4th Grade Is Coming to a Close

Fourth Grade is winding down and I have to say it's been grand. 4th grade boys rock. They are hilarious. I get such a kick out of Kameron and his buddies. They are still innocent and child-like...although on the cusp of preteen-hood. It is a great age!!

In 4th Grade they are taught Human Growth and Development. Kam has been regaling us for the past week and a half with hilarious recounting of their class discussions.

For example:

Kameron: They made us watch a movie called "Just Around the Corner."

Me: Oh really...and what is just around the corner?

Kameron: Puberty. For me...I think it's still a few blocks away...but for Gibby it's knocking on his door. (Gibby already has armpit hair and has been proudly showing it off to all his buddies.)

Kameron also had his 4th grade music program last week. They got to sing and unfortunately play the recorder. Their music teacher had them learn recorder "karate". As they would practice and get better they would move up to several different levels or "belts" until they earned their "black belt". With each belt they received they got a little colored tassel to tie to the end of their recorder.

Let's just say the recorder isn't a particular strength of our Kameron. During the program there were several songs where the "black belts" only got to play and Kam and all his buddies were on the step of shame. Kameron did try to show his support by whistling.

He has reached the age where he is too cool for many things such as kissing him good-bye as he gets out of the car at school each day. If I drop him off at the top of the hill I am allowed to kiss him...in the carpool lane...no way. Apparently getting your picture taken during the music program is also on the no-no list. Right in the middle of performing, if Kam saw that I was attempting to take pictures, he would make not-so-subtle hand slicing across the throat motions!! He and his buddies were also too cool to pose for group shots for me unlike these girls.

Ailey and her BFFS

Remember this picture? Ailey and her BFFs are all of their little sisters!! Trouble x 4!!

My few attempts. One of the songs the kids got to play and sing was "Hot Cross Buns". I loved all the snickers every time they had to sing "buns". Hilarious.

For your viewing pleasure:

I WAS allowed to take all the pictures I wanted...at home.

A gift for you. A little treat for the ears. Enjoy!!

39 and Doing Fine

Last weekend I turned 39. Hooray. This has caused some serious contemplation on my part. It all begin in February when Tyler turned 40. Hopefully I am having my mid-life crisis a year early along with Tyler and by the time I actually do turn 40 I can just relax, enjoy it, and have a great time.

This time in our lives has caused quite a bit of discussion. Are we where we want to be? (Location, Physically, Spiritually, Financially) Are we doing what we want to be doing? (Career-wise, Parenting-Wise, Goal-Wise) Are we living the kind of life we want to live? Are we living the life we thought we were going to live? If not, are we okay with that? If not, how can we redirect ourselves.

There is something completely sobering about realizing that you have a high school age child...that summers with everyone at home truly are finite and can be counted on one hand. There is an urgency to make every moment count before our first little chickie leaves the nest. There is a need to make sure that our relationship is based on something more than just our children. There is a need to feel like what we do matters and that we are having some sort of positive impact on someone or something. There is a need to want to do more, be more, serve more, provide more opportunities for our children...all while wanting to slow down, live in the moment, be present, free up our jammed packed schedule, have more down time, more family time, and more one on one time.

In contemplating many aspects of myself, my life, my marriage, my goals, and my choices; it has caused/forced me to really dig deep into who I am and what I want out of my life. Is there room for improvement in many areas...yes. Are there areas where I/we need to redirect ourselves...yes. Is life ever going to slow down and be less stressful...no...learn to enjoy the ride. But over all, I am so grateful for the peace and contentment I feel that comes from the fact that in most areas I do feel like I am 39 and doing fine.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

Palouse Falls


On Memorial Day our family decided to go for a little day trip and do some hiking...this following a conversation we had last week wherein Tyler and I decided that our kids are pansies. Seriously. Or maybe their mother is one. Or both. When Tyler and I were kids both of us were always camping and hiking with our families. I have many memories of clinging to red rock in Southern Utah crying...Good times. But I also happened to live up Provo Canyon and used to hike around on a regular basis with my favorite haunt being...of course...Springdell Falls. My parents used to take us camping a lot as well and Tyler grew up hiking and camping all the time as a kid. Tyler and I even met while I was hiking and he was mountain biking.

