Things Mostly

Colby's 7th Birthday

2012-01-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Why is my funny little boy getting so old? And why do I have to buy him electronic presents instead of the stuffed bears and toys he used to want? I hate it. I wanted him to stay five forever and he's already all the way to seven. Yuck. Anyway, Scott and I tried really hard to make him especially happy on his big day. I kicked things off with cinnamon rolls from scratch. Then we unveiled the iPod that Scott had hunted down on Craigslist and loaded to the hilt with movies, music and games including The Hulk, which is Colby's favorite. Now he can incessantly geek out with his big brother. We had lunch from Panda Express, spent most of the day at the park playing ball with cousins (Nallys, Wellmans, Hardins), and then had a quiet evening alone with our birthday boy at a fancy restaurant (Chili's!) while grandma watched the other kids. Went to Walmart (where else?) to spend some birthday money, and capped the evening off at home with cake and ice cream and more cousins (Scott, Cheryl & kids). I don't think there's anything else we could possibly have squeezed into the schedule. I love my handsome guy...happy birthday Colby!

I was so busy taking video that I didn't take a lot of pictures. I noticed in the ones I did get, though, that Scott and I are looking a little old and tired!

Missionary Mom

2012-01-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

My mom raised ten kids. Six were still living at home (and the youngest was six years old) when my dad passed away. Now the youngest is 20 and a sophomore in college. Since her proverbial nest emptied out, my mom completed some computer training at a tech school and submitted papers to serve a mission. Isn't she something? Her call just came last week...to the Family History Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm so excited I could burst (yet secretly a little glad that it's only for one year)!

Reed's Baby Blessing

2012-01-17T14:54:00.003-07:00

My sweet baby Reed was blessed on Sunday, January 8th., and boy did we celebrate. Scott and I spent several months in preparation for this event, grooming the house and the yard to accommodate 100 people for a luncheon. Though most of it is a blur, I think we pulled it off, thanks to a yard full of tables and chairs and the compliance of the weather. And thanks to everyone who brought delicious food to share! After the crowds died down I remembered to pull my camera out, so here are a few pictures of some (nowhere near all) of the people who were there.

My family is a gift and a miracle. I'm astounded that I get to have great friends on top of that! I'm so happy just to be with them. Reed is another welcomed blessing in our lives.

So Very Merry

2012-01-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

We had Christmas at home this year with a few special guests. After the Christmas Eve party at the Nallys, my mom and sister Shana came home with us to spend the night. They stayed up late and helped Scott and me to wrap presents, hang stockings and watch "It's a Wonderful Life," which was so nice.

The next morning went down much like you would expect. The kids all got new jammies, a couple of toys and some video games. The most exciting present was the tether-ball pole dad built for them in the backyard.

Even us grown-ups got a few presents. After a tasty breakfast of cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit, we all raced out the door to go to church! It was a quick meeting of mostly Christmas music by the choir...lovely. Then home again with a few friends in tow. Kevin brought over his two daughters D.D. and Kaitlyn as well as a feast of finger foods to snack on while my mom and I made Christmas dinner (ribs, potatoes, salad, rolls and lots of pie for dessert). The weather was glorious! We played outside in the warm sun most of the day. Grandma Gordon stopped by and brought a whole second round of gifts. We were stuffed full of food and fun and happy moments with dear loved ones.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling you get when December hits, like you're standing on a platform and the Christmas train is whizzing by and you better jump on or you're gonna miss it?! I swear no matter how many traditions we indulge in, I feel like we're missing or forgetting ten others. Anyway, this one landed in my lap and I'm glad it did. I was at my sister's house yesterday and her husband was making gingerbread dough (yes, he spontaneously does that and many other festive things which I love and admire). So, I talked him into giving me a chunk of it, and I brought it home (as well as a few of his cute cookie cutters) and had a classic Christmas family night with my favorite people. For someone like me who stresses out about getting enough Christmas in before it's over, it was so satisfying. If we don't make it back on the Christmas train for the rest of the month, at least last night we had one good ride!

Giving Thanks

2011-12-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

I only ever really wanted two things - to be a wife (with the stipulation that I would fall madly in love with someone who was madly in love with me) and to be a mother. Having had the happiest possible childhood experience in a big happy family, all I wanted for myself as an adult was just that - a big, happy family. Now that I have all that I fondly dreamed of since I was a girl, I get pretty choked up when I think about how lucky I am. I pray every day (at least twice) that we'll always be safe and well, and that we'll always be together. And since I'm totally dependent on Jesus Christ for those things to remain possible, I get a little choked up when I think about Him too. Since it's that thankful time of year, I feel inclined to give credit where it's due. Gifts like these could only come from God, and I'm so grateful to Him.

A Backyard is Born

2011-11-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

We've owned our home for 6 years and this is what the backyard has always looked like. Our excuses were these: Scott's too busy to work on it, Tami's not cut-out for yard work, we can't afford to pay a landscaper, etc. After a few years of griping, nagging and procrastinating, I just threw some sand toys back there and gave up hope. When fall hit the valley this year (with a heap load of gorgeous weather), and we added one more noise maker to the ranks of our cooped-up kids, I decided I would wait no longer. I must have a yard. I must! I prayed that God would provide a way. I demanded that my husband make it happen. I think Eric's willingness to help gave him extra motivation. (My threats to open a credit card and pay for it myself probably motivated him too.) But he did it! And he did it so well. I have bright green grass and a planter for vegetables, and my quality of life has already improved ten fold. Thank you Eric, Scott and Phillip for helping! I LOVE my new backyard.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-16T21:38:00.003-07:00

Our Halloween was, as usual, an extended event. We attended two parties in addition to the actual trick-or-treating, ate more candy than I care to mention, and took more pictures than I care to post. Here are the highlights. First off, take a look at the fantastic costume that Nolan and I made together and he later refused to wear...

When he suddenly decided, on the night of our church Trunk or Treat party, that he was too embarrased to wear this in public, his Grandma Wellman ran out and bought him a motorcross costume that seemed to satisfy. Thank heaven she was there to save the day and to help me out with the kids at the party (Scott was off scouting with the young men that night - although, I got a couple pictures of him before he left).

And here are our fun friends and trunk buddies, the Levanders...

Darah made that cute pumpkin hat for Reed. All the kids were SO cute in their costumes.

Then there was the family party. Always awesome.

Chrysta's husband Jonny was able to prevail in the potato sack races this year, which was exciting because usually no one can beat Eric. I love living so close to family - they make the holidays so great :)

Wild West Festival

2011-10-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I were looking for something fun to do with the kids during Fall Break and we were tipped off to the Wild West Festival going on in Glendale. We could have (and probably should have) gone to the state fair for the amount of money we spent, but I think the kids were none the wiser. They thought it was great...

Nolan rode the zip line.

Colby got his face painted.

There were races...

Go Hanna!

And everyone rode the train...Over and over and over again :)

It was hot!

