We Tried!

Joseph headed back to his building for a few minutes to tie up some loose ends before work tomorrow. Thankfully it's only about 5 minutes away. I've decided to post some more pictures of the fam while I can snag a few minutes of my own.

Last week we were asked for a recent and fairly decent family photo. I'm not the type to have my kids (or myself) looking picture perfect all the time, so the last photo we had where we all looked semi-decent, and were all in the same picture was last fall. We snagged a friend and decided to try to get one with all of us last Sunday....it sort of worked....oh well! This is us!

Halloween Fun

This last weekend was a busy one with lots of fall fun! We spent Friday evening with our friends the Cole's and the DeGraw's for a yummy salmon barbecue. Sadly, we forgot to take our camera. On Saturday we started out the morning with Joseph and the kids heading to Brynn's soccer game. I stayed home for some much needed quiet time to prepare my Young Women's lesson. When they arrived home we went to work making White Gold Chili and cookies for the 2 parties we were to attend in the afternoon and evening.

While we baked and cooked we talked alot about music. The conversation was inspired by our fellow bloggers Paul and Amy. We dashed in and out of the "computer room" playing songs for each other. It was fun!

Joe was in charge of the pumpkin cookies. He made his mom's recipe which called for 9+ cups of flour, so you can pretty much tell, he spent lots of time in the kitchen that afternoon. The first party we went to was at the home of one of the little girls from Brynn's soccer team. She is an only child and her parents went all out! It was pretty fun! Of course, I didn't hear the end of it when it came to how many Halloween decorations they had and how little we have. Everyday Abby asks me why EVERYONE else decorates the outside of their house for Halloween except us. I point out all of the homes that aren't decorated either, but she still insists that I am a mean mom because I haven't gone all out for this spooky holiday. I repeatedly remind her about the fun Halloween art we have done together that hangs from our ceiling and refrigerator, but it just doesn't cut it!

Joe's cookies were a hit with all of the ladies. Everyone raved about how good they were and begged for the recipe. They were very impressed when I told them my hubby made them. Way to go Joe!

Our second party was the ward Chili cook-off and the Trunk-or-Treat. It was fun to visit with ward members, and we had a good share of visitors too, so it was also fun to meet some new people. The kids still think it's pretty amazing that you can go walk around the church parking lot and everyone just loads your bag up with candy. We think it's pretty cool too, because they're so stocked maybe we'll try another fun ativity on Halloween rather than trick or treating. We will finish up our Halloween songs at our music playgroup tomorrow and then the kids have a Halloween party with friends on Wednesday morning....only a few more days and then we can start thinking about next years costumes....just kidding!

Oh and in case you are wondering....Aaron is Peter Pan and Brynn and Abby are both Winter Belle. I don't fight them on their choices, but I always hope it's something we already have at home and this year we lucked out! All costumes were out of our dress-up box! Whew!

I attempted my first video clip at the bottom. We'll see if it works? Aaron found a lawn mower at the party and wouldn't put it down. We left the party with him kicking and screaming trying to get back at it. We'll have to put a bug in Santa's ear!

Brynn's Birth"week!"

We started out Brynn's birthday week at Toys R Us to get some birthday ideas. It worked out perfectly because it was a rainy day outside and they have a huge play structure inside for the kids to climb and play on. It was great! They spent an equal amount of time with the hula hoops, bikes, scooters, balls, and trains. It was fun to see them so entertained. I came away with some great ideas for her birthday and Christmas!

The day before Brynn's birthday we made her birthday cupcakes. She was specific that she wanted homemade cupcakes and so I made sure homemade was okay with her teacher. I think I was secretly hoping she would say they had to be store boughten to save me a little time. Well, her teacher said it would be fine so we spent about 3 hours in the entire process of making, baking, frosting, decorating, and cleaning up 50 cupcakes. (The morning and afternoon kinders were combined on her birthday).

The cupcakes looked yummy, but I didn't let anyone taste any because I wanted to make sure we would have enough for everyone. I put them high on top of the kitchen cabinets so none of my climbers would get to them.

