How Lowe Can You Go?

Lowe's has become one of my regular haunts.  Lately I've been there a couple times a week.  So, when I told my boys we were heading to the hardware store again, their groans of disappointment didn't surprise me in the least.

As I walked to the the back of the warehouse I was stopped by a big, middle-aged man in a red apron. 

"Can I help you?" he asked politely.

"Yeah, actually I am going to need some wood cut," I smiled back.

Accompanied by this helpful employee, I walked to the woodcutting area and carefully picked out the board that I needed.

The saw buzzed loudly with anticipation while the stout man positioned the wood carefully.  As he slowly bent way over to operate the huge machine, his denim pants slipped down low on his bum.  This unintentional loss of modesty went completely unnoticed by this poor man.

My eyebrows raised in surprise, and my hand shot up to stifle the uncomfortable laugh that threatened to escape from my mouth.  I shifted my position and averted my gaze.  Just then, Ethan caught my eye.  He was curious about the saw and  had been watching in amazement as the saw sliced through the thick board as effortlessly as a scissors cutting through paper.  I saw Ethan's eyes take in the large saw and the area surrounding it, they came to rest where the red-aproned-man's pants had been just moments earlier.  His brown eyes widened and a mischievous grin bisected his face.

The next moment Ethan was at my side pulling at my sleeve.

In a split second several images rushed past my mind's eye.  Memories that embarrassment had permanently etched in my brain.  Moments where my children, in their innocence, had inadvertently made mortifying comments. Years ago, Conner's finger pointing at a woman just feet away loudly asking, "Mama, why is her bum so BIG!"  Ethan, chubby cheeked and only four years old, shouting secretively behind a cupped hand, "Her breath STINKS!"  More recently, Aubrey stage whispering, "His teeth are YELLOW, huh mom?"

This time, I wasn't sure exactly what Ethan wanted to say, but I was sure I did not want him to say it.  At least not in our present company.

"MOM!" my eight year old whispered urgently.

I pointedly ignored him.

"Mom, mom, mom!"

Ignoring him wasn't working, I tried another approach.

"Ethan, not right now.  Will you go find your brother? " I begged through a forced smile.

"But Mmmm-om, I have to tell you SOMETHING!" the pulling at my sleeve had a new intensity.

I just had to keep him quiet until the wood was done and we were out of earshot.  

"Just a second, okay?" I leaned closer to my little boy and looked deeply into his eyes, willing him to understand.

His finger started pointing at the employee in a poking motion, "Mom! Puh-lease, can I tell you something?"

I gave in.  There was no ignoring, no distracting and no pleading that was going to dissuade him, so I leaned in close to minimize the volume and hopefully the embarrassment.

Ethan was thrilled to finally have my full attention.  He stood close to me and took a deep breath, I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst.

"Mom!  He's not wearing any safety glasses!"

My eyes blinked open in surprise.  I looked at my son's face.  The relief of finally saying what he needed to was written onto every feature.

"You're right," I said with a huge sense of relief, "he should definitely be wearing safety glasses."

The Kabobs of Perfection (and Other Weekend Adventures)

We had a great weekend recently.  We went with some friends to Manti for the Manti Pageant and then up Ephraim Canyon for camping.  It was great to have a little break from our regular routines.

I always love the drive into the small town of Manti.  The first building that greets you is the gorgeous Manti Temple.  It sits at the top of a small hill, majestically standing sentinel.  

 

The whole weekend was memorable.  I had never been to the pageant before so it was fun to see it and enjoy it with my family.  Camping ended up being awesome.  The night was cold but once we all got settled in, we slept really well.  On the way home we stopped in Fairview, a little blip on the map, and did some shopping.  There is a feeling of "small town charm" in those out-of-the-way shops that can't be duplicated.  

