Looking to the Future

So another interesting conversation with Boston while talking about birthdays that went something like this....

Boston: "The Sixteenth birthday is the most important"

Me: "Isn't the twelfth? That's when you get the priesthood!"

B: "I know, but when you turn 16 you have the priesthood, get to drive a car and date."

Me: "Your not thinking about dating now are you?"

B: "Well of course I am, I have to find a wife and get married and have a family you know".

Me: "But dating before your mission should be practice at getting to know people"

B: "Well I'll find someone and they can wait for me while I'm on my mission. Hmmm, but maybe they won't be there when I get back. Or maybe they will. But if they won't I guess I'll just have to find a new girl and CHASE her! Ok, maybe I'll just date in groups"

Me: Well you don't have to always date in groups. Maybe you and a buddy can ask two girls out and that way you can practice your dating skills, have fun, and see what kind of girl you like. You know just have fun"

B: "I know Mom, that's what I was saying"

Me: "Ok, a quiz before you get your sandwich (its lunchtime). What is the most important quality you need to look for in a girl?"

B: "Ummm.......(Pause).......that she is BEAUTIFUL!?"

Well...at least he is thinking about his mission and having a family!

What is the worth of a soul?

I have to record something funny Boston said yesterday. He got ten dollars for reading one of his books, and as he was seperating his money into tithing, mission etc, he started to count up his mission money. He had saved and additional 54 dollars to put in his mission account. He was feeling pretty good about that, and then I told him I proud of him saving for that, because he is making it a priority, and he'll be glad when he is older because its expensive to go. He asked how much, and when I told him it was about 10 thousand dollars, he had a look of disbelief in his eyes. I said, "Isn't that a small price to pay if you can save ONE soul?" He looked at me and said, "Well, maybe two souls, but not one!" I tried not to laugh!

The dreaded Meet the Teacher Night!

So earlier this week I realized I could check Power School (a progam online set up to monitor your kids work progress) to see who the kids teachers would be. Aubrie got a teacher she didn't want, and Bostong didn't get Aubrie's 3rd grade teacher. He was really disappointed with that. Ethan wasn't signed up for pwer school, so his would be a surprise. For Aubrie and Boston, the anticipation came with who would be in their class.

Ethan's meet the teacher was first. I thought he would either be in Boston's first grade teachers class, or he would have his Kinder teacher who moved up to first. I would have been happy with either. When we got there, I realized how much I wanted him with his Kinder teacher when I realized how happy I was when I saw his name on her list. Not only was his name onher list, but so were all the other Mormon kids that were in her class last year, along with two other Mormon kids from our ward. So there are 5 kids from our Ward in his class. There were a few other Moms that I knew from last year, whose kids were back in Ms. Nebel's, aand we were all smiling ear to ear, elated that we got to spend another year together at parties, fieldtrips, etc! Ethan surpisingly seemed indifferent, and was more interested in playing on the playground, and getting the free ice cream in the Lunchroom. I had fun catching up with parents I hadn't seen all summer.

The most stressful part for me was waiting to see who was in Aubrie and Boston's class. I asked around and got postive feedback about their teacher, so that made me feel better. It just came down to who they had in their classrooms. As we were waiting, Aubrie's best school friend found her and they both had the same teacher. Aubrie was quickly much more relaxed, and opotomisitc. Suddenly the teacher she didn't wan't was the teacher she did want. She had fun running around finding her school friends as we waited for the doors to her hall to open. Once the hall was opened, it was funny to see the kids run around to each classroom checking out to see who was in each class. After meeting Aubrie's teacher, I rushed down to the 3rd grade hall, hoping to get there before Boston (he was playing a game of chess with his chess teacher in the lunch room). My timing was perfect as we both got to his hall at the exact moment. Good think I got there when I did, too. Boston was so dissapointed that none of his freinds were in his class. He started to look at the other teacher's lists and kept asking me to switch him to this teacher, and then another, teacher, etc. After looking at all the other classes, the tears started to swell. I felt so bad for him, but felt confident that he was placed with the right teacher. I told him that Heavenly Father knows where he needs to be, and he needed to have Faith in that. This is the first year Boston has EVER cared about whose class he is in. Luckily Boston makes friends fast, and I know he will be ok. It's just heartbreaking now. Overall, I feel good about this year, except for the fact that class sizes are SO BIG! Wondering where all that tax money we voted for the school's is going? Grrrr!

