Friday Fill-Ins #121

(a photo of my seasonally challenged tree - everything else is flowering and greening up. Poor thing is hanging onto its dead leaves from last fall. Weird!)


1. Apparently there's some sort of Scout campout tonight. I wish I knew the actual details. Men...

2. My little boys just love a sunny day. Perfect for bubbles, bike riding, rock throwing, grass rolling, dirt digging, ant squishing, butterfly chasing...

3. 2009 is insanely busy so far so far. Being in Young Womens at church is by far the busiest calling I've ever, ever had! (And I've done both the Primary and Relief Society president thing...)

4. All I wanted to do was a couple of on-line classes, that was it. Photoshop, a little class on how to use my camera...but lately, my time is not my own and I seem to get further behind every day.

5. For too long I've been complacent about the winter weight gain. It is a constant struggle and I'm sure it always will be. Yo-yo, up and down...seems to be the story of my body's life. Perhaps the fact that my two-year old told me yesterday that my "butt was too big" will be a motivating factor, lol.

6. I am not obsessed with Facebook and blogs; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a friend's Scentsy open house, tomorrow my plans include more yard work and Sunday, I want to have a nice quiet day with my family!

Non-weekend creative

Doing laundry gives me a great excuse to scrapbook. And I got absolutely nothing done over the weekend, but was blessed to attend an absolutely fabulous Youth Conference put on by our stake. I must say that at the ripe old age of almost 40 {gasp} I am too old to be sleeping on a cot. I am definitely not looking forward to that aspect of girls' camp this summer.

I used the outstanding April Studio Calico Kit for all three of these.

Manic Monday meme #164

Describe to me your favorite lounging clothes.

My favorite pair of Adidas sweat pants, a t-shirt (summer) or warm, cozy sweatshirt (winter) and barefeet (summer) or sheepskin slippers (winter.)


If you promised to never lie again in your lifetime, in what area would it be hardest to uphold the promise?

Probably lies of omission! I don't like conflict very much, so I tend to gloss over things or just not say anything if it will avoid a big scene.


Give a one word answer to the question "why is life worth living".

Family!

Friday Fill-Ins #120

1. Join me in giving a big hand to our music teacher, Mrs. Davis. Wow, just wow!!!

2. Put a little time to create in your day!

3. Happiness is living close enough to family to get together for Easter, birthdays...or just for the heck of it.

4. My oldest two sons' conversations about War Games figurines leave me dazed and confused.

5. I'm waiting for a CTMH order and two new Cricut cartridges.

6. New paper is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking my young women to Youth Conference, tomorrow my plans include hanging out at Youth Conference and Sunday, I want to sleep because I sure won't get any at Youth Conference!

Wordless Wednesday

Rhyme time

This child is obsessed with rhyming. All day long, he asks "does tree rhyme with pea?" "Does soap rhyme with bope?" (we get lots of non-words at this point.) We did have a little trouble when he was rhyming with all the family names and he called Mitchell "Mitch." You can probably guess where that one went. I'm always a little worried when he rhymes with duck or truck. :)

Last night, he snuck downstairs long after I had put him to bed. I called him over and asked what the matter was. He replied "I hurt my head...when I fell off my bed. Hey, that rhymes!"

This morning I was in a hurry to take McKelle to school and hadn't folded the boys' laundry basket yet. I grabbed two socks which didn't match and just threw them on Mason as I rushed to get out the door. When we got back home, he took off his shoes and came and presented his feet with a perplexed look on his face. "Hey Mom, my socks don't rhyme."

Manic Monday meme #163

Do you recycle? Why or why not?

Used to. In fact, we recycled so much that our family of eight never, ever filled our garbage can. But when we moved here, we discovered that there is no recycling. There is in the city, but we're in the county, so no recycling for us. Would if we could...

Would you rather be a pirate or a prince/princess?

I probably would have said princess until I saw Pirates of the Caribbean. Kinda like Kiera Knightley's pirating.

Are you into astrology? If yes, how does it affect your life?

Nope, not one bit.

Wishing...

Wishing I could take pictures like this all the time!

Friday Fill-Ins #119

1. Anonymous...something I wish I could be while dealing with the drama that occasionally pops up in Young Womens!

2. Being creative is a necessity, every day.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, and I will emerge a much stronger, more spiritual woman.

