Jingle Bun Run!!

The boys with their hard earned medals in the freezin cold!

The boys and their cute friends at the start line for the Kids 1K.  

Me and my friend Allison (and Santa of course!) after the Jingle Bun 5K pushing our girls.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! this is a MUST read

I couldn't help but post this wonderful poem sent to me by a friend. I'm not sure who to give the credit to for writing it, but if someone knows let me know so I can give credit where it is due. I especially love the names of the reindeer.

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!



Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS


Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

Famous American Project

Mason and Jackson had to do a famous American presentation for school...  actually, I had to do two famous American projects.  They had fun dressing up like their famous American...   See if you can guess who they are.  

Mason loved the nickers and tights!  

Jackson practicing for his presentation.

Did Anyone see my cute nieces on Extreme Home Makeover last night?

Giving Thanks

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, it's hard to know where to start with this post.  I thought I might give you my top ten... but they are all very predictable...My Faith, my family, my country, my health and the health of my children are all things I am so very thankful for.  Sometimes I marvel at the love that God has shown to me.  

Gordon B. Hinkley said," We would do well, to cultivate within ourselves a spirit of thanksgiving for the blessing of life itself and for the marvelous gifts and privileges we enjoy.  The Lord has said that "the meek shall inherit the earth".  It is difficult to escape the interpretation that, rather than an attitude of self-sufficiency, meekness implies a spirit of gratitude, an acknowledgement of a greater power beyond oneself...Gratitude is the beginning of wisdom.  Stated differently, true wisdom cannot be obtained unless it is built on a foundation of true humility and gratitude."

Speaking of "true wisdom",  something I have been thinking about a lot lately is a book I read many years ago called the "Hiding Place" by Corrie Tenboom.   In it, she, along with her sister Betsy and her father, are captured by the Nazi's for helping Jews hide,  and placed in a concentration camp where she is humiliated, brutalized, starved and living in filthy flea-infested conditions.    Betsy insisted that Corrie give thanks to God for the fleas... which she eventually did, although, grudgingly.  An amazing thing then began to take place...the flea ridden conditions caused the guards to stay away, instead of assaulting the women as they had many times before.  It was a blessing which allowed the prisoners to hold prayer meetings and read from a bible that they had miraculously smuggled in.

The lesson for me.   Yes, there is an economic "crisis", yes, the future is uncertain and our children are being raised in a world that is flooded with all forms of immorality.   The prospect for many of us raising children is terrifying.  But today I am going to focus on thanking God for the struggles and obstacles that he has put before me.  Those trials that he allows me and each of us pass through are also the same things that expand our hearts and make us look to him with trust and faith, ultimately leading us to unseen blessings and "true wisdom".  Today in my own imperfect way, I am thankful for my struggles, for the experiences of loss,  of loneliness, and of opposition.    I am going to think of fleas..and give thanks!

Love to all of you and Happy Thanksgiving!

So glad to have Sarah, Tim, Lewis and Stanley to visit!

Shane and Bella take a little Thanksgiving nap.

Mason wearing Lewis' beenie.

Backyard Turkey Bowl with the neighbor boys.

Lewis lookin' cute with his football and beenie but wouldn't cooperate for the picture.

Jackson and baby cousin Stanley.

Mason and Jackson love the Turkey thighs... they are fearless eaters.

Happy Birthday Bella!

I can't believe my little baby girl is already a year old.  Time is flying! 

Here are some pictures from her little birthday party.  

Make a Smilebox slideshow

With Thanks, On Veterans Day

This morning I feel profoundly grateful for the many sacrifices made by so many on our behalf.

Several years ago when living in Arlington, VA. Shane and I went to the Arlington Cemetery. At that time 2,000 brave soldiers had died in Iraq and there was an exhibit of paintings which depicted each one of the fallen 2000 individually. It was very touching to see each of their faces and heart wrenching to read the notes that their children and loved ones had placed next to their paintings. It was an experience that I will always treasure because it made me realize that each soldier has a face, a story, a family-- and that the loss for their families was deeply painful. It also reminded me that we all owe each of our past and present military men, women and families a huge debt of gratitude. So THANK YOU, to all who may be reading this who have served or will serve. Thank you for your profound sacrifices of which none of us will ever fully comprehend.

I also wanted to take a moment and remember the military service of my grandfathers. Both served in WWII. They have both passed on, but I hope they know of my gratitude just the same. They are, no doubt, deserving recipients of the title "The Greatest Generation".

