Half Of May 2012

May was a crazy, crazy.... CRAZY month. I was telling Andy (as I re-read through my planner from this last year) how stressed I start to feel just from reading through all of the things we had to accomplish before we left Virginia. It was a busy month. But, it was wonderful too. We had a lot of good-bye's to say, and we had a lot of things to finish up before we left, including: Girl Scout's, piano lessons, field trips, school activities, soccer (which is another post), packing, and etc, etc.

Here are some pictures to document our busy-ness:

Laylah wanted me to chaperone her last field trip. It was fun to get to spend the day with her and her friends. We went to a local animal sanctuary, and it was a pretty boring field trip, but it was good to spend time with her one-on-one.

Here is a sampling of some of our goodbyes. I tried to take a lot of pictures of everyone with their friends. These next few are my kids with our neighbors next door and across the street. We became close with them and between the 6 of us (3 married couples) we had 10 kids (half of those are ours, haha). We miss our good neighbors and the fun barbeques, firework nights, family dinners, and relaxed nights talking while our kids ran around like crazies.

 Jonah, Connor, Bear

 Monrovia, Kaylynn, Laylah, Isabella, Daphne, Camilla

 Jonah, Connor (from down the street), and Connor

 Movie night with best friends

 Jonah with his best friend Jason

 Daphne and her best friend Grace

 Laylah and her best friend Alex

 Laylah with her other best friend Tessa

We got together with some of our good friends, The Archibald's and Cesar's, for a barbeque a couple weeks before we left. It was a great night with yummy food, good conversation, and wonderful friendships.

 Bear and his best friend Collin

 Laylah and Lorin

 Ian and Daphne

 Playing in the backyard

 Jonah, Murphy (the Archibald's new puppy) and Collin

 Christine, baby Devin, Kent (who was also our fabulous dentist!), Andy, baby Magnus, Jill, and Mike

 The 3 ladies- I miss those 2 dearly!

 These ladies are my wonderful ward friends. I miss them so much. We all got together for lunch a few days before we left. Nicole, Julie, Me, Danielle, Ira, Kristy, Marcia, and Jean.

Andy and Laylah went on a Daddy/Daughter date to Camp Pamunky with Laylah's Girl Scout troop. They had a blast fishing, canoeing, hiking, having lunch, doing archery, and other fun camp stuff. 

 Laylah and Grace

A few days before we moved, the kids' school had a "Muffins with Mom" day at school for Mother's Day. it was fun to have breakfast at school together

 The line to get in was super long! And we were even early!

 We finally made it, phew!

 I gave all of my kids' teachers a gift before we moved. I miss their school so much. They all had such amazing, caring teachers. Anyway, I thought their gift turned out cute.

Two days before Andy left with the moving truck, it was Mother's Day. He made me this amazing breakfast in bed. It was wonderful. The rest of the day was crazy because we picked up the truck and had a ton of people from our ward come over and help us put all of our big stuff into the truck. It was a bit of a hectic day, and Andy felt bad that it wasn't the usual relaxing Mother's Day. But it was okay. His gift to me was the greatest. He took the two youngest boys with him when he left so I would only have to take the three older kids. After hearing about his journey to Utah (more on that later), it really was the best gift he could have given me. Thanks, Love!

 Amongst all of the craziness of packing, moving and sickness (me, Daphne, and Bear picked up strep from somewhere, and I really thought I was going to die), Bear fell and hurt his foot. He wouldn't walk on it, so we took him in for an x-ray. Luckily, it was just a sprain. But, there's always gotta be one more thing, right? Stress to the max.

As a reward for selling Girl Scout Cookies, both Laylah and Daphne's troop went to Build-A-Bear and had $25 to put towards whatever they wanted. Laylah chose a horse, and Daphne got a dog. They both got a cute little outfit, and it was fun to be able to go with them.

 Daphne's troop was going to go after our move date, so her troop leader gave us the money and Daphne went with Laylah's troop. Here they are registering and naming their new stuffed friends.

 This is Laylah with her troop leader, Suzanne. She was fabulous, and we had such a great experience with Girl Scouts because of her.

The second grade did a school play called "Lemonade" and Jonah had a great time performing. It was really cute, and they sang and danced. I'm a typical mom and love watching my kids perform anything. 

 I did not get great pictures, but I got some good video, thankfully.

 If you can't tell, he is right smack dab in the middle of this photo

This is Daphne's closing ceremony for Girl Scouts. She was pinned for her first year as a daisy, and they did some songs for us, and he troop leader gave an overview of the year. She also read a darling poem about little girls growing up that made me teary-eyed. That reminds me, I need to email her for a copy of that...

