To Grandmother's House We Go

This year we traveled to Utah for Thanksgiving. I have had the hardest time trying to think about how to post about our trip. It has been overwhelming to try to capture just how amazing and fulfilling our trip really was. For me, being able to spend time with my family and friends in Utah is such a rare treat....in the months leading up to it, I look forward to it with much anticipation...and when the trip is over, I relive all the moments and memories over and over again. So it may be a little boring, but I really want a record of what we did while we were gone, so here's a brief recap with a few pictures too.

Thursday- Left Iowa at 3 AM. It was so good to have our friends Tanise and Kaushay join us for our journey. This is going to sound crazy, but I actually don't mind the car ride. It is one of the few times our family is all together in one place at one time. We talk, laugh, play games, watch movies, and even cry a little too! This time the drive was made easier by having our friends with us- someone else to talk to, another person to help with the kids, etc. We made good time in Nebraska, got hung up a bit in Wyoming, but managed to arrive in Prove around 9:30 PM. There are not many things sweeter in this life than being able to walk through the doors of Dad and Pat's beautiful home after making the journey.

Friday- We always plan for one "day of recovery" as we call it. This year we really needed it as Cole had developed a bad ear infection. The fall weather was gorgeous and we raked leaves, had lunch at Brick Oven, went to the Bean Museum, met up with Hollee D. and Michelle S. (2 former Davenport Young Women) on BYU campus, and had yummy apricot chicken for dinner. The kids loved just playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house.




Saturday- After fall weather yesterday, we woke up to the most beautiful snow. There is nothing like Utah scenery. The kids went right outside to play and were amazed at how "warm" it was even with snow. Yes, they are true Iowans. Later that day, Chris and Melissa came down and we were all able to go the temple for Gram Betty. What a sacred, special experience. Just to be in the temple with my brother and sister and their spouses was very wonderful. Having my Snarr there was great, too. Kids loved hanging out with cousins and grandparents. Later, we feasted on a spaghetti dinner, and the boys went to the BYU football game. I"ll admit that I wimped out due to the cold weather...I must be getting old or something. I enjoyed spending some extra time with my kids and Pat.




Sunday- We decided to share our Sunday morning cinnamon roll tradition with the rest of the family so I got up to make some for breakfast. The we headed up to Bountiful to attend church in the 14th ward where I grew up. Because our family's life has changed so much, there are not many places that hold such strong memories of my "roots". But when I go to church there, it is just like coming home. I love to see all the people that I love so much. I love to see my mom's friends and know that they still love and miss her. I love that my kids can go to Primary in the very same room I went to Primary in, and even sit on the same chairs. What an experience. When the choir sang, I could just close my eyes and hear my mom up there singing. It always heals my soul. After church, we went to the Jeppsens for dinner. It was so nice of them to have us all come, and we treasured the extra time to visit with everyone and get caught up.



Monday- We enjoyed a very relaxing day which is hard to come by for our fam! We slept in and just took a slow pace. We had lunch at INN and Out Burger, then hit the mall, and headed to see Gram Mary. I loved spending time with this great lady. I am so glad my children have gotten to know her a little bit...they know her as the grandma with the pet bird and the gummy bears who makes beautiful blankets. This year I even convinced her to let me take a picture of her! Just before we were leaving, I commented on a wall-hanging she had. She took me downstairs to her sewing room and gave me a small Christmas blanket she had just finished. What a priceless gift from a great-grandma I love. Every time I look at it, I smile. After leaving her house, we headed to the cemetery to visit my mom's grave. It's something that I always try to make time for. Of course, we had to squeeze in ice cream at the BYU creamery. The night was topped off by a talent show for FHE along with watching a Little House movie. Grandma had found the DVD at the grocery store knowing the girls love it so much!


Tuesday- My dear friend Erin came over and it was so good to see her. Then we went and had school lunch at Grandma's school. She is such an amazing principal. I love being at her school. Later, we decided to take the girls down memory lane and show them where Tod and I first lived in Springville and also where I first taught school in Mapleton. We visited my old friend Becca who is really like a little sister to me. Love her lots! That night, we went with Grandpa Kirk to a BYU basketball game. It was so much fun- I absolutely loved going to those games growing up, and it was fun to take my own kids now.


Wednesday- We spent the day in Salt Lake City at Temple Square. We even enjoyed lunch at Robintino's- best pizza in the land and the place where Tod proposed to me 11 years ago! Then it was time to say good-bye to Tanise and Kaushay as they headed back to Iowa by airplane. We missed them already! Next we circled out to Tooele to spend time with my sister Melissa and her family. Boy, just hanging out with her at her home made me wish even more we lived closer. We always have so much fun and her house has such a comfy, warm feel. The kids played playdough, we took a walk and feasted on home-made minestrone soup. On our way back to Provo, we stopped to see the Stakers- our friends who used to live her in Iowa. It was so good to see them- we have missed them so much since they moved. The kids picked up as if they had never been a part.



