O'hana means family

Never take your husband to Wal Mart

2012-02-15T09:17:00.001-08:00

Because if you do your kids will be the proud owners of some Socker Boppers which gives them even more reason to beat the snot out of each other. Except now they have the "I was just playing...." excuse. Awesome.

I am just waiting for the moment that Jason does something that deserves a Socker Bopper to the kisser. Now THAT is going to be fun!

Jammed

2012-02-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

At Kahau's basketball game on Saturday she suddenly didn't look like herself. I could see little tears in her eyes.

"What's wrong with her?" I semi-whispered at Jason.

"She's fine! Quit babying her" he replied as he continued coaching from our seats in the parents section.

Thankfully her real coach pulled her out and we took a peek at her hand, which she was holding on to. She'd jammed her right ring finger. Nothing major but we were a little worried because she was wearing her CTR ring and her finger was already too swollen to get off.

The next morning the swelling was worse so Jason tried Crisco and dish soap to get her ring off. No dice. Jason had to cut her ring off. Poor girl was upset but we assured her it was going to be fine and we'd take it to the jewelry store and have the ring repaired.

Now she is sporting her fingers taped together and the swelling is slowly going down. Girlfriend can't wait til her next game. Yesterday she said "Ma, wouldn't it be cool if I got a black eye?"

Happy Valentine's

2012-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

If you've been a reader of our blog for a while you know what we get our kids every year for Valentine's. If you are new to our blog...be prepared to be super impressed. Each Valentine's we pack up our beloved children and go to Portland to show them how much we care/love/adore them. We take them to the ultimate spectacle of love, that's right-Monster Jam. It's like SummerSlam but for rich people. And since we are rolling in the dough, we attend.

This year we kept it super classy and didn't even brush our hair before we left the house AND on the way there I realized I was only wearing eyeliner but no mascara. To top off my look I had on my best community college sweatshirt that has a fat stain on the left sleeve.

As usual the kids loved every second. And to be fair it is a lot of fun and the crowd is always worth the price of admission. Ansen was glued to the action and was pretty consistent in choosing the winner of each race/ competition. Grave Digger is always a favorite and this year we were introduced to Titan whom Ansen has taken a shine to him.

There we also crazy, life risking guys on motorcycles. Fun to watch but if my kids ever try those stunts I'll kill 'em.

Why the dusty, smokey pictures? Oh because Titan totally went up in flames and filled the arena with smoke and the stench of gasoline. The crowd LOVED it. Who wouldn't?

This is the Tasmanian Devil. No big deal right? Wrong! The Tasmanian Devil is driven by a GIRL! And a girl that loves pink to boot. Kahau and Brays have changed their ambitions from being a Primatologist and Teacher to being a Monster Truck Driver. A mother can only dream......

And here's Grave Digger. Did you know he's been around for 30 years?

It's true. He's a real national treasure.

Thanks for making Valentine's 2012 a huge success Monster Jam. Catch ya next year!

*****And yes oh yes there were some serious mullets in da houzzzz as well as a grandmother sporting hot pink crimped hair. Like I said earlier it's a classy event.*****

Surplus

2012-02-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Last night Ansen declared,

"I would like to have a surplus of money!"

After checking to see if he actually knew what surplus meant (he did) we simply agreed.

Yes Ansen, dad and I would like a surplus of money as well.

Well, shoot

2012-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

There was hope.

They should have won.

It just wasn't our day to win the Superbowl.

There's always next year.

Besides, every once and a while those whiny New Yorkers have to win something.

Baseball season is getting closer!!!!

Remember when?

2012-02-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

Remember a few weeks ago I told you we went to a Blazers game and I promised pictures? Here they finally are. Sorry they took so long. Our seats were wayyyyyy up high. Actually you couldn't get any higher if you wanted to. Really. But it was cool and we had so much fun.

Above Asnen showing dad who's boss and below after the game: Blazers victorious!

Our 3 little fans!

3 little fans + 2

All the little fans in attendance. We were lucky enough to have our friends the Maughan's, Morgan's and Stimposon's along for the night. Good times, good times.

Way to go Rip City!

Let's talk about Jason

2012-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

I've gotten lots of e-mails lately about his cryptic messages on Facebook about "brain pain" and such so I'll fill you in here on our blog. Because if you are here and reading then chances are we know you well enough to let you in on whats going on. I don't personally feel the need to announce to all his old high school friends/kids he grew up with/random work people what's up. Here's the down-low.

1. Jason has been having severe headaches for about a year behind his left eye and in his left temple.

2. His general practitioner seemed worried enough to do lots and lots of blood work, send him to a neurologist, prescribe a diet change.

3. The blood work was done and the doctor made a (not funny) joke. "Your insurance is going to freak out!!!!" Great, just what we want.

4. The neurologist was nice and explained that with a special light you can actually look through the eye. Typically when you look through the eye it's nice and clear. Mr. Man has some cloudiness which is a bit of a concern so off to more appointments he went.

5. Last Thursday Jason had an MRI which he did not enjoy. At all. He didn't enjoy the experience of being shoved in a tube head first whilst strapped down. Not his idea of a good time. Honestly I don't know many who would like this experience. Did I mention he's a little claustrophobic?

6. After the MRI he went and had a sleep study done. They had him in bed by 9:30 p.m. and then he laid there until he fell asleep about 1 a.m. Super exciting.

7. We are currently waiting for the results from the MRI and sleep study. His blood work is back and showed nothing significant to cause alarm. That makes us happy. So we wait.

Putting brain pain aside.......

Work is going well and the poor guy had to spend the week in Florida. Rough life. He is working hard on getting our new family room done and he is the kids biggest fans at all their events.

We'll let you know when we know more.

Double U

2012-02-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ahhh the letter W. Wonderful things start with the letter W. Things like wonderful, waterfall, watermelon, Widing. Yes, our last name. Braley has discovered the downside to having a last name at the end of the alphabet and she is spitting fire.

"Mom! My spelling teacher changed our chairs and we are sitting by ALPHABETICAL order and I am at the back of the room cause I am a W! My life isn't fair!" she said with a mouth full of brussel sprouts.

What could I say? Sorry? I just reminded her that sometimes even if your name is in the middle of the alphabet you can sit in the back of the room. She didn't care. I told her she could talk to her teacher and asked to be moved up front with the A's and B's. She didn't want to hear it. I told her it was not because she was a W but because she was such a good student that her teacher knew she could handle the back of the room. She knew I was sugarcoating. Dang.

"I want to be an A or B. Whyyyyy are we a W?" anguish apparent in her 9 year old voice.

"That's just who we are and you are the best 4th grade W I know." She still didn't buy it so I told her Grandma Forsberg grew-up as a VanDenBerghe and she survived. I explained that when she gets married she can marry someone with a name at the beginning of the alphabet so her children won't have to personally face her W tragedy. Then I told her it was all her dad's fault because if he had just taken my name she could have been an F. That's wayyyyy closer to A then W.

This week, thus far

2012-01-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

Monday: Trailblazers game with the family, friends and a large portion of Jason's company. Oh, and I "explained" (my friend Dave used the words "told off"---to each his own) to a drunk guy in the row in front of us that he was being a real jerk. I helped him understand the difference between being a good fan and a poor sport. I also told him to quit acting like a child and grow up. Did I mention this all happened before the end of the 1st quarter?

***

Tuesday: Ansen was the super speller in his class. He scored 100% on his spelling test AND did amazing on his fluency test.

***

Wednesday: Braley finished all her homework without being asked and then read to her brother for 45 minutes. The kids and I also made candy lei's for their teachers as Happy Birthday's (Braley and Ansen's teacher's) and a goodbye gift for Kahau's favorite teacher, Ms. Rice.

***

Thursday: Speaking of Ms. Rice. Today is her last day. She is moving....to Abu Dhabi. No, for real. I didn't believe Kahau at first but yep, it's the truth. She is going to teach and dabble in camel racing. How seriously cool is that? Kahau is bummed but Ms. Rice is going to find Kahau a cool e-mail buddy.

***

Thursday (part2): Jason is going in for his MRI today. I am not sure how that is going to go. He's claustrophobic. An hour in a tube might be about 59 minutes and 59 seconds too long for him. Wish him luck. After his MRI he heads over for his sleep study. They are making him go to bed by 9:30 pm. Iiiiiiiiiii don't see that happening. Then again, maybe it will since he will probably be exhausted from worrying through his MRI. We'll see.

