So amazed...

On Saturday during General Conference, my sweet Aunt Rosemary was made Primary General President.  Just as exciting is the fact that 2nd counselor is an "Asay" which is Tim's family from Lovell, Wyoming.  Yay! Good roots!

Primary General Presidency

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom was raised in Salt Lake City and attended Utah State University where she graduated in elementary education. She and her husband, B. Jackson Wixom, are the parents of six children and have six grandchildren.

She has served on the Primary General Board, the Young Women General Board and with her husband as he served as president of the Washington, D.C. South Mission. She loves her grandchildren and considers Sunday family dinners the highlight of her week.

Sister Jean A. Stevens

Sister Jean A. Stevens was born and raised in Salt Lake City where she graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a teaching certificate. She has served as a member of the Primary General Board and as a ward Relief Society president, counselor in a ward Primary presidency and as a gospel doctrine teacher. Sister Stevens and her husband, Mark, are the parents of five children and have seven grandchildren.

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin was born and raised in Lovell, Wyoming. She graduated fromBrigham YoungUniversity in elementary education. She and her husband, Max Esplin, are the parents of four sons and one daughter and the grandparents of 19 grandchildren.

She has served in Relief Society, Young Women and Primary, most recently having served on the Primary General Board. Sister Esplin served with her husband when he was president of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission.

The rest of it.. Spring break that is

So, with all three kids at home for two weeks, our house has turned upside down.  I don't handle clutter and messes very well, especially when I need to find something, and can't find anything because nothing is in its proper place or anywhere near it.  (Breathe..) With that said, it has been beautiful here, and the biggest event of our Spring break has been the butterflies.  For Christmas our friends the Roussels gave us a butterfly hatching kit.  We sent for the caterpillars, watched them grow for about 3 weeks and when we returned from Heber they began to make their chrysalis.  It was cool, the kids loved it.  Then about 7 days later they started to break out of their chrysalis and the girls have been checking on them throughout the days to make sure they have sugar and  count them again.  It has been fun for them.

Yesterday we turned in our DVR.  We have had it for a long time.  We also dropped our home telephone line.  We decided to do this in January, and we've weaned ourselves off and prepared ourselves.  For what?  Really? I feel like "Lot's wife" looking at what I'm missing rather than looking forward to all I'm gaining with this decision.  It's just TV for crying out loud!!  I am spending way too much time thinking about what I'm giving up (Discovery, NatGeo, Nick, Disney, Food, Music Choice channels) rather than spending more quality time with my kiddos, which I complain I never have enough of.  I will hopefully have more time to do the little projects with and without the kids that I've been wanting to do.  I know all the stuff I want to watch is online, and really, I only watch it because it's there.  Now, this is the first day of the rest of our TV free life.  It's gonna be great.  I have my cell phone which I've been much better about keeping with me so I can answer it, unless I'm at work with my hands in someone's mouth, and Tim has a cell phone too, which he's really good about answering unless he's got his hand's full with kids.

Anywhoo, I need to post some update stuff.  I have a lot in my head, so it will probably be scattered.

Kennedy: she is talking up a storm.  She can communicate very patiently and effectively what she wants and I am so impressed with her.  She is so sweet with her sisters.  When they are sad, she'll run, not walk, to get them their blankies or cuddle toy to help them feel better.  She wants them to be happy.  She also doesn't want to be the baby anymore.  She wants to do things "myself" all the time.  She dresses herself, does shoes, and feeds and everything.  Now we don't have a baby anymore.  I've been telling Tim this and that I want another baby, and he asks, "why?"  I say because I don't feel like I'm done, but I don't want a big gap between kids and I'm aware that I'm getting older too.  TMI I'm sure, but it's nagging at me.

Audrey: She is so ready for preschool.  Any suggestions?  She wants to do everything Emma does.  She wants to read and write and have her own books and teacher and backpack.  She loves barbies and ponies and asks to go to Disneyland every chance she gets.  I'm getting close to summer "wanderlust" and I want to go somewhere too, but I get/have to work.  She said to me the other day, "Want to know some interesting information about me?" I said I'd love to, and she said, " I can draw my letters."  The fact that she said the words Interesting and information in the same sentence reminded me that she's growing up, despite her petiteness and her difficulty with articulating some sounds.

Emma: She is smart.  I'm so thankful she's smart.  She's exactly like me and I am so grateful to my mother and sisters who put up with my...eccentricities.  Emma is just sweet.  I hope I am a good mom for her.  Because she is so smart, I feel like I can barely keep up with her, and that plays into my "should we have another baby?" debate because I feel like I need to be more available for her.  She's doing great in school and she is so responsible.  She knows what we expect of her and she holds herself to such a high standard.  She loves peanut butter, but not jelly.  She discovered she likes Subway, and she likes to wear really cute clothes.  She is a great first child because her personality is helpful, thoughtful, and smart.

