Catch up post

sit tight! I've got some catchen' up to do. This past month has BLOWN by! WOWzers... But it isn't forgotten.

These little peeps played a whole lot of soccer! Between practice and games I have the best excuse for not journaling in a month! Games are over. However, baseball has begun!!! And swim team registration is in less than a month! The kids love their sports... and Cole loves the treats afterwards. (nice chip)

The day before spring break started we had a little upset. The dinner conversation was very exciting indeed! Bailey informed her father that Zach (at school) made big plans to kiss his girlfriend. They are in the 5th grade! So the whole 6th grade class found out about it and followed Mr. Zach to greet his little lady after class. His plan was not only to kiss her... but to kiss her on the LIPS! "DID YOU HEAR ME?" "I SAID KISS HER ON THE LIPS!"

Nate told Bailey to stay away from Zach. "He's trouble!"

Mum and Dad celebrated another wedding anniversary. Those NEVER get dull! Can you imagine how awesome it is going to be when you can say that you've been married for 50 years?! Cool. By the time you are at that stage of the marriage it is REAL bliss! You are seasoned, trained, Wise, Comfortable and truly one. I'm looking forward to that.

Spring Break Week...

Oh the fun!!!

We ran LOOOOOOOOOTS!!! getting ready for this little race! In fact we calculated nearly 25 miles. Papa Nate has to add a few miles for all the times he lapped me.

Monday: The zoo

Tuesday: St. Patrick's day.

Green breakfast tradition. Even Papa came home from work for green waffles!

Wednesday and Thursday: We prepared for baseball season to begin and played with friends.

After purchasing the proper little man protection I found Coley and Co. playing "doggy" with the jockstrap/cup packaging! They dumped fishy crackers into each side and licked them out. McKay and Bailey we somewhere outside for the entire week!!!

should it concern me that Cole is completely comfortable with the fact that his baseball cup is on the floor next to him and his friends of the female gender? Never mind that he treated them to fishy crackers out of jockstrap container!

Friday: Hike with cousins... Desert in Bloom.

Saturday: Garden harvest and more planting.

Sunday: Church and BBQ with the family in the park.

The weather has been incredible!!!

A week back to school and life resumed back to laundry, chores, and schedules. Now we prepare for April break, Cole's birthday and Easter.

Part of Easter tradition for us is the spiritual feast of the Easter Pageant. GO! It is incredible!! ALWAYS amazing!!! This year was no different.

a little recap...

Thanksgiving was delightful! I made my first pumpkin pie which was a major hit! Yee HAW! And we even took the kids to see "blindside" after dinner. Good flick. Go see it!




Jessica and Beavis parted ways... it went incredibly well. We give credit to skilled doctors who were blessed by our Heavenly Father to carry out His will. Jessica came home already! What a gal! Sure love and miss you lady!




We set out the decorations for Christmas... and the celebration has begun! I just wish it lasted all year!




Dad celebrated another year older... and much wiser too! It has been a year of challenge for the old man. In his fight against skin cancer on his cheek he is optimistic and we are hopeful and most prayerful! We celebrated with a grand party at the home of yours truly! All dad's favorite health foods as not to spike his diabetes! Salmon and shrimp and steak on the grill. Yummy garden fresh salad and red potatoes and Aunt Tisha's green beans delight...

and then get out your insulin...

because cake and ice cream, hot liquid love piled with marshmellows and whip cream stirred together by candy canes and smores by the fire! Balloon launches (best idea I ever stole from Nie) and well wishes for a healthy and delightful year... and then sparklers and games that lit up the night like summers past! It was fantastic!

Happy birthday pops! I sure love you.

