A day with an apostle

Jason And I were given tickets to a special meeting to dedicate the newly remodeled Idaho Falls Visitors Center, where Elder L. Tom Perry would be speaking. We were very excited at this opportunity to hear an apostle speak in person. We were asked to attend a temple session before the meeting and to also to tour the visitors center. So we did, the new visitors center is really beautiful. (Jason was especially impressed with the big flat screen t.v.'s) I had actually never been in the visitors center before, so I can't really talk about what improvements were made, but it really is a lovely place. We are going to take the kids on Monday for fhe. At the meeting there were three talks, first was the mission president for the Pocatello- Idaho Falls area, President Sommers, The Temple president, President Groberg, and Elder Perry. They were all wonderful talks, and were mostly about missionary work. Elder Perry has quite the sense of humor, he was talking about the importance of a ward mission leader (Jason's calling) and said if he were to organize a new ward, he would first select the most spiritual of the ward and make him the ward bishop. Next would be the ward clerk, "because we need to keep records of all this stuff." Then third he would choose the ward mission leader. He said "I would not pick an attorney for this job,(everyone was laughing so I missed the explanation for this) and I would not pick a doctor either, they would cut every thing up and leave it a mess, I would choose a starving insurance salesman for the job, they have the drive needed for this position." Jason and I got quite a laugh out of this, because although he is not an insurance salesman, he is and has been a salesman all of our marriage. So I guess our bishop got it right when he called Jason to this position. I was really surprised how many people were there. Only the stake president, the bishop,the stake high counselor, the ward mission leader and stake relief society president and all their spouses were invited for each stake, the entire stake center was full! The chapel, the over flow, the gym, and the stage, they even had broadcast it in all the classrooms, and they were full! So they broadcast it to another stake center two blocks away to help with the over flow! I guess I didn't realize how big our area is! The entire day was wonderful!!

toothless no more

Lillia finally got her first tooth! She is now ten months old, and just barely cut her first tooth. All my other kids got their teeth much earlier. The crazy thing is, she is the perfect baby to nurse (no biting) but of coarse I had to quit nursing long ago. It's funny how these things work out. The poor girl is just miserable!! She has been like a leaky faucet for days now, with a runny nose and drooling like crazy, and today she has a little fever. She has been laying around like a bump on a log all day. I'm hoping that this doesn't last to much longer. I tried to take a picture of the cute little teeth, but they are still in that see through stage. Really hard to see, but you can definitely feel the sharp buggers! As soon as they are visible I will try again.

Kiss me I'm Irish!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

Girls just want to have fun!

While Jason and I were in Moab, my sister Robyn and her girls were in SLC with my parents, staying at my Grandma's. Isabel was really excited when we told her she would get to spend the weekend with her cousins. She doesn't get to spend very much time with them since they live in the Seattle area, and since most of the cousins we do see are boys, she was thrilled to have a little girl time. On Saturday they all went to the zoo in Salt Lake. They had so much fun, Isabel went on and on about all the animals they got to see. She loved the giraffes, but said they were really stinky. (I think you could have figured that out on your own because of the pictures!) She also went on and on about the cool white alligator. (I wish they had taken a picture of that one, because I have never seen one and it sounded pretty cool.) I really think they could have sat around in the dirt all day and still had a blast just because they were together. On Sunday we all came back to Idaho, and they got a little more time together. Monday morning My kids went to school and my parents, Robyn and the girls, all went back to Bozeman for a few more days until they had to go home. Isabel got home from school, and saw that they had gone, and just started uncontrollably bawling!! "I didn't get to say goodbye!!" she kept saying that over and over. We really need to plan a trip to Seattle so it wont be so long until they see each other again.

