This week and other things....

Wow!  What a jammed pack week!  This week started off with going to Layla's soccer game.  She happened to be playing her championship game really close to our home so I was able to go and see it.  She is an awesome soccer player and it was fun to watch her competitive soccer team win. 

 Meli started school this week.  Kara and Meli went to a new school orientation to become more familiar with her schedule.  We went to an Aspect Foundation mandatory meeting.  There they discussed the rules and familiarized the students with the program. I really like her program director, Heather.  She happens to have been Kara's German teacher so it was cool for Kara to go to her home.  Aspect, the organization that Meli is a part of, seems to be really organized and very supportive.  I have already gotten several phone calls for them checking on how things are going and Meli has too.  I also went to a Back to School night with Meli and I was really impressed with her school.  I have a Highland Ram and a Bingham Miner.  Kara went to her first high school football game. 

Meli had her first day of school on Wednesday and she really liked it.  She thinks her classes might be too easy, but we decided to wait  a week or so before changing them. Kara has her first day tomorrow.  I have been so impressed with Meli's attitude about starting everything new.  She is so easy going and has a fun sense of humor and very smart! 

We spent a lot of time going shopping for things for Meli.  On Thursday we went to get Meli some school supplies and other things.  We went out to a sandwich shop and since it was so close to Wal Mart we decided to go there.  I generally don't like this particular Wal Mart, but decided since it was close to AT&T that we should suck it up and go.  BIG. MISTAKE.  To make a long story short, Meli wanted to get some slippers.  She picked out some adorable slippers.  They were soft and fluffy.  She put her feet in them to make sure they fit at the store.  They fit just fine, but when we got home and she was taking out the stuffing often in new shoes, she realized it wasn't stuffing, but a MOUSE!!   Seriously, I have yet to see the mouse, but Kara, Meli and Matt both did and I will take their word for it. I despise mice like I can't even describe.  I couldn't even look at it or it would be forever etched in my mind.  Matt is planning to take pictures of it, but I don't want it on my camera or on my blog or I would be ILL!  Sorry, to be so dramatic, but this is how I feel.  Anyways, I feel horrible that this happened to Meli with her first purchase of slippers/shoes.  She was a good sport about it and wasn't too traumatized.   Spencer has been in contact with the store manager and he has been very helpful, I don't really feel like it is the stores fault, but they have assured us that they have check all of their slippers and there are no mice in them.  We are taking them back, mouse and all tomorrow. 

We took Meli and Kara camping.  The weather unfortunately was a little on the cold side.  We brought our boat up to Bear Lake and Meli said she hadn't been on a boat like that before or for a long time.   We came home a little early because  it was colder and Kara just found out on Tuesday that she had to read a book and do other homework before school started on Monday.  Somehow her English teacher didn't pass out the assigned work last year.  Poor thing. 

 Had to go to La Beau's to get a yummy burger.  Matt and Meli got a grilled cheese.

 Camping, right before it started to rain!

And with other news, Spencer has had a two week work vacation.  Colton has been busy working and attending mission farewells and homecomings.  He has an appointment with this counselor at the dept of Vocation.  He is deciding which program he will do with her this Tuesday and then he will start school.  Both boys don't like me blogging about them much, so I try to respect their wishes, but it is HARD. 

Coby gave a talk in church on Sunday.  I wish I could have been there to hear it.  The subject was Marriage, that makes me wish I could have been there all the more! 

 

 

What has been happening according to my camera

 A lot has been going on.  Way too much for my brain to handle. 

 We took a tour of temple square.  Spencer said he had never actually been on one.  It was really neat and the spirit was so strong.

 Unfortunately Colton had to work.

 We went to lunch at the Lion House Pantry.  I have only been here a few times, but every time I go I love it.

 Spencer's birthday!  For dinner he wanted barbecued ribs.  They need to simmer overnight or longer and then they cook for 10 hours.  Spencer makes it a little bit better than me, but they still tasted yummy.

 It was fun to celebrate with everyone together for his birthday.  Coby came home just to be able  to make it to Spencer's birthday!  When he came home he and Spencer went to the temple.

 Coby left for Istanbul, Turkey on May 9th.  His trip was up in the air for almost a week.   To make a long story short, his place of employment got postponed until later, but he still had his plane ticket.  He couldn't decide what to do.  He had several friends who were supposed to go with him, but they all decided to wait to go to Turkey.  So Coby with such a spirit of adventure, decided to go to Turkey alone.  Honestly, it has scared me  silly.  I have been so worried.  He is on my mind at all times.   He thought one of the guys would end up coming and meeting him there, but he missed his plane.  So now Coby is in a hostel by himself,  certifying to teach English as it is a job in high demand in Turkey.  I feel blessed that he  has been in contact with the branch president there and he is helping him, but I also believe in the buddy system.  As much as Coby won't like this, please feel free to include him in your prayers or put his name on the temple roll.  I would greatly appreciate it.

