Small and Simple Things

Me? An instrument?

2011-01-24T21:31:00.006-07:00

There are numerous people mentioned in the scriptures that were said to be instruments in the hands of God. Who are these people? Well clearly more righteous and incredible than I am. But I have been told since I was young that I could be an instrument in His hands. Me? Really? No way. And what does that mean anyway?

I had two specific experiences this past year in a half that makes me think maybe at the age of 35 I finally have a glimpse of what it means.

The first experience started in August 2009 when I was called to be the Young Women’s president. My oldest child was 10 years old. I didn’t know anything about teenagers. I didn’t know the girls well and many I had never met. I didn’t know anything about the YW’s program. I had totally forgotten how the Personal Progress program worked and really didn’t know how the entire Young Women’s program was supposed to work. Immediately thoughts came to mind. Loud and clear. Strong thoughts and impressions that I knew weren’t coming from me. I knew. How could they be? I didn’t know enough to think those thoughts and have those ideas. I was told exactly what to do and I acted. At one point I felt that others were trying to tell me what to do that was contrary to what I felt the Spirit was telling me to do. I was bold and stood my ground. I knew that over time the Spirit would back off a bit allowing me to rely on others and myself to figure things out, but for the moment He was the one that would tell me everything. True enough, a few months later when it seemed we were in a miraculous groove, that gift of the Spirit was gone. I didn’t wish it back because the YW girls were on the right track. That’s not to say that I don’t feel the Spirit now or that I don’t feel guidance, inspiration, and revelation pertaining to those girls. It’s just back to being a quiet Spirit that allows me to think for myself and intervenes when necessary.

The second experience started on October 9th 2010. As I was driving home from the gym I thought I should call my sister. Immediately I learned she had just experienced a very severe and heart wrenching tribulation. I had never gone through this experience myself. I didn’t know anything about it or how it would feel or how to deal with it or what to do about it. I knew nothing. Immediately thoughts came to my mind of what to do. Words came to my mouths of what to say. These impressions were loud and clear. I knew they were not coming from me. I knew. How could they be? I didn’t know enough to have those thoughts. I was told exactly what to do and I acted. I was told exactly what to say and I spoke it. I was bold and stood my ground. After two months my sister was strong and able to move forward. I felt the absence of that almost tangible Spirit when it left. I didn’t wish it back because I knew she was on the right track. She was ready to stand on her own and feel the Spirit for herself.

Mosiah 27:36 “And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of truth, yea to the knowledge of their Redeemer.”

Maybe it is possible that I can be an instrument in His hands. And if I can be, no doubt anyone can be.

This quote hit me strong when I heard it a few weeks ago. I hope to never forget it.

“Never ever ever doubt yourself. Never ever ever have somebody tell you, “That’s Crazy!” Crazy things happen to those who apply themselves and believe in themselves. When you know, you know. Just keep moving forward no matter how dark things are, no matter how on the edge you are. It will all work out. Good and bad will happen but it will all work out. Believe in yourself.”

That's so typical

2011-01-12T22:30:00.011-07:00

It seems like each of my children have been quite independent from the time they were born. Separation anxiety was never an issue. They loved nursery from the get go and were never upset to get a babysitter. At the age of three, when they grew out of nap time, we implemented “quiet time”. Quiet time was a 2 to 3 hour block time after lunch where mommy slept and the kids could do anything they wanted that was quiet. That break in the day was my saving grace when I had a 1, 3, and 4 year old. My ears were always open for emergency sounds but I was never disturbed.

My kids have consistently showed signs of independence from a young age. For example, when Chandler was 2 years old he wanted to open an Otter-pop. Instead of crying for help he brought me a steak knife and the Otter-pop. When Morgan was two she wanted a helium balloon that was on our ceiling. Again, instead of crying for help she solved the problem by placing a kitchen stool under the balloon, stood on the stool, and got the balloon. Ashtyn is a momma's girl for sure. She has never liked it when I’m gone but as long as she knows I’m around and available she’s good to go. I worked a lot when Chandler, Ashtyn, and Morgan were young so I wasn’t surprised with their behavior. However I’m a stay at home mom with Ethan so his independence surprises me. Even though he’s been my little shadow his entire life, he has never had a problem with me leaving him. He never once cried when left at the gym daycare, nursery, or preschool. Ethan is the only kid in the house during the day and loves his “quiet time”.

A year and a half ago Jason and I both needed to attend a church meeting on Sunday from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. once a month. We wondered how we would get our 3, 7, 9 and 10 year old ready and back to church on time at 9 a.m. No fear. We set their alarms for 7:45 a.m. and prepped them the night before about what needed to get done in the morning. When we got home the kids were mostly ready and we were out the door in no time. This year Jason and I will be in that same meeting twice a month. No problem.

Today was a typical Wednesday for my family. It was so typical that I realized unless I write it down I’ll probably forget what a blessing my independent and “typical” kids are.

Jason will be working 32 hours straight today. Typical. He woke up the kids at 6:45 a.m. before he went to work. They got up, got dressed, took the dog out, ate breakfast, and brushed their teeth. I woke up at 7:45 and had Chandler start the car. At 8:00 a.m. I got into a warm car and took Chandler to school. When I got home at 8:17 a.m. Ashtyn and Morgan were ready for school. We said morning prayer together as they headed out the door for school. Independent. Typical.

After school there was homework, piano, and guitar to do. We had four Young Women girls over for dinner. At 6:30 p.m. I left my kids and went to Young Women’s. Chandler went to the Rec Center to ice skate. Before leaving I set the oven timer to go off at 8:00 p.m. I instructed the kids that when the timer went off they were to get their PJ's on, read books, and go to bed. After YW’s I picked up Chandler and got home at 9:15 p.m. Ethan was in his bed, pajamas and diaper on, sleeping. Morgan was in bed sleeping. Ashtyn was sick, watching TV in my room. Independent. Typical.

I'm baaaack!

2010-12-30T02:37:00.008-07:00

When I started my blog 2 ½ years ago I called it “A blog about nothing”. Mostly it was a title that I felt would fit the audience, if anyone would ever read it. I knew my blog would generally not be very clever, insightful, or particularly entertaining, hence to the reader it would basically be about nothing. After neglecting the blog scene for over a year I have realized that my blog was about something to me. It helped imprint life moments in my brain. Not only could I remember experiences through reading back but they were more imbedded in my brain from writing them down in the first place. I wish I would have written posts this past year. I know I had some great learning experiences both pleasant and difficult. I am going to have a hard time remembering moments that seemed small and insignificant at the time but probably had a great impact on me. I’ll post my Christmas card. It’s pretty superficial but how do you wrap up a year in one page? In the future I will write in my blog whenever I want or need to remember something. Most of the time I feel my life is full of small and simple experiences but when I look back over a period of time I recognize the great things that have happened. My blog will help me remember and enjoy all my moments.

CHRISTMAS CARD 2010

We want to express our love to you this season and hope you know that we are truly grateful for your friendship.

JASON feels fortunate to work at his dream job at Intermountain Medical Center as an anesthesiologist. Though he loves his job he tries to work as little as possible which happens to be about 60+ hours a week. Sitting in the hot tub is his favorite place to unwind. Free time includes BYU football season tickets and he stands strong while getting “harassed” by our mostly Red neighborhood. Helps coach Chandler’s hockey and baseball teams. Not normally talented in the art field but designed the backyard deck that was built. Loves folding laundry because it gives him a chance to sit and watch TV for 15 min. Not a lot of chill time so embraces any chance he can to golf at his home course.

SUZANNE I’m thrilled to be retired from my nursing job of 10 years. My time is spent with my kids and the Young Women in my ward. Each hour that goes into these two callings is such a blessing and has shaped my entire life. I also get to watch my 17 month old niece at least once a week while my sister works. During the summer I enjoy boating. My new love is wakesurfing and wakeboarding. I did the Salt Lake 1/2 marathon and a triathlon in Vegas just to keep myself focused on working out as much as I talk to my family and friends at the gym.

CHANDLER (11 years old): Plays hockey in the winter, baseball in the spring, and golf in the summer. Loves playing the guitar.

ASHTYN (10 years old): friends, cheerleading, singing, piano, and skiing.

MORGAN ( 8 years old): monkey bars, piano, cheerleading, hopscotch, and wakeboarding.

ETHAN (4 years old): our dog Indy, preschool, DS, Xbox, Wii.

INDY (1 ½ years old): Almost died from a rat poison overdose. Oops!

OUR FAMILY: We added a new member to our home for 6 months. A 17 year old neighbor girl got clean, sober, went back to school, did a TON of makeup work, graduated, and started at Snow College in August.
February: Disney Cruise with Jason’s sister, her family, and his mom and dad.
May: Adult trip to Zion’s National Park with my siblings, their spouses, and my parents.
June: Our first Lake Powell trip with some of Jason’s siblings.
July: Houseboat Lake Powell trip with all the Hosenfelds and my sister in law’s parents.
August: In charge of Youth Conference. Took teenage boys and girls from the neighborhood to Park City and boated for a couple of days.
October: Went to Texas to visit friends from BYU and to watch the BYU/TCU football game.
November: Heard this phrase often: “Is Dad STILL at work?” So Jason took a week off and we took the kids to Disneyland.
The rest of the months were filled with life’s activities.

We love you all and know that our life is full because of the friends we’ve made and the memories we have together.

I was 34 for a moment

2010-02-20T09:45:00.018-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I haven’t considered posting anything for the last couple of months until right now. I’ve pretty much been on a non-stop pace lately. My brain is fried and it’s hard to think straight, but I don’t want to forget what I did and learned when I was 34.

My 34th year started with one of the best trips I’ve been on. Jason and I surprised my kids with a Disney World/ Disney Cruise vacation. We first spent four days in Disney World. We loved everything except… Chandler didn’t like it when I was taking pictures during Thunder Mountain. Did he fear my safety because I wasn’t holding on or did he fear the camera might be dropped? After all, it is the wildest ride in the wilderness. Chandler also didn’t like the Rock –N- Roller Coaster. I have to hand it to him for at least going on it. Ashtyn stood in line for the roller coaster, got the front seat, started crying, so they kicked her off before she could ride it. She was relieved. Jason didn’t like feeling panicky and claustrophobic when the Mission to Mars left him in seriously small quarters while they had a 15-minute delay. Ethan was happy and got his naps in whenever needed. There was one night I forgot to feed Ethan dinner before putting him to bed. I realized when he woke up crying. Oops. We somehow got a banana to hold him over till breakfast. Morgan soaked everything in with lots of smiles and enjoyed every minute of it. Our hotel room was in the perfect location, the Ducks court. My hockey addicts loved it.

The kids were thrilled to find out we were going on a cruise. The cruise was great…there’s just nothing better. Even Ethan throwing up in the shuttle in St. Thomas or Morgan throwing up during the night all over the wall by the side of her bed couldn’t damper the fun. There was karaoke, movies, beaches, jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, and lots of sun.

Not feeling too well

Ashtyn saying "Hi" to me since I stayed on the ship with two sick kids at St Thomas.

The wonderful year also included the Iron Girl triathlon in Las Vegas, Salt Lake ½ marathon, the Spudman triathlon in Idaho, jeeping and hiking in Moab, exploring upstate New York with the Hosenfeld's, a trip to California with the kids, my siblings and parents, but solo from Jason. Another trip to California, adults only, to celebrate my grandparents 50th anniversary. We got into the world of boating and have had a good time learning the ropes. Jason got his anticipated Cougar Club BYU football season tickets and enjoyed going to the home games with family and friends. There was lacrosse, football, hockey, golf, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and lots of piano practicing. Ashtyn learned to ski and is awesome at it. We had the addition of two new dogs. I also have been able to babysit my adorable little niece every Mondays while Alisa is at work.

A great blessing was the opportunity I had to quit my job and become an official “stay at home” mom. A dream come true! My famous last words regarding my retirement from the Newborn ICU was, “with the blessing of not having to work and having more time comes more accountability for me. I will need to answer for how I use my time.” I was called to the Young Women’s 1 1/2 weeks later. Well that pretty much takes up any extra time I would have had…and then some. And I love it.

What has meant the most to me this year are the simple things. Being a mom to four healthy kids is so much fun and it’s so nice having Jason to share life with. I love going to the gym everyday. It’s a huge part of my life because of the friends I’ve made and the way it makes me feel. It's also so cool that my mom and two of my sisters work out with me. The Young Women are also a significant part of my life with how much time I get to spend with them. There's not a day that goes by that I don't have some form of Young Women interaction. Service is a miraculous thing. Everything always seems to work out. When I’m busy someone is always around to help take my kids here and there or fill in wherever I can’t.

my BYU boys

Another year is gone. While I'm 35 I'm going to try to hold on tight and make the most of it because before I know it I'll be writing "I was 35 for a moment".

My kids have potential!!!

2009-12-28T15:19:00.003-07:00

I don't know if this video shows that Ethan will one day be a cowboy or Morgan will be a movie director. Either way...I like their style.

Cell Phone to the Rescue

2009-12-20T08:23:00.006-07:00

I’m one of THOSE moms! You know the kind. The ones who get their 8 and 10 year old children cell phones. It’s true. In June Ashtyn got her pink phone and Chandler got his blue phone. What do they need a cell phone for? Nothing really. Do they NEED to text and call their grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends? Not really. When I’m not home do they NEED to tattle text? NO. “Chandler said he is a lot skinnier than me because he keeps on sneaking food…cookies and chocolate.” “Chandler said I’m a bad skier.” Do they NEED to text each other behind my back while they are in bed after I told them lights out. Definitely NOT.

