Tate Alexander

Today is my darling Tate's 10th birthday. I truly cannot believe it. Tate is my quiet child (thank goodness I even have one) so it seems strange that he is all of a sudden 10 years old. I thought I would write 10 terrific tid bits about why we love our ten year old Tate tons.

1. Tate is our best cuddler. He will always come in for a snuggle and he loves to be rubbed so he will rub in return (he is like his dad).

2. Tate is patient and puts up with a lot teasing. He rarely takes matters into his own hand but when he does watch out! He really packs a punch. Usually though he is easy going and sweet.

3. Tate is a good brother. He is so sweet with Finn. Eric likes when he talks a little "baby talk" with him. He has done this since Finn was born. It has made a special connection between them that I just adore and admire.

4. Speaking of newborns, Tate is a baby whisperer. He loves babies and babies LOVE him. I attribute this to his tender heart and sweet disposition.

5. Tate did not speak until he was 3 years old, not a word. So now, when he speaks we listen because we know it is important. He usually gets right to the point and is very insightful for a 10 year old.

6. Tate is willing to try new things. He is my flexible child which I really appreciate. He doesn't complain while trying new things.

7. Tate is always willing to share. It doesn't matter what it is, he will share it. He has always been a good sharer.

8. Tate is sincere. When he does something wrong and apologizes, you know he means it.

9. He has a great sense of humor and is very funny. He has always been the one to laugh out loud in movies or television shows that tickle his funny bone. He usually has a big smile on his face and is fun to be around.

10. We love Tate's hair. I love the way it falls in his face and he peaks through his gorgeous bangs. He has the perfect type of hair to wear long. I hope he keeps it long for a while. I can't even picture him with short hair.

Happy birthday sweet Tate. You make our lives better, richer and a lot more fun!!

We love you!!XOXO

Life interrupted

I just can't catch up. We were without power from Wednesday until Friday. Our generator saved us, but propane started to run low and so did my patience. I felt dirty, dingy and a tinge of sickness coming my way. Trying to make the kids be somewhat quiet so Eric can work is close to impossible when it is cold outside and you have no power. My body has started fighting my bed again so that wears my patience even thinner.

So, finally after a very long Saturday I sit to complain to my very patient and nonjudgmental computer screen and post a pic courtesy of google when I really want to post other personal and important to me pics and thoughts.... but, I won't. Tomorrow is Tate's birthday and I have to get up early to prepare for my newly 10 year old birthday boy. Seriously though, I need a vacation. Somewhere warm and preferably alone.

Wise words

Everything happens for a reason.... I do believe that 100%.

Savior of the World

My ward has been obsessed with this musical play called Savior of the World. The first production happened during my surgery recovery so none of us (meaning my family) were involved. It was a very nice play, but I kind of thought the whole thing was rather ridiculous. A lot of time, energy and money went towards the production of this play. People were goo-goo over their experience in the play. I do find happiness in other peoples' happiness, but I thought that this slice of life was a little over the top....

When round two approached, I thought it would be nice for Coleman to be involved because he likes to sing, act etc. I also thought that if he would have to be involved (not really knowing the major time commitment this would actually entail), that maybe I should be too. After all, I had to drop him off and pick him up... I should just stay and sing. (I didn't say I could sing, I just said I would stay and sing....). And so it began... our play experience. I will have to say it was very nice and extremely worthwhile. Coleman had a wonderful time and really went outside his comfort zone. He was able to interact with wonderful adults and form some unusual and tender "friendships". He was coached, encouraged, praised and loved by many. Coleman has a hard time in the friendship department of life so this was very sweet to me and warmed my heart. My good friend Jennifer was the boss of the whole thing. She really did a wonderful job and knew how to make things work. It is her gift and many were touched. I could tell that Coleman really felt a part of things and that was worth all the driving, sitting, waiting, standing and pretend singing, (JK! I didn't pretend! ha ha!) etc.

I don't think I had quite the experience that so many others had, but it was a very positive experience for me and I am very glad that I chose to participate. I was stuck in a corner and had to wrangle some very difficult girls for the entire time. I actually never was able to see much of the play because of where I was standing and to whom I was holding down, but I was happy to be a part of something that could spiritually touch me and others. I loved the music and enjoyed standing next to another friend, Kalina. She is a saint and has the kind of patience I aspire to have. I wish I would have moved during at least one of the performances (there were 3) because I feel like I really missed out. It is no ones fault but mine. I just felt like I had a job to do and I would do it. I guess I need to be more flexible. Although it may seem as though I am complaining, I have NO complaints. It helped set the mood for a spiritual and peaceful Christmas (even with the accident). I do feel like I could have done more with my family, but the atmosphere in our home was calm and I believe that was a direct result of the play.

