sustaining the Bishop

Aaron was called to serve as a counselor in the bishopric when Simon was a few months old. It's been a rough 2+ years for me. Our day of "rest" was by far the most exhausting day of the week. As much as I prepared, I was usually crying by Sunday evening. Church is at noon which is nap time and my two babies have been such a handful. I often wonder why I go to Church at all. I have really tried to have a good attitude about it, but it's been a huge challenge in my life.

Our loving, kind Bishop has been serving for 4+ years and he is moving out of the ward. Part of me worried about Aaron filling the vacant position (because he is so humble and is so willing to serve) but God knew I would go crazy or inactive if this happened. Aaron was released on Saturday night and we sustained a new Bishop and his counselors this morning. It was a beautiful Sunday service. I cannot even express to you how amazing our ward is.

This gorgeous young couple is our new Bishop and his wife. They are parents of five children younger than mine. They are some of the most amazing people I know. Leigh Ann is my sweet, dear friend. She homeschools her children and is such a kind, soft-spoken mother. She is a healer, trained as a foot-zoner and has worked on Simon and Roma and myself. I love being in her home. A couple of years ago, Leigh Ann lost her mother to suicide, just weeks before Christmas. She is open and honest about this trial in her life and I admire this SO MUCH. Sometimes, when things are hard for us, we tend to shy away from sharing our lessons with others, but Leigh Ann is not this way. As we open up, we allow others to do the same and we connect on a very intimate level. Six months after her mother's death, their oldest child was diagnosed with cancer. Their young family had to spend months in the hospital during his chemotherapy. They fought (and won!) this battle. Our neighborhood grew as we watched in admiration and tried to help where we could. It was an inspiring experience to be a part of.

While out to dinner with friends several months ago, we were discussing who the next Bishop will be in our ward (just fun speculation). Someone said, "Find the most spiritual and Christ-like woman... and her husband will be called." Leigh Ann's name was the first mentioned and we all agreed. If you knew her, you would understand why. I feel extremely lucky to associate with such high caliber people. Sometimes I wonder why good people have to go through such hard things, but I know that God is aware of each of us and knows what we need. I whole-heartedly sustain this family in their new calling and will do whatever I can do make their burdens lighter. I admire them so much and was touched by their testimonies in church today. Our ward is so lucky.....

anniversary #12

Our anniversary was filled with shopping (for groceries), haircuts, swimming with friends, playing games with the kids, cleaning the kitchen, moving a bit of furniture, shish-kabobs, ice cream sandwiches, an appointment with the Stake President, cleaning throw-up (Simon got sick), a screaming baby, reminiscing through old photos, and lots of kissing.

It was truly a great day. As I was thinking about the way we celebrated this year, I felt very happy about it. Sometimes life calls for a weekend at home, even though you'd rather leave the kids and do something fancy. But there is a ying and a yang. And this proves that we can find moments of romance in everyday experiences.. Aaron winked at me when we were listening to the boys talk about super heros and held my hand at the grocery store and found my feet under the table while eating dinner. He's been sending me a text every day in June with something he loves about me and that has been the.best. I am still crazy about him. (I told him that in the card I left under his pillow.)

This was us at the little market in the morning... before swimming and haircuts. I love this awesome family of mine.

a dozen

June 15, 2000.

The day before my wedding. I wake up early because Aaron and I want to do a session at the temple before the chaos begins. I bought him new white temple clothes a week ago. My mom hemmed the pants for him but I couldn't find them anywhere. I decide to sneak into my parents room and ask mom where she left them, even though it was 6:00 am. Much to my surprise, my parents were up and having sex. I had made it 20 years without seeing my parents in bed together and my last day in their house, I catch them. Instead of running out in fright, I turn my back, ask mom where Aaron's pants are, wait for her response and then walk out shaking my head. When Aaron picks me up, I tell him about my "adventure" to find his missing pants and we laugh.

