One Year Ago Today...

The kids and I packed our bags and headed to the BWI airport after a week of visiting friends and family in Lancaster.  We boarded a Southwest jet and headed to Utah.  Andy met us at the airport and drove us to his temporary housing in American Fork.  I remember Riley asking where the snow was when we arrived!  Here we are 365 days later and so much has happened.  We built a house, Riley started school #2, Kendall has hair and speaks in full sentences, and I'm finally feeling at home here...I hesitate to even say that because every time I start to get comfortable some place, I usually get uprooted and moved somewhere else!

Here are a few pics of what has happened over the past year:

What a blessed year we've had!

Day One

Well, yesterday's dry run was beneficial for today's first day of school.  Last night we read "The Night Before First Grade" and thankfully it was all about making new friends while still keeping your old friends.  What a great story for someone going to a new school knowing only one other person!

Riley came downstairs dressed in his uniform and ready for breakfast a little after 7 am today!  He was happy to find that the Back To School Fairy found him at our new house.  I think he forgot all about it from last year which made it all the more special this morning! 

The Back To School Fairy brought Riley some cool pencils, highlighters and a calendar whiteboard to keep track of his assignments, projects and field trips. Since he needed so many supplies for school this year, the Fairy decided to keep it simple...and what would a fairy visit be without fairy dust?

Here he is in all his uniform glory!  What a handsome little man we have!  Thankfully all of us could go along to drop him off for his first day of first grade at his new school.  Just before we pulled into the church parking lot, he told us that he was "a little nervous."  How sweet.  I explained to him that even when I was a teacher, I use to be nervous on the first day of school too.  He didn't realize that teachers could be nervous just like students.  I didn't want him to know that as a mom, I was more nervous than I ever was as a teacher!  Some things you just gotta keep to yourself!

All four of us walked into his school together.  His teacher greeted us at the classroom door and ushered us in to find his seat and unload all of his supplies.

Check out the look of anxiety on his face!  As we were getting all of his stuff out, we turned around to find...

his buddy Anthony sits right behind him!  How fortunate for Riley!  You could see the anxiety roll off of him as he turned to talk to his friend.  I am so thankful for my friend Vanessa to guide me on the walk through a new school.  She's such a positive force and great friend to count on...I really feel like this is where God wants us to be at this point in our lives.  He brought us to this point and is honoring His promise to take care of us and dear Riley at his new school.  I love the fact that Riley's teacher started the day with prayer.  What a calming way to start his school day (and my day too!)  I am so excited to hear how the first day of school went...Hopefully when I ask "What did you do at school today?" I get an answer better than "Nothing Mom."  

Tonight is the Family Back To School Picnic.  Can't wait to meet some of the other parents and become a part of the Grace family!

We Are So FORTUNATE

Being a former teacher for 11 years, I know how hectic and absolutely crazy the first day and first week of school can be.  So we like to do something for Riley's teachers to let them know how special they are and how important they are in the life of our child.

Last year we gave Riley's teacher a poem, apple cake mix and some apples on the first day of school, an idea borrowed from my dear friend Kerri.  This year I am trying something different.  As I've mentioned numerous times before, I LOVE to blog stalk during naptime.  I have a number of favorite craft blogs that I pull ideas from.  This one is from How Does She via Eighteen25.

I bought some fortune cookies at the grocery store along with some Ghiradelli white chocolate chips and non-pareils.  I melted the chocolate and then dipped the fortune cookie in it and sprinkled on the colors.  I let them harden on wax paper then put them into these cute Chinese Take Out boxes.

Then I used the download from the link above and printed out these cute signs for the front.  I also used a little scrapbooking paper to make them stand out more.

I tied a black ribbon around the handle and violia!  A cute, easy, fun Back To School teacher gift!

Here is a poem I came across in my search for the perfect gift idea...It really sums up how I feel about the decision to send Riley to Grace this year.

“WHOSE CHILD IS THIS?”

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play

"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile

"Mine to keep a little while

To bathe his hands and comb his hair

To tell him what he is to wear

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should"

"Whose child is this?" I asked again

As the door opened and someone came in

"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile

"Mine, to keep just for a little while

To teach him how to be gentle and kind

To train and direct his dear little mind

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school"

"Whose child is this?" I ask once more

Just as the little one entered the door

"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled

And each took the hand of the little child

"Ours to love and train together

Ours this blessed task forever."