Fun with the Andersons

While Jason and I were in Moab, the boys stayed at Trena and Kirk's house. They had so much fun. All the snow has melted in Salt Lake and my boy's thought they were in a new world. (we still have two feet of snow at home!) They were so excited to be able to play outside without their snow clothes, they played in the yard all day Friday and Saturday. Trena said she could hardly get them to come inside. When we got back to their house on Saturday afternoon, Jason and Kirk went to pick up this new play house that Trena bought from her friend. The kids were way excited about this new toy. Issac was so funny he said "it's not just Abbie's, you know." I was shocked at how many games they came up with to play with the house. One of the games they pretended it was Abbie's house, Seth was the guard dog, and the other boys were robbers. They even tied Seth to the house and gave him a mat to lay on. What bright and creative kids!! My boys did not want to come home, back to the cold and snow on Sunday. Hopefully spring will come soon, and the kids can come up with fun new games here. Thank you Andersons for such a fun visit!

Moab

While we were in Moab, we stayed up in the La Sal mountain range in the cutest little cabin. It was really beautiful up there. It felt like we were right on top of the mountain. It was funny because down in Moab it was 56 degrees and up in the range it was only in the upper twenties. We kept seeing all of these wild turkeys, I have never seen anything so ugly and yet really pretty at the same time. If that makes any sense. If we got to close to them, they would take off flying down the mountain. It was a really cool little place for a quick get away and I think we will stay there again if I get into the Moab race in October.

Moab race

Saturday march 8th, was the Moab 5 mile and 1/2 marathon race. Jason, Lillia and I went down to Moab on Friday morning, dropping off the other kids in SLC with Trena and my parents who were staying at my grandma's. The course for the race is really cool. It starts up the canyon by the river and finishes in town at the city park. The thing I didn't like was the course is pretty much closed to spectators until you get into town for the last two miles. So Jason was wondering what he would do while I was running. I told him just to stay at the park and to look for me at the finish around 10:00. So as I came into the finish I was expecting to hear him cheering for me, but no Jason. So I thought I would see him as I walked through the winding finish area, but no Jason. So I got some fruit and bread and ate it thinking Jason would find me at the finish area, but no Jason. So I went over to the area where they put your sweats,( you take them off at the start and they drive them down to the finish line for you to pick up) got dressed and still no Jason. I was starting to get a little mad now because it had been about 15 min. Just about then I saw Jason and Lillia walking by the finish line. When he saw me I could tell that he felt bad, he had decided that he would drive up the canyon to see if he could watch some of the race, but they had all the roads closed (like I told him they would be) and than he got stuck in traffic and couldn't turn around and ended up missing the whole thing!! So I don't have any pictures of me running and he made me pose in front of the finish so that he could get at least one picture.

I was also really embarrassed later when I realized that I had run the whole thing with my shirt on backwards!! I had to get up really early that morning because we were staying about 35 min. out of Moab and I have to eat at least 2 hours before I run. So when I woke up and got dressed I was still half asleep, and ended up putting my shirt on backwards. I thought it felt kinda funny but never put two and two together until I took a shower later and saw myself in the mirror. I know, I'm such a nerd!

I ended up running the five mile instead of the 1/2 marathon like I had planned. I only started running again in January, and I wasn't ready for the half. I did o.k., not as well as I had hoped, but like I said I have only been running for a month and a half so I shouldn't be to hard on myself. I ended up 34th out of 100 in my age group and was 324th out of about 5000 runners overall, and I averaged a 9 min. mile. I am planning on signing up for the other half in October, so if anyone wants to run it with me let me know. The whole time I kept thinking, this would be so much fun to do with someone else. I did have a lot of fun and I am looking forward to my next race.

Isabel won the race!!

Isabel and Evan have been racing to see who would would be the next one to lose a tooth. They would sit down together and say "one, two three go" and they would both start wiggling their loose tooth. Sunday Isabel came running up to me saying, "Mom, it's bleeding! I can pull it out now." She was so excited. You can see for yourself what happened next. (We copied this from Megan's blog, I thought it was a cute idea, hope you don't mind.)

