Que Linda!

Por nuestros amigos en Chile y Costa Rica - algunos fotos mas de la nueva reina de nuestra casa que ahora tiene cuatro meses Es la reinita Sophia, o como la llama su hemana mayor - Fifi


Que linda, no? Me encata sus ojos - ella tiene los ojos de su padre - grande y bonito.

Heaven and the Savior

Corey got me this book "Heaven is for Real" for Christmas and I finished reading it today. Corey and I have read lots of books like this and they always fascinate me. Has helped my thoughts be more on Christ, who is the reason for the season, as we all know. This one was a quick read and I finished it tonight, then got online to look up the picture "Prince of Peace" that they reference by Akiane Kramarik -


which led me here, which then reminded me of some things Tomas Kofod said during a fireside that we went to back in 2000 ... (cue year 2000 journal entries -)

First, before the fireside where Tomas spoke, we had gone down to temple square to see the movie "The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd - Here's what the newspaper said at that time: -

Salt lake Tribune Religion Section C for Saturday, March 25, 2000. It is the main article on C1. It said that all actors who had a major role had to be temple worthy. The film maker Keith Merrill was told by President Hinckley, “It will be the most important film the church has ever made.” Then Pres. Hinckley said “I have never seen a depiction of the Savior I liked.” They said finding the right person to play Jesus was like finding Cinderella. They looked at “every available LDS actor in the world, eventually considering more than 500.” Merrill gave screen tests to 64, then selected three to present to the First Presidency. The result? LDS leaders told Merrill to “keep looking.” In desperation, the director sent a call across the Internet and received an email from Tomas Kofod, a Danish convert, asking about the part. Kofod had been an exchange student in Utah more than 10 years earlier, had lived with a Mormon family, then returned to Denmark and joined the LDS Church. He became an accomplished actor, performing with the Royal Danish Shakespeare Company. Kofod was brought to Utah for an audience with the First Presidency, and they like him immediately. Kofod’s Danish-accented voice had to be dubbed by Will Swenson. They said His blue-eyed Scandinavian looks are not meant as a church statement about Christ’s appearance, instead, viewers should see Kofod as presenting “the feelings of Christ that were acceptable to the First Presidency.

So, after reading that in the paper, I was really excited to see the portrayal of Christ. We went and saw the film at Temple Square later that month in 2000 and just loved it.

The next year, we went to a fireside where Tomas Kofod spoke on 24 June 2001 (I'm so glad I have these journal entries - making me remember that I need to keep writing and recording today cause I'm going to forget everything about my life right now and it will be lost forever if I don't write it down!!!) Just going to paste this whole entry here...

Sunday, 24 June 2001

This afternoon we went over to Corey’s parent’s house. The single’s ward where Mark and Nancy attend was having a special fireside and Tomas Ambt Kofod was the speaker. He is the man who played the part of the Savior in the Church movie The Testaments of One Fold and One Sheperd. It was a spiritual feast. I felt the spirit so strongly and felt so edified after hearing him speak. I want to come to know the Savior better. I am going to study the Book of Mormon more faithfully - President Benson said that is the tool that the Lord has give us to draw us nearer to Him.

Some things Tomas spoke about was the miracles involved in him even finding out about the part. His wife sent her very first email to her friend in Orem, and her friend got on the computer when she got home from work, which she never does, and saw the email from Tomas’ wife. She sent them information regarding tryouts for parts in the Church film, which she had seen on the internet earlier. That information was only on the internet for that one day. Everything about it was miraculous, from him finding out about the part, getting out of other acting commitments to come and try out, getting his ticket to fly over in time, and then finding a replacement after he was given the part. He said when he was getting his make-up on before his screen test, he looked out the door saw “Christ after Christ” walking down the hall, they were all tall and had deep voices (Tomas kept making jokes about how skinny and small he was). He also said he didn’t like his nose, and after taking a look at himself he asked the make-up artist to put more make-up on each side to shadow his nose a little better, and after she did and he saw himself in the mirror, he said he was looking into the eyes of his Savior. He told of how he got sick on the night before they were going to start filming, and he prayed and pleaded for help to get better, but felt his prayers weren’t getting past the hotel ceiling. It was late and so after pouring his heart out he decided it would be best to go to bed and try and get some rest. As he was laying in bed, a voice came to his mind, as clear as any voice he’s ever heard. The voice said he was sorry to make him sick, but this was the only way to make him humble enough to hear. The Lord told him he needed to be more humble and told him many other things he did not share with us. He said if a person had rebuked him that way, he might have been offended, but he didn’t take any offense, but listened to the counsel. Another time he got sick when they were filming, but it wasn’t to humble him. He was given a blessing, I think by the director, where they rebuked Satan and commanded him to leave.

