My Levi

Yes, he is cool. He has his buddies. He wants to be his own man. He doesn't want to hang out with his family.

But . . .


He still takes the time to console Nathan and explain why life is so hard . . .


and teach him how to sneak the caramel without getting caught.

He may not want to be with our family but he does love family. When he picked up 2 week old Hailey his comment was, "ohhh, I want one of my own".
In time.



And for not wanting to hang with his family he sure is available when game night includes bowls of Tootsie rolls for the winnings.
He even laughs and seems to enjoy himself.



How am I supposed to take the cool act seriously when he keeps wearing his platypus t-shirt?



I think he's cool because he is good to his mom. He makes me stand up to give him a "proper hug" each night. He sends me goofy texts that make me laugh. He gives me a few minutes of chat time, even if his girlfriend is ready to leave. He drools over the food I make and complains that I keep cooking his favorite things even on the nights that he won't be home. He calls "just in case" I might be worrying about him, which usually I am. He shines. I don't know how to describe it and he would be embarrassed if I did but he is just . . . good.

He will leave soon enough and someday he will be someone else's Levi.
But for now I try to look beyond the tough guy attitude and enjoy every day with him, as my Levi.

Memorial Day Field Trip

On May 28th, the day after school got out, the boys and I packed up and left town. We didn't venture far but we did have a great time! We played with cousins, visited the science museum in SLC, stayed up waaaay past bedtime watching movies and on our way out of town we stopped at Memory Grove Park. The weather was perfect for a hike and the place was perfect for Memorial Day.

We started out reading the markers for the names of the lost soldiers and where they were from, why there were markers there for them and what Memorial Day is about. It was a good 15 minute reverent tribute and the kids all showed more respect than I expected (except Hyrum, who thought that the stones were meant for a follow-the-granite-stepping-stones course).


And then we headed up through the paths. We took a trail that led clear up the canyon to the Avenues and also gave us a great view of the capital building. I was impressed with my little hiking buddies! The only complaints of the hike was when I told them it was time to go home.


Along the way Derek kept having trouble with his pants. He had forgotten his belt and finally took matters into his own scout hands as he found a long, thin, flexible branch, skinned it and made himself a mountain man belt.


The kids enjoyed throwing rocks into the stream and pond, climbing random parts of the hills, running over the bridges and playing in the water features at the courtyard. As we were leaving they found a post that seemed meant for statues so they took turns providing living art.


Thanks for a fun weekend boys. You're some of my most favorite people to hang out with.


**The extra boy in the pictures is my nephew, Brendan, who is staying with us for a couple of weeks.

Dear Grandma,

I missed you tonight.

After getting the kids tucked into bed I wandered down to the basement to talk to LeRoy and ended up on the couch watching the Lakers and Celtics play game 2 of the finals. We haven't watched the finals (or really any sports but the BYU games) since we moved into our home 2 years ago. Just like old times I fell asleep to the commentary, buzzing, whistling and LeRoy's outbursts and constant chatter of stats. When I did wake up (from the kink in my neck) I fully expected to be on your couch in your living room in Rigby. I was a little disoriented being in my own home.

I can't believe it was 19 years ago! It was our routine during those first few months of our marriage to make the drive from Rexburg to Rigby to watch the games with you. I soon realized that no matter what team LeRoy wanted to win you would choose the opposite team just so the two of you could banter. But at the end of every game the two of you would somehow compromise, we would have evening prayer together and we'd be there in a couple of days for the next game. I always fell asleep on the couch. Part of it was pregnancy tired and part of it was my lack of interest in sports. I knew the two of you didn't need me awake to enjoy your sporty dates together and I had some of my best naps on your couch.

I remember finding one of your notebooks at our house during the short time that you lived with us and I laughed right out loud at all of your stats kept so carefully not only for that season but for many previous seasons. No wonder you and LeRoy seemed to fall into sports love at first tip off.

When I woke up thinking of you I wanted to call. And then I remembered. Sometimes I forget that you are gone. My first thought when Dad called to tell me that you had passed on, was of you meeting Leon and Joe again. One of my most tender moments with you was going through their pictures and as you shared their stories with me, holding hands as we both cried, telling me about your angel boys. Such pure love and tender emotion! Thank you for sharing them, and you, with me.

Thank you for the love, memories, smiles, stories, cards, hugs and most importantly for sharing your testimony with me. I love you Grandma!

