Nevada Fairfields

A New Kind of Post

2011-09-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have had some things on my mind for quite a while. Tonight "inspiration" struck and I decided I needed to write. However, where? I decided that since my blog is so infrequently viewed and the chances of having anyone actually read this are so slim, I would do it here, since I love this format. Besides, life isn't all sunshine and daisies.
For some time I have been struggling with my feelings about my oldest daughter, Michelle. I am extremely proud of her and love here so much.   But I am also very hurt and maybe, yes, even angry. I don't like my nick name being Satan. I don't like never seeing her or hearing from her. I don't like that when I do see or hear from her, she treats me at best like a stranger trying to horn in on her time with her family. I don't like that she likes to flaunt her less than stellar choices in front of her father, me and her siblings. No need to cuss, dress immodestly, have sleep overs with boyfriends and diss everything we hold dear....and that she was raised with, on those rare occasions she grants us a few moments of her time.
I married Joel when I was 22 years old. I had a bit of an inkling what the future would hold the first time I met his former wife. She was never going to like me or think me good enough. That is understandable. I was 110 lbs., blonde, pretty, optimistic, loved her children and in love with her ex. And to make matters worse, I thought her ex was perfect and she was insane.....though I never told her that. Michelle was 3 almost four and Jake was 2. We had a few months of wedded bliss, then the children came back to live with us. We didn't see their mother again for a year. In that time, Michelle said, "I think I will call you Mommy, because you love me like a Mommy and my feet don't stick to your floor." I enrolled her in pre-school two mornings a week because I thought she was the most brilliant child I ever knew. I enrolled her in dance lessons, and held play dates. Jake began calling me Mommy, I poddy trained him, got him his first bike, cut his hair and bought him real boy shoes instead of the pink converse he had been wearing. I cut their nails, bathed them, sang to them, read to them, washed their clothes, decorated their rooms, bought real toys instead of Happy Meal toys, cooked for and with them, cuddled them endlessly, kissed them tons, and loved them. When the judge gave the kids to their mom after a year of little contact and no visits...her call not ours....Jake clung to me screaming. Michelle bawled and then went quiet.
Michelle beg each visit for years to live with us.  Finally when she was 11, she got her wish. Jake begged until he was about 10. Then he stopped. I actually didn't mind. His Mom had almost died from a brain tumor and he said she needed him. I thought that was terribly sweet and mature.
Having Michelle the majority of the time was wonderful. She was always so creative and funny. She was a truly wonderful daughter. Her siblings loved her so much. Her Dad was so proud of her. She would refuse visits to her Mom's and we would explain that her Mom was important and loved her and that visiting her was important for both of them. We always tried to be fair and not say rude things about Joel's ex, but apparently, that didn't go both ways.
We used to fly or drive to Vegas for dance recitals, parent teacher conferences and birthdays. Sometimes, Joel couldn't go because of his work schedule, so I would go alone. We drove endless trips to Tonopah to exchange the children with their Mom, and when she decided she would not do the drive anymore, Joel, his Dad or I would do the whole trip to Vegas and back. We took friends and family to visit them for their birthday's. We invited their Mom and her family up. They didn't accept.
Until High School. Joel was on active duty with the military and Michelle was at home in Fallon with the children and I. It didn't even dawn on me she would want to move to Vegas with her Mom during that period - but if she wanted to she could have. Michelle was in a school play and I invited her Mom up to stay with us and go to the play.   I took her to dinner, and had her stay in my house. Why? Because that was what was best for Michelle....us getting along. I did that and so many other things. Then, her Sr. year Michelle decides she wants to move to Vegas. So we let her. She was already mad at me all the time by then, it seemed, but I wanted her to be happy, and thought Vegas would make her happy. We moved to Elko for work....which at that point we had none of. And that was it. She spoke to us a very few times after that, and visited briefly once until she was about her Jr. year of college. She began to have more contact with her Dad and a bit with her siblings, but barely spoke to me when we were alone in the house.
And I want to know why. I want to know what horrible thing I did. Because I have racked my brain and dwelt on this. See, in spite of everything, I love that twerp. I continue to do all I can to help her. Tried to get her a job after college. Laid in a hospital all alone so that her Dad & siblings could attend her college graduation. Gave him the money and told him to buy her a diamond necklace for her for a gift. And why am I Satan???????? I have never lied to her, or hurt her. In high school when her Dad was gone and I was working and struggling to make ends meet, I HIRED a babysitter so that she wouldn't feel put upon and could enjoy her high school experience - not spend it raising her siblings! I bought her a car, and sold it to her Mom for her when she moved. I took her dog in when her Mom was going to get rid of it....and am still taking care of her.
Don't misunderstand, I don't want a thank you or anything like that. I don't expect an award for being a good step mom. Or a wicked one.

All I want is to be able to look at this picture, and not cry. Me! CRY! I don't cry and yet over her, I have cried more than for anything else. I don't have horrible feelings when I remember Thomas' short time on earth. I don't even feel awful when thinking of my Grandparents who I miss so much. But this picture and so many others make my heart physically hurt and tears come to my eyes. And I don't want to feel like this. And I want to stop feeling hurt and frustrated and I want to know why she doesn't love me anymore.
Because she used to. She really used to.
And that relationship was one of the most important and sweetest in my life.
I miss Michelle.

Eight years ago today!

2011-08-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today, we finalized our adoption of Kristine and Shelby. Then we took them to the Reno Nevada Temple and were sealed as a family forever! The part my girls remember the most from that day? Going to Olive Garden afterwards with everyone! Yep. They are definitely MY daughters!!!!!!!!

A happy reminder of one of the best days of my life!

Well, we are busy, what can I say.

2011-06-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Instead of filling you in on the last year or so, I will just post a blog about the latest happenings in the Fairfield Family.

My Dad is retiring after 36 years with Western Nevada College. His last day as the Dean of the Fallon Campus is June 30th. I can't imagine life without that place and I have a feeling Dad feels much the same way. We hosted a surprise Retirement Party for Dad this past weekend and I thought it was a great affair. Dad was surprised and happy. I think it was a helpful way for him to close this chapter of his life.
We had lots of old friends, family and co-workers.

It was a great night!

We also had a Baby Shower for my new Sister-in-law, Samantha. She and Ronnie are expecting their first child July 14th.

As you can see, we had lots of gifts, wonderful company and some good food. We are all enjoying having the latest Scharmann Sister in the clan, and I am really looking forward to having another niece to spoil.

Last month we lost Grandma Shirley. We miss her, but are so happy that she is finally out of pain and with all those wonderful people she missed so much and taught each of us about through out our lives. But when one door opens.....

The day before Grandma passed away, Traci and Jake picked up their new son, Zander in Las Vegas. He is a joy. We love him and know Grandma was so happy he was coming to our family. She smiled when I told her.

This is the first picture we got of him.

He has fast become a wonderful part of our family. He is so sweet and very funny! He has a great laugh and wonderful smile. He loves his big sister. However, Lynnie is still deciding how much she likes Zander! But he is so adoreable, he's winning her over, in spite of that head strong attitude of her's!

I could go on and on about all the great happenings....the 2 week visit with my wonderful nieces and nephew, Shae, Kailey and Brendan. They are great kids and I am so lucky to be their Aunt. We have been spending more and more time this year with the Bertch's and love that our family had meshed so amazingly! We even had Suzy out for a visit about 2 weeks ago. Wonderful!

The Fairfield kids are still amazing and a true blessing in my life everyday. Michelle graduated with honors from Willamette University in May. Jake is living in Indiana working and going to school. Faith is beautiful and reading a lot. Kristine is beautiful and spending time doing puzzles and playing games. Ethan is handsome and away at Scout Camp this week. And Shelby is so full of life and growing more everyday!

Love to you all!

Full Circle

2010-03-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful weekend in Eden, Utah, with the Bertch Family. Now this isn't just any family. Suzy, the Mom, is Faith's Birth mother. Dion, Machaella, Kyra and Landon are all birth siblings of Faith's and Ethan, and Colby are her birth-step-brothers. Troy would be her birth-step-dad. We had a wonderful time, and finally, closed the circle that opened with our first meeting with Suzy in Renton, WA 13 years ago. So now, the Bertch family is officially part of the Fairfield Family. We loved every minute of our brief time together, and are planning another "family reunion" soon! I have to say, there wasn't one moment of discomfort. Faith is thrilled, and I feel like I just inherited some wonderful nieces and nephews!

One of the best weekends, ever!

More Pictures!

2010-02-22T14:30:00.001-08:00

Joel was very tired that day!

Shelby, age 9. Adorable!

Ethan, age 12. So handsome!

Kristine, age 12. Beautiful!

And last but not least, Faith, age 12. Gorgeous!

Some new pictures!

2010-02-21T01:37:00.000-08:00

We have a wonderful, talented friend named Melissa Blue. A few days before Christmas, we discovered that we needed a new family picture for a gift that Sheryl needed for a gift for Mom and Dad. I called Melissa, and she came over that night and took some great shots of our family. The one above is a sweet one of Joel and I - and Joel is really tired here. He was working graveyards with little sleep.

This one was just for the kids benefit. Melissa caught the kids giving their usual natural reaction to Joel and I doing what comes naturally!

Ever seen anything so cute?! Look at those cute babies and their tootsies!

This is my favorite family picture! Very much how I see my little brood!

Long time, no see!

2009-12-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are all alive. No, we were not abducted by aliens. Yes, we still live in Elko. No, we do not plan to move.
My sister, Traci reminded me this evening that I have a blog, and I should use it. So I just wanted to say hello to everyone, and wish you a Merry Christmas!
We will be in Elko this Christmas, and we are all so excited that Michelle will be coming home for the holiday! We haven't seen her in a very long time, and miss her a lot! The kids all have ideas of what they want to do with her while she is here, but Joel and I are just content to be around her, and hear her voice. I think until our kids have kids, they don't ever really understand how much their very presence is a gift to us. Some of my happiest memories are of when Michelle and Jake were little kids, and running all over the place. Michelle always reading or playing the leader. Jake always running everywhere, and yelling before he got there. One of my favorite stories of Jake is when Faith was first born. She was about a week old, and she could see his bright red hair. And he was loud. So whenever she would hear him coming, she would close her eyes, and open one just a crack, and follow his red head around the room. If that red head got too close to her, she would close both eyes tight!
Michelle has always been a very special kid. I remember right after I married Joel, and we were all living in the apartment at Childers in Fallon. It was always so fun playing with her, or just getting her through a day. I remember once after she had been with us for a week or two. She just kept staring at me, and following me around one evening. I put on "The Little Mermaid" and went into the kitchen to finish the dishes. I felt someone staring at me again, and I turned around and there Shell was, just staring at me. I asked her for the hundredth time if something was wrong or if she needed something. She said no for the hundredth time, and just kept staring and thinking. Finally she decided to let me in on what she was thinking about. I hear this thoughtful little voice say, "I don't think I want to call you Aunt Terri, or Terri. I think I will call you Mom." I was stunned, and asked what made her decide that. Michelle said, " Well, you are just like a really real Mom. You cook for me, and you give me baths, and you read to me, and love me. And my feet don't even stick to the floor! So since you act like a real Mom, then you must be a real Mom." I, of course, was stunned. I, of course, explained that Beth was still her Mom, but that she could call me whatever she was comfortable with, just as I had said from the time Joel and I got married. But I won't lie to you. It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me, and although I already loved her to bits, I loved her even more. The surprising part I have found over the 17 years we have been a family, is that through thick or thin, I just love Michelle, Jake, Faith, Kristine, Ethan, and Shelby even more, every single day. Whether they are under the same roof as me, or hundreds of miles away. Whether we talk every single day, or only once in a while, I love each of my beautiful children more and more.
I don't really care at this point in life if this is uncomfortable for some people to hear, or not, but being Michelle and Jake's Mom is one of my greatest gifts. I couldn't love them more if I had given birth to them. Giving birth to your child means so little in how you love your children. I realize that Kelli, Traci, Sheryl, and Mom (hi sisters and Mom) are probably the only people who will ever read this, but I just have to say to everyone in the whole world, that I love Michelle and am so proud of the woman she is becoming. I love Jake and know that he will find his way, and love that boy so much. Any slights in our relationships, I pray, will be forgiven by them, as they have been by me. I am grateful to Joel every day for giving me two of my greatest gifts, then adding 5 more. I am blessed.

Merry Christmas - and I will post again, soon.

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Kristine's 12th Birthday! She is the sweetest kid, and she deserved a very special day. So that is what she got! She got almost everything on her list (she asks for very simple and inexpensive things), got to have lunch at The Star, got to have her brother come home, and had dinner out with some of her cousins.

Kristine is a wonderful blessing in our family. When I think of how her life started out and the things she has endured, she is even more remarkable. A great kid! But then, I am blessed with remarkable children! ;-)

I would also like to wish my Mom a very Happy Birthday, as well. She is.....well I guess I won't reveal that, as it may give some of you not in the know, and idea of how old I am! Anyway, Happy Birthday Mad Momma Lana! I love you! Thanks for all you do for me and my family.

A Happy Birthday shout out to Jaci Whitaker! (She's married now, but, sorry, I don't know her married name.)

And last, but by no means least, a Happy 2nd Birthday to the Colbster! He may not be a Lewis officially anymore, and may be way out in the backwoods of Tennessee, but in my heart, he is my little nephew forever. We miss and love you, Colby!

Sorry it has been so long!

2009-06-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

There is just so much going on all the time! Sitting down at the computer is never something I have time for, unless in involves Primary or work! So here are a few pictures to just let you all know we are still alive!

