Thoughts for the Season

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON to all of you!  Some of my favorite things about the season include the children participating in the church Nativity.  They were asked to be the three wise men this year.  I also love the Christmas music that N and G play on the cello and piano.  And, I love hearing my husband's Christmas message he gives at church.  And, I love all the CHOCOLATE!  I love that it snowed this week and that we sat by a warm fire last night and played games as a family.  I love that everything slows down for two weeks. I love that I feel really calm this season and have thought a lot about what Christmas is all about (if you were wondering...it's about our Savior, Jesus Christ).  I love that I have been able to say "no" to some activities that could have made the season more crazy.  I love that I have two Christmas trees.  I love getting Christmas cards from all or our good friends.  I love that my belly is getting huge...and I think it is a miracle that we are having a girl.  I love that I am so in love with my children.  I love that I'm spending my 13th Christmas with my best friend and the man I love.  I love that I actually caught up on my Christmas Album (I scrapbook a layout for each year that D and I have been married--I was 8 years behind).  I love that I already have gifts ready for my parents and in-laws.  And, in case you were wondering, I really love each of you!  

Merry Christmas!

I'm Thankful for Philly!

We spent Thanksgiving with the WHOLE Lines' Gang in Philadelphia this year.  We all stayed in Farrell and Rebecca's beautiful home in South Philly.  They have  a nice contemporary taste in decorating....their home is magazine worthy.  We were delighted to finally be able to see it.  We loved being with family!  We have so much fun together and are so grateful to be related to some of the finest people on earth.  Here are a few of our outings from the week:

Seeing the Nathan Sawaya exhibit (a famous lego artist):

Derek joined Farrell, Wing and Tony to go see an Eagles game on Thanksgiving Evening.  He came home from the game so excited!  This may be one of the only times in his life that he is able to attend a professional football game.

We saw Scuba-Santa at the Philadelphia Aquarium...yes, it was a bit strange, but made us laugh! (Yes...it is real...a real, human, scuba-santa)

Enjoying the view from the aquarium---downtown Philly from across the Delaware River

Outside Independence Hall:

Valley Forge--the boys had a good time playing with their toy guns and battling in the huge fields that are part of Valley Forge.  It is so beautiful there.

Liberty Bell

We have been preparing for this trip for months.  N and G both  memorized the first 11 presidents of the U.S. and the preamble to the Constitution.  I was so proud of both of them for working hard.  They were able to display their knowledge on Thanksgiving Day when the family all shared poems, songs, or stories about America, Thanksgiving and even a skeleton that was found in the basement (SCARY).  This year, we were so thankful to be in Philadelphia with family and to be able to see places that have so much meaning for our nation.  It was a great trip.

Election Day!

Derek and his mom, Lucynthia, just walked out the door to help drive people to the polls to vote. I love knowing that they are doing their part to help people get to the polls and express their right to vote--which is just so darn  American it makes me want to cry.  Lucynthia brought us breakfast burritos and said our morning prayer for us.  She thank Heavenly Father for a nation where we have so many freedoms, especially the right to vote.  It was very touching for all of us.  Go America!  No matter how today turns out, we all can be grateful for the United States of America!

Halloween

Another Halloween has come and gone.  This year, Halloween would not have been complete without an Obama pumpkin.  For those few undecided voters who came to our home, we hope this pumpkin inspired them...or, at least they smiled.

The boys...Harry Potter, Peter Pan, an Alien, and a dinosaur.

Uncle Sam and The Statue of Liberty (a pregnant one...hmmmm)

SCARY!!  Is that really our child?

Some Fun, Unbelievable News!!!

The News:  I'm pregnant, due February 22nd.

The Unbelievable Part:  It's a GIRL!! (that's what they told me) 

I've Been a Parent for a DECADE

TODAY is Noah's Birthday, he is ten.

I've been a parent for a decade. Wow.

Noah has been so anxious for his birthday.  So have G and E. They were all awake by 6:30 this morning.  Noah waited patiently in his bed as we made him breakfast.  Who doesn't love breakfast in bed?!?

