Make a Smilebox greeting

Twilight Fever

Hi All --

Yeah -- it's been like a month and I've been busy. To start with -- I did go see "Twilight" -- I give it a solid B+. If you are curious why, write me...
I do have a mild fixation on Rob Pattinson, though not for the obvious reasons. He just reminds me of most of the guys I was crushing on during high school. Not beefy, long and lean, GREAT J.Crew hair and clothes, not aware of how amazing they are, and definitely sure that I wouldn't want to be involved with them. Plus I've rooted for him form the time he was cast because so many people were SOOOO against him, and I was sure he just needed a chance. (I love an underdog!) So I started watching interviews and he is so not an egomaniac, funny, smart, BEAUTIFUL EYES, HANDS, AND SMILE (the eye candy part for me), and just flabbergasted at how bizarre his life is now. I do wish he wouldn't admit to being such a bum, with dirty hair, going days wearing the same clothes, but he still seems like a really thoughtful, interesting person, who could read me the phone book and I'd be mesmerized -- did I forget to mention that I LOVE HIS VOICE!! I know I'm gushing but he really is just an ordinary guy with great instincts as an actor, that has finally paid off in a big, majorly unexpected way(for him). Good on ya, Rob!!

With that out of the way -- WHHEEWWW!!

Also, we saw the new Bond and I literally woke up the next morning with muscle pains all over from how tense I was watching that movie!! Fight scenes, chase scenes, multiple deaths, and suspense. I did enjoy it, but it was intense!!

Oh, I really want to recommend "Ghost Town". I have seen it twice and it is charming, smart, and I nearly fell out of my chair laughing!! It's so much more witty and full of true comedic performances, with a little tenderness for good measure. Thank you Ricky Gervais for being such an amazing talent!!

I'm also trying to not watch so much TV, but there are so many good shows that Curtis and I have a hard time, especially with the convenience of DVR's. GGRRRR on me for my lack of discipline...

My kids have been keeping me busy with their stuff, and trying to keep them on track going into the crazy holiday season...but we love it!!


I finally have all their pictures back from Target, and will post them soon.

Love to all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

What Great Kids!!

OK -- I'm going to gush about my kids a little bit.
I have had the Parent-Teacher meetings and feel pretty good about them. I love to hear how much the teachers are enjoying them and am grateful that they are all doing well in their studies and "citizenship". (Weird word)

Emma is "amazing" (Direct quote form her teacher) She is a great helper and quick learner, plus apparently has a great memory.

Hannah is a hard worker and a "great friend and helper". She is getting better and better with her Spanish she'll probably be passing Cameron up by the end of the year. Her teacher says they will be conversational by then.

Cameron is "so much fun". He's working hard and enjoying all the opportunities that junior high has to offer. His teachers all praise his curiosity and consistent contributions to each of his classes, and recognize his bright, active mind.

Brynna is enjoying preschool, and has started wearing panties. She was dry all day and went #2 for the first time -- and didn't call me and make me sit with her to do it!! Breakthrough?? Here's hopin'!!

Reading a new book called Organizing for your Brain Type. I'll let you know...

Loved being able to watch Conference and can't wait for the Ensign to come out so I can read all the great talks. Trying to heed the counsel that we all need to find more joy in the journey and not look to far ahead or dwell on what's behind us. Loved hearing the gentle promptings of the Spirit to have more "Christian courage", and to find humor and God's presence in our daily lives. Yucky weather expected again this week-end. Keep putting off my yard work, but I'll run out of nice days, so hopefully I'll get on the stick and at least take some pics of the yard to remember how good it looks right now.

Saw a great movie on Friday -- Forever Strong. It is well made, good performances, GREAT message, and I recommend it. What a guy Larry Gelwix is. If you want to learn more about him check out articles on MormonTimes.com . I read a couple, and the guy is cream of the crop!! The testimonials of people who he has coached over the years speak volumes to what kind of person we can be if we just keep the focus on what's really important. A truly inspiring man!

Lots of love, and remember to find a way to laugh and dance!!

Heather

Another Monday

Well, it's a little cloudy and a little rainy and there are guys jackhammering outside my front door, I have been to the gym and still feel like a slug...

Church was great yesterday. No particular reason, just nice to feel the spirit in Sacrament and then read about the Beatitudes in 3rd Nephi, and then sing primary songs. Then got to take a 2 hour nap (thanks honey!) and enjoy dinner and scones after.

I have some serious paperwork to sort and file system to create, plus laundry to do. And of course I am only wanting to avoid it. I'm 1/2 way to 37 and losing weight is definitely not working as quickly as it has in the past. I have to admit to feeling a bit disheartened and discouraged with a lot of things in life, but I WILL PERSEVERE!!

We had fun at a family gathering on Saturday in honor of my bro's, mom's, and uncle's birthdays this month. Curtis made a repeat of Greek fest from Memorial day and we had three kinds of dessert -- it was great to hang and visit at R&T's, laughing and eating -- I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!

Well, life is calling, gotta get the laundry started while Brynna is enthralled with Scooby-Doo...

Love
Heather

Summertime '08

 
 
 
 

Fwd: Rooney Photos

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Heather Fry <frygang6@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Subject: Rooney Photos
To: frygang6.blogspot@blogger.com

ROONEY ROCKS!!

I was joined by my little bro John at a $3 parking lot concert in Provo that headlined a great band I rock to called Rooney!!