So what happened? Why don't we take our kids hiking and camping very often? I think I may be the weak link. Something about lugging everything out into the wild...the double pleasure of cooking and setting up camp...while Daddy and kids are running wild...the joys of dirt and mosquitoes...not to mention... crying, whining, crusty kids who constantly have to go to the bathroom multiple times a night just doesn't do it for me. Hiking, a once enjoyable past-time, has since become "how many kids can Tyler and I lug on our backs up a mountain" or how many kids can we listen to whine that they are "tired" and it has lost its allure.

Once upon a time Tyler and I used to hike all over the mountains of Utah. Oh those were the days!! Back when Tyler was not fond of swimming in cold water it seemed like nearly every hike we use to take would lead us directly to a pristine mountain lake that was untouchable due to it being a watershed. Not that it ever stopped me. Scandalous I know!! One time Tyler was really afraid that he was going to have to dip more than his toes into some frigid glacial water because I had already stripped down to my bra and panties and was about to take a flying leap when Tyler, trying to dissuade me, famously yelled "Don't do it!! Your heart will stop!!" Oh how hard I laugh now when I see Tyler cutting a hole in the ice on the lake to dip himself in or shoving (literally) people aside so he can be the first one in the lake and have bragging rights for the year. How far he has come!!

But back to our non-hiking children...so after our discussion and conclusion...we decided that a hike was in order. Tyler has already planned several more hikes...and I have conceded to a few camping trips. :(

On this particular day we headed to Palouse Falls. This beautiful water fall is about 189 feet in height and out in the middle of the desert in southeastern Washington...on the Palouse River before it merges with the Snake River. It truly was a magnificent sight!! This time of year is the best time to see the falls with the high flow of water. It was gorgeous!!




After checking it out from the observation areas we decided to hike down for a closer look. I had read that the area has a large rattlesnake population...after I googled "dangers of Palouse Falls" (that's what mothers do right?!) Well no sooner did we start on the trail when an enormous snake slithered out of the grass and across the trail right in front of us. Lucky for us it was not a Rattle snake but the biggest Garter snake I have ever seen and I have seen A LOT of them growing up in Utah. Since none of us are particularly scared of snakes...at least not Garter snakes...it got the hike started on an exciting note.

This was Ailey's first real hike and she was a bit apprehensive. She does not like heights and was clinging to me like a little monkey. But she did fantastic and was so proud of herself.

The trail

Ailey with a little smile on her face...it was fleeting.

Oh yes she did!! Hmmm...never a good idea to wear Converse while hiking. But did she listen to me? Nope. Did she fall? Oh yeah. Did I laugh? Yep. Hard.

Tyler with Bryn on his back and Kameron left us in the dust!!

Ailey did it!! She made it to the bottom.

The climb back up was MUCH easier than the hike down.

Back up to the top...safe and sound!!

Picnic Time

Happy Trails to you!!

Check Out this Fool:

Ailey's First Grade Music Program


Oh how I love this girl!! Ailey is my little girly-girl. She is so tiny, dainty and feminine. She loves dresses, make-up, dancing, and her friends. She can't wait to get married and be a mommy and have kids of her own. She just loves everything about being a girl. The First Grade Music Program gave her an opportunity to "glam it up" with all her BFFs (her word.)


That night was a busy one and I asked Reilly if she would help Ailey get ready for her performance. Those two locked themselves in the bathroom for about an hour...hmm...maybe not the best idea. When they finally emerged Ailey had on make-up!! She's in first grade!! Reilly was like "What's the problem? She looks pretty. You'll want to see her stand out under those lights." Reilly, our seasoned dancer, would never think to go on stage without stage make-up!! So...Ailey went with make-up, hair coiffed, and her nails done. Boy did she have fun showing it off to all her little friends too!! I felt a a bit sheepish about it until I saw one girl in a sequined cocktail dress and boa... Then I was like whatever.

