at home spa...

Who needs to spend all that money to have a relaxing day at the spa when you can get the same benefits at home!

Facial: Ironing a dozen of my husbands shirts with extra steam; cucumbers from the dinner salad are optional.

Mud Bath: Weeding after the sprinklers had their turn, then having balance issues.

Body Wrap: Wrestling with a box of inexpensive plastic wrap and having it win.

Exfoliating: Scrubbing floors on hands and knees

Massage: Feeling the vibrations of a teenager's stereo sub woofer during an especially long musical arrangement.

When doing laundry, don't forget to make use of the hot towels you fold straight out of the dryer. To increase the ambiance of your spa home day, simply carry a candle around with you with an aromatic scent, an i pod with relaxing music and wear a plush white bathrobe and you're set!

cousin fun.........

My sister and her family invited us out on their boat Monday. They are always so generous with their fun toys. The kids had fun playing in the water. Kelly got some great pictures. Thanks Rach and Jeff!!

happy father's day....

Kelly, this is my first poem to you,

and it seemed appropriate on father's day -
Surprisingly, it’s difficult
to find the words I want to convey.
Which is really quite amazing,
as I am never at a loss of those;
so please be patient as I search
for something worthy to compose.

How do you describe a father
that is so compassionate and true;
who never let a new baby out of his sight
for even a moment or two.
How about a dad when left in charge
of the toddlers for awhile;
instead of TV, would make a giant fort,
just to see them smile.
A father who worked long hours
at church and work to be precise;
then turn around and find time to play catch
and to give homework advice.
You are the father, who'd protect little Cassie
as she'd crawl up on your lap;
and snuggle in with a smile
just to avoid going upstairs for a nap.
All the times over the years,
when I thought an earthquake had come about;
it was just water fights and wrestling
that would shake throughout the house.
And who would be leading
the noisy boisterous brigade?
Surely not my husband
in his wisdom and and grown up age?
But there you would be around the corner
with a shrug and a silly smirk;
Armed with a water gun,
just waiting to go berserk.
How do you describe a man
that does dishes, housework and laundry,
whenever I was absent, sick
or just in a quandary.
You taught the kids that hard work
is always good to do;
And not just at times
when someone was feeling blue.
You took time to teach them
how to build in your wood shop;
And only cringed a moment
when something happened to drop!
There were times when your patience
was pushed to it’s very limit;
perhaps from your children,
or a stubborn wife could do it.
Your never raised your voice,
usually only an eyebrow;
Then you’d bring peace and quiet to the scene,
no temper did you allow.
You worked hard to help your boys
become strong Eagle Scouts
And could always be the only one
to tease Cassie out of a pout.
I treasure the moments
you gave blessings to one and all;
and were always worthy,
no matter what time of day you’d get a call.
Kelly I hope you know, you mean more to me
than simple words can say.
You are an incredible husband and father
and I love you in every way.
Thank you for standing by my side
through every strife;
And making a family with our children
that will last long past this life.
Happy Father’s Day.

a loss for words....

I know that the title of this post seems strange for me, perhaps you had to read it twice. Valorie, at a loss for words? Something has to be off with the universe. I love to write, I love the power of language. It is fun, exciting, silly and inspiring to read others words and to express life through them. Sometimes though, I am at quite a loss. This is one of those times.

What do you tell a family when a young husband gets a diagnosis no one was expecting? What can you say after a long, valiant, difficult fight where options are running thin? Where are the words that don't seem trite, redundant or obvious? I haven't found any and it is so frustrating.

We know a family that at one time lived near us. We have long since gone our separate ways, but over the last year have heard about their fight against a determined and territorial cancer. I have followed their story on facebook through tests, surgeries, treatments and complications. I have sent notes of encouragement, prayed and thought about them so much. Now as I hear that they are reaching the end of their options I am at a loss at what to say. No words can fix things, no words can express how sorrowful I feel or describe how much their faith and strength has helped me over this past year. You would think with all the languages out there, all the millions and millions of syllables, something would come to mind to convey all that I'm thinking and feeling.

