find joy in the journey

doppelganger

So you've already seen this look-a-like combo . . . 

 

and while I browsed through pictures of Payton fishing, I couldn't help but notice the resemblance . . . 

 

the blue eyes, the rolls of sweater / rolls of skin, and most especially that grin.  Do you see it?  I love it!

Now, I need to come up with a match for this face.  Any ideas?

The attributes that jump out to me:  pasty white skin, crazy eyes, and a joker smile.  Hmmm, this is going to be a tough one.

I wonder if I could also find mine or Scott's doppelganger - in animal, alien, or celebrity form.  Hmmm, another good challenge.  I've got my homework assignment for the week.

sunday thoughts

 

a quote from sacrament meeting that reminded me why we do the things we do & why we take the time.  And inspired me to renew & refocus our efforts:

When you stop and think about it from a diabolically tactical point of view, fighting the family makes sense.  When Satan wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he doesn't poison the world's peanut butter supply, thus bringing the Church's missionary system to its collective knees. He doesn't send a plague of laryngitis to afflict the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He doesn't legislate against green Jell-O or casseroles. When Satan truly wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he attempts to confuse gender and he attacks God's plan for His children. He works to drive a wedge of disharmony between a father and a mother.  He entices children to be disobedient to their parents. He makes family home evening and family prayer inconvenient. He suggests family scripture study is impractical. That's all it takes, because Satan knows that the surest and most effective way to disrupt the Lord's work is to diminish the effectiveness of the family and the sanctity of the home.

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, March 2006

 

While in Utah I took the kids to see the film, "Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration" at Temple Square.  It's a wonderful movie that chronicles the life of the prophet, gives you an intimate, personal look into who he was, the inspired work that he performed, and the many, many trials he endured.  Bring tissues. 

Payton spent much of the movie asking me questions: is he going to die? (joseph's leg surgery as a young boy), why are they doing that? (when the Mormons were kicked out of cities/states over and over again), what is that? (the hot tar and feathers that the mobs poured on Joseph), and again, why are they doing that?  Between the trials were also scenes of love (courting and marriage of Emma), playfulness, and humor.  Anna leaned over to me partway through and said, "I like this movie."

There is a quote at the beginning of the film that was really powerful:

Men have come to speak of revelation as long ago given and done, as if God were dead.  It is the office of a true teacher to show us that god is, not was, that He speaketh, not spake . . . The need was never greater of new revelation than now.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

I was wrapping up this post when I came across the recent, heart-breaking news of an LDS bishop that was shot and killed today in California (about 2 hours from where I grew up).  In the church building.  In his office.  Just heart-breaking.  Married, a father of 6 boys, serving where he was called . . . A news reporter quoted a family friend who had visited them, "their world has been turned upside down."  I just can't even imagine.

In the midst of their trial I know that this family will receive an outpouring of love & prayers from the members of the church.  We learned in Primary today: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).  We talked a lot about Jesus Christ and the example of love that he has set for us.  He blesses, heals, and comforts and I know that his arms of love will be outstretched towards this family. 

 

while in idaho

We spent last week in Idaho at my in-laws.  And a two-day stint in Utah, but I'll talk about that later.  While we had a great time, I am happy to be home and have all the summer driving behind me.  On this trip I personally logged over 1100 miles behind the wheel.  Yup.  All me.

While in Idaho we got to:

go fishing.  (See post below)

swim a few times.

attend a session at the temple.

ride bikes.  Grammer & Papa got some bikes for the kids to enjoy while we were there.  

The stake center parking lot across the street is just perfect for a morning ride.  Before it gets too hot . . . 

 . . . that blasted sunshine!

play on the ipad.  Did I tell you about Angry Birds?  And the pottery?  It's good stuff.

go on a date.  Inception and jumbo popcorn with butter.

eat frozen yogurt.  I neeed a place like this nearby.  Really, I do.

sleep in a different bed every night.  The kids, that is.  The upstairs room, the downstairs room, or under the stairs.  Just like Harry Potter.

walk around the temple grounds and see all the princesses (brides).  And to touch the temple.

 

build countless Star Wars lego sets.

watch Spy Kids about 5 times.  I don't know what it is, but the kids loooove that movie and watch it every time we visit.

congratulate Randy in person on his recent engagement.  Looks like we'll be making the drive again in a few months.

go on a walk to feed the crazy fish.

play a few rounds of golf.  Scott, of course.

Eventually, our visit had to come to an end.  Our Idaho/Utah/Idaho trip took us away for 10 days and there was work to return to, primary classes to teach, and a redbox DVD to return.  

Dennis & Valerie and the big Idaho skies gave us a warm good-bye.

Until next time!

golden

waking up at 5am to go fishing is worth it when you get to experience this kind of light.

and everyone catches a fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

two and a half for Payton (one got away), two for Conner, and one for Anna

  

relaxation

Mom, I'm going outside to wewax.

She sets out a towel, cup of water with a bendy straw, and of course, pink sunglasses.

