Today's Adventure

Today was my bible study so Kendall went home from school with her friend Hayden who lives nearby.   When I went to pick her up, it was close to lunchtime and I knew my cleaning lady was at the house so we decided to go out for lunch before running to the grocery store.  I convinced her that Cafe Rio would be a great spot for a lunch date.  We pulled into the parking lot right before Mitt Romney's bus pulled into the lot!

Now if you've ever been to the Draper Cafe Rio, you know how NUTTY that parking lot is with all the other restaurants there sharing the same parking area.  I was in the lot looking for a spot when I saw his bus pull in and my first thought was "Crap!  I'll never find a spot now!"

Luckily I found one and we headed in for our lunch.  Afterwards we walked around the parking lot to see if his bus was still there and sure enough...

People were getting on the bus but I erred on the side of caution - with my luck Kendall would have been trying to climb in the driver's seat or check out the bathroom!  Too bad Riley wasn't with us.  I would have taken him in for sure.  He'd love the bus itself but he's also started to take an interest in the election because he's learning about it in social studies.

Here's hoping for a Romney/Ryan win in November!

Another Kendallism

The Latest Kendallism:

As I'm driving and taking a sip of water, Kendall says 

"Oh Momma, you better be careful, you're drinking and driving!"

As I start to chuckle, she adds 

"You don't want to get put in jail, do you?"

Holding Out Help

I have this friend Tonia who goes to our church and runs a ministry called Holding Out Help.  She helps women, children, families leave polygamy.  I met her a few years back at MOPS and got to hear first hand her friend's story of life in polygamy.  That was the first time I had ever heard about it first hand - not from Big Love on HBO.  It made an impression on me to say the least.  I started to help Tonia's ministry when I could, donate at Christmas, getting on her email list for needs, etc.

Over the summer I read a number of books about the FLDS and polygamy:    Escape by Carolyn Jessop, The Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower, and Stolen Innocence by Elisa Walls.  I really enjoyed the first two a lot and would recommend them both if you want to learn more about the sick and twisted world of the FLDS.  I have tried to explain the concept of polygamy to my kids - not an easy task at ages 8 and 4.

My friend Tonia sends out emails from time to time with needs of families she is helping.  This time it was one that I could help with immediately!  The kids she's housing were wanting some bikes and scooters to ride.  We happened to have an extra scooter in the basement that wasn't being used very often.  I was happy to see it bring a smile to another child's face.  These kids haven't grown up with toys, books, music, tv, etc in their community.  Warren Jeffs saw to it to take everything away from them.  According to Tonia the latest is that they aren't even allowed to laugh anymore!  

Both kids took it upon themselves to find some toys of their own to donate to these kids.  Kendall found two baby dolls to give to the two little girls while Riley went through his matchbox cars and picked out a bunch for the 3 older boys his age.  

On the way to Tonia's house, Kendall kept asking why these kids didn't have any toys.  Who was the "Bad Guy" who took them away?  When we got to her house to drop off the scooter and bag of toys, we were lucky enough to have the pleasure of giving these items to the family themselves.  Kendall got to give each little girl (ages 3 & 5) a doll and see them smile from ear to ear and hug their new doll as if it was a golden treasure!  The boys dove right into the bag of cars and divided them up amongst themselves and started playing right away.  I got to meet mom and dad (they got kicked out of Short Creek) and dad was just so surprised by the love of others.  They have been brainwashed to believe that everyone outside of their church is evil and wants to bring them harm.  I was happy that we could show them the love of Jesus - just by bringing such small items to them.  Dad kept thanking me.  Mom was a sweet thing and was heading out that afternoon for a "make over."  She was ready to shed her FLDS attire and wear a pair of jeans!  A big step for sure!

What a great experience for her to meet them - to put a face with the story.  She got back in the car and said "Mom, we need to find them more stuff!"  My heart was full of joy that my kids were able to put someone else's needs above their own and want to share their toys out of the goodness of their hearts.  We have talked for a few months now about spending less on ourselves at Christmas this year and more on gifts for kids like these who have absolutely nothing instead.  Thankfully Tonia said she is planning to set up the giving tree at church this Christmas again.  You can pick a family or item off the tree to purchase for a polygamist family in need.  

If any of you feel led to get involved in this ministry, let me know and I can put you in touch with Tonia.  I am happy to get your name on the email list or forward needs in case you think you might be able to help out.  These families are often in need of rentals, jobs, clothing, furniture, bikes, cars, food, toiletries, etc.  Many times they leave their communities with nothing but the clothes on their backs if they are escaping and don't have the skills to find jobs, etc.  Many of the children have never even been in school.  

