Mono's Moments

Just Chillin'

2012-01-31T20:36:00.010-07:00

The penguins came out to play last Saturday for the MyMy's long awaited birthday party.

The penguins made snowflakes............

Went ice-blocking...............

Waddled their eggs..........

And ate octopus, fish crackers and even became a little "cannibalistic".

Then, they got all cozy and warm in front of a fire where they could roast some s'mores.

The parent penguins are now chillin' with diet cokes and ibuprofen. Aaaahhhhhhh!

Birthday Beauties

2012-01-31T20:10:00.006-07:00

The MyMy celebrated her 11th birthday last month. The LuLu celebrates her 15th birthday today. Time is flying by faster than I can imagine.

It seems like only yesterday I was pushing MyMy in a stroller and singing lullabies to her. Soon, all of those little girl moments I treasure so highly will be gone.

And LuLu is no longer that little girl who was so shy and quiet. She has turned into a lovely young lady. Before we know it she will be off experiencing the world somewhere else besides our home.

I am not ready for this growing up so fast stage. Time could stand still, or time go back a few years and I would be ok. I guess that in a few years, I will be looking back at these pictures wishing for these ages too.

Happy Birthday Girls! I love you both with all of my heart.

Blogging

2012-01-13T18:47:00.002-07:00

I started blogging because I needed an outlet that didn't cost any money and kept me home. I needed something to fill my days with some sort of activity besides laundry, dishes and other ho-hum jobs. I didn't have money to pursue other interests or hobbies I have such as cooking, gardening, travel or the gym, and I couldn't afford babysitting to go out with friends. Blogging seemed to be the perfect solution- It gave me a moment of interesting in sometimes a very boring life.

At first, I had huge plans to blog daily with witty anecdotes and clever family activities and ideas that would draw a huge pool of faithful readers and maybe make a little money along the way. Then, it sort of became a way for me to keep grandparents in touch with my family since we only see each other once in a while because of distance. I also realized that it would be a great way to journal and capture my girls as they grow since I do not keep up on photo-albums. And then, once in a while, I write because I think that maybe I can, and blogging is preparing me for that "one big moment" where I will actually have something published and be in high demand. After rereading posts however, I realize that I should never plan on quitting my day job.

Lately, I have been too busy to sit down and write. Ideas will run through my head and I will come up with, I think, a clever format, but by the time I finally sit down to write, I am either beat, or the idea has been lost in some grocery list or other tedious and never-ending task. Then, there are those nights, like tonight, where I feel like blogging and actually have time to blog, but do not have one funny or special family moment to share nor do I have some creative thought brewing in my mind.

Life is funny that way. It never seems like anything is aligned in a perfect order. Instead, things are in a continual disarray- leaving us to make the most of what is and doing the best we can with what we have. I realize that if we don't make the most of what we can then it will become a lost opportunity and other gifts will not be given.

This is the reason I am posting tonight. It is really not a profound or thought provoking post. It is also not going to make me a writer or capture a glimpse of the grandkids. It continues to be an outlet however that has no cost and gives me a sense of expression which is what I needed in the first place. So, without further ado, I will finish this post and sign-off for the evening hoping for something more interesting to share the next time I blog. I hope it won't be like watching cement dry or a hot, long and dry season. Time will tell, only time will tell.

Christmas

2011-12-30T10:07:00.004-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas......hope you did too!

The Assignment

2011-12-29T11:18:00.023-07:00

The alarm went off too early for a Sunday morning. It was cold, dark and rainy outside and yet we were excited and eager for the day ahead. Soon we heard the pitter-pattering of feet down the hallway. Even the MyMy was up and getting ready in a timely manner; an event that only occurs the first day of school and when grandparents are around to view her early morning soccer game. After packing water bottles, sandwiches, oranges and snacks, and having a morning prayer, the family took to the wet roads in unbelief that the sky was still so dark.

Because of the rain during the night the forecast did not look promising and we were not sure that the assignment could be fulfilled. We would not know until our arrival- three hours later- if things would come to pass. We drove towards Kingman where we would join up on the old, yet famous, Route 66 while listening to Christmas music.

After 60 miles on the famous Route, we turned off onto Indian Road 18 and headed towards Havasu Canyon which is the southwest corner of the Grand Canyon. On that road it became heavily wooded with Juniper trees and soon snow was covering the roadway, a rare treat for us in Arizona. Soon however, we began to go down in elevation leaving the snow and our trail behind.

We arrived at the Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead at our designated time, 9:45a.m. The sun was shining and the skies were clear, a promising forecast for the four of us. We parked and got out of the car. The weather was chilly and crisp. People were already there lining up for their turn. Derrick put our names on the list. We took pictures and wandered around as we were admiring our view. No one was really speaking and it was rather quiet until we could finally hear the sound we had been anticipating- blades whipping the air- helicopter blades to be exact.

We turned around and immediately out of the canyon came the helicopter and landed within seconds of it's appearance. The helicopter had a system that seemed efficient and organized. A man would appear from the shed, open the door to the helicopter and let people unload, while he unloaded their gear. Then, a gesture towards the awaiting crowd to quickly come forward to reload the helicopter, soon shutting the door and the helicopter quickly ascending into the canyon.

Seeing the nosedive into the canyon with such immediacy and quickness made my stomach twist a little in knots with apprehension. The girls and Derrick were only more excited by the thrilling ride soon to be taken by us.

You see, the only way to get to the Havasupai Village down below is either by helicopter, mules or backpacking 8 miles down. The people that live there use the helicopter all the time to take down their groceries, Christmas presents, and feed for their horses.

After waiting for an eternity it seems, it was finally our turn. We boarded the helicopter, buckled up and before we could even prepare for takeoff we were off the cliff with land only appearing hundreds of feet below. The view was breathtaking. None of us spoke because we were all looking out our own windows and viewing the earth below.

Soon, pictures were taken and the village appeared all quaint and untouched. It was hard to believe that people lived here. It was a step back in time, one that Derrick and myself have always longed for. We landed in the town square, unloaded and put our names on the list so we would have the chance to return later that day.

I asked for directions from an older lady who was sitting on a stone bench listening to her modern day ipod. We traversed on a red dirt path that was mostly muddy due to the overnight rain. We passed people on horses and dogs ran along. The leaves were changing color and falling to the ground. I enjoyed their smell and the crunch under my feet.

We walked along the path trying to take it all in. Smoke was coming from chimneys, people were hanging laundry and chopping wood. Kids were playing in the trees and riding their horses without saddles. It was picturesque and captivating.

After a 15 minute walk, we came upon a small, white church. It was our final destination and where we would fulfill Derrick's assignment. The church was immaculate. It was so white and the porch was spotless. We tried to wipe the mud off our shoes on the lawn before entering trying to hurry because we were very late. They, the ward members, realize that timing is not an exact science and usually wait for their visitors to arrive.

When we entered, the room had 5 other people there, 2 visitors and 3 ward members, a family. We quietly sat on the back row and listened to the first speaker. Once he finished, the man in front of us turned around and asked us why we had come. Derrick mentioned that he was the assigned High Council speaker and we had all prepared talks.

The MyMy started by introducing herself and mentioning her pet goldfish. The LuLu spoke next, followed by me and then Derrick. The man then asked if the girls would sing for them, in which we did. Brother Rogers spoke next. His sweet and humble testimony touched my heart so deeply. I am crying right now as I write because I was so touched by his faith and example to his family. I led the closing song and then gave the closing prayer.

This little church really has only 1 active family that come faithfully every week. They set up the chairs and maintain the church. In fact, the church is in their front yard.

Brother Rogers joined the church 30 years before as a young boy when sister missionaries were placed in their area. The church grew and at one time there was a large congregation. For some reason, church services were stopped in 1985 and many of the members went inactive and have stayed inactive.

We admired their faith and diligence. They meet weekly and never know if anyone will show. I wondered if I would do that. I know that there are faithful and diligent members all over the world doing that each week and admire their strength. I hope I would have been like that too if placed in that situation.

The Rogers family were so thankful that we had made the trek. We were so grateful and humbled by them. After visiting for 30 minutes we wished everyone a Merry Christmas and started the trek back to the town-square for our helicopter ride back into civilization. We really wished we could have stayed longer. The LuLu got to sit up front on the way back which was exciting for her.

Once at the top, we stopped to eat our sandwiches and then headed home. We drove back through the beautiful snow realizing that this might be the only time we see snow this season and stopped to play in it though inadequately dressed. The girls made snow angels, a snowman and had a snowball fight with dad.

We arrived home after dark. It had been a long day, but one that we will never forget. My thoughts have returned several times to that village and the Rogers family. They have been in our prayers too. We are hoping to backpack and camp along the falls sometime this year and look forward to another assignment in that cute, little church with a lot of heart, next year.

Reflection

2011-11-29T20:22:00.022-07:00

With 2 days left I think I can still share my thoughts of gratefulness. Here they are.........

I am thankful for little girls, although not so little anymore, who enjoy little things such as homemade spa treatments and dressing up.

I am thankful for bigger girls who get to go off to girls camp and do not complain when their older and not cool mother tags along.

I am thankful for beautiful scenery that somehow fills my soul with vitality and freshness and gives me a sense that I can live in the brownness of the desert once again.

I am thankful for a family, where a vacation with them, is really a vacation.

I am thankful for temples and temple blessings where family can be together as a family forever although it didn't begin that way.

I am thankful for a Daddy who took his girls on a daddy daughter date promising them a great time and fulfilled that promise.

I am thankful for the Lady Leprechauns who entertained me for so many weekends. It was a fun season!

I am thankful for a wonderful day of Thanksgiving. It started with a turkey trot followed by a friendly neighborhood soccer game. Then, a family dinner out where mom could relax and enjoy the day without cooking. Once bellies were full and conversations were complete it was time to switch gears and head to the movies for an afternoon with the Muppets. The family finished the day with board games at home listening to Christmas music and munching on pumpkin pie.

I am so grateful and feel truly blessed.

Mohave Swim Team

2011-11-09T19:11:00.006-07:00

he LuLu just completed her first year on the Mohave High School Swim Team. She endured 5:30am practice times, home-school seminary, and hours and hours on team buses. She had a great time.

T

Hallowinner!

2011-11-09T18:23:00.010-07:00

The MyMy said that she had the best Halloween ever! Finally! She actually went Trick-or-Treating this year besides the church Halloween Carnival. The LuLu was in Yuma at a swim meet for most of the festivities. Here are some pictures of the hallowed event.

Father-In-Law

2011-11-02T19:55:00.007-07:00

The alarm clock began to beep awaking me from a deep slumber. The hour was early, 3:30 a.m. to be exact. The world around me was dark and quiet. It was time to get up and get the newspapers ready for delivery.

I got up, got dressed and wearily walked to the door wishing that I could sleep with the rest of the world. When I opened the door, my father-in-law was standing on the porch folding newspapers. What a surprise!

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Delivering newspapers," he said beaming from ear to ear.

My father-in-law was in town for just a couple of days. "So, do you mind if I come along?", he asked.

I nodded my head, still confused and shocked. We began folding papers in silence. Once they were folded, we loaded the papers in the car.

My memory fades as to who was driving or what vehicle we took. I do not remember the conversation, if any, that took place except for newspaper lingo. What I do remember is the image of my father-in-law, with an armload of newspapers wearing tennis shoes, walking down the street throwing the papers onto porches. I also remember his huge grin and his happy-to-help like attitude as he helped me deliver the papers during the wee hours of that morning.

We finished the job as the sun was slowly beginning to rise casting rays of light through the tree lined streets. Once back at my home, my father-in-law gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek thanking me for the opportunity of accompanying me on my job. He reminded me once again that I was his "favorite daughter in-law", and how proud he was of me. Then, he climbed into his car and headed for Grandpa's house waving and smiling as he left.

I quietly opened the door and slipped inside in hopes that I wouldn't awaken anyone. My heart was full and I felt loved. I wanted that feeling to stay with- just me- for awhile. It was too precious to share.

The memory is still precious today. Happy Birthday Dennis! Please know that you are my "favorite father-in-law" too.

Charging Up!

2011-10-08T10:19:00.004-07:00

Silence in the room except for the hum of the refrigerator and the dropping of ice.
Sunlight beaming in through the closed blinds.
A crisp morning walk that seemed somewhat familiar, yet still far away.
Breathing in slowly and cautiously hoping that each part of my body can relax.
The muscles in my jaw are clenched so tight, I can still feel the pressure clear to my toes.
I really haven't done anything in the last 15 hours and still I am finding it difficult to unwind.
The laundry, the floors, the smell in the fridge are still waiting Impatiently for their turn.
The lesson plans, uncorrected papers, PTA budget and soccer mom items are furiously taunting my mind.
The husband and children are away, leaving me free from their demands, at least for awhile.
They will be home tonight longing for food, looking for clothing and demanding my listening ear of their overnight adventures.
I am hoping to be calm, cool, collected, smiling and refreshed- ready to jump in and once again be what they expect.
Most likely I will be able to pull it off- the smiles, the laughter, the calmness and collected, meeting demands both high and low, knowing that I can't fool myself- My head is barely staying above water.
On my knees I go- praying for strength and wanting the warmth of His arms around me.
I hear Him telling me that I am not alone. I can do it. I have done it and that I need to do it.
"I know," I whisper, " and I will."
Tears are streaming down my face as I feel His love and His strength. I am humbled and thankful.
The morning is fading ever so quickly. I realize that I need to begin, or I will not be finished and ready.
I will, but not until I have posted my thoughts and feelings. I do not want to forget. So I do.

Isn't She Lovely?

2011-06-19T19:56:00.009-07:00

Isn't she lovely?

Isn't she beautiful?

Isn't she grown-up? My how time flies! Are we ready for this?

8th grade graduation party.

High School......coming soon!

The Reason We Splurge

2011-06-14T17:47:00.006-07:00

Some may think it is extravagant. While others think it is a want instead of a need.

We know better.

