Christmas Is In The Air

The tree is up and FINALLY decorated!

We have been busy with sickness (Zach home from school Mon & Tues), piano recital, Scout carolling, Kindergarten recital, on and on and on. We are still finishing up on shopping, gifts for the neighbors, on and on and on.



The Christmas Train went up tonight! This was a gift a long time ago from Uncle Lyle (Cindy's little bro). It has and still is a hit! He bought it at Menards in Lincoln. (Menards is equivalent to Home Depot.) Glenn found it last year at Wal-Mart and bought another one. It is a good train! Now, we have TRACK GALORE! And I wanted to put furniture in the front room for Christmas... not this year!

Big OOoops and A Piece Of Advice

I heard that today was the busiest day for the postal service. Well - Chris, Emma and I were part of their day.

At about 11:30am we three walked into the post office (on Lindsay and University) with five packages to mail. The line was incredibly long - out the door. BUT, there's the self-serve machine that I ALWAYS use. I know how it works, etc. etc.

So, we got into that line that only had about six people in it. As we patiently waited our turn, we were standing next to this other postal scale that would tell one the postage due on 1st class packages (under a certain weight and size). A few of our packages were little, so we went this route while waiting our turn. One was $2.40. I dug through my purse and found a bunch of stamps so we started sticking them on. We completed the job (everyone got a turn to stick the stamps on). Then I instructed Christopher to run the package over to the drop box and lift the handle and it would automatically "eat it up." He did his job.

When he returned we decided to try our next smallest package on this 1st class scale. Once again, it accepted the package and this one ran about $4.80. Luckily, I had more stamps and we continued to stick our stamps. Emma was thinking this was a silly game. She was hungry, tired and decided to rip the stamps and was just acting "pillish." We did get over $4.80 postage on the package and Chris ran it over to the drop box. Another package gone! We're doing good. We are all keeping busy but Emma is starting to lose it.

Thinking my luck is going good, I put the next package on the scale. It was calculated to cost about $8.50. I decided that this was too much and that I would wait for the scale that offered more options. BIG MISTAKE! The other two packages I still had to mail were even bigger than this one, so I decided to just wait my turn.

Well, as I was trying to control Emma and Christopher was running around... I didn't realize that he (Chris) had taken this package that calculated $8.50 and decided to drop it in the drop box. Oops. I didn't realize this and I'm still not sure if he really did this or not.

We got our turn to the scale and I mailed the other two larger packages, but the one that rang up $8.50 was no where to be found. So, it more than likely got mailed with no postage. Cool. I don't have to pay postage! :)

I did question the postal worker, but he said that the package was long gone by now and I would just have to wait it out.


Oh, here's another one... five kids and I've had great luck! Have you ever taken your kids into a china shop or a fancy decor shop... I usually try to pass these opportunities up. But the other day I was feeling like this WONDERFUL MOTHER. "My kids can go into these shops. No problem!"

Well, I didn't even go into that fancy of a shop. OK - it was the Deseret Bookstore on the corner of Lindsay and University - caddy-corner from the post office. I had the three youngest with me. This shop does have some nice decorations for coffee tables, wall hangings, etc. etc.

As I was purchasing a FHE book for some non-member friends (total under $10) I hear this BIG CRASH! Thinking... no no that can't be MY kids! Well, I'm the only customer in the store. Needless to say, we are the proud owners of a sunstone book end (with a chip), or decoration of some sort. (Not something I had planned on purchasing, even in the future.)

ADVICE - Tell your kids to keep their hands IN THEIR POCKETS... and if they don't have pockets, fold them up! You don't touch stuff that doesn't belong to you! :)

9 Years Old

What do 9 year old boys love to do - PLAY VIDEO GAMES! So, for Ben's 9th birthday he had 9 friends over and they played video games for 9 hours... just joking, for only 2 hours!



Glenn had a SWEET set-up! All boys were able to have a control in their hands, the entire time. No one complained!





And if you didn't want to play video games, there were always other games to play! Everyone had a great time!

First Haircut

After almost 2 years of trying to "grow out our hair" Emma received a trim the other day.

