I have to say that I hate Wes! And a thought about "My Sisters Keeper"

Ok.  I love watching this silly, indulgent, but completely entertaining television show..."The Bachelorette".  I love it.  I look forward to it.  And up until tonight, I could even overlook that stupid Wes with his girlfriend and his new CD, but now I can't stand the sight of him.  I had to fast forward through his singing!  But Ed!!!  And I kind of think I love Reid.  Anyway.

I saw "My Sister's Keeper" today.  Great movie. Cried a lot.  But let me just say that I was a little less than enthusiastic at the difference in the ending.  I expected a certain ending and got something completely different.  While it was a neat little Hollywood ending, it fell a little flat.  (I mean, if you read the book, that is.)

You can tell that I am distracting myself from the lengthy list of tasks.

Oh hey!  Let's have a baby tomorrow!  Wahoo Amber gets to have her baby!!!

Is it actually Friday?

June is almost over.  

What!!!

June is almost over?!?!?!  Summer vacation is in full swing but I can't believe how fast it's going.  Kyra turns 8 tomorrow and I just can't believe it.  I think I will have to work up a little dedication to that little star of mine.  The end of June also brings the birth of a new baby in our large colorful family.  Mallory will be born, we believe, on Tuesday...bets on somewhere around 1pm, just about lunch time.  We also get to have our Larry home for the week, which is a treat for us.  We will celebrate the 4th of July in style, which Amber has also taught me to cherish and make memories of.  She takes that one pretty seriously, t-shirts and bows and all matching outfits for her crew along with a party and fireworks with little treats to enjoy while waiting.  Fun times.  The end of June also brings with it a sense that our little break is slipping away quickly.  As you know, we are working on the idea of heading to Vancouver in August.  Working on the idea means that there is still a chance that it won't happen.  We are still working on the contract negotiations which determines whether or not we can afford this little venture.  I am cautiously optimistic on this one.  Once that all gets worked out there will be so much work to do.  So much to take care of.  Passports.  Packing.  Selling.  Donating.  Cleaning.  Swimming, don't forget swimming.  July will be a busy month.  

I do hope that all is well in your homes this evening.  Good night!

News

Well.  We have new information.  There is a family that we have been put in contact with in Las Vegas who is relocating here and looking for a home to rent.  They need a house in our area until March 31, 2010.  Larry's contract is up on March 28th.  I have hoped that this might be possible and today I spoke with the Mrs and she has indicated that they do wish to rent our home.  So.  or, Hmmm.  as Dad would say.

Here's what it means.  July is shaping up to be a busy month.  There will be birthdays and babies and a visit from Larry, and a move.  We will store nearly everything, except appliances and the piano and Kyra's rather large bed.  We will load it up somewhere around July 28th or so and then we'll need a place to sleep at night while we get the house ready.  Painting.  Repairs.  Carpet Cleaning.  We will head out on or around August 2nd for a full four day drive to Vancouver.  There had been talk of renting a home that was removed from Vancouver, but we have discovered it to be a little too removed.  We have also learned that the Canadian taxes will be taken out of Larry's check, a matter that is only now being worked out.  That means that we, as a family, have the option of living in Vancouver.  We have to work out the financial end of that as Vancouver is quite expensive.  It is also beautiful.  I am getting excited about the idea and look forward to a new adventure.  Since we are looking at Vancouver, we will likely put the kids in school there as it is truly a big part of the experience.  They don't know that yet.  I think that they will really enjoy it though.  On the other end of things, we will be back in our home on April 1st, 2010.  We will miss a few holidays and birthdays, but fortunately we will be here for new babies and a baptism.

