Ramblings

I know it's been a long, long time since I've updated my blog, so who knows, maybe nobody will read this. I'm sitting here alone reading through the blogs of friends and family because Brett is camping for the weekend. As I sit here and read, I'm struck by so many different thoughts. I'm encouraged, disappointed, elated, overwhelmed by the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that people share in their blogs. I look at all the trials and accomplishments that people have in their lives, and wonder why the need to share? That's not actually true. I know why people share. They want to feel connected to other human beings. They want to be understood, cared for, acknowledged, yet at the same time want to feel protected. They want to feel safe. I'm often overwhelmed by the lives that other people lead. As most of you know, I deal with people on a daily basis, and many of those people are struggling with situations that most of us wouldn't care to imagine. Yet, at the same time they are not that different than the rest of us. They are looking for other human being to share their thoughts with, to feel understood by, and to be cared about. Every day, I think about how blessed I am to have been born into my family, to have my children, to know the people I know. I hope that when things get tough, we can all remember that somebody loves us and somebody is worse off than we are.

Wednesday Night Update

Two weeks ago way my 35th birthday so Wednesday=Family Night+ my birthday= Tubing at Soldier Hollow. It was Brett, me, Spencer, Monika, Tauni, Jordan, Raven, Brett's mom, and my mom & dad. There were no lines and "most" of us had a really awesome time.

This is the entire gang warming up after a cold night on the hills.




Mary Ann (Brett's mom) is always up for fun adventures like this.

A rare photo of Spencer and Monika together.


My mom and dad

I'm all bundled up like an Eskimo

Brett and Monika bundled up to stay warm

This was a really fun way to spend my birthday and family night. Thanks to everyone who came with us.
Last week, Family night=Build your own super nachos and root beer floats

The boys and their Nachos. I would love to say that Brett ate all those by himself but we actually shared.... and I think I ate more than he did.


Overall, Wednesday=Family Night+? has turned out pretty well the past couple of weeks so keep your fingers crossed and I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday = Family Night = ?

This past Wednesday night, Brett and I decided to implement "Family Night". Several months ago we had game night on Thursdays but had really slacked off so I decided it was time to spend more time together. Our nights have turned pretty predictable, consisting of eating dinner and the kids disappearing to their rooms or onto the computer to chat with friends. I feel like there needs to be at least one night a week where we spend some "quality" time together. At work that day I brainstormed some possible ideas:
Dollar movie
Miniature golf
Board Games or Wii
Make Banana splits
Bowling
Swimming
Make your own super nachos
Root beer floats
Order take out
Trafalga
Kids make dinner night
Decorate cookies
Build a snowman
Try something you've never tried at a restaurant
2 for 1 milkshakes at Rocky Mountain drive-in
As I said, I was just brainstorming and was definitely open to suggestions. My hope was to create a calender and assign everybody their own week where they got to pick the activity. That night we decided to go out to dinner at La Casita and talk about our future "Family Nights". Holy crap, you'd think we were dragging the kids to the slaughter house. Taking the kids to dinner but calling it something else is not a good idea. Spencer pointed out that there were no other 15 year olds there with their parents and Monika complained that she had come home from her friends house early but we didn't leave for 30 minutes. After dinner we went home and I had the intention of playing a game, watching a movie or using the Wii. Both of the kids disappeared to their rooms the minute we walked through the door, saying that "We already had our fun, and it wasn't even that fun!". I eventually got them out to the living room where nobody could agree on something to do and we ended up in a discussion about why "Family Night" was so stupid and how nobody wants to spend time with me. After accomplishing nothing more than an hour of discussions, the kids went to bed, and Brett thought the idea of "Family Night" was over. He asked me if I really want to try that again and my response was "Yes". Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment or maybe I'm just not willing to give up that easy but either way I know that it is normal for kids to fight against change and hold on to the existing routine even if it's a bad one. This Wednesday is my birthday so we will be doing "Family Night" again if they like it or not.

