Thanksgiving--Rock Band style

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! Kristopher is here visiting us. It has been two years since we last saw him---too long!

Isabel just LOVES Kristopher! When she comes in the room crying from something the boys did, she goes right past me and Jared and clings to Kristopher's leg. Yesterday we were at the Renaissance festival and she only wanted to be carried, or have her hand held, by him. Then, last night we came home from The Nutcracker. We picked her up from Natalie's house and she came in running. I got down into my usual stoop, ready to pick her up and swing her as we celebrated being reunited---oh no.... She ran right past me and into Kristopher's arms. I was shafted! :)

Thanksgiving was spent with dear friends, the Bigneys and the Paces. And before our dinner, our wonderful friend and next door neighbor, Emily brought over her first-ever pumpkin pie for us. Isabel ran from the other room right into her arms. She is such a delight! We love Emily and Kurt.

This year Thanksgiving was tradition, with a twist. We had four of the most amazing turkeys ever cooked. Two cajun deep-fried, some kind of berry-infused brine turkey, and a jalapeno garlic turkey (courtesy of Jared, of course!). They were all sooooo good!

After stuffing ourselves with all the delicious food, the men-folk "retired to the den" to play Rockband. It was clear from early on that the planned board game was never going to happen, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. We all had a lot of fun singing and playing as 10 children under the age of 10 ran around us. Good times.

The next day we traveled to Plantersville, TX and hour and a half away to join in the festivities of the Renaissance festival. It was like medieval Disneyland. Great fun. The boys got swords and were swordfighting amongst each other all day. Ethan is really into the whole knight, King, Queen thing. He likes for me to "knight him." I knighted him and congratulated him for killing all 'ogres, dragons, creatures, and anything ugly'. He quickly reminded me, "don't forget to say 'bad guys'!" I love my kids so much.

There was food, entertainment, and just an overall feeling of being transferred in time. One funny thing was how many of the "cast" loved Jared's Thundercats t-shirt. They would call out, "Thundercats! Ho!" It was like King Arthur meets Anime.

After a big day at the festival, we spent the evening with some of our other dear friends, John and Shey Moniz. They took us to see The Nutcracker. It was my first time ever seeing it. It was a wonderful evening. Spending time with them is always fun because they have such great stories to tell. They too love Isabel and she adores them.

So, after a day of seeing men in medieval tights all day, and spending the evening at the ballet---I have had my share of men in tights for at least a year---maybe more.

I hope our Christmas in even close to as wonderful as our Thanksgiving.

Merry Christmas!

Fabulous Fathers

This post is kind of a "count your many blessings", but that was not it's original intent.

Sunday we had dinner with Jared's good friend from Palmyra, Sarah Dahneke Hedengren and family. Her parents, Marilyn and Barton were visiting which was a plus---I love them.

What I came away with was how wonderful the men in our lives are. Jared is on the high council in our new stake so after spending three hours of church with us, he drove an hour away to spend three hours of church with the branch that he is assigned to.

John was gone to an additional meeting when we arrived at their house, helping boys get their eagle scout.

As the dads came home there were the traditional, "yeah! Daddy is here!" shouts of jubilee and hugs and kisses.

Then I was so impressed to watch as John helped with dinner, cleared the table, emptied the dishwasher, played (not watched, but played) with the kids upstairs so that we could all visit.

I saw "Papa" Dahneke help with the kids outside and at dinner.

Then as we left, the kids were screaming to drive home with dad in his car and he, of course, obliged by transferring car seats over for them.

Anyway, I was just overcome with gratitude for good men who work so hard and are dedicated to doing what is right.

Pokemon Mediator: You Think Your Day Was Bad!

Today Tyler came home crying accusing Landon of trading his Marwaok pokemon to another boy at school. Landon denied it was ever Tyler's and quickly the Pokemon war ensued.

Tyler had a perfect memory of every card traded, all there names and the location, time of day, what we had for dinner that night, and what we all were wearing at the time the trade took place.

I quickly realized this was an argument for which I was of no use.

Here is a sample of a much more complicated dispute:

Landon: "No I didn't take Marwaok, Tyler!"

