I drove the girls to a neighborhood not to far from our house and they would trick or treat for about ten or fifteen minutes and then have me pick them up to take to a new street. Here's the Napoleon Dynamite crew:
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Pumpkin Pancakes and Halloween
They weren't pumpkin-flavored just pumpkin-shaped pancakes to celebrate Halloween that Kristen chose to create for dinner on Halloween before heading out for a night-o-fun with her friends.
I drove the girls to a neighborhood not to far from our house and they would trick or treat for about ten or fifteen minutes and then have me pick them up to take to a new street. Here's the Napoleon Dynamite crew:
I drove the girls to a neighborhood not to far from our house and they would trick or treat for about ten or fifteen minutes and then have me pick them up to take to a new street. Here's the Napoleon Dynamite crew:
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Snow in October
It is simply too early in Fall to be having so much snow. Already this week we have canceled seminary twice and had two late start days for school. Should have been three because they canceled Monday and Wednesday, and Tuesday was the worst of it.
Kristen is stepping up as my 4-wheeler, snowplow driver. I do the sidewalk, front steps, and the concrete in front of the garage, and usually in that time, the 4-wheeler driver can get the rest of the round-about done.
She stayed home from school today because of a cold, but I "suggested" that she come help me clear snow. The cold temperatures would help to shrink her sinuses in the process. After clearing the driveway, the afternoon sun dried it all up nicely.
Kristen and I took the opportunity to do a little sledding on the back hill before going back into the house. One of our sleds is a lot better than the others.
I'm pretty sure Kristen loved that I would stay outside and play with her.
Kristen is stepping up as my 4-wheeler, snowplow driver. I do the sidewalk, front steps, and the concrete in front of the garage, and usually in that time, the 4-wheeler driver can get the rest of the round-about done.
She stayed home from school today because of a cold, but I "suggested" that she come help me clear snow. The cold temperatures would help to shrink her sinuses in the process. After clearing the driveway, the afternoon sun dried it all up nicely.
Kristen and I took the opportunity to do a little sledding on the back hill before going back into the house. One of our sleds is a lot better than the others.
I'm pretty sure Kristen loved that I would stay outside and play with her.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Agency
I was lying in bed one night, worrying over my family. These thoughts flowed in to my mind as I finally drifted off to sleep, and I had to wake myself up and quickly write down my thoughts.
When our children were young, Chris and I were able to create parameters and guidelines in helping our girls make choices. As young children, they had agency, but in reality, their choices were often limited. As parents, we would help them make decisions by offering options:
Do you want to wear this pink shirt today or the striped one?
Would you like cereal for breakfast or pancakes?
Which friend would you like to play with? This one or that one?
The choices were much simpler.
As my daughters have grown and matured and exercised their agency in making choices, Chris and I have reinforced our family standards, goals, and expectations all along the way.
I perused titles on Deseret Bookshelf one day and came across a book titled, "A God Who Weeps." And as I have thought lately about a God who allows His children to have agency, I understand a little more: He is a God who weeps, a God who worries, a God who never stops loving.
This standing aside to let my adult and teen children make choices is one of the hardest things for me to do. I want to step in. I want to make life all better. I want them to choose the way I would. I am a mother who weeps, a mother who worries, a mother who never stops loving.
Though I wish I could wrap my girls in the easy parameters of their childhood choices, I can't. And so they are making decisions:
Do I draw close to God or pull away?
Do I make good choices or should I follow this not-so-great option?
Are my friend choices lifting me up or pulling me down?
Which college should I attend and what should I study?
Do I sacrifice career for family or family for career?
Should I eat healthy?
As I watch my girls grapple with important life decisions, there are times when my heart cheers and others when my heart breaks. I guess that is what being a parent is all about. And my prayers to heaven never cease.
I am grateful for a God who is teaching me to be a parent. No doubt, He has wept over me. Yet, He never stopped loving me, encouraging me, or sending the inspiration as I needed it. I am grateful for agency and a God who loves me enough to weep over me.
When our children were young, Chris and I were able to create parameters and guidelines in helping our girls make choices. As young children, they had agency, but in reality, their choices were often limited. As parents, we would help them make decisions by offering options:
Do you want to wear this pink shirt today or the striped one?
Would you like cereal for breakfast or pancakes?
Which friend would you like to play with? This one or that one?