New Beginnings

Ok, I will try to keep this brief. I have been really bad over the past few months at updating the blog. It's not that we haven't done anything, quite the opposite in fact but I think I have a motivation problem. I get these random thoughts and ideas for things I would like to blog about but just don't ever sit down and do it. After reading through Jessica's most recent post on funny events in 2008, Kim's posts on the Holiday Season and Nick's accident, and Tiffany's posts on the kids and some of the health issues they have been dealing with I am reminded of why I started my blog in the first place. It's not fair for me to just look into other peoples lives without being able to share at least a little of mine. I want my blog to be an honest look at what goes on in our lives but sometimes honesty is hard when you are allowing people to look into your world. Some of you may know that I said that I don't make New Year's resolutions so that I don't have anything to fail. That statement is still true, while at the same time I am committing to do better with the blog and allow each of you an honest look into our lives. The good, the bad and the ugly. Wish me luck.

Tagged for Christmas!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. Some things are just easier to put in a bag.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I would like to do a real tree one year and Brett and I have talked about getting a permit and cutting one ourselves.
3. When do you put up the tree? Whenever I get to it. This year it was about a week after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever I get to it. Hopefully before my Birthday. JK
5. Do you like eggnog? Not so much
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? Brett
8. Easiest person/people to buy for? Me. Oh can I say that. Monika is pretty easy
9. Do you have a nativity set? Yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I'm horrible and I never send them out but I enjoy getting them in the mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The gift I didn't get. I was like 4 and wanted a dress up wedding dress. Instead I got a letter from Santa telling me about some other girl who wasn't getting anything so he gave her my dress.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I don't really have a favorite. Miracle on 34th Street is good
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually sometime in November, but most of it gets done the week before Christmas.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chocolate Roll -Just for tradition sake because I really don't like sweets
16. Lights on the tree? Colored
17. Favorite Christmas song? I really can't think of one that is my favorite
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home. I went to Mexico one year and as much as I enjoyed it, it was weird to be away.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course, but I don't feel the need to prove it.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning of course. Santa comes during the night so there would be nothing to open on Christmas Eve. We do open PJ's though.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Feeling like people just want, want, want.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a teddy bear theme on my tree as well as my Nativity set
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? Happy, respectful, kind, grateful kids but since that may be too much to expect I want the wii fitness and a gym pass.

Teenage Girls: What's Wrong With Them?

Remember the old saying, "Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of"? I can't help but think that whoever came up with that, never had teenage girls. It's like a crazy transformation takes place between the ages of 10-13where the balance of "sugar and spice" is completely out of whack. The spice takes over and can sometimes leave a pretty bitter taste in your mouth. I know I caused my parents a lot of grief as a pre-pubescent young girl (as well as a full blown teenager) but was I really that bad? I remember crying, yelling, calling names, swearing, slamming doors, playing my music really loud etc., but I also remember feeling bad about those things a lot of the time.
As a mom I try to be understanding and even empathetic to what my daughter is going through but often find myself wanting to pull my hair out (cuz if I pulled hers out it could be considered abuse). Its hard to be patient and to see past the cloud of whirling anger and frustration that surrounds her most of the time, especially when it catches you so off guard. The sun can be shining with not a cloud in the sky but in the blink of an eye a tropical storm with overpowering winds and torrential rain is upon you. Like in any storm of that magnitude the first line of defense is to run for cover, board up your windows and hide in the cellar. Not often is the first response to be a storm chaser driving head on into the path of destruction; seeing each new storm as an exciting event and a learning opportunity. They don't run in fear they jump with enthusiasm at the experience that lies ahead of them. Crazy fools.
The storms will pass (eventually) and the balance of "sugar and spice" will once again be more evenly represented but in the mean time.........

Personality Test

Frustrated

Ok this might sound kind of silly but I can't figure out why my page elements got changed and I can't change them back. All of the links to other people's blogs as well as to old posts etc moved to the bottom of the page the last time I changed my background. I decided to change it back to minima dark thinking that it would be normal again but it's not. I don't know what to do. If I go into layout it shows that it should be set up the way I want. ARRGGGHH. HELP

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Free family tree - Family reunion

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Brett's birthday was on September 27 and because we were out of town I wasn't able to get this finished. I want to wish him a happy 38th birthday and I hope everyone enjoys this little tribute.

