This Is My Joy

Like mother like daughter ...

2012-01-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

I love this picture :)

We Are Well Able

2011-12-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

It's amazing, isn't it, to look back on the years past and remember where we were, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc? Last year, I was ready for this year. I even went so far as, if you'll remember, to use the words of a personal hero of mine, Caleb, when he proclaimed 'Give Me This Mountain!" (Joshua 14). Apparently, the Lord took that to heart, as 2011 was a year of beautiful trials for our family. It's easy, at the end of the year, to call them beautiful trials when you can see where they have led ... they have most definitely brought my sweet family closer together as we have marched through our journey together. We spent half of 2011 away from each other, and half of it together, away from family. Through the whole of the year, though, we've been blessed to realize the strength that we gain through relying on our relationships with each other, and our relationships with our Lord. We have gained new friends, learned new things, experienced so very much, and are different people because of it (better, I hope, but different for sure).

So I may have been overly optimistic last year with my bold declaration, and we definitely faced a few mountains (or hills, I guess ... we cannot discount our enormous blessings); this year, I believe I will adopt a more tentative mantra and say "we are well able..." (Numbers 13) because if there is anything I have learned the last year it's that although we all ought to be able to proclaim that we are prepared to be "given this mountain', when we have received it (and we most certainly will) it doesn't come by itself. When our trials are handed to us, so are the tools needed to overcome ... and we will find that "we are well able", indeed.

So welcome, 2012!!! We are excited for more adventures! We leave Virginia next week (with mixed emotions -- we have truly loved it here, and have enjoyed relying on each other more than ever) but we are looking forward to seeing our family and friends, and seeing what the next chapter of our lives has in store! I will admit, I am excited to be putting the army on the shelf for a while, and seeing what being a 'Reserve' family actually means! I am looking forward to Jeremey finding a '9-5', and looking for a home ... I am excited to get settled in someplace where will we stay for a while. I guess I am just very ... excited for 2012.

I have a lot of resolutions, many of which I'm sure will either end up on the cutting room floor, or else be tossed along the way, but I want to share one with you that I'm VERY excited about. Just yesterday, I was talking to Jeremey about how I'd like to branch out this next year and start working on more of the standard works, and today, I found this link with a schedule to read the entire standard works in one year. ALL OF THEM! I am so excited .... anyone want to join me??

SCRIPTURE UNIVERSITY

I hope that this year brings you and your families all the blessings and joy that you deserve.

the children were nestled ...

2011-12-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

I have been so worried this year ... about the lack of magic. You remember? When you were little, and Christmas took forever to get there, and the whole month was magical? I was worried my kids weren't feeling it, and I was super sad. Today, I realized I had nothing to worry about :) The morning dawned bright and early with the discovery that Lilly (our elf on the shelf) had set our traps for us (a Willson tradition, dating from Jeremey's childhood ... the elf's set traps on Christmas Eve so no one sneaks out to see Santa ... then Christmas morning, you have to find your way through the traps to get to your presents) to practice, and at the end of the traps, there was some presents from Lilly!!

She brought Fancy Nancy Dolls!! The girls played with them all day, in between watching the Santa Tracker ....

We had a yummmmy dinner, and then decorated our Gingerbread Men for Santa!

Well, one of us decorated ....

We got new Christmas jammies ... and surprise, surprise, there were some for our new dolls, too!!

We sang in front of the tree, and did our 'Christmas Interviews' for Daddy ...

And then we begged mom and dad to get on with it so Santa could come! (Annie was WIRED all day! By the end of the night, she was running in circles screaming. Literally.)

We fed the reindeer ...

wrote letters to Santa, and put out our cookies ...

and now the children are nestled all snug in their beds!! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!

a little bit of history

2011-12-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

I love American history. Love love love it. I was thrilled to have the chance to live back here for a while and have the chance to visit so much history. Jeremey and I came a few years ago, but didn't have enough time to absorb it all. I honestly don't know if they'll ever be enough time. We've had an absolutely amazing time back here, but the highlight of my trip so far has been our tour of the White House. It was absolutely incredible. It was the one thing I was determined we would do ... and last week, a little bit of history came to life for me :)

Every time we head up to DC, we take the metro. The kids love to ride the train, and they always want to stand up. Like the whole time.

When we went into the White House, they had a letter writing booth for Christmas Cards for the Troops. Abbie and I wrote a few. I love that they did this :)

Then we moved onto our tour (it was self guided, with secret service agents posted in each room to ask questions.) This was perfect, we had time to see all we wanted to and enjoy it without having to hush the kids so everyone could hear, and then hustle from room to room with a group. I'm so glad we went at Christmas time!! They go all out at the White House, it was absolutely beautiful. It takes 150 volunteers 4 days to decorate.

Look at these snowflakes!! Every window had either snowflake art or beautiful wreaths. With all the trees, wreaths, and garlands, it smelled incredible.

You'll have to forgive the pictures, we weren't allowed to bring our cameras, but when we got there they said if we had camera phones, we could use them.

Abbie and Annie with the First Dog, Bo.

Hillary :)

I went a little crazy for the China. This is George W.'s pattern. It was my favorite.

This was my favorite room. I loved that they're rooms that are still in use, often. They shut it down for tours a few times a month, and the rest of the time they're fully functioning. It made it a little more exciting, to hear about the visitors and things that had taken place in these rooms, both historically and recently.

This is the room that the China was all displayed in.

How incredible is this nativity?!

The Green Room.

The Blue Room. It was decorated with military ribbons and medals, as well as pictures of servicemen and women. It was really neat.

When we came in here, we had just left the Green Room and the Blue Room. Abbie said, 'let me guess ... this is the Red Room? Whatever. I'd call it something cooler than that. ' It was funny :)

The White House has so many incredible chandeliers. In case you wondered.

This is the room where they host State Dinners and fancy pants stuff like that.

I fell in love with this painting. I wish I had a clearer picture of it. I was going to buy a print, but it was pouring and we had to walk 3 blocks back to the metro, and I didn't want to risk getting it wet. I ordered one instead :) I'm a huge JFK fan, and I loved this picture. A lot. Here's a better picture I found. You love it too, right? :)

My man has an extremely healthy respect for Ronald Reagan.

Since we've been here, the girls have been participating in the Junior Ranger program, at each historical site they've been getting booklets with history activities in them, and when they finish the activities they get a patch. Here they are getting sworn in as 'American Jr. Rangers' where they promised to keep learning, sharing, and respecting the history of their great country.

It was a beautiful day! Exhausting, amazing, and beautiful. Abbie earned that Bojangles and a little nap :)

Inevitable

2011-12-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

It's almost a joke at our house now .... as soon as Jeremey leaves, tragedy strikes. I'm not kidding. Generally in the form of illness or various other physical ailments (last April while he was gone, Abbie and I both had surgery. Within 6 days of each other.) Anyway, last month's FTX was no exception .... Sunday evening, Abbie started coughing. By 3:00 a.m., I was giving her inhaler treatments, the steroids from last year's croup, and trying to decide whether or not I could hold out for the instacare to open or if I should go the ER. She fell asleep and her breathing evened out, so I opted to wait. At 7:30 I had them in the car and on our way to the instacare (well, out here it's called PatientFirst). Anyway, on the way over she started hacking again. When we got there, they immediately put her on oxygen, and she improved. They took her off, and she dropped. Over and over and over. So they sent me to the hospital ... but the children's hospital is 45 minutes away, so I could either sign a release saying if something happened I wouldn't sue them, or I could send her via ambulance. That kind of freaked me out, so I decided to take the safe route. So Abbie took her first ambulance ride. And mommy and Annie followed behind.

We sat in the ER for 3 hours before they decided to admit her. Then we waited another 2 hours for a bed.

Annie was such a trooper, but she was bored out of her mind. They were in PJ's, I didn't bring any treats or activities (I really wasn't expecting the trip to the Dr. to turn into 3 days in the hospital).

We finally got admitted and discovered that the children's wing is much more cool than the ER. Abbie absolutely loved all the attention. She got a stuffed frog, she loved the food, and she kept asking us to leave and let her be there alone. The steroids made her so mean. I cannot emphasize this enough. The doctors said this was a normal reaction, but I was absolutely amazed. I mean she was mean. At one point, in the middle of the night, her oxygen levels dropped super fast (they were trying to see how long she could hold without it to see if we could go home the next day), so I called the nurse. They came in and attempted to put the oxygen tube up her nose. She woke up, turned to the nurse, and said 'get your stinking finger out of my nose. I won't ask you again. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry ... I apologized up and down, but they assured me they were used to it.

She was there from Monday morning - Wednesday evening. I got a hold of Jeremey and he wrangled a ride into town and showed up Monday night. He ran home, packed us a bag, and came and got Annie. He took her to a hotel for a night, and then brought her back the next morning because he had to report back. So Annie stayed with me at the hospital on Tuesday night. Which meant mommy slept in the chair :)

Abbie loved (loved) the hospital food. Weirdo. Mommy loved that their was a Blimpie's in the hospital.

Annie loved the playroom :)

Abbie finally got to go to the playroom on the last day ... it was good for her to finally get some energy out :) I was grateful when that medicine was out of her system and my little girl was back!

When Jeremey deploys, I'm going with him. I don't know if I can handle an extended version of the 'drill curse'. Heehee :)

* santa baby *

2011-12-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hurry down the chimney!!

Today we realized we hadn't written our letters to Santa! We've seen the man in red twice already, but we have yet to put our requests in writing. We remedied that this afternoon :)

Annie is doing really, really well with her writing. However, the idea of writing the list all by herself stressed her out (what if Santa can't read it mom?!) so we did our dots (this is her favorite method of writing, it really bothers her if her handwriting doesn't look neat. I can't imagine where she got so OCD about things!). All we can get out of her that she wants for Christmas is a Mrs. Potato Head.

Abbie's list was crazy long, but we made her whittle it down a bit (seeing as how Santa will not be bringing her a laptop, or an ipod, or a puppy) and these are what's left (besides new shoes, new clothes, and glasses with real diamonds.) She's also kind of obsessed with peace signs -- she puts them everywhere, even in her people's faces :)

What do you all want for Christmas?

* you better watch out *

2011-12-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Do you all have yourselves an Elf on the Shelf? We love our Elf on the Shelf. Her name is Lilly. She is super, super tricky ;) Lilly is ALWAYS doing something crazy! But we are on our best behavior, because she has a direct line to Santa! This morning, we woke up to this:

Abbie said 'Really, Lilly? REALLY?!'

We have the plush Lilly, because the other one freaks mommy out a little bit :)

This morning we went to Breakfast with Santa!! We had yummy pancakes, bacon, fruit, and orange juice!! After Breakfast, our Elves took us around Santa's Village!! We visited the Snow Shop, where Abbie and Annie got to go in by themselves and pick out presents for mom and dad, and have them wrapped so we never got to see them!

We did Bingo...

met the Snow Princess...

walked through the Christmas Tree Forest ...

listened to Christmas Stories read by Mrs. Clause herself ...

and then sat on Santa's lap (again! We saw him last night at the mall, after we watched Arthur Christmas)!! It was so much fun! We are having such a magical Christmas season!

I'm loving this magical Christmas with my little angels :)

* we wish you a merry christmas *

2011-12-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

Create a digital greeting

* oh little town *

2011-12-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Jeremey headed out for his last FTX of the course.

Generally, the kiddos and I have 'girls night' when he's gone, we get takeout and watch

'Hairspray' or '7 Brides for 7 Brothers', but last night I decided we'd do something a little different. I saw an advertisement for a 'Walk Through Bethlehem' that the Hopewell Baptist Church was putting on. We've had a little bit of the 'gimmies', not to mention several appearances of 'grinchy' behavior, and so this seemed to be the perfect way to help the kiddos understand what Christmas is all about.

It was magical.

The church itself was absolutely gorgeous, and while we waited for our turn to be escorted through Bethlehem, we were serenaded by their youth gospel choir. Annie was absolutely enchanted, and Abbie now wants to play the drums :) Soon, it was our turn to visit Bethlehem. I was amazed at the lengths they took to bring the Christmas story to life. The church was huge, and they had absolutely transformed it! Black tarps hung from the ceiling, with holes cut to let the 'starlight' through. The floors were covered with dirt, and the walls were lined with merchant booths. Merchants, beggars, animals (seriously ... real sheep, chickens, and donkeys!) and townspeople wandered around peddling their goods, begging for help, and finding their way to the census tables. Roman soldiers paroled the 'town', hustling off the beggars and demanding orderly presentation to the census table to be counted. We wandered around, transported back to the time of our Savior, in the town of His birth.

