Update

We spent the day with Doug today. He took us to the cemetery and showed us where their plots were. Then we went to the funeral home to see the casket he had picked out, but is was closed. There are lots of decisions still to be made, but everything is closed for memorial day. Things will have to wait until next Tuesday. Lucky for us, Sharon has everything she wants written down, and all we have to do is try to make it happen. It's so like her, taking care of us even after she's gone.

She was such a special person, and she touched the lives of so many people. There were so many messages on their phone, and Doug was feeling overwhelmed with it all. Landon and I took turns calling people back, many of whom didn't know that she had passed away. That was really hard! I've never had the experience of telling other people, that someone that they loved has passed away. Very emotional. We took Doug out to dinner, and I think just being with the kids and family is really helping. He is going to be coming to church with us tomorrow. I don't think he's up to going to his own ward, and answering all the questions that are sure to come.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their kinds thoughts and prayers. We are all doing pretty well. We are so blessed to have the knowledge and understanding of the plan of salvation. It's been such a comfort for all of us to know where she is, that she's better off, and that we will see her again. I can't imagine going through this, not understanding that!

Ahma

"Ahma"

This is our beloved "Ahma". We got a call late last night that Landon's mom had passed away. As you can imagine, we are all devastated by our loss. She was one of the most amazing women I've ever had the privilege of knowing, and she will be sorely missed. My poor kids are a wreck! Who am I kidding, we all are!

We are heading to the airport right now to help Landon' s dad with the funeral arrangements. We'll be in AZ for about a week and a half. Hopefully that's long enough to get everything done and in order.

Moe Hole Memories

Since it is Wednesday, it was time for another day out with my friends. Today we decided that we were going to just stick around Moe Hole (Moses Lake). So, I picked them up after I dropped my kids off at school. We went straight to the car wash, since I scraped the side of my car on my garage backing out this morning. (that another post-oh, and sorry Lan) I was hoping that it would maybe wash some of the white paint off, but it didn't. Anyway, we went to Walmart for hair dye, and headed back to my house. Yep, that's right. Today, we dyed each other's hair. We had talked a little bit about it the other day, and Lisa was telling us that she does her own. So Deb and I thought we'd have her do ours too. We laughed our guts out, but it turned out okay. Talking to my sister about how she wished I still lived there, because she was craving a salad from the Rainforest Cafe. Our favorite. Notice the "do you think I like living here look"
Mid dye
Deb went first, and Lisa had dye all over her face and neck
Afterwards we went to Moses Pointe, the golf course steakhouse for lunch-YUMMO. We split the biggest, yummiest piece of carrot caked ever.


Well, what's a fun day out with the girls without a little shopping. Since there's only 1 place even worth walking into up here, we headed straight for Maurices. They have the cutest stuff. I would even shop there if I lived in AZ. We tryed on a bunch of stuff and ended up making a few purchases. By then, it was time to go back to the real world of kids, husbands, and ball games. I'm telling you what. If it wasn't for Wednesdays, I'd be rocking back and forth in the corner somewhere :)

Quality Time

I just love it when I come into a room and find all of my kids working on a project together. I bought this $4 puzzle of the US the other day, thinking that Kennedy might have fun putting it together! This morning I found all 3 of them working their guts out on it. It's so nice when they actually spend time together without fighting.

Super Student

Colton pulled this out of his backpack this morning. He got it the other day from the principal, and forgot to give it to me. I asked him why he got it, and he said he wasn't sure. He's so layed back, it almost kills me. He definitely takes after his dad:). I guess he's doing something right over there.

Yakima-check

We have been in Yakima, WA. at yet another soccer tournament this weekend. Thankfully, this is Whit's last tournament of the season. We decided since we'd never been to Yakima, that instead of driving down super early Saturday morning, and back home that night, that we'd make the weekend of it, and see what there was to EXPERIENCE in Yakima. NOT MUCH!!

Friday I was fighting a cold all day, and so we didn't decide to leave until 6ish Friday night. We headed out thinking that we'd just grab a hamburger along the way. It takes about an hour and a half to Yakima and let's just say there's nothing between here and there! We got there about 8pm, and we were starving!! Luckily there was an Olive Garden right by our hotel. We went straight there.

