To My Mother-in-Law

Hi Rhonda,

How's it going? The time has passed so quickly since we left Vegas. I know the kids miss their grandma and grandpa. We're having fun in our new house, but still trying to unpack and get settled. Brant is doing so well. He said that he is happier than he has ever been. I went yardsaling a couple of times to get furnishings for the house. That's been fun.

Lane is in the stage where he has a bump or bruise every couple of days. He is a daredevil. He has a huge goose-egg, nasty bruise on his left side of his forehead. He almost split his lip yesterday and now has a fat lip and a bruise above his lip. He climbs on EVERYTHING. Lane is starting to say alot more words, but still prefers to grunt alot. He is a jokester, but has a bad temper. He was ticked off at me in Wal-mart the other night and started throwing a fit. I told him he was going to go to time out. He yelled at me. Wow! Then he started screaming and crying. An older lady tried to come over and cheer him up. That pissed him off more. He yelled at her and I was afraid he was going to hit her. Yes, he is my little Brant.

Porter is still easy going and happy go lucky. He loves the grass in the backyard. He's still a Momma's boy. He is so kindhearted and can get his feelings hurt easily. He will sit in the bathtub for hours--even after Madison and Lane have gotten tired of it and gotten out. Whenever Brant says something that he thinks is too rough, mean, or loud he will ask me to go and talk to Dad with him. He does a good job of expressing how Brant hurt his feelings. Brant readily apologizes. I think it's good for Brant. Porter is also my self-proclaimed "Protector." He's so cute.

Madison is ever-inquisitive and way too smart! She knows all of her ABC's by sight now. She can write her "M" and is working on the rest of her name. She loves to play the alphabet app on Brant's phone. She will wake up at the slightest noise in the morning and comes running in to see if I have left yet. She's always wanting to get in on the action. She still plays her "Little Momma" role.

We've been reading from the Book of Mormon. I bought them each their own B of M. Just a cheap one. We put scripture stickers on the pages every time we read a chapter. I was having a hard time keeping Porter's attention so I had the kids start acting out what we were reading. It's gone over really well with him. Lane loves his book and carries it around with him. Sometimes he'll bring it to me and say, "B-ooooo-k!"

Brant is enjoying the stay-at-home thing, but is a little overwhelmed by the work. Of course, he'll never admit it. He was frustrated the other day because he said he has to clean every day and thinks it will get better once we get unpacked. Ha, ha! I'm glad he is getting a true taste of it. He is trying and I can't complain about it. But let's be honest--he can't even touch what a housewife does. Well, not yet. Maybe with practice. He can't believe how the laundry piles up and came up with this novel idea to leave the kids in their pajamas for days. He figured it would cut down on the laundry. I nixed that idea fast. He has made a sincere attempt to fix meals. He also gets the twins to practice their letters every day.

I signed up for college classes and am going to take a couple in the Summer. I think I am going to try to finish a degree in accounting. I'm not trying to get it done quickly, I just want to dabble in it so that I'll have more employment options in the future. I have also been selling cinnamon rolls at the school. I just make about $40 a week, but we're saving that money for a vacation. I am also working with a friend to start a consulting business. Very excited about that.

We wanted to try to come over for Easter if you aren't going anywhere. Let me know. I think the kids will love it!

Love and miss you,

Liz

Typical time at Wal-mart

I typically end up with the twins in the cart by the time we're checking out. Lane always stays in the front--it's better for me. I don't want him to pull a Travis Taylor on me. Lane STILL won't smile for the camera and does this little head turn. Madison was PRETENDING to be busy reading the labels. She didn't want to look at the camera. That's a surprise. Porter likes to make faces now when he sees the camera. Thus, both over dramatic facial expressions.

Skyping: St. George to Africa

I was online and noticed Travis was also online. He's in Africa right now. I don't have my camera hooked up to the computer yet, so I didn't video Skype. We just instant messaged. After the conversation was over, I thought it was interesting enough to share. By the way, the time is Las Vegas time. (We have changed the time on the computer since we moved from Vegas.) It is actually an hour later in St. George. And Travis is 7 hours ahead of St. George.

