Ostrich Farm

I miss having Clara home all the time so whenever she has a day off school, we try to do something fun. We usually drag Angela and Margo along with us. We went to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Farm January 20th when she was out for MLK day. It was kind of a drive, but we had fun. Clara probably liked it the most, considering her passion for animals. She saw me looking at these pictures and asked if we can go back. Her love for animals cracks me up. There were deer, goats, prairie dogs and ducks in addition to the ostrich. The deer noses were all slimy and snotty and the ostriches were super mean and aggressive. There were a few tiny goats roaming around and Hazel chased them all over saying, "Here, goaty-goat." 

The best part, however, was the lorakeets. It was awesome how they would just land all over you to eat the nectar. We bought three rounds of nectar because we were having so much fun. I'd probably go there just for that part, it was that fun. It is a bit of a drive, but if I'm ever on my way to or from Tucson, I'd probably stop for sure. Good times.

Hazel

I know I've mentioned before that I was worried Hazel would have a really reserved personality. Having an older sister like Clara, I thought she might hide out in her shadow. My fears were absolutely unwarranted and Hazel is a reminder that everyone comes to earth equipped with their very own personality. She is a bit of a whirlwind and there are days that I seriously can not keep up with her mess making. It's incredible how quickly she can undo things! She reminds me a lot of my brother Daniel and I think she has a very mechanically-able mind like him. She undoes things to see how they work. I'm just hoping we avoid some of the pricey repairs my parents enjoyed thanks to Daniel's curiosity. Here are just a few of her expressions one day at the park. I was laughing so hard. I asked her to smile and this is what I go. I normally don't include so many pictures of the same thing, but every expression makes me laugh. 

By chance, I realized I had pictures with most of Hazel's favorite things... the park, especially swinging, reading books, candy, reading books, peeling and eating her own carrots, chapstick and the park. Basically books and parks are all she needs to be happy.

This picture on the left is funny because it's one of Hazel's favorite toys at the park by our house. There are four of these things that spin in circles, but each one has a different shaped platform and her favorite is the circle. She won't get on any of the other ones and it this one is occupied, she'll wait until it's vacant. She is great.

January 2014 - Part I

Around the middle of 2013, I took on a new role with one of my clients. Things snowballed and by the end of December, I was working way too much and got much more involved than I ever thought I'd be. Unfortunately, no matter how much I gave, no matter how quickly I responded to e-mails and phone calls (replying to e-mails while at the park with Hazel, talking to lawyers in the Costco parking lot) and no matter how many hours I worked and despite how little I slept, it was never enough. Although they couldn't provide a single example of a time I didn't perform, they said the situation wasn't working out. I came to a point where I had to decide if I was going to defend myself and fight to maintain the level of responsibility that I had, or surrender, step back and possibly lose a lot of work. Backing down and letting it go would make me feel like a failure. But it would also free up my time for other things. Around that time, Hazel woke up from her nap one day and came into my room where she found me working. This was a normal every day thing and usually, she'd hop up on the bed next to me and watch me until it was time to get Clara from school.

This day, however, she said, "Hold me." I tried to get her to sit next to me and she said, "No, I just want you to hold me." I set my computer down, and she laid on me like this until it was time to get Clara. In that moment, I knew what was more important to me and I knew what I needed to do. I was overwhelmed knowing this time at home while my kids are little is precious. I can't get this time back. I felt sick to my stomach for days and worried so much about what my role would be with my client, how we'd survive without that money and what this would do to my reputation. Early one morning, around 4am, I woke up and had impressions that brought clarification and comfort. I was choosing this and this was a result of priorities. If I wanted to work full-time, my client would have me full-time. But that wasn't what I wanted. So I stepped back and not only did my time free up, but the stress the left was incredible. I felt like a different person and I was doing what mattered most to me. My role has changed with my client, but I have been blessed to continue to have a role there. Everything worked out ideally. I don't know how long it will last, but I do know I won't have any regrets when my kids are grown up. 

Onto lighter subjects from the month of January...

