I found this on Youtube and thought you all might enjoy seeing a bit of what Justin might be going through. This all looks like things he would love. We got about a 20 second call from him yesterday morning at about 7:00 a.m. He only had time to say that he was there and safe and all of his clothes and supplies had been issued. We tried to ask a few questions but he said "gotta go I'm getting yelled at". What an experience!
Showing posts with label my kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my kids. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Justin is Off
It's official. Justin is now a soldier in the United States Army Reserves. The recruiter picked him up a little after 11:00 this morning with nothing but the pack on his back. We hugged, we cried and then he was off.
We let him choose his favorite meal last night. Burgers! I kinda thought he might pick something a little fancier. Nope not my Justin. We doctored them up with bacon, sauted mushrooms, roasted jalapenos and tomatoes from the garden. Delicious! Then we had a special Family Night. Dathan gave Justin a beautiful blessing. How grateful I am to have the priesthood in our home.
We had a family get together on Sunday. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents all came to say goodbye. I didn't get very many pictures. Erin will you e-mail me the ones with you, Patrick and Cal?
Well my little boy is all grown up. Keep him in your prayers. I know these next few weeks will be rough. Erin helped him set up a blog. We don't know when he will have access to a computer but if you will jump over and leave him a comment I know he would love it.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
It's the Little Things
Yesterday started out rough. Jordan could not find his wallet. I had spent the ENTIRE night before puking my guts up (not fun) and was in no condition to help him look. I could tell he was worried sick. In it, was a couple hundred dollars in cash that he had just been paid. He rushed around in a panic. He called friends and the stores that he had been to the night before. His forehead was beaded with sweat when he finally had to leave the house. I was so sad.....
That afternoon he came home dragging his feet and hanging his head. Money has been tight around here and this was a huge blow. I told him not to give up, to keep looking. And so he did. About an hour later he ran into my room. The wallet had been found. With a big smile he looked up and said "Thank you Heavenly Father".
It might seem like a little thing. But to hear those words from my 20 year old son who is "not real big on religion", was a gift.
And with a humble heart I repeat. "Thank you Heavenly Father".
That afternoon he came home dragging his feet and hanging his head. Money has been tight around here and this was a huge blow. I told him not to give up, to keep looking. And so he did. About an hour later he ran into my room. The wallet had been found. With a big smile he looked up and said "Thank you Heavenly Father".
It might seem like a little thing. But to hear those words from my 20 year old son who is "not real big on religion", was a gift.
And with a humble heart I repeat. "Thank you Heavenly Father".
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Airhead
I wish you could see my smile!
Today was one of those "maybe it is all worth it kind of days"!
Today I came home from 5 hours of teaching dance to PRE-SCHOOLERS and found this:
Today was one of those "maybe it is all worth it kind of days"!
Today I came home from 5 hours of teaching dance to PRE-SCHOOLERS and found this:
Loni made me a candy gram! She got the idea while we were in Kentucky. My sis (in-law) had made a fabulous one for her daughter's 8th birthday.
But it wasn't any better than mine.
Here is what this one said:
Dear Mom,
You are my sweetart!
Thank you for not being a nerd like Jordan, Justin, Jalen, and Johnny.
You are the best in all of the milkyway.
Even if your name was peanut butter or chedar cheese,
You'd still by my airhead!
Okay, I know that you are smiling now too.
And look how she made it, 4 pieces of paper covered with blue masking tape. And the lace.....Wow! She definately get's her love of lace from her Grammy!
Thanks Loni, you made my day!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Cap and Hook $3.98
Bleach $1.50
Developer $3.25
An Afternoon of laughs Priceless
I just have to say how wonderful it is to have a daughter as fabulous as Loni. I really needed a pick me up and she had the great idea of giving me a make-over. Not bad for a nine year old eh?
Bleach $1.50
Developer $3.25
An Afternoon of laughs Priceless
I just have to say how wonderful it is to have a daughter as fabulous as Loni. I really needed a pick me up and she had the great idea of giving me a make-over. Not bad for a nine year old eh?
