Snow Day Fun

The first "big" snowfall of the season is always a hit.  The kids loved it,  Daddy loved it,  Mommy tolerated it, and Scarlet couldn't get enough of it.

Roger couldn't wait to try out the new sledding tubes he purchased for this type of occasion. 

Dance Recital and a really Long Day

Brianna had another dance recital today at the little studio down the street.  She really enjoys moving about to music and loves Miss Cortnie her teacher.  I love that it is so convenient, close by and low key.  It is a win win for all of us.

Brianna did a great job.  She was a little timid today for some reason.  When it came time for her solo, she got a little worried that the music would end so she cut it really short.  But she was still cute.  Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Missy and the cousins all came out to support her which was nice.

Her teacher later talked to me and asked if she could move Brianna up to the older class which is more on her level.  She should enjoy that.

I say that this was a really long day for other reasons.  We had already had a soccer game at seven that morning.  Then Roger headed off to tithing settlement.  He decided to try a new thing and attempt to do most of the appointments in one day.  He left at 7:30 that morning and didn't get home until almost 10:00 p.m.  He visited with over 60 families.  He is a rock star.  He was super drained when all was said and done but I am so proud of him.  Unfortunately he missed the dance recital, Alyssa's soccer game,  Brianna's basketball game and a family movie, but that is what you have to do sometimes to serve the Lord.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

So I took the kids to see the movie "Tangled".  It was a delightful, entertaining movie with incredible graphics in 3D.  I was amazed at the technology and touched by the story. 

The day was definitely long but it was a good day.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Today is my sweetheart's birthday and it has been a wonderful day.  Roger took the day off, and could do whatever he wanted.  I was grateful because he chose to spend it with me and the kids.

We started out by going out to breakfast together and then doing some Christmas shopping.  After some other errands, we returned home and he put on super soft comfy pants (which he never gets to do) and went downstairs and played some x-box (also something he never gets to do).

He opted to eat in for his birthday dinner.  We collaborated and together made New York Strip Steak with a Marsala, mushroom cream sauce.  We had potatoes and homemade rolls and the special treat was Crab legs.  The kids went crazy with the crab.  I think we have created some monsters :) in regards to yummy home cooked food.  Alyssa announced that when she gets engaged she will never bring her fiance to dinner because then he would expect awesome cooking from her.  (She could just learn how to do it to but that would require to much effort).

The next day Brianna asked if we had any left over crab legs.  Silly girl, thinks we should have them all the time now.

Brianna also insisted that we had exactly the right number of candles for the cake.  So it was quite the ordeal to light and left a lot of smoke afterwards.  But we did it.

Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and followed it up with family Wii time.  It was so nice just to be together as a family and to Roger that was the perfect day.  I would have to agree.

I do have to write about his birthday present.  We have a new family member.  A lab puppy named Scarlet.  Now after Dakota died I really fought against getting a new dog.  It was too heart wrenching to lose a family member and also the sheer amount of work involved with a dog kept me from desiring another one.  Well I always struggle with what to get Roger for presents.  He already has what he needs and wants.  Plus, he truly has no time for hobbies at this time of his life (you know just fun silly things that bring you joy).  The only thing he has ever wanted or could want is a dog.  So I opened the door of possibility just a little bit to think about it and it didn't take long before it was shoved all the way open and we had a new pup in less than a week.

I would only do it for Roger.  He is so happy and I figured if there was something that could bring him a little joy and stress relief in his life then it is worth it. 

So we named her Scarlet (for Ohio State of course) Princess Buttercup (Brianna's contribution).  She is a sweet puppy and the kids absolutely adore her.  She has adjusted right into the family and is so fun.  I think it was a good thing for our family.

So another birthday has come and gone.  I must say that this past year has brought so much growth for Roger.  To see him embrace his calling as Bishop and allow the spirit to work in his life more than ever has been amazing.  There have been many hard things he has had to deal with and yet has done a fabulous job.  I am so proud of him and the man he has become.

Halloween Half Marathon

WOOOHOOO!!  I not only survived my first half marathon (and probably the last) but I also did well.  I not only finished but I put up a decent time of 2 hours and 8 minutes.  It was tough but fun and I am glad to say I did it.

