Oh What do you do in the Summertime?

I know it's only March, but Spring is definitely in the air and summer vacation is only three months away. Every year for the last 7 years this is the time that I start preparing what is affectionately know in our home as,

"BRAINY HOMEWORK."

My poor children have a mother whose education is in "Education." I never got to use my teaching skills in a real classroom setting, so my kids are my students about three or four days out of the week during the summer. I know what you're thinking,

"Those poor Spurgeon kids have a real slave driver of a mother."

But they absolutely LOVE IT. They set a goal and work towards it. We have incentives and rewards.

I just returned from parent/teacher conferences so I now know my emphasis this summer. I now start gathering worksheets, workbooks, notebooks, planners and some sharp pencils for our summer of fun. We definitely don't miss out on the swimming, parks, movies or anything at all. There are a lot of hours in the day and my feeling is take about an hour and a half in the morning and do some reviews and a little head start on what's to come.

Elizabeth (going into 8th) is starting Geometry next year, so she'll be learning some things associated with that. She has a bunch of books on her reading list too.

Kenley (starting middle school) needs to practice her reading comprehension and multiplication and division of 3, 4 and 5 digit numbers.

Dallin (going into 4th grade) needs to memorize those multiplication facts and practice reading fluency.

Cameron (Kindergarten next year) will be practicing his lower case letter writing and 0-10 math skills.

Britton is going to perfect his animal sounds :)

I believe learning needs to continue throughout our lives. So, I too am going to be joining the Brainy Homework this summer. I am going to learn some new things and read up a storm: something I don't do enough of.

So, what do you think?

What's going to be your Brainy Homework?

Heather is:

FUN, FUN, FUN: She's got a laugh that can get anyone smiling.
TALENTED: She can mix a batch of hair color with her eyes closed.
A FABULOUS AUNT: Ask any of her neices or nephews and they'll tell you how cool she is.
A GROOVER: This girl can dance.

Heather is:

A GREAT FRIEND TO ALL.

Have a Happy Birthday Heather.

Day Four

Tranquility

I anticipated day 4 like you wouldn't believe. The "chippie" had been calling my name since we landed, but I didn't want to settle for one that might not measure up. We had a few recommendations from very reliable sources that we should try the one in Matlock Bath. (Chippie: affectionate slang term for the fish and chip shop.) We were headed there, but darn it, it wasn't lunch time yet.

We just started driving. I was absolutely in awe at the beauty. The green rolling hills, the quaint farms, the fat sheep, the stone cottages, miles of hand built stone walls. If heaven were found on earth, I'm sure it would be in Derbyshire. This is my "thing." For some it may be the beach or mountains or forest: but for me it's the rolling green that I find peaceful. Seriously, I wanted to sit and gaze upon the sight for a long time. Here's a few beautiful sights we came across.

Look at this farm, nestled between the fields. I'm moving in!

Every town or village had their own church. Look at this beautiful little church set right by the winding road. The grave stones were something out of a movie.

This is my cousin's friends home. They call it the manor house. I asked her how old this property was. She answered, "It's not that old, it's only about 150-200 years." Eh, well guess what the country of America is only just over 200 years old, so that's old. That really puts a little perspective on things in England.

I would love to know the story of this old tree. The face reminded my of Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas.

The only thing that was more prolific than the churches were the Pubs. Every village was entitled to one church, but several pubs. I became fascinated with them. Not only the gorgeous features, but the names were so interesting.

I love the ivy on this Pub: Three Horseshoes

This is a pottery factory just a few miles from where I used to live. Denby Pottery is now a world famous maker of lovely things. Here we are at the factory store. I looked with great admiration. This is something I never appreciated while I lived there, but their dishes and serving ware are gorgeous. It is extremely expensive and would have been too difficult to carry back, so I left empty handed.