4. Popcorn popping on the apricot tree (and azaleas and cherry blossoms and forsythia and lilacs) are what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when you have a scrapbook room just waiting for you to come and play.

6. Reeses peanut butter cups MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hearing how McKelle's sophomore class presidential candidate speech went and watching her run at the track meet , tomorrow my plans include an Easter egg hunt at Mom's with my family and Sunday, I want to contemplate my Savior's Atonement and the true meaning of Easter !

Mid-week creative

(I can scrap while doing laundry...right??)

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Creative...just a little late

Journaling reads: {while driving} Max "Ewww! Something stinks. Mom! It smells really bad!" Mom "I think it's a skunk." Max "A skunk?" Mom "Yeah, a really stinky skunk."
Mason "Somebody better change his diaper!"

Mom "Mason, you have a booger nose." {pick} Mason "Put it back!!!"


{after a few bites of dinner that he especially likes} Mason "Mom, you ROCK!"

100 Things

Saw this on my friend Beth's blog and a couple of others. Looks like I need to do some traveling outside the US.


1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars (have you met my husband??)

3. Played in a band (no, but I did play keyboard bass for our jazz choir in high school)

4. Visited Hawaii - we were going to go on our honeymoon, but we were way too poor. Maybe someday...

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you could to a charity - there is always more to give!

7. Been to Disneyland - the only time I was in California, I ended up getting sunstroke and missed the day at Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped - not yet!

12. Visited Paris - I wish!

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning - Chinese food in Provo

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa

20. Traveled by Train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitchhiked - no, but Michael did! He flew into the Seattle airport and just hoped he could find a ride to the Tri-Cities to surprise me. A four hour drive! And he did it!

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping - at girls' camp, but shhhh! Don't tell my Young Women...wouldn't want to give them any ideas.

27. Run a marathon - I let Michael do it twice to make up for me!

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise .

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community - we spent six years in Pennsylvania!

36. Taught yourself a new language - I took French in high school and college. I can still read a bit and understand un peu, but don't ask me to say much!

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung Karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on the beach in the moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance - again, leaving that one to my sweet husband :)

47. Had your portrait painted - not painted, but we did have a pencil one done of the two of us in Vegas when we were first married

48. Gone deep sea fishing -

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud - I have 5 boys. 'nuf said...

54. Gone to a drive-in- one of our favorite dates when we were in college and couldn't afford a babysitter. We'd pick up Olive Garden to go, pack Matthew in his car seat and go to the drive-in in Springville, UT

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business - I was a Creative Memories consultant for 5 years.

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen - no but Michael and I are scheduled to next Monday.

61. Sold Girl Scout cookies

62. Gone whale watching - I was sure hoping to see some on the ferry ride to Vancouver Island this past Christmas, but all we saw were a few boats and a float plane

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - and Michael sold plasma all through college so we could buy groceries!

65. Gone sky diving - not yet, but I will!

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check - unfortunately. Back in the days of living on student loans and never being quite sure when they were deposited.

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job - never fired, but I was layed off once. Within a couple of months, they had to hire two people to replace me. They had NO idea how much work I actually did there.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - only out the window of a plane, so it probably doesn't count

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chicken pox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous - I met several famous athletes during Michael's fellowship. And the 76ers worked out in the gym at PCOM, so I saw a lot of the team while walking on the treadmill.

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a lawsuit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in a day - many, many times

Manic Monday meme #162

How often do you change your toothbrush?

I have an electric toothbrush, but I change the head about every three months. I have one of those toothbrush sanitizers (ultraviolet light) so even when I'm sick, I don't change it more often. Too expensive!

What is your favorite item of clothing to shop for?

Probably t-shirts. I love t-shirts! I wear them all the time. I like finding really cute t-shirts that fit just right or a fun new color that is not already in my closet.

Do you use social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)? Which do you use most often?

I've never tweeted. I'm afraid if I did, I'd never get off the computer. I do use Facebook and love it. I have connected and reconnected with a ton of relatives and so many friends from all the different times and places of my life.