We went out on a limb and invited many friends. ALL of them came. I wanted them to see Coleman perform, but the main reason was the message and feeling that came from this inspired play. Watching the crowd was a treat. Many were touched and felt the spirit. What an amazing gift to give our friends, neighbors and even strangers. Coleman invited his favorite teacher, Mr. Bitner. I never heard back from him so I assumed he was not coming. He did come. I was very touched by this. It meant so much to Coleman and us. He came straight from school and hadn't even had dinner. What a dedicated teacher!

Our experience with SOTW was very special and I am so glad that we both shared this together. Coleman is such a good boy and it is situations like this that will build his (our) testimony and bring him closer to our Savior. Our ward family is one of the best. We are blessed to have so many good, righteous, talented people in our midst. I hope we will have the opportunity to participate in something like this again in our lifetime. It is definitely worth it and we are better because of it!

Am I a hypocrite?

Well, maybe a little.... I told my sister Dayna that catching up in the blogging world is just a waste of time and energy. I said, "Don't do it! Just start at what is currently going on...." Famous last words. I was looking through the last couple of months as I am feeling very lame about keeping up with our life and I MISSED SOME THINGS! And darn it, I just can't let them be forgotten or rather, not captured in my little bloggie world. So, I am going to do it, just not now. Forgive me Payna (yes, I wrote that with a P and not a D... you know the deal sister! lol!!) Let me focus on the "current goings on".

We switched to 9:00am church on Sundays and my life is BLISS!!! I am so lame.... After lunch I patiently wait until 1:30, put Finn down knowing that he probably WON'T take a nap and I crash. I mean, I really CRASH!!! I hit my bed (yes, we are friends, not best friends but good friends) and I fall asleep in 10 seconds or less. I sleep so hard that I SNORE. Here is the naughty part, I sleep for 2 plus hours and I have no idea what my kids are doing and I secretly don't care. I am sooooo happy to be napping that that is all I can focus on. Shame on me. I can still hear the chaos in my sleep, but I manage to stay asleep and push it all out of my mind. Poor Eric. He is injured and needs peace and quiet, but I selfishly push that aside as well. I should be beaten! lol!!!

Last Sunday was no exception. I woke up to find boxes and children everywhere. I made myself get out of bed around 3:30, but I could have stayed in for another hour. Hey, I am catching up. To think that about a year ago all I did was sleep and now I am back to cherishing it and wishing for more naps. I am seriously nicer after a good nap. I should take more!! (o;

Tate and Gabe are currently playing basketball. I bought a new ball for them and Finn found the box. That commercial about a box being "priceless", true!! Kids love boxes. I managed to snap a few pics while Finn was still playing with the box. Now why does he only have one shoe on....? Don't know (I was asleep), but it is cute.

On a side note, Coleman is playing tennis and enjoying himself as well. Scouts has been taking up a lot of time for Coleman and Tate. Gabe is doing well in school. Finn loves My Gym and MDO. The boys are happy and not so busy. It is nice and that is our "current goings on". I guess stay tuned for the hypocritical "catch up". I promise not to call it that.....

Life is good!!

Wise words

I am 41 years old and just figuring this out. I wonder why it took me so long..... Life sure is funny! (and good) (AND BUSY....!!)

The Power of Peace

Tate sang in a 4th and 5th grade Chorus Concert on Monday night. The theme was Peace. It was very well done. Tate took a speaking part last minute and did a great job. My camera was out of batteries (where is my head......?), so no "live concert" shots, but this is him at home.... looking cuter than ever. He has a little peace button on and his hair screams the 60's!! Lol!! I can't believe Tate is almost a 5th grader. Where does the time go? He is still our best cuddler and so sweet. He has the nicest personality and is really growing up to be an amazing, sensitive, funny young man. We love you Tate Alexander!

Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This was Tate's speaking part. Ralph Waldo Emerson has so many important, insightful, powerful poems, quotes etc. He was a smart, inspired man.

Wise words

I really love....

Our Christmas tree angel.

This, of course, is not it, but is a nice representation of the Angel Moroni atop some sacred temple. Eric bought the Angel Moroni for our Christmas tree many years ago and we all just love it. It makes our tree special and it is not complete without it.

The ghosts of Christmas past (part two)

Let's see.. the ghosts of Christmas past....We will try to visit them, but our pics are somewhat either lacking or SOMEONE named Mom turned the flash off and therefore some if not most of the pics are simply yuck. Oh well, can't win them all.


