An Amazing week!

1. First off This trip would never have been possible without our amazing friends! Thanks to the Allison's, Finch's and Tidwell's who watched our kids. To the Flints who took us to the airport and took out our trash, the Adam's who probably thought they spent way to much time with us. And the Coleman's who have been where we are and showed kindness (and let Chris have some fun with their boys). and to Tina who picked us up from the airport. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

There will probably not be numbers today just photos and explanations  We got in to DC Tuesday night and here was our go-cart err rental car. It was soooo tiny. I'm not sure why it actually had 4 doors.

We became experts at riding the metro. I must say it was not as bad or scary as I thought it was going to be. I am so glad we both brought. our running shoes.

Wednesday we did lots of touristy things. 

we saw the capital from a distance

We did lots of the Museums's

Natural history - the animals and the gem (The hope Diamond etc) were pretty cool

Air and Space - we did this on 2 days and actually took photos the 2nd day.

American History

And the National Archives

It was great too see the important Documents that make our country what it was and what we hope it will always be.

then we hit the mall.

The Washington Monument was a bit sad since we could not go up ( I have vague memories of doing this as a kid) 

The WWII memorial. It was very very well done.

 we did the other war Memorial's as well. All were very nicely done.

The on to One of my most favorite places ever. The Lincoln Memorial. I remember when I went as a kid there was a different feeling there. As an adult it was still there. What a great man.

The view from Lincoln to Washington. 

 Thursday was more sightseeing. We took a tour of the Capital Building thanks to Harry Ried's office. We didn't get any photos because I don't think that way.

 we "saw" the Supreme Court building. 

We went to see Ford'd theater, the house across the street where he died and we also saw the boarding house (that is now a restaurant) where the assassination was planned

The best part of the day was seeing the Tomb of the unknown soldier. and all of Arlington. It was a sweet reminder of the cost that people have paid to preserve our liberties.

Thursday night we actually went to the conference that we came for. It was a J. Reuben Clark Law Society 25th annual Conference. We had a great time and learned lots. (Chris probally more than I).

Friday was all conference. We got to hear Justice Clarence Thomas speak at Lunch. Then hear Elder Holland speak before dinner.

We had dinner with our friends the Coleman's that night at an amazing restaurant in Chinatown. For those who know me. I ate grilled lettuce and tried some scampi. I must say I might actually be starting to grow up. maybe just a bit.

We stayed with a wonderful Host family. We could not have been more blessed to stay with anyone else. They fit us perfectly.

Saturday we had more conference in the morning then did a few more sights. 

We actually got a close up of the Capital 

got photos of Amelia Earhart's plane. 

After that we headed to the Holocaust Mesuem. I cannot think of a way to describe this place. It did a very good job and showing what happened. We were not able to finish the tour due to the emotional of it. At one point there is a huge spot of shoes that were worn by people in the camps. The smell was so overwhelming that I thought I was going to throw up. It was a very "heavy" place to go. It reminded us of what happens when good people stand by and do nothing. Also this is what happens where people are not accepting of religions. It made the morning panel of religious freedoms all the more relevant.

After that we headed back to our host family's house. We were so blessed that they litterally live right next to the Washington DC temple. Chris and I got to go in and do a session. Such a wonderful blessing.

a view from our host family's front porch.

We returned Sunday morning. The kids were excited to see us (well all but Henry). They had fun while we were gone. Will and Jeffrey got to go roller skating. Will learned what happens when you fall on your mouth. After going to the dentist yesterday His front top tooth will have a fake bottom half to it in 6 weeks.

WE had a great time and didn't miss the kids until Saturday. It was so nice to go be just adults. It also makes you realize how much we do really love each other and our kids.

Ten on Tuesday. .

This is early because if I don't do it now it will not happen!

1. Friday night Annmarie and Chris went to a daddy daughter Valentines date. They had a great time. We are so thankful for our thoughtful friends who do things like this.

it started, she didn't want Chris to kiss her.