Here are a few of the highlights:

- We had a group of ward members that also ran the race.  We traveled together and pumped each other up.  We could also commiserate after the race about how much we were in pain.

-We bussed up to Aspen Grove and our bus driver went rogue.  Instead of taking the quick 30 minute direct route, he took the scenic drive over the Alpine Loop.  It was a harrowing 1 1/2 hour drive over the mountain and navigating sharp switchbacks.  In spite of the craziness, it allowed us to sit in a warm location instead of standing for 2 hours in the cold.  It turned out alright.

-  Since it was a Halloween race, we dressed up in costumes.  Roger created, designed and executed our matching set.  We were King Arthur and his faithful servant Patsy from the infamous movie "The Holy Grail".  We were widely popular throughout the race and we ended up taking first place in the costume contest for duos.  We brought home a huge glass vase as our trophy.

-Roger clomped his coconuts together for the entire 13.1 miles which provided a rhythm and entertainment for all around us.

-I love the first 6 miles (all down hill) and the scenic fall views throughout the whole race.

-By mile 8 my left knee started to hurt but I kept going.  By mile 11 both my knees were in severe pain but I pushed through.  Other than that,  I felt great.

-There was a great cheering squad on mile 12 (our kids, my parents, Missy and her kids and some ward members).  It was great encouragement right at the end.

-I finished the race beating my average 10 minute per mile race time.  If only my knees hadn't slowed me down . . .

-Roger stayed by my side the entire time and encouraged me the whole way.  He carried my things, talked to me and cheered me on.  I couldn't have done it without him.

-I got a real cool medal and Halloween t-shirt.

-I also been blessed with great pain for days afterward to remind me that I did run 13 miles and how lucky I am to have a body that will allow me to do that.

No Words

I entitled this post "No Words"  because no matter what I write it won't do it justice for the events of this past weekend.  But I will attempt to give a brief summary of one of the most amazing, emotionally draining, spiritual and heartbreaking couple of days.

First off, the ward had the funeral for John Pearson this past Friday.  This was Roger's first funeral as a Bishop and he was exceptionally nervous.  Thankfully, he got to know Brother Pearson quite well as his home teacher before his cancer ever came to be.  He felt like he knew him enough that he could offer something about him.

John was a member of the Tabernacle Choir years ago and has written over 180 hymns.  Over 80 of them he collaborated with Janice Kapp Perry.  His music was beautifully written.  So about 1/3rd of the Choir, the choir organist, the director and President of the choir attended and sang at his funeral.   This was astounding.  The room was filled with the voices of angels and the spirit was so strong.   Then came time for Roger to speak.  Luckily, one of my friends willingly left to pick up the carpool so that I could hear his words.  I marveled at the man who delivered that talk.  It was exceptional.  I always knew I married a great man but at that moment I could see his true potential and the powerful servant of God that he is today.  Incredible.  The talk was perfect and my love for him grew tenfold that day.

I included a letter from the President of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and I think it speaks for itself.

But Roger's day wasn't over yet.  After the cemetery, he rushed home to take Ryan and some other boys to the Father and Son's camp out.  It is hosted by the Bishopric and as drained as Roger was after that day,  he put a smile on and off he went.

I think it was successful,  Ryan surely enjoyed it.  Well the moment he got home the phone started ringing and there was all kind of catastrophes happening in the ward.  I didn't see my husband that day as he was dealing with these different issues.

Due to the sensitive nature of these issues,  I know very little about the events of the day.  But I do know enough to know that my husband was being directed step by step by the Lord.  In all of his life,  he has never had to deal with some of the things he dealt with that day.  I don't know how he did it.  But I know that lives were seriously saved  and changed because he was was in tune with the spirit and righteous enough to listen. 

This has been a super rough week.  One of the hardest ever as a Bishop.  Come to think of it, the whole year has been challenging.  But I can speak without a shadow of doubt that Roger is supposed to be the Bishop of this ward at this time.  He is a great man,  and I will forever be grateful that I married him and that he is the father of my children.  We are truly blessed.