We sure had fun taking pictures of ourselves.
before and after hee hee
"A daughter is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous… loving and caring and truly amazing." - Deanna Beisser
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
come'n clean
It is never too late to turn from the errors of our ways: He who repents of his sins is almost innocent. - Seneca
Well Sunday was quite a special day. Johnny was ordained a Deacon. My heart was so happy as I watched my handsome 12 year old pass the Sacrament for his first time. It actually got me thinking about the Sacrament and how privileged I am to participate in that ordinance each week. Isn't it wonderful that every Sunday we can renew our Baptismal covenants and come "clean".
Speaking of clean...Jalen had a great time playing mud volleyball a few weeks ago. In fact, it was so much fun that Loni couldn't resist jumping in.
Yes with a little work even the worst messes can come out as good as new.
Well Sunday was quite a special day. Johnny was ordained a Deacon. My heart was so happy as I watched my handsome 12 year old pass the Sacrament for his first time. It actually got me thinking about the Sacrament and how privileged I am to participate in that ordinance each week. Isn't it wonderful that every Sunday we can renew our Baptismal covenants and come "clean".
Speaking of clean...Jalen had a great time playing mud volleyball a few weeks ago. In fact, it was so much fun that Loni couldn't resist jumping in.
Yes with a little work even the worst messes can come out as good as new.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Smile Ü
A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~Author Unknown
Well it has finally happened. We have been waiting for years, almost 4 years to be exact. But let me tell you, some things sure are worth waiting for. Justin finally got his braces off. He was one good look'n kid before. But now when he smiles......Oh baby!
before
after
His braces may have cost us a pretty penny but
A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. ~Charles Gordy
Well it has finally happened. We have been waiting for years, almost 4 years to be exact. But let me tell you, some things sure are worth waiting for. Justin finally got his braces off. He was one good look'n kid before. But now when he smiles......Oh baby!
before
after
His braces may have cost us a pretty penny but
A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. ~Charles Gordy
Monday, July 14, 2008
Relishing Motherhood
Michal from Relishing Motherhood is having a writing contest. The topic is basically your thoughts on motherhood or as she put it an Ah Ha moment. I really haven't ever done anything like this but, I have recently put a few of my thoughts together and figured what the heck.
Being a mother has changed me. It has taught me things that I did not even know I needed to learn. It has tested me and stretched me into a person I am just getting to know.
Twenty years ago, as I was anticipating the birth of my first son, I realized that now my life was no longer about me. All of my thoughts, dreams and actions were focused around this new little spirit. I was excited and ready to take on the challenge. The minute he was placed in my arms I was changed forever.
Along this journey I have had many wonderful experiences. Looking back however, it has been the difficult experiences that have been the most rewarding. Isn’t it ironic? It is the latter that I have chosen to write about today.
It was a Wednesday night in early February. As we sat down to eat, my three year old son Justin pulled the cord on the electric skillet spilling boiling oil onto his head and arms. We spent many sleepless nights in the burn trauma unit. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer.
Once we knew that his life was no longer threatened, my list of worries began to change. I mourned the loss of my perfect, beautiful little boy. I would stare at his before pictures for hours thinking “what if” and “if only”. It didn’t take long however, to realize that he was still beautiful and perfect. HE WAS JUST THE SAME. Beauty comes from within. I had been taught an amazing lesson and I was changed forever.
Next I remember a long, terrible night. I had noticed some changes in my son Jalen’s normal routine. He was barely eating and always tired. Finally, after a week or so, I took him to the doctor. We found that his digestive system was plugged up. His intestines were compacted and had been for three or more weeks. Needless to say the doctor was concerned and he gave us a few things to try. That night we saw no results. We went back the next day and were given one last option before they would have to schedule surgery.
No one but I would know what that little boy endured that night. For hours his body trembled with pain and his pride was completely stripped away. In between his gasp he would apologize and whisper “thank you mom”. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. That night I learned a very difficult lesson about true compassion and I was changed forever.
This last experience is from about six month ago. It was the darkest and most difficult time of my life. My oldest son Jordan was making choices that went against the things that we had always taught him. We were constantly arguing and our home was always a place of contention. I was so tired of it and to be honest I felt like I couldn’t stand it or him anymore.
One night things were especially awful and scary. After hours of heated arguing Jordan grabbed a handful of clothes and walked out the door. He was gone. How could this be happening? It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. This was not my dream when that precious infant was placed in my arms. But I learned a few important lessons that night. I learned to pray. I mean to really pray and pour my soul out to God. I learned to never say never. And I learned unconditional love. It took him walking out the door for me to fully understand how much I truly loved him. That night I was changed forever.
