Growing Old

Today I saw an older couple in the grocery story. By older, I mean in their seventies. They were in the produce section picking out some fruit. What caught my attention was that they were holding hands; not because one of them needed assistance getting around, because they were in love and cared about one another. It showed in their faces.

That's what I want to be like when I grow up - deeply in love with my Mark, still holding his hand.

Kitchen Creations

What do you get when you mix a gallon of vinegar and a whole lot of lemon pepper? One stinky mess.






Alex found his way into the lazy susan and dumped out the vinegar and mixed it up right nice with lemon pepper. Needless to say, it was a rather interesting smell I found as I came down the stairs.
Note to Self (really just to Mark): We aren't that ready to get rid of all our baby locks on the cupboards.

Halloween Spooks

These are for our missionaries so far away. I didn't get to them till this morning and now I hear they are off on a African Safari for the weekend. They went 6 more hours north to visit a small group of Saints and take them some things. I can't wait to hear about their adventures and see the pictures they take. I know a few boys who will think their grandparents are the best after this safari.



This boy loved all things Halloween. He wasn't a bit scared by creepy masks or skeletons in the stores; he thought they were great. He isn't one of those scarey skeletons - I think he's one of the cutest skeletons around.

Aaron wanted to be a zombie. I wasn't really onboard with this idea, but it sounded easier than last year's Lego guy costume I had to make, so I went with it. Gone are the days of cute costumes for Aaron. He got dressed up on three different occasions, and yes, I had to put makeup on him all three times. Unfortuately for him, I think it got progressively worse and on Halloween night, it was a train wreck. I know zombies are dead guys, but really he was looking pretty sad. Glad he just went with it.



I talked Ethan into being Indiana Jones. He loved the whip he got at Cub Scout camp and after a few finds at the local thrift shop, he was good to go.






At our ward's first ever Trunk-or-Treat. Alex wasn't having a good time, but the other boys loved it. After Alex got into it, he was thinking it was a fun time to get candy. I can't remember the last time it was so nice on Halloween. No need to cover up those costumes with coats and gloves. Even Ethan was warm walking around in short sleeves. It was a fun night.

It was a bit of a rush to get out the door and over to the church, no Halloween porch picture for us this year. Sad. That's right up there with a Christmas morning picture on the stairs.


Wax Museum
Last night Ethan's school particiapated in what they call the wax museum. All the 5th graders choose a famous American to dress up as. The research the individual and make posters for the event. It was a big deal that the teachers have been talking about since the first day of school. Ethan got to be Babe Ruth. Thanks to a kind neighbor, he had a Yankee hat and a real wooden bat. I couldn't come up with a jersey, so I did the next best thing. I made one.



I had no idea how easy it would be to cut fabric using a cricut, but it worked liked a charm and with some heat and bond, Ethan had him a jersey. I even made him iron it on himself.



Not sure why he thought he needed to put his hand in his back pocket, but these kids did a terrific job holding still for so long. I really didn't think Ethan had it in him. He cracked me up in the video I took when they sang their song. He's holding really still and knows I'm taping him and he wants to look good. Then he finds Mark and Alex walking around and he breaks character and tries to get Alex to recognize him.

Dear Skype,

I knew it was fun to speak to my sister in the next time zone; it's even better to talk to someone halfway around the world! I love you, Skype!!!
Love, mg



Just got off of skype and had a chance to talk really quickly with my parents. They are serving in Francistown, Botswana, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sounds like they won't be sleeping for the next 18 months. There is lots of work there to do. They have one branch and two units. They said it is HOT and they have a little car. Random little facts, I know, but when you only get a few minutes, the conversation and questions are rather scattered.

Happy Birthday to my dear dad! It's his birthday today. Mom said they even had a little party for him there. Here's to a big adventure for you and Mom!