Is it way nice to be able to get ahold of them anywhere at any time? Yessiree! I can call Ashtyn after school if plans have changed for her to walk home. I can call Chandler after school and tell him to walk to his grandma’s house to play with his cousin. I call them if I’m running late to pick them up from practices. They can call me when they are ready for me to pick them up from ice-skating. Ashtyn calls me during her lunch break to let me know how her ski lessons are going. It’s fabulously convenient and keeps communication open. And I LOVE communication!

Here are some priceless bits of communication through the wonderful world of texting:

(July 1st while I was in my room and he was in his):
Chandler: “I love you so much. Thanks for buying me and Ashtyn a cell phone. I was stunned (with a “stunned” face). Text me back. I’m so happy my eyes are watery (with a face with tears)."

(Nov 11th when I was not at home):
Ashtyn: “Dad said he will get rid of the dogs because they spilled the meatloaf and broke the glass. He also said he hates the dogs. Ethan took the dogs out of their crates. Can you please tell dad to not take the dogs away. You promised you would not take the dogs away.”

(Nov 5th I dropped Ashtyn off at school and noticed she only had ballet type shoes on. She assured me that “they don’t make us go out to recess when it’s snowing” 10:40 a.m. I got a text):
Ashtyn: “Can you come to school and bring me my boots?”

(Nov 23rd communication vs. miscommunication):
Ashtyn “I love you so much. I’m sorry I mess up on so many things a lot.”
Me: “Sorry I mess up on so many things a lot.”
Ashtyn: “It’s ok. You don’t mess up a lot.”
Me: “YOU DON’T EITHER”
Ashtyn: “Wait are you mad at me?”
Me: “No I was capitalizing it so you would know that you really don’t mess up a lot. I love you girl.”
Ashtyn: “Oh Good! For a second I thought you were mad at me. Love u too girl!”

(Dec 5th while out to dinner with friends):
Ashtyn: (7:29 p.m.) “Dad put me to bed without dinner. I’m starving. Please tell dad to give me at least one thing.”

I secretly talked to Jason on the phone and found out what was going on.

Me: Why is dad mad?
Ashtyn: I don’t know.
Me: Really?????
Ashtyn: Wait do you know?
Me: Yah! Do u?
Ashtyn: Well maybe because I did not eat dinner when I was suppose to.
Me: Yep! So work it out with dad…ok.
Ashtyn: I don’t think I can because maybe he is too tired.
Me: You need to work it out with dad.
Ashtyn: How?
Me: Talk to him.
Ashtyn: What do I say?
Me: Ashtyn …you can apologize all by yourself.
Ashtyn: I did, does that mean I worked it out with him?
Me: Did he feed you?
Ashtyn: Yes but does that mean I worked it out with him?
Me: If u r getting along.
(8:27 p.m.) Ashtyn: Yeah, we always get along.
(Then why did we just have an hour text conversation?)

If that's not dramatic enough...

There was the time during school when Ashtyn went to the bathroom and snuck in a phone call to me. She was very upset because Abby told Mrs. Schneggenburger that Ashtyn stole Abby’s Arctic Circle free ice-cream cone card. Ashtyn said she didn’t do it but Mrs. Schneggenburger didn’t believe Ashtyn and just thought she was lying. Even her friend Charley couldn’t convince Mrs. Schneggenburger that Ashtyn was innocent. During our secret phone call I comforted Ashtyn in her tears and distress and told her to walk proudly back in the room and not care what anyone else thinks. As long as both she and I knew the truth it didn’t matter if others thought she lied. Ashtyn was then able to carry on with her difficult day.

Now don’t think that Chandler doesn’t use his texting too…because he does. His very important texting happens mostly between his friends and cousin Ryland. He was texting Ryland during school giving each other important updates like, “I’m at recess”, “I’m in class.” I had to inform Chandler that the cell phone has to be in his bag and off during school. He looked at me as if that was a crazy rule.

His friends have text nicknames and they have named Chandler "Chick Magnet". As soon as I explained what a chick magnet was, not to be confused with the actual refrigerator magnet, he changed his text name to simply "Magnet". This is what texting with his friends sounds like:

Bulldog: Are you still up?
Magnet: Yeah (even though he told me he was going to sleep).
Bulldog: k- well what do you do on the last level of Indiana Jones Lego? I’m stuck on the cup part.
Magnet: First hit the knight so he gets knocked out then go all the way left to the room. There will be a pattern of pictures that only a person who has a book can solve. Then once you solved it change to Indiana and go across the thing.
Bulldog: Ya, but when you go across the thing all there is are cups.
Magnet: Yeah look for a brown cup then once you got the cup go and put the cup in the fountain.
Bulldog: Cool.

Another dramatic predicament solved!!!

Whatcha been up to lately?

2009-10-10T19:00:00.006-06:00

Nothing much...except:

In August I was feeling disappointed that summer was going by so fast and was quickly coming to an end. It hit me, as it commonly does, that time is rushing by and I'm having a hard time holding on without it slipping away. I've had eleven summers with Chandler and I only have eight more before he leaves the house. Since having kids I've always sensed how fast time goes. When I'm 50 years old I suspect I'll have certain thoughts and feelings when all my kids are out of the house. I'll be amazed and saddened how fast those years went. I can imagine myself saying, "It seems like just yesterday it was 2009. I remember some things clear as day and other things I don't remember because it all happened so fast." What regrets will I have and what did I miss that I shouldn't have? How do I absorb these years with my kids so that I'm ready when they leave? In a strategic attempt to make the most of my short summers and find a way to have my upcoming teenagers want to hang out with me...we bought a boat. We might use it as a type of enticing bribery for the time when my kids would rather hang with their cool friends over their overbearing and annoying parents...I hope it works.

Morgan

Ashtyn

Chandler

Adults can have fun too.

Jared

Nanette

Dave

Wendy

Kristi

My girlfriends

Rosanne and Jess

At the end of August I was given 14 teenagers that I get to spend time with at least every Wednesday and Sunday! It's been way fun! These girls are awesome to hang with and I know I'm going to be a better person after knowing them.

Then there was upstate New York

We visited the town and house my dad grew up in. Visited my grandpa and grandma's grave.
Went on lots of scenic walks

Niagara Falls

We rode bikes 14 miles along the Erie Canal

My favorite place we went to was the Sacred Grove. As we walked along the path that surrounded the mature trees there was a strong spirit of reverence that I didn't expect to feel. That seemingly simple groove of trees had an obvious spirit that made it clear to me we stood in a sacred place. I have never felt the spirit like that and knew I had never been in a more holy place. I have been blessed to go to many beautiful and amazing places and there has been nothing more impressive to me than the Sacred Grove.

I'm throwing in the name badge

2009-08-03T08:32:00.004-06:00

In July 1996 I got my first job in the healthcare industry. I worked at Hillhaven Rehabilitation Center and Rest Home in downtown Salt Lake, 40 hours a week as a Certified Nurse Assistant. It was by far the most physically demanding job I have ever had, including being a maid at my dad’s lodge. I would literally sweat for eight hours. I wore comfortable, ugly white tennis shoes and scrubs that I knew would get sweaty and dirty. Even though I was at the young age of 21 I would often need a nap when I got home.

I started nursing school in January 1997. I changed jobs and started working at the University of Utah Hospital as a Health Care Assistant in April 1997. I worked in the resource department which means that each day I worked the hospital would tell me what floor needed me and that is where I spent my 8 or 12 hour day. Working “resource” was a great way to experience every floor in the hospital and eventually gave me the insight that I don’t like adult nursing.

May 1999 I graduated from nursing school and three months later began working in the Newborn ICU at the University of Utah hospital. I took care of premature babies ranging from 23 –34 weeks as well as sick term newborns. I learned how to start IV’s, work with ventilators, draw blood, give medications and blood products, manage infants temperature and oxygen, tube feed and teach babies how to bottle feed. I am an expert at changing diapers, the burrito wrap, and calming the most stressed baby. What I value more than learning these skills was what I learned from the remarkable people I worked with. Through years of working with them I observed how they live their lives. I would listen to their stories in amazement. No matter the heartache or trial they pressed forward, never giving up. I have never seen such strength and perseverance. I will forever be changed because of their example.

Throughout the years, in many ways, working tied me down and complicated my schedule making life seem harder. But in so many other ways working provided blessings, freedoms, and opportunities we otherwise would not have been able to enjoy. Though it didn’t seem obvious at the time, working made life easier. I always knew working was the right thing to do. I’m grateful I was supported and helped along the way.

Thank you to my parents who encouraged me and helped me through college. Thank you to my mom who watched my kids each day and night I worked. Thank you to Jason who stepped it up with housework and other responsibilities to help lighten my load.

I feel more than ever the importance of treasuring my time. Since time goes by so fast, every moment of every day needs to be spent wisely.

With the blessing of not having to work and having more time comes more accountability for me. I will need to answer for how I use my time.

"Thanks for the memories."

Our House

2009-06-22T13:55:00.002-06:00

HOW I FOUND MY HOUSE:

This is an excerpt from a talk I gave in my church October 2005, four months after moving into my house.

From June 2004 to June 2005 we lived in Spokane Washington for Jason’s first year of residency. In November Jason and I came to Salt Lake to spend Thanksgiving with family. We knew we were going to move to Salt Lake in June and even though we had seven months left in Spokane I felt we were suppose to look for housing so we would know where we were going to live. The day after we arrived in Salt Lake I drove around looking at potential apartments to live in. After two days of apartment shopping nothing felt right, so I began looking to rent townhouses. Again after two days nothing felt right. Jason then began looking in the paper and on the internet for houses. (I hadn't considered buying a house because I assumed we couldn't afford one.) The next day, which was now the 6th day of my search, we walked into a house on Oakledge Rd. The moment I walked into the house I pictured my family there. I loved it and it felt right. To be responsible we went out the next day and saw five more houses. At the end of the day I told Jason that I wanted to go back to the house on Oakledge. As we walked in the door for the second time a strong feeling came over me again and I knew we were supposed to buy the house.

Why were we looking for houses seven months early? How was it possible that we could afford rent in Spokane and a mortgage? Why did I feel so directed from Heavenly Father?

I strongly believe that it was revelation and inspiration. He brought us here to this house and this ward for a reason, and I am so grateful to Him.

My feelings have never changed; I’ve only become more and more aware of why we are where we are.

WHY I LOVE MY HOUSE…

· My boys share a room, my girls share a room, and Jason and I share a room.
· Our rooms are all on the same floor.
· It’s “small” enough that you know where everyone is.
· It’s easy to spend time together because everyone is usually nearby.
· My parents and siblings put so much time working on the interior and exterior of the house to get it ready for us to move in. It is very common for me to look at the ceilings, painted walls, new doors, and all the hours that went into it. I still get choked up remembering how much service was given to me.
· I love my neighbors and friends that live nearby.
· My ward is FULL of amazing people whom I sincerely like to be around.
· I have the remarkable blessing of having a brother, three sisters in law, and two brothers in law in clear view from my driveway.
· It is close to the freeway…but not too close.
· It is close to the gym.
· It just feels right.
· Not to mention the beautiful mountains, wonderful schools, and a grocery store that I am sure to see several neighbors at each time I go.

A few weeks ago while in California we visited my uncle at his beautiful home. The back yard had an extraordinary swimming pool, trampoline, fire pit, BBQ pad, and a playground. The inside had a movie theater and a large playroom with foosball and a pool table. My kids had a blast.

On our way there we played “would you rather?” As we drove away I had a “would you rather” question for my kids. “Would you rather live in that house or our house?” Without hesitation my 6, 8, and 10-year-old all said “Our house!” I’m not surprised… It’s Our House.

Through out the past four years we have tried to give our house some tender loving care. That has been extremely hard because I was not blessed with ANY form of talent that has to do with interior design, decorating, color coordinating, shopping, or anything associated with creativity or vision. (Have you noticed my wardrobe???... it consists of a pair of jeans and a solid color t-shirt/ long sleeve t-shirt (depending on the season) from DownEast? There is a reason.

Since buying the house each room has been given a little love. Here are some example of our "tender loving care".

The LIVING ROOM before we bought the house

We had some work to do.

BASEMENT

BEDROOM

Looking at the house with the realtor

Never Say Never

2009-06-16T16:30:00.000-06:00

I started the summer doing two things I said I would never do: go to Disneyland in the summer (Jason and I took the kids once in the summer and the crowds were unbelievable), and get a dog (they pee on the carpet, smell like dogs, and take too much time).

WHY DISNEYLAND IN JUNE?

I won’t go into a detailed story…just the necessary facts.

My Grandma and Grandpa have always lived in Southern California. When I was a child I would spend one week each summer at the beach with my grandparents, cousins, and siblings. Good memories. Early this year I thought it would be fun to do that with my kids since we’ve never done a California beach trip…instead it has always been Disneyland trips. My parents, siblings, and their kids were all able to go. (Everyone except my hubby, Casey, and Martell who had to work ).

We left for California the day after school got out. After a couple fun days at the beach we realized the weather was going to stay cloudy and in the 60’s. That’s not too bad for kids but not exactly what the adults had in mind. I like to sit and soak up the hot sun. A week sitting at the beach with my jacket on was not ideal. My siblings with kids entertained the idea of going to Disneyland for a couple of days. I felt in a laid back mood so even though I anticipated huge crowds I thought “why not?”. Maybe it was because I anticipated the worst or maybe it’s because I remember Disneyland in July and August when it is blistering hot, but I was wrong. I do like Disneyland in June.

