Lagoon Part II

Lagoon today was really fun, but I am tired and I will write more about it tomorrow. Pic's as well. Later.

Jordanelle

Casey & Morgen

Markus' first time camping was awesome. He just kept saying that, he said it last night when he went in the tent and again when he woke up this morning. When we first went up there, we went to the lake and swam, which was really cold but the boys didn't care. Then we played a game of wiffle (sp?) ball, Marilee's boyfriend Greg is so great with the kids. He just kept pitching and letting them hit. He has 4 boys of his own, that are grown. Then when everyone was cold and ready for dinner, Marilee had hot dogs, salads, chips and watermelon. I went to Costco in between the movie and getting the oil changed to pick up the veggie tray yesterday and saw Marilee & Greg there shopping for the party. Greg paid for everything including the campsite. We ate and then Candie's boyfriend Chase took all the kids on a hike and they saw a beaver. Max & I tossed the football when he came back. He is such a little athlete and very patient with me as I am learning to play all of these sports with him. Or try to play I should say! Anyways, it was fun to see Morgen outside playing with his cousins and hauling wood over for the fire. He played the guitar after Ben was finished playing some songs. Morgen can play a few songs already.

Markus had a great time as I mentioned before. He asked me after we ate dinner, "So when are we going to start camping?" I told him that we were camping and he said, "Oh!" So cute. Then this morning when we woke up after he said 'this is awesome' he said, "What do you do at camping, there isn't that much stuff here for kids?" I asked him what he meant, like video games and I asked him if he wanted to go home and he said "No, I want to stay here." We did go home but not before a quick trip to the lake again and another round of baseball. Ben had a horrible headache on the way home. I don't think he likes camping very much or maybe he just didn't get enough sleep. I don't know, either way, he came home and took some Motrin and went to bed after we unloaded the car. I fixed lunch and had everyone get ready for church as well as prepared my lesson. It was a pretty easy lesson so that is good. We were actually on time for once. Ben came after he woke up for Sacrament. I sat behind my friend Sharon and was able to hold her little Hannah. She is such a happy baby. I tease her all the time that her cheeks must kill her by the end of the day, she is always smiling! :)

Then I came home, made spaghetti for dinner, went to my scouting meeting. Ben went home teaching when I came back and I did the dishes. Then I took Morgen out to Casey's house to spend the night. Now I am going to go fold a mountain of laundry from this weekend. Should be fun, as long as I have my tunes! Ben took the day off to go to Lagoon with us tomorrow. I think it is supposed to be 100 degrees or so, we will for sure be going to the water park. I will have to go on my run before it gets too hot.

Camping

The movie was really cute and the boys all liked it. Now we are going up to Jordanelle to go camping. It is Casey's birthday today and that is what they are doing to celebrate. We will come back in time for church though, I have to teach my class in Primary. So much stuff to take with us for just one night, but I think it will be fun. Markus is so excited.

Just a quick post this morning before we go to the movie. I had a fun ride this morning up part of Millcreek canyon. We couldn't ride all the way up because we had to get back for the movie, but I am glad that we at least went for part of the tri club ride. I will post a review on Wall-E when we get back. :)

A good mom?

I feel bad for saying that I was done with the day yesterday. I think I was just tired. It was a crazy day, but it was a good day in so many ways too. Like after I took Morgen's friend home, we stopped to get ice cream on the way back. Since Markus was asleep and Max was over at Lucas' house playing air-soft wars, it was just me and Morgen, which hasn't happened for a long time. He had been riding in the back with Austin, but he climbed up front. Then he didn't say anything, but just reached over and held my hand. I felt tears come to my eyes, because I wasn't sure if he even liked me anymore lately. I didn't dare say anything. I will keep that moment in my heart forever.

I am not ever sure if I am being a good mom, how do you know anyways? I mean it is not like you get a performance evaluation every six months like at work and a raise at the end of the year or something. I just keep trying different things and hope something works.

Ben didn't get home until after midnight. I was reading a really good book though and enjoyed the evening after all. So it is all good. He went to pick up his new bike today and just left to take it out for a ride.

Max just came home with ten neighbor boys and his friend Easton informed me that Max & Markus invited them all over for a party! I was on the phone with Austin's dad who told me that Morgen had asked him to sleep over again. Austin threw up last night after we took him home so I think he really did have a concussion. Poor thing, I still feel terrible about what happened. He was feeling better today though and came over earlier to hang out. Molly just came running inside and Morgen is playing Brian Pepper's theme song on the guitar. The trampoline just broke as well. Wow! I think I need to go be a mom or a referee, which ever is more applicable. I'll write more later...

Crazy

I am SO done with this day and ready for a new one tomorrow!

It was really a fun day until this evening actually. I had a good morning just watching some movies and playing monopoly with Markus. Then I went to teach Amanda, Jackson, Hannah, Olivia & Mia which was fun. It was nice to be inside the rink on such a hot day. When I came home Max was home from camp and he bought a pocket knife which he was really excited about, at the trading post. Morgen wanted to go buy his guitar that he has been saving up for since the battle of the bands this past winter. Ben called to tell me that he bought his new bike. It is a Cervello P2C. His dream bike I think. He will be spending a lot of time on it over the next year I am sure. I took Morgen out to Guitar Center and he was so excited to get his Dean guitar. They have so many guitars there it is unbelievable. Anyways, it is black and he thinks it is very cool.

