Pink Lilies - aka Sweaty Men in Swimcaps

Many have be asking for a video of Laurel Canyon Ward's men's performance at our North Las Vegas Stake's Pioneer Days.  (It frustrates me that when I post a video on here, it cuts the right side off.  For this reason I have just posted a link to YouTube.  If anyone knows how to adjust the settings for that, please let me know.)

For those two days of festivities, it was so hot and humid outside, it made me really get a taste of what it must have felt like to be a pioneer, to be hot, sweaty and sticky constantly. No, the sweat on these guys is not from working out pre-performance, but from the intense heat that day. But, I digress......without further ado......I present the "Pink Lilies"!!!!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XepQ2RVkLdA&playnext=1&videos=pIFG_lPGbgA

(this link is working now)

Our Princess

When I found out I was having a girl after two boys, I was ecstatic! She has been such a joy to have in our family. She's such a girly-girl, so I get my fill of frill with her. Her sensitivity towards others is touching, and her creativity amazes me all the time.

Some of her favorites.........

Color: Purple (for today)

Books:  Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn

Movies:  Uhhh....Duh!

Activity:  Baking, Drawing, Painting, Swimming, Hanging out with friends

Food:  Sushi probably?

Hailey's blessing day. Noah's little peek around the corner cracks me up.

Always a "daddy's girl". She's got him wrapped around her finger.

She's always been such a girlie-girl. Here, she comes out to help Daddy with the yard, but she still needs her heels on.

Rachel's Wedding

She's always been very imaginative and creative. One day I caught her setting up a "classroom" in my shower.

Her dream is to be a cake maker. I've always admired what people can do with cakes, and it was her that got me into trying to make them. It's been fun coming up with creative ideas for cakes with her.

She's always absolutely LOVED dressing up. My favorite Halloween costumes she's worn have always been the ones that come with a wig. Especially that Snow White one.  She looked so funny with that little round head.

I feel so blessed to have a daughter as loving and sweet as she is. She wishes she could have a sister. However, I know she loves some of the perks of being the only girl. I also enjoy having just one and being able to focus all my "girl" attention to just her. I feel a different bond with her as we stick together in a house full of manliness. I love her with all my heart and am thankful to my Heavenly Father for sending her to me.

What You Don't See

I came upon a web post on Mormon Times today written by Tiffany Gee Lewis. As I read it, I realized that I am not the only one who feels lacking in one way or another as a mother. It's so true that we compare our WORST attributes with the BEST of everyone else. I often feel like I'm trying to do it all, but it just doesn't happen. This article gave me a boost & I hope will help anyone who reads here as well.

What you don't see, when we all march into church on Sunday morning, is the chaos of the morning that happened just 10 minutes earlier.

What you don't see, when you look at my four little boys in their suits, is that the 7-year-old is wearing Dad's socks because we couldn't find his. And they go all the way up to his knees.

What you don't see, when I pull out the lovely quiet book I made a few years back, is that below it, in my church bag, are five baggies of smashed raisins because I haven't cleaned out the bag for months.

When you enter my house, with its shining entryway, you don't see the three loads of laundry dumped on my bed. Or the dirty pots I stashed in the oven. And you will never see the interior of my minivan, not until I find the time to vacuum it out.

When you admire the hand-sewn pajamas I made for all the kids, we don't talk about the three nights I got no sleep to make those.

If you look on my blog, you will see pictures of homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. You won't see my confession to popping in a frozen pizza THREE times last week for dinner.

Or the night we ate Cheerios for dinner, dry, because we were out of milk. There is a zoom on my camera for a reason. There is a delete button for a reason.

I don't think we're all playing a part. We naturally want to put our best selves forward, so that is what other people see. They don't see what's going on behind the scenes. I like to think that good parenting is like a duck on the water. What you see is the gentle, almost effortless gliding, not the furious paddling that happens underneath.

I keep a mental list of about ten people I want to stalk by camera, from morning to night, to see how they do it all. Are they up at 4 a.m.? Can they survive on three hours of sleep? Do they have a housekeeper? Because I drop balls just as fast as I can grab them. My intentions are of pure gold, but they come out as tinkling brass, at best.

I started a blog last fall. I dragged my feet into it for many reasons. One of the main reasons I hesitated was I didn't want to be another contributor to the cyberspace guiltosphere out there. Especially where mothers are concerned, do we need one more reason to feel guilty?

Because from the looks of things, other families are happier, their houses are cleaner, their marriages are better, their clothes are more stylish and their craftiness is even more crafty. Their lives are perfectly lovely, while my kids are running around screaming in their diapers.

