A Grain of Salt

Recap

2012-02-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last year I decided to celebrate my 40th year by making a list of 40 things I want to do or accomplish during the year. I listed them here so that I would feel a bit more accountable. Well, I'm happy to report that I was mostly successful. The red x means completed in full. Here's the rundown:

X1. Read President Monson's biography
X2. Save another $1,000 toward taking the family on a church history tour in a few years.
3. Help my son, J., go on a humanitarian trip this year. (All signed up and ready to go to Belize this June 2012!)
X4. Run 1/2 marathon (ran 2!)
X5. Read the Book of Mormon again in my personal study
X6. Update my will, have Spence update his (Actually, done, but in progress too. We're creating a trust to go with it.)
7. Transfer home movies to DVD (1/2 done. Family videos are on DVD, but the smaller tapes still need to be done. Working on it!)
X8. Update family scrapbooks, baby books
X9. Get another article published
X10. Attend the temple 12 times. We always make the goal of once a month, but end up going 11 times. The goal is at least 12 this year!
X11. Write in my journal at least 1 time each month
X12. Take my three oldest children and hubby to see Hale Centre Theater's "Christmas Carol"
X13. Plant a garden in our new garden area
X14. Attend a U2 concert (finally!)
X15. Monthly parent/child dates with kids
16. Get all the way through "365 Manners Children Should Know" book with family (UGH! Fail. We only got about 1/2 way through. We'll keep working on it, though.)
X17. At least one day at either BYU Women's Conference or BYU Education Week
X18. Give N. piano lessons (well, actually, it ended up being a little bit of piano and guitar lessons)
19. Weekly Monday night rotations teaching my kids how to cook (Yes and no. We did do this some, but not regularly, like I had hoped. The good thing is that my kids come and help with dinner more than they used to and with less or no complaining. Getting there.)
X20. Regular Family Home Evenings
X21. Go on an overnight getaway with my hubby
X22. Re-learn how to play "On Golden Pond" on the piano
X23. Re-organize our food storage
X24. Re-do 72 hour kits in the spring
25. Re-do 72 hour kits in the fall (Nope. We did, however, do a bunch of canning and freezing for food storage, so I'm excusing myself on this one. I'll re-do them again this Spring.)
X26. Read "Run for Life" book
X27. Run in the "Dirty Girl" race
X28. Help J. get his Eagle Scout award
X29. Take my Mom to lunch (Took Dad on a lunch date too!)
X30. Take my sister Amy to lunch
X31. Take my sister Jenn to lunch
X32. Take my sister Emily to lunch
X33. Take my sister Janet to lunch
X34. Finish and publish our family 2010 book
X35. Plan and carry out a fun Valentine's date for Spence
X36. Take the family on a Downtown adventure. Trax, dinner, Clark Planetarium
X37. Make and take honey candy family recipe for Christmas neighbor treats
X38. Get a physical check-up
X39. Write 40 letters or notes of appreciation and love to 40 different people
X40. Stay sane. Well, maybe I shouldn't be the one to judge that.

So there you have it. Since I put it out there in the first place, I figured I should report the results. Overall, I'm pretty pleased. It was nice to have a list of goals for the year, and I really worked hard and did my best, not to prove anything, but just to have some focus for myself as I teeter on the brink of ancient-ness. A last farewell kiss to 40 today. Onward and upward!

Ahem

2012-01-24T22:21:00.003-07:00

A bit irreverent, but he nailed it on Gingrich!

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

December 31st, 10:30pm

2011-12-31T23:07:00.001-07:00

a little catch up

2011-12-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few things to catch up on. Ran my second 1/2 marathon this year a couple of days before Halloween. Costumed, of course. Not much to my hippy. Some of the costumes were amazing! I had a horrible time with my IT band pain, but still managed to shave 8 minutes off of my previous time. Woot! So glad to see my family support at the finish line! :)

Girl's trip to Vegas with all the Flandro women (minus 2). We missed sister-in-law Sarah who was teaching school in Massachusetts and newly-married niece Sarah who is going to school in Idaho. Rented a home for a few days and played. So much fun!

Actually, we didn't see Blue Man Group. We saw Beatles' LOVE, Cirque du Soleil. Amazing!

Birthday Girl, Liz! It was all her doing. So glad she got us all there!

The ladies. We are now officially "Flisters."

Found this stunning outfit at H&M. Cant' wait to see it on Spence!

Came home to birthday girl L. Can't believe she's 4!

Her birthday was the big day! Her hair hadn't ever been cut, but was getting hard to work with. As per her request and my sad acceptance of fact, off to the salon. Before:

After:

One very healthy and sweet ponytail on it's way to Locks of Love. Sniff. Baby curls are gone.

It has been a crazy fall. Way too much going on. So glad for the cold weather when things slow down for me. So relieved to finally be checking off some things on my to do list that had been pushed to the back burner for a long time. Still a lot to do, but more manageable. On to Christmas!

my cute rockin' elves...

2011-11-22T08:13:00.002-07:00

Watch by clicking here.

:)

2011-11-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Spence tried a little experiment today while sledding with the kidlets. He gave A. his iphone for an action video. Here are the results:

2011-10-31T09:50:00.001-06:00

I LOVE to dress up. Spence, however, is not big on costumes. At all. Last night he kept telling me, "THIS is how much I love you!" Love you too, Sweetheart!!

Family Halloween party at our house last night.

L. deliberating with uncle Iain on how best to design her

Jack-o-lantern.

Doughnut eating contest sponsored by Aunt Jenn. It's official. Flandros have big mouths! We won nearly every round. So proud! (Probably shouldn't be...)

And, food happenings around here the past week. Even if you don't make a special food, it's so easy to just rename stuff. A. and L. loved it, every night. Salmon became fish flesh. Tomato soup was blood slush. Salad was swamp moss, etc.

Mummy Dogs below:

Goblin grins:

Mummy pizzas:

Banana Boo Ghosts:

Pumpkin pancakes:

Worms (mostly jello...love the realistic ridges!):

Edible eyeballs:

We had a dinner in a pumpkin too. I love that we were able to grow all of our pumpkins this year, though it does take up a lot of garden space. Get to make my traditional Halloween Chili this year. And I ALWAYS wear my witch hat and use my witchy voice when I make it. Tastes better that way.

Halloween Chili

(You may find some of these ingredients hard to come by. Even the best-supplied kitchens occasionally run short of hawk toenails. And grubs and maggots are at times out of season. We've thought of some substitutions that may yield acceptable results. They're in parentheses.)

1/4 pound ground goblin gizzards (ground beef, 15% fat)

1 medium eye of Cyclops (onion)

1 15-ounce can soft-shelled beetles, drained--beetle juice is to be avoided (kidney beans)

1 28-ounce can blood of bat (V-8 juice)

1/8 teaspoon pureed wasp (prepared mustard)

1/4 teaspoon common dried weed (oregano)

1 dash Red-tailed hawk toenails (crushed red pepper)

2 teaspoon ground sumac blossom (chili powder)

1 teaspoon hemlock (honey or sugar)

1/2 cup fresh grubs (sliced celery)

Tablespoon eye of newt (pearl barley)

1 Tablespoon dried maggots (uncooked rice)

water from a stagnant pond, as needed (tap water)

Best made during the last phase of the moon--if that is not possible, just do the best you can in a softly lighted kitchen after dark.

Brown the gizzards in an iron cauldron over a fire made from the siding off a haunted house. Add chopped eye of Cyclops and simmer until the pieces of eye become translucent. Add blood of bat and soft-shelled beetles; bring to a slow bubbling boil. At this time, add the common weed, maggots, toenails, sumac, grubs, hemlock, eye of newt, and pureed wasp.

As it cooks, you may want to adjust the consistency with the pond water. You can tell it is done when the eye of newt swells and the vertical, tan-colored "cat's eye" appears on one side.

DC trip

2011-10-13T15:28:00.000-06:00

My three oldest and I went to visit my folks in DC for 4 days last week. Spence stayed home with the two youngest, and a friend watched them for two days when he was at work (thanks, Emily!!) My Mom and Dad are on a mission back there right now teaching Institute. What a crazy trip! Exhausting, but we loved every minute of it. The following are not in order, but I didn't think you'd care.

Spent an evening with my kids, Mom, Dad, sister Amy and her husband Colin (who is stationed at Andrew's Air Force Base for a few years), my sister Emily and her husband Josh (who were there for two days at the same time as us to dance with the BYU folk dancer group), and my beautiful cousin, Susi (below), who lives in DC.

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. Our table was right by a display from Peter Gabriel. Spence and I have an "our song" by him, so I had to text a pic to him during dinner. He texted a pic back of the two little ones eating dinner at McDonald's. I win.

Elder and Sister Carpenter in front of their temporary townhouse. <3

Arlington National cemetery on Sunday. Sobering. So grateful for this country and all those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much .

Changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Went on a DC Ducks tour. This awkward looking vehicle took us for a 90 minute tour of downtown, including driving down into and boating around in the Potomac River for a while. :)

Sister Amy went with us. Quack.

Pass and Stow. The three Caballeros trying to look bored while their mama snaps a pic.

OK, so we managed to snag 4 tickets to tour the White House, a great feat in itself. We walk up to the entrance right when it is time to go in and are told that there was a last minute schedule change so all tours are cancelled for the rest of the day. Booooo! Hisssss! Ah, well. What ya gonna do?

They've got a country to run and all.

This is the inside of the dome of the US Capitol building. At the bottom of the center group you can see George Washington (with the pink blanket on his lap) being welcomed into heaven. On one side of him is Liberty, and on the other is Victory. Then forming the rest of the circle is 13 angels representing the 13 colonies. At one point, the man who was painting this had not been paid for some time by congress. He got revenge by painting as the angels' faces the likenesses of some of the congressmen's current mistresses at the time. Sticking to the budget and paying bills on time is always a good idea. Especially as a government. Ahem.

First taste of sushi!

Yes, I've developed a crush. It's OK, Spence knows. I kinda like George. The more I learn about him the more I like him. He's pretty much awesome. More than awesome.

Maybe someday...

Lots of Metro time. Pretty great system.

So glad we never got lost!

I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to take these kids to see our nation's capitol. We saw and did so much in the short time we had. I hope they were able to grasp some of the magnificance that is our country, especially how important and miraculous our nation's birth was and all the sacrifices that have been made to secure and maintain our freedom.

We had the privilege of viewing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

with our own eyes.

If that doesn't make one patriotic I don't know what would.

J. is taking US History in his High School right now. Posing for extra credit at the Library of Congress. Great tour, by the way! J. spends a lot of time at our local library and was a bit bugged that he was able to go through the world's biggest library and couldn't crack a single book!

At the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History they have a Butterfly room.

