Bowling, Anyone???

For our Family Night activity we headed out this afternoon to find the Coke Ovens, down past Florence. Rob wanted to check out the area as a possible place to take his scouts anyway, so we set out to make a hike out of it.

Long story short, the amount of hiking we did ended up being about zero, but we definitely weren't lacking adventure. As we drove through a canyon, trying to wind our way through, we came to a spot that looked impossible to drive through. Unfortunately, Rob saw it as a challenge.

As we started driving over the boulders (not exaggerating--they were BOULDERS!), we soon found ourselves high-centered and in a dilemma. Rob started to get out to evaluate our situation and Ashlee commented, "You know, some families go bowling and stuff..." This was her way of letting us know that she apparently finds our family activities to be out-of-the-ordinary. Strange.

Well, we made it through and got to go about another 1/4 mile before we were truly at a dead end. Which of course meant... we got to go BACK over the part we had just come through. This time, knowing what we were in for, I got out to help guide from the outside (and snap pictures!), Ashlee stayed in the front to guide from there, and we let the other kids out to play around while Rob worked through it.

Here they go over the boulders...

Rob would drive a few inches, get out and strategically place rocks as needed, get in and drive over those rocks, get out and place some more rocks...

This went on for quite awhile...

I cringed watching them as they finally got through. That big rock behind them was stuck underneath the car as they came down off the boulders. The scraping and grinding before it finally worked its way out was physically painful to watch (and hear)!!! =/

This is what the other kiddos did while Rob & Ashlee were having their fun:

After we got out of that mess, we drove another way and found some railroad tracks to play around. We never made it to the Coke Ovens, since it was getting dark, but had a good time nonetheless.

Of course no family outing would be complete without Rob terrorizing the kids...

Chase loves having big brothers to swing him... 1... 2... 3!

Rob told Kaybree to see if she could hear a train coming...

Just hangin' out...

We thought this place looked like something out of a movie. It even looked misty back in there. It was really cool.

Had to snap a couple pictures of the scenery as the sun went down.


The night was complete after stopping to find a quick geocache on the way home:

Ashlee would still have preferred bowling... ;-)

Riding Like the Big Boys

With school out for President's Day today, the kids enjoyed playing outside and riding bikes. Chase experienced a great accomplishment, thanks to some pointers and help from his big brother, Blake. He learned to jump his bike!!! He's always watched Blake and Spencer do this, so he was very excited today to learn to ride like the big boys!

Trying...
Gearing up for another attempt...

Getting some help a few times...

And finally... The great moment... WOOHOO!!!

Good times!!!

The Best Guy in the World

Today as we were driving in the car Chase said, "Dad is the best guy in the world!" The other kids and I just had to agree.

I met this guy over 21 years ago, at a Family New Year's Eve party I tagged along to with my BFF, his cousin Wendi. (He & I would both later say that our first impressions of each other would never have led us to believe we'd end up married!)

A few months later, in a moment of desparation, he called me for a date. He had a Priests mutual activity that he had to bring a date to, so he called up his BCF Wendi to get the number for that girl who came to the family party. (She would have to do.) =)

The mutual activity was a beach cookout at Val Vista Lakes, and it was fun. Apparently he had enough fun that he decided to ask the girl out again, a few months later, for his (Gilbert HS) Homecoming.

I remember that night was the the beginnings of a connection with this guy. Homecoming was held at Burke Elementary School, and when we had had enough dancing, we went out and sat on the playground swings and chatted. I remember him talking about his Grandpa Tate, who was suffering from Alzheimer's. I remember how tough he tried to be as he talked about it all, but I caught some glimpses of how it was really tearing his heart out. He had a special relationship with his Grandpa. We talked about some funny things too, and I got to see what a fun sense of humor he had.

From there we started spending more time together... dating more... (This is one of my favorite pictures from that time in our lives.) One thing we often did was go together and donate blood (hence the bandage on his arm). Soooo romantic, I know! Stephenie Meyer would have a hayday with that one! I know it was really more one of my favorite things to do than his, but he obliged me... (because he's the best guy in the world).