I went to take Max's friend to his all-star game, since his parents are out of town and he was staying at his grandma's not too far from our house. Max stayed and watched the game and I took Morgen home to put his guitar in the house so it wouldn't get ruined when he went to get his haircut. He actually asked me to take him today, which never happens, so I knew I better jump on it, while he was in the mood. Then I took him back home to play his guitar and Austin's dad called to see if Austin could come hang out while he went golfing. He came over and was planning on spending the night. Morgen and Austin were goofing off in the box the guitar had come in and were putting it over their heads and walking around with just their feet out. Morgen was fine but when his friend was doing it, he tripped and fell. He hit his head pretty hard on the sidewalk and had a huge goose egg right away. He wasn't crying at first, just kind of embarrassed I think that we were all out there watching him. He went inside and Morgen decided to tease Markus who was riding his scooter with his friend Hayden. So Markus had a freak out fit and was screaming at him outside. I split them up and put Markus in time out inside and checked on Austin who was now crying inside and had a concussion I think. His eyes were dilated and he said he had a headache. I gave him ibuprofen and put some ice on it and he called his dad. I felt so bad. I went to pick up Max and drop off his friend Dillon. Then I took Austin home and had to explain what happened to his dad. Markus fell asleep in the car. Max is still outside playing air-soft wars and Morgen is playing night games. Ben is still at high council meeting.

Markus & Anna

Anna, Morgan & Markus

Anna & Markus sitting by the pool

Markus was invited to Anna's pool party yesterday. Anna is this cute little girl from school, that Markus really likes. In fact the day after school let out, he was walking around the house kissing Anna's picture and saying, "I miss Anna." Needless to say he was VERY excited to get the invite in the mail. Anna's mom, Sara, is so nice and invited a few other friends from his class as well, to swim at her mom's pool. She had Popsicles and all kinds of pool toys. Markus and I had a great time and would love to go over there again sometime.

me, Beth, Sara B. & Sara (Anna's mom)

Camp

I realized at 2 a.m. while I was laying in my bed, that Max had scout camp this morning. I am so losing it lately, what is my deal? Honestly, I went downstairs and put out all his stuff he needed to take, made his lunch and signed his permission slip as well as his medical history. I am just glad that I remembered before it already took place. So I woke him up and he was so tired because he stayed up way too late again. But he was excited to go once I reminded him about it. He arrived just on time at 8:00 a.m. and no one knew except me. He has Cub Frontier today and Galaxy Quest tomorrow.

Needless to say I didn't go on my bike ride. But I will try to go later when Morgen wakes up.

So I was talking to Monet at the party last night and she told me about x-mas eve on SS being on You tube. I didn't know that it was out there, so it is posted on the side bar in case you were wondering if it was Christmas in June or something. (I am just in the opening skating section - part 1, not the entire program.) I was 5 when I filmed it at the sky rink in NY, but I still remember so many details about that day. I remember that one of the first takes I fell down and the ice was so wet. It soaked though the trunks I was wearing over my tights so my mom just took them off. I remember being so mad because I didn't want to just be wearing tights without anything over them while I was skating. Of course I had my skirt on and you can't see anything on the video but I was so embarrassed by that! Silly things to remember about that day. I still get paid from doing that video. It is not that much, but kind of a fun surprise to get a check in the mail at Christmas time from doing something thirty years ago.

Oh, I almost forgot, my friend Kelli had her baby girl yesterday. So there were actually three birthdays yesterday! I received an email from her sister last night with these photos. Congratulations Kelli!

Birthdays

• 6 a.m. - Shawna's birthday breakfast at IHOP
• 7:30 - started cleaning house
• 8:30 - house clean (for a few minutes)
• 9 - made breakfast for Markus
• 10 - breakfast for Max
• 11 - breakfast for Morgen
• 12 - took a shower/did laundry
• 1 - Sister Heaton came over
• 2 - Pedicures with Shawna for her b-day
• 3 - bought some new shorts
• 4 - Lucas played at our house
• 5 - went to Deseret Book to get Dad his gift card
• 6 - Wal-mart to buy chips for party
• 7 - second birthday party of the day!
• 10 - run (not too far since it was kind of dark)
• 11 - blog

That was basically my day today! It was really fun, to have two birthday parties in one day. My Dad is 69 today and my Mom had his party at the Cinderella park. She bought KFC and everyone else brought something else. It was a nice night for the park except for the mosquitoes, I got three bites in the first ten minutes we were there. Dang mosquitoes love me, no one else was being eaten except me. Then I brought out the bug spray.

Morgen & Max eating KFC


Aria, sugar, Cole & Tori

Monet, Marilee's son - Casey, his friend Austin & Marilee

My run was not too far, but it was okay. I was totally sweaty when I got home, I think in part because it was still 80 degrees. Biking in the morning, so I better get to bed.

Icy Man

It's official. Ben signed up for the Ironman.

His brother Jeff and Rob from the Tri club sent out an email today that they had and so Ben came home and signed up too. He couldn't have Jeff be the first one in the family to be an Ironman. (They are not competitive at all.) Morgen was teasing him about how much he gets injured now just doing sprint triathlons, and then he said you are going to be "Icy Man instead of Iron Man". He said he will just have to go around in a body bag filled with ice and poke his head out of it. Morgen just wrote these new words to the Ironman song. Here it is:

ICY MAN!!!
I am Icy Man!

