My Big Fat Greek Blog

Are we happy to see you 2012?

2012-01-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you all. The jury is stil out on how this new year will treat us and our loved ones but going forth with faith is always a good start! Speaking of the jury, Rob has seen his fair share this past year. Hey Babe! You on your way home? He replies Sorry babe. Gotta go to jail. I should be out in a few hours I hope. That joke never gets old for us. Lame, yeah, alright.

2012 is going to have many exciting times but lets catch up on a few from our OLD year.
Hmmmmmmmm......well there was that one time when......no.........not funny.......oh! The time we stayed up way past midnight!
The summer vacation to Carlsbad without Michael, which turned out to feel a bit weird for me personally. We all had great fun on the beach everyday, getting in and out of the water. I packed a cooler for our lunches every day and we just hung out and relaxed and recharged.

We needed it because one month before that, in June, my Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Not the one you want to hear the doctor say but there was no hiding or running from it. Dad do course chose to fight. He chose an experimental treatment with a three drug protocol, given every other week and each treatment lasts five hours. There is a lot more to it but basically Dad responded amazingly well with the trial and we felt so blessed to have spent Thanksgiving and Christmas all together. His health during treatment was usually good. We did have one bump in the road that detoured Dad to the hospital for some time then he went to a skilled care facility for almost two weeks to gain his strength back and get al the correct meds working. He has been living with pancreatic cancer for .8 months so far and today, he is good.

That was the biggest news, obviously not the best. So onward! Kate and Lexi finished their first year of college. One remains with her major and one chose another. I will leave you to decide who what where etc.

Nick got his drivers license and can officially be my chauffeur now. It's not a bad gig, you should really consider it Nick.

Luke, our littlest guy started high school, and seems to be having fun. Oh yes, and is getting good grades too. So well done Lucas!

2011 came to a close with me ruminating on a topic that has been on my mind for some time now. I really want my life going forward to be about being humble and not being humbled. So thank you dear family and sweet friends for keeping me humble one way or another.....and I mean that with all the love I have for you. You who make my life interesting, you who keep me laughing, you who let me cry, you who let me talk. You who let me do something for you when you really don't want me to. THANK YOU.!!!

And now one more thing left. Just a simple number:61. (The days until Michael comes home to us!)

Happy January 18,2012.

2011-02-03T00:35:00.000-08:00

Here's to another year!!

The end of another year -- unbelievable! Looking back on 2010, I cannot believe all that has happened in our family. So many changesm transitions, defining moments and redefining roles.

In March, we saw Michael leave for Campinas, Brazil. As excited as we were for him to serve a mission, it was difficult to watch him walk through those security gates at the airport, knowing it would be two years until we saw him again. It was bittersweet for me but I was so incredibly proud of his choice. We were able to talk with him on Christmas (only nine short months from the last time I heard his voice, but who is counting??) and he absolutely loves Brazil. It is summer right now and he does say that he never completely dries out but he has no complaints. His health is great. He loves the people and loves the work. He has been training new missionaries for several months now and enjoys that. He now is responsible for several companionships, making sure they are doing what they should be doing. Michael is always extremely positive and upbeat in all his letters to us. We can’t ask for more than that. I have sent him several packages since his arrival: TONS of candy, letters, socks, ties, boxes of food but the one thing he absolutely LOVES is the micro fiber towel I bought him. He raved about it. “Yea, yea Ma, thanks for the all the food, but THAT TOWEL!! WOW! “ Michael turned 20 in November, luckily the box I sent with twenty separate little presents arrived two days before his birthday!

In May Lexi and Katie turned 18, graduated from high school and in August they moved out and started college. They are busy working part time, going to school, attending church activities and socializing. Katie is spending more time with her new love, photography. She is quite good and takes pictures ALL THE TIME. It‘s like being around the paparazzi. Lexi is the music coordinator at church and sings in the choir. I miss her sweet voice singing around the house. She indulges me, sometimes, when she comes for dinner and takes pity on her poor old mom with a song. They have both declared Education as their majors and they have already started their “service learning” hours. It is the precursor to student teaching. They have to have 30 hours in a classroom each semester. They were placed in a nearby elementary school in separate kindergarten classes this semester. They loved the children but are looking forward to being in a different grade next semester. I don’t think we will have any kindergarten teachers in the family. They are enjoying their new lives and it seems they have figured out how to juggle all this grown up stuff. I never had a doubt!

Nick turned 15 in May, started his sophomore year in August and just got his drivers permit. My fourth teenage driver to train! He is doing a really great job. His voice is deeper than Rob’s and he is almost as tall as Rob too! I look at Nick and see me. I pointed out several similarities and he responded with, "Yea, I guess we had more in common that I thought." Like NOTHING, right??? :) Nick was on the swim team this year and realized he really likes and is good at the backstroke. His swim season ended in November and he still has a killer tan! He was looking forward to track season starting soon but while messing around with his friends, he broke his big toe on his left foot. Not sure if he will be ready for the start of the season. He is taking French 1 as his foreign language this year. He has to take two consecutive years but says he wants to take a third as a senior. I think it was a deliberate choice to try and get me to take him to Paris when he graduates. He won’t need to try too hard to convince me! The mom is willing but the bank account is weak! Nick has this amazing talent to be able to intelligently argue any point on any subject and not quit. He always has the last word! He is forcing me to bring my A game all the time. He keeps me on my toes, for sure! He has decided to continue in the family tradition by going to Law School when it’s time. If he could argue law during the day and operate a bakery at night, life would certainly be perfect for Nick! He loves to bake and has made many yummy things for us. I have high hopes for more baked goods in our future as he received several specialty baking items for Christmas. His favorite is the kitchen torch—for crème brulee of course! “IT’S A KITCHEN UTENSIL” I keep reminding him.

Luke turned 13 in August and started his 8th grade year and his final year at our Charter School. He is excited to start high school next year but is having a blast this year. This kid is so funny. He can play any sport and he is easy to get along with, real easygoing and has a great friend group at school. He tore the ligaments in his fingers playing football in November and couldn’t play for a while but he was more upset that he had to miss his Christmas band concert. It appears he loves to play the saxophone more than football. I’m not complaining, but Luke is our last, hope to make it as a professional athlete—pick a sport, any sport—and we really want to become accustomed to living in a manner befitting a professional athlete’s family.
Luke: stop being such a renaissance man and pick a sport will ya?? But seriously, he is such a fun loving young man and makes us all laugh with his quick wit.

Rob had a busy, tough year at work. He had several back-to-back-to-back trials and took some much needed time off in January. It was time to recharge his batteries. I had a list (just a small one) of projects around the house for him to work on. I was so good, right? I just give and give, making sure he wouldn’t get bored. Don’t you think backyard projects are synonymous with recharging ones batteries? Exactly!
I won't tell you how many he finished, but boy does he feel recharged!

We had quite an eventful summer. I spent several weeks in San Francisco with my cousin, Charlene. She was blessed with a sweet baby, Mark, in June. I was there or the delivery—I cut the umbilical cord— Mark arrived four weeks early and so I stayed and helped her recover from her C-Section, driving her to the hospital every day and generally mothering her. I loved it! I am a Nouna (Godmother in Greek)! Well, it’s not official yet, I haven’t renounced Satan, but I am practicing for the big day! Unfortunately, I missed the Corbitt Family Reunion in beautiful Olympic National Park while I was helping Charlene. Rob drove with the kids to Seattle and was gone for a little more than two weeks. They stopped in San Francisco as they passed through each time, so I got to see my family for a few days.

We had a few scares too. This summer my Dad got sick and had to have his spleen removed. He has an excellent 12-inch scar now and is happy to show it to anyone and everyone! He has turned into a flasher J
He recovered just fine and went to Egypt in November to climb in and around the pyramids. He had a grand time! Random thought: Dad went to Australia two years ago and now they are having the worst cyclones in over a century. Now Egypt is in the middle of a government overthrow. The only thing in common: My Dad has been to each country recently! Coincidence??? I think NOT!!

Also, I am sure you saw it on TV in October, the neighborhood in San Bruno, CA that had a gas pipe explode. That explosion was 5 houses away from my aunt Regina’s home and two blocks from my cousin Charlene. It was a scary few hours trying to reach them right after, but they and their houses are just fine, thankfully. Events like that bring you back to what is truly important and sharpens your focus just a bit more, don't you think?

Our family has entered a new stage. For one thing, I am the only girl in the house now: I am, unfortunately getting use to Boy Noises. And the scary things is, I am beginning to not notice them! Yikes!!!

And we have one parent per child for the first time ever. It’s been a transition but this is how life works, you get use to something, then it changes. I have said this before, but it bears repeating. I am truly not sure which is harder; bringing children into this world and watching them grow or watching them go off into the world to start their own lives. There are benefits to both and I am so grateful for the lives they lead and choices they are making.

It was an adjustment for me. Not the least of which was learning how to cook for 4 people and not 7. For example: do I cook a pound of pasta for just us 4? These are the things I have had to learn! And shopping at Costco: really not necessary, but it still happens, just not every other week now.

As with any family, we have had some bumps in the road and a few stretches of smooth sailing. But through it all we drew strength from the love we have for each other and our faith. It is truly gratifying to see my children enjoy spending time together. They are the best of friends and our relationships with them are strong. Faith plays such a big role in my life, more than ever before. Every day my children leave the house and face an R rated world and try not to become stuck in it, mired in garbage that is everywhere. It is a constant battle to keep focused and centered on the important things in life; to maintain their integrity, their values, their beliefs, sometimes, sadly, standing alone. They aren't perfect and neither am I, but I am so thankful our home is that safe haven, the refuge from the storms of life. When the trials come, and they do, it is so important knowing we can lean on each other and find comfort and unconditional love and acceptance.

I pray that each of you will draw strength in your families and your faith and build strong relationships with your children.

It is a fact that we will not look back on our lives and wish we had spent more time at the office or wished our homes were cleaner, done more laundry or more decorated that one room again. We won’t wish we had taken more meetings or gone on more business trips. Building memories, laughing and spending time with our loved ones—these are the threads that weave the fabric of a strong family foundation. The most important work we will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.

Thank you, my dear family and friends for enriching my life and adding to the fabric of my foundation with our sweet memories.

Happy New Year (one month late)!

With much love,

Gina, Rob and family

Stories and snippets far a field of family and friends

2010-10-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

I had a thought a few days ago. I had been rereading all the emails I have received from Michael since he left and enjoyed reading them so much I thought I would pull out some highlights and post them. This way, it is easier for me to read and I can share them with all of you too. Pretty considerate of me, eh?? (AND I was feeling the pressure from friends who blog and post their missionary's letters and photos every week.) My comments will be italicized. You know me, I have to comment!

So, without further ado, I give you...

Stories and snippets far a field of family and friends
With
Your Host, Elder Michael Todd Corbitt
Coming directly to you
From
Brazil, Campinas Mission

MARCH AND APRIL 2010 Review:

Everything is going well, I got here just fine and I love the CTM (Centro Treinamento Missionario)! My companion here is Elder Rasmussen (the same one we saw at the airport) and he is really great, I love him already. We have two American roommates and two Brasilieros. They are AWESOME!!! They are Elders Miller, Tomlinson (Tom for short, the Brazilians have a hard time saying his name) and Elders Barbosa and Amaral. We are all great friends already, and I love talking with the Brasilieros and improving my Portuguese. I am learning SOOO much. I can now really understand what Dad meant when he said that I would learn more in the first week than all the months I have been studying on my own. I am learning the scriptures and language as I never have before. It truly is a miracle. I love it here. It is the coolest place! I feel like just being here gives me experience and stuff I need to know, like practical things like making my own schedule and being at class on time and cleaning my dorm and stuff.

HAHA, you know the funniest joke (and the first one) I heard? What’s the difference between the MTC and prison? In prison, you get visits!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Yeah, I laughed for like three minutes when my teacher told me that. Missionary humor...it's hysterical!

How hard was it for you guys saying goodbye to me at the airport, by the way? Because, no offense, it wasn’t that hard for me. I really really miss you all, but leaving wasn’t that difficult.
Boy, did I LOVE reading this. The kid could have lied and said it was a little difficult!!

We have a saying "a day feels like a week, a week feels like a week, and a month feels like a week”. So true! More missionary humor!

