Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #4

Having spent most of my youth in Utah, Lagoon was one of the most exciting parts of my summers. There were company parties at Lagoon, end-of-the-school-year class trips to Lagoon, and Stake Lagoon days.

I was thrilled to take my kids there. And it was everything I hoped it would be. The memories of my childhood, combined with joy on their faces, was over the top for me.

The first ride I took Jenalyn on was the Mouse Trap. My dad told her it was *somuchfun* so she wanted to try it. She was absolutely terrified. It was fun to hear her nervous chatter throughout the entire ride. "OH my goodness. I'm freaking out right now! Is it almost over? I'm so scared! Holy cow!"

At the end of the day, Jenalyn declared that it's the second most funnest place on earth ... Disney Land is first. (Not that we know that first-hand, that's just what we've been told.) The kids are still talking about it. It really was that fun.

(It's possible that I drove this exact same car when I was Jenalyn's age. They've relocated the ride since then, but I'm guessing they haven't changed the cars. Very nostalgic.)

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #3

Late nights at Cheryl's house making hair bows and flowers for our girls. I love crafting with my sister! And this time we didn't need Skype!

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #2

Painting my parents' deck with my dad, while listening to classic country music on Pandora. It was fun hearing my dad talk about his old favorite singers. Definitely a memory I'll always hold on to.

I love you, Daddy!

Utah Trip: Favorite Memories #1

It was actually a fabulous day altogether, but this moment was especially sweet to me. We built a fire in the fire pit in my brother's backyard and made S'mores. Corbin decided the fire needed a campfire story! So he told Uncle Jerald about "Jerry McCreedy, the meanest counselor in the history of summer camp." Corbin knows the story word-for-word from Scooby Doo Camp Scare, complete with actions and expressions. And Uncle Jerald gave him his complete attention. As if it was the most fascinating story ever told. Corbin relished the attention.

Bye-Bye Buckies

Jenalyn got BRACES today! Yes, she is only 7-years old. But, since buckies are only cute when you're 7, we're gettin' rid of 'em before she gets older and they become embarrassing to her. The braces will pull her two front teeth in, and soon they'll add an appliance that will bring her lower jaw forward (she has an overbite.)

Personally, I love her bucky teeth. I think they add character (heehee). But, I have been self-conscious of my teeth for my entire life and I want to save my daughter from that. I want her to be able to smile freely in front of a camera.

I can't wait to post "After" pictures in about a year.

Overheard

Jenalyn: You actually are going to have to marry Lilly in public, you know.

Corbin: Awe man! In public?

Jenalyn: Uh-huh. And that's when you'll kiss her for the first time.

Corbin: YUCK!

Jenalyn: I know. You do a lot of yucky things when you're married.

Corbin: *ugh*

(Me, thinking to myself: Oh my! Where is this conversation going! Should I step in?)

Jenalyn: Like, you'll have to feed her cake! And you'll probably smear it on each other's faces!

Corbin: Eww. Really?

Good thing he has his big sister to lead him down the path of life, huh?

Safe...in my arms.

I've had to have a lot of hard talks with Jenalyn this past year. First grade was an interesting experience. I haven't coped well with the transition from cute little kindergartner to big kid. We've had to talk about bad words and attitudes (she's a sponge and picks up everything from the other kids at school - good or bad). Also about different lifestyles and choices people make.

It's a hard line. I don't want her to be too sheltered. But I also don't want her sweet innocence to be gone. I want to keep her heart and mind as pure as they were when she was first placed in my arms.

So when this song came on my iPod yesterday it had me in tears. Not silent tears. I'm talking big, sobbing, blubbery tears.

It was ugly.

The imagery just really struck me. Like, I could see myself and Jenalyn in the middle of a fierce storm, with wind and rain and lightening, and our hair whipping all around. And I'm holding her so tightly against my chest, trying to shield her from any harm. I want to do that in real life. This world can be so scary. Like the nastiest hurricane Mother Nature can conjure up. And I just want to shield my children from it. I want to keep them young and sweet and innocent. But I can't. That won't help them grow, will it?

So here's the song, listen and enjoy (and grab a box of tissues if you can relate).

According to Corbin

I had an interesting conversation with Corbin this morning.

Corbin: You're actually really going to have another baby.

Me: I don't think so, buddy.

Corbin: You really are! You just don't believe me!

Me: How do you know?