The girls petted the sheep...

sampled the merchants wares...

danced with the local children ... and then all the townspeople froze, the lights dimmed, and we saw two people enter the town, leading a donkey and looking around anxiously.

Mary and Joseph, looking for a place to stay. They approached the innkeeper, who told them there was no room for them in his inn. Mary looked exhausted, and Joseph was so concerned. They wandered off, the lights came back on, and the townspeople went about their business. I was in tears. I came thinking it would be such a good experience for my girls ... help them understand what it is we celebrate, what it is we should learn, but it touched something inside of me, as well. Abbie was so worried about poor Mary, and asked millions of questions (not to mention shooting some nasty looks at that innkeeper). We moved on...

and watched them bake breads and meat pies. We moved outside the church, and saw the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night. We moved outside the stable, and noticed the donkey that Joseph had tethered.

Music started playing, and a star appeared. An angel appeared....

"For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord"

(forgive the blurry picture, I was trying to keep a hold of both kids and stand still in the crowd, which was trying to move forward)

We were ushered into the stable, where we saw beautiful Mary and loving Joseph marveling over the tiny little bundle in the manger at their feet. It was beautiful.

I wish we would be here for Christmas next year. I can't imagine a more perfect start to our Christmas season.

* watch out world *

2011-11-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

We took Prince George by storm this week! Wednesday the kids were out of school, but Daddy still had a day in the field (in the rain which, consequently, is his favorite type of field-training environment. Weirdo). So we woke up early, prepped for some afternoon cooking, and took off to spend a little bit of time at the Play Room with some friends. Abbie and Annie played hard .... and earned every bit of the frozen yogurt we had afterwards!

Wednesday night was pie-baking and Thanksgiving prep. (I have been SO nervous about cooking for Thanksgiving. I was up all night worried about it) It went smoothly in the morning, and about 3 hours into the turkey cooking we heard a HUGE boom and smoke started pouring from the oven. Absolutely scared the hell out of me. I thought we were under attack. Turns out the turkey just exploded. (heehee). I about died, had a little meltdown, was comforted by my sweet husband, and then investigated. Nope, not the turkey, just the turkey bag (which needs WAY more than the suggested six ventilation holes. Way more.) I cut more holes, we aired out the kitchen, and I spent the next three hours developing ulcers. It turned out fine :) Dinner was good (not great, and I forgot to get the stuffing out of the oven where it was warming! Seriously!? Who forgets the stuffing?!) but the company was fantastic. We played Wii and Xbox, watched movies, had pie, and fell into an exhausted slumber ... then woke this morning and dove enthusiastically into Christmas prep! We put up our funny little 3-foot tree, and played out great new Christmas music

sent by sweet Suzy!! We LOVE it! Thank you! And shook our little behinds around the house improvising on our Christmas decor.

I was worried about being out here with no family and none of our *stuff*, but I have to say, that this has been a wonderful experience for our little family!! All of our decorations are either dollar store or home-made (which is actually rather charming), and we are making beautiful new traditions. We miss our family (and I do miss my Christmas decorations, most of my kitchen appliances, and my furniture) but we are discovering that home really IS where the heart is. I love my little family so very much. Our house is sparse, and everything is unfamiliar -- but we are making the most beautiful memories.

and I am having so much fun figuring out the settings on my new camera!! Here's a little sampling of our Christmas tree!

* thankful *

2011-11-24T03:48:00.000-08:00

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving ...

* thankful *

2011-11-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Yes. Yes I am.

(I think it might be in my genes --- it's my Grandma's fault, you know).

And it certainly DOES taste better in bottles.

* thankful *

2011-11-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

"At ... moments of crisis and challenge, some choose to abandon faith just at the time when it most needs to be embraced. Prayer is ignored at the very hour when it needs to be intensified. Virtue is carelessly tossed aside when it needs to be cherished. God is forsaken in the all-too-human yet mistaken fear that He has forsaken us. The truth is that our only safety, our only security, our only hope is to hold fast to that which is good. As the mists of darkness gather around us, we are only lost if we choose to let go of the iron rod, which is the Word of God." -- David S. Baxter

I am a reader. I am a huge reader, and I guess what you'd call 'consulter', or 'researcher'. If something goes amiss in my life, I immediately consult a book -- I head to the internet, the library, or the ridiculously sized self-help section of my personal library. My kids are having a problem? It must be in a parenting book -- hold on. Financial question? Oh! I've got that .... just a moment ... Health problem? Wait for it ... (that one gets me in trouble. Several times a month my 'research' has me updating my will, convinced I'm on the verge of a terrible death).

Something I've not always been fantastic at, though, is remembering that ALL of the answers are at my fingertips, provided by the greatest of all authors, the source of all knowledge. I'm getting better, though, and the comfort I find, the answers I find, the peace I find, outweighs all other comfort I go in search of. How very grateful I am to have this guide in my life.

If it's not something you're familiar with, please take the time to discover the beautiful tools the Lord has provided us. There is so much heartache in the world, but you don't have to face it alone. Go here to learn more.

* thankful *

2011-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back." - Willaim D. Tammeus

I am loving this series of posts. I know I'm not posting every day, and I don't even know if they're being consistently read or not, but I do know that I am loving realizing how absolutely blessed I am.

Today, again with everyday, I am so very very grateful to have wonderful parents. And I mean wonderful parents. I love that quote -- and how true it is. My parents are there for me, every time I wave, every time I call, and even when I don't call, they somehow know. They are always there for me -- waving back, as it were. The older I get, the more I realize how blessed I truly am. I have never realized more the calming effect my parents have on me than since I have become an army wife. I have discovered that I have a strength in me that I never thought I would have, and I owe it to my fantastic parents -- and I have also realized that I am never more child-like than when I know that they are there. No matter what happens, I can always remain strong until I know my parents are there -- I find the same strength in them that I find in Jeremey. Once they're there, I know that I don't have to do anything alone, and that I will be taken care of. After Jeremey and Annie's accident, I was strong. I was fine, I filled out all the paperwork, I made all the phone calls, I got back in my car and called my mom -- and the second she answered, I bawled like a baby. It happens when I talk to my Dad, too. I just know that they care, and that I don't always have to be okay all the time with them. It's a gift you can really only get from those whom you can be completely yourself with -- your parents, your siblings, your spouse.

They have given me wings and kept me grounded, all at the same time. I always know where they stand, and I have never doubted where their strength stems from -- my parents have remarkable testimonies, a beautiful marriage, and a lovely heritage -- a heritage I am so blessed to be a part of, and one I am proud to pass onto my children. And that is something I am truly thankful for.

* thankful *

2011-11-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

"I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.

It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at." - Maya Angelou

Today I am grateful for my sister and my brother --- well, everyday I'm thankful for them, but today I'm just acknowledging it publicly :) (Because we all know that we NEVER tell them how wonderful they are on a consistent basis, because that would ruin the sanctity of sibling'isms' -- teasing, fighting, laughing, joking, fighting --- but mostly loving.) I have the most amazing sister and brother, and I've always known this -- but in the last several years, as I've watched them tackle enormous, life changing obstacles and fight their way through brilliantly, I have realized just how remarkable they are, and what a gift it is to have them in my life. I am blessed to have a brother and a sister who are truly my very best friends --- regardless of age difference, miles, or busy lives. We are always there for each other -- we are close, and for that, I am truly, truly Thankful.

* thankful *

2011-11-13T04:50:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for our history ...

this past weekend we took our children to Washington DC. I was a little worried about how they'd respond, but we're quickly learning that Abbie's just as enthralled with history as her Mom is, and Annie is just happy to come along :) I am grateful for the beautiful history that surrounds this beautiful country of ours. I am also grateful for warm baths after two days of walking ... but FEET HURT!! We had a lovely mini-vacation --- and when I download all the pictures, I will be sure to share them with you!

* thankful *

2011-11-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the organizer, who gave us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

Today, on the eve of Veteran's Day, I, among all of us, have much to be grateful for. I am so very grateful for those who have given their all, who are even now willing to give their all, to protect our freedoms and to preserve our way of life.

I am grateful for heroes.

Especially this one. But I may be a little biased ;)

* thankful *

2011-11-08T15:39:00.001-08:00

I love words. I mean, I love words. They make me ... fulfilled. When I'm sad, I can be immediately uplifted by the right phrase, scripture, thought, quote, song ... and when I'm happy, I'm always searching for the perfect way to express the way I feel. I love hearing other people's words, I love writing down my own words, I love reading beautiful words. I just love them -- and I am honestly, truly thankful for words :)

* thankful *

2011-11-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."

It is such an easy thing to get caught up in the 'I wants', but it has been my (admittedly limited) experience that those thoughts never bring happiness, only longing and worrying and anxiousness. It has been my goal recently to enjoy every bit of every day and be grateful for everything I have. It is a really, really hard thing to do. But I can tell you that, even though I have not mastered this gift (I believe it must be a gift, because it's too hard to be learned completely!) the few minutes a day that I do manage to not want and be grateful, I am much more genuinely 'me' than the times I am longing for the things to come. Right now, these moments, are the moments that will turn me into that person I want to become, and so if I can't enjoy the process, I don't think I'll have much enjoyment in the outcome. I don't have everything I dream of right now, but I have more than I could ever want, and sometimes, dreaming together and working together is half the fun, as long as the dreams don't outweigh the gratitude for the blessings.

Forgive the ramblings -- if anyone is even reading this :) It's mostly for my benefit, my ability to look back and remember the things that came to my mind for my daily 'thankfuls'.

* thankful *

2011-11-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

"No one will ever know the strength of my love for you,

after all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds

like from the inside"

A mother .... oh, how thankful I am to be blessed to be a mother. Sometimes I have to remind myself .... you know, the ever present chant that follows the crayons on the wall and the estrogen-induced meltdowns and the independence and ... everything ... the chant that goes 'I am so blessed, I am so blessed, I am so blessed', but then, after it's all said and done, and their sweet little faces are scrubbed clean and bedtime stories are read, and then re-told, and songs are sung, and eskimo kisses are shared, and I peak in at them and see this ....

.... and I remember that I am, indeed, so very thankful.

* thankful *

2011-11-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

"True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion" President Gordon B. Hinckley

When Jeremey and I were being interviewed by our church leaders prior to our marriage, our Bishop gave us this quote. We hung it on the fridge for a while, and it got lost in one of our (many) moves. I have since written it in the front of my scriptures, and it is one of my favorites. I am beyond thankful to have married a man who embodies the spirit behind these words. Not to say he's not romantic (he is far more than I am) but it's more than that ... he takes care of me. Every day -- whether or not he's even in the same state as me, and even when I don't deserve it, Jeremey has never, ever shown me anything less than absolute love, kindness, and commitment. The man has never even raised his voice in my direction -- it's not in his nature. (I yell -- I'm a yeller sometimes, sometimes a crier, sometimes a whiner ....) but not Jeremey. He somehow sees in me a person that I really, really want to be. And he loves me for me, AND for that woman I'm trying to become (and when I say this to him, he laughs at me and tells me they're the same person -- that's love, people. He's either blinded or has mastered the art of the 'white lie'). I love him for everything that he is, I love him for everything he tries to be. I love him for how hard he works, how much he's accomplished, and for how big he dreams. I love him for the fantastic father that he's turned out to be .... these are some of my favorite pictures right now. Jeremey just doesn't take his kids to the park ... he goes with them . He's up there playing, he's balancing on the 'high beams', he's teaching them how to 'defend their forts', and then he's teaching them how to breach enemy lines. And they love it. He loves to hide behind doors and jump out at them, they squeal, and then I'll hear someone yell, Dad, are we WRESTLING now?! And he never says no... even when he's rucked 8 miles that day and has blisters on his feet and that shoulder has not yet healed from the car accident ... he's always there. He's a huge presence in our lives, even when he's not always here. And I am so grateful .... and there's no one else I'd rather be on this journey with.