The guys in my district are really cool, they are growing me. They come from all over and from different circumstances, so it’s really cool. My roommates, elders Miller and Tomlinson, are really funny and cool. we laugh about the same stuff so we are all good friends. My mission president is really awesome too. He is a convert along with his Czech wife.

Anyway, new Portuguese words that you should know. Oltimo- pronounced OH-chee-mo. It means "awesome!!" also Legal- pronounced LE-gao. It means "cool". also Florzinha- Pronounced FLOOR-zinya. It means "pansy", as in you´re a pansy. also Mané- pronounced ma-NEY. it means "jerk" like, you’re a jerk! Ok, that’s all for now. Love you all. I guess he was just missing and bonding with his brothers during this particular portion of his letter!

If we could just watch 10 minutes of our pre-earth life, we would have no doubts about the work we are doing or how we are living our lives now.

Ok, time for the CTM halfway report. haircuts 1. shaves 29, hours in class, 200. average hours sleep a night, 7. average hours studying, 80. total weight change, -20 pounds. things learned, too many. Guys, i love being here. i know that i have a work to do and that i will help my borthers and sisters here along their way to salvation. I love you all so much, and I thank Heavenly Father every day for all that you have done for me, and all that I have learned from you.

That's all for now. Look for another installment in a few weeks!

An Ode to The Goose

2010-10-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Other people called her Josephine Barazoto, but to me, she was my grandmother, Granny Goose. I have been thinking a lot about her lately and cannot believe that it has been almost 10 years since she passed away. I cannot think of her without thinking of my wonderful grandfather, Benjamin either. But THAT post of for another day!

My childhood memories are wrapped up in memories of her. She lived two blocks from our house in San Francisco, (just a hop, skip and bumpy road from Candlestick Park, a special place with it’s own set of memores, also for another time.) My grandparents lived on Rey Street. My dad’s name is Raymond and we lived on Raymond Avenue. Coincidence? I can’t say for sure.

What I can say is that for six wonderful years, we lived those two short (but hilly) blocks from my grandparents and spent a lot of time with them. My brother and I got to sleep over at Papa and Granny’s house sometimes on the weekend. Papa would stop by our house during the week for lunch occasionally. I got to go to the hairdressers with Granny sometimes and then meet Mom and have lunch at Andy’s Café. Andy was this great Chinese guy who made the best fried rice I have ever had. Isn’t it funny the things you remember? Four years old and eating a bowl of fried rice with my grandmother and my mother. Why do I remember that so vividly?

During baseball season, my Mom took David and I to watch the Giants play. My Grandmother had a part time job during baseball season. AND IT WAS THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD. She worked for the Giants! It was a dream job. Day games during the week only. She was an “Usherette” and she had a killer uniform. Pleated orange skirt, sort of short too! Go Granny! With these great shoes with poms on them and vest and top to match the Giant’s orange and black. And an excellent hat that was very hip! David and I got pictures taken with all the Giants. David got autographs and a trip to the dugout. But I got to go with Granny to her locker room with the other Usherettes! I loved it. She would introduce me around and I felt so special. My love of baseball is inextricably linked with these memories with my Granny.

We moved out of the city when I was in first grade but my grandparents made the one hour drive down to our house almost everyweekend. I would wait to see their car pull into the cul de sac and try to be the first one out to meet them. And we would all head inside carrying bags of groceries and food for the weekend.

The memories that are filling my head now and are swimming to the surface are linked to tastes and smells. To the food my grandmother made. I cannot think of any holiday without thinking of how it smelled at Granny’s house. Walking in and running up the stairs to the kitchen and smelling, guessing, what was for dinner. Thanksgiving: Roast Turkey with the crispiest skin and the creamiest potatoes ever made. Christmas Eve: Crab Cioppino, succulent, luscious, spicy and plentiful. Christmas Day: Prime Rib, with her instructions to never open the oven until it was done! Oh, those heavenly smells! My mouth is watering just thinking about those memories. And black olives in a bowl for us kids to put on our all our fingers.

There are also sweet smells. Every Christmas season, my grandmother spent one week making cookies. Hundreds of cookies to give to friends, family and grandchildren. Classsic Biscotti. Fruit cake and my favorite, butter cookies. What is better than butter cookies, I ask you? Nothing! Butter cookies, soft, moist and in every imaginable holiday shape. And when Granny thought I was finally old enough, I got to spend one glorious week staying with my her baking cookies. We made batch after batch of these delectable cookies and she showed me how to use a cookie press. She emphatically stressed the need to not waste any batter and meticulously scraped the bowl, getting every speck of dough…after I got to taste it, naturally! We put plates together and wrapped them with green cellophane, tied a ribbon it and then put it on the dining room table. At the end of the week, there wasn’t a surface in or around the kitchen that did not have a plate of cookies on it.

Every holiday had a tradition and Easter was no different. My grandmother made this coconut cake that she baked in a mold. When you took the cooked cake out of the mold, it was the sweetest little lamb you could imagine! It was so cute and lifelike that when she cut into the cake, David and I wailed “Don’t kill the little lamb Granny!” She did not make the lamb cake until we were older, tougher and could handle watching her cut the little lamb. It took a few years!

She had this pot. A big, orange, cast iron covered with enamel pot from Le Creuset. A HUGE 14 quart behemoth. I am now the very proud owner of that pot, which in our home, is referred to as “The Beast”. Every time I pull The Beast out and use it, I cannot help but think of Granny. She fed us with that pot, nourished us in a way that had nothing to do with food. Life lessons and family stories that I am so thankful I have. She served her family her whole life, starting with her father and brothers after her mother died when she was eight, continuing with her husband and two sons and finally her grandchildren. She always had time to talk no matter when I called.

And she was a kick in the pants, the life of the party. She never learned to drive but could tell you how to get anywhere in the city. She traveled all over the world with my grandfather and continued to after my grandfather passed away, spending some summers in Italy with family. She visited us at college one Thanksgiving, cooking for my roommates and David's. She was a hit! Of course!

She was an inspiration to me then and continues to be the older I get because I realize how remarkable her life was. She was so quick to laugh and had a devilish little sparkle in her eye. She had a transistor radio with an ear piece that she kept under her pillow. She would say that she went to bed with Larry King every night—listen to him on the radio, of course!

There are so many funny stories—one that involves her dropping her pants in a crowd to reveal a pair of 49er underwear, but alas, that story is for another time too.

I just wanted to tell you that I love you Granny Goose! You were one of a kind!

Hello Again...I missed you!

2010-09-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear family and friends. It's been a long time and I have missed you. I have missed blogging and sharing our lives with you and organizing my thoughts and well...I am missing Michael a lot this week, so I decided to stop the pity party and post some pictures that he has sent. I can't believe he has been gone for six months already! I need a little laugh therapy so my comments might be a bit irreverant. Be warned!

This is the first picture we received. It was the day he arrived in Brazil. He is second from the right on the back row. The only young man with a five o'clock shadow! He had been on an airplane for 18 hours and hadn't slept and clearly had no time to shave before the picture was taken. Hey, what can I say? He is Greek and Italian. He comes by it naturally!

This is in his first area, two months after arriving and going through his initial language training. He lived in a small basement apartment but how cute are those stairs?! It was basically a one room studio but I was SO relieved to see how nice it was. My imagination was running a bit wild about his living conditions before receiving this.

This is in his second area and assuming he hasn't grown several feet, he must be in a child's playground. It kind of reminds me of some sort of bad science fiction movie titled "Attack of the Fifty Foot Missionary".

This is the first family Michael taught and were baptized. His companion was Brazilian and Michael said he learned so much from him about the culture and people there. The first thing I noticed about this picture was how much weight Michael lost. His neck looks scrawny to me! He looks so young, don't you think? Oh-- he is the one with the white shirt and dark suit. Just in case you weren't sure.

This is with his next companion, an American, in his second area and a little girl he baptized. Her mother was an inactive member and Michael and his companion visited them often and helped them come back to the church. My initial thought with this picture was "Who gave him that hair cut?"

I know! I am a horrible mother for making fun of my son who is doing the Lord's work. But if I don't laugh, I just may cry. "And that would be no good"...to quote a line from one of my FAVORITE movies of all time, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

So basically in six months Michael has sent us 6 pictures--I didn't post the picture he sent of the rip in the knee of his pants that he sewed up himself. It was too painful to look at. No, he didn't hurt himself....Evidently in all my sewing lessons with him (yes, you can laugh at that because there was just ONE lesson in all) I forgot to tell him that when you sew something up, you really should turn in inside out first. Yeah...I know. I forgot that step, ok? Yeesh. I sure hope he doesn't lose a button. I can only imagine how that would look!!

So that's basically it. Thanks for indulging me and my melancholy mood. I feel much better now!

Almost Through the Tunnel

2010-05-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

So, given recent events and certain upcoming events, I have been pondering a certain question quite a bit lately.
You need information to help me so...First, some background:

I celebrated my 25th birthday anticipating the impending birth of my first child. He was due four days after my birthday but decided to come two weeks later. A healthy, bouncing NINE POUND baby boy. (all together girls: OUCH!) It took more than 20 hours of painful labor to deliver him but I figured that he took that much time because he was receiving A LOT of last minute instructions on how to raise a mother.

I was so unprepared! It took me two weeks to figure out that I needed to change his diaper really super fast or I would have to change my clothes. (You mothers of boys understand what I am talking about.) Like SUUUPPPPPEEEERRR FAST.

Exactly 18 months after my first twenty plus hour labor and delivery occurred, I delivered two 6 pound baby girls so quickly Rob barely had time to get into his scrubs before our beautiful daughters came into this world. We went from a young married couple to a family of 5 in exactly 18 months. Warp speed. Talk about major adjustments. Life was busy, hectic, messy, loud, tiring, stressful and everything I wanted it to be. I was in love. With my husband. With my son. With my two daughters. With life. It was a love fest! Uusally. Mostly. And then some times it wasn't.

Some nights I put my head on my pillow and thought “I have to do this all over again tomorrow” and tears would slide down my cheeks. Those were hard nights. Some times I put my head on my pillow and thought, “I GET to do this all over again tomorrow” and fall asleep with a smile on my face. There were tough times, but then something would happen to make all that sleep depravation and monotony worthwhile.

Like when Michael took my hand and looked up into my eyes and said, “I love you mommy” for the first time. Or when he would pick a weed for me and want me to put it in a vase. Or when we went on Mommy/Michael dates. Or when I watched Katie and Lexi run around with flowered pillowcases around their necks as capes because Michael had a Batman cape and they wanted to be like him. I watched them build couch cushion forts. Finger paint in white tee shirts--they are only shirts, I would tell myself. Build sand castles and sand forts in San Diego. Watch them as they held their noses as we would walk past the crab pots on Fisherman's Wharf in my beloved San Francisco. Make Playdoh snakes as long as the kitchen table. I taught them how to swim. I watched them whisper to each other and giggle. I watched them crack eggs on the kitchen floor just for fun. I watched them as they slept-- all three of them, side by side in a tent because they wanted to camp out in the backyard.
And, I would sleep on the floor of their rooms when they had fevers. (I HATE children and fevers.) Then: Doctor appointments. Ear infections. Teething. Bad dreams. Chicken pox. Strep throat. Scarlet fever. Telling them that their Grandpa(Rob's dad) had died. Telling them that their Yiaya(my mom) had died. Drying their tears. Talking about heaven and how important families are to Heaven Father. Being a mother is brutal some times. And yet I had the gift of building Lego towers and Lincoln log houses. Pushes on the swings with shouts of "Mommy, do underdoggie!!! Again!" Picking blueberries in Oregon. Walking into the ocean and bobbing in the swells of the waves. Watching the sun set over the ocean. It was paradise.
But real life was three cribs. Three car seats. Three high chairs. Three of everything. Sometimes it felt like I had triplets. I know somewhere there is a landfill with our name on it…we used SO MANY diapers.

And three years after our beautiful girls arrived, Nick joined us and was this beam of happiness in my life that was brighter than anything I had imagined before. I was an experienced mother. I was a more relaxed mother. I was a confident mother. Now THIS was fun. He wasn’t the first. He wasn’t a twin. He was my SONshine. What a happy baby. I enjoyed every moment because I could. I knew how.