Tyler: "Yes, you did Landon!"

Landon: "I never traded that card with you. Why would I trade Eggcutor for Marwaok when it has a higher hp?"

Tyler: "Yes, you did! You traded Infernape, Stealix, Motham, Galade for Arceus with your friend!"

Landon (thinking): " Okay, well I gave the Marwaok to my friend for the Vespequin, but I don't have it because he stayed home from school today."

Mom: "Landon, when you get your Vespequin, give it to Tyler.

Jared ran 10 miles!

Okay- This is happened two weeks ago. I am slow! But Jared wasn't slow! He ran a 10 mile race and did awesome. He ran faster than his training time.

It was such a fun day for the family. The boys and I ran the 1 mile kid's race before. Landon legitimately beat me. He probably ran a 7:30 mile. He started at the back of the group of 100 or so kids and he finished in the top ten.

There was all-you-can-eat food from several vendors after the race---Ethan was in heaven and still continues to refer back to that "day where we got to eat all we wanted" as a "good day".

I have pictures of the kids in jackets and our fleece BYU blanket---It was a chilly 65 degrees that morning! We are so pathetic!

Speaking of kids who legitimately beat me---The day has come. My kids are both faster and smarter than I am---already! Tyler beat me at chess yesterday. He had me in check within three moves and continued chasing me down until he got me in check-mate. I only had one of his pawns. It was amazing. He was using all these terms like, "I skewered you" and working in combination moves. I had no idea what in the world he was talking about.

U2 360 Tour

Last night I got to go see Bono and friends at the U2 concert! Super-fun. Poor Jared got tickets last March or something and was so excited to go, but got called to D.C. for work! He was really disappointed. I got to take Denise and we had a great girl's night out.

We had tickets on the floor. I kept teasing Denise that she was going to get lifted up in the mosh (sp) pit since she weighs like 95 lbs. I told her I was going to hold on to her ankle so we didn't get separated.

I have never been at a concert on the floor, or that close to the stage before. The acoustics are actually really good on the floor. I am usually a little dissapointed at concerts in a big arena like the Reliant Center because it never sounds very good. This was awesome!

Bono may be getting a bit older, but he still rocks the house. He was all over the place. "He moves in mysterious ways..." :)
I would post a pic, but they are on my cell phone and they just look like a blur.

I think these pics are cute of the kids looking out for each other. I love the one where the boys are doing Isabel's hair. The look on Tyler's face as Landon tries to figure out how to do a ponytail is priceless.

First day of school

Here are the pics of the first day of school for the boys. Landon and Tyler get to ride their bikes now. It is funny how they have this new sense of freedom. It is great for me. No drop-offs or pick-ups.

Ethan started pre-school with me and two other moms and their kids. We rotate teaching every three weeks. Ethan is in HEAVEN! When I picked him up from his first day of school he yelled, "that was AWESOME!"

Isabel gets to participate when I teach and she has claimed her own little box of school supplies. It is funny to watch her mimick the older kids. She knows her colors thanks to Elin's girls teaching her over the summer.

Great day to be an Astros and a Cougar

Saturday was a great day to be a sports fan---if you are an Astros and a Cougar, that is. Although we missed the Cougars play in Dallas, we did get to see the Astros beat the Phillies.

We were invited by Baker Botts to watch the game in their suite at Minute Maid park. It was family night so the kids got to come. They got a real kick out of an all-you-can-eat buffet of peanuts, cracker jacks, hotdogs, cookies, nachos, ice-cream, and chicken strips.

Pioneer Trek family reunion 2009

Jared and I had a great time at my mom's family reunion. (Barnes family). We went to Martin's Cove in Wyoming where the Martin handcart company was rescued. My great-great grandmother Margaret Ellen Clegg, came across as a baby. She was 13 months-old when they arrived in SLC.

The church has a mission there that is operable during the summer months. Visitors can camp down the road, then take the "re-created" trek during the day. It was such a great experience. The missionaries take you along and every mile or so tell stories and events that occurred on the trail. It was fun, spiritual, and educational.