Corbin: That's what mommies do! They have babies. When you stop having babies, then you die.

Grandma: If she's going to have another baby, will it be a boy, or a girl?

Corbin: Well, Aunt Cheryl had a boy and then a girl...and then a boy and then a girl...

(Actually, Aunt Cheryl only has a boy and a girl.)

...so we're going to have a boy next.

Me: Oh buddy, I really don't think we'll have another baby.

Corbin: But I really want a little brother! So I can teach him all about dinosaurs! And how to be a good boy, like me!

Me: Well, I think you better take this up with Dad.

Corbin: BUT Dad can't have babies!

....A little later....

Corbin: You're the BEST mom I've ever had!

Me: Awe, really? How many moms have you had?

Corbin: Seventeen. And you're the best of all! That's why I picked YOU!

A Few of My Favorite Things

When we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house 5 days ago Tienna was terrified of dogs. All dogs. She faced her fear and is now best friends with Pappy.


I'm pretty sure I won the coolest aunt and mom award today because I played Mario Cart with the kids. I whooped hiney at it too! We were literally rolling on the floor laughing and hollering. There were some intense, close races.


The other day my sister Cheryl took a picture of Jenalyn and then showed it to her on her camera and Jenalyn said, "Ew, my eyes look funny. Don't put that on FaceBook!"


We were hanging out on the deck this evening waiting for dinner and Corbin climbed into my lap and sighed and said, "You're looking good tonight, mom!" and then threw his arms around my neck. He must have known I was missing daddy. He always tells me I'm beautiful.


Tienna and Grandma played with noses.

I love love love this picture.

Great Day at the Park

We went to the park today with our cousins, Parker & Dillon.

And left with some awesome memories.

Parker and Dillon each wanted a turn with the camera. I can't remember which one turned it on me. Little stinker! I don't know how to PhotoShop out my horrible farmer tan!

Coming Into Her Own

I took Jenalyn shopping and for the first time she was very particular about her clothes. It was fun to watch her decide her own style. She was very much into accessories. Her two new shirts came with a scarf and a necklace. She was so excited, when we got home she wanted to do a fashion show for me. I think she looked radiant.

Laundry Help

Tienna likes to help with the laundry. By "help" I mean empty the laundry baskets onto the floor, creating more work for me. Good thing she's so cute, eh?

The Key Holder

Today was an epic day in our household. Today Corbin became a holder of the Sacred Key of Justice. It was forged in the center of a dying sun. Given only to those with the purest of hearts. The holder has a great responsibility to do good.

After he received this key and was told of it's power, Corbin's whole demeanor changed. He takes his responsibility as a Key Holder very seriously. He has taken absolute care of the key. And he has been a better listener than ever (YAY!).

Later tonight Corbin thanked daddy for the key. But daddy told him that he didn't give him the key. "The key saw the good in your heart and it chose you, Corbin!"

Before bed I overheard Jenalyn say, "Corbin, I'm so glad we have a Key Holder in our house."

We have a hero in our midst.

I love that it makes him feel special. And I love that it gives him a sense of purpose and a desire to be good. He gave me a big hug and said, "The key holder is at your service, mom." (melt my heart!)

(The key came in the mail along with a "win a car" mail spam and Jason and I decided to give it to the kids to play with. ...and then it erupted into this big, major thing. I think Jason read too many comic books when he was little. Oh, and The Key is sacred, so Corbin can't talk to anyone about it. Please don't mention this to him.)

Fabulous Fourth

We had a rockin'-awesome 4th of July weekend!

We had a BBQ with Nancy, Cassie, Dale and Grandpa John.
We had Grandma 'Nee and Grandpa Jerry all to ourselves for 2 days.
We spent a night at the beach house with extended family.
We saw fireworks in Depoe Bay on the 3rd. In the cold, blustery wind.
We saw WHALES just off shore! (finally! I've waited SO LONG!)
We climbed 114 stairs to the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
We saw fireworks in Harrisburg, carrying on tradition that was started with Jason's mom, so many years ago.
Yes, it was a good holiday. I'm grateful for my family. My heart was full-to-bursting before we even saw the fireworks. Which, I love, by the way!

Eight Months Old

I can't believe she's 8 months already. She's practically a toddler now. She's so active.


She sleeps through the night, she has 5 teeth and eats almost anything I give her. She crawls, pulls up to standing, waves, giggles, smiles, and melts hearts everywhere.