D & Me

The Family Reunion Recap

2010-09-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it's only a month late. Which is pretty much on time by my standards lately! But I definitely learned some things about my family and myself at this year's reunion:

When there is someone missing at any/all times during the reunion - Gene, Jacob, Mary, Dad, Steven, Michael - it doesn't feel quite right or as fun as it could be.
I like sleeping. I like sleeping without doors slamming in the middle of the night.
Sage likes chipmunks and will obsess about chasing them for hours on end, even if she is leashed and unable to budge an inch.

Noah is going to be a lifelong fan of Rice Krispie treats - if you don't believe me, just look at the pictures of his first time with one.

I should have timed how long it took before a pinochle game started, because it seems to happen quicker and quicker. Pinochle should be renamed the "official game of the Spencer family".
We've got to remember that we have an effective weapon with Rebekah, Emma, and Olivia's screams for pesky neighbors or what have you.... Just start a game of tag between the kids (add in an uncle or two for extra potency) and everything else takes care of itself!
Bringing a disposable camera for each of the kids was one of Dad & Mom's best ideas EVER! I can't wait to see the results.
Mary, Rebekah, Olivia, Emma, and Rachael spent an afternoon making bead necklaces and bracelets for everyone. My 'A' necklace came to me courtesy of Olivia and I love it!
Putting up tents will never be listed among my many talents or skills. I'm okay with that.
Defense was never an issue for our campsite with all of the foam swords and sword practice going on.
Camping + reunion = high likelihood of braids in Amy's hair

Escaping the reunion without one mosquito bite is one of my major accomplishments this year! Granted, I pretty much dosed myself in bug repellant, so...
Elias, Ben, and Isaac spent many happy hours trying to figure out how to get into the shed across from our campsite because there were "Indians trapped inside", according to Elias. He actually tried to get me to unlock the shed, thinking I had a key. There is a reason we call them the "Triple Threat"...
We need to have a sign made up that says something like: "Warning: Spencer Family in the Vicinity. Drive at your own risk." But then the idiots who ignore speed limits through campgrounds with children playing wouldn't get it anyway.
I love watching my nieces and nephews play with one another, regardless of the age or activity. It's probably why most of my photos are of them playing together this year!

I miss having a campfire in the mornings and evenings with all of the fire restrictions.
Mom should have been a lifeguard with the way she watched over her grandkids - wait, she was for most of our childhood years while we played at Sanders Beach each summer (where there were no lifeguards). My apologies, Mom. In my eyes you have earned your lifeguard status and then some!
Even if I am bone weary tired by the end, no vacation will ever measure up to the level of fun I have when we are all together!

Mini-Me turns one year old!

2010-07-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

So Noah is turning one year old today, true evidence of how quickly the past year has flown by! Nadine would probably agree to a point, since she has spent much of it sleep-deprived while battling with his reflux and milk-allergy issues (bless her heart).

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. (May 2010)

He has changed so much physically since feeling better - he's gone from being all arms and legs to now having some chub and muscle on on them. "NoNo" has to have a way to keep up with Elias somehow! Noah's true personality has also come to the forefront with the reduction of health issues - he is Mr. Smiley and loves to squeal and laugh.

Baby Noah with Grandma Lois at his shower (September 2009)

Being the youngest in his family and the grand kids offers plenty of opportunities for observation, which Noah will do with squinted eyes and and furrowed brow. I haven't seen him do the open mouth/tongue out look for awhile, sadly. That one was classic Noah!

Noah, Elias, & Landon playing on the slides at Manito Park (April 2010)

Noah has just started to walk within the past few weeks. Currently his preferred mode of getting around is crawling because his lightning fast speed allows him to strike very quickly and efficiently when his big brother is playing with something interesting. Which happens a lot.

Best buds already & ready to join the Triple Threat! (February 2010)

The two nicknames that have stuck with Noah in this first year are Mini-Me and NoNo. Mini-Me because he is almost a miniature version of Michael, except for those beautiful blue eyes of his mom's. NoNo because Nadine was trying to find a nickname that went with his name; at first she tried "Noey" but then realized that Mom has called me Noey for many years and didn't want to have a duplicate. (I was never bothered at the thought of sharing a nickname...)

Hanging out at Uncle Nate's track meet (May 2010)

Happy birthday, Noah Donald!

Who is the "Chief" Here Anyway?

2010-07-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Nathan and I have been working together on a Drafting merit badge for Scouts over the past few months, which has been very fun. I have enjoyed talking about something that interests me with my little brother and I think he liked getting to see a little bit of what I know how to do. Anyways, for him to complete the merit badge, he measured out his bedroom, its furnishings, and drew up a plan to scale on graph paper. While he and Pa were up at our house this weekend, he put the plan into CAD software (Chief Architect) to finish the requirements for the merit badge.

We were almost finished with the room when I mentioned that we could add more details like his television, lamp, curtains, video game console, etc. if he wanted to. Nate was having a good time and he had picked up using the software very quickly. As he scrolled through the TV catalog in Chief Architect, the wall-mounted flat screen TVs appeared and his eyes grew very wide. It was pretty obvious what was going to happen next, and I thought "what the heck - he's learning and enjoying himself - just go with the flow, Amy".

Yep, go with the flow indeed. After giggling like children on a sugar-induced high for several minutes and giving each other high fives, Nathan's bedroom ended up with a few improvements. I even saw flashes of his HGTV education that Lydia and Pa have been instrumental in due to his desire to change the colors of the finishes and fabrics to Pullman Greyhound blue and gray with complements of white and black. (His explanation!)

I am so happy we got it done for him. And I always love doing anything CAD or design related. But I have to admit I enjoyed the time spent together with my awesome 15 year old brother the best of all!

Rockin' Rachael

2010-07-02T23:59:00.001-07:00

Funny story: the title of this post made me want to start singing 'Rockin' Robin' while I was posting. Blame it on my YW leaders, who had us learn the song for a skit at Girls Camp one year. How appropriate that Rachael is YW President in her ward and was just at Girls Camp last week! (Cue music from the Twilight Zone or something equally creepy, 'cause I know I'm weirded out now...)