Faith, Kristine, and Ethan's Band Concert

Shelby's Choir Concert

Faith and Kristine's Choir Concert

This is a chair the girls helped re-upholster for a charity auction. It went for $ 100!

We got to see Uncle Ronnie over Spring Break!

Aunt Traci had a birthday!!!!

It's been raining for about a month here in Elko, so our summer smore cooking has had to come in doors for a few of our parties!

Our most exciting event so far this summer, is having our new friend Shawn move in next door! Shawn is seven and being adopted by our great friends, the Gustoffson's! He joins his new baby sister Cora! As you can see, he is settling in well!

16 Years and still going strong!

2009-02-19T20:26:00.000-08:00

Joel and I celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary this past weekend. My little sister, Traci and my neice Jessalyn came and stayed with the kids so we could take a trip to San Francisco. We honeymooned there, and love the city. We took the train there and back (wonderful, highly recommend); stayed at Fisherman's Wharf; ate at the same restraunt we did our first night married; visited the U.S.S. Hornett (Military history for Joel, ghost hunting for Terri); and loved every minute of our time together, proving we really do like each other after all these years!

Closing in on February

2009-01-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

So sorry. After New Years, I got busy with life again! Go figure!

Everyone is doing well. Faith did start back to school with a double ear infections, though. The first day back! Ugggghhhhh! I won't even go into what a crappy Mom I felt like. But a few days on antibiotics and she was back to her normal old self! Of course, then Kristine ended up with one the next week. And so it goes.

Ethan got to go to Scouts at Church this past Thursday with the 12 and up guys. I was a little, ummmmm, emotional. He will be old enough soon enough in the year to go to Camp Fleischman with the Scouts, and they are doing things to prepare, so they have asked Ethan to start going early. Awwwwwwwwww......I thought I had another 2 months before I had to watch any of these kids grow up any more! Faith is totally ready, too. And one of her best friends, Roz, had her birthday last week, and started Young Women's this week. So she is chomping at the bit! Kristine, just goes with the flow. She is my happy little one. What ever happens she finds the best in it!

Shelby started piano lessons 2 weeks ago. She is so excited, and practices every day without being asked. She goes the half hour before her big sisters, so she thinks she is pretty cool. But then, when doesn't she?! :)

We are preparing for our trip to Disneyland in a couple of months, and are so excited that our neighbors are going to meet us down there. Char and Mike are a lot of fun, so this will be great.

Joel and I are preparing for our Anniversary Trip in February. It will be so fun, but I'm still not sure what we will talk about for 12 hours on the train! I mean we pretty much read each others minds as it is! I guess that means I better bring some movies or something.

We have also made a huge, huge decision in our lives. HUGE! We have decided to sell our Harley Davidson. It is all paid for, and for what it's worth, we could buy a nice camp trailer. We had a friend pass away at a very young age a few weeks ago, and it really got us thinking. We get way to wrapped up in the everyday, and we aren't at all sure we are building enough memories with our kids. Now neither of us expects to die anytime soon, but our older three are all turning twelve this year. That is the same age Michelle was when she came to live with us in Fallon. Now she is a Sophomore in college, and that time flew by. Joel and I want to savor every minute with our kids. We like to camp, hike, travel, but Mom needs a bed now (getting old you know) and her own potty (not big on shared ones or bushes), so we decided a camper would be ideal. We may even hook her up and take a trip out to Indiana, seeing America along the way. Who knows. But the point is, this life is proving way too short, and time with our kids is so fleeting and easily wasted. We do not want to look back and wish we had done more to spend time as a family. I mean honestly, I love my job, but at the end of the day, it isn't what keeps me awake at night, or what makes me happiest. Joel and the kids are.

Now, many of you know how much I love that Harley. But, we will spend a lot more time using a camper (I can hear my Mom telling me it's safer anyway!). And someday maybe once the kids are all gone, Joel and I can get matching Fat Boy's or something! :)

Well, it's raining here in Elko; Ethan just got back from a Merit Badge fair in Wells; Krissy and Shelby are playing with Kyra; and Faith is at a Red Cross Babysitting workshop with a friend. Oh, and I have sharing time and Ward Conference tomorrow. I need to get back to the kids and make the final arrangements for sharing time.

Have a wonderful day!

The Holiday Round-Up

2008-12-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas! The kids enjoyed all their gifts, as did Joel and I. The day after Christmas, I took the kids to Fallon for a couple of days. (VERY stupid having had hand surgery a week before!). But, I got to spend time with Grandma Shirley, and the kids had a great time with the Scharmann and Lewis Cousin's. So it was worth it. Joel had to work, so he kept the home fires burning in snowy old Elko for us. We really missed him!

Shelby loved her doll. Ethan really likes a book! Well why wouldn't he, after all it is called "The Dangerous Book for Boys"!

Kristine love her Hannah Montana Poster, and Faith loved her Joe Jonas doll (really she did, I was just teasing her about kissing it, so she pulled a funny face as I took this picture!)

And the big gift.....a trip to Disneyland over Spring Break! All the brochures and reservation information was in this box. It didn't take long for them to realize what it was all about!

I could not have gotten Christmas Dinner together without the help of my great kids!

Faith and Shaelyn were pretty inseparable at Grandma's. Ethan, Brendan and Dallin had a really good time too.

The girls and their nails. Jessalyn is blowing on Kaylee's newly painted nails. "Nails by Kristine"! And like I mentioned, I loved getting to spend time with my Grandma! She is so much fun! (This was Faith's 2nd attempt at a picture and I wasn't sure she was figuring things our, hence my lovely face!)
We hope you all had a Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:06:00.001-08:00

We have been busy this Christmas Eve. Steve, Sheryl and the kids stopped by early this morning to get some shut eye on the way west to Fallon. It was nice having them visit, all be it briefly. Dallin is huge! Kaylee looks exactly the same; Shae is tall; and Brendan has a bunch of huge teeth in his face! Wow, time flies when you don't see your nieces and nephews often!

After the Scharmann's left, we busied ourselves....wait Joel and I busied ourselves with last minute Christmas prep. The kids played, as they should on Christmas Eve! After Joel left for work, the kids and I got all the cookie and candy plates together and went out into the snowy afternoon and delivered our little gifts. It has snowed all day today, and that added to the already lovely white Christmas start from this past week. The snow was wet, and just shimmered whenever light hit it. It is so pretty. We came home had "roast beast" with our friend Renae, and then did the traditional Scripture reading of Luke 2, and 3 Nephi 1. Shelby wanted to be a Wise Man, so we read some of Mathew as well. Then we sat around the tree and talked about what Christmas means to each of us and what one thing we are most grateful for this year. It was a really nice moment for our little family, and seemed to have put the right Spirit back into the Season for a few of my kids that were being, shall we say...Scrooge's! Then the kids opened gifts from friends who had been so kind to remember them this year.

We pulled up NORAD Tracks Santa and the kids and I watched him move through parts of Canada and back into the U.S. That lit a fire under them! They put on a movie in the basement and are all watching it and sleeping together in the big bed tonight. Makes it easier for Santa to know just where they all are and not get surprised by a sneaky Fairfield! The girls were very careful to put out milk and cookies with a nice note, and sprinkle magic Reindeer food in the snow before heading downstairs.

The kitchen is clean; the food is prepped for Christmas dinner tomorrow; the stockings and presents are prepared; and I am exhausted. I guess this is perfect evening to curl up in front of the fireplace with some cocoa and watch White Christmas! Oops....NORAD shows Santa in Arkansas right now, so I better not sit in front of the fire too long. Don't want to interrupt the Big Guy! Besides, I have a snugly little bed that is free of extra occupants tonight, well until Joel gets home! I may as well take advantage of that!

Merry Christmas!

Almost Christmas

2008-12-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

It's been a strange Christmas Season here in our home. The stuff with Colby, then the failure of our next door neighbor's adoption a few days ago, my surgery and Jake and Michelle's voluntary absence from our family, have made Christmas a lot of work this year. The weird part is that the feelings of wanting to give, the love, the warmth and the excitement, are all still underlying everything. But that's just it. They are UNDER everything. I find joy in my little one's faces and excitement. But those feelings seem to be so fleeting this year. I guess I am just very sad. That makes sense, right? I worry for Traci, Jake and Lynnie and what they are enduring right now; I worry for Char and Mike and what this has done to them; I see how deeply hurt my husband has been, and disillusioned he still is; I watch my own kids push away the hurt of missing Colby, Jake and Michelle, and I worry for them. And then, it all hurts me as an individual too. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, Joel and our kids, and He knows us. He has shown me so many times, I can't doubt. But I still feel hurt and I still worry. I hope that doesn't take away from the love and comfort he offers me and each of us; I just know that even though I feel his love, it doesn't take away any of this pain. It makes it bearable, I guess, but it is still present.

So we carry on. We just carry on. I try to find magic for my kids still. The snow helps. I try to nurture and understand Joel. So many years together I think help there. I try to carry whatever I can of Traci, Jake, Mike and Char's burdens, but I know whatever I do is insignificant. I pray for all of us, and try to remember Christmas's when all my children were home, happy and knew they were loved. I really hope they still know, where ever they are, that they are all loved. Nothing changes that, surprisingly. We tell them, we send reminders and try to show them, but at this point, for what ever reason, nothing seems to be enough.

Being a parent is really really hard.

Thanks to the surgery, I have now taken a pain pill, so hopefully the next blog is happier, or at least sillier! :)

Merry Christmas.

December? How did that happen?

2008-12-02T22:41:00.001-08:00

Wow!

That's it. Just Wow!

Thanksgiving was a perfect day in the Fairfield Home this year. We welcomed a new member of the Fairfield Clan, Jane....all be it all the way out in Indiana....as she married Adam the day before Thanksgiving. And although we weren't able to attend we the happy couple were thought of often. My folks were here for the Holiday. As was my little brother Ronnie. We were thrilled to have Char and Mike, our wonderful next door neighbors, and our friends from down the street, the Jamiel Family, join us as well. Mike and Joel, both were on duty at the P.D. that night, but hung out as long as they could before all the happy Elko families started their festive holiday brawls! The also brought Aaron, another officer, over to join us. So, the house was full and happy. The food was good, the day was fairly relaxing, and, again, the company was wonderful. Just a perfect day.

Monday we took off to Ogden, Utah. We met up with the Eardley's and Jamiel's at Temple Square. We did a little shopping, then had dinner at the Olive Garden. Afterward, we attended "The Forgotten Carol's" by Michael McLean. WONDERFUL! A little more shopping today and then home for Shelby's first choir performance at the Festival of Tree's here in Elko. She was fabulous. But then, she's Shelby.

The trip may well become a family tradition for the Elko Fairfield's.

I was at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, when my Mom called to tell me that Traci and Jake had lost in court. Colby is being taken away by social workers on Saturday to be sent to live with his drug addict birth father and his drunk parents. Yep. I know. And yes, I realize this isn't the most Christlike way to respond to this turn of events. But it's all I can do. He's my nephew, and she's my baby sister. And this stupid paragraph is all I can do.

So, yeah, the performance last night elicited a much stronger response emotionally from me than I would normally display. Today I had to replace my makeup a couple of times. Don't know why I bothered. I just lost it all over again. And I'm just Colby's Aunt! But in all honesty, if I have ever in my life known anyone who would handle this awful situation with grace, dignity and in a Christlike manner, it is my Moser. She was special from the moment she came into the world. Even the angels knew that, they left a mark on her. But I hate that she, Jake, Jessalyn and Colby have to endure this. I know there is a plan. I know there is a purpose. I just cannot fathom it at this point. I don't know how to comfort her. I have no idea what to say, and I feel like I should have just shut my mouth about the blessings of adoption. Because, although I know that adoption truly brings wonderful blessings, right now, I wish my sister would never have tried to find out. But then....I can't imagine the past year and a half without Colby in our lives. Lauralee said that these first two years are the most formative of a child's life. Maybe Heavenly Father needed Colby to have the incredible start in life he has had because of my wonderful sister and Jake. Then again....maybe some things are just incomprehensible.

As I am sure you all know, I could go on and on. But I have to stop. I might short out the keyboard of this computer.

Love you all.....

I know....I know.......

2008-11-22T21:19:00.000-08:00

So sorry. Life, you know.

We are all well. Just finished cleaning the family room carpet, since Mom is coming for Thanksgiving, and I know how her allergies are. So I thought I would do my best to reduce the dis-comfort. Helps all the rest of us, too, and my carpet will look as good as it can (it's old) for the guests over the holiday's.

Our Primary Sacrament Meeting Program was 2 weeks ago, and it went nearly perfect. Between preparing for that and the elections (yes my boss won! :)) I was pretty stressed out! I have to tell you, though, I didn't realize I was stressed until Sacrament was over and I felt like literally laying down on a bench and sleeping!

The campaign for Congress went really well. My boss ended up winning by a 31% margin, which is pretty dang good considering how poorly other GOP candidates did this election. He beat his opponent by 20,000 votes more than when they ran against each other last time. Washoe County still doesn't get it. They went with the Congressman's opponent, and apparently aren't satisfied with all the work he has done for them the past two years. Oh well, that's what you get with and uneducated, ill informed electorate that gets most of it's information from sound bites. Sorry, I am a little jaded I guess.......

Anyway, Joel is wrapping up the Academy he has been in charge of for the P.D. in a few weeks. He will be very relieved. It is a lot of work. But Russell Smith, who is the Humboldt County D.A. and formerly of Fallon, came and spent two days teaching two weeks ago for Joel. It was nice to get to see him and hear about his family. (They have their own beehives and the girls were home getting the honey while he was here in Elko. Wonder who had the most fun?)

