Jeanie Beanie

My Ainsley Jean is getting so big! She will be 5 in July! I cannot even believe it. April 8th I took her to Kindergarten orientation. She got a new Silver Crest Knights T-Shirt. There were 5 stations set up with different games and she loved it. She is so smart and knew exactly what to do. She was so excited to have a shirt like Brinnley. We put it on at school so she could wear it home. I am so excited for her to start school. She is ready to have her own friends and do her own things. But I am almost more nervous about her starting than I was with Brinnley. She is a little more reserved and she is such a tiny little thing. But she will do great and she is ready!

I am so proud of my girl. I have seen so much growth in her lately. She loves her big words, and "actually" is still one of her favorites. She has taken quite a liking to playing with Polly Pockets and her Calico Critters. And she's been playing with her babies more. I love listening to her play. She has such an active imagination. It reminds me of when I was little playing with my dolls and Barbies. She loves to color and draw and play with playdough. She loves reading books. That is our time to sit and enjoy quiet time.

But one of the biggest changes I have seen in her has been her behavior. She used to get instantly frustrated when she didn't get what she wanted or something didn't work right. Her reaction was to scream and throw a fit. Occasionally that still happens, but it is a lot less frequently. She has gotten so much more even tempered. Her biggest frustration in life right now is a little brother that likes to torment her and kick her toys over. But she is learning that instead of yelling at him, go get Mom or Dad to "Take care of it."

She is still a master debater, well practiced in proving and defending her point. Often I am left speechless or laughing. Where does she come up with this stuff? She pays attention to details. The other day we were in the car and she said to me, "Mom, did you know there was this plane that had a crack in it and they had to emergency land and all the people had to get on another plane but that plane had a crack in it too. But luckily nobody died." I asked her where she heard that. "Watching the news with Daddy." She loves to watch the news. Often when I come down the stairs in the morning she is sitting on the couch holding the remote. When she sees me she smiles and says with a giggle, "I'm just watching the news."

She loves music and learns lyrics amazingly fast! Her favorite songs right now are Justin Bieber's Baby and the music from the Camp Rock soundtrack. She has every word down for Baby. It is the funnest thing to hear her sing. We have dance parties in the living room and we always sing in the car. She is such a fun little girl.

She is still my little monkey girl. Each night her bed is piled high with monkey friends of all kinds. She is my girly-girl. She loves to dress in "fancy" clothes and she likes bright colors, patterns and designs. She cares about things like the right shoes. She has been talking about a new bedspread because hers is a dark purple and she wants a brighter one. Her favorite color is still blue with pink as the close second.

She always amazes me with her knowledge. We were in the car yesterday and we were talking about how the mannequins in the store windows at the mall were wearing tank tops and short skirts. We talked about that and if it was okay. Brinnley said that we should always wear a t-shirt with a tank top. Ainsley said, "yeah, because we need to be modest." And yesterday as well she asked when we were going to have the missionaries over for dinner. I told her I didn't know who the missionaries in our area are and if we had missionaries in our ward. She looked at me with a shocked face and said, "Of course we have missionaries or we wouldn't have anyone to teach the people what is right and about Jesus." She pays more attention than I think.



I just love this tender little girl! My life would not be the same without her. She has taught me so much and continues to amaze me every day. I love you Ainsley Jean!





(Here she is with her bear in his bed made out of a melted record.)








(Wearing the mask she made with Auntie J.)














(All ready for church. This sweater and these boots are her favorites.)

Love you, Miss you

Today is my Grandma's birthday. She was born April 8, 1912. She died June 2001. I miss her. I have been thinking about her a lot lately. For April Fools Day the local news guy was showing how to make chocolate covered cotton balls. I started crying because just that morning I was telling Chant of the time when Mom and I were living with Grandma and she made me cotton-filled pancakes for April Fools. Chant thought that was so weird. Not so my dear husband!

My Grandma was an amazing person. I was born when she was 70 years old, so I don't have the same types of stories as my brothers or older cousins who told of times when she was active and chasing them and tying with a leash to trees to keep them in the yard. But I still have plenty of memories. She loved to quilt. There was hardly a time when the quilt frames were not set up in her living room. I used to lay on the floor underneath the canopy playing or watching tv. She made a quilt for every one of her grandchildren for when they got married. She started working on quilts when the grandchildren were born. When it was finished she would lovingly pack it away in the attic until it was time. Even though my Grandma passed two years before I married, I had a quilt waiting for me on my special day. And I cherish it!