The day before Mother's day when I came home from an all day YW's activity,  these beautiful flowers were waiting for me from Coby with a very sweet note.  I thought it was so thoughtful of him to think of me for Mother's day! My kids all made me a delicious dinner and showered me with fun gifts.  I truly feel blessed to be the mom to all 4 of my children.

I hope soon I have my act together, because it has not been together for many months now.  I cry all the time and get overwhelmed way too easily.  I had to leave in the middle of sacrament  to come home because I was bawling so bad. I have never done that before at church--EVER.  I tried to be pretty discreet, but apparently I wasn't.

I never like to be the one who is having the hard time. I like to help the person who is having the hard time, so this is very unusual for me.  But, I am not going to deny it, because I try to be real and open.  But I certainly hope that I can stop crying  so much and not feel so overwhelmed.  I think I honestly, went 15 years without really crying in public, so maybe it is good, if I am getting in touch with my feelings.  I do feel more isolated since I started working.  My job requires intense problem solving and troubleshooting, that I feel so drained when I come home that I just want to be a hermit.  Of course, that never happens because I have so much to do to catch up, so I feel so tired constantly.  I get up each morning at 5am, so I am not getting enough sleep either.   I keep thinking after I finish this project, it will be better, but that doesn't happen.  There is always something else and most likely always will be.  Someday, soon I will get my act together!!!   I am just grateful for a patient husband and children.  They have all been so willing to pitch in and help!!! 

Happy 23rd Birthday Spencer----May 1, 1990

(I apologize for the crooked pages.  I seriously need some scanning help, but this will have to do for now).

Happy Birthday Spencer!!  Tuesday, May 1st 1990 was an extremely HAPPY Day for your dad and I because we got to meet you after waiting and anticipating your arrival. Your brother Coby was so excited to finally meet you too.  He was so thrilled he had a baby brother--he use to call you Spencie.  
From the day you were born you have brought a happiness to our family that we  didn't quite have before.  You have always had a bright light/happiness about you that just radiated JOY and you continue to have it today!

Spencer's 1st few weeks and me looking terrible after his birth

When Spencer was born he was taken by C-section a week early and he came out a whopping 9'6 and was 22 1/2 long a little after 1pm.  I was grateful I had chosen a C-section (Coby was taken C-section so I had the option) after the doctor estimated he would weigh around 6 pounds when he was born on his due date.  Boy was he wrong.  However, because he was taken as a C-section, and because of how his lungs were positioned when he took his first breath he ended up having a very small hole in his lung.  The first few days he was born  he was hooked up to all kinds of tubes and breathing devices and he couldn't be held.   It really scared Matt and I and they wouldn't bring him to my room so I had to go to him. You were born in the afternoon and I had to wait a while to even be able to come and see you since I was numb from the waist down and they wouldn't let me move.  It was the longest few hours ever and I was so worried.  I loved him so much without barely seeing him and I have been loving him every since.  Below are some of the things I love about Spencer!



1.Spencer has a strong spirit. He was a fighter from the day he was born.

Younger pictures of Spencer.  He was such a happy baby and he LOVED his pacifier.

2.  I love that Spencer can make anything FUN.

Spencer throughout the years

3.  I love Spencer's sense of humor. Sometimes I miss it and think he is serious, but then I realize he is only kidding and that really makes me laugh.

4.  I love what a hard worker he is.  He is never late to work and he has to be there at 6:30. WOW! He is very dependable.

5.  Spencer is very disciplined.  He goes to bed early enough that he will get plenty of sleep, even when there is a lot of FUN happening around the house.

6. Spencer is very devoted to what he believes in.

7. I love Spencer's thirst for knowledge. He is always learning and he knows so many randoms things that it sometimes boggles my mind! He is such a smartie pants!!!

Spencer with his adorable smile!  He is such a handsome boy and Man!

8.  Spencer is very loyal to his family.  He always tries to help others.  He tries as hard as he can to come to family functions. 

Recent family picture

9.  I love how honest Spencer is.  He shares how he feels even when it isn't the popular opinion.

10.  I love that Spencer blogs and shares his testimony in a very real way.  http://alittleoffthebeatenpath.blogspot.com/   Spencer has learned a lot of lessons because he yearns to learn each and everyday.

Spencer in Halloween costumes,  his baptism day and with his Great Grandma Fowler

11.  Spencer is very caring.  He serves others quietly, but he does small gestures that sometimes could easily go unnoticed if you aren't looking for them.  He is a protector of women.  He wants to keep those he loves safe and he feel very responsible.