Three of the things I love and notice about Noah are:

1.  He loves to write.  He began his love for writing when he was five.  His first book was called:  Money, Money, Money.  A sequal to the book was called:  The Things You can Buy with Money.  Last night he was writing and I had to urge him to go to bed.  I'm sure I'm biased, but he happens to be a really good writer and I love reading his stories when he doesn't know I'm snooping.  I hang on to more work than I probably should...but really, who can blame me.

2.  He is very passionate, devoted and knowledgeable about anything he loves.  For example, 7 months ago he decided he wanted a pet snake.  I very much dislike snakes and was hoping this phase would pass.  He would research snakes on the internet and check books out of the library.  He would then present all of his research at Family Night, impressing us  with his knowledge.  He saved his money and kept talking about the day he would get a snake.  Well, his devotion  won my heart, and one month ago Noah became the owner of a ball python.  I'm sure this is one of those situations my own parents are laughing about...knowing how terrified I am of snakes.  

3.  Noah has a very inquisitive mind.  One of my favorite things to do is to spy on Derek and Noah when they are doing dishes together.  Noah is full of questions and Derek loves to have a good conversation about the world, religion, politics, sports, etc.  The other day I caught them in the middle of a deep conversation about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was so fun to see how a father was taking an opportunity to teach his son....and how eager Noah was to learn.  What a great moment.

Happy Birthday Noah!

And, I've made it through one decade.  That deserves a cupcake, don't you think?

Book Club

In February 2006, I started a book club.  I wasn't sure how it would go, or who would come.  In fact, there were exactly two moments that I thought it was going fade away into nothingness.  I'm so happy and excited that it is going strong.  This February will mark our 3 year anniversary.  There is usually somewhere between 8-12 women at every book club.  I love book club for the following reasons:

1. It challenges me to read books I would often not be reading.

2.  Women come together.  Some of the women I rarely see, so I love when they come to book club.  And, I love to see the variety of women.  Some grandma's, some working women, some stay at home moms, some divorced, some newly weds.  It is so cool!

3.  We laugh, cry, counsel, and share with each other.  We try to meet at my home every month. I have a little theory that the same environment every month allows us to feel more comfortable and willing to open up.  I love the insight and wisdom I learn from my dear book club friends.

4.  I love how each person gets something different out of the book.  I ALWAYS going away with a great appreciation for each book, even if I didn't initially love the book.

5.  I feel so educated.  Being a stay at home mom can sometimes take its' toll on the intellectual mind.  I feel like book club gives me a much needed intellectual stimuli.

6.  I love the refreshments.  Every month, the discussion leader brings food.  Sometimes, the food is connected to the book, and sometimes it is for pure delectable delight.  And, I love eating.

7.  Mostly, I love reading .  It opens my mind up to new challenging issues, it softens my heart to troubling issues around the world, and in the end it just makes me a better person.  Keep Reading!!!!

Here is a list of all the books we have read so far:

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Peacegiver by James Ferrell

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

1776 by David McCullough

A Mormon Mother by Annie Clark

Wild Swans, Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Death Comes to the Archbishop by Willa Cather

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The Wedding Dress by Carrie Young

Left to Tell Immaculee Ilibagiza

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Miriam's Kitchen by Elizabeth Ehrlich

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

A Long Way Gone:  Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmeal Beah

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (this month!)

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas (next month)

Politics..Good and Bad!

As most of you know, I'm a Democrat.  I have been a Democrat since 8th grade.  I'm not joking.

I read this quote today.  Since I don't want to dwell on which side said it, I won't say.  But here it is:

"This election is not about issues," Davies said.  "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Sometimes, when people I know are bashing a politician...I like to say to them, "What issues do you not agree with, or what issues are important to you going into this election?"  To my amazement, most of the time they say something like, "I'm not really familiar with the issues" or "I just think we can't trust him/her".  Those type of responses are really frustrating.  Just because we don't like a person, doesn't really mean that they aren't a good leader.  Or, maybe they have a bad personality, but that doesn't mean that they can't get anything done.  For me the politician I support will be one who has a platform that I agree with and the person that I think can get the job done.  You don't have to agree with me.  It's just where I'm coming from. 

