The Snow Sisters

These girls! What can I say?!

They never fight. They look out for each other. Madeleine stands up for her sister when there has been an injustice. Madeleine knows how to placate her sister's sometimes drama-filled demands and/or reactions to perceived injustices. Whenever Caroline has the opportunity to get a treat, she is sure to get one for her sister, too. Caroline is always excited to fill her sister in on anything interesting or important that she may have missed.

They're the perfect pair.

Here is a glimpse of Madeleine at 7:

• She has only lost 2 teeth and can't wait to loose more.
• Has decided she really wants her ears pierced because if her friends and cousin's are brave enough to do it, then she is, by golly!
• Has a lot of confidence. Every time I give her a compliment, she comes back with, "I know."
• Expects a lot of herself. She thinks everything she does, such as homework or artistic creations, needs to be perfect and gets teary-eyed and frustrated when it's not up to her standards.
• Is a daddy's girl. They are both goofballs and she loves teasing, wrestling, and laughing with Rob.
• Dances like a broken helicopter hopped up on speed. Hold on to your drinks, everyone!
• Is constantly practicing her own gymnastics, much to her parent's worry, because she just flings her body without any control. 
• Falls, trips, and stumbles a lot but she always hops right back up and announces, "I'm okay!"
• Wants to participate in every single activity...unless it requires even a semblance of competition. Then there is no way she wants to be a part of it.
• Tries very hard to be kind to everyone. Her age betrays her sometimes, but she really does try.

Here is a glimpse of Caroline at 5:

• Is still a sugar maven. She often says things like, "I want suuugaaaarrrr." and "Can I have something sugary?" We can get her to do anything by dangling something sweet in front of her.
• Is getting the hang of her letters. Math already seems to come naturally to her.
• Has yet to wear a pair of jeans or jeggings or chinos or trousers or even thicker-than-leggings-but-still-soft-cottony pants. She won't even try them on.
• Is doing well in gymnastics. Her coaches wanted her to try out for the "hot shots" team but she isn't interested in going more than her one practice per week.
• Plays with her little dolls all day long, every day. She's very imaginative with them.
• Loves to take a very hot bath for over an hour many days a week.  
• She is a singer! She belts out her voice from her little body and fills our home with song. 

Those are my girls! 

The other day, Rob gave me one of my favorite complements ever. He told me I'm a "strengthening mother." I hope that is true. 

I want my kids to figure things out in their own way. I want them to develop and be able to rely on their own strengths and abilities. I want them to feel the satisfaction and confidence that comes from knowing they can do something for themselves and also the ability and drive it takes to actually get it done. 

I want my girls to be strong in body and mind. And they are.

Home Decor: Laundry Room

Little by little we are making our way through the house projects. The laundry room wasn't on the top of my list to fix because, well, laundry rooms are boring. But can I start over by saying that calling this laundry room a "room" is quite inaccurate. It's actually a laundry "walk through." Let's start at the beginning...

When we walked into this house for the very first time I couldn't believe that anyone would place the laundry far, far away from the bedrooms on our 2nd floor. "You mean I have to drag baskets of laundry all the way downstairs, through our living room, family room, and kitchen?" I said to myself and anyone else listening. I wasn't happy about that but what I was even more unhappy about was the size of the space I had to work with. The room measured EXACTLY the width of our side-by-side washer and dryer and almost exactly twice as wide. On top of the teensy space, it was located between the doors leading from the kitchen into the garage, with both doors opening inward into the "room" and actually overlapping. Are you kidding me??

I WISH I had a before picture 'cause it was bad. Instead, let me give you a mental picture: Laundry happens. And where does that laundry go while doing it? On the floor. Oh, I forgot to mention that we don't have any closets of any kind on our main floor. NONE. Why? Who knows. So piles and baskets of laundry plus vacuum, broom, mop, cleaning supplies, washer and dryer all in a 5' x 6 1/2' room with two doors opening into it from two very high traffic areas. Hmmm.

(I drew this lovely pic on the iPad but forgot to include a mop and vacuum stacked in front of everything. The stuff on top is stuff falling off of a narrow shelf. I'm a very talented artist...)

This does not make sense. Yet we made it work for 4 1/2 years until our dryer decided to cost more to repair than it was worth. Then we got a hand-me-down dryer that had been in storage and that, too, decided not to work.