It was much needed!

I think the stylist only took 5 to 6 clips. There wasn't much to do, but WOW did it make a nice difference!

Like Father Like Son

I think the camera is actually giving him the benefit of the doubt... but Ben can wake up with the WACKIEST hair-dos...

Extra-Curric Activities #5

Every time I come over to this web page, Christopher asks, "Where's the picture about me and my gymnastics class?" I don't have the greatest picture of him at gymnastics, but here's one for the time being.

Christopher loves going to gymnastics. He has such a blast trying to do all the tumbling and turning things that Nicholas can do sooo easily! They sure are both built differently! Christopher is just the "happy go lucky" kid that is always jumping around with a smile on his face, ready to try anything that the instructor suggests. Kinda' scary!

While Nicholas is doing his class once a week from 4 to 5:30, Christopher is able to do his class from 4:30 to 5:30... we make very good use of time. Emma and I just visit back and forth with each gym and watch these boys go go go!

Last Sibling Married

Our family had the opportunity to be a part of Lyle & Angie's wedding this past week in Lincoln Nebraska. Now, this picture does Angie no mercy (Angie - it's all I had, please send me another.) She looks pretty tired and she is sick of smiling; pictures lie and she is the happiest, kindest gal one could meet. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to get to know her and wish we could all live a bit closer.

Anyway... Kevin's family is to the right. He and his wife Betsy have three children - Jill (Soph) & Rachael (8th) & Daniel (K). Loran's family is to the left. He and Julie have four kids - Michael (Jun) & Melanie (Frosh) & Joseph (9) & Paul (3). My family is all the rest (beside Mom & Dad and Angie & Lyle).



Lyle is my brother. He is the youngest of the three.

He and Loran (lft) are the most alike (even looks, if Loran didn't have the glasses) while Kevin (rt) and I are a lot alike (skin color especially, from our Dad).

Kevin (and Dad) run the family business - earth moving. They do terraces, dams, waterways, land leveling, etc. If you ever want a ride on any type of heavy equipment, Kevin's the one to talk to.

Loran is a building construction instructor at a nearby college (Southeast Community College in Milford NE, near Lincoln). He's the one to talk to if you need a house or some really, really pretty custom cabinets for your kitchen. He does "do" a nice clock also.

Lyle is a husband! WOW! Oh yeah, he is also a jet mechanic for Duncan Aviation and serves our country in the NE Air Guard as a jet mechanic/refueler. He takes seldom trips to Turkey, places like that, to protect our country. We should all sleep more sound at night knowing Lyle (and Loran part-time) are guarding our country!

They are GREAT brothers!



BACK to the wedding festivities - there was dancing!




And more dancing -









And FOOD - There was a wonderful chocolate fountain with all the fresh fruit you could eat. Then there was the dinner of either lasagna or beef stroganoff, salads, salads, rolls, rolls. And last but not least, the champagne (or bubbly pop as we call it) to top off the meal -- BEST WISHES Lyle & Angie.





And guess what, did I mention dancing - more dancing till almost midnight!



And those girl cousins, were they groovy doing the Macarana! GO Go GO Go

It was a wonderful afternoon and evening. One that our family will never forget! As we drug the boys back to the hotel room after the dancing, Zach commented, "That was the funnest day of my entire life!"

Corn Anyone?

YES - it really is ALL corn kernels! And, that's just the corn outside the silos (which are full)!








What, ya' don't believe... look closer!

Life In Bruno NE

Bruno Nebraska is a village in SE Nebraska. Currently the population is 112 but when I was growing up out there it was more like 130. If you go to Google Earth you can see what "space" is all about!

We just returned from a trip out to Bruno last week. My younger brother was getting married and we went for all the festivities. During our "non-partying" hours, we were busy doing lots of things that one does in Bruno Nebraska...

Crushing rocks in Grandpa's vice is always a crack-up!

There's always grass to be mowed. (I wish it would freeze already!)

Swinging and ATVing are always a HIT!




Fun is running through all the ditches, cricks and/or creeks... whatever you may call them. (Do you see Zach?)