I'm thankful for all you are, babe.

* thanks *

2011-11-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - JFK

I really, really love November. I love the feeling in the air ... the anticipation of holidays, the idea that there's an entire day set aside to give Thanks. Last year I attempted to do a month of thankful blogging. It was an epic failure :) However, I'm going to try again!! There is so much to be thankful for, and I hope that by focusing on all I have instead of all I want, it will become a habit that will stay a part of my life beyond just this month, and just these Holidays. I hope you'll all join me, because we are all so very blessed ...

I am grateful, first and foremost, for my Savior. I am thankful for His influence in my life, His abiding presence, His unerring influence, and His ultimate sacrifice. I hope that when all is said and done, I will have lived to be worthy of the gift He gave.

* spooktacular adventures *

2011-10-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the official donning of the Halloween outfits!! Abbie's school had a carnival, and believe me we have been excited for weeks ... Annie wanted to be a 'rainbow unicorn Hello Kitty'. We talked her down to unicorn, and found a rainbow hello kitty t-shirt to assuage the remaining necessities. However, I could not for the life of me find a unicorn costume. She fell in love with this horse costume, and I was just going to sew a unicorn horn on it. However, she looked at me like I was mad, and said of course SHE was going to wear the horn. Of course. (Forgive the fact that it looks like a party hat. I am creatively challenged ;) )

Abbie has been planning to be a bride since last Halloween. I am amazed she stuck by it this long, but stick by it she did (there was a brief waylay, where she was planning to be Smurfette, but it didn't last long)

our Halloween beauties

Annie galloped everywhere. I mean that. Everywhere.

We hit the carnival where Beazley Elementary was transformed into a Halloween Horror!! There were games, stories, performances, costume contests, treats, pumpkin lightings, a spoooky haunted house (that the girls did remarkably well in, and mom only screamed once (that scream mask seriously freaks me out)) and loads of all around exhausting fun!

Halloween tattoos (in case you can't tell, Abbie was mad. I don't recall why, as she's six years old and the mood swings are legendary)

Spider ring toss (Annie rocked this game ... I think maybe THAT'S why Abbie was mad?!)

* BOO Bingo *

which Abbie won, hence the smile :)

And after it was over, we galloped our way to the car (Annie insisted that we all gallop).

The Halloween Festivities have begun!!

* every once in a while *

2011-10-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

you meet one of those friends ... you know the 'I haven't seen you in 5 years, but we can pick up right where we left off and I'm always here for you' type of friends?

I've been lucky to have a couple of those ... and what a blessing they are :)

Abbie has been lucky enough to find one of those type of friends at a very young age ... and the best part? I quickly discovered that Abbie's little friend's mom was one of those friends for me! We miss them desperately (Abbie actually told people when she moved here that she didn't want to be their friend because she already had one. I had to do a little explaining about how it's okay to have lots of friends, and that doesn't make our other friends any less special). Wednesday when Abbie got home from school (after a 'super rough day') she got the best kind of pick-me-up in the mailbox! a PACKAGE FROM ALLIE!!

There was all kind of treats ... but the best parts were a darling slap bracelet (did you guys know they still made those?!) and a super darling letter from Allie herself :) Abbie was elated. (And I may have gotten a little choked up. I'm a bit of an emotional over-achiever).

Abbie loves her presents! And Allie and Suzy are always so thoughtful ... they never forget Annie. She often got invited over for playdates along with Abbie (I think both so she wouldn't feel left out and so that mommy could have some 'mommy-time' (Ryan and Suzy were so great when Jeremey was gone last spring!)

Annie was showing us her letters with her bracelet (and her reindeer sweatshirt, in October. Sometimes its easier to just roll with it).

Thank you Suzy and Allie!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!

Abiding Woman

2011-10-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today I was browsing pinterest, and I came upon this lovely reminder ....

.... and I thought it was were passing on. A little perspective goes a long way!

* first you take the pumpkin *

2011-10-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

big and round and fat.

Then you cut the top off,

that makes the hat!

Then you cut the holes for the

nose, the mouth, the eyes ....

making for the children

a Halloween surprise!

In order to receive this beautiful result ...

we looked like this

and this ...

add in some scaaaaary music, fantastic company and some yummy treats, and the results were a spooktacular family night!

{forgive our super classy furniture ... we left 90% of our stuff in Utah, and we're living off folding tables and chairs, our mattresses are on the floor, and our couch, (which has some serious battle wounds from it's part in Jeremey's accident.) And we're having a great time! I'm surprised by how little we need to get by ... it makes me want to seriously downsize when we get stuff out of storage}

* open the door *

2011-10-16T10:26:00.001-07:00

I got a new camera :) It's so, so fun. Right now I'm playing with it and reacquainting myself with Photoshop ... and I had every intention of posting some fun at the park, but instead, I thought I would share something that has given me a greater sense of strength lately. My sweet sister Kim shared this with me several weeks ago, and I read it and kept it in my inbox for future reading ... but today, I read it again and decided it's something worth sharing After all, it's not called the 'Good News' for nothing, right? There are times in my life when I need to be reminded of this, and I know that there is time in all of your lives where it would help to know that no matter how lonely you may feel, you are never, ever alone in your personal trials, tragedies, and heartache. I hope this touches someone who may need it -- and I hope you all find the same sense of strength and peace in these words as I do:

“Well, my dear sisters, the gospel is the good news that can free us from guilt. We know that Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It’s our faith that he experienced everything- absolutely everything. Sometimes we don’t think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don’t experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means he knows what it felt like when your mother died of cancer- how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what it felt like to lose the student body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced the gas chambers at Dachau. He experienced Napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism.
Let me go further. There is nothing you have experienced as a woman that he does not also know and recognize. On a profound level, he understands the hunger to hold your baby that sustains you through pregnancy. He understands both the physical pain of giving birth and the immense joy. He knows about PMS and cramps and menopause. He understands about rape and infertility and abortion. His last recorded words to his disciples were, “And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) He understands your mother-pain when your five-year-old leaves for kindergarten, when a bully picks on your fifth-grader, when your daughter calls to say that the new baby has Down syndrome. He knows your mother-rage when a trusted babysitter sexually abuses your two-year-old, when someone gives your thirteen-year-old drugs, when someone seduces your seventeen-year-old. He knows the pain you live with when you come home to a quiet apartment where the only children are visitors, when you hear that your former husband and his new wife were sealed in the temple last week, when your fiftieth wedding anniversary rolls around and your husband has been dead for two years. He knows all that. He’s been there. He’s been lower than all that. He’s not waiting for us to be perfect. Perfect people don’t need a Savior. He came to save his people in their imperfections. He is the Lord of the living, and the living make mistakes. He’s not embarrassed by us, angry at us, or shocked. He wants us in our brokenness, in our unhappiness, in our guilt and our grief." -- Chieko Okazaki

Virginia Beach

2011-10-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we loaded up and headed out to explore Virginia Beach... it was such a fun day! We hit the aquarium first {which is huge}, which we began with a boat ride {which was super lame, and totally not worth the money ... }

except maybe because Annie was thrilled with the entire thing {as evidenced by the following picture}

she just saw some kind of weird bird in the water. Also, she saw a buoy, which she was convinced was a shark's fin. Which made her delighted. We chose to not burst her little bubble ...

Mommy was delighted by the incredible houses with their charming little docks ...

Then we headed up to see all the sights at the aquarium .... we saw kimono dragons, beautiful fish, lots of turtles, crabs, jellyfish, creepy snakes, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, we touched stingrays {isn't that how the crocodile hunter died?!} and then the crowning exhibit of the day was the ....

Sharks!! There were tons of them, and they kept coming up to the glass and baring their teeth ... which was weird. Showboating sharks ... that aquarium employs some remarkable trainers!!

Abbie was a little overwhelmed ...

... particularly when mom and dad were eaten.

Abbie's such a good big sister!!

After the aquarium, we headed down to Fort Story to see the beach and the lighthouses

{a benefit of having a military ID card ... the beach was practically empty!!} There was us and a couple of fisherman, and it was absolutely beautiful! Annie had never seen the ocean, and Abbie didn't really remember. They raced along the boardwalk, and when they turned the corner and saw the ocean, they both stopped in their tracks and said 'whooooa.' Whoa, indeed. It was beautiful! I swear there's a different feeling on the east coast than on the west coast. I was much more impressed with the Atlantic Ocean than the Pacific :) I've always wanted to visit the east coast, and yesterday I told Jeremey it felt like I always imagined it. He looked at me weird. The man has no imagination.

Experiencing a little bit of heaven for the first time ...

Playing chicken with the tide. The tide won.

I love this picture. I absolutely adore lighthouses. Jeremey took me on a roadtrip down the west coast for our honeymoon to see all the lighthouses .... this is the first I've seen since, and I loved that you can get both in one shot here! As we were gathering seashells to send to our friends and family (I don't know how I'm going to ship them, but Abbie's excited. So if you get random chippings in the mail, know that her heart was in the right place!!) Jeremey told us to all turn around quickly, and we saw...

dolphins!! Like 20 of them! Jumping and playing barely off the shore. It was amazing! And an absolutely perfect day!

overload ...

2011-09-27T18:09:00.001-07:00

Yep. It's been a while. Scroll down to catch up with us :)

Jump ... Jump ...

2011-09-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

... some of them try to rhyme, but they can't rhyme like this!

{You will now have that in your head all day. You're welcome.}

Saturday we had a million errands to run, and so to reward our dublets for being so good, after buying new jammies at the mall, we hit the jump court.

Annie was a little timid, and was happy to let the worker control her jumps, and help her flip ...

Abbie, though ... not so much.

She got harnessed up, got a wicked little grin on her face, and took off.

She was flipping {sometimes twice in one jump!} all over the place ... frontwards, backwards. She would take off running across the tramp, and see how far she could fly. She's missing her gymnastics lessons like crazy! I guess it's time to try and find a studio here ... I thought we'd wait since it's only 6 months, but I forgot how well she does! She does NOT get that from me. Mama has zero coordination :)

i can see clearly now ...

2011-09-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

So Jeremey's been telling me for at least a year to get Abbie's eyes checked. And I was like all 'she's fine.' She started getting headaches, and I noticed that the book was like an inch from her face when she read ... and finally, when I picked her up from school one day, her teacher asked if I'd had her eyes checked. and so I caved.

And I feel awful. Cause her eyes are BAD. Like worse than Jeremey's. Poor thing.

{bright side -- she's a LOT less clumsy than I thought}

Worst. Mom. Ever.

But at least she looks darling in them!!

I {heart} Virginia ...

2011-09-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

So, a portion of the reason (you know, besides the fact that I love that man of mine) that I was so excited to come to Ft. Lee was that I adore American History. HELLOOOOO Virginia!! So the Saturday after everyone started school, we went up to Richmond. I am pretty sure I was born to live in Richmond.

In this house, in fact. Which is for sale. On Monument Ave.

{We won't discuss the asking price.}

We saw all the monuments, and then went to the capitol. This beautiful statue is in the lobby. {I'm not sure what Abbie's doing.}

This was the Governor's Mansion ... three President's lived there!

Jeremey insisted that he take my picture in front of the Queen ... I am also fascinated with all things British. In fact, it is a joke at our house that we can't watch British television without my extremely convincing {super awful} accent making it's debut. If I wasn't born to live in Richmond, I was probably born to live in England. {Or maybe Hogwarts?}

Also, I love Edgar Allan Poe. A LOT.

{My baby's name is Annabelle. But NOT Annabel Lee. Because that would be creepy. Since, you know, she dies and all.}

If there were ...

2011-09-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

If there were no school to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers. {hee hee}

Edgar W. Howe

Abbie at her first desk ... NOT a table, a DESK!!

She was so nervous to start school this year, because she was all prepped at North Ogden, she was registered for dance and gymnastics, and she had her little friends that she was very attached to (still is ... skype is our lifeline :) ). She was really nervous, but for no reason. She did GREAT!! I'm so proud of her, and I can't believe how BIG she's getting!

Moving on to our little one ....

Annie was Mommy's biggest concern ... I was completely under the assumption that her and I had mutual attachment issues. I was mistaken. She did fantastic ... and while I was filling out the paperwork and they asked if I was registering for 3 or 5 day head start, she interrupted with a vehement 'I want to go EVERY day!!' Everyday it is. Mommy now has 3 blessed hours 5 days a week ALL TO HER SELF (which I have yet to fill with anything that I have planned, but I have high hopes!)