Busy as a beaver

I swear that every time somebody comes to visit there is laundry on my couch. No kidding! And even sometimes those visitors are scheduled visits. Like one of the gajillion times when my visiting teachers (who remain the cleanest people on the planet) came over and had to push underwares aside to find a place to put their buns.... that was awesome! Or another time when they came over and I was getting dressed so the kids let them in to sit on the cushionless couches; just springs and linen. That was even more spectacular! My all time favorites are when a visitor from far off lands is just passing through town so he comes to visit ~ unexpected... but still most welcomed ~ right into my seriously disastrous house! Scary!!! To think that they only see me once in years and they have to remember that my trashed house was their welcome post... YEE HAW! I shutter at those events.
My advise to anyone who doesn't believe that my house is ever clean... I invite you to visit at 11:00 p.m.... right after Mr. Mecham has finished up the dinner dishes and cleaned my kitchen and I have finally put the last of the laundry away! Somewhere between 11 p.m and 8:00 a.m. the messy fairy whirls through my house leaving loads of dishes and piles of laundry. Go figure?! I swear the messy fairy is more alive than Santa Clause. Don't test my truth... it's not worth it!
But today I have been busy as a beaver... and so if you come over in the next 25 minutes you will see a clean house! In the middle of the day, no less. And you might believe that I do something besides sit around reading books. (which is what I want to do!) Just don't expect me to be ready for the day... because I'm not! And my goal now is to get in the shower and make up on before Mi Amore gets home. Wish me luck!

A sweet little tale...

Jo Dee went to make a visit to the HAP HAP Happiest place on earth this week... and she graced me with an opportunity to care for three of her young ones. It was a solicited treat... A sincere request which was granted. I kept my kids home from school to play with the little ones today. They get along remarkably well. And so it has worked out beautifully!

The day went like this:

Wake up to kids playing joyfully. (after a quiet night, I might add.)... Feed kids breakfast. (they all ate well.) Bath. Dress. Begin home school assignments. (for Ms. happy Kate and Mr. Grant.)

Cole played cars with Rock and McKay kept the wii warm while waiting.

But there was a small problem.... Foot ball isn't a quiet sport... even on the wii. So McKay brought a little too much energy to the room for the moment. Cole and Rock were driving the cars feverishly along the hall walls and tile! The volume in the Mecham home was not exactly school like. So I simply requested that they (who were not doing school work) run along outside where those fabulous loud play noises belong so that the others could concentrate on their duties... and they did!

Kate finished her work quickly and happily joined the others. (everything for Kate is HAPPY!)

Mr. Grant plunged along and knocked his out in a timely manner as well.

But just before he finished little Rockwell knocked on the door.

"Mecham?" he called

(he addresses me "Mecham"... how is that for dreamy?!!!!) And since I can't resist such a call I tripped over myself to get to him. He was standing in the doorway with a disturbed look, awkward standing position, and wet spots in all the wrong places!

"Oops!", I said.

"Did you have an accident?" Knowing full well that there must be a grand explanation since this little guy hadn't even had one of these at my house in 3 days!

And then it was explained to me that since my request to "play outside so that the kids can get their work done" was interpreted as, "you may not come in this house until further notice." Mr. obedient couldn't hold it any longer. I admit, I took shame for this little accident considering the poor explanation of rules with my previous direction. I simply forgot how innocent and obedient little tiny people are. So we made quick work of changing clothes and cleaning off. And Rock joined back outside with the others all clean and new. Only to return moments later with a knock on the back door. Then realizing that it wasn't locked he opened it up and let himself in.

"Mecham?" he called,

"This is for you."

He handed me a flower. Lantanna... which I know he worked hard to find because we don't have lantanna in our yard and there is no way he can get over our back yard fence.

"Thank you for helping me." he graciously said.

I almost teared up for a moment. But I hugged him and told him how happy it made me instead. We hung it up on the fridge under a magnet to remind us how gratitude is so wonderful!

As Rockwell left to go back outside I watched with the biggest warm fuzzy in my heart for such a guy. And he had a little skip in his step too.

Then I remembered remarks President Robinson said to me earlier this week while attending a baptism for a mutual friend, "He must have the sweetest mother".

And it must be true. Because he was thoughtful and kind enough to show such sentiment... Undoubtedly, gratitude is a learned behavior... and he must have learned it somewhere.

A tale I hope to never forget.

Better than expected

So the day that I have dreaded for nearly 5 1/2 years arrived. I had prepared myself for it to be the worst day of my existence... ALL MY KIDS AT SCHOOL. But since I had psyched myself out so much prior to that day, it went better than expected. WOOOO HEEEE.... (it was a close one though.) It didn't help that the kids had anxiety over the new school that they were going to attend. McKay absolutely hates anything that doesn't follow his agenda. So we prayed lots and I told a few mommy lies (which I've learned are one of the secrets of motherhood).

