Sweet Old Ladies and New Cars Meet for Christmas Miracles

The Monday after Thanksgiving Tim went out to go to work and his Nissan would not start.  We have been nursing Tim's car along for a couple years now.  It was just too delicious to own both our cars to think about replacing it.   I knew that the state of his car weighted heavy on his mind.  I think he considered it a miracle each time it got him to work.  We knew the time had finally come to replace it.  It was so lovely that we got to do it during the Christmas season! (insert sarcasm)  Replacing Tim's car was not without some Christmas Miracles along the way.  The miracles began when the car started after a prayer on its behalf and we were able to drive it to CARMAX and sell it to them.  I thought we would be lucky to get $500 out of it but they offered double.  While we thought they were crazy we were thankful!  Then began the hunt for the Nissan's replacement.  This would be no easy task because that Nissan had been an awesome car.  I really hate car dealerships and so we decided to buy private party.

Tim had stayed home from work to begin searching the internet and narrow down the search.  I had been sick the night before and so I decided to lie down for a nap.  Right before I fell asleep I said to Tim, "We need to find a Grandma's car that she only drove to church."  I further expounded that we needed someone who just needed to get rid of it but didn't need every penny out of it.  We laughed, or maybe Tim did.  I fell asleep.  When I woke up, Tim came into the bedroom excitedly saying he found the car and wouldn't you know it that right in the listing it said, "belonged to a Grandpa who only drove it to church."  So we didn't find Grandma's car we found Grandpa's instead. What are the odds?  The car lived in Provo and so we had to wait until the weekend to go see it.

When we got to the guy's house he came out and had to be the nicest guy ever.  We were in a somewhat rural part of Provo and there is just something about country folk.  We spent as much time talking to him as we did about the car.  He told us that the car belonged to his Dad who had lived next door.  His Dad had recently passed away from cancer (same cancer my mom died from, again the odds?) and he was liquidating his belongings for his Mother.  He took us next door so we could meet his mom.  When we walked into her living room she was sleeping in front of the TV.  Bless her heart!  When she woke up she was so happy to have visitors and asked us to sit down and talk for awhile.  She looked so much like my Grandma I thought I would cry.  I've noticed that old people have this quality about them that society is losing.  Old people seem to have a genuine interest in others and have the gift of conversation that you can't find now days.  My Grandma definitely had it and this lady was no different and I fell in love with her on the spot.  While we were talking she told us she had been born in this home and that when her parents passed away when she was about 30 years old she had moved her family into the home.  I told her that my mom had passed away when I was 30 too (odds people?) and she declared us to be the cutest couple.  At this point I didn't care about the car I just wanted to take her home with me.

We went back outside and the guy started erasing the price he had written on the windows and said not to think about that figure because they didn't need to get every penny out of the car.  They just wanted it gone.  This was too much.  Either someone bugged my house and decided to grant every wish that I uttered or God heard my prayer and answered like only a loving Father can.  Of course we bought the car.  For more that $3000 below blue book no less and the guy threw in a set of new snow tires that he found in his Dad's shed for free.  The whole experience restored my faith.  My faith in prayer, in people, and in Christmas miracles.

I've thought so many times how I can repay their kindness.  I've thought about writing them a letter and telling them that their kindness and conversation meant as much to me as their willingness to cut us a deal on the car.  I've thought about sending a present.  But then I remembered something my mom would say whenever we stopped to help someone on the side of the road.  (Can't tell you how many times this happened in my childhood)  She would always tell the people that they could repay her by helping someone else next time they had the opportunity.  It was good advice then and it is now.  

Tim loves his new car.  He knows it will start.  He knows he will get to work without the bumper or engine falling off.   He enjoys the bluetooth.  The kids think it is the coolest car and have declared my van as old and lame.  It's been a month and every time Tim drives into the garage Claire yells, "Dad's sweet munkin car is home!"
             

