Neti Pot to the Rescue!

I haven't made the time to blog in quite awhile, but I really have something to share now, so I thought I would take a minute and update. okay, I was having some awful nasal issues earlier in the week and was feeling stuffy and runny all at the same time. The kind of thing where your whole head feels clogged! Not wanting to go to the route of medicine, I decided to try the Neti Pot that I had seen on Oprah (back when I actually liked her) and I am telling you...Neti is my new best friend! It actually worked a miracle for me and I have become a fan. It feels a little wierd the first few moments as the water is going in, but then if you just keep your mouth open and don't try to swallow, it isn't bad at all. The real joy comes in when you have successfully drained all the liquid in one side and out the other and you can actually breathe CLEARLY!! Oh, I never knew it would feel so good to clean your nasal cavities from one end to the other. That must be how my mom feels when she gets her spring and fall cleaning done!
That is my tip for you all. I am just on a roll here with the natural home remedies aren't I?? First the sty treatment and now this. Dang, I am good :)

Homecoming Night

SO, Mariah's Homecoming night turned out great! Here a few pictures to show off. Another one of the moms and I went to the restaurant ahead of time and they let us decorate the patio outside and they had it all to themselves. It turned out really cute. The biggest stress of the whole thing was trying to find a modest dress....IMPOSSIBLE! We were very lucky to fine this little jacket that matched pretty well with her dress. I was kicking myself that I never learned how to sew!! So, all of you moms who are several years away from all of this, I would suggest you start learning how to sew!

A little humor goes a long way...

So yesterday afternoon I did the daily routine of picking up 4 kids from 4 different schools, dumped the last one off at home, rushed off to the High School homecoming carnival to work at the fundraiser booth for Mariah's dance team...left there just in time to pick up a friend and head off to a parenting workshop that a friend of mine, Heather, was putting on.
Ironically, Lora called as I was on my way to ask "what is for dinner"....I said, "oh yeah, I totally forgot about that" and then she said, "well, that's ok. where are you going anyway mom?" uhhh...."I am going to a class that is going to help me a better mom" I can only imagine what she was thinking, given her first question!! oh wow.
anyway, I can't begin to recite all that I learned from this workshop, but the main tip that I got was to just have more HUMOR in our parenting. We were laughing so hard as many examples were given to us as to how to use humor with our kids. SO, be creative and learn to not only laugh more at what your kids are doing but also find ways to bring humor into your discipline!

Just thought I would share that little tip with you all. So, tonight I have another seminar to rush off to, this one being presented by none other than ME ( a Health & Nutrition seminar) and so you can be darn sure that I got up and started some dinner already in the crockpot for the kids! Now Lora will really think that workshop worked huh??

Looking for some practical ideas and tips?

Just wanted to do a little PR for April's latest post.....check it out. She found some really great and useful tips that she posted. So, just in case you don't ever visit her blog. Click on her link under my friends and family.

Gotta go clean my dryer vent now...talk to you all later.

My Sweet 16 Year Old

Mariah turned 16 a couple months back but has her first official DATE coming up on Sept. 26th for the Homecoming Dance! I don't know who is more excited....her or ME! Her date is a doll and came by the house last week when Mariah wasn't here to leave a bunch of bananas, balloons and a poster on the porch that said, "I would go BANANAS is you would go with me to Homecoming!" He called first to ask our permission to ask her, which I thought was very sweet. Anyway, it will be fun to help her find a dress and all the trimmings...and it's not Lane that I have to worry about being on the front porch with a shotgun...it's big bro Alex. I don't think he is ready for his little sis to be dating!

Her best friend's older sister just started a photography biz and did a photo shoot of Mariah and Carlee a few weeks ago. Take a look at them, I know I am biased, but they are SO BEAUTIFUL! I don't know how to insert a link so just go to the website. It is www.startinphoto.com click on CLIENTS and then Carlee & Mariah.

It is wierd to have kids old enough to date when it just was yesterday for me! How does that happen??

Happy Birthday Mom!

September 14th is always a day in the year that I am especially thankful for....it is the day a wonderful gift was given to this earth and without her, literally, I wouldn't be here. My beautiful mother celebrates her Birthday today. I actually don't even know how old she really is (unimportant facts tend to get lost in my brain) all I know is that for my entire life, she has been part of it.

My mom did all the important things that good moms try to do for their children. She taught me the Gospel, she taught me all the duties of how to be a good homemaker, taught me to serve others whether it be in the form of taking in a meal or sharing our talents. She was a visible prescence in our highschool as she helped with many school plays and performances and then was always there in the audience to cheer us on and give hugs at the end.