First Family Campout

While the boys have been on many camp outs with Ben, Aubrie was starting to feel a little ripped off. We realized that Sophia was old enough for camping, and so we decided it was time for our family's first camp out. I do have some requirements when it comes to camping. First I need a bathroom, and secondly I need a table. So I brainstormed at what the best camp experience would be, and I called and made reservations for a campsite by Slide Rock. We decided a practice run would be the best idea, so one day would be a great way to test the waters. I quickly realized, as I started getting ready, that there is a lot to camping. Figuring out the food, alone, is quite the chore. And all the stuff you have to bring fills up the car quickly. The car was completely PACKED. All of us had things at our feet, even. I told Ben, when we travel elsewhere, its not like we have to pack our beds, oven, furniture, etc! The camp site by Slide Rock that I chose turned out to be amazing. Our site was right by the river, and so while we were setting up camp, the kids got their water shoes on and played in the water.

Sopia didn't waste anytime getting in her swimsuit!

It took longer than we expected to get up our tent, but besides that, camp was up and running pretty quickly.

Ben and the kids (minus Aubrie) got their suits on and went swimming in the river, while Aubrie and I went to the general store and walked the camp grounds.

We then started dinner, which was shish-kabobs, salad, and fruit. The shish-kababos turned out great.

Ben brought this game where you have to throw two weighted balls attached by a rope over bars. I'm sure it has a name. The kids had fun playing that.

Before it got dark, we took a walk, and then came back for S'mores.

Ben got this great Popeye shot of me, as smoke got in my eyes!

flaming marshmellow!!

a mouthful!

After S'mores, the kids and Ben sat around the fire, while Boston and I played that game. Then suddenly we heard Aubrie yell, "Skunk!" Before we knew it two skunks were walking around our camp ground. They then ran over the embankment that went to the river. When we looked over, there was a whole family of skunks. There was six in total. Ben quickly ran and got our neighboring campers to check it out. They hung around our campsite for about 10 minutes. At first I was really worried one of us would get sprayed, but after awhile it was fun to watch them.

"please don't spray our tent".....what we were praying for at that moment

After the skunks left and it got dark, we all piled in our tent, and played video games. Great camping activity, huh? LOL I do have to give Aubrie some credit, as she thought to bring her book and catch up on her reading!

I passed out early, and woke up around 4:30 to a deflated air mattress, and having to use the restroom. Besides that is was an uneventful night, thankfully. Sophia slept the whole time and no kids woke up complaining of cold, bathroom breaks, etc!

We finally pulled ourselves out of the tent around 7:30. We started breakfast, which was pancakes, eggs and sausage. The eggs and sausage turned out great, but the pancakes were a little doughy! We'll have to try another method with those next times. After breakfast, we broke down camp and headed to Slide Rock.

Slide Rock was fun, but the water was very cold; 65 degrees! I've been wanting to go to Slide Rock since we moved here, so it was nice to finally do it with the whole family. We stayed there for a few hours and then headed home.

The hike to find a good spot!

Checking out the "slide"

First time down for Aubrie

.....and Boston

Ben and Sophia

Trying to walk on mossy rock

We chalked the experience up to a be a success, and defiantly want to do it again. On the way home I really took in the scenery, and was amazed at how beautiful Sedona is. Even though the summers are torture, Arizona has some pretty amazing sites. As I saw licence plates from all over the country, and people from other countries, at Slide Rock, I realized how great it is that I live close to so many amazing sites, ie: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zions, Sedona, etc. How someone can deny that there is a God when there are so many amazing natural wonders is beyond me!

All Choked Up!

Monday night is our craziest night of the week. I had good intentions of making dinner, but after a long shop at Costco with Ben, Boston and Sophia (while the others were in activities), Ben suggested we make things easy and eat there. I never eat at Costco and never eat hot dogs, and don't know if I'll be doing either anytime soon!

