A couple of photos from our Newport trip...
not necessarily an update, but trying!

The four brothers and Spencer's little Claire

The happiest place on earth!

Clara and Grace with Snow White

The whole group...look how much we've grown since last year! 3 new babies, one new in-law, a boyfriend, and a new fiance (Michael's bride to be couldn't make it, but we are so excited!)

A new coast with new adventures to be had

We are so happy to be back in California with the Pacific ocean's waves. Joel has missed the surf. The Henriod family came to our new state for a reunion and we had a blast.
Now the real life begins. The kids are in their new school. Work is starting to get busy. Soccer, piano, and lessons have begun. Birthday parties are over. Breathe...

Lake Powell 2009
Trust

When the winds and the waves break your tethers and anchors, all you can do is pray and trust in the Lord.
Our houseboat was tethered up quite nicely, 6 ropes anchored into the rocks at Lake Powell. When the lines broke during a frightening storm, we spun around and slammed into the opposite wall of the cove. The waves pinned us there until the storm passed. During this frightening experience, I sat in the kitchen with 6 little children under the age of 6. We each said a prayer and held on to each other until the rest of our crew came and drove us back into Wahweap. We were all convinced that Heavenly Father was watching over us and keeping us safe.
I believe that when life gets hard and unbearable, we must pray, hold on to each other, and get ready for a crazy ride. At some point we realize that we've done all that we can. The rest is up to the Lord.

"Wake Up"

This is part of our group, (minus 3 babies, Papa, Ramona, Dani, and Mac) at Rainbow Bridge. My kids were disappointed that there was neither a rainbow nor a bridge. Only a natural wonder of the world, an arch formed millions of years ago.

Are you freaking kidding me? This place is amazing!

Clara, Kimball, and Elle...they had no fun at all!

Congratulations Dr. Henriod
and
Happy Birthday Tessa

Our little family has gone through a lot this month, so I'll do a quick briefing. After selling our house in SC, we finished up school and moved out to California. Joel dropped us off for a couple of weeks, went back to finish his program, then drove out with his Dad, Paul. We all reunited and played for a couple of days. Now we are in Utah enjoying a final vacation before work begins at the office.
Yesterday was Tessa's 1st birthday. Is she really one???
We celebrated with a day trip to the Alta Cabin.

This is an old "tree-house"/play area that Nana used to play in as a child. The girls decorated an old Christmas tree and played house.

Nana and the kids on the big rock

A hike to Secret Lake
Wish I could show you the scandalous pictures but my husband might kill me!
He and his brothers actually jumped in. Hello! Do you see the snow? Freezing!

Can you see us?

Kimball really wanted to get in. He was prepared with trunks and everything. So, he posed for a picture, even though he never fully immersed himself.

Kimball and the Toy Keeper

We had a great time with Grandma who came to visit. She brought her new book "Kimball and the Toy Keeper" and read it to Kimball's kindergarten class and Clara's preschool class. To order your own copy of the book, email Donna at doraemi123@dslextreme.com. Also, be on the look-out for "Clara and the Binky Fairy" and "Elle and the Rainbow Rug."
Grandma helped entertain and babysit kids, clean apartment, etc. We enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL day at Isle of Palms, lunches out, and a couple of date nights with a FREE babysitter...Thanks Mom!

Is Salmon Skin Edible?

Happy Mother's day, y'all. Joel made me a wonderful dinner after church, a family favorite, Salmon with Tomatoe Basil Beurre Blanc, Rice, Strawberries and Blueberries. We all LOVE salmon, especially the kids, so much so that Kimball wanted to try the skin...eek! He did and loved it. I couldn't stand to watch him, but later found this. I guess it won't kill him, but ew, gross!
So the day started out pretty depressing. Most Mother's days are...all the reminders of what I should be. Then I have those unrealistic (unintentional but inevitable) expectations for husband and children to bring me breakfast, keep the house clean, and do all the work. Not good. Then to top off these yucky feelings, Tessa woudn't nurse, and hadn't nursed since yesterday morning. (My children are not self weaners, so this was very odd). She had bitten me and my reaction scared her (flick). So, I guess that was my punishment. After church she finally gave in and ended the battle, so my day immediately got better. I never get post-pardom depression until my children stop breast feeding. I usually have a day or two of tears, then I'm fine, right? Well, I was not going to spend my mother's day sad, so I'm happy the fight is over!
I did have an epiphany today. I realized that instead of glorifying what most mothers (like me) are not, I am going to take the opportunity to reflect and BECOME. I am so grateful to be a mother and to have been entrusted with these little guys. Heavenly Father must have a lot of faith in me to raise them. I feel so blessed to be a mother. I love my husband and feel so lucky to have him. He gave me three little miracles. I only hope I can become a better mother and wife.
Now we are watching Tom and Jerry while Daddy and Tess sleep. Storm's a brewing outside. I think I'll nap and listen to the thunder!