So very cute, this sister! (March 2009)

Rachael has always had a knack for coming up with cool phrases that she uses to express herself. When she was in college at BYU-Idaho, one of my favorites was "For the love!" when she was exasperated or impatient. Currently, she uses "You rock!" a lot and I love this about her because she means it when she says it. In this day and age where sarcasm and satire abound, it is refreshing to hear Rachael tell someone meaningfully and in a fun way that they are doing a great job or are wonderful in her own original way. I love that about her! Rachael, you rock!

Playing at the park with Olivia in Las Vegas (April 2005)

One of my favorite things about living in Salt Lake was my visits from Rachael when she was at college. She always brought an of vitality with her and lots of laughter - as she always does anytime she steps in the room. Rachie was not born to sit home (although she does like her sleep), she likes to be out doing things and meeting people. I am consistently blown away by her talents in organization and multitasking. I really think she could have her own HGTV show on helping people declutter and organize their lives and homes; she would be so different in many of the tv hosts out there because of her genuine compassion and desire to help people.

Olivia, Rachael, & Michael get excited for some ice cream (June 2009)

When we moved to Cedar City, it was so nice to have Rachael and her family a few short hours away in Las Vegas. It didn't really matter if we were playing games, watching movies, or walking up and down the Strip seeing the sights - it was just so much fun to be together, enjoying each other's company. Although I think all of us (Milnes and Duncans) are in agreement that none of us ever want to live in Las Vegas, either as a first for us or again for them! Too many crazy drivers and way too much heat! But it was sure nice to have each other to hang out with while we both were down there.

Beautiful sisters Mandy, Rachael, & Nadine (March 2010)

There are so many things that I admire about this incredible woman that I am lucky to call my sister. I think she is an awesome mother, giving guidance and setting rules with so much love. Her life is focused around living the gospel each day and it shows in how she treats everyone around her, how she approaches the struggles that life hands her, and in the priorities that she sets each day. I adore my Rachael Lee Lou Lynn - she rocks!

Rachael & Lydia sharing a little love (November 2008)

I.Be.Dunking!

2010-07-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

There's someone silly in the treehouse... (March 2010)

The inside joke behind Isaac's initials never fails to make me smile. Isaac Bruce Duncan or I.B.Duncan. Because I don't think Waylon and Rachael had any idea of how absolutely true this phrase would turn out to be for Isaac's personality at the time of his birth, they were just having fun with his name. It didn't take long - although I can't remember how many months it was exactly - for Rachael to start laughingly describing her youngest son as "crazy".

Whatcha lookin' at. (Oct 2008)

Isaac does "crazy" in such a fun way, too. He has a gut-wrenching deep belly laugh with huge blue eyes. Sometimes he will get this fun little twinkle in them and that's a warning that something unexpected is coming: like an eruption of sound or flurry of movement or something else unexpected! Because of his similarities physically and unpredicability in any given situation, Isaac has earned the nickname "Dennis" within the family, after the cartoon character Dennis the Menace. I love his funny, always ready to go play and be involved, easy-going temperament. He has a fun sense of humor, too, and is never takes anything too seriously unless he's tired (and who is fun at that point anyway).

Playing at the park (March 2010)

The love of games and sports didn't pass Isaac by - he has it just like his siblings and his parents. He's already so tall for his age, I cannot wait to see him continue to grow up and what he excels at. Waylon and Rachael are so good at giving their children lots of opportunities to try out different activities and sports, and with Waylon coaching school sports Isaac gets plenty of exposure that way, too.

Ben & Isaac having way too much fun with chalk (March 2010)

As part of the Triple Threat (which I think needs to be renamed because Landon and Noah are not that far behind, but the adjectives starting with Q are far and few in between, so right now it's a moot point), Isaac is always full of surprises and funny times. Mainly because they are all lightning-quick little boys with active brains who can always find something to do together, allowed or not. I love watching those three together, though, it's never dull!

Look at me, sitting in the tree... (March 2010)

So maybe he's a little too short to be able to dunk right now - although he is very tall for his 4 years - but I know as soon as he's able, Isaac will definitely be "dunking" and I will be watching!

APS is in the house!

2010-06-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

June 9th is World APS Day. Who decided this was the day for this event exactly I am not sure, but it has gotten me thinking this week about the impact that having APS has had on my life. And I was thinking that it would be easy to sit back and have a pity party, because this is a chronic disease that has affected my life in ways I couldn't have even begun to have imagined before I knew about it. (And still could affect my life in ways I still haven't imagined, but that's another post for another day!)

Thankfully, I skipped the pity party and let the second thought take residence in my mind: being grateful that I was diagnosed with APS when I was. A lot of the reading I have done leads to a general belief in the medical community of doctors who are educated on the disease that there are many more people who have it than are aware of it. There are probably several reasons for this, I think. First, because it is a fairly recent autoimmune disease (mid '80s) to be discovered. Not all doctors know or are educated about it. Also, the main symptoms can hide behind other more common diseases or issues. The blood test for the lupus antibodies is not entirely accurate as a diagnostic tool due to the body's normal fluctuations of the antibody levels. So usually something like a stroke, heart attack, or several miscarriages has to happen as well for doctors to really start taking a look at causes. And even then it is not the first place they look.

I was very blessed to have a cardiologist in southern Utah who had a oncologist for a husband. She was perplexed as to why all of my tests kept coming back normal, on everything. But she kept digging anyway and happened to mention it to him one night, which led to the blood test eventually coming back positive. I am lucky - I suffered no damage from my cardiac event leading to my diagnosis and this puts me in the minority. I am grateful for a doctor who took the time to help me and not just dismiss my problems.

I have been so blessed with great doctors, both here and in southern Utah. Since I take blood thinners everyday to reduce the chance of blood clots occurring, I see some of them fairly often. I am grateful for their knowledgeable help and patient concern with me as I struggle through this disease with my allergies, asthma, pituitary cyst and the host of everyday issues that always seem to come up.