So the day of Brynn's birthday arrived and Joseph went to get the cupcakes. He climbed on top of the counter and pulled the pan of cupcakes down, so far so good. He then went to climb off of the counter with one of the pans and lost his footing. He fell backward slamming his tail bone and back into the cabinet below the sink. Frosted, sprinkled cupcakes went all over the floor (that had been mopped the day before, no less)! The cabinet cracked, and Joseph was in major pain! Hearing the crash, I came running in from doing Brynn's hair to see mashed cupcakes all over the floor. Ahhhh! We had about 5 minutes before Brynn needed to be at school. I panicked, Joe moaned, and Brynn came in and said, "It's okay...everything's going to be fine!' Who are the adults here? Joe ran to the store and purchased some cookies to take along with the rest of the cupcakes and everything worked out just fine.

After school I took the kids to "FairyTale Town" in Sacramento. It's a family park on a couple of acres with about 25 play structures based on favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes. There are real animals placed all around the park around things like a giant boot, King Arthur's Castle (complete with a moat), a gingerbread house, a big Charlotte's Web red barn, Cinderella's carriage, the crooked mile, and Owl's treehouse just to name a few. We spent a few hours there and the kids loved it. The temperature was in the mid 80's so it was a beautiful and adventurous day!

Aaron just had to be a little brother!

Aaron playing "Jack" who went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Water really came out!

The birthday girl!

Brynn with all the loot!

Happy Birthday Brynn!

Brynn is such a sweet sister and daughter. She is a tremendous help to me and is a wonderful example. She helps keep us all in line. We are so happy to have you in our family Brynn! Thanks for making me a mother six years ago! I love you!

Foxy's Fall Century

Davis, California October 20, 2007

Joseph sporting his well deserved t-shirt. Isn't he "FOXY?"

This is Amy...I'll talk about our leg of the race and I'll let Joseph take care of his portion. We started out the day at Brynn's soccer game and then hurried home to make our good luck posters for Dad. We then headed to the Veteran's Memorial Center in Davis where the 100 mile ride would end.

We arrived a little early so I let the kids play around on the lawn. Aaron feels liberated when he is in the great outdoors. I try to give him as much freedom as I think he can safely handle. He loved exploring and checking out everyone's cool bikes. This prompted many comments from those around such as..."I think you've lost one....looks like one got away....got your hands full?" Oh I forgot to mention that my annual voice loss happened this weekend...it has happened pretty much every year since I was in high school...always when the weather gets a little cooler. So it made it a little more difficult to keep him in line.

The century rides Joseph has done finish in sort of an anti-climatic way. For those of you who have seen the end of a marathon, Ironman, or smaller triatholon or road race you would expect the fanfare, cheering, large crowds etc. At the end of the century rides Joe has done you would probably be thinking...."that's it?...you just finish..." Yup, that's the way it goes. These type of events are typically a fund raiser, and because they take so many hours, the participants usually are spread out over many miles. I don't mind, it's just fun for me to show up and cheer on my favorite athlete and for Joseph to know that we support him in his endeavors. Well, since our children have been to quite a few athletic events including the end of a few Ironman's, they were expecting the type of fanfare present at those events. When I could see Joseph coming down the street, I yelled with my "chain smoker" voice (but to no avail) for the girls to come see him finish. I kept yelling and the girls finally came over once Joseph had come to a stop. Abby immediately exclaimed with a furrowed brow and a stomp of the foot..."But Dad, I wanted you to WIN!" I think she imagined him crossing through the yellow tape, the masses cheering, medals, trophies, standing on the podium...you get the idea. Joseph explained that he had finished before most people, but throughout the day Abby kept saying over and over again, 'Dad, I just wanted you to win...why didn't you win?" Anyone who knows Abby knows it is impossible to reason with her.

I am very proud of Joseph! I love the passion and tenacity he has in him to do hard things...and to do them well. If I were to ride 100 miles I would most likely mosey my way through them, but he pushes himself to the max, I have always been amazed at this ability in him. Way to go Joe! You are a champion and my hero!