WHY A DOG… AND NOT JUST ONE DOG BUT TWO?

I have always said, “I will never get a pet”. Not a guinea pig, hamster, turtle, dog, cat, fish, etc. I really have never liked animals. I would not be a good vet or zookeeper. Heartless, I know. My kids have always asked for a pet, especially Ashtyn. When they were younger and wanted a dog I said they could have a baby instead. So we had Ethan. After Ethan was born when the subject came up I had to remind them that I have four kids and don’t have time for another “baby”. (Ashtyn always figured that if I only had two kids she would have been able to get a pet…too bad those last two kids came along).

I’m not clear on how I changed my mind about dogs. All I know is it started with a thought I had a month ago…maybe in the next year I should get a dog for the kids. I felt it would be good for them to grow up with a dog. Why? I didn’t grow up with a dog. But in my mind it was now or never because Chandler is already ten and in a few short years he won't live here anymore.

Side note: I’m not a shopper of ANY kind. Not clothes, household items, gifts, food…or dogs. I DON’T LIKE TO SHOP! (It causes me stress). But my sister Jen is a great shopper. She basically won’t buy anything because everything is a waste of money. But when Jen does buy something she researches until she knows she’s getting the most for her money. She’s the epitome of frugal.

With that in mind, months ago Jen mentioned that a Portuguese Water Dog was her dream dog because they don’t shed, are awesome with kids, have a calm temperament, learn quickly, are a good size, and they're cute. That was good enough for me.

At the beginning of May I told Jen that I would like to get a dog but I wouldn’t feel right about getting her “dream dog” unless she got one too. After some serious convincing she agreed to get one. We found a breeder in Montana named Debbie who I talked to every day for a week. During this time Debbie and I became great phone friends. Jen and I decided on two boy puppies and were extremely excited. For the next couple of days Debbie kept talking to me about her favorite puppy that was the runt of the litter. Debbie really wanted the runt to be with her brothers.

To make a long story short I went from “I will NEVER have a pet” to “NO WAY will I get two” to “having two puppies is PERFECT”. The day I got back from California we got our two sweet puppies. Maybe I anticipated the worst about dogs or maybe my life is calmer than in the past so I can invest time in pets, but I was wrong. I do like dogs. Indy and Belle have been two fun additions to our family.

That's what friends are for

2009-05-11T19:29:00.003-06:00

During the week, for no clear reason, my mood was somewhat grouchy and I was not filled with warm fuzzy feelings. I didn’t really want to leave for the weekend because I didn’t feel a warm connection with Jason and the kids. I thought I should spend the weekend with them, have quality time, and get that loving feeling back. But I had a commitment to do a triathlon.

On Friday morning I left for Lake Las Vegas with seven of my girl friends. We drove, we ate, we slept, we supported each other during the triathlon, we relaxed at the pool, we watched a chick flick, we laughed, we talked, we hugged, and WE CONNECTED as only women do.

Sunday evening I returned home feeling not only closer to those wonderful girls but I felt like myself again. I felt refreshed and connected to my kind husband and my sweet kids.

Since the day I was married, Jason has always encouraged me to spend time with my friends and have some girl time (maybe so I will give him more man time to golf :) ). My response has always been that I don’t need to. I’d rather stay home and hang out with Jason. Though I have had girlfriends through the years I don’t feel like I have made enough of an effort to really spend time with them. Hence I have never felt like I’m a very good friend.

Because of this trip I have gained more of a perspective on the importance of taking time to BE WITH my girlfriends, which is much different than just HAVING girlfriends.

Here are a few quotes from a study on friendship among women.

“A landmark UCLA study suggests friendships between women are special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our tumultuous inner world, fill the emotional gaps in our marriage, and help us remember who we really are. By the way, they may do even more.”

“Study after study has found that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. There's no doubt, says Dr. Klein, that friends are helping us live longer.”

“Women thrive both emotionally and physically from close friendships with other women. These bonds are important for female well-being and livelihood.”

Why is it so hard to find time to be with our girlfriends, especially when we need to "soothe our tumultuous inner world?" (Sounds pretty serious)

“Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women, explains Dr. Josselson. We push them right to the back burner. That's really a mistake because women are such a source of strength to each other. We nurture one another. And we need to have unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do when they're with other women. It's a very healing experience.”

The weekend definitely healed my grouchy mood. If anyone would like to join us next year you are more than welcome. Come and have some girl bonding time and do some "special kind of talk." (Participating in the triathlon is optional.)

Thank you Kristi, Wendy, Rosanne, Jeana, Minnie, Deanne, and Amy for being my girlfriends and for the wonderful time I had.

Before the swim
"Let's have some fun!"

"Glad the swim is over, now get this bike ride done."

"What a race."

"We deserve a yummy dinner."

On The Home Stretch

2009-04-21T21:45:00.008-06:00

After getting home from our vacation to Florida and the US Virgin Islands we put it into high-gear to finish off the home stretch of school projects, reports, and extracurricular obligations with the kids. I knew that once May came it would all be downhill from there.

In March Chandler and I finished his 54 page autobiography. We put hours and hours into it and it sure paid off. Chandler and I (and yes I mean “I”) got an A+ (528 points out of a possible 450 points.) WOW! Extra credit for our extra effort. But what is even more awesome is that Chandler wrote a wonderful record of his life that he will have forever. (I’m so glad that’s over.)

Ashtyn and I finished her bibliography and oral presentation on Walt Disney, which was due the same day Chandler’s autobiography was due. Then there was the painful preparation for Chandler’s school spelling bee. We studied and restudied words for six weeks. I honestly don’t know how many hours we put into it. The night before the spelling bee we could study no more. We had run out of time and were unable to study the last 200 words. The spelling bee was on April 16th and I just hoped that Chandler would make it to the top 10 so he would feel it was worth all his time studying. As Jason and I watched the spelling bee, one by one students got out. Chandler made it to the top ten and kept going. When he was part of the top five I thought there would be no way he would beat the other four kids. They knew the words well and seemed to be on a roll. Before I knew it Chandler was standing with a 6th grade boy, duking it out for first place. I had to laugh. Word after word was given. I told my neighbor sitting next to me, “Don’t worry, this won’t go on much longer. In five more words there will be bacteriology and that is the last word we studied.” Chandler spelled bacteriology and then he tried to spell accolade, which he hadn’t studied and got wrong. Chandler won 2nd place and could not have been happier. He won a trophy that he wouldn’t let leave his side for two days. The studying was worth every hour we put into it. Chandler knew he did well because of all his hard work and the blessing he got the night before to help him remember what he had studied. (I’m so glad that’s over.)

At the end of March I took a day and painted Chandler’s blue bedroom a different color blue, because the old blue was “lonely and uninviting”. Now his room has three walls of “happy, warm, and welcoming” blue and one gold wall to go with his white ceiling. (Well obviously, because those are BYU colors.) But since I painted Chandler’s room it was only fair to paint the girls’ pink room a different pink. What was wrong with the old pink? "Not dark enough." So I painted one wall dark pink and added dark pink polka dots to another wall that was already light pink. Why not? (I’m so glad that’s over.)

A few days later, after working all night at the hospital, Jason came home and instead of sleeping spent the day putting together a bunk bed for the boys. There is nothing worse then putting furniture together. Now Ethan is out of his crib and on the top bunk. It is like he is still in a crib because he doesn’t know how to get down. I get him out of bed when I am good and ready.

Amidst the chaos we went to Moab for spring break. I love Moab. Each time we go we always try to do the typical things as well as something new. We always go to Arches, the sand hill, and drive up the Colorado River. The new adventure this trip was jeeping and watching the jeep safari culture. Way fun.

A week after spring break I ran my first ½ marathon and honestly had so much fun. A few days before the race I worried a lot about getting injured and whether or not I was ready. I’m so glad I decided to do it. My friend Amber signed up at the very last minute to run with me. She helped pace me and I owe it to her for having a fabulous time.

I can’t believe May is almost here. It seems like just a few weeks ago school started and we were revving our engines up for the many school and extracurricular activities that lay ahead of us. Now that the school year is almost over, looking back I have to say, we got a lot done. But I hope at the end it might be said of us that “their activities did not distract them from the path leading to eternal life.”

Either my kids are really stupid or we are fantastic liars.

2009-03-08T19:20:00.000-06:00

We surprised the kids with a family vacation:

Before Disney World:

We went shopping for summer clothes in 30 degree weather.
I packed for one week and had several suitcases in my room.
For a week the kids had to do double the homework... and didn't wonder why.
Everyone else knew.
A few people asked them, "You're going to be out of town next week, right?" "No."
We told the kids that before school we needed to take their grandma to the airport. "Grandma, it's your lucky day. I wish we were going on vacation."
At the airport we unloaded 6 suitcases. Chandler said, "Mom, I have a dumb question, but why are there so many airplanes." (Don't you think the question should have been something else...?)
After getting them out of the car and backpacks on Morgan said, "Great. We are going to stay here for two hours."
Chandler was upset he was going to miss chorus.
I finally had to repeat a few times.
"Do you want to go on vacation?"
"Really???"
"REALLY!!!"

After Disney World we told the kids we were going to the airport to go home.
We boarded a bus with "Disney Cruise Line" written in huge lettering on the side of the bus.
When boarding a lady said, "Have a great cruise." Jason dismissed her as being crazy.
The 60 minute bus ride had a 60 minute movie about the cruise.
When we got to the cruise terminal Jason said, "We got on the wrong bus. It took us to the cruise instead of the airport. We better go in and figure out how to get a bus back to the airport."
They didn't figure it out until the cruise greeting crew convinced them.

I'm 33 for a moment

2009-02-19T08:50:00.006-07:00

Another year has come and gone.
Looking back I remember elementary school, living in the small, safe town of Park City.
I remember middle school and high school; the tough times of being a teenager and not knowing who I was.
I clearly remember my single college years in Idaho. What a blessing those few years were. I had an amazing time with roommates and friends who were great examples to me.
I remember the eventful years of my twenties that included marriage, graduation, employment, and three children.
With each year and season in life brings experience and growth, failures and regrets, monotony and change, adventure and surprises.

Here are 33 things I will remember when I look back at the time I was 33 for a moment:

·Cancun with Jason, my kids, and other family members brother Jason, McKenzie, Ryland, Martell, and Jen.
·Fabulous adult river trip down Cataract Canyon near Moab with ALL my siblings, their spouses, and my parents.
·Girls trip to St. George and canyoneering in Zions National Park.
·Las Vegas with my family and seeing two of my greatest girlfriends Angie and Janet.
·Buying my first road bike.
·Getting used to my bike by riding the 25 mile Salt Lake Marathon bike tour with Jared and Casey.
·My first triathlon “The Fourth Street Clinic Triathlon and 5 K”. I had 7 friends and 4 family members do the tri and 9 family members do the 5 K including my kids.
·My second triathlon in Provo.
·My third triathlon in Burley Idaho.
·Riding 80 miles in the Little Red Riding Hood bike ride in Logan with family and friends.
·Jason graduated after 12 years of anticipation.
·Pulled off the biggest surprise week to celebrate his graduation.
·Did not quit my job as I was looking forward to doing for nine years. I feel it is the right thing to do for now.
·Started texting.
·Started a blog.
·Started facebooking.
·First year that I did not go to Disneyland since having kids.
·Have a T.V. in our bedroom for the 1st time ever. (Jason's idea.)
·Haven’t gotten sick one time.
·Had the Santa talk with my 9 year-old boy.
·Had the sex talk with my 9 year-old boy. (Chandler's in the stage of wanting to be a man.)
·Had the maturation talk with my 8 year-old girl. (Ashtyn's in the stage of wanting to be a teenager.)
·Had the “you don’t need to like boys and it's fine to still like Barbi's" talk with my 6 year-old girl. (Morgan is in the content stage...so don't listen to your sister.)
·Had the “this is the time out chair “ talk with my 2 year-old boy. (Ethan is in the stage of demanding his own way.)
·Had the “you need to convert to Diet Dr. Pepper” talk with my 34 year-old husband. (Jason is in the slow metabolism stage.)
·Have felt a connection and made great friends in my ward.
·Know the name of every woman in my ward.
·My brother Jared and his wife Nanette moved into a house across the street from me.
·My sister-in-law Trisha, husband Ryan, and their two kids moved into a different house across the street. (This is in addition to my sister-in-law Kristi, her husband Matt, and their kids who live next door.)
·I am comfortable in saying that Jason and I will not be moving from our house for many years to come.
·My marriage is better than ever.
·I feel I am in my prime.
·I’m still trying to improve.

I am now thirty-four and I know it will only be for a moment. I look forward to being on this earth for another 33 years and to then look back and remember my 30's, 40's, and 50's. And then live another 33 years after that.

There are too many things I want to improve on to list, but to sum up, I just hope with each year I am a better person than the last.

Since I only have a hundred years to live on this earth I sure hope I am making the most of it. Dream big and live each and every day because when each season is over I’m going to miss it.

My wonderful friend Lisa reminded me of the most important thing I want to conquer:
"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” Henry James

Two vacations to remember

2009-02-19T08:45:00.001-07:00

CANCUN MEXICO
February 2008

Cataract Canyon Rivertrip
MAY 2008

The 12-day Countdown til 2009

2008-12-30T09:53:00.004-07:00

I started the month with a list; I might as well end the month with a list. “Lists” are kind of my style.