But, just in case you need proof, here.....it.....is......

These are dishes washed in hard water, due to our water softener taking a short break.

Nasty!

Wacky-Hair Day!

2011-06-14T17:31:00.009-07:00

Another year and another wacky hair day. The MyMy went as a street.

The LuLu used all of her hair, and she has a ton of hair, to create a wacky do.

And, I decided to pull off a younger look.

Did it work?

The Weekend of the MyMy Talents

2011-06-14T17:06:00.006-07:00

Friday, ballet dance........

Saturday, lyrical dance.........

Sunday, piano recital.

Monday, parents put their taxi-cab hat away for the summer.

Brace-Face

2011-04-26T13:04:00.003-07:00

Today, the MyMy committed to not have gum, nuts, beef jerky, popcorn, bagels and Doritos for 2 years. She also promised to brush and floss her teeth for 4 minutes in the mornings and evenings and also to brush after every meal.

Mom and Dad have postponed their long awaited travel plans to Hawaii, the local grocery stores and gas stations to pay for this two-year commitment.

The LuLu has been told that she can go to any college or university she wants as long as there is a dental program at that school. A dentist or orthodontist would make a very fine husband indeed.

Here's to two years!

Always Too Quick To Grumble!

2011-04-19T18:48:00.008-07:00

"Hurry up please and finish," I said to my 10 year old daughter today. We have spent a portion of 2 days cleaning and de-junking her bedroom.

"Why do I always get to spend my breaks helping you with your room? It's about time you learn to clean and organize your own room," were other words the MyMy heard coming from my grumbling mouth.

Pulling everything from the closet and drawers, refolding clothing neatly, throwing away trash and organizing toys, books, trinkets and shoes occur every 6 months in the MyMy's room because she has a knack for keeping everything.

Her cute room, colored in pinks and purples, is a treasure of memories and items that she loves and adores. Every stuffed animal has a personal memory of why she still needs it. Notes from her friends, cards from her grandparents all remain close to her heart. Crafts, made from material, popsicle sticks, markers and glue remain on shelves because of the memory of making it is still so vivid in her mind. Everything has a story and because of that it is worth keeping.

Although I appreciate the MyMy's special care for her treasures, I grumble often at the chaos it creates. Today has been no different. I am always too quick to grumble when really, if I strived for patience, I would find and appreciate the joy in the moment.

The MyMy helped me find that joy today. I was humbled by a sweet and loving 10-year-old girl.

We found her karaoke player and found some really fun CD's to sing to. She allowed me to use the microphone. I became less bothered and stopped grumbling a little.

Then, I discovered a bin that had coins and a few dollars inside. On top was the scripture found in Matthew 28:19 about missionary work that she had found and written herself. I was surprised by this find. The MyMy has started a mission fund. I stopped grumbling and grew proud.

I found a Halloween story about a haunted house that was so full of description that I could really paint a picture in my mind. I didn't realize she was becoming such a great writer.

I also found a loose journal page telling about a time when the MyMy bought fish food and the cashier gave back too much change. The MyMy gave the money back and the cashier thanked her for her honesty. The MyMy stated that she felt very good inside. My thoughts were turned to amazement that she took the time to write that event down so she would not forget how she felt.

No longer did I see the cleaning of the MyMy's room as a nuisance and a burden. My grumbling stopped. I looked forward to finding the next treasure. A little love note written to her from her daddy. A picture that she drew and was really proud to share with me because she remembered taking a lot of time to make it perfect. I discovered a tile with her picture pasted on it stating that spirituality is a thing of beauty. She made it at activity days.

I counted her trophies as I dusted all 10 of them and placed all her ribbons in one plastic bag. I realized that she has had many awesome experiences.

I even felt bad for her when she lovingly and sweetly said "good-bye" to some of her stuffed animals that will no longer be a part of her life.

One of these days, all of those stuffed animals will leave my home, along with the trophies, the trinkets and papers. The pink and purple walls, and a heart filled with memories, will be all I have left. I don't know if I will be able to live without them, without her.

Now, I am grumbling that it is going much too fast.

"I love you MyMy," I said as I was leaving her room for the day. I am looking forward to my next break when I get to dig deep into the crevices of her life once again.

Burrito Mania

2011-04-03T20:19:00.006-07:00

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. We found this to be true for us today. Hands were cracking eggs, opening cans, grating cheese and frying beef. Hands were also pouring in spices, tearing tinfoil, and heating tortillas.

Our family likes eating homemade breakfast and lunch burritos. I like them because they are a healthy alternative to frozen, prepared foods and fast food.

So, between conference sessions today, the family made burritos for the freezer. The girls did a great job rolling burritos. Derrick was super at clean-up. I discovered a perfect Sunday afternoon activity.

Now, lets make it tradition.

Tired

2011-04-02T17:16:00.002-07:00

Wake up at 5:00am, get ready, fill water bottle, kiss hubby good-bye. The girls are still asleep. Drive to work while it is dark. Eating oatmeal. Arrive to work, open door, turn on lights, heater, radio and computer. Set down purse. Talk myself into another great day. Organize and prepare for the school day to start. Copies, cleaning, memo's, meetings, teachers.

The MyMy enters the room. She gives me my lunch, along with a big hug and kiss. I ask her how she slept. I fix her hair and give her a few minutes. She walks with me to make more copies holding hands. I miss seeing her in the morning, and she misses me. Soon, 8:30 arrives and it is time for me to begin the show.

Students walk in. Teach, question, respond, encourage, uplift, embolden, review, remind, model, praise, adore, read, write, speak, laugh, give, take, correct, reprimand, love.

Lunch time. Another working lunch. Read and respond to email. Eat. Read an educational article. Correct. Cut, staple and type.

More students. More encouragement, teaching, praising, correcting, observing. Many times striving for more patience. Trying to keep my cool. Afternoon students are difficult.

The end of the day. The girls come in. Quickly ask how their day went. Get them started on homework. Tutor students because I can't say no.

Check-out, turn computer, lights and heat off. Grab papers to correct, and novel to finish. Leave with girls.

Drive. Drive to dance, soccer, basketball, piano, activity days, swim, friends, haircuts, the grocery store. Drive. Work on homework while waiting for practice to finish. Work on homework while driving.

Drive home. Make dinner. Feed family. Family does clean-up. Check my email. Work on church, pta, school or house work. Remind kids to feed fish, shower, pack for dance etc.

Prayers and sometimes scriptures. Kisses, hugs, and bed.

Repeat again until the weekend.

Saturday. Clean floors, toilets, kitchen. Do laundry. Go grocery shopping. Prepare for Sunday primary.

Sunday. Church meetings, and church. No teachers. Find teachers or teach myself. Take care of crying or misbehaving children. Sing. Sharing time. Bear testimony. Feel the Spirit and cry. Remember it is all worth it. Come home, make dinner for family and friends that visit on Sunday. Family cleans. Thank goodness! Correct papers, finish lesson plans, phone calls home. Prepare for week. Schedule for another week.

Sometimes, time for blogging, lunch with friends, a walk, a nap, dinner with hubby. Not enough though.

One day I will miss all of this I am told.

In the meantime........I'm tired.

Turn Around

2011-02-26T13:11:00.002-07:00

Where are you going
My little one, little one
Where are you going
My baby, my own

Turn around and you’re two
Turn around and you’re four
Turn around and you’re a young girl
Going out of the door

This song was going through my head when I saw this picture.

Yep, she is still little! Thank goodness!

ShamWhat?

2011-02-26T12:34:00.005-07:00

The LuLu just completed her last and final science fair. This event, dare I say, was not thrilling for any of us. This was our 3rd science fair, and we were already tired after the first one. However, like good pioneers, we endured to the end, realizing that this would not really be the end because the MyMy would begin the process next year.

The LuLu decided to pick a topic that really interests her. She loves commercials, and is amazed with what they sell. She has been fascinated with the "ShamWow!" product for years, and has begged us to purchase one. We have not. So, when the science fair rolled around again, this was her chance to really see if the ShamWow! was as amazing as the commercial portrayed it to be.

The LuLu put the ShamWow! up against other like products such as the Chamosis and The Absorber. She wanted to find out which product would absorb the most water. Chamosis came in first, The Absorber came in second, and the ShamWow! came in third place. The results were heart-wrenching for the LuLu. How could the ShamWow! betray her? It made her wonder about other commercials selling their products. Are they too good to be true also? I guess we will leave those mysteries for the MyMy to decipher. We have 4-years of science fairs ahead of us.

Despite the awful news, the LuLu took first place in "the other" category. Not all that ends bad, is bad I guess! Congratulations go out to the LuLu and Derrick for another job well-done!

Big-Boy Games

2011-02-26T11:36:00.010-07:00

Finally, a wise cub-scout master, who is female, I might add, came up with the idea of- if she has the men help set-up and take-down the Pinewood Derby race-car track, they could hold their own racing event afterwards.

This was genius! Men, and Young Men, have been waiting for the opportunity to redeem themselves since the last time they raced. Apparently, they are older, wiser and better skilled. Ideas soon started to permeate the room like the familiar scent of bacon. Why not make them bigger and better? We can add switches, explosives, and electric motors. Minds began to conspire of ways to improve the event.

Along with that, so did the concerns and arguments. Priesthood meetings were filled with discussions about the race instead of Gospel-familiar subjects. This was going to be the event of the season.

I suggested that since my man was going to be heavily involved with the Pinewood Derby exhibition race, that he should also include our girls. One girl, the MyMy, was ever so enthused. The two of them spent evenings looking online at races on YouTube. They also looked over different plans and ideas for cars. Soon, plans were decided upon, and the building began.

The MyMy chose a cute little mouse. Derrick chose the original Batmobile with CO2 cartridges installed for speed. Late nights were many, but the cars were made just in time for race night.

The MyMy raced her car, along with some men and some missionaries, in the "official Pinewood Derby rules" racing event. She was the only female to enter. She came in 2nd place and she won the award for "the goofiest car". Derrick raced his car along with other cars that had CO2 cartridges. Their cars were fast and zipped down the track. Both men and boys were very impressed with the speed. Although there were some great races, there were also some disaster races too- cars losing control because of high speeds and leaving the track.

All that matters, was the event was a huge success. There will probably be a repeat the next time the Pinewood Derby rolls around, which means back to the drawing board to make bigger, faster, and better cars!

The Amazing Race Birthday Party

2011-02-26T09:58:00.023-07:00

The Amazing Race came to our small town last weekend. The Green-Ade's and the Orange Elephants were competing for the 100-Grand Fun-Snack Prize.

Routes included abandoned roads, neighbor's houses, parks, Wal-mart, Little Caesars, and our school. There, teams needed to stuff "worms" into 2-liter bottles, find messages in balloons filled with shaving cream, count marshmallows, and buy random items and then use the first letter from each item to solve a code.

For Roadblocks, individual girls needed to accomplish amazing tasks such as, eating baby food (apparently ham-gravy is awful! All I know is that the smell reeks!), find a bean with a black X on it, and put a Sponge-Bob puzzle together.

Detours included choosing between "Flight or Fright", wherein teams had to choose between building and flying an airplane or eating frightening food blindfolded. Other choices were "Croquet or Tray", meaning teams could choose to play a game of croquet, or transport a limited number of eggs and depositing them into a small cup by only using a tray. Another event was "Pack or Stack". Teams had to decide between stacking 100 coins or packing a suitcase with odd-shaped items.

Teams also had to take pictures of themselves at well-known landmarks around the town.

We had a couple of Pit Stops along the way. The first mandatory rest period was eating pizza and opening presents. The final pit stop was by the river making s'mores and having "girl-talk".

When asked what the favorite event of the race was, both teams responded the "Fright or Flight" event as being the favorite. I guess eating Pork Rinds, sauerkraut, smoked oysters and 85% Dark Chocolate wasn't so bad after all!

The Amazing Race really was a fun party idea. It almost became "The Amazing Rain and Race Birthday Party"! But, as luck would have it, thirty minutes before race time, the clouds broke, the rain stopped, and the sun started shining. That, in itself was pretty amazing!

Anyhoo, gotta go! I am still in the "Final Pit Stop" and mandatory rest period.

The Crack

2011-02-26T08:52:00.020-07:00

The Voss family set out for an adventure on Martin Luther King Day. We discovered a hiking trail in Lake Havasu, lovingly called "the crack".

It was a beautiful, January day. A typical January day for Arizona that is. The sun was shining, the skies were blue. Perfect!

The trail started like any other trail found in Arizona- sand covered ground, rocks and cacti scattered here and there, a wash full of squishy sand, and maybe a bush or two. Then, the trail leads into a rocky, mountainous area with a slot canyon. Fun!

We had to climb over boulders, balance on logs, over greenish-hued puddles, and even slide down a 7 foot natural slide. (Sounds so Indiana Jones like, except without the music, the bad-guys, really BIG puddles and boulders, and Indie!)

The view was breathtaking, and the hiking was fun. Eventually, the trail leads to the beautiful waters of Lake Havasu. Not a bad way to spend the day.

Aha Moments

2011-01-22T11:03:00.007-07:00

This morning I awoke to the sun streaming into my window hitting my eyes. I looked at the clock and realized that the 9:00 hour was upon me. How did I sleep for so long?

I slowly rolled over relishing the treasured moment. The house was so still and quiet. Derrick was gone to work, and the girls were still staying with friends.

We, Derrick and myself, had just returned from Phoenix. We had been there running some errands and got in very late last night. Although the trip was a whirlwind, full of activity, it also was very nice. It was fun just being the "two of us" again.

With that in mind, I realized that having just the "two of us" feeling would soon come to an end because I needed to get up and go and retrieve the girls. I hesitated for awhile. I loved just having nothing on my mind and the silence of the house.

Each time I thought of calling the girls, other thoughts of just a little longer kept creeping into my mind. Soon, two hours had passed, and I knew that I couldn't stop the inevitable from happening.

My palms were sweaty, knots appeared in my stomach, and my heart rate went up. Although I love and adore my girls, I wasn't ready to enter that mommy role quite yet.

