I received my acceptance into Swiss Days again. I am already starting to stress. However, I keep reminding myselft that it will be a million times better because I know what to expect.
My goal: to not look 40 by the time I turn 30 next year.
I think I aged at least 5 years last year. Here's to hoping I don't do that again. :)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My Shadow
Since I just talked about my shadow in a previous post, I thought I would post about him.
I went to the zoo (such a sad sad zoo.....can I tell you how much I missed Omaha this day) with some friends from my ward. I had one mother comment to me about how Easton never leaves my side. Truthfully, I hadn't really taken notice of this. He is not a clingy child, but lately he has wanted to be by me in a sweet....not annoying way. I think, perhaps, he has known that I needed this.
Anyway, we had a great time and I love to see him interact with friends. Here a few pics that aren't very good because, quite frankly, I can't get the kid to look at the camera and smile.
I love this kid.
I went to the zoo (such a sad sad zoo.....can I tell you how much I missed Omaha this day) with some friends from my ward. I had one mother comment to me about how Easton never leaves my side. Truthfully, I hadn't really taken notice of this. He is not a clingy child, but lately he has wanted to be by me in a sweet....not annoying way. I think, perhaps, he has known that I needed this.
Anyway, we had a great time and I love to see him interact with friends. Here a few pics that aren't very good because, quite frankly, I can't get the kid to look at the camera and smile.
Been Thinking.....
So, I've been thinking lately. In fact, I've written about 20 blog post in my head. Time hasn't allowed me to write it all down (mainly just because I haven't managed my time to do so), but I am trying to take advantage of this beautiful Sunday to write some of my thoughts.
First off....Callings.
I was called to the Young Women's a few weeks ago. I am a mia-maid advisor. I have NEVER wanted to be in the Young Women's. I was a tom-boy, most my friends were boys, I'm not a huggy type person, and I knew that it was one of the most time consuming callings in the church.
After I was called, my sister asked if I had a feeling that I would be called to this. I told her no. It was completely unexpected. However, I actually did. It came a long time ago though. When we moved into the ward almost a year ago, I had a feeling I would be called into young women's. When the call came a few months later.....it wasn't young women's. I was called into cub scouts. The other ladies in that calling had been in there for years (some even a decade, I think). So, I decided that I was probably going to be there until my boys were in there. Then about a month ago, I got my new calling. It came as a complete surprise, but it was amazing how much my heart grew in an instant. It was like when I had each of my boys. As soon as I saw them, my heart grew a size bigger. The same thing happened, and this time, it was to love 11 teenage girls.
I had a woman come up to me at church a few weeks ago. She congratulated me on my calling and kept saying how excited she was that I was going to be in there. This was all very confusing to me because she wasn't in the Young Women's. She then told me that she used to be the Young Women's President and that she had always tried to get young mother's in there, like me, but that the Bishop had a firm rule against it. I guess since it is such a time intensive calling, he wanted them home with their families. She then told me how she was so happy he changed his mind and allowed me to be in there. This was very humbling to me. Since Que passed, I have felt a strong love for the youth. I want more than anything for them to know how loved they are.
I don't know if I can help them. I don't know if I can be the fru fru hug you all the time type leader. I don't know if I will be what they need. But I do know that I have to show them I love them. I have to tell them that no matter how hard life gets, they are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves them and there will be a brighter tomorrow. With my Heavenly Father's help, I know I can do this. "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
Here are a few of the lessons I have been able to teach so far. I am loving being able to cook and make fru fru handouts with all my cute digital scrapbook kits I don't use because I don't scrapbook. :) It's been a lot of fun.
Next thought........Spring
I am LOVING Spring. It is absolutely beautiful. I have been watching the buds form on my trees and start to blossom. The mountains are magnificent. I haven't needed to dress so warm to run in the mornings (always a plus), and I just feel happier.
We live in such a beautiful world.
On my mind.......My kids
I have attended three funerals in about three months. I lost my aunt, my great-grandma, and two weeks ago....my cousin lost his little boy. It was heart breaking. He had been suffering from Leukemia and his poor little heart just couldn't stand the chemo treatments any longer. He was Easton's age.
He was Easton's age.
Yes, I know I just repeated that twice, but I did that because that is what I just keep saying over and over again in my head.
I still remember when this new family moved in next door to us when I was about 8. In their living room was this hand print sculpture. I found out that it was of their little sister that had passed away from cancer when she was about 3 years old. I remember thinking, "I am glad they lost her when she was that little before they got to love her too much." UM YEAH, I WAS CRAZY!