Food for thought...just a trifle

By posting this, I am allowing my domestic diva crown to slip pretty far. In fact, between this post and the housecleaners who are supposed to arrive any moment, the crown may be spinning around my ankle!

When invited to any sort of potluck or bring-your-favorite-dessert event, I always make Trifle. Chocolate goes over the best and there is never enough left to even lick the bowl. It looks impressive and tastes fabulous. My little secret? It is super easy to make!

Chocolate Heath Bar Trifle

1 box brownie mix (13x9...or family-size) plus ingredients to make the brownies
1 large container Cool Whip
1 large (or two small) boxes instant chocolate pudding and milk to make your pudding
6 large Heath bars (or one bag miniature Heath bars), frozen






Make and bake your brownies. Allow plenty of time for your brownies to cool before you need to assemble the trifle. Hot brownies and cold Cool Whip are yummy, but not a good combination in a trifle.

I use a jelly roll pan to bake my brownies. I like to cut them in little squares, but you can definitely use a regular cake pan.



Remove your Heath bars from the freezer and chop them up. I leave them in the wrappers and hit them with a rolling pin. Using six big bars is a lot easier than opening all those little miniature wrappers, but I have a hard time finding the big ones here.

Make the pudding and let set in the fridge for a few minutes. It should be slightly set.





I love the look of a trifle bowl and you can find them quite inexpensively. I picked mine up at Kohls for less than $10. But if you don't have a trifle bowl, any glass bowl will do. Actually, any bowl will do, but glass is great so you can see the pretty layers.

Start layering your trifle. Half the cut brownies go on the bottom of the bowl, followed by half of the chocolate pudding. Layer about half of the Cool Whip and sprinkle with a handful of Heath bits. Repeat the layers: brownies, pudding and Cool Whip. Top the last layer artistically with Heath bits. :)




This is a great dessert to play around with. If you don't like Heath (or can't find it) try another candy. I've done Butterfingers, Whoppers, and chopped up Hershy bars. Try a different pudding flavor - I like to mix Cheesecake Jello pudding with my chocolate for a unique taste.

And if you are looking for something a little more spring-y, try a trifle with pound cake, fruit and Cool Whip! I mixed a little cream cheese and sugar in with the Cool Whip on this one and it was divine! Grate a little chocolate on top for a pretty presentation.

Wordless Wednesday (proof that little people rule my world...)

Weekend Creative

Manic Monday meme #161

Do you enjoy brain teasers or do you find them frustrating?

I love a good brain teaser. I love logic problems, Sudokus, crossword puzzles. I love games that require more than just luck. I think I need to buy Brain Age for Mitchell's DS and sneak in a little brain exercise while he's at school.

Do you have any unusual collections?

I have a huge collection of cookbooks, but I don't consider that unusual. I also collect craft/scrapbooking/stamping supplies, but only my husband thinks that's unusual. ;)

What do people notice about you within the first hour of meeting you (other than appearance)?

I'm kind of quiet, especially if you meet me in a large group setting. But if you stick around and talk to me one-on-one, people tend to notice that I am a bit of a nurturer. I have been told I radiate a sense of empathy and am a good listener. I don't know...you be the judge!

Wordless Wednesday (because there are no words...)

Weekend Creative

Had a little time in my scrap room this weekend...

Manic Monday meme #160

Do you screen your phone calls?

Yes, but only for telemarketing types.

When was the last time you lost your temper?

Unfortunately, this morning. Mitchell was doing his usual slow-motion, moving-through-molasses bit and I needed him to pick up the pace. He had the nerve to tell me he didn't have enough time...

(For the record, I had awoken him over an hour prior and all he needed to do was get dressed, eat breakfast and make his lunch. Yes, I'm still a bit miffed...)

When you're lost, do you ask for directions?

Not now that I have my iPhone! I just use my little map app...

Birthday Boy

He's 10!

Born in Philadelphia during Michael's first year of med school. Lover of video games, fantasy/sci-fi books, football and soccer. Favorite food is pepperoni pizza. My little social butterfly (so far, the only one of my kids to get in trouble for talking too much in class.) Longest eyelashes this side of a Maybelline ad.

I can't believe he's already 10...

