Here I Am

It's been a long time, I know. And I've had several of you ask where I've been for such a long time! Truth is, I've sat down at least a dozen times to post something, but words just haven't come. It's not that there's nothing going on, it's just that I haven't been in the best state of mind lately. Let me explain, without sounding like I'm griping or at all ungrateful for the life that I live...

The bottom line is that I'm tired and overwhelmed and a little bit defeated. The past few months have been difficult for a lot of different reasons, with work and bills and other obligations. Lu found out last week that he's being laid off as of tomorrow (the 12th). Work is hard right now because I really miss my kids and I hate that I have to work to make ends meet. I feel like we work so hard with nothing to show for it (I'm speaking in worldly terms here - in the terms that matter, we are richly blessed). There are certain things that are just out of reach, and frankly - I'm bitter. I'm bitter that I have to put my kids in daycare and every day I see women dropping hundreds of dollars on Botox. I'm bitter that Lu works his butt off every day so his supervisors can play golf and he's the one that's dealt the short stick. In some ways I know that things happen for a reason, and I know that everything works out - I do. But right now the journey is, let's say, a little harder than I prefer.

That being said, I am SO grateful for the healing power of the Atonement. Even though I obviously have some feelings that I need to work through, there is still a peace that I feel when I pray for comfort, guidance, and sometimes just the strength to make it through the day. Our challenges are so unique, and I recognize the heat of the refiner's fire. I'm getting quite used to it actually. Sometimes I wish I could just learn what it is that I'm supposed to learn already and be done with it. Other times I see clearly the path that I'm taking and I'm okay with it.

Even in all of the financial/employment turmoil that we find ourselves in, we have a lot to be grateful for. I have found a lot of joy in my life despite some of the challenges and disappointments, and I've been blessed with amazing family and friends. I guess if I'm going to be stuck in this rut for the rest of my life I will at least be in good company!

I'm sorry for the lapse in communication. As you can tell, I've been working on a few things that still need some thought, prayer, repentance, and a little bit of surrender. Over the next little while I'll post some pictures and tidbits about the kids (they are growing so fast!) and all of their shenanigans. I've been keeping up with all of your blogs, however, and it's fun to see all that you've been doing. So many pregnancies! Crazy! I'm really jealous. Anyway, don't think less of me for my bad attitude. I'm working on it, I promise!

We HAVE Been Up to Something...

I've just been too lazy to post anything lately! So, here's a rundown of the past month and all that happened, and a few pictures, too!

• Georgia got her first in-salon haircut, at an adorable little place called Cookie Cutters. Before the cut, her hair was looking pretty shaggy. The funny part was that the top was so heavy it was hanging stick-straight - but the bottom was growing in super curly! The trick was to even it out a little...the end result is pretty cute! Sorry some of the pictures didn't get rotated before I attached them!

• We went to the Air Show up at Hill Air Force Base with Jake, Jenell, Jerik and Jackson. We had a great time, and the kids LOVED the planes! The motorcycle Gibson is standing in front of is the Air Force Chopper that was featured on TLC's American Chopper. He was SO excited! He loves motorcycles! Too bad Lu wasn't there to see it!

• Gibson got all signed up for pre-kindergarten at American Legacy Academy, and is so excited!


• Lu's nephew Ephraim got married to a cute girl named Jen. It was the first time in a long time that we had a chance to visit with Lu's family, and we had a really good time.


• I got to go to the Manti Pageant with my mom and grandparents. We spent the night there and had a great time driving around and visiting for 2 days! The last time I was on a trip with those three was in high school and we went to DisneyWorld. I hadn't seen the pageant since college, and it was amazing. It was also the first time I'd been back to Manti since Lu and I got married there!

• Lu and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary on July 6th!
  
• The kids and I spent some quality time with Grandpa Gary and Grandma Arloa at Cabela's, where we got some stinkin' cute pictures of them.

• I started working 2 days a week in the office, so the kids are hanging out at Jenell's house. She's been taking tons of pictures of the kids, but I'll have to post those when I get them from her.


• I spent three days with the Young Women at Youth Conference. Lu got to take 2 days off of work to spend with the kids while I was gone, and they had lots of fun. I had fun, too, of course!