I'm working at 2 offices.  One in Mesa and one in Fountain Hills.  It is 40 hours of work and about 5 hours of driving.  I make the most of my time in the car by listening to my MP3 on my phone of the Ensign and other LDS church magazines.  It is nice to have the quiet time to listen and then have the sweet spirit that comes from those messages with me when I get to work and then when I come home.  I have been running about 8-9 miles per week in preparation for April 17 race Pat Tillman Run.  I'm excited for that.  I've had lots more energy during the day (or after work I should say) to take care of the house and kids.  Hopefully combine that with the TV off, and I'll be unstoppable!  We're having some struggles in the Mix family and it is giving me some good perspective on myself.  Last year at this time when Ben Harper passed away we had to dig deep as a family and our family ties were so strengthened.  I am so grateful for that strength and perspective now.  It doesn't make it less difficult, but I feel like I'm in better spiritual shape to handle this challenge.  I have a long way to go, but that is what these challenges are for.

Tim's still in school and has about 5 classes left.  We hope to be done this summer, but we also know graduation doesn't automatically bring a job, so if that is the case (no job) then he'll continue in school for his masters in education.  He made his first sale on eBay and I thought it was not worth the hassle, but we'll probably do it again.  He's great with the kids, and me and he puts up with a lot of "girlie-smirlie" around here.  He's started a garden again, we'll see how it goes this year.

If anyone made it this far in reading this good job. I've had a lot on my mind and wanted to get it off.  This is the easiest way.  Thanks.

Spring Break... so far.

We had a wonderful time up in Heber, AZ for a few days break during Emma's spring break last week.  It was just relaxing. We stayed at the Bison Ranch and it was just great.  It is more of a summer resort, but there was a hot tub, ping pong, air hockey, horses in the pasture, and cutie oranges.  I really am a desert rat. Even having grown up in Rexburg, ID, I don't like the cold. I actually really really don't like the cold.  I even felt prepared for it, and I was still uncomfortable.  We went up on Saturday and we stayed until Tuesday afternoon.  It was so nice just to spend time with Tim and the kids. I actually was able to have conversations with Tim rather than just, "what do we need to do now?" sort of stuff.  It was good to get away and take a couple of days off.  I also can't help but think, when I'm away from all my stuff, do I really need all the "stuff" we have at home.  I feel like my "stuff" at home nags at me and makes me grumpy and edgy.  I realized I gotta change that.  I am so grateful for all I have and for healthy kids.  I am really thankful.  I am so blessed.  Here are pictures of our trip. More words later.

she peeled the orange all by herself!!

smiley Audrey.

Coloring by the fireplace.

Audrey picked it up quick.

Emma doesn't mess around!

Air hockey tournament.

Kennedy with horses.

Audrey watching horses.

Emma watching horses.

Running the "Luge"

Kennedy throwing snow fists fulls.

Belated picture, Happy Birthday Tim. 

Reasons why...

I love Tim.  In honor of Tim's 32nd birthday today, I am making a top 10 list.
Top 10 reasons why I love Tim...
10. He is just the right height 5'10 1/2"
9.He can get a car from being parked 30 years to running in a couple of hours.
8.He hates to do chores, but who doesn't
7.He is an amazing cook.
6.He can identify a vehicle under a tarp.
5.He can buy that vehicle and sell it to make money.
4.He can make girls cry, scream and laugh all in the same minute.
3.He is the best to cuddle with on rainy days.
2.He is so handsome, really, he is.
And the number one reason why I love Tim...

1. He is mine forever, and like anything of value, he gets better with age.

Happy birthday honey. You are the best, and I love you.