Shelby finished up basketball and is singing her heart out in choir for Ms. Lemmon. Kristine, Faith and Ethan are all finishing up basketball season, and enjoying band practice's. The older girls are also performing in a piano recital the week after next.

All the kids are getting good grades, but I have to brag on Ethan for a minute. For the first time since first or second grade, he has brought home all A's and B's on his report card. And his behavior is good, too! He's still the class clown, but he has finally decided he wants to do well in school, and knows when to buckle down and get the work done. All that said......I probably just jinxed the whole thing! Shhhhhh, just don't tell him I said anything!

As a family, we are looking forward to a trip to Salt Lake to see "The Forgotten Carol's", do a little Christmas shopping, and spend time with some of our friends. And in February, Joel and I are celebrating our 16th Wedding Anniversary by taking the train (a room of our own, not the seats) to San Francisco for a couple of days and then back. We are hoping to fit in a trip to some war ship (Joel's idea) and the Opera (not Joel's idea). We are sooooo excited. Traci has been kind enough to plan to come stay with the kids for us that weekend. It will be great.

Well, that's all I have for now. (If I write more I run the risk of losing Steven's attention!) But I will leave you with a few pictures from our time in Fallon recently with Jake and Traci's kids.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

October already!

2008-10-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

Traci said I needed to update this. So I looked under couches, chairs and beds, and found that 25th hour in my day!

We are full on crazy busy right now. Between work, school and church responsibilities, that would keep us busy enough. But now we are doing Volleyball (Kristine and Faith), Basketball (Shelby), Band (Ethan, Kristine, Faith), Choir (Faith, Shelby, Kristine), Piano lessons (Kristine and Faith), campaign events (all of us), Police reserve academy (Joel's running that), trips out of town for work, and family, and the holiday's and elections coming up. Oh and we are trying to get the Primary program squared away. Oh, and lest I forget, Adam (Joel's brother) is marrying his lovely girlfriend, Jane the day before Thanksgiving, and we are trying to figure out how to get there for the wedding. We have school for kids, and need to be home for Thanksgiving. Kind of a tough one. Anyway, life is crazy. In two weeks, we will be doing double time on sports for about a week. The girls will finish up volleyball, and with Ethan, begin basketball. Oh and the girls begin rehearsals for a community play they are going to be in. Can't wait for Christmas. For the first time, I think the holiday's will actually feel like a holiday since they won't be nearly as busy as every day life!

Here are a couple of pictures from Fairfield life. Enjoy, and we love you all!

Shelby was Baptized Yesterday!

2008-09-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

It was a great day! Shelby got to have a joint baptism with her best buddy, Gabby. Here are a few pictures from Shelb's big day.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad (39 years!)

2008-08-23T16:27:00.001-07:00

WOW! 39 years! Maybe it looks better this way...thirtey-nine years! Nope. Any way you write it, it's still a looooooooonnnnggggg time. I can say that since I have been there for thirtey-eight (38) of those years! (Doesn't look any better a year less, does it?)

You know, it's kinda funny how having my 38th birthday is sort of a bummer, but being married 39 years is a major cool thing! Party next year for the 40th? (Better, because I am pretty sure I will still be crying in bed on your 41st!)

Anyway, Congratulations Mom and Dad. We may not all be perfect yet, but your marriage has been a great example for each of your kids, and your grandkids (thank goodness no great grandkids yet!) We all have great marriages because you taught us about the importance of the institution and all the work that goes into it. Thanks for that!

Howdy!

2008-08-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a while again! Sorry! School started, work is busy, Joel is busy, Ronnie is busy (well he got layed off, but he's still busy!)
First, I forgot to post about Shelby's new bike. She was not too thrilled with me. I mean how could I forget one of the most important parts of her birthday!? (Could it have anything to do with the fact that you had about a week long birthday, Miss Shelb?) Anyway, when we got home from our visit to Twin Falls, Uncle Ronnie brought in Shelby's present from him and Grandma and Grandpa. If you remember, Shelb was not very happy when she looked at her old bike next to Ethan's new one on his birthday. She hinted VERY strongly to Grandma when she was there for her visit this summer, that she wanted a Hannah Montana bike. Well, she got one. (I must admit, her old bike looked like a tetinus nightmare! It was pretty rusty, and a lot of sharp edges were showing.)

School started this past Monday.
Don't they look so happy to start? Well, actually, the kids were pretty excited. Kristine, Ethan and Faith started at the Intermediate school this year. For the girls, it is kind of the same design as the "pod" set up at Minnie Blair when Steve and I were their ages. The school is huge though. Nothing worse than touring the school with your nervous kids, and having to let on like it's no big deal when you are pretty intimidated yourself.
Ethan has team teacher's, sort of. His set up is kind of like Beach and Heath had it back in the day. The teachers have classrooms side by side, and they each teach different subjects. Both Ethan's teachers look about 12. Seriously, when did I get this old? That just snuck up on me!
Shelby is still at Mountain View. She loves it. Afterall, she knows everyone, and is seldom,....what' the word.....oh, yeah....she's seldom shy! Pretty much walks around like she owns the place. And her teacher this year is Ms. Hart, who happened to be one of her best friends teachers last year. And that friend, Maia, has Ethan's old teacher. So they think it is just so cool to give each other "hints" about the teachers. Shelby is joining Choir this year, too. Oh, and we start basketball practice in a couple of weeks. I'm just glad piano for her doesn't begin until after Christmas.
Faith and Kristine start Volleyball practice's in a couple weeks, as well. That will add to their piano lessons. Ethan wouldn't play football this season (ugh!) and the only other sport he could sign up for right now is co-ed volleyball, and he wasn't about to do that (which didn't really bother me). I hate to not give him a choice, but I am fast approaching the point where he will just be signed up for an activity whether he wants to or not. The football thing really ticked me off! But I have to be patient. Right? He won't do piano, or volleyball, or football. Soccer is out mainly because I hate watching those games. But he didn't want to do that either. Basketball and baseball are about all I can get him doing. It drives me nuts. But, he is still a very active kid, even if it isn't in an organized sport right now. It makes me very happy that Joel and I made the decision years ago to not have video games in our house and accessable. Ronnie has his in his bedroom, and Ethan can play those only when Ronnie gives his permission for him to go in his room, and Ethan's chores have to be totally done. So that doesn't happen too often. I just remember how Jake was at this age, and am sooooooooo glad we didn't let Ethan follow that path.
Well, I won't promise to post again this week. It will be busy, and we will be in Fallon over Labor Day weekend. We have the County Fair in Elko this week, the parade here in Elko Friday (I have to escort the Congressman and his family), then Winnemucca, Saturday; and then on to Fallon. But since it is a campaign related event, I think I only have to escort in Elko, and the campaign staff will take over from there. But since I have the connections in Fallon, I may end up doing stuff there, too. Who knows? But at least I will get to see Colby and Linny and I eat lots of good stuff at the Cantaloupe Festial.
See some of you soon, and others of you later!
Love you all!

Tagged! YUCK!

2008-08-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here goes!

20 years ago:
1 - I was getting settled in Rexburg, ID.
2 - I was figuring out how to room with Barb!
3 - I was just about to meet Mike Ritter.

10 years ago:
1 - I had been married for 5 years and 6 months
2 - Faith was only 16 months old! Such a cutie!
3 - I was getting Jake and Shell ready for school in Phoenix.

5 years ago:
1 - I think we were living in Montana still
2 - We had just had my birthday dinner at that marvelous steak house in Victor, Montana
3 - Joel had just moved back to Fallon, and we were on our own in Montana for a few months.

3 years ago:
1 - I was hoping Joel would actually be coming home from his deployment
2 - I was losing my mind raising 4 kids and a teenager
3 - I was ready for a big change!

1 year ago:
1 - I got the dream job!
2 - I moved into my dream home!
3 - I still had a 7 year old!

So far this year:
1 - I have traveled all over Nevada
2 - I have had a wonderful vacation in Angels Camp!
3 - I am learning how to be a Primary Pres. and have made some wonderful friends in Elko.

Yesterday:
1- I worked all day, and held a Birthday Party.
2 - I ate Port of Subs, mmmmm!
3 - Each of my kids did something that amazed me.

Today:
1 - I worked all day.
2 - I splurged on ice cream with my kids!
3- I remembered how much I love my kids and my husband!

Tomorrow:
1 - I will work all day.
2 - Take the kids for eye exams.
3 - HOPEFULLY...sell Ronnie's Rangers and get one out of my garage!

I want to joyfully tag NO ONE! IT ENDS HERE!

Long time no see!

2008-08-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hello from Elko! Yes we are all still alive and well. It has just been a very busy time for us, so the blog has been a little neglected!

Lets start with Shelby. Shelby turned 8 on the 7th of August. We spent the day in Twin Falls with Kelli, and her girls, touring the temple, and doing some school shopping. It was a fun time. But man was it hot! We had to stop at Sonic on the way out of town for something cool to drink. It was either that or die of heat stroke! Yeah, I know, any excuse for a treat from Sonic!

But the Temple is beautiful! In one of the rooms it has a mural of the Snake River gorge. It is amazing. The windows are gorgeous. I can't even do them justice in a description though. Suffice it to say that Mom would love them. All the kids were great in the Temple. Aly didn't like the booties, but she isn't the first kid that doesn't like those. My first counselor's little 3 year old son had a fit the whole time, too. (Do I hear wedding bells, Kel?) But it was fun, and a great way to spend Shelby's birthday.

Unfortunately, Shelby didn't agree. So we had to have the "big" party when we got back to Elko. She had about 10 little girls over for a Magic Show, water fight, and Port of Subs. Her CTR 8 teacher, Sister Jamiel, has gone to "clown college" in Wisconsin and hires out as a clown and magician. She was kind enough to come down the street to our house and put on a great show for Shelb's party. It was a big hit! She ended up with cake in the face, lots of great gifts, water up her nose, and by the end of the day she was exhausted! Here are a few of the shots from that day.

Then, we have had a lot of other things going on. Joel and I got to meet Senator Orrin Hatch at at an event in Lamoille. (Forgot to get pictures of ourselves, just took them of the boss and others!)

And Grandma and Grandpa Scharmann even came for a short visit a few weeks ago. Grandpa showed the kids how to swim. (Mom should have been the one, but we just visited instead!)

We have had a full and busy summer. But this week is all about getting ready to go back to school. The first day of school in Elko is next Monday the 18th. So we are busy preparing! That snuck up on me! OH!!!!! Speaking of which.....CONGRATULATIONS to my favorite new 5th grade teacher! Way to go Jake!

Oh, and for those of you interested, today was the Primary Election, and my guy is up by a whole lot right now! Woo Hooo! Looks like I am keeping the dream job a little longer!

Have a good night!

Love you all!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2008-07-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Today Ethan is 11! He has been hyper all morning! Finally, once Ronnie got home from work this morning, Ethan was able to open his gifts. He has been playing with his Transformers ever since. I figure the video games are next!

Well, we are off for Fallon now so that Ethan can have dinner with his friends there, and I can do some work.

Have a great day!

Ethan's new bike!

2008-07-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Ethan's birthday is coming up on Monday. Ronnie was in Fallon, so he brought Ethan's present from Grandma and Grandpa home to Elko today. It was the perfect gift. I especially liked Dad's logic to get E. a gift that would, "get him out of the house"! Well, it worked!

So here are a few pictures of the happy almost birthday boy. Oh, and take a good look...this is only the 2nd day all summer (yesterday was the first) that Ethan has worn shorts!

By the way, this second picture is Ethan saying "Thank-you" to Grandma and Grandpa and Ronnie!

Oh, and I couldn't forget this one. This is Shelby hinting that she wants a new bike for her birthday. When her brother started riding his new bike, she started to get on hers and had to get off and tell me and Ronnie how she needed a new one. "This one," she said, "needs a lot of work, and I can't hardly ride it." She has only mentioned it twice in the last 20 minutes.

My Favorite New Video!

2008-07-14T22:57:00.001-07:00

I don't really get to watch this kind of stuff anymore, but being the fan that I am, I was able to see the video on Brad's website! I thought it was a little funny and sweet.

Ethan needs a haircut!

2008-07-12T22:30:00.001-07:00

So Ethan really needs a haircut. I took a few pictures tonight before bed of his little afro!

The 4th

2008-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it has been a little crazy the past few days around the Fairfield Home. I worked long days last week, since I knew I would be not doing any case work for about a week, due to holiday's and travel. Then Friday was the 4th, and I got my family ready; had a neighborhood BBQ and parade; then headed to the Fairgrounds to wait for my boss and his family to get into town. (I waited a long time.) Finally, just before we had to go up on stage, they showed up. We ended up staying late at the fairgrounds, then we took them to their motor home.

Saturday morning, we got up early;Joel made a great breakfast, and my boss and his family came to eat; about the same time, I had to leave to pick up a truck and get it ready for the parade. Then I met them at the parade; ran along side the truck at least half of the route; and then cleaned the truck and took it back. Afterward was grocery shopping; home for a quick nap and shower; cooking; had guests over and stayed up too late cleaning.

Sunday, I was conducting and had Sharing Time (which I had been preparing throughout the week!). My boss and his family came to church with us. After church, I began working on a DVD for Hunter to take home with him; and Mom, Dad, and Lacey stopped by!