Reflections

It was exactly one year ago today when Roger was ordained to be the Bishop of the Jacob's Ranch 1st ward.

I can barely wrap my head around the fact that it has been a year.  In some ways it went so fast and furious.  This year has been filled with ups and downs and new challenges and blessings.  More than I ever thought possible.  And then on the other hand, it feels like Roger has been the Bishop forever.

I really don't have the words to sum up the roller coaster ride that is being the "Bishops Wife".  I know that my year has been nothing like my husband's and yet it has been an adjustment for me and the whole family.  At times it feel quite isolating and lonely.  But at the same time, there have been so many blessings and many positive experiences.

Regardless of my feelings, it has been amazing to see Roger grow into this calling.  He was a good man before and now he is becoming great.  I know that he has helped many people and the Lord has used him as a tool for much good.  I have seen his spirituality grow and his powerful answers to prayers.  I have seen him weighted down with much stress and sadness and have seen the Lord lift him up and keep him going.

I wish there was more I could do for him.  So much of the burden he has to carry alone and that hurts.  But I know that even if I don't understand it all now, that there is a purpose for everything and Heavenly Father is helping him every step of the way.

I am proud of the man I married and know that he was chosen to be the Bishop.

Would I ask for this calling . . .  probably not.  Would I change it . .. .DEFINITELY not!

Look How Far We've Come

Here is a picture of one of our very first meals together as a newly married couple.  We had just got back from our honeymoon and reality hit.  What would we make for dinner?  (Little did I know that this was just the beginning of that question that would plague me for the rest of my life). We both had lived on our own for a long time and even served missions so we knew how to cook for ourselves.  We just didn't have much experience cooking for our own little family on a meager student budget.  I am not even sure what we threw together in the end (I can see some sort of muffin from a mix).  We didn't even have a table yet to eat upon, so we sat on the floor and put our humble meal on a lap tray.  The best part of the meals in those days were the minimal dishes and clean up, not the food itself.

Well I am here to say that those days are behind us.  Not only do we have a kitchen table now :), but we have 3 additional mouths to feed.  We have come a long way, and I think we have become quite the gourmet chefs (relatively speaking).  Being Food Network junkies has also helped the cause.  So here is a rundown of our latest Sunday dinner.

-Seasoned Rib Eye Steaks grilled to perfection and accompanied by a Mushroom and Marsala Cream Sauce
-Fresh Silver Queen Corn from our own garden.
-Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives (also from our garden)
-Homemade rolls with homemade a Raspberry/Honey Spread.
-Home grown green beans cooked with bacon and brown sugar

And for Dessert:
-Homemade Vanilla Ice cream topped with a rich homemade Hot Fudge Sauce.  Yum!

This is just a sampling of our many culinary feats.  Great job honey on our growth in the Kitchen.  Here is to many more years of fine dining and lots of miles running to burn off all those extra calories.

And That's No Joke!!!

Today Roger paid off his Business Loan.  In just under 10 years, Roger was able to open and establish a medical office from scratch and completely pay it off.  Lehi Vision Care is officially ours and self sustaining.  I am so proud of him.  He has worked so hard to accomplish this goal.  He is a wonderful provider and Doctor.  We couldn't be happier!!!!!

San Francisco, Day 1

Well after much fanangling of schedules, church committments and child care issues, Roger and I were finally able to get away together for a few days.  Officially it was to celebrate our 15 year anniversay which was last August.  But life sort of happened and this was the soonest we could get out.  So we decided to head to the Bay Area.

This area means so much to us on many levels.  Not only because we served our missions there but it was also where we met.  We became such good friends at that time during an intense time of our lives.  We share many memories of investigators, wards, areas, spanish, food, members, missionaries and the Oakland Temple.  And although what we experienced couldn't be considered a courtship in the traditional sense, I don't know a better way to truly get to know another person.  I saw Roger for the good person that he was and recognized the great potential in him.  So, no we did not date or even talk of dating but we both agree that we found our hearts in San Francisco.