2. So a few weeks ago I made a daily chore board. Apparently Annmarie thought Chris and I need our own chores to do as well. The rule is no electronics until everything on the board is done. Annmarie added an exception to ours. Computer only if need not want. nice does facebook count as a need?

3. This week has been the week of sickness! But here is Henry snot free, throwing up free and happy!!!! it is so nice to have happy healthy kids back.

4. Wednesday night was the blue and gold dinner for cub scouts. We had a great time. Will finished all the requirements to receive his wolf badge. Way to go Will!!!

5. I made 3 batches of cookies today. I decided to count them.  There were about 270. no I will not eat them. I made them for a bake sale.

6. Saturday night we babysat for a family. I took the kids home and put them in bed, then what did I do? I fell asleep on their couch. It reminded me of what would happen every time I babysat growing up. Fun memories

7. With sick kids this week there was little exercise for me. I forgot how much it effects me. I was so glad to be back working out the last few days.

8. Jed went to the GI for a regular check up. The Dr has taken him off all his meds (except the one that prevents ulcers). Happy day!

9. Have I mentioned that Chris and I leave for DC tomorrow!!!!! I am so excited. The kids are so excited to stay with friends as well so it seems like a win win for us all.

10. Henry is into the head butting stage. He thinks it is the funniest thing. I love to see him grow and learn new things!

Monthly goal

So I have been trying to work on something new each month and needed some accountability. here it goes.

my goal for Feb is to work on being a better friend.

how?
 listen better.
 Try not to multi task while a friend is talking to me etc.
spend more time getting to know people than just talking
call and actually talk to people not just text!

and a variety of other things

Ten on Tuesday

1. Henry was eating black beans (like a champ Will is our only other kid who will eat them with out a fuss). When I placed them on his plate I would blow on them and say Hot! then he would bend down close then try to blow, (more of spit) on them then flap his hands like they touched something hot. So funny!!!

2. A friend of mine helped me out with a valentines day thing for Chris. She took photos of my kids and then an all kid one. She did great! Chris's firsts words were How do I hand this in my office!

3. Will got to go to a video game party. He thought it was the coolest thing ever!!!! note to self have 2 tvs and 2 video game systems and you will have some very happy boys!

4. We filed our taxes! it is always such a great feeling to be done with that!

5. Henry and Jed have been sick. Oh how I feel so bad when they are. but mostly they never act like it until the moment comes then in 2 min they are done and think that life should be normal. Hope they get better soon

6. Saturday I went out with my own personal Stacy London (What not to wear). My friend Leslie took me to lots of stores gave me tips. I must say this is one of the first shopping trips I have ever enjoyed (other than shopping with Kindy). Needless to say I got some very nice complements at church. Why did I do this? Chris and I are headed to DC next week for a conference  The dress those days is Business. I have very few clothes that fit me. So I wanted to buy good new pieces. I must say after my hair cut on Monday I feel like a new person. I will take photos next week while I am in my "business" stuff.

7. While trying to ask the kids what "sport" they wanted to do this spring none of them choose soccer. Will wants to do swim club, Annmarie basketball, and Jeffrey some sort of Karate. We shall see if this actually happens

8. Jeffrey has had a great week!!!! he has had small moments but it seems that we might be past his really rough patch (hopefully)!

9. Will finished his first Harry Potter book. Needless to say he enjoyed it. But he got a not from school about his eye sight so looks like we will be making another appointment with the eye dr.

10. Random fact - I have been officially registered for the first ever out of US Ragnar, Guess it means as a 30 something year old I should get a passport. I think I am the last one!

Ten on Tuesday

 1. Biggest news of the week is Henry turned 1!! We had cake and ice cream. He is an amazing baby. who our neighbor calls, Stupid happy. Henry is, he is happy 99% of the time we are so blessed to have him our family.

what I get to see everyday!

