"If You Build It, They Will Come" - Scharf Reunion 2009

This is Jim Scharf.

He has been quite busy. About 4 years back, he was able to purchase some land outside of Moab, UT near the La Sal Mountains, a life long dream of his. Ever since then, he has been hard at work. From digging posts and fencing the property, grating an easement, raising two sheds, digging a well, installing power, laying foundation and building a house - including plumbing and wiring, he has kept quite busy. Although he had some help along the way, he did most of it with his own two hands. Did I mention that he just turned 80 this past year? Or that he suffers from lung cancer, has had 2 heart attacks, and needs both knees replaced? He is amazing. He has a stubborn streak a mile wide, and a heart bigger than that. He is my Grandpa.

This last year he called me and wanted the get the grand kids together (me and my siblings are the only ones, as my mother was his only child). He wanted to do a Scharf Reunion, "Jim" style. This is something that he has been wanting to do for sometime. All five siblings and their families were able to make it. (Which is rare. There were a lot of sacrifices that had to be made.)

We had such a good time. Just sat around and visited. Met some new family and had some good food. The best part was we all got to see Grandpa. As with any family reunion, pictures were a must. He had us gather 'round the infamous tractor. The same orange tractor that we played on as kids, when we visited him in the summertime. Also, the same tractor that did a lot of the work around the property.

Brian, his wife Tracy and two kids, Jerry and Sean

Aaron, his wife Erika, and two kids, Brevin and Jace

Me, my Tracy, and our three kids, Aleana, Trent, and Hannah

Jesse and his son, Falken

Grandpa and Tessa

We goofed around playing games, as the kids played outside getting dirty, shooting their rubber-band guns, having squirt-gun fights and finding grasshoppers. (Aleana was quite disappointed that the rubber-band guns didn't have sufficient power to actually kill a grasshopper...who's child is she?)

Hannah - getting ready to climb the tractor, which was a popular thing with the kids.

This is a famous "Trent" look. It is the look of "Dad, ENOUGH ALREADY!"

I rarely post pictures of myself. And while this is me, in a frumpy maternity shirt, it has to be included. My dad can't resist to giving me a hard time. And by the look on my face, you can tell that I am pretty much used to it. :)

The Boys. Man, I sure do love my brothers, even if Jesse is still "too cool" to smile. (And notice the mountains in the background. Simply breath-taking. This pic was taken from my Grandpa's porch.)

And while hanging out at Grandpa's property was awesome, the "bigger" kids (er, the grown-ups) needed a change of scenery and a chance to cool off. So we headed to the mountains. It didn't take long (30 min drive on dirt roads). It was nice to cool off.

Mt Pearle - 12,721 ft. Highest peak of La Sal Mountains

Trent, or the other boys didn't care much about the awesome beauty, they just liked the big rock...and hated the bugs that kept trying to eat them.

The road that takes you to and from the mountain is unique, and one of our favorites. We used to come up this way as kids with Grandpa to explore and go fishing. However, every once in a while we got to stop at the "creek that you drive through". A small creek literally runs through the road, on purpose. Our car always seems to make it though and it's always fun to watch the kids.

You can play in the creek, just make sure to get out of the way for traffic

Hannah testing the water - does she know how cold run-off water is?

More water fun with Dad

Poser.

Hannah being brave and Mom about to pee her pants as they walk through the water.

Aunt Tessa, "soaking" her feet. And not-so-little Jace wanting to jump in, if only mom would let go...:)

Trent, in his element. Hmmm, what can I throw next?

Kids at play.

She has to be freezing, right?

Sure, thanks for sitting in it. The ride back to the cabin is going to be real "fun".

Love this pic. Falken flexing his muscles. He is such a character and can win over anybody's heart.

All in all, we had such a good time. But it seemed that the time was too short. Not enough time to catch up, but there were plenty of laughs and good memories made. Can I say how much I love family?

Don't Judge My Hair

If you are ever bored, and feeling down about your current "do", fret no more. Someone just sent me this link, and I have to say - I found it pretty funny and a little disturbing.

http://dontjudgemyhair.com

I will no longer think my hair, even at it's worse, can ever be that bad! :) And feel free to keep clicking through the older entries, it gets better...or worse. Which was your favorite? Mine was a toss-up between "Santa Squid Face" and "Crappy Hairstyle".

Enjoy!

