This is just a fun little quiz about our family to see how well you know us. To get the answers, click on the comment link below.
1. Where did Kristi and Lloyd meet?
2. Where did Lloyd grow up?
3. Where did Kristi grow up?
4. Where did Lloyd and Kristi go on their honeymoon?
5. What color is our house in Modesto?
6. What month was Conner born in?
7. Who is the only member of our family that wears glasses?
8. What is Lloyd's all-time favorite sport?
9. What is Kristi's all-time favorite sport?
10. What is our family car?
11. What grade is Courtney in this year?
12. What college did Lloyd graduate from?
13. What college did Kristi get her MA from?
14. What restaurant do we often go to on Tuesdays/Saturdays because kids eat free (2 kids for every adult)?
15. What is Cameron's favorite toy?
16. What school did Kristi teach at for 6 years and Courtney go to for kindergarten?
17. What is Kylie's middle name?
18. What is our cat's name?
19. What type of dancing does Katelyn take?
20. Cameron was born on the day Courntey turned what age?
21. What was the name of the dog we had for two years?
22. What color sofas do we have?
23. What year were both Lloyd and Kristi born?
24. How long does it take Lloyd to get to work?
25. How many bedrooms does our home have?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thoughts on Motherhood
Mother's Day 2007Being a mom is definitely my greatest joy and greatest challenge. I constantly worry if I am doing a good enough job. Am I too strict or too lenient? Am I helping my children to develop their talents or am I over scheduling them? Should I tell them what to do or have them figure it out on their own? Do I do enough or too much for them? Do they know how much I love them? Am I enjoying them enough when they are still little? I feel so inadequate at times. This job is too important to do it wrong! I have tried to let my kids know that I am aware of my imperfections and I am simply doing the best I can. I feel so blessed to be a mother. I am grateful the Lord gave me the opportunity to be a mother to the five spirits that were sent to me and Lloyd. The Lord must have had some faith in me, so I'll trust in that faith. I recently saw a scrapbook page about "50 Reasons I Love Being a Girl." Well, I have plans to do a similar one with motherhood. My journaling for this page appears below.
50 Things I Love About Being a Mother
♥I have an excuse to eat PB&J sandwiches. ♥ I get to plan fun birthday parties. ♥I have the joy of seeing my husband be a father. ♥I experienced the miracle of giving birth. ♥It helps me to appreciate all my mom did for me. ♥Christmas morning wouldn’t be the same. ♥I always have someone to go out to ice cream with. ♥I have someone to buy cute outfits for. ♥I have plenty of scrapbook pages to do. ♥I get to see my daughter’s dance recitals. ♥I can enjoy again the movies I loved as a child (i.e. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and Midnight Madness) ♥I always get something special on Mother’s Day. ♥I’ll get to be a grandma. ♥ I can kiss my baby’s feet or neck whenever I want. ♥There’s always something to laugh at. ♥ I get to see my children learn how to read. ♥The tooth fairy visits our house. ♥I got to name my children. ♥I always have someone to say “I love you” to. ♥Swim lessons are part of my summer routine. ♥ I have learned to love the Disney channel. ♥ I get to wrap my kids in a towel after they take a bath. ♥Disneyland vacations are the best. ♥I’ve memorized the words to Goodnight Moon. ♥I get to experience the excitement of going back to school. ♥I’ve always got crayons in the house. ♥I have someone to bake cookies for. ♥I get lots of hugs. ♥I can give one of the kids the chore of unloading the dishwasher. ♥My Saturdays are never dull during soccer season. ♥I am constantly being humbled. ♥I get to smell baby shampoo. ♥I get to buy some pretty exciting toys. ♥I am never lonely. ♥I always have someone to play a game with. ♥I get to be a Girl Scout leader. ♥I’ve learned to be a bit more patient. ♥Family Home Evening is always an adventure. ♥I see a lot of smiles. ♥I still sing Primary songs. ♥I get to be called “Mommy.” ♥I always have a drawing or craft project to hang up. ♥I don’t have to work outside of the home. ♥I get to relearn the Articles of Faith. ♥I have someone to go to the park with. ♥I can share my thoughts on motherhood with other moms. ♥Usually one of my kids will get me a drink of water if I ask nicely. ♥I have some cute photos to put up around the house. ♥I can raid my kids’ Halloween candy. ♥I have an amazing husband and five beautiful spirits I get to spend eternity with.
