Beginning and the End

Yesterday was an eventful day.  

This handsome and fun loving man had a birthday!

We sent him on a 33 step scavenger hunt that included all the things we love about him.

 My Grandfather died.  He has been my longtime hero.  I remember writing a report about him in 5th grade.  He was an amazing man and fearless missionary.  I remember visiting his farm in Idaho countless times as a kid.  I remember him taking us (me and all my cousins) for rides in the bucket of his tractor, he let me drive his truck before I had a license, he taught us how to bail hay (and many other farming skills), he let us dig around and play with his junk, and he would say yes behind grandmas back to just about anything.  Most of all I KNEW he loved ME.  I never doubted it.

 The cuttest park was that he was a huge tease!  Old men are so cute!

 I am grateful he now gets to see his beloved wife!  We love you grandpa!

Called to Serve

Whenever we have moved we have always received new callings (due to relocation.) This move is no exception. I of course was starting to feels the pressures from Connor's calling in YM. We had not seen him much due to mutual activities, meetings, fundraising activities, and scout camp. I assumed a call from a stake leader meant he was being called to stake YM and I was pretty happy about that. However, instead he has been called to... Yes, we will be having early morning seminary in our new home starting in September. I sat in front of our stake leader shocked and if it hadn't been too odd, Connor would have done a back flip for joy. The fun part is that we can dedicate a room in our new house just for this cause. So now we need to start practicing early retiring each night!

8 Years

8 years ago I never imagined a day like today...

*woken abruptly by child 3 screaming bloody murder
*poop leaked on your clothes at a baseball game
*child 3 drops apple into dirt after repeated warnings (might I add that you are VERY hungry)
*stubbed your broken toe
*child 2 scrapes knee and there is D.R.A.M.A.
*as you load the car you realize that child 3 has pooped in his swim diaper (and it is that flaky stuff that doesn't come off) and your friend with the pool key just left.
*child 4 is often crying but has to be put off until children 1-3 are satisfied
*child 2 won't stop asking you to walk the neighbor's dog with her
*child 3 rammed heads with his best buddy and now is crying and has a big bump
*child 1 cries because there are no more baseball helmets
*child 2 thinks she runs the house and can tell everyone what to do
*child 3 complains that his tummy hurts (your first thought is throw up)
*child 1 decides he needs a reward for picking up his own trash
*child 4 is tired but having a hard time falling and STAYING asleep.
*child 1 says he can't find his baseball shirt even though he is practically looking at it
*child 3 plays in the mud
*child 2 cries because the shoes she chose are hurting her feet, she demands that you go get her different ones (you are not at home, nor are you even close)
*child 3 throws his sandwich at you
*child 1 asks you to carry his bat and water bottle- like you aren't already hauling enough
*child 3's nose is running, all you can find is his shirt.

And this is a typical day. But yet it doesn't seem so bad because I married this man...
Who makes me feel loved, which is the most wonderful feeling in the whole world. Loved inside and out, despite many weaknesses and eccentricities. My best friend and one who makes me smile and laugh even when the world seems to be crashing around us. I am grateful that I chose to marry this man and that I get to walk side by side with him forever- a marvelous gift that started 8 years ago today!

My Valentine

I will spare you with all the mushinesss...

But this is MY man and I am so sorry to all those who lost out on having him...

He makes my life WONDERFUL! I couldn't be happier!

3-0

The man I love turns 30 today! I think he has some mixed feelings. He had always imagined that 30 would mean he owned a house, had a job that he loved and a nice car to drive to that great job. So he is a little sad that he doesn't have any of these- he does have a job he hates and the same car we had in college.

But...

I don't think he feels that old and we are pretty happy with all that we DON'T have!