Daphne and her troop leader, Rissa. Rissa and I have several kids about the same age, and we became fast friends when we moved to VA. We miss her family dearly.

After the ceremony, we did one last service project and potted planters at the library.

 Daphne and Madilyn (Rissa's daughter)

 Laylah and Grace (another of Rissa's daughters)

Well, there is part of May. The other half will have to wait for another day!

April Round-Up

I kind of stopped blogging mid-April when my life started to fall apart a little bit. That's about the time we decided to move back to Utah and then my life was crazy for several weeks. Then we didn't have the internet for the next, oh.... 7 months. It was a little bit brutal, but you know what? I survived, and it was actually very refreshing. Suddenly, I didn't HAVE to know what so-and-so was up to every day, and I didn't have to see what so-and-so made on that day, and yeah. You get the idea. Although those things are enjoyable to me, and I do like reading other peoples blog's, and checking facebook and pinterest, I realized that it isn't necessary, and I enjoyed my break from the internet. Now, it's easier for me to realize when I am spending too much time on the computer, and some days, I don't even turn it on. It's nice.

Now that my rant is over (and my internet break!) I want to catch up on this here blog. Like I said, I have missed blogging, and even if blogging has kind of fallen by the wayside for most people, and hardly anyone I know blogs anymore, I still enjoy it! So, here is the rest of my April 2012 that was never documented for posterity's sake (hee hee.... like they will even care about any of this stuff :)

Andy's birthday is in April, and I got a baby-sitter for the entire day, and planned out a fun adventure for the two of us. First, we went to the Washington DC temple for a session. We didn't know it at the time, but that would be the last time we were able to go there together. I fell in love with this temple and it's unique beauty while we lived in VA. I can't wait to go back someday. Plus, because we went in April, the tulips were in full bloom. It was so breathtakingly beautiful. 

After that, we had to stop at one of our favorites, Cafe Rio. They opened it in the summer of 2011, and we loved to go there whenever we could. It made us feel like we were "home".

Our next stop was the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. A lot of people who read my blog don't know my husband very well, so you may be surprised to find out that his life-long dream is to be a cop, and eventually work for the FBI. I'm not sure if it will ever happen, but he would be completely fulfilled if it ever did. Anyway, he was super excited to go to the museum, and I have to say, I had a great time. It was so interesting. I only took one picture of him next to the cardboard cutouts in the police line-up. My husband is a funny guy :)

After the museum, we did some birthday shopping and then went to dinner at Olive Garden. It was a fun day.

 We also celebrated at home with the kids, of course. I made his favorite cake, lemon jello, and we sang happy birthday. Happy 32nd Birthday, my love.

This is just a cool picture that is probably a once-in-a-lifetime-experience. I actually didn't see it in person, but this airplane carrying the retired space shuttle Discovery flew right past Andy's work (his work was right by the Dulles airport) and everyone in the office ran up onto the roof of the building to get a picture. Pretty cool.

This picture is of the wonderful women of my VA ward. We had a women's conference up at the DC temple at the end of April. We listened to some fabulous speakers, and heard some beautiful music in the visitor's center. They fed us a gourmet lunch, and then we did a session at the temple before heading home. It was a fabulous and uplifting day.

Here are just a few funny pictures of Magnus. This kid can fall asleep anywhere. I guess I should be better about putting him down for a nap right after he eats lunch, or else he'll put himself down. Always with that brown polka-dot blankie...

Bear had his last day of playgroup in April too. He did this playgroup for the last 2 years, and it was so great for him to have. It was only 1 day a week, and I got to stay once a month to help out with the co-op. On the last day we had a little party for the kiddos. We had a yummy feast, and a fun craft, and played outside.  

Bear is so big compared to all of the other kids! I'm going to have a really tall baby boy someday...


And I think that wraps up the month of April. Up next, May. Beware, it's a doozy...

A New Year, A New Start

 A sleepy New Year's kiss

Well hey there! Guess what?! It is 2013!! It is very exciting...

I have lots of plans for this year, including running a half marathon (it was on my New Year's goal list last year, but I injured myself, and then we moved, and then.... yeah) with several of my siblings, starting back to school (which I already mentioned in my last post. I want to be a nurse, and I am finally taking the first step towards my goal!), and I want to finally learn how to sew (which was on my list last year as well.... but once again.... yeah). Besides these few little things I am doing, I have a goal to just enjoy life. I want to enjoy my family. I want to be less judgemental, and just be more loving. I want to have faith. I want to make a conscience effort to be happy, no matter what my circumstances. I had some good practice with that last year, but I want to become even better, because I didn't always react so well to certain things that I had no control over. I want to try and work on my attitude. I also need to concentrate on my health. I haven't been to the doctor since we moved back to Utah, and with the health problems I have, that isn't such a great idea. I swore off doctors for awhile because of some frustrations I was having, but I am ready to try again. So, the first step will be to make some doctor appointments. Basically, I want to have a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. Just like anybody else.