Friday Fill-Ins #116

1. Why do we have to count calories? Exercise - I don't mind it. In fact, if it's a game of basketball, I love it! But I hate having to limit what I eat in order to get anywhere on this weight loss journey.

2. Checking my google reader and my Facebook are now habits. I'm probably a little too attached to my computer.

3. I have so many more things on my mental 'to do' list than I have time for.

4. I had never heard the phrase "bring a plate of slice" and it really confused me the first time I was given those directions! To me, Slice was soda pop, not a plate of brownies/cookies. Those Canadians...

5. I wish people in this house would learn to load the dishwasher the way I always do. After much trial and error, I really do know how it works best.

6. How was I to know he needed his running shorts. They were in the laundry hamper and I was just doing my job.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to McKelle's Solo & Ensemble festival and her track meet, tomorrow my plans include celebrating Mitchell's 10th birthday and Sunday, I want to spend a little time with my sister, brother, mom and dad!

Wordless Wednesday (definitely worth the $1)

Mischief

Does the leprechaun visit your house?

I must give a shout-out to my dear friend Janet, who, years ago in Philadelphia, introduced me to the ways of the leprechaun. My children thank you!

Max found the pot o' gold this morning (with just a little nudge from Mom), following the trail of sparkly shamrocks and pot o' gold confetti throughout the house. Milk turned green, Mom's sparkling water...green. Toilet water...green as well. A little mischief here and there, and we'll top it off with an all green dinner tonight. And of course, Shamrock pie! Yum.

Manic Monday meme

Are you a saver or spender?

I used to be a saver, big time. Making it through all of our schooling and training with 6 kids and little to no income required superhuman saver powers.

Um, yeah...now that we have a nice paycheck, I've turned into a bit of a spender...

Do you prefer to walk around barefoot in your home? Socks? Shoes?

I'm almost always barefoot or slippered at home. I have these great sheepskin slippers that Michael's parents gave me for Christmas. They're finally wearing out though and the Wilwands no longer live near the place that makes the slippers. I may have to find another source.

Do you talk to yourself?

All the time. Which makes Michael a little crazy, because he thinks I'm talking to him.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. When I look to the left, I see my daughter trying to find something to eat. Track meet in the morning and she's doing the mile - she eats a lot more lately.

2. The dining room is the room that has the best view in my home because you can see the Blue Mountains..

3. Let it work - oh please let it work. I am not a computer genius and if you did exactly what I did to download the video and it isn't working, I have no idea why!.

4. Exercising and losing weight can be done dirt cheap! Walk, eat right - no expensive WW or Jenny Craig food needed. No gym membership or expensive equipment other than good shoes!

5. Providing safe schools is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share. (Are you listening, College Place voters???)

6. If you have any Hawaii quarters feel free to send them my way. I've collected six sets of the state quarters and two Hawaiis are all I need to finish.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a bit more sleep than on the weekdays, tomorrow my plans include two soccer games, McKelle's first high school track meet, Stake Standards Night and chaperoning the youth dance and Sunday, I want to breathe!

He's a keeper...

Michael wondered the other day if I ever blog about him. Why yes, dear, I do...

A little bit of scrapping going on!

I need to be creative. Without that outlet, things just don't seem to go right in my day. But finding the time to sit down and actually get something done has not been easy lately. Between Young Women's, family, soccer, track, band, blah, blah, blah (not to mention one crazy wild two year old) I haven't been able to play much lately. But thanks to a movie on the laptop (to keep said crazy child nearby and in sight) I got a whole page done today. Woohoo!!

Proud mama redux....

Micah turned 12 last Thursday. It hardly seems possible. Didn't I just bring home that 9lb 4oz baby boy, wrapped in his red tricot blanket?

Unfortunately, he was suffering from a bout of stomach virus and spent his birthday in jammies on the couch (with bucket close at hand.)

Sunday was a proud day for both Michael and I, as Micah was ordained to the office of a deacon and given the Priesthood. My dad joined us for church and the ordination. Proud Grandpa. Proud father. Proud mama, indeed.

Proud mama...

Saturday was a goal scoring bonanza for the Wilwands. I missed both of Micah's game (two in one day!) because of a church commitment, but Michael texted me about Micah's fantastic goal keeping and then a great goal. They won 2-1 in a hard fought game.