I picked up the phone, dialed, and no answer. I texted, and found out that the MyMy had gone hiking and would be gone for the day. I then called the LuLu and realized that she was not ready to come home yet either. Couldn't she stay for just a little longer? I reluctantly said yes.

I got off the phone thinking that this should be my moment. That I should be the luckiest person alive. But all I felt was disappointment. I miss my girls. I haven't seen or spoken to them in two days. I wanted to know how their school days went. What did they eat? Did they have fun with their friends. Were they feeling okay? I wanted to give them hugs, see their smiles and hear their laughs.

How did my thoughts and feelings change so quickly? Being a mom is probably the hardest job I have ever held. Being a mom is the best job I have ever held. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

And that, my friends, is my.... Aha moment.

Life-Lessons 101

2010-12-18T09:03:00.004-07:00

The assignment: Write about a time when you had to overcome a weakness or do something difficult. Tell what it is, what you did, and how you felt. Explain also the lesson learned. This was my assignment given to my Jr. High students not so long ago. This was my own experience I shared with them.

It was many years ago in a land far from here. I was 4 at the time and had borrowed my neighbors Big Wheel without permission. The wind on my face and the freedom to ride all over the neighborhood was exhilarating. The feeling ended abruptly when my neighbors returned home.

My neighbors owned something I did not- a big, bright red and yellow Big Wheel with wide and black tires. It was a thrill to ride. I went to my neighbor’s house all the time so I could ride it. In fact, now that I think of it, riding it was more important to me then playing with the kids that lived there. One day as I knocked on their door, I realized that no one was home, which meant, no Big Wheel rides. My disappointment showed all over my face. I loved racing through the cul-de-sac my feet pedaling so hard and fast. I could beat anyone in a race. Now, what was I to do? I started heading home, probably mad that they were not home. While walking home, a thought entered my mind. I would go and borrow the Big Wheel.

I immediately ran back to their house and opened the latch to the gate that led into their back yard and there it was. I immediately grabbed it by the handlebars and pulled it out onto their pavement and then began to drive on their driveway. It was fun driving around in circles for a moment, but that got old pretty quick. I wanted more. Another thought entered my mind. It would be okay to take it out for a spin. I won’t be gone too long. Immediately, I took it out and headed up the road. My twin brother soon caught up with me and told me to return it because I was stealing. I am pretty sure I told him to go and take a hike and took off. After awhile and a few blocks away, the family drove by in their car. They took one look at me, slowed down, and stopped to ask me if the Big Wheel was mine. I started to cry and took off running towards home leaving the Big Wheel right in the middle of the road.

When I got home I ran into my room and hid under my blankets and pillow. Soon, I heard a knock at the front door, my dad talking to my neighbor, and the door closing. Then, I heard footsteps in the hallway and a knock at my door. I ignored the knock and didn’t say anything. My dad entered and then the discussion began. He was calm and not angry. In his soothing voice, he proceeded to tell me that I needed to go and return the Big Wheel and apologize to my neighbors. My sobs were so loud it was difficult for me to talk. I remember begging him to go and do it for me. He repeatedly told me that it was my responsibility. After some coaxing, I jumped off the top bunk and headed out the door wiping my tears on the sleeve of my shirt.

I slowly walked up the street with my head hung low. I was dreading every step. My friend’s father was standing on the driveway with his arms crossed watching my every step. I was so embarrassed. I walked past him feeling his eyes bore into my back and rounded the corner to find the Big Wheel still sitting there in the middle of the road. I didn’t dare ride it back and instead grabbed it by its handles and slowly marched it back to my neighbor’s house. When I got to my neighbors house, I quickly put it in the back yard while the father was watching my every move. Then, I sauntered over to the dad and quietly mumbled “I’m sorry” while looking at my shoes. I remember him saying to me as I was walking off- “don’t ever do it again”. Tears were streaming down my face full of relief that it was over and also feeling very bad for my terrible mistake. I felt so bad.

When I got home, I quietly walked into my room, climbed back onto my bed and sobbed into my pillow. Shortly thereafter, my father entered my room. He came over to me and gave me a big hug and told me I did the right thing. I cried into his shoulder and felt the comfort of his arms around me knowing that he had taught me a lesson using love that day. I didn’t want to go over there and return the Big Wheel. In fact, I begged and pleaded for my dad to do it for me. When he told me that it was something I needed to do, I begged for him to go with me. Once again, in a loving way, he told me I needed to do the deed on my own. I did it knowing that I would find comfort and safety in the end.

I have not forgotten that day, or the life lesson. It has reminded me often not to just take things that do not belong to me and to respect other people’s property. It also helped me to understand that I can do hard things and be better for it. Opportunities like this come often, and now that I know I can tackle it, I do, and I will!

.......I wrote this early one morning after Thanksgiving weekend, right before school was to start that day. I shared it with my group excited to see what they would come up with. Great responses about riding a bike the first time, learning to swim, a difficult babysitting job etc. resulted. I was happy about their ideas and yet I was haunted at the same time. I was haunted that I didn't pick out the best lesson learned from that event- the love and calmness exhibited from my father over the ordeal. This event probably would not have imprinted a good memory into my mind if it hadn't been handled in love by my father. I started to imagine how that moment so long ago, would have been placed in my mind had he been angry and upset. I didn't like the feeling. Then, I felt guilty, sick and haunted because I had had an awful Saturday with one of my daughters. It was awful because my reaction towards my daughter was so different than my father's reaction was with me. I needed a new lesson. I got it and now I will try to apply it.

It is funny how sometimes we learn things. As I sat at my computer in the early hours of the morning trying to come up with a topic for that particular writing assignment, nothing flowed until I started writing that memory. Everything else seemed forced. Someone knew I needed that lesson and this is how it was given- in love, once again- by a loving and kind Heavenly Father.

I have two fathers to thank. For one, I wrote this post, the other, I will pray to. I love you both, and Thanks for the life-lesson.

Fashion Show!

2010-11-26T16:29:00.005-07:00

Four, 10-year-old girls.....

Music blaring......

Camera's flashing......

Only the red carpet was missing. I remember those days! Fun, fun, fun!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T08:45:00.008-07:00

Right now as I am writing this I am gorging on a hot, buttery roll. Homemade rolls only occur at Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas at the Voss home. They are so light and fluffy and buttery and warm, that it becomes difficult to ignore the temptation to have another roll and then another.

Thanksgiving felt the same way. It was a buttery and warm, fluffy day full of a variety of aromas, sights and sounds. I enjoyed seeing the girls snuggle in blankets on the couch watching the Thanksgiving day parade in their pajamas while Derrick got in some extra treasured sleep.

I loved being in the kitchen rolling out pie dough while thinking of my grandmother since I am using her recipe. I then pulled out Grandma's pretty bowl, that was given to me after her passing, to use for my mashed potatoes and smiled longingly for times past.

My mind is always miles away when I cook, which is probably why I enjoy cooking during the holidays.

I begin the long and sometimes tedious process of preparing my Thanksgiving turkey knowing that, like labor and delivery, the process will be forgotten when the end product is in sight. I remember back to the time my sister emailed the recipe to me and calling her many times after that to seek clarification. I also remember the disaster of brine and turkey breaking the thin bag and splattering all over my kitchen floor late one night because I didn't follow her directions precisely. Smiles of gratitude form on my face because I have a dear sister who was willing to share her secret recipe which I have passed on to others and have gotten many raves from.

Peeling off the skin on the apples in one long strand makes me happy too. I love the challenge of seeing how thin and long the peels can be, trying to outdo the one before with the next one. Sometimes I win and sometimes I fail. I have convinced many a person that yams are soooooo yummy when prepared with apples. My family is hooked on them and eager to indulge in their sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon flavored apples surrounding them. I also use the apples to make a pie from someone who shared their Grandma Ople's apple pie recipe online. I found the recipe online several years ago realizing that with a name like Grandma Ople it had to be good. I imagine Grandma Ople wearing a flower colored apron over her dress and having her white hair folded tightly into a bun standing by the stove mixing the ingredients in a pot. I also wonder if Grandma Ople realizes that her pie recipe is being used by complete strangers across the United States tasting her wonderful pie and I hope she doesn't mind.

I make the centerpiece which reminds me of the LuLu's first Thanksgiving with us. We went to Durango, Colorado to have Thanksgiving with Mike and Shira and both sides of their families. Aunty Shira had the LuLu make the centerpieces which were clear containers full of cranberries and then topped with floating candles. The LuLu was very difficult that first year because she was constantly in doubt that things could be fun and memorable. Full of questions and anxiety we plugged away anyway hoping that time and experiences would conquer the fear. Aunt Shira knew what to do to help ease a young girls mind. We still make the centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table. The girls also help to ensure that the table is set beautifully for the day.

After the parade is over I put in the James Taylor's Christmas album, which brings back so many wonderful memories too. I love James Taylor and usually listen to him when I am melancholy. My favorite memory is playing him in the car while driving to Telluride, Colorado the day after Thanksgiving, LuLu's first. The ride was so picturesque and quaint. We drove through many small, little towns all covered in white. Main streets were snow-packed and had Christmas decorations hung on windows and street-lamps. Deer were spotted sneaking bites from yards in those towns. It reminded me of an old-time Christmas card. My sister Ani was riding with us, along with my family, and my heart was so full of delight. Just playing the CD again I imagine snow outside my window and all of us bundled up warm and snug looking through frozen picture windows.

The smells of hot rolls and roasting turkey begin to waft through the air and through my mind. I am reminded of being a little girl and seeing my mom fold the rolls in half before placing them on the cookie-sheet. I smell the onions and celery frying in the pan to be used as stuffing later on. I hear my mother sing as she stuffs the turkey while my dad places it in the oven. We then begin to set a lovely table- something that the LuLu had only dreamt about before joining the family.

The turkey is finished. It is crispy and brown. All of us are standing around the counter eagerly waiting for little tastes. Derrick, the master carver, gets busy with his carving tools. He first drains the juices for the gravy, which I am finally able to make, because he has shown me how so many times. I am so grateful he is close by to offer help in words because I am not a gravy expert on my own as of yet. The gravy needs no seasonings because of the rich, salty flavor already. It is delicious by the spoonful! The MyMy is eager to taste. Derrick lets everyone taste the bird and oohs and aahs are rising above the steam. Derrick is the master carver. He has it down to an art. He prepares the platter beautifully while answering carving questions from the bystanders.

I am frantically mashing the potatoes wishing that someone else would do the potatoes because I have not yet captured the art to making potatoes. A smirk on my face appears as I wonder who is making the potatoes at my parents house hoping that they have enough knowing that they do and wishing they would send some my way.

My family and the missionaries were gathered around the table offering thanks for all of our many blessings this year. While talking about families so far away, platters full of good food were being passed around the table again and again. Reminders of how blessed we are were constantly stressed in both the sights, smells and sounds. Laughter was spontaneous as many jokes were shared by the girls. My heart was full because the time, preparation and service I had rendered, had evolved to the people I hold most dear, and this is what I wanted.

After stuffing ourselves completely. The table was cleared and time was set aside for games and family time. Memories burst through with after Thanksgiving football games in Grandma's front yard or in the field behind my parents house. Card games were played around the table while football was watched on TV in the other room. Grandma always falling asleep between turns because of getting up so early to prepare the turkey. As an adult, looking through the ads wondering if early morning Black Friday is worth it, and never seeing the need to begin my day so early in the cold and dark.

After several rounds of Taboo, one of the missionaries mentions pie. The game is put away while the pie is cut. The MyMy takes orders from all, while I cut the pie into slices. The MyMy also handles the cream while Derrick handles the microwave for heating. The pie is eaten. The pumpkin is good and Grandma Ople's pie is also very yummy. Some sneak another slice. MyMy opens her mouth and cream is squirted in clear to the brim. She begins to choke while everyone laughs. Of course, her daddy, who played a huge roll in causing this commotion, needs a reminder to help fix the problem before a disaster occurs.

The missionaries do not leave before leaving us with a message on gratitude and prayer. They gather their books, leftovers, and things and prepare for departure- ready to be missionaries again.

The Voss family pulls out more games to play and turns on some football. I realize that the rolls are almost gone and make another pan hoping the feelings of the day will linger on. Derrick puts the turkey bones into a pot of boiling water ready to make his famous after Thanksgiving soup. The hour is late and hot rolls have come out of the oven. Butter melts quickly while the steam rises. We eat savoring each bite realizing that it is now time for bed. The day is over, but hopefully the memories of another warm, buttery, and cozy holiday live on.

Hope your day was happy too!

Aladdin

2010-11-08T12:12:00.010-07:00

The MyMy has been busy practicing for the school play Aladdin. She was Vendor number 3 and sold flowers. She actually had to sing a few solo lines here and there and did a very good job.

Halloween

2010-11-08T11:54:00.005-07:00

Halloween came and went without much tradition this year. Not one decoration was hung and shopping for pumpkins on the 30th at 10:00p.m. proved hopeless because all stores were completely out.

Anyway, Halloween night we turned the lights off and watched the new Karate Kid movie and then made homemade pizza.

Here are a few pictures taken at the annual Halloween Carnival our church puts on. The other pictures are from a Halloween party that the LuLu attended.

HOMESICK

2010-10-02T07:15:00.003-07:00

I get nostalgic this time every year. My heart begins to yearn for the familiar sights, sounds, and smells that seem so far away that I sometimes wonder if I was ever even apart of them.

My senses miss the Utah State Fair. We went every year when living in Utah. I loved hearing the crowds enjoying the rides, eating navajo taco's, and having the smell of cotton candy tickling my nose and tempting the taste-buds. It was the perfect time to catch a concert- so cheap! We loved visiting all of the animal exhibits especially the mother pig with her babies.

Before we had kids, we always borrowed some from the neighborhood or from my school. Now, one of them is no longer here and is so very missed.

