told her not to open it.

According to the myth, Pandora was simply curious and opened a box (some accounts say jar) releasing all the evils of mankind leaving only Hope inside once she had closed it again.

I’m not really interested in Greek Mythology but the fact that only hope was left in Pandora’s Box after all the evil was released is very intriguing to me. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about some of the experiences from my life. I’m not that old, 34 to be exact but I’ve had many situations that have deeply impacted my life, leaving me wounded, sad, scared, frustrated and discouraged.

Physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuses were very common elements in my childhood. I must admit that every time I read about these topics in the media my heart and spirit recall these difficult times that I can relate to. My purpose in this post is not to accuse, generate personal sympathy or “air family laundry.” I want to relate these experiences to Pandora’s Box.

We all know the world is full of great evil; we can see it abundantly every day. I believe that painful, negative experiences, while they are a part of life do not have to define who you are. People often shake their fist at God and proclaim, “How can a loving and caring God allow such bad things to happen to so many people?” “Why would God make me suffer or why is He punishing me?”

God doesn’t interfere with someone’s agency no matter how justified the cause might seem. I believe what God does instead is allow people to come unto Him and if they chose to work with Him, to help them learn and grow therefore becoming closer to Him.

Have there been times that I wish I didn’t go through some of the things that I have? Initially, sure, but because those experiences have taught me compassion, charity, emotional and spiritual depth which have brought me closer to God and Jesus Christ, then I’ll take the trade.

Hope, that’s what left inside Pandora’s Box once all the evil is gone. Hope that people are good and can heal though the Atonement of Jesus Christ and learn to help themselves and eventually others. Hope that relationships can be based on trust that is never violated in such a tragic way and that we can feel peace and happiness again.

My heart saddens when I see people in such deep pain for experiences that I can relate too and yet they turn away from God who can help them receive what they so desperately desire and need. It’s my hope, that by writing about these topics that someone might believe these words and seek for peace; seek for God and Jesus Christ.

I was driving in the car the other day, and was once again reminded of why I love country music so much. The song below came on and the words fit so perfectly with what I’ve been feel lately. Horrible experiences do not have to define us; they can become another step that can lead us closer to God. Life still has hope, or as the artist Kenney Chesney says it, “The Good Stuff.”

Just in Case You Were Wondering...

2011-02-10T14:15:00.001-08:00

Once again it has come to my intention that I can be seen as a little strange. It’s not always a bad thing to be seen as different; but I believe that everyone really wants to be understood. Sometimes I can feel REALLY passionate about some things.(I know big shock right) Religion for example is one topic. The things I know and feel burn very powerfully within me and I naturally want share that with other’s; especially my family. Unfortunately, they aren’t really interested; so C'est la vie.

Another topic I’m extremely passionate about in health and nutrition. I’ve posted many times about these topics so it’s obvious they’re important to me. Today, I thought I’d share a little bit of my motivation. Why I feel the way I feel and pursue such things other’s see as “extreme or strange”. I think this quote says it perfectly….”That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.” Ralph Waldo Emerson US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)

Five years ago, I didn’t see myself doing some of the things that I do now. It’s amazing how learning truth can change your life. Line upon line, here a little, there a little small changes add up over time and make a huge difference; especially positive changes. When I’ve found it hard to change things for myself, I’ve started changing things because of the people I love.

Here’s why I do what I do; and am who I am. It’s not that the nature of the things I do has changed, it’s because I have. And guess what, I’m truly completely happy and that’s the greatest change of all.

Simply Profound

2011-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing how many times a day we get the choice to practice self-control. We know we need to get up; do we reach over and hit the snooze button? Perhaps there’s housework that needs to be done; do we sit at the computer and browse the internet? We’re tired, but made the commitment to exercise; do we just say tomorrow is a new day?

I believe that self-control is one key to happy living. Shame, remorse and regret are very powerful emotions that can often come at a very high price. Sometimes, the simplest act can have life changing consequences.

Born To Run

2011-01-28T11:34:00.001-08:00

Last night, Chelsie and I had our running technique analyzed through the “Runner’s Corner” located in Orem, Utah. Golden Harper, a former BYU cross country athlete and world record holder (at age 12 he ran a marathon in 2hours, 43 minutes which is amazing considering the world record fastest marathon time is 2 hours 3 minutes) conducted the class. Seriously folks, click on the link and check out his resume.

http://runners-corner.com/staff/golden-harper/

We had such a great time and I learned a lot of things I wanted to pass along. A lot of what they’re teaching not only come from their training and personal knowledge but also the book, “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. The class was broken down into 4 basic principles for proper running technique. They are: Balanced Forward Posture; Compact Arm Swing; Proper Foot Strike under a Bent Knee; and 180 Cadence.

Balanced Forward Posture- focuses on keeping the shoulder’s back and relaxed, chest sticking out and bending forward at the ankles, NOT THE WAIST. You know you’ve got the proper posture when you keep your feet flat on the ground and NOT lifting you toes or heels you lean forward on your ankles until you need to take a step forward. It’s slight, but not straight up and down. Remember when you lean you feet should stay flat. Bending at the waist while running leads to pain and injury.

Compact Arm Swing- You arms should be bent at a 90 degree angle with your thumbs up and fingers holding a feather, very relaxed. Your arm swing while compact should NEVER cross over the center of your body, front or side. At lot of people do this wrong and have knee and IT band problems because of it. Your arms should almost have a little bounce and you actually swing your arms BACK, not FORWARD. Your arms should never cause your body to sway side to side. No pumping your arms up high or anything. Most people use too much arm motion when they run.

Proper Foot Strike- Most people heel strike meaning they land on their heel and then move forward and this is called OVERSTRIDING which leads to shin splints, plantar problems (the bottom of your foot at the arch and heel) and injury. You need to land with a bent knee, your foot directly under the knee and run very quite. They also pointed out that many people are taking to large of steps and need to shorten their steps as well.

180 Cadence- is how many times your feet should hit the ground in 1 minute. To figure out your cadence, you count how many times your right foot strikes the ground in 20 seconds. 30 is the magic number you’re shooting for in this 20 seconds. It doesn’t matter how tall or short you are, the cadence it still the same. Sprinters are the only groups of runner’s who will have a slightly faster cadence and even then, theirs will only be about 34. These steps should be light, soft and quick.

I found out that I run with a straight leg, and still slightly heel strike in my running shoes. I also run with my arms way too high and way too tense. (What’d ya know, just like my personality, a little too intense?) Watching myself running on video (and the other’s in the class) was a really great learning tool and it was helpful to see what proper form looks like. The good news is, that by improving my running form; I will not only run faster, but I won’t be injured, allowing me to run farther and longer!!

If you live locally and enjoy running, I strongly suggest you go get your form analyzed and you can “re-train” your brain. The cost is only $5, and it’s 2 hours worth of instruction. I also recommend you read up on barefoot running. When I run in my Vibram 5-finger shoes, I have proper foot strike. This can be a whole separate post.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

I just wanted to pass along this amazing, helpful information. I love to run and when I do, I feel like a dog with its tongue hanging out of its mouth, going after that ball; having a blast. Happy Running!

Free Hugs

2011-01-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

Who would think that something as simple as a hug could be such a big deal? If you saw a complete stranger holding a sign that read, “FREE HUGS” would you go get a hug? Chelsie decided to do this behavioral science experiment for her science project at school. Her thought was that someone’s environment affects how friendly someone will be. Her hypothesis was that people who are more “religious” would be friendlier than other groups such as business professionals and college students.
Her hypothesis was correct, but that’s honestly not what I found interesting.

I went with Chelsie and recorded the data for the science project so I was to observe everyone who interacted with her or chose not to. I started wondering, why would someone hug a complete stranger or not? A hug is a really simple thing, but you’re inviting someone to come into your personal body space and that can be a challenge for some people. I believe everyone needs love and support and we should hug people we care about; and if some stranger is holding a sign, asking for a hug, I think we should hug them too.

The history behind the “FREE HUGS” is actually quite interesting and I invite you to click on the link and learn more about the guy who started this concept. There is value in loving others, especially people we don’t even know. Trying to see the best in people and being patient with others when they’re at their worst. Haven’t you ever been lonely and wished someone would reach out and try to understand? Haven’t you had a bad day or made some really poor choices and just want someone to see the humanity that’s within you? You never know who’s truly alone and the difference you can make in some one’s life, even with a simple hug.

I hope you enjoy this song by my favorite group, Rascal Flatt’s. It’s called, “I Won’t Let Go,” I think the words are very fitting.

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

Unconscious Eating

2011-01-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

One of the most powerful ways that we learn is through experience. The knowledge we gain from living something first hand can be very moving; so can the harrowing experiences of others. I recently came across a saying that greatly intrigued me; it’s “unconscious eating.” Not like people who actually eat while sleeping (that’s nocturnal sleep eating and it’s a real sleep disorder) but I see “unconscious eating” as eating without actually thinking about what you’re eating and just as important, WHY.
Now, don’t shut me down just yet, ya gotta hear me out. 20 years ago, as a nation the average American family spent 10% of their income on health-care, and 7% on food. Now the average American family spends 10% on food and 17% of their income on health-care. The United States’ ranks 45th in the world in life expectancy and yet we’re the richest country in the world. (Mark Bittman, 2009) Hmmm…I think that’s interesting.

So why do I care so much about “unconscious eating,” food and health in general? Because I’ve lived it; and I know too many other people who are living it too. I love the people I know and I remember how difficult being sick was and I just can’t sit by and act like it doesn’t matter; because it does.
Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and nearly dying in October of 2002 wasn’t the beginning; it was merely a serious symptom of my lack of education. I cooked the way my parents had for years, the way I had been taught and thought very little about it. Looking back now, I realize that I had very little education on nutrition and the human body. I was raised (like pretty much every other American) with the 4 basic food groups and if you ended up getting sick, you went to the doctor and they gave you an anti-biotic and a few days later you were better. The fact that my parents could even afford to take me to the doctor was a blessing, when so many just did without. That cycle repeated it’s self in my life for 30 years; even after I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

In April of 2007, pregnant with my 5th child and so sick I could barely take care of myself, let alone my 4 other kids, I sat in my GI doctor’s office and asked for help. He told me, he wanted me to go back on the immune-system suppressing drug, Imuran and that it would, “calm your current Crohn’s flare down and your immune system should stabilize out, resulting in relief.” I then asked him what effect Imuran has on a baby during pregnancy, to which he replied after a pause, “Well...obviously we haven’t had anyone willing to participate in a drug trial during pregnancy because of the potential effects Imuran could have on the fetus.” I looked at him and said, “You want me to take this medicine, and potentially hurt my child?” He replied, “your health out weights the health of your fetus, so yes.” I said, “Is there anything else you can do for me, to help me get my Crohn’s disease under control?” He replied, “No, not while you’re pregnant.” I just stared at him, I was in shock. I picked up my purse, and I left and never went back. I was so sick, so frustrated and exhausted. I cried all the way home and felt hopeless.

The good news is that my story actually has a happy ending. I have been drug free and living healthily with my Crohn’s disease since June of 2008. When I ran out of options while pregnant in 2007, and as a last resort, I changed the only thing I had left to, which was my diet. I did a ton of research (and I still do) and have come to know first-hand the power of the food we eat and don’t. I beg everyone I know, please, please examine what you eat and why. You might not be seriously ill now, but if you don’t change your eating choices and habits, you will be. I’ve been seriously ill; you DON’T HAVE TO LIVE THAT WAY!!

I believe most American’s are ADDICTED to bad food. I know plenty of people who abstain from illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and really feel like they are healthy people. The sad truth is we have so many un-healthy issues wrapped around the food we eat. Tradition, addiction, convenience, addiction, money, addiction, social stereo-types, addiction, lack of knowledge, and of course, addiction. The truth is, there is a better way to live; we just have to decide what we really want. If we can’t do it for ourselves, as parents, we should at least do it for our children.

Here’s a wonderful book that has changed the way I cook a lot of things, it’s called, “The World’s Healthiest Foods,” by George Mateljan. I could recommend so many things, but I think this book, (it’s a huge reference book over 800 pages) is the best place to start it you choose to learn more.
http://www.whfoods.com/

Shifting Focus

2011-01-12T10:37:00.001-08:00

Today as I was dropping off the kids at school; I was looking at the huge mountains that surround Alpine. I was marveling at their majestic beauty and reflecting how much fun my family and I have had hiking all over them. We can’t wait for warmer weather so we can go out and cover new areas where we’ve never been. The thought came to me that if Chris and I end up raising our children here in Utah, living in Alpine; that just might not be a bad thing. In June, we will have lived here in Utah for 5 years. Next to the 5 and a half years we spent living in Etna, California, Chris’ hometown this is the longest place we’ve ever lived in our 14 years of marriage.
I think you can get used to change and transition in life which is a really good thing. Sometimes, moving around can almost become a habit. Like and itch right? When you’re used to and comfortable with change, it starts showing up as a little irritating itch that has just got to be scratched until it feels better and goes away. There’s also the opposite end too. I’ve seen many people who have always lived in one place; doing the same kind of things their families have been doing for generations while some of those passed down “habits” are actually self destructive. For some reason the “why” as why they are doing what they do doesn’t seemed to get questioned. Just like so many things in life, finding the right balance I believe is the key to one part of feeling happy.
I guess my point today is about me learning and realizing the value in shifting my focus from seeking to gratitude. It’s amazing that by just trying to see the positive and good around me, I remember I’ve got a lot to be thankful for and there for. And that’s something I can reflect on every day.

