forever swaner family: Long Winter, No Pictures...

Monday, February 28, 2011

Long Winter, No Pictures...

Skyler informed me last night, that he went through an entire basketball season without us taking even ONE picture! I feel terrible!!! He played on the Freshman team for a whole season, and I didn't even bother to take one picture. I asked him if he at least got team pictures, and he told me that since we never order them, he didn't even bother telling me about it. But I never order them because I always take so many of my own! Honestly, though, I haven't taken any pictures of anything for quite some time now. Ya, I pull out the camera and snap some cute ones of Des every now and again, but that's about it. We haven't even been skiing this year, and that's usually a great time to take pics. We haven't been sledding either. Goodness. I must do better!

Since the end of basketball, we've felt really strongly that we MUST spend more time together as a family. One time this winter, on a Thursday night, Skyler informed Derrick that he hadn't even SEEN me since Sunday. It was true! And it made me sad. I go to work on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, before he even gets home from school. (which, I also somewhat quit my job last week, and went to an 'as needed' basis. So hopefully I'll be around a little more now too) So we have really been working on it. We spend most of our time just staying at home, watching movies, watching ballgames on tv, eating popcorn, eating Zac's homemade cookies, playing board games (trying to do more of that), and keeping our kids at home. I think it's been a huge blessing for our family. Attitudes have changed (in a good way), brothers who were enemies are actually showing strong signs of friendship with each other, and everyone seems to be a little more relaxed. I think Skyler has even decided that staying home with the family on a Friday night, isn't the WORST thing in the world. I think I like it. Not to mention, it's been great for our checkbook!

Today I start official training for the Ogden half. I woke up in the night with some nasty back and neck issues, and the wind is blowing like crazy.....but I WILL brave the cold and go running today. It's just not optional.

Also, I have a new little niece! I haven't actually seen her yet, but the pictures I have seen are absolutely sweet! Dave and Gabe had a new little baby girl last week. Her name is Juliet Gabrielle. Pretty name, hu? I can't wait to hold her! We have 2 more little new ones on the way, on the Moser side of the family. This could be fun!!!

Des is growing up way too fast. But here's another big news moment.....He actually went to nursery yesterday! And he liked it! He didn't even want to leave when I came to get him. This is HUGE! It's been a year now since he was supposed to be in nursery, and this is the first time EVER that he's actually gone, stayed, smiled, and made it the whole 2 hours!

Last, I can hardly wait! In just 33 days, my parents are coming home! I get butterflies when I think about it!!! Only it kind of worries me because we have received SO MANY blessings while they have been gone. The kind of blessings you just can't deny or question. And will those come to a screeching halt when they get home? Of course, having my parents here, close to us, is a huge blessing in itself. So we'll take it!!! Yay for 33 days!!!

That's it! The end of my ramblings, for now. Have a super week!!! I think I'll pull out my camera right now......

16 comments:

Nicky said...: You just need to invite me to your childrens activities...I'll make sure they have pictures! I am really excited that you're cutting back work - just in time for summer. I've missed out "hanging out just because" days.
And when I think of 33 days...I get so excited I can hardly breathe! WOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I've had the same thoughts cross my mind about the blessings. We have definently been protected as a family - no question about it. BUT...it's time. We need our parents back!!!! (at least until they decide to turn papers back in :'c ).; February 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM
Unknown said...: wow. I am excited for you! I can't believe its almost here. I was so happy to read your good news. I am sitting here all sad and teary...its no big deal, I am just mad about not being able to hold my baby...so it made me smile! yay for that.

Also- I know what you mean about everyone gone all the time, but at least our Friday nights we are all together...usually with a few extra teenagers...because we are " cool parents" and let the teenagers hang out here and feed them candy...really its Dave that is cool and has a insatiable sweet tooth.; February 28, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Huffstuff said...: Love this post. I do have a group picture with Skyler in it. I will scan it and get you a copy. I didn't take very many just because it's not easy and I don't have a good enough camera.
I am so happy to hear that Des went to nursery. YEA!
I am proud that you have offically started training for Ogden. I need to get my leggs and butt going!; February 28, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Maria said...: Yay! So glad to hear an update on you guys! Even if it is pictureless. ;) Not since Sunday? Wow, that is crazy. Glad you're going to have a little more time to enjoy your kiddos before they are all grown up.

Yay for March, winter is almost over! (and I haven't even had to deal with the snow!); February 28, 2011 at 10:09 PM
jennaloha said...: When you come to AZ we'll take lots of pictures.; March 2, 2011 at 7:16 AM
farmgirl said...: Oh, Hi! I missed you and your posts.
I hear what you are saying about slowing life down a bit, we are on the verge of some major changes to help that happen in our family...(more on that later).
Yea for running! I am ultra impressed you are braving the wind--no fun! I'm seriously considering Top of Utah Half--wanna join me?
And Yea for your parents coming home!! That went by fast (for me) :); March 4, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Mer said...: Glad all is well with you - I've missed your posts!; March 5, 2011 at 9:26 AM
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Crazy Things Our Kids Say

'Mom, Desmond needs to be changed. He smells like a waffle'. -myah- I've heard all sorts of descriptions, but never a WAFFLE!
'Mommy, How come all of our prophets names start with "President"?' Myah
'Mom, baby boys are special too'. Myah's words of encouragement shortly following the boy ultrasound. Thanks Myah!
When talking about what to grow in our garden this summer, Skyler said, 'Oh, I know...let's grow more zuccini so we can have more pickles!' Pretty funny coming from a really smart kid!
'Mommy, I want my armpits to look like yours, with all the black pokey things in them!' Yep, that's Myah!
'...Thank you for Santa Clause...and thank you for his reindeer.' Myah's prayers last night
'Daddy...You smell like Grandpa!' (Myah) Derrick has picked up a new second job, working with my dad doing sheet metal construction...aka 'manual labor', and apparently, he's starting to smell like hard work!
'When I grow up, I want to be....A MOMMY!' Myah
"But sleeping makes me tired!" Never heard this excuse for a later bedtime before!
'How does my water turn into pee?' Myah
'My eyeballs are melting!' Myah...We built a fire for fhe and made smores...apparently it was pretty hot!
'Can I pet the baby?' I was babysitting for a friend the other day, and Myah was so happy to have a baby around!