30 Things I love about MY CONNOR:

1. Funny

2. Makes me feel beautiful even when I know I am not

3. humble

4. Smart

5. Kind

6. Selfless

7. Athletic

8. An amazing teacher

9. Motivated

10. Determined

11. Gives amazing hugs

12. Playful

13. Gives great massages

14. Forgives me and puts up with all my OCDness

15. Takes care of me the way my mother would

16. I love being silly with him

17. He washes way more dishes than I do

18. Leaves me lots of little love notes

19. Musical- plays numerous instruments and is an amazing singer

20. Always is complimenting me

21. Helps me become a better person

22. Spiritual Giant

23. Optimistic

24. Gentle

25. Charitable

26. Faithful

27. Cleans the house when I don't even ask

28. A patient Father

29. A squeezable face

30. Inspirational to all of us

7 years and counting

This is the amazing man I married 7 years ago...

for eternity...

And

• 3 kids
• 7 moves
• 2 undergraduate degree
• 1 masters degree
• 1 CLS certification
• 2 triathlons
• 1 marathon, 2 half marathons, a few 10k's and countless 5 k's
• 1 trip to Europe
• 2 trips to Japan and 1 to China (just Connor)
• 1 Kirtland play (connor was the lead)

Later

I am so grateful that I made the decision to marry such an amazing man who is a stalwart priesthood leader. He makes me laugh, he pampers me, he teaches me about selflessness, he becomes a kid when he is with them, he is spontaneous, he is outgoing, he is smart, he is adventurous, he can sing and play the piano (drums and much more), he is athletic, he always lets me go to my church meetings unattended by children, he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, he respects and encourages my talents, and he always makes me want to be a better me!

We have had fun this year reading each other's Journals for our anniversary. It was a great way to recognize all that we have been through to get to where we are now! And what a wonderful place we are in!!!

I LOVE YOU, MY MIRACLE

Best supporting Wife

With all those movie awards I decided I need one too. So I gave myself the best supporting Wife award and this is why...

Yep, I went to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans with my die hard Utah fan of a husband. And here I am even sporting a Utah shirt (don't worry, BYU is still my first love.) I have never been to New Orleans before but it was gorgeous. Here are a few pictures mainly of the French Quarter- one of the many amazing bands we heard, one of the many beautiful tour carriages, the classic beautiful building, General Beauregard's home, the Cathedral, the convent, the trolley, the flea market's abundance of Marti grass apparel, the holocaust memorial, and the old fashion ferry.

Then for the game day fun- tailgate party, Corbin decked out for the game, at the game, fun with the band, "super fans" dressed as an "incredible Ute fan" and Ute Indian, and all of us (Connor's Cousins and us) around town.

I saw a little shop that was named:

I mean doesn't a name like that draw you in? Even for the items they sell.
It was a great trip, but it ended in another strep diagnosis for me (as well as an ear infection.) You didn't think I could get it again did you!!! But Corbin got it the worst- he has and ear infection, strep, and cutting not one, but TWO teeth. Poor guy. We are officially SICK (no pun intended) of traveling, so y'all will have to come see us instead. Next post will be Christmas and New Years I promise.

VS.

I know for many of you this was a big game. But at our house it is even bigger!!! As you know we are a divided family, or I guess I could say there is ONE faithful follower and ONE that turned to the DARK SIDE. Connor can barely stand that it is so difficult to watch his beloved Utes play football (out here we don't get the Mountain) and it is heartbreaking. I stand by quietly, knowing that my alliance is right and we will prevail (well, maybe next year.)

So congrats to the Utes! But the Lord's School still ROCKS!!!!

My Hunk

The Husband Tag...

1.What is his name? Connor, but his first and real name is Lincoln
2.Who eats more? I could put up a good fight, but I shouldn't
3.Who said I love you first? Ya know, I have no idea
4.Who's taller? All of you who know me, know that answer!
5.Who is smarter? Definitely Connor, that was one reason why I married him
6.Who is more sensitive? Maybe Connor- his sisters taught him well. But I really take the lead when I am pregnant
7.Who does the laundry? Me, I enjoy it, but I make him fold his own socks
8.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me
9.Who does the bills? Me

10.Who cooks more? Me. But Connor makes some mean breakfasts and Japanese dishes
11.What meals do you cook together? Zip- how do you make anything together with three kids??
12.Who is more stubborn? We can both say it is me, but I know Connor is he just does what he has been told to do and tells me I am always right
13.Who is the first to admit they're wrong? Connor but it takes him longer to really get over it- weird huh
14.Who has more siblings? Connor- wins by three!
15.Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both wear one pant leg
16.What do you like to do together? play with the kids, be kids, dance, sing, play tennis, eat desert, watch movies, play cards, exercise
17.Who eats more sweets? Again I win this by a landslide!
18.Guilty pleasures? Eating deserts after the kids go to bed and staying up late and then taking turns sleeping in