My Hero

2011-01-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

A hero is someone you watch, admire and whose life you try to emulate. So it is with my mother-in-law, Elsie Thackeray. I’ve known her for 14 years, but what she’s shared with me and taught me will last a life time. Last Friday was her 75th birthday and it was bitter sweet. Sweet because she has been around, affecting everyone’s lives for the better for 75 wonderful years; bitter because it will be her last birthday.

Elsie is dying of lung cancer and I can’t help but feel selfish and war with myself. I don’t want her to suffer; I truly want her to go home to her family and our Father in Heaven and enjoy the peace that comes from ending this mortal journey. The selfish side of me wants her to be around. Who will I call when I want advice on motherhood? Who will I call when my husband is annoying me and I know she can perfectly understand because she helped raise my wonderful hubby and knows his personality as well as do? I know all the answers to all these hard questions, but coming to terms with the actual separation is difficult.

I remember the first time she and Bill went to Nigeria on their first mission. The next day, I picked up the phone as usual to call her about something and then as I was dialing, I stopped and remembered I couldn’t get a hold of her; she was in the MTC. I felt sad, but knew I’d be able to talk to her again. This time it’s so different. I’m only going to get a phone call to say good-bye. Chris is flying out to be with his family this weekend and I need to stay here with our family. We all went out as a family to see Elsie before Thanksgiving, but I find myself longing to speak with her in person and hug her one more time. I hate living so far away but I need to be here with our children so Chris can go.

Thank you Elsie, for everything. Thank you for helping me understand what it means to be a mother. Thank you for your dedication to the Lord and for a lifelong example of serving others. Thank you for loving everyone and always seeing the best in people. Thank you for doing all the “little things” that others couldn’t like seeking out the lonely one, and making others smile. For never knowing a stranger and always teaching us how to be better; thank you for all the love, laughter and tears. You’re my hero; my most favorite person ever. Thank you for being you! I love you and pray you’ll still continue to watch over me.

11 Days and Counting....

2010-05-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yea, I'm soooo excited for May 22nd, and my second Triathlon this year! I've been working so hard and I can't wait to sit back (figuratively) and enjoy all my efforts. I have a time goal to finish in under 1 hour 25 minutes, so we'll see what happens. I tell my kids all the time, "Life is about doing hard things," but it's nice to also know that "hard things" can also be immensely enjoyable! Here's to life!

"Mom's Green Smoothie"

2010-04-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Robyn Openshaw who introduced me (and therefor my family) to the wonderful world of green smoothies!!

Green Smoothies are a fabulous way to not only get your greens but some much needed enzymes too. Below is my green smoothie recipe, that is very loosely based on Robyn's as well. This is what I served to my nieces and nephew's several weeks ago at our general conference get together!

In a good quality blender add:

2 cups water

1/8 cup Chia Seed

1/4 cup Hemp Seed

2 T cold pressed fish oil

1/2 cup soaked almonds

1/3 or a whole lemon (yep, peel and all)

Blend these first ingredients for about 30 seconds and then add:

3 large pieces collard greens

3 large pieces Swiss chard

3 large pieces curly kale

3 large pieces lacinato kale

Blend these greens for 30 seconds and add:

1.5 cups spinach

1/3 cup bean sprouts

1T spirulina powder (this is a blue algae)

2 micro-scoops Stevia Powder (the KAL brand is the best flavor I've found)

1/8 cup agave (once again a good quality, low temp processed)

Blend these ingredients for 30 seconds and then add:

8 or more fresh strawberries

2 whole, peeled bananas

Any additional fruit you want as well.

Blend these ingredients for 30 more seconds and enjoy!!

A couple of additional tips...wash all your greens and fruits really well. You can also use frozen fruit like your bananas that have started to turn brown, just peel them and toss them in a freezer bag for smoothies later. The soaked/sprouted almonds should be soaked at least 24 hours but no longer than 48 hours; rinsing and changing their soaking water morning and night each day. They can then be stored in the fridge for about 4 days or dehydrate them (under 115) for 24hours and they keep longer.

Also an additional note on almonds. The almonds you buy commercially from a store may say "raw" but they have actually been pasteurized. The stores are required to sell pasteurized almonds due to a congressional law against selling raw foods. (thank you congress) so you need to seek out a source that actually purchases true "raw" almonds from the almond growers. Almonds are an amazing food and worth the effort to locate raw ones!!

With Stevia powder I went through many brands until I found one that didn't taste nasty. In my experience, the liquid drops are the worst. Perhaps they use alcohol in the extraction process, but I've found the KAL brand to taste the best. It costs about $20 for a 6 ounce bottle but the bottle will last you a long, long time. I haven't gone through a whole bottle and I use ours twice daily since January.

Happy Health!!

"Mom's Super Granola"

2010-04-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

We'll I'm finally taking the time to do it!! YAY for me!! Let me clarify, I am actually taking the time to write some of my favorite healthy recipes down to share with others. I've been meaning to take the time for a while, but I've been a little wrapped up in my TRI training, but more on that later.

"Mom's Super Granola"

3/4 cup Agave (good stuff expressed under 118 degrees)

3/4 cup Grade B maple syrup (not the stuff you put on pancakes)

3/4 cup cold pressed coconut oil (this will be in a solid state)

3/4 cup water

1/8 cup raw honey

2 tsp. powdered vanilla

Put all these ingredients in a small pot on the stove and warm them until the oil melts and they're all combined. It takes less than 5 minutes.

While your liquids are combining in a VERY large bowl combine:

8 cups organic rolled oats (not quick, that means they've been processed more)

1 cup raw wheat germ

1 cup organic raw shredded coconut (this has NO sweeteners)

1/2 cup organic hemp seed (doesn't have to be ground like flax seed for the body to use)

2 cups raw mixed nuts (no roasting or salting)

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (no roasting or salting)

1/4 raw sesame seeds

1/4 cup Chia Seed

1/8 cup Amaranth (this is a whole grain)

3T ground cinnamon

2t ground nutmeg

Stir all your dry ingredients together in the bowl until well combined. If you have little kids like me, it's a good idea to "pulse" your mixed nuts in a food processor to make the pieces smaller and easier for them to chew.

Take the wet and pour small amounts over your granola mix and stir until well combined and moistened. Spread the granola equally on 2 jelly roll size pans (they are bigger than a 9x13 cookie sheet) and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring the granola around half way through the cooking time.

When your granola is cooked and cooled, I add dried UNSWEETENED fruits like raisins, cranberries, apples, bananas, dates, figs, cherries, papaya, pineapple, etc. Serve with milk, preferably Almond Milk!!

My family LOVES this recipe. It originally comes from the green smoothie girl, Robyn Openshaw but I doctored it to make the ingredients healthier but I did want to give her credit for the "bones" of the recipe.

In this granola recipe you're getting your OMEGA's, a complete protein source (thank-you Amaranth) a crazy amount of fiber, some HEALTHY fats (including medium chain fatty acids) better quality sweeteners and some great flavor!

Happy Health!

Super Foods Part One!

2010-03-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm down to 51 days until my second Triathlon and I couldn't be more excited!! On Monday, I hit my first preparation goal. At the track I completed my first mile time trial and I ran an 8 minute mile!

Now I know that's not extremely fast but I can now run and keep up with my 6'5" long legged hubby and considering two years ago I couldn't even run a quarter mile and was tired and sick, I know how far I've come. My goal is to run under a 7 minute mile by the end of summer so here's to keep training hard and love running just like dogs!

I feel I need to give some credit to some fabulous food in my daily diet. These are actually "super foods" meaning highly nutritious and the human body loves them. I could list many things but in an effort to keep it simple, I'll just list a few.

#1- Spirulina- This is a blue green algae that is rich in protein, minerals and anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids. You have to make sure you get a good source because the algae can be easily contaminated, but I add this everyday to my families green smoothies.

#2- Chia Seed- Yep, it's the same stuff that got spread on those funny clay shapes. Chia is an excellent source of soluble fiber, and can absorb more than 12 times it's weight in water and hangs on to the water keeping us better hydrated as well. It's a wonderful source of protein and also a complete source of all our essential fatty acids. I also add Chia to our green smoothies and I serve it with every diner in a little shaker that my kids call "sprinkles" that they just add onto what ever we're eating.

#3- Fish Oil- Not just any old fish oil, the good stuff needs to be cold pressed, stored in the fridge in a dark bottle. Fish oil is great for inflammation in the body (no more nasty prednisone and it's hideous side effects) It provides DHA and EPA (more of those fatty acids) which also help prevent heart disease, depression, stroke, cancer and assist in weight management. I give this to my kids daily and I also put into our green smoothies too!

These are just a few of the many wonderful healthy "super foods" we eat daily. I've gotta give props to my sweet hubby Chris. One thing I've learned is that food can be as personal and passionate to people as their religion. Chris has been nothing but completely supportive as I've tweeked our diets and changed a lot of the food we eat. Our diet now contains no more than 5% animal protein and 60% of our diet is raw food! Yumm, here's to good health and a long and active life!!

Eating Disorders....

2010-02-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2010 through February 28, 2010 was National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to admit when we're wrong or that perhaps we're not perfect. Sometimes, the hardest person to be honest with is ourselves. I have a friend at the gym named Kelli. She's currently struggling with anorexia. I watch Kelli's personal war and I want her to win so badly. I know all I can do is encourage, support and above all, love. For additional information, click on the link below.

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/index.php

Food, Glorious Food...

2010-02-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

I LOVE FOOD! Okay, let me clarify that statement, I love HEALTHY food. I get absolutely excited about learning new things and discovering the joy of truly eating healthy! I also find it amusing that people find me a little (okay a lot) strange. Let me explain.

Today one of my wonderful neighbors stopped by with a birthday gift for me during lunch. I had just finished making a green smoothie and she noticed it in my blender and asked me what it was. I explained to her what my green smoothie had in it (all fresh Swiss chard, kale, spinach, hemp oil, broccoli, fish oil, carrots, apples, strawberries, sprouts, quarter of a whole lemon, agave, and ice) and I asked her if she'd like to try some.

She looked at my blender and very politely said, "it looks kind-a gross." My kids started laughing (that was their first reaction when they saw one too) and Chelsie, "I like it, it's actually really good." With Chelsie's endorsement she thought for a moment said okay, and I poured her a small amount into a disposable cup. She very bravely tasted it and said, "ummm...that's really interesting..." She then told me she was going to take some home and offer it to her sweet hubby. I asked he if she wanted a little more to which she replied, "no, I think this is more than enough." I then offered her a piece of my chocolate beet birthday cake. (she loves, loves, loves chocolate) She took a small bite and said, "wow, that's not too bad," she then left to go home.

I have no doubt that she and her hubby had a great conversation about how strange their neighbor is and how bad they feel for my hubby and kids! I must admit, I'm getting used to these reactions and it just reminds me of why I'm making these choices in my life. I think I've always been an un-conventional kind of person so I'm not surprised that my nutrition choices finally caught up with the rest of me!
Eating for health and life isn't about convience and speed, it's about loving yourself enough to feed yourself right. If it was easy, then I suppose everyone would do it!

The Little Things...

2010-02-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've got about 16 weeks now until my very first triathlon. (yikes) Actually, it's far enough away that it still seems kind of exciting and not so scary, but I know those feelings will come later. My goals for this TRI are two fold:

First: I just want to be able to finish the race, and I'd like to be a little competitive, maybe finishing somewhere in the middle.

Second: I want to enjoy the experience. I don't want to be hating the swimming, biking and running while I'm doing it. I want to see how far I've pushed my self and worked and I don't want to get injured.

Sounds simple enough right? Well that might be easier said than done. This past week, I've been working hard on fixing my front crawl or freestyle stroke. I only have to swim 300 meters which isn't that far, but I'd like to be as efficient as possible while I'm swimming so that means the front crawl is the best choice. I could do the breast stroke the whole time but I want to do freestyle because I used to swim it quite well. Of course that was about 15 years ago and the only type of swimming I've done since then has consisted of splashing around with my kids in a baby pool.

Mostly this week, I've had the opportunity to focus on the importance of constantly learning and gratitude. This week as I've plodded back and forth like a drowning fish (trust me it isn't pretty) I developed a greater appreciation for my young kids and all the things they have to learn and master that I take for granted. It's taught me to be a lot more patient and encouraging. I also can do things that so many others can not. I can walk, and see, and hear and I am healthy whereas so many people are not. When I start to get a little discouraged, I really try to think of these things and I remember that I can give even more.

Feeling A Little Lonely...

2010-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally did it! Yep, I decided to go ahead and completely torture my family be removing dairy from our diet. That's right, no more milk, no more butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, cream cheese and that ever adored ice-cream. I wish I could say that this felt like a real accomplishment. Sadly, (but honestly I'm not really surprised) I find myself all alone and doing my best to stick to what I truly believe is a healthier way of life. (Did I mention that serious illness and I have a long history together?) Don't get me wrong, my family is more than welcome to eat dairy when we are not eating at home. I'm not trying to deprive them, and more importantly take away their agency; I'm just going for non-diary consistency here at home. After much sampling and taste testing, my wonderful family (very begrudgingly) has decided that almond milk will be the beverage of replacement for their beloved milk.

I find it interesting that humans are the only group of mammals that consumes milk after the "weaning stage" or when we are no longer little babies. Even more interestingly, we humans also drink ANOTHER mammals milk, not even our own milk. There's a ton of research that scientifically proves that cows milk is not suited for our wonderful human body. Even more thought provoking is the fact that scientific research has also shown that CASEIN, the protein in cows milk (it makes up 87% of the protein in cows milk to be exact) has actually caused cancer tumor growth in rats. The CASEIN levels the rats were fed were normal human consumption amounts too!

