My Favorite Son

As photographed by my favorite photographer... The soon to be Dr. Jones to you. I begged Sarah to do some senior pictures for Ryan. I wore her down. She did them a while ago and we have not been able to connect to get them. I love them. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure. (I KNOW you all are dying to see more pics of the boy - I can see Kelsey rolling her eyes right now as I type this)

She even did a "cool" one for him. He will love it. He has not seen it yet, but that is because he has not been home long enough to see them!

This last is for his missionary stuff - which has been electronically submitted. Now, just one more interview with the Bishop and one with the Stake Pres and the waiting begins.

He is gettting his wisdom teeth out tomorrow, so I am sure I will have a chipmunk pic for fun. Maybe he won't swell, but I am guessing he will.

On another note, I have officially had my "end of the year breakdown." You know, too many recitals, projects, this year graduations, etc. Too many of them and too few of us. I put it all on the calendar, maybe a bad move, but the only way to keep it straight. My color code on my calendar for the kids stuff is a salmon color. My calendar is awash in salmon which is not such a bad thing seeing as I love the color, it is just getting it all done! Anyone else interested in cloning?

Here is to 21 years

Last week we celebrated our 21 anniversary. Well celebrated might be a stretch since the full extent on THAT day was a card I gave Eric, and uh, well he said Happy Anniversary...

But, we did get the opportunity to get away last weekend. We flew to SLC where the plan was for me to run the SLC 1/2 marathon, and he would run the full marathon. Well, my calf is still not great, and he has not had time to train. So, he ran the 1/2 and I slept in...

But, we had a great weekend. We spent a lot of time in Provo - remembering those fun times being poor college students who could not wait to get out of Provo. What were we thinking? Those were pretty fun times. We also enjoyed lots of pink cookies, BYU Creamery (but not 3 gallons worth), and the Brick Oven.

And here is my question for you. When did these college kids get so young looking?? I am pretty sure we look the same, right?

Well, this was just never a good look for me... It was the 80's folks. Anyway I digress...

It was a great weekend and we had a great time just being together! I am grateful for this partner who chooses to travel on this crazy journey together with me.

And, we left the kids ALL ALONE. It is a milestone. Of course, we won't be able to do it again once Ryan leaves, but it was nice to know they would be OK. Thanks to everyone who checked on them (and thanks to Jennifer to being my spy). I hear there were a couple of members of the ward who were concerned they would be OK since they were all alone. Everyone is still alive, and I have not heard any crazy stories from the twins. Eric is home this week and I have stayed in Utah to work this week. Life gets back to normal...

Easter Morn

Why I Love TV Church

I could go on and on about how I love to listen to the leaders of our church give us wisdom. And while that is somewhat true, the reality is I love not going anywhere all day. I stayed in the same PJ's I woke up in - and then slept in them again. If that grosses you out, sorry. It is the truth.

I did take the time to let a little inner Martha come out with homemade whole wheat waffles, bacon, sausage (because some of my people do not like bacon and I aim to please), homemade buttermilk syrup (heaven on earth - we won't talk about the ingredients), and strawberries and cool whip for those who wanted that on their waffles. Now, it would have been really good if I had snapped a picture. But I didn't. You will have to take my word for it that it was really good.

I did indeed listen to conference. My favorite General Authority, church leader, is Jeffrey R. Holland. The fact he personally signed my diploma from BYU which might have something to do with it, but it is really the way he says things. The topics he takes on. And how it makes me think. This year he did not disappoint talking about the Atonement. I LOVED it. And, it did make me pause and think.

Also I love this quote by President Thomas S. Monson. "Your future is only as bright as your faith."

But really, the high of the day was lack of hygiene. I did brush my teeth - which is more than I can say for some of the kids..... No more TV church for 6 months. And by then Ryan will be on his mission. Yes, this thought was rolling around in my head during conference. And it did make me sad. It is where I will want him to be, but it will not be the same without him here. OK I will stop now before I get too sappy.

