Easter Sunday

I'd really like to say we celebrated in our Sunday best, but we degenerated into everyday wear moments after church. I didn't even get a pic o' the fam in their Annual Easter Finery (thank you Easter candy- the gift that starts immediately and just keeps on givin in spite of our best efforts otherwise. How, just how I ask you, does milk chocolate and something pink? appear on Andrew's shirt-who didn't even have any chocolate- next to the bib, on Bub's tie, and on Morgan's skirt ensemble) And we all coordinated too (waaaaahhhh.) I even slaved away and made Miss a skirt (purely out of desperation, mind you.) Me! Good thing I'm not a vain, shallow person who thinks coordinating outfits make the Holiday. Those people oughta be shot (since mine wasn't worn long enough to be appreciated by all and sundry.)
J/K, I spose. Don't worry, therapy worked, I'm over it.

*Will (possibly...not probably...never) upload a pic of the baskets- a sure case of 'my basket runneth over' since there were 200+ eggs, 6 participating kids. Those are good odds.

Here we are. Happy Easter.
Morgs and Bubs with their culinary masterpiece.

Moments before mass pandemonium.

Morgs posing; Alissa, hanging out.

Lemme at 'em.

What's candy??

This is fun and all, but what's all the excitement over plastic about?

Hope you like 'em boiled

OK. It's a little late. But I was in the mood for eggs. Too bad they've already been eaten. I suppose it's never too late to admire them however. At any rate, here's MnM, Bubs and Madison with their snazziest creations (thanks to the Beaumonts-namely Mary.) Myana and Drew kept cozy, if sopping, in the sink. She loved it. Andrew, not so much. Both were soaked. Got gills anyone?

A New Discovery, a Current Fav

Nothing worth trumpeting, but I am in luv with a new song/songwriter. It isn't just her simple lyrical harmonies, but her ballad-like sentiments. Check it out (second to last on my playlist.) may you fall head over heels as I have. It's good to luv. At any rate, here are the lyrics. Think about it:

Breakable

Have you ever thought about what protects our hearts?
Just a cage of rib bones and other various parts.
So it's fairly simple to cut right through the mess,
And to stop the muscle that makes us confess.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

You fasten my seatbelt because it is the law.
In your two ton death trap I finally saw.
A piece of love in your face that bathed me in regret.
Then you drove me to places I'll never forget.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

And we are so fragile,
And our cracking bones make noise,
And we are just,
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls-
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls-
Breakable, breakable, breakable girls and boys.

(Speaking about meaningful music, check out The Fray, How to Save a Life, also deep and therefore beautiful. The back story: Slade, the lead singer, was a mentor at a camp for troubled teens. This is his story about an unreachable boy chock full of problems and how his loved ones tried to reach him. Or, What Sarah Said, by Death Cab for Cutie, where he explores love and death. After absorbing it's significance, you almost need a moment of silence as tribute. Pure poetry- poignant and captivating.)

11+ Minutes you won't regret losing

Watch this lecture on attaining your Childhood dreams, and you won't regret it. This is a lecture given by a dying professor. it's his last one. And, it's worth the time.

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

Pre-Easter Hunting in Earnest

Have you ever noticed that anything and everything is adorable in miniature? It could be dog ugly, but if you make a mini version, suddenly it's de-liteful.

So here's my dilemma.

Easter is around the corner, and Morgan is getting ever bigger. Don't worry, she still ranks as super-cute in my book. Unfortunately, the Easter dresses in her size, don't. I have been everywhere. Unsuccessfully as you might have already guessed. (Aren't you smart.)

I'm about ready to call it quits. Except, I'm no quitter. Instead, I call on all of you: help me. Please? I need a lovely (but will settle for merely attractive at this point) pink, white, green or yellow (unless it's captivating, and available, in a different color) economical (be reasonable) Easter dress (or shirt/skirt ensemble) preferably with sleeves (unless a stunning sweater is available for a song, though dancing is better). If I ask for shoes, is that pushing it? Ok, I won't ask.

