Diapers Done!

After almost NINE years of constant diaper changing, I am DONE. Nate-the-great is in his Diego underpants full-time!

The thought crossed my mind that I might cry. Because, honestly, it's the end of an era. My baby isn't a baby anymore. He can get dressed himself (if he wants). He can wipe is own butt (if I let him). He can punch his brother hard enough to cause tears (when he thinks he can get away with it). And he knows how to use the word "actually" in full-coherent sentences. He won't even take a nap, (he gave those up a year and a half ago!)

So, I think I need to have a good cry. I loved my babies. Now they're all gone. They just aren't as cute now when they say "No" to me.

There are a lot of things to look forward to. I sure love those stinkin' kids!

You win some, you lose some.

Clay had this GREAT idea. "Let's call the Dorrances and go down to IBEX and show them all the cool stuff we do down there. The weather will be great." We thought we would buy the best cheese curds in Delta, show them the lake bed & play games, go to the sand hill, search for fossils, and go to a mine shaft, among other things.

And so we went. We got down past Delta and it wasn't getting any warmer than Salt Lake (38 degrees). It wouldn't have been so bad but the wind chill factor, I swear, put it at -20.Some of us had more fun than others. (This is Jonah who, right after this picture, puked up a bunch of sand & stuff from rolling all the way down the hill. Hayden, being "the Man" held back the barf. Bravo!) The Dorrance's were troopers, especially Dad Dorrance (who had to save Nate from himself).

If nothing else, it was some quality time with all NINE of the kids strapped in their seat belts for a few hours while "Top Gun" was playing in the Dorrance-mobile and Armageddon was being PLAYED-OUT in the Watson-mobile!

I think we were all relieved when we were sitting in the Five Guys burgers & fries in Salt Lake (because the In-N-Out line was WAY too huge!).

Snowbird Tram Rides & Poky-pines!

Every fall Snowbird hosts free-tram-ride days where you bring a can of food and get, you guessed it, a free tram ride. We bundled up, got our grocery bag of cans, and headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon for some good times.Here they are staring at the big motors that will pull us to the top of the world! Front-row-joe, I mean Pete! He wanted to be front and center with the wind in his hair and his spit out the window! We literally live just down the road behind us. I must say it again, we live in a fabulous place!On our way back down the canyon, Clay's keen eyes for the bizarre noticed a dead porcupine on the side of the road. We unstrapped the kids and ventured across the road to see the poor thing. Nate probably assumes it has its name because you're supposed to "poke" it, and because Pete kept calling it a poky-pine. (He still has issues saying his R's.) Never a dull moment...hehe, get it?

'Til we meet again, Dave!

Where do I begin. I have never lost anyone so dear to me. I mean, when you spend every day for the past 5 1/2 years in contact ALL day, talking & serving & receiving & laughing & everything else we did with/for each other, the loss is being felt even more and more as the days pass. I feel the need to express here for my family and friends who knew him, or who didn't, what he meant to me.
My children are all home sick today with what might be the H1N1 virus, and I can't escape over to my friend's house next door to take my own "time-out". Who is going to tell me that it's going to be okay? Who is going to tell me a joke and make me smile when I don't want to? Who is going to tell me that "every mom thinks their kids are the WORST", but that even though at times they can be the worst, it will pass, and I will like them again soon? Who is going to buy me bananas, because I'm ALWAYS out of bananas? Who is going to take me for a drive and scare the CRAP out of me, because he learned how to when he was a taxi driver in New York? Who is going to tell me stories about the War and not hold anything back, even though I'm a "lady"?


How do I write about a man who I care for as dearly as my own family? It is true that we grow to love those we serve. Yes, I had the incredible opportunity to serve him and do things for him he couldn't do for himself anymore, but in doing that, I grew to love him so very much. It wasn't one-sided service. He was in constant service to me as well. He was unable to physically serve me the way he served the whole freakin' neighborhood and their kids, but he always had a treat or a kind word, or a gallon of milk or fruit, and most of all, he loved my kids even though they are CRAZY noisy and energetic. He loved me even though I'm not chatty and I don't wear make-up, and my hair is always a mess. (Quote:"You're a pretty girl, if only you would put on some lipstick and quit wearing black shirts!)