Robyn

My sister Robyn, is an extremely talented writer. When I was a senior in high school, she wrote me a poem for Christmas. It was and still is my favorite Christmas present that I have ever received. I was going through some of my old things yesterday, and came across it. I thought I would share it with you.

An Angel
My sister,
a beauty
(who's beastly
if you mess
with me)
but she smiles,
my sister,
and the angels
laugh
with her-
She's one of them
you see
This woman-
child
Is just a
wild
administering
angel and
again and again
I trust her
with my life
and my soul-
it's my heart
she holds
The power to mend-
My confidant,
my sister,
my very best friend

Tag I'm it!

O.K. so I've been tagged. It's probably a good thing because I haven't had anything to post for a while! Let's see if I can even remember that long ago.

20 years: I was 10 years old, living in the Seattle, Washington area. I was in fourth grade and had a style all my own! My favorite pair of shoes were actually the kind of shoes you see boxers wear. They were tennis shoes but they went all the way up to my knees! They were bright purple and had pink laces. I wore them everywhere (church, school, home) I can even remember trying to wear them to bed, my Mom wouldn't let me. I can remember my sister trying to get me to take them off, telling me how embarrassing it was for her to be seen with me. I thought she was CRAZY!! My mom finally made me throw them out when they started to stink up the house because I wore them non-stop. My best friends were, Lanis Brunette and Nicky Brue, and I had my first crush on Jason Mercer. I would chase him around at recess trying to kiss him. (Bennett, don't do this!!!)

10 years: Jason and I had been married for a little over a year and Bennett was almost 1 month old. We were living in a little tiny green house out on highway 48 in Rigby. It was actually a nice little house, except for all the spiders! We called it the arachnophobia house. I couldn't wait to move, I really hate spiders!! I was really enjoying being a first time mom, and I can remember just sitting in my rocking chair holding Bennett all day and listening to the Titanic soundtrack.(Jason had given it to me for valentines day a few weeks earlier.) A few months later we bought our first house.

5 years: Jason and I were living in the house were in now, and I was a stay at home Mom to Bennett, Isabel and Evan. I was driving " the bus" for Bennett's school. It was actually a big van, and helping out a lot in his classroom. Jason was working at Colonial Truck and Auto in Rexburg. It's funny that I can remember more about life 20 years ago than I can 5 years ago. I guess it goes to show you how being a Mom can melt your brain!

1 year: Last year I was very pregnant with Lillia, on bed rest trying to keep her in a little longer, while still trying to be a good Mom to the other four. That was not an easy time. Jason had just changed jobs, from finance manager at Thrifty Car sales to Real estate agent. That was a difficult time for Jason as well. But a good change, he was able to be home a lot more and help with the kids.(I say it was a good change, but maybe Jason will tell you something else!)

This year: So far this year things have been both good and bad. Jason has started writing loans as well as the real estate, which he has really enjoyed. It is a lot like the finance he was doing with cars. I have been able to get my headaches under control, thanks to a great medicine my neurologist prescribed and I have been feeling more like myself. I have been making and selling baby slings,(Kangaroo pouch, custom baby slings by Gini)I am in the process of making a blog specifically for that, which I am really excited about. The bad news is my Mom has been diagnosed with Colon cancer, and after surgery last month is in the process of starting chemotherapy and will be going through it for six months. I am having a really hard time processing this. It is difficult when someone you love get sick, so please everyone remember her in your prayers.

Yesterday: I ran, I cooked, I played, I cleaned, I changed diapers, I kissed owies, I read books and did it all over again and again and again, until bedtime and then I relaxed with Jason and watched a movie.(if it was any good I would mention it by name, but it wasn't)

Today and Tomorrow: The same as above with a few very small changes. See why I haven't posted anything for a while! My Moab race is next Sat. and I am really excited for that.

This year: I am looking forward to spring, sunshine, and more life as a mother of five! (I know, I'm boring!)

