Here We Are Together

A Soft Word and Sweet Words of Encouragement

2011-10-23T22:34:00.000-04:00

I am not very good at soft words. In fact until I started having kids I felt my powerful voice was one of the talents that had been give to me by Heaven Father to be used to gather people together and motivate them for good. I find now, as my every word and action is being filed away in the minds of three little bodies, that soft words have a power that bring to pass more good then the most thunderous ones. I can remember as a teenager on particular incidence being scolded by a coach for a poor performance and how little I felt. The elevated tone and negative words felt poisonous. I can also remember the much softer tone of the words of a ward member a few short days later telling me to keep going and if I continued to life the commandments I would be unstoppable. It think these two memories replay often as I speak with my children as sometimes my words are soft but others they have unintended poison seeping in.
I am grateful for soft word and sweet words of encouragement. I know my children need them and so a new talent is in the works. I want to make them mine always.

A Good Night

2011-10-13T21:20:00.000-04:00

I hate to admit but there are definitely days where there are more failures then successes in our home especially when it comes to inviting the Spirit. But tonight we did it. Tonight was a good night. We have made the goal of finishing the Book of Mormon as a family by Christmas so we have added scripture reading in at bed time as well as in the morning. Tonight we read in Alma 48 about Moroni and the characteristics that make him a righteous man. The boys really liked hearing how strong and how quick Moroni was to follow the commandments of God. Cael was asked questions about words he didn't understand and really taking in the idea of how good a man Moroni was. You could see even through there little wiggles, that both boys were making a mental picture of Moroni as though he were a superhero from a comic book. After reading Alma 47:17 Landon said "We should do that. We can be like Moroni." Cael was asked to say the prayer and added nicely, "Please help us to be like Moroni so no one will have power over us and we can be righteous."
This was definitely a tender mercy. A moment to testify of the Holy Ghost and to feel just how much our Heavenly Father cares for this family.

We have Grown

2011-09-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

I tell the kids they are not allowed to grow but they do anyways!

Birthday Girl

2010-09-19T20:58:00.001-04:00

Hers is the Birthday Girl! Yep that's right the big 1.

The cake ( It is suppose to be a lollipop)

Ainsley trying to touch the candle.

It's Good!

I love my doll from Nanny! I gave her a big hug and kiss the moment I saw her.

Landon and Cael helped make the cupcake lollipop for Ainsley.

Family Pictures

2010-09-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

Way back in May we had family pictures taken. Aren't we cute!!!!

Chasing Sunbeams

2010-02-28T20:59:00.004-05:00

The other day I sat Ainsley down on my bed and opened the bind to let in more light as I folded clothes and cleaned up the room. She was awed and amazed by the sunbeams that streamed in basked in their glory. She giggled. She wiggled. She was delighted to have her very own path of sun. It is amazing what a little sunbeam can do!

Ainsley enjoying tummy time Feb 2010

Ainsley's Sunbeam dance of joy reminded me of the common phrase I have heard Cael repeating to everyone who will lend an ear, "Did you know that I am a sunbeam now?" This millstone is so important for a young three year old. It is bigger then using the potty for the first time or being able to reach the light switch. Being a Sunbeam is the coup de grace of accomplishments after all now you get to shine just like the song says.

Cael on his first day in Sunbeams Jan 2010

Landon too chases sunbeams. He raise to greet them going 60 miles an hour and does not quit chasing them until long after the sun has set. He lives to enjoy his days, invent new things, make new friends and think of new ways to get the most out of life. In the wee hours of the morn I cringe at the idea of waking to my five year olds beckoning to play but I have to say I think I cringe because of jealousy for the way he chases sunbeams full boar.

Landon with a snowball heart for Grandpa Bruce. Feb 2010

All in all this is to say that the joy of seeing my children chasing sunbeams reminds me to chase a few of my own. There are so many things given to us from a loving Heaven Father for our good and benefit, but it is up to us to lay hold of those things or at the least pursue them everyday whole heartedly. Thanks guys for helping Mommy!

Let it Snow!

2009-12-06T19:47:00.005-05:00

It snowed! We played! It was a great day!

The Mahaffey's invited us up to enjoy their little slop complete with a fabulous hot coco to warm up with after Jack Frost had taken his toll.