Oh, and a matching/coordinating tie for Bub's (sorry kid, it's all about the dress.) Not to mention one for Andy (not mandatory- he can't speak his displeasure, tho I'm confident if he could, it would not be about the lack of coordinating Easter ties.)

Can you stand how easy to please I am? (Yeah, neither can Leroy.)

Tagged!

Instructions:

Four people will be tagged.
You have to answer the questions, then post on the person tagged, let them know they are tagged, and then they post the answers. It is always fun to learn more about people!!!

10 Years Ago I was: A wife of 5 years and a new mother of two (Bub's was almost 5 months old, Morgan had just turned two.) We were living in Indiana, 7 doors down from Leroy's Uncle Jimmy & entourage, and 13 doors the other way from his Dad and Stepmom. I was also Young Women's pres, vteaching 6 people (they were not close either), and was on the tail end of a stake mission. Leroy was working, in school (Purdue), and coaching High School a girl's basketball team (he was non-existent. I went to games or practices to see him.) Those were the exhausted years.

5 Things on my To Do List Today:
1-Attend school
2-Pick up Andrew
3-Pick up kids
4-bake cookies with Morgs (new recipe, will report)
5-FHE

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:
1-Buy a really great cabin! (do i hear an echo??)
2-Share the wealth with: causes I feel are important, friends, and family.
3-Put money in accounts for the future education, missions, & weddings of my children!!!
4-Travel with the fam. ( I want to take the kids to a 3rd world country- we are far too entitled. Then to Hawaii? Gotta throw some fun in there.)
5-Invest (the Market, and local businesses)
6-Finish school
7-Find a plot o' land

3 of my bad habits
1-Apologizing
2-Neuroticizing
3-Not exercising

Places I Have Lived other than here:
1-Valparaiso, IN
2-Rockaway Township, NJ
3-Colonial Heights, VA
4-Charleston, SC (SC 2x)
5-Belleville, IL
6-Memphis, TN (2x)
7-Jonesboro, AK
8-Rexburg, ID
9-Richland, WA (WA 3x)
10-Oceanside, CA
11-Seoul, Korea

Jobs I Have Had (that Paid?)
1-Library
2-Grocery store checker
3-Many burger joints (I am multi-talented in this venue)
4-Receptionist
5-Framer (of art)
6-Newspaper delivery
7-Babysitter


Things Most People Don't Know About Me:
1-I have a bald spot on my head (only noticeable in high winds)
2-I have been in three brochures (have only seen two: for work, but was told of another: for Ricks).
3-I have no naturally occurring birthmarks.
4-I can wear a size 2 shoe in girls.

YOU ARE TAGGED:
Alissa
Brooke
Tammy
Crystal

A gift from Me to You

If you have been a mother for any length of time, you (and this is virtually 100% guaranteed) have felt like a crappy mother. No one knows as well as you your failings, mistakes, and do-over moments (though the kids may think they do).

Well, ladies. This is a moment for you. Anytime you need a pick-me-up-see-I'm-not-that-bad-moment, here's one ready made and in black and white.

Read on:
"[We were ready to leave the Ikea parking lot when] this chick pulls up next to us. I was busy putting the boys in their carseats when I hear this lady talking to Greg. I could hardly believe what she was saying. She asked Greg if he was in a hurry. I am sure Greg thought what I thought..she needs help loading something in her car...which was just fine because he does have awesome muscles..(at least thats what I hear him telling himself every morning in the mirror!) Oh, no..just wait. Greg said he had about ten minutes before he needed to leave for an appointment. She proceeded to tell Greg that her CHILDREN had fallen asleep in the car and was wondering if he would watch them while she shopped. That was about when my jaw hit the freaking pavement. I should have gone over and questioned her right then and there but I was in shock.. instead I told Greg he didn't have time. But, Greg is way way WAY too nice. He said, well, I have ten minutes but that is it. She said, "oh, well, how long are the lines? I'm not sure I can be that quick." Greg told her they weren't to bad and there she went. She ran off into the store. She didn't ask us our names or anything. So here we sat in the IKEA parking lot watching some lazy unfit parent go into shop while we watched her children. No joke. Poor kids. When she ran off I seriously said some choice words and then in typical "Becky Fashion" I started looking around smiling and wondering where that camera was. Was I being punked and if I am, I just said a potty word. I couldn't help myself. What kind of mom leaves her children with complete strangers? I know we are in Utah and I know Greg and I look like "upstanding citizens"..okay maybe just Greg does because she didn't ask me...but say we decided to take the kids..or even better..ditch the kids because we waited so long. I couldn't get over it. Greg thought it would be funny if we just moved the car so when she got back she freaked out....oh funny until you get arrested Greg for kidnapping!!!!! That would be a real knee slapper. Anyways we waited and she came back about ten mintues later and just said thanks and hopped into her car."

