He Thinks He's So Funny

Don't you?  And if that's not enough proof, check out this video!  P.S.  Don't you love Collin and Freestone in the background, playing "The Game" in "World Two," created by pushing all the couches together?  Love those boys!

Summer Recipe

They say that if you live in Utah and have to pay money for zucchini in the summer, you don't have any friends.  Sad!  Friendless though I may be, I know how to get to the farmers' market!  Today I made this Zucchini Gratin.  I thought everybody would eschew it for less greenish, less veggie-ish fare, but it was a big hit with the whole crew.  They were all begging for more!  I used plain old mozzarella and Parmesan instead of Gruyere, and added a few sprigs off my new rosemary plant.  Yum!  If I had any friends, I'd share it!  :)

Working Girl

At piano, Xanthe's teacher gave her an assignment for the week to draw some treble G's on a piece of staff paper.  I gave the paper to Xanthe in the backseat, and by the time we got home, the paper was packed solid with treble G's.  The kid is intense.  She takes assignments verrrrry seriously.  I don't know if you remember the show'n'tell bag, but Xanthe was compulsive about coming right home from school and immediately putting four items in the bag to take the next time.  Even for church, she has to have her scriptures so she feels prepared when the teacher says, "Everybody who brought their scriptures, hold them in the air!"  She has a fit if she doesn't have anything to hold up.

On the other hand, she feels no compunction to obey her mother at all.  It's like she has a split personality!  If her preschool teacher had asked her to fly to the moon, she would have somehow gotten in touch with NASA.  But if I say, "Why don't you sit in the shade and eat a popsicle," she'll shout, "NO!"  And then, "I want to have a popsicle in the shade."  Like it was her idea.  I think I finally have her number.  Instead of hurrying to unload the dishwasher while Xanthe is writhing around whining "What should I dooooooooooooo,"  I gave her the job of unloading.  It's an hour later, and she's still taking each dish and painstakingly placing it in the appropriate cupboard.

And I just figured this out today.  Am I a complete idiot?  There could have been peace and quiet in our household ages ago!  Next, I'm going to have her shuck the corn for dinner.  That should buy me the rest of the afternoon!

Dog's Life

Hey everyone, it's Prestie, the new dog in town. My people are away, that old dog Star is tired of my antics and I'm bored, so I thought I'd blog a little. The thought process behind writing will be good practice for my singing-acting-dancing career. I've already come a long way from that cardboard box on the street corner in Nowhereville, Idaho. Man, I had to get outta that cowtown. I sure charmed that old man who bought me! This place ain't much better, but I'm working my way to the top.

So anyway, for the blog I took about a hundred pictures of myself, but I can't seem to get one that captures my zippy, energetic-yet-cuddly personality. I look confused and forlorn no matter how much I try to smile. Must be the snout. The kids around here all think I'm impossibly cute, but I beg to differ. See, I have this one ear that won't stay up, and then one that won't stay down. Dogs don't make it in The Industry with lop-sided ears, and these people I live with don't look like the type that would spring for plastic surgery. My only hope is to hone my voice so that I can make it as a singer-songwriter with a quirky look. There's a market for that. Every night when my people lock me in the bathroom with nothing to do, I work on my voice. My vibrato, in particular, needs a ton of work, as do my high notes. That High C is a killer, but I am very dedicated. How can I not make it if I practice two, three hours a night when the rest of the world is sleeping? I'm bound to get ahead, right?

And whenever I play with the kids, I work on my expressions. I might look like I'm just a playful little pup, but I'm constantly workshopping different personnas. Feisty, tough, scrappy, lovable, sweet...whatever I think casting agents could be scouting for. You never know who might show up at the house at one of these birthday parties.

Until my lucky break comes along, I'll just keep my furry head down, pee where they tell me to and try to avoid becoming kibble for the Afghan hounds next door. One day these suckers will be able to say they knew me when! So anyway, it looks like old Star has drifted off. I gotta go jump on her head and give her a tug on the ears. I can't help it. What can I say? I'm still a puppy. Gotta play the part. Later, dudes.

Miss Kaysville-Fruit Heights Pageant

What a fun night experience! Golda wrote all about the Miss Kaysville-Fruit Heights pageant at News from Studio Twelve.  We would never have considered ourselves pageant people, but it was great fun to watch Golda and all the other girls get up on the stage and do their thing.  All of them did such a fantastic job.  I was really proud of Golda for holding her own in such a polished group.  Golda, you carried it off with style!

Golda had her interview with the judges in the afternoon.  She had a list of possible interview questions and practiced her answers extensively every night.  She was prepared and answered the questions nicely.

This is her outfit for the production number that all of the contestants did at the beginning of the show.

Getting ready for the talent portion of the night.  Scherzino by Anderson on the flute.  She played so well!

For the fitness demonstration (instead of a swimsuit competition), Golda chose to wear her ballet clothes and demonstrate a little dancing.  She looked adorable with her wispy bun and was so graceful.

The evening gown competition.  Nikki lent her a dress and Coco altered it.  It was perfect!  Thank heavens for all these helpers.  Thank you both!