So I started thinkin', why do we need to drink milk anyway? It shouldn't be for protein, iron and calcium benefits because we can actually get more levels of calcium, iron and protein per serving by consuming our dark green leafy veggies than we can ever get from cow's milk. I guess it's because the dark green veggies just don't taste the same. A large portion of the world's population doesn't even consume cows milk and they manage!

So here I sit, a sad, lonely mother in my family dealing with the very strong complaints of my wonderful hubby and children. (Did I mention Chris was raised on a ranch and dairy in CA?)
I can only hope in time they will come to completely understand this decision and see the love behind it.

Tradition...

2010-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

Recently, it has come to my attention that a lot of things people do in life could be tied to tradition. One of the dictionary definations for traditions defines tradition as: a long established, or inherited way of thinking or acting. Another defintion is: a continuing pattern of cultral beilif or practices.

I think in some instances tradition can be a wonderful part of life. Birthdays and holidays are some examples of wonderful traditions that I love celebrating. However, recently, it has come to my attention that tradition can negatively affect peoples lives; and quite often people choose not to see it.

Belonging to a religious denomination just because that's the way your family has always lived is a form of tradition. Racism can also be a form of tradition. Not making necessary life style changes because the change is especially hard and others might questions you is also a form of tradition.

With the many things I've been studying lately, the predominate role of tradition in my life has become very clear and sometimes I need to remember the courage it takes to break that cycle of tradition.

Having More Than You Need

2010-01-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Reading the news tonight about the wide spread devastation in Haiti made me reflect on what specifically I can do to help these people out. I sit here in my warm home at my computer and look at these images and know I can do more. Thankfully there are organizations for me to donate money to that goes directly to those in need and doesn't get lost in over-head, advertising or management.Beyond helping others financially, I wonder if I've gotten in the habit of seeking more than I need. I don't care if the money I use to buy something is honestly earned and doesn't make me go into debt. Have I become accustomed to wanting more than I need?

I'm thinking that it seems wrong to me to have so much non-essential material things when others have so little. Why buy a $40,000 car when something more than half that price can meet your needs? Do we buy it just because we can? I can honestly say I will never own a boat, RV, massive house, luxurious car, travel extensively for leisure etc. Why? Not because I'm self righteous; it's because I personally feel like choosing to have so much when others have so little is wrong and selfish.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about enabling people at all. People need and should work; hard everyday. I'm simply talking about easing each other's burden's by going with out the stuff I really don't need. I can always give and do more.

The Poor Neglected Blog...

2010-01-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's so sad and true; the life of my lonely neglected blog. This is 2010 now. A new year and new start and time to focus on improvement and glorious change.

Personally, I love goals. I like to be organized and I love the feeling of accomplishing something you've worked for. (drum roll please) So let it be heard....my blog will now be feelin' the love!!

6 Months And Counting....

2009-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Sigh....why is November so far away?

Hail To The Cheif...

2009-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I head out to Phoenix, Arizona for my sister's graduation from ASU. (Be nice to Chris, he's off work and home with ALL 5 KIDS; he's the man) I'm not only excited to see her and my family, but I'll also get to hear President Obama speak at commencement. While I'm not a fan of a lot of his policies; I am stoked to hear a US President speak in person; especially our first minority president. It should be a memorable event!

I Believe In Werewolf's!

2009-04-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

There's just something eye-catching about ethnicity. The movie "New Moon" is currently filming now and set for release in November. I've always loved Edward's character but if this picture is any indication, I'm really looking forward to gawking at Jacob!

Part of Jacob's wolf-pack: left-to-right Paul, Sam, Jared, Embry

More On-line Networking...

2009-04-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well I finally caved into peer-pressure and started actively using my facebook account. I've actually had one for a long time...but...I've just been lazy so now I'm going to attempt to be really savvy and use both my blog and facebook. Hmmm...we shall see...honestly I will say it's been to fun to see people I haven't seen in like 15 years (wow I'm getting old hunh?) Technology is pretty cool sometimes!

Choosing To Dream..

2009-04-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

I love this story; it's very inspiring on many levels. For some reason, you-tube won't let me directly embed the video to my blog so you have to copy the link and paste it into your address bar, but it's well worth the effort. Bring your kids around and watch this clip with them and you'll have something to talk about. Either link should work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRmM1J1sfg&feature=related

Simple Yet Powerful...

2009-04-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Every now and again, I come across something truly powerful and inspiring. I share these thoughts with you not just for Easter today, but for everyday. I hope your day is wonderful.
(Please scroll down and pause my music so you can hear)

A Pain In The...Gut…

2009-03-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

I recently had a first. Last Thursday night I had a killer stomach ache. Normally if I have a bad stomach ache it means my Crohn’s disease is acting up and I have a bowel obstruction usually followed by a week stay in the hospital and my life falling apart. This stomach ache was different. My bowels were fine (one of the benefits of exercising regularly) so I really didn’t think it was my Crohn’s. Finally after a few hours I relented and had Chris take me to the E.R.

After an IV for pain (the doctor asked me if I felt any better on the pain meds and I said, no, now I just have a stomach ache and foggy head) and a CT the diagnoses was an ulcer. I was shocked to learn that you can get an ulcer from prolonged ibuprophan use. I’ve been taking ibuprohan for the last 3 months almost daily for my sore muscles from exercising. I wasn’t exceeding the recommended dosage but the consistent use of it gave me the ulcer. So the doc put me on Prilosec and told me to lay off the Motrin for at least a month. I still have a constant dull stomach ache but at least my body will heal and my Crohn’s is not active right now.

I felt like an idiot when the doctor told me what happened because I didn’t know I was doing something unhealthy. So I thought I’d pass along my new knowledge. A few people I’ve talked to knew about ibuprohan use and ulcers but many didn’t. What more can I say, ignorance is NOT bliss!

Congrats Lindsay & John!!

2009-03-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

My good friend/sister Lindsay called me yesterday and told me she’s engaged!! I’m so excited for her. She and John will be married the end of June. Lindsay holds a very special place in my families’ heart!! Lindsay was a second mother to Chelsie and Bethany while we lived in Etna; and was a ton of fun when she lived with us in Oregon. We look forward to celebrating with her and the rest of the Hiett family. Congrats Linds & John, we love ya!!

From Two to Four...Eyes?

2009-02-27T16:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my, what an amazingly crazy month!! I’ve been meaning to get on my blog but teaching pre-school, attending spelling bees, church commitments, my birthday & Valentine’s Day, spending time with a friend in town, and a rockin’ Rascal Flatt’s concert has made February an insanely fun and busy month!

More on all that later…what I really wanted to share was a BIG change for Chelsie! Chelsie has joined the family club of “glasses.” She mentioned to Chris and I about a month ago that she was having a hard time seeing the chalk board at school. So I made an appointment for Chris, Bethany and Chelsie to have their eyes examined and Chelsie’s eyes turned out to be about as bad as Chris’. So a week later, Chelsie was outfitted with her knew spec’s. They look great on her and actually complete her sweet face. Take a look for yourself…

The "Chelsie" we were all used to seeing...

Our new "Chelsie" (and BJ too)

Living On Food Stamps...

2009-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

I came across a blog on CNN that perked my interest and I thought I’d share it. Apparently there's a CNN correspondent who is going to live off of food stamps for a month. His stipend is $176 and that has to last him an entire month, or about $6.28 a day.

When Chris was in graduate school, we qualified for food assistance (stamps) and I was profoundly grateful. Some members of our family had a hard time that we were accepting government assistance, but I told them I didn’t feel like my pride was worth a student loan so we could eat. I learned so much about how other people live and was grateful to live in America where we have resources like these programs to help others in need.

I’m curious to read about this guy’s experience and what he shares with us. Once again it’s a reminder to me that I’m very blessed. Blessed that we are employed and have food to eat and blessed to pay taxes so that others who are in need have help; regardless of some who might abuse the system. Click on the link below and you can read more about it. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/30/am.callebs.foodstamps.blog/index.html

Cereal Anyone?

2009-01-27T17:01:00.000-08:00

I’m really not one for coupons. It’s not that I don’t like coupons; it’s just that I don’t use a lot of the things they are discounting. I rarely buy cookies and chips. We don’t really eat a ton of yogurt, crackers, ice cream and I’m not one for packaged diners, etc. I think Chris has finally gotten through to me. After he got his MBA degree he would constantly comment about the cost of packaging and marketing and why we shouldn’t have to pay for it. (He’d say look at all that waste; I hate pre-packaged food!) I finally decided he’s really right. My only exceptions to pre-packed are granola bars, fruit snacks (I use them for school lunches) and cold cereal. This week I actually saved some decent money. How about 35 boxes of cereal for under $47? There was a huge cereal sale here last week and I got several of my boxes for only 75 cents. I used in add store coupons and the rest I found on line. I felt kind of dorky with a cart full of cereal when people did double takes (maybe because I was pushing Cal, Croy and Conner in another cart full of my regular groceries?) Too bad it isn’t enough for a year. I’m hoping for a good 4 months though. We shall see…

“On this Date In History…”

2009-01-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today, January, 20, 2008 will always be known as an historic day. Today our first minority President was sworn into office. Regardless of your personal political views; today is a day to be celebrated. In my mind, President Barack Obama is the epitome of the American dream. As a country, we have finally evolved socially to the point where anyone, regardless of religion, gender or race can stand up and serve our nation; elected by the voice of the people. I’m excited for this change, and hope President Obama can facilitate positive change for America; only time will tell. While I didn’t personally vote for President Obama, I am excited to share this day in history with my fellow Americans and most importantly my children. We are truly privileged to live in America.

Perspective…

2009-01-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

I’ve decided I have a lot in my life to be thankful for. (Da Right?) Chris came home a couple of days ago and told me about some significant changes at work. We’re getting a cut in pay, the company is no longer contributing to our 401k; no PTO can be kept over 180 hours per year and can’t be cashed out and no bonus. I thought, wow, okay at least we still have a job!

Last night I was frustrated after a long day with sick kids and was driving to finish some errands before a meeting when I looked in my rearview mirror to see flashing cop lights. I was following to close to the car in front of me and I knew it. For some odd reason, I was given a warning and not a ticket.

After my warning (and reminder) as I was finishing my errands I realized I shouldn’t be feeling grumpy or frustrated because honestly I have very little to complain about. I thought, grow up; things in your life could be much harder! I came across an article today in this month’s issue of Reader’s Digest and after reading it I was reminded once again how much I have. The article listed these ten things: free time, peace, a roomier American dream, the reader’s revolution, the horn of plenty, more wildernesses, the modern automobile, the platinum age of TV, retreat from Armageddon and memories.

Click on the link below to read the article and think about how much we really do have, even in difficult times! http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/10-reasons-to-be-thankful/article117676.html

December Vacation

2009-01-12T15:19:00.001-08:00

I decided that instead of giving a huge long break down of our Christmas vacation, I’d just post some pictures and let them speak for themselves. We had a great time!

Lots of traveling (Utah to California to Idaho to Utah)

Callie was happy in the car with Chris' blackberry

One of my childhood best friends, Beth Elkins!

Whoa, that's a lot of kids! (5 are mine, 4 are Beth's)

Chris' New Years Eve snacking!

New Year's sparklers!

They loved banging pots at midnight!

Sledding fun in Etna, California!

Conner and his cousin Ryan

Family Picture at Bethany's Baptism in California

Daddy and Daughter

My Love/Hate Relationship…

2009-01-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Grrrr…I’m annoyed. Thankfully my love/hate relationship is not about my husband or family. It’s my computer and snow. We came home from vacation to find that our computer has basically crashed. We’re not sure if it was spy ware of whatever, but since we got home on Friday Chris has been working on the problem. Finally he just had to reload everything. Thankfully he was able to transfer our important files and pictures but all our music, emails, etc has all been lost.

I’m really hating all the snow we’re getting right now too. We’ve got a foot and a half on the ground and it’s still coming down. I love snow when I want to ski or look at pretty pictures or have a nostalgic Christmas. But I really hate snow when it freezes my shower drain so I can’t take a shower; makes me shovel the driveway 4 times a day and slide all around town. Enough already!! It’s been so cold that my kids can’t even play outside. What’s your current love/hate relationship?

Thackeray Family Christmas Card 2008

2008-12-20T10:00:00.003-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas….

2008-12-16T20:25:00.001-08:00

I know it sounds so cliché but it’s true. We’ve got about 6 inches of snow on the ground with more coming in the next few days; and we’ve been enjoying some great pre-Christmas activities. Today Conner’s joy-school class put on the nativity play for several elderly home-bound people in the area. He was the inn keeper and also a Wiseman. They sing several songs besides acting the nativity out and I must admit I was pretty enamored by him today; he’s adorable.

Aren't these kids sweet?

I’ve been busy the last few days making some home-made candy and hand dipped chocolates for the families we visit each month and some of Chris’ co-workers and boss. This year I made caramels, white chocolate popcorn, peanut brittle, dipped pretzels and hand dipped chocolates of coconut, peanut butter, chocolate and butter fondant centers. I wish you were all close enough to give some treats to; I’d add you to my list. The kids help decorate the boxes and assemble everything together. We then deliver the treats and carol them too. My kids are great sports for all the singing I’ve been making them do lately. They don’t complain and we’ve done a lot of caroling.

On Monday we went to a neighboring col-de-sac food drive for some hot chocolate and treats. Instead of giving neighborhood gifts as a ward we give to the food bank instead. It’s always cold and the kids love running around playing in the snow eating their treats; while the adults warm up by the fires. It’s a great holiday activity that fills an important need.

brr...Chris, Cal & Croy checking out some treats...