My girls have got the camera poses down. I can't imagine where they got so sassy.

So, that happened ...

2011-09-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

When Jeremey got orders for Ft. Lee VA, we had about 10 days to pack up, and allow 5 days to travel. We decided it would be a great adventure to go with him, so pack up we did :) We put about 90% of our stuff in storage, rented a tiny little u-haul, and headed out to VA. We really, really miss North Ogden, but we also really, really love VA. We've been kind of 'wanderer's' so far, and the fact that the next place we go will most likely be 'our place' makes me feel kind of anxious :) I'm excited about it, though ... I'm always up for a good adventure!! Anyway, our trip started early Monday morning, august 29th. We made good time initially, and then outside some random little town in Wyoming, this happened ...

I cannot express to you the horror I felt as I watched Jeremey and Annie flip (three times!!) and then slide across the grass. Abbie later told me I was screaming. I don't remember pulling over, I don't remember running to them, but I do remember being afraid to look inside. I couldn't get to the top to open the door, and I was terrified. I do remember Jeremey banging on the glass and telling me they were fine, to go get help to get them out. This picture was after the U-haul had been righted. We were immediately overwhelmed with people who stopped to help -- a car full of young men ran up and pulled Annie out, and then helped Jeremey out. A sweet lady drove 15 minutes down the freeway to the next exit, took it and came back, just to pray with me. It was so appreciated ... I was immediately calmed, and I am grateful that others heed the inspiration to offer help, when I am not in the frame of mind to ask for it myself.

As I took my baby from the men, I asked her if she was scared. She wasn't even crying! She said 'no mommy, Papa Jim was holding my hand the whole time.' I miss my Grandpa so much (I know we all do) but I am so grateful to know that he's watching over us from the other side just as well as he did here on earth. He could always be counted on. I remember my very first car accident -- I was 16, and I couldn't get a hold of either of my parents. I called my Grandpa. He came. He always came. Annie no longer remembers many details from the accident, but although it was a very scary experience for me, it is one that I will always hold dear to my heart. I've never doubted the existence of my Heavenly Father, but sometimes it's not as significant to us as it is at other times. I was reminded that day of what's important, and just how important we are to our Father. Jeremey and Annie walked away with minimal injuries, although the Rover, the trailer, and like 80% of our stuff in the trailer was trashed. But they're okay -- and I am so grateful for angels. I am also so grateful for such remarkable family and friends ... the phone calls, emails, messages, and offers of help were amazing. We have an amazing family. And we are so grateful. WE LOVE YOU ALL.

So we made it here safely, and we are enjoying all of the sights -- we are excited to see more! Virginia is beautiful. My family is safe. And all is right with the world :)

Recapturing Beauty

2011-08-07T11:36:00.002-07:00

Today has been a beautiful day for me so far! I enjoyed *every second* of my church meetings {which you know, as a mother, is a rare thing indeed!} but most particularly, we had a wonderful lesson in Relief Society about inner beauty. This is not a new topic, but it was presented so powerfully today, along with a challenge to participate in a 10-day recapturing beauty challenge. I have every intention of completing this challenge, and I hope some of you will consider it as well!

I know {or hope} that I am not the only one who struggles with self-image at times. We all do -- how can we not, with the media playing such a significant role in our daily lives? Of course I'm aware of those extra pounds, the freckles on my face, flat hair, etc. etc. etc. However, I have been really trying lately to see myself as the Lord sees me. He created me this way for a purpose, so I truly believe it is my obligation, and hopefully some day pleasure, to see me in the same Light that He sees me. I hope that we as women can recognize our incredible nature, and rise above the messages thrown at us from a compromised world.

" The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." - Audrey Hepburn

I'm excited to spend the next 10 days focusing on my inner beauty ... I hope you'll consider joining me!

RECAPTURING BEAUTY

* catching up *

2011-07-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

I sat down to blog, and was immediately overwhelmed while sifting through all the summer photos. So instead of a comprehensive accounting of our summer activities, you get a 'recap'. Deal with it :)

Sooo, in no particular order, here we go!!

We discovered the world's greatest curlers (as Abbie is so beautifully modelling above), and Abbie lost her first two teeth (forgive the picture and the slightly ~~scary~~ sleepy look on her face, this was taken at like 11:30 at night, with my phone, so we could text it to Daddy).

Spent most of every day running through the sprinklers and playing in the pool (with our goggles. It's always best to be prepared, you know).

We got to watch Annie (our neighbor, whom we love) get her horse ready for the horse show in Ogden! And now my children are enamored. A lot of our neighbors have horses, and it's not uncommon to see them trotting up and down the street. The girls think this is fantastic ... and once they watched Annie get Bella ready for the show, combing her and putting GLITTER on her, well ... let's just say a day doesn't go by where mommy and daddy dont' get begged for a horse of their own. Because you can put GLITTER on it, you know.

We've played a lot of dressup in these fantastic dresses our neighbor brought us.

They are so great!

We have a ton of deer come out of the mountains and hang out in our backyard ... it's been really fun to watch them. It reminds me of when I was little, there were always deer in my Grandpa's orchard, and I remember thinking they were so magical!

We've enjoyed our weekly movie passes (50 cents a movie, you know ... you can't beat that!)

Annie turned 4 ... I cannot BELIEVE my baby is 4!! She wanted a big girl bike ... the problem is she's so petite that her little frame can barely reach the peddles. Hopefully she hits a growth spurt soon, and can move past the 2T clothes :)

We went to Lagoon with some of our favorite friends ... Abbie and Allie are BRAVE little things!!

Annie.... not so much. She wrote Budgy the Whale like 30 times in a row. And that was all she was interested in :) We tried to do a few other rides, but they were too traumatizing.

Abbie loooves Bombora. That's Jeremey and Abbie in front, and Ryan and Allie behind them.

Annie DID love the carousel ... Mommy and Annie rode this A LOT while Daddy and Abbie went on the bigger kid rides. I should be more annoyed that she doesn't like to do things, but secretly, I love that she likes to just stay with me, and not branch out. I know she needs to, and we're working on it, but I love that she's so attached to me. She's still my baby, you know :)

Daddy's been gone most the summer, but when he's home, he's the center of EVERYTHING! We play hard, sleep hard, and start all over. It's been a whirlwind summer of crazy, busy fun ... and it's not over yet :) I'm kind of excited for Jeremey to get home and school to get started so I can take a NAP!

So that's our summer ... how's yours been?

* farewell *

2011-07-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

*I realize that my latest posts have not been centered around the reason I'm sure you all visit this blog -- our darling children. And I promise I will update with all of our fun summer activities, Annie Jane's birthday, and all kinds of wonderful comings and goings. But tonight, my heart is once again overflowing, and I'm going to let this blog be the catch all. Then you can come back for lighthearted picture filled happiness. Promise :)*

On July 16, 2011, this wonderful country that we live in lost a hero. Our army family lost a member. My sweet husband lost a brother and a good friend. Corporal Raphael Arruda gave his life for our freedom, for our families. I am grateful. I am heartbroken. Jeremey is devastated. He went through Basic Training with Raphael; they were in the same platoon before Arruda's deployment. They worked together and trained together. The bond between all of these men is something I don't think any of us will ever fully understand. I do know that I am proud to be part of the army family -- and while I am certain it is wonderful wherever you go, I am particularly proud to be a member of the 744th.

I am re-reading "The Great and the Terrible", and I read something this morning, shortly after I cut out CPL Arruda's obituary, that made me realize that there's more to this life than what we often think of. I wish I had the words to bid Arruda a proper farewell -- but I don't have the talent that this author (Chris Stewart) has, so I will take his words as my own:

"All men will die. All men will be called upon to pass through the veil. But only a few special men, only those who have been worthy to answer a calling from God, are given the honor to die for a cause. And in this life, in these times, all of us will be called upon to make a sacrifice. when, or in what manner that sacrifice may be required, only God knows. All we can do is wait and prepare and pray that when our time comes, we will be ready to complete the task that He gives, so that when it is over, when we have done all we could, we might look to the Lord and say the same words he said: I have fought my way through. I have finished the work Thou didst give me to do."

CPL Arruda finished his work -- and I hope that in the middle of the world's turmoil, in the middle of our crazy schedules and overflowing to-do lists -- in the middle of our normal, every day lives -- we will remember that there are those who have given us the power to have a normal busy crazy life. Normal life's are a blessing -- they have been bought with the greatest of sacrifices. I have always known this, but now it hits a little closer to home. It's a little more clear to me, and I hope it will always stay so clear. I am grateful for my crazy life. I am grateful to CPL Arruda. He has blessed our lives, and I will never forget.

You have finished your work, Arruda. Beautifully. May you find peace and rest in the arms of your Savior. Thank you.

THE SOLDIER'S CREED

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough,

trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the

United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

Stronger than I Seem...

2011-07-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at life and think 'really?! what am I supposed to make of this?' and then I remember that there is Someone in particular who already knows ... He's just waiting for me to ask. Sometimes in my haste to control the universe, I forget who's at the helm, but He's always there, waiting for me. And in my time here in this world, He has given me all that I need to master my life.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you."

— A.A. Milne

I don't know about you ... but I have a tendency to lose myself in what life hands me, and occasionally I need to be reminded to immerse myself in what is possible. I don't deal well with uncertainty -- and tend to find myself worrying about potential trials ... not necessarily even trials that have yet emerged. I have to remind myself that life's uncertainties give us the greatest opportunity for growth, possibility, and adventure. Life is only what we make it, and we become only what it is we work for. This is what I'm currently grappling with in my life right now -- uncertainty, and the inability to completely control every aspect of our lives (if you know me at all ... you know I need to be in control). So I'm handing over the reigns, putting my trust in the Lord, and my hand in my husbands. I am strong enough to tackle this adventure and turn it into something beautiful. Just you wait and see :)

Until another day ....

2011-06-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. - Eskimo

Proverb

On Monday, June 13, 2011, this world suffered the loss of a true gentleman. And Heaven welcomed home a hero --- for that's exactly what my Grandpa was -- a hero, to all of us who's lives were infinitely better for having him in it. He was a hero to his nation, a hero to his sweetheart, a hero to his children, and a hero to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

My sweet Aunt Judy nailed it when she said 'My Dad was a perfect mix of John Wayne and James Dean'. My life is peppered with memories of tractor rides, cowboy boots, and that beautiful, beautiful deep voice.

That voice has had the power to make tears disappear, jokes seem funnier, and songs more powerful. I'm pretty sure every member of our family loves that voice -- especially my girls. I have no doubt that I will see that wonderful man again, and I look forward to that day.

My husband, great-uncle (Grandpa's brother) and my cousin Codie's husband Travis, along with wonderful soldiers from Jeremey's unit were able to provide the military honors for my Grandpa. It was beautiful, and I absolutely treasure this picture. My Grandma is such a beautiful, classy woman.

My cousin Bree took these pictures, and has blessed us all with her remarkable talent -- she gifted us a beautiful reminder of Papa Jim -- our memories, and the day we spent honoring him. She captured Grandma's love for her sweetheart in that beautiful expression.

I hope to have a picture with me and Jeremey's hands like this one day. These are hands that have raised 7 children, loved numerous 'adopted' children, served their Savior, their family, and their neighbors --and have done so while holding tightly to one another. What a beautiful legacy they have left us. May the Lord bless and keep you, Grandpa, until we meet again!

* My Springtime Tradition *

2011-05-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Because I'm fascinated with Flash Mobs ... and I'm holding onto the dream that someday I can be in one ..... and this one is my favorite, I'm going to post it every year, because it's SO STINKIN' CUTE!!! (Also, I'm a bit of a Julie Andrews fan, and really, who doesn't like to hear Maria rapping! lol :) Happy Springtime, everyone!

Enjoy!

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Because I'm a MOM!

