A time to grow

Life has been a lot of things lately.  Challenging, busy, eye-opening, humbling, and tender.  Being without a husband and companion for 4 weeks has surely been difficult, but even beyond Neil's absence, the greatest challenge has been all the uncertainties.  When will my house sell?  When will I see Neil again?  How long is too long?  I hate not having answers.  I hate being in limbo.  I hate feeling as though I don't belong anywhere.  Even an answer to ONE of my questions would help!

This I DO know:

We are working with an awesome realtor.  The one we just "fired" - complete opposite of awesome.  As much as I'd love to rip the guy to pieces, he's not worth the trouble.  Our home was re-listed yesterday, and before noon today our new realtor had already received 3 phone call inquiries.  That's more action in 1 1/2 days than we saw in the 41 days it was listed with our previous realtor.  Again, opposite of awesome. 

Neil loves his new job, the people he works with, his boss, and the area (aside from the heat).  He heads to Pennsylvania August 15th for some intense 3 week training, and will finish September 3rd.

I miss him.  Well of course I miss him - the whole Neil package!  But it's the small things that stand out to me most.  Watching our shows after we've put the kids down while sharing a bowl of chips and queso (which inevitably gets hoarded by Neil).  Hearing the garage door open and watching the kids race to welcome their daddy home.  Folding his laundry.  Making him a sandwich.  Sitting next to him in Sacrament Meeting.  Smacking each other on the butt.  I miss it all, but mostly those simple bits and pieces of our life, together.

I have a whole new respect for single moms and the sacrifices they make.  I constantly tell myself I could never be a single mom, but probably the greatest lesson I've learned since Neil left is that I never think I can handle something until I have to.  It hasn't been an easy job caring for two little ones on my own, but I've carried on anyway.  Nights are definitely the toughest.  By then I think we've all had enough.  Keeping my house clean has also been interesting.  I've actually stayed on top of it really well, but wow can Ryan make a mess fast!  I'd finally finished picking up today before we went to run some errands.  I am in the habit of making sure things look good any time I leave the house now because, well, that's part of the game when you're selling your home.  Anyway, everything was in place: dishwasher was running, garbage was out, toys were put away, kids were dressed.  I was finally getting MYSELF looking presentable to go out in public when I heard what sounded like running water.  When I ran out to the kitchen, there stood Ryan in the kitchen sink (which he naturally climbed into all by himself) with the water on, pumping the dish soap dispenser.  I immediately transferred him from the sink to the floor where he heroically galloped off giggling to himself.  Meanwhile the water's still running and I now have a lovely puddle of dish soap on my counter.  It's stuff like this that keeps me on my toes.  Neither of the kids ever stop, but especially Ryan.  He just goes from finishing one disaster to creating another.

While Chloe has been more challenging pushing her limits and whatnot, I will have to say she's also shown more love and affection towards me than she ever has before.  There have been moments when I've been in tears and she's simply walked over, given me a hug and kiss and then said, "There mommy.  Now you can be happy again!"  I'm not the only one who's shed tears over Neil's absence though.  Chloe definitely recognizes the changes that are taking place, and she's been affected by them too.  At first she didn't seem to get it, but now that Neil's been gone a full month and our only source of communication is by phone or Skype, it's definitely sunk in.  It's been an interesting observation watching Chloe learn to cope with this new chapter in her life.  She is certainly growing to be a tender-hearted little thing. 

The very first thought I had when I learned Neil would be moving to California without me and that I would have to stay behind until our house sold was, simply, "It's time to grow."  It's proven to be true, and has pretty much become my new motto.  I have found in this experience, as well as a few others over recent months, the value of privacy and of keeping certain things to yourself.  I've had many emotions race through my head, a few of which I've considered sharing with others but realized were more appropriate to take directly to the Lord.  I think this experience of being by myself has really enabled me do that more and more, ultimately building upon my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father.  After all, there are simply some things we can only discuss with Him!  I have had some very lonely nights; nights where I've cried into my pillow feeling so overwhelmed and hopeless, and so lonely that I didn't have anyone to cry to or bear my burdens with.  And even though I didn't feel immediate comfort all of those times, looking back I've grown to see the small acts in which Heavenly Father has allowed me to grow and recognize His hand in all things.