So, here is to 2013, no matter what happens.

 I am ready!

It's Really Late (And Randomness At Its Finest) (Also, Parentheses)

I really shouldn't blog when it's late. I get pretty loopy and start making no sense whatsoever, and then people might start thinking I'm kinda crazy.... but that's nothing new, so here I am anyway. I got on the computer to write Jonah's talk for primary tomorrow (that should have been written a week ago, so he could have it memorized, but I am slowly starting to accept that I am just not one of those moms...), and instead I have been sitting here looking at other blogs and facebook and pinterest. Silly me. Also, I have already made about 7 typos because I am so tired. But I went back and fixed them, so you will never even know, except that I told you, so now you do.

We have church at 9 AM for 1 more week. I am super excited about this.... can't you tell? No? Okay..... I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!!!! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get 6 people (myself, and 5 little children) ready to go to church in their Sunday Best including ironed, showered, blowdryed, perfectly coiffed hair, polished shoes (not really) and the like? It is pretty stinking hard. Andy then rolls out of bed at about ten to 9, showers, dresses, and we are ready to go (because he has no hair, lucky duck) (I am joking for the most part, by the way, (but not about the hair, he really doesn't have any) he helps me get the kids ready most of the time ;)

We went sledding tonight.... as you can see by that little gem of a picture of me up top there (frozen, red nose and all) (I really like parantheses apparently, btw). I was pretty excited, obviously. I absolutely LOVE the week between Christmas and New Year's. Especially now that we are back in Utah, it is just non-stop play, all the time. My sister is visiting, Andy's sisters are visitng, and we just don't stop going for a second. I guess that's why I fell asleep sitting up last night while I was folding laundry at midnight. You guys, that takes some real talent.

Also, I don't really want school to start up again.... and on that note, didn't the school year just start? Is it just me, or can you believe that the year is already half over?! I mean, I enjoy quiet time during the day and all when my kids are gone, but I really don't like homework. My kids have too much. Which means I have too much. And I am about to add to my load, because I don't think I have mentioned on here that I am going back to school... Yup, it's true. Me. Hitting the books again after a 10 1/2 year hiatus. It is going to be really weird. I am a tiny bit excited, but mostly nervous. What if I don't know anything and look like a totally old weirdo sitting down at SLCC? We shall se how it goes. I start in 2 weeks. Yikes.

Christmas was a blast. I will post more about that later. I just wanted to say that I loved it. Because it was rad.

Another thing.... I am debating just starting fresh and not going back to post all of the stuff I missed between the time we moved until now. It was pretty depressing there for awhile, and I didn't take a whole lot of pictures.... and I think I may have blocked certain things from my memory. Do you ever do that? At hard times in your life, do you try to erase memories of it so you don't have to think about certain trials and things? I noticed that I totally do that. Except there were a few really great things, like Jonah's awesome camp-out birthday party, and his wonderful baptism. And our fun trip to Lake Powell, and all the fun stuff we did with our families this summer. Thanks to our parents, we did have quite a great summer. Anyway, I'm still debating. Maybe I'll just do a huge post of the highlights. Hmmmm, we'll see.

Once again, I can hardly believe this year is over. It's been a looooong one. And at the same time, it has flown by.

Life is pretty good. I have a good feeling about 2013. I know, I know, I said that last year and cursed myself, but I know this year will be different. Lots of stuff happening. Good, good stuff.

I so need to go to bed.

Guess What?!?!

I know that title makes it sound like I have a totally awesome announcement, but I don't. In fact, it's really just exciting to me.

Anyway, I have the internet finally!! Do you understand how difficult it is to live without the internet? I mean, you get used to it, but sometimes it is really frustrating when you just need to check one little thing, or your kids need to use it for homework (hey, at least I got them out of homeowork a couple of times, yeah?), or I just want to look at my email to make sure I remember that one thing I was supposed to do....

So yes, it is BACK! I can finally start to write again, which I have really missed. I have a lot of catching up to do. With this busy holiday season, I probably won't get started on that until Boring January hits. Which is fine, I'm already 7.... or 8... or 9 months behind, what's one more, am I right?