[2:34:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Is Dad's truck in Mt. Pleasant or St. George?
[2:34:33 PM] Travis Lane: It's in Mt Pleasant
[2:35:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: I was wanting to go to Vegas to pick up a load of our stuff and just wondering if it's here.
[2:35:12 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Brant is picking Brian up from Mt. Pleasant right now. They should be here in 3 hours
[2:39:44 PM] Travis Lane: Brian should have drove the truck down
[2:39:59 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Duh!!!
[2:40:05 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Sometimes I think of stuff just hours too late
[2:40:16 PM] Travis Lane: I would say
[2:40:50 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What time is it there?
[2:41:10 PM] Travis Lane: 10:40 pm
[2:41:25 PM] Travis Lane: it is a different world over here
[2:41:45 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Holy Cow! That's SO weird. It's only 3:40 p.m. here. I am adding you and Haley as authors on Ari's blog.
[2:41:57 PM] Travis Lane: Thats good
[2:42:16 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Are you going to sleep or is it hard to go to sleep with the time difference?
[2:42:46 PM] Travis Lane: No I have adjusted well. Because I didn't sleep on the plane. coming over
[2:43:02 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What's it like?
[2:44:17 PM] Travis Lane: It is weird, If I were to go out on the streets right now and walk around... I would be decapetated by morning.
[2:44:35 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: seriously? that's freakin' crazy unbelievable
[2:44:43 PM] Travis Lane: It is like the worse part of Mexico times 5 to 10 depending on the area.
[2:45:00 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Wow. How are you able to walk around in the daytime and why don't they barrage your quarters?
[2:45:23 PM] Travis Lane: We have security around our hotel
[2:45:34 PM] Travis Lane: Day time is different
[2:45:54 PM] Travis Lane: Its safer but you need to be in a group
[2:45:59 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: You're probably thinking you wish you could type as fast as I do....I'm thinking the same thing.
[2:46:12 PM] Travis Lane: You're funny
[2:46:13 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: That's unreal. We seriously take so much for granted in America
[2:46:29 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Like, we don't even BEGIN to comprehend what we have.
[2:46:42 PM] Travis Lane: Liz, the streets are covered in garbage there is no civilization what so ever
[2:47:24 PM] Travis Lane: Familys of 6 to 10 literally live in a 10x10 room
[2:48:25 PM] Travis Lane: its like "Tuba City Gone Wild" Tuba is literally so upscale it would be 5 star
[2:48:33 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Maybe Africa will be a good place for Brian to visit. We have a Master CD from a girl whose parents told her she could go to Africa and do humanitarian aid or go to a military school. She was getting into trouble. It changed her life.
[2:48:59 PM] Travis Lane: What part of Africa did she go to?
[2:49:06 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: I don't remember.
[2:49:18 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: She helped villages. Probably much safer than where you're at.
[2:49:19 PM] Travis Lane: Not here because she would be dead
[2:49:42 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: But, she saw how much we have in America and realized she was wasting her life with all of the entertainment, drugs, and worldly focus.
[2:50:01 PM] Travis Lane: Yeah it will be real good for Brian
[2:50:25 PM] Travis Lane: Did you know that they cut out the clitoris when they are born?
[2:50:39 PM] Travis Lane: They dont want them to cheat on the husbands
[2:51:47 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Yea...it's called FGM...Female Genitalia Mutilation. There are humanitarian groups that are trying to stop it.
[2:52:24 PM] Travis Lane: Its the wild wild west here
[2:52:40 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: It's sounds like Satan is alive and well among the people of Cain
[2:52:45 PM] Travis Lane: It is so sad because the land is like Mexico and Hawaii mixed[2:53:04 PM] Travis Lane: It is beautiful
[2:53:39 PM] Travis Lane: Its like a pizza fresh out of the oven mmmmmmmm... Then someone came and shit on the pizza
[2:53:48 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Someday everything will make sense, but it is sure hard to understand why some people have to go through the lives that they do
[2:53:53 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: That's disgusting.
[2:54:03 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: What do you smell? The pizza or the shit?
[2:54:09 PM] Travis Lane: that is how it is over here
[2:54:19 PM] Travis Lane: mainly the shit
[2:54:33 PM] Travis Lane: there is trash all along the beach its nasty
[2:54:44 PM] Travis Lane: people stop and crap in the street
[2:55:29 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Man...and we thought Page was uncivilized with some of the aborgiinals there.
[2:56:09 PM] Travis Lane: it is so sad because those little kids are so cute!
[2:56:30 PM] Travis Lane: I have not been out to the villages yet. I think that evil is not out there as much
[2:56:46 PM] Travis Lane: It really is like Blood Diamond and Hotel Rowanda
[2:57:15 PM] Elizabeth Lane Hibbard: Wow. It blows my mind. I can't even begin to comprehend. I hate to see suffering.