While I was visiting my family in Utah a couple weeks ago, my mom introduced me to a book by Sheri Dew entitled, 'If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard'.  In discussing how President Hinckley handled his wife's passing she says, "...Despite suffering such a ravaging loss at an age when many would simply give up, and with the weight of the Church and indeed the world on his shoulders, he keeps marching on."  Sometimes recognizing the trials of others and further appreciating how they handled those trials helps keep our trials in perspective.  The Pioneers, for example, whose accomplishments and triumphs we celebrated a short week ago!  Compared to their afflictions, my trials seem pathetically small and insignificant.  So what can I learn from the Pioneers?  What can I learn from President Hinckley?  To keep marching on myself.  I stumble some days, and will continue to, I'm sure.  But the next day I'll get back on my feet again and march some more.  Sooner or later this will all make sense.  And sooner or later, we'll be a family again.

Happy Birthday to Allison!

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Allison, who turns 29 today!

{Fox Run Park - July 2010}

Aside from her accomplishments and outer beauty, Allison carries with her a warm and empathetic heart.  When she expresses a thought or pays a compliment, there's no phoniness.  She doesn't just say things to say things.  She is genuine and thoughtful in word and action.  I admire Allison both as friend and sister, and I look forward to many more years of knowing her, building memories, and watching our boys grow to be the best of friends.

Happy Birthday, Allison dear!

Talking to daddy

Just look at this sweet boy talking to his daddy. He misses him just like his sister and mama do.

{taken 08 July 2010 in my parents' backyard}

3 More Reasons to Celebrate...

There are always reasons to celebrate, right?  Here are 3 for the month of June! 

#1 - my sister-in-law, Lori's birthday on the 19th, which also happens to be my Grandma Butterfield's birthday.  Lori was my first "sister", and to this day I truly consider her just that.  She has been a part of many special moments in my life, including the birth of both of my babies (no one else other than Neil can say that!).  I am grateful for the memories we've shared over the years, and for the opportunity I have had to live so close to her.  Lori is expecting a baby girl in September, and I think I just might be as excited as she is! 

{Lori and Jared in front of their new home; May 2010 - do you see the baby bump?}

Lori, I hope your birthday was awesomer than awesome!  And on a side note, Happy Birthday to Jared on March 20th (yes, 3 months ago).  I am usually really good with birthdays, but this year it went right over my head.  Sorry about that, Jared dear!  We do love you, and are so happy to have you in the family.

#2 - Father's Day!  I love Father's Day.  It's such a special time to reflect on and celebrate not only the fathers, but all the important men in our lives.  I am grateful for a father who cares so much about my happiness, and who respects me and the decisions I make.  I am grateful for a father-in-law, who from day 1, has accepted and loved me as his own blood, and who picks up the phone and calls me every now and then to catch up and see how I'm doing.  I am grateful for a brother, who will someday make an incredible father, but who in the meantime is a playful, funny and loving uncle to my children.  I am grateful for my grandfathers, who have both passed on.  Each offered wisdom, humor, experience, and a certain level of love that I am forever touched by.  I am grateful for brothers-in-law and uncles, all of whom support and love me, make me laugh, and each hold special qualities that make them the unique and wonderful men that they are. 

And last but not least, I am grateful for my husband, who takes care of me, and who fathers our children with unconditional love and dedication.  I would be lying if I said Neil always found fatherhood blissful.  But come on, what father really does?  Neil has countless fatherly qualities about him.  A few that stand out to me are as follows:

1)  He respects and stands beside me always.  When Chloe talks back or disrespects me in any way, Neil doesn't tolerate it.  Naturally she and Ryan need to respect us, but it is also important that they always see dad and mom respecting one another and working together as a team.  I am grateful that Neil shows love, affection and respect towards me so that our children see it and learn from their father's example.

2)  He plays with our children.  He throws them, swings them, shakes them, tickles them, and makes them laugh in a way that I cannot.  It's the moments when he's just gotten home from work and I hear the delightful giggles coming from our room because the kids are so excited to have Daddy home that they can't even wait for him to change out of his work clothes before they start tackling and loving on him, that I am grateful my children have both a father and mother.  We both have specific roles, and while I am certainly capable of wrestling with my children, it seems to come more naturally to Neil.   