Thanks, Megan for "tagging" me, it was fun to think back at all the changes over the past twenty years. It is strange to think what will happen in the next twenty!
I tag Trena and Tresa, you guys need to start a blog and now you have something to start with!

the love list

Since Valentines day is quickly approaching I thought I would make a list of the top ten things that I love.( cheesy, I know, but so is Valentines day!)

1. My wonderful husband, Jason. He is in no way romantic, and most of the time clueless (no offense honey) but he would do anything for me and the kids. He would sacrifice everything he had to provide for us, take care of us and keep us safe. He loves me with all his heart and I know that with out a doubt, not because he says it everyday, which he does, but because he shows me in everything he does. I love him more and more, every day of every year, that we are married. I wish everyone could be as lucky as I am.

2. My beautiful kids, Bennett, Isabel, Evan, Will, and Lillia. You know love is a funny thing. Sometimes it takes years for love to grow between people, for some weeks, or even days, But for me the second I laid eyes on my children, and held them in my arms, I felt as if my heart would burst. My heart was in that moment and every moment since, full of love for them. Every day they do something, say something that makes me smile. They fill my day with sunshine and laughter and I thank my heavenly father for giving them to me.

3.My Mom. She has taught me how to be a woman, a wife, a mother, and a good person. She is by far the best person I know. She has dealt with everything that life has thrown at her with grace, even in her darkest hours. Really, how many women do you know that have seven kids in seven years, and you can't remember a time when she wasn't smiling. Even now as she battles with cancer, she is as cheerful as ever. I am so thankful to have her as an example, a role model, a mother and a friend.

4. My Dad. The big goofball. He has given me my creative side, my love for baking, for Halloween, for a good book or a good movie. He is generous beyond his means, and is always thinking of ways to help others. I love to watch him with his grand kids, each one of them thinks that Grandpa loves them the best! I love to hear him tell a story, he has the best imagination and can capture the interest of even the youngest child in the room. We have had our rough patches from time to time, but he forgives me my flaws and I forgive him his. I will always love my Dad.

5.My Siblings. Liberty, Zac, Robyn, Pip, Mac, and Charlie. Growing up with all of them was never dull. Some of my best memories are with them. It has been fun watching as our relationships have changed, from the big brother who picked on me, or the sister I always fought with, to my very best friends. I cherish each one of them, and their special qualities that they each bring to this family. Some of them have gotten married, and started families of their own, and I love their spouses ( Lope, Candi and Kelli ) as if they were my own brother and sisters, and I love their kids ( Eden, Clara, Jeanette, and Eleanor and Liam and Aidan) as if they were my kids.

6. My In-laws. I hate that word ( I know this is a love list and I shouldn't use the word hate, but I do ) The reason is, I have an amazing extended family. Jason's parents and brothers and sisters, are the coolest. I think of them as my own. Not as the "dreaded in-laws". Not only that, but their families are awesome as well. I love getting together with them, and just sitting back and listening to all the great stories. (especially from Johnny) I just laugh and laugh. I know I have said this before, but I am really lucky to have married into such a great family.

7.My Father in heaven and my savior, Jesus Christ. I don't mean to get all heavy here, but I couldn't have a love list without them in it. They have given me everything I have, my life is filled with blessings from them, and I wouldn't be where I am in life without their love, and without the gospel. I feel their love in my children's eyes, and in the beauty of the world around me. I see it in a strangers kindness, and in my moms embrace, and I know that they want the best for me. I feel it when I read the scriptures and when I say my prayers, and I am very thankful.

8. O.k., on a lighter note. I love to create things. This may sound a little strange, but let me explain. I love to make something from nothing, whether it is sewing baby slings or Halloween costumes, to baking cookies and cheesecake. Art projects with my kids and flowers in my garden.This blog even. It really could be anything, I have a creative streak in me and I like to put it to use.

