Budding magician

On the way home from church Kendall held up both hands to Julia.

"Which one?" Kendall asked.

"Uhh .... that one."

Can you guess?

They make me laugh

August 8, 2009

While at the county fair viewing Julia's award winning photos, we hung around to take in the experience.

We watched a bull ride competition. No one made it to 8 seconds.

Kerst even rode a mechanical bull.

Afterwards we headed to find the livestock. "I wonder where the animals are," I said.

"Follow your nose, Mom."

Thanks Julia.

Up close and personal ... for Tianna

Here are pictures of my countertop edges ... They are 2 cm countertops with 2 cm of edging "laminated" to the top. You can't really see the seams unless you get up close and personal. Plus, I am kind of boring so my countertops are sort of that way too ... no movement. It is a very repetitive pattern so you don't see seams.

This is the main kitchen countertop - a dark green.

Here is the island countertop - sage green with black specks.

Finally OFFICALLY done!

I failed to mention and post the news that my wonderful amazing husband, John, put the crown molding up on our kitchen pantry cabinet ... remember that nightmare with the microwave cabinet and our pantry? The designer ordered the cabinet too tall so John had to take out the ceiling and raise the plumbing.

Now looking at it, you would never know!

John also installed and finished the sides and the crown molding for the entertainment cabinet! When we had our carpets stretched last week, our amazing carpet guy (Tyson) finished the carpet around the entertainment cabinet! John was VERY grateful! Oh ... and our carpet doesn't buckle anymore when we get a rainstorm! Thanks TYSON!

Nonverbal communication

Jenna does this well. And it was an assignment in her speech class. I LOVE projects like this!

So we pulled out the camera and goofed off. Some faces came naturally. Others were difficult as she would start to crack up trying to do them.

Here are the "The Many Expressions of Jenna"

Happy. Bored. Frustrated. Sad. Annoyed. Surprised. Pleased. Contemplative. In Love. Tired.

It's that time of year ....

Even my kids think this is funny!

The Kite

The Kite

by Jaley Meibos

A kite is limp on the ground
I am bursting with anticipation to start the 7th grade.
Suddenly a gust of wind lifts up the kite
School has begun.
The kite’s tail guides the kite and keeps it steady through the different bursts of wind
I have a moral compass that helps guide me through difficult choices and situations.
The string of a kite keeps the kite anchored from flying away
My family and my faith keep me close to what is most important.
The kite flies through calm winds, and some really strong making the kite dive down quickly to the ground
Sometimes I can feel lonely and sad, but people help to comfort me making me feel like I can soar.
I am a kite.
I can soar.

Jaley's assignment in school was to write a poem that compares a kite to a 7th grader. I thought she did a beautiful job!

First day of school pictures

I know ... I am behind! The kids are starting their 3rd week of school!

Here is Kendall's reaction as we drop Jaley off at school on her first day ...

Here are the traditional first day of school photos:

Kerst - 3rd grade - Mrs. K - August 10

Jaley - 7th grade - August 10

Jenna - 9th grade - August 10

Julia 11th grade - August 11

And a blast from the past ... while shopping for backpacks we came across this clear one. She had this exact same backpack in 3rd grade. She HAD to have it. I have to admit, it is going to force her to keep her backpack somewhat organized as everything is on display!

Kendall's first day of preschool ... Ms. L - August 13

All in a day's work

We spent some time in the car traveling to and from UT for Jason's funeral. During that time, Kendall decided to become addicted to his leapster game "Letter Factory".

He can now identify all of the alphabet letters and tell you their sounds. Not bad for just turning 3 in June!

Way to go Kendall!

I think my days of spelling around Kendall to conceal my real intentions are numbered ...

All through the night ....

Kerst was having nightmares just before school started. He insisted on sleeping on the floor in our room. After several days of this, we told Kerst that we have to figure out a different way to deal with these nightmares.

The first night he slept in his room the entire night he told me that his prayer only worked the first half of the night.

"So what did you do about the last half of the night?"

"I pretended that the 'bad guys' were part of a PS2 video game and I was fighting them off with my controller."

He won.

I'm glad.

Has it really been that long?

Wow does time fly - 19 years! Especially when you are with your best friend in the entire world. Life can't get much better ...

All Is Well

We were able to attend Jason's funeral.

We laughed, we cried. We were uplifted and edified.

We heard his aunts share memories (Jason's dad was AMAZING at keeping records ... we learned what the weather was on the day Jason was born). Kyle read letters from Jason's brother, Derek, and sister, Erin, who are serving missions. Emily V (aunt), played a medley of Jason's favorite Primary songs and Hymns.

Tim and Mary shared some beautiful thoughts. Tim showed us a piece of fruit. He shared the scripture story of Lehi's dream and the tree of Life from the Book of Mormon. He likened this story to Jason. Jason had remained on the straight and narrow path, clung to the iron rod (the word of God) - avoided the great and spacious building, mist of darkness, etc - Jason endured to the end. When Jason reached the tree of life and tasted the fruit, he knew it was good and true. He had to leave us. He has a great work to do ... Tim placed the fruit on the casket.