My Baseball Boys

2011-10-07T15:56:00.001-07:00

These are fun days for me (even though it adds about 4 additional obligations to my schedule each week). I love watching my boys play ball. Their accomplishments are meager at these young ages, but they might as well be in the major leagues - I get so excited! Colby has a natural batting stance and a nice, comfortable swing. He gets a hit every time he gets up to bat. When he pounces onto first base and starts jumping for joy, I do a little jumping myself! Nolan has a strong arm and is already being played as the pitcher. Since this was not something we suggested or encouraged, Scott and I were pleasantly surprised to watch him actually striking people out! He also hit a home run at his first game. He may have obtained it off of overthrows and errors, but I seriously had to resist the urge to carry him off the field on my shoulders...what an all-star!

Speedy Delivery!

2011-09-19T17:49:00.001-07:00

With fierce pride and great joy I would like to announce that our fourth son and fifth child was born on Tuesday evening at 6:38pm (September 13th, 2011), weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz and measuring 19 inches long. We named him Reed Jeffrey, and here is his story...

On the morning of Tuesday, September 13th, I got a phone call from my mother. She told me she had been asked to babysit for some other family members for an extended period of time. She wanted to check with me before agreeing and making the arrangements. "Now, you won't be going into labor today, right?" she asked. "Not today, mom," I replied, and felt certain. My due date was not for another two and a half weeks, and I had never gone into labor early. I'd never even gone into labor on my own. And I was decidedly holding out to the end and then some - I wanted to have him in October. So as to double curse me, I guess, my husband also asked me that morning, knowing that he had a full load that day and would be tied up until late at night. "You're not going to have the baby today, right?"
"That's right!" I reassured him.
He even texted me around lunch time, in between cases..."No babies?"
"Nope. Nothing."
I ran errands, cleaned house and started a sewing project that afternoon. I picked my kids up from school, and got dinner going, and around 4:45 I started to recognize some occasional contractions. By 5:15 I felt like they were strong enough that I should call Scott. Once I got him on the phone, I told him that I thought something might be starting and maybe he should head home. He asked if he had time to stop for fast food and I didn't see why not. Then I got on the line with my mom and told her not to panic and not to worry, but to head over if she could, when she could. I began to clean up around the house and pack my things for the hospital. Within half an hour, I was in hard steady labor, my mom had not even left yet, and Scott was at some Burger King somewhere...
I called Darah.
Darah is my neighbor, my visiting teaching companion and my dear friend, and she had been texting/calling me for several days saying "Are you feeling anything yet? Are you dilated? Are you having contractions? Call me if anything happens!" My thoughts were, "Take it easy, Darah. I got two and a half weeks to go." Apparently, she knew something I didn't know. Plus she lives super close so I called her. Thankfully (and unlike the other two) she didn't listen to me when I said there's no rush. She showed up like a minute later, and she was just what I needed. By that point I was on all fours on my bedroom floor in total agony, making a lot of noise and scaring my kids. Darah distracted them with a movie and some microwave popcorn, then gathered up my things and put me in the van. When Scott finally pulled up, the van was already running. He hopped in and we tore off...
The fifteen minutes between our house and the hospital were excruciating, the worst 15 minutes of my life. That is accurate, not exaggerated! I was crouched in the back of the van, trying not to make a move that would break my water, resisting the urge to push, and screaming through every contraction (I have learned that I am very loud when I'm in pain). Scott was speeding, flashing the hazard lights and trying to get through to the hospital on the phone. He wanted them to meet us at the curb with a gurney. They kept transferring him to medical records. He got desperate and called 911 - they notified the hospital that we were coming. When we hit the curb at the emergency room, there were about 5 nurses ready with a wheel chair. Once I was secured, they sprinted for labor and delivery. And other than the part when I pull my pants down, climb on the table, and push the baby out (pretty much all in one motion), that is the end of the story. The time that lapsed from the onset of contractions to Reed's arrival was one hour and a half! I still don't believe the story myself!
Though I didn't love the way he chose to come here, I am now totally in love with this baby. He is happy, sweet and perfect, and I am blessed as can be.

This is Reed's Uncle Jeff and the person he got his middle name from. When he grows up and asks me why I named him after Uncle Jeff, I'll tell him what a good brother Jeff has been to me. How he beat up my bullies for me from the time I was a grade-schooler. How he stayed with me in the hospital when I had knee surgery, and did a funny running man dance to keep my mind off the I.V. How he stepped in as a father figure, and set the example for us younger siblings after our dad died. How he loves and cuddles little babies, and can somehow quiet them down and get them to sleep better than I can. And how he still does thoughtful things to show me he loves me, like taking me out for sushi on my birthday. I hope Reed will be grateful when he grows up, that we gave him such a good name.

Nolan's 9th Birthday

2011-09-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

The fates really came together for this boy on his 9th birthday. The weekend before, Scott happened to be invited through work to a Diamondbacks game (two tickets, catered in a luxury sweet, and spending money included). So Nolan got treated to not only a professional baseball game (which he found thoroughly riveting), but also ballgame food and a new hat! I was so glad he could have that experience with his dad for his birthday.

Then on Sunday we had Uncle Paul and his family over (one of our favorite traditions), because Paul and Nolan share the exact same birthday (and the same love for cake and video games). Therefore, we had cake and played video games. So fun.

For presents, Nolan got his own set of scriptures (finally!), and a super cool watch - both at his request. Kinda sad that he's graduating from toys and games to big boy presents. And on Monday, the actual day of his birthday, we were invited to a bowling family home (away from home) evening with some extended family, including some of Nolan's favorite cousins (also a fortuitous happenstance, yet perfect birthday surprise!). The kid lucked out for his birthday. And I've lucked out to have him for a kid!

Nolan, I'm so glad you were born!

Blogging Belatedly on Baptism

2011-09-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Nolan recently had a birthday, which means one whole year has gone by and I haven't blogged about his baptism. I remember that time last year being very stressful - lots of planning, preparing, etc. I remember blogging about the fantastic party he had, but not about the baptism (which is a much bigger milestone), and I want to make sure it gets onto the records, so here goes...

The thing I remember about Nolan and the whole baptism thing was how hard I tried to make sure he understood what he was choosing to do. In the church I belong to (The Mormon Church), we don't believe in baptizing babies, or in signing kids up for spiritual covenants without their permission. We figure that at about eight years old they're able to recognize right and wrong, and that they might have a sin or two to repent for, and that they can grasp the concepts of redemption and salvation, and they are therefore allowed and encouraged to be baptized at eight and/or any age after that.

So in my efforts to make sure it was really what he wanted, we had lots of long talks and lessons on the subject. He must have wondered if I even wanted him to get baptized, because it was almost as if I were trying to talk him out of it. I told him he shouldn't do it unless he really believed in Jesus Christ. I told him that if he got baptized, that meant he was making big promises - he would have to choose the right (even if mom wasn't watching). I told him it meant no lying, no stealing, he'd probably have to leave home at some point to serve a mission, and he'd definately have to go to church EVERY sunday for the rest of his life!