My little tiny mind and heart did not know what love was. I did not know about my 3 year old shadow. The one that is there, by my side, every where I go. The one that climbs into my bed to cuddle in the mornings at 6 am. The one that runs to you when you they got a boo-boo. The one that says the funniest things and makes you laugh at loud. The one that makes you so grateful that you have been given the greatest gift in the entire world.....motherhood. I definitely don't feel that way any more.
My heart aches for this cute family. Since Que passed, death is different to me. I am definitely a different person than I once was. I have compassion. Deep compassion. It hurts. It stirs up a lot of emotion. It brings back lots of memories. It brings back pain. I don't want anyone to feel that pain. I can only imagine their pain, however. They lost their shadow.
They will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
April 14, 2009 - March 11, 2012
Christopher Michael Groscost was born on April 14 2009. Two days before his first birthday he was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. After 5 rounds of chemotherapy Critter was in remission and enjoyed some wonderful time being a little boy surrounded by a loving family. In December 2011 Critter relapsed. He was blessed to have a baby sister, Ruby, that was a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant. Critter died on March 11, 2012, the day before his bone marrow transplant was to take place. As always, his parents were right by his side giving him all of their love and support. He was so happy to just be home with his family, wrestling with his brothers, and playing with his dog. He adored his little sister Ruby.
We will always remember his infectious smile and bright eyes. His little voice saying, "Sure, mom" and "I be brave" will be missed more than we can say. Critter is survived by his parents; Jason and Nicole Groscost, his brothers Luke and Dallin, his sister Ruby, and his grandparents; Michael and Cheryl Groscost and Craig and Anne Earl. He has many extended family and friends that loved him dearly. We know that he is in a better place and we will see him again, but we wish he was still with us now.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 14th from 6-8 pm, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 15th at 12 noon, at the Crescent Park Stake Center, 11350 South 1000 East, where a viewing will be held from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. We would like to say a special thank you to the many family, friends and professionals that have helped in so many ways. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives! Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com
First off....Callings.
I was called to the Young Women's a few weeks ago. I am a mia-maid advisor. I have NEVER wanted to be in the Young Women's. I was a tom-boy, most my friends were boys, I'm not a huggy type person, and I knew that it was one of the most time consuming callings in the church.
After I was called, my sister asked if I had a feeling that I would be called to this. I told her no. It was completely unexpected. However, I actually did. It came a long time ago though. When we moved into the ward almost a year ago, I had a feeling I would be called into young women's. When the call came a few months later.....it wasn't young women's. I was called into cub scouts. The other ladies in that calling had been in there for years (some even a decade, I think). So, I decided that I was probably going to be there until my boys were in there. Then about a month ago, I got my new calling. It came as a complete surprise, but it was amazing how much my heart grew in an instant. It was like when I had each of my boys. As soon as I saw them, my heart grew a size bigger. The same thing happened, and this time, it was to love 11 teenage girls.
I had a woman come up to me at church a few weeks ago. She congratulated me on my calling and kept saying how excited she was that I was going to be in there. This was all very confusing to me because she wasn't in the Young Women's. She then told me that she used to be the Young Women's President and that she had always tried to get young mother's in there, like me, but that the Bishop had a firm rule against it. I guess since it is such a time intensive calling, he wanted them home with their families. She then told me how she was so happy he changed his mind and allowed me to be in there. This was very humbling to me. Since Que passed, I have felt a strong love for the youth. I want more than anything for them to know how loved they are.
I don't know if I can help them. I don't know if I can be the fru fru hug you all the time type leader. I don't know if I will be what they need. But I do know that I have to show them I love them. I have to tell them that no matter how hard life gets, they are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves them and there will be a brighter tomorrow. With my Heavenly Father's help, I know I can do this. "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."
Here are a few of the lessons I have been able to teach so far. I am loving being able to cook and make fru fru handouts with all my cute digital scrapbook kits I don't use because I don't scrapbook. :) It's been a lot of fun.
 |
| Josie found this cute idea on "Our Best Bites." |
 |
| BTW, I just found this new mint brownie recipe that tastes just like Kneaders. YUMMY!! I will post that on my food blog soon. Along with these awesome peanut butter bars that I made for our activity this week. |
I am LOVING Spring. It is absolutely beautiful. I have been watching the buds form on my trees and start to blossom. The mountains are magnificent. I haven't needed to dress so warm to run in the mornings (always a plus), and I just feel happier.