Mommy LIES:

When a child tearfully tells mom that he doesn't want to leave home to go out into that big nasty world and play with all the bully kids and listen to boring teachers all day and the mom smiles (all the while her heart is breaking) and says, "its going to be fun!" and "school is a blast! You get to learn about the birds and the bees from your 3rd grade friends who have older siblings, you get to indulge on school lunch that has NO nutritional content, and you get to learn to let mean horrifying self defeating comments that mean kids say go in one ear and out the other and pretend they don't hurt." "its going to be great!"

And so off to school the children went...

Bailey was delighted! She loves school. She is determined that school is the greatest invention since sliced cheese. She plans on making a gajillion more friends and enjoying them after school since she now lives among her school mates! And even better, when she joins the world of Jr. High in the upcoming years she won't have to make all new friends again. Bless her for being so optimistic and joyful!

On another note, McKay was hoping for a natural disaster pushing back his blissful summers end. Anything would have been better than leaving his comfortable and happy living circumstances to associate with strangers. He thinks home school is a great idea! So for McKay we prayed for a miracle.

And God delivered.

I walked McKay to class and painfully watched him dry his eyes (for the ten trillionth time that morning) and answered his question for the billionth time ("how many hours is school?") And then I ducked behind a tree where nobody could see me hug him (CUZ that just isn't cool... even if you're crying because you don't want to leave your mom.) And then I promised that I would come eat lunch with him so that he wouldn't be a total loner. Then I left and returned At lunch time where we talked about how McKay hadn't even had a minute to meet one new friend and that he was definitely going to die if he had to stay for one more hour of school. Just as he was finishing up his turkey sandwich (made with googols of love) one of his long lost friends from his class last year (at the other school) appeared and said, "Oh hey McKay!" and McKay's face lit up like a Christmas tree on steroids, "Hi Ramone!" Those words never sounded so good... In fact, I think Ramone might have to go onto my list of favorite people now. And then Ramone said something so profound: "have you seen Darrin yet? He moved over here too." And my heart leaped and landed in the same spot as McKay's which visibly jumped out of his chest. He not only knew somebody, He had two friends from his other school which made him one mighty happy kid at recess. And after we left the lunch room I walked McKay over to the playground and as soon as he spotted those familiar boys from his 2nd grad class he waved good bye and sent me on my way to our quiet little home. And McKay felt like he belonged at that new school...

Cole has never been more elated to join the world of school kids. Cole is happy about EVERYTHING! But he was delirious with happy about going to school. He was the first one up. The first one dressed. And the first one to have his back pack on. He was the first one in the car and the first one to tell the kids good-bye. However, his school didn't start until noon. So he wore that back pack all day! And He couldn't have been more elated when I told him to get in the car because it was time for school. He was sure that he would have at least 30 new friends by Christmas break. He confidently walked into his class and hung up his back pack after finding the perfect spot for his new green water bottle... and then he went right to his seat without further help... READY for the day! And as I walked out the door, pushing back a little tear I stole one last look at my baby (whom I've enjoyed every minute of his life in major huge amounts) and he glanced over and gave me a wink to send me on my way. That kid... And when he got in the car after school he was the first to announce that he had made two new friends (well on his way to 30) that he couldn't remember their names and one of them he "plays with but doesn't talk to because I can't understand his noise".

And so all the little ones are now in school... and I'm told that I will enjoy it. But all it makes me want to do is cry. Mum says I can take 3 days to mourn... and then I must get going. So I have one more day to heal my lonely heart. And then the enjoyment of my empty house for hours each day begins. But I will never, not ever, stop praying that those lucky teachers who have my wee ones for nearly 7 hours each day will enjoy them as much as I do.

I love you come rain or shine

Truth is... Cole inherited redish hair from me. And I can't lie any longer, as here is absolute proof of my redness.... But my hair is quite blond at the same time... depending on where the sun hits it and how much bleach I've recently dumped on it! It is ever changing in color. But until I dug these photo memories out, I had forgotten how red my hair used to be.

Anywhoooo... that is not what this little postage is about because I just celebrated a dozen blissful and sometimes blustery years with my one twoo love. It's true. On Flag day.

And I didn't write about it on that exact anniversary because I was celebrating!

I think Mr. Mecham was my soul mate in the heavens before this earth. There were just too many little things that matched us up perfectly to make me believe other wise.

I share this story so I never forget it. And besides I believe in miracles and there is reason.

