spring favorites

Dear Family,

This week, we’re going to do a list of favorite things:

1-SPRING!!! It is GORGEOUS here, and I don’t even mind the interruptions of snow, since I’m not anxious for the full-blown heat of summer.  Blossoms everywhere, gorgeous skies, and a breeze that feels ALIVE!

2-The newest MoTab CD-Heavensong—maybe just b/c I haven’t heard a new one since Consider the Lilies, but listening to my “new” songs (bought last week w/ a Christmas giftcard) while I drive through this blossomland is SOOOO lifting! That music (esp. tracks 3 & 7) is like a little breeze on my heart, and SO SO soothing!

 

3-MY SON NOW MOWS THE LAWN!!!! This weekend, Brian and I gave Brent the little rundown of instructions, and before I could’ve even had my shoes tied, he had mowed the whole thing—okay, minus a few patches, but who can be picky at such a joyous time as this?!!?!, and while we’re at it

4-My children are all great weeders, and after staring at the weeds in near despair like I have the past few weeks, it was such consolation, to have our dear army take care of it in no time!

5-Relief Society—while we hung out all day Wednesday at the church conducting Visiting Teaching Interviews, I found out about a dear mom (and friend) going through almost identical struggles w/ their daughter as we have—I was stunned and so comforted to find such good company in such a difficult situation, and the rest of the week, I have felt SUCH peace.

6-a BOSCH MIXER!!!! Thanks to a miraculous YW Auction where a Bosch employee happened to donate a large mixer EXACTLY like I’ve been holding out for for YEARS, since our original wedding mixer smoked to death back in GA.  They retail at $400, so I was not holding my breath for one anytime soon, but my dear husband, in an effort to help out w/ Girls Camp (that we now have a daughter participating in!), AND to get something for Mother’s Day, was happy to be the highest bidder at only $265!! So a bargain, AND a great contribution—I am quite excited!!

7-Our tapestry (that Brian’s dad brought home from his Germany mission years ago) is now on the wall, and making our living room more complete (it only took a few harrowing hours of figuring out and climbing up our Gorilla ladder!-boy, were my hands SWEATING!) 

 

8-WEEKEND GETAWAY!! I can’t believe I didn’t mention in any earlier posts what we were looking forward to, but it was clearly time for a vacation when I don’t even have the time to look forward to it! Little Kana Gilland, one of my YW from GA has grown up, gone to BYU-I, and decided to marry a boy from Boise, ID, and since the Atlanta Temple is closed, they happily got married only a 4.5 hour drive away! Plus, her dad was in the bishopric w/ Brian, and of course, Carrie Madsen is her aunt, so I was eagerly trying to figure out a way we could get up there.  As it developed, we decided to leave the children, and have Brian and I get a hotel up there for a night, and enjoy a little getaway—the first in YEARS—since Brian’s prosecution years that would get us to Jekyll Island once a summer.  IT WAS WONDERFUL!!! A daughter of my VT partner was good enough to stay w/ our children (except Lucy, who came along w/ us), who did GREAT, and we took off Friday for a drive w/ a book on tape, some snacks, and blissful relaxation! That morning, it was all I could do to stay positive so that my children would be left w/ good memories of me.  Dear Anne in ONE MORNING, had spilled the sugar out of the bucket twice, from climbing in the pantry, swiped Emily’s bead necklace, broken it, and dumped all of the beads down the VENT (the shopvac and I were able to retrieve them all), then poured the leftover oats from breakfast into a bottle of oil, while Spencer, under HUGE amounts of cajoling, would NOT do his homework!! 

 

It was quite a time, just to pack a little overnight bag that morning, but we got off in time to make it to the reception, and see Kana and family, and her new family, and Carrie and I had such SWEET reunion, and is always the case w/ the best of friends---it seems like we were scarcely apart, once we’re back together again.  The reception was a hoot of a time, w/ police pulling them over, and Carrie hiding in the back of their car (as was done to her and Steve!!), and we laughed at the stories over some late appetizers afterwards.  The hotel was so nice—our first try at Hotwire, and Lucy, in her own queen bed, slept for the first time—7 straight hours!! I was in real heaven then!! The weather in Boise was perfect that weekend, and after our free breakfast there, we drove around a bit, picked out a place to meet Steve and Carrie for a quick bite before their flight (my first exposure to Rueben sandwiches!!—how have I missed that delight?!), and loved visiting w/ them a minute more in a perfect outdoor setting.  After they left, we strolled through Downtown Boise’s outdoor Market, then stopped a little bit at the Factory Outlet stores on the way out of town, and made it home in time to tuck the children in.  The little things, like sitting in the car together (where I could do mending or nothing w/o interruption) for such a long quiet time, or getting to wear a necklace somewhere besides church, or walking through crowds w/o having to count heads was just the right amount of thrilling, and very rejuvenating.  I was so happy we arranged for it all like real grownups, and am already looking forward to our next adventure!!

What Lucy thought of the long car ride

She was still a good sport though, at least she got to wear her new dress (from her "Aunt" Carrie!)

