Another Long Update

Well, isn't this nice? It's been another month with out me even realizing it. Time is just flying by. I can't say I'm shocked. I knew it would be this way and I can probably expect it to carry on until the end of the school year. Anyway, here is a little run down of our weeks....

Monday- Soccer game, baseball practice
Tuesday- Piano, baseball practice, scouts (which we aren't able to make it to, but it's in there to make me feel guilty anyway)
Wednesday- piano, baseball games (and/or practice), choir, & a run (bad time to be training)
Thursday- baseball game(s), another run
Friday- take a breath...... (if we're lucky)... this week, the temple.
Saturday- LONG run, and guess what?? more baseball games

I am definitely not complaining! I do enjoy baseball season, I choose to do soccer and choir, and I am grateful that I have a body physically capable of taking me on these runs. But by the time our week is complete, I am longing for a Sunday spent relaxing with my family. Also, I thought I should probably document our schedule for the blog book. One day, when my kids are involved in even more, I will look back at this schedule and think, 'Was I really that busy?'

Okay, enough ranting. On to the pictures. As you now know, baseball has started. I am a horrible mom and have yet to take my camera to the field while they are playing, but I did get one of them together in their uniforms at home. Clearly, they are very happy their mom wants ANOTHER picture!

Mason is in rookies for his last year so he is still coach pitch. He is progressing every year and really loves baseball. He is finally one of the older kids on the team instead of just looking like the oldest. I think he really enjoys this. He spends most of the game in the infield and is getting the chance to really play now. Just over a week ago, he hit his first home run. He was so excited! I was so glad I was able to be there to see it. Jess and I have had to do a lot of switching off with the kids, which means he didn't get to see it. But regardless, we were all very proud of him.

Maddox is really liking the game also. Although, I wish there was another league in between t-ball and rookies. He is not quite ready for rookies but I can see him getting pretty bored out there sometimes. I guess that could just be the sport in general though?? He hates sitting still. But he does love it and he is doing great!

On to my little Claire. I always wanted a girly tom boy. I know, that sounds like an oxy moron, but listen. I wanted a girl that loves to be cute but also loves to be very active and not be afraid to play rough. Well, let's just say, the girly part has been left out. :-( She absolutely hates being uncomfortable. It's always tennis shoes, no dresses, and her new thing.... a hat! Don't get me wrong, I'm a hat lover, but she's 3!! I want pig tails and bows! But when you have a face like this staring at you, how can you say no?

This weekend Jess and I got the best break we could have asked for. Being so busy, we hardly see each other and it was starting to play on our relationship. Our marriage thrives on getting to spend time together. Doesn't matter what we are doing, as long as we get to be together. Anyway, we were able to go to L.A. for three days for my wonderful friend Mitra's wedding. My brother Kevin and his wife Erin kept our kids for us, giving us the BEST possible time away! :-)

We car pooled down with our friends Rebecca and Chad which made the drive so much easier and very enjoyable. (It also helped our budget, since I had no idea you had to pay for parking EVERYWHERE in California!! Hate that state!) We had reserved rooms in these apartments on the temple grounds. It was way nice and so cheap. They even had beautiful court yards we could hang out in. It was definitely a nice place to return to after getting frustrated with the driving and parking.

On Friday we killed time with R & C by first going to the Kodak Theater. Let me tell you, there are some serious crazy's hanging out there!! Then we headed over to the The Guinness World Record Museum. It was cool.

I actually forgot to put this picture in the collage but I liked it. It's a statue of the tallest man. 8 foot 11 inches.

After the Guinness Museum, we headed over to "A" wax museum. When we got in there, we realized we probably should have paid for Madam Tusseud's (sp?). haha.... It was fun though. And really, I'll do anything for a picture. :-) If you look at the pictures though, the one of Wolverine is the best and that's because it was in front of the "real" wax museum.

On Friday afternoon, March 19Th, Mitra was married to Matt Smith in the L.A. Temple. I have to say that she was absolutely the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Her hair was perfect and her dress was to die for, but I think it was the total glow of happiness she wore for two days that made her so beautiful. I have never seen a happier bride. After the sealing, we headed over to the Sofitel for an amazing dinner that was only made better by having all of my wonderful friends around me.
On Saturday, Mitra had a civil ceremony for her family because she is the only member of the church. Her family is Persian so it was really cool to see all the decorations, the food, the music, and the dancing. Both days were so much fun!