I miss walking to the garden and reaping the fruits of my labor. Long, green zucchini and cucumbers, vines full of red-ripe tomatoes, banana squash aplenty, green peppers turning red. My mouth is watering as I write. I can smell the tomato vines and the soil. My mind is miles away from where I sit.

Tailgate parties, football games, energy-filled stadiums, autumn nights full of crisp air, the roar of the crowd. My heart begins to ache.

Pulling out the sweaters, wearing a jacket in the early mornings, opening the windows for some fresh air seem almost foreign to me.

Visiting a pumpkin patch. Admiring their round and abnormal shapes. Anticipating the chosen ones that will come home to roost on our porch along with our scarecrow. Fall colors surrounding our entire existence.

The leaves changing colors, slowly spiraling to the ground. The crunch heard when jumping on them. The sound of the rake as it pulls leaves across the grass. The smell of leaves starting to decompose, reminding you that winter is just around the corner.

The Sunday drives to the canyons to take in the beauty of God's creations. Seeing bright reds, yellows, and oranges. Stopping to walk among the fall colors while picking up acorns and taking pictures. Smells of the pines, the aspen, and wild grasses. Seeing an animal or two. Hearing our beloved Kramer, enjoying himself.

These are the sights, sounds, smells of Fall. Fall, somehow bypasses Arizona, at least where we live, which makes me very sad.

My mother-in-law sent me colored leaves for our first fall in Arizona. I still have them. They are beautiful and have that wonderful leaf smell. We will set them out today, along with our other fall colors, hoping that decorating will somehow take the edge off the yearning.

My heart truly belongs to fall.

Stuffed-Animal Heaven

2010-10-02T07:02:00.004-07:00

I believe that stuffed animal heaven looks like this..............

.

A pink room with a beautiful child who has a loving and caring heart.

Blessed!

5:00 A.M. Curse

2010-10-02T06:34:00.004-07:00

While sitting at the soccer fields last evening, finally feeling cool air for the first time all week, I could not stop yawning. It had been another crazy and busy week.

Although it was nice sitting under the stars, chatting with friends and watching an intense game, my thoughts were wandering. I only wanted to settle in for the night under the softness of my blanket and comfort of my mattress for a deep and restful sleep, only to awaken from the streaks of sunshine streaming in through my window.

This never happens for me. My body is on autopilot. It doesn't matter the hour of bedtime, I am wide awake at 5:00a.m. In fact, I begin to panic when the hour gets late and I am still awake at night- for I know that I have been robbed of precious slumber time and will not be able to catch-up on the other end.

Sleep is such a luxury to me. I value it like another would value diamonds.

So, all I wanted for this weekend was the chance to wake-up, on my terms. No early work meetings, no early soccer games, no early church preparation to worry about. It should have happened. It didn't. I have one more chance- tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Labor Day Fashion Show

2010-09-08T17:31:00.005-07:00

We hit the stores on Labor Day hoping to find the real deal. The LuLu found some really pretty shoes that will make her the hit of the ball! The MyMy is shown below in her fall/winter gear.

Fancy, shmancy!

Alarm Clock Mishaps!

2010-09-02T19:53:00.011-07:00

Mornings everywhere, I am sure, in households far and wide, are flusters of people frantically hurrying to get out the door with everything intact and having appearances pass the scrutiny of the mother test. At the Voss household we are no different. It has been a long-reaching goal to have a happy and smooth morning. So far, our goal has been unattainable.

You see, the MyMy, although angelic in so many ways, struggles with the morning routine. Getting out of bed has been quite a chore. Staying out of bed becomes an obstacle. Having the desire to get ready is obsolete. Angry and stressed-out parents happens frequently. All of the above, not good.

The grandparents, on the mothers side, came up with a brilliant idea of which they borrowed from another granddaughter. "Get the MyMy an alarm clock that she can work on her own and she will love the responsibility." Sometimes, as a parent, you have to admit- duh!!!!!! Why didn't I think of that?

An alarm clock was purchased. A lesson was taught, and the system was practiced and mastered. Now, for real time.

The first 3 mornings, the child, MyMy, was like a kid on Christmas Eve awaiting and anticipating the morning. Just having the alarm clock was enough for the MyMy to wake-up, long before the actual event was supposed to take place. Oh, what glorious mornings!

After 3 days, the trials began. Many mornings, the alarm didn't sound because it hadn't been turned on. Other mornings, the alarm did sound, but all you could hear was snow, causing the child not to awaken, because the radio wasn't set on a station. Then, the alarm was beeping loudly in the middle of nights, causing havoc on the parents, because the clock's time had somehow been changed. The snooze button was discovered, which was being used frequently much to the parents dismay. Lastly, since snooze became off-limits, the child, just turned the alarm off, thinking that she was awake and would get-up very soon, only to fall back into a deep and blissful sleep.

The cute MyMy has gone to school with disheveled hair, missing papers and a hungry stomach. One morning, she about missed the ride to school wherein she would have missed a day of school. The parent's hearts are breaking because of the tough and natural consequences that are occurring. The stress level has not decreased.

Alarm clock mishaps have gotten somewhat contagious with the other child too. The LuLu, after only a few mishaps, has been a quick study though, and did work out the kinks.

Thoughts have been placed in the hazy and tired minds of the parents of what to do when the MyMy is a teenager and has early morning seminary? Drastic resolutions have been thought. "Do we move to a place where there is released time? Or, do we go inactive? Something has got to be done!"

One would wonder, if there is some genetic trait that would cause this disturbing behavior? I mean, both Derrick and myself were perfect, sweet children and teenagers at morning routines! Wink, wink!

I am sure that there are some parents out there who are thinking and giggling amongst themselves........PAYBACKS ARE SWEET!

Another School Year!

2010-08-20T18:23:00.006-07:00

The girls just finished their 3rd week of school. These are pictures taken the morning of their first day.

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Like happy eager beavers ready to gnaw! Here is to an awesome year you two!

Leapin' Lizards!

2010-08-15T07:59:00.010-07:00

The other day a small little lizard found its way into our house. We tried to point it in the direction of the door, but in a state of panic, the little lizard ran the other direction and slipped underneath the coat closet door. (Now, in Arizona, there really isn't a need for a coat closet, so our closet has become the game, movie, wrapping paper closet.)

We opened the door, slid the wrapping paper out and there hiding in the corner, breathing heavily was the tiny little creature. I figured I would just catch the little guy with my hand and then walk him out to the big grassy bush he likes to hide under. (Yes, we have seen him there for several days.)

Apparently, the big, ugly object, my hand, scared the poor little guy into another panic. The little lizard climbed up the shelf railing where there was no way out. That was when we, all the girls in the household, started to panic. All I could think of was him dying, the smell that would ensue, and finding a shriveled, decomposed skeleton eventually.

MyMy could only think that a cute baby lizard was going to die, and it didn't deserve that kind of treatment. The LuLu didn't want to find the lizard anywhere else in the house.

I put a plate of water at the bottom of the railing and left the door open, hoping that the water would entice the little creature onto a different adventure. I then left for work assigning the girls to be on lizard watch.

That evening, we were all wondering if the little lizard had found his way out of the closet. Our concern was that yes, he did make his way out and had found a new hiding place. Derrick, being the man of the house, and the only one with brains smart enough to outwit a lizard, decided to use a flashlight and a paperclip to handle the problem. (He is a modern MacGyver) He immediately discovered the lizard still hiding in the railing and used the paperclip to coax him out. Once out, a plastic cup was placed over him and a thick piece of paper was slid under the cup. We all walked outside and Derrick placed the paper by the bush and lifted the cup. There, with heart beating out of his chest, was the little lizard, still frozen scared. Derrick gently encouraged the little lizard off the paper and quickly the little guy darted towards his coveted bush.

We haven't seen the little critter around since. Hopefully, he is off to more adventures.

Why We Need Fathers

2010-06-24T15:12:00.006-07:00

There are many great reasons of why we need fathers present in kids lives. Statistics have proven many times over that a role of a father is very important in the upbringing of stable and happy children.

I agree most completely. Fathers are needed- especially when technically challenged mothers are trying to set-up technically challenging toys.

Hurry home Daddy!!!!!!!!!!

Journaling

2010-05-24T13:41:00.018-07:00

(Grandpa and the girls at Grapevine Canyon)

So, what happens when life gets crazy and you can barely keep up with the laundry? The answer is, that blogging, although much better than laundry, is set on the back burner for another day. Yet, what do you do when the blog is also a capture of memories for your posterity?

Do you................
Skip those memories and pick-up where you are now?
Or, do you...........
Play catch-up and post past events although some are long gone?

I am not sure of what the answer is. Therefore, I am stuck!

Do I mention the letter written by the MyMy pleading to the Naughty Leprechauns about postponing their mischievous acts until we were back in town?

(Maya scouring the house for naughty leprechaun pranks)

Or, what about the fun-filled time we had with cousins in Las Vegas over their Spring Break?

(Enjoying the Bellagio Fountains at night.)

(Valley of Fire)

If I mention that trip, then I surely must mention the Give a Day, Get a Day trip at Disneyland with James and Terra in April.

(James and Terra at the Newport Beach Temple)

(After spending a day cleaning the shores of the Colorado River, the Voss Family enjoyed a day at Disneyland, compliments of Disney. It was a fun-packed day. Thanks Disney!)

(You can't do a trip to California without enjoying a day at the beach. Huntington Beach)

I mustn't forget the Easter holiday either.

(Annual Easter egg hunt at the Bartons)

Now that I am keeping a regular journal of sorts, I realize how life never changes. We repeat activities from year to year.

For example, the girls just completed another year of dancing classes. Their recital was Friday evening. It was fun to see what they have learned, and to see their happy delightful faces.

Swim team has also begun meaning a very busy summer full of early morning swim practices and Saturdays consumed by swim meets.

It seems as if I had just recorded those events, yet it has already been a year.

Yet, it is those traditions, and seasons of opportunities, that we look forward to each year. We love those naughty leprechauns and the coloring of Easter eggs. Dance recitals and swim team also show growth from the year prior. Visits from relatives vary in time, place, and whom. Before we know it, the girls will be all grown-up and gone.

So, although some memories are long past, it is important to take some time and jot down a memory or two to remember that memories are worth collecting and capturing.

I hope you enjoyed this visit down Memory Lane too.

Deal

2010-05-20T18:04:00.003-07:00

The MyMy and myself made a deal the other day. She would improve her swimming, I would get healthy. Last year's swim season was pretty much towing the line for both of us. We did it, but didn't accomplish much.

This year's season is just getting started. Already the MyMy has forgotten her swim gear, in which huge smiles have enlightened her pretty face, only for it to fall quickly when Mom still drops her off anyway and the coach makes her run, do squats, push-ups and the crab walk.

I have gotten up at 5:00am only 2 out of the 5 days to exercise and that chocolate urge keeps getting met.

We are not off to a great start. So, here is the commitment: Put it down in writing and throw it out there for all to see. This, I hope, will help with accountability.

Both of us realize that the MyMy is not striving to be the next Michael Phelps, and I am not trying to look like Mia Hamm. Although either would be delightful!

There is however, always room to improve. Wish us luck!

Red Tape

2010-03-19T17:24:00.017-07:00

For 3 years we have been trying to maneuver around the red-tape of government. Hours and hours of time have been spent on the phone, in offices and gathering paperwork. The picture above completely represents the frustration that we feel!!!!!!!!!

Because maneuvering red-tape is very time consuming, we wait until we have breaks. So, in our household, spring break, or any other break, also means working on the red-tape, wishing we had a magical wand.

At the last minute, we decided to book a hotel and head to Phoenix for yet another visit to government offices to seek out assistance. Our trip started out very lovely. We admired the saguaro cacti and Joshua Tree's that came into view. Since we have had a very wet winter, we also enjoyed the wildflowers growing along the roadsides the entire trip. Beautiful!

Our first office visit, the Secretary of State of Arizona, was successful! Yahoo! Afterwards, we walked along the grounds of the State Capital admiring the statues, and fragrant trees.

Then we took the girls for a fun treat- pizza at the Organ Stop restaurant. The place is a kick! A man plays organ music of any kind while people eat yummy pizza. Everyone sits family style facing the wall of organ pipes. We enjoyed listening to swing-band music, Louie Armstrong, songs from musicals, and Olympic theme songs and National Anthems. We must of been very hungry because the 4 of us downed 2 pizza's!

After stuffing ourselves silly with food and music, we settled into the hotel pool for some swimming and hot-tubbing.

The next morning, we strolled the Mesa Temple grounds admiring the cactus garden and spring-time flowers. The grounds were so beautiful and fragrant.

Then we took the girls to another adventure- Crispy Cream donuts- yum! We wore our hats and ordered hot donuts for breakfast. We ordered a dozen, and they disappeared quickly.

Then, we went and faced doom- or other government offices, who really like to use the word "NO!"

After sitting in two different offices for a total of 5 and 1/2 hours, hearing a foreign language and the dreaded word NO, NO, and NO, it was time to call it a day and head home.

Which means, more red-tape to work through during the next break. Something to look forward too, I guess?!

The Colorado River

2010-03-19T08:03:00.014-07:00

On Tuesday we were treated to a day on the Colorado River by Derrick's good friend Jim. We traveled on a jet boat from Laughlin to Lake Havasu. The weather was perfect, and so was the day.

Our ride covered only a small 58 mile section of the 1,400 mile long river. The river itself passes through several dams- Glen Canyon Dam, Hoover Dam, Davis Dam, Parker Dam, Imperial Dam, Laguna Dam and the Morelos Dam, and then trickles into the Sea of Cortez. Our ride was between the Davis and Parker Dam area.

The river itself provides water to the cities that reside by it. The water is also diverted to Phoenix and California through underground pipes.

Our favorite part of the ride was Topock Gorge. It is a sanctuary for birds and a no-wake zone. The water in the gorge area had a gorgeous green hue, due to the copper granules found on the bottom and it's deep depth of 80ft.