However, I would love to hear three issues that matter the most to you going into this presidential election (if you would be willing to share).  There are other issues I care deeply about, but today, this is what I would say if you asked me:

Mine are:

1.  The war in Iraq (getting out of there as soon as possible, responsibly of course!)

2.  Health Care

3.  Economy

Please, I would love to know yours!   

On another note, I can hardly handle how the media tears politicians families apart.  I sincerely feel bad for the Palin family.  Govenor Palin's daughters pregnancy, or her husbands affiliation with another political party has nothing to do with her ability to be a VP.  

What an exciting election!

Wasting Time

I'm addicted to the internet.  Seriously.  I waste so much time reading blogs, checking e-mail, checking my bank account, reading cnn.com!!!!  I NEED HELP!  I have become a slave to the computer.  I always tell myself....five more minutes, or it's o.k.  you deserve a little relaxation time.  Perhaps I do need to relax more, but not when there are a zillion loads of laundry, dishes, dirty floors and children begging for me to read to them.  I think I should start a "I spend too much time on the internet" support group!!  Is anyone else out there as addicted as I am??? AHHHH!

Random thoughts about FRIENDS

I've been trying to catch up on blogging this morning, and gave myself to 9am.  Well, the clock just clicked 9am, but I must finish this blog.  I wrote myself a note a month ago to blog about friends.  This post was inspired by my friend Becky.  I had just gotten off the phone with 

this dear friend and was overwhelmed by how lucky I am to have good friends.  Really, I mean it.  Becky has been my friend for 8 years.  To be honest, she is much cooler than me...no joke.    We met when our husbands were both in dental school (rival dental schools I should mention), and we have shared our lives with each other ever since...through good times, bad times and everything in between.  

And then there is you.  Whoever you are reading this blog.  I'm so lucky to know you.  I met you while I was a student at BYU, when living in LA, or those amazing people I met in Japan, and then there are those who live nearby me now, or who moved away from ABQ (shame on you).  Thank you all for being my friends.  

I really love how life brings people together.  I went to a Sheryl Crow concert with 4 friends last week.  I loved sitting there thinking about each of them...how different we each are.  Each of us struggling to live our lives and finding our way.  And yet, there we were together, enjoying the likes of Sheryl and James Blunt.  I loved being with those women.  

Family Reunion

I love family reunions!  It is so fun to see my parents legacy.  Can you believe how big my family has become?!?  And, we are missing 3 people.  It really is pretty cool.  It was fun to spend a week with my parents, five siblings, their spouses and all those nieces and nephews.  In addition to spending time with them, we also enjoyed horseback riding, river rafting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, intense games of Rook and Settlers, talking, reading books, eating, and so much more. 

What a Summer!

I can hardly believe that summer is over.  N & G have been in school for 2 weeks now.  I'm just so thankful we had a relaxing, fun-filled summer.  I LOVE having my kids home during the summer.  I miss them, but I am also getting use to the convenient routine that school provides.  Here are some of our highlights from the summer:

Going to the Park:

Playing with S!

Finding S in the shower with his clothes on, more than once.

Swimming in our pool! (we are sooooo spoiled)

Celebrating G's 8th birthday with a Lego/Indiana Jones Party!

Going on a few hikes.

G's Baptism

Snails and hearing voices

There is much to blog about, but this will have to do.  

Today the boys collected over 30 snails in our backyard.  They made them a nice home and spent a good part of the day researching about snails online.  Gabe had typed into goolge:  how to compare a boy snail to a girl snail.  It's crazy how accessible knowledge is these days.

And, I over heard a conversation that went something like this:

G:  I like snails.

E:  Yeah, snails are really nice, I'm not scared of them.

G:  Snails aren't scary. (then a pause)  Except one time, I heard them talk.