Laundry Day Collection

I am always amazed and amused at the things that come out of the laundry. I don't clean out pockets, but that is something I may consider doing after this week's haul. After our usual 6 loads of laundry, here is what I found (I'm guessing that most of it came from Gibson's pockets - little boys find such enviable treasures!)...




2 large rocks, a plastic egg (what?! that's so weird), 6 small rocks, a spring, a weird white clip of some sort, a peach pit, a black bead, 4 beans, and 45 cents. Not bad!

Grave Robbers

Let me preface this post by telling you that I LOVE living by the cemetery. If I didn't have the knowledge of the Atonement and live in a place where the bulk of the people buried here have that same knowledge, I don't think I would enjoy it quite as much. But it is a truly peaceful and joyful place to be.

I love seeing families gather together and pay tribute to their loved ones. I especially love the funerals of public servants and military personnel. We have had 2 soldiers that died in Iraq buried there - one of them had a processional for over a mile up to the cemetery and hundreds of people gathered on the sidewalks and raised their hands to their hearts as his casket was driven up the street draped in the American flag. Scouts in full uniform from several stakes lined the road on both sides and held flags. It seemed like the entire city was silent - it is one of the most reverent experiences I have ever had. And when a former fire chief was buried, 2 of the fire trucks extended their ladders and came together to form an arch over the entrance of the cemetery - SO cool! Anyway, the cemetery is a beautiful place, and you really can't complain about noisy neighbors!

So, this may sound creepy but I assure you - it's not. Each Memorial Day, thousands of flowers are placed on graves by family members. A week later, the city cleans up all of the flowers and puts them in garbage bags to take to the dump. Anyone that knows about it can go there and pick up some of the bags and keep whatever is inside! I have gone over there for the past 3 years to gather mums for my yard. This year we picked up 6 huge bags and divided the booty between myself, my mom and sister, and 3 of my neighbors. It's always fun(ny) to drive through the cemetery and pick out the perfect bags. This year we got some really good things!

Here is my portion of the haul from this year's venture...



Most of the flowers in my yard have come from the cemetery, especially the mums. They come back bigger every year! Here is one of them from last year...



So if you still think it's creepy, just think of us as less "grave-robber" and more "dumpster-diver." It's better than throwing them in the garbage, right?!

Wet 'N' Wild

Gibson LOVES getting wet in the sprinkler. By sprinkler I mean me holding the hose and squirting him. The drinking pictures are my favorite!!

Landscaping the Backyard Part 1

Well, four years after we moved here, we are finally getting around to doing our backyard! You can see from the pictures that it's pretty much a weedy wasteland back there, but not for long! Thanks to my grandparents, we are putting the sprinkler system and lawn in with leftovers from their yard that they are putting in right now. So I'll keep you updated on the progress, but here is what's up so far!


Who knew that utility trailers made such great play-pens?! Georgia spent over an hour in ours just playing in the dirt. Doesn't she look like a little farm-girl?


Gibson and I hanging out while Lu does all the hard work with the trencher.


This was the hardest job - getting the trenching done. At least now it's over, and we can move on to the fun part!

Our beautiful new tree - the first (intentional) sign of life back there!

Our gigantic back patio (there used to be a swimming pool there that's been filled in). We have some great plants that I'm trying to keep alive that are leftover from G&G's yard. Gibson has loved having his tractor - he is getting 5 cents for every rock he hauls out of the yard.

I Love My Sister

I really do!! I am sitting here reflecting on my day, which I spent almost entirely with her, and am feeling like the luckiest little sister in the world! Here is a list of the highlights of this fun and productive day...