I am grateful for these and the many other things that I have experienced as a mother. These are lessons that I could have learned in no other way. I am humbled that my children were willing to go through these trials to help their mother change and grow. So now twenty years later I think I may have changed my mind; maybe, just maybe it is all about me after all.
Being a mother has changed me. It has taught me things that I did not even know I needed to learn. It has tested me and stretched me into a person I am just getting to know.
Twenty years ago, as I was anticipating the birth of my first son, I realized that now my life was no longer about me. All of my thoughts, dreams and actions were focused around this new little spirit. I was excited and ready to take on the challenge. The minute he was placed in my arms I was changed forever.
Along this journey I have had many wonderful experiences. Looking back however, it has been the difficult experiences that have been the most rewarding. Isn’t it ironic? It is the latter that I have chosen to write about today.
It was a Wednesday night in early February. As we sat down to eat, my three year old son Justin pulled the cord on the electric skillet spilling boiling oil onto his head and arms. We spent many sleepless nights in the burn trauma unit. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer.
Once we knew that his life was no longer threatened, my list of worries began to change. I mourned the loss of my perfect, beautiful little boy. I would stare at his before pictures for hours thinking “what if” and “if only”. It didn’t take long however, to realize that he was still beautiful and perfect. HE WAS JUST THE SAME. Beauty comes from within. I had been taught an amazing lesson and I was changed forever.
Next I remember a long, terrible night. I had noticed some changes in my son Jalen’s normal routine. He was barely eating and always tired. Finally, after a week or so, I took him to the doctor. We found that his digestive system was plugged up. His intestines were compacted and had been for three or more weeks. Needless to say the doctor was concerned and he gave us a few things to try. That night we saw no results. We went back the next day and were given one last option before they would have to schedule surgery.
No one but I would know what that little boy endured that night. For hours his body trembled with pain and his pride was completely stripped away. In between his gasp he would apologize and whisper “thank you mom”. It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. That night I learned a very difficult lesson about true compassion and I was changed forever.
This last experience is from about six month ago. It was the darkest and most difficult time of my life. My oldest son Jordan was making choices that went against the things that we had always taught him. We were constantly arguing and our home was always a place of contention. I was so tired of it and to be honest I felt like I couldn’t stand it or him anymore.
One night things were especially awful and scary. After hours of heated arguing Jordan grabbed a handful of clothes and walked out the door. He was gone. How could this be happening? It was physically and emotionally almost more than I could bear. Nothing is as difficult as seeing your child suffer. This was not my dream when that precious infant was placed in my arms. But I learned a few important lessons that night. I learned to pray. I mean to really pray and pour my soul out to God. I learned to never say never. And I learned unconditional love. It took him walking out the door for me to fully understand how much I truly loved him. That night I was changed forever.
I am grateful for these and the many other things that I have experienced as a mother. These are lessons that I could have learned in no other way. I am humbled that my children were willing to go through these trials to help their mother change and grow. So now twenty years later I think I may have changed my mind; maybe, just maybe it is all about me after all.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Happy Birthday J-Dawg
Well it's official. My precious little boy is no longer a little boy. He has overnight grown into a handsome young man. It all happened so fast and I feel so unprepared. Will somebody do something? It's gotten to where I am afraid to blink.
Monday was Jalen's 14th birthday. We have been blessed to have him in our lives for fourteen wonderful years and I am not sure how we survived life without him. Jalen is our third son. And I thought I wanted a girl. Silly me!
Jalen is amazing! He is thoughtful, quiet, kind and mellow. A good word to describe him is even tempered. With him you always know what to expect. He is a hard worker and probably put in longer hours helping us get moved than all the other kids put together.
Jalen is creative and artistic. You should see the drawings he does in his art class. They are almost as good as the ones he does in his science, english and math classes. He loves to build and put things together. For his birthday Dathan brought him a whole truck load of lumber. Since then Jalen has been busy building a fort and baracades to turn our back yard into a airsoft gun battle ground.
