Abby's Normal

Scenes from the Best Vacation Ever

2011-08-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Since we were here last...

2011-06-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile since we posted anything on this lovely blog, so to let you know what we've been up too since we were last here...

The Gardner's came for Thanksgiving. Best. Time. Ever. We couldn't get enough of Christmas time at Bass Pro Shop. Why do we only get there when Uncle Eric is in town?
We made it to Utah for Christmas! Always so much fun to see our family that we miss so much during the Holidays.
Made it home to CoMo just in time for 10 Snow Days. We thought we'd never go back to school. Kept ourselves busy sledding in the backyard and cross country skiing down the middle of the road. Why doesn't Columbia own a snowplow?
Had an anniversary. 10 years! I married the Best. Man. Ever! Celebrated with our favorite ophthalmology residents in Florida. (Thanks to Mom for babysitting and being so pleasant about being snowed in for the duration of her visit)
We were so happy to see spring!
Elise went to the O.R. again, but this time it was expected - she got tubes in her ears. Instantly life became easier for us all...
Lived through the 13 year Cicada attack - the ensuing noise - and the gross smell.
Never tried the Cicada ice cream at Sparky's kind of wish I had.
Attended Kindergarten and 3rd Grade graduation!
Started summer school the very next day!
Jacob and I finally finished the patio in our backyard. He is seriously and amazing landscaper. However, we will never do this again!!
Excited to be heading out west again to see our favorite peeps!

Some pictures to keep you informed until I get some more pictures off of Jacob's phone...

This is Elise winter 2010-2011. This girl loves to dress up - in this moment she is the Little Mermaid, a ballerina, and Mary all at the same time!

Henry is a ninja warrior. He loves ANYTHING Chinese. He is certain he will go to China on his mission. This is his wise warrior bow. Love this boy!

Grace is loving school, excited to start soccer, and becoming quite the bike rider and jump roper. She is a party animal and we rarely get to see her on the weekends. :)

Elise loves dragging these chairs all around the house and making the kids ride her train. I think they secretly love it!

Next up: The backyard project

MO' Life

2010-10-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

We have been busy playing hard here in MO. If anyone wants to join us, you know where to find us. Grace and Jacob enjoyed some daddy / daughter camping this weekend in the beautiful (mid 80's) weather. Henry played some soccer, and last weekend spent Saturday afternoon building a bridge across the stream above. Elise and I are busy hanging out, watering the newly seeded yard, and painting projects around the house (come see!). We miss you all.

Back to School

2010-08-31T12:54:00.001-07:00

The kids were excited to head back to school a couple of weeks ago. Summer break was only 4 weeks long for us after the kids finished summer school, but that seemed long enough for everyone. Henry started kindergarten and LOVES it. Grace is in 3rd grade and gets to be out in a trailer this year so, "SWEET!" Life is good at the Brubaker house.

For those of you wondering what I do with all my free time now that my kids are both in school all day long - here is your answer. I try to keep Elise alive until everyone gets home at night. This is what she managed to do while I was blowing my hair dry. An hour later, with the help of a good friend here in Columbia, she was free. This kid is a wild one, but we love her anyway!

Grace's Baptism

2010-08-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Oh happy day! Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. We were so sad to see you go.

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great holiday weekend and hope you did too. These are some pictures from The Zou. We had great weather, enjoyed good company, and loved being able to see the fireworks close up! Can't wait for next year.

A preschooler no more...

2010-06-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

Henry graduated from Preschool and started Kindergarten all within 1 week. He loves getting to go to school with Grace finally, and I love not having to drive him to school any more. These are some of the pictures we took on his last day at the high school. He happened to have the greatest teachers on the planet, in case you were wondering.

We've Been Busy...

2010-06-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

May was party month for us. It started with mother's day and we didn't stop until Elise turned 2 at the end of the month. We had field trips, backyard projects, picnics, trips to the lake for some swimming and lots and lots of HOT weather. Life has been good! We celebrated Elise's birthday at Bonkers and had a great time. Those of you who know Elise will know this was a dream come true for her. Climbing, jumping, climbing, jumping, climbing, ridiculously huge slide, more jumping. Heaven I tell you! Jacob and I went with Grace's class on a field trip to the Nature Center in Jefferson City. We had so much fun hiking and hanging out with her friends. It was 85 degrees with HIGH humidity that day so we were all hot and sweaty and very glad to find out the field trip ended with a trip to Central Dairy for ice cream cones. Henry is finishing his last day of school today and will be off to Kindergarten in a couple of weeks. He is so excited. Tonight we get to celebrate with a BBQ at the park with all of his best friends from school. We hope you are all enjoying life as much as we are.

The Big 3-1

2010-04-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

My favorite guy turned 31 last week! Now that his big test is done we feel so lucky to have him back in our lives. I could go on and on about how much I love him. He does so much for our family and is the best friend a gal could ask for.

Last night we went to pick up Grace from a Girl Scout camp out. The kids were asleep in the car so I sent Jacob into the lodge solo to retrieve the child. When he walked in this was the conversation that took place...

Girl Scouts coloring with Grace: "Who are you?!"

Jacob: "I'm Grace's dad."

Girl Scouts: "I thought you were Grace's brother."

Jacob: "No, I'm Grace's dad."

Girl Scouts: "What are you, like 18?"

Jacob: "Nope, I'm 31."

Girl Scouts: "No way, you look like Grace's brother..."

This is coming from 7 - 8 year old girls who think everyone is ancient. Not a bad way to celebrate the big 3-1. When is someone going to mistake me for Grace's sister?

Happy Birthday Baby Face!

Jacob Doing His Thing...

2010-03-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Say Cheese!

