P is for Papa

Today my father has a birthday. Is it possible to rewind the film of life and imagine for one horrible second what this world would be like without him? How the lives of his parents and siblings would be different? How my mother's life would be different? How me and my siblings and our families would cease to exist? How the lives of all the people he has touched would be changed? The individuals he served as a full-time missionary, mission president, seminary teacher, bishop, stake president, home teacher, young men's leader, etc? This world would be a completely different place...and all because of one man.

One man.

I don't doubt the difference one individual can make because I have my father and I've seen how he has spent his life quietly changing all the corners he has been in. He is a servant of the Lord and his family. With all the other experiences of life, these are the two priorities I have seen him give his heart and soul to. Words cannot begin to express the love and gratitude I feel for my father. He is my hero. He is my friend. He is my dad. I am so blessed.

I love you Papa! Happy birthday!

A Day to Remember

I have a tender place in my heart for Memorial Day. I like to think of it as "Memory Day". It is a time for me to truly pay homage in my heart and soul to all the individuals who set their feet upon a path and saw it through to the end....good and bad, tragic and joyous, sacrifice and blessing, hardship and work, consecration of life, health, fortune, and family in the name of something bigger than themselves. Starting what you finish. Finishing what you start. Believing in dreams that take you to the highest mountains and the lowest valleys.

Last night I sat in a minivan with my husband and 3 children and read them the story of my great-grandparents Oscarson as we drove through a dark and dismal rainstorm to the cemetary where they are buried. I imagined Gustav Emil with his heart planted firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ and his feet pointed toward Zion. With his homeland and family at his back, and the promise of new life among the Saints in Zion in front of him, he sailed on that ship to a new world, a new life. It was met with great hardship and trial but with enduring faith. I always cry when I read about Johanna coming to join him, the birth of their 3 children, the death of their 2nd little girl, and ultimately, the death of this young mother. I feel gratitude to my great-grandmother who had the compassion to come care for this young family and found eternal love and joy where there had been such great sorrow. I love these stories. I tell them to my children every year on the way to the cemetary so they will know and love and appreciate these people whose very heart and soul exist in their own. We placed flowers on their graves and I was touched as HB knelt down by the grave of Johanna and placed a paper flower that she had so lovingly spent the afternoon making. HB bears Johanna's name and it is with pride that I watch these 2 great women connect in small ways. I hope HB will carry Johanna's courage and strength, her passion for the gospel, her dedication to family and home. I hope all 3 of my children will feel the strength of the blood that runs in their veins.

After leaving the cemetary, we drove into town and visited the lot where my great-grandparents had their home and orchard. With the help of Papa on the cell phone, we were able to locate the 4 big apple trees that still stand on a portion of this land, original trees planted by my grandparents. I let my eyes sweep from one side of the block to the other and tried to imagine the life they had here. It mentions in their biographies that their home and land were truly considered heaven on earth for them. It will always be a sacred place for me.

And today my feelings are still tender. I am remembering my Grandma and Grandpa Oscarson...my beautiful grandmother turned 100 years old on Saturday. I would like to think there was a small memorial service in heaven with lace doilies and beautiful flowers and music to celebrate her life here on earth. I think of my beloved Aunt Boo and Aunt Ruthy who I miss so much. They each filled their places in this world with love and laughter and joy and so much beauty! I am remembering Chris' Grandma and Grandpa Anderson, their faith and love and untiring service to church and family. I wish I had known Chris' Grandpa Carr. I think I would have loved him. There are so many who are on my mind today. I hope they know I appreciate their lives. Every one of them have stories that illustrate the principle of setting your feet on solid ground with faith in your heart, a testimony burning in your soul, and a desire to win a good race. Each of them faced trials and heartaches...and each of them had such love and joy in their lives. I celebrate their paths that have helped me create my own and the strength they have each let me borrow through their examples and legacy.

Last week, Abby took a beautiful picture of my parents. They are walking down a street together with their hands firmly clasped together and their faces pointing toward the great Salt Lake City temple. It was a candid shot but it speaks volumes about the individuals in my life who continue to set their faces and hearts forward and move with more courage and determination than I have ever seen.