One more entry of another fireside where we listened to two other actors from the film-

Rick Macy, the man who played Helam in the Church film The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepard, came and spoke, along with the lady who played Mary Magdalene, and Merrill Jenson, the man who wrote the music. It was a wonderful fireside. I invited my parents and Corey’s parents. Corey’s parents came and so did Mom and Rebekkah. The main message: it was all real. You can’t act a testimony. It was an amazing spiritual experience for all of them, and the film has truly strengthened my testimony and touched my soul. Rick Macy said that Tomas Kofod, the man who played the Savior, is such a humble and Christlike man. He was the person for the part

Then searched around online and I thought this was a book - but I think it's just in audio cd, will probably order it sometime. It is probably a recording of a fireside similar to the one I attended.

Ski Bums

Corey's become a major ski bum. He's taken some of the kids skiing every day this week. He thinks he probably holds some record for taking the most kids skiing the most times during one week. We're loving having the ski resorts 20 minutes away, especially since we missed out on all the fun last year. I haven't gone yet - I'm home with the nursing baby and that's okay by me. I think I'd like to go up in February for our anniversary or something, but for now I'm fine to be lazy and let Corey do all the hard work, I'll take over when they're all trained :)

Alta Ski Resort has a great deal that we try to take full advantage of - Ski for Free after 3

So we go up around 2 and warm up on the tow rope, then they're ready to go when the lift opens at 3.


4 year old warming up her skills again


She's got it! Ready to try the mountain with Dad


Yesterday he left the 6 and 4 year old kids home so he could take the older kids down the harder runs - even did a black diamond they say.

Ethan bragged that he crashed into a tree.


Glad he had a helmet on. (Aren't we such responsible parents! Oh yeah!)

Chocolate Spinach Protein Shake

I have one of these shakes almost every day - takes care of any chocolate cravings with the added bonus that it's got a major servings of greens for health and vitality!

Blend:

1 cup of water
1 handful of spinach
1 heaping Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder
1 scoop of protein powder
5-8 drops of vanilla Stevia
1/2 frozen banana
1 tray of ice cubes (half filled)

Then sprinkle with 1/2 c. cereal

Step One:
Get your blender - add 1 cup of water and a handful of spinach - start easy on the spinach if this is your first time, I've warped my tastebuds so much that I can add a ton and not notice it


Step Two:
Add Stevia, cocoa powder, and Protein Powder


Making sure there's enough cocoa powder will over power the spinach taste


Step Three:
Add frozen bananas and ice
I slice my bananas length wise and put them in sandwich bags to freeze, then break them in pieces when I put it in the blender



You'll want to put them in the pitcher in this order - start with the water and spinach to get the blender blades at the bottom of the pitcher going nicely, powders next so they are locked in the middle, topped with ice and bananas to keep the powders in.

Blend into a nice and yummy brown and green goop!


Great thing about it, most of my kids don't pester me asking if they can have some. My toddler loves it though, I usually share a cup with her

Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cereal - Honey Sunshine is the best for chocolate protein shakes - tastes like an ice cream cone!



Total Calories = about 310
1 handful of spinach - 20?
1 heaping Tablespoon of Cocoa Powder - 24
1 scoop of protein powder - 140 (Cytosport Whey)
1/2 frozen banana - 60
1/2 cup Kashi Honey Sunshine - 66

Giant Lego Minifigure

I am very impressed with Ethan's creativity...

He began with this:
and made this:
Got the mini-figure that was his model on the giant legos' shoulder.
He did write on the legos with permanent markers, which didn't thrill me, but I guess they use them and not me, I shouldn't care right? Makes me happy to see them being creative.

The Candy Bar Game

The Candy Bar game, and here's how it goes:

You will need:


Bags - Get some bags for the treats: brown paper bags, this time I just used random gift bags we had on hand
A die - as in dice, but just one :)
Candy - Today we used some chocolate, some candy, choose what you'd like.

Put one treat in one bag for each kid playing the game, plus some extra treats in another bag all together.


They rolled the die -
roll 1 - trade with the person of your choice
roll 2 - nothing
roll 3 - everyone trade left
roll 4 - guess a treat - if there is one they'd like they can guess for it, if it's in the stash or if someone has it, they do a swap.
roll 5 - nothing
roll 6 - trade with the main stash

We played until everyone had rolled a 6 and had a chance to check the main stash, but you can play for as long as the kids want, or set a timer.

We played it this way today for Melodie's birthday party - I let her plan it out, but I did help make the cake and help with ideas, but I like letting the kid be mostly in charge of it - makes it totally non-stressful. She had 5 friends that were able to come, so with just 6 girls the game was small and simple. Modify it as needed. A way I think I might change this for next time is to get regular sized treats or lots of fun size & miniatures and let them get a collection of treats, so there is more give and take and trading going on, they really seemed to enjoy the drama and uncertainty of it all - what treats will I end up with!?!?