(I recently took a personality test that rated me extremely high on being “conscientious”, “perfectionist”… really? Hum…)

SUNDAY 21st we drove to Kaysville for my nephew Tanner’s birthday party. Good boy, good food, and good people.
MONDAY 22nd night I had my friend Heather and her kids over for dinner and family home evening. It has been 14 years since we were roommates at Rick’s College and 8 years since I last saw her. The second she walked in my door it was as if we were roommates last year. Though so much has changed in both our lives, it seemed as if nothing had changed at all. She is a dear friend of mine who is an example of strength, courage, and faith.
TUESDAY 23rd I cooked a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies for Santa with my good friend Wendy. I have to say it was the best batch of cookies I have ever made. Not too long ago Morgan was so impressed with my sister-in-law Trisha who made homemade cookies. “Wow, my mom doesn’t know how to make cookies.” I sure showed her. Or maybe it wasn’t my fantastic cooking skills but just the pound of sweet butter the recipe called for…who knows.
TUESDAY NIGHT was sub for Santa night. For years my siblings and their spouses picked each other’s names and gave a Christmas gift to that person. Last year we started a tradition that instead of picking names we would put the money together and buy for a family in need. My sister Alisa is a second grade teacher and found out about a few families in need at her school. The families write down some needs and wants, we shop, and then Santa and his little children elves deliver the gifts. Do I tell you this to brag about what “good” people we are? Ahhh… NO. I think it takes a lot more character to be the one receiving than the one giving. I learned from those wonderful families that it takes humility to ask for and receive help. Am I humble enough to receive help when I need it, whatever help that might be? I wonder if I miss out on blessings because I’m not humble enough to receive help.
WEDNESDAY 24th was the Hosenfeld Christmas Eve dinner, “talent” show, and gift giving. It was way fun! The coolest part was finding out my sister Alisa is pregnant with her first baby!

THURSDAY 25th morning Santa came! Five hours after opening Santa’s gifts Chandler asked a very important question. “I saw the XBOX games and Rock Band in the basement a while ago and then they were under the tree. Is Santa for real?” After a heartfelt conversation Chandler now knows that Santa is not a man in a big red suit with reindeer. However Chandler still and hopefully always will believe in the Santa spirit. I still ask, “How did Santa know that you would love that gift?” Chandler answers, “He knows everything.” Chandler is right I do know everything. :)

Jason and my kids spent Christmas day at Jason’s parent’s house. They played games and had a blast. I stayed for a few hours before heading home to nap before working a night shift at the hospital.
FRIDAY 26th night was the extended Poulsen family day after Christmas Party. That’s always a good time. After getting home we had to end the day with a late night dose of Rock Band with my neighbors/family members Jared, Nanette, Matt, and Kristi.
SATURDAY 27th we went sledding. Aren’t humans strange? We hike up a snowy hill, slide down on a sled for 10 seconds, hike back up, slide back down, hike back up…very strange.

After sledding we cooked for Ashtyn's baptism party.

SUNDAY 28th was Ashtyn’s baptism. The coolest part was to see the excitement on her face. She was thrilled.

MONDAY 29th we went ice-skating, another strange thing that humans do. We skate on ice around and around and around and around…

If that wasn’t enough fun for the day we went to the Mayan and waited 1 hour and 47 minutes to get a table. What kind of idiot, besides Jason and me, would wait that long to eat at a stupid restaurant? We did try to bribe the kids out of it. “We can go see any movie you want.” “No. We want the Mayan.” “If we leave, you can go to any other restaurant in the world.” “No, we want the Mayan” Crap!!!

TUESDAY 30th night I am heading to the hospital to spend 12 hours with 2 pound premature babies. It's much more of a blessing to be there than it is work. (Isn't she cute??!!)

WEDNESDAY 31st I’m going to stay home for New Years Eve while Jason works….and then it will be 2009.

I wonder what will fill my calendar in 2009?

As my sister Wendy said, because of my “strong family ties, we will never know loneliness, boredom, or isolation which is so common in a world where most people pride themselves on being independent.”

During 2009 I really need to reach out to those who are lonely, bored, or isolated. I have plenty to share.

Small and Simple Things

2008-12-27T12:58:00.003-07:00

For years I have recognized that for some reason when Chandler is having a good day, when he is happy, obedient, and has the Spirit, I have a good day. When I have a good day the entire family has a good day. (Happy wife, happy life.) I don't know why this phenomenon happens or why Chandler's Spirit affects our family so noticeably.

Last Saturday morning I could tell right away it was going to be an irritable day because Chandler woke up with a punk attitude.
At 10:00 a.m. we headed out the door to take our turn cleaning the church building.

TIME LINE:
10:04 I dragged Chandler into the church by his ear, (back, cheek, and whatever else I could pinch) and said sternly, "every time you're a punk you get 30 minutes in your room." (Now that's a stiff penalty, but I'd already had it with him.)
10:05 he walked into the church, sat on a chair, and moped.
10:08 I handed him a cloth and Windex and asked if he would wash all the windows.
10:09 his heart really wasn't into it.
10:22 Chandler was working hard in the chapel helping the men vacuum.
10:40 I asked Chandler if he wanted me to take over vacuuming the benches. He wanted to finish it himself.
10:55 Chandler headed out of the church a new boy. He was happy, nice, and had the Spirit.

(It would have taken us longer to clean our half of the building but Ron, the father of the family that cleaned with us, got to the church earlier than our appointed time, cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed--he's awesome!!)

After getting home I asked Chandler why he was so different. He knew it was because he served.

Isn't it amazing that less than an hour worth of service brought the Spirit to our family? But if you think about it, it really comes as no surprise.

"Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart."

"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

There is obviously no better way to have the Spirit than through service. I hope to do more of it this coming year!

The Twelve Doings and Deeds of December

2008-12-20T03:32:00.010-07:00

12 times I’ve wondered if we are going to get around to sending Christmas cards this year…
the answer is NO.
11 really restless nights.
December has brought a bout of insomnia for no reason.

10 activities I don’t have on my schedule for two weeks!!!
Spelling, math, piano, hockey, gymnastics, ballet, jazz, ski school, chorus, theatre class.
9 Christmas activities we have done so far this month.
Watching Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Enrichment Christmas dinner, Ward Christmas breakfast, riding light rail to see the lights on Temple Square, the Fairbanks’ Family Fun Christmas party, watching Polar Express, going to Heber for the Polar Express, annual sub for Santa shopping with my mom and siblings, dinner and movie (Scrooged) with friends.

8 Christmas art pieces taped to my refrigerator.

7 people on my roof and 700 nails that blew off my roof.
6 X 10 hours a week that Jason has been working.
5 Christmas performances:
Chandler’s chorus, Ashtyn’s “studio kids”, Morgan’s kindergarten sing, Ashtyn’s jazz dance, and Morgan’s ballet dance.

4 days a week that I continue to try to exercise.
3 days Jason has had off of work this month.
2 year old that is proving the “terrible two” theory is FOR REAL.

1 thought that keeps crossing my mind… I believe in the Christmas Spirit.

-the Spirit of Christ-

I love Christmas time when I get to see the world feel Christ’s Spirit. I don’t feel the Spirit all the time but I sure love it when I do. For the last couple of weeks I haven’t felt the Christmas Spirit much. But no worries…I’m just remembering the times I have felt the Spirit and holding on to those memories until I get to feel it again. For me Christmas is always a good time to remember and renew my efforts to feel the Spirit more often.

President Monson has said, "As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas Spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always."

Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" declares at last, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach."

I hope to do the same.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

2008-11-29T11:37:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving day was full of activities that involved the three top things I am grateful for: my religion, my family, and my health.

HEALTH

The day started at 7 a.m. when I joined my father in law and three sisters in law, Kristi, Trisha, and Aubri for our second annual one-hour Thanksgiving cycle class at the Cottonwood Recreation Center. How is it possible to laugh during a sweaty, heart pumping cycle class? The Poulsens never have a problem finding things funny.
After the class Brittany, another sister in law, and I ran the Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving 5 K.

I am so grateful for my heath and body that allows me to do such activities.

FAMILY

At noon I went with Jason and my kids to my mother and father in law’s house for a delicious lunch. All of Jason’s sisters and their families were there and Jason’s Grandpa and Grandma. I enjoyed eating, talking, and relaxing with such fun people.
After lunch I went home for a 45-minute nap and then Jason, the kids, and I were off to my sister Wendy’s house in Kaysville to have dinner with her husband and kids, my mom, dad, brother Jared, and his wife Nanette. It was a small group this year because my other siblings were taking their Thanksgiving turn with their in laws. It was such a pleasant evening as we ate, talked, and played cards together.
The day really wasn’t full of spectacular events. It was a wonderfully simple day full of family time.

I am grateful for my in laws who have always been extremely kind and loving to me.
I am grateful for my parents, siblings, and their families. We all get along wonderfully and would do anything for each other.
Including Jason’s and my family we have 33 members. I am grateful we all live in Utah and see each other on a regular basis.
I am grateful for a wonderful husband and four very good kids. I really enjoy being around my entire family.

RELIGION

“Religion is not a thing apart from life.”--Marion D. Hanks

I am grateful that I know where I came from, why I am here, and where I hope to go. This knowledge makes everything, including Thanksgiving, more meaningful. Everything I have is because of a loving Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. Everything I am grateful for is because of Them.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-26T21:22:00.001-07:00

What's your passion?

2008-11-22T13:08:00.008-07:00

Everyone has different interests in life. Some people might be passionate about skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, rock climbing, basketball, soccer, or golf. Other passions may be reading, traveling, computers, music, art, crafts, cooking, shopping, or an occupation. My family has different interests depending on the season.

One of our passions is football.
WHY ARE WE FOOTBALL FANS???

JASON: Simple

He loves watching the competition and strategy of the game. It is suspenseful and fun to watch.

CHANDLER: Two Reasons

1. Chandler’s most influential hero and role model is his dad. He respects Jason and has been around Jason's influence his entire life. At the age of nine Chandler wants to go on a mission, be a good husband, and become an anesthesiologist. When Chandler becomes older he may choose a different role model but for now he naturally wants to be like his dad. Hence Chandler loves football and particularly BYU football…just like his dad.
2. After playing his first season, Chandler’s love for football increased dramatically. I think playing not only helped him understand the game but also gave him a chance to understand how great it feels when you work hard at something. The only way he could explain why he likes football was, “there are more hard times than fun times but it teaches you how to be a man.”

SUZANNE: I’m a football mom
This will sound dramatic, but during football season Chandler had never in his life worked so physically hard and sacrificed so much. There were many activities Chandler missed out on because of football, including flying home early (and alone) from our vacation in Vegas so he could make it to his game. There were also a lot of tears throughout the season because it was hard.

Jason and I put Chandler into football for the same reasons mentioned by his coach in an e-mail written to all the parents at the end of the season.
“The odds of any of our players playing college football are slim and playing in the NFL even slimmer, but they will need to understand the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and courage in their youth and in life in order to succeed. Hopefully, they have gained some of these attributes by playing with this team.”

Chandler’s coaches were successful in teaching important lessons about sacrifice, teamwork, and courage. I think Chandler will carry these lessons with him throughout life and they will help build his character.

HARD WORK

TEAMWORK
COURAGE
FUN
Now go and embrace your own passions and learn from them.
It's one of the great blessings of living.

A Halloween crime story

2008-11-02T08:15:00.001-07:00

THE SCENE:
It was 5:45 p.m. on Halloween. We just got home from Jason's parents' house where we ate our yearly, delicious Halloween dinner that consists of homemade soup, homemade bread sticks, and homemade pie. Yum!!!!

Trick-or-treating was going to begin soon. Everyone was happy and ready to go.

After the picture was taken the kids went inside and messed around in the front room while waiting a few minutes for their cousins and uncles.
I sat at the computer to pay bills. (Who pays bills on Halloween night?)
Jason was in the kitchen saying to the kids, "you guys need to calm down."
Chandler put his trick-or-treat pillow case over his head and was playing with Ethan when the crime happened.

THE PERPETRATOR: Don't let him fool you, he's not as innocent as he looks...

THE WITNESSES: The Hannah Montana on the left (as opposed to the Hannah Montana in the middle and to the right).

AND the blue butterfly princess. (I don't think she looks like a butterfly.)

THE VICTIM: and maybe a bit of a provoker.

THE ACCOMPLICE: who decided ON Halloween day to put up the decorations and therefore the weapon.

THE WEAPON: A five inch man. (Why is he a Halloween decoration???)

THE ACTION:
Ethan threw the weapon at the "pillowcase" that was bugging him. The weapon happened to hit the face that was inside the pillowcase. Chandler wondered why there were beads all of a sudden in his mouth. He was horrified to discover that the "beads" were his teeth. After seeing his teeth, or lack thereof, all Chandler could say was, "WHY Ethan, WHY??!!"

THE CONSEQUENCE:
Chandler: He didn't feel up to going trick-or treating so he stayed home. This week he gets two root canals and two fillings. When he is older he'll get two crowns. (And not the crowns that most kids want.)
Ethan: NOTHING. He is two. He is the youngest. And he gets away with almost everything.

THE CONCLUSION:
The next day, though his two front teeth were partially missing and he had two exposed nerves, Chandler left at 7 a.m. for his football playoff game and later that day played in his hockey game.

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-10-27T14:15:00.002-06:00

We had an enjoyable four days in Las Vegas over fall break.

