Snowbirds

Steve and I were able to go skiing this past Saturday...sans kiddos.

It was a so much fun.

It's amazing to me how easy going the day can be when it is just Steve and me.

It was like, "Do you want to go have lunch after this run?" "Sure, that sounds great." No little hands grabbing my arms demanding to be fed that instant.

Steve is definitely the better skier of the two of us. And, boy did he do a lot of waiting because of that yesterday. We decided to try some blues. I can do the blues that aren't so steep. But boy was I in a pickle on the truly steep one; but I worked my way through it by asking myself what would I tell my boys. It worked.

However, it didn't work out the way I wanted it too. In the end, I ended up sliding partially down the hill (to where it wasn't so steep anymore.) I wanted to stay up there and do it the right way, by getting my ski on and skiing down the hill, but I knew that if I pursued that course of action I would only wind up getting extremely emotional and ruin the wonderful day for myself and Steve. Plus, it would have meant that Steve would have had to wait an obnoxious amount of time. So, I had to solve the problem another way. It's hard because I am not one to give up, so I had to tell myself I was solving the problem, not giving up. Sliding down seemed the quickest, easiest way down. And, I reach Steve with a smile. That was such a big coup for me.

I forgot to say that this was the "Thank You" from my friend for watching her children. So, now I turn around and say "Thank You" Celeste for the great day and for watching my children for me. I knew they were in good hands.

Chili Anyone?

There were lots to choose from.

14 entries in the Elder's Quorum Chili Cook-off by all of these guys.

That's right, guys only.

And boy where they delicious!!

We even had 3 guest judges:

...Our Relief Society President, Mary Crafts of Culinary Crafts and our own Bishop.

and look, I was the 4th judge. (Unofficially!)

I truly loved Steve's mole chili and the one that won first place. Those were my two favorites. And truly, I wasn't biased. Steve put chocolate in it. And everyone knows I love anything chocolate. In case you didn't know, Mole is a spicy sauce flavored with chocolate, usually served with turkey or chicken.

Even though Steve's didn't win, Mary had very complimentary things to say about his chili; such as, his meat was her favorite of all of them, and the flavor of the chili rolled across the tongue. She was really nice and it was wonderful to meet her. I wish I would have been able to talk to her more. She has accomplished many things in her life and I would have loved to pick her brain about it. I still have many goals that I want to achieve.

The chili cook-off was a big hit.

If you missed it, hopefully they will do it again next year.

A Mom of Six. Wait? What?

Yep, that was me for five days.

A "mom" of six children.

A dear friend of mine went on a vacation with her husband and asked me if I would watch her children. I said sure. Afterall, I feel it is so important to nurture our marriages. If you don't, you are truly missing out on something grand.

I mean think about it. Or at least, let me tell you how I think about it. When I am at home, even when Steve is there, many other roles (such as Mom --primarily Mom, Sunday School teacher, maid, etc.) have to come first and take precedence.

Not always, but too much to my liking.

How many times have I just wanted to be spending time with Steve, and yet, I find myself getting jammies on, picking up towels that lay on bedroom floors because I've asked the boys countless times not to leave them on the bathroom floor, or been greeted with mouths open wide like little birds in the mornings demanding breakfast, or been working on my Sunday School lesson, or many other such tasks. Or that feeling of being too tired and not having the energy to have an adult conversation with my husband even though I have done nothing all day.

How many times? Too many times to count; but, a number that equals the number of sand on the beach comes close.

And, this doesn't always bring out the best side of my personality. I know, because I've experienced the euphoria that comes with just Steve and Tiercy--by ourselves. It was my own little fairytale.

And, so because of this, I said yes to my dear friend when she asked me.

And because I said yes, I got to spend time with Allie, Kallin and Olivia.

Look how darling they are.

I'm not gonna lie, it was hard. Mostly because they are so young.

But, it was also joyful, an adventure, and a learning experience.

Everyone got involved.

There was one night that Olivia was having tummy problems. I was dreading it. I do not function well on lack of sleep. Ever my knight in shining armor, Steve offered to work with her; just the way he had with our kids. I love him for this act of service to me. I was able to sleep that night but he wasn't. I think this act of service just shows what a stand up guy Steve is!!

Olivia reminded me how much I truly love the baby phase! I loved the noises she would make as she "talked". And I loved how Ty or Ethan would just laugh at her talking. They laughs are so precious to me. (Laney could elicit the same laugh when she was a baby and still does on occasion.) I always think I am not going to forget that, but I do. I loved how hungry she was in the mornings and I couldn't get the spoon to her mouth fast enough. I had forgotten what it was like to hold one so fresh from God.

Kallin and Allie were darling too. They each have their own little personality and it was so fun to get to know them a little bit better. Allie was so kind. And, I loved that she let me play with her hair. And Kallin is a such a sweet soul. And the keeper of anything with wheels. I have a friend who says there are two kinds of boys: those who likes things with legs such a animals and figurines, and those who like things with wheels, such as cars and trains. My boys were "leg boys". Kallin is a "wheel boy." It was so fun to watch him get engaged in playing with his trains. And how creative that play is.