Departures

Today was the day. I finally had to say goodbye for the last time for real. I met the missionaries and their adorable chauffeur (Tony) at the airport this morning bright and early. Three of dad's sister were there too, Muzette, Sherry, and Marvalee. (Aaron told me tonight that Sherry is Muzette's side kick - where does he come up with these things?)



It is strange how much the airlines have changed since I went on a mission. After they checked in we really didn't have anywhere to go to say goodbye or even wait with them. Sister Grandma (my newly coined name for her - Elder Grandpa for dad) took Alex on a walk on the moving sidewalks. He really thought they were the bomb - those and the escalators.



We took a few pictures and really had to say goodbye quite quickly. The lines to the security were getting longer and I think they were a bit anxious to get through them on time.





I was proud of myself - I didn't cry too much at all. I think Mark was a bit worried about me after all my crying late last night, but I was a big girl. I just feel a little like an orphan now.

Dad said that while he was at the MTC he realized he had a pretty good companion and that he was glad Mom was going to be with him this time around. Mom joked the first time they had to teach there Dad did all the talking. They were pretty excited, and it seemed a little strange to see my mom wearing her Sister Woolf tag. I am so excited for them!



I really don't have a super great camera, so I am sorry to my siblings that these aren't the best pics - they'll just have to do. Mom was cute and got the grandkids a little something to remember them by. It has already been carried all around the house tonight. I am hoping he makes it the whole 18 months. Alex seems to really like the little guy.


Love me some Tony.


And so does Alex.


A special thanks to the guy who "isn't a part of the LDS community" who took our group picture. He's almost as great of a photographer as I am. I had include it even though it's a blur.



Mom wanted to do a "Call to Serve" wave. I ran over to try and get the pic while she was trying to explain to dad what he was suppose to do. I am not sure he really got it. Didn't he ever watch that video? Remember when mom got that video for Christmas, just after Brandon went on his mission. It must have been Tony that had her name. What I can remember is him being so excited about giving it to her, and when he did, he had to tell her how much it cost and that dad helped him buy it. Maybe that was one of my crazy dreams? But I'm pretty sure we all had a good laugh about that Christmas.

Conversations in the kitchen

I have no idea what he was doing, but after dessert tonight Aaron grabbed the garbage can and hugging it said, "Hey sexy, lady." He then pretended to kiss it.

Me: "Ah, Aaron, what does that word mean? Sexy?"
Aaron: "You know, Mom!"
Me: "But I want to know what you think it means."
Aaron: "Tell her, Ethan!"
Ethan: After a short pause. "It means you're really beautiful. Like you, Mom."
Me: (Trying not to laugh and wondering why their dad always misses conversations like these) "But you wouldn't tell me I was really sexy would you?
Aaron: "No, you're just really pretty, Mom."

At least that one is settled!

Missionaries

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...

Last night as I was trying to get the kids in bed the phone rang. As I picked up my phone, to my surprise it was my mom calling. Wait? Isn't she suppose to be at the MTC? I hurried and picked up.
"Mom? What are you doing? Is it okay that you are calling?" I joked.

Fortunately as senior couples you have several perks that younger missionaries don't. I knew my parents didn't want to be getting a call from me when I was at the MTC. That would only mean trouble. She sounded so happy and said that she and dad were having a great time. The MTC normally gets 30-40 senior couples. That particular week they had 102 couples. Needless to say, there wasn't enough room for everyone there. Can you guess where she was calling me from? The Marriott!

"So, do you get to eat your breakfast there too?" I joked some more.

She didn't talk long. She had homework to do. They were getting ready to present the first discussion. I loved how excited she was and how happy she sounded. It certainly made it fun to talk to her and not feel sad at all.

Now on to my other missionary story. I only tell this portion because it really just makes me laugh.

As a missionary we hated when people would dog us and our teaching appointments. I remember the one time it was almost okay. This sweet lady wrote us an apology for not being able to keep the appointment and left us a bag of cookies because she felt so badly about it. Well tonight I was dogged once again. This time it was by the missionaries themselves.