The gorge is surrounded by tall volcanic rock which stood majestically in statue above us. Marshland-type plants are located at the base of the rocks that house all kinds of waterfowl. We were all amazed at the sight and couldn't believe that this had been hidden from our view in the 5 years that we have lived here.

The boat docked at the London Bridge in Lake Havasu. The bridge is also a sight to see. It is so beautiful. We stopped and had lunch outside, next to the bridge, in a Mexican restaurant.

After filling our tummies, we returned to the boat for our journey back. It was fun having a view of our surroundings from the river. Now, we all want a boat and a home on the river!

In the meantime, we will appreciate the river walks, beaches and visiting our friends who live on the river, and next time, hopefully, we will write about a kayak adventure.

She's got talent!

2010-03-18T21:28:00.006-07:00

MyMy performed in the annual talent show put on by our school. She played a recorder with other students in her class.

She also performed a song and dance routine, that she wrote, about being best friends with one of her best friends.

The MyMy also played two tunes on her harmonica- Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Hot Cross Buns.

At the end of the show she was rewarded for her many efforts with a medal and certificate.

See, she does have talent! Good job, MyMy!

It was like 2 kids in a candy shop.

2010-03-07T21:37:00.004-07:00

My girls don't get out that much. How do I know? Because of instances like this.

It was Friday afternoon and school had just ended. I took the girls to the grocery store to purchase the essentials- bread, milk, cheese, cereal, etc.

When we got to the frozen food aisle I gave them an assignment which pretty much gave them full reign. Their assignment: choose something you want for dinner since the parents were going out that night.

I should have known that this assignment would soon test my sanity, which I have very little of because I am a mother. The very long aisle was full of hundreds of choices. Who knew that making this decision required so much thought?

One entire section was just for kids. Items such as chicken nuggets and french fries or, chicken nuggets with macaroni and cheese with an assortment of desserts, were placed nicely on the shelves all looking yummy and enticing in their many colored boxes.

Then there was the Hungry Man section which really drew both of the girls in with their 2lb. meal. I mean, why not go all out?

There was also the international frozen food section that was full of choices like pizza, lasagna, Chow Mein, and enchilada's that could be purchased for consumption.

The girls also browsed through the different meat pies looking for the one that didn't have any vegetables.

They were busy looking high and low, opening and closing all of the doors, asking questions about ingredients, and consulting with one another on the perfect meal.

I realized that I had opened Pandora's box. They do not have frozen dinners very often, and now that they had their chance they did not want to blow it on the wrong item.

I gave up waiting and told them I would be shopping on the other side of the aisle where I had plenty of time to discern the best deal for frozen corn and broccoli.

I soon realized that an elderly woman had been standing there very still, for quite some time watching the girls. I immediately apologized for them taking up so much space and asked her if they were in the way. She immediately explained to me that the girls were not in the way, and that she was anxiously waiting to see what their choices would be. She had found great delight in seeing their excitement and couldn't wait to see their choices. I stood with her for a minute realizing that because I am living in the moment where I am always waiting for the girls, or hurrying to the next thing, shopping for dinner was an annoying event. The elderly lady, whose moments like this have since passed, had recognized the joy of the situation and was captivated by it all.

So, I stopped comparing prices, threw the broccoli into the cart and joined her against the wall of the freezer and watched. And yes, I was captivated too.

Don't Mess With My Meat!

2010-03-03T23:13:00.005-07:00

While entering the fridge to gather ingredients to cook some dinner, I spotted this.

It says she is, and I quote, "a meat lover", and "it's mine, and only mine". But then, I noticed the flowers, heart, stars and peace-sign on the bag and wondered......

Would she really be mad if it suddenly disappeared?

I am not willing to tempt fate, but if you're hungry, love meat, and feel the love, then go ahead and try for yourself. Good luck!

An Olympic Adventure

2010-03-03T22:48:00.004-07:00

It started immediately after school on Friday and went late into the evening........

Then, continued in the early part of the next day and continued ALLLLLLLLLL DAYYYYYYYYYYY LONGGGGGGGGG.

No it wasn't the Bobsled, Curling or Ice-Dancing.

This should be an event in both the summer and winter Olympics..............

LITTLE GIRLS PLAYING BARBIES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Believe me, it is pretty intense. Do not interrupt the event for anything. Don't you even dare! Bathroom breaks occur quickly and only IN EMERGENCIES. There is not even time for food.

But, just like the Olympics the flame must go out and the games must come to an end. And,we live for the memories and with eager anticipation for the next Olympics or Barbie Playtime.

Until then my friends.....until then.

Cheesy Post

2010-02-24T21:40:00.005-07:00

Two down, five more to go- Science Fairs that is. Although they are fun, they are a lot of work.

The LuLu decided to play with cheese this time around. Which one molds the fastest? And, do you get the same results refrigerated as non-refrigerated?

The results are: cheddar molds the fastest while swiss is the slowest, and refrigeration does not matter. I knew there was something special about the Swiss. I mean they have the Alps and great chocolate!

Anyway, next year the plan is- Does ShamWow really work? Hopefully by then, it will be on clearance.

Since the LuLu is saving all of her boards, maybe MyMy can just spruce them up and reuse them. That means only 2 more to go. I can live with that, and here's hoping that they can too.

Just Another Day in Paradise!

2010-02-15T08:36:00.007-07:00

When I started this blog, I also added a theme song by Phil Vassar, titled "Just Another Day in Paradise" to play along with my blog. To me, the song's lyrics really expressed the way I feel about my life.

The song starts out talking about how hectic life is with the phone ringing, kids screaming, dog barking, bills piling up, washing machine breaking etc. But, the chorus talks about how, despite all of that, it is just another day in paradise.

Those lyrics went through my head late Saturday night while I was finally finishing my chores for the day and it was 10:45p.m. The girls were in bed, and Derrick was out chaperoning a youth dance. It had been a full day of working at a service project, doing laundry, going grocery shopping, bill paying, house cleaning, and mothering. My mind was full of what still needed to be done, and of what little I had accomplished during the week although it had been yet, another busy week. I was exhausted, and very overwhelmed of why life has to be so busy, hectic and chaotic.

After finally showering for the day, I pulled out my Valentine cards to sign and place on the table for the morning. When thinking about the messages I would write in each card, I was overcome with the blessings that I have received from the members of my little family. My life is full because of them. I realized that the goals that LuLu had accomplished that week- an A+ on her science project, completing and presenting her Young Women Personal Progress project, and scoring a basket or two at her final basketball game helped me realize that I am living just another day in paradise.

I also felt gratitude for the MyMy because she has been so excited about her new piano teacher, (me), and has been so diligent in practicing her piano. She is also so proud of the new dance she is learning and her excitement just spills over showing me the dance over and over again. The MyMy is also working very hard on an art piece just so she can enter it into the school's annual yearbook cover contest, where she has been a finalist, but not yet a winner. Her enthusiasm helps me realize that I am living in paradise.

The song goes on to say "well it's two hearts, one dream", and I know that I have that too. I am so lucky to have a guy who continuously works by my side fulfilling our dream. The science project happens because of him. Chauffeuring to dance lessons, basketball games and Young Women Nights also occur because of him. Serving diligently and without complaint, and loving it, also explain Derrick. Sneaking out every once in awhile to spend time together also helps me realize that he is another part of my "living in paradise".

The song ends with "wouldn't trade it for anything, and, I ask the Lord, every-night, for just another day in paradise". In which I did. I did ask, before slumbering, on Saturday night. And, the Lord blessed me with another day in paradise.

Happy Valentines Day!

The Cost

2010-01-13T21:24:00.003-07:00

$1.00 spent at Target.............. equals a restful nights sleep. Priceless!

Sweet Dreams!

Christmas.....Through Pictures

2009-12-28T10:39:00.020-07:00

The tree, Christmas Eve Day

Candy Land, along the Riverwalk, Christmas Eve

Enjoying a very festive house on Christmas Eve

Eating a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve dinner by candlelight

Hearing the doorbell ring and finding Christmas Presents from Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus, on the doorstep

Tracking Santa on Norad

Remembering the Christ Child

Wearing new pajamas before heading to bed

Preparing a Christmas treat for Santa

The cousins were nestled all snug in their beds

Christmas Morning

Busily playing with new gifts and wearing new clothes Christmas Day

Birthday Girl

2009-12-28T09:33:00.008-07:00

MyMy sharing her birthday with cousins Lindsey, and Rebekah, and with sister LuLu since counsins were visiting from Arkansas.

Playing "Heavy, Heavy Hangover Thy Poor Head" with the largest present the parents could find. (Getting even anyway we can!)

It is hard to believe that I am posting another birthday for the MyMy. Where has the year gone?

It went to the ending of 2nd grade where she really learned to write and loved it, and the beginning of 3rd grade where the love of chapter books really came to fruition and multiplication tables were memorized.

It went to another season of swim team and soccer where the MyMy took first place in the breaststroke and improved her ability to strategize as a team member in soccer.

The year also went to memorizing 9 of the Articles of Faith and learning to hand sew a Christmas stocking.

The year was also filled with a cute sense of humor, a very quick wit, plenty of bathroom noises and happy singing- all of the time.

And, let's not forget the multitude of hugs, kisses, little notes, holding hands and giggling to her hearts content.

Happy Birthday MyMy today and always.

Annual Christmas Card

2009-12-28T09:21:00.003-07:00

Reality TV- Voss Style

Survivor- Derrick losing his banking job due to the economy in January.

Deal or No Deal- Derrick working an entry-level position at Wells Fargo hoping to advance in the future.

America’s Got Talent- MyMy playing her own horn anywhere and anytime, LuLu sighing every chance she gets, Monica putting out fires instead of preventing them, Derrick putting up with the drama put out by 3 girls in the house.

So You Think You Can Dance? - LuLu and MyMy completing another year of dance and acro.

The Amazing Race- Racing to swim team practice, swim team meets, soccer practice, soccer games, basketball practice, dance practice, activity days, and Young Women activities.

Super Nanny- Monica teaching full time. Enough Said!

Trading Spaces- The girls visiting family in Washington State in April, family in SLC and family in New Mexico in July. The entire family visiting family in November.

The Biggest Loser- Not us! We have been so blessed!

Wishing you happiness and blessings this Christmas and Upcoming Year.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T00:24:00.003-07:00

From the Voss Herd!

Top Ten Events of Fall

2009-12-09T20:07:00.016-07:00

10- Trunk-or-Treat at the annual ward Halloween Party

9- Visiting beautiful Temple Square

8- Playing in the leaves

7- Meeting Michael Jackson

6- Climbing hay stacks

5- Swinging in trees

4- Beating cattails fuzzy with the cousins.

3- Ice-skating

2- Thanksgiving-

1- Hanging with the Grandparents!

Negotiations

2009-11-25T08:56:00.005-07:00

Negotiations are taking place all over the world, but none can be more difficult then those that are taking place at the Voss home.

Mommy Voss is in tight negotiations with both the LuLu and the MyMy. Strategies are in place and maneuvers have been organized hoping that somehow a compromise can be reached. Some battles have been won, while others have been lost. So far, the mortality rate, is zero.

Over break I have entered the dark and lurking cavities of bedroom closets, and drawers. I have also reached my hand under dreaded bedskirts and dressers hoping to "dejunk" the area. Much has been collected in the last 6 months. All collections are very important and symbolic to the two lovely girls.

A bowlful of fingernails may appear to be something eerie and disgusting to someone, yet has become a great treasure to an eight-year-old.

Getting rid of 15 stuffed animals from a collection of more than 50 has also required great negotiations. My reasoning of "you have too many" cannot compare to "but that stuffed animal is Baby Burp's best friend's mother". (Baby Burp is a 3 inch stuffed walrus from a McDonald's Happy Meal from over 5 years ago.)

A science-fair project, the first of many, is also considered something valuable. Pictures have been taken, copies of pages have been made. All have been placed in a scrapbook. This small strategy does not even come close to the large actual size of 38 x 42 inches. When asked how often does one look at said science-fair project, the response was, "just now, when I took it out of my closet to clean". Negotiations too amazing to touch!

A few years ago, I received some amazing advice. Buy their valuables at garage-sale- prices. In-genius! Then, children could use the money to buy something new. It sounded like a fool-proof plan. I never thought of using money to negotiate. I had a huge advantage, in which I would truly win! I didn't however, because my children obviously have shopped at high-end garage sales, where items cost more than shopping at Neiman Marcus. I couldn't afford their prices, and they were not willing to barter.

Negotiations have gone on for 3 days now, and I haven't been very successful. Maybe I'll have more luck negotiating at the United Nations. One could hope!

Fall

2009-11-25T08:40:00.007-07:00

Since fall does not come to us, we went to fall. Lovely!

High Expectations

2009-11-07T22:28:00.006-07:00

The definition for expectation is: a confident belief or strong hope that a particular event will happen.

The definition for high, in this case, is: greater than the normal, or average, well above the smaller or lower level, or amount.

Put the two words together, and you have

3 WEEKS OF FALL BREAK! Meaning.......

I will fall clean the house by washing windows, walls, baseboards, door-frames, and carpets. I will organize the bathroom cupboards, the MyMy's room and the corner in my bedroom.

At school I will clean, organize and create an exceedingly large amount of educational projects.

With my kids, I will share a novel with them, teach them how to cook, work on science-fair and young women projects, go on bike rides at the park, and lay on the floor and giggle to our hearts content.

For PTA, I will balance the budget, get an audit started and completed, input membership names into a data base, and work on the outdoor classroom.

Personally, I will lose 20 pounds, buy new shoes and start and finish the final book of the Harry Potter series. (Yes, I still have not read that book)

And, don't forget the many thank-you cards and other important correspondence that is long overdue.

All this plus, my daily routines of cleaning, cooking, taxiing, church callings etc.

I can do this because I have caught the vision. Not through my dirty windows, mind you, but through the "I will get that done over break" vision because, "I will have plenty of time then" vision. I am superwoman!

