Missing The Yamaguchis

Nothing makes me think more of our dear family friends, the Yamaguchis, than these teriyaki meat skewers. It's been a long time since we had them, and they were just as delicious as I remember.

A Sensational Saturday

This morning I got to help out at a local soup kitchen. I had never signed up to go before. It seems like this season of my life is allowing me more time away from the kids and home. I saw a few children at the shelter. It made my heart ache to see them homeless and hungry. I felt very grateful for our daily comforts, including our air conditioner on these extremely hot days. It was the perfect start to the day.

When I got home Aaron had already completed a million chores around the house. Everything looked so nice. My appreciation for all his hard work every day on our behalf grew ten times this morning.

Today was our last swimming lessons of the summer. Aaron took the kids while I headed to a darling garden boutique. I got to drive with Christine in the cool car....it felt like the ride took five minutes it was so fun chatting. The boutique was filled with adorable pillows, clothing, jewelry, etc. There were a lot of people there that I have only had a chance to interact with a few times, which made it extra special.

Then Damian made a nice barbecue for everyone when we returned. As you can imagine, by this point I am feeling almost embarrassed by how much pampering and service I had received throughout the day.

It was a great one.

The kids are becoming quite the swimmers. Their skills have improved so quickly in the last two weeks. Nikki and Cameron enjoyed splashing around in these awesome floating/jackets after swim lessons.

It's Out!

Noah lost his first tooth this morning while eating cereal. It was so exciting because we knew it was going to happen any moment; it was barely hanging on to the gum. The first thing he did was call his grandmas and then his cousins. Everyone was so excited for him.

He decided to brush the tooth this evening to make it extra sparkly before bed, and unfortunately it fell down the sink. He was devastated because he really wanted to show it to the rest of his cousins. Luckily, I took a picture of it, plus I told him he'll be losing more in the future so not to worry. He grinned, his tongue peeking through the new hole, and he was happy.

We headed to get some frozen yogurt this evening since it was over 100 degrees today. Nikki saw some boys enter dressed in their karate uniforms. Nicole said, "Them are ninjas." It made me laugh.

Kids Camp

A 15 year old girl in our ward has come up with the most brilliant summer job. For two weeks out of the summer she holds a kids camp, one in June and one in July. The kids camp goes Monday through Friday from 10 to 1. She develops a theme and creates activities and crafts each day to entertain the kids. The cost is 35 dollars a kid.

For parents that's a steal...35 bucks for the fifteen hours they spend there totally entertained. I believe that there are about 12 kids in each session. So, in two weeks she earns 840 dollars. I am sure she has to pay for supplies, but that's a pretty great profit. If she found a minimum wage job she'd have to work over 80 hours to earn that much. Plus it doesn't eat up the summer and there's still plenty of time to vacation and play. It is just brilliant.

She and her mom (and her brothers, I think) help out here and there. And the kids have a fantastic time. Her mom told me she earns enough money each year to pay for her school clothes. What a great way to teach your child the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. Just think of the things she's learning...I bet she is completing personal progress goals left and right.

And parents are frantically calling the second she opens the registration to get a spot. Mary and Noah did it last year and Nikki and Noah this year. She had to turn away a bunch of kids, so next year she is thinking about doing an acting camp with her darling friend who also loves theater. I can just anticipate Mary being ecstatic with that specialty.

I did catch a picture of Johanna and Noah today. The theme for this session is under the sea.

Be Fruitful

I keep thinking about Damian's talk on Sunday...be fruitful, a commandment given to Adam and Eve that meant more than having children alone. He helped me recognize that our lives are pruned by the Lord of the vineyard, branches plucked and grafted to produce the greatest fruit. It may feel difficult at times, but with some faith we can realize what the Lord is doing for us. He shared the example of a pope who had a conference with his nuns and asked them to be fruitful, meaning do more good, be of more service, share more love, be more involved in God's great work.

I got to hold a brand new baby today. Oh how I loved it. We know we are done having children, but it made me wonder if we should have more. Quite honestly, I think about it every time I see a baby, or go to the temple, or see a pregnant woman. But this talk gave me some clarity and I feel at peace knowing that there are many ways we can produce good. Of course nothing can be as joyous and enriching as motherhood, but motherhood and discipleship take many different forms in this life.