And when the temps were in the 30s we were able to find ourselves inside having a great time too...

Playing lego's



Even practicing the piano - Grandma stepped in and Mom got a break!



Playing dolls.



And eating carmel corn... if you can reach it! Obviously Emma can find a way!!



So, life in Bruno Nebraska is pretty laid back... and every once in a while it's kinda' nice to just lay low.

Extra-Curric Activities #4

Nicholas really likes soccer! He almost loves it more than gymnastics! He seems to be playing on a team where he is the oldest and while everyone else is picking their noses or watching the airplanes fly over, Nick is chasing that ball and putting it in the net - time after time after time.

His games are always on Friday night at 6pm over at Red Mountain Soccer Complex. They chose the name the Red Bombers because their uniforms are nice and red!

Each game someone has to sit out for one quarter. Last week, Nick played the first two quarters and scored the 7 points which put their team way ahead. He was pulled the 3rd quarter to take his turn to sit out. During that quarter the opposing team scored 8+ goals... AUGH! (I think Nick felt like one of the Supers - "...I just cleaned up this mess and could it STAY cleaned up just for ONCE...") He got back in the last quarter and made a few goals which he was happy about. As for the final score, no one really keeps track! :)

Pets - Day 2

We've been proud fish owners now for two days (almost 3) and we've only had three casualties! Four remain! And there is still quite the excitement in the air - EVERYONE loves the fish! The ones that died were the smallest and after the first death occurred that first morning, Chris replied, "Mom, he was pushed!" So there you have it!

Proposition 107 - YES

I just got done making a bunch of phone calls. I have volunteered on behalf of Protect Marriage AZ to tell the public how crucial our "YES" vote is for this proposition.

As I was leaving a message on someone's machine it really "hit home" on how screwed up our society is. When someone needs to be told that we want to define marriage as being between one man and one woman... do you think we need to worry? It's really sad! It actually makes me cry. (That's why the people will listen to me... sobbing woman on the phone... tactics, it's all tactics.)

I have spoken with several people that give me hope though. I am one to immediately hang-up on those callers who call with their "script" but I have really tried to be personable and nice so people would NOT hang-up on me. So, all you AZ Voters, please vote yes on Proposition 107.

Pets, Pets and More Pets

We have gone from a no pets family to a family with seven pets! Can you believe it! Can you? Can you? I can not! That's what Scouting will do to you!

Now, most den meetings are famous for their annual Rain Gutter Regatta. This is where each Scout floats a hand-crafted boat down a gutter, trying to beat his opponent. Great Fun! Our Cub Master decided to float goldfish down the gutters. Hence, we have the Goldfish Regatta! :) Each Scout was given a "prodder" otherwise known as a straw. With the straw they were to blow bubbles to scare the poor little fish down the gutter... and across the finish line (spray painted in orange)! IT WAS A HIT!

BUT, what to do with the fish at the end of the meeting... each lucky Scout and their family are now PROUD owners of one (or more in some cases) fish! And of course the siblings all want them... more fish... do you get the picture here. And of course Mom is one of the leaders and her family stays to clean up after the activity... MORE FISH! Fun, fun, fun!

Since we don't have a cat (see previous blog on Thomas Tidbits) we were not able to donate our fish as some families are doing. And with Proposition 204 (I believe) we dare not do it (animal activists)! So, until morning they are in the giant pickle jar and I have FIVE HAPPY CHILDREN sleeping in their beds waiting anxiously to feed them in the morning. Off to Wal-Mart to get some fish food... ta ta!

Extra-Curric Activities #3

Benjamin is in his third year of soccer (one in Ladera and two in Mesa). Ben has the speed of a cheetah but the timidity of a rabbit. He is so so sincere and just wants everyone around him to have the chance to kick the ball. When he does take a kick, he can send it flying. He's actually more comfortable playing defense. Or, he'll tell you he likes defense better than offense. Ben is just a good team player!

His games are on Saturday's at various times in the day. Practice is held once a week. We started the season in late Augusut and it runs till mid December (that's almost Christmastime). WHAT WERE WE THINKING... we tend to agree with Eldon and his past posts.

