What a showing!

If you've ever sold a house by realtor, you can relate to the stress of having a clean house at all times. I've never had a "we're in the driveway, can we come look?" call, but the one today was one of those "I wish I'd left my house a bit cleaner before I left" days.

I went grocery shopping today. The poor clerk couldn't figure out if my credit card was going to be charged triple my grocery bill because of some card reader machine malfunction. During this checkout time, I missed a cell phone call from the showing people that someone was on their way. When we pulled in the driveway, I checked my messages and realized I had 45 minutes before the buyers would be there. Actually, my house was in a state where I thought that was doable. It would be close, but possible. However, I couldn't have distractions. So, I sent the three kids in the backyard to play and threw 3 packages of fruit snacks out the door (actually, this is a normal thing) then frantically put away highchairs, hid packages of wipes, put a couple dirty dishes in the clean dishwasher, etc. My old neighbor showed up needing some help (twice). Still, I thought I would be okay and continued shoving toys in strange places. The doorbell rang and I hadn't thrown the laundry baskets (1 full of dirty laundry, 1 full of half-folded clean laundry and a pile of sheets) into the van. Well, too late. I welcomed the people, apologized and told them I'd grab my kids and go. They were really nice about it (as was the realtor) but I still felt like a moron. They said I didn't have to leave and I asked if I could just go in the backyard while they looked, secretly thinking perhaps I could make an exit from there. I go outside to find my two girls pantless and soaking wet. My son was by the water spicket, COVERED in wet grass and mud. A smooth exit was not going to happen. Under normal circumstances, I would have run for the camera. Even still, I was tempted to sneak back in the house. The kids looked that bad. The buyers came out back wanting to ask me a bunch of questions. Its lucky they didn't walk out on the grass because there were big puddles of water (water doesn't seep into TX clay... it just stays on top). And its a blessing they were nice people and laughed and said, "wow. you have your hands full" (I get that comment often :) It definitely was a memorable showing. I can only imagine their conversation as they reviewed their list of houses seen today: "Oh yeah. This house had the crazy lady with all the laundry baskets and three muddy, half naked children."

I mean...

If you know Elise well, you know she answers "No" to practically every question. This has made communication rather difficult. Usually I respond, "you mean, Yes?" And we go on. However, on Friday, she responded with "NO. (pause) Mean, yes." Is this progress? I'm not sure. However, if she wants something REALLY bad, she'll give the proper response (in a very sad voice).

If you know Lucy well, you know she talks continually. On a particularly stressful day, I said, "Lucy. Stop talking. I can't think straight." She replied with, "So, do you think 'sideways?'"

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Today I put on a longer dress coat as I walked outside. Lucy said, "I've never seen one of those coats. Hey, its long... you look just like Albert's mother!" If you've seen Bye Bye Birdie, you'll know exactly what she meant. Sadly, I cannot find a picture of it.

And Austin, well what's not to love about a kid who is happy dumping sand on his head, over and over and over again?

Where's the Bishop?

We had a fun church youth activity on Tues. It was a "Where's Waldo?/scripture scavenger hunt" thing. Each team read scripture clue, had to match it with the store and find a person from the bishopric or YW leader to get the next clue. Check out these disguises:

Wouldn't you be nervous if you saw these guys wandering around Target or JC Penney?!?

The boys attended too, but when we got the group together to get this shot, they were all inside the sports store trying out the weight sets. Fun times!

When Dad cooks

Too bad none of you joined us for Sunday dinner. You would have been in for a real treat.



I came home from church with a headache. It was not at the "die" stage so I made everyone a peach malt (with spinach for added nutrition) for dinner and told George I was going to lay down for a bit. He said he'd feed the kids the rest of dinner. I came down a few minutes later to get something and found this little scene:

Now, aren't all of you jealous of the communal bowl with its delicious contents?

I admit I've also struggled in the cooking department lately. WAY too much of my time has been spent on the phone talking to the realtor, on the internet updating our housing ad (or looking for future housing in other places) OR cleaning the constant trail of stuff around the house wondering, "If anyone called, could I clean this house in 20 minutes?" Today I was talking to the realtor on the phone and realized I should feed my child. I told Lucy to find something she wanted to eat for lunch while I pondered the word choice on our housing ad. I came back to find a half of her plate covered in Frito's, half covered in pretzels and a tortilla by the side. And sadly, I didn't fight it. I realized she had done just what I said, "Find something you want for lunch."

I hope this housing sell doesn't take forever... we might all end up malnourished.

A bit of Disney

...on ice

The show was very magical. Even with Lucy talking the whole time (commenting on who she saw and asking lots of questions: why princesses weren't performing to songs from their movie, how they did certain tricks, who we were going to see next, etc.) I think I enjoyed myself almost as much as Lucy. However, I thought the "story" was slightly strange, especially the second half. Geo was thrilled to stay home with the babies.