Life was still hard but I began to think of myself as the architect of my day. Someone with a plan for the day. Not the firefighter, running around putting out fires in chaos. I expected three disasters a day. If only two happened, well, heck then, lucky me! If we had four, well, that was life. I relished it. Truly and completely. And then our last little piece of heaven arrived. Thankfully Luke waited until the girls started kindergarten, but only by two days. Still, very thoughtful of him, don’t you agree?

Wow. Life was…Monumental. I was the center of their lives. I was the most important person in their world. I was their playmate, their teacher, and their confidante, I was their everything. And they were mine. I was a Joyful Mother of Children.

And then I woke up one morning and Michael was graduating high school. He was going to college. He was leaving on his mission. Katie and Lexi started driving and dating and are now preparing to graduate high school and start college. Nick is shaving and will be driving (his permit only, thankfully!) by Christmas. Luke will officially be a teenager in 3 months.
Huh? What?

Wait. Pause. Rewind. Please! I want to go back to the days when I could make everything better with a kiss, a band aid and a Popsicle. When life was simple. When I woke up in the morning, I thought, “What should we do today?” Every day was summer vacation. I want it all back. Band aids and Popsicles just can’t make some things better when they get older. It’s real life, tough stuff. Hard choices. Broken hearts. A few gut wrenching consequences.

There is this tunnel. The tunnel that 19 years ago I thought I would never get through. The tunnel with no light at the end of it. The tunnel that was 5 children in 6 years. Yes, that tunnel. I am almost through, that’s for sure, but I am not done yet, I definitely need to finish strong, but I am almost there.

Which brings me to the question that has been on my mind so much of late.

I am not sure which is harder: Bringing children into this world and raising them or watching them leave and go out into the world on their own.
Was it harder then, or now?

I know my answer.
What do you think?

Elizabeth Wright Scholarship Recipient

2010-04-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

That's what our Katie received Wednesday night from the Desert Club. The Desert Club is a womens organization that does charitable work in the East Valley. Katie applied for this scholarship several months ago and in February, she was notified that she was a finalist. So off Katie went...to interview with the scholarship committee. Evidently, she ROCKED the interview because she was notified at the end of March that she was selected as a recipient for a scholarship. We didn't know anything else until this past Wednesday night.

There were a total of 8 young women from high schools all around the valley present on stage Wednesday night. Each girl was introduced by a member of the Desert Club and was presented with a scholarship. 6 young women were introduced before Katie. There she sat, in the front row, with her Desert Club sponsor next to her...nervously waiting until she was announced.

The Elizabeth Wright Scholarship Recipient for 2010 is Kathryn Corbitt.

The woman who presented Katie's scholarship could not have been nicer or more gracious. She said some really wonderful things about Katie. About her application. About her school work. About her community service. About her interview. About the attributes that made her the right choice for this scholarship. Then she proudly awarded Katie with the 2nd highest scholarship they offer. We were all so proud of her. Katie took the mircophone and thanked the Desert Club for the great honor of the award, introduced us (sniff...) and thanked them for helping her reach her goals. The evening ended with refreshments and several club members coming up to Rob and I congratulating us on what a fine young woman Katie is.

Wow. What a night.

IF ONLY I HAD REMEMBERED TO BRING MY DANG CAMERA.

Eyes Wide Shut

2010-03-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

I thought our days of really bad family pictures were behind us. Turns out that isn't the case at all. I don't want to sound harsh, because we had several really good photos turn out, but after downloading them and looking at the slide show, I was dying...with laughter. We could not take three pictures in a row without SOMEONE blinking or looking down or looking away or laughing or trying to make someone laugh or...you fill in the blank. ( I already posted one where Lexi has a flower in her mouth. Did you see that on my last post? Honestly!)

All I have to say is this: Luke should be a model. When did he get to be so darn cute? I may be biased, but work that Italian profile little buddy!

Just a few of the many photos that Luke looked darling in! And I can say darling because he won't be reading this...I hope!

I Can See The Sky

2010-03-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

I love roller coasters. The new ones are great. I have been launched like a jet straight into the ride and then there was the coaster where the ground fell out from under me and my legs were swinging free, strapped into a shoulder hardness, flying up, down and all around, with my feel snapping around underneath me, getting whipped around a cork screw turn and being turned upside down...over and over again. I love the whole experience--the anticipation and the exhilaration.

But one roller coaster holds a special place in my heart. The Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz, CA. THIS was my hometown beach where I spent many hours laying in the sun and riding the Dipper. I love that old thing. Love getting knocked from side to side in my seat; coming out of my seat just a bit as I went up and down over the hills and valleys of that ride. And when I got to the end of the ride, I always wanted to ride again.

My very favorite part of being on a roller coaster is the beginning. You buckle up and the cars start moving forward so slowly. As the cars work their way up that very first hill, I am a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I know what is coming but I get all worked up--hearing the noise of the clanking and ratcheting of the gears that propells me upward.

At first, all I can see are the heads of the people just in front of me but I know we are all waiting for the same thing; A glimpse of the sky. Because as soon as you see that, you are off and flying!

Clanging and jerking higher, I can catch a glimpse of blue sky and I don't know exactly what is coming but I know it will be thrilling. Soon I will be at the top, the pinnacle and with no one in front of me I descend, beginning my journey through downward spirals and bumps, getting knocked around, bumping the sides of the car and being lifted high up again. I am terrified, screaming and laughing at the same time.

This is what I have been feeling these last three months.

I have had wonderful examples of women in front of me, getting to observe them as they send off their sons: Kelly, Diane, Brenda, Valerie. These women were just ahead of me on the roller coaster. I could see their heads and I watched them, hoping to find the secret of somehow sending a son off gracefully. I so much want to be like them.

They got to the top before me. And to those of you right behind me--Sue and Karen, I tell you this: Love them. Teach them. Stay up all night talking if they want. Time moves so quickly.

I believe in and have a testimony of the missionary program of this church.

I am grateful for all the sacrifices they choose to make:

They sacrifice their education for a time.

They sacrifice their social life for a time.

They sacrifice their families for a time.

My testimony is simple. I love the Lord. I know Jesus took on my sins and carried them and through the Atonement, allowed me the opportunity to return to live again with my Father in Heaven. This holds me up, uplifts me when I am down and I know He will never give me more than I can bear. He will carry me when I cannot take another step.

I don't know much, but I know this much to be true.

And I can see the sky. It is a brillant, clear, cloudless blue.

Here we go!

Life is Precious

2010-02-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

I was reading back over my last post and I was sincerely so excited for the future. But I have to tell you...I am happy January is behind us. It wasn't a great month: too much heartache. I am trying to be optimistic (a very challenging thing to be!) but honestly, saying "good riddance " to January was the only happy thing that happened that month.

Life is hard. Life is difficult. Life is sometimes heartwrenching. Life is definitely not fair.

But Life is precious.

So I will kiss my beloved family, tell them that I love them and hug them a bit tighter before bedtime each night and be grateful that whatever storms lay ahead for us, we will weather them...whatever comes... together.

This is Our Decade!

2010-01-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

The new year is upon us and with it, comes a new decade.

As I have pondered all that has happened this past year, I cast my mind back to what transpired in the last ten years. Remember Y2K? Everyone went mad trying to make sure they were prepared in the event of the entire world shutting down. Want to know how I handled the 'crisis'? I made sure we had a New Years Eve party with tons of food and played games with the kids and my cousin in REALLY NICE PAJAMAS. If bad things were going to happen, then darn it, I was certainly going to be comfortable when it happened! We laughed and played and ate and went to bed but not before a bit of friendly chiding to our friends who took the situation much more seriously.
2001 brought tremendous heartache in our country but we were happily ensconced with my mother in law--who if you haven't heard me say so, is a PEACH of woman--as our home was being built. A few of us had some anxiety for some time but with a good therapist and great relaxation devices, we managed to come through stronger. And the rest of the decade was spent trying to down size our activities. I felt fairly successful for a period of time. Then...High School arrived and with it, driving and parties and friends hanging out and sporting events and musicals and concerts and and and...I would lie if I said it doesn't seem to end. I long for the days when I could give my child a band aid and a popsicle and make everything all better. It was a busy, hectic time yet so much simpler. And I loved every moment of that time. As I do the moment I find myself in right now.

But time doesn't stand still, so off we go, heading into what just might be the busiest decade for us so far. We have Michael leaving for Brazil in March. I start coaching basketball at the end of this month. Luke starts baseball. Nick plays in two bands--jazz band (his favorite) and the symphonic band plus his private lessons at ASU. Lexi has a part of the spring musical South Pacific and Katie is busy with her regular classes and has taken on three more online classes. The girls graduate from high school May 24 and in a short time will go away to school.

Do you know what that means???? It means that Nick and Luke don't stand a chance of having any private time. I will hover and mother and sincerely bother them like no body's business. They are aware of the impending situation but I don't know if they actually KNOW what is in store for them. Better to keep them in the dark for as long as possible.

By August, we will be a family of four. Something we have never been. Nick will graduate high school in 2013 and go on his mission. Luckily, Michael will be back before he leaves. Luke graduates in 2015 and if everything falls into place, Nick will be back before Luke leaves. A lot of goodbyes. But for great reasons. Still....

BUT this decade will also bring so much joy: college graduations and weddings, new nieces and nephews and grand babies!!! This thought came to be about thirty minutes into 2010 and I just had to text the kids at their various parties. I think they thought (and presently think) that I have lost my mind! But I don't care. I have loved every aspect of motherhood, the ups, the downs, the rough roads, the times that have been hard to watch and hard to hear and hard to parent. But we are making it, not perfectly, but with humility, faith and steadfastness.

So Happy New Year. I already love you 2010! I can't wait to see what is in store for us.

Missionary Christmas Poem

2009-12-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, our oldest son Michael has received his mission call. He will be serving in Campinas, Brazil. I am in awe of all the young men and young women who so willingly put their lives on hold for two years to serve missions. They put their education on hold. They put their social lives on hold. They put their families on hold. They put everything on hold and serve wherever they are asked to go. I love the missionary program of the church. It holds a very special place in my heart. If two young women from England had not made the selfless choice to serve a mission in 1982 I would never have been baptized in to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wonder frequently what my life would have been like if our paths had not crossed. But they did and here I am, getting ready to send a son out into the world to hopefully bless someones life, like I have been blessed. Someone sent me this poem this week and I thought it was so beautiful. Heart achingly, unbelievably beautiful. So I share it with you, dear readers, with hope that it will affect and move you as it did me. If you have a son preparing to leave soon or if you have several years until that time comes, know this: It is an indescribable joy and heart break at the same time -- A dichotomy most profound.
This poem captures exactly how I feel.

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus,
my decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts and ties,
two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because
This year, I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His words.
I've reread the Ensign,
and my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
gave their sons to war.
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence,
I'll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him
that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard
His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand,
This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken nineteen years to make
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

Green Acres is the Place to Be

2009-11-29T20:44:00.001-08:00

You know, just when you think your marriage might be getting a bit stagnant, along comes a new form of communication which makes it fun again.

As you, my loyal readers know, Rob and I enjoy a similar sense of humor. In fact, we are the funniest people we know, humbly speaking of course.

I have never met, for instance, Dave Chappelle.

One of the funniest guy ever. And a really good actor too.

or Pee Wee Herman, my all time favorite funny...person.

But excluding the odd, in PeeWee's case, not yours Dave, I have to say...

We, Rob and I, are funny.

As I was saying, just when you think things are starting to get a little "stale" along comes a new, fun form of communicating that makes me giggle until I snort. Indelicate, yes, but I have to speak the truth.

So. First it was pagers, way back to college--no real use for them. But do you remember those commercials with some middle eastern guy proclaiming he was "The King of Beepers!" Too funny.

Then email, that was fun. IMing. Cell phones were cool. Texting is really fun but my new favorite thing to do with Rob is (it's a G rated blog, please!) facebook together. Sound weird? It is a riot

Last night Rob was at the dining room table with his laptop and I was no more than20 feet from him in the office using the comfy chair. He was working his farmville (obsessed, thank you very much) and I was just trying to interrupt his planting. I have a devilish streak that mostof you don't know. I keep it under wraps until the right opportunity strikes. Beware! ooohhhhh. Sounds scary. Not really.