The Jordan River temple is beautiful. The session calms me, but I still feel very nervous about the wedding. Aaron tells me everything will be okay and I trust him. I don't know exactly why I am so uptight. This is such a massively important decision and I feel so young. But forever with Aaron doesn't sound so bad. He's a great guy and I know I am lucky. We grab Subway for lunch and pick up a few last minute items on the way home.

Bronmin and Kirk fly in from Texas in the afternoon. I'm so looking forward to meeting them. Bronmin is sweet and gives me the approval to marry her brother. We have Kirk to thank for this big day. He was the one who talked Aaron into pursuing things with me one LAST time back in December. I love them both right away. We hang out for a while and wait for the rest of the family to show up. Brett is driving up from Colorado. Aaron's parents and the Little Squirrels should be here any minute. They will be sleeping in Provo at a friend's home. We are meeting for a barbecue at my parents home for dinner. I am excited for our families to be together for the first time.

The laid-back, get-to-know-you barbecue doesn't exactly turn out as planned. My mom has been doing wedding prep all day. My dad is with two of my younger brothers at the baseball field. One of their all-star games goes into extra innings and they won't be home in time to meet my in-laws. So my mom is a bit frantic (as she should be) and she runs around trying to get the meat ready. We set up tables in the backyard and bring out potato salad and chips. I am glad we're eating outside because inside is a war zone. I feel bad for asking my mom to do so much. I can tell she's stressed. We should have gone out to dinner, but that would never happen. We are already spending too much on this wedding as it is.

Aaron's family sits on one table and talks. It's been a while since they've been together. My family is all over the place. No one really mingles like I had hoped, but that's okay. After dinner, we head to the church where the reception will be held. Decorations are up, but there is still a lot to do. It's late and I am tired and stressed. I end up crying just before Aaron's family heads to Provo. I am sure they don't really notice, but this night had not gone how I planned. My sweet parents are at the church until midnight.

Francine, my best friend, comes over late to wish me good luck. She lives only a block away. She asks me what I am doing for my bouquet and I realize I don't have one. Flowers were ordered for everyone else, but for some reason, I spaced my own bouquet. A normal bride wouldn't forget such an important detail, but it proves I am too young for this. Fran and my sisters and I drive to a local flower shop. I am grateful it's still open. We pick out some beautiful lilies and tie them together with a bow. Perfect and simple. I don't want to be carrying around a heavy bouquet all day anyway.

We get back to the house and I am spent. Val arrives. She bought me my favorite mascara and I love her for it. We all stay up talking and my sisters force me to put on fake nails. It's way past my bedtime and my nails are the last thing I care about. Debbie is a professional and has everything ready. They promise they won't make them too long. They are pretty but so.not.me. They barely make it 24 hours on my fingers (ripping them off was a nightmare!) But it was definitely fun, bonding sister time. We finally go to bed at 2 am. My wedding is just a few hours away..

June 15, 2012.

I wake up to Aaron's alarm and roll over. He looks so tired and hits the snooze button. I let him sleep a little longer and get the baby from her crib. She is so fat and smiley in the morning. I make her a bottle because I can't nurse for the next few days. She is more than happy to take it out of my hands. The boys are up and bouncing around the kitchen. Aaron asks them to collect garbage from around the house. The garbage truck will be here any minute.

We have breakfast (cold cereal) together and say prayers as a family. Zack blesses and the church and temple won't burn down, which is weird, but whatever. You never know, I guess. Aaron leaves for work and Simon walks him out. Those two are BFFs. The boys and I straighten up the house a bit. And then we head to the dollar store. The boys "owe" each other presents and the dollar store is where they want to go. Luke buys Ben a box of Hot Tamales. Zack buys Simon a big blue ball. Luke gets a Star Wars puzzle. I manage to spend $25 on things that will probably break before we get home. Everyone is awesome at the store, so they get a sucker in the van. Amazing how much happiness a tootsie pop can bring.