Just To Make You Smile

The Last Of The Pearsons Is Baptized

What a weekend it was! Allie and Caroline were baptized on Saturday the 28th of March. It is bitter sweet to have my last two children make this commitment. I can't believe I no longer have little ones - just these wonderful teens, and pre-teens. But, since this should be about them and not me, I will proceed.

We were so blessed to have so many members of our family make the trip to come to the baptism. We had grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins (not to mention some awesome friends who came to share the day with us). Allie and Caroline asked Aunt Julie and Aunt Melissa to give the two talks - one on baptism and one on the Holy Ghost. Actually Caroline's first pick was Uncle Chris, but I figured we might give him more than two weeks in the family before we forced him to speak at a baptism! Thanks for the picture Chris! This is the family who attended.

Both Julie and Melissa did an excellent job in their talks, and they were personal and focused on the girls. It was great. Melissa had great visual aids (see that el ed education has many uses). One of the things she compared the Holy Ghost to was a compass. She asked the girls what a compass was used for. Allie responded, "it was what people used in the olden days to find their way around." You have got to love an 8 year old.

Since Ryan is a Priest, we thought it would be neat to have him baptize the girls. We asked them if that would be OK, letting them know Eric would do it if that is what they wanted. Allie thought it was great. Caroline thought for a second and then said she would like grandpa to do it. I even tried to talk her out of it a little, so it would not be a pain for my dad. But, she insisted. So, we called grandpa and he accepted.

Allie was baptized by Ryan

And Caroline was baptized by my dad, Alan.

It was really sweet to see Ryan baptize Allie. To see my eldest, my boy, fulfilling his priesthood was pretty cool. Of course, having my dad baptize Caroline was very special.

Here they all are together.

Eric confirmed both of them. No one was almost dropped like during the baby blessing - thank goodness they can walk up on their own now!

Then, it was on to the house for some food. Of course, nothing is complete without a Costco cake!

This is a random picture which Chris took and it made me laugh. My mother owns a DS. She carries it in her purse - and she plays with it. She also allows the grandkids to play with it. Here is Allie just after the baptism - already playing DS with Josh, my nephew, and Gracie Farmer looking on.

We then had the opportunity to load many folks up and head to Sophie's soccer game to watch her beat her opponent. Can't beat that - a baptism and a win on the soccer field all in the same day!

Yes Another Linford Wedding

This is the last one for a while... There are only 3 Linford's left, and none of them look like they will be taking the leap anytime soon.

My brother Michael and Erika are actually getting married in April - in Hawaii. Instead of sending an unvite (Seinfeldism), they decided to keep it small with just a few family members. They are getting married on the beach, and I bet it will be beautiful.

But, since most of the clan is not coming to the wedding (which might indeed be the reason they picked Hawaii), we had a little family party for them after Melissa's wedding. It was complete with a shower game (videotape Erika answering questions and then ask Michael other questions to embarrass him - very funny).

They registered at REI. We gave them the tent they wanted. I think they liked it. I asked if they camp alot - Erika tells me they are going to start. Fun.

When Erika first met Michael, it was not football season. What she did not realize, but has now experienced, is what a UT football fan Michael is. Think Fever Pitch. She has now lived it, and still loves him. There is talk of his groomsmen wearing UT orange bow ties at the wedding.

Anyway as a joke, Laurie and I gave Erika a rocking gaudy UT orange crystal longhorn. On an orange leather cord. Being the true sport she is, she donned that necklace and wore it all night.

Hook 'em horns! Congrats Michael and Erika.

Melissa and Chris Wed

The last of the Linford girls is no longer a Linford. Melissa was married last weekend to Chris Oravetz. They are happily, at least I hope, honeymooning in Utah. They have an open house there this weekend, and then they begin real life!

Of course I did not take many pictures OK so I took one.

This is what I love about a big family. My sister Megan, my brother Patrick, and all my girls laughing and having fun together. My kids love to see their aunts and uncles - all of them. Even mean Uncle Matt.

Other pics are compliments of my cousin Debbie who flew in from Florida. It was great to see her. Thanks for the pictures.

The first photo is the wedding party. Both Allie and Caroline were flower girls, and Kelsey and Sophie were Jr. Bridesmaids.