Until we meet again,

XOXO

Kimmer

How nice . . .

I'm concerned about the tree that we purchased and planted last year. A beautiful red maple. . . at least it was beautiful last fall. Right now it is the only tree in the neighborhood that is still bark naked! Not even a tiny bud to be seen.

When I went to the nursery to ask questions and follow up on that one year guarantee the lady said to me, "It's pretty hard to kill a tree".

I thought to myself "well it really wasn't that hard".

Now I'm searching frantically for my receipt.


And Also . . .

I was told today that I should have a large family. This was after our house guest found out that I have six kids!

Seriously, what number is considered large? Okay, I KNOW that 11 made a large family but if you go by the amount of laundry that I do on a daily/weekly basis I think 6 is plenty large.


Tree Update:
I found my receipt. I almost dug up the tree to take it in for the return but just in case it was a bogus guarantee I decided to wait. Good thing I didn't go to the added effort in this ridiculous wind.

It was pointed out to me that "if I'd only read ALL of the notes on the guarantee", I would have understood that if I purchase something with "discounts more that 20% off regular retail price the purchase will not receive the one year guarantee". Darn fine print!

Great! So because I waited until fall to catch the better sale I saved an additional 10% and now I lose 100%. Buy your trees now people. The sale is at 20% and still gives you the guarantee.

So when you come to my house please take notice of the bare naked tree in our back yard. I'm gonna leave it for a while, just in case. Feel free to add "Big Red" to your prayers. He needs them.

Oh, and Ruth, I was asked the same thing. DUH! I DID water my tree. I'm STILL watering my tree.

Prom Night 2010

Erika went to Prom with Dyllan and they double dated with Erika's best friend Brianna and her date Brady. Their all day hike and picnic lasted until 6:30. When they got home the girls took such fast showers that I wondered if they had used soap. Then they quickly did hair, using at least a full can of aerosol hairspray, and put on their dresses. The guys picked them up at 8:30 and they went to 5 different places to show off for all the parents and get pictures taken. They only spent 2 hours at the actual dance and were home right on time (that might be a first!).

Though it is not what I imagine a Prom night to be, the kids all seemed googly eyed and extremely happy with their night!

Two New Records

The Hosting Record:

LeRoy volunteered our house for the Woodbadge staff dinner in May. I'm so grateful for my big kitchen and I love having the extra room to host events like this!

There were 12 extra vehicles at our house that night. (Justin thought it was so cool that he took the camera outside and shot this picture). But I don't think that is a record, Bunco still wins on that one.

We had 38 adults, 4 of my own kids, 4 extra toddlers and 1 infant (16 days old!). Now that is a record at our house! I had no excuse other than "I might blog this" to take pictures so you get the empty chair visual.

It was a fun evening and because it turned out so well we have all the monthly meetings scheduled at our house until September.



The Laundry Record or The New Family Dresser :

These 6 baskets are actually holding 9 loads of laundry.
They are all clean.
Maybe I have to many clothes baskets.
Or we all have to many clothes.
I should have pulled shirts out and hung them.
I should iron.
I'm not gonna get to that, I promise.


So if you happen to see any of us around town in our wrinkled attire, please just appreciate the fact that the clothes we have on are clean.

Graduation!

Madison High School Graduate! Great job Levi!



Grandma & Grandpa Fullmer, David & Barbara Pitsenbarger

The Crosswalk Lady, Big Levi and Levi, Caytlyn and Levi

When Levi saw Mrs. Carrie he had to have a picture with her. I think he was more excited to have a picture with her than with his parents. During elementary school the kids always talked about Mrs. Carrie and how nice she was. As we were leaving campus after graduation Mrs. Carrie and her family were standing by the cross-walk and Levi asked, "will you help me cross?". Then he joked with her a minute and said, "hey, I wouldn't have been able to graduate today if you hadn't made sure I crossed the street safely in 4th grade". It's funny to see the lasting impressions that one person can make.

Our morning routine at the Edwards' house includes Hyrum standing on the porch come rain, snow, sleet or hail (I wonder if he has a postal future) as he waves goodbye to the 5 other family members that leave him every morning. Most of the time it is just happy waving. Sometimes, tears.

And then he is left with Mom. Sometimes I think of Hyrum and Nathan as little latch key kids when I lock myself in the office and they are left to fend for themselves . . . which they do very well now that they can open and reach the refrigerator and any cupboard they want. I try to get my work done as quickly as I can but sometimes it can't be helped.