Random fun at the HardJohnson House

 

 

Park City

 

Brett and I spent 3 days in Park City with the kids at the beginning of July. My parents have a timeshare and were nice enough to try to split it up between whoever wanted to use it this year. We went to the Olympic Park and did the Worlds steepest zipline. I was a little freaked out riding up the ski lift because you realize how high up you are getting, and how far down you will have to go. We also did the Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster. It was a nice little get away but Park City is so dang expensive. Thanks mom and dad.

Memories

Here are the directions: 1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember. This can be about me or Brett. 2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Fun at the Lake

We spent two weekends at Utah Lake with some of our friends. The first weekend was with Julie, Sarah and Paige and the second was with the Dayley family, Austin family, Manolakis family, and a couple others that I didn't get pictures of. I have to say that I love spending time with my friends and their cute families. Enjoy the photos.

 

 

So on July 5th Benson and Christy were married at the Carbon County Country Club. Brett and Tim Jindra were both groomsman and I have to say, looked very handsome in tuxedos. There was a small group of friends who were able to make it down and we enjoyed the ceremony, reception and after party. Congratulations Benson and Christy.

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Burraston Ponds

So a week and a half ago Brett, Monika and I went camping at Burraston Ponds in Mona Utah. We went with the Dayley crew, Vance, Nicole and Cassidy, Beau and Marci and a couple of Beau's friends.

We didn't know what do expect because we had never been there but we were looking forward to a nice weekend of camping, fishing, and relaxing with friends.

BD went down on Thursday evening to set up tents and reserve spots for everyone because Saturday was no license fishing day and we figured it would be crowded. We had no idea that when we got there the campground would be over-run with a ton of young boys on a father/son camp out. They didn't seem to notice or care that they set up there stuff right in the middle of ours. Literally putting their food station 5 feet away from the Dayley's.

Beau and Marcie found a different spot around the corner, so Brett and I moved our stuff by them. That night someone had the "amusing" idea to give all the boys Kazoo's and there had to be 50 boys running around blowing the dang things. I think I would have killed one of them if we hasn't moved our spot away. Luckily because "Saturday is a Special Day" they left bright and early to go home and "get ready for Sunday".

The rest of the trip was very enjoyable. The kids played in the water, BD and the girls found a "Secret Spot" on a canoe ride, Beau caught all the fish (although everyone else tried, and the sun came out off and on which I enjoyed.

Brett playing some crazy mouth instrument.

Julie bundled up next to the fire

Vance and Nicole enjoying the campfire.

We were joined by the Austin family on Sunday and had a great afternoon. There is a really nice rope swing that we all decided to jump off of. The water was FREEZING!! Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of that but next time (On a hot summer day) I will make a point of getting pictures of everyone in action.

Moab

So one of the things I forgot to mention in my previous post was out trip to Moab in April. I should've posted these back when it happened but I'm sure there a lot of things that I "should've" done. Anyway we had an awesome time. Spencer hadn't been to Moab since he was a toddler and Monika had never been. We hiked to Delicate Arch and I think both the kids were totally amazed at how big it is up close.
Spencer holding Delicate Arch on his shoulder. I didn't get any pictures of Spencer's first mountain biking experience but I know he had a really good time and I'm grateful for Brett and James for taking it easy on him.
There is a giant sand hill just outside of Arches National Park that the kids wanted to play on. This was the last place we adventured before heading home. The kids had a blast climbing up and then running and rolling down. I have to say my legs were burning climbing to the top through all the sand but it was worth it.

We stayed in an awesome condo with the Dayley's and next door to the rest of the gang. We enjoyed great food, games, conversation, pool and hot tub. Thanks to everyone (Greg, Natalie, James, Kim, Blake, Alison, BD, Julie, Lance and Marissa) for including us on this trip. We had an awesome time and can't wait for more adventures over the summer.