Allie caught the bouquet. Well, she sort of stole it out of Sophie's hands, but she is convinced she caught it. She is so proud of it and wants to take it to school for show and tell. She is with her cousin Shelby.

The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome and everyone had fun. It was a crazy hectic day, as most weddings are, but they are very happy. Congrats Melissa and Chris!

The Ultimate Gift

Sophie has an amazing teacher this year. You know the kind that inspires by not only what they do but by the way they live. She is great!

She was given this book, The Ultimate Gift, and it really touched her. She went to the administration and asked if she could integrate the lessons from the book into her class and create a big project for the kids.

The premise of the book is a young kid is poised to inherit billions of dollars, but he has to prove he can handle it by doing a series of things for other people. These are there to teach him about different gifts, like the gift of hard work, the gift of laughter, the gift of money etc.

There are a total of 12 gifts in the book, and the kids had to do one project for each gift. Now, in the spirit of fairness, I have been known to grumble about this project. We ALL know my love of the school project. Each of these had about a 1 week timeline to accomplish the task. Some were big, some were small. I think the gift of hard work was the hardest - they had two weeks but they had to do 6 hours of work. This could not be for family. It had to be hard, sweaty work. Our problem was finding 6 hours we could do this with her. Sophie picked up trash, and finding the time was hard, but I digress. Even when I was grumbling I knew this was a worthwhile task, not just busy work.

They have finished up all their tasks. Oh, and in the process raised over $8,000 to donate to a charity which builds wells in third world countries. Pretty impressive - this is a bunch of 11 and 12 year old kids.

What they have done has received some attention. They were asked to come to the Tomball Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon and speak to the Chamber. Mrs. Stoyak asked 12 different students to give a one minute overview of one of the gifts they did, and what they learned. Sophie was asked to talk about the gift of laughter.

Now this was a really full room- I would say 200-300 people. They had a handheld mic. See pic below.

I know it is blurry, but the other picture I took she had her eyes closed so I went with blurry. She did an amazing job. I think speaking at Stake Conference helped - she was a pro. She even got compliments on her stunning dress from Wal-Mart compliments of Mom. I really generous like that.

Now I need to order the book. I have spoken with a few other people who were likewise touched when they read the book. There must be something there. And to all the teachers out there who go above and beyond the simple TAKS preparation, Thank You! You do make a difference not only in the lives of your students, but in the lives of their families.

I Hate Daylight Savings

I hate spring forward with the same gusto I embrace fall back. Why is this? I am a morning person and spring forward = ornery, sleepy kids which = onery mom. Allie told me this morning she did not have to get up because it was still dark outside! Kelsey missed the bus. UUGH. I don't like it being light at 8:00 PM - I want everyone (myself included) to be asleep by then. But no, someone deemed this necessary - and it is so early this year.

Enough of my rant for the moment. On to kids, work, and getting ready for Laurie to visit on Wednesday. I was telling the kids we needed to clean the house, etc for her to come. One of them, Kelsey I am sure, said "Why do we need to clean for Aunt Laurie - she is your sister." True, but she is my clean sister and I don't want her to realize we live in filth. Is that too much to ask?

Then we will drive to Melissa's wedding this weekend where we will be in for some fun Linford time! We will miss Mark who will be the only one not there. Nine Linford's in the same place... never a dull moment.

Happy Birthday Allie

Allie, like Caroline, turned 8 on Monday. It works that way with twins. Too bad their mother can only handle a little blogging at a time.

Allie is our little rambunctious one. She is part tomboy (her words), part drama queen, and all loving. She has a naughty streak, which is always followed by tears - but since she has admitted she can make herself cry, they don't work as well on me anymore.

This is her "strike a pose" look. Heaven help me.

In the first picture you can see Allie's droopy eye. Her left eye droops when she is sleepy. I noticed it right away when she was born, and all the hospital staff told me it was no big deal. When, at 11 days old, she stopped breathing in her bed and had to spend a week at Texas Children's Hospital, I was sure the droopy eye had something to do with it. Nope, just a droopy eye.

