Five Star Celebration

with the love of my life

our 20th Wedding Anniversary

gorgeous view from the room

feeling pampered- cozy, romantic "us" time in the mountains, with a luxurious spa downstairs

shopping on main street, enjoying some art galleries, and dinner at Ruth's Chris. Then back to the room to watch "Pride and Prejudice" A & E version in front of the fireplace, with no interruptions. Bliss.

Thanks hon for the fabulous week-end, and especially for the last 20 years. It's great being married to your best friend!

I finally got it posted from last month. Things aren't so blissful right now, my hon is sick with H1N1, send healthy thoughts and prayers.

Dresses vs. Jerseys

Sage- left, Sophie- right

I have to be quick these days to get a picture of my girls in a dress before they quickly change into their favorite clothes.

anything sporty, like their soccer jersy's. Such little athletes, they definitely put on a show and know how to score, but I'm not giving up on dresses and ballet yet :)

I'm the lucky coach for their indoor soccer team this year. When they asked if I would coach since no one had signed up, I had to give it some thought, remembering the week before Sophie said "I hope I get a boy coach". They really enjoy their coaches and teachers, and Sophie has always preferred men. "Daddy's little girl", she's also mommy's girl but I love seeing her cute personality with her dad and uncles. Sage is my sweet mommy's girl, although she loves her dad tons! Just different preferences. So when I talked to them about me possibly coaching their team, they sqealed with joy, so I took the job. It's been a lot of fun even though I have a challenging team, they have come a long way. Go Orange Dragons!

Trick or Treat

I'm a bit behind, but I don't want to skip this fun, wild night.

They could hardly wait to go trick or treating, but patiently let me take a few quick pics, mom's rights. Josh went out with friends and Nick stuck around to give out candy.

Trick or Treating in style, or laziness :)
There are a lot of long driveways and hills so this is the way to go, thanks Jeff.

This house freaked them out. They were all hesitant to pick some candy so Trevor went first, and got grabbed by the witch that they thought was fake. "Ne He He", way to go Steph

The orange wig didn't last long

The highlight of their night, well tied with all the candy, was riding Buddy. They love horses and what a treat to get to ride one tonight. Thanks Laura, loved the light up hat!

Then off to both Grandmas.

The next day, I wondered what they were up to when they called me in to show me they seperated and organized their candy, ya, they scored. Then they had the big barter- trading and negotiating, brings back memories. Sage is the line seperating her's and Sophie's candy- lol. It was a delightful Halloween with my ghouls.

I had planned to have them donate a lot of their candy. A local dentist was buying Halloween candy $1/ pound and sending the goods to the troops, I'm sure they can use some chocolate. I waited too long and all the good stuff mysteriously disappeared, now I'm stocking up on toothpaste. :)

Ghoulish parties

Sophie & Sage have had their share of them this year... such fun friends! Next year I'll have to throw one. Here are a few public parties that I actually took my camera to (I've been bad at that lately).

Our town puts on an exciting Halloween Bash each year. They don't miss a thing, everything from scary stories, gunny sack races, to pumpkin drops from the top of the firetruck ladder. Topped with cotton candy and apple cider, the kids had a ball. Josh helped out at his schools' booth this year, and the kids enjoyed participating in all of the booths to earn their own pumpkin at the end. This party gets better each year.

Sage being the patient at the First Aid Booth, she thought that was cool.

A few pics from their class parties...

It was crazy trying to be at 3 different classes at the same time, you'd think they would stagger the parties just for me. I was the photographer for Sophie's class, but I slipped away to check out Sages & Trevors parties too.

So cute seeing Sophie and "B" coloring the same page.

Ya, they're popular with the boys already. Sage & "T".

Sophie getting mummified.

"Trick or Treat"

They chose their own costumes. Trevor the "Deviled Egg" (must be novel), Sophie is "Daphne" from Scooby Doo (she liked the big orange hair), and Sage is "Cleopatra" (she loved all the jewels).

Wordless Wednesday...

Fall Break

Fun times at Wolfcreek for a few nights during Fall Break. It was nice getting away and being at the Resort in the mountains with the fam, especially this time of year. We improved our swing at tennis, scored in horseshoes, tossed a football, and relaxed in the hot tub. We had yummy BBQ's at night and tried the local pizza parlor the last night, they actually make a PB and Jelly pizza their, ewww, but ours was good. The girls were excited to sleep in the loft each night, after tucking them in we enjoyed playing cards and games with the boys. The fireplace was cozy. It was nice being able to sleep in a little without being on a tight schedule, and the kids enjoyed the break from homework. I was too busy relaxing and enjoying and forgot to take pics, until the last day.