At the wedding reception

Oh yeah, here's the bride and groom:  Kana and Hunter Carlson

Lunch (notice a necklace--oh splurge!) and the gorgeous weather!

This is what Lucy thought of being the only child who got to come--maybe she slept so well b/c she had a WHOLE QUEEN SIZE BED to herself!!

A full shot of Lucy's dress

And, if I needed to list anymore favorites, here they are in illustrated form--all the fun of a 2 month old--from chubbing cheeks, cooing, and hilarious expressions, to the we-can't-capture-enough meltyourheart smiles

Easter and Spring Break

 

April 12, 2010

Dear Family,

Well, we’ve had quite a bit of celebrating going on around here! Poor Brian’s parents have spent almost as much time in Utah the past month, as they have in Idaho, since they’ve been down here the past 3 weekends! First Lucy’s blessing, followed by April Fool's Day (we had grilled cheese for breakfast, and waffles for dinner, to which Brent said, "Mom, I didn't know you could pull a joke!), then Easter, Conference Weekend, Spencer and Cousin Tyler’s birthday, Spring Break, and Tyler’s Ordination to the Priesthood yesterday! Lots of feasting, and would you believe, we haven’t had the same meal twice?! (Stacey and I could feast professionally)

            Conference left me SO full (speaking of feasting).  I was blown away by all of the messages on home and family, starting right w/ Pres. Packer, and flowing right on through to the end.  I was about to doze off during Sat. afternoon, when Elder Bednar started talking AGAIN about family, and just the repetition of it all jolted me awake! From priesthood power needed to protect our homes (Elder Packer), to Mothers being good examples to their daughters (Ballard), to 3 keys to spiritual watchguards in our family (Bednar), and every other topic, whether on family or not, at LEAST included the admonition to teach these things to our children. On Saturday, I started drawing a little house next to every talk about home/family, and EVERY apostle (plus Sis. Lant and others) had a house!! I was floored.  I felt very impressed that as times become more challenging, our homes become more vital, and overall, I went from feeling (before Conference) a bit limited and unhelpful, not having as much time to serve others or be better organized, etc. to feeling (post Conference) like a military captain preparing for the greatest conflict ever! Days later, the phrase I must’ve memorized w/ the children for Primary at some point kept rolling through my mind:  “The family is central to the Creator’s Plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”  I fell like there’s reason for me being on the earth when I hear talks on the family.  I have little fire in me when it comes to crafts or skills or causes.  A lot of things are interesting, but so few could I stay focused on—and then it comes to family, and I could (and try to!) work all day defending families! It’s one thing I’m sure about! And what a sweet conclusion from Pres. Monson to “Trust in the Lord w/ all thy heart…and He will direct thee for good” and how that has been the story of his life. Tremendous!—to all of our needs.  I laughed to myself at a fireside last night, where the speaker, after hearing input from everyone’s favorite messages from conference, shared how, to him, the real focus of Conference to him was The Resurrection.  Nice to all be taught the messages WE need to hear!

For Easter Celebrating, we joined G&G Duncan at Nate & Stacey’s on Saturday for a BBQ, Easter Egg Hunt, and Birthday cake for Spencer and Tyler between sessions.  I also took the kids back over after baths, etc. during the priesthood session, since it just doesn’t seem right to stay home alone! So nice to have reasons to visit!

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I made the girls some easy skirts they’ve been attaching w/ safety pins until I complete the finishing work (like zippers!). I loved the pattern though, and may make one for myself the next time I discover motivation!

For Sunday, we cooked a turkey here, and had Dad &Kathy, Nate & Stacey's family, and the Morrill's (our RS pres.) and Chip (a single man in our ward) join us.  I had just found out none of the Morrill's family was around for the weekend, so invited them to dinner, and told Brian he could call Chip (who he's hometaught) as well.  He was so sweet to share during dessert, that he had been praying right before Brian called, for someone to invite him over.  I DO love company, and it made me feel almost like a real grownup to have a real holiday dinner here.  It was great fun, and to me, felt like we were all family!

Here is Lucy "talking" to Grandma (with the GIANT expressions she makes lately, like she's GOT to tell us something, I found it easy to believe Elder Bednar saying even INFANTS gain from being around our reading the Book of Mormon)

She also loves talking to Dad (and we love watching his face while she does):

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The next week was our Spring Break, and after pregnancy slowdown, and newborn confinement, I was ready to have some fun with the children.  We also had our stake’s “Family Togetherness Week” where ALL meetings are cancelled for the week, so we were REALLY free! Here’s a photo log of what we did, starting w/ a (children’s choice) trip to Sweet’s Candy Factory for their free tour and samples, followed by a visit to Utah Museum of Natural History (@ Uof U) on their one free admission day of the month:

(notice Lucy's little cap--I thought it was special baby size, but it's just a beard-cover)

Maddie got picked as a volunteer during a Physics show at the museum--unfortunately, our camera's misfocusing...

We got the report card donuts on the way home to eat for FHE while we all shared a favorite talk or message from conference.

