The Flu

I actually got the flu. The one on the news. I remember saying to Robin one year, "How do people die from the flu?" Well, now I understand. And believe me, I won't be going without a flu shot ever again. (Even though this year the CDC said it was only 40% effective)

It started with a cough on Sunday. Then in the middle of the night, I woke up with a 102 degree fever. I've been in bed ever since.

My poor kids! Ed worked Tuesday and Wednesday so they were pretty much on their own. Hannah woke me up Tuesday night and said, "Mom, it's 7 o'clock. Dad's not home yet and we haven't eaten. Can I make pancakes?" By the time Ed got home, hunger was averted and the kitchen was getting cleaned up.

Wow- it's never easy to be sick but to know that things will run without you and you don't have to crawl out of bed to tie a shoe or do someone's hair is a really great thing.

Ed has the rest of the week and this weekend off which means I can relax and get better. But I've already been in bed for 4 days- how much longer?

Dream Guy

Ed is so great to me! He bought me my "pajama-gram two weeks ago for V-day. When it came in the mail, he was so excited, he had me open it right away.

Also- I really wanted flowers. And I've been married long enough that I know when I want something that rather than drop hints and hope he catches on that I should just say what I want. So I got flowers yesterday at work- white roses. He proposed to me with white roses. And it didn't lessen it that I had to tell him that's what I wanted.

I'm still working on his V-day present. I'm a slacker. But that's okay too- because there have been plenty of years where I spoiled him.

Thanks honey! You're the best!

Let it Snow.... okay STOP!

I'm sure there are areas of the country that have more snow than this (like in the backwoods of Montana) but it has been such a crazy winter with a snow storm just about every other day. As you can see- on the left side of our house, you can completely walk up and over a 3 foot fence. In some areas of our neighborhood, you can do that with a 6 foot fence. The boys (and the dog) are sure are having fun though! Me? I just want to wear flip-flops again- my toes need to breathe.

Technology Impaired, but Grateful

In the age of cell phones, texting, instant-messaging, i-pods, blogs, etc., I've often felt handicapped. Since most of these things became mainstream in my late-twenties while I was busy having babies and figuring out how to pinch a penny- I've been lost.

However, lately, I've figured out how to use these mediums to do many worthwhile things and I'm so grateful!

Ed and I started texting each other when we have something to say throughout the day. It's been great for him since he works in a hospital and can't answer a cell phone. My mom and I text as well- we remind each other to watch American Idol, etc.

As you well know, I've been consistently posting messages on my own blog as well as checking my close friend's blogs almost every day. This has allowed me to become closer to them despite the thousand plus miles between us. I can even hear their voices as I read what they've written. I"ve been uplifted as they've shared their testimonies. I have felt awe at their amazing strengths and accomplishments. Most of all, I've felt love and acceptance.

Robin and I sometimes g-mail chat online - how wonderful that we can connect like this. Chatting is a great way to talk because you can multi-task at the same time. And if you ever wonder what I'm smokin' on my blog you surely don't want to g-mail chat- it's even crazier..... Robin can handle it though- she's an uber-IM'er!

And, occasionally, as I'm just getting into bed, Ed will hand me an earphone bud attached to his i-pod and play me a romantic, relaxing song. What a great way to fall asleep!

All of these devices and programs can surely get out of control quickly but when used for good purposes, and in moderation can really help you cope with life! I love technology. It still takes a back seat to a nice, handwritten, snail-mail card but I love the immediacy of it all.

Sweet Serenity

Spanish Fork now has it's own little piece of Heaven. It's called Primrose Retreat- and it's a full-service Day Spa & Tea Room (Whatever tea room means. It sounds posh though, right?).

It's fabulous! I have been there 3 times. But tonight I had to take a picture because I went with Amberlyn and it's probably our last girls thing just with the two of us before she has her baby.

Tonight I had a peppermint pedicure- it's was wonderful and I'm going to wear flip-flops tomorrow to show off my beautiful feet. Nevermind that there is 3 feet of snow on the ground at my house. Nevermind that it's supposed to snow 5 out of the next 6 days.

I can't wait for all of you to visit me and we'll go together!

What more could a little boy ask for?

Little boy- not baby. Can you believe it? I can't. My baby is almost 2! Anyway, I found this on the camera today and thought it was the cutest thing ever. Ed said Aidan climbed up on the bean bag to read his "Cars" book and Sadie followed him up. Next thing you know, they are both fast asleep. A boy with his cars and his dog- what else is there?

So What?

