Happy Birthday, America!

We had a fantastic 4th of July celebration!! We were so blessed to have a much better and calm experience this year, and we were grateful. Early that morning, I took the kids with me to scout out a spot to camp our chairs in order to save a spot to watch the parade. Now, Matt and I were not sure about this decision. We (And by we I mean my Morally Sensible husband) felt like maybe it wasn't fair to leave chairs to save our spot when we weren't there. But, after arriving there 2 1/2 hours early and spending 45 minutes looking for a spot... I don't feel so bad anymore.

Last year, our search for a piece of curb was loud and hot and stressful resulting in sad situations you can read about here. So, I offered myself up as the designated seat saver to protect my husband.

Apparently, if you want a seat, you get there early. I ran into a friend of mine while setting up our chairs and she said she had driven by two days ago and had seen chairs sitting out. Wow. Well, is that the way you want to play it, Layton City? Game On. No longer will we stumble into your crowds without a plan. Prepare yourselves for the Hunters.


It really ended up great after all that. We arrived about 20 minutes before the parade started, walked right up to our seats and plopped down. No elbows thrown, no lugging chairs throughout the crowd, no fistfights, I know you're all very proud of me. The kids were in a great mood- Daphne was playing with Tori and helping to take care of her- it was so sweet! Anyway, here we are waiting for the festivities to begin- it's a little sunny, can you tell?:

Daphne wanted something "really American" in her hair, so here you go! I have no idea if it's American, but it's pretty cute!

Previously that morning, when we were on our way to save our spots, Isaac and Daphne were happily chatting about all the fun festivities to come, and Tori looked out the window to see all the American flags lining the streets. Then she abruptly said, "Mom! Is is somebody's birsday?"

"Yes! It's America's Birthday!" I replied.

"Ohhhhh!" Tori said excitedly.

After a few quiet moments, she said, "What color is Amewica's hair?"

We tried to explain that America is a place, a country, where we live. We spent a long time trying to tell her, and then she asked if we could buy a Birthday hat for America. Maybe it will make sense next year?

After the parade, we gathered up all our goodies and headed to Matt's sister, Raegan's house. We spent the whole afternoon/evening there and we had such a blast!

Daphne, Tori, and a neighbor named Phoenix took little Penny for a walk to figure out what those fireworks were all about!

Penny and I had a fun, fun day!! She let me hold her lots and lots, which was so sweet!

She even let Tori get in on the love:

Everybody loves sparkles!

Zach, Luke, Abby and Lydia:

While the boys (Matt, David and Austin- even Jude helped a little)
were inside constructing, embellishing, and maximizing all of our fireworks, we went outside to watch the neighbors' fireworks:

See how mischevious they look?

Baby Savannah, who will be one this month!

Our little ham! Tori loves, Loves, LOVES to make people laugh. She also gets frightened very easily. Now this next scenario would frighten most three year olds, but her reaction was the best. ever.

The night before, our neighbors started lighting fireworks just after we put our kids in bed. It was very, very loud. I realized that they probably would have trouble getting to sleep but I did not expect Tori to walk down the stiars, tears streaming down her cheeks, hands shaking, and say,

" There's a monstah knockin' on my window wis a Hammoh!"

Poor baby! We took her outside and let her watch a few rounds so that she knew she was safe. I love that girl!

After lots and lots of waiting, the boys were finally ready to present to us their amazing fireworks show! When I asked them to stand behind all their creations and smile, this is what I got:

Ummmm, thanks.

Matt's parents dropped by with doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and stayed for the fun:

I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day filled with family, fun and friends as well. I was so thankful to hear my daughter pray and thank God for the freedoms we have in our country (with no prompting or reminding!). I know they are just beginning to understand how very blessed we are... I am also slowly gaining more and more gratitude for the incredible sacrifice so many brave men and women have paid to found and protect this great Nation. We pray that our country will remain free, that our leaders will be lessed with wisdom from God and that good men will take action and rise up to bring freedom to the oppressed.