2010-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Chuck E Cheese that is. Henry celebrated his 5th birthday in style at Chuck E Cheese and had the very best time ever!! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who made it all possible.

Missionaries

2010-02-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I might be the worst missionary ever. Jacob and I have been trying to come up with a family mission plan for the past month and it has been very hard to find a balance between being bold and not being pushy. I was so grateful when I was clearing out Grace's backpack this week to find a list of things she was thankful for that had been hanging up in the hall at her school last semester.

She is such a good example to me of missionary work. She isn't afraid to be honest about what she believes and what is important to her. It made me rethink my own efforts as a missionary. Being honest isn't being pushy. Our next step might be to let Grace write our family mission plan! I love my kids!!

Heading West

2010-01-23T17:39:00.001-08:00

Get excited. Only a few days left until we load this crazy bunch up into the van and head west! Wish us luck...

Christmas 2009

2010-01-06T17:57:00.001-08:00

Here's a little Christmas recap for those of you dying to know what went on out here. Of course you are dying to know Maddie, or else you wouldn't be reading my blog.

We told the kids they could either have presents or a Christmas tree this year. Then we told them the good news that they could have presents AND a Christmas tree. Trees are super cheap out here - nearly free and super soft. I didn't have to wear gloves to wrap it with lights or anything. Our tree felt like it was made out of feathers. I LOVED it.

Elise loved decorating, and undecorating our tree. By Christmas Eve there were no ornaments left on the lower half of the tree and most of the popcorn garland had been consumed. She is a character.

We had a fun time going to see the live nativity at the church down the street.

Grandma and Grandpa came and surprised us for their birthdays! We were all so happy to see them. Thanks for making the drive.

We had Christmas Eve fondue via skype with the family back home. Elise didn't want to be bothered dipping the fruit. She grabbed herself a knife and began scooping chocolate as fast as she could.

Here are the kids getting ready to go to bed Christmas Eve.

We woke up to SNOW. Enough to go sledding on. The kids were so excited they didn't even open up any presents. By 1:00 p.m. we were forcing them to get back to the tree and unwrap their gifts.

Our hill is a little tricky to sled. You have to aim for the gate, and then dodge the trees. Henry crashed into the tree and got a pretty good bump. Lots of fun video from this adventure.

This picture is for Maddie. Jacob tried to take some pictures of Chloe in the snow. She looks like she is flying in most of them.

It was said by some and I quote "This was the best Christmas yet!" I would agree. We had a great time being together (all of us) and spending a L-O-N-G weekend doing absolutely whatever we wanted to do, which included not getting out of our PJ's at all on Christmas day, and not even realizing it until we went to get ready for bed and realized we were all good to go.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas too!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving full of beautiful weather and great friends. We hope you all had a great celebration wherever you were. We missed you all! Here are some pictures from the weekend.

A Proper Introduction

2009-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is Princess Chloe Coco-bean. She joined our family back in June and we couldn't be happier. She is such a sweet, spunky puppy. She loves baths, swimming, playing fetch and

l-o-n-g- walks. For a puppy she is pretty well behaved and even went on a 11 hr ride with us to Georgia without making a peep or stopping for potty breaks. She's pretty cute, if you want come and see her in person we wouldn't blame you at all.

Spooky

2009-11-01T17:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!

To The Man Who Makes It All Possible...

2009-10-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jacob was so kind to take a week of vacation - drive with me all night long with 3 kids and a dog - and then watch said kids and dog for 3 days - all so I could hang out with Maddie and 2500 random ladies at a big estrogen filled camp out.

Who's the man? He's the man! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

While I was off partying they didn't sit around waiting for my return, oh no. Jacob took them to the jump house, the candy store, to Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace, and burial site, as well as to his church, and best of all to the science center where they witnessed a chemistry magic show that included homemade fireworks. {Grace let us know that she'll wait until a grown up is around before she does any of the experiments that involve fire. Comforted?}

He was so good at totting around 3 kids, who he claims never once whined while in his presence, that I'm considering having him write a book with pointers for the rest of us. Seriously, aside from Grace's hair, he had the show under control.

Three cheers for an amazing husband, and a super fun dad!

What a beautiful flower? I don't think so, that is an ATOM. And if you don't remember exactly what that is all about, don't ask your kids. Of course, EVERYONE knows about atoms. You will lose all credibility.

Oh yes, every little boy wants a beaker on his cheek!

Launching a baby down super big slide. Check. It's cool, her dad's a doctor.

The 3-Day Again...

2009-10-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

{I know most of you were hoping that I was kidding when I said we were doing the 3-day again this year, but seriously, I wasn't. Maddie and I had the best time. Who wants to do it again next year?}

This year we crewed on the camp services team. That means we got to hang out at camp all weekend and take care of the walkers. We set up tents, passed out buttons, signed people up for next year, and assembled a few lunches every now and again. We mostly hung out in the dining tent and ate nonstop. It was like magic how the food just kept reappearing, and how I didn't have to do anything to make it so. It was a true mom's vacation.

This is a picture of me in a sleep deprived stupor. Maddie and I are on the bus headed to Lake Lanier at 3 a.m. How Maddie ever convinced Eric to wake up at 2:30 to schlep us up there I'll never know, but I'd like to send a shout out to Eric. Thanks for your help all weekend. By this point I hadn't slept more than 4 hours total in a 48 hr period - and the walk hadn't even started yet!

This is Maddie hard at work passing out buttons to all the people who earned them. There are a billion buttons on the table even though we were only supposed to pass out something like 15 total, I'm pretty sure.