So I started a chat session. And evertime I clicked my enter button, it would stop his farmer. What could be more funny than that? I will tell you NOTHING IS FUNNIER THAN HAVING HIM WONDER WHY HE CAN'T FINISH UP HIS PLOWING OR PLANTING.

Of course he figured out what I was doing, so we moved our conversation to our "wall", which to be honest, I still haven't figured out. Anywho. We started a marathon session of one of our favorite games: Movie quote conversations. The quotes can be from any movie, but they have to make sense in the conversation. Being a purist, I like to stay with one movie, but sometimes the mood strikes and you are off onto another movie. I know this isn't facinating to anyone but a few loyal readers, ok, Rob, but still.

So we did that for, oh about 50 times before he stumped me. I had no pithy comeback. I was speechless and told him so. He responded by asking which movie that was from and I answered all bravado.."It was all me!" Destined to be a classic. Maybe. Maybe not.

He may have won this round, but I will win the FarmWidow War!!

I will be his Eva Gabor to his Eddie Albert and we will have lovely times on our Green Acres.

For now.

The One About The Princess

2009-11-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

FRIENDS

I want to tell you about my friend.

She just had a birthday not too long ago. This is my belated present to her. And to you-my faithful reader. Because she is one of the best people I know and I want you to love her too!

The Motto she lives by:
I met The Princess more than three years ago when I started working at the school. Since that time, we have come to realize that we are very similar--in our personalities, our senses of humor, raising kids and outlooks on life. We differ on one point though: I think the glass is half empty. She just thinks she hasn't finished drinking it yet.

She can make me laugh even

in my crankiest moods.

Case in point: (The following is a true and faithful account of a recent conversation--with VERY little embellishing.)

The Princess: "G !! Walk with me."

Me: "OK." (was there a choice?)

I follow her past SUPER BOSS'S desk which just happens to have THE cutest baby collage announcement in the world affixed to it. I am half listening the The Princess, nodding my head, but not really listening because I am so taken with that cute baby announcement.

Me: "I love that announcement!"

The Princess: "Yeah, whatever. I should make one of me."

Me: "WHAT?" and I commence a bark/laugh that people down the hall can hear. I am making a scene. And you don't want to create a scene at school, especially when the little darlings are still in their classrooms! OK, I'm getting off track. Back to the story.

The Princess: "You know, I should make one of those of me and send it out. For Christmas maybe."

Me: Laughing so hard words are unable to come forth to say something like, "NO!!!" I manage a feeble, "That would be funny."

The Princess: "It would be funny, but you know I was serious. I should send out pictures of me!"

I love this Princess. She is the best! She works really hard every day.

Some times she NEEDS a back rub to get her through her day. Doesn't everyone?? And believe me, you want her to get her massage or no one is happy. I love the days when she is wearing comfortable shoes...if you know what I mean!

The Princess works hard on her computer. She is such a good friend that she keeps up with their lives as often as possible. She is so good.

Have you ever heard of Facebook?

This is The Princess's little Prince. I am sure he feels VERY lucky to have his mom work at the school where he goes. No, really, he loves it.

R.E.A.L.L.Y. L.O.V.E.S. I.T.

Really.

On very rare occasions The Princess has been known to use her cell phone. The few times I have even seen her cell phone was for SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT--I think she broke a nail and needed it repaired. I was lucky to even get a photo of her elusive cell phone!

All kidding aside, my friend Alejandra makes going to work fun. She is the glue that holds things together. She is a larger than life character with a heart of gold. I can count on her, trust her and have even leaned on her at times. She is the best kind of friend. The unexpected friend.

So to you, dear friend, I wish you a very happy birthday and many more to come.

With much love and laughter from your ever faithful sidekick.

Will Somebody Stop the World? I Gotta Get Off!

2009-11-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Please, just for a while?

I found out something very interesting some weeks ago. It was when I found myself spinning and dizzy and falling over--into--let's not quibble-- stuff that I had a thought: "Hey, maybe I should go see the doctor."
You will not believe what he told me!! We exchanged niceties, pleasantries and then got down to business. I said, "Doc! I'm dizzy and I aint even a blonde! Am I terminal?" He sorta smiled and said, "well, little missey, let me take a look in your ears."

AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE FOUND IN MY EARS??? Limpy follicles. L I M P Y follicles.

Boy, doesn't that take the wind right outta your sails, eh?

Doc said he was sure that USUALLY my follicles are nice and straight and stand like a soldier...most of the time. Now they are L I M P Y. please dont tell anyone. What would people think? I mean limpy ear follicles could lead to the dreaded inappropriately loud laughter. You know it's just one hop, skip and one trip over for me and I am a ghost in this town. Doc says it's a phase. (We all know what that means!) (don't we? I might not...well anyway)

He uses a fancy schmancy phrase called...V E R T I G O. I though it was a movie, but he insists it is in my ear and I have one.

What do you think?? Do you think I should believe him? Whoops. I just fell off the chair. Sorry.

Ode to Blue

2009-09-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

This is our trusty old truck Little Blue. He isn't very pretty on the outside or even on the inside but every time I need him, he always starts up quickly and takes me anywhere I need to go. He is content to sit on the sidelines of our life, waiting patiently until he is able to be of help. I hate to admit it.....but I love Little Blue. Don't tell Rob, ok?

I have been pushing for three years to sell Little Blue. Many a landscaper has left notes on the truck inquiring if Blue is for sale. I always yelled, "YES! He is for sale!!" But not Rob. Rob is completely attached and now I see why. Blue inspires loyalty. I drove him the past several days and really enjoyed our time together...except for the late afternoon drive home from a long day of school and softball practice: You remember: No air conditioning.
But, be that as it may, I have come to understand my husband's sweet attachment to Blue and now I am officially a Blue supporter for life. (disclaimer: please do not confuse my musings with any political leaning you may think I have...just needed to be clear)

This on the other hand, is our NEW addition. Let's just call him Bug. He arrived Saturday morning. Isn't he cute??

Well, from the other side he is cute, but this is the side that hit Michael. It isn't pretty. I am told it is fixable, but we wont' be doing it. We plan to sell it as soon as possible. I don't think our neighbors like the way it looks out on the street.

So...anyone need a broken car or an engine for their sandrail? Anyone?? Anyone??? Hello? That's what I thought too. I don't blame you.

At least I have Blue!

I love my country

2009-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

May God continue to bless The United States of America.

This is my prayer today.

One down

2009-09-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the first Benjamin Franklin Charter School junior high girls softball game of the season. We have some really talented girls on the team. Today they must have gotten nervous and were obviously flustered. We have no where to go but up. Way up! I know softball scores are not like baseball scored, but 16-3??? Come on girls! We can do MUCH better! I will take my camera to Thursday's game. Luke was with me today. He was such a good sport. Running back to the car for me. Carrying equipment. And while we were doing that, Nick was home with Rob doing things I had left him on a quite long chore list. He did every one of them! What good boys. Hey boys--You are lucky I don't pinch cheeks like my aunts!! Love you all for allowing me to do this.

Gotta Go Forward...Better Press On

2009-09-07T21:02:00.001-07:00

Let's just recap Michael's first two weeks of school. Starting with the last fun thing and going back in time to the first fun thing, shall we?? Come along. You will love it!!

Last Thursday afternoon while in the process of making brownies--something he does at home to relieve stress--he burns his hand. Ouch! That's gotta hurt big college boy. Will you ever recover??

Last Wednesday afternoon Michael showed up at work--a name that shall heretofore never be mentioned again--and was told that he was on a two week suspension. Michael?? Suspended? Outrage! Evidently a "really good customer" came in while Michael was working a few weeks ago and wanted Michael to double punch her frequent shopper card or something. He only punched what was applicable (and fair). The customer wrote a letter to the regional manager and complained. Company policy states that he must be suspended two weeks before he can return. Well, you just lost THIS family's business. And another thing: Doesn't this woman have better things to do with her time that to harrass young people working at a food court? Sounds like she needs to get a life. (I'm not sounding bitter, am I?)

Last Tuesday Michael boards an ASU shuttle bus leaving ASU East (4 miles from our house) to head into Tempe for the day. At the end of his school day, he boards a bus heading back to ASU East....or so we thought. I mean, it was the same bus stop. Same type of bus. But as Michael is watching the world go by, he notices a familiar landmark: The Diamondbacks ballfield. Hmmm. That's in Phoenix. After a couple of quick texts to his Dad, Michael learns that he jumped on the ASU bus heading to 51st Avenue and Thunderbird. If you only could have heard me laughing! The bus driver, having seen the lost, dazed and confused look many times before I imagine, says the inevitable: "You got on the wrong bus. Don't worry. We will be back in Tempe in about 90 minutes." Ha. Again, laughing, me, hard. Rob and I took pity on him and drove into Tempe to pick him up (at 7pm ) for fear he might get on a bus heading to Mexico. (Just kidding!!!) Because he has a pretty good sense of humor, Michael laughed it off by saying, "at least I got some homework done. And Dad, can we stop at In N Out Burger? I haven't eaten all day?"

Which leads us to the beginning of his week. On the way to school Michael was involved in an car accident. He apparently went through a red light (he swears the light must have changed while he was in the intersection) and a nice young man didn't wait for him to clear the intersection before turning into the rear drivers side of the Honda Pilot. The car that hit Michael was an old VW bug. It is completely totaled. The Honda didn't fair as bad, but needs alot of work. Did I mention it was technically Michael's fault and that our insurance rates have already gone up?
Oh, on a serious note, no one was hurt and for that I am truly thankful.

Which brings me to: ME. If you see me in the next few weeks and I don't seem all that happy or zippy or smiley it's because I'm not. I'm going to be in a very bad mood for about 10 days or so. You see, I get to drive the truck: little blue (with no air conditioning) for the foreseeable future and since the weather is heating up again--108 by the end of the week, I can already sense that I should not be where other people will be.

But it could be worse. It could always be worse. So after all, I better press on.

Getting Caught Up

2009-08-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

Finally! Everyone is happily (mostly) ensconsed back in school. While the rest of us started back 3 weeks ago, Michael just started ASU on Monday. He is taking the Light Rail into Tempe most days. He really enjoys it AND he doesn't have to worry about parking, although he does have an Institute parking pass. At first he thought that would come in really handy, but with 1100 students competing for 600 parking spaces...you get the picture. (And those numbers are just for Tuesday/Thursday sections!!) He is enjoying his classes so far. I will have to post another time about his impressions on campus because evidently he has given up blogging! (hint hint Michael)

Katie is on the swim team --her first time ever doing this sport--and her first meet is next Tuesday. Coach just told her what events she would be swimming: 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke. For only working out for 6 weeks, she has really come a long way. She doesn't want us coming to watch her...which only makes us (ok, me) more intent to do so. I am SO contrary! I can't wait. She looks so cute in her goggles and cap!

Lexi is rehearsing for a play that will be performed at the end of September: The Ashe Girl. It's a retelling of Cinderella, sort of. Except that The Ashe Girl does not want to go to the ball and doesn't like herself very much. Sounds fun, huh? Lexi plays the Fairy, the person who motivates The Ashe Girl to feel better about herself and gets her to go to the ball. At least that what I think it's about after reading just parts of the script. Whatever the story, Lexi will be fabulous!!

Nick is sort of getting around to admitting that he likes high school. He is SO GLAD he decided not to do marching band and just do symphonic and jazz bands. He even made the pronouncement that he will go out for the tennis team in the spring. Won't he look cute in tennis whites??!!

Luke LOVES being in junior high. I am not sure he likes being the only Corbitt kid left at BFCS though. I think he secretly misses being with Nick but isn't saying so. It's so cute when we all get home after school and they start talking about their day. He decided not to try out for the basketball team but will play football (gasp! I can't stand it) and baseball. Interesting development: Girls come up to me at school and say, "Mrs. Corbitt, is Luke your son? He is so cute!" I do my best not to growl and send them to the principal's office!

I am coaching the junior high girls softball team this year. I was looking forward to it all summer and now that it is here, well, IT'S JUST TOO DARN HOT TO PRACTICE FOR TWO HOURS IN THE AFTERNOON! But if the girls can do it, so can I! We only had one girl faint so far. We have two more weeks of practices and then we start our games. If all goes well and the family doesn't fall to pieces with me doing this, then I will coach the girls basketball team in the spring. Katie's basketball season will be over by then and she can come help me. That should be fun.