Gabe is one hilarious kid.  I would love to spend one day in his head.  I had a funny flashback today of when Gabe was about three and still taking naps.  He would wake up from  nap and make animals sounds instead just yelling for me.  So, I would be down in the kitchen and all of the sudden I would hear "Caw, Caw" or "Moo, Moo".  He is definitely one of a  kind.

4th of July 5k

I did it!  I ran in my first 5k ever!  And, I did o.k.   In fact, I did a little better than I thought I would.  I had a great running partner who is also a good friend.  Claire, thanks for running with me.  It's probably way prideful to boast about this accomplishment, but when you are my age and you've delivered four children, you really have to boast about everything you can.  It was a great way to celebrate America's B-day.

Shaved Ice

It must have been on a trip to Hawaii when Noah was 4 that he became obsessed with shaved ice.  In fact, in 1st grade, his teacher asked if she could keep a paper he wrote all about shaved ice.  She couldn't believe that he could write so much (2 1/2 pages for a first grader is a lot) and it was a very funny paper describing the flavors in detail.  I really think Noah thought that Hawaii was all about getting shaved ice.  After moving here, we discovered a Shaved Ice trailer outside of Walmart (yes, next to the store I despise).  My kids beg for me to take them there every single day all summer long.  What makes me laugh the most is that we have to discuss what flavor we are getting ALL  the way there.  My favorite names for flavors are:  Tigers Blood (say it like your a pirate, it sounds better that way), Blue Hawaii, Silver Fox and Hurricane.  I'm actually very boring with shaved ice.  I like coconut....it has no color.  So even though it looks like I'm just eating ice, I'm really enjoying and savoring one of the finest flavors ever created.  

Tiger Does it Again

...Seriously, that man is a golf-ball hitting machine.  I seriously thought Rocco could and would do it.  I have mixed feelings.  I cried as Tiger Woods spoke at the awards ceremony, I'm completely touched by his talent, determination, and winning it a day after his first father's day.  On the other hand, I feel so bad for Rocco...the chance of a life time, and he fell one stroke short.  Really, he has a lot to be proud of.  The man is 45, which apparently is old for the golf world.  Way to go Tiger, and Rocco I at least know who you are now.

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THE SCARIEST SOUND EVER!!

Early this morning, Elias came in and laid in bed with me and told me stories.  He told me to close me eyes and listen to the scariest sound ever. So, I closed my eyes and heard, "Shaaaaaaaaah".  It was pretty scary, especially after I opened my eyes and saw the look on his face.  When Eli tells me a story, it is usually just a series of sound effects.  Things crashing, scary monster sounds, trains, wind, bombs, airplanes and whatever else he can make the sound for.  It also usually means that I get spit on, since he uses a lot of saliva to create the different sounds.  

When I asked him where he heard the scary sound, he said it was from a tree that has bombs in it.  However, he did tell Derek that it is from Harry Potter.  (Yes, some of you may wonder how in the world I would ever let a 4 year-old watch Harry Potter.  My answer:  some things just happen...)

Cherries for Sale!

After three years of living in our home, nature provided us with our largest harvest of cherries.  The kids watched with amazement as the cherries grew more red.  They also would wake up every morning and scream at the birds as they started eating OUR cherries.  One time, I left N and G at home to protect the tree as I ran to Lowes to get netting to put on some of the branches.  They stood their post well, and protected our precious tree from those nasty predators.  Take a look at what I'm taking about:Picking them was so fun.  When the time was right, and when the birds seemed like they were going to devour everything, we went to work. (Notice Eli's pants...that is how they always are.  People will say, "Your sons pants are falling off"  and I say, "Yeah, oh well."

It is so satisfying to see 3 full bowls of cherries that we grew right in our own backyard.  

Of course, being that I live in a home of entrepreneurs, we  sold them as well.  Cherries and Lemonade.  The kids made $10 in 1 hour.  Not too bad.