Thank you February

As a follow up to a previous post, dear February, here is a thank-you note including some of her accomplishments and musings.
Dear February, here we are, all but finished.  We had a great time.  The Olympics were quite astounding, amazing and awe inspiring.  It is good to feel the ache of wanting to do something so badly like when I watched those downhill skiers.  Man I miss skiing.  I also missed playing my violin, so I was fortunate enough to share my violin talent with my ward and stake (church) for 2 different conferences.  As nervous as it makes me, I would rather play my violin than open my mouth in front of a crowd ten times over.  I also am so appreciative of my job at my new office in Fountain Hills.  It is good to be appreciated, and I will share something my co-worker/office manager shared with me the other day, " Kellie, you're the best person I've ever hired!"  Needless to say, I really like working there and it must show.  I won't go as far to say I love the drive (45 min each way) because it takes me away from my family time, but I am making the most of it by listening to the Ensign and New Era on MP3 during the drive.  Those are magazines that really make me feel good and help me focus better on my family during the few short hours each evening I have with them.  As far as my family goes, Tim has been sprouting new vegetables in the living room, and now they are ready to go outside, as soon as it warms up a bit more.  The rain has been great for our garden prep, but terrible for the 2 British Convertibles parked on our side-yard, they have been more wet this month than they have for their whole lives.  Although, the'67 is moving on.  As part of our first eBay sales experience, the baby blue triumph spitfire was sold to a fellow just yesterday that plans to ship her to Paris, France where she will live happily ever after.  Emma has gotten ever more proficient on the piano with her "DO, RE, MI's" and Audrey loves to go with Kennedy and Dad to get a culture pass to have her weekly adventure.  Emma has been doing really well in school, we've found proper motivation for her to get 100% on her spelling and dictation each week.  If she does, she gets to choose her favorite meal for the night.  It has made a world of difference.  I never realized the true value in "taco Tuesday" until now.  Audrey is so sweet with Kennedy and looks forward to playgroup each Friday.  She keeps me and Tim rollin' with her the crazy-silly things she says. For example, we were home after Stake conference church today and I gave Tim a hug and kiss and we heard Audrey say to Emma, "Eew, yuck.  When we grow up, we're gonna have to do that, too."  She thinks it is so gross when we kiss.  She never fails to "yuck" at us when we do.  She'd better get used to it, it's not stopping anytime soon.  Kennedy is experimenting with using the potty.  Tim and I are not yet ready to give up the convenience of diapers, so we'll leave that adventure for March...or April.  Well, I'd better get back to my bread in the oven, we burn through 4 homemade loaves each week, sometimes more if I make it midweek.
Well February, it has been a great month, and so far 2010 is shaping up splendidly, and I thank you for all of your rich efforts in making moments out of minutes.  All the best when you come around again, may we all be healthy, happy, and wiser for the time passed.  Until then, Thanks again for listening to all of my random mumblings and helping me to remember and enjoy them as well.

Did I do that?

Our Valentines celebrations started on Friday when Tim asked me if I wanted my present.  I am the self-proclaimed WORST gift giver EVER.  So of course, I did better than that and didn't get him anything.  He said Valentines is for girls anyway.  So I said yes to his question, and he told me to close my eyes.  He then got a box and put it on my lap.  I opened to see a beautiful box (I didn't know boxes could be beautiful but this one was) and it said "Coach" on the corner.  WHAT!! He was so cute, and so excited to give it to me.  He said "You really deserve it."  He got me a beautiful new tote.  His favorite part was telling me the great deal he got it for on Craigslist. So, he hadn't spent a fortune, but I can wear it like one.  Yay!  I'm not usually ever like that, but when I look at it, I think of him and so it isn't just functional, but makes me happy.  Thanks again Honey.

Then, Saturday, my cell phone contract ended so we went and got new phones to carry out the process of minimizing our media cost/time.  We went to costco and got some cool phones and so we can text and we feel like we're on the cutting edge, okay, at least the edge for us.

Sunday was Me and Emma at church because Tim was home with sick Kennedy and Audrey.  We watched the Olympics and had a lazy day.

Then, on Monday I was off work and Emma was off school so we did some yard work and played around the house with the kids.  I took Kennedy to the pediatrician to find out she had 2 "humdinger" ear infections and a possible penicillin allergy so we paid many pretty pennies for meds and dr visit, but she is good now.  We then went to the park and tried working with Emma some more on riding her bike without training wheels. I am so glad when I am off work that I enjoy being with them and not worrying about finding more work.  It was so relaxing.