I just keep hoping that these two are okay and that nothing bad happened to them. I signed up at church to feed the missionaries. Mark made arrangements to come home early so we could accommodate their schedule. The appointed time came and no missionaries. We waited. And then we waited some more. The boys really were excited about having the missionaries over to our home so I felt badly that it didn't work out. Finally, after 45 minutes we sat down to the table. I kept waiting for the doorbell to ring, but it never did.

As you can imagine, we had plenty of food for dinner. I may not have to cook tomorrow! It really wasn't a fancy dinner or anything. I was just a little frustrated that they never called to cancel or tell me what was going on. I even stressed out that the cake I made didn't look so great and made frosting to jazz it up a bit. I confessed to Mark that the only reason I made the frosting was because of the missionaries. He didn't seem to mind that they elders never showed up. He was just happy to have chocolate frosting on his zucchini cake.

Next time I talk to my mom, I'll remind her not to flake out on their dinner appointments.

The final countdown

Today is Friday. (Don't worry, I'm not going to break out in song or anything, nor do I want you to break out in song!)
Tomorrow is Saturday, then Sunday, and finally it's Monday, October 3, 2011.
I knew this day would be coming, but now it's here, right around the corner. I'm trying not to tear up as I type this.

We are sending our two great parents out into the world to be missionaries. I still think South Africa is too far away!



I know they are so excited to go, so I will be too! I just want to be a little selfish and keep them close by. I've decided this is all in preparation for when I send out my three little guys. That day will come all too quickly, and Ethan has already informed us that he is going to China! Now that sounds really far!

A new home

I decided to dedicate a blog just for the house updates. The title is courtesy of Alex. One day while driving out there to check on power issues he said, "Erda House, Mommy?"

"Yes, we are going to the Erda House, Alex."

And thus it was named, Erda House.

It will sure be fun to look back at all these pics and see the house come together. This weekend we hope to be putting in some labor of our own. We made some adjustments to the plans and included a crawl space. We will only be pouring concrete on a certain portion of the crawl space and rather than leave the rest dirt, we will be putting down gravel. Sounds like a lot of fun, huh! My shoulders are already feeling the pain.

Say it aint so...

Tuesday morning I received a text from my SIL Cynthia. She most excitedly informed me of the news....

They were digging!!!!!


Yes, we now have a big ol' hole in our property. Made to fit one house we've been waiting a long time for. When my MIL asked if they were digging in the correct spot, I thought to myself, "Well, I'll take it where ever it is!"


This is from the south of the house.


This is from the north of the house.


And these are the two cute guys that accompanied me to the site!

I'm convinced that Rachael's positive thinking and most delicious cookies did the trick! Did I mentioned that I was a little excited?

Self portrait of one happy lady! Double chins and all! I seriously almost jumped in the hole and started hugging the poor guy!

Honey Bucket

Shout out to my SIL Nancy who sent me this hilarious text this morning.

"Your Honey Bucket has arrived...Let the construction begin!"

Nancy lives at the top of the road and keeps me updated on the particulars of what is happening out there. When I read her text to the boys Aaron thought a honey bucket was a big yellow truck used for digging. Then I reminded them about how there needs be a toilet for all the construction workers. They put two and two together, and their faces lit right up! They totally got it! They know from personal experience that you can find a port-a-potty next to "wooden houses."

As terrible as it sounds - a stinky portable restroom made me smile!

Really?!

I almost don't dare type this, afraid that someone will jump out and say, "Just kidding! You really don't get to build a house!"

September 1 was a beautiful day! I was walking around Temple Square with Alex while Mark attended the sealing of our nephew. I walked into the gated area next to the temple when my phone rang. I hurried to answer it - a little embarrassed to take a call right there. On the other end of the line came the news I had been waiting for. The building permit had been approved and now our construction load was ready for signatures!! Could this really be happening?! I am still waiting to see that hole in the ground, but I know its coming any day now.