Jason's home/backyard is practically touching the church property. I told Tim that when my Uncle Eddie passed away, they drove him by his home on the way to the cemetery - the house was just around the corner from the church where his funeral service was held. Tim was touched by the idea.

Jason wanted to go back home. He did for a brief moment. (It was very moving to see the flag at half staff. The youth at their church did a "heart attack" on their garage with well wishes for Jason to get better along with a sweet poster hanging on the right side of the garage). It was wonderful to see family. This family is AMAZING. They have endured much. They shared with us the blessings and tender mercies they have experienced.

It is comforting to know that ALL IS WELL. I couldn't ask for a better family to belong to - birth or marriage.

'Til we meet again, sweet Jason

Today is the funeral for our sweet cousin/nephew Jason G.

He touched many lives by his positive nature and example of strength and faith ... and his happy and mischevious smile and pure goodness. He and his family are examples of strength and faith to me.

'Til we meet again sweet Jason.

Jason D G.

1994 ~ 2009

Jason D G, 15, .... , our beloved son and brother passed away on August 13, 2009, after enduring a lengthy illness. He was born on 1994 to T. and M. G in P.

Jason loved his family, friends, laughing, being kind, and serving others. Some of his favorite activities were reading, playing the piano, origami, cooking, sewing, and being with his family. He always had a radiant smile and made life fun. He had a testimony of Christ, lived by faith, and magnified his priesthood. He has now gone on to serve the Lord as a missionary in the spirit world.

He is survived by his parents, two sisters, and four brothers: E (a missionary in Argentina), D (a missionary in Peru), K (preparing to serve a mission in Uruguay), D , K , and B.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff as well as numerous family, friends, and neighbors who cared deeply for Jason.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. ....

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the LDS general missionary fund.

Kerst's first Pinewood Derby!

Life has been crazy to say the least ... here is a post I was working on back in March of this year.

March 19, 2009

Kerst had his FIRST Pinewood Derby! He was so excited to get his car and make it with John. For some reason we waited until the night of the race to attach the wheels and get the weight up to 5 oz.

Kerst and John searched the Internet for design ideas. Kerst drew it out. John cut it. Kerst painted it in patriotic colors all by himself.

Kerst took 3rd place in his Wolf Den. He also won the award for "most colorful." He was very proud. John is already trying to figure out where to put the weight so the car they make together next year will be even faster...that engineering husband of mine! And not a bit competitive...outwardly.

Here is the drivers license they gave Kerst to wear during the Derby.

They captured his personality perfectly in this picture! I'm amazed because he has only been in that den for a month ... and they already figured out his fun-loving nature.

Tuckered Out

I discovered this sweet moment on Wednesday when I went in to wake the boys up for our morning routine before school. They were both tuckered out after only 2 days of school ...

Getting there!

From her golden yellow room to painting it gray we have now completed the duvet cover and added pillows.

I bought 2 queen flat sheets and did pin tucking on 5 inches of it to add some detail to the duvet cover. I sewed ties on the corners of the duvet and the inside of the cover so I could tie the two together. This will make sure that the insert won't move around inside of the cover.

We then added pillows. TONS of them. Poor Julia ... this is what happens when she lets her Mom do the linens! She now officially has more pillows on her bed than I do!

Next ... hanging her photography on the walls. Slowly, but surely (I sure have slowed down) ... stay tuned!

Not a baby anymore

Today was the day. We put the crib away. I swore I would never take a child out of the crib until they

1. climbed out
2. we move to another house in another state
3. another one is on the way.


Kendall did not climb out, we are not moving and NO, I am not announcing anything either.


This crib was used for 7 years straight with Julia (for 2 years then Jenna came along), Jenna (for two years and the Jaley came along) and Jaley (for 3 years and then we moved to IL). It was put away for 1 year when we moved to IL and then set it back up for Kerst and has been up ever since and has been used by Kendall for the past 3 years.


Kendall was not happy taking it down. John distracted him by having Kendall help him disassemble the crib. John quickly slipped it out and stored it in some ceiling shelving racks in the garage. When we got back from a family outing, I took Kendall to his room for his nap. Oh the look on his face when he noticed/remembered his crib was gone.

"Daddy lost my crib."

He has been enjoying the top bunk for the last 3 weeks - and hasn't even climbed down!

My baby has officially grown up. He will always be my baby - and so will my other 4 kids.

Families ARE Forever

We found out almost 2 weeks ago that our nephew/cousin Jason (in khaki pants) has been diagonosed with an extremely rare type of lymphoma (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH to be brief). (In the words of his mom, Mary - John's sister) "This is a condition where the white blood cells are attacking the other blood cells and and T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder where the T-cells are reproducing abnormally. His treatment plan is chemotherapy and likely a bone marrow transplant." His younger sister is a bone marrow match.

