Tagged and so FOURTH

Nicole tagged me. 4th folder, 4th picture

This is a picture taken in April 2007. Barry was teaching Avery where her nose was. He's such a good grandpa. Yesterday, I watched Jill's kids so she could go to a Relief Society meeting. I took Avery and Logan to the park and Avery insisted I go down the slide with her. I tried to explain one of the main laws of physics, that being, that the said slide must be the width or greater of the butt sliding down it. Evidently, she wasn't convinced. She said, "come on Grandma, do it like grandpa does it". Tall order. So as not to be out done, I went down the double slide that has a ridge dividing the two slides. Let's just say, I have a permanent wedgie.

Imagination

It's been a long time since Halloween was much more than a bump in the road on the rush to Christmas, but this year I have two little 3 years olds in my family that have been caught up in the "Whatcha goin' to be?" and have been eagerly planning their escape from reality to the fantasy of being their favorite character. Braxton of course, chose BUZZ LIGHTYEAR, And Avery chose CINDERELLA, she said I should be Sleeping Beauty, but I told her, The best I could do was be the "Fairy Grandmother!"

Ahh, but if I could for just a day, transform myself into someone else who would it be? There's lots of things I'd like to be:

thinner

fitter

smarter

funnier

more spiritual

I'd like to be able to really belt out a song...

but someone else? nah. I read somewhere "to thine own self...be enough". I think for Halloween this year, I'll be a thinner, smarter, funnier, etc, version of me.

Princes don't grow on Trees

I remember the first time I met Josh. I remember it because it was the first time I'd ever seen that look in Christina's eyes. It was a look of pure adoration. After he left, she confessed to me, "I really like him, mom". That was 6 years ago and "like" turned to "love" without much coaxing. She had never before, or has never since been able to give her heart to anyone else. So it didn't matter that it took 6 years, he owns her heart.
We were thrilled when she knocked on our bedroom door early one Sunday morning and sweetly told us that she and Josh were getting married. I have honestly never seen her look so happy.

Christina has always been this quiet, steady, dependable emotional rock for me. She instinctively senses what I need and has stood ready to give her love and support. As I laid in my hospital room after having back surgery, I was scared and hurting and drugged. I looked over to see who was at my bedside rubbing my hand. It was Christina. Softly stroking, with that sweet smile that conveyed absolute devotion. I woke several hours later and looked over to see my hand still in hers.

She has never demanded her slice of attention, preferring to take a backseat to some of her of her siblings that were more comfortable entertaining the crowd. I watched some old home movies the other day. I observed her standing in the background, watching some of the antics of her siblings. She was laughing but too shy too participate. I wanted to scoop up that little girl on the TV screen into my arms and tell her how much she means to me and what a priviledge it is to be her mom. I wanted to bring her into the middle of all the fun and say "Don't forget about her. Just because she's shy and quiet and won't compete for attention, don't forget to give her her some." The ironic thing is that when she does finally get a word in edge wise, she's freaking hilarious.

She has taught me so many things. Because of her I desire to be kinder because she has taught me the value of kindness. I want to love more deeply and show it with more devotion because she has touched me with her example. She has taught me to look for the quiet voices in the crowd and discover all that they have to offer.

I am so excited for her and Josh and their future together. They love to be together and enjoy and appreciate each other. Josh understands Christina, because he too is exemplary in his desire to be kind and serve those around him. He is not one who seeks attention but willingly gives to those who need him with no compuction and no expectation to get back anything in return. I feel like it is such a priviledge to have him as part of our lives. He truly is a noble man. Life just keeps getting better...I think there's someone I need to thank for that and believe me, I do, everyday, on my knees, I let Him know how blest I feel, because princes don't grow on trees and yet my daughters have each managed to find one.

Princess

Barry and I were invited to go to Disneyland this weekend with Christina and Josh. Since Barry's work is already 1/2 way to Jill's, we just met up at Jill's house in Goodyear and left from there. Well, Avery's eyes lit up when she heard the "D" word so we decided to bring her along. It's magical to see Disneyland through a child's perspective. She was actually greeting old friends when she saw Tigger and Pooh.

But the awe on her little face when she saw the "Princesses" brought tears to my eyes. It obviously meant so much to her. There was a place designated where kids could meet and greet the "Princesses".

She ran to each one with her arms out stretched. I couldn't believe how emotional I got. Her little face was just beaming. Afterwards, we came upon a parade and she watched mesmerized as each float went by. But when the float with Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" came by, Avery's face just lit up and she cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled,"Belle, it's me Avery!"

