Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Belle... Her name suits her well!
I cannot get over the amazing people at Make-a-Wish! Tonight we were sitting in our living room ready to start our Family Home Evening. (For those unaware, this is something we do every Monday night. We include music, prayer, a lesson, an activity, and, of course, a treat!) Just as we were beginning, there was a knock at our door. Graci had the surprise of her life to find that Belle, as in THE Belle (the princess with the poofiest dress) had come to pay her a visit! In fact, we were all surprised!! I was scrambling to find my camera and Jer was plugging in the video camera. How do they pull this stuff off? Amazing.
Belle truly was beautiful, inside and out. She came with a little bear and a handwritten card that said,
“Your wish is granted, Graci! Now may all your wishes come true!! Hug this bear to be happy! Love, Belle”
She also gave Graci a beautiful poster proclamation stating “We hereby announce that Graci Green’s wish for a Disney Cruise will be granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.”
I wish you could have seen the look on Graci’s face. Oh wait, you can!!
Princess Belle was accompanied by Terri and Kent (Graci’s wish granters) and they were all kind enough to come and visit with us in our home for almost an hour. Graci was full of questions:
“Where is your castle?”
“What does it look like?”
“Do you talk to Cinderella a lot?”
“Are Anastasia and Drizella nice now?”
“What is Prince Charming like?”
“How did you know how to spell my name?”
"Do you go to church?"
Belle had perfect answers to all of Graci’s questions and was the most gracious princess we’ve ever met. Also, she promised Graci that she would attend Graci’s post-wish party and bring all of her princess friends—amazing!
Jessica and Xander absolutely loved Belle. They of course had to show off the entire time she was there. (:
I even got my two older boys to take a picture with her. I told them they would thank me later. Afterwards they admitted she was pretty cute! (:
Magic, magic, magic.
I’m sure we’ll be talking about this for a long time…
Thanks again, Make-A-Wish. So grateful to be the blessed by your goodness.
Belle truly was beautiful, inside and out. She came with a little bear and a handwritten card that said,
“Your wish is granted, Graci! Now may all your wishes come true!! Hug this bear to be happy! Love, Belle”
She also gave Graci a beautiful poster proclamation stating “We hereby announce that Graci Green’s wish for a Disney Cruise will be granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.”
I wish you could have seen the look on Graci’s face. Oh wait, you can!!
Princess Belle was accompanied by Terri and Kent (Graci’s wish granters) and they were all kind enough to come and visit with us in our home for almost an hour. Graci was full of questions:
“Where is your castle?”
“What does it look like?”
“Do you talk to Cinderella a lot?”
“Are Anastasia and Drizella nice now?”
“What is Prince Charming like?”
“How did you know how to spell my name?”
"Do you go to church?"
Belle had perfect answers to all of Graci’s questions and was the most gracious princess we’ve ever met. Also, she promised Graci that she would attend Graci’s post-wish party and bring all of her princess friends—amazing!
Jessica and Xander absolutely loved Belle. They of course had to show off the entire time she was there. (:
I even got my two older boys to take a picture with her. I told them they would thank me later. Afterwards they admitted she was pretty cute! (:
Magic, magic, magic.
I’m sure we’ll be talking about this for a long time…
Thanks again, Make-A-Wish. So grateful to be the blessed by your goodness.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Laugh, Cry, Try a Little Harder
A couple of weeks ago Christi and I encouraged Taylor to wear a vest to school. It was almost the end of May and it was freezing cold outside, so we figured it would be the last day of the school year when he might be willing to wear warm clothes. We, in our infinite wisdom, told him how handsome he looked. How the girls would think he was cute. How stylish he would be. What do you think?
