The Last of the Firsts **July Fourth**

Today, we celebrated the last holiday in our first year here in Rigby, Idaho! Our year mark is rapidly approaching!





***Happy Birthday America!*** I absolutely LOVE Independence Day! I'm not sure if it's the bright colors; red, white, and blue, or the patriotism and pride in our beloved country (in spite of it's current difficulties), or that it's just a good excuse to enjoy being with people we care about and eat LOTS of yummy food, that makes it such a special day for me. Granted, I do love all holidays, and this one is definitely one of my tops! I love seeing the flag waving on people's front lawns. I love seeing little children all dressed up in patriotic colors including matching ribbons in their hair. I love seeing old people in old-fashioned cars driving carefully in parades, and I love hearing the marching band playing (even if they aren't so good).


It's really amazing how the Fourth of July is commonly celebrated from Sea to Shining Sea! No matter where you are in America, you can see and feel people's love for their country! This year I really wanted my children to understand that the Fourth isn't just for fireworks, but it's our country's birthday. I told the little boys that today is America's birthday, and they just looked at me with Awe and Wonder. They were a little confused at first, since our cat's name is America, but I quickly explained that it is the country in which we live that is having its birthday. I want them to learn to be good citizens. I want them to learn what opportunities can be theirs because they are citizens. I want them to learn about all of those who died for our Freedom and that Freedom is not free! Our children must be taught these things. They cannot grow up thinking that Freedom was handed to us on a silver platter and that this day is only for buying expensive fireworks and blowing them up when the sun goes down just for our pleasure. They need to know more. I think perhaps that living near our nation's capital for nearly 9 years has ingrained in me the importance of liberty. I loved living near all of that history! I loved having my children so near it that they could see it, feel it, taste it! I just hope that now that we are 2,500 miles away from where our country began, I will be able to express to my children the importance of this occasion and its true meaning.

Last Sunday, James and I were able to sing in a community choir at the Celebration of Liberty. During the program, we were able to see a reenactment of the Patrick Henry speech "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death." It was moving and inspiring. The choir ended the ceremony by singing Battle Hymn of the Republic. I had chills as we sang about God's hand in creating this land of Liberty. It was a wonderful reminder of how we got to where we are today. I love America, and I'm grateful that this day is set aside each year to help us remember the sacrifices made for our Independence.















On a lighter note, we did have a lot of fun today! It was significant that we started our day with the old--as our first year here comes to a close: Our friends the Ransoms paid us one more visit before heading back to VA. We said goodbye to them this mourning. Then, we turned our hearts and minds forward to say Hello to our friends, the Buskas. We spent the day with them as well as our new friends, the Leggs, in the tiny town of Menan. We ended up arriving just in time for the parade. We had not intended to watch the parade, so we started heading to the fair grounds. We were hoping to take advantage of the fact that the majority of the crowds would be lining the streets and we would experience shorter lines at all of the food and games stands. A man driving a kiddie train drove past and stopped to invite our children for a ride in the train. Of course all of the children ran screaming and got into the train. They were wisked away, to our surprise, to become PART of the parade. We didn't see 9 of our children for the next hour and a half! That POOR train driver! The adults and remaining teens and infants headed to the food stands! The food was yummy and by the time our children came back, we had snow cones in hand for the poor hot and thirsty little ones. I think we had more fun than they did!

The rest of the day was filled with watermelon eating contests, funnel cakes, dunking machines, and the best part; the new swords!

Proof that Alex DOES eat!
He almost won the contest, but became sick right at the end!

The Elders getting into it with Connor and his swords!
Emily decided to get DUNKED!
Alex goes next, then poor little Hunter gets slammed by Emily. Finally Hannah decides to cool off! What fun!

We then went to the Buska's for a fun BBQ. Then headed back to Menan for fireworks. We ended up parking next to a field to watch. We could see the fireworks all around the surrounding area! It was a great time and we all went home happy and exhausted!



Shooting off Hydrogen Rockets at the Buskas.

Family

We joyfully cram-packed the last half of our week with friends and family. Since my parents and some of my siblings headed on a cruise for Alaska and left Josh and I and our families behind, we decided to have a celebration of our own. Josh and Susanna and the kids came up to spend a couple of days with us.
We went to the Riot Zone and let the kids play on inflatables on Fri.

Then had a picnic at the park while Hunter had his first soccer practice.
Yummy cupcakes. I agree with
Phebe, the frosting is the best part!

Hunter's uniform is so bright, you gotta wear shades!