Happy Birthday J. You are such a blessing in all of our lives. Thank you for being our middle child. It is a difficult spot and you have handled it beautifully. I love you more than words can say. How lucky I am that you are mine.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Boys To Men
Well I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was better than I could have imagined. My kids and my Sweetie did everything they could to make it a perfect day. I was served a delicious breakfast, Justin did an amazing job making me look good in his talk for Sacrament Meeting, and Loni's talk in primary was darling. We had bar-b-qued ribs for dinner and then roasted marshmallows in our newly dug fire pit that evening. How did I ever get so lucky? Hmmm was it luck?
Let's go back a couple years. It was right around Christmas time. My sister Erin was up for the weekend and heard my oldest son Jordan ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I quickly responded that I didn't need anything and he should save his money for something more important. The same answer I had been giving for every occasion that involved gift giving for years. Well Erin quickly let me know that she thought I was making a big mistake. She reminded me that I was preparing my 4 boys to one day be husbands and fathers. She believed that their future wives would not be pleased with spouses who were trained in this way. And of course she was right!
I guess I remember being young and wandering all over a store with no idea what to give my mom or dad. Of course I knew they were fine with anything. I still worried. And so I thought I was saving my kids from the stress. But my eyes were opened.
So, what to do? I wanted gift giving to be fun and positive. I wanted my boys to feel successful and excited with their choices. Here is what has worked for me.
A few weeks in advance I start dropping reminders of the upcoming occasion. For example, "Can you believe my birthday is in 3 weeks?". Then I make a list of things I want and need. I am still pretty easy to please and my lists usually consist of pretty simple things.
Now you might think that knowing everything you are going to get doesn't sound like any fun at all. But it sure has worked for us. On Mother's Day morning my kids, even the big and tough ones, couldn't wait for me to open their gifts. It was awesome!
Here was my Mother's Day wish list:
sunglasses
a book
body wash
flip flops
ankle socks
lotion
lip gloss with spf 15
a wallet
Guess what?? I got it all. But I never imagined that Loni would paint me picture and pick out sunglasses as cool as these.
Or that Jordan would have picked out (all on his own) this book.
Justin bought me this cool black wallet and threw in TWO-1 1/2 lb bags of Reese's Pieces (my all time fav. treat). I also got enough socks that I can wear a new pair every day for just over two weeks. Heavenly!!! Jalen got me body wash AND a new pouf. Yippie! From Johnny I got a great picture of him, a fabulous letter and a cute pair of black flip flop. (my flip flops are always black)
Everything I wanted and more. So, I am proud to say mission accomplished. I think my boys are heading in the right direction. Thank you Erin.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
I Couldn't Have Said it Better Myself!
"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings."
Last night Loni asked me to come and read her new post. It was so darling and heartfelt that I wanted to share it with you.
It was just what I needed to hear and such a lovely reminder. Thank you Sweetie.
"...And a little child shall lead them" ~ Isa 11:6
http://lonicadancer.blogspot.com/
It was just what I needed to hear and such a lovely reminder. Thank you Sweetie.
"...And a little child shall lead them" ~ Isa 11:6
http://lonicadancer.blogspot.com/
This will make your day!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Too Funny!
Well, it has officially started, my absolute busiest time of the year. April and May are months that I am barely able to find time to sleep. My boys keep me running to games, practices, conditioning, trainings, etc. It is competition season for my daughter and my dance team. And it just so happens to be the months that most dance studio's contract for pictures. In the past 6 weeks my cousin and I have taken pictures at 4 studios and we have 3 more in the next two weeks. That requires hundreds of hours in taking, ordering, sorting, packaging and delivering pictures. It's crazy, but hey.....someone's got to do it!
I have had so many thoughts and ideas that I have wanted to share. I just can't seem to justify the time that it would require. This story however, was just too good to keep to myself. I know that I have written an very high percentage of my post about my son Justin. What the heck, here I go again.
Our house happens to be up for sale. (I will save the details of that for another day) Yesterday a Realtor called that he was going to bring a family by around 4:00. So, we decided to go to the movies. Unfortunately, Justin had to be at work at 5:00 so he stayed behind. Not wanting to be in the house when the Realtor got here, Justin grabbed a blanket and went out in the back and fell asleep on the tramp.