My worst fears were confirmed last week when I got an e-mail from a friend who asked, "How do you do it all? Your column, your blog, all the things you do with your children? You're amazing!"

I looked around at my house, at the six bins of winter clothes waiting to be transported to the garage, at the sewing projects stacked against the wall, at the state of the toothpaste crusted to the sink ... I let things go, a lot of things.

A spanking-clean house is not a high priority for me. I'm a big believer in mud and its importance in a child's life. The time I take to write is time away from scrubbing that bathroom sink. I would rather read with my kids than shop at the mall, so I am certainly not up-to-date on the latest styles. I've been listening to the same music for 20 years because I can't seem to keep up with the latest music scene. And I require a lot of sleep.

We all have priorities. For some, it is keeping a spotless house, and they are good at it. For others, it is writing, or exercising, or serving others. And yes, there are some who seem to do it all, the Benjamin Franklins of the world. I tell myself I don't have to be them. And also, Benjamin Franklin was not much of a family man. Even he let things go.

What we don't see, when we look at each other on Sunday, or on blogs, or in our shiny kitchens, is that we all have different talents and unique situations. I tell my kids all the time: Life is not a race. The only person you are competing against is yourself.

What we forget to see, when admiring others, is our own personal finish line.

Carrie!! (take 2)

(My loving hubby so kindly "published" this post while it was sitting unfinished on the computer, instead of "saving". The following is actually what I was wanting to initially publish.)

Last year, a number of Hailey's friends were raving about how they got to go see the Jonas Brothers in concert. It hurt her feelings, and she felt very jealous, but I asked her of anyone who performs, who would she rather see? I knew the answer, but wanted to hear it straight from her mouth. The problem was, Carried Underwood hadn't been touring, so she'd have to wait.

Then, in October of this year, I heard she was coming to Vegas. So I jumped on the computer & snagged a couple of tickets to see the concert. My plan was to give it to her for her birthday. However, her birthday wasn't for four more months. It was hard keeping it from her, and even harder telling her I didn't know if we could go when she'd ask if I'd bought tickets yet. Then her birthday arrived. It had been so long since I bought them, I completely spaced that I had them. So, even though it was few days after the fact, she opened her birthday present. I wish I could have had her reaction on film. She talked about it all the time, and even though the concert wasn't for another few months, the excitement never died. Even though I took tons of pictures & video, here's just a sample......

Displaying the shirt she made before the concert.

Julie (my sis), Mom, Hailey & I on our way out.

Craig Morgan was one of her opening acts. I didn't recognize his name, but I recognized a ton of his songs from the radio.



This was another opening act. I don't even remember their name. They were not exactly our favorite. Julie even studied her medical book for class during their act. One song's chorus just wore out our nerves. In order to have fun with it, Julie got gansta with it.

Her opening number was Cowboy Casanova. Seriously, her voice is amazing! She sounds JUST like she does on the radio/albums. You know how there are people that just don't sing well live (ahem Taylor Swift)? Not her!!!

At one point, she came out singing on the back of a "flying" pickup. It was cool just having her get so close for Hailey to see her better. I purposely took this picture with Hailey's face in the corner, so you could see how close she was here.

Many random pics I took of Julie & I. Couldn't seem to get a good one.

Finally a decent one!!!

Hailey's prized Carrie concert shirt.

My Daddy

On this, yet another Father's Day, I thought I'd do things a little different. First, I'd actually make a post on my blog. Second, I'd share a few things I love about my dad.

Now that I'm an adult, my relationship with him has changed considerably. I remember him being so cool because he knew a lot of the music I listened to and would listen to it himself sometimes. Since I am the oldest of 7, our house would be a little crazy sometimes. Those times when he was driving me home from school when I was just starting out as a teenager, we'd just talk. It was great because there were no interruptions. I specifically remember one talk when I was kind of blue. He told me that he remembers being a teenager and that that would NEVER be a time he'd relive. I felt like he understood me completely & wasn't so "old".

I also remember him turning 40 & thought he was way beyond old. I'm pushing that now, & realize my kids are thinking that about me too. Dad, you definitely weren't old, just a mere child!

Dad loves to joke around. I've always loved his sense of humor.

Dadoo & a few of his granddaughters swinging on the backyard hammock. He loves playing around with his grandkids.

We had a 60th surprise birthday party for him at Taco Bell. Dad's favorite restaurant, especially if he's paying. This was so much fun & they even let him work the drive through for an order!

This is one of my favorite shots of him. The look on his face shows me how much he really does love his grandchildren.