Rob's working on a murder trial right now. Enough said.

We had a great time camping last weekend despite some rain. Luke celebrated his 12th birthday running amok all over the campsite and meadow. What a perfect birthday for such a funny kid! Katie took lots of pictures. I will have to post some soon.

Well, that's all for now.

Heat Rant

2009-08-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have lived in this lovely state full time for the past 20 years and I have officially become TIRED of the heat. (have you noticed a theme over the last few posts????) It's the time of year where I swear I would sell my soul for a cool breaze. Had too many hot days this summer, have too many hot day left until summer is over.

Only in Arizona does a weather guy say this on TV: "Tomorrow we are going to continue to be warm... Tomorrow's high will be 109 degrees."

WARM????

WARM????

Are you kidding me?

But I guess I should be thankful that it's a DRY warm, eh??
Heaven help me!

Thanks Switzerland!

2009-08-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

I always wonder if anyone reads my blog. I mean, it's really just my journal, a place to document life's little moments and at times a place to express frustrations, joys, sorrows and happiness.

Well, I know at least one really great friend read my last post because today, IN THE MAIL, I received a postcard! I was so happy. You have no idea!! Thanks to my dear friend Jenna (who lives in Switzerland and who took such good care of Katie last summer) and her little Swiss Misses Lexi and Mia for making my day! I am so fortunate to have such great friends. I love you all!

Mail....It Was Called Mail

2009-08-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

I long for the days when going to get the mail was an exciting adventure.

Growing up, our mailbox was on our doorstep and I always knew when it arrived because the metal top would make a distinct sound as it closed shut. That and our mailman would always voice his presence with a greeting or comment about the amount of mail we were to receive that day. Sometimes he would walk up to our porch like the town cryer, starting at our gate and proceeding up the walk towards the front door and our mailbox with shouts of "You've got something from JAPAN today." (I had a pen pal in 3rd grade.) Our mailman was named Jack and he liked our house mainly because of my Mom. She was the only stay-at-home-mom in our cul-de-sac and they got to be good friends during the years he delivered the mail to us.

Don't know why I am fixated on mail today. Maybe because I just walked down the HOT street to open our HOT mailbox and found nothing but advertisements, unwanted catalogs and credit card offers. I miss the personal effort. I miss having MY OWN mailbox. Dang. It seems silly but I miss MAIL. Honest to goodness mail. Letters, postcards...with stamps. Something real and tangible to hold.

But I am a hypocrite because I really love paying bills online whenever I want. So I guess that makes me and old woman who longs for the past while embracing the future? Who knows. Maybe it's the heat. Yeah. That must be it. I have lost my mind because it is so unrelentingly HOT. Why did I ever agree to live in the desert??? THAT is a question for another day.

It's Only Fair

2009-06-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's only fair that I give Lexi some blog time since I recently mentioned Katie and her smackdown of Michael a few days ago. Today, I give you this: Lexi's turn to reign down some sisterly advice.

Yesterday as we were getting ready to go to dinner with Grandma, Lucas wandered into the girls room. (I was lounging on Lexi's bed and had a front row seat for this excellent exchange. I never said a word. It's all Lexi. I love it!)

"Luke! What are you wearing? Why are you wearing a t-shirt? Go change now."

"What?! It's fine."

"No. Go change." (Amazingly, Luke walks out and changes--into another t-shirt and reenters the room.)

"Luke! You cannot wear a t-shirt to dinner with Grandma. Put on a button shirt."

"I don't have one. And I am not wearing a pink shirt!"(A fair statement, I observe.)

"Nick! Find Luke a nice shirt." (A shirt on a hanger appears in the doorway)

"Here. Put this on."

"No. I hate polo shirts. It's too tight on my neck."

"You'll be fine. Do it." (again, amazingly, Luke leaves and puts on the shirt. He reenters again and Katie walks through the door and says...)

"Luke! Way to rock the polo shirt. Looks good." (Luke just grumbles.)

We all troop downstairs and seeing Michael waiting on the couch quietly, ready to go, EVERYONE lets Michael have it, in rapid fire succession:

"Mike! You are wearing a t-shirt???!"

"Why does he get to wear a t-shirt?"

"Hey?!! No fair."

'Michael! Change your shirt."

Oh my! Lexi, look what you started. Thanks sweetheart!

Sunday Surprise

2009-06-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been feeling down, a little low maybe and then all of a sudden something crosses your path and instantly you are riding a wave so high it's unbelievable???

Well, that was my day today. Without going in to specifics, it's not my story, I am just a passenger for this one-- Michael received his Patriarchal Blessing today. His sisters received theirs over a year ago and have been badgering him to get it. He is getting his mission papers together and decided now was the time. We spent almost 90 minutes with Brother Huber today. Part of it was talking, part of it was the bearing of a testimony and the majority was the blessing. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever been a part of in my whole life. It lifted my spirit and filled me with such a humble yet joyous feeling. I cannot begin to describe the words, they are Michael's, but the spirit was so strong and I was blessed just to be there. Truly. Me, feeling a bit low in the morning but by afternoon, I was soaring. Wonderful!

It was my Sunday Surprise.

Speaking of Comments....

2009-06-24T14:14:00.001-07:00

I had a WEIRD comment on my last post and couldn't figure out how to delete the comment, so I deleted the post.

Sometimes, it's hard to be Greek! :0)

Post Father's Day Post

2009-06-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

I was all set to write about the father of my children. To expound on his infinite compassion, patience and humor. But my clever daughter beat me to it.

Read her heartfelt expressions here:

www.lexislovelylife.blogspot.com

Conversations from the Couch

2009-06-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

It seems like each of my kids have taken a personal oath of some kind to be the one to have the best conversation enders or stoppers.

Last night Michael made a completely innocent comment. We were watching baseball and a commercial came on advertising this NEW mascara or some other type of make up. Michael casually said, "Boy, it must be hard for girls to spend all that time getting their hair just right, their make up on and their outfits just right just to go on a date. All we have to do is brush our hair, teeth and pull on a t shirt that isn't dirty."

Rob and I glanced over at each other and exchanged a knowing look which said, "Watch out. It's gonna hit the fan."

Katie did not diappoint.

She quickly pulled herself up off the couch and as she was walking out of the room (which I am sure she planned on doing anyway) said this to Michael:

"Well, yes Michael, we do have to do a lot of work. But it's worth it. All you have to worry about is being stupid." And with that, and a smile on her face, she flounced out of the family room.

Rob and I howled. Michael did too. We all knew that Katie had won the title for the day.

A Teaching Moment

2009-06-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Last night Rob and I were talking with the three older kids. Just shooting the breeze, normal evening stuff. We happened upon the topic of how everyone was going to get to school and work and their various practices in once school started again August. Michael will be going into to ASU. Rob maybe transferred back downtown. Nick will have to be at school super early for marching band practice. Katie and Lexi will have to stay late for play/choir/basketball practices. (We're a family that likes to plan WAY ahead.) We are all going in really different directions at really different times.

So, to the point: Who was going to drive which car? We decided that I would take back the Suburban (Yay!!) Rob would keep driving the Toyota. Michael would take the Honda. That left the high school kids with...baby blue, aka, our old beater Nissan truck that has been running FOREVER and looks like it. SOME of our kids were NOT happy about this arrangement.

Then, the life lesson. When my older brother turned 16, he and my dad went out one Saturday afternoon 'looking' at cars. They came home with this:

Classic Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am with T tops and a big eagle on the hood. THE coolest car to have in 1980.

When he went away to college, it was decided that I needed a car to drive to work and practice. I was SO excited. I couldn't wait to see what my dad would bring home for me. This is what pulled up in the driveway, JUST FOR ME:

That's right. You are NOT seeing things. A 1971 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. Two door. Tire skirts. Too big to fit in the garage. Roof that was spray painted white and would flake off in the rain, nicknamed 'La Bomba'. And NOT by me. Life simply was not fair! But it ran perfectly and I survived to tell some great stories about my exploits with it... well, that is for another post.

Yes children, life isn't fair. You will be driving Baby Blue, but at least you won't be driving La Bomba. Unless someone knows a guy?

Spring is still in the Air

2009-06-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

The weather has been down right dandy since school got out two weeks ago, don't you think?

I mean, two years ago, we were at 110 degrees!!

99 degrees seems like such a silly number now, doesn't it?

I'll take this "springlike weather" won't you?

You can walk or run (a sport I am not familiar with, but I hear good things about) anytime of the day. I prefer to ride my bike. Better to get away from all those dogs that are off leash. Yes, you heard me. I have a phobia of dogs off leash. And why not?? Have you seen the German Shepherds in the greenbelt near the blue park??? OFF LEASH. Yikes!

Disclaimer: Ok, This ISN'T THE ACTUAL DOG FROM THE PARK. BUT DOESN'T IT GIVE YOU PAUSE???

Anywho...

We have been playing baseball, basketball and our newest thing--La Cross (so new, that I don't have pictures yet nor am I sure if it's even spelled correctly.)

Luke and our neighbor Nick doing some BP. Batting practice to all you baseball novices.

Katie put together a party on Saturday night and the whole group-about 20- had the best water fight I have seen in quite a while. Balloons, waterguns, buckets, ice chests and finally, the hoses. Everyone seemed to have a great time. And some girls were actually COLD afterwards. Excellent!

Katie, working on her jump shot. She is one week into summer league and hasn't hurt herself. Yay Katie!! :0) She has a tournament the next two weekends. Hopefully she will remain injury free.

Shhhh. I have one more confession: I was leaving some windows open at night. Just a few hours. There is nothing like a cool breeze coming through the windows into your home in June. (JUNE!! )

Unless it's a cool breeze coming in through the windows of your summer home--RIGHT ON THE BEACH. Calgon, take me away!!!

Like that would ever happen! But a girl can dream, can't she?

By the way, are you a beach person or mountain person? Just wondering....

Got Gradutates?

2009-05-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yep! We got 'em. Two. Nick from 8th grade and Michael from high school.

Nick is off to high school ( a HUGE leap of faith for me) and Michael is off to ASU (another HUGE leap). Here are some photos of those special days.

Nick's big night:

Did I mention that it rained at Michael's graduation??!

Michael graduated with scholastic honors--hence the medal and rope hanging from his neck.

We are one big wet fun family!

Congratulations boys! I sure love you.

Happy Birthday Kathryn and Alexandra

2009-05-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Interspersed with great photos of the girls, I will tell a somewhat abbreviated version of their birth DAY. I hope you enjoy it. I know I will. I didn't tell them. Perk of parenting!!!

Alexandra weighed in at a very respectable 6 pds. Our Kathryn weighed in at another respectable weight--6pds 6 oz. Help! I had over 12 pound of baby inside me. But seriously, this was THE BEST delivery EVER!!

Every mother says this,but it is SOO true: I can't believe how quickly the time goes. When did you girls get to be 17???!! Who gave you permission to do that? Certainly not me!!

They still love to play with their brothers.

Our Angels at their 8th grade Graduation

In the ocean in California I think something went wrong!

I remember (here we go!) being 36 weeks pregnant with you girls and the doctor telling me, "They will come any day." And there I was, 14 days later, 38 weeks along now, on the phone with my Ob/Gyn BEGGING HIM TO TAKE THESE BABIES OUT OF ME BECAUSE I COULD NO LONGER BREATH. Or do anything else for that matte. 38 weeks! Who goes to 38 weeks with twins really? Honestly.

Your birth day story is so cute, at least to me, so I will retell it (NOT in it's full glory!!) for the entire world (ok--all 3 of you) to read. Dad and I got to the hospital (after crying and pleading with the Dr) around 9pm. Unfortunately, my Dr. (whom I LOVE) was at a Suns basketball game--double overtime. Yay.

Happy happy birthday from all of us to you, we wish we had a birthday so we can party too! Haw!

Us three girls in the most beautiful place on earth: Death Valley!!!

Lexi and Katie have always loved their brothers!

Anyway, he shows up FINALLY and things start cracking. Epidural (a necessity he said) and a move into a sterile operating room---just in case he says. I'm cooking, doing great. Contractions are coming, everything is great. Then, I hear the words that all laboring moms love: those two little magic words: It's time. Yikes!! Only I had to wake Rob up. He had fallen asleep sometime after the Suns overtime win and me moving these babies through the birth canal. Coach? I think not.

