I'm having so much fun with this blogging thing that I thought I'd get my kids started. Annika, Kayja, and Azie started theirs tonight. (Darion is not home, but we'll get her started soon.)
Annika's site is http://www.spazzpot.blogspot.com/
Kayja's site is http://www.quirky-kakie.blogspot.com/
Azie's site is http://www.square-azie.blogspot.com/
They came up with their own names, wrote their own entries, and picked their own backgrounds and pictures. This should be interesting.
Monday, February 21, 2011
What Would You Do For Some Frosted Flakes?
Annika has this problem. Her permanent teeth like to come in before her baby teeth fall out. She has this other problem. She has the most stubby teeth I've ever seen. This makes it difficult to get a good grip on a loose tooth to pull it out.
Cameron bought some Frosted Flakes on Saturday, and we hid them from the kids... until last night. We ate lunch at 3:00 and decided cereal would be a good snack before bed. We broke out the Frosted Flakes and the kids saw.
Annika asked for some.
I said, "No."
She asked again.
I said, "No."
Darion asked, "Did we buy Frosted Flakes?"
I said, "No. 'We' did not buy anything. Dad buys everything in this house, and if you would like to use anything you must ask him for permission."
In her sweetest, most polite voice Annika asked, "Can I please have some Frosted Flakes, Dad?"
"No."
"What?!"
"I'll let you have some if you'll let me pull out your tooth."
She really wanted some Frosted Flakes.
Is this an orthodontist's dream come true or what?! It looks worse in person. The photograph is missing the depth. In addition to being somewhat sideways, her front right tooth is about a quarter inch farther forward than the two teeth next to it.
Some day I will have bragging rights that I paid for a Ferrari. Unfortunately, I will not be the proud owner of said Ferrari, only the proud owner of a child with straight teeth.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Break
Cameron had a business trip planned for four days this last week to Salt Lake City. Not the most exciting destination seeing as how I lived there for a couple years and I've visited countless times. I wasn't going to go until, on a whim, Cameron called his sister and asked if she could come stay with our kids. Sienna's husband is in boot camp and she is not working right now, so she said she'd come on over.
I couldn't believe it! Four (almost whole) days without four of the kids! I packed my bags and off we went. Tamzin was really good in the car. She wasn't even too bad sleeping between us at night. I have to admit I kind of liked cuddling her while she slept even though she's a bed hog and I was lucky to have six inches on the side because she prefers sleeping sideways.
Tamzin and I went out to breakfast and lunch together three days in a row - just the two of us. It was so relaxing to sit there with only one child - a child who doesn't speak. I found the experience quite liberating.
I did a little shopping. The Gymboree outlet in Park City had some great pants on sale for Annika and Kayja. The Wal-Mart there in Park City was spotless clean, had a nice open floor plan, had friendly and professional workers, and had no empty shelves. Quite the opposite of the one in Vernal. Their Valentine's candy was half off, so I stocked up.
We came home to children who said nothing to me or Cameron, but showered Tamzin with kisses and hugs and gushed over how much they missed her. When Cameron asked if they missed us Annika's reply was, "I forgot all about you."
Maybe we should leave more often. Then they'll really forget all about us when they want makeup or new clothes or a car or a wedding reception.
I couldn't believe it! Four (almost whole) days without four of the kids! I packed my bags and off we went. Tamzin was really good in the car. She wasn't even too bad sleeping between us at night. I have to admit I kind of liked cuddling her while she slept even though she's a bed hog and I was lucky to have six inches on the side because she prefers sleeping sideways.
Tamzin and I went out to breakfast and lunch together three days in a row - just the two of us. It was so relaxing to sit there with only one child - a child who doesn't speak. I found the experience quite liberating.
I did a little shopping. The Gymboree outlet in Park City had some great pants on sale for Annika and Kayja. The Wal-Mart there in Park City was spotless clean, had a nice open floor plan, had friendly and professional workers, and had no empty shelves. Quite the opposite of the one in Vernal. Their Valentine's candy was half off, so I stocked up.
