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.