We head to the splash pad. The sister missionaries meet us there and give me a few pointers on how to take better pictures with my nice camera. Sister Sprouse is a professional photographer back in Wisconsin. She's returning home in three weeks. The boys play in the water and we get some great shots of Roma. It's hot, but surprisingly not too hot. The Sisters leave and I call Aaron to see when he's heading home. I want to know if we have time to meet friends at the pool or not. He tells me to go swimming cause he has a few things to wrap up before lunch. I run into an old friend and start talking to her before I hang up with Aaron. He texts me a minute later. "Just now, on the phone, you were a total spaz." After twelve years of being married to me, I am not sure why he's be surprised by this.

We have a great time at the pool. The boys are fishes and Roma sleeps inside the house. I always love visiting with my friends. Simon eats his body weight in red vines and needs a nap in a major way. We arrive at home just minutes before Daddy. Aaron took the afternoon off because we had a fun stay-cation planned at a resort here in Vegas. But earlier in the week, we were talking about needs vs. wants and how we spend money on things that don't really matter. Both of us felt good about canceling reservations and staying home. But now we have nothing planned for our anniversary weekend and that hasn't happened in twelve years. We talk about what to do over delicious turkey sandwiches. No one can really come up with a killer idea.

The baby goes down for a nap, the boys put on a movie and Aaron and I decide to sleep too. Simon wiggles his way in between us on our bed. He wants to hold my hand and Daddy's hand at the same time, which is way cute. Everything he does is way cute. Aaron and I smile at each other and the three of us go to sleep. Nothing like a Friday afternoon nap in a cold, dark bedroom.

Around 5:00 pm we head out to get smoothies because it's national flip flop day. All seven of us are wearing flip flops. Roma's are purple. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is all "out" of free smoothies so we settle for slurpies at 7-11. We drive to another splash park and let the kids play. They've been in their swim suits all day. The boys run around like wild men. Aaron and I comment how lucky they are to have each other. They are such great playmates and never ask to have friends come along. Ro is jealous she can't run around with them too. Soon enough, my dear.

We come home and pop chicken nuggets and tater tots in the oven. The boys couldn't be more thrilled about the menu. Aaron and I have leftovers. Ben tries to say eyebrows and eyeball at the same time and it comes out eyebra. We all laugh. After dinner, the boys want to play cards, but I'd rather rearrange the couches and I need Aaron's help. By the time we're finished, the boys are all asleep with a movie playing in the background. Water and sun will do that to you.

I catch an organizing bug and feel like gutting our closet. Aaron joins me in there and we end up talking about how awesome it would be if he was released from the bishopric. We will get a new Bishop on Sunday. Too much serious talk stresses me out at night, so we grab Racko off the shelf and end up playing in our closet.. on the floor. Aaron turns on music from his phone and the rule is we can't change the song once it starts. We end up singing along to Christmas music and other random songs on his list. His music choices crack me up. He doesn't stand a chance against me in Racko. After four games, he gives up.

My new phone should arrive in the mail any day and I ask him if he checked it this afternoon. He said he forgot, but dares me to get the mail, right now, without a shirt on. I think about it but our neighbors are having a party. If a teenage boy saw me without a shirt on, I would scar him for life. Then Aaron says I should wear only a towel, and I take the challenge. I strip down, wrap a towel around me and get the mail. It's midnight and a few people are getting in their cars just outside our house, but no one sees me. It was a weak challenge. When I get back, Aaron says he'll do it tomorrow in broad daylight. I'll believe it when I see it.

Zack comes in our bedroom around 1:00 am and sleeps on our floor. He mumbles something in his sleep that neither of us can understand. We talk about how Zack says everything with his eyebrows raised two inches. Aaron and I wish each other a happy anniversary. A dozen years. I think back to that nervous, emotional girl twelve years ago. The day before my wedding didn't go exactly as planned. But if someone would have shown me a glimpse of what my life would be like twelves years into the future, I would have been happy to know it turned out beautiful. A dozen years, five kids, a house in the middle of the desert. Chicken nuggets for dinner. Racko in the closet and spontaneous trips to get the mail wearing only a towel. This has turned out better than I ever could planned.