I was totally prepared to postpone the event if he couldn't agree or commit. I'm so grateful that he could. I'm so grateful for the pure faith of a young child, and my eight-year-old's willingness to believe in an invisible being and trust Him enough to follow Him. I'm so glad Nolan said, "Yes mom! I will, I promise! Will you please let me get baptized?!" So, of course I did. And it was such a special day. One worth blogging about - even a year later :)

And Let's Not Forget Pre-School...

2011-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

My little girl...how did it happen so quickly? Hanna has already embarked on her first secular education experience. I signed on for a little preschool co-op with a few other moms in the neighborhood and single-handedly granted the greatest desire of Hanna's heart. She's been envying the autonomy that comes from, and the adventure that is school, for some time now. Well, it's finally happening, and she only wishes it happened more than twice a week!

Back 2 School

2011-08-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Didn't I just cover the last day of school like three posts ago? Well, we're already back around to the first day, and I celebrate every occasion that brings us closer to the end of summer. This has been the longest, hottest, most uncomfortable one I can remember. And since I'm eight months pregnant and I recently contracted Bell's Palsy, I am avoiding all photo opps as well as most public appearances - so the boys got to be dropped off by their dad this year. He was so good to fill in for me and even took pictures. I love him, love him. Here is our back-to-school breakfast and all our goodbye hugs and kisses...

Mr. Liam Turns 2

2011-07-26T15:07:00.001-07:00

I couldn't say enough about how great this kid is and how glad I am to have him. I've become one of those ladies with a lot of kids and I think it's so amazing that each one arrives so vastly different and amply interesting. You'd think he'd be something of a cookie cut-out, but Liam is unique as can be and keeps surprising us as we uncover his quirky talents and personality traits. He is our only child that took straight to thumb-sucking and could not be coerced otherwise. For now, it is still extremely endearing! He also appears to be our first left-hander, which is kind of fun. He took to eating utensils unusually early, and only ever uses his left hand to operate them. He'll fork a whole plate of mac 'n cheese and spoon a whole bowl of oatmeal entirely left handed. And, unlike his easily offended older sister, Liam seems to recognize the value of teasing and sarcasm and he loves to join in. He purposefully switches up our names and acts pretty proud of himself if anyone protests. He mimmicks my facial expressions, whether sour or sweet, and I can't scowl at him for very long because he scowls back with his hands on his hips. Then he proceeds to turn my frown upside down by raising his eyebrows and opening his eyes wide as they'll go and I crack up laughing. Liam's one of those boys who was born with the roar of an engine in his throat, and he'll exercise his skill every time he sees a race car. So when we introduced him to Lightning McQueen he was an instant fan, and always eager to contribute to the sound effects.

He also has some out-of-the-blue, unfounded phobias! We celebrated Liam's birthday a couple weeks ago and he was so excited about his birthday cake so we put him up at the table and pushed it right under his chin and then lit the candles. The fire freaked him out! So I hurried up and blew them out, but the wafting smoke was even worse! He shook with terror. Once the high doses of sugar lulled him into recovery, we were able to laugh about it. Such a funny boy. Happy birthday, Liam! I love you so.

Girl Stuff - So Fun!

2011-07-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month Hanna and I got invited to an estrogen-packed birthday party of ice cream and pedicures. I look forward to making these kinds of memories with Kimber and Madix for years and years to come!

4th of July Grand Finale

2011-07-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

This year we relished in a spectacular pool party at Jeff and Mel's house. Not a detail was missing to make the ideal 4th of July celebration - great food, fun pool, dear family, sparklers for the kids, etc. We thought the fireworks show was the grand finale for the evening, but then we got rear-ended on the way home and received our fill of sparks flying.

I felt bad for Nolan when he woke up the morning after. I hadn't worried about him the night before because Colby and Hanna were the ones in the backseat and they couldn't stop crying and/or complaining about their heads and necks hurting. Nolan was so quiet the whole time. The next day we realized that his face and shins got munched by the back of Scott's seat.

Sugar Camp

2011-07-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

My grandparents on my mother's side own property out in the woods by a lake in the White Mountains. They named it Sugar Camp after one of my grandpa's long-standing terms of endearment, and because of how sweet it is to be there. Such was the case this last weekend. We did the usual woodsy things, catch lizards and fish for crawdads, relax and visit and enjoy the clean air and gorgeous weather. Scott made slings and tried to teach the boys to throw rocks. He's the coolest dad.

Family Reunion

2011-07-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

Our Fourth of July weekend is going to play out kind of like a fireworks show. The next few posts will build slowly up to the grand finale, so stay tuned. These are some pictures of a reunion we planned with my dad's side of the family - just lunch at a park. It was neither lame nor boring, and despite the social norm, I love my Wellman cousins so dearly. It was WONDERFUL to see them again.

This is my crazy Uncle Bob. I told him the cupcakes cost a dollar, and he actually paid up...

Here my sister Lisa and I are posing with our closest cousins, Kim and Kelly. This shot is reminiscent of our some of our fondest childhood memories. We used to play house with candy cigarettes. Whoever was the mom had to be a chain smoker :)

And here's grandma and grandpa and their posterity...

At The Races

2011-07-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

This was another fun cub scout event. I had never heard of a Raingutter Regalia, but it was pretty much a pinewood derby with homemade boats. Anyway, the construction of such things should never be left up to a boy's mother. I made his sail way too big, and it was by no means well-balanced. Nolan's boat kept tipping over and he didn't win any of his races. After the racing was done and the winner was declared, we clipped the sails and glued on some rocks for weights and then it sailed right past the winning boat in an unofficial heat. Too little, too late for Nolan. He does NOT like to lose anything! Time for another family home evening about good sportsmanship...

Summer Fun

2011-06-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

Lakes are fun. Boats are fast. I'm a wimp with a weak stomach, but my husband has a new-found addiction to wake surfing. I'm so glad we got in on a boat birthday party with Kimber and Dave!

Mel Day

2011-06-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

I spent a fun day with an old friend at a public pool / water park and we topped it off with lunch at McDonald's. Important Note To Self: Never be friends with people who are prettier than you and make you look really frumpy in a bathing suit (unless they are really nice and good and fun to be with and you've known them since you were a baby). Thanks for hanging out with us Mel and kids!

Laura's Baby Shower

2011-06-17T13:35:00.001-07:00

This is the team that threw together a shower last weekend for my husband's sister Laura (who has a baby girl on the way). I wanted to spotlight this picture because it is a happy memory of some good sister-in-law time. There is something very special about the Gordon family, being mostly made up of boys (Laura is the sole sister at the end of the line-up). So even though all the brothers have an annoyingly close bond and are constantly sneaking off together; and even though all five wives come from different families, we are surprisingly similar, close in age, and get along like great friends. Funny how all the Gordon boys chose brunettes isn't it? And that's not the only commonality we share. All five Gordon children and their five spouses (that makes ten) graduated from NAU; and all five couples were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple. I bet not many families could say that!

