Merry Christmas!

Tarryn's Trip...Part 2

What a different world that Souther California from our little town. It is was warm (in comparison at least), the flowers were blooming and I have never seen flowers like these. They are called Birds of Paradise.I'm sure plenty of other people already knew that. I didn't.

 

Jenny took us to San Clemente Pier and we played at the beach. It was a little decieving. Rainy and overcast at Jenny's house but beautiful and 70 degrees at the beach. The water was warm and the beach was beautiful. 

 

I had to take a picture of all the palm trees. I have never seen so many in one place.

 

While we were on the pier a crabbing boat was out gathering their goods. I had to laugh at the birds. Obviously they know the drill. They hovered very close to the boat and relocated when the boat went to the next spot.

After the pier you have to go play on the beach. We really enjoyed that! The sun was shining and I even shed my sweatshirt. And oh the water...it was wonderful. Cool, but definatly not like Oregon beaches. In case you were wondering my dear sweet girl is indeed wearing a brace on her arm. I am just greatful that it wasn't a cast. She recently went roller skating and fell just right, spraining her wrist. She is doing good now, no brace but soreness once in a while when she uses it too much.

Oh and one more thing...my girl with pin straight hair...it curls a bit in the humidity. I almost couldn't believe it.

Tarryn's Trip...Part 1

Tarryn and I recently took a trip to Los Angeles. Tarryn had worked hard and earned enough money to buy a plane ticket. So for her birthday this year we told her that we would buy my ticket and the two of us would go on a trip together.

 

She had never been on an airplane before so that was a huge deal. Our airport is rather small. Okay really small. One security check, six gates, one small shop, you can walk the whole thing in about 5 minutes. Of course, never being past security before, she wanted to see it all. Thank goodness we had plenty of time. As we got back to our gate I told her a little about LAX. I have never been there before but I knew that it was much larger than our airport. So I had to laugh we went got off the plane in LA.

 

She looked around and asked, "Are you sure we are in the airport? It looks like we are in the mall!"

Tarryn picked Los Angeles because they have an American Girl store and we have family near there so we would have a place to stay and cousins to play with. I must say that I didn't complain that she wanted to go to the American Girl store. I still enjoy playing sewing for my doll that I got so many years ago. And yes Dad, she sits on my sewing table and hangs out with me.

 

First thing we did was drop Molly (Tarryn's doll) off at the salon to get her ears pierced. Then I let Tarryn lead the way. She went to every display, looked at every doll, every pair of shoes, and so on and so on. Then we went upstairs and did it all again with new displays. I must say, part of what I love is the historical factor that American Girl brings to their dolls. Yes they have the ones that you can design to look like you but most of them are a real girl that lived in a certain time in the past.

 

So upstairs is where they have the historical girls displays. They have a room for each girl. Of course we had to go to Mollly's. Molly is a young girl that lived in 1944 during World War 2. You read her stories and learn what a young girl would have done during that time.

I could totally go back and spend hours here. It was that fun. I almost think I had more fun than Tarryn did.

 

The store is located in The Grove in LA. Basically just a shopping center. We ate lunch at the Farmer's Market there and enjoyed the Christmas displays. 

 

This tree was nothing like I had ever seen before. You can tell that I don't spend much time in the "city." We first saw the tree from the top of a parking structure. It was gigantic. Then we got closer. It was even more gigantic. Just the wall that surrounds it was taller than Tarryn and I couldn't even get the whole tree in the picture. We took a peek inside that wall. I wanted to know if that tree was brought in or if it grew there. It was brought in. There were four or five electrical boxes in there to light it up, the ornament were large and the tree was full of them. I was kind of sad that we saw it in the daylight. I am sure that it is beautiful at night, all lit up.

 

We timed it just right to hear the clock at chime at 10. The men turn and bang the bells for each hour. You don't see things like this in our little town.

 

Also from the parking structure we could see the Hollywood sign. You know the one. Look close. We didn't exactly have the best weather while we were there.

 

We really had a great time. Can't wait to go back!

Halloween is here again...

And tomorrow it will be November. Hard to believe that already. Where did the year go? The holidays are just around the corner. But first a quick fashion show of the year's costumes. Most of my close friends and family know that Halloween is on of my favorite times of the year. I think because I get to do different things. Sometimes new things that I have never done before. It is really fun! I know...You think I am crazy...sometimes I do too. When I think of making five costumes each year, usually in a matter of a month or so (I don't plan ahead very good). This year all were new except for mine. I got put on the don't need a costume list this year. Then I put it on and it was too big. How did that happen?