No pictures yet. Some to come. I don't know when so just sit back, relax and check in with me later.

Tootles!

I'll admit, I swore

2012-01-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

I swore that I would never have a gaming system in my house. I swore they were idiot boxes and time wasters (Internet, TV, teen romance novels anyone??). I swore that my kids would not become gaming drones with controls glued to their hands. I swore I would never, ever....ever change my mind.

And then my eyes were opened jussssst a little.

And now we have one of these:

In my pathetic defense we did not go buy it from the store. It practically fell in our laps. We have friends who are trying to make me fun. And to be honest it is fun. We set it up tonight and all had fun playing together. Things got a little competitive. Not between the kids but between the non-kids. This could get interesting.

Unfortunately the kids are not allowed to use it during the week, or if their rooms are dirty or even if they look at one of their superiors (*ahem* me) funny. Their superiors (me again) are hoping to hold it over their pretty little heads in order to get their homework done and chores completed. I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime I will do my best to keep my swearing to a minimum.

Let's talk about Jamjam

2012-01-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

True that she left us and moved to New Z. True that we miss her especially when naps need to be taken (above), fireworks need to be watched (below),

games need to be played,

and fun needs to be had.

Love her and miss her tons!

2 years ago

2012-01-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

This is us two years ago (technically 3 Christmas' ago) enjoying each other at Walt Disney World. It was a crazy time for us and this break is what our family needed. We took along a wonderful nanny (good friend of ours) and she snapped this picture. Today is the 1st time I have seen it.

Look how little my babies are!

It's fun to find stuff like this.

Dinnertime warfare

2012-01-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Every night my kids fight at dinner. They fight about portions. It drives me crazy! I just want to sit and enjoy our meal but instead everyone seems to have an opinion of my skills at putting vegetables on their plates. When it comes to brussel sprouts and broccoli the fighting gets close to physical. It's madness I tell you, madness.

"Her portion is bigger!" complains the only boy.

"I need more I am a growing girl" whines my whiny one.

"This is brain food and you are giving me that small of a portion?" says the one who wants it all to herself.

There are never enough sprouts or broc on the table. Ever. Last week I thought I was being slick and made 2 full packages of sprouts and a lot of broccoli for the same meal. I had my lecture all prepared about eating everything you are given and not wasting fresh food. I didn't get to give my lecture. They ate it....all. Every last bit.

So I will continue to fill them full of greens and be thankful that they love~love~love eating what is good and healthy for them.

Tonight I am adding artichoke into the mix to see what the kiddos think. I am guessing it will be a split vote just like asparagus is at our house.

For the record I introduced my kids to Twinkies last week. Honestly it was kind of embarrassing to be standing in the grocery store and asking my kids if they would like to try one and their responses being "those are real?!?!?!?" They honestly thought Twinkies were a pretend food that people used on t.v.

I think I am failing as a parent.

Let's talk about Braley

2012-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

I swear this girl has music running through her head all the time. And when there's music there is dancing. Braley decided to follow her path and take a dance class instead of play basketball like her siblings. She is taking a hip hop jazz class and she is loving it!

Jason took Braley to buy dance shoes and the girl came home with PINK ballet slippers. Thank goodness ballet slippers were on the approved list for footwear. She plays the songs from the dances she is learning over and over and over...and over.

Everyday I get questions like "what do you think my dance costume will look like?" "Do you think my costume with have sequins?" "I think my costume will be hot pink, don't you?" I think she is excited about wearing a costume. Shocker!

Love this girl!

Let's talk about Ansen

2012-01-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

Or Spud Webb as I have been calling him the past day. Yesterday Ansen too had his first basketball game of the season. It was a riot! First off, the boy was so hard to find in a crowd because he was so little. I thought that would be a major disadvantage. Not so. I forgot to take into account how quick he was and that he can actually dribble the ball.

While 80% of the other players (5 & 6 year olds) were traveling down the court without bouncing the ball once Ansen made sure to use his skills wisely. Anytime he could he made himself open and he did a great job.

He was in everybody's faces on defense and the other kids were not sure what to make of it. He didn't want anyone from the other team to score and his hands were up and he was doing his very best. Yesterday was a double header and so he was running around for 2 hours. I know he loved every second.

Love this boy!

Let's talk about Kahau

2012-01-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

Today was Kahau's 1st basketball game. She was up at the crack of dawn ready to hit the court. Too bad her game wasn't til noon. When she hit the court she was a little timid until the best girl on the other team was on her. That kicked my girl into competitive mode and then her arms were out and her feet were movin'!

Kahau is playing with her bestie Brakelle and the two of them did so well. I couldn't be more excited for this upcoming season.

Love this girl!

Family room: take 24

2012-01-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a while ya? December was the month of resting from the family room renovation. And it was nice. But it's January and we are back to finishing this up. Jason and our good friend Ben worked hard, very hard and got the walls and ceiling up in 3 days.

We are so excited. Just a few things left to do. I have our carpet all picked out and now I need to find a paint as well. Eeeeekkkk! I'm so excited.

Until next time.

Let's talk about me

2012-01-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

I am one of my favorite subjects. Just kidding.

I may not be my favorite subject but we are going to talk about me anyway cause I had a few realizations this week.

1. I am way too passive. Really. I seem to think that if I say something like "I'd really like to xyz" that people understand I am saying "I want xzy." Nope. Instead people think "hmmmmm, that's nice that she'd like xyz but I am sure it's no biggie if she doesn't get it." Fact is I am easy-going and need to be a little more straight forward.

***

2. I look better with shorter hair. I lopped my locks off this week and all I have heard is "you look younger!" (which is great.) I am a serial ponytail-ist and so now it is pretty much impossible to get it back. While I mourn the loss of my ponytail I welcome actually having to comb my hair everyday like most people do-sorry bald people.

***

3. Middle schooler's aren't awful. In fact they can be pretty fun. For the past two days I have been teaching all the PE classes. That's 6 classes of zumba a day, so 12 over the past two. I admit I was nervous that they would stand there with their arms folded staring at me but THANKFULLY they danced! Even the boys. (read: most boys. There was most def a handful just stood there looking bored and angry that they were being subjected to dancing but that way prob at 5% of each class, not to shabby). I was even more afraid of totally embarrassing my 6th grader but all doubt left when, as she was walking out of her PE class, I heard a large group of kids say, "Kahau I wish my mom was as fun as yours." Whew. That's right-I'm fun. Don't forget that.

***

4. My feet and knees don't love 12 fitness classes in 2 days. However, my metabolism does. I feel like I could eat a horse but I am trying to be good. But let's be serious. I ate like 10 cookies after I finished today. So there.

***

There. I am done talking about me. Feel free to talk about me if you'd like but please be kind!

Oregon vs. Wisconsin

2012-01-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Jason has a friend, who has a friend WHO had access to Rose Bowl tickets. We (read: He) could not let that opportunity go to waste. And who better to share the game with then your very own Dad who, for the better part of his life has been a Beavers-not a Ducks-fan BUT who has learn to appreciate the Ducks and their program nonetheless.

Jason and Dad flew down on a early flight to the Burbank, hopped in a rental car and hustled over to the stadium to a sea of yellow (ducks) and red (badgers). They were so fortunate to have wonderful weather. Look at the pic! Not a cloud in the sky. It was actually in the high 80's and they were warm!

Because it was so warm they took a little break from the sun and ducked (ha, ha get it?) into one of the many tunnels to enjoy a bite before the game.

A hour before game time.

OOOOOOooooooOOoooooOOOOOOOO!

Here they come...

Look at those helmets. They sure were manly. The original plan was to be in all black uniforms but because the weather was so warm they opted for the green. Good call coach, good call.

The boys.

Jason said this fly by was really cool. According to him you could not hear the plane until it was right on top of you.

I guess the stadium was about 65% red. Look at all those fans.

Crazy.

The game was close all the way through from the very start.

Jason and Dad sat next to the kicker's family (Maldonado) and really enjoyed talking to them and also getting to talk to another former player. How fun is that?

Oregon WON!

2012 Rose Bowl.

A game to remember.

They came, they saw, they conquered

2012-01-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

These two flew down to California and went to the Rose Bowl on Monday. They watched the Ducks show the Badgers who's #1. Pret-ty dang lucky if you ask me. Pret-ty neat way to start 2012. Pret-ty nice weather (88*) to enjoy a great football game in. Pret-ty sure they had a great time.