Here we are waiting around for the show to begin. The seasoned parents were there early. By kid #3 we're no fools. No standing against the wall for us. Of course that meant containing Bryn the wild woman for an extra 40 minutes!!

Reilly

Our own little Rico Suave, Kameron, enjoyed himself too. His friend Aiden was there and he and Kameron were chatting away when suddenly I heard one of them say "Check it out. Natalie is here." and then "Taylor too". Soon Kameron and Aiden were joined by Kameron's two crushes...and apparently Aiden's as well. The night went from super lame to super awesome. Those four kids chit chatted and laughed the entire time. My little boy is growing up.

Check out my super sly attempts at spying...my over the shoulder picture taking. Kameron was shocked that I had snapped a few photos. That is how engrossed he was in the girls. Some how he missed random flashes of light right near his big ol' head. I feel we have turned a page in the book of Kameron's life. Good bye Mama's Boy...Hello Ladies Man.

Kindly ignore Kam's rat tail. He got a hair cut the next day.

Kameron, Natalie, Taylor (or as we like to call her "Zee Little Red-Haired Girl") and Aiden.

In my secret-sly-dog-over-the-shoulder-blindly-snapping-camera work I not only managed to capture Kameron's long-time love, Taylor, but our friend Jason standing in the background as well.

Bryn also proved to be quite the chick magnet. She provided lots of entertainment by dramatically dancing to all the songs in the aisle and liked to take turns sitting on the girls' laps. They oohhed and aahhed over her cuteness. Especially when she said "I want my Kameron." and then sat on his lap and covered him with kisses. The girls got quite a kick out of the tender side of Mr. Cool Kameron.

Ailey's program was a raging success. They did a great job!! I loved seeing all the kids. We have several friends who have kids the same age and it is so fun seeing them all grow up together. They are all so darn cute!!

Ailey got to play the glockenspiel which was a huge highlight that unfortunately did not get documented. Reilly was the camera woman...'nuff said. But take it from me, she did great. She played that glockenspiel like nobody's business.



Here's a snippet from the program. This is my favorite song. It's their school song written by their music teacher. I am distraught that he is moving this year. He does such a good job and has taught three of our four children. He comes to most of Reilly's choir performances to see how his old students are doing and always takes the time to come find her and talk to her. Good teachers are worth their weight in gold. They have such an effect on kids.

Good job Ailey!! You did great!! We love you!!

Crazy Busy Weekend!!

We (Sisters Creed) were vendors this weekend at the Two Women Art and Antiques Barn Bazaar in Spangle, WA. You can read all about it here. If that wasn't fun enough...we also had a friend's fabulous fortieth birthday party, dinner at Twigs, an all-city track meet, a playdate, and about 400 other things thrown in for good measure. It was fun...it was crazy...and we're exhausted!!

Killin' It


Kameron has been running track this spring and LOVING it. He has run cross-country two years in a row and wanted to give Track and Field a try. He is ripping up the track!! He gets so excited to go to practice. He always says "I can't wait to run today!!" It's really getting into his blood.

His team is fantastic and takes first and second place in nearly all the events at every meet. His coach is amazing and does such a great job!! All the kids on the team are so supportive of each other and cheer each other on...not all teams are like that. He has had such a great experience this year. Plus, I have to admit that I enjoy going to his meets a HECK OF A LOT MORE than sitting through his baseball games so it has definitely been a win/win situation this spring.

One challenge though has been the weather. As usual. It is either pouring rain, freezing cold, windy...or all three.


Last weekend we had a nice sunny day and it felt heavenly. But through it all the kid is a champ. He never complains and just gets out there and runs like a madman. He is a great sport!!

Yelling for a teammate!!

He loves running the relay, the 400m and the javelin. He is a great teammate to have on the relay. Check him out...Leading the pack the entire way!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxrbC6ZnRFc

He is the one in front...be patient...you'll see him!! :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-FvhBXYMBw

Taking 2nd in the 400m.

It has been so fun to watch him try something new and be successful. Good job Kam!! We love you!!