Just for Fun

2011-06-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we get an itch to do something spontaneous. This was our first time bowling as a family (+ Madix). Totally worth it, and fun for everybody! We even let Liam push the ball down the ramp and he would throw his hands up and cheer for himself when he knocked a pin over. Hanna and Madix kept tap dancing on the wood floor in their little bowling shoes. Nolan was a little wild - he plays all sports with 100% gusto. He kept pitching his ball backwards and/or into other peoples lanes. Good times :)

School's Out

2011-06-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's bragging time!

My cute kindergartner has graduated, and I am so proud of how far he's come in one short year. I've never been able to send my kids to formal preschool. I just try to teach them their letters and make sure they can write their name before they head off to kindergarten. I knew I didn't need to worry about Colby keeping up, though. I've known since he was teeny tiny that he's got some super powered brains in his head. I think he was about 3 when he developed a fascination with dinosaurs and collected a library of facts about all the different species. Then around age 4 or so he announced that he was now a squid scientist and felt it was his duty to inform us how they propel themselves through the water backwards by squirting the water out of their mouths and so forth (I credit all this education to PBS - who says TV's not good for your kids?). Anyway, he comes home from school with new knowledge to spout out every day and he's reading like a pro. His teacher says he's testing at a second or third grade level. This is his favorite friend from class, Abby, and his teacher Mr. Pieper.

Nolan has just completed second grade and is no less impressive. In addition to his completion certificate, his teacher Mr. Lin gave him a special award for being an excellent thinker. I couldn't agree more! The greatest thing that happened at graduation, though, was a complete surprise to me. The school's music teacher got up and said that even though she had many students and many classes, she had only chosen two students to receive awards - one boy and one girl. Then she called Nolan up to accept his award as musician of the year! I almost fell out of my seat! I felt really guilty too, though. Apparently he's got a talent that I have not been nurturing. Better get that boy some piano lessons or something.

Here's Nolan with Ian and Mr. Lin...

It's a Boy!

2011-05-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

We are expecting our fifth baby and I admit, I was really hoping for a girl this time. But early in my pregnancy I had a dream that my late father was trying to deliver something to my house and though I was using all my strength to keep him out, he burst through the front door and handed me a baby boy. The strong impression that dream left on me made me realize that this baby was meant for me (us) and I got really excited to meet him. At 20 weeks the ultrasound confirmed what I already knew and I truly shed tears of joy and excitement. I wanted to do something for my kids that night to get them excited like I was...so I made blue pancakes with blueberries and served them with blue milk. When my extremely confused kids asked what was the meaning of this, I told them it was a clue to the mystery in mommy's tummy. Nolan and Colby shouted for joy, and Hanna...well, see for yourself...

Easter 2011

2011-05-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

I remember thinking when I was a kid (especially on holidays) that it must really stink to be an adult and I wish I never had to grow up, since kids get all the presents and have all the fun. I was dead wrong. It is SO much better watching your kids get all the presents and have all the fun. Easter was awesome and family makes all the difference. We got to celebrate three times - twice outdoors with dozens of cousins and once all by ourselves on Easter morning. People probably catch me complaining often about how poor we are in dollars, but in family we are rich, rich, rich! And I know that all the money in the world couldn't make me happier than they do. And I know that Jesus Christ conquered sin and death so that we could have those happy, meaningful, satisfying relationships forever - long after this life. I haven't forgotten what this holiday is about and I, among many, am so grateful for Him and celebrate the fact that He is risen!

10 Years Together!

2011-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

It's fun to look at your life in decades. When you can see a ten-year stage of struggle, tireless work and growth behind you, you feel a real sense of accomplishment. In our ten years of marriage, Scott and I have either completed, obtained or conquered two bachelors degrees, one graduate degree, half a residency, one house and almost five kids - not to mention thousands of happy memories, answered prayers and lessons learned. I wish I could say that after ten years money is no longer an object. Alas, all we could afford to commend the occasion was one night in a mediocre hotel downtown. Still, the dinner, movie and shopping we splurged on was very extravagant compared to our usual forced frugality. These pictures represent a sad attempt to capture a very happy event on Scott's phone. For the sake of my husband and my future posterity, I would like to say that marrying Scott Gordon 10 years ago was not only the best decision I ever made, but also the realization of my fondest childhood dreams, and nothing less than an act of divine providence. Speaking as someone who has the light of the gospel, a bunch of healthy kids and all the comforts of life, I have a lot to be happy about. But if you ask me, nothing feels better than being loved by the one you're in love with.

Ball Game, Baby

2011-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love our gorgeous weather in the Spring. I love when my husband has a day off, and I love spending time with my family. Also, my dad use to take me to Spring Training games when I was a kid, so I happen to love that too! This was a great day.

Hanna's 4th Birthday

2011-04-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

This was an event that was thoroughly thought out and precisely planned by Hanna herself and it was preceded with much anticipation. To break it down neatly, there was some Build-A-Bear, some playground time, a little McDonald's, a few cupcakes and a lot of Madix and Ashley. How sweet! Happy birthday to my darling little girl. You make life SO fun!

We Like to Hike!

2011-04-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

My brother Eric led us on the little waterfall trail at the White Tank mountains a few weeks ago. Eric likes to do a lot more than just hike. He has a very adventurous soul and we've been having lots of fun outings with him since his wife started graduate school and he started taking care of the kids full time. Eric has taught me that "I have little kids" is no excuse when it comes to getting outside and being active!