It took Joseph a while to decide what he wanted to be. I try to let them be whatever they want...even if I have no idea how I am going to put it together. It always seems to work. He chose to be a spider.

 

Tarryn is much different in the deciding process. She makes a list years in advance about what she wants to be for what year. Dorothy has been on her list for about 2 years now. I think that her list is finished and she hasn't told me yet what she wants to be next year. Her shoes were quite the adventure but thanks to a great friend were found. I had gone all over town looking for red, sparkly shoes with little success...all too small (the girl has big feet). My friend and I were talking one morning about how I was looking for shoes and she called me about an hour later. She had found the shoes, in the right size. So she grabbed them for me. The costume just wouldn't be complete without the shoes. Thank you, Anne! 

 

Andrew had his heart set on being Harry Potter. That was no big deal and the glasses were found easily at the local Halloween store. He was a little bothered that I used my make-up (eye-liner) to put a scar on his forehead. I guess that attitude is normal for a 7 year old boy, right?

 

Off for some great adventure!

Fall time

Fall has finally come. The hot weather has left us, I had to turn the heat on and pumpkins and Halloween are making their appearance. We took the kids to the pumpkin patch, as we try to do each year. It is just fun. The kids each had their go with the clippers and picked out their perfect pumpkin. I even got a few little guys to decorate with. I just love fall.

 

 Other things we have been up to...

Playing with Grandma's kittens

 

And I have my very own chimney sweep. Josh has been trying to get our wood stove installed so that we can use it instead of electric heat. Can't wait for that!

Not Very surprising...

I think she has come to expect it. Every year since she started school, Tarryn has been the September Student of the Month for her class. I must say, it is one of those Proud Mom moments.

Great Job, Tarryn!

Boys went camping...

The end of summer brings some sad things. Although I am ready for fall and the cooler weather and even the rain, it is sad to see the outdoor time come to a close. The boys went on a last camping trip to close the summer. They had a really great time.

 

Josh and his dad took the boys to the Marble Mountains and packed into the camp site about 5 miles. The horse carried the "stuff" so the boys had to walk/hike. They did a great job and had so much to tell me when they got home.

 

 

Thanks for the memories!

Oh the adventures we share...

Let's start with our birthday boy. Can you believe he is 7 today? I can't!!! Happy birthday buddy! I hope he had a good day. I know some parts were pretty crummy!

 

Our Young Women do a program each year for sacrament meeting and then take it to the branch in our stake. Not a big deal right? Well, the branch is 100 miles down a windey road that follows the river. I went along to be their pianist and my family went with me. The trip there was uneventful. We made it to church on time and was able to share the afternoon with a handful of really wonderful people! Uncle Jordan lives in Happy Camp so we met up with him after church and went to the park. While there Tarryn was playing in the grass and suddenly screamed, the kind that she is super freaked out and going to die.

 

She says, "Mom there is a frog and I almost stepped on it." So, a frog. Big deal. Yup he was a really BIG deal. This frog was about the size of a softball. I have never seen anything like it. Jordan gently nudged it with his shoe and off it went. Jumping 5-6 feet in each hop. Again...never seen anything like it!

 

AND...there was a Big Foot sighting. Can you believe it? My kids saw Big Foot. Happy Camp is known for it's Big Foot Days that is has in the summer time. And there he was, in all his glory.

 

 

The trip home was a little more adventureous. Part of the way home, probably about 2/3 home, Andrew says, "Mom, I'm gonna puke" quickly followed by that noise. You know the one I am talking about. It comes with an absoluetly horrid smell. Apperantly Andrew missed the memo that said if you are feeling sick you tell Mom and Dad before you are actually sick. Josh pulls over as soon as he can...remember this is a really windey road with very few spots to pull over, it took a minute. As soon as the car is stopped I jump out of the car, with only one shoe on...I had taken off my high heel boots for the car ride. I ripped open the door (the child lock is being funny and you can't open it from the inside) just as Andrew jumps out, pukes again and Joseph says, "Mom, I think I'm going to puke." Can we scream yet? Joseph at least made it out of the car before letting go. Thank you!!! As the boys are gathering themselves I open up the car as quickly as I could. It didn't help much. We rode the rest of the way home with the windows open. It was about 65 degrees outside. It was fun! 

 

 

Joseph rode the rest of the way with his nose plugged.