One of my greatest blessings throughout this has been my husband. He has patiently and lovingly taken care of me and been my constant support in every way. I have the hardest time asking others for help because I like to be independent and do things myself. Learning that I can't do everything and that I do have physical limits now has been difficult. But David and I are a team more now than we have ever been before because of it and I am grateful for that.

I am grateful for my family and their unconditional love and support. They are always willing to jump at the chance to help us out in any way possible. I am learning firsthand about the ways that service knits people together and that being the one who is being helped is also a growing experience. I am grateful for the example of perseverance in my father, who is struggling through some even more major health issues, in my opinion. Yet his example stands in front of me daily and I know if he can do it with the kind of pain he lives with, then surely I can do it too. Dad has always been a great example to me of doing what needs to be done, even when it's not fun or enjoyable.

I am grateful for the Savior's Atonement and for a Heavenly Father who is always ready to listen when everything just gets to be too much. I can go and lay my struggles at His feet and know that the Savior has already struggled through this for me and that I can make it.

These tremendous blessings that I am so grateful for make any reason for a pity party look so, well, pitiful! It's almost like seeing the rainbow after the rain - although I know that there are still struggles to come with the APS, so I think I will just keep looking for the rainbows.

A One-of-A-Kind Princess

2010-05-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since my last birthday post - April always offers a reprieve from the many March celebrations in our family - so much so that I am behind on posting May's birthdays. Sorry to my lovely Olivia and Lydia, the May birthday girls!

Birthday girls celebrate together (2010)

Once upon a time, Rachael gave baby Olivia the nickname "Princess". It was a lovely and very appropriate nickname for this young child, who would grow up to always love anything to do with princesses (particularly any Disney princess), the color pink, and dressing up.

The makeup obsession started at an early age with this one... (2004)

Olivia is a one-of-a-kind princess who loves sports and playing games, too. She loves to play with her two brothers. Her laugh is loud, infectious, and one of her aunt's favorite things about her. Olivia's Grandpa calls her a "linebacker between the ears" because she jumps right in to anything and loves to be involved!

Dancing with the sunglasses on inside - Olivia & Michael are sooo cool! (2006)

Princess Olivia can always be found near her cousin Rebekah whenever the family gets together - or vice versa. They are the best of friends and so cute together. On the way to and from Rebekah's baptism, they belted out Disney songs in the back seat of my car. I had to sing along, who could resist?

Best buddies Olivia & Bekah (2008)

Olivia loves to create and be creative. When we were at Mobius last summer Emma, Olivia, and Rebekah spent much of their time in the artist's studio doing any activity they could get their hands on, but Olivia was the last to move on to other activities because she was enjoying it so much. At last Thanksgiving, she made everyone in the family their own drawing, which was very special.

In the Mobius Artist's Studio (2008)

Princess Olivia is such a good girl (you knew it was coming, since I say it about all of them). I am so proud of her one-of-a-kindness and the person she is - she's Olivia and I wouldn't want it any other way. And we all lived happily ever after, playing Princess Monopoly and singing Disney songs!

The End

Snort, Giggle, Laugh... & Repeat... & Repeat... & Repeat...

2010-05-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for another birthday post, brought to you today by the letter 'L'...

Snuggles with Mom & Lydia (2005?)

The first 'L' word we will be talking about is LAUGH. And one person immediately comes to mind when I hear that word: LYDIA. Because LYDIA can always makes me LAUGH and I usually am when I am around her (hence the title of this post). I LOVE this about her and I have always envied her ability to put others at ease with her humor. Even as a baby she was doing crazy and funny things that made her the "LIFE of the party". And I have the pictures to prove it! (Why else would one of her nicknames as a toddler have been "Dooger" otherwise?) Name a movie that she LOVES, LIKE LABYRINTH, Napoleon Dynamite, or Nacho LIBRE, and she will be quoting it LICKETY SPLIT... and you will be LAUGHING!

Who's the baby at Noah's baby shower? (2009)

I am firmly convinced that she could have a successful career as a stand-up comic. She is that funny and self-deprecating, much LIKE LUCILLE Ball. But she has so many other talents, too. I think the reason LYDIA makes people LAUGH so easily is she has an innate way of putting people at ease around her: she's so darn LIKABLE!

Nearly inseparable at times: the Barbies (2005?)

One of my favorite memories of LYDIA is how she used to fall asleep on my bed as a baby/toddler with her bottle every night she was given the opportunity. It was her favorite place to be, snuggled in the arms of my gargantuan pink and blue teddy bear "Freddy". (He eventually went to share her room when I went to college, because who could keep Freddy company better than LYDIA?) She also LOVED to come sleep in my bed with me any night I would let her. She slept great! And LITTLE snuggler that she is, she would creep across the full bed in her sleep to me, LITERALLY perched on the other edge of the bed. I would eventually push her, sound asleep, back to the other side of the bed where she would begin her gradual journey back to my side of the bed. It was never a restful night of sleep for me, but LYDIA always thought it was the best thing ever. So it was worth it.

Rebekah & Lydia at the 2004 Family Reunion

So the thing about our LOVABLE LYDIA is she likes to act like she is your average, everyday girl. ("Wiggity wiggity what?!" is her variation on everyday girl, gangsta style.) But bring out a game and watch the competitive side of this one come out to play - I don't think I seen her hit the LIMIT yet, she is always raring for the top spot. And that is what makes her so fun to play with and more often than not, she is successful. LYDIA has got LOTS of smarts, too, hidden behind the LOVELY face.

Auntie Lydia & newly born Landon (3/14/09)

My belated birthday wish for my LITTLEST sister is that she see how beautiful she is inside and out, and have the confidence to overcome the things she is so LEERY of so she can reach her goals. I am so LUCKY to know and to LOVE her!

All I Ever Needed to Know?