In "Battle Small Hill with Little Snow vs Team Matt & Cael" I am sad to report Matt and Cael were defeated. Landon however had a little more sucess. Again, Again, Agian and Again!

Cael was able to feast on all the snow he wanted. In his book nothing is more tasty then that white flake stuff that falls in the winter time.

The boys collected snow in a dirty little bucket and while Matt and I were busy doing house work and tending to Ainsley they added chocolate chips and water in hopes to make some snow cream. Their recipe was a little off but we had to give the props for trying as we took the tained snow cream away.

So yes Mommy, Daddy, Landon, Cael, 1.2.3.4...oh yeah Ainsley. She was snuggled up warm and cozy fast asleep.

Here she is with pig tails. Matt thinks she should wear them everyday!

Easter In Virginia

2009-04-26T17:03:00.004-04:00

Spring here is breath taking! Our Easter celebration was wonderful.

On Monday we started with Family Home Evening and learned about the Resurection of Jesus. Landon can tell the story of the resurection forward and backward. Cael enjoys rolling the stone back and forth on our little story board.

On Friday we enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt with all of our church buddies. We found eggs, rolled eggs, and of course Cael throw them because that is just what a 2 year old does with any object that looks roughly like a ball.

Landon and Cael can clean out a basket full of candy filled eggs before you can blink your eyes and that is just what they did. Cael appearently has a stronger consitution then Landon because he was able to hold all his Easter Egg spoils down. Landon, on the other hand, can't and spent Friday night up with a tummy ache until he finally gave in and throw up his findings. Poor Guy! For the next few days he refused anything that had sugar.

Sunday was beautiful here and we enjoyed the church as we always do. We also enjoyed an afternoon of cooking and baking. Many of Matt's soccer team and their spouses joined us for an Easter feast. Landon and Cael really enjoy having these girls play with and spoil them and I know the soccer girls love them.

An Afternoon with the Stripling Warriors

2009-04-26T16:40:00.005-04:00

I had the privilege of spending an afternoon outside with Landon and Cael, the adventure of choice was pretending to be the 2000 (minus 1998) Stripling Warriors. With their weapons of choice, a few random yet carefully selected sticks, we went into battle against the "bad Lamanites" played by the unsuspecting, blossom covered tree limbs, daffodils, and tulips in our back yard.

I had duel roles to play. My first role was to be their leader, Helamen. We tromped through the jungle that is our back yard sending any that would get in our way back behind their own lines. A good time was had by all. My next role was a much more important one as Landon reminded me. As a mommy of two of the finest Stripling Warriors, I was to teach them to follow Jesus. Landon promised me that all Stripling Warriors listen to their mommies... all the time. So they will be ready for battle and to love others when needed. Cael chimed in right behind by letting me know he would follow Mommy and Jesus. That's when the weather turned bad and our adventure ended. But I don't think I will every forget my afternoon with my personal Stripling Warriors and their loving reminder of the awesome task I have as their Mommy.

A Recape of the Holiday Events

2009-01-11T20:45:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful experience at the Seattle Temple seeing Evan, Matt's little brother, sealed to his new bride, Leslie. The temple grounds covered in snow was an incredible backdrop for pictures. Landon took the liberty of shoveling the temple parking lot under the watchful eye of Uncle Braden. Good times had by all.

The Pacific Northwest experienced a "20 year storm" the week we happen to be there. A beautiful sight that left our convoy to hike up the remainder of the 184th Ave hill where Ma and Pa Grawrock reside. A quarter of a mile walk seemed more like 2 miles with groceries and luggage. We didn't see the bottom of the hill for another six days due to the lack of a 4wd vehicle and the desire to venture down the hill knowing the joy of the return hike. Fun, games and a visit from good Ol' Santa Claus (who had no trouble in the weather) gladdened our spirits. I enjoyed catching up on some much needed sleep. We loved our visit with Great Grandparents, Grandma and Poppy, Uncles, and Aunts and cousin Rhys. We even made a snowman in the front yard and attempted to sled down the street with a cardboard box. Poor Matt is on a run of bad luck when it comes to vacationing in 2008 with the smoke of California in the summer and the snow in Portland, he was not able to fully experience civilization or the great outdoors as he would liked. Wish him luck an our next vacation whenever it may be.

