Just like me

I'm always looking for good qualities and characteristics in my children so I can quickly claim "They got that from me." Of course, all their negative traits come from their father. Kelsie surprised me yesterday with our startling similar characteristics.

The youth went on a temple baptism trip and Kelsie kept asking me when they would be home. She wanted to make sure they would be home before 8:00 PM since she had signed up for a blood drive (NOT like me...I don't give blood). I was surprised she had signed up for the blood drive since she had never done anything like that, but she assured me it was because they got a free Marie Callender's pie if they gave blood. (Like me...the only time I even signed up to give blood was for a pie...but I chickened out.) She made it back in time for the blood drive and when I asked her how it went she said that she had chickened out, it was too scary. (Like me) Instead, she went to Taco Bell. (Like me...although I probably would have just gone and bought a pie...)

Trevor's Braces

February 19th, 2009 at 2:00 PM

February 19th, 2009 at 3:15 PM

As one can probably tell, Trevor was not in a "Picture" mood when he got his braces off. What is it about teenagers not wanting their picture taken? It can be so annoying. In fact, that was the only glimpse I've even had of his pearly whites since he got his braces off. Money well spent? We'll have to see...only if he smiles.

So Close...and yet so far

Since November 15th I have been crossing out each day on the basketball schedule. A nice two page schedule that has controlled my life and my family's life for the past three months. The last day on the schedule was February 15th. I have been anticipating that day for quite a while. That was to be the last day of the basketball season, a day I could cross off and throw the schedule away and realize I have a little bit of my life back.

I forgot about the possibility of basketball playoffs.

The season is still not over.

Kelsie's team made it to CIF and so they have a CIF game Thursday night (and I REALLY wanted to go to a Scrabble party...but I would have major mom guilt). Branden's team has a playoff game on Saturday morning for his basketball team (he wasn't even on my two-page schedule.) Trevor was the only one who ended his basketball season on time, but he started playing volleyball on Monday, so I didn't get a break there.

So, our schedule is STILL hectic, but this week REALLY should be the last week of basketball.

Bryan's baptism

Our sweet friend Bryan was baptized yesterday. He is a sixteen year old boy who has been taking the missionary discussions at our house since August. His older sister joined the church several years ago and he started asking her a bunch of questions during the summer. We kind of got involved because Chris is the YM President, so the missionaries would have the discussions at our house. After we had met Bryan, we realized that he and Trevor had played soccer on a couple of teams together, and so we actually knew him and knew his parents a little.

At first I just liked the discussions because the missionaries would come over on Sunday night's and I liked that because then I didn't have to worry about a Family Home Evening lesson (we have FHE on Sunday night's since it's the only night we are all home.) After a few weeks I forgot about the FHE lessons I was getting out of and really enjoyed the spirit the missionaries brought into our home. It was an amazing experience for the boys (and me) to sit in on the missionary lessons and to watch Bryan's learn about the gospel and develop a testimony.

Chris was such a great help in teaching Bryan. Chris joined the church when he was seventeen, so he was able to really relate to everything Bryan was going through; all of the questions and trials and feelings...it brought back a lot of memories for Chris.

I was really amazed at how supportive Bryan's family was of his baptism. His sister and her husband came down from Utah and his brother-in law baptized him. His parents were there along with another brother he has. His grandparents and some close family friends came to support him. I thought it was really nice that they were all at his baptism, but then his parents also came to church today for his confirmation. It was really cool.

I remember when he came over a few weeks ago and he had finally decided he wanted to get baptized. He was SO happy. There was such a change in him. After the baptism I asked how he felt and he said "I just can't wait for tomorrow to get the Holy Ghost." How cool is that? Chris was able to confirm him in church today but then I had to go to another ward for ward conference, so I haven't been able to get the "Holy Ghost" update from him.

I am so thankful for the opportunity that our family has had to go through this process with Bryan. Watching him learn about the gospel has been an unforgettable opportunity. Since I haven't been on a mission...yet...I feel like I finally had a "missionary moment," even though I really didn't have to do anything except sometimes read a few scriptures, make sure the house was suitable for company and occassionally share my desserts--but I'll still take it as a missionary experience.

Trevor's Bowl

Trevor had a woodshop class last semester in school. His counselor messed up his schedule so he ended up taking this class even though he didn't want to. He was very nervous about being in the class since he was the only one without a moustache. In the end, though, I think he was kind of glad he took it. He made some really cool things. He made a carving of his name, a jewelry box and a bowl which is my very favorite. I even share my mitre saw with him now and let him help me cut my casings and baseboards.

Abnormal Cravings

I've been doing amazingly well with my Don't Eat Crap diet and went for almost two whole weeks without any sugar at all. Since then, I've really cut down on my sugar intake since I was able to slow my insane sugar cravings. I almost feel like a normal person--someone who doesn't have to be constantly eating sugar.

On Saturday we went to the BYU/USC volleyball game and stopped at Diddy Riese afterwards. I love Diddy Riese. Whenever I go I am so sad when I have finished eating my ice cream cookie sandwich and I always wish that Chris would let me order two. I know, I'm a pig. Well, last night I started eating it and it was so sweet and rich that I really could only eat half. I was very disappointed in myself because that never happens to me. I can always eat as much sugar as I want. So I kept eating and eating and forced myself to eat the whole thing. When I was done I felt completely sick to my stomach. It was such a weird feeling. I have NEVER had a sick feeling from eating too much sugar. I have heard that it happens to other people, in face I have seen other people say that they've had enough and can't eat anymore. I have never experienced it. I just thought that they were weak.

I'm not sure if I should be happy that my stomach is finally telling me when too much is too much, or if I am sad that I can't eat two Diddy Riese cookie sandwiches in one sitting. I know this feeling won't last much longer. Now that I'm eating sugar again I'm sure my stomach will quickly adapt to it's normal craving self. I'm just torn between which stomach I like better.