2010-05-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few posters I have seen over the years that start with the title "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in..." or something to that effect. While playing a game of Dicecapades the other night with Mom, Lydia and Nathan, I started thinking about all the things I have learned while playing this game:

I can't stack dice worth beans.
Mary can stack dice worth beans - even the teeny-tiny ones that make everyone else curse and cringe. (For the record: Mom does not curse.)
My mental acuity and memory levels go down 90% when there is a timer involved. Guaranteed.
Mom has "guns"! (She beat Lydia at arm-wrestling that night.)
Any child's eyes will start bugging out the moment they catch sight of this game that has 100+ dice.
Just because you think you can draw does NOT mean you will be successful at drawing in this game. Not when "Chairman Mao" comes up as your phrase to draw.
Nathan is incredibly good at doing math quickly, in any form.
I love trivia! But I dislike trivia questions about computers - who cares about what Steve Wozniak or Bill Gates did for jobs as teenagers?
Steven and Leslie excel at any challenge involving letters or words. Even if it is to write five words containing the letters Q, Z, and O in thirty seconds - they're both amazing at it!
This game cannot be played at any time when someone is trying to sleep or needs to hear the the TV or is just trying to concentrate in general. They won't be able to due to the loud bursts of laughter and shouting from the table. (Sorry in advance for the next time it happens!)
You'd better be in decent physical shape - pushups, situps, or running from room to room can and will be required in the well-rounded game.

Lydia takes on Nate first...

Mom steps up the challenge next

Regardless of the outcome - and I have never come close to even winning one yet - it is such a fun and enjoyable game. I will always want to play it again and again. Maybe because it's taught me most of all that I am a glutton for punishment, even at the hands of my very capable, fun, and cute family.

These Are the Sweetest Things

2010-04-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Grandma Lois sent me a letter not too long ago thanking me for some pictures I had sent her of the family. In her letter she included a letter that Mom had written her postmarked November 27, 1973 from California because she thought I would enjoy the mentions of baby Amy. It is a classic "Mom" letter. Having received many of them throughout my life, I can say with certainty that there are few things that warm my heart as much as a letter from the sweetest mother to ever walk the earth. Over the years, she hasn't lost her touch for sharing the simple things of day to day life that make you feel you are right there in the mix of things. When I was at college, I yearned for these details to help me combat the fierceness of homesickness. Of course, they seemed to be a double-edged sword because many times I just ended up missing her and everyone else that much more!

Here is the letter in its entirety:

Dear Mom,
A time to relax! We just had Thanksgiving Dinner, dishes done and baby changed. I'm ready to sit down. Was the day of firsts for us besides being our 1st Thanksgiving, it was the 1st time I'd ever cooked pie (pumpkin), turkey & dressing. Randy said it was pretty good - didn't cook the turkey enough though.

We enjoyed your letter - I'll bet you had a good dinner at Grandma Nyra's.

Amy is so busy lately - into drawers, cupboards, inspecting shoes, curious about everything. The other day she got into the cupboard, pulled out an old loaf of bread, opened it & tasted every piece. Besides "mama", "dada" she says "baba" plus a variety of others.

She is having a nap, now. Yesterday we walked to the Bank about a mile round trip & both had red, rosy cheeks from the cold air - she has had a cold - but I think it's gone now.

Randy acts like he feels better after his bout with stomach flu - he's got a 4-day weekend. Tomorrow I got my California driver's license - have to take a driving test.

Made the red, white & black material up - it's so soft & makes such a nice lounging dress - having a problem hemming it though because of my stomach - it is much bigger than last time at this time - Randy can't believe it - he wasn't around when I was this big - protruding "basketball" as he calls it - the baby is very active.

Amy ate everything at Thanksgiving dinner - she prefers food with texture, different flavors, etc. although sometimes she enjoys baby food.

She loves to watch Randy shave - she sits by the sink - he puts cream on her cheeks then when he's done wipes it off - she sits and talks while looking in the mirror - he was getting ready for Priesthood , brought her in & said "she's all shaved".

I'll close to get this in the mail -

Love, Mara Lee

Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together

2010-04-22T17:43:00.001-07:00

I love a good puzzle. It's a well-known fact about me. And placing the rocks for the back patio / walkway is proving to be one of the hardest puzzles I have ever done. The one exception to this statement would be the ugly, ugly puzzle that Gene and I attempted around Christmas. I bought it at the grocery store for under $5.00, which at the time seemed like the bargain of the century. It should have come with a large label that said "buyer beware: due to the extremely low cost of producing this puzzle, it is likely that you will find it very difficult to actually complete it due to the poorly cut pieces which will make it seem like 50 pieces fit into the same side of a puzzle piece!" No, not frustrating at all. Needless to say, that puzzle has left the building. It's now residing at the Salvation Army, waiting for another poor sucker to be pulled in by the pretty picture!

The reason the stone patio is proving to be a difficult puzzle to solve is because there is no right answer. To most people this might seem like a godsend, much like a math problem or story problem where there are multiple right answers. Not to me. I hate tests or quizzes or story problems with more than one right answers because I am naturally indecisive due to my perfectionistic tendencies. I want the answer that looks the best aesthetically, makes the absolute most sense, and is 100% right! (That's not asking for too much, I say.) David has been his usual patient self during the process, so I know that we will get there eventually.

I am writing this at night, so pictures will be hard to add right now. So I will add them in a few days.

Postscript added May 2, 2010:
We all know marriage is a compromise between two individuals, right? And that each spouse will tend to relax or adopt specific manners or habits of their spouse and how they live as they cohabitate. For example, the toothpaste. I have always been a squeeze it whereever and however kind of girl, even though this can create a bit of mess and I am kind of a neat freak in general. My sweet husband is not a slob by any means, but he is not a neat freak in any sense of the word either. Except when it comes to the toothpaste! He always takes the cap completely off, even if it is a flip top. And don't even try to squeeze from the middle, you'd better be applying pressure from the bottom at all times. At first I was very resistant to even caring about this. But after watching my normally extremely even-keeled sweetheart get irritated each day about this, I decided that I needed to make a change, and I did. Now it's second nature to me.

Fast forward to around three months ago, when David was making salmon salads for dinner. I arrived home from work and walked into the kitchen to these beautifully presented salads. What's completely wonderful about them is that he had no prompting from me as to how he arranged them.

