Three great ways to spend a Saturday

I was excited to watch the grand kids participate in their activities last Saturday.  They all did super! Watching Ike swim however, brought back a lot of memories.  I was taken back in time when the only thing I did in the the summer in the small Northeastern Utah town of Vernal, was swim.  We had a great old dilapidated pool, the bottom of the pool was painted asphalt. Big chunks of it would come up and make great diving toys.  The only thing going for it was that it was filled with the fresh mountain spring water minus the chlorine.

I think I learned to swim around the age of five. That was about the only thing I could  do as well as my older sister.  I took to the water like a fish.  I remember hopping on my brand new, shiny blue, Schwinn bike my grandfather had bought for me. It had a big basket on the front handle bars for my towel.  I couldn't quite reach the pedals, and the bike was as tall as I was, but I still managed to pedal that mile from my house to the swimming pool with determination.

Once at the pool... I was in heaven.  I didn't even have to have a buddy to go with, though I did most of the time I think. There were two diving boards located at the deep end of the pool.  One we called the low dive and the other the high dive.  The high dive was about 10 to 12 feet high. I started jumping off that thing the minute I learned to swim.  It had a ladder on the side. Straight up and narrow,  the whole board shook while you climbed. The pool was unique in that it went from 3 feet at the shallow end all the way up 12 feet in the deeper end. I spent countless hours there.  I would swim until that final sad whistle was blown telling everyone to leave.

As I watched Ike swim on Saturday, I couldn't  help being a little envious.  To have had the opportunity to be part of a swim team would have been a good thing for me. It was something I did well. It has also been a great blessing in little Ike's life,  he LOVES it!  He tried so hard on Saturday.  He didn't give up.  For just learning how to swim, he did a fantastic job.

Pretty sure this is a picture of me at that dilapidated pool.

I couldn't leave out Benz's great T-Ball game.  He got great hits, ran hard, and slid in to home plate in his own simple way.  He sat down on it.

 Bay got a hit every time she got up to bat.  She had a great day.  We are so pleased with the good job she did.

Out and About in Florida

Thought I would catch up on our short trip to Orlando.  Not much to report, but had a few things note worthy for myself.  I pretty much just hung out at the hotel for the week. Sunday was Mother's Day.  Rick had meetings all day so I went to brunch by my lonesome. Little did I know that being on the Disney Resort we had characters for visitors that day, Being that I was alone they made sure to give me extra attention. I was so embarrassed. Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox were first to visit my table. Finally, Minnie came over and kept kissing me on the cheek. The European guests sitting at the next table, decided I needed a picture. The rest of the day I read the Conference Ensign, while relaxing by the pool. We went out to dinner that night to celebrate Mother's Day.

Thank goodness Downtown Disney was across the street from our hotel.  There was plenty there to see, do, and buy.  Each grand child got a small prize from one of the many shops.  The Pirate Shop and Lego Store were the recipients of most of my money.  Some days I would just walk over and get a hot dog or popcorn for lunch, healthy right?  They had musicians playing at every corner and people watching was great fun.
(almost as fun as Walmart)

One night we drove outside Disney to a recommended Steak and Seafood place.  Rick order lobster for me,  it was delicious. I hadn't had lobster for over a year,  it was much enjoyed.

I wanted to take our time getting home, but Rick decided to drive straight through.  We might tag along with Bri and Jarod, as they are going to Destin, Forida in a few weeks.  I think the beach was my favorite part of the trip.

Me and Minnie


I was glad we were close.


Reminded me of picking these up off the floor, too many times in my life.


Spent a few dollars in here. I felt guilty going in for free samples.

Pirate swords and fairy wands were purchased here. The little mouse with the pirate hat liked to spit water on people.

The Lego store was great fun.  I wish I would have had Gavin, Benz, and Bay with me. They would have loved this.

It was good to be out and about.

Finding My Happy Place

Once again we took a very short planned road trip. This time Rick's boss asked if he would like to attend the SAP conference in Orlando.  Being a little last minute, he tried to find tickets.  No aisle seats. For Rick that is NOT fun.  I said, " let's drive."  He thought for a second, and said, "okay."  With less than a week to get ready, I thought, here we go again.
We drove to Pensacola, Florida the first day.  It is a beautiful place.  I know it isn't Hawaii or another fabulous get away, but I am hooked!  I will definitely try to make this trip more often.  The sand white and the water blue, that is all I need.  In fact we might try it again in the very near future. Even though we were just passing through, I loved it.

I have been so thankful for Rick's work. I love to tag along with him.  We have had a lot of fun being out and about.  More to come...

 Rick hauling my monster bag...

Isn't it pretty?

Wish I wouldn't have worn my Levis. 

 Even Rick was smiling because he loved it too!

Pedi still  intact girls, thanks again.

Will definitely be back!

It's a Matter of Choice

Had TWO options to choose from today. I chose family. I had already missed 2 of Benson's ball games, and most of Ike's soccer games. I couldn't miss out today. I love to see the support of family. I truly think that is what keeps it together. My children supported one another and cheered each other on in whatever they were doing. Ike's game started at 9:00, then on to Benson's at 10:30. IT REALLY WORKED OUT WELL for the timing of things.

Ike got to make contact with the ball a few times. 

Ike had his own personal goalie coach.  What a sweet memory this will be.

Way to kick it out of the box Ike.

Papa was on double duty today.  Jakies's best friend.

Whoops, guys teamwork.!

Then we were off to Fairfield to watch Benson.

Going for the ball on second base.

Swing that bat, and bust that ball!

Run!

Smiling, with praise from the Coach.

Love, love, that my family supports one another.

My choice today was my family.  I love them, and treasure the gift I have been  given through them.

This week there has been much discussion on choice in the media,  may I add my two cents worth.  I have worked, I have stayed at home. Both are hard work, no matter how you slice it. I see good in all hard working Moms. In the end, I don't regret any of my choices, but in the end I hope my children won't either. 

EASTER 2012

Easter Sunday is always a hopping event.  First, we all attended church, all at different times and locations. That is incredible considering 10 years ago we would have gone to 1 or 2 different chapels.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has bloomed in North Houston.  Since the last of our wards meet at 5:30 pm, we decided to get together at 6:00.

Thanks to Bri and Jarod and their wonderful party house, we had a great time. We had a delicious typical Easter dinner. Ham, funeral potatoes green bean casserole, fruit salad, green salad, and rolls were served. Loo worked her magic on two yummy cakes. I got thinking about it, and I don't think the kiddos argued at all. After dinner we turned the the kids loose to find 120 eggs in the back yard. It was fun, and I ate too much.
My sister and her husband DJ.

Bri and Jarod head of he table, Brandon and Loo on the right, Sarah and Israel on left.

The kiddo table.

Ready set go. 

Ike was fast.

Bay was speedy.

Benz was focused.

Katelyn determined to find chocolate.

Jakie was having a great time.

Brynley didn't feel good, but did her best to have fun.

Cute James could have cared less, he was just chillin'.

Everyone was happy with their find.

Then there was dessert.  Bay decorated the bunny cake all by herself.

We were often reminded throughout the day, of our Savior's love and sacrifice for us.  What more can we want than our families together forever?