(New & Improved Version) As I was responding to Hilary's blog entry about scrap booking, I started thinking about how we (and maybe it's just me so from here on out instead of assuming it's you too, I'll refer to me) all have an over-achiever's complex. I seem to think that I should be able to do everything and be everything when it comes to anything motherly, wifely, or womanly. I look at what someone else has done or is doing and think to myself, "I should do that," or "I need to make time for that" or "If I was a good mom, wife or woman, I would do that." But why do I think this way? I am truly warped! I know that all women are different and have different strengths and I would never want any of you to look at something I do and feel bad that you're not doing it. So why do I continue to rake myself over the coals because I should be doing something that I'm not. Do I think I'm a super-human? Of course not! When I think through it instead of letting my super-hero, over-achiever self kick-in, I know that I'm on the right track- I know that my day is well-rounded and that by the time I fall into bed, I have done my best at every role I play in some one's life. And I am very secure- I know I'm capable, smart, worthwhile and let's not forget HOT! (I know I say this last part jokingly, but I really do look in the mirror and think I'm one good-looking chick- from the waist up). So I'm making a goal to be okay with my so whats.... I'm committing to not think I'm superwoman. Here are some of my so whats- feel free to share yours- it's therapeutic to say it out loud.



So what if I don't scrapbook- I have all the digital photos printed each year and place them in a numbered photo album chronologically. (This is what got me thinking)



So what if I don't cut coupons or belong to any grocery guru club. I shop for my family and make an effort to provide healthy snack choices for my kids and cook dinner almost every night.



So what if I don't refinish furniture or constantly think of ways to decorate my house. I take care of what I have and try to save for something new each year.



So what if I don't go to the gym everyday. I try to make good food choices and stay active.



So what if I'm not eloquent or diplomatic. I always make time for my friends and try to serve them. (This one sounded a little arrogant when I added the so what so I changed it a little.)



So what I don't sew, quilt, or crochet. I know how so when I do want to do those things, I can.


These are only a few- you get the idea. I'm going to try this the next time I feel like I'm not doing enough.

It's Mr. Ed & No, not the famous one (cuz he was a horse!)

Because I am a faithful follower of My Amazing Blogging friends, here is my answers to Tag, My Husbands It.

What’s his name? Edwin Carl Emil

How long have you been together? We got married on October 17, 1996 which is about how long we've been together since we never really dated first. Won't bore you with the details since you all know them.

How long did you date? We didn't. I'll quote Denise, "When you KNOW, you KNOW."

How old is he? 35 HAH HAH!

Who eats more? Him- always- so why the heck am I the fat one?

Who said I love you first? I don't remember- all of those normal dating rituals are a little hazy.... oh!- that's right because didn't follow any of the normal dating rituals.

Who is taller? Ed's 6'2" to my 5'6"

Who is smarter? Ed about anything medical, constructional, logical, or historical. Me in the common sense, I can remember things without a to-do list, kind of way.

Who does laundry? Ed does- on his days off. I put away the clothes.

Who does the dishes? Again, quoting Denise, "HELLO, the kids!"

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me- why are all you people trying to define it?

Who pays the bills? We do it together- a recent development.

Who mows the lawn? He does until our kids are old enough that I can say Hello! The kids.

Who cooks dinner? Generally me, although if I have a girls night out- he is not scared to take care of it.

Who drives when you are together? If I can't ride without making any comments, than I do.

Who is more stubborn? Duh- do I really need to answer this question? (It's me if any first-timers are reading)

Who kissed who first? Again- normal dating rituals? Not us. But I do remember our first kiss. It went something like this. From opposite sides of the room after we had just "decided" to get married. Amy: "So since we're going to get married, shouldn't we kiss?" Ed: "Ya.... I guess so." So we met in the middle and sealed the deal with a kiss. We've never looked back. We did look look around a little this past year. J/K We just had a pretty rough year last year.

Who proposed? He did, officially, 7 days after the above mentioned version of a marriage proposal.

Who asked out who first? He did. On August 27th, he asked me to go to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple Open House - he had tickets for Sept. 11th. We just happened to already be engaged by the time Sept. 11th rolled around. Here's the official timeline (all occurring in 1996):

August 22-24th: Met at a Branch campout in Moab

August 27th: Asked me out on a date

August 28th: Decided to get married

Sept 4th: Officially proposed to me at Deer Creek at Sunset

Sept. 11th: First Date

Oct. 17: Married

Mind boggling. Although something occurred to me while looking up these dates. (I always knew them by day and not date). One of our very good friends, Luther Smith, died in a car wreck on August 22nd. He was visiting his fiance's family in Atlanta when he hit a truck head-on going freeway speed. We attended his funeral, separately, on August 26th. Looking back, I wonder if the loss of Luther's life played a part in our urgency. Maybe we were more tuned to the Spirit because of this tragedy. Most often when someone attends the funeral of a friend you contemplate your own existence, your own purpose. So when God told me to marry Ed, I listened. Because I knew he knew what was best for me. And the only thing you know for sure in this life is that if you listen to God, everything will be alright.