Almost losing her has made me appreciate her, and the rest of my kids, all the more. Allie loves everything. Her energy is boundless. She tried to keep up with everyone, and unlike her twin, does not like to think or be told she is too young. If there is something to do, she will try it.

Allie is very loving, but if you get on her bad side watch out. She is also very protective of Caroline - always has been. It is an interesting dynamic to watch. She loves pink, donuts, and will eat just about anything I put in front of her. Oh - and she LOVES peas. What 8 year old loves peas?

Named after her grandpa, well actually both grandpas, she is a Pearson by looks, and a Linford by personality (she can channel both grandpa Pearson and Big Al all at the same time!) She is my only child with green eyes like her daddy. She has never met a stranger, which does scare me because she is the kid who could get lured away to find a lost dog.

I look forward to watching her grow and mature and become the beautiful young woman I know she will be.

Happy Birthday Caroline

Caroline turned 8 on Monday. Hard to believe, this little girl of mine is 8.

Caroline is a fashion diva (fashion of her own making). She loves to look at what people are wearing and comment. She has a strong sense of what she likes and what she does NOT. The one things she cannot get - she calls capri pants khakis. Can't get that one through her head. Here she is when told to strike a pose.

Caroline is a very kind sweet little girl. She does not miss anything going on around her - and believe me there is lots going on. She still lives in her own world which caused me to worry about her in the past. Now I know it is just her. Since my mom took me to the doctor when I was little because she was pretty sure I was retarded (true story) I guess Caroline just takes after her weird mom.

Her favorite color is yellow. She loves Chick-Fil-A, Pei Wei, and anything sweet. If she had her way she would watch way too much TV - and she probably does. She loves to play with Allie as much as she can. She does love her littlest pet shop toys, but also spends a lot of time playing games they have made up.

She is having fun with gymnastics. Soccer is not for her, but she still thinks she wants to be a cheerleader (mom does not wish this for her, but mom does not always get to choose).

Caroline is the baby of our family, and likes to play the "I'm too little" card. She told the dentist she could not floss her teeth because she was too young. When she needs to make a sandwich she asks Allie to do it because she is not good at spreading the jelly.

We love our Caroline and can't wait to see what the next eight years bring!

Eight Years Ago Today

I walked right into the Willowbrook Methodist Hospital and had them slice me open. Oh and pull out two tiny little creatures who would forever change my life.

I am not quite sure where the time has gone. I thought I would post one of my most embarrassing pictures - and then some from that sweet time in the hospital. I know I am weird. I like the hospital. I like to have someone take my baby, or babies as the case may be, at night and not bring them back for a while. So, as I said, I am weird. (or maybe all the rest of you are the weird ones and I am normal!)

This picture was taken before we left for the hospital on March 2, 2001. Yes, that is all me. In later years I found out I was walking around with my belly so big my shirt was not covering my maternity panel in my pants. How did I find out? Becky told me. I went to drop something off at her house and she saw my big ole belly sticking out and my panel showing. Did she tell me at the time so I would not embarrass myself more? Oh no. She waited a few years to share that. Laugh at the fat pregnant woman! Nice.

They were so cute and small and snugly. They loved to be right next to each other and still to this day do spend A LOT of time right next to each other.

We had just moved to Houston from Dallas when we got pregnant. I think we were there a month and a half when I found out I was pregnant. All of our family lived in Dallas. Nice time to be on our own, right? Well, the day after the babies were born my mom, dad, Steven and Michelle drove down to Houston for the day to come and see the new little grandbabies. Here is mom holding them both. The first of many days being spent holding two little babies!

Here is grandpa, nickname Big Al, holding new baby Allie, nickname Little Al. Well we call her Big Al now which does cause some confusion when we are all gathered together.

Big brother Ryan holding the girls. Don't ask me which is which, I could not tell you. I could when they were little, now not so much. He was, and continues to be, a great big brother.

Kelsey and babies. She was SO EXCITED for the babies to get here. She talked about it everyday in kindergarten. She loved to hold them, help and serve as second mother. She was and still is a great sister.