Monday was work and some travel; later began getting Hunter ready to go back home to Fallon. Oh, and Joel took the kids for a hike up to Lamoille Lake where they all did some fishing. No luck though!

Today, work, travel, and packing all of Hunter's things. Joel and the kids just left with Hunter to meet his Dad in Winnemucca. I am home for lunch, so thought I would bang this out really quick.

So here are the pictures of our recent adventures! Have a wonderful day!

The Party's over!

2008-07-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

The party ended! About 4:30pm, the last of the little girls went home. I had left and gone to work this morning and Joel got to supervise. Poor guy was a little frazzeled by the time I got home this afternoon! But everyone is sleepy from staying up until 3am, even the boys who were asleep long before that. So baths, pj's and a short movie, then bed!

Kristine's Birthday Party, Part II

2008-06-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

Just like her Mom! Very excited to receive chocolate for a birthday gift!
Can you see Joel, hiding on the stairs? I told him to come down so Krissy could open her gifts, and this was as far as he dared to go!
I am thinking Krissy is enjoying being the Party Girl!
Here's Shelby showing off her balloon "bodankadonk"! Better than the belly she had first!
And here is Shelby a few steps later, when she lost her "bodonkadonk"!
The boys are still safely ensconced downstairs in Ronnie's Lair!

CRAP TRACI!

2008-06-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here is how this one goes...ABC's "getting to know you" TAG.
Complete the ABC's of you.
Then, each player tags 3 people and posts their names, goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Joel, Lauralee. Yep, that about does it!
C-Cake or Pie: Oakie Cake!
D-Day: My favorite day involves beauty shop, Harley Ride, dinner out, and a lot of time with my kids!
E- Essential Item: MY BLACKBERRY! Can't live without it!
F- Favorite Color: Brown, and red
G-Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms (sour)
H-Home town: Fallon, NV
I- Indulgences: Anything chocolate or a Carmel Apple Spice from Starbucks!
J- January or July: JULY! My favorite Holiday (Independence Day) and my Birthday! Oh, and Ethan's too!
K-Kids: My kids are the greatest part of my life, followed closely by my beautiful nieces and nephews!
L-Life is incomplete without: Joel, my kids, and the gospel
M- Marriage Date: February 13, 1993
N- Number of Siblings: 2 sisters & 2 brothers, well, 3 sisters if I can count Sheryl, and 5 brothers if I can count Jake, Jerame and Adam!
O- Oranges or Apples: Oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: Something happening to my babies; Losing Joel; spiders in my mouth; too many germs; and the list goes on.....
Q- Quote: "Never Settle", Dad
R- Reason To Smile: My kids laughing; my husband laughing; a new pair of shoes, or a new Dooney!
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Three: Kelli, Mom, and Sheryl (I know Sheryl will never do this!)
U- Unknown fact about me: my life is an open book, so if there is something you don't know about me, it must be hugely personal, so it should remain unknown
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Oppressor of Animal, but more vegetarian every year, to my husbands chagrin!
W- Worst Habit: TV late at night!
X-Rays or Ultrasounds: X-rays because whatever is being x-rayed is fixable. The only need I will ever have for an ultrasound will be for a tumor or something awful like that!
Y-Your favorite food: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, and warm Oakie Cake!
Z- Zodiac Sign: Leo

NEVER AGAIN TRACI!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Kristine! And Mom! And Colby!!!!!!

2008-06-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Although Mom is the first to have this day as a birthday, and Colby is the birthday boy turning 1, Kristine's is the party birthday this year! 9 little girls!!!!!!! Overnight!!!!! Hunter and Ethan have retreated to the dungeon that we call Ethan and Ronnie's rooms. They are playing video games and having a wonderful time.

Kristine and her crew have eaten, and are now going on an hour of water play outside! And we don't even own a pool! Water balloons are wonderful things, apparently. They are having a great time, and as long as they don't get water in the house, or squirt me when I go out to take a few pictures, so am I. Joel and I put on a movie, thinking they wouldn't last long outside, but we are still the only ones paying any attention to Shark Tale. (Joel contends there is a reason for that. He doesn't like the movie!) I am hopeful they will wear out running and screaming outside, and not stay up until all hours. Yeah, I was laughing as I wrote that!

Anyway, Happy Birthday to all our June 30th Babies!!!!!!

Paisley Fan Club

2008-06-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I will get totally razzed for this, but it is the most exciting thing to happen to me today. I got a package from the Brad Paisley Fan Club today! It had an "autographed" (yeah sure) picture, a couple of magazine and newspaper covers, and a lanyard that says Brad Paisley Fan Club on it. My kids were very excited. I was pleasantly surprised, and so that isn't half bad for a Friday in Elko, Nevada.

Busy Day!

2008-06-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

The kids got to go to the Park for lunch (Lauralee and Kyler came by on the way to Utah). This evening, everyone went swimming at the Elko Pool, complete with the water slide! Fun day, sleepy kids! "Yay" said the Mom when she put them to bed, and didn't hear one peep!

Penny & Bob, The Adventure!

2008-06-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my last post, Joel's Mom, and her husband Bob, visited last night. They camped out back with the kids. This morning they took off for the last leg of their tour, and headed down through Carlin to Highway 50. This actually looks pretty fun!

We really enjoyed having them both visit. Bob is a really fun and talented guy. It was nice getting to spend a little extra time getting to know him!

Camp Out

2008-06-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me, know that I am not a big "camper". Unless we have a shower, toilet, etc., it is not something I enjoy. So we have the perfect solution. We set up the tents, cook over the fire pit, etc. Then at bedtime, I go upstairs to my soft, comfy bed and open the widow above the campers. I hear them and can see them, but am tucked in comfortably in my own bed!

We did that tonight, because we had a couple of visitors. Joel's Mom, Penny, and her husband, Bob came through Elko on their way back to their home in S. Lake Tahoe. They have been on a cross country motorcycle trip. Penny in a sidecar, bumping along the whole ride. But they seem to have really enjoyed themselves, and we have enjoyed spending the evening with them both.

We ate out, and now all the kids (except the few that got sent into the house) are out in tents, and so are Penny and Bob.

The Goose Whisperer!

2008-06-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

So the girls had a Birthday Party out in Spring Creek this morning (Sierra Hammer's for those of you who know the Hammer Family). I had to do something with the 2 boys, and they didn't want to go to the Motorcycle Rally downtown (for which I am grateful!). We headed over to the pond and park about a mile from Hammer's. There are A-LOT of geese. Hunter was a little hesitant when they hissed, but Ethan thought it was hilarious, and just kept walking toward them. Pretty soon, he was flapping his arms, Hunter was cracking up, and the geese were following him around. Yes, what proud moment for any mother to realize that, yes her son has talent, but it is with geese! I am pretty sure Hunter thinks Ethan is a little crazy! I would try to persuade him otherwise, but the evidence is overwhelming.

The boys had a great time skipping rocks and checking out fish from the dock. I relaxed, took some pictures, and listened to "The Last Lecture". Awesome, I highy recommend the book or CD's.

The Terrible Twosome, Together at Last!

2008-06-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, HE has arrived! Hunter, Ethan's buddy from Fallon, has come to spend a few weeks at Club Fairfield. (Or is it Fairfield Zoo! It is now!)

Can I just tell you, I have never seen two more excited, energetic boys! It is 8:38pm and they are in the soccer field behind the house running around chasing the dogs! I figure, let them, they might actually sleep tonight.

Shelby is trying to keep up. We will see how long that lasts!

Seriously, though, we are all really excited to have Hunter visiting. It should be a memorable couple of weeks!

Shelby's Hard Night

2008-06-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened last night, but this is what Shelby looked like when she woke up. She must have slept on her face all night, because the back of her head was fine, but those bangs! Those didn't lay back down on her head until after her shower!

That's my girl!

Angels Camp, The End

2008-06-15T19:02:00.001-07:00

Well, the last day came way too fast. The kids had such a great time together. It was almost like they see each other all the time. Well, I guess not since there were no arguments! Anyway, we had a great time. Joel enjoyed spending time with his Dad and Brother. And we all enjoyed getting to know Jane. I think for me the best part was getting to know my niece and nephews. I can't tell you how seriously I take this whole "Aunt Terri" thing. I always knew I would love my nieces and nephews, but I never knew how attached to each of them I would become, and how responsible I would feel for each of them. Not just the Fairfield kids, but the Scharmann, Teel, and Lewis ones, too.

I loved getting to see Grandma. That was a highlight, too!

Our family is filled with amazing people. I am so glad we had the opportunity to spend time with a few of them.

Well, let me leave you with some great pictures of our trip. Love you and Happy Fathers Day to my Dad, and all the others out there!

Angels Camp - Day 2

2008-06-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

The second day in Angels Camp was just as fun, if not more, than the day before.

We started out the day with a trip to Mercer Cavern, where we met up with Jim and Terry. Everyone, except Jim (he has a broken back) and me (I am a chicken) went down into the Caverns. They all loved it. Faith did even complain, because she was so in to seeing the rock formations.

This is one of those rock formations at Mercer Caverns.

And then there was the trip back up to the surface.

Yep, they had a great time, and I had a nice visit with Jim. After the Caverns, we headed over to Patty and Ernesto's home. Patty and Terry have been friends since they were about 10 years old. They are natives to the area. Anyway, they have a lovely home, and we had a great lunch. Jim and Terry headed back to So. Cal. after that.

We headed back to the condo, and everyone went swimming, had dinner and played games. I took off, and headed down into the central valley, to Manteca. It was about a 40 minute drive from my condo to Grandma Shirley's front door. We had a great visit. She is a woman with a mission. You should see her place! Genealogy everywhere, all bound up, and organized. She has the names in Temple Ready form, so we can all start doing the work for our ancestors. It is cool. She is a little computer genius now! So I told her about a jump drive; visited about her book (which I have a copy of now); and caught each other up on family. She looks great, and sounds even better.

I had to run into town to get Gram some more paper, so I made a swing by Schadeck's home. Not at all like I remember it. I guess it was unreasonable and a little naive to expect it to look the same as when Grandma and Grandpa lived there. But I don't like the gray, and I can't believe they took out the roses and box shrubs!

After my visit to Manteca, I drove back up to Angels Camp. I got there to find Jane teaching my family how to play M&M Poker! And they didn't even share the winnings!!!! Then we were treated to a wrestling match by the two most unlikely buddies in the group. Shelby and Colton hit it off, and he played with her and spoiled her the whole trip. Cole is a great kid. Not just for putting up with Shelby, but he is a nice, smart kid. He has his moments where he gets irritated, but I never saw one. And he loves to tease his brother and sister, but he is a 13 year old boy! That is pretty normal. He also takes really good care of them! So, as his Aunt, I have to say, he is a great kid, and I loved getting to know him again! So, we ended the day, all worn out and happy! It was such a great time! And I didn't even have to put on my Bathing Suit once!!!!

Angels Camp - Day 1

2008-06-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we all arrived safely in Angels Camp, CA. By "we" I mean all the Fairfield Clan (minus the two oldest Fairfield kids and Penny and Bob, who aren't technically Fairfields, but she gave birth....well never mind, you know what I mean!)

Adam, Jane, Cole, Claire, and Ethan arrived around 1pm today. Jim and Terry made it to town last night, a few hours before us. But they are staying with Terry's childhood friend, Patty. Anyway, we got here last night around 9pm. We got stuck in Carson City for a while yesterday. We just kept finding things to do, and places to go, and before we knew it it was 7pm! Anyway, we are all here and having a nice time.

Shelby and Ethan began their day around 7am, by getting their bathing suits on and waking up their Dad and I so that we would take them to the pool. Needless to say, Joel and I told them to eat breakfast and handed them some school work to get done. That bought us about another hour of sorta sleep time. But once we were up, we were going and going.

We visited, and ate. The kids swam; and hiked (Terry had the pleasure of that trip); and we took a drive to a beautiful Vineyard outside Murphys, and later played along the creek in town, and walked around. Once we got back to the Condo, we had a great dinner, visited some more, and took the kids swimming.

Big plans for tomorrow! Caverns, tourist towns, swimming and whatever else comes up!

Hogle Zoo Trip

2008-06-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun day today. I had to drive out to Wendover for work, and have been putting in a lot of hours the past few weeks. So it seemed like a good day to head all the way to Salt Lake and meet Jake and Traci and the kids at Hogle Zoo. We had a great time, and loved seeing Traci, Jake, Jessalyn, and Colby. Spring and her kids were there, too. Shelby loved the Zebra's. Kristine is in love with the Giraffes. Ethan and Faith were facisnated with the Gorillas. It was a lot of fun, then afterward we turned around and came home.

The Last Day of School, or....My last 2nd grader, ever.

2008-05-30T08:24:00.001-07:00

The last day of school. My last day with a second grader. Ever. Our babies are growing up so fast. I swear if I take a nap, when I wake up these kids will be in college.

The kids are thrilled today. Joel and I are a little weepy.

That Trace Atkins song, "You're Gonna Miss This" is just ringing in my ears this morning. So Moser, Kelli, Sheryl, it goes really fast. Hold on and enjoy the ride.

The song the kids were singing all morning was "What Time Is It?" from High School Musical II. Yep, they are thrilled this is the last day of school!