We came home to children who said nothing to me or Cameron, but showered Tamzin with kisses and hugs and gushed over how much they missed her. When Cameron asked if they missed us Annika's reply was, "I forgot all about you."
Maybe we should leave more often. Then they'll really forget all about us when they want makeup or new clothes or a car or a wedding reception.
How Romantic!
Cameron and I celebrated Valentine's Day two days before, on Saturday. We had a romantic candlelight dinner of New York steaks, Italian stuffed mushrooms, bread dipped in Balsalmic, tortellini salad, raspberry cheesecake, and Martinelli's. The dinner was complete with "Barbie and the Swan Princess" playing in the background and Azie begging for bites of cheesecake and sips of Martinelli's.
Yes.... we went on a date to the kitchen.
Yes.... we went on a date to the kitchen.
Scraps
What do you get when you save fabric scraps for seven years even though your husband relentlessly makes fun of you for doing so?
A fun and colorful scrap quilt at a next-to-nothing price. With a tip from our local sewing guru and another from Aunt Judy, I stitched scraps of fabric in a very random pattern onto muslim squares and then used the "Quilt as You Go" method to attach it to a fleece blanket that I bought on sale for $2.40.
Needless to say, Cameron was quite impressed I turned all those pieces of trash into a masterpiece.
Moles
So this is a totally random blog, but I just read Pamela's post on bras and bums, and I couldn't help reminiscing about body talk blunders in my home.
A day or so after I brought Tamzin home from the hospital Azie just had to peek under the blanket. What she saw was appaling to her. "Why is Tamzie sucking on you moles?!"
After a few weeks it was apparent that she had had some "Facts of Life" talks with her older sisters. We had somewhere to go, and I told Azie we would leave after I fed Tamzin. A little embarassed, Azie asked, "Does Tamzie like to eat moles?" Quite surprised at her frankness, I said, "What?!" Then she really surprised me. "I mean, does Tamzie like to eat boobs?"
A day or so after I brought Tamzin home from the hospital Azie just had to peek under the blanket. What she saw was appaling to her. "Why is Tamzie sucking on you moles?!"
After a few weeks it was apparent that she had had some "Facts of Life" talks with her older sisters. We had somewhere to go, and I told Azie we would leave after I fed Tamzin. A little embarassed, Azie asked, "Does Tamzie like to eat moles?" Quite surprised at her frankness, I said, "What?!" Then she really surprised me. "I mean, does Tamzie like to eat boobs?"
Annika's Birthday
We celebrated Annika's birthday with one of her friends, Chloe F., whose birthday was two days after Annika's. Chloe's mom and I decided that since they would be inviting only a couple friends in addition to each other and each other's little sisters, we may as well make it a double party, which meant we split the party duties. Nita handled, among other things, the gift bags and the decorations, which I don't really like to do. Cameron and I did the cake, which Nita doesn't really like to do. It worked out fabulously.
"Tangled" was the theme, so the girls made braided hair head bands out of yarn and ribbon. They turned out quite cute. Cameron airbrushed the cake (his first attempt), which received rave reviews from Nita. She also bought Chloe and Annika the Tangled Barbies. We had the party at our rec center so the kids could go swimming for a while before the festivites.
The best part of the evening was later at home when Annika exclaimed, "That was the best birthday party ever!" Cameron and I totally agreed, but he had a valid concern. "That was the best party we've ever given our kids. Do you think they'll expect that every time from now on?" If I could partner with Nita for every party, they would all be that good.
Tamzin having a ball in the baby pool.
Dillya W. failed to hide from the camera.
The party-goers (L to R) Brooke F., Annika, Chloe F., Dillya W., Abigail B., Kayja
Annika and Chloe blowing out their candles.
The beautiful Rapunzels.
I Am Not a Slacker
I have not bailed off the blogging bandwagon. I have three very good reasons for not blogging in the last little while.
