Not Much

Not too much has been going on around here. The past month we have been to my sister's reception in the Tri-Cities, had Spring Break, our puppy got fixed, registered Kyle for preschool this Fall, had the school Spaghetti Feed and cookie dough sale, and went on a couple dates with my hubby. It has been a pretty relaxing month with not much to tell.

It is finally beginning to feel like Spring, so we have been taking advantage of the weather and spending a lot of time outside. Our backyard is a sight for sore eyes and needs some love. Besides spending some time in the yard today, we have Tyler's soccer game and a ward activity. Hopefully we can even fit in a game or two with the kids!

Five Down....One To Go!

We're back! We had a great trip to Utah for my sister, Crystal, and Matt's wedding. Our kids were so excited to be in Utah, since they don't remember the last time we were there.

We left Monday evening and traveled only to Missoula, Montana...I had to get to a television to watch the final episode of the Bachelor! My good friend, Crysti, and I still found time to talk during the commercials...even with the time differences. While I watched my show, the kids had fun in the hot tub and running around the hotel. I don't know what it is about kids and hotels, but they find them very cool.

Tuesday, we traveled most of the day down to Utah. It was a long drive, but with movies playing continually, there were no complaints. Our biggest obstacle was our puppy, Aja, not going to the bathroom when we would stop. We were so nervous that she was going to have a accident in the van, but she did awesome! We stopped multiple times for her to go do her thing, but she held it ALL day until one hour out of Salt Lake.

On Wednesday, we went to the Draper Temple Open House. This was the highlight of the trip for Jamen and Kaitlyn. They were beyond words knowing that they were going to be able to tour the entire temple. Kaitlyn even said that it was better than Christmas morning when we surprised her with Aja. She is a sweet girl and knows what is important in life. After the open house, we went shopping at IKEA and then spent the rest of the afternoon at Temple Square.




Thursday, we traveled down to BYU, took a look around the campus, ate at the Cougareat, and went to the Bean Building to see all the animals. The kids had fun looking at the animals. Kyle and Cecily, my niece, named each and every animal. Their naming took a turn towards an African theme. We heard names like, Shareeka, Mumebobwa, Shaneekwa, Unemamma, etc. They were quite the crack-up.



Thursday evening, Crystal was receiving her Endowment at the Salt Lake Temple. I had only done one other session at the Salt Lake Temple before, but always remembered how beautiful the craftsmanship is there. It is inspiring to see the intricate detail and work that they put into building and decorating the temple by hand.

One funny thing that happened that night was with the kids. They were at the hotel with the dog. They had been instructed to stay in the room, not answer the door, etc. My sister, Elise, left her dog in their room. As we were entering the temple, Chris received a phone call from the hotel informing us that they had three complaints about Elise's dog barking in her room. We told Jamen to go get Cali and keep her with them. Chris then proceeded to turn off his cell phone as we entered the temple. After our session, Chris turned his phone back on and noticed a message from the kids. Apparently, (just imagine this) one of the kids opened the door to our room. Cali, not wanting to be with four rowdy kids and a puppy, took the opportunity with the open door to make a run for it. She tore off down the hall. Jamen ran out after her, followed by Kaitlyn, Aja, Tyler, and last but not least, Kyle. As they are ALL running down the hall chasing Cali, they came to an abrupt stop when they heard the room door shut behind them. Now we have four children and two dogs stuck in the hall and two parents completely unaware as to the chaos unfolding! What a night. Luckily, my brother-in-law was upstairs with his two kids, enjoying a relaxing evening, so he was able to keep them until we got home. I'm sure it was just what he would have wanted...6 kids and 2 dogs in ONE hotel room. Thanks so much Josh....you saved us!

Friday, we had to be at the Mount Timpanogos Temple around 8:15am for the wedding, so we were up bright and early. The wedding was beautiful and Crystal and Matt looked blissful together. The day was filled with running from one place to the next. I didn't get too many pictures at the temple because it was freezing cold and we had to get our kids to a warm place.



After the wedding ceremony, we had a brunch in a beautiful building named the Hampton House. Then we were off to the reception at Noah's. It was a long day. Luckily, my very wise mom, reserved a room at Noah's for the kids and dads. It was a lifesaver. It had a giant big screen television, leather couches and a pool table to keep them entertained during the reception. We ended up getting back to the hotel around 11:30pm.

This is what happens when two guys find a hair extension!
Don't ya just love Chris' comb over?
I think he looks like his Dad!!! :)..right Kathy?

My cousin Todd and his family live in Farmington. Their daughter, Jessica, and Kaitlyn have become friends from spending time together at our family reunions. Since this past summer, they have become pen pals. Kaitlyn was excited to see Jessica again and even got to have a sleepover with her.