"Made From God"

So... today is the hottest day of the year here so far. We were supposed to hit 102- which is pretty impressive for our neck of the woods!
For some reason, the girls thought today would be a good time to play Snow Day in the house. They had a blast getting on all their gear and tried to talk me into getting their snow pants and boots out of storage. Later tonight, Daphne was very upset and ran up to her bedroom to cry it out. After a little bit, Tori asked me if she could go see her. I consented and here is how the conversation progressed after that:

Tori: Dasnee, Why you cryin' up on yo bed?

Daphne: Because I'm sad.

Tori: Why you sad?

Daphne: Because I feel like nobody likes me. Do you think I'm special?

Tori: Yes you ah! You was made from God!

Praise God for their precious little testimonies of His truth! I am so humbled to be their mother- they teach me so much every day. If I could just sit down and pay attention, I'm sure they have all the secrets of life bottled up in their perfect, innocent eyes. I am so excited to see the somen they become and I prey that they continue to encourage eachother in faith all along the way!

Lost and Found

I lost my keys yesterday.

Again.

So, um, back in April… I lost my set of keys to the van. And I never found them.

Then, yesterday, I lost Matt’s set of keys to the van. A fact that slapped me in the face just as I was heading out the door to make two visiting teaching appointments, get Daphne to Music Camp and run a few errands before nap time. Yeah. That was a little stressful…
I had all the kids searching, I was throwing stuff all over the place looking under everything with no success.
So, after realizing that the keys were genuinely lost, I popped Tori in the stroller and hustled my little bootie over to my Visiting Teaching Appointments. (Thank Goodness we’re in Utah where you can walk to those, right?) And, we missed Music Camp. Bummer.
At this point, I was frustrated and sweaty, but not too concerned. We had just driven the van last night, so the keys had to turn up, right? Right?

We came home and searched and searched and searched. I tore the entire house apart looking for my keys and then I put it back together again, still trying to find my keys in the process. I combed through closets, dug through garbage cans, dumped out purses, bags and backpacks. No Keys.

In the midst of all this, Isaac and Daphne had declared World War III of the Siblings upon one another. As much fun as Summer is, the truth of it is that the break provides a 24 hour period of time with which your children can antagonize, tease, fight and non-sensibly compete with one another over absolutely nothing at all.
So… after an intense weekend of ridiculous fighting, I pulled out the big guns. They were sentenced to their bedrooms for the entire afternoon. No playing out of the bedrooms or with each other until Matt returned from work. (And I followed through!- Yep- I’m a mean Mommy!)

So… I was a little hecked out. (That’s an invented family ‘phrase’ essentially meaning exasperated. My adorable five year old nephew, Austin made it up after he walked home from Church in July once. He’s a teen ager now.)

While I was preparing dinner, my fantastic husband came home from work and joined in the search. He told the kids that if they found it, he would take them to get a huge treat wherever they wanted to go. We sat down and prayed that we would be able to find our keys. (Something I don't think I have ever prayed for before!) And a new fury of searching began. We looked EVERYWHERE.

Now, while we did NOT find the car keys… we did find several things that had been missing for some time, including:

-Matt’s Swiss Army Knife
-The Power adapter to our defective Portable DVD Player that needed to be returned
-Four missing Hair Bows (that’s a way bigger deal than it sounds like)
-Two missing Shirts
-Several Missing Toys
-The Angel topper to my Temple Figurine
-And A Veritable Treasure Box.

Seriously. Here it is:

Do you know what that is?

Of course you don't. But my heart leapt when I opened it. It is a box of keepsakes... mementos, etc. There are items in that box that I gave up on finding over five years ago. I was ecstatic!

Inside, I found years and years worth of cards and notes and mementos.

For example, I found the note my Mom wrote to me after my second miscarriage back in November of 2003. I have remembered many of the words and feelings of that note, her willingness to help carry my burden during that time has made a huge impact on how I deal with trials and sorrows in life. I am so grateful to have it again.

I also found notes from my precious, forever Sister-Friends Carole, Marcy and Amy. Notes that supported and encouraged me through difficult and trying times and that made me laugh through it all!