M. and I went in. Tween girl heaven!

Yes sir, Mr. President!

Yeah, me and Beyonce', we go way back. I think J-Lo behind us looks a bit bugged.

She's just jealous of our moves.

Couldn't resist.

...and...Mt. Vernon. What a beautiful place. Sigh.

We toured where they print money, the International Spy Museum, and saw and did so much more, just too much to share. Wish we'd had a lot more time.

Two thumbs up. Way up.

Thanks Mom and Dad!

First Date

2011-10-13T14:37:00.000-06:00

J. is now 16. Old enough to go on a date. But first the poor boy had to take his mother out on a date. (Have to make sure he has down all the basics.) He called me up to ask me out. Picked me up at the door and had a brief interview with my father (aka Spence). He took me to eat, look through a Halloween store, then raquetball. Pleasant conversation, opening and holding doors, all the good stuff. I think he passed the test! Watch out ladies, here he comes!

Conference at our house

2011-10-02T19:26:00.000-06:00

Note the "temple" with the Angel Moroni on top. Note also the bowls of treats. Each treat was assigned a certain Gospel-oriented word. When they heard the word, they got one of that treat. Works like a charm. Most of the time.

a new nickname for our dragon...

2011-09-14T19:12:00.000-06:00

...Toothless.

up, down and around

2011-09-09T09:37:00.004-06:00

It's been a while, but I thought I'd share anyway. For the Utah Parade of Homes, Herriman had a replica of the house in the movie "UP". I drive right by it most days. Anyway, Spence and I took the two little ones for a visit while they were open. So fun!

Carl and Russell were there...

And they did such a great job replicating the home in the movie!

So cute!! (Stupid small camera.

We're getting a new memory card for it.)

Anyhoo, made some s'more cookies...

and enjoyed them.

Also bought a maple, bacon doughnut. We enjoyed that too.

As for the rest of life, livin' it.

J. is now registered at Salt Lake Community College for a dual credit computer programming class. If he does well in that this year and takes the one he's planning on for next year, he'll start college with at least a semester under his belt and some certifications. He drives me all over the place now. Each time I hope I live to tell the tale.

N. started 9th grade and seminary this year. He started his first day in Geography by correctly guessing a particular flag his teacher presented for an extra credit assignment. It was the flag of the Seychelles. Duwha? How on earth did he know that? I guess he IS the trivia king. Ken Jennings better watch his back.

M. went and got all grown up on me. She started Jr. High this year at our new Charter school. Seven periods, a locker and everything. She seems to be loving it! Not sure I am. She was my baby girl yesterday. She'll turn 12 in February and start Young Women's at church. Sigh.

A. also went and grew up on me while I wasn't looking. He started Kindergarten this week. No way! Way. He's all tall and smart and responsible now. He just straps on his Toy Story backpack and away he goes. My little Bugaboo. Sniff.

If you caught all that, you may have caught that I have 4 kids in 4 different schools this year. Heaven help us.

L. is my little helper now. She helps me clean. She helps me make messes. She helps me cook. She helps me shop. She helps me do laundry. She helps me pick vegetables and strawberries in our garden and helps me eat them (well, more the strawberries). She tells me what to do. She drives me crazy and keeps me sane all at the same time. L. just started dance classes near by. So. Stinkin. Cute. Last week we she spotted and fell in love with a Rapunzel costume for Halloween at the store. It was just her size and very inexpensive. Bingo. Still trying to decide if we just go with her long, blonde hair or use the extremely long, blonde braid wig of a few years past. We'll let her pick.

Spence is getting more used to his newish job. It's crazy. Anyway, Spence is just holding on, working hard, and wondering if he'll ever know why, exactly, he is supposed to work for the Church. He enjoys a lot of things about it, but it gets outta control sometimes. Love my man. He does so much for us.

Me? I've committed to another 1/2 marathon. This time it's right before Halloween, so I get to wear a costume. Any ideas? It has to be runnable. I don't know what I'm thinking. Primary program coming up. Fruit orders starting next week. Honey for sale! Going to DC in a few weeks. Photo shoots left and right plus lots of other projects underway. Fasten your seatbelts. It's gonna be a wild ride! Wouldn't have it any other way.

Suhweet!

2011-08-22T16:13:00.001-06:00

Learned how to wakeboard at 40. Got up the first try because I had the best teachers! Thanks Josh, Evan and Ron!! And thanks for the pic, X. I was a hopin' someone got a shot of me. A little bit of proof for posterity ya know what I'm sayin?

undercover

2011-08-19T15:02:00.000-06:00

If we leave them on a random porch, do you think anyone will recognize them?

Powell

2011-08-19T14:59:00.001-06:00

The Flandro family Powell trip. Everyone came from the four corners of the country except for one brother and his family (missed you guys!). Gorgeous weather, prayers for safety answered (over and over), and great time with the fam. Two thumbs up!!

Something wrong with the pic, I know, but still cute cheesin'!

Some of the family we went with. I think we counted 48 people this year.

Ta- da! Made it to the top of the Sand Hill. Actually, she beat us all!

Cousin buddies. I think I had some sunscreen or something smudged on the camera lens. Thus, why I don't bring my nice camera to such events!

Spence's mom on skis. She's 71. She skis at least once each year. She's my hero.

Some of our tent city. With a houseboat, 2 ski boats, 2 waverunners and a jetski, not to mention numerous other toys, we had a blast! Thank you Barlockers!!

what we've been up to

2011-07-26T12:39:00.001-06:00

Warning- picture overload. Some of the general stuff we've been up to this Summer.

We have a 16 year old! Learner's permit only for now. I'm not ready!!

G-ma Carpenter made a "cake wreck" for him. LOVE!!

(What am I talking about? Only one of J's and my favorite websites. Click here for a peek-see.)

...and he was ordained to the office of Priest in our ward.

So glad both sets of grandparents could be there!

Water fight for his birthday. We ambushed him.

Hiked to Timpanogos Cave.

Watching G-pa dance to Dance Central. Enjoyed that immensely.

L. made me beautiful.

Got creative for the 4th. Yum!!

Love having girls I can do this to!!

Ah, yes. The 1/2 marathon. This is me sweating to death with about 2 miles left to go.

Did it! 13.1 miles and ran the whole way. That was the goal. Time? 2 hours 14 minutes. Not bad for a first try at a very old age. Not sure if I'll do another one, though I'll definitely keep running. Maybe this fall.

L. keeps me laughing. She was trying to wash her hair in the sink. Not sure why or what she had in it to begin with. She's never seen anyone else do that. Just some hand soap and water everywhere. So funny!

...and here we have her artwork. The picture doesn't do it justice. Floor to nearly ceiling (she got herself a stool). Just when I was going to get a bit mad, she whispered "I just wanted to be like Rapunzel." Oh, man. How do you punish that? Didn't. Just explained we don't do that in our house.

Waiting for the Draper parade.

And watching some very scary renditions of

Cookie Monster and Elmo.

Those two will be giving out some nice nightmares.

M. is such a great big sister!

Finally, boating over the 24th weekend with my family.

The classic in front of the world map at the MTC. Moms and Pops left yesterday to drive to DC. My little missionaries. Sniff. They'll be awesome!

Love and hugs!

A rough day...

2011-07-20T17:54:00.002-06:00

with nothing to complain about.

Spence has been out of town, so it has been me with the fab 5 home during summertime, as in, home, no school. All five. We've been fine, but Mommy needs a break sometimes. I guess I get to go run at the rec. center after they're in bed tonight.
Anyways, the rough part: took J. to the Christmas Box House children's shelter this morning to have some paperwork signed for his Eagle Project. The director there was so great! She gave us a wonderful overview of what they do and the children they take in. Abused, neglected, abandoned by those who should love them most. She took us on a tour to see what they do and how. We met some of the staff and children. Just rip my heart out right then. Jacob's project will collect supplies for this shelter. Some of the infant stuff he collects will be sent to a Haitian orphanage who is desperate for supplies (The Christmas Box House tries to help them when they can). Mothers keep lowering their newborns over the walls of the orphanage in the middle of the night. Overwhelming.

I should also mention that J. drove us to the shelter and back. Also part of my rough day.

Next, after a chaotic lunch at home, off with the 4 youngest to see the Days of '47 Parade floats at the South Towne Expo Center. The reason for our visit? To photograph 15 Ukrainian orphans who were sponsored to come here for three weeks in the quest for adoption. Beautiful boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14. Good thing we had a couple of Russian translators handy. My volunteer job was to take some great photos of them to circulate far and wide in the search for adoptive families. The statistics are very bad for those who age out of the orphanages there. My heart hurts. I don't really feel like we can adopt, but I can't stop thinking about one little girl, Yulia, age 7. So sweet. so eager to please and just soaking up any attention given to her.

So many children from near and far with so many needs. And I just met a few. I want to rescue them all.

Dirty Girl

2011-07-03T20:11:00.001-06:00

I participated in the "Dirty Girl" race at Wheeler Farm yesterday with some of my running girlfriends. SO. FUN. It was an all-girl benefit run for the Huntsman Cancer Institute for Gynecological cancer research. Four miles of sun, shade, heat, cold, dry, wet, mud, suds, hay, feathers and obstacles. I think my favorite part was crawling in the muddy water under a rope web. That and the mud slinging. And the team names. And the company! Our team was "Dirty n' Flirty." A few of the other favorites were "Always with wings" "Thong distance runners" and "Victorious Secret."

Getting prepped with some war paint

Matching "tatoos"

Love these girls!

so strong...

...and yet sexy. I know you can't wait to see the big finish. Go team!!

If you want to see more pics of the race and get a better idea of what it was like,

the Salt Lake Tribune posted some here. Enjoy!

Matt is no longer missing...

2011-06-25T14:42:00.001-06:00

... we found him!

Me and my dear friend, Amy, joined Matt and about 100 other crazy Utahns in the Great Salt Lake last night for a bit of dancing (notice our very wet pants). So fun! He's such a nice guy. His new video is due out later this year. Hope we make the cut! I'll be sure to post it.

requested vid.

2011-06-20T21:39:00.000-06:00

Etc.

2011-06-20T11:04:00.001-06:00

Just a few random things. The kids are all out of school for the summer. While I enjoy having them home, it also makes things rather, uh, chaotic in our house. To make the summer a bit more healthy, we've instituted some requirements for each day. Before games or friends or computers, the kids need to do the following...something helpful, something active, something social and something spiritual. So far it's going pretty well.

My oldest turns 16 next week. Gasp! Driving...dating...working...ah, the possibilities! Proud of him. He's becoming a wonderful young man. He's getting ordained to be a Priest in our church next Sunday. Woot!

