Reasbeck Reunion

Well, it felt like a reunion of sorts. Wednesday, technically Thursday morning at 2am, my sister Gretchen and her family rolled into town. Ryan and her braved the dreaded 11 hour trip with their 4 boys in their trusty Odyssey.  It was their first time visiting since we had moved to Vegas last year and we were so excited to have them come. 

We got the visit going with a running start. The boys were all floored that we were swimming in the morning. "You go swimming in the morning?!" (They must think people in Vegas are crazy.) Livi and Aaron had been in "class" all week. Well, Livi had been in a dance class put on by some girls in our ward, and the brothers of the dance students got to join the instructors older brother out back in their pool for some fun. So while Livi danced the boys swam... at 9:30 AM! It was so fun for me to see my nephews getting so big. Evan (9 in July) was swimming without aide and without a care in the world. He is a bit more on the timid side of things but in the pool... he was jumping off the grato. Chandler (6) is still getting his floatie-less fins used to their freedom and so his zeal for adventure is a little dampened but did finally slither off the end of the slide. Ethan (4, in the yellow "muscles") well, he still is deciding what he wants to do. The dog swimming in the pool and running around the deck made him very nervous, but he was trying so hard. He even tried petting her once. For the most part he enjoyed the playhouse in the yard. Aaron, yes he jumped off the grato as well, and then I signed him up with Tanner, the dance instructor's brother, for swim lessons the entire week. I wanted him to have some brains to the along with the fearless brawn. (The little one in the life jacket was another dance class brother.)

 And sweet Chasers... what a cutie. We missed his 1st birthday by only a couple of days, being that it is the 18th and they left the 16th... but ohh what a CUTIE! I haven't seen any of the Reasbecks since Christmas and 6 months is a long time not to see a baby. I will admit, when I saw him, upon arriving, he absolutely melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I have NEVER had that happen before. It was so strange for me. I truly feel that mom's spirit is still with him. (I never could explain the bond that Aaron had with my mom. He was so young yet sooo responsive to her. More so than just another baby with a cooing grandmother. She held his gaze and soothed him like no one else could. As mom became ill I could see heaven and earth uniting through the two of them. Babies are so close to heaven and all the love that is there. I have no doubt that Chase is bringing that love of my mom back to us. After all, he was the last one of us to be with her, only 1 short year ago.)

Later that afternoon, Gretchen and I took the kids to the park, Ryan was feeling ill, and Bill was in DC due to be back late that night. For dinner I made pizzas. Evan, being the age he is and the sensible one said, "Why don't we just order pizza?" After the first bite he said, "Ohh, this is good!" and I said, "That's why I make it!" I tried a new topping, as our family LOVES pepperoni and pineapple, but I had all the makings for a BBQ chicken pizza and it was FABULOUS! Even Ryan was feeling better and thoroughly enjoyed my homemade pizzas. (Thanks Uncle Bill, but I will admit, I've added a "secret" ingredient to the crust... sugar on the peel...sshhh.) My proudest moment, 4 pizzas and no smoke alarm!

Dinner was put away and we headed off to the strip. Ryan

was flying home tomorrow to get some things done around the house and wanted to see

the strip with his boys, so, we went to the Belagio. It was fun to see the conservatory at night and the water show was fantastic. I especially liked that it was the same show I had seen 8 years ago with my mom. Celine Dion, "My heart will go on." Ethan was so cute, "It feels like we're floating in the clouds!"

Friday was up and at it once again. Except this time everyone, including adults, were much more tired. After the water show we searched for ice cream and settled on Cold Stone(thanks for the treat Ryan), but didn't get home 'til, very late. Bill and I woke up 15 minutes before needing to leave! We called down to all the kids to get ready if they wanted to go swimming. We hurriedly climbed into my car (we had left Gretchen and Ryan asleep with the baby) and drove off to Livi's last practice. Today was her recital! My neighbor texted me to make sure everything was okay... with the way we left, everyone in such a hurry...I laughed and told her we're perfecting our fire drill. We all joined up at the church after swimming to watch Livi perform. (The instructors mom had keys to the building so they set out chairs and

refreshments in the gym so the girls could use the stage. They even got to wear makeup!) She was so fun to watch. In all honesty, she was one of the few who followed through the whole routine. (This coming from the girl who cried hysterically and had to be carried off the stage completely petrified, the first time she sang with primary for Father's Day in church 2 years ago.) She loved being on stage and did great. The instructors were so great, they even had awards printed for all the girls and a little stuffed animal. SO FUN! It was really neat that Livi's cousins got to be there, I know it made her feel extra special that everyone was there, even daddy.