There are obvious challenges and we are working with them.  We are also thrilled to be back together as a family and to see what that part of the world has to offer.  I grew up moving around and loved it.  Larry grew up in one home all of his life.  He didn't know better.  Our children have had the unique privilege of living in this home for the better part of nearly five years.  That is monumental and it is home.  We hope to open up some new opportunities and challenges with this adventure.  I know that some will think we are nuts, while other will celebrate the idea.  We see and know that both are true.  Help will be needed and postcards will be sent.  Updates will be constant on this blog.  We won't be gone too long, maybe just long enough to miss us.  :)

Happy Father's Day (and an update)

Oh how I love him.  My father has always, as long as I have memory, been my hero.   I am so happy to be here in Texas and to have the ability to see him and talk to him,watch my babies play with him and know that he is so close and always eager for grandchild visits.  He has baptized the boys and will baptize my Kyra this weekend.  (I say "my" loosely as many seem to claim her as theirs as well)  He has blessed my babies.  He has driven to Vegas and back to pick me up when it was necessary.  He and my mother have been married for nearly 39 years.  Through all of the trials and the rewards of such a life, his love for his family has always won out.  He works harder than we realize and deserves so much more than this life has given him so far.  He is passionate about his children, even when we think he is being quiet, as if he might not have anything to say.  I suspect he has LOTS to say but leaves that to Mom.  He is one of the most beautiful men I have ever known.  I remember Mom saying once that she wished he could see himself the way she sees him, and I feel the same.  I hope that someday he can know the full weight of his influence and love and humor and goodness on those who love him.  I am so very proud of him and proud that my children now look to him as an example.  He is so very loved.  So, on this Father's Day and every day... I love you Dad.  So, so much.

[Update on Vancouver:  I got an email from the family who may rent our home and they will not be rushing up to move in July 1st.  They are now looking at August 1st.  Whether they want our home or not has yet to be confirmed, but I am indeed relieved not to have to scramble this week with anything other than honoring our almost 8 year old daughter, and welcoming Larry home for a bit.  I will update as it comes.]

And this is a little something sent to Larry:  We love you!!!

Is it possible to be Grumpy and Grateful at the same time?

I guess when you have multiple personalities it is, right?

Ok.  I am grumpy tonight.  The kids asked me to get a good nights sleep.  I told them that it I knew I was and that I wasn't mad at them, because I am not.  They are the grateful part tonight.  Heat has settled into North Texas and it is suffocating at times.  We had camps with both boys and I can't believe any of them lasted as long as they did in this heat.  We have all four critters back under our roof tonight and I am incredibly grateful for that.  They are all healthy and well, despite a couple of nasty bruises and sensitive sunburns.  I didn't realize how empty the house was without Kimball here though.

Here's to Kimball.  He didn't want to be there.  We know that.  He has come back home at the end of a tough week, by all accounts, and he even seems older to me.  His voice seems deeper.  He is being a bit more assertive.  Now, a good night's sleep in his comfy bed might take all of that away, but today I am sort of in awe at the young man he is starting to resemble.  The little boy is still there, mostly for me.  I love that little man so very much.  

Kaden and Kyra made the most of their afternoon as well.  They did this:

It was a clever, creative silly afternoon taking empty boxes and paper towel rolls and turning them into fun.

Now, for the grouchy.  Larry has been gone for 17 days.  Camp.  Canadian Taxes.  Money.  Dust an inch thick on too many surfaces to count.  Floors need mopping.  Laundry is dirty AGAIN.  (why does that keep happening?)  I haven't worked out in weeks.  I can tell.  Moving to Vancouver?  Not moving to Vancouver.  Moving to Washington to be closer to Larry while a nice family rents our house for 9 months?  No idea!  Still waiting.  Birthday parties, baptism, teach a lesson at church on Sunday at the last minute?  Sure, no problem.  (I am actually thrilled to teach Kaden's class tomorrow.)  Have to rent a steam cleaner to rid my bedroom of a lingering smell of Atticus while we were away.  If you have lost interest in my list right about now you know some of the apathy I feel about most of it.  Don't want to even think about it.  I did tell you that there was an element of grouch today.

But with all of that I am still grateful.  (My head just spun back around.)  I am grateful for these 4 incredible children who keep things interesting.  I miss Larry more than I can tell  you.  I want to just stop worrying about so many things.  I think that it may be time for some things to get settled into and worked out so that we can just get back to the business of being a family and growing up.  

Oh, and I am incredibly sad to miss Father's Day with Larry.  More than I can even say.