While normally I would opt for something healthy, I decided that that huge picture of the hot dog looked good to me. Quite weird, because I really don't like hot dogs. Anyway, about halfway through eating, I realized that eating a hot dog and talking is not a good combination. I started to tell something to Ben right after taking a bite and suddenly I could feel the piece of hot dog sliding down my throat, and getting stuck. I tried to cough it up but it wasn't budging. I started to say to Ben, "I'm choking, I'm choking!" The fact that I could tell him that, made him think that I was casually choking on something, and could cough up. Quickly I could feel my throat starting to constrict around the hot dog, and my ability to speak started to diminish. Ben said, "here try drinking this water". I grabbed the water and took a huge gulp. The water I gulped feel like it hit a wall, and came right back up onto the table! It was then I started to really PANIC!!! Things seemed so fuzzy after that point. I remember looking around thinking, "is there not a doctor or nurse here? not one person who knows the Heimlich?" Then I started to think, "is this how it's going to end for me, here in the Costco food court in front of my two children?" Somehow I was able to get out, "Ben, HELP ME!", in a faint yell. It was then he realized how serious it was, and he jumped up and started whacking me on the back. It wasn't working, and then as he started to attempt the Heimlich, the hot dog slid down my throat. By that time a man sitting by a nearby table jumped up to help. Once I realized I was in the clear, I started to break down crying, saying, "that was the scariest thing I ever experienced". The man then brought to my attention that I needed to hug and comfort my frightened children and let them know I was ok. I looked over to find Boston on the brink of tears, and Sophia having a look that said, "what is going on here?". I gave the kids hugs, and had Ben throw away the rest of the hot dog. I stuck around and let the kids finish their dinner, but there were a few people around us who didn't stick around long. I guess watching someone choke, and spit up all over the table can cause you to lose your appetite! Ha! I came out of Costco feeling a little more appreciative for my life, and the kids appreciated their Mom a little more. Boston said, "Mom, I'm so glad you didn't die! That really scared me, I almost was crying!" Glad to know I'd be missed!

Raindrops keep falling on our heads!

Three years ago my brother and I hiked Mt. Humphries. Mt Humphries is in Flagstaff, and its the highest peak in Arizona. The hike was a little intense for me, because Sophia was only 4 months old, and I hadn't exercised a day since she was born. So I think that is enough said. When we got to the saddle, which is about 25 minutes from the peak, it started to thunder and lightening. We waited around for about 30 minutes to see if it would pass, but it only got worse, so we hiked down disappointed that we didn't make it to the very top.

Fast forward 3 years later, and here we are again planning the same hike in August. I don't know why we keep picking that month. Anyway, I checked the weather and it didn't look good, but it was the only day we could coordinate all summer. My brother, being the weather goo roo that he is, said if we got to the base at 6:30 AM we could make it to the top before it started storming. That meant we would have to leave at 4:30 AM. It's no secret I'm not a morning person, and that means I'm a night owl. While I tried to go to bed early, I just couldn't, and was left in tears by midnight when I still couldn't fall asleep. The last time I looked at the clock it was 1:00. Four o'clock came too early, but luckily Joe drove up. Aubrie came with us this time, and she just slept in the back the whole time. I wish I could have stretched out and fell asleep like she did.

When we got to the base, it looked a little overcast, but Joe said it would burn off. I was enjoying the hike, and was in much better shape than last time. I never needed to stop within the first hour. We had to take two little breaks for Aubrie, but she was keeping up pretty well. The weather was nice and cool, and we were getting a few sprinkles that felt nice. We were hiking in the clouds, and it was a pretty amazing sight. After the hour mark, however, the thunder started to come. I knew we were doomed. After some very predominate thunder and lightening, we faced the reality that we would have to hike down. About five minutes after making that decision and turning back, it started to POUR! At first we sought refuge under some trees, but seeing that it wasn't letting up, and that the lightening wasn't either, we realized we would have to hike down in the pouring rain. About twenty minutes down, we were cold and miserable, and Aubrie was practically in tears. I kept praying that she could be comforted. Within a few minutes of that, I took a fall, that was comical and Aubrie couldn't stop laughing. That kept her mind of things. Then my brother took a fall, that sent us all in tears of laughter. Earlier in the week, I was reading a book at ways we can deal with our trials. I decided that laughing at this one was the best thing I could do. The whole way down we started making jokes like, "well if I get struck by lightening at least I'll be warm"! Once things were light hearted, it seemed like we were off the mountain in no time. The fact that our bodies were so numb that we couldn't feel the cold anymore, probably helped too!