(October 15th- 19th)

Our kids had never been to Vegas except for the "In N' Out Burger" on the way to California. They didn't know what to expect. Before we hit the Strip we explained a little about the tourism scene of Vegas. We told them that they would likely see inappropriate billboards and a bunch of other stuff they aren't used to seeing in Salt Lake :) . What were they to do in these situations? Look away. "Though there is a lot of evil on the Strip there is also fun things to look at." It was inspiring to watch as they were in the world but not of the world. Each time they saw something inappropriate they looked away and found something cool to look at.

I'm impressed with today's young children. I think kids these days are stronger than we were at their age. They are smarter, kinder, more faithful, more valiant, more aware, and more prepared. It's a blessing to be on the earth at this time and I have no doubt today's children can handle the world and the life that is ahead of them.

Swimming at the hotel

Watching a diver feed sting rays at the Silverton Casino

Circus Circus

Game Works- next door to MGM

We spent hours there. Jason and Chandler could not get enough.

I'm not a good dancer so this took a lot of concentration.

Excalibur:

We went to a dinner show called "Tournament of Kings" where you are served dinner to be eaten with your hands as you watch knights joust. Chandler cheered so loud he lost his voice.

We played games afterwards.

M & M Store

Coca Cola Store

Rainforest Cafe at the MGM

THE STRIP

Bellagio Fountain

While there we had an awesome afternoon spending time with Angie and Pascal. They took us to the most delicious pizza restaurant ever... Metro Pizza...soooo good.

We also had fun hanging with the Shumways. We ate at the Siverton buffet with Janet and her kids. After Aaron upgraded his satellite television we watched the BYU game which was a sad loss and spent a night playing the card game Eucre which was also a sad loss for me and Jason.

Our kids want to know, "when are we going back to Vegas?!!"

Where are we headed?

2008-10-22T21:57:00.002-06:00

You guys know I don’t post on here very often. I post when something means a lot to me. Well something means a lot to me at this point in my life and I need to speak about it. This will guaranteed be a long post, so move on if you aren’t into long ones!

Suzanne and I see blogging not just as a way for people to get a glimpse into our life, but mostly as a type of “online journal” that someday our kids will be able to look back at. Scrapbooking for the 21st century without having to buy all that acid free bull crap paper and silly scissors. (I apologize to the scrapbookers out there, I’m sure yours are beautiful!) As far as the online journal goes, I really want my kids someday to look back and see how their dad felt about an important topic, and which side of the fence he sat on. Look at this post as if you were listening in to the conversation I would have with my kids if they were a little older and understood these topics, although I am sure they understand a lot right now. If you are offended I am sorry, this is how I feel.

The issue: Politics and Religion—here we go!!!!

I assume that all of you know my wife and I are LDS (Mormon) unless there are random people we don’t even know looking at this blog, which is unlikely but possible. I want to make sure that is known up front so you can see where I am coming from. Some people would say religion and politics are not connected, but the God I believe in says all things are temporal and spiritual and so I believe politics are intensely spiritual by their nature. By the end of this I will tell you who will get my vote for president. I voted for George Bush in the last two elections, and I have been disappointed in how things have gone. He has let me down as a social and fiscal conservative. I think he missed a huge opportunity to accomplish great good for our country and the world, and it is a shame.

I am going to choose to ignore the issue of the environment and whether or not global warming is something caused by man. I do this for the following reason: It is nowhere near the most important issue facing our country right now. Instead I will discuss a few of what I consider to be the more pressing issues at this time.

Let me start by telling you what I believe about this country. Most of my beliefs about it are tied directly to the teachings of my church. This is because I have grown up as a Mormon and have a testimony that the church is correct in its teachings. I believe this country is a direct result of God’s direction and inspiration to the founders of this country. The constitution was directed by Him (D & C 101:77, 80). Because I believe this to be true, I believe the rights allowed us as citizens in that document to be rights given by God. These rights do not come from “constitutional scholars” or politicians. God gave them to us. If you haven’t read the constitution lately, please do it again with your children, teach them about it and what it says.

Unfortunately, many politicians today seem to be moving further and further away from what I believe to be a sacred document. Government is intruding more and more in the lives of us as a people making it more difficult to be free. People who take a risk and succeed in life are punished by paying excessive taxes, and they are told it is just “their fair share” and will make them “feel more patriotic.” (see Joe Biden).

I will use this opportunity to say I have worked my &*% off to get where I am today and I am offended by those statements. I grew up in a family that would be considered by most to be lower middle or upper lower class. I earned a scholarship for college by studying like crazy in high school, I skipped countless activities in school to study instead and now finally have achieved my goal of my desired profession. I chose it. I could have chosen to have fun and perhaps now have a job that provided less for my income. My choice either way. Don’t punish me for it. I know God couldn’t care less (side note: always been a pet peeve when I hear someone say “I could care less” instead of “I couldn’t care less”) what job any of us have or how much money we make. He has so many more important things to worry about, like whether or not we are doing a good job as a spouse, parent, and neighbor. However, I do believe he wants us to be happy in doing whatever job we choose (and I include the job of Mother as the most difficult, important, and noble job in the world) and I do not believe God has ever punished someone for working hard. His own tax plan is fair, although he goes even further by making tithing OPTIONAL, something I am definitely not promoting for government.

Well that briefly covers my attitude about taxes and where I believe God stands. Don’t punish people who work hard, it makes them want to work less.

This seems like a good transition point to the idea that “Jesus was a liberal.” I have heard that before, often from people in my church who believe in liberal ideals. They often cite references to the scriptures about Jesus’ life and how He cared for people. He did help the downtrodden, maimed, weak, possessed, even dead! I agree and believe this to be true, but the question is how did He help them? I don’t recall the reference where Jesus said “government should help the downtrodden.” Please let me know where that one is. It seems to me His teaching was that PEOPLE should help PEOPLE if they choose to do so, and PEOPLE should often help themselves out of their situation. (Remember the man who had to go wash HIMSELF to be healed of leprosy? Why did he have to do any of the work, why didn’t God just heal him on the spot????)

If Jesus was a liberal (and I don’t believe He was), why isn’t He a liberal now? This will be the point in my post where I make liberal Mormons angry, but that is just how I feel. The church provides welfare to people throughout the world and also locally. Mormon “helping hands,” not Mormon “hand outs.” The church works along side people helping them through tragedy, but also teaches people the value of working for themselves and lifting themselves up. If a Bishop gives assistance to a family, they are expected to use that assistance to work in some way for what they receive, overcome their problem and not have it happen again by being smarter and working harder in the future. (We are saved by grace, AFTER ALL WE CAN DO. 2 Nephi 25:23)

The LDS church does not make any statements as to how people in the church should vote politically, except in the cases of moral issues it deems to be important. However, most people would agree that the majority of active Mormons would consider themselves conservative. (I am going to assume an 80% conservative rate, just for the sake of argument, although I would guess it is closer to 90%.) Why are they conservative? Is that just by dumb luck? Why is it such a majority? If there is a right and wrong choice, who is more likely to be correct? If Jesus believes abortion is wrong and men should only marry women would He support people who don’t? Could I stand in front of Christ and say “you have it wrong….they love each other, what’s the big deal about them getting married? It was a bad time in her life and she just couldn’t have dealt with the baby, aborting it was the right thing, and good thing we had legal abortion huh?” Are you kidding me? Believe me I have many things in my life to be embarrassed and ashamed about in front of my Maker but there is no way I will stand in front of Him and say I supported people who took those views. I believe in living prophets, and living prophets have been extremely clear on these two topics….it is wrong and we shouldn’t support it. By extension we shouldn’t support candidates who do. I know, I know, “but I have gay friends” you might say. Well so do I, but that doesn’t make it right. God loves gays, I agree. But if God and His prophet tell me to fight against gay marriage I am willing to do it. Easy as that. If that includes supporting Proposition 8 in California then fine with me. God said to.

The Book of Mormon is a true book, and we can learn lessons from it for our day. I won’t go into the specifics but I refer you to the story about the Freemen and Kingmen…who is who in today’s politics? Why do so many people today want to give more and more power to the government, rather than leaving the power where it should be, with the people? Remember WE THE PEOPLE? Who are the terrorists in the Book of Mormon stories?

This is already way too long, and I could go on forever on these and many other topics, but let me summarize a bit.

God created this planet.

God designed this country and was directly involved in its organization.

I love this country and am willing to fight for what I think is right, including (and not to be dramatic) with my own life if I need to.

Protecting this country from evil is in the best interest of God, His church, and us as his children.

The free market and a democratic republic as organized by the founding fathers are better than socialism.

Politicians are taking away the ideals of this country by cleverly disguising them in the name of “Tolerance” and “Freedom” and “Choice.”

Politicians have way too much power and are intruding more and more on our lives as citizens, over taxing, over spending, and dictating how my money should be spent.

Moral issues such as gay marriage and abortion have been clearly discussed by prophets who speak to God, and they have asked us to fight against these as evils.

If Jesus was a liberal, He isn’t now, and He isn’t real big on the switching back and forth thing, He seems to be a “same now and forever” kind of guy.

Although “progressives” see the “sheep mentality” as bad, Jesus himself described us as His sheep. Perhaps looking to the prophets and the majority of active Mormons for guidance has less of a chance of steering us the wrong direction than going against the grain would. Ask yourselves what is it about Obama that makes him so attractive to the people in Hollywood? If any one group of people go completely against me in everything I believe about God it is them. That is one group of sheep I don’t want to be caught dead with! Also, I think it is a fair question to ask yourself who President Monson will and will not be voting for. He is a man who talks to God and sees the future. I think he votes accordingly, and chooses candidates he feels are the most likely to promote the work of God. Is that Obama?

I don’t want our country taken away from us by liberal ideals.

In two weeks we will have the chance to vote for president of the United States. Was Jesus wrong when he wrote the constitution? Was that just too old school? I want my kids to know that in 2008, when the economy was bad, the terrorists (gadianton robbers) were at our doorstep, and the politicians (kingmen) were promoting their ideals and their power, I DID NOT vote for Barack Obama. He will likely win the election, but I want them to know it wasn’t with my support. So my vote is NOT BARACK OBAMA. Please don’t assume by this I am voting for John McCain…I agree with him on his moral stands and his military/foreign policy, but his economics stink like a big pile of liberal over spending. All of this puts me in a position where I will most likely be voting but not for either of the two “big party” candidates.

May God continue to bless the USA like he has in the past. I hope we are not heading down the wrong side of the Book of Mormon cycle, but I fear we are. Too many people are being pacified and led to believe our founding fathers had it wrong all along.

I didn't know I sang

2008-10-09T08:35:00.002-06:00

A few days after my last post was published I watched this video from my good friend Janet's blog. I had to watch it a couple times to get all the words. The song goes along so well with my last post and describes my days remarkably accurately. I smiled. I laughed. Got a little choked up. And it felt good to know that maybe I'm not as abnormal as I thought I was.

From feeling dead in the morning, pushing the snooze button three times, praying for help to not pull out my hair as I get revved up for the day. Captain Crunch for breakfast, plopping Ethan in front of Sesame Street- a small price to pay for my sanity. Dishes, laundry, scrubbing the floor, bathrooms, vacuuming, the thought "I really should hire help" crossing my mind :), errands, paying the bills, e-mailing, blogging, diaper changing, homework, lessons, taking friends home, picking kids up, pizza for dinner... and at the end of the day when Jason asks, "what did you do today?", a common response is "just the usual".

This is Hilary Weeks, an LDS song writer who performs at women conferences across the country. (I got to see her four years ago at a conference in Spokane). I think she wrote this song for me :)

I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!!!

Thanks Janet for the song.

I'm in my groove

2008-10-04T10:21:00.005-06:00

September started the season of school and having a schedule. I will admit, I don't mind having a scheduled life. There is nothing wrong with knowing exactly where I will be at any given hour of any given day. Spontaneity... who needs it?

Alarm goes off every morning at 7:15 a.m.
Kids off to school at 8:20 a.m.

Mondays: Go to the gym for two hours (pilates & weight lifting), leave just in time to pick up Morgan from kindergarten, shower, clean up. Chandler and Ashytn get home from school at 3:30, tackle homework, reading, piano practicing, and football or hockey practice for Chandler. At 8 p.m. I swim at the rec. center with my neighbors and Jason wraps up the night with the kids.

Tuesdays: Get Chandler off to school early for chorus, clean the house, go to the gym for one hour (cycle class), get home and shower just in time for a Relief Society meeting. Kids get home from school and immediately leave to take Ashtyn and her friend Lucy to gymnastics. Homework, piano, dinner, and cross my fingers for a 9 p.m. bedtime.

Wednesdays: Go to the gym for two hours (weight lifting & treadmill running), shower, possible lunch with Mom, Wendy, and Jen. As soon as Chandler and Ashtyn get home from school we are off to Morgan's ballet from 4-5 p.m. and Ashtyn's Jazz dance from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Jared or Kristi help out getting Chandler to football that starts at 6:00 p.m. After getting home the nightly routine begins. The night can not end without "Wednesday Women's Night" which simply means that Ashtyn, Morgan, and I lay in one of the girls beds and we talk...ya know... like about who is in love with who, and who said what about what....

