All Together Again

This month has been crazy - kids coming and going. Passing in the night. Sophie to Utah. Kelsey to Dallas. Ryan to Padre Island. I had them all home for the weekend - and after a couple of hours I was wondering why I wanted them all home together. These people can fight over ANYTHING.

Well, Kelsey and Sophie are off again to Girl's Camp, so it will be quiet again at home. Don't you just love crazy girl's camp hats? Kelsey did not make hers - Lindsey made it and it is funny...

Sophie with her stuff ready to go.

Kelsey with WAY more stuff ready to go. She did tell me she does not know how to pack light. Heaven help me!
When Lindsey made Kelsey's hat she got some ribs in - like the fact Kelsey hates soccer. Notice the soccer ball? It made me laugh. There is also I Love Lindsey written on the hat.

So, I am down two kids again. The quiet will be nice, but I will miss them. I am sure they will have tons of fun! Next week, EFY....

The Lazy Days of Summer

Are here. This is how the twins are spending this morning.

(I especially love the wild hair which has not been brushed in days. I did make them shower last night.... that is something isn't it?)

We are down two children - Sophie is at BYU and Kelsey is being pampered and spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa's house this week. Julie, Josh, Jenna and Shelby got to stay and play with us until Tuesday afternoon, so yesterday was the first day they were on their own while mom worked (read they watched a lot of TV) and Ryan... well he got up at 10, played tennis with friends, and then went to work.

As I said, lazy days of summer. We are going to have to get some structure at some point. But, Ryan leaves next week for high adventure. Then Kelsey and Sophie leave for girl's camp the next week. The last week of June Kelsey goes to EFY and Eric goes to Colorado. Then it is July. Summer is speeding by already.

Oh and He Graduated Too

What a day June 6th was. Our day started early with a trip out to College Station to see Ryan graduate from HS. It was nice because Lisa Nicholas (from the Tomball Ward) is the President of the school board and she was able to give him his diploma.

We had tons of family make it in for the graduation - thanks to everyone who came. It made the day fun.

All those girls were so excited to see big brother graduate.

This is Eric's sister, Karen, and her husband Steve (with grandson Tristan). When Ryan was little and I was working, Karen watched him. He LOVES his Aunt Karen. She is one of those rare people who just loves all kids and they love her. I call her a baby whisperer (and small child for that matter). All my kids have loved being with her, but I think because Ryan spent so much time there, he has special feelings for Aunt Karen (oh and Steve too!) It was so great of them to make the trip from Athens.

This is Melissa and her husband Chris. Chris served as photog for the weekend. Thank you Chris! It was nice to have him do that.

The proud grandparents - wasting away both of them. He is the first grandchild to graduate!



The Linfords - my brother Matt, his wife Julie and their kids Josh, Jenna and Shelby. Doesn't Julie look like a model with the wind blowing her hair?

The whole crew. Thanks for coming!

Oh - and if that was not enough (emotionally speaking) after Ryan graduated, and we got his call, Sophie flew (by herself) to Utah for BYU soccer camp and to spend time with Rachel and the Hansens. It was a little scary for me to put her on the plane alone (although the $150 I paid for her to fly alone should have bought some peace of mind). I can't handle all my babies growing up! She made it and Aunt Megan picked her up at the airport. Thanks Aunt Megan!

The Call

After Post Note (because Post post note does not sound right)

Ryan has been telling everyone that he is going to the Ogden Utah Mission for about 4 months. He even told the Stake President he wanted to go to Ogden. Who knew?

The above video is long and drawn out, so you can click off and no one will know, and I will not hold it against you. Thanks to Shauna for giving me the idea - it is nice to share with everyone.

Gymnastics

Over the last semester my guilt got the best of me (I do have some mother guilt). The twins had been short shafted in the extra curricular dept. They were doing nothing but watching TV. They both wanted to do gymnastics, and since neither had done any before, I did not want some crazy competitive gym (we have enough crazy with soccer).



So this led me to the Little Gym. Non-competitive and just plain for for the girls. They have loved it. They think they are star gymnasts. I am going to attach video, bad video since it came from my still camera, of both of their floor routines. They had the same routine. It is purely for your viewing pleasure, not because I think they are destined for greatness (although, if you ask Caroline she is the next Shawn Johnson).

Good job girls!

After Post Edit:

We (meaning mom and dad) need to remember that we selected the Little Gym for its everyone is a winner non competitive nature. The girls had fun, and that is what we were going for... If you are looking for warm and cuddly, The Little Gym is your place!

It All Comes Back

Sophie went shopping with some friends last week. It was just them. I was actually very proud of myself for letting her go - giving her some space. It did make me a little nervous - kids wandering around the mall..... That is asking for trouble. And the fact it was Sophie wanting to go shook me just a little.

Back to the point. This is what she bought.

Hello! I wore that same shirt (OK maybe not that one) in JR HS or HS. And the shoes. I had many pair of Sperry (OK so mine were fake Sperrys - she was spending her money and decided the name was important) even into college. CRAZY. I can't wait for the flashdance sweatshirt to come back - I really loved that look!

Choir Banquet

Kelsey had choir banquet on Friday night. Eric and I were able to go. She, of course, HAD to have a new dress, and I think she looked great. One more event down, a million to go.

They handed out awards - best Soprano, best Alto etc. Then the choir officers had their own awards. She won the Miss Gypsy award. It is a term she has picked up from her brother that she clearly uses way too much!

Prom and Projects

As the year draws to a close, we have the explosion of kid stuff. Since Ryan is a senior, that adds another layer of "fun".

He went to the prom last weekend, and by all accounts had a great time. His date, Paige, was a friend and I think they had a good time. Of course there was the requisite limo, dinner, and drive around Houston. He did not go to Project Prom, which turned out to be a good thing since he had to go to church last weekend for his ordination.

Paige's dress was beautiful. Ryan and the hat! Steven you need to come home and get that thing back!

This is a good view of Paige's dress.

Here is the whole group ready to get into the limo.

And Ryan and Kevin. They have been buds since they were in 4th grade. We both moved in at the same time, and lived across the street from the Kevin until we moved. It has been great to watch them grow up!

And Kelsey's project. She had to do a 3D project depicting the Battle of Vicksburg. She did it all herself! Thanks to Jennifer for the loan of the army guys - who would have guessed we would not be able to find them anywhere!

Tonight - Choir banquet, and believe it or not, no soccer this weekend! Whew. Then we head into finals, choir Pop Show, soccer tournament, soccer tryouts and prep for graduation. Can't wait for summer... Remind me I said that when the kids are driving me crazy while I am trying to work with them home!

Ryan the Elder

Last Sunday Ryan was set apart as an Elder. This was the last step in the "submitting the mission papers" thing. (Kudos go out to mom and dad who trudged down to Houston for the second weekend in a row to be there for the ordination) I can't believe my little baby boy is an Elder - doesn't that sound old?

Everything is in and now we wait. He set up a poll on facebook for where will Ryan serve his mission. I will throw the same thing out here. Anyone want to venture a guess? We have had two guesses of the Kingdom of Tonga - but I think they had just watched the Other Side of Heaven, so I don't know if that counts.

We are hoping to hear in two to three weeks. Stay tuned.

End of The School Year

Just trying to keep up with what is going on! We got our family photos back. Just wanted to post a few - now I have my family bluebonnet pic and my life can be complete!

I loved this one on the kids - it is how they really are.

Also loved this one!

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.