I would feel especially remiss if I didn't mention the chocolate covered strawberry kabobs we discovered before the pageant began.  (They will be referred to as the "Kabobs of Perfection" or the "Kabobs from Heaven" from now on.)   They were made by a vendor on the main street in Manti, she drizzled each of the plump berries with white and milk chocolate.  As if that wasn't tasty enough, she also had some kabobs with chocolate covered cheesecake bites (be still my heart) along with the whole strawberries.  For only five dollars (and a trip to Manti) a "Kabob of Perfection" can be yours too.  

I'd better stop talking about it now, there's drool all over my keyboard.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Downtown

It doesn't matter when or why we are going, but every time we go downtown I can't help singing.  Exiting the freeway at 400 South a hum bubbles out of my closed lips.  By the time the car approaches State Street, I'm singing in my full voice.

"When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always go...."  I cast an expectant look in Kedar's direction,

"Downtown!" we chime together.

"When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry seem to help, I know,"  I throw a look into the back of the van, hoping to recruit the kids. 

"Downtown!" I continue, unfazed by their rolling eyes.

"Just listen to the music of the traffic in the cit-yyyy,"

"Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are prett-yyyy."

"How can you lose?" I ask dramatically.

"The lights are much brighter there," slowly building in a crescendo, I continue,

"You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go...." my big moment is coming!

"DOWNTOWN!" Now I'm singing with all the gusto I can muster.

"Things'll be great when you're DOWNTOWN!" The people in the cars near us are staring, I pay them no mind.

"No finer place before," I let my voice come down in a decrescendo.

"Downtown," finishing up, I whisper

"Everything's waiting for yoooou...."

I get mixed reviews from my captive audience.  Aubrey is giggling in her car seat.  Ethan hums a few bars himself.  Conner crosses his arms in front of his chest moodily, while Kedar gives a small, obligatory applause.   

Thus began our trip downtwon last Saturday.  Here's the photo recap:

From the top of the Church office building

Beautiful Salt Lake Temple

The Beehive House

Temple Square

We also spent some time at the Farmer's Market but I didn't get any pictures.  

The moral of the story?  When you've got worries all the the noise and the hurry seem to help, I know,  downtown.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Thanksgiving Point has become something of a retreat for our family.  It is far enough away that it feels like an adventure to visit but not so far that it is too inconvenient to make a day trip.  The kids love the Museum of Ancient Life (especially the Erosion Table), we discovered the enchanting Children's Discovery Garden last summer, and Farm Country, with plenty of animals to pet and pony rides, is engaging for all of us.

We also enjoy a few sentimental ties to this beautiful location.  Before the Gardens were even open and still in construction Kedar and I had our engagement pictures taken on the grounds.  Over twelve years ago, my brother and his beautiful bride had their wedding reception in one of the lovely reception rooms.    

Although I thought that I was pretty familiar with Thanksgiving Point I keep finding myself being surprised by things I learn that are there.  For example:  the Tulip Festival.  I have known for years about this annual festival in celebration of tulips and all things spring, but before last week I'd never taken the time to go and see for myself.  Well, it was time to change that.  

I knew that my sweet husband would rather be doing something else (probably anything else) on a Saturday afternoon, so instead of dragging him along, I decided to make a "Girls' Day" of it.    

My incredible sister Marci, my adorable sister (in law) Amber and me.

Of the half million tulips blooming throughout 50 acres of gardens, I found my favorite.  These pale yellow petals with vibrant red tips were just stunning.  Throughout the grounds there were tulips of every color, shape and variety but these were the ones that resonated with me again and again.  

"American Dream"

Wandering around the colorful landscape, I could finally believe in Spring. The morning of our tour of the tulips there was six inches of snow on the valley floor.  Spring has been somewhat elusive this year.

But the verdant grass, the dynamic colors of the flowers and the smell of life carried on the crisp breeze all sounded like Spring was shouting from the crest of each rolling hill, "I'm here!  I won't be stifled any longer!"

 

New life surrounded me; blooming tulips, budding trees, even my sister's weeks old baby added to the feeling of newness.  What a way to herald in Spring! 