Clara's first top tooth was so wiggly and the end of the month. She kept pushing it forward and it looked like she had really buck-teeth. But she refused to let anyone help her pull it out.

In January we set a family goal to memorize all 13 Articles of Faith in 2014. I knew I could use a refresher and I love how it is the basics of the Gospel. Each time we memorized one, we'd go do something as a family, the park, ice cream, etc. Here we are enjoying ice cream. (as of 4.30.2014, we've mastered 1-5).

Margo and Hazel have the most intense love/hate relationship. Although they will be a year apart in school, I think they are going to be really good friends. They are cute together and I love taking them places. Both of them make me laugh and while it's pretty rare to get through a playtime without one of them freaking out about something, overall they have a good time. These pictures are from a trip we took to Riverview Park.

Hey Baby...

In January, Jason and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. I posted on Instagram that by this point he thought we'd have more money and I thought we'd have more kids, but we have each other and that's all that matters. And that's true. Things don't always go as planned. In fact, things rarely go as planned, but we can still be happy and we are. I often think about how well Jason and I go together. Actually, he's pretty laid back so he probably could have got along with anyone. My personality, on the other hand, needed someone exactly like him to make it work.

Since 10 is such a nice, round number, we wanted to do something more than just dinner or an overnight in town like we did a few years ago. However, I still have issues leaving my kids for too long and we didn't want to spend too much since there are a lot of things we should probably be spending money on other than a getaway vacation (i.e. furniture, our yard, food storage, etc.). All of things considered, we planned a two night trip to Vegas. I hadn't been since I was there at the temple for a cousin's wedding when I was probably 10 and Jason hadn't been since he was there for a high school basketball tournament. It was somewhere we could drive and we thought we could do it fairly inexpensively. We packed our bags, dropped our kids off at Kathryn's and headed to our destination. We stayed at the MGM Signature, which we both really liked. The first night we ate a nice dinner at The Steakhouse. I love a nice meal. Then we walked around. Friday we went shopping, went to Ka, a Cirque de solei show and then walked around some more to take in the lights one last time and get some souvenirs for the girls. Saturday morning we had a very late breakfast, packed up and headed home.

This was our breakfast at Hash House A-go-go. It was huge. Like out of control.

Night view from our balcony.

On our way home, we stopped at the new bridge by Hoover Dam. It was awesome. I joked that I enjoyed that more than anything I saw in Vegas. And unlike Vegas, this is something I want to bring my kids back to see.

We also stopped to get a picture by the Joshua Trees. They are so crazy and awesome looking. Pulling off to the side of the road is one of Jason's least favorite things to do, but he still does it when I ask. :)

Here is our conclusion on Vegas: we'd probably never go again. Ha! We had fun because we got to spend three days together and if there is one thing we are good at, it's being able to enjoy each other's company without having any other entertainment. So yes, we had fun, but I would've preferred San Francisco or Santa Monica, which were options we considered. Our resort: it was really nice: off the Strip, non-smoking, very secluded from a lot of the filth. I'd stay there again. Walking: I felt like we spent most of our trip walking. Now don't get me wrong, I like to walk. In fact, I love to walk, but we walked excessively and the only thing we got to watch while walking was gambling, drinking at 9am, women with no respect for their bodies, illusions and sleeze. I had a guy say to me, "You're smiling too big to be from Vegas, where are you from?" And all I could think of was, yeah, I'm smiling because of my lifestyle. It seriously was a little depressing seeing the filth there and the people gambling and drinking first thing in the morning, young girls being paraded around the Strip in next to nothing to have their pictures taken with people. I joked with Jason that the one good thing about that is not once did I wish our kids were with us. The food was okay, but very over-priced. We didn't end up going to any buffets. The Ka show was probably the biggest disappointment. We paid a lot of money for our tickets and it was about 90% play 10% acrobatics. We both expected much more. I do think it might be a fun trip with a group of friends and being more prepared on activities that aren't super expensive. We learned after we got home about some things we probably would have enjoyed. Even still, I think Jason summed it all up nicely: if I drank, gambled and had no morals, Vegas would be awesome.