Disney 2014

 

In September we took the kids to Disneyland.  We thought we had chosen the most perfect time to go.  We thought the crowds would be manageable and that the weather would be ideal.  One out of two ain't bad.  The crowds were indeed manageable but So. Cal was having history making heat while we were there. We drove there and our car thermometer read 106 on the day we rolled into town.  I have never been so hot in my entire life.  The sweat just rolled down our faces.  Disney could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman wearing white gloves and despite the heat we had a magical time!

Here are the highlights....

I thought I would cry when I saw these mist thingys.  I wanted to live under one for about an hour.

The park was decorated for Halloween already which was cute.  Others have made it seem like it is the best thing ever and I thought it was ok.  Ruined the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain in my humble opinion. 

 

As you can imagine Frozen was the craze at Disneyland.  All Claire wanted as an Elsa Doll.  When we went into the Bibbi Bobbidi Boutique the sweet ladies working there said we came at the right time because she was just opening a new shipment and that they would be gone in a matter of minutes.  While we were waiting to pay a woman came in behind me and bought every doll on the shelf.  Whoa! 

 

 

While I was paying for the Elsa Doll the lady working there told Claire she had something special that she wanted to give to her that we couldn't buy.  It was this Tinker Bell Pin.  Upon some research I found out these pins were only given to cast members in 2010.  They were given two pins.  One to keep for themselves and one to give to someone when they saw a good deed in the park.  Claire was so excited when she saw the Elsa doll and told me "Thank you!" for buying it and I think that is what earned her this pin.  Since the promotion was so long ago and this pin was showing some wear I think the cast member gave her the pin she was supposed to keep for herself.  It is a little treasure we brought home with us.  When we got home Claire pinned it on this piece of fabric and wrote her name on it.  It makes me smile every time I see it. 

The Tower of Terror really freaks me out.  Standing in line the anticipation grows and grows.  Gage did this scary face to freak me out even more!  Love that Kid!

Gage has the best faces on these ride snapshots.  He is growing up so fast.  He is a lot of fun to be around. 
  

Can I just say how much I love Cars Land?  So cute and charming.  It was by far my favorite part of the trip.  My only regret is that Cars Land didn't exist when my boys were 3 years old.  It would have blown their minds!

 

 

 

 

As it was, this is Luke waiting to ride Cars for the first time.  I thought he would burst! 

 

 

                              

Do you love Claire's arms up?  Little dare devil. 

 

 

Claire and my niece Pieper got to dance with DJ and the car hop girls.  So cute!

Claire wanted to ride the teacups so badly.  Tim and I feel like we are going to barf on it so we tried to send the kids by themselves.  Not so fast, they don't allow kids under 8 without someone 12 or older.  Next time, Gage will be old enough to fulfill this role.  I made Tim go with them!

 

    

 

It should be noted that some major fears were confronted and overcome while on this trip.  This is a picture of Claire and Luke's first time on Splash Mountain.  Not so sure about the wisdom of putting Claire at the front.  Tim?!  Luke and I were in the very back, which is a two seater.  Did you know?  So Luke almost had a nervous break-down on Splash.  As we were approaching the hill to be pulled up he was really losing his mind.  I started to get worried that he was going to try and get out of the raft.  His fight or flight was kicking in big time.  I have to be honest that his panic was contagious.  So, we began to pray.  Right on Splash Mountain.  As you can see, we made it through.  I was exhausted at the end.  But Luke's demons had been exercised though.  He went on everything else after that and had a great time.  So proud of him.   

The kids really loved driving the cars.  Taking a picture when Luke is at the wheel and pushing the gas was kinda hard. 


There's a bit of theme with the following pictures.

 

 Crossing their arms much?  Too cool to let their arms fall to the side.....