2011-05-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

I've had kind of a less-than-awesome week. I was handling things pretty well for the most part, but then yesterday -- well, just about everything that could have gone wrong did. I mean EVERYTHING. And I fell apart for a few minutes. And then I was reminded of something ... we have more strength than we think we do. I am STRONGER than I think I am. And I cherish those moments that I have the opportunity to be reminded of that. Although I don't love the trials, I do love the things that I discover about myself when I have them. And that is that I am a daughter of God. and HE LOVES ME. He has faith in me -- He has given me all I need to master my trials. He has given me an incredible husband who believes in me as well -- and who has an amazing ability to support me even from across the country. And He has given me the greatest gift anyone could ever have --

-- two little angels entrusted to my care.

He believes in me enough to know that I have the ability to be exactly what my girls need in a mother. I'm not a perfect mom -- and I don't do things perfectly. I'm not going to compare myself to other moms, because the Lord knows ME, He knows my girls, and He knows that I have within me every ability to be everything that they need. He matched us, my little family, and then gave us what we need to bring the best out of each other. It's a big job. And I fall short -- a lot. But the great thing about kids is they're resilient. And forgiving -- and oh so very loving!!

My kids are growing so fast, I wish I could slow it down! I love each milestone and each personality development. I hope I don't miss any of them with the craziness of life. Sometimes life gets hectic, and if you're not careful, you can miss the moments that bring you back to what's important.

My mom took my girls to get me something for Mother's Day. And explained to Abbie about how it was important to keep it a secret and not give it to me until Mother's Day (they tried hard to keep it a secret completely, but it was a little impossible). She is taking this so, so seriously. When we came home from my parents, I had to hide in the bathroom while she hid the presents for her and Annie. Then she explained to Annie how it was important to make sure that mom didn't find the presents so that I had the most special mothers day ever. She changes the hiding place several times a day, and repeatedly asks me if Mother's Day is tomorrow. She asked if my mom could call and remind her the night before Mother's Day so she doesn't miss it. I have no idea what's in those little bags, but she'll never know that the best Mother's Day gift I could have is that my little girl is stepping up to the plate to make sure that I feel special, even when Daddy's not here to take care of things. In the midst of my pity-party yesterday, Abbie brought me a picture she made herself -- not at school, and not cause anyone told her to. Just because she's growing up, and she's thoughtful. And she loves me. It says:

for Katie Ann Willson

You are a grat mudder. Hav a trific mudders day.

I luve you

Abbie Willson

So here comes Mother's Day -- and the hubbys gone, my kids are both sick, and it's been maybe one of the worst weeks ever. But you know what?! I will remember this Mothers Day forever. I'm a MOM -- and I'm loving it. Bring on the weekend at home in our PJ's, with an arsenol of tylenol, lysol, gatorade, candy land, movies, and our library bag.

Sometimes, you get just what you need. And sometimes, it comes in little (sassy) packages.

I couldn't be happier.

Dancing Queen(s)

2011-04-27T21:12:00.001-07:00

Last night was Moxie's Dance Recital! And I would be lying if I didn't say, although I enjoyed EVERY SECOND of watching my little darlings prance around and dance and do their gymnastics, I am GLAD IT'S OVER!! The lessons, rehearsals, and recital were kinda exhausting, and it'll be nice to have a break for the summer! The girls, though, rocked it. Says the proud mama ;)

*All made up before the show!!*
Just as the show was starting, Crisha (their teacher) came out onstage and said "I'm looking for Katie Willson?!" Whereupon I raised my hand rather hesitantly ... she then says "Your little girl needs you." My heart dropped. We've been trying so hard to get Annie to branch out a little, and between Dance, Primary, and the (very) few friends houses she'll go to, she's been getting steadily better. But she HATES crowds. She HATES chaos, and she HATES noise. She's content to just sit in her little corner in her little world and color, look at stories, and do puzzles. I guess a room with 40 excited little girls was too much. So she headed back to the audience with me, and when it was time to dance, I just kinda snuck her on stage, where she did GREAT job (except for the nose-picking break halfway through!), but afterwards, she had no intention of going back with the other kids!! That's okay, though ... I love my snuggly little friend :) Abbie did awesome, too! She likes her dance routine, but she absolutely adores gymnastics. I guess that's the one we'll stick with. She's pretty good, too, if you believe a bragging mommy :)

*Here is where, if I were more technologically adept I would insert the videos. That is not going to happen. You will have to either (a) imagine, or (b) wait until Jeremey gets home.*

Abbie danced to "When will my life begin" from Tangled
Annie danced to "Butterfly Fly Away" by Meily Cyrus, and
Abbie's gymnastics routine was "Girls just Want to Have Fun"

It was a great night!! The best part for the kiddos was the awards!

Abbie's in her gymnastics clothes here.

Annie hasn't taken her medal off yet. She is enamored.

Abbie, Cora, and Allie.

See ya next time!!

* in your easter bonnet ... *

2011-04-27T20:44:00.001-07:00

...with all the frills upon it,
you'll be the finest lady in the
Easter Parade!!

We started off with an Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Buhrman's house on Friday night ....

...followed by dyeing Easter Eggs (and our pretty clothes).

* Saturday we went to a super fun Dino Birthday party for sweet cousin Zoey (still can't believe that darling girl is ONE!)

Best attempt at a cousin's photo ;)

We had an Egg Hunt (not easter eggs, though ... DINO eggs!)

Happy Birthday, Zoey!! Thanks for the fun party, Nick and Jacey!

Then we got to go visit Grandmother Buhrman (unfortunately, we didn't get pictures, but it's always great to see her!)

The Easter Bunny made his arrival Sunday morning (after a LOOOONG night of Abbie trying to set traps and catch him ... sneak out and find all the treats.... and asking mom millions of questions. I blame her Dad. He's in charge of Easter next year.)

* Sunday morning we got to put on our beautiful Easter Dresses and smile while mom took hundreds of pictures. Really, though, can you blame me?! I have BEAUTIFUL girls! *

We had a GREAT Easter Weekend! How was yours?!

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

2011-04-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

And now, after the many testimonies that have been given of Him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That He Lives!!

D&C 76:22

Abbie's Adventure

2011-04-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Abbie had her tonsils and adnoids out this morning, and because the wonderful doctors have such amazing tools at their disposal (fairy dust and magic wands, you know) she was -- although apprehensive -- kind of excited!!

In the waiting room with mom and grandma, waiting for her adventure to start!

"Mom look at this face! You'd better take a picture and send it to Dad." I'd better. He certainly wouldn't want to miss out on that face :)

Abbie, in her beautiful tinkerbell hospital gown, talking to Dr. Stock at the beginning of her Adventure.

See you later, gaters!! She's ready!

All went well this morning -- we arrived at the hospital at 6:30, and left by 8:00. She was such a trooper! She thought the hospital gown was lovely, she colored in her book, smiled at everyone, and went with the nurses when it was time without any fussing at all.

It was over in about 20 minutes, and grandma and I got to go back to see her. It broke my heart to see my tiny little girl curled up in a humongous hospital bed sobbing her little heart out! She was confused, and scared, and demanding that they return her tonsils back to her. I can't imagine where she got so bossy. ;)

Anyway, all is said and done, our little dublet is sleeping peacefully next to me, and now it's just onto the mending!!

What we've been up to ...

2011-03-12T17:41:00.001-08:00

We've been ...

enjoying the sporadic good weather....

becoming obsessed with new hairdos (she wanted me to give her 'hearts' for Valentines day ... this is all I could think of) ...

Enjoying our 'Cooper' bear Daddy sent us ....

having fun at school, and experiencing our first school play (the Gingerbread Man -- Abbie was a sheep, she talked in a 'sheep voice' for like a week. It was hilarious.)....

Hanging out with friends, going to movies, and having our first 'late night' experience (an alternative to sleepovers) ....

dabbling in a little bit of sassy.....

and a whole lot of sweet.

How's everything going for all of you?

Don't Forget Us!

2011-02-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

*In the interest of National Security -- or else just our security (I think I've had OPSEC hammered into my head a lot lately) and with The Man being gone so much, I think it's safer (because I tend to run my mouth a lot about where people are, being alone, etc., and it stresses my husband, family, and sometimes army sisters out) that I took things private.*

So, just because I love to be the center of attention, and I don't want anyone to forget me, I stole an idea from Mindi and created an 'update' blog for you to add to your readers. And maybe, just maybe, I'll update the private blog this week. Maybe. ;)

willsonupdates.blogspot.com.

Later gators!

* Take Note *

2011-02-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

We've decided to take our blog private ... so if you're interested in keeping up with our lives, please email me, leave me your email in a message, or FB me so I can add you as a reader!! Thanks :)

Smarty Pants

2011-02-14T19:25:00.001-08:00

Our Word Blending Wizard!

Ring It In

2011-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

2011 promises to be a wonderful year. A year of change - but with change comes growth. We're officially on the countdown to BOLC -- and the inevitable education, job hunt, and most likely subsequent relocation, mixed in with the beautiful (exhausting) lovely bits of day to day.

We're excited (and a little anxious) but we've SO GOT THIS!!

I have recently been inspired by the faith of Caleb, who "wholly followed the Lord my God"... and hope my faith is as strong as his, when he enthusiastically proclaimed ..."therefore give me this mountain." (Joshua 14: 8-12)

These days, the expressions are far less eloquent, but the sentiment is the same. So bring it on, 2011 -- GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!!

* Christmas Magic *

2010-12-28T09:03:00.002-08:00

We visited the Ogden Christmas Village (slideshow below) ... and seeing the magic on my kids faces was just as exciting as I remember it being when I was little!!

*Picture of the Night*

Can't you just feel her excitement?!

2010-12-28T09:03:00.001-08:00

* a present for dad *

2010-12-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

While Annie was at dance, Abbie and I took a little trip down to Daddy's office to deliver some paperwork. Abbie thought his office was a little bland, and fancied it up a bit ...

* Dear Santa *

2010-12-08T19:54:00.001-08:00

It's December 4th ...

2010-12-04T13:56:00.001-08:00

... and we're already onto our second sighting of Santa ... with several more in the weeks to come! But this one is, by far, my favorite Santa every year!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A MAN IN COMBAT BOOTS?!

Counting Down ...

2010-12-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

LOOK AT MY CUTE NEW ADVENT CALENDAR!!!

When we were growing up, we had this fantastic advent calendar that my mom had made, and she didn't have the pattern anywhere. I've looked and looked, becase I thought it was IMPERATIVE that my children had the same calendar I did, because I loved it so much. My mom found the pattern when we were on the Fall Shop Hop this year, and I bought it and got busy!! It was race to get it done in time, but I finished it last night, and my kiddos put up the first ornaments today (really, you're only supposed to put up one a day, but Annie doesn't understand the technicalities, so I guess we'll reuse the ornaments starting on the 12th!) The hardest part was all the tiny little ornaments (that are in the pockets). Anyway, it's DONE! And I LOVE IT!!

Welcome Winter!

2010-11-22T16:14:00.001-08:00

We've been waiting!!!

* i think I've mentioned *

2010-11-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

How much I adore these things ....

* to be thankful *

2010-11-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Holidaze ....

2010-11-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Holidays!! And I LOVE giveaways ... I'm excited Holiday season is here ... I have so many ideas, not enough time, and a distinct lack of funds for all my grand ideas ... but I love it all the same!!

a spoooktacular good time

2010-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

who doesn't love a good ward Halloween party? We sure do!! Especially when there are ...

parades, and ....

digging for ghoulish goodies ...

in a coffin!, and ....

fishing for treats....

and most importantly ...

doing some tricks!!

What a spooooktactularly fun night!!

My cute girls ....

2010-10-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

Red Ribbon week is an all around good time ... but we really love HAT DAY!!

aren't they darling??

a party ... and a preview

2010-10-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

*Abbie looooves to have parties - loves them. She begged to have a Halloween party again this year, and Annie has decided she's old enough too - so we made up some invites, planned some games, made Daddy come home from work early, and partied!!

* Abbie rocking the witche's relay! *

(She's Hermione Granger, in case you didn't guess -- she is absolutely ADDICTED to Harry Potter)

*Maddie and Abbie helping Holly and Annie with the relay *

(Annie is Dora - and I did have Abbie's shirt tucked in with her Hermione sweater, but she was too hot -- this is the first year they each picked their own costume, and we had fun finding all the stuff for them!)