The kids did fine without us. They stayed with Kathryn the first half and then my parent's the next half. I remember being little and how much fun it was when my dad would travel because he'd bring us the coolest things. Granted he was traveling mostly to the Orient so the things he brought back were pretty awesome. We settled on these hat/mitten animal combo things, a Las Vegas monkey with magnetic hands and dice suckers. Four months later, the girls still love their monkeys. The length of our trip seemed just right. Anything longer and I probably would have missed these darlings too much.

December 2013 - Part II

My last post for 2013... Christmas crafts::silly girls (Clara is holding a magical tree)::cookie decorating at Angela's::Jason's company work party::where he danced with me (and someone was kind enough to take a picture)::sword fighting with dad::I should have had them wear these dresses for our pictures - cute and we already had them::decorating our tree::Hazel's music performance (we're nearing the end of April and she's STILL singing the Christmas songs she learned)::our primary presidency heart attacked our yard for Clara's birthday and she was thrilled::Sunday before church... Dear Hazel, sorry you had to wear that crazy long dress for Christmas 2013

we went to Bass Pro three times attempting pictures with Santa::celebrating Clara and Angela's birthdays on Angela's birthday::Clara helped me address our Christmas card and I loved how detailed she got on some::iPad bonding::so. I ordered two different sets of Christmas cards. I didn't love the first set and I paid way more than I thought and then I realized I didn't even order enough. It was kind of lame. But I'll work on it for next year. :)::visiting the house with Christmas lights synced to music - always cool::Clara loved the pj's Grandma Penrod got her and they compliment her red glasses really well::New Year's Eve party with friends - super fun

I think I've mentioned my dad and his hiking adventures. Here was another one we went on, the Hieroglyphic Trail. It was incredible. Going up, it wasn't the greatest view, but at the end, it is so awesome. As you can see, I couldn't stop taking pictures. I can't wait to go again.

Jumping back to New Year's Eve 2013... we went to the Fillmore's with lots of friend and had good food, lots of fireworks, a fire pit, sparklers and best of all, lots of friends. We were out way too late, so it's a good thing that only happens once a year. :) I have a feeling that 2014 is going to be a really great year. I felt that way about 2013 as well, and it did not disappoint. 2013 was a really great year.

Hazel's Birthday

My updating slowed down due to an extremely heavy workload, but I think I am able to pick up the speed again...

On December 26, 2013, we celebrated Hazel's 3rd birthday. Jason was off work so we had a full day of celebrating. We went and watched Frozen, had lunch with Grandma Penrod, Chrystie and her kids and then went home to open presents. At lunch, we told them it was her birthday so they brought her ice cream and sang to her. She loved it but I think it was slightly overwhelming and unexpected, as she hid behind her hand.

That night, we went to the train park with lots of family and treats. I thought since it was after Christmas, it wouldn't be too crowded, but I was wrong. After waiting in line for 30-45 minutes and having about 45 minutes to an hour left, the manager saw Maria (my mom's friend from Russia) in a wheelchair and promptly moved us to the front of the line. Apparently there is only one train that can accommodate wheelchairs, and it was the next one up. Ironically, this happened just minutes after Maria apologized for being a burden. Clearly, she was quite the opposite. :) After the train, we had dessert and rode the carousel. We have had many birthday celebrations at the train park, and I'm sure this wasn't the last.

Oh, my little Hazel. Somehow three seems and sounds so much older than two. To me that's when kids become more of a toddler than they are a baby. Hazel is such a fun child and as usual, words aren't near enough to express my love for her. She has the squishiest little cheeks that are fun to nibble. She also has squishy hands that I love to hold. She loves books, playing in the dish water, going to the park and tagging along with Clara. She really likes playing with the Barbies, legos and blocks they got for Christmas. She could watch movies all day long but is also great at exploring, using her imagination and playing by herself. She also loves to throw fits, sneak treats and get into mischief, especially when she knows I'm on a work call. We are so grateful for her in our home and feel so blessed to have her a part of our family.