I have to say, it was wonderful to have a get away with Jess and a girls trip in the same weekend. Jess was so supportive for everything and I think he really enjoyed all of it as well. As long as he didn't have to dance, he didn't mind his wife out there making a fool of herself with her friends. For those of you that know what the Elaine dance is, YES, I did it! And each night at about 11:00 pm, the husbands would go to bed and the wives would stay up chatting until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. It was a perfect weekend!! The only down side is that Mitra is moving to Hong Kong in a week and I don't know when I will get to see her again. :-( Looks like a girls trip to China!! :-) Woot! Woot!!

February Update

You know you are behind on your blog when you only have one post for the month! I have been meaning to do this for a while but it seems to get harder and harder. I am behind in reading and posting blogs! I can't see the next four months getting any better either. Baseball season is here again, which means no time at all!! This year will be even worse because we have both boys in it. Wish us luck!

Anyway, I'll get on with my February post. This is what has been going on this month....

Mitra's Shower
One of my very good friends, Mitra, took out her endowments on February 4Th. Of course I don't have pictures from that, but I was able to be there with her as well as four of my other really good friends. The experience was so awesome! Jess leaned over to me when they all came in and said, "How does it feel to be here with all your friends?" I have to say, it really was amazing! I loved every second of it!! I am so happy for her.

The next night, the 5Th, my friend Jacquelynn threw her a "themed" bridal shower. It was SO much fun!! If you know me well, then you know I LOVE to dress up! I have to say, so do all my girlfriends that I grew up with. (Minus Alexis! haha) Anyway, it was a tea party. We didn't actually drink tea, but we wore pearls, head bands, and dresses/skirts. It made for cute pictures! Jacquelynn did an amazing job with everything and we all had a great time. Honestly, any chance I get to be with these girls, I will take it. I love them soooo much!

The shower was held at Jacque's sister in laws house, Chris. Chris just so happens to be an amazing photographer and took a few pictures before she left for the night. I'm bummed that we didn't get all the girls in the group shot but I love it still. So fun!

I had to post this picture! These are my Beehive Posse!! LOL!! Yes, I know, we are TOTAL nerds!!! But anyway, we have been close FOREVER and I love these girls to pieces!



Mason's Recital
Mason's piano recital was held on February 6Th at our chapel. I am so grateful to have the teacher that he has. She really made it nice for all her students and Mason has progressed so quickly under her. He flew through his last book and is now on to level 3. He hates every minute of it, and I love it! I'm sorry, but I force my son to go to school, to learn to read, write, do math. Why on earth can't I force him to learn the piano?? That's how I see it. Anyway, I can't let him quit something that I feel comes so naturally to him. I WISH it came that easy to me. He doesn't know how lucky he is.

His teacher gave out all these little statues to her students of famous musicians. Such a cool idea!



This is a video of his recital performance. It's pretty short. Watch it just to see how completely bored he looks! :-)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Claire's 3rd Birthday
My little Claire Bear turned 3 on February 13Th. I had fully planned on throwing her a party this year. My boys both had their first party when they turned 3 years old. I really thought she would be totally excited to have one. Nope! Not my daughter. This is what she told me.... "um, I want a princess cake, pizza, and Phoenix sleep over." I asked her over and over about a party. I tried talking it up and everything. She wanted nothing to do with it. I have to say, I totally got off the hook! Her idea of a party was WAY easier and she had a wonderful day. Also, she really wasn't into presents. She didn't bring up presents once during the day and didn't seem to care much whether she got them or not. Weird.

So, for her birthday..... we had her best friend Phoenix spend the day/ night with her. Jess had class all day so it was just the kids and I during the day. Complete with Mc D's for lunch and time at the park, she was one happy princess.

That night, we had both sets of grandparents over and Jess' brother Bryson to help us celebrate for real. We had pizza and princess cake per request and then opened presents. Jess and I decided against toys for her birthday. She doesn't play with any of the toys she got for Christmas. All she is interested in is her scooter. Now I know some of you are going to think we are crazy, but oh well. We got our 3 year old a flat screen. Yes, I know. Whatever. It has a DVD player on the side, which means we don't have to watch Cinderella/Ariel/Snow White.... several times a day. It has been PURE heaven for the last week!!