Spring Break at the Lake

2011-03-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Actually it wasn't OUR spring break, but it was everyone else's. And we never really saw a lake, just lots of snow piles and mud puddles. But we did go camping for a weekend at the Stoneman Lake campground, and brought home several stories worth telling. Some of my siblings invited us and first off, I had to bribe my husband into coming along. He was home from work with a broken ankle and I convinced him that if he was going to sit around at home, he might as well sit around in the woods. I also promised that I would do all the work and he wouldn't have to lift a finger. To make it even easier, we would borrow his mother's luxurious RV - surely nothing could be more relaxing! Much to my shame and his terror, the first thing we did was drive that RV out into the woods and get it stuck rim-deep in the mud. We spent the entire first day trying to dig, pull and peel that beast of a vehicle from its pit. My brothers and sister spent the day on their muddy knees right beside us, not just in manual labor but also in panicked prayer. And I didn't pay one speck of attention to my kids that day - I'm sure my mother (who also tagged along) must have been watching them for me. Just as night was falling, we caved in and called a tow. Though it was the more expensive option out of all the possible answers to our prayers, you could not have known a more grateful group. I could have kissed that grimy man with blackened teeth who did for us in fifteen minutes what we spent all day failing to do for ourselves. Once the RV was safe on solid ground, we breathed a sigh of relief and got back to camping. Only night had fallen, people were getting ready to retire and Shana (our college-aged sister who was traveling in solo) had neither called nor arrived. We knew we wouldn't be able to reach her by phone because of the trouble we had getting service to call a tow truck. But it was hard to know what action to take - maybe she just left late, maybe she decided not to come. If either of those were the case we could just go to bed. However there was a possibility that she was driving around alone on unlit dirt roads trying to find our campsite and had no way to get a hold of us. And just in case that was the case, we decided to go look for her. Scott and I hopped on quads and started winding out toward the main road. We hadn't gone far before we ran into Shana who had been driving in circles for 45 minutes doing exactly what we had worried she was doing - being lost. We led her back to camp feeling very triumphant. Aside from a very cold and nearly sleepless night, the second half of the trip redeemed the first. The next day was sunny and carefree (Until Shana got a flat tire on the drive back out - Brad and Lori came to her rescue that time). Anyway, I finally de-stressed enough to get my camera out and take some pictures. They are priceless to me - as is the entire experience. I've thought about how I would change that trip if I could. I would only wish that everyone could have slept warmer. If our other challenges had been removed, I wonder if I would have the same level of love and gratitude for my siblings who suffered with us while we struggled for a solution to our mud problem. I wonder if I would have as keen an understanding of what it feels like to be helpless, and then be saved. I certainly wouldn't have been able to feel the elation of gathering Shana safely in, or the success that resulted from a random shot in the dark, which didn't seem so random. Sometimes there are moments when I feel like the smallest spec in the universe; like God has so much to worry about that he couldn't possibly be concerned with me. But that night I felt like I must be his favorite daughter.

Broken Ankle

2011-03-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say about these pictures. My husband broke his ankle playing church basketball and that's the end of the story. But if my purpose in this blog is journaling, and it is, then I want this event to be included in the mix. Cover your eyes if you've got a weak stomach!

Farm Field Trip

2011-02-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

This wasn't Colby's first field trip. He went to the zoo earlier this year but I missed it, so I was eager to chaperone this time. Thank you Kimber for watching Hanna and Liam so Colby and I could have a fun day at the farm! After a painfully long drive, we stopped at a pretty snazzy park in Chandler for sack lunches and playtime. I was in charge of Colby and his friend Dillon and it was all I could do to keep up with them at the park. Once we got to the farm, it was a little more organized and a little less stressful. It was what you would expect from a farm field trip - a lovely guided tour of a stinky farm and lots of animal touching. Colby has a band-aid on his chin because he had recently received some stitching. If you can picture him standing on a chair and then imagine his face colliding with the floor, that's pretty much how it went down (aside from lots of crying and bleeding). That's my six-year-old! I was glad to get some alone time with my busy little adventurer :)

Pinewood Derby

2011-01-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

My handsome cub scout had his first pinewood derby last week. His car was his very own creation. He handled everything but the power tools (with which his dad was very helpful). To my surprise and his delight, his car ended up being pretty fast. He won the first few heats. I was glad he got to experience a little victory! After the boys were done racing, the dads took over the track. I was packing up the kids to leave and Scott said, "Where are you going? This is when it gets really good!" Indeed. Grown men and toy cars were a volatile mix that turned out to be very entertaining. My husband strapped on a big ol' battery and a large can of spaghetti sauce and took third place behind a guy with a remote control propeller and another guy with a spring launcher. I laughed and laughed.

Colby's 6th Birthday

2011-01-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Colby wanted a party this year. I was willing to grant that request, but I had secretly decided to keep it simple - no themes, no bounce houses, etc. Just kids and games and treats. When we started making plans, we found out that a couple of his cousins we're also planning parties around the same time. All agreed that we should just combine. My sisters and I each picked a job and pitched in. The end result was quite the impressive spy party. Aunt Melanie made spy ID tags with secret identities. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Mark made a magnifying glass cake. I organized a spy hunt and Aunt Lori provided the loot. We also did a pinata and opened lots of presents. It was super easy, and much better than I could've done alone. Colby's actual birthday was the day after the party and I think it will stand out as a memorable one for years - but not in a good way! He woke up hacking and barking with a horrible cough. He was too sick to go to church, laid around and took naps all day, barely had the energy to blow out his candles and didn't have the appetite to eat the cake I made for him. Poor guy. I'm glad we got some partying in ahead of time!

Snow Day

2011-01-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am willing to post this exceedingly ugly picture of me in order to show off my exceedingly cute husband. This is from New Year's Eve day. We went up north with the Hardins to play in the snow, and snow was not hard to find...The Verde Valley was whiter than I'd ever seen before! It was 15 degrees when we got out of our vans and began to bundle up. I stayed warm enough to have a good time, but I think some of our kids went into freezer shock. It wasn't long before we buckled the little ones back into their car seats to stay warm and eat snacks. The rest of us made the absolute most of a very short snow stint.

These ones are my favorite. I'm so happy I was able to retrieve evidence of my total dominance over my sister Lisa who thinks she is so tough...

Bikes!

2011-01-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Santa also brought bikes for everyone this year (they were waiting by our tree when we got back from the cabin)! I'm so glad he did because we've been spending lots of quality time at the park since then. My favorite days are outside days!

Nolan's already a pro at riding and Hanna's getting the hang of her training wheels pretty quick, but Colby has never had a bike before and he's still trying to learn. He's been very brave and he's doing great so far but he has had a few spills. Check this out:

"I hurt my guts!" Scott couldn't stop laughing. My kids make me so happy!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Our extended Gordon family has taken a liking to this fantastic cabin we found in Pinedale. We've rented it a couple times for family reunions in the summer, and then my mother-in-law had the wonderful idea that it might be a really great place to have Christmas this year. It was! All five Gordon siblings, plus their five spouses, and their accumulated 17 children, and grandma, gathered around a real fire on Christmas Eve for the nativity story and lots of caroling (accompanied by Aunt Janae's live guitar).

Christmas Eve is also Grandma Gordon's birthday, so we always take time to blow out some candles and have cake!

And I'm sure I don't have to paint a Christmas morning picture for you. There were lots of kids and lots of presents! Liam got a Sing-a-ma-jig. He loved it!

Here's Colby's pirate ship...

Nolan's MP3 player...

And Hanna's princess castle...

I even lucked out to find some new perfume and a book light in my stocking! Thanks Santa :)

Hanna's Dance Recital

2011-01-03T13:24:00.003-07:00

This was the funnest thing ever! I never took dance as a kid, and this was my first go-round with my only daughter, so I didn't know what to expect. I knew Hanna would love to twirl around in a tu-tu, and I was looking forward to watching her, but I wasn't sure I even wanted to do the recital. I'm so glad we did! It was so exciting! Even my husband said it was surprisingly entertaining for him. The best part was sharing it with Kimber and Madix. I loved sitting next to my best friend while Hanna danced next to hers. What a fun day :)

My pretty Hanna...