From the time that I dressed up in my princess dresses and pretended the white dish cloths were the veil that draped my wedding head... from the time I was swooned by the husband that I dreamed of while talking to Mr. "invisible" but knowing someday that empty space would be filled... from the time that I played house and pretend with dolls and imaginary friends... until that time that it all became real... I always wanted to be married in the Manti, Ut temple. That same temple that sits on the ground that was dedicated for it's building centuries earlier by Moroni himself. It stood as the castle of dreams in my mind. And I was determined to get there. I even carried a picture of it in my scriptures for the 20 years before I wed and still do today.

And in that same vision that I had created for "the perfect" wedding celebration, I saw a garden reception and beautiful flowers everywhere!

And so I planned for such a day.

After our engagement Nate's father instructed him that "this is the bride's day" therefore, Nate was to let the bride decide where we would seal our union... even though Nathan had his heart set on one special place that his own parents, grandparents and most of his siblings had wed, and even though he had fond memories of visiting and playing where his grandparents had served a mission years ago... and a dream to take his bride to that very place, (the same place his progenitors had wed) he took the advise of that wise old dad of his. He surrendered the idea of "where" and made peace that it was eternal. Then he asked the question... "what temple would you like to be married in?" and without skipping a beat I declared, "Manti". And at that moment I couldn't have known the joy in his heart since I was naive to the for mentioned truth regarding his own desires. And I would have never known that Manti was his dream too since he was determined to let this be "the bride's day". But that captivating smile absolutely spoke to my heart that he dreamed a dream of sealing our nuptials in that very place.

It was magical.

The weeks leading up to our union were wet and cold outside. I had reserved a beautiful garden to greet our friends in celebration on the evening of our wedding. I was instructed to "reserve the church next door in case of inclimate weather". But I knew what I wanted and a church gymnasium didn't have a place in my plans. So I declined the suggestion. And I had 1,000 wedding invites made up that didn't have that church address on it at all.

Well... the week of matrimony approached. It was unusually rainy. But I was certain that I still was having a garden wedding... outside... in a garden! And so I did not stress, though my poor mother must have lost sleep over the whole thing. After all, the forecast was "rainy through the weekend".

The eve of my marriage arrived. It was rainy. We enjoyed a lovely dinner (inside) hosted by the Mechams. The food was incredible. And after departing to our separate homes one last night, I realized that it was raining. So I fell to my knees. I explained the whole dream I dreamed the plans I had made and reminded the all powerful and kind God of Heaven that I was being sealed to my husband in the morning at 11:00 in Manti, Ut and then I asked a hugemungous favor. One I don't know if I will ever be worthy of. But I was ever so desperate. And so I asked for an evening that wouldn't be rainy because I really wanted my garden reception. And then I even more boldly (but humble enough to realize that I needed help.. like really bad...) requested that I know by a sign in the sky come morning. And I couldn't have been more specific than when I asked, "please let me know by a blue, cloudless sky so that I can enjoy the day". And if I didn't see it in the morning, I would know that it was time to reserve the gymnasium. And then climbed into bed and closed my eyes.

I was awaken the next morning by the song of my father who was singing about "blue skys shining on me". I sat up smiling... but I had to see for myself if it was true. So I dashed up the stairs and flung open the door to the most lovely bluest blue sky I had ever seen. There was not even one puffy white cloud anywhere in sight. My heart leaped. My eyes overflowed. I was most grateful. I had asked for and had seen a miracle. And at that moment I decided that I would live the rest of my life knowing for certainty that prayer changes things and that it is my life line to the heavens.

As the day went on the wind picked up. In fact, it was quite blustery in Sanpete county when we came out of the temple as Mr. and Mrs. Mecham for pictures. The sky had turned grey. As the day went on rain clouds landed hard and rain ripped out of sky like nobodies business! Seriously! My mother must have questioned me a gajillion times. We had invited 1,000 people to this event and it was pouring rain! So Nate and I drove to the garden with our windshield wipers on full speed. In my mind I knew what I saw that morning. More importantly, in my heart I knew what I felt. And I believed in the Almighty more that day than I ever have in my life. We parked in the church parking lot... the one that I never reserved... and when we turned off the car the rain stopped. So we hopped out and walked into the garden(without an umbrella) where the owner sat bright eyed. She announced that the rain had stopped an hour earlier in her yard but that it was raining all around her. Funny thing to say! When we looked up the sky was blue. So we got ready and everyone arrived. And wouldn't you know, that blue sky was like a bubble over that garden for the entire evening. And wouldn't you know that it was so amazing that it stole "the bride's day"! There were hundreds of people that walked through and said, "it is raining everywhere but in this back yard"... And I would smile and reply, "God is good".