Thursdays: Early morning chorus for Chandler, gym for one hour (cycle class), get caught up around the house and errands. Morgan leaves at 3 p.m. with my neighbor Wendy for gymnastics, Ashtyn stays an hour later at school for "studio kids"-singing and acting. At 4:30 I pick up Ashtyn from school, drive 20 min to pick up Morgan from gymnastics at 5:00 p.m. Get Chandler to piano at 5:30-6:00, scouts from 6:00- 7:00 and Ashtyn to piano at 6:00-6:30 p.m. By the end of the night we have to make sure Chandler and Ashtyn know all their spelling words and math facts for Friday's tests!

Fridays: Chandler goes to school early for student council rep. meeting. Ashtyn and Morgan get off to school on their scooters and Ethan and I leave to the gym for two hours (pilates & treadmill running). The running class I take is at the same time Morgan gets out of kindergarten so my mom has been awesome about picking Morgan up from school!!! Chandler and Ashtyn get home at 1:50 p.m. Morgan has "Up with kids" (music/theatre class) from 3-4 p.m., Ashtyn has "Up with kids" from 4-5 p.m., and Chandler has football from 5-7 p.m. "Let's do something fun after football!"

Saturdays: Chandler has a football game AND a hockey game each Saturday. Saturday evening and night is "chill and do whatever you want at home night" for Jason and the kids. I leave for work at 6:30 p.m.

Sundays: I get home from work at 8:00 a.m., nap until 11:30, go to church at 12:30 p.m., get home at 3:30 p.m., have a family dinner at my parents' or Jason's parents' house. We have to get home early and go to bed because the next day is Monday...the start to another eventful, fun filled week!!!

Who says we're over scheduled???

The schedule is actually working out really well. So far it seems we are all in the groove and life is good. (I try to keep my "flipping out" moments to a minimum.)

My hope is in a few years my kids will pick their ONE TRUE extracurricular LOVE, hopefully not several and hopefully nothing naughty.

I would like to take this opportunity to express feelings of gratitude. I would like to thank my reliable and very dirty minivan for driving 6 1/2 hours a week, my washer and dryer for doing 21 loads of laundry a week, the inventor of ponytail holders that allow me to "do" my hair in 18 seconds, (I splurge by styling my hair twice a week...tops), my almost always content and pleasant two year old side-kick, and the beautiful weather we had in September. Thanks also to Jared, Kristi, and Wendy H for helping in the taxi department and to Jen and my mom who are always willing to give a helping hand to my active family. Thanks to Jason who is a very helpful, hands on father and partner. He assists by doing whatever he is asked to do...that is often a lot of cleaning, laundry folding, and taxi driving.

I have thought about priorities and wanting to make sure I don't forget the IMPORTANT activities of life. These responsibilities should be on my schedule as well.

President Hinckley gave us great advice about prioritizing. He said, “You have to establish in your life some sense of prioritizing things, of giving emphasis to the important things and of laying aside the unimportant things that will lead to nothing. Establish a sense of justice, a sense of what is good and what is not good, what is important and is not important; and that can become a marvelous and wonderful blessing in your lives.”

We have discovered a few techniques for us that have been working pretty well so far...

1. Every morning read scriptures to kids while they eat breakfast. (I LOVE TO MULTITASK).

2. Say a prayer together right before the kids head out the door.

3. Jason reads me the scriptures before we go to bed. ---My time to relax :)

4. I found the best time to go to the temple is on a weekday morning when Jason has the day off.

AND in writing this I have discovered the perfect time for us to have FHE...so

5. Friday night will be our designated FHE night.

Hey!!! I'm a scheduler. If it's not on my written or mental agenda it doesn't get done.

She's a believer

2008-09-14T22:36:00.007-06:00

This is a letter written by Ashtyn after the Tooth Fairy

did a no show two nights in a row.

She was so excited that the Tooth Fairy wrote back.

(little blue pen hand writing)

There are a few words that you could use to describe Ashtyn. Some may use the words gullible, naive, ditsy, or air headed. I'll just call her trusting.

She always has been.

When Ashtyn was a bit younger her uncle Casey told her that she should put her gum in her hair. "OK."

A week ago my kids slept at my parents' house. The next day I asked Ashtyn what she did with Grandpa and Grandma. "We played tennis, and on the way back to their house (1 mile away) there were all these detours (4 miles worth) that lead us to McDonald's... (weird)."

The other day Chandler and Ashtyn were talking about how good the school orange chicken lunch was. Ashtyn informed us, "Did you know that it's not really chicken, it's squid. The lunch worker told me."

I tried to explain to Ashtyn that sometimes people lie, sometimes people are kidding, and sometimes people are telling the truth. Sincerely she asked, "But how can I tell the difference?"

I love the innocence and sweetness of Ashtyn. She reminds me that people believe what they hear so it's best to speak kindly.

Summer has come and gone already

2008-09-01T09:57:00.007-06:00

Does anyone besides me feel like we got robbed this past summer? It didn't warm up from our nine month winter until June 9th. There was no spring. The less the 3 month summer went by so fast I wasn't sure summer even existed. I had to look at my June, July, and August pictures... they proved that YES, though it flew by, summer 2008 did indeed exist. Short and sweet.

SWIMMING

Morgan

LAGOON TWO TIMES

Tidal Wave

Ethan's first day...

second day he got the hang of it

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Uintahs -Teapot Lake

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Morgan dunking Chandler on the 24th of July

ROCK CLIMBING

Thank you Casey and Alisa!!!

Jason and Chandler

Morgan

CAMPING

Driving to the Uintahs

Lily Lake campground

Playing hide and go seek in the trees

exploring in the dark

TIME AT HOME

Life is all fun when you're one

2008-08-26T22:25:00.000-06:00

Girls just want to have fun

2008-08-21T08:32:00.011-06:00

As the saying goes, "there's a first time for everything". That is one way I can describe last weekend.

IT WAS MY FIRST TIME:

going on a girls vacation with friends since my single college days. (I spent 2 1/2 days with Amber, Nicki, Wendy, and Kristi. We drove to St. George and spent two nights at a time share condo that Amber was able to get.)

canyoneering. (We went to Zion's National Park and canyoneered through Pine Creek- a beautiful, narrow canyon. It consisted of six rappels, the longest one was a 100 foot free hanging rappel. The canyon was very wet due to frequent flash floods this year. We swam from one rappel to the next, and each rappel landed in a pool of water. We were so grateful for our wet suits...that water was cold! Amber and Kristi did a great job keeping us alive, as they were in charge of the technical skills. It was an awesome eight hour experience. We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.)

doing the Chinese fire drill, (yes we are all in our thirties and forties.)

I have been around friends who talked like teenagers since I was an actual teenager. (It's best not to elaborate.)

eating two nights in a row at Outback Steakhouse.

posing for pictures in a local's front yard that was xeriscaped with wire sculptures.

being mooned by my sister in law while talking on the phone to Jason. (Was that too much information?)

enjoying a magic show from a very nice grandpa at the local Wendy's in Beaver. He made salt disappear and then reappear, he had coins change while Amber was holding them tight in her hands, he asked us each to pick a number and then read our minds of what number we each picked. Why did the grandpa do magic tricks for us? I guess he saw five girls who were wrapping up a youthful weekend.

During the weekend I learned more than just how to canyoneer. Those awesome girls reminded me that no matter how "old" you are, enjoy being young once in awhile.

Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy adventures.

I've often said the phrase, "what's the point?". It's fun to do things...even when there IS NO POINT.

It's ok to yell, "again, again!!!" when you think a magic trick is pretty cool.

Sing a song at the top of your lungs, even though you've never had voice lessons. It sounds really good if you're confident and having fun. (We sang a beautiful harmonizing version of "doe a deer, a female deer" in the echoing canyon while rappelling into a nasty pool of water.)

"Jinx, you owe me a Coke" never goes out of style.

There's nothing wrong with getting old, but you always have to stay young at heart.

watching Kristi rappel at the left

me rappelling

there was plenty of water

taking a break

We made it out alive!!!

What was I thinking?

2008-08-13T15:42:00.005-06:00

If you are employed at Child Protective Services, do not read this. If you are not employed at CPS please do not turn me in.

Ethan cheated death two times this week despite my stupidity.

1. Friday Jen took my van and all the nieces and Chandler to an early dinner. The plan was for me to meet them at 6 p.m., three blocks away at the elementary school where football practice was. Since Jen had my van and the car seat, I plopped a 22 month old, unrestrained child in the back seat of Jen's Subaru and headed to the school. As I was stopped at a stop sign, waiting to turn on the road the school is on, Ethan opened the back door. Yah….not too smart. We all know what could have happened. Ethan could have easily chosen to open that door a few seconds before or after when the car was moving. It’s hard to think about.

2. Tuesday, after a two-hour football practice, there was a parent/coach meeting. I thought it was going to be a quick meeting telling us the etiquette rules for a football game. Like, not yelling at the refs, no profanity, no punching or stabbing… things of that nature. I told the kids to walk 100 yards to the car, get Ethan in his car seat, and buckle up. It ended up that the meeting consisted of everything we needed to know about the coaches and what to expect during the season. 40 minutes later I walked to the car and found all the kids happily playing at the playground located directly in front of my car. I was so glad they weren’t miserable waiting for me. As we were loading the car Chandler said, “Ethan almost got hit by a car. A model airplane crashed in the parking lot and Ethan ran to get it. I ran after him and luckily the guy stopped.” Did you just cringe like I did? On top of that, Ethan was basically playing for 40 minutes "supervised" by an inexperienced, barely nine year old "babysitter".

Lucky??? I think not.

There are many blessing that I am regularly thankful for. One of them is safety. I am frequently amazed at the miracle of safety. I know there are tragedies surrounding us but so far my family has been protected, including parents, siblings, nieces and nephews on both Jason's side and mine. I once again thank my Heavenly Father for safety.

How many times do you think you have “cheated” death?

What would I do without this kid?

IV fluids anyone???

2008-08-10T02:24:00.011-06:00

Two weeks ago Morgan got very sick. She had a high fever, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Suzanne spent two days doing her best to take care of her. Morgan doesn't complain much, even when she is sick. She kept a barf bucket nearby and spent two days on the couch. While at work Suzanne called me to let me know that Morgan wasn't getting any better. She hadn't eaten for 2 1/2 days and threw up any liquids given to her. Of course Morgan would eventually get better but we knew if we could hydrate her the recovery would happen much quicker.

At the hospital bags of IV fluid are prepared for use on patients, but many times they are not used before they expire and expired fluid is thrown away. I brought a bag of fluid home that was going to expire. Suzanne talked with Morgan about whether or not she wanted an IV. Suzanne told Morgan that she didn't have to have an IV but that it would help her. "Your stomach doesn't want water so Dad would put the water in your vein and I promise it will help you feel better." Morgan has always been able to trust me and Suz if we explain things to her. (Like when we told her she should go on "The Bat" ride at Lagoon. Even though it looks scary we knew she'd like it. She trusted us and now it's her favorite ride). Anyway, we told her it would hurt a little bit but not as bad as a shot. As she layed on the couch she was a little scared but wanted more than anything to not be sick, so she agreed to an IV. I used a little local anesthetic which was the only painful part and then started the IV. As I was getting the needle in the vein Chandler and Ashtyn both watched with wide eyes. "Does that hurt Morgan? You're brave, I would never let Dad do that to me." Morgan laid perfectly still in Suzanne's arms, never looking at what I was doing. After I had the IV in her hand we laid her on a blanket on the ground, hooked her up to the fluid, and hung the bag on a door with a hanger. When the fluid was all in I took out the IV and gave her a priesthood blessing that she would soon feel better. Thirty minutes later Morgan was in her room with Chandler and Ashtyn watching a movie on the laptop. The next morning Morgan woke up perfectly healthy and starving.

I'm sure the blessing was a big reason she felt better, but I can't help but feel extremely grateful that I have a job where I can help my family when they are sick. It was really a neat experience for me, and I'm glad she trusted me to do it for her.

So, the next time any of you are sick and need an IV, give me a call and I'll be happy to stick a needle into you. I promise it won't hurt me a bit. :)

There's a new man in the house

2008-08-05T23:30:00.005-06:00

Chandler started his first season of football Monday, July 28th. Football practice is every day from 6-8 p.m. The first three days they did a lot of running. Thursday morning he woke up in pain…his legs were really sore. He cried going up and down stairs. He cried getting in and out of the car. He cried sitting down and standing up. He cried because he didn’t want his legs sore, he wanted his arms sore, “because that means my arms are getting stronger.”

Thursday they started using pads. That night as he was going to bed I asked him how he felt about starting football. Very thoughtfully he said, “ I feel like a man now.” Friday and Monday the coaches really worked on hitting hard with a lot of blocking and tackling drills. They were trying to get the kids to understand that it’s a good thing to be an “animal.” They kept yelling at them to stay low, be fast, and push hard. Towards the end of Monday practice the coaches were having a little meeting discussing team placement. Without the coaches around the kids were having some fun driving and tackling. It didn’t take long before the biggest kid in the group landed on Chandler. He began frantically crying and was in a lot of pain. When practice was over we took him to the doctor’s office. An X Ray showed Chandler had a broken wrist! Really???? Three days of wearing pads and he’s already hurt???

30 seconds before getting hurt

He's the kid on top...next picture would have been him on the bottom.

Well, now that Chandler is a “man” football must go on, injury or not. Chandler will continue to go to every practice, do any drills he can, and hopefully learn a lot from watching the other kids. He can’t do any hitting until this Friday when they will exchange his splint for a cast.

Bad news: He’ll have his cast on for four weeks, getting it off after his first football game.
Good news: He’ll have his cast on for four weeks, getting it off after the first week of school.