I look at this picture and the memories come flooding back. That smile... those puppy-dog eyes... his Chevy Blazer... that smile... the parking lot of the Goodwill downtown (why the heck were we stopped there???)... that trim, fit, muscular tennis player he was (Oh, BABY!!!)... that smile... (did I already say that???) Man, those were some good times!!!

And here we are, 17 years of marriage & 6 kiddos later... and the best guy in the world is still mine. And will be for eternity. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Thanks, Honey, from all of us, for being the best guy in the world. For loving us, providing for us, teasing us, teaching us, and giving us a wonderful example to follow.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO THE BEST GUY IN THE WORLD!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Driving Mr. Chase

This morning Chase was very anxious to deliver his Toy Story Valentines to his friends. He carefully wrote his name on each one, inserted the pencils they came with, and off we went. We drove around to his friends' homes, I stayed in the car so as not to detract from his sense of independence (and with hopes that I might not be seen in my frumpy sweats state), and he was on top of the world by the time we finished.

As this magic transformation came over him I started writing down his comments. After giving out his 4th Valentine he came running back to the car and exclaimed, "And I bet I'm not even being shy today, cuz, they're saying 'Thank you' and I'm saying 'You're welcome'!!!" He was also thrilled beyond belief at the fact that several friends had Valentines with treats for him! He said, "Mom, I can't believe they're giving us treats back!" (Especially when the valentines we're giving only come with a pencil! Heckuva deal, I must say!!!)

One of his friends gave him a Fruit by the Foot, and as he opened it to eat while we drove to the next house he was amazed at how long it was. He still pointed out, though, that, "This is deftalently NOT bigger than me!" (I'm so glad he hasn't lost the deftalently quite yet!)

After he finished the FBTF he stated matter-of-factly, "We're gonna have to go home." His hands were sticky and he can't stand being sticky. Before I even had the chance to offer an easier solution (like a wipee), he said, "I know just the thing, actually... Licking my hands off!" He was delighted with his discovery. (I loved the "just the thing"--and I love his occasional "actually" he throws in! Wonder where he'd get that...?) =)

One friend wasn't home, so he stuck the Valentine in the door, turned around to head back to the car, and said with a smile, "I give up!"

As we headed back home he said, "Mom, I think Jesus is thankful for me giving these to people."

Doesn't that just sum it all up right there? The whole point of every little thing we do--from giving out simple Valentines to performing major acts of service. Sign me up to chauffeur any day. It was time well spent.

Mary Poppins

Ashlee's choir class had an evening field trip to see Mary Poppins at Gammage. Since it was a "provide your own transportation" event, we were able to bring Grandma Nelson along. We picked her up early and took her to Costa Vida for dinner (she had never been there), and then we headed for Tempe.
We had low-budget seats (which we were thankful for, so we could afford to go)--but they were way up high. Ashlee was so funny walking along our row to her seat--she was terrified, but laughing!!! She walked slowly, holding on to the back of the seats, freaking out every time she turned around to look back at us. We were all pretty nervous--it was so steep! But we made it! And we were glad we had brought binoculars along. =)
The show was about 3 hours long--and it was GREAT! I actually cried at the end--I'm such a ridiculous baby!!! I don't know what it is--sometimes I'm just so amazed by people's incredible talents!
It was a really fun evening. Great memories, Great times!

Ashlee, Lexy, Haylee, & Ashley

This was the last picture I got before the ushers came and told us NO PICTURES!!!

Awesome show!!!