Second born in the wilderness just had a candy/drink booth at our town fair recently. Made some nice moolah, along with the bucks he earned for straight "A"s. Let him know if you need a loan.

Middle child will be starting at our new charter Jr. High in the fall. That came out of nowhere. She was supposed to have one more year in the elementary, but they moved 6th to the new school. Should be interesting.

Fourth born just graduated from his beloved preschool and is excited for kindergarten. He hiked to Timpanogos cave with us last Friday and was such a trooper!! What a great kid.

Last but not quietest (aka Rapunzel) needs a haircut. I've been dreading cutting it because she still has some baby curls hanging on at the bottom and it's so pretty. I dunno. I'll get around to it someday. Maybe we'll donate it to locks of love.

Spence just started a new job last week. He's working for the "Big Guy" now. Most gloriously, his new commute to the church's Riverton campus is exactly 4 miles from our home. Huzzah!!

Me? I can't seem to get enough sleep. Nothing new. Just yawn-some. Spoke in church yesterday. Running a lot. Wedding pics to edit. Primary to reorganize. Housework to do. Places to go. Mountains to move. Just found out that Matt, from youtube's "Where the hell is Matt?" is coming to dance in the Great Salt Lake this Friday. I am so there. Hopefully you'll get to see us in his next video due out this fall.

Hugs and kisses!

too fun

2011-06-09T11:08:00.003-06:00

LOVE IT!!

Our new family quilt

2011-06-03T13:57:00.000-06:00

Spence's sister, Michele, is such a talented quilter. She has been making beautiful quilts for years now, & decided a while ago to make one for each of her siblings' families for the Christmas gifting rotation. We happened to be last on the rotation, so we have watched her make beautiful quilts for others through the years, excitedly waiting to see what would happen when it was our turn. The wait is over! And it is absolutely gorgeous!!

Michele mostly took the colors from the "Flandro" painting we have hanging on our family room wall.

You can see it here.

The title and ID on the back.
"SKAK" is our family acronym and stands for "Spence, Kristen and Kids."

If you look closely at the stitching along each side (click on the picture for a larger image), you can see a nice scrolling design. She copied it from the wrought iron we have hanging above our front door!

Each of the stars represents one of our children. They go in order, left to right and top to bottom. Hidden in each star is a small block with the first letter of their name. Can you see them?

Each corner of the turqouise square has a letter stitched into it, spelling out SKAK.

We, all of us, absolutely love it! As I was pointing out all of the details to the kids this morning, each of them kept saying things like, "wow" and "that's so cool!" And this from teenage boys, too. Thank you so much, Michele! I am always so amazed at your skill and talent. We will treasure it.

Grief

2011-05-27T09:02:00.000-06:00

Well, I haven't posted for a while because I haven't had the heart to. A few weeks ago, my bestest friend Amy (well, best aside from Spence) told me the news that I somehow knew was coming but was trying my darndest to wish away: she's moving a few hours North of here.
My heart is hurting. My world is going to shift. A huge hole is opening up in my life. I'm so grateful to live amongst many wonderful people, family and friends, and I know I'll be OK, but this feels almost like a death. Even though she hasn't moved yet, and we'll still be good friends talking often and meeting up sometimes, I feel like I'm already starting to go through the stages of grief. Denial, anger, sorrow, etc. This is a tough one.

Spring Break...so far

2011-04-23T11:49:00.001-06:00

The Easter Bunny has so many homes to go to on Easter, we told him he is always welcome to come a day early at our home. (Then we can concentrate on what Easter is really about on Sunday.)

Children's Museum with Grandma...
what a treat!

Try not to look excited, guys.

LOVE indoor skydiving!!

Spence is a natural!

Noah is really good at it too!

Go Jacob!!

Mary did great!

We also visited the Beehive house and ate out a lot during our staycation. Celebrated my sisters and brother-in-law graduating from BYU (go Cougars!), and plan on more fun today. I love it when we can do some playing together as a family. Happy Easter everyone!

2011-04-07T09:34:00.000-06:00

Introducing

2011-03-26T20:55:00.001-06:00

Our new project...

ouch

2011-03-26T18:08:00.000-06:00

My biggest baby boy just had all of his wisdom teeth pulled. Ouch. He has done amazingly well, considering.
On another vein, you should hear the heard of elephants running through my house right now. They're playing Kinect sports. I was on the treadmill at one point, downstairs, with earbuds playing quite loud music, and I could still hear them pounding above my head. Just glad they're being active!!

harder than I thought

2011-03-23T09:32:00.000-06:00

First of all, I promise I won't make this a running blog.
Of all the 40 year goals I made, I'm beginning to think that the 1/2 marathon will be the most difficult. I've been running for about a year, and for months was going about 4-5 miles at least 3x a week. I reached over 8 miles on my quest for a 1/2 marathon last year, but my knees just couldn't take it. So I dropped back. After Thanksgiving, I stopped all together for a few months break during the coldest part of the year so my knees could have a break. I read about running and have learned how to modify my gait to reduce wear and tear on my knees. So, last week, I went running. Only 2 1/2 miles. My IT band killed. I was in pain all day and the next. So discouraging!! I was really wondering if I would be able to make my goal. Stretch, rest, running again Monday. 2 miles, but not too painful, and no lingering pain. Stretch, stretch, rest, running this morning (on the treadmill, too cold outside!). 2 miles, no pain. OK, there's hope again. I have an appointment with a trainer at our new Herriman Rec. Center (B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. place! So excited to have a family pass!!) for tomorrow night. She is a runner, has a degree in health sci., and is a track coach. I'm hoping she can give me some pointers on strength training and cross training and some ideas for stretching and helping my IT band. Not sure which 1/2 to aim for yet. I'll have to see how things go for a bit longer before I commit to the 13.1 miles. But I'm very hopeful. Wish me luck.

July 11th, 2011

2011-03-15T15:02:00.002-06:00

It's official. Washington DC South (Mt. Vernon) Mission. CES Missionaries. Leaving July 11th.

My Dad and Mom. Goin' on a mission. Finally leaving the nest, all grown up. Sniff. I guess we're finished raising them and they are ready to strike out on their own. I'll miss them so much!

So grateful to be able to call these amazing individuals my parents. They're sweet and gushy, but also a lot tougher than that would imply. They've been through a lot together, good and bad, and through the perils of raising 5 daughters, none of whom have served missions themselves (yet!).

Now they're leading out again, giving this wonderful example of faith and fortitude to us and more notably their grandchildren, the oldest of whom, my son, will be facing mission age himself in about three years. Love you two. More than I can say. You'll be a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

Senior missionaries rock!!

Off track already

2011-03-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

OK, so things change. J. won't be able to do a humanitarian trip this summer because of circumstances beyond our control. We're all disappointed, but we're aiming for next summer with a different group. So, that goal changed to camping with just our family at least once this year. We've gone camping several times, but we always go with others. Gotta try solo. Also, I've come up with number 40. Stay sane. There is a lot more to that than meets the eye. It's gonna take some serious effort, but I believe it is doable. Wish me luck.

I've arrived!

2011-02-16T19:21:00.005-07:00

40. The big 4-0. I've made it. I've EARNED it. Feels good!
Before I get into the bulk of this post, I must thank my husband, who gave me a couples weekend away, who plotted and planned and went against my wishes holding a birthday party for me anyway. And, I must thank my friends who kidnapped me, trashed my house, blasted my full name and age across a highway overpass and generally made fun of me and my wrinkles in every way. Thanks. Really. (I know where you live and how old each of you are. Just sayin'.)

I decided to celebrate my 40th year by making a list of 40 things I want to do or accomplish during the year. I started the list last month, so a few of the items have actually been finished already (yea, me!). I've been having a conversation with myself about whether or not to post my list. Maybe it's a bit personal, but it's my blog, so hey. I'm gonna list them here so that I will feel a bit more accountable. Not that I wouldn't do them on my own, but this way seems to make things more official. Feel free to comment or mention any of these things to me through the year if you want to nudge me. Just no heckling, please. I get enough of that from my kids.

In no particular order:
1. Read President Monson's biography (check! Thanks Mom and Dad F.)
2. Save another $1,000 toward taking the family on a church history tour in a few years
3. Go camping at least once this year, just our family.
4. Run 1/2 marathon
5. Read the Book of Mormon again in my personal study
6. Update my will, have Spence update his
7. Transfer home movies to DVD
8. Update family scrapbooks, baby books (check!)
9. Get another article published
10. Attend the temple 12 times. We always make the goal of once a month, but end up going 11 times. The goal is at least 12 this year!
11. Write in my journal at least 1 time each month
12. Take my three oldest children and hubby to see Hale Centre Theater's "Christmas Carol"
13. Plant a garden in our new garden area (check!)
14. Attend a U2 concert (finally!)
15. Monthly parent/child dates with kids
16. Get all the way through "365 Manners Children Should Know" book with family
17. At least one day at either BYU Women's Conference or BYU Education Week (check!)
18. Give N. piano lessons
19. Weekly Monday night rotations teaching my kids how to cook
20. Regular Family Home Evenings
21. Go on an overnight getaway with my hubby (check! Though I wouldn't mind another :D)
22. Re-learn how to play "On Golden Pond" on the piano
23. Re-organize our food storage (check!)
24. Re-do 72 hour kits in the spring (check!)
25. Re-do 72 hour kits in the fall
26. Read "Run for Life" book (check!)
27. Run in the "Dirty Girl" race (I'm all signed up!)
28. Help J. get his Eagle Scout award (but he has to do the work!!)
29. Take my Mom to lunch (check!)
30. Take my sister Amy to lunch (check!)
31. Take my sister Jenn to lunch (check!)
32. Take my sister Emily to lunch
33. Take my sister Janet to lunch
34. Finish and publish our family 2010 book (check!)
35. Plan and carry out a fun Valentine's date for Spence (check!) What did we do? I'll never tell!
36. Take the family on a Downtown adventure. Trax, dinner, Clark Planetarium (check!)
37. Make and take honey candy family recipe for Christmas neighbor treats
38. Get a physical check-up (check!)
39. Write 40 letters or notes of appreciation and love to 40 different people
40. Stay sane.

I'll probably come back to this post through the year to update my progress in red italics. Wish me luck!

for a good time, call...

2011-02-15T08:57:00.002-07:00

...my friend Nancy Hanson Wood. She is an amazing singer/songwriter who taught me guitar for about a year and a half (until I had to quit a few months ago, ugh. I'll be back!). She also has...a split personality?

LOVE the ladies. They've been spotted around town before, and I'm a huge fan, so my beloved Spence told them it was my birthday. Thanks, girls!!

Hope you enjoyed. Meanwhile, here are some short clips of Nancy doing what she does best (besides making me laugh!):

(Sorry!! I know the audio is off on the middle two vids, but you get the idea!)

