Jan's Goodbye Party

I have five sisters. Twenty years span between us. We are in different stages of life--three are grandmothers, four have elementary aged children, two work full time, one has 10 children, one runs a store, one runs marathons, one is an impressive cook, another teaches music... but underneath all the hobbies and jobs... we share a common thread... a thread that is unleashed when we are grouped together...

We are TOTAL GOOF BALLS!

I can't tell you how many pictures I have that resemble something close to this:

I just love being with my sisters. Whenever we're together, I forget my weary-stress-filled mom duties as I get lost in an atmosphere of laughter. With our large families, it's rare for us to be together all at once, but those few opportunities are truly cherished.

Well, we were crushed when we learned that those opportunities would be even fewer with news of our sweet sister Jana moving to California. So, how do sisters show their grief and lovingly say goodbye to their parting sister? By scaring the living daylights out of her, of course!

Yes, weeks went into planning a proper kidnapping attempt to give Jana a surprise night out on the town. With shower caps, goggles, silly string, bubble-blowing guns, and Mission Impossible music in tow, we caravanned to Twin Falls to show dear Jana just how much we cared! However, as we entered the city limits, you can imagine our rage when we discovered that Jana's husband was unable to keep our shopping-loving sister detained at her house. She was totally thwarting our plans! As we stewed in the parking lot car over what to do with our uncooperative victim, we decided to rely upon the only tool we had:

Lipstick.

Well, after re-scheduling our pedicure appointments twice, we finally got the call that it was time to go get what we came for! We were pretty surprised when Michelle whipped out her son's wrestling out-fit and Mom obediently put on her assigned kidnapping out-fit after refusing to do so for weeks. And we were off...

Behold:

The Scariest Kidnappers Ever!

With the Mission Impossible Theme music blaring, we burst into Jana's kitchen--showering her family with silly string and demanding "the blond woman... and any cookies from the kitchen!"

Jana was confused by the strange looking people running through her house with her sister's voices, but when she finally realized that her mom and sisters had gathered together in honor of her--she was shocked, touched, and totally willing to leave her groceries on the counter at a moment's notice. Let the partying begin!

We kicked off the night with pedicures for everyone!

We felt so pretty!

Afterwards, we went out for dinner, frozen yogurt, and then headed to Sister Lori's house for a Sister Sleep-over. Lori was a fantastic host--stocking the fridge with our favorite drinks and even leaving candy boxes on our pillows! After watching a fun movie, our oldest sister, Michelle, pulled us together for what she called--a "roast" on Jan. But in her oldest sister wisdom, Michelle gave Jana the most beautiful advice about change, blooming where you're planted, and letting your light shine--no matter where you are.

Well, Jan's road to California has been a long one... but as Michelle predicted, it hasn't stopped Jana from being the amazing person she is. After a week in California, homeless, and staying in a stranger's home, I called Jana--only to find that she was babysitting the neighbor's children she had just met while one of their family members was in surgery. That's Jana. Letting her light shine.

I will miss my sister with whom I connect with so strongly, but I really am happy for her ward, her neighborhood, and her future friends. They are so lucky.

In a thank you letter to all of her sisters, Jana wrote: "Thank you for taking the time away from your families and sharing the weekend with me, giving me reason to laugh, more calories to burn, lifting my spirits, giving me strength, giving me hope, and reminding me how blessed I am to have eternal sisters and eternal friends, no matter how many miles away I am."

4th of July 2011

Since school is starting back up in a few weeks and I've only written one summer post, I thought I better get crackin'! I especially couldn't overlook our Fourth of July--because it's my favorite holiday!

Idaho Falls may have miserable fall/spring/winters, minimal entertainment, and the lamest swimming pools in existence, but there's one thing that Idaho Falls does right: The 4th of July! You would think that Boise, the State capitol, would have us beat... but as a former Boise-ian, I can attest that Idaho Falls knows how to throw one fantastic patriotic party. This is probably due to the fact that the local Melaleuca empire funds the entire bash-but hey-whatever the reason, it's a great time!