Tricia brought flowers and Grandma and Grandpa gave her a journal with her name engraved on it. She had a big group of supporters. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, Coco and Bill, Jennie and Lexie, Nikki, Tricia, Neeley, Kayla, Brittany, Michelle, Jen, Sally and Suzanne, Tiffany and crew, Freestone, Ari and Ruby. In the end, there were four contestants for Golda's category, Outstanding Teen, and only three winner spots. The judges decided to have only one attendant instead of two, so that the results wouldn't leave out just one girl. Golda wasn't the winner or the attendant, but she and the other girl who didn't place each got a $50.00 scholarship. Golda also got trophies for Best Platform (Children Expressing Themselves Through the Arts) and Most Photogenic. After it was all over, Golda said she might want to do it again next year, and I'm sure the other girls in the family will follow! In other words, this isn't the last time we'll be hitting everyone up to buy tickets. You have a year to save up!

Stage Mom

Well, I'm NOT at a dress rehearsal at the high school right now, helping my oldest daughter change in and out of her Miss Kaysville pageant gowns, taming a wild lock of hair, touching up her makeup.  I'm not invited.  The pageant doesn't allow moms at the dress rehearsal or backstage at the performance.  When I heard that, I thought it was sheer genius.  Stage moms ruin everything, and being banned sure took the pressure off me!   Golda asked her fun, talented, youthful Aunt Jenny to be her backstage person, and Jenny has been awesome!  She has really gone the extra mile for Golda, and with such enthusiasm.  Thank-you, Jenny!  Yes, I thought the rule was just brilliant, right up until the moment I dropped off the little contestant, her arms full of taffeta, head full of nerves, and watched her walk away.

As I drove off, tears sprang up and with them, images.  Images of scenes I never saw, because I wasn't there.  I pictured my mom at my wedding reception after I'd gone.  After I'd changed into the going-away ensemble Mom and I had shopped for in San Francisco and gone, arm in arm with Scott.  I could just see her turning to go in the house, helping the caterers pack up.  Looking at the silent flower arrangements.  Walking around the house turning off lights.  Taking off her makeup, hanging up her beautiful mother-of-the-bride dress, another purchase from our trip. 

I remember so many times my parents must have turned away from the excitement, going home while I forged into the future without a backward glance.  It was all about me, and I must have been oblivious of the supporting cast who launched me into the world.

Now I'm back from traveling, home from college, here to stay. All of my recital programs, diplomas, report cards and wedding shower invitations are tucked away in a neat box on a high shelf.  The stunning flowers from my wedding are long gone.

And here I am, irrelevant me, driving away from Golda with a cracked windshield and a loose fan belt, squeaking my way home while my daughter plows forward into independence.  I used to be a lead character.  Now I'm furniture.  I'm the comfy rocking chair stage right.  I'll just be there when you get home.  *sniff...*

See?  This kind of drama is exactly why they don't allow moms backstage for the pageant.  We can't be trusted to keep our emotions in check!  Thanks for helping Golda, Jenny.  Glad it's you, not me.  And so is Golda!

My Way

I set out, during our two weeks of vacation, to learn how much of what we spend our time on is good and what is fluff.  I didn't want to miss the forest for the trees.  I often find myself discussing the kids' schedules and involvement with my friends, all of us asking ourselves what our priorities are and whether we're doling out our time and resources appropriately.  It's an interesting discussion.

I think taking a break is essential in order to build up a reserve of energy and enthusiasm for life. It was nice to step back from being a taskmaster to myself and everyone around me, and to do some serious, guilt-free lounging.  However, I'm happy to be getting back to building our fall schedule of carefully considered, worthwhile activities.  There are so many great ways to structure a household and raise healthy, responsible children.  Your way might be better.  This is my way.  For me, it's the activities we do that connect us as a family, even if we're often running different directions. Scott and I both spend a fair amount of time in the car, shuttling kids from one place to another.  Car time affords us opportunities for communication, one-on-one treats or listening to interaction between siblings and friends. For years, Scott has driven Golda to flute every Saturday. It's a 45-minute drive each way, and they have become familiar with a lot of good music together during those drives.  Xanthe's piano lessons and practicing are guaranteed alone time with Mom.  That's important for a 5th child. 

All the girls in our family love to dance. It's not a decision they had to make.  It was something they were given at age 4 when I took them to their first class and told them if they didn't like it, they could quit when they turned 16.  There are a lot of dance classes every week, but it binds us together and gives us similar experiences and goals.  Fodder for easy conversation.  Same with practicing. I love to listen to what the kids are working on, and I love having them learn that there is a job that they are responsible to do every day, without fail.  If there is ever a communication gap between me and one of my kids, I can always ask, "What are you working on? Do you want me to help you?"  Music gives us a common language.  And I can always grab a kid and go to a concert, play or ballet, because we have built up the knowledge together to enjoy those things. On Sunday afternoons, I like to make a practicing and homework plan with each kid for the week.  It gives me an excuse to take them each aside for a few minutes.  Because of those benefits, I feel like music and dance lessons are adding value to family time, rather than taking away from it.  If there are nights they don't get home to start their homework until late, good.  That's life. 