Conner: Growing Up Too Fast
As you can see from these photos, our little guy is growing up way too quickly. He is eight months old now and starting to get into trouble. He loves to climb the stairs all the way to the top. We keep saying we should put the safety gate up, but it hasn't happened yet. In the meantime, Conner has mastered going up the stairs, but he knows better than to try and go down them. He pulls himself to standing whenever and wherever he gets the chance: in his crib, by the couch, in the fridge, by the girls' bunkbed, by the bathtub. For a while, he would pull himself up and not know how to get down. He would cry until someone helped him sit down, but now he's learning how to bend his knees ans sit down. Of course, he puts everything he finds in his mouth. He has 7 teeth now and eats just about everything! He loves Ritz crackers, bananas, and even green beans. He also still loves to nurse. I am trying to cherish eat moment with him especially since he is our last baby. We are so blessed to have our little Bubba Lou (that's his nickname).
Four Recent Birthdays
Well, a few weeks back we had four birthdays all in a row. Courtney and Cameron celebrated at Red Robin. Courtney got her ears pierced for her 12th birthday. She also had a soccer/water games party with her friends. Cameron turned 3 and had another train party this year. Kylie turned 6 and had a PJ party, but it wasn't a real sleepover. I enjoyed a slice of 7-layer chocolate cake from Claim Jumpers restaurant. Our week of birthdays is always a busy one.
Courtney with new pierced ears!
Birthday boy and girl with sundaes at Red Robin
Cameron loves his new "train" tent.
Kylie loved her PJ party!
Me and my 7-layer chocolate cake!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
8 Random Things About Me
Well, I have been so busy since the kids went back to school, I haven't had much time to work on our blog. I've been wanting to post some pictures of our birthdays and back to school, but it hasn't happened. Maybe things will slow down in a little bit, but probably not. We have at least three soccer games to go to every Saturday. I have my half marathon in two weeks (I'm up to 11.5 miles). I just finished writing the Primary program for our ward - I'm glad that's done. Anyway, Laura recently shared 8 random things about herself and challenged me to do the same. I thought this would be fun and wouldn't require uploading any photos (they'll come soon). Well, here's my list of eight random things:
1- I'm not too shy and neither are my kids. On the first day of kindergarten (I was still 4), I told my mom I could go all by myself. I enjoy meeting new people and being friendly. Most of the time when I'm nervous, I talk more, not less.
2 - I have been to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, but the farthest east I've been is Utah. Kinda sad, all of my siblings beat me here - they've been to New York, Washington DC and even Italy. Of course, Lloyd went all over the world in the Navy. My time to travel will come when my kids are older.
3 - I've been so lucky with having babies. I have had five healthy pregnancies, no miscarriages or C-sections. My third baby, Kylie was born on Labor Day. My first and fourth, Courtney and Cameron have the same birthday, August 29.
4- I have a great memory! I even remember a girl who was my waitress at the Brick Oven when I went to BYU. I told her she got my pizza order wrong (no green peppers) and she said, what do you want me to do pick them off? Well, I spotted her at my brother's wedding dinner 12 years later (she's the aunt of my brother's wife). It took me a second to place her and then I asked my brother's wife is she use to work at the Brick Oven and she said "yes." It was so funny! I have a knack for memorizing birthdays and phone numbers too.
5 - I have always been very active. I use to jump around and make too much noise in my grandma's mobile home. She would always say, "Kristi, you're jumping around too much and disturbing the neighbors." My mom says I was a very active child. I loved doing gymnastics and cheerleading. I love working out at the gym now. I ran a marathon in 2000 and will do a half marathon in two weeks.
6 - It's good I'm so active because I love to eat. I love going out to eat and always associate celebrations with food (not always a great thing). I've tried to control this more, but I will often overeat because I just can't stop eating something when it tastes really good. I don't like to share my food either. My family always laughs at the time I ordered two breakfasts (I couldn't decide which to get, so I got them both) and told everyone "I'm eating both of these breakfasts myself so don't ask me to share."
