New Backyard

As many of you know, the house we live in is actually owned by my parents. They bought it 3 1/2 years ago as an investment property because it was a great time to buy. Wade and I pay the mortgage, make sure there are good renters for the basement, and take care of upkeep on the yard and house so we can help increase its value. Wade and his dad have spent countless hours remodeling the basement and making other improvements on the house. Although it doesn't look like it, the grass in our front yard was quite patchy because of the roots growing up from the ground of this huge evergreen tree. We liked that the tree provided some shade, but we didn't like that it interfered with the power lines as well as the mess the pine needles made. The tree in the backyard was similar, so one of my dad's clients cut them down a year ago. Then we had to pay for the stump to be removed. But these ginormous roots were still everywhere throughout the yard, so it was impossible to dig trenches and try to prepare a sprinkler system and plant new trees, bushes, and grass, until those roots were gone.

So back in June, Wade' friend, Sean, brought his skid-steer tractor and went to town, digging up all the roots in the front yard and in the backyard.

When it was parked, Jonathan wanted to be a big boy and help. How cute is that?

We were really grateful for the help from Austin, our brother-in law, and Frank, Wade's dad. They all worked together on the yard, including digging a 4-foot deep hole so they could cut into the main water line and put in a stop-and-waste, which would allow the new sprinkler system to function.

Jon bonding with Grandpa Reed

Backyard before: This is where our renters used to park their cars. Now they just park on the cement.

Before the backyard was finished, my cousin, Carolynn, gave us this great play gym. The kids loved it, but kept skinning their knees on the cement. We were so anxious to lay the sod so they could have grass to play on.

Last month, Wade layed the sod. He looked especially smokin' hot that day!

As you can see, Emily and Jonathan were a tremendous help with the project. ;)

Tada! Our new backyard! We are so excited that our kids have a nice place to play now. We can't wait till we have enough time and money to finish the front yard, too.

Dealing with change

Being the Primary Music Leader is my all-time favorite church calling and has been for the last 3 1/2 years. However, it does take a lot of time and energy and because I'm also serving as the Ward Choir Director, I feel spent. Every year, I work so hard with the children to prepare for the annual Primary Program and the second I'm done with that, I'm busy planning a Christmas Sacrament Meeting Program for the choir along with other musical numbers we can perform throughout December. I feel so much joy serving and helping bring inspirational music to our ward family. But honestly, it is quite exhausting, along with having to wrestle my kids (mostly Jon) during church.

So 2 months ago, I went into the Bishop's office and let him know my honest feelings. I didn't ask for a release. I just let him know I feel worn out trying to do it all. Because we combined wards back in June, I knew there were now others who could serve as Ward Choir Director, and I could spend more time with my family and my other calling as Primary Music Leader. He said that he had already talked with the members of the Bishopric, and they all thought I deserved a break. I was relieved to hear that. But the weeks went by, and I never heard anything, so I continued to prepare the choir for special upcoming performances. This last Sunday, we sang "A Marvelous Work." The choir was sensational! I was very proud of them.

After church, Bishop told me that the time had come, and that I would be released as Choir Director. Of course I broke down into tears, and just said, "Thank you," feeling a huge burden lifted from my shoulders. As I walked home from church, I cried the whole way and thought about the last 2 1/2 years serving in this calling. I remember when I was first called, working with individuals who had sung in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and other prestigious groups. I was only 23 years old at the time. How could I be their leader and teach them anything? It was the most intimidating experience of my life, but since then, I've grown and learned that I do have much to offer. As I've learned more about music and people, I've been humbled and become a better person.

What's been equally difficult for me is losing the wonderful opportunity I've had babysitting Salote Lauti 2-3 days a week. Her mom, Darcy, is pregnant with twins and is on bed rest in the hospital at 30 weeks along. So Darci's ward members have volunteered to babysit Salote for free to help her out. I knew this was coming, but I didn't know I would hurt so bad losing her. My income from babysitting has paid for groceries, car repairs, and other expenses. But it's not the money I care about as much as what an angel she has been in my life and in our home, and it breaks my heart to let her go. She's like another daughter to me, and Emily adores her more than anything. So after a year and a half of caring for her, potty-training her, getting her to finally drink milk, and teaching her, I will no longer babysit her.

It's been a struggle dealing with these changes and I just needed to get my thoughts out. Thanks for letting me open up.

Has it been 5 years already?

I can't believe it's been 5 years since Wade finally convinced me to marry him. ; ) I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite times together...