I remember playing something like this once at Alicia's birthday party when I was young - I remember switching candy bars and hiding them under the pillows on our laps. I looked for instructions or a version of it online, I liked this one here, we modified this one for Joe's birthday, but with all the boys it turned out a little too competitive and violent, so we modified it a little again. Feel free to share what you try and how it worked.

Happy Birthday Mel! Her friends were so sweet, too, as they helped take care of the toddler and baby - thank you girls!

Melodie - she likes to try to just blow out one candle at a time, says that way she gets more wishes. :)

Family Pictures

We got these pictures taken over a year ago, but I just got barely picked up the CD from my friend, lots of fun pictures I thought.

I'm a Fundie!

Who's watching you?

Well ~ news from the land of blogging. Apparently I'm a "fundie" (religious fundamentalist) and am enjoying some nit-picking from some people over at freejinger.org. Go over and read all the exciting chatter here! Go on, I'll wait til you get back.

Ok, now my a-little-bit-more-thought-out response.

First, let me say that in most of my blog posts I am not putting my best foot forward, but talking to my family and sharing with them and also friends far and near what our chaos is like, hoping to make them smile as they know they're not alone - that life with kids is crazy chaos mixed up with hundreds of delightful moments everyday. (Especially when you are a family with kids living abroad out of suitcases for an unexpected extended period of time. Those pictures from our drive to Samara Beach were on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere Costa Rica, not downtown LA. Not to excuse myself... but my husband was gone thousands of miles away in Chile at the time and I was alone in central America just trying to survive. Now that it's all in the past, I must say it was worth it and I'd be open to doing it again. Yes, I am nuts.)

Secondly, anonymous judgmental woman were not my target audience. Today Corey's sarcasm and wit made me laugh... he told me to keep the blog up for our friends in Chile and Costa Rica and wherever else. Corey's had some thoughts that I had posted, but I've edited out just now. He said he was just spouting out some knee-jerk reactions, mostly trying to make me feel better (it worked) - but didn't actually want me to publish them - that he wouldn't have wanted to offend anyone, so sorry. Corey told me that his entire life growing up he's gotten used to people criticizing his lifestyle and its always been a source of curiosity to him. Perhaps their concerns were based upon a true desire for the health and safety of our family. We'll get rid of that T-shield carseat, but the infant carseat is not expired. And I'm not worried about my relationship with my 2 year old, although I'm not opposed to spanking. I'm not going to go through and rebut all of the concerns, don't want to bother with any of this non-drama.

But anyway, I made it private for an hour while I tried to figure out who was stalking us, pretty easy to do with google. So, when I figured that out and after Corey's reassurance (since of course I always defer to him on big decisions!) I decided I'm okay with the criticism for now. But really seems like there's something better they could do with their time ~

Santa's Lap

The kids got their pictures taken with Santa at a Church party. As you can tell by Joe's expression, he thinks it's pretty funny/silly and also thinks he's too old to sit on Santa's lap. That is Corey's favorite picture.

My other munckins -

Wesley in his constant costume regalia. He was Indiana Jones on this Saturday morning. If he didn't have to dress normally for school, he'd be in character all the time.


Abi, who will be quite a fashonista someday, I know, from her strong sense of style was wearing a skirt and a slip over a long sleeved pajama shirt.

Glad Ethan was there to make it seem like atleast one of my kids is normal. :) Lily started to freak out when she saw this Santa dude, and Mel brought her to me, so I think that is why she wasn't pictures. Not sure where Hyrum was, maybe he was still working on his Candy tree. It was a fun party. They had an embarrassing/funny story contest which Corey and I were going for cause 1st place got a certificate for dinner for 2 to LaCaille! That kind of a prize made our competitive side shine. I won 3rd place for this entry, Corey got 2nd for a shortened version of this story, and so we barely missed 1st! Watch out, we'll win it next year!

Embarrassing Story Entry

Our church had a little contest at the Christmas Breakfast a week and a half ago - share your most entertaining/embarrassing true story. I was reading the blog here for some ideas and possible entries and found this one which I had totally forgotten about - glad this blog is here to help my failing memory. I won 3rd place :)