Mom, do you have any other fings for wewaxation?

Um, well, usually if I'm going to relax I just lay down and close my eyes.

Oh, okay.

 

Summertime at age 4.  This is the life.

 

entertain me, make me smile

 
This album. It is fun, mellow, melty, adorable, quirky, make-you-smile goodness all wrapped up into one.  I downloaded one song from itunes.  Then another.  And another.  And before I knew it I had downloaded almost the entire album.  All About Your Heart, All the Pennies, California, This is My Song, I Do Adore, and Anchor are just a few of my favorites.  

Cardigans at Shade.  No picture, but it is cozy, plum, and crazy on sale.

Cardigans at Down East. An ultra feminine flowery one in pink.  And a yellow/white stripe in a fit that is just my style.  Can you tell I have a thing for cardigans?

 
Glee re-runs.  Been watching a few DVR'd episodes at my in-law's house and loving them all over again.  Like "Dream On" with Neil Patrick Harris.  And "Theatricality" with lots of Lady Gaga craziness. The Glee soundtrack, volume 3 has become the soundtrack of our summer:  Hello/Goodbye, Dream On, and Bad Romance have had a lot of play time.  So if you see the Brown's cruising down the road, all singing at the top of our lungs, you don't have to guess what we are listening to.

ipad.  Grammer Valerie Papa Dennis has one.  And I can see the wheels turning in Scott's head.  Our favorite app so far:  Angry Birds.  Scott and the kids also enjoy making pottery, but I haven't tried that one yet.

Kiwi Loco.  Frozen yogurt.  Yum.  What a cool way to dish out frozen yogurt.  You fill your cup, you add toppings (as much as you want), they weigh it, and you pay by the ounce.  I just think it is such a cool idea, the place is super cute, and the yogurt . . . . yum.

Inception . . . . . . Will it make the cut? We're going to see it tonight. 

the first half was good

Scott:  How was your day?

Me:  The first half was good.

Scott: (sending intense evil eyes to the kids) What happened on the second half of the day?

Me:  Let's just say, it's a miracle they're all still alive.

First half of the day . . . . good

• Dropped Scott off at work function
• Found a fun park which the kids loved -- played for 45 minutes
• Drove up the Historic Columbia River Highway and stopped at the scenic Vista House, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls
• Enjoyed a picnic lunch

Second half of the day . . . you judge

• outlet shopping with 3 children.
• 5 minutes after stepping into Gap being alerted to a bathroom emergency.  The restrooms are way over at the other corner of the complex.
• 10 minutes after returning to Gap, standing in the dressing room unclothed, and the panicked voice of my other son (who is sitting outside the door) informs me that we have yet another bathroom emergency.  This, after I just made everyone use the restroom.
• "s/he's annoying / touching / looking at / bothering me", "conner stop it!", and the next minute all are literally rolling around on the floor laughing, giggling, and being crazy silly.  Maybe cute at home but not in a clothing store.
• hiding in the clothing racks.  (My head just sizzles with this one.)
• asking the kids, "would you act this way if dad were here?"  No.  "Then why do you do it with me?"  They still haven't learned that I tattle-tale.  You mess with mom, you get my wrath and then you get dad's.

My saving grace . . .

• picking up Scott at the end of the day and having him accompany us to one last store.
• dinner at Red Robin and a monster raspberry milkshake for me
• trying on new clothes at home (my personal fashion show), once the kids are settled
• 30 minutes of pilates to wind down

The final word . . .

• no video games, computer, or tv for a week
• never attempt back to school shopping with 3 kids ever again

The good news . . . 

• all the shopping is done.  
• I'm wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt.
• tomorrow we are staying home.
• a grey and pink argyle sweater vest will be making an appearance in my wardrobe this fall.

10 ways to see Seattle

one . . . by train

We decided to try something new and potentially very fun on this trip.  Instead of driving and paying $39 a day to park at our hotel . . . we took the train.  And we're so glad we did!

We showed up at this cute train station 30-40 minutes before boarding time . . . 

 The kids checked out the place, we used the bathrooms, Conner worked on his book (Kids vs. Adults), and we went out to the platform to wait for the train.  No lines to pick up boarding passes, no security lines, no checking bags, no nothing.  You just show up and get on the train.

Once on board we were directed to the dining car (the train was pretty full), but that worked out perfect for us.  We had a big table to play cards on, Scott got hot dogs and sodas for the kids, and Anna spent most of the ride with her face plastered to the window.  This was Anna's favorite part of the trip.

 

A great way to travel.  We could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

two . . . by boat

 A 1-hour harbor tour was a great was to start our Seattle trip.  The kids were blinded by the sun, but what else is new.