BYU was/is/and forever will be his favorite team. He was so sick the day of the BYU/Oregon football game, yet he had to be there.

My parents were sealed in the St. George Temple when I was just a couple months old. I am so grateful my parents set that example to me about the importance of temple marriage.

Dad, I know there are so many things I could say about you, but most of all, I'm grateful I was able to be your daughter. You are a great example to me. I am so appreciative of everything you do for me, my hubby & our kids. You are my "favorite". I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day!

Love,
Gretchen....um, I mean

My Benjamin

I absolutely love my little man. I've never had a child so all over the board with his moods though. He can be such a cuddlebug one minute and the next be giving you his evil eye.

Lately he's been cracking me up with his parrot-like comments. I've had to get on the other kids to be careful of the things that come out of their mouth. When you praise him for something he's done, his reply is "I'm just awesome like that" (thanks Jordan). Wow, no problems with self esteem with this guy! (BTW, we're working on stopping this phrase).

He recently lost 2 teeth. I don't think I've had a child lose teeth before kindergarten, but he is older than the others were at that point. It's hard to believe he will be going to school next year. Partly I'm excited, so that I can have a couple hours free to myself each day. On the other hand, I'm sad because my baby will be in school. It's never easy when they start school. They still seem too little, and it feels like I'm sending them in to the wolves. I really had this feeling sending my kids to middle school....probably because I WAS sending them to the wolves.

I know he thinks he's 15 at times. He feels he should be able to do whatever he wants. Mom should NEVER tell him no. Dad, on the other hand, has more power over him in that department.....but hey, most kids respond to dad more anyways. At church on Sundays, you may not see me quite so happy with him though. Since Taylor's rarely at church with us, Ben pushes my buttons a little more. When he flashes his dimply smile at me, it's hard to stay mad at him long.

These pictures really sum up his personality best........

Determination written all over his face as he learns to crawl.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him when he was little.

He loves the dogs......sometimes a little too roughly though.

Swinging on Dadoo's hammock with Charlie & Mason.

A rare sight. He's constantly moving.....and never slowly.

He is obsessed with deodorant (pronounced "doe-o-dorant"). He wants to be just like his brothers. Last Christmas Noah gave him this deodorant for a present.

Caught him reading Hailey's Twilight magazine. He was not happy I took this picture.

He loved Primary baseball.

Taking a break to visit with Brendan at 2nd base.

I'm thinking this would be a good timeout spot.

He lost 2 teeth within a day of each other.

The Past 7 Months in a Nutshell

I always felt like blogging was like journaling. I'm realizing now more than ever how much that is true. Especially when it comes to letting too much time pass between blogs. The longer it goes, the more guilty I feel, but the more I feel I need to include, so I never end up getting around to it. Such a vicious cycle! So for my sake, if nothing else, I'll sum up what's happened around here for the past 7 months.........

September:

Jordan had a skin graft on his leg. I'll keep the graphic images for my own personal viewing, but I will fill everyone in on his progress. The surgery went perfectly. As expected, the place on his thigh where they took the donor skin was extremely painful. The doctor told him that he would need to wear a compression sock for almost a year. Because Jordan was vigilant about following the doctor's orders, plus the fact that he had youth on his side, he was able to keep the skin flat enough that he doesn't need to wear that legging. Now he just has his "awesome" battle scar to show off to the world.

I turned another year older this September (no age in needed). My life is quickly passing before my eyes. It's so true when they say you never feel as old as you look. Mentally I feel 25. Physically, I sometimes feel 70. The amount of candles on this cake almost burned a hole in the ceiling. Good thing they took a picture beforehand because the smoke afterwards just about blocked out the camera's lens.

Airplane with my brother Michael.

Jordan's view of combing his hair. He figures he can get his mop flattened by using a hat to do the work for him.

October:

Noah turned 11 and received his Arrow of Light. I will always remember that night as being somewhat of a surprise. We were dealing with some issues at home, so I asked Noah if he really wanted to go to Scouts that night, since it was just a pack meeting and he didn't think he was receiving anything. About 6:15 (pack meeting started at 6), I got a call from a friend.......

"Are you still coming tonight?"

"Coming where?"

"To pack meeting."

"Well, I wasn't planning on it. Why? Is Noah supposed to be doing something for it tonight?"

"Well, he's sort of the guest of honor. He's receiving his Arrow of Light."

"Huh? That's news to me! We'll be right there!"