2. a good friend was so kind and wanted to improve her photography skills took some photos of him. I picked a terrible time of the day. Now the hard part is choosing which one I like best!

3. In case you were ever worried about how you look when you go work out. . . Don't you could look like this :)

4. Saturday night Annmarie and I went on a girls night of sorts. We went to a baptism of a family. ON the way there She was confused why the parents were not baptized  I told here they had not made the choice to but they were getting baptized tonight. She then says "this is the best day ever for them." Such a sweet girl. Love her and am so happy to be her mom.

5. Will started reading Harry Potter book 1. At first is was a punishment from the parents to get him to read more. But thankfully he is actually enjoying it! yeah to moments when kids start reading and like it.

6. I was told this morning (at my 5am HEAT class) that my class was harder than the other teacher. You have no idea how this made my day. When you teach similar classes (with little to no format) it is always nice to hear that people like your class!

7. Last night we had thunder and lightning! it is January crazy. now we have a winter storm warning in effect. Makes me wish I had gone running out side today in the 33 degree weather. I detest running on a treadmill!

8. Jeffrey has been trying so hard to be "grown" up like his siblings lately. It is cute to watch him try and do all the things (ie reading among other things). I love watching him try. Oh he also started piano lessons. He is in heaven!

9. Jed continues to be. . . Jed stubborn, loud, thinking he is always right and his family is horrible and mean and he tells us we are out of the family. I thought this happened as teenagers, not as 4 year olds. We are changing the way we do things with him and trying a much more love and non yelling approach (we are not perfect with either of these things) only time will tell if it works!

10. random fact - Chris and I leave in 2 weeks for a conference in DC!!!! I am so excited to spend some time there (it better be warm), and to spend time with just Chris. Huge thanks to those wonderful families who are making this possible for us!!

10 on Tuesday late

what a week!

1. Jed is now the owner of a brand new green cast. from his toes to his knee. What did he brake, nothing. After injuring himself we discovered he has a rare bone disease, kohler's. The navicular bone was cut off from the blood supply while it was growing so it died. The cast is placing his foot in the correct position to allow blood to get to the bone again and re-form. My arms are getting really strong from carrying 2 kids to and from  the car.

2. I did conditioning for the boys soccer team last night. oh it was a blast. If you think you are in ok shape. go do circuits with HS boys. you will feel great about your self.

3. Jeffrey got glasses. He looks handsome.

4. Chris started back in school on Tuesday. I think he is happy to be back and busy again.

5. Chris also got an A in one of his classes. Cannot express how proud we are of him.

6. With after school we are trying to decide between taking the bar in Iowa and Washington (state).

7. I will be running 3 RAGNARs in 5 weeks. I'm a bit crazy. Makes me glad for my new and old jobs so I can save. (no haircuts, no "quick cheep" lunches at jimmy Jon's. Guess I'm finally learning to save)

8. Henry turns 1 on Friday. I cannot believe we are even close to this day.

9. Annmarie is enjoying laying with the neighbor girls. She complains at least once a day that she doesn't have a sister.

10. random thing: 10 feels warm when you have experienced -25

Ten on Tuesday

1. Will had his first pinewood derby race on Wed night. Chris is also in scouts so they both got to make cars. It was fun to watch will sand, then say he was done, then was instructed no way are you close. Will ended up in 2nd place over all!! not too bad for a first time.

Waiting for the race to begin

His first race. Will's car is the red and blue one (with the #12 on it. think tom brady)

Not sure where he gets his excitment from when he wins ;)

Yelling at his car to go faster.

After realizing that he got 2nd place over all

Chris's awesome car

Will's car plus award

Will with his car and 2nd place medal

Jeffrey showing off Chris's car

 2. Thursday I started "coaching." a local catholic high school has asked me to help out with conditioning for the boys and girls soccer teams. I love it!!! next time we will be playing dodge ball  BEST JOB EVER. plus the girls were way nice (I meet the boys next week).