 

three . . . by taxi

 Other than the rides between the train station and our hotel, I think we hopped in a taxi about 3 times.  Thanks to our conveniently located hotel we could do a lot by foot.  But, after a day of walking the kids were very appreciative of those few taxi rides.

four . . . from a high-rise hotel

From the 35th floor there was plenty to see.  The city, the water, and the sunsets beyond the Olympic Mountain range.  One evening when the sunset was particularly bright and orange Anna said, "it looks like Lord of the Rings."  Yes, the eye of Sauron is watching us.   

five . . . 520 feet in the air

 
 This was Conner's favorite part of the trip.  He spent the whole time taking pictures with his little camera, and attempted many times to get a picture through the lens of the telescope.  Not much luck.  Payton & Anna weren't too fond of the observation deck (it is a little slanted and you feel like you have to walk a bit wonky) so they stayed inside with Scott.

six . . . through a fish tank

This was Payton's favorite part of the trip.  We lucked out and happened upon the diver talk just as we were leaving for the day.   (The scuba diver had a microphone in her mask so she was able to talk to the kids and hear their questions.)  

Another highlight was coming upon this fish . . . 

Which has been named "the Anna fish", because of it's puckering lips.

seven . . . from shaded seats at Safeco Field

 This was Scott's favorite part of the trip.  After arriving in Seattle and finding out that the Yankees were in town it took Scott about 5 minutes to decide that we should go to a game.  He is a Yankees fan.  Conner also really enjoyed the game.  Cheering and clapping along with Scott.

 

After the 3rd inning Payton kept asking "how much longer?"  Over and over again.  And Anna . . . well, this is what she looked like in the 9th inning.

 The Yankees won.  3-1

eight . . . perusing the market

This was my favorite part of the trip.  One morning we stopped into Pike's Place Market for 2 dozen of the yummiest mini donuts.  Mmmmm . . . Later in the day, when we tried to walk through with the kids it was sooo crowded and hot.  Not fun.  So we went back to the hotel to swim.   

So on our last day (Saturday) I got dressed and went to the market all. by. myself.  Oh, it was so nice to just browse on my own and look at all the cool displays and handmade stuff on sale.  I even bought myself a silver cuff bracelet.  I also happened upon the coolest (and biggest) antique store on Stewart Street.  I could've looked through that place for hours.

nine . . . the many museums

 We decided to visit the Pacific Science Center because we thought the kids would really enjoy it.  Well, that, and the free tickets they gave us at the Harbor tour.

 As you can see it was fun for the adults too.

ten . . . walking the city streets

  {pink converse. oh, for cute!} 

In a big city you just have to plan on doing some walking.  For us it was 5 blocks to Pike's Place Market, a block or two further to the aquarium, countless walks across the street to the mall's food court for lunch or dinner, and then there was the big walk at 10 o'clock at night with the massive crowds following the Mariners game.  10 blocks before we were able to track down a taxi.

My favorite quote of the trip came from Anna while walking a few blocks to dinner one day:  "Walking is lame.  It uses all my energy."

See?!  The pucker lips.

 

Well, it looks like our countdown is done!

Then when you've seen all you can see in Seattle, hop back onto the train, grab a bag of Uncle Woody's cinnamon caramel popcorn, and enjoy the ride home.

 All aboooooard! 

august 1st: summer fun so far

ahh, the summer fun continues. 

Here's a few pictures of things we did in July that previously did not make it to the blog.

The much-anticipated, long-planned-for cookie and lemonade stand

 

Yes, I know they are wearing jackets in July.  It was a coooold morning.  I sat outside on the porch and actually had to whip out some hot chocolate.  Don't you love their sign?  Especially the upper left, "Babies Free."  Conner was persistent with his sales pitch.  Shouting down the culdesac with no one in sight, "Lemonade and cookies!  Only 25 cents!  Babies 3 and under free on Saturday and Monday!"

A fun nature walk and picnic lunch at the Audubon Society.  I highly recommend it.

A trip to the beach.  Despite the grey weather, we had a great time.  The kids could have stayed there all day digging trenches, jumping in the waves, and rolling around in the sand (Anna).  Breakfast/Lunch at Camp 18 and treats at the candy kitchen make for a delicious day.

 

us + friends + a few random people on the beach (somehow they ended up in every cute photo op, grrr).

A week spent at Cub Scout Day Camp.  The boys were great, everyone got along really well, and they got to do some fun activities.  My primary job was to count heads, enforce the buddy system, and ward off swarms of mosquitoes.  :)

 
We went on our ward campout and it was so great!  From the Primary Pioneer day parade, to our first year with separate mom/dad and kids' tents (no one rolling on me in the middle of the night!), to an entertaining campfire program (which included a silly, costumed, singing, dancing skit that Nicole, Sheila, and myself were asked to do), to the great food and friends who are willing to share their camp cooking skills.

 {corn on the cob, potatoes, shrimp, with lots of garlic, butter, & spice.  No silverware needed.}

Summer is flying by too fast!  Here we are in August already.  But I am comforted by the fact that the kids still have a little more than 5 weeks of vacation left.  And we have done a lot of fun things together and made some fun memories.  Let the good times continue!