I only got about five years, but I think I got the best. I'm jealous of those who knew the robust Dave, who built a swimming pool (complete with deck and shower), subsequent trampoline, not to forget that amazing train set (with 8 + different trains and computer to organize the chaos). But, I got the Dave who was so humbled by physical limitations, and so tender and sweet and kind...most of the time!

I was pregnant with Peter when we moved into the Richard's home. When I brought him home from the hospital, I went right over to Dave's house and set that little tiny baby in his palms. Dave felt a special bond with Peter from the beginning. Maybe it was because I made Dave hold that little boy every time he was around. Maybe it was just meant to be. Either way, I knew they were kindred spirits. Peter was so tiny and sweet, and honestly, he knew Dave's name before Daddy's! As Peter is growing older, he is showing the same feisty, sensitive, proactive spirit that Dave (and Clay) possess. I just hope he learns to be as honest and forthright as they are as well!
In January a few years ago, out of the blue, he asked me what time my church was. I told him what time, and that I would be home at a certain time and that he could come over then. He said, "Would it be okay if I went with you?" I was floored. He proceeded to tell me that he wanted to have what Clay and I had. I'm not sure what he saw, but I was thrilled to have him come. It was an interesting couple of years. He would come to Sunday School class and ask very interesting questions. He was so open, and thank goodness for people like Kent Christensen & Matt Hanson, who taught the class on a weekly basis and did a great job addressing his questions. He is the kind of person who would not tell a lie, and would not do something he didn't really believe. He did what he said and said what he did, and church was nothing different. I couldn't sit with him in the class, but made Clay go in with him. There was too much contention and it upset me that he didn't get what we were trying to explain to him. He was listening, it just took a while to get it. Line upon line, right? After about two years of listening to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he decided to be baptized. He was 86. A year later, he went through the temple so he could attend Michelle Bonham's wedding. Michelle is a fine example to me of someone who is not timid about sharing the gospel. I've always been one to wait for someone to ask me the questions, but Michelle put the required pressure on Dave to progress and be baptized, or not. He changed tremendously after his baptism. His coarseness was not so profound, and he became more gentle and meek, especially when it came to spiritual things.

Memories keep flooding into my mind and I am so overwhelmed. I miss him, but I am happy for him. I mean, he is no longer held back by his broken body. He doesn't have to THINK about getting up out of his chair, but probably just does it and then runs around for a while just for the heck of it. He said that when he dies, he wants to be in service for Jesus. He wants to be one of his guards so that no one will ever hurt him again. I think Jesus would want someone like Dave on his side. I'm glad I have him on mine.

Good Times, Moab!

We usually stay home conference weekend, but conference after conference of not being able to get much out of them, we decided to road-trip it and listen to it on the radio while all are strapped in their car seats.

The first item of the weekend...Fisher Towers. We hiked and hiked and had a great, whine-free time. Clay wants to climb "Ancient Art", which is the tallest point below (the top looks like a corkscrew). Looks pretty exposed for my taste, but you go!

Behind Will and Lucy is what's called the Cobra. Yea, that's what I get for marrying a crazy OCD climber-dude. He knows the names of all the rocks and what they're made of. Pretty cool, though.

We then headed down the road to this deserted "house". I guess this prospector back in the 60s was sold a fake deed to some land just outside of Moab. He spent years and years constructing this hole in the rock, and one day was found by some BLM worker, who told him to vacate the premises. Poor guy. He had this winding staircase up to a second level, with electrical outlets, water pipes, chimneys, etc. Great place for lunch and rock-throwing contest.

Lucy found a cactus and wanted Dad to suck the water out of it. Clay was game. I guess he was, as always, thirsty. Next, we went to a bouldering area where Clay, forgetting one of his climbing shoes, decided his Crocs would do just as well.
Nate was pretty serious about working in the sand with his trucks.

Peter had a blast sliding down all the boulders, with the following as proof, with his underwear looking just as fabulous!The next day, we headed out to Corona Arch where we got rained on, but still, so fun.

Persistence

There isn't much that I get more excited about than when someone tries and tries and tries and doesn't give up on something that is hard, and then actually DOES it!! This is our nephew Hayden. He just wouldn't quit!

What a poser! You are a stud, Hay-doh!

Oh, and Clay let go of the rope this time. Hang ten, sweetie!