Ok.  I'm done with my rant.  I just feel anxious.  Grateful, but grouchy at the same time.  I think they call that an oxymoron.  :)  Fitting.

Busy days make for sleepy children

What a day we have had.  I can tell you from this day that hard work and hard play definitely result

Embarasing (oops, spell check help needed) Embarrassing confession

I love a song that I feel a little old to love.  Wait for it...

Miley Cyrus!  "The Climb"

I do.  It comes on the radio and I turn it up.  I sing it as if I am a 13 year old girl.  Love it.  I even liked the movie that it came from.  I actually want to see it again.  Really?  There is just something about that song that makes me feel better.  Actually, singing in general, loudly when possible, always makes me feel better.  But today, that one in particular is making me smile.  

Why the heck aren't any of you blogging?  Where in the world are you?  I know you are around as I have spoken to you, but you hold back with your blogging and pictures and nonsense.  Come on!  Share!!!

Pictures Delivered

Kansas

Pictures as promised.  I think the pictures will speak for themselves.  Right now I have to put two little monsters to bed!  They won't leave me alone.  They are sitting here right now as I am typing so I will be back after they are in bed!!!!!!  Ah, bedtime!

Ok.  Kids down in bed, finally.  The house is now quiet and relatively clean, though my bed is not made up after I decided to strip the darn thing and wash all of the bedding as I am quite sure that Atticus made it his home while we were away.  It didn't smell all that nice.  

Summer vacation has reached its second week.  Day one of Week two, down.  We have many weeks of fun in the sun and some work, I suppose.  I guess someone has to do it.  We got to swim with the Nish clan today and enjoyed some Cafe Rio Pork tacos as an added bonus.  Kierstin was, of course, thrilled to see RJ.  She begged and begged for him all the way back from Kansas.  I thought we might have to make an emergency stop on the way home.  Luckily though, we were able to get home and get to bed and enjoy a quiet morning of picking up the pieces of a week away from home.  Life is moving quickly though.  We have Kyra turning 8 and a birthday party and baptism to plan.  Moving quickly indeed.

I think I will try to get to bed as we have to be up early again in order to get Kaden off to Day Camp.  Good times.  

Home

We made it back.  We spent a fun week away visiting faraway family members that we simply don't get to see enough of.  We met our little Josie, who is as pretty as she can be.  We got to eat up Billie, who I love nearly as much as I love Kierstin after this week.  (And all of the other children in my life, of course)  He is precocious and silly and sweet and brave and he has just turned 2!  He loves the farm and his daddy and is so much fun!  He looks like Brittany to me, but everyone else says he looks like Bo.  Olivia is growing up so fast.  She was so much more mature!  She and Kyra had a great time together.  We spent most of our time at the hotel pool enjoying popsicles.  And then there was Ty.  I can't tell you how fun he is.  We tried to sneak him back to Texas with us, but his silly parents said no.  Selfish!  I do have lots of pictures, but that will wait until tomorrow when some sleep has cleared away the fog of driving 10 hours.  I do have to say though, that I miss those distant relatives so much.  I know that life has placed each of us in different places but Brittany and Jon, and their awesome families, are missed!  Brittany has opened up her own Salon in Lousiburg, while she was pregnant, by the way.  It is such a cute little place.  I do have big plans swirling around in my head that I would love to throw at her, if she wants my ideas of course.  Mom and I talked about lots of ideas on the way home.  Brittany works so hard out there.  She has three amazing kids, that salon, a very cute little house complete with a garden that is actually going to put out real veggies and she is just beautiful.  I don't think she knows that about herself, but I do.  I miss her every day and wish, selfishly of course, that they could be closer.  She and I were the very best of friends many years ago and I miss that.  Don't get me wrong, we are still close, but distance does make that difficult.  We loved going out to Bo's parents farm and riding 4 Wheelers, even Kyra.  (I have pictures to prove it.)  It is a different way of life, one that I have often wished for but know well that I don't have the strength to stick with it.  They work hard out there.  It is so fun to see.  I feel accomplished when my flowers are growing, much less cattle, and chickens, and whatever else is living out there.  It is amazing.