A while later he woke up to voices. The family was in the back yard and he wasn't sure what to do. It was obvious to him that they did not realize that he was out there. He hid himself under the blanket praying that they would go away. His version is so funny. He claims that it was the worst experience of his life. He was under the blanket panicking and fretting over what to do, when things took a turn for the worse.
The kids started jumping on the tramp. WITH JUSTIN IN THE MIDDLE, HIDING UNDER A BLANKET. The image of that is soooo hilarious!!!! It only took a couple bounces and the blanket started coming off of his legs. He was caught. He sat up and endured a few seconds of awkward silence. The realtor's jaw hit the floor and the kids were scared speechless. Finally the father, after gathering his kids, said "takin' a little nap". Justin just grabbed the blanket apologized and walked in the house. He wanted to shrivel up and die!
Well we may not get a sale. But this will be a house they will never forget.
I have had so many thoughts and ideas that I have wanted to share. I just can't seem to justify the time that it would require. This story however, was just too good to keep to myself. I know that I have written an very high percentage of my post about my son Justin. What the heck, here I go again.
Our house happens to be up for sale. (I will save the details of that for another day) Yesterday a Realtor called that he was going to bring a family by around 4:00. So, we decided to go to the movies. Unfortunately, Justin had to be at work at 5:00 so he stayed behind. Not wanting to be in the house when the Realtor got here, Justin grabbed a blanket and went out in the back and fell asleep on the tramp.
A while later he woke up to voices. The family was in the back yard and he wasn't sure what to do. It was obvious to him that they did not realize that he was out there. He hid himself under the blanket praying that they would go away. His version is so funny. He claims that it was the worst experience of his life. He was under the blanket panicking and fretting over what to do, when things took a turn for the worse.
The kids started jumping on the tramp. WITH JUSTIN IN THE MIDDLE, HIDING UNDER A BLANKET. The image of that is soooo hilarious!!!! It only took a couple bounces and the blanket started coming off of his legs. He was caught. He sat up and endured a few seconds of awkward silence. The realtor's jaw hit the floor and the kids were scared speechless. Finally the father, after gathering his kids, said "takin' a little nap". Justin just grabbed the blanket apologized and walked in the house. He wanted to shrivel up and die!
Well we may not get a sale. But this will be a house they will never forget.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Secret Garden
Last weekend Johnny and Lonica performed in the ballet The Secret Garden. It was such a wonderful production. The music was composed, and the orchestra conducted by Kurt Bestor. If you haven't heard his name you have heard his music. His credits include more than 30 film scores and more than 40 themes for national TV programs and commercials. It is his music that introduces Good Morning America, Monday Night Football, and and ABC's Sunday Night Movie. It was such a privilege for my children to get to meet and work with him.
Johnny has really been a trooper. He had no interest in being in a "ballet". Infact, he is not happy that I posted these pictures. But they needed a boy his age and with a little bribing he said yes. It hasn't been easy. We have been going to rehearsals for about 12 hours/week for just over 2 months. It was a difficult schedule. Especially when you have to add in gymnastics, soccer and basketball. But the outcome was worth every minute of it.
I was asked to take pictures for the media and advertisements. So I figured I would take advantage and share a few of the shots that Johnny and Lonica were in. Johnny was in the waltz scene or has he put it "the little dude in the tux that dies". He was also the little gardener. Lonica was an orphan and a little crocus. They were amazing and I was so proud of both of them. Hope you enjoy!
Johnny has really been a trooper. He had no interest in being in a "ballet". Infact, he is not happy that I posted these pictures. But they needed a boy his age and with a little bribing he said yes. It hasn't been easy. We have been going to rehearsals for about 12 hours/week for just over 2 months. It was a difficult schedule. Especially when you have to add in gymnastics, soccer and basketball. But the outcome was worth every minute of it.
I was asked to take pictures for the media and advertisements. So I figured I would take advantage and share a few of the shots that Johnny and Lonica were in. Johnny was in the waltz scene or has he put it "the little dude in the tux that dies". He was also the little gardener. Lonica was an orphan and a little crocus. They were amazing and I was so proud of both of them. Hope you enjoy!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What do ya think?
One tradition around here (maybe it is everywhere) is that you don't just ask someone to a dance, you need to come up with some fun, elaborate plan. It's cute, don't get me wrong. It has just been a bit overwhelming for my boys. It is so not their style and is one of the reasons they dread school dances.