Goodbye Primary

For the last three years I have been the Primary President in my ward.  Last Sunday I was released and it was time to say to goodbye to the kids I love with my whole heart.  The experience is something I will never forget.  It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done and the most rewarding.  I was so surprised how emotional I felt about it and my poor kids were crying and so upset that I wasn't going to be in Primary with them anymore.  I've been in Primary, in some capacity, with Gage almost from the beginning.  

The ladies I served with have made such a huge impact on my life.  I can't think about them without first tearing up and then being so grateful that the Lord would bless me with such capable and supportive counselors.  They just make me smile.  We are already trying to convince the bishop that our next callings need to be together.    

I think it's going to be really hard not to go into the Primary Room on Sunday.  I never felt the spirit so strongly as I did while in that room.  I truly believe the simple gospel truths taught in Primary are the most pure of Christ's doctrine.  Those kids taught me about my Savior's love.  

But, least you think it is all warm fuzzies.  After I left on Sunday and walked to my car with a much lighter bag and an even lighter mind I was like.....

   

Pinewood Derby

The mere mention of the Pinewood Derby throws fear into my heart.  Am I the only one?  Gage's pack did their first derby in October.  He's almost done with Cubs so I guess I should be glad this is the first one.  Um, people take these pretty seriously.

Gage made his into a book.  Not just any book.  His favorite book.  The Hobbit.  He and his Dad had a lot of fun working on it.  His car lost but Tim and Gage left with their integrity.

I felt stressed throughout the whole derby.  I think mostly because I wanted Gage to do well.  But toward the end I realized my "doing well" ruler was measuring the wrong thing.  Gage maintained his excited demeanor despite numerous losses.  He was genuinely happy for other boys.  He did not cry, compare, or rationalize as to how the others had cheated (make no mistake some had cheated but that's on them) but he congratulated the winner.  He took it like a man.  He left with a smile on his face and with a proud mama.

I love that he was oblivious to the cheating.  We had a great time!

Halloween 2014

Halloween this year was super warm and on a Friday.  Could it get any better for trick-or-treating?  It sure beats asking for candy in your snow suit!  Gage's grade requires the kids to chose someone from history and dress as them for Halloween.  They research their person and then on Halloween they have a "wax museum."  The kids stand like statues and then parents and the other kids can press a button and the 5th graders come to life and tell you about themselves.  I was so impressed with how still the kids were while waiting for their button to be pushed. Gage chose Orville Wright and so much of the month was spent researching The Wright Brothers.  Our swing-set became the first airplane, Luke became Wilbur Wright and Claire became the Wright Brother's little sister Kathryn.  I love how these three love to play together and I especially love when they bond over history.  Nerdy!

I was pleasantly surprised when both boys said that they wanted to trick-or-treat as the Wright Brothers.  I had initially thought that I was going to have to buy two costumes for Gage.  In our house, the Wright Brothers were as much a super hero as Tony Stark.  Yea!

Claire on the other hand did not confine herself to just one costume.  With the boys set on the Wright brothers I thought it would be so fun if Claire was Amelia Earhart.  We have a book on Amelia Earhart that Claire loves.  She agreed for about a nano second and then insisted on being a mermaid. Which is surprisingly hard to find except at expensive costumes shops.  Did I mention I hate spending money on costumes?  I tried with no success to convince Claire to wear the beautiful Elsa costume we already had.  She refused.  I was happy to find the mermaid costume she wanted on Amazon on sale so I thought it was a done deal.  That is, until Halloween Eve.  As I was tucking Claire into bed she asked me if I bought the sparkly hair spray.  I was confused.  What sparkly hair spray?  For the Elsa Costume of course.  I swear this girl likes messing with me.  She was in tears that she wanted to be Elsa after-all.  So at 10:00 pm I brought out my sewing machine to repair some rips in her Elsa costume.  My machine ate part of the sleeve at about 10:15 and by 11:00 I gave up trying to free it and just cut it loose.  By 11:30 pm I was finished hand sewing the once gaping hole.  I found some sparkly hair spray in my Halloween box. By midnight Tim was asking me why I was doing what I was doing.  Good question.  Because I'm a sucker.  My thought process was to return the Mermaid costume.  But no....

