A Happy List

Here are four things that are making me happy right now.

My aerobics class. It’s been years since I’ve been able to go to an aerobics class on a regular basis. I’ve finally been able to again and it’s my favorite. It’s certainly one of the silver linings of my kids getting older (Marlee is a kindergartner now, say WHAT?!). I love working out with these ladies.

3:05. That time when the big yellow B-U-S pulls up in front of my house. (Side note: Marlee is learning to spell all sorts of 3 letter words. She throws it out there all the time. “Did you see the C-A-T?” “M-O-M where’s D-A-D?” "Is the S-U-N up today?” It makes me smile.) Anyway, B-U-S time is my favorite part of the day.  I love watching my kids run into the house after a long day at school. I love hearing their stories from the day, looking through their backpacks and having them home again. They sorta make my world go ‘round. And they also drive me crazy…because, well, kids. D-U-H.

My eye covers. I have always had a horrible time falling asleep at night. And then when we moved into a hotel for 42 days (2 ½ years ago…I can’t believe it’s already been that long!) I invested in some sweet eye covers to block out the all night light of city dwelling. I haven’t slept a night without them since. They don’t cure insomnia, but they definitely reduce the symptoms. Plus, added bonus, they're sexy. Ha!

My husband. The older we get and the more life we live, the more and more I realize just how very lucky I am that he chose me to be his best friend. I’m pretty lucky, and he’s pretty dang amazing!

Dinner Talk

Tonight at the dinner table:

Kim: Jace, use a fork please.

Spencer (in his best Kim impersonation voice): Jace, use the force please.

Any guesses as to which advice the young Jedi Master was mindful of? 

bits and pieces of this and that

I haven’t felt much like writing lately. I've learned that for me it’s a desire that ebbs and flows. An apparently it’s been much more ebb than flow lately. But then sometimes, in all the ebb, I get a tiny flicker of flow. Tonight feels like one of those times. So I’ll write…

I can’t believe that we are nearing July’s end. And there are school supplies lining the aisles of the stores. Bleh. In the past I've been really good at making the kids do a couple workbook pages every day in the summer. Just to keep up on things, you know. But this summer we've really neglected it. In fact, I think we've only pulled out workbooks three or four times all summer long. And that was back the first part of June. I think I should probably remedy that. Especially since all the stores keep reminding me that school is right around the corner.

We've been prepping for our family’s upcoming pioneer trek. And by prepping I actually mean doing absolutely nothing in terms of getting ready for the upcoming pioneer trek, and then worrying and stressing that I've still yet to do anything to get ready for the upcoming trek. We have been reading little pioneer stories each night for scripture study though. And Brynlee is in the process of preparing Monday’s FHE lesson – pioneers are the theme. So that counts as something, right.

We are headed to Martin’s Cove. For four days. It should be …I don’t know, an adventure, maybe?  Grueling? A good experience? Absolutely exhausting? A mix of all of the above, I suppose. I expect there will be times when I question why we agreed to such a stupid thing. But I hope it will also be sprinkled with good memories for the kids. There is something about parading around in the mountains, dressed as our pioneer ancestors, without showers, or television, or any modern conveniences, really, that allows you to feel extremely close to God. That’s the part that makes it all worth it. I hope that’s the part that the kids remember.

Spence and I debated leaving Marlee with one of my sisters since none of them are able to go. But when I mentioned the idea to Brynlee she reprimanded me. “Marlee is part of our family too, mom!” Which true, she is. But she’s also TWO. And the recipe for modern day two year olds doesn't include absence of baths, and the abundance of mosquitoes, and pioneer bonnets, and twelve miles of hiking with a handcart. But Brynlee is right, Marlee is part of our family, and I suppose dragging a two year old along will just make it seem that much more realistic (read: HARD). If I come home after one night on the trail don’t think any less of me. That’s why I was born in a day of modern conveniences and not during pioneer time, thankyouverymuch! Well that, and pillow top mattresses. Oh, and also air conditioning. And razors!