I was able to capture this picture of the girls. I thought it was so cute because Allie and Alayna would call each other sister.

I was going to try to capture a picture of the three of them in their Sunday best; ha ha, that was the furthest thing from my mind. I am amazed at the amount of work it takes to get everyone ready. We made it to church, but in groups and stages. But we made it. And, of course there had to be a blow out which I wasn't at all prepared for. Thanks again Ashlee for saving me!! I will remember that moment in the bathroom for a long time.

Bed time was the hardest time. I loved the reading and singing time it gives to me. But, then I.am.done!! I think because in the mornings I am awakened by demands right away from Alayna, so that I regard night time as "me" time. Anyway, it didn't help that I had them in the same room. Something I would change for next time. And part of it was getting to know the kids and their personalities. So, in the end, I would usually stay in their room (Alayna's room) until 2 of the 3 had fallen asleep. That seemed to work. But boy was that hard. I haven't had to do that in a long time. I used to be much more prepared to go to my happy place. I guess I need to work on that more.

All in all, I am glad that I served them. After all, as King Benjamin says, "that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

Before and After

I've always wanted to do a before and after, but have never remembered the before. Well, not this time. For a variety of reasons, I have wanted to change out our bathroom vanity on the main floor. Well, for our anniversary, Steve bought me a new one. What a man!!

BEFORE

and AFTER

Isn't it pretty?

I'm in love!

There are still things I want to do in this bathroom such as paint and get a new mirror. But, for now, I am happy that we started the transformation.

Yay, I now have a place to put toilet paper.

♫ I Have to Say "I Love You" with a Song ♫

Since I've started blogging, on each wedding anniversary I've gushed here in 2008 and here in 2009 about my love for Steve and how much I love being married to him.

For a change, this year, I've decided to pick the top eleven song titles (because that's the number of years we've been married) to describe how I feel about Steve, our life, our marriage, and this amazing journey we are on together.

These are in no particular order, except I save the song title that says it ALL for number 1:

11. Two is Better than One
10. Halo
9. Lucky
8. Love Story
7. Make A Memory
6. Love of a Lifetime
5. You're the One that I Want
4. Thank You for the Music
3. Forever
2. Won't Go Home without You
1. I want to Spend My Life Time Loving You


Songs that get honorable mention:

1.. My Life would Suck without You
2. Make Love in this Club
3. I'm Already There
4. See Me in Your Eyes
5. Pocketful of Sunshine

♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪ ♫♪♪♫♪♪

His Birthday Makes January Fun

I used to think of January as a boring month.

I mean the let down of Christmas used to be what it represented.

Not anymore because...

...Ty just had his birthday yesterday.

Well, his birthday and my wedding anniversary(but that is forthcoming post).

He turned 9 (his last year of a single digit for his age).

I am so enjoying this age with him. I know, most of you are saying, "but, he only just turned 9." What I mean is...he is at a stage that I am truly enjoying. I love that both he and Ethan are old enough to play games. Not games like Patty cake, or This Little Piggie, but games like Phase 10, Snorta (thanks Uncle Scott), or Marco Polo (yes, in the swimming pool). I think I am a good mom to infants for the first 18 months and then fast forward to this age. I love it.

Oh, wait, this is about Tyler's birthday, not me.

About his 9th birthday, Tyler says he had a "fun" birthday. He's not a very wordy when he speaks...wonder where this trait comes from? Steve, any thoughts? ...Steve?

This is the year for his family party. My children so love when their Grandma and Grandpa come and support them at things (We wish Mom Mom and Pop Pop Al could come over too!). And birthdays are no exception. I also love the one-on-one time that my children get with Grandma and Grandpa. It's rare.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures with Grandma and Grandpa this year.

The theme of Ty's presents this year all centered around his desire to do a triathlon. (Just like his daddy.) The piece of paper he is holding is the registration for the Shark triathlon on June 12th. Look at his face...priceless. It's one of the ones that Steve participated in last year. He is also standing by his new bike, and his new goggles, and his swim jammers, and his walkie talkies, a Pokemon activity book, and a fun dice game.




Tyler wanted a soccer cake this year. After my cake decorating class I felt up to the task. However, I was a little overwhelmed by my day (because I am taking care of 3 extra kids for 5 days!!!) and so I had to be content with the fact that my white frosting was a little too soft to form perfect stars, and I didn't have time to figure out what was wrong with my black frosting. (It was weird with the Dora cake for Laney). Or that the green letters weren't centered or perfect. I just didn't have time even though I started at 8 a.m. I just have forgotten that with baby's you need so many more hours in a day. Or that unexpected things --like a HUGE blowout and the incredible mess that made-- happen. In the end, Ty was really happy with it which made me happy with it. Children really are happy by the simple things in life aren't they?

