Our Trip to Basin City, Washington

At the very beginning of summer break the kids and I jumped in the mini-van and headed to Washington to visit my sister and her family. It took us about 11 hours to arrive at her home. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the family dogs, Cy and Sheena. The next morning, Aunt Krista showed us that they had just gotten four new kittens. My kids were thrilled as they have never really seen, let alone held, cute little kitties! And there were enough kittens that each of them got to hold their own. While their cousins were at school (Washington schools stay in later than Utah schools) my kids played for hours with the kittens. They came in and announced that they had named all the kitties. The black kitten was named Midnight by Hayden. Abby named her kitty, Sally. Bastian named his Sherald, which was later changed to James. Hayden named Weston's kitty Silver.

Aunt Krista let Jenna and Jared stay home from school on the last two days. We went into town and went shopping at Fred Meyer. Hayden got car sick on the way and while shopping Hayden's car sickness came out his mouth. Yep, he threw up in the middle of the aisle at Fred Meyer. A boy walking by his throw up said, "Oooh, someone peed." We ate lunch at a big Pizza Hut that has tables to sit at and eat. The Pizza Hut around our house is only take out, so this was a rare treat for my kids and they have been talking about it ever since saying, "Don't you wish WE had a Pizza Hut like that one?"

Jenna and Weston
Abby, Jenna, and Weston
Justin and Hayden
Bastian and Jared
Weston and Midnight
Our trip to town wouldn't have been complete without going to Wal-Mart. This picture shows just how much fun a trip to town can be with six kids in tow.

We were very well fed on our trip. Krista makes everything taste delicious. I think it may be a quality she inherited from our mother. Jenna is not too far behind. She is quite the baker in the family. We had so much fun visiting, looking at pictures, playing the piano, watching TV, and playing outside. Before we knew it...it was time to go back home. As my Dad would say, "The party is over." We left at 6 a.m. for home. Krista waved goodbye by twirling a rag around and around high in the air, the signature farewell when my Mom and Dad would leave anyplace. I too waved in a like manner as we left her driveway. It is only at her house that I ever make this exchange of farewell. I thought that I might continue this tradition with everyone that leaves MY home, but I don't think I can handle the swell of emotion that arises within me. I cried for a few minutes and then had to put on some happy music.
I took this picture on the way home from our exciting adventure in Washington. They were exhausted from all the fun. I welcomed the quiet moment and had some great "alone time".....alone in a crowd.

FAMILY CHORE=Raspberry Jam

I love summer! Not only do I get my kids home all day with me, but it is also a time of working together and having fun while doing it. Our mornings in the summer are first and foremost SLEEP IN! Then after waking we have a morning routine. It includes: get dressed, make your bed, say your prayers, eat breakfast, and brush your teeth. I made a chart with a list of our morning routine on it. It is called "Morning Routine." I spent a lot of time thinking up the name. The chart came into existence about 2 years ago when I got tired of hearing my own voice ask each child, "Did you make your bed? Did you brush your teeth? Did you talk with Heavenly Father like He is your best friend....because He is!" It was exhausting, so the chart was born. Now I say, "Is your morning routine done?" Ahhh, so much simpler.
Now that it is summer not only do we have our morning routine but also a chore or two that must be done before any video game playing, outside playing or movie watching can be done. On this particular day we had a family chore. It was hardly a chore...it was making raspberry jam! Not very chore-ish if you ask me. I loved making raspberry jam with my mom and I hoped to share this experience with my kids. I hope they will have good memories of helping in the kitchen.
Weston watching the berries float in the water.
Hayden getting ready to puree the berries.
Abby being a cheerful worker.
Hayden pretending to eat the seeds. Yuck!

Bastian being a cheerful worker.

Hayden thought this picture looked like his face was bleeding. If that were the case, he'd have some sweet blood!
The finished product-a castle of jam! It took a lot longer than the usual family chore or individual chores, but it was worth it. I have decided that my favorite jam is the same as Hayden's favorite jam. RASPBERRY!

Raspberries with Half and Half

Thanks to Ream's grocery store we were able to enjoy an oh-so-very-good treat just a few weeks ago. Raspberries were on sale for $10 a case. I can't tell you how giddy I was to show my children how to make raspberries with half and half "correctly." It was taught to me by my sweet father. I remember sitting at the route house kitchen table when he first showed me how to make a bowl of my very own. How I have been missing him these past few months! We had a huge garden at my childhood home with the most amazing raspberry patch.  Here is how it is done.
1. Wash berries.
2. Pour in half and half till berries are almost submerged but still visible.
3. Add lots of granulated sugar. (No sugar substitutes allowed!)
4. Smash berries with your spoon until the milk turns a divine color of pink.
5. Savor EVERY single bite.
6. Slowly slurp the pink, raspberry flavored half and half from your bowl.
There you have it. Pure perfection in a bowl. Who says you can't buy happiness? I did and it was soooooo worth it.