We live in such a beautiful world.
On my mind.......My kids
I have attended three funerals in about three months. I lost my aunt, my great-grandma, and two weeks ago....my cousin lost his little boy. It was heart breaking. He had been suffering from Leukemia and his poor little heart just couldn't stand the chemo treatments any longer. He was Easton's age.
He was Easton's age.
Yes, I know I just repeated that twice, but I did that because that is what I just keep saying over and over again in my head.
I still remember when this new family moved in next door to us when I was about 8. In their living room was this hand print sculpture. I found out that it was of their little sister that had passed away from cancer when she was about 3 years old. I remember thinking, "I am glad they lost her when she was that little before they got to love her too much." UM YEAH, I WAS CRAZY!
My little tiny mind and heart did not know what love was. I did not know about my 3 year old shadow. The one that is there, by my side, every where I go. The one that climbs into my bed to cuddle in the mornings at 6 am. The one that runs to you when you they got a boo-boo. The one that says the funniest things and makes you laugh at loud. The one that makes you so grateful that you have been given the greatest gift in the entire world.....motherhood. I definitely don't feel that way any more.
My heart aches for this cute family. Since Que passed, death is different to me. I am definitely a different person than I once was. I have compassion. Deep compassion. It hurts. It stirs up a lot of emotion. It brings back lots of memories. It brings back pain. I don't want anyone to feel that pain. I can only imagine their pain, however. They lost their shadow.
They will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
April 14, 2009 - March 11, 2012
Christopher Michael Groscost was born on April 14 2009. Two days before his first birthday he was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. After 5 rounds of chemotherapy Critter was in remission and enjoyed some wonderful time being a little boy surrounded by a loving family. In December 2011 Critter relapsed. He was blessed to have a baby sister, Ruby, that was a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant. Critter died on March 11, 2012, the day before his bone marrow transplant was to take place. As always, his parents were right by his side giving him all of their love and support. He was so happy to just be home with his family, wrestling with his brothers, and playing with his dog. He adored his little sister Ruby.
We will always remember his infectious smile and bright eyes. His little voice saying, "Sure, mom" and "I be brave" will be missed more than we can say. Critter is survived by his parents; Jason and Nicole Groscost, his brothers Luke and Dallin, his sister Ruby, and his grandparents; Michael and Cheryl Groscost and Craig and Anne Earl. He has many extended family and friends that loved him dearly. We know that he is in a better place and we will see him again, but we wish he was still with us now.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 14th from 6-8 pm, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 15th at 12 noon, at the Crescent Park Stake Center, 11350 South 1000 East, where a viewing will be held from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the service. We would like to say a special thank you to the many family, friends and professionals that have helped in so many ways. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives! Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Trivia Question
Last night, as we all got together for dinner before Jordan left town, mmy mom posed a trivia question to everyone:
Mom: "What happened 5 years ago yesterday?"
We all contemplate.
Mom: "Allie got a breast infection."
Silence.
Special Mother. Thank you for posing that extra special trivia question to the fam. Yes, I did get mastitis 5 years ago yesterday. So glad you keep a journal to help us remember those extra special moments in our lives.
This blog post is written to myself. Allie.....don't embarass your kids by reminiscing through the blog and asking him and his group of friends what happened 10 years ago and then say, "You went to the bathroom in buckets throughout the house." It is not cool and quite weird. Remember this.
Mom: "What happened 5 years ago yesterday?"
We all contemplate.
Mom: "Allie got a breast infection."
Silence.
Special Mother. Thank you for posing that extra special trivia question to the fam. Yes, I did get mastitis 5 years ago yesterday. So glad you keep a journal to help us remember those extra special moments in our lives.
This blog post is written to myself. Allie.....don't embarass your kids by reminiscing through the blog and asking him and his group of friends what happened 10 years ago and then say, "You went to the bathroom in buckets throughout the house." It is not cool and quite weird. Remember this.
Jack's Front Tooth
I am writing this down, so Jackson can read this story in a few weeks when he goes to loose another one. This front tooth has been loose for about a month. It drove us nuts, because it would move around and it was sideways even a lot of the time. It looked ridiculous. Whenever Jackson would ask for something, Mitch would respond, "Yes, if you let me pull your tooth out." Jackson would always respond, "No, I don't want it that bad." There were things that I would have responded, "Heck yes, you can pull my tooth out for that." But whatever.