Temple Lights

2010-12-29T21:04:00.001-07:00

We kicked December off with a heavy dose of the Christmas Spirit at the Mesa Temple, and it seemed even sweeter than usual (hot chocolate and homemade cookies may have helped)! Who couldn't love the Temple Lights?! This year we went with our good buddies, the Levanders. My talented friend Darah knitted these high-fashion snow caps for our adorable girls, who modeled them so well...

...and all our rowdy boys just ran circles around us and through the crowds. We had such a great time.

Look at this perfect little puffball....

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-29T14:53:00.001-07:00

My husband's dad died of cancer on November 20th of this year. He fought hard and gave us a few extra years of memories that the doctors didn't expect. His funeral was the day before Thanksgiving, and though it may seem like bad timing, it was a blessing that his death was coupled with a holiday that reminds us what we are grateful for.

My father-in-law was a family man. He loved his wife so fiercely - she was his first love and his last. He was a hands-on dad and a Mr. fix-it. He was a firm believer, a church-goer and a good neighbor. He was also a doting grandpa. When Scott first brought me home to meet him, he thanked me for answering his prayers for his son. I'm very grateful for him - grateful that my husband learned from him and is so much like him already.

I'm very grateful that God created families, and I do believe it is God's design. It was His idea, not ours, that a man and a woman should unite in marriage and raise children together. It's our best chance for happiness in this life, and the safest way back home to heaven. I'm grateful this Thanksgiving, like I was when my own dad died, that I know there is a God and He has a plan. I know He sent me here to navigate this world for a reason, and it wasn't so that I could fall in love with all these people and then be seperated from them at death. He means for my family to live together forever, and because he sent His Son, we can and we will. He even gave us pumpkin pie and whip cream to give us comfort while we wait ;)

We Didn't Mean to Get a Dog...

2010-12-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

An unexpected surprise landed at our house a couple months ago, and since then our family hasn't been the same (Do you sense some sugar-coating?)! Frankly, it's not good dog timing for our family, and personally, I never intended to add any animals to the mix, but I did agree to take care of her when she was offered to us, and now I feel bound to a dog by my altruistic word. I was not naive going into this, and it has been as difficult as I imagined it would be. Indeed, she soils the carpet, whines, yips, growls, bites, chews and costs. But we have swallowed her into our hearts and so far we've fought the reflex to cough her back up. And yes, when I say "so far" that is what I mean! It must be true that you love who you serve, even when it comes to dogs. And as someone with a general aversion to animals, I'll admit that she is teaching me a kind of love I've never had before. And so, with some hesitation, I introduce....Tilly (the Chihuahua puppy)!

This is a picture of my kids with Kimber's. They were over one day and I thought they looked funny (and numerous) all lined up watching TV...

My First Painting

2010-11-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

So, it's no Michaelangelo, but it's the only thing I've ever painted, and it wasn't a complete disaster, and Scott did such a good job building the frame, and I just thought that before this thing disapears into the recesses of my attic, someone should get some credit for it...

...It's a bean bag toss we made for our ward Halloween party, by the way...

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T20:46:00.001-07:00

This is my sister Lisa and her husband Mark. They are the champions of Halloween and most other holidays because of their fearless festiveness (which has rubbed off on the rest of our gigantic family, and now we all get a little crazy when that full moon comes out - wait til you see my mother in a teletubby costume). This year's Halloween party was a reunion of sorts because Mark and Lisa have been out of state for the last two holiday seasons. Since they just moved home a few weeks ago, Halloween is back in full effect! It's so nice to have them home.

Tale of a Tooth

2010-11-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

The tooth fairy is back, and for Colby her visit was terrible and wonderful. Though he watched his older brother go through the process (coveted his loot and everything), when his teeth started to get loose he was adament that he did NOT want them to fall out. The mere idea just creeped him out completely. No attempts at bribery or tales of fairies would sway him. He wouldn't wiggle them, wouldn't let us touch them, and wouldn't change his mind. At first I was willing to be patient and let nature run its course, but if you've ever had a little kid just starting to lose teeth, you know that at some point the grotesque dangling becomes unbearable and you have to take matters into your own hands. I forced him to sit down and hold still and addressed the matter with some dental floss and a square knot. Colby was most displeased. He sobbed in anguish as if his arm were broken. Then he called his dad and tattled on me. Long after the ordeal was over, he decided that if there was no way to put the tooth back in, he might as well get some money for it. By the time we had it packaged up to put under his pillow, he was smiling again. He lost another tooth the very next day and the process went much smoother the second time. Above is Colby's kindergarten picture. I love it for a couple of reasons. First, his two front teeth are loose and you can see them beginning to jut out in a deformed way. I also love it because he asked to go to the bathroom before they took his picture so that he could fix his hair, and that hairdo will now go down in our family history books! What a cool kid.

Dance Class

2010-11-03T14:30:00.002-07:00

All the fantasies I entertained of having a daughter have so far played out to the fullest, and with added gusto, thanks to the living, breathing cartoon character that is my daughter. In fact, as we speak, she is clomping around the house in plastic heels and several layers of glittery pink dresses. She addresses me as Erika and refuses to answer to anything but Analise (both names you would recognize if you had a library of Barbie movies as we do). And just a moment ago when I told her I was going to bring the baby upstairs to bed, she brought me my pretend horse for transportation. What could I do but ride it? I'm so grateful to her for being exactly what I imagined she would be. Unlike most things in life, I expected this. I pictured us dressing up and twirling around and singing Disney songs, princess style, at the top of our lungs. I don't NEED her to gush and ooze girliness, but she just happens to, and it's SO fun. She just started a little ballet class at the rec center a couple weeks ago. Here are some pictures of that, as well as a stop we made at the park after class one day.

Let Them Be Little

2010-10-05T14:02:00.002-07:00

When I was going through albums recently, I came across this picture of my little sister Chrysta. I was in college when we took this, and I have to say, I got a little choked up because I had forgotten what it was like to be so much bigger than her. She's quite grown up now (just engaged, actually).

And Shana (the youngest) is now in college herself. Admittedly, it is fun to be grown-ups together. We just had some of the most fun I can remember shopping for wedding dresses. But I miss the days when I could pick them up and hold them. Here's what Shana looked like when I was in highschool:

And here's my own little girl. I can't imagine what it will feel like when I can't hold her anymore...

Congratulations to the 9th Wellman to take the plunge. Go Chrysta! Here are the Wellman women who were at the blessed shopping event...and more importantly, here is THE dress!

