Favorite Things From This Winter

1. Yoga (December and January)

Yoga amazes me. It's good for strengthening, balancing, flexibility and I think it's perfect for those who need some peaceful-getaway-productive time. Pictured above is the "Pigeon Pose." It's a nice stretch that eases the tension in the hip joint. It's my favorite and I'm always sad when the instructor moves on to the next pose.

2. Birthdays (January and February)

When it's cold out and the days are shorter, family birthday gatherings seem to be even more pleasant. Here are a couple birthday celebrations without their own blog entry...

Daryl's Birthday
&
Addy's Birthday

3. Ugly-Sweater-Cousin-Curry Fest (January 16, 2009)


80's-cool-cousins with sweet sweaters and Masamen curry - does an evening get better than this?

4. First Black President (January 20, 2009)

America has come a long way! Four decades after the civil rights movement we have an African American holding the highest office in the land. That is something worth celebrating whether of not one agrees with his policies.


5. The Theater (February 7, 2009)

Hurray for the fine arts! And hurray for a nearby university with great performances. We took the kids to see a theatrical production of "Go, Dog! Go!" Camen, Naomi and Savannah are familiar with the book and laughed and laughed at the creator's interpretation.


6. Volleyball (February and March)

I should begin with a little history on this subject. I went out for the volleyball team in 7th grade and 8th grade and I didn't make the team. Who gets rejected at such an early age? Well... um... me. I played intermurals instead and secretly hoped that the coach would referee one of my games and then my impressive skill would earn me a spot. It never happened. Then I moved out of state and never tried out again. I think I was partially afraid of rejection and part of it was that I moved to a gargantuan school in Texas where students were strongly encouraged to pick one only sport or activity and excel at it. I choose basketball. I've always enjoyed volleyball and never miss an opportunity to play. One summer, at BYU, my roommate Charis and I played several times a week and I loved it!

This winter I signed up to play in a women's league. Not knowing anyone who was interested I signed up by myself. The same was true for my teammates, and since we were the only team that didn't register together we dubbed ourselves the "Eclecticats." My teammates had all played in high school and one played in college. Wow! It is so cool to play with that kind of skill! Nice sets, killer hits, steady serves and the just the right amount of a competitive drive. We did pretty well in most of our games and they helped me grow with some nice pointers and a little coaching. (Thankfully, they were patient with my unreliable serve.)

We entered the final tournament in the top tier. We played at 5:30 and lost, we played at 7:45 and won, we played again at 8:50 and won, by 10:00 p.m. we were exhausted but very excited to begin play in the championship game. The better (and younger) team won. We didn't get the championship t-shirt, but 2nd place and a few extra hours of fun on the court was a great consolation prize.


7. Family Bike Rides (February 21, 2009)

Utah winters can chill you to the bone, and then two weeks later the snow can all nearly melt and you can go for a bike ride in a light weight jacket. So we did.


8. Girl's Gymnastics! (January, February, March and April)

Naomi and Savannah had an encouraging teacher, new friends, games, mats, beams, and trampolines to look forward to once a week. It's a great way to burn energy when the wind is blowing and the ground is covered with snow.

We had one unregistered participant that also had a great time.


The teacher insisted that I allow Mason to play on the apparatus. I guess she knew that I wasn't going to be able to keep him on a chair in the corner. Savannah was put into a class with kids two years older than her and she needed (or wanted) a lot of help. I got a great workout running back and forth between chasing Mason and keeping him out of the other kid's way and helping Savannah do her cartwheels, somersaults and handstands.

9. New Haircut (March)

I have been ready for a new haircut for about four years. Finally my little sister, Kristina, helped me out. Ahh, something different!


10. Snow (March 10, 2009)

Valentines Day!

I have fond memories of my mom making a big deal out of Valentine's Day. It wasn't every year, but I love to recall the feelings her special surprises induced. What simple joy to find unexpected tangible emblems of her love for us!

This year I wanted to do the same thing for my family, actually I've been meaning to for the last couple years. I was going to do it by myself but life is busy and I was running behind and had to recruit my amazing husband for some help. We went to work late Friday night and then on Saturday morning our kids woke up to a fabulous snowfall and to this...


And they came running!


Here's a classic expression.


We had raspberry lemon muffins, juice and cheap chocolate for breakfast.



Later that morning Russ took Naomi out for her "special day." They went to Elaine's French Bakery in Orem, which is a must visit for anyone living in Utah County. They took some treats over to Russ' grandparents, built snow chickens and spent some time looking through Grandpa's amazing museum. I love that Russ got a picture of Naomi hugging her great-grandmother. She gives the warmest hugs ever!



After Mason's nap we took advantage of the fresh powder and went sledding.


And it was lovely.

Six Years Old!

Naomi celebrated her 6th birthday today! Before our very eyes she is changing from a little girl to a little lady. She gets smarter, sweeter, taller and funnier every day. I really can't get over how much she has grown. We love her creativity, her sense of humor, her willingness to serve and genuine compassion. I feel that many of her strengths are my weaknesses and I'm humbly learning from her good example. Naomi is quickly making her place in this world and she has undeniably claimed a very special place in our hearts.

*kiss*

February Birthdays!

Naomi and her cousin Gavin (James and Jennifer's boy) share birthdays. Savannah's birthday is only ten days earlier, so we celebrated them all together in one smashing occasion. Ages 2, 4 and 6 they make a cute bunch.

Lunchtime Conversation

We all sat around the table eating when Camen asked, "Mom, how much money do you have?

I rarely have cash on hand, but this time I happen to have more than usual. "I'm not telling," was my response.

Exasperated he cried, "Oh! That's not fair!"

Trying to satisfy his desperate curiosity, that I'm sure he inherited from me, I answered, "I'll say that it's more than ten dollars.

"Just tell us!"

Silence. (Except for whatever Savannah is talking about, but I can't remember because there's always some kind of chatter and I find that I can quickly disappear into my own thoughts.)

A minute later Camen casually inquired, "Mom, when you die will you leave your money with us?

A little taken back by his indifference to my death and eagerness to get some unknown sum of money, I said, "No. I'm taking it with me!"

"You can't do that!"

The offense began to sink in and with perhaps a little hurt in my voice I asked, "What kind of question is that!?"

I look over and notice the pained expression on Naomi's face. I'm touched that she doesn't want me to die. So trusting that one of our more sensitive children will console me. I ask, "Does that make you sad Naomi?"

Naomi softly answers, "Yes." She sinks in her chair and covers her hands over her eyes that are quickly becoming wet with tears. "Because when I go to heaven I want to take my teddy bear and Minnie Mouse with me."


Feel the love!

She's off!

This week Naomi came to tell me she can ride her bike. I was a little surprised since I am certain that no one has helped her learn how. (Unless you count me accidentally backing over her training wheel, crushing it, and thereby causing us to remove them.)

She just decided to get on, practice and learn by herself. The least I could do was get the camera out and chime a "Good Job!".