March 15, 2007 - while living in Brazil

Not Your Typical "First Trimester" Day

While pregnant and living abroad, I went to a doctor appointment at a public clinic so they could draw blood for whatever tests they need to do for the baby. I really didn't want to bother with it while we were there but our friend insisted and offered to help and went with me the 40 minute drive into the city. I went in and and had my first exam. It was the first time I've heard this baby's heart beat, so that was fun. As for the blood work, I had to go over to a different room and wait in line. Most of the other people in line only had 2 or 3 viles to fill, but they did 5 for me. So after sucking out all my blood and since I hadn't eaten anything that morning (because I had to be in a state of fasting) I promptly fainted when they were done. Luckily the next lady in line was standing at the door waiting for her turn, and she proudly told me (as I lay on the table after I came to) that she had saved me from hitting the floor. So the new Portuguese word of the week was "faint" --> "desmaio". They had me lay down for a few minutes, my friend came into the room to see if I was ok, and when they felt I was strong enough to walk they let me leave - I told them I had some crackers in the car to get my blood sugar up, so I'll be fine. I scarfed down the cookies and crackers really quickly in the car, cause I was only driving a short distance to the Campinas temple which was nearby. At the temple I was doing initiatories, when I after work for 2 people I threw up all over the nice temple worker and myself (mostly her) the big mess of cookies and crackers that I had inhaled - all down the front of her lovely white dress. We both went and changed clothes, they cleaned the floor, and I sat down for a few mintues, then we finished the work. I did 10 initiatories and afterward told them I was going to skip out on doing a session and head home. I'd had enough fun for one day.

Sophia's 2 Month Pictures

I have a wall picture collection of each of my kids at 2 months and 1 week old. Sophia has officially joined the wall of babies.


This picture above was the cutest one, since she has a little smile, but the pose is more important to me for than her facial expression for some illogical reason, so we're going with the binki photo, which is still way cute and also tells of what she's been like as an infant, since she is a major binki baby - none of the other kids except Ethan cared much for the binki, so it's a little bit of a trademark for her.


And I just love the little pink sweater - that was a gift from a neighbor, it's so stinkin cute!

Gone Too Soon

Shannon Cloward 1961 - 2011

My heart goes out to Shannon's family. I wish she could have stayed here with us a little longer. But in my mind I know that it was a miraculous gift from God she was with us as long as she was. Thank you Shannon, we miss you already. We love you.

2 December was the day I returned from my mission in 1998, now I will remember Shannon on this day too, the day she finished her mission on earth. She lives on, thinking of her will continue to help me live right so that I can be worthy to be with her and the Savior again. I know Shannon made it, cause she was already an angel on earth.

Shannon's personality and smile and light remind me of my best friend from college Kristy Casperson Swiderski, who was also taken Home sooner than I would have liked. She was my same age by just a few days and died from cancer on October 25, 2006. I miss you Kristy, I want to be more like you, I wish you were here to help me learn how.

So I'm sad for all of us left behind, but having beloved friends and family pass on makes the Plan of Salvation feel more real. I know it is true. Christ died for us, and through Him we will all live again.

Love you Shannon.

Here is her obituary:

Shannon Wilson Cloward 

1961 ~ 2011 

Shannon Mary Wilson Cloward, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend passed away peacefully on December 2, 2011 surrounded by family after her courageous battle with cancer. She was 50 years old. Shannon was the oldest of six children born in Burlington, Washington June 25, 1961 to Kirk and Paula Wilson. She attended Burlington-Edison High School, where she was Student-body Vice-President her junior year and President her senior year. She also excelled in tennis, basketball and debate. Due to her leadership skills, she was one of two people selected from the state of Washington to attend a student government seminar in Washington D.C. She then went to Brigham Young University where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in history. There she met and was sealed to Randy Cloward in the Seattle Temple. They had 5 wonderful children together. Randy and Shannon continued to be close friends throughout the years despite divorcing.

Shannon always lived life to the fullest. Her battle with breast cancer began when she was 35 years old but never slowed her down. Tennis, marathons, triathlons, hikes, BYU sports, Jazz basketball, Wilson family holiday parties, and her job she loved at Jordan Valley School working in Special Education were just some of the activities that enriched her life up to the end. She was an incredible and devoted mother to her children and was compassionately devoted to taking care of her special needs son Kevin, who brought her much joy and fulfillment.

A faithful, devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she spent her life in the service of her faith and others. She touched and inspired so many lives as she served and loved those with whom she came in contact. She was a natural leader, serving in many positions of leadership throughout her life.

Shannon is survived by many family members that will miss her greatly, her five children: Amy (Adam) Sybrowsky, Alison, Paul (currently serving an LDS mission in Scotland), Kevin, and T.J,; her parents - Kirk and Paula; her brothers and sisters - Craig (Cari) Wilson, Holly (Steve) Crandall, Wendy (Calvin) Hunter, Kari (Eric) Hull, Keith (Lynsi) Wilson; many nephews and nieces; and her loving grandchild, Ava. Many have been touched and influenced for good by Shannon. She was constantly looking out for those who needed a friend or a place for a holiday dinner.

She would want to thank those who cared for her over the years including Dr. Difiore, her nurse Kristen and the rest of the staff, and also hospice services and her nurse Camille. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that contributions be made in her memory to the LDS Church Missionary Fund, 50 E. North Temple, SLC, UT 84150. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Granite Ridge Ward, 9575 So. 3100 East, where a visitation will be held 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery/Mortuary. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com