First Part of Memorial Day

2008-05-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

We took off Friday afternoon for Fallon. Although Mom and Dad weren't going to be there much, we wanted to head that way for Kyler Christensen's Baptism. Lauralee did a great job putting it together, and there was a packed room. Afterwards, we headed out to the Farm, and had a great lunch in the barn. It was raining all day so B. Ann lit the fire and we had a good time just visiting while all the kids ran around inside, and then later out in the mud and rain. (See the puddles behind the kids!) It wasn't until a little later that I realized that my kids and muddy puddles were not a good idea. But by then it was too late. So the kids rode home to Elko in bare feet, and I put their muddy shoes in a plastic bag in the back of the van. This posed a small problem when we had to do the potty stop in Winnemucca, but everyone made it to the bathroom without any problems.

Game Night

2008-05-19T21:19:00.001-07:00

Saturday night, the girls had Marrissa and Maia spend the night. These two have come pretty close to getting adopted into the family, along with their parents. But we have enough, so we only let them visit. And don't let Ethan's lack of a smile in this picture fool you. He had a blast when the girls are visiting. Maia gives as good as he gives, so I have to stop the "wrestle mania matches" downstairs between those two and Shelby.

We had wanted to see a movie, but couldn't decide on one, and the kids had spent 3 hours making and selling snow cones (they made about $26!), so we decided baths and game night were more in order. By the time we took this picture, Joel had gone to bed. But don't worry, it wasn't that late. Joel would go to bed at 7pm when he's working day shift, if we would let him! I won, by the way!!!!!

It just has to be Summer!

2008-05-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

I am not too sure if by saying this I will jinx everything........but I just gotta do it! I think we have summer in Elko!!!!!! Now I realize that the little boy in the baseball uniform is a big tip off, you know "the boys of summer". Anyway, Ethan didn't seem to have any desire to take off the uniform after the game today. So he mowed the lawn, watered the lawn, played basketball and even helped his sisters sell snow cones (they made $26 in just about 2 hours!) in his uniform.

Even though I hate the idea of messing up this beautiful weather by declaring "IT'S SUMMER", but you know me, I have always been one to tempt the Gods. So I officially declare that it is Summertime. Besides, it was almost 90 degrees the last 2 days! If that ain't Summer, then I don't know what is! Even Colby, Aly, Lacey, and Emma got sunburned already.

And to make it official:

......Joel has begun living on the back deck. It has to be summer. It just has to be!

My Mothers Day

2008-05-17T20:49:00.001-07:00

I was definitly spoiled this Mothers Day. I was in Montana/Idaho with the girls, and drove home that morning, but while I was gone, Joel and Ethan did a little shopping.

They got me a jewelry armoir that I had said I liked quite a while ago. Shelby put all my jewelry inside when we got home, and loved doing it. I love it!!!
Now, I don't want anyone getting too excited about how much jewelry it looks like I have. Most of it is costume jewelry, with a few real pieces. But even those aren't worth much monetarily; but each peice has a lot of personal significance to me.

Anyway, I just wanted to show you all how great my husband and kids were to me this year!!!!!!

I almost forgot to post this.........

2008-05-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

......and I would be very upset with myself if I forgot.

The weekend in Montana, was fast and full. We had a lot to do in a short amount of time. But the last event we were able to attend (2nd to the last if you count Sheryl's crepes as an "event", which I do!) was Shaelyn's Piano Recital.

A week or so before, Shaelyn had fallen and hurt her pinkie finger on her hand. Turned out it was a small fracture. (She can be a bit fragile, doesn't make the best tomboy!) Anyway, she had a beautiful piece she had been practicing, but since her finger was hurt, she had to do a simpler piece. She did a wonderful job, and we were so glad to have been able to be there and see what a talent she is becoming. Shaelyn played the more difficult piece for us at her home, and fractured finger or not, it was great!

Way to go Shaelyn!!!!!!!!!

Grandma's Dress

2008-05-14T15:26:00.001-07:00

Grandma Shirley called me less than a week ago to ask for Shelby's measurements. She had made a dress for one of Dana's little girls, and had material left over. She thought she would have enough to make one for Shelby.

So today, Shelby was sick and I needed to stay home with her. So I put her in the car and took her to my office, where I picked up a bunch of work, and forwarded the phones to my cell.

On my way, we stopped at the mailbox and picked up the mail I had neglected for the last 2 days. There was a package addressed to Shelby from Grandma. She was so excited that she pulled each piece of tape off until she could get the box open. She was so amazed that Grandma would send her a package! I made her read the card first, but it was in cursive so she stared at it a while first. I think she was trying to figure out if she could get away with pretending to read the card to herself, so she could see what was in the package faster. But she must have known I would ask her to read it, so she handed it to me to have me read it to her. Grandma still has such pretty handwriting.

Anyway, after she saw the dress, all Shelby could say for a while was, "Wow"! We got out to go up to my office, and she came around the car shaking her little head and whispering, "Wow"! It was cute.

I had to nearly force her to try the dress on and let me take a picture, though. Ethan had 3 of his friends over and she was embarrassed to model for me. But when they went downstairs, she ran up, put it on, and posed for me.

Fast Trip to Montana

2008-05-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Let me preface this with the reality that no one should ever take a "quick" trip to Montana. Especially when you are visiting family. It is too beautiful not to take some time to look around. That said, I did exactly that with my girls and my sister, Kelli, and her daughters. Ethan was supposed to pitch, so he stayed home with Joel.

Here are a few snapshots to fill you in on the trip!

This first one is from when we stopped briefly in Dillon, MT. As you can see, Aly really enjoyed riding in Auntie's car.

This is the whole reason for the trip! Jake graduated from Montana State University! It was such an exciting day! He and Traci have worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to reach this day. It would have been easy for them to stay in Fallon, living in a house they owned, driving nice cars and working at the hospital and Raleys or construction, and just settling. But they didn't do that. They sold their home, downsized the vehicles, quit their jobs and moved away from the town they spent their whole lives in, and moved hundreds of miles away to Montana. They scrimped and scraped, and Jake did a great job working occasionally, and focusing on his classes. Traci worked, and cared for 2 babies. Now here he is. Jake Lewis, Graduate of Montana State University. Now he heads off into the world to be a teacher. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

This guy is one of the reasons Jake was able to successfully finish his education. If Steve had not enticed Jake and Traci with the promise of a basement apartment, they may never have even considered the relocation. Besides, look at how those kids love their Uncle Steve!

These next pictures are just snapshots of the fun we had on our little trip and some of the great family we got to meet up with! (Almost all the Lewis' and Scharmann families were there!)

Faith's Facial

2008-04-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had some of the girls friends over. Of course everyone had a great time, except Ethan. He was getting over pneumonia, so he didn't really care all that much what the girls were doing, as long as they left him alone. Hence the friends. This is a picture of Faith and her best buddy Marissa. They went to the grocery store with me, so I bought them masks to give themselves "facials". We teased them because they got cucumber masks, and they looked like they had spread snot all over their faces. So we had to take this picture of them! We Fairfield's love Marissa. Until we moved here to Elko, and Faith was in class with Marissa, all of her friends were skinny little white girls. Needless to say, Faith had quite the complex going about how she looked. Marissa changed all that. They are very much alike in attitude and physical features, and that has helped Faith see herself the way we always have. Beautiful.

Lasik Trip

2008-04-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time. I couldn't wear contacts anymore, and I am way too vain to wear glasses all the time! So I combined a few things, and took the family to Salt Lake City this past week, and had Lasik done. The first few hours after the numbing stuff wore off the eyes, were a little difficult. I was very sensitive to the light, and I left my Tylenol back at the condo. So there I was in the van, under my jacket, crying, while Joel took Faith and Kristine into the Mall to get Faith a swim suit. Ethan used my phone to call his Dad, and they hurried back out to drive me the 40 minutes to the condo. Once I got there, I took a couple of Tylenol, slept in a dark room, and by 6pm was feeling pretty good, and seeing great. Ethan was having problems with his asthma (a few days later it turned into pneumonia), so he hung out with me at the condo while the girls and Joel did a little sightseeing. (That was after the swimming, of course.)

Next door to our condo was a Swiss Spa. It was a huge place, and had all kinds of cool things the Joel and the girls could do, beside the normal spa stuff. The picture at the top is of Krissy and Shelby in front of this huge fireplace in the front lobby area of the Spa. This one is of the girls in front of the carousel outside the building.

And they thought this huge chess set was really cool. So did Joel.

All over that area of Utah (near Heber City), there are these little craters, filled with warm water. There is a really big one that people go scuba diving in.
And there were deer everywhere. These ones were right on the lawn in front of our rooms. It was very lovely. There was still some piles of snow that hadn't melted yet, and true to form, as soon as we were getting ready to leave it began snowing very hard. I heard later that area ended up getting 2 feet of snow! We hightailed it out of Dodge just in time to miss all that fun!

Well, by the morning after my lasik, I was seeing and feeling great! I know why I waited as long as I did to do this, (watching Joel get his done almost made me pass out) but I am kicking myself for waiting so long, now! I thought if Steve and Traci could survive it, so could I. But it wasn't until my vanity kicked in that I finally did it! My contacts were driving me nuts, and glasses just don't work with formal occasions! Plus there is the whole 20 year class reunion thing. But we don't want to talk about that.

Shelby's 2nd Grade Music Performance

2008-04-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Mountain View Elementary here in Elko, has a fantastic music program. Each year, each grade has some special night where they are showcased. This week we had the 2nd grade performance. Shelby was so good. She really got into the whole thing. Ms. Lemmon has them do dance steps, and gestures, etc. It always turns out really cute.

Shelby got to play the tamborine and did a great job! Watch out America! Shelby has a future playing the tambourine!

They all played the kazoo, and even did a little one where they had to stand and hold their hands together and sing like they were in a choir. That was cute. It was even more amazing that all those little 2nd graders held the pose the entire song!

We thought they did a great job! And we were very proud of our Belbers!

I jinxed things!!!!!

2008-04-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

The weekend was lovely. Woke up Monday, and it was cold. Tuesday it was snowy and windy and freezing. I sat through a slow moving 2 hour Little League game, in my work clothes, wrapped in a blanket, and wearing a coat and gloves....and still froze. However, Ethan's team won 13 to 1. Ethan hit each at bat, and did a great job. The coaches are using him at Saturday's game to pitch. This picture is of Ethan getting his first hit of the game. I was so cold, that this is one of only 4 pictures I took!

The girls had their 2nd game last night and Kristine was the pitcher. She was terrific! She would watch the bases, and keep her team focused on the game, telling them where the play was. And to add to it, she pitched a great game. Between celebrating her Pitching debut and Ethan's terrific performance in school lately, we decided Pizza Barn was in order. Delicious! Even Ronnie showed up.

Well, that's the latest from here. Love you all!

I don't want to jinx things, but......

2008-04-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

.....I think we finally have Spring in Elko! Saturday was gorgeous, I even got a sunburn! Yesterday it was in the high 70's! It was great!

Saturday was Opening Ceremonies for Baseball and Softball, and the first games for each of the kids teams. Faith decided not to play this year. Don't know why. I am pretty sure she already regrets that choice.

Ethan's team won their game. E was a little nervous, but ended up doing very well. He pitched, and only gave up 3 hits. He played 3rd base, and did well there. His first at bat, he struck out. He was pretty stiff. But Ronnie talked to him, and got him to relax. So he hit a double the next at bat! He stole 3rd base; then stole home!

This is Ethan's team, and he is right behind number 2. I know you can't see him worth beans, but I promise that's him. Believe it or not, this is the best picture I could get of him!

Kristine and Shelby's team won their game as well. Theirs was at the same time as Ethan's, and out in Spring Creek, so I drove the girls, and Ronnie stayed with Ethan. Joel met them when he got off work.

OK, back to the game. Kristine played catcher and made a couple of good plays; she played shortstop, and had a couple of good plays there. Shelby played 1st and 3rd. When she was on 1st and Kristine was shortstop, Kristine made a great stop, and threw the ball to Shelby, who tied with the runner. Sucked but they did great! Kristine got a hit and on base each at bat. Shelby struck out the first at bat, but got a double the second. When she hit the double, she brought Kristine home. Then their little friend Maya hit right after Shelby and got a triple, bring Shelby home. She was so excited, you would have thought Shelby hit a home run! But it was a good game!

Spring Break!

2008-04-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

That title is a misnomer. The first day of our "spring break" we woke up to snow. It has been cold everyday since!

We were going to Disneyland this week, but decided to put that "stimulus package" money to good use later in the year. We can spend more time (and money) that way. So instead, we have done some "spring cleaning", shopping and movie watching. The girls and Terri are going to see College Road Trip tomorrow afternoon. But this is what Ethan, Joel and Ronnie did today.

Now you know why I was cleaning after they got home. Still trying to turn my laundry room back to a laundry room! What a mess! And they took the dogs! So they dogs had to have baths when they got home. Yuck! I will be cleaning up after the boys and the dogs for a good year! But, they had a great time, and that is really the only thing that matters. We have loved having Ronnie around. But Joel and Ethan have, especially.

For those of you, which is basically all of you, who are old, old friends, or family, I have some fun news! I got an email from Mike Ritter! He is doing great! He has 2 little kids, 2 and 8 months, and a lovely wife, Amy. He is working at Temple University in Philadelphia as the Asst. Director of the Adult Anxiety Clinic. Now here's the "Wow" part. He got his PhD at UNR!!!!! Can you believe that! He was that close to all those great dinners we all love to mooch off of Mom and Dad, and didn't call! Crazy. I guess that just proves he grew up, because the Mike I remember would not have passed that up for anything!

Here are Mike and his family. I know Mom and Dad will like this picture. They always did like him better than me! (Shut-up Steve!)