So I am already moving (well, not ME, but my gurney is) and Rob has to catch up, running and trying to put on his sterile gown and takes a wrong turn and finally ends up in the correct operation room. He walks in, sort of in a hurry, rustling his fake doctors scrubbs and I START GIGGLING. He looked so DUMB in his paper-sterile-looks-like-a-doctors-scrubs-but-aren't costume. I giggle so hard our first baby comes zipping out. Wow. THAT was easy. Yes, that was Kathleen. Rob wanted to name her Kathleen. But when we looked at her with her black hair and dark olive complexion, I suggested Kathryn. Agreed. There was just one more thing: one more baby still inside. And this is the part of the story where I always remind Lexi that she has one up on Katie because Lexi got 5 minutes of uninterrupted time with me--probably the only time she has ever gotten alone with me--until my Dr. pulled Alexandra out by her feet. Hey, I guess she just wasn't ready yet, but there were things to do and people to see. She needed to get a move on!

Lexi with Jacob Barazoto Katie with Jackie Corbitt

COUSINS!! We love 'em!

I can wax eloquent for hours about these two loves of mine. They decided they didn't need their own cribs at the age of 9 months and Katie started climbing into Lexi's. After that, they decided that toddler beds wouldn't do either. Every morning I would find them UNDER one of their toddler beds. They just wanted to be together. And it's been that way ever since. (except for a few times here and there, but let's not dwell!!)

Lexi and Katie playing softball.

Lexi is playing shortstop Katie is playing 2nd base

Well, that's all for now. I am truly humbled and completely in awe of you girls. You work hard, have great friend, are really active in school functions, find time to hang with your family, get good grades, and be good friends--not just to each other, but to friends in need and friends that need to know that someone cares for them. I love your compassion and your wisdom. I truly am a better person for having each of you in my life. I love you with a fierceness that is beyond me. Let's just take the NEXT 17 years a bit slower, eh???! I love you Kathryn. I love you Alexandra. I am very proud of who you are and who you are becoming.

Sisters of the womb, sharing a room.

I love you each with your own special abilities and strengths. I learn something from each of you everyday. You help me to be a better person and I am so blessed to have you in my life.

I love you both so very much!

Happy Birthday Nicholas

2009-05-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Nick,
I hope you had a wonderful day today. I know you get a little impatient with me when I start telling 'your birthday' story. It always starts something like this, "I remember the day you were born..." and just continues to get more embarrassing to you as I continue to talk. I won't do that today. I just pulled a few photos of you out to put on my blog instead. Lucky you!!!

I have said this to you before, but seriously Nick, when you were born, the sun shined for the first time for me. When I had Michael I was a nervous wreck of a mother, no idea what to do. When Lexi and Katie came along, I was too busy trying to keep my head above water to enjoy being a mother. But, you, when you were born, I enjoyed every minute. The nine months leading up to your birth and everything about being your mom I loved. And it made the experience so much sweeter because you were SUCH A GREAT BABY!! You smiled when it was time for a nap. You woke up with a smile. You were happy no matter who was holding you. You were forgiving if your sisters played with you like a doll. You were adored my your sisters, brother, mother, father and grandparents. You were my sunshine. My heart. I love you more than you will ever comprehend and I like you too. You make me laugh. I love hanging out with you and doing stuff. I love arguing with you for the sake of arguing. You are getting REALLY GOOD AT IT. (Go easy on your old mom, will ya?? ) You have always had a special place in my heart and I love you with every ounce of my being. You are a treasured son.

Nick with Mike and Luke: My three sons

Katie, Michael, Lucas, Lexi and our Nick.

Making something for a scout requirement

Christmas in San Francisco 5 years ago

At the arcade with little brother Lucas

Nick's first trumpet teachers: Pop and Mr. Blau

On his 8th birthday with the MEASLES!!!

He still has a smile on his face!

Nick and Luke goofing off with shower caps

in a hotel room during one of our many national park trips.

Playing on the monkey bars.

Look at Luke's face: He always looks up to his older brother

A boy and his best friend--our dog Lilly.

Happy Birthday Angel. I sure love you.

Dear Mom

2009-05-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day. It is so busy this time of year that sometimes that day gets lost.
Michael went to his senior prom on Saturday. He looked great and had a really fun time. Lucas had his last band concert of the year on Friday. He has really improved playing the saxophone. He just recently started playing the trumpet too. Nicholas is turning 14 today. Remember when he was born? He was as much your baby as mine. You were there for his first everything. You taught him Greek--something he still yearns to speak all the time. He learned to swim in your pool. He would play with his train set on your family room floor for hours. Remember how you use to give him a tiny cup filled with peanuts and one day he decided to stuff them up his nose? I giggle now just thinking about that day. Katie and Lexi are turning 17 tomorrow. It seems like yesterday when we brought them home. You were there to help me.

You have missed so much. Every achievement, every milestone, I miss you. You would be so proud of the kids. It's been eleven years since I was able to make you a mother's day dinner or talk to you or tell you about what the kids are doing. Selfishly, it's been eleven years since I have been able to be mothered. I miss that. I miss that I can't just come over and be a little girl again and let you take care of everything. You always did that so well. Sometimes it's overwhelming. But I'm OK. I had a great day yesterday. It was just a little lonely without you. I sure love you Mom. Happy Mothers Day.

Top Five

2009-05-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

It is time.

My top 5 celebrity crushes. I know. You have been waiting all week for this. You don't need to tell me that.

Ok, here's the thing: Which celebrity would I like to have dinner and a good conversation with? Good question. These are the crazy things I think about when I can't sleep and it's 4:15 in the morning. Lest you think I don't think about important things, let me reassure you. If I have come to THIS topic, I have already exhausted the REALLY IMPORTANT topics like marriage, children, finances, current events, national news and school work. I would have already blown through all my saved TiVo recordings--current and saved-- AND I would have gone through the sock sack and folded all stragglers. It's the darn insomnia! Yeesh.

This is how I get to, "Hmmm, I wonder who would be more fun to have dinner with? Like, who would be really funny and witty and not full of themselves? Hmmm...."

Hence the list. If you don't have insomnia, you will never understand.

Please, don't judge me! :0)

And so, I give you my Top Five List:

Number Five: David Beckham--It was hard to find a photo with his clothes on. And the British accent is very attractive!

Number Four: Derek Jeter--A surprise to some of you, I know. He IS a Yankee and all, but he is so darn cute! All the guys want to be him and all the girls want to date him.

Number Three: Johnny Depp--I think I may have surprised a few of you. Aside from being really talented, he spends most of his time in France. What isn't to like about that??

Number Two: Brad Pitt--A tough choice. He could easily be a Number One choice. We do have twins in common though.

Number One: George Clooney--No surprises here. He just seems like he would be the most fun and engaging person to have dinner with.

Hey, it's only my opinion.

Way to Go Mike!

2009-04-25T09:50:00.001-07:00

Michael has asked a nice girl named Amanda to Prom. Michael says she is super smart and nice and has good standards. His sisters heartily approve of this choice. They know her brother and gave the OK. This is very important, I am learning.

He is very excited that he is not going to miss his Senior prom. Because she isn't LDS, Michael told her about Church prom and how the atmosphere is so much better than at a school dance: better music, appropriate dancing and behavior etc. Thank goodness they have a choice!

Classic black tux ... oh wait, I was thinking about George Clooney. Never Mind. :0)

Which makes me want to list my favorite crushes... that's another post!

Catching Up

2009-04-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

It's been a while and I am sure all of you have missed me terribly! :)

A few months ago my job description changed at work rather suddenly.
One of our Resourse (special ed.) teachers had to leave so I stepped in and took over a small group of students. I have been used to stepping in and subbing for classes before and let me tell you, in my opinion, a class of 30 is MUCH easier for ME to handle than a Resource class. I love my students and they are all good children. They don't have serious issues. Our school is quite structured and accelerated and because of that the learning environment isn't ideal for every student. Some students need to learn at slower pace and without much distraction. The problem that I have been having is this: I don't have much left in my tank at the end of the day for my family. I expend so much energy at school that when I come home, I frequently fall on the couch and take a nap. But it is rewarding and it is only for four more weeks, so I can do it. I can do it. I can do it....

Well, without further ado, I give you a brief snap shot of what's been going on the last month in my home:

Katie's newest ceramics project. Isn't it cute!! I know it's the Greek in her coming out!

Luke took 2nd place at the History Fair. He made the Parthenon (another Greek classic). He had some stiff competition: Stonehenge, Incan Pyramids, The Great Wall of China. But our Luke worked hard. Way to go Little Dude!

How cute is this kid????

A good shot of the entire project. Luke worked many hours measuring the columns with just the right amount of space in between and Rob was the hero helping him to make it very secure.

Guess what day this is??? Miss Lexi LOVES green.

Nick, posing in a rather interesting way. But at least you can see his shamrock necklace. We LOVE the Dollar Store that opened near our home!

Two little tired Leprechauns after an evening of fun, games and CANDY.

I am not sure what Luke is doing, but this photo makes my giggle!

I actually have two more children you know. It's just that they are conspicuously absent from any recent photos. I will have to remedy that soon.

I have a lemon tree! With a bumper crop this year! When life gives you this many lemons, you MUST make lemonade. And it helps that I have a son who knows how to make the world's BEST lemondade, courtesy of Hot Dog On A Stick, but don't tell anyone!!

Well, that's all folks! Hope you have a great week!

The Little Devil

2009-03-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's official: Michael is all signed, sealed and registered at Arizona State University.
He is officially a SUN DEVIL. He even learned the fight song today and the proper way to
make the 'devil' pitchfork sign with his hand. Neat-O.

Ok, enough with the sarcasm. I am really proud of Michael. He worked really hard and was offered a full scholarship. It's the oddest thing because he never applied for any scholarships. It's not even the AIMS tuition waiver (those AZ people know what I am talking about). It's an honest to goodness merit based scholarship. When was the last time someone called you and offered you money without having asked for it first? Exactly what I thought.

Why do I seem so surprised? Good question. Hmmm. I don't know why. I'll have to think about that one.

I took pictures of his Neat-O ASU tote bag and Neat-O ASU shirt he got at orientation today, but I can't figure out how to upload them. Story of my life. (Good thing Katie will be home tomorrow. She can figure it out for me.)

So for now, I guess its: Go Devils!!

And you know I am telling the truth because it's not April 1st yet. :0)

Houston, We Have a Problem

2009-03-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Someone or something hijacked my email today and sent out a weird message. If you are one of my contacts, you probably received it. I am sorry. I have no idea what happened. I scanned the computer for a virus and nothing showed up but clearly something is wrong.
I also lost my entire contact list too--no idea how that happened either.

So, if you still want to be friends with someone who may or may not have a computer issue, email me and I will add you to a protected email contact list.
And if anyone has heard of this happening before, please let me know!!

Again--Sorry about this!

Conversations from the Car

2009-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

My two youngest boys, Nick and Luke are great friends, until they aren't. Usually that is the case about 4 days into any vacation. Take, for example, this conversation they had in the car yesterday.

Let me set it up: We three were driving somewhere yesterday (short term memory is over rated) and had a cd on in the car. It happened to be the best of the band Chicago (definitely dates me--yes I am old). And you probably remember that Nick has been playing the trumpet for over 3 years and Lucas has been playing the saxophone for about 18 months. The band Chicago has a real 1970's cool jazz sound that I thought they would really like.
Nick immediately got into it. Luke, not so much, hence this exchange:

Mom: Boys, how do you like this music?
Nick: I really like the band sound, but the lyrics are lame. Who says, 'Dig it'?
Luke: I actually like the Beatles better.
Nick: Are you kidding? What are you thinking?
Luke: I like them and I like their hair. Mop tops are cool.

The conversation deteriorated from there but it's a perfect example of exactly how each boy is. So funny, only a mother could laugh!

Dinner and a Movie

2009-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

I wish I had something insightful or meaningful to say, but I don't. I just feel like writing.
My kids did a really sweet thing for me tonight and it made me happy.

