Life is Sweet: September 2010

Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Best Laid Plans

To celebrate Lexee's birthday, I thought it would be fun to take her cheer team some of her favorite cupcakes, red velvet with cream cheese frosting. I mean, who doesn't love a cupcake, especially teenage girls after a vigorous practice. I emailed the coach to make sure it was okay if I brought some by. The schedule was tight, since their practice went until 4:30, and the Homecoming parade started at 5:00. My schedule was tight as well, working until noon, then running to purchase Lexee's sole wrapped gift (small scriptures), and a large bag of candy, which she needed to throw at the parade. After arriving home around 2:30, I made cupcakes like a crazy woman. The day was hot (record temps lately here in the Denver area), and baking those 48 cupcakes only made the heat intensify. I hoped for quick cooling, and firm frosting. Did I mention that I have been experiencing my own internal overheating occurrences lately? Imagine an episode of Chopped: Chefs vying to win on a strict time allowance in a hot kitchen. They drip sweat into their food, for pity's sake. I was carefully blotting my forehead to avoid such disaster as I whipped up a double batch of cream cheese frosting. Short story made long, I finished the cupcakes with only moments to spare, had Shilo help me carefully place them in the cupcake carrier, and whisked them off to the high school, anticipating a warm (but hopefully not too warm) reception.

The girls were gracious and swooped in on the cupcakes with a cheery rendition of Happy Birthday and smiles all around. Except for Lex. She didn't smile. She didn't even take a cupcake. Ooops. She said she didn't feel good, and asked if I had brought the parade candy. Thankfully, it had not been forgotten in the mad dash out the door. Then she left.

But the cupcakes were good. And they didn't melt too much. Shilo was happy that we had a few left over.

I ran back home to gather the chickens for the parade.

This was Legend's first Homecoming parade, and it turned out great. Other than the fact that those Titans didn't know that you need to bring lots and lots of candy. A few of the groups in the parade would throw one piece of candy into a crowd of nearly a dozen kids. Around here, the Homecoming parade is all about the candy. The cheer girls had a good amount, perhaps due to the fact that I had mentioned to every cheer parent I had talked to the past few weeks that "a bag of candy" means "a big ginormous Costco-sized bag of candy." Taylor and Shilo both told me that my cheering and hollering was embarrassing. I have made a mental note, and plan to be more subdued in the future. If I can help it.

The school was having a BBQ after the parade, but Lex had said she wasn't going, so we had planned to go out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. Around 6:30 I got a call from her. She wanted to stay for the BBQ. So my night off suddenly became a what-can-I-make-for-dinner-in-the-next-30-minutes night. I called Bill and told him to purchase a cake on the way home, which he kindly did. Dinner was done, Lex's lone gift wrapped, and the cake waiting when she arrived home.

The rest of the evening was lovely. Lex was happy, and told me the cheer girls all loved the cupcakes, and that she had one after they were ready for the parade (we had left a few extra at the school), the parade was more fun than she thought it was going to be, and the BBQ was super fun too. Whew. I hadn't ruined her day after all.

I'll call it a success.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

XVII

Seventeen years ago today I had a doctor's appointment. I only remember because after that appointment I was sent to the hospital to birth my third precious baby, and by early evening our new addition had arrived.

She was such a cute baby.

Note: I hated that this picture had the nurse's hand in it... which was only the beginning of Lexee's picture troubles the first few years of her life. Nearly every picture until she started school had issues... not being centered (totally side-cropped), my supporting arm visible, head cut off the top. All were photographer error, but it was so frustrating in those days of non-digital where you didn't know there was a big goof until the 8x10 was developed and in your hand. We joke about how this particular picture (which could never be retaken since it was mere hours after she was born) looks like the nurse was going to strangle her.

So today we are celebrating. Kind of. Our day is loaded with schedules, as usual. Lex has cheer practice after school, then the Homecoming parade this evening. But I have a few surprises up my sleeve (which she will probably disapprove of, since she hates attention). We'll see if I can pull them off.

But for now, I'll reminisce about how Lexee has grown up to be a beautiful young woman, and share some (digital) ghosts of birthdays past.

XII

XIII

XIV

XVI

If I'm lucky, she'll let me take some pictures today. Someday she'll be glad her mother loved to capture the moments of her life. She really will. And hopefully she will realize it was done out of love, admiration, and pride (the good kind)... not to torment.