I discovered them after watching VH1 late at night last summer and got hooked to their single "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" (featured at the end of "Nancy Drew" - a kid's movie). I also got obsessed with figuring out if the lead singer was the guy who played the love interest in "The Princess Diaries". Well, after some searching, I learned I was right, and then I started listening to more of their stuff, and after downloading their sophomore album, and telling my young friends about how cool their music is -- fast-forward to Thursday night and I get a text from John that Rooney is playing in Provo on Sat., Sept. 13.

I was sure it was a joke, cuz I knew they have been on a world tour, and I was like "What the heck are they doing in Provo? Playing at a Spoon Me Grand Opening parking lot concert for only $3?!! When we confirmed that it wasn't a hoax, I worked it out with my hubby and kids (THANK YOU THANK YOU!!)and John (he had a gal pal meet us there) and I went down and had SOOOO much FUN!!!

I got a little footage -- it was so CRAZY. He (Robert Schartzman, lead singer - brother to actor/musician Jason Schwartzman, son to actress Talia Shire, nephew of Francis Ford Coppola, cousin to Nicolas Cage) was so cool talking about how they are from LA, and congratulated BYU on their win (BYU vs. UCLA 59-0), and then later he posted on YouTube a video diary about their night and how the crowd was like a hard rock, power punk band crowd, with the Mosh Pit and people crowd surfing. I can attest it was all true!! I was right up front and rocking it with all the youngins!! Luckily I am 5'10" so I wasn't as crushed in the melee, and I was so stoked because I knew all the words to like 85% of their set, and was having the BEST TIME!! I even had a moment when they were in between songs and I called his name out and he totally looked at me and was reaching out to us and I grabbed his hand for like 3-5 seconds -- I'm so crazy!!! Then later, during another song break when he was getting a drink, this guy next to me was yelling, "I want some water too!" and so Robert threw a fresh bottle of water to him but I grabbed it away and was like YYEEAAHH!! and he (Robert) laughed and then rather than drink it, I opened the bottle and sprayed out the contents on the people around me, cuz it was so FREAKIN' HOT in the crowd of people!! And everyone was cheering -- more water!!! Later, John told me they didn't know who it was at the time who did that, but thought it was so cool and then he laughed when I told him it was ME!! At 11:00 they were done and I was soaked in people's sweat and lint, lost an earring, and got hardly any footage, but it was so AWESOME!! Rooney concert, front and center for only $3!! Way to go Spoon Me (a yogurt place in Provo)!!!! I am a true fantastic-fanatic-fan personality, loving living-in-the-moment!!

I worked out this morning and relived the night on my iPod. What a surreal experience, to say the least!!!

Joys and Memories

To all who may read this:

I would love to hear little joys or memories that we have shared so look to the description on my gadget and post stuff in this blog spot.

It's Been A Month?

HOLY CRAP!!!

I can't believe it has been a month. Once we got back from Cali. it was like life hit full force as we tried to get ready for school to start on August 18 -- LAME!!!
I definitely needed a couple more weeks to laze around with my kids, go to the pool and put off the start of Fall, which means the imminent return of winter. All things which I love about the start of school: 1) The kids being on a schedule, 2) new books, new teachers, new friends, and appreciating the novelty of it all, 3) looking forward to Fall -- the crispness in the air, the change of flowers and leaves, the smell of spice and warmth. So I will focus on those as I adjust my day to fit the kids' lives. It's ALL GOOD!!

I am extra-blessed because I was able to attend BYU Education Week August 18-22, and WHAT A WEEK it was!! My sister, Sonya, and I worked as volunteer hosting staff from 6-9:30pm, and were able to attend all other classes for free. We were fortunate to be placed at the building where some of the best Youth speakers were. The most notable was John Bytheway, but other great ones were Brad Wilcox, his son, Russell, and Michael Allred. Now, I'm no longer a "youth", but the feeling in that place, is invigorating!! The subjects they speak of ring with simple straightforward truth -- they do not mince words, but I would be hard-pressed to find any person who had attended one of their talks, not to feel a change, a spark of hope and confidence in the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's like eating spiritual Pop-Rocks -- ZING-PING POW!!

I hope to in some small ways enact the changes that were etched on my heart during that week. I was blessed with a lot of support to help me with my kids so that i could attend 13 hours a day for almost 5 days straight -- I was spiritually raw the first day -- it was almost too much! But the myriad of emotions are seared into my mind and heart -- charged, humbled, inspired, encouraged, energized, lifted, consoled, smarter, braver, tenderized in such a way that I feel marinated in the simple, profound truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May God bless me to act on the truths that have touched me this past week.

Well -- Cameron has started 7th grade and all evidence points to his smoothly adapting to a rather big change. But Cameron has always been one to roll with what life can throw -- as long as he knows we are there beside him. We will continue to enjoy the view of his life from the front row!

Hannah is loving her 4th grade teacher and classmates. She continues in the Spanish Immersion program and loves life!

Emma has become an all-day-er -- a 1st grader. The other night she was a little sad because some boys were teasing her because of her last name -- calling her Emma French Fry. I assured her that she wasn't the first one to deal with that and that no matter what anyone said -- she was more than just a name. Oh and that there were way worse names than Fry -- Butts, Crapo, Buggar, the list goes on and on, then she giggled and I think has turned the tide. I stepped in her class to drop off a forgotten notebook, and her teacher joyfully shared with me how much she is loving Emma!! She couldn't stop smiling as she shared her impressions and pleasure in having Emma in her class -- what a great thing for a mom to hear!! Now I don't claim credit for who Emma is -- but it is a nice thing to hear that someone else sees your child as you do!! She is a joy!! A challenge, yes, but JOY through and through!!