19.How did you meet? In the biggest class at BYU- he sat down right next to me the first day and had to get my number or else we might never have met again.
20.Who asked who out first? Connor asked me to "study"
21.Who kissed who first? Of course he kissed me
22.Who proposed? Connor did, I was so mad at him, then I realized what he was doing!
23.His best features? If there was anyone close to perfection- that is why I picked him, but I do love his cheeks for some reason
24.What is his greatest quality? He does everything with his whole heart- he loves me, his kids, the gospel, he supports me in all my endeavors and he excels in everything he puts his mind to
25.Tag... everyone who wants to gloat about their amazing husbands!

Opening Night

This week we opened the play This is Kirtland. We had a successful first two shows. Now we just have 6 more shows. Here is Connor singing Dear Emma. I have heard from many that he plays a wonderful Joseph (as myself- but I am biased.) He was worried about following Nate as Joseph from last year as everyone thought he was amazing. I can't tell you how cute he looks in all of his makeup! Good thing I am the one who gets to steal kisses between scenes (Shh, don't tell Emma!)

I play Julia Murdock, the woman who died giving birth to twins who were then given to Joseph and Emma. This song is the only scene I am prego in, so there are a few jokes about it:
After the opening scene I "go get pregnant"
I have a very short pregnancy
Didn't I just do this?
I am very pregnant but have a 5 month old too!
Wide load coming!
I die and come back to life (I am in a few more scenes after my prego scene- unprego)
I have two husbands, both who are younger than me!
I am a mistress to Joseph

Here are the kids at just ONE of the many practices they attended. Ashlyn who wishes she was up there dancing right along with us.

Here is a sideshow of all the fun and crazy moments of our experience. This has been a very hard time for us, but rewarding spiritually. We have learned so much about Joseph and these Saints. We have had many spiritual experiences and we have made so many wonderful friendships! This really is an amazing show written and directed by our close friends. I am so impressed with the concentrated talent in this area- all for a great purpose! We are so excited to share this with our friends and neighbors.

Best Dad and Best 6 Years

This is a few days late and a few days early!

Connor and I had our 6 year anniversary. I am so proud of all that he has accomplished and the man he has become. He has been the rock in our family and the life of the party. Let me tell you, we are officially a party of 5 that never seems to end! We have traveled all over the US and life still seems to get sweeter by the day. I am grateful that he is constantly serving me in every way that he can. It is a rare occasion when he is in any way selfish.



He is the greatest example I could ever dream of for my children. If they turn out just like him (looks are already on his side) then they will be amazing. Connor is constantly inspiring me to become a better person in every way. He is driven in all aspects of his life. He never seems to amaze with with all his talents and abilities. There seems to be nothing he can't do, and do it well.


With Father's Day coming up, I would like to exclaim to the world what a wonderful father I have for my children. Even when he is exhausted he comes home and gets right to "play." If there was ever a man who could hold up the house on his own, it would be him!

Our future always seems to be bright with a man like Connor at the head. Here is to the best dad and the greatest husband!

This Is Kirtland- Here we come!

What a day! We spent more than half of it at the church, but we better start getting used to that because...

Connor has just been casted as the Joseph Smith in "This is Kirtland"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cami has been telling him for the last year that he has to try out for the play so that he can be Joseph (her husband, Nate, has been Joseph for the last two years.) I think Nate was ready to ditch the wig and let someone with light hair play the part! So Cami was right, and we will spend the next three months at the church. I am sad I don't get to play opposite his part, but I am relieved to not be expected to play Emma (Soprano part - Connor can LITERALLY sing higher than me!!!) I have been casted as Julia Murdock. It will be great, except I have to be PREGO AGAIN! The last thing I want to be right now!

We also had a ward graduation party for all the graduating dental students. Connor and his band got to play, and boy did they love to finally be rock stars!!