Now here's the kicker. Even though we have the patio stones all laid out (finally) in the backyard, David has been convinced that all we needed to do was lay them down randomly, put some grass or groundcover between them and everything would look great. He wasn't able to convince me of that, however! Yet somehow I come home to see him artfully arranging our salads with a big smile on his face. Did I mention I love this man?

Backyard pics are coming soon!

An Old Dog Learning New Tricks

2010-04-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

I can see why this post might appear at first glance to be about Sage. Actually, the "old dog" is me and the "new tricks" are the things I learned from letting my nieces take the digital camera last weekend while everyone was gathered over at the Wilsons. Alright, I know that I have opened up the gates wide open with the "old" thing and if Gene is anywhere near this blog he is going to have a heyday - no, make that a heyyear, if there is such a thing - with me saying this. (Bring it on, Gene! Although I think Leslie put you at the front of the kids now as of last weekend, so maybe I don't have anything to worry about...)

First, look at things from a different perspective. Mary, Rebekah, and Emma were not afraid to ZOOM in (and I use caps because as shown below, it was a zoom and then some). But I loved how the shots were cropped as a result. I tend to try and crop afterwards, but they were able to just focus on the expression as a result. Lovely! Also, get down to look up at the person you are shooting or get really high to look down.

Second, don't be afraid to mix it up. Some of the shots were so candid because they had the camera and not me. I would like to do this more often because it captures more of the personalities and flavor of the gatherings. Who always wants to see things from my perspective? Boring! I should have figured this out already from just seeing the different ways that Nadine and I approach taking pictures.

I don't know that any of these pictures would win awards, but they each tell a specific story. And that's what I like about them and what I strive to do when taking pictures. Kudos to Mary, Rebekah, and Emma for some fantastic digital photography. I will definitely be asking for more of their help and seeing if more members of the family would like to be involved in helping with pictures in the future.

I didn't include any in this post but the girls took some awesome pictures of the Triple Threat/Terrors that day. That is going to have to be a post of its own because otherwise how could I do them justice?

Actually, this one below might be my favorite of the whole bunch. And I changed it to black and white in Photoshop. I don't even know how to do that in my camera on the spot!

It's Good To Be #1...

2010-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Mary and I share something pretty special in common: we are both the first grandchild and the oldest child in our families. As Mary has discovered and continues to discover, this comes with plenty of perks but also its share of heavy responsibility. However, she is definitely up to the challenge and then some.

Sitting in Grandma's garden - September 2007

I love that Steven and Leslie named her after Grandma Grant, Mary Louise. I love that Mary wants to be included in the "big girl" things her mother, aunts, and grandmother do. I love that if your actions do not follow after your words or commitments, she calls you out on it. Not in an overly aggressive way, she's just pointing it out to you. I love that she is the mother hen to her siblings, just as I was. (Or am? Old habits die hard.) I love her giggle. I love that she puts up with her crazy photo-hungry-camera-happy aunt always trying to take pictures, even when it's not her favorite thing in the world at all. I love that she wants to talk to me and seeks me out to do so, even if it does get to be a bit much at times. (I hope this tendency keeps going through her teenage years, too!)

A candid Christmas 2008 moment (Mary, Ben, Olivia, & Rebekah)

Mary has really impressed me with her dedication and passion about music. She genuinely cares and has a great desire to learn piano and the viola. One of my goals for the summer is to begin giving her piano lessons; I know she will do well at them if she puts the amount of effort that she has put into continuing to learn the viola.

An impromptu concert - December 2009

The Twilight-madness has also bitten Mary. She has read all four books and has seen the first two movies with her mom, aunts, and grandmother. It's fun to have a common interest that we can talk about and discuss together. I absolutely cannot believe that she is old enough to be in Young Women's now. Crazy!

I know that I am going to begin souding like a broken record, but Mary is such a good girl. Let me state for the record that each of my nieces and nephews are just awesome people whom I would probably adore anyway, but I also have tremendous respect for each of their parents and how they have raised them thus far. Combine the two and BAM! You've got some good kids with Mary at the head of them all because don't forget, she's #1.

My First Buddy

2010-03-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to celebrate the birthday of the "original" Buddy, born on St. Patrick's Day. It is so appropriate that his favorite color is green - you rarely see him in anything else! I call him the "original" Buddy because somehow I call all of my brothers Bud or Buddy now as nicknames. Gene-O and Dude are also appropriate names for him in my book. Being that we're only fourteen months (and some change) apart, we've always had a special bond. We played together quite a bit as children and shared many of the same friends. He is definitely a one of a kind guy, who else could have put up with being in the middle of six girls and waiting so long for a little brother to arrive? Although I know we all agree Jacob and Nathan were 100% worth the wait!

The Graduate and the Older Brother - June 2008

Gene is also one of the best people I know. He is ALWAYS willing to come help whenever we need an extra hand on the house or yard; he's always so generous with his time and service to everyone. He is a gentle, calming influence on me (and several other Spencer girls who can get a little overexcited at times), always supporting and never making me feel judged, just loved. We started going out to lunch on Mondays because he lives out near my work in the Valley and has the day off. It has become one of the things I look forward during the week because it gives us the chance to sit and talk uninterrupted. Gene is also one the most intelligent, smartest people I know, but he doesn't go around arrogantly wearing it on his shoulder. Our rides back and forth to Mom and Dad's house in Pullman are usually spent with him and David discussing politics, current events, computers, music, or a myriad of subjects in-depth - they always try to include me but I usually feel left behind pretty quickly!

Don't tip the canoe... Gene & Nathan (Family Reunion 2004)

Hands down, the Uncles take the cake in our family when it comes to our nieces and nephews. (I say this without any bitterness because I adore them myself!) Whenever Gene walks into a room, you will generally hear a young voice shriek "Gene!" and zoom across to him for a hug. He is always ready to tickle, laugh, tell jokes, or snuggle/walk the babies to sleep. When our younger siblings were babies, it wasn't just the girls who wanted to hold and rock them - Gene was right there in line, always!