I was young, but I wasn't stupid. I married a great guy.

our growing family at Roma's blessing. January 2012.

pinewood derby 2012

We left our campsite in California around 10 AM (pictures of camping coming soon...) We arrived home in Las Vegas about 30 minutes before the Pinewood Derby started. Aaron grabbed a blow torch and quickly weighted the boys cars. It was super-duper, over-the-top crazy, but we made it to the Derby on time and had an absolute blast.

This year we combined with two other wards (which was a total bummer if you ask me) but the boys got to see LOTS of cars race instead of just the 15 or so in our ward. There were lots of awards and it was a loooong night. Zack ended up taking 3rd place in our ward (which was probably 20th place overall :) But hey-- a certificate is a certificate and we have it framed on our walls. NOT.

happy birthday, mom!

My mom and I were the same age (20 years young) when we were married and we were both 21 when we gave birth to our first child. I didn't realize what an incredible sacrifice it was to be a mother until I became one myself. I think about her often and wonder what she would have done in certain situations. Her lot was different than mine. In many ways, it was much more difficult (she never had a car of her own, money was extremely tight, my dad was traveling for work, etc.) so whenever I feel like throwing in the towel, I think about my mom. She never, ever complains. She looks at her glass half-full. She counts her blessings. She is my hero.
This picture hangs on my fridge. That cute baby girl is me. My mom was 30 when she had baby number six (me.) My oldest brother was 8 years old. I often look at these kids, my siblings and me, and I wonder if my mom was overwhelmed. And then I tell myself that she was, because she must have been. I think about my younger siblings... four to come in a long ten years for my mother (she had baby #10 at age 40.) I am in awe of the sacrifices she made physically, mentally, emotionally. I think of the relationships I have with my awesome siblings. What a blessing they each are in my life. and all I can feel is gratitude and warmth and love for the woman who brought us into the world and taught us to love each other. Her example was bigger than her words. She was there for us every.SINGLE.day. She was up early making hot breakfasts and writing love notes and praying each time anyone left the house. She loved to play games with us and read us stories at night. She was our biggest cheerleader. She loved my dad, only spoke about with him respect and kindness and admiration. Some people may have seen our living conditions as less than ideal, but she made our house a home. We didn't have fancy things, but our home was full of love and laughter and goodness. My friends would beg to come to my house after school because they knew my mom would have hot slices of homemade bread waiting for us at the table. She would sit with us and ask about our day. I would talk to her for hours about anything and she would always listen. I trusted her with my secrets.

Thirty years later and thousands of miles apart, I still call my mom and talk. It's not usually for hours because she is a busy woman and I always have kids crying in the background. But she always listens and gives me great advice. I tell her about my struggles and still trust her with my secrets. She loves my dad unconditionally and is still sacrificing... not for her children at home, but for those less fortunate in a land far away. Those lucky people in Chile get to eat her warm bread and chocolate chip cookies! She is blessing the lives of those around her with her positive, happy selfless attitude. She is still my hero.

We miss them, but we are all so proud of them. Grandma and Grandpa are the first missionaries my boys know personally and they are included in every family prayer. My children love to tell people that their Grandparents are serving in Chile. We want to grow up and serve missions too! I am grateful for their example and their continuing sacrifice. I am so blessed to have been raised by such sweet parents. My mom turns 62 today. She has 35 grandchildren and one on the way.. She tells me all the time that it gets better and it's worth it in the end. I cling on to those words on my bad days. I believe her because she never lies.

This year, we decided to celebrate "with Grandma" in a silly way. It was the kids idea to dress up like her and we had a lot of fun with it. My camera was acting funny all week (I got a new sim card and it's been much better since) but several times the cuts are abrupt and the editing is terrible. But I knew my mom would appreciate it anyway. It's not about the presentation but the feeling it brings. We've been thinking about her all week and we had a great time eating her cake! Next year we're hoping she will make us some yummy bread and potatoes and play a card game with us. or two. And of course we will beat her because Grandma makes sure that someone else always wins.