Hope life is kind to you this week and that you can find all that you are looking for...
Heather

Getting Back into the Groove

Well, for the 3 people who read this ... I hope you have fun!!

I must confess that I suffer from Post-Vacation Depression Disorder. I have had too much fun (if that's possible) on the two vacations I've had this summer, and when I get home, my body and mind are just in a blue funk!! I think it's the minimum responsibilities weighing on me during vacation, and the novelty of a day free and open, without obligations, that may cause the PVDD crash after I arrive back home.

Add to this my resurgence of insomnia, mild obsessions with Twilight and Patrick Wilson, and avoidance of the inevitability of potty training Brynna, school starting in 3 weeks, and a house that needs constant attention, and you have a perfect storm of PDD (Parenting Dissociative Disorder). What are all these ailments? Once the PVDD sets in, I then start doing all I can to avoid or postpone my parenting responsibilities and the house and kids go to pot!

They say the first step to healing is identifying and owning your problem -- well, I am finally taking my house, life and kids back! I didn't get to the gym today, but baby steps Y'ALL!

We have enjoyed the company of Curtis' brother, Erick, and his family since last night. He is flying back to South Carolina tonight, while his wife, Christina, and kids head up to visit his parents and play with cousins. It's always nice to have visitors, if only for the kick-in-the-butt to tidy up the house!

I know I have yet to publish any of my pictures from this summer, but maybe I'll save it for a nice Festivus Surprise!! (You think I'm joking?)

Went to see "The Dark Knight" on Sat. at IMAX with Curtis, and my parents, sister Sonya and brother John. HOHLEE CRRAAPP!! That movie ROCKS!! Loved it on IMAX!

Well, I am getting bored with myself so I will sign off --

Love And Laughs -LAL-
Heather

California--Here We Come!!

We arrived in SoCal on the night of July 12th, after driving for 10.5 hours. That doesn't take into account the fact that I was up at 7:15am, leaving my house at 8:30am, picking up Cameron from TImberline Scout Camp in Mt. Pleasant, UT, having an early lunch in Moroni, and then finally on the road by 12:30pm. We hit St. George approx. 4:30 and visited my great-aunt & uncle Faye & Byron Jordan until 6pm. We then got on the road again and made it into San Clemente at 1:30am Utah time. UURRGHH!! I definitely hit a wall (figure of speech) at around 11pm when Brynna kept waking up every 20 minutes as she slept in her carseat in the back. Cameron was a real help trying to keep her calm and happy and coax her back to sleep. What a guy!!
So my mom and I survived life in a minivan for 12+ hours with 4 kids, and slept happily.

We are very lucky to have a chance to come stay here at my grandparents condo on the beach by the pier in San Clemente. We got to celebrate Brynna's 3rd birthday (July 15th) and my brother James' little boy, Luke's 2nd birthday (July 26th) together. Shari and her three boys have come down too and we are having lots of loud, crazy, face-stuffing FUN!! We are having fun with James, Sara, Luke & Bella, who live here and manage things while he finishes school, and my Aunt Barbara's family who are vacationing and sharing time with us at the condo.

I had a chance ot visit my good friend Jeanine (Seeman) Campbell, and her new home and three cute kids: 2 boys, Dawson & Everett, and 1 girl, Sidney. I don't get to interact with her hubby Greg, but I can tell they are a happy little bunch! They are a great little family, and I appreciate the connection I have with her. We have been friends since our freshman year at BYU and it is great to know someone who knew me "WHEN" -- Thanks Jeanine!!

We have relaxed at the beach, had a BBQ/fire ring/wienie roast where I introduced my Aunt Barbara and her family to the delights of foil-wrapped bananas that are stuffed with Symphony (toffee & almond) and mini-marshmallows. Props go to Sonya's friend, Stephanie for sharing that campfire treat with us!! YUMMY GOOEY GOODNESS!! We decided to visit Chuck E Cheese's for the little kids birthday and it worked out pretty well, and we ended up having two birthday parties, so now Brynna keeps asking me for another birthday -- we like our birthdays! What's not to like? Cake, ice cream, presents, balloons, silliness, singing!! It's a recipe for happiness in my book!!

We are now waiting for Joe & Lisa's baby to be born! And not wanting summer to end!!

Love from Semi-Sunny SC,CA!
Heather

We're Here

Cameron and I landed in Norfolk in the midst of a major storm hitting the DC Area late on Wed. We stayed in the Airport for six hours and picked up our car to drive to a few diners from Wakefield to Richmond and then on to Monticello in Charlottesville. We then drove to Oakton to visit my cousin Ben and his cute little family, and had dinner with them and my cousin Erika and her new husband Brian. We played Ticket to Ride, and then pulled into our hotel around 11:30pm. We slept in until 12:30 and now are on our way to see some more sights!

LOL

Heather

Memorial Day

Well, it's been another stretch of time since I got to write. I was able to attend Women's Conference at the beginning of May. Treat Cameron's broken arm, attend Hannah's piano recital, attend Utah PTA Convention at BYU -- still trying to understand what that's ALL ABOUT! Then spent the next week getting my yard 70% more finished. We now have full sprinklers, an arbor, curbing and grading, and grass installed!! Now if I could just get someone to buy a kidney (or some other extra organ not essential for survival) from me -- I could make the place PHENOMENAL!! I'm practically joking!

