more soccer

Some pictures I took of the girls before their games. What ya see is what ya get. I love these pictures of the girls together. This first one is funny to me. Jordyn at the time refused to smile.

 Love this soccer player!

Her team was called the Ocean Blue Dolphins. She did great and enjoyed playing. We loved watching her games on Saturdays. left to right: alexandra, kyla, taila, sydney, quinn, jaydyn

Sydney's 1st trophy.

1st tooth is out

On March 24, Sydney lost her bottom tooth. Her right one (of the two in the middle). It had been somewhat loose even in Hawaii. I had forgotten all about it until the day before it came out. She showed me how loose it was by pushing it forward w/ her tongue. That alone gets me queazy. The next day she decides she wants Jeff him to tie a string around her tooth and then tie that string to the door and have him slam the door shut. I'm not sure why she wanted to do it that way. I know I wouldn't, but she kept reassuring me that was the way she wanted to get it out. She had a lot of motivation too. The night before we ran into the school nurse and the school nurse said if she lost the tooth over the weekend she would still give her a tooth necklace that she usually only gives away when the student looses the tooth at school. Sydney was determined to get it out. We knew it wouldn't take much since it was so loose. We, correction Jeff, tied her tooth w/ string and then tied it to the door and WHAM, the tooth slid out from the string. This happened a few more times, until I suggested he use dental floss. Finally it worked, I got it on video tape. She didn't cry; just stared in the mirror at the empty space in her mouth and was cleaning the blood w/ tissue. The nurse gave her her tooth necklace and the tooth fairy gave her a dollar.

This is the same tooth fairy pillow my sister and I used when we were little. Now what do you do with your kids teeth? Keep them throw them away?

Surprise gift

The week of Easter was kinda emotional for me. For starters Jeff was having special work meetings all day and by the time he came home he ate and went to straight to bed. This means that by the end of the week, I am emotionally spent dealing w/ kids by myself all week. Secondly, I was busy that week w/ church commitments and my mom was on vacation and I pretty much didn't have the two closest people to talk to. Speaking of talking, which actually is about this post, I don't communicate all that well. It's always been a challenge; I tend to hold things in. I usually do because I think that whatever is bothering me at the moment is retarded to be bugging me and that I need to just get over it. Although that may be true, Jeff has reassured me that even though that may be the case, I need to get it off my chest or else it eats at me.

This week a surprise gift from my close friend, Kirsten, made me realize just how much my Heavenly Father knows me...more than I know myself. Things had been getting to me; stuff people had told me. I was feeling rather lonely and translucent. I hadn't subconsciously put those feelings into thoughts because I had been so busy that week and had done much for other people, I hadn't taken the time to be aware of myself and these feelings creeping inside of me. If I had, I would've told Jeff no matter how tired he was and I would've even prayed and communicated these subtle feelings. This particular Friday morning I had already been on the phone for a few hours dealing with people's crisis' and I had a fun Easter weekend ahead of me that required packing and cleaning.

My friend came and had this present for me...A QUILT. THAT SHE MADE. JUST FOR ME. ME. At the time, I didn't think anyone new I existed. Of course, I cried. I was in awe. Speechless almost. Words couldn't express to my friend just how much I needed this. I didn't know I needed it. Okay, I LOVE, LOVE the quilt, but I needed a little spoiling, confirmation, validation, reassurance, love, recognition that I matter; that someone cares about me. Very few people have made anything for me besides a plate of goodies (although I do enjoy a plate of goodies!). After she left, I prayed by my bedside and cried harder and longer having realized what had transpired....the feelings I had had w/o having realizing it. My heavenly father knew I was having these feelings, even though I didn't. He knew I needed reassurance that I was trying my best at my various commitments and He knew I needed a reminder that He knows me and loves me. This quilt represents more than a darling blanket that keeps me warm. To me it represents the love of a Heavenly Father who knows who I am and loves me enough to show/tell me through the talent of other people. I truly felt His love and am grateful for a friend who had the prompting and followed that prompting to make me a special gift. This will be an experience I will never forget.

A few months ago I asked if she would make me a cover for my scriptures. This is what she whipped up in a few hours with no pattern even. AMAZING. I love it. So many people have asked me about it.

