Yes or No to Valentines Day

Valentines Day brings a myriad of feelings whether we like it or not. I personally am crazy about Valentines Day. It's not because of what you think. I just feel excited thinking about it. I love to see all the boxes of candy hearts and think about eating delicious chocolates, conversation hearts as nasty tasting as they are and hoping for a dozen roses. Last week Natalie said to me, " Mom I can't wait until we go on our date and get valentine cards. I got that excited feeling like how fun it is to make the big paper heart envelope and how the boys had to give you a valentine. And how I wondered if they really meant the message, but knowing that they didn't have a choice because all of the messages were on the mushy side. One year Kyle agonized over what cards to give to the girls so they wouldn't think that he liked them. Then he wondered if they would like the girl cards that Anna had. So he was thinking about them after all. I just want to crack up at how funny the kids are. I also have fond memories of high school and how we could buy Telesweeties to be delivered in class. They were kind of dumpy xerox copied hearts that cost $1.25.

I never had a boyfriend on Valentines Day for some reason until Jeff. Either I met them after Feb 14 or broke up before. But, in High School I always got a telesweetie whether it was from my sister, friend or one year a boy I had a huge crush on. I had one (boy) friend who always got me a telesweetie. I did the same for him the same year and it became tradition. Jeff and I got engaged in March, so Valentines with him was so fun. I have to mention that I had this pet peeve about guys running through Albertsons after work on Feb. 14 like they didn't know it was coming. Now I'm more lenient because I realize that some people just don't like to be forced to show their love. Luckily Jeff ordered flowers to be delivered on Valentines day. We had a special buddy date ( you know you ask your roomates date for them) I was already scheduled with Jeff, so we dressed formal and played the newly wed game, which I think we won. We don't win anymore either because we have a bad memory or we know each other too well.

The other fun memory I have is the secret pals that we do in our family. I buy a bunch of fun treats, chips, little Debbies, fruit snacks, chocolates etc. Then we draw names, eat the evidence and think of a number for who gets to go shopping first. Then we try to keep the secret and give something every day. Now that the kids are older I have encouraged secret acts of service. Who knows if they will. Then we have a special Valentines meal that Jeff and I serve to the kids and we guess, and reveal who we had.
Then they do a special meal that they serve to us. It is a ton of work, but I still get excited about it. The secret pal thing is a joke because everyone pretty much reveals who they have by the second day with out realizing it, like " I don't have you." Or Have you checked under your pillow? Or last night Natalie hugged me right after we drew names. Then I did it myself as I said to Jeff I can't remember if I have blank or blank and he laughed and said I guess I know who you have. I can't believe I did that. Either way I can't resist Valentines Day. I just love it. OK now I want to know if you say yes or no to Valentines Day. Would you rather skip it or not. Let me know.

Sticky Snow!

Yesterday was the day we had been waiting for. If there's no snow, then what is the point of the cold. It might as well warm up and bring on the spring. Luckily after the snow fall, it wasn't that cold and the snow was wet and sticky. So, we had to do it. You know, a snowman.

Natalie was a die hard and the rolling method really did work.
One, two, three, Hey, what's up with the front door open?

 
Koolaid mouth no, it's not the Joker. Her name is Ara, you know like Ariel.

Today Jeff decided to get into the action and build the giant snowman. Kyle, Kristen and Livvy helped.

Wait, how do we get this big chunk of snow on. Maybe we didn't think this thing through. I know, break it up and then pack it. To be honest, I'm not sure how they got the head on.

Ah, success!

Bishop's Wife

Bishop's wife is the name of an old movie with Cary Grant. This blog is not about Cary Grant, although my husband is tall with gray creeping into his dark hair. Two weeks ago Jeff became the Bishop of our ward. It was a surprise when the Stake president called us into his office the day before Christmas Eve. He said, "You know why I'm calling you in here," and we said, "no." So, after informing Jeff that he would be the new Bishop, Jeff had a lot to think and pray about for the next week or so. Secrets are very hard to keep, but we made it. I have received a lot of good advice, but mostly sweet support from friends, family and ward members. We had a ward temple trip the week after he was called. Jeff had a business trip that day, so he didn't attend. Ron Anderton said, "Where's Bishop?" It was so weird to have him be so comfortable calling Jeff the Bishop. I didn't know if he was talking about Jeff, and the old Bishop was in the back of the room. Now that it has been two weeks, people are basically calling him Bishop. As for me, not much has changed. We still share glances and winks occasionally during sacrament meeting, I used to see him during the other meetings, but lately haven't . He still has early morning meetings, long Sundays and Tuesday nights, but he is carrying a heavier load. I was sitting waiting for choir in the hall with other choir members and Jeff poked his head out of the office. Katelyn was wanting an interview. He said " It will be a little while, quite a little while." I said, " What does that mean?" wondering if I should take her home or wait. Jamie the old Bishop's wife said, " He doesn't know how long he'll be. " So, I guess he doesn't know. I have heard that blessings come with this calling. They are very welcome. I'm already starting off with some great ones, an amazing guy for my husband, excellent children, a warm home, with some walls (sheet rock counts) going up downstairs, kind friends, family and an amazing ward. Thanks for your confidence, love and support.