We arrived in Matlock Bath in time for lunch. After finding the "chippie," we ordered and dug in. The serving style has changed a lot. It used to be your fish and chips were served to you wrapped in yesterdays newspaper. These modern plates threw me a little, but the taste was even better than I remembered. The appropriate amounts of salt and vinegar are a must. The perfect amount of crunch and not too greasy. Fish moist and flaky.

We left the countryside and decided to do a little shopping. We arrived at Nottingham Broadmarsh Shopping Center at 5:00p.m. to find they closed at 5:30! We had just enough time to buy Britton some new Clark's shoes and then did a little walking tour in the dark.

Inspired by the London Eye, (you'll see us here on Day 6) Nottingham now has an Eye in their town center.Hotel Chocolate? You can actually join their club and they'll send you a sampler box every so often. The english like their chocolate. Sound good to me.

It's difficult to express what being there really meant. I was loving every minute. I wish I could share every picture. Thanks for staying with me and being interested. Don't worry, only two more days.

Day Three

Eastwood Ward

We set off about an hour early for church so we could do a little driving tour of the old hang outs. This is my old house on Highfield Way. I lived here for about 7 years prior to moving to America.

This is called a "style." It's intended for people to be able to pass from field to field, but keeps the animals in. I call this picture the "Gateway to Adventure." This is directly opposite to my house and in the days of my mom saying, "be back by dark," this is where we used to play. Beyond this style are fields and more fields.

This is Shirley Road. At the bottom of this hill is where my school was. It has since been replaced with houses. I took this picture to show you the narrow roads with people parked on both sides. If you meet someone coming in the oppostite direction, you have to parallel park or reverse.

Ripley Market Place doesn't look very exciting during this time of year, but during the spring and summer it's abustle with stalls and vendors selling their goods, like a farmers market I suppose.

The Crocus in front of the church were blooming and beautiful.

This is the church building where I was baptized, performed in numerous Christmas Programs, buried treasure in the dirt (I wouldn't be too happy with my kids if they started digging holes in the shrubs around the church, but oh well!) I recognized about half the people there, and they hadn't changed a bit. The church has been remodeled since I was there last, but the original part of the building was very familiar. My brother went back to England to visit several years ago. I reminded him of the orange plastic cups in the kitchen that EVERYONE used to drink out of. No wonder I rarely get sick, I've been exposed to every illness imaginable. My brother, Paul, actually brought back one of those orange cups for me. I would even go as far as saying he stole the orange cup. I still have it somewhere.

Everyone was really excited to see us. (Thanks Sarah for the kiss warning, I turned my cheek just in time.) The first speaker during Sacrament Meeting got up to speak and I heard an American accent. I did a double take and looked at Brent like,

"Wow, who is this?"

It turns out her husband is working in England on a three year assignment and she was recently called to a position in the Stake Young Women's Presidency. The reason I mention this is because when I heard her American accent I was completely overwhelmed with pride that I am now an American citizen. For years, I felt as though I was betraying the queen or something if I referred to America as home. I love England, but this is home.

I decided to take Britton into the nursery. Even though he's not technically old enough, it sure beats roaming the halls. I wish I had taken a picture of the nursery leader. Her name is Elizabeth Lesley. She is a beautiful Scottish woman with a beautiful accent. I felt an instant bond with this woman. She already had Britton's little craft ready for him to make because my aunt had told her we were going to be there. She taught those three small children that they are a "Child of God." Even though they were so young, I know that they understood. She gave each an instrument (I got one too) and those kids shook their tambourines or moroccas while she sang in her thick Scottish accent,

"Aye yam a chiyld uf God."

She was so determined and she taught with so much love that it was absolutely a highlight of my trip. In that small little room, in that small church building she was serving our Heavenly Father by teaching his children. I will always remember this!!

One year older and trying oh so hard to be a little wiser!!

This is by no means meant as a me, me, me post. Today has been such a great day and I want to share with you how blessed and lucky I am to have such great family and friends. Today is my 37th. I feel younger, healthier, and happier than I did 10 years ago. What's the difference? I'm working at it. For me, happiness is a choice that I can achieve when I make the right choices. It encompasses all parts of my life: spiritual, social, physical, etc...