In comes stackable! YES!! Look how purdy!!

I hummed and hawed for a while deciding whether I should buy just the dryer and replace the washer at a later date when it was needed but in the end I splurged and got both. I know, crazy for me as I'm definitely more of a "use what you've got" kind of gal.

We already had the rug from Rob's grandparents' time in Pakistan and the colors are perfect. (Can you see my 1 unpainted toenail? How embarrassing!)

Since the rug is more traditional and the washer/dryer more modern I decided to blend both styles together in my storage area.

I've always loved train racks and I finally got some. These are from Ikea and are actually really sturdy! I am left with enough floor space to put a couple of laundry baskets (or piles) there without blocking the flow of traffic. What more could a girl want? Maybe to move the plumbing and electrical behind the washer and dryer? Maybe one day.

This cute hanging is from a friend and it's perfect here, clothespins and all!

So my cramped, cluttered, awful laundry walk through has transformed into a beautiful space that WORKS! It even looks nice when the door is left open for all to see. I couldn't be more excited. Can you tell?

A Logan 'n Lava Overnighter

Rob's been working quite a bit of overtime lately, which means I've also been working a lot of overtime lately. We needed to get away for a quick break! So I planned a perfect overnight getaway for our family of five.

We spent our first day and the night in Logan, Utah. We really enjoyed lunch at King Taco. 

Next we visited Willow Park Zoo. It's small but perfect for a buck fidy per person! 

Right next door is a big park and since it was such a beautiful day we spent some time here just hanging out.

Of course we were thirsty after all of that play time so we got drinks at Fizz N Fryz. This place is so fun for the family! Drinks start at, again, a buck fidy. They have all sorts of drinks that can be customized a million different ways. The kids thought this was SO cool.

Next up, The Jump Zone!

We had a few minutes before dinner so we got some ideas for the kids' Christmas lists at The Book Table (and toy store) on Main Street.

Next up, dinner which was delicious as always at Le Nonne! We all ate well. We even got to see a couple of Rob's beautiful cousins who own and run the restaurant. 

After eating, we were off to our lodgings for the night. I found this SWEET cabin to rent right on the edge of Hyrum Lake and it really was perfection. We all loved the two double-sized bunk beds, table, and kitchenette. At $48 a night, it was a complete steal for a perfect little hideaway!

We played family board games and ate snacks before bedtime.

Morning came and the kids couldn't wait to explore the lake in our front yard! We ate cereal and cleaned up and we were off for more exploring!

We planned to visit the Logan Temple but the grounds were closed so we drove on to our next destination: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. 

We first ate at the The Royal Hotel and Pizzeria before patronizing a couple of rock shops. 

We walked down the Sunken Gardens path before heading in to The Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools. We didn't take our phones in so no pictures but there were 5 hot wading pools varying in temperature of 103 degrees up to 112 degrees. You'd think that the 9 degree difference between the coolest pool and the hottest pool isn't that big of a deal but it sure is. We were all able to play and relax VERY comfortably in the 103-105 degree pool but Rob could barely walk across the 112 degree pool. The whole place was so clean and beautiful and relaxing. We thought it was great!

(Side note: This was Nate's first time in a men's locker room and he thought it was hilarious...lol) 

Afterward, the kids played at the tiny old-fashioned playground across the street for a few minutes before we drove to dinner. The kids had been begging for a long time for us to take them to Texas Roadhouse so that's where we ate. Do you think they were tired at this point?

Then we listened to loud music the rest of the way home. The whole overnighter was so relaxing and family-oriented and JUST what we needed!   

A Goodbye to a Calling

I had been the primary secretary for 2 yrs when our stake was split in January 2013. When the bishop called me in I knew why. He told me that he was about to call another sister to be president but then stopped and realized he needed to call me. I was nervous and wasn't always glad he extended that call. There were many times I was just DONE. But there have also been so many times that I've been so glad he did and I've been truly blessed to be in primary!

At the time I became the primary president it was amongst the chaos of half our of ward leaving and half of a new ward coming in. Adults and kids alike were sad to be leaving friends.