More to come!

2012

2012-01-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

May your year be full of Love, Laughter and lots of Sparkle.

Home again, home again

2011-12-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful trip. This trip was about spending time as a family, enjoying something new and escaping our day to day routine. I am so thankful for these past 3 days!

Gravity Hill

2011-12-31T16:17:00.000-08:00

We stopped at Gravity Hill in Salt Lake City. It's on Jason's must do list. In essence you park your car on a slight hill facing down the hill and then place the car in neutral. When you take your foot off the break the car appears to be/feels to be rolling up the hill. It feels as though you are being pulled up the hill backwards. Do I even need to tell you how cool the kids thought this was? It is cool and because they were so interested in it I think we may have to schedule a trip to the Oregon Vortex in Gold Hill, Oregon.

**********

(Gravity Hill is an optical illusion. Because of the way the road sits next to the mountain, it looks like it's going "down" into the canyon, but that section is actually going uphill. So it looks like you're rolling uphill. Shhhh don't tell the kids)

Last stop, Deseret Book

2011-12-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to pick up a little souvenir before we left. The girls wanted the cut out of David Archuletta. It was a no-go. Last week they found out David is going on his mission and they are holding out hope that he has been called to the Portland, Oregon mission. Do I tell them that's a no-go as well?

In the end we did find books, earrings, and a big toy Captain Moroni so it was a successful book store stop.

Church History Museum

2011-12-31T15:54:00.000-08:00

"These beds are SO comfortable!" said Ansen. "I wish we could have been pioneers coming from England and in a boat for 2 months..." said Braley with a whine in her voice. "Why do we always have to take an airplane everywhere? Why can't we travel like in the olden days?" said Kahau with a look of disappointment on her face.

My response?

"Because your mother was born in a day of modern convenience. I am sorry for ruining it for you. Keep walking"

Ansen was pretty sure traveling across the plains in a wagon would make for a thrilling adventure. I can't wait til he's old enough to go on a actual pioneer trek.

Someone get this girl a step-stool!

Did I tell you Kahau got a camera for Christmas? She did and boy did she take a lot of pictures. 289 to be exact. She says she wants to start her own blog to talk about her adventures. I think it will be great!

This museum was our last official stop and boy oh boy were we tired. We are so glad we stopped though!

North Visitor Center

2011-12-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

Fantastic. That's all.

(listening to people bear their testimonies about the Bible and the Book of Mormon)

(learning about Nephi building the boat)

(in Hawaiian)

Conference Center

2011-12-31T14:42:00.000-08:00

This place is huge! We toured the Conference Center on our last morning (Friday) and the kids loved it. The art, the fountain, the Organ (which someone was kind enough to be practicing), it was all great. Our tour guide was a man from Samoa and he did so well with the kids. We were able to go down to the very bottom of the Conference Center by the stage and then to the veryyyyyyyyy top to the nosebleed seats. In actuality though there were really no bad seats in the entire Center. The architecture is amazing.

Because the weather was unseasonably warm and there was no snow or ice we were able to go out on the roof top to the gardens. The view was spectacular.

Behive House

2011-12-31T13:01:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention that we went to the Beehive House our first night in Salt Lake. The Beehive House was Brigham Young's home and office as Prophet. The home was stunning. We all especially loved the beautiful fireplaces throughout the home. Just look at it. I wouldn't say no to living there simply because I'd love to decorate the outside for Christmas!

Us at Ellis Island

2011-12-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Above: Our family in the Family History Experience in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building sitting on the docks of Ellis Island.

Day 2-SLC

2011-12-31T11:02:00.000-08:00

We began our day by attending an organ concert in the Tabernacle. The music was beautiful and loud. The kids favorite part was watching the ceiling change color with each song. It became a contest to see who could guess the next color.

Lunch was at one of my favorite places. The Garden restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial building. The view is to die for......

and so are their fried pickles.

Oh. So. Good.

We too time and went over to the Church Office Building (Church Headquarters) where daddy gave a little insight on this picture to the kids.

After being on the grounds the night before with so many people everywhere it was nice to be there when it was less chaos. The one thing that was happening was weddings! Braley couldn't have been more excited to see bride after bride after bride after bride....seriously, they were everywhere.

We watched the movie in the JS Memorial Building entitled Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration. It was excellent. The movie is (obviously) about the Prophet Joseph but the story is told from his mothers point of view so there was a lot of emphasis on Joseph and Hyrum as brothers.

Following the movie we went to the South Visitors Center and spent and hour learning about Temples, families, and Heaven. An hour well spent!

We attended a family sing along in the Assembly Hall. They asked that no pictures be taken so sadly I have none.....even if everyone else in the entire place was. We sang Christmas songs, Christmas hymns, lots of Disney songs and songs from The Sound of Music. Oh yes, The Sound of Music. I was, as you already know, in my element. The lady who was conducting all of us incredibly talented singers warned us after the first two songs if we didn't sing louder she would point us out and make us stand up and sing a solo. From that point Ansen practically shouted all the songs just so he wouldn't get embarrassed. It was so-so-so cute.

After the sing-a-long we took in some more Christmas lights. Again, stunning.

To end our night we went to the Family History Experience. We learned how to make a memory jar,

started a drawing of our own family tree using our hands,

and looked up some family members. Fun story: I looked up my Great Grandfather on my mother's side. His name was Thomas Johannes VanDenBerghe. He was the 1st member of the Church on my mother's side and has a very cool conversion story (he was baptized 6/17/1926) starting in Holland and ending with him and my great grandmother bringing their family to Utah. So there I was on December 31st, looking him up in SLC and guess what? It was his birthday! He would have been 117. I felt a very strong sense of gratitude for him and his life.

A trip to Gravity Hill ended our pretty wonderful day.

Lights at Temple Square

2011-12-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Truly there is almost nothing prettier than Christmas lights. I love them. Cover an entire block of beautiful buildings, giants trees, and fountains in gorgeous lights of white, blue, red, green, orange and more and I turn into a little child in awe of everything.

Throughout Temple Square there nativities everywhere depicting all nationalities. Our family enjoyed identifying the cultures. Along the fountains were canisters and bags lit by candle light again with scenes from the Saviors life and words in all languages translating into "Love", "Christ", "Peace" and so on.

Gosh, we can't help but just love the heck out of them!

"I'll go inside someday!"

Can you find the 5 of us?

We LOVED the lights! We LOVED the feeling of Christmas! We LOVED being all snugly in our warm coats! We LOVED celebrating the Savior's life.

Santa sure did a wonderful job inviting us to Salt Lake.

5:55 am

2011-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

Our flight to Salt Lake left at 5:55 AM. Again, AM. We always seem to be on the receiving end of crazy flight times but I guess that's what you get for living on the west coast. The rest of the country is up and moving and they expect you to be as well. Not surprisingly, the kids were up and dressed before I even had one foot on the floor at 3:15 AM. They love to travel. I have to admit, it is nice to have kids who are able to go with the flow and are willing to pack up last minute for an adventure.

On the way to SLC we had a quick layover in Reno. These pics were taken in the Reno airport (notice the sunshine...def not Portland and not 5:55 AM in December).

Upon arrival we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then Daddy dropped us at the hotel and ran out to go visit a few firms he has in the area. We found it very exciting that Santa would send us somewhere that Daddy could also get some work done as well. Now he won't have to make a special trip here to see these firms in January without us. While Daddy was away taking care of dad-type business we took care of kid-type business ourselves. That's right-my 3 pool inspectors spent 2 1/2 hours making sure the pool was suitable for cannon balls, handstand contests, races, chicken fights, underwater tea parties and splash mom contests. The hot tub was also tested for extreme chlorine and bubble mustache building abilities. Don't worry everything passed with flying colors.

3 AM wake-up + 2 fights + lunch + 2.5 hours in a pool + a warm shower, clean clothes and a soft bed=

Same equation for this girl equals this!

Bright eyed and ready to go. To kill a little time so the other two could rest we did Braley's hair. How cute is she?

Yep, he was plum tuckered out as well.

After the quick snoozes were done we headed off to the Temple lights!