Christmas Time

I love Christmas time. I can't say it enough. This year I planned to use the girls' dresses that I bought for our pictures as their Christmas dresses to wear to church. But then I made an impulse buy when I see these super cute tights and dresses online. Clara's fit pretty good, but Hazel's was way too big. Too bad, she wore it anyway. I just made her pull it up in some of the pictures so I could see her boots and tights. :) Before church (the Sunday before Christmas), we went and played in the neighbor's leaves.

I sure love these darlings.

That same Sunday was our big Christmas program at church. Somehow I agreed to play the flute for one of the songs. I haven't played the flute in public since Jr. High. That's a long time! Anyway, I practiced like crazy (our choir pianist recorded the song onto a CD so I could practice with accompaniment as much as I wanted - that helped) and everything went pretty smoothly. I was proud of myself because I only played the flute for 4 years or so before I switched to the oboe and I haven't played it in front of people since. I have a flute because I needed an instrument when we first got married and the $100 flute was more affordable than the piano I wanted. Anyway, it was a great program. I love having so much music and song focused directly on our Savior and His birth. What a glorious thing to celebrate. Plus, I get to sit on the stand for the entire meeting and watch Jason take care of the girls. That makes me smile and fall in love even more.

On Christmas Eve, we stuck with tradition and opened a gift (jammies! I love that I can still get matching footie pj's from Land's End despite their age gap) and then went to Grandma and Grandpa Melzer's for caroling and lights in Grandpa's truck, donuts and hot chocolate and a story from Grandpa. He told the story of his Uncle Jack again this year, the firefighter that risked his life on Christmas Eve to try and save a lady and her babies.   

Christmas morning was calm and fun. Growing up, Christmas morning always seemed a little crazy, but I guess that's the difference between 7-9 kids and two. :) Hazel got blocks and Clara got Legos. They got plenty of other things too and loved the Barbies they got. 

We went over to my mom's later for our traditional biscuits and gravy and to hang out. I couldn't resist a few pictures of them in Brother Allen's yard... happens every year. 

Clint pointed out James wouldn't be around next Christmas since he'll be on his mission. Awww! So I took a picture of him looking like the Michelin man in his new snowboarding attire and then a close up one of him and I. He's a sweet kid and I'm going to miss him, but it will be fun to have a missionary in the family again. We've had a dry spell.

Hazel chugging soda and pictures with Grandpa Melzer.

We went home and Ryan and Kathryn and kids came over for a little bit. Christmas always feels like a long day, but it's also over before I know it. Glad we're only 9 months away from the next Christmas instead of 12 since it's taken me three months to blog Christmas 2013.

Clara's Birthday

Last year when I was reading Charlie and The Chocolate Factory to Clara, I decided it'd be so fun to do a party around that theme. The more I thought and planned, I decided maybe we should just go have the party at the Cerreta Chocolate Factory in Glendale. So we made the invitations be the golden tickets, attached them to candy bars and waited for the party. I think I was just as excited as Clara. 

We got to have her party on her actual birthday, Saturday, December 21st. Jason drove my mom's van and I drove ours and we had so much fun! It was really hands on and the lady that did our tour and everything else was funny and fun. Since it was a Saturday, none of their machines were supposed to be running, but we lucked out and got to watch them make caramel. The kids got to help package chocolates, break up a big bar of chocolate, make their own chocolate pizza (even filling their pizza form with chocolate themselves) and Clara got to put the broken chocolate in the melter (whatever it's called). It was great. 

I made a sack lunch for each girl and we ate there and they let us open presents there too. I didn't have to do cake, goody bags, decorations or clean my house and the girls all loved it. It was totally worth the small price I paid for each kid. Oh yeah, also, lots of delicious samples. I'd definitely do another party there. In fact, Hazel keeps saying she wants to go there for her party.  