I think Grandpa Bastian would have been pleased.

My First 5K

I ran my first 5K this month. It was the Art City Days fun run/walk. It was raining the whole race and my coat was soaked by the end of the race. I ran it with my friend Emily Gunderson. She was so nice to run with me the whole way even though she could've left me in the dust....or the mud. My hair looks curly from all the rain. I ran it in 33 minutes and 28 seconds. There was a six year old that finished the race right behind me. He told his Mom that it was a easy to medium run...but mostly easy. To me it wasn't THAT easy. Three miles feels like a long way to me! That's probably why I am so pleased with myself. We stayed for the prize drawing after the race, but Emily and I didn't win any of the big prizes....and there were MANY. We did catch a couple of frizbees thrown into the crowd and I caught a little blue football as well. I went home happy because I had reached my goal of running a 5K this summer.

Weston Holding Gavin

We were blessed with a visit from my great nephew, Gavin, this week. Weston was dying to hold Gavin the moment Ashlee and he arrived at our house. Weston would hold him for a minute and then Gavin would get restless and start to cry. Weston would say, "Ashwee, take him, take him, take him." Ashlee would take him, put his binky in and Gavin would be happy. Then Weston would say, "Ashwee, can I hold your baby?" It went like this for about three cycles until he was ready to go do something else. I heard Weston talking to Gavin while holding him. He said, "I love you, I won't pinch you." I have raised him well.

Happy Father's Day

June 2008 Father's Day Letter to Rob

I remember your first Father’s Day in 1998. I have to admit I was a little jealous because you got to be a father on Father’s Day that year, but I wasn’t a mother on Mother’s Day because Hayden had not arrived yet. After 10 years of hands on experience, I’d say you’re a natural.

I am so grateful that you are such a loving father. I can see the love that you have for each one of our children. You have so many qualities that are so attractive to me. You are kind, generous, cuddly, smart, spontaneous and fun…to name a few. You get along with everyone…you are loved by all you come in contact with. You are a people person and a go-getter.

I love thinking about how you told Uncle Steve when we were dating, “I’m going to keep asking her out until she marries me or gets a restraining order.” You sure do know how to make a girl feel special. All these wonderful qualities you have are no surprise to me. After all, I wouldn’t have settled for anything less than the best. I love you, honey.

Rachel

Camping at Tinney's Flat

We went camping up Santaquin Canyon on Father's Day weekend. We brought our 5th wheel trailer so that I wouldn't be scared of any wandering bears in the area. Rob keeps reminding me that we have a trailer because I refuse to camp in a tent. I must admit, He is right....but only this once. Okay, okay, he is right A LOT! I love Santaquin Canyon. It holds wonderful memories of when Rob and I were dating. Rob proposed to me on the bridge at upper trumbolt for the first time...but not the last. Thanks for your patience, Rob!

Bastian sticking to a tree with his marshmallow hands and face.

Abby and Shelby in a trance.

Weston is not pictured but got his marshmallow roasting privileges revoked for wielding the poker too close to human flesh.

Grandpa and Bastian

Rachel and Rob...is that an angel or a devil on his shoulder?

Grandma with Bastian and Penny

Mom and Abby

Hayden and Dad

Hayden set up his very own shooting range. He got his bb gun for his birthday. He has become a great shot in a very short period of time.

Abby and Weston

Grandpa was a professional tin foil dinner chef. He would have us quiet down so he could hear if the ingredients inside were sizzling. He knew right when they were done because they tasted delicious.

Uncle Joe and Abby

Aunt Tricia and Dad

Uncle Nate and Aunt Jessica

Aunt Kathryn and Grandma LeBaron

Family BBQ

We had a family BBQ at our house in June. It was fun to get together and visit. Life gets busy, but I firmly believe that no matter how busy life gets...you must take time to strengthen relationships, especially family relationships. I know that we are sent to families to learn the important things in life. I am so grateful for my family, for each one of my siblings, nieces, nephews, and now great niece and nephews. How I adore my family! Amanda and Allison Routt looking beautiful.
Ben, Ashlee and Gavin Mullins
Andy and Ann Glaus, expecting their first in July.

I couldn't help but take over the role of Pauline at this function and make the cousins pose for a picture. Unfortunately, I didn't get everyone at the event in some sort of picture....a definite Pauline "no, no." Sorry, Mom. I am trying to be more like you....I really am.