We're back

2011-12-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake Temple Christmas LIGHTS, Beehive House, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Church Headquarters, South Visitors Center, Assembly Hall, Tabernacle, Concert in the Tabernacle, North Visitors Center, Conference Center, Church History Museum, Family History Experience, Deseret Book, The Garden Restaurant (twice---fried pickles are the best), Family sing along, Movie: Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration, swimming (3x's), Gravity Hill, Olive Garden, elevator races, hold your breath contests, Searching for Sasquatch.

It was a very busy, very fun, very enjoyable family romp over to Salt Lake!

Pictures to come...

Christmas morning memories

2011-12-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

These kids seemed to really enjoy Christmas this year. They got a lot of practical gifts (read: luggage, new sweaters, warm socks, winter coats) and were thrilled with them *whew* as well as some fun gifts too.

Santa gave the kids luggage.

Grandma and Grandpa hit a grand slam with a new Boston t for Kahau.

Minnie Mouse for Braley? Yes please!

Ducks jersey=BIG, happy smile.

Even Rammy opened his presents.

After we opened our gifts and had some breakfast the kids brought Jason this card that was resting in the branches of our Christmas tree. It was a note from Santa! Santa is sending our family to Salt Lake City to go to Temple Square on Wednesday! We couldn't be more excited! We looked on-line and the Christmas lights at Temple Square are still on each night. I cannot wait to be there with my little family.

I believe this will be a very special trip for us and I am excited it is a much shorter flight then we are used to.

How was your Christmas?

Christmas morning

2011-12-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to be in church Christmas morning. Sacrament meeting was beautiful and it just put our day in perspective. Don't these three just look so nice in their Christmas dresses and Christmas sweater?

T'was the night before Christmas

2011-12-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures of what was out this year so I am able to look back and switch things up next year.

Santa sure enjoyed his cookies this year!

For unto us

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas to all whom we love dearly.

Marshmallow houses

2011-12-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

Marshmallows, toothpicks, bowls! It was that easy.

Mommy's house:

Kahau's house:

Braley's house:

She took her time and got it just so. I love her little snowman.

Ansen and Daddy's igloo:

There was some drama when Ansen started. The little marshmallows were a little hard for him to work with. Daddy to the rescue! He found BIG marshmallows and problem solved!

Kahau's 2nd house. It is a cabin surrounded by dumbells. What are the dumbells for? The Norwegians that live inside the cabin. That girl and her imagination!

Our marshmallow neighborhood.

Of course you cannot have a marshmallow activity without actually getting to consume some, so we made some hot cocoa and enjoyed some sugary squishy goodness.

Here's to staying warm and toasty.

Candy cane reindeer

2011-12-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

Today's project was supposed to include marshmallows but after Ansen was up all night throwing up I decided to switch gears and make tomorrows craft today and move today's to tomorrow. Follow me?

We used: Regular old candy canes, brown pipe cleaners, sparkly glitter glue, sharpies, regular old glue and wiggly eyes.

Even before our project started Kahau had already glued an wiggly eye to her forehead and declared "I'm a cyclops!" Right then I knew any type of instructions I gave were going to go in one ear and out the other. A decision was made. Any type of eyes and antlers were good. These "special" reindeer were going to be one of a kind.

Below my heart shaped antlers.

We had 1 eyed reindeer, 4 eyed reindeer, buck toothed reindeer, curly antlers, straight antlers and caddywhompus antlers. We do have quite the Reindeer menagerie going on at our house.

The best part? Jason was home today to make our craft with us!

I'm thinking we should name out Reindeer.

Canvas Christmas trees

2011-12-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

What you need:

*2 blank canvas'

* lots of finger paint

*a construction paper template cut out by kitchen scissors b/c you have no idea where your real scissors are
*glue

* glitter...lots of it.

Also needed :

* 24 little fingers

* 6 thumbs

* 1 mom with a camera

A must have:

* 11 pound chihuahua/terrier mix to supervise

I feel like we should sing O Christmas Tree.

My favorite part? My little artists signed the back for me.
Priceless.

Homemade snowglobes

2011-12-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas break started I committed my self and the kids to one project a day before Christmas day. Then I had to amend my commitment to one fun craft project a day. You see, I like to call cleaning bedrooms, folding laundry, doing dishes "projects." Now you see why I had to insert the words fun and craft.

Today we made snow globes.

Run yourself over to Wal Mart and buy jars, glitter glue, and glitter that is all different colors.

Step 1: fill your jar with very warm (hot) water.

Step 2: put a teaspoon of glitter glue per cups of hot water in the jar.

Step 3: stir. And stir and stir and stir and stir. Work out any clumps as best you can.

Step 4: Seal up your jar and shake.

Step 5: If needed add more glitter glue to give more color. Stir again.

Step 6: Add different color glitter to your jar.

Step 7: shake again and again.

Step 8: add additional glitter if bling is your thing.

And ta-da you have yourself a snow globe!

The kids loved this project and it kept them content for about 30-40 minutes.

Now go make a globe!

*********

And as an after thought I decided that these will now serve as our Take A Break jars. If the kids are having a hard time they will have to get their jar, shake it up really good and just sit still and quiet until the glitter settles. Once the glitter has settled we can talk and work things out.

Tree hunt and decorating

2011-12-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

We finally got our tree today. We were really hoping that we would have the addition done and ready for Christmas but it's just not going to happen. Why am I telling you this? Because a tree in the addition could be 10 feet tall whereas the tree in the living room needed to be about 6 feet tall. So this year we hunted for a tree 6 feet tall. We had fun and the weather was nice (no rain). Each time we found a possible Widing family tree we donned it with a hat and then kept looking.

Once we found "the one" we let daddy cut it down while we stood around and pretended to help.

Who gave this kid a saw?

Not I, said his mother.

Once we made it home it was go time. The lights were put on (700 of them) and the ornaments were hung....lots of those too. Once, quite a while ago, my brother-in law-Jimmy told me each tree should have at least 500 lights on it to make it look like it was glowing. I think he was right. Jimmy also taught me the purpose of filler ornaments. The man is a Christmas tree decorating genius.

There she is. Isn't she pretty?

Now it feels like Christmas.

Last day before break

2011-12-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

Never mind that Ansen looks like he's caught mid-blink just look at his head ornament.

Have the holidays come or is Braley just stepping up her usual sassy style? You tell me.

1 door hanger, 2 feet of tinsel around her neck, 1 odd 11 year old and BAM! Kahau is ready for a the last day of school for 2011.

Teacher gifts were so incredibly last second this year but I think they turned out just fine.

Bring on two weeks of no real schedule!

Ugly sweater workout

2011-12-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, even ugly sweaters have a spot at the gym.

I think I should run for Christmas Superhero spokes person.

All in favor say I.....

Crazy hair day

2011-12-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

One of the most exciting school days of the year.

How could it not be?

Pencils, pens, food coloring.

I wonder if the food coloring will come out.

My kids have style all their own.

Solar System

2011-12-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this boy and his love for the solar system. As we were working on his project this kids was spitting out planet facts quicker than I could cut out planets.

Saturn had to have rings, Mercury, or "Merk-ur-rie" as my 6 year old says, had to have craters and Pluto ("It's not really a planet anymore Mom but we don't want it to feel left out") had to be farrrrrrrr away.

Look at that cute little handwriting!

We made the poster 3-D just so it would be super duper awesome.

I think achieved awesomeness for sure.

Hope your day is out of this world!

Oh yes we did

2011-12-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Taylor Swift,

Happy birthday from the Widing family. As you may or may not know my husband and I are parents to one of your biggest fans. She may not know every tidbit of information about you but she has always known what she likes and you, Taylor Swift, she likes.

As your birthday was approaching this past week Braley decided that you deserved the special Widing family birthday dinner protocol. We looked up your favorite meal and (according to Oprah.com) feasted on breakfast for dinner. Thanks a mil for making dinner something my children would actually eat. Hash browns, cheesy eggs, biscuts with apple butter, sausage patties and OJ. Delish.

For dessert we sang you Happy Birthday, each kid blew out a candle and we scarfed down a bit a cheesecake (thanks for your favorite things list on Oprah's site-it twas a lifesaver).

Happy 22nd Taylor. Thanks for being so fun and easy to sing along to!

Sing, sing a song

2011-12-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

After 1st quarter finished Kahau was to start a new elective class. She was scheduled to start beginning band. No offense to her, or those who are in middle school band...or any band for that matter but I was not looking forward to it. I think it would have been totally fun for her-except for the hours of practicing that are expected. And who would have to remind, remind, remind her to do it once the "fun" of playing an instrument has worn off? That's right--me.