This is the kids last week of school and all they are doing is playing -- Hooray - NOT! Still trying to figure this wasted last two weeks out. I think one of my new causes is to figure out how we can get the school year shifted back to going through the 1st or 2nd week of June and then not starting until after Labor Day. I HATE!! starting school so early (August 18)!! I don't say hate a lot -- but I really do HATE IT!!!!

My bro Joe graduated from the U of U Medical School and surprised us all with the fact that he was his Class Co-President, and was speaking at the ceremonies. He did awesome -- he credits assistance from a clever friend/ghostwriter, but he did a lot, and did it well!! I had been thinking about this moment for him and what it means to all of us, his family, to share in it with him. We were all able to attend, and I was touched to write a poem about it. I haven't decided if I want to post it here or not. I wrote it for him, and have sent it to my family, where it goes from there -- we'll see. But it was a truly transecendent moment of accomplishment and fruition of a dream, a goal, I remember him talking about when he was around 11 years old. I have posted the youTube link in my Sites I Visit section -- Check it out!!

Then we had our Memorial Day GreekFest. A Mortensen family tradition that we have continued since Curtis and I love to cook and with a good amount of family around we can have some fun! My relatives in Orem let our large clan come over there to swim, play, cook, and hang out for several hours on Monday. Curtis did another awesome job, and I helped a bit with salad, drinks and chicken-shredding. :) We had close to 25 people altogether and it was another great day!! Sonya missed out because -- BOO HOO -- she's in the Bahamas!! WHAAAH!! For 2 WEEKS!! Hope she comes back tan and with a young hottie-island loverboy!! You think I'm joking?

I know there's more to talk about but I'm tired and with summer coming maybe I'll have more time to drop notes here and there, or at least get more current pictures up. One can always hope ---

Love
H

Cinco de Mayo!

Well, we had some fun this weekend! Cameron had his last game, and I was told that I was too loud from the ref. Well, we all know that I have a loud voice -- I just cheer for all the boys by name. We had fun anyways,a nd I think they were undefeated again, but I was most proud that Cameron's dedication, skill, and understanding how to be coached and part of the team has grown this past year!

we went and saw IRON MAN on Friday night and it was fun! Some great laughs and cool action sequences, wish that Gwyneth Paltrow had more to do, was a little tougher, but oh well.

I had a great time at Women's Conference Thursday and Friday. I hope to get some of my favorite thoughts writeen on the blog soon.

They are starting my sprinkler install today!!!!

The weather is beautiful and only 3 weeks left of school -- AAGGHH!!

We had a fun little gathering at our house last night -- a Chip and Salsa party for Cinco de Mayo. Just a neighbor thing, but we had a good turnout and I plan to make it a tradition! It's easy low-key and hey, the deck supported 15+ people!! Curtis assembled the patio set I got last week, so that helped a LOT!!

Good week and good times to look forward to!

Love
H

Another Two Weeks Passed...

I'm almost out of steam, but I had to get up to start the dishwasher so I will write.

Well, last Monday was the first day back from Spring Break and I think I was beat out of all things inspiring, cuz I ended up having a pretty cranky week -- MAJOR BLUE FUNK!!

We had a pretty good time during Spring Break -- the kids and I went to the Gateway and Clark Planetarium Monday the 14th, did a little shopping, some eating, and just trying to be easy-going. Then Tuesday, we --- Uh I can't remember. Anyway, on Wed. It was another blustery day in the valley and so I got some help with the kids and they went to go see Alvin and the Chipmunks, go to the Library, and let me a few hours quiet to get some stuff done around the house. That night, by two nephews came to stay with us while my bro and his wife were in San Antonio trying to make housing decisions since they are moving there for his residency in Anesthesiology. We went to a park and hung about. Then Friday, we met up with Joe & Lisa and handed off all 6 kids -- their 2, our 4 -- and Curtis and I escaped to the Little America Hotel for a 2 night stay in downtown SLC. We had lots of fun just riding TRAX, wandering around shops together. We also ate great food, saw a couple of movies, and remembered why we got married 14 years ago, April 22, 1994. CRAZY!!!

Then you might be able to tell why I was a bit of a downer the next week after having so much fun prior. We realized that a stumble Cameron had taken on Wednesday while they were outside the movies, resulted in a broken radius, which was X-Rayed on Tuesday evening and casted on Wed. late afternoon. Could we get the lame parent award? Well, to be fair, (and throw Curtis under the bus) -- I had wanted to take him in sooner but he talked me out of it. Plus, he wasn't in a ton of pain, but the doctor told us that it is a buckle fracture on the outside of his radius bone, down low near his wrist. He has a green cast, that he is already tired of and wants me to remove -- RIGHT!! But I told him, these next couple of weeks that he is feeling annoyed, he should use that energy to train his brain to resist the urge to do things that result in serious injury. Real sympathetic mom, I know!! :)

Then Hannah had her first visit to the ortho -- they placed spacers in her back molars to prepare for an apparatus that will fit up in her top palette to improve her cross bite and help her front teeth move back to being in front of her bottom teeth. It's unfortunate that she has the Mortensen jaw and crowding, but it's great that they can start when they are younger, and she most likely will be done by 10th grade. Unlike me, who had braces during my senior year -- YUCK!! But the smile has held up, so Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Brag moment -- Cameron got a passing grade to qualify him to not have to take Pre-algebra in 7th grade! He will be able to go directly into Algebra and will be on track for more advanced classes by the time he reaches high school. I loved that he did good enough with no prep time, because then when he actually does work and study, he will find that much more success. Plus, he'll be in good company with some kids he knows and respects. YEAH!!!

