Happy Birthday Elijiah!

My dearest child of mine...my love and sweetheart. Its that time of year again when I wax philosophical about your time on the planet and especially this past year. Lots of new beginnings, lots of changes and while you havent always wanted to do what we were doing, you braved the changes and made the best of things.

We moved in with Grandma and Grandpa in the beginning of the year. You were sad to leave your friends, the ward and neighborhood. But with promises of the "big" house, the pool and hot tub, you were ready to embark on your 6 months in Ogden with a happy attitude. Things became challenging with Tristan on many levels and you stepped up time and time again on the long commute both going to school and coming home. Often Tristan screamed the ENTIRE way and you sat patiently beside him, helping me sing to him, feed him crackers, entertain or do anything I asked to ensure we would arrive home, or get to school on time. You were my life saver on more than one occasion.
You didnt have much time to make friends or play with anyone from the Ward...I blame that partly because we still spent the majority of time in SLC, but you made the best of things. As winter turned to spring and spring into summer,
We had more opportunities to play outside, swim and go to the park. I remember our trip to Great Grandpas funeral. I took you as a way to have some one on one time and also to keep me company. You were the greatest companion. It was a tough drive...I being sick on both the coming and going to San Diego and of course, once again, you were worried, caring and made things much easier. In spite of the sad occasion that led us to Southern California, I truly enjoyed our few days together. As I mentioned on the way back I eventually had to pull over

and rest, saying silent prayers that I would be able to continue on and get us home safely. It is in these moments, and all the moments when it counts that you Elijiah rise to the top. You remain, patient and kind, exhibit the attributes that I am most proud of you for having. Thank you for continuing to grow, in both being a normal fun kid, but also in the talents and blessings that our Heavenly Father has given you.

You continue to be the best brother I could ask for. I know Tristan is hard, and very demanding. I know especially this year has been tough with the changes, my health, going between two houses, and dealing with all that you do. I am so happy to see how Tristans eyes light up every day when he sees you. That when we drop you off, and you forget to give Tristan a kiss he cries and calls your name, saying "bye" over and over again. He looks to you for guidance and love, fun and caring- and when you WANT to you are the BEST big brother.

Do you remember the other day? The day when we were outside with Tristan and you said to me" MOM- I know what my purpose is in life? I do....its to be the best brother in the world."

My heart melts to know that you were born when you were, to not only to heal my heart, but to lead the way for your younger brother and sibling to come.

You are at the top of your class in all areas. The best reading group and testing high with all subjects. You hate to journal you say....but your teacher mentioned that you were the first to complete your 1st journal because you write so much! You always give 100% to things even if its not fun for you. I hope you continue with that, as it will serve you as you get older.

You have many people in your life that look out for you, love you and care for you. You constantly remain a peacekeeper. You are wise beyond your years.

Your ready acceptance of others in your life is astounding to us. You may be slow to warm up but once someone has proven themselves to you, you are ever loyal. Im starting to see my little boy turning into a big kid who doesnt always want his mother smothering him with kisses and I realize its just the beginning. My hopes for you are to continue in this separation. Find your own path and figure out what you love. You continue to play soccer and enjoy it each season. This winter will find you on the slopes your beloved winter sport. You excel at whatever you do and Im very proud.

With the many family members you have, its always amazing to me how well you adapt. As we move on to our next adventure- moving to Draper- and with that a new neighborhood and ward- I know you will make friends, and continue to be a good example to others. This next year will be a big one, as you prepare to be baptised, and will grow up so fast! My birthday wish for you, is that you will continue to be healthy and happy and that this next year will bring you much joy!

All my love- always- MOM

I became her today

You know the mother that when you see her and her kids you feel sorry for? Yea that was me today. After a sleepless night with a sick baby, I looked a mess. I went to Elijiahs parent teacher conference and Tristan was a disaster...constantly running away from me, snotty nose, and tantrum throwing...lovey eh?
Well upon picking Elijiah up from Extended day and Tristan is running in the gym screaming, and me running after him only to succeed in grabbing one arm- my hair is flying every which way...the teacher came up and said:
"You look like you have had a tough day...we have some left over soup from lunch and its yours if you want it..."
In the space of one second before I could answer and million things went through my mind such as: - I cant believe Im THAT mom!
- Ive offered to help countless times and now someone is offering to help me...do I take it? I dont really need the help..but that might be nice, not to cook tonight or have something for lunch tomorrow, would it seem rude to decline?
So I say:
"Sure that would be wonderful. Thank you so much for thinking of me."
After taking the soup and heading home, Tristan yelling and telling me "NO" for the hundredth time today, all I can think about is warming up that soup...putting bugs to bed and curling up to read my book.
Yes its been one of those days.

Soup soup....

Its not often that I share recipes on this blog...but over Halloween weekend we went to a get -together at my cousins house. She had the most amazing soup and I just spent a part of my Sunday making it. Thus I wanted to share the most FABULOUS carrot - ginger soup EVER. ENJOY!