This is a video for Hold Out Help.  I know the mom with the twin boys in this video.  Her boys were in Riley's scout den and attend South Mountain Community Church.  If this video touches your heart, in any way, consider how you can be a part of changing lives.

For more information, go to Holding Out Help

Latest Accomplishment

Riley missed a "tip" test for karate while we were on vacation and was behind his class.  Thankfully his instructor wanted Riley to stay up with his class and bumped him up this month to take his belt test with the rest of his class so he wouldn't have to wait another three months to earn his next belt.  I was a little nervous that he might not be ready since we missed over 3 weeks of karate this summer with vacation and holidays.

Thankfully we now have a happy (serious faced) brown belt in our house!

Congrats Bubba!  We love you and are so proud of you!

It Only Took Three Years...

...To be okay with being an "outcast" here in Utah.  Never felt that way anywhere else I've lived.  It's made life here lonely, especially with a hubby who's gone more than he's home.  I heard this song on Air1 the other day and the words as well as the beat caught my attention.  Wow!  If I could have heard this song a year or two ago, huh?  But I think it's taken me until now to be comfortable in my own skin here, to be an "outcast."  It's not a feeling I've ever experienced before - being totally out of my element.  Now, for a multitude of reasons, I feel more like myself than I have since we first moved here.  I have to remember to look up when I'm feeling down.

Living here in Utah, I realized how much I could relate to these lyrics.  Never before have I ever felt like an "outcast" but I realize now, I'm good with it!

Since I can remember

Guess I've been a problem

Never had a filter

Never been the popular one

To sugarcoat what I know is undeniable

I just can't hide it

I wear it like a letter

Everywhere I go

Everyone is talking

I can feel them staring

They hope I'm just pretending

And giving up my power

Caving into pressure

I'm not living for them

I live for something better

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So what if I don't look the

Part I'm supposed to play

What if I don't follow

All the rules they make

They think I should be perfect

They love it when I mess up

No grace in case I blow it

A good girl shouldn't need it

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

No matter what it costs

I'll be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

Imma stand my ground

And be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

And let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

Are you an outcast too?

Oktoberfest? in August?

Yep!  Snowbird starts celebrating early!  When we got our ski passes we were able to score 2 free all day activity passes!  They were to expire on Sunday so we decided to head to Snowbird to use them up (and to hit up Oktoberfest).  Everyone was happy - the kids got to play all day while Andy and I were able to drink beer while we watched them.

Riley on the Alpine Slide

Before the screaming started on the ropes course

He's nervous just walking up the stairs to get to the top!

Still okay by herself

Need some help from Mom but did alright

Whew!  That one was tough for both kids!

Riley was okay by himself for awhile

Kendall needed some help - see how happy she is?  Look at her mouth wide open - she was screaming at the top of her lungs about how scared she was!

Better with some help from Mom

Heading across the multivine

Reaching for the next rope - the short ones really challenged him

Much easier with Mom to hold your hand

Happier girl

Ready to come down.  Relief!

DONE!  Mom would have been happy to go through a few more times but the kids were spent!  Too much anxiety for them.  They did an awesome job on the adventure/zipline course in NC on vacation, but here on this smaller ropes course, they were so nervous!  Oh well, gotta keep pushing them to take these types of risks to realize what they are capable of handling. 

Waiting for Riley to do the Alpine Slide, yet again!  He'd ride the chair lift (I mean the "flying sofas") up by alone and come down by himself.  Who said he was allowed to grow up so quickly?

Notice my two little German kinders are both smiling here with the beer picture 

and only Kendall is smiling in the dancing picture!

Riley on the air jumper

He had a blast!

Kendall attempting to do the climbing wall

She doesn't weigh enough so the belay rope typically pulls her away from the wall - she does well all things considered

She tried hard and got about half way up 

We also decided to have some German grub - since Andy and I both share a German heritage, like most people born and raised in Lancaster, we thought we'd expose the kids to it as well.  We headed into the Oktoberfest tent where they had live bands playing polkas, etc.  Kendall enjoyed dancing while Riley scarfed down a black forest brownie, Andy devoured sauerkraut and apple strudel and I finished off a brat.  Kendall did manage to polish off two and a half soft pretzels that day!

Here's our little Pennsylvania Polka dancer:

Now this is the good life - ahhh!

The Girl Is On A Roll!

Here's another good Kendallism!

We went for a bike ride this past weekend.  Kendall was on her tag-along bike attached to the back of mine.  We rode by a farm with some horses.  