Joseph's Account of the Day

What a day! This was my second century event (last October "Tour de St. George") and it was exhaust-a-pating! Maybe I wasn't in as good of shape (definitely), or maybe it was the fact that I went to bed at midnight the evening before then was called into work at 4:00 a.m. because one of my nurses locked her med keys in the cart, but I was hammered by about mile 60! Of course I really only trained for 3 weeks prior, with no practice ride over 60 miles. You really do have to prepare for these rides, especially if you are going to "crank" through the course (verb: to push your physical and emotional envelope!) like I always like to do. I have this strange drive to push my physical and mental limits. I really just compete against myself...Ok, I'm lying, I am really racing everybody around me AND myself.

Just a few details: The century began in Davis, CA, then crossed through the beautiful Solano County fields and orchards then winded through rolling vineyards in Napa County wine country. It was gorgeous! Think, "A Walk in the Clouds" (for those of you who have seen the movie). The last portion of the loop climbed through the Berryessa Mountain Range passed Lake Berryessa, and then along Putah Creek road back to Davis. My body hurt!!! The day was super windy and dry, and I lost about 10 lbs. in water weight. (too bad the weight doesn't stay off:) With about 10 miles left, the 100 miler's joined up with the 60 mile racers and admittedly they looked a little less spent than myself. I finished with slight dehydration and a stomach ache. Perhaps the mixture of Gatorade, Goo, Gels, Cliff Bar's, and Cliff SHOT blocks is not a good combination after riding 6 hours hard in the sun and wind. I was thrilled to see my beautiful wife and cute kids with their signs at the finish line. I dawned my new shirt, and recouped with my kids over a delicious spaghetti and apple crisp dinner for participants and their families. I love these rides. I love challenging my mind and spirit. This ride really hurt, but I loved the accomplishment, and the scenery was tremendous.

I am rather outspoken in my belief that every adult should find something active that they enjoy. Cycling really works for me. Whatever my degree of athletic prowess, I can push myself. Definitely my next event will be something more exciting for my wife and kids to cheer on :) (See Amy's comment above.) I love cycling and I love the beautiful outdoors, but neither as much as my wife!

Peek-A-Boo!

Our handsome little man! Check out that dimple...I love him sooo much!

Aaron Exploring

Aaron hugged this pole for seriously about 5 minutes, it was so funny!

Go Dad!

Aaron's new thing with Joe's car....what is it with boys and cars?

Guess Who's 6?

Happy Birthday Brynn!

I'll post more about this wonderful girl and our fun day.... later!

Bikin' Babes!

My mom sent an email to the family of what she thought Joe and I would look like in 70 years. What do you think? Brings a whole new meaning to "Century Ride." Thanks for the laugh mom!

Go Joe!

Good Luck Joseph!

Joe will ride in the Foxy's Fall Century today in Davis. He hasn't been able to train as long and hard as he would have liked to, but we know he will do awesome! I love athletic events where the human body and spirit are pushed, it's exhilarating! We can't wait to cheer him on.

It's All Good!

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Things are looking up.... I just needed a healthy dose of "counting my blessings." It's amazing what that can do for you. Today I am especially grateful for.....

1. 3 creative, energetic, wonderful and healthy children, who make me laugh more than they make me cry.

2. A faithful husband who adores and appreciates me and my efforts and lets me know multiple times throughout the day (even when I don't feel deserving of his kindness).

3. A new running partner that is fun to talk to and has qualities I really admire.

4. The rain we have had for the last couple of days...it waters my flowers giving me one less thing on my to do list.

5. My Mom and other good friends who listen, strengthen, encourage, and who give me an alternate perspective without being judgmental.

Pumpkin Puff Pancakes with Apple Cider Syrup

Not to overshadow the conference post...I would love to hear what everyone else enjoyed about conference, but my friend Kami asked for this recipe last week and I thought I would share it here for all to enjoy! This is one of my favorite fall recipes....we LOVE fall in our family. I think it has finally arrived here in California. It's cool enough to start cooking warm, yummy foods in the kitchen and of course there are wonderful acitivities we love that involve leaves, pumpkins, apples, and football. It makes me excited just talking about it. Anyway, this is a recipe I received from Joe's mom many years ago. He made them for me when I was sick one day in high school, it was love at first taste. Here goes....