We spent last weekend in SLC with Mom, Dad, Marie, Katie and baby Tyson. On Saturday we had a family dinner. Julie Rogers, an amazing artist who happens to be married to my dad’s cousin, also came and spoke to us. And now that I say that, I not feeling confident that that is how she is related to us. But regardless, somehow we're related. And more importantly her art was absolutely beautiful and her stories were touching. To hear her personal stories behind her artwork was a neat experience. It brought her artwork to life. Then we spent Sunday morning at my cousins missionary farewell, and Sunday evening at Temple Square. And we finished with a bang, packing Monday as full as possible: the zoo, the natural history museum, the planetarium and the children’s museum. In fact, we packed it so full that by Monday night we were all too tired to make the drive home. So instead we drug our luggage back into the hotel and extended our little mini vacation one more night. Since Spence wasn’t able to come with us we were all pretty anxious to get home to daddy come Tuesday morning. Jace especially. Daddy is that boy’s very best friend. Spence made coming home that much cooler and surprised us all with little welcome home gifts. I think he missed us too.

Jami and Zeb stopped by for an unexpected visit this evening. And tomorrow night we are planning a backyard camp-out. Spence has requested s’mores and the kids want glow sticks. I think I will make dutch oven for dinner. Or, on second thoughts, maybe I’ll just warm up something in the microwave. Because that’s the beauty of camping in your own backyard, the microwave is totally an option. And a pioneer I am not!

The kids and I at Temple Square

on love

Reason number eleventy million that I love Spencer: sometimes he hides love notes in his computer code.

*****

On July 12, 2003 - the day that Spence and I were married - every guest at our wedding luncheon took a turn sharing their marriage advice with us, the newest couple to have joined the ranks of marriage.

My sister-in-law Gretta, fully aware of Spencer’s love of the color black and an interior designer by trade, advised us to decorate our home with more than just that one color. 

Another guest advised us to thank each other for doing those routine, mundane tasks that go into being a family.

And among other things we were advised to never go to bed angry, to always find time to laugh, and to set aside time for just each other, even when the time came that we were responsible for a house full of kids. Spencer was told to treat me like a Queen {grade A advice, if you ask me}, and I was advised, by his little brother Aaron – who was about eight at the time - to make Spence really good food everyday.

But my favorite, and most memorable advice, came from my Aunt Jillene. And although I've always meant to thank her for her advice, I never have. This is my thank you.

Looking back now I realize that attending my wedding on July 12, 2003 was probably a very hard thing for Aunt Jillene to do. And realizing that in spite of her heartache she still attended my special day makes me cherish her advice even more.

About five months earlier, on February 10^th, my Uncle Rob – Jillene’s sweetheart – passed away while fishing on Bear Lake. On my wedding day her heart was still very much broken and Uncle Rob’s body had still not been found.

On that hot day in July the advice wave made its way around the guest tables; one by one people that Spence and I love stood and offered us guidance. Some were funny, some serious, some a little embarrassing.  Then it was Aunt Jillene’s turn. She stood, and as fresh, hot tears rolled down her face, she advised Spencer and me to say that we loved each other. “Say it often, every day. Multiple times a day. Don’t let a day go by that you don’t tell each other that.” She paused. And then she continued with intent… “Every chance you get, say it; because you never know when that chance is going to be your last!”

I think of her advice often, but especially around our anniversary and in February, close to Valentine’s Day. It’s advice that I uphold and cherish.

In our house we say I love you often. Daily. Multiple times every single day, just as Jillene advised.

I hear people argue that saying I love you too often and too freely cheapens it and takes away its full meaning. I disagree entirely. I think “I Love You” builds upon itself. Every time it’s said it gains strength and serves as a needed reminder to those that it’s intended toward.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends. Today – and everyday – make sure you say I love you!

And Aunt Jillene: thank you. I Love You! :)

Must be for his "gee whiz" collection.

Today Spencer hollered to me in the other room,

"Did you know that forty 'leven has a real definition?"

"What," I hollered back.

"You know forty 'leven ... like 'made from the feathers of forty 'leven geese' ... forty 'leven is a real word!"

Okay.

Then a little bit latter he hollered again.

"Kim. what's a tick. Like in reference to a bed?"

"Bedbugs??" I questioned.

"...Oh, never mind. I guess it's a mattress pad."

Okay. Sure. Whatever.

An then, before I knew it, he and the kids were jamming to a little John Denver.

Grandma's Feather Bed.

Apparently, he was doing some John Denver research.

Just because. I suppose.

It was nine feet high and six feet wide

Soft as a downy chick

It was made from the feathers of forty 'leven geese

Took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick

Seriously, I love him.

Him, meaning Spencer!

Not necessarily John Denver.

Happy Monday.