I know this is a little out of order but before Phoenix came on her birthday, Claire's grandma Jillie picked her up and took her to Build A Bear. Of course, Claire chose a dog. She is obsessed with dogs. But she loved the entire experience with her grandma and Jill thought it was pretty funny that the first piece of clothing Claire HAD to have was panties.

When Phoenix came, her mom Jessi had sent several presents. If you know Jessi, you are not shocked by this. She loves to spoil our girls! Anyway, two of the presents were wrapped exactly alike. One for Claire and one for Phoenix. Jessi had spoiled them with matching Sleeping Beauty dresses!! They were in little girl heaven! Needless to say, Claire had an amazing birthday and thinks everyday should be her birthday.

I just wanted to say that we love our Claire more than I ever thought possible! She brings so much love and life to our family and we don't know what we would do with out her. She is both feisty and sweet and she is truly our little tom boy. She can scale a wall to get on the trampoline and then come inside because her hands are sticky and they need to be washed off. Just the other day, I found her on the kitchen floor sitting next to a box of doughnut holes. She had three in each hand and one in her mouth. The box of doughnut holes had been on top of the fridge. Somehow, she retrieved it. She is smart, loving, funny, and sensitive. I am so amazed to see such strength and personality in a child so young. I am both scared and excited for the future we will have with her.

We love you Claire! Happy 3rd Birthday!

Pinewood Derby/ Homemade Bread/ Disney On Ice

This is going to be another bulk post! Things start piling up faster than I am able to blog them and then it's easier to just get them all out at once. Other wise, they might not happen.

Mason had his first pinewood derby a couple of weeks ago. He was very VERY excited about it! I can't say that Jess was any less excited. They both really enjoyed working on it together. He ended up getting an award for the most realistic looking car. As far as the race goes, not so good! Let's just say that we have not learned all the little tricks the other dads seem to have under their belts. Needless to say, he and Jess will definitely be thinking about more than looks next year! They are both very excited about it. By the time Maddox is in scouts, they will have it down!

For Christmas, my mom gave Jess and I a wheat grinder. When I opened it, I said, "What is it?!" Yeah, yeah, this brought a lot of laughs! I don't claim to be Suzy Homemaker. Anyway, last Sunday night, my sister in law, Carolyn, gave a few of us a little demonstration. So, with my food storage that has been in my closet for the last TEN years..... I made homemade wheat bread!! And.... it was delicious!! Even Maddox, my picky little eater, is loving it! You really can't beat homemade. I'm not trying to brag, I am really just super proud of myself!!
 

It's true that a little princess gets spoiled!! I would do anything for my sweet little Claire Bear. So, when Disney On Ice comes to town, we go! I was able to convince my sister Brenda to come along, since you know Jess wanted nothing to do with it! We had a great time! The best part was just watching her eyes light up. She is definitely my Disney child. The boys could have cared less that they didn't get to go. They have moved on to all the super hero movies. Claire watches all the old Disney classics. I was so shocked and happy when I realized how much she loved the movie Cinderella. There is just something about talking animals that gets to my little girl.
 

Jared

Today is what would have been, my brother in law Jared's 28Th birthday. We lost Jared on June 14, 2009. It has now been just over seven months since his death. I am not one to post or even share my inner most feelings because I do not like feeling vulnerable. But I have always regretted not posting more about Jared when this happened. I will want my kids to be able to read this and remember.

If you have ever lost someone close to you, then you know it is not easy. First, there is a feeling of shock. Then, devastation. Followed by, what do I do? Then you just get done what you have to and try to forget the reason why you are doing it all in the first place. Eventually, exhaustion kicks in and all you can do is curl up and cry. All of this can take place in a week. Then, everything is done. You've said your goodbyes, you've hugged your loved ones until your arms ache, and everyone is gone. Then, reality kicks in. The reality that you will not hear their voice again. You will not see them smile, hide from, tickle, or tackle your kids anymore. When the shower is leaking, they are not there to call. You will never get to say what you always meant to say and you will always wonder if they knew. I can't say that everyone has feelings the same as mine, but these are real.