We’ll be heading out of town on Monday so there’s still much to do, but we’re definitely enjoying this Christmas season.

The Nativity

2008-12-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

First of all, I owe everyone I know that lives near me an apology. I was going to email everyone I know (in the area here) and invite them to the live nativity put on here in Alpine but I procrastinated and I didn’t get it done. As a result, everyone else missed out on a wonderful opportunity. Tonight for FHE we took all the kids to the live nativity. It was absolutely wonderful! The wind was blowing and it was snowing and cold but worth the effort we made to go.

When we lived in California we attended a live nativity there. The New Testament scriptures were read in a barn with people standing in on behalf of those mentioned in the story; everything lasted about 10 minutes. But the live nativity we went to tonight was so much more.

We arrived at a local church parking lot and had a hay ride a few blocks away to where everything was set up. After we unloaded we were greeted by shepherds who told us about Caesar’s decree to be taxed and directed us to the path to walk toward Jerusalem. We walked about a quarter mile to where Jerusalem was set up. We entered a large barn where we were greeted by 3 wise-men and their camel (he was so cool) We were then able to wander through Jerusalem where we saw more animals (sheep, goats, rams) along with a blacksmith, potter, shepherd crook maker (I don’t what they would really be called)a basket-weaver, a market (we were offered fresh bread) and children playing games. We were then asked if we’d like to purchase a donkey or see a new born baby.

We were then led into a separate barn where we were able to see a beautiful family of three. I know who they were representing and I was overcome by their beauty and the spirit I felt. How could the Savior of the world be born so humbly when the rest of us have so much? My children all stood and watched the family very reverently and told me, “shhh, the baby is sleeping.” The baby was so exquisite and I imagined that’s how lovely the Savior was. I wish everyone could’ve been there with us tonight. We were sung to by carolers and given hot chocolate to help us stay warm.

I feel like this experience has been a true highlight of this Christmas season. I look forward to attending this event every year I live here and perhaps next year some of you can join us as well. I am humbled and profoundly grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ; my Savior who descended below all and has provided me a way to become clean, happy, full of peace and live with Him again if I so chose to. May your Christmas season be joyous!

Enjoying the Fine Arts…

2008-12-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

Tonight I took the girls to go see their cousin Christie Clark’s play at the Harris Fine Arts Center at BYU. The play was a student written play called “Without Fear” and featured Irish accents. Christie played an 8 year old childhood friend of the main character as she remembers parts of her childhood and learns to deal with her current life and thoughts of the future. Christie did a great job acting. It was nice to take in a little “culture” and support a family member at the same time. The girls had a great time and were excellent company. We look forward to seeing Christie again in her future plays.

Christie and the girls after the play

The Christmas Lights were beautiful!

BJ’s Eight!!

2008-12-02T14:21:00.001-08:00

Help, my brain is not completely working!! I feel like my life has been so crazy the last few days between Thanksgiving, Chris’s birthday and Bethany’s birthday. I like having things to do and projects to work on but man it’s getting to be a bit much. The kicker is I really try and keep my life simple by not committing to a ton of things. Well enough ranting and on to much more important things; my BJ.

Bethany’s eighth birthday was yesterday. She decided she wanted to go out to eat at The Olive Garden with just Chris and I. (I forgot my camera) She loves Italian food and ordered spaghetti and meatballs. We had a small family party after dinner at home and it was a wonderful evening.

Bethany is the spark in our family. She is creative (enjoys writing her own songs on the piano and playing some primary songs) and is always drawing or writting or inventing something. (Her brain and often her mouth are constantly in motion) Bethany is a very definitive and assertive girl (she gets this from both Chris and I) I remember when she was 4 and argued with Chris and I quite passionately about the God head. No matter what we said to her she was not going to take our word on it as her parents. It wasn’t until we got out the scriptures and logically explained things to her using scriptural examples that she started to agree with us. I love the fact that Bethany is her own person and is not afraid to challenge common thoughts and beliefs even if it is our beliefs as her parents.

Bethany is very social, and either happy or not; never in between. Thankfully she is most often happy. Like many creative and intelligent people she’s a little messy and disorganized, but she will clean up when her mom makes her. I’m so glad she’s my daughter!! She’s taught me more about myself than any of my other children thus far and I appreciate how I have become a better parent and person because of her. I love you, my sunshine, Bethany!!

Spelling It Out…

2008-11-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving and I really try to be grateful all year long. Here are a few things that have been on my mind. Have a wonderful day!!

H- happiness (I have so much in my life)
A-amiable (I enjoy making others happy)
P- people (I love diversity)
P- plan (I love knowing what’s the point to my existence)
Y- youth (I love being around teenagers)

T- time (I ‘m grateful to always have a new day)
H- home (so many around the world are not warm, safe and loved)
A- artists (I enjoy the talents of so many different people)
N- Namaste (It’s not just yoga)
K- kids (Especially my five)
S- sight (For me it’s much more than looking at things around me)
G-gratitude (Helping others starts with this feeling)
I- inspire (I always want to add to others, never take away)
V- vice (With God I know I can overcome anything)
I- impressions (Every day I can make a positive difference in someone’s life by listening)
N-night (Sleeping is one of my favorite things to do)
G- Godhead (This truth has made a profound difference in my life)

Individuality..

2008-11-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

I love how all my kids’ personalities are so different. (Ironically we don’t seem to have a shy one in the bunch) Lately, I’ve been able to see a great contrast in their personalities. This afternoon I was cleaning up in the kitchen (with Callie my extra little helper) and I noticed I hadn’t seen Croydon for a few minutes. I went around the house calling his name and I finally found him; asleep in his bed. Apparently he was tired so went into his room and laid himself down. Another fun fact unique to Croydon is he likes to clean up. This weekend he was feeling sick and threw up several times (on the floor of course) I heard him whine and when I went to find him, he had thrown up on the floor and gotten a hand towel and tried cleaning it up. He also likes to help pick up things and put them away; again another first for my kids.
Callie seems to be my most physically active toddler. (Perhaps she’s just trying to keep up with the older 4?) I’ve never really had a climber, well not at least until Callie came along. She’s gotten into the unfortunate habit of climbing out of her high chair when she’s done eating with no apparent fear of falling. She climbs up on the toy box and small kids’ table downstairs and can’t get down. She’s always climbing up the stairs; she’s constantly on the move. I’m sure she’s trying to figure out how to climb out of her crib too. (I just haven’t caught her yet)

Lastly, there’s my little charmer, aka: Conner. He is so loving and a really easy kid to be around. He takes everything in stride and if he wants to do something, well, he just does it. Two weeks ago I had his 5th birthday party at the church. The kids (12 to be exact) all had fun racing cars around the gym, hitting the piñata, etc. While the kids were eating their hot dogs Conner decided he wanted to get up and dance. (I had music playing over the PA system) I know he was really excited and happy about his party and he was so cute, I had to shoot a video of him. I think I’ll play this again at his wedding reception one day.

Happy Veteran's Day!

2008-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran’s Day! Today I’ve been thinking a lot about service, sacrifice, loyalty and freedom. I can’t help but be grateful that I live in the United States of America where I get the opportunity to be my own unique person with my own set of beliefs; whether someone thinks they’re right, wrong or insignificant. Where I am able to eat until I’m full and have a warm, safe house to live in. But now my reflective thoughts have gone much deeper than earlier.

Tonight my friend Dorie, Chelsie, Bethany and I went to see the play, “Savior of the World.” It’s a musical adaptation of the Saviors life beginning from Zacharias and Elizabeth’s’ experience including and up until Christ’ birth. The second act is from Christ’s resurrection and showing himself unto the apostles until His ascension into heaven. The play was very inspiring; and during the drive home I reflected on the fact that Jesus Christ is the greatest veteran of all. My Advocate with the Father and my Comforter who shall wipe away all my tears. My Lord, my Redeemer, my God. Jesus Christ made the greatest sacrifice of all in an effort to help me become clean and if I so chose, be a joint-heir to all that He has. I’m thankful for His example and the way it inspires me to be more like Him. Not just today, on Veteran’s Day, but every day of my life.

Happy 5th Birthday Conner!

2008-11-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Conner you're such a joy in my life! I tell Conner all the time, "you're the best surprise I ever got" reminding him what a fun surprise his birth was since I was expecting a girl. (I was told by 2 different doctors on 2 separate occasions that Conner was a girl! I'm so glad they were wrong) Conner is very affectionate and sometimes tells me he wants to marry me, and he's glad that I'm his mom. Conner is fairly mellow and laid-back; taking things in stride making him quite easy to be around. He loves to play games on the computer and run around in his reversible batman/superman cape. He often has a car, truck, motorcycle, or plane in his hands. He's fairly musical and even cleans up without complaining when I ask him to. Happy Birthday Conner; you're such a great boy!!

Look at me, I'm a great big brother!!

Being 2 with Amelia Leonard!

Conner on his 1st birthday (what an angel!!)

Our little surprise!!! (He looked like a little man)

15 Days and Counting....

2008-11-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Yep it's official....I've got my "Twilight" movie tickets for Thursday, November 20th, the 11:59 pm showing. I've also pre-ordered tickets for both Chris and I for Saturday morning. I'm going to call it a date but for Chris I imagine it will be more about "enduring" and "humoring" his wife. The BYU-Utah football game will be 4:00 that afternoon so the way I see it, Chris can come and spend some quality time with me in the morning watching something I enjoy (or hopefully will) and then I can join him for something he enjoys (at least if BYU wins) Has anyone else got there tickets yet? You only have 15 days and counting!! BTW-I will also be sporting my lovely, sparkling rhinestone "Edward" t-shirt. (yes I own one, remember I told you I have a problem!)

Click on the link below and tell me your favorite "Edward" t-shirt slogan. I like "Edward prefers brunette's" and "Yes, I'm one of those Twilight people..."

http://shop.cafepress.com/edward-cullen?cmp=KNC-G-HIT-RP-EdCullen&gclid=COLHj5vW3pYCFQhJagodC1Df3Q

Thackeray Family Time...

2008-10-31T21:03:00.001-07:00

We had a very interesting week. On Tuesday we headed up to Logan as a family for a funeral. Chris’ cousin Murry passed away suddenly due to complications from surgery. The service was wonderful and touching; with the added bonus of seeing a lot of the extended family as well. I’m not afraid of dying in the least, but I do feel bad that my kids would be sad if I died now before they could really understand. What is death, but often a tender mercy of the Lord or simply birth in reverse? Whatever your perspective one thing’s for sure, it’s only a matter of time.

The children of Horace and Margaret Thackeray. Bill (Chris' father) is in the middle. There was only one brother (uncle Roy missing)

Okay, this was an attempt at a family picture at the cemetery.

Chris' mom Elsie, and sister Liz with Callie & I

I know this picture is random but it was so cute I had to throw it in. Last Saturday, Chris was looking at the muffler under the Honda (it needed to be fixed) and both boys joined him. It was so priceless!!

A Baby No More....

2008-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Callie turned one!! I searched really hard for some cute baby pictures but I think they are still on the hard drive of the the other computer. The thought occured to me then that these pictures of Callie are true to her sweet, fun personality. Maybe she's so adventuresome and fun because she has two older brothers? What ever the reason, having Callie in our family is pure joy! She's been crawling and sucking her thumb since 6 months old and she's progressed to saying (and waving) hello and goodbye. She also says momma, dad and makes a myriad of sound effects; her favorite seems to be growling! She's cruising and very close to walking and thankfully is not a picky eater. Callie's a hoot and I'm so happy she came to our family!!

Callie then (about 3 months)

Callie now (12 months)

Looking Back and Laughing!

2008-10-17T07:39:00.001-07:00

One thing I’ve learned in life is how important it is to laugh at yourself. I think we should be able to laugh at ourselves because we change and grow; which isn’t a bad thing. My friend Lisa inspired me and my mom recently provided the evidence so please feel free to laugh right along with me. Time marches on and now I’m 31 years old with 5 kids. Simply amazing!

7 and toothless!

13 and a dirty room!

My 18th birthday with my little brother Jon!

Going to Heights senior prom with Kevin Held

Blissfully happy at my wedding reception in Wichita, Kansas with Chris, July 1996!

Little Boy Joy!

2008-10-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

I love being a mother. Sure like anything else in life, it’s full of ups and downs but lately I’ve really been working hard on recognizing and being grateful for the many blessings in my life; especially the ones that come because I’m a mother. For the past 2 weeks Conner has really been a wonderful joy to be around and an awesome big brother. Conner has been taking the time to engage and play with Croydon. He hasn’t been hitting or pushing or even taking toys.
Today Conner was watching Spy-kids while he and Croydon played together on the floor. Conner ran to his room and got the two Spy-kids watches we have (I usually throw McD toys away but these watches weren’t too bad) and gave one to Croydon. They’ve been wearing them all morning and Conner has even taken the time to show Croydon the red light that shines out of the side of the watch and help him buckle it around his little wrist. I know it’s a small thing but it really means a lot to me to see my boys enjoying each other’s company. Its experiences like this that having a career or working outside my home could never compensate for what I’d be missing. Money and bobbles come and go but my memories (and hopefully gratitude) will be forever.

Grape Syrup Anyone?

2008-10-12T16:45:00.001-07:00

After a few days of cold weather, it started snowing last night and we woke up to a little bit of “white fluff” on the ground. It’s supposed to get back up to about 70 later this week so I’m happy winter is not here to stay!!