Easter Part 2

For the rest of the week we continued our Easter devotionals with pictures, videos, and reading scriptures. When we taught about when the Savior washed the apostles feet, we let the girls wash each others feet in a basin so they could serve each other. Saturday morning we left for a surprise get away. Well I knew, but I didn't tell Jeff or the kids. We drove to Talkeetna (2 hrs north) and we stayed in a small cabin that night. Talkeetna is a small, vintage town, all of 800 residents. It's also known as the gateway to Mt. McKinley. The cabin was AWESOME!

It's called the "Lil Cabin in the back"

Up the ladder. There was another full bed where I was taking the picture.
downtown Talkeetna

In the lodge playing Candyland and drinking some hot chocolate.

It's what you imagine cabins really were like a long time ago but w/ electricity and an electric fireplace. There was a queen and twin bed and a ladder that led to a loft above w/ 2 full beds. The kids played up in the loft and climbed up and down the ladder for hours. The girls slept up there while Levi and Jeff and myself slept down the ladder. We walked inside this lodge/restaurant to use the restrooms. That evening we walked around the town and went to the historical museum and ate dinner. It started snowing that night so we went back in the cabin and a little while longer before the kids went to bed. In the morning we had discovered that we BROKE THE RECORD. Anchorage has had the snowiest winter since recording began..133.something inches. That was the big hype up here. I'm glad we broke it and that we were able to live through it; what an accomplishment. haha. In the morning we ate breakfast, had a little Easter egg hunt, and I gave the kids their own Sunday bag a friend whipped up for me. The girls loved it. We went to the Talkeetna branch which was a great experience. There were about 15 people and then us. They meet in a senior community place. No pews. A table w/ coffee stuff to the side, and we were staring at exercise equipment while the speaker taught. The people were very nice and we still managed to feel the Spirit. Great Easter week and weekend. I can't talk about Easter without mentioning my graditude for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Easter week Day 1&2

This year we're celebrating the week prior to Easter Sunday again. This past Saturday, the kids received some Easter goodies and this week we're focusing more on the events that took place prior to Christ's resurrection. Sunday we read about Jesus' Triumphal Entry in John 12:12-13, made palm branches, looked at the Gospel Art Kit picture (GAK 223), and watched the short clip of His triumphal entry in Jerusalem on Mormon Messages. We discussed the word "Hosanna" and I asked the kids what they would shout if they saw Jesus and Jordyn said, "I love you."

Monday: We (well Sydney) read from Matt 21:12-16 about the Cleansing of the Temple. We looked at the GAK 224 and discussed the scripture and picture. For the activity we made bread as family and discuss why Jesus called himself the Bread of Life. Read John 6: 51. Gave one of the loaves of bread to a friend whose daughter was hospitalized.

kids updates

Levi:

He is talking up a storm. New words every day. He likes when Jeff "crushes his skull." He loves to read. He doesn't cry when he's mad, he does the angry roaring noise. He climbs and jumps just like Sydney did at 2. He jumps off his crib, screams at us to watch him, laughs and then does it all over again. He sleeps from 8:30-7am and takes a 2 hour nap (1-3pm). Levi loves building with his blocks and legos. He loves reading books just as much as playing. I truly love and adore his laugh. He gives me kisses freely. He doesn't eat as well as I'd like him too, but he'll drink healthy vegetables that we juice...go figure. I love when he says, or tries to say, "1, 2, 3, sshh." Instead of saying duck he says, "buck." He's very handsome. He takes whatever he wants from the girls, which undoubtedly causes havoc.

Jordyn:

Starts ballet on Monday and has been asking me every hour if it's Monday yet. She is a character. Jeff is in Dallas this week, when she talked to him she said, "I want you home. You left me with mom." I find her playing with her toys and I love hearing her talk with her toys and singing to herself. She brings both love and joyful frustration to our family. She continues to use "potty words" on a daily basis. I've noticed her drawings and letter writing are more legible and detailed. Today she drew a picture of me with a normal size head and huge big eyes. She bears her testimony by herself on a monthly basis. She is a very sweet and tender hearted little girl.