Happy Birthday Lexee!

We love you.

Monday, September 27, 2010

To Post or Not To Post

That is the question today. Because life suddenly has become even more busy and crazy. And I need to get some laundry sorted before I get ready for work (Bill advised me yesterday to stop saying "I need to get the laundry done tomorrow," but rather to tell myself, "I need to get the laundry started tomorrow." Good advice, if you're a guy who doesn't care if it takes you all week to finish the laundry), after which I have a doctor's appointment for which I am not really excited. In fact, I'm a tad stressed out about it. Maybe airing the fact that I have avoided the annual female exam for over two years because it makes me tense and uncomfortable will help soothe my anxiety. Or exacerbate it. Either way, after today it will be done, and my fingers are crossed that no follow-up visits are needed.

Obviously I have chosen to post. But ever so quickly.

Saturday Bill took a few of the kids to a Rockies game, while Britt and I attended the Relief Society broadcast.

Then yesterday it was time to say goodbye to Britt. The past 5 days have flown by, and it has been such an amazing feeling having all the kids back home at the same time. Our consolation is knowing that she will be back in a couple of weeks (however it will be an even briefer - is that a word? - visit)... with her grandparents, aunt, and cousin(s).

On our way to the airport last night, this was part of the scene in the car.

Me: (Looking at the rate of speed we were traveling) "Hey, hon, you don't want to speed -- there are always cops on this road."

Bill: Slows down a bit. Then ever-so-slowly and discreetly his speed climbs. (We were running a little late, and were nervous that Britt's luggage would not make the flight.)

Me: Thinking to myself, "It's going to take us longer to get there if we get pulled over." But, like a good wife, I didn't say anything because that would be nagging. I responded to a text and checked something online.

Bill: Suddenly slows down and pulls over.

I glanced out the back window, only to see this:

Can you believe how dirty my window is?
Reminded me of the good advice from President Monson given the night before.

That little detour set us back a few more minutes. Minutes that we didn't have to spare in the first place.

So once we finally arrived at the airport, the tension was high.

Instead of the family all going in to give hugs, well-wishes, take a few pictures, and bid a fond farewell, a few of us hopped out of the car, ran in to the ticket counter, processed Britt's luggage, and watched as she entered the crowded, zig-zagging, slow-moving line of passengers waiting to get through security.

I heard someone say it would be a 30 minute process. Oh my, Britt didn't have 30 minutes. She was flying Southwest, and at DIA, their gates are the farthest possible from the terminals. We anxiously watched and waited while Bill drove the loop a million times.

Once Britt was through the line, we headed back to the car to relieve Bill and Shi from the endless looping. I told Bill to wait before we headed back home, in case Britt missed the flight. After a few long minutes, she texted that she had made it. She was safely seated on the plane (in a middle seat, being that she was the last person boarded). She said they were paging her as she ran to her gate. Phew. That was close.

So our day of rest, wasn't. (Britt and I also subbed in the nursery earlier in the day, which was a couple hours of pure intensity.) But it was still great to have a few moments to enjoy the family, around the table, sharing a meal together.
That was bliss.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Worn Out

Yesterday after work, I met Bill and Taylor here.

It was our Stake Temple Day, and what better place to spend the day-after-a-full-time-missionary-release than here. It was a good thing Bill and Taylor were there, as they rescued two (2) patrons -- one sister, one brother -- who experienced a loss of consciousness. Seriously. Billy-my-hero caught them both (they occurred at completely different times -- one in a sealing room, one in the mens bathroom), and saved them from further injury. Nice job, guys!

Later, as we were preparing to leave, Taylor and I were waiting for Bill in the foyer (he's always the last one out, since he's such a chatty Charles). I noticed Taylor's very worn shoes, baggy suit pants, and dingy white shirt (the only long-sleeved white shirt he had, which he had been wearing for three solid days, so it wasn't even clean). He had pointed out the near-hole worn through his suit jacket the evening before. His only suit. The suit he's been wearing at least twice a week for two years.

"Tomorrow we'll look for a new suit." I told him.