All morning he insisted that it wouldn't work. He was embarrassed and had no desire to wear the vest. But mom and dad just KNEW he would be cool. WRONG. Several kids teased him to his face. One wasn't brave enough to do that and left him an anonymous note of disdain in his desk. Can you believe that? Kids can be so mean. And of course Christi and I were left to ponder on how little we know about grade-school fashion. We committed to each other to place more stock in the wisdom of our children going forward. Kind of reminds me of a line from a campaign speech for high school student body president many years ago...but that's another story:)
My dad came to stay with us for 9 days in May. The kids love it when Grandma and Grandpa Green come to town. Unfortunately this time Grandma couldn't make it, but the kids still had a ball with Grandpa. He timed his visit so he could hit a couple of baseball games, the pinewood derby and a school play. Grandpa at the pinewood derby has become a tradition. At Taylor's first derby, two year ago, Grandma and Grandpa just happened to be in town. Of course, most of my vast store of racing knowledge comes from my father, considering he guided me through three pinewood derby cars of my own. So we invited Grandpa Green to help us build Taylor's car. Taylor won 1st place that year, and a tradition was born. Last year my folks specifically scheduled a trip to coincide with the derby. Once again Grandpa helped (even more appreciated since I had TWO boys who needed cars!) Since Taylor had already won 1st place, we put most of our efforts into Parker's car. We did a good job on Taylor's car, but we really pulled out all the stops on Parker's. We worked diligently on the wheels and axles. We drilled holes in the sides of the wheels to decrease the rotational inertia that had to be overcome at the starting line. We polished the axles and the bore of the wheels. We sanded the wheels all the way to 600 grit wet sandpaper. We coned the hubs to decrease the surface area that would rub against the car body. Parker's car was awesome. Before we went to the derby, I promised Parker: "I don't know if you'll win first place, but I GUARANTEE you'll beat Taylor." Uh-oh. Taylor took 2nd and Parker took 3rd. Park was heartbroken-not because he didn't win it all, but because Taylor had beat him, even with all the extra work we put into Parker's car.
So this year I asked Taylor to do something really hard. Taylor is a super-competitive kid, but he also has a heart of gold. I asked him: "How did you feel the last couple of years when you won 1st and 2nd." "GREAT!" "Do you think other kids might like to feel that way?" "Yes." "So what would you think about not putting any effort into making your car fast this year?" I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but he sweetly agreed that it would be a good thing to do. We made it look cool, but we just slapped the wheels on and applied a little graphite. Parker, however, was still itching for first place!!! So we once again did everything we could to speed up his car.
Anticipation!
Grandpa looks on.
Chill out, guys!
Don't mess with my big brother:)
Best Friends.
Taylor's Car.
Parker's Car (Middle-black and gold)
Taylor looks on.
Trying to look nonchalant.
Xander's pretty intense!
Awaiting the final results...
Parker wins 1st place!!!
So next year should be a pretty laid back experience:):):)
While he was here, my Dad read to the kids pretty much every day. He read the entire book "Ribsy" to Graci over the 9-day trip. But it was Xander and Jesi who couldn't get enough of Grandpa:
Also occurring while Grandpa was here: Graci's play where she was "White Woman 1" (see post on May 26 below:). Graci was mortified to have to do the Lindy Hop with a boy (he doesn't look much happier about it:):
She had one speaking part. The was dressed up as an old lady coming to support some civil rights protestors. She was supposed to say something like "keep it up." Graci does a great old woman impression. She had a cane and a hat and a sweater and looked really cute as she tottered on the stage with another "old woman." But when she took the mic to deliver her big part -- she lost it. The started cracking up. She couldn't keep a straight face. She brought the mic to her mouth time and time again, but could not do anything but giggle, giggle, GIGGLE. I know it's hard to believe, an 11-year-old girl and all, but it's true. Then she got so embarrassed she handed the mic to the other girl and did some kind of awkward kick-skip thing off the stage. Remember, she tottered on as a wobbly old woman, so the contrast was pretty stark. Anyway, the audience all got a kick out of it. As far as I was concerned, it made the whole hour and forty-five minute play worth watching. This is a picture of her high-stepping back off the stage with that goofy, embarrassed grin on her face:
My cousin Chelsea had a baby on Easter Sunday. We met darling Brynlee recently, and our kids fell in love! Jessica had to go get her baby Dora and feed her alongside Chelsea:)
Obviously Jesi enjoyed her hamburger that night:)
Graci, Jess and Xander with Grandpa Great (Christi's paternal grandfather), a World War II vet and American Legion member, on Memorial Day:
Taylor just finished section 1 of Perplexus...WITH HIS EYES CLOSED!