* our little explorer playing 'pin the mouth on the skeleton' *

* Annie and her little friends Ajay and Hollie -- they were so thrilled to be partying with the big kids! *

* eating mummy pizzas and recovering from all the busy games *

* practicing their very best 'spooky' faces! *

star student

2010-10-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Last week was Abbie's star student day - we got to go through our pictures and let her pick her favorite, and then Daddy put them into a power point for her! Daddy, Mommy and Annie all got to come to her class and bring treats and share our favorite things about our Abbie!

*Abbie telling her class about her pictures *

* Talking about her favorite things - her dance trophy ....

... her singing Cinderella .... she also brought her Shamu from Seaworld and her Princess Mickey Mouse ears from Disneyland.

The class asked her questions about herself and we passed out treats -- it was such a great day! We love talking about our sweet Abbie!! She is so special and we are so proud of her!!

we love a good excuse ...

2010-10-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

for a party - but I can't think of ANY excuse better than Millie and Mollie's first birthday!! We all headed out to Jungle Jim's for rides, pizza, and celebration!!

* getting a little crazy in the jungle jeeps *

* okay so I know this may be ridiculous - but this went SO FAST. Honestly, I know I'm super over protective, but I was being all brave strapping my kids in, but then it took off, and I was floored! No one was more surprised than Annie, though, who reached as far as she could for the safety bar (she's got short little arms, attached to the rest of her short little body) and hung on for dear life. Abbie wrapped her arm around Annie and tried to keep her safe. At the end, I ran to let them out, and they were laughing so hard!! I guess my kids are braver than I let them be ;) *

* Abbie paying a little attention (really, I have to keep her from smothering them) to Millie (or Mollie? - I haven't perfected the gift of knowing which is which! It's okay, though, because they're both so darling!) *

* Beautiful Jacey and the oh-so-sweet Zoe! *

* this ride (the one I was the most comfortable with) the girls were bored by *

* every time they came around by us, Annie and Skylie yelled 'we're bored!' *

* sweet little birthday angels! *

* Mmmmmm! *
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRLS!!

oh how I admire ...

2010-10-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS!!!

Honestly, it takes a special person to take on the (*ahem*) energies of 26 five year olds!! Mrs. Brooks and her darling kindergarten class had their very first field trip, and I got to tag along :) We went (on a BUS!!) to the Ogden Nature Center - it's like this huge forest with all kinds of crazy stuff like right in the MIDDLE of the city! It was really cool -- and honestly, so fun to see them soak up all the information they were learning!!

* Abbie, Maddie & Felicia so excited to go on their first bus ride! *

* Some kind (the kids listened quite a bit better than I did) of medicinal plant *

* A real Teepee! *

* They all got to sit in the teepee and hear legends! *

* Abbie grinding corn into cornmeal - then they made real cornbread!! *

It was such a great day! We are loving all these fun new school experiences!

* gratitude *

2010-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

* today I am grateful for healthy, pretty addictions *

I LOVE FABRIC!!!

* tiny dancer*

2010-09-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Dance started for us again this last week -- Abbie's an old pro by now, but it was so exciting that it was Annie's turn to start!! She picked out a new leotard, and has been tromping around in her tap shoes for weeks!! When the day came, she was a little nervous, but shook that little bum like a champ when it was 'free dance time'!!

* our beautiful little ballerina *

* so thanks to this little exercise, Annie has every intention of asking Santa Clause for a skateboard. A thought which delights her daddy ;) *

We love our little dancers!!

* crazy hair day *

2010-09-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm NOT looking forward to trying to wash out that color and backcombing tonight -- but it's sure fun! Forget having your shoes match your bag -- you should ALWAYS have your hair match your shirt!

Abbie and her *very, very best friend. forever*.

Gratitude...

2010-09-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for ... peace. Sometimes things are tricky -- and that thing called life, does it ever know how to throw a wild curveball. But no matter what happens, I have everything in my life that I need. An amazing husband, two beautiful children, my faith, and this gives me a profound amount of peace. (Well that, and the occassional caffeine induced happy state ;) )

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm off to produce the craziest crazy hair day masterpeice ever (fingers crossed). Pictures to come!!

Gratitude

2010-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have this darling friend who blogs about what she is grateful for. What a lovely idea! When I was in high school, one of my favorite people introduced me to a gratitude journal - every day, recording what it was that you were grateful for. Somedays, you had to dig deep (I'll never forget laughing until I almost wet my pants when I read her journal and saw 'Oprah' and 'Only getting TWO traffic tickets this week' - obviously, she was reaching that day ;) ) Anyway, I took up that practice, and for a while, really recognized the beautiful blessings in my life. Jeremey and I even kept it up after we were married for a while -- but with the demands of school, work, and parenting, our 'gratitude journal' fell by the way-side. Well, in my blog-hopping this morning, I was reminded of the incredible joy that can be found by searching for those blessings in your life. So - I'm going to give it a fair shot. I can't guarantee that I'll show up every day, but when I can, I'm going to share with you what I find beautiful in my little corner of the world.

In the vein of idea stealing, I am also stealing another thought of my sweet friend's ... the idea that we are not alone in this journey called motherhood. It is a beautiful, exhausting, hair-pulling, sticky, dreamy journey - but I am ever so grateful for it. So thank you, friend, for posting this link to remind me that I am not alone in my feelings of inadequacy. I am grateful for you all!

When You Feel Inadequate As A Mother

I swear I try ...

2010-09-26T15:01:00.001-07:00

... but blogging is NOT at the top of my list!! This semester is absolutely whipping me! I'm loving it, though :) Life is great ... so great! We love our new neighborhood .... love the amazing, oh so welcoming neighbors --- and there are so many kids!! Abbie loves her school (the tears have subsided ... thank heavens!!) We love having a yard again ... we just love life right now!! (knock on wood!) Although we miss our Logan friends, and living so close to the stadium (especially J!) we are doing great :)

Annie is a budding photographer ... and she loves to take pictures of people's backs. It's weird.

Some of Jeremey's army buddies introduced the girls to frisbee ... and then we had to go buy some. They LOVE it.

Tailgating on game day!

I tried to edit down the pictures, but I think my kids are really cute ... and I'm sure you do too :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!

*that's what Annie says whenever they bring the flag out ... or she sees it flying*

Oh, how I love this man.

These guys were so good with our kids! I felt so guilty because they had them the whole night ... but they all had fun, so I guess I shouldn't worry!

Jeremey's so patient with the kids ... he explains things so well. They ask SO many questions, and he loves teaching them.

So our kids are ob-SESSED with Big Blue. He turned around and saw them watching, and started waving and doing a little dance for them. They're STILL talking about it.

That's Abbie after Big Blue payed her a little attention. Two games later, and they're still in love.

I just think it's funny the way Abbie vacuums, is all ;) Gotta love helpers!

We are in LOVE with puzzles. She is so patient! She will work at it until it's just right ... and does NOT want help.

And mowing the lawn is the new Disneyland around here ... no one thinks helping Mom weed the flower beds is fun, though ...

Hope you're all having a lovely fall!! Love from our house to yours :)

7 years ...

2010-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

... is not nearly long enough. I look forward to eternity.

I love you, babe!! Happy Anniversary!!

there goes my baby ....

2010-09-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was a little nervous about sending my baby to kindergarten -- even though she's been excited for FOREVER. We had her registered, assessed, and rarin' to go up in Logan, and then this quick move happened, and I was a little nervous about how Abbie would do. But I shouldn't have been, she took this on as a great new adventure, and adores Kindergarten!! (A huge thanks to the amazing Mrs. Brooks, who (whom?!) Abbie has fallen in love with). So my unresolved mothering feelings aside, let me introduce you to my beautiful little student!

*I was so glad she decided on a side bun for the first day of school -- unfortunately she got her mama's hair, that won't hold a curl for anything -- doesn't she look grown up?*

*awww, our little cheese. This is what happens when you tell Annie to smile. She wears her backpack all the way to drop Abbie off at school, the whole time she's gone, and all the way to pick her up -- however, you ask her if she's going to preschool, and it's a big fat NO. I had her registered at All Academy in Logan (which is an incredible school - *sigh* the things we left behind), but she's taking the move a little harder than Abbie, so I think I'll take a few months, check out the options down here, and enroll her in January when she's a little more adjusted -- for now, I'm loving mommy/Annie time.*

*Let's go already, mom!*

*I HATE that she wouldn't smile for the last of the pictures! She just wanted to get on the road already ... oh well, she's beautiful anyway. The little stinker.*

*Annnnd the smile again. Notice the scraped up nose? That's our little stunt double. She face-planted off her bike because she was trying to ride it standing on the seat. She hopped right up and tried again. My kids are worlds apart from each other. Annie got stung by a bee the first day we moved, got it fixed up, and headed right back out to investigate. Abbie still won't go out. Kids are funny.*

And we've arrived ....

*Mrs. Brooks and Abbie by her table (the only all girl table -- Abbie is delighted by this fact, and has fallen in love with each and every girl that sits by her. They play together at play time, giggle together during learning time, and are already begging for play dates. I guess it's time to meet the other mom's ....)

*I'm fine mom. Really. Time to go.*

*She survived! And so did I!*

Everyday at the end of class, she lines the kids up at the wall, waits for their parents, and says 'hug or high-5?' Abbie chooses the hug, hops in the bike trailer, and has a million things to report. I love my little kindergartener.*

The lazy days of summer are officially over ... Abbie and I are back in school already (this is the first semester I've tried full time online, hopefully I survive) and Jeremey starts his masters on Tuesday. It's a busy life, but it's sure a good one :)

farewells ....

2010-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

I've been on a blogging hiatus. In my delusions of popularity, I have imagined that you were all beside yourselves. Let's just go with that, shall we? So, for your benefit (actually, mostly my mom's who misses seeing pictures of my cute kids) I am back!

It's been an eventful summer -- Annie's birthday happened back in July (for which I have misplaced each and every picture. There is a memory card out there somewhere .... somewhere!?) Can you believe she's three? I can't. And neither can most people that meet her, for that matter. The girl is ridiculously tiny. She still wears 18 mos. clothes. Sometimes 2T, but they're huge on her. She's tiny, but there's a whole lot of personality in that little body. She's a mischievious, clever, inquisitive, hilarious, dare-devil, charming little daddy's girl (not to mention a huge tease!) I absolutely love seeing my children's personalities develop, and see each of them become their own strong, incredible little person. They are both so different, but they are steadfastly best friends, and I couldn't be more grateful for that!

Summer is over, and it was sure a good one .... there was

*ice cream and playtime with friends at the Children's Museum*

*rides on the frontrunner to visit Grandma*

*lots of sparklers and fireworks*

*Bikes without training wheels*

(for exactly 2 weeks. She did awesome for a few weeks, took a hard fall, and demanded they be replaced. I told her she was going to be on training wheels forever, because Dad already taught her, and he'll be gone next summer, and so she was out of luck -- we'll see if I'm feeling more charitable next summer).

*two sessions of swimming lessons*

Not to mention (I am baffled by that saying. What does that mean, anyway? Obviously you ARE going to mention it, or else you wouldn't have even brought it up. Anyway.) trips to the pool, library, park, lake, picnics, friends, and a general all encompassing semester of laziness. And now we bid it a fond (if not grateful, I hate the heat) farewell.

We also bid a farewell to Logan, and moved a little bit South for the foreseeable future (not forever, though, probably. You know us, we can't stay in one place for any determinable length of time -- we are the proverbial wanderers, and although I sometimes long to have a house again, it's not so much the yearn of continuity, it's more because I really really love to paint, but the thought of staying in one place for too long, without the guarantee of change, makes me have something akin to restless leg syndrome in my soul). I'm sure that will change someday, but for now, we have moved, we have settled, and we are loving our new neighborhood!!

So farewell it is, a farewell to seasons, literally and figuratively... farewell to summer, farewell to our 'college life' (we've moved onto a less structured version, at least), farewell to Logan, and farewell to the season of toddler/infancy. I love moving on ... I love that fall is teasing us, just around the corner, I love that the school years have officially begun - I love doing homework at night with my kids right next to me, doing theirs (Annie is adamant she be given some, as well) and next week the man will join in that fun -- although he's not looking forward to it as much as I am!)

So welcome to it all! Bring on the pumpkins, slow cookers, halloween costumes and decorations, apple pie, changing leaves, backpacks and pencil cases, perfect nights with a good book outside, kids on swingsets, bikes and scooters -- I love it all.