I didn't know many people and we only had a few teachers in place. I browsed facebook a little bit while contemplating whom to call for my counselors and secretary. All I had to go on were names and maybe a profile picture. However, I was still able to get inspiration on the women that would bless our primary and, especially, me! I love them all and everything would have just fallen apart if it weren't for them. I value their strengths, talents, and opinions, especially when they've differed from mine! I trusted and relied on them and they never let me down. I appreciate them more than they know.

During the 2 1/2 years I served I went through 3 second counselors, 3 secretaries,  3 music leaders, 3 pianists, and COUNTLESS teachers and nursery, achievement day, and scout leaders. On average, we had approximately 100 primary children and 25 nursery children. Our bishopric changed 3 times. Our church time and primary schedule changed 4 times. Our church building changed once.

Much of my time as the primary president felt more like I was a human resources manager! I spent so much time figuring out callings, memorizing the huge list of children's names that constantly came in and out of the ward, putting out logistical and emotional fires, and just plain trying to get everything (or ANYTHING) to run smoothly!

Sundays and primary gatherings could be quite chaotic BUT, every once in a while it would just click. Usually they were the times when I or one of my counselors or music leaders shared our testimony to the children and teachers and the room would grow still.

I will miss working with all the men and women I came to know. I am such an introverted person that it usually takes me YEARS to feel comfortable in a ward and to make friends. This calling definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and I feel more at home in my ward and neighborhood than I ever have anywhere else. I LOVE my people!

And the KIDS. What a blessing they have been to me! I thought it would take me a while to feel comfortable up in front of them all but they made it so easy. I love each of their little and big personalities. I love their smiles. I love their quirks.

A couple of months ago I had to give a talk in sacrament meeting. I told the kids beforehand in sharing time that I was nervous because I was so used to talking to them, rather than their parents. So I asked them to help me feel more comfortable by looking up at me during my talk so I would feel like I was just in primary. And they DID! I saw SO many sweet faces looking up at me, supporting me. I love them for that moment and for many others.

My last Sunday doing sharing time was also special for me. I didn't know it would be my last but it couldn't have gone better. The topic was on sharing the gospel. As I was pondering my lesson, general conference came on and during one of the speakers I felt strongly that I needed to ask my dad to share his conversion story. I only vaguely remembered a portion of it so I didn't know exactly what he was going to say. After I had the primary kids write notes to our new missionary that just left, I showed the video of my dad. It's a good story!




I ended by sharing how grateful I am that someone shared the gospel with my dad because he was baptized. Then he and my mom taught me the gospel and I was baptized. Now my husband and I are teaching my kids and they are or will be baptized. During my dad's and my own testimony, the room was still.

Afterward, our junior primary was invited into Sunday School to sing the closing hymn to the group. I held hands with a couple of the children while we sang I Am a Child of God. Once again, the room was still.

Those still rooms are a manifestation of children of God feeling the Holy Ghost tell them that what they are hearing and feeling is good and important. I didn't accomplish every goal I had for my primary during the time I was serving but I think we, as a presidency, helped the kids know they are a child of God and how good it feels in our hearts when the spirit testifies. We tried to mention it every time we felt it happen so the kids knew that's what they were feeling...the still small voice telling them that they are loved. Those are the moments I will savor forever.

California 2015 - Beach Time

One of the priorities of our trip to California this year was to have some really good beach time and boy did we ever. A huge bonus was a significant storm far out to see pushing monster waves towards California. This produced some of the best waves I’ve ever seen in California (not that I’ve seen all that many but still). Such a blast to play in the sea for hours at a time and hang out with my entire family.

Check out the video to experience all the fun.

We went to Huntington Beach multiple times because it is such a great beach and was so near to where we were staying. The first afternoon/evening we setup shop near the pier. Great spot and the sunset was mind blowing! I included a couple photos from all our visits to Huntington Beach.

The other beach we hit was Little Corona del Mar. This place is literally a treasure. Just take a look. You’ll know what I mean.

A couple of last thoughts about the beach. The ocean is an amazing place; the smells, the sounds, the sand and sun are all so breathtaking. On the flip side the sea is so powerful and that can be a little scary. I (Rob) am not a strong swimmer so getting out just a little too far makes me uneasy.

I loved watching the kids on the beach and playing with them. You can’t pay for that kind of happiness, joy, and fun. It comes from nature. Literally amazing.