Below is my contribution to a book my aunt is putting together of our insights and experiences. I thought I would post it as well.

(p.s.--some of us dressed up for the occasion. Jared did too. He wore his BYU shirt in honor of Brigham sending in the rescuers! :)

"How could God let this happen?" This is the cry of many who lack faith in God and his purposes, it is often said when good things happen to bad people. Some who witness a tragedy may be compelled to ask, "Where was God?" Or those who the tragedy happens to may be tempted to ask, "Why did this happen to me?" During our trek I was most impressed with the testimony given over and over from the pioneers that they knew God lived and that they felt so near to him. It seemed to go against the natural tendency to complain and question God and his purposes in hard times. What was it about the Martin handcart company and their adversity that brought them to know God lives? What was different about those saints that they could find tender mercies in the midst of such suffering when others, in easier circumstances, are so quick to question God, or betray what they once knew to be true? During our trek, and since, I have reflected on these differences. All throughout scripture we learn of a pattern the Lord has for refining his people. One aspect of his pattern is to lead them through a wilderness. One of the missionaries in the beginning devotional asked to reflect on our "handcarts" today. Instead of modern-day personal handcarts, I would like to speak of personal wildernesses. First, let me speak of scriptural wildernesses. Adam and Eve were lead to a wilderness, Abraham was lead to a wilderness, he Israelites were lead, then wandered in the wilderness. John the Baptist grew up in a wilderness, Lehi and his family were lead through the wilderness. In Lehi's dream he was lead through a wilderness before coming to the path, Enos speaks of the Lamanites who wandered in the wilderness as a blood thirsty people, the Jaredites were lead through a wilderness, Moroni had to live out the remainder of his days in a hidden wilderness. The pioneers were lead through multiple wildernesses, the Martin handcart company suffered in the wilderness. What is it with the Lord and wildernesses? As we study each account of the people in the wilderness, there is a common theme throughout: those who had faith in the Lord were lead by him, and those who did not have faith wandered. The Israelites were lead out of Egypt but as they lost faith and became disobedient, they were left to wander until through their trials they either perished or learned to look to the Lord. In Lehi's dream, he was lead through the wilderness by a man in a white robe. It was dark and dreary, but he was still being lead--he was not alone. By following with faith, he was eventually brought out of the dark and to the path and the rod which lead the way to salvation. In real life, Lehi and his family were alone in the wilderness, but the Lord sent a tender mercy: the Liahona. And why were the Jaredites in the boat for as long as they were? The Lord could have brought them to the Americas faster than he did. What did they learn in their wilderness that they could not have otherwise learned? We all have wildernesses. Sometimes they come just as a matter of life, sometimes we cause them, sometimes the Lord provides them for us. What I have learned is that what we do in our wildernesses determines our outcome and determines our faith in God. Findng God in the middle of the trial is key. After the women's pull, and at the end of the day I was convinced that the pioneers were being helped along the way by heavenly means. I am a healthy woman who exercises each day, I eat healthy food, and I am well-rested. I didn't have to look for my food or prepare a fire, I was wearing great shoes and the weather was good, and after visiting the Beehive house, I saw that I am twice the size of those pioneer women, yet I could barely pull the cart up one hill, and at the end of 6 miles and I was exhaustd from a long day, I realized that I had only gone half the distance that the pioneers went in one day. I am convinced of the accounts of pioneers who felt heavenly beings pushing their carts with them. When we look for God, we find him and he helps us. When we leave him out of our lives and determine to go about things our own way, we are left to our own strength. Making and keeping covenants were never meant to promise a person a life of ease. They were meant to promise a person strength through trials. We are promised that we can walk and not be weary and run and not faint, but we must still walk and we must still run. The Lord will support our efforts as we strive to become more like him. President Hinckley referred to the Cove as sacred. Another place I have been that is sacred and the Spirit is strong, is Liberty Jail. Two places where great suffering occurred. When suffering is done over the altar as a sacrifice to God, he consecrates our efforts and seals our sacrifice to him. This is done through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is why we can feel the Spirit so strong in these places. In our personal wildernesses, in our homes, our families, in our church callings, we can have this same Spirit when we have faith and hope in the Lord that he will mend hearts, perform miracles, and strengthen faith-- we will see the power of God at work in our lives. We will find those tender mercies and proclaim that we know God lives and answers prayers.