These are all the tents set up in the trade center. Usually we camp outside, but because of the floods in Georgia, our campsite was underwater. Fine by me. It kept us nice and dry! The week before the walk in Atlanta was the walk in Philadelphia, because the weather was so terrible in PA they canceled two days of the walk so we had a lot of extra walkers who came down from there. It was fun to be closer together so we could see everyone's tent decorations. There are a lot of crazy ladies out there with mad tent decorating skills. We've stocked piled many ideas incase anyone we love is ever called to be camp director.
These are the walkers lined up to be released on to the streets on day 2. Maddie and I were working the info tent this morning, and people were in line raring to go at 6:00 am even though they couldn't leave until 7:15. We had 2200 walkers and 338 crew members so it was a big group. Once they let people go it took about and hour to get everyone on the trail.
This was my favorite part of camp. They had a remembrance room set up with pictures of former walkers who lost their battle with breast cancer. In the middle of the room they had a white tent that people could sign or write their story on. It was very touching. Displayed on the outside of the room are the tents from all of the different cities. It was really beautiful, and made the event more personal for everyone.

Next time we participate in the 3- day we've decided we're going to go some place warm like Tampa, or San Diego. It may be just a rumor but we hear you get to camp on the beach. :) So if you want to join us, I'm just saying we aren't going to be sitting in the rain next time...

Chocolate

2009-10-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

I pulled this shirt out of the dryer today and could not figure out why it was brown all around the collar. Now I remember! She's a girl after my own heart.

Guess What!

2009-10-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today was Henry's first day of school! Lucky duck.

The Big Race

2009-10-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun checking out the Tour of Missouri. We were in St. Louis to see the first leg of the week long race. Lucky for us, the racers were going around in a big circle so we got to see them ride by again and again. I can't imagine all those people camping out to watch the Tour de France only to see the bikes fly by at 40 miles and hour and then be done. It is unbelievable how fast and how close they ride. Grace thought the best part was that the winners got flowers. Jacob liked seeing some of his favorite riders. Henry liked seeing the Budwiser horses and playing in the fountains. I liked being in the "big city" so I could hit Anthro and H&M. A successful afternoon for everyone.

Missouri Minute

2009-09-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

Don't you all wish you lived in Missouri? This is Elise and me on the Katy trail. It is a bike path that goes all the way from St. Louis to almost Kansas City. We are lucky that it goes right through Columbia, although these pictures were taken in Rochport (vineyard and antique country). The best part about this path is that it follows the old train tracks so the whole thing is beautiful and flat just like this, with lots of chances to ride right along the water. It may not be as death defying as Gooseberry Mesa, but I think I'm going to like riding my bike with Jacob here. It is also a fun place to stroll and picnic. Speaking of bike riding, next time I post I'll tell you all about the great time we had in St. Louis watching the Tour of Missouri bike race. Most of "our" favorite riders from the Tour de France were there, and the whole race was one by David Zabriskie, our fellow Titan!

Celebrate!

2009-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Happy belated 4th of July! One of my favorite holidays ever. I love being an American, what can I say. When the kids woke up I told them to get dressed in something red, white, and blue because we were in for good times. Grace came down in her Montreal Expos t-shirt, followed by Henry a few minutes later in his Montreal Canadiens t-shirt. Close enough. Grace noticed the irony of them both choosing to where Canadian t-shirts on the fourth of July and went and changed into the next best thing (PINK and blue shirt with white shorts). We had fun lighting fireworks, and seeing our neighbors fireworks from our driveway. These Missourians don't mess around when it comes to explosives, pretty much anything goes. We'll be better prepared for next year!!

Saying Goodbye!

2009-07-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Before we left Utah we took the kids to the Great Salt Lake to play and swim with some of their favorite people. If you haven't been to Antelope Island in awhile, I highly recommend you make a trip out there. It is so beautiful. And the beach goes on forever! :)

We moved!

2009-07-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

We made it! We are loving our new home and exploring our new city here in Missouri. We'll post pictures as soon as we have the computer up and running.

Highlights So Far:

Our new puppy Chloe. So cute, and so fun. Thanks Julie.

The frog swamp at the park down the block. Catching frogs has become our new pastime.

All of the beautiful walking / biking trails this city has to offer.

Tagged by Tiff

2009-03-21T11:49:00.001-07:00

It was funny I was tagged by Tiffany, and the photo ended up being of her kids. This is Grace's 2nd birthday party celebrated at the condo in Midway. Jacob and I stopped at WalMart in Kimball Junction to pick up this sweet pool on our way up. I can't believe how young the kids look. Time flies!

It's photo tag; here are the rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same.

I tag - Maddie, Jackie, Katie Stoddart, and Caroline

We've Been Busy...

2009-03-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Milking Cows

Riding Tigers

Strollin' with our peeps

Learning how to swing

Exploring

Learning how to drive

Hope you all are enjoying Spring as much as we are!

Sweet Science!

2009-02-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

We are super scientific around this house! That is why we were so excited to hop on the Science Fair band wagon and ride it all around town like the brainiacs we are.

Okay, seriously, science is not one of my best subjects. Grace, on the other hand, loves science. It is her absolute favorite subject in school, and so no matter how hard I tried, I could not talk her out of participating in the science fair this year.

As you can see, we grew sugar crystals. They were beautiful and delicious. A good combo in my book. But what to do next year? I'm desperately seeking science fair project ideas for the future. If you have done any that have been fun, or remember any from your science fair days, I want to know all about it. I need to keep one step ahead of this little girl, or she'd going to leave me in the dust!

8 Is Great!

2009-02-16T21:44:00.001-08:00

Today Jacob and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. That's eight years of sweet wedded bliss, and thirteen years of being the best of friends. There is no one I'd rather kick it with anywhere. I have loved spending the day thinking back on all that we have experienced together over these past eight years. It has been a great ride, and I look forward to many, many more adventures.