1. My computer had a total hard drive failure two weeks ago and it had to go to a very expensive doctor for a week.
2. I went with Cameron on his business trip for four days. We left the day my computer came back, and the hotel we stayed at charged $13 a day for internet access. Sorry, I'm just not that dedicated of a blogger.
3. When I came home I had 72 loads of laundry to do.
Sooooo... I have lots to catch up on here. It may seem like my entries are a little jumbled, but I don't want to leave anything out.
1. My computer had a total hard drive failure two weeks ago and it had to go to a very expensive doctor for a week.
2. I went with Cameron on his business trip for four days. We left the day my computer came back, and the hotel we stayed at charged $13 a day for internet access. Sorry, I'm just not that dedicated of a blogger.
3. When I came home I had 72 loads of laundry to do.
Sooooo... I have lots to catch up on here. It may seem like my entries are a little jumbled, but I don't want to leave anything out.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Hard Word
Kayja bumped into the wall on her way into her room, grabbed her shoulder, and said, "My elbow hurts."
I said, "That's your shoulder, not your elbow."
Azie proceeded to give us an anatomy lesson, pointing to each body part as she went. "Dis is youy elbow. Deze aye youy shouldews. Deze aye youy sheeks."
I attempted to give her a speech lesson. "Say ch-cheeks."
"I can't! Dat's a hawd wowd."
I said, "That's your shoulder, not your elbow."
Azie proceeded to give us an anatomy lesson, pointing to each body part as she went. "Dis is youy elbow. Deze aye youy shouldews. Deze aye youy sheeks."
I attempted to give her a speech lesson. "Say ch-cheeks."
"I can't! Dat's a hawd wowd."
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Give Thanks In All Things
Azie loves to say family prayer. She doesn't even bother to ask if she can say it, and she pays no attention to Cameron when he asks someone else to pray. She just jumps in and starts her prayer. Tonight she thanked God for "The Cosby Show" ... twice.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Darion the Artist
Cameron and I have been struggling with a way to light a fire under Darion. What is she interested in? What will get her excitement level up? We proposed an idea to her last summer to attend a music camp since she enjoys playing bass clarinet in the school band. We told her we were willing to pay for it, but she had to do extra work around the house to earn it. As the school year has progressed, getting her to practice has been like pulling teeth. We realized she just wasn't that interested.
Darion has also been crocheting a quilt for Tamzin for almost a year now. She finally finished this week.
She brought home a great piece of art from school a couple months ago. We realized that she has some talent that possibly hasn't been explored too deeply. A few weeks ago I remembered that the rec center offers a Bob Ross oil painting class. We told Darion she could use the money she's earned to pay for that instead, and she said she'd be interested in going. She went to her first class today. My jaw dropped when I saw what she came home with. Finally, we have found what lights her fire. She was thrilled with her painting. It's now hanging in our dining room. We plan on having many more hanging around the house as time goes on.
Darion has also been crocheting a quilt for Tamzin for almost a year now. She finally finished this week.
It's amazing what these accomplishments have done for her self esteem. We are very excited for her.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Grandpa's Obituary
Melvin Grey, 1920 ~ 2011
died 2011-01-25
Melvin James Grey (Mel), 90 years old, made his final trip around the bases to “home plate” on Tuesday morning, Jan. 25, 2011, in Ogden, Utah. That home-run ball landed in heaven’s ballpark, where the rest of the team was waiting for him to play first base!
Many friends and family members have been waiting for years; others, not so long. And waiting in Heaven’s stands to welcome him home are his parents, Maggie and John Grey; and seven brothers and sisters, Walter, Freeda, Mary, Helen, Clyde, Warren and Johnny.
Dad is survived by brother, Maurice, and sister, JoAnn, who are preparing to join the family reunion. A son-in-law and granddaughter have also preceded him in death.
Dad is survived by his wife of 71 years, LaVon Grey, who loves him dearly; four children, Bonnie Foremaster, Carolyn Grey, Melvin Grey and Debbie Grey.