Grandpa Ellison

I never met my grandpa Ellison, he died of a heart attack at the age of 40. But I have thought of him often and have wondered how he and my grandmother made it through the profound trials they faced in their lives.
My grandfather served as a scout on the ground in France. As a member of the 95th infantry division he earned a bronze star which was presented to him by general Patton, for his bravery in clearing a row of 25 buildings. In the battle for Metz France he saw some of the most brutal fighting in the entire war. As the story has been told, during some of the heaviest fighting he was running in the street and fell, in front of him he saw a cross among the debris. He picked it up and felt an immediate calm come over him. He carried it with him throughout the rest of the war. My mother still has the cross he found. He suffered the effects of "Shell Shock" for the rest of his life.

Grandpa Gomm

I don't know much about my Grandpa Gomm's story in the war. I do know that he was on a ship in the Pacific for the duration and that his experiences and trials lead him to have a profound sense of patriotism. These experiences also helped him gain his own appreciation for his ancestry and the sacrifices they made. He was an avid geneologist and submitted over 6,000 names for Temple work and published many biographies on their behalf.

Thank you! Happy Veterans Day.

This year I think I had more fun than the kids-- making Jedi and ballerina costumes and  playing dress up with Isabella.  The boys trick or treated until they literally dropped and then we went to a party for the surgery interviewees for next year.  There was a moon bounce and lots of kids to run around with.  The kids had a ball!

Can't wait to look around the blogs and see all the costumes and fun!  

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Visit to Dallas-- Welcome Baby Stanley!

We were so lucky last weekend to be able to go to Dallas and see our new little nephew Stanley and spend a little time with Tim, Sarah, Lewis and Grandma J. Here are a few pictures from the fun weekend.

Baby Stanley doing the "Hookem Horns" sign. So long Boise State! This boy's a true Texan!

Peeking at baby Stanley through a very small window. He's hard to spot in this picture but I can tell you he's cute!!!! Sadly we couldn't hold him because he's not feeling so well. Get well soon little Stanley! Visit the Rutter blog for more pics of this cute little guy!

Jackson having fun at the park. What a great kid.

Bella Boo spending some quality time with Grandma Julie. Now you know where she get's those pretty eyes!

Uncle Tim, giving Shane a tune-up!

Out for a little stroll...doesn't Lewis look like he's enjoying this?

Isaac the Entertainer

Shane took this picture with his phone at church on Sunday, sneaky, sneaky.  You know that kid who is full of crazy antics during the children's primary program at church?  That kid, is our kid.   In the above picture Isaac is the boy covering his eyes with his tie.  He was getting really mad because people were laughing at him...so he kept mouthing the words "stop laughing at me!" with a really big scowl on his face.  The more he did it, the more we laughed.  Eventually Shane went up to sit with him.   Poor kid.  He felt awful, but little did he know, kids like him make the primary program the most anticipated and entertaining meeting of the year.  

Crazy 8 Tag

I got tagged people!  Now it's official...I'm a blogger.  Here goes:

8 Favorite TV Shows

1. The Biggest Loser (Isaac asked me if I was going to be on the biggest loser the other day when I was running on the treadmill,  what are you tryin' to say!?" I ask.

2.  The Amazing Race

3.  The O'Reilly Factor (I know, I am ill)

4.  Rachael Ray 

5.  The Office

6.  Little People Big World  

7.  Anything on HGTV and DIY (Do it Yourself)

8. My all time Favorite.... Little House on the Prairie 

Things I did yesterday

1.  Took Isaac to open gym

2.  Made Halloween cookies

3. Folded laundry

4.  Had Family Home Evening

5.  Grilled hamburgers for dinner

6.  Read Junie B. Jones to the boys

7.  Played Charades with the boys for FHE

8.  Cuddled with Isabella before bed

Favorite Restaurants

1.  California Pizza Kitchen 

2.  Texas Roadhouse

3.  B.J's

4.  Dead Fish Grill

5.  Olive Garden

6.  Cafe Rio

7.  Chipotle

8.  Backyard BBQ

Things on my wish list

1.  Peace on Earth

2.  No more childhood diseases

3.  That Shane could spend  a little more time away from the hospital.

4.  To go on a mission with Shane someday

5.  Send my kids on missions and off to college

6.  Pay off debt

7.  Go on a vacation with Shane

8.  Take my kids to Disneyworld someday

Things I love about Fall:

1.  The beautiful colors

2.  The chill in the air

3.  Pumpkin everything, pie, cookies, bread etc.

4.  Dressing up for Halloween

5.  Covering up the extra flab with a sweater

6.  Having family around for Thanksgiving

7.  Playing in the fallen leaves

8.  Going to the pumpkin patch

8 People I tag (okay, 10 whatever)

1.  Trichelle

2.  Katrina

3.  Haley 

4.  Molly E.

5.  Cianne

6.  Nicole Fry

7.   Marianne

8.  Amanda

9.  Anna and Lacy

Circus Time

The boys brought home some free tickets to the circus from school...so we decided it was about time for us to take them.   We went with my friend Tawni and her boys, (her husband is currently serving as a blackhawk pilot in Iraq)...and as both of us are often husbandless we have to find ways to keep our sanity.