 

 

Tarryn rode the rest of the way with her hair blowing in the wind.

 

 

Andrew felt much better. Happy birthday, buddy!

 

The rest of the day was spent cleaning the car. He was pretty happy about his new helmet and kickstand for his bike. If he had to be sick at least he liked his simple gifts. 



Happy Birthday, Tarryn!

My dear sweet little girl has officially joined the ranks of double digits. Can't believe she is getting so big, and I know it is just going to continue.

 

This year was a little funny. We usually have a nice dinner that the birthday person picks and open gifts, cake/dessert (we don't really LOVE cake), etc. on their birthday. We had to bump it to sunday evening for Tarryn this year due to other things going on. It worked out pretty good actually. We had cousins that were able to come, which totally made Tarryn's day.

 

As I mentioned before, we don't really do cake much in our house. I don't really know where that comes from (hint...I have never liked cake so much). So when I asked Tarryn what kind of cake she wanted she asked if Aunt Laurel could bring shaved ice. I am okay with that. So the phone call was made and Aunt Laurel was the hero. Thanks, Laurel.

 

We had our dinner and dessert, then played in the yard with basketball, scooters and bikes. Our dear friend always joins us for our birthday celebrations and this time was no different. I had to laugh when she hopped on the scooter and played with the kids. Keep in mind...her next birthday, in about 2 or 3 weeks, she will be 91. Gotta love her!

 

Some things you may not know about Tarryn...she loves to cook and wants to be a chef when she grows up. She can look Phyllis in the eye. She likes being given responsibilities and being in charge. She loves babies and younger children. She loves school and loves that her teacher trusts her to make good choices, resulting in more responsibility in the classroom. She really enjoys older people. I just love my girl!

 

Happy birthday, Tarryn! 



Back to School

And back to school we go. I realized that my blog has really been neglected! So sorry Grandma and Grandpa. Hope you forgive me. It is kind of a strange season for me. All the kids leave in the morning and come home in the afternoon. The day is all mine...all by myself. Not sure yet if that is a good thing or not. I better make it a good thing, huh? Ready or not.

Tarryn wanted to wear a new skirt the first day but of course I didn't have it quite finished so she picked this other new skirt. She is really into polka dots lately and she loves her new skirt...both of them. Gotta love my girly girl.

 

So far so good with school. All the kids seem happy with their teachers and Andrew can't wait to get to school in the morning. Monday is PE day. He even asked if he could go to bed early so that he wouldn't be late for school. What a funny boy. What he doesn't remember is that they go an hour later on mondays.

 

Other things happening...canning has started and I have been helping some of my older and wiser friends figure out facebook. Good times!

Everything seems to be about Joseph lately...

Well, Joseph has made us proud again. Only I missed it! Normally the teachers are super good at letting me know if the kids will be getting an award at the school's assembly. Today was not the case. I am so sad! Joseph was awarded the Student of the Month award in his class for April. I always go to the school on Friday mornings to grade the third grade spelling tests. It really is quite fun. So I was at the school for part of the assembly (which honestly I forgot was even happening) but missed the important part.

We are so proud of you buddy!!!

Proud Mom Moments

Every day proves itself to be one that I can be proud of my kiddos. This past month I have had two especially great things happen to my kids.

The first began at an assembly that the kids talked me into going to, just because. This is an assembly that the teachers don't notify the parents if your child gets an award. Why? I don't know. Sounds silly to me. So anyway, I went just to go and support the school and kids. The assembly was coming to a close and Tarryn's name was called.

If you can't read it, her award is for Outstanding Leadership. This is only given to the third, fourth and fifth graders. I was super excited for her! She really is a great girl...for everyone but Josh and I.

Do you remember that story that Joseph wrote? Well, we got it published and submitted for the Author's Reception. He did a great job. They called up all the second graders and he just sat in his seat. The silly boy was being shy and wouldn't go up on stage. After all the second graders intoduced themselves and their books they presented two awards. One for the best art and one for the best story.

Joseph's name was called for the Best Story award. He quickly got over his shyness and headed up to the stage. The teacher asked him to introduce his book and read part of it. He did so great! So great that I almost forgot that I had brought the camera with me.

Andrew has done a great job at school, too. Nothing specific to talk about today but he helped Josh change the tires on the car. He used power tools and everything. That makes a proud Dad!

Needless to say, I think that I have some pretty great kids. You can't get much better than seeing them making good choices and being respectful to those around them.