My mom has so many talents and special gifts that are hers. She has the knack of making ANYTHING look beautiful, even if it is a tuna sandwich....she will make sure that it is on a pretty plate and accompanied by a glass of sparkling lemonade in a beautiful goblet. She just always goes the extra mile for everything. Some have criticized her for trying to reach perfection in all that she does throughout her life, but as I get older, I appreciate more and more the "intensity" with which my mom lives her life. She is a passionate, emotional person who feels things much more deeply than some. She feels pain and she feels joy with the same intensity. She can cry harder than anyone I know, because I think she loves deeper than anyone I know. She can also help others to see the joy and beauty around her because she notices the little things more than anyone I know.

My mom has become my best friend. Being best friends mean that we accept someone for who they are with all of their weaknesses and strengths and that we share in things together. We help each other through those days when we feel like we can't get out of bed and we celebrate all the wonderful moments in life together. I am so thankful for a wise Father in Heaven who sent me to earth with just the mother that I needed. She has helped me become who I am today.She always expected the best of me, and while that was difficult at times, I know that it forced me to grow in ways that I wouldn't have otherwise. I am still a work in progress, as is she, but so many little things I find myself doing or saying...I think to myself, "I got that from mom."

My mom has risen above the ashes so many times in her life. We know that we are here on earth to be tested and go through trials. I have watched her over and over as she passes the test and comes out better and stronger because of them. The best thing about my mom is that she loves her children more than anything in the world. Each one of us knows that and always knows that she will be there for us no matter what.

Mom, thank you for teaching me how to love. Thank you for pulling me up when I am down. Thank you for always believing in me and supporting me in whatever I do. Thank you for always seeing the best in me even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for instilling in me that I am a daughter of God with unlimited potential. You are just the person that I have needed to help me through this life. We have been through alot of things together that have made us stronger and closer. I know that you struggled so much of your life with severe health issues that kept you from being the person that you so much wanted to be. I am thankful for many of those trials that came to our family because of that. It helped us to become stronger and to really appreciate the mother that we have today who is healthy and strong and able to give more fully to all of us. I feel so blessed to have a mom that is beautiful, classy, FUN, spiritual, talented and my best friend.

Thank you mom. I love you. Happy 50th Birthday....(am I close???)

New Home Remedy

I had to tell everyone about a great little tip I got from my friend yesterday. Lora came home from school with a sty in her eye and I wasn't sure what to do about it. It was not real big, but hanging down on her eye enough to irritate her and it was all red and swollen. Well, I mentioned it to Becky and she told me that her mom always used to rub a gold ring on a sty when they were kids. I reacted just like you probably are with an ...."oh right, that sounds like voo doo..." Well, I had nothing to lose, so I took my wedding band and gently rubbed it back and forth on her sty. I did this about 3 times before she went to bed that night.
ok, guess what...this morning it was GONE!! AMAZING huh?? It must be some mineral property in the metal, like maybe how Zinc works on zits....I don't know, but whatever it was, it worked.
So, there you go, another home remedy to add to our list.

Summer at the Martinsens!

I can't even believe that summer is over for us and we are back into the routine of school. Unfortunately mother nature doesn't know that summer is over and we still have temps way over 100! Since I haven't blogged in quite awhile, I will give a quick run down of our summer:

My kids were coming and going to many different things. Lora and Mariah both got to go to Cali. (further reading on their blogs) Mariah also had EFY and Girls Camp, both of which were amazing experiences for her as always.

I made my first attempt (successfully) to drive to Utah by myself with the 3 youngest kids. Actually went pretty smoothly thanks to being able to stop off for the night in St. George at my sis in laws house, which is empty, so it is better than a nice hotel!

We spent almost 2 weeks in Utah with family wich was so GREAT and badly needed! We spent the first several days with Shawn and Cheryl and got to go camping with them and my dad. The kids had a blast and it was really great. Then we went to Kristen's for almost the rest of the time, which was so much fun. A tad crazy at times with so many kids but we had so much fun and I just loved spending all that time with her and the kids. All her kids are great but Connor and Abby I could just eat! They are so dang cute and funny!!

Then we had Lane's family reunion which he flew in for and that was awesome to see everyone again on his side. Spent a couple nights at my mom's and then back home to AZ and the heat. We left Abe at Kristen's and brought Haley home with us.

We came home to our foreign exchange student from China who had gotten here a few days before and thankfully my cousin April played hostess until we returned.
We had the next 2 1/2 weeks with her and it was nothing short of WONDERFUL! It was such a fun expreience for all of us. We really bonded with her and it was so hard to see her leave just a couple days ago. She was so darling and so great to just jump in and do whatever we were doing. She seemed to love being part of a big family, since she is an only child in China. I could write so much about our time with her...but maybe later.

In the midst of all this...I turned 40. Yes, I did just say that. I still can't really believe it myself. My friends took me out for a great night for dinner and then we went to see "Mama Mia" I thought it was so dang funny! I laughed my head off. It is definately a chick flick! SO if you are in the mood for a good laugh, grab a girlfriend and go.

ok...next, my BABY started Kindergarten!!! I guess I really am 40. I think it was actually harder on Lane than me though. He was pretty much a mother hen those first couple days to her. They are best buds though, so it didn't surprise me really. Funny, that Alex calls home feeling a little lonely and Lane is like "it's good for him" and then a friend calls to tell me that Emma is crying at school and Lane is like "I'm on my way!!" and was by her side within 5 minutes of the call! hmmm....