And finally, in this random, hodge-podge post...
Parker is very fashion-conscious. He is always concerned that his clothes match, that his hair is perfect and that he looks gooood! So tonight, I notice him at the bathroom mirror slicking his hair back, Pat Riley style. If it had been Taylor, I would have done a double take and asked him what in the world he was doing. But with Parker, I didn't even give it a second thought. Then several minutes later, he walks in like THIS:
Dress pants on, white shirt with cuffs and collar up and a sneer on his goateed face! Where does he come up with this stuff? I don't know what I would do without that kid!!!
To bring things full circle, Graci had an experience today that helped Christi and I see that although some kids are mean (eg. the vest-teasers), many, many are good, caring people that I am grateful my kids can associate with. Today Graci forgot her lunch. She didn't even think about calling home, so she was at the lunch table with nothing to eat. Jacob, the BOY sitting next to her (you should have seen Grace blush when she told us about this) asked her if she would like to share his. He gave her the entire chicken-wrap-main-dish from his school lunch. What a sweetheart! Thanks, Jake. As Graci was telling us, she said, in her cute little accent: "At first I was suspicious, 'cuz you know boys...they sometimes put poison in things!"
So for those of you who are still reading this rather lengthy post...My kids make me laugh. My kids make me cry. And my kids make me want to try a little harder (ok, maybe a lot harder) to be a good person and a good dad. Our url is very appropriate. I am a bona fide kid junkie. I have a lot of kids. And I have a good life.
Jeremy
All morning he insisted that it wouldn't work. He was embarrassed and had no desire to wear the vest. But mom and dad just KNEW he would be cool. WRONG. Several kids teased him to his face. One wasn't brave enough to do that and left him an anonymous note of disdain in his desk. Can you believe that? Kids can be so mean. And of course Christi and I were left to ponder on how little we know about grade-school fashion. We committed to each other to place more stock in the wisdom of our children going forward. Kind of reminds me of a line from a campaign speech for high school student body president many years ago...but that's another story:)
My dad came to stay with us for 9 days in May. The kids love it when Grandma and Grandpa Green come to town. Unfortunately this time Grandma couldn't make it, but the kids still had a ball with Grandpa. He timed his visit so he could hit a couple of baseball games, the pinewood derby and a school play. Grandpa at the pinewood derby has become a tradition. At Taylor's first derby, two year ago, Grandma and Grandpa just happened to be in town. Of course, most of my vast store of racing knowledge comes from my father, considering he guided me through three pinewood derby cars of my own. So we invited Grandpa Green to help us build Taylor's car. Taylor won 1st place that year, and a tradition was born. Last year my folks specifically scheduled a trip to coincide with the derby. Once again Grandpa helped (even more appreciated since I had TWO boys who needed cars!) Since Taylor had already won 1st place, we put most of our efforts into Parker's car. We did a good job on Taylor's car, but we really pulled out all the stops on Parker's. We worked diligently on the wheels and axles. We drilled holes in the sides of the wheels to decrease the rotational inertia that had to be overcome at the starting line. We polished the axles and the bore of the wheels. We sanded the wheels all the way to 600 grit wet sandpaper. We coned the hubs to decrease the surface area that would rub against the car body. Parker's car was awesome. Before we went to the derby, I promised Parker: "I don't know if you'll win first place, but I GUARANTEE you'll beat Taylor." Uh-oh. Taylor took 2nd and Parker took 3rd. Park was heartbroken-not because he didn't win it all, but because Taylor had beat him, even with all the extra work we put into Parker's car.
So this year I asked Taylor to do something really hard. Taylor is a super-competitive kid, but he also has a heart of gold. I asked him: "How did you feel the last couple of years when you won 1st and 2nd." "GREAT!" "Do you think other kids might like to feel that way?" "Yes." "So what would you think about not putting any effort into making your car fast this year?" I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but he sweetly agreed that it would be a good thing to do. We made it look cool, but we just slapped the wheels on and applied a little graphite. Parker, however, was still itching for first place!!! So we once again did everything we could to speed up his car.