Reading their updates over the last week and the letters from Jason's brother and sister serving missions has been amazing. I was touched with the letter of gratitude and encouragement that Mary sent to her missionaries. "We will all 'gird up our loins, fresh courage take.'" This family IS amazing. I'm blessed to be a part of their family!

Jason fought a fierce battle that ended last night.

I will miss his smile. His gentle teasing. His sweet "Hello Aunt Corin" whenever I saw him. He was a smart, wonderful, friendly and brave young man. Someday he will greet me once again with his "Hello Aunt Corin" and that wonderful smile.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his amazing parents and siblings (two of which are serving missions in South America).

Families ARE Forever.

Stake Pioneer Day

I am going backtrack and post some of our fun activities we did this summer.

July 25, 2009


We had a Stake Pioneer Day at our Stake President's barn. It included a wonderful dinner of BBQ pulled pork, side dishes, salads and treats.

After we ate, we headed out for some fun.

Tug-or-war, water balloon toss, sack races, handcart races, bow and arrow and BB gun target practice.

It was a fun time and we even wore out our little buddy!

Slowly Trickling Out

Today is the day. The first day of school - except for Julia and Kendall.

Jenna had a full day of fun planned for her at the HS. Only freshmen and new students are there today. They are doing team building activities and lots of getting to know you games, etc. No backpacks. No lunches. Only cash for the lunchroom. Oh ... and of course, she wouldn't forget her phone ;o). She was gone by 7:20.

Kerst was next. He told me when he woke up that he was going to fall asleep in school. Kendall and I walked Kerst and his walking buddy, J. Cl., to school. Kendall was NOT happy when we turned away from the school and left Kerst behind.

Jaley was next. She had a half day in the afternoon. It is nice that they have the younger students in the middle school and high school have rule of the school for a day before the "bigger kids" arrive. We didn't have that in IL. Jaley is a "bigger kid" this year! 7th grade. I can't believe it. Kendall was not happy AGAIN when Jaley left; at least he was still sleeping when Jenna left. Being disappointed three times in one day with being left behind is not good on a toddler ;o)

Julia had to go in sometime today to get her school picture taken for her id. Kendall and I went and hung out with her. Kendall felt like he fit right in ... he was back in his old romping ground when I would go in to take photos during the musicals. I don't think he realizes that there are at least 12 years difference between him and the students there.

And Kendall. He has his "meet your teacher" tomorrow at noon. He starts preschool on Thursday! I can't believe it!

Early Morning Seminary starts next week - 6:30 a.m. We will have 12 years straight of Seminary. 1 year off and then 4 more years with Kendall.

A new routine is starting. I'm going to miss the summer, but will enjoy a new routine.

Giraffes eat ...

I found this in my drafts back in June ... thought I would go ahead and post it. I think I was hoping to get a video - I did at one of our family reunions during Kendall's talent portion of the family talent show.

June 5, 2009

Kendall has been into telling me what animals eat.

"Cows eat grass."

Today he told me that giraffes eat leaves. He remembered! I sing "Old McDonald had a farm" with the kids in nursery at church. I have little finger puppets for them to hold while singing that song. Kendall loves the giraffe puppet (I know, you have probably never seen a giraffe on a farm ... ) What sound does a giraffe make for that song? "Munch, munch, munch." I explained to the nursery kids that giraffes eat leaves so "munch, munch, munch."

"Giraffes eat leaves."

I decided to expand his knowledge of what animals eat so I added another one.

"Lions eat ....



























Kendall!"

He laughed. We enjoy hearing him tell us that "cows eat grass, giraffes eat leaves and lions eat Kendall."

She's got talent!

It's in the genes! My sisters, Kelly and Shannon, have an amazing talent in photography. I enjoy it myself.

Julia was encouraged by her high school photography teacher to enter some of her photos in the local county fair. So, she did.

Here is what she entered:
Fight for the ball! (From when the U18 UT FC soccer team came to our home for their Pikes Peak Tournament and were the champions). This photo was a 1st place photo in the "peak of action" category. Our boys are once again in 1st place ... with the photo.

Fence by the bluff. This was entered in the nature category.

"Ant's Perspective" took 1st in the Black and White category!

POP! Placed 1st in the category "photos of a teen" AND IT WAS ALSO AWARDED BEST IN SHOW!!!! Julia took this photo of herself while we were driving to UT last fall ... trying to keep herself entertained during the long drive. It is a favorite photo of mine. I convinced her to enter this one instead of another photo she had taken of a friend. She didn't want to submit a photo of herself. I'm glad she did!

Family Feet. This was entered in her grade level category.

Unexpected Beauty. This was entered in the macro focus category.

Evening Glow. In the sunset category.

Bright-eyed Toddler (Kendall). This took 1st in the infant-toddler category!

New Generation. This took 1st place in the photos of people aged 60 and older.

I think John and I should get "Best of Show" in the genes category ;o) - Photos of our kids took several 1st place ribbons ... so it is in the genes!