Tomorrow is Riley's first day of school at his new school...I don't know who's more nervous, him or me...Well, let me take that back.  I know that it's me!  Thankfully he's more excited than nervous.  I can't wait to see him in his little uniform tomorrow morning!

It's A Bird, It's a Plane, It's...

Have you ever felt like you are expected to do it all?  Wife, mom, cook, dish washer, laundry service, cleaning lady, dog walker, chauffeur, tutor, fashion expert, hair stylist, dental hygienist, story teller, nutritionist, t.v./movie/computer monitor, referee, and comforter...

Every time I read Proverbs 31, I find myself more and more frustrated that I just can't do it all.  Some times I feel like a failure because there is no way I can be "Super Mom."  

Proverbs  31:10-31

A good woman is hard to find,

   and worth far more than diamonds.

(You got that right Solomon!)

Her husband trusts her without reserve,

   and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously

   all her life long.

(Oh geez, my whole life long…NEVER spiteful?  I’ve got work to do!)

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,

   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

(I like to shop for a bargain and don’t mind simple sewing projects)

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places

   and brings back exotic surprises.

(I wish I could sail away some days…)

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast

   for her family and organizing her day.

(I need to get better at this one…If I would get up just 15 min. before the kids, I’d have more time to get it all done.)

She looks over a field and buys it,

   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

(I actually did this one!)

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,

   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

(Some days I’m not as eager as others, and there has been a time or two where I stayed in my jammies)

She senses the worth of her work,

   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

(Does a mom EVER get to call it quits for the day?)

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,

   diligent in homemaking.

(I dig the craft part, but need to focus on the homemaking part…cleaning can be worship…just need to refocus)

She's quick to assist anyone in need,

   reaches out to help the poor.

(Sometimes I could stand to be a little quicker and could probably reach out a little further)

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;

their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

(I'm not too far off on this one.)

She makes her own clothing,

   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

(This was written before malls and industrialization, right?)

Her husband is greatly respected

   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

(Well, at least with the rail road fathers)

She designs gowns and sells them,

   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

(Maybe I could start selling some of the stuff I make…I’ve been told to sell my jewelry, but I usually do it for fun and gifts)

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,

   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

(Got to work on ALWAYS part)

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,

   and she always says it kindly.

(Boy do I have a lot to improve upon here!)

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,

   and keeps them all busy and productive.

(I can keep them busy for sure!)

Her children respect and bless her;

   her husband joins in with words of praise:

"Many women have done wonderful things,

   but you've outclassed them all!"

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.

   The woman to be admired and praised

   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

(This is what I'm trying to be aware of when dealing with Kendall and her love of all things Princesses)

Give her everything she deserves!

   Festoon her life with praises!

Well, there you have God's idea of the "perfect woman."  Thankfully He doesn't expect that I'll be perfect, but has given me the model to strive for in my daily living.  There are just some days that I wonder if I can take any more. I carry all of the stress of the family on my shoulders...well, that's partially true.  Andy stresses over work because he's financially taking care of the family now that I no longer work.   But there are times when I just feel like I can't do it all.  

I wish this picture was of me.  Look at the calm on her face.  She knows she can handle all of it...and it looks like her life is more hectic than mine...she's got a TEENAGER!  

I guess when it comes down to it, all that REALLY matters is that I put God first in my life.  It only matters if He thinks I'm doing my best...I think these next few weeks I'm going to have to lean on His strength more and less of my own.  That's the only way I'm going to shake the feeling of just barely being able to keep my head above water.  

You'd think after all that I've been through in my married life, I'd have this all figured out by now?!?!?!  

Grammy's Visit

This was Grammy's first visit to Utah.  The kids were thrilled to have her around to play with non-stop.  We kept Grammy pretty busy while she was here.  Tried to squeeze in as much of Utah (or at least the Salt Lake area) as we could while she was here.

We spent her first day in Park City, showing her the Olympic Park where many of the events for the 2002 Olympics were held.  She hadn't realized that Salt Lake hosted the games just 8 short years ago.  We got to watch some of the freestyle practice at the pool.  Riley thought it was great to watch them ski and jump, flip and twist into the water!  Kendall clapped and cheered!  We also tried out the Alpine Slide and Ultimate Zip Lines...Nancy decided to watch the munchkins while Andy and I rode the zip line.  What a rush!  It's the world's steepest zip line!  After that we took her into downtown and walked around, checked out the art show and ate dinner.  Also happened to be the Sundance Film Festival weekend which meant LOTS of traffic!