Why the smile when that number is rapidly approaching the big 4*0?

Phyllis's work of art, YUMMY!! and some lovely tableware

Trampoline tricks by Heather and some fabulous hair products


Happy kids

A great lunch at Red Robin and my favorite flowers, Hyacinths, from my parents
A bike from my hubby (It's been on my birthday list since last summer when I gave Crazy Lady Jan's bike a little test drive.)I haven't owned one since I was probably 6.

Some cute shirts from my sister-in-law, a lovely tribute on my sister's blog and numerous wishes and phone calls have made this one special day. All blessings that made this one to remember. Thank you so much!!

Little side note: The bride was late because her little brother was sick during the night with a high fever and that set them back a bit.

Ok, I've finally got my A. Idol picks: Dread Lock Jason- I love this guy! and Brooke!!!

Day Two- The Wedding

MY FLAT IRON DOESN'T WORK????????

Does anyone else understand my:

"traveled to a foreign land,

stayed up for hours and hours,

I'm going to a wedding to see people I haven't seen in 19 years

and my flat iron doesn't work"

panic?

I had a converter, but apparantly the voltage was wrong. I attended this wedding with a frizzy hair doo, but really, does it matter?

YES! (A little bit)

I'm exaggerating, but really: you know!!!

My Aunt Marion and Cousin Adam traveled North with us to York. Along the way Adam and I talked about old times and caught up on the current. Can I just tell you that I love to reminisce. I love sentences that start with,

"Do you remember when we........."

or

"Didn't we have fun going to............."

Try it sometime with a old friend or family member, you'll be laughing in no time.

We arrived at York about 45 min. early for the wedding. Talk about leaving the gift until the last min. Yes, we went gift shopping, but quickly decided to do the American thing and give them some cash.

Walking into the church I felt a little nervous. It had been so long. Of course, there was nothing to worry about. It was so good to see everyone and catch up a little bit before it was time to go into the chapel. Here is the first glimpse of my Uncle Ian(dark hair on the right) and a ward member who was acting as the usher. I thought they looked dashing in their formal Scottish attire. My Uncle Iain explained to everyone at the reception what an honor it was for him to wear a kilt, and celebrate his Scottish heritage.

11:00 a.m. time to start: As we sat waiting for the bride, everyone in place, I was so overcome with the fact that we were actually there. Brent and I were in England together and I was so excited. No Bride.

11:15: Maybe she's having some hair issues too.

11:30: Brent had to take Britton out already. (no surprise) Members of the wedding party kept leaving the chapel and coming back and doing the, "Nope, not yet look."

11:45: Someone whispered in my ear, "Do you think she's changed her mind?" I sure hoped not, but wouldn't that be a story.

11:50: Groom exits the chapel, calmly returns a few min. later. No Bride.

11:55: Julie (my aunt and mother of the groom) returns to the chapel with the thumbs up sign.

12:00 Cue the flute player, everyone stands and in comes the bride.

One hour late, but it didn't matter a bit. She looked lovely.

She reminded me of a Maiden in a fairy tale.

(Left to Right)

Grooms Maternal Grandparents( I should really know their names) the last time I saw this couple was 30 years ago when Julie's mom made my bridesmaid dress when I was a bridesmaid for Iain and Julie's wedding, My cousin Janine, My cousin John (groom), Bride Kim, Uncle Iain Wilson, Aunt Julie Wilson, front is my Grandma, Agnes Alexander Wilson.