Matt traveled back to Virginia while Landon, Cael and I boarded a train and headed down to California to visit The Bruce Bunch. Our first train ride was a very interesting experience. The boys loved being able to walk around and travel from car to car. They slept fairly well with the exception of Cael, my lover of sleep, who woke up mad at the world after a slight bump case his head to lightly hit the arm rest. After a good hour of ranting and raving in disgust about the the train disturbing his sleep I finally got him to calm down and we were able to enjoy the rest of our train ride.

Landon was very excited to play with cousins his own age. (We love you still the same Rhys!) Three sets of cousin made for a very playful and loud house, but Grandma and Grandpa didn't mind. The cousins even explored the woods across the street, played in the huge decomposed granite mound, and helped Grandpa move brick to complete the driveway. Seeing April, Corey, Cayden, Tannon and new baby Emma after two years was a wonderful treat and when Landon and Landon weren't ripping flesh from each other they made good playmates. Cael enjoyed being tickled tortured by Uncle Austin, Tyler and Devin. Alia was kind enough to share a day of preschool with Landon. Daya loved being entertained by Cael ninja moves and his sugar stealing ways. Allie and Audrey showed off their new remodel which looks incredible. Grandma and Grandpa were able to spend more time together will of of us then has even been allowed over a holiday. We feasted, we played, we shopped, we talked and fun was had by all.

But after three weeks of being away from the comforts of home we were all ready to return
So away we flew...

Now back in Buena Vista we can take a deep breath and begin the new year with all the chaos and adventure it will hold.

The Great Escape

2008-08-23T12:52:00.005-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

Let's just say that we have Macgyver for a son. First off, we haven't been able to post lately as Matt is studying to be a zombie by working all day and the n having early morning and evening practices. Needless to say, Duste has begun her quarterly widowing process. But we needed to give a cute story from Cael.

Cael has decided to break free from the confines of his crib, and branch out. Yes, he can go up and over. The problem being that he isn't comfortable in a regular bed yet. Needless to say, there have been a few sleepless nights. Well, the other night as Cael was voicing and demonstrating his displeasure with rapid pounding on the door, Duste decided to check and make sure he couldn't hurt himself. Well, to her surprise she could not open the door just yet. This is because the little Houdini had decided to place a laundry basket against the door, and try to get out. This action wasn't sufficient enough. He then proceeded to get a hangar and attempted to pick the keyhole in the door and free himself from the bedtime constraints placed upon him by his burdensome parents. Luckily, mom arrived and thwarted his nefarious plot, and sleep and order were preserved.

With two mobile children, we now face the prospect of even earlier mornings as they rise with the sun, and feel the need to make their parents rise as well. Oh well, sleep is overrated anyway!

Butts on fire

2008-07-22T21:44:00.003-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

Just thought I'd mention one of the cooler things I've seen in a while. A while ago Duste, and I were out on the porch and the dusk was settling in (is that grammatically correct? Who cares this blog is a grammar free zone. Sort of.) all of the fire flies (lightning bugs to others) were popping up all over the yard. If you let your eyes go lazy, you'd see their butts lighting up all over the yard. Really cool. For those who aren't able to see that cause you live where the fire flies aren't you are missing out.

Plus if you need some good laughs check this out. Kids! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MxcUlJZlp8

Four score and Seven years Ago

2008-07-21T20:47:00.003-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

Whatchoo Talkin about Willis? Well we have returned home safely to Virginia. The time spent in California was great. Or should we call it the state sponsored by Marlboro? Enough smoke to shake a stick at. (However, i need to ask why anyone would want to shake a stick at anything, let alone smoke. Sticks hurt!) Anyway, Matt's back to work, and Duste and the boys are working hard to get us ready for the big move. That's right, we're not Grawrocks unless we move frequently. Some might call us migratory, I prefer the term...vagabond-like (try and tell me that's not a word). Sure the house we're in is minute. Sure our first apartment might have been bigger, but why move right? Because we've rearranged the furniture into every possible combination in the house and now it's time to find another house and move our furniture around a dozen times to fit every nook and cranny (anybody really know what a cranny is? For example if I were to say the Granny fanny cranny, what would that mean? Just wondering.) in the never ending cycle of keeping the house "fresh". Soccer starts up soon and I am doing my best to have more people than last year. It goes well. The picture has no significance to this blog other than it was pretty funny. Later.