3)  He communicates with and teaches them valuable things.  Sometimes when Neil has just gotten after Chloe for something, and he's explaining to her why she got into trouble and why whatever it is that she did is not okay, I am overwhelmed by his ability to explain things in such a precise way that Chloe can absorb every word.  He truly has a gift for breaking things down so that what he's explaining is perfectly clear.  This has applied to me hundreds of times as well, but now that Chloe is growing to understand valuable concepts and lessons, I have grown to have an even greater appreciation for this gift of Neil's.

I love Neil's cheerful nature, and how it's rubbed off on Chloe and Ryan.  They are both such happy kids, and I know that's no accident.  I am a lucky girl to have this man and so many other wonderful men in my life.  Happy belated Father's Day to all!

And #3 - Neil's new job!  After 10 solid months of pursuing new opportunities with this company, Neil's hard work has finally paid off!  He will be working as a Spinal Sales Consultant in Stockton/Modesto, CA.  He has had his heart set on medical device sales for years now, and so this is truly a dream come true for him.  There is a lot potential for the territory he'll be covering, and if anyone knows Neil, it goes without saying that he'll get in there and make a difference fast!  He's such a go getter, and I am so so proud of him.

Unfortunately the company does not offer a relocation package for new hires.  Neil's start date is July 6th, but I won't be able to join him in California until our house sells.  We are hoping for a miracle, but with today's market, it's impossible to predict a time frame.  In the meantime, he has a room for rent waiting for him in Ripon, which is right smack between Stockon and Modesto.  I am planning to spend a good chunk of July visiting my family in UT.  Why not?  I have the time, and it'll make showing the house that much easier if we aren't around.

The month of June has been one of the craziest months of our lives.  Between receiving the job offer and making all the needed purchases/adjustments, to getting our house on the market, not to mention all the other things that life has thrown at us, we've had our work cut out for us.  Because a company car will not be provided, one of our first purchases was a new car for Neil.   

A 2009 Volkswagen Jetter TDI. This baby gets 45 miles to the gallon! It's a good thing with how much time Neil will be spending in it!

I think he's happy. That makes me happy.  Man, I'm gonna miss that cute smile.  I mean, really!  Who could resist that!?

I am feeling a lot of anxiety over the unknowns of our future, but I know everything will work out just as it's supposed to. I keep telling myself that it's time to grow. It certainly is. It certainly is.

Good Things to Come

The message in this video touched me deeply, and I wanted to share it with you.

 

"Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings some soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.  It will be all right in the end.  Trust God and believe in good things to come."  - Jeffrey R. Holland

Ryan's latest...

As mentioned in my previous post, Ryan turned 18 months on the 9th of May.

  He is growing into quite the mischievous child.  He is into everything, and I mean everything!  No really.  EVERYTHING!  Just when I've cleaned up one spill/mess/disaster, he's started (or sometimes finished) another one.  The other night, I'd just gotten him out of the bath when my phone rang.  I left him on my bed and ran to the kitchen to answer it, only to come back to my room 4 minutes later to Ryan rubbing an entire tub of Vaseline all over himself, his towel, and the blanket he was sitting on.  This is only one of MANY stories where Ryan has explored his limits. 

His favorite spot to raid is the pantry.  And half the time it's to dump whatever box of whatever onto the floor and then giggle at his success.  He climbs anything he can, whether it be the coffee table, entertainment center, toilet, piano, dishwasher, dining room table or computer desk.  It's not uncommon for me to walk into the kitchen to find him standing on the table swinging the dining room light above.  He is such a stinker.

Here's my sweet boy after waking from a nap a week or so ago. I love how happy he is after his naps. I always know he's awake when I hear him cheerfully babbling to himself in his crib.

Here are a few recent updates/milestones that I've managed to jot down.

February 19th (15 months) - yes I'm going back this far:

Ryan threw a box of Mac n' Cheese into the toilet.  Okay, maybe this isn't a milestone, but it is definitely something we'll laugh about in ten years!  -AND- it also marks the first of many other dropping-random-objects-into-the-toilet events.