Anticipation!
Grandpa looks on.
Chill out, guys!
Don't mess with my big brother:)
Best Friends.
Taylor's Car.
Parker's Car (Middle-black and gold)
Taylor looks on.
Trying to look nonchalant.
Xander's pretty intense!
Awaiting the final results...
Parker wins 1st place!!!So next year should be a pretty laid back experience:):):)
While he was here, my Dad read to the kids pretty much every day. He read the entire book "Ribsy" to Graci over the 9-day trip. But it was Xander and Jesi who couldn't get enough of Grandpa:
Also occurring while Grandpa was here: Graci's play where she was "White Woman 1" (see post on May 26 below:). Graci was mortified to have to do the Lindy Hop with a boy (he doesn't look much happier about it:):
She had one speaking part. The was dressed up as an old lady coming to support some civil rights protestors. She was supposed to say something like "keep it up." Graci does a great old woman impression. She had a cane and a hat and a sweater and looked really cute as she tottered on the stage with another "old woman." But when she took the mic to deliver her big part -- she lost it. The started cracking up. She couldn't keep a straight face. She brought the mic to her mouth time and time again, but could not do anything but giggle, giggle, GIGGLE. I know it's hard to believe, an 11-year-old girl and all, but it's true. Then she got so embarrassed she handed the mic to the other girl and did some kind of awkward kick-skip thing off the stage. Remember, she tottered on as a wobbly old woman, so the contrast was pretty stark. Anyway, the audience all got a kick out of it. As far as I was concerned, it made the whole hour and forty-five minute play worth watching. This is a picture of her high-stepping back off the stage with that goofy, embarrassed grin on her face:
My cousin Chelsea had a baby on Easter Sunday. We met darling Brynlee recently, and our kids fell in love! Jessica had to go get her baby Dora and feed her alongside Chelsea:)
Obviously Jesi enjoyed her hamburger that night:)Graci, Jess and Xander with Grandpa Great (Christi's paternal grandfather), a World War II vet and American Legion member, on Memorial Day:
Taylor just finished section 1 of Perplexus...WITH HIS EYES CLOSED!
And finally, in this random, hodge-podge post...
Parker is very fashion-conscious. He is always concerned that his clothes match, that his hair is perfect and that he looks gooood! So tonight, I notice him at the bathroom mirror slicking his hair back, Pat Riley style. If it had been Taylor, I would have done a double take and asked him what in the world he was doing. But with Parker, I didn't even give it a second thought. Then several minutes later, he walks in like THIS:
Dress pants on, white shirt with cuffs and collar up and a sneer on his goateed face! Where does he come up with this stuff? I don't know what I would do without that kid!!!
To bring things full circle, Graci had an experience today that helped Christi and I see that although some kids are mean (eg. the vest-teasers), many, many are good, caring people that I am grateful my kids can associate with. Today Graci forgot her lunch. She didn't even think about calling home, so she was at the lunch table with nothing to eat. Jacob, the BOY sitting next to her (you should have seen Grace blush when she told us about this) asked her if she would like to share his. He gave her the entire chicken-wrap-main-dish from his school lunch. What a sweetheart! Thanks, Jake. As Graci was telling us, she said, in her cute little accent: "At first I was suspicious, 'cuz you know boys...they sometimes put poison in things!"
So for those of you who are still reading this rather lengthy post...My kids make me laugh. My kids make me cry. And my kids make me want to try a little harder (ok, maybe a lot harder) to be a good person and a good dad. Our url is very appropriate. I am a bona fide kid junkie. I have a lot of kids. And I have a good life.
Jeremy
Walk for Wishes
We are so humbled that Kent and Terri, Graci's wish granters, participated in "Walk for Wishes" in honor of our Graci. I am sharing (with his permission) a letter that Kent sent us:
"Dear Green Family,
This is what I sent to all of my friends and family who donated to my walk; I wanted you to have a copy and thank you again for sharing your experience so beautifully. I am certain it will touch others and grant them a glimpse into the magic and wonder of a child's dreams and wishes. I hope I presented your story well.