What a fun year already! Lots of exciting stuff already like connecting with old friends, (Hi Barb!); getting ready for the 20th class reunion; broken arms; little brothers; and wonder of wonder's ....no disagreements at Easter! But best yet is this Spring Break. I am loving just hanging out with my husband and kids. No practices, no work, no meetings, and we aren't even answering the phone too much! (Sorry Mom! ) Shelby spent almost 3 hours straight dancing tonight. We had on "Hairspray", and she danced the whole time; then we played it again, and she danced nearly the whole time! It was so fun to watch. Then she and Faith would sing and sing. Ethan and Kristine were rocking out to "Guitar Hero" (thanks for that Traci, Jake and Ronnie!). They are so funny to watch! Of course, I don't dare play when anyone is around. I look VERY goofy! (Again, shut-up Steve!)

Ronnie came home this morning from working the night shift, and didn't want to waste one of his days off. So he was up all day. I now can hear him snoring (loudly) on the couch in the family room. My cue to head upstairs. Love you all! Goodnight!

Easter

2008-03-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

I think I am the last of the family to add Easter pictures. But oh well!

We all had a great time at my sister's house in Pocatello. I have to say, I was so focused on kids and people, that until I downloaded all my pictures, I didn't realize how beautiful the land is around Kelli and Jerame's.

My kids had a wonderful time, which is all anyone ever wants. So I thought I would just post the pictures, and let the story tell itself. I mean, it was just that good!

Kristine's Broken Arm, Part 2

2008-03-20T09:49:00.001-07:00

We took Kristine to the Doctor on Tuesday, to get her cast on her arm. The break was such that the Dr. said she could get a removable cast! She could take it off for showers, and we thought that would be great. She didn't agree at first, because it was black not pink. But once we got metallic markers and started signing her cast, all was well. Sort of.

Now remember, it was removable. I thought since Kristine is such a good kid, and minds really well, she could handle it. I told her she could not take off the cast at school, only for a shower. Yesterday, (she had had the cast less than 24 hours) I picked the kids up from school. I asked Kristine if she had a good day; how her arm felt; and if she left it on all day. She said, good; a little sore; and yes. Then Faith piped up, "No Krissy, remember you took it off and showed me the bump when we were out on the playground at recess!" Busted!

As soon as we got to my office, I called the Dr. and made arrangements to take Kristine in and get a traditional cast on. I am not taking any chances with this. So she ended up with her pink cast after all!

Here she is this morning. She claimed that is was kind of heavy compared to the removable one. I said, "too bad".

I doubt I will blog before the weekend, so HAPPY EASTER! Have a lovely weekend!

2008-03-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, FAITH!!!!!!!!!!

I have a few "best days"; but this day is one of my favorites! I woke up with a phone call from Brother Campbell, and ended it with plane tickets, and packed suitcases. I woke up just Terri, and ended it a Mom. As I write this, I can still feel that feeling I had March 18, 1997. I am overwhelmed and so happy. After 11 years, Faith can still overwhelm me; but that intense personality is what makes her so amazing. I wouldn't trade a day with her. No, not one! I love this kid! She is beautiful, talented, and stubborn! I am so blessed. Not everyone gets this lucky in life. Just one of the Best Day's ever!

Kristine's Broken Arm

2008-03-17T12:34:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say. Ronnie, Ethan, Shelby, and Kristine wanted to go to the skate park to skateboard. Against my better judgement, I said yes. Kristine said she was riding the skateboard down the slope, and it started to go way too fast for her, so she decided to fall off. She caught herself, and broke her arm in the process. But the Dr. said it is the best kind of break to get. It is about an inch above her wrist, so no growth plate damage; and it is a "buckle fracture" which means no need to reset or manipulate her arm. That made me very happy. She was a real trooper. It hurts, but not so bad that she was crying a lot. She was in a good mood the entire time. That made me almost think it wasn't so bad that I needed to take her to the ER. But, I did!
Shelby and Faith have been trying to do everything for Krissy. Shelby even helped her put her deodorant on today. What a sister! Last night, all 3 girls had to sleep in the same room (Shelby's) so that Kristine could be close to me; and so the sisters could take care of Krissy. Ethan, well, for his part, he hasn't been pestering Kristine; or wrestling. For these small gifts, I am very grateful.
We get the cast put on tomorrow. Kristine wants a pink one with Easter Eggs. We will have to see about that.
Apparently the holiday's are treacherous for the Scharmann relations. Thanksgiving, Shaelyn broker her arm here while riding a scooter; around Valentines Day, Lacey broke her arm; and now Kristine. Let's hope broken arms come in three's and this is the end of the streak!

Faith's Birthday Party

2008-03-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went where few Mom's have gone before. Faith had a sleep over for her 11th Birthday Party. I had 9 little girls show up at about 5pm. Joel cooked hamburgers and hot dogs; we had chips and cake and ice cream of course. And during the dinner festivities, Joel, Ronnie, Ethan and I were treated to a rendition of Queen's "We Will Rock You", unlike any we had ever heard before. The banging on the table was right on, but the tune was a little off, and the words....well those were mostly "nah nah nah nah nah, big man someday; you got nah nah nah face, big disgrace, kickin nah nah nah over the place! We will We will Rock You!" Oh, I am pretty sure I heard Freddy Mercury roll over in his grave! If this gives you any indication, RONNIE was wincing at the horror!!!!!!!

After dinner, cake and ice cream, I took 9 little girls to the movie to see "Horton Hears a Who". It was a good movie; true to the book. But really, who can go too far off of Dr. Seuss? The girls were all very well behaved, and Faith did her requisite fall during the evening, while getting out of the van. Seriously, no day is complete unless Faith has tripped and fallen. Poor kid still needs to get used to her long legs and feet!

On the way home from the movie, we had a small blizzard! I couldn't see the lines on the road, and could barely see the car in front of me. But we all got home safely. As I was beginning to make breakfast this morning, I looked out my kitchen window and this is what I saw.
Yes, I am fairly sure that Kelli had something to do with this too. Just kidding. This is just my own regular good luck. Actually, the more snow and rain, the better my yard will look this summer. And, hopefully, that will reduce the number of wildfires this year.

Well, that's it for now! Wish me luck. I have all these little girls to get out of my house by noon!

Spring has sprung! WRONG!

2008-03-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

This entry is dedicated to my sister Kelli. Somehow, someway, my darling sister jinxed Elko! We had finally gotten rid of the snow in the yard! It had all melted! It rained a little yesterday morning, but that was fine; it just cleaned off the mud left behind, and left a lovely mist in air.

But then came this morning. Yes, I woke up, and there was snow on the ground, again. I blame Kelli, because she called me first thing in the morning yesterday, complaining that it had snowed again in Pocatello. That means, since I was so relieved that it had only rained here, Kelli had to jinxed me!

But, as you can see, Springtime is still trying to fight its way into Northeastern Nevada!

2008-02-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

By the way, I wanted to thank everyone for all their support of Faith for the Spelling Bee. She appreciated it, and so did Joel and I. Grandma drove out from Fallon, Aunt Kelli, Kaylee, and Shaelyn called; Ronnie hung out all day; Traci text messaged throughout the Bee and after seeing how Faith was doing; and Suzy kept in touch via email, and then sent Faith this lovely bouquet. Yep, the kid is loved! Thanks guys!

The County Spelling Bee...the showdown begins!

2008-02-14T20:33:00.001-08:00

Well this past Saturday was the Elko County Spelling Bee! Faith was very excited, as I think you can tell from this picture!

She was a very excited kid, and very confident. I made the "mistake" of supporting my beautiful daughter, by telling her I just knew she could win this! (I regretted that later!) So not only did she have total confidence in herself, but she had my total confidence. Apparently that is a lot of pressure for a 10 year old. Well, that and the fact that Grandma drove out for it because Faith told her it was only the most important day of her whole life! (Yeah, nothing like guilting Grandma into a visit!)

So here Faith is after she has checked in and is ready to go! She was so excited, not nervous really. She was loving the whole experience. She thought her badge was neat, and the landyard. She was so giddy!

Well, the Spelling Bee finally began, and once they got up on stage, then Faith looked a little nervous. But really, I am so amazed that she does these things! I mean about 2 years ago, we couldn't get her to give a talk in Primary; and she was so shy that when she was 2, we couldn't get her to even sit for a picture! But now she is performing in Choir (or was until Jan.), and participating in Spelling Bees! So here she is listening to the othere spellers, and then taking one of her turns.

I would love to end this telling you she won, but she didn't. She got out in the 4th of 6 rounds. The word was surcharge. Faith will hate that word the rest of her life, guarenteed! She came off the stage, sat next to me, curled right into me, and began to cry. She was so disappointed. I hated it! As we drove home, she said, "Mom you told me I would win!" It was an accusation not a simple statement. We babied her the rest of the day and we all went out to La Fiesta for lunch, just like she wanted. I felt awful all day, so she milked that, and got things her way the rest of the day. We all knew full well what she was doing. And although I would not condone indulging your kids that way, usually, sometimes it is more important that they get to be a winner or a queen for the day in their home, where they feel safe and loved. So she got her way, but that night, after prayers, as she was heading upstairs to bed, she gave me a kiss then leaned in and said, "Mom, thanks for supporting me." I am really glad she said that, because I don't think I would have slept a wink, worried that I had said the wrong thing and put too much pressure on her!

Snowy Days!!!

2008-02-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

I feel like saying Merry Christmas, again. Or at the least greeting you with some traditional Eskimo phrase!

It has been snowing like we live in Montana for the past few weeks! We had such snow storms yesterday, last night and this morning that the Stake President cancelled all our meetings except Sacrament Meeting! It was clear and the streets were kind of clear. If my wonderful husband and later, my wonderful neighbors hadn't cleared my driveway, there is no way I could have gotten the van out of the garage or even out of the drive way! Look, here is the front of my house!

So, by the time we got half way home from Church, it started snowing again! When we got into the house, I decided to take these pictures, so I headed outside.......in my skirt and boots! What a dork! Anyway, I may be having hot flashes, but blowing snow up the skirt is not really the way to take care of those! When I got back in the house, I was taking the pictures of the back yard, and I could hear an engine! So look what was going on in my back yard!!! It may be hard to see, but that is a snowmobile in my back field! And the fence at the bottom of the picture is my backyard fence. When I cropped this picture, I cropped it right at the snow line on the fence. Thats a 5 foot fence! It is nuts here! But it is still pretty for the most part. Well, it is lovely until you have to get out on the roads! Those look awful, and are difficult to drive on. The main streets get plowed, and driving on them isn't so bad, but the residential streets are a nightmare! One house near the Church decided that they would rent a frontloader, and they took all the snow built up on the street in front of their house, and all the snow on the sidewalks in front of their house and those of the neighbors and dump it all inside their chain link fenced yard. The fence is about a 4 foot fence, and the yard is pretty large, like Mom and Dad's on Laiolo Street, and it is now full all the way, and packed in there good. I wonder what that will do to their grass, flowers etc. and the front of their house! It's a nice gesture, but it could end up damaging their property the way they have it packed in there!
This is the view down the street from the front of my house. It is a mess! This is the only outlet for our cul-de-sac, so it is pretty traveled, but it is only wide enough right now for one car at a time. This morning, we couldn't have even gone down this road, but one of the neighbors has a snowblower, (Ronnie and Joel say it is an industrial strength snow blower) so he took it up and down the street a couple of times. That and one of the neighbors from around the corner has a big blade looking thing on the front of his truck and came and plowed the rest of the snow onto the sidewalks. And this picture is the other way down the cul-de-sac in front of my house. Yuck!
I can't believe that this is the same back porch where I used to sit and read, and listen to the fountain bubbling. And where we ha

d wonderful BBQ's. I don't know if my porch will ever recover! My lovely back yard isn't even recognizeable!

Well, we hope all is warm and well where you are! I doubt it is for any of my siblings since they all live in cold climates now. Even Ronnie! He is on his way to Elko as I write this. He just called from Battle Mountain. He got a job at Queenstake, a Gold Mine here in Elko County. He is going to live in a room downstairs for as long as he needs to. The kids are so excited. They loved having him here for the week when he was looking for a job. So now even the Ronster is living in the cold weather areas. Mom and Dad don't need to move to Arizona or Florida. They live in warm weather to all of us anyway!

Spelling Bee Queen!!!

2008-01-25T20:51:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to update this for a couple of weeks. Wow, time flies when you are going 100 mph!!! ( Yes that is how I like to drive too! :) )

Most the news this time is about Faith. Not that she is the favorite, just the most active these past weeks. First, Faith won the Spelling Bee for the entire 5th grade at Mountain View Elementary School! There was some "controversy", since the judges weren't quite sure how the rules to declare a winner worked. But ultimately, Faith won. She told me she knew she would, because she had practiced, prayed and was not nervous. I don't know if I buy the last part. Just look at the pictures for yourself.

But then look at her at the end! Yeah I guess a bit of confidence after all! I love seeing her like this!

Then, we went to see Dr. Dyches in Reno this past Monday. Faith has had the biggest tonsil's forever, but I kept waiting for her pediatrician to tell me to see and ENT. Well, the last visit, I asked her, and she told me she was wondering why I hadn't taken her to see someone earlier! I mean really! Anyway, we went to Reno Monday, and Faith and I drove to Fallon Wednesday night, spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa; then back to Reno Thursday morning (early, so very early!). She had her tonsil's and adenoids taken out.

Now as any of you who know Faith at all, know, she is a bit dramatic, and a bit of a hypochondriac. But since she finally came out of the anesthesia, she has been a real trooper! Not much complaining, just not wanting to rest. The pain medicine forces the resting part though! Anyway, she is healing really, really well. Her Dad and our neighbor gave her a blessing before we left for Reno, and between having a wonderful Doctor, and that blessing, I know it has made all the difference.