What a fun day at Pineview! Thanks, Martin, for making sure we floated! Why is it that things seem to break only when you're around? We love the Dorrances!

Why I love the Wasatch Front

One end ...

And the other! This is what I get when I walk out my front door. Are you jealous? Thought so.

Dr. Jason to the rescue

So, what do you do when your husband buys your six-year-old a scout knife and allowes him to whittle?

You make sure your awesome neighbor Dr. Jason is home to make emergency house calls to sew up your son. Five stitches and the knife is now stored safely in a locked closet in the basement to be used when Will is 40.

Dr. Jason is our hero!

Blame it on the Boogie!

I was at Costco yesterday and had an impulse buy (I know that surprises you). I was browsing the music section and found the "Essential Michael Jackson" and as the title implies, it was essential that I buy it.

Today we had a Watson Dance party. We had to have it without daddy. (That was okay because I wouldn't want Clay's moves to rub off on ANY of his children - they have enough teasing points with the red hair and freckles!) We listened to MJ and danced all morning. I admit I used to dance every chance I could, especially when I was alone.

Here are some of Lucy's Elaine Benice moves.

The "Thriller" album really is fabulous. I can't believe I didn't have it before. Just gotta "Rock With You!"

Summer of the dead

Some of you know at the beginning of the summer we decided it was time our little family got a pet. Will has been begging for years, and we finally gave in and got a RAT! Many of you are wondering why? I was asking myself that same question. But, my sister talked me into it. One of her son's elementary school teachers had a classroom pet every year, and I guess had every kind of small rodent/pet there can possibly be. Out of all of them, she liked the rats the best. They are kind to children, not nipping too much, tolerate being held, are fairly easy to keep, and actually are pretty smart and can be trained (to a point). (I wasn't paying attention when my friend Jeana told me how much poo can come out of a little thing like that.)

Well, my kids (minus Peter) were so excited and played with it all the time. After about three weeks, Lucy had it outside on the deck while I helped her clean the cage. I guess RAT took a dive off the table because all the sudden Lucy comes in the door and says "Mom, we need some tissue because the rat has a bloody nose." Uh-oh. Then she said, "Look, Mom, the rat is playing dead." Double uh-oh. I took the poor rat from her and it was convulsing and bleeding all over the place. Then, after a minute of that, it started spewing foam and stopped moving. Lucy and Will were in hysterics for what seemed like forever. I guess it is good to learn the lesson of life and death. But, even if it is just a little rat, as opposed to a family member or friend, it still SUCKS.

We buried it in a corner of our front yard and had a prayer over RAT (or "Mint" depending on who you're talking to). It was a sweet moment until Peter got up off his knees and ran off saying "I didn't like the rat anyway." I guess we show our grief in different ways, or maybe it is that the rat grossed him out like it did me.

Thanks, Amy and Lily, for bringing flowers to the grave. They are still there.

And if one dead animal wasn't enough for that spot of ground, Will found a wounded sparrow in the street and took it home to care for it. He didn't want another animal to die. But it did. Now "Spirit" (as they named it) resides besides RAT. And if that wasn't enough, Will found ANOTHER injured bird and brought it to rest in our small animal cemetery.

So, if you have a small rodent or pet you would like to dispose of, please feel free to bring it to the NE corner of our driveway. There's still some room left. We'll find a rock to place on its head and say a prayer for it (and you)!

Maybe there's hope for Clay

Those of you know that the boat was my idea. Clay went along with it, reluctantly.

To encourage Clay to like the boat, we invested in a wake surfer from our friend Matt Smedley who builds his own boards in Texas. The concept behind wake surfing is that you weigh the boat down so that there is a big enough wake for you to surf on it. The videos on YouTube are pretty cool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTY8mrwhOTQ

So, we headed out to Utah lake one Friday night to try it out.
Unfortunately, Clay tried, and tried, and tried, and messed up his back, but couldn't get up this time. Clay wasn't too discouraged, though, and said, "You know me, Rosanne. I don't give up easily on fun." Phew!

The kids had fun playing on it anyway.

And after a few tries at the end of the night, Clay got up on one ski and had a glorious run. So, maybe there's hope for Clay after all!

