Sweet Nothings!

Oh the sweet things they say!

Often, my kids say things to be gross, (especially the boys) to shock, to test the waters, sometimes they repeat things that they have no idea what they mean. Yes, I have washed a few mouth out with soap. But the sweet, sincere things they say are my favorite.

A few weeks ago, one child, who shall remain anonymous on request, asked the most heartfeld, sincere question. Honestly, I don't even remember how it came up, but they said,

"You have to kiss someone before you get married, right,

Just to see if there is any magic?"

We talked a little bit, we'll talk more when the time is right, but I love the open communication that we have. I never want to act shocked or like it's embarrassing to talk about anything. I'm grateful to have had the MAGIC talk, and teach my feelings and also what our leaders teach.

In their mind, LOVE is MAGIC.

Don't forget to tell the ones you love that they bring Magic into you life!

Oh the Food!

Don't Forget the Vinegar!

England is not known for it's fine cuisine. In fact it has a really bad reputation of people cooking the life out of their veggies and bland weird things using strange parts of animals. Marilyn hit it right on when she mentioned

"The Chippie"

when I asked what people considered typically English. The chip shop: a fast food take out place which sells mostly fish and chips (french fries): found on most street corners, big city or small village.

Some are obviously better than others. Everything is fried and served wrapped in newspaper: a tradition, but it does absorb most of the grease . I have been waiting for this culinary moment for 19 years and I have to go and pick one "Chippie" from the thousands available. My order will consist of one piece of fish, chips and the luscious side order of

"MUSHY PEAS."

It won't be the same without drowning it in salt and malt vinegar. Yep, I'm excited for this treat. (Sorry, I've got this trip on my mind lately.)

What unusual food do you find delicious?

Must See!

There are a number of places on our itinerary that I cannot wait to see. It's a mixture of places with some family meaning and also places England is known for. Following is our tentative schedule.
We leave Pasco Thursday (Feb. 21st) morning and get into London Heathrow Airport Friday morning at 11:00 a.m their time, (It'll be 2 a.m for us.)

I'm nervous about Brent driving on the wrong side of the road,

but he assures me he's good at it???????(Nevermind the lack of sleep. ) I remember once visiting after just getting my liscence. I really wanted to drive so my dad let me. I was constantly up on the curb, I think it's harder than it looks.

We are staying with my Auntie Marion who lives in Selston, Nottinghamshire: About a 2 hour drive North from the airport.

This is a BMW "Bubble Car," my dad's first car in England.

The door is the front section.

Saturday is the day of the wedding. We're praying for good weather, plus a little sunshine would be nice. This week they had a high of 50 degrees when it was 17 here, so that's not bad. In England couples have to be married civally, before they can go to the temple, because there has to be an official witness in attendance. The civil ceremony is in York. After the wedding we will tour York and then head back down to Marion's house, which is about a 90 min. drive.

Sunday we will attend the Eastwood ward. I've heard that not much has changed since I left 26 years ago. I wish I could remember the exact location that my cousin and I buried a box of "treasure" outside the church, because I don't think they would appreciate us digging around. But you have no idea how badly I want to look for it.

Monday we will visit Derbyshire: This is the county where I used to live. I want to drive up over hills, and through valleys and dales. I would like to take a picnic lunch which will probably have to be eaten in the car in February, but I don't care. I'm excited about this because as a child this was a weekly adventure for us. England is full of sheep and I remeber one particular occasion one sheep decided she didn't like me and came charging towards me, head down. I had to lock myself in the car. To this day I am scared of sheep.

Tuesday we are going to leave Marion's house and drive to Windsor Castle. Most people know Buckingham Palace as the queens castle, but Windsor is her official residence and because she's so nice, she's letting us come for a visit:) Tours are given most days but are limited to only certain parts of the castle . If she is "home," the flag is flying.

Downtown London is our adventure for Wednesday. We are going to do the touristy thing and take a bus tour of London. There are lots of sights to see from the outside, but you can get on and off the bus for the full day if you want to actually go inside anywhere.

