Da Muncher

Paper is one of the basic food groups, right?

Mix-N-Match

Jeff

Kristen

Kennedy

Taiden

Brittan

Shaw

Evolution

Evolution:  (noun)  A gradual process in which something changes into a different 

and usually more complex or better form. 

I'm not quite sure when it started.  It happened so quickly - in an unsuspecting blink.  If I had to pinpoint a space in time (and I am one who likes concrete details) it would be August 25, 2008. That would be the day she started Jr. High.

I'm one who is usually content with change.  Change is good.  It can mean moving on to grander and more exciting things.  It can indicate progress and growth.  Change mixes things up, rattles us around for a minute or two, throws us back on our feet, and lets us realize our sometimes unrecognized abilities and strengths.  Yes, change is good.  But not when it comes to messin' with my kids.

Shaw gained his first sliver of a tooth this last week.  I moaned and groaned and asked, "Why, oh why?" and shook my fists over the horror of it all.  I so desperately want the sands of time to slow to a stroll rather than sprint to the finish with my little (former) gummer.  I truly don't want him to grow up.  The raw emotions that I feel about my little Muncher getting big are almost tangible.  The realization that this is probably my last time experiencing each of these stages makes me panic.  I can't miss a moment.  But, I know each phase brings with it pleasant change. Cute results.  Picture worthy events.  Quiet times of breathing in my sleeping baby's breath and committing moments to memory.  I know some of what lies ahead.  I've experienced it 3 times already.

But Kennedy is a different story.  She is our trail blazer.  Our lone guide into the world of teenage-dom.  She is the first of our children to live in the realm of hormones and zits, hearing bad language in the hallways, and dependence on electronic gadgets.  Unlucky for her, her parents have only approved email and iPods so far.

Just a short 8 months ago she was still within the safe and innocent elementary world.  How rough can an environment sprinkled with Hello Kitty shirts, Spiderman pencils, and light up shoes be?  How much evil can reside within a building that holds a smattering of children eating morning snacks, enjoying circle time, and learning to use an inside voice?  Hallelujah for hallways full of naivety!

Now, halfway through her 7th grade year, I clearly see the natural evolution of my little girl into a young woman.  Life tends to get heavier as we get older.  She is more solemn and lost in her thoughts.  She worries about having to change into gym clothes in the locker room.  She stresses about ornery teachers, getting plowed over in the hallway, and whether or not her shoes look good with her outfit.  In years past, when I'd see her at her kinder and gentler school she'd run down the hallway, arms stretched out wide yelling, "Mom!" not caring who heard or saw.  Now, if she sees me in her school on her territory, she gives me a simple wave and grin and goes on talking to her friends.  Gulp!   Change is good?

While Jr. High has roughened some of her edges (for survival purposes) and has encouraged her to utter those earth shattering words, "Dad, you're embarrassing me!" I know this must be. Changes for her and changes for me.  I've had my turn living these transformations. Now it's my turn to watch.  I don't know which is worse. 

At the end of the day I take comfort in seeing the glimpses of her younger self.  She still wants her dad to tuck her into bed each and every night.  She likes watching iCarly on Nickelodeon. She continues to have a favorite blanket, wants to rest her head on my shoulder, and sighs fondly when she sees a pretty Barbie doll.  The sparkle of her youth has turned into the shine of who she is becoming.  The change is beautiful.  She's still the academically gifted, compassionate, sweet, and friendly Kennedy who has her feet firmly planted in the gospel.  She still loves us and forgives us of our imperfect parenting (which she sees more keenly).  She's a good kid.  

She just rolls her eyes more often. 

    

Reasons I Love Living in the Beehive State

Skiing the greatest snow on earth one weekend...

...and hiking majestic red rock formations the next.

(sorry this is sideways - can't figure out how to flip it)

Vitamin D Deficiency

We're taking off today for the red lands of Utah's Dixie.  There is a definite need for filling our vitamin D reserves...we're all looking a wee bit pale and pasty these cold wintry days.  I'm not complaining.  I love the snow.  BUT, a quick getaway to St. George mid-January is always a welcome delight.

Our agenda will include meeting up with some fellow Farmingtonians, going to Zion's, enjoying running and jumping on the red rocks, and loving the blue skies minus any inversion.  I'm going to try and chip away at my 750+ page book and Jeff and I will try and catch up on the Lost t.v. series by watching seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.  Oh yeah, there will be swimming.  Lots and lots of swimming.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Go Steelers!   Happy MLK Day!  See you on Wednesday.