To the Mason family, we love you. We will continue to pray for your miracle and for all you need to help you through the day to day challenges. Please forgive these simple words that seem so lacking and inadequate. My heart is full even though my voice is weak.

heat wave...

Sunday was the first day we turned on our AC this season. I looked at the thermostat and one minute it said 78 and a bit later it was up to 82. I was perplexed how it got so hot so fast and I must have asked the question out loud because Josh promptly replied without missing a beat, "duh mom, I just entered the room!" I think he has a healthy self esteem.

admire my carpets, just don't walk on them

In my never ending quest to save money (or at least attempt to) I rented a carpet cleaner yesterday and decided to tackle my carpets. They have desperately needed cleaning for some time, but I have postponed hiring someone because each month the budget was not carpet friendly.

As it was becoming difficult to remember the actual color of my floor coverings, I decided yesterday it was time to take matters into my own hands. I went to the store and paid the very reasonable rental rate, and then saw the cleaning product prices! They lull you in and wham! "Oh, you wanted something to go in the machine, that costs extra!" I maneuvered the awkward machine into my car and then into the house mumbling something about the possible rewards of the savings. A new pair of shoes maybe........Twelve hours later I finished.

Today the carpets look better, and I am exhausted. I had to return for two more bottles of spot cleaner because I had more spots than 101 Dalmatians and it doesn't come in a giant "kids live here" size. I only had one mishap which was good for me. I went to empty the canister of the grimy water when I stepped from the damp carpet onto the hardwood floor. Next thing I know I'm on my backside with gritty, grimy water splashed all over me. Note to self. Reconsider when putting wet feet on a smooth surface.

I woke up this morning sore in every muscle of my body. I was wondering why my bum was sore till I remembered the moment it very ungracefully met the kitchen floor. Today I have turned into mom, protector of the clean carpets. I am sitting on the couch in the main traffic ways "encouraging" my children to take off their shoes when they come in the house. Of course, since it's summer I can't convince them to wear shoes, so I cringe whenever little feet enter the house. I have started foot inspections! I kid you not. I am determined that all my hard work lasts at least one day! I reminded Mark to stay off the carpets and he said, "am I supposed to fly?" I think I am a bit obsessed. Maybe there are pluses to dirty carpets. But I saved money right? Although my feet are too tired for the shoes I can now afford. :)

lessons in nature...

I was weeding my flower beds today and thinking that there was a good reason I wasn't Eve. I would have never relented and purposely chose to have weeds in my life! I am not sure there is an example of faith and obedience stronger than that! :)

Who named morning glory? There is nothing glorious about it. Mine is getting wise and hitting the rose bushes particularly hard because who is going to go into the thorns and remove it? What about those prickley things, nothing says welcome to my garden more than those! They look like some living torture device just daring someone to try to get close. I have yet to meet a glove that can withstand it. Don't even get me started on the grass that doesn't respect boundries and gets greedy conquering new territory. How much space does it need?

Ok, so once again I had too much time on my hands as I was wandering about my yard today. I need an ipod or something apparently, when my mind has a moment things get a little crazy. I might have even been mumbling some not very nice things under my breath. At any rate, as I was weeding I realized that I was giving way too much attention to these uninvited guests and in my frustrated haste, I was failing to notice all the new flowers blooming in my garden.

I think that is how life is some days. I get so caught up in the prickley, unwelcome troubles that I forget to admire the beautiful things around me. I also realize that after I toil and struggle in the dirt, I appreciate the flowers all the more. Perhaps if weeds didn't exist I would take the beauty of flowers for granted. The scriptures talk about how there needs to be opposition in all things and I think I understand that a little bit more today. I learned a lesson in the dirt. Despite how much I hate to admit it, even weeds have a purpose. Eve was pretty smart indeed. Although if they stay gone for awhile, I won't object too much!

(This post is for all those wonderful people I know that despite all the terrible weeds that come into their lives, never fail to not only enjoy the beauty around them, but also share it with others. I have much to learn from you.)

memorial day...

We had fun yesterday joining my siblings and my parents on a hike. It was just a couple miles from my house and yet I had never been there. We had a great time. As I sat and looked over the valley I realized how much I take where I live for granted. What a beautiful place to be.