So to sum it all up, Connor is "THE MAN." He was a grub (didn't have time to shower) and he still swept the part and rocked the house! Funny how one man can be the cool drummer and Joseph Smith all rapped into one.

The play will be the first three weekends in July. We will house anyone willing to come and see it!! Once-in-a life time opportunity!

Rock'in Out

We found out a couple months ago that there was a band in the ward. Ironically they needed a drummer. Lucky for us they all came over last week to finally get it started. I can't tell you how much better the drums sound accompanied by a few guitars. And boy was I having fun jamm'in out to their great songs from upstairs (the drummer's house is always the host.) So for the next few months (before one of the members graduates from Dental school) we get to have a weekly jam session in our basement. I am pumped, I don't know who is more excited Connor or I. I really think they would do great playing for a youth dance or something. However, if my hubby is in the band, that means I don't get to dance with him. But I guess I can be a giddy fan on the side instead. Can you imagine Connor rock'in out with his long hair in high school! What a site that would have been!

My Sanity

First we will start with Ashlyn. She has been very anxious to wear underwear. She is constantly trying to steal Dylan's. Here is a picture of here with MOST of Dylan's underwear on. She is fairly good at letting me know when she needs to "poo", but as for "pee" -not much luck. The hard part is when she drags me off to the potty because she is adamant that she needs to go. So I take off her shoes (that she has to wear all day- changing them every few hours) and then off with her pants, unbutton her undershirt and finally take off her diaper. Many times, she sits for 10 seconds and exclaims that she is "done." No matter how hard I try to persuade her to stay and wait it out, it is useless. She is determined that Dylan is off doing something with out her. If I am lucky she will actually stay in the bathroom for 10 minutes, constantly getting up and down from the potty. Sometimes having success and sometimes not. So then I have to reattach her diaper (usually as she is running out of the bathroom) and if I am lucky I will get clothes back on- but if not I am in for more trouble. Dylan has figured out a way to get around my "no shorts and t-shirts in the winter" rule that had to be enforced because of all the trouble he was giving me. When he sees Ashlyn run around with no clothes on, he feels it is fair game. He strips down to his underwear and refuses to put his clothes back on. Our company has commented on our "strange practices." So I am often playing with naked kids!

So here is a little game: to see who can guess the right number of underwear Ashlyn is simultaneously wearing in this picture! Use your comments to guess, and I will post the winner. Happy guessing!

On the other hand my little Dyl has somehow received the "no need for sleep" gene from his grandfather, Poger. He wakes up at 7 am with exactly NO exceptions. The "big game" was this last Monday and so he was up until midnight. Any normal human being would sleep in at least a little, or catch up somewhere along the road. But my fella just keeps on rolling. If he by chance gets even the slightest nap during the day, our 9pm bedtime (isn't that late enough) is a joke. He is constantly telling us each night that he is "not tired." So maybe around 11 he will finally fall asleep. One night, as I was home alone, I heard little creeping footsteps coming down the stairs. I, in a panic, had to pretend to get ready for bed (I have told him that we go to bed as well, so there is no use in staying up.) However, this is the only time during my day without children hanging at my knees- which usually means I juice it for all it is worth. He just looks at me with a sly smile as though he has accomplished a great feat. Sending him back upstairs only leads to another trail of sneaky feet. Does anyone have any ideas to make this kid NEED sleep? I envy those friends of mine who complain about having to "wake their kids up." Our alarms are covered in years of dust.

And for my last topic, my last hurrah, is that Football season is soon to be over. Make no mistake, I love to watch football, even better is playing. Having HD cable leaves all excuses for ALL the football games to be on or watched. I never knew Connor was a fan of so many teams!!! Each of course lasting AT LEAST three hours. Conveniently for some, there always seems to be a game on! I would love to sit and watch too, however the kids don't find it particularly entertaining and I could find a million things I could do in that time. At least the college bowls have finally concluded and the super bowl is coming up. Lucky for me, Connor finds the pro games the least entertaining. So count your blessings for cable huh??

Happy sleeping, potty training, super bowl watching and guessing!