Who has more siblings? Ed. He has 5 sisters- I only have one obnoxious little brother.

Who wears the pants in the family? Most people would say me- only because I'm more stubborn and I don't need to make a to-do list to get things done. But really, we wear the pants together- one on each leg. We're learning to manage the family and the kids together. Each of us is qualified and trusted to make everyday decisions regarding the kids and other misc. daily tasks. But on the big things, we decide together- usually each of us trying to persuade the other. There are definitly perks to being a woman and I do usually get what I ask for... and so does he... it's just that I usually ask for for more.

Alexander the Great

So Alex is great but made a not so great choice yesterday. He cheated at school. Some of you may be wondering what makes a First grader tempted to cheat..... recess. So Alex has daily homework that he turns in every morning. Apparently, if you don't turn it in, you cannot go to morning recess. He is supposed to finish the homework page every day after school and put it in his homework folder inside his backpack when he is finished so he is not scrambling around trying to find stuff before school. Yesterday morning at 8:30, be began looking for his homework folder and couldn't find it. You know about how much effort a first grader puts into looking. I've helped him out before but I felt it was time for him to be accountable and I try really hard to not be one of those "rescue-ing moms". So he went to school unprepared. I never dreamed he'd would turn in someone else's homework so he could go to recess! Obviously, I found about his behavior after school- we had a long talk- he felt the weight of making a wrong choice and was very emotional. At dinner time, this was his "Low" - that he cheated. I also made him admit his wrong-doing to his father and apologize to his teacher. I hope he has learned his lesson. When I was is first grade, I stole a Little Kitty eraser out of some one's desk in another class and put it in my own desk. After lunch, I pulled out my new eraser and showed everyone. I think that's how I got caught- everyone knew I hadn't ran to the store during lunch time.

Hannah Canna

do anything.... she is a very talented young lady. But the thing I've always loved most about my firstborn is that she didn't know she was different than any other kid. She thought every kid her age could ride a two-wheeler bike when they were 2 years old (thanks to Denise). But lately, she is starting to realize that she is extraordinary and is getting a borderline superiority complex. I know it's because of school, dance and church teachers who praise her incessantly. She getting her first taste of adults besides her parents thinking she is fabulous. I want her to know she is special but not feel prideful and superior. I want her to feel confident but not arrogant. I don't know how to do this... but the good news is she still thinks I'm fabulous which allows for some pretty cool conversations. I guess as long as she is still talking and sharing things with me we still have a shot.

High & Low

I've been struggling with enjoying dinner time and with the start of a new year, I've re-committed myself to making dinner every night with the intention of making meal time true family time. I heard something in Relief Society that I thought might help and tried it out. It's called High & Low. Around the dinner table, each family member shares with everyone the best thing and the worst thing that happened to them that day. The kids have loved it and dinner time is now one of my favorite times during the day. It gives us a chance to connect daily with the kids about their lives. If there is something we need to speak more in depth about, I can make time for that child later on in the evening. I love that as the kids get older, I want to spend time with them- as opposed to counting down the days until my next Girls Night Out.

Getting Together

Robin asked when we were all getting together in a comment so I thought I'd take the lead and start the conversation. I think we should plan on somewhere easy for all of us to get too like Vegas or California and sometime after June (since Denise and Robin are available to leave home around June). We could even do one of those short cruises that go along the Southern shore of California. Or if we needed to be budget-savvy, we could stay in Vegas. Obviously, this conversation started with Denise, Robin and I but we would love it if Hilary and Theresa and others could join us. (Dory and Amberlyn included!) It's all about somewhere for us all to connect and hang out because we are Moms and we need vacations! Anyway, feel free to leave your suggestions and let's get it planned!

BTW- The past get-togethers have been a blast! I promise you will have fun- laugh alot, eat alot and relax a lot. You will not want to miss our slumber-party conversations for sure!

We Love the Wii!

Santa brought our family a Wii for Christmas and it's a total blast! We played it tonight for family home evening. In fact, this the 2nd week in a row we've played it for FHE. Who needs to go to a bowling alley when you can bowl at home with Mii's that look just like you? We've waited 10 years to get a gaming system and I'm so glad this is the one we chose! It's great family time and everyone loves to play it. It's very inter-active and the thing I love most about it is you don't just sit there and play it- you have to get up and move around. We're all a little goofy over this new toy.....