Well, the first day of break did not go exactly as planned. I didn't account for the "I am sooooooooooo not in the mood" vision. Besides, high expectations are highly overrated! The expectations won't all be a wash however, because I will still buy those shoes!

Halloween Eve

2009-10-30T22:19:00.010-07:00

The family decided to take it easy for a change and stay home. We found some Halloween music on the internet, made and decorated pumpkin cookies, and carved pumpkins. All in all, the night was a success!

Star Student

2009-10-30T22:11:00.003-07:00

The MyMy was chosen by her teacher for Student of the Term. She earned a yellow t-shirt, that didn't need to be tucked in, a strawberry slushie from Sonic, and a certificate.

Her teacher wrote- MyMy is a joy to have in class! She is a model student by taking her time and always doing her best! She is also our student of the term for respect and responsiblility!

Way to go MyMy, we are very proud of you!

Sneak Peak

2009-10-25T23:33:00.003-07:00

Shhhh! Don't let the cat out of the bag just yet. Here is just a little peak of what is in store! Do not spread the word before October 31st, the night of the big event. Hope you can keep a secret!

Miss Popular

2009-10-25T22:34:00.004-07:00

Miss Popular does not live at our house. I am not sure she ever has. She has tried to get in, but our house is air-tight- making it difficult for her to squeeze through the tiniest of cracks.

The other morning I really wanted Miss Popular to visit. The girls did too. In fact, I was rooting for her. I got up extra early so I could make a special breakfast for the family. I also did batches of laundry, made water bottles, and finished loading the dishwasher. We were just about to eat a very yummy breakfast- ham, egg and cheese sandwiches, made with the yummy cheese, and fresh sliced oranges, when the MyMy realized that Miss Popular did not make her sandwich. The sandwich was made by me. You see, Miss Popular would have put two eggs on the sandwich instead of one. The duck-lips appeared and the poor child had lost her appetite. Nope, no Miss Popular today.

The morning continued to become more and more unpopular. The other one, LuLu, was still moping over a conversation from the night before. Miss Popular wants the LuLu to talk and be social during class time so she can do a load of homework every evening. The mother, on the other hand, who has spent hours and hours helping with the nightly homework, is wishing that the LuLu would pay better attention during class and get some work finished, so she could be more social in the evenings. The mother is losing like crazy while Miss Popular is scoring highly.

Miss Popular is so nice! Miss Popular does this! Miss Popular would let me have that! Miss Popular is the winner in so many ways. She lives at other homes, so I am told, and I am constantly asked why she can't live here too?

Me, I wonder why she can't live here also. I mean, why can't Miss Popular live here and also make a nutritious dinner? Or, why can't Miss Popular stay up late doing homework, sew a Halloween costume, drive kids to soccer practice, provide fun and entertaining activities, and demand a clean room all in one swoop?

I guess that although Miss Popular is pretty amazing, she definitely is not Superwomen. Now, that would be pretty difficult shoes to fill! Good Luck Miss Popular, good luck!

Butterfly Transformation

2009-09-14T21:40:00.003-07:00

A butterfly transformed into a beautiful young girl. Or, a young girl transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Which one is it? One might even guess that a beautiful young girl had a great time at her Back to School Night Carnival. What is your guess?

Labor Day Parade

2009-09-14T20:49:00.006-07:00

It was Labor Day morning and the kids were busy decorating their bikes with balloons and colored crepe paper.

Music was arranged, and pictures were taken of the entries in the parade.

Here is one of the participants riding past the spectators.

At the end of the parade, the hoses were brought out for some cool down time. Breakfast was served to all of the eager participants, and then off to do some Labor, since that is what the day is called.

Nifty Fifties

2009-09-06T19:46:00.005-07:00

Because our school was deemed an Excelling School by the Arizona Department of Education, we decided to have the students celebrate in 50's style. Students put on their 50's gear, played 50's type games, devoured root-beer floats and danced to some familiar 50's tunes. It was a very fun day!

Family Pet

2009-09-06T19:17:00.003-07:00

Our family has a new pet. It just showed up one day to play and has stuck around. I told everyone not to feed it because it would surely stay. No one listened to me however, and our new kitty-cat has found a new home.

Our kitty loves getting her ears scratched, and rubbing her face against your arm or leg. She has a very distinctive meow, and meows often. Her tail is very long, so sometimes it gets stepped on. She is a big kitty, but very sweet and gentle.

One day, the kitty must have slipped into the car on our way to school. I didn't realize that she was with us until I saw her perky ears creep out of the MyMy's backpack in my classroom. MyMy was excited to have the kitty at school and was eagerly hoping that the Mommy would allow kitty to spend the day with her. But, pets are not allowed at school so the kitty had to stay in the very hot car for the entire school day. It was a blessing that no harm came to the kitty after spending the day in the hot desert sun.

Kitty is her name,and although her name is not very original, it fits her perfectly. I have included a picture of our new family pet. We love her, and hope you will too!

A Proud Moment

2009-09-06T19:00:00.006-07:00

A few weeks back the girls had their swim-team awards party. It was an evening spent by the pool. Pizza was served, awards were given, and then, finally, a night of fun swim was given to the swimmers.

The LuLu earned, for the second year in the row, the most improved swimmer award. An award very well earned! Hurray to LuLu for improving this year and last!

The MyMy was just happy to be a part of the night. She loved swimming for fun, and eating her pretty pink cupcake.

Now, off to soccer!

First Day of School

2009-08-09T17:35:00.006-07:00

Yes, it is hard to believe! School started in our neck of the woods on Monday. The first morning of school went rather smoothly. Both the LuLu and the MyMy woke up on their own and were dressed and ready a 1/2 hour before we needed to leave. Here they are in their brand new uniforms.

At the end of the first day, the LuLu came in with tears spilling down her cheeks. The first day of Jr. High was a little overwhelming. She is slowing becoming comfortable with the change.

The MyMy came in with a huge smile after her first day of school. She was very happy and enthusiastic. That enthusiasm did not last however, because by the time the next morning rolled around the MyMy was not very eager about another school day. And so it goes. One week down and 36 weeks to go- but who's counting?

Good Night Moon

2009-08-07T17:34:00.005-07:00

Last night as I was lying in bed, I heard the moon calling for me. I quietly tiptoed from my room, down the hall and outside. I was hoping the warm Arizona night would calm my shivers, helping me to relax so I could settle in for the night. The night was so quiet and peaceful- a feeling I was so desperately wanting for myself. I admired the shadows surrounding me, hoping to feel their actual embrace so I wouldn't feel so alone. I looked for twinkling stars dancing in the night, and couldn't find one to form a wish on. I was alone with the moon and realized that I needed the moon, and the moon needed me.

When the MyMy was a little girl and a full moon was out, I would show her the moon and recite the children's verse.

I see the moon, the moon sees me.
God bless the moon, and God bless me.

Somehow, the verse brought comfort to my heart. It made me realize how blessed I am, and that I am loved. I could only stay outside in the Arizona heat for 20 minutes or so. The heat didn't calm my shivers, it just made me sweat. I did however sit in a comfy chair gazing at the moon through a window inside my air conditioned home, and that in itself was somewhat magical. After awhile the call to slumber finally came and I was able to quietly tiptoe back down the hall and crawl into bed relaxed and sleepy.

Good night moon. I look forward to our next visit.

Culture in Small Town USA!

2009-07-20T12:13:00.010-07:00

Occasionally our rural community gets treated to a night of cultural arts which is always a treat. We happened to be in town for one such event the other night. Flyers were prominently placed on walls, windows and tables advertising the event, making sure that none would miss.

The planning and practice, for this event to occur, took a long, grizzly and enduring 10 minutes, which made for a spectacular evening of culture.

The costume was exquisite and required a refastening every few seconds. Hands were held over the heart for a few bars of our countries anthem. The ability to multi-task- playing an instrument, twirling and kicking all at the same time, made us stand in awe.... wondering, how all of this talent could be in yet, only one, eight year-old child? Amazing!

The evening was superb and will be held in our memories for quite some time!

Summer Festivities

2009-07-20T11:14:00.011-07:00

The girls and I just got back from spending 2 weeks with family. One week was spent in Utah, and 4 days were spent in New Mexico. We had a great time! Our trip was so fun and filled that it pretty much took us 3 days to recuperate.
Here is a summary.

We spent the 4th of July watching the Kaysville City Parade, eating hamburgers and homemade ice-cream, getting wet, and relaxing under the fireworks.

We enjoyed visiting the Oquirrh Temple Open House and realizing, once again, that Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ love us so very much. Oh what a feeling!

We spent a day birthday shopping with Aunt Ani. Man, she spoils us!

We also enjoyed an Ogden Raptors game with Uncle Josh and cousin Raili. The Raptors creamed the other team! The weather and scenery were very enjoyable too.

We then traveled to Farmington, New Mexico for cousin Maleah's Baptism. It was a very nice day for a really cute girl. While there, the girls had the opportunity to play with cousins along the river.

They were also able to sneak up to the beautiful mountains of Durango, Colorado for some canoeing and kayaking.

The only thing that could have made the trip better was having Derrick with us. He was truly missed.

A Day in the Life of a Swimmer

2009-06-27T10:07:00.007-07:00

Get up really early in the morning with a happy smile!

Set your mark.....

Swim your heart out!

Relax in the tent city until your next match.

It's a tough life, but somebody's gotta do it!

Summer Vacation

2009-06-27T10:00:00.004-07:00

The first day of summer vacation came in-style. Dress-up style to be exact.

Splendid Darling!

Wacky Hair Day

2009-06-27T09:21:00.007-07:00

One of the most exciting days at school for the students is Wacky Hair Day! It is really amazing we even get to have wacky hair day with such strong dress-codes. However, many stipulations are in place ensuring still, an appropriate day.
Last year, we went all out. The MyMy came up with her own idea.... a birthday cake hairstyle, and the LuLu, still clueless to the whole idea had help from mom.

This year, due to a very busy schedule and an exhausted mother, wigs made for a simple solution for Wacky Hair Day. The mother suggested a volcano look for the LuLu this year, but the LuLu wanted no help from the mother this year feeling like she could do it on her own. She put her hair in a bun and used gray-colored spray, borrowed from a friend, to create her look. She wondered why everyone called her Granny for the day. The mother forgot to take pictures of this years event too. Fortunately, a fellow teacher snapped this picture on the playground.

I wonder what next year will bring.....better start planning now!

Garden Treasures

2009-06-07T17:09:00.008-07:00

Well, gardening in Arizona has been somewhat of a challenge. We are learning as we go. We have had some luck and also some failures. The challenges vary greatly. The weather, or should I say heat is probably our biggest challenge. The heat is making the fruit grow before the plant is ready. Also, keeping things wet is a challenge. The sun burns the leaves on top and also the leaves near the ground. We need more shade. Fortunately our neighbor's sunflowers are growing tall enough to start giving shade relief around 3:30 in the afternoon.

Another challenge has been the wildlife visits to our garden. We have had bunnies and ground squirrels visit. Dove, quail, and "Bob" the roadruuner are making frequent trips too. Even the bees and the ants are making their way into the land of growth. All of these critters are finding a paradise in the middle of a desert. They are loving it and we love to see them too even though there are nibbles here and there. We have also seen a coyote close by on our way to the garden 2 times now. If he is lucky he may get his fill on bunnies.

The garden hasn't been all a loss. We started to enjoy the lettuce, grown in our garden boxes out back, the first of May. Then came the radishes with a zip! Good! Now we are getting some tomatoes, and they are sooooooo yummy! There is nothing like a fresh garden tomato! Time to go buy some bacon for some fresh BLT's! We also have gotten a few potatoes that Derrick has made into yummy hashbrowns for breakfast before school a few mornings. The girls really liked the hashbrowns.

The carrots are almost ready to be picked and they are looking very orange and smell great. We are also starting to get some squash. Our neighbors to the left have some awesome cantaloupe and watermelon growing. Our melon plants are finally taking off, so time will tell.......
Well, back to the garden for a little more watering!

Dancing Queens!

2009-06-01T14:03:00.007-07:00

The girls were busy this weekend preparing for their debut as Dancing Queens!

First- Sign-up for dancing classes where all that money surely paid off!
Second- Purchase the costumes, tights, and shoes. They are going to wear it how many times? and, It costs how much?
Third- Practice, practice, practice! Taxi girls to class and sit and wait in car.
Fourth- Use plenty of hair gel, bobby pins, and hairspray to keep the hair in its place.
Fifth- What? You don't have a tan bra and you need it now? A quick run to Target and another opening of the wallet.
Sixth- Mom and Dad sitting for 4 hours to view many Dancing Queens perform.

(The MyMY on the right side, back row)

(The LuLu- second girl on the left side)

Seventh- Flowers, Pictures, Hugs and Kisses for the Deserving and ever-so-humble Dancers!

Eighth- Mom and Dad beaming from ear to ear realizing that maybe it was worth it after all!

It is too bad you missed it.......maybe next year!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-01T13:29:00.010-07:00

The Voss family decided to begin their summer with a splash! We took the girls to see the lovely and amazing Hoover Dam that borders Nevada and Arizona on the Colorado River. It is an amazing sight. To think that the dam was built by men who saw a vision for lush green acres for the people of the future and used tools that would probably appear as ancient now, is really incredible. This was my third trip to the dam, and each and every trip has been very populated by people.

After enduring the heat of the day standing on all of that cement, and seeing the refreshing water below and out of reach, we took the girls to the Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City for some splash time.

Packing a picnic of garden produce, sandwiches, lemonade and cold fruit, lying on a blanket and identifying animal forms in the big puffy clouds, and spending the day together was the perfect way to kick off the summer! It was a SPLASH!

Family For Hire

2009-05-22T14:43:00.007-07:00

We have been cleaning a doctor's office for 3 weeks now. We have one week left before we are out of a job.

We can wipe down toys, door knobs, chairs and tables.

We can also vacuum, sweep and mop.

We have a great time listening and jamming to the music that has been carefully selected for cleaning night. Plus, we love working together.