There you have it, if you've never done that, you are ahead of at least one person in this world. If that doesn't reassure you about yourself, I don't know what it's gonna take. (Of course, there are so many other angles you could take about this story, but none of them fit my purpose, so it can wait for your comments!)

Have a Great Day, and Happy Parenting!

Double digits +1

It's birthday time for our numero uno kiddo. We luv ya sis. Here's Morgs and her week-long Birthday jubilee. Since Leroy wasn't here for her actual birthday, we extended it into several mini celebrations. Lucky Eleven festivities included: a family party, bday breakfast, super celebratory supper, girl's only gala, family-n-friend party, & school party.

We are so glad Morgs is in our family. Must admit- it's soooo fun to have a girly girl!! Have a Happy, Little Miss. All our love to you on your special day!

An Ode

to the greatest invention ever: the google reader. Much like Google earth, it gives you an overview of places you care about and a whole lot more if you so choose. Only, instead of seeing your house, you see the latest blogs/website of anyone and anything you want to regularly follow. (This is going in entirely new directions now- reminiscent of stalking, internet style.)

ANyway, it updates the latest blog entries for you. It comes to you rather than you going to each and every 'it'. Like an email inbox. Genius. Why didn't I think of that!

For those of you who enjoy a perpetual treasure hunt, do not follow this link. You will be sorely dissatisfied to find that by doing so (along with adding everyone's blog addresses) your personal hunt for red october will cease. But, never fear, Traci's here. If this does happen, despite your best intentions, you are invited to my house where I will supply you with many other things to hunt for (mateless socks, disappearing keys, errant homework, the battery cover for one of 13 remotes, a single AAA battery- that's gotta be a gimme- it's still in it's pack of 36!, my husband after 6pm, Bubba when 'shopping' is mentioned, Morg's when it's chore time...it could be endless bliss.)

For the rest of you, here's the address:
http://www.google.com/reader

An Attempt

I was happy when I first heard the news, but later hit at some point, and it was a different emotion altogether. I have tried to write something about the passing of the Prophet repeatedly. As you can tell by my prolific blogging and the constant maudlin blathering, I've gone overboard. (Sarcasm in writing doesn't always translate. DIdn't know til now.)

It's gotten to where I'm verbally constipated in other areas of my life as well. I think the problem stems from the inadequacy which any words of mine have in expressing my feelings about it. Particularly as there are so many other ones floating around in cyberspace, some so well written I want to plagiarize their words as representation of my own sentiments. Even now, determined as I am to say something, anything, my fingers wander away of their own accord in this unworthy side-note slash excuse for my absence.

Did I mention I attempted to go to the viewing? Again, I attempted, while Leroy succeeded. Why? At any rate, I made my northern pilgrimage in a vain attempt (here's that word again) at I-don't-know-what. All I know, is when we arrived, the conference center more resembled an army of ants at a leftover picnic than the sparse lines of solemn mourners I had imagined. Maybe hoped for.

When we were told (by Jamie, from our last ward) that it was a good 5 hour wait, hope, which I didn't realize I had, adjourned. I felt like a child who's favorite toy has been taken over by that alien, and no good, other child and I have no way of knowing that I'll get it back. Not that the prophet is my personal toy. At any rate, as we stood on the street corner waiting for the light to change, my biggest urge was to wail. Sound melodramatic? Since I didn't want to scare the kids, or my companion street crossers, I suppressed the urge. No strait jackets for me today.