Mitchell has been playing soccer for about three years now. He has struggled a bit to find his place, but it all seems to be coming together this season. Guess my kids are just late bloomers. He had several excellent passes, played great at goalie and scored his first two goals ever in his game Saturday. Woohoo, Mitchell!!

Manic Monday

I like these. Friday Fill-Ins, Manic Monday, Wordless Wednesday. I may look around for some others. They're pretty helpful when you're in a writing rut.

Manic Monday....Time

What would you do with an extra hour each day?

This would totally depend on whether it was just another hour or an hour of time all alone! If it was just an extra hour in my every day life, I'd probably get a little extra sleep. I'm up early, just after 5:00, to do my morning routine before the kids get up. I don't ever feel like I'm really rested. I have always been more of a night owl than an early riser, but kids forced the issue. I still stay up later than I should.

If I actually had time alone, I would do something creative. Sew, scrap, craft...I don't get to do those things as often as I like lately. Mason canNOT be left unsupervised. Ever. Bad things happen. Marker on walls. Things flushed that shouldn't be. Escaping outside and down the street. So...getting wrapped up in any kind of creative project is not always possible when he is awake and running full speed ahead. I'd love to have a little more time to myself.

Do you wear a watch? If so, tell us about it. If not, how do you keep track of time?

I used to wear a watch, every single day. Michael gave me the loveliest watch a few years ago for Christmas and I wore it all the time. Unfortunately, it broke about a year ago. I bought a couple of other watches since then, but haven't really gotten in the habit of wearing either of them. I think I just didn't like them as well as the one from Michael.

As for telling time, I have my iPhone and I usually pull that out to see the time. When I'm teaching at church on Sunday, I always have to ask one of the girls (and then they whip out their phones to tell the time.)

If it was possible, would you want to know how many days you have left to live?

Tough one. I should just answer no. But I'm the type of person that thrives on deadlines. The sooner something is due, the better I get at accomplishing stuff that needs to get done. This seems to apply in all aspects of my life. I love having a definite time frame.

But...I also know myself. I am a procrastinator. And I'm afraid knowing might cause me to put off some of the important stuff for far too long. I'm going to have to answer no to this one.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Sending a card to a scrapbook message board friend yesterday was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place I want to visit is Alaska. My dad's pictures from his trip were incredible. I find the glaciers and vast expanse of snow awe-inspiring.

3. I am constantly looking for ways to build my relationship in matters of the heart. Love is an action verb!

4. Coffee, tea or just water for me, thanks. I don't drink either.

5. Friends from high school and I walked separate paths. I didn't keep in contact with any of them, though Facebook has brought me back in touch with a few.

6. Our cluttered living room reminds me that there are children living, playing, pretending and growing here.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Micah's birthday dinner, tomorrow my plans include three soccer games, track practice and a church women's meeting and Sunday, I want to rest enough to get over this darn cold!

Pioneer Woman wannabe...

I got a new lens for my camera and fancied I might become the next PW, lol. Here's a family favorite:

Pesto Tortellini


Gather your ingredients. Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt and freshly grated parmesan cheese. When we lived in Michigan, I had a lovely vegetable garden, with several potted herbs scattered around on the back porch. Mmmm, fresh basil just outside my back door! Currently, I pick it up in those little plastic containers at the grocery store, but I am longing to get back to having a never-ending supply (and not paying almost $4 for that little box of basil!)



I use about 1 1/2 containers of fresh basil leaves for my family of 8. This is approximately two cups of loosely packed leaves. Don't forget to discard the big stems.


Place your basil leaves in a food processor or blender and add a pinch of salt, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), about 1/4 cup of pine nuts (lightly toasted in a dry skillet really brings out the flavor!), 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup fresh parmesan.



Process, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add another 1/4 cup olive oil while processing. More can be added if you prefer a thinner sauce. I like mine thick!


Pour over hot tortellini, stir to mix, serve with a side of freshly grated parmesan and enjoy! 6 of 8 Wilwands love this (including picky Max), 1 Wilwand will eat it (because she doesn't really like parmesan) and only 1 abstains (that would be Mason.)

Friday Fill-Ins

Several of my favorite bloggers do this, so I thought I'd join in.