A few nights ago, Mitch was determined to get it out. If you happened to walk by our house that night, you would think we were torturing him. All you would here is, "No, No, PLEASE. Please have mercy on me. Have mercy. I beg of you. I beg of you!!!!" All this screaming just when Mitch mentions he is going to pull it out. After a lot of prodding by us and screaming by him, he allows Mitch to do a "soft tug." Before he can change his mind, Mitch does a fast pull and it's out.
AND THEN, like after EVERY other tooth that has come out....Jackson gets a huge smile on his face and exclaims, "It didn't even hurt!!! Thank you dad. Thank you!" Hugs and kisses, gushing blood, and everyone is happy.
So, Jackson.......when you read this next month, remember, it doesn't even hurt and just let us help you earn a few quarters from the tooth fairy. It's a lot more quick and painless when you don't scream and worry about it.
Uncle Jordan!!
I title this post "Uncle Jordan" because I wish I could put a sound bite of my kids saying his name. His name is always said with extreme excitement. They LOOOOVE uncle Jordan. Especially Creighton. He hangs on him, cried whenever he leaves at night, has to sit by him, etc. So, as you can imagine, this was a fun week for the boys since he came to visit.
Jordan and Melyn are the best sports too. They spend so much time with them and really get on their level. This week we were able to have meals with them, go swimming, and go to Papa's Place. Jordan even babysat for us so the ladies could get pedicures.
They left this morning to head back to Virginia and the boys are already counting down the days until we see them in June.
Jordan and Melyn are the best sports too. They spend so much time with them and really get on their level. This week we were able to have meals with them, go swimming, and go to Papa's Place. Jordan even babysat for us so the ladies could get pedicures.
They left this morning to head back to Virginia and the boys are already counting down the days until we see them in June.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Much to Do about Nothing
Can't quite remember if that's the play title, but seriously that's how I've been feeling. Nothing has been going on, but yet, I feel like it has been so busy. Today my sister asked if I was ever going to blog again. She then added that my blog isn't funny anymore and that maybe it's because my kids aren't as "bad."
Well, so I guess I'm not funny. Dang! I totally thought I was. So I apologize to all you readers out there, especially to my children as they read this in their later years. These next few years of posts will probably be "not funny." I have to say, I would rather be not funny then to be pulling my hair out because of the "funny"(awful) things my kids do. I guess we will just be a boring normal family. No more sitting in toilets, no more mean spiderman, no more coloring on walls (yeah right!), no more naughtiness.
So....with that being said I will continue on being mundane and boring and show you some pictures of our all too common lives:
What a lovely picture. My kids playing a video game and sweet Jackson showing his brother how to handle the machine gun (please sense the sarchasm in my voice).
Beckham turned 3 and his party was amazing...of course due to his awesome over the top mommy. Here are just a FEW pictures. It was beyond incredible. She said she took pictures of it all, so check out her blog if you want to see.
Then there is the random, don't know why or where picture, but gosh he's still super cute:
Well, so I guess I'm not funny. Dang! I totally thought I was. So I apologize to all you readers out there, especially to my children as they read this in their later years. These next few years of posts will probably be "not funny." I have to say, I would rather be not funny then to be pulling my hair out because of the "funny"(awful) things my kids do. I guess we will just be a boring normal family. No more sitting in toilets, no more mean spiderman, no more coloring on walls (yeah right!), no more naughtiness.
So....with that being said I will continue on being mundane and boring and show you some pictures of our all too common lives:
What a lovely picture. My kids playing a video game and sweet Jackson showing his brother how to handle the machine gun (please sense the sarchasm in my voice).
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| We went to see the Lorax. His cake was the coolest cake I'd ever seen. Oh and it tasted amazing too. |
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| These are the cute cupcakes. Easton loved the frosting. |
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| The goodie bags. Inside was incredible. About 15 different little treats with a poem attached to each one. |
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Spring!
I get this text from my sister a few weeks ago.
um.....yes. "To get it marked off my list." Funny that it is on my sister's list, but not my own. I have the best sister. In just about one hour, she took down the remaining Christmas decorations and had my house decorated.
"I put a laundry basket of decorations in your garage to use for your house. I'd like to do it sometime this week or next and get it marked off my list. We also need to go out and lay out the weed preventer in your garden either this week or next."
Thanks Jo! I wouldn't have done it without you.
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