Pumpkin Puff Pancakes
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
1 3/4 cup Bisquick
1/4 cup vegetable oil
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. soda
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger

In small mixing bowl, beat eggs on high speed for 5 minutes or ubtil thick and lemon colored. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour batter from 1/4 cup onto medium hot ungreased griddle. Bake until puffed and bubbles begin to break.

Apple Cider Syrup
1 cup sugar (I actually put very little sugar in, maybe 1/4 cup or less, we think the cider makes it sweet enough, do what you like
2 T. cornstartch
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 cups apple cider
2 T. Lemon juice
1/4 cup melted butter

In saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg; stir in apple cider and lemon juice. Cook stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir for 1 minute. remove from heat, stir in melted butter. Makes 2 1/2 cups syrup.

Yum! These are so good. They practically melt in your mouth! Try them and tell me what you think! Enjoy!

Helping Us Raise our Little Brood!

What a great weekend of conference. I am very grateful for such wise counsel from our leaders that left me with a feeling of hope and a desire to do much better in so many areas of my life. My marching orders for the next 6 months will surely include improving my efforts as a wife and mother and improving my efforts as a member missionary.

A few thoughts that really spoke to my heart......

Elder Ballard - I loved the interesting facts he pointed out about the church and how he spoke of being careful to discern whether people are interested in learning more about the gospel or just curious about the church.

Elder Wirthlin - First of all, I was absolutely amazed at his deliverance of this talk. What determination and what a powerful message about the quality that should best describe us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.....charity...'We are people who love the Lord with all of our hearts, might, mind and strength. We love our neighbors as ourselves....When we love the Lord, obedience is seen less as a burden and more as a delight......we seek less for the things which would benefit us and more for the things that would benefit others...." I want to work toward these qualities so that these are qualities that describe me. And what a poignant example of love when Elder Nelson stood up to support him.

President Eyring - I love hearing this man speak....just last week Joseph and I were talking about how when he bears witness and says that he knows....you know that he really knows.....I felt the same thing yesterday as he bore witness....I loved listening to him during the press conference as well as in his message. I was impressed with his diligence in keeping a journal. Wow! I am excited to ask myself daily, "Have I seen the hand of the Lord in my life or my families' life today?" and then go record it.

Elder Cook - I felt like his address was an answer to prayers for me. I have often worried about raising my children outside of Utah, not because Utah is a perfect place, I know it isn't. But I think it's because of not exaclty knowing how to do it... because both Joe and I were raised in Utah, I have often wondered if there is in fact a different formula for doing things depending on where in the world you live. I guess you could compare it to growing a garden in a different climate and learning what works and what doesn't in certain areas. I loved when he spoke of living in the San Fransisco area and worrying about raising their children there. When he said, "I believe we can raise righteous children anywhere in the world....if they are taught righeous principles in the home." I felt a sense of hope and peace overcome me. I love how he also gave the 4 guidelines outlined by President Harold B. Lee that would make this possible.... One, Follow the Prophet....Two, Create the true spirit of the gospel in our hearts and in our homes....Three, Be a light to those among whom we live....Four, Focus on the ordinances and principles taught in the temple.

When he spoke of missionary efforts among members it hit me straight to the core because the old excuses I've used in the past won't work any more. I often let my fear get in the way of sharing the gospel. I totally related to this statement, "Live by faith not fear in missionary efforts....many wonderful members are in camouflage (sp) to neighbors and co-workers, they do not let people know who they are and what they believe. We need much more member involvement in sharing the gospel." I often go about my day and associate with members of the church, and keep to myself when I am around those who I don't know or who are not of my faith. I let my fear of not knowing enough gospel knowledge keep me from sharing the most important things that I know are true. I need to do much better!