Today I celebrate memories and journeys both past and present. Today I feel to rededicate myself to the journey I am on with greater faith, determination and courage. I want to celebrate where I have been and the potential of where I can go. I want to celebrate all the sacrifices that have been made to enable me and my family to be where we are and enjoy the incredible blessings we partake of daily. It is a day to rejoice and move forward!

Just So Daily

It is 9:20 a.m. and I am girding my loins. The day looks sunny...I'll try and remember to stop and appreciate how beautiful it is outside.

10:15 a.m.: HB has preschool graduation. Take camera...make sure she goes to the bathroom BEFORE the ceremony starts. Maybe pack an extra pair of underwear just in case.

11:00 a.m.: Babysit my friend's little girl.

11:50 a.m.: Get MC to kindergarten. Does he have a clean shirt to wear?

12:00 p.m.: Feed children lunch (remember that a poptart and chocolate milk does not count as a well-balanced meal), get ingredients for dessert and treats to take to JC's last soccer game.

1:35 p.m.: Attend JC's music performance at school. Take video camera...is it charged?

2:10 p.m.: Rush home and clean house in preparation for writing group tonight. Try to identify and remove brain stain from couch. Make cupcakes for dessert.

3:00 p.m.: Pick up kids from school. Remember to pull up to the appropriate spot BEFORE the kids open the door and try to climb in while the car is still moving. Drop off carpool.

4:30 p.m.: Get JC to soccer game. Last game of the season...don't forget to take treats or you will be scorned by a team of 8-9 year olds.

5:30 p.m.: Make dinner...clean house again. Frost cupcakes. Make sure all the pee on the bathroom floor is cleaned up. Plug in air freshener so guests tonight won't suspect that your boys are urine-disabled and don't understand that the big, white pot is for the pee and not just decoration.

6:00 p.m.: Eat dinner. (Remember that eating Cocoa Puffs more than once a week for dinner does not constitute as a well-balanced meal.)

7:00 p.m.: Writing group...my turn to host. Have I written anything in the last month? Could share that story that I wrote in college.

9:00 p.m.: Get kids to bed before 10:00 p.m. so they don't fall asleep in the middle of field day tomorrow.

I'm exhausted.

Last night as we were putting the boys to bed, Chris happened to be reading a little biography on Edgar Allan Poe. JC listened attentively as Chris read about Poe being orphaned at 3 years old, moving out of his foster home at 16 years old, marrying his 13 year old cousin, and then having a complete and total nervous breakdown in his 30's after his wife died. Now JC looked a little stunned through the whole narrative but he really perked up at the "nervous breakdown" part and in his typical manner, began his line of questioning.

What is a nervous breakdown?
What happens?
What kind of medicines do they give people who have had one?
Do you have to go to the hospital?
What kinds of strange things happen?
Do we know anyone that has ever had one?
Have you ever had one, Dad?
Etc, etc, etc.

I hadn't anticipated educating my 8-year old on nervous breakdowns but I'm ever so grateful that my husband didn't just point to me and say, "JC, your mother has them every day. Any other questions?"

Real life is just so real.

P.S. Reading the little bio on Edgar Allan Poe was accidental...just in case you think I feed my children crap all day and then finish it off with a horror story before bed. Sigh. Have I lost my chance for Mother of the Year again??

Ode to May...Continued

Where was I?

Ah, yes. Why I love May...we covered warmer weather, tulips and Mother's Day.

Reason #4: The BBQ grill. It makes delcious meats, veggies, grilled pineapple, toasted breads and even yummy pizza. Favorite grill recipe from this week's line-up:


Grilled Pizza

Buy pita pockets from the store (don't cut them or anything...you're just going to use them as a yummy pizza crust!) Brush a little olive oil on both sides. Heat the grill to "low" and place the pita bread right on the rack. Let them "brown" for 2-3 minutes, then flip them over. Then add your ingredients...I placed yummy sun-dried tomato pesto, real mozzarella cheese, peppers, and olives on the pizza then closed the grill to let the other side cook and let the ingredients all melt together in cheesy heaven. They are so good. The kids ate them right up and asked for more. Can't beat that!

Reason #5: School is almost out. I have reached my threshold for fixing school lunches, doing homework, running carpool, washing and ironing white shirts for "dress" day, projects, spelling homework, tests, etc. I need a break and I KNOW my sweet children need a break. We are ready to hang out in jammies all morning, eat breakfast at 11:00 a.m., go swimming, go on field trips, play with friends, get out the hose, eat lots of popsicles, and rediscover why we love hanging out together without all the distractions getting in the way. Love my little people!!