A Pirate's Life for Me

I like to think of myself as having a very creative streak. I have found an outlet for that creativity by learning how to manipulate photos. Really, it's a one woman party, as I'm giggling away at some of my creations. Well, this year our family reunion had "Pirates of the Caribbean" as it's theme and each family was to design a flag. There was a collective groan from all my family members when they heard I was pulling out the "Photo shop". Having been victims in the past, they didn't quite trust my discretion. Well, I thought they turned out pretty funny, mateys! Our flag was entitled "Protecting the Family Jewels" with pictures of the guys surrounding a treasure chest, where I had put all the rest of our faces on coins. Barry


Okay, so not everybody thought their pictures were all that flattering. But I only had so much to work with.

Happy Birthday Ben-jo-man

I'm glad I have an excuse to write a tribute to my youngest son. Today is his birthday. I have a picture of him when he was about 18 months old peeling an orange.

He was pretty determined to get at the flesh of that orange and he was not about to let something little like a bit of peel get in his way. I didn't know at the time how much of a foreshadowing that picture would be of his personality. Obstacles, have only been minor inconveniences to him. He approaches everything he does with a can do attitude. When he applied to get into the accounting program at BYU he didn't get accepted so he wrote them a letter. Still no postive results, so the next letter went to someone alittle higher up. The end result of the letters and phone calls was an admittance into the program. He graduated with a masters in accounting from BYU. He bought a CRAPPY old house and asked me where he should start with the renovations (my first thought was a MATCH!) I told him the windows, so the next thing I knew he was punching out windows. I asked him if he knew how to replace the old one with a new one? He said, "No but I'm sure I can figure it out." You should see that piece of crap house now! It's beautiful. Granite counter tops, new laundry room, porch, floors, stonework, windows, tile, light fixtures, etc.

I'm just so dang proud of that kid. He always sends me mother's day and birthday cards, which I appreciate, but he also sends them to my mom, which I think is extraordinary. He has a great capacity to feel and express gratitude and is one of the only guys I know to always send a Thank you card. I keep those cards because they mean a lot to me and they remind me of what an exceptional young man I have as a son.

We have developed quite a friendship as he has turned to me during the rough times the past few years. It's wonderful to see him so happy now. He has found someone who truly stands by his side and supports and loves him with her whole heart. She also gets his sense of humor so that's a BIG plus.

and when I think of him I just feel this tremendous feeling of love and pride and gratitude that the Lord would bless me with such an amazing man to be my son.

Finger Lickin' Good

I had a birthday this week. I came home from church to my daughter's, Spencer and my mom cooking a sumputous meal (poached salmon, baked potaoes, strawberry mango salad, homemade french onion soup, (YUM thanks Spence) and German Chocolate Cake made from scratch YUMMMMIIEE!! Avery was so excited about having a birthday party she REALLY wanted to help. So she volunteered to help blow out the candles

and pass out the cake to everyone.
Of course, she had to taste each piece before she handed it over!

I've decided my house looks a little tired so I asked for some new light fixtures for my birthday. So far Barry and I have only gotten one of the three hung. We are waiting for Ben to come and tackle the harder ones. But it's still such a boost to get a change.

A Man For All Seasons

I remember having a conversation with Ben awhile ago. Someone had told him that it was wise to date someone all four season's before you married them. Their rationale was that there is a lot that can change with each season; moods, interests, hobbies, etc. and it's best to know those things up front. Well, I'm way passed the need to find a marriage companion but I've have come to the point in my life where I can mark it by "Seasons" and I can see an analogy of finding someone for your life's partner that could endure all the season's of your life together.

Spring..the growing season, the newness of being together, of having young children, finding a path, starting traditions...

Summer...The kids all at home, the noise, the laughter, the heat of the moments, youthfulness...

Fall...the harvest, the lesson's bearing fruit, thankfulness, kid's departing on their chosen paths...

Winter...the newness of being together, of having young children in our lives again, of redefining ourselves.

I have found it to be true, you can find out a lot about someone with every season's change. I've learned that Barry would do anything for me or his kids. Barry has always been willing to make personal sacrifices ( sole exception being that little black Camero!!!) of time, money, energy so that we could have comfortable, joy filled lives. I've learned that he is a man with unparalleled integrity. I never doubt his sincerity or honesty. In the moments when no one else would know otherwise, I find him on his knees in prayer or reading the scriptures. I've learned that there is no greater joy that he receives in this life than being with his family. He is incredibly proud of each one of them. There is no man that has ever enjoyed his grand kids more than Barry. The look in those little people's eyes when they see their grandpa is a testament to his love for them. I've learned through this horrible illness my father has gone through, the capacity of Barry's devotion and love and his kindness, his incredible kindness. I love to just be together. I get flowers, just because. If he could, he would deny me nothing. How could I have known the measure of this man when I chose him all those years ago? The seasons of our lives have revealed truly a man for ALL season's and I couldn't be more grateful. Happy Father's Day, sweetheart.