Can you tell Sophie was excited to have sisters? She was so cute, and when they were born she seemed so big! I guess that happens to the baby when they are replaced.

Don't have any pics of Eric and twins. Why? He is too vain to let me take any pictures of him. But he was there. I promise.

So, this was a day that changed our family. We went from a respectable three kids to crazy Mormon five kids! We had someone awake at our house 24 hours a day. But I would not change it for the world. Individual posts on each twin (they have names you know, just ask Caroline) to come.

Happy Birthday my babies!

Two in One Day

A shocker I know. I am not a tag kind of gal - I think I might have done one. Yesterday at bookclub we were talking about journals, letter writing, etc and how important it is. Even crazy tags. I saw this on Julia's blog, sorry it is private, and thought what the heck. It is either this or work, so I decided to write about my favorite son (before you think I am playing favorites he is my ONLY son). This is about your firstborn, and for me it means going back in the dark recesses of my already mentioned old mind. Oh, and this is from facebook...

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes - who do you think I am?
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Honestly? At first I thought oh crap I have ruined my life (since I felt this way with each pregnancy it is not a slam against Ryan). After I told Eric and he was so excited, it helped me get excited.
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 22
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? Home test. Peed on a stick.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Eric
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Well, yes but only two days before he was due because I had a non-stress test because he was 10 days late.
9. DUE DATE? July 26, 1990
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Yes.
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Potatoes. All kinds. Baked, fried, hash browned, you name it.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Not sure. I am sure I was emotional. There was the time I came home to find rattle snake bones and guts all over my kitchen... Ask Eric. I was annoyed then.
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Boy - the Boy as we refer to him around here.
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? Sort of. I really wanted a girl, so I knew it would be a boy because my life is like that. Althougth once he was here I could not have been happier.
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 30 pounds
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew about it.
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? No. He just would not come out!
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? Too many. Labor started Friday night. We went to hospital Saturday morning. Got sent home from hospital. Went back 12 hours later saying I was not leaving this time. He was born Sunday at 2:00 PM
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Eric.
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Eric - and my friend Wendy was there which was a good thing because he was not so into helping with the pushing and the such. And he was not forceful enough when I needed an epidural...
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Natural
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes when Eric finally got someone in there...
27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 8 pounds 7 ounces.
28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? August 5, 1990 10 days late!
29. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Ryan Linford Pearson. He was actually Cole for a few hours - God's joke on me since I thought people who waited to see their children to name them were crazy becuase they all look like lizards. Well, he too looked like a lizard, but not a Cole lizard, but rather a Ryan lizard.
31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 18 years and 6 months and leaving me soon :(

Dang, now I have to get back to work!

I Am Showing My Age

I am getting old. I know it is shocking, but true.

I bought a new phone. I very UNCHARACTERISTICALLY fasted and prayed about this. Did I want an iPhone? The new G1? The new Blackberry?

Well, I went with the Blackberry (sorry iPhone fans). I love it. It does the job. But, I could not figure out how to use it (or some features). I had to hand it to Kelsey so she could show me how to do something... I have become my grandmother who could not set her VCR! Dang.

Then, Kelsey was walking out to school today. It got cold again - 40 degrees (that qualifies for cold here). The fool is wearing flip flops. I could hear myself saying, what are you doing wearing flip flops - it is cold out there. What is wrong with you? Another sign of age... Preaching about the weather and lack of appropriate footwear... Again I can hear my grandmother.

And finally, I loved a non-fiction book. We just read John Adams in book club. It it SO GOOD. Go and read it right now! I want to watch the HBO mini-series now. From what I hear, it is awesome. I have decided he was a great man who we should know more about. He was one of the Founding Fathers, our 2nd President and we don't hear much about him. It is slow for the first 150 pages or so, don't give up.

So there you go. I willing read non-fiction, can't use technology and preach about the weather. How did this happen?

Happy Valentine's Day

I went on strike this year - no Christmas cards. I was tired, busy and just did not feel like it! How about that? Well, we decided to do the Valentine's card instead. They were mailed - well postmarked on Valentine's day. So even those were late. In case we missed you, here it is - of course for some you will get this twice. And for those living overseas, we were too cheap to mail...sorry. Please note that Eric wrote the annual letter, can you tell?