And as an added bonus...my husband has a birthday! All the other birthdays in our family are clumped into the fall/winter months so we look forward to having a good reason to eat cake and throw a party in May. Plus we think he is pretty amazing and we love occasions to tell him that!

Happy May! Go eat a popsicle, dust off the plastic swimming pool, and get ready for some fun!

Ode to May

I love the month of May for several reasons. (This has the feel of a very proper 5 paragraph essay...note the topic sentence.) First, the weather is warmer. I have received my first sunburn and while my dermatologist will not be happy (and I'm definitely not advocating sun worship without 80 plus protection) it does represent a positive turn in climate for me.

This represents the bright red coloring of my sunburn after serving meat at the school carnival for too many hours.

Second, the tulips. I can't put into words my affection for tulips. They are happy and glorious and burst forth in our yard with such vigor and color that I can't help but feel gloriously spring like every time I walk out my front door. While we do not claim to be master gardeners, we do have a certain flair for tulips. Glorious tulips.

Our front yard during the month of April and May. It is a splendid place to be!

The tulips at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Every variety, every color, every shape and size. Magnificent!

The tulips at Temple Square. See what a tulip junkie I am? If there is a beautiful tulip to be appreciated in this state, I'm there.

Third, Mother's day. I look forward to it all year. I don't have to turn a year older, I don't have to buy gifts for anyone else, I get chocolate, a chance to sleep in, and sometimes a nap. I don't feel any obligation to cook or clean. Primary children sing in sacrament meeting and everyone is relatively nice and pleasant. Long ago I abandoned any guilt feelings associated with the day. I'm doing the best I can and occasionally that involves some really ungraceful moments but I've vowed to live and learn, say sorry alot, and move on. It makes my nap on Mother's Day so much more pleasant.

This Mother's Day was especially stupendous. It started on Saturday evening when my husband prepared my absolute favorite meal of steak on the grill, yummy potatoes, and salad complete with a tulip center piece. My heart and stomach sang his great praises!

I married a genius. A kind-hearted man who understands his wife's need for red meat seared to perfection on the grill. And those potatoes...ah.


Did I mention the perfectly seasoned potatoes?

Homemade bread wrapped in parchment paper with a big, spring like bow and a delicious jar of lemon curd. Our gift to some of our favorite women! (I guess I lied about not giving gifts...but this gift giving was fun and not painful.)

Saturday night my father-in-law showed up with a delicious box of chocolates and a very kind, thoughtful card. Kind-hearted men who understand a woman's need to indulge runs in my husband's family. I'm so grateful! It was a lovely treat!

Sunday morning I received a beautiful daisy plant and a scrumptious breakfast. My husband made me the largest omelet I have ever laid eyes on filled with veggies and heavenly bacon. (That was "heavenly"...not "healthy") I received a large package of Rees' Peanut Butter Cups and a fabulous new CD by my favorite singer, Diana Krall. We slow danced to sultry music in the middle of kitchen for a second before the children broke it up claiming we were making them sick to their stomachs. (Truly all we were doing was dancing...ah, if they could just maintain that attitude until they were safely married!)

The primary children sang in sacrament meeting. Always a favorite. And the bishopric presented each woman with a package of truffles. The church is true!

Due some unfortunate throwing up, our evening plans were altered a bit when the boys and I took off without Chris or HB and headed to SLC to celebrate the remainder of "Lady's Day" with my family. I was so grateful for my husband's sweet gesture. Normally I would not have left him but I'm becoming really possessive of the time I have left with my parents. Hong Kong is really far away.

Our evening started with a stroll through Temple Square and the magnificent gardens.

Out of all the people present, my brother-in-law was the only person I could get to pose for a picture in this ever so fabulous place to take a picture. So...here is Todd.

Oh, these darling, darling boys. How I love them! The one on the right made me a mother for the first time. The one on the left snuggles in my lap every morning and reminds me why I love this job.

Is this couple capable of not looking perfectly "vogue" and photogenic ALL the time? I love Chip and ML.