We are TRYING to get our yard done, but Old Man Winter had such a hold on things throughout April, that everything has been pushed back. But I will prevail. I have hit a creative block, because of decisions about money and the permanency of landscaping decisions. I lately have leaned toward a lack of decision because of how many times last year I felt like it was the wrong thing, or not the most right thing. So I've been a bit paralyzed and allow myself to be easily sidetracked from making a decision. But I am recommitting myself to do better and to bite the bullet and take some action!! It is the sound of inevitability ringing in my ear, and I must no longer keep pushing the snooze button in my life.

But, YEA YEA , my show "Moonlight" finally had a new episode!! LOVE IT!!! Also "The Office" is back and last week's was one of the funniest!! It is my one vice -- I'm hoping to cut TV out this summer, except for "So You Think You Can Dance"!! It starts May 22 --- YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!!! I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!

Well, that should catch things up for lost time. Not too many deep thoughts, but give me a break -- I'm writing aren't I???

LOVE
H

HELP!!

I'm addicted to Make Me A Supermodel! The finale was on last week and then they had the UK version from 06/07 and I can't get anything done! I am also starting to talk with an accent, or at least noticing the way I;m saying things, after listening to these Brits. It'll be over soon and then what'll I do?? HAA HAA -- But seriously -- it's really entertaining!!

We were fortunate to have the chance to watch General Conference this past weekend and even got the kids to watch some on Saturday and most of Sunday. Brynna kept wondering why we weren't "go-ying tuh cheirch"... (that's phnetic Brynna-speak.)
We got to go over to my relatives and eat yummy food and let the cousins hang out and visit and laugh.

Amazing occurance -- Brynna wore panties today for 4 hours and stayed dry!! She still won't sit on the potty anymore, but I try to find joy in what I can!

It snowed again today!! I am hoping to go skiing next week during Spring Break! Next year I definitely need a season pass -- makes it much harder to punk out and not go. One of the few activities I do where I feel calm and happy.

Still trying to find ways to not be such a hermit, but I like the anonymity also. It's a tough coin to decide which side I want to be.

All's well in our little neck of the valley --

Love
H

It's Late, and I'm A Week Behind Again!

Wow -- can time fly by!! No good excuses -- no major chaos or catastrophes (THANKFULLY!!!) I just let my Monday slip away last week, and almost did today also.

It seems I can hardly rememeber what I did last week, I was able to get some roses planted, a tree (Golden Chain), and lots of pretty pansies to add some color. Then it went add snowed on Sunday, and froze today!! A day early for April Fool's, but what are you gonna do? Welcome to Utah in the Spring!! GRRR--I'll try to not begrudge it, and hope and pray that my new plants survive (thanks Sonya for helping me!)

We had soccer practices start along with games, and minor craziness throughout. Cameron completed his most importatn project of the year -- the World Report. 6th graders are to pick a country and do research, write a paper (his was 21 pages), and create a poster to display along with an oral presentation. all the 6th graders do one, and they were loaded in the cafe-gym-atorium :). His country was Argentina, inspired by Curtis, his dad. We made treats that wer gobbled up, and he dressed up like an Argentine futbol player. Thank goodness that's over!! He worked hard, and did a great job!

Hannah visited her second orthodontist for an evaluation. She definitely has the Mortensen jaw and teeth -- Poor girl! She seems excited about the prospect and I am encouraged that it is a very real possibility that she won't be in high school having to wear braces.

Sorry about the delay -- my computer froze up and luckily some of the post was saved. I can't recall all that I had written so this will have to suffice for now --

Peace Out!

Love
H

Wow!

I've been trying to make this a habit that I'd miss if I didn't do it, but I missed last night and didn't even realize it!! I wish I heard from more of my friends and family through this blog, but then I realized I don't comment on others blogs, so no worries.

I am turning 36 tomorrow -- 2 years away from my 20th High School Reunion!! Why does getting old go so fast, and hurt so much! Not so much hurt, but recovery time sure takes longer!! Cameron has registered for JUNIOR HIGH ----AAAGGGHHH!!! I know he thinks I'm old, but one of my kids' babysitters said -- "You're one of the cool old people, Heather!" Thanks, I guess. :)

The splits might not happen, but I have not given up -- check back on Memorial Day. I will do them!!! I can do a lot of other cool things: backbend, this cool tree-pose, and then this pretzel-like pose where I clasp my hands through my right leg and slowly stand on my left leg while I am balancing. I'm going to try and get a picture posted. I'm pretty impressed with myself! :)

Happy Birthday to me!!

It has been statistically proven that birthdays are good for your health -- the more you have, the longer you live!! :)

Love
H

Two Weeks Already!

Well, I hope you missed my lack of entry last week. I was "hired" to assist in running a research/focus group -- recruiting participants, hounding them to make sure they showed up, and pulling lots of little details together. Boy, am I grateful I don't HAVE to work! I just do not have the energy or multi-directional attention to excel in family and home, and do a job too. My props go out to all those who do have to work and raise a family, but I also feel grateful that I devote so much of myself to this important work of running a home and raising 4 amazing, beautiful, talented kids. I definitely realized how much I really do when I couldn't do all of it last week. Even the "little things" like giving baths, reading books, snuggling in the morning, watching shows together, doing puzzles and homework, are BIG in the life of the kids -- and me!! I really love being a mom and I see all the ways I have shaped my mothering to complement my style, my life, and the priorities in it. That is one thing I know for sure -- your kids want YOU! They want to see, hear, feel,and experience who YOU are -- not who you think you need to be to be "a good mom", but who you really are to your core. They also want to see you experience them, soak them in, share in their light and life, glory in all their amazing-ness!