On Saturday, we decorated the wagon and bikes and the kids got to be in the local parade. They were all so cute and really enjoyed being in the parade. Connor asked how he was going to be able to throw candy while he had his hands on the steering wheel! It would have been impossible coordination for him. As it was, he ran over my feet several times! Crazy Driver! Keep both hands and both feet on the bike! Luke and Liam sat so still in the wagon waving their little flags. They were so cute.
After the parade, we had Popsicles at the park. Ahhh, Popsicles are so good after all that hard work of pulling the wagon through the streets of Rigby!
Yes, even Superman got in on the fun of the parade!

After the parade, we just hung out at the house and played in the pool and on the tramp.

I gave Phebe her birthday present, one that brought me so much joy to give her! I made her a white tutu and bought her all of the princess loot to go with it! It's so much fun having a baby girl to spoil again! She makes the sweetest little princess.

I love that Josh and Susanna are so close to us now. We love being with them. It is wonderful that my kids can get to know their cousins! What a fun whirlwind of a weekend!

FRIENDS!!!

It's a wonderful day when good old friends come to visit!!!

Marcia and I spent our time with each other talking non-stop!

The Ransom's came to visit us all the way from VA on Wed and Thurs. We had the best time! It shows true friendship when you can just hang out at home and have the greatest time. The kids got to run around and swim in the backyard pool. They also rode bikes and got in some game cube and TV time.

Jason and Connor have been begging to get together since they saw each other last year. It's difficult for 4-year-olds to understand the concept of 2,400 miles! When they are here, the gap is closed.

Best Friends!

Jenessa got to go to camp with Hannah. It was the best gift we could have given Hannah. You should have seen their faces when they saw each other--pure JOY!

Here are a few quotes to celebrate our dearest friends.

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." - Sent by Donna Roberts

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend." - by John Leonard

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." - Abraham Lincoln

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to wish my Dad a happy Father's Day! I took this photo of him in 2004 and decided to frame it and give it to him today. I had to edit out the people that were standing around him. A so-so job, but it was really my first time doing it.

Since moving to the west, I have really enjoyed spending time with my Dad and really getting to know him better. He is a great dad and a terrific grandpa! Happy Father's Day!

And of course, James being the father of my children, I have to honor him! He's had a great day of being treated like a king (right now, the girls are massaging his feet!). He is a wonderful dad, and I love to watch him with his kids. Happy Father's Day, James, I love you!

DRUGS!

I don't really consider myself a hypochondriac, but I must reconsider my position after visiting the doctor today and coming home with SIX prescriptions! I think with most adults, it takes a lot to get to the doctor. I am no different. I have been putting several petty issues off for quite some time now, but this morning, after suffering with a very bad headache and sinus trouble for a week, I decided that enough was enough! I made the call and scheduled myself an appointment. I'm sure it wasn't the first time that an adult went in and unloaded years worth of problems in 10 minutes! I am happy to say that for some of my issues, I am well on my way to recovery!

So it makes me wonder why we do it. Why don't we take care of ourselves? I knew that if I went to the doctor, I'd be able to come up with some solutions, some ways to make myself feel better, yet I delayed until I really couldn't function.

I guess as a mother and wife, I like to make sure that everyone else is taken care of, and my own problems can take a back seat. The time it takes, the money it costs--it's more important for the family and not me. Maybe it's also a little fear of opening myself up to some strange man (the Dr.) that I've never met before. Or even worse, that the Doctor will say that it's all in my head!

Whatever the reason, whatever our excuses, we need to shift our paradigm and make some changes and take care of ourselves so that we can better take care of our families! It's much easier to be supermom when we feel great.

So my advice to you all reading and lurking, is to get out there and get those little issues taken care of before they get big so that you can feel great and enjoy taking care of your family!

The Return of the Girls June 1

The next chapter of my life has no photos for some reason. Actually, I think I did take a photo with my phone of the Logan Temple, but getting that photo from my phone to my blog is way beyond my skill level. I can only be so savvy.

Like I said, the week was so peaceful! I love my girls, but just the sheer number percentage alone means that there will be less chaos in my home without them.

I think the girls had fun at Grandma's house, but when Grandma said that next time they can each come by themselves, I knew what had gone on. My poor mother. She said she finally realized on the last day that one of them (who shall remain nameless or die of embarrassment) must have had PMS. Let me repeat; POOR MOTHER! I know I should feel horrible, but secretly inside I'm sighing with relief that I missed that week in my sweet daughter's life! What's worse is that we usually both have it at the same time! Bring on the B complex and the calcium and the dark chocolate and whatever else helps!

We decided to meet in Logan for the hand off. It is so convenient that Josh and Susanna live at the halfway point.

Since they were getting a foreign exchange student for a week, my mom and I decided to get a hotel with the girls so we wouldn't overwhelm poor Saki.