Extra-Curric Activites #2

Nicholas began doing gymnastics when we first arrived in AZ. (He was about 4.) That was almost 2 years ago. He started by going to a park & rec class offered at USA Gymnastics. We joined the class to get to know people and for something to do. Chris and Emma were too young at the time and they just watched and ran around.

After an 8-week class they asked if we wanted to continue... of course that meant paying the USA price but receiving much more extensive training. Since he enjoyed it so much, we agreed and also signed Chris up because there was a significant sibling saving.

Nick continues to amaze the coaches and us all. He loves gymnastics. He's not one to sit around either. If he's watching TV, he'll be on the side doing sit-ups as he watches. If he's looking at a book, he'll be doing push-ups next to the book. He loves exercise! (If only I could say that!) His little body just knocks out push-up after sit-up after hand-stand after after after.


The other day after Sunday church we were walking down the hallway out to the car... what did he do? A cartwheel. He's getting good too! And then the other night out on the soccer field while the coach was explaining where to go and what to do, Nick was doing handstands.

Somehow when soccer season rolled in, Nick asked if he could play that sport too. Not thinking, we signed him up. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the activites we have going this year... each son was only suppose to choose one sport. He slipped through with two! :) But he sure is doing his all!

New York

Glenn just got back this week from NY. It was a quick 3-day trip for work. He saw many of the wonderful sites of the city: Ground Zero, Grand Central Station, Radio City Music Hall, the Chrysler Building. When he got home we reminisced about our Chicago days. There's just a special something about the BIG city.

BUT, then I think of the climate. I remember picking Glenn up from the train station that cold, dark, blustery night in February. It was his last day at Arthur Andersen. He got into the Honda and stated as he shook and shivered, "We are NEVER EVER living here again!" He continued to say, "It is just too damn cold here!"

I remember Mom Thomas coming to stay with us when Ben was born IN DECEMBER - yes, she really does love us! I don't think she even had a coat (well, a real winter coat I mean). Each and every visit she made in the winter-time (and she came quite a bit) she always said, "When are you kids getting out of here?!?!" (I never quite understood that comment. Growing up in NE was like living in the Chicago climate. I never realized what CA and AZ had to offer. Now I'm spoiled!)

Well, anyway, with so many activities going on at home while Glenn was gone, he was dearly missed. I never realize how much I depend on him, till he's gone! It's hard getting all the boys to either swim club, soccer, Scouts, gymnastics or piano when I don't have an extra driver around. And poor Emma Lee missed her naps most of the days - and a girl without sleep is not a pretty site!

Extra-Curric Activities #1

With the 2006-07 school year back in session, along come all those extra-curric. activities. I want to post something about each child... so I'll start with Zachary tonight.

Zachary joined DTAC a few months back. DTAC is a swim club here in Mesa. All you Mesa-ites probably know more about it... Zach sure likes it. They practice 4x a week during the winter months and have meets once a month. With his hip condition, Zach's practicing twice a week. He will hopefully work up to 4x. (His hip is actually doing well and the dr. has cleared him for all activities, except tramps & football... that's okay with me!) He enjoys swimming all strokes, but thinks he's best at freestyle. I think his backstroke is incredible! Look at that hand positioning (thumb out, pinky in)!

He swam his first meet last week. Now, we're just getting out of the 105+ degree weather, and the day of the meet - it's rainy and cold (occassional sunbursts). It was not the most pleasantess-weather, but there was no complaining. He did his best. He's not the quickest yet, but he has wonderful form and makes it look so so easy. Go Zachary!

Class Of 2015

SHOULD WE WORRY!?!? No Way!! The future of MVH looks bright! During October Break we had a few of the boys in the neighborhood over for pizza, movie, video games, etc. etc. etc. Ten of the 14 boys made it, plus 5 of our own. Emma thought it was real cool to go around and poke them all as they watched the movie! Oh Boy! The truck ride home was definitely a BIG HIT!