Has he frozen his mind?

Can he feel cold or are his senses blind?

Can he move his joints at all

Or will his painfulness make him fall?

Is he in pain or maybe dead?

With all those ice packs on his head?

Look at all the ice in there

Does his skin feel slightly bare?

He was turned to frozen steel

In the transition and resting field

Where he would freeze time
For the pain of iron-mankind

Nobody melts him

He just freezes his wounds

Planning his races

That he will soon try to do

Now the frosty time is near

For Icy Man to spread pain and fear

Sending pain out of his grave

Freezing the racers he once portrayed

Nobody melts him

He just freezes his wounds

Nobody heals him

They just keep racing again

Frozen boots of lead

Fills the racers full of cold dread

Racing as warm as they can

Icy Man is freezing again!

All three boys were in the no-cavities club today at the dentist. They got a prize, their picture taken again and tickets to the movie Wall-E for Saturday. Sweet, I love it when they go to the dentist! I get to go to the movie with them as well. Last time they gave us tickets to see Enchanted. They actually rent out the theater for their patients and have a prize drawing before the show starts.

Since we were out, Morgen wanted to sign up for the summer reading club at the library. Max & Markus already had last week. So we went to the library and checked out some more books.

My run this morning felt great. The farm is such a fun place to run on the dirt trails, with the stream and the ducks. The later time works much better for me as well. I hope that Shawna doens't mind. Speaking of, it is her 40th birthday tomorrow and a few of the girls from the ward are coming with me to pick her up at 6 a.m. in our p.j.'s and take her to breakfast. I think it is kind of a tradition or some thing now whenever someone turns 40. Should be fun.

I made marinated flank steak for dinner. I didn't marinate it overnight, just since this morning, but I think it still turned out all right. Here is the recipe:

1/2 c. oil
3/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. worchestshire sauce
2 T. dry mustard
2 1/4 t. garlic salt
1 T. black pepper
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
1 1/2 t. parsley
1/3 c. lemon juice
3 lbs. flank steak

Blend and marinate steak overnight (or all day in my case!). Grill 7-8 min. @ side over medium heat. Slice thin across the grain.

Up the Creek

Millcreek ... that is. After the home teachers came over yesterday, we went up Millcreek canyon again, this time in the car. Ben's sister Tami invited us up for a dutch-oven dinner. It was chicken and dumplings with potatoes. I liked the potatoes, they had a good flavor to them and it was so beautiful up there. The kids all had fun playing with their cousins and Markus had fun showing Sam, Jeff & Tanya's son, all around. (Sam is on my lap in this photo) After dinner we packed up and went back down the canyon for a baseball game at the park. (Max and Luke in photo above) It was a perfect night for it and even Ma & Pa Buck joined in. We played until it was dark and then went to sev for slurpees.

Being Perfect

I read a book not too long ago entitled that. It was really good about setting down the backpack full of bricks that you carry around when you are trying to be perfect all the time. I think that Ben is like that. He did a really good job on his talk today in sacrament meeting and spent all day yesterday preparing for it and all morning practicing it, but then afterwards he was talking about how he felt like he didn't do a good job. I wish that he could put down the backpack and just be himself sometimes, not perfect just real. You know? None of us are perfect. Except for Jesus, of course. All the rest of us are just trying to be ... I don't know what. To be real. Just keep it real.

Guitar Hero

So Ben took Morgen back out to the tournament today to see if he won. He took fifth place on the hard level. I think his score was 100,000 points off of third place. Which I guess isn't that much in the game. He had a great time and it was all for a good cause. CMN received all of the proceeds. Morgen got a cool shirt out of it as well.

I was still teaching skating and Markus and Max had a good time skating as well. Some kid fell and broke his nose though and there was blood all over the ice. Afterwards Kate came to teach Max piano, and give him some new things to work on until after she has her baby. She is due next week with another little girl. So fun! Anyways, after that I went to Costco and bought gas and some salmon for dinner tonight. I tried to get it at wal-mart the other day but it was all kind of sick looking! Then I went to wal-mart (yet again) for Morgen. He needed something that wasn't on my list the other day. So much for going to the store once a week. How about once or twice a day.

Then I came home and cleaned up the backyard and got the table and umbrella out. It was a great night for a barbecue. The boys all loved the salmon and Morgen and Max each had two pieces. Karsten, Morgen's friend ate over as well. They played on the tramp after and then we played Frisbee out front until it was too dark to see it. Then they played fireman on the tramp in the dark. Which is basically when they squirt each other with the hose. After they were all freezing they came in to take a hot bath. So now at least they are all clean for church tomorrow.

Well, I am tired, I got up early to go on the tri club bike ride this morning before the tournament. It was a beautiful ride up millcreek. There were a ton of boy scouts up there camping at camp tracy and you could smell all the campfires. I love that smell. I could also smell the bacon they were cooking. Yum. The creek was really full and making that rushing noise as I was climbing. The birds were chirping in the trees, it was beautiful up there.