Naturally, it involved food. I didn't cook dinner tonight. Luke actually said, "Mom, we haven't had dinner in a long time. Like two days." Already the guilt creeps in.

It's true. I haven't cooked dinner in a few days, so take that you Greek Guilt!! (Stifling the urge to cross myself even as I type. Oh, what would my mother think?) Thursday we had a band concert to get to by 6:30 so I told the kids it's 'every man for himself', seeing as everyone was rolling in a different times. (Realizing now that was a sexist statement. I apologize girls! It should have been, "every person for him or her self.") There was plenty of easy, make it yourself dinner options. NO ONE STARVED FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!

And by the by, the band concert was FABULOUS!! Both boys played--probably for the last time together at school. We were all there to watch Nick selflessly loan his beloved trumpet to a 1st year band mate whose trumpet broke right before the concert. (Post Script: My father, being the gracious benefactor who gave said trumpet to Nick was at the concert as well. He gasped in horror when he saw Nick do that. We all assured Nick it was an awesome gesture and applaud him.)

Getting back to my dinner story: Friday's aren't usually a 'let's make a family meal' kind of a night. Am I right here? I mean, can't a girl wishfully think her husband will arrive home ready for a hot date after spending a long day in jail visiting a 1st degree murder client? Is that too much to ask??? Tonight it was. Which was really ok with me. We watched an old movie 'Dark Passages' with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It was..........old.

But the thing that made me happy was food! Katie and Michael had gone to the gym (!!) around 7:30 and called about 8:30 saying they had bagged the gym and were going to get some food and did I want something? Well, ok! You have my attention. Movie--paused.

I said, "Oh, yes! If you are near Chipotle, then yes! A million times yes!" Katie rolled her eyes--I heard them roll through the phone line. "Mom", she said, "there are like 20 people in line."
"Oh", I whisper. "Ok then, just get me something from Panda. That would be great. Thanks!"

Afterwards, I have a pep talk with myself: Don't be upset. The lines are always long.
Panda is good. You like their pepper chicken. It'll be great! Grrrreat!

What arrives home 30 minutes later?? You guessed it: Chipotle! Yummy stuff and brought by some of the best kids in the world!

Dinner and a movie AND I didn't even leave home. OR pay for anything. Cha ching!!!

Thanks for reading!

Good, Better, Best

2009-02-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

Words to live by. Choices to stand by. Decisions to live with.

I have really come to appreciate this simple principle in my life and in the lives of my children since hearing this General Conference talk. There are good choices. There are better choices and then there are the best choices. Tonight, this principle was applied. Before the Youth Conference had even started, Katie did not want to go. She said she didn't feel well and had had a bad day. I managed to make her see that what she really needed to do was to be there tonight. And she came home energized!

Yay for Katie! She perservered and learned a valuable lesson about the power of the Adversary trying to keep us away from things that will uplift us and strengthen our testimonies.

Sweet, gentle Kathryn, always remember what you felt like before you went and after you came home. It should be easier to make those decisions again. You learn and grow strong by doing. By testing yourself. You made the right choice tonight and are the better for it. It gets easier, the more you do it.

After coming home from--by all accounts-- a great beginning to Youth Conference, now Lexi found herself in a quandry. Tomorrow is her first all day rehearsal for her upcomig play 'Back to the 80's'. CONFLICT!! I am a real believer that once you commit yourself to something, you stick with it. This decision just seemed a bit different. The group will be talking costumes, set design and doing a rough run through. It's from 9am until 5 pm. No way she could do any of the hike or service project that the Youth Conference had planned. She wanted me to tell her what to do. Now, ordinarily, I would have no problem with this, as you know, I am a control freak.

She wanted to drop this decision in my lap and make it for her. No way. I told her to ponder it and then to think about what decision was good, what decision was better and finally what decision was best. She thought about it for, oh, two seconds and off she went to call her Director to tell him that she would be missing the rehersal tomorrow because she had a more important project with her church group. She stated that she was committed to the play, but could not feel good about not attending this church youth conference.She has fears that the director fire her or worse, hate her for the rest of the play. I hope he understands what I understand: This is one exceptional young woman who had a tough decision to make and had to disappoint someone. She just didn't want to disappoint her Father in Heaven. That, she knows, she could not live with.

Let's just take a look at Lexi in action, shall we??

Alexandra Leigh Corbitt, you are a wonderful, funny, smart, beautiful, funloving, and fun young woman. You make me laugh and will do wonderfully, even without this rehersal.

Just look at this young woman!! You have a special light in your eyes. It is the light of Christ.

Do not let anything stand in the way of you seeing clearly what is important to you.

Girls, keep making the right choices! I love you!!

Remember: Good. Better. Best. And you are the best. So don't settle for anything less.

Love you so much!

Equal Time

2009-02-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

This is for my Dad, with love.

My Dad's name is Ray. He was born and raised in San Francisco. His parents were Benjamin and Josephine. They were Italian. My grandfather came from a small town in Northern Italy called Biella. There are no more Barazotos (our last name) living in Italy. The name died out, but the relatives still there are named Mercandino. My grandmother came from a small town in Southern Italy called Potenza. The relatives there are plenty, with the name D'Allasandro being predominate. My grandparents lived two blocks from my family when we lived in the city. When we moved south, they came to visit just about every weekend. They were a huge part of my life and they were great people.

Ok, fast forward. My Dad is slowly moving into the computer age. He has a laptop computer!
He asked me how to get onto my blog the other day. I walked him through it.
This is what he had to say: "Why is the title Greek? You know, you are Italian too!"

See where this is going?

For the record: I am HALF Greek and HALF Italian. I have no favorite half. (Although I secretly think I am more Italian than Greek. But I think it has to do with me liking revenge and being really good at getting angry, but I'm not sure!)

My Dad was over for dinner last Saturday night and I took some pictures. I hope you like them.

Our Favorite book! It mentions all the greats: Michaelangelo, DiVinci and Sinatra.

This is my dad, Ray. He loves to eat and he is a great cook.

Every Italian is ALWAYS ready to eat!

What I made for dinner: Greek chicken and potatoes (ironic, huh?) with asparagas. Served on my mother's original plates, which are older than me!!

Ciao!!

Just Say No!

2009-02-13T21:24:00.001-08:00

Please, for the love of fiscal responsibility, JUST SAY NO!!

What does this mean??

Well, come closer and let me tell you a secret. I am an Anti-Valentine-ite. It's actually no secret. I am a proud Anti-Valentine-ite.

I couldn't get these two images to merge, but you get the idea, right? (Katie just came in and explained how to merge the images, but it sounded really complicated and I am tired.)

I despise all things Valentine-y. I think it is the dumbest quasi-holiday ever invented.

The very fact that it was invented is offensive to me. I have ranted about this before. A purely manufactured gift giving 'holiday'. It outrages me!!

I have raised my children to be Anti-Valentine-ites. We refer to February 14th as "The holiday that shall not be named." Don't hate me.

Call me a heathen. Call me unromantic. Call me cynical. All are true at times. I was at Costco earlier today and Nick and I were counting all the men leaving with bundles of roses. (Most definitely bought at inflated prices. Grrr.) I kept saying, "Look! There's another one. Poor sap." Nick finally had to say, "Mom keep your voice down. People are starting to stare."

Just another perk of parenthood: Embarrassing your children in public places.

One byproduct of my Anti-Valentine-ness: Rob is completely off the hook. He has absolutely no duty or responsibility to give me anything. He is forbidden to buy me ANYTHING. Not surprisingly, he has embraced the Anti-ness as well. He even wrote me a Anti-Valentine song one year. What a guy!

So, I guess all I have to say is: Happy Friday the 13th!

A Life Lesson To Learn

2009-02-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happend while Rob and I were out Friday night. We went to the movies and saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was a good movie. Brad Pitt looked AWESOME for about 20 mintues--and the movie lasted about 3 hours, or so it seemed. Nice story. Visually interesting, even without Brad looking fabulous.

I'm getting off track, which, I am sure you understand is totally reasonable when talking, thinking or writing about Brad Pitt.

Where was I??? Oh yeah.

A funny thing happened while Rob and I were on our date. Let me set the scene: Katie was gone. She had a basketball game. Michael was working. Lexi, Nick and Luke were home. Everything was going smoothly. Probably because Lexi was ignoring the boys. (I mean leaving the boys alone.) Michael comes home from work and starts to crack the whip: "Everyone get your chores done". That sort of thing. Naturally, Nick and Luke completely ignore Michael. So much so that in his frustration, Michael yells, "BOYS! OBEY ME." Guess how well that went over??

You can stop laughing now.

I should be appreciative that I have a son that is so responsible. Instead I am teasing him on my blog for the whole world (ok--5 people) to read.

One day, I have no doubt, he will understand the right way to motivate kids. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Only Six More Days!

2009-02-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so if any of you reading this really knows me, you will understand what 'six more days' means. Anyone????

Anyone???

Of course! You're right!!

Only six more days until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training.

I am an unabashed Diamondbacks fan. I have loved them since their inaugural season. I have watched or listened to almost every one of their games. I have been to many games (with a HUGE thanks to my brother for hooking me up with such sweet tickets!!) and have taken the children to them as well. I have turned them into Diamondback lovers as well. I know who is hurt, what they are hitting, how many strikes outs they have, who is coming and who is going.
I know WAY TOO MUCH USELESS BASEBALL INFORMATION. But I love it.

I can't explain it. I thought I had watched enough baseball to last me a lifetime. I spent my youth at ballparks, watching my brother play. It was a family affair, as most all our endeavors were. My father coached. My brother played. My mother ran the snack shack. I... I...
Well, I watched. I also learned how to keep score, which isn't as easy as you might think. I also learned how to spit sunflower seeds. An important skill that has stuck with me to this day.
Yea, I know what you are thinking. I'm pretty cool, right?

Anyway, it's always a sad day when the season ends. I bleakly look at the calendar and calculate the weeks until I can proudly (you can insert a different adjective there) exclaim: Only 4 weeks until Spring Training...2 weeks... etc. You see how that works.

I took Katie, Nick and Luke to the ballpark yesterday for Diamondbacks Fan Fest. There were about 10,000 of us excellent people milling around ON THE FIELD. Nick and Luke listened in while Conor Jackson and Chris Young talked about playing in the outfield. We listened to some pitchers and catchers chat. We had a good time. The roof was open, the day was beautiful and we are only 7 weeks from Opening Day.

Play Ball!!

Katie to the Rescue!!

2009-02-05T19:43:00.001-08:00

Ta-Da! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Good luck Elder Barazoto! We love you!

Back to Square One

2009-02-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to upload the photos I took on Sunday night.

And they are really cute too! It's a good thing Katie is availabel for tech support tomorrow afternoon!!

Be back soon with photos. Sorry about the wait. Reading about something isn't as much fun as seeing the pictures that go with the story. It really enhances the overall feeling and mood of what someone is saying.
So....

Hang with me and we'll get this glitch fixed in no time--or my daughter isn't Katie Corbitt!! :0)

A Selfless Act

2009-02-03T21:39:00.000-08:00

My brother David's oldest son, Benjamin is going into the Missionary Training Center tomorrow. He will be serving in Colombia. On Sunday, we got together for a final dinner. And maybe, just maybe a little Super Bowl was watched. I mean there is this awesome 88 inch screen...I am off track.

Ben is one of those kids that makes you smile just by watching him walk through the door. He has always been an obedient son, a helpful son, a patient brother, a good friend and wonderful example to his friends and cousins. He is funny, quick to laugh and loves all things Brian Regan. You get my drift.

Last Sunday he spoke in church and we went, along with Diane's whole family. Benjamin was so composed and mature and delivered such a wonderful message that it was hard not to think he had just returned from Colombia.

I will miss this special young man and look forward to hearing all about experiences in Barranquilla. Michael is especially bummed because it will be 3 years before they will get together again--with Michael leaving half way through Ben's mission. Ben is so excited to get to work in Colombia. Get to know the people, serve them, love them and share his testimony with them. I am so proud of the great young man Benjamin has grown to become. I remember like it was yesterday that David and Diane brought him home to their little Provo apartment in the middle of a complete snow storm.

He will learn more about himself and his relationship with the Lord than he ever thought possible. He is leaving school, friends. girls, cell phones, all manner of worldly items and you know what?? He is excited! He is truly performing a selfless act. He and his family will be greatly blessed by this selfless act of service.