Top 8 Memories:

1. The herb garden outside our window at Union Square...

2. Standing outside Wyview with our new bundle of joy, trying to get her to sleep... Who knew she'd end up to be so much like her Papa... happiest outdoors...

3. Leaving my wallet in the gas station in NY, Locking the keys in the car in Palmyra... you would have thought it wasn't our destiny to end up in Montreal

4. Grace's ballet recital at the YMCA. Remember how you took the bus and ran and made it just in time, and you were HOT in oh so many ways...

5. Bilbloquet

6. White Coat Ceremony... we were on our way baby...

7. Tabacon Hot Springs

8. Freezing in Montreal at the Fete de Neige, and wondering if we would EVER be warm again!

The list could go on and on... Here's to eight more, and then eight more after that!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

H-Man is turning 4! Hip, Hip, Hurray!! It is so much fun to watch Henry grow up. I don't know what I'd do without this kid. He is the sweetest, most spirited little boy I've ever had the pleasure to know and love. Here's lookin' at you kid. Happy Birthday.

2009-02-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out. - Albert Camus

I love that Jacob works hard and plays hard. It must be heavenly to head up the mountains and leave the hospital behind. What will we do without the mountains in Missouri? Grace has suggested maybe a little hunting, maybe some bear cave exploration? Jacob, you in? Getting excited for those Ozarks?!

Seriously Folks...

2009-01-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

How can someone sleep like this! A few months back in my post for Henry, I mentioned that he likes to sleep with his bed so full of toys, there is no room left for him. Last night when I went to check on him, this is what I found. This boy cracks me up!

You see, we don't put him in bed like this, but every night we find something similar. Let's look and see what things he needed to be with to sleep well tonight...

30 matchbox cars, his Diego backpack, Hop on Pop bear, the rug from off his floor, his neck pillow, his mega blocks truck, full of who-knows-what, batman mask, Shrek, his coat, his teddy bear, and his sister's blanket.

He has to sleep right on the edge of his "wider-than-a-twin" bed to leave room for his peeps. It isn't uncommon for him to have fallen out or at least have his legs dangling off like he fell asleep saying prayers, when we go to check on him at night. It is no wonder this boy wakes up like a newborn. But you've got to love a kid who can have his picture snapped with mega flash and not wake up at all! Sweet Dreams!

December Diaries...

2008-12-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

I hadn't realized what a fun and busy month we've had until I downloaded all of the pictures off our camera. We are a bunch of wild and crazy party animals... Here are some of the highlights:

We took a trip to California with some of our very favorite people. Of course, we had to go to the beach...

and the World's Tallest Thermometer!

We got in touch with our inner Agua Caliente and enjoyed a beautiful hike on the Reservation.

I like how the babies are looking at each other in this picture, wondering if we are seriously taking more pictures...

{No pictures but insert Anna's baptism here! We felt so lucky to get to be in the SLC to see it in person}

School programs galore!! Grace and Henry both had fun making gingerbread houses and trees with their classes. Jacob and I enjoyed going to hear the kids sing in their school programs.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without visiting Sinter Klass and Zwarte Piet. The kids were excited at first...and then a little nervous...

A girls trip to the Nutcracker at the Capital Theatre, one of the most beautiful places in all of Salt Lake. It was such a beautiful afternoon, we even hung around to meet the Sugar Plum Princess and take in a magic show.

Spending time with family. This Christmas we got to be with ALL of our siblings, nieces and nephews. Nothing beats spending the holidays with the ones you love the most.

Sledding!

And a visit from Santa Claus! Life doesn't get much better than this. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We are so excited to start a new year and a new adventure!

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! This year I have so much to be thankful for. But at the top of my list is my thankfulness for my beautiful family. I am married to my best friend who would do anything for me and our kids. He works hard, and plays hard and always takes time to make me feel loved. I have three healthy, beautiful and kind children who make everyday an adventure and fill my life with such happiness. I am thankful to be so close to my family and my husband's family and love watching my kids play with their cousins and build relationships with their grandparents. Next year who knows where we'll be for Thanksgiving, but today I am loving right where we are at!

I hope you all have a very happy holiday with the ones you love!

{Thank you Caroline for the great pictures}

Thank You!

2008-11-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

What a great experience! Thank you for making posters, camping out at parades, hanging out at Walmart and partying with the tailgaters! Thank you for walking, and walking, and walking up and down Cottonwood Lane with me (who knew it kept going?). Thank you for donating, and going door to door with me, when you were still wondering WHY are we doing this? Thanks for the roadtrip and the good times we had in Arizona!! Accomplishing this goal has been the best experience and I know I couldn't have done it without all of you and your love and support. The Arizona walkers raised 5.2 million dollars for breast health initiatives, and I am happy to be a small part of that big number. Who is ready for next year?!

Do you know what this blog needs?

2008-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2008-11-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

Soccer Time!!

There are very few things that get me more excited than soccer. I love everything about this game. From when I was a little girl until I left for college, my life revolved around this sport. Every Saturday was spent on the soccer field. When I picked up Grace's uniform this year I was giddy like a school girl. I finally had a reason to go buy shin guards and cleats again! It has been so fun spending my Saturdays back on the soccer field watching Grace play. And as an added bonus, she is on the team with one of her favorite cousins, so I've enjoyed good company Saturday mornings as well.

Grace is as aggressive as a butterfly whilst playing, and doesn't think it is fair to try to steal the ball away from someone else while they are dribbling, but if the ball does come her way, unattached to anyone, she is happy to kick it. Otherwise, she likes hanging out with her friends and eating treats, and is always happy when coach Tim tells her it is her turn to sit out and have a rest. Today was the last game of the season, but I'm already getting excited for Spring. Go Gators!

Picture time...