And God is good... because a dozen years ago he not only stopped the rain from ruining my garden reception, He also answered my prayers and dreams of an eternal companion...

who I look forward to walking another dozen + years with and whom I love...

Come rain or shine.

Lov'n summer time

Changing seasons is exciting! like butterflies exciting for me. I love something about every season... But I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Summer! Today when I said this to a friend she stared at me in disbelief for a moment and then in a perplexed voice said, "are you being serious?" She couldn't tell since last week this same friend was the recipient of the "holy cow I am so darn busy that I think I'm going to die" phone call...

But truly, Before school got out I lied awake at night like a kid on Christmas eve planning the fun I would have with my toy... but in this case, I was imagining summer with a full schedule of all the things I love (which is nothing particular at all but rather all encompassing), and kids home all to myself.... (hehehe... the kids don't want to be all mine... they want their friends. but I pretend anyway... even if Bailey has spent all summer with Joslyn!)I present the beginning of my garden harvest. Don't these red beauties look... well... under watered and then over watered?! YIKES... but the flavor is incredible! So we just cut out the cracks, pull out the pepper and fork and DIG in! In my humble opinion, tomatoes are best in between two pieces of spelt bread with fresh cucumber and purple onion and a slice of Havarti to bring out its most exotic flavor... don't forget the mayo. Today we pulled one off the vine that is the size of my head. We've decided to give it a name and blessing.
I love that the sun shines longer hours! It wakes me up... and plays tricks on my dinner time and bed times. I love it! I do try to maintain a bed time for children who do well with sleep... especially after a long hard day at play, however, when slumber doesn't come quickly, it is sooooooo easy to pull out the ice cream and newspaper funnies and indulge in late night conversation with the little ones. They are so enjoyable when they think they are getting to do the unthinkable (stay up with mom and dad)! And now that I've said that out loud, no wonder they don't like going to bed... they think we sit up eating ice cream every night! hmmmm.

having time to bake treats and share with friends is always a favorite! We love friends. I LOVE having a gajillion over at once and listening to them play and laugh and watch them raid the freezer for Popsicles. In fact, my rule "eat as many Popsicles as you'd like. It's hot and they cool you off", quickly changed after the kids went through 4 boxes in one Saturday. So now I stock the freezer with one request, "please ask before you take". That way I keep my finger on the pulse of Popsicle consumption and in so doing save myself dollars at the grocers and years of fighting juvenile diabetes.... (what? where did that come in?) Somehow the friends always end up wet from the garden hose and my kids have on swim suits. Gotta love summer.

summer isn't summer without HAWSOME toes.

And swim team and sleeping late and waking up early and weeding the garden and harvesting the veg. And giggles and tans and wrinkled skin in the pool and more friends and feeding the neighborhood and dinner made fresh from the fridge... forget the oven... and outings and shorts and flip flops and then... finally... passing out in cold sheets while dozing off to smells of sun tan lotion and the hum of air conditioning.

But the very best part... NO SCHOOL!

Can't get enough!

I LOVE SUMMER.

The sun is out!

I can tell its going to be a "waffles for dinner" night at my house... I've fallen into a funk and I can't seem to pull myself out! YIKES!

Some days I feel on top of the world... dashing around, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, ironing shirts... running here and there, eating all good food and looking in the mirror to find a huge smile... Not today! Not yesterday either.

It's called a case of the "terrible horrible no good very bad week". Laundry piles + late dinners + concerts + ball games + past bed times + birthday parties in addition to the regular duties = busy! A.C. out + fixed = soooo good! Chick X2 died = very sad. In babysitting neighbors chickens they heat stroked and died X3 = feel very bad!! ant hills to destroy + YW to concentrate on + walls to paint + Cupboards to finish + Window door to repair + bills to pay + diet to stick to = I haven't yet eaten'... try diet again tomorrow... you have to eat to be on a diet. Visit teaching by the 15th = treats and phone calls + promised prayers and love and concern... call me if you need something! slams by friends. OUCH! closets + garage = a hoarder haven. coupons to cut = stacks of papers.