9. Running. I know a lot of people do not like to run, but I really think it's because they haven't given it a chance. It is hard for me to run if I haven't done it in a while, but once I get the hang of it again, I can't get enough. I love the fact that I can get my aggressions out on the pavement, and as I run, I get a kind of clarity, that I only get when I run. It is almost like I am making peace with everything or everyone that I am mad at, and pretty soon it all seems o.k. I also notice things when I run, things that I don't notice when I'm driving by in a car. I live in such a beautiful area, and when I run I see more of it. I have seen all kinds of wild life on my runs, waterfalls and mountains, to beautiful fields of wheat and corn. It's a time when I can relax and feel peace. I know that probably sounds strange, but it's true. Plus I get in really good shape when I run, and who doesn't love that!

10. Last, but not least, the sun. Is it just me or has anyone else, after a long winter, just felt depressed? After long months of snow and cold, when the sun finally comes out and I feel the warmth of the sun on my face, I can't help but to smile. It is such a simple thing, and yet I love it.

Well that is my list, I know there are many more things that I love and could put down here, but i think I have rambled on long enough.

Basketball

Bennett's last basketball game was on Saturday. He played so much better this year, I think that having his Dad coach made a big difference. At the beginning of the season he couldn't even dribble the ball. As you can see from the video he still has a way to go, but he's getting there! I love watching him play. Sometimes he really gets into it, and is really aggressive, and other times, well you can see in the video. You gotta love how he just stands there with his hands in the air!(at least his hands are up) The kids don't have much of an attention span, which drove Jason crazy all season. He would tell them to do something, and they would say "o.k. coach" and then two seconds later they would forget. Jason did a great job coaching, all the kids improved a ton from the beginning of the season. All in all, they both had fun, and that's the name of the game!

Bennett's Birthday

Holy Cow!!! Bennett is ten years old. It seems like he was just born and now he's ten. Only two more years and he will have the priesthood, six more years he will be driving and dating, and in nine years he will be off on his mission!! O.k. maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself. I mean look at him, he is still just a kid. A great kid! He had a really fun b-day, After school I picked up him and four of his friends, and took them out for pizza. It is really funny to just sit and listen to the things they say. ( they are holding up three fingers in the picture because they are all in webelos now) After that we came home and he opened presents from his brothers and sisters. Jason, Uncle Liberty, and I took him out later to a movie and ice cream. When we got home he opened his present from Uncle Liberty, it was a star wars game for the wii, and he played it until midnight. I finally told him it was no longer his birthday and he had to go to bed. Then Sunday, after the temple dedication, we had a family dinner and cake and ice cream with all the Erickson crew (at least all that could make it.) It was a really fun weekend, and I think Bennett felt really special.

Lola's new do

I have been trying out hairstyles on Lillia, she doesn't have much hair so there is not a lot I can do. The top of her hair is pretty long and normally lays flat on her head, so I curled it back and put on a head band. I thought she looked so cute. Let me know what you think.

Hoover dam

Jason and I drove to Arizona last weekend to deliver a horse that he had sold. Long story short, we hit an awful snow storm and it took us about five hours longer than we had expected. We left at 4 am and arrived at 11:30 pm. What a long drive!!! Some things were fun about it, Grandma Erickson volunteered to watch the kids, so Jason and I were actually able to talk to each other! That was a big change. We also got to see hoover dam, I hadn't been there since I was a kid. It was really cool to see it again. I know it's silly, but I kept thinking about all the movies that have had the Hoover dam in them. There are really quite a lot if you think about it.( like I said, it was a REALLY long drive!) When we got to Arizona, we stayed at the guys house who bought the horse, in his "bunk house". The place was nicer than our first house! It rained all night and the next day as well. We were pretty bummed, we thought we'd get to enjoy the warm weather while we were there, and Jason was all excited to rope. I cheered him up and took him shopping instead! The next morning we got back into the pick-up and drove the nearly 20 hrs. home. It was a quick trip and mostly spent in the car, but I got to spend time with my hubby so all in all it was a good trip.