She is having a little struggle adjusting to the all day thing but each day is a little better.

I still have Lora here who doesn't start until Aug 11th so I am not yet really experiencing the quiet house thing, but I think I am really looking forward to it. Do you think it would be too indulgent of me to just float around on my mat in the pool for a few days after they all go back?? I got a new book for my b-day that I have been dying to start. And I might even have to celebrate with a diet coke even though I have stuck to my no soda goal 100% since Christmas. That's long enough don't you think??

Oh gosh...we did lots of other things as well this summer but my brain is a little fuzzy right now. I think because I ate a Swiss Cake Roll about an hour ago and now I have a headache. It wasn't even good. It tasted like crisco.

Here are a few pictures for you. Of course, Emma on her first day of school and then Abe as well. He started Jr. High. nice pic huh? Mariah leaves the house at 6:15 AM and she is quite grumpy in the mornings (sorry Miah, but it's true) so, no picture of her on her first day of her Junior Year. and of course Lora hasn't started yet, so that will be coming.

and a pic of our family with Elvira...our chinese lady, as the kids called her.

ok, well, I still have one more AWESOME thing happening to top off my summer. AMY AND HER KIDS ARE COMING TO STAY WITH US FOR 9 DAYS!!!! We are so excited!!!!

That's it for now. ta ta

update

just so you know...I am going to update my blog as soon as I have a minute. hee hee

"Lora the superstar"

so some of you have heard Lora sing in the shower, but I finally captured her (fresh out of the shower) and I just have to show this off, of course, I think she is AMAZING!!
and Emma wants me to say that SHE is a superstar too.
make sure to listen all the way to the end for the "big finish"

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Mariah just returned from a week long trip to California to visit a very close friend. The whole family was gathered around the computer to view all the pictures from her trip. When we got to this one, Lora said:
"How did you and Erica make LOVE in the sand?"
Lane and I couldn't help but crack up and then that got all the kids laughing....the funniest thing was Emma and Lora both were laughing their heads off. They didn't even know what they were laughing at.

Torn Fan

Lane and I took Abram to his first major league game last Friday night....it was so much fun! Especially to see the look on his face when we got into the stadium! It was priceless!! Something about the look of a freshly groomed baseball field, with players in clean uniforms and the national anthem being sung with fireworks going off...it is just like an emotional experience. But then, I pretty much cry at everything...so maybe it isn't that way for everyone.
I have to admit I was a little bit torn though, because the Diamond Backs were playing the KC Royals and since that is where I was born....and grew up watching the Royals (even went to a couple games) I was a little torn about who to cheer for. THere wasn't a whole lot of cheering going on since there were no runs at all until the 10th inning! Then the D Backs finally landed a homerun. IT was a fun way to end the game.
THis picture was sent to me by someone who knew us that lives in Utah but happened to be at the game as well and caught us on the screen. Pretty cool huh??

Nana's visit

had to post a pic of Emma in her dance recital costume ( she was too nervous to come out on stage but she sure looked cute!)



It was a fun week having my mom here visiting. We were pretty much completely lazy...sleeping in every day and floating around in the pool until the late afternoon. We watched a few good movies that she had never seen (or at least can't remember ever seeing) and we even got in just a little shopping. Nana managed to talk my kids into giving her a good foot rub or two as well. We did go up to Scottsdale one night to see Shawn since he was here on business. (see April's blog for pics of that night)
The older I get, the more I love and appreciate and admire my sweet mom. She is so good to all of us and so fun to have around. We had many many good laughs, thanks to Lora...so funny that I can't even blog about it. Like my mom always says...they broke the mold when Lora was created! She had us in stitches many times!

Well, it is time to get back into somewhat of a routine...like cooking dinner. I have been in party mode with her here. Thanks for the visit mom...I love you tons!!

ps. I have to add a little update on Alex. He is doing great and loving college life! Of course I have already sent 2 care pkgs. (shhhh...don't tell Lane) Alex's one tip for new college freshmen is this: "Don't wash new blue towels with ANYTHING else!" He said it looked like a SMURF exploded in the dryer!!

Roots & Wings

Well, it is official....I only have 4 children left at home! Sunday was a very emotional day around here. It made it more tearful, yet meaningful that it was Testimony meeting. I did alot of self talk all morning as I was getting ready saying.."this is not a big deal...this is not a big deal..." and yet when I sat down and looked up at the Sacrament table and saw Alex, the tears started flowing. Then I thought I had it together and the Bishop gave me a sympathetic wink and a smile and it started again. Luckily I had packed a few small packages of kleenex in my bag.