Eventually, i managed to swallow the knob of sadness and even enjoyed the rest of the evening surrounded by the other thwarted mourners as well as the wax figures of past Prophets, afterwards eating banana pie with Miss and Bubs. Much like any other Friday night.

Here I sit, mostly happy, generally consumed with everyday living. But every now and then, I am momentarily sad again. That is, until I remember that he has had a happy reunion with a dearly missed eternal companion, lived a life of no regrets, and is free from a sick and tired 97 year old body. ANd, that Thomas S. Monson will not just attempt, but succeed in being a great Prophet.

I leave you with another's sentiments anyway. My words alone were not enough. Maybe his will be.

I pledge Allegiance...

to the Bumbo seat.*

Here's to being a bad Mom; I love the bumbo seat, nay love is too common a word for the intense affection I feel for this present-day miracle worker. I know, I know. It's a safety hazard to infants everywhere. Don't I know it's been recalled? I suppose if anyone wants to liken my love for Andrew with my refusal to ban the bumbo, I will come out stinking like the Narcissus ('fragrant', my foot- have you ever smelled one? The stench is by no means pleasant, as implied by use of the word 'fragrant' in it's package description.) But, I digress.

The point is, there are moments or things which we cannot remember a time before. Husbands. Children. Owning a home. Domestic slavery. Etc. Such is true of the Bumbo.

Andrew, by the time he is steady enough to graduate from it's soft, yet simultaneously firm, azure embrace, will probably have a bumbo shaped bum for years to come. By that time, we will likely have to use the jaws of life to extricate him from it (I swear we could write 'Gone with the Wind II" by the time he's a stabile sitter.)

Until that time, I am savoring it's existence in my heretofore unpriveleged world. To all the bumboless, save yourself many futile moments daydreaming of growing additional arms. Think of the expense saved: bumbo seat- $40. new wardrobe to accomodate new arms- $700 (this is a custom wardrobe we're talking about here). Countless mutually satisfied moments (yours, your baby's, and anyone rescued from holding him/her whilst attempting another task)- priceless.

And to the bumbo have's, welcome to a bright new future: just you and your bumbo (and your baby).

*Caution: Since they can fall out, it's best used on the ground or very closely supervised. This writer takes no responsibility for it's use, abuse, or any accident that may befall it's occupant.

All choked up

Well, we're all done.

It's official and irrevokable- Andrew's ours! We were sealed in the Mount Timpanogos temple on Friday, December 28th. It was such an incredible experience and everyone seemed to be especially benign and congenial there. Of course, sympathy could have been inspired by the constant sniffles and errant black tears, but we'll take kindness on a special day (or heck, any day) regardless of the motivation.

Funny how trivial things unravel a string of others. Just walking the kids into the temple youth center brought home my own walk into another temple nursery some 32 years prior. I remembered so clearly all the ladies in white, several cribs, the layout of the room, and many coloring books. (But, most of all, i remember being bored - my parents had endowments to do at the same time and they were of the old school variety!)

What I don't remember was the actual sealing. I'm surprised because, of course, that's all I'll recall about this one- What a moment. They were so beautiful in their spotless white ensembles: Morgan in her frosted pearl floor-length dress, and Bubba in a dwarfed replication of Dad's white shirt and tie. They were wreathed in smiles- even Andrew. He was exquisite; they had brought him straight from napping, his little red cheeks and clear blue eyes contrasting with his creamy porcelain skin and the snowy white of his gown. He put his hand on ours and kept it there throughout the sealing, looking from Leroy to me and back again for the duration. Near the end, he gave me a luminous, delighted grin- which set me off into the 'ugly' cry. (You know, the one where you can't contain your lip twitch, your face crumples like a wad of paper, and black rivers stream down your face.) Fortunately, I was otherwise engaged and didn't care until later.