My contractor contacted me today asking me to come in and make color choices for the house. Really!? You mean after all these years of dreaming about our home, I really get to pick the brick color? Seriously, how are you suppose to pick a brick color for your home off of the website sample pics? It's not like I'm painting my bathroom here and can easily change the terrible paint choice with something better. (I'm still lacking a little confidence after having thought I had the perfect yellow paint for my office. Needless to say, it tanked!! We've learned to live with it, but I know before long, we'll be covering up that big mistake with something else.) I'm going to the brick showroom tomorrow and hope they have something better than the website swatches!!

I know the boys want this to be over as much as I do. I don't know how many times I've heard them say, "Are we going to look at houses, AGAIN!!!!" We took them out again on Sunday. When they asked if we were looking at houses, we lied and said we were going to look at landscaping. It seemed to work until we stopped and got out to take a closer look at a paticular home. Then they were on to us.

I think I'm about to be overwhelmed!! But bring it on, right?!

Gilgal Sculpture Garden

Today we ventured off to find the Gilgal Sculpture Garden. I hadn't ever heard of this place until today when I found this site that features fun things to do. Not sure how we chose this place, but it looked interesting enough and something different for the boys than the usual park or playground. Best thing about the garden - it was free.

Nestled near Trolley Square, we enjoyed the garden to ourselves, literally. Well that was until the dreadlock guy and his belly dancer girlfriend found us.
I downloaded a scavenger hunt list for the boys which kept us entertained for quite a while. We actually had to leave because it started raining, and I took the umbrellas out of the car the last time I cleaned it.

The garden was created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr.(1888-1963) in his back yard. Mr. Child was a masonry contractor and Bishop of the historic 10th Salt Lake LDS Ward. I would love to go again after having taken the time to learn more about the sculptures in the interactive online tour.




A few of the items we marked off the scavenger hunt list included the following:

The word Gilgal in stone


Never heard of the word Gilgal before?
"The name Gilgal refers to a Biblical location meaning "circle of standing stones" where Joshua ordered the Israelites to place twelve stones as a memorial. Gilgal is also the name of a city and a valley in The Book Of Mormon."

The words Count Your Many Blessings

I happened upon this gem and snapped a photo. There are several quotes, scriptures, and hymns carved in stone covering the garden. Lots to think about and ponder.

It wasn't until later when Ethan read the list of items to look for that I realized it was on our list. I just find myself needing to be reminded lately that I have much to be grateful for. This was a timely reminder for me and something I know I wasn't a coincident.

A spinx - Joseph Smith style?


Brick Pants and the 10th ward church building
Self portrait of Child with the church building where he served as bishop.


A Stack of Books
The boys thought it would be funny to pretend they were holding these books.


If only they realized how soon homework will be upon them. Heaven help me -- I know Ethan will feel like his homework is as much of a burden as actually having to lift these stone books.

This was just something I found that intrigued me and I wanted to take it home with me and reflect upon it some more.


As we drove downtown, I saw an advertisement for gourmet doughnuts. I'm sure I blew my points out of the water with this treat. Good thing we all shared.



Grasshopper and Cookies-n-Cream Doughnuts

We went to the playground and tried to work off the doughnuts. I'm sitting here hours later and still feel them. Might have to go let Jillian whip me back into shape.

Guess what made my day?

The road is getting laid with asphalt! After thinking it was going to finally happen on Tuesday, I was told it would happen on Thursday. Yesterday I was all prepared with my building permit papers in hand and drove out to see the beautiful road and turn in the paper work. We drove out to an empty subdivision and no work done on the road. Tomorrow I told. I was getting tired of hearing about things getting pushed backed, again. I stopped on the side of the road and cried. And to be truthful, we stopped at McDonalds on the way home, and I bought the boys ice cream.