We talked and she told me she would much rather be in choir. It took some schedule changing but we made it happen and she is LOVING choir. Her first concert was last Friday and she did awesome. Most of the kids in choir with her had already been practicing for the 1st 2 1/2 months of school but lucky for her she know all but one song. Her teacher sent me the kindest e-mail letting me know how impressed he is with her vocal confidence and he assumed she came from a musical home.

Bahhhhhahahahah!

I mean Jason is very musical and I enjoy singing along to musicals so yes, I guess she is from a musical home.....in a very general use of the word.

She sang songs from Sound of Music, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Wicked and a few others. When she sang Defying Gravity from Wicked Braley and Ansen where singing right along quite loudly. I loved it.

Kahau: top row center

One of her besties Brakelle: bottom left, blonde hair & glasses.

These two lovely ladies did great!

Great job singing your heart out Kahau.

Bring on Broadway!

Frowny face

2011-12-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Guys?

Can you keep a secret?

Well it's not really a secret just more of a bummer.

Each year Rudolph brings underwear to everyone in our house. He is an odd little Reindeer but I appreciate his effort since I loath shopping and especially shopping for unmentionables.

The other day Ansen and I were talking and he asked me to write to Rudolph and (politely) ask him NOT to bring him character underwear. According to him, he is too big to have Buzz Lightyear across his bum. I get it but it makes me a little sad. Yes, he's 6 and yes Buzz probably doesn't belong across his bum but it kinda marks the end of an era.

Frowny face.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mama!

Mele Kalikimaka

2011-12-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Hawaiian Luau with entertainment, kalua pork, Santa in an Aloha shirt and 300 of our closest friends? Yes please! Last night was our ward Christmas Party and it was full of the Aloha Spirit. I just love that our ward loves to be together and talk story.

The Primary kids put on the Christmas play that also included the Christmas story being told through the Book of Mormon. The Primary put so much effort into it and it was wonderful. Here is my believing Nephite. She had a bunch of parts and nailed them. She and her sidekick here (Brakelle) have a definite futures on Broadway. But first they have decided to be roommates at BYU-Hawaii. I am okay with that.

And my unbelieving Nephite.

(Can I just tell you how distraught this girlie was that she had to be an unbeliever. It took a few days to convince her it was just a play and it was okay.) I am not absolutely sure but I think its safe to say these two (Braley and Brayden) Nephites are some sassy broads with their fancy eye wear.

And last but certainly not least is our member of the angelic choir---without his halo. He refused to wear the halo and I don't even care. He sang and that is what matters. Besides who needs a halo when you're that cute? Maybe you don't wear halo's in heaven. If I have my way I'd much rather be in a lei.

Waiting for Santa...

Talking to Santa.

Waiting for Santa...

Talking to Santa.

Waiting for Santa...

Talking to Santa.

Not a single shot of any of them sitting on Santa's lap or anything. Oh well.

We rounded out the night with a little island music supplied by Jason and Claxton. I gotta give it to them. They were good.

Meme Kalikimaka everyone!

May I draw your attention to......

2011-12-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

The 1st AND 4th grade students of the month!!!!!!

Way to go Ansen and Braley!

You two are awesome students and wonderful kids. Dad and I are proud of how well you do in school and we think you two are super students.

Great job you two smartypants!

Parent volunteer of the month

2011-12-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

As a parent I have spent lots of time in the kids classrooms. I am a wizz at coping, cutting, sorting, helping with reading and math groups, story reading and mess cleaning up. This year I have passed the baton of Super Parent Volunteer on to another super helpful, kind, little kid loving person.

Kahau!

That's right she is one of the Parent Volunteers of the Month.

Way to go girlie!

Because Kahau has late start every Wednesday she goes to her old elementary school (Braley and Ansen's current school) and volunteers doing whatever needs to be done. Over and over I have heard what a big help she is and I am so proud of her for taking time out of her day to help others.

Great job sweetie, you deserve all the recognition in the world.

PAC-12 Championship

2011-12-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

I had a YW Presidency meeting last Tuesday. During it the phone rang. It was Jason (in California) and I ignored it. It rang again-Jason, again-ignored again. Seriously, I was in a meeting. It rang AGAIN and I decided to pick up. I needed to make sure he wasn't dying in a ditch.

He wasn't.

Instead he had access to some tickets for this Friday's PAC-12 Championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins and wanted to know if he could get them and take a car load of guys to the game. Since nothing fun happens if it isn't run past me I gave my permission and the plans were made.

First item of business was to let the kids know dad was going---without them. Kahau and Ansen were bummed. Ansen LOVES his Ducks and Kahau just likes cheering for a team but Braley, oh my Braley, she was relived Dad wasn't going to make her suffer through a Ducks game. She is a Beaver fan through and through.

Item 2. Finding Duck gear. Did you know our family is traditionally a Beavers family? It is. When we got married I explained to Jason that he was now a Red Sox fan. No choice. He had to get on the bandwagon or else. The same was expected from me for the Beavers. I was fine with it. But this season there was a little shift and we (Jason) realized it was okay to root for the Ducks as long as they weren't playing the Beavers. They play smart and have some great talent and their stadium is A-maz-ing. We are still mostly Beavers fans but we do appreciate a good Ducks game. We are ONLY Red Sox fans.

Item 3: Securing the previously mentioned "car load of guys." Guy numbah 1...good ol' Dad. Jason couldn't go to a Championship game without Dad. Other guys secured: Mike, Brandon, Allen, Wally and Dave. Sounds like a party. A party of old married dads.

Wally, Mike and Jason

Pre-game

Item 4: Rich people sighting. There in black hat is Phil Knight. You know, the guy who founder of Nike. Like Nike shoes? Like graduate of U of O? Like paid for this amazing stadium Phil Knight? Yeah-that's him and he was there.

Item 5: Finding their freaking amazing seats. They were in the players section 9 rows off the 38th yard line. Pretty sweet.

Item 6: Enjoy the game!

(left to right)

Dave, Dad, Mike, Wally, Allen, Brandon

And there's the man with the plan, Chip Kelly.

The Duck won Inaugural PAC-12 Championship game. And the boys took to the field to celebrate.

Allen got trampled.

Jason tried out for next years team.

And they all decided if the stood on the O they would get extra Man Card points.

Item 6: Taking a picture that you thought would NEVER happen. The man is wearing a DUCKS hat and he is drinking a PEPSI. I just don't know what to think of it. It goes against everything I know about him.

*sigh* I just don't know what to think anymore.

Good game Ducks! Go game.

Christmas miracle

2011-11-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

The Christmas miracles have started early this year people!

Get this.

After a week of being home, sleeping in and staying up later than usual, the kids got up AND got dressed AND had breakfast without whining, complaining or crying.

It's amazing and like I said---a Christmas Miracle!

Family room: take 23

2011-11-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

The dining nook needed insulation. So we bought some.

And I did it.

While I did that Jason put in a footer through the family room and office.

Sheet rock is here and it's next.

Until next time.

A few pics from yesterday

2011-11-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

After dinner yesterday we went with Grandma and Grandpa to see Arthur Christmas. What a cute family movie. Honestly, we had pretty much given up on kids animation because the last few we saw were just adult movies dressed-up (or dumbed down-depends on how you look at it) for kids. Arthur Christmas has renewed my hope that some movies are just that: KIDS movies. No adult humor, no innuendos, no slip of the tongue just a movie that is well done, funny and great for the whole family. There. That was my Christmas cinema plug.

Gotta love them!

I know I do.

Family room: take 22

2011-11-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

More stairs! This time leading out of the kitchen into the dining nook. The new stairs butt up against our new buffet table that is which is under the current kitchen window.

The kitchen door has been removed so that the stairs and table could be put in. It's all coming along!

***

Until next time.

So thankful

2011-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

How can we not be?
As we drove to dinner today we took a couple of minutes and documented the many things we are thankful for. In no particular here are the things the 5 of us are extremely grateful for:

Work & the ability to provide, family near and far, turkey legs, being able to help friends, sandy beaches, healthy bodies, the sun, family vacations, all people, friends, tacos, buffets, pizza, teachers, sense of fashion, church, oxygen, personal style, animals, Jayden, Braley, Ansen, world cultures, good books, school, devine yogurt, the bible, children who love to learn, exploring new things, our truck & car, science, Taylor Swift, utilities, patriotism, summer days, our home, Boston-red sox, bruins, eltics, patriots, the ability to go to dad when mom says no, saving money, my wife, my husband, food, my good looks, nature, different scenery, Mickey Mouse, tutors, apples to apples, games, the book of mormon, finding joy in cooking, kik/heytell, go karts, Massachusetts, long boards, grandparents, doctors & nurses.