Bring on Autumn!!

God Bless America

2010-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
God Bless our Leaders
God Bless our Servicemen and women, and
God bless their families

This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless, growing and full of hope. So it was in the beginning. So it shall always be, while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith. ~Lyndon B. Johnson

*The Declaration of Independence, Read by President John F. Kennedy*

I am grateful for the courageous and inspired men who fought for, and penned, the beautiful dream of America. I am grateful for those men and women who do the same today.
Regardless of your political affiliation, your opinion of the current government or 'state of the union', one thing is sure:

"We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately." Benjamin Franklin

I am proud to be an American!
I am grateful for my freedoms, for my country, and for my future.

And I am proud to be an army wife!

HOOAH!

Overload....

2010-06-28T21:28:00.001-07:00

Sorry! If you've been wondering what's been going on .... keep scrolling :)

Family ... it's about TIME!

2010-06-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Willson Family Reunion -- we had such a fun time! It was (I know, horribly) the first time we've taken the girls camping. *If you didn't know this about me, I'm not so much 'out-doorsy'* but we had a GREAT time! That probably had a lot to do with the great company!!

Jacey and sweet Zoey

Abbie holding cousin Zoey (she's absolutely enamored)

Skylie, Annie & Abbie exploring

*Yum!*

A little more love for sweet Zoey (we're all lovin' the babies -- but also lovin' that they belong somewhere else!)

Daddy and his girls all ready for the games ... tacks taped to the nose, balloons tied to the bum, you figure out the rest {it was so funny!}

*Paul, Kristine, Joyce*

*Oh my, the mud.*

SO FUN!! Thanks for all the hard work, Joyce & Karen!! It was so fun to see everyone, and we can't wait until next year!!

it's the most wonderful time of the year ....

2010-06-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

...forget Christmas! The SHOP HOP was a few weeks ago!!! Every year my mom and I, and often good friends, get together and and visit quilt stores from logan to Springville and drool over all the beautiful things ... covet all the talented people, and come home weighted down with pictures, ideas, patterns, fabric and lots of memories. I have a nasty habit of losing my passport, so last year my mom found this super darling pattern, and got busy making these darling bags for her, Kay and I (SO STINKING CUTE!) they were the envy of all the shop-hoppers, and we got stopped many times so people could look at them. Thanks for the fun memories Mom and Kay!! Can't wait 'til next year!

a bunch of animals

2010-06-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Sarah and her cute boys came into town. We LOVE it when they come to Logan, I always love to visit with Sarah, and Abbie and Annie love Bryan and Jackson! We had a picnic with Eiko and then went to the zoo. It was so fun!! Can't wait to see you again, guys!

Dining Out

2010-06-28T20:17:00.001-07:00

One of the fun perks about being part of the military is the opportunity to dress up and be part of so many neat traditions. We didn't make it to the dining out last year, so it was so fun to see some of the people we hadn't seen for a while. I love seeing Jeremey dressed up in his Blues, and it's funny to watch the guys all get crazy when they're together. We had a great time -- it was bittersweet knowing it'll be a few years before there's another one because the 744th's heading to Afghanistan in October. Jeremey's heart's just a little broken that he can't go with them (his officer training won't be finished in time) but they'll be in our thoughts and prayers while they're defending our country, and I hope they'll be in yours as well. They're all incredible soldiers, and I'm so proud that my husband is part of this great unit, and I'm proud to know these strong families.

*yes, I know he's indoors with his cover, but I made him do it for the picture*.

*The Vargas's*

Just a sampling of First Platoon

PFC Southerland, SPC Ammon, 2LT Willson, CPL Pratt, PFC Hammon, SPC Stoof

A bigger shot of First Platoon

Movin' On....

2010-06-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Abbie graduated from Preschool at the end of May -- it was SO hard for me! She's been going to the greatest preschool, and I wish she had one more year, I wish she wasn't ready for kindergarten, but she is so apparently I must *suck it up* (her words -- not mine). The week before graduation, they had show-off days -- I forgot to bring my camera for swimming, but here's my lady showing off her mad dance and gymnastics skills!

*I GOT A MEDAL!!*

*She does this whenever/wherever she gets an opportunity -- at home, at the grocery store, at the park, wherever.*

*I love watching that little bum wiggle!*

*GRADUATION DAY*

We are so proud of our girl!! She's so sweet, kind and smart, and she's growing up so fast!! She can't wait for the new adventures that are coming, and it's so fun to watch her experience life. Being a parent is so incredible :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!

2010-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot BELIEVE my little girl is FIVE already! That means KINDERGARTEN!? I am feeling kind of resentful of this right now. I'm not ready for this next stage, but Abbie sure is. At preschool they did one of these little poems for each month, so I thought it would be fun to have one with her name so we could put them all together:

Abigail Grace

A: my little ANGEL

B: is so BEAUTIFUL

I: and INTELLIGENT

G: she loves GROWING up (and is obsessed with measuring herself, almost daily, on the

growth chart)

A: she has serious ATTITUDE (which she comes by honestly, but I wouldn't have her any other

way -- the hand on the hip kills me!)

I: she is INCREDIBLE (I am constantly amazed by what she says/does/comes up with!)

L: she is LOVING. Abbie has the softest, biggest heart. She takes such good care of everyone

around her, and makes sure everyone knows how much she loves them.

G: She is GRACIOUS. Seriously. The girl has manners to rival Martha Stewart. Have you ever met a five year old that puts her napkin in her lap?! She gets it from her dad. It's darling. And weird.

R: She is RADIANT. When Abbie walks into a room, it lights up. She's shy to begin with, but her little smile and laugh can make anyone feel better.

A: She gets AWESTRUCK. Everything is AMAZING to Abbie. She asks question after question. I am constantly relying on my good buddy google to find answers to her questions, and then she only has more. Often-times my answer is 'because that's how Heavenly Father made it' because I just don't know (and frankly, never thought about it). As a result, she thinks Heavenly Father is so awesome!

C: She is CREATIVE. Abbie is always making up songs and stories to entertain us with. She coordinates dance recitals and plays for her and Annie to perform for us.

E: She is EXUBERANT. Everything about life fascinates Abbie, and she loves to point it out and share it all with us. She LOVES to learn, and every new thing is so beautiful through her eyes.

So here's a little glimpse of her magical day!!

*Her new Barbie bike -- we spent most the day outside with the bikes!*

*Annie inherited the old bike (with new streamers and a bell, of course)*

*We went to a girls only birthday lunch (mostly because dad was at work) and the waitresses all sang to her! (after she announced it was her birthday) then she graciously shared her enormous birthday sundae with her sister*

*After Dad got home, we went to see 'How To Train Your Dragon', opened presents, and had home-made ice cream for dinner -- quite a way to start off her next year!!*

(She gets so mad when I call her baby. But I'm still the mom. BWAHAHA.)

Sometimes you get just what you need ...

2010-06-07T15:56:00.000-07:00

*I got this in my email today. I promise not to let 'forwards' become regular blogging material, but sometimes you get a message that's just what you needed to hear.*

Cherokee Legend

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him

harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.

It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.

Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.

When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

insert victory dance here

2010-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

HE DID IT!!

I'm so proud of Jeremey! It's been quite an interesting ride getting here. He was never one for full-time school: we were quite happy with our life in our little house and going to school part time while working full time -- until Abbie was born -- then the schedule proved a little too much when he only got to see her on weekends, so something had to go. Since his degree was a goal we weren't willing to give up -- it was the job, the house, and the extra car. But was it ever worth it! He's a fantastic student, a wonderful father, a hard worker, a great soldier, and an amazing man. I am so proud of him!

We did a little victory dance (until we realized grad school starts soon :))

*Meet The Challenge*

*Walking up to the Commencement Ceremony (I just love walking shots, that's all!)*

*You will not BELIEVE the amazing seats I picked. We got there early and were on the fifth row (I wanted to be close so I could run down and take pictures). The grads started walking in, and Jeremey was among the first -- then he got to his seat and he was three from the edge directly across from us! He was right there (which only means after about five minutes he was sick of me snapping pictures!)

I didn't even have to get out of my seat to take this!! HAHA! I know, I'm lame, but I was so excited about it!

*Proud Mom*

*Proud Dad*

*Proud Eiko*

*Bored Kiddos*

*Jeremey listened intently. I'm pretty sure all I heard was that the youngest graduate was 13. THIRTEEN. Holy crap, I'm 28, and I've still got almost 2 years left. (Oh well, the oldest graduate was 69, so I guess I'm not doing too bad!)

*He was really happy with his little green name badge. I'm not sure why*

*HOORAY!!*

*Alright, babe, that's enough pictures*

*Okay, but this is really the last one*

*Graduation is over!!*

*We Love Our Graduate! (I don't, however, love the red hair. I'm definately rethinking that move.)

*Way to go Daddy!*

*Abbie is such a good sister. She always makes sure Annie holds someone's hand by the road -- she's actually quite bossy about it, I can't imagine where she comes by that...*

*Make a Wish!*

*After graduation, we all headed over to Eiko's for a BBQ, and Sarah, Todd, Brian and Jackson were there! My kids love Brian and Jackson -- and for those of you who know my children at all, this may be the biggest news of the day. Patient Todd and sweet Brian got them to PET THE DOG. Abbie even let him eat out of her hand (whilst Annie snacked on the dog food all by herself. sick.) They LOVED him!! Todd is our new hero!*

Way to go, Jeremey!! Is an Aggie Alumni still a True Aggie?! Anyway, in his heart he always will be (especially when those basketball games come around).

Show me the Scotsman who doesn't love the thistle.
Show me the Englishman who doesn't love the rose.
Show me the true blooded Aggie from Utah
Who doesn't love the spot . . .
Where the sagebrush grows!!

HOOAH!

presenting ...

2010-05-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

LIEUTENANT JEREMEY P. WILLSON

I am so very proud of my man! It's a big weekend for Jeremey, tomorrow he graduates, and today he commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He works so hard for us, and I'm proud of all he's accomplished -- he is an amazing husband and father, and a seriously 'squared away' soldier (you don't get much better praise than that from Jeremey, so I'm stealing his words, because he deserves them!)

*my handsome soldier, the last picture as a CDT*

1LT Tovey and 2LT Campbell, from the 744th, came to support Jeremey.

CDT's Willson, Thomas and Nelson receive the Oath of Office from LTC Faletto

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; SO HELP ME GOD."

*pinning on Jeremey's shoulder bars*

*you'd never know I was proud, would you?*

*These are my trying not to cry faces. I am an enormous boob. Just so you all know.*

*It is tradition for a newly commissioned officer to share their first salute with an enlisted soldier, or an NCO. Jeremey was able to salute his dad, SPC (retired) Ken Willson*

*Father and Son*

*Colonel Faletto presenting the new Lieutenant's, presenting them with their Certificate's, and their gift from the Jim Bridger detachment (an incredibly frightening bowie knife)*

*The girls were so good during the whole long day -- as long as they got to be with one of the Grandma's! They colored and listened. This morning, when I told Abbie we were going to watch the soldiers she waved her hand and told me she was 'over the soldiers'. Apparently, it's not all that exciting to her anymore.*

SPC Hunsaker, 2LT Campbell, 2LT Willson, and STG2 Ransay Campbell

*Hunsaker and Campbell are friends from Jeremey's unit, and Ramsay is one of Jeremey's very best friends -- he and his darling wife and girl came all the way up this morning to support Jeremey, even with Christina being literally days away from delivering baby #2! Thanks you guys!! We love you!*

Willson's & Hunsakers

*Jeremey and Jake are in the same unit. They went to basic training together, and we've all become good friends -- Abbie and Annie love Jake and Olivia (she's so beautiful, mom, she looks just like Belle!)

*Jennie, Jeremey & Jayson*

*Kristine, Jeremey & Ken*
We are so very blessed to have such great family and friends! Both of our families came to support Jeremey, and many of our friends did as well. Thank you all for all you do! We love you all so much!

one year older..

2010-04-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

and wiser, too

happy birthday, to you!

(and you, and you!!)

Even though her birthday is still three weeks away, we decided to celebrate a few weeks early so we could celebrate with Ash and Draven who had birthdays really close to Abbie's (and before everyone starts moving because of GRADUATION *woot woot*) So we had a TRIPLE birthday party, and was it ever super fun!