We haven't flown together for awhile (at least not alone) and it was enjoyable to just be together.  We enjoyed our traditional Cinnabon at the airport to kick off the adventure.

We flew into Oakland so our first stop was Taqueria San Jose.  We used to go there as missionaries if we ever wanted to pretend we were really in Mexico.  It is in the heart of Latin Land and has the best Super Burrito de Carne Asada that you can find anywhere and at a reasonable price.

Of course, since we were in Oakland, we had to go up to the Visitor Center and Temple.  We had a nice visit with several sister missionaries and shared war stories.  We met the spanish sisters and talked of the different members and converts.  Sometimes it is still hard to believe that I spent so much time there.  And of course Roger holds the title of the first Elder to give a VC tour, which is a story for another time.  As fun as it was to visit, I was grateful to be able to walk out the door with my husband knowing that we could leave and totally enjoy ourselves and be thankful that that part of our lives is over.

We then headed over to the San Francisco side of the bay in a rainstorm.  What was nice about this trip is that we officially only had one thing planned for the entire time.  That was to go to the Broadway Musical Wicked.  Other than that we were free to fly wherever the wind would take us.  Our first night we stayed in a nice hotel right in the center of downtown.  I love visiting big cities.  It is such a feast for the eyes, ears and nose.  I love the transportation as well.  We were able to take the underground subway, the Muni, to get to the theatre.

The show was fantastic.  I enjoyed it the second time around even more than the first. I followed the story better and was able to appreciate the beautiful singing.  Roger also had a good time.  I felt so lucky to be in such a wonderful city and enjoying all of the culture it had to offer.  It was an amazing day.

I love this picture of us in the subway.  Can you see us in the glass?  It is like we are in the movie Ghost.

80's Flashback

The Bishop and I were invited to a 80's Karaoke Night that was sponsored by the Elder's Quorom. Dressing up was highly recommended. Usually, Roger and I don't put ourselves out there quite that much. We tend to hang in the back and appreciate everyone else that sticks their neck out. Since we actually experienced the 80's and remember them all too well, it wasn't too much of a stretch to dress up and relive the times.

We cropped our jeans and put on the bright colors. Roger rocked the pop collar look with 3 different polo shirts. I tried my best to make my hair go really big. It was a challenge, I don't know how we used to do it back then. A lot of Aqua Net Hairspray I guess. I donned the absurd and not to subtle makeup and off we went.


We had a wonderful time. The food was good and the company was great. We loved seeing all of the different interpretations of the 80's styles. The karaoke kept us entertained and laughing until our sides hurt. There sure are some outgoing people in our ward. We did draw the line at dressing up. We were appreciators of the singers, not the performers.

What a crazy time the 80's were. It was fun to remember but I am thankful that those times are over. I am much happier now.

Just Because . . .

This morning at about 10:15 a.m. I heard the garage door open. At first I panicked knowing that no one should be coming home at that time. But I soon heard Roger's footsteps walking on the kitchen floor. He had an appointment cancellation at his office and decided to run home and say hi. He brought me a lovely bouquet of flowers and a card too. What a sweet surprise.

I realized that I haven't ever written about how thoughtful Roger is to me. There are many many times when he brings me flowers for no particular reason except to say he loves me. I used to think that flowers were a waste of money since they just die but I have since changed my mind. I love them and they bring me joy especially at this time of year. Thankfully he realized their value before I did.

He always calls me and asks me if I need anything picked up before he comes home. He has saved me many trips to the store just because he asks. He is currently sending me an e-mail every day to tell me something he loves about me. Today he sent me #48. I look forward to these e-mails every day and without fail they make me smile.

Roger loves his children but he has never ever denied the fact that he loves me more. He tells the kids this often and shows them by constantly putting me first. He always gives me the middle cinnamon roll because it is the softest or the best place to sit and so forth. He wants his children to know that their father loves his mother.

Today I had a headache and a sore back. So he gave me a massage in the short time he was here. It was such a nice treat that is unexpected on a typical day.

Another good thing about him coming home was that he noticed I had a complete flat tire. So he helped me pump it up and followed me to Big O Tires to make sure I made it okay. And since the tires were under warranty I got a bran new tire for nothing. Sometimes things do work out for the good. I guess it was providence that he came how today.