Alex bore an amazing testimony and then many of the priest quorum followed suit and the spirit was so strong.... Abram bore his testimony for his first time. He was so nervous. It was very sweet. It was just a great meeting. We have some incredible youth and their Priest Quorum is especially close.

Well, we came home and later had Alex's favorite dinner (chicken enchiladas..Martinsen style). A few of his closest friends showed up during dinner and hung out for dessert. Lane and Trent's dad both gave them father's blessings and then we loaded up the car and went to the airport. The little girls stayed home with Alex's girlfriend Cate.

I had a good cry on the phone with my mom who picked them up from the airport. I am so thankful to her for picking them up and driving them up to BYU Idaho today and getting them all "tucked in" as I keep saying (it is driving Lane nuts!) He thinks Alex and Trent should have just had to rough it and figure everything out on their own like HE did. I have had to tell him several times that it was different for him. He was 23 years old for one, and had already lived on his own for a few years and he had a car to get around!
Anyway, I am feeling so happy and relieved tonight now that I know they are all settled in and even have matching sheets and towels (thanks mom!)
My mom had some funny stories to tell about the boys buying the groceries and putting their beds together etc...
I am so happy that she was there for them. Pretty lucky to have Martha Stewart helping you get organized!
Mariah started right in on Alex's room today, cleaning and de-junking it as part of some service hours she needed for YW. It looks like he died or something. It has never been so clean before!
Well, when we gathered for FHE tonight, Lane actually said, "wait! who is missing?" It was kinda funny. That's a dad for ya.
I had many tears yesterday, but today I have actually thought of a few positive things about this:
1.we don't have to eat in the dining room for dinner..we can all fit at the kitchen table now
2. There will at least be one room in the house that will STAY clean!
3. I will have ALOT less laundry to do (Alex showers at least twice a day)
4. We won't go through as much food
5. I don't have to wait up for him anymore
6. He is going to have the time of his life and I am so excited for him!!!

A song that has been running through my mind lately is called "Roots & Wings". IT is about your children growing up and it says..."just give them Roots to grasp and Wings to fly"
He definately has strong roots to grasp, thanks to the many examples he has had all of his life between family and church leaders....and now he has spread his wings and flown away. My heart has a hole in it....I love you so much ALex.

Grad Night

Well, last night was the big night. I was pretty proud of myself that I only got a little teary one time. It was just Lane and I and the three oldest kids and it was a really fun night. We went out to dinner first and then to the graduation...then after, out to a place called "Bahama Bucks" which has the BEST shaved ice you have ever had! (I know you are thinking...how good can shaved ice be??... but honestly it is very unique and SO SO good!)
Anyway, it was a really sentimental night and my stomach just had butterflies the whole time. I am so proud of Alex and for the great young man he has become.
Most of you know that I am not happy with the high school here at all, and so I could tell you about a few things that happened at Graduation that were so typical of Basha High...but to keep this on a positive note, I won't. You'll have to call me to get those details :)
Well, Alex's room looks like a nuclear bomb went off in there since he has everything all piled up to start packing tomorrow. He leaves on Sunday and then I can go in there with a leaf blower and get it all clean!
I am holding it together pretty good. Just have to get through Sunday.

The End of an Era...

I haven't even been able to blog about this because I have been in denial, but yes, my first child is actually leaving the nest in 10 days. No one ever told me that it would be this hard, or maybe I am just wired all wrong and it is especially painful and emotional for me. Whatever it is....this is really tough on me. I find myself bursting into tears at very random times. Even in the grocery store when I pass by the "Chalulah sauce" or some other favorite food of Alex's. Speaking of food...I need to add "always open the carton to check the eggs" to my list of things to tell him.....
I know he will be back before his mission, but I just don't think things will ever really be the same again.
We have been to several really great meetings lately revolving around the graduating seniors. Duty to God Recognition Night, Seminary Graduation, and Senior Recognition Night. I was a crier during all 3 of them. The moms were supposed to get up at Sr. Night and talk a little bit about their child. I couldn't even do it, I had to pass the buck to Lane whose tear ducts do not happen to be connected to his heart like mine.
It is not only Alex that I am going to miss, but all of his friends. I love them all so much and they are such great kids to have in our home. I always wanted our house to be the "hang out house" and even though it is smaller than most of his friends' houses, they somehow end up here most of the time and I totally love it. I know that Alex is going to have a blast at BYU Idaho and I am so excited for him. It just came alot sooner than I expected.
So for all of you who want to ring your 3 year old's neck for various reasons throughout the day...please believe me when I say, they will be leaving home before you know what hit you and you will want all of those days back!
One of my very favorite songs is called "Two Little Shoes".
The chorus says..."and each night I kneel. My heart sings a prayer. Thanks dear God for one little boy, and two little shoes on the stair...."