The choices were much simpler.
As my daughters have grown and matured and exercised their agency in making choices, Chris and I have reinforced our family standards, goals, and expectations all along the way.
I perused titles on Deseret Bookshelf one day and came across a book titled, "A God Who Weeps." And as I have thought lately about a God who allows His children to have agency, I understand a little more: He is a God who weeps, a God who worries, a God who never stops loving.
This standing aside to let my adult and teen children make choices is one of the hardest things for me to do. I want to step in. I want to make life all better. I want them to choose the way I would. I am a mother who weeps, a mother who worries, a mother who never stops loving.
Though I wish I could wrap my girls in the easy parameters of their childhood choices, I can't. And so they are making decisions:
Do I draw close to God or pull away?
Do I make good choices or should I follow this not-so-great option?
Are my friend choices lifting me up or pulling me down?
Which college should I attend and what should I study?
Do I sacrifice career for family or family for career?
Should I eat healthy?
As I watch my girls grapple with important life decisions, there are times when my heart cheers and others when my heart breaks. I guess that is what being a parent is all about. And my prayers to heaven never cease.
I am grateful for a God who is teaching me to be a parent. No doubt, He has wept over me. Yet, He never stopped loving me, encouraging me, or sending the inspiration as I needed it. I am grateful for agency and a God who loves me enough to weep over me.
The First Pancake
Have you ever made pancakes? If so, when the pan or griddle is hot enough, do you pour just a dollop of batter on to the griddle to make sure it is hot enough and to ensure the pancakes will cook evenly? I learned that practice from my dad. And somehow, that little pancake is the best of the bunch.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Mementos From Home
With our quick visit to Southern Alberta, I was able to take a few pictures of items that hold memories for me.
My parent's barometer. Somehow they knew how to read that thing, and I would often hear, "The barometer is falling..."
My mom made these gnomes when I was just a young girl. A friend suggested that her mom and my mom drove to Sunburst, Montana to take classes. These gnomes have survived six kids and plenty of grandkids. For years they sat on the top of her kitchen cabinets. They have been replaced by other decor and now reside in the basement. Did your mom makes these too?
My dad's home workshop. He has a board just like this in the garage as well. You could say he is a curator of fine tools nowadays. Tools and building and creativity have always been a part of my dad's life. He is a builder and talented as such. At 81, he still likes to putter in his workshop. Some of his tools these days are paintbrushes and canvases. Yep, he is a talented artist too. I am pretty sure that as he peruses garage sales with my mom, he finds a treasure and says, "You just can't find this quality anymore." Thus, his collection continues to grow.
This picture of our front hall showcases my dad's talent in brickwork and woodworking.
My parent's barometer. Somehow they knew how to read that thing, and I would often hear, "The barometer is falling..."
My mom made these gnomes when I was just a young girl. A friend suggested that her mom and my mom drove to Sunburst, Montana to take classes. These gnomes have survived six kids and plenty of grandkids. For years they sat on the top of her kitchen cabinets. They have been replaced by other decor and now reside in the basement. Did your mom makes these too?
My dad's home workshop. He has a board just like this in the garage as well. You could say he is a curator of fine tools nowadays. Tools and building and creativity have always been a part of my dad's life. He is a builder and talented as such. At 81, he still likes to putter in his workshop. Some of his tools these days are paintbrushes and canvases. Yep, he is a talented artist too. I am pretty sure that as he peruses garage sales with my mom, he finds a treasure and says, "You just can't find this quality anymore." Thus, his collection continues to grow.
This picture of our front hall showcases my dad's talent in brickwork and woodworking.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Regional Dance
Kristen and a group of friends were excited to attend the Regional Youth Dance in Ft. Collins on Saturday night—live band and all. It was a Halloween dance so most of the kids dressed up. Kristen has been perfecting her scarecrow face.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Funniest Costume
Kristen won the "Funniest Costume" prize for the ward youth Halloween dinner. She and a group of friends are dressing like characters from "Napolean Dynamite." Kristen dressed up as Deb.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Fancy Global Girl
Amy and Kristen applied for Global Entry which makes travel outside the US easier. Amy had an appointment at the Salt Lake Airport on Tuesday (Kristen's isn't until January in Denver). The interview wasn't too intense and she was in and out in no time at all.