Ginger Carrot Soup:

2lb Carrots
1 yam
1/2 yellow onion
3 leeks ( sliced lengthwise )
3 inch piece of ginger grated
1/2 tea salt/ 1/2 tea pepper
4 tab butter
1/2 pint cream
7cups chicken/veg stock

* chop all veggies and saute in butter until semi soft (light brown), add to boiling chicken stock and puree. add cream - YOUR DONE! Yummy!

Pioneer Woman Night

Okay- so Ree came to town and I was sooo excited. Emily and I decided to go together now that shes back in Utah for a while ( yea!). However when I was driving to the PTA meeting just after 5pm I thought I would stop off to see if there was a line. Sure enough - so I ditched the PTA meeting and headed over to the bookshop. Due to the overwhelming desire to see this woman, the bookstore wasnt prepared for the sheer numbers of folks turning out to see her. They did their best by providing "letters" which during the signing would be your ticket in line. I was given letter "E" I begged and pleaded for additional tickets as another one of my friends Monica was also coming. It was all for naught. Unless you were in line and there- they wouldnt let you get additional tickets. Well 7pm came and we were all ushered into a gallery for a q & a session. Ree was adorable, funny, sweet, down to earth and I was thrilled to see her. HOWEVER Monica had just arrived and was told she wasnt getting in and if she didnt already have a ticket she wouldnt be getting one. Terribly disappointed she left and drove home :(

Emily was still game to wait with me and catch some photos so after the q & a session we waited outside for 90 minutes - talking and catching up. In addition to taking some photos ( which you will be able to see on her blog when she posts them) It was a wonderful surprise to run into the author of "dooce" Heard of HER? She is a very well known and famous blogger in her own right. She walked right by us and Emily turns and says "DOOCE"! and starts talking to her as if shes known her forever! We got some photos of us with her as well- lots of fun. Anyway so once my letter was called Emily came right along and we were able to chat with Missy- Ree's sister in law for a second....and FINALLY get up to PW for the signing. I was a little star struck, as reading about a perfect stranger everyday and finally meeting them is a bit odd. You know so much about them, but they know NOTHING about YOU! All in all a fun night, although I couldnt believe the crowds and definitely would have worn tennis shoes!

The line at 5:30 pm

Inside the gallery waiting for the Q & A
Here she is!!!

Emily and I in line almost there!!!

And this is Missy- Ree's sister in law- it was funny I was texting Jonathan and Missy took my picture as I was looking up and making a funny face- I said" Its YOU! Missy! I have to take your picture!" She so kindly posed! fun stuff.

My SISTER!

Okay not my sister, but one of my best friends has started a blog! Yipee! Jennavave is the most beautiful, talented person I know. We met while we were young and modeling together. She went off to college and became this amazing superstar fashion designer and moved to NY where she worked for some great designers. Ultimately she decided to take her life and design to ITALY(my true home!) So she has joined the blogging world to share her story, and life in italy...check it out HERE

Happy Halloween!

Halloween for us is on Friday. With all the school carnivals and activities, work trick or treats and ward stuff, Im happy its all done. We had a great time and Tristan was quite a sport. He was happy to carry his bag around to all my office mates, grabing handfuls of candy and saying thankyou when he was done. However we still had the night events to attend. My friend Pati and her girls and my Sister Jessica and her daughter Sylah --- we all headed down to crash our old wards trunk or treat( as our ward didnt do ANYTHING- LAME!) and then crash Pati's ward chili cookoff. All in all- busy day, but lots of fun.

Can Elijiah look any happier?!

Elijiah and Max are the perfect Ninjas!

School parade
On to the work trick or treat....Jonathan was able to come!

Had to get my picture as well with the boys...

Here we are at the ward trunk or treat. Sylah and Elijiah having a ball running wild...

Pati and I( we look HUGE in our white coats, but I dont care as long as I am warm!)

Jonathan is so intently listening to Pati...however I didnt catch what they were saying...

Taking photos while the kids were getting candy.

Me and my sis Jessica

Wasatch Back Relay

Im super excited! My friend at work discussed doing "this" race a few months back and I wanted in. I talked my mom into doing it with me and Agnes( friend from work) put together the remaining team members- all women! The race goes from Logan to Park City- a total of 188 miles which will be run in "legs" over a period of 30 hours or less. I figure if I can make it through a "hard" 6.7 run the other two legs of the race will be easy enough. Just not too thrilled to be running in the middle of the night! Ill have to bring lots of headlamps and put them all over my body. I hate being alone in the dark- running- in the wilderness.....SCARY! BUT IM SOOOOO EXCITED!

So on June 18-19th 2010 we will be running and running a LONG TIME that day!

( I volunteered my MOM for this leg-#6)
6.9 miles Very Hard
8.1 miles Very Hard
3.1 miles Easy
18.1 miles--She can do it. In fact - as the oldest member of the team, she has the fastest pre-qual race time of anyone. I have the second- however I think that is bull. Im not a real runner- I just enjoy getting out from time to time. My mom would laugh as she can and does kick my butt each and EVERY time we run together. SO MOM- I know you can do it! hahaha!

My leg of the race:

2- Leg #
6.7 miles Hard
3 miles Easy
3.3 miles Easy
total=13 miles

I guess the training begins!