Girl's Camp

This last week I spent 3 days up in Tres Ritos, a camp near Taos, NM, with 7 of our young ladies from our congregation.  It was fabulous.  I LOVE going, and I hope that I am invited again someday.  It was a bit chilly at night, but really the weather cooperated really well.  There were probably 75 girls there from our stake, and a bunch of leaders who are also so fun.  Here's a list of good things about the week:

--Being with Theresa and Liz, the other two leaders from our ward.

--Eating an omelette out of a bag.  (You put all of your ingredients in a zip lock and then put it in boiling water---YUM!)

--The young women are so fun to be with.  We laugh, joke and feel the spirit all at the same time.  I did have to be a bit bossy, but as you probably guess, I don't mind that either!

--Being in the mountains.  I really love being out in nature.  That area of New Mexico is so beautiful, with gorgeous meadows, rivers and streams, trees, mist, and clear night skies full of stars.

--Sitting around a camp fire.  I love smelling like a camp fire....at least for a couple days.

--Hiking.  Yes, I was able to go on a long hike with the 3rd year girls.  We made it to the nob of the mountain.  The view was wonderful, and worth every step.  I was really happy that I could keep up with 14 year old girls.

--Having Derek come up Friday night for testimony meeting.  This is definitely one perk of Derek being bishop.  I loved that he could share part of this experience with me.

--Not having kids up there. (Ok...I missed them, but I knew they were well taken care of, thanks to Grandma L)

--Using the walkie-talkie from car to car.  

On the drive up and back we had a great, silly time talking to each other via walkie-talkie.   I love how goofy a bunch of ladies can be.

--Really, the highlight of this experience is seeing young women feel the spirit and strengthen their relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Also, they bond with other people who believe what they believe.  I'm so happy I got to be part of this.

Here are just a few pictures from the weekend:

Liz, me, Theresa

Nicole, me, Erin on the 3rd year hike.

All our girls.

NYC, one of my favorite cities on earth

The first weekend in May, my sister Amanda, her daughter McKenna  and my other niece Taylor all went to NYC just for fun!  It was one of the funnest trips I have been on.  There is something magical and wonderful about NYC.  I LOVED it and can't wait until I get to go back.  Taylor and I stayed with Robbins and Brian (D's bro and spouse).  They were great hosts and took very good care of us.  Here is my list of favorites:

--Walking around....it is so great to walk.  Really, I loved the idea of being able to walk out the door and go anywhere with the help of public transportation and the use of my own two feet.  

--Being with Taylor and McKenna.  I'm so lucky to have 3, 13-year-old nieces.  They are SO adorable and cool.  Sadly, Sarah was not with us, but Tay and Kenna were loads of fun.  Take a look:

--The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  First, I LOVE  art.  And, I love the idea that so much of what I love is contained in one building.  And, it's free.  (ok...you are encouraged to make a donation)  I was very happy to share my favorite artists with Tay-Tay and Kenna-Lou.  I have a dream of getting a master's degree in art history.  There was a special Degas exhibit (love his pictures of ballerina's--I use to have one on my wall growing up), and of course I absolutely feel inspired by any Monet painting:

--Time's Square....need I say more.  We did go to Madame Tusade's Wax Museum.  Oh, how I love a wax model of Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt.
--Our helicopter ride was a blast...even though it was bit foggy.  I only thought I was going to die once.  That is when I grabbed on to a foreigner's arm.  He seemed a little uncomfortable.
--The Yankees Game.  My sister Amanda is a HUGE Yankees fan.  My parents (who live in upper-state NY) and my brother Paul and fam (who live in New Jersey) ALL joined us for a blessed game.  It was a bit chilly, but a good game.  Thankfully the Yankees won.  It was also fun to see the new stadium being built.  I did bring home one Yankees hat, even though D depsises them.  It is the only time D swears...those damn Yankees!

The 4 travelers, left to right, Taylor, McKenna, Amanda and me.  We are waiting outside the stadium for the rest of the family to show up. It was a great combination of people...my family, my brother-in-law and my niece.  It's funny how life brings different people together.  

My sister-in-law Marla and niece Megan!  It was fun to sit with them and enjoy the baseball game.  OK...we really talked a lot. But, we did watch the game too.