The girls are learning how to save money, pay tithing, and use spending money wisely with this adventure too.

If you are looking for the cutest maids in the universe, you have come to the right place. Hopefully, you can meet our demands! Good luck!

On Becoming a Mother

2009-05-11T14:19:00.013-07:00

I will never forget my first night at college. It had been a few hours since my parents had dropped me and my belongings off, and I was sitting on my bed surrounded by my new roommates. We were getting to know each other and we were very excited that we were beginning a new adventure and taking the first steps of our own adult lives.

That night we talked about dreams, plans for the future, hopes and wishes. I remember being the odd-man out because everyone else had hoped for the chance to marry and become a mother very, very soon. I on the other hand was very excited to test out my wings and fly a little before settling down and becoming a mother. I finished school in 4 years, and had the time of my life, while many of my girlfriends had married and had started their families.

It wasn't until I began teaching that I realized how important a mother's role is in a child's life. I hated seeing children sleeping in the sickroom because their mother could not leave work to pick them up. I also felt bad for the children who did not have their mother's attend special activities because of other priorities. What the mother never saw was their child's pain because of their absence. Although it took me longer to come to my senses about becoming a mother, teaching helped me to understand that I wanted to be a mother and not only by name.

That much I knew, but I didn't know where to go from there. So, I spent some time reflecting on what I did know- I had a mother and what could I learn from her?

My mother was always available to her kids. She brought in treats for school activities, taught about Finland to school groups, took us to the library, park and zoo. She taught us how to clean, how to take care of others, and how to be prudent. My mother took great care of us when we were sick. She worked so hard sewing clothes, canning food, and making a lovely home for all of us to enjoy and feel comfortable in. My mother also made holidays seem very special and memorable. Most of all, she loved us.

I figured that the qualities my mother had would make a great start at becoming a wonderful mother myself. I didn't realize then, that becoming a mother in itself, was going to be quite the task. But, after many years of tears, prayers, and patience, the wonderful opportunity of becoming a mother came on December 23, 2000.

It was an amazing and surreal moment for me. I could not believe that Heavenly Father would entrust me with this sweet, precious child. I knew then that the responsibility of becoming a mother was huge, but, it was a job worth tackling. As time has gone by, I have realized what a huge sacrifice of being a mother truly is. It is many hours of sometimes thankless work, and you never ever have a free moment. Which is why I need to thank my mother and mother-in-law for their selfless and loving service and sacrifice. They truly deserve a lifetime of happiness!

Back to the story........

A few years later, I became a mother again through the gift of adoption. This opportunity presented itself in a very different way. The precious child, was then 10, and had never had a mother. Once again, I felt the overwhelming task of becoming a mother, entrusted by both a Heavenly Father and a birth father this time, to raise, teach and love this child in the short time we have her before she becomes a mother herself. Sometimes the task seems daunting and difficult, but then I get small smiles, little notes, and even once in awhile sweet gestures, which help me to feel I might be on the right track.

Lastly, I never realized what joy of becoming a mother truly is. Children truly are gifts from God, and each day we have with them not only is a blessing, but it also teaches us and humbles us. I truly have loved being a mother. It is the role I most treasure, the hardest job I have ever had, and the one that brings me the most happiness.

I am thankful for having such a wonderful role model to follow- my very own sweet mother, and for the mother who raised an awesome son to be a loving and kind husband and father.

Happy Mother's Day today and always!

Yes Madame

2009-05-02T18:37:00.011-07:00

This is the story about a sick croupy girl, a bell, and some incompetent parents. Well, at least to the sick croupy girl.

The MyMy was placed under quarantine in the parents room while the older sister had a friend over.

The room was prepared- pillows fluffed, television turned to cartoons, a nice soft, warm blanket for cover. The MyMy was tucked in and made all comfy for a fun afternoon in mommy and daddy's bed. Since the parents were busy accomplishing duties, they were unable to spend the day in bed too. But, a cow bell was given to the MyMy, to ring at her beck and call, for much needed supplies and assistance.

The bell soon rang for ice to soothe the head, a moment later the bell was ringing wildly to turn the fan off, and then on, and then off again. Another ring to shut the door and yet another ring from the MyMy requesting the knowledge of my love for her. The ringing bell kept the servant busy, yet, kept the child in confinement, which was the ultimate goal.

When the daddy returned, from his errands from afar, the mommy took the older daughter, LuLu, and her friend to spend some time at the pool. After an hour at the pool the cell phone rang.

It was the MyMy all confused that I would be answering the daddy's phone.

"What are you doing answering daddy's phone?" and, "Where are you?" asked the MyMy.

"I am at the pool." I replied.

"I have been ringing the bell and you didn't come. I was calling daddy to see why you didn't show up." MyMy exclaimed. "Where is daddy?"

"I left him at the house to take care of you. Daddy will answer the bell." I responded hopefully.

"I have rang the bell 4 times." The exasperated MyMy said.

I then asked the MyMy to hang the phone up and I would call daddy to tell him to answer the bell.

When Daddy answered the phone, he was shocked that I would be the one informing him that the bell was ringing and that he had been negligent in his servant duties. Apparently the Daddy had just finished the very important task of filling the MyMy's tummy, less than 2 minutes before, and had yelled a "what do you need?" from a distance, instead of a face to face meeting.

Obviously this child is sicker than we thought-in more ways than one!

P.S.- The MyMy has discovered another way to cover her mouth when she coughs and her hands are too tired........she uses her feet! A very resourceful girl she is.

Another post script- Since croupy girl was keeping me up during the night, I had plenty of time to think. Is sicker a word? Or, should it say more sick? I am so confused. I need English help-ok I know I need lot's of help, but let's take one step at a time- shall we?

Burrito

2009-04-27T16:00:00.002-07:00

One burrito with three giggly girls and extra cheeks coming right up!

Spring Break-Revisited

2009-04-27T14:11:00.017-07:00

Because of the generosity of my parents, the girls and I were able to fly to Pasco, Washington to visit Grandma and Grandpa while they are serving their mission.

Grandma and Grandpa's mission is surrounded by the waters of the Columbia River. We were able to enjoy many activities along the river such as feeding the geese, and playing along it's beautiful parkways.

We traveled with them to their zone conferences in Vancouver, Washington. While there, we were able to tiptoe through the tulips in nearby Woodland, Washington.

LuLu, Grandpa and myself visited the old Vancouver Fort. LuLu earned her Junior Ranger badge and watched the blacksmith make a nail.

We saw many waterfalls as we traveled and stopped at this one to view. The view was lovely, the mist was refreshing, yet cold, and the sound was amazing!

We also enjoyed seeing Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Adams as we traveled.

(Mt. Hood is in background)

We enjoyed the blossoms on the tree's, and everything else to do with spring.

We had a wonderful time meeting missionaries, seeing the beautiful surroundings and visiting with family. We are grateful for such wonderful examples and unending love.

Projects!

2009-04-08T18:18:00.008-07:00

At the Voss household we decided to start many projects that will keep us busy during Spring Break!

Now my question is- Who is going to finish those projects?

Any takers?

Oh My!

2009-04-01T13:45:00.006-07:00

I can't believe it! We woke up late this morning. So rare! It was 8:55 by the time our eyes focused on the numbers on our alarm clock. How could this be? We can't even do this on weekends! No time to reason, no time to contemplate. Hurry, get out of bed, get dressed quickly, and wake up the girls.

"Hurry LuLu, we have 5 minutes before school starts. If you are late, you will miss the AIMS test!" Derrick quickly yelled.
"Oh crap!" LuLu replied anxiously hopping out of bed.
"MyMy, we overslept. We have 5 minutes before school starts. Get up now!" yelled Derrick hurriedly.
"You scared me daddy! I don't want to be late for school. Miss Jensen promised a surprise first thing this morning." the MyMy replied, jumping out of bed ever so quickly.

Three minutes later, I came running down the hall with wet hair, shoes in my hands, and yelling for the girls to gather backpacks and shoes and meet me in the car.

We got to the car. The LuLu's beautiful hair still had the crazy morning look. The MyMy was upset that she didn't even have time to brush her teeth. Both Myself and Derrick were profusely apologizing for our blunder.

I opened the garage, backed the car down the driveway and then Derrick and I yelled "April Fools Day!"

You see, it was April 1st and it was only 7:00am. Ha, Ha, Ha, we got them!

Still shell-shocked and stunned, the girls lingered in the car trying to catch up with their adrenalin.

A faint call from the MyMy was heard......."What kind of parents are you?"

With a smirk on our faces, and a high-five to one another, we realized that getting a compliment such as that was music to our ears!

Happy April Fools Day!

The Very Buggy Inn

2009-03-24T17:24:00.007-07:00

Welcome fellow bugs to the Buggy Inn. We hope your stay will be a pleasant one.

We have provided a beautiful lobby for all to enjoy. Our lobby is full of fresh plants, colorful flowers, and striking views.

We also have a "Honeymoon Suite" for our special newly-wed couples.

The owner, MyMy, has been into bugs for over 7 years now. She knows exactly how to make your stay at the Buggy Inn, happy and comfortable. We hope you enjoy your stay!

14 Years and Counting......

2009-03-23T15:58:00.009-07:00

Dear Derrick,

I know you know what day today is because you surprised me with flowers and a beautiful promise when I awoke this morning. What a wonderful way to awake from slumber! I count my blessings to know that I awake every day with the man of my dreams by my side.

Yes, it was 14 years ago today that we began our life together. I was eagerly awaiting your arrival that morning at my parent's house. Your job was to pick me up and make sure that I was on time for my own wedding. And, on time I was. I was so very excited and not even a bit nervous, because I knew pretty much from the moment we met, that you were the one. Of course, the ceremony was lovely, and spending the day with family and friends was also very touching, but, I couldn't wait to just spend my time alone with you knowing that we had an entire future ahead of us. I was very enchanted.

Fourteen years later, with 3 mortgages, 1 dog, and 2 kids under our belt, I can still say that I am truly enchanted. You know my deepest secrets and desires. You have seen me in very ugly situations, you know my weaknesses and strengths, you've heard my murmurings and complaints, you've shared my tears and disappointments, and we have laughed and loved over and over. The enchantment, perhaps, has changed, from a young schoolgirls innocence, to a strong bond of commitment that, this is it, and, this is worth fighting for.

Know that I love you, always and forever,

Monica

Going Green

2009-03-18T13:38:00.011-07:00

Those naughty, little leprechauns! They strike again!

The MyMy said that she heard them during the night, at 12:00, 3:00 and 4:00a.m., opening closets, banging on walls, and turning on the lights. She didn't get up to chase them away however, because she loves letting them have their day of play at our home.

I seem to recall the LuLu calling her birth father last year to chew him out for not even mentioning St. Patricks Day, and all of its glory, and to ask him why she had not been notified of such occurrences?

Anyway, since the milk was already green, I decided to keep with the theme of "going green" for the day. Breakfast, of course, was green eggs and green milk, and for dinner-split-pea soup and green cornbread were served.

The MyMy covered her bases very well, assuring herself that even the slightest, tiniest pinch would not happen.

Hopefully, your "Going Green" day was successful too!

Family Garden

2009-03-10T18:54:00.009-07:00

I have always loved the changing seasons especially when winter changes to spring. There is nothing like leaving the confines of the indoors to once again go outside and spread your wings. I love the sight, smells, and look of springtime. The spring- colored-green buds that begin to grow on the trees are such a wonderful sight of things to come. I love how crocuses start popping their tiny heads out of the ground giving a hint that it won't be long for the beautiful, colorful tulips and bright yellow daffodils to bloom. Oh such wonderful sights.

One of my favorites things about springtime, however, is the chance to start digging in the flowerbed and vegetable gardens. Once the weather gets warmer, I literally can't stop the call to go out and dig in the dark, rich soil. The warm, earthy smell of dirt is so familiar to me and comes to my mind when just thinking about it. I love seeing the earthworms that quickly crawl deeper and deeper into the ground as I continue to dig. I get so excited seeing them because they tell me that the soil is ripe and ready for planting.

This is how springtime once was for me, but no longer.

Now that I live in Arizona, spring is still wonderful, yet so different. The weather, which has been beautiful all winter, stays beautiful not only during the day, but also the night. Windows are left open all night long while the crickets music lulls a person to sleep. Lizards come out of their sleepy hibernation and are busy searching for that perfect warm rock to suntan on, and an abundance of lady bugs can be found everywhere. And still, the call to garden does come.

The soil, or should I say sand, is not dark and rich. It also lacks that wonderful earthy smell that I am so fond of. And, digging and digging does not uncover any earthworms.

Yet, gardening in Arizona can still bring pleasure. One can find pleasure in realizing that gardening in a desert can be a challenge, and overcoming those challenges can be invigorating. Also, because of the sandy soil and warm weather, watermelon and cantaloupe are easy to grow. Teaching the girls how to plant seeds and seeing their excitement is also a thrill.

Hopefully, in the end we will reap the blessings of wonderful tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers and more. Time will tell.

Now, why didn't I think of that?

2009-03-04T13:21:00.003-07:00

One day after school last week the MyMy entered my classroom wearing a very happy smile. The conversation went like this.

MyMy-"Mom, since daddy does not have a job, I have a way of making some money until he gets a job."

Mom- "Oh yea, and what is that?"

MyMy- "Loosing teeth. I lost tooth number 11 today. That will bring in $2.00 from the Tooth Fairy!"

Mom- "So, are you going to be giving the family the $2.00?"

MyMy- "No, but I will save it just in case."

Cute!

Then, the other night we were having fish sticks for dinner. The conversation went like this.

MyMy- "What kind of fish are fish sticks made of?"

LuLu- "Duh, Fish Sticks!"

Yea, we caught ourselves a smart one! Anyway it made us smile.

Fair Well

2009-02-21T17:00:00.010-07:00

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This week at the Voss home the LuLu was in the spotlight, for you see, she had 3 major events.