What a great message.

Love

A perfect explanation of love...


Feeling very grateful for my true love. This may be us in a few decades.

Two Dollars

 I asked Aaron to grab some snapshots of the kids riding bikes after family night and come up with a good topic for our blog since I had nothing planned. He came in, handed me the camera and said, "Two Dollars".

I had a roommate in college who introduced me to several somewhat strange 80's movies classics. I would have been better off dead than to have missed out on those.

Also, congrats to my newest second (or is it third, second once removed?) cousin...so happy for you Andrea and Yoho!

Lazy Sunday

I love lazy Sundays. We had a few responsibilities in the morning but were able to actually take a nap after church (can't remember the last time that happened). Aaron concocted a delicious dinner followed by a nice Sunday stroll down our street while the brownies cooked in the oven. Please ignore Noah and his hiked up shorts. He was trying to be silly. 

We saw the remains of a couple dead animals on the side of the road. We could see the entire skeleton of one of them. It's face was side ways and you could see it's open mouth and sharp teeth. I think it was a cat, but I didn't want to look very long. Noah called it a saber-toothed tiger.

Damian addressed us at our ward conference today. For me it was a tender mercy and just a little evidence that God loves us, even as imperfect as we are. I was feeling pretty awful and humbled that morning by some of my weaknesses. His talk was just what I needed to hear. He spoke on how the Lord prunes our lives so that we yield the most fruit. I love it when you are praying for some kind of inspiration and you hear or read something that really touches your heart and helps you gain a little perspective. It made the Sunday all the more fantastic.

Let's Go to the Mall!

We stopped by the mall to get a birthday present for a Mary's darling little friend from school. I took with me our kids plus a couple extra. Elise and Noah held hands all through out the mall. It was so cute.

Here's a picture of Mary at the adorable doll themed party.

Cooking Class

Tonight we celebrated out friend's birthday at a hands-on cooking demonstration of authentic Thai foods. I learned a lot about the culture and tried some new things. The location was gorgeous and the company was the best part of the evening.

The Boy Loves Liquid

Cameron loves to drink and play in all things liquid...you can tell by his typical saggy diaper. I can't wait until he's potty trained because we go through a giant Costco diaper box pretty quickly around here.

Cameron's diapers aren't the only thing that he drags around. His phrases are dragged out and his intonation usually sounds like a question. If I were to say, "Grandma's in the kitchen" His reply would be an extended, "in the kiiiiitcheeeeen?" Or if he wanted something to drink, he'd say "more water pleeeeese moooommmy?'

Oh boy do I love this water boyyyyyyy!?

Facebook Videos for the Ladies

I really loved these facebook videos. So dead on...

I hope I can teach my girls to treasure their divine worth as women and embrace all that is good and right.

Summer Schedule: A Rough Draft

Today we took a break from the summer schedule we (I) invented to keep our children in tip top shape physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wonder if I should be worried since it's only been a week of following the schedule and we (I) are (am) already exhausted from it? The hardest part has been keeping the kids motivated and happy to complete the list. My favorite part has been using some of my rusty teaching skills with the children. We ended up getting most of it done today anyway just mingled with some fun creative playtime. Maybe that's a better way to do it? I'm still trying to figure it all out.

Swim Lessons 2013

This year all of my children benefit from swim lessons with Sarah. Man is she a great instructor and the kids can't get enough of her creative games and lessons. I am totally entertained watching her as well. What a talent! I am so happy that Nicole went in the water this year.

Happy Father's Day

I've been extremely blessed to be raised by a very caring, loving, humble, meek, patient, gentle, and inspiring father. His goodness and testimony have brought me closer to the Savior. I love to be around him and discussing church topics is one of my favorite things to do with him. 

Happy Father's Day Pop!

Thank you! I love you!

xo
Daughter

Eight is Great!