My little "Frogger"

Aidan loves his baths! Especially with his new towel!

I've Been Tagged

A. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
B. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: (Jan 1998) Ed and I had a month old baby and were living in an apartment in Pleasant Grove. We were tag-team parenting to avoid putting Hannah in Daycare. Wow.... we were broke! But happy- and I can't believe the things I didn't know back then.

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Finish my Relief Society Lesson
2. Catch up on my blogging- as per Denise's instructions.
3. Get ready for another fun-filled week!
That's all I have because today is Sunday and I don't make to-do lists on Sunday.

Snacks I enjoy:
Popcorn
Edamame
Anything chocolate
Crackers and Spinach Dip
Fruit

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Buy a cabin
2. Buy a Corvette
3. College funds for my own kids and anyone else I could help
4. Pay off my mortgage
5. Vacation everywhere

3 of my bad habits:
1. Biting my fingernails
2.Impulsive decisions
3.Quick Judgements (although you know I'm usually right!)

5 places I have lived:
1. Wichita, KS
2. Rexburg, ID
3. Las Vegas, NV
4. Provo, UT
5. Spanish Fork, UT

5 jobs I have had:
1. Administrative Asst.
2. Retail salesperson
3. Executive Asst.
4. Owned a paper route
5. Owner's Asst.
(Man- I sure do a lot of assisting.....)

5 things people don't know about me:
Let's get real.... all of you know just about everything about me. I really can't think of anything- that's because I'm a blabbermouth and what I think.... I speak. So- here is a lame attempt:
1. I have always wanted to write a book
2. I have always wanted to move to Hollywood and become famous
3. I love to dance
4. I love to drive really fast- when I'm by myself.... I'm crazy and I love it! I especially love to drive that canyon between St. George and Vegas- ooh baby I need a decent car to drive it in- not so fun in the Caravan.
5. I was a diver in High School

I tag Amberlyn, Hilary & I'm re-tagging Dory because she didn't post it after Robin tagged her!

A Year in the Life of the Huhtalas

(to be sung to the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas”)

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: Fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 2 surgeries and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 8 ER trips, 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 9 hours of traveling, 8 ER trips, 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 10 acts of service, 9 hours of traveling, 8 ER trips, 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 11 family sayings, 10 acts of service, 9 hours of traveling, 8 ER trips, 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement

In the year of oh seven, the Huhtala family: 12 baby faces, 11 family sayings, 10 acts of service, 9 hours of traveling, 8 ER trips, 7 church callings, 6 swimming lessons, 5 different sports, 4 school-aged children, 3 kids in dance class, 2 surgeries, and fully finished their basement



We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas! We feel our Savior’s love daily and are so grateful for this Christmas season to remind us of His birth. We will try to “do a little more” in 2008 and we challenge you to do the same.

Love Always,

The Huhtala Family- Ed, Amy, Hannah, Haylee, Alex, Logan & Aidan


*Some of these numbers are just for the sake of the song- see back page for more explanation

1. The basement is finished and just in time for our friends to come from Virginia and Oregon. We had 6 adults, 15 kids and 2 dogs under one roof for 4 days! It was a blast! We can’t wait for them to come again.

2. Haylee and I both had surgery this year. Haylee ended up performing in her dance recital just 3 days after her emergency appendectomy!

3. Alex joined the girls this year by taking a clogging class. Now we have 4 cloggers in the family! Haylee took ballet and clogging this year and Hannah did clogging and modern dance. The girls also performed in the Stadium of Fire (Provo’s Freedom Festival).

4. Time flies! We never thought we’d have 4 kids in school. Logan started Kindergarten and loves it. Alex is doing awesome in 1st grade. Haylee loves 3rd grade and is excelling in all of her subjects. Hannah’s 4th grade teacher is fabulous and she ended the term with straight A’s.

5. Well, it was only 3 different sports but it really felt like 300! We had baseball in the Spring, Soccer in the fall and a new edition this year… wrestling. Alex and Logan took wrestling for the first time. I thought they would be perfect at it since this is all they do at home. Alex placed 3rd in the Nebo Wrestling Tournament. Hannah and Haylee were on the same soccer team and placed 3rd in the league. They are quite the dynamic duo.

6. One of the things the kids look forward to the most about summer vacation is swimming lessons. They had a great time this year and also managed to avoid that community pool parasite.

7. We really only have 4 callings if you combine both mine and Ed’s (me 3, Ed 1). But I definitely wanted to include something about our ward since it is such a big part of our lives. We absolutely love our neighborhood and have learned so much from the people around us.