Powerful Laryngitis

Sunday we had an amazing RS lesson on charity. The teacher used a definition for meekness that really resonated with me. She described it as "power under control". Then we were reading in 1 Cor. 13 about what you are not without charity. You are as "sounding brass and tinkling cymbals" and "nothing". One sister said, "You are powerless."

We all related with the sounding brass and tinkling cymbals as nagging and yelling at our kids all day. We as women have a lot of influence, but how we use it is imperative to how much power we actually have.

So I made a personal goal for the millionth time to be better at my tone of voice and requests of others, etc.

The Lord is kind and immediately blessed me the next day---Laryngitis.

Pictures

These are random pics from the last month or so.

Ryan, Ann, and Baby Owen came to visit. It was wonderful for us to see them. I hope the feeling is mutual since we got all three of them sick with the stomach flu. (10 out of 11 in the house got it. Ethan is immune somehow)

Up!

Yay for "UP"!

I love Pixar. My love for them equals my frustration with Dreamworks. This movie was funny, good message, great story, creative.

I left not feeling at all guilty for all the money we spent---Man! movies are so expensive!

Hey What's the Deal?

I titled this post from a question raised by Pete, "Hey what's the deal? Nothing going on this past month?"

Unfortunately, like my private journal, the eventful parts of my life have no record! I get so busy that when I have a break I just want to sleep.

So life has taken a much appreciated "slow-down" and I plan to update again. Although, now I have nothing exciting to post. hmmm.

This last month has been full of fun changes. Seminary graduation, changing jobs, and the foster kids have started transition.

Graduation was great. I felt like a kid again when summer comes around and I get to stay up late and sleep in.

Staying up late and having Jared home at a religious hour has been wonderful! We are happier everyday with Exxon. He loves his work, loves his office, loves the hours, loves the people he works with, loves the benefits---seriously, this is the most relaxed I have EVER seen him in our marriage since our honeymoon.

A lot of good has come out of having them here. It has been challenging, but we have been helped and blessed (did I say how much we love Exxon?) in many ways.

When the kids came I started a field journal to notate all the changes they made. When I go back and look at it I am amazed at the difference in vocabulary, physical fitness, and behavior. It has been good for me to see that what I do as a mom is really making a difference in my kids now, as well as an investment for the future.

So life is lookin' good---

In-house for ExxonMobil

The big news around here is that Jared has accepted an offer to be an attorney for ExxonMobil. We are really excited about this.

We have really appreciated Baker Botts and the opportunities it has provided. It has been difficult leaving them because he loves the people he works with so much. I have been to dinner with his whole group and their significant others and enjoyed each one of them.

He starts work for Exxon on May 26th. The hours fit a family lifestyle better and the company is a great company. We are lucky to be assigned to a refinery just 30 minutes away. He will be working at the Baytown refinery for three years with another attorney. Whatever comes their way, they will tackle. It sounds pretty exciting. After that he will receive a new assignment at a new location.

We are thrilled at the prospects of living overseas. That may never happen, or at least not for awhile, but a girl can hope!

Occupation: House Guard

I am every woman, but the woman I like best is House Guard! I taught today out of the book of Titus. Paul teaches the younger women to learn these lessons from the older women:

Love your husband
Love your children
Be good
Be chaste
and to be KEEPERS AT HOME.

These are all fabulous "old school" lessons, especially for women today, but I have never liked the term "housekeeper". On forms when you have to fill in "housekeeper" for occupation it always seems so degrading. I do so much more than clean my house. Besides, people who work clean their house, so what sets me apart as someone who stays at home to clean my house? When I fill that section out I always end up feeling like a slacker.

The Greek translation of the word "keeper" is "guard". I like the title "House Guard" much better In fact, I think I will start writing that on those dumb forms. (maybe I will put House Guardian so that I don't sound like a bulldog).