Here's adorable Amber, my amazing Mother, my sweet sister (in law) Kathy, incredible Marci and me.  

Maybe this should become an annual tradition... what do you say, girls?

Where the Wild Things Are

Spring break gave us the perfect excuse to use our season pass to the zoo.  

Despite all of the exotic and beautiful animals that are there, our latest trip to the zoo had an unusual "favorite."  All of the Canadian Geese had just hatched their babies.  Each mother goose was followed by a toddling row of fluffy chicks, and bringing up the rear in each case was a protective father goose.  So cute!

A Whole lotta Green

Before heading home from the Hill Aerospace Museum we made a stop at an unusual store  This store's slogan is "We have anything you need, if we can find it!"  Sounds like an adventure right? 

While we were at this "unusual store" we made some unusual purchases.  Here's what we came home with:

Ummm, yeah...that's a grenade. 

Well, believe it or not I think we have a pretty cool idea for this stuff.  I'll keep you posted!

Hill Aerospace Museum

While the kids were out of school for Spring Break, we took a road trip to Roy, where the Hill Aerospace museum can be found.  Actually, you really can't miss it once you're in Roy; the museum's outdoor exhibit (of airplanes, helicopters and missiles) is clearly visible from the freeway. 

One of the volunteers took us on a tour of the inside of a huge helicopter.  It was incredible to see how big these machines are and then to wonder how in the world they are lifted off the ground into flight. 

  

When I saw this chair I immediately felt an all-encompassing empathy for anybody who was required to sit in it.  You see, I have a bit of an issue with motion sickness.  One of my most embarrassing moments has to do with a new friend, an immaculate van and an unplanned stop on the side of the road.  'Nuff said.  

   

The small exhibit dedicated to the "Code Talkers" was one of my favorites.  This group of Navajo men became unexpected heroes during World War II.  They used their extremely difficult native tongue to create a code that even the skilled Japanese decoders couldn't decipher.  These young men were not permitted to write down any part of the messages they were sending and receiving and thus were required to memorize each message.  In the battle for Iwo Jima, in the first 48 hours alone, they coded over 800 transmissions with perfect accuracy. 

After the war, the Navajo Code Talkers returned home without a heroes' welcome; their code was considered a military secret too important to divulge. They remained silent heroes until twenty four years later.  In 2001 the Navajo Code Talkers finally received Congressional Medals of Honor.

 

Being at this museum, watching the military personnel walking to and from the various buildings in their starched uniforms, made the sacrifices that these men and women have made (and continue to make) more real and more overwhelming to me.  I was grateful that my kids had the opportunity to learn more about the the heavy price paid by so many to ensure our freedom.

  

All in all it was a great day as a family.

 

(We made another stop in the area before heading home.  More to come on that adventure!) 

Dim Sum, Anyone?

Last weekend we were out running errands and making a few visits.  Things were taking longer than we had anticipated and lunchtime was quickly approaching.  From the back of the van we could hear the desperate cries of our children, "We're STARVING!  Please, can we stop somewhere for lunch?" 

This is the moment where things can get a little dicey for our family. 

Should we press forward with our errands, making the young'uns wait another hour (at least) for lunch, but at the same time teaching them valuable lessons?  Lessons such as: a person cannot starve to death between breakfast and lunch.  What about the important principles of budgeting and spending wisely?  By waiting and eating the perfectly good food that we had in our own kitchen wouldn't they learn to understand these things a little better?      

The halo-clad angel perched firmly on my right shoulder presented these arguments quiet articulately.   But she was quickly drowned out by the whining that echoed off the interior of our van, "Mom!  We're soooo hungry!  Pleeeeeease can we stop!?"  The guy with the pitch fork lounging on my left shoulder didn't have to say a word.  He just smiled smugly.

"Where do you guys want to eat?" I asked.

Within 2 minutes we'd weeded out 99.1% of the nearby eating establishments. 