Since it was cold this weekend, Chris cut the grass Friday evening and came in with a load of grapes from off our fence(the grapes had came over from our neighbors side) Chris took it upon himself to make some yummy grape syrup.

This involved plucking the grapes off the stem, boiling and straining them several times, adding just the right amount of sugar and finally achieving grape syrup perfection. Since it was our neighbor’s grapes, we took them a pint of grape syrup and enjoyed Chris’ hard work this morning on French toast and tonight with diner on some warm rolls. What can I say? Chris can do it all!!

Yummy, yum, yum!!

Getting Back On Track...(take 2)

2008-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

Whoa, where have I been? How about involved (with my kids) and sick. Last weekend I had the flu and ended up spending 4 days in bed! Not much fun. The silver lining was a wonderful helpful husband and general conference. Chris took care of everything and everyone while I stayed down, flat in bed. (Thanks sweetie!!) I still don’t have much of an appetite yet and I also tire out a little sooner, but it seems I’m pretty much back to normal. Croydon threw up a couple times and now Callie had a fever so we’ll see if the flu goes through the family. It’s been spitting snow here today and tomorrow’s high will be 35! I hope winter doesn’t skip over fall and arrive too soon, I’m not ready. It’s nice to get back on track!

Getting Back On Track...

2008-10-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Oh my, life is crazy!! It’s my turn to teach preschool this week. I thoroughly enjoy teaching it but it takes me a while to get prepared and then sometimes class gets tricky with Callie and Croydon. (Yesterday Callie got stung by 2 wasps’ right in the middle of our math activity. Thankfully she was okay, but it was hard to get back on track) A good friend of Chelsie’s is in the hospital with meningitis (it looks to be viral, yea!!) So we’ve gone up to see him at the hospital and offer our support. I feel like I’m behind and trying to get back on track. I wanted to share a couple of neat experiences from our choir performance/experience Saturday evening.

When we arrived at the conference center at 1:30pm for warm-up, lights and camera check I had the opportunity to stand at the pulpit (the one President Hinckley donated the wood for) and look out at the congregation. It was so amazing. The pulpit is a beautiful black walnut with a lighter wood on the side where the beehives and small squares are carved. The wood grain was so beautiful and it had the loveliest polished shine. There is a small red digital clock near the microphone and screen where the speaker can also read the words to their talk; the same words I assume as the large, glass reflective teleprompters out front. There’s a white pad for the speakers to rest their hands on and a basin and pitcher of water underneath the pulpit for the speakers who might need a drink of water. The entire pulpit moves up and down, not just the top half.

Behind the pulpit were the large red chairs that the apostles sit in. In front of each red chair on the floor is a small name plate placed in front so they know where there seat is for that meeting. In between the chairs are nice cup holders also with a tiny name plate near it so they can place a glass of water or something to write with. It was neat to stand in front of the seats and visualize where these wonderful leaders sit. From my seat in the choir loft I could see the speakers very well and it was interesting to see how they each used their hands while speaking to make their points. Elder Utchdorf (his talk was so inspiring) is especially passionate when he speaks and he’s also very tall. After the conference was over, he walked over to greet his wife Harriet; put his arm around her and then turned and waved to all of us in the choir and blew us a kiss.

We were feed a sack lunch of a chicken salad sandwich, carrots, apple slices and a really yummy almond cookie about an hour before the meeting. We ate in the conference center theater. We then had a prayer meeting before we headed into take our seats in the loft. We were all a little emotional since we know our wonderful experience in this choir was about to be over. Our director Merilee told us, “Don’t be sad it’s over; be glad it happened;” which was so appropriate for how we felt. She also told us that Julie Beck shared with her how much the priesthood was supporting her. Elder’s Bednar and Scott had called her to tell her they were going to be hanging out in the audio visual booth. It wasn’t their assignment to attend but they wanted to be there to support the relief society but not be a distraction to the meeting. Julie Beck also received personal encouraging phone calls from Elder Packer (at 7amthat morning. She said he asked, is this to early, you weren’t sleeping were you) and Elder Ballard as well.

The general relief society meeting was wonderful. I wish I could adequately put into words everything I’ve learned and experienced. I can honestly say I’m a better person for being in the choir. Our director told us at the first practice that this would happen to us but I have to admit, I was skeptical. Well Merilee was exactly right. I look forward to listening to general conference this weekend. To hearing the prophets council, and hear the MOTAB and the children’s choir from Layton and Farmington. Until then…

Choir Reflections...

2008-09-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

After 6 weeks of practice, I’m sad that my RS choir experience will be over. It’s been so rewarding in so many ways. I only wish I could adequately express my feelings to everyone. If you happen to watch the General Relief Society broadcast this Saturday night at 6pm (MNT) time then I hope you will find the music uplifting and inspiring. You can also see the meeting rebroadcast on KBYU TV at 8pm (MTN) time if you can’t make the meeting at a church. While the broadcast is translated into many languages the music is never translated. Music can often reach people in a more powerful way than spoken word and I’m humbled to hopefully be an instrument to help that happen. As I reflect back on this experience, all I can really say is WOW!
P.S. I really don’t want to end up on camera (yikes!!) Hopefully I’ll be missed, but as you watch, if you want to see me….I’ll be on the left side, very top row, third person in from the end in between 2 other brunettes!

Why I'm So Happy!!

2008-09-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

I feel so grateful, blessed and happy!!! I’ve been meaning to post about my experience singing in the general relief society choir (for the broadcast on September 27th) but I hadn’t taken the time until now. I wish everyone I know could be there with me and experience what it’s like to sing uplifting-Chris centered songs with 359 other women and be instructed and inspired by Merilee Webb, our amazing choir director. I practically float out of the building and return home after rehearsal every Sunday night. While I can’t give you the full experience I’m having, I would like to share a few tidbits with you and “pass along” what has meant so much to me.

I’m so grateful to sing in this choir!! It turns out that once every 10 years my stake and the surrounding stakes in my area (here in Utah) are asked to sing for a general meeting. Our stakes’ name came up now and it just happened to be a relief society meeting and not a young women or priesthood meeting. What are the odds that I’d get this opportunity now? I’m so humbled to even be asked when there are so many other deserving women in my ward and area who would love this opportunity too. I only hope to share my testimony and belief in Jesus Christ through our 4 songs and add to the spirit of the meeting. I wish you could come to our practices and have as much fun as I am. Our director Merilee Webb (who actually dated Chris’ cousin Greg Thackeray in college) is so funny and inspiring!! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed singing in a choir this much. I want to share a few of the quotes and word's she’s shared with us that I think you might enjoy to.

“Remember each day the things you want to cleave to, and then do them.”

“Our goal in this life is to realize who we are before we remember.” (I’m going to put this quote on the wall in my kids room)

That’s a little of the inspiring tidbits we get each week. Here’s a crazy story Merilee shared tonight:

2 years ago during a general young women’s’ broadcast, Merilee looked up and noticed there was a blank space in the choir where one of the girls’ should be sitting. The choir preformed their song and after the lights had gone out over the choir, she looked up to where the missing girl was and saw some movement. (She was using this story to illustrate that we can’t leave at all during the broadcast unless it’s an emergency and what an emergency really is since it's very distracting to have someone move around behind the speaker) Merilee noticed after the song a girl ducking low and walking down the stairs in the dark with her hands cupped out on front of her and a security guard ducking down low following her. As discreetly as they could they (the girl and guard) left and didn’t come back inside. It turns out that right before the choir started singing; this poor girl was feeling sick to her stomach, threw up and was holding her vomit in her hands behind the choir seats. She apparently threw up all over the girl standing directly in front of her (before the song started) and the girl (who got puke in her hair) didn’t even freak out or pass out but just stood and sang the song and waited until the meeting was over to go clean herself up because she didn’t want to miss singing the songs.

I have to admit, I’d act the same as the girl who got puked on. I don’t want to have to miss this opportunity for anything, even rotten smelling puke in my hair. I can’t wait to sing in the conference center where the MOTAB Choir sings every week and stand in the presence of a prophet of God. I DO hope I’m NOT on camera though. Saturday we have our dress rehearsal so I should know where I’ll be standing. (Somewhere with all the other tall sporanos) I can’t wait!! I hope you’ll come and watch the broadcast and I hope you’ll find the music inspiring and uplifting too. We're singing my favorite hymn, "Lord, I Would Follow Thee." I'm so excited!!

Looking For Suggestions…

2008-09-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Chris went out to check the garden and came in with an interesting harvest. We’ve been enjoying our tomatoes, zucchini, crook-neck squash and cucumbers. When Chris bought in the ugliest vegetable I’ve ever seen, I’m at a loss of what to do with it. It’s a massive cucumber that got hidden under part of a tomato plant. Check out the pictures and send me your suggestions on how I should prepare it for consumption. I wonder if it’s bitter?
It doesn't even look like a cucumber....

The Hazards Of Being an Older Sibling…

2008-09-07T15:21:00.001-07:00

Today instead of our regular 3-hour church meeting block, we attended our regional broadcast at the Stake Center. Chris and I were all geared up and prepared for the “high adventure” the broadcast would be. What we didn’t expect was anything funny. Our broadcast was at 1pm (right during Croydon & Callie’s nap time) so Chris held Croydon while he slept and I brought a bottle for Callie in hopes I could coax her to fall asleep. (Callie does NOT sleep well outside of her bed) I fed Callie the bottle (she didn’t fall asleep) and sat her on my lap with a toy and Conner sitting very close right next to me. (He and Bethany had just fought over who could sit right next to me and Bethany kindly relented)

All of a sudden, Callie burps and spits up all over me and Conner. Conner very loudly declares, “Oh, gross; Callie just spit all over me.” (I wish I had a camera, his face was so priceless) I replied, (to a VERY annoyed Conner) “She spit all over me too;” and began wiping up the mess. Conner was so put out, and his expression so funny, that I couldn’t keep from laughing out loud. My laughter annoyed him even more and he complained, “Look she spit all over my legos too.” I really started laughing now and I looked into my sweet boys eyes and he started laughing too. Chris looked across the other kids sitting between us and I whispered what happened. He looked at Conner and started laughing too. Maybe because gross things are just part of the wonderful job I enjoy (motherhood) or because I have frequently come in close contact with any and all body fluids so often with all my kids (and others) that Conner’s reaction was so funny. Kids….ya just gotta love em!

Four Year Olds Having Fun…..

2008-09-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon while I was down stairs changing Croydon & Callie’s diapers, my doorbell rang. I quickly finished and ran upstairs to meet my kind neighbor informing me that Conner and my next-door-neighbors grandchild were throwing food all round my drive way and the street. She said, “I thought they probably shouldn’t be doing that.” I thanked her, grabbed Croydon and Callie and headed outside to deal with the mess. What a mess and waste!!

FYI- Eggs bleach concrete

I started snapping pictures after they'd been cleaning up about 10 minutes. I wish I'd remembered the camera at the begining to show you what a HUGE mess it was.

Conner and Hyrum had taken 2 dozen eggs, 2 whole cantaloupes, 4 zucchinis, and a carton of strawberries and decided to “decorate” the house, garage door, driveway and street with their spoils. I was so shocked at the mess that I couldn’t even get really mad. I was more annoyed that I had to make Conner clean the mess up with my supervision, but honestly, I found the whole situation very funny and had a hard time not laughing. (Laughing is not the most effective method of teaching your child consequences for bad choices) So I sent Bethany next door to retrieve one of Hyrum’s parents so they could handle their son’s behavior the way they wanted (it’s not my job to parent other’s kids) and tried really hard not to laugh while Conner whined and was grossed out about having to pick up slimy egg shells and cantaloupe seeds. (Two weeks ago Conner and Hyrum were throwing rocks and actually busted out a passenger window in Hyrum’s mother’s car. It cost $200 to replace the window)
Hyrum is a really cute boy. Croydon wanted to help clean up the mess.

Here's the stuff Conner had to pick up. It actually dean't look too nasty!

I have to admit my good humor was fading after the mess was cleaned up and I was spraying the siding above the garage with the hose trying to avoid the water back splash. I had to scrub at the dried yoke but it wasn’t so bad; just more annoying. As I was cleaning up I couldn’t help but think about Anne Marie and admire her patience with her sweet twin boys since I know she deals with this kind of situation frequently. You’re a good woman Anne Marie. I think I can finally really empathize. I wonder what’s in store next week?

Utah Thackeray Family BBQ

2008-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we attended the Thackeray Family BBQ in Morgan, Utah. Since most of the Thackeray’s living in Utah didn’t attend the Horace Thackeray (Bill’s Father) reunion in July, Rosemary (Chris’ cousin) organized a BBQ for those living in Utah. It was fun to see everyone again and see how all our families have grown and changed. We had a nice time visiting and enjoyed the great food!

Something's Wrong

2008-08-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

For some reason half the stuff on my blog page is gone, especially my links. I haven't been on line in a few days, is today the first day this has happened?

Keeping Busy!

2008-08-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Holy cow I’m tired! Maybe I shouldn’t stay up so late and get up so early. It feels like we’re getting into a routine which is very good. I’ve been excising more than usual in an effort to heal my torn right quadricep I got trying to save Callie several weeks ago. I feel like I can finally walk down the stairs without much pain so it’s nice to feel closer to normal. Even though I’m tired today, I have to admit I’m glad I got some more canning done. I did salsa today and will be doing tomato soup tomorrow and peaches on Saturday if they arrive tomorrow as scheduled. We’ll see….