Trent' Birthday

The end of June, just after we moved into the house, we got to celebrate Trent's 6th birthday. I can't believe that he's that old. He is still headstrong as ever, with a big tender heart. There were boxes everywhere and I felt bad for him. It seems like his birthday always has something else to compete with. Whether it's moving, reunions, vacations, or sickness, the poor guy always has to share. We set aside the afternoon, and tried to make it special. We went to McDonalds (per his request), where he played on the indoor playground to his heart's content. Then when we got back, he was ready for cake and presents.

You cant tell by the look on his face, he was being patient. What he really wanted was to bypass the Birthday song and cake, and go straight to the presents.

Make a wish...

Trent asked for a remote control helicopter for his birthday. I didn't think it was possible that we could even afford it. Then I found this little helicopter on clearance at Kohls. I know it wasn't designed to last long, but it was certainly worth what little money I spent just to see him smile.

Ahhhh...a scooter that can do tricks.

Trent getting prepped.

Trent gets to take flight. I rarely post videos, but I thought this was cute. Ignore the boxes and mess. It was really fun to watch him "navigate", and then crash.

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And now some bonus pics:

Aleana being a great big sister. She has been such a big help lately.

Hannah found a better way to ride.

I just thought this was so cute. We had turned the sprinklers on to give the lawn some extra water, and Hannah, on her own, decided to give it a try. I just happened the have the camera there and captured the look on her face as the mist hit her.

Favorites

Old Favorite

Today we had to go to Mountain Home AFB - Tracy needed to pick up his uniforms. This meant we got to go to the BX. For those of you who don't know, the BX stands for Base Exchange. It's kind of like a Walmart but with less stuff. They carry some interesting things, but also some things that you can't get at the American grocery stores. There's lots of candy from Germany (and since we stationed there, I must say I got spoiled on how nice their chocolate is. Hershey's just doesn't cut it for me.) And not only do they keep the "overseas" stuff well-stocked, it is reasonably priced. Now on occasion I have found some of the good stuff at the grocery stores, but the price is a little too much for me. So I thought about getting me some Ritter Sport candy bars (milk chocolate with Raisins and Hazelnuts happens to be one of my all-time favorites)...but then I saw this (imagine a ray of light shining down on it...with angelic voices...):

Yep, Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts (much cheaper at the BX, I might add). So yummy. Now this candy is in the top 3 of my all-time favorites...above the Ritter Sport. I heard it calling my name. Could. Not. Resist. Why? Because it also reminds me of this:

We took this picture from our lanai (balcony) in Hawaii. We went a few years back right after Tracy got back from his deployment. Did I mention, we were there for 10 days? Awesome. Loved every moment of it. We had such a good time, and it is just a beautiful place. We plan to go back...eventually. One of our favorite vacations ever.

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New Favorite

One of my fellow bloggers posted a "Product Review" on her blog. (Thanks Megan!) One of the things that she reviewed was the PedEgg. Now, I have seen the infomercials - the one that says, "But wait! There's more!" kind. I have even seen them at Walmart, with the "as seen on TV" endorsement-sticker and everything. But, I thought is was just another gimmick. You see, I have the most horrible, cracked, rough, sand-papery ugly feet (they're like hobbit feet, minus the hair). I have tried the files, the exfoliating stuff, the sea salt stuff, the pumice stuff, and the professional pedicure stuff. I have to admit, I love getting pedicures. It's the one thing that's just for me. However, it gets too darn expensive. (Especially since I heard about acrylic nails for toes. But that's another blog post all together.)

I read her review, and she raved about it. So I thought I would give it a try. Went to Walmart, spent my $10, and tried it. And you know what? It worked! Freakin' awesome. My feet haven't been that smooth since high school. It's shaped just right to work on your feet. Just as a warning, it's supposed to catch all the dead skin (yuck), but it doesn't. Well, not for me anyway...but there was a lot of work that little PedEgg had to do. So I am passing my "this rocks" approval to others, so they can enjoy soft, happy feet, at a cheap price. This is one of my new favorite things.

