At Last....

MOVING

Alot of people are moving. I am happy and sad.
Of course, I am happy for the ones who have found
employment, and need to move to be able to provide
for their families. I totally understand that, but they
will be missed. Some are moving to take advantage
of the incredible deals to be found in the real estate
market here. I hope to still see them around.
Sometimes I wish we were moving, too.
Then I quickly remember how blessed we are, living
in our home that we have made so many memories in.
As I get older, I feel a little tug to go back to Utah. I am
suprised at this. We have loved Vegas so much. Maybe
as my kids are leaving the nest, I am thinking about it
more. We are not as busy. It would be nice to be closer
to family. Then again, my kids are here. My family is here.
My extended family visits. Yay! I will go "home" for a visit
this summmer.
I will be content to live here, and hope that all of our friends
who are moving into new homes, and onto new adventures,
will find someone there to make them feel at home.
xoxo
Cyn

MARCH

I love March. I have ever since I was a child. I've always thought that was because it
is my birthday month. As I've gotten older, I realize I love March for many reasons.
St. Patricks Day. What a fun holiday! I remember getting to make calendars in school for each month, and how fun it was to draw rainbows and pots of gold. I loved the stories and activities
that went along with March. What's not to love about learning Irish folk tunes, hearing stories of mischevious leprechauns, and searching for a "four leaf clover" in my own backyard. Magical.
March birthdays in Utah meant it could either be lovely springtime weather or cold and snowy weather. It would seem as though the elements were playing tug of war, and I would wait until my birthday to declare the winner. I love that March no matter the weather, is associated with Spring. I LOVE Spring! I love the new green grass, the buds on the trees, and the feelings of
awakening and freshness. I believe this transcends just weather patterns. I believe peoples brains are buzzing with new ideas and souls are stirring with exictement. I feel an energy in March that is undeniable. We will welcome a new baby in our family this March. My sister becomes a grandmother for the first
time! How excited we are! A girl who will (hopefully) share my March birthday. After all,
what could be better than a March birthday?

xoxo
Cyn

Love.

Well, I can't believe it's been a month since Alexes married Landan. It was a great day at the temple, and then the reception the next night was also a success. So glad they were happy with everything. We love them, and are excited to add another member to our family.

xoxo

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dear Friends and Family,

As this year comes to an end, I have no brain cells left, so I will just share a few funny stories from us.

PHILLIP- As you may or may not know, Phillip is in LOVE with our dog JACK. He carried Jack down the stairs every night the first two years we had him. As he carried him downstairs, he would give him a "pep talk." Saying things like, "Who's my big strong handsome, boy? You are in charge of security now, Who's my little succulent lover? On and on... this ritual had to stop however, when I would tell him to go outside, and he would go to the top of the stairs and wait to be carried down. I refuse to carry an animal downstairs with 4 legs.

CYNTHIA- Found it really funny that with 3 weeks before the wedding we had no flowers, cake, or caterer and he was asking me when I was going to get the Christmas letter mailed out.

ALEXES- Trying to find one errant eyebrow hair that was painful plucked the center of her eyebrow BALD! She informs me not to worry though, because she can draw in the missing part, and it's on the side her bangs cover most of the time. Hopefully it will be filled in by the wedding.

CHRISTOPHER- One day in the car, I was reminiscing about how excited Phillip was to finally have a son, how he recognized his cry in the hospital before I did, how he would put his sunglasses on him if he thought the TV lights were too bright for his newborn eyes, etc.etc. Christopher says, "I used to be Jack."

LAUREN- Christopher regularly declares that he NEVER wants to get married, he only wants a dog. Well, he also loves Ke$ha and tells me he's going to marry her. One day when he was again saying he was NEVER going to get married, Lauren said, "What about Ke$ha? Or is she your dog?

REBECCA and COREY- regulary make us laugh when they come for dinner. We loved watching Corey's reaction when we played the game "CURSES" and Grandma had to imitate Alexes.
Corey and Rebecca recently celebrated their two year anniversary.

We hope the holidays bring a smile to your faces, as remembering all of you
brings a smile to ours.
xoxo

A Bushel and a Peck

"I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap. A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep about you..." When I was a child, my mom would sing this song often. I also sang it to each of my children, and I look forward to singing it to grandchildren. (No, I am NOT announcing anything.) When all is said and done, I have alot to be grateful for. I should look for these things often.
I feel peace at the temple. I have a family that is healthy. I am loved. I am not alone.
Music. Opportunities to serve. Good friends. Safe and comfortable home. Music. Even though I don't have all the answers, I have the ability to ask, learn, and grow.
For these and many other things, I am grateful.

Going Batty.

The name of this background is "going batty." Seemed fitting.
I haven't blogged for sometime now, (not that I think anyone noticed.) ( ;
Seems like there have been alot of ups and downs. But, if I intend this as my feeble
attempt at journaling, here we go.
Teenagers are hard. Have I said that before? Having four at once is a little daunting at times.
Apparantly they feel my frustration too, as I've been told I'm a "piece of junk." Now, I KNOW this was done in anger, blah blah blah. But I must say, it hasn't inspired me. What does make a good mom? It's SO subjective.
Anyways, we've had so much happening. I finished school, and will try and find a little part time work, in addition to my part time job. I still refuse to "work full time." Phillip is OK with that.
Highlights: Chopped my hair again for Locks of Love.
Lexi graduated and is at NAU this Fall.
Lex got engaged, so she'll be attending UNLV this Spring.
Chris was accepted in the dual credit program so he is attending
Nevada State College. We are so excited for him!
He is 16 and working toward getting his license.
Lauren is doing more babysitting, and has a "pooper scooper" job. We love that she is so responsible. ( :
Phillip and I took THE BEST vacation to Washington DC. It was so incredible to be in our nations capitol and be surrounded by such incredible history. I absolutely LOVED it! I would love to take the kids.
That's enough for now.
xoxo
Cyn