Saturday, we slept in. Matt and Crystal had left early Saturday for Mexico, my parents, Grandma, and Elise and Chase took off for home, so it was free day. We decided to head to Temple Square again to catch some of the things that we had missed earlier. We took a tour of Temple Square with some sister missionaries, toured the Conference Center and Beehive House, and watched the Joseph Smith video. It was a great day. Our children got a great perspective into the hard work and dedication the early saints put in to what we have today. The kids enjoyed touring the Beehive House and seeing how the people lived back then.

The Tabernacle

The Beehive House

The Conference Center is where we hold General Conference every 6 months


This is a well known pictures for LDS memebers. I learned though that it was created for the Spokane World Fair.Kyle, Tyler, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Jamen, Brian, and Cecily

On Sunday, our trip came to an end as we headed home. Utah was so beautiful and our kids didn't want to leave. We had a long drive ahead of us,and the kids were great.
We had such a great time in Utah. We don't get to Salt Lake as much as we would like, so we soak it all up while we can. It is a place filled with so much heritage for our family and religion. We couldn't have asked for a better family vacation! Again, Congrats Matt and Crystal!!!

Songs of Praise

Chris and I grew up loving music. Neither of us are musically gifted, but enjoy and appreciate the beauty of music. This is especially true for us when it comes to music that reminds us of the great country we live in or our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For me, the Spirit touches my soul when I hear or sing beautiful music. I may not remember everything that I learned in my Primary class, who my teachers were, but I remember the songs that I learned and sung. I remember which songs were my favorites and the feelings I felt when we would sing them. I vividly remember singing "Love is Spoken Here" and "A Child's Prayer" in Primary and knowing that the emotion I felt was the Holy Ghost confirming to me that these words were true. Singing these songs helped me gain and realize that I had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today our Bishopric did something different for our Sacrament Meeting. Last week, they asked us to choose and reflect on our favorite hymn and be prepared to share your feelings if you desired to. The meeting began by a brief talk on music appreciation. They then turned the time over to the congregation for "testimonies of your favorite hymn" (for lack of better words). The Spirit was felt so strongly as we sang song after song of praise. We had people lined up on the stand waiting for their turn to share their feelings and thoughts. We had a gentleman, visiting from BYU, who had been in Iraq for two years and shared with us that whenever he was scared, frustrated, etc. that he would sing the words to "I Believe in Christ". After that, a sister got up and said that her favorite hymn was the "Star Spangled Banner". I can't describe the emotion I felt as we stood to sing our national anthem after just singing a song chosen by one of the many men who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. I had tears running down my face and couldn't utter a word.

I am so grateful for music. I am grateful for the sweet Spirit that I feel when I hear it. My favorite hymn is "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". However, the song from the Reflections of Christ video is a new favorite. I don't know that I have ever heard a more beautiful arrangement than this. Enjoy!

You will need to pause my playlist music. Thanks!

Reflections of Christ

HELP!!!!

Recently I was asked to be the Stake Girls Camp Assistant Director. My main responsibility with this is to be a "certification specialist". Basically, I am responsible for organizing the camp certification, creating a schedule for this to do done (either before or during camp), and everything that goes along with this. To be honest, I am not even sure what that all is at this point. So, I'm looking for any suggestions as to how you have seen camp run, certification activities and games, and anything that can get my creative juices flowing. Any and all suggestion are appreciated! THANKS!!!

Happenings

I have fallen off the blogging wagon. I have had many opportunities this month of taking pictures and posting them, but haven't. I could say that it is because I have been busy with Cub Scouts, or that potty training a puppy is consuming my days, or it's because I was just called as Assistant Camp Director and am overwhelmed, but the truth is that I just haven't felt like it.

So, in order to fill you in on some of the Holland happenings this month here is a list of things:

1. Kaitlyn's piano recital. She did a great job!

2. Celebrating Kaitlyn's 11th birthday. We have a tradition that even numbered birthdays are celebrated with a big party and friends, and odd numbered are celebrated with the family and a dinner out (their pick) with just Mom and Dad. This year, Kaitlyn wanted to see High School Musical 3. So, we ran and got a bite to eat at Qdoba and then it was off for the movie. Of course, she loved the movie!

3. More snow and school continuing to be canceled.

4. Multiple visits to the vet for shots.

5. Donuts with Dad at the school. The kids look forward to this day each year. We don't see many dads around the school during the day, so it is great having so many of them there all at once. They ate donuts, juice, and fruit and played the Wii.. What school day could get better then that? :)

6. Playing Pinochle with friends....best game EVER!!!

7. Attending a Japanese cooking class. It was SOOO good! Yum, yum. A couple from our ward taught the class and did a great job. The recipes were easy and tasted great. My kids would even love it all. All the recipes are a must try.