Bill went to work, I took Ryan to the airport and Gretchen took a nap. The scene I came home to was... hilarious! No joke; Evan was running in the culd-e-sac flying a paper kite he had made, 

Ethan was riding a scooter along side of him. Chandler and Livi were lying in the garage on their stomachs drawing something, Aaron was writing on a card. They had taped a sign to the garbage can that said, "water staned $1.00" and had made a robot out of my recycling. Chalk, markers and paper were strewn about and recycling had been sifted through. Soon after my arrival they started bowling with the safety cones and using a blueberry produce container for a score board. Such innovative young minds. Evan was so rightfully proud of his ingenuity. I asked him if his mom had helped with everything and he simply replied, "No, mom's asleep, we just wanted to play and I thought, this would be good." The water for sale, was for the construction workers, in case they got thirsty. 

The kids needed a change of venue for their craftiness so they moved inside and per Gretchen's suggestion played restaurant. She was soon reminded why mom didn't want her playing restaurant all that often. By the time the kids are done playing, they are totally done and clean up is NOT FUN! But watching them play was a riot. All the personalities of the kids shone through

 from Evan being the oldest and wanting things done "right", down to Aaron trying to eat Ethan's chocolate Oreo pudding, and Chandler's for that matter. (Actually, Aaron's fixation with eating everyone's food escalated while the Reasbecks were here. Quite simply because he had never been around so much opportunity to do so. Ethan and Chandler especially didn't like this one bit. Chan is somewhat of a germ-a-phobe and Ethan, well, I don't blame the kid. I wouldn't want someone eating my pudding, or sandwich, or pizza, or yogurt, or drinking my drink either!!! ARGH AARON! 

And for "dessert", who knew a park in the dark could be so fun?! It is a pretty cool park.

Pre-game nutrition

What would a visit be without taking our visitors to Red Rock Canyon be. It was nice to be there as it has admittedly been a while. I didn't know what the boys would think of it, but they 

really enjoyed it. Even Chandler, who self admittedly gets bored with EVERYTHING, loved climbing the rocks. Bill graciously

carried Chasers on his back while I helped the kids climb higher and Gretchen kept us cautious. Two new things happened, we went further on a trail than we had before, which meant longer for me to carry Aaron back (yay!), AND we saw wildlife. The biggest lizard I have ever seen out of a cage. Chandler discovered it and Bill got the picture. Very cool.

The next day, Sunday, Bill and I packed up for our getaway to Jackson Hole, WY. Gretchen, by default, lovingly agreed to watch all 6 kids solo while my dad and Gee traveled down to relieve her. (Angie was watching the kids for us while Dad was driving back home with Gretchen and the boys.)

While this was the end of our visit with the Reasbecks, Livi and Aaron got to enjoy them 'til Tuesday. Sunday, they baked cookies had ice cream sundaes and made a sign to welcome Papa and Gee. Monday, everyone went to the buffet at the Red Rock Casino, bowling, and to the Mini Gran Prix. Even I'll admit that that's a lot for one day.

Thank you to the Reasbecks for coming down to see us. We know it's a long trip, but we feel so blessed to have been able to share a part of our lives with you. Love you tons! And Gretchen, one day our kids will be totally independent and we'll have more energy than to just vegg on the couch watching Fool's Gold (which I really did like). Love ya sis and thanks for the pics!

