Are we crazy?

Later today we're driving into the Fiery Inferno . . . otherwise known as Southern California. Our hotel is nonrefundable so we'll brave it, but if the air is too bad we may be finding indoor activities to do around Orange County instead of Disneyland. Anyway, wish us luck!!!!

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

On Sunday we celebrated Alyssa's birthday with Jeremy's family (she just turned one on Tuesday -- sniff, sniff). Here are various pics from the big day . . .

Boulder City Train Ride

On Saturday we went on a train ride in Boulder City for a family day. The kids had fun and the weather was beautiful.

Jayce's Bike Accident

We had a traumatic day today! Poor Jayce was riding his bike and fell. He was so sad and wimpering and refused to move his arm. I noticed swelling, so I called the doc and off we went to get it checked out. As Jayce walked into the waiting room (with a tear-stained face, cradling his arm), we were greeted with a collective "Ahhhhhh." After examination the doctor was convinced that he broke his wrist. Fortunately, the x-rays said otherwise, so he just has a bad sprain (unless he has a hairline fracture, which wouldn't show up on x-ray for a few more days). He's still quite sad about it, but doses of Motrin, his cool sling, lots of attention, and an ice cream cone have lifted his spirits.

All I can say is that everyone out there is a sucker for a toddler in a sling. I took him to Tropical Smoothie and he got a free muffin, props from the live band, and comments from every customer and worker there. Sympathy was pouring out from all corners -- passerbys in the parking lots, the medical staff, gruff-looking security guards, etc. We're heading to Disneyland next week, and I'm thinking we should keep the sling. Maybe we'll win a stay in the Mickey Mouse suite or something . . . simply because Jayce is so cute and pitiful-looking with his injury :) Jokes aside, we hope he feels better quickly!

Translation "I ride my bike down hill. I turned sideways, I fell down."

Sunday night musings

MUSIC . . .

I just returned from a musical fireside directed by Gladys Knight. I have a couple of friends from the ward who are choir members (Whitney and Losa), and I was anxious to check them out. I had a great time -- it was definitely not a typical LDS music night which included some swaying, head bobbing, and clapping. I'm too boring to "get down," so to speak, but I enjoyed seeing how happy and vibrant everyone seemed to be. Whitney gave a phenomenal solo -- even though I've accompanied him and have heard him sing many times, he seemed even better in the performance setting. Losa was amazing -- she gave the biggest smile as she was singing, and it was so fun to see her enthusiasm. Good night!

SPORTS . . .

Also, BYU won another crazy game (yay!!!!). Take that, REBS!!!! It's amazing that despite BYU's penalties and turnovers and other various mistakes, we're still able to pull off wins. Don't get me wrong . . . we're brimming with talent and deserve those Ws, but I'm definitely hoping we improve as conference play progresses. We're the only undefeated team in the MWC, and I hope to stay that way. And, in related news, #1 and #2 were upset -- talk about wacky times for college football.

IMPRESSIVE BROTHERS

Scott was just accepted into the elite advertising program at BYU -- he applied and got one of the coveted spots. David is rocking the Optometry program at Cal-State Fullerton . . . he's top of his class. I'd like to think that I had something to do with their successes (j/k).

HEROISM . . .

My dad, Glen, and brother, Steven, probably saved a man's life on Mt. Timpanogos yesterday. The guy was stranded near Hidden Lakes and these two (along with another TERT [Timpanogos Emergency Rescue Team] member) provided first aid and helped him down the mountain. He was in awful shape and probably wouldn't have made it -- they were in blizzard conditions and Search & Rescue wouldn't have reached him in time to take him down before nightfall. If anyone asks Steven or my dad what they did this weekend, they can honestly reply "I saved a man's life." My response to that same question? "I mopped the kitchen floor." :)

Disney's Playhouse Live!

Playhouse Disney Live consisted of Jayce's fave characters -- Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, Tigger & Pooh, and Mickey Mouse's clubhouse friends. He was so excited that he squealed and jumped up and down the first few minutes. I couldn't take pictures during the actual show, but I did get a shot of Jayce beforehand marveling at his pretzel (his head is cut off because I had to shoot in the dark -- I had no idea where he was).