On Wednesday, the LuLu played in her last basketball game for the season. She ended the season much improved- being more aggressive, playing decent defense, and actually scoring a basket here and there. I think that she will chalk up the first game of the season as her most embarrassing moment, wherein she carried the ball to the opposing teams basket and shot, missing it fortunately, or else it would have been the other teams first score of the game, right before half. Anyway, we realized that there was much to learn, and learn she did!

On Thursday, the LuLu had her science fair. Her project was- Is the 5 second rule really true? Meaning, if you drop a piece of food on the floor and pick it up within 5 seconds is it free of germs and will it be alright to eat?

Derrick and LuLu worked on this together. It was quite the undertaking, but in the end, the 2 completed the project still liking each other, and the LuLu scored 3rd place in the Biology Category for grades 5 and 6. Nice job you two! After receiving her ribbon and the applause, I asked the LuLu if it was worth it, and her reply was "Yes!".

On Friday, the 6th graders held their annual Fair of Nations in the gym for the parents to view. The LuLu had chosen Finland as her country of study. Once again, Derrick assisted, and did a fabulous job! (He is such a great dad!)

I was so glad that LuLu wanted to study the country where her grandmother is from. It was quite the opportunity for the LuLu to learn of her new family's heritage. Her favorite part of learning about Finland was seeing all the pretty pictures of the many lakes. She also enjoyed eating the thin gingersnap cookies that she gave to people who visited her station.

The LuLu was glad to say fairwell to the busy week. It had been an exhausting week for her. It must have been, because today, Saturday, the LuLu was still sleeping at 10:30am in the morning. Or, it could be because she has officially left her childhood stage and is now a tween. Who knows!

Tooth Fairy Visits

2009-02-16T07:14:00.023-07:00

Tooth number 9 and tooth number 10 are no longer in the mouth of the MyMy. Number 9 came out on our way home from the LuLu's basketball game. Under the pillow it went, waiting ever so patiently to enter the Tooth-Fairy Kingdom. Apparently it did, because in its place was the amount of $2.00 in coinage.

The MyMy, so pleased, left another note under her pillow the following night saying thank-you and asking for a picture. Well, to the MyMy's dismay, the note went unread and no picture was left. The MyMy sought solace and comfort from the parents since the Tooth-Fairy had inadvertently dished her. The wise and quick thinking father, asked if the MyMy had yelled out her request in the dark, open air, announcing her letter, in which she replied, no.

That night, the note was once again placed under the pillow. An invitation was announced, outside on the porch, for the Tooth-Fairy to come enter the slumbering house, and, leave a picture, of course. No request given to the Tooth-Fairy is impossible! At least, not for this Tooth-Fairy. She, or, should I say He, one will never know, came through with flying colors! (Whew!)

The picture was taken to school. It was shown to the class along with the bright, happy smile on the MyMy's face. The teacher and the students were in awe. The Tooth-Fairy has revealed herself, ever so slightly! Some however, were skeptical, but not to those who truly believe.

Earlier that morning, when the MyMy was eating a bowl of Apple Dapples, tooth number 10 exited the mouth of the MyMy, eagerly set to go and join its friends in the Tooth-Fairy Kingdom. Which meant, another visit from the Tooth-Fairy, another $2.00, another happy and believing girl.

Priceless!

Love Fest

2009-02-15T13:49:00.011-07:00

Love has been in the air this weekend at the Voss home. The day started with personalized messages from Derrick on the sidewalk and car, and heart-shaped waffles, pink milk, and a decorated table from Me.

Attention then turned to our yard for some tender loving care. It was a beautiful day in our neighborhood. Blue, sunny skies, weather without wind, around 70 degrees, absolutely perfect. We actually skipped chores for awhile to go on a long and leisurely bike ride. It was fun! A lot of love was given to our yard, and it is looking better. (I can't wait until our landscaping is completely finished.)

Landscaping was cut short due to the MyMy needing some good ole maternal and paternal loving. The MyMy was sweeping out her playhouse when she decided to go down the slide with the broom and the two collided. The broom came out alright, but the MyMy ended up with a swollen, black eye that needed one stitch. Our dear sweet neighbor gave some loving service and stitched the MyMy up at his office.

Today, we are making heart-shaped sugar cookies to give away to those we love and appreciate in our neck of the woods. Our hearts go out to those who don't live close by and please know that we love you too.

Happy Valentines Day!

Rainy Weekends

2009-02-08T16:58:00.006-07:00

We have had a wet and rainy weekend. I know that to most of you this isn't a big deal. To us, however, the weather rarely changes so rain to us is a big deal. In fact, at school many of the grades graph the weather. Looking at their graphs show that we have had no snow, 2 days of rain, 5 days of wind and the rest have been sunny. We have been in school now for more than a 100 hundred days, so you can see that the weather hardly changes.

So, this was the perfect weekend to make a big pot of soup, corn-bread muffins and finish some much needed projects around the house. Everyone pitched in to clean the house in the morning. Thanks guys! Then the girls filled their afternoons with friends, Derrick did paperwork, and I hand-sewed several ripped items and watched girly girl movies that were showing on tv.

It was the first Saturday, in a long row of Saturday's, where we had nothing scheduled. Rain, soup, projects, and family time......Perfect!

Birthday Beauty

2009-02-04T13:51:00.013-07:00

She came to us almost 2 years ago. A beautiful child then, a pretty young lady now. My, how time has changed her. The LuLu just celebrated her 12th birthday and hopefully it was a very happy one. Her birthday was filled with giggly girls staying up all night talking about boys, school, and growing up. A quiet dinner, of her choosing, ribs and a basketball cake, with a dear sweet lady, Grandma Caroline, who introduced her to us, followed the party. All in all, it was a nice day.

Who would have thought that I would be writing a blog about our 12 year old daughter 2 years ago? Did our lives ever change!

We were longing for another child, and she, LuLu, was longing for a family. Grandma Caroline heard through the grapevine the news, made the connection, and contacted us. A 10 year old girl? Would we be interested? What did we know? She seemed so quiet and timid in Primary, yet so beautiful and sweet. Meeting her father, and seeing her home situation made the call seem more urgent. Come spend the day with us, soon led to stay the weekend with us, and then, come stay the week with us. It got harder to send her back. We worried about her when she was away, we missed her when she wasn't around. We wanted her to have the opportunity to just be like any other kid. We wanted her to be a part of a family, of our family. The decision was made. Let's adopt her. Permission was granted from her father, in which we will always be grateful too, and the adoption was finalized on April 15, 2008.

Has it been easy? Not always, for either side. Has it been worth it? Most definitely!

Happy Birthday LuLu. You are a beautiful and sweet young lady. You are smart, talented, and work very hard in school and home. We are so happy that you have so many friends, make good choices, and that you're experiencing so many new and wonderful things. We love you and are thrilled that you're our daughter.

We're Loved!

2009-01-23T19:44:00.012-07:00

Yes, I know that title sounds a little corny, but I can't help myself. It just needs to be said. We are loved!

It has been 2 weeks from today since Derrick got the news that he would no longer be working at Horizon Community Bank. It came as a shock, and then again it didn't. I mean he was working in the banking industry, and banks right now are not doing so well. So, I guess it made us wonder, once in awhile, that there might be a chance somehow.

Those first few days were full of emotions. Panic, shock, fear, sadness, determination, love, loss, and avoidance. Fortunately, we had the MyMy's party to carry-out and a weekend of school work, so emotions could be put temporarily, on the back burner.

Once the weekend was over, the emotions needed to be faced, and with it uncomfortable feelings came along. The tears started falling, along with feelings of despair and hopelessness. Then, the love came, and that has buoyed us up.

People have been so kind and good to us. We have had phone calls, emails, letters, blessings, offers, and prayers. There also has been suggestions, networking, dinners and more. We have been strengthened and because of that we are no longer faced with a bleak and dreary picture. Of course, we still are in a bit of a predicament, but those crazy emotions have been replaced with peace and calmness, and, that makes this ride so much easier to be on.

We love you, and, thank-you for loving us.

Kitty Kandid

2009-01-10T18:49:00.012-07:00

The Kitty's came today to play at the Voss home.

First, they painted a kitty friend.

Second, they played with a ball of yarn. When Derrick was a child he would visit his fun-loving Aunt Ruth who had a ball of yarn for him to unravel. As he would unravel the yarn he would find fun candy treats. The kitty's found all kinds of fun treats in their yarn balls too.

After the kitty's had unraveled all of their yarn, they still wanted to play with some yarn. To their amazement, they found all kinds of yarn outside twisted and tangled and so therefore, were very busy finding the end of their yarn. They had to go around trees, through garden boxes and even up through the playhouse and down the slide. They were rewarded for their efforts with a kitty folder and a kitty pencil.

Oh my, all of that hard work made the kitty's very thirsty. Time for some frozen milk. The kitty's knew how to drink their milk without being told.

They soon realized that kitty's are not allowed at the table and took their milk to where they would be more comfortable, the floor.

The big momma cat made a kitty cake for the 8 year old kitty's birthday and the kitty's all meowed the birthday song.

Fun was had by all. The momma and papa cat are exhausted, so they will be taking a cat nap. Good-Night!

Arizona Winters

2009-01-08T20:27:00.003-07:00

Some wonder why anyone would want to live in Arizona when the summers are so miserably hot. Once in awhile, I wonder that too.

Once January hits however, and you see the miserable weather being reported by the news that everyone else is having, you realize why Arizona can be a great place to live.

Because in January you can go on bike rides, make many trips to the park to play, and you never need to shovel sunshine!

Also, you can get lemons the size of your palm. And, they are so yummy! Want one?

A Memorable Moment

2008-12-29T08:26:00.006-07:00

Uncle Dave told the MyMy to go home and write her feelings down of how she feels before she forgets. I am also going to take that advice to heart.

What a special day for a very special girl. What a special day for some very ordinary parents. Special in the sense that family traveled from afar to come and spend time with us for a wonderful event. Special also, because of special gifts and phone calls sent from family members, from afar, to let us know they were thinking of us. Special because of friends, ward members, and family supporting us with food, video dvd, helping to set up and clean-up after. Special because some wonderful Aunties gave such sweet and personal talks to the MyMy about the ordinance and gift she would receive that day. And, don't forget the special children, cousins and friends, who sang so sweetly and, the special Uncle who shared his piano talents so we would have music to set the tone.

I am so blessed!

The day was also very sweet. Sweet because the MyMy has such a sweet and wonderful father who loves her very much. Sweet because the 2 of them spent some alone time the night before preparing for the ordinance. Sweet because he lovingly talked to her and hugged her before the service to calm her nerves. Sweet because he was fighting back emotion as he spoke. Sweet, because he gave a beautiful prayer so fitting for a special young lady.

Once again, I am so blessed!

Last, but not least, the day was beautiful. Beautiful in the sense that one of our Heavenly Father's choice daughters became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That our Savior prepared the way for all of us. That we all have the opportunity to one day return to the loving arms of our Savior and Heavenly Father.

Beautiful that I get to be a mother to 2 beautiful girls and share special days, like yesterday, with them.

I am thankful for my blessings.

Cousins Slumber Party

2008-12-29T08:12:00.005-07:00

Pink Room, Pink Bed, Pink Pajama's, Little girls.....Need I say more?

What started out as a "go to my room and watch cartoons so you don't wake the others up" to one little girl, soon became (about 30 seconds soon!) 6 monkeys in bed watching cartoons. Go figure!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-25T00:14:00.011-07:00

The older I get the more I realize how important it is to carry on family traditions. Family traditions provide anticipation for the event to come and wonderful memories to remember after. I have tried to instill many family traditions all year long for my family. One tradition, that I grew up with, has been absently missing in my current family and home.

Tonight, I decided to reconcile my blunder and carry on the tradition that I once loved and cherished so deeply, realizing that it had been deeply missed.

First thing- Get girls on board. Explain the tradition.
Second- Cook, cook, cook
Third- Set a beautiful table

Fourth- While the girls were helping me set the table, we noticed the porch light off even though we had turned it on several times. A closer look told us that Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa Claus) had been by to visit.

Fifth- We ate a very yummy traditional Finnish Christmas Eve dinner. I really can cook something foreign!

Sixth- We read the Christmas story found in Luke 2 and sang Silent Night. (I have always kept this tradition).

Seventh- The girls got to open a traditional Christmas gift. Don't they look cute in their new pajamas?

Eighth- We look for Santa using the Norad Santa tracker found on the internet.

Ninth- The girls prepare a wonderful treat for Santa.

Tenth- Derrick and I watch the beautiful Christmas concert, put out by my church, on our local PBS station.

I love traditions. Now that everyone is snug in bed awaiting the new day........

It is time to say good-night and Merry Christmas!

8 Wonderful Years

2008-12-23T21:37:00.005-07:00

I remember her face just like it was yesterday. After everyone had left the hospital, and I was finally alone with my new, precious, little one, I studied her face making sure that I had every detail imprinted in my mind. I knew then that I would never forget that sweet little face and so far, I haven't.

As I stroked her soft cheeks, admiring the beautiful gift from Heaven, I wondered what her life would be like. What would she look like when she turned 3, 5, and 8? Would she be a daddy's girl or a mommy's girl? What would her interests be? Could I possibly love her more than I did at that moment?

No matter how hard I worked at looking into her future, I never could even begin to imagine how she would look, what she would be like, or who's girl she would become. All I knew is that we, Derrick and myself, had truly been blessed with a precious child, and that we would definitely make sure she knew she was loved.

Eight years later, I still wonder what her future holds, what she will look like, and where her dreams will take her. I am always hoping that her future will be happy, safe, and bright, realizing, that none of that is really in my control.

Once again, all I know is that each continual year that Derrick and myself have to raise and love our precious daughter is indeed a gift from God, in which we are truly grateful to.

Happy Birthday MyMy. May you always know that you are loved and cherished.

Blondes Have More Fun?

2008-12-21T21:22:00.002-07:00

Not according to this brunette!