I love that I have learned that I need to fully embrace all that makes me "Heather", because only then will they have an example to follow of how to embrace their essence. I have struggled with trying to be the best mom I can be, and have learned that I need to be the best Heather I can be, and then the rest will fall into place. WHOA -- Right? Now, I still get frustrated, angry, bummed, discouraged, doubting -- but with so much less intensity and frequency than before. I owe a lot of that to a quote by Naomi Wolf and the quote by Nelson Mandela you see on this page. Naomi asserts that mothers can actually VACCINATE their daughters from low self-esteem/image by radiating their own self-love and self-acceptance. Not preaching or critiquing, not chiding or dismissing yourself, not catering to or spoiling them with vanity and pride, but by RADIATING it from your core like a candle burning within you. Hopefully my candle is more like a warm fire in a comfy cabin now, and I plan on it becoming brighter and more intense as the years go by.

After hearing that quote, it became a mantra for me -- one who has struggled, for the first 25-or-so years of my life, with accepting and loving herself, JUST AS I AM. I encourage anyone who is still trying to understand their role, their purpose, their essence to grab onto those things that make you authentically happy and relish them! You don't have to be a parent to radiate love and acceptance -- you just need to remember that we aren't the source of the light, we are just conduits, we are the mirrors reflecting light into the dark places in this world, into the hearts, homes, and lives we touch. Please know how grateful I am for my life and those who share it with me.

Changing subjects -- Emma is turning "6"!! What a doll she is, so much fun, mischievousness, joie de vivre, tenderhearted, loving, competitive, determined, smart, patient with me, quick to laugh -- just TOO CUTE!! I often say -- "Emma, will you do me a favor? 'Yes, Mom.' 'Will you please stop being so cute 'cause I can hardly stand it sometimes!' (This is when she realizes how much she means to me and she grins her dimpled smile and says, 'NO, Mom!' 'Please, Emma, I don't think I can take it, you're just too cute!!' 'NO, Mom!' 'You mean you'll promise to stay cute for me forever and never change?' 'NO, Mom! I mean, Yes, Mom!' 'OK, as long as you promise to never forget how much I love you, I won't make you stop being cute. Deal?' 'O-K, Mom!" (This is when she rolls her eyes at me, but is still smirking with that little dimpled smile.) UGGHH -- I almost can't handle it!!! I am truly blessed to not have only one child that I love beyond words, but 4 true gifts from God, and a wonderful husband to share it all with. Do whatever you can to SEE into the heart of a child, whether it's yours, or another's -- all children need to feel seen, heard, and known. May you feel love, laughter, and light in your life...

Until next time --
H

Birthdays and Hives

Well, Curtis' cough is finally better. He turned "36" on February 23rd and spent his day fishing. I recruited help from some family and friends and started decorating and constructing closet organizers for his office as a surprise. It's still a bit of a mess but, it will look great! A real MAN-CAVE!! We went out for dinner to a Thai restaurant on Friday night, and by Saturday, he had an allergic reacton to who-knows what -- Hives! Swollen eye, hands, splotches, mild fever, and general discomfort -- what a way to commemorate a birthday! He is looking much better today -- he can finally get his ring loose again. It had been stuck on his swollen fingers, it was CRAZY!!

Curtis's brother Lance is here for a visit. He's looking to relocate after an extended hang-out session at his parents in Ontario, OR. He is a super-talented artist and is hoping to get back into the grind of adulthood, finding a job, and maybe getting a girl!! We're all glad to help him out -- that's what family is for!

I am gearing up for Emma's birthday next, then mine. It's nice to have the birthdays is a chunk -- the Feb/Mar, and then June/July.

I have posted a new site that I hope you all will check out. I have been a fan of Ben Stein for awhile, and saw that he has a movie coming out! You have got to check out the super trailer! What is it that we can do -- what difference will it really make? I am telling you right now -- "The only thing for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." This is a crazy time with technology, opinion, truth, ignorance, politics, and daily living to deal with. But it is a true gift to have access to information and our right to ask questions. Find a way to make your voice heard. Study out the issues that concern you and don't allow the "Liberal fascism" movement take hold. (You can google that term.)

Soap Box? Yes, a little. There are a lot of things that sound good, but one thing to remember is that only you have the power to make your life what you want. You just have to know WHAT YOU REALLY WANT! Just keep asking questions until you get answers that resonate within you.

I'll close with a joke I heard once concerning creation --

After thousands of years, scientists were thrilled that they had finally figured out how to create man from the dust. By doing so, they were convinced that God was no longer necessary. They presented their "man" to God and expressed their sense of accomplishment. God replied, "Get your own dust."

There are so many better ways to spend the time than trying to prove whether or not God exists, and whether or not He is relevant. I concur with the sentiment of CS Lewis, "I know God exists, in the way that I know the sun exists. Not because I can see it, but because by it, I can see everything else." (paraphrased quote)

I know that each day I can try a little harder to do a little better in my life -- I hope the same for you.

Love-
H

Real Quick

This will be short and sweet.