The boys had the opportunity to go on an elephant ride which was fun for them,  not so sure it was much fun for the elephant.  Shane and I just enjoyed watching their faces light up in hopes that childhood wouldn't get away from them too quickly.    

   

THe Lewis Boys Dancin'

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Sunday Morning Pics

In a rare moment of sanity before church,  I thought I would snap some pictures...

Little Princess

Rebels without a Cause

This picture cracks me up--it looks like Isaac has some seriously long arms!

Scratching and Clawing

 Maybe I'm the only one who scratches and claws her way to church every Sunday after running after 4 kids and repeating the words, "get your shoes on"  "brush your teeth" "please quit yelling", "get in the car"  about 20 times each.  By the time we actually do pile into the car-- and I have run back into the house at least 3 times to gather things I have forgotten,  I feel so frazzled  it's hard to remember what I am actually doing all this for.

Today as I was teaching the Laurel class (Young women ages 16-18) I was reassured.  Today's lesson was on the Word of God as a standard.  I felt the strong assurance that in these very troubled times, as values continue to shift- the words contained in the scriptures and the words of the living prophet are a constant.   The truths are so simple, but truth always has power!   And truth always equals freedom.   I felt profoundly grateful for the opportunity to teach these beautiful young women.   What greater call can there be, then teaching those who will be the stewards of the next  generation?

So I will HAPPILY scratch and claw my way to church... 

Evidence of a long day at work...

My shoes after a night on the Trauma Surgery service.  

Can anyone spare a dollar for the new shoe fund? 

Good Old Fashioned Texas Fun

This year, our friends introduced us to a creek in Salado that is just deep enough to float a tube down, but not so fast you get swept away. The boys have had a great time this summer floating around on tubes, catching minnows and wading in the water. Here are some pictures we took earlier this summer.

Isabella, trying to catch a parasite.

Jackson, just relaxing with his friend Merrill.

Mason taking in the view.

Isaac, as always, living life to the fullest.

Love this Quote

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. - Henry Ford

First Day of School

Ahhhh, finally parents all around the country are breathing a sigh of relief.  The first day of school is a welcome change after the long dog days of summer.  Although we had a great summer, I think we were all very ready to get back into a routine.  It always makes me a little sad to realize how quickly these little ones are growing up.

Can't believe the twins are second graders!  They look so grown up (and a little goofy) with their big front teeth.  Isaac is also well on his way.  One more year before Kindergarten.  Sigh.  I'm just glad to have him home for one more year.  I hope to make the best of it ... now I realize how fast it all goes by.  

Meet The Talented Miss Ripley

Well, I never thought I would be posting about getting a dog... but here I am. Yes, you heard me right, the Lewis family now has a cute little Jack Russell named Ripley. We inherited her from our dear friends who moved away to Montana and couldn't take her with them (actually guilted me into taking her...right Lisa?). Anyway... she is 6 years old, already house trained, trained to sleep in her kennel, will do tricks for food, and is a sweet little thing. She is also a very talented soccer player, which is one of the reasons I love her... at least now I have someone who I can always get to play soccer with me!

Although she looks angelic, she is already getting a reputation with some of our neighbors. The only problem we've had with her is she just loves to terrorize the neighbor's cat.

Our neighbors have a cat door in their garage and they always leave their garage door open when they are home. On two occasions when Ripley has gotten out, she went straight through our neighbors cat door and into their house. You can imagine the look on my neighbors face when I knocked on her door to tell her that our dog was in her house. "I didn't see a dog..." she said. Just then Ripley raced by chasing after her poor unsuspecting cat. The first time it was kinda funny, the 2nd time my neighbor wasn't laughing.

My neighbor has now informed me that her cat is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although I have apologized profoundly I think she may be sending me a bill for her cat's psychiatrist. (Shane, a disliker of cats, thinks this is quite funny). What can I do, she is a hunting dog and would never hurt a fly but just loves a good cat and mouse chase, or dog and cat chase (whatever). We have been very careful about not letting her out, but she is a dog of many talents and one of them is being an escape artist. I think we may have to change her name to Houdini.

The week that we got Ripley she had a full body of fur... I took her to the groomers and they shaved her (she looks cute either way). She had never been shaven before so I guess we will just count this as her initiation into the Lewis family. (If you know how I cut my boys hair you'll know why that's funny)

P.S. We miss you Rakes Family!! This post is dedicated to Amanda, Ripley's very first owner who is in the hospital right now. I hope this will put a smile on your face! XOXO

Jason Lezak, YOU ROCK!

Just had to thank the USA men's relay team for the most exciting moment in swimming ever! I was sitting on the edge of my bed trying not to scream and wake up the kids!