So today, we're off to find a suit, new white shirt, and new shoes. Since it's a non-school day (hallelujah), all the kids and I plan to spend time at the mall. Lexee's looking for a Homecoming dress and some new Vans (for her upcoming birthday), Shilo (the girl that always has some extra cash on hand thanks to her willingness to babysit) wants to shop for jeans, Britta is coming as the stylist for her sisters, Mauri just wants to buy "something" (she has no problem finding "something" at any store), and Taylor and I will be trying to get him back into the swing of life in the USA. (We started last night with the purchase of a cell phone -- his delayed birthday gift.) I can only hope for productivity at the mall today.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Reunion

I am limited on time. Despite the fact that my entire family is home together, I still have to go to work. That's the curse of working. Those three little hours can seem like an eternity sometimes. I don't know when I'll be posting again, with extra children around and all (and still having a job, for pity's sake), so I thought I would share a photo journal (with limited commentary) of our day yesterday for your viewing enjoyment.

Our neighbors came (at our request) as family history specialists. You know, to take pictures and video. And not only did they take the hour-and-a-half round trip to the airport, pay the parking fee and freeway tolls, and readjust their day for us, Rebecca brought her new camera so we could get optimum picture quality. They deserve an award. Or a treat. Something.

I'm trying hard to not be totally annoyed at that nut that thought it was his right to bunny-ear our picture. He was just some random guy walking by. Get out of my picture, dude.

Elder Syddall was super hungry (he hadn't eaten all day, and hadn't slept for two) so we stopped by Goodtimes on our way home. He wanted a root beer. For some reason, root beer is not a soda flavor enjoyed worldwide (those foreigners are totally missing out, don't you think?). He hadn't had one for almost two years.

Later that evening Bill, Elder Syddall and I headed off to the church for a visit with the Stake President and an official release. It was an awesome day.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Numero Uno

Even though I took two years of high school Spanish, my use of the language is extremely limited. I was a bit of a teacher's pet, which got me through those two years with high praise and good grades. On occasion, we would have a Spanish-speaking guest in our classroom, and, as part of our extra credit grade, we could converse with that person in his or her native (or acquired) language. I always asked the same question. "Que hora es?" I never understood the reply, no matter how simple, but it was a question that could be responded to with a smile and a "Gracias." Extra credit points earned.

As I mentioned yesterday, we had Stake Conference this weekend. It is tradition in our Stake to list the missionaries currently serving in order of their anticipated release date in the conference program. It can be encouraging (or not) to a mother, depending on where your child is on the list. Sunday I was highly encouraged.

Elder Syddall was in that numero uno position. 60 names on that list, and he was at the top.
And how many days until he's home? UNO.

Anyone for a game of Uno? I'm feeling inspired.

And for the question of "Que hora es?" It's Taylor time.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Preparations

Since this weekend was Stake Conference, and since we were advised at Stake Conference by our Stake leaders to observe the Sabbath Day better, we tried hard to eliminate some of our not-so-Sabbath-Day-appropriate family rituals. Like watching TV. And checking FB (not a problem I have personally). I wished with all my heart that I could have done even better, but I have to admit that I rotated a load or two of laundry through the washer and dryer. This is NOT a regular occurrence at our house, though, and truly, the ox was in the mire. I will leave my shame at that.

The girls worked on welcome home signs for Elder Syddall.

They are each unique and beautiful, and will be displayed for all to see at DIA, Wednesday at 2:45.

Bill wrapped Christmas presents. Taylor had requested some just-want-them-to-be-there-when-I-get-home gifts for Christmas 2009, so we figured we would go all out and have them wrapped and ready.

And our countdown chain?

Oh so short.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Rise and Shout

Last Saturday we attended the BYU/Air Force game in Colorado Springs. My neighbor Rebecca had scored us some seats together in the middle of an Air Force crowd, since the BYU section was full. The day was sunny and bright, and daddy's always happy when he's going to a game. Especially a BYU game.

There was the usual pomp before the game, all very impressive.

And since the game was played on 9/11, they had all kinds of special guests from the armed forces, as well as firemen and policemen from New York. A fitting way to spend the day.

But then BYU started losing (Bill held out hope until well into the 4th quarter), the sun became intense, and people left early (I won't say who). So, after all hope for victory was gone (literally ALL... Bill wouldn't leave until that precise moment), we milled out with the rest of the late early-leavers. We got a little jump on the masses, but not much.

It was fun to root for the Cougars in a sea of Air Force blue, even when the desired outcome (a BYU win) was not achieved.

And Bill let Mar get Dippin' Dots. That's worth cheering about.