1. I'm happy to see the sun today, I'm tired of gray skies, I am definitely ready for spring.

2. Why do I have a really great camera and not the knowledge to use it well.

3. How does this mother of teenagers thing work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put Organic Pumpkin FlaxPlus Granola on my spoon.

5. I consider myself lucky because my teenage daughter still likes to hang out with me.

6. One day we’ll see a zero balance on our student loans...one day, in a far, far off time.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a teenager girl sleepover, tomorrow my plans include two soccer games, some housecleaning and hopefully time to scrap and Sunday, I want to teach a really great lesson for my young women at church!

Of course, I embellished...

My piano snack was cute, but the cake board looked a little bare.



Easy directions: Buy a pack of vanilla wafer cookies. Melt some white almond bark. Dip the cookies in the almond bark and place on wax paper to harden.

My pack of wafers were kind of short so I pushed two together, end to end, while the bark was still liquid.

After they harden, cut off any bark trailings (otherwise, they won't fit next to each other closely.) Add dark cookie bars or wafers for the "ebonies" (I used Keebler Fudge wafers) and voila - you have your edible piano.

The musical notes were melted chocolate piped onto wax paper.

There's a song in my heart...

And, I hope, in my head, too. We're playing Don't Forget the Lyrics for Young Womens tonight. Should be a blast! I was in charge of snacks. Wanna see???



Easy, peasy, but oh, so cute!

Questions for Brynn

1. If you could have lunch with three people, living or dead, whom would you choose and why?

2. I'm always interested to talk to other moms with lots of boys. I was a very girly girl, so having five boys was a bit overwhelming. I always wonder if I'm doing all the right things for them. I know your daughter is still pretty young, but do you find parenting boys or your daughter easier?

3. You have five minutes to pack up and leave your house, forever. What goes and what stays? (We will assume that your DH and children are a given.)

4. Who has been the most inspirational non-relative in your life? What two or three life-changing things did you learn from that person?

5. What is the most meaningful gift you have received and why?

Resident comedians

A few recent Max-isms and Mason-ese for your enjoyment.

Mason has been fascinated with gum lately. So much so, that under a certain babysitter's watch (who shall remain nameless) he consumed an entire pack of gum out of my purse. We have been working on chewing and not swallowing. When I do give him gum, he will come running every so often, mouth wide open, to show me the gum is still above his uvula. After one lecture about not swallowing, he looked at me and said "I can't swallow the gum, but can I swallow the taste of it?"

Definitely a scrapbook page in the making!

Some recent questions from Max:

"Mom, when Mason changes into a girl, will we still call him Mason?"
"Mom, did you know babies come from seaweed?" (Where that came from is anybody's guess...)

And something cute from Mason:

"Mom, if you were a toy, we could play with you." (What in the world am I doing all day, anyway??)

Conversations in the car are a source of hilarity. A recent one:

Me "Eeeeww! I can smell a skunk. Mason, can you smell that stinky skunk?"
Mason "Yeah. Somebody should change his diaper!"


Max "Mom, can you spell Daddy's name?"
Me "Do you mean Dad or daddy? (because he has been spelling D-A-D lately)"
Max "You know, Mom. The guy with no hair!"


Funny statements by Mason:

"If you close your eyes, you can see out your ears."

(on the way home from Walmart) "I like the dinosaurs we brought home with us today." Funny, I thought we brought home fruits and veggies.

"Did you throw down?" (questioning Max after he had a bout of stomach ick)

And two last funnies from Max:

"Snot is way more better than ear wax." (said after I told him not to pick his nose and eat it. UGH!!)

"Yeah, right means no." (why yes, yes it does, son.)

Answers for Lee (I didn't flake!)

My sweet internet friend Lee had this meme on her blog recently and I thought it was fantastic. I agreed to participate and asked her to come up with some questions just for me. I must ask her forgiveness in taking so long to answer - life has gotten *slightly* busy lately and I haven't quite got the hang of juggling all the new responsibilities.

Better late than never, though, so here are my answers:



1. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your life? What is the one great lesson you learned?

When I first read the question, all kinds of ideas popped in my head. I actually had an answer mentally written out...and then I re-read the question. It wasn't just asking for a big influence, which is how I had answered, but the biggest influence. That's a huge question!