Red & Pink & Ten

Why would you want to marry me for anyhow?

…so I can kiss you anytime I want.

Sweet Home Alabama

Ten years ago today, Spence proposed! It included loads of ring boxes all filled with different rings, red roses, Sweet Home Alabama and two completely smitten twenty somethings. It’s one of my favorite love stories really. I should write it down someday. One of my favorite parts of the whole thing is that when he asked mom & dad if he could marry me he swore them to secrecy. Don’t tell a soul,” he said “because I’m not certain she’ll say yes!”

I’m so glad he had courage to ask despite his uncertainty. And I am so glad I was smart enough to answer yes. He makes life so fun.

P.S. When I answered the what would you like for Valentine’s Day question a week or two ago he did the exaggerated eye roll and asked why I couldn’t just want something that he could pick up last minute at Walmart. Ha.

Happy Valentine’s (in process) to me:

P.S. again. The kids and I are working on getting things decorated for our annual Valentine’s Day dinner while we watch the clock waiting (not so) patiently for our last guest to arrive. He should be home by five. Oh, and I am wearing the prettiest little MOM pipe cleaner crown that Brynlee gifted me first thing this morning. And Spence took me and Marlee to Café Rio for lunch. That little chicka loves a good black bean.

Happy 14^th you guys.

How to earn a quick buck...

Somewhere, sometime during our holiday travels we ate at McDonalds. A McDonalds with a life size Ronald. Jace was scared to death of the thing.

 

Spence said he would give him a dollar if he sat on Ronald’s lap. Viola’! Fear conquered.

 

 

Brynlee, on the other hand, needed absolutely no bribing.

 

 

 

These kids. My husband!! Such dorks.

 

 

a special delivery + cake in the oven

I hand delivered a love note and a bag of gummy worms to a certain somebody in the first grade hall this morning. It was meant as a consultation prize for one of those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad kind of mornings.

We woke up late, which is never a good start. I picked out Levi’s. She hates Levi’s. I served apple juice. And apparently, she hates apple juice. I requested she eat school lunch today. She hates school lunch. I asked her to brush her teeth. And as it turns out, she hates that too. I asked her to get her shoes on {five minutes after the time the car should be leaving the driveway} and instead she sat down on the couch with my cell phone for an intense game of Angry Birds. Because, seriously!

It ended with me carrying her backpack {and lunchbox, because I’m a puchover, that’s why} to the car and her moping behind making meanest mom ever comments {without brushed teeth and in leggings and a skirt}.

The gummy worms were my secret ploy to keep her from moving to Australia. Actually, on second thoughts … what time does school start in Australia!?

She came home {skipping} with BESTEST DAY EVER stories. And even shared one half of one gummy worm with her brother, so all’s well, I suppose.

And it’s Friday. And in minutes we will be headed to Jace’s soccer game. And after that we are family date night-ing to the Beauty and the Beast musical production at the Mystique Theater.

And then tomorrow we will be celebrating no. 34. Spence has requested a “Better than Sex” cake. Kate brought over some leftover cake earlier this week and he concluded that it was, indeed, better than sex.

I’m so over it. Lil’ punkface!

Happy weekending ya’ll.

Thirty Days Hath September: Day 11-13

I put on a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans this morning. And, good news: THEY FIT. {tiny happy dance} I couldn’t, however, bend over. Or, you know, breath! Which, as it turns out, sorta gets in the way of day to day activities. Like breathing, per say.

Ahhhh well … there is always tomorrow, I guess. And for today, I will be sticking with my fat pants.

*****

d a y  e l e v e n : holy cupcake, batman

 

On the 11^th Jace got to celebrate his 4^th birthday at preschool. He requested Batman cupcakes to share with his preschool friends. I love that right now in my kid’s life all I have to do is whip up some requested Batman cupcakes to become THE COOLEST MOM EVER! For a second or two anyway, until I tell them they can’t have more ice-cream, or that they need to quit picking their nose or that it’s bedtime … and then within seconds … MEANEST MOM EVER!

d a y  t w e l v e : my baby doll

 

 

So far Marlee has been such a patient, even-tempered baby. Even when Jace is smothering her with love {which is often} or when Brynlee is carrying her around like she’s her real live baby doll – the girl just doesn’t complain much. A personality more like her father than her mother, I suppose. However, if she needs snuggled then she wants mama and nobody {nobody} should get in the way. I keep telling Spence not to let it hurt his feelings because in no time at all she will be screaming I WANT DADDY!! numerous times throughout the day. I guarantee it. Because I know … because this isn’t my first rodeo, that’s why.

d a y  t h i r t e e n : raspberry man

 

Courtesy of my husband. Always the comedian.