Hair

I had my haircut yesterday and I came home and Markus said, "It doesn't look any different!" Which I guess is good because he didn't want me to even get it cut in the first place. He loves my curly hair and cries when I straighten it. He is so goofy sometimes! (Here is the photo, see what you think, does it look any different?)


Morgen has been practicing for his tournament all week. I took him out to best buy today and he rocked! He finds out at 3:00 today if he won or not. Good job Morgen!!!

The boys of summer

So last night before I went to Bunko, Morgen invited his friend Austin to sleep over. This morning, after my run, Morgen requested crepes for breakfast. So I made those and just cleaned up the dishes. Now I need to run to the store again, (I knew that I wouldn't get a way with going just once this week!) because Molly is out of dog food. I am getting my hair cut later as well as buying the boys their summer shirts (the flag shirts from Old Navy are a tradition). Sharon just called and wants me to babysit Hayden while she goes with Megan somewhere.

I received an email from Monet the other day, with questions to answer about myself and thought I would post it, just for fun.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Not that I know of

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Last night

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

No, that is why I always use the computer for my scrapbook journaling

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

Yes, 3 boys

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Yes

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?

Much to my dismay

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS

Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

If everyone else was doing it!!!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

Oatmeal

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

Yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?

Love potion #31 (baskin-robbins)

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

Their Smile

15. RED OR PINK?

Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?

Too judgemental (but I am working on it!)

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST

Grandma Jo

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?

Yes

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

Bare foot as usual when I am at home

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

Crepes

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Boys of Summer

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

Periwinkle Blue

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?

A clean baby just out of the bath tub with baby lotion on

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Sharon

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?

YES, she is amazing!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

Ice Skating & Triathlons

27. Hair Color?

Blonde

28. EYE COLOR?

Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

No

30. FAVORITE FOOD?

Macaroni Grill’s Farfalle al sugo bianco

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

Happy Endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

Enchanted...see above!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?

Brown

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?

Fall

35. HUGS OR KISSES?

Kisses

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?

French chocolate cake

37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

Memory Keeper's Daughter

38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

A picture that Morgen colored for me

39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?

I didn't watch TV last night

40. FAVORITE SOUND?

My boys laughing

41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?

Beatles

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME???

Prague, Czech Republic

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

My calming influence with babies

44. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO VISIT THAT YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE?

Ireland

45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?

Every one's...

Bunko

Bunko at Christi's home

(front row l to r: me, Michelle, Christi, Staci Back row: Jessika, Andrea, Julie, Nikki, Kellee, Michelle S., Lori)

Bunko tonight was so much fun. I didn't win anything this time but I did get a bunko which is always fun. Christi has a beautiful new home right below Olympus High. She had a yummy dinner of chicken salad sandwiches on croissants (of which I could only eat about half), fruit, veggies, chips and salsa and these really fun little desserts from Costco that were frozen sorbet in a pineapple half, or a coconut shell. So good. After I went by Kathy's house again and this time she was home. It was so great to see her and talk with her. We talked for 2 1/2 hours about the most random things. It is great to have that kind of friend, that you can just sort of pick up where you left off a few years ago. She is an amazing person and I am really glad that I know her.

Swim Day

We are just heading out to the pool. Max invited his friend Dillon to spend the night and they are just finishing french toast for breakfast then we are going swimming. I had a great day yesterday. I went visiting teaching in the morning. Then I took Max out to his friend that lives in Pepperwood to swim. While I was out Morgen wanted to come with me so he could get some new crocs. Markus ended up getting some too. We went to two different places to find the orange ones that he wanted. Then I went back out to get Max and go teach classes at the rink. My friend Jessika was there with her son Britton and her daughter Amelie, who I haven't seen in forever. They went to Lake Powell for a week and while they were there, her husband gave Britton a mohawk. He looks like a little crazy kid with a blonde curly mohawk! Anyways, it was good to talk to a friend that I haven't heard from in awhile.

So I made dinner when I got home and Ben ate in a hurry before he left for his meeting. He is always trying so hard to do everything, I don't know how he does it. We waited for Dillon to come over and then roller bladed to the park. When we got to the spinning park we took our blades off and played tag. There is not a better interval workout anywhere that is better than a good old fashioned game of tag with your kids. I was totally sweaty when we started playing sardines. After it was dark we headed home and Dillon and I both hit the same crack in the sidewalk, since it was so dark, and went down. Dillon hit his knee and I landed head first in the bushes. We both started laughing because it was sort of funny that we went down at the same time. Dillon said his knee was fine. So after we made it the rest of the way home safely, Markus wanted to play Memory. So I made popcorn and we played until way too late. All the boys slept in until 9:30 this morning.

I have decided that I do not have the gift of writing. Some people can describe things so well, you almost feel as though you are there. I really admire that talent and wish that I could do that, but alas, I can't. So I still keep writing, just not very eloquently. I was outside the other night just as the moon was coming up and the sun was setting. It was beautiful and I was thinking about that song from American Tail, Somewhere out there. (It is probably because I had just watched America's got Talent and there was this 4 year old little girl that sang it on the show.)