Ride On

Garrett & Christopher had a BLAST riding bikes and scooters this past weekend. It was wonderful to have cooler temps too! Emma and Ryan had fun on the neighbor's merry-go-round. Keep those quarters comin' guys!

Staple

So many of you out there feed your children PBJ sandwiches... well, I don't. That would kill some of my boys. I, on the other hand, feed my kids grilled-cheese sandwiches. Apparently it has been quite often. (I haven't noticed, but some are commenting. I do like them myself.)

Tonight, after General Conference, and for a quick & easy supper/dinner, I announced, "Get to the counter for a grilled-cheese sandwich." (Comments were made by the young & old.) I went to the pantry and thought "how could I enhance this meal?" What sides could I offer with a scrumptious cheese sandwich? I found two boxes of Near East Couscous (chicken & herb flavor). Knowing how much Glenn likes couscous, I decided to cook it up. (I AM a good wife!)

I received a few positive comments about the new meal and all began chowing down the food. After a few bites, Glenn starts digging through the trash looking for the boxes. I gave him the "odd" look. Then after examination, he announces, "Did you see the date on this stuff?!" "Why?" I asked. "2003!" he literally shouts!

Big Oops - Yes, we have been carrying this stuff around with us since our California Days. All are sleeping now, hopefully all will be well in the morning!

Conference Sunday

Conference was wonderful! It's kinda' crazy at our home, but we do usually get a few things out of it and then patiently wait till it's posted on-line or in the Ensign to get everything that we somehow missed.

Glenn and I were under the impression that it started at 10am... so, we missed the first hour. When we turned it on at 10am, I don't remember the speaker's name, but he spoke about having patience. He told the story about a Dad who owned a motorcycle business. That week a new shipment of the "hottest" bikes came in. They were all "lined up" neatly in the showroom. In comes his son to see Dad and decides to climb on the first bike in line... as you can imagine, as he's getting off to go see Dad, he accidentally knocks the bike in such a way that it causes a toppling effect (like Dominos). (It was nice that during this man's talk they showed pictures of the motorcycles and a little boy. The boys thought that was neat!)

RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT, I would have screamed at my boys, but I learned that is NOT the thing to do. Of course I know better, but it's just instinct in me. I need to change that. But this talk gave me hope that I can be forgiven and that I just need to take the time to be patient and calm.

It just seems that life can be so fast-paced. After the first session we headed off to see Ben's soccer game. Then, we came back just in time to eat a grilled cheese, get Emma and Chris to bed, and watch the 2nd session. (This time we were on time.)

We did something fun (besides play Legos and marbles). We taped the apostles and First Presidency's pictures onto the wall right below the TV. As each one spoke, we took turns and moved their pictures to the fireplace wall. It was fun to keep track of all the speakers. At first it seemed overwhelming (that's 15 people), but the time went quickly. We had no complaining either.

The 176th Conference was a success!

Nick's First Tooth OUT!

I have felt sorry for the Tooth Fairy these past few months... I believe she has our address programmed into her GPS! Zachary nearly broke her bank during the months of June & July losing 4+ teeth (see pic left). When we thought all was "back to normal" and the Tooth Fairy could once again be saving her monies...

NICK came along and lost his first tooth. (Many more are loose too.) He forgot to put the tooth under his pillow the first night, but that turned out to be ok... Dad was on a campout with the Scouts that night. The tooth fairy DID remember to come the 2nd night (there have been many nights she has just forgotten to come - excuses, excuses)... shwew... she left a GOLD dollar coin!

Things My Brothers NEVER Did

Emma can be so, so quiet... I always think she's looking at books or playing in the toyroom. The other day I found her cleaning her room!

These shoes make the loudest noises on our floor. It is so so fun! (Dad kinda' cringes when I do it!)

I love my dolly and purse! They use to be my Mom's.

Christopher's 4th B-day Bash

Ok, Ok, I tried to plan some games (musical carpets, pop the balloon) for seven 4-year olds... right? What was I thinking, all they wanted to do was run around, scream and open presents! Glenn, Linnea and I just laughed... well, they did eat the pizza and the FIRE TRUCK CAKE was cool!