Arizona Science Center

Sometimes working for Honeywell has its benefits. One of these times was when Adam came home and asked if i wanted to take the kids to the Arizona Science Center. I asked him how much it would be and he said "FREE!" Reduced is better, but FREE is BEST. So, of course I did! It is pretty expensive for admission prices so I have yet to take them there. We had a great time exploring the different levels of the center and seeing all of what is to offer. I think if Howie was just a tad older we could have spent all day there and the kids would have been just fine to do so.


These lights on the floor were really neat. When the light was interrupted, a musical note, an animal sound, car/truck sound, etc. would play. They had a blast "playing" the musical scale of these lights. Around and around they went until they got dizzy.

I'm hoping we didn't catch a preview of a future career choice for Caroline as she wanted to "swing" around and around on the pole. She could not get enough of this pole and just wanted to keep going around and around. It was a basic model of how centrifugal force worked. She didn't understand that. They only thing she understood was how fun it was and how fast she could go around and around on the pole! (Oh boy - look out!)

Owen and Howie were "working" together to see if they could understand how this lever worked. I think Howie was getting upset because Owen wouldn't let Howie have a turn. All Howie kept saying was "Me do! Me do! Me do!"

Going back to my brief days of chemistry, this was fun for me to see the kids in the Play lab. One day they will understand the concepts that are put forth in this fun play learning environment, but for now, it was just cute to see them playing around in the lab.

This picture reminds me of the movie Megamind. It was a series of cameras and mirrors that would distort the face and head and come up with some pretty silly and hilarious images, much like a "house of mirrors" at a carnival would do. It just cracks me up to see this picture of Howie with this big head and him sucking his thumb.

We had an enjoyable day at the Arizona Science Center. It cost us a total of $1 for parking to enjoy the day together as a family and "learn" all about science and how it works.

Week #28 - Can't Deny Your Heritage

In my late teens and early twenties, whenever I was doing something I KNEW to be wrong, my dad would just look at me with hurt in his eyes and simply say, "You can't deny your heritage." I'm not sure, to this day, whether it was what he said, the way he said it, or the look in his eyes that hurt me the most.

Today, being the 24th of July, is a huge celebration in a small population of the world, but particularly those in the U.S.. No, it's not the celebration of our country's independence, but an independence of another sort. It's the independence and the courage of the pioneers that helped to settle the Utah Valley. The courage those men and women had along with way, pulling handcarts, walking mile after mile, losing loved ones to weather, illness, or who knows what else along the way, causes me to reflect on my own heritage.

I don't know if I have "true" pioneer heritage of those that walked across the plains of this country in my family, but I do have pioneer heritage. My mom is a convert to the Church. She is the only member of her family that ever joined the Church. SHE is a pioneer! If it wasn't for her, my life - if at all - would be very different. She had the courage to blaze her own trails in this life, join the church (even when her mother tried to talk her out of it), and take a leap of faith to join a religion (and lifestyle completely different from anything she had known before) that some in her family thought she was foolish for doing so. Even though she had this criticism and ridicule coming her way, she still went ahead and became a pioneer. No else has joined the church, in this life, because of her. But, she has had several opportunities to set examples, answer questions, and help others to understand what it is about our Church that makes us different or "peculiar".

I'm grateful that I've had cause to reflect on my heritage and what has happened in my life over the years. I'm grateful for my mother and the pioneer heritage she has given to me. Most importantly, I'm grateful that my dad was (and still is) wise enough to remind me when I was taking up more of the "straight and narrow" path than what I should have, to remind me that no matter how hard I try I could never "deny my heritage".

Week #27 - Clear Sailing

This week has been nothing but clear sailing. The laziness of coming back from being gone for two weeks has left the calendar with nothing scheduled and nothing to do. Perfect! Just the way I like it sometimes, but especially after coming back from vacation.

It has left me with the opportunity to get caught up with the housework, work on some projects, get the kids back into some sort of routine, lazy mornings with all of us crammed into my bed watching TV, swimming in the pool, lots and lots and lots of play time.

I know soon enough there will be the homework that needs to be done, the music lessons to go to, the dance lessons to be driven to, my own homework to be done and study time to squeeze in, chores to be done and strict routines to be adhered to all in the name of school.

Until then, I am grateful for the free, nothing scheduled, nowhere to be, clear sailing calendar. I wish you all one of these kinds of weeks.