I found the note Matt's mom sent me upon hearing of my Baptism. The inside contains the most beautiful poem:

Like the Lily of the Valley
Pure and Simple
A tribute unto God
I seek to bloom
In heaven's meadows
where mortal footstep has not trod

Lay me down unto the water
Raise me up
Into the light
And like the lily I shall bloom
In the sunshine
Lovely, Sweet and Bright

She wrote several wonderful things inside, including: " I hope to meet you someday."

Or have you bear my grandchildren, you know... whichever. Hee Hee.

Who would have thought back then??


And do you know what else I found in that box?

My Amazing Husband.

Okay, not really. But I found gobs and gobs of reminders of why I love him so much.

I found letters he wrote to me shortly before we were married (but still living in two different states)... One in particular that read:

"I miss you so.... I am willing to wait forever to be with you, but I am glad I only have to wait 26 days. It seems like 26 days is forever, though. Everyone up here got the invitations today and they all think you are beautiful.... I love you so much. I want to take you to the temple. Think about me today? Love, Your Matthew."

I also found a few poems that he wrote to me early in our marriage as well as one he wrote about the Savior. Bet y'all had no idea my Matthew is a poet! When I die, you can have all his poems and publish them. But for now, they are staying right with me.

I needed to find that box on that hectic day- I know it was a tender mercy from the Lord. Perhaps it is the whole reason that I lost my keys.

Although I consider us to still be a very romantic couple... it was kind of a jolt to see how mushy and syrupy-sweet things were back then. I still get plenty of love notes... things have just changed a little. While we don't have as much time for romantic declarations of affection... He does provide more substantive real-life moments like this:

I cannot explain to y'all how my heart swells looking at that picture. Or how I watched him this morning in the garage, in awe of how he called into work and went late so that he could fix Isaac's bike in time the Cub Scouts activity this morning. (which of course only happened because I hadn't checked the schedule ahead of time to know what he needed to bring)

And there are also moments like yesterday evening, when he came home from work and searched everywhere for my missing keys, without even a hint of frustration at my absentmindedness. I know that sounds silly--- but I felt so loved by him.

It was such a reminder to me that marriage isn't just about romance. And that actions often speak louder than words. While I do not need to hear him say how he wants to be with me forever (although I certainly enjoy it!), I do need (and continually receive) reminders that he will be with us forever by these every day little actions...

forgiving my carelessness without a thought,

fixing a bike tire without me asking,

dancing in the family room with our daughters,

kissing me goodnight.

And how at this stage of our marriage, actions often speak louder than words.

Back to the drama of the keys:

So just as I had given up was sending a message to our friends, the Smiths, (who are locksmiths by trade), my heroic hubby walked down the stairs with the keys I lost back in April. I could have kissed his face right off!

I am so humbled to be his wife.

Finding my treasure box reminded me of how easily I take him for granted... how I have come to expect all of his generic awesomeness. I remember today what a blessed, blessed woman I am to have him in my life.

Thank you Matthew. Thank you for just being you. I thank God for you every day- I am so thankful that He helped you to find me.

Tori Turns Three, part 2!

Have I mentioned that Victoria likes strawberries? If you know Tori, you know to hide your strawberries. She will eat them all. She wanted pancakes for her Birthday breakfast, but she dislikes maple syrup.

Yep. You heard me. She doesn't like maple syrup! Isn't that Un-American or something? My other kids love syrup. In fact, when Daphne was 5, I told her I was making waffles for breakfast and she said, "Mmmmm. Syrup." ... in a very Homer Simpson kind of way. Okay... maybe I shouldn't be advertising that.

But Tori is her Daddy's girl. He hates all things maple, especially syrup. He has said on more than one occasion that he would rather me have garlic or onion breath than have the dreaded maple syrup smell.
So for her Birthday breakfast, we had whole wheat pancakes with homemade strawberry sauce and cool whip! Not particularly nutritious, but it's her birthday! I stayed up the night before her birthday and wrapped ALL of her presents so that it would be all done for the next day. That was my good decision- unfortunately, I followed it up with a bad decision... leaving the presents visible. I put them all in the guest room, but it was still too tempting for little Tori. Throughout her yummy breakfast, she kept asking to open her presents. I promised her that we would open them AFTER we went out to dinner and ate her birthday cake. That seemed to work for a while.
Her cousins came over and we took everyone outside to play. Here they are hanging out in Tori's brand new sandbox!