Thursday- Happy Thanksgiving! It was so neat to wake up and enjoy celebrating the holiday together. Since we moved to Iowa 8 years ago, we had never been back to Utah for Thanksgiving. The day was perfect- delicious food, beautiful weather, and just being together with family. We went on a couple of walks and played outside. That night, I stayed up late chatting with Mel and Chris. Gosh I miss them so much. They are incredible. Of course, we missed Katy Bug more than words can say. I felt so thankful for all I have been blessed with.





Friday- We celebrated Tod's 35th birthday! He was such a good sport about his b-day. It's hard with it always being right around Thanksgiving and with us traveling. Just that morning, I had been thinking that we weren't going to have enough time to get to Helper to see my mom's family which made me sad. Then the phone rang and it was my cousin saying they were in town shopping at the mall...so we were able to run over and see them. I love them so much. They are good people- hoping to spend more time with them next trip. After that we went bowling which the kids loved. That night we had a birthday dinner and also made gingerbread houses. It was so fun to be a part of that tradition! The houses turned out so well, and my dad had carefully measured a spot in our van to make sure we would be able to transport the finished product home. I have to say that one of the girls highlights of the trip happened that day- my sister in law got them feathers for their hair. They had been asking for those for quite a while and I just hadn't got around to it...so when their aunt went to great lengths to get feathers/supplies, they were thrilled. They still say it was one of their favorite things about the trip! That night, we got to sneak away to a movie- again thanks to my family for taking the kids. Tod scored some serious points with me by agreeing to see the Twilight movie even though it was his birthday!



Saturday- The last day is always so bitter-sweet. You just know that your time is coming to an end and there is so much more to do. I had to say good-bye to my siblings and their families which is tough. The kids got to help decorate Grandpa and Grandma's Christmas tree and we had lunch with our college friends (Tod's mission buddy). We always love spending time with them! That afternoon, my dad and I got to go shopping together. How I treasure my time with him. I just try to soak it all in and store it up for the long months that I know we will be apart. He is just the greatest dad in the world. I love him with all my heart. That night we had dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory and started the long process of packing....made more interesting by the fact that we were transporting a cedar chest that belonged to Gram Betty.




Sunday- We left around 3 AM and what a tearful good-bye it was for me this time. I barely stopped crying by the time we were out of Utah! Poor Tod. As I get older, my love for my family and the value on time spent together just grows. Having lived away, I appreciate it so much more. I have to continue to have faith that for this time, Iowa is the place for us. And I had to say when we finally arrived home, I did feel like I was home. There is nothing like your own house and bed. But I sure miss everyone...it was a great trip and we are already looking forward to our next trek out west.

I Just Call it "See you later"

For some reason, I just have a terrible time with good-byes. I don't like them at all. In fact, I try to avoid them at all costs....and I will always spring for a "see you later" rather than a "good-bye".

The "see you later" I am facing now is a very tough one...so tough that it has kept me up at night and been almost constantly on my mind since I found out about it.

You see, one of my dearest friends, is headed on a new journey and will be moving to a new city in a new state tomorrow. The time has come for me to say "see you later" to Kim and the entire Garner family....and I am having such a hard time doing it! Even as I sit here writing, a lump is coming to my throat and the tears are flowing. How do you say "see you later" to someone who has had a huge impact on your life and your kids' lives, who has been so much a part of so much of our experience here in Iowa? Well, it isn't easy that 's for sure.

We have so many memories...I remember the day we first met at church (6 years ago!)- Kim just seemed so put together...I immediately thought, this girl is going to be my friend. I want to get to know her!!! I could never have guessed the kind of friend I was gaining. A hundred times more amazing than I could have imagined.

We have shared so many birthdays and holidays- cafe rio for Christmas dinner, pumpkin carving for Halloween, Easter feasts, 4th of July picnics...there haven't been too many birthday celebrations that didn't include some members of the families.

Our girls have been school buddies and playmates, often the only members of the church among their friends. They have played on sports teams, attended church together, spent lazy summer days hanging out together and been in girl scouts.

We have helped each other with babysitting, carpools, recipes...been each other's listening ear for grumpy husbands, financial stresses and day to day living!!!! She has been there so many times for me when I just needed someone...she knows me, she knows my family, she knows my kids. She has seen me at my very best and at my very worst. She took care of my kids when I had Regan and when I had Cole...she was my go to girl when I had to call someone to come in the middle of the night...I always joked with her that I was comfortable calling her as she is a bit of a night owl anyway! She took care of my house when we lived in Texas...and welcomed me back to Iowa when we returned.

I often think that a true friend is someone who makes you better (incidentally "our song" is For Good from Wicked)...and boy, has that been true of our friendship. Kim is so talented in every way....she has inspired me to get creative, to get organized, to read more, to do fun activities with my kids, to learn and try new things, to make things beautiful, to document memories...and just to enjoy life. There have been many times when she has remembered me with a "little something"- most recently a little goodie bag when I ran my first half marathon...and just to be thought of and encouraged in that way has been priceless.