The two places I would actually like to get off the bus for are:

1. the London Eye: This is a huge, enclosed ferris wheel type thing that gives you amazing views.

2. Victoria and Albert Museum maybe? We're still thinking on this one.
3. Harrod's Department Store- All good trips need a little shopping. I won't be actually buying anything here, unless I can find a real bargin.

Thursday we return home. I have had a really hard time with jet lag in the past, so I'm hoping I am awake for this adventure.
I am getting more excited as the day approaches.

I'm curious, what do you consider typically English?

Just Smile.

97 years of LOVE!

Gentlemen, Start your Engines!

Rub-A-Dub-DubBritton needs only hear the words, "Rub-A-Dub-Dub," and he's in the bathroom. If we are in the kitchen, he points to the sink. I love the kitchen sink for a bath. Number one reason, I don't have to bend over the tub.

Saturday evening Dallin participated in his first ever Pinewood Derby. All the boys had an absolute blast. He won his first two races, but then lost the third. Everyone showed great sportsmanship.

He worked for hours using tools such as a coping saw, drill press, sanding blocks, spray paint, masking tape, blue metallic paint and epoxy glue: just to name a few.

The greatest part is that he and Brent worked together every step of the way. He was very proud of his efforts and did an outstanding job. His car won the "Sleekest Car Award."

Cameron thoroughly enjoyed the process also and is planning for his first Derby in 3 1/2 years.

Here's Dallin with the finished product (just moments before leaving for the race.)
Dallin absolutely loves being a scout! He loves passing off requirements and always acts accordingly when he is wearing his uniform. I think he realizes what an honor it is.

Thanks to my super computer savvy husband for helping me with our new blog header up top, I love it!!

Don't forget the Tags!!!

Why do some things really bother some people and for others it's like:

"Water off a ducks back?"

I really want to be the type of person that just lets it slide. Well, one of my biggest fears is leaving the house wearing a new clothing item with the tags still attached.

I check and check again. If my kids or husband are wearing something new I make them put their arms strait out and turn around. The reason I mention this is because I know of a couple of people that this doesn't bother, at all. Recently, Brent returned from work and I noticed the size sticker still on his shirt.

I felt the color draining from my face: I was horrified to think he had been at work all day with a big M on his shirt.

He just said, "Oh, Nobody probably saw it."

My dad went to a Christmas party with us and wore pants with the big long size sticker running down his leg. I quietly and discreetly let him know thinking he could take it off under the table without any scene or commotion.

His reply, "I'll get it next time I stand up."

Am I the only one with irrational fears?

These Two are Number One!!

Express Gratitude to your children

These two girls are so much fun to be around. They help me in ways you can't imagine.

For example, Kenley loves to cook. I can hand a recipe to Kenley and it's as good as hot and ready!! Can you imagine? This is invaluable. (We're still working on the clean up skills.) Her after school snacks include a recipe, blender and chopping board. She is literally the smartest, most perceptive person I have ever met (she gets this trait from her Aunt Sarah.) She loves her little brother, it's so apparant and obvious, that it just makes me smile.

Elizabeth and her cousin, Lauren.

And Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth. Anyone that knows her will understand what I mean when I say she is just so solid, and even tempered, and likes to make her Mom happy. For example, she recognized her mother on the verge of a meltdown and takes the little boy perpetrator and plays with him. She is just so positive. Last summer on a particularly stressful day I exclaimed (in frustrated tones),

"I'm having a summer meltdown."

Elizabeth's response, "Oooo, That sounds fun."

In her mind it was some kind of party I was going to have with Popsicles and games.

And these two are excellent babysitters!! Anyone who has entered this phase in their lives knows what I mean. I am still amazed by this blessing and try not to ever take them for granted.

Earlier this year we made it to the top of Badger Mountain together .

These two are number one!!

Don't forget to tell your children and other people you love that you are grateful for them.