We are all doing so much better! I am sad that the snow has been melting so much because I can see the yucky mud, but then my mom reminded me my bulbs should be coming out in the next 4 weeks -- YEAH!!

We've implemented a chore chart -- I was getting a little tired of being tired of things: reminding the kids of their chores, responsibilities, importance of teamwork and family togetherness, consideration and appreciation, yada,yada,yada. Things are off to a good start (minus Hannah's fits and freak-outs, but I take those in stride now).

Curtis is still hacking with a persistant cough that he can't seem to shake -- I want to give him a mask, but that might be a little insensitive -- Thoughts?

Trying to plan a get-away for our 14th anniversary in April. Still in the works...

Filing -- UGH!! Need I say more?!

Toys -- UGH!! Need I say more?!

Books, math, Disney movies are all my life -- only one is a true joy -- can you guess?

LOTS OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER!!

C U L8R --
H

Yee-Haw!!

I finally got to go skiing on Saturday, and Cameron took his first lesson EVER!! He did great, got a little beat up, but it was a BEE-YOU-TI-FULL DAY!! Sundance is sooooo overpriced, but Cameron had a 6th Grade SkiUtah Passport that lets him ski free with a paying adult to all Utah Resorts -- sorry Curtis, I just have to go!!

What a great hubby I have, to stay with our daughters while I go off and play in the snow!!

My sis, Sonya, came along and we had a great time!! What a rush -- plus, I didn't crash once!! She's still got it, even after more than 5 years!! Oh YEAH!!

Got a great compliment from a dad of one of my Primary kids -- "So, are you trying to be teacher of the year?' 'What do you mean? (I ask)' 'Well, Maddie talks about you all the time, and just thinks you're great!" Maddie is one of the three kids I have the privilege of sharing the gospel with in our Sunday School every week. The only girl, amongst two rowdy (but sweet-hearted boys). I highly recommend to all that we make sure to express gratitude to those who serve in the small, common ways, because we never hear it enough! So I am grateful for my siblings and their laughter and understanding and acceptance. I am grateful for my children who help me to remember to not take life too seriously. I am grateful to my husband who always tries. I am grateful to the anonymous strangers I meet who are open, and ready to smile or laugh with me. I am grateful to those who let me work in their yards and plant flowers for them. I am grateful to friends whom I don't see often, but through the memories that we've shared, keep me in touch with the authentic parts of my self. I am grateful to my parents and their sacrifices for me and how they taught me how to enjoy work. I am grateful to the friends who let me be me, and let me serve them. I am GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL to all those who help me with my children, my life, my sanity, and bless me and my family in countless ways!!
I am grateful to God in all His goodness and glory, wisdom and joy, and bounteous blessings! I am grateful that I know who I am, where I came from and where I am going, and what IT'S ALL FOR!

I am grateful for indoor plumbing and CHOCOLATE!!, disposible diapers, and washing machines!! Marie Callendar's pies and fresh guacamole with chips! I am grateful for authors and composers, inventors and explorers, and people who are committed to making each day a little better in their own corner of the world! Keep on truckin'! It's ALL worth it!

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, I actualy spent some time in my garage tidying. I must admit, I am not looking forward to the brown interim before Spring returns. Is there a way to keep the brown ground covered until its resdy to burst green again? Did I say I was grateful for Michael Buble -- well, I AM!! Also, Sting, Barry Manilow, Luciano Pavarotti, Celine Dion, Walt Disney, Faith Hill, Barbra Streisand (performance, not politics), Queen Latifah, and so many more that bless the soundtrack of my life!!

Well, I have gone on a little long tonight -- but can you ever be too grateful?

I challenge anyone who reads this to start listing what you are grateful for -- I DARE YOU to feel bummed out!!

I leave a thought that reminds me to be a little more humble when I feel I am stumbling through my life --

"It is hard to stumble when you are already on your knees."

Remember that it ALL comes from somewhere -- so why not be grateful?!

Love
H

Already Behind

No, this is not a reference to anatomy -- but the start I have gotten in my week. Monday was meeting with Emma's teacher who informed me of what I already knew (but love hearing from others!) -- She is smart, funny, kind, clever, quick to help (OK, that's a surprise) and an all-around joy to have in class! I am a lucky mom to have such great kids!

Yeah Giants!! It's great to see the underdog pull out a last quarter victory! Tom Brady is just too much for his own good -- Petty, I know, but you can't be that good-looking, with a super-model girlfriend and a new dad with no commitment to the mother (props to Bridget Moynahan), yada, yada, yada -- in any game there is always a winner and a loser -- Yeah, Giants!

Check out YouTube for Curtis' new stop-motion fly tying How-to. It's gotten nearly 2,000 hits since Sunday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkUQshzp-3I

Should see my grand-puppies this week -- All girls! Okay, I'm not a grandma, but we will look at Napoleon's first litter -- first try, big success!! More teacher meetings this week. More organizing and cleaning. More stretching, running, reading, and relaxing! So glad to be feeling better! So glad to have lots of beautiful snow outside -- LIFE IS GOOD!!

Good Luck with your week and until next Monday -- Live Long and Prosper!!

Love
H

Slow Start

Well -- it's Monday again! I am excited for a new week to start. The morning started off slow, I am trying to get more sleep at night but I have yet to master ignoring my Brynna's cries -- the time is short when she will call for me and I am her comfort, so I accomodate it. Plus, I'm too tired to fight it at 2 am!