I do have to take a moment to say also how grateful I am for Larry.  He is away, in Vancouver, and working so hard to keep things together and I know how lonely he has been this week.  It is incredible to me to see what these men do to provide for our families.  I know that Larry has been blessed with down time but right now he is working tirelessly to pull off an Olympics without enough time, and without us.  I wish so much that I could be in some home up there at the end of the day when he comes home, with our children waiting at the door.  We still do that here.  We love him and miss him.  He will be home June 27th, but that feels like a long way away.  (I am feeling a tad sentimental.)  

I have pictures that I will post tomorrow.  :)

Sunday School lesson thoughts

I have been so caught up in vacationing and life that I have not posted anything about a very important lesson I have learned this week.  As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in certain doctrine that clarifies the condition of man after death.  I don't always understand it, though I have a firm faith in its truth.  In Sunday School this week we discussed the three degrees of Glory as explained in D&C 76.  I am certain that I have spent time there in years past and studied it in school, but I was opened up to new things this week.  We were divided into 4 groups, Perdition, Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial Glories.  I was given the task of representing our group in sharing what we learned about the Terrestrial Glory.  One of the things that really struck me is in v.79: These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus...  By definition, this is includes that group of believers who do not live according to their faith, those who have received of the truth, known the Savior and had the Gift of the Holy Ghost and stayed on the "luke warm" side of things.  I have long been that person.  My faith is there, but my action has often wavered.   I am not sure if this makes sense, but this verse opened my eyes a bit to my responsibility, my privilege to live what I believe, to honor my faith and to always be "valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ".  I don't ordinarily jump into these topics here on my blog, but I was so struck by this lesson that I just had to share, and to reiterate how much I love being a part of this Gospel and being given the gifts that come with it.  I honor all faiths, and trust each and everyone of you to choose for yourselves.  I have often wished for ignorance, as that at least gives you the option of learning it later, but I don't have that.  I have been taught well and Heavenly Father expects a lot of me.  If for no other reason than to raise these 4 amazing children in faith to return with honor.  I am humbled by that task and the trust that He put in me.  It is humbling.  

And now back to vacationing.  :)

 

Travel season is on!

Well, we have enjoyed having Larry home today.  We got to enjoy a little Ihop action over here in Highland Village this morning and then run a couple of last minute errands.  One of which led to a fair amount of stress as Larry tried to deposit a check from Vancouver into his U.S. account and they informed us that it would take up to 6 weeks to get it cleared.  Not the best plan in our world.  We already waited nearly 4 months to get the check in the first place.  Bad timing!  

We then spent our afternoon packing and more packing.  I am happy to say; however, that Kimball is packed for camp and we are packed and cleaned up and ready for our trip to Kansas.  Larry is packed and ready to head out at 4 in the morning!  (Kyle has graciously accepted the task of taking Larbear to the airport.  Thank you!!!)

In other news, I have stumbled onto a local website that I hope will bring some fun this summer.  Over at Burbmom.net they have initiated a program that invites locals to experience new attractions in the area.  You have to sign up and be willing to do surveys after the events, but in exchange you get to be a part of a free program that allows you to try out these new things at little to no cost, as space allows.  So, I signed up and I am excited to see what comes of it.  You should check it out and support our local partners who try so hard to provide attractions even when the economy is struggling.  Playin' Around Town Home Page  Sign up and let's try this together.  Another thing I want to do when I get back is head over to the Dallas Arboretum as they have a very fun display of kids playhouses throughout the gardens.  As long as it isn't 98 degrees, that would be a fun morning activity while the boys are at camp.  (they won't care anyway)  

So, have a fun week and I will catch up when we get back with pictures and stories of baby Josie, little Billie, big girl Olivia and Master Ty!!!  We hope to get up to Liberty Jail, if time and money allow, so maybe we will have some stories about that too.  Maybe we will just have lots of pictures of the hotel pool...you never can tell!

Day 3: Not so much a vacation day

Slept in.

Cleaned up.

Went to church.

Cleaned some more.

Got Kimball to a fireside and then waited in the parking lot.  The kids thought that was fun.

Got to the airport early to pick up Larry.  