Before leaving we drove to the snow draped mountain top

We were open to suggestions for the last day after leaving the resort. Lagoon, the Zoo, Children's museum were thrown out there, but we wanted something fun and different without spending a lot more money. So, we went to the Hill Aerospace Museum first. It was a hit! The kids (and mom & dad) really liked all the old naval aircraft and displays of old uniforms, ranks... They have a large indoor and outdoor museum, then they enjoyed picking out a souveneir in the gift shop. It's been so long since we've been their, when Nick was about the girls age. Good choice dad!

Then I chose Antelope Island next. It was great seeing the wild Buffalo and Antelope next to the still lake, and the kids enjoyed playing at the beach. Weird, but I've been here most of my life and never taken the time to go to this island. Very neat!

Then we headed back for dinner. The girls wanted Costa Vida (Sage wants to eat their everyday now) and we met up with the boys next door at "Five Guys, Burgers & Fries". Then home to watch Pearl Harbor, to go along with the Aerospace Experience. Trevor wants to be a pilot now.

We stayed home the next two days to enjoy General Conference- loved it! Even the kids enjoyed it and listened pretty well, with help from their Conference Packets I copied for them before we left (they liked the M & M conference bingo the best). The talks were inspiring. Then Paul and I escaped for a fabulous night in Park City to celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversay, thanks to Grandma for watching our kids, post later.

My good looking boys ready for the Priesthood session, this is the first year for Trevor, he's close enough to the right age. He felt grown up and really enjoyed going with his dad and bros. With mom as a shutterbug, they try to be a good sport, even if Nick is chewing on sunflower seeds :) While they were gone Sophie, Sage, and I made a yummy lasagna, salad, and garlic bread, mens choice.

It was a well rounded Fall Break- fun family time, quiet Conference time, and Romantic "Us" time.

Sweet dreams...

S & S liking their new flannel nightgowns with the cozy fleece robe, an early Christmas present.

Sage- left, Sophie- right

Catching Up...

All is well here, except for the cold that I'm fighting and refusing to let get to me. Loading up on vitamins and zinc and trying to lay low for awhile so I don't share, the homemade beef soup tonight helped. It's been awhile so I want to do a quick post before I'm out with Antihistamine's.

Sophie and Sage were excited for the week-end, looking forward to two birthday parties back to back yesterday (talk about cake overload). One was a costume party (neighbor friend) and the other a Pirate party (a classmate of Sage's). Phew, I was happy to see he invited both girls, that's a road I (and they) don't want to travel yet, although it's inevitable, so I'm trying to prepare them now for the tragic day when only one of the girls are invited to the party :). Can't believe I didn't even snap a picture of them in their darling costumes, guess you'll have to wait until Halloween. They had a great time and after the big day Sophie said, "Mom, I haven't seen you very much today, I missed you". Aaah

The boys have been busy, enjoying school, and doing well. Swim season has started again for Nick, his last year (Senior!), we're looking forward to watching his meets, he flies through the water. He's enjoying his Marketing classes and Social Dance class and preparing for college and mission, What, already?. He also got called to assist the Bishop in his priests Quorum, nice opportunity for him. Josh is liking his new school and being a 9th grader. He's having fun on the Volley Ball team, doing great and gearing up for basketball. He made a lead role in the school play. I told him to request a small part since he's involved in sports, but he got a large one. No problem, as long as he keeps up on homework, grades... Responsible kid. Trevor is learning the Saxophone this year in the band (just like his Dad). He's enjoying Scouts and Flag Football. His games are fun to watch and Sophie and Sage are their biggest fans, "Go Jordan!". I know it's a lot, but thank goodness Nick can drive, it goes pretty smooth. Josh is only months away from getting his Learner's Permit (yikes!). I'm thankful they have their own opportunities and passions to follow. We're enjoying our teenagers.

Studious Josh

Jazzy Trevor

As for Sophie and Sage, they have started Ballet. It may not be their favorite thing (compared to Soccer and Gymnastics) but they love taking it with their BFF from school, Halli. I want them to learn the fundamentals and it's so cute seeing their pirouettes and side leaps, bringing out their feminine side. They are liking it more each time they go. They'll also be starting indoor soccer soon, Squeal! I decided to let them do both since soccer is their passion and this is something they can excel in and enjoy together :). They are doing a lot better being in separate classes at school, although they would prefer being together of course. They have branched out and made good friends and they all play together at recess. Such resilient girls!

We had a fun Autumn break last week-end in Wolfcreek, then my DH and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary (wow, it's flown by). We treated ourselves to a nice romantic getaway in Park City, I'll post soon.

Sage, building a house

future Picasso's, painting after school

Three Peas in a Pod, great friends. Kennedy's been like my third daughter lately, she's a sweety.

On fire with color

This last pic was dark so I warmed it up a little, the rest are straight from the camera.

It was a breathtaking drive up the canyon yesterday. Summer ended quick, but this is my favorite time of year. I'm ready to pick pumpkins with my kiddos, make stews in the crock pot, apple crisp, and wear my favorite sweaters. Here's for a long, beautiful fall, one can wish.