This final picture I took of Clara before coming home really sums up her personality. She is full of life and I love her so very much. At the ripe old age of seven, this girl loves to read (like LOVES to read), still lets me hold her, still sits on my lap and kisses me on the lips, still loves fruits and vegetables (mushrooms, mini peppers and broccoli top the list), loves meat like her dad and loves to deep clean. She is a bit dramatic but is so logical, reasonable and responsible. I am constantly grateful that she is my oldest because she is so patient, understanding and forgiving, which is what I need as I try to figure out what I'm doing as a mom. She is independent, but very social. She is giving and selfless and just wants to do what's right. She loves helping me in the kitchen and loves animals a lot (like a lot, a lot). She's got my wacky ribs and is obsessed with paper/organizing/pens/office supplies/you get the picture, just like I was (and still am). She really is a gem and such an extraordinary little girl.

Left: Clara and Hazel showing off their chocolate pizzas. Right: When we got home, Clara got to open presents from us. She seemed most excited about Charlie and The Chocolate Factory movie. She also got a scooter and a few books. It was a really fun day and yes, I had Clara and Hazel wear matching outfits. :)  

December 2013 - Part I

With Christmas and two birthdays, December is busy and will likely always be extra busy for us. It's easily my favorite time of year and all the celebrations we get to have only make me like it more. I love the lights, the Spirit of Christmas, the reflections on our Savior, the cookie parties, the traditions, the weather, the magic, the movies, the opportunities to serve, the music, new PJ's(!) and everything in between.

So here we go... Clara's school winter concert|||cookies at Aunt Angela's|||the yard decorated by our Primary Presidency for Clara's birthday|||Clara helping me get neighbor gifts ready (I love that she's getting old enough to help me with so many things, it is so convenient!)|||our house looked like this for a while after Christmas - legos and barbies every where|||annual holiday time dinner with high school friends at Matt & Lindsay's

chocolate face|||advent from Aunt Lilly|||mustache growing results from "Movember" (glad that didn't last long)|||Christmas Relief Society dinner - super fancy this year|||during Hazel's music class, Clara and I went on mini-dates|||she wants to do whatever I do|||new winter coats|||football game projected on the wall (that room has come in useful in ways I never would've imagined)|||Italian indexing projected on the wall - ha!|||Hazel doing my hair|||we went caroling with the bishopric and got invited in to enjoy this slide for a bit|||Hazel thinks she runs so fast in her "camping" shoes

Clara's school gets out a day before the public schools. It's a little silly, but I like it. This year, we went to the zoo with Amy, Ally and Olivia. It was awesome. It was a little overcast and there was hardly anyone there. We fed the giraffes and Clara absolutely loved it while all the other girls were horrified.

Jason got asked to be Santa Clause at our ward Christmas party. So funny! Clara said she knew it was him by his voice and his hands. See that picture on the bottom right? I tried to get a picture of me kissing Santa, but that beard just kept getting in the way.

Matching mustaches.

When Jason and I got married, I had a cheap little Christmas tree from Wal Mart. I kept saying I'd buy one on clearance after Christmas. But everything was always sold after Christmas. Then, I bought one for $5 at a garage sale 7 or so years ago. Again, the plan was to get one on clearance, but that wasn't happening. Our tree was too wide for the room and shed ("shred" according to Clara) as much as a real tree. So this year, after many headaches, stomach aches and looking at lots of trees, Jason talked me into buying a new tree. I was sick after we put it up because in my mind, it looked way too big for the room and was about to hit the ceiling (a few feet away in reality). I even made Melissa come look at it to make sure it didn't look ridiculous. I think I overreacted. :) The girls love that it has colored and white lights. I don't love that I can't set it up myself, but it is a pretty tree and someday when we have furniture that fits in our living room, it'll probably look even better.

Date night with Clara out to Macaroni Grill and then to the Nutcracker. It was so fun! I love this special little girl and having her company during a nice dinner and to enjoy the ballet made for a really fantastic night. I love this tradition.

Hazel found my red lip gloss while I was on a conference call. Oh, Hazel.

Temple lights. We went early again this year and it was so nice. It wasn't too cold and there weren't many people. Year after year, I love how beautiful this light display is.