The Worst Rube Goldberg Ever

Just like everyone else, I'm a big fan of Rube Goldberg machines. They make me happy.

(A contraption, invention, device, or apparatus that is deliberately over-engineered to perform a simple task in a complicated fashion, usually including a chain reaction. ) 

Check out these 10 Brilliant Rube Goldberg Machines! 

HOWEVER...

When it comes to my body, negative chain reactions make me sad rather than happy. Now, I present my very own "Worst Rube Goldberg Ever." 

STEP 1: Get sick with a very bad cold or mild flu for 3 weeks.

STEP 2: Upon healing from sickness, get really bad chest pressure and painful constant burping for the next 6 months (nothing over the counter for acid reflux or gas does anything to help).

STEP 3: Visit doctor and rule out anything serious including heart and gall bladder problems. No other symptoms to go on.

STEP 4: Three months later, visit gastroenterologist who is a jerk and decide not to listen to his advice for an endoscope. Begin prescription strength probiotics. They don't work.

STEP 5: Visit 2nd gastroenterologist who decides it's probably caused by bacteria in the upper intestines. Go on antibiotics with high hopes. Ignore more advice for an endoscope.

STEP 6: The antibiotics give extreme metal mouth. Discontinue use even though I know I shouldn't stop a round of antibiotics in the middle of its course.

STEP 7: Ask doctor for an alternative antibiotic. No side effects, phew!

STEP 8: Chest pressure and painful burping continues. Go for a 2nd round of the same antibiotics.

STEP 9: Still not cured. 

STEP 10: Still trying to avoid an endoscope, decide to try a 3rd type of antibiotic. One that is $700 and makes me very sick for 10 days. 

STEP 11: Still. Not. Cured!

STEP 12: Decide to finally get an endoscope. Results: Acid Reflux even though I never had any burning or other typical symptoms and the over-the-counter stuff did nothing for me. Start taking prescription-strength meds.

STEP 13: Miserable for 2 weeks and now diagnosed with C-Diff from all of my antibiotic use. Did I mention misery?? 

STEP 14: Back on the metal mouth antibiotic. This time I finish the course.

STEP 15: Get very painful tendonitis and bursitis, exacerbated because of all the meds.

STEP 16: Get a steroid pack so I can walk at Disneyland.

STEP 17: The antibiotic/acid reflux/steroid cocktail gives me thrush in my mouth and throat. Prescribed anti-fungal.

STEP 18: 2nd round of anti-fungal after thrush returns.

STEP 19: C-diff returning? Will wait and see...

STEP 20: 15 months later and I'm STILL NOT CURED of my constant chest and gut pressure and painful burping!! One more prescription to try. 

STEP 21: Cry.

And the Worst Rube Goldberg ever continues...

Home Decor: Hallway

So hallways shouldn't be a big deal to decorate. They're small and you basically have to hang something on the wall, right? Well, I have this thing about hanging things on my walls that have no personal meaning to our family. I can't just buy something random from the store and put it up. It has to have a story behind it. Therefore, my hallway remained pretty bare for way. too. long.

I obviously have way too much patience for bare walls. I'm pretty sure it's an outward manifestation of how crazy I am inside my head because looking at this calms my mind...

So how happy was I when we received a gift from Rob's grandma? VERY! She gave us 3 beautiful frames full of butterflies that SHE caught in Indonesia and mounted. They are stunning. And perfect for our nature-loving family (even if it did require a little murdering of innocent, brightly colored insects).

 

The medallion on the wall is also from her collection from her Pakistan (?) days. It's so beautiful and I love how all the light bounces around the textured surface.

(Someday I'll have my carpet re-stretched.)

Now, it also took me way. too. long. to decide how I actually wanted the hallway painted. I knew I wanted something minimal since it's surrounded by busier walls. I mocked up about 20 versions but in the end decided to leave the side walls and the walls around the corner as-is. Around the corner are 4 doors...the kids bathroom, 2 bedrooms, and the linen closet. It's too small and dark for more dark paint and it would've had a striped effect with the small strips of wall in between all the doors.

As far as the paint color goes, it was leftover from our downstairs bathroom and I knew it would look beautiful behind the gold frames. It's hard to tell in the picture, but it's a deep navy.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to finish this little space but I'm glad it's finally done!