The fun part of the evening was meeting up with Misha who took the Front Runner from Provo. The girls had dinner together and were able to just enjoy some time together. This semester has been a struggle for both of them.
The fun part of the evening was meeting up with Misha who took the Front Runner from Provo. The girls had dinner together and were able to just enjoy some time together. This semester has been a struggle for both of them.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Canada - Day Four
We needed to leave for the airport around noon in order to drive back to Great Falls for a 4 pm flight. Not knowing how long it would take us to get through the border was the one wild card.
My parents' church was at noon. We would have to miss it, but went to the ward meeting at 10:30. I saw and spoke with a few people that I know. Mom came with us as my dad had a Elders Quorum presidency meeting. We returned home to quickly pack up our stuff and be on our way and so that Mom and Dad could make it back to the church in time for their ward to start.
We only had to wait for about 30 minutes at the border and had enough time in Great Falls, MT to stop for a late lunch at Cafe Rio. Our flight was delayed about a half an hour—a concern for Chris since he was connecting in Denver to fly to Las Vegas for a work conference.
You gotta love the couches and fireplace in the waiting area of Great Falls.
Let's just say, that when Chris got off the airplane, my short legs had to go double time to keep up with him. We said a quick goodbye as he left to go to his next gate and Kristen and I headed down to baggage claim.
And...we had to catch a bus back out to Mt. Elbert. I'll be glad when Pikes Peak is open again after the construction.
My parents' church was at noon. We would have to miss it, but went to the ward meeting at 10:30. I saw and spoke with a few people that I know. Mom came with us as my dad had a Elders Quorum presidency meeting. We returned home to quickly pack up our stuff and be on our way and so that Mom and Dad could make it back to the church in time for their ward to start.
We only had to wait for about 30 minutes at the border and had enough time in Great Falls, MT to stop for a late lunch at Cafe Rio. Our flight was delayed about a half an hour—a concern for Chris since he was connecting in Denver to fly to Las Vegas for a work conference.
You gotta love the couches and fireplace in the waiting area of Great Falls.
Let's just say, that when Chris got off the airplane, my short legs had to go double time to keep up with him. We said a quick goodbye as he left to go to his next gate and Kristen and I headed down to baggage claim.
And...we had to catch a bus back out to Mt. Elbert. I'll be glad when Pikes Peak is open again after the construction.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Canada - Day Three
My mom had a Relief Society conference that she wanted to attend on Saturday morning, so she and I left the house early for Lethbridge (about 20 minutes away). We sat with some of her friends for breakfast, listened to a lady from her stake talk about her life with Multiple Sclerosis and then attended a class on using your Instapot. I think we both got some ideas on how to use it better and more creatively.
Chris, Kristen, and my dad met us in Lethbridge just after 11 am. There wasn’t a whole lot of options for things to do since it was so chilly. We stopped at Tim Horton's for donut holes, a grocery store and then ended up at Costco to wait for my parents to come back from running their errands.
My mom chose to drive home after lunch while my dad, Chris, Kristen, and I went to a movie at the Movie Mill called "The Fighting Preacher."
Chris and my dad started to watch the football game, but it didn't start until after 8 pm and Chris was still on East Coast time. He lasted until about 10 pm and then came down to bed and promptly fell asleep. I didn't fall asleep quite so early and could hear my dad cheering every so often.
Chris, Kristen, and my dad met us in Lethbridge just after 11 am. There wasn’t a whole lot of options for things to do since it was so chilly. We stopped at Tim Horton's for donut holes, a grocery store and then ended up at Costco to wait for my parents to come back from running their errands.
My mom chose to drive home after lunch while my dad, Chris, Kristen, and I went to a movie at the Movie Mill called "The Fighting Preacher."
Chris and my dad started to watch the football game, but it didn't start until after 8 pm and Chris was still on East Coast time. He lasted until about 10 pm and then came down to bed and promptly fell asleep. I didn't fall asleep quite so early and could hear my dad cheering every so often.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Homecoming Spectacular 2019
Misha attended the Homecoming Spectacular at BYU on both nights that it was held. The first night she attended with a group of friends. The second night was with the John Family who picked up their daughter from Rexburg and a friend, Becca, from USU. Pretty sure she was in the nosebleed section both nights.
Canada - Day Two
The weather wasn’t all that fantastic in Southern Alberta for the weekend; we would need our puffy jackets for sure. We planned an excursion to Waterton Lakes National Park. It had closed the weekend before for the season, but was still open to visits. All stores were shuttered.