After a garden stroll, we headed up to Mo and Papa's "social" room for a feast. Mo had prepared a Cafe Rio buffet that was spectacular. Of course I was so busy eating that I neglected to get out my camera. I was so touched at the labor of love this meal was. Here it was Mother's Day and she had been laboring to feed everyone else. The woman is a saint...and a divine cook. The evening was cozy and warm and perfect. I love family and grandparents and aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews. I sorely missed my husband and daughter but I was so grateful to be able to celebrate with my extended family! Thank you again Chris.

And so the saga must pause for a moment. I haven't finished my 5 paragraph essay on why I love spring but I must go feed my hungry children and watch a 3-inning T-ball game. Life is calling!

My Daughter's Eyes

I don't know why, but looking at this picture is like looking into my daughter's soul. I caught my breath when I first saw the picture. She is everything this picture says she is...beautiful, smart, independent, tenacious, funny, sweet, determined...she is a princess and I love her dearly.



Thank you Spencer for sharing this amazing talent and gift you possess. These moments you capture and your eye for spotting them are absolutely priceless to me!

For more fabulous work by Spencer, check out Oscarson Photography

A Modern Day Fairy Tale

Today is storytelling day. I have a fabulous fairy tale to share with you and I promise a happy, spectacular ending. Get your favorite blanket, maybe a bowl of delicious popcorn, and curl up in your chair. Here we go…

Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a fair maiden. Not only did this maiden have great legs, fabulous hair, and a winning smile, but she also had brains. She was smart…so, so smart. And talented. Loaded with looks, talent, great legs, drive, and ambition, she left her kingdom of St. Louis and set out for the wilds of Provo, Utah. There she entered the kingdom of BYU and with courage and fortitude, set about to change the world. But sometimes dreams unfold a little differently than we plan. She worked hard, she studied, and she succeeded. Everything was on track…until the prince entered.

It did not take her long to realize he was a prince…and not just an ordinary prince. You see, in the kingdom of BYU, there were lots of "ordinary" princes. But to find a prince like this one…she knew she was in trouble. The princess fell madly in love but had a decision to make. To marry the prince meant changing her immediate dreams. To not marry the prince meant losing her life long dream. She did not hesitate…and to the grandest of all castles they traveled and wed. Not once did she look back. She embraced her new future with all the tenacity, passion, and courage she had always shown. And a new adventure began.

The princess and prince were now a king and queen and they had a family…a rather large family. They raised 7 children. Each child was blessed abundantly by their parents. No gift was spared. They were given physical, emotional and spiritual gifts that would bless their lives beyond measure. This queen traveled to foreign lands with small children, learned the language, embraced the culture, and charmed people with her strength of character and determination. She saw 7 children through the jungles of public education. She served and taught and led troops in so many different capacities and positions. All 7 of her children graduated from college with bachelor’s degrees. One child earned a doctorate degree and 3 received master’s degrees. Four children served full-time missions. All 7 children married in the temple. She truly has been a queen.

Several years ago, just as she knew she would one day do, the queen returned to the dream of her youth. She returned to the kingdom of BYU to finish what she had started so many years before. It was frought with challenges and diversions but she held to her course. She entered this new challenge a queen with life experiences to strength and carry her. And with even greater intellect, cuter legs (if that is even possible), and just as much determination, she finished her quest. And it was great cause to celebrate.

And so our story comes to a type of ending…but just of a chapter, not of the epic tale. My mother, at age 58, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University last weekend. All 7 of my siblings as well as a few in-laws and grand children, watched her walk across the stage in the Marriott Center and accept her diploma. We clapped, we cheered, we yelled insanely (even though we were told not to) and many of us wept tears of joy and gratitude for this queen among us. Each of us, especially as we grow older, are mindful of the numerous sacrifices she has made to help each of us children achieve in our lives. She has sacrificed much. And even know she continues to give us amazing gifts. I hope my children never forget the sight of their grand mother in her cap and gown. I hope somewhere in their minds and hearts they understand the legacy of learning they have been given…not just in temporal things but in spiritual things as well. I hope they continue to watch my mother serve and learn and sacrifice and understand what a queen among women she is. She is a gift. And because of her and my father, we truly have reason to believe in ever after and happy, happy endings. It’s what the gospel and families are all about.

Happy Graduation Mo! I love you!

(P.S. Once again, I’m without photographic proof. Once I saw Spencer documenting the events, I put away my sad, old camera and pray that he will send pictures. Please travel to Mo or any of my sibling’s blogs. They have documented it beautifully!)