Jared was an amazing person! I have a great love for who he was/is. Because of my son Maddox, I saw something in him that I might not other wise have seen. They are two peas in a pod. I think that makes losing him all the harder. When I look at Maddox and imagine losing him, my heart breaks for Jill, my MIL. The heart ache she must feel on a daily basis is too much for me to even think of. Jared's nick name was "Jare Bear." He got this nick name because of the grumpy face he wore. He would use it as a shield to keep people at bay. Maddox does this. But break Jared's shell, and he was the most thoughtful, caring, sweetest, funny guy. Maddox is this way. The two of them had a special bond that can't be broken. Maddox is crazy, and unique. Jared loved that about him because he saw himself in him. They would play for hours just wrestling and hiding from each other. Of course, Jared would play the same way with Mason and Claire. Only, he would carry Claire around so she could tackle the boys. I hate that he will not be here to watch them grow up. And I pray that they will always have some memory of him. The pictures of him are few and far between because he did not love the camera. I think that if I was not such an annoying picture taker, we would not have any.

I am so grateful to have had Jared in my life. I know this sounds weird, but I have had a dream of him since he died and he was happy. Really happy. He looked good. Younger, smiling, and truly happy. He told me that he knew it was all true and that he was doing what he needed to. He said that he was really happy and that he loved me. I have never had a dream that felt so real before. And trust me, I dream a lot. Since that dream, I have really felt at peace. I know that we will get to see Jared again. I know that he is doing everything possible to make that happen. And I know that he knows how much I loved him. This life is always changing. You never know when someone will leave you for good. Don't take advantage of the people in your life. Tell them that you love them every chance you get and don't let little issues get in the way. It's just not worth it.

I just wanted to post this video of Jared again. You will see the "Jare Bear" glare in there, but you will also see his face light up. He was a good man with a very loving heart.

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We love you Jared! Happy Birthday!

ABC Tag

It's been a while since I have done a tag, but I had fun reading my friends. So, I decided to do it! Although, she didn't actually tag me so I guess I can't really call it that. Anyway, if you feel like doing it, I would love to read yours!

A- Age: 28
B- Bed size: King
C- Chore you hate: Grocery shopping! Ick!
D- Dog's name: Don't have one!
E- Essential start your day item: Cereal! Always Cereal!
F- Favorite color: Red
G- Gold or silver: Gold & Silver
H- Height: 5'6"
I- I am: jumbled
J- Job: Domestic Engineer
K- Kids: (3) Mason, Maddox, & Claire
L- Living arrangements: Mostly messy! But, it's a home! :-)
M- Mom's name: Sheila
N- Nickname: Liz, Lizard breath, Lizbian, Little-bit, & Lizzy (Can you tell that I have brothers?)
O- Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Never
P- Pet peeve: People asking me for money...or having their freaking kids ask me for money in the store parking lot. UGH! (Stole this one from my friend!) I couldn't agree more!!
Q- Quote from a movie: "She gets a letter from Wally, she blubbers. She writes a letter to Wally, she bluuuu-bers! So, get out your hats and rain coats folks! We're having rain for twice a day, for two years! Oh Wally, come back!" Saturdays Warriors baby!! Yeah, I watched it a lot as a kid!
R- Right or left handed: Right
S- Siblings: (13) Chuck, Debbie, Eric, Trevor, Kevin, Jason, Russell, Stephen, Mary, Rachel, Diane, Brenda, & Sarah
T- Time you wake up: 7:00am (Do I stay up? Not unless I have to!)
U- Unique thing about your car: There is about a 5 inch scratch on the back from me being an idiot! The tail gate was open while it was in the garage and I opened the garage door. When it opened, it left me a nice big scratch! This happened about a month after I got it!
V- Vegetable you hate: ALL
W- Ways you run late: When my hair is giving me issues. I have a certain place I want it all to go and when it doesn't, I'm not a happy camper!
X- X-rays you've had: wrist, teeth, and thumb!
Y- Yummy food you make: Pumpkin and Monster cookies
Z- Zoo favorite: Snack bar! :-)

Kids, New Year, & My Birthday

Okay, this post is going to have a little randomness to it. There are just a few little things I wanted to post about. First, I just wanted to say that the reason I decided to go private was so that I could make my posts directed more to my kids. I felt like I was leaving a lot of things out of my writing because I didn't know who was reading my blog. Since I turn my blog into a book, I really wanted to be able to put a little more detailed information in. So for those of you that have asked or were wondering, there you have it! :-)