Also since getting a FES (see above), Susanna bailed on our girl's day at the temple, and sent Josh. That's okay, but Susanna is much cuter, more stylish, and all around more interesting to talk to (just kidding, Josh, but you are a rocket scientist!).

I had never been to the Logan Temple before. It is such a beautifully unique temple. It's much different than all of the other temples on the outside. I found out that the inside used to look similar to the Salt Lake Temple with its elaborate gold trim and sculpturing until it was renovated many years ago. Unfortunately, the new design was much plainer and simpler. It would have been grand to see the original. But, the reason for the temple isn't to dazzle us, it's for us to just get the work done! And work we did.

During the meeting, I couldn't look at the curtains. They were scalloped all the way across and they hung from ceiling to floor. Each time I glanced at them, I felt a migraine coming on. It was the strangest and most horrible sensation--like strobe lights. Later my mom told me that images like that create that feeling for anyone who frequently gets migraines. She told me that it gave her the same sensation. So strange. Later that night, I did get a migraine.

We went swimming in the hotel's pool after a fun dinner at McDonald's (woo hoo). It was so fun interacting with Luke and Liam. It is so difficult for me to tell them apart since I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with them. But after spending one on one time with each of them in the pool, I was beginning to differentiate between them. Their personalities are very different. They are great little boys, and I can't wait to watch them grow!

After taking Excedrin PM for my head ache Sat. night, I couldn't keep my eyes open during Church on Sunday. That stuff is wicked and I'm usually hung over the next day! It is seriously the only thing that works for my migraines.

After church the worst thing imaginable happened! Emily and I went into the bathroom to change clothes. I flushed the toilet in my brother's new house and the toilet started flooding over! I immediately turned off the water, but not before it flowed over onto the floor! Poor Emily had to run out into the hall with no clothes on! I sopped up the water and sanitized the floor. I was feeling pretty good about my cleaning job until we heard the girls in the basement yelling that water was dripping from the ceiling!!!

Water was pouring from the duct work right onto poor Saki's bed! She must have been horrified, but acted pretty calm. Water was also pouring from a light socket onto the wood floor (thankfully missing the couches). It was a mess, but Josh had quick reflexes, and got everything taken care of quickly. It brought back horrible memories from our home in VA. We had just repaired an 8 foot section of the ceiling, when the toilet blew a gasket and flooded all night long right after we installed hardwood flooring. It was heart breaking, but we caught the ceiling before it hit the floor. It was bulging and getting ready to burst. I'm hoping that there won't be any more damage to Josh's house than a few holes drilled into the duct work. I'm so sorry Josh. I feel so bad!

We finally hit the road for home. We listened to a book on cd--The Survivors--which made it quite the enjoyable ride.

Phew, what an exhausting beginning to summer--only wait, it sure doesn't feel like summer yet!

Memorial Day 2008

So, Connor has been begging and begging to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. It strikes me as funny that he is so obsessed about it. We are definitely going down to Utah for the 24th of July celebration, but that is a VERY long time for a four-year-old to wait. So, my mind started searching for a good time to go down, and POP--into my head shoots Memorial Day. The kids will be out of school by then, and James will have that Monday off. It would also be good to teach the children about the true meaning of Memorial Day; that it's not just the kick off to summer's fun, but a day set aside to remember those who bravely fought for our country, as well as those who have gone on before us. Perfect. But then we started thinking about gas prices and watched them soar higher each day. And would our poor old van make it, or would we be stranded in Idaho Falls? I started hemming and hawing and wondering if it was such a good idea after all. We decided to go for it.

The weather didn't seem to want to cooperate, but Saturday wasn't so bad. We went swimming at the rec center (Alex couldn't swim on account of his hair, so he sweated pink sweat in the weight room). Then we ate a YUMMY lunch at Dick's Drive Inn--Home of my first real employment and the best footlong in the world. It's also up for sale! We toyed with the idea of buying it and moving to Kamas, but it was just a fleeting thought. After lunch, my mom and I sat in the car in her driveway and talked for about an hour while the kids jumped on the tramp and James napped. My Dad was digging up everything in his yard to send home with us!

Then we headed to the local movie theater to watch the awesome The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The movie theater was once owned by my Great Grandfather, Douglas Thurston Simpson. I think they still have the original seating! We had such a fun time. The popcorn there has got to be the world's best, and they always have a drawing for $100 from the ticket stubs! I love small towns!

I was able to attend church with my mom on Sunday and got to see her nervously give her lesson. She did a wonderful job and really allowed the spirit to teach the sisters.