I have probably written about this before at some time but I'm going to share it again. I worked in West Yellowstone, Montana every summer from the time I was 16 till I was 21. My first two summers I lived with Grandma. It was a special time for me. One of the things that stands out most is that every morning we had to watch Bob Barker on The Price is Right. I promised her when I turned 21 (the age limit to be a contestant on the show) I would take her to the show. She died when I was 19, so I was unable to keep my promise. I still can't watch that show without thinking of her and having tears come to my eyes. I so badly wish I could have taken that trip with her!

Since we have moved closer to family and have had many opportunities to open our home to others, I think of her and the example she set. Her home was open to all. I am sure a great number of my cousins have taken their turn living at her home for a summer or longer. It didn't matter the number of people, the more the merrier. Every Christmas all the extended family would flock to Grandma's for Family Christmas. Wall to wall people. Some of my favorite memories with my family happened during those times.

She was a hard worker. I had a few occasions to help her wash the laundry in the old metal tubs with the ringers. Dangerous job! My fingers got sucked in one time and it did not feel good! Even though she had an electric washer and dryer, she used her old wringer washer and a clothes line for as long as she was able.

I have felt her with me a few times since she has passed and she has brought me such comfort in my times of need. I am so thankful for this amazing woman and that I had a chance to know her. I love you Grandma and miss you! Happy Birthday!

Gratitude

Lately we have been blessed to spend a lot of time with family. March 19th and 24th we were with Chant's Dad and family celebrating birthdays. Then my sister-in-law, Sokie, brought her kids Crystal, Lincoln, and Naomi to our house last week for an afternoon of food and fun. It was so good to get to know her better! She is wonderful and so are her kids!




For Conference weekend my brother, Kasey, brought his family to stay at our house so they could go to the Conference Center for a session of Conference. It was wonderful to have them. Our living room was wall to wall beds and people, but I loved it! I am so grateful they want to come to our house and I hope they know how much we enjoy them when they are here!



(Brinnley, Lily, Ainsley, Brent, and Porter)


















This was their one freeby crazy face.











All the cousins: Lance, Lacey, Luke
Brinnley, Porter, Lily, Ainsley, and Brent






This Conference was somewhat of a miracle for my little family. I think this was the first time we have been able to listen to all 4 sessions of Conference since we have had kids. And it was incredible! For the Saturday morning session, Kasey and his family went to the Conference Center and my family loaded up in the car with a lot of popcorn and water bottles. We drove up to the Timpanogas Caves (I can't spell). We just drove for the entire two hours. My hope was that we would be a captive audience to the radio and we wouldn't be able to move around. But I was worried the kids would scream and fight. I was pleasantly surprised. They did so we and we were able to listen. Saturday afternoon we watched it from home, as well as both sessions Sunday.

This Conference was beautiful and motivating. There was one talk in particular that touched me. The speaker talked about mothers and how some have to work and some stay home. He said the Lord was grateful for our efforts in raising His children. I came away feeling like it was just what I needed to hear. There are times I feel like what I do is not so significant. But that's not true. What I do in the home is the most valuable work I will ever do. Even though I may feel that dishes and laundry and housework are menial, it teaches my children cleanliness and the importance of hard work. Every day I teach my children whether through example when they see me read my scriptures or say my prayers or whether it is physical teaching of things like letters and numbers and writing. What I do matters and even the small things are important. I need to find joy and accomplishment in them. I came away with feelings of love and gratitude for the Lord and his prophet and a desire to do better.




Yesterday we enjoyed a quick visit with my parents as they were on their way for a much deserved vacation. And now today my mother-in-law comes to town. I feel so grateful to be close to family so we can see them more than 3 times a year and that we can be more actively involved with things. We are loving it!

Truly we are blessed!



A very important side note: March 24 we signed the papers for our business loan. We hope to have our chiropractic office opened by the end of the month and then have the grand opening in May. We are so blessed and grateful that things are working out!

Leprechaun Hunters

My Brinnley Beth has been talking about her plans to catch a Leprechaun since the beginning of March. Her and her friend Ethan talked on the bus each day about how they were going to catch one. The plan started out with setting a trap outside and sleeping next to it. It continued to evolve, but it was an ever present topic of conversation. As St. Patrick's Day approach I began to wonder what we were going to do to help this little lady's dream come true. Finding a Leprechaun isn't easy, trust me. The day before I set out on a mission. I wasn't coming home without a little green friend! I went to Target and found this beauty. Awesome!

So before bed we helped the girls put warm water into a bowl, because of course Leprechauns like to take warm baths just like the rest of us, and set it outside.

When we woke up the next morning we ran outside to see if our trap had worked! Yep! Our little green friend was enticed by the warm water and when he entered into the water was sucked up into the globe and he is inside, ours forever. He even left us a bucket of treasure. What else but chocolate! We had three very thrilled kiddos! Brinn had to print a picture of him so she could take it to school and show all her friends. (Hope we don't have parents out there mad at us!) It was a pretty special day for us!

