This Just In...

We're mid lunch, but I'm laughing too hard NOT to share this right now.

Addison and Carter were treated to some delicious Hot Chocolate for lunch!  Yum!  After a discussion about how Carter still had some left and it had already begun to cool, Addison proudly announced, "Mine all gone.  See?" (and remember how his voice goes up 2 octaves with the question, 'Seeee...?'...adorable).  And upon showing us his empty cup, he states in a voice like a super hero:

"Me...All-Done-Drinker-Man...Ha ha!"

Guess we now have his new Halloween Costume, our All-Done-Drinker Man.

I wonder what the cape looks like.

Wake Up Call

7:04 in the morning.

Tornado Siren going off outside.

Family cramped in the bathroom for safety.

Glad we went to the library yesterday...lots of good entertainment in such small spaces.
This is forecasted as "possibly the strongest storm in 70 years".
Wow.  Sounds severe.
Well, we're going to have breakfast now.
And, when the tornado watch is over, I'm taking a nap.
The wind kept me up ALL night!

Reason #87 1/2 that Steve is madly in love with me...

...because I have managed to get out of every ticket since we've been married.   And there's been at least 3 more since I last posted about it.  Yes, including the one today.  Thank you Officer Nice Guy!

Let's Hear it For the Boy! Let's Hear it for My Man!

*name the movie that has that song*

He did it!

 Steve graduated from Auction School as 3rd in his class, 

AND he did his first auction that same night!

It was a GREAT success!  

He was poised, commanded the stage, was energetic, and got several people involved in quite the bidding wars!  

Even I had to hold my hand down as he encouraged people to bid; there was something hypnotic, like we didn't want to let Steve down!  

Here's a video of him, but I was so far away, you really can't see anything, so don't try.  Just turn your speakers up to hear him :)

...and it kept going to $2100 for a pair of Blackhawks Tickets!

He raised TWICE as much as they were expecting.  The event was a benefit auction, raising money for The First Tee, an amazing organization teaching life skills through golf.  We DID get sucked in, though and bid on {and won} a silent auction item.  We didn't need it, but we were sucked in.  Oh well :)  Who couldn't use a day at the spa?

It felt GREAT to get dressed up to go on a REAL high-class date to the event!

Too bad we didn't win the $3000 Napa Valley getaway and hot air balloon ride.

True Love

There is nothing so tender as seeing my grandparents so deeply in love, even after all these years.  (married for 70 years, and they both turn 90 next year).

Cheri and I took a road trip together last week to visit them.

Every morning at breakfast, there was this darling exchange:
Honey, there is something I think you ought to know.
With a hint of surprise and a chuckle, Grandma would reply:
Oh?  What's that?
and with all sincerity, Grandpa would respond:
I   LOVE  YOU

It's been said, You are never too far apart if you are still holding hands.

I caught this shot while we were all just talking.
I caught them being in love, not something they have ever had to pose for.

They are close every step of their journey.


But I guess you learn such devotion and love from the examples in your life.
We watched a home video that showed my Great-Grandparents singing to each other, adoring one another just as my grandparents adore each other.
It was so touching, we took a video of Grandma and Grandpa singing the exact same song:

My Sunshine Kids

I've sung the same songs to all three kids, for the past 5 years. Gets redundant.

But maybe it's because my Mom sang them to me. And maybe that's because her mom sang them to her.

One of these is "You Are My Sunshine"

 One night, after singing the Sunshine song to Addison, he said in that amazingly sweet voice of his where the tail end of each word swoops up an octave --or two:

"Me...Your...Sunshine?"

"Oh yes, Addison!  You ARE my sunshine!"

And then he scrunched up his eyes and in a voice so low, like a monster, said:

"Carter...your...MOONshine!"

While laughing, I just swooped him up in my best "Oh Addie!" hug!

Pillow Talk

Seeing this took me way back.

Way back to those days we used to lie in bed with the phone talking to the one we loved.

When did that start?  Jr. High?

I don't think it started at age 4 for me.

Granted he's talking to his daddy :)

And seeing him made me think,

Back in college, I used to talk to Steve that same way on the phone.