We heard that the weather wasn't going to be good on Monday, so we decided to head to Coalville to put flowers on the graves. I had forgotten that my Grandpa Dean was buried there. Wow, I can't believe that it's been 6 years since he died. My mom showed us where our other relatives were buried and then we had to search to find Alexander Black. Alex was able to get his picture taken with him. Truthfully, I didn't know I had an ancestor with that name until after I had named Alex. I'll have to do some research on him!

Monday, we were able to attend a Rodeo Queen Contest. My cousin was a contestant. It is amazing how professional these young 13 year old girls are! They memorized very engaging 5 minute speeches and wore $500 outfits, not to mention learned a rodeo pattern which they performed with their horses. It was very fun.


My amazing and dear friend Betsy happened to be in Utah the same time we were! It is so funny how we found out we each would be there. Betsy told her dad that she was coming to visit. Her dad told my dad and my dad told her dad that we would be there too! She finally texted me and we made plans to hook up. We thought it wasn't going to work out, but we agreed to meet halfway in Park City for a late lunch. We saw her for about 20 min and she had to rush off to the airport to catch her plane. I'm so glad that I have Betsy in my life. She is a great friend!



Some cool recycled art statues in Park City.


We headed back home and met up with my brother Josh and SIL Susanna and their darling kids. It was so fun seeing them, but the best part was watching the little cousins interact with each other. Emily absolutely loves the babies and she was so good when any of them needed a little extra TLC! I could just eat little Phebe up! She is so adorable!


We got a picture of all of the grand kids together! The little bunch is growing. My parents now have 9 grand kids!

Josh and Susanna, I hope you don't mind, I had to nab these photos from your blog. They are too cute!




Oooh, that little Phebe is yummy!

We decided to leave the girls with Grandma for the week and the boys and I headed home before dusk, and that amazing little van made it all the way home once again! It was a great trip and I'm so glad we sucked up the $3.75 a gallon and went!

For some reason, we had the most peaceful week!

Last Day of School--May 23

Alex, my future rock star, on the last day of school!

The end of school came extremely fast this year! Before it was warm outside, practically before the snow melted, the kids were having field day, the concerts were being held, and the awards were pouring in. It just felt too early. I have always been one to say that school should be finished by Memorial Day. Well, this year, my wish came true. Now I'm thinking, "WHAT was I thinking?"

We've been out of school for two weeks now, and I'm now starting to settle in to the idea that all of the kids will be home all day long. Phew! It's tough keeping 5 kids entertained with wholesome activities all day long without killing each other!

Ah, Summertime!

Alex had been telling me since before the last month of school that he wanted to dye his hair pink for the last day of school. Well, since my good friend Susan Tietjen lets her girls dye their hair with Koolaid on the last day of school, it must be an okay thing for good parents to do, right? Besides, I figured he'd probably chicken out. Well, two days before school lets out, he's begging me to take him somewhere to find pink hair dye. I'm thinking Koolaid, but no, he's thinking official dye! James finds a kit at Rite Aid for $10. There is no way I'm paying for that, and I figure there is no way Alex will pay that, but I was wrong, and he used his hard earned and quite skimpy allowance to pay for it!

Alex is so lucky to have such a GREAT dad! James dove right in and opened the box and started on Alex's hair. First it had to be bleached. Then carefully dyed.

It turned out to be exactly the same color as my cell phone! Since pink is my favorite color, and I tried to color stripes of pink in my hair when I was a teenager with magic marker, I kind of liked it. And besides, when I was a baby, I had a pink blankie that I named Pinkie. Pinkie mysteriously disappeared when I was about 10. Now I have my own Pinkie again!

It was also so soft, I couldn't keep my hands off of it! The girls at school felt the same way! Alex said that all of the girls had to run their fingers through his hair. Surprisingly, it is quite the babe magnet! Everywhere we go, teenage girls come out of their shells to comment to Alex about his hair.

The color is now starting to fade to a bright pinkish orange and the roots are growing out. I haven't said a thing about his hair to him, and low and behold, the other day he was in the grocery store looking for products to take the color out of his hair!!!!! I think he's all pinked out! I told him we already have something at home that takes color out of hair. He was all ears until I told him that all you do is plug it in and buzz it over your head. Instant color and hair removal! He didn't like that idea at all. He's decided to grow his hair out and not cut it. We'll see how he feels when he has orange tips with platinum in the middle and dark blond roots!

I really love having a teenager. It is so much fun. It really does bring back a lot of good old memories!

Step One: Remove Color.

Step 2: Keep bleach moist and look foolish!

Step 3: RINSE. Ooh, la, la!

Step 4: Color PINK!

Step 5: Oh, yeah, who's cool now?