Weekend Fun

Last weekend (March 11-13) we made a trip to Twin Falls. We got to town about noon and met my dad and his wife Tammy at McDonald's. When we walked in the kids ran up to him and gave him big hugs. After lunch they took us to a place called Hop 2 It. It is filled with jump houses. The kids had so much fun! They were so red in their faces! It made me laugh because the employee said he didn't know kids could sweat till he started working there.



It was so good to see my dad. The last time we saw him Porter was only 6 months old. We had a great time and I learned a lot about him and our family! Thank you!






































After we left the bounce house, we went to my brother's house. My Mom and Dad were already there. The reason for the mass gathering was to celebrate my nephew, Brent's, 4th birthday. He just came to our family last summer so this was the first birthday with him. Friday was dinner, a trip to the mall, and a movie since it was later in the day. The Last 3 Days was quite the edge of your seat movie! And going to the mall with my nieces and nephews was a fun time! They are such good, fun kids.

Saturday was a lot of fun. It was birthday day! Kasey had a meeting that went till noon. It gave us time to go to Target and get new swimsuits for the girls. Mom, Dad, and I took my girls and cousin Lily. It was so cute. We had probably 10 suits and all 5 of us girls were in a dressing room. They were so cute modeling for each other and looking in the mirror. Suits with skirts was the clear winner this year.

After lunch we went swimming at the Y and the girls were able to show off their cute suits. My kids had so much fun! Water babies. Brinn was crazy! She was everywhere! Ainsley's highlight was swishing her skirt. She has some Latin hips that one! And Porter was content to stay on the stairs and play catch with me and Grandma.














I thought this was so cute! Porter was loving the piano and Lance sat down with him and played for a while. Porter was loving it. I think we may have to start piano lessons for the kids.














Saturday morning Dad, Chant, Lance, and Hunter went to a rock show. That's Dad thing. But they all had a great time. That afternoon Chant and Dad were on the computer checking out different types of gems and I don't know what else. They were in their own world for a long time.







Saturday evening it was party time. Tracy had made a Spiderman vs. Hulk birthday cake. Very creative!

(Porter, Brinn, Lily, Ainsley, Luke, and Brent.)










(Grandma, McKenzie, Kasey, Ashley, and Lacey)
















Brent was so darn cute! He was so excited about the cake! After he blew out his candles he took them out and starting licking off the frosting. He knew what was up.












Love this picture! Spiderman was the clear winner. He got a Spiderman shirt and shoes. He was a happy little boy.

























Lacey, Z, and Ashley













It was such a fun weekend and we are so glad we were able to be there to help him celebrate! Happy birthday Brent!

Rambling Thought on Faith

I believe in my Savior Jesus Christ. I know I have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers. I have faith that He will answer them, even though it may not be how I want or in the timetable I want. But, does having faith mean that I go through my day completely unconcerned about anything, just having faith that everything will be okay? Or can it still be considered faith if I have worries and fears about the future but I still wake up everyday and put one foot in front of the other on the path I know I should be on. Does faith mean having a complete absence of fear or can it mean having fears but putting them aside long enough to move forward instead of standing still or taking the easier path that is not the right path? I hope that in times when we are at our lowest Heavenly Father will accept the act of moving forward even though we are fearful enough of a display of faith. I know things will be okay in the end, sometimes it is just the unknown of what will happen on the journey to the pot of gold that is terrifying. So hopefully what I have to give is enough and the Savior will step in and give me a boost when it's not.

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

(Warning: This may possibly be the longest post ever, but I'm not sorry!)

My birthday was yesterday, the 13th, but we celebrated it Saturday. A few weeks ago we were in Provo and I saw a poster advertising a Mindy Gledhill concert on Feb 12th. I dropped the largest hint ever, well basically I told Chant he needed to buy tickets. I even wrote down the website where the tickets could be bought. And of course my man came through. So Saturday was THE day I had been anticipating for weeks, or maybe longer since I have wanted to see Mindy Gledhill in concert since the moment I heard her first song. I guess in order for this post to really mean much, I have to explain that I adore Mindy. She has the voice of an angel and her lyrics are beautiful. She makes me happy, keeps me calm and sane. She is to me what Micheal Jackson is to Chant, Paul Simon is to Susan, and Switchfoot is to Ben (you know who you are).