(trying to keep Whit cool)

We got up Saturday morning, had our free continental breakfast, and then it was off to the tournament. It was 97 degrees in Yakima on Saturday! She played 3 games. 9am, 12:30pm, and 3:30pm. After the first game, we headed back to our hotel, to get things cleaned up, and cool off. Then back to the tournament. After the second game we ran to Miners for a hamburger. Supposedly this was THE place to go for lunch! We thought it was good, but nothing to write home about! Then it was back for one last game!

We were all soo hot, that we went straight back to our hotel and got in the pool! We played and swam for a couple of hours, and then went out to a local Mexican food restaurant. We did a little shopping, got our Costco supplies and headed home. There wasn't a whole lot to do in Yakima, but there's one more spot on the map that we can cross off--been there, done that!

(the kids hanging out in the hotel room)

I didn't take many pictures. I couldn't remember my camera. I spent the whole time wishing I had my camera with me!

On the Catwalk

Nothin' like a little mid-week fashion show!

Happy Birthday Heid Ho

Today is my little sister Heidi's birthday. I just have to give her a little shout out. She is my only sister, and is almost 9 years younger than I am. If you saw us together, you probably wouldn't even know we were related. She takes after my dad, and I take after my mom! She's tall, me-not so much. She has blue eyes, me-brown. She has big boobs, me-none! However, inspite of all of the differences, we are extrememly close. She is the one I think to call when I find a good deal, or see something funny, or just need someone to talk to.

She, like all of us, has had many trials to go through, and it's been amazing to watch her face them head on. I hope I can be that strong when I grow up!
When Landon and I were dating, and first married, she loved to perform for us. She use to make up dances and make us sit in the family room while she went through her "made up" routine. Landon still like to give her a hard time about that.

The last story I have to tell about her, is a classic in our family. When I was about 4 months pregnant with Colton, Landon and I took her out to dinner for Chinese food. It was a Saturday night and the restaurant was full. After we had all finished eating, Landon noticed the cup of sweet and sour sauce that we had been dipping our won tons in, and bets Heidi that she couldn't suck up the the rest of the sauce through a straw. He said he'd give her 10 bucks if she did. Now remember, we're stuffed! Anyway, she's like 13 and figured it was worth 10 bucks. So, she starts to suck this sauce up, and half way through, she turns to me and laughs really hard. Well, the smell of her breath made me sick, and I puked all over the table! Needless to say, she wasn't able to finish the sauce, so she didn't get the money. Her and Landon still go around and around about whether or not she should've got the money!
She's the best, and I'm so lucky to have her as my sister. I love ya, Heid Ho!

"Wenatchee Wednesday"

I went with my friends to Tri Cities today for our "Wenatchee Wednesday" getaway. Every Wednesday, we try to get out of here! Today we decided that we needed a little TLC, so went for pedicures-YEAH. I haven't found anywhere that I dare to get a pedicure her in town, so my feet were in desperate need of help. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. We had so much fun. We just laughed and giggled like little school girls the whole time! During the pedicure, we decided that we also needed our eyebrows waxed, so we did! When we were don, I felt like a whole new girl! Of course we had to top of our day out with a delicious lunch at the Olive Garden.

I love these "Wenatchee Wednesdays" and am so glad that I've found some friends that I can let my hair down with, and just have tons of fun. Thanks guys, you're the best!

Words to live by

QUOTES OF THE DAY

"MACARONI AND CHEESE IS A LIFESAVER!" -KENNEDY

ME- "COLTON, WHY AREN'T YOU DOING THE DISHES LIKE I ASKED?" "BECAUSE I'M A LAZY BUM!" -COLTON

"MOM, HAVE YOU EVER BATHED A REAL LIVE MONKEY? I HAVE." -WHITLEY

Mother's Day 2008

Here are some of the treasures that I received for Mother's Day. Landon and the kids made breakfast this morning, and I got an uninterrupted 2 hour nap after church! I must be the luckiest mom in the whole world. Thanks for making this the best Mother's Day ever. I love you guys

I Am Thankful For... (#19)

...my mom. You're the best. Happy Mother's Day!