The England plans are all in order, we're leaving Feb. 21st. This is totally surreal to me. I'm excited to see my old ward building, old house, people I haven't seen in 20 years!! Soon, I'll post my list of must see places.

Lingo and Jargon

I hope I don't regret posting this: this information might be sensitive for some readers.

You know how there are words, phrases or sayings that every family has that only they understand, I call this Family Lingo. For example, Brent used to work with this man named Jay that always had the plummer thing going on whenever he bent over or something, so in our house when someone bends over and reveals anything we say a slow, loud

"Hell-ooooo Jay."

This is us making them aware that they better tuck their shirt in or pull it down over their pants. We have several other things we say too that only we understand. Family Lingo and Jargon such as this makes every family member feel as though they are part of a unit with secret language and it's just fun. Yesterday we added another word to our list. Cameron has been sick over the last few days and running a fever. Getting him to take any medicine is IMPOSSIBLE, so I had to threaten the suppository approach (I've had children for almost 13 years and only recently knew you could get a fever reducer in suppository form.) I purchased some from Wal-mart and came home. Dallin knowing what I was at Wal-mart for ran out to meet me in the car and wanted desperately to see the "Bottom Medicine." Dallin is completely fascinated by this form of medication and the term

"Bottom Medicine"

is now part of our Family Lingo.

Does your family have any Lingo or Jargon that only you understand?

STUCK IN A BIT OF A RUT, MAYBE?

Recently, while choosing a dress to wear: Hmm? The brown one with the collar or the black one or the other brown I got for Sarah's wedding or my new brown one? Somehow, I have all the same color dresses. I guess I could see this positively. I'm solid and consistent. Well, I've always thougth that I was somewhat flexible and open to new things, but apparently not. So, my next clothing purchase is going to be a bright

COLORFUL SPRING DRESS!

But that's going to mean some new shoes too! Because I only have black and brown.

So Brent called me from work this morning and said,

"Do you want to go to your cousin's wedding?"

You mean the one next month, in ENGLAND? When we received the invitation I never even thought it was a possibility, but with a little investigating and two free airline tickets, it just might happen.

Now if that isn't an occasion for a new dress, What is????

Picture Perfect Weekend

{Haley Wright, Elizabeth and Dallin}

Make your own pizza night turned out to be a fun evening. I cut up veggies and cooked some meat. The kids squished out their own dough and made themselves an individual pizza.

Brent's pizza turned out to be more like a work of art.

Look at all that delicious color.

Kenley created a stuffed crust pizza!

We then went to Baskin Robbins for ice-cream. Brent got Winter White Chocolate, Kenley got cookie dough, Elizabeth and I got Raspberry Cheesecake, Haley Wright got Rainbow Sherbet, Cameron got Oreo, Dallin got Rainbow Sherbet. Why mention this little detail? Because some say it tells a lot about you. I think it's just whatever you're in the mood for.

We then came home and watched two episodes from the first Cosby Show season. (Brent's Christmas Gift) This is a classic and one of the best comedies ever! In fact, I had forgotten how funny it is.

We had a fabulous night together.

Saturday morning I went to an Enrichment Activity where we learned Self-Defense. If you haven't taken any classes, I would recommend it. It was so much fun. Some of the moves you can just do for exercise and it really got the adrenaline pumping. I was so excited to show my family what I learned and came home and had Brent attack me from behind. The kids loved seeing me trying to escape from daddy. Britton was confused at all the commotion and mommy yelling, "NO!!!" that he started crying. The other ladies at the class and I commented we were excited to use our new skills, but that would mean getting mugged or something.

Have any of you ever done the Applebee's curbside to go. I know part of the fun is actually going out and being there, but it's a nice alternative when you don't feel like going out, have sick kids at home or just don't know what to make. This is something we never do, but it was really nice. Someone else's cooking in your own home. I liked it!!!

Want to see my copy cat project I am going to work on this week? Check these awesome things out.

There's a Criminal on the Loose!