I will get through it. This is just a tough year for me: Oldest leaving home. Youngest going to school. Turning 40!
Pray for me :)

Cute Toes

Thought I would post a picture of my cute toes....a few days ago, 5 of my girlfriends and I all decided that we needed to treat ourselves to a little girl time and get some cute toes while we were at it. I went a little more conservative than some of them. Too bad none of us had a camera on us to get all 50 toes in the picture.
Anyway, it was fun and for my sisters who know I have never taken good care of my feet, I thought you would think this was funny! I use to BITE my toenails...probably still would except that I can't seem to get my foot in my mouth anymore (at least in that way haha)
So if you are having one of "those days".....try getting a fun pedicure!

Happy Birthday Lora Loo

It's about time I updated my blog and what better reason than to celebrate my not so little Lora Loo's 9th Birthday!!
That has become her nickname of choice as of late....the name by which she is known to her bosom buddies and her favorite grown-up Mr. Eyre
Lora definately has a special place in my heart, and although there are millions of reasons why I adore this little girl, I thought I would list my top 9:

1. She is witty
2. She makes great facial expressions when she talks
3. She uses words like HORRIFIC! RIDICULOUS! PATHETIC!
4. She thinks that Brownies and Reeses Peanut Butter cups are on the food pyramid
5. She eats peanut butter on a spoon for breakfast almost everyday
6. She can sing in the shower like no one else!
7. She has an anxiety attack when she hears the word "throw-up"
8. She writes amazing stories
9. All it takes is a giant hug to snap her out of a bad mood

ok, I can't stop at 9.....

10. She can't stand "hair bumps"
11. She takes a baggie of dill pickles each day in her lunch
12. She has a million collections going on in her closet
13. She wants to be Hannah Montana
14. Her Primary teachers think she is the quietest thing ever (whatever)
15. She LOVES her family
16. She loves Heavenly Father
17. She doesn't really want to grow up
18. She can make a toy out of anything
19. She has a great imagination
20. Her eyes light up when she smiles!

Lora is spunky and snorky and sometimes dresses dorky, but we love her with all our hearts! Happy Birthday Lora-loo

Vegetable Message?

I always think it is a good thing that I didn't have all boys because I am not a great scout mom. Oh sure, Alex got his Eagle when he was 14, but that wasn't because of me! This seems like a really lame complaint, but getting them ready to go out the door to their scout camps..is just not my favorite thing in the world...you know, scrambling to help them fit all their gear into a small backpack and cramming a million treats in there with it and then yes, making the TIN FOIL DINNERS! I admit, I don't like packing school lunches either. I always try to talk them into grabbing a pizza on the way up, but my boys have convinced me that nothing tastes better than a tin foil dinner made by mom.
So, last weekend, I was busy doing things around the house and realized that I needed to make 3 dinners (Lane, Alex and Abe)....I was murmuring.....
Well, the first potato that I pulled out of the bag was this one.
Need I say more??

Taking a Road Trip...

Well, Lane and I have decided to take advantage of my cousin April just having moved here and her willingness to come and stay with our kiddos while we get away. Having no family here has made it hard to do that very often. While I do have awesome friends who are always willing to help me out, it is still hard to get away for more than a couple days. April is still single and seems to LOVE my kids and they LOVE her right back, so I feel happy that they will all be having a good time. Not to say that she may be in for a shock when it comes down to taking over with all the running around I do with them. Anyway, Lane and I have been envisioning a road trip to visit many of our Usana associates in other states who need a little more help and training. Some hard work now, will set us up for some great residual income to be enjoyed later....that's the idea here. We are having a great time building this business and the friendships that we are making are truly the biggest benefit so far.
Let's see how well Lane and I do being together 24/7 for TWO WEEKS!! yikes, this could be scary girls....I may have to get up and post in the middle of the night and have some venting blogs....no, seriously, doing this together has really brought us closer and we are learning things about each other we never knew.
So, we are off to California, Vegas, Southern Utah, Northern Utah, Idaho and everywhere in between, so if you know of any great restaurants, free hotels or great sights to see that we may not know about...feel free to pass them along.
The weather is awesome here in AZ, so I realize we may be headed into cold country again. I better start digging around for something besides flip flops huh?

One more thing...I would like some opinions of what would be a fair pay to April. I have no idea. She will be driving our car and I will have the kitchen stocked with food, so she won't have those expenses. Mariah went to CA with a family on vacation last year to be "the nanny" and they paid her $400 for one week! Yikes...that is insane I think, but then again, they are loaded and they have babies to tend. So, Mariah, in her logical way, said she thought I should pay April $600-800.....WRONGO!!
Not that she isn't worth it, but c'mom...
So, any estimates would be helpful just so I have a rough idea.