In true Pearson family fashion, this Tomball Texas satellite group is sending out our official Christmas 2008 card and letter..... in mid-February of 2009, attempting to pass it off as our annual family Valentine's card (and it is late at that). Regardless, the same type of self-promoting propaganda goes out to each of you and yours, no matter what time of the year you receive it.

Despite all of the exciting world events that 2008 brought our country, the Pearsons have managed to pull out of the year all intact. We all saw ourselves, and each other, age one year older. We moved from our home of 8 years to a slightly larger house, just a mile away from our old one. We, and our house, survived Hurricane Ike, the presidential debates, employment down-sizing (knock on wood), automobile fuel price swings, Ryan's eagle project, the girl's summer camps all without missing a beat.

Eric has kept himself busy constructing a luxury apartment project close to downtown Houston. In his spare time, he continues to log in a few miles a week running while competing in a couple of marathons each year. He also still coaches Sophie's club soccer team and is involved in the church's varsity scout program.

Carrie is found either working from her home office, or is out traveling to peddle her company's library products to unassuming libraries all over the western United States. She has also picked up on this running fad and is actually getting quite attached to it, forming a running club with a few friends. The whole group meets three times a week at 5 a.m. to go out for runs. Carrie also teaches Sunday School to our church's youth, aged 14-18, and they actually like her.

In 2008, Ryan (18) earned his Boy Scout Eagle Award, attended high adventure in Colorado where he got to back pack and white water raft, got a new (used) car (thanks to uncle Steve), played on the Tomball HS Varsity football team, and also got a job at Ci Ci's Pizza. In 2009, Ryan will prepare to go on his Mormon mission. We hope that he is ready and able to go in late August. Destination unknown at this time.

Kelsey (14) sings for her school’s choir. She also is the pride of her father's heart as she competes in cross country. Kelsey loves the color pink, her ipod, cell phone, and portable DVD player. She turned 14 this year and that earned her the privilege to attend stake dances. And so it begins….

Sophie (12) thinks, dreams, and eats soccer. She is on a club team that takes up most of her spare time. We get to travel with her all over south Texas. She made the percussion section at our school's band and is routinely the number one chair. Sophie continues to be serious about her school work, holding on to the top 5 rank in her school's class, three years running.

Allie (7) continues to be our little drama queen. She is bubbly, bouncy and can make herself cry at will (just ask her she will tell you). She loves school, and is becoming quite the reader. She had to take a back seat to the older kids in terms of extra-curriculars this fall, but is making up for it now with gymnastics and the threat of wanting to play soccer.

Caroline (7) is still our sensitive soul. She is a little more reserved than Allie is, but once she opens up watch out. She too is diving into reading, and still wishes she did not have homework every night. She makes up many of the games which occupy her and Allie’s “off” time. She loves gymnastics, and has no desire to play soccer.

For all of those who do not know, our new address is: 11803 Rue Beaujon Court, Tomball, Texas, 77377. You may be able to get more week-to-week updates by visiting Carrie's blog at: www.carriepearson.blogspot.com

We hope that your respective family is happy and blessed in the year 2009!!

Notice the shameful plug for the blog? Got to get readers somehow. And before you say it - I know I know. To get readers I need to post!

This Week

Sick Sophie. She has been sick all week. It looked like she would perk up on Tuesday, then crashed and burned again Wednesday morning. (she of course dropped this on me as I was on my way out the door - I went to New Braunfels for a demo. So, she stayed home alone. She called while I was on my way home asking about what drugs to take, so the day of rest did not make her better. When I arrived at 9:30 she was sound asleep - the drugs worked.)

I finally took her to the DR yesterday - sinus infection. On antibiotics, lets hope she feels better since we are leaving for Austin for a soccer tournament at 4:30 PM. Should be fun.

Kelsey started track. It is kicking her butt. She is going to sleep even before me every night - she is nighty night by 8 every night.