Now we are all back under one roof, in clean house, with laundry in process.

Tomorrow is set to be a busy day of packing and such, Canada, Kansas and a camping trip or two.  Looks like a movie will be out of the question.  

We did all get a kick out of Kierstin and her playtime with a green marker.  The marker did not stand a chance.

Summer Vacation: Day 2

Tired.

Got doughnuts.

Washed windows.

Swimming for two hours.

Ran around getting Kyra and Kimball to birthday parties.  (included a last minute shopping trip for presents.)

Drove out to Mom's with Kaden and Kierstin.  Amber calls.   I forgot to pick her up at my house before I left so I turned around and went back home.

Drove out to Mom's with Kaden and Kierstin and Amber and RJ and Courtlyn and Haylee and Grace.  

Played in the sprinklers, ate hot dogs and strawberry cake. 

Mosquitos showed up.  As did lots of bunny rabbits.  

Drove the crew home and got to watch the end of a fireworks show as we stumbled into some event traffic on the way home from Amber's.

Picked up Kyra and Kimball.

Kierstin HAD to have a bath where she promptly asked me to put her to bed.  Time: 10:35pm.  Hey, that's earlier than yesterday.

I have stacks of projects in various corners of the house and laundry to do but tonight I am sleepy and will be headed off to bed.

Review for the day:  Busy, but fun.  Somewhat productive, though the laundry room would disagree.  Tomorrow, right?

Larry gets to join us for a day on Monday where we will see a movie, I think, have a fun breakfast and possibly throw something on the bbq.  Really looking forward to that.  Hope you are as tired as I am and able to make your way to a comfy bed AND that your children, as well as mine, will sleep through the night.  Ah, uninterrupted sleep.  Who does that?

Summer Vacation Day 1

It is time to officially document the lives of our children, and myself, specifically for the next 10 months.  Some of it may bore some of you but it will be done for a few reasons:

1) To share our daily activities and pictures with Larry who will be traveling a lot.

2) To share fun activities and such with friends and family near and far.

3) To have evidence to show these children how much we do and how much they have to be grateful for...and to prove how awesome I am!  Seriously.

So.  If you do not apply to any of those reasons, feel free to skip over to another stalkable blog but know that you may miss something over here.  I'm just saying.  

Day 1.  Kids got out of school today.  It was a half day for our kiddos and they were so happy to be out.  When I asked Kimball what he disliked the most about 6th grade he said, "6th Grade".  Well, I guess that sums that up rather well.  He did mention that he noticed that he was one of the few who did not get recognized at the 6th grade ceremony, something that I was worried about but I think I would have been more worried had he not noticed.  Progress to be made there.  Then there was Kaden and Kyra.  They had a blast at school today.  I just have to say that I so love our elementary school.  I love the teachers, and the administration and particularly love our wonderful Nurse Robyn.  She has become a sweet friend.  I can't think of anyone up there that I don't just love!  That says a lot for a school, in my opinion.  Moving on.  At the end of the year assembly at the end of the day, Kaden was given a special award recognizing what they called a "212 degree" attitude.  Our principal utilized a program that has been great this year called 212 and it related to the point at which water begins to boil.  It takes just that extra degree of effort to create that momentum and the kids have really responded to it.  Kaden was recognized as a student who shows that attitude.  I love that he is that way and I especially appreciate that he sees that others see that in him.  I am proud of him, but I am also proud for him.

Then came an afternoon of swimming and playing at the park for a Ward Party that was great fun and then we headed over to Bahama Bucks.  (if you aren't familiar with this establishment you should look it up.  We love it.)

So.  Now, the house is quieting down with the sound of exhausted and sun kissed children thrilled to know that they have a summer ahead of them.  This school year has absolutely flown by.  I can't quite believe how big they all are these days.  It kind of takes my breath away sometimes.

We are looking forward to skipping on up to Kansas and then the boys will be camping.  We will see our baby Kyra turn 8 and be baptized this month.  (Another one of those moments that make me pause.)  We will play at the pool and watch movies as well as read a bit and touch up some things around the house.  A lot of fun ahead, for sure.  Here's to a fun, relaxing, productive and family building summer.