Contacts for Lulu

A week ago, Lucy got her first pair of contacts! Can you believe the SIZE of those eyeballs!? You're beautiful, Lulu. So glad you can see your world even better!

More adventures with Dad

Since I got to go to Seattle for my nephew's wedding, Clay was once again placed in charge of the chaos that is our children. You never know what he's going to come up with to get them out of the house, but as always, it was an adventure. He took them down to Rock Canyon in Provo to do a crag-clean-up-day. The kids were enthusiastically happy to clean something that was not their rooms. Lucy found a pretty (but dead) dragonfly. When they're with Dad at least I know they will always be well-fed with pb&j and gorp (granola, raisins & peanuts).A bunch of happy, dirty kids (including dad!)

Vegas, Baby!

This is to all the cool girls in my neighborhood! Maybe next year we'll have to rent a bus so more can come and party with us. Sometimes peer pressure really is a GOOD thing!
Here are pictures taken by our resident super-awesome photographer, Wendy. Next year we'll be taking pics of you, too!

So, that's me...the tall one with the blue on my wetsuit in the middle of the pic. You can't tell, but I was totally in freak-out mode for my first "real" Olympic-length triathlon (1-mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run).
Can you see me? I'm just about to take a huge breath and dive right into Lake Las Vegas. I was pretty stoked about not having a panic attack this time. The only beef I had with the swim was that they stuck a big yellow buoy at the turn-around point, but it was directly in front of the sun so I couldn't see it for anything. One of the kayakers, bless his soul, had to stop me and tell me I was going the wrong way.
I finally got my wetsuit off and got on my bike without falling or ANYTHING!
After a crazy hilly bike ride through the desert, I got on my running shoes and took off...
This is the embarrassing part of the whole race, but I'm gonna go public with it anyway. Many of you know that there are a few bodily casualties to child birth (besides the boobs and belly, of course). Ever since Lucy came into my life, my bladder just hasn't been the same. Running hasn't been the same. I had encountered a little bit of a problem with urinary incontinence before, but never like this. At mile four, there was this huge hill. I got up it without too much drama, but on the downhill I just lost it, and by "it" I mean all the pee in my body. No way to stop it. I tried. Really. I was just so grateful that I was relatively by myself with no one near enough to splash. I know, gross! And worse yet, I've been taking vitamins, and well, the color of vitamin-urine can be especially bright. Double gross! I was SO grateful for the remaining water stations to pour cups of water down my back to try and rinse a little of the embarrassment away.

As it turns out, I was doing better than I thought, and ended up in third place in my age group. I passed up two girls right at the end and, had I stopped to pee, I wouldn't have done as well. Pathetically competitive, I know. So, the life lesson I learned this weekend was to JUST LET IT ALL GO, BUT TRY NOT TO SPLASH YOUR NEIGHBOR IN THE PROCESS. Hey, maybe I could turn that into a parable to teach in Sunday School...yea, maybe not!:)
I am SO VERY HAPPY for EVERYONE!!!! We all did so well, and yet the very best part was hanging out and having that girl-time that is so energizing for the soul. Thanks to all for making it a weekend to remember! Big love to all you hot babes!

The Swell is swell

Rosanne went to party in Vegas with all of her girlfriends so the kids decided to take Daddy camping in the San Rafel Swell and Goblin Valley. She says "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" but the woman needs to give us a little something for our efforts. The kids and I met up with our friends Page and Annie Perkins (and their parents Bryce and Corey).

We got there a little late and after sleeping in the car everyone was really excited to play. Our camp-neighbors weren't as excited about finding a toad at 12:30 in the morning as we were but it was still a lot of fun!
The next morning we found out that Lizards want to stay in their own homes.
What a bummer! "If the lizard loves us and wants to come home with us, he'll wait right on this rock for us to come back and get him...."
Then we went hiking in Little Wild Horse, a slot canyon a few miles from Goblin Valley. Mom should be so proud of her excellent hikers!

After lunch, we decided it would be a good for driving to the Muddy River and maybe catnap a little. (One hand on the wheel and another preventing whiplash)

There are all these 'painted desert' hills of Morrison Formation.
The creek was surprisingly warm and shallow. Much Happiness ensued.
The next morning we packed up and went to Goblin Valley.

We had some fun before we hit the wall and it was time to go and find Mommy so we could wish her a Happy Mother's Day!