More birthday pictures

Twins Birthday

We had a fun birthday for the twins at Travis and Haley's house. They had such a blast. They love playing with their cousins and of course swimming in Travis' big pool. We had pizza, cake, and ice cream. They had tons of presents. I wrapped Madison's presents in pink paper and Porter's in blue. Lane was more excited to see what was inside the gifts--although he did tear into a few of them.

If Vicki were 80 years old...

...she would have been the woman sitting in the seat next to me. I was traveling from Las Vegas to St. George on a shuttle bus and sat next to the most charming 80 year old I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. She was small and healthy and very spry. She was quiet and happy and content even though she had her share of trials in this life. There is something sacred and magnificent in the wisdom of our elders. I literally felt in awe as I listened to stories from her life. She was married at 19 to her 24 year old beau. They lived their lives together until he passed away 5 years ago. They moved to St. George 16 years ago to be a drier climate that would help her husband with his health. Though she was the only member in her family and had a strong testimony of eternal families, she was unable to have children. How that has made her heart ache throughout her life. But she has only grown stronger in her belief that she will be a mother when she returns to Heaven. It was so neat to hear her testimony of the lessons she has learned in life. And her sweet testimony of knowing that her husband has been by her side even after his death. She sees him often in the temple and feels his presence in her home.
I think our society has gotten away from the respect that needs to be given to those who have lived for so long and have so much wisdom. I am still amazed that this woman has lived twice my life plus one year! Wow! I hope I am as good as she is at her age.
BTW, she reminded me of Vicki because Vicki can talk to anyone for hours. She strikes up a conversation with perfect strangers at the temple, the airport, or where ever. I, on the other hand, can sit next to someone and be perfectly content not saying a word. I have to say it was kind of fun to learn about someone else's journey in life. Now, I can see why Vicki likes to talk to people so much.

Don't walk a mile in my shoes

I have found it difficult to pray lately. Mostly because both of my knees are scraped and bruised from my recent accident I was in. The right knee and my right hand got it the worst. I actually have cuts and bruises on the inside of my palm. It looks like I spilled dye or something on it. My left ankle/foot hurt so bad I went to the doctor to see if I broke it. Nothing. X-rays cleared me. I was sent home with a brace and crutches and told to keep off of my foot for awhile. I have. Everything is feeling better now. Oh...how did I get hurt? I guess I didn't mention that. I was walking and fell. No there were no steps, no mountains, no inclines, just a plain ordinary street. I know. I'm extremely talented in uncoordinated attempts to maim myself. I have a history...I don't want to repeat the long list of lifetime achievements I have in this area. But, I will say I think it all started when I broke my leg playing duck, duck, goose when I was three.

A river runs around it

I usually try to be so optimistic about life. While going to marriage counseling a year ago, we had to fill out a form each time we before we went into to talk to our counselor. One day, she told me, "Liz, you can not have this high of a score. No one is this happy. Not even me. I think you are overly optimistic." I remember getting in trouble for leaving the keys in the pizza parlor door overnight. Of course someone stole them. My Dad was so upset with me. It was his entire master set of keys. I don't blame him. I went in that morning and tried to clean the store and do the best I could to try to make up for it. I know he was really upset about it. He said to me, "You are just like a river. When something gets in your way, you just go around."
I do try to look at the bright side of life. But sometimes, it seems like I just can't carry all of the optimism anymore and it's too hard. Sometimes I feel so tired, so frustrated, I just don't have any more to give. I think, "I am terrible at being a mother or I am not a good enough wife. Why did I sign up for all of this?" I hate feeling this way. It will probably pass in a couple of days, but in the meantime, it's so overwhelming.

Life without a cell phone

I haven't had a cellphone since Saturday. I often stick my phone in my bra--it's so convenient, what can I say. Forgot to take it out of my swimsuit when I went swimming. Robin already told me I get the "Blond of the week" award. It's so weird. I feel like I am on diet. I keep reaching for something I can't have. I am so anxious to get my new one today. Where is the FedEx guy? How did we live without those things? What WAS life like without it.

Travis and Haley's place

We went to Travis' and Haley's today. The kids played in pool. I'm the only one that got sunburned. I made sure to get sunscreen on them, but forget myself. I also jumped in the pool with my phone--it was tucked in my swimsuit and I had forgotten.

Temple Trip

I had the kids with me in St. George. On Friday, Mom babysat while I went to work. After work, I took the kids to the temple. They loved it. When we walked in the twins saw the big statue of Jesus and said, "It's Jesus!" Lane started clapping. They were very excited. It was such a warm spirit there. I am glad they were able to go. They also get excited when they see the St. George temple or the Manti temple as we are driving by, so they were excited to get to "go" to the temple.