Fast forward to today. I had a text message from my S&MIL telling me they were working on the road. The best was the message from my FIL telling me they had finished our drive way.

I had to drive out AGAIN to see the progress. When we got there the paver wasn't working and a handful of workers were sitting under a tree in the shade. The dump trucks had left to refill with asphalt. By the time we walked down to check out our driveway and visited Grandma for a bit, the trucks were back with new loads - and they just kept coming -- truck after truck. Each one went by and I had to think, how much money is each one of these worth? We went back up and watched the trucks unload their trailers into the hopper and lay that black asphalt down. It was beautiful!!





Of course Monday has to be a holiday. I'll have to wait until Tuesday to submit the building permit papers. I'm hoping to have a hole dug, maybe even some framing complete, before my parents leave for their mission to South Africa. A girl can dream!

A before pic:



Well, here's my new AFTER:

07/11

How about celebrated 7/11 with a hike up to the boys favorite spot - Donut Fall - and then topping it off with a Slurpee, (also know as a "Special Drink") free just today as it was 7/11.

I forgot Alex's backpack, so I made the kid walk about 1/2 of the way himself. It was great PT for him up until he fell and came down pretty hard and hit his nose. Needless to say, I looked like one rugged hiker with blood stains across my shirt.

The funny part of today's hike was Alex and the hydration packs. He couldn't get enough of that water. First he started with Ethan's water. When Ethan wanted a drink, he had to pry Alex off. Before we knew it, he was drinking off of Aaron's. I finally had to wear Aaron's pack myself and put Alex up on my shoulder's so he could drink and we could keep walking.







Due to all the snow and the wet spring, we weren't able to get very close to the falls this time. The boys were a bit disappointed and were trying to find someway to cross the river. It was quite pretty with all the extra white water falling down the mountain side.

Tonight we went out to Grandpa Gull's potato weeding party and dug in the dirt till the sun went down. I had to take some pics of the new culvert for Mark. He hasn't seen it yet as he's been one busy man at work lately. No finished road yet...it has taken a long time. We are told that the asphalt will be done by July 21. Crossing my fingers.





My layout is all messed up, but it's late, and I really don't want to take the time to figure out the HTML right now....

Moving Forward

After months and months of rain and failed inspections, I am so excited that our road past inspection this morning. I know it's only the rough grade, but I feel like we have reach a big milestone here. Next step: final grade and asphalt. The county won't let me even submit my building permit until after the road has been COMPLETELY finished and approved.
I was seriously considering building a boat rather than a home. But it looks like the tides are changing and we may actually get to build a home.

I am on my home to my parents to visit them and my little sister and her two kids. Yeah!! Let's hope something comes in the mail while we're there. The other big change in my life: my parents are waiting for their mission call.

My Little Star

Today was a big day for the students at our local elementary, one I hope my boys remember for years to come. The governor came to their school to sign an education funding bill. I told Mark last night, that I know we live in the capital city, but to have the governor come to their school is pretty cool. (Parents were given a notice to NOT come to the school for the assembly.) The boys were excited and had to wear their yellow school shirts and practiced their song this morning over breakfast. We talked about the chance of the boys maybe being on tv. Of course I made sure their hair was combed and their faces were washed when they went out the door today.

Low and behold, my little Aaron made the cut. His little face is on a local station's coverage of the story, and I am one excited momma! I know this kid is gong to eat it up too; he loves the spotlight! So you can watch this clip and look for Aaron (He is sitting there watching and listening. I have to admit, I first recognized his friend next to him before I even saw Aaron. Am I a bad mom or what!?

Now Aaron's teacher tells me he is in the local paper too. He said he was interviewed, but they just asked his info to caption the photo. He yelled, "I'm a super star, Mom!" when I picked him up from school.