I am always amazed at how much my boys love their sister. They really watch out for her and I always find them playing with her and doing what they can to keep her happy. But the times it really stands out, is when she is in trouble with Jess and I. She is VERY tender hearted and can't take the slightest bit of anger in our voices. Immediately, her face puckers up and tears start flowing. Well, Maddox has gotten in the habit of hugging her, patting her back, and saying, "It's okay Claire. I love you!" It is the sweetest thing! But it's not only Maddox. If for some reason she has caused a problem with Maddox and he is mad at her, she will run over to Mason and hide. I use to worry a lot about having a girl. Now, not so much! With two older brothers that love her as much as they do, what's to worry about??

After Christmas, we took the kids up to Provo to stay at my parents townhouse. After 9 1/2 years of marriage, Jess finally saw the place! We had a great a time. We were able to see my friends Dawn and Jacque, giving me some much needed play time, ate out WAY too much, and spent most of our time just trying to be with the kids. Which in our family, can get really expensive! I swear, we can't just spend time with out spending money. My family has a new hobby. And when I say family, I mean all of us!! I am a mother of three and I just found out how fun Legos can be. I know, some of you are probably thinking that I am crazy, but it really is a good time and the kids love it. Besides, look what we built!!
 

We left Provo on New Year's Eve and drove to Cedar where we were able to spend the evening with Jess' sister Necia and a few of his cousins. The next day, we visited both of Jess' grandparents and were also able to visit Jared's grave site. It was the first time we had been there since they put the head stone on. I don't know why, but something about seeing a stone there made it a little more real and little more hard. But we had a wonderful New Year's day with Jess' family and were grateful for the time there.

Well, I turned 28 on the 5Th! I have to say, it was a wonderful birthday. As you get older, you don't really expect to have great birthdays anymore. But for me, all it takes is a loving husband, great family, and wonderful friends. I was so happy to get all the text messages, calls, and facebook posts! It's amazing what technology can do for a birthday. :-) But really, Jess spoiled me rotten! He had taken the kids to the store the night before and let them each pick out a card for me and well as one of my favorite things. I loved seeing how their cards matched them. Claire was a little too excited about hers and ended up bringing it to me when I got home the night before my birthday. Honestly, I think she wanted the candy. She gave me Sugar Babies, Mason gave me a six pack of Diet Pepsi, and Maddox gave me the small candy coated Cadbury Eggs. All favorites of mine! As if that wasn't enough for me, Jess also gave me the perfect card, money to spend, and a massage! Which, I have to say, he is one smart man! He booked the massage for me already and has the kids taken care of. What more can a girl ask for?? Also, I have a wonderful mother-in-law that took me to lunch and then kept my kids so Jess could take me to dinner and a movie. The day couldn't have been more perfect! So far, 28 is feeling good! :-)

Me on my 28Th birthday with the people I love most in this world!! :-)
 

Christmas 2009

Before I start my post I just wanted to let everyone know that at the start of the new year, I will be making my blog private! I know it will be hard to see when I update, but I figure if people want to read it, they'll probably remember to check. So, if you are a reader of my blog and want to still have access, just send me your email address. My email is prizzfam@cox.net. Thanks!! ~Liz~

On to Christmas.....

Our holiday was wonderful this year! The pace felt very relaxed and we really enjoyed our time with all of our family. On Christmas Eve, we had dinner with Jess' family and then headed out to my parents where the grand kids ALL get to be in the Nativity Song. After that, the kids get to do a talent show for the family and then open their presents from the grandparents. I always love to see how much my nieces and nephews have progressed in their music throughout the year. I video taped Mason's part if anyone wants to watch.

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We also get to see both families on Christmas day. I know, we are very lucky to be so close to both. But I think the best part of Christmas was just taking our time that morning with the kids. We started a new tradition this year of only three presents each. I got this idea from a friend. The idea is that Jesus received three presents, so why should we receive more? Of course, that doesn't include everything from the extended family. The kids told us this was the best Christmas they have ever had and that the day was perfect. I don't think a parent can hear any better words at the end of this day. But anyway, the time with our kids is what made our Christmas this year! It was a wonderful day with lots of love!

I take way too many pictures ALL the time and then I have to post them all. I have a problem. So feel free to skip the video! I wanted to make it for my family. I hope your holiday was wonderful this year!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com