'I am writing to say “THANK YOU” once again for generously donating to my Walk for Wishes fundraising event and for supporting me and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Utah. The walk of course was to raise money to grant the heartfelt wishes of Utah children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. This event alone brought in over $20,000 and I was the Top Individual Fundraiser, raising nearly $1,400!!!
It is incredible to witness what The Power of a Wish™ can do for these children and their families. For me, the walk was made much more meaningful and significant when I became a Wish Granter for an adorable 11 year old girl named Graci. She and her family are such incredible people and have humbled and inspired me more than I can express. Graci embodies and represents everything good and pure. Her beautiful smile lights up a room and your soul. Her sweet spirit immediately touches and lifts your spirit. Her strength motivates you to stand stronger. Her unshakable faith inspires you to place more trust in the Lord. Her story captures your heart. You cannot help but want to be a better person because of her.'"
Thank-you, Kent. You are the epitome of goodness. I wish you could have seen Graci's face as she looked at these pictures:
"Dear Green Family,
This is what I sent to all of my friends and family who donated to my walk; I wanted you to have a copy and thank you again for sharing your experience so beautifully. I am certain it will touch others and grant them a glimpse into the magic and wonder of a child's dreams and wishes. I hope I presented your story well.
'I am writing to say “THANK YOU” once again for generously donating to my Walk for Wishes fundraising event and for supporting me and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Utah. The walk of course was to raise money to grant the heartfelt wishes of Utah children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. This event alone brought in over $20,000 and I was the Top Individual Fundraiser, raising nearly $1,400!!!
It is incredible to witness what The Power of a Wish™ can do for these children and their families. For me, the walk was made much more meaningful and significant when I became a Wish Granter for an adorable 11 year old girl named Graci. She and her family are such incredible people and have humbled and inspired me more than I can express. Graci embodies and represents everything good and pure. Her beautiful smile lights up a room and your soul. Her sweet spirit immediately touches and lifts your spirit. Her strength motivates you to stand stronger. Her unshakable faith inspires you to place more trust in the Lord. Her story captures your heart. You cannot help but want to be a better person because of her.'"
Thank-you, Kent. You are the epitome of goodness. I wish you could have seen Graci's face as she looked at these pictures:
Perplexus Winners!
We did the very technical "let the kids pick five numbers between one and sixty-five."
And the lucky five are:
The Fowlers
Taylor Bunch
Angela
Tonja
EMSFS
Thanks for entering our drawing! I have emails for the first three, but I need emails for Tonja and EMSFS-- so write to me at christi405@yahoo.com so I can be sure to get your address. If you didn't win, you know how to get one! ;)
HAVE FUN!
--Christianne (:
And the lucky five are:
The Fowlers
Taylor Bunch
Angela
Tonja
EMSFS
Thanks for entering our drawing! I have emails for the first three, but I need emails for Tonja and EMSFS-- so write to me at christi405@yahoo.com so I can be sure to get your address. If you didn't win, you know how to get one! ;)
HAVE FUN!
--Christianne (:
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sweet? 16
Jesi: "I'm so excited to be 16!" Christi: "Why?" Jesi: "Cuz then I get my own phone and my own car!!!" Christi: "Who told you that?" Jess: "I just know cuz I'm smart;)" Think she may be trouble someday?
Jer
Jer
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Play's the Thing!
Tonight, Christi, my dad and I went to Graci's 5th grade play. It followed some students in a history class that were able to go back in time to observe several important events in American history. These ranged from the Pilgrims to Rosa Parks. Graci had two very small speaking parts. For each part, the student's name was listed next to the part they played. For one of her parts, Graci was listed as follows:
White Woman 1 - Graci Green
Does anyone else see the irony in this?:):):):)
Jeremy
White Woman 1 - Graci Green
Does anyone else see the irony in this?:):):):)
Jeremy
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Get a free Perplexus!
We're giving away five Perplexus toys! Just leave a comment if you'd like one, and we'll randomly select five lucky people! We'll post the winners on June 1!