Bugaboo

2011-02-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

My little 4-year-old, my Bugaboo, had surgery today at Primary Children's Hospital. He wasn't able to eat anything, and only drink clear liquids until 11am. Check-in at 12:15. His actual surgery didn't happen until about 3:45! Such a long wait, but, my sweet Bugaboo was so amazing with his Woody in one hand and his Buzz in the other! He would stay right by my side and was so quiet and patient and calm. I hated to watch him walk off, hand-in-hand, with the doctor. So trusting and brave. He had his ear tubes removed and adnoids removed. After the procedure, the doctor told me that when he woke up he would be "mad as a hornet" for about 1/2 hour, then he would calm down. Well, no such thing. He just woke up and was quiet and peaceful. He had a bit of trouble with his oxygen intake, but after another short nap, he woke up doing better.
We had a long, harrowing drive home through a blizzard, and he almost threw up once, but we made it. He hasn't needed/wanted any more pain killers and just ate some applesauce, yogurt, chocolate milk and french toast. He's amazing. I love my sweet Bugaboo so much!!

hmmmmm

2011-01-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Got a mam and a pap today. I know, TMI. But the following was hanging in the mam room and I thought it worth sharing:
MENtal illness
MENstral cramps
MENtal breakdown
MENopause
Seems like women's problems all start with men! And then when there's real trouble, you've got a GUYnecologist and a HISterectomy!

Things that make you go hmmmmm.
Disclaimer: Not aimed at my particular man. He's the best husband ever!!

the day has come

2011-01-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened.

The dreaded day is here.

Poor J. Now I can borrow his clothes with abandon. j/k When I pointed out to Spence the fact that my oldest son is taller than me and weighs the exact same, I expressed my concern that he could take me on now. Spence calmed my fears, however, by noting that I'm still tougher. (Somehow I'm not so sure!)

Either way, it's a mental adjustment!!

my side

2011-01-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

Me and my sisters...

and the brave souls who married into that hothouse of hormones.

Seconds before the "outlaw" shot checking their phones. What goofballs. I love these guys. Especially the handsome one second from the left. He's the best!

2011-01-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

For your viewing pleasure...

What do you call a person who is afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic!

2010-12-20T11:29:00.001-07:00

Too bad I can't get the formatting for our actual
Christmas letter on here.

It was cute, if I do say so myself!

Most of you got one anyway, so you can just stop reading here.

If you would like to be on our mailing list and aren't already, send us a card and we'll reciprocate!

Or don't.

Either way,
We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Our Christmas letter this year:

Wow!! So much has happened in 2010 that it’s hard to know where to begin. First, there was that nasty business with the IRS (good thing they lost all the paperwork!). Then, of course, there was the trial. I’m sure you’ve all followed it in the news. We were so relieved to get pardoned due to a technicality. (If you ever get in trouble, we know a great lawyer!) Spence is hoping to cash in with the tabloid articles and will be writing his memoirs this year to the tune of 30 million dollars (thanks Random House)! Can’t wait to get our hands on that check….

Kristen’s gambling habits have been in check now for nearly 6 months. We’re so proud of her! Now if we could only help her with her shoplifting and cursing issues. Any suggestions?

Our oldest son, Jacob, got a tattoo, left home and moved to Hollywood. He signed on with a top notch agent and has a new stage name (SNAKE). Jacob is under contract to appear in the next HSM film (is it 4 or 5? I forget). After that he is off on tour with Justin Bieber.

The rest of the kids, however, are stuck at home, dealing with the embarrassment of being our children. They insist on appearing in public just like Michael Jackson’s children used to . . . hooded and unrecognizable.

Our dog, Zilla, just entered the witness protection program for identifying the top mafia boss in the Gambino family. We think she’s now a drug-sniffing dog in Japan. We’ll miss her!

Our home remodeling project got somewhat stalled this summer. When we went to put the new tub into the kid’s bathroom, the rotted floor gave way and everything fell down to the first floor. Now, kids and guests have to shower in the living room. It’s OK though. We rigged up a tarp for privacy. We’ll get back to fixing that as soon as the termite and wood beetle infestations have been cleared up! We’d love to have you come for a visit!

Despite all this, we feel we have much to be thankful for - we haven’t come down with Tuberculosis or Hepatitis B (yet). And, things are going to get interesting in 2011, as Spence will be throwing his hat into the next presidential race. We think he has as good a chance as anyone!

We truly feel so blessed to have you as our family and friends. We love you! BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

For a “SNAKE” autographed picture, please send $35 and an SASE to:

SNAKE Fan Club, attn. Kiki

1234 Hollywood Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90210

Actual events in our family’s life...
• Spence turned the big 4-0! He started a new job mid-year and is now the scoutmaster. ‘Nuff said!
• Kristen started running and to her great surprise, she loves it. She was recently called to be Primary President. If we didn’t know God has a sense of humor before, we do now!!
• Jacob started 10th grade at a brand new High School. Warning: He will be getting his learner’s permit in a matter of days!
• Noah loves to read, anytime, anywhere. He has a big heart, hates chores, and is often quite mischievous.
• Mary is learning Spanish and playing violin. She wants to be reincarnated as a reindeer in a zoo (to be safe).
• Ammon started preschool and is beginning to read! He is very good natured and has the most earwax of anyone on the planet.
• Laina just turned 3 and has become a real sweetheart. She loves to dress up and dance. As the youngest of five, she is one tough cookie!

Add a few pictures and some pretty colors, contact info., you know, the usual stuff, and there you have it! Have a good one!

Meet Mr. Bull

2010-12-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Bucket list item #114...CHECK!

Actually, I didn't know it was on my bucket list until I walked in to Spence's work party. I saw it there and this voice in my head said, "you're going to ride a bull tonight." Sadly, my second run was not recorded. The one in which I nearly fell off twice, but stayed on to the end. Also, the part where I was climbing out of the riding area and landed flat on the concrete floor was not recorded.
FYI, Spence also rode once and we do have video of that, but I do not have his permission to make it public. You'll have to ask him to see it.

I'm in the Deseret News! (sort of...)

2010-12-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

My friend, Brittany, wrote an article for the Deseret News that was just published. She asked for my help and ended up sending in several pictures I took to go with the article. So, I got three pics published (well, two, really). If you get out your magnifying glass and peer very closely you may see my name. Kinda fun.
You can see it by clicking HERE

Chag Hanukkah Sameach

2010-12-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Hanukkah!

Yeah. Wish I could still use my Hebrew....

2010-11-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

We call this "Shirley Temple on steroids."
L. calls it "princess hair."

Went sledding on THX.

Warning: picture overload.

So glad L. was in front taking all the snow in the face instead of me... ;)

Again! Again! A. could've done this all day!

Check the hair!

Making snow angels...

Not making snow angels.

Crashed on the bottom at the bottom!

Next...

2010-11-25T10:27:00.002-07:00

Ran a 5k this morning benefitting the Utah Food Bank. It was, no kidding, 0 degrees outside. Shiver me timbers!! About 3,000 people ran and walked the 5k/10k course. They raised $40,000 and gathered canned good donations too. I completed the 5k in about 30 minutes. Not great, but considering the cold and that it was my first race ever, I'm OK with that! So glad to have my friend Carrie run along side me. Next endeavor:

Who's with me? Sign up has started, and fees go up end of December. Girls, seriously, who's with me?! Check it.
http://www.rundirtygirlrun.com/

Sweet Serendipity

2010-11-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

My new favorite song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SaSxJkH5do

Because I'm that big of a nerd...

2010-11-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

...and because I had access to some pictures...

Nice moves, ladies! How's about we work out this routine in real life? ;)

I think my subconscious...

2010-11-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

...is yearning for a tropical island getaway.

Gratitude

2010-11-01T11:15:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking I need to focus a lot more on my blessings. I'm thinking that expressing gratitude daily will help me with that goal. I know my blessings are many, deep and wide, and I know where they all come from. I'm thinking this blog may be good for something yet. So, each day for the next year I'm gonna post what I'm grateful for in the top spot on the right. I know I have many more than 365 blessings, but one a day is all I can do right now. We'll see how this goes!

completely random and usually useless

2010-10-20T07:49:00.000-06:00

I'm going to waste your time for a couple of seconds to tell you something I learned yesterday. We've had the fruit fly blues in our kitchen for 2 days now, and a little bit of research came up with a nifty solution. Put a piece of cut up fruit on an oven safe dish in the oven and leave the door open for a while or overnight. When they've all congregated for a party, simply close the door and turn it on. When the oven reaches the appropriate temperature and beeps, your flies are done. Works like a charm. There. Don't you feel smarter now? I did!

Decorating for Halloween

2010-10-07T10:08:00.000-06:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Yup.

2010-10-04T09:31:00.002-06:00

Warning- rambling stream of consciousness ahead. Head's been spinning so I'm just gonna spit it all out as it comes. Sister Emily married a great guy last Thursday, Joshua Park. Beautiful wedding. I baked 58 loaves of sweet breads for the reception. Bought clothes for my family (and a few things for my sister's family...purple! love it!) and made a dress for L. to wear. Threw Ems a shower and took their engagement pics. Was sick the week before, but cleared up in time for her Endowment, luckily. Spence was out of town last Sunday - Wed. night. Came back just in time for the sealing. He left again this morning for another business trip. Got called to be Primary Pres. in the middle of all of this. Bit of advice: don't pray to be shown your weaknesses so you can make them stronger unless you mean it. Cleaned the Temple. Still doing fruit orders. Lots of photo shoots and editing. Tax commission sent a notice that I didn't pay my business taxes last quarter. So did. Had to clear that up. B-day cruise got cancelled. Cavity filled. Ribbon at the State Fair. Dry pack, planning and executing a Court of Honor for the scouts, volunteering at the school and running carpools. Quit guitar lessons for a few months, but hope to start again next month. Still running around 3x week, usually 4 miles. Had the last of our bake sales/yard sale for J.'s fundraising. Not sleeping well. I end up on the couch 1/2 of the time. I think I got 4-5 hours last night, and am thinking I have a sinus infection now. Swiss friends are in town, so I can drown my sorrows in Swiss chocolate. Throw in evacuation for a wildfire and the general care of a household of two adults, five kids, a dog, a snake and a fish and there you have it. Is it any wonder I had a breakdown over the weekend? My life is a mess, mostly of my making, and mostly good stuff, but messy. I need to potty train L. and decorate for Halloween. Got to get the boys going on Duty to God again, and focus on Primary. Hasn't sunk in yet. Love General Conference. It used to drag on as a kid. Now it is over way too quickly. President Packer rocks! They all do. Sis-in-law is pregnant. HUGE miracle. No make-up today, but at least I got a shower. Need to go do laundry and feed the kids breakfast. And pray.