February 28th (15 1/2 months):

Ryan flipped out of his crib.  Apparently his attempts to get out were successful, but perhaps, not exactly how he'd planned it.  He was fine, and actually hasn't even attempted to escape his crib since (thank goodness).  Even if he thought he was ready for a big boy bed now, I'm definitely NOT!

March 22nd (16 1/2 months):
Ryan started the washing machine all by himself.  That morning, just out of the blue, I heard what sounded like water running.  When I got to the laundry room, there stood Ryan, on a stool, looking oh so proud of himself.  Our washer really isn't that user-friendly, so I'm honestly amazed that he knew just which buttons to push to get that thing going.

March 28th (16 1/2 months):
Ryan said his first word: "nu-nah-nu" (banana).  I suppose that's appropriate since it's one of the only things he's consistently willing to eat.  Since then he's said, "juu!" (juice).  He also says "daa-doo" after I give him something, which we have interpreted as, "thank you".  Actually, come to think of it, he's been saying that for months, so for all I know "thank you" was his first word, not "banana".  Either way.  As of May 9th, those were about the only 3 words he uttered, other than "Mama" and "Dada".  But since then he's made a much greater effort to expand his vocabulary.  On several Sundays leading up to his first day in nursery, we spent lots of time roaming the halls because he wouldn't sit still or be happy any other way.  Naturally, as there were several pictures of Jesus on the walls, we'd often stop and look at them, and I'd always make it a point to tell Ryan who was in each picture.  A couple weekends ago, we were up to Neil's sister's house, and there was a picture of Jesus on the wall.  At one point I was carrying Ryan around, and, just as we'd done hundreds of times before at church, I stopped and pointed out the picture to Ryan.  When I said, "That's Jesus!", Ryan replied, "JeSEUS!", really emphasizing the "SEUS!"  It was hilarious, and darling, of course.  He did it a couple more times before we left on Sunday.  I really can't think of any other specific words he's said, but he's getting to the point now where we'll say, "Ryan, say....", and he'll then attempt to say it.  Even if it comes out an entirely different sounding word, the tone and number of syllables are usually right on.  So the desire is finally there, and I'm sure in no time he'll be talking up a storm.  Especially if he's anything like his sister.

April 12th (17 months):
Noticed Ryan's 2 top molars.  Don't know the exact date they broke through, but I would imagine it was that week prior, based on some of the long nights we'd had. 

May 2nd (17 3/4 months):
Noticed Ryan's 2 bottom molars.  Again, not sure of the exact date they actually broke through.  But that now makes 12 teeth!

Somewhere around the end of April/beginning of May:

Ryan started walking up the stairs.  He still crawls up a fair amount of the time, but more often than not, he attempts the climb on foot now.  It's so cute, because he's still so petite. 

Some of Ryan's current favorite things include:Brushing his teeth, drinking from a regular cup - not a bottle or sippy, taking a bath, "brushing" his hair (I think it gives him a boost his ego to pretend he has something to brush), going down the slide tummy first, trying on daddy's, mommy's and Chloe's shoes...

...fruit snacks, the piano, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Chloe's red tricycle, which he'll be big enough for in no time.  Since Chloe has upgraded to a bike with training wheels, I guess Ryan has automatically inherited the tricycle.  It'll be fun when he is tall enough to actually ride it around.

Ryan can, among other things:

Locate several of his body parts, including head, hair, nose, mouth, teeth, ears, cheeks, chin and belly button.  He also loves looking at and poking other peoples' belly buttons.  They absolutely fascinate him.

Give hugs, kisses, head bonks, body slams, you name it.  He has also been attempting to jump.  Ever since he saw a video of his cousin, Grant do it, he's been determined to master this new trick himself! In addition, he folds his arms for prayers, and even sometimes beats us to it when we've just sat down at the table to eat a meal. See the picture below of him showing off this fun (and precious) skill.

Take orders, and do exactly what we tell him to.  He may not be much of a talker just yet, but he sure understands a lot.

Eat with a fork, and even attempts to use a knife when we let him.  We determined months ago that he is left handed.  See him drawing in the picture below.  So funny since neither Neil, Chloe or I are.

Ryan desperately needs a haircut.