Tuesday, I took the girls shopping with me, trying to find a skirt or other Sunday wear--it was a little bit chaotic having Anne and Lucy both get (VERY) dirty diapers at the same time, but Maddie and Em were great helps to keep them entertained in exchange for the occasional unsupervised trip up the escalator.  In the end, I just wore an old favorite for Easter, and am keeping my eyes out.

And for "Spring Break" we had SNOW!!!--thus limiting my list of fun adventures.  The kids tried to go sledding after the shopping trip, but it had melted by then, and they ended up making forts out of the sleds.  Brent did fit in a snow volcano in our yard that morning though:

--> -->Wednesday was Spencer's 6th birthday, and we celebrated by getting the van fixed? We did drop it off, and stay home that day, but only after Magic Charms breakfast and opening presents! 

Brian came home early, we got the van (just a check engine light annoyance), and all went bowling.  Anne won, well except for Dad's great 169 score that we didn't count.  We came home for a birthday dinner of homemade macaroni and cheese, sausage, asparagus, squash (Mom just added it, it was NOT his pick!), and ice cream sandwiches for dessert!

Spencer is still SO happy, and though he is sometimes SO laidback  that he forgets the importance of obeying, we are usually all chuckling at his no-worry attitude w/ his holy tennis shoes and barely matching clothes that leaves him free to be a ninja, LOVE his baby sister, play endless amounts of games, talk about how good he feels inside, and just be himself no matter where he is or who he's with.  He seems to possess strengths in all of my weakest categories, so it is almost mystifying to me watching him.  

Zum Beispiel:  at the pool the next day, all the other kids got a little scared of the lifeguards as they blew whistles and ordered everyone out of the pool.  Spencer just looks up through his waytoobig goggles and life jacket, and asks seriously, "Why--what's going on?" (it was the hourly break we didn't know about).  

Yesterday at church, Bro. Morrill gave out some candy to the children as we were leaving, and he asked Spencer to take one for Brent.  Spencer agreed, and walked out telling the girls, "I will give it to him, and just tell him a super nice man at church gave this to us." The girls cracked up that he thought it was just a friendly stranger, and not someone we'd just had over a few days ago!

 Oh, and last Saturday, eating at Stacey's, her sister offered to help Spencer in the food line, saying, "Hey, can I help you there buddy?" to which he replied, "Um, my name's Spencer, not Buddy--most people call me Spencer."
 

He gets to be spotlighted at school this week, and EATS it up! They also started spelling words, and when I reminded him we needed to practice those this morning, he said, “Oh yeah, because now I’m six!”

Thursday, since it was still cold out, we swam at the Indoor Clearfield Aquatic Center.  We’d never been before, so we all had fun! Bless little Lucy for sleeping the WHOLE time we were there!! (We went before lunch, came home for naps/reading time, then went back until supper).  They have a fun waterslide, and would let me go down w/ Anne on my lap, which she LOVED.  Spencer never tried that, but once he got a lifejacket on, he would swim around underwater, no problem!

 

Friday, we went for some southern visits, first to have some lunch w/ Grandma Priday (the kids were great helpers, and played some good tetherball!), and then some ice cream w/ Nick and Laurie at the Creamery.  Somehow, I got tethered myself into driving up to Y Mountain, since I had once mentioned we might be able to go hiking.  It did turn out to be pretty nice that afternoon, so in a moment of insanity, I slung on Lucy, and agreed that we could hike at least part of the way! After 5 grueling switchbacks, and then realizing there were 11 total, we wimped out, and came back down.  It was still good exercise and great views.  Next time we’ll wear tennis shoes and bring some water, etc.!! It did feel great to be out and about, and we had a great week all in all! By Saturday, the house was in REAL need of cleaning, so we all worked hard at it while Brian went to the County Convention, and then got going on garden things when he got home.  

the X is as far as we made it, and it felt FAR!!
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We’re back to real life now, and hopefully Lucy will allow for more and more of a routine to sink in.  I keep telling myself this sleep-deprived haze IS so temporary, and to enjoy everything else in the meantime, but some moments allow for clearer thinking than others.  We’re doing well though—all healthy and happy.  Anne’s infected foot took the full 10 days to clear up, but it’s back to normal size and normal itchiness now, and Em’s so good to work through anything we can pin down w/ her struggles.  She has self-remedied her perfect handwriting, her little night-time rituals, (she even sleeps w/ the closet open to prove to herself it doesn’t matter), her touching, and others.  These mortal issues can be so humbling, but it was so nice to be w/ Grandma and see her positive attitude about “graduating” to all these different stages.  Adjustment really is a constant thing, but it really seems that as we stretch and pull, it’s only to increase our capacity for blessings.  Speaking of graduating, Lucy just successfully cried herself to sleep for her 2^nd nap of the day (a GREAT sign of sleeping hope!) so I’d better capitalize on my chance for rest now, but here are a last few pic’s of my short hair (one w/ a double chin, one w/o), and our now 2 month old (oh, and "Baby Anne")!! Love, The Duncan’s