Time for admission... I'm an emotional drinker. When I'm super happy I think it's fun to drink virgin pina coladas or ice cold Coca Cola. I used to think that when I was super stressed out I ran... because I did... but lately, I drink coke. I seriously only drink coke (not diet) when I'm out of my mind busy or sad. When I close my sleepy eyes today I see brown fizzy bubbles...

Hi. I'm Becky. I'm a coke- aholic! Emotionally drinking soda... Don't tell my Dr. since most of the time I drink boodles of water.

I need Grandma Mecham. She is ultra optimistic! She used to say, "I am thankful that I have a full figure because it means I have plenty to eat." WHAT THE *%&$%*!!!

husband working late = overtime... that's good! Cole's old man, over grown finger nails = can plant a garden under there... I meant to say = make time for grooming my healthy child. Kids giggling with friends = happy heart! dreams of summer around the corner + weeds to pull in my garden = have something to look forward to. healthy family.= blessing. Friends coming to stay while their parents head off to Italy... EXCITING! Mom and Dad living just moments away = cherished. Friends called and then came over to help with ant piles = truly golden. Husband for eternity = treasure.

Something that made me happy that I read (here) has helped me patch myself together a little today... Pink slippers said, "the sun in shining, not outside, but in my heart". I love pink slippers!! There is plenty to make me smile... even under the fizzy bubbles and my laundry "to do" lists... the sun is shining bright... I guess it's not so terrible horrible after all. And I buried that sweet little chicken under the peach tree... Please excuse me while I take my capable body back to work.

This writing session was useful.

Pay it Forward

The Rules:

*Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!*Winners must post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on their post about this giveaway!*The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Counts!*When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate pictures and comments! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenter's on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!!

You Don't have to be old and dead to move towards the light....

This is a preview of me in 40 years. I will be hauling my grands around on my hog. Quite frankly, my children won't hear of it and promise that I am the most embarrassing person they've ever known and they will file for divorce if their father and I make such a purchase. (insert laughing here...) I can't imagine that as mature adults they wouldn't love their children's Nana to show up in leather fringed chaps and steel toed boots. (Leather.... mmmmm!) And I think the grands will think I'm cool. Regardless, I'm keeping that dream alive.

And to fuel my fire, today while driving down the road I saw a little old grandma riding her red mo-ped... practicing good safety rules by wearing her white helmet (it looked like a bowling ball) with her little gray hairs curling out the back and sides. Her little white orthopedic tennies (Velcro straps) were the perfect accessory bringing out the true age of "cool breeze" granny. I loved that her satchel was strapped in between her legs comfortably. But the crowning jewel was the blue bumper sticker that read, "You don't have to be old and dead to move towards the light". And I never wished I had my camera so bad! Just think, I could've shown my children how awesome a future they really have! I think it would have calmed all their fears. Plus, I promise to wear braids and bandannas, and red lipstick always.

I'm buying a Hog. So help me....

I found this picture courtesy of the internet... It just looked good with my post...

Sometimes during prayer time I laugh. I know, I know.... it isn't reverent. But I'm going to justify it by saying this: If I were in a group conversation and somebody said something funny, I would laugh.... Today I write to remember. The wise old owl, Mrs. Smith, (she's not really old) told me to "write down what funny things your kids say so you don't forget them". In an effort to take the advice from somebody wiser than myself, here she goes.

Setting: bed time prayers... Coley's turn...

And the prayer began and was going quite well when I think he may have forgotten what time it was because he requested, "please bless this food"... and I opened up my eyes to see if he was paying attention. At the same moment he opened his eyes realizing that it wasn't dinner time, gave me a little grin, and then quickly shut his eyes and continued, "that it won't go moldy".... Good recovery! And then he even remembered to "bless the president's councilors".

Cole is getting quite good at blessing random folk. Last night it was "please bless the 12 apostles". No mention of the prophet.... I guess he feels sorry for them because they are too often forgotten.

But my own personal favorite was the report that my mother recently gave me about bedtime prayers... She was playing with the Mecham younglings while Nate and I were at a wedding reception. At bedtime Coley requested a little blessing to be over his parents "while they are at that BIG (emphasis on the word) Fat Greek Wedding". Mum still laughs when she talks about it.

I love bed time prayers.