Jen showed up about 1:30 to babysit and by 3:00 the kids were pushing us out the door. They wanted Jen to themselves. So Chant and I wandered around Hobby Lobby and then went to dinner at Olive Garden. DELICIOUS! (That picture way up there is Chant at the restaurant.)
After we finished dinner we drove to Provo. The doors didn't open until 7:30. It wasn't even 6:00. So we wandered through some Boutiques, walked up and down the street for a while, and finally about 6:50 sat on a bench in front of the venue, Velour. We were insanely early because I wanted to be the first ones there because seating was first come first seated. And we were the first ones in line!



There I am at the head of the line anxiously waiting to take my front row seat.
















The inside was so decorated so cute, in red for Valentine's Day. Twinkle lights and hearts topped it off.











Here we are in all our front row glory!



























I absolutely adored the chandelier. Loved the ambiance of it all.



























And I had to get a picture of this awesome art.













The show was supposed to start at 8:00 but it didn't start till 8:30. The wait was well worth it. The opening act was an Indie singer named Libbie Linton. She was really good! A nice way to start the evening.









This is Mindy's guitar player. He flew in all the way from LA to be here. And he is amazing! (Sorry I can't remember his name.)





So, backing up a little. Mindy is the one who introduced Libbie. Mindy came out with a Jamba Juice in hand and told us that she was losing her voice but the show would still go on. She asked that we sing along with her when her voice went out. So when Libbie finished singing Mindy came in front of the stage, right in front of Chant and I, carrying 4 different drinks. After she had set them down, she turned around and came right over to me. She held her cell phone out and asked if I would take pictures of the show. I was in shock. Of course I said yes. But I was an I Phone and I am technologically retarded, so I handed it off to Chant so he could figure it out. There is no way I was going to give it back! He took pictures of her on her phone while I snapped away with our camera.

This was an amazing evening! True to her request, the audience, myself included, sang every single song along with Mindy. At the end of one song she started laughing. She said she could tell there were men there supporting their wives who didn't really know the lyrics but were singing along anyway. Chant yelled, "I'm sorry!" Mindy has an amazing voice even when she was losing it. And she is a wonderful performer. I loved watching her sing. Each song meant a lot to her and it showed. And I loved hearing the background behind the songs. I loved them before and now they mean that much more. She is an a beautiful person inside and out. It was the best evening ever!














She asked for her phone back before the last song because she wanted to take pictures of the audience. Not going to lie, I was bummed because I thought I would be able to give it back to her at the end of the show and talk to her. But when she finished singing she came to the front of the stage. I was so excited! I waited for a few minutes and then I was able to talk to her. I asked her to sign the t-shirt Chant had bought for me. She told me thank you for taking pictures for her. And then I was able to get my picture taken with her. I have the cheesiest grin ever! I was so thrilled to be talking to her! It was seriously a dream come true! She is amazing! The BEST birthday ever! Thank you so much Chant! You are an amazing husband and I had the best time ever!




























Now to my actual birthday. Since we don't have Church till 1:00, we got up, got ready and took a drive to Brighton. We were able to watch all the people skiing down the hill. The kids said they looked like little ants. Then we came home in time to get lunch then go to church. For dinner we had French Toast and scrambled eggs per my request. Brinnley and Ainsley had decorated the house for me so I sat in the birthday chair that was decorated with pink and white streamers.

Then they all sang me happy birthday and we had cake. Kerry and Frances came over for a while. It was so nice to be close enough that they could do that. Thank you!

My dear friend Becca called while they were here, so I didn't answer because I wanted to be able to talk. I called her back after Kerry and Frances left. I was on the phone to her in my room when Chant came in and said there were three people in the living room and I needed to come down stairs. I told Becca I had to got and I would call her back. I could tell she was disappointed. When I got downstairs there stood Becca's mom and two sisters (Lisa and Heather). They said Becca had asked them to come over and see me since she couldn't be here. They had flowers and chocolate. And I had tears. Seriously so sweet! They stayed and talked for over an hour and it was so nice. I felt like my dear friend was here with me. So thoughtful! Love you Becca! And I got so many phone calls and happy birthday wishes on Facebook. It was an amazing day and I feel so loved! Truly, the best birthday ever!














P.S. Mindy blogged about the concert on her blog. The pictures of Mindy are ones Chant took. He also took the sideways shot of me and the other front row people. Check it out. Her blog is mindygledhill.blogspot.com and the post is titled A Valentine Miracle.

Lunchtime Conversations

B: Wasn't that game great last night? (Referring to the Super Bowl)
A: Yep, it was great!
B: Who won?
Mom: Green Bay.
B: Bummer I wanted the Steelers to win. I'm in love with them. Weren't the Black Eyed Peas great? Ainsley, who painted your toes?

All I can say is it's a good thing they have Auntie J to explain the game! And don't you just love how easily distracted kids are? Crack me up!