I had all of my three kids and Raegan's three kids, including Penny who is about 15 months. I was so concerned about where she was and left Tori playing happily in the Sandbox.

After a few minutes, I looked around and couldn't find Victoria. I had all the big kids running around searching for her and then I saw that the door to the house was wide open. I followed the trail of sand and went down to the guestroom to find this. (Just picture an adorable little girl with blonde curls right next to the partially opened present.)
She looked at me with guilty eyes and said,

"I was just lookin' at em. I'm gonna leave it just like that."

And then she slid off the bed with a giggle and ran back outside!

To get through the rest of the day, I promised Tori she could open one present when she woke up from her nap. She was so excited!! It was a Rapunzel doll from Aunt Shelli.: After a very long wait and a fantastic dinner at Cafe Rio (hey! she picked- really!) We came back home for presents and cake. By this time, I decided to let her open her gifts before cake. Poor kid just couldn't wait any longer.

Can you tell how much I love polka dots?

Twinkle Toes!

A Rapunzel dress from GiGi!

And finally.... Strawberry Cake!

This is a little variation on a Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake that I make. I tried it like this once and it was well received, so I thought it would be perfect for our little strawberry lover!

Happy Birthday, Sweet girl!

So... remember how I told you that Tori is a ham?

She just loves to say the silliest things to make us laugh. Whatever will get a laugh will do. For example, when she was about to blow out her candles, Daphne told her to make a wish. We don't really do that in our family... not because of any philosophical reason... we just haven't ever really told our kids to make a wish at their birthday cakes. (REALLY- we have no problem with birthday wishes, it's just not something I've ever really made a big deal about. Please do not take that as code for "Mormons don't believe in birthday wishes.!" Yeesh! I get enough crap about the whole Santa debacle!) My point in telling you is that Victoria literally has no frame of reference for Birthday Wishes.

Anyway, after she blew out her candles, Daphne said, "Tori, What did you wish for?"

And Tori said, "Poopin' Kitties".

And then she laughed hysterically. And so did we. She's such a goofy girl.

In the conversation pictured below, she's telling me all about how she used to be a baby in my tummy but now she's a big girl and she can run and jump and sing twirl and have cake. 'Cause she's fwee now.

Since she can do all that fun stuff, we thought we'd put on a little music and have a dance party!

I believe they are jamming out to Abba in this one:

Well... you've come a long way, baby! You are definitely getting to be a big girl! I am so proud to be your Mom! I love you more than you can even imagine. I want you to know, deep in your heart that You are God's Own Child. He loves you. He gave His Son for you. You are an amazing, precious girl! Happy, Happy Birthday, Tori Girl! We love you.

Tori Turns Three!!!

Victoria Grace Hunter is Three! We started off our celebration with our usual Sunday Family Dinner at Nanny and Papa's house. That morning, when it was time to choose a dress for Church, Tori chose this polka dotted dress. She said, "I want this dress so my Birsday with come true!" Her Beautiful Cake:

Tori asked for Speghetti, Strawberries, Cucumbers and a Cake with Pink Frosting!

Nanny and Papa gave her a sandbox to have in our backyard! She wasn't exactly sure what it was at first... I think she needed a demonstration.

All of Tori's aunts and uncles gave her the sweetest gifts! Some of her cousins wanted to give things too, so they scrounged around and found some cute little stuffed animals of theirs to give her! I thought it was sweet, and Tori LOVED them!

We had such a wonderful day! Thanks to Nanny, Papa and Paige for the yummy dinner! Thanks to everyone who came and made Tori's day so special!

Hopefully I can post pictures of her actual birthday soon!

Three Years Old

Three Years ago today, this little perfect face came into our lives:
We are so humbled and honored that God sent you to our family, Victoria Grace. You complete our little family and bring us unmeasured joy and contentment. We are so thankful for your health, your sense of humor, and your precious spirit. We love you. Happy, Happy 3rd Birthday, Tori-Girl!

I wrote this post on her birthday, but Blogger wouldn't let me publish it! Grrrr...