Spiderwick Chronicles

I figured it was time to get that heavy post off there... SO, I thought I would ask if anyone has seen the new Spiderwick Chronicles with their kids yet? I gave Lora a coupon for a mother-daughter date for Valentines and she really wants to use it tonight. She wants to see that movie. Just wondering how it is...if anyone has seen it, let me know.

Sorry, if I shocked some of you with my last DESCRIPTIVE post. Hope I don't get into any trouble with blogger!
Well, today I am actually leaving my house a total mess and I am taking Emma to an open gym play for 2 hours with a friend. She is so excited about it. My house will be here waiting when I get back right? Maybe a little fairy will come in and clean it for me while I am gone....too bad you are all too far away. Hey, Christine, you live close by....ha ha
Abe gets to pass the sacrament for his first time Sunday. He used some of his birthday money to help buy a suit. He has tried it on ten times! He is so excited about it!
Have a great weekend everyone!

Standing for Something

Ok, I am going to open myself up here and voice my opinion. I think I have a reputation for that...I am interested to know what others think, because at the moment, I am feeling rather alone in this and I would like to know if anyone out there agrees with me. And if you don't.....that's ok, just don't tell me! ha ha
So here is the issue at hand:
Last week Abe's 6th grade teachers sent home a letter announcing that "Maturation Week" is coming up and there would be a parent meeting to preview the material that would be taught. The letter stated that they would be covering topics such as puberty and the birth process.
Ok, so I wasn't about to miss this meeting. Although, I had already pretty much made up my mind that I was going to not have Abe participate in this program, I wanted to be responsible and at least go and see firsthand what the material was going to be like.
I thought I would go a few minutes early so as to get a good seat in what I thought would be a crowded classroom right? WRONG! The "crowd" consisted of me and one other couple! Does that shock anyone but me??? What is wrong with people??? I asked the teachers what the feedback had been so far and they said that most of the forms had already been turned in and all had checked YES, that their child could participate. Without even knowing the material??!! I am sorry but that shocks me. OK, so I get over that and move onto view the video.
I am not a prude or naive, and yes, I know kids need to eventually learn this stuff....but I can say that I was very uncomfortable with this material. While I am sure most people would say it is well done, I felt really uncomfortable sitting there having pictures of penises and vaginas and pubic hair flashing in front of my eyes! Granted, they weren't actual photographs, but very detailed drawings. They discussed things such as erections and ejaculation with detailed pictures. I don't think that 11 and 12 year olds should have this put in front of them with their peers sitting there. Yes, they do separate the boys and girls, but still...and then the teachers tell them that if they walk out of the room and utter one word about it on the playground, they will be sent home for the day. Isn't that a mixed message? Get them all stirred up inside and expect them to have the maturity to not say anything about it! The hope is that they will go home and talk to their parents about it, but chances are that will only happen in a small percentage of families.
I just have such a problem with once again, the government stepping in and hiding behind the facade that they are putting the child first and looking out for them by teaching this at school because it won't be taught in the home. IT is not that I really have a problem with the information being presented. I just don't agree that it should be taught IN SCHOOL. I suggested the idea afterward that it would be great if they could have the video available for parents to check out and take home and view it with their child at home where it was in a comfortable setting. I think they were rolling their eyes inside their heads at me. THe woman teacher was very nice and respectful of how I felt, but the man was not saying much at all. THe other couple thought the video was great and they left shortly after saying they were happy it was being taught in school.
This is my thought...I know this is too ideal, but wouldn't it be so awesome if they could instead, take a week and teach things such as respecting your body, boys respecting girls, modest dress, clean language, appropriate media and entertainment....in fact, all the stuff in the "For the Strength of Youth" handbook. I think that is much more age appropriate and so much more beneficial.
They always say that they have to teach this because kids don't learn it at home. You know what? Many many generations of kids grew up not being taught this in school and they did just fine. IN fact, it was a much more wholesome world back when it wasn't talked about so much! Yes, I agree that many kids will not learn this at home, but don't jeopardize those kids who have parents who actually are having these discussions at home. To me, it is something that has to be taught with the spirit and will that be present in school? NO.
I would like to see a study done showing me that even one kid abstained from premarital sex because they saw this great video in the 6th grade.
I think all this does is embarrass them and raise their curiosity so that many of them will probably want to go home and search out some real photos on the internet!
I know, I know, I am really charged up about this. I am not saying that every 6th grader is going to go home and look at porn, but you get my point.
It is not that I think seeing any of this would really hurt Abe,we have already had several discussions with him on these topics, so it will not be anything new to him. It is just the principle of it for me that as long as EVERYONE does it, then the school system thinks that no one has a problem with it and that all parents want it.
I don't have a problem with them talking about acne and the need for deodorant etc...but let's leave the nakedness and bodily fluid parts out of it.
Abe will probably be the only one that will go with the other teacher and be taught the "alternative program", where they will learn insignificant things such as how to deal with peer pressure, the danger of gang violence and how to make healthy eating choices. (of course I am kidding about the insignificant part)
Yes, he may feel a little dumb about being the only one, but maybe the best lesson in all of this for him will be that it won't be the last time he will have to be the only one doing something different and he will know that his parents aren't afraid to take a stand on something.
I left the meeting and went to Becky's house to get on the elliptical machine and burn off my frustration...but I didn't quite get it all out, so I thought I would finish venting on my blog.
Thanks for "listening"

Abe The Babe turns 12!