Miracles

2010-09-22T13:15:00.001-06:00

I believe in miracles. I believe I've just witnessed one large miracle or many smaller ones, take your pick. A good 1/3 of our stake was manditory evacuated during this fire. Many more including us left in fear. Most were able to return to homes still standing last night or earlier. The fire line goes right up to the back yard of so many, including some dear friends and our Stake President. Officials observing from a helicopter that night estimated at least 100 homes lost. The end result was 3. Miracle. No less a miracle for the many brave men who risked their lives and made it possible.
General Conference last April- President Boyd K. Packer:
"You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power."
I believe that is exactly what has just happened. I know it is. I am so grateful.

2010-09-20T21:34:00.000-06:00

One more picture...from the Salt Lake Tribune, I believe. What a burn line! Right up to so many homes, some our neighbors and friends. The homes destroyed were in the bottom middle. Our home is just out of the picture on the bottom left.

2010-09-20T13:37:00.004-06:00

Click on the map to see it better. Our home is the blue spot. In truth, more homes than indicated here were told by law enforcement to evacuate last night. The fire raged through much of the yellow square area (along with much more acreage not on this map), and as you can tell by the burned homes, into the neighborhoods. The kids and I evacuated to my parents' home in Draper, but are home now, listening to the helicopters and planes struggling to extinguish what's left. Spence stayed pending being told to leave. He saw looters in the evacuated area. Grateful for the good weather today so we can air out our home. There was an abundance of dark, heavy smoke blowing our way last night. It's an amazing exercise to go through your home and decide what to take, what is truly important. We are counting our blessings and praising the amazing effort put forth by so many to come to our aid. Thank you all for your concern and prayers. We've felt them! Please continue praying for the speedy end to the parts still burning (in our Stake!) and for those who have lost homes and property. We keep hearing fantastic stories. What an amazing community. We love Herriman!!

pepper spray

2010-09-19T16:53:00.000-06:00

I enjoy going running several times a week. I NEVER thought I would ever say or think that. It started out slow, brief and random, but over a little time, I really started to enjoy and even crave it (again, never thought... I used to hear people describe this and just did not understand). And, I'm lucky enough to have several wonderful women in my neighborhood who like to run too, so I usually have company. And tunes. Spence bought me an awesome, tiny iPod for running at a garage sale. Sweet! As my distance started increasing, I started really wanting to run the Halloween Half Marathon down in Provo. Canyon in the Fall, lots of time to train, and you get to wear costumes...bingo! However, when one begins running at nearly age 40, the body doesn't take to it too kindly. So, the furthest distance I got to before realizing my knees just weren't up to it was 8 miles. At that point, I understood that I could do some real damage, and decided I'd rather be able to keep running than injure myself. I'm very hopeful that with time my knees will strengthen more and I will be able to try again in the future. Right now I stick with 4-5 miles. Love it. Strange but true.
So, what does this have to do with pepper spray? A couple of months ago I was out on a morning run and got bit by a small dog. For such a little thing, he sure had some attitude! After that, I decided I should carry something with me in case an animal (creature or human) came after me. I bought a small can of pepper spray that has a strap for your hand so you don't have to hold it but it's ready for use immediately. It has a little safety lever to keep it from spraying accidentally, but can be quickly moved to allow use. Well, I took it when I went running last night. (Incidentally, I did hear running behind me at one point, and when I turned around to see what was up, two deer were running down the street.) Part way through my run, somehow the safety became dislodged and a tiny bit of spray came out and hit my fingers. It was only a tiny bit, and I didn't feel anything, so I continued my run. Toward the end, as I was walking home, I felt some tingling. By the time I got in the shower and was trying to wash it off, I felt burning on both hands, my nose and both eyes. Luckily my eyes, nose, and left hand went back to normal within a few minutes, but I ended up with burns on my right hand. Had a dickens of a time trying to sleep. Ibuprofen, ice and a baking soda paste all worked together to allow me at least a little sleep. Lucky me, I got to carry a ziplock bag full of ice around at church today. Amazing. I wondered if the stuff in that little vial would really work. Now I know.

Bear Lake Blues

2010-08-22T15:40:00.000-06:00

LOVE Bear Lake. The blues are because we had to come home.

County Fair

2010-08-12T23:03:00.001-06:00

Yes, I entered some photographs in the County Fair. For the results, visit my photog. blog (link on the right). :) State Fair here I come!

please vote!

2010-07-09T08:52:00.000-06:00

I would love a little help deciding what to enter at the County Fair. Please visit my photog. blog (link on right) and vote for your faves out of those I'm considering. Thanks!

lately...

2010-07-07T09:33:00.003-06:00

Waiting to cheer on Spence's sister in the Ragnar

Fabulous Char!

J. turned 15 recently (gasp!). The cosmos decided to celebrate by having him win a $200 box of fireworks from the local fireworks peddling tent. Ahem. What a perfect gift for our pyro.

Thank you Mr. Disney

2010-06-07T08:28:00.005-06:00

Disclaimer: these were taken with Mary's cheapo camera. Didn't want to haul the SLR around.

Early the first morning...all the kids running to their second ride.

A. enjoying Pooh's embrace. Awww.

LOVE this L. / Tigger moment. The two little ones were in heaven!

They've put in some fun pirate stuff on Tom Sawyer's Island. Way fun!

I think I see some similarity...

Love my boys!

Yeah, well, here we are!

Two long days in the parks wore these kids out. And their parents.

Love Cars! Found out that in California Adventure they are building Radiator Springs with all kinds of great features. Can't wait to see it! Maybe in a few years.

J. went on Splash Mountain twice in a row, and had to sit in the front both times. Not too happy about getting so wet, and not too happy that I insisted on taking his picture. I assured him that someday he would laugh about this. So far he has just smiled.

OK, extremely grainy, and not the best pic of me, but I love the teacups ride. Especially at night when it's all lit up. My big Uncle Ken used to take us on this ride when I was a kid and spin it so hard and fast that you couldn't hold your head up straight. We'd get so dizzy! Good times!

I'm so glad we were able to go. We had free tickets for one day from doing the give a day get a day service thing, and we told the kids we were going in July in conjunction with a family reunion, but because Spence changed jobs, he doesn't have any vacation days and in fact can't take any days off for a few months. So, after he was let go from his old work and before he started his new job, we took the kids out of school and jumped at the chance. Really, I feel so spoiled. We've been very blessed. I'm so grateful.

B of M

2010-06-01T08:57:00.000-06:00

Did it. Just finished my third time through the Book of Mormon in three months last night. Love it. So glad I did it. So worth it. So grateful.

lol

2010-05-30T17:15:00.000-06:00

Driving through Cedar City on our way home right now. We took a quick trip to Disneyland. I'll probably tell you a few more stories from the trip and post a few pics later, but one quick story:
We were all sitting around the motel pool when a group of vacationing high schoolers came for a swim. I hadn't changed for the pool, and was sitting at a table, reading a book when a cute 17ish year old young man started reading right over my left shoulder, nearly cheek to cheek. He said, "what ya reading? Looks interesting." I didn't respond, figuring he was just goofing off for his friends. Then he draped himself across my back to look over my right shoulder to see what I was reading. At that point I shrugged my shoulder and said "excuse me..." He stood up, saw I wasn't his 17 year old girlfriend, and got all flustered. It was hilarious! Spence was watching the whole time with this amused look on his face. I and everyone else busted up laughing at this poor kid. One of his friends said I should take it as a compliment. I saw her later. She has similar hair and a similar build. So funny. I've been kicking myself ever since that I didn't play it up better. Should've said something like, "thanks for the interest, but you're really not my type." Or, "so, you're in to older women, eh?" Just not quick enough on my feet this time. Made for a great laugh though!

big sigh of relief

2010-05-21T22:14:00.000-06:00

...breathe in, breathe out. We're gonna be OK! Big long awful drawn out nightmare for Spence at work the past several months. Too many crazy and maddening details to list here, but with his employer downsizing, he ended up taking an incentive deal to leave early. So, he's been home for the past week, jobless, but productive! We collaborated on a nice honey-do list of projects that never seem to get done. That's been good.
Meanwhile, interviews here and there, as well as a bit of nail biting. And, lo and behold, tonight he got a job offer. A good one. Feeling very humble and grateful. So. Grateful. To all who were praying for us, thank you so very much. You must be very righteous, faithful people, on the up and up with the Big Guy and all. Thank you. And thanks be to Him.

2010-05-07T16:57:00.000-06:00

Oh! I forgot to mention that the challenge included getting a new missionary (inexpensive) copy of the Book of Mormon for a clean start. :)

a challenge

2010-05-03T11:57:00.001-06:00

I've been reading the Book of Mormon for the past two months as the result of a challenge. Now, I normally read the Book of Mormon with the family each night (slowly) and as part of my personal scripture study (somewhat slowly) but this time I'm really diving in. Elder Tate issued a challenge during our last Stake Conference. Read the Book of Mormon three times in three months. That works out to about 18 pages each day. The first time through, use a regular pencil to highlight how the Lord deals with his children. The second time through, use a red pencil to highlight references to Christ and the saving doctrines. The third time through, use a blue pencil to highlight anything you feel is the Lord speaking to you directly. I've been needing a challenge like this, and as someone who can read a novel in a day (and recently did), I figured I'd better step up to the plate. I'm pleased to say that I am still right on schedule, three days into my third month, and I'm already dreading the challenge being over. These ancients have become so real to me. The messages are so clear and true. I'm in love with this book!
Elder Holland's talk during General Conference last fall was so electrifying to me. A portion of it is below. I challenge you to read the whole talk! And, while I'm at it, I challenge anyone and everyone who reads this blog to commit to Elder Tate's challenge as well. And, lemme know. I'd love to hear about your experience with it!

a girl in the boys club

2010-04-28T21:54:00.000-06:00

OK, so I have no brothers. No clue as to anything scout-wise and getting along in life just fine. Until I had sons. Enter cub scouts. Not too terrible. We managed. Then scouts. Like I said...no clue. So, I must be the obvious choice to get asked to be the Scout Advancement Chair. Right? (I didn't know they let women in!) Good thing, too. Forced education. So, now my sons have no excuses. They get lots of badges :)
Don't I look great in blechy green/brown? : P

See all the merit badges? 11 this time. N's been a busy boy.

My eldest got a bunch too, and a rank advancement. Going for Eagle next.

And, in case you think we're all about boys around here...feelin' pretty proud of M's violin skills. She's awesome! Her class did an opera about the rock cycle at a theater downtown. Entertaining!

And, I know you're dying to see what our mornings are like...

Yes, that is an actual rat's nest. Makes me wonder what her dreams are like.