What better way to celebrate Annie's eighth birthday than to gather together for her baptism? It was a wonderful morning and the kids enjoyed her water party in the afternoon. Happy birthday Annie! You are loved!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Tonight reminded me of one of those dateless college weekends with your roommates. Only this time I hung out with Nina, Rachel, Mary, and Nikki. We watched TWO awesome movies (The Odd Life of Timothy Green & Parental Guidance) while Nina and Rachel made some fancy hairdos on their American Girl dolls.  It was pure girly entertainment.

The boys were gone at a Fathers and Sons Campout. Aaron took Cameron with him for the first time. Hopefully that was a good decision.

Earlier in the day we went to the squirt park. This park in particular makes me nervous because it is so hard to see everyone at the same time. The playground and the water pad are far apart; however, it really helped to have the older girls keep an eye on the small ones while I chased my escape artist Cameron.

Someone told me today that Cameron reminded her of a precious moments doll with the big eyes and larger head, although she didn't say larger head...but I think that's what she was meaning. I looked at him and thought she has a point.

Actually, they're all pretty precious.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Tonight we watched Eliza play in her final softball game of the season. She is an amazing catcher and a great athlete. I love being at a ballpark. Perhaps it stems from the many family nights I spent as a child at Candlestick Park? I guess it's just one of the perks of having a father and three brother really into sports. I hope one of my kids will take up the sport, even though it's a big time commitment. I think it's pretty awesome. Here's Eliza avoiding a low pitch and the kids watching from the stands. Hum Batter Batter...

The Hangover

My body is achy, my feet are sore, my house is messy, and the memory of our epic party keeps putting a smile on my face. I imagine this may be what a real hangover would feel like, minus some nausea and vomiting?

Christine had the kids over for a little more partying, as if they haven't had enough? I didn't mind though. It gave me time to catch up on some blogging.

And I remember feeling this same way nine years ago at our biggest party....our wedding. Here's to a lifetime of many more celebrations!

Summer Kick Off

It was a fabulous event. The weather wasn't quite warm enough, which was a little sad since it was really a hundred degrees every day leading up to today, but it all worked great. I think we may have to make this an annual thing. We love, love, love SUMMERTIME!

First Grade Hurrah!

Aaron and I have been throwing around the idea of having a big party with a taco truck for a couple years now. We were going to try and do it for Cinco de Mayo, but it was on a Sunday this year and the Quatro de Mayo just didn't have a good ring to it.

So, we decided to throw a Good-bye School, Hello Summer Party. And we wanted all our friends in the ward and some surrounding it to come. We booked a DJ, a taco truck, shaved ice, bounce house and tried to make sure we had it just perfect for our 160 guests (most of them children). Christine and Tiff helped watch the kids for me while I ran around and got all ready. Aaron made the yard gorgeous. We worked really hard for family night. It's coming together. I can't wait.

Mary also had her final first grade field trip to the park. We brought some popsicles and water balloons to the party. We got to stay for a few minutes while we watched 100 first graders run around with joyful smiles. Where has the time gone? Mrs. Dippel, our fabulous principal is retiring this year. I am so sad to see her go. She has a way of making families feel so loved, what a great gift.

And happy birthday to my amazing, funny, stylish sister-in-law Susan. I wish we lived closer. You;re so awesome! xoxo

The Party Continues

After a busy Sunday of talks and lessons we gathered with some of the family to celebrate Aaron's birthday just one more time. I knew I'd have minimal time to prepare a tasty dinner, so I bought some Papa Murphy's pizza on Saturday that we could throw in the oven and eat for dinner. It was so relaxing. Plus, I didn't have him blow out one candle the day before on his actual birthday. We needed to make up for that. Thought this note from our oldest child and our second oldest child was cute.

Happy Birthday Husband!

Today is Aaron's birthday. We let him sleep in, or I should say I tried to keep everyone quiet from the typical Saturday morning ruckus. Once he woke up we had him open his presents--some new clothes, including a blue outfit that matches Noah's (Noah was very excited about this when he picked it out) and a pressure washer (that I left in the car figuring he would want to return any way). Not buying anything would be a birthday gift he'd enjoy most. Yet, I still buy things? When will I learn?

At about 9 we headed to breakfast with all the kids followed by a trip to wash the car...Aaron loves a clean car. We came home and relaxed for a bit before we went swimming. It was nearly 95 degrees by that point so the water was really refreshing.