Fun at the indoor play park - Olivia, Gene & Emma (Christmas 2008)

Well, Spencerphotophobiaitis is well and alive in Gene. It's amazing, frankly, that I found as many good pictures of him as I have because he likes to make insanely icky faces in pictures. (And I know he does it on purpose just to get my goat!) Believe me, the one below is tame for him and apparently the tendency has rubbed off on Nadine in that one, too...

~~A couple of gomers~~ - oops Nadine & Gene - at the 2005 Family Reunion

Gouda - And I'm Not Referring to the Cheese

2010-03-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Goodness knows I have probably not spelled it right. Hopefully I haven't. Because it has been great fun to tease Mandy about her current nickname for Landon these past few months. Gunta, Goota, Guda - the possibilities are endless! Just try it and see her nose scrunch. If you're really lucky you'll get a quick retort and a scowl at the same time! (Yes, she does know that I am teasing or I would probably not still be in one piece.)

Relaxing in mom's arms, Halloween 2009

It really is amazing that Landon is turning one year old already. It seems like just yesterday that we got the call late on the 13th that Mandy was going to the hospital. I am still sad that I was feeling so crappy at the time that I couldn't make the drive down by myself that night to support her as she gave birth, but as always Dad and Mom came through with flying colors and Lydia and Nadine drove down to see her that night as well. David and I did drive down the following afternoon (Lowes was kind enough to let me leave early that day) to meet LG.

Having a good ol' time at our house on New Year's Eve 2009

Landon is quite the boy. It's quite funny to hear Dad talk about him because he is very convinced at times that he is a genius or one of the smartest children on earth. He very well could be, it's just very endearing to me to hear Dad talk about him like that. They have such a special relationship and although I know that being a daily caretaker presents special challenges to Dad because of his health, I know that he and Landon are great blessings to each other.

Just recently, I called down to visit with the Mom about something and was informed Landon could say his name. I laughed, thinking Mom was trying to pull a fast one on me. (Not her usual style, but I was sure way back when she called me at Ricks with the news of her surprise pregnancy - Nathan - that it was a very convienent April Fools joke for about five minutes until she convinced me she really was pregnant!) And then she held the phone up to his mouth and he clearly said "Landon"! Hmmm, maybe Dad is on to something with this genius thing...

Couch Cuties: Emma and Landon (2009)

Personality-wise, I get the biggest kick out of seeing some of Mandy's personality traits in Landon. Specifically, he has the "Mandy stare"down pat. It's the same thing she used to do as a baby and it is so amusing to watch adults squirm under that very direct, unswerving gaze of his. He's got a good streak of stubbornness in him, too. Similar to his mom, if it's not something he wants, he just "digs in his heels" and refuses. And that's it, end of story. He enjoys interacting with everyone in the family - he adores Dad, Mom, Nathan, and of course his mom because he sees them each day. Lydia is always entertaining with him, and I wonder if she reminds him of his mom at times, too. I personally think he loves coming to my house because of the ceiling fans and my dog. (Ceiling fans were Elias' favorite thing about my house for awhile, too.) What can I say, gotta keep working towards favorite aunt status. I have some very stiff competition! :)

Grandpa and his littlest "buddy" (early summer 2009)

You're My Obsession

2010-03-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

I am sure that I just heard a gasp from all female members of my family at the idea that I may have moved on from my Twilight addiction and recovered from OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder). Ha, that train is never leaving the station! No, I am just discovering how much fun it is to have a place to organize my thoughts. Potentially scary thought (my thoughts actually being organized) because ever since I went on the Topomax for my headaches last year, life has seemed like a constant weather pattern of foggy forecasts. Some days I'm completely "fogged in" and can't think to save my life, while other days are only partly foggy. And then there are the really good days when the sunshine breaks through and I feel completely like my "old" self, less the headaches. I'm not altogther sure that it is 100% the medication either, as the APS and thyroid issues I have can also contribute to it as well.

Anyways, I am beginning to see how much fun a blog can be, particularly since I have moved away from scrapbooking. I would like a way to remember things without having to ask my husband every time, although I am very grateful that he has such a good memory to counteract my lack of one! Just doing my birthday posts has brought back memories that I hadn't thought of in years. And I love that I can use the computer to do so and share it with others. Now the only problem is going to be finding the time in which to implement all of my great ideas, what a truly terrible problem to have, huh?

Beautiful Bekah

2010-03-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

Eight years and being baptized this month - oh how the years fly by!

Jacob's Court of Honor August 2006

I can't find a single picture among the very many that I have of Rebekah that could be considered unflattering in any sense. If I'm being melodramatic, well, it is my blog and besides it's true. So there. But besides being beautiful on the outside, Rebekah is wonderful on the inside, too. She has inherited the "snuggle bunny" gene from her mother and is always gives plenty of affection to everyone she sees, her hugs in particular are so genuine and sweet! There is definitely a mischievous side to Bekah also. At one of our family reunions I was trying to coax a smile out of Isaiah while he was sitting on the grass. Unbeknownest to him, Bekah snuck up right behind him to get in the picture. He couldn't figure out why I was laughing so hard for awhile, but once he did the chase was on!

Bekah and Mikey - sometime in 2005?

I love the picture above of Rebekah and Michael. This was in the days when Olivia was still a toddler, of course. She and Bekah are now usually joined at the hip whenever the family gets together, while Michael is off with the boys.

An masterpiece in the making at the Mobius Kids Museum (August 2009)

One of my favorite memories of Rebekah recently was going to the grocery store in my car with Mary, Rebekah, and Emma in the car. The girls are well aware of the Twilight series, as Leslie is every bit the avid fan I am. They had been listening to the recently released New Moon movie soundtrack at home and had asked me to put in the soundtrack in the car. I did so and this led to a discussion of my car's name: Alice, after one of the characters in the Twilight series. They were tickled to hear that Lydia recently named David's truck Jasper (Alice's vampire mate), which led to several minutes of noisy giggles. Then Rebekah piped up and said "we should name our car!" This led to suggestions of Soka, from Avatar, also leading to several more minutes of laughing, and then the kicker of a suggestion from Mary: "How about Edward?" Gotta love those girls! Not sure if they actually "named" the car yet or not, but Leslie got a kick out of hearing about it, too.