So I yelled for everyone to hurry and get in the car. I felt horrible for holding up the meeting, but yes, it would have been nice to know about it in the first place. I am so proud of Noah in receiving this award. He was so dedicated to Cub Scouting that he decided he was going to earn every single pin before he turned 11....and he did it!

Nicole, Jared & their kids came to visit for a few days. We were lucky enough to go see Lion King. That show is AMAZING! I highly recommend it. Ben was just transfixed the entire time.

Another one bites the dust. Our table bench tipped over and landed on Hailey's foot. I wasn't sure if it was broken, but with our track record I decided to bring her to the podiatrist just in case. Sure enough, a bone in her foot was snapped in half. We have our podiatrist on speed dial at this point.

Taylor's idea of a Halloween costume for the youth dance. I'm not exactly sure the idea he was going for, but he certainly got razzed by the other leaders. I'm guessing it was a 70's type guy, but the chain, yellow shades, shaded beard & undereyes made him look like either a druggie or a pimp. He was the talk of the night, as you could imagine.

An angel & a snake. Most people thought the cast was part of the costume & called her a "fallen angel".

Taylor & I were invited to a couples party at our friends' house. We were supposed to dress similar, and this was the only thing we could come up with (by the way, it's nice being able to fit into your son's clothes at times like these). It ended up being a Newlywed type game, but they called it the "More-lywed game". Amazingly we ended up winning the whole thing (it was VERY close though).

Noah & Bill once again were able to spend their birthday together. I'm not sure if they've missed a year since the day Noah was born. Noah LOVES the Packers, so I had to make a jersey cake for him.

November:

We took a trip up to Cold Creek in the northwest part of town. Taylor goes here to fish sometimes, the wild horses wander all around with no fear of people obviously.

They are a little skittish, but they will let you pet them if you're slow about it.

This one was so fearless, he decided to peek his head in to say hi.

The big month of November came. We were not so much excited for Thanksgiving and the school break it brings, but that New Moon came out. It was almost as exciting as Christmas for us!

I received a new calling to be the Boy Scout Committee Chairman. I was a little surprised at this, since I thought women handled the Cub Scouting and men handled the Boy Scouts. I also felt very overwhelmed for a couple of months, since I had absolutely NO idea about Boy Scouts and how it worked. I really love the calling now.

Cousins swinging in the hammock and Momoo's house (Reese, Charlie & Clara)

BYU vs. Utah game. All the men in our family are obvious BYU football fans.

December:

Jordan got his braces off.....a perfect present for his birthday the following day.

Jordan & his cousin Claire share the same birthday, albeit 12 years apart. Love the staredown she's giving him here.

An Xbox controller for Jordan's birthday. I was in such a hurry, so I feel like I could have done a lot better on this one. It was fun though.

Christmas at Grandpa Bill's house. So exciting having Santa take time out of his busy schedule to visit our family.

Four generations of Kochs (& a Caron)

Mistletoe hung in our entryway.

We made gingerbread houses this year for the first time.

Santa came and went. He's always so nice to leave the kids some reindeer milk.

We are very into "lining up" for events. It used to be pretty easy to do. Youngest to oldest.

Now there are so many of us, we hardly fit in the hallway. Plus the women are ending up having to stand in front of their children in order to be seen.

January:

I guess this month was little slower. Either that, or there was nothing exciting to photograph. I do have a good video though.......

He's eaten his vitamins every day since.

February:

Hailey turned 9. She wanted a cake shaped like a purse, so I did my best to use her initials of HC to copy the LV of the Louis Vuitton purses. Turned out pretty good for my first try.

March:

My little man turned 5 on March 31st. I can't believe it's been that long since my baby was born.

This cake was much bigger than it looked in this picture.

Such an annoying mom on the sidelines. I couldn't get away with this with my older boys.

Primary baseball started off to a violent start. Every time the ball was hit, a dogpile ensued. With the amount of time it took to pull all the kids off each other, the runner could have made a home run.

Ben had the ball in his hands in this play, but his teammate was holding his arm with the mitt down so he couldn't get up.

April:

We ended up getting a new playmate for Katie (and for us of course). Having a puppy is fun, yet challenging.

Missy's favorite sleeping position. I don't get it.

Katie's favorite pasttime is licking the dinner dishes while their being loaded in the dishwasher. Now she has a partner in crime.

Benjamin lost 2 teeth within a day of each other. He has the cutest lisp now.

Hailey & Benjamin decided that they wanted to leave a treat for the Easter Bunny. We leave food for Santa, so why leave EB out of the fun?

Easter bonnets are my the tradition at Momoo & Dadoo's house. We don't start the egg hunt until everyone sticks that bucket on their heads.