Now I Can Say It Was Summer

2010-10-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

My parents weren't California people. Rocky Point was our beach and we went there every once in a while on a spring break. We went skiing some winters. Once we took a big long road trip to Canada, and we did Disneyland a few times, which was wonderful! But we didn't take regular summer vacations, and we didn't adopt San Diego as our summer staple - I learned that from the Schaubs! And now that I'm totally spoiled by them, summer doesn't seem official until I've been to the beach and back. Thanks be to a generous God in heaven for blessing me with a whole second family who continues to bestow the glorious gift of a California vacation on me. Thank heaven they started stowing me away at a young age in their big grey conversion van for a week of beach bliss that I neither earned nor deserved. And why they still count me in, I do not know, but just a few weeks ago they put me up with my husband and kids in a lovely room right on the Carlsbad coast. Thank you Kimber, for card games and paddle ball, for long piers and boardwalks, body surfing and sun bathing. Thank you for happy, happy memories. The mere smell of sunblock and seaspray reminds me of you and your family. Here are some pictures of us, old and new.

Kindergarten Baby

2010-09-01T10:04:00.003-07:00

Boy, do I love this beautiful kid. What a sweet, happy, funny little person he is. And now he is a kindergartner! No, I did not cry. But I did beam with pride...just a little bit.

Here are my handsome men in their dapper uniforms
on the first day of school:

Living the Legend

2010-08-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Happy eighth birthday to my little man who is a lover of all things mechanical and robotic that require assembly. Actually, "happy" may be an understatement, because we threw a Bionicle bash that only his eight-year-old imagination could have concocted, and that over-indulged his appetites for fun and sugar. The play-by-play goes a little something like this:

1. Craft project resulting in fabulous Bionicle masks for one and all (Complete with photo shoot).
2. Consumption of Bionicle cake - designed, crafted and decorated by birthday boy.
3. Massive ravaging of gift packages to retrieve most beloved presents.
4. A good go-around of the candy bar game.
5. Bionicle treasure hunt for party favors (All clues must first be decoded!).

What a fun group of rowdy boys and a great day. Thanks for coming, friends!

Hanna really had no place at a party like this. I thought about sending her away to a friends house. Then I decided to just put her in a party dress and let her try to blend in.

She did just fine.

Stolen Inspiration

2010-08-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Toria posted this little piece of wisdom and I fully agree so I thought I'd share:

Being A Mom

sometimes I get a complex about my talents, my goals, my ambitions.
I feel capable of so much, and clueless of how to do so many things.
I recognize my talents
as well as my weaknesses
and sometimes I get what John so appropriately calls the "jack of all trades, master of none" complex
and it makes me kinda down
so to perk me up, I think about all the things I am good at, kinda good at, interested in, or proficient at and wonder which one I want to become really good at.
which one I should focus my energy on.
and
I.
can't.
decide.
so I start thinking about how to focus on multiple things.
what job would allow me to do this, with the freedom and flexibility to do that?
and then I wonder:
should I be diagnosed with A.D.D?
or maybe I should take one of those career placement test things so I can have someone (or thing) who doesn't know me tell me where to focus my energy?
and why didn't I do that in college?
why didn't I really feel like I had something mastered when I graduated?
maybe I should go back to school?
but what will I study?
I like this.
I'm pretty good at that.
I wonder if there's a program for....?
what job would allow me to do a little of everything?
and all of the sudden a light bulb turned on.
I thought, "I bet if I put in my talents, and interests and aspirations..."
"...the job that would fit me best would be being a mom"

(if it's possible to think/feel "duh" and "wow" at the same time, that's what happened)

I mean, I've heard all the poems and stories about how moms do it all.
and it's not that I was just seeing it fit together in that way for the first time.
it was just the first time that I realized that
I am meant for motherhood AND motherhood is meant for me
being a mom and doing the "mommy" things is fun to me.
it fits.
I enjoy it.
I mean, not that I don't have bad moments or not so exciting moments,
but I really
like
motherhood.
and I think by liking it, I'm pretty good at it.
and can become better at it.
I like exploring different talents and interests (often in the name of doing it for the kids)
I like that I can be a party planner/ cake decorator and a nurse/ health educator or a designer/ seamstress.
I can dabble in this and that and the other thing
and embrace my ADD.
I will learn to be ok with the idea that to everyone else, I may be a "jack of all {or some} trades, master of none."
and I will strive to be the master of one.
the one job I already have and that fits my skill set.

being their Mom.

which is no easy task and not something I can attain overnight
but it's do-able
and exciting.

First Birthday

2010-07-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

When it comes to families, there are good things and bad things about growing old and gaining experience. We've learned a thing or two about birthdays, for example. Or should I say that I've learned how to make them easier on myself? My fourth baby just turned one, and unlike our first baby (who had two fully decked-out, themed 1st birthday parties - one for each side of the family), we didn't make much of a show. We carried out the typical traditions, but we did them very low-scale, with no prior preparation, and no guests other than ourselves and our little guest of honor. The birthday boy had one cake and got one present, which to me felt perfect since he just turned ONE! It's funny though, because I hesitated to let any of the other children touch his new toy. It dawned on me that this was the first and only thing we had ever bought just for him. Being our 3rd boy and our 4th child, he is the royal heir of many, many hand-me-downs. It seemed like he deserved to be the sole proprietor of that toy, at least for one day. And that's not the only injustice he suffers for being fourth. I don't take as many pictures of him and I still haven't written about the day he was born in my journal. Ironically, I was the fourth child in my family and since I shared his plight, you would think I'd serve him better. But the truth is, I've come to believe (probably like my mom did by the time she had me) that less is more with a one-year-old, and themed birthday bashes are best enjoyed and appreciated by enthusiastic five-year-olds. Still, here's penance for that forgotten journal entry (and a few pictures of Liam's birthday party):

Liam Scott Gordon was born on July 10, 2009 at 2:54pm. Liam is short for William (Scott and I each have a grandfather named William) and his middle name is after his dad, obviously. His pregnancy, labor and delivery all went smoothly without complications (aside from my want for an epidural and my embarassing display of screaming from pain). Liam was induced like all my babies were, but his delivery day was a little different from the others, since his dad was a brand new resident at a different hospital and couldn't be there with me the whole time. Grandma Wellman and Aunt Kimber had to fill in and keep me company while the labor progressed, and dad walked in just in time to see Liam come out. He was perfect in every way - tiny and beautiful without a scar or a scratch. His eye and hair color remained elusive for many months, but now we can finally tell that he is a brown haired, brown eyed boy. The most noticeable thing about Liam is his giant mouth that is constantly gaping open, which makes for lots of drool, but also means giant smiles - and oh, how we love them! Liam has seriously never been a care or a burden, only a joy. He slept through the night right off the bat, and he eats like a champion. He is now thick and cuddly as can be. It gives me the happiest feeling when he nestles into my neck. Happy birthday little one! We LOVE having you in our family.