"McDonald's!" the kids chanted with enthusiasm.

"NO!"  Kedar and I retorted, matching their gusto.

"Tacos?" someone suggested.

"BLURRRAH!!" one of the kids countered with elaborate fake vomiting noises.

"How 'bout Subway?"

"YUCK!"

"Sizzler?"

"Eeeeww!"

On and on this back and forth went until it was quite apparent that what we needed was a leader.  Someone to take charge and make a choice.  Someone who wasn't afraid to make some enemies, knowing that not everybody would be happy but still willing to make the best decision for the group.  It is in high pressure situations like this that leaders emerge. 

I noticed it happening gradually; Kedar slowly distanced himself from the circular banter, his driving evolved from aimless wandering to purposeful guiding, and his jaw set in resolution.  He'd made a decision.  The car grew quiet as we all waited to see where we would be eating our lunch.  A sharp right turn off of Redwood Road found us in a parking lot, the sign read "The Red Maple."

Our food was delicious, I believe the words "the best Chinese food in the valley" were spoken during the course of the meal.  When our chopsticks were clean and our bellies full the check arrived along with, of course, the fortune cookies.  The kids looked at them with expectation on their faces. 

Conner insisted the "authentic" way to acquire the fortune cookie meant for you was to pick one and then trade with someone else.  So, trade we did.  One by one we held our delicate treats in our hands and snapped them into two pieces.  The magic of anticipating what the hidden message may say found us all and buzzed in the air like static electricity.  We took turns reading our slips of paper.  The kids wondered out loud how their fortunes would play out in reality. 

"Mom, will I really bring sunshine into someones life?" 

"Do I bring sunshine into your life Dad?" 

"What does "priority" mean?"

"Why should my family be my highest priority?"

I was enchanted as I listened to our children.  Conner's paper said he would "bring sunshine into some body's life"so he believed that he would.  For the value that they put on them, these words should have been engraved on gold instead of printed on paper.  For three little minds that have no qualms believing in Santa Clause, Tooth Fairies and Leprechauns, putting faith in something as tangible as a fortune cookie wasn't a stretch at all.  Because they believed, I wanted to.

When my turn came to read, the words hummed in my head.  The realization hit me: there's no reason not to believe in these positive expressions.  Believing words of encouragement, no matter where they come from can only have a positive outcome.  So, I made the choice to believe.             

      
Motivation can come from many places, last Saturday it came to me in a crunchy Chinese cookie.

A Proper Farewell

The holidays are over.  After four weeks off track, the kids are back in school.  This week my goal is to get all of the Christmas decorations put away.  Life is returning to its regular rhythm.  Luckily, before reality found us, we were able to get away for four days, spend some time together and to give 2010 a proper sendoff.

Ending the year in the beauty of nature and the company of my family is one of my favorite traditions.  Each year after Christmas we head up to the family cabin to say goodbye to the ending year and to welcome in the New Year.

We cram into every inch of the cabin and we cram every minute with memories.  

There are snow forts to be made, sleds and snowboards to ride, snowshoe hikes to go on and lots and lots of good food to eat.

The kids love spending this time with their cousins. 

On Sunday, as we were getting ready to head for home Aubrey asked, "Can't we stay here forever?"

The Zoo

Over fall break we took the kids to the zoo.  The weather was perfect, the animals were

active and the kids got along all day.  It was a great day as a family. 

(my favorite picture of the day)

The Pinewood Derby

The Car

The Line-up

The Final Three

Conner and the other scouts had a great time last night at the Pinewood Derby.  Kedar said he would be happy if their car made it to the end of the track in one piece (putting it together was a little stressful this year) so imagine their surprise when Conner's car actually did pretty well!  

Say..."Cookies!"

Yesterday we went with "the cousins" to the Mrs. Fields Cookies Warehouse Tour!  The moment we walked through the door we were greeted by the scrumptious smell of chocolate chip cookies.  I could already sense that I was going to enjoy this tour. 