Moving On

There is a reason why journal writing doesn't work for me. It has something to do with the way I look at the world. Everything is black or white (bear with me...we're speaking metaphorically, not literally). There are no other shades of anything in my world. Either I sit down and write about the entire experience I've just had complete with adjectives, thrilling verbs, and pages of detailed description supported by photographic evidence...or I don't. There is no in between. Instead of saying, "Oh, I've got a couple of minutes to remember some of the highlights of this amazing experience", I walk away and dream about how I'll describe it or review the details I hope I don't forget when I finally get around to writing. See how complicated this makes things?

So much has happened. And I've written so many wonderful entries in my head. But now my head is getting so cluttered and my mind is spinning with all the experiences I haven't recorded that I have decided to seize this moment, in between cleaning the bathroom and vacuuming the preschool crumbs, to simply list the wonders of my life.

a) Our oldest son was baptized at the end of February. I can't believe he is 8 years old. It was an amazing day and I'm so grateful for the family and friends that were able to share it with us. The gospel is true. I am eternally grateful for this gift I can share with my children and for the ways it blesses our lives.

b) JC celebrated his 8th birthday with a "Series of Unfortunate Events" birthday party. Chris made a deadly viper snake cake that was both terrifying and fabulous and we had a party full of ingenius games and activities (thanks to my 8 year old's amazing imagination!). Loads of fun, fun, fun.

c) JC and MC both performed in their annual school play. JC was an extra...villager and party goer. MC was a peasant boy named Sam. My favorite performance was the night JC came on stage having to go to the bathroom so badly that I feared there would be a puddle center stage. He danced, he held himself, he turned red in the face until finally another "villager" sent him off stage to go take care of things. I wasn't the only one giggling in the audience.

d) JC has started playing soccer and attending cub scouts. New adventures in this mom's life.

e) HB has started gymnastics. There is nothing in this world cuter than 4-year old in pink leotard.

f) Our family went to Mesa Verde National Park for spring break. It was an amazing trip...breathtaking and spectacular. Next we spent an afternoon hiking Arches National Park in a wind storm that we were afraid was going to carry our youngest child away. Then we finished the trip off by getting caught in a sudden spring snow storm in Price, UT where we decided to hunker down for the night. The next morning, while picking up some healthy donuts at Wal-Mart, JC announced that he wanted to move to Price. When I asked him why, he said it was because of the "17-star luxurious hotel accomodations and the fact that the Wal-Mart had a fun center with video games." Translation...the hotel had an indoor pool and cable TV and the Wal-Mart had some video games. It was a great vacation and I hate being back to "reality".

g) I ran a 5K last Saturday in 32:29. Then our whole family ran in a 1K fun run that ended with free popsicles and bananas. Anyone want to guess what the kid's favorite part was?

OK. I'm purged. I can now look forward to the next event without fear. I am caught up and I managed to do it without writing a huge novel and adding an entire photographic exhibit. I really do wish you could see the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, the extremely deadly viper cake, and how handsome my son looked on his baptismal day but I will let it go. I'm embracing the gray that lurks in between the black and white. And it's not so bad.

Is Hong Kong Near Sweden?

On March 25, 2009, we received a summons to gather at Carrie Ann and Todd's home at 7:30 p.m. for the beginning of a new chapter in our family's adventures. My parents had finally received their mission call!

It was a truly magical moment! Mo and Papa, Grandma and Grandpa Green, Chip and ML's family, Carrie and Todd, and my little brood all gathered together around that large white envelope sitting on the ottoman and tried to imagine where this next chapter would take my sweet parents. We quickly had the Giles family on Skype and Emily, Abby and Spencer all on various cell phones sitting next to the "envelope". My whole family was gathered. All of us were present. Even though I couldn't see all the faces of these people I love and adore above anything on this planet, I can't tell you how strong their presence was felt.

The first order of business was to have everyone write down their mission call predictions. (We were secretly testing the mind reading powers and ability to predict the future talents of all family members. When all was said and done, Sho and Jacob are the real talent in this family. They both nailed it! ) Even Sarah held up a poster with their family's predictions...although James won in my book. He guessed Lebanon.

Finally the moment arrived. And I'll let you see for yourself how it all unfolded. (I taped these 2 segments with my digital camera and our headphones are broken so I don't even know if this will work. I'm not the family member with the tech savvy know-how!)