Proud

The whole family came to support Nicole and Christian and luckily the wedding landed right at the beginning of Brett's spring break from the University of Michigan. So we got to have them for 10 wonderful days!! One of my very favorite things to do is watch my kids parent. Brett is such an amazing dad. He makes fathering look SO fun. I just love to sit back and watch the commotion. He uses sound effects as a favorite parenting tool and he's easy to locate if his kids are anywhere near...just follow the screeching. He is passionate about his family and that's where he finds his joy.

The Brett Hulet's-Brett, Braxton,Jozalyn and Jen

He is lucky enough to have married someone who shares his passion for family. Jen is devoted to her brood and no detail of their care is overlooked. She enjoys being a mom and wife and her family thrives under her devotion to them. She is one of my favorite people to hang out with. And she also shares my passion for Last Chance. They went 3 times while they were here.

I snapped this picture early one morning when Brett had gotten up with Jozalyn and was trying to let Jen sleep in while getting some time with the books studying for the Dental Boards. He was reading Dental Anatomy to his daughter. It might as well been written by Dr Seuss, because she was totally captivated. (Who wouldn't be, root canals have always been such a great source of entertainment for me)

Meet Braxton, Brett's shadow and best buddy. They have their own language. When Braxton gets hurt he let's Brett know if he "needs a hug" or if he can "walk it off". They have "Smack Down Time" and compare each other's "GUNS" and give each other "POWS". No little boy ever loved his daddy more and this daddy never needs to be reminded of what it feels like to be a little boy, because the lttle boy in him, is never very far away.

Portraits

Nicole loves pictures. She takes her camera wherever she goes. When I put together a video for her and Christian I had tons of great pictures to choose from. They had pictures of almost every significant moment of their courtship and lots of great random shots. So it came as no surprise that as she budgeted for her big day, she wanted to hire a photographer that she felt a lot of confidence in. We went to the bridal fair here in Phoenix and Nicole was really drawn to one photographer, Tawnya Hood. They hatched a plan to take the portraits the week after the wedding up at my sisters lodge in Heber AZ. So Christian and Nicole went up to the lodge a few days early for their Honeymoon and I brought the photographer up the next weekend. So I thought I'd post a few of the portraits Tawnya took.

Perfect

Anyone out there checking my blog has noticed I haven't posted in awhile. I have been a slave to a daily schedule of getting things done for Nicole and Christian's wedding. But it was worth it. The night went off without a hitch. Barry's sister, Judy, said her favorite thing about the event was that it was organized so well that we were able to have a party the night before and everyone enjoyed themselves without stressing about all the last minute details. And ya know, we really did have a great time. We had a get to know the families BBQ/swim party/beach volleyball at Val Vista Lakes. The Hagges are delightful people and up for a good time. The next day Nicole and Christian were sealed in the Mesa Temple. It was a beautiful sealing and love that they share was so apparent. We came back to our home and Hagges (prounced HAY GEE) provided an awesome brunch consisting of different kinds of crepes. I then dashed over to my sisters for some last minute set up while Barry, Greg and Grandpa Hulet made sure the yard was going to be well lit for the reception and dance. Nicole said the night was perfect and everything she had hoped for. There are so many people that helped pull this off. I feel so appreciative of all their support. The following day was Sunday and since everyone was there, Brett blessed our new little Jozelyn in our ward and Chelsee Worsley Hunt sang (beautiful). It was a very full weekend with lots of sweet memories.

Tag, I'm it!

Jill tagged me. Here goes...

What I was doing 10 years ago...

Mothers Week at Ricks-Sleeping in Jill's roommate's bed (Thanks Alisha!) giggling, skipping all the mother's week classes and meeting all her friends.

Writing Christina and Brett on their missions.

Going on covert missions to retrieve an accidentally sent email.

Getting Nicole glasses.

Wishing I was skinny.

Glad to have another kid (Ben) get his driver's license.

Talking to Jill on the phone. (We'd just gotten caller ID and the name that came up every time she called was Farmer Ross...random memory)

I was attending CWU getting my much overdue education.

Proud of Barry for jump starting a new company.