He taught us how to play ball, showed us how to be good people and built a family tradition of chocolate-while-shopping as he indulged us with white “treasure” sacks from Sears, holding big blocks of yummy chocolate and orange slices.
His posterity includes 16 grandkids and 41 great grandkids, who loved cycle riding and four-wheeling with Grandpa, who also had time for picnics, teaching, teasing and sharing. He celebrated his 82nd birthday while on a 1,200-mile roundtrip with his son, going through Jackson Hole and Yellowstone – while riding his own Harley!
Dad was born July 9, 1920 in Brazil, Ind. He grew up there and joined the CCC camp (Civilian Conservation Corps) when he was 17 years old. He was sent to Panaca, Nev., all to the good fortune of his sweetheart, LaVon, whom he would marry in 1939.
He was scouted by a professional baseball team, but declined the offer because it would have meant leaving his new bride of that very day, as she would have been without his companionship and support as he trained in California. He loved showing off Mom’s beautiful artwork of crocheting and needlework.
People came to know Dad as a good and honest man, full of integrity, who stood up for right and honored his commitment to family and country. He was quick with a smile when he saw us kids and supported us with praise and encouragement when we did something great or needed a little (sometimes more) help to improve.
He had outstanding talent as an athlete and played on town baseball teams for years and was shown respect and admiration by former Lincoln County, Nev. schoolmates at the high school’s 100th anniversary in 2010.
He loved telling stories of his life, and one best of all, the story of his 80-yard kick-off return for a touchdown!
Dad was a paratrooper in WWII, worked in the mines in Pioche Nev., on the railroad in Caliente Nev., and the Nevada test site. He was a master mechanic for over 40 years, had his own shop, Grey’s Auto Repair, in Moab, Utah, and didn’t fully retire until 2002.
He taught auto mechanics for a time, incorporating respect for knowledge, self and others, which helped guide students. He served on Grand County’s School Board, loved to watch the news and sessions of the House and Senate, and baseball and more baseball! He loved fishing and fish were afraid of him!
Dad was ready to go, carrying a baseball, a fishing pole, a wrench and a heart full of love and a smooch for his sweetheart. Babe Ruth was Dad’s hero. Dad/Grandpa is ours!
A family viewing was held in Ogden, Utah on Thursday, Jan. 27. Graveside services were held Friday, Jan. 28. Interment was at the Panaca Cemetery in Nevada.
died 2011-01-25
Melvin James Grey (Mel), 90 years old, made his final trip around the bases to “home plate” on Tuesday morning, Jan. 25, 2011, in Ogden, Utah. That home-run ball landed in heaven’s ballpark, where the rest of the team was waiting for him to play first base!
Many friends and family members have been waiting for years; others, not so long. And waiting in Heaven’s stands to welcome him home are his parents, Maggie and John Grey; and seven brothers and sisters, Walter, Freeda, Mary, Helen, Clyde, Warren and Johnny.
Dad is survived by brother, Maurice, and sister, JoAnn, who are preparing to join the family reunion. A son-in-law and granddaughter have also preceded him in death.
Dad is survived by his wife of 71 years, LaVon Grey, who loves him dearly; four children, Bonnie Foremaster, Carolyn Grey, Melvin Grey and Debbie Grey.
He taught us how to play ball, showed us how to be good people and built a family tradition of chocolate-while-shopping as he indulged us with white “treasure” sacks from Sears, holding big blocks of yummy chocolate and orange slices.
His posterity includes 16 grandkids and 41 great grandkids, who loved cycle riding and four-wheeling with Grandpa, who also had time for picnics, teaching, teasing and sharing. He celebrated his 82nd birthday while on a 1,200-mile roundtrip with his son, going through Jackson Hole and Yellowstone – while riding his own Harley!
Dad was born July 9, 1920 in Brazil, Ind. He grew up there and joined the CCC camp (Civilian Conservation Corps) when he was 17 years old. He was sent to Panaca, Nev., all to the good fortune of his sweetheart, LaVon, whom he would marry in 1939.