I have not been able to eat much lately. I don't think that it is just because it is so hot out either. Because it was even when the weather was cooler. I choke down some oatmeal for breakfast, mostly because I know I have to eat something. Then about 4 or so I realize that I didn't eat lunch and I am still not hungry, then I make dinner and eat about half before I am totally full. My pants are falling off and I need to go buy some smaller ones today at Old Navy or something because I had to hold on to them last night at the park to keep them from sliding all the way down! I don't ever weigh myself I just usually use my pants to see if I need to lose weight or not. If they still fit then I am good, if they are too tight, I eat a little less that day. So I don't know what it is, I wonder if it could be my allergy medication. Possible. Anyways, I need to force myself to eat more because I don't want to lose any muscle. I have another tri coming up next month.

I will post some photos later from the pool. Ciao!

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

Someone sent this to me today and I thought I would post it. A message every one should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT.

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, and friend) influences the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today? Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Friends

I went to visit my friend Kathy last night. She lives on Lincoln Ln. but she used to live by me. She has been through so many trials in her life and is truly one of my very best friends. I can count on one hand those true friends who have made a difference in my life. She is one of them, but she wasn't home. I called her earlier and talked to her daughter and she said that they would be home after 7:30, but when I went at 8:30 she wasn't there. So I just left the present for her daughters graduation on the doorstep. I hope that they found it when they got home. I will try to call her today.

So the thing I was thinking about friends yesterday (while I was cleaning and listening to my Ipod) is that I have a ton of friends from the ward, bookclub, Bunko, card group, girl night, visiting teaching, the rink, working out, school, work, etc. but the truest friends that I have I would not have necessarily picked. It just happened that we were at the right place at the right time to help each other. Like a pool party and we ended up being the last ones in the pool talking for hours (and friends you know who you are, so I won't mention any names!), a baby shower talking about the uncertainties of having our first child, the long walks and the unplanned on things that change everything, the temple and praying, the funeral of her husband, and the late night talks. All of these times have really had an impact on my life because of the friends that I was with and the time they took to care. So thanks to all of you that have made a difference in my life. I owe you.

Summer workout schedule

Instead of going to work out everyday with my friend Shawna, I am going to try a later time instead. I may still go to the early weight class on Wednesdays with her, but I can't stay up late playing with my kids outside and then get up that early. I tried last week and it didn't work so well. I also tried running on Monday later, before we went to the zoo and it was way too hot.

Favorite Chore

Okay, so I know this is not the most glamorous photo. Morgen took it of me for my blog, wasn't that nice of him? It is to remind me of my most favorite chore that I do every week!

I do like to clean though, not so much the cleaning but the resulting satisfaction when it is done. I try to clean for 1 hour every week. I set the timer and start with whatever was left undone the week before then move through the list of chores until my time is up. What ever doesn't get finished has to wait until next week. That way everything gets cleaned at least once in awhile and I don't go crazy trying to get everything done in one day. I make sure that the kitchen sink is clean at night before I go to bed and start the dishwasher. That way I don't have to wake up to a messy kitchen. I do one load of laundry each day, as well as the 10 minute tidy each morning. (i.e., make beds, empty garbage's, load the dishes, pick up toys, whatever, as long as it only takes ten minutes) I learned most of these tips from http://www.flylady.com/ your free online coach, cheerleader, and fairy-godmother for decluttering and organizing your home and life! She has other great ideas as well. I just only have time to focus on these ones.

I am going to Wal-Mart now for my weekly groceries. I went three times last week because I forgot my list. I have this week's menu planned out:

Tortellini Salad w/lion house rolls

Kelli's Texas tortilla soup

Grilled chicken Caesar salad w/ french bread

marinated flank steak w/ baked potatoes & corn on the cob

Grilled Salmon w/ wild rice & fruit salad

I better go shopping. I have been thinking about my workout schedule and need to post it so I don't forget and also about my true friends. I will post on those two topics later.

Photos from the Zoo

We had so much fun at the zoo yesterday. Max loved the monkeys, Markus thought the penguins were pretty great and Aria was freaking out over the turtles! Aria actually loved all of the animals that we saw. Markus had a little accident while we were there. He was walking on the rocks and lost his balance. He had a pretty good goose egg on his forehead so I put some ice on it right away. Besides that, we all had a good time.

Monet came and picked Aria up this morning and I was so sad to have her leave. It has been so much fun having her here. She is fun but still has good manners. She said please and thank you for everything she asked for and picked up after herself. I am really impressed with Monet's parenting skills. She is a single mother who truly has her priorities straight. Thanks Monet for sharing your little sweetheart with me for a few days. She truly is a joy to have around. (Markus just whispered in my ear that he misses Aria.)

So now I better clean up my house. You can tell I have been off playing for a few days. It sure has been fun though!

Sheri's photos

My sister Sheri, that lives in Preston, sent me this link to her family photos. She had three kids and Shane had two when they met. They have Whitney and now little Jocelyn together. Check out their great photos at:

http://www.jbroadhurstphotography.com/photocart

Type in Murphy08 when it asks for the code.

Puzzles

I can not believe how fast Morgen does puzzles, it is amazing! He started this Eiffel tower puzzle yesterday after he got back from passing the sacrament to the Care Center. I was trying to help him sort out the pieces, and I couldn't even tell which ones went where. I just went upstairs after blogging, and he is finished. Wow, what an amazing mind!

Zoo Day

Aria wants to go to the zoo today. So we are heading up there around lunch time and taking a picnic. But I wanted to catch up on my weekend before I forget to do it.