Greg Olson is the artist of this masterpiece....
There were 3 amazing reasons why I was so happy that I chose to worship at church today...
#1) During the opening song I watched Haldon Lucero sing the entire song, "I Am A Child OF God" by memory while sitting with the deacons awaiting to pass the sacrament... and I cried.
#2) I got a hug from Amy Jackson... who was visiting from a far off place... and I remembered why I love her so much.
#3) I looked up during the sacrament hymn and noticed Orson and Nathan Holt preparing the sacrament as the dynamic Father/Son duo and I relished in the moment. I had the thought, The joy that some people must create for our Heavenly Father.... and I cried a little more.

I can't imagine having that missing in my life.

It makes my butt look big...

I had late meetings at church today... So my family drove the car post haste I attended to my duties with a heart full of song... and then decided to walk the few short blocks to my house once they had adjourned. It was sunny outside and so clean after the beauty rain storm which graced us today. I had my 50 lb green church bag full of binders and books (bumping up and down off my hip) hung over one shoulder and my black scripture bag and closed up pola dot umbrella hanging off the other. I think I might have even had a little zip in my walk since there was a slight breeze! About half way home Mr. White pulled up along side of me and his darling daughter, Sydnee, motioned for me to come over with her pointer finger. She, looking down and most rosy in the cheeks said, "sister Mecham". And as I turned a little to move my bag out of the way, I realized that my dress was tucked so perfectly up over my butt. Yes... I did say, MY BUTT! As in, it was completely exposed! After all... my dress wasn't covering it at all! So I screamed and quickly pulled it back down where it was intended to be just in time to see Kylee in the back seat of their white sequoia poke her head up and then lie back down in laughter! And as they quickly drove away I proclaimed, "you are my friend". Because she really is! And her poor father! Dreadful, I think... that he had to see my hind parts squooshed into my black pantyhose briskly walking home with my bumping bag...

And as I dung the bell in request of refuge at my front door, My lovely husband opened it and the first words out of his mouth were, "you look hot"! To which I confidently replied... "you have no idea!"

To anyone else who may have viewed this sight as they left their meetings, I extend my sincere apology. I realize it is one quick way to drive the spirit of church out of your life quickly. Further, You will not have to see me in that little black dress ever again... It makes my butt look big!

How do I love you... let me count the ways

It's amazing what a pair of running sneakers and an hour on the tread mill at the gym will do for you! I typically do not love running in the gym. In fact, I don't like it at all. But today I was there because I snoozed right on through my morning run and since it was later in the day, Cole went with me. He played with his friends in the day care... (which if we have to put it on record, I don't love... but he was excited to go with his friends and so we did). At the gym there is a personal t.v. on every tread mill... and since I can't stand watching daytime television (no offense and I love many people that enjoy a good morning show) I turned my t.v. to channel 101. That is the station that shows the daycare center. Then I put my ear plugs in and tuned my i-pod in to mo-tab! and cranked up the speed!

As I ran I watched little Coley's every move on television and I had an epiphany...

I could see his every move right in front of me... but I couldn't do much about it, even if I wanted to... so I just watched and ran. As I did I felt lonely when he was standing by himself seeming friendless. I felt happy when he began twirling around as if he danced in the rain. I was excited to see him running around and playing... it added mileage to my run! I felt proud when he courageously asked the daycare attendant for a piece of paper to color on. He was being so independent! It was so fun to see Cole be "Mr. Cool Breeze" with his friend Erika.... They hang out like teenagers! I felt joy when he helped a little child get up who had fallen. I worried that if I turned my head I might miss a second of his time in day care! After all, I couldn't get to him fast enough if he fell... he was clear up stairs! In my heart I prayed for his safety while I was running (downstairs). In that moment, I loved him something fierce! I even became extremely interested in the day care providers who were taking care of my son. I saw them pick up and cuddle a small baby. I saw one assist Cole in getting his art supplies. I watched another take a hug from a little boy. And I was grateful for their kindness.

Then... Like a ton of bricks I realized that I was feeling a meager portion of the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for his children.... and I came to further realize that He trusts us with His children. It was engraved deeper into my soul that I have a responsibility to Him to help raise His children during their time away from His presence... and I felt invigorated to do so better. I envisioned Him watching over us... like I watched Cole on channel 101... knowing not only everything that Mr. Cole did, but also everything that his care provider offered. I believe that our Heavenly Father entrusted me with many of the feelings that He feels every day while He is presiding over us.

And so I share with you... I love my little people... they are a gift.

It was a good run.