8. Yep- like all of you, I’m pretty sure we had at least 8 ER trips…. What family doesn’t?

9. We only took one trip this year- to St. George over Labor Day. We met my mom there and mostly just hung out at the hotel and in the pool. The kids loved it! I did get to go to Washington D.C. in July to visit Denise. I had so much fun although I do not recommend Virginia in July- holy humidity!

10. Acts of Service- We’re trying really hard as a family to serve one another so that we can have harmony and peace in our home. The kids do a great job of helping each other out.

11. Family Sayings- Ed and I have developed what we like to think of as clever ways to get our point across. I coined the phrase, “If you have time to kick it, you have time to pick it up.” Ed’s favorite is, “If you’re not gettin’ to bed… you’re gettin’ in trouble.” And the long-time favorite, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” Alex thinks our family has too many rules.

12. Baby Faces- Aidan is a hoot! One of our favorite things is to take turns pulling a face for Aidan to copy. He can glare and raise his eyebrows, among other funny faces. We’ve all had fun teaching him new ones and new phrases to say while he’s at it. It’s been such a joy having older kids to play with the “baby” and of course to help out as well.

I've Earned It.... Right?

Okay- so good moms keep a clean house.... and hiring a maid or a housecleaner is for the rich people. So what if one day you feel like being a good mom by spending time with your kids instead of cleaning. Or worse, playing Natzi-mom to get them to clean? What then? You hire a housecleaner like the rich people! So obviously I've had some experience with this. This week, (I'm on my third week of recovering from major surgery) I know I needed to clean and bad. But I'm still not 100%, etc. Plus, while I was down recovering, the kids have basically just lived without their Mom. Dad has done the shopping, the cooking, the running errands, the cleaning (or not- thus the theme of this blog) and everything else that's needed to be done. Earlier in the week, I started to think about the weekend and getting bummed because my husband had to work all day long on Saturday. So I decided that I would do something fun with the kids but then realized that the house was in need of some TLC of its own. I wanted to hire a housecleaner so that I could do what I wanted to do. Ed had a real big problem with this. Who pays people money to clean their house? That's just a luxury we have not earned. Well.... I won. I chose my family over a clean house. And it really is that black and white to me. Who cares how much it costs? It's not like I'm going to do it every week but twice-three times a year? Perfect. So the kids I came home after being gone about 9 hours- I opened up the door to the slight smell of Pine-Sol. Never have I smelled a better smell. The smell of a clean house- that took all day long. But it didn't take me all-day long- I spent all day being a good mom. (By the way, I highly recommend the movie Game Plan- it was great!)

Taking Time Out for Us

My husband and I just took our first vacation in 10 years without the kids. We went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was the best trip I've ever been on. It was so nice to take long walks on the beach, hand-in hand and even just relaxing by the pool felt like Heaven. 10 years was too long to wait. Having 5 children has taught me the importance of taking time out for me- making time to do things I like to do so that I can feel renewed-rejunivated and be a better mom. What I didn't realize until this trip was that we need those time-outs as a couple too. It was great to re-connect with Ed and remember why I married him in the first place. Our daily lives are so filled with necessities of running a family (and have been since our 2nd year of marriage) that I've forgotten why I love him so much. I've forgotten how funny he is- how he makes me laugh. I've forgotten how sweet and thoughtful he is. I've forgotten how much fun we have together. Now, obviously, going off on a tropical vacation is not going to happen for another 10 years - but we can make time to spend together each week, each month and each year so that when our family is back down to just the two of us- we still want to spend time together and still want to be married.

Kids Say the Funniest Things

Have you ever thought that if you wrote down all the funny things your kids say that you could fill an entire book? I love the way their thoughts just roll right off their tongue. They haven't developed that filter- you know the one in your brain that keeps you from saying some really embarrassing or stupid things. Adults (most of us) have become really good at censoring our thoughts for human consumption. We've also become really good at not saying things- not complimenting and praising people when they deserve it, not saying I love you, not sharing what we really think because it's not politically correct or we wonder what someone will think of us. I love that my kids just say what's on their mind. It cracks me up most of the time and humbles me too. My five-year old says to my husband the other day, "Of course Dad, I'm 5! My brain is big!" Then there are the really tender moments when he says, "Mom, do you know Heavenly Father is true, and he loves us?" and "Mom, you're beautiful." It's also so funny when they mispronounce words like my 4-year old says some-a-body and Alex who says Bemember instead of remember. I just corrected my six-year old who called popcorn- potcorn. The list goes on and on of funny things they say. I know that most of the time I'm so wrapped up in what I need to get done in a day that I don't appreciate the little things (or little people)- and those little things aren't going to be little for too much longer.