The Big 1-1!

Happy, happy birthday Chandler Dear!

The day-o-Chandler started with a yummy breakfast by Dad and then a quick flag football game. He got to open a couple of presents, one being an official Boy Scouts of America shirt and cap.

 After hanging out for a bit we had a little dinner of sliders with cheese and sweet potato fries then a family party at Grandma Nettie's house.

Chandler wanted a BYU themed party so we put on our Cougar shirts and made blue and white cupcakes. He also requested his "own" birthday cake along with his favorite ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough. We rented Sumo Suits and set up the mat in Grandma's backyard. It was really funny to watch and participate in the "fighting." Chandler and Brooklyn were the first competitors and made it so everyone wanted to try it out.

 

This year Chandler couldn't guess what was in the box.

He couldn't wait to wrestle!

Happy boy and his dad!

He ate half of it by himself!

It is such a privilege to be Chandler's parent. I love him in so many ways. He is generous and loving to his little brother, helpful so much of the time, and really a great kid. He is sensitive and thoughtful to others and really tries to do his best. I'm grateful for being a part of his life.

Baby is Broken...

 This is Baby...according to Watson.

This is broken baby...according to Mom.

It was time, I could feel it in my bones. He was 20 months old in a couple of days, we've had sleepless nights and lots of searching and picking up from the floor. I think he knew it was time. He didn't really suck on it anyway, just chew, throw, and play with it.

So far, so good. No screaming, or tantrums, or wailing at night. He still has it, tries to hold it in his mouth, but doesn't require it like I thought he would. I know this transition marks one end of the "baby" era for my sweet B. A single tear has been shed.

Our Easter Best

I love Spring. What a wonderful time to celebrate the resurrection of the Savior as the flowers and plants come back to life after a long winter. I am so grateful for Him, His love, His charity toward me and my family. I am so grateful he allows and encourages me to repent so I can have His peace with me daily. I'm so grateful to know that because of His plan my family and I can be one with him on earth and return Home to Him and our Father in Heaven. I'm grateful for the little reminders of His plan I get each day through my husband and children. I feel so blessed and want my daily life to show this gratitude.

Just About Us

Scott had a work conference the end of March in Las Vegas. He would be gone for almost a full week. We thought it would be fun to make a couples weekend out of it so I booked a flight, made arrangements for Watson, and packed my suitcase. Thanks to Challey and Spencer, Scott and I had a little trip all to ourselves for a couple of days. We did a little shopping, a little eating, a lot of walking around, and a lot of laughing while being entertained by The Blue Man Group.

By the Volcano

Bumble and My Honey

Super yummy Carrot Cupcake

Inside the Bellagio Atrium (My favorite!)

The Famous m&m store

Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate

A Blue Man and me

The Blue Man Band and Scott

'Tis that Time of Year

Spring is springing and so footballs are flying around here. Chandler asked to do flag football again this year, in hopes of participating in tackle this fall. I'm still not sure how that will work out...we shall see. So, Scott is his coach and this is really a good experience for all. The team is full of excited, somewhat distractable, boys who are eager to learn. Chandler scored a touchdown in the first game. Scott has been working on plays and ways to keep the boys focused. It is a good time. If you want to join the fun plan on coming to a game on a Thursday night or Saturday afternoon. All games are held at the Dimple Dell Rec Center on 10600 S. and 1000 E. The remaining dates are:
4/30  12 pm
5/5    6:30 pm
5/7    1:00 pm
5/12  6:30 pm
5/14  12 pm
Bring a chair and enjoy the game!

Almost Done with Scouts, Boy Scouts That Is!

Yes, it's true, Cub Scouts is almost at an end around here. At least for seven more years. Chandler is moving on to Boy Scouts in less than two weeks. I guess that's what happens when boys will not stop growing. Chandler has had some really great Cub Scout leaders the past four years. I really appreciate all that they have taught him, all the time they spend preparing and spending with the scouts, and their endless amount of patience and love for the boys. With encouragement from many Chandler did earn his Arrow of Light. It is an award that takes some work to get. He completed eight activity badges, memorized the Scout Oath of Promise, motto, slogan, sign, salute, and handshake. He did this along with a few other requirements. I'm really proud of him. I look forward to his continuing to grow into a great Scout as he moves forward. Great job Kiddo!

We Did It!