Bad News

Well this is Katelyn here and I am writing some bad news for my Mom. She had a miscarriage this week. Yeah, not fun at all! Please pass it on to friends and family. We just wanted all of you to know. Hope your Christmas is fun!

Mary's Expecting?

What am I expecting? A baby, July 23, 2009. I know it is shocking and exciting and crazy and enchanting. Did I just say enchanting? Well it will be after I am done feeling icky, yucky, and blah. I thought I'd start by answering a few commonly asked questions. Was it a surprise? A big yes. We thought we were done, but not positive. So, we are happy to say that this is a very pleasant surprise, like I said, as soon as I don't feel blah, blah blah.
Are we hoping for a boy? No. We don't even go there. The first thought I had when I found out, was the dread of Kyle hoping for a boy. One time he said that he was going to lock himself in his room for a long time. We discussed how stinky he would get, so he didn't do it. The next time we found out he was OK with having a girl, but asked if we could adopt a boy. He was serious. This time he asked me if we were going to find out what we were having. I said, "Kyle I find out for you." He said you don't have to find out if you don't want to." So I think he either has given up hope or he really doesn't care. I probably will find out anyway, but I am one of those people that loves a surprise. Either one is fine with us.
Am I looking thick? Yes probably 1 day after my pants got tight. I was like," This biking machine is really bulking up my thighs." That was before I knew. Now I have no clothes that fit. Well I do have this black turtleneck sweater that I wear to everything. It's not because it's my favorite. I also have a couple of fat jeans. You know what I mean. It's hard to invest in a wardrobe that is only lasting for 6 months. I guess I do have a good pair of sweats and some nice neighbors who didn't get rid if their maternity clothes.
Do, I have that glow? I couldn't say, I can only hope.
Do I still have my calling as Stake Camp Director? I'm not sure. Our stake split and we are in a new stake. So, I'm kind of released because I am in a newly formed stake with most of our old stake.
Am I boring now? Yes, pregnancy always makes me boring because I don't feel like doing anything for a while and I try to be fun, but "Hey, I'm old."
Have I gotten some great reactions? Yes. I have to admit this has been the most fun surprise that I have told as far as I can remember because most people thought I was done. And I used to brag about my age because I have lived and I know something now. Now I am not bragging about my age anymore because then people are like, " What are you doing?" Don't worry it will be OK. How old do you think I am? It's OK you can make a real guess. I won't be offended.
Thank you all for your great responses. We are feeling blessed. When I started this journey with Jeff 17years, 6 months, and 4 days ago, there was a time that I wasn't sure if I would have children. Then I was wondering if one child would be our family. So, for us to have 6 children and seven on the way is a miracle. Even though it's hard and frustrating sometimes I am so thankful to be a mother of such strong, excellent children. I hope I can be what they need and am thankful for the chance.
Megan Liston wins the prize for the best response. Right when I was gearing up for mixed reactions, she said as she is dancing around the room with excitement. "I'm always so sad when people say they are done because the magic is gone. The magic is back." Thanks Megan. Thanks everyone for being so supportive and good to me.

Are you a Pusher or a Waiter?

We have a butler door (swinging). Before we built this house my friend Ilene suggested it, because they loved theirs. It goes from the laundryroom to the kitchen. We love it because it makes it easier to bring in groceries. Our garage door goes through the laundry room. It also hides the laundry, because it is never open. The other day Kate brought up the question are you a pusher or a waiter. I had never thought about it. I assumed that everyone, when met with resistance from another person on the other side of the butler door, backed up and waited for the other person to come through. So, we had to ask each person what they do and I was surprised with who was what. You'd think I would be a pusher and Jeff would be a waiter, but not true. The Pushers are Jeff, Katelyn and Kyle. The waiters are Me, Annalisa and Kristen. What does it say about us. I'd like to know what you think you are.

Dream Husband

 What is in a family picture? Every year as long as I can remember my family has taken a picture for the Christmas card. Even before it was popular, my Mom would make us do it. Even if we had no makeup, pajamas, nappy hair, it didn't matter we were getting these pictures taken today(Thanksgiving). So here is the latest that my Mom will send to all of her relatives and friends.

This is my cute Mom and Dad. They are still crazy about each other.

 My brother Charlie,who is in Dental School, his wife Megan and Abby.

 My brother Sam who lives in Calif, but not with my parents.

 Us

 My sister Megan, Travis Ivy, Tommy and Susie

Thanksgiving Dinner

Mary and Megan

We really don't look anything alike.

 The winners of the last game of Capture the Flag.

The losers of Capture the Flag. Actually they won the other two games.