The First Day of School

2008-08-18T11:43:00.001-07:00

Ah, the beginning of a new academic year. I feel like summer went way to fast. I attempted to update my blog several times last week but our internet was down. (such a pain) I’ve been busy getting everything ready for school start and it’s nice to get back into the school routine for the next 180 business days. Chelsie is in 4th grade and Bethany is in 2nd. Next year I’ll have 3 in school when Conner starts kindergarten. I’ll be teaching Joy School again for Conner starting in September. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed teaching preschool to the oldest three. We’re also picking up our usual extra-circular activities as well. The Highland Children’s Choir on Tuesday’s and piano lessons on Wednesday’s; with a potential for basketball later this fall/early winter. I keep looking at my kids and thinking, when did they start getting this old? More appropriately, when did I start getting this old enough for 5 kids?

Sweet sister's ready for another year!

All ready to go! (notice the #4)

Almost off (notice the #2)

Oh Crap!!

2008-08-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

Those were my exact words! Yesterday was a great day…almost! After loading up the kids in the van to head out for swimming at our neighbors’ house, I decided to back up to the house and grab a pair of scissors for Chelsie to open some new goggles. Well I wasn’t paying attention (obviously) and backed our van straight into our neighbors’ trailer parked in the street. I wasn’t going fast, but that didn’t matter, I was still able to damage our van. The good news is that I didn’t hit the hatch back and Chris wasn’t even mad. The bad news…we have to pay our deductable of $500 to get the van fixed. (This is much better than the $2500 it would cost us without insurance) I will also be without the van for a week which will make things a little tricky. I’m grateful no one was hurt; and I appreciate the reminder to be more cautious and alert when I drive.

We'll have to replace the bumper and part of the side panel

You can see how the hitch jack (which was resting on a block of wood) was knocked onto the street and was bent and tore up part of the pavement.

Stop Whining Already!!

2008-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Whew, things have been crazy around here lately! I’ve decided that after whining so much about living in Utah that I’m really just being ungrateful for all the many blessings I’ve been given. Sure I would love a little more diversity in my community (be that racial, political, and religious) but I do live in a wonderful place.

My children can play outside in our col-de-sac relatively safe with kids their own age who belong to really great families. Today I was able to run off to the temple for an hour for some peace, perspective, contemplation and selfish alone time and it was wonderful. Of course I only have to drive 10 minutes and I’m at the closet temple, but I’ve also got 5 other temples within an hour drive of my house so it’s wonderful to be able to go frequently.

I’ve been able to play softball with some of my neighbors/ward (we’re actually playing in the regional tournament right now; we’re in the semi-finals and maybe the championship game tonight) and I’ve really been enjoying getting back into organized sports again. The last time I played local softball was back in Etna, California when Chelsie was a baby. (Wow, that’s been a while) Soon I’ll be singing in a wonderful women’s choir, in a remarkable building where one of the greatest choirs in the world regularly sings. To top that off, I’ll be singing songs that I love; and sharing my personal beliefs through music in an effort to provide the Spirit that can strengthen and uplift others and renew their belief in Christ.

I guess the point to my post today is that I’ve decided to suck it up, stop whining and be grateful for all the many blessings I have. Honestly, what do I truly have to complain about? Absolutely nothing!! I can’t help but think of the Sheryl Crow song, “Soak Up The Sun,” and the line that sings, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got….”

Breaking Dawn...Part 2

2008-08-02T16:33:00.001-07:00

Well, I just finished reading "Breaking Dawn." I started this morning at 12:30 am and finished at 4:30 pm, only stopping to pee and eat some bread. (If I sound a little weird now, please excuse me since I'm running on 36 hours of no sleep)

So what should I say now? I laughed, cried, almost stopped in the middle and was not adequately prepared for the gore. But I must admit I did like the book and am surprised at the way everything turned out. If you've read it, let me know you thoughts!!

A Great Opportunity

2008-07-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I received a phone call asking me if I’d like to sing in the women's choir for the General Relief Society Broadcast in September. Apparently my stake, along with three other stakes’ in close proximity have been asked to provide the music, and my ward was asked to contribute five woman toward the choir. While it’s no secret that I don’t particularly love living in Utah, it's experiences like these that are a definite perk. I’m very excited and look forward to singing in the Tabernacle!!

Breaking Dawn...

2008-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Okay it’s no secret that I like the Twilight series. Even though Bella is a little whiney for my personal taste, I really like Edward and Jacob. So in anticipation of acting like a teenager again this Friday (along with several other crazy friends of mine) with the release of “Breaking Dawn,” I thought I’d share a real plot twist.

~CAREFUL STOP READING NOW TO AVOID A SPOILER~

It turns out that Bella marries Edward and early in the book too. Check out the link below to read the actual article from Stephanie Meyer herself. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20215228,00.html

Here are my pre-Friday predictions for what I think will happen in “Breaking Dawn.” I’ll let you know how I did next week after I’ve read the book this weekend.

1. Edward marries Bella and changes her into a vampire himself.
2. They visit the “other” vegetarians in Denali and run into Jacob who is off being a werewolf in Canada because he still love Bella. (sniff, sniff)
3. The vampires in Denali find out that there are werewolves living near them and Jacob imprints on someone in a tribe up there near the Denali coven and ends up happy.
4. All the “vegetarian” vampires band together and end up taking out the Volutri because they have no choice since they want to live as "different" vampires and the Volutri try and take them out.
5. Bella’s ends up with the ability to “kill” people when she wants to with her thoughts after she’s a vampire. This is her “special” talent.
6. We find out a little more personal past history about Emmett and the rest of the Volutri like Marcus, Aro, Cias, and Alec.

Okay so this is all I have for now. Here’s your chance to trash on my theories or give me some of your own. There’s also a second trailer out for the Twilight movie as well so check it at the link below if you want to. Happy Monday!
http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

Vasovagal Syncope (vas-o-vagul sin-ko-pay)

2008-07-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today at church during sacrament meeting Bethany started to feel sick and said, “I think I’m gonna throw-up.” So Bethany ran off to the bathroom and we sent Chelsie with her to make sure everything was okay. The girls came back about 3 minutes later and Bethany said she just needed a drink. Okay, no big deal right....well a few minutes later Bethany turned ghost pale (no color even in her lips) and said “I’m gonna throw-up” so Chris headed out with her. I was on the program to sing after the first two speakers (this all conveniently happened right before I had to go up and sing) so I went and sang my song and tried not to worry about Bethany while glaring at Conner who was still sitting on the bench making a lot of noise next to Chelsie and Croydon. (Callie was with a neighbor sitting a couple pews back) So I finished my song and dashed out to the foyer to find Chris and Bethany.

Sure enough, Bethany had passed out, but did not throw-up. Chris was holding her on the couch on the foyer and she still looked ghostly pale and was sweating. Chris had said that as soon as they got out into the foyer, Bethany stopped at a trash can so she wouldn’t puke on the floor and fainted while leaning over the trash can. Chris picked Bethany up and took her to the couch where I found them.

We decided to take Bethany home so she could rest since she’s always very tired after she faints. Bethany first started fainting 2 years ago when we still lived in Oregon, but it became a big issue right after we moved to Utah. I took Bethany in to our pediatrician and they referred us to a heart specialist from Primary Children’s hospital who tested her heart (an EKG and heart monitor) and all her anatomy is perfectly normal. The heart specialist told us that Bethany’s vasovagal nerve (it’s a major nerve that runs down the back of your head) is very sensitive to heat and that would explain while she kept passing out while I was trying to round brush her wet hair for church. The last time Bethany passed out was last summer, until today.

Based on what we’d been told previously and what happened today, Chris and I did some research on the internet and it seems that Bethany has all the symptoms of “Vasovagal syncope.” I’m going to call the pediatrician tomorrow just to make sure we’ve done all that we can other than try and avoid her triggers (high heat, stimulating the nerve, low blood salt, etc) and help her understand what things she can do if she starts to feel something happening. I have to admit that there’s a small part of me that worries she could have a brain tumor or something really serious since I’ve never heard of this happening to anyone before. Does this sound familiar to anyone or has anyone ever known someone who struggled with fainting or anything? I’ve read that sometimes kids can grow out of this, but I guess only time will tell....

A Long Week Without Dad...

2008-07-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

Wow, what an insanely long week!! I’m so glad it’s finally over. We got our new computer on Thursday (it’s a Dell) and Chris set it up late last night. It’s nice to be able to be back on line. I normally get all my news on line since I’m not much for TV so it was hard to be “disconnected.” Where to start??

Last Saturday I finally relented and went into the ER for some treatment and pain relief. I’ve had a constant stomach ache since July 10th, but last Saturday, I just couldn’t take the pain anymore and decided to be seen. (Why is it always worse on the weekends when all the good doctors are at home and the office is closed?) So I’m back on prednisone and Pentasa and maybe Imuran again. Friday I had a GI follow-through done. (You drink about 4 cups of barium and then they take a bunch of x-rays every 15 minutes until it’s all the way through your system) The conclusion, “your disease is very active right now” (Did I really just need to pay $300 for someone to tell me that) I felt like well, yea, I already know that, can I go home and relieve my babysitter? It’s back to the doctor later this week. We’ll see what happens next…

So Like I said a long week, Saturday in the ER doped up and still useless Sunday. Monday morning Chris left for his teachers (14-15 yr old) hiking activity. Monday was going okay until Conner decided to pop off all the computer keys on Chris’ work laptop. I about died and for the first time since ever having kids, I really, really had to work hard not to hit Conner and remove myself till I was calm again. I don’t know why he did it, he knows he’s not to touch Chris’ work computer. I called a neighbor of mine who is great with computers and thankfully he was able to fix Chris’ laptop. Tuesday was not much better, but I was feeling a little “cabin fevery” so I decided to pack all 5 kids to the softball field for a little BP with some other ladies from our softball team. BAD IDEA!! The kids were so terrible! I got to bat just a bit but all the kids were fighting like crazy and running around. Finally after about 20 minutes, I gave up and packed everyone home and put them in bed.

Thursday night as I was attempting to make jam, Callie conveniently figured out how to unlatch the gate and proceeded to try and fall down the stairs again, head first. I was standing about 10 feet away from her at the stove when I hear her whimper. I turned to see Callie head first down two stairs and starting to roll the rest of the way. I ran over to her but I could tell I wasn't going to be quick enough to reach the top of the stairs so like an idiot I half-jumped over my banister and I grabbed her left ankle and pulled her up. As a result, I pulled the heck out of my right quadricep. I couldn’t even walk, and screamed for Chelsie to come and grab Callie from me. Since it was my right leg and driving was out of the question (Chris was still gone) I called my neighbors. Dorie came and stayed with the kids while her husband Jake took me to an insta-care clinic. Two emergency visits in one week…so pathetic. The doctor said I didn’t tear my muscle away from my bone, I just pulled it really bad and my muscle was locked up. She gave me a shot of muscle relaxer, and pain medicine, wrapped my right quad and sent me hobbling home with a refereal for some physical therapy. (When in the heck am I gonna find time for physical therapy?) Thankfully the kids were in bed so I went straight to bed; I think it was about 8:30.

The rest of the week….well…pretty much the same as earlier. Maybe this week was hard because Chris was gone most of last week too and his absence was getting a little old? I think I’m a little PMS so that doesn’t help anything either. I’m trying to get back onto the swing of things but I think it might take a little bit. I honestly don’t know how single mothers cope? I know we do things when we absolutely have no choice but I’m so impressed by the moms who can just be “on” 24-7 because they have to be. I’m REALLY, REALLY looking forward to Friday night August 1st so I can go play teenager again for a while. Thank heavens my better-half is around!! I appologize for the long post, I would've preferred to dump all this out as it happened, but my techincal difficulties made it a little hard. I really do feel a little better now that I've fianlly vented. Like I said earlier, thank heavens this week is over!!

A Pain In The Gut....

2008-07-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well it finally happened.....our laptop that got us through MBA school way back in 2002 finally died, well almost. Chris has ordered us a new Dell PC that will be here at the end of this week. The kids have been going through withdrawal since they’ve not been able to play any computer games, but the worst of it seems to be over now. I don’t like being without a computer since it’s the main source for my news and so forth, but I seem to be managing okay. My Crohn’s disease has also decided to rear its ugly head again so I’ve got plenty of things to keep me occupied. I just wish it didn’t feel like defeat when I get sick. I know my family needs me, and it’s such a pain not to be 100%. I also hate “giving in” and taking all the vicious drugs like prednisone, Entocort, Flagyll, etc. It always feels like there has got to be a better way to get healthier. Well, until later then…excuse me while I try not to wallow in self-pity and feel gratitude that the few inconveniences in my life could be much, much worse…

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

2008-07-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

As I was stalking Sally's blog earlier this week, she introduced this fun little game, so I thought I'd play along. Feel free to play if you'd like remember, I honestly have no shame!!

Here are the directions:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.So let's have it! Don't be shy! What do you remember? Anything funny, embarrassing, silly...

Playing Tag...

2008-07-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here’s another round of tag from Kelli. Please feel free participate if you want to.

10 years ago in 1998…
I was working as a teacher’s assistant at Etna High School and teaching Early Morning Seminary in Etna, California and pregnant with Chelsie. (I knew she was a girl even though I never found out) We lived in the exact same apartment that Chris’ parents would live in 4 years later after their 1st mission to Nigeria. Chris was working in R&D at Nor-Cal Products in Yreka. We also had one car, a 1981 silver Honda Prelude!

5 years ago in 2003….
I was pregnant with Conner and living in Hillsboro, Oregon for the summer while Chris was on his internship with Intel, half-way to his MBA from BYU degree. Chelsie and Bethany were two cute little 3 and 4 yr olds.