2008-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of getting some family photos for the old Christmas card this year, may I make a suggestion? Book Caroline immediately! She takes the most beautiful photographs, and she is great with kids!! Your days of fighting the family picture are over. She makes the process so painless and the pictures so priceless. To see some of her work check out her blog by clicking here. She has taken pictures of my crew many times and we have always LOVED the results. She is one talented lady, and very reasonably priced. Here is smattering of some of my faves from her recent work.

Hola!

2008-10-11T17:19:00.001-07:00

We had the best time on our vacation to Puerto Vallarta! Highlights include our great traveling companions, helping the baby sea turtles, coconuts, swimming, playing cards and eating popsicles downtown. But most of all we enjoyed being together as a family. Thanks to all who let us tag along. We had so much fun.

The grounds crew was gathering the coconuts from the trees over the pool. Grace really loves coconuts, and they could tell. They cut one open just for her. She worked on this baby for days.

Sea turtles return to the beaches of PV each year to lay their eggs. Because of the resorts and tourists, it isn't a very safe place for the baby sea turtles. Throughout the turtle season, resort staff members along the beach gather the eggs and transport them to a safe place for incubation still in their nests. After the turtles hatch, they are released back onto the beach to make their way into the ocean. Because the turtles face many threats from predators, they are only released at night. We all got to help release about 80 turtles back into the ocean. They were so cute. It is estimated that only 10% will survive to return to the beach to lay their eggs. The kids loved "saving the turtles."

Elise loving some quality time with Grandma.

the VA girls minus Libbie and Jackie

Henry loved riding the bus.

The yummiest popsicles ever!

Through Grace's Eyes

2008-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

When Jacob and I decided it was time to buy a new camera a few months back, we passed along our old camera to Grace. She has been busy taking pictures and making movies all summer long. Last night I downloaded her pictures onto the computer to free up room for her to snap some more. My only regret is not downloading her pictures sooner. I've been making her delete some of the old so she could keep shooting. But now that I've seen them, I've realized they are all keepers! I hate to think about what I am missing out on. She has been taking pictures of Elise (when I didn't for months) and video taping Henry playing and doing what he does best. I think we've found ourselves our new family historian! Here are some of my favorites...

Back to School

2008-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

The book-bags are packed, the pencils are sharpened, and the kids are back in school! They were both so excited for school to start. Grace loves her new teacher, recess and eating in the cafeteria. Henry has been waiting all summer to go to the rocketship school. Yesterday was his first day and he cannot wait to go back. He is finally a big kid!! I love that they will be making new friends, having new adventures, and learning how to do things that will give them all sorts of self-confidence. Nothing beats back to school!

Albion Basin

2008-08-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Jacob surprised us and came home a little early from work on Saturday! To celebrate seeing him and the last weekend before school starts we decided to take the kids on a hike. Jacob found us a family friendly trail to Cecret Lake up Little Cottonwood Canyon. By the time we made it to the trail head Henry and Elise were asleep, and Grace was well on her way. Once we woke everyone up we had so much fun! Here are some pictures from our hike...

Elise is the only one we let stay asleep.

This is the trail to Cecret Lake. Nice and wide and very family friendly. See that sign over my shoulder? We take a wrong turn there and never see this trail again until the way back down.

Sometimes it's nice to be lost. The meadows were beautiful!

We finally spotted our trail across the meadow. The only thing stopping us was the moose.

But we made it to the lake.

Some of us were sad after making it into the lake.

But we all had so much fun and can't wait to go do it again! Thanks for coming home Jacob and showing us all a good time.

The Quote That Made My Night

2008-08-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

"I love High School Musical so much...I wish Vicki never brought it to us!"

-Grace

Grace is obsessed with High School Musical, and to be totally honest I'm kind of enjoying it. Vicki and Sam checked it out from the library for Grace. Of course we had to return it and there is where the drama ensues. She MUST watch clips on youtube constantly, but it is not satisfying her addiction. She NEEDS High School Musical. When we were at dinner tonight she shared the above thought. Life would be better if she didn't even know about this movie...but now she knows...What is a girl to do?!

What team? WILDCATS!

Birth Announcement

2008-08-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is Elise's birth announcement made by her wonderfully talented Aunt Caroline! We are so excited to send this baby to a mailbox near you!

Elise

2008-08-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

We have so much fun with this little girl. She is so sweet. She has beautiful big eyes that are always open and wondering what is going on. She is starting to smile and laugh now, and the kids are beginning to think she isn't such a boring addition to the family after all. I need to take some pictures of her now that she is a little bit older, but I have so much fun playing with her, it is hard to tear myself away to get the camera.

Abby's 100

2008-08-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing about checking into the blogs of my friends and family is learning something new about people that I already feel like I know everything about. I've especially loved reading people's 100's lists, because to come up with 100 things about yourself isn't always easy and you have to dig deep and get creative. I hope while reading mine you learn a little something you maybe didn't know before. And with no further adieu, Abby's 100:

1. I spent the first 4 years of my life growing up in LA county.

2. I still get homesick for California, especially the beach.

3. I played the clarinet for 6 years in the band, but never took a clarinet lesson.

4. I don't think my parents have ever heard me play the clarinet.

5. I took piano lessons for several years when I was younger.

6. My parents told me I could quit piano when I learned to play the hymns.

7. The hymn I chose to learn was Silent Night.

8. I had very short hair when I was younger and people often asked me if I was a boy or girl.

9. I love to play soccer.

10. I knew 6 of my great grandparents.

11. I have a 5 generation picture of my daughter Grace, Me, my Mom, my Grandma McDonald, and my Great-Grandma Gygi.

12. I won the reflections contest in fifth grade for a poem I wrote about Operation Desert Storm. I also won the region reflections contest, and competed in the state competition.