We did get a tree, but some of us were just not that happy.

We were able to visit the Pooles Store Santa. We adore him and have been visiting with him annually for 11 years. He is a real gem and so is his wife.

Cute, little shy Finny.

Happy, handsome Gabriel

Darling Tate and Mr. Claus looked like they just shared a funny joke.

Santa always remembers Coleman the most. I think that is one of the endearing qualities of this special gentleman. Coleman looks so grown up. I sure adore that boy, oops my tween!!

This is our country store, Pooles Store. A historic place and one that we love. They are closing and we are so sad about it. It will be a real loss in this area. I hate change.

On December 17th, Eric was in a serious ski accident and broke his neck. He had surgery in Utah and managed to get home before Christmas. What a blessing.


BEFORE (taken the night we decorated the tree)

AFTER (taken Christmas morning. Not a happy camper!)

Christmas jammies courtesy of the Christmas Plum Pavuk Family. We sure love love love them!

Christmas eve Buche de Noel cake. Yum!! (I see someone flicking someone else.... Watch out for that naughty list!!)

Christmas morning loot and beauty

Finally, the long awaited pogo stick!!

Our stockings are always a highlight. Santa is so wise and thoughtful!!

Are you kidding me?!? An i-Touch for a sweet boy. Gabe said this was the best Christmas ever. And it should be.... Geez! Nice! He takes it everywhere with him. A good gift indeed!!

A handy pocketknife for a handy boy!

Magic mania and a very nice telescope was under the tree for Master Coleman.

Finny needs some Playmobile for his room. Can't go wrong with Playmobile. (I should do a commercial.)

Gabe made Eric and I an awesome and creative turtle. We love it!

Christmas Day treasure/present hunt.... what could be waiting for the Martinis boys?

A go-cart!!!

Trying it on for size. He might need an assistant driver for a while!

Christmas day dinner and program with our best friends and their families.

Jen read a sweet story about a lamb to the families. Each family was given the story and a lamb to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Eric and friends.

Happy girls at Jesus' birthday party. Someone even brought a cute baby Jesus for the table.

Jesus birthday cake. Remember a present is something you buy, but a gift is something you give of yourself. What will YOU give Jesus this year?

If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down AND....

SMILE that frown away!!

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

We have certainly experienced an outpouring of love this season. It has brought us great peace and happiness. Blessed is the season.

The ghosts of Christmas past (part one)

I feel like Christmas was a hundred years ago. I was sick and tired... Eric was injured. It was very cold outside. The boys had been banished to the house.... Out of sight, out of mind. I have wanted to sit down and write about the month of December, but I haven't found a minute to do so. I am starting this warm morning of 1/1/11, but know that it will have to be short lived. I have lots of things to do and a Christmas explosion waiting to be put away since the 26th (yes, I took down the tree etc the day after Christmas.... I'm bad.)

Our month started with Savior of the World. Busy for Eric, spiritually blissful for Coleman and I. I WILL get to that, but I feel it needs a separate post and a quieter house. I want to peacefully reflect. After the play, the month went on without a hitch until Eric broke his neck. It seems since then that my mind and thoughts have been a blur and I am sure that I missed out on something, but I am also sure I probably won't remember so..... it all works out. I had a virus for almost two weeks too so that really didn't help with any kind of normal clarity. Darn it. Fortunately, I haven't felt rushed or overwhelmed. A "side effect" left over from the play and a gift from a sweet priesthood blessing. I haven't felt spiritually void, but do feel like I could have done more to promote the true meaning of Christmas in our home.

We got a new mattress. For the first week (and while I was sick) it was like getting used to a torture session mixed in with a WWE wrestling match. I woke up tired, sore and for the first time IN MY LIFE, not looking forward to getting into bed. I love to sleep and this was a huge contributor to the blur.... We have since added a new pillow and that is helping. I worry about Eric and his comfort. I wake up a lot and study him. Why? Not sure. Maybe I think staring at him will make him sleep better, harder, and more comfortably.... I am a freak.

The boys had a nice Christmas and loved their gifts. I am so glad. I know that Santa works hard to ensure a pleasant, satisfying Christmas and this year was definitely a good one. Thank you Santa.

Eric is slowly doing better, but the curse of that is when you feel better you start to do more and that is when your body says NO! He is definitely having a NO day. Healing takes time and patience. I know this from experience. Today I may have to tie him to his chair. With that, I will end. I can hear the boys screaming and I am sure Eric can feel no peace with shrieking children and slamming doors.... Darn kids. Darn Christmas explosion. Until later..., and part two (pics included.)

Happy New Year!