We met on January 12, 2003 in our singles ward in St. George. I was teaching the Gospel Principles class and was elated to see Tim, a friend who was not LDS, walk into the room. When Tim stepped aside, I saw this really good-looking guy with him, and I welcomed them both. After we introduced ourselves, I asked Wade to give the opening prayer, just to put him on the spot. : ) Wade participated with enthusiasm in my lesson, and told me afterwards what a wonderful lesson it was (and how hot I looked...well, he was thinking that!) From that day, we both knew there was something special there.
Valentines Dance, February 2003 Giving each other a classic high five because we were still in the buddy stage. What a fun time in our life...throwing oreos at each other, eating home-made French meals he cooked for me, doing baptisms for the dead at the temple, serving as ward missionaries together, studying at the library, talking on the phone till 3am, and always insisting that we were JUST FRIENDS. No one believed us though, and after 5 weeks of knowing each other, I finally let him kiss me when he told me he loved me.
"D" Dance at Dixie State College, March 2003. Wade's sporting my dad's old green barbershop tux, lookin' pretty hip.

May 2003

On June 24, I was teaching at a summer school for children with Down Syndrome. I was in the middle of reading a story aloud, when Wade walked into the room and stood in front of me. I asked him with surprise, "What are you doing here?" He didn't say a word. He just got on one knee and looked over at little Suzanne, who had a box in her hand. She opened the box, and there was a ring. Then I looked at him, back to the ring, and finally my eyes fell upon him again. "Catherine Lang, can I take you home?" was his question for me. We had talked before about how we knew Heaven is our true home, and I knew I wanted to be with him forever. So of course I said, "Yes!" Then we kissed and all the kids said "ewww, gross." It was hilarious!
Even though we were engaged, I had been planning on serving a humanitarian mission for 5 weeks in Quito, Ecuador that summer. So I left, had the most amazing experience there and grew in so many ways. When I arrived home in August, Wade was at the airport waiting for me with a dozen roses.

Our wedding announcement

On October 16, 2003, we were sealed in the St. George Temple for all time and eternity.

the happy couple

For our honeymoon, we went to Catalina Island, Disneyland, Los Angeles Temple, and just enjoyed the Southern California beaches.

Bahamas, 2004. Wade wonders why I insist we kiss each other every time we cross a bridge. I think it might have something to do with my favorite movie, Anne of Green Gables. ; )
Graduation day, May 2005. Wade received his Associates of Science Degree, and I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.

The day after our 2 year anniversary, in October 2005, Emily Eileen was born. Two weeks later, we celebrated Halloween together. I was an angel, Wade was a Frenchman, and baby Emily was an M&M.

The summer of 2006, we lived in France as a family so Wade could participate in a study abroad program. We finished off our European experience by visiting our good friends, Jon and Cherie Dick, in London, England.

March 2007, Jonathan Wade came into our lives. Having a newborn and a 17 month-old toddler felt like having twins at times. And with Wade still in school full-time, we were busy, but happy.
Father's Day, June 2008. I love this moment.
Wade, we have experienced so much together, and I'm so thankful to be on this journey with you, babe. Happy 5th Anniversary. I love you!

Dinosaur Discovery

Last week at preschool, the kids learned about dinosaurs. Here they are marching outside with dinosaur feet. We also made fossils, colored pictures, read books, and played with toy dinosaurs in green play doe.
After class, we had a picnic lunch with all the moms and kids and then headed to the Utah Museum of Natural History. Admission is free on the first Monday of the month if anybody wants to go with me next month. It's an awesome place!
Jonathan was pretty excited to see all the humongous dinosaurs. He was so cute, pointing to each of them and then giving a great big "roar."

Of course he didn't last long in his stroller because he wanted to get a closer look at everything. Emily started crawling on her hands and feet and said, "Look at me, mommy. I'm scary like a dinosaur! Rarr!"

Emily and Jon just loved the many hands-on exhibits.

Emily, Etta, and Annie grabbed hands and started singing "Ring-a-Round the Rosies." It was so random. What funny girls! And here's Emily inside a huge dinosaur footprint.

Lastly, the kids got a chance to dig for dinosaurs bones, themselves. It was a great day.

Happy Birthday Wade

Wade just turned 27 and had a great birthday! I made him pancakes for breakfast (Keith's recipe...Wade's favorite), and then he opened his gifts. I gave him this blue dress shirt he's wearing and Jon and Emily gave him the tie. Later, I surprised him by showing up at his work with a Happy Birthday balloon and then took him to Subway for lunch. At work, they had a birthday cake for him and a card that everyone had signed.