Quotable Quotes

'Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a Gift. That's why it's called the Present' -kung fu panda...master uguay
"The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude." William James (borrowed from Katie)
"As long as it stays outside" -my grandpa joe- let me explain this one, he was a farmer and was referring to the problems and trials we have. I interpret this to mean that as long as we don't let them into our homes and our families, it's all good!
"Remember, a good attitude produces good results, a fair attitude fair results, a poor attitude poor results. We each shape our own life, and the shape of it is determined largely by our attitude." Jeffrey R. Holland

Hmmmm....

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today!'

So she did, and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today!'

So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.'So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.'

YEA!' she exclaimed, 'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Derrick

Derrick goes by many names around here, including Honey, Big Fatty (only when Zac is really mad or really tired), Babe, Appocolypse (his wrestling alias), Abomination (another wrestling foe),...but my definite favorite...Daddy (or Dad as the big kids say). I also think that to everyone in our home, Derrick is considered a great friend. He has a talent for turning those tense moments into funny and lighthearted memory makers. I guess that he is the perfect balance for me, since I have a hard time letting go of my 'schedule' and just having fun!
The man of our house stays very busy with work, play, more work, and a little more play! He still works as part of a management team of an imaging center, where he also does nuclear medicine, ct, x-ray, and lab work. When he's home, he acts as teacher, barbeque king, friend, companion, tutor, priesthood holder, elders quorum president, bedtime tucker-inner, and daddy!
So yes, Derrick wears many hats, and I have to say, I love every one of them!

Kelli

I am a middle aged stay at home mommy to five kids. I rarely get out, and I don't always manage to get a shower in every day. I cook, I clean, I sew (well, not really, but I wish I could sew!), I tutor, I clean some more...and I love my life! I am a wife, a new mommy, and an old mommy, a wannabe runner, a friend, a neighbor, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a food network junkie, a inventor (of recipes, since I can't stand to follow a recipe as given), a hiker, a taxi driver, a librarian (my new calling in church...are you jealous???), and a really great sports spectator!
My goal over the next year is to try and be 'happier' on the outside while I'm with my kids. I'm always happy inside, but don't tend to show it as often as I should. Also, I hope to be able to give in service to those around me as much as they have done for me! I am so thankful to know that I am a daughter of God, and that he not only loves me but is totally aware of my trials and my weaknesses. I truly believe that he has surrounded me with special people to help me through those trials and to help me become better! How cool is that???

Skyler

Skyler has a whole variety of hats, and it's hard to know from day to day which ones he'll pull out! I guess that's all part of being a teenager! Skyler is a big brother, a babysitter, a son, a priesthood holder, a scout, a basketball player, a friend, a football player, an excellent student, a reader, an artist, a musician, a help (when he wants to be), a tease, and a future (and current) missionary! I appreciate Skyler's committment to the gospel and to living the gospel standards. I know that sometimes, we butt heads, but I have never ever been worried about him not honoring his gospel standards and covenants! What a great example to the younger brothers and sister!

Zacary

Zac is so often my life preserver! On days when I feel like I'm drowning, he is able sense that and jumps right in to save me! I often refer to him as our 'resident chef', since he absolutely LOVES to cook! He can follow a recipe pretty well, but he can also 'taste cook' (a boy after my own heart). Zac also wears many hats...soccer player (almost any position), student, resident chef, babysitter, big brother, cousin, scout, maid (really, the kid can clean...when he wants to!), missionary in training, manual laborer (loves to work on house and yard projects), and friend! I love Zac and so much appreciate his awareness in knowing when to jump in and help out!

Tannon

Tannon may be a skinny little thing, but his heart is HUGE! Tannon is a big brother (a fact of which he's very very proud), a son, a friend, a soccer player, a tease, a wrestler (just as home with Derrick), a student, a reader, a cub scout, a future missionary, an example, a food critic (since he doesn't like much of anything!), and a very tender hearted little boy! I love Tannon, and I think that his quiet, peaceful nature brings a smile to my face and makes his Heavenly Father very happy! I really and truly hope that we can instill in Tannon, exactly how special and amazing he is!

Myah

Myah is the cream on top of the Swaner family sundae! We are all just crazy about the only girl in the family! Myah's hats...big sister, little sister, daughter, friend, social butterfly, artist, student (preschool!), dancer, singer, comedian, peacemaker, and helper! If I can teach her one thing that she will never ever forget, it is that she is a daughter of God, and that alone makes her so incredibly special! She often says, 'I am a princess, because my Father in Heaven is a king!' I hope that she remembers that always!

Desmond

Little Des, is a true blessing in our family! He is the cherry on top of our Swaner family sundae. I never knew I wanted a cherry on top, but once he joined our family, I can no longer picture it any other way! Just when I thought we were moving along to the next 'stage' in life, there was a quick little u-turn along our path, and just about 10 months later...here we are with a new sweet spirit in our family.
So Des's hats...a little brother, a son, a sweet little spirit, a peacemaker (and he doesn't even know it), and a HUGE blessing!
Desmond joined us on August 18th, 2008 in Blackfoot, Idaho. He was born via planned c-section, and the whole process was an answer to many prayers! We are very thankful for our newest addition!