On Saturday we spent the day playing "tourist" downtown.  We started by going to the Farmer's Market.  Picked up some yummy produce and sweet treats.  After that we walked around and ended up at Temple Square.  She got a chance to walk around in the visitor's center and see what the LDS church is all about.  Grammy didn't know much about their faith before coming here so it was educational for her as well.  We got a chance to look at the model of the inside of the temple which was interesting for all of us.  The gardens, as expected, were just simply beautiful.  We got to take her into the Tabernacle so she could see where the choir performs.  She got to hear a pin drop from the front of the building and discover how well it was designed by standing in the back and hearing it drop into a cup very clearly.  Afterwards we walked over to the Gateway and did some window shopping and then came home.

I think Grammy burned up a few extra calories on Sunday when we took her to the Timpanogos Cave in American Fork Canyon.  The scenery is so beautiful there which helped, but she wasn't thrilled with the hike - it's a paved trail along a cliff.  That caused her some added stress on top of the altitude!  Once at the top, we got to take a tour of the cave.  There are actually 3 caves that they have connected and they are all incredible!  It's a must see!  After we finished our descent, we found a picnic area a short distance down the road and stopped to eat our lunch along side the American Fork River.  We continued our day by driving on the Alpine Scenic Loop along the east side of Mt. Timpanogos to Sundance.  We showed her Robert Redford's resort and got ourselves a little snack.  We headed home via Provo Canyon pointing out the Bridal Veil Falls, which we ran out of time for, along the way.

Andy had to leave to go to Wyoming to deal with a crisis at work Monday - Wednesday.  So it was just the 4 of us.  We took Grammy to Gardner Village to see the kids ride the ponies and go to the petting zoo.  We grabbed some lunch at the Naborhood Bakery and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  After naptime we had some dinner and then headed out to the library to watch some dogs perform.  The kids LOVED seeing the "dancing doggies".  They danced, caught frisbees, and performed a variety of other tricks.

On Tuesday we took the kids to the park here in town.  They needed to burn off some energy before I left them with Grammy to get my hair done.  What a nice break to be able to go and get my hair cut and colored without worrying about the kids!  Thanks Grammy for that nice break!  After I got back, we headed down to Thanksgiving Point to the Museum of Ancient Life for $2 Tuesdays.  Boy was it crowded!  Normally it's $10/adults and $8/kids so this was a great deal!  Riley loved showing Grammy all about dinosaurs and how many had been discovered right here in Utah!

Wednesday was another physically active day.  We headed up to Alta to hike up to Cecret Lake.  As we started our hike we came across 2 moose!  What luck!  Grammy got to see some wildlife up close!  She really loved seeing all the wildflowers along the trail too.  The hike is a little rocky towards the end, but much less stressful for her since there wasn't a steep cliff to fall off to your demise!  After our hike, we stopped at Snowbird for some lunch then headed home.  Andy came home shortly after I put the kids down for a nap.  Later that evening we headed out to Frogurt for a late night snack.  Riley loves making his own creations there.

Grammy left this morning and both kids were sad to see her go.  They enjoyed showing her all of their toys, tricks and creations.  Riley kept her busy with books and Legos while Kendall entertained her with her antics, sayings and by jumping on the trampoline!

We're hoping that Grammy had as good a time as we did!  We're all taking LONG naps this afternoon to get back on schedule...Can you believe Riley starts school next Wednesday.  7 more days of summer vacation!  YIKES!

An Observation

Today we were driving through Provo on the way to Andy's office.  We happened to pass by BYU's football stadium and noticed the banners hanging on the street.  These are everywhere in front of the stadium!

I've heard that imitation IS the most sincere form of flattery.  

Then BYU must really love PSU!  

BYU's new football slogan for 2010 - We Are BYU?  Seriously?  Wasn't it bad enough when Marshall decided to "borrow" the cheer in '88?  Penn State started using the cheer "We Are...Penn State!" after the 1948 Cotton Bowl when there was discussion about PSU bringing their African American players to the game.  

This is what's become of that phrase at Penn State:

It's a a part of the culture of the university.  As you walk through campus you can hear people shouting "We Are" and others responding with "Penn State!"  You'll often hear a "Thank you!" and "Your Welcome!" following the rant as well.