A surprisingly easy answer, though, to such a big question. The biggest influence in my life has been the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't think of anything I do or say that is not touched or influenced by being a follower of Christ. How I view and act in my marriage, how I treat my children...and my neighbor, how I prioritize the responsibilities and activities that fill my life.

Last Sunday, I taught a lesson to my young women about following Christ. I challenged them to take a day this week and live as if Christ was right there with them. I'm hoping to hear this Sunday some of the things they learned. Maybe some changes they made or some things they were already doing well. How it affected their attitude and their relationships. I participated in the challenge as well and I am happy to report, that although there were small changes throughout the day (being ever more patient with Mason, not spending so much time on the internet, being better about responding to promptings to call a friend, etc.) I really try hard to live my life like this every day.

Greatest lesson learned? That I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, and as such, have great potential, great responsibilities and great opportunities for blessings in addition to hardships and trials that will allow me growth and shape my life for the better.

2. You are seemingly always surrounded by friends and family - certainly children, when in your life have you felt most alone?

Alone?? I'm not sure I even know what that means. I once went on a plane all by myself to attend my baby sister's wedding (we couldn't afford for everyone to come) and I couldn't figure out what to do with myself! No one to remind to stop kicking the back of the seat, no one to hand out snacks to, no one to take to the bathroom 17 times in three hours. You're absolutely right, Lee. With six children, I am very rarely alone.

But there have been a few times in my life when I have felt lonely, which is something altogether different than just being alone. The first was right after my fourth child was born. We were living in Philadelphia. Michael was in his first year of med school. I had four children under five and a husband who was rarely home. I know now that I was suffering some post-partum depression at the time, but I certainly wouldn't have admitted it then. My family was 2500 miles away and one of my dearest and closet friends in Philly was moving away to Utah. It was a rough time, made even tougher because Michael didn't recognize the signs of post-partum I was exhibiting. I harbored a bit of resentment towards him for awhile - he was a med student and certainly should have known! At least in my mind...

The most recent time was when we moved to Walla Walla in August. I had been looking forward to this time of life for 17 years! We were finally done with all of Michael's schooling and training. We would finally have a real job. We would be close to family. We would settle and be part of a community. I had great expectations, but as so often happens, my expectations were far bigger and greater than the experience itself.

We left an amazing community and church group in Minnesota. We were welcomed and loved there from day one. We felt needed and appreciated. It was a much different experience here and it has taken a long time to feel like we really belong. I'm not there yet but I'm working on it.


3. How has being a parent changed you? For the good and for the bad!

Being a mother is one of the greatest gifts of my life. It has also been the biggest challenge.

Children definitely change more than your body shape and pant size!

On a beautiful evening last week, Mason ran up and told me there were "shooting stars" in the sky. I looked up and saw several jet contrails highlighted in the setting sun. One of the greatest joys with children is seeing the world through their eyes. As we grow older and supposedly wiser (and often more cynical) we often lose the innocent wonder at happenings in our world. Having children reminds me to look around and see things in a different way and to be amazed at things I might have thought were so simple.

Children have taught me selflessness. That's pretty self-explanatory, but anyone giving up night after night of restful sleep to feed a newborn (or calm a cranky toddler), anyone that has given up hobbies or interests because they didn't quite fit in with running kids to soccer, to band, to scouts, anyone who has taken all their dry-clean only clothes to Goodwill because they would only end up with slobber, jam hand prints, crayon or other kid-dropping on them...they know the meaning of sacrifice in their lives.

Children have shown me that I have a bit of a temper. It is definitely inherited! It is something I work on constantly. I have seen in my own family how tempers can destroy relationships and I will never allow that to happen with my own children. Children are great reminders of work-in-progress.

Everything takes more time...lots more time...with children. This has been a bit of a challenge for me. I like to be prompt, early really, for everything. Expanding my getting ready to go time to include 6 children has sometimes been a trial. This is a bit of a contrast to my tendency to procrastinate, which becomes an even bigger conundrum with children!