My Garden - It's No Secret

2010-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Almost two years ago, as summer was coming to a close and in the midst of the economic recession, our stake presidency announced that they would like every family to have a garden and issued a challenge to all of us to get one. I remember that my husband was rotating out of state at the time, and I thought to myself that turning soil and hoeing rows was not the kind of manual labor I wanted to do. I also recall that we didn’t own even a shovel, and didn’t have expendable dollars in our tight budget. I didn’t know the first thing about gardening, but I thought that if I got some fertilizer and put some seeds in the ground, at least I will have been obedient, and surely some much needed blessings would come of that. My three kids and I went shopping for the supplies, worked late into the night, and our fall garden was in the ground by Labor Day. We planted an ambitious slew of vegetables – lettuce, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, peppers and cilantro, I think. A few weeks later, little buds were peeking through the soil and we were ecstatic. I thought to myself, wow what a blessing. Look at this great thing we achieved together! Now we are a little more self reliant than before (thanks to our obedience), and sacrifices really do bring blessings and miracles!

But the triple digit temperatures lasted well into October and within a few weeks, despite our incessant watering, all our pretty little buds had singed and died. I really felt something of a loss. Not only that my costly little investment of time and money had failed, but also that I had no testimony building experience to walk away with. I moved on to other obligations and left the garden alone.

Later on in the winter months, with no help from me, something green started growing in our garden. As it got bigger, I recognized that it was lettuce and I quickly reverted to daily watering and caretaking. Before long we had several rows of big leafy green heads of beautiful lettuce. The kids were as thrilled as I was. I showed my garden off to every visitor that came to the house. I had my happy ending after all! Apparently I had just needed some patience with my faith.

At the end of spring I thoroughly enjoyed a fruitful harvest. I loved the whole process of plucking, washing and storing beautiful bags of green lettuce in the fridge. We would have salad for dinner that very night! My husband was the first one to take a bite, and as soon as he did, his face puckered in a sour expression. Being an amateur gardener, I had not thought to taste the lettuce before I served it. The entire stock pile had a rancid taste and was not edible.

So that’s it! No botanical miracles here! But I did gain two things – a good laugh, and a determination to conquer gardening that borders on addiction. The following fall we tried again, this time in a shadier spot. We planted six varieties of vegetables, and the amount of produce I harvested this spring pretty much equaled a bag of baby carrots and one onion (all of which could have been purchased at Walmart for less than three dollars). But all were edible, and we savored them a little more for having grown them ourselves! If faith really does require patience and trust, then maybe the happy ending to my gardening story still lies ahead.

Landmark Moment

2010-04-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

My baby sister went to her Senior Prom last weekend. She is the youngest of the ten kids in our family. If I am a little mournful that there will be no more Proms after this one, then I can only imagine how my mom must feel! Only don't feel sorry for us yet. As long as my little sisters are still single, and so far they are, I still have a couple of dress-up days to look forward to. Those are some of my favorite days!

Here's Easter!

2010-04-16T10:22:00.001-07:00

Easter is our Gordon holiday. Our Montezuma's Well tradition is almost set in stone now, and I am a sucker for a good tradition. Especially one that includes a practically gourmet pot-luck. When you combine a pretty park with some gorgeous weather and a bunch of kids and a bunch of eggs, it feels like Spring is finally official. I always get excited to start a new season! All the fun went by in a flash, but I did manage to take a few pictures of the kids.

Excuses, Excuses...

2010-04-16T09:56:00.001-07:00

I would like to blame my absence from this blog on the new (and time-consuming) calling I got four months ago. I'm serving in the Young Women's program in our church, and I totally love it. Here is one of the very cool ways that it takes up all of my time. We recently did a service project for a military family who lost their father in combat in Afghanistan. We were able to get a few bags of his clothes and uniforms and make this quilt to give to his wife and three young daughters. I didn't get a picture of the girls tying it, but here are a couple of me finishing the edges.

I was so honored to be able to get to know this soldier and his story. I felt a strong sense of reverence when I was handling his clothing. As cliché as it sounds, I really am so grateful for the people who serve our country in such a selfless way. It's impressive to know that they opt to do the jobs that we would avoid at all costs. They really are heroes. Here is the story of our soldier, Tommy Rabjohn:

Phoenix police Officer Thomas Rabjohn #7803 was known to his Central City Precinct colleagues as quiet and even-tempered and calm. At 39, he was one of the older officers on his squad and enjoyed mentoring younger officers. Sergeant Alex Ortiz spoke warmly about the guy he considered family, “Tom was like a father figure to a lot of officers; he may not have had a lot of years on the department, but he came with life experience that a lot of younger officers don’t have.” Ortiz continued, “He would always tell kids who were thinking about being police officers to ‘keep their butts out of trouble!’”

Thomas Rabjohn knew he wanted to serve his country and, after his graduation from Tolleson High School, he joined the Marines. After serving his country, he returned to the valley and soon after, joined the Phoenix Police Department. Despite his age and his job in law enforcement, the man who married his high school sweetheart and always seemed driven to protect others, joined the Coolidge-based Army National Guard and eventually was deployed.

On Saturday, October 3, 2009, while serving as a team leader with the 363rd Explosives Ordinance Detection Company assigned with the 82nd Airborne Division, 741st Battalion, Regional Command East, in the Wardak Province, Afghanistan, Staff Sergeant Thomas Rabjohn died from wounds sustained during combat actions.

His commanding officer, Command Sergeant Major Robert Parr called from Afghanistan to share that he knew Tom personally and had spent several hours talking with him the day before the tragic incident. He explained the events of October 3rd during the phone call that Tom’s unit was assigned to a forward operating base supporting a field artillery unit. They were located south of Kabul; his unit responded to assist the field artillery unit with trip wires that were arranged across a roadway. Attempts to use the EOD robot and a hook/pulley line were unsuccessful, so Tom donned the bomb suit and disabled the devices he and his team had located. He removed his suit to conduct a post blast assessment and located an additional explosive device. He was able to warn two of his team members who were able to create enough distance to survive the bomb blast that occurred seconds after Tom’s warning. Tom was killed immediately. The details of the incident are still being investigated, but Sgt. Major Parr indicated, “Tom Rabjohn is being called a hero for his efforts to save his co-workers.”

All who knew Tom Rabjohn agree he was a man who cared deeply for his family, his community, and his country and wanted nothing more than to protect them all. He returned home from Afghanistan with the eight soldiers that were killed in the Taliban attack on U.S. forces October 3, 2009. Officer Rabjohn is survived by his wife, Nikki and daughters Kylee (14), Koree (13), Kelsee (12); parents Thomas and Patty; his sisters June and Nancy; and, his brother, Brian.

The Big Day!

2010-01-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

So, here's Christmas Day 2009. We thought we were keeping it simple this year, but Grandma and Grandpa Gordon came and made it our biggest Christmas ever. Not only did they shower the kids with presents, but they spent they day with us and made it much more magical. We had a big crepe breakfast with all the works and a fancy Christmas dinner. Laura and Phillip also made a cameo and provided our kids with a little cousin time, which was wonderful. Before everyone left, we played a good round of the candy bar game.

I'll let the pictures tell the story.