Boot Camp

What did I sign up for? Do I really have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow?
What am I thinking? Wish me luck!

CREATE

Now that the house is sold and our stuff is shipped, I have much more time on my hands. It requires some creativity to keep the kids entertained, in and out of our new abode (small, dark 2 bedroom on the 3rd floor). Today I made banana bread. I'll share it with you!

Yummiest Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350.
1 pkg. cream cheese
¾ c. butter
Cream these above ingredients together. Add sugar and blend.
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 c. flour
½ teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Baking Soda
1 ½ cups mashed banana (about 4)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Add eggs one at a time to wet ingredients. Combine dry ingredients and
add just til blended. Add bananas. Pour in 2 greased bread pans.
Make Streusel topping:
½ c. packed brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon flour
1 Tablespoon melted butter
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Sprinkle over top of bread. Cook at 350 for 50-60 minutes until knife
comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove and
cool for 30 more minutes.

Now I can't sleep, but know I will hate the morning if I don't. Wish me luck tomorrow! Loved this.
Date-night: X-Man "Oranges" with my hubby. (Kimball's going to be really sad when he realizes he can't see it for a few years)

Daddy saves the day!

Clara's preschool has a Dad's Breakfast that is hyped up for, essentially, the whole year. In fact, it is CRIMINAL to miss. Joel was out of town and promised to make it home in time for the big event. Thursday night he calls to say he is stuck in ALABAMA and is trying to get on a bus to Atlanta, so that he can take the first flight out in the morning. WHAT! I couldn't sleep. What was I going to say to Clara, who really terrifies me a little, when she woke up and saw that Daddy wasn't home from his Houston trip? She would be devastated! Apparently there was lightening in Atlanta, and they had to land in Alabama? YO! Well, 9:00 a.m., Joel pulls into the parking lot of Westminster Presbyterian, after traveling all night, just in time. Joel told the pilot that he would be his HERO if he could get to Charleston in time for his date. And, he did! Thanks, Dad. You are the best!

California, here we come!

Yes, we have sold our house and moved to an apartment until we head out west on June 5th. Thanks to my mother in law's amazing packing skills, we weighed in at 8000 lbs, exactly, and then sent our stuff out to California. So, now we will finish school and camp out (3rd floor 2 bedroom apartment with 3 kids...yo). I need to post some more, but for now, enjoy your Saturday! We are off to Karate, Dance, and then a boat trip. Date night tonight! Life is good...

It's been a while...my husband turned to the dark side and got a Mac. Pictures have been on his computer, so I've been slacking. Here are a few new ones. Nana and Papa visited, Tessa is crawling, and Clara is showing interest in taking off her training wheels. Kimball practices his Karate blocks, punches, kicks, kempos, etc. Joel got me a life-size Edward for Valentine's day, and finally, we got our first offer on the house...more on the last when we finish negotiations.

Papa and Clara

Tessa and Nana

A beautiful day in Charleston!!!
(We are so ready for Spring)
I'm completely MOBILE! No more scooting or swiveling. Crawling baby!

Clara "braving it" on Kimball's bike. She is ready to go!

Kimball showing off his warrior face

Joel's Valentine gift for me.
Those of you who know my husband well are familiar with his awesome Valentine gift history. What a lucky girl am I?

Finding Balance...