For the morning parade with the rest of school she was Elsa

Because she is in PM Kindergarten they had an additional parade and she was the mermaid

Not to mention that for her Costume Dance Class she was a witch.  Never mind, she refused to wear this one trick or treating last year.

I have looked back on all my previous posts about Halloween and something has become exceedingly clear.  Claire does this every year and next year she will choose something from the dress-up box on Halloween morning.  This mama is done with the wardrobe changes.

Tim and I don't like dressing up.  Chalk it up to our shyness I guess, but this year we were invited to a costume party.  I was panicking.  Thankfully, I have a very talented friend who is also generous and close to my size who makes the most amazing costumes for herself and her family.  She loaned us her pirate costumes and Tim and I won best dressed couple!  Maybe we don't dislike dressing up as much as we thought.  It just takes the right costume!      

Each year the Halloween celebrations seem to get bigger and bigger and each year I'm shocked at my shock.  I pretty much packed a lunch and spent the entire day at the elementary school.  I'm a simple girl and apparently the only one.  I felt exhausted by the time it got dark.  Tim took the kids out trick or treating and I was blessedly left home in a quiet house to pass out candy.

Until next year.....

Mom Frazzle

It seems like each day from the time I pick my kids up from school until about dinner time I feel like my head is going to explode!  I'm sure all mom's feel this way, but, man was yesterday a doozy.  Maybe, it felt so bad yesterday because it felt like all day someone was calling on my house phone or my cell phone.  I would just finish one conversation and text a would come in and then a call and then a neighbor wanted to talk, then a call, text.  You get the picture.

From the moment the kids landed in the van all three had said, "Mom!" like three times trying to beat out their sibling to tell me whatever had happened that day.  Gage was trying to tell me about a gross boy in the bathroom at the exact moment that Luke was crying about an assignment that he didn't understand while a car pool boy was trying to tell me that I didn't need to pick up his sister because she was getting a new retainer and Claire was needing praise for walking to the car herself.  Sarge loves to ride it the car, so he was there too and in the course of 10 seconds the car became a zoo.

It's like I need multiple brains, arms, mouths, ears.  You name it, one woman cannot possibly process all that needs to be processed.  While in the midst of trying to drive the car and asking for the umpteenth time for the kids to take turns talking to me I came around a blind curve to see three kids crossing in what is quite possibly the most idiotic place possible to cross a road.  I slammed on my brakes and Sarge, who had been standing on Gage's lap with his head out the window, lost his balance and fell/jumped out of the car window.  Once the car stopped and I pulled over to the side I had visions of blood, broken limbs, smashed skulls.  I came running into the road (in the idotic place mind you) to retrieve my little doggie.  He was standing, that was a good sign, with the saddest look on his face and it was obvious he was hurting but I could not see any blood.  Again a good sign.  All these cars were piling up while I was trying to get to him and the kids who had caused the whole thing in the first place were telling other kids it was the most awesome thing they ever saw!  AHHHHHHHH.  I hated myself that even though I had picked him up gingerly I was worried he was going to bleed on me.  Horrible.  The second I got back in the car every child was again talking at once.

Once we got home, poor Sarge could hardly walk and it was obvious he was in pain.  I was looking him over while all three kids were saying, "HEY MOM!"......"HEY MOM!"....."HEY MOM!"  Then both my cell phone and my house phone rang....at the freaking same time.  I was trying so hard to juggle all the balls at once but by 7:00 p.m, Tim was under the impression he had somehow ruined my day just by his mere existence and I felt so cranky and frazzled that I just wanted to hide.

Sidenote:  I did hide on Sunday by the side of my bed and no one but Sarge found me for 10 blessed minutes.  Hearing someone call, "Mom" in the distance is better than in your face!      