Lastly, we got Emma to babysit for the evening and we used some gift cards we got for dinner and a movie. It made for a very fun birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband!
Love forever,
Wife

The Dirt on Talks

I was asked to be a companion speaker by a high councilman in our ward this Sunday. Does it ever get easier? The thought of what to say and how to say it kind of looms over you like a dust cloud on Charlie Brown's friend Pig-Pen.

I do have to say, there have been countless times in my life where I was given a topic and I knew it was postively meant for me. Everything I study and learn about gives me direct insight onto how I need to improve, which is the best part of it all.

My topic is recognizing God's hand in our lives, with a Primary perspective. It's a fun topic because really it's very joyful thinking about all the miracles and tender mercies that fill our lives. I have been reading some pretty amazing stories and scriptures and feeling very appreciative.

Preschool Graduate

Today was Noah's last day in Preschool. It's been a wonderful experience. He asked me this morning if he still gets to do play dates with his cousins/friends now that school is over. I told him that pretty much all of summer is one big play date, and he seemed pretty satisfied with that answer.

The graduation program was very sweet. I love that they sang a few songs. I could hear Noah sing the words so loud and clear. Noah also got to lead the class in the pledge of allegiance. His teachers, Ms. Delores and Ms. Bernadette have been very loving and kind. I am happy that his first time in school was so positive.

Word of Wisdom...yay, yay, yay!

 On Monday we had a lesson about the Word of Wisdom. It was inspired by the constant begging for sweets. The kids needed it and I needed it perhaps the most. So we talked about what to feed our bodies and how to take care of them. We talked about the blessings associated with living the principle and we decided to make a stronger effort to be more grateful by eating a little healthier.

This included a new goal of morning family exercise. Yesterday and today we walked around the perimeter of the 1.7ish acre property. Three times around is about a half mile, I think. So we started first thing once everyone was awake. We walked together, ate a healthy breakfast and got ready for school/work. We also got all this and our scripture reading done with plenty of time to spare.

Obviously we looked a little stange walking around the house some still dressed in our pajamas and tennis shoes, so Damian, who saw us from his house, asked Aaron what we were doing. Then this morning when he saw us again he shouted out his window "Word of wisdom, yay, yay, YAY!" The kids kept repeating his phrase as we walked. It was so cute.

Mary and Noah decided to run and beat us back inside. They ran an extra lap too. When we arrived at the house this was the sign they left for us on the step leading to the porch:

"Noah and Mary went around 4 times. We're inside."

This is going to be a fun summer.

And by the way, my allergies have almost completely left...halleluiah. I didn't have them at all in California and it's heavenly being able to breathe, see, and not feel tired.

Best Cousins

Annie earned a trip to the Family Fun Center for being awesome at home and we got to enjoy her achievement. Tiffany took Mary with her and then took pictures so I didn't have to worry about using my camera to capture something interesting at home. How thoughtful. These cousins sure love each other. The photo booth has frames around the pictures. They thought they choose one that said Best Friends Forever, as it turns out they picked the one that said, "Marriage is a wonderful journey". It made for some cute giggles.

As it turns out...

...traveling with out children is super easy. Plus, I got to talk to Aaron the entire way which made it a dreamy weekend date. We told ourselves this would be our Anniversary celebration which is next week...NINE wonderful years...can't believe it!

When we came home last night, my parents (with the help of my fabulous brothers and sister-in-laws) had cleaned the house so it looked better than how we left it. There was a yummy dinner waiting and a ton of sweet hugs and kisses from our children. Pure heaven.

 I found this note from Mary on our pillow. I love it!

The Sealing

Words can't express how beautiful the sealing was yesterday. There was a lot of love in that room and tons of tears on my end. I am so grateful to see Kirabo connected as the newest link in the Nadauld chain.

It's a good chain to hang on to.

Final Day of Soccer

Tiffany sent us a couple pictures of Mary and her undefeated team (again!). She scored a few goals that were pretty good, I hear. Noah also played very well. I don't have a picture of his team, but the whole Idiart family came and cheered him on in our absence. So sweet.