Knowing it was late.  Knowing I was tired but I didn't want to say goodbye.  Knowing we were talking about nothing, but everything at the same time.  And loving it.

"I love you, bye....did you hang up?  why didn't you hang up?  Okay, you hang up first...I'm really hanging up now."

We are SO glad that Daddy is coming home!

My New Life

Last night I met Stephanie Nielson.

She is a role model of Strength. Beauty. and Truth.

I felt so close to her, as if she was talking straight to me, when in fact, there were 30 others in the same room.

Last night, Stephanie told me her story. What it felt like to burn. What it felt like to look at herself in the mirror and not see herself looking back. What it felt like to have your own children be afraid to look at you. She told me how she had wanted to give up. She couldn't be a Mom anymore -- how could she be, when she herself couldn't walk or eat, and then later, when she herself didn't know who she was? How could she love her children, if she couldn't love herself?

Hearing this part of her story makes tears run down my cheeks. Do I not feel that same way, too, at times? Do I look in the mirror and wonder 'Where is the real me?' Do I feel inadequate as a mother, unworthy for the important role I have? Do I wish I loved myself more? Do you?

And that is just with my every day life. Sans her plane crash.

And Stephanie was right; I do live the ideal life, just as she did before her crash. When she left on her trip she was a great mom, just like me and you, who had struggles, complaints, and frustrations. But looking back with new eyes, she proudly says, "I had the ideal life. There was no need to complain." I have three beautiful children, and a wonderful husband. I have a healthy and working body. And I really do have it very easy. I do live an ideal life. I am grateful.

The rest of the time spent, Stephanie testified of God. How he is REAL, and she knew it with sacred confirmation. And she felt Him with her every step of the way. And she wished that each one of us does not have to go through what she did in order to feel God's love as strongly as she does.

When she looked at herself in the mirror for the first time, 5 1/2 months after the plane crash, she did not recognize herself. But she knew her eyes, and saw God in her eyes. And she knew right then and there, that she was still herself. That her body is scarred, but it doesn't change who she is. She is still the same Daughter of God who lived with Him before she was born, who lives here on earth with the divine calling as a mother, and who will return and live with Him again.

She reminded me of my inner person, the daughter of God within.  She reminded me of the true treasures my children are and the joy in motherhood.  "Live Your Life as if in Slow Motion" was her sincere advice to us moms. Live your Life as if you're watching a treasured home video.  She showed us this video their family recently made, reminding me to slow down, and create love and memories with my family:

And never forget that you are special.
And God knows you.
And God  loves you.

Less Study. More Play.

Here's what Steve did at school this morning:

He Auctioned off the Batmobile

 Some Roadsters!

And some classic muscle cars!

 

Granted, it was a make-believe auction, but still.  

Ahh...if only everyone's school could be as fun.

Happy Valley

We made it JUST in time 

for the 

Homecoming Game...

...traffic!!

SO fun to be in one of the most energetic cities in the world!

Although, I must say I had the craziest experience tonight.

It's 9:00.  Saturday Night.

This grocery store parking lot is full.  I have to park far away.

And this is where it gets weird.

People are actually happy to be there. Grocery Shopping.  At night.  

And they're smiling.  They're laughing.

And it hits me...this is NOT a typical shopping experience.  

THIS is a social scene.  And more?  This is a DATING scene.  

There was cuddling and hand-holding in EVERY Aisle!  Roommates were bonding, couples were window shopping, and even the Moms with kids were having a good time.  And they were eating ice cream while they shopped.  And it was decorated like a Halloween Carnival.  The only things lacking were children skipping and a balloon man--though I'm sure that was happening somewhere in the store.  

Someone needs to these folks in that they are not at a place to have fun!  Oh no.  Back home, this is a chore of drudgery, of "No, you can't have that.  Put it back.  Stop touching that." This is Grocery Shopping, people!  A place of frowns and lack of eye contact.  

But here, the cashier and baggers looked me in the eye and genuinely said, 

"Have a Good Night!"

And for the first time leaving a grocery store, a genuinely replied,

 "I will!"

Signing Time

Hooray for Amy who just got certified as a Signing Time Instructor for babies!