Making Boys into Men

Rob has been the Scoutmaster in our ward for just over a year now. He currently has 22 scouts in his troop. They've split into two deacons quorums for Sundays, but on mutual nights they all still meet together.
Our Stake Young Men's President spoke at a fireside for the boys and parents awhile back and made a statement that really stuck with me. I have to paraphrase, but he basically said, "Parents, please allow us to give your boys the kinds of experiences that will help them become men." He talked about experiences from his own youth: Experiences with very hard work, hikes that made boys cry,... and how he now looks back on those experiences with gratitude for the strength he gained.
Our scouts recently went on a snow campout and 17 of the 22 boys came. When the boys requested this snow campout awhile back, Rob honored their request despite his fears that they wouldn't enjoy it. (One of the main objectives of a scout leader needs to be shadow leadership--allowing the boys to carry out their own plans, not simply the plans of the leaders--so Rob let them go for it.) So off they went in January, 4 leaders and 17 boys, to camp out on the ground, in the snow, in front of Rob's parents' cabin.
Long story short, it was a miserable time had by almost all. Boys were crying, feet felt frostbitten, some shivered all night... One boy was crying at home before they even left on the campout, not wanting to go; but he was finally persuaded to come. I'm sure he regretted it. But, silly boys that they are, some have recently asked if they can plan another one!!! (It won't happen, since it's already February now, but still funny that they asked!)
The boys also recently had the opportunity to carry out a service project for sweet Sis. Yvonne White in our ward, an elderly sister who is in a wheelchair. She needed a pathway for her wheelchair to enable her to get to the back of her property. So on a Tuesday evening they went over and got it done for her. She was so appreciative and said they even made it look so "artistic."
In these pictures it appears that Bro. Reed is doing all the work and the boys are standing around "supervising." And of course Rob was behind the camera, so he's not in the pictures at all. But I'm sure these pictures don't reflect all that went on that evening.
I see these boys--including my own sons--benefiting from the efforts of wonderful Young Men's leaders, and I'm so grateful for the time and energy these men invest in carrying out their callings. Having never been a boy myself, things like knife-making, animal skinning, etc., just don't cross my mind; even if they did, where in the world would I find the time to explore these interests with them? And no matter how hard I tried, I would never be able to be an example of a righteous Priesthood holder. As a mom, there's no way I could even begin to think of all the things my sons need to know before they leave home. I can do all in my power as their mother, but I'm so grateful for the people and programs available to support my sons in becoming the men they will one day be. It truly takes a village to raise a child--and faithful Priesthood holders to make boys into men.

Feelin' the Luuuuuuuv

Today as we were starting family scripture study Ashlee decided to make a less-than-kind comment to Spencer. (Who says family scripture time is always an uplifting and edifying experience???) So Rob gave Ashlee an opportunity to show the true love she has for her wonderful little brother. They got to sit nice and close, with her arm around him, as we read. It was joyous. Can't you just see in her face the warm, fuzzy feelings of sweet siblinghood??? Next time this happens we'll let her sing for us, "I love brother, he loves me... We are a happy family!!!"

Do You Ever...?

Emmee - Age 4 (2004) - holding flowers she picked for me =)

Just pondering today and wondering if there are other moms out there who look at their kids and think like I do, "How did I ever get lucky enough to be your mother?" (So as to not get TOO serious, I think we've also all had those moments of, "Why the heck do I have to be your mother???" Grrrrrrr.) Okay, not really though!

So... back to the serious side. There are times I find myself wondering how this all happened--how someone like me, with so many weaknesses and shortcomings, could have children who set amazing examples for me daily. I honestly feel so undeserving of them at times, I feel like it's an unspeakable honor and privilege just to get to spend time with them--not to mention be their mother!

I think all of us must feel this way, as we have the cherished opportunity--and responsibility--to teach and guide these incredible spirits who have been saved for this time in history. The world has never before known times like these. Our precious children will be the ones to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I sense this, often, as I watch them go out into the world and stand strong for what is right. They say and do things that I KNOW I didn't have the strength to do at their ages. They love the Lord, they love truth, and they aren't afraid to make it known.

I've had the distinct impression, at times, that they are, in fact, my superiors. It's easy, as parents, to get the idea that because we're older we know more. While we may have arrived before our children on this earth, and we therefore have more worldly learning, they stayed back and furthered their premortal preparations. So I ask myself: Which experiences count for more? Theirs or mine? I think they win.

With that knowledge I realize the duties before me in applying my knowledge of this world that they've entered, to their knowledge of things I've probably long forgotten. And humbly remembering my place in all of this.

I LOVE BEING A MOTHER!!!