As we wind down our adventure in the south, we are forced to look at our lives and analyze our progression/neglects/habits/schedules/etc. What have we made of ourselves these past 3 years? Are we better than we were before coming to Charleston? Have we accomplished our goals and hopes? Well, in some ways, yes. But, lately we've felt a strong desire for BALANCE. In general, we all need less "plugged-in" time and more physical exercise. We all need more spirituality and scripture reading time. We all need more organization. We all need to play more and we all need to smile! One on one time with kids, date-nights, temple attendance, are all on the list, to name a few. So, with the help of our kindergartner's curriculum, we've decided to make a family contract each week. We list things (centers) that need to be done, work and play, and we check them off as we do them. Just a little balance check to make sure I'm not cleaning and Joel isn't reading Perio articles all the time.
I feel like my day is successful if I can keep the house mostly clean, children and spouse well-fed, exercise, read, sing/play piano, get places on time, and maintain a positive attitude. That means no yelling. That means using my "mom" skills to diffuse tempers and turn frowns into giggles. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've started reading the Twilight Series. It's border-line obsession right now, but I'm having fun getting lost in silly books (you know it's bad when you start dreaming about vampires). I hardly ever read for pleasure... time does not permit, so this is a good thing.
Kimball has started Karate and Clara has started dance. Both are doing GREAT and love it. I am so amazed at the growth in confidence. I hope to never over-program my kids, but I really want them to develop talents and feel good about their improvements. Next year we'll start piano lessons for both. That's a must.
Life is crazy, but hopefully we can find methods in our madness. I'm a little apprehensive about moving back to the business of LA. I'm totally excited, but a little nervous. This quiet, somewhat selfish, lifestyle has ruined me for big cities. I don't know if I can handle the chaos!!!
Well, sorry about the ramble, but I feel better...oh, journaling! That's a great center for the contract. Hope you all can find the balance that brings peace to your own families. Good luck!

CLARA NICOLE

Let me tell you a little about Clara. She can melt your heart and make you cry in the same sentence. Clara says it how it is. She is very bright and very observant, so, watch out!
"Mommy, I want my hips to look just like yours..."
(while she was eating ice-cream)
"Mommy, your tummy looks really big...I think you have a baby in there!
(while playing Candyland with mommy...no I'm not b.t.w.)
Ok! I get it. It's been 7 months. I have no more excuses! Time to get out the old
Tae-Bo video. Seemed to work in past post-pardum years.
Thanks, Clara, for speaking the truth!

But on the other hand, Clara is the sweetest big sister. I watch her with Tessa and think, GOSH, how cool is it that her greatest thrill in life is making the baby laugh?
(picture: cousin Hayden, Clara, and Tessa)

Clara is my buddy. Given the choice of an outing, she usually suggests Target and Costco...and nope, she doesn't get a present. She just likes being my shopping buddy. LOVE her!

Clara makes me laugh! She is genuinely original. Does that even make sense?
She is a natural trend setter. Tonight we were watching Ratatouille and she said without hesitation,"I want to be a rat!"

Oh the joys of our little red-head!

Open House
We are selling our home and would love you to stop by for a quick peek. Wish us luck!
Sunday, January 25 1:00-4:00
7102 Windmill Creek
Check it out

Ladies Man

Mom, Melissa says she wants to be my girlfriend.
What does that mean?
That means we want to get married when we grow up. So now I have two girlfriends, Emily and Melissa.
Really.
Melissa wants it to be a secret, Mom, so don't tell Dad. She said I could only tell my mom.
When did you discuss this?
When we were having nap time, so nobody could see.
Do you sleep by Melissa during nap time.
Yup.
Great...
Does this post violate my child's trust? I just thought this conversation was SO blog-worthy. Girlfriends? Already? Oh dear!

Cindy Lou Who?

Does anyone see the resemblance? We've had more than a few comments that Tessa looks like
a Who. Have you all been watching Christmas movies, or something? I think it's the eyelashes...

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We are so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that our family can be together forever. Thank you for you friendships, love, and support. Happy Holidays!

'Tis the Season!

We hosted our annual Mustache Egg-Nog Party in Charleston and had some enthusiastic participants. Here are a few captured 'staches. Can you guess which one is my husband?

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The poetry was awesome, thanks to Justin A. and George R. We even had a power-point presentation by Sam P. that was entertaining and educational! People dressed to impress, some in their fabulous Christmas sweaters, others in outrageous Goodwill and the Super-Bad Suit Emporium finds. Joel's egg-nog was delish, as usual. We've had quite a few requests for the recipe, so here you go!

Joel's Famous Egg-Nog
12 Egg Yolks
2 Cups Sugar
4 Cups Cold Milk
4 Cups Cream
Vanilla
Nutmeg
1-2 Tbls. Rum Flavoring

Mix yolks and sugar in mixer. Slowly add cold milk. Chill for 3 hours, or overnight. Beat 4 cups of cream until thick, not whipped. Fold into chilled milk mixture. Season with Vanilla, Nutmeg, and Rum Flavoring.


This year the holidays will be taking us to Sunny California. For all of our friends from the west, we will postpone our Utah Mustache Party until 2009. If you find yourselves in California during the 23rd-30th, let us know. We'd love to get together for more festivities and good times.
Merry Christmas!