Bedtime blues

Tonight as I was tucking Olivia in to bed she asked what we're doing tomorrow. I gently reminder her that she had a chemo appointment tomorrow. She resolutely started to argue that I had told her that I was the one with the appointment. That I had said, during our family council that, "Olivia, 'I' have a doctor's appointment tomorrow." Her lip started to quiver as she stressed this mis-speak over and over again. I could see her sweet little mind trying to explain the appointment away out of existence. It broke my heart and I could no longer hold it together. We both started to cry. She insisted on how unfair life is that she has cancer and nobody else knows what she's going through. I just cried harder and said that she's right. "I don't have a clue what you're going through. You've gone through more in your 5 years than mommy will probably ever go through. But Granma knows what you're going through. She had tons of doctor appointments too." We spoke about it for some time as I held her in my arms and let her tears blend with mine and soak her pillow. It isn't fair that these kids have to go through so much. They know nothing beyond their small existence, the littlest thing is such a huge thing... how are they to deal with a huge thing like cancer? It's a BIG thing and Livi has handled it with such grace and love, patience and understanding. She has taught all of us so much.
She asked me to stay with her as she said her prayer tonight. I'm glad she did. She asked Heavenly Father to bless her family and those that are sick. She also asked for strength to be brave and to have Granma live on the earth again and never have to leave. Ugh, I miss my mom.

Grandma & Papa T

June 5-7th

We were all counting down the days 'til our company arrived. Grandma and Papa T. coming meant the start of several fun/busy weeks.
The kids and I got to pick them up at the airport Friday morning. (I must say, I'm getting much better at the whole town of what we refer to as an airport! Thanks to all of you who keep me familiar with the layout!!) We came home, had lunch and rested. Literally every one of us took a nap. Aaron in Grandma and Papa's king bed (Livi's bed turns into a King!), Papa T. in the overstuffed leather chair, shirt unbuttoned in true Tiger fashion, and Grandma, Livi and me on the floor of the landing upstairs! I don't care what Mom says about getting old... if you can take a nap on the floor and wake up still moving, you're "young" in my book!

 

Bill had gotten called out on the highly publicized "nationwide manhunt" for a one Daniel Murray, threatening to kill the President, and so after reading a few stories, we went without him to Lindo Michocan. Tiger and Susie are very fond of good Mexican food, so I figured while they treat us we can "treat" them by ordering great food. The live mariachi band was fun to

listen to as Papa T danced with the kids. I joined in as well. Besides the thermostat being set to "freeze instantly the second you walk in the room" mode, it was great. Livi and Aaron

thoroughly enjoyed their 1st strawberry virgin margarita. Aaron downed his in a matter of minutes and then was in actual pain 

from the lack of heat in his body or the room. (The restaurant did fix the temp and the night was great.) The food was fantastic and the guacamole was out of this world!  I had to get a few thing in WalMart, Aaron and Grandma came with. Papa and Livi "played" in the car. They were on a car trip. Livi was the mom and Tiger the son. Thanks to Papa, my kids now know the phrase, "are we there yet". (Believe it or not, with all the traveling we've done I don't recall them ever saying that... yet!) During check out Papa walked in holding Livi's hand. Down they strolled to the restroom, where Papa waited patiently outside. The sweetness of the whole thing made me smile. He could've easily asked me to take her. Nope. It didn't bother him. Such a good grandpa!

 Saturday morning, Bill got home around 3am(!, they got the guy and we watched the report on CNN that morning.). Grandma worked her magic and made a great breakfast. My family always tells me my breakfast meals are good, but Grandma's are GREAT! She did not disappoint. 

Then it was off to birthday shopping for me (Thanks to everyone for walking through the

outlets.) Tiger said it was the first time ever stepping foot into a GAP! (He's always up for a new adventure.) Susie helped me pick out some new summer clothes that I absolutely love and have for the most part become my new wardrobe. Thanks Mom! And what mom could come all this way and not buy something for her son?

... Bill got a great pair of shorts.

We dropped Bill off to do some reports at his office. While there he was gracious enough to give us all a tour. It was the first time the kids had been there and it was fun to see their faces when they

saw "Daddy's desk!". (Just to clarify, the picture to the right is not Bill's desk... it's an interrogation room.) While Bill worked on reports, we toured the Belagio's conservatory and watched the water show. We then picked Bill up and all went to dinner at the Rainforrest Cafe in the MGM Grand. SO MUCH FUN!

Sunday was a quick day with Grandma and Papa joining us for Sacrament meeting at church and then a large lunch of leftovers galore from being spoiled the previous two evenings. Bill took them back to the airport to wrap up a fully loaded way too short weekend trip.