****

This is just the tip of our grateful iceberg. We know how blessed we are and we are especially aware of all of you!

****

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fastest Thurs-Sat ever

2011-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month Jason had to work in Florida. Had to.

I decided I had to go along. It's rough I know.

In all seriousness I do know how fortunate I am to be able to travel with Jason on occasion. With the amount of time he spends away from home it is wonderful to have a date day every once and a while.

Back to the story. I guess there really isn't one. He had to be in Florida, I met him there Thursday night at 11 p.m. and we hit Disney World of for a day and a few hours and then hopped back on a plane to be home Saturday. Crazy, fun....so tiring.

EPCOT.

Our favorite.

Future World:

One of our favorite rides: Test Track. It opened when we were on the College Program and it is as fun today as it was then.

Spaceship Earth.

The kids all time favorite. Ansen calls it the Lamanite ride. We almost felt a little bad telling them we went on Spaceship Earth without them. Almost.

These next pictures are from Spaceship Earth as well and they just make me laugh. Like out loud. At the end of the ride you and your "ride partner" get to create what you'd like the Earth to be like in the future. You make a few decisions and then a story is put together about you choices. The picture that is taken of you is cropped and your face is put on a cartoon body and WHY I have never thought to take pictures of this before is really beyond me. So here are Jason and I living in the country, riding our bikes, growing flowers and living in our amazing Eco-friendly home.

If it were just the two of us I would totally use the above or below picture for our Christmas card just for giggles.

Of course we had to stop at the Coke Station. He loves it and I like to look at the t-shirts. It's a win-win.

World Showcase:

WDW's Food & Wine Festival.

Who cares about the wine-look at this weather! It was beautiful.

And the food....so, so, so yummy.

Kissing the taco god in Mexico. I don't rally know who he is but if he had anything to do with taco's I'll love him forever.

Rice Cream in Norway. Worth the flight in and of itself.

Me and Jamie, kinda...

I know these next two are blurry but we had never seen Rabbit at WDW and there he was. The nice lady who took our pics failed to mention they weren't coming out. Oh well.

EPCOT at night:

Day two-ish. We had 4 hours so we hustled over to Magic Kingdom and found te park pleasently free and clear of a lot of people. We walked onto almost everything and if we waited it was for just a few minute. I'm not going to lie. It was nice.

When I was little my parents lost me at Disneyland *gasp*. How could they? Being the perfect mother I am, I really have no idea. Nevertheless I found this nice man to hold my hand until someone who worked at Disneyland whisked me off to stay with all the other little lost kids. When my parents stopped having fun long enough to notice I was gone they came and collected me. Thanks mom and dad. I owe you one. I am glad to see he is still standing his post 30 years later.

(Did I just say 30 years later???? *Double gasp*)

Of course Christmas was sorta kinda, almost around the corner (more like 9 weeks away) so we took in some holiday festivities. How can you not?

Pretty great date if you ask me.

Family room: take 21

2011-11-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

Let's talk attic space shall we? We have quite a bit and we are exciting to store our Christmas decorations, camping gear, hidden gifts yada, yada, yada up there. In order to do that we (read: Jason) had to replace the existing ladder which was as old as our house. The ladder was an original and you were pretty much taking your life in your hands climbing it.

Enter Lowe's. I am convinced when Jason walks in the CEO of Lowe's is called and he gives high 5's to everyone he is around because he knows he making moo-lah. Maybe we should get stock in Lowe's (take that Occupiers!).

The ladder was removed and laid to rest and the new shiny one was installed.

Ta-da!

Until next time.

One memeber of the choir

2011-11-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Look who came to town yesterday for his month of kids asking for the sun, the moon and the stars!

Before kids (young and old) could sit and ask for said sun, moon and stars there had to be Christmas music sung and guess who was in the choirrrrrr?

Kahau!

This 6th grader is in the school choir and has quite the pretty little voice. I can say that it is one trait I am so thankful my kids inherited from their dad. His vocal ability gives me hope that they won't all be tone deaf like me.

Isn't she cute?

These 3 are cute too. And even though they were freezing their bums off they were all smiles.

Just look at this kid in his suit. He is a handsome devil.

And his hair? We are agreeing to disagree about it at the moment. He wants to grow it out. I'm fine with that except I would just love to have it cleaned up a bit around the ears and neck.

After Santa arrived and we decided coming back on a day when we weren't freezing out rear ends off would be best. We headed off to meet Rudolf and Dancer because I was sure they would be amazing to see. Rudy was too busy eating to even look at us and Dancer refused to come out of the warm trailer. Oh well.

In the end Santa arrived safely in his electric car (so not kidding) and Kahau did her part by belting out Christmas hits like Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Feliz Navidad and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Brays and Ansen did their Christmas duty by looking adorable in the crowd and Jason and I were just there and loving it. Did I forget to mention it's not even Thanksgiving yet?

Family room: take 20

2011-11-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

What are these you ask? They, my dear readers, are my new family room stairs.

Nothing fancy but it makes you feeling like you are walking into an addition and not a garage. And p.s. I think it's fancy. I also think it's exciting that another thing has been crossed off the to-do list. I can almost feel the carpet under my feet.

Until next time.

Judge not

2011-11-18T11:53:00.001-08:00

lest ye be judged.

***

Just your friendly reminder for the day.

Winne the Pooh...

2011-11-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

...never spoke truer words than to say "it's a rather blustery day today!" Fall is in full force in the Northwest and out tree finally, FINALLY turned a pretty orange-ish color just in time to start loosing it's leaves.

Brrrrr, it's chilly out!

Smarty+pants=my kids

2011-11-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

How are these kids related to me? And even more so how are they related to Jason? And how in the world did they become little math-leats and honor roll students? Someone has some pretty smart kids! (Insert fingers pointing right at me and Jason and picture us taking a big bow like we have everything to do with how smart they are.)

I remember sitting at the kitchen table crying while my dad tried to explain my math homework to me. (By the way Dad, love you and thanks for helping me! And Ma-you too!) These 3 think anything less than perfection is unacceptable when it comes to school. I'm baffled. Happy but baffled.

Way to go guys! To celebrate, Dad and I are going to let you 3 take us to Divine Yogurt so you can thank us for all your smarty pants genes. If you are as smart as your grades say you are you should probably send your grandparents $5 each so they can take themselves out for ice cream as well.
******
Braley would like me to point out that her test wasn't as easy as looks in the picture. It started with simple addition and subtraction and moved on to multiplication, division and fractions.

Pillar of salt

2011-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that I have the best Mia Maid advisor in the whole entire world? Well, I do and I love love love her lessons. I feel so fortunate to be able to sit and listen each week to what she has prepared. And does she ever prepare! Girlfriend kills me with her handouts, sayings, stories, personal experiences, object lessons. Seriously people, she's good. Her insight on which direction to take the lesson each week is inspired whether she knows it or not.

Today's lesson was on forgiving yourself. It was good. Then she took it a step further. Tabatha talked about not looking back once something is over. We discussed that once Heavenly Father forgets it does us no good to dwell on the past. We don't forget but that is simply to help us remember and not (hopefully) do that wrong thing again.

The discussion turned to Lot's wife and how she was told not to look back as she left her city by God. Sadly she did and the result devastating. The question was asked "Do you act as Lot's wife and look back on your sins/teenage years/life because you are wanting what was or because you haven't forgiven yourself/others for things happened or done?"

Hmmmm.......I have been looking back a little too much lately.

Why? Don't know. Doesn't matter.

From today on it's time to do as was commanded and "look not behind thee" and trust that what is ahead of me is what I am supposed to be doing, experiencing and living.

Family room: take 19

2011-11-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

Just look at me with my mask and my stapler thingy and my protective eye wear. Um, oops. Where did I put those glasses again? Seriously its like they just walk off all on their own.

Today's project: insulate the entire addition. Me and the father-in-law are insulating pros. Pro's I tell ya. Today Jason was a pro at driving back and forth, back and forth and back and forth to the hardware store getting everything that was needed.