The most surprising thing I noticed during the past two weeks is that when you strip everything away, there is still a huge amount of time spent in church or church-related activities and service.  I honestly hadn't considered how much our church makes up the backbone of our life's structure.  Church on Sunday, Young Women's on Wednesday, family prayer, choir practice, visiting teaching, preparing for callings, giving service, supporting social functions.  It's a way of life that is essentially a foolproof recipe for learning personal responsibility, if you make the commitment. 

Scott and I used to be really spontaneous and relaxed.  We once drove to California literally on the spur of the moment on a Saturday afternoon and had a great time.  We had three kids and I was 8 months pregnant.  But now we're at a different point in our lives, and other things are just more interesting and important. I don't worry that my kids are too over-scheduled to enjoy their childhoods.  You have only to look at the forts they've built in the back yard and the "orphanages" and art studios they've set up all over the house to know that's not the case.  Besides, I think "over-scheduled" is a term our society made up as a cop-out for facing hard work.  There's nothing wrong with kids learning that life is about work and the satisfaction that comes from it. Cracking open a new book or relaxing outside in the twilight, it's just more satisfying if everyone's work has been done.

There are school nights where we have 3 or 4 dance classes, a band concert, SEP conferences and a recital. It's unavoidable. So I plan ahead for everything I do have control over. I have learned to say no to something that I know is going to be a scheduling conflict whenever I can. It might seem selfish, but it would be worse if I slighted my own kids because I'm too disorganized/polite/scared to say no to something extraneous. Planning also helps me to be available to help where I'm needed.  I know from experience that I'm not too busy to contribute when there is a need in the family, ward or neighborhood.   If I have everything scheduled and in order, I know when I have time to make an extra crock pot of soup or watch someone's kids for a few hours, and I know how much I can take on.

We have had a relaxing and restful vacation.  After awhile, though, the lack of structure and direction starts to feel like eating cotton candy all the time.  I'm ready for some meat and potatoes.

Big Mama of the Jungle

I have an idea for a new reality show.  I'm calling it Big Mama of the Jungle.  Here's the first challenge for the moms/contestants:

You must navigate a minivan to an address you've never been to before.  You have directions, but they're written in yellow crayon on a post-it note in the bottom of your purse and a sippy cup leaked on the paper, making it illegible.  It doesn't matter, though, because you can't reach your purse anyway.  There is a baby crying in a rear-facing carseat.  You can't see out the rear window because there is a kid in the back who is walking around on the seat naked looking for the swimsuit she wanted to change into.  While you're driving, you must carry on these five conversations simultaneously:

 - "OWWW!  Mom, he kicked me really hard and I didn't even do anything!"
- "Mom, what if the world was a giant cheeseburger and we didn't even know it and we were on top and all of a sudden we started rolling off the bun like wheeeeeeeeeeeee! and we were flying through space, get it? and we didn't even have a life jacket on and..."
 - "My hair WILL NOT work!  I need more bobby pins and someone, like, took all of them.  This is the worst day EVER!"
- "TURN!! SHORTCUT!!  MOM, SHORTCUT!!  TURN HERE!!!  WHY DON'T WE EVER GET TO TURN ON THAT ROAD!?!?"
- "Mooooooooooom, turn the 'cital music on.  Mooooooooooooooom, I want the 'cital music on.  I can't hear it!  Moooooooooom!"

During the drive, you must take three phone calls, one to reschedule a piano lesson (look at your calendar, find a Sharpie), one to coordinate visiting teaching (calendar again) and one from your mom who has a new theory on why your son dumped all the sand from her sandbox in the toilet and flushed it. 

You get points taken off for automatically driving to the ballet studio instead of your destination.  The first mom who drives into a tree, whether accidentally or intentionally, goes home.  Stay tuned for next week's challenge!  If you dare.

It's 6:00 AM. Do You Know Where Your Leotard Is?

Yesssssssss, ballet starts today!  Xanthe hung her brand-new leo and tights on the front door last night, not taking any chances with being unprepared.  I'm just thankful her class is so early in the morning on Mondays.  All we have to do is hang in there until 9:30!  Two more hours.  That's approximately 120 "Is it time to go to ballet yets."  Make that 119.  118.  OK, I finally made a sign that said "9:10" and put it next to the clock.  When it matches, we can go.  Xanthe said, "Yet's just watch it."

She'll for sure be warmed up.  No question there!

Sunday Best

We got to see our littlest nephew, Kiptyn, blessed today.  He is beautiful and much loved.  Congratulations, Nikki and Clint!  I'm so glad he turned out as cute as Ptolemy! :)

So I was sitting next to Freestone in the Sacrament meeting when Nikki got up to bear her testimony.  Freestone whispered, "I don't even have a testimony."
I said to him, "That's OK.  You can use mine until you get one," and ruffled his hair.
He said, "What IS a testimony, anyway?"
I told him, "It's when you know Heavenly Father loves you.  Do you know Heavenly Father loves you?"
He nodded.  He knew. 
I said, "Then you have a testimony.  You don't even need to use mine."
A smile twitched at the corners of his lips and he looked up at me, proud.

That's a good testimony meeting.