So in no particular order (mostly because I'm too lazy to shuffle them) here's the highlights!

*the bean bag toss*

*Deb, Deborah and I thought these hats were so funny, so we got them for the birthday kids, who all promptly removed them. Annie, however, thought they were great!*

*Maggie and Annie examining their medals*

*Abbie hustling along in the potato race (she takes these things VERY seriously)*

*Annie didn't understand why we would do this, but she got right into the spirit and moved as fast as her little legs could*

*Beren and Annie in the army crawl relay (they were supposed to actually be relay-ing with each other, but they couldn't decide who should go first, so they just both went!)*

*Abbie working hard to get to Maggie so they could win!*

*which birthday cupcake do I want?! (helpful hint: do NOT buy cupcakes with buttercream frosting when they'll be outside for undeterminable amounts of time. They WILL melt)*

*enjoying the bounty*

*mmmmmm*

*double-mmmm from my soon to be five year old!*

*annie's a budding photographer -- not bad! I love this man!*

*Maggie and Elora were so sweet -- they ooh'ed and aaahed over each of Abbie's presents*

*such great friends -- who brought such fun presents!*

*look what I got, Daddy! I'm a winner!*

*the water balloon toss*

*Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Ash, Abbie & Draven,

Happy Birthday to you!

here you leave today...

2010-03-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

... and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

We had a magical time on our spring break! I'll post more pictures (probably, there's a lot of them) after I have a chance to sift through them, but I thought I'd give some highlights! We went with some of our favorite people, the Rashall's -- so fun! Abbie and Draven were funny little navigators!

*Jeremey and Abbie's favorite day*
(she says she's going to grow up and dance with the dolphins, too)

*Annie's favorite two days*

Abbie adores Snow White. She keeps folding her arms across her chest and saying "ooooh, I know who YOU are, you must be grumpy!" and she sounds JUST LIKE HER. It's really weird.

*You haven't lived until you've seen Annie dance. It's ... an experience.*

Katie's favorite day!

**Elder Buhrman comes home in 3 weeks!**

I forgot about this!

2010-03-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

I posted this sometime last year, and my kids saw it today and have watched it over and over -- I'm not sure why it makes us all so happy, but it sure does -- so I thought we'd spread the glee! Have a beautiful day!

*I don't know why I'm so fascinated by these things - I would love to live in a world where spontaneous (perfectly choreographed) dancing happens! -- so if any of you see me bustin' a move at the fun park or something, feel free to join on in! I'm sure it will be great!*

**You guys have to go to you tube and look at all the different ones! There's a Michael Jackson tribute that was really fun, too**

a glimpse into our lives...

2010-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:00

we've been a little busy lately! Here's just a bit of what we've been up to ....

conquering demons

wonderwoman (and her purple unicorn) to the rescue!

taking a little literary break...

taking a turn on the dance floor...

hanging out in cowboy boots and underoos ...

having a little sister sleepover in mom and dad's bed (weird, we know)

Abbie falls asleep like this every night. After we tuck her in, she sneaks out of bed and gets a book (occasionally she remembers to hide it on her bed earlier in the day) she props it up, and falls asleep reading. She's definately her mommy's girl!

That's what we've been up to. How about you??

my funny valentine...

2010-02-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

Abbie had special day at preschool, and I was invited to come! It was such a special day, so she picked out her outfit all by herself, Daddy came home early to stay with Annie, and I headed off to the preschool to spend a day with my funny valentine. There was the most darling program with the sweetest songs (I need to upload the video still ...) and dances. Abbie spent some very patient time with her sister teaching her all of her new songs, and so if you come visit, it's likely you'll hear this catchy little tune coming from either of our little valentines:

You're my Honeybunch, Sugarplum
Pumpy-umpy-umpkin, You're my Sweetie Pie
You're my Cuppycake, Gumdrop
Snoogums-Boogums, You're the Apple of my Eye
And I love you so and I want you to know
That I'll always be right here
And I love to sing sweet songs to you
Because you are so dear

the love bug Abbie made for me!

we played valentines bingo, tic-tac-toe, and had yummy valentines cookies... and then Abbie gave me a tour.

first stop ... the village (there's a cottage, post office, and lemonade stand)

inside the cottage ....

the circle room ... they do singing time and movement time in here (it's also the loose-tooth club headquarters!)

look mom! My one-eyed snowman!

the backpack wall and handprint quilt ...

This is the sensory room ... Abbie's playing magnetic darts (she's way better than me - mine wouldn't stick!?)

still the sensory room ....

the arts and crafts room ...

the story barn (Daddy and Annie came for the end of the party, and Abbie proudly showed Annie around -- and introduced her to all the teachers Annie gets to learn from next year!)

Abbie tried to help Annie with the drinking fountain ... and got shot in the face ;)

The end result of a busy, love-filled Valentine's day!

Abbie Grace

2010-02-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

is growing up! In gearing up for Valentines Day, we picked out their Valentines to send to take to their friends, and for Abbie to take to school. Annie's Valentines have this theme ....

while Abbie has graduated to these ...

*it makes me a little sad that she's bypassed the ever-dependable princesses, but I have to admit it makes me feel a little less lame for watching all those Disney shows now that I have a little person to watch them with me! -- admit it, you all love Wizards, Jonas and Sonny with a Chance, too, right?*

Snow fun

2010-01-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went snowmobiling with our neighbors -- it was fun! Well -- relatively fun. It had vast potential to be fun, but our children were apparently unaware of that. They went down the hill a few times, started sobbing, and we left. At which point, I thought "I can so totally drive this minivan up this slippery snow-covered really steep hill. No problem." Whoops. I got us ridiculously stuck. And to J's credit, he did not even express how utterly irritated he was.

**I forgot my camera, so the awesome pictures our courtesy of my budding-photographer friend Krista. Isn't she good!?**

I am their mother ...

2010-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

and it's all part of The Plan.

I read this on my sweet friend Mindi's blog, and I thought there could never be a better reminder. How often we feel over-strung, under-appreciated, and not quite up to the task ... but there is a plan!

I drove home from Loveland
Saturday,
I always leave there with a heavy heart.
I hate leaving Dean.
Dean is my special-needs son
whose needs exceed my ability,
so he lives in a host-home in Loveland, Colorado
two hours from us.
I physically ache when I pull out of his driveway.
I'm only whole when he's in my home.
I wonder often why this is part of the Plan
for our family?

As I continued to drive,
the highway melted into my thoughts
and all I could think of
was

Why can't I just be ENOUGH for all of my children?

As much as I want to be all, do all
for them,
I just can't.

This thought stayed with me
all day Saturday
when I had a moment to myself
there it stood,
that lone thought:
"As much as I want to be a Perfect Mother to my children,
how come I am not?"
The weight of that brought tears, frankly.

Sunday afternoon,
I awoke from a nap
and there was that thought
again,
"Why can't I be enough?"
A tender mercy
whispered from Heaven
soothed my heart:

"You were never meant to be
everything to everyone in your family.
If you were,
Why would they need Me?
It is in the void of their lives,
that noone else can fill,
that they turn to Me.
This is why you cannot be everything
to them, nor ever be enough
that they never want.
This is the Plan.
You are their Mother,
I am their God."

-- Momza's House

a little behind

2010-01-12T11:57:00.001-08:00

there are several posts below --- sorry for the overload!

watch out wimbledon!!

2010-01-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

Abbie goes to the funnest preschool -- she goes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each day, before class, they have an hour of lessons. Monday is gymnastics, Wednesday is swimming, and Friday is tennis. I wanted her to try several activities for a while before she picked one she wanted to stick with, and this school has been great for that. She's taken gymnastics for a while before she even started at this preschool, and is really petty good at it. Tennis, though?! She ADORES tennis. (Personally, I wish she'd pick gymnastics because she picks it up so quickly and is so good at it) but she says she's going up to be a 'tennis-ster'. Oh well, it's sure fun to watch!!

Balancing the ball -- and then bouncing it on the racket -- look at that focus ;)

*Balance activities *

*and the game begins*

Annie cheering on sister from the bleachers (which she later fell off of.)

*funny side note, the guys that teach their lessons are SO FUNNY with these kids! They're all like 18 or 19 and they have more fun than the kids do, I think. One time, when I pulled up to drop her off, they opened the door to help her out and she said 'hey, have you seen the other girls?' The kid said 'yep, I have' and she said 'do I look the cutest today?' I could have DIED! He just laughed and said 'you are the cutest EVERY day!' She gets that from her dad. Just so you know.*

J*dub's New Year's Challenge

2010-01-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

I received this puzzle for Christmas like 12 years ago. Once, when we were engaged, we tried to put it together and I got bored. Well, New Years day Jeremey found it, and brought it out thinking it would be fun. Annie refused, I lasted 10 minutes, and Abbie made it about a half hour. He persisted, and here is the finished product!! That's my man, all driven, focused (and yes, hairy ... he didn't have drill or any thing this month, so apparently the whole 'clean-shaven' thing became taboo. I shouldn't complain, at least he kept it trimmed!)

Christmas (finally!)

2010-01-12T11:21:00.001-08:00

I'm a compulsive apologizer -- although I fully realize that you all don't care that I'm so late with my Christmas blog -- I'm going to say it anyway. I'm sorry! We've been so busy having all kinds of holiday fun and Jeremey's been home so much, I've kind of stayed away, and I've been dreading downloading and organizing pictures -- but here's a little taste of our Holiday magic!

Santa came TO OUR HOUSE to visit! We opened the door and Abbie launched herself across the room at him, we had to pry her off so he could come all the way in the door. Annie was a little more nervous and we didn't get any pics of her. It was such a great surprise!

On Christmas Eve we tried our hardest to stay busy ....

Abbie insisted on wrapping all of her own gifts this year, and she did a fantastic job!

we made Christmas Ornament pictures for Grandpa and Grandma Christensen

we made Rice Krispy treats for Santa

and before bed the girls got the Christmas plate out and gave him some treats. Abbie arranged the plate while Annie got in the fridge to get milk -- and came out with a coke. * I assured her Santa would be thrilled *

Daddy set up a TV in their room and they settled under their Christmas tree for popcorn, hot chocolate, and movies!

but with all the excitement they lasted about 20 minutes before I found them like this.

The next morning they successfully navigated the Christmas traps laid by those clever elfs (there's a Christmas throwback to the Willson clan -- huh guys?) and came out to find their bounty!

*I just realized I took NO pictures of all the gifts Santa brought -- we have videos, but this is the only picture of Christmas morning!*

Playing with their new cars and town in their pink Christmas skirts (yes, they were on the list)

And just because they're darling, and because the Grandma's like to see, here are my angels in their Christmas dresses!

* We love you all! *

This Is My Joy

Like mother like daughter ...

We Are Well Able

the children were nestled ...

a little bit of history

Inevitable

* santa baby *

* you better watch out *

* we wish you a merry christmas *

* oh little town *

* watch out world *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thankful *

* thanks *

* spooktacular adventures *

* every once in a while *

Abiding Woman

* first you take the pumpkin *

* open the door *

Virginia Beach

overload ...

Jump ... Jump ...

i can see clearly now ...

I {heart} Virginia ...

If there were ...

So, that happened ...

Recapturing Beauty

* catching up *

* farewell *

I am an American Soldier.

Stronger than I Seem...

Until another day ....

* My Springtime Tradition *

Because I'm a MOM!

Dancing Queen(s)

* in your easter bonnet ... *

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

Abbie's Adventure

What we've been up to ...

Don't Forget Us!

* Take Note *

Smarty Pants

Ring It In

* Christmas Magic *

* a present for dad *

* Dear Santa *

It's December 4th ...

Counting Down ...

Welcome Winter!

* i think I've mentioned *

* to be thankful *

Holidaze ....

a spoooktacular good time

My cute girls ....

a party ... and a preview

star student

we love a good excuse ...

oh how I admire ...

* gratitude *

* tiny dancer*

* crazy hair day *

Gratitude...

Gratitude

I swear I try ...

7 years ...

there goes my baby ....

farewells ....

God Bless America

Overload....

*Family ... it's about TIME!*

it's the most wonderful time of the year ....

Family ... it's about TIME!

insert victory dance here