We have been reading the Book of Mormon together for a few years, trying to fit it in each night. It started when Chandler was in 2nd grade, we would each read a little at a time. As Chandler has gotten older, we have read more, to the point of a chapter a day. Yes, our reading together was a little spotty. It seemed difficult to really get into a routine together, especially with the every other week interruption of Chandler not being home. About six months ago, though, I really felt a strong impression to change our routine with reading. From that time on we set a plan to read every weekday morning at 8 am. It worked! We did just that, practically every morning. It really blessed our family to make the day go well and allow us to feel the spirit more fully. We set a goal the beginning of this year to finish our reading by Chandler's birthday--which is May 9th. We met our goal ahead of time by reading the last two chapters in Moroni on Easter. This was Chandler's idea and he was excited and insistent on reading the last verse of Moroni 10. It really has been a great experience for our little family. We often had great discussions about what we read and what we believe. Chandler knows a lot about the gospel and is so interested in learning more. He is such a good example to me of how I can truly be "like a child." When I send Chandler back to his other house on Mondays I always feel he is a little more prepared because we read the scriptures together as family. This often speaks peace to my heart. We did take President Hinckley's challenge seriously way back when, we did the best we could, and feel very blessed because of it. We are excited to start our study again!

Minnie, Mickey, and Us

We decided to surprise Chandler with a trip to Disneyland over Spring Break. Thanks to Scott's hard work we were able to make the little week long trip. We drove straight to the airport with Chandler after picking him up on Monday, bags were packed and in the trunk. We were wearing our Mickey Mouse tees and hat and his mouse ears were waiting for him in the car. Our flight was full but on time and Watson was a rock star during the short trip. Chandler was the perfect big brother in letting Watson take over the window seat to stay entertained. We headed to the hotel Monday night and got everything ready for our first day in Disneyland the next morning.

Chandler's deal for the trip was to smile for every  picture! He was smiling anyway so it was a small price to pay.

First day of Disneyland, we were all excited!

I had a flash forward of seeing this same look on his face in five short years...behind the wheel of a real car.

Watson was great at napping the stroller when he tuckered out. Perfect little traveler for The Happiest Place on Earth.

It's a Small World was fun for everyone--well, Chandler was a good sport about the kiddie rides.

On the Choo-Choo, one of Watson's favorites.

Watson was so excited when he saw the train, he couldn't contain himself.

We rode the Winnie the Pooh ride at least a dozen times, maybe more.

After three days of Disneyland, we ended our vacation with a relaxing day at Newport Beach. The weather was nice, around mid 70's. Scott and Chandler braved the water while Watson and I hung out on the beach. Scott did take the boys looking for crabs in the tide pools among the rock barriers. Now when Watson sees crabs at The Living Planet Aquarium he points and says "dad, dada, dad." Watson loved the sand and found sticks and shells to dig with. I relaxed and got a funny little sunburn, from the rolled up pant shins to my toes. I'm still sporting the tan lines. This was a great little trip for our family. It was so nice to be away from the norm and relax with just each other. I loved to watch Chandler and Watson and Scott get so excited as we went from ride to ride. I'm so grateful we had this time together. 

Holy Smokes!

WOW! Chandler has been busy, busy, busy! This past month:

He earned his Webelos badge for Scouts. He is looking forward to getting his Arrow of Light. He is pretty close.

He also advanced to District, Region, and now State for his Reflections project. See video--I love his collaborative effort with Dad.

He completed his Science Fair project and is now moving on to District with it.

Yes, he is a great kid. I love that he is willing to put in effort to accomplish his goal or assignment (combined with gentle parental nudging.) He is creative and particular with how he wants things. And, he really wants to do a good job.

Congrats, Chandler, on all your hard work and efforts! Great job Kiddo!

Wonder Woman

It has been 7 days, officially. My mom has been in the hospital since last Tuesday. She went in because of massive pain in her abdomen and bowel area. We found out she had a small bowel obstruction. It was likely caused by adhesion (scar tissue) from an appendectomy or hysterectomy. Any way you look at it, it isn't a good thing. At first I joked with her about the pain--could it be that bad? was it gas? did she eat something she shouldn't have? I just couldn't believe it was as serious as it was. After several days of attempting to work it out on its own, the doctor did surgery. Everything went well and the fix for the problem was much smaller than originally thought possible. She still has quite a process for recovery as her body relearns to digest properly.
This experience has really made me think more about my mom--the original Wonder Woman. She is strong. Really strong. I've always expected that she would recover from anything, and she has. I have never considered that something could really stop her from being her. But, something can. However, it isn't this experience. She is going to recover. She is going to get stronger. She is going to continue on being the great mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, RS President, wedding doer (who state she doesn't do weddings), that she always has been. I realized I need and want to be more sensitive to her when her "powers" are lacking and really be as supportive as possible. I hope to someday be the Wonder Woman she is.