Look at me working hard allllll by myself. Where oh where are the 2 men that are supposed to be laboring beside me? Right here. Talking, drawing, planning a way to work. Boys! Follow my example--just do it:)

Me. Still working. Practically working my fingers to the bone. Thank heavens I was paid in dollar tacos. That made it all worth it.

The entire addition is now insulated and we will now be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. All because of me. Cause I'm a contributor. And because I simply wanted to help and Jason finally (finally!) let me. I probably should mention that b/c Jason and I were out working all day the kids pretty much ruled the roost, ate Halloween candy, and watched Disney channel for 7 hours straight. Now I get why Jason works on the addition and I make sure our children don't turn into junk food eating zombies.

Still, it was nice to help.

Until next time.

(p.s. I totally realize how self absorbed I sound. I really am as great as I say I am.)

Winterhawks

2011-11-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

We have a fun group of friends. Whether we are in someones backyard bbq-ing, enjoying a parade, shooting the breeze at a ward activity or hitting up a hockey game everyone seems happy to hang out and there is always room for more. Our friends the Grimmett's headed up this months date night and we went to the Winterhawks game. It was a lot of fun.

The game was close all he way through and which was exciting. Other exciting things? The kissing cam! Yup, that's Mike going in for the big smootch-a-roo on a skittle eating Tabatha. Awwww guys you are too cute. Unfortunately for the crowd Jason and I were Tab and Mike's neighbors and Jason, always putting on a show, gave the crowd something to laugh (or cringe at). You're welcome for NOT taking a picture of that.

After the 3rd period the game was tied and remained tied after 4 on 4 overtime.

Shoot out!!!!

We won!!!

Portland Winterhawks eeked out the Spokane Chiefs in the shoot out.

It was fun and exciting and my goodness some of those guys are seriously good.

Date night always ends with dessert. Hello cheesecake factory. Delish.

Family room: take 18

2011-11-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Like I said earlier the felt went up and then so did the press board on the inside of the storage room. The storage room is coming along nicely and I'm really pleased.

Until next time!

Shhhhhh

2011-11-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

They don't know it but they are getting along. Not fighting, giving dirty looks or quietly planning a way to get the other in trouble.

This is nice.

Family room: take 17

2011-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

In an effort to record each step here is a small but important one: vapor barrier in the new storage room. Now that it's up you can clearly feel how big the room will be and how much wall space we will have. Super exciting guys, super exciting.

Until next time.

Family room: take 16

2011-11-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

The wire has been pulled and the electricity is in. Not turned on but in and an we are getting soooo close I can taste it.

Next up: some odds and ends and insulation.

Until next time.

STOP the presses

2011-11-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Big announcement here people. Biiiig. After 16 months of having no front bottom teeth this kid finally had one break through this week.

Gimme an A. Gimme an N. Gimme an S. Gimme an E. Gimme an N!

What's that spell?

Growing!

Yuppers, new teeth=body working hard to grow.

Way to go buddy.

Seeking

2011-11-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is seeking. She is wondering what is right for her. She is going against the grain in which she has been apart of her whole life. A few years ago I would have shook my head and judged. That was a few years ago. Now, while I don't fully understand her journey, I respect that she has to find her way. I send my love to her, to her journey and to her family who is doing their best to understand as well.

It's interesting to observe her situation. I wonder what has brought her here. I only wonder though...it is not for me question. I wonder aloud how her husband is and if they are doing well together because it can be stressful when all the sudden (or not so suddenly) 1/2 of your partnership changes the family game plan.

To her, good luck. To her, have an open heart. To her, there is joy and sorrow in every journey, they go hand in hand. To her, you are loved. To her, I hope what you are seeking you find.

Rocki

2011-11-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

Well, that's what I call her. The kids (mine and the neighborhood crew) call her Brownie. A few weeks ago she showed up in the front yard with a little girl from a few streets away. The little girl explained that Rocki/Brownie's owners moved and left her behind. The little girl was letting Rocki/Brownie sleep in the garage while they looked for a new owner for her. She didn't come near me for the first two weeks of coming to play with the kids. She was very skittish. Poor thing. But now we are friends and she is a sweet girl.

Last week the little girl came over crying. "My mom found out I was letting her sleep in the garage and she said I can NEVER do that again." She has since bunked at our house a few nights. I tried passing her off to a friend of mine but poor Rocki couldn't figure out how to get in the car sooooo she is still with us.

She is sweet and great with Rammy and the kids. She is super quiet and probably would do well in a home that doesn't mind helping her to adjust to her new surroundings. Today she let Jason play with her, pet her and she was about 75% sitting in his lap so I don't think she has any men issues. She hasn't had any accidents and takes food well (no nipping or growling).

She is the size of Ramses....maybe a little taller and just a tad huskier. A great size if you ask me.

Does anyone want a dog?

Trick -or-treating

2011-10-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

We chanced it this year and just left the candy outside our door as we took the kids on their candy hunt. I was nice enough to leave a note that said:

Take 1 and live.

Take 2 and die.

Our dancing skeleton turned out a lot creepier tonight then at our trunk-or-treat. Just look at Braley. SO scary.

Ansen and his pirate costume were so cute. His "Aarg Matey" was dead on.

This girl may be getting too big for trick or treating. Kahau was not super into it and that's was fine but she collected monkeys and went as Jane Goodall.

(I think this is funny. You may not but humor me.)

Rammy is a major scaredy cat and so Jason told me to get his muzzle on while we were out so he wouldn't bark at everyone. For his costume he is (drum-roll please) 'Ram'ibal Lector. Cause of the muzzle? I've never seen the movie but I have seen the commercials.

The boys and the girls.

Along the way we picked up the neighbor kids and everyone had fun trick-or-treating.

Happy Halloween!

$1.49

2011-10-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Any pumpkin, any size only a buck forty-nine.

You know I went big. Like 20 pumpkins big. Yes, I know. Overkill. Who cares though? $1.49!

These babies (there are more than one) are fun too and cost about $1.49 to make as well. Important reminder: Make sure the pattern goes black beans, candy corn, black beans, candy corn, black beans. If you don't you will have lots of little hands after the candy corn....maybe some big hands too.

What's the best $1.49 you've spent in October?

Pumpkins!!!

2011-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

I think I was feeling a little Halloween scrooge-ish this year. All of our decorations are in storage and so the house stayed pretty plain. The thought of craving pumpkins just grossed me out so it wasn't until today (yes, Halloween) that the kids got to carve. I discovered an upside. No mushy pumpkins. It usually takes us all night to carve. Today-1 hour. It was a Halloween miracle and I feel like the kids got the perfect pumpkin faces for their jack-o-lanterns. For this year procrastination was a good thing.

Spray paint became by best friend this October. With a little painters tape and spray paint you can have lots of fun.

My spider pumpkin-no carving necessary, whoop whoop!

Hall-o-weeners

2011-10-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oh the kids thought these were so funny and Grandpa Widing did too.

We had mummies for dindin tonight. They were not healthy at all and but the kids did eat and there was other food involved that is actually mentioned in the food pyramid.

Happy Halloween!

Snowtober update

2011-10-31T10:55:00.001-07:00

***Update***

Still no power. Trees are down everywhere. Gas is hard to find and the flooding has begun. School is out for the entire week and according to my sister "if life without power weren't so boring, this would be great!"

Snowtober

2011-10-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

Oh no Massachusetts!
As if a long cold winter (Jan, Feb, March and April), a few tornado's (May and June), microburt's (July), a hurricane(July), some flooding (everywhere in between) and all other New England weather catastrophes haven't been enough this year NOW they get snow in October. Not just a little snow...A lot. The parents are without power and have been since yesterday, the sister and her husband are without power and have roof damage and, well, the state seems pretty much shut down.

School has been called off for tomorrow and possibly longer. Who wants to even try and concentrate in freezing temperatures? It's Halloween tomorrow and I doubt anyone will brave the outdoors for some measly candy. Poor trick or treater's.

This just isn't the New England I grew up in. It's really quite odd and I honestly wonder why we aren't getting strange weather on this side of the country as well. Power should be back on in 4-7 days. Let's pray it's sooner.

Family room: take 15

2011-10-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Doors were yesterdays project and I kinda helped.
Kinda.

Jason had one last door to install and yesterday was the day. It was the perfect weather for it. It was beautiful outside so I did my best to soak in the fall sunshine.