I had a friend (or two) comment on their disgust about my revealing only perfection on the blog... and like I said before, my life is made up of peaches and cream and so there isn't much more to write about than that. But if there were, I would surely divulge all of my faults to the Internet world, completely focus all of my energy on all the negative aspects that life has to offer and make myself out to be a FOOL... and then beg for anyone and everyone to dis-respect me for being a total LOSER! But like I said... that isn't the case. So since I live in Utopia I'd like to share a little fairy tale of my own... as to never forget it myself... because it makes me feel soooo warm and fuzzy!

After my {practically perfect in every way} husband came to the realization that I spent a large hunk of his hard earned bazillions visiting my favorite aesthatician every month, he became quite curious. After all, he is married to the princess of his dreams and he couldn't make sense of such an expenditure. [I don't have morning breath or body odor. I fit into size 2 jeans (If you put them over my head with my arms in the leg holes) but I only wear dresses anyway and I sing love songs in my beautiful voice all day while exotic birds flutter around me doing my house work. And let us not forget that I look like a movie star first thing in the morning. But its my inner beauty that really crowns me.]

Where was I?... Oh yes. Husb wondering why? So I told him my most lovely sob story about how my thyroid is wacked out and as a direct result I'm growing a mustache ( never mind that the hair on my head is falling out in chunks and that I only shave my legs like twice a year... and that is because I want to use my yummy smelling peach shave gel) and I couldn't bare for him to see that my 5:00 mustache shadow gives his a run for his money. So I've bonded with the wax lady over at Habit Hair salon. And with that, he tripped over himself for a solution and then went out and bought me a little gift to cure my woes...

In introduce you to my very own Satin Smooth wax machine. I named her Darline (because it only makes sense that I will be looking darling with a smooth lip and perfect brows.) She will be bringing me hours of enjoyment coupled by amusement and entertainment for all... and with that, I give you my new lip!
First thing first... Although you may think that I am sporting herpes on my lower lip, I would love for you to know that I am completely un-contagious! and second... I strongly recommend reading instructions before using the ever innocent looking wax machine. And third... I want it on the record that I do not have hair growing out of my lip... it was an aimless mistake that caused dreadful pain!
I've tried to recall my princess self applying the wax (in it true honey form) to my facial region in an effort to figure out how I ended up with it on my lip. But after I ripped the first strip off, I was unable to remember... well... anything!
So I've come to the conclusion that when I spilled a little drop from my application stick onto my lip and then applied the little material strip, I might have been a little more cautious to avoid letting the two match up. And further, a quick rip does not diminish the amount of pain which plunges through the entire facial region ~ as if you just lay your lips under the back tire of your peeling out jeep.
And one more note of caution... I do not anticipate using Darline ever again... so if you're interested, you may find her gently used on e-bay next to the picture of me and my augmented Angelina Jolie lips... shipping is free.

My Favorite Things... for sure!

Thanks to radio stations that love to play the song, "My favorite things" (in nearly every store that I Christmas shopped in yesterday~ no joke... at least 15 times), I have now been singing it oveR and ovER and oVER and OVER! SO... I decided to try the tune to a few of my own Favs... Please sing along...perfume and lotion and long runs when raining

gerb Daiseys and lilies and cold air condit'ning

Jewelry and White teeth that sparkle like bling

These are a few of my favorite things.

Tillamook cheddar and soft emerald grass

snow in the mountain and majestic giraffes

Utah mint truffles, Red, yellow and pink

These are the things that I love, YES! I think...

When mean kids strike! Toilets dirty! When I'm feeling FAT!

I simply remember my Favorite things...

then I fell great! Just like that.

Glitter, nail polish and clean indoor plumbing

New summer peaches to eat every morning.

Family and Friends are some of my blessings

These add to the list of my Favorite things

When there's fighting! (yikes!) Flowers wilting! or I step in Chicken Crap,

I try to remember my favorite things so I don't get stuck in a GLOOMY trap!

Garden fresh veggies and long hours of swimming,

Kangan water and Mormon Tab listn'ing

Laughter and kisses and baked yams to eat

These are a few things I think are real neat!

Reading, good music and smelly pine candles,

Fresh paint, the ocean and feather pillows

Autumn leaves painting the October trees

These are some things that make me feel Happy!

So does Freedom! So do babies! So do love stories!

I've simply been gifted a zillion blessings

A Full life to live... with my Favorite things!

Thank you... Thank you.