Well,another birthday post to do....Abram turned 12 today! So hard to believe. For as stubborn as he can be and for as much as i get frustrated with him....I have to say that the thing I love the very most about Abe is that he is so appreciative and thankful for every little thing. He can't say enough thank you's for any gift or act of service done for him.
For example, our Valentine tradition is that I always make a nice dinner for the family and I set the table really pretty and festive and have a small gift for everyone on their dinner plates. You wonder how much it really means and if it is worth all the effort. Late on Valentine's night, as I was making the rounds tucking kids into bed, I came into Abe's room and he was just finishing up writing in his journal. He let me read his entry. He took up two whole pages describing our dinner and every single thing that we ate..even the color of the kool-aid, exactly what was in the salad, and that he thought the chocolate cake was the moistest ever! He described how the table was set and explained that we had red "charger" plates under the white china ones. It was so funny and so sweet! I really love that about him. He has hugged me a hundred times today and told me that this has been the best day ever, even though it was fairly ordinary. Tomorrow I am taking him and 4 of his buddies bowling. Should be fun.
He is turning out to be a great young man. He was ordained a deacon today. It was a really special experience for him and for all of us.

I love you Abe!

Happy Birthday Muk-Rut!!!

Sorry Amy, but your nickname is now exposed to all the blogging world! You will always be Muk-Rut to me. Even though I have no idea where that name actually came from??? mom, do you know??
As a little tribute to Amy on her special day, I thought I would list a few of my favorite memories with my little sis.

In the really early days....

1. You always wanted to sleep with me.
2. You sucked your thumb and it was always green and wrinkly, but you said it just tasted so good, you couldn't give it up.
3. Sometimes you would wet the bed and I would blowdry the sheets for you so mom wouldn't get mad (sorry mom, but you were a little uptight in those days! :)
4. You saw me get mad at mom once and give her a little finger gesture....(I can't believe I did that!!) and you copied me innocently only to have mom turn around and see YOU...and you got in trouble. sorry about that one!
5. Your two favorite toys were your black motorcycle and your green incredible hulk doll!
6. Even though you were only about 2 feet tall and weighed about 15 pounds....you would boss the entire family around and even tell us what to wear!

In your teen years....

1. You were a bridesmaid at my wedding
2. You got a boyfriend named Kelly
3. You cried when he left on a mission
4. You lived in a Tuff Shed behind Lane and I's duplex
5. You were Alex's favorite babysitter
6. We discovered "Dollar Days" together and laughed our heads off on the way home talking about ALL the things we bought for $1.00!!! (why was that funny???)
7. We tried to be "RockStars" together!

In your adult years....

1. You cried when Kelly came home from his mission
2. You were a beautiful bride a few months later
3. You turned an old trailer look into a darling newlywed palace!
4. You were still my kids' favorite babysitter
5. You became a mother yourself
6. You became one of my best friends
7. You came to visit me in Georgia when I thought I was actually dying from homesickness
8. THat whole week, we hung out at the pool, and sang to Cheryl Crow's "Soak up the Sun."
9. I never cried so hard in my life as I did when you left me in Georgia!!
10. I moved to AZ and you came to visit me
11. We traumatized Taylor and Mariah by skinny dipping in my pool with them!! (sorry Taylor, I just had to let that secret out!)
12. We laughed our heads off that night too....did you pee in the pool??
13. We have had some great late night feet picking parties
14. We almost wet our pants getting our eyebrows threaded...we laughed so hard!

oh Amy, we have laughed and cried so much together over the years! THese are just a few of my memories, but I have many more. Some that are too embarrassing to blog about.
THank you for being not only my sister, but also one of my very best friends. THank you for loving me and for loving my kids so much. You have such a unique ability to truly love other people. You are my example of charity. I love you so much and am so proud of the person that you are.
I wish I was there to celebrate your day with you!

More pics of 18 year old Alex

So, I decided to add a few more pics....I thought these candybar posters turned out so cute that the kids made him....see if you can read what they say. Also a couple pictures of Alex and Cate. Yes, he has a girlfriend. She is adorable and we love her. It was fun night taking them out.

My "not so little" man

Here is a recent pic of my boy on his Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Alex!