Things on my to do list...

finish making Nic's temple dress

return library books

call Doctors office for results of my cholesterol test

clean house ...done (it's 8:45 am, definitely an over achiever)

start on Nic and Christian wedding video

laundry (also done)

make bread

visiting teach

okay, I'm going to stop...this is getting depressing



4 things I'd do if I had a billion dollars

I think money can create as many problems as it solves, so if I'm wishful thinking I'd like to do the following things...

get wood floors and a fireplace

pay off Ben's student loans

fly Jen Brett Brax and Jozelyn here for a visit

buy all of my kids a house near by

buy Barry the car of his dreams

help Barry start his own company

hire a nanny to potty train Avery and Braxton so their parents would only have one in diapers

put enough away for a comfortable retirement...

and then I would look for ways to make a difference in other people's lives (sorta like a white Oprah Winfrey)



Jobs I've had

Worked at Red Steer Drive In

taught sewing classes at fabric stores

substitute teacher



3 bad habits
I have a certain word I like to use to relieve stress
I always plan to start my diet tomorrow
I make cookies because I'm starting my diet tomorrow so it's the last time I'm going to get to have them in a while

6 things people would be surprised to know about me...
I am an avid recycler. I've been known to gather stuff at ward dinners and family get togethers and take it home to be sure it gets recycled.
I have an innate fear of someone touching my navel. I always sleep with a pillow on my stomach.
The smell of newborn baby poop brings back fond memories.
I'm a helicopter when it comes to my family. I'm always swooping in to save the day.
I have attractive feet. My toes angle perfectly with the exception of my little toe which has almost no nail and turns sideways.
I can turn my tongue over.

Okay...I tag Nicole, Christina, and Barry!!!

New People

I was thinking the other day that in the past six months we've added 4 new people to the family (new daughter, Stephanie, new son, Christian and 2 new grandbabies, Logan and Jozalyn). With each new addition there is a sense of anticipation as you get to really know who they are and love them because of it. I love the people my kids chose to marry. And I'm absolutely CRAZY about my grandkids. Just thinking about it makes me smile. I do all the things I swore I'd never do. Buy them ridiculous toys, let them eat sugar behind their parents back, make my visiting teachers sit and listen to endless renditions of their antics and to my embarrassment, pull out the pictures of them because I can't imagine anyone not seeing that they are without question the most adorable beings ever produced!!! Okay, I'll get a grip one of these days, but honestly Barry is worse than I am. Lot's worse. He morphs from grown man to horsey, monster, football thrower, tea party guest, singer, story reader....immediately upon the arrival of said grandchildren. Every attempt at an adult interaction is puncuated by sound effects, side long glances, and giggles when those munchkins are around. All this, is in way of introduction of our newest little granddaughter, Jozalyn Jennifer. I spent some time in Michigan upon her arrival and introduced myself. She has the sweetest disposition, looks just like her mom eats like her dad

I also got to spend some quality time with Brax.

He's one funny dude!!! He calls himself super Braxton, so of course I made him a red cape to accomadate his pretending.

When everyone else was napping I decided to make some curtains for the baby's room. Okay okay I'll stop. But did I mention how crazy I am about them...I have a couple more pictures...if anyone is interested.

Good Times

I look back on the Holidays as sweet memories and forward to this new year with the anticipation of adding some people to our family. Brett and Jen are days away from greeting their little girl. Her name is yet undecided as to the spelling so when I know you'll know. Nicole is excitedly working on preparations for the upcoming event. She, Christina and I went to a bridal show yesterday. That was a bit overwhelming! But it has been fun looking for invitations and trying on wedding dresses. I feel like I've been going full speed since August. This year doesn't look like things are going to slow down anytime soon The ironic thing is when they do slow down I sorta miss it all. I thought I'd post a few pictures from the holidays. We spent a great Christmas Eve and Day at Spencer and Jill's. It was fun to have little ones around again for Christmas. Avery got a Nativity set and had grandpa put the baby Jesus in his pocket to keep Jesus warm. Cute! Logan was a little bored with the whole thing. His needs are pretty simple: food, sleep, and a clean diaper and he was getting all that stuff already.

Of course, every kid dreams of their first car. Avery kept wanting me to ride in it with her. All too soon she'll realize the laws of nature and the impossibility of my hips ever fitting in that thing but for now it's nice to know she thinks it's a possibility.

Having Josh come was a highlight of the season. Though this is how we saw him the most. He is a cracker jack mechanic and keeps Christina's car purring. In this picture he is installing the car stereo Christina got for Christmas. Avery thinks when we say "oh my gosh" that we are really saying "oh my Josh" so of course ,now we do.