A strange hush fell over the room when they read the words "Hong Kong, China". We are deeply entrenched in our past experiences in Sweden. Consciously admitted or not, I think many of us thought they were headed back to the homeland. So truly it took some of us a moment to figure out if there was a "Hong Kong" in Sweden?!

My parents are so excited...and so prepared. There is an enormous legacy of missionary service that runs in the veins of the people around me. I have felt that legacy connect us from generation to generation as I read the accounts of my ancestors and watch the events unfold in my current family. My parents would have gone anywhere and done absolutely anything. They live and breathe the words to the hymn "I will go where you want me to go dear Lord". I have watched them serve in every calling in the church from mission president to seminary teacher to stake president, bishop, primary, young women's, washing dishes at the temple, etc. with equal zeal, enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Lord. And so begins a new chapter in their lives and consequently, in my life. I have a feeling that China is about to take a very central place in our lives. I have a feeling that there are lives about to be changed because Paul and Bonnie Oscarson are headed for China. I know already that my life is changing because of what I am witnessing and feeling in watching them prepare and accept this new call. It is with joy and gratitude and a deep testimony rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ that I rejoice in the call to serve that my parents have received. I will miss them...I will cry sometimes because they will be far away...but I will be forever grateful for the ways they are touching and blessing the lives of my family...especially my children.

If I knew how to speak even one word in Chinese, I would insert it right here.

Let the adventure begin!!!

Good, Hearty Laugh

A friend sent me this link and I was doubled over laughing. I think a tear even escaped my eye. Ah, that felt good. I need a good, hearty laugh to get this day going.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxtgLzi-aK0&eurl=http://blogs.denverpost.com/celebritybull/2009/03/10/octomom-birthing-video/&feature=player_embedded

Humble

I can't even really be humble. My ultra-talented brother Spencer and his ultra-talented wife, Sho, are starting to expand their photography business and you MUST go check it out. They are amazing and most of the pictures hanging in our home have been done by them. While they currently live in Washington, D.C., they occasionally come out to Utah. I love their photography because it captures the essence of their subjects...the pictures above are my favorite because I truly see the personality and spirit of each of my children in those pictures.

I'm not even trying to be humble. Just so proud of them.

http://www.oscarsonphotography.com/

Pura Vida: The Finale

I mean really...it just goes on and on. But we are going to call this the "finale" in hopes that it will help me move on with my life and quit dwelling on paradise.

Tuesday morning we slept...until we felt like getting up. That doesn't happen much in my world these days. We wandered up to the patio where we enjoyed another delicious breakfast from the farm and then sat on our front porch and waited for the volcano to show itself. Catching a glimpse of the "cone" is a rare and wonderful thing. We were determined to see it before we left. And it teased us to utter distraction...the clouds would start to move, they would part, we would be poised with the camera and camcorder...and then nothing. We just couldn't move on with our lives. We were so determined.

Chris waiting and waiting and waiting for that volcano to show itself.

Me waiting for the volcano while lounging on the front porch devouring an entire delicious book. Is this the appropriate time to bear testimony of the amazing Jessica Day George? She is a phenomenal author and I can't get enough of her.

The closest we got to seeing the entire volcano.

This volcano was SUCH a tease!

We reluctantly checked out of our love cottage and started the drive back to Liberia. I chose to drive the entire way back to avoid the car sickness and it was a peaceful, beautiful drive back. We only got lost once...saw a little bit of the local countryside. By the time we got back to the car rental place, I realized I had burned the living daylights out of my left arm. That was the arm hanging casually out the window, in the sun, the entire drive back. I looked like a very strange Dr. Seuss character with my fleshy right arm and bright lobster red left arm. Charming!

We hitched a ride to the airport where we were supposed to meet up with the group from Chris' work that were flying in. When we got there, it was pretty deserted. So much for the shuttle. We instantly became a hunk of living, walking, breathing, fare-paying meat for all the taxi drivers sitting around. I think a couple of them salivated. Finally one approached us and Chris asked how much it would be to drive us to the resort. He said $45.00. Chris said it was too expensive. At that point I had to let out a small chuckle because really, we had no other options. But the desperate taxi driver looked a little disgusted and finally said he would do it for $40.00. Chris accepted and we began the long, windy, confusing drive to our resort.