Phone Calls

This morning between phone calls with several people concerning the home loans and septic tanks, I got a call from the elementary school. That for me is always a little alarming - wondering what is wrong with one of the boys. On the other end of the line I heard Ethan's voice. He said, "Mom, I think I know what disease I have. It's called sceema, and I think I better come home."

This poor kid has the worst skin ever. I try to use lotion to take care of it, but it's not really working. He's been wearing long sleeves all winter, and I really havne't looked at his arms that closely until just recently. They are in bad shape. I told him his "disease" isn't really a disease and that no one in his class would "catch" this if he stayed at school today. I think when he gets home I may have to find out if there is more to this story than bad skin. On another note, his teacher told me the govenor is coming to his school tomorrow. I better take care of him tonight so his disease is all better by tomorrow.

Home Teaching

I came across this and just had to share. Thanks, Danna!

I better get out there and do my Visiting Teaching. Thanks for the pointers, Tom!

What's in the soup?

I know I have other topics I need to write about, but I have to put this down before I forget it. You know, one of those funny things the kids say that you swear you'll always remember and don't.


A few weeks ago we sat down to eat some of the yummiest clam chowder this side of the Mississippi. It's from Market Street - I could eat a bowl right now. I told the boys they had to give it a try. They both agreed it was pretty tasty, but Ethan wanted to know what made it so spicy.
I started listing some of the ingredients, "Well there's quite a bit of pepper, there's leeks, (I didn't mention the onions or green peppers, I knew that would make them stop eating it right then and there) and I also put in a little Tabasco."

Ethan stared right at me with a look of dismay, "You put TOBACCO in our soup!"

Love Still Making You Do Strange Things

What do you get when you add these two things together: a husband in charge of Sacrament Meeting and no youth speaker?

Answer: One family roped into singing in Sacrament meeting.

Mark owes me big time. I think he mentioned something to me on Thursday night about our family singing in church on Sunday. It wasn't until Saturday that I asked him if this was for real. Sure enough he thought we could do it. Thankfully we have a wonderful neighbor who would play the piano for us. Thank you Rachael! I could only imagine how terrible it would have been without her backup.

Needless to say, I got up there, the music started, and I looked at my boys all suited up and lost it. I wasn't much help for the rest of the song. How embarrassing! This wasn't the first time this has ever happened to me either. I remember having to sing a song with my mom in some Relief Society meeting when I was younger(I honestly don't know how old I was). I had to sing by myself and the words were about my mother. I couldn't finish the stinkin' song I was crying too much. That made my mom start crying, and she couldn't sing her part. I think we just sat there and cried the whole way through. Too bad I didn't remembered this experience before I told Mark we would pinch hit for him.

Love makes you do some strange things...

This morning I caught my son red-handed. He tried to lock himself in the bathroom to hide the evidence. He was no match for me - I will soon sign a contract for CSI-Taylorsville, I'm that good.

He had taken the finger nail clippers to my most recently purchased necklace to extract three of his favorite stones. I remained calm and took the kid to school, hoping his teacher wasn't wearing a necklace.

Tonight he did it again. This time it made me a bit more mad. He had taken a sentimental ring and somehow crushed the band. It's destroyed. This time he said he wanted the diamonds. I cried and told him what he did was really mean. He finally confided in me that all he wanted was to give the cute girl in his class something special. Really!

Tonight when I go to bed I won't be taking off my wedding ring.

Welcoming A New Year!

We welcomed in the new year here at home with our boys. It was just what I wanted and needed. We made Chinese, played lots of games and toasted to a happy new year - I tried to trick the boys that it was actually midnight when it was really only 9 p.m. But hey, it was hitting midnight somewhere, right!!!

And I know it was a successful party after having the fire alarm go off a total of FIVE times that night. One HOT! HOT! oven plus sparklers inside can only equal trouble. Our poor neighbor; I'm sure she was wondering what we were up to!

Happy New Year! Here's to 2011! My first resolution for the new year -- move into our home on 329 Heritage Lane!