Parade Time

It's parade season here. Last weekend we had fun watching Reilly march in the Junior Lilac Parade with her school's drill team. We had fun cheering her on!! She will be in another local parade in a few weeks. Unfortunately their big school trip to Bellingham for the band and drill team was canceled. Bummer. But...Reilly is excited to be in any parade...anytime...anywhere.

Here's the parade queen herself. Enjoy!!

Mother's Day 2011

I had the most wonderful Mother's Day this year. I have the world's best kids and the most amazing husband who works so hard to make sure that my day is special. This year it felt like we have been celebrating for a week straight with our anniversary celebrations running right into Mother's Day. It has been fantastic!!

The kids kept me supplied with lots of flowers this year...daffodils and grape hyacinths from our yard.

I was spoiled by my family. Reilly hid about 50 mini yellow post it notes all over the house in all kinds of hilarious places for me to find with notes that each read "My mom is ... " and then an attribute of mine that she admired. She was super creative and they were in my make-up bag, under the toilet lid, in the shower, on my lotion, in the fridge all over the place. It had me in tears. She also made me three loaves of banana bread. Woohoo!!

Kameron made me a jumbo card with a pop-up for flowers that he stuffed with grape hyacinths. Ailey made me a beautiful hand painted vase and card. They also spent time at two of my favorite stores (Ulta and DSW shoes) on Saturday with Tyler finding me some fantastic gifts while I was dropped off for a leisurely hour at Barnes and Noble!! Even Brynnie made me a cute card and flower with candy kisses on it in Nursery at church and was so excited to give it to me. When I saw her after church she was yelling "For you!! For you!!" and was so excited to give me her gifts. It was darling.

At church the kids sang to all the Mothers and my kids were great to do the Grandma Vic wink at me while singing. I loved it!! At church all the women got a day off from their duties and got to go to Relief Society for two hours and have refreshments. It was so nice!!

Then when we got home I got to go and lay down and read a book while my favorite dinner was prepared; the house cleaned; and a beautiful table set. My girls really are fantastic about setting a beautiful table. They are so creative!! They take after their grandma!! Tyler and the kids made Broccoli Divan and Tres Leches cake for me. It was delicious.

After dinner my request of a family game of croquet was scratched due to rain but the kids put on a talent show for me. Reilly played the piano, Ailey sang three songs from her upcoming 1st grade program while Reilly accompanied her on the piano, Kameron wrote me a poem and read it to me, Tyler even lip synced/partially sang me a song, only grouchy Bryn was sent to bed before her performance of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It was a wonderful day and I am truly blessed.

I didn't get to spend the day with my mom this year. She is madly getting ready for our upcoming sale before she has to go out of town. But I did get to talk to her on the phone. I truly have the world's best mom. She is the most amazing woman on the planet and I am so blessed to be her daughter.

I heard this quote yesterday and it reminded me of my mom and all the sacrifices she has made for the five of us:

"To My Child" by Anne Campbell (quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)

You are the trip I did not take;

You are the pearls I cannot buy;

You are my blue Italian lake;

You are my piece of foreign sky.

I love you Mom!

Sixteen Years

These two have nothing on us...

Happy Anniversary!! I love you Ty.

United States Navy SEAL Philosophy

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call; a common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country and the American people, and to protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes who have gone before, it embodies the trust of those whom I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident, I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish the mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of the mission depend on me — my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required, yet guided by the very principles I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail."

Thank You to the men and women of our armed forces...and to the amazing Navy Seals!!

God Bless America

Fish-A-Nary


I love sharing sushi with the world. Because if you are not eating sushi YOU SHOULD!! My friend, Ramona, has been a sushi hold out for nearly 3 years. Finally Janyse (a fellow sushi lover) and I wore her down and got her to commit to going out for sushi...and actually eating it.

Anticipation

Hmm...interesting

Stop taking pictures!!

Ramona tried about six different kinds of sushi. I was so proud. Is it her favorite food? Um...probably not...YET. It is an acquired taste. But once acquired, it is an addiction.

Yay Ramona!!