We always start each 4th bright and early at the parade. The kids love collecting all of the flyers, coupons, and advertisements. They don't care what it is---it's exciting to get something! And I have taught them the fine art of screaming like an idiot for the candy-giving floats. We haul every year! I especially love the feeling of pride and comrade that a small town parade brings. It's so much fun!

Saluting Ashton.

Isn't this the cutest picture ever?

I love this picture because it is real.

There's always one kid who won't oblige Mom for a picture.

Doesn't Carson know I have a blog to write! ?

Much better. There's nothing a little bribery won't fix.

After the parade, we headed to Party Central (Aunt Brooke's house) to BBQ and enjoy fun in the sun! Check out this monsterous homemade slide! The kids were in slip-n-slide heaven!

Kass & Ky

Surf's Up!

Watch out girls...

...someone's up to no good!

Surprise!

Chocolate grins!

Matching Grams & Gramps

Clever Aunt Brooke filled dozens of water balloons which entertained us for hours--only to reuse the balloon scraps for this patriotic craft. How cool is this?
You know you've had a fun day when you're children pass out from exhaustion during the ear-drum blowing fireworks and sleep through the entire thing. Yes, truly a wonderful day.

Baseball Times Three

Every summer, our month of June means one thing: BASEBALL!! This year, we had three kids playing, so that meant 27 games in 28 days (not to mention all the practices in between). Many games overlapped or occurred during our work schedules--so Justin and I felt like we were juggling while the kids played baseball. We sat through rain. We sat wrapped in blankets. We watched from the car. We laughed with Grandma and Grandpa Stevens. We missed our kids greatest moments while gabbing with friends. We lost baseball mitts and gloves. We ate snow cones. We got sunburned. And we cheered. A lot! Though it was sometimes tough getting the kids to every practice and game, once there--it was relaxing and fun. I really do understand why baseball is called "America's favorite past-time."

MCKENNA--McKenna (aka "Mikey"-her baseball name) loves baseball more than any other sport. She's been lucky to have Suzanne Prestwhich as her coach for the last three years. Suzanne kept the girls laughing and has taught them so much. Because the girls had to pitch this year, they sometimes practiced four times a week! Like years past, Kenna played catcher--but also tried out pitching this year. It was a little stressful for me to have the entire game relying on my child's pitches, but Kenna did great--striking many girls out with her powerful, fast pitch.

KYLER--Kyler wasn't sure he wanted to play baseball this year, but he miraculously got Suzanne for a coach as well--so of course, he had a great time! Kyler usually played first base and prided himself on being speedy fast! He was a great hitter and even hit one ball clear to the back fence! It was nice that he didn't have to play with a broken arm like the previous year. This was the first year that things were really starting to "click" for these boys. By the end of the month, these boys were really good. After doing years and years of tee ball--it's exciting to see your kids finally "getting it" and playing serious ball!

(Ky is front row-3rd from the right)

CARSON--Carson played tee ball and loved being on a team with all of his preschool and ward buddies. Carson likes to make his own rules, so I was a little worried about him--but thankfully he complied with most everything, and stopped talking long enough to make it around the bases. To Carson, getting a drink and treat after each game was without a doubt, the best part! Like always, his unique and oblivious ways kept us all laughing.

Through My Son's Eyes

As a young girl, I would often fantasize about my future family... all of my sweet little girls. I had a long list of girl names because I, of course, would have lots of daughters--like my Mom. Fast forward 15 years--and here I am... storing bugs as pets on my kitchen counter, digging rocks and snail shells out of Levi pockets, and way too educated about super heroes and weaponry. I have to admit, though, raising boys is easier than raising girls. (At least, at this stage of the game.) I've learned a lot about boys, and one thing that I know for sure, is this:

Few things are as fascinating as a little boy's imagination!