Way to go, USA!

Time for a Summer Post (Now That it's Nearly Over!)

We are back from our Tour De Utah 2008. We had an action packed 3 weeks with family and friends (well, unfortunately we didn't have time to see friends much), and it all started with our travel plans going awry.

The Escalator Pile - Up--

We arrived at the Dallas airport after our 2 1/2 hour drive, and wrangling 4 kids, a stroller, car seat and five big suitcases into the check in line, when to our dismay the airline informed us that our flight had been rescheduled two months ago, and there were no other flights out to Utah that day. Shane and I shared a look like, "please-tell-me-you're-kidding". Nice if we would have been contacted, right?! Well, I think the people behind the counter could see we were in a huge predicament so they got us tickets on an American Airlines flight that left in 30 minutes. Only the terminal was a mile away so we would need to jump on a shuttle. After getting on and off the shuttle with our troops, we were running as fast as we could with 4 kids under the age of 7 and a cart packed full of suitcases.

When we arrived at our terminal we couldn't find an elevator in the immediate area so Shane decided that he was going on the escalator---with the cart which had probably 150 pounds worth of luggage. As smart as he is, he was convinced he could defy the laws of physics, more likely though, he was just desperate! I immediately knew this was going to end in disaster...but something I've learned in the years we have been married is that nothing I could say or do would stop him. He jumped on the elevator ahead of all of us, and told Isaac to get on behind him (an even worse idea) Mason and Jackson came in behind Shane and I brought up the rear with Isabella.

In slow motion I saw the top bag begin to slip off to the side. Shane tried to pull it back on top, but as he reached the end of the escalator he couldn't maneuver the cart over the bump and all of the luggage fell in a huge heap. Leaving the boys nowhere to go, they also fell in a heap on top of the luggage. I was right behind with the stroller and nowhere to go. I was terrified that our kids clothes or fingers were going to get sucked into the escalator. Shane grabbed each of the kids and tossed them over the luggage onto the other side. I was helpless holding onto the stroller, just yelling for help. Thankfully the man behind me had the sense to jump over the side of me and quickly pushed the emergency stop button. We were completely humiliated but thankfully none of us were hurt.

To add insult to injury, our tickets were flagged (because the airline changed them at the last minute) and we had to go through the extra security screening. Silly how we waste these tax dollars flagging people with 4 small children, who's flight was changed by the airline. Ugh... Thankfully our flight was delayed or we would have absolutely missed it.

Lake Powell- Fun with the Lewis Clan

(Pictures to come! Sadly, we misplaced our camera at Lake Powell, so all of our pictures will be borrowed ones!)

When we finally arrived in Utah, we had a great time with the Lewis Family at Lake Powell for a week. The boys loved playing in the water, tubing, knee boarding, and little Isaac even took a shot at skiing. We ate way too much good food, stayed up way past our bed times and had a great time doing it. One evening Shane and I took the boys on the wave runners to a little swimming cove with two small islands and we had a great time jumping off the rocks and swimming around as the sun was going down. There couldn't have been a more perfect moment.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Lewis! We had a great time!

Me and my friend Nicole with her cute baby Lindsie

Hunter's Birthday

The day that Shane flew back home, July 13th was my niece Hunter's birthday. She passed away earlier this year (see previous posts) and I was so thankful to be able to celebrate her 8th birthday with my family. We brought her some balloons and flowers and sang her a happy birthday song. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the life of an even more beautiful little girl. Happy Birthday Hunter! We miss you more than we can say.


Fun With The Gomm Family

Isaac, catching the Olympic Spirit at the Gateway Fountains

With Cousins Jaycee, Taylor and Byron

My American Idol Moment



My Mom and Dad surprised me with an invite to the American Idols Live concert! It was a treat for me to spend time with my mom and be a part of such a crazy audience. I didn't watch much American Idol this year but was totally amazed by the depth of talent from this year's competition. I went with my Mom's sisters and had an amazing time acting like teenage girls. At intermission my mom and I spotted a previous American Idol Runner up from the first season... Justin Guarini. I have to say I have only voted once for an American Idol...and Justin was it, (don't laugh!) We ran down and quickly got our picture with him (hard to tell it's him with that beenie on)... I was so excited and I couldn't hide it!

Cherry Hill

We had a great time with Eric and his family at Cherry Hill. Here is a cute picture of cousin Byron and Izzy.

24th of July 10K Race


I had a great time running in the 24th of July 10K with my friend Amanda (who I never saw because she smoked me!) and my nearly 60 year old father-in-law who leaves us all in the dust every year! As well as my brothers-in-law and my brave nieces and nephews. I ran with my 7 -year old nephew Jeremiah who kept a steady pace and never gave up. I'm glad he was there to keep me company!

Me, My Dad and Izzy after the Race