Bear Encounters of the First Kind

2008-07-02T22:45:00.006-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

Why did we leave Tahoe...?We are not sure especially after our two days breath of fresh pine air, crystal clear water, and BEARS. Yes, that is right we were not in our campsite for more then 15 minutes when a bear came walking through. Though others panicked we remained firm as the mountains around us seeing as we have had several bear encounters before while living in Tahoe the year prior. We were a little frightened when in the middle of the night a bear tried to get into our food locker and then took a stroll around our tent. He was so close we heard his foot steps and breathing. In the morning we discovered tracks not two feet from our tent. These two experience bring the grand total up to a whopping 7 encounters.

It was wonderful to be in our old ward. It felt like we had never left with the warm greeting we were given by everyone and Landon's name tag still hanging up on the wall in the Nursery room.

Other than having close encounters with Smoky, and the plague squirrels and chipmunks (no kidding, they had a sign that said the rodents in the area had plague! Nothing quite like Chip and Dale and the black death as companions on our camping trip. Now we sound like the Donner party.) the few days up at the lake were great. then again, gas was $4.65 for the cheap stuff, and the liquor aisle alone in the supermarkets made us think twice. But, we realize the fools we were and now are looking to go back. mind you not actively or intensely looking to go back, but if something were to pop up, who knows. Still, it's not like there was snow. That could change things. We'll go back though.

The Attack of the Bubble People

2008-06-28T20:55:00.003-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

g syb mmn//x
tf.
':?
j jkjjjjjjjjkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkbbbbbbbbb bbbbbb

From Cael

rtw ohwqu et2hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh a cat bat hat

From Landon

Every now and then you need to let the boys type. Cael decided to write a critique of his reading of War and Peace. Landon expressed his desire to comment on the recent journal article on Astrophysics that he was perusing. We went into Chico today to see a rescue zoo with lions, and tigers and ocelots oh my! Then we went to Lowes and the Landon made an old time baseball pinball game out of wood. Then we went shopping! We're hoping to be able to go to Tahoe to camp tomorrow and then have some fun at the lake. There isn't any smoke there, and we've missed the place. There is not as much smoke here which is good. Well, I gotta go eat dinner.

Smoke, Smoke Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink!

2008-06-24T01:55:00.002-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

We are on vacation in California. Our travel guide said it would be a great time of year to soak in the sights as well as the ample supply of smoke from the 400 plus fires in the golden state. When I woke up this morning (I in this post refers to Matt) I thought it was just cloudy, and the egg boiling on the pavement the boys were looking forward to would have to be put on hold. But these clouds stunk, and the Pavlovian reaction to bust out the crackers, mallows and chocolate let me know that cloudy it was not.
Other than Smokey's worst nightmare the vacation has been great, and we are looking forward to a bunch of fun things. We're going to visit Tahoe, Chuck E. Cheese's, and other locations along with swimming at the cousins and enjoying the central heating and air provided by Duste's parents. Well it's late and I should go to bed.

The pinnacle of society has begun!

2008-06-24T01:43:00.002-04:00

The new Posts are here! The new Posts are here! The mindless drivel of my my mundane life can temporarily be put on hold. A new Post is here!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Humanity is now safe. The Grawrocks (not those Grawrocks! The other ones. Matt, Duste', Landaon and Cael) have officially started a blog. Now you have purpose and a reason to get on the internet. Yes, beyond the inanity that is WOW, online shopping, and internet gambling there is a site that is good for everyone, as well as what ails you. The Grawrocks (again, not those ones the other ones, you listen like Landon) invite you to take part in the rollercoaster without an off switch that is our family life. We'll be adding a bunch of goodies as we start to find them on our computer and have our trained pet Oat work the buttons for us. Now sit back, scroll through posts, laugh cry, throw inanimate objects at the screen in disgust (or delight) and remember that the internet is free and loosely monitored like the stretch of highway between Vegas and Reno. Point being all of you brought this blog on yourselves. Enjoy!