Mug Shot: Britton Ellis Spurgeon

Crime: Dialing 911 without Probable Cause

Outcome: A Horrified Mother

Most parents of 14 month old babies are documenting their first words, or the first time they used a spoon. This afternoon, I am adding "run-in with the law" to Britton's list of firsts. This morning Britton, 14 months old, summoned two Franklin County Law Enforcement Officers to our doorstep. When I got out of the shower and saw the phone off the hook in my bedroom, I didn't think much about it, because it's a daily occurance. A few minutes later, when I heard a pounding on the door and looked out the window from upstairs- not yet in a clothing position to answer the door, I knew instantly what had happened. Throwing on whatever I could find, I rushed downstairs and encountered one policeman, another in his car obviously ready to chase anyone who might try to escape on foot. I started blabbing that I knew what had happended and I was in the shower and my baby had done it. His response, "Can I take a look around inside?" Gun drawn, (Just Kidding, but it adds to the drama) he looked around the entire house. At this point I was more worried about the messes he was about to encounter rather than the fact that I was completely wasting this officer's time. Luckily, he was super, super nice. I said a really sincere sorry, but was thinking, "Would you mind posing for a picture with Britton, because it would just really make my blog entry so much more effective." But not wanting to make light of the situation, I chickened out. Of all the thousands of number sequences a little boy could dial, why this one? Hopefully, this will be Brittons last encounter with "the law."

Mamma Mia, Here I go Again. My, My, How Can I Resist You?

Isn't this the greatest picture ever! I love the outfits!!

I've always loved loud music.

I have occasionally forgotten to turn the radio down after I've been in the car alone. When we get back into the car and the kids hear the volume of the music, they snicker.

My absolute favorite things is going to concerts. I'm not talking the quiet, sit in your chair and clap polietly variety.

I love the loud music,

crazy fans and the beat of the drums and live dancing.

I've been to some great shows: The Police, Sting, Culture Club, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, . The Barry Manilow concert was a show with tons of people on stage with costumes and choreographed dancing. The Pet Shop Boys concert was a bizarre performance. The Duran Duran concert was a dream come true for me, amazing! One of my all time favorite groups is ABBA. I have never seen them in concert, so we're doing the next best thing for an ABBA fan. Thanks to Heather who decided to go in Vegas instead, we've got tickets to

Mama Mia.

I am so excited!!

I'm starting to gear up for the big day! Anyone else enjoy a live performance??

Reclaimed and Put to a Good Use!!

Have you ever changed the furniture layout of a room in your home and it just made your day? I absolutely love doing this. Some say this because I am unsettled, but I figure it's a great way to clean under things and find the lost puzzle pieces and legos and get rid of the dust bunnies (luckily, I never find any like these.) I also love using old objects in new practical ways. Just before Christmas I used an old window frame to make my family a weekly calendar. Prompted by the fact that I forgot to take a dessert to a funeral, (I felt horrible) I needed some way to see and not forget our weekly schedule. You can use magnets and dry erase marker. I love this because it's using this window in a practical way, and I haven't forgotten anything since.

This old toiletry suitcase was found by my mom while going through her aunt's things after she passed away. It contained love letters her huspand wrote to her while he was away serving in World War II. Sounds like a lovely, romantic story.(I think I was blushing while reading the letters though- some were a little spicy, especially reading them in front of your parents.) It now sits in my entryway.

Brent made this picture frame from the wooden fence we took down. He is very proud of his efforts, especially because he saw a similar one at Craft Warehouse for over $50.

I got this Family sign from a friends craft show. It's made out of a cabinet door. It sits above our Portland Temple picture.

This cool piece was given to me by Jan. I know there is a fancy word for this piece of wood above a door, Ballistrade maybe, I'm not sure- but it's now a shelf in my piano room.

What shall I do with this? It's not really old, but I like it.

I've Got Two Things on my Mind!!