More trip pics

More wedding pictures

I am waiting for the kids to go to bed, so I am trying to update my blog. It's been a busy week.
On Tuesday, I left with the kids to go up to Mt. Pleasant for Jake's wedding. The Expedition broke down about 20 miles from Richfield. Thankfully, my mom and dad were able to come down and get us. However, we had to wait for 3 hours in the car. It was painful. But I just thought that it was good, quality time to spend with my kids. It could have been a lot worse. There was a breeze and it was only about 83 degrees. At least I didn't break down in Vegas.
We got to Mt. Pleasant Tuesday evening. I was exhausted. Plus, I no longer had a vehicle and had to crowd in (all 4 of my little posse) into my Dad's truck so we could get up to the wedding. Wednesday was pretty much taken up by the wedding. Madison and Porter tried to pee in the bushes--they said their cousins showed them. They ended up peeing on their clothes. They went running at full speed towards each other. I kept thinking, surely they're going to turn away. When I realized they were going to fast to stop, I yelled at them not to hit each other. It was too late. Porter was crying because his head hurt, and Madison was crying because her top lip split open. I was so ready to go home at the end of the day. We didn't get into Mt. Pleasant until almost midnight.

Miscellaneous pics

The little pool is the coolest thing their Grandma Smith got for them. It fill ups just a couple of inches of water and then sprays water out all over the pool. It also has a mini slide. It's their absolute favorite.

I forgot to put up the actual fourth of July pictures. The kids loved it. I tried to explain to them what the 4th of July is for, but I don't think they quite get it.

Brian misses the garter...or does he?

Taylor Busts A Move

Don't miss the magic moves of Mike Bradshaw in the upper right corner of the screen.

Wedding Date: 7/8/9. How can you forget that?

Jake (Lane) and Amber (Coates) tied the knot. They are now officially husband and wife. It was a fun wedding--I think only my 2nd or maybe 3rd civil wedding ceremony I have ever attended. The backdrop at the American Fork Amphitheatre was perfect. It was a beautiful place with cool weather--in the shade. There was a slight breeze, which also added to the climate temperature.

Madison and Porter has so much fun. They were so excited to be the ring bearer and flower girl. We practiced with them at home. They didn't cry, get nervous, or throw a fit. Yeah! I was a little worried. Orange is Porter's favorite color, so he was delighted with his tie. Madison was excited to get a new dress. I had several people come up and tell me how cute they were. I think the novelty of the boy/girl twins and their age had a lot to do with their cute factor. They are also quite the little couple--as they love to be together and are very close. I've got more pictures. I'll have to keep adding as I get time.

Lane was a little pill. We arrived right at his nap time. He screamed and whined and cried for nearly four hours. I even buckled him into his car seat in hopes that he would doze off. Nothing. He wanted his bed or nothing. Ughh! I think that wore me out more than Madison's two dozen trips to the bathroom. Just to let you know how much I ran around with kids at that wedding--I lost 2.6 pounds. That never happens to me. I was up and down that amphitheatre steps at least 8 times. I guess the exercise was good for me.

Yes, Moms, you do work harder than your husband

I have always said that I believed it was easier to work a long day than it is to stay home with kids. I have always believed that I was not as tired when I worked. Nor, was I as spent physically, emotionally, or mentally. Sometimes I second-guessed my theory. I thought maybe I was just getting older and didn't have the energy I had when I was working.
Now that I am working four days a week out-of-town and spending three days a week at home with kids, I have discovered the real truth. It is so much easier to work. I can work a 12 hour day in the office, still have energy to go to the gym, visit, shop, watch TV, write, etc. and I find myself awake at 10, 11, or even midnight. I'm not tired. I am full of energy. I still wake up at 5:30 or 6. Can't seem to break that habit.
I usually work a long day on Thursday and drive back home. It is on Friday, around 7 pm that I feel exceptionally tired. It is after chasing 3 children around all day--worrying that they are getting the right food, the right exercise, the right academia, the right spirituality, and of course, the right parenting. It is a full day of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and tending to the less fortunate. It is from carrying kids up and down stairs, and bending over to pick up toys, food, or books. It is cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the bedroom, cleaning the kitchen, and doing the laundry. It makes me tired to think about it.
So to all of the Mom's out there, if you feel tired, old, and worn out--you are. You ARE working harder than your husband. I have proof. I think the consolation of knowing that your job is really hard, is enough to make you feel better. It's really not you, it's them.