Week #26 - Good Times and Summer Vacations

This past week as landed us in Idaho. It was a remarkable visit with my younger sister, Mindy. The weather was beautiful and about 30-40 degrees COOLER than what some were experiencing back in Arizona. Sorry for you, but oh so glad for me.

We've had some good times (which I will expand upon in a later and recaptive post), some fun times, lots of cousin time, and TONS and TONS and TONS of memories.

Some of my most treasured and fondest memories growing up were of the good times and summer vacations I had as a child. Whether it was in Mexico, Arizona, or Northern California, I remember them fondly. I am grateful for the opportunity to help my children have these good times and summer vacations so that maybe, quite possibly, and hopefully they too, will have the same fondness and memories of their own good times and summer vacations.

Week #25 - Phone Calls With New Beginnings

Adam told me he had a job interview a couple of weeks ago. I didn't think much of it based on what he was telling me about the job. He said he was flattered to get the interview and wasn't hoping for much more from there.

He was out in Kansas the week that the interviews were being done and absolutely had to be back in Arizona for the interview, the last day of the interviews. Of course, it was the only time something mechanical happened to the plane and he couldn't make it back. Of course, right?! He called the gentleman he was going to interview with and told him what had happened. He was kind enough to give Adam the option of either interviewing over the phone or doing it the next day, Friday, at the gentleman's convenience in person. Adam was not scheduled to work Friday, but was willing to jump through hoops for this interview, regardless of whether or not he wanted the job or, even heaven help me, got the job. It just wouldn't have reflected well on Adam. Needless to say, Adam opted for the less convenient in person interview on his day off - the day we was suppose to help me pack the car and get things ready for my drive with the kids to Idaho with the stop off in Utah.

When Adam got home from the interview, I asked him how it went. He said, "it went....uhhhh, okay I guess. Not great, but not bad." I was heartbroken for him, but tried my best to be positive and optimistic. Something deep down told me he was getting the job. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I didn't voice this feeling just in case the hopes got dashed.

On Tuesday this past week, Adam called me while I was in Idaho to say he had a late meeting. When I asked him who schedules such late meetings, his reply was "the guy who just offered me a new job!" I was thrilled and began screaming into the phone and squealing with joy. It seems his "not great, but not bad" was better than he thought and just what the gentleman was looking for. He was offered a new job!

After discussing the job and finding out more of the particulars, I told Adam that he had my 100% support to accept this new job. He said he was happy with the offer and was grateful for my support. He had to let the new boss know the next day whether or not he was going to accept the job. Adam is still with the same company, Honeywell, but no longer in the Aerospace Division. Now, he has moved over to the corporate side and is in the Honeywell Information Technology Security ("HITS") Division.

This new job means no more traveling to Kansas! That alone made the job extremely appealing. It is a step up the "corporate ladder" with a new job title, a teeny tiny bit more money (who couldn't use that right), obviously more responsibility, which really means more stress, but in the end, he is HOME every night with our family.

I wasn't anticipating this phone call with this new beginning. But, believe me you, I am sooooo incredibly grateful for it, and grateful for a man who is smart enough, educated enough, works hard enough to be recognized, and qualified enough to get the job. Congrats, my Love. You've earned it and deserve it!

Week #24 - Dads and Birthdays - Mine and Not My Own

A week ago was Father's Day. This last week Adam turned a year older. Because of these two events happening, this week leads me to reflect on the dads in my life and the example they have been to me.

First, my dad, Jerry. My dad is a wonderful man. People say I am the female version of my dad. I not only look like him, but my mannerisms, personality, and especially, my emotions are just like him. I don't think there is a better complement for me than to me compared to my dad.

My dad is the smartest dad that I know, no really he is. You ask him a question about the scriptures, medicine, cars, sports, whatever, and he can change hats accordingly. He can not only answer the question you asked, but go into great detail about the answer. I don't know how he does it. He is a wonderful judge of character and has a true gift of discernment.

Second, my husband, Adam. Adam is a fabulous father and dad to our children. He is the one that takes the time to explain to the kids why things are they way they are. He is way better at appreciating them for who they are than I am. He's not a perfect dad, but he is most definitely the perfect dad for them. I love him and the dad and father he is to our children.

Third, my father-in-law, Leo. Leo is a kind, gentle man. He is a hard-working man. He spent many years working a young man's job, even when he wasn't such a young man any more. But, because of that, he provided a great example of a what a true work ethic is to his youngest son, my husband. He taught Adam how to work, what it means to work, and to do a job right, the first time. That work ethic made him a great provider for his family and our family through his example. I am grateful for this.