The kids were exhausted, but we loved every minute of it. We love you guys. Thanks for adding a ton of fun and love to a weekend of our lives out here in the desert! Can't wait to see you again soon! 

Luck

Wednesday, June 3rd.

Hopefully the pictures tell the rest of the story.

I needed an oil change. Ironically, I asked the lube guys to check my tire tread to let me know when I would be needing new tires...
Soon I heard a loud POP! The culprit...the 3 pronged tool above! The worker driving my car ran over it. All I could do was laugh. My response, "So I guess I only need to buy 3 tires?!"
All they could say was... "It appears to be that way." The young man who was driving couldn't believe that I was laughing... he thought I was delirious, and was so relieved.
It turned out I didn't have much mileage left on my tires anyways!

What a fun day!

Last Tuesday, June 9th, started with a tour of our local station 48 fire department. I, having grown up "in" a fire house like to see how other stations look. The kids love just seeing all the equipment. The guys were really great with all the kids and Livi and Aaron both behaved in a manner that would make Engineer Uncle Garrett and Retired Captain Papa proud. I laughed when we walked into the living quarters and saw all the rocker/recliners lined up in front of the tv,

so typical! And, Uncle Garrett, Redding needs to step up their level of tours, ALL the kids got to spray the hose from the truck!!! I never even go to do that! Livi thought it was pretty cool. Aaron, needless to say, loved it. Maybe it's in the genes, cause none of the other little boys were quite as excited as him. I did get a bit teary eyed... when the fireman came out in full turnouts and BA Aaron was terrified and hid behind me. He undressed down to his uniform and got back in his gear and still Aaron was scared. That was disconcerting to me, that he was so fearful of this man who someday may need to save his life! We tried to get all the kids warmed up to him and pull on his jacket, give high-5's. Aaron wasn't having it. Finally, I walked up and stomped on his foot in my 3 inch wedges! All the other mom's gasped and I told all the kids to come do it! The other firefighters encouraged the kids as well. Steel toe boots, gotta love 'em.

For lunch we went to Costco. Or more accurately we went to Costco and counted coins so we could get lunch there while we shopped. It's always a fun day when we get to go to Costco!

Aaron had his last T-Ball practice of the season. He had a 6 week class that turned out really good. The time was Tuesdays from 4-5 which could've been disastrous, but the weather was really nice with cool breezes for most of the practices. The coach had his issues but Aaron got as much out of it as he would've with any coach. I'm waiting on some cute pics to give all the details. The last class was a bit like the first... a lot of complaining. This time was because "it's Sunday!" What he was trying to say was that it was a sunny day. He convinced me that he didn't want to take his hat, why I let a 3 year old convince me of anything I do not know, but he did and so he didn't have a hat. The sun was bugging his eyes and so I went on the field to be his personal sun shade. !!!

The evening was not a disappointment in the slightest. The kids flew their new kites, we go

through kites rather quickly here, and had great success. They did such a great job at it in fact that Aaron saw no reason to keep flying the kite when it didn't seem that he was all that needed. He passed it off to Bill to go play with the neighbor. Bill passed it off the the fire hydrant.

We saved the best for last. Homemade raspberry ice cream! YUMM-O! We started it just 

before 7 with our neighbors. Everyone helped mix the ice cream. Everyone sat and watched it churn. And sat. And sat. And sat. After 15 minutes of sitting the kids grew restless and went about finding other things to pique their interest. 2 1/2 hours later!!! We had scrumptious ice cream!!! And tired babies. We'll start sooner next time.

These photos are compliments of Aaron who finally realized you need to be able to see what you're taking a picture of on the viewing  screen. (Trinity is in the pic with Aaron and Livi. Alex, Terry, and Jared posed nicely for Aaron from top to bottom.

Granola

So, here's my yummy granola. I can't take all the credit, I only tweaked the recipe, but who cares. We think it's fabulous!

1/3 c +1 Tbs vegetable or canola oit

2 Tbs water

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 c maple syrup (you can do half molasses, so 1/4 c each, but I didn't like it with the molasses     as much. It didn't turn out as sweet. It also gave it a darker color.)

-mix these ingredients in a small pan and bring to boil over low heat stirring occasionally.