It's late. Signing off.

easy come, easy go

2010-04-15T10:39:00.000-06:00

Well, it finally died. In a puff of smoke.
When Spence and I got married, we recieved a smallish, inexpensive hand mixer as a wedding gift. My sweet cousin gave it to us. She had been married a few months earlier, and apparently it was given to her as a wedding gift, then re-gifted. We know this because when we opened the box, there was a card to her and her husband. (For the record, I am all for re-gifting if the item meets certain criteria. 1. Don't need or want it (obviously). 2. The item is new and in great shape. 3. The person it is being passed on to would likely enjoy it. 4. There is no chance the original giver would find it in the new recipient's possession.)
Anyhoo, now we had a little hand mixer for our new tiny kitchen. Didn't think it would last very long even then. Over the years, it has been very reliable if not powerful. Spence and I have often joked that it was a persistent little bugger. For the past year or so, we've been rooting it on, vowing that it would be used to make our 50th wedding anniversary someday. But, alas, it is not to be. This morning while making peanut butter thumbprint cookies (with my homemade raspberry jam in the middle...yum!), it gave up the ghost. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.

this...not this...

2010-04-01T09:54:00.001-06:00

April Fool's Day. Mother Nature has a great sense of humor.
We should be looking at this:

not this:

just like a superhero...

2010-03-22T19:06:00.000-06:00

As promised...some video of us flying. Me first, then Spence, then check out our instructor showing off. Man. I think I missed out on the career path I should've had. If only I was 20 years younger and lived in Ogden.... Naw. I love my life the way it is. But this was FUN! Five stars and two thumbs up!

Birthday boy...

2010-03-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

Spence had his 40th birthday this week. 40! So here's to my fabulous, wonderful, awesome, handsome, smart, sweet, fantastic husband, whom I love with all my heart! The two of us snuck off for a couple of days to have a bit of fun.

Monday: a little shopping, lunch with his folks downtown, then this:

Soooooooo much fun! I only wish it was closer and less expensive so we could do it more often! Worth it, though. It's a lot harder than it looks. Our instructor was amazing! He showed off at the end of our session. Wowsers. We have it all on a DVD. Maybe I can figure out how to upload that here soon.

Dinner out. Movie and Anniversary Inn. We had the Venice Suite. Nothing like sleeping in a gondola.

The next day we slept in (heaven!), lunch at the Blue Iguana, then an hour and a half couple's massage. All nice and relaxed, we headed off to Avatar in 3D (uh, OK...) and dinner at Vienna Bistro. Switched rooms at Anniversary Inn to the South Pacific Suite. Next morning I accompanied Spence to his office where we discovered his co-workers had taken advantage of his absence and done this:

Recently destroyed tapes about 1 foot deep everywhere, flyers, streamers, "over the hill" confetti, etc. So sad I needed to get home and couldn't stay to help with the cleanup ;).

A big "THANK YOU" to everyone who helped us celebrate Spence's big day. Love you, Sweetheart!!

birthday girl...

2010-02-10T16:28:00.003-07:00

Dear 39:
I'm not scared of you. In fact, I'm not even going to ignore you or look the other way when you approach, and if someone asks whether I know you, I'll acknowledge our relationship. Each year that is part of your sum was well-fought and unforgettable. So, yeah, we are suddenly well acquainted. Now, 29, she was scary. Lots of soul searching going on when she was around. But the decade you belong to has been quite the thrill ride. It may sound odd, but I'm actually looking forward to next year and the decade to come. Probably because of what I've learned from you thirty-somethings. So, thank you. You can hang around for awhile, but when it's time to go, I'll be moving on with confidence because I know there is more excitement, adventure and joy to come.
Sincerely, Kristen

diapers

2010-02-08T10:49:00.002-07:00

For all you mothers of young children: go to www.diapers.com enter KFLA0511 for $10 off your first order ($49 minimum), free shipping, plus a $15 rebate by going here. They ship very quickly, and have a lot of variety. NICE!

Amazing

2010-02-02T13:09:00.003-07:00

I received the following email from my Mom today. She is the mother of five, three of whom are adopted. The articles she linked to are a bit long, but so worth it. I've been curious about all of these things, so it's nice to see some of what has been happening.

"Through Meridian Magazine online, I have been following the mission of 125 people from Utah who came together through an email and left last week to help in Haiti. My dermatologist is one of them. The stories I read this morning are so incredible that I hope you will all take the time to read all of them. This is the group who finally orchestrated the adoption of those 144 children from one orphanage who have been in the process of being adopted by American families for the past two or three years. (Only 66 have currently arrived in the US and Utah. They were able to fly them out of Haiti on Friday, and the very next day all adoptions were shut down indefinitely because of a group of Idaho Baptists who tried to sneak 33 kids across the border into the Dominican Republic.)

"I know the joy of finally holding the babies you know were meant to be yours in your arms. I know the power of miracles. But WOW! This story was amazing. The pictures of the most adorable children in these articles and what this group has been able to accomplish with the Lord's help is astounding."

All of the articles are several pages long, so you'll need to click from page to page.

The first article is about the LDS group who went to bring orphans from Haiti to the parents who have been trying to adopt them for years. To read it, click here.

The second article is more about the orphans themselves. To read it, click here.

The third article is about members of the church in Haiti, how they are and what they have been going through. To read it, click here.

It's hard to soak it all in.

finish blankets...check!

2010-01-21T13:43:00.003-07:00

Here is our latest family project (along with all kinds of other stuff going on concurrently, of course and always)...

We made five fleece blankets to earn our free day at Disneyland. The blankets go to Project Linus, a group that distributes them to children who are homeless or experiencing other trauma. Our kids were great! They worked hard and fast to make it happen. When we were done, we made "hugs" by tracing and cutting out our hands and attaching them to strips of paper with a note to the recipient, then wrapping them around the rolled blankets. A nice FHE lesson on serving others, and viola! Shouldn't have told the 3 year old we were going to "Dizzylamb," 'cause we ain't goin' 'till July, and that's all we hear about now. He made a miniture Disneyland with his giant lego blocks today. Hoooo boy! Gonna be a long six months!!

verbal vomit

2010-01-20T14:06:00.003-07:00

Nasty stuff, that. Don't like to have it upchucked on me, or worse, to be the perpetrator. Both occurred within the last 24 hours. A few times. Clarification: from me only once, gratefully. Thrown at me... several times from different people. Sigh. So glad that is not the normal course of my life. Faith, hope, charity. Working on it!

Haiti

2010-01-15T10:42:00.003-07:00

I feel so deeply for the people of Haiti. Their condition was so desperate before the quake, now this. My heart especially goes out to all the children. I can't imagine. We all live such a charmed life. My father-in-law just started an 18 month mission in the welfare department of the church. He's working directly with the emergency response division. He's been watching all the bustling going on right now. We have some friends who work for the LDS church living in the Dominican Republic for a few years. They felt the quake in Haiti and have been heavily involved with getting supplies there and coordinating relief efforts. If you would like to hear about their perspective, visit their blog by clicking here. A great way to donate to the church's emergency response effort is to donate online by clicking here. Let's all keep them in our prayers!

A glimpse of our Christmas

2009-12-30T11:21:00.006-07:00

For a few more glimpses on my other blog, click here. Have a good one!

warning: random stream of consciousness

2009-12-21T08:33:00.004-07:00

Kids are off to school and the two youngest are sleeping in, so I can actually hear myself think right now. Warning (another one): very little sleep last night, so my thoughts may take on a life of their own. Piles of laundry staring at me as I type, trying to make me feel guilty. Kitchen is a mess and in need of attention, but that is pretty much all the time, so it's easier to ignore for a bit longer. Is anyone else out there always cold during the winter? The thermostat is always at a nice place, but I'm never quite warm. Need to exercise. Especially after that NASTY sweet caramel corn we made last night. Bet my blood sugar was sky high! I really need to get more serious about holding off full blown diabetes before it's too late. I know it's coming, but hoping I can delay it for a very long time. Usually I am a bit better about controlling myself, but holiday time is sooooooo tempting. Christmas presents / projects are starting to get finished off, FINALLY. Completed a project for my sister and brother-in-law last night at 1am. Can't tell you all about it (it's a good one!) because she checks this blog. So glad that's done. I took on way too much this year. I think I should have the time to be able to accomplish everything I used to when I had no kids or only a couple. Five is kicking my butt! As much as I completely adore each one of them, whooooweeee! I think I'm headed for an early grave. Good thing I'm blonde. Can't notice all of the grey hairs I'm sure I must have. Speaking of grey hair, my beloved is going to be 40 years old in March. 40. 40! Blows my mind. Sang in the choir yesterday at church. Watched my 3 year old get taken out while we were singing. Subbed in nursery, and get to sub sunbeams for the next two weeks. Why can't I say "no?" Ah, well. Blessings in heaven, right? This year for neighbor gifts I made raspberry jam (a couple of months ago) and we put a nice little tag on it: "Merry Christmas from the Flandro Family...because we give a jam." Get to take those around tonight. I wish I had the guts to do what some in my old neighborhood do, which is to send around a flyer about not giving neighbor gifts to each other, but rather take that money that would have been spent and use it to purchase items for a charity. A great idea, and I may still do it someday, but there would always be glitches. Some neighbors wouldn't do it or give gifts anyway, then what? Do you give them something anyway? Then there are those neighbors who assume the "church" is behind it and won't cooperate with anything LDS driven (heaven forbid!) and feel resentful and controlled. Then, where do you draw the dividing line? Ward boundary? That can be a bit awkward. Took some friends to see the Peter Breinholt Christmas concert Saturday night. LOVE IT! Always a good show. Dinner beforehand was at the Blue Iguana. My love ordered the Burrito Grande. If you eat it all, they give you a free dessert. He accomplished the feat a few years ago, but they've made it bigger. He managed to eat about 1/2 of it, amazing in itself. The other 1/2 fed five of us for lunch yesterday (good sized portions too!) I hear my 3 year old upstairs now. I'm just gonna keep typing. Love my guitar lessons, and love my teacher! She's awesome. I can actually play one of my all time favorite Christmas songs now, one of her arrangements off of her Christmas CD. What joy! I've wanted to learn guitar since I was a little girl, and my man has made it possible, even taking lessons from Nancy Hanson, one of my favorite artists. I still can't believe it. I've been a fan of hers for about 15 years. Lover boy got me a new guitar for Christmas. The old one was falling apart! He gave me the gift about a month ago so I could try it out and we could determine if it was the one we wanted of if we should exchange it (30 days). Apparently I know everything he is getting me this year, except for one small item. I'm thinking box of chocolates or book. That's OK. He bought his own gift this year. No big surprises this year. I really should put little boy on the potty. We've been working on that for 2-3 months now. Training pants. 1/2 the time he uses the potty, 1/2 the time forgets. He has been the slowest to train so far. I'm not worried though. On the bright side, we're using 1/2 the diapers we used to for him. He'll get there. Eldest child has been building a snow fort in the backyard. Serious business, this. Except he took a spray bottle full of water, added yellow food coloring and dyed the thing. Yellow. Ahem. My second born in the wilderness actually completed the Book of Mormon yesterday. Proud mama here. He also started a blog over the weekend. If you really want to read the ramblings of a somewhat unique 12 year old boy, let me know and I'll get you an invite (VERY private blog). I really thought my photography business would taper off to nothing during the cold months. It was really busy this fall (almost more than I could handle!). But I've had two sessions this month already and one more coming (newborn...yea!). Surprised. Glad. Kinda hard to find a balance. Too much won't do and not enough makes me nervous. Hope it keeps going this coming year. Last year was amazing. Hard to find a balance what to charge, too. Too little isn't worth my time. Too much won't bring as much business, and I don't have good enough equipment or extensive training to warrant, say, $500 for a session. I think I've got it about right for now. Maybe as I get better and purchase a better lens and flash I can charge a bit more. I will brag and say that I'm getting a lot better at photoshopping. Faster too. I look at some of my earlier work now and cringe. Thanks to all of you out there who let me use you as guinea pigs. I know I have so much more to learn, though. It would be awesome if I had a spare $5000 laying around to get the equipment of my dreams. Any benevolent benefactors out there want to take me up on that? Actually, there is a sign above my oven which reads, "There is a $5 charge for whining." If I had just enforced that all along, I would have at least $5000 at my disposal. Probably more like $25000. It's not like we're pushovers. Pretty firm parenting going on around here. Don't know why the still whine and think they'll get anywhere with that. No takers (only 1 inquiry) on my Oquirrh Mountain Temple print (see Sweet Sassafras Blog). I really didn't expect much action on that, but I do think I did a good job with it. I LOVE the one hanging in my kitchen. Maybe I charged too much. Hmmmmmm. Probably not enough people look at that blog! I'm thinking I need to change the Sweet Sassafras page on facebook. I haven't been adding new pictures for a while. I was grouping them according to label, but now I'm thinking I should do a new album for each client. Do you think my fans would get sick of seeing a link to each session and "hide" that page? They probably have already! I need to pay a little more attention to my church callings. Scout advancement chair and canning specialist. Not that I'm dragging my feet. I think I've done a good job. But I think I can do better. Gotta light a fire under these people! OK, now I hear the dragon lady. Both are awake and need mama's attention. Please leave a comment if you actually read this far. Then I will know who my real friends are. ;) Have a great day and a wonderful Christmas!