At the doctors office…
Dr: “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Chandler: “Yes.”
Dr: “Sweet!”
(Chandler has LOVED Caroline since 1st grade but it has never been reciprocated.)
Dr: “Wait till she sees you with a cast, she’ll really like you after seeing this battle wound.”

Not surprisingly this made any pain Chandler was feeling seem a lot less than before, and he has been excited ever since. It is funny how Jason has been telling Chandler all summer how hard football is going to be and how tough you have to be to play, and he gets hurt after only a few days of practice. I guess this is just one of the challenges you have when you have a new man in the house.

SPUDMAN

2008-07-26T20:06:00.014-06:00

I’ve been told that when you try something new you have to do it three times before you know if you like it or not. The Spudman triathlon was my third triathlon and I loved it! I enjoyed it much more than the first two, which is weird because it is double the distance, (0.9 mile down stream swim, 24-mile bike ride, and 6 mile run). Driving to the race this morning I was not excited and wondered if triathlons were really my thing…I think they might be! The Spudman was so much more fun than I thought it would be. I really had a good time. My body wasn’t shocked by the activity and time seemed to go by very fast.

The 18 min swim down the snake river wasn’t bad at all. I owe it all to my buoyant, warm wetsuit and the river current.

The 1 hour 16 min bike ride was a mostly flat loop around Idaho potato farmland. I’m so happy I didn’t fall or get my first flat tire.

The 58 min run was on an enjoyable course and surprisingly my favorite part of the race. Half of it was on a little dirt road and half was on paved country roads. Some of the locals were so kind as to have their sprinklers on to run through. One girl had her hose on spraying eager runners as they went by. They even had an old fire truck spraying creek water in the air.

My favorite part about racing was seeing how excited Jason was for me. He was so supportive and proud of me for just doing it. It was so comforting having him there when I started the swim. While I was swimming he walk to where I got out of the river and watched me get on my bike. When I was done biking he was at the transitional area as I got my running shoes on and cheered as I left. And of course he was waiting eagerly at the finish line.

My brother Jared was at each transition as well, supporting me and his wife Nanette. Jason had a great time hanging with Jared and they both made it clear that, while we were racing, it was tough work being out in the sun, walking around, sitting in lawn chairs, drinking cold water, and taking pictures. Next year they might step it up a little bit and be just like this guy: click on the picture if you want a better look :)

I rocked it with my four very cool neighbors. Rosanne, Jess, Jeana, and Nanette.

BEFORE

AFTER

Thanks Jen for babysitting my kids. We had a great time and I hope to do it again next year.

They're Family

2008-07-23T11:14:00.016-06:00

Almost 16 years ago my sister Jen had a beautiful, healthy baby boy named Kevin. She made the ultimate sacrifice. Jen lovingly and unselfishly gave her baby up for adoption. Thoughtfully and with inspiration Jen chose to give her baby to a wonderful couple named Christian and Maude. From the very beginning Christian and Maude wanted an open adoption. Though LDS family services did not provide this option they were able to get through some loop holes and get connected with Jen. From that time on they have been family.

Christian and Maude are from Austria and at the time were living in Salt Lake City. Two years after adopting Kevin they adopted another boy, Jeffery. Thirteen months after Jeffery was born, Maude gave birth to a little girl, Sophia. When Kevin was three years old the family moved back to Austria where Christain and Maude have been raising their children.

There obviously has always been a strong connection between Jen and the Hoeferl family. At the very beginning Jen and my family went to the temple to support Christian and Maude when my Grandpa sealed Kevin to them. Each time Jen or any of my other siblings go to Europe they always stop in Austria to visit. From time to time Christian and Maude bring their family to the US and make an effort to stay in Salt Lake for awhile.

This past week they were in Salt Lake City and we enjoyed seeing them so much! They did many activities involving all or some of my family members. Jen was consistent at being at every event. Some of the activities included Lagoon, rock climbing twice, boating at Jordanelle, Boondocks, and a wonderful family dinner at Wendy’s house. One evening they came to my house so my kids could play the piano for them. My piano is sentimental to me because Christian hooked us up with one of his Brodmann pianos, a piano company he owns in Austria.

Kevin’s primary language is German and though he speaks English pretty well he is quite shy verbally. We haven’t spoken many words to each other but there’s really no need. I love him and I know he feels a deep connection to his family in the US. He has always had a strong need to know where he came from and his heritage. I know he loves being a part of his family in Utah and it means a lot to him that he has two families that really love him.

I like this song by Michael McLean (I can’t get it on my playlist, bummer). I think these may have been some of the thoughts and feelings Jen had at the age of 18 when faced with the decision to give Kevin to Christian and Maude.

From God's Arms, To My Arms, To Yours:

So many wrong decisions in my past, I'm not quite sure

If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore.

But lately I've been thinking,

Cause it's all I've had to do.

And in my heart I feel that I

Should give this child to you.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so, that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

If you choose to tell him,

If he wants to know,

How the one who gave him life

Could bear to let him go.

Just tell him there were sleepless nights,

I prayed and paced the floors,

And knew the only peace I'd find

Was if this child was yours.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so, that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

This may not be the answer,

For another girl like me.

But I'm not on a soapbox,

Saying how we all should be.

I'm just trusting in my feelings,

And I'm trusting God above,

And I'm trusting you can give this baby

Both his mothers' love.

And maybe, you could tell your baby,

When you love him so, that he's been loved before,

By someone, who delivered your son,

From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.

I have no doubt that Kevin knows Jen loves him, and our entire family does as well. I really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family, and as far as I am concerned the Hosenfelds and Hoeferls are one and the same.

Well that was nostalgic

2008-07-19T22:16:00.018-06:00

As a child, from the time I can remember, I worked at the Château Après Lodge (www.chateauapres.com/ ) as a maid. My parents own the lodge and it is a family run business. I learned in the very early years of elementary school how to vacuum stairs, rooms, halls, and the lobby. As I got into the later years of elementary school I made beds (army style), dusted, did dishes, swept floors, cleaned windows, and folded towels. The final initiation to becoming a full-blown maid was in middle school when I learned the art of cleaning the bathrooms (shower, sink, toilet, and floor).

Throughout the years my maid service hours were mostly obtained in the summer, which continued on even through college. Jason was recruited to the business the day we got home from our honeymoon. We spent our first four summers together living and working at the lodge.

Growing up, we did have a house but my siblings and I spent most of our time at the lodge. During the school year the bus would drop us off at the lodge where we would eat dinner and get home just in time to go to bed. In the summer we spent all our time at the lodge. After our work was done we spent much of the days swimming at the lodge pool, roaming around Main Street and the Park City Resort, playing at the city park, or riding bikes among the historical houses which are all nearby.

“Living” and working at the lodge was just part of life. One of the greatest lessons I learned as a child was how to work. I learned it from watching my parents work hard. There has never been a job too menial for them. My dad was and still is the chief maid who probably doesn’t go a day without cleaning a bathroom (even at the young age of 69). My mom has always put in her fair share of dirty work on top of correspondence. Watching them work and also being expected to pull my own weight has probably been the biggest influence on who I am today.

Friday and Saturday was very nostalgic for me. It was the yearly “spring” cleaning where everyone in my family (brothers, sisters, in-laws) who can make it to Park City work together and we clean the lodge top to bottom. This year was the first year my three oldest kids were given the chance to help. I watched as Morgan was dedicated to her responsibilities of putting pillow covers on every single pillow, putting soap and toilet paper in the bathrooms, and putting cups in the rooms.

Ashtyn was focused on putting pillowcases on every single pillow and trash bags in the garbage cans. She helped me make beds and put cups in the rooms.

Chandler did awesome with all his responsibilities. He distributed the correct sheets and bed spreads to each room. He helped put mattress pads on the beds and vacuumed stairs.

Ethan kept me multitasking. While I was dusting and making beds I always had an ear and eye out making sure he wasn't doing anything too unsafe.

After the two days of work my dad sat them down on the couch and explained the importance of working. “I want you to know that when you work sometimes you get money and sometimes you don’t. Today I’m going to give you money.” They each walked out with $10.

I’ve always struggled with trying to figure out how to teach my kids the value of work. Since Jason and I don’t own a business I think it’s going to be hard. If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it, but at least for this week I am grateful they were able to learn a little something about work and they were proud of their accomplishments.

The Week We've Been Waiting For

2008-07-07T16:02:00.014-06:00

Wow! Where do I start?

First off, let me be clear about the fact that Suzanne is the blogger in our family, and I have no intentions of taking over that role.

This post will tell you about the amazing week I just had with Suzanne. Other than my honeymoon it was easily the best week of my life. It is going to be long, so if you are not into reading long posts, move along. Otherwise, here it goes.

Suzanne and I just completed what has been a very long, hard, fun, miserable, and exciting time in our lives. Last Monday at 3 pm I went to the Graduate Medical Education office and turned in my name badge and pager, then walked out of the hospital a free man! Residency is over!

I got home about an hour and a half before I was supposed to take Chandler to hockey practice (I help coach his team) and Suzanne suggested we go get something to eat to celebrate. It sounded fine to me so I jumped in the car knowing we needed to hurry so we could make it back in time. Suz suggested we get something “just south of 106th south.” That turned out to be In-n-Out Burger in St. George because Suzanne had planned a surprise for me! She knows I love surprises (as much as she hates them!) and she surprised me big time. I had no idea what was going on, and I loved it! She just told me to keep driving which I happily did (realized we weren’t going to make it for hockey when we were passing through Provo) until we ended up in the parking lot of what is probably my favorite restaurant :) I enjoyed sitting with Suzanne eating way too much food and thinking this was a very nice surprise. By this time it was getting a little late (9pm) and I figured we would be spending the night in St. George and then driving back home in the morning. Nothing cooler than a roadie just for a Double Double with grilled onions!

Instead, Suzanne directed me south on I-15 and we went right on past St. George. At this point I was sure where we were going. For those of you who don’t know a lot about my parents and siblings, Mesquite Nevada to us was exactly like Hawaii or Cancun is to normal people. I am sure I have made more trips to Mesquite for family vacations than anybody else I know, including a lot of blue hairs who play nickel slots. I knew we would be staying in Mesquite, the only question was which cheap hotel would be ours? We got to Mesquite and Suzanne was on the phone. I told her I needed directions to the hotel or gas in the tank, and she said I should get some gas and get back on the road heading south.

There isn’t much on the road south of Mesquite before Las Vegas, and I was sure we were not going to be staying in sunny Carp or Elgin Nevada. I spent the next hour wondering if we were going to Vegas or Southern Cal. I couldn’t think of anything in So. Cal that we would do without the kids, but at the same time we have never taken a trip to Las Vegas. I was confused but still excited, especially when Suzanne told me to exit the freeway and turn into the parking lot at the Venetian. When she opened the back of the van and pulled out a suitcase I couldn’t believe it. We were going to stay the night at this place? Wow we are high rollers! At the check in desk I gave the lady my ID and she said “Okay Mr. Poulsen, I have you staying for three nights and checking out on Thursday.” WHAT????? THREE NIGHTS IN VEGAS AT THE VENETIAN WITH SUZANNE AND NO CHILDREN???? I couldn’t believe it wasn’t just one night and suddenly all the nights up late studying for exams or taking care of patients in the OR became worth it. Honestly for me it was that moment standing there when I truly felt like we were done. There have been few times in my life where I can honestly say I didn’t have a care at all, but that moment was one of those times.

Suzanne and I absolutely enjoyed Vegas. The room was unbelievably nice. I am sure most of us have wished we could watch TV while taking a shower or make a phone call while using the restroom, and the Venetian provides necessities just like these. By far the nicest hotel room either of us have ever stayed in.

We spent the next day at the pool all day enjoying the sunshine and warmth (111 degrees) and good food. The afternoon was spent visiting one of Suzanne's best friends Angie and her husband Pascal at their home, getting caught up on everything that is going on with them. At about 5:30 Suzanne said “We have to go Jason.” Like an idiot I didn’t pick up on the fact it was weird Suzanne did not want to spend all night talking with Angie, but we hopped back in our car heading back to our hotel on the strip. When we got to our hotel I was ready to turn in but Suzanne said “Lets go over and valet park at the Treasure Island.” That is DIRECTLY across the street from the Venetian, why in the world wouldn’t we just park at our hotel and walk over there if we wanted to see that hotel? There is absolutely NO REASON to valet park across the street from your own hotel. Again, I am an idiot and didn’t think anything was up. I missed the turn off for the valet parking and told Suzanne I would just head a little south and valet at the Mirage. “I really want to valet park at the Treasure Island, just go around the block and turn in the right place.” What?
Side note: I know most of you reading this blog are females married to males, and I don’t want to give away any secrets I have learned over the years about marriage (so I can write a book someday about all I know) but I do want to tell you just one thing. Sometimes women have suggestions about where to park or eat that make absolutely no sense to her significant other. This happens frequently and the man has a couple options when such an event occurs. Some (initials D.S.E.) might suggest informing your wife of the obvious error of her ways and then indicate to her she is crazy, maybe even spinning your finger around your ear. I do not suggest such a tactic, as it is fraught with danger and has very little chance of turning out well. A well placed “Sounds fine to me honey” usually does the trick. I used just such a technique in this instance and I pulled it off like a champ.