Our first was in Cardston where we picked up Subway sandwiches for lunch. Kristen wanted to stop at the temple as well.
We stopped at the Prince of Wales hotel and then at Cameron Falls. Stopping at Cameron Falls is kind of a family tradition as we made our way into the park.
We had stopped at Subway in Cardston for sandwiches and found an enclosed camp kitchen in the park for lunch. My dad brought firewood, matches, and an axe and handily made a quick fire to warm up the kitchen.
The wind howled and the intermittently falling flakes of snow were blowing sideways. We drove around town a bit, stopped to watch the scenery, spotted a few deer, and then headed out early. It was cold and we were done. My mom and I spied a moose on our way out of town.
Our first was in Cardston where we picked up Subway sandwiches for lunch. Kristen wanted to stop at the temple as well.
We stopped at the Prince of Wales hotel and then at Cameron Falls. Stopping at Cameron Falls is kind of a family tradition as we made our way into the park.
We had stopped at Subway in Cardston for sandwiches and found an enclosed camp kitchen in the park for lunch. My dad brought firewood, matches, and an axe and handily made a quick fire to warm up the kitchen.
The wind howled and the intermittently falling flakes of snow were blowing sideways. We drove around town a bit, stopped to watch the scenery, spotted a few deer, and then headed out early. It was cold and we were done. My mom and I spied a moose on our way out of town.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Canada - Day One
Kristen wasn’t all that thrilled that we were checking her out of school early on a "B" day. She would have to miss Math and French. French was no biggie, but Math was going to put her behind. We left from the school just after 11 am as hordes of high school students poured out of the school for lunch and drove to the airport.
The Pikes Peak parking lot at the airport was being resurfaced so we had to drive out to my least favorite parking lot at the airport—Mt. Elbert. That adds extra time, but parking closer to the airport would add up to about $40 extra for the weekend parking.
Our flight was rather uneventful from departure in Denver to our landing in Great Falls, Montana. This was our first time flying part way to Alberta and probably won’t be our last. We landed in Great Falls and then had almost three hours of driving to get to my parent’s home.
I was so tired all evening while chatting with my parents that my head kept nodding as I fell asleep. I held on until 8:30 and finally went to bed and slept on through until 7:30 the next morning. I think early-morning seminary was catching up to me.
The Pikes Peak parking lot at the airport was being resurfaced so we had to drive out to my least favorite parking lot at the airport—Mt. Elbert. That adds extra time, but parking closer to the airport would add up to about $40 extra for the weekend parking.
Our flight was rather uneventful from departure in Denver to our landing in Great Falls, Montana. This was our first time flying part way to Alberta and probably won’t be our last. We landed in Great Falls and then had almost three hours of driving to get to my parent’s home.
I was so tired all evening while chatting with my parents that my head kept nodding as I fell asleep. I held on until 8:30 and finally went to bed and slept on through until 7:30 the next morning. I think early-morning seminary was catching up to me.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Amy and Misha Home
I'd like to say that Amy and Misha miss us, but mostly they wanted to come home to see friends—and they enjoyed not having to cook. On the plus side, they are fans of my new baked pumpkin donut recipe.
A Birthday Surprise
Chris' birthday is next week, but the girls and I thought it would be fun to surprise him with a birthday dinner while Amy and Misha were home for the weekend. And it worked! He didn't suspect a thing.
I made a roast beef dinner, Amy picked up a piece of German chocolate cake for Chris, and Amy and Misha decorated before Chris got home from church. I hope he knows that he is loved.
Misha gave Chris a wireless charger, Kristen a "No Whining" t-shirt and a velociraptor/Colorado flag sticker, and Amy a case for his new iPhone. I surprised Chris with some new cufflinks to replace the Superman cufflink that broke (Superman and Captain America) along with a box full of funky socks. The biggest surprise was fixing his garage-sale edger that stopped working five years ago. I think he will be excited to use it, but not sure if the weather will hold for edging this season. (And the girls were happy to try out the Portrait mode on their phones.)
Happy Birthday to the most favorite man in our house. We love you Christopher!
I made a roast beef dinner, Amy picked up a piece of German chocolate cake for Chris, and Amy and Misha decorated before Chris got home from church. I hope he knows that he is loved.