Piano Recital

Colton and Whitley had their piano recital today. Their teacher had it at an assisted living center, which I thought was such a great idea. There were several residents that were able to come in and enjoy the program with us. Whitley played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and Colton played Eine kleine Nachtmusik. They are both doing very well with the piano. I'm so grateful that we are able to provide them with the opportunity to learn how to play. I grew up playing the piano, and I hated it. I swore that when I was a mother I would NEVER make my kids play. Now, as a mother, I realize the benefits of exploring many different talents. Even if they don't want to! Since getting our piano I've been playing more and more, and realize what a blessing it is that I am able to still play-thanks mom.

Field Trip to IMAX

I got to go with Whitley and the entire 3rd grade on a field trip today. We loaded the buses around 8:30am, and headed for Spokane. We were going to the IMAX theatre to see the movie Journey into Caves. It took us 2 hours on the bus to get there. Once we were there, we swarmed the theatre, where there was 1 girl working behind the snack counter, and 5 billion 8 year olds with money! Luckily I grabbed some candy bars and popped some popcorn at home and stuck it in my bag, so avoided that nightmare! The movie was really cool. I haven't ever been to an IMAX theatre- Anyway, afterwards we had lunch at the park next door. We had to cross this huge river to get there. It was beautiful. Then we all loaded back on the buses for another 2 hour trip. We did make one pit-stop about a half an hour from home at a rest stop, where again 3 billion 8 years olds went to the bathroom! I really had a great time spending the day with Whitley.

On the bus headed to Spokane
In the movie theater
Whitley and her friend Megan after the movie
lunchtime

On the bridgeWhitley's teacher

Black and White

There are some conversations that I just have to record, because sometimes I simply can't believe what my kids say. This is one of those times.

Yesterday was the first time that we had been to our pediatrician here in Moses Lake. He came highly recommended, and I was anxious to meet him. As I drove the kids there I was explaining to them, that their new Dr. was a big, black man. Now, clearly I have no problem with this, I just like to warn my kids when something they're not use to is going to happen. So I tell them he's a great Dr. and that I think we're really going to like him. Colton asks me "why did you tell us he was a big, black man? Does that make a difference?" Of coarse not, I just wanted to let you know.

Anyway, the nurse calls Whitley from the waiting room, and we all get up to go in. She is being "shadowed" by a training nurse for the day. He is a small, blond, white guy. He has on white scrubs from top to bottom. He couldn't be more WHITE! They take us into our room, check Whitley out a little, and then leave us to wait for the Dr. After they left, Colton turns to me, in all seriousness and asks, "was that guy our Dr?" You mean the small, blond, white guy? Does he look black to you????

Sometimes I wonder why I even talk at all! Clearly no one is listening-

Bio Hazard

A couple of weeks ago, Whitley crashed off her bike. She got some nice road rash on her elbow and cut a little chunk out of her ring finger. You know, the kind that still has a flap of skin hanging on it! I washed it all up, and kept a band aid and neosporin on it for a few days, and called it good. Never thought about it again, until this morning! I woke Whit up, and while she was stretching I noticed that her finger was black and red and swollen. Yea, I said BLACK! I asked her if that was from her bike accident and she says "I thinks so". I asked if it was sore, and she said "only when I touch it!"

I give some serious thought to taking her downstairs, and having a go at it, but then decide that that might be the brightest idea I've ever had. I make an appt. with her pediatrician (who we've never seen before) and go in to have it checked out. Long story short, they take a big needle and poke a hole in it to see what comes out. Thankfully, not much. So Dr. is just a diggin' in this wound, and Whit is being such a trooper. After two needles, and way too much digging, he finally pops out this little black rock! They put it in a bio hazard bag for her to take it home.

I felt like such a fool. I had been the one to wash it out-score one for me. Anyway, they wash the wound out, and put neosporin and a band aid on it, and send me away with a prescription for Augmentin just in case there's infection.

The funny part is, that the whole time we're going through this drama, I have Colton snapping pictures of the event so I can blog about it later! He's not the best photographer, but there are a couple of shots that will help us remember this better.