9:00am - I call Jenell and see if she wants to go to Lowes to look at tile. YES!! she replies so I should pick her up from the elem. school where she just dropped of Jerik
9:20am - Jenell calls - where are you? that was 20 minutes ago! I'm coming, I just had to get Georgia dressed after I dropped Gibson off at Joy School
9:30am - Lowes: we look at tile and Jenell (the color expert) steers me in the perfect direction for my new kitchen floor, countertops, and backsplash. She is so smart, I'm so excited! Then on the way out, she just reaches out and grabs the perfect paint colors. She is SO smart, I'm SO excited!
10:45am - pick up Gibson, run to Albertson's to get Jackson some diapers (this is the last pack, she swears - he'll be potty trained before these run out)
11:00am - car full of whiny kids. We need a Diet Coke. Why not just get lunch? Wendy's. Park.
11:45am - 2 FULL days of preschool? let's go get information RIGHT NOW.
12:00pm - back at Jenell's house, why not plant a gazillion pansies? Jenell digs the hole, Brittney places the flowers (Britt's a wimp, can't use the tool). Jersey (the dog) eats the flowers. 7 times. Put her on a leash, she breaks her collar. What a pain. Why does she have a dog?!
1:30pm - let's go to the Home Depot and look at plants. We're going to have the best yards EVER!! This plant is only $5 - we spent more than that on lunch! Next time I need Wendy's, I'm going to Home Depot. This one or this one? That one. Definitely.
2:30pm - many many tired and cranky kids in the car. drop off Jenell and Jackson at home. let's go to the nursery tomorrow to look at more plants for our rockin' yards. see you in the morning?
3:30 pm - can I go to Jenell's house and meet the girl that's buying the book? Just go through the gate (push hard, there's a log behind it). The book is in the bedroom (ignore the mess). Don't take less than $25.00 (she's already getting a deal). Drive to find Jenell, give her $25.00. Dog's collar is broken again. Needs a new collar. Dogs are too expensive, maybe she'll get rid of the dog.
7:30pm - Jenell calls, but I miss it because Gibson sharted and made a caca mess that of course, I had to clean up because Lu was dry-heaving. (ok, he didn't dry-heave, or get mad - way to be strong, babe!)
9:30pm - I finally call Jenell back. She wants to know if Lu likes the tile. Are we still on for tomorrow? see you in the morning!
11:00pm - It hits me how grateful I am for Jenell and the amazing and talented person she is - she is my sister, but more importantly she's my friend. What a fun day we had!

I love you, Jenell!!

A little reminder

This post is entirely for my own benefit, and for use as a public confession and reminder to myself why I love my kids. So here goes...

I'm having a particulary challenging morning with my kids, and to be honest (warning - weak mother moment coming) I'm having a hard time liking them right now. So, because I have given myself a mommy time-out, I am going to make a list of the things my kids do that I love. And I'm going to keep writing until I have enough love to leave this room and deal with them again!

Gibson
1. Knows how to spell his first name, and spells it all the time.
2. Will insist he didn't eat the cookie even though his face is smeared with chocolate.
3. Loves to draw and read books.
4. Always says he's sorry.
5. Has the cutest smile and laugh.
6. Wants to learn how to cook, and loves being in the kitchen.
7. Asks his daddy every day how work was, and if he made any sales.
8. Says the cutest prayers and blesses every single person in our entire family. Individually.
9. Tries hard to be quiet when I'm working.
10. He dances - but only when he's "in the mood."
11. He's a big boy, but he still wants me to kiss his owies.
12. He tells me I look pretty, even when I don't.
13. He says things like "What the..." and "That was awkward."
14. He wants to be a drummer like Uncle Dill, muscle-y like his cousin Ephraim, and a salesman like his dad.

Georgia
1. She has great hair - if it's down, she shakes her head back and forth so it touches her face.
2. She is an amazing sleeper - she sleeps all the time.
3. When I go to get her out of her crib, she pretends she's still sleeping. Then when I get really close she smiles and then laughs. She thinks she has me fooled every time.
4. Sometimes when she's in trouble she doesn't cry she just pouts. She closes her eyes and every now and then looks at you very sadly. She's very still, but then snaps out of it like nothing ever happened.
5. She loves wearing shoes, especially the ones that tap when she walks.
6. She has the funniest run - she trots and bounces and flails her arms - it's hilarious.
7. She's obsessed with M&Ms.
8. She closes her eyes for prayers whenever food is put in front of her, so we have to pray - even at restaurants. She won't eat until we pray.
9. She dances all the time, and loves the music turned up in the car.
10. She loves giving kisses.
11. She likes to jump off the couch, play with big dogs, wrestle, drink out of a straw, go down slides by herself, jump on the trampoline, climb onto high furniture, and ride motorcycles.

Ok, I feel better. Thanks for letting me vent!

We Won!!

It's official - and it's BIG!! Let me start from the beginning (it's a short story, I promise)...

Ever since we bought our house, there has only been one thing about it that has been difficult to deal with - the kitchen. It is very small, has very little counter space, and the lighting is terrible. But, we deal with it because a new kitchen would cost oodles of $ that we don't have. Whenever I get discouraged or bored, I think of ways to make our house amazing, and thanks to my dad - who is a home designer - I can really get creative. Fast forward to February...