Lagoon was fun and I already posted the pictures yesterday. Aria was so much fun to take there, she is a fun loving little girl. On the ride out there she told me that she loves animals and told us all the animals that we look like. She said that she is a turtle, Morgen a raccoon, Max a monkey, Markus a bear, Ben a panda, her mom a Llama, her sister Kailey a giraffe and she told me I was a lioness. One of the first rides that we went on, the paratrooper, was her favorite. It has always been one of mine as well. She said she loves to feel like she is flying, and she was pretending she was a hummingbird, when the ride kept starting and stopping to let people off. I have always loved flying and I have always thought that if I could be any animal, I would be a bird. So we put our arms out for the rest of the ride and pretended that we were birds together, so fun! She just kept making me smile all day long.

We had the lunch with Ben's co-workers at Miner's basin and waited for the prize drawing to end, but we didn't win anything. Oh, well. After lunch the power went out to the entire park. So we spent probably 2 1/2 hours walking around pioneer village taking silly photos. When the power did go back on, they told us that we get to come back any day before June 29th for free, since the power was out for so long. So we will for sure, on a week day, when it is not so crowded and we can swim at Lagoon-a-beach. We will have two extra tickets since Aria and Ben won't be with us, so Max & Morgen are going to invite a friend. Should be fun. The big boys went on the big rides and I stayed with Markus and Aria in the kid section for a good part of the day. Which I really enjoyed, I had my Ipod on and was just kicking back people watching. I love to watch people and try and figure out which ones are happy and why. It is just something I have always liked observing. I did get to go on wicked with Max and Morgen. Max came back and asked if I could go on one ride with him, since I hadn't all day. I loved it. It was WICKED! Max was so cute, he just kept giving me hugs afterwards. We were some of the last people to leave the park since Morgen wanted to go on the rocket. So we went over to it but it had already closed. What a long but fun day at Lagoon. Everyone feel asleep in the car on the way home.

Then yesterday, Markus wanted to make breakfast for his dad. So I helped him make an omelet and then we waited until he woke up at 10 to give it to him. He already bought his own Father's day gift a few weeks ago. He wanted a new video camera to tape his swimming, so he bought it and told me afterwards it could be his father's day gift. Then I prepared my lesson and we went to church after I did Aria's hair. She looked so cute with her big white bow in it! Primary is a great place to be. I really enjoyed teaching, my class has some really great kids in it. They are 11-12 years old so some of them come back from YW/YM to go to class. One boy, Jackson said he watched Max at the try-outs on Friday night. His dad is one of the other coaches in the league. I asked him how Max did and he said pretty good. He is so cute, he didn't want to be mean I could tell but he also knew that he didn't make the team. I have never been very good at that, telling the truth but not being rude at the same time. Like if someone asks if this dress makes their butt look big, I of course say no even if it does. What are you supposed to do be brutally honest? I can not lie, but sometimes I feel like I can't be totally open. You know what I mean? Anyways, he was cute about it and trying to be nice but truthful at the same time.

After church I called my dad on the way over to Pa Buck's. My parents were in Oregon at the beach eating crab! They are so adventurous and spontaneous, they decided to go up since my dad had some people he was meeting with in Eugene, they just made a vacation out of it. So we didn't go up to Heber yesterday. We just had dinner over at Pa Buck's and watched Tiger Woods make that awesome shot at the U.S. Open. Ben's sister Amy and her husband Josh were in from Las Vegas as well. They live down there now while he is a resident at the ER in LV. Josh said that he likes living there but they don't want to stay. He said that "Vegas has no soul." I thought that was a pretty good description of Sin City. It is still a fun place to visit though.

After we came home Ben fixed the trampoline net. It has been broken for awhile now. These photos are the before and after, see what you think.

I made Markus his favorite thing for breakfast this morning, bacon. But now my whole house smells like it. Oh, well. I need to clean it anyways, since it didn't get cleaned on Saturday. Maybe Tuesdays will be my cleaning days this summer instead of Saturdays.

Lagoon Fun

Flag Day

I need to remember to call Darlin today, since her birthday is today on Flag Day. Morgen is out doing the flags right now for scouts. I am going to pick up Max for his baseball awards breakfast. He had a sleep over at his really good friends house last night. Dillon called while he was at try-outs and asked if he could sleep over. Aria, Markus and I played memory while he was gone. The try-outs took like 3 1/2 hours. So after I picked Max up I asked him if he wanted to and of course he said yes. It was a good thing for him to have too, because he didn't make the all star team and was kind of bummed about that, so it cheered him up to go over to his friends house. Anyways, after the awards, we are off to Lagoon for a fun filled day at the park.

Aria in the house

Aria is so much fun to have in our home. She woke up this morning and was talking to her friend on her cell phone. I am pretty sure that most 7 year old little girls don't have cell phones. Anyways, she is a doll. She let me do her hair this morning which I love doing. And she requested Dutch Babies for breakfast. So we are having those. Then we are going to play on the tramp and play boggle with Max. So fun! She didn't quite know what to do at scout pack meeting yesterday that we went to after Max's game. So she posed for some photos instead of playing silly Olympics with the boys. What a girlie-girl!

Ben was already going out the door this morning when I woke up. He left early to ride his bike to work. What a dedicated triathlete!