The kids were amazed by the huge ovens and the gargantuan freezer.  I was amazed by how well my sister-in-law maneuvers a two-seater stroller with just one hand!  Talk about agility! 

The kids had a great time being together (as usual), the grown-ups enjoyed chatting and having a break from the norm, we got free cookie samples and stylin' hats!  The only disappointment was learning that Mrs. Fields actually has nothing to do with Mrs. Fields Cookies any more.  Go figure.

Heritage

Yesterday I spent the evening with my Mom and my Grandma.  I sat with my Mom on my left and my Grandma on my right and I couldn't help but feel extremely lucky to have such incredible women to associate with.

My Grandma was just sixteen when she married her "Prince." They were blissfully happy and quickly had their first baby; my Mom. Soon, they were blessed with 4 more children. When my Grandma was about 30, my Grandpa was in a terrible plane crash that killed everybody instantly; everybody except him. He died shortly after the accident. Grandma was left to raise 5 kids on her own. Mom was left without her Dad at an age when she probably needed him most.

Both of these women have overcome some difficult circumstances.  They have set an example of strength and perseverance, they are leaving a heritage of grace even during trying times, and most importantly, they are establishing an inheritance of faith in our Heavenly Father's plan for His children. 

For these reasons and many others, I feel blessed to call these wonderful women "Mom" and "Grandma."

Yesterday

We spent the day at The Children's Garden at Thanksgiving Point. 

I often think about all of the incredible destinations that we have locally that I don't take advantage of; world class skiing, beautiful mountains with hiking trails and great camp sites, awesome museums and historical sites.  This is one of those places.  We had never been before and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am so glad that I brought my camera along.   

It ended up being a really fun day with Grandma and the cousins!

A Fool's Lunch

Yesterday we had lunch with the kids' cousins. Since it was April Fool's Day we had to do something fun, here's what we ended up eating: PB & J sandwiches with, wormy apples and ...what's this...carrot slices in the chip's bag? How did that happen?

It was really easy to put this silly lunch together but the kids' got a kick out of it, especially my kids who helped me put the whole thing together. They loved pulling an April Fool's trick on their cousins.

I got the idea from familyfun.com, they have tons of great ideas for crafts for kids and family activities.

Strange Things are Happenin'

It was in the produce department of our local WalMart when I first noticed him. He was walking down the aisle toward me. His clothes were far too big for his skinny frame and were smeared with dirt and oil. His long, black hair was in a scraggly ponytail. Bits of forgotten food clung stubbornly to his unkempt facial hair. I noticed him but I looked away.

A few minutes later, I was at the checkout and I saw the same man walk past. He was ahead of me, walking past the bathrooms at the front of the store. Again, I noticed him but I tried not to. I didn't want to be rude. I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. I looked away.

I made it to my car and unloaded the groceries. I turned to walk the cart to the cart return and there he was again. He was parked on the same row that I was but on the opposite side. He was standing at the driver's side of his car with the door open. The way he was standing seemed...odd, out of place somehow. He was facing the car with his back to me but his feet were set wide apart and his hands were clasped in front of him.

He looked backward over his shoulder at me. The look that he gave me was out of place too. Like he was annoyed that I was there walking in that parking lot. "Get out of my parking lot," he was saying with his eyes. By this time, I had put the cart away and was headed back toward my car. I was hurrying now, I wanted to get away from his unrelenting stare. I heard a faint splashing noise.

That's when I recognised what his posture meant, and added that to the steady trickling I was hearing. That's when I realized why he was looking at me like I was intruding somewhere that I wasn't wanted. And that's when it dawned on me that he was urinating there in the WalMart parking lot, that the bathroom in the store he had walked past 5 minutes earlier hadn't been convenient enough. And once again, I looked away.