12. Spencer is so loyal to Kara and all of his siblings.  However,  I do love how he adores and treats her like a princess.  It is so sweet to see them together.

Halloween,  birthdays and Spencer on his new bike

13. I love how Spencer goes to  the temple each week and has made a commitment to do so.  Once Spencer has his mind set to something it is really hard to get in his way!

Spencer in front to the Fiji temple

14. I love how helpful Spencer is.  If you ask him to do something he will do it.  He is very helpful.

Family vacation, Honors award and another new bike, all from 12-14 yrs old

15.  Spencer is an amazing cook.  He doesn't especially love cooking, but he is such a good cook.  He creates some of the best recipes ever. He cooks dinner one night a week and it is always delicious and healthy.

16.  I love how knowledgeable Spencer is about sports.  He knows everything about sports and he especially loves the Seahawks.  He is so devoted to them no matter how they play.

Spencer at a Seahawks game with his friend Brian

17.  I love seeing how kind and considerate Spencer is with a girlfriend or girls in general.  He is so kind and loving and he goes overboard to let them know they are a daughter of God. He will be a wonderful husband and father someday.

18. I love how much Spencer loves the outdoors.  He loves to hike, camp and explore the beautiful world and is always planning a new adventure. His dad and I love his adventurous spirit.  He is certainly an explore at heart.

19.  I love how well Spencer treats his dog Gracie. He is wonderful with her and only gets her the best of everything.

Various dances Spencer went to in high school and 18th birthday

20. I love how much Spencer loves music.  He has great music taste and even though I don't know all the bands he loves,  I appreciate his love for it.

Senior pictures and Spencer and his ultimate Frisbee team

21. I love how good Spencer is with money.  He has always been really good at saving money and understands the importance of being frugal.

22.  I love how strong minded Spencer is.  When he believes in something he doesn't care if others don't agree with his opinion.  He just stays strong to his beliefs.  We need more people like this in the world.

Spencer in the Redwoods on an awesome hike

23. I love Spencer's imaginative mind. As a child he could think up of some of the most imaginative things.  He still does that today with some of ideas and thoughts.  I love hearing his perspective about the world through his imagination.

Spencer you bring sunshine into each and every day. I am so grateful that you are my son and I learn so much from you.  I love and adore you!!!  Happy Birthday Spencer!!

Love~ Mom

Multitasking 101

A week and a half ago I went with my brother Mark to hear my niece Layla perform at the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.She has an amazing voice.

Later that evening I met Matt for dinner. Coby and Spencer had given us a gift card for dinner at

Christopher's Steak and Seafood.  It was delicious!!! 

On Saturday my friend Linda and I went out for lunch.  She came over to my home, it is hard to believe she has never been here before, but we always usually meet for lunch.  So it was fun to show her where I live.

The rest of Saturday was spent running errands.  It seems like I spend a lot of my Saturday's doing that now that I am working.  Kara spent all day at Bingham helping the various schools who came for the Theater Dance competition.  She went to parties both nights and Spencer went to Moab.  It was mostly Matt and I home, too bad he had to work all day Saturday.

Coby has had a some winding down activities since he is about to graduate for BYU. It has made me very reflective as I think of all he has accomplished in his short life.  I am happy for him, but I have certainly shed some tears when I contemplate that he is moving to Turkey in just a couple weeks.  He has a lot of exciting times coming and I am so delighted for him.

Above is a picture of Coby and his friend Seth meeting the Mayor of Provo at one of his closing events!!!

Last Tuesday Matt and I went to Provo to join Coby for a very nice dinner and to hear the Governor Herbert speak. 

On Wednesday my nephew Johnny and his roommate came and stayed with us.  It was fun to hear how his adventures at BYU-Idaho are going. Johnny is the one in the middle in the dark shirt and his roommate is standing on the right side.  After visiting Matt and Johnny went to a late night movie.  Spencer was kind enough to make dinner for our  whole group.  He is quite the chef.

 

On Thursday Kara went to BYU for a German Foreign Language event.  She competed in a singing event.  She sang in front of several judges singing in German.  Coby helped her with pronunciation and she got awarded the Best of Fair for the German Language which means she got 1st place out of all the German contestants. 

Matt and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary on Monday. We have been so busy that it was very low key.  But Matt had a pretty flower arrangement delivered to my work. He then came to my office and brought me my favorite kind of sandwich and we ate lunch together. I love the simple things!

Below is the Graduation Announcement I made for Coby's graduation.  It a little more creative and not as much money as the traditional kind.  We are excited for his graduation in a couple of days. 

I am experiencing  more good days than bad days, but I am still a more emotional person than normal and than what I want to be. 