Olivia, Grandma Lois, and Rebekah (October 2007)

Happy Birthday, Bekah Lynnie!

She's the Pearl

2010-02-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

Oh, I can see already that February/March is going to be a toughie each year for birthday posting, although I already know this about birthday present shopping. This will be good practice for September/October, because there are about as many birthdays during that stretch as these two months. On to Mandy Moo!

Pearl has the touch when it comes to the babies! (Mandy, Emma, & Mary, not sure on the date)

Mandy has always been "Pearl" or "Pearl Girl" in our family. And the nickname really fits because she is truly a gem. Mandy was the first sibling I really remember as a baby, even though I have always mothered and bossed them all (and they will all emphatically tell you so). The thing that many people miss about Mandy is that even though she isn't always the focus of attention - hello, she was born between Rachael and Lydia - Mandy definitely knows what is going on in any given situation. The girl is sharp! I think sometimes people mistake the reserve for shyness. Big mistake, especially if they happen to say something she doesn't agree with. Pearl doesn't hold back, as a general rule. And she is pretty fierce and protective when it comes to her family, as am I. No wonder we get along so well!

Mandy & Amy at the 2006 Reunion

One of my favorite memories of Mandy was her coming to visit me when I lived in Provo, Utah in the mid 90s for a week. I prepared a travel intinerary of things to do and places to visit and sent it to her in advance: Temple Square, Seven Peaks Water Park, Manti Temple Pageant, Bridal Veil Falls, and a visit to Evergreen Cemetary in Springfield where many of our Grant ancestors are buried, including our Rowland and Grant great-grandparents. (I know we went more places but these are the things that stick in my mind.) It was so much fun to hang out together (David was included in many of the activities as well when he wasn't working, too), play games, and talk. We got a few looks as we sat at the gate at the airport while waiting for her plane and played SkipBo on the floor to pass the time.

Two peas in a pod: Mandy and Landon (late 2009)

One of the best things about being the oldest sibling is watching your siblings grow and being so incredibly proud of them and the people they are. And it's not that I necessarily had anything to do with it, only that I adore each of them so much that I only want the best for them. Mandy has risen (and then some) to the challenge of being a single parent so well. I love watching her with Landon, the immense love she has for him shines through on the good days as well as the days of struggle. That defines a being a good parent for me. Her funny, silly sayings and names for him are priceless. Anyone - family or not - saying "Elmo's Hungry!" puts me into convulsions of laughter because it makes me think of her saying that to Landon every time. And that's only scratching the surface!

Beautiful sisters - Nug, Lyd, and Pearl - Mother's Day 2008

A few things Mandy and I share:

Curls, curls, and more curls!
An insane love for all things Gilmore Girls (anyone ready to sing some Carole King... "if you're out on the road, feeling lonely and so cold, all ya gotta do is call my name...")
A deep Spencer "tenor" singing voice (along with several of the other Spencer girls) - you haven't heard Christmas carols until you have heard us sing, although the performances generally take place in a kitchen while doing dishes or getting a meal ready...
A love for the Twilight series, the Hunger Games series and the Host
A passion for organizing and order!

Where you find Mandy, Lydia is usually not far behind... the Barbies at the 2007 Reunion

The Giggler aka Isaiah

2010-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

What a smile! (and what are you hiding in your hands, hmmm?)

Isaiah is a bit of an enigma to me at times. I think this is because we lived out of state for so many years until recently. But since we moved to Spokane, I have had the chance to interact with him more and I am enjoying to getting to know him better.

He is a very genuine person and such a good boy. One of the most endearing things about Isaiah is his giggle-laugh. I don't care what mood you are in, it is infectious! I love to hear him busting a laugh - usually when he is being tickled or wrestled by his grandfather or one of his uncles - it goes on and on and usually ends with several people laughing and more smiling.

One of those times when his giggle got everyone laughing, thanks to Grandpa...

When the Wilsons visited us in Cedar City several years ago, I pulled out my scrapbooks. I hadn't updated them since 2003 and so there was much missing that needed to be updated. However, the kids enjoyed looking through them and talking about the pictures and events. To my dismay, Isaiah pointed out that I didn't have a page with just pictures of him but that everyone else did. I felt awful and like the world's worst aunt. I hope he has forgotten about that and in my defense, I didn't have several of the younger ones in there but the look on his face was one I will never forget.

I learned a really important lesson that day and I remember it in almost every interaction with my nieces and nephews. I always try to treat each of them with so much love and respect, no matter the situation (and that's not always easy if I'm tired or not feeling well). I'm not always perfect but I know it has helped me become a better person overall. I don't want any one of them to feel less important to me than one of the others, ever.

Mary & Isaiah at the 2008 Family Reunion

One of the things I have learned about Isaiah since we moved back to Washington is his love for sports. It is one thing that I can always talk to him about. And there are no shortage of opinions on sports in the Spencer family, that's for sure! I am definitely looking forward to continuing to get to know Isaiah better this year...

Grandma Lois and Isaiah (2007)

The five words I would use to describe Isaiah are: methodical, cheerful, athletic, obedient, and intense.

Big Ben

2010-02-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

So, Ben is the first recipient of the birthday thoughts post. Lucky him!

could I be any more adorable?
(p.s. the answer is no)

Ben has grown up so much in the past year! He has begun to interact with everyone much more as he has neared his 3rd birthday. Since Christmas, he has come up to me several times and used full sentences to ask a question and we even put a puzzle together once. Trust me, his aunt is eating it up! :)

just my cuz Elias and me hangin' out at the family reunion

At the birthday party for Dad in January, Ben, Elias and I played some put-put with Elias' plastic golf set. Great fun, although the boys lost interest in putting in favor of hockey-style golf fairly quickly. But hey, at least I got my hole-in-one in first.

one of my favorite pictures ever: baby Ben & Leslie (2007)

Although Ben has been very much a "Momma's Boy" in his interactions with the extended family, we are beginning to see all of the personality lying beneath! He used to be so shy and bashful when dealing with all of us so it is fun to see him beginning to feel comfortable around everyone... I know there is a mischevious personality to go along with those dimples, I have seen glimpses of it! But don't get me wrong, he is above all such a good boy. I really enjoy watching him interact with his siblings (particularly Emma) and the younger kids.

classic Ben!