Faith wanted a picture of her tonsils, so here they are........Naw!!!! You all know me better than that! I get faint at the sight of blood from one of my kids! Could you imagine if I saw an actual body part! NO WAY!!!!!

Oh, and Sheryl and Kelli, I found the pictures from Thanksgiving, finally. They were downloaded into Joel's picture files. I didn't even think to look there! Just when I think I get this stuff, I prove myself to be the usual dorky self! Anyway, there are some cute ones of your kids, so I will email those to you!!!

Joel is great! Tired, but great. Same for me. We do have a house guest for a little while. Not sure how long. But Ronnie is on his 3rd trip to Elko right now, looking for a job. Since he is planning on getting married in June, a job is a pretty good idea. And after seeing his laundry, I am tempted to say a wife may not be such a bad idea either! Not sure they make enough bleach and stain remover to turn his dress shirts white again!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

2008 has started out with a bang! (As you can see, we have worn out the kids already!) We have been going non-stop since we rung in the New Year with Sparkling Cider and Tiaramisu! The kids and Terri spent the evening hanging out, and Joel got home around 11pm. We watched the "ball" fall at 11pm, and it took Terri a full hour to figure out that the reason it had happened an hour early was because we only get TV stations from Utah!!!! Yep, another fine Terri Moment!

Jake flew back to Washington on the 3rd. He almost got to stay, (and not just because Terri and Joel wanted to lock him in a room and keep him around!) That was toward the beginning of the weather onslaught we have been experiencing around here, and his flight was cancelled because of weather conditions grounding planes in San Francisco. But Joel was able to get him on another flight that routed through Salt Lake City, and he made it home just fine. (Wish we had known about the Salt Lake flight earlier, it would have saved the long (or at least longer) drive to Reno.

The kids started back to school this past Monday. Then today they had their first ever SNOW DAY!! So here are a few pictures to show you what it looks like around here today!

This first picture is the kids (including Joel) snow fort; 2nd our front yard; and 3rd is the view from my sofa in the family room!

Early Saturday morning, a levee broke on a canal in Fernley. Since that is in the District that Cong. Heller represents, Terri spent Saturday and Sunday making various arrangements and gathering information. She headed out there on Monday, and came home today. She was planning on driving back tomorrow, but providence has decided otherwise. Terri will head back out next week instead! (On behalf of the Congressman's budget, Terri would like to take this opportunity to thank my Mom and Dad for the lovely and FREE hotel accommodations!) Thankfully, no lives were lost! No injuries either! But extensive damage to a lot of homes. Terri has learned so much by working with the city officials, and the various agencies involved. She really feel for the families effected by this, and is really grateful for the opportunity she has had to help in some small way. Cong. Heller has been on top of the situation and trying to help in every way possible. At a town hall meeting the other night, the people just couldn't say enough nice things about him since he had spent time out there with them, was pushing for the different federal agencies to quickly come to their aid, and because he had someone (Terri) out there in the area everyday since the flood happened. But those poor people. Some of those families have lost everything! It happened at 4am on a cold Saturday morning. Some folks had to leave their cars in the middle of the street and make a run for it because the waters were coming so fast.

The abandoned cars were everywhere, and many houses were under 8 feet of water. All you could see was roofs. But the clean up has begun, and the federal emergency monies are available to them. Now begins the long process of cleaning up and re-building. Here are a couple of pictures that should give you an idea of what those people were facing. (Remember these were taken AFTER the initial break and flood! So the waters have receded in these!)

Can you believe TCID had this thing temporarily fixed in roughly 12 hours! Those guys are amazing if you ask me!

We hope you all are well, warm and dry, and enjoying 2008 so far!

Christmas is over...and I am surprisingly sad!!!!!

2007-12-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

You know how it is. The frenzy leading up to the Big Day, you almost want it to all be over. Then it is and you wish it could last just one more day!

We had a wonderful time in Fallon with Mom and Dad, Traci and Jake, and Jessalyn and Colby. Traci's kids are so precious (in a very good way, not the southern way!) Jessalyn had Aunt T wrapped around her finger, just like everyone else who sees her! She is speaking so well now, and is so much fun. I taught her how to hide in the cabinets under the window seat in the front bedroom at my parents. We had a lot of fun with that! Traci wasn't too pleased. But in the end, I was the one to regret it, as she hid Kristine's shoes in one of the cabinets as we were trying to get out the door to come home! Yep, Traci got a real kick out of that!

Colby is so adorable. He smiles more than any baby I have ever seen! And he is happy all the time. He rarely cries, and even then it is usually just a whimper while he finds his thumb, or the bottle! He really cried only one night, and that was because he had caught my cold and wasn't feeling good! Yes what a wonderful Aunt T I am! I not only give gifts at Christmas, but I also give a cold!

My kids really had a great Christmas. Too great! I promise myself (and Joel) every year, that I have a list and I am sticking to it. Well, I did have a list. And I did stick to it. Unfortunately I always forget to take into account the gifts my parents give the kids, and ones I have bought early and hidden. I always end up giving too much! I think my kids literally got everything they asked for! I can't do that ever again! I make a pledge right here and now that next year, each child gets 3 gifts, another from Santa, and stockings. That is it! I PROMISE!!!!!

Faith enjoyed her gifts, but enjoyed her Grandma more. She loved spending time with her cousin Jessalyn, and holding Colby for Traci every chance she could! I think her favorite gift was her Dream Life game. I have to keep reminding her that the game is not only a game, but is truly a "dream life". No way in this lifetime will I pay her $50 for cleaning the kitchen, or buy her a pair of shoes for $500!

Kristine was really great at helping out during Christmas. She loves to help Grandma in the kitchen, even if Grandma doesn't always enjoy her help! But Kristine and Shelby helped Grandma make Christmas Candy, and they had a great time. I think of her gifts, Krissy enjoys the 2 globe shaped 3-d puzzles we got her. She is a puzzle fiend!

Ethan had fun playing with his big brother, Jake-James. (I have always called him Jake, like most of you, but he prefers James now. I have a hard time with the transition!) Anyway, he and Jake played games, wrestled and just caused general mayhem whenever possible. Ethan loved the Pirates of the Carribean Black Pearl ship with the action figures most. He is very creative and can play for hours, relatively quietly, with it! (Thank-you Mom!)

Shelby was a very happy kid! She wanted to be Jessalyn and Colby's personal pack horse all the time. Traci was very patient with Pickles and let her carry and hold Colby quite a bit. She hasn't been able to stop dancing since she opened her MP3 player. She is trying to grow up too fast for me!

As I mentioned, Jake came to be with us over the Christmas Break. He makes me feel so old! He is so grown up and smart. I reminded him tonight of how I used to have this big powder puff with some white perfumed powder. I told him how he loved that thing, and how every night after his bath, he would put on his PJ's and run into my room, get that puff and use it to smack both of his cheeks! He would not let us wipe off the extra powder, and would go to bed with a white face! I was reminding him of this, as I brought out a similar powder puff I found while shopping earlier. I didn't expect him to use the thing, but I thought it would be a funny memory. But, he didn't remember it at all. So now I am stuck with a puffy powder puff, smelly powder, and a feeling of being old. I guess he was only 3 or 4 when he loved that stupid thing. I can't believe how grown up he is. I miss my little "french fry with ketchup on top"!

That said, it has been a lot of fun having him around. And we got to spend a few hours with Michelle as well. We may not always be happy with her choices, but we really love the girl. She has grown up to be a very smart and interesting young woman. Her sisters really love her and love having her around.

Joel had a good Christmas. Got everything he wanted, and spent time with all of his kids. He is feeling a little sad now, missing Michelle, and wishing we were closer to her. But he took Jake on a ride along at the PD tonight, and they are having a good time together.

We both got to talk to Adam and his son Ethan last night. We miss them very much, but love each time we get to talk to, and see the Indiana Fairfields.

While in Fallon, we got to touch base with old friends, especially Lauralee, Alan, and Kyler! Love their new house, and Kyler is always a hoot!

So we had a good Family Christmas, but missed having the Steve and Kelli families around. We did get to see Ronnie and spend some time with him and his girlfriend, Joelle. He is a big guy now, and Joelle isn't at all. No one should be allowed to be that skinny!

We are glad to be back in Elko. We got home in time for Bill and Mary Sheffield and their family to stop by today. They are on their way to Fallon from Wyoming, and we loved spending a few hours with old friends who still remember us skinny and with hair (in Joel's case.)

We will always love Fallon, and especially holiday's with the family, but we do love Elko and our home here. Beside, my Mom keeps that house way too hot for me!!!!!

'It was the Thursday before Christmas and all through the house....."

2007-12-20T19:06:00.001-08:00

How are all your homes holding up right about now? We have all the gifts wrapped and under the tree, and surprisingly all the kids have been really good about not snooping, shaking or tearing a corner! The downside for us is that EVERYDAY right as the kids are heading to school, one of them tells me, "Oh, Mom! I need (fill in the blank with whatever party treat comes to mind) for my class today!" I am so happy for tomorrow, just so that I won't (fingers crossed) hear that again for at least a few weeks!
Joel got bit by a dog tonight. He was called up to the hospital ambulance bay. There had been a roll over up on the interstate, and the two people in the car were taken to the hospital to be checked out. (Don't think there were any injuries, just a precaution!) They were traveling with their 2 little wiener dogs, (I can't spell dachshund). Can you believe this! The ambulance crew calls a cop up to the hospital to get two little dogs out of their rig! So Joel gets the first one and puts it in his car to take to the kennel to be checked out. He goes back to the rig for the 2nd dog, and it goes ballistic! Running around, barking, etc. It runs out the rig toward Joel, who kind of catches it. It starts squirming and gets away, and runs straight for one of the paramedics and attacks her. Since it is Christmas, you might get this reference. Joel said it looked just like in "Elf", when Buddy tries to hug the raccoon! Anyway, when the dog is done with the EMT, it turns around and charges Joel again. Joel gets a better grip on it this time, but it is still able to turn its head, so it begins chomping on Joel's thumb! He had his leather gloves on, but still it did some damage to his finger! No stitches or anything, but still cut up and all. The dog ended up getting away and running off into the field near the hospital, or down Lamoille Highway, they don't know for sure. It is sad because it has been snowing the last 2 days, and is pretty cold. I feel bad for the people who will find out about their little dog. I mean it was just really scared! Joel is having a hard time feeling too compassionate for the little thing right now, but he will feel bad for it in a day or so.
We are heading to Fallon for Christmas Saturday! We are all really excited. Faith wanted to go with Traci and her family when they came through night before last. But I made her stay and go to school!
We will get to see Jake over Christmas too. He is so big now. I just talked to him, and he was busy studying for physics! I can't believe this is the same guy I poddy trained by putting cheerios in the toilet bowl for him to "shoot"! They grow up so fast. I realized today that Shelby, being my baby, is my last kid to believe in the "S" man! When she stops, what will I do? I mean, it will be so weird! And I will miss it.
Well, enough for tonight. No pictures, sorry just nothing to post!
Merry Christmas!

2007-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Hi!!! It has been a busy week so far. But I wanted to just touch base and say hello. Everyone is doing well. Basketball season ended last night. The Faith and Kristine's team lost, again. But both girls have learned a lot and played really well. They really pushed through when they were frustrated and tired, and I am proud of that and for not letting their team down. I was amazed at how many kids only showed up once in a while! And we had a couple of kids on the team who were not team players, so that made it hard to win very often. But that is the risk you take when you don't coach your own kids! I think I will be coaching Ethan in Baseball, well, at least helping, this season. After the racist coach last year, I don't think I feel comfortable not being very involved. I hate to be overprotective, but oh well. Better to be safe on this issue. And I guarantee if I run into that coach next year, and he gives Ethan any crap, I will kick his butt! I was quiet overall last year, and just pulled E off the team. But that will not be how I handle it next time with him.

I guess this is a good time to update you all on my first Sunday as Primary President! (I know the paragraph above really reflects what a perfect candidate I am for this role!) Anyway, I didn't get to sleep until about 3am then got up, and got to Church about 15 minutes early. I was pretty nervous! I handle conducting, and sharing time. Plus, one of my counselors had a musical presentation she was a part of at another church that morning, I don't have a Chorister yet, and my Secretary was gone as well. So I had a lot of help from my 1st Counselor, and a member of the previous presidency. And I felt like a wound up version of the Energizer Bunny! But it went great and the kids were good. I think it is going to be a good experience.

And I really like both my Counselors! We were made to work together. Finally, after all these years of being in the minority, I have both my counselors who are BOTH fans of Donny Osmond!!!! Finally!!! So, needless to say, we are getting a lot of work done and having a lot of fun together doing it!!

I added our family picture so that you could all see how big and beautiful my kids are. Joel and I are definitely showing our age! But we are very grateful for our family, and all the wrinkles, weight and gray hairs are worth it. I was downloading a bunch of pictures the past few nights, trying to get all the photos on Cd's, and Joel and I were so amazed at how fast these 15 years have gone, and how quickly our babies are growing up! I still have to remind myself that Michelle is 18, at college and never coming home. It makes me sad, and a little frightened. I worry about her and hope that between Joel, Beth, George and I, we were able to give her the tools she will need to be successful and happy. But it is all water under the bridge now. And she is a pretty good kid, so I have faith she will be OK. At the top of the page is how I remember the kids when I first met them, and how I still see them sometimes! I just can't believe they are grown up!