When I finally get take of my office manager hat and play mommy I live it up!

They are my sanity. They make me smile. They share unlimited hugs and kisses and giggles. And the other stuff that comes with the 2 and 4 year old stages . . . but that's not today's focus.

Nathan spends most of his time fluctuating between being super hero Ralph Hinckley out to save the world and brave Peter as he does a quick wardrobe change into his Narnia clothing. From cape to sword he is my little hero. He is bold enough to pray that Levi will go on a mission with Levi in the room. He isn't afraid to sing "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ" as we do our Walmart shopping. He isn't afraid to tell the guy doing our landscaping that he's doing an "awesome job". He can tell Erika that she needs to clean her room and she will do it. He brings me dandelions. He forgives easily. He loves unconditionally. He teaches me to be more like Christ.

Hyrum is so full of cheerful energy! His inquisitive nature keeps me on my toes and busy cleaning up messes but I love watching him experiment and learn. He isn't afraid to try new things and when he gets hurt he is quick to try again, not focusing on the failure or the disappointment. His giggle is infectious and fills our home with laughter. He teaches me to keep on trying and to laugh every chance I get. And he loves his mommy. I so wanted my last baby to be a cuddle baby and I got it. The two of us can snuggle into a perfect fit for stories, songs, and sleeping. With Hyrum in my arms the world just seems right.

These two little men are a true blessing that for 7 years I didn't think I would have. It is strange to think that in that other life I thought I would be living Justin would be my youngest. Oh, how different life would be! I choose this life. . . with my little playmates and our daily play dates.

Really?

A new first happened for me today. I received three bills in the mail (that part isn't new). The phone bill. The electric bill. One of the 4 insurance bills. All three of them are late (that is new). Really? I know I paid those.

Well, I know I had the folder sitting on my desk for a few days with the intention to pay them.

Where did the entire month of May go? It's like April just never went away. Even Mother Nature agrees.

Where did my mind go?

The folder is sitting on my desk again. This time I really did pay them. All of them. Even the ones that haven't sent me the late notices yet. I have a cramp in my hand from writing checks. Sometimes I think automatic withdrawal would be easier but with the seasonal business we run I never have automatic deposits so I would probably just end up with insufficient funds fees.

Whew, I paid May just in time for June to come. Mother Nature better catch up with the calendar!

I shouldn't find this funny. It is a bit embarrassing but evidently not embarrassing enough that I can't post it for the world to read.

Catch Up? Whatever, Never!

Has it really been almost 2 months? It has felt longer. There would be so much to post if I tried to catch up but life isn't slowing down any so I'll give a brief summary . . .

1 husband, 6 kids, 1 business, 1 huge yard, 1 kid graduating, 1 extra kid moving in with us, scouts, young men & young women activities, preschool, doctors, dance recitals, school counselors, a pool plaza, a funeral, school registration x 4, 3 orchestra concerts, 2 trips to Utah . . . Oh the list could go on. For all the moms out there I'm sure you understand all the extras that go on with each item listed. 1 kids graduating isn't just a statement, it's 3 different meetings, orders for cap/gown, creating the grad announcement, sending the grad announcement, making arrangements for AFTER graduation . . . and that list goes on as well.

Actually, there has been so much going on that I missed Bunco last month! In 5 years the only month that I have missed (I'm pretty sure) was when Hyrum was 3 days old. I was even dressed and ready to go but my sore parts and tears just wouldn't let me. So now you get an idea of the craziness going on.

As we adjust to a new stage of life, so has our food adjusted. More meals than not are served on paper plates with the hope that there is nutrition involved but more just hoping that tummies are filled. As we were getting ready for 1:00 church today, which takes 2 hours just rotating everyone through baths and showers, I quickly dished up a snack to please the eye and hopefully get my two little picky eaters filled. A minor success to mark the day . . .

Justin ate a face . . . two of them actually

Brendan (my nephew) ate a sailboat and cheesey waves . . . after already finishing a toothpick platter

Hyrum concentrated very hard as he worked one piece at a time on his toothpick platter and . . .

he had to show us each piece as evidence of his accomplishment.

Nathan was a little puzzled with the first bite of his turkey roll up.

I soon understood his confusion when he said "I didn't know this is what turkish delight tasted like". Oh, my little Narnia fan! I won't tell him that his few grams of protein are a far cry from the pound of powdered sugar that real turkish delight holds.