And, after the end of the family party, Dad broke out RockBand. It was a perfect end to Ty's party.

Oklahoma

So, on the morning of the 24th, Steve and I both woke up early...before the alarm.

Mornings like this are one of my favorite things about being married. But, I digress...

While laying there talking, we made the decision to drive to Oklahoma to visit with Steve's sister, Debbie and her family.

Suddenly there was so much to do...not only to prepare for the jolly man's visit but our trip the day after.

This was taken right after we arrived on Sunday after tw0 9 hour days of driving. I think we look pretty good. = )

Daniel and Ethan had so much fun together. They are two kindred spirits. Daniel is the cutest boy who is full of energy and all boy. They were happiest when they were playing with Daniel's new swords or the Wii.

We did lots of hanging out, game playing, eating, visiting, and enjoyed a few outings. One day we headed to OSU for the morning. We parked at the Foundation where Uncle Ben works. After a quick, slushy jaunt over to Theta Pond we fed the ducks and geese Ben's homemade bread. leftover from Christmas eve.

The kids got up close and personal with the fowl. I was surprised at how brave they were, even the little girls. The kids wanted to feed them from their hand. Tyler even managed to feed a few rather large geese this way. Did you notice in the picture???



Debbie was able to snap this picture of the kids on the bridge. OSU is a beautiful campus with so many picturesque places. Maybe it's a good thing the batteries on Debbie's camera were pretty much used up so the kids didn't have to worry about being posed for too many photos. (I had left mine at home.)

Afterwards, we ate at Eskimo Joes, a well know part of OSU's campus. They are known for their cheese fries. I always love being on a college campus. I would love to see it in the spring/summer when there is no snow.

I loved being on a college campus again. But seriously, college kids look younger and younger all the time. I wasn't that young when I went to college, right?

I didn't even know that Debbie had taken this picture. There was one day in particular that it was just COLD. Ethan and Daniel--die hard outdoor kids--didn't even last more then 10 minutes out there. So, what's a mom/aunt to do. I dug deep into my inventory of games for kids of all ages. I actually learned this "Hand" game when I was single and loved it. It's easy enough for the bigger kids to do. The little girls (a.k.a Little Mermaid and Tinkerbell) loved being involved with the older kids...when they weren't playing dress up.

One of our days there, Steve suggested that Debbie and I go get a pedicure. He had noticed a nail place on his shopping excursion that morning. And, he would even be willing to watch the kids. What a guy!! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Don't you just love those original, designer flip flops? ha.

Does anyone want to guess which toes are mine?

Ty and Katie got along fabulously! Instead of their strong personalities causing conflict they made a great team. They were inseparable and kept themselves busy. Children who can self entertain are a blessing. One of the things they entertained themselves with was this Dowdle Gingerbread puzzle. They also watched the cooking network (like father like son), and MythBusters, played a variety of games. They, along with Ethan, played Harry Potter Clue, Disney Scene-it, and the new Snorta game from Uncle Scott.


A "swimbath."
Christina wanted Laney to take a "swimbath" with her in the "cave" shower. (I guess because there is tile all around?) Anyway, they donned their bathing suits and played in the water for a good 30 minutes. Laney is always happy in the water and Debbie says the same thing about Christina.

Debbie made some yummy food while we were there. This is called a German Puff Pancake. When she initially took it out of the oven, it was really tall and puffy. Once out of out of the oven, it starts to fall. (Her analogy to Christmas day: all full and happy then slowly running out of steam.) It is quite yummy and tastes similar to french toast.



Laney is such a sweet girl. I love that she wanted New Year's hugs from Aunt Debbie. Steve made dinner on New Years Eve for everyone. He slow cooked a pork roast and had sides of two kinds of potato salad, chips, bolillo rolls, and for dessert he chose ice cream with break 'n bake chocolate chip cookies. Delicious!!


Along with New Year's hugs, the kids put on a talent show for the adults. Katie had made the cutest program that they passed around. That night the kids showed us their New Years talent show. Tyler and Katie kicked it off with the cup trick, learned from me (It was a favorite of mine at Girl's Camp). The butterfly cowgirls aka Christina and Alayna (both 3 years old) did some great dancing and charming. I really need to talk to Disney about marketing butterfly cowgirls. Ethan and Daniel were happy as good be with darling smiles (BIG ONES) adorning their faces as they were sword fighting. Ethan was so happy, it melted my heart.

Taking their bow at the end of the show minus Tyler who had been upset by something and took himself out of the show (reading between the lines - yep he was throwing an 8 year old tantrum and was being stubborn.)


I ♥♥♥ the Stahmann's and can't wait to visit Oklahoma again sometime.



Debbie, thanks for "letting" me post lift some of your pictures; you got some really great ones. And, your details about the food and the games they played.