He was scouted by a professional baseball team, but declined the offer because it would have meant leaving his new bride of that very day, as she would have been without his companionship and support as he trained in California. He loved showing off Mom’s beautiful artwork of crocheting and needlework.
People came to know Dad as a good and honest man, full of integrity, who stood up for right and honored his commitment to family and country. He was quick with a smile when he saw us kids and supported us with praise and encouragement when we did something great or needed a little (sometimes more) help to improve.
He had outstanding talent as an athlete and played on town baseball teams for years and was shown respect and admiration by former Lincoln County, Nev. schoolmates at the high school’s 100th anniversary in 2010.
He loved telling stories of his life, and one best of all, the story of his 80-yard kick-off return for a touchdown!
Dad was a paratrooper in WWII, worked in the mines in Pioche Nev., on the railroad in Caliente Nev., and the Nevada test site. He was a master mechanic for over 40 years, had his own shop, Grey’s Auto Repair, in Moab, Utah, and didn’t fully retire until 2002.
He taught auto mechanics for a time, incorporating respect for knowledge, self and others, which helped guide students. He served on Grand County’s School Board, loved to watch the news and sessions of the House and Senate, and baseball and more baseball! He loved fishing and fish were afraid of him!
Dad was ready to go, carrying a baseball, a fishing pole, a wrench and a heart full of love and a smooch for his sweetheart. Babe Ruth was Dad’s hero. Dad/Grandpa is ours!
A family viewing was held in Ogden, Utah on Thursday, Jan. 27. Graveside services were held Friday, Jan. 28. Interment was at the Panaca Cemetery in Nevada.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I Begin At the End...
...of my grandpa's life, that is. Funny how the death of a loved spurs you to action. When Grandpa Grey died last week, I was asked to share a memory of him. Although I have a few detailed memories of Grandma and him, I realized that I have many more vague ones - ones that are just pictures in my mind. Saying goodbye to Grandpa was something that I realized I wanted to remember, so I decided now is the time to start a blog.
I saw Grandpa alive for the last time at his 90th birthday last July. It was clear he was having a hard time recognizing me. When I got a call last week that he was about to pass, I wasn't sure I wanted to see him again. I didn't figure I could get out there soon enough to say goodbye anyway, so I waited. I finally left for Ogden last Tuesday, only to get a phone call from Glenna when we were halfway there that he had passed on. I admit I was relieved that I didn't make it in time. I wanted to remember him the way he looked last summer.
When we went to the viewing on Thursday, I was hesitant to approach his casket to say my goodbyes. Azie prompted me to go. I'm really glad I did. He looked just the same as I remembered him from last summer with the exception of his lips. He looked like he got botox. They were much smoother than normal. Family members placed precious items in his casket. Rae Lynn stuffed a whole bunch of his favorite candies in his pocket so he could share them in heaven. I had an empty feeling that I had nothing to give him. Then I realized that I did have something to give - my love and prayers. I told him that he would be learning about eternal families up there and to please, please accept the temple work that someone would be doing for him so that he and Grandma could be together forever. I told him I would be praying for him. I didn't really want to say goodbye, but it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I suddenly wanted to go to Panaca to be there when the final goodbye was said.
At his graveside Grandpa's children all said a few words, but they all basically said the same thing. They all felt loved while growing up, and they all said he was a great dad. The VFW was also there to pay tribute. It was quite touching. They folded up the flag and presented it to Grandma, and she immediately began to sob. Melvin dedicated the grave. It was very heartfelt. They opened the casket one last time for people to say goodbye. Pamela was as hesitant as I had been to approach him, but with my encouragement she finally went up. I watched as she visited with Grandma for a few minutes - the first time since she was 15 years old. Then I watched as she and my dad hugged - the first time since she was 18 years old.