As you can see, he is nearly bald on top of his head, but has a good inch in length growing around the side of his head. We call him mullet boy. He really likes it. I think I am hesitating the first haircut for 2 reasons. 1 - I know that it will automatically transform him from a baby into a little boy, and I'm not sure I'm ready for that; and 2 - I'm afraid that either my lack of experience with haircutting or his unwillingness to hold still will result in a disaster. I suppose there isn't much there so even if I did mess it up you'd hardly be able to tell. Still, I've chosen to put it off for another couple of days (or weeks).

This sweet boy might be a stinker, but he sure is lovable, and I can't imagine life without him.  I am so head over heels in love with my Ryan, and so grateful that I get to be his mommy.  Happy 18 month birthday, my boy (a couple weeks late)! 

Just because...

...I love this picture.

...And these children.

3 Reasons to Celebrate

Yesterday celebrated many things. 

#1 - My brother-in-law, Jeff's birthday. 

{Allison, Jeff and Grant - Salt Lake Temple grounds; October 2009}

Jeff is currently deployed, and expected to come home within the next month, last I heard.  We hope, despite the circumstances and lack of loved ones nearby, that his birthday was special.  We love you, Jeff!

#2 - Ryan's 18 month birthday, which means..... drum roll please.....

NURSERY!!!

Given the nature of Neil's and my callings, there have been a handful of Sundays we've had to take Ryan to the Nursery.  He has done amazingly well, and yesterday was no different.  It simply marked his first official day on the roll.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with myself.  I've gotten so used to chasing him around during Primary.  It will be a nice break, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit sad.    

Making magic with play dough.


Scopin' things out.


Is this handsome, chubby cheeked, blue eyed boy of mine really 18 months?  It just can't be!

 And last, but not least... #3 - Mother's Day!  What a privilege it is to be a woman!  And what a privilege it is to be a mother!  I cannot think of a greater honor than to bring a child into the world, raise, teach, love, nurture, learn from, and enjoy all the blessings of that joyful challenge.  I have yet to witness a miracle more grand and significant than motherhood. 

I'm grateful for the women in my life who have inspired and helped me to see what a sacred and divine role womanhood is, and who have molded me into the woman and mother I am today.  My mom, whose Christ-like love surpasses all.   My mother-in-law, whose influence has produced hard-working children with healthy habits, the oldest of whom I call "husband".  My grandmothers, whose experiences have provided perspective and wisdom that I otherwise wouldn't know.  My aunts and sisters-in-law, who each bring unique gifts and attributes to the table.  My dearest friends, who have been sisters to me, mothers to my children, and who have strengthened and lifted me in times of need.  The women of the Church, whose faith and perseverance simply astonish me.

{Hannah of the Old Testament with her long awaited son, Samuel.}

Gordon B. Hinckley said,

“Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.”

Beautifully said, and so true.

I am grateful for these two, who made me a mommy. 


They make me crazy, but there's nothing I'd rather do than spend my days with them.  And that's the truth.  Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday to the amazing woman I call MOM! 

I have learned many things from this great woman, and I value her knowledge, wisdom and closeness to the Spirit more than I can say. 

Mom, you are loved and admired by so many, including all of us!  We hope your birthday has been just right.  You deserve the absolute best.  Love, hugs and kisses to you!

Wordless Wednesday

Costco, tamales and a happy memory

Today I bought some tamales at Costco. Now with how behind I am on this here blog, you may be asking yourself, "Valeri, why in heaven's name are you blogging about tamales at Costco?" Well, I'll tell you. As I threw them in the cart, other shoppers busily passing by, C & R whining in the front of the cart because, "he pulled my hair" and, "I didn't get enough of that last sample", and, "now I want out of the cart all together... ...no actually, I don't", and so on and so forth, I had a distinct moment of nostalgia. And for that short moment, the hustle and bustle, the whining and grunting all disappeared, and I suddenly found myself re-living an old memory.