7 - I need a lot of sleep. I am terrible about watching videos because I always fall asleep. In high school, I always use to fall asleep when my best friend and I were watching a movie together. I can fall asleep very easily. Waking up is very hard. I am not a morning person at all and I never like to be woken up. I was always late for seminary in high school. One time I slapped my sister just because she looked at me when I was asleep. I also like the whole bed to myself. I've gotten this way with Lloyd working nights all the time. We probably need to upgrade to a king some day.
8 - I could be described as a "anal" person or a bit of a perfectionist (although I know I am far from perfect). I balance my checkbook at least 2-3 times a week. I absolutely hate it when I lose things. I can't stand any clutter around my house. I always wanted top grades in school. I often have a hard time relaxing (I'm either active or asleep). This is constantly a challenge for me. The book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, has been a tremendous help for me (sadly, the author of these books, Richard Carlson died last December of a sudden heart attack; I wish I could have met him).
Well, there's my list, Laura. I think these eight things describe me pretty accurately. I see myself making improvements on the personality type I was born with. I'm glad some people have learned to love me despite my flaws.
1- I'm not too shy and neither are my kids. On the first day of kindergarten (I was still 4), I told my mom I could go all by myself. I enjoy meeting new people and being friendly. Most of the time when I'm nervous, I talk more, not less.
2 - I have been to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, but the farthest east I've been is Utah. Kinda sad, all of my siblings beat me here - they've been to New York, Washington DC and even Italy. Of course, Lloyd went all over the world in the Navy. My time to travel will come when my kids are older.
3 - I've been so lucky with having babies. I have had five healthy pregnancies, no miscarriages or C-sections. My third baby, Kylie was born on Labor Day. My first and fourth, Courtney and Cameron have the same birthday, August 29.
4- I have a great memory! I even remember a girl who was my waitress at the Brick Oven when I went to BYU. I told her she got my pizza order wrong (no green peppers) and she said, what do you want me to do pick them off? Well, I spotted her at my brother's wedding dinner 12 years later (she's the aunt of my brother's wife). It took me a second to place her and then I asked my brother's wife is she use to work at the Brick Oven and she said "yes." It was so funny! I have a knack for memorizing birthdays and phone numbers too.
5 - I have always been very active. I use to jump around and make too much noise in my grandma's mobile home. She would always say, "Kristi, you're jumping around too much and disturbing the neighbors." My mom says I was a very active child. I loved doing gymnastics and cheerleading. I love working out at the gym now. I ran a marathon in 2000 and will do a half marathon in two weeks.
6 - It's good I'm so active because I love to eat. I love going out to eat and always associate celebrations with food (not always a great thing). I've tried to control this more, but I will often overeat because I just can't stop eating something when it tastes really good. I don't like to share my food either. My family always laughs at the time I ordered two breakfasts (I couldn't decide which to get, so I got them both) and told everyone "I'm eating both of these breakfasts myself so don't ask me to share."
7 - I need a lot of sleep. I am terrible about watching videos because I always fall asleep. In high school, I always use to fall asleep when my best friend and I were watching a movie together. I can fall asleep very easily. Waking up is very hard. I am not a morning person at all and I never like to be woken up. I was always late for seminary in high school. One time I slapped my sister just because she looked at me when I was asleep. I also like the whole bed to myself. I've gotten this way with Lloyd working nights all the time. We probably need to upgrade to a king some day.
8 - I could be described as a "anal" person or a bit of a perfectionist (although I know I am far from perfect). I balance my checkbook at least 2-3 times a week. I absolutely hate it when I lose things. I can't stand any clutter around my house. I always wanted top grades in school. I often have a hard time relaxing (I'm either active or asleep). This is constantly a challenge for me. The book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, has been a tremendous help for me (sadly, the author of these books, Richard Carlson died last December of a sudden heart attack; I wish I could have met him).