At the end of February, I was feeling like redoing the kitchen (on paper, not in reality). My dad came over and sketched out a few possibilities, and we really REALLY got excited about the prospects of an amazing new open concept living room, dining room, kitchen area. Luckily, the home remodeling show was going on that weekend, so I got a babysitter and went with my parents. We found countertops and flooring that I love, but searched and searched for the perfect cabinet color and style. Then we turned a corner and "Aaahhhh" (that's a choir singing) there it was! The kitchen of my dreams. I took my mom over and said, "This is it! It's perfect!" The sales rep said, "Oh, you like this kitchen? Would you like to enter to win it?" I entered, of course, but left feeling defeated since I've never won anything in my life. Nothing. Fast forward to this morning...

I got a call from Gold Medallion's sales manager, and...WE WON!!!! The kitchen of my dreams - well, just the cabinets - but wooohooo! So, now we get to start tearing out walls, flooring, and the existing cabinets. It's going to be a HUGE project, but so worth it! I'm so excited!!

Easter Fun

We had a great Easter-fest filled with candy, eggs, food, and family. We spent the day at my parent's house, along with 15 other people! Along with the usual crowd, my sister-in-law's parents and brother came, my Aunt April came from Bountiful and also my Grandpa & Grandma Boss. We haven't seen the Bosses since Braden's wedding, so the kids have changed a lot! Lu had to work, which was a bummer - we missed his company :( We got some great pictures of all of the kids, although I realized that we took about 100 pictures of Georgia and hardly any of the boys! Probably because the boys were always off doing their own thing and I pretty much maintain control of Georgia's whereabouts, at least for now. It was a beautiful sunny day after a week of cold rain, and we had a great time! Hope your Easter was a special one!

Attention Fun Ship Passengers...

We survived! Our trip was amazing - too short, as usual, but really, really fun. We ate too much, stayed up too late, and laughed more than we've laughed in a long time. We had a great time with the Dean's, and can't wait for our next cruise! We're thinking Alaska next time...doesn't that sound fun?!


Lu and I in Ensenada - it was overcast, but pretty warm. We were there to see La Bufadora, a blowhole. It was pretty neat to see, and shopping at the flea market was an adventure, as always!


Peter, Allison, me & Lu at La Bufadora.


As first-time cruisers, we had to play all the games. We played Win Lose or Draw and kicked the pants off the competition. We also played 80's music trivia and won a little plastic trophy. I guess we'll have to pass that one back and forth between us!


Lu relaxing on deck - this was the only afternoon that it was warm enough to wear a bathing suit!

Me at Catalina Island - if you look closely, you can see our ship out in the ocean.

The bay at Catalina

Our beautiful ship!

Bon Voyage!

Well, tomorrow's the day! We leave on our cruise to Mexico right after church, and I can't even tell you how excited I am. I was so organized that I packed on Monday, and every day did something to prepare for the trip. Now there are only 16 things left on my To-Do list! Gibson and Georgia are spending the week at my parent's house, so I had to pack suitcases for them and us which was a total mess. Because I was uber-organized and packed so early, Gibson asked every day if it was time for our vacation. No. Is it time now? No. Will it be time after Georgia wakes up? No. It's been a long week. Luckily, he bought the idea that HE is the one going on vacation. The other day he came up to me and said, "Mom, I'm sorry you and daddy can't go on a vacation." Oh, honey - if you only knew!

In the midst of all the cruise prep, I had the opportunity to teach a mini-class at our enrichment activity today on Clutter Control & Organization. It was a really fun class and it was fun to share ideas with the sisters of our ward. We have a lot of clutter-bugs, so hopefully someone learned something! If I can figure out how to post a document link, I'll share the handouts that I made.

After the class, we went up to Bountiful to have dinner with my Aunt April. We were surprised to find my cousin Jeri and her family there for the weekend! What a fun surprise! We spent the evening catching up, which is always a noisy affair in our family. Man, we laugh a lot! Gibson and Georgia had a great time playing with their cousins - Georgia was so hyper when we left that the whole way home she was yelling and blabbering on and on. I think my mom is having second thoughts about watching them this week - good thing she keeps earplugs in her nightstand! During dinner, Jeri bugged me about not posting in 2 months, so this post is my repentance post. :o( I'm sorry all of you Gonzalez fans. I've let you down. But don't worry - I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures and lots of things to say after our trip!