Once we got to the car, it was a mad rush to get into town and to Target to get some dry clothes. (Another postive way of looking at things, "Hey I didn't get to hike the whole thing but I got some clothes out of it!" ha ha) I'm sure we were quite a sight walking into Target completely drenched. When I got into Target I think the air conditioning got to me, because my body started to shut down. My brother put his dry coat around me and held me for a few minutes, and then I realized that getting Aubrie clothes had to be first priority. We quickly grabbed her some clothes and had her change into them, while I picked out something. Finding pants in August wasn't the easiest task, but I needed the warmest thing I could buy. I finally found some pants, before my body completely shut down, and Aubrie and I came out of the dressing room, with wet clothes and tags in our hands. The dressing room attendant didn't know what to do, so she called an employee to escort us to the register. Do we really look like thieves?! LOL

We then left Target and got a nice breakfast, and the first thing we all ordered was a cup of hot chocolate, oh and I requested we not be seated under a fan! Joe kept apologizing for his misjudgement in the weather, and he felt really bad. Honestly, it wasn't the ideal hike, but it was an experience that will be much more memorable, and will give us a laugh for many years to come. Anyone can say, I climbed Mt. Humphries, but not anyone can say I hiked Mt. Humphries, got drenched, was so close to lightening I swear I felt my body tingling etc. etc!

Girls Night Out

Before school started, along with our 20 hours of activities for the fall, Ben decided he wanted to take a boys camping trip. He left yesterday afternoon, as I left to take Aubrie to gymnastics. I decided since they were having a boys trip, we were going to have a girls night out. After gymnastics we grabbed dinner and then went to Despicable Me. I have never taken both girls to see a movie. Typically, Sophia does alright, but rarely sits still the whole time. Since it was a special night, I pulled out all the stops. Once the girls got seated in the theatre, I ran out to "check something" and came back with a kid Icee pack for each of them. They were so excited. Sophia kept telling me thank you through out the movie. Both of them were so good. Aubrie was her helpful self, and Sophia sat through most of it, sitting on my lap for only the last 20 minutes. The movie was very funny, and also heartwarming. The girls loved the night out together, and so did I. I'm so lucky to have two amazing girls!

Sophia's First Dance Class

Sophia was so excited for dance she couldn't stand it. She took readily took her nap, when I told her she would go to dance once she napped. When she woke up she said, "Mom, I'm done! Can I go to dance now!" She was so cute, and all my friends at the studio couldn't believe that she is old enough to dance now. Time goes by so fast! They remember when I brought her into the studio when she was 4 days old. I can't believe that she is this old! My Mom was so excited, too. She drove down to watch her. My Mom has been looking forward to this day for a long time. Sophia was happy to see her there. Sophia and my Mom are VERY close. Her face brightened up even more when she saw tha when it was done. I told her we would have to wait another week. Yesterday, while watching Aubrie at the gym, she said, "I want to go home and get my dance clothes on and come here". I'm thinking that it's a good thing I signed her up for an hour of gymnastics, too.

Love One Another

Our Monday started off with us taking Sophia to the dance apparel store to get her first tap and ballet shoes, and a few dance outfits. All the kids were so excited for her. The boys sat there watching her getting fitted for her shoes, and then they started picking out leotard's and such that they thought would look cute on her. Of course, Aubrie was in on the action, too, but I just thought how sweet it was watching her brothers get excited for her. In the dressing room they were all oohing and ahhing over their favorites and how cute she was. Sophia was so excited to be trying on her clothes and shoes. She couldn't wait for her dance class that night.

After trying on several things, we walked out of there with her shoes, two CUTE leotards with tutu's and two cute pair of shorts.