Misha gave Chris a wireless charger, Kristen a "No Whining" t-shirt and a velociraptor/Colorado flag sticker, and Amy a case for his new iPhone. I surprised Chris with some new cufflinks to replace the Superman cufflink that broke (Superman and Captain America) along with a box full of funky socks. The biggest surprise was fixing his garage-sale edger that stopped working five years ago. I think he will be excited to use it, but not sure if the weather will hold for edging this season. (And the girls were happy to try out the Portrait mode on their phones.)
Happy Birthday to the most favorite man in our house. We love you Christopher!
Friday, October 11, 2019
Snow in October
Okay, so maybe snow in October is a Canada thing, but I do not like when it is a Colorado thing. Our weather dropped from 83° on Wednesday to a low of 16° Thursday morning. It pretty much killed off my flowers out front. Who is ready for that kind of cold in October?
Chris arrived home before 10 pm on Thursday evening and immediately went to drain the sprinklers. Already the copper pipe at the shower beach had busted. He turned off what he thought was the valve to the sprinklers, instead he turned off the water to the house. When our neighbor's landscape crew reworked the valved earlier this year, Chris did not realize that they had created to separate shut offs: one for the house and one for the sprinklers. So the sprinklers didn't actually drain and we had no water in the house. Fortunately I had showered earlier in the evening.
And Pat from Longs Peak Landscaping was at our house before 9 am to help solve the problem.
Chris arrived home before 10 pm on Thursday evening and immediately went to drain the sprinklers. Already the copper pipe at the shower beach had busted. He turned off what he thought was the valve to the sprinklers, instead he turned off the water to the house. When our neighbor's landscape crew reworked the valved earlier this year, Chris did not realize that they had created to separate shut offs: one for the house and one for the sprinklers. So the sprinklers didn't actually drain and we had no water in the house. Fortunately I had showered earlier in the evening.
And Pat from Longs Peak Landscaping was at our house before 9 am to help solve the problem.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Kristen and Choir
Kristen had her first choir concert of the season. Not knowing which side of the stage she would be standing on, I guess I chose the wrong side for getting a good shot of Kristen on stage.
In the program, Kristen's teacher wrote: "Music is selected, studied, and performed for the purpose of helping students and the public become aware, understand, and appreciate human culture, history, and diversity. As such, it is clearly education in nature." I guess that covers all of the not-so-wonderful and unfamiliar songs these students are made to sing for each concert. I wish the teacher would recognize that students would enjoy singing familiar songs more...the audience too.
Kristen is in the back row, right above the piano and behind the girl in the white shirt. Kristen's hair pretty much blends in with the black curtain.
In the program, Kristen's teacher wrote: "Music is selected, studied, and performed for the purpose of helping students and the public become aware, understand, and appreciate human culture, history, and diversity. As such, it is clearly education in nature." I guess that covers all of the not-so-wonderful and unfamiliar songs these students are made to sing for each concert. I wish the teacher would recognize that students would enjoy singing familiar songs more...the audience too.
Kristen is in the back row, right above the piano and behind the girl in the white shirt. Kristen's hair pretty much blends in with the black curtain.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Nasty Dust Storm
You have to know that if you are going to have a 70° drop in temperature overnight, the wind is going to have to blow. The field next to our house is in the process of being built up and huge truckloads of dirt are being sculpted. With the wind that blew on Wednesday afternoon and the subsequent displacement of dirt, they will likely have to bring more dirt in now. was taking the garbage cans to the curb when I saw a man-made haboob coming at me. I hurried back to the house to snap this picture.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
General Conference on Temple Square
Amy drove up to Provo on Saturday after work to stay with Misha so that they could get up early Sunday morning to attend General Conference. They sent us pictures throughout the day as they arrived at the Conference Center, found their seats, and enjoyed the ambiance of Temple Square after the morning session. They look pretty happy to be with each other. The first month or so of college has been lonely at times for both of them.
In the Conference Center
After Conference
I sure do miss having them around. Seeing them together makes my heart happy.
In the Conference Center
After Conference
I sure do miss having them around. Seeing them together makes my heart happy.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
AJR Concert
Misha bought tickets earlier in the summer for an AJR Concert in Salt Lake City. (AJR stands for three brothers: Adam, Jack, Ryan). She attended with two of her friends and had a blast.
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