13. I am a procrastinator, and preform pretty well under pressure.

14. In elementary school I lived next door to my grandparents and would go to their house every Sunday for carmel popcorn and the sunday night movie.

15. That is one of my favorite childhood memories.

16. My Mom calls me the "world police" because I'm a big tattle tell.

17. I absolutely cannot keep a secret. You've been warned, NEVER tell me a secret.

18. I studied French, Spanish, and Russian in junior high and high school.

19. The only language I speak with any accuracy is English.

20. I HATE talking on the phone. I feel clumsy and awkward, and would rather do anything else.

21. I love the smell of dryer sheets.

22. I love to do laundry just so I can smell that smell.

23. I played soccer and basketball in high school.

24. I almost didn't graduate from seminary. After much make-up, I got my certificate.

25. I met my husband in concert choir.

26. I was a bit of a truant in high school.

27. I went to SUU for my freshman year of college because that is where my aunt went and I thought that was cool.

28. I was given the nickname of "Trouble" while at SUU by two different people who don't even know each other.

29. I spent my sophomore year of college at the BYU Salt Lake Center.

30. I chose to be a sociology major because those were the classes available at the Salt Lake Center.

31. Before that I was a psychology major.

32. I always wanted to be a therapist.

33. It would have been hard for me because I can't keep secrets.

34. My junior year was spent at BYU, Provo.

35. I went to college for 3 years and graduated from BYU when I was 20.

36. While at BYU I was given the nickname "Dini."

37. I couldn't figure out what that meant.

38. My boss (how embarrassing) told me she had heard it was short for "Houdini" because I had a tendency to disappear at the end of a date when someone tried to walk me to the door.

39. I once jumped out of a date's car while he was still driving just so he wouldn't walk me to the door.

40. I'm pretty sure I deserved that nickname.

41. I have a hard time expressing my feelings.

42. Fast and testimony meeting used to make me very nervous and I could barely stand to be there.

43. Montreal fast and testimony meetings cured me of that.

44. I can't watch reality TV for that same reason. I get to nervous for the people competing.

45. I knew on my first date with Jacob that I would marry him.

46. I traveled a lot as a kid.

47. When people would ask me my favorite place to vacation and my least favorite place to vacation... Hawaii was my favorite, Montreal was my least favorite.

48. When I was 24 I moved to Montreal.

49. It is now one of my very favorite places on the planet.

50. I hated being called Abby Normal as a kid.

51. I love my freckles.

52. My grandma always told me they were angel kisses.

53. I love to wear my husbands flip flops.

54. I am terrible at math.

55. When I was younger, I always wanted to be a writer.

56. I don't like people to read what I write.

57. Not too long ago I found a collection of things I had written at SUU.

58. If they were ever to have cover art done, Fabio would have to be involved. They are very Harlequin like.

59. Makes me laugh just thinking about them.

60. I think I have very big feet.

61. They were size 10 in the 6th grade.

62. Unlike most people, I get skinnier every time I have a baby.

63. When I was 25 I had a thyroidectomy.

64. I was so sure I was going to get fat, so I bought all of my clothes a size or two bigger.

65. Instead of getting bigger, I lost weight like crazy.

66. I now use all those clothes I bought for maternity clothes.

67. I loved living in Montreal, but it was very hard.

68. I became very empathetic to people who struggle everyday.

69. I learned what it is like to be illiterate.

70. I learned what it is like to never understand what people are talking about.

71. I learned what is like to pay for medical expenses out of pocket.

72. I learned what it was like to be far from home when you wanted to be involved. All four of my sisters got married while I was gone and I didn't get to go to any showers, or wedding prep.

73. I learned what it is like to be lonely.

74. I learned what it was like to be told you have cancer.

75. Montreal made me very strong.

76. I love celebrity gossip and read US Weekly almost weekly.

77. I rarely try things I don't think I'll succeed at.

78. It's kept me from doing a lot of things I'd like too.

79. I am very afraid of heights.

80. Somehow I zip-lined across the canopy in Costa Rica.

81. I complain about going camping every time my husband takes me.

82. Every time I've been camping with my husband I have had the greatest time.

83. I married a very patient man.

84. I think my thyroid medication makes me crazy.

85. For 2 weeks after I gave birth to Elise I felt like myself for the first time in 3 years.

86. It's nice to know that person is still inside of me somewhere.

87. I love being a mom.

88. I cried like a baby when I picked Grace up from school on her last day of kindergarten.

89. I blamed it on the postpartum hormones.

90. Last week was school registration and when we walked past her kindergarten classroom, I cried again.

91. I don't want my kids to grow up too fast or EVER.

92. Jacob and I don't own a TV. We have 2 at my in-laws house, but we don't get any channels.

93. I have the greatest in-laws in the world.

94. I love living by my family.

95. Still, I can't wait to see what Missouri holds.

96. I love sushi.

97. And baked beans.

98. I think I'm a good listener.

99. I don't like water slides.

100. I'm a terrible swimmer.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

2008-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure Patrick Henry never had a chance to visit Liberty Park, but he would have loved it! We love it! My kids can't get enough of it. We love to take a picnic with us, and could literally spend all day there between the rides, water features, aviary and playgrounds. It is such a fun place to visit. Here are some pictures from our last excursion. Grace really wanted to go on the swings, she is such a brave little girl. Henry loved the airplane and thought the ferris wheel was fun, but scary. Elise just slept like the good baby she is.

Sisters!

2008-08-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

I think most of you would agree, nothing beats having a sister! I'm lucky enough to have 4 and they are 4 of my favorite people in the world. Even though we are 4 very different people and seriously might not have ever been friends had we not been born to the same parents...we have the greatest time together!! They have each added so much to my life and I feel blessed to be mixed up with them. I'm excited to watch Grace and Elise form those same sisterly bonds. Thanks Caroline for capturing such a sweet moment!