Elder Bednar - I have admired Elder Bednar and his wife for many years. I was the student representative on the Women's Awareness Commitee while I attended Ricks College. I met weekly with 6 other women including a few faculty members, professors, and Sister Bednar. I was amazed at her diligence and her testimony. She was always above reproach in every word, action, and deed......I love how Elder Bednar digs a little deeper into the heart of a principle....listening to him made me want to examine my motives behind everything that I do. it is not enough for me to resist temptation or to do those things I know are right to have clean hands, but I must change my heart so that I desire to do good continually for the right reasons and so that have no desire to do evil, only then will I have a pure heart.

Elder Costa - First of all two words....Nacho Libre! I loved his talk, but we couldn't stop smiling because of how much his accent reminded us of Nacho! My sister texted me after his talk, "Hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss. " Anyway, I am determined to improve my relationships with my immediate little family as well with my extended family. I don't want any regrets!

Elder Oaks - Made me want to make sure that I am spending my time in the best way possible. I better sign off my blog soon and tend to more important priorities...:o) Good, Better, Best! That thought will be going through my head alot! And where do you find a Sears Catalog like that these days...do they have those things on micro-fische?

And of course...I loved when President Hinckley spoke of Joseph Smith and the Restoration. What a privilege and a responsibility to be a part of such a great work. I am continually amazed at the sharpness of his mind and the quickness of his wit. I loved it when he said he plans to be here in 6 months to meet with us again. I sure hope so....

And...I guess I'll post just one more, last but not least.....Sister Julie B. Beck - I want to be a mother who knows! I want to do better at carefully planning for prayer, scripture study, and Family Home Evening instead of just haphazardly letting them happen. I want to focus on teaching my children to work along side me instead of trying to do it all myself while they watch tv or play with toys. I want to spend more time working, reading, laughing, and playing with them. I want to be more selective about my own activities so that I can use my energy to bless their lives. I could go on and on. Points from two of my favorite talks of all time, hang on the side of my fridge, one is "A Woman of Faith" from Sister Nadauld and the other is "A Mother Heart" by Sister Beck. I am excited to add to them "Mothers Who Know."

I am so grateful not only for the gospel of Jesus Christ, but for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and for the inspired elements it contains to strengthen families and to help us to become better people wherever we live.....how blessed we are to be able to watch and listen to those who bear such powerful witness of the Savior and who instruct us on those things which will bring us the greatest happiness now and forever. It all feels so good!

Abby's New Theory

Abby is constantly telling us her theories about many things in life. Well here is her latest theory. Today she had a rough sort of day. She has been suffering from a little head cold, lack of sleep, and poor decisions that resulted in some self-defense socked to her by her older sister. Anyway, I was holding her on the couch while she wailed....and wail, she does. The tears stopped and she looked at me and said, "Mom, I know where babies start before they get into your tummy....." "Hmmmm? Do you?" I asked. She then took her finger and touched my forehead. "First the baby starts really small in your forehead and then it moves to your nose, and then it moves to your chin, and then down your neck (all the while her finger is tapping each part on the way down)......then it goes deep into your tummy and it grows bigger and bigger.....I just figured it out mom." And she was off to play. It was pretty funny! I guess she's right in a way, we have always put a great deal of thought into when each child will come. So I guess you could say it starts in your forehead. Oh....and FYI there is no baby in my forehead right now.

Fair Warning!

I guess I should tell anyone who reads the former post to beware. It is very long and contains quite a bit of rambling and reflection, and of course my mind is constantly making connections here and there so I sound a little ADD in my writing, who knows maybe I actually am? Anyone who knows us well, knows that the two of us are never really at a loss for words. Not that we ever have anything that important to say, we just like to talk. From the moment we wake up to the second he leaves in the morning and from the moment he steps out of his office for home and calls me to the moment our heads hit the pillow.... we have constant on-going dialogue, and of course we have had to do better about including our kids in our conversations because we can talk and talk and talk about things interesting to us, and not so interesting to them. We are still trying to figure out exactly where to go with this whole blog thing. We like the idea of it being a family journal of sorts. I still write in my own personal journal, and we have our journal we keep between each other with notes back and forth (to preserve nice little notes and to prevent paper clutter). Anyway, we'll see where we're headed. So consider yourself fore-warned!