Well, there's my list, Laura. I think these eight things describe me pretty accurately. I see myself making improvements on the personality type I was born with. I'm glad some people have learned to love me despite my flaws.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
34 Years Old
Yes, today is my 34th birthday. It sounds kinda old, but I don't feel old at all. I feel like I still have so much to learn. I have a feeling I'm going to live a long time because I really have a lot to learn on my journey here on earth. Well, I am having a wonderful birthday so far. I got the girls off to school and the boys and I went to the gym. I really love my workouts! Then I got my favorite lunch: a Caesar salad and baked potato from Wendy's and a diet limeade at Sonic. I'm looking forward to watching a movie with a friend from my ward this afternoon. Lloyd is going to take my out to dinner between soccer practice and church activities for the girls. He also said he would call in sick tonight so we could spend the evening together (just to be honest he hasn't been felling that great). My real birthday celebrations came early this year. Two weeks ago Courtney and I went a day at the waterslides, just the two of us. We had the best day and it was so fun to get a break form home life. I absolutely love the thrill of going down waterslides. That evening we went out to Claim Jumpers, one of my favorite restaurants. It was a perfect day! On Labor Day, Lloyd and I spent the afternoon floating down the Stanislaus River with our good friends the Haslems. We greatly misjudged how long the river trip would be. We thought it would take one to one and a half hours, but it actually took more like four hours. We were kicking and paddling as quickly as we could on the air mattress we were on. It still was a lot of fun and a day we won't forget.
Like I said, it's hard to believe I'm 34, only 6 more years and I'll be 40. Today I took a few minutes to reflect upon my life. I honestly feel so blessed and really couldn't wish for more! I have a husband that treats me so well. After 13 years of marriage I am still totally in love with him. I have five beautiful and healthy children. With them around, my life is never dull. They have brought me some of my greatest challenges, and also some of my greatest joys. (I have a blog I will soon be writing about my thoughts on motherhood.) I live in a sweet home in an area I really like. I have a very thoughtful and loving mother, stepfather, sister, and brothers. I have several precious friends who make me feel special and support me in many ways. I live in a country with freedom and access to so many opportunities. Most of all, I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. Jesus Christ is the center of my life. I strive daily to follow His example and do His will.
I feel this past year has really been a year of growth for me. I have been trying to be more easy going. I have had many humbling experiences, so now I try to stay humble so the Lord is not compelled to humble me. I really try to watch what I say. I try not to be negative in any way. I have heard your 30's are when you stop trying to please everyone else and do what's best for you. I'm working on this too (with Lloyd's help). Overall, I have tried to be a more peaceful person. I am definitely far from perfect, but I have felt a big change in my life. I am grateful for what I have learned and look forward to refining myself even more. I am happy and content with life. I am truly grateful for all that I have been blessed with. I have added my favorite quote to our blog page, "In the end, only kindness matters." May we all remember this as we go through life together.
Like I said, it's hard to believe I'm 34, only 6 more years and I'll be 40. Today I took a few minutes to reflect upon my life. I honestly feel so blessed and really couldn't wish for more! I have a husband that treats me so well. After 13 years of marriage I am still totally in love with him. I have five beautiful and healthy children. With them around, my life is never dull. They have brought me some of my greatest challenges, and also some of my greatest joys. (I have a blog I will soon be writing about my thoughts on motherhood.) I live in a sweet home in an area I really like. I have a very thoughtful and loving mother, stepfather, sister, and brothers. I have several precious friends who make me feel special and support me in many ways. I live in a country with freedom and access to so many opportunities. Most of all, I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. Jesus Christ is the center of my life. I strive daily to follow His example and do His will.
I feel this past year has really been a year of growth for me. I have been trying to be more easy going. I have had many humbling experiences, so now I try to stay humble so the Lord is not compelled to humble me. I really try to watch what I say. I try not to be negative in any way. I have heard your 30's are when you stop trying to please everyone else and do what's best for you. I'm working on this too (with Lloyd's help). Overall, I have tried to be a more peaceful person. I am definitely far from perfect, but I have felt a big change in my life. I am grateful for what I have learned and look forward to refining myself even more. I am happy and content with life. I am truly grateful for all that I have been blessed with. I have added my favorite quote to our blog page, "In the end, only kindness matters." May we all remember this as we go through life together.
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