Pi's and Patty's

We've just celebrated two important holidays: Pi day (3/14) and St. Patty's. Good company and good food for both.

turkey pot pie and mini apple and cherry pies

Sadly, we didn't recite values of pi this year, but I *think* these girls have the first three digits memorized. Well... maybe if you catch them on a good day.

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St Patty's started with green waffles. I am a fan of dying food green, but I'm always surprised at how much better it tastes when it comes in the normal color. Obviously a "mind" issue.

I think the kids' favorite activity of the day was tub time. I dyed the water green and then made green paint from baby soap, cornstarch, and water. They loved it. Note the faces of concentration. They painted each other, the tub, themselves, etc. Great fun and surprisingly not much mess at all.

All day long, Lucy kept calling leprechauns, "groundhogs". Too many holidays to keep track of. :)

We ended the day with a green food dinner at the Kim's: pesto mashed potatoes, green rolls, lots of green veggies, pistachio jello salad, green juice, etc. We couldn't stomach dying the meat green though. That would just be nasty.
Wendy made yummy rainbow cupcakes for desert that were a big hit. Sadly, I forgot to get a picture of those.

May you have the luck o' the Irish!

Farewell to Uncle Benji!

The biggest reason we made the drive to UT was to see my brother Benji before he left for a two year church mission to Peru. I've had a great time hanging out with my brother. He's a wonderful uncle to my kids... teases the girls, wrestles with Austin, plays games, etc. When I am here, we usually watch a nightly movie. I rarely do this at home in TX, so its actually kind of fun. He also has me listen to the latest songs, music videos, etc. I feel like I can understand what/who some of the youth I work with in the church are actually talking about after my vacations with Benji.

One important event I got to attend was going with Benji to the temple for the first time. It was really great to have all five of us siblings there.
Parents join in this photo and here is Linsday representing the in-laws (the other two already had to go back to work).

Usually the departing missionary gives a talk in church before he leaves. I was up with Benji at 12:30am the night before working with him on his talk and to be honest, was a little nervous. But he did really well and I think the people of Peru will love his easy-going, friendly personality.

Traditionally, friends and family come over to the house afterwards to wish the missionary well. Since he spoke at the 9am church, we had brunch afterwards. A big part of my week was spent planning food, cleaning, organizing, cooking, etc. I think we undercalculated on how much food we'd need, but otherwise I thought it turned out good. However, I don't think the Cole sisters will start a catering business.

We will miss you brother/uncle Benj! You will be in our daily prayers!

Celebrating national pancake day and a few other things

In case you missed it, National Pancake day was February 23. We don't have an IHOP anywhere near us to get the free pancakes, so we just used our resident chef. (Also known all week as Paige Davis in her current look on the RC Willey commercials)

Not that you need this, but the pancake is in the shape of a llama. I know it is obvious, but there might be a select few who have a hard time. Benji is going to llama country in a few weeks, so it was made in his honor. Beat that, IHOP.

L is for... guess who?
All gone. This is significant considering Elise's eating habits.

Austin's new eating style

We've also celebrated a few other very important things. One was the Olympics. My dad made Lucy popcorn and hot chocolate every night. That girl was in heaven.

It was important to celebrate the first day in remembered history where Elise was thrilled to see Lucy in the morning and gave her lots of big hugs. I ran for my camera. Normally she doesn't want a thing to do with her. Elise had been up an hour previously. Maybe that is the key. I'm that way too. I just need a little bit of time to wake up and then I can put on a happy face.

Let's celebrate that my girls now can do the Cupid Shuffle. This video is of the first time aunt and uncle introduced it. Now Elise will randomly say, "Now Kick." and Lucy finishes with "C'mon baby, kick." and they both start kicking. They can now shake their knees too. What a great skill!

More celebrations...March is a big birthday month in our family. It starts off with my dad at the end of February. At his request, we cooked steak and eggs for breakfast. No fruit.

Okay, March actually starts off with Gracie. Here she is trying out her hair clippers.

Benji's is the day after. We took him to Benihana since they have the free dinner with the birthday club. We thought we'd get Lacey's meal free too (her's is in a couple weeks), but only one birthday per party.

There are more March birthdays (George's is in an hour), but here is a jump ahead to an April birthday, my only nephew Gavin. He is turning 8. In our church, you can choose to be baptized into the church at that age, so I thought some sort of spiritual present (journal, scripture markers, etc.) would be appropriate. George thought the whoopee cushion would be perfect. So we went with that. And he loved it. Its funny how kids never tire of that joke. He even used it on Austin.

More celebrations in the next post...

Parting

George's grandfather passed away on Friday, Feb 19. He had surgery earlier in the week and wasn't in top health, but his death was still unexpected. We were in St. George when Geo's mom called. I thought the fact that our whole family was already in UT was quite incredible. We never felt at peace about the decision on me flying to UT and just couldn't get the details to work out. Looking back, I think this could have been part of the reason. George was able to rearrange his work and flight schedule to stay a couple extra days for the viewing and funeral. Its always nice to be with family during these times.

Before the viewing, we stopped by and had a nice visit with grandma Tripp and aunt Cindy.

