Adulthood

"Less than 500 days until I enter adulthood," is what my almost 17 year-old reminded me of today. She makes a good argument for why she should be entitled to certain nameless things. So, I agreed with her impending adulthood assertion and decided to take her to the gas station and teach her how to fill up her own gas tank! I also informed her that whether she really wants to or not, she will learn to operate the oven and other major appliances this summer. The harsh reality of all of this for me is that my oldest "little" girl really is growing up and preparing for her own wonderful future. I see the excitement in her eyes and I understand how she feels, yet I can't help wanting to freeze time and keep her under my protective, motherly wings forever.

Julia's Day!

Today was Julia's Day at our house. Dan and I decided at the beginning of the new year that we would start up the "one on one" dates with the girls again. It has been a very long time since we've done this and we thought it would be fun to try again. Well, today was Julia's turn for complete one and one time with mom and dad. She got to choose where we ate lunch and what activity she wanted to do. No surprises here for us--she wanted to eat at Brick Oven (she loves the Pasta Bar) and then go shopping--she's my girl! It was so fun to sit and listen to her chatter, play tic tac toe on the lunch menu and chug the homemade root beer. Most pleasing to the parents was that Julia found just what she wanted at the first store in the mall--that is a rarity when shopping with my girls. In Julia's words, she found a "hot" pair of jeans and some great "items for spring." All in all it was a very enjoyable day with our baby girl!

Be Mine

I love getting homemade cards especially one for Valentine's Day! Julia presented this valentine to me yesterday and I have to say it is my favorite!


It doesn't get any better than this!

Cell Phone Etiquette

Today Dan and I witnessed the worst display of etiquette and respect ever at a funeral because of a cell phone. Sadly, I think the nameless offender had no clue what he had done. Twenty minutes into the funeral service which was being held in the chapel of our local mortuary, a loud ring of a cell phone interrupted the elderly gentlemen at the pulpit reminiscing sweetly about his dearly departed sister. While we were a little shocked that someone had neglected to turn off their ringer, we didn't judge the guy because we all sometimes forget. However, rather than turning off his phone, the owner of the cell phone, stood up and answered the call! He gingerly walked to the back of the small chapel and proceeded to carry on a disruptive conversation all while the elderly speaker struggled to gather his thoughts. For at least two very uncomfortable minutes, the vast majority of us in the congregation shifted uncomfortably in our seats with eyes bulging at the clueless offender. Finally, the elderly speaker paused in his remarks, the cell phone offender ended his call and the funeral continued without any other delays.

We shared this story with all the cell phone users in our family to emphasize the importance of cell phone etiquette and when it is appropriate to leave the cell phone home or in the car. The incident certainly left an impression upon me--I will be much more aware of when and where I use my cell phone.

Anxiously Awaiting

Dan has been out of town this week on business and it seems like he has been gone soooo long (even though it's only been three days). I love this picture of him because he does this A LOT (and very patiently I might add)-- after all, he lives with five girls! I promise I'm not a total wimp when it comes to his travel. Just a few years ago Dan was traveling EVERY week for most of the week and I often felt like a single parent. While it wasn't easy, I settled into a routine and got used to it. So for now, I'll take a three day business trip anyday and simply anxiously await his arrival!

Tubing at Soldier Hollow

We had such a fun Friday night tubing at Soldier Hollow with all the youth in our stake.


Dan and I weren't planning on tubing until we saw just how fun it all looked.



Dan caught this picture of me going down the hill--a little spastic looking I know!

Emily and Rory

Hilary and Hannah

We are excited that our stake has made this an annual tradition!

Julia's "Hopi Journey"

Today was a big day for Julia. After all her hard work--research, writing, creating--she gave her oral Native American report in front of her third grade peers. The whole family was there to support her and she was excited to give it.


Proudly posing with her poster that guided her through her oral presentation, Julia introduced her oral report as a "Hopi Journey" she hoped the class would enjoy with her. Thus the title of the post.


A big thanks to Hannah for holding the poster for Julia through the entire report!

Great job Julia!