Having children is a bit of a leap of faith. You don't know what you are going to get! A happy, contented sleep-through-the night baby? Or Max and Mason...who didn't sleep their whole first year. Will your child be shy? Outgoing? Athletic? A brainiac? Having children certainly has taught me to be flexible. As soon as I think I have something figured out, the next child down the line shows me that certain tactics don't work for everyone. In fact, they don't even work for the same child on subsequent days!

4. What traditions have been passed down in your family? What new ones have you made?

One of my favorite traditions from my family is Christmas Eve fondue. Cheese fondue is truly a divine food! I only make it once a year, but sometime around October, I start thinking about its wonderful flavor and can't wait for Christmas Eve.

We have inherited a love of camping and being outdoors from both families. I grew up camping in the Rockies in Montana every summer with my dad's extended family. Michael's family owned a fly-in fishing camp in Ontario most of his growing up years, so camping is second nature to him.

I have added a lot of little traditions, many having to do with holidays. The leprechaun hides his gold for St. Patty's day, leaving a gold dust trail throughout the house, along with lots of mischief-making. We eat an all-green dinner (not Irish at all!) consisting of pesto covered tortellini, green jello, broccoli, green grapes, celery and of course, Shamrock Pie.

We make heart-shaped pizza and pink milkshakes for Valentine's Day and spend the month filling each other's mailboxes with sweet love notes and little treats.

One of my most favorite traditions is our Halloween costumes. From the time the kids were babies, I have made all of our costumes. We started doing a family theme one year and it has been so much fun over the years. Certain children (ahem...Matthew) have chosen not to be part of our theme the last couple of years and I was actually quite sad about it.

We pick apple and pumpkins in the fall and we always do caramel apples. Gingerbread houses are another favorite. We open gold presents on Christmas Eve that always have matching jammies.

There are also day to day traditions: we read scriptures each morning as a family. We gather in Max and Mason's room at night for bedtime stories. When we say family prayers, everybody yells "Big Hug" after the amen and all the kids try to be in the center of the family hug. Michael and I always air kiss across the table after the blessing is said on the food.


5. Given your full marriage, what advice do you have for young couples?

Here's one of the most important things. In order to have a happy marriage, YOU have to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Your spouse cannot make you happy (or sad, or mad for that matter.) You choose. Everyday, you choose how you will feel. How you will act or react. It makes any relationship, not just marriage, so much better if you stop blaming the other person for your emotions.

Love is an action verb. Just because you "fell in love" and got all those mushy, romantic feelings about someone does not mean that those will continue without some (a lot!) effort on your part. Every day, you must choose to love your spouse. And choosing to love means doing something that shows that love, that builds on that love. It can be as simple as saying "I love you." Writing a note on his mirror. Slipping your hand into his while watching Lost (or whatever show you watch as a couple.) Making his favorite meal. We often get so busy with life that we forget to do the little things that nurture the most important earthly relationship.

Find things/activities that you enjoy together. Then do those things. If there seems to be nothing in common, try something new. Together! Over the years, we have discovered a shared love for crossword puzzles, Thai food, hiking, vegetable gardens, skiing, etc.



Do you want to play?

Rules:
And now the rules for this little meme…which is a challenging one by the way because you just don't know what's coming your way….
If you want to participate:

1. Leave me a comment saying: "Interview me"; or, send an e-mail to arlamowilwand at gmail dot com
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions (please be quicker than me ;) thanks Lee for your patience!!)
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Best laid plans and all...

I had plans. I always have plans. But these were bigger than usual. And lots of them. So many goals for this year. And then I met with the Bishop. And he asked me to be the Young Women's President in our ward. So...considering the time that will be involved in this calling (WHEW!!) I am going to have to take a serious look at what I had planned for the year personally and cull it down a bit.

Our young women are awesome. I heard many of them speak last night at New Beginnings and wow! What great spirits they have. I am excited. And scared to death. I'm great with little people. I know little people. Teenagers?? Not so much. But I'm committed.

And, I just keep reading Ether 12:27: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for it they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

I'm counting on that last line, for I am feeling pretty weak and humble at the moment.

Wish I had learned so young...

There was a bit of drama. Of course. There's always drama with Mason. "I want to go home. Now!" "Get these skis off my feet!" "I want to go sit in the house (the lodge)."

Once he figured out how fun it was, he was fine. He loved it. He skiied all day!