-In a mixing bowl combine:

4 c old-fashioned oats

1 c wheat germ

4 Tbsp light brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 c coconut

2/3 c sunflower seeds (I use a little less, they're not my favorite)

2/3 c almonds (chopped or whole or sliced, depending on the texture you like.)

Heat oven to 275 with both racks in middle position.

Once you've mixed the dry ingredients pour the wet in and mix thoroughly.

Spread onto two greased cookie sheets, forming small clumps, by squeezing it between your fingertips, as you go.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Add 2/3 c craisins (or raisins), stir, then bake for an additional 15 min, or 'til golden brown.

Let cool and store in airtight container for up the 2 weeks! (Granola will harden as it cools.)

(If you want nutritional value, I have it, but let's be honest. It's a lot better than the junk snacks you buy in a bag or box at the store. So enjoy the fat and calories. God put fat in natural things and that's all this is!!!)

Bon Apetit!

Specifics

So with everything that we've been doing, here are some photos that will bring life to the words from yesterday's entry.

I took the kids to the temple on Thursday, May 21st. I had to pick some things up but wanted to

take the opportunity to show them around. We went into the

lobby and looked at the paintings and spoke of more sensitive matters. I told them about Grandma, and how important the temple is so that we can see her again. I spoke to them of her spirit that I always feel when I am there, and that if they ever miss her, or want to feel of her love, even when they're very old, they too can come to the temple and feel that peace, that families are forever. Livi loved it. Aaron loved seeing the huge murals of Christ in the Americas. They especially loved the beautiful gardens. I want to bring them here often. I'm so grateful for the chance to live so close to a house of God.

Saturday, May 23rd, we were able to get together with part of our "Madera" family, the

Dalhaug's and enjoy a picnic dinner with a movie in the park. The kids adore Jan and Elaine more than words can describe. The movie was Adam Sandler's Disney "Bedtime Stories". Cute movie. Mainly, the kids and I just enjoyed being with our loved ones. And what's not to enjoy when mommy makes scrumptious Chicken Salad Sandwiches on croissants with watermelon and popcorn for dessert!

Cherubs wrapped up with a get-together in the park. We brought cupcakes to share. The kids did a great job icing the treats. The rule was that as soon as your knife went into your mouth you couldn't touch the cupcake or the icing anymore. Needless to say Aaron didn't ice many cupcakes. I think he got through 2 maaayyybe 3 before he started licking the knife and icing himself. Livi of course, ever the persistent one, iced a dozen or more by herself, and then licked the knife! (The cool part for me was that Bill was able to join us for the day at the park. He had been working crazy hours with President Obama being in town, he was somewhat in charge of transportation. Anyways, because of all his overtime, and government being relatively cheap (I say relatively because it's absolutely ridiculous what they will spend to protect a single man), instead of getting paid for all the hours, they gave him a day off during the week. It worked out well for me considering I messed my neck up terribly and could hardly move it up or down. It hurt to even sit! I don't know what I did. Mid-day Tuesday is when it started and by Thursday I was incapacitated.

Saturday, May 30th, our Young Women's group had a pool party. I wasn't able to stay long but took Aaron with me so he could get a quick swim, while Livi stayed home with Dad to get ready for her 4th birthday party that week! Aaron had an absolute blast. It is amazing what this kid will do in the water. He has absolutely NO FEAR! No body was in the pool. He saw the diving board and asked what it was. I told him, "It's to jump off of into the pool." So, (keep in mind he hadn't gotten in yet) he climbs up, runs to the end and jumps right in! I LOVE IT! He really knows how to have all the fun. He also thought this ledge was pretty cool. This last Monday, the 1st, I took the kids to a friends to go swimming. While Livi practiced without her floaties (she refuses to take breaths. Her lung capacity amazes and scares me at the same time. Perhaps Navy Seal is in her future.), Aaron jumped off the 3ft+ "cliff" they have in the deep end. CRAZY!

The kids enjoyed writing letters to Uncle Bill and Aunt Karen, my mom's sister and her husband.

Aaron finished his speech class for the school year. He wanted to bring in a treat for the last day, like Cherubs, so we made "blueberry cupcakes" aka: muffins.

We even enjoyed an outing to the cannery. And thus propelled me into my next adventure... making granola! (Gotta love the price of those oats. 25lbs for under $10!)