5 months ago in February 2008…
Getting ready for my 31st birthday, teaching Conner’s preschool, adjusting to 5 kids and a new baby while working with our contractor to finish our basement.

5 things on my to-do list tomorrow…
Exercise; fold laundry; do music planning for church; go out to diner with Chris; celebrate our anniversary.

5 bad habits of mine...
Sometimes I twist my hair; not staying on budget; going to bed too late; yelling at my children when I get frustrated; always offering my opinion to others.

5 places I've lived...
Wichita, Kansas
Phoenix, Arizona
Pinetop/Lakeside, Arizona
Etna, California
Banks, Oregon

5 things people don't know about me...
I bite my nails; when I'm around people I’ve never met (like when I’ve moved somewhere new) I introduce myself first as a way to feel calm; I don’t like spicy food; I was on the crew team at Wichita State; I love African-American culture!!

Our Little Impersonator...

2008-07-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

Things have clamed down considerably this week now that Chris is back at work and our “stay-cation” (our at home vacation) is over; darn gas prices!!

Last week we took the kids to see the movie “Wall-e”. Even though Croydon and Callie stayed behind at home to take naps with a babysitter, the older kids have enjoyed imitating Pixar’s recent creation and star of their movie, Wall-e. Croydon has taken to imitating them imitating the robot and when ever he does it we all can’t help but notice how adorable he is. Croydon is also unique for the fact that he’s my only child to use the word “no” for everything when he really means “yes”. He’s such a cutie, (I’m not biased at all of course) that I wanted to catch him on video doing his little imitation. If you listen close at the video beginning, you can catch him saying it.

I also wanted to get a video of Callie crawling since she’s now pulling her self up on everything and trying to cruise. She’s eight months old now and I’m beginning to wonder if she will beat Bethany’s record and walk earlier than nine months. She’s been “army crawling” for 2 months now. Somehow I just can’t seem to keep my last child from growing up way to fast!

Stopping While You’re Ahead…

2008-07-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

Late afternoon today we decided as a family to venture out to Temple Square in Salt Lake thinking it would be a great family activity. We stopped at ‘Hires Big H’ near the University of Utah for diner. They have the best hamburgers and diner went surprisingly well; we then headed over to Temple Square.
We parked in the JS Memorial building parking garage and took out the double joggling stroller only to find it had a flat tire. At first we thought-no big deal, and we tried to make it work anyway, only to have Chris end up taking it back to the van 10 minutes later. So now Chris and I take turns lugging Callie around and chasing after Croydon. Things weren’t so bad when we were outside walking around the grounds until Conner started picking flowers (for me) and Croydon kept running off in any direction he could screaming loudly and happily as he ran.

We then decided to head into the Assembly Hall. Bad idea!!! A very nice tour guide was politely explaining different aspects about the building as Conner kept trying to unlatch the roped off areas. We gave up and headed over to the Tabernacle. No, not much better behavior there so I thought, let’s head over to the north visitors center and get a nice family picture in front of the beautiful Christus statue. Sure enough, both boys were running around now being way too loud and disrupting everyone in the visitor’s center. We heard a tour guide mention that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was having a practice at 7:30 over in the Conference Center and so we quickly asked someone to snap a picture and we headed down to the conference center.
As we arrive outside the Conference Center Croydon is in full whinny-screaming mode. Chris and I look at each other and say “maybe if we can just get inside and the music will start it will calm him down.” Unfortunately it didn’t get any better. Conner and Bethany started bugging each other in their seats while the choir and orchestra are playing. Conner is also squirming around and talking way to loud. Two separate couples got up from in front of us and left to find new seats and Croydon was starting to whine loudly again. Chris and I looked at each other and decided that it was enough, time to go home. We left in the middle of the third song and all seven of us trudged back to the van. We saw a couple taking wedding pictures near the temple and I called out to Chris, (as we’re dragging our five kids along) “if they only knew what they were in for they’d stop now.” We finally made it back to the van, loaded everyone in and headed back home.

Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my kids and enjoy being around them but tonight was such a joke!! We should’ve just went back home after diner and not pushed our luck. I happen to think my kids are pretty good but it was just all wrong tonight. Thinking back about earlier is kind of funny now that everyone is in bed. Two hours ago it was not so funny, but extremely frustrating. Heaven only know what tomorrow will bring…

"Look, it's a bird...it's a plane....it's a...Mother of five?"

2008-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today Chris, Chelsie, Bethany, Conner and I went to Lagoon, an area amusement park. We left Croydon and Callie at home with our friend Dorie (thanks a ton) so Chris and I actually got a chance to enjoy the rides ourselves. The highlight of today’s adventure was the Skycoaster. If you’ve never heard of the ride before, let me explain. A person or as many as three people are hoisted 150 feet in the air attached together to a harness and wire allowing them to swing or glide as you drop back down toward the ground. Chelsie and Bethany both decided to join me and it turns out that Bethany at 7, is the youngest person to ever ride the Skycoaster at Lagoon. When the ride attendant saw Bethany he said, “Oh she’s little, I think we have a harness small enough for her.” When he said that, the “mother” half of my brain thought, “hmmm…I wonder if this is a good idea.” Bethany was all no fear and Chelsie pulled the rip cord sending us flying. It was a pure adrenaline rush and I’m glad I got to share it with my brave girls. I look forward to the day when I get to bunji jump and skydive….

Local Food Storage Info...

2008-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

If you live here in Utah county and would like to know where you can get some of the stuff I use in my food storage, check out the website below. The woman who runs the site is a local neighbor who is AMAZING!! http://www.alpinefoodstorage.com/ If you have any questions, just email me.

Insomnia

2008-06-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

Well I’m should to be in bed sleeping but I’m struggling with a little insomnia. I tried thinking of Lisa and Dollie up with their sweet little girls (I know they’re sleepy right now) but I still can’t sleep. According to KSL it’s 75 degrees outside and I’m also feeling hot so perhaps that’s where some of my insomnia is coming from?

I’ve been using my insomnia to search the internet for a 10qt. pressure cooker. I’m in the market for one since I don’t have one and I will be doing a lot of canning this summer. On my summer canning agenda are: green beans (thanks Liz) peaches, pears, applesauce, tomatoes, alphabet soup, salsa, jam and zucchini relish (if I like my neighbor’s recipe) and anything else I can get a hold of. I’m down to my last quart of peaches (not too bad since I canned 49 quarts last summer) Since I’m not pregnant (yea) I really want to be productive and prepared with my family. I also have a few more helping hands now too.

With the cost of gas past ridiculous and predicted to go up even more, I’ve decided I really need to make my food storage a higher priority. My goal is to have my 72-hour kits completed by July20th; as well as our will, photos of all our possessions, and important documents put in the safe deposit box at our bank. Back to food storage; I must admit one huge advantage of living in Utah is easy access to everything I need to increase my food storage. I can even choose to put creative things like canned butter and bacon in my food storage if I want. After all I need something tasty to go with all my wheat. I only wish the thought of all the work I need to do would make me feel tired so I could go to bed now. I know I’ll feel tired in about 5 hours when I need to wake up….until then…

Keeping the Proper Perspective….

2008-06-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days we’ve been watching the Star Wars movie as a family; all six of them to be exact. I remember watching episodes 4-6 as a kid and it’s been fun to watch them with my children now. It’s been interesting to talk to Chelsie, Bethany and Conner about what the movies mean to them and how they understand the characters. I think it can be easy to boil most of our decisions in life down to right and wrong or good and bad. But the events of the last few days have made me focus on these concepts a little differently.

Yesterday morning we received an early morning phone call that Chris’ father Bill (he’s 75) had had a heart attack and was on his way to Rouge Valley Medical Center in Medford, Oregon for surgery to receive a pace maker. Thankfully everything went well and now they’re just following up with various diagnostic tests to make sure there aren’t any additional problems with his heart.

It occurred to me yesterday again, (I’ve thought of these concepts before but it’s been a while) that a lot of life is really about how well we endure what we’ve been given be it good bad or otherwise. I remember feeling “broken” at 25 as I lay in a hospital in Provo, Utah with a serious blood infection, small bowel obstruction and a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease. Here it is, six years later and while I still have Crohn’s disease, my perspective has changed tremendously. I feel it’s easier to endure difficult things in our lives as along as we choose to turn to God and recognize His ability to help us. I think it’s natural to blame God for difficult things in our lives.

The concept of blaming God has always been very interesting to me. In my mind, it’s silly to blame God for bad or difficult things that have happened to me (or others) in my life that are simply a result of living a mortal life. God didn’t give my father-in-law Bill a heart attack nor did God give me Crohn’s disease or a bi-cornuate uterus; these circumstances have occurred because I am subject to an imperfect body in mortality. It is also very unfortunate when others around us, (usually the people we love but not always) use their mortal agency (the ability to choose right and wrong) in a way that is wrong and impacts us (or those we love) negatively. I think blaming God for any difficulties in our lives is the easy way out; the excuse not to grow or change for the better. While I don’t know what my future holds, or the future of others in my family for that matter; I take comfort in the fact that God’s in charge; and any negative, difficult or bad thing that happen in my life, I can turn to Him and He can take all those terrible, difficult things and make them and myself into something positive.

Summer Fun

2008-06-23T13:55:00.001-07:00

It’s finally hot here in Alpine. I’m sure everyone I know in Arizona is saying “yea, right” but it’s true for us here. Chelsie, Bethany and Conner finished swimming lessons on Friday so we celebrated by going to the public pool in American Fork. The kids had a blast and I was able to handle all five kids in the water thanks to my friend Dorie who graciously came and helped me out. The kids loved the pools, lazy river and water slides. Conner went down twice on the big slide by himself.

Friday night we decided to go get some shakes and root beer floats after diner. Chris suggested JCW’s since their shakes are a good value. He said they were big, but I had no idea how huge they were until we ordered. We had so much ice cream that we had to take some home with us to re-freeze and eat later. Taking everyone out actually went well.

Saturday, Chris’ work IM Flash Technologies had an open house. There are about 2500 employees at IM Flash in Lehi so it was billed as employee “friends and family.” For the open house the many different departments inside IM Flash all had booths that explained what they did for the company. The purchasing department (where Chris works) had kids fill mock orders with candy. I wish I could name all the other departments besides the fab and facilities, but I know I’ll get them all wrong. All the departments had very interactive booths. One used a vacuum backwards to fill balloons for the kids and another used liquid nitrogen to make ice cream. They had robot car races and the kids got to dress up in the clothes they use for the clean room in the fab. IM Flash offered a site tour but you needed to be 12 to go so naturally we didn’t. IM Flash also provided a great lunch of BBQ pork sandwiches and chicken with all the fixings catered by Good Wood restaurants. It was very yummy and free; a nice perk for our family of 7. IM Flash also provided a children’s carnival complete with a bouncy house, cotton candy, spinning art and snow cones. We all had a great time, and the only down side was the heat. It was a fun summer weekend!!

P.S. I’m sorry the pictures are out of order, but they loaded that way. There’s just to many to try and rearrange. :o)

Callie's Reaction....

2008-06-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

This evening while feeding Callie some baby food, she started acting a little fussy. I knew she was hungry so I kept feeding her even though she started rubbing her eyes. After a couple of minutes, I noticed her eyes were getting really red and she was starting to rub her nose. Upon closer examination, it looked like she was having an allergic reaction to what I was feeding her. I immediately stopped feeding her and ran and got some Benedryl and gave her a dose and then put her in the tub. As I was bathing her, I noticed little red splotched around her cheeks, chin and neck as well. After I washed her good, I put lotion on her and got her a bottle. After about 15 minutes I noticed the redness was subsiding, and Callie was getting sleepy. (The Benedryl of course)

I'm pretty sure it was the food Callie was eating (bananas & orange medley) because she had been in her walker (for about 30 minutes) right before I fed her and been no where on the floor to get into anything. She’s eaten bananas before and has been eating them for at least a month now with no problem so I think the culprit has to be oranges, or citrus. I’m planning on calling my pediatrician tomorrow and get his input but I was wondering if anyone out there has had an experience with citrus allergies and what it entails. I appreciate any input you can give.

Still smiling after her bath, waiting for the meds to kick in.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-14T21:50:00.001-07:00

What do I call the man who’s the best father in the world? I call him husband, sweetie, hotty or simply Chris. Happy Father’s Day Christopher, the man who exemplifies the words husband and father greater than anyone I’ve ever known. I love you sweetie!!

Chris & Chelsie March 1999

Chris & Bethany November 2001

Chris & Conner November 2003

Chris & Croydon August 2006

Chris & Callie October 2007

And to Ken, Stan, and Bill the father's in my life, Happy Father's Day! Thanks for everything; I love you!

Mastering A Life Skill..

2008-06-14T20:56:00.001-07:00

Conner working on his elementary back stroke

Chelsie catching some hang time

Last year we couldn't get Bethany to jump off the diving board

Conner loves the slide!

All smiles even if they don't want to go home

The kids & their teachers

Summer feels like it’s finally here now that the weather is cooperating. Chelsie, Bethany and Conner have been taking swimming lessons and are making great progress. They took lessons last year from the same family and they did so great I enrolled them again this year. Chelsie and Bethany can both do the breast stroke, elementary back stroke and crawl and they are now learning freestyle as well. Conner loves all swimming and I’m so happy that all three of them are now comfortable around deep water and can hopefully keep from drowning. They’ve been taught how to do sitting and standing dives and at the end of their lesson if the kids have worked hard they “get to” jump off the diving board and go down the slide. The kids are always excited to go to their lessons and complain when it’s time to leave. I will NEVER go back to group lessons at a public pool if I have this option. I feel like my money is so much better spent and my kids have learned so much more than they ever did in a class of 5 or seven. Croydon will take lessons starting next year. Now that I’m not pregnant, I look forward to taking all the kids to the pool frequently this summer after lessons are complete next week. Oh the joys of summertime!