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

2008-08-06T18:26:00.001-07:00

I love President Monson. He has a wonderful article in the Ensign this month called May We So Live that really got me thinking about what I'm putting off and why. The time to do good is now! It was such a great reminder.

Let us ask ourselves the question "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?" What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace -- to have inspired gratitude in another human being.
Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.

Such a great article...go read it...then go do some good!

Swimming Lessons Part Deux

2008-07-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

We have officially survived 3 weeks of swimming lessons!! It has been a struggle convincing Henry to put on his swimming suit everyday, but I am pleased to announce that today, the 2nd to last day of swimming lessons...he has finally come around. No fighting, no crying, no running out of the pool...HE LOVES SWIMMING LESSONS!! Too bad they are over. As a parent I sometimes think it is hard to know when to push your child to do something they really don't want to do, and make a totally miserable experience or when to just step back and say we'll try this again some other time. I'm glad I put up with all of the agony of swimming this month, because in the end Henry really loved it. Parenting is an endurance sport!!

Grace loved lessons, and is now a fish. She has no problem putting her head in the water and practicing her new moves, and can't wait to show them off to aunt Libbie this weekend!

*Update Aug 2: Henry woke up this morning BEGGING to go to swimming lessons. I told him he was finished and now he wants me to sign him up again. Do I dare?...

Father and Sons

2008-07-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago (July 18th) Jacob took Henry and headed up the into the mountains for some manly bonding. It was our wards annual Father and Sons trip. There were only 2 other fathers that went but it seems like a good time was had by all. Henry loved sleeping in the tent with Jacob, drinking all the chocolate milk he could handle, and playing in the water. Jacob and Henry even built their own bridge to cross the water out of a dead tree. Brilliant! I'm so happy to have this father and this son in my life!

Why Walk?

2008-07-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that while many of you know that I'm walking in the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, most of you have no idea what this walk is or why I would ever sign up to do such a crazy thing.

So, for those of you who are interested in knowing a little more... here's the story.

Not to long after my 25th birthday I found myself expecting my second child in the strange, and far off land of Montreal. I was ecstatic! My new doctor was beloved, and came highly recommended. Although, my first appointment turned into a 5 hour fiasco, I was optimistic that things would be different for my second "official" appointment. I was met in the waiting room by a very enthusiastic medical student who took me back to my exam room. I wish I could remember her name, as I've thought about writing her many times.

She was very pleasant and seemed very thorough as she began taking my history and doing my physical. I was very happy to humor her as she completed these tasks, because I wanted to be the nice patient I hoped Jacob would be encountering, but seriously why did she need to spend so much time feeling my neck...the baby was in my stomach! Seriously! I was glad when Dr. Graves made it back to our room to hear the report on my excellent physical health. The first thing Dr. Graves said to me after reviewing my medical history was that she wanted me to meet with a genetics counselor after my delivery because I had an interesting family history with cancer, and she had a friend doing a study that would find my case fascinating. Very Weird. Then my medical student mentioned to Dr. Graves that I had a mass on my thyroid that she thought probably shouldn't be there. Dr. Graves let me know that pregnant women often experience changes in their thyroid over the course of pregnancy and I should think nothing more of it. We all had a laugh about paranoid medical students, and I forgot all about it.

A couple weeks later my new friend came over and out of nowhere began telling me this story about a friend of hers back in Alberta who was pregnant with her second baby and the doctor felt something strange on her thyroid and now everyone thought she had thyroid cancer. My friend didn't know anything about my situation, or my last doctor's appointment and so I listened to her story and thought again about my lump...did I have cancer, too?

The good thing about that conversation with my friend is that it was so ironic, I had to tell Jacob about my lump. He insisted I ask my doctor about it again at my next prenatal check up. None of my doctors seemed too concerned, but one of the residents who saw me, scheduled me with and endocrinologist so I could have a biopsy done to ease my concerns.

Biopsy done. Biopsy lost. Biopsy re-done. And after much follow-up... biopsy "suspicious". Those were the words I left for Christmas vacation on. "Suspicious." My husband was gone in Africa for a few weeks, and I was all alone to think about what the future held for me. I always thought my chances of developing cancer were high... but I didn't think I'd be so young... and what the heck was a thyroid anyway? I was scared and worried.

When I got back to Montreal I met with my endocrinologist again, and with the ENT who both reassured me that thyroid cancer was nothing to be worried about (although this is not always the case as my sister's father-in-law had a terrible, terrible battle with thyroid cancer that ended this last month). Statistically, thyroid cancer is a CURABLE disease. I was relieved. How nice to be told that you have cancer, and it can be cured!!

For the next 4 months I spent almost 30 hours a month at the hospital. Mostly in waiting rooms on the 3rd floor. My ENT shared a waiting room with the oncology ward. I sat next to people who were really BATTLING cancer. They didn't have a cure. They had to wait in this waiting room for hours, and hours to plan ways to fight their diseases. They did chemo, and other miserable things. I had a quick and relatively painless surgery and I was done. I felt so lucky, and I wanted to help those people I saw waiting. A year before I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a hardship for her. She had just become a grandma for the first time and wasn't able to play with her grandkids like she would have loved to have done. She had a mastectomy, and chemo and then had to have reconstructive surgery. That is a serious toll on a body. When I had hard days I thought about her, and how she fought, and how I had it so easy, and it made me a little stronger.