Well, I am going to post this so that I can spend some more of the evening with my 4 babies I still have at home! I would hate to miss out on any of the time I have with these guys!

Love ya,

Terri

Giggling Kids....best sound EVER!!!!

2007-12-09T23:21:00.001-08:00

I have been wanting a picture of my kids in front of our Christmas Tree for the past 2 weeks. Well, I finally got one! Actually I was able to get several, but this was the last one. Joel was standing by me dancing and being completely goofy (one reason I fell in love with him 15 years ago!). The kids were in hysterics by this time! I love it. I can almost hear their giggles when I look at it! I just love the sound of my kids giggles.

Joel is learning to play the guitar! I used to play a little years ago. Since I can barely remember what happened last week, you can see how I would have forgotten how to play by now! Michelle taught herself a few years back. She learned to play pretty well, too. I bought a "Teach Yourself" book about a month ago, but as usual, haven't had time to even open it. Joel decided he needed a hobby, picked up the guitar and the book and away he has gone!!!!

Tonight, while I was taking pictures and making the front room a little more festive, he sat down and started playing. Shelby came over and they started singing Christmas Carols while Joel played!!!! I was so impressed! Then I went outside to get a picture of the front of our house, and could hear them singing "Away in A Manger". I got pretty choked up, when I heard them. First, I love hearing them sing together. But Second, and most importantly, listening to them and the strum of the guitar, reminded me of all those wonderful Christmas' as I grew up. Steve, baby Kelli, and I would crawl into the car with my parents, as soon as Dad got off work, and drive late into the night to get to Manteca for Christmas. We would stay with Schadecks, have a wonderful dinner and open gifts on Christmas Eve. (Christmas Morning too! Grandma Toddy spoiled us rotten!) Later in the evening on Christmas Eve, we would head out to the Big Yellow House Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Buzz lived in. We would join all the Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, for the Big Scharmann Family celebration. We usually had some sort of skit, or talent show. Ate. Played with our Cousins. Ate some more. Listened to one of Grandpa's stories. Ate some of Grandma's Christmas Candy (Divinity and Toffee for me!) and BEGGED to start opening gifts. Grandpa had a very special way of torturing his grandchildren! A talent really. He would act like he was ready, then sit back, rub his chin and say, "You know Shirl, I could really use some pie", or some other innocuous excuse, and make us wait. We could never get mad at him, because he always had a seemingly legitimate excuse for the delay. But then......just when you had given up, and went off to slide down the stairs, Grandpa would pick up his guitar.

Now this wasn't some regular guitar. This was a beautiful black guitar with pictures hand painted on it. I heard it had been given to him by some guys he used to have working for him on the Dairy. Anyway, as I said, this was no typical guitar. It was the most beautiful sounding instrument I have ever heard. I mean it! Maybe it seemed that way because I wanted to open those gifts so bad, or maybe it was because it was my Grandpa playing it. (He was a great Grandpa!) But he would start to sing and play Christmas Carols, and everyone, I mean everyone in that house, and there were always a lot of family plus a few extras, we all started to sing. The presents slowly faded out of my mind, and I just remember feeling the warmth of my family around me, and that strong voice of my strong, funny, loving Grandpa floating right around me.

So tonight, when I heard Joel and Shelby, I was whisked back to that wonderful feeling I would get only one time a year. I was whisked back to The Big Yellow House. And I can't prove this, but I am CERTAIN, I could hear my Grandpa Buzz, playing and singing right along with my baby girl and her Dad.

I miss my Grandpa. I only knew him as my Grandpa, nothing else. The love I had for him with his scratchy whiskers, droopy britches, funny dances, endless jokes, amazing stories, his music his laugh, and that familiar smell, it was so uncomplicated and pure. He was just one of the 3 greatest guys in my life then! No flaws. He was mine and I was his, even if I did have to share him with my cousins and Steven. He was so special to me and I miss him. I miss those Christmas' in the Yellow House. I miss the family we all used to be back then.

But now, I get to make those kinds of memories with my own children, nieces and nephews. And I hope that I can make them feel the love I have for them, just like I always felt it from my Grandpa Buzz. And I hope I can live my life in a way that will keep that feeling alive and uncomplicated for them long after they have grown up and can see all my flaws.

I love knowing how much my kids adore their Grandpa. Dad, you are such a good Grandpa. Thank you for giving that same love and comfort to my kids, your Dad and Grandpa Tom gave to me. You know, I have forgotten all those gifts I couldn't wait to open, but I have never forgotten the gifts that weren't wrapped and under those trees. Man, those ones, from my family, those are the best ones and, lucky me, I still have them all.

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Season is here!!!!

2007-12-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

The kids and I, as I said yesterday, were shopping for Christmas and just having a fun day together. We met up with Santa at one of the stores we visited. After some coaxing, they all agreed to sit with the Big Man for a picture. I don't know how many more years I will get them to all do this for me! It wasn't all that easy this year. I think the main reason they did, was for me!

Anyway, they all look so sweet in this picture. I am tempted to say "looks can be deceiving", but even I am fooled by this picture!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Enjoy this wonderful, magical time of year!!! I know I always do. My heart is more tender, my thoughts are turned to others, and I feel the magic in the air! I hope I can pass that on to all my kids. To celebrate the birth of our Savior at this time of year creates the most tender feelings in me for my family, friends and even strangers. I am so grateful for the many blessings I have. I am blessed with a loving husband, and beautiful children. I have wonderful friends and a wonderful family who love me.

My wish for each of you at this special time of year is for each of you to feel the Spirit of God in your hearts. To not be jaded by the commercialism, but instead, to see the wonder of the birth of the Savior, his life, work, the Atonement and, ultimately, his Resurrection. All that He has He offers us. During this season, when the spirit permeates hearts, we are reminded of this simple truth. I want to take advantage of this season to renew my efforts to follow Him and live worthy of the blessings Heavenly Father gives me daily, and throughout eternity.

Faith in the Creche' Festival

2007-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture I promised of Faith in the Creche' Festival, yesterday. She was the loveliest girl there, and did a great job. We are very proud of her! The Choir sang "Christmas Comes From The Heart", which was Faith's favorite. They sign this song as they sing it, and she really likes that.

Wild Day! (Just Kidding!)

2007-12-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

With Christmas coming, there are a lot of things going on around Elko. Especially if you have kids involved in anything. Faith had another Christmas performance today. All the Churches in Elko get together each year, and have a Creche' Festival at one of the LDS Churches. The Mountain View Elementary Honor Choir sang at that today. It was lovely. The music set such a great mood, then you go throughout the church and see some amazing pieces of art. There are the Nativity Scenes that are just like the ones you can buy in-expensively at the drug store or Wal-Mart. But there are some gorgeous sets. Ones from all over the world! Hand made pieces, or hand cut as in the case of the some of the wood ones. There are life size Nativities, and ones printed on Tapestries. They are all displayed so nicely, and then have the name of the family who donated it for viewing. And then through the entire church are pictures of the Birth of Christ, or paintings. One room even has hand drawn framed Nativity Scenes drawn by local children. (My kids had ones hanging in that room.) There are Christmas Trees and Poinsettia all over. It is truly remarkable. And all through the 2 day festival there are different community based groups that perform. Faith's choir was wonderful. I was really moved by the performance. The music was so well performed and the setting was so pretty that you would have to be the Grinch to not be moved.
I left the church with such a great feeling that I decided to take the kids to do a little Christmas Shopping, out to lunch, to a movie, and to see Santa. Please don't get me wrong, but it really didn't take too long before the kids had snuffed out that peaceful feeling. I think it began to die in the parking lot of the Church when Shelby tried to push Ethan out of the way so she could get in the truck first, and he pushed her onto the asphalt. Yep, pretty sure I can track the extinguishing of that peace to that very moment! I don't know who that says the most about, my 4 angels, or me! But, we muddled through and found a few moments of enjoyment today! Like when Faith pulled her tooth out; and when Shelby pretended to be "afraid" of Santa, but couldn't quite pull it off; and when Kristine told us about the psychedelically painted car in the Wendy's parking lot....5 minutes after the rest of us had been talking about it, with her standing right next to us! Then there was when Ethan decided he wanted a Kleenex box with a Giants logo on it at K-Mart today. I almost split my sides watching him try to jump high enough to get it off the top shelf! (He wouldn't let anyone help him!)
We went to see the movie "Enchanted" this evening. Now, at first I agreed because of the rating, the theme, and the fact that one of the stars was Patrick Dempsey (McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy). When it first began, I was laughing because it was a bit absurd. By the end, I was surprised by what a good movie it was. I recommend it for families, McDreamy fans, and for fans of fairy tales. But the moment that clinched it for me was when the "Prince" was rescued by the "Princess". I love the traditional stories, don't mis-understand, but I love a story that empowers my girls and teaches them that they don't need to be rescued! They can take care of themselves and be the hero too! (And no one worry....Joel knows all about my little crush on McDreamy!)
Joel is on his way home tonight from his LAST National Guard weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't tell you how relieved I am. I am so proud of him and his service, and the patriotism he demonstrates. But I am so relieved that I never have to worry about him being called back to active duty, and the kids and I being on our own again. We handled it when he was deployed for those 2 years, but it was hard. I could do all the day to day stuff, but I felt like half of my body wasn't even working. And the kids, they were troopers, but each one of them needed their Dad. He is able to do things and bring things to our family that I can't. That is why there should be 2 parents! I can't, no matter how hard I try, see things from a Dad's perspective! I know that his absence affected Michelle so much. She was tough, but she needed her Dad more than her step-mom during those years. Ethan needed his Dad, if for no other reason than to have someone who empathized with him over the crazy things girls do. The girls needed to hear their Dad to encourage and love them. I needed my best friend. I am so glad this is over! I am so grateful that he has made it through all of this without a scratch and without the emotional scars that can sometimes come home with a Soldier. We have been blessed immensely.
Now, one more thing, then I am done for tonight. Tomorrow at Church I am being set apart as the new Primary President in my ward. I need your prayers and any suggestions you may have. I am so excited for this great opportunity, but also very humbled. I don't want to screw this up! And lets face it, I do have a knack for messing up at times!!!!
I will have to post the pictures from today a little later, as Joel has the cord for the camera that attaches to the computer, and this computer doesn't have a place for the memory card. So check back!
Love you all! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! (It's December 1st, I am finally allowed to say it!)

Just Another Thursday Night

2007-11-29T22:04:00.000-08:00

Today was the usual assortment of activities that kept us on the go. Kristine and Faith had a Basketball Game tonight. I think that I must have missed something in the parents handbook, or a crucial gene in my DNA, but I can't imagine why parents get so crazy when their kids are playing sport. I mean I know competition is good, but seriously, they are just kids. It isn't like if we don't win this game or make this shot your kid will miss the first round of the NBA draft! It is a Police Association League! I just want to tell folks to calm down, and enjoy those hard benches with no leg room!
Well, enough soap box for now. So now you know why I added the basketball pictures of the girls. Kristine is number 4 and Faith is number 12. They have fun, and are learning a lot, which is all I really care about. (Ssssshhhhhhh! Don't tell the other parents!)
It is getting cold her in Elko, but still no snow. It has snowed lightly a few times, but nothing has stuck. Better hurry or we won't get to use the great sledding hills right out the back gate!
Goodnight All!

Here we are!

2007-11-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I figured since my sisters (including Sheryl) are all blogging, it was time I joined them. I love seeing all the pictures of my family and hearing the updates from them. I thought maybe I should do that too! After all, you may not be all that interested in me, but who couldn't love our kids? (Don't say a word Traci!)
We are pretty busy these days. Besides school for the kids, and work for Joel and I, the girls are playing basketball right now. Ethan and Shelby just finished their seasons a few weeks ago. They want to do the ski program this winter and Faith and Kristine are beginning piano lessons in January. So we are always on the go. But everyone is healthy and happy, and that is all that matters to me!
We just finished up having many of our family out for Thanksgiving. It was great, tiring, but great. The food was good, the company better. And we only had two injuries. With a family our size, that is pretty good. Shaelyn, my brother's daughter, broke her arm riding a scooter! And Steve, my brother, fell down some stairs while carrying his baby son. Luckily, Steve was just sore, and Dallin stayed in the baby carrier and wasn't hurt at all.
We had Joel's brother Adam out from Indiana! That was so great to have him here. And my parents, Bus and Lana came out from Fallon as well as my brother Steve, his wife Sheryl and their 4 children, Shaelyn, Kaylee, Brendon and Dallin all from Montana. After Thanksgiving, we all met up with my sister Kelli, her husband Jerame, and their daughters, Lacey, Emma and Aly, in Salt Lake City. We saw the lights on Temple Square, which was lovely! We made such a large group (even in Utah!) that we were interviewed for the ABC affiliate and made it onto the news that night! The kids loved that!
The guys went to Provo for the BYU/U of U football game (BYU WON!!! Sorry Alan!) which they all had a great time at. Ethan came home and all he talks about it football, and that is his favorite thing to watch on TV! Thanks DAD!!!!
We ladies all went Christmas Shopping together. We had a good time, but since Auntie Terri drove 7 little girls around in her van all day, she was a little grumpy and tired by the end of the great adventure. But I really loved being with my nieces and daughters all day. It was so fun. And we love Salt Lake City! We love to visit but are always happy to come back to Elko.
Well, I think that is a good start! I wanted to say thanks to everyone who came to Elko for Thanksgiving! We love you all so much!!! Happy Holidays!!!!!!