Inspired by Sarah's goals and resolutions for the coming year, I have finally narrowed it down to the most important thing for me to accomplish this year. There are thousands of things that I can work on, but I've got to focus. My goal is to complete the Book of Mormon, with Brent, following the Sunday School reading schedule. I'm not talking a quick through passing lightly over the things that seem confusing, I've done that. My goal is to get a real time line, doctrinal understanding so I can follow the council of my Patriarchal Blessing and come to "pay particular attention to the Book of Mormon, the most correct of all books." I'm going to take it slowly and take notes and write down thoughts and ideas. That's it. Sounds easy enough.

Next. obviously of less importance is the night we have been waiting for.

Tonight is the Night

Name another show that we can all watch together as a family. With the exception of a few individuals that get a lot of bleeping out (the A.I fans will remember the large lady in the yellow feather outfit- my boys still talk about this one) it's a wonderful show and

The Spurgeon Family loves it !!!!!!

It is only one of two show we watch (Extreme Makeover-Home Edition being the other.) My favorite part is probably the kids anticipation of it and the fact that we watch together, it just makes me smile. Any other American Idol fans out there?

This is my England!!

No, the picture up top underneath our name is not the Sacred Grove, it's England. This has inspired me to present a virtual tour of one of my favorite parts of England, Yorkshire. One of my favorite shows on TV is The Today Show when Matt Lauer does the "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" I love seeing foreign lands and how the people live. Enjoy the photos.

This is one of my favorite authors. James Herriot (James Alfred Wight) wrote of his experiences as a country vet in Yorkshire. I read his books growing up and his life has been made into a tv show and even a movie. He has even written a series of books for children.

The younger man shown with James Herriot (below) is Christopher Timothy, the actor who plays James in the TV show and movie. They are seated in front of the house where James lived while practicing in Yorkshire.

The picture at right is York Minster.

It is the largest Gothic Cathederal

in Northern Europe. The history of

the city of York is seperated into

seven periods:

Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Medeval, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian.

A wall surrounds the city of York. Much of the wall dates back to Roman times and was built as a military fort to deter invasion.

This picture (above) is of Mickelgate Bar, one of the forts along the wall. Traitors were beheaded and then left hanging from the wall for several years.

This thatched cottage ,named Partridge End Cottage in Assington, Yorkshire, is available for rent. It sleeps 8 and is surrounded by open fields in the back and orchards across the road. Anyone ready for a vacation? These final pictures of the Yorkshire Dales make me smile. These are probably what you think of when you picture England. James Herriot said:

"I think the exact moment when it dawned on me that Yorkshire was a magical place was when I pulled my car off the unfenced road. It was surrounded by a little stream, and I looked back over the swelling moorland to the great wooded valley of the Swale where it curves on its approach to Richmond. I gazed at the scene in disbelief. There was everything here: wilderness and solitude breathing from the bare fells, yet a hint of softness where the river wound along the valley floor. And in all the green miles around me there was not another human being to be seen. I was captivated, completely spellbound."

(I feel like I just did a history report for my Social Studies class, but I love England and wanted to share part of it with you.)

Canvas Art

Thanks Michelle for expressing interest in my whimsical art projects!!

This is such a fun project! It's easy, INEXPENSIVE, and the possibilities are endless. I saw a piece of canvas art at Nest Feathers and I absolutely loved it!! You can make them any size. The one at Nest Feathers was humongous, this one is about 11x14.

1. decide on a theme

2. collect pictures or photocopies (color or B&W) ribbon, wrapping paper, fabric, scrapbooking paper, etc.

4. lay out your design

5. decide on a background (can be paint or paper)

6. mod podge your papers, etc.

7. when you are happy with your work, finish with a all over coat of the mod podge (available in matte or gloss finish

I made this simple canvas for Britton's room.

This is a great project for kids. Kenley made a canvas for an art project she had to do for the Piano Festival she participated in.

My next canvas project:- a large piece for our new Family Room using beautiful paper and scrumptious color!!! (stay tuned)

Never too young to be accountable!!

Yes, it was cute to see him washing off his handy work, but did it have to be permanent marker?

First, a little catch up

This is our 2007 Christmas picture. I love this picture! I took about 20 photos and ended up using the first.