Sydney:

Starts karate on Tuesday. She is a very obedient and loving. In school she's been working on the Idita-read. She had to read 975 minutes in the month of March we have 65 more minutes to read. She's gotten several rewards along the way and students will get a special luncheon when they reach to Nome. On Friday she's receiving another award at her school assembly. Her reading abilities amaze me. It's fun to hear her read signs around her. In the car she read, "this is not an ashtray" and then asked me what an ashtray is. I love teaching my kids their world they explore. Sydney is a special girl with a bright future.

Jeff:

Job is still uncertain. He's trying to get a lateral transfer. The waiting and unknown is difficult at times, but we try to stay positive. Our faith keeps us strong and in the end we know that 1. things will work themselves out and 2. Jeff's job doesn't define him or us. He could be a trash man for all I care. As long as he is honest and doing his best at what he does is what matters most. How much or how little a person make a person better than another. (I'll get off that soap box now). When Jeff isn't working or thinking about work he X-country skis, hangs out with the family, and fulfills church commitments.

Me:

Looking forward to Jeff and mine's Kuaui trip in May. Jeff won an award trip so it's just the two of us. My mom, sister, and niece are coming to watch our kids and have some fun. I'm busy with raising 3 kids and my church commitments. When I'm not working in one way or another, I'm either exercising, sleeping, taking a shower, on a date w/ Jeff or girlfriends, or catching up with my mom. I don't really have a hobby like photography, crocheting, sewing, or something else. Sometimes I wish I did. I wish I was good at one thing, but yeah, I'm not. That's kinda my personality though... I don't like being strapped down, because that might mean I might miss something I spontaneously want to do. Now that it think about it, I don't have much time to do "extra" things. I'm looking forward for Easter. I have some fun things planned.

Maui

Over spring break we went to Maui. My parents met us there. To make a long story short, we had an amazing time. How could you not if you're coming from a cold, dark place like AK.

Here are some highlights. Beware: lots of pictures ahead.

Family Shots:Very windy. At the blow hole off the Honoapiilani Hwy. We drove all away around it. Exciting narrow and curvy road. Levi threw up. He must get that from me.
At a look out on the way to Lahaina. Saw many whales. Also very windy.
At the Iao Needle. Nice hike and scenery. Surprisingly, Jordyn took a great shot here.
On my b-day, Jeff and I went out to dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise alone. Awesome b-day...Beach in the morning, mom took me out shopping and to lunch, and Jeff and I walked around Lahaina. I recommend the fudge place besides the cheeseburger restaurant we ate at.
Levi celebrated his 2nd b-day a few days before mine. Here's a shot of us right before we ate our cake pops. Levi loved being sang too.
Our family at that one point.
Kapalua Bay in Kaanapali

Paddle Boarding:
We rented a paddle board for the week. We loved it! Jeff went surfing just about every morning (really early) and night. The kids loved getting rides on it. I surfed and actually caught some waves too; not as many as Jeff.

Levi playing on the board.
This beach wasn't a "catch a wave" kinda beach, but it was very relaxing to paddle anywhere and everywhere.

Sydney loved to surf.
This picture borderlines on one of those "awkward family photos" you see in a calender. Don't worry this won't be on a x-mas card.
Sydney had to try it too.

OCEAN FUN:
One of those shots where no one is looking or cares for that matter.
Lots of playing with sand and making things w/ the sand toys we had.
At night watching Jeff surf and the sunset.
More sand. Levi couldn't get enough of the sand and water.
Doesn't need a caption

Cooling off

SNORKELING:
Sydney and Jordyn liked to snorkel in the pool just as much as the ocean.
I know, doesn't look that excited about it. She came out of the water freezing.
Jeff and Jordyn saw a sea turtle at Ulua Beach

Climbing Trees:

The Banyan tree is always a favorite for the girls. The girls found some other cool trees to climb too.

In front of the condo we stayed in.

Pool Time:

"Tropical Pool"
Levi getting thrown in the air. He loved it.

Such a great trip. In the mornings we go to the beach, come home for lunch, then go to the pool while levi took a nap in the condo, at night go back to the beach or sightseeing, playing UNO and then crashing pretty early.

Great kid beach: Launiupoko Beach (surf and natural lagoon)

Great restaurant: Beach Bum Bar and Grill

Great snorkel: Ulua beach saw sea turtles

Want to do in the future: Molokini boat and snorkel, Jeff would like to spear fish, try the surf tank thing, stay a night in Hana, Grand Wailea pools.