It was a strange thing to wake up this morning and realize that I am the mother of an ADULT! How is that even possible?? I need to take some cute pictures tonight to post later so that I can show him off a little....but since it is his birthday, I am giving myself permission to brag/blog a little about him!
I don't even know where to start....I love this kid so much that it seriously hurts! He is such a bright spot in our family and things are always so much more fun when he is around. He has a certain charm and charisma that is rare in a teenage boy. I feel so blessed that I get to be his mother. He is a giant of a man in my eyes and I am excited to see what he does with his life.
He has never outgrown the need for daily bear hugs from his mom and never ever goes a day without expressing his love and appreciation for me.He will often text me from school just to say he loves me and to have a great day. That means so much to me.
Now, the countdown starts...as this is his last year at home. I am a sobbing idiot about it, even though nothing will be greater for him than to serve a mission.

Last night was FHE and we were all singing this goofy song that Abe wanted us to sing and Alex was just in the corner laughing his head off and then we all started laughing....and I just started to cry, thinking of our house without him here. In fact, the tears have started again, so I better just quit....but for all of you who are struggling through the days with your kids...please take it from me that it goes so fast! Before you know it, they are MEN and WOMEN! There were many days when Alex made me cry (they were not tears of joy!) and I wondered how I was going to raise this miniature lawyer!! He had a stubborn streak that would make your head spin. I try to keep that in mind these days as I am raising my true "ticket to Heaven" AKA...???
My advice to every mom is to try to look at your kids, not for who they are being at the moment, but for who they have the potential to become. Can I do this all the time? NO. I just keep plugging along just like all of you. But it sure is a nice little bonus when you wake up and realize that you have an 18 year old son who loves his parents, loves his siblings and most importantly, loves his Heavenly Father with all of his heart. It makes it all worth it! I love you Alex.

San Antonio Trip

I just got back from a weekend trip to San Antonio, so I finally have something new to blog about! Becky and I went for a business training conference and we had a blast! San Antonio is a really unique city and we did have some time to hang out on the Riverwalk and site see as well. We visited the Alamo, and we did alot of shopping and eating. Lane flew in for about 24 hours(probably to check up on us after we told him we got serenaded at a Mexican Restaurant!).
The weather was a little cool, but still nice. We actually ran along the Riverwalk one morning and it was the best "runner's high" I have ever felt! Brooke, you would have loved it!
It was so much fun to have some girlfriend time with Becky (even though Lane honed in for a day) just kidding...it was awesome having Lane there. He kept us focused on our purpose, which was business. But we managed to have alot of fun as well.

I have been away from blogging for so long that I can't seem to get any text under my pics, so I will just tell you that the 2 cheesy smiling business men are the ones that kept forking out money to have the Mexican guys serenade us! Until we finally told them to GIVE UP....WE ARE MARRIED! SO, thought I would post their pics. It was pretty funny. Beck was laughing so hard I thought she was going to choke and I would have to do the heimlich!

I gained so much from the conference, not only business info, but alot of personal development and many new friends from around the world. I really love it! It is very rewarding in many ways for me to be a part of Usana.

By the way, still no word from my neighbor down the street, but I will take everyone's advice and take some cookies down one of these days.

The 12 Days of Christmas gone WRONG??

OK, figured it is seriously time to update my blog, since it is long past Christmas Eve! I do have one more lingering holiday issue on my mind though, if you can please bear with me.
Here is my dilemna.....
Our family decided to do "The 12 Days of Christmas" this year for an older single neighbor lady up the street. All we really know about her is that she LOVES animals, I mean, loves them like no one else I have ever seen. She adopts every stray, injured or homeless animal that she hears of, and all the stray neighborhood cats are always lurking around her house because she feeds them well. Many of the neighbors make fun of her, but she has always been very nice when I have talked with her. She has no family that I know of, and so we were excited to do this for her. After all, everyone loves to be a little spoiled for Christmas- right?
So, we carefully picked small gifts that we thought she would like or need and the kids had fun sneaking up to her door each night after dark and leaving the package.
Most of the gifts were just fun things, but a few of them were obviously LDS, as we also hoped that this would be a good missionary experience. On the last night, Christmas Eve, we wrote our testimonies in a Book of Mormon and put our family picture in it. We also put a cute pair of pajamas with that....since that is our family tradition, to get new pj's on Christmas Eve. We were hoping that she would be home because we all went to her door and were going to carol as we delivered the last gift. (my big kids were so excited ! ha ha) Well, she wasn't home and so we left it.
ok, this is the wierd part....she has never said anything about it and has never even made eye contact with any of us since! Please don't get me wrong, we obviously did not do this to get anything in return, but I just think it is so strange that she has never acknowledged it in any way. I feel really awkward about it now and wonder if it all may have offended her. She has always been so sweet to the kids, and even adopted their pet rats that they got for Christmas the year before (the newness wore off real fast! thank goodness!)
Anyway, I don't know what to do now....she may just not know what to say,or she may think we will try to convert her if she thanks us.....I am stressing about it, because we had a friendship starting, and now I feel like our good intentions may have really messed things up.
Do any of you have any thoughts or ideas for me???