We went to the local church for a family lunch where we were reaquainted with relatives. One of my favorites is Uncle Bus - nicknamed for the Buster Brown shirts he used to wear. I don't even know his real name. He's Grandma's brother. We used to stop at his and Aunt Marnie's house in Las Vegas almost every summer. They were always smiling and happy. Aunt Marnie isn't well and couldn't make the trip, but it was sure great to see Uncle Bus. All the cousins were there except Amber and Aaron. I did see Aaron at the viewing though.
Besides saying goodbye to Grandpa, my favorite memory of that trip is when I got to work on Grandma's nails. Her polish was badly chipped and her fingernails grown out. I cleaned the polish off and cut and filed her nails. She has dementia, so reminiscing was out of the question. I just sat and enjoyed touching my Grandma's hands for those minutes. Aunt Carolyn and Aunt Debbie asked if she wanted to go take a nap, but she said she didn't want to leave with all those people around. It was so nice for her that everyone was there. I learned a lot about "bearing one another's burdens". Grandma was grieving, but having us all there helped ease her burden. I can't imagine her enduring that experience alone. I think we have funerals so that we can help carry the load of those closest to the deceased.
I saw Grandpa alive for the last time at his 90th birthday last July. It was clear he was having a hard time recognizing me. When I got a call last week that he was about to pass, I wasn't sure I wanted to see him again. I didn't figure I could get out there soon enough to say goodbye anyway, so I waited. I finally left for Ogden last Tuesday, only to get a phone call from Glenna when we were halfway there that he had passed on. I admit I was relieved that I didn't make it in time. I wanted to remember him the way he looked last summer.
When we went to the viewing on Thursday, I was hesitant to approach his casket to say my goodbyes. Azie prompted me to go. I'm really glad I did. He looked just the same as I remembered him from last summer with the exception of his lips. He looked like he got botox. They were much smoother than normal. Family members placed precious items in his casket. Rae Lynn stuffed a whole bunch of his favorite candies in his pocket so he could share them in heaven. I had an empty feeling that I had nothing to give him. Then I realized that I did have something to give - my love and prayers. I told him that he would be learning about eternal families up there and to please, please accept the temple work that someone would be doing for him so that he and Grandma could be together forever. I told him I would be praying for him. I didn't really want to say goodbye, but it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I suddenly wanted to go to Panaca to be there when the final goodbye was said.
At his graveside Grandpa's children all said a few words, but they all basically said the same thing. They all felt loved while growing up, and they all said he was a great dad. The VFW was also there to pay tribute. It was quite touching. They folded up the flag and presented it to Grandma, and she immediately began to sob. Melvin dedicated the grave. It was very heartfelt. They opened the casket one last time for people to say goodbye. Pamela was as hesitant as I had been to approach him, but with my encouragement she finally went up. I watched as she visited with Grandma for a few minutes - the first time since she was 15 years old. Then I watched as she and my dad hugged - the first time since she was 18 years old.
We went to the local church for a family lunch where we were reaquainted with relatives. One of my favorites is Uncle Bus - nicknamed for the Buster Brown shirts he used to wear. I don't even know his real name. He's Grandma's brother. We used to stop at his and Aunt Marnie's house in Las Vegas almost every summer. They were always smiling and happy. Aunt Marnie isn't well and couldn't make the trip, but it was sure great to see Uncle Bus. All the cousins were there except Amber and Aaron. I did see Aaron at the viewing though.
Besides saying goodbye to Grandpa, my favorite memory of that trip is when I got to work on Grandma's nails. Her polish was badly chipped and her fingernails grown out. I cleaned the polish off and cut and filed her nails. She has dementia, so reminiscing was out of the question. I just sat and enjoyed touching my Grandma's hands for those minutes. Aunt Carolyn and Aunt Debbie asked if she wanted to go take a nap, but she said she didn't want to leave with all those people around. It was so nice for her that everyone was there. I learned a lot about "bearing one another's burdens". Grandma was grieving, but having us all there helped ease her burden. I can't imagine her enduring that experience alone. I think we have funerals so that we can help carry the load of those closest to the deceased.
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