This past week, Adam "celebrated" his birthday - in Kansas, all by himself. I am sorry, my Love, that you had to spend this birthday away from the kids and me and couldn't celebrate it with us. But, in your honor, we ate cake and had a grand 'ole day celebrating your birthday for you. Next year, let's celebrate it together as a family, deal?!

I am grateful for dad and birthdays, they cause me to pause, if only for a moment out of my crazy day, to reflect on the impact they have on my life, whether they are mine or aren't my own.

Week #23 - Camping Out - Beach Style

I took the kids camping this week - to the beach - without Adam, but with my sister and her family and my sister-in-law and her family. We looked like a polygamist family I swear. There were 3 women, 10 kids and 1 man (my sister's husband). It was pretty hilarious to watch from the outside.

I was really anxious about doing this, even with the tremendous help that I had. Because, let's face it, even with help, there's usually not a good enough substitute for mom. As it turned out, it was one of the two weeks that we were traveling and the two weeks that Adam wasn't going to be in Kansas. Great timing, huh?

But, I must say, we had a BLAST! I can hardly wait for next year and am so excited to go again. Karina, my sister-in-law, has the whole "camping system" down pat. She helped this novice camper and get organized with a detailed list of what to bring, how much, menus, what we would be responsible for, etc. I think it was because of that coordination and organization that the trip went off without a hitch.

The kids got along together, played in the ocean for hours and hours and hours on end. The weather was PERFECT and so was the company and memories made. Most importantly, the kids are looking forward to going not only back to the beach, but camping again. Next time, we'll have to make sure that Adam will be joining us for the camp out - beach style.

Week #22 - Sisters - No Greater Bond

Today, is my younger (and littler) sister's birthday. As I look back on my life and think about all of the trouble we caused, havoc we wreaked, I can't help but to smile at some of the things we did.

Growing up, my mom would always ask me, "Janet, where's Mindy? Go find her!" It use to bug me as I seemed to be the one who was "responsible" for her and her whereabouts. But, really, I loved that people saw me and her together. Because it really was that way (or I like to remember it that way at least), wherever I was, she was there. Wherever she was, I was there. We were inseperable. It was great.

As we have grown up and are now married with kids of our own, sometimes I miss those days. I miss her terribly as she lives 2 states away and a solid 2 day drive to boot. I anticipate and look forward to the each summer when we load up the car and drive to Hailey, Idaho and spend those days with her. Yes, we talk on the phone at least 4 days a week, but there is something completely different than being there with her that makes me long for the days of being "the little girls" again.

I am excited to go see her again this year and to catch up with her. She's not just my sister, she is my friend, one of my best friends. I've often thought (and have even told her) that she may be my younger sister in this life - she's 20 months younger than me - but, in reality, she is my older wiser sister. Mindy has a unique knack for being able to comfort me when I'm emotional and to analyze things on the fly and with great precision. Through this analysis, she can calm me down and can help me to see things from a greater, better, and clearer prespective. We always have fun together, whether we are on the phone for hours on end, a 5 minute phone call, or the long summer days of the time that we get to share while we are together. Mindy is thoughtful, creative, strong, sharp-witted, funny, caring, a great mother, a wonderful friend, and an amazing sister.

So, on this day especially, and for this week, I am grateful for my sisters because there is no greater bond in a sibling relationship than that of two (or more) sisters. Love you, Mind! Happy Birthday!

Week #21 - Extra Days & Memories Made

I am grateful this week not necessarily for the extra day (although I am grateful for that) but that we got to spend together as a family, but also for the meaning behind the extra day we had.

I am so grateful for the men and women who have served this country and who have paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives to defend her. I am even more grateful for their families who let their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, etc. serve this country and for the freedoms and liberties they defended in doing so.

The loved ones that have gone on and that I remembered this past week, I am grateful to know that one day I will be reunited with them. I don't want that day to come too quickly, because I have lots to do here on this Earth and lots that I want to be a part of on this Earth. But I am excited to know the truth that I will, one day, see them again.

I am grateful that Adam didn't have to travel to Kansas this week and we got one more extra day and memories made with the best husband and dad in the world.

Week #20 - The Littlest Munchkin

Howie turned 2 on the 21st of May - where has my tiny baby gone? He's been toddling around here for months now and I can't believe he's 2.