After the dance store, we headed to Old Navy to get Boston some more of his favorite socks (this kid wears tennis shoes all year long) and a new pair of PJ's. He picked out a Yankee's T-shirt for his PJ top, and was a little nervous that Ben might be upset about it. I told him that he would get over it, and that he can like whatever baseball team he wanted. (Inside I'm hoping he'll switch back to the Red Sox!) After Old Navy the kids begged to go to the Mall. Tilly's was the first stop, and Boston was elated when I finally bought him the purple skinny jeans he has been wanting. We left the mall with minimal damage.

On the way home I realized that Aubrie was the only one who didn't get anything. I started to realized how mature she is getting, not complaining ONCE about it. She was more excited seeing everyone else get what they wanted.

When we got home I put Sophia down for bed, and had the kids read while I worked on my Family Home Evening Lesson. Ethan complained that he didn't want to read, but wanted to take a nap. I told him to go ahead, not believing he really wanted to nap. About twenty minutes later I found him here.

Whats up with my kids putting themselves to sleep.

I went back to my lesson, which part of it was writing the kids notes. I asked Heavenly Father that I might be inspired to say what each kid needed to hear. It was amazing how each letter was different. I felt it very important to let Boston know that I know he is great at many things (sports, school, etc) but that's not why I love him. I love him because he has a sweet gentle spirit, and even if he makes mistakes I will still love him. I know that's what he needed to hear. He is a perfectionist, I think he may feel that we love him based on how well he does. I know he needed to hear that wasn't true. I have seen a bit of a change in him since he read it. Aubrie's was just a letter of appreciation for all she does, and acknowledging how old and mature she is getting, and all the things she does that is proving that. Ethan's was all about how sweet and creative he is and how lucky I am to have him as a son. All the kids have responded so well to their letters, and Family Home Evening was amazing. It was on love and service, and the kids have really been focusing on loving one another. For each act of love someone spots, they secretly go put that person's color star on the Love chart. They are having fun with it, and its great to see how they look for opportunities to love, and how they also try to spot others showing love.

Rocky Point in August?

Going to Utah for 5 days just wasn't enough vacationing for this family, who likes to keep the road hot. Ben asked me if we could squeeze in a quick trip to Rocky Point before school started. The weather is just so muggy and hot during August, and it wasn't my number one pick. I checked the weather, and it said it was going to be in the 80's and have isolated thunderstorms. I knew what that meant; overcast, warm and perfect! We booked our favorite room and headed out Friday. Its much easier to be spontaneous when you don't have to pack all the baby stuff.

The first day we got there it was sunny and hot. We spent the first few hours at the pool as we were waiting for our condo to be ready. The kids had fun on the slide and soaking in the hot tub. They made some friends in the process. Once our room was ready, unpacked the car and then headed to the beach. They just added these awesome umbrella's, which provided a great escape from the heat.

I left my camera in the room, but the older two had fun jumping the waves, while Ethan and Sophia played in the sand. After a few hours at the beach, we came in for dinner, got cleaned up, and went out for Thrifty. Sophia fell asleep on the way there, but had no problem waking up for her scoop of ice cream. When we got back we watched some of the X Games, and I read a bit. I was so tired, and we all went to bed about 9:30.

The next morning I woke up to find Boston here. Guess he figured if he was awake he might as well enjoy the day.

I sat out with Boston for about 20 minutes and enjoyed this view. The overcast sky was a welcoming sight. I knew it would be a nice enjoyable time on the beach. We still had the warm air and water, but breezy and shaded! Everyone else woke up about a half an hour later. We had some breakfast on the patio and I read my book a bit. Here is Sophia with her "baby cup". She wanted to use this everywhere. Picture this scene, Sophia walking to the beach with this shot glass of orange juice. Hopefully people knew we weren't the world's most irresponsible parents giving their 3 year old a screwdriver to start her day!
Ben trying to take a picture of me after I just got up....hasn't her learned? The tide was a bit different this time. This time low tied was a bit later in the morning, which was fine with me. No rushing out at the crack of dawn! This time, it wasn't as far back either, but in return, we also got some great waves to play in later in the day. When we got to the beach, the kids didn't waste anytime looking for sea life. This time we brought a net. Sophia had fun looking at the small sea crabs who found refuge in little shells. Aubrie spent most of her time trying to catch fish. I joined in the fun. We ended up catching five.