Kendall:  "Look at the pretty horses Momma!"  

Me:  "They sure are pretty."

Kendall:  "Hey Mom, why don't those horses have any eyes?"

Me: Start laughing hysterically

The horses were wearing shades to protect their eyes and in her little mind, they didn't have any eyes because she couldn't see them!  

Family Comedian

She's on a roll Ladies and Gentleman! 

Latest Kendallism:

After hearing Kendall leave a noisy fart...

Me: "Kendall! Was that you?"

K: "No mom, it was Penton!"

Me: "Nice try, Penton is outside."

K: "Then it must have been the ants!"

(We have a few ants that we are trying to evict from our kitchen)

Just Another Day At The 'Bird

Today I decided to head up to Snowbird to pick up our ski passes for this coming season.  I parked the car and started walking up the path along the parking lot to the Snowbird Center.  There was a mom who was teaching her two girl to fish in the pond.  I was watching them and never looked up to see what was right in front of me.  A guy in a Snowbird truck stopped to make sure the other mom and I knew to stay away from the moose.  

Whoa!
What?
Hey!
There are moose right there - at the pond!

Cool!
Wait!
Moose can be dangerous!
Be careful!
Don't get too close!
Might be safer to play "Frogger" in the parking lot than continue down the sidewalk!

The moose were just on the side of the pond that meets up with the walking path.  They were literally a stone's throw away from me.  Thankfully momma was more hungry than worried about me!  What a beautiful surprise!

Yet Another Kendallism - She's On A Roll

Tonight while Andy was out mowing the yard she asked me:

"Mom, is Dad shaving the yard?"

Seriously?  Where does she come up with this stuff?  Now you understand why I always say God gave her to me to make me laugh!  What a nut!

A Rileyism?

Riley doesn't usually say the funny type of stuff that Kendall says.  His comments are usually on the deeper more serious side.  Last night was their "Back to School" family picnic.  They have bounce houses, hot dogs, chips, rice krispie treats, sno cones, lemonade, etc. as well as great fellowship with all the other families.  It's an opportunity to catch up with those you haven't seen all summer.

Last night Riley wanted to get a sno cone.  He asked if Andy would go with him to get one.  Andy willingly obliged.  On their way across the grounds to the sno cone machine, Riley says, "Dad, I wanted you to come with me so that everyone will know you're here with me and not traveling."

See, he's our deep thinker.  He comes up with some sweet things to let you know how much you mean to him.

Here are our munchkins ready to start their first day back at school:

 Here's Riley hard at work after putting his stuff away on the first day!

Both kids reported having a great first day of school!

Latest Kendallisms

K:  "Mom, can I have a snack?"
M: "No, it's almost time for dinner."
K:  "But Mom!  I have a tape worm!  It's soooo hungry!"

As she's carrying around the book "Little Women"...
K:  "Mom, this book is great!  Gregor is in it and he's fighting the bad guys.  Pufnstuf is in it too and he's so funny!"
(Riley is currently in book 4 of the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins and the main character is named Gregor.  Pufnstuf is from the late 60's tv series that we rented on DVD from the library this week)

K:  "Look Mom!  They have corn on the cob plants in their garden!"

K:  "Man!  We can't find any geocashes because of all the poisonous ivy!"

This girl cracks me up on a daily basis.  Thought I'd share a few of them with you.  Hope it makes you smile!

Berry Fun

Yesterday we met our friends to pick raspberries and blackberries down in Mapleton, Ut at a cute little family owned farm.  The kids were intimidated by the bees and the prickers on the raspberry plants, but did a good job helping to pick the tart little berries.

Mc Bride's Briar Patch in Mapleton, Ut

Kendall and Natalie making their way through the raspberry bushes

Taking a break to make a wish on a dandelion

They all had their berry buckets attached at the waist to make for easier picking

A much needed water break

Sylvia was a great helper too!  She and Riley made a nice team.

Riley was more interested in picking the blackberries so he and I spent some time picking them.  There weren't as many blackberries ready as there were raspberries but he and I had fun getting purple hands!

After we finished picking, we stayed and had a picnic lunch and the kids played on the swing set.  The McBride's are incredibly sweet people and grow some delicious berries!  We also picked up an awesome cantaloupe there grown by one of their neighbors.  We are in heaven with all this fresh fruit!  We are still harvesting strawberries from our garden and more are on the way!

I think we'll end up heading back there again in a few weeks.  They have berries through the first frost/October.  Gonna try making some individual sized raspberry cobblers and maybe some jelly!  Can't wait to try them!