Now I'm a pretty sentimental person. I'm also a horrible journal keeper, which is the main reason I started this blog two and a half years ago! As I've grown into my adult years (that sounds so weird) and become a mother (that sounds even weirder), I've grown to love my parents on a whole new level. I've grown to appreciate the friends and counselors they were to me, the patience they found within themselves to hang onto me, their desire to see me succeed and fulfill my hopes and dreams, and most of all, the memories that were built from the many experiences we had as a family. With how busy life is, it's sometimes difficult to remember certain past times, or at least to find the time to sit and ponder them. So often I just feel like I'm racing to get to the next thing, and I don't really stop and appreciate moments from the past that are still dear to me. I decided a while back that I needed to be better about writing things down, not just about the kids' milestones and current happenings, but memories of the past - special, significant things that maybe aren't so important, but might make my children smile when they read about them in years to come. Not that this moment of nostalgia I had in the middle of Costco today will change Chloe and Ryan's lives forever, but it's still a happy memory that I'd like them to know.

So onto this memory I keep talking about! I've really built it up, haven't I?

Growing up in Vacaville, and within walking distance of downtown, we often took advantage of the local Farmers' Market, which was held every Saturday morning in Spring and Summer. We didn't go every Saturday, but a fair amount. I remember my mom coming here and there, but it was mostly my dad and me that made the trek. It wasn't a far walk from our house, and the process of getting there was scenic and wonderful. We'd walk down Buck Avenue and admire all the old mansions and the large blossoming trees. We'd breathe in the fresh morning air and, as always, enjoy good conversation. Sometimes we'd pick up fresh fruits and vegetables. Sometimes we would buy a bouquet of flowers to surprise my mom. Sometimes we'd just walk there to walk there, because it was that pleasant. But virtually always, we'd purchase a dozen homemade tamales and take them home for lunch. These tamales were so amazing, so authentic, and so perfect in every way - a real treat for us all!

So after that lengthy introduction, you may now be asking yourself, "Seriously? That's it? All that, for a memory of buying/eating tamales as a kid?" Perhaps the reason such a simple memory brought such warmth to my heart earlier today is because I don't get to see my parents as often as I'd like. I don't have the luxury of taking a walk around the block with my dad whenever I please. Maybe it's because I sometimes miss my hometown. Goodness knows it's been years since I spent any time there, and nearly a decade since I was there with my family. Maybe it's because in my adulthood, I look back at my childhood and appreciate how simple and easy it really was in comparison to the stresses and responsibilities I face nowadays. It's probably a little bit of all those things. But I think what it really comes down to is this! When all is said and done, the things we remember in our lives - the things that bring us joy, the things that bring warmth to our hearts and remind us that we are loved and that we are fortunate, are the simple things. Your delighted child, anxiously handing you a flower with no stem that she picked in the yard. A surprise visitor. Laughter over an inside joke that only you and the other person will ever understand. Your child's first smile.

Even though taking a walk with my dad and eating some tamales isn't that big of a deal, the memory of it, and even the memories surrounding that memory brings immediate warmth to my soul. No matter how sentimental we are, and no matter how amazing or terrible our memories might be, there has to be something we can each look back on, remember well, and smile about. I hope that, as my parents did, I am helping my own children build simple memories that they will look back on years from now, feel happy about, and want to share with their own children.

Chloe's Soccer Adventures

Last Thanksgiving, Neil and I started talking about possible Spring sports/activities for Chloe. She had expressed interest in swimming and ballet, and when Neil suggested soccer, she seemed equally pumped. We never really made a decision about where we would start, but agreed that since she didn't seem particularly partial to any one thing, it might be wise to let her try a little of everything. So that was November.

In early March, my friend, Camille, who was registering her Aly for soccer, invited us to register too so the girls could be on the same team. Chloe and Aly have been pals since birth, and have already done swim lessons and preschool together. Since we'd been talking about the possibility of soccer for a few months, and Chloe still seemed interested, we had no hesitation registering her. We went and bought all the needed things like soccer socks, shin guards, and of course, a pink soccer ball. She was so excited and ready, and Neil and I felt good about our decision.

Here's Chloe practicing in the backyard just before her first practice. Looks pretty happy, wouldn't you say?

Chloe's first practice was March 15th. She did really well until about the half way point. For starters, she was not fond of the rule that she could not touch the ball with her hands. Among other things, it quickly became evident that soccer might not be her cup of tea. She refused to play the latter half of practice, and instead pouted in my lap.

These were taken during her first practice, when she still thought soccer was fun.

And here's Ryan, watching on.