The ceremony and reception were very nice. My uncle was the best man and delivered a emotional speech. The food was delicious and we met some very nice people. Following the wedding we toured York. Here's a picture of the wall built during the 13th century to protect the city from invasion. (come over and I'll show you the rest of the pic's)

At the end of this day we were exhausted. I am so glad we made it. The Bride and Groom took the 5:30 p.m. train and headed to a hotel near Manchester Airport in preperation for their flight the next morning to their honeymoon destination:

EGYPT. (lucky, we went to Oregon for two days)

Day One- The Voyage

I think that I am finally back to normal after a wonderful vacation. It's been really fun reading everyones posts that I missed for the past week or so. There really is so much to tell that I'm just going to take it one day at a time.

Taking a long airplane trip with a 16 month old baby was something that didn't sound very fun: AT ALL. Brent and I knew we wanted to take Britton to see his relatives he's never met, but thought that it might be a little challening. We were up for it, but I was scared to death. Mostly afraid that he would be fussy and disturb the other passengers.

He was an absolute dream the entire trip: there and back. It truly was an answer to our prayers. I had anticipated the trip there would go smoothly because of regular nap and bed schedules. In fact, he fell asleep before take off on the flight from Chicago to London and we had to wake him up to get off the plane.

By the time we had gathered car seats, diaper bags and carry on's, we were usually one of the last off the plane. When we landed in Chicago I walked to the front of the plane to get off and noticed this man still sitting in the very front seat. I thought to myself that he was big, I mean really big. Once off the plane we were waiting for the stroller and one of the stewardess's asked if we knew who this man was. She said it was Richard Kiel. Yeh, I didn't know who that was either. He's the man that played "Jaws" in a few James Bond movies.

Sorry, no pic's of the real encounter. Here's the 7'2" actor. The lower middle picture is Mr. Kiel as "Jaws."

You know, I was a little apprehensive about the whole driving on the wrong side of the road thing, narrow roads, etc. But when I got into the rental car and noticed it was a stick shift, that added a whole other dimention to the already scary picture. Brent did absolutely fantastic driving though. He seemed to know where he was going most of the time, navigated the small roads with ease and maneuvered every round-a-bout with flawlessness. Seriously, he was an expert. My heart only left my chest twice the whole week :)

When we left the airport, it was about 3 a.m. our time after a entire day traveling. Britton fell back to sleep immediately. I really did have every intention of staying awake to keep Brent alert, as we had a two hour drive to my Aunt's house. I did open my eyes for a few minutes to take this shot.

This sight was absolutely amazing to me. The last land I had seen was flying over Denver, not a green sight. I had to keep reminding myself it was still Winter time. The grass, the trees: absolutley spectactular. My sister Sarah just did a post on her trip to Europe a few years ago and her pictures of England were taken in the Summer and the trees and grass were twice as green as even this picture I took. I guess the price is RAIN, but the results are gorgeous. Luckily, we never got rained on, which is absolutely amazing.

That evening we went out to dinner with my Auntie Marion. Most of you probably know what a Pub is. Pub stands for public house. Traditionally, pub's are where you go for the booze, but nowadays many are family restaurants also. We went to "Hole in the Wall" pub for a lovely meal. I got a few strange looks because of taking this picture of my food. This pub's restuarant is called a "carvery." It's like a buffet, choose your meat and veggies. That's a Yorkshire Pudding in the middle of my plate, one thing I'd been waiting for. Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings go hand in hand, but I opted for the turkey. It was delicious.

That night we were very ready for bed. Britton had about two hours in the middle of the night when he was up, but went back to sleep about 2:30 a.m and slept until 8 o'clock. Adjusting to the time schedule was pretty easy, and it's been even easier on the return trip. I was really excited to be in England again and was really anxious for the next week: the sights and the people.

Next time:

Day two: The Wedding

Add On:

We just returned in time for the Blue and Gold Banquet. I had previously made this dragon cake for Britton's first birthday, but made it again on Friday for the banquet Friday evening. I am so proud of Dallin's commitment to scouting and I love watching how much he enjoys it.It was so fun to make. Some gave me the, "You got off a 15 hour plane ride and made a dragon cake?" But you make time for the things you find enjoyable: this was fun.