We Should've Named Him Hoover

Shaw is an expert of the pincher grasp.  He has the visual acuity of a hawk.  His arm's mobility goes in one direction and one direction only - to his mouth.  Hence, my floor is spic-n-span (and not because my older kids are good at domestic duties).  

The evidence is always all over his chin.  Remnants of the morning's breakfast (generally cereal of some sort).   Bits of breaded treasures from lunches.  Even finite specks of bygone meals or dusty bunnies are consumed by my little Dyson.   

He is patient.  The other day I watched as he worked intensely on picking up a minuscule single strand of thread.  He was calm.  He was focused.  He succeeded and lapped up his prize like it was a scrumptious morsel.  Sometimes his snacks are so small I can't even see what he is putting into his mouth.  He can, and he smacks his gummy gums and gives me a wrinkled nose smile and a snort.  Little Dirt Devil!

4th child.  Extra protein.  More defense against other lurking germs out there.  A developmental milestone all my other kids survived.  Though, I think my floor was kept cleaner back then.  Eureka!

Detox: Day 6

A muffin top should be eaten, not worn.

I come to you at the conclusion of Day 6 with a shining golden star on my forehead (I admit that I put it there myself).  The Detox is going fabulously and I'm feeling great.  Started out the day by running at the gym.  Snacked on lightly salted, dry roasted edamame throughout the day (fantastico!).  Feeling strong.  Staying focused.  Not a craving in sight.  Eating after dinner?  Forgetaboutit!  Is it all those positive vibes you're sending me?  Oh, and I lost a solid 2.5  lbs. in 5 days.  Hazzah!

Sew Amazing

A Cook and a Baker am I.  A Seamstress I am not.  However, I appreciate the art of connecting fabrics.  I admire this talent from afar - in those around me.  I have sister-in-laws who sew.  I have friends who sew.  I have a mother-in-law who is very good at using a needle and thread.  I do not sew nor do I anticipate this talent ever being in my repertoire.  My patience and attention span will not sustain such a task. However, through the years I have enjoyed the generosity of those mentioned above.  Scout patches sewn on Taiden's shirt by Patricia.  Baby blankets given by Shaunie and Carene. Numerous costumes and dresses provided by Ann.  And the latest:

A new bag sewn by a friend, Amy.  I didn't know what big plans were in store for this little tote of cuteness, but I've decided that it will house the much needed paper pants for my 8 month old. I've never had a cute diaper bag.  I've always just settled for the freebies that the hospital hands out as gratitude for spending a lot of money during your stay with them.  Finally, child #4 has a respectable place for his under thingies.  Did I mention that it's corduroy?  Thanks, Amy!  

May I Take Your Order?

Grandpas entertain.  That's part of their job description.  On this particular evening (honoring G'ma Ehman's birthday at the Mandarin) G'pa wrote the order on the kids' hands so we could remember it all.  Almond Chicken.  Singapore Noodles.   5 Taste Shrimp and Orange Peel Beef.  Several other favorites recorded on their paws.  Necessary?  No.  Memorable?  Absolutely.

Confessional: Detox Day 1

It's time.  I've known that it was coming and that it was inevitable.  But today is the first step towards recovery and conquering my addiction.  My vice.  My plague.  I'm gonna whip this insatious craving once and for all.  It's not going to be pleasant or pretty.  In fact, it's going to be downright awful.  But it's time.  Now or never.  My drug of choice that I will no longer partake of on a daily basis?  

Sugar.

By sugar I mean sweets, treats, desserts, confectioneries, baked goods, candies, and the such. 

 I'm serious when I say that I have a problem.  A problem that usually involves headaches, (more) orneriness (than is typical), fidgeting, and obsessive longing when I try to go off of it. Can anyone out there relate?   Sugar truly is my fix and I need to break off with this unhealthy relationship.  January 7, 2009 is the day.  You will be my audience.  You will be my support. Please cheer me on or scold me swiftly in regards to my sugar sobriety.  I will keep you posted throughout the next 2 weeks- the first step in my cleanse.  No sweets.  Period.  No manipulating food categories to make it work towards my benefit either (i.e., "A graham cracker really isn't THAT sweet.  It's a cracker, right?")  Believe me, I know all the tricks!  This cleanse will also include not eating after dinner.  That's my deepest time of weakness.   That's when I start hearing gentle whispers coming from my kitchen cupboards beckoning me in to partake.  I. Will. Be. Strong. 