Future practices weren't any better than the first. Chloe fought it big time, pouting, whining, melting down and just plain refusing to play! At one practice, which I wasn't there for, Camille told me that the assistant coach approached Chloe at one point to ask why she didn't want to play. She had just plopped herself onto her ball, elbows on her knees, scowl on her face. Her response to the assistant coach was simply, "Ballet is so much better than this!"

I stole this off Camille's blog.

While it was obvious Chloe wasn't going to be the next Mia Hamm, Neil and I agreed she needed to stick with it until the end of the season. After all, we had talked with her about soccer for several months and on several different occasions. We didn't feel like it was okay for us to pay for and go to the trouble of getting her into soccer, only for her to decide right off the bat that she hated it and didn't want to play ever again. Maybe that's heartless, but it's what we felt was best. Neil finally told her that once the season was over, she could start ballet and never look at a soccer ball again. But until then, we expected her to try and enjoy it and give it her best. She seemed to think that was reasonable.

Chloe's first game was April 5th. She was definitely in better spirits then, but I think it helped that she was given a pretty green uniform to wear, and had several parents cheering her on. Again, in these photos, you would never know of our struggles, as Chloe looks like she's having the time of her life.




Notice Chloe in the bottom right picture. So typical. Not paying a bit of attention to the game, but smiling happily for the camera.

2 of Chloe's biggest fans...

More silliness and smiles...


Clearly Chloe takes the sport seriously, as she dances around with cones on her head (above). Also above are Chloe and life long pal, Aly. They are two peas in a pod.

I know pretty much all these pictures contradict the misery I claim we've endured these last few weeks. But before you call me a complete liar, let me share this one with you!

Here is the version of Chloe that claims,"ballet is so much better than this!"

My mom came out to visit last week, and was able to come to a game.
What a treat that was, although Chloe still refused to play the second half of the game.

Proud Grandma Jill with her favorite little people.

Overall soccer has been a good thing, I think. A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have said that, but since the games started things have gradually looked up. Chloe is so entertaining to watch. She really has no clue what she's doing on the field. She just runs with the crowd and giggles. I could probably count the number of times she's had contact with the ball. At least she finally seems to be enjoying it. After her game last Wednesday she told me, "Ballet is hard. It might be too hard for me. I might need to stick with soccer!" Funny, indecisive girl. Gotta love her.

Andersen Easter Festivities

We had a fun and busy Easter week. Here are some photos highlighting the various festivities.

The Saturday prior to Easter weekend, our Ward hosted a Breakfast and Egg Hunt.


Chloe getting pumped for the big hunt


Daddy helping Ryan with some of the trickier hiding places


The kiddos examining the goods


Chloe with friends, Abby and Kayla & Ryan with little friend, Carly



Not a couple hours after were home, our dear friend, Cindy picked Chloe up and whisked her off to an Easter Egg Hunt at her work. No pictures, but from what I hear, she had the time of her life.

This last Saturday, while watching the morning session of General Conference, Chloe painted Easter eggs. For the last two years I'd planned to start this tradition with her, but never got around to it. This year, I was determined, and succeeded. As a result, I had one happy girl!






So dainty...


...yet such a ham!


I'd say she did a pretty good job!

And then of course there was Easter morning. Here's Ryan and me just after we'd rolled out of bed. Not too flattering, I know, but he was being so snuggly that I demanded Neil grab the camera. It is so rare that I get a picture like this, as I'm usually the one behind the camera. I am grateful Neil captured this sweet moment.



Chloe was exploding with excitement to wake up to a trail of eggs in her room leading to her Easter basket.


Ryan's Easter stash was a little easier to find...






The Easter Bunny was very good to us, as were Grandpa(s) and Grandma(s). New clothes, games, balls and plenty of candy.



Later that morning some of our good friends came over to watch the remaining sessions of Conference and enjoy our traditional Easter dinner. There was so much food, we hardly knew what to do with ourselves. It was a wonderful, wonderful Easter!

I continue to find myself just amazed by and grateful for the opportunity I have to celebrate Easter with those I love, and for the knowledge I have of Christ's love for me. Each year that passes somehow brings me a greater sense of tenderness for and understanding of that knowledge. I am truly blessed. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter too!