Kierstin's sleeping update: in her own bed, first time down, asleep...at 11:37pm!

I was wrong!

It is 11:09 pm and she CAN get out of Kyra's bed.  Dangit!

New hurdles

It is 10:52pm and the house is finally quiet.  It is our last night before school lets out early tomorrow for a summer of what summers are meant to be...pool, popsicles, daydreaming of beach visits, traveling a bit and hopefully relaxing.  I have been met with one minor hurdle in the last 24 hours.  Midget has figured out how to get out of her bed.  She first realized her talent somewhere around 3 in the morning last night.  She found her way down the stairs and to my bedside where she quietly woke me and told me tearful stories of scary monsters and her need to be in my bed.  She did sleep well next to me and then I hoped that she might forget that the whole thing ever happened.  Guess what.  She didn't.  She was put in her crib, for what now seems to be the very last time, somewhere around 8:30 when Kaden and Kyra were put to bed as well.  She went quietly.  Almost too easily actually, as she had taken a long nap today.  I didn't hear anything from her for nearly 15 minutes.  I went about the house turning off lights and then I hear a little tapping sound at the bathroom door.  I opened the door to find a shivering child, scared again and tears welling up in her pathetic little FAKE!!! sweet eyes.  I asked her how she got down.  She has yet to share her secret with me.  My idle threats of putting her back to bed were met with statements such as "I am not going to bed yet, Mom" and "I am not tired yet".  Now, at this hour, she is in Kyra's bed, which she can't climb down from and she is still talking to her Pooh bears and kitties and whatever else is sleeping in Kyra's bed.  She is most certainly not sleeping.  Guess who is shopping for a new bed tomorrow.  

And, by the way, why isn't anyone voting on the blog thing?  And furthermore!  Why isn't anyone blogging!!!

Brittany's Baby Josy!!!

Take a look at this beautiful new part of our family!  She came in at a whopping 8 lbs, 10 ounces and is just so cute and round and yummy!  Brittany says that everyone is doing well, except that Olivia has been quite sad without Britt home and Billy has Croup which makes him pretty uncomfortable.  She is going home today around noon and is feeling good.  I can't wait to hold this newest little one!  Welcome Josephine Lynne Vohs.  We love you already!  

You can see a few more here at www.our365.com.

You have to put in her customer number: 74951268091853 and then that is also the password once you are prompted.  (last name Vohs)

A Tale of Two Bears

While enjoying our morning today we wandered through the local thrift store and stumbled on a most joyous discovery.  The excitement was heard throughout the store and we simply couldn't leave this little find in the plastic bag any longer.  Pooh was "sad" in there, she said.  See for yourself.  If you know her, you know how fun this is.  Can you tell which one has been more loved?

Blogging 101

First rule of blogging:  don't confuse your family and any other dedicated readers with too many blogs.  I confess that I don't really have a solid reason for my need to flirt with other blog formats.  I am not a fan of the photo features over here but that may well be because I have not figured the whole thing out.  I am deep in the trenches of getting through the last week of school and getting Larry out of town as well as getting ready for Scout camps and a long awaited trip to Kansas.  Busy times.  I mean, happy and grateful and full of fun times, but still, busy times.  There is great trauma associated with Larry leaving, of course.  Kaden certainly takes it the hardest.  And then there's me, the lone co-captain of a ship that runs so much smoother with Larry home.  I have a much less defined leadership style than Larry, and by that I mean, I simply don't care as much about the little things as he does.  That can be good and bad.  He does a great job of keeping things nice and clean and orderly and such, I do a good job of playing and relaxing and sitting at the pool.  Now, I have been saying for a couple of weeks that I intend to teach some level of independence to my children and that means summer sessions will be in order.  How I will go about that, I am not sure.  Perhaps I will create a little documentation on it around here somewhere and I will narrow the blogs down, I promise.  Wordpress is cool, but causes problems in some ways that don't happen over here.  I don't know...what do you think?  

Wordpress

Shutterfly

Blogspot

Let's take a vote!  Let your voice be heard.  Which blog should I stick with???