Hooray for me for being friends with Amy!

Hooray for Amy combining these two important factors and inviting us to join one of her classes!

Yesterday was the kick off class. Addison tagged along and LOVED it.  He came away from the class knowing Eat, Drink, Water, Milk, Juice, Cracker, and Banana.

And what about the real babies for whom this class was designed?

Well, they came away with "Eat"....but not so much the sign for it.

Then Amy had all the kids finger paint and do Potato Stamps. 

It was Alana's first time having paint on her hands, and she thought it was pretty amazing.

I'm loving fellow Moms who inspire me to be better and give me great opportunities to bond with my kids!  I couldn't ask for better friends and people in my life!  Seriously, every play date, park date, and blog post I read of yours teaches me more ways to be a better Mom and person by demonstrating your patience, love, and enthusiasm for your kids.  And those friends reading who don't have kids, who are Dads, and who are not of the going-to-the-park age anymore, I am still awed by your examples of charity, passion for life, and forgiveness.  Thank you for loving me, my family, and each of my kids.  It means the world.  I owe an entire post to each one of you.  Thank you!

Recommended Fall Adventure:

Estimated driving time to the Arboretum:  About 25 minutes.

Actual time it took me to get there:  Almost 5 years.

Time spent:  Priceless

Stopping to hear the roses in the Musical Garden

Braving the hedge maze together

One of the many interactive fountains

Fall Fest

First Annual, but definitely a keeper.

With the leaves changing, the wind blowing, and -- let's face it -- the cool air hanging around, we've decided to finally Fall into Fall.  So we began the first of many to come Fall Fests.  Could be annual.  But probably weekly as the weather lasts.

Fall Fest included:

Playing in the leaves

Going on a scavenger hunt for hidden "Skeleton Bones" throughout the yard

Having a Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss

Bobbing for apples -- a serious MUST if you have young kids, meaning like 2. It turned into stoop-as-far-down-as-you-can-then-grab-an-apple-and-stick-it-in-your-mouth-and-return-your-hand-behind-your-back

And a fantastic fall meal of Pumpkin Waffles and Apple Cider

What have you done --or wanted to do--to help you Fall into Fall?

Bedtime Confessions

I know I'm not the only Mom that does this:  Giving yourself a little incentive at the end of the day.  A bribe to just make it through to bedtime, or a reward for a day-well-done.  Tonight, it was an ice cream sundae.  With the works.  Trust me on this one: 

Vanilla Ice Cream,

Peanut Butter,

Melted Chocolate Chips,

Strawberries,

Bananas,

OJ Concentrate,

crushed graham crackers. 

MMMMM. 

Deserved or not, it made bedtime go so much smoother.  Especially for me.  

No matter what you call it, we all play these mental games at times.

I remember in college when I was super tired when the alarm would go off, and I'd negotiate with myself.  I'd say, "OK, Self, if you get out of bed right now to get to class on time, I promise you I'll let you come home to take a nap."...Somehow, I still have similar negotiations today.

So, time to fess up.

1)  What was your "As soon as I get the kids to bed, then I'm going to....."  Fill in the blank.  What was it last night?

or 

2)  What other common negotiations and bribes do you to set for yourself?

Our Little Auctioneer

Steve starts his first class of Auction School today :)

 I know this pic doesn't really apply, but I forgot to get that "Back to School" pic with him walking out the door...and he doesn't really wear a backpack, and I really liked this one, so there!

He's worked with this Real Estate Auction Company for 5 years, and now gets to be the On-Stage Face.  This is SO him, wouldn't you agree?

We're loving the tongue twisters he's been practicing.

Moses Supposes His Toeses are Roses, but Moses supposes Erroneously.  For Moses he Knowses his Toeses aren't Roses, as Moses Supposes his Toeses to be. 

--

A Big Black Bug Bit a Big Black Bear

--

And my favorite, which I'm actually OK at:

Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers, a peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper Picked.

If Peter Piper Picked a peck of pickled peppers, how many pickled peppers can Peter Piper pick?