miracles and tender mercies

2009-12-10T10:39:00.004-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about miracles and tender mercies lately. I can't remember what triggered it, but for the past year or so I've been watching for tender mercies in my life, and I can honestly say that I see them daily. Just little happenings that are loving gifts from heaven. When things could be much worse but aren't. When something good happens just in the nick of time. An extra measure of something needful. I'm certain that my life has always been full of tender mercies, but I never saw them. It's amazing how many there are when you look for them. It absolutely fills my heart with gratitude over and over.
Miracles are another matter. Perhaps they are just bigger tender mercies. It is heart-breaking to pray for a miracle, deeply and faithfully, and not receive it. But even then, if you look, the absence of a desired miracle is always peppered with tender mercies.
I have witnessed a miracle in the last week. An honest to goodness old-fashioned kind of miracle. A young man who should by all counts should be dead isn't. He is not only alive, but astoundingly well. Doctors are shaking their heads in disbelief. Wife, kids and family are dizzy from the swift roller coaster ride from the depths of despair to the heights of relief and wonder. And I, as bystander, am left pondering tender mercies and miracles and the one who bequeaths to us them all.

I'm just a sucker for Jib Jab!

2009-12-01T09:02:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

love, love, LOVE!

2009-11-12T20:16:00.004-07:00

OK, I think we have a winner from my last post. We decided to go with #1. Like the color. Love how the kids are grouped together. Thanks for all the input! Our awesome photographer was Jen Korth. We won a photo shoot with her at a fund raiser for a cancer patient. Yea! Our session was done at Star Mill in American Fork. Love that place. So very versatile. Anyhoo... here are a few more...

Love, love, LOVE!

Can't decide...

2009-11-02T18:52:00.003-07:00

Please help! Which one should we blow up on canvas for our front entry way?

Enjoying my little ones

2009-10-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

Introducing Morticia

2009-10-19T10:19:00.004-06:00

...my alter ego. Had a blast at Witches Night Out with my fellow sistahs of the coven, Adraxa and Cruela.

My cackle is getting rusty. Cackled so much my voice was starting to go. I guess I need to practice more than once a year!

Caroline and Beatrice are a hoot. They're visiting from Switzerland, so they've never seen anything like this! They loved it. Lots of dancing and cackling. Thanks guys! I sure needed a night out!

mock me if you must...

2009-10-15T15:40:00.004-06:00

Yes, there is much to mock. In all aspects of my life, I'm sure! But in these photos...the big fat skis, the ghostly white skin, the wobbly knees, the not exactly sexy swim suit and lifejacket. But, hey! I'm actually water skiing! So mock me if you must, but I'm pretty pleased with myself for trying. Next summer: wakeboard?

What the...

2009-10-06T12:27:00.001-06:00

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Gotta love JibJab

Sisters in Zion

2009-10-01T16:09:00.003-06:00

A good friend of mine (from Texas, whom I wish would blog or at least join facebook because I miss her and wish we could keep in touch better...are you reading this, Lori?!!) sent me this. Love it! Wish I had someone to credit it to:

"As Latter-day Saint women, we are obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. One could glance through the hymnal on Sunday and note that:

As sisters in Zion, we, who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?"

I don't think we'll get any tickets for speeding...

2009-09-28T08:22:00.002-06:00

Last night we took a nice walk around the neighborhood with the kids. Had to test out the radar speed limit sign. J clocked 11 mph on his scooter, M clocked 9 on hers. My hubby hit the record 13 mph running by, and I topped out at 12 mph. Maybe we should make some fitness goals... 15mph by the New Year?

Hawaiian Heaven

2009-09-22T10:52:00.013-06:00

Our first (and probably last) trip to Hawaii was heavenly! My sister was married on the beach in Maui (check my photo blog for a few pics of that), so we HAD to go. Too expensive to take the kids (thanks, Mom!). So, basically Spence and I had a forced vacation to the islands with no guilt involved. :)

Sunrise on top of the volcano Haleakala. Glorious! Afterwards we rode bikes down to the valley. About 24 miles of twists and turns and beautiful views.

Took a helicopter tour of Northwest Maui and the sea cliffs of the neighboring island, Molokai. Stunning and unforgettable!

Shave ice, of course! Yummy with cream!

We took a whole day and drove the road to Hana with Spence's brother and his wife. Such an adventure! Lots of hidden waterfalls you could hike to, out of the way beaches of different colored sands, amazing flora and fauna! The road was so narrow and twisty. Check out our GPS map!

Stopped by a small flower growing operation on the way. The wonderful caretaker gave each of us ladies a huge HEAVY bouquet of tropical flowers. I've never seen anything like it!

Everywhere we went on Maui there were little fruit stands from families selling the tropical bounty from the trees on their property. I never thought I'd see wild passion fruit rotting on the ground.

Lots of beaches and snorkeling. Amazing coral and fish! Such a thrill to swim with huge sea turtles too!

Now I know why it is such a custom for Polynesian women to wear flowers in their hair. Year-round blooming + amazing color + bounty. It seems like I always had a flower in my hair because everywhere you go there were beautiful blooms that had just fallen to the ground. Why not accessorize? Love it. I brought several flower clips home with me, so if you see me wearing one, well, "Aloha my bruddahs and sistahs!"

I received no fewer than five fresh leis while in the islands. Can't believe it! They were so beautiful and fragrant! One from the wedding, one from Spence at an amazing restaurant, one from this Tongan dude for playing drums with him at the Polynesian Cultural Center (that was a hoot!), and two from the luau that night. Such a beautiful tradition...

A conk shell was blown at the wedding. Here Spence is giving it a try. He could do it! I couldn't get it to sound, and looked like an idiot trying. Yours for only $34.99!

Awesome new show at the center. Just beautiful!

Flying out of Honolulu. You can see Waikiki and Diamond Head.
Lots of pictures, I know. Forgive me. I really tried to limit how many I posted. Just so much beauty there, and good times! Two thumbs up, five stars, and highly recommended!!

How to Hatch a Match

2009-09-16T07:41:00.003-06:00

My beautiful sister, Jenn, was married recently to a wonderful young man. On Maui :D
I'll post more pictures soon. Meanwhile, this is the tribute I wrote for them a few months ago and read at their wedding dinner. It's a wee bit Seuss-style. Hope you like it!

HOW TO HATCH A MATCH
by Kristen Flandro

Here we see Jenn. Jenn likes men. But a man for Jenn was not found then.
High and low she could not see a man for her that was meant to be.
But, lucky for Jenn, she had a lovely sister who wanted for Jenn to find a mister.
A man for Jenn to love her and woo her, to win her and wed her and un-single-do her.
So, this sister, Kristen, had married a boy (a wonderful boy who had brought her much joy)
Who also loved Jenn and wanted to try to locate a first-rate and handsome good guy.
And Spence had a marvelous dashing young brother, a prince among men, a Nate like no other.
This fabulous Flandro was really a winner and lucky for him, he had taken to dinner
The beautiful Tay many years ago, and from that time on they saw their love grow
From courtship to marriage to a family of five with a loving home in which they did thrive.
Well, Tay had an idea that blossomed one day. Wasn’t sure it would work, but thought that it may…
She had a sweet sister, Layna by name, who knew of a man who had not a dame.
See, Layna was married to David McKay (a lovable lad) and Tay thought… “Hey!
Dave has a brother, a great guy named Iain who has no sweetheart. In fact, he was bein’
A little bit lonely the last that I saw him. I wonder if Jenn would be willing to meet him?”
Tay’s thoughts started flying, her plan started hatching. It was a great day to begin people-matching!
So Kristen and Tay put their heads together, crossed fingers and hoped to bring sunny weather
To Jenn and to Iain who needed to find each other to love…through a date that was blind.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to believe
That hope always lives and joy can be found when boy meets girl and a circle is wound.
A ring is made, a loop is sewn when Jenn today becomes her own
Sister’s husbands’ brother’s wife’s sister’s husband’s brother’s wife!
What a great way to start a new life! And, Iain, this isn’t just for your new wife…
Today you formed a brand new link…to you! When you look in the mirror and see:
Your brother’s wife’s sister’s husband’s brother’s wife’s sister’s husband!
So as you begin this new chapter in life and take your first steps as husband and wife,
Remember your loved ones, both family and friends and know that our love for you is without end.
Just like a circle of flowers in sand and just like the rings that now grace both your hands,
Our love is a cycle unending and true. So, ALOHA IN MAUI! From all of us to you.