First Ride Out

When Mom and I used to do our first bike ride in the spring, we would call it our First Ride Out. It was usually torture, but if we made it through that first ride we knew each ride after would get easier and easier. We trekked a nice five mile ride around Page. By the end of the summer, we would circle the route twice. I loved bike riding.
Shelbie, http://brianshelbieclement.blogspot.com/ a girl at work, has been trying to convince me to ride to work with her. We planned on doing it as soon as Brant moved here and brought my bike. Unfortunately, my bike got here--minus the front tire. Shelbie offered her husband's bike. So, yesterday we rode the bikes to work. It's only two miles from where we live--we live in the same subdivision. There were a couple of killer hills. I was worried about being able to keep up with Shelbie--she's almost half my age. Surprisingly, I didn't do too bad. She was impressed at how strong my legs were as I made it up some of the steeper hills. I kept telling myself, "Hospital hill, hospital hill." That's the part of the trip that was the hardest when Mom and I would ride.
Interesting how there is so much mental power in doing something. I know my body was not ready to take this ride. I am so out of shape and much older than when I rode with Mom. But, I drew on the memories of going with Mom. I can remember how she also had more stamina than I did. The only thing I had going for me was my youth. Sure would like a piece of that right now. It's interesting how time works. Events that took place decades ago are still fresh in my mind and recalled as if they were from yesterday. It's also interesting how much stock we put in our family roots. My mind told my body I could do it because my Mom did.
However, at 3 o' clock in the morning--that's what time it is right now--my body has strongly disagreed with my mind. I woke up with leg aches so painful I couldn't go to sleep. I have taken Excedrin. When that didn't do anything I dug up some old pain pills and took a hot bath. Still waiting for it to kick in. I'm just glad I got the first ride out. I'm definitely going to keep it up so that I don't have to go through this again. Just when I think I can't ask again, I wonder once more, "How did Mom do it?" She's amazing. Her strength never ends.

Trading Places

Brant and are, as usual, going against the norm. We officially entered our phase of role-reversal. He stays at home, while I go to work. So far so good. Of course, we're still in the honeymoon stage. For me, compared to four months of no family it seems awesome just to have a family to come home to at night.

Brant was busy explaining to me everything he got done today. He said, "It looks like I haven't done anything, but I really have. I've unpacked so many boxes and done laundry." I had to laugh. I told him I know exactly how he feels--trust me.

I would say the kids are adjusting well--but they really don't seem to need any adjustment. They happy as can be in their new rooms. They sleep well--mostly because they have a private room and are uninterrupted. Porter loves the top bunk--although Lane has figured out how to climb up to the top already. That kid! He's a daredevil.

Madison got hit in the face with a baseball. Porter said she wasn't paying attention when he threw it. That's why he got hit. Dona, Vicki, Mom--I don't even want to hear it--I know you know and are laughing about the time that happened to me. Dona threw a baseball and I wasn't paying attention. I got a bloody nose. Luckily, Madison just got a couple of fat lips--yes they're both as swollen as a bee sting.

That's all folks!

We're not in Kansas anymore...or Vegas

This past weekend we made the final trek from Vegas to St. George. I was so excited. I woke up several times Friday. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve. I took the shuttle to Vegas and we finished up the few things we could get into the U-haul. Brant got a U-haul that was way too small for the amount of stuff we had. Needless to say, lots of stuff got left. I guess that is a good excuse to go back and visit.