8. Basketball practice for Tyler! He has been waiting for this day to come for four months now. He is beyond excited that this day has arrived. It is cute watching these 2nd graders dribble up and down the court, pass to each other, and attempt lay ins. Tyler's coaches wanted to play a little scrimmage, so he divided them up, told one side they were the "shirts " and the others were the "skins". Tyler was on the team assigned to be the "skins" and was not going to have any of that. Tyler acted as if that shirt was glued onto him. Shy of ripping it off his body, there wasn't anything we could say or do to convince him that it was ok. Chris and I kept telling him to just rip it off. The coach, other parents, and teammates also tried....no luck. I guess Tyler doesn't give into peer pressure...now if we can just keep that going through the teen years, we will be set. :)

Overall, we have had a busy month. I hope to be more dedicated to updating my blog regularly this coming month. Wish me luck!

Crazy Days

I know that I am behind on posting pictures from Christmas. I didn't even get a Christmas letter sent out this year...sorry to all those wondering where their letter is. Now, you ask why am I so behind? This is why....


SNOW!!!!

We have over 6 1/2 feet of snow on the ground. I have never seen so much snow in my entire life. We have been shoveling snow, multiple times a day, for an entire month! Chris had to get up on the roof a couple of weeks ago and clear off the FEET of snow that had accumulated up there. Spokane is even making national news and Good Morning America. You know it's bad when you see your street on Good Morning America!

I am so ready for my kids to go back to school. They have been home for far too long now. My kids are officially bored and ready to see their friends. Not only are we stuck at home, but I am becoming nervous to even go shopping of fear that a roof with collapse on me. Spokane has had over forty buildings collapse due to the heavy snow load.

Thankfully, it has warmed up and the snow is beginning to melt. I went outside and snapped a few pictures before it melts even more to show what we are dealing with in our front yard. Good luck having the kids romp in the snow....it's is nearly to their heads.

This picture doesn't look like there is that much snow, but trust me, there is!

Now....the other reason I have been preoccupied. We are proud to announce the newest member of our family....



Her name is Aja, pronounced like Asia. The kids heard this name a while ago and came up with the spelling too. She is a ten week old Shima, which is a Shih Tzu and Maltese mix.

Isn't she the cutest little fur ball that you have ever seen?

Here is a little info. on Shimas:

"The Shima has been being bred for about nine years now. This mix makes for a wonderful companion dog. They are lively and playful, charming and affectionate. They love attention from everyone! Shimas are very sociable and enjoy children and are Loyal companions with .These wonderful little dogs are small. You get the best of both breeds in the Shima. We are finding that this breed is in lots of the other states also.They are great for couples who love to travel, family's with children, or the individual that just wants to have a buddy sit and watchtvsturdy , smart , loyal and don't shed, what more could anyone want in a FOUR LEGGED FRIEND!!"

Aja has been a lot of fun. The kids absolutely love her. As for me, I love her more some days than others. My love for her depends on how many messes she has made on my carpet and how much whining she did through the night. On Sunday, I wasseriously asking, "What have we done? we are stupid, stupid." It was a bad day. At church, I told Chris that I was about to bare my testimony about puppies. If you ever are feeling that motherhood is difficult, that your children don't listen to you....get a puppy. Your children will quickly seem like angels. They understand English. They don't poo all over the floor (hopefully), and they sleep through the night. Aja whined all night on Saturday. I would take her out to potty and she would do nothing. I woke up to take her out at 4:30 am to find that she had pee and poo everywhere! So, at 4:30am I was bathing a puppy, washing her bedding, and scrubbing her crate with disinfectant. We got it all cleaned up in time for church at 9am. We went to church, came home and found that she had pee and poo once again ALL OVER her crate! I think that Aja too was traumatized, because she has been great since Sunday. She does still have accidents, but will go to the bathroom when we take her out...and she is sleeping through the night in her crate without whining or pooing everywhere. Yeah!!! I am loving her much more the past couple of days. She is lucky she is so darn cute!!! :)


As for Christmas, we went to Tri-Cities . Here are a few pictures from our time with family.

The Tri-Cities rarely gets this much snow, so it was fun having a white Christmas.

Kyle was extremely happy to get the only present that he wished for....a skateboard. I will let everyone know how long it takes for the first broken bone. :)

Happy New Year! I hope to update more frequently this year, so we will see what happens.