I received a gift from my son today--and it illustrates a boy's imagination so perfectly, but to understand this gift, you need a little background. Let me back up a bit... In May, we seeded our yard, and that means that we have weeds. Yes, we have grass too--a few blades of them--and also a few millions weeds. My planters are huge and unfortunately void of trees, plants, and bark for now--so yep... They're full of weeds too. I work on them everyday, but by the time I finish weeding a two by two foot square, the area I weeded the day before is weedy again! Those darn weeds grow... well, like a weed!! I'm afraid that those weeds are taking over more than my yard... they're taking over my sanity! When I look out my window, I swear I can hear the weeds laughing at me. When I close my eyes at night, I see massive weeds with huge fangs devouring my house... which of course leads to dreams filled with singing and dancing weeds! I even have a green "weed" blister on my right index finger which is seriously ugly.

Well, this morning, I weeded and weeded and weeded only to see minimal progress. I staggered into the house feeling sweaty and defeated, but my discouraged thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Kyler's eager face.

"Mom! I have a surprise for you!" he exclaimed. From behind his back, he whipped out this little Lego creation, and presented it to me.

At first glance, I saw Princess Leah gripping a machine gun from his Star Wars Lego set... but then it clicked. "That's me, isn't it?" I said. Kyler was so delighted that I had recognized his intention. "Yes Mom!" he said enthusiastically. "I call it: Mom Versus the Weeds!"

Yes. Only a boy's mind would conjure up an image of his mother taking down weeds with a lethal weapon. Perhaps I could use a little of this mental imagery to my advantage. I'm sure weeding would bring even more satisfaction if I imagined those scrawny weeds screaming in agony while I ripped them from the Earth. I'm going to try that tomorrow! With a mental machine gun and my son's confidence, surely I can win the battle of the weeds!

Seeing life through my son's eyes is much funner than seeing it through mine... just one more reason to be thankful for the wonderful boys in my life who teach me so many, many things.

We Got Skillz

We may appear timid, meek, submissive, and a little soft and chubby... in other words, not athletic.

But appearances can be deceiving.

That's right. Tonight I'm revealing a Stevens family secret. ... A secret so secretive that no one in the world knows about it. We didn't even know about it until we went for a family outing last week... and BAM! We discovered a gift that has been lying within us for years--just waiting to be unleashed upon our unfortunate opponents.

WE ARE TENNIS STARS!

I'm talking--unstoppable BEASTS on the court. Our very presence could intimidate the world's greatests! Agassi--slow. Williams--weak. McEnro--boring. Federer--comical. MUH HA HA HA!

Just look at this face!

It would send any "pro" crying home to his mommy!

Oh, and our form: EXQUISITE!

Our concentration: UNBREAKABLE!

Our understanding of the game: UNCANNY...

even if we're facing the wrong direction on the court.

And don't forget the most important element...

Our passion: EXPLOSIVE!

And do you know what the most astounding part of our extraordinary family talent is?

It's ageless. Even Ashton is force to be had!

Be afraid, people! Be very afraid!

And just where do we get these amazing genes from, you ask?

Well, just look for yourself!

I weep for the victim on the opposite side of the court about to receive this killer serve!

... Okay. Okay. We may not be tennis stars...

But we're great posers!

Dancing In the Rain

Our family has always loved rain storms. We often cuddle up in blankets and watch from the shelter of our deck or front porch. The kids love to count the seconds between the FLASH of the lightening and the BOOM of the thunder. Not even video games or television can compete with the show in the sky.

As the dark clouds rolled in tonight, we assumed our usual camp chairs and blankets, but our quiet, peaceful storm-watching tradition got a little... SILLY! Though the rain was coming down in sheets, the Stevens kids were clad in swimsuits and dancing without a care in the world. As I watched my children dance and leap with joy through the downpour, I was once again reminded that children are often the teachers. We all must learn to dance and smile through the storms of life.

"I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness." - Adeline Knapp

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain."

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow."

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." - John Ruskin

"Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while."

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella." - Terry Guillemets

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher a storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." - Rabindranath Tagore

"Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger." - Saint Basil

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." - Roger Miller

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." - Anthony J. D'Angelo

Money Woes

I left Kyler to babysit while I went to Kenna's baseball game today. Ashton and Carson were both asleep, so Kyler had plenty of quiet time to reflect and ponder on his life... through movie emails--one of his favorite past times. It looks like even eight year olds have buyer's regret! This email video made me giggle!