Boise to PHX

On Easter weekend, Tracy's family was having a little family reunion in Arizona. Originally we told them that we couldn't make it. After having moved and Tracy's job situation, we just thought we would not be able to afford this year. However, about 10 days before the reunion, being curious, I looked on Southwest and they were having a great deal. So we brought the tickets and got to make it down to the Valley of the Sun. It was a quick weekend trip, but it sure was nice to see everyone. The kids were playing with all their cousins (didn't see them for hours at a time), games were played, the swimming pool seemed like it was never empty, and movies were watched. In fact, with all the fun happening, we didn't get a whole lot of pictures. :(

My parents were able to make the drive from Winslow and we got to spend half a day with them. Mandy and Andy also came and brought their kids. We were going to do outside activities including an Easter egg hunt, but we had to pick the ONE day a year that it was raining. Grandma Buggy made it work with an Easter egg hunt inside the hotel room, and also treated the kids to a few presents like books and clothes. They LOVED it. I was able to have a fun visit with my parents and sisters. It was great to watch the little ones interact. I got to meet Leah (Mandy's little girl), who is just a few weeks younger than Hannah, and baby Riley (Andy's little girl).

Hannah loves giving kisses and Leah didn't seem to mind

Cute pic of Leah

Hannah had just started walking (at 14 months - she kind of took her time). The bruise on her forehead was one of many.

Aleana showing off the new outfit from Grandma

Trent couldn't wait to try this on. It is still his favorite shirt. Thanks Grandma.

Sadly the end part of the weekend came way too soon, and we found ourselves flying back. There was an unplanned delay in Las Vegas...for 2 2/1 hours. (Not so fun with a fussy toddler who's stroller was "accidentally" stored on the wrong part of the plane...thanks to the flight attendants - and was already transferred to another plane and en route to Boise). On the last leg of the flight (leaving a 9pm) which was 2 almost 3 hours long, Hannah had just had enough. She was fussy and cranky and wouldn't let her daddy hold her, which meant I got the lovely pleasure of being stuck with the fussy and cranky baby as well as all the glares coming my way from the grouchy passengers.

I finally got her to fall asleep in my arms (which never happens but was thankful she did). Then with about an hour left of the flight, she had a night terror. For those who's kids have night terrors, you can understand. Hannah gets them when she is behind on sleep. She "wakes up" but not really. She screams and screams at the top of her lungs, and is scared of something. But because she is actually still asleep and in her dream, you can't get her to snap out of it. (It's the freakiest thing. Her eyes are open and looking around, but no body's home) The best thing to do, it to just leave her alone and not touch her. However, because there were no empty seats, and we had "begun our decent", I couldn't put her anywhere, and I couldn't stand up and walk around with her. So she screamed, and fought me, and screamed and squirmed trying to "get away" from whatever was scaring her in her dream. The other passengers, who were mostly sleeping began to turn their lights on, and groan, and the dirty looks started coming my way. I tried my hardest to wake her up, and then sang to her - trying to reach her somewhere in that dream. Nothing worked. She screamed the rest of the way. I was exhausted from holding a child that was fighting me full strength and I literally was in tears (all though I tried to hide it by burying my face in her blanket). Some people got more irate, and then others...those who were mothers and grandmothers started giving me looks of sympathy. The plane landed, and you would think she would stop. Nope. She screamed while all the passengers unloaded, while we got off, and while we got our luggage. She finally stopped, when we went outside. The cool air got her to snap out of it. Sigh. Then she was a happy baby, liked nothing ever happened on the whole drive home from the airport.

Ahhh, but I know the truth. And I will think twice before I fly again, especially on those late night flights. And even though my kids are having fun...they will go to sleep and get good rest on the night before we fly back, so help me. :)

Aleana

Aleana celebrated her birthday in May. She turned 9. Now being nine doesn't sound like a big deal, until I start thinking about how it is one more year closer the "tween-age" years. This next year she'll be in the 4th grade. Then on the the 5th...then to the dreaded middle school years. Even though being nine isn't a "big deal", I am sure going to enjoy this year and cherish the calm before the storm.

Her celebration this year was low-key. We tried to make it special. She got to choose whatever she wanted for her cake. She chose this:

(That is a Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. The best slice of cheesecake ever created. I let her try a slice awhile back when Tracy took Trent to their Father's and Son's Camping Trip. I thought we would have a "girls night out" and make her feel special. The cheesecake was so good, and something that she obviously didn't forget about. I guess I should choose my words more carefully when I say, "you can have whatever cake you want." Needless to say, we all enjoyed it. Yum!)

She only asked for one thing for her birthday. She wanted a ripstick. A what?!? Yes, a ripstick - those kind of skateboard looking things that you have to swivel to ride. We tried to come up with other things that might appeal to her more, but her mind was made up. So we bit the bullet and got a ripstick...and helmet....and protective gear.

Teaching her how to ride it is her Daddy's responsibility. She's catching on quicker than I thought she would. No major broken bones or scrapes yet, as I am sure they will come eventually. (I cringe with the thought...)