It's funny how you can look forward to something so much, you often overlook the things you're going to miss when they're gone. Rhonda, my mother-in-law is such an amazing grandmother. She has the patience of Job. In addition to watching my children--all 3 and under--she also takes care of Heather's daughter Isabella who is 5 months younger than Lane. It's practically like two sets of twins. Not only does she keep them alive, she has a schedule that includes meals, snacks, story time, and activities. She still cleans the house like a madwoman and manages to take a college course once a week. Not to mention, that a day never goes by without her studying her scriptures. And she gets dressed, puts her makeup on, and does her hair. She's definitely a superwoman. It's been so fun getting to know her over the past few years. I think of all the things I am going to miss it will be having her around so much. There are not many people who can say their mother-in-law is one of their best friends. We've already planned trips to spend holidays together. One thing that is nice about our move is we are close enough to visit often.

We both have been dying to go to the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City so that a definite must. I have only been through the temple for one year now. Rhonda and I used to go to the temple almost every week before I moved to St. George. We decided we can go together when she comes to St. George to visit.

The kids are having a blast. I think they think we are on vacation. Although, last night Porter decided he wanted me and Brant to be Grandma and Grandpa. He said Madison is his Mom. I think he misses Grandma and Grandpa.

Madison made her parents...and grandma...very proud

Madison did an amazing job on her Primary talk. I put something together last weekend so that she could have all week to work on it. Her Dad and Grandma helped her practice. I had pictures of colored paper that went along with her poem. I was only hoping she would be familiar with the talk so that when I helped her with what to say, she would at least have practiced it. My little star had the whole thing memorized. I was so impressed.

On Saturday, I received a call from her Primary teacher confirming that she would be talking on Sunday. She told me that Madison kept asking when it would be her turn to get up and talk. So, that's why they assigned her to give a talk. She's already an aspiring public speaker. I'm so proud.

I was talking to my sister Kim about how happy I am that I have a daughter like Madison. I said she is perfect for me. I couldn't have custom-ordered a more perfect daughter. Kim said, "I think all of my sisters think that. They all think their daughters are perfect for them." I thought about it and realized that's because our daughters are like us. Dona's daughter Brooke is alot like her mother; Vicki's daughter Jayley is an athletic, happy-go-lucky, could-care-less for boys girl; Bobbi's daughter Emy is a social bug that loves to dance; and Madison is incredibly smart. How funny that we have daughter's that have our personalities. Kim reluctantly said she must be going to have more girls because Kaylor is nothing like her. She is pretty cute though.

Me, Brant, and Rhonda (my mother-in-law) all sat on the back row as we waited for Madison's talk. We were giddy with excitement. I laughed at the scene because we were all obviously first-timers. We were proud parents and Rhonda is a proud grandma. I joked about filming her and taking pictures, but said that would probably be too much. Rhonda said, "I have my camera! Do you think it would be too obvious?" We both laughed because we really wanted to take pictures of her, but felt that would be too irreverent. Brant whipped out his new "Droid" phone and said he could film her talk and be very inconspicuous. I whole-heartedly encouraged him. So, we do have her first public appearance on a phone video. It was amazing.

In case you're interested, this is what she said:

Red is for the blood He gave
Green is for the grass He made
Orange is for the edge of night
Yellow is for the Sun so bright
Black is for the sins we made
White if for the grace he gave
Purple is for his hour of sorrow
Pink is for a new tomorrow

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, they we might not perish and dwindle in unbelief.

I am thankful for all that Jesus has done for me. I love my family...and my grandma. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

So much to blog...so little time

I just got back to St. George and have to rush to get ready for work, but I have so much I want to blog about. It'll have to wait til later. Stay tuned for more on Madison's talk and an official moving date. I took this picture in the car after church. I tried taking pictures of Lane--but, like his Daddy he hates the camera. They were a little disappointed with Primary when they first started, but are now very enthusiastic. They Primary teacher has won them over with cool crafts and chocolate.