This door is on the side of the garage and today after church Ansen came in the house and said to Jason, "Hey Dad did you know that there is a door that we haven't been using?" I think he thought he had never noticed the door before. What a funny kid.

The new french doors got handles and locks as well. Such a productive day.

Until next time.

Trunk-or treat

2011-10-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

~Our Samurai~

~Our dancing skeleton~

~Our pirate~

This year I made a deal with the kids. If they chose costumes out of the dress up box and we didn't have to buy anything Jason and I would take them to a holiday movie. Thank my lucky stars, they agreed and they each looked great for our ward's trunk-or-treat.

Love my kids!

Happy Halloween!

Braley's week

2011-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

I got a text Monday afternoon from a friend. It said: Mr V. has resigned. Right then I knew there were going to be tears as soon as Braley walked in the door. I met her in the driveway and already her bottom lip was quivering. Mr V. was Braley's teacher. She really liked him and having him resign 2 months into the school year was not in her plans.

We talked about how this would affect her and about what she would like her new teacher to be like. I tried to find all the positives but to be honest it was a little sad for me too. Her sub this week was wonderful and even gave Brays a:

And she got a 93% on her math test!

On Thursday 3 interviewing teachers came into the 4th grade to meet the students and teach a subject. One taught spelling, one math and another reading. After the students meet all the teachers the Principal spoke with the class and they were able to voice their opinions on which teacher they felt would be best for the classroom. After they talked they class put their heads on their desk and the secretly voted for who they would like to be their new 4th grade teacher. Braley was on pins and needles with anticipation to see who would fill the spot.

Friday afternoon Ms. H.T., the Principal, announced the new teacher by bringing her into the class. Her name is Miss Pikes and she is exactly who Braley voted for. (relief!) When Braley told me after school she was ginning from ear to ear. Thus far Brays has 3 reasons she loves Miss Pikes.

1. She is younger than me. (should I be hurt?)

2. She is a greatttttt spelling teacher.

and to quote Braley

3. "Because mom, she has style!"

Good luck Miss Pikes and welcome to 4th grade!

Family room: take 14

2011-10-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

Wanna know something? Jason didn't do any of this portion of this project! Gaspppp, I know!

And he doesn't even know that this had been done...yet. He'll find out tonight when he gets home. Let's all hope he likes Bob and I for doing it.

Jason has been flip flopping back and forth about what to do about the vapor barrier against the exterior wall. Bob made the decision for him and he and I went to work on Monday night.

Ta-da!

Until next time.
***
Jason got home last night and LOVED that we did this job for him. Whew!

1st graders & pumpkins

2011-10-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

The weather here in Oregon has been beautiful this October UNTIL the morning that we had to be outside...for 3 hours. Cue the cold, fog, and drizzle. That's alright. Even though it was a chilly morning Ansen and I had a blast at the pumpkin patch with his class.

He refused to wear a real coat so I bundled and bundled and bundled until he looked like a fat chipmunk. The kid has a mind of his own and I suppose we should take pride in that but it would have been nice to have a jacket on. Just sayin'

We were able to ride the tractor out to pick out...

a pumpkin, a gourd and a ear of Indian corn. I can't tell you how many times I said to Ansen and his fellow classmates, "please don't eat the corn" and "it will break your teeth." Did they listen? What do you think? Crazy 6 year olds. The little girl in the blue up above kept calling me Jamie. She must have had Jamie for swim lessons before Jamjam made the big move. I'd say "no, I'm Dana. Jamie lives far away now" and she would disagree. Apparently she knows who I am better than I do. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

Look at this boy! I just love him! I really, really do.

The next (and most exciting-for me) part of the field trip was next. We learned how to make cider and watched it be made. Did you know they use 12 different types of apples? So cool.

Then we were able to drink the cider and eat a freshly made doughnut----see why this is the most exciting part?

Hailey and Ansen:

The Ansen duo. Ansen L on the left and my Ansen on the right. I still think it's funny that we have never met another Ansen and now that we have they are in the same class together.

It may have been chilly and muddy but I am so happy I go to spend time with my bubs! I know it is silly/crybaby/me being ridiculous but I love to go on field trips with my kids, be in their classrooms and be a everyday part of their lives. They are make me happy and watching them grow, learn and experience life just couldn't be any sweeter!

Oh my goodness!

2011-10-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

The funniest thing ever happened yesterday! It's probably horrible of me to laugh about it but I seriously cannot help myself because it was THAT good.

I was checking my Facebook and all three kids were standing right beside me. Earlier in the week I posted a short clip on my page that looked like a car commercial but at the end a Zombie appeared on screen screaming. I thought the kids would get a kick out of it and told them to "look at the new car Daddy wants to buy us."

They crowded in close to the screen and I maximized the video playing. They got even closer to make sure they were the one with the best view. When the zombie appeared screaming the 3 of them of freaked out. They all screamed, Braley started crying, Ansen hid under the table and Kahau ended up laying on the floor.

They were so scared. I didn't think they would be but then again this was probably the scariest thing they have ever seen. I really wished I would have taped their reaction but I didn't think it was going to be that entertaining.

*Sighhhhhhh*

I know it's mean to say but that was the highlight of my day!

Family room: take 13

2011-10-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, ready for your bad joke of the day?

We are so exsided to have our siding all up in the back. Get it? Ex 'sidied'?

Yes, bad joke (it was Jason's...judge him) but really it is exciting!

Until next time.

Attention Brian Whittecar:

2011-10-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Whittecar,

I'd like to say great minds think alike but, to be honest, you stole my idea. Remember the watch that you bought my husband? Yea, that one. I bought it too. You just beat me to the punch. That's okay though. No hard feelings. It's not like I am his wife and get first dibs on gift giving or anything. It's all good.

The beloved gift arrived in the mail today. It was like it was Jason's birthday all over again. He was as giddy as a school boy and so grateful to you for the amazing, thoughtful, generous gift. Wanna know who else is amazing, thoughtful and generous? Me-but you stole my thunder. Again, no hard feelings.

The watch is just perfect. It's just what he expected. Big, heavy, well made. Wanna know what else is big, heavy, and well made? Not me or my emotions! You stole my perfect birthday present idea, you perfect-birthday-present-idea-stealer. Really though, *fist bump* on ordering it(insert fake smile).

On that note perhaps we should discuss Christmas, Easter and his half birthday so we can be on the same page. Call me!

****

Brain,

In ALL honesty thanks for the awesome birthday gift to Jason. He absolutely loves it and I think you are the best for thinking of him on his birthday. Besides, when you got the watch I went and got something he (I) needed more. It worked out perfectly.

Artist's eye

2011-10-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Me: "Kahau what do you have for homework today?"

Her: "I have to draw a picture of five things that I really like for my social studies class."

Me: "Alright but listen here I don't want some lazy, stick figure drawing. I want to see detail and you need to take some real time on this project. Don't make it look like a baby did it."

Her: "But ma...."

Me: "Don't but ma me. These pictures are going to be your best work ever."

Her: "We are studying cavemen and I have to draw simple stick figures."

I can never win.

Family room: take 12

2011-10-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! The nook is enclosed. Well, mostly. The felt went up and it is exciting.

With this new lovely tool (I think it's called a skill saw) the siding started going up. Hip hip hooray!

Until next time.

Wanna ride?

2011-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Knock, knock knock.

It's Jenny from next door who spends her days hanging upside down in the tree out front with my three monkey's.

"Can the kids come for a ride with me in my uncles car?"

How could I say no? The kids flipped out about getting to ride in a limo. It's been a few years and so I threw the camera towards Kahau and away they went.....in their Saturday dingy play clothes and all.

These little chocolate mints made Kahau so happy. She came back in licking her fingers and demanding that dad reevaluate his 'no food in the car' policy. If she could guarantee mint chocolates every time we got in the car I would jump on the band wagon.

Notice anything? How about no seat belt for Ansen? Yea he couldn't have been happier. I told him when we own a car that seats 12 that we will consider no more seat belts. Until then he is out of luck.

Braley thoughtfully-and thoroughly-decided that if a limo is good enough for Taylor Swift then it will be her primary mode of transportation as well. Nobody tell her Taylor flies in private jets. Please!

Happy campers!

Kahau, Braley, our neighbor Jenny and Ansen.

For sale: 1995 Ford Escort. We're saving up for a limo.