Anyway the point of this post wasn't merely to complain.  Although it does feel good to give voice to my woes.  But I did notice some things that were positive.

First, I thought how thankful I am that we have Sarge and how I think Sarge teaches the children responsibility and compassion.  I was touched that the boys wanted Sarge to have a soft place to lay so they struggled and worked for 10 minutes to bring Sarge's crate upstairs.

Second, I noted how interesting it is that Sarge has absolutely nothing to give except love but that we all value it so much that we sat around his crate talking to him and petting him and that prayers were later said for him.

Third, I'm glad that my head didn't explode.  Not only would that be messy but I'm glad that the kids want me to be a part of their lives and that they think of me when they have something of import to impart.

Finally, in some sick, twisted, weird way I'm looking forward to doing it all over again this afternoon. Minus, Sarge leaping from a moving vehicle.

Sarge update:  He has road rash on his paw and shoulder.   He must have landed on his bum because the underneath side of his tail has no hair and the whole area looks like hamburger.  It's painful to watch him walk and going to the bathroom is very difficult as you can imagine.  

I'm off to the store for Dog Aspirin and a Cone of Shame (just in case he doesn't stop licking)

Back to School Shopping With Claire

Claire started Kindergarten this year and I'm not going to lie, back to school shopping with her was terrifying.  I'm traumatized from the whole experience.  Since the boys started school a week earlier I waited to do her shopping until the boys went back to school.  I thought it would be a mother daughter experience that little girl's and mom's dreams are made of.  It might have been Claire's dream but not so much mine.  It seems that instead of taking Claire Back to School Shopping that somehow Kim Kardasian was actually buckled into the minivan.

Claire has always been a girly girl...no doubt about it, but this trip was surreal.  Even sitting here writing this post I can hardly describe it.  It's like an out of body experience.  Between the hair flipping and the disgust at "little girl" clothes, the conversation with a friend on my old cell phone (she actually asked me for privacy), the booty tooch in the dressing room mirror, and the duck face stance also in the mirror I was asking myself what the heck was going on.  At one point I was seriously looking for the hidden camera because Claire has never behaved this way.  She has certainly never seen me behave this way.  We don't even have cable so I don't know who she has seen behaving this way.  I was granted some unearthly patience through the whole thing and quietly and with as much grace as I could muster I said things like, "If you'd please stop looking at yourself in the mirror then I could help you button those pants."  and "You'll have to tell your "friend" that you will have to call her back when we are done."  and  "No, I will not nor will I ever, buy you a shirt that "shows" off your stomach."  Are you kidding me kid?

I was exhausted when we got home and I'm pretty sure I had a stutter the rest of the day.  I put her to bed early that night and I kid you not she woke up totally normal again.  It was one of the most scary parenting moments of my life.

I really debated writing this post because I don't want to cast Claire in a bad light.  One day, baby girl, you will read this and I want you to know the reason this experience scared me so much is because society would say this is how women should act.  I know different.  You are beautiful because you are smart and capable and funny and kind.  Your value is infinite and has nothing to do with the clothes you wear or how you style your hair.  I worry if you begin to measure yourself by what you see in the mirror that you will miss the most beautiful things about yourself and others.  People are like stained glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.  You were meant to sparkle and shine in spite of the darkness.  Love you!
       

Kindergarten for Claire

Time flew by and somehow earlier this week I was dropping off Claire for Kindergarten!  I was always so emotional when the boys started Kindergarten and I expected to be with Claire but I was not.  I thought it was totally weird but as I thought about it more I realized that in the past my tears have been out of worry. Worry that I didn't enjoy every single moment.  Worry that things will change Worry that they would miss me and need me.  Worry that they didn't know what to do.  Worry that they wouldn't make friends. 

Things are different with Claire.  I know I didn't enjoy ever single moment.  I accept that as impossible. I know things will change that that's ok.  She is so darn competent and sure of herself that I knew she wouldn't need me.  She can handle herself.  She is my first child that knew several children in her class on the first day of school and I can't tell you how much that placed my mind at ease.  After watching the boys for so many years go on without her she knew exactly what to do.  