Besides being the auctioneer for our Service Auctions at church, Steve's FIRST REAL auction is already booked--for a Children's Golf Charity coming up :)  Since the Micro Machine job was taken back in the 80s, we knew Steve's ability to talk fast while entertaining could sum up to something!

Sunday Conference Highlights

The Candy Wall:  After each talk Kids got a candy for identifying the topics they heard.  (like Baptism, Faith, Family, Love, Scriptures, etc.)  It was a good day for Addison to decide he didn't like chocolate, so we got to share quite a few :)

The Apostle Cards:  We put up pics of the apostles and First Presidency.  When they spoke, the kids found their picture and moved it to the side.  This way we were always excited to see who'd be next!

More Conference Bingo

Reaching their "I'm Done" stage, I pulled out the refrigerated cookie dough.

Score.  1.5 more speakers in.

A little more rewarding for us than play dough -- though I didn't think of the flour mess.  

As ambitious as this was, I think I'll just stick to play dough next time.

Carter's been singing President Monson's song ALL DAY and now wants to learn it on the piano, just like the Prophet.
Here I go, 
Here I go, 
To the Birthday Party.
He got this, but somehow managed to miss some of the finer points of the talk...

Addison's AMAZING "too-cool" Bed head Hair Do after naps

 45 minutes of pure peace and silence during the afternoon while all three kids slept.  

We got LOTS of notes on those talks!

 And let us not forget, Alana's newly found Bum Dance.
{Sorry about the angle, I was just too comfy on the couch to move to see her face.  AND it would be cuter if there was music}

Because General Conference Means THAT Much...

We had to break tradition this year, and for the first time in 8 sessions, we did NOT go to my parents' house to watch General Conference.  This presents its own conundrum, seeing as here we can't get it on TV and gathering around the itty bitty computer seemed a bit impractical for our family.

So, this is what I came up with, and it worked GREAT!

1. Live Web Broadcast to Wireless Internet

2. Camcorder aimed at the screen

3. Cords connecting Camera to TV

4. Booya!  Big Screen Conference

5. A few more cords to connect to external speakers for Booya!  Big Sound Conference!

Seriously, I thought it was cool...Thanks, Brady, for the tip -- it may be 4 years ago, but I still logged it away for a moment like this!

My kids are loving conference which helps US love conference:

Kids activities were a conference packet for Carter, Conference Bingo, a Nursery packet for Addison, crayons for Alana, new coloring books, our Apostle Cards for them to look through and find the picture of who is speaking, and our favorite 1 year old toy, a jar with cotton balls:

Then, of course, there's the Get-Your-Wiggles-Out-Between-Sessions activities, and this one was a winner!

And we have ONE MORE DAY coming up!  I love it!

Monkey Bread

I know you all have this Monkey Bread recipe, but have you experienced the FUN!  SO super cool, in fact, that it is a requested activity now when friends come over.  Or when it rains.  Or when they want a snack.  Or...okay, when I'm craving the buttery cinnamony goodness.

I love it because the kids really do all the work themselves.  Yes, I suppose I cut the biscuits for them, but I bet I could surrender that responsibility, too.  They open the biscuit package (the POP startles them and me, let's me honest), they peel them apart, they roll them in butter, they coat (and I mean coat) them in sugar, they design them in the pan...it's all good!  And it's NOT that messy to clean up!  Wash some hands and cheeks and wipe down the table and floor and you're done.  Easy baking project.  And SO yummy to eat.

RECIPE

• 1/3 C Sugar
• 1/3 C Packed Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 pkg refrigerated biscuits
• 1/3 C butter, melted

 Preheat oven to 350.  Grease 9 inch round cake pan.  Combine sugars and cinnamon in small bowl.  Cut biscuits into fourths.  Dip dough in melted butter, then coat in sugar.  Place pieces in pan flat side down, with sides touching.  Sprinkle remaining sugar on top.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Cool 3-4 minutes, and then turn onto a plate.  Do this the easy way, not the "learn the hard way like Kerri did" and put a plate on top of your cake pan, then flip it upside down. Duh.  Why didn't I remember that?  Serve warm.  Or cold.  Right away.  And Later.  All the way until they're gone.  And make sure you've hidden a few away that are yours and only yours.  It's better that way.