Justin has given in and has asked a girl to the prom. He TEXT her. I told him that even though she already has accepted his offer, he needs to do something "special".
In the past we have had girls do some cute things to ask my boys to the girls choice dances. I thought I would share them so that I would have a record of them. And, to give you some ideas if you ever have to do something like this at your house. Here are a few that stick out in my mind.
#1 Jordan's room was filled with die cut stars, Starburst, and confetti stars. A poster was left on his bed that said something like "Be my star and go with me to the dance" and then there was a P.S. that said "My name is written in the stars". So he looked and looked through all the stars around his room and didn't find anything. That night when he went to bed, her name was written on his ceiling in glow and the dark stars. Pretty cute!
#2 Justin's entire bed was COVERED with punched out hearts, all colors and sizes. Then right in the middle was a pretty big red plastic container with a note that said "It would melt my heart if you would go to the dance with me". Inside the container was a huge piece of ice in the shape of a heart. Obviously the name of the girl was inside the frozen heart. Justin waited a day and a half and still couldn't get to the card to reveal the name. Finally he ran it under hot water to find out who it was. Fun stuff!
#3 Hundreds of Tootsie Rolls were THROWN ALL OVER Jordan's room. (This was over a year ago and I still don't think we have found them all Ü) A cute poster was on his wall that said "Hey Toots, wanna roll to the dance". That was creative, even though I don't really like the image of him "rolling" with this girl. hee hee
#4 Justin received a gift basket full of EVERYTHING you could possible need to make banana splits with a card that read "I'll go bananas if you won't go to the dance with me." Now this was a family favorite since Justin was nice enough to share his treat with the rest of us.
Well back to today. Justin came up with this idea all on his own. It is so funny and is totally his personality. But I wanted to get some other opinions. So, I will tell you what he came up with, and you tell me what you think:
He wants to get a bunch of Baby Ruth candy bars, unwrap them and put them all over her room. Then leave a roll of toilet paper which has the message, "Thanks for going to prom with me. If you would have said no, I would have felt like crap".
I know you are crack'n up. It is so dang hilarious. But is it too much? Would you be offended if it was your daughter? Be honest! We really want to know!
Justin has given in and has asked a girl to the prom. He TEXT her. I told him that even though she already has accepted his offer, he needs to do something "special".
In the past we have had girls do some cute things to ask my boys to the girls choice dances. I thought I would share them so that I would have a record of them. And, to give you some ideas if you ever have to do something like this at your house. Here are a few that stick out in my mind.
#1 Jordan's room was filled with die cut stars, Starburst, and confetti stars. A poster was left on his bed that said something like "Be my star and go with me to the dance" and then there was a P.S. that said "My name is written in the stars". So he looked and looked through all the stars around his room and didn't find anything. That night when he went to bed, her name was written on his ceiling in glow and the dark stars. Pretty cute!
#2 Justin's entire bed was COVERED with punched out hearts, all colors and sizes. Then right in the middle was a pretty big red plastic container with a note that said "It would melt my heart if you would go to the dance with me". Inside the container was a huge piece of ice in the shape of a heart. Obviously the name of the girl was inside the frozen heart. Justin waited a day and a half and still couldn't get to the card to reveal the name. Finally he ran it under hot water to find out who it was. Fun stuff!
#3 Hundreds of Tootsie Rolls were THROWN ALL OVER Jordan's room. (This was over a year ago and I still don't think we have found them all Ü) A cute poster was on his wall that said "Hey Toots, wanna roll to the dance". That was creative, even though I don't really like the image of him "rolling" with this girl. hee hee
#4 Justin received a gift basket full of EVERYTHING you could possible need to make banana splits with a card that read "I'll go bananas if you won't go to the dance with me." Now this was a family favorite since Justin was nice enough to share his treat with the rest of us.
Well back to today. Justin came up with this idea all on his own. It is so funny and is totally his personality. But I wanted to get some other opinions. So, I will tell you what he came up with, and you tell me what you think:
He wants to get a bunch of Baby Ruth candy bars, unwrap them and put them all over her room. Then leave a roll of toilet paper which has the message, "Thanks for going to prom with me. If you would have said no, I would have felt like crap".