Got back to the gym and speed-walked and jogged for 45 minutes. I make sure I get at least 3 miles. I try to keep my pace between 3.8 and 5.8, but I was also trying to read the captions for the State of the Union tonight, so I walked more than usual. My bro, John, has started joining me in Power Yoga twice a week. It makes me more committed than ever! SPLITS BY 36!!

Little storm blew in, nothing like what they predicted -- I love a good storm! As long as it's not in the spring! But it sure was WINDY!! Poor Napoleon could hardly stand going outside to do his business!! Lots to do this week, so I'm signing off!

Until Monday comes again --
Love
H

Monday, Monday

Well, it's actually Tuesday, but who's checking? Well after 19 days of awful sickies, grossness, and all around BLAHS!, the Fry gang seems to be back on track. Big thanks to Terri, John, Sonya, Becky, Jacqui, and Melissa for being there when I needed you!

We had another big snowstorm yesterday for the holiday and I actually got out and shoveled snow! I also cleaned and tidied and then we went out to dinner as a family to Macaroni Grill. Curtis had received a gift card, so we splurged a little -- food great, but a TAD overpriced! He'll be gone for the next 4 days, so it was a nice way to spend time as a family before I'm feeding mac and cheese, sandwiches, hot dogs and tacos exclusively.

We also learned that Napoleon has successfully begun to earn his keep. Our stud efforts have resulted in 4 female pups being born to Daisy Girl, a cute little blck and white Shih-Tzu we mated with in November. We will see them in a few weeks, and plan on choosing pick of the litter to sell on our own.

Lastly -- I wanted to take a moment and remember Martin Luther King, Jr. I have deep respect for the man, for his family, and for the path he chose. He's definitely on my list of people I want to meet in Heaven. In spite of any weaknesses that his critics try to use to discredit him, the man was an example of sacrifice, intelligence, and peace. Thank you Dr. King for your life and commitment to make the world a better place.

Until next week --
H

Yuck Day - Part II

Well -- fortunately, Brynna is doing much better after starting a round of antibiotics for a double-ear infection. Unfortunately, Heather has gotten worse, not better. Fortunatley, Curtis hasn't been hit too hard with the sickies. Unfortunately, Curtis is gone in Las Vegas for 3 1/2 days, leaving me alone with my SICKIES to take care of the kids, dog, house, etc... Fortunately, I can hang out in my jammies until whenever if I really want to; unfortunately, I feel like a total slob if I stay in my jammies, and all I want to do is stay in bed. Fortunately, Hannah was home today because she felt sick, and she helped me with Brynna; unfortunately, she was home today to bicker with Emma and missed school. Fortunately, tomorrow is another day, and we will hope for a good night's rest, and healthy kids tomorrow. May all your Mondays be Fun-days!!

Here's hoping Aunt Terri's meds start kicking in!!

Love
H

(The preceding account is an homage to a favorite children's book "Fortunately" -- highly recommended!)

Yuck Day

Sorry -- I know it's Mon-day, but for me it was No-Fun-Day. Brynna cried and was cranky until about noon -- she was up at 7am. I finally was able to sneak some Tylenol into some soda and it kicked in around 1pm. Then she improved. We all are a little under the weather, from coughs, to sore throats, to stuffy noses and Brynna's green boogers that she loves to wipe across her cheek and then follow me around the house with them on her finger until I can clean them off -- YEAH!! It's good to be home, but after Christmas clean up is taking a little bit longer -- (refer to situation above.)

My count down has begun for Spring -- although I do love winter for the snow and quiet stillness that I imagine my life could be if I lived in a Robert Frost poem or Thomas Kinkade painting. I get a little tickled when I think of my bulbs emerging and all the plants I want to get in the ground. But, I truly do enjoy the winter, I sometimes wish we got the kind of snow that they are getting in Colorado, but you are where you are.

I am now the Primary Teacher for the Valiant 11 -- and there are 3 kids in my class, but we're off to a good start I think. It's all about treats and bribery -- Right?

I should have some pictures up by next week . . .

Until then,I leave with this thought -- "We are all manufacturers -- Some make good, others make trouble, and still others make excuses."

Love
H

Great Flick

Hey All -- Back yesterday from 13 great sunny days in So. Cal.!!! The kids and I stayed overnight in Mesquite (thank you Curtis!) and we made it home in one piece, but I'm having latent backaches and armaches, probably from trying to restrain myself from trying to control and help them during the drive. Cameron and Hannh worked hard to be great Wingmen, and Emma was a HUGE help making sure I knew how far away we were from the city coming up next! It makes me think more road trips are in the future --- if only gas wasn't so FREAKISHLY, OUTLANDISHLY, priced OUT OF CONTROL!!
I've been cleaning up Christmas, and Curtis has been stuck in meetings from 6:30am-10pm for the last two days, so we went out on a date -- Sizzler and a movie. Sizzler -- EEGGHH -- not much to say about that. Movie -- Dan in Real Life -- YEEHAAH! It is a winner!! We are big fans of Steve Carrell's from "The Office" and we are so glad that this movie turned out so good! It's so nice to see him not as Michael Scott -- 5/5 Stars!
One other recommendation -- The Flying Scotsman. It is a small, independent film (true story) about a Scottish cyclist who battles personal demons to set new world records and also created new innovations in the construction of racing cycles. Sorry to say, it is PG-13 for a pivotal confrontation scene where the F-word is used twice. So, I hope you don't think I'm lame for recommending it -- but I really liked it! 4/5 Stars
Love
H