Anyone who knows college football knows that State College, Pennsylvania is home to the Pennsylvania State University.  This location is the geographical center of the state and is also known as Happy Valley.  Provo is also considered "Happy Valley."  But when the sportscasters on ESPN's Game Day talk about the blue and white from Happy Valley and they AREN'T discussing the cougars, they are referring to the mighty nittany lions!

This is one of the many shirts sold all over State College and can often be seen at whiteout football games:

Wonder when they will start showing up around here...or will BYU start hosting whiteout games like PSU too?  

I saw this T-shirt for sale on a PSU site that I just might have to purchase for this season.  On the front it said We Are and the back looks like this:

I'm so glad to be a fan of a school with some original ideas and great traditions!  It's bad enough that everyone now plays Kernkraft 400 at their games...that's a PSU staple - even before their infamous 2005 OSU game when officials thought the stadium was going to have structural damage due to the large number of fans jumping up and down to the song as their team destroyed the Buckeyes!  If you google Zombie Nation, Penn State football comes up as a large number of of the results...wonder why?

Can you tell it's football season?  We Are...Penn State!

Love ya Lions!

God's Promise

If you ask Riley what a rainbow means, he'll tell you that it's a symbol of God's promise to never flood the world again...We got to see that promise in full color last night.  We've had a string of thunderstorms all day - almost forgot I lived in Utah.  I thought I was back in Jax for a moment or two there!

Riley was the one who spotted this rainbow as we took a walk through the neighborhood...right before storm number 5 out of 6 started!

Looks pretty good for a shot with my iphone, huh?  

One Of My Most Played...

If you've never heard "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes, this is a MUST see video.  One of my new favorites.  How do you survive all that life throws at you if you don't have someone to be by your side to hold you up and keep you strong?  I've got this on my ipod and listen to it often.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

What A Day(and night)!

Andy left for Texas at 3:30 in the morning so it was just me and the kids yesterday (and for the next couple of days).  We spent some time playing in the morning before heading off to Riley's arts and crafts program.  After that we ran a few errands and finally found him a decent pair of velcro sneakers without characters and do NOT light up.  Do you know how hard that is to find for a first grader without spending an arm and a leg?  He needs them for his PE class at school and they must stay at school so I didn't want to spend more on them than I spent on his Nikes.  Kohl's to the rescue!  We checked a number of other places and scored a pair on sale for $20!  While we were there, I checked out what girls shoes were on sale.  We found a cute pair of Disney princess sandals that I initially passed on because I figured she wouldn't wear them much more this summer.  Well, once I saw the yellow $4.99 sticker, they weren't coming off her feet!

We came home for lunch and nap time then headed out to Ikea for their "Kids Eat Free" promotion.  I had a few things I wanted to get while we were there and my munchkins love to play there.  They also love to eat there because they have kid-friendly foods, kid-sized tables and movies playing on the t.v.  They were both on the edge of bedtime when we arrived home so we played for a short period and then started our routine.  Both kids struggled to fall asleep last night.  Kendall ended up getting out of her bed 3 times!  Thankfully she can't open the door or turn on the light yet!  When I went upstairs for my final check-in before I turned in, and noticed I couldn't open her bedroom door more than a few inches.  What the heck?  I figured she'd put a toy there while she had gotten out of bed.  So I turned on the hall light to look down and see legs extended on the floor.  Here my little princess must have decided to defy me by getting back out of bed once again and eventually passed out in front of the door!  I considered leaving her there but determined it would be better to have her wake now instead of midnight when we'd both have to be awake!

Well, my little man decided for some reason that he wasn't going to sleep last night either!  He was in my room 6, yes, that's right, 6 times last night!  He came up with every excuse under the sun...the wind, lightening, thunder, etc.  When I got up to tuck him back in, the trees outside were completely still...not sure where he got the idea it was the wind?  So by 4am, there was an actual thunderstorm so he did end up sleeping on the floor in my room...

Momma is tired and so are my kids.  We were planning on a trip to the zoo today, but I'm not sure we'll make it out the door with as tired as we all are today!  Hurry home Daddy!

Ambient Light

We don't often get to see sunsets here in this part of the valley, but we do get the ambient light shining on the Wasatch to our east and it can produce some incredible colors.  We had quite a show in the sky the other night and this is what we got to see:

Keep in mind that this view is looking EAST, not west where the sun was setting.  We usually miss the sunsets because the mountains are in the way.  One of these days I'm going to go up to the Great Salt Lake or the benches with my camera and capture some sunset photos.  When the mountains aren't blocking the view, it's gorgeous!