 Today Colton took a ton of placements tests.  We are meeting with his vocation counselor to discuss the results and make a plan.  He has been so busy going to events or como plays.  He likes so many things that I  have no knowledge about. However, he goes to Institute each week faithfully and that I understand. 

Spencer got a recognition/award at work.  He is such a hard worker.  He has made it a goal to go to the temple every Wednesday.

Tomorrow Kara takes her driver's test.  I am excited for her to get her driver's license, but terrified of thinking about her driving all by herself.  

Our life seems to be in continual motion.  Someday it will slow down and be a semi slower motion, but for now I am trying my best to enjoy the journey!

Things I have learned: 

Don't get too bent out of shape when things don't go  the way you want them.  I seem to be learning this lesson over and over again.

You can accomplish a lot if you wake up every morning between 1 and 2 am.  This has become my new waking up time, and I can't figure out why, but it is driving me crazy and of course it makes me so tired.

It doesn't help to be angry at someone/ some people.  Especially if they don't know even know it because  it just makes you  feel unhappy.

It is hard to see your children be treated unfairly.  My Mother Bear comes out very ferociously and I want to defend.  As my sister in law says,  "Everyone needs a momma bear, but heaven help the person who crosses one."

My husband is AWESOME!  He cleaned out the whole fridge, reorganized the pantry,  put in new mulching in our front yard and he went grocery shopping this week!  WOW, what would I do without him?  

Temporarily shutting down your facebook page creates a lot more time and your phone doesn't vibrate all day long, but you miss seeing what everyone is up to.   

This last week.....

I won my Pick 6 Challenge Contest last week.  I was happy.  Yesterday I started a new Pick 6 Challenge.  I am aiming for 1st place again!!!

The last week at work seemed to exhaust me mentally and physically.  I feel completely overwhelmed and I  don't feel like I am learning everything quick enough.  I know I really am learning, but there is SO MUCH to learn and understand that it is daunting.  I had a pity party  this weekend and felt like I should quit, (there were a lot of factors I don't want to get into here)  but after going today I am feeling better. I am just so hard on myself and I want to learn everything NOW.  I really didn't believe my brother or my boss when I was told that it would take me up to a year to learn everything, but I am realizing they are right.  I believe if I think with that kind of mentality, that I might actually learn things quicker.


Meli's mom sent us more pictures of her and her family.  It is so amazing to feel like you are getting to  know someone who lives so far away.  Kara has been talking to her on the Internet too and has been delighted with Meli's cute personality.

 Coby is graduating from BYU in a little more than two weeks.  We are so proud of him.  He is a very kind soul who I learn from with every encounter.  We hardly have any time to spend with him before he leaves to go to live in Turkey on May 9th as he is swamped with papers and finals until then.   He is planning a trip to Seattle and a trip with friends so I am hoping we can have at least one family day, with everyone before he leaves.  It seems way too complicated to do with everyone's work schedule.

I am trying to plan a family picture and I haven't found one day available, but I am determined to not give up.

My aunt got home from the rehab last week.  And I have been so grateful to my sister in laws, Annette and Suzanne (pictures below) for going to Oregon to go and help her.  It is a sacrifice for them to do it, but I am so grateful.  I feel bad that I haven't been able to take a shift, since I started my job. She has been doing remarkable well. And my Aunt Traci has been so helpful driving everyone around and going and visiting my Grandma each day at the Care Center.

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Matt's dad also had a scare with his health in the last week.  I don't know too much, as they are still doing tests, but we are hoping that they will find some answers and help so he can prevent any more problems.

Colton has been dating a cute girl frequently and they go on the most creative dates.  I am impressed with the things he come up with.

Spencer didn't end up singing with the choir during the Priesthood session.  They had too many young adults and not enough music so he kindly stepped aside, much to Kara and I's sadness.   Spencer, I have learned he a very good chef.  Since I started working I have given each of the kids a night to cook and Spencer has impressed me every single night he has cooked.

Kara got another 4.0 this last quarter.  She finished her driver's ed class and is just waiting on her driver's ed instructor to give her the driver's test and then she will be an official driver.  I am excited and completely scared for her all at the same time!

Kara also got into Theater 3 at school, which is very hard to get into.  She had to memorize a LONG dialogue, and then present it in front of a panel with a lot of expression of course.  WOW.

And Matt has all of his bosses in town for the next two days for a huge dealer presentation.  I hope it  is going well for him (it is going on right now). He has been working so hard and is such an excellent boss and employee for their company!!!!

General Conference was wonderful.  I must admit I didn't have the best attitude, but I did enjoy. My favorite talks were both in the Sunday morning session and were by President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland.    I am going to have to listen to all the CD's  as soon as they arrive in the mail!!!