I Know, I Know

Ok, so I know I have been really terrible at updating my blog over the past while. I don't know exactly what my problem is because there has been a lot of stuff going on. It's just a matter of setting aside the time to write a little post and download some pictures. It doesn't sound that hard but....
Anyway, I'm writing this at work so there won't be any pictures. I just wanted to mention a few of the things that have gone on in the past little while. Monika turned 12 on March 30 (Yikes) and we went to Jump On It and then she had a sleepover at my sister Carmens house (check out her blog for some funny pictures). Brett and I ran away to Mesquite over the kids spring break while Monika spent some quality time with my sister Jessica in St George (her blog has pictures). We had our annual fundraiser for work which turned out awesome and they earned more money than they ever have. It was held at the Marriott in Provo where we had a lovely dinner and were entertained by Collin Raye in a private concert. Brett doesn't like country music so I really appreciate the fact that he came with me. For Mother's Day, Brett and I went camping at Notch Peak since the kids didn't really care about spending the day with me (ah, the joy of teenagers). Spencer turned 15 on May 17th and we all went to Lagoon. It was so much fun but I forgot how ridiculously expensive it is. Last week (Thurs-Monday) Brett and I had an adventure on the White River. We did this trip last Memorial weekend as well and were so impressed by the fact that we saw only one other group of people the whole weekend, decided that it should become an annual trip. We loaded up our inflatable kayak with dry bags full of gear and clothes and set out for 4 days and 3 nights on the river. Tim and Jessica Jindra, and Tom and Erin Jindra joined us, and the first day was a little scary. We got a fairly late on Thursday so we didn't get on the river until after 6pm. The river was moving about twice as fast as last year according to the USGS data and the weather was much colder. We had only been on the river for about 10 minutes when Tim and Jessica flipped their boat. They tried to get the boat turned over and get back in but couldn't do it. They got separated from the boat and then from each other. Finally the boat got stuck on the bank and Brett and I were able to pull Jessica across the river just down from the boat and Tim was able to grab the paddle, dry bag and pump that had come loose from the boat and float down to where we were. The guys walked up river along the bank to see if they could get the boat and assess the situation. Jessica was obviously soaked and freezing. She was trying to move around to stay warm but by the time we were able to get their boat down to where the rest of us were waiting her skin was pretty white and lips were purple. We knew we had to find camp asap, get her out of her wet clothes and start a fire but in order to do that we had to get back on the river and find a spot where we could pull the boats onto dry land. Brett and I found a spot about 10-15 minutes down river and everyone set up camp. Unfortunately most of Tim and Jessica's stuff was wet so we spent the evening drying sleeping bags and clothes by the fire. We set up ropes around their tent to hang their clothes on which looked like a hobo camp; clothes hanging in trees, socks drying on sticks next to the fire and sleeping pads laid out on the ground. (I'll post some pictures at a later date). Obviously the next day was a little nerve wracking for everyone. Our choices consisted of leave most of our gear, pack only what you can carry and walk back upstream to the car several miles, or get back on the river and paddle the rest of the 24 miles or so. Once we figured out that there was a problem with the bottom tube on Tim and Jessica's boat that we could fix, we chose to continue the trip downstream. I love the water and have never really been frightened of it but that first 20 minutes or so of day 2, I was shaking. As time went on everyone became more and more relaxed and the trip ended up being awesome. Even Tim and Jessica were back to casual, relaxed paddlers by day 3 and although at one point Jessica said she didn't want to ever do another trip like that, I think it is on again for next Memorial.

Wacky Wednesday- Rachelle Johnson

Rachelle JohnsonTitle: Girls Youth Coordinator (7-12 yrs)Email: rachelle@hopecenterforkids.orgExtension: 1010
Rachelle Johnson was raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she went to high school and became involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). She then went to the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii, where she studied medical missions. During college, she teamed up with YWAM and helped serve and study in Japan and the Philippines. Other international mission trips include: China, Taiwan, Jamaica, Fiji, Mexico and Israel. After graduation, Rachelle came back to Council Bluffs where she worked in nursing and performed in-home health care for 3 1/2 years. After hearing a sermon by Pastor Ty, Rachelle felt led to work with the youth at the Hope Center for Kids. She began as Volunteer Coordinator, and now works as Youth Coordinator for girls ages 7-12. Rachelle also helps lead the Hope Center's Mission Squad.