Summer Projects

We finally finished out fire pit. We have used it twice now to make smores, get sticky, and light marshmallows on fire....you know good clean fun. Rob and I also stained the play toy. The wasps are now leaving it alone. Yeah, no more wasp nests on the play toy this year. Our garden is coming along nicely. We planted zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, beets, carrots, onions, peas, cilantro, green peppers, and grapes. I can't wait till harvest time....especially the tomatoes....and strawberries, and peas...okay, I can't wait for all of it!

Here is the front of our house. This was taken the very beginning of June. I just barely planted all the flowers. I love this picture because it shows the mountain behind our house. We live in a very beautiful state.

Here are the heroes from our Primary Activity Day. From Left to right it is Lemuel (Rick Sannar), Captain Moroni (Duane Williams), Joseph Smith (Chris Hansbrow), Nephi (brother of Lehi: Val Martin), Laman (Brent Wood), Lehi (brother of Nephi: Stuart Henry), Nephi (Robb Anderson). In front is Mary and Martha (Amidey Anglesey and Misti Loveland). Notice that behind these heroes, is a picture of the ascension of Christ. That will be an awesome day. I bet some of the angels will be these heroes!

May Top Ten

10. I overheard Bastian singing to himself. It began, “George to the world…..”

9. When Weston was a baby I would find binkies in every place imaginable. Upon finding lost binkies I would put them in my bra. I know, not one of my BEST ideas. He would often reach in there to try to find one. Once he did it to a woman in Nursery. He has not had a binky for over a year. This last month he pulled the top of my shirt down and peered inside saying, “You don’t have binkies in here?” Yep, you’re right, Weston, not for a year now.

8. We went four-wheeling up Diamond Fork Canyon. We had a great time. After the ride Hayden asked curiously, “Why does Utah have so many fork names in it?”
Rob answered, “Because Utah was settled by really hungry people.”

7. I was rinsing off dishes and looked out my kitchen window into the back yard to see my newly potty trained boy with his pants down pooping by the trampoline. I ran out and explained to him that we do not poop outside. We poop in the toilet. He said, “Turk poops outside. I said, “Yes, Turk (our lab) poops outside, but we poop in the toilet.” Concerned, Weston said, “We should buy him a toilet.”

6. Abby was realizing that her cousin, Sarah, was going to be 12 this year. She said to me, “Sarah gets to be baptized.” Just as I was about to say, “No, that’s when you turn eight,” she added, “…for those dead people.” I guess she does know what she is talking about.

5. We had a Primary activity Day that was fabulous. It was entitled “Who’s Your Hero?” It was about what the meaning of a hero is and we got to meet different heroes from the scriptures. The definition of a hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities--one of exalted moral character. In our time, kids think of heroes as basketball players, singer, actor etc. When in truth these are not heroes...they are idols. An idol is a person or thing devotedly or excessively admired. President Kimball said that we are an idolatrous people.We split up into 5 groups and had the kids walk through a time warp (which was a tunnel made of PVC pipe and draped with plastic with streamers of crepe paper hanging from it.—Thank you Julie Olson!) We went and visited different heroes from the scriptures who were some of the remarkable teachers/leaders in our ward dressed as their character. We had Nephi, Laman and Lemuel, Captain Moroni, Mary and Martha, Nephi and Lehi (the brothers), and Joseph Smith. It was so great. The Spirit was definitely present.

4. After the activity day and the clean-up I was loading my kids in the van. I kissed Bastian on the lips and started to spit in the parking lot. Sarah Bradshaw asked, “Are you okay?” I let her know, “I got boogers in my mouth and they're not mine.” Of course, Bastian thought it was funny.

3. I did Abby’s hair in a side bun. It started falling out as the day wore on. In desperation she said, “Mom, fix my bum!” It’s amazing the effect just one little letter can have.

2. We had an exterminator come to our home and spray for spiders. Uncle Joe lives with us right now and he got bit by a spider…I don’t know if he was at our house when he got bit, but a hobo spider was the culprit. Anyway, the man went outside to get the invoice. Weston followed him outside. I watched from the doorstep. The young man came back in and said, “He is telling me his secrets. So, he pooped outside.” I started laughing and the guys said, “He told me that we don’t poop outside, we poop in toilets.”

1. Rob was complaining about how rough his feet are getting now that he has been wearing sandals a lot. Hayden looked at Rob’s feet with disgust and said, “What is that white stuff on your feet?” Rob said, “I have leprosy.” Hayden said seriously, “Really?” Rob laughed and said, “No…I’m trying to make my feet look like horse hooves.” Hayden smiled and said, “You’re half way there.”