Last Game

For some reason today I have been thinking about people that are lonely. I think it was when I went running at the park. I went around lunch time since it has been so cool lately, I love it that I can run later in the day and not get too hot. So anyways, I was running and looking at all the people that were there alone at the park. Some were eating their lunches alone, others were walking their dogs alone. I read a quote the other day on someones Good Reads page that talked about the fact that most of our lives are spent alone. I will have to see if I can find it and post it out here.

"You'll never be lonely if you learn how to befriend yourself" — Unknown

That wasn't the one I was thinking of but a good one nonetheless. I need to update my GoodReads page with the book that I am reading right now. The Memory Keeper's Daughter, so far it seems okay, we will see how it turns out. Morgen has a book he wants me to read when I am done that he loved called FableHaven. So I have plenty of reading to do. I guess I should try befriending myself, then I wouldn't be so lonely and have so much time to read! j/k :)

It was Max's last sidewinder's game tonight. He played really well and did a dive into second that was crazy. Then he got out at third but only because the third baseman tripped him. They lost 10-5 but it was a good game and they tried really hard. He has All-star tryouts tomorrow at 5:00. The awards breakfast is on Saturday a.m. It is a good thing that he loves baseball so much. I am really starting to love it too. Monet came and dropped Aria off to me while I was at the game being a score keeper. She is going to LA for 5 days and I am watching Aria for her. She is such a cute little girl. I actually saw Ben at Max's game tonight for a minute. He came late and ate a hamburger while I was keeping score up in the booth. Then he left early to go to his meeting. How do you befriend yourself again, oh that is right, talk to yourself. I already do that, Markus actually came down stairs while I was writing this and said "Why were you talking to yourself?" I hadn't even realized that I was! Well, it is late so I am off to bed. Ben is still at high council meeting.

Time

I have been thinking a lot today about time and what it can teach us in our lives. I have learned so much in the past 16 years, since I got married, but I still have a lot to learn.

I saw a movie recently that said that when teaching your children about the future, rather than teaching them about making plans, you should just tell them to plan to be surprised. I thought that was really good advice. Life doesn't always turn out the way you planned, but it does have surprises.

So I took my boys swimming today. Since it was still 60 outside, we went inside to the Park Center pool. After we played on the slides and stuff, I went to do some laps in the competition pool while they took a shower and bought treats. They were going to play the DDR game as well, but I was finished before they finished their treats. They took a long shower! I love my boys and they are so much fun to do things with.

I went to Wal-mart for groceries and made spaghetti (Morgen's request) when I came home. Then the night games started and I did some blogging. I love it!

Home run

Max did it, he hit a home run! I had just got back from taking Markus to the bathroom, when he did it. So I didn't have the video camera on but it was so cool. He was the tenth batter, full-count, 2 outs and his coaches told him to hit it if the ball came anywhere near him. So he did. He ran like crazy and made it all the way home! He was SO excited. He told me that everybody came out of the dug out and high-fived him after it. They ended up winning 22-8.

It was so cute to see him having such a good time. He also had treats tonight so all of his teammates headed over to the snack shack afterwards.

Summertime

I love summer. Mostly because of the simpler way of life. I go from doing way too much to hardly anything at all. I usually try to have a backyard slip and slide party on the first day of summer vacation, but it was a little too cold for that today. So we just rode bikes and played baseball instead.

I noticed these flowers blooming today and was thinking about Shannon Hansen, who used to live next door. She planted them and then they moved a few years ago. The new neighbors were renting and weren't really taking care of that side of the flower bed so I kind of just took it over. I don't think they mind, and it really looks much better. Only I don't know how to tell which things are flowers and which ones are weeds. So I think in past years I may have whacked these flowers before they bloomed and had no idea what would have happened if I had just waited. They are beautiful, I just wish I could figure out what kind they are.

Oh, I almost forgot. I quit my job today at Challenger. I really couldn't leave my kids every day this week for training from 10-3. So I called first thing this morning and told them that I wouldn't be in and then I took all my uniform stuff in to Miss Brenda and gave her some cookies that I made. I really enjoyed working there, and I may want to go back someday. I am going to finish nursing school first and then I will see. While I was up in Holladay, I went up Valley View to Wander Lane. I love the house up there with the stream right next to it. I think the artist Donna Barton used to own it, although I don't know if she does now. I used to walk past it everyday thinking about how much fun it would be to live in it. That seems like a life time ago when Morgen was a baby. I loved to go on walks everyday with him in his stroller. Just being outside is so much fun to me. I found this quote the other day and love it.

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." — Anne Frank (Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl)

New Calling

So I got called into the Bishop's office today at church. Ben was at the Homestead ward and the Bishop asked if he was. So I knew it was for a new calling right away. I am being released from my cake calling of Stake YW sports director to teach primary. I will still be doing the scout advancement calling as well. Which is pretty easy, so I think it will be okay. I will have to see how it goes.

Jeremy's mom, Nina, who lives on Walker Lane and used to have a ghost in her house, invited us over for his birthday dinner. We already went to his party at Buca Di Bepo but she forgot about his birthday and felt really bad, so she had a big party for him at her home. Markus did not want to go inside to use the bathroom by himself and I had to take him, he was too scared!

After the dinner, we stopped by Ma Buck's for a visit. Pa Buck went to Banff, Canada yesterday.