Here we are with uncles Jake and Ben at the viewing.




The viewing was a tribute to both grandpa and grandma and their kids. Many people came and I got to meet a couple of Liz's old roommates and some of grandpa's friends. His old branch president told me that he liked the part of the obituary where it said that grandpa was the first to volunteer to help. He felt that was really true, even in his older age. I also liked looking through the memory books.


This is some of Elise photography work. Uncle Jake warned me to check the camera afterwards, but I didn't. Hence, the rest of the photos are "wide view." I didn't realize it until afterwards.


At the funeral, Geo said the opening prayer and Natalie played the piano.


This shot of happy Austin is here because he got his extra tooth pulled by our friend Jim a day before. The snaggle now has more room to straighten a bit. Jim was really quick and we were grateful not to put him under anesthesia.

At the cemetery....

"Taps" was played and Liz was presented with the flag. It was very nice.

Sibs

Geo and his mom

At the funeral, two traits that were mentioned often were grandpa's attributes of patience and giving with a happy heart. I feel like these two inherited those traits. As the oldest grandchild, George also has grandpa's middle name.
We will miss grandpa Harden, yet there was a feeling of peace as we attended the viewing, funeral, and graveside service. I am always impressed at George's eternal perspective at times like this. He looks at it as a time to be with family to celebrate a life well lived. Thank you grandpa for your example of kindness and love. Until we meet again...

Austin's progress

Just wanted to let everyone know that Austin has made progress from the chimp walk to the real thing. He turned 15 months on Friday. When he first started walking, he'd take 5 steps with the last two having a "face of fear." Then he totally gave up. He now walks around the house pretty well. However he likes to do it in his own way. He's not a fan of being coaxed to walk between people. Even so, I had to try to get a video.

He does it best when he just sees something he wants and walks to it. Then he gives himself a big cheer (Yay!) with a grin. Its really quite funny. (He did this when he learned to stand as well. He'd push off from holding on to someone, stand for a minute, then fall back into your arms with a big chuckle and a "I'm so proud of myself" look.) Elise tries to help him with walking. At first he enjoyed that, but quickly learned she is too fast for him and cries when he sees her coming.

Good job son!

CMM Cinco

CMM Cinco (the reunion for my immediate family) was last weekend and boy, was it a PARTY! This year it was held in St. George and corresponded with some big events in my youngest brother Benji's life. More on that later....

After much debate and searching Kayak for flights for weeks, we decided to make the drive to UT. This was a first time for us. It was a 22 hour trip and we were pretty nervous no one in our little family would be friends by the time we made it. But things actually went really well. Even Austin (our worst traveler) had improved quite a bit from the 9 hr trip we made 3 months previously. We stopped again at the Cain's in El Paso and made a stop in Las Vegas. I'm really hoping the return trip goes as well.

We met up with my family Friday morning. Sadly, Geo missed the Cole boys golf tournament (that now involves a trophy). Chris and Benji were once again victorious. Next stop was lunch at Red Robin which of course meant Chris would slip salt into some lucky family member's drink. Gracie was the winner. However, he tried sugar first and she didn't even notice.

Afternoon swimming

Friday night, Geo, Chris, my parents and I went to a talk by the artist Del Parson. {Yes, I am aware we are kind of nerdy.} It was really good. I was impressed with how "down to earth" the man is.

Saturday activities included a tennis tournament followed by lunch/volleyball tournament with Mark's (my bro-in-law) family. It was a good time.

Except for one thing. Look at the picture below. See the guy behind me? That is Mark's dad (my sister's father-in-law). Sadly in this picture, you cannot see his worn front pocket. At the end of the party, most everyone was talking in the kitchen. He was holding Elise. I came up from the side (Elise was in front of his face) and gave that front pocket a good squeeze saying something like "maybe you should move your phone to your back pocket". He moves Elise and says, "ummm...those are my keys." And George peaked his head out from behind a door. Yep. I felt like the biggest moron. I tease George about putting his phone, wallet, etc in his front pocket and totally thought that the volleyball game had caused them to wear his jeans. Just thought I should include that important lesson: NEVER grab a man's upper thigh. Even if you think its your husband.Saturday afternoon was time for more swimming. This time it was indoor at my grandpa's condo. Chris and Elise were inseparable. That girl is a fish. Austin loved splashing around and Lu made some progress on her swimming skills. The favorite group activity was the water gun wars.

Afterwards my grandpa and his wife Karen had a nice "Thanksgiving" dinner (quite the feast) for everyone with contests/prizes for the Jan-March birthday people.

Normally my family members are big game players. There was some games of dominos, nerts, etc., but really the Olympics sort of took over the nightly game playing this year. I am sad to say these boys are GLUED to Curling here. Look at their faces!?! Didn't I say we are kind of nerdy? Only half of us though. The fun girls are in the back making jewelry watches.

Thanks Aunt Lacey and Uncle Mark for planning a great CMM! Here's a big high five from the Tripp's...

Until next year...