Thus begins the next chapter in our little vacation...the part that we didn't pay for but did our best to take absolute advantage of. You have to understand...we are fairly simple people with very limited means. We are budget travelers. We have never even been on a cruise. So imagine these 2 vacation red-necks showing up at the gated, all-inclusive, 4-star resort. I've NEVER felt so frumpy in my Old Navy jean skirt and orange T-shirt. But is was beautiful! There was the "main" building that sat on top of the hill and had a grand sweeping staircase that led down to the pool area. It had open verandas with couches and chairs for lounging, a disco, a bar, and 3 fabulous restaurants (the Italian, the Oriental, and the buffet). They checked us in, gave us the magic wristbands that gave us everything for FREE, and drove us to our fabulous room.

Our bed with the fluffy white bathrobes and "pool" towels. Every day our bed was made in a different arrangement.

Our front porch. I like a country dedicated to front porch lounging and living.

The view from our front porch. A little sidewalk and a drop off to the ocean.

The view from the main building down the winding staircase to the pool.

My hunk of burning love walking up the stairs toward the "veranda" in the main building.

Down by the pool was my favorite restaurant called "The Grill". Every morning you headed up to the main building for a delicious buffet breakfast...I loved all the fresh squeezed juices with the bottles of vodka and rum tucked behind them. For lunch we usually ate at The Grill where the homemade tostito chips and guacamole flowed abundantly and for dinner you could chose the Italian, oriental, buffet or grill. All you can eat...and drink...and all you did was flash the magic wristband. It is what I imagine "good" people heaven to be.

All over the place were the bars where you could saunter on up and order yourself a drink. Of course, every time we ordered ourselves a fruity little drink "without alcohol" we got ourselves a big reaction...until we'd been there a few days. Then we'd order a drink and they'd say, "Let me guess...no alcohol!" They were catching on to this group of Mormons pretty quickly. I spent my time sipping virgin pina coladas, strawberry margaritas, and smoothies anywhere I could...at every meal and snack, beach side, poolside...I didn't find one single place on that whole resort that wasn't slightly improved by a fruity drink with a little paper umbrella.

Don't we look cute with fruity drinks?

Our amazing 4 star resort!

Lounging on the veranda!

Loving resort living!

Light breakfast anyone? Scrambled eggs, french toast, juice, water, bacon, some pastries...just the usual fare. The sad part was leaving that hefty meal and putting on a swim suit.

Chris pulled out these fabulous sun glasses for the trip. He looked like Paunch from Chips. Total 70's fantasy come true!

We spent our days eating, reading, eating, lounging, eating, alternating between beach and pool, eating, hanging out, and having a grand ole' time.

On Thursday, Chris' company paid for the entire group to go river rafting. We took a chartered bus with a fabulous tour guide to the Tenario river. We rode the bus as far as we could and then switched to a truck with benches in an open back to ride the bumpy, dusty roads the remainder of the way in. We hiked the final way down a path to the the place on the river where we set in. We received our directions, got ourselves organized, and hopped in a raft with a guide. It was one of my favorite activities! We took some gentle and not so gentle rapids, saw toucans, bats, and monkeys, and finished the whole rafting trip off with a drop down a 12-foot waterfall. The water was blue and beautiful, the scenery was breathtaking, and the exotic wildlife unbelievable. When we reached the end, we headed back on shore for tropical fruit and juice...then back on the bumpy, dusty truck and across the scary, dilapidated bridge. It was a fantastic day and amazing adventure. We ate lunch at a great restaurant built on the edge of the river that served amazing local cuisine. I loved every minute!

On Friday, Chris and I took off in the morning for a little adventure of our own. Our resort and the beach were located in a little bay and we wanted to walk around the "corner" of the bay and see beach on the open ocean. So with low tide, we set out. We hiked over amazing volcanic rock and explored the beautiful tide pools. We saw caves and crashing waves and lots of wildlife...my favorite were the pelicans. It was always breathtaking to watch these animals in their "natural" habitat! We discovered a white sand, deserted beach that we quickly claimed for ourselves and spent a glorious morning playing in the water and laying on the sand. We were doing some fabulous body surfing in the waves until a dead fish almost hit me in the face and I quickly abandoned the water for safe, dry, non-death infested land. There wasn't another person in sight and we loved exploring the beach. After our little rendezvous, we headed back to the resort for a day lounging on the beach, reading books and occasionally wandering up to the Grill for chips and guacamole or a fruity drink.