Thirty days hath September update to be continued. But for now Jace and I are off to hunt down a Captain America shield. He has show-and-tell at preschool today and has opted to bring his Captain America mask and shield. Except for one problem, the shield is M.I.A. Dang it. If you happen to see it would you please let me know ASAP.

Oh My Quotable Friday: Carpe diem

**************

{nine years}

happy anniversary spencer.

you are pretty much the best thing that ever happened to me in all of my whole entire history of ever.



lovebirds in 2001

of love

Spencer picked out, ordered and paid for his own Valentine’s present this year. Some sort of nerdy, computer-y something or another – components to build a computer for the television, err something.  He keeps trying to convince me that it defines awesome and life, as we know it, will never, ever be the same. I’m still unconvinced.

One of his selling points: All of our dvd’s will be stored in a hard drive that can be accessed with the click of a mouse. Meaning, I will never have to put another dvd in the dvd player. Thank goodness, because that was exhausting.

I rolled my eyes the entire time he placed his order. And just in case he missed the gesture, I cleared my throat for added emphasis and then rolled them again. He ordered anyway. It was two weeks before Valentine’s Day and I told him that he could expect to be gifted whatever it was he was ordering for his Valentine’s Day present. He agreed.  And then he threw a full out temper tantrum when the boxes arrived in the mail and I insisted that he wait for Valentine’s Day to remove the packaging tape. Had we not made an agreement?

Needless to say, Valentine’s Day was 12% about me and him and 88% about the nerdy, computer-y something or another that the FedEx man delivered in those boxes.  He named her Edna {the stuff in the boxes, not the FedEx man}. I was even tempted to reuse the ole’ if you love it so much why don’t you marry it line. But I was afraid that it would leave me a single, pregnant mother of two.  And nobody wants to be replaced, especially on Valentine’s Day.

In other Valentine’s Day news: Jace and I spent the morning volunteering at Brynlee’s Kindergarten V-day party and I only had to tell Jace 17+ times that if he didn’t stop wrestling Brynlee we wouldn’t be able to come to her school again. Oh, brothers.

And also, my daughter is a copy cat.

Remember how last year on February 14^th I made this video for Spencer:

Well this year, Brynlee made this video for him:

Is that not the cutest thing ever?

Way back in January she brought me the camera full of pictures she had taken and enlisted my help in making the video. She’d taken the pictures without my knowledge, picked the song, and told me how to organize the pictures to properly create the video. She had me burn the final product to a dvd and then she wrapped it up, tied a bow on top and hid it under her bed until Valentine’s Day without even mentioning as much as a hint to Spencer.

I laugh whenever I watch the video and see the shots with the little flowery piece of fabric in them. That’s her skirt. That she was wearing at the time she made the video. She took it off, took the needed photos, and then put it back on. Cracks me up, like she looked down noticed the skirt and had an epiphany; that was just the prop she was looking for!

And for the record, Brynlee loves Spencer more than she loves me. I was gifted a hand-me-down quarter machine bouncy ball that I believe originally belonged to Jace and an already eaten blue push pop!

Anyways, Valentine’s Day was a success. We decorated the dining room in pink and red, drank sparkling cider in wine glasses and ate cheesecake for dessert. And then we were in bed {asleep} by 9:00 pm.

…well, I was. I’m not sure how late Spence and Enda stayed up.

S+K

367 days + one couple + two letters + 33 different ways, taken on different days

happy valentine’s day, spence.
thanks for being mine.

Just like their dad.

Dear Spence,

I ran upstairs to remake ALL THE BEDS because the kids had taken ALL THE BEDDING off EVERY SINGLE BED {mattress pads included} to create a massive jumping pit at the bottom of the stairs.

And when I finally got all the beds remade I came downstairs and found them doing this:

Seriously, why do you teach our children such naughty things?!

To make up for it, you’re on dish duty tonight.

Much love,
Your wife

Earning his wings

Remember how I said that the odds were pretty slim that my children would actually die  when Spence threw them in the air.  I move to strike that from the records. 

M’kay.

**read my origianl post here

Photo Album: He turned 33.