Claire goes in the afternoon and things were calm all morning.  She was ready to go all morning and impatient for the time to come.  When we got there she played on the playground for a few minutes and lined up like she'd been doing it her whole life.  She gave a confident wave and "goodbye mom" and then she was gone. It's fun to see her excitement and pride that she isn't being left behind anymore.  Claire was very disappointed to see me outside the classroom the first day and that I walked her to the car instead of letting her walk alone with the boys and the other kids in carpool.  So the second day I refrained (that was hard) and let Luke do his job.  He loves picking her up and walking her to the church where I pick them up. Claire loves being with him.  Time continues to pass and I don't try to hold onto it as much anymore.  I've found that each stage and each new chapter brings new moments of beauty.
         

Back to School For Gage and Luke

Our experimental summer of less activities has finally come to an end.  I learned a lot this summer about myself and about my kids.  Being less involved activities sure made us more involved with each other and made us more appreciative of school when it rolled around.  I will remember this summer for talks with my kids in the twilight, movie nights and sometimes days, laughter, board games, imagination, playing with Sarge, Legos, and conflict resolution.  I am declaring it a success.

Gage was excited about his teacher until we went to Back to School Night and actually met the teacher.  Gage and I both came home saying things like, "Your teacher was very....interesting" because we weren't able to think of anything nicer to say.  The teacher told the parents and students that he is very sarcastic.  All I can say is it better have been sarcasm when he said to me, "I assume your literate?" So funny I forgot to laugh. He also told Gage he is annoying.  Gage has always enjoyed being the favorite of pretty much every teacher he has ever had so this will prove to be a growing experience.  I'll be watching closely.

Luke was blessed to get one of the nicest and smartest teachers his school has to offer.  She also had Gage in the 2nd grade and when she saw Luke she gave him the biggest hug and said how excited she was that he was in her class. He was beaming and it is just what he needed.  He has actually been excited to do homework!  Some TLC goes a long way with Luke.

(Tim painted these shoes for the boys.  They love them!)

When the first day came I had planned to park the car and at the very least wait with Luke.  Both boys declared that was TOTALLY unnecessary.  You mean I got up and did my make-up for nothin' kid?  I asked Gage to at least walk his brother to the line and he assured me he would.  We pulled up and Gage hopped out and had vanished while Luke was waiting for the auto van door to open.  Dude!?  I had to move along because cars were behind me so I drove super slow and then I saw that Luke had caught up to Gage.  My eyes were misty when I saw their two blonde heads together and Gage's hand on Luke's back guiding him into line.  I circled around and parked anyway and got out to stand with Luke.  Mother's privilege!  I think Luke was relieved when he saw me.

Claire started Kindergarten a few days later (more on that later) and this will be the only year all my kids are at the same school at the same time.  I am soaking it up while I can!

         

Enchanted Fairy Forest

 

I came across a pin on Pinterest about an Enchanted Fairy Forest in Kamas Utah.  I've been trying to plan day adventures for me and the kids and this sounded perfect!  Driving there was so beautiful and so much further away than I anticipated.  But it was worth the drive.  It was the most charming hike II have ever been on.  For instructions on how to get there go here.  The Forest was huge and filled with the cutest fairy dwellings.  The kids were totally enchanted.  Actually me too.  There are more fairies without homes so you can bring your own and the forest will continue to grow.    

 

Tim was off work for much of July after his project wrapped so he was along for the adventure.  If you go you need to wait until after spring run-off so you can pass this creek bed in safety. 

 

 

Who needs to go to England when the fairies have their own Stonehenge?

This fairy has a mansion.

These guys were a favorite. 

It just kept going and going.....

Native American Fairies....

This one was my favorite.  I love swings.

Fairies must have keep farm animals.