Before the hair braids!

After

Ethan's "home for the crabs"

Our kids are the only ones wearing goggles at the beach. It's very smart actually. It keeps the salt from burning their eyes!

Relax is Ethan's middle name!

Corn Dog hair!

The vendors got lazy and just hung out in one spot! This time we just bought bracelets.

We stayed at the beach for about 4 hours, and then went back for some lunch. We spent some time inside just relaxing. I finished my book out on the patio while I enjoyed my lunch, and the kids and Ben watched some more X-games. Then we went to the pool. Boston was happy to find that his new friend was staying in our Condo tower and he and all the kids played tag for about an hour, while Sophia spent her time swimming in the pool and sitting in the hot tub. The kids started diving and doing flips off the waterfall, and the others kids joined in, until security came by and told us that wasn't allowed.
Here is the view of our room from our private pool. No pictures of the main pool this time.

After a few hours at the pool, we headed back to the beach for a few more hours of jumping waves and enjoying the warm breezy weather. After our time at the beach we went to the pool for about another hour and then we cleaned up and went into town for dinner. Sophia fell asleep on the way there, and slept on Ben through most of dinner. Again, I didn't bring my camera. But we had a great table right by the water. The kids had fun throwing chips at the seagulls and pelicans. Ben and I ordered a fish platter for two. I was a little nervous since we hadn't eaten at this place before. It turned out to be very good. Aubrie had a shrimp cocktail, and the boys played it safe with quesadillas. After dinner we walked through the shops. Ethan got a few shirts, and he was dying for this arrow gun and kept eyeballing the sling shots. We finally left and headed to Thrifty. Boston was happy that they had his favortie at this particular Thrifty. The night before they didnt' have his Cotton Candy ice cream and he had to get Bubble Gum. He got two scoops, I guess to make up for not having it the night before. I could hardly stomach one spoonful of that sickly sweet ice cream, neverless two whole scoops. Blah. Ethan was sad because he wanted that dart gun. Ice cream wasn't enough to cheer him up. You know its bad when ice cream cant do the trick. He tried to hide how sad he was, but you could see it in his eyes. Ben took the boys on a "walk" and came back with two of the guns. Ethan was happy! He said "I knew in my mind you were going to get this!" I then asked him why he was so sad then if he knew he was getting it. He then said, "I just knew in my mind right now!" LOL

After dinner we went home and watched some more X games, and Sophia and I played her Leapster together. Yes, Ben asked me to get the braids this time, too. It was nice to keep my hair out of my face, but they hurt my head, and made sleeping miserable. They came out the night we got home.

Ben and the kids spent a lot of time play Mappy on the DS! Then we all played the fasted round of Clue every (Aubrie winning on her second turn). Then we played a round of Yatzee. In the middle of the game Sophia came to us and said she was tired. We told her to get her PJ's on. Then she came back in her PJ's and said she was tired. A few minutes later she came to tell us she turned down the covers. She sat in Ben's lap for a bit, and then took her Leapster into the room. Then next thing I know she is out like a light, under the covers with the fan aimed at her head. I told Ben, "There is some great parenting right there, when your 3 year old puts themselves to bed!"

The next moring we packed up the car and then headed to the beach. We had fun jumping calmer waves and just hanging out in the water. Ethan and I also spent time builing a sandcastle with a fortress wall around it. Sophia spent a lot of her time just sitting on the shoreline letting the water rush over her legs. Around noon we headed up to the pool for some lunch, but the cook hadn't come in yet. After swimming for about an hour, and still no cook, we changed and went into town for lunch. We couldn't decide on anything we wanted, so we all agreed that two scoops of Thrifty ice cream sounded good! The kids thought they were in Heaven, but soon realized an hour into the trip why Mom insists on lunch first. They were all hungry, and so we snacked for another hour, until we made it to the McDonalds at Gila Bend. Luckily we got across the border fast, or it would have been a long wait till dinner.

Ben and I both agreed that the trip was awesome. It was so laid back, and fighting was almost non existant. The kids all had a great time, and the weather was awesome. I'm glad we had this one last trip before the craziness of the Fall hits us!