After handing the keys to our dirty MiniVan with bird poop on the driver’s side window to the guy who normally parks Porsches we walked in to the casino. I have always had a strange attraction to felt, and casinos have plenty of felt to check out so I told Suzanne we should go look at the tables and watch some gaming. She said she would rather walk over to the left and further into the casino. I know when you read this it is clear to all of you she was up to something, but I aint too gud wit smart stuffs. We walked around the corner and right into the line for Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystere” show. Unbelievable! Suzanne had already bought awesome seats for the show and we had a great time. Suzanne commented how the body tone of the acrobats was very similar to mine, which isn't true but made me feel great :) We were both blown away by what those performers can do.

After the show we walked over to the Bellagio for dinner at the buffet. It is an expensive buffet but worth every penny if you ask me. They practically spoon feed you Alaskan king crab, and I walked out of there completely stuffed. We picked up our car from the valet at Treasure Island and drove it the 50 yards to our hotel.

The next day we spent all day at a hotel pool that is separate and quieter than all of the other pools, with plenty of shade. We spent our time lounging around reading all afternoon. The funny thing is we used to make fun of old people sitting by a pool reading instead of swimming around, and now we have become those people. We didn’t know what we were missing! It was fun to just read without interruption. We even had about an hour when my dad stopped by to visit because he was in Vegas for business and had a few minutes to kill before his plane took off. That evening we went to a really cool restaurant “Café Ba ba re ba” and had dinner with the Shumways, two great friends we met in Spokane. We always love hanging out with the Shumways. It isn’t too often you have couple friends where all four get along, but Aaron and Janet are just like that for us. Suzanne and I would have spent all night talking to them getting caught up on all of the stuff in their life, but they had to get back to their babysitter. By the way, congrats to Aaron for passing his bar exam and getting a good job. Law school seemed brutal watching it from the sidelines. Not only would you have to study all the time, but also you would have to hang out with lawyers every day!

After some gelato and a good night’s sleep we checked out of our hotel and headed back home, stopping of course in St. George for another burger! We had to get back just in time to head up to the Oakley Rodeo with our kids for my family’s annual 4th of July week tradition of watching crazy people ride even crazier animals.

We slept in on the fourth, took the kids to the pool in the afternoon, and took a bucket of KFC to Sugarhouse park for dinner and fireworks. A great day with my family enjoying this amazing country of ours.

The next morning (Saturday) I had planned to go golfing with a couple of friends. Dave (Big) Nish texted me in the beginning of the week and told me he had a tee time at Wasatch close to noon and wanted to know if I could go. Suzanne said yes and I was planning on that. (Again, HUGE red flag if a Nish had the foresight to make a tee time on a Saturday on a holiday weekend on a normally busy course. I should have known something was fishy.) I called my brother in law Dave Erickson to see if he wanted to go because there was room, and he said fine. As far as I knew it was going to be me, Dave, his brother Bob, Big, Jumbo, Juan, and Z. (Please excuse all the nicknames, it is just what we do.) I met Dave and his brother in the morning and we carpooled up to the course. When we came around the corner at the golf course we saw my Dad with Matt and Ryan, my two brothers in law from my side of the family. What???? Suzanne had planned all of this too?

More people started showing up at the course, and the final tally was me, my dad, Dave, Bob, Matt, Ryan, Deardy, Jason H., Z, Juan, Big, and Jumbo. Talk about three dream foursomes! We had a great time on a beautiful course. Lots of laughs, some S#*t talking, and even a few tears (due to poor play) were had by all. After receiving green pieces of paper with pictures of past presidents on them from some of the people I beat I gave them all a hug goodbye, thanked them for coming, and felt like I had just enjoyed a wonderful end to my already perfect week.

On the way out of the parking lot Dave said “I have to stop at the homestead to pick something up for work, is that okay?” Dave is a big shot real estate developer, and so I was not at all surprised he would need to stop at the homestead for something. He is a guy who meets with city councils and gets old people to sell him property so he can put up old people condos. He is what all liberals hate (evil business man using the free market system to ruin the lives of people everywhere, preferably minorities and poor children) and I love him. He pulled in to the lot and asked if I wanted to come inside while he picked it up. I said “I’ll just stay here.” I was busy counting my money and making sure the scorecards were correct. He and Bob went inside, Jared and I got out of the truck and just were standing by the tailgate. Then Jumbo Nish came around the corner and said hi. Why was he there? He was in a different car and should have been heading to SLC by now. RED FLAG, IDIOT JASON. I thought maybe he was just following us in his car because he didn’t know how to get back to SLC, they had gotten lost on the way to the golf course, why not get lost on the way back too just for good measure. I went back to my scorecard. Then Dave came back and said “Lets go get some fudge and check out the scuba diving place.” Jared agreed, which was weird because he had just said his wife wanted him to hurry home. RED FLAG, IDIOT JASON. I said fine lets go look for fudge, but I brought my scorecard with me. I was following them along, head down, buried in my score when I rounded a corner and a huge group of people yelled “SURPRISE!!!!!!!!” I couldn’t believe it, but nearly everyone I know was up there waiting for me to help me celebrate finishing residency. Everyone in both sides of our family (except Martell off fighting forest fires) was there. My mission president and his wife were there. Brooks and Lisa Harbertson with their kids. Big, Juan, Jumbo, Ferd, C-Fa, Z, Gooch, Monkey, Tex, Hakub, and all the associated wives and kids were there. What a party! There were a few people missing for various reasons, but in general everyone I could possibly think of to celebrate with was there.

The patio where we had the party was perfect, the food was great, and the company was even better. Each and every person there had a hand in helping Suzanne and I get through school and residency. I was trying hard to keep my emotions in check because I knew there was a good chance I would be crying if I weren’t careful. I would have liked to sit down with each person and tell them how they helped us, but that would have made for a loooooong party! I was absolutely enjoying myself, trying hard not to look directly at Suzanne because I knew it would make me cry, but trying to get a chance to talk to everyone there. Then Suzanne dropped the big bomb on me that was bigger than everything else during the week.

There was a large TV on the patio, which I thought might have been there to put on a movie to keep the kids quiet. RED FLAG, IDIOT JASON. Suzanne got everyone’s attention and then said she had a video she wanted to show everyone. There is no way I can describe to you how that video made me feel. It was a slide show of pictures of our family put to music and showing how and why we made it to where we are today. She had a ton of pictures starting from June 6, 1996 (The best day of my life) all the way down to the present. I loved all the pictures but the ones I loved most were the ones that showed our family and friends, people who have helped us accomplish so much. The picture that I think best summed up that fact was the one of Suzanne’s brother Jason working to install the doors in our house when we first moved in. Suzanne and I have talked about how much we love that picture. It really shows his love and sacrifice for us, and although it just shows him, it really does remind us of all the things the people in our life have done to help us. It would be impossible to list them or mention people by name. Please know however that we talk about each of them often and recognize the service given to our family. I tried to share some of those feelings with those who were there when the video was over, but I don’t think I was as clear about how I felt as I would have liked to be.

It was the PERFECT end to a PERFECT week given to me by my PERFECT wife who has also given me my PERFECT life. I don’t know how else to say it. Suzanne will just have to bear with me a bit while I tell her how grateful I am and how unworthy I feel to be her husband. They should include her name on every one of my diplomas and on my medical license because she did just as much work as I did to get here. And she did it all while continuing to be faithful to the gospel, a loving mother, and a patient wife.

So how does it feel to be done? GREAT!!! How does it feel to have a wonderful wife, family and friends who care about us and have helped us so much? EVEN BETTER. What we have in our life is so much more meaningful than a job or an education. If I had to choose between my career or my family and friends it would be the easiest decision I have ever had to make. I know what is important to me, and it has NOTHING to do with anesthesia whatsoever. It reminds me of the line from Jerry Maguire: "I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I've failed as much as I've succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. I wish you my kind of success.”

triathlon number two

2008-06-21T15:08:00.010-06:00

I completed the Provo sprint triathlon! It was so much fun.....when it was over. I'm not going to lie, it was a hard 1 1/2 hours. I was trying to keep calm in the open water while I felt other swimmers in such close proximity. Then my hamstrings were worked on my bike ride, and the run was just survive to the end. I'm sure I didn't look graceful as I painfully crossed the finish line. But the pain was worth it. I placed 4th in my age group and 15th overall for women! Way fun! I really do like triathlons. It's a great motivational tool to keep me working hard at the gym. I would never do a race on my own so I'm grateful I know people who enjoy doing them. Good job to Nanette, Deanne, Rosanne and Jeana!!! We survived!

Happy Late Father's Day???

2008-06-17T16:37:00.018-06:00

Sunday morning Jason woke up with the kids, fed them breakfast, and got them ready for the day. I slept in until 11 a.m., walked downstairs, and noticed a plate of pancakes and hashbrowns on the counter. "Oh, you made breakfast?" I asked Jason. Very kindly he said, "Yah, it's Father's Day and I wanted a nice breakfast." OUCH!!! No, I did not forget it was fathers day...worse, I was just thoughtless. I knew I had to work Sunday night from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. so I thought I should sleep in so I wouldn't be as tired staying up all night. Bad excuse.

Since I also did not give Jason a Father's Day gift, yes I'm a loser, I think he deserves this post describing what a great dad he is...a gift I'm sure he's always wanted. (You know men, they love the blog scene.)

Jason is a great dad simply by being a tremendous example. By just watching him our kids are absorbing life lessons that affect them now and are shaping who they will be in the future. By watching Jason they are learning how to:

love and respect others
be faithful and committed in their religion
work hard and be self sufficient
keep priorities straight
share in household responsibilites...men can clean bathrooms, scrub floors, bathe kids, do laundry, cook :)
enjoy hobbies and interests
love family and friend activities

I asked the kids to tell me what they thought about their dad:
Chandler said, “He’s taught me to not be lazy, that I should discipline my kids and not let them do whatever they want. He’s taught me that I shouldn’t sit around all day, instead I should go places with my family.”
Ashtyn said, “He’s funny and nice. He has BBQ’s, gives us baths, prepares food, reads us books, and he sits by us. He helps me do homework and piano. He is patient and plays with me.”
Morgan said, “He helps people and he helps me when I’m sick. He makes us breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes he helps us clean the playroom.”

I think you’re an awesome dad too. Thanks Jason!!! (Your my best friend.)

Whatever stage you're in now, you're gonna miss it

2008-06-11T16:39:00.021-06:00

When Jason and I got married at 21 years of age, he was an undergrad student at BYU and I was trying to get into nursing school at the U. Our goal then was: get Jason in med-school, get through med-school and residency, and one day become a doctor. Now that “one day” is almost here I’ve been contemplating the past 12 years!

It was the years 1999-2004 that were the hardest. The main reasons were we had three children in 3 ½ years, (which we planned), Jason was rarely home, and I worked full time during it all. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it? But those five years kicked my butt! I’m talking, survival mode all the way. A typical week: Monday: laundry, cleaning, taking care of kids, packing for me and the kids, sleeping at my moms. Tuesday: Leave my moms at 6:15 a.m., work 12 1/2 hours, pick up the kids at moms at 8 p.m., go home, baths, bed. Wednesday: Same as Mon. Thursday: Same as Tues. Friday: Take care of kids, catch up around the house, take a nap so I could stay up all night, go to work at 7 p.m. until morning. Saturday: Get home from work at 8 a.m., nap during the morning.
If I had a spare day I tried to do something fun with the kids. We had a membership at the zoo and the Children’s Museum.

If asked, I wouldn’t do it again, but ya know what?... I miss it.

I MISS:

My 400 sq ft. apartment in the avenues I lived in for four years.
Moving our mattress into the front room every night cuz that's where the cooler was.
Chandler sleeping in a porta crib in the front room.
My 1978 Oldsmobile (my mom wisely counseled to get a new car so the fumes and/or summer heat wouldn’t kill our infant Chandler).
Jason working at Smiths as a deli manager for three weeks because I freaked out about money.
Four years living in student apartments where I withstood the temptation to quit my job because I was the only mom working.
Carrying wet laundry to the drier in the apt. building basement.
Kraft mac and cheese, ramen noodle soup, and all the other things that go with being a poor college student family.

Think about whatever you’re doing now…I promise, you’re gonna miss it.

"You're gonna miss this. You're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times, so take a good look around. You may not know it now, but you're gonna miss this"

Little Red Riding Hood

2008-06-08T22:46:00.000-06:00

Jason had the kids all day while I went to Logan to ride my bike in the Little Red Riding Hood women only cycling event. Way fun! There was a little bit of rain, a little bit of hail, a little bit of wind, a little bit of sun, and a whole lot of butt pain. I rode with my sisters Jen and Alisa, sister in law Nanette, good friends Jess and Deanne and my mom. We rode 80 miles. (Way to go mom for doing 46 miles!) I wouldn’t have ever done the ride alone so I am so grateful I had 6 fun people to be with. They made it totally worth doing. Don’t family and friends make life an easier and more enjoyable ride?!

anniversary

2008-06-08T22:38:00.000-06:00

Jason and I just celebrated our 12-year anniversary. It was an exciting and eventful day… or maybe not. I went to the gym, took a shower, got the kids in the car, picked up Jen and Martell, and drove up to the Huntsman Cancer Institute to have lunch with Jason. That evening my mom offered to baby-sit our kids so we could go out on a date. We took that opportunity to go to Home Depot, Target, and REI. After getting home I read “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” to the kids while Jason went to the church to get some things done for his calling. We finished the night watching “So you think you can dance” on DVR while Jason painted my toe nails. For me, it was a typical, comfortable, and wonderful day.