Wade came home at 5:30pm and had a Totinos pizza all to himself. This is a special treat at our house because we always share the pizza. However, the kids and I were going to be eating dinner at a primary activity at 6pm, so he didn't have to share this one. Of course Jonny kept saying and signing "please" so cute that Wade gave him a few bites. ;) Then he left for his night class, while the kids and I went to the church for the talent show with the primary.
In the talent show, I sang, "I Feel My Savior's Love" and Emily sang "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or in her words, "tinkle, tinkle, little tar." It was so cute, and she did a wonderful job! She was only a little nervous at first which is why she wanted me next to her, but then she started singing and did great.
While the older primary children were performing in the talent show, the little ones climbed behind the bleachers for the best seat in the house. I posted this picture just for you, Kathy, so Elyse could see her old friends. :)
After the activity, my sister dropped her daughter off at our house so we could babysit her over night and all day Friday, while Margaret attended a Scrapbook Retreat up at Bear Lake. Emily and Hailey were quite excited to see each other and to have matching pajamas and sippy cups!
I let the kids stay up till Wade came home from his night class, so they could play with daddy and sing happy birthday to him, which made him very happy. Here they're singing, "If you're mad and you know it, stomp your feet." Wade's wearing the shirt that my parents gave him. Emily told him, "My Uncle Autin has a shirt like dat!" We thought that was funny. After the kids were in bed, Wade and I stayed up till 1am watching more of Season 3 of The Office. We're still trying to catch up, and it just gets funnier with every show. Does anyone agree?On Friday morning, at our Mommy and Me Music Class, the kids were really cute as they danced in a train together.
After class, I was putting the intruments back into the closet, when I turned out and saw Jonny up on a chair "leading the music." That boy makes me smile.

Special Trip

My Grandma Lang has been struggling with her health lately, so I made a quick trip to St. George last week to help keep an eye on her, clean her house, and to spend some one-on-one time with my mom and dad, as well.

While in the midst of packing for the trip, I found Jon had climbed up on the bed and was just chilin' in the suitcase like this. He knew he was doing something he wasn't supposed to. Isn't the expression on his face priceless? I have so many wonderful memories of playing my parent's piano when I was younger, while singing my favorite songs. So it's a joy to see my kids tapping away at the keys, Emily singing at the top of her lungs, and Jon trying to copy her singing. I think music just might be in their blood. :)

As Emily and Jonathan were playing in the backyard, the neighbor's cat walked by, and my kids couldn't have been more excited. It was darling to see Jonny's reaction especially because he would "meow" at the cat in this really high-pitched, squeaky voice. It was hilarious!
Wade's grandparents have always been so warm and friendly when I visit, and they just adore the children. Here's Grandma Maughan snuggling up with Emily. I was also able to see Kelly Neiderhauser and her new baby girl, Mae, (such a cutie) as well as Bonnie Campbell and Emily Sharp, some dear friends I haven't seen for a really long time. It was SO nice to be with each of them and catch up on life.

I also stopped by Snow Canyon High School to visit my big bro in his biology classroom. This is Nick's first year teaching, and he's been loving it. He's created a really fun environment for his students, especially with the bobcat above the bookshelves. Cool, huh?

Jonathan thought that Preston, Nick and Summer's 6-month old boy, was his own little baby doll. He was constantly hugging and kissing him, rocking him in the swing, or talking to him.

This was a really special trip for me because I spent a lot of quality time with my parents and grandparents. My dad even took me out on a daddy-daughter lunch date, which was fun. Thanks dad!

Grandma Lang was in the emergency room the week prior to my visit with trigeminal neuralgia and since then, she's been dizzy and loopy and worrying us all. It was a sweet experience to help take care of her.

My mom and I would go on morning walks, go out for lunch, go shopping, cook together, and just sit and talk. She's my very best friend, besides Wade, and I just think the world of her. As I type these words, I'm overcome with emotion because of the deep love I feel for her. She's always been such a support to me no matter what I was doing in life. Where would I be without a mother's love?

Dress-up anyone?

This was the funniest thing. I was in the living room, folding laundry, when all of a sudden I see Emily and Jon walking into the room, holding hands like this. Although I was laughing so hard, I couldn't help but grab the camera to capture this moment out of love...or blackmail later on! Emily must have tied the apron strings for Jonny. What a big girl helping her brother like that!