About 3 years ago, Adam and I were on the back patio watching the kids play around us. I looked at Adam and asked him if he could be done having kids right now. He turned to me and said, "Could I be done? Yeah, I could be." I remember gasping and being totally taken aback by the response. I told him there was no way I was done having kids and proceeded to tell him we needed to have another one. It took a couple months of convincing him and it's a good thing it didn't take longer than that. With the struggles we had with infertility, we had to start right away with jumping through the hoops again to see if I could get pregnant.

Hoop after hoop, procedure after procedure, drug after drug, injection after injection one good "forced ovulation" and POW - I was pregnant! I was having baby number three. You see, I have a helluva time getting pregnant. But, once I get pregnant, I don't want to give up that pregnancy. I don't go into labor, which is why I ended up with 3 c-sections. Go figure, huh?

Boy am I glad this little guy came to our family.

Howie is such a character. He's silly, sassy, and an absolute JOY to have in our family. More often than not, he makes me laugh with his little antics throughout the day. He, like both of the other two kids, bring me such joy as a mother. He can be his own special kind of trouble - the mischevious kind of trouble, but is so cute, you can't help but to smile or laugh at him when you do, on the many occasions, find him doing something he shouldn't be doing.



I am proud to be this little boy's mom. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this boy, but not want the future to come too quickly. I am enjoying the littlest munchkin and wish most days he'd stay this little.

Week #19 - Eternal Bliss

It's ironic that on the 19th week of this "challenge" falls the 19th of May. You see, 10 years ago Adam and I were married in the LA Temple. It was a great day, filled with "stories", love, the Spirit, family, friends, food and wonderful feelings. Ya know the kind of feelings I'm talking about....eternal bliss.

I remember talking with Adam one night before we were married. I was telling him how much "fun" it was going to be married. He looked at me and with a deadpan face said, "You know, being married isn't the fairy tale you see in the movies. It's not like Cinderella or anything like that." I recall the feeling of being defeated and then thinking in my head, "Whatever. OUR marriage is going to totally be a fairy tale." We were young, in love and had the world at our feet. I couldn't wait to have this fairy tale begin!

Well, as the years have gone on, he's been more correct about that dose of reality he so freely gave me than I'd care to admit to him. It has been 10 wonderful years with the perfect man for me. The years of marriage have not been perfect but, then again, neither are we. We have had plenty of downs and lots more ups. We've had our struggles, our disagreements, and our fair share of frustrations. But, we've had more happy times, silly times, fun times, times of not being able to imagine what life would be like without the other person there that has made the last 10 years such a joy to be married.

Is there still the eternal bliss? You betcha! It's changed, evolved, ebbed and flowed into something that is deeper, more meaningful and more passionate than any fairy tale or what Cinderella could ever have. That's a good thing - our eternal bliss is it's own kind of fairy tale.

Our Own Little Twinkle Toes

Caroline has always enjoyed dancing. I've signed her up for the town's dance classes before and she's loved it. With a gal in our ward teaching dance I thought I would give it a try to see how well, or not so well, Caroline would do before spending the big bucks to take her to a "real" dance studio. "Miss Liz" teaches dance out of her home that is less than 2 miles from our home. It was impossible to not give it a try, if for nothing else the convenience factor alone made it more than worth it.

Having a little girl who wants to dance is kind of hard for me to accept. Not that I don't think she could do it, but I always imagined a little girl going out and playing sports, like me. Not dancing, heaven forbid. I want the "feminine tomboy" not the prissy dancer. Maybe there is a world that will allow her to be the dancing tomboy. Heaven knows it would do my heart good.

Every Monday afternoon I would take Caroline to Miss Liz's house where she and several other darling little girls, would tap and ballet their little hearts out until it was time for me to come get her. All of this dancing effort lead to her recital that was held today. Caroline looked super cute in the costumes that were for her class. One of the moms made the aprons for each girl that they used to the song "Hey Good Lookin' ". The other song they danced to was "On the Good Ship". The girls did a lot of work (or was it play time.....?) in order to prepare for the recital.

I couldn't resist the urge to buy the pink foam rollers to see if they would work in Caroline's hair or not. THEY DID! We all know she doesn't have the thickest hair or much hair for that matter - but they totally worked and her hair was the curliest I think I will ever see it. Hopefully she'll like it well enough to want to wear it curly more often, especially since it was super easy to do.

If I can manage to figure out how to post some video from the performance, I'll put it on. For now and until then, the pics below will have to do of our own little twinkle toes.