And now I must include a little bit about her kiddos...boy, I love those kids so much and have always felt so attached and close to them. With both of us not having family close by, we have been each other's family. Our kids are really more like cousins than just friends. I have been able to teach Christian piano for the past 5 years- what a treat to get to know him. I seriously adore that kid and wouldn't mind having him as a future son-in-law (wink, wink). He has really got his stuff together- smart, confident, polite and funny! Then there is Syd, who has been Ashton's buddy since they were 4 years old. As Ashton has been somewhat prone to be a little serious and worried about life, Syd can always bring a smile to her face!!! She makes me laugh out loud and is such an original in every way. She is going to go on to do big things, and I will get to say I knew her way back when. Finally, Ella who has been such a good friend to Jordan and to Regan. In the past years, it has literally been a fight at our house for who gets to play with Ella. I love that little girl- so full of life, full of hugs and full of the best questions. She would always ask me when I was pregnant, "How did that baby get in your tummy?" And I'd always say, "Go ask your mom!" It wouldn't be fair to not include a shout out to Craig...my husband doesn't have many people he considers true friends...he has a friend in Craig. That is no small thing for Snarr.

And so Kim, I guess I have no choice, but to say "see you later"...I don't like it...but I'll do it...I know you are going to do great wherever you go, because of the person that you are! For now I'm going to let myself shed a tear when I pass by the turn-off to your house, when I drive by Tantra, when I listen to the Wicked soundtrack, when I take Cole to nursery and you're not there, when I eat anything pumpkin. But mostly, I'm just going to be thankful...thankful that our paths crossed...thankful that we got to take this ride together...and thankful that I know our friendship can survive this new twist. Looking forward to many more good times and good chats...just for now, it's "see you later, my friend." Love you always. I have definitely been "changed for good."

Day dreaming

I'm finding myself day dreaming of where I was last year at this time...we had our first snow here this week....hope to go back there some day!

While You Were Gone....Halloween Edition

So Snarr took off on his trip to Asia just in time to miss all the Halloween festivities. I know he was crushed. Ha ha. You see, I LOVE Halloween...and Tod, well he just tolerates it. But to be fair, he is always a good sport and a lot of help with all the activities, and we really missed him this year. I wanted to give him a little rundown of some of the fun things we got to do to celebrate one of my favorite holidays.

Earlier in the week, Regan got to dress up for dance class:

Then on Friday, there were all kinds of events. My favorite was that Jordan's class went and sang Halloween songs at the care center next to the school.

That night, we all headed to the Trunk or Treat at the church. It's a good thing I took some quick pictures of Cole before we left, because that was about the only time he wore his costume. He did like his hat (or his "helmet" as he calls it), but claimed the bandana and vest were "choking" him. So basically, he was a little boy with cowboy boots. The girls looked so cute in their pioneer costumes. Apparently, they were Laura, Mary and Carrie from the Little House series we have been reading. Thanks Grandma Cindy, for your amazing sewing skills and dedication to my crazy costume ideas.





Saturday evening found us carving pumpkins together. Knowing that this can be a rather overwhelming task with 2 parents, I opted to carve in shifts- first working with Cole and Regan while the big girls played Wii and then letting the big girls have a turn. It was actually one of our more pleasant jack-o-lantern experiences. I love the different faces everyone came up with.









We were also able to squeeze in some neighborhood trick-or-treating. We love our neighborhood and our neighbors!! We missed the ones who weren't around this year...you know who you are!! It was such a fun night to wander the streets chatting with friends and gathering yummy treats!



Monday was actual Halloween, and to be honest, I was kind of done with the whole thing by then! The kids were out of school, so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent the day at a park with friends. That night I made our traditional spooky Halloween menu. I have such fond memories of this growing up. This year we added in a special twist. While I was busily cooking, I let Regan mix up her own surprise. She added a little bit of lots of different things and came up with something positively disgusting. When it was dinner time, we called the girls and put Regan's "surprise" on the table and told them it was dinner. They didn't know what to think and we had some good laughs. Needless to say, they were glad to see the pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and bread that made up our actual meal!







We finished the night with Family Home Evening and Halloween Bingo!

So there you have it, our Halloween of 2011. It was a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed all of our festivities, but we missed our daddy-o so much! Next year, no trips over Halloween!

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Any opportunity to be with one of my children alone is not something to be missed! This year, Regan and I got to go with her preschool class to the pumpkin patch...and the best part, we got to ride on the bus together!!! Regan is such a cutie...and she is really such a sweet good girl (most of the time!) She loves to giggle and chat and is just a good sport when it comes to just about anything. I do feel like sometimes she's "lost in the crowd" at our house, so it was so great to just have some time with her. We had a blast on the hayride and loved picking out pumpkins together. It was a super day!