Cooking with Sophie & Sage

I like to bake, so whenever we have family b-day gatherings, I'm asked to make the cakes. This time I put Sophie and Sage in charge. Of course they had to taste test the batter to make sure it was perfect, delicious! Good job little bakers!

Had to try on my new pj's w/ matching blanket. Thanks sis!

♥ Lucky in Love ♥

I have to share what my sweety surprised me with, brought tears to my mom's eyes when I told her.

It was my birthday, started out like every other day. I had meetings in the morning and Paul had to work the burner shift (full day). My older boys were at scout camp and EFY, my fun lunch plans fell through last minute and we rescheduled. I know I was turning "39" again and didn't need to celebrate, but life is short and I wanted to make it a great day, I was starting to feel a little old (I don't normally feel that way). So I made some quick lunch plans with a friend and our children (they were excited), it was nice. Then Trevor and the girls wanted to take me to Boondocks or Cawabunga Bay to celebrate. Fun ideas, so cute, but I had something a little more grown up in mind. We've enjoyed the summer doing stuff like that so I didn't feel too bad about having a mom day. I appreciated the many b-day wishes on facebook and emails (even one from my new boss who took note of the date from my paperwork), and my sons b-day wishes via text, cool for remembering. The thoughtful gifts from a few friends & neighbors were so sweet- chocolate, jewelry, fresh garden veggies, stationary... Just what a girl wants!

Well, that afternoon I arranged a sitter and treated myself to a small shopping spree for my new job, professional clothes! Sounded fun and something I needed. Paul called to see how my day was going so I told him what I was up to. He never gets mad at stuff like that and knows that I won't go crazy and overspend, at least try not to :). I must be a picky shopper or it's been so long I forgot how to shop because I only found two pair of dress pants. I was almost ready to leave and was trying on my last pair when Paul called again. He told me he wants me to try these. What? I walked out of the dressing room and he was standing there holding some nice looking shirts. No way! It was slow at work so he was able to sneak away and go shopping with me, he had his phone nearby in case it got busy, but they didn't call. He's awesome and is always finding ways to pamper me. We spent the next hour or two as he picked out the cutest stuff, perfect for work! The nice shoppers around us kept commenting on the great stuff he's picking out (wishing they had their own "hot" personal clothing designer to take shopping, lol) I ended up with about 4-5 great outfits, it was the sweetest thing! He would've kept going, but it was good.

Thanks for surprising me and making that day so special hon, you're the best. It's not about the clothes, but the thoughtfulness, I'll never forget it! You're the bomb!

He treated me to a luscious, romantic dinner at "The Roof'" later that week-end, sporting one of my new blouses :). Loved the song dedication. Love my babe!

"I like school a little bit"- first grade update

I was thrilled to hear these words from Sophie and Sage last week, even the "little bit" part was understandable. This has been a tough adjustment and I appreciate everyone's caring remarks. I have watched my girls closely, and I've seen their strength, with much less stress and anguish each week, they are quickly becoming their happy selves again.

After a lot of thought and prayer, I felt I should give it a little more time then just 2 weeks. I could see that the worse part was over and it would only get better. I try not to be a helicopter mom (I'm sure I was one with my first child, but as hard as it is I know that they need to handle some things on their own according to age and ability, with guidance and comfort from mom/dad to help them grow, become responsible and be the best they can be). I know this challenge was huge for my girls and I believe it was too soon to have them in separate classes, combined with the big jump from half day Kindergarten to full day. Although, I knew the hardest part was over and they were improving each week. It's helped knowing that they can play together at recess and they each have great friends from last year in their classes and were quickly making new friends. It's been harder on Sophie then Sage, just like the adjustment in China was harder for her, bless her heart, but when she adjusts and bonds on her time, she does it very tight and is very genuine. I volunteer in their classrooms on Fridays and I've seen a big improvement each week, Sophie's great teacher has been keeping me informed and says she's really doing good and better each day, which I've noticed, although she's still a little quiet in the classroom. Sage has bounced right back to her happy self and never complains anymore about being in seperate classes, although I have to bite my tongue while I'm helping in her classroom (with her controlling teacher that micro manages everything, they can't even pick up their pencil without direct orders. An insult to their intelligence, how are they supposed to learn to think for themselves? Sorry, I had to vent a little). Another one of those life lessons. Although they miss each other, Sophie and Sage are doing much better and I have seen some good come from this- an improvement with their language, since they communicate with others more regularly. Less competition, although they are best friends and so much alike, they excel in different areas as well and were competitive at times last year in school. And more Independence.

Most importantly, I know the bonds between identical twins are unique and very strong, and it's great to see their excitement when they discover many of the same things they've done at school- learning the same songs, same stories, having the same homework... it helps them feel connected and they definitely enjoy each other before and after school. So things are getting better and they are proud of themselves for being brave, independant and conquering this challenge. I'm proud of you too S & S, you will never truly be alone!

Sophie- white, Sage- pink.