I know you are crack'n up. It is so dang hilarious. But is it too much? Would you be offended if it was your daughter? Be honest! We really want to know!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
What's Not to Like
A few nights ago Justin, nonchalantly, mentioned that he was nominated for Prom King. He quickly added that it was no big deal and he wasn't even planning on going to prom. I didn't really know what to think and figured that maybe it wasn't that big of a deal. But, being a curious mommy I decided to give the school a call. "No big deal?" came the response on the other end of the line. "The entire school voted and only the three with the most votes were selected."The little stinker! I was a sort of surprised. Justin is a amazing, don't get me wrong. In fact, everybody loves the kid. But he is one that just does his own thing. He doesn't try to fit in. He doesn't try to be cool. He doesn't care if he is popular or belongs to a particular "group". He is just as happy around the athletes as the thespians or the honor students as the drop outs.
I guess I just don't remember kids like him getting noticed. You know "the nice guys never win". But this time he did and I couldn't be prouder.
See what I mean!
When I saw this picture I just had to laugh. There is Justin (team captain) right in the middle with this big smile on his face. The only one smiling out of 35 boys.
Justin, you crack me up!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Happy Birthday Loni-Loo
Yesterday was Loni's 9th Birthday. It is hard to believe that 9 years have past since we were sent this precious little angel. She is such a blessing and I can't imagine our lives with out her.
Happy Birthday Sweetie,
Being your mommy is one of my greatest joys! Not a single day goes by that I don't thank Heavenly Father for sending you into our family. When I look at you I am amazed. You are beautiful and you are good. Thank for everything that you are, because you are my everything!!
I picked out a picture or two from each year of her life. It has been so fun watching her grow into such a lovely little girl.
Happy Birthday Sweetie,
Being your mommy is one of my greatest joys! Not a single day goes by that I don't thank Heavenly Father for sending you into our family. When I look at you I am amazed. You are beautiful and you are good. Thank for everything that you are, because you are my everything!!
I picked out a picture or two from each year of her life. It has been so fun watching her grow into such a lovely little girl.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Staying on Top
Jalen at his match 3/18/08President Hinckley dedicated his book WAY TO BE!, "to a generation of young people who will rise to meet the exciting opportunities of a new and challenging day".
I couldn't read that statement without thinking of my 13 year old son Jalen. As I look down the list of "Be's", he's got them all. And the attribute that especially stands out is BE POSITIVE.
This year Jalen decided to give wrestling a try. My first instinct was to talk him out of it. Jay is my mellow, not real aggressive child. I wanted to protect him from being hurt physically as well as emotionally. Isn't that what mommies do? But, I held my tongue and my breath and waited to see what would happen.
As the season was ready to begin Jalen reported that there were 4 boys in his weight division. They had all challenged each other and Jalen came out in the varsity spot. I was delighted and so proud of his effort. Jalen wasn't even surprised. In fact, he expected it. What an example!
This season has been tough. He is still learning the in's and out's of the sport. But he gives it his all and fights to stay on top. Wrestling is like life. It is easy to let yourself get down and takes a whole lot of effort to stay on top of things.
"In my ninety-plus years, I have learned a secret. I have learned that when good men and good women face challenges with optimism, things will always work out! Truly, things always work out!"
President Gorden B. Hinckley
I couldn't read that statement without thinking of my 13 year old son Jalen. As I look down the list of "Be's", he's got them all. And the attribute that especially stands out is BE POSITIVE.
This year Jalen decided to give wrestling a try. My first instinct was to talk him out of it. Jay is my mellow, not real aggressive child. I wanted to protect him from being hurt physically as well as emotionally. Isn't that what mommies do? But, I held my tongue and my breath and waited to see what would happen.
As the season was ready to begin Jalen reported that there were 4 boys in his weight division. They had all challenged each other and Jalen came out in the varsity spot. I was delighted and so proud of his effort. Jalen wasn't even surprised. In fact, he expected it. What an example!
This season has been tough. He is still learning the in's and out's of the sport. But he gives it his all and fights to stay on top. Wrestling is like life. It is easy to let yourself get down and takes a whole lot of effort to stay on top of things.
"In my ninety-plus years, I have learned a secret. I have learned that when good men and good women face challenges with optimism, things will always work out! Truly, things always work out!"
President Gorden B. Hinckley
"Rhino" By Jalen 2008
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