Like his brother, Ben has the cutest giggle when he gets going. And a dimple (or two?) to boot! He may be small in build, but he makes up for it in all the ways that count, that's why he's BIG BEN!

If I were to pick 5 words to describe Ben, they would be: reserved, bright, focused, alert, happy.

My Birthday Thoughts

2010-02-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

Ha! Made you think, huh? Because you all know my birthday is in December, so you're wondering how on earth could I be thinking of my birthday already?! Actually, it's in regards to the birthdays of everyone in my family and in-laws. I am going to celebrate their birthday on my blog by posting about each individual during the month of their birthday. This serves several purposes:

A great opportunity for documenting funny and potentially embarrassing memories for posterity (great family reunion fodder!)
Provides a way to supplement my worsening long and short term memory, because who knows what I'll remember next month, let alone next year!
In all seriousness, it gives me the means to celebrate why I love each person in my family so much!

Since it's February this means that I will be starting with Ben, Isaiah, and Mandy. This is going to be so much fun!

It's a Dog's Life...

2010-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

I can't imagine life now without Sage. It's been two and a half years since we adopted her and yet she feels like she's always been around. I know she's helped me to become more aware of myself and my mood, simply because you have to know what type of energy you are putting off when you want any dog to behave a certain way. Thank heavens for the Dog Whisperer!

...when toys attack!

Sage has finally learned how to stay when someone comes to the front door, with one notable exception: family. The visiting teachers, UPS guy, neighbors are no problem for her. But if she hears any family member, let alone sees them, forget it! It's hard to get too irritated with her, because I get really excited to see them, too. And there we come full circle back to the energy issue again!

We have also been working with her on trying to get her to slow down when eating because she can finish her food in under 10 seconds flat, no joke! Many times when I come home she will follow me into the bedroom while I change and talk to David. The whole time she will pace back and forth to the door; anytime she stops her body and head are positioned towards the kitchen. Anytime we act like we're going out, she will be right at the forefront leading us like we need help remembering where we need to go - the kitchen!

always ready to play in the water, unless it's bathtime

She loves to play, but only on her terms. If she isn't in the mood to play or think there's a possibility of food you will get this blank look followed by several blinks. Something like: "Sorry, did you say something? 'Cause you didn't say 'walk' or 'food' so remind me why I would be listening?", all with a very innocent look on her face.

are we there yet?

Sage is definitely David's buddy. She adores him and he adores her. I am so glad he has company while I am at work. He is very patient with her (more so than me much of the time), although he is a bit of a softie as well when it comes to giving her treats (he and my Mom are cut from the same cloth). She is a great dog, we have been so lucky. Hopefully our next one will fit in just as well!

Well it hasn't been two years yet...

2010-01-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

Already I am doing better at keeping up with posting. Yeah, me!

Last night I went to Nate's basketball game with Leslie, Mary, Isaiah, and Lydia. We met up with Dad, Mom, Mandy and Landon and had a good time rooting Nathan on as the Greyhounds beat the Cheney team for a convincing win. Nate had several steals, baskets, and dealt very well with a player that Leslie and I nicknamed "Slappy" (take a wild guess why). I am pretty sure that the Cheney crowd really enjoyed the loud screaming and cheers of "Yeah, Nate!" coming from our section, not to mention Dad! It is always fun to go watch basketball and catch up with everyone, and Nate always leaves it all on the floor when he plays. I did have a "big sister" moment when Nathan took a really hard check on a screen. (big sister moment = wanting to pound on anyone who hurts one of my siblings.) However, I settled for a severe glare across the floor to the player. (If he only knew how lucky he was...)

On a completely different note, I am bothered by the lack of honesty I find at times in my fellow salespeople. I don't believe in telling a customer something just to make a sale, or to get them out of my face. I will either try to find the answer, if it's an area I know anything about, or find them someone who will know. To me, being honest is about having integrity and being treated the way I would want to be treated if I were the one asking the question. At the very least, have enough respect for me not to waste my time or give me false information purposely. Okay, time to get off my soapbox now....

Whew! My next post should be a little lighter since I got all this off my chest tonight. :)

About time...

2010-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

After a long hibernation, I am finally feeling like I am waking up! The urge to be creative is awakening again. I joined Facebook several weeks ago (very addicting) and am now honing my sights in on my blog.

In beginning to look for pictures of David and I to post, I made a sudden realization: I do not have enough pictures of David. Let me clarify that: I do not have enough pictures of David actually smiling and looking at the camera. He has developed what I would clinically term "Spencerphotophobiaitis". I thought this occured in Spencer males only, generally showing up in the teenage years (Dad, Gene, Jacob all have it and now Nathan is showing symptoms) but apparently it is contagious! I need to think up some reward: maybe if I allow his motorcycles to be in every picture, that will do the trick!

Slacker!

2007-09-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, the title definitely refers to me and me alone because I haven't written anything yet. Until now. But don't expect heart-stopping action or witty words from this blog, although hopefully I come up with a good thought-provoking zinger now and then... I have so many thoughts randomly throughout the day that would seem to make a good topic, but now that I am actually sitting in front of the computer - blank. Huh.

Well, there's always the house and its various states of disorganization. Driving me crazy, actually. I love to decorate, organize, and space plan but in my own house I don't have any patience with the process, I just want it done.

Moving on from the whining: I love Spokane weather! The gentle breeze has yet to become a full-force gale like it does about twice a week in Cedar City. Big fluffy clouds don't mean big thunderstorms either. As Gene or Jacob would say: "Pretty much the best weather ever!"

test run

2007-09-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

we just want to see what this looks like