The Breast Cancer 3-day is a fundraising walk, to help raise money to find a cure for Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed with cancer that was met with a cure, and what a difference that made for me. I want to help make that possible for other people. Especially my two beautiful daughters who are already at risk for developing cancer in their lifetimes. I also am walking because I want my kids to know that they can have an impact on their world. They can stand up for things that are important to them and they can make a difference even though they are small. It was so much fun last year watching Grace save the pink lids off of her yogurt. She would rinse them off and put them in the bag and we would talk about how she was helping women who were sick like Shaney's Grandma.

So that answers some of the WHY. But what is the walk. It is a 60 mile walk over three days. People who register to walk commit to raising $2200. Since it is a fundraising walk... and the whole purpose is to raise money to fund research... if you don't make this goal, you can't participate in the walk. I am not a born fundraiser or a salesman. I very rarely ask anyone for anything, so this has been very hard for me. Fundraising has been slow, but wonderful, and I think that being forced out of my comfort zone will do me some good.

I encourage you to go to the 3-Day website and watch this video. It explains a little about the walk, and you will easily see why I'm so excited to be a part of this!!

And if you have any great fundraising ideas, know someone who you think would like to donate, or want to donate yourself...let me know. Every little bit makes a big difference.

Is there a doctor in the house?

2008-07-22T21:08:00.001-07:00

Honestly, not as often as we wish there was. But we are glad that we get to be here by family while Jacob is off working hard. I think that unless you have lived the life of a

medical student / intern / resident then it is hard to understand what a long road it is. I'm so glad that Jacob loves what he does! He has an unbelievable work ethic. Medicine is a very demanding profession and I think it would be very easy to let it consume your life, but Jacob always makes time for our family and lets us know how important we are to him, even if he can't be with us as much as he'd like.

WE LOVE YOU, and hope the wards are being kind tonight!

Chicken, Airplane, Rocket!

2008-07-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

This week Henry completed his first round of swimming lessons. What a ride it has been!! It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, but all in all I know Henry's had a great time. Highlights for Henry included... Seeing William everyday, Chicken - Airplane - Rocket, the snake eyed goggles, and getting to be the shark during "What time is it Mr. Shark" games. Round two begins Monday...

Happy Birthday!

2008-07-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

This week Grace celebrates her 6th birthday. SIX. Where did the time go? I can't even begin to tell you how great it is to be this kid's mom! She is sweet, thoughtful, quick to forgive, obedient imaginative, and very adventurous. Grace is willing to try ANYTHING. She is fearless at amusement parks. Seriously scares me. But the greatest thing about Grace is she is very kind. At my last conference with her kindergartner teacher, she told me that Grace is always looking for people who don't have anyone to play with at recess and goes out of her way to include them in what she is doing and as a mom, that was better then any perfect report card. I love, Love, LOVE my Gracie Girl!

A Name and a Blessing...

2008-07-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Elise's baby blessing. We felt so lucky to have our friends and families there to celebrate with us! I have really loved watching Jacob bless each of our children.

Lesson Learned

2008-07-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a very dedicated crew of young men came to work on our air conditioner. No matter where we went, we were in their way. The kids couldn't play in their room because it was barricaded with tools and pieces of the furnace. They couldn't play outside because the fear of the Sunny Beast was causing our young crew to zig and zag through the yard with heavy pieces of important man metal. So after lunch, with no end to our repair insight, I put on a movie.

I'd just read Mac's great email about media, and was determined to make this a character building experience.

I carefully selected An American Tail. When we got to the part where Fievel and his family are on the boat headed to America, I began my spiel.

{The waves were pounding the boat. Fievel's papa is chasing him around the boat calling for him to come back, when curious Fievel throws his hat up the stairs onto the deck so he'll have a reason to check out the deadly waves, he tells his papa he is just getting his hat, then he'll come back}

Me: "Oh no, Fievel should have listened to his Papa, now he is going to get lost from his family. It is always a good choice to listen to your mom and dad, don't you think?"

Grace: "No, he should go get his hat, it is very special to him."

(I would have expected this response from my H-Factor...but Grace... I'm a little taken back)

Me: "Sure his hat is special to him, but what is more important your papa or your hat?"

Grace: "Mom, he LOVES that hat"

Me: "You can always get another hat though"

Grace: "No, that could have been the very last one"

Me: "But he is going to be lost, and scared in America all by himself"

Grace: "But he gets his hat...and at the end of the movie he finds his family"

Me: "But don't you think he should have listened to his mom and dad in the beginning and they would have kept him safe?"

Grace: "Yeah, you should always listen to your mom and dad, unless your looking for something very special."

Lesson learned...next movie Jacob's in charge.

3 Truths and a Lie

2008-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

I love to play 3 truths and a lie. It is such a fun way to get to know other people. Since I'm new to the blogging world, I think it would also be a fun way to introduce myself. So sit back, relax, and get ready to guess what is true, and what is a lie!

TRAVEL:

I've been to France

I've been to England

I've been to Indonesia

I've been to Virginia

PLACES I'VE WORKED:

I've worked as a TA for the Sociology Dept at a university

I've worked as a high school tracker for delinquent youths

I've worked as a university librarian

I've worked as a booking agent for a lodge

FACTS FROM MY PAST:

I was bitten by a black widow spider and hospitalized

I was Junior Class President at my high school

I was awarded most outstanding music student at my jr high school

I lettered in basketball, track and soccer in high school

PLACES I'VE LIVED:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

LA, California, USA

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Yes, I love technology...

2008-07-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

I try not to be technologically retarded, but I must be. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was in my late 20's, and I can still barely figure out how to use it. I'm constantly asking my husband how to do things on my computer, and I'm the last person on planet Earth to start a blog.

So, here we go! I'm holding my breath and taking a big leap into the 21st century! Welcome to my blog. To borrow a line from Definitely, Maybe "I'm changing all the names, and some of the facts" just to keep you all guessing. But I hope you enjoy your look into the life of Abby (if that is my real name)....