3. Friday Chris and I went out. It was the first time in a long time it was just us on a date. It was nice to talk about things and then start moving towards deciding things for our future.

4.  While on our date we hit up the local sporting goods store and we got some kettlebells ( Chris and I are both taking a trx, and also a kettlebell class. employee benefits :) ) We love them. we have been doing a circuit of TRX, kettlebells and ankle bands. Come join us!

5. Saturday I had a girls night!!!! it was so much fun. we ate great food, laughed and talked. I love girls nights

6. After girls night Annmarie had left me a note. telling me she wishes she could have spent time with me because she loves me. It about broke my heart.

7. Sunday Chris and I had a chance to sit down and really talk about my lesson for Church. it was on the Atonement  Thanks to him I know understand it a bit better. The thing I got the most out of it was LOVE. So glad I have a great man like him in my life.

8. Monday We had a wonderful FHE on prayer. We used the idea from the Ensign from the HOme teaching message. Then Will and Annmarie talked with us about the importance of prayer. It was a great great one. I makes all the other crazy nights seem worth it.

9. After FHE we kind of feel like we should Look at Dallas, or Seattle. Hoping that things will become a bit clearer for us, but we are doing our leg work.

Just because they are so handsome!

10. Random fact - Chris is a jackrabbit, artichoke, Thunderbird, sun devil and bull dog. what is next?

Ten on Tuesday

We headed to Chicago for 2 days last week. Oh my where to begin.

 1. Chris had an interview with Northwestern for their LLM in Taxation program. So we all went up. While Chris was in the interview I drove around Downtown Chicago. . . (have I ever mentioned that I really don't like big cities and all the traffic, and expenses to park etc. ugh!)

I saw this Chicago sign at a red light. Its famous right?

Oh how I would have loved to have gone in this store. . . although the $20 for parking would have made anything I bought not worth it. 

2. The kids played in the hotel pool for hours. they had a blast. While talking with the kids about what we are doing when Chris Graduates in May Jed says I want to go to Chicago and see the Oregon ducks. It took us a bit to realize that he was talking about the BCS game we watched while in the hotel.

3. Chris got to go to the temple in Chicago. Oh how the outside reminded me of Dallas. Chris said the inside was pretty much the same.

4. While Chris was in the temple The kids and I played in the car. Henry obviously loved it :)

5. While in Chicago I got sick (no fun but I lost weight so that should be a plus right) and on the way home we knew Henry was getting sick (he slept way to much. The kids were really great in the car. So lucky for that blessing!

6. Here is the Mississippi River. The kids and I were so excited to get back into Iowa. I tried to get a photo of the welcome to Iowa sign, but I messed up.

7. Saturday we took Henry to the Dr and found out he had a horrible sinus infection along with Pink Eye. So thankful for awesome Drs!!!

8. Sunday we were fasting as a family to know what to do after Chris graduates. Will has been fasting since he was 8 but Annmarie and Jeffrey decided to join in as well. It made my heart so full to know that they were willing to join us. as of today the plan is to do 1 more year of law school (a LLM in taxation). This program is not offered here, and it seems only in really really big cities that are way expensive (chicago, NYC, DC, Boston, Miami, LA) who knows where we will end up.

9. Chris and I have started lifting weights together (since he is on break). I must say I really enjoy "training." It has made me think about going and getting my personal training cert.

10. Random fact - I love the song Home by Phillip Phillips. I was explaining to someone why I liked it and here it goes. He has promised the person he is with that regardless of where they are he will do all he can to make that place Home for them. (this is my take and my be way off). But while doing this it made me cry. Why because I would love to be right here a year from now, the reality of that happening means I will be spending a year without Chris (school) or He gets a job here. It made me cry because it made me think of Chris, he wants me to be happy where ever I go. Love that I am so lucky to be his best friend and wife for eternity.