We all made it to Maui! We love you, Jenn and Iain! Mazel Tov!

rootbeer is evil - the sequel

2009-08-31T21:26:00.006-06:00

We've had quite the night tonight. Family night is usually somewhat "exciting" at our home, but something happened tonight that had me chuckling amidst the chaos. Over a year ago I wrote the following in my blog:

"Root beer extract is evil. My 10 year old son has been pestering me to buy some so that he can make a homemade root beer recipe he found in a book. I finally remembered to search for it at the supermarket and was floored by the expense! But, I said to myself, “Self, this boy doesn’t ask for much. This is something that he really wants to do, and even though the beverage will probably taste like a dead animal soaked in sugar water, let’s humor the boy and give him this experience.” I bought the stuff.
"After the small bottle of extract sat on my counter for a few days, my two-year-old discovered he could reach it. Of course, you know where this is leading. Let’s pretend we’re two. “Gee, I wonder if I can get this open. Oh, it screws this way! (Twist, twist…) What’s that smell? Hmmm, what would happen if I shook it?” Yeah, I happened upon the scene just after the deed was done.
"Again, root beer extract is evil. It is thicker than I thought it would be, splatters exceptionally well, is very dark and CONCENTRATED. The perpetrator didn’t appear to have that much on him, but he managed to turn the bath water a sickly brown. One swipe of my floor with a wet washcloth would require quite a bit of running water to get the rag ready to swipe again. The stuff just didn’t rinse out. And, to top it off, root beer extract dries quickly. All those beautiful little droplets on my floor, oven, cupboards, etc. suddenly required a fair amount of elbow grease. Chalk it up to another great moment in the chronicles of the Flandro family.
"So, if you have a curious and/or adventurous child with a penchant for root beer…you’ve been warned!"

Fast forward to tonight. My eldest son brought home a 2 liter of rootbeer from an activity a few nights ago. We opened it last night and put what was left in the fridge. It was about 1/2 full. Tonight, after all the adventure of family night was over, I heard some screeching in the kitchen and ran to discover that the same child discussed above (now three years old) had taken the root beer from the fridge, opened it and somehow came to the conclusion that it was a good idea to dump it out on his little sister's head. Thus the screeching. I'm beginning to see a theme here. I don't think it's terribly reasonable to ban the stuff from our home, but I'm considering it!!

Mmmmm... s'mores...

2009-08-17T12:23:00.005-06:00

We had to cancel our camping trip last weekend due to weather (bittersweet development for me). Anyhow, we still did some of the activities we would have done, and bought a firepit thingy for our back porch. Good news! They're all on sale right now if you want one...end of season. Works great for s'mores. Love it!

I am soooo not ready for summer to be over!

17 years and counting...

2009-08-06T10:14:00.003-06:00

Happy Anniversary, Loverboy! Thanks for 17 years of married bliss! You were fantastic then, but you are even more fabulous now. Love you!!

Heaven

2009-07-14T09:15:00.005-06:00

One year ago last Friday my 18 month old nephew, Mason, passed away. I have no words. I'm trying to explain what we have experienced through this and what we have watched his parents and twin brother go through, but there are no words.

A cruel twist to this heartbreaking story is that babies are extremely hard to come by for this couple. However, miracles happen, and two weeks ago they welcomed a precious baby girl into their family.

Thank you, Char and Dave, for letting me come and take her newborn pictures. Heaven has been intermingling with your home, and I am grateful for the privilege of being there for a while.

If you would like to see a few more pictures of their sweet baby, click on the "Sweet Sassafras" link to the right.

Hummm...

2009-07-07T14:55:00.005-06:00

We have a hummingbird nest in our front yard tree! I noticed a hummingbird darting around when we walked by, but I couldn't see a nest until a couple of days ago. No wonder! It's tiny! It is about the size of the bottom half of an egg from the store. At first I thought there were two babies, but now I think there's just one.

You can clearly see another egg that didn't hatch.

She's a diligent Mama!

If you happen to come walking by our home, I'll just warn you now. Don't be bugging our birds! I've become quite protective of the little guys. We had a nest built in our last yard, but one good windy day dumped the eggs on the grass and that was the end of that. I'm really rooting for this one to make it!!

Well THAT was fun...

2009-06-29T15:12:00.004-06:00

First of all, my eldest just turned 14. Gasp! How did that happen? His take on it? "Only two more years, Mom." I am so not ready for this. Those two years better go s-l-o-w-l-y!!

Now the "fun" part comes in. My kids are required to deposit a certain amount of money each month into a savings (term CD) account. This will go towards missions (or for girls, wedding / education if they don't go on a mission). Pre-12, it is 20 percent of their income. After they turn 12, the amount to save each month rises every year of age, and it's a pretty hefty chunk for a kid. The good news is: Mom and Dad match the contributions. The bad news is: allowance goes away. Time to earn and time to get creative! Last year and this year they've done candy/cold drink booths at two local town fairs. Fun times! It has actually gone pretty well. We make loans to cover the booth fees, goods to sell and beginning cash box. Then after they pay us back, the rest is profit (after taxes and tithing, of course!). They are also required to pay for their scout camps, so we decided to pitch that as well. People are great about helping boys get to scout camp. Anyway, not a bad little adventure in entrepeneurship! Lots of work for Ma and Pa (helping organize, set up, purchase supplies, supervise, etc.), but we figure we are expecting a lot from these boys and we had better support their efforts! (Speaking of Ma and Pa...J left for Trek today. Sniff! My baby boy all grown up!)

As promised...

2009-06-22T15:33:00.006-06:00

Best Buddies...A so loves "cars." He just graduated to a big boy bed and, of course, his bedding is Lightening McQueen!

Underage driving at its finest. J keeps reminding me "only 2 more years!" GASP!

Our gang in Toontown

Tigger engulfing A (or is he eating him?) He sleeps with a giant Tigger every night. It's about time he met the "real" one!

Can't beat the beach! When we first got there, the noise and commotion of the water was disturbing to A. He kept asking us to turn it off!

Despite our CA trauma, we did make some wonderful memories. A was especially fun to take to Disneyland. The look of wonder and joy on his face over and over again was golden. I'm a Disney girl at heart. Can't help it. I was raised that way. My mom is from Southern CA, so I grew up visiting my grandparents there and being treated to Disneyland yearly. Grandpa purchased every Disney movie ever made in bulk and delighted in gifting them. And Grandma, though in a wheelchair, would come to Disneyland with a smile on her face and excitement for those attractions she could access. They both spoiled us rotten on Disney sugar. Anyway, now it's my turn. Though we don't get down there often, I hope my kids will have great memories of good old-fashioned Disney magic. I believe childhood should have some magic in it, after all.

That elusive pause button

2009-06-19T22:29:00.005-06:00

Well, we're all better now. Yes, we had the flu. The swine flu. All of us. It started with N just a couple of days into our California trip (pictures forthcoming). Then one by one it hunted us down, leaving us feverish, coughing, achy. Just glad it's all over. But believe it or not, there is one thing I actually miss.

While I was sick and miserable(for some reason I had the worst case),I had one ray of joy. Everything non-essential to survival went by the way side for a few days. It was "I'm sorry but we need to re-schedule J's orthodontist appointment. We have the flu." And "I can't come to my guitar lesson, I have the flu." Then there was "unfortunately we can't make it to scouts, activity days, dentist or swimming lessons. Flu, you know." My personal favorites: "Laundry? Dishes? Grocery shopping? Cooking? No. You see, I am just too sick. I have the flu." Somehow someone (thanks Spence, thanks Mom and Dad) was always able to step in and accomplish the task at hand. While I would have gladly traded my illness for health and hard work, still, there was some level of satisfaction at letting it all go and not being able to do anything about it.

Well, not anymore. Back to the whirlwind that is my life. Don't get me wrong...I love my whirlwind. It's a great ride! But, that pause button was nice. Just wish I could use it when I was healthy and could enjoy it!

PS Home-made facials, pedicures and manicures with a nine-year-old daughter are a joy! When the boys go away, the girls will play!

Calgon, take me away!

2009-06-12T19:00:00.004-06:00

As I type, we are driving North, somewhere between Cedar City and Beaver, UT. We are just returning from a week in Newport Beach, CA, and I must say, this vacation was the pits! Oh, yes, the condos on a bluff overlooking the beach were gorgeous. Oh, yes, the weather was so nice. Oh, yes, I only had to cook dinner once during the week. Oh, yes, my mother flew round-trip with my baby girl, so she didn't have to drive with us (she's really difficult in the car!). BUT, I am still going to have the gall to complain. Aforementioned baby girl would not nap or go to bed without being rocked to sleep, which often took a fair amount of time. Hubby and I shared our room with both little ones in portacribs. Oh, and middle of the night awakenings were every night. So no time for grownups to play, and little and poor sleep to boot. Then we started dealing with sunburns, head bumps, lost cell phones, tire blow outs, migraines and the best part of all...flu. It began with my nephew and has moved through most of our large family group now. Yes, the first day of Disneyland was really fun...until my son and nephew had to go lay down at the first aid station most of the afternoon and evening. When we went back for our second day there a couple of days later, we had to leave behind my two oldest boys with my sister and brother-in-law. They ended up going back for their second day on Thursday with my other brother-in-law for part of the day. To top it all off, J.'s best friend was there with his family on the day that he missed. They were going to enjoy some time together at the happiest place on earth. Not exactly the glorious vacation we had been looking forward to for about a year and a half.

I'm just glad we're almost home. It was what it was. Now I'm wondering who is going to unpack us, wash everything and put it away, cook for us, watch our brood and take care of us until we are all better. Oh yeah. Me. I think I need a vacation!!

It's a zoo around here!

2009-05-27T08:20:00.005-06:00

A quiet moment in our home. Kids and hubby off to school and work, the two little ones are sleeping in. Sigh. So peaceful in our home! Doesn't happen too often during waking hours.
I took the two youngest to the zoo yesterday with a friend. Such a nice morning! This was a first for them, and they were all eyes and ears. L. kept pointing to animals (any kind) and saying "Zilla!" That's our dog. OK. Close. Sort of. The bird show was marvelous. A. was thrilled to name all the different animals in real life, not just in a book. He adored the train, and the only way we could get him out of the zoo was with much yelling, kicking and screaming. As we exited, I just told the people coming in that it was THAT good.
Such fun. Can't wait for Disneyland!!