Regardless, the moment was sublime. It still seems like a picture in a children's book, but rather than some anonymous faces caricatured there, they're ours.

Although we weren't able to get our group together in the traditional group foto posed before the temple, the sisters did get permission for a brief all white pic of our family outside. Which I don't have yet, it being held without bail or parole on Dad's camera until the sentence is served and is freed from it's dark Canon detention center. Talk about cruel and unusual. The moment of its release, you can be assured of a media frenzy by numero uno.

Until then, I recline in blissful and utter relaxation to collect and compose myself ... but the alarm goes off, and chaos reigns again. We're back from the Magic Kingdom. And I don't mean Disneyland.

Check out my Slide Show!

1 Down,

2 More to go.

Today was our Adoption. He is officially and federally ours. Yippee. Will post pics when I receive them.

This morning was a bit stressful for unknown reasons. You can just say I was tense. It didn't help that our attorney, the very experienced Randy Kester called this morning and casually announced he would not be there. The conversation went a bit like this:

Randy: "Something, something, something-and by the way I won't be there-something, something..." WHOAAA.
Me: What??! Whadja say? Who WILL be there?!
Randy: "Oh, you'll be fine, he's great. He's Tyler Young and he's a son of one of the partners."
My response: Is he even an attorney?? How many adoptions has he done?
His: "Oh, this is his first, but it'll be fine." (It turns out he was nice, nervouse, and nice lookin. What was I complaining about?)

Anyway, do you feel where I was at 'tense-wise'?!

Not to mention, Leroy forgot what time it was ('I thought you said it was at 3 o'clock.') which means he was late. Did I mention that, in the flurry of leaving late, we forgot the diaperbag? And, that Andy woke this morning with green snot all over his face and a fever? Did I mention my state of mind??

But, all's well that ends well. Gabe, Karen and Terry were all there waiting (LJ was there with Alyssa, but she got sick and they had to go home.) At any rate, we might have forgotten our camera, bottles, diapers and wipes, but Gabe and Karen remembered theirs. Small miracles do happen.

For the record, Judge Davis has a heart of gold. He was really warm, really patient (with our somewhat fumbling but very nice attorney) and really happy for us. It was interesting hearing him talk about the seriousness of the occasion and how this formality made Andrew, in the eyes of the governemnt, our 'birth' child. I flashed back to what my parents must have heard at my adoption. Full Circle.

Judge Davis also included the kids by asking them questions (like he asked us, only in abreviated form) like how they felt about Andrew, whether they were going to be a good brother/siter, and if they were goiing to be a great helper for Mom. Theya re now lawfully required to do so!

All joking aside, the whole thing was wonderful. Having family there with us really made it special too. But, I loved most that he took a moment to recognize Ibby (our birthmom) for the selflessness it took for her to carry to full term a baby she loved, but couldn't keep and to give that baby a better life by giving him away. Talk about tears. Although, I needed duct tape from the moment I stepped through the metal detectors.

We got great pictures of us and the kids, the kids and the judge, the kids and the robe with gavel in hand, us and family, us and the judge, us and the attorney, the attorney and the judge...you get the picture. Or, you will get the pictures, when I post them.

In the meantime, I am off to CHILL out for a few hours since tomorrow I will be tense in anticipation of next week. The saga continues...

I Bring you Good Tidings of...

Great Joy.

Unless you already know the tidings, have been reminded of said tidings and are being nagged with these now old, redundant and tarnished tidings. For those of you in this category, my apologies. You can skip to the next blog coming soon (hey! It's a relative term, ok. get off my back already---Don't frown, just kidding. Really.)

For the rest of you, our Adoption, Sealing and Blessing of Andrew dates are set. They are:

Adoption - Friday, December 21, 1:30pm.
Sealing - Friday, December 28, 5:00pm at the Timpanogos Temple (be there half an hour early.)
Blessing - Sunday, December 30, 9:00 am.

We are so excited! If you know us well enough to be reading this blog, you are invited to the Sealing and Blessing (we'd iinvite you to the adoption, but we figure that's overkill.)

Can't wait!