Our own private beach.

Hiking around the bay.

We had to travel across a couple of ravines...quite an adventure in a dress with flip-flops.

This was my favorite bed making day. We came in and discovered she had pulled the top blanket into a funky little design and topped it off with a fresh, tropical flower. I definitely don't see that kind of service at home!

On our last night there, we had dinner at the Italian restaurant with Noah and Kristy Eyre. We ate pasta, had fruity drinks, great conversation, and tried not to think about the fact that paradise was quickly coming to an end!

How we spent the entire last day of vacation. I stood up long enough to take the picture. I knew vacation was ending when I finished my book on the beach. I had a fruity drink to celebrate uninterrupted reading in a lounge chair on the beach.

All the glorious wildlife in Costa Rica!

Loved finding evidence of "visitors".

I don't think I mentioned the howler monkeys that lived in the trees outside our room or the little gecko lizards that danced on the ceilings around the lights at night or the snakes that I dutifully did my best to avoid. There were so many wonderful things to see and hear and enjoy.

But all good things have to come to end. On Saturday morning we left and started the long journey back to Utah. It was so good to arrive and see our kids. I did miss them. They would have loved Costa Rica.

And there you have it. The deed is done. We have traveled, documented, savored, and relived all the glorious moments! I feel so grateful for the absolute gift this trip was to me. It was a country I don't think I ever would have traveled to and now I am plotting and schemeing to figure out how to get back.

Pura Vida!

A Star is Born

I was asked to give a short presentation today in Ogden at the annual UELMA conference for librarians. As a member of CLAU (The Children's Literature Association of Utah...go check us out at www.clau.org), I had the opportunity to present the 10 new nominees in the picture book category for 2010. One of the books on the list is our beloved "I Am Invited to A Party" by Mo Willems. If you have never read this book, I must insist you go buy it. Don't go borrow it from the library because there will be tears and tantrums and gnashing of teeth when you try to return it. Plus there is a good chance it will be carried around in a small child's armpits for a few days. Anyway, HB and I drove up to SLC last night in a snowstorm to spend the night at Mo and Papa's house and after a smashing breakfast complete with berries, several types of cereals, and fresh squeezed orange, we drove up to Ogden. I took my sweet 4-year old daughter to help liven up my presentation. And she not only livened up the presentation, she brought the house down.

My daughter stood on a chair at a podium in front of a HUGE conference room FILLED with people and read the book with me. She was Gerald the Elephant and I was Piggy...the pink pig. She read the book with all her voices and expressions and shook her hips on the "Party! Party! Party!" pages. She even said her "Very fancy" line with her english accent and deep, gravelly voice. It was hilarious and darling and ever so endearing (but you know I'm just an objective 3rd party...).

When we were done, she hopped off her chair and went back to her seat to finish her Fancy Nancy sticker book. After it was all said and done, one of my friends asked, "HB, weren't you nervous?"

"Nope," HB answered.

"Not even a little frightened," my friend replied.

"Well, maybe just a little tiny bit."

And there you have it. A star was born. She stole the show...and as we wandered out of the conference room and out to where books were being sold, we saw several women scooping up their own copies of the book. One of them turned around when she saw HB and said, "Look! I'm buying your book. You sold me!" and another turned around waving her book and said, "Me too!" So dang...where was my discount?

I love my kids. They are full of surprises and charm and personality that oozes from their pores. I'm constantly amazed by what they do and the talents that come exploding from their bodies. I'm so grateful to be their mom. I'm just happy they let me tag along for the ride!!


P.S. Here are the 10 books that made the 2010 picture book nominee list:

1) Louder, Lili! (by Gennifer Choldenko)
2) The Chicken of the Family (by Mary Amato)
3) The End (David LaRochelle)
4) I Am Invited To A Party (by Mo Willems)
5) The Black Book of Color (by Menena Cottin)
6) When Dinosaurs Came With Everything (by Elise Broach)
7) My Travelin' Eye (by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw)
8) South (by Patrick McDonnell)
9) Mary Had a Little Lamp (by Jack Lechner)
10) The Cow That Laid An Egg (by Andy Cutbill)