(Her tough girl look. Not too intimidating, we'll have to work on it.)

Happy Birthday Aleana Mae!

Hannah's Birthday...

Now that I am no longer working, and I get to stay home with the kiddos...in between laundry and dishes...I am trying to find the time to get the blog updated. Hannah celebrated her 1st birthday in Feb. Yes, I am aware that was almost 6 months ago. I am aware that she has just a few more weeks before she gets to go to nursery (wahoo!). But I did want to share some pictures. Looking back, she has already changed so much. Where does the time go? And why does it seem like it moves faster with each kid? So. Not. Fair.

The funniest thing about her birthday, which she shares with Punxsutawney Phil, is that it happens to be the day before mine. When she was born, the Dr. was kind of bummed that "we missed it by a day"...even though she was born three weeks early. She is such a calm kid. She just kind of goes with the flow, as long as her brother doesn't make he mad. :)

We didn't have a big party or anything. It's not like she'll remember it. But we did do cake and a candle. The WalMart here gives a free personal cake for kids are turning one, so she got a nice pretty, decorated cake to annihilate. She liked the candle when it was lit, but as soon as we blew it out, she cried. I guess it scared her. But she warmed up to the cake, testing it with her tongue first. Deciding it was tasty, she went at it. I love 1st birthdays.

Here's to you Hannah Bear...Happy Birthday...belated anyway. :)

Stuff

We've been quite busy with crazy stuff these past few weeks, and here are some highlights.

- I joined Weight Watchers about 3 weeks ago. The weekly meeting kind. The accountability where you get weighed kind. At first I was skeptical, and embarrassed. However, I must admit after all the diets I have tried (and BELIEVE me, there are many!) I like this the best. The weight is taking it's sweet little time, but at least there is progress! I feel better than I have felt in a long time, both physically and emotionally. I heard a really good quote at one of the meetings:

Being overweight is hard.

Losing weight is hard.

Maintaining weight is hard.

Choose your hard.

- Tracy and I were able to go to an all-expense paid trip to a resort in McCall. It is an awesome little town right on a lake with breath-taking views. And did I add that the kids stayed home with a friend? We had such a good time, and with the exception of missing the kiddos, we would have stayed a whole lot longer. A more detailed post will follow once I get the pics downloaded.

- Hannah had to have a minor surgery. Her eyes, especially her left, have not been draining properly since she was born. I kept putting it off, thinking I was just being paranoid. Finally we had the specialist look at it, and her tear ducts weren't draining right. Basically he had to take a probe and run it through the upper and lower lid ducts as well as the drain part into the nasal cavity in both eyes to open them up. It is a simple procedure that takes a whole 20 minutes. However, they had to put her under for it, so it was a little scary. She did just fine and is already back to normal. The Dr. said the right eye went great, and the left eye was a little more tough. In about a week or so, we should know whether or not it is good or if they have to go back in.

- School's out for summer (yes imagine the song playing in your head)! I was happy to see that day come last week. But, I am beginning to wonder how complicated it is going to be with moving into a house in a few weeks. Having them at home complicates things. Especially the sorting-through-crap-so-we-can-have- a-yard-sale-so-we-don't-have-to-pack as much part.

- Tracy had a job interview, so keep us in your prayers

- We finally sold our house! 22 months on the market! It was a very painful experience, and one we are not eager to do again! But eventually we will have to.

- We are getting excited to travel down to Moab next month and see some family.

Thankful

1.) Yesterday, I walked in the house from a long day at work.  As I sat down I could hear Hannah-bear's tiny not-so-soft-pitter-pattering of feet getting closer.  When she found me, she said the most amazing thing to me.  With the softest little voice and the widest eyes, she said, "Maaamma" followed by the biggest hug that such a little person can give.  Simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.   

Why is this so amazing you may ask?  Oh where do I start.  Hannah is very social.  She can say lots of words, like Sasha, Trent, dog, hi, bye, pretty, no, stinky, yum, quit it, thank-you, and of course daddy.  But mama?  Nope.  Nada.  Zip.  Now, don't be concerned, she can make the sounds of "mama" without a problem.  That isn't the issue.  However, her stubbornness is.  She has refused, absolutely refused to acknowledge that I am "Mama".  In fact, she and I have argued about this very point.  Yes, at 15 months, toddlers are very capable of arguing.  Well at least in my house anyway...(they are part me after all).  