Chelsie & Bethany doing their breast stroke

Conner getting the dive stick

Chelsie working on her dive

What Makes Me Tick...

2008-06-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well since I can only "hunt and peck" right now when it comes to typing, I decided to take Kelli's suggestion and complete my own personality test. Perhaps this will be a revelation to some and not a big surprise to others. Click the link below and take your own test and share your results with the rest of us!

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.

Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.

Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.

You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.

In love, you are very protective and supporting.

However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.

At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.

You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's Your Personality Type?

A Moment In The Life Of A Idiot!

2008-06-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you add a birthday party, roller skates and a 5’11” mother of five? No clue…let me give you a couple of suggestions. How about idiot and uncoordinated? Getting warmer yet?

Last night I took Chelsie, Bethany and Conner to our neighbor’s birthday party. (They’re our next door neighbors, the ones who adopted sweet little Morgan six months ago and who I made the explosion box for) Our neighbors had a roller skating birthday party for Morgan and my kids have been so excited to go. Chris stayed home with the babies since he had a really long day and I loaded up my three kids and 3 neighbors off we went for fun.

We got to the rink and I got my kids outfitted and made the ill-fated decision to strap on skates as well. There were lots of our neighbors with their kids skating as well, and I remembered how much I liked skating when I was younger. (About 20 years ago) So I strapped on my skates and headed with Conner over to the practice area. Well, while in the practice area (thank heavens not the main rink) I was heading for the wall, and...I slipped and fell down. I’d been practicing for about 5 minutes and was feeling very confident (apparently over-confident) so I was heading out to the rink and the next thing I knew I thought, “Oh crap, I’m falling!” Sure enough I was on my back with Chelsie and one of my neighbors skating by to witness my disgrace.

At first I thought that only my pride was hurt until I felt a huge pain in my left wrist and a mild pain on my left backside. So I sat right where I was for a minute thinking, “You are such a freakin’ idiot” so I got up, skated over to the rental counter and immediately took my skates off. That was it, I was done. I knew if I fell again I’d be in real trouble. I spent the next hour and a half convincing all my neighbors I was okay and trying salvage the evening for my kids.

When we got home about 10pm, I got some ibuprophan and ice and went to bed. After a long night full of de’ja’vu (I’ve broken my left arm and right wrist before) I went into the insta-care clinic this morning for an x-ray. The verdict…not broken, just severely sprained, followed by 2 weeks of annoying pain, hopefully reduced by ibuprophan. So now I’m in a brace and a sling, walking around like a 1 arm gimp that has to really put out my neighbors and poor Chelsie. I can’t pick up Callie (she’s 20 lbs) and a lot of other things have become very difficult. So don’t feel sorry for me, just remember the moral of my story, “stupid people really shouldn’t do stupid things.”

Our next door neighbors!
Happy 1st Birthday Morgan!

Chelsie and Bethany having fun

Conner was so cute too!

Such a dork!!

Our Little Mama

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

About 2 months ago Chelsie came inside and told me there was a robin building a nest in one of our tress in the backyard. Sure enough, right outside our kitchen window in the back yard, next to the kids play set, a sweet mamma robin was busy at work building her nest. Chelsie and I did a little research on the internet about robins and we learned how long the gestation cycle is and what male and female robins look like. As the days passed by we could look out our kitchen window and see the two birds “flirting” together and eventually we saw our little mama bird sitting on her nest all the time. She left for only a little while each day (we assume to eat) but was very faithful to her little eggs. We wondered if her eggs would actually hatch since sometimes robin eggs don’t. All the kids got explicit instructions not to go anywhere near the nest or the eggs.

On Saturday, Chelsie came and told me she thinks the eggs had hatched since she could hear the baby’s chirping. Sure enough, we looked and saw her feeding her little babies. We were all so excited!! So this evening Chris crawled up the tree and snapped a few pictures being very careful not to touch anything near the birds. We’re happy to announce that our little mama is a mother of four sweet baby birds. Perhaps it’s been such a wonderful event because I’m a mother with little “baby birds” of my own? It’s been a great learning experience for our family and a wonderful testament of the value of all life and our God who created everything, not just us.

Look mom, our little birds!
The nest from on top of the playset (look close and you can see their heads)

Our 4 little baby birds

Mama bird wating to feed her babies (look at her mouth)

Chris was all looky but no touchy!

A Thousand Splendid Suns

2008-06-04T18:47:00.001-07:00

I have often been touched by the talents of others. It’s no secret how much I love music as well as written word, not just religious written word either. Today I finished reading a very compelling book, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. It was a suggested reading from a book club that I’m apart of and I’m so grateful the opportunity to read this book. Let me explain…

All I have even known is a life here in America. I’ve never known true poverty and deprivation. I’ve never known war and true tremendous tragedy. My life has had some interesting and sad experiences, but they truly pale in comparison to many others around the world. I have always known and had hope and been in control of my life even from a young age. I can read and write, and I eat until I am full every day several times if I chose to. I have a home and stable family consisting of 5 wonderful healthy children and an honorable, caring husband. Because I live in America I have certain “inalienable rights” as a person guaranteed by the constitution. My future and the future of my children are very bright.

I only wish everyone in the world had these exact same blessings. I have been touched by the talent and courage of Khaled Hosseini. Who am I to take for granted all the blessings I have been given and not help others around me? I knew a little about Afghanistan from what high school and the media has shown me, but I now know I had no idea of the reality of life for people in Afghanistan, especially the women. I feel so compelled to do more. How can I not? Now I just have to figure out what I’m going to do. If you’d like to learn more about the book, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini, check out his website below.
http://khaledhosseini.com/index2.htm

Croydon, Utah

2008-06-03T08:56:00.001-07:00

Last Monday on Memorial Day we decided to take a trip up North to Croydon, Utah. We named our sweet 4th child Croydon William after this little town called, Croydon, Utah and Chris’ father Bill (William) Thackeray. It’s funny how I hated the name Croydon until I got pregnant with Croydon. (Chris will tell you I told him through 3 pregnancies, I hate the name Croydon, it’s too different) I guess the Lord knew better because when our sweet “Croy-boy” was born, I knew it was the right name for him. It’s also fun to note that Croydon looks a little different from all our other kids. He’s got very coarse blonde wavy hair, fair skin, and big blue eyes, just like his grandpa Bill.

Anyhow, we packed a picnic and looked at the weather report and decided to go even though it was cool and rainy; we figured we’d take our chances with the weather. We made the hour and half drive north and stopped at the cemetery first and took some pictures. Chris told me the Thackeray family had 12,000 acres that they ranched. Bill was born and raised in Croydon, Utah with his 6 siblings. Chris’ parents (Bill & Elsie) also lived at the house on the ranch for the first 3 or 4 years of their marriage. (53 years and counting)

After the cemetery we headed to the Croydon city park for a very cold picnic. The kids huddled behind a standing table and ran around to keep warm. People drove by the park and would slow down to gawk at us like we were crazy to be out in the cold and rain. It was quite amusing. After eating, we headed back to take pictures at the house where Bill grew up and then lived with Elsie (and Mike, Kerry and Michelle) before moving to Etna, California. The house was unlocked and empty and I really wanted to go inside but then, what would I be teaching my kids? So instead "breaking and entering" we headed up to Morgan, Utah and had a nice visit with Chris’ uncle Ralph and aunt Natel. We stayed about on hour and then headed back home since the girls had school on Tuesday. It was a nice little day-trip and a good way to spend Memorial Day.

The Softball Life...

2008-05-31T10:08:00.001-07:00

If 4 out of 7 people in your family are playing ball, what does that make your family? Busy. Chris has started playing softball with his co-workers so I naturally had to snap a few pictures of him and his stud-ly form. He’s a good player and I enjoy watching him as I stay busy keeping book for the team and entertaining Callie too.

Up at the Plate

Making a play at short stop

A little pitching too

Bethany has been playing softball as well. She’s such a character, what more can I say. I’ll be glad when Conner’s games are over so it’s one less commitment to juggle. I really like this time of year. I love softball and it’s so nice to finally be outside after a very long winter. Perhaps in a different season I’ll get to play again as well.

BJ waiting for her pitch

Stiking the "Blue Jay"pose

Seven Year Old Girls!!

2008-05-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

What a crazy week! Between baseball games and the last week of school, I feel like I can finally start coming up for air. (a little at least) Today is the last day of school for the girls and they’re excited to be in 4th and 2nd grades respectively. This has been quite a week for Bethany. She’s seems to be a little more emotional than usual, and we’ve had a few go-rounds. Much to her excitement, Bethany lost her first tooth on Tuesday. She had a dentist appointment to have her teeth sealed and told me before we went that her tooth was lose and she wanted to have the dentist pull it out. I just looked at her and said, “Hmmm, okay, it’s your choice.” She came bounding out of the dentist office with a cotton tube in her mouth and proudly showed me her new grin. Bethany also proclaimed, “Mom, they didn’t even have to use the little gas mask on me or anything!” Oh Bethany, what am I going to do with you?
Bethany has a good little neighbor friend named Emma. She’s just as impetuous as Bethany with a little more tom-boy added in. Sunday after church she showed up on my porch with a handful of lilacs for me. Emma said, “These are for you because you’re so nice. If you put them in a vase, they will make you room smell good.” What a sweet thought! Emma is regularly at our house and sometimes eats diner with us to. Aren’t seven year-olds so interesting?

By The Numbers....

2008-05-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

So the last three days have been very interesting around here, not much time for blogging or other things for that matter. Let me break it down for you by the numbers:

1690…the number of pages I’ve read since Thursday afternoon at 2pm, finishing on Saturday at 5pm.

68...the number of days till the last book in the Twilight series, “Breaking Dawn” is released.

54…..the number of chapters so easily consumed.

7…the number of vampires that kept the story spinning. (Edward...sigh...every girls dream)

12….the number of werewolf’s in the Quileute pack. (I really liked Jacob...sniff, sniff)

3(am)….the number when I finally turned my light off and went to sleep Friday morning so I could get up at 6:30.

1……the number of a really sweet husband who put up with me after he came home Friday evening (after being in Boise for business all week) and then let his wife selfishly steal almost all of Saturday, to herself…with a book. (Thanks sweetie!!)

They say the first step to overcoming any addiction is admitting you have a problem…we’ll after quantifying everything above; I think I have a problem! How bad is my problem? So bad that I’m going to find out where here in Utah I can buy the next book on August 2nd at midnight and read it right then. I think I might even ask Chris to take a day off from work. Sigh….until then….at least I can re-read…hopefully a little slower. Stephanie Meyer you are a talented woman!

P.S. In answer to some of your questions….yes I took care of my children (I didn’t play with then a ton…I know bad mom) We didn’t eat very creative meals (pizza, and Wendy’s one night) my house was a pit and I’m still trying to catch up on laundry (to bad I didn’t get the book last week when Chris was out of town too) There you have it, all my confessions. I hope my kids aren’t permanently damaged since their mom likes vampire love stories! :o) After all, I am only human!

Cheating

2008-05-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last night after the kids were in bed I was flipping through channels and came across a 48 hours-hard evidence show that was discussing cheating. They aired several stories; one was about 4 students who cheated at the Naval Academy in 1992 on their Electrical Engineering exam (someone stole the test and sold it to others) and these 4 men were all kicked out of the Naval Academy 30 days before graduation. 48 hours brought them all together and the men discussed the profound impact that decision to cheat had on their lives. I found the story very thought-provoking and intriguing on many levels.

The next segment was about cheating in American high schools. 48 hours focused in on a high school in Piper, Kansas where about 28 students in one biology class plagiarized material on a leaf project. Long story short, the teacher failed the students on the project for plagiarism which resulted in them also failing the class. Parents were upset (they said their kids didn’t intend to plagiarize and didn’t even know what that meant) and appealed to the school board who then over turned the teachers’ decision to fail the students and made the project worth significantly less so the students could pass. The teacher used a website called turnitin.com to validate that the students had just copied information from the internet and claimed it as their own instead of re-writing the facts in their own words. The biology teacher resigned immediately after the school board’s ruling. The parents who were defending their kids actions said the teacher “missed a true teaching moment” with her students. 48 hours also pointed out that about 90% of high school students admit to cheating especially because of the pressure to “get ahead” of fellow classmates.

After the show, I started thinking about how I myself had cheated in high school and why I made the choice to cheat. (I know I cheated because I was to lazy to do the work myself or work a little harder) Looking back now, I wish I could’ve had the integrity not to cheat, ever. I also started thinking about my own children and how important it is to teach them “correct principles and then let them govern themselves.” I want my children to be honest and have integrity because they think it’s important. I also think as a parent I can help them understand why it’s so important to be honest. I know that because I am their parent, my children will feel pressure from me to succeed in whatever they do. I hope by having an open discussion we can talk about cheating before it becomes a major issue in their lives. I want them to be prepared to make their own choices and live with the consequences, what ever they might be. In Proverbs it says, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Very true words indeed; it all starts with my example.

Chelsie's First Softball Game

2008-05-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Chelsie just had her first softball game. It's been fun to watch her play and figure out all the rules of the game. Chelsie plays in a machine pitch league which is a little different from how Chris and I learned how to play. I guess you could call it the "old-fashioned" way now. Chelsie really enjoys playing and it's been fun cheering her on!

Waiting for the pitch (she got on base with a single)

Running to third base

Playing second base