Then the boys all went out to play street ball and night games. Let summer begin!

Salem Triathlon

The Salem spring Tri was really fun, considering the race directors cancelled the bike. :( It was really raining badly when the race was supposed to start, so they probably made the right call. However, after the swim started, the rain stopped and by the time I would have been riding it was pretty clear. So the run was at least not too wet. It was, by the way, my best run time yet in a tri. (Probably because I didn't bike first!) Oh, well, maybe one of these tri's will actually have all three events! The swim was really fun, probably because the pond was so warm, and because it was shortened due to the rain. So it only took me 10:11 or something like that. I had a hard time seeing the last buoy because my goggles were fogged up, but other than that I think it went pretty well.

The run started off terrible. I hurried and grabbed my jacket in transition because I was freezing and I should not have. I was trying to put it on and my race number belt at the same time as I was running and I kept dropping my belt. Three times I had to stop and pick it up! I should have just left it and come back for it after the race. Oh, well, it probably only cost me 30 seconds tops, but still. Maybe I would've been 2nd instead of 3rd. Who knows? Actually I missed 2nd place by 8.1 seconds. Whatever, I don't really care other than I felt stupid having to pick it up so many times. The guy behind me was getting a good laugh. He actually picked it up for me once. So I learned a new thing from my mistake. That is good right? I will try to keep learning from my mistakes and find the humor in them. Isn't that what life is about?

Clown Day

Clown day at Challenger is what they call the last day of school. They had circus animal cookies for a snack and a parade of the kids and staff dressed up like clowns. This outfit was the best I could come up with, complete with orange soccer socks and my running shoes. Nice! Whatever, Markus thought I looked like a clown, so who cares how goofy I like in the photos, right? I was talking to Ren's mom (Ragen Rampton, spelling?) and she was telling me about going to Olympus Jr. High and how there were drugs back in her day, so she wasn't too surprised by my Churchill story.

The only bad thing was that I still needed to go teach skating afterwards to my Friday students, with my orange hair! I kept forgetting how silly I looked until I realized people were looking at me at Wal-Mart rather strangely. I don't think I will take up being a clown any time soon.

Later (with my hair still orange) I went to Noodles & Co. for a carbo-load dinner before the triathlon in Salem. Since it is our anniversary on Wednesday, we are celebrating early by going down to Payson and staying at the Comfort Inn so we can do the Tri tomorrow.

Last day of school

At least for Max. He had his awards ceremony today and found out who his teacher is for next year. He was so excited to have Mrs. MacCasland, who most of his friends got as well. He sure has a cute bunch of friends at school and they really get along so well. He had one friend who didn't get the same teacher and he came up to Max and "We can still play soccer at recess right Max?" So fun. Anyways, he received an award for being in the top ten % in the nation for the Iowa tests. But he was more concerned in finding out who would be in his class next year.

In the afternoon, Max had his first day of scouts as a bear. He said it was fun. Then I went to teach skating. I am going to teach on Thursday afternoons this summer, instead of Fridays.

Max was supposed to have a baseball game tonight but it was rained out. So I went to swim class instead at the sports mall. I really could tell that I haven't been to the class for awhile, it was hard to keep up with the guys I used to be faster than. Oh, well. After that I came home and fixed dinner.

LAX

Morgen's last LAX game was rained out in Park City. He has had such a great time playing this season and I think he wants to play again in the fall.

Today was also his last day of seventh grade at Churchill Jr. High. I went to pick him up and take some photos with his teachers and while I was there, I needed to use the restroom. So Morgen and Markus waited outside while I went in the women's room. While I was in the stall I heard a couple of girls say, "Hey Mitch, come on in, no one is in here." He came in and I could see his red and white shoes underneath the door. He pulled out a plastic bag with a bud in it and the girls were asking him why it was so small and he said it was because he didn't have that much weed. I could NOT believe I was hearing all this, I almost fell on the floor!!! So I waited until they left and hurried out to ask Morgen which way the boy that went in the girls room had gone. He hadn't noticed but Markus did and we went and told the principal, Mr. Holbrook, who then had us point him out to him and sign a statement. They found him and the drugs were still in his pocket. The police were just pulling in when we left. What kind of a world are we living in? Honestly, I thought those kind of things were not at Churchill, man was I wrong!

Later, I went to girl night at Paradise bakery out in Sandy. We were supposed to meet at 8, so I arrived a few minutes after. While I was waiting for everyone else I started to read the paper and it was talking about the Cottonwood High men's baseball team winning state and their star player who made MVP. Pretty cool. Heidi (Hanks) Lindsay came at 8:15 and was telling me about the house fire she had a few weeks ago. They had five thousand dollars worth of damage done to their house from the ceiling fan in the bathroom. I feel so bad for her. Olivia came as well as Laurie and Kelli around 8:40. They close at 9, so we ate some soup and their yummy cookies until they kicked us out. Then we sat in Olivia's car in the parking lot for another hour and 1/2 until Kelli's poor back was killing her from turning around in her seat to talk to us. (She is 9 months pregnant) What a crazy girl night. We talked about all the usual stuff, boobs, sex and babies! Oh and bikini waxing (is it a good idea or not?) I love that I have such good friends to goof around with. I felt really bad though since I forgot Laurie's birthday present and Heidi's. It is Heidi's big 40 on Sunday.