Bon Voyage!

A Brief Update

Time is flying by! January is almost over and it feels like it's still Christmas! That is, in part, because I am just now getting around to taking down our Christmas tree. I finally un-decorated it today while I was cleaning - now it's up to Lu to get it put away! Needless to say, things around here have been busy as usual. Here's a quick blurb on everyone and what we've been up to...

Lu is working, working, working. He's having fun researching camping trailers, since this is "our year" to finally get one! We all love camping, and are SO looking forward to the luxuries of camping in a trailer and not a tent!

I am busy with work, even though I don't work in the office much anymore. Every day seems busy although with what, I don't really know. I guess that's the joy of being a mother!

Gibson is bored out of his mind most of the time. He really really wants to play outside, but it's just too cold (for me, not as much for him!). So we read and play games - a lot. He surprised me the other day by singing the "Days of the Week" song - what the... where did he learn that?! Preschool, of course! It's so fun to watch him as his mind expands as he learns - from Preschool type material to the principles he's learning in Primary. His small little world is growing every day...right before my eyes!

Georgia has had an eventful few weeks. Her feet are finally healed, and look pretty much normal! She doesn't like shoes, however. We'll have to work on that. A little over a week ago, she got a somewhat severe burn on her neck after running into a pan coming out of the oven. She didn't even cry! She has an incredibly high pain tolerance, we've decided. (She pulled all of her stitches out of her feet and never cried, either.) I am so thankful to be working for a dermatologist - I called her right away and she said that since the burn didn't blister, to put 1% Hydrocortisone cream on it and alternate that with Vaseline. So there you go, folks - Burn Treatment 101. Her neck is healing nicely, but it's still ooky looking in the crease, probably because she moves around so much! It will leave a dark pigmented scar, but hopefully it will fade over time. In the meantime, we're just waiting to see what injuries lie ahead.

Well, that's about it. Not much going on, but it's been a while since I posted so I thought I should check in. We're so blessed in our lives, and we're learning to catch the curve-balls that tend to come our way. Now, if we can just get Georgia a helmet, or a burn-suit, or shin-guards... I'll have to look into that!

Happy Birthday, Gibson!

Today my baby turned 4! I still can't believe how time has passed by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday...

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Gibson is such a fun little boy to have around. He is funny and imaginative, and says the cutest things. He loves reading, drawing, playing with toys, watching movies, snuggling, making up songs, and all sorts of other things. He is turning into the most amazing boy. Every day I am thankful to have been given the choice blessing of being his mom.

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Now, I am sitting here thinking of all of the milestones he's already reached, and all of those that are yet to come:

1 year and 8 months from now, he'll be in Kindergarten!

4 years from now, he'll get baptized!

8 years from now, he'll get the Priesthood and pass the Sacrament!

10 years from now, he'll be old enough to go to Stake dances!

12 years from now, he'll be old enough to get his driver's license and...eek...date!

14 years from now, he'll graduate from high school!

15 years from now, he'll be able to serve a mission!

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I am SO excited for the years to come! Happy Birthday, baby!

Bye, Bye, Little Piggies

Well, it's done! Georgia finally had her surgery today to remove toes #11 and 12. We arrived at Primary Children's Medical Center this morning at 9:00 for her 10:30 surgery. She went into the OR right on time, and thanks to the skills of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Holmes, she was in and out of surgery in only 45 minutes! She spent about an 1-1/2 hours in post-operative care, and then we were on our way home at 1:00! She is already up and about on her new little feet, and we can't wait to buy her first "real" pair of shoes! Thanks to all of you who checked in on us today and kept Georgia in your prayers! The power of the Priesthood is real, and I am grateful every day for its power in our lives. Here's to a lifetime of sandals and heels for our precious baby girl!

Dr. Holmes drew on her feet to make sure she didn't take the wrong ones! I wonder what exactly it stands for...Sever Here, maybe?

Mommy keeping Georgia calm in post-op. She was so feisty when she woke up from anesthesia they had to give her the maximum dose of Demerol to calm her down! The nurses were cracking up at just how sassy she was being. I just nodded and said, "Welcome to my world!"