"House Guard" describes what I do so much better. I am keeping evil influences out of my home and my children's lives. I monitor what goes in those heads and out of those mouths. I am able to be involved with their choice of friends, media, and entertainment. I make certain that they are eating what they should, that they are studying as they should, and that they are learning the scriptures as they should.

I am a House Guard.

LDS Movers-R-Us

LDS Moving Company: "We move for blessings". Every Elder's Quorum member knows what I am talking about! Tonight we went to visit a widow/new member of our ward. She is 90 years-old and wants to be my kids' "Houston Grandma." Her kids are out of state and our grandparents are out of state--works out.

I asked her what inspired her to get baptized at 90 years-old. She said that after her husband died she needed to move to a different home closer to the hospital. The people from her church sent over two guys and one truck to help.

When our church found out about her they sent the whole crew, she described. She was so impressed that she looked into it, and voila she got baptized.--Love it!

Of course, before going over I prepped the boys on why we were going and so forth. Tyler was to tell her that he will be getting baptized and to ask her why she got baptized. When it came time for him to talk he just kept saying, "I don't want to ask her anything."

Then, Ethan, sweet, always-has-the-best-things-to-say Ethan is given an opportunity to speak. What comes out of the mouth of that angel?----"We are all going to DIE!"

Not such a hot impression on our new grandma.

Armpits For My Birthday

Bad Guys Beware: Ethan is going to wrap you up in armpits!

A couple of days ago Ethan asked me for "armpits" for his birthday. At first I thought that he was mis-pronouncing a word so I kept asking him to repeat himself. Sure enough, clear as day, he wanted armpits. He talked about it all day long.

I asked him what he was going to do with them. He said he wanted to "wrap up the bad guys." I thought, well I guess that is pretty good torture to put a nice sweaty, smelling armpit over a bad guy's face. It brought back memories of some of the wrestling holds my brothers would put me in as a kid.---pure torture. Waterboarding ain't got nothin' on that.

As the day went on he kept asking for them, I was given a suggestion to have him draw them, but as he is three, the drawing was just circles. That didn't help since armpits are circular in nature. :)

Then, I asked him what color they were. He said, "Umm, maybe white, yeah, I want white."

Apparently he likes Caucasion armpits.

The next day was Tommy's birthday (the boy we care for). I asked the boys what I should get for his birthday. Of course Ethan pipes up with, "Maybe he would like armpits."

Finally, after some good questioning, Landon figured out what he really wanted-----handcuffs!

Happy Girls, Sad Boys

Can you tell which kids were good in church and which ones just lived through a "mama bear" tongue lickin' and time-out for irreverence in Sacrament meeting?

Besides that, the day was great. We always have fish and honey and bread for Easter to celebrate Christ eating with his apostles, post-resurrection.

We started with Honeycomb cereal for breakfast.

Dinner was swordfish, honey, french bread, mediterranean noodles, and grape juice.

Don't Try This at Home

Jared heated up a boiled Easter egg in the microwave today. (I still can't figure out why---aren't boiled eggs better cold?)

After opening the microwave and putting his hands in to get the egg, it exploded! Hot egg got in his eye and it took a few moments to determine if I was going to have to find a babysitter for six kids on Easter.....I mean to determine if he was blind in one eye. :)

It's Easter, Not Carnival

Happy Easter everyone-

When I found out that Landon was a boy in the ultrasound my first thought was, "Yay! clip-on ties!" I love clip-on ties.

When I found out that Isabel was a girl my first thought was, "Yay! Easter dresses!"

I was shopping for an Easter dress this year. What happened to little girls' dresses? They aren't cute and frilly like they used to be. My mom has a way of always finding the "birthday cake" princess dresses. She found one for Isabel that is adorable. This year I needed to get one for Angelina, who is older. This posed a bigger challenge.

I thought that I was alone in my quest for a modest, little girl dress. But as I was looking I heard another mom say to her sister, "Where do they think these girls are going---a nightclub?" I started to laugh and joined in with them and their frustration.

Thankfully I found the last (literally) cute, modest dress, and it matched perfectly with the one Isabel already had---fate! :)