--Christianne
--Christianne
Why we love Jesi
As we were planting our vegetable garden, Jessica asked why there were worms in the soil. I told her how worms helped our garden and that we should be thankful for them. Later that day, I found this taped to the fence next to the garden:
The other night as Grandpa was tucking her in (he's been here visiting for awhile), she said, "Grandpa, I'm going to pray that you will die tomorrow so you can go and see Heavenly Father and Jesus!" (Grandpa told her to hold her horses.) :)
Jessica has her Daddy wrapped around her little finger! Here are some pics of the two of them at the zoo on her kindergarten fieldtrip:
And here is a very happy Jesi with her t-ball coach!! She actually doesn't play, but when Xander had a party at the same time as one of his games, Jeremy thought Jesi would have fun taking his place.
Trying to look tough:
We love you, Jes!
The other night as Grandpa was tucking her in (he's been here visiting for awhile), she said, "Grandpa, I'm going to pray that you will die tomorrow so you can go and see Heavenly Father and Jesus!" (Grandpa told her to hold her horses.) :)
Jessica has her Daddy wrapped around her little finger! Here are some pics of the two of them at the zoo on her kindergarten fieldtrip:
And here is a very happy Jesi with her t-ball coach!! She actually doesn't play, but when Xander had a party at the same time as one of his games, Jeremy thought Jesi would have fun taking his place.
Trying to look tough:
We love you, Jes!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Perplexus!
First of all, if you haven't read about Graci's wish, be sure to scroll down and do so!
Now... This will seem so random and out of the blue, but it is something we have been working on for a long time! We are so excited to share with you a new project of ours! By clicking HERE or on the "Buy a toy, bless a life" picture on your left, you can read about what we have been up to! To put it in few words, if you purchase a Perplexus toy through this website, $3.00 will be split between two of our favorite organizations, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" and "Chinese Children Charity Fund." We hope that you will feel free to put the button on your own blogs and help us generate traffic. (: This is a toy that you can buy at Target and ToysRUs, etc. but only by buying through this link will you be donating to these wonderful charities. Plus, you will be helping us raise money for the adoption of our little Lexi!!
Let me put in a shameless plug for this toy! It is fabulous. Really, it is! It has no batteries and no small parts-- just throw it in the car and your children will be completely entertained, unless they are fighting over who gets it next. In that case, buy more than one! (: All ages love it-- including adults.
We so hope to make a sizeable donation to these charities-- thank-you for your help!!
--Christianne
PS. We thought it important to point out that we began this project long before the Make-a-Wish Foundation came into our lives. We obviously now have a very special place in our lives for Make-a-Wish and hope to incorporate it into our charity page at some point in the future. It is actually way more complicated than you would think to do so, or we would do it right away. We love you, Make-a-Wish!
Now... This will seem so random and out of the blue, but it is something we have been working on for a long time! We are so excited to share with you a new project of ours! By clicking HERE or on the "Buy a toy, bless a life" picture on your left, you can read about what we have been up to! To put it in few words, if you purchase a Perplexus toy through this website, $3.00 will be split between two of our favorite organizations, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" and "Chinese Children Charity Fund." We hope that you will feel free to put the button on your own blogs and help us generate traffic. (: This is a toy that you can buy at Target and ToysRUs, etc. but only by buying through this link will you be donating to these wonderful charities. Plus, you will be helping us raise money for the adoption of our little Lexi!!
Let me put in a shameless plug for this toy! It is fabulous. Really, it is! It has no batteries and no small parts-- just throw it in the car and your children will be completely entertained, unless they are fighting over who gets it next. In that case, buy more than one! (: All ages love it-- including adults.
We so hope to make a sizeable donation to these charities-- thank-you for your help!!
--Christianne
PS. We thought it important to point out that we began this project long before the Make-a-Wish Foundation came into our lives. We obviously now have a very special place in our lives for Make-a-Wish and hope to incorporate it into our charity page at some point in the future. It is actually way more complicated than you would think to do so, or we would do it right away. We love you, Make-a-Wish!
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