Our conversation goes like this:  I look at her and say "Okay Hannah, say Mama."  Slowly mouthing each part "Ma-ma.  Ma-ma-ma-ma".  She then looks at me, shakes her head back and forth, while pointing at me, and says in an impatient tone, "Daddy!".  And it's not like she did this once.  We have been having this conversation since she muttered her first word.  Any guesses what that first word was?  You got it - Daddy.

So today I am thankful for those small moments that come so quietly but makes my heart want to shout with joy.  Is there really anything better then hearing the quiet soft mutter of "Mama"? (not to be confused with the screaming, whining, yelling or demanding versions of "Mama" I might add).

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2.)  The church owns an orchard in Caldwell, and our ward has a row of trees that we are responsible for taking care of.  That means thinning and picking.  The fruit is then used to help others in need as well as go to the cannery.  Anyway, we were there in the apricot orchard, standing on very tall ladders thinning out the green apricots.  Me...on a TALL ladder?  Now that is commitment I tell ya!  

I was up in one tree, and Tracy was in the next tree right behind me.  We are working along, enjoying the fact that we are outside, and doing something good.  We even got Trent and Aleana involved by thinning the heavier branches around the bottom of the trees.  (Hannah was in the backpack with Tracy eating, or attempting to eat green apricots or leaves depending on which she could get her hands on first).  

I am now steadily seeking out clumps of apricots, in my own little world, when I hear a "thunk-thunk-thump".  There is a brief pause in silence, followed by another "thunk-thump".  Then I hear, in a whiny-there-was-no-mistakin'-it, Trent voice, "Heeey!!!  Whoooo threw thaaat?"  (Now, at this point I have to admit that I was so tempted to start throwing those little green suckers, but didn't because I was trying the be the "adult" and be a good example to my kids).  I hear another 'thunk" and more irritation in Trent's voice.  As I turn I around, I have no doubt who the offender might be.  You guessed it.  Tracy.  My grown-up husband, responsible for carrying Hannah on his back, Tracy.  He tosses one more down and tags Trent right on the noggin.  This time Trent looks up and sees his dad.  Tracy throws another down just to hear Trent whine.  But much to our surprise, he doesn't.  He looks up and says very sternly, "Dad, stop it.  I AM YOUR CHILD!!  And you DON'T DO THAT TO YOUR CHILD!!!"  Of course we laugh and hear snickers three trees down from us, as someone comments, "Now, that is classic". 

Yes, our Trent is a classic.  He's one of a kind.  And, he's our CHILD.  I am thankful that he now realizes that. :)

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3.) Today was the last day of school, and I have to admit - I am so happy!  It is nice to have a break, as I am sure it will be nice to have them back in school in the fall.  Today is also the day that Hannah had a Dr.'s appointment to get her eyes looked at.  She will have to have a minor surgery to fix her tear ducts this coming Monday.  While I was busy with Hannah-stuff, Aleana had an award ceremony.  I didn't think it was a big deal, as the teacher didn't notify me that she was to receive anything.  

Fast-forward a couple hours, Aleana is off the school bus and in the car, and we are on our way to Sonic (happy hour - need I say more?) to celebrate the beginning of summer-break.  I asked how her day went, and she said "Fine".  I asked if she would miss her teacher, and she said, "Yes".  At this point I am thinking, man I am at 0 - 2.  Only one word answers, this can't be good.  She finally opens up and says that she will miss her friends, (as we are moving and will be in a different school district next year) but how she got their phone numbers so she will be able to "talk to them on the phone all summer and stay friends forever".  

Then in a very matter-of-fact, it's no-big-deal kind of way, said "Oh yeah, I got an award today".  What?!?!?  I missed it?  Feeling the guilt already begin to build up.  

I said, "What did you get an award in?"  

She then replied, "Oh, it was for top student in third grade".  

I was so excited for her.  I was beaming, and said, "Aleana, that's awesome.  That's a really big deal!" 

She acted surprised.  How could she not think it was a big deal?  Um, probably because I wasn't there to see it.  She was presented with a certificate in front of the whole school.  Only one third grader in her class.  I still can't believe that her teacher didn't give me a heads-up. Grrr.  She said, "It is?"  

I then said, "Holy cow Aleana!  I was a good student all through school.  I got straight A's all through high school, and I never got that award".  Her eyes got big as she started to understand how awesome it was to be the holder of the "top student" award.

I am so proud of her.  She is such a hard worker and does a great job.  I am truly grateful to have a daughter like her.  But regardless of what the teacher says, she will always be a top student in my book.