Ryan has gotten into a bad habit. He gets up at 5:15 am. Goes to seminary, and school. He is home by 1:00 (double senior release) and he naps. Sometimes for two hours. He then wakes up, goes to work, comes home and does it all again. I am not sure when, or if, he is getting any homework done. When I ask, he tells me it is done. I am waiting for the complete senioritus to hit. It is coming, I can feel it.

And last but not least a project due for Allie. We had to do research on a wind vane, write a report and make one. Have I told you how much I love school projects??

Happy Birthday Eric

I am a day late again. Don't have a good excuse, but it is what it is.

Eric is a low key birthday kind of guy. He does not want a party, a fuss, or much of anything (although I have been bitten by the "you don't have to do anything" mantra).

This year his birthday was the day after the Super Bowl. Sunday was the first time we could have a family dinner for Sophie's birthday, so a joint birthday it was. Too bad Sophie got the flu, did not eat, and just laid on the couch.

As a special birthday treat we ate dinner in front of the game (a huge no-no in my book). I have no pictures because Eric is really ornery about having his picture taken. The one I am using is from my sister's wedding - he did not know it existed!

Some fun facts about Eric:

He has run 44 (not 45 as previously reported) marathons. He claims to be giving up running, but I don't believe that for a second.

He loves football - both pro and college. He might not be able to tell you who Kelsey's English teacher is, but he can tell you the 5 teams who have not gone to the Superbowl.

He is very involved with his kids stuff - he tries to be at the cross country meets, choir recitals, soccer games, gymnastics classes, etc. etc. He loves his kids and he is a great dad.

He likes LOSER (ok so that is my opinion) TV shows. I can't get him to watch The Closer with me, but he is one of the five people left in America still watching the Bachelor. Go figure.

He is always the first to jump in and help when someone needs it - he is one of the Lakewood Ward official Movers.

He is still as handsome as he was the day I married him! After 20 years, I am still happy to be hitched to him.

Happy Birthday Eric!

Only One Seven Year Old

Life with twins is always crazy, exciting and can be frustrating. Mornings seems to be VERY DIFFICULT around here for them. Maybe it is because by the time I have seen the other three off I am just plum tired of the reminding, coaxing, and cajoling that goes with getting kids to school.

Caroline has the flu, and she stayed home today. I was down on the computer getting some work done and looked up and it was 7:30. The bus comes for the twins at 8:00. Allie is ALWAYS up earlier than 7 and snooping around.

I jump up to see if she too has taken ill. Oh no. She is upstairs WATCHING TV. When I figured out what she was doing, I did respond in all caps to her little face.

Anyway, we were able to get dressed, brush teeth/hair, read our reading assignment, practice spelling words, eat breakfast and still be ready for the bus. Wow - one 7 year old is MUCH easier than 2! Most mornings do not include spelling words or reading.

Oh well, tomorrow we will be back to two 7 year olds. It was fun while it lasted!

Sophie is 12

It is so hard for me to believe, but Sophie is now 12.

I remember the day she was born - it was bitterly cold. A wicked cold front had come through, and I was glad to be snuggled in the hospital with my new baby girl. Here is her newborn pic. She looks really chunky, but she was my smallest singleton at only 8 pounds 2 ounces.

Here she is now.

Sophie tested us her first year - she had colic and cried and cried. Kelsey and Ryan asked us to send her back. She tested my patience as well, but we endured!

That is all different now. I am so proud of her. She is a smart, caring, sweet young woman. She is such an example to all of us - we can't get away with much without Sophie telling us what we are doing wrong. She is always asking us questions we can't answer. When memorizing the Articles of Faith (13 statements of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), she asked Eric and I what the Admonition of Paul was. I have said the 13th AOF a million times, and never even wondered what it was. We had to do some research, but were able to give her answers.

She manages to play club soccer, keep excellent grades, and still find time to watch 24 with her mom. She is funny and wacky and just plain great (and I am not just saying that because she is mine). She loves being outdoors - but does NOT like the color pink. I told her she could wear makeup, but she did not seem to care. She loves Pei Wei, Rootbeer and watermelon.

Happy Birthday Sophie. I love you!