Lane and his temperament

This is what Lane looks like when he wakes up. It takes about half an hour...or a bottle to get him happy. He takes after me. Let's just say I'm not very friendly when I get woke up. He also has this thing where he doesn't really like me taking pictures of him. He gets that from his Dad. The twins love the camera. (See pictures below.)

Madison's first talk in Primary

I know I'm an old Mom 'cause I'm pushin' forty, but can't I still get excited when my eldest child--who's only 3--gets chosen to give her first talk in Primary? Madison came home with a sticker from church. She is assigned to give a talk in Primary on February 7th. I'm so excited! I'm not sure what to do though--any ideas? Brant are already grinning about going to Primary to watch her. We even traded weekends--they were going to go to St. George next weekend--but I'm going to come here again so she can give her talk. I know--I'm overexcited, but despite my age, I'm still a first timer at alot of this stuff.

Awesome 80's

So...I'd never pass up a chance to dress in 80's clothes. We're promoting a new product call Flashback, so for work we were able to dress in our favorite "flashback" era. Of course, I chose 80's. Flipped collar, big hair, heavy makeup, and leg warmers. What more could a girl ask for. My Service Coordinators (who are half my age) said I looked like an old lady who had never left her high school years. Vicki and I used to laugh at those ladies. They were stuck in whatever era they went to high school. We swore we would never do that. Dressing up once in a while doesn't count, but I sure do miss the 80's.

Another week

Here I am at the end of another week and not much has happened. I think blogging is rather dull when you remove all of the cute things your kids do. I am happy to report that Brant brought the family over yesterday and will be staying here for the weekend. We have set a date for them to move--by February 15th. I am so excited. It's going to be like Christmas. It is always fun to settle into a new house and routine.

Last night was the first night Porter and Madison have slept in separate rooms. They have had a few times where they weren't together when they were babies--but this is the official separation of the twins. Brant thought Madison would want to sleep with "her boys." That's what she calls them. But, she was quit anxious to leave them and go to her own room with her own bed. She even shut the door when she went to bed.

This morning, I asked Porter and Madison what they liked most about their new house. Madison said she liked her bed and her own room. Porter said he liked that his Mom was here. (Aaah....he's my sweetheart...I don't care if he is a Momma's boy.)

When I came home from work yesterday, Brant had the kids sitting quietly at the table and he was fixing dinner. I joined the kids and we waited for the food. I can definitely get used to having a man-wife...especially if he cleans the toilets and vacuums.

Thank Goodness It's Friday

Only one more work day...and then it's back to Vegas. I love my job, but I miss my family. Hope to get them in the same place soon! I don't have as much stuff to write about without the kids around.

My life is pretty boring. I work, come home and piddle with cleaning or setting a few things up. I've been trying to exercise more, but can't say I'm a hundred percent committed yet. With no TV, I've plenty of time to catch up on reading and listening to motivational CD's. You'd think I'd have my life perfect.

Any Ideas, Anyone?

I am in charge of a fundraising for work. I will have a group of students working with me...I want to raise about $5,000. Any ideas?

Weekend's over too fast

What a wonderful weekend with my family. We had so much fun. It was nice to be together. The kids were so restless I felt like we needed to get outside and play. It was a nice 63 degrees in Vegas and the sun was shining. They were resistant to go outside, but once they did we had so much fun. We played in the dirt and I chased them around. Is it bad that your 3 year olds can run faster than you? I'm going to have to work on that.

I had to coax them into letting me take a picture with my phone. The twins insisted on putting their hoods up since Lane was wearing a hat. That devious grin on Lane's face is a devious grin! He's my little devil child. Sweet, but what a temper. And, look at the meat hooks that kid has. He's only a shoe size behind Porter and Madison. He's going to make the little bunch look like a group of triplets if he keeps growing at this rate.

Brant and I went to Avatar this weekend. We saw it in an IMAX with 3D. It was very, very cool. I have to say I really liked it. I'm not much of a movie buff, but this one was good. I highly recommend it. Actually, I don't know anyone who hasn't liked it.

Now I'm back in St. George--living my other life--bachelorette working Mom. I'll sleep well, look good, and gets lots of sleep. But, I'll miss the little ones.