--One of the best parts of NYC is the food.  Generally, I just love eating.  We were able to eat out with Brian and Robbins daily, which was tons of fun.

This is Vinyl, a restaraunt that has a record ablum on the front of every menu, bathrooms titled such things as Dolly and Elvis with a mural on the wall of the singers and their music playing inside.  There were also barbie dolls of famous singers and a very disco feeling.  The food was fun, and my dad paid, which is very generous!

Chocolate by the Bald Man, Max Brenner

Yes...a house of chocolate!

Are we in heaven.  

A whole menu of chocolate!!!

Here is a picture of my chocolate soup:

Taylor ordered chocolate pizza:

Amanda tasting her Pink Berry, a frozen yogurt-ish surprise topped with granola or your choice of berries(Just as a side note, it is SO FUN to be with Amanda.  This is the second time we have traveled together and I love it.  Where are we going next Amanda??):

Taylor eating a HUGE  hamburger.  I recognize at 13 you just really want normal food.  Tay and Kenna were good sports, but we finally decided they needed to eat, so we took them out for normal food. (this wasn't normal...in fact, Tay barely ate this)

We went to Chinatown for din-sum.  We couldn't see any other caucasians...it must have been pretty authentic.

--Another HUGE highlight was seeing the musical "Wicked".  I loved it and really think I could never tire of going to broadway shows.  

--I also loved walking around the city at night.  People stay out so late and you feel so safe.

--Seeing celebrities.  Brian has a supernatural power of detecting anyone famous. Thanks to him, we saw Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Larry King, Ivanka Trump and Patricia Clarkson.

--Going to Robbins and Brians house every night was a real treat.  Sadly, I didn't take any pictures of Robbins, who just happens to be one of my favorite people.  And I took a picutre of Brian but somehow it got deleted....grrr.  Brian, you are also one of  my favorite people.  Robbins and Brian, I love you!

Southern California

Here we come SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!

So....here is a way overdue post.

In middle of April, my mom came to ABQ to stay with E and S, so that D and I could take N and G on a trip to Legoland, Seaworld & LA.  And when I say that mom came to visit I mean:  she not only watched two little children for 4 days, but she sewed 11 backpacks for girls camp, mended Derek's pants that he has been saving for months, helped with YW banner, cleaned my house, washed and folded laundry, cooked dinner, threw out her back, and caught the flu (amongst many other things). So...kudos to her.  Also kudos to Grandma L for playing with Eli.

So here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Our trip began with our GPS system named "Betty" taking us to the closest In & Out Burger to the airport.  YUM--need I say more.

Right after walking into Legoland there is life-size lego Darth Vader.  Now come on, does it get any better than that.  (OK...maybe it does, especially if there was a life-size lego Brad Pitt, but for 7 and 9 year old boys....it's the best!)

On my birthday, May 22, the new Indian Jones movie comes out.  Derek is seeing it at midnight, and Crazy Pants is flying down from SLC to join him.

Does it really get any better than seeing the sights of the world built one lego at a time.  AMAZING!

By far, this was the funniest part of Legoland.  The kids get to drive these mini cars around a small driving course with stop lights, stop signs, and driving on the the right side of the road. The funny part is watching all of the parents biting their nails as their kids run into each other,drive on the left side of the road, disobey all traffic rules and earn their "Legoland Driver's License".

One of my favorite things about G is that he makes funny facial expressions.  What a goof.

Feeding the Sting Rays was a huge highlight of SeaWorld...it felt strange...not something that humans should really be doing.

After watching the Shamu spectacular entitled BELIEVE, I truly believe.

Of course, a really wonderful part of the weekend was visiting with old friends up in LA.  We went to Diddy Reese, our favorite dessert in Westwood, and had dinner with the Gibsons and Eastlands.  Also, we allowed G to crawl down a manhole to rescue a lost toy.  Zach Eastland jumped out of his car to watch. It was so fun to drive through our old hood.  And, we laughed and had an excellent time with good ol' friends.  However, I think Shannon will never forgive me for mopping her floor.