Once my detox is complete, I will return to an acceptable sugar amount (for me)... 1x/week.  I have found that this is the only way I can lose the excess tubbiness.  I've done it before and lost 25 pounds. Limiting my sugar AND no cupboard grazing after dinner.  Exercise is never a problem. I  love it thoroughly.  It's my addictive love affair with carbs that has put me where I am.

Thanks for being part of my  accountability team.   I promise there will be no fleshy pictures posted during my process.

I'm not nearly that open nor that cruel. 

Summer's Antonym

 Sunday walk on Lagoon Trail

Spaceman Taiden riding his board at Powder Mountain

Britt is officially a 2 planker

Real men eat their lunches in the back of the SUV

"I think I'm a famous skier for my age, mom" 

- Britt describing his successful maiden voyage on stix.  As always,

he attacked the task with intensity, speed, and a heavy dose of self confidence.

Auld Lang Syne

Farewell 2008.  You were a wonderful 365 days.  You taught us and blessed us immensely. Many tender memories were formed in your presence. You were a good season of time.  We hope your successor is equally as amiable.  Thank you and adieu!

Welcome 2009.  We hope you enjoy your stay.  With you, we anticipate many changes in our world, in our nation, and in our home.  Our hope for you is that goodness and mercy will prevail, simplicity and the basics will become socially in vogue, and that you might provide the opportunity for our not so little family to relocate to a home that doesn't require our 3 boys to share one room.  A basement would be lovely as well (if it's not too much to ask).  Put your feet up and get comfortable.  You'll be here for awhile.

The Twilight Before Christmas...

Since it is still December, I thought I'd share this one last bit of Christmas jeer.  Twilight fans will understand and appreciate this - especially if you've seen the movie.  The rest of you will just roll your eyes and be annoyed.  

Our Christmas in Review

Christmas 2008 proved to be an excellent one.  We enjoyed hours of holiday cheer with family and friends.  The kids took full advantage of the wintry weather and lake effect and brushed up on their sledding skills.  Santa had no problem finding our home (he better double check his naughty and nice list next year...we, indeed, were NOT deserving of all we got).  It was a wonderful Christmas and much less hectic.  My apologies for not getting out Christmas cards this season.  Something had to give and I wasn't willing to let it be my sanity.   

Here are some snapshots of our celebrating.  Due to a self-inflicted sugar coma, my head aches and I have no creativity flowing at present.  As a result of these unfortunate (and stupid) circumstances, there will be no witty captions or amusing narratives.  Feel free to come up with your own storyline of the Gregson Christmas of OH-8.  Just make sure that your tale includes a baby's first, an overly tired college student, a son's uncanny ability to always make me (and himself) cry over a gift given,  Star Wars and more Star Wars, my personal jab against the use of handkerchiefs, blogging made easier, and a crazy uncle named Brent*.

*  Not a blood relative of mine

My deepest apologies to the Gregson family.  In the midst of all of our merriment I didn't manage to get one single picture of the pinata party, the Crowells from Seattle, the Arizona Gregsons in their entirety, Uncle Ryan or G'ma and G'pa Gregson.  I was having such a good time enjoying your company and eating Ann's famous hand dipped chocolates that I forgot to capture any digital memories.  Oops!  If any of you have pictures that you're willing to share, please pass them along.  Thanks!

Santa's Helper (or A Glutton for Punishment)

When your daughter-in-law is part of the Jr. High PTSA, you never know what you'll be asked to do. Santa Gregson was called to duty and surpassed all expectations. He was fearless (remember this was at a Jr. High where there is an abundance of unstable emotions, hormonal imbalances, and more than a smattering of ornery kids), jolly (he was an expert with the "ho, ho, ho" act and workin' the crowd), and a popular man in a red suit (everyone loves Santa and Jr. High students are no exception...he received dozens of hugs, high 5's, and shout outs). Thanks to Santa for making it a not-soon-to-be-forgotten day and to Britt for supplying the minty aroma.

Kennedy with Nick and Dallin (pronounced Dall-e-in by Britt)

Mayme and Kennedy

The lunch crowd

Peppermint Purgatory

If you've been losing sleep at night wondering what 1,104 candy canes look like, let me put your drowsy mind to rest...

...that's equivalent to 92 boxes...

...unwrapped by one easily entertained 7 year old...

...who is willing to finish the job so that the entire student body at Farmington Jr. High gets a mint buzz ...

...and the whole tangle of striped confectionery enabled that same 7 year old...

...to make a mighty fortress against upcoming candy crusades...

...or frantic sugar babies.