Another week . .

It is has been another crazy week in the Pickering household. I notice that it is during these crazy times that I most often get behind on my blogging. I realize that since someday I will look back and wonder what I did day to day as I was raising my children that I might want to document it.

So since it is snowing outside (the first snow of the season) and I don't feel like doing much of anything, then this is the perfect time.

The snow today was perfect for building snowmen. And even though I was frustrated by having to dig out the snow boots, gloves, coats, etc., the kids did have a great time doing what kids do.

You just got to love Ryan in his shorts and the snow. Typical. Actually he just got back from a basketball clinic that is being sponsored by Westlake High School. He loved it and it goes for 5 more weeks.

Speaking of Ryan, he had another big project due in class this week. He had to build a diorama of and Indian dwelling. He chose the Navajo Indians and built a Hogan. He also demonstrated their types of food, clothing and skills. He really got excited about this project and practically did the whole thing himself from the concept of the design to the actual construction of it. He even finished it a day early and was proud to show it off to the rest of the class. This ALL class for him had been quite interesting. I think that they have an insane amount of homework for 4th grade. And yet Ryan has stepped up and done it with little complaint and actually still enjoys it. It have been surprised. I greatly underestimated my son and I know now that is where he should be.

Alyssa also had a successful week at school. She got her first report card from Jr. High and got a 4.0 GPA. She was quite proud of herself and so was I. I worried that with the advanced classes that she would be stressed out a lot and struggle with her grades. Not at all. She loves her accelerated classes and had adapted quite well to Jr. High in general. She is definitely a strong person and doesn't allow the influences around her get to her. She stands up for her convictions no matter the cost. I admire her.

Anyway, she was able to attend a cupcake party, got to enjoy a lunch from Subway, and had another party honoring her as a Super Student. She has enjoyed it and I am glad that stepping up and doing her best is being rewarded.



Brianna is just my happy little camper. She is such a sweetheart to have around. She loves everything and is so helpful to me. She has enjoyed kindergarten and her teacher. She is just taking off in reading and is so proud. Plus she is just a little socialite. She loves her friends and can play hours of pretend and create things. I love her zest for life.

As for me and Roger, we we are on the go constantly. He has been very busy with being the Bishop but somehow manages to still spend time with his family and keep up on everything. I don't know how he does it but he is amazing.

My week was the usual. I have been frantically trying to tie up all loose ends for my trip to Peru. I went to my primary meeting, volunteered in Ryan's class, did the carpool, attended my SENG meeting (Supporting the Needs of the Gifted), went to the hospital to visit my Grandma, worked on Roger's birthday present, hosted play dates and even fed the family when needed. I think it was a productive week.

Halloween

Happy Halloween!



This year we had a cute witch, a scary vampire and a Greek Goddess/BYU Soccer Player.






I don't have many pictures of Alyssa because this year she attended a Halloween party at a friend's house. She missed the annual photo shoot. She was a Greek Goddess for school but decided at last minute it would be too cold to trick or treat in and changed to a BYU soccer player instead.

Aren't we the eclectic bunch?

I wore my "kitty eye" contacts again this year. It is always fun to watch every one's reaction when they first see them. Kind of freaky.

Roger was Star Trek man since he already had the costume. He stayed home this year to hand out the candy since many kids wanted to go to the "Bishop's" house.

We actually had nice weather which was amazing after the horrible week we had. I didn't even need to wear a jacket and the kids were perfect.

I love to go out in this neighborhood on Halloween.

It is so fun to see all of our friends and the children in the area that we have grown to love. It just reminds me again about happy we are to live here and how we were truly lead to this neighborhood.

When we finished trick-or-treating we went to the Mcconkies' house for hot dogs and hot cocoa. It was nice to visit with people as they came through.

When we got home we then proceed to have an elaborate game of trade with the candy. Alyssa and her friend Amanda started it and it turned into quite the bartering system with Daddy even getting involved.

I just love Halloween and I lament the day when my kids will be grown and we will miss out on all these things I love.