I Laughed... I Cried (but not in that order)

-I just got back from the dentist's.
-I feel like a duck
-or a duck billed platypus.
-My mouth is still numb
-but not everywhere, so it hurts too.
-It was a bad visit.
-So, I needed some "blogging therapy."
-It was either that or "shopping therapy"
-but I didn't want to shop while looking like a duck.
-I get really nervous about going to the dentist's.
-I hear that's pretty common.
-I thought I'd try the nitrous.
-I had a weird reaction to it.
-I don't know if that's common.
-I felt out of control.
-I started crying.
-I had tears rolling into my hair.
-I couldn't help it.
-It was embarrassing.
-They turned the gas down.
-I started laughing
-really hard,
-until I had tears rolling into my hair.
-Again.
-I couldn't help it.
-It was embarrassing.
-I left the dentist's office with mascara all over my face.
-I called Kedar from my car to talk with him about it.
-He asked why I cried.
-I told him I had no idea.
-I'm still really nervous about going to the dentist's
-and now I'm embarrassed about going too.

Traditions

One of my favorite traditions that we have as a family is going up to my parents' cabin the week after Christmas. We play in the snow;



sledding, snowmobiling and snow shoeing.


When we are too tired or too lazy to go outside we stay inside playing games, watching movies and eating way too much. This year was no different. We played hard, stayed up late and spent time together.

Several years ago, on New Year's Eve, my Mom sat us all down and presented us with these questions: "What did you accomplish in the last year that you are most proud of?" and "What are you going to do in the coming year, no matter what?" Honestly, when she proposed that we go around the room and each answer these questions, the response she got wasn't exactly enthusiastic. Sometimes it's hard to give questions like these serious thought.

But these questions have become a tradition. The answers that are given as we make our way around the circle in the family room are often simple but are a tiny glimpse of a complex back story. The birth of a baby (or two), the completion of a bike race or the organization of a bake sale may be given as accomplishments from the past year. These answers, as simple as they are, speak volumes to us as a family. We know of the weeks in the hospital before and after the births, we know of the triumph of emotionally conquering on that particular race course and we know of the huge influence for good something as simple as a bake sale can have.

This year Kedar was able to say as his turn came, "The accomplishment that I am the most proud of this year is graduating." His response didn't surprise me but still brought tears to my eyes. The journey was the part that was left unspoken. Twelve years of perseverance were represented in his quiet answer. I was so glad that he had a place where he could say it out loud and have what he wasn't saying be understood.

Family Pictures

We recently had our family pictures taken. Our last family pictures were taken while I was pregnant with Aubrey. Somehow, I think it's important for every member of a family to be represented in family pictures. We would walk by the old picture hanging on the wall and Aubrey would point to each person and name them, then ask, "Where's Aubrey?"

It was crazy choosing colors, picking out clothes that "coordinated" but weren't too "matchy-matchy," choosing a location and getting everybody ready that morning. But after all of that, we made it to Eden, the location that our photographer recommend, and it was beautiful!

Just what I was hoping for. There were awesome old buildings, this great antique truck and beautiful fall leaves. One of the buildings that we used in some of the pictures was an old blacksmith shop with a huge wooden door that had so much character. There was a year stamped on the door: 1859.

Not only was the location perfect but it was so fun to spend that time together. Our only agenda (besides getting some great family photos, no pressure, right?) was spending time together. We didn't have anywhere else to be, we just enjoyed each other. There were a few moments where the kids were cold or were sick of smiling, actually, by the end I was tired of smiling too, but all in all it was a great day for us as a family. And we got some beautiful and unique pictures.

The only disappointment of the day? We promised the kids that we would stop by the Burger Barn on the way home for dinner. We talked it up all day. We emphasized the HUGE portions and accentuated every detail of the GIANT fries. We told them stories of how my dad used to take my siblings and I there on special occasions and of Kedar and I going there together after we were first married. We got to the parking lot and...it wasn't there. In the place of the legendary Burger Barn was a very ordinary Starbucks Coffee. We had to settle for Sizzler.

Photos by D&T Photo Used with Permission