Even though I just called January boring, I am actually looking forward to it. I love the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, and some new goals to accompany it. I feel like I kind of got lost in this last year of 2012. I had such high hopes for it, and it didn't quite (read: NOT AT ALL) turn out the way I had planned. We had so many changes, some good, some not-so-good. I can truly say that it was the hardest year of my life. If it stays that way, I will feel truly blessed, but I would like to have a bit of a break between trials, if you know what I mean. I feel like I have grown a lot, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned. Mostly, I am grateful for the people in my life. There are so many thoughtful and unselfish and wonderful people. Christlike is a good word to describe the people in my life. I hope I can always remember and keep close to my heart the things I have learned over this past year. I hope someday I can pay it forward, as I would love nothing more. For now, I hope to record my life..... the good, and the bad.

I love this time of year. It is so wonderful to remember our Savior. A humble, tiny baby; the light of the world. I am so happy. My life is full of joy. I couldn't adore my children more, and my husband is the greatest. That picture at the top is on our Christmas {post}card, and it makes me smile.

If you have stuck around and still check my blog, I appreciate it! Thanks for caring :)

I Am Alive

I'm not quite sure how it happened, but all of the sudden, it's November. Time just continues to fly by at a crazy rate of speed for me and my little (okay, let's be honest.... BIG) family. School, projects, soccer practice, football games, birthdays, choir performances, piano practice, preschool, and all such manner of wonderfulness continue to take up my every waking hour. And you know what I keep thinking through everything?

"My blog is never going to be caught up...."

Isn't it hilarious? I miss blogging. But, we still don't have the internet, and until we do, it's a minute here and there at my mom's or my in-laws house to use their's. Life goes on..... and someday, just maybe, I'll catch up with mine.

But, probably not.

PS It is my BABY'S birthday today! Remember, I had a baby TWO years ago? Once again with the flying rate of time..... it should stop it once in awhile, don't ya think?

Well Heeeeeeey There!

Let's see.... it's been over two months since I even looked at my blog. Long, long time! And I still can't really get back into it yet because we currently have no internet. Life's been a bit ca-razy and unpredictable as of late. What has been predicatable is this:

-The move went great, and life has pretty much resumed back to normal. Of course, it's summer still, so the lack of a real schedule is starting to get to me. 5 weeks to go folks, and then it's Back to School! Not that I'm looking forward to it especially, but the normalcy will be nice and I won't feel like I'm visiting Utah instead of living here again :)

-We have had lots of fun family get-togethers and I, along with my kids, have loved every second! We had a huge Collette family reunion when Andy's youngest brother left on his mission to (get this)... North Carolina. AND, part of his mission is actually in Virginia. Funny, huh? We've also had lots of barbeques, trips to the mountains for wienie roasts, bike rides with grandma and grandpa, a trip to Kennecott, and a sister's lunch and shopping in the new City Creek Mall.... that's just to name a few of the family things we've been doing.

-Lots and lots of swimming going on up in here. We love that my grandma has a pool at her house.

-A fun visit from Rachel and her family. Cousins, cousins everywhere! I love it.

-Lots of new friends which equals lots of playdates. Our kids are loving the neighborhood. There are tons of kids. We feel very blessed to live where we do. It's a great ward.

-Speaking of that.... we've already spoken in church. They even asked the kids to speak and they did a fabulous job. It was a great experience.

-Lake Powell. Need I say more? I know, not really, but I will. We spent a fabulous week in the hot sun and perfect waters on the comfy houseboat with my whole family. It was a blast.

-Unpacking. UGH. I hate moving.

-Celebrating 2 amazing kids' birthdays. Laylah turned 9 a few days after we arrived in Utah and Jonah just had his 8th birthday last week. Now I'm busy planning his 8th birthday bash, as well as his baptism day/brunch. The fun never ends around here :) (In case you couldn't tell, that's one of his baptism photos there at the top. My aunt took them, and I love them. Isn't he just so cute?)

-Laylah recieved a sewing machine for her birthday. Like, a real one. She's been busy with sewing lessons once a week at her ever-so-talented grandmother's house. She also made a competition soccer team right after we moved in and is busy with practice and scrimmages twice a week. That girl loves to do it all (hmmmm, that seems very familiar... :)

-And the last thing I'll mention is that Andy and I celebrated 10 years of married bliss. And what a crazy ride it's been. Life is not at all how I pictured it at this time in my life, and yet, I am happy. Happy and blessed.

Well, there's a mini update. Maybe someday I'll get around to posting pictures. We've still got many things planned for the last few weeks of summer, so the fun will continue. Fun in the sun.

Yee-Haw.