This video was taken during intermission. Lately he prefers to give me a grumpy face when I take pictures -- but he really is good-natured despite his sour expression. :) I wish he would have been more vocal, but I'll take what I can get.

The top 10 reasons I'm having a good weekend!

(The first few relate to General Conference)

1. Thank goodness for General Conference! I love listening to our prophet and apostles from the comforts of home. Such inspired speakers! I especially enjoyed the talks centered on families (I need all the help I can get!).

2. I'm thrilled that Elder Eyring is the second counselor . . . he's one of my favorites. I also look forward to hearing from the new apostle, Elder Cook.

3. I was amazed at Elder Wirthlin's composure -- he didn't skip a beat despite his tremors. As usual, President Hinckley was his spry self and continues to astonish me. I'm so grateful for their examples.

4. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I'm excited that I don't have to face a three-hour block tomorrow which interferes with my children's nap time. They are so hard to wrangle at church!

(Now on to non-conference things)

5. The weather is beautiful and the evenings are jacket-worthy. Last night I actually felt cold . . . a feeling I never thought I'd treasure until I started living in Vegas.

6. Between conference sessions I was able to take Jayce to Playhouse Disney at the Orleans Arena. Since Alyssa was born, we haven't had a lot of one-on-one time, so I was happy to hang out with him. We had a blast (pictures to follow).

7. Meanwhile, back at home, Alyssa was thrilled to be with Dad. She's had severe separation anxiety issues, so we were apprehensive about leaving her home while I took Jayce. She did great and had fun with Jer. Relief!

8. Laundry is nearly done, and that's always a good thing.

9. My kids are healthy.

10. Jer and I might actually have a date tonight . . . at least we're planning on watching a DVD while the kids are sleeping. That's huge seeing as how we've been too busy to hang out lately.

(Added later . . . )

11. Finally, finally, finally, Silverado Ranch exit off of I-15 opened. I am so excited to have a freeway entrance/exit near Southern Highlands. The commute to church, shopping areas -- everything, will be so much faster! I nearly shed a tear of happiness as I used it the other day. :)

Camera found! Playgroup is now documented.

We had a GREAT time at the Pumpkin Patch yesterday. We had a fantastic turnout, and the kids had a blast. Here are some various pictures from the event (Jayce was not cooperating with the camera -- hence the no smiles).

I've been officially offended!

Since I don't have pictures to post, I'd like to share an annoying experience the other day. As Christine (my neighbor) and I were sitting in her driveway, watching the kids, a lady drove by and called out the window, "Man, it must be nice to sit home and relax all day." My jaw dropped! I knew attitudes (such as "staying at home is easy") existed -- I just never personally faced it. Granted, I'm not denigrating those in the workforce . . . we all have our unique challenges. But, seriously, staying at home has been far more difficult than I ever imagined (and being the oldest of six, you'd think I would have had an inkling). I'm really, really grateful that I'm able to be with my kids, but I wouldn't call it relaxing by any means. I'm hoping she drives by again because I came up with all sorts of comebacks. :)

I'm losing my mind! (among other things)

First off, I'd like to say that I've had a combined ten hours of interrupted sleep the past three nights, so I'm beyond exhausted. Unfortunately, this schedule of mine has become more typical as of late. I think this sleep deprivation has affected my mental faculties, because seriously, I'm losing it!!!! For one thing, I'd like to post my playgroup pictures from today . . . but can I find my digital camera? NO!!! Secondly, I've lost my beloved wedding ring. For those of you locals who might have wondered if Jer and I are having problems, let me set the record straight . . . we're doing great! :) I'm still very much happily married, but I don't have an outward token to show for it. My ring has been missing for a week and a half -- I know it's in this house somewhere, but I haven't been able to find it. I'm worried sick!!! Admittedly, I've lost it many times before, but not for this long. The band is rather thick and the diamond scratches Alyssa as I hold her, so I usually take it off when I'm at home. I've reserved a special spot for it, but for some reason it's not there. Anyway, if any of you see a beautiful white gold, oblong princess cut diamond ring, please return. I'll promise to make you my famous Too-Much-Chocolate Cake (my recipe clubbers are aware of this decadence).