Then I had to do something silly.  Now I can say that but I just said out loud to myself over and over again, "did I just do that?  I just did that!!"  While driving to work Wednesday morning, I dropped my brand new phone in my cup-o-milk. REALLY!  Did I just do that?  I just did that!  I reacted quick though, I quick popped off the battery, opened it up as much as possible, and shook the @#$& out of it. I hurt my wrist bad doing it too.  I cried the rest of the way to work.  When I got there I googled "what to do when cell phone drops in milk" and explained to Dr. Hansen what happened.  He's a computer guy, so he helped me doctor it.  He took it apart even more and asked if he could soak it in alcohol.  I saw that solution online so I said okay, and it looked so wrong to see my phone submerged in liquid.  He said he does that with computer components so I trusted him.  If it was gone anyway, oh well.  So, I called Tim and told him what happened and that I was so upset that this accident happened (when it now wasn't such a big deal) and thought he'd be upset with me but he said it didn't matter and don't worry about it.  Okay, now I had to get my patient back and try to hide my red cry eyes.  Three patients later I retrieved my phone from the alcohol and used compressed air to blow as much moisture out as possible.  Later that afternoon I dared put the battery in and fire it up.  It worked.  I called Tim and was so happy!  It continued to dry out over the next few days.  There is still some white stuff flaking out (dry milk) but so far as I can tell, it works 99%. If you get a text with extra letters that's because 'w' comes up with half of the letters and there are some other sticky features, but at least now I can call from it to insure it!

Then Thursday morning our good friends Rob and Tara finally had their baby.... GIRL!  After 32 hours of grueling labor she delivered 8lbs 11oz healthy girl.  Marley...Roussel.  She has got some lungs.  Aaaahh. Parenthood.  I remember when we had Emma.  We thought we were ready.  We so were not.  Three kids later we are starting to get a handle on it.  We went and visited them in the hospital on Saturday and got to hold the baby for a little bit.  She can fill the "babyfever" for us for a while until Tim is done with school then we'll court the idea of another one later.

Yesterday was fun, I was home with the girls until Tim came home with another British car.  An 1960 Austin Healy "bug eye."  It is cute, and the car actually smiles at you!  It is tiny, red and really cute.  He posted his first car on EBay yesterday, so that is a new adventure for us too.

And today, while getting ready for Church, I had done Emma and Audrey's hair pretty and was working on Kennedy when I decided to give her her first haircut.  She had a bunch of long wispy hair on her crown that just made any styling impossible.  So, I trimmed them off and she has the cutest curly bob cut.  Her hair is so much slower coming in that the other girls, and she is blonder too, but it really matches her personality.

Well that is the longest post in forever, but I'm glad February has listened and not escaped me.  The Olympics have been amazing and make me miss skiing like crazy, but I'll get back to it.  I'm planning on running Pat's run in April, and from there getting ready for a 10K and eventually (hopefully this year) a 1/2 marathon.  It's very ambitious for me, but I want to believe I can do it.

On the docket for this week is turn in our DVR and go cut out TV.  We will lose our home phone number, but I'll email everyone Tim's phone number, and mine will stay the same.  We'll let you know how it goes... till then, I'm surprised anyone stuck around this long!!!

Dear February,

Please don't slip away from me. I know you are the shortest month of the year but you are so important.  I understand being stuck between January and March can be tough, because January is so full of recovery business from the holidays and March holds spring break and the beginnings to plan out summer vacations.  Trust me though, I know you will be great.  We are only 3 days in, but I anticipate you will buy and sell a few cars for Tim, I'll be working most of the days and our girls will begin to get used to me working every day.  Our house may get a bit neglected, but we will use it well this month, watching movies, playing games and doing lots of puzzles and reading stories.  Audrey and Kennedy are planning to make lots of messes and I don't think they plan to clean them up, but I would be really worried if my 3 and 1 year olds spontaneously started being clean.  Emma will probably read about 25 books this month and memorize 2-3 poems, because she loves to rhyme.  There are some great things I hope happen this month of February, so please, don't let the opportunities for this month get away.  I'll do my best to keep up and report back.
Love, Me

The entire yield of our grapefruit tree. The size of Audrey's head.  It was delicious, but totally not worth watering for a year.

Tim and Jeff (Dad) in the latest project.

Aaaaahhhhhh!

Sigh of relief and gratitude all at once! I got an offer for a position to work on Thursdays/Fridays so I'll be working full time for the first time in over a year. It's at Parkview Dental  I can't believe what a huge relief it is and I feel like I have been unstuck from a place where I was stuck and having a really hard time being patient with lack of control of my situation.  The best part of the job is that I LOVE IT!  I feel at home there.  Everything about it is so good.  I am glad too, because I was worried about the strain on my body working 40 hours/week, but this office has good equipment and great help and lots of smiles.  The only down side is it is in Fountain Hills (50 min one way) but my view out my op is amazing.  I'm in a second level building across from the fountain lake facing east and it is beautiful.  Even with the rain it was amazing.  I was pinching myself knowing I got the job to be sure it's real.

It will be an adjustment being away from home, but it is so much better.  For the last year when I was home, I was worried whether I'd have enough work to make it.  Now, when I'm home, I'm really HOME and it feels great. Aaaaaahhhh!