I'mmm Baaaacccckkkk!

2009-01-26T22:49:00.001-08:00

Did you miss me? I have been away for so long that I forgot where to go to 'post a new blog'! How funny is that??

Anywho, I was in San Francisco last weekend and guess what? The weather was gorgeous. Like, unbelieveably beautiful. Like summer good weather. Only in the summer, it's cold, foggy and windy in San Francisco. In January, it was amazing, sunny, clear crystal blue skies. Go figure. I love going to San Francisco for several reasons: I believe it is the most beautiful city in the world. (Including Paris, and that's saying something!) It always takes my breath away. I get to have my annual quota of crab-yum! There is the family, natch. But really, what I look forward to the most is...

The Fog.

Seriously. When it starts it's crawl over the hill, it is a sight to behold. Only on this trip... No fog. I will just have to make another trip in the summer to see my beloved fog. Poor me!

Am I Ready?

2009-01-11T00:44:00.000-08:00

My anxiety exists on many levels: 5 kids, 1 husband, 1 fulltime job outside the home, 1 eternal job in my home. How do I keep everyone on task? I can barely manage to get them to clean their bedrooms. Actually, now that I think about it, I can't even claim that. Yeeesh!!
How do I replenish my well when it's gone dry? How do I manage to keep the spark in an almost 21 year marriage?
These are but a few of the thoughts swirling around my empty noggin this evening.

Let me unveil my most pressing anxiety:

Does this look like the face of a young man preparing to leave on a mission in 10 months????
I don't think so. I mean, he IS preparing, in this photo he just wasn't happy Christmas vacation was over. I guess the real question is this: am I preparing???

Handsome look for him, don't you think: 5 o'clock shadow is working well for him. He seriously was NOT happy that he had to go back to school again. Michael is so DONE with high school and mutual. He loves, loves, loves his mission prep classes on Sundays, he attends his church meetings, sings in the choir (when he manages to wake up in time to make it at 10:30!) and is looking forward to serving the Lord wherever he is sent.

But am I??? I am a convert to the LDS church. I understand the beauty of the missionary program. The very real sense of helping people to see who and what they can become if they just ask and believe. It all comes down to faith. I have long since realized that I don't have many talents. And I don't say that because I want people to say, "oh yes you do! you..." whatever they would say.

I believe in my heart of hearts that my one true talent, my gift, is the gift of faith. It enabled me to change my life completely around. My faith has made my life as it is now, possible. Yes, things have rocked the foundation of my faith, but it still stands. My faith should be what carries me through sending 3 sons--and maybe a daughter--on missions. I pray it will.

You see, I know a woman who sent her only son off on a mission. This mother wasn't even a member of the church and she sent him off to the southern tip of Brazil. She only spoke to him twice while he was on his mission. He wasn't all that great at writing letters either. And yet she survived. During the time her son was gone, she started to notice other missionaries moving around in her city. She would stop them, buy them lunch or give them $20 for 'something extra'. She had missionaries over for dinner. The only proviso being they did not try to convert her. They came and still trired, but she never did. Yet she would tell everyone she knew what her son was doing in Brazil. She was so proud of him. That woman, my mother, had faith. She just didn't realize it. She is my example. If she could send a son to a country thousands of miles away on a mission for a church she did not believe in, then I certainly can send a son on a mission for a church I have a testimony of. I'm sure of it.
Thanks Mom, for showing me how it's done. I miss you.

How did this happen?

2009-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

You know, I come from a long line of great cooks. My Italian grandmother was an excellent cook. I have wonderful memories of the smells from her kitchen. My mother was a great cook. My father starting cooking when I was in high school-just to unwind after a long day- and turned into a great cook. My Greek grandfather even had his own restaurant in San Francisco. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Greek who has/had a restaurant. Seriously. Ask any Greek you know--they will confirm this fact. And confirm the fact that Greeks are superior in everything. It's common knowledge.

Anyway, I consider myself a decent cook. Cruddy baker, but decent cook. I enjoy the process. I enjoy creating something. I enjoyed teaching my children to cook. I have always enjoyed cooking with my children.... Until tonight.

Michael and Lucas were home tonight and decided to make cookies. The outcome was not good.

I cannot figure out how this happened. It was the first attempt for both of them, so I will cut them some slack, but if this continues, I will have to conclude that they take after Rob's side of the family!! Only kidding. Sort of.

Enjoying it Again

2009-01-04T00:02:00.001-08:00

My little dude, Luke. He will play baseball in the major leagues one day. (No pressure). He's a lefty but can hit from both sides of the plate. Rob and I are thinking a first baseman. Maybe outfield; he has one heck of an arm. Luke, you keep practicing and one day, we will become accustomed to the lifestyle you afford us!!

Like I said before, Lexi is our barometer. She keeps us on track in every manner. She is one of the best people I know.

This is Kalyn, the girls friend. This photo was taken at a party we had at the house over the break. Isn't she cute??!!!

This is Katie's best friend, Thomas. Or as I affectionately call him T-Bone. They have a lot of fun together and are always laughing or lighting straws on fire! Katie--you explain that one!!!

Enjoying the Ride

2009-01-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

The time has passed so quickly and on Monday we will be back in school. I have so enjoyed these two weeks. Rob was able to take time off to be with us. Michael worked, but not crazy hours. Katie and Lexi went out and stayed in with friends. Nick hung out with buddies. Luke played with friends on the block. What about me, you ask? I simply enjoyed watching. It's a precious gift--having children that enjoy their mother's company AND will allow you to actually interact and talk to their friends. Here are a few photos of me enjoying the ride.

Some times the clouds and their colors just leave my breathless.

Katie doesn't realize how beautiful she is. How I love this child.

Lexi was just trying to read quietly. Her sister and brother thought it would be HYSTERICAL to go bug her, sit on her lap and talk to her. She is such a great sport. She was laughing as soon as the camera was back in it's case. Lexi is the heart of our family, our barometer.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

I really want to make 2009 a great year. To that end, this is my motto for the year:

"Do not squander time. This is the stuff life is made of."

What does this have to do with Chirstmas???

2008-12-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

As you already read, our family had a wonderful time on Christmas Eve with Rob's family.
On Christmas day, after spending the morning at home, we went to my brother's home. He lives about 8 miles away. My brother David is 17 months older than I am and it's just the two of us siblings. We were raised with a mix of Catholic church and Greek Orthodox Church attendance. We both converted to the LDS church, he about two years before me.

David is married to Diane Nielsen from Mesa. And let me just say right now that she is an absolute SAINT! Not to mention an excellent mother, outstanding baker and awesome pianist. I have always felt inferior in every way to Diane and her myriad talents. She is gracious, fun and easy going. We share a love of travel and enjoy talking about traveling and like to share information and ideas. One of these days, we ARE going to Italy!!! Someday...

So, anyway, I'm off topic.

We spent a lovely day at David and Diane's home. My father was there as well.

It's funny how we --my immediate family--all ended up in Gilbert, AZ. My parents were born and raised in San Francisco, CA as first generation Americans, their families came from Italy and Greece, respectively. My entire extended family still lives within 30 miles of each other in the bay area. If you have seen the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', then you have witnessed my life. Hence the name of my blog!

David married Diane who was raised in Mesa. I married Rob who was raised in Scottsdale. We both settled here to raise our families. My parents didn't want to miss out on the grandbabies (eleven being the final count between the two of us) and retired to Gilbert in May of 1995. My mom passed away in December of 1997, just 3 months after our Lucas was born. Dad loves it here.

Hard to imagine it's been eleven years since she passed. It is, naturally, more tender for me during the holidays. And every time one of the children has a special event: band concert, choir solo, spelling bee champ, whatever it is, I always feel her loss more. I always think, "Mom would have LOVED being here for this." And I get a lump in my throat. It hasn't changed in eleven years, as the events are getting bigger, I just more melancholy. How does this correlate to Christmas you ask? I'll get there eventually!

So,
After a delicious Christmas dinner, we all trouped into David's living room and had an impromptu talent show. Nick and Luke played their trumped/saxophone duets, Katie played the piano, Michael sang with his older cousin, Ben and Jacob played the guitar. Lexi sang a solo and a duet with Madalyn and the three youngest of Davids boys all played the piano with varying degrees of competency. It was wonderful and really fun! I was watching my father during this time and he was truly moved by the music and the talent of his grandchildren. We don't do this sort of thing often, so it was a really nice way to end the day.

Of course, I did not take photos!! I really have to be a better blogger. Yeesh!

We always have so much fun hanging out with my brother's family. All our kids have cousins just about their ages, which is great!! In the summer, the kids swim and run amok and in the winter we play ping pong, use the backyard putting green ( a new addition) and now can sit outside and watch a movie on a giant retractable screen--another new addition. It's a great backyard space. It is my quest to get photos soon!! Darn! We'll just have to invite ourselves over for a family dinner again! I think I can survive that. The question is, can they??? :0)

All in all, this Chirstmas season was a great one. I am usually a bah humbug--I know, shocking to those of you who know me, but truly, this year I was so humbled by the love my family showed me. I count my blessings every day that I am so fortunate to be enveloped by such love and generousity.

My Three Sons

2008-12-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

Wasn't there a show with that same name?? I don't think they hold the copyright to the phrase, 'my three sons' especially since they are my three sons. I could say that phrase all day. I guess I am getting a bit loopy. No surprise there!!

Mike, who is 18, with his arm around Luke, who is 11 and Nick, age 13 in front.

Michael and Nicholas.

Michael and Lucas.

I love my boys. They are turning into mature, responsible and kind young men.

I have so much fun with them!

A Homemade Gift From Katie

2008-12-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

This is Katie and her dog whistle.
She is blowing in it's mouth to make the whistle sound come out.

She made him in her ceramics class this semester. Isnt' he cute???!!
His name is Buster.

This is where the sound comes out. Pretty advanced stuff, don't ya think??

Our new pet, and whistle, Buster!!

Post Christmas Wrap up

2008-12-29T22:21:00.000-08:00

I can absolutely say, without reservation, that I truly enjoyed Christmas. A bold statement, to be sure! We spent Christmas Eve with Rob's mother and his sister's family--plus one, minus one. Meaning: plus one: Joshua married Jessica and they were here. Minus one: Derek is in the Missionary Training Center preparing to leave for New York, NY soon.

We had a traditional Corbitt Eve. We had ham, potatoes, jello salad and green beans. We had a program. Everyone had their part. Each child performed a talent, the parents shared a special memory or tradition of Christmases past and Rob read from the book of Luke. We went carolling to some neighbors--I stayed in the back of the pack for two reasons: first reason: I CANNOT sing. second reason: in case a mean dog lunges out of the door while we are sweetly carolling and decides to chow down on my neck, I want as much get away room as possible. You laugh. But I am totally serious. (Darn that tinker! The dog of my childhood nightmare!)

Christmas morning was so sweet. We all assembled at 7 am (some tried to push the time until 11 am!! Can you believe that???) We first opened individual gifts, then the group gift. It was a very humble year for us. Provident living is on our minds constantly and what a better way to start living it's principles then on the hardest day of the whole year to be frugal. Nobody went without and the letters we all wrote to each other and the small things the children got each other outmatched by far anything a department store could have done. We are truly blessed in the ways that are important.

More to come, but it's late!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas everyone!!

Two Sisters

2008-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

They were exhausted and I guess, just needed to sleep close to each other. Awwwwww. sniff.

Apology To Michael

2008-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Michael,

I can hear you upstairs right now. You are trying to keep your temper as your sweet sisters
assail you with phrases like, "Come on Mike, multi task!" "Noooooo" and "You are SO lame!"

Completely forgetting all the things you do for them. Like take them to 'A' hour every morning. Pick them up from school when they ask (demand) you to. Take them to Costco for pizza. Sync your ITune thingy so they can use it. And a myriad of other things I am forgetting.

I am sorry you ended up having 3 mothers. But I love you for always keeping your temper in check. You will make some young woman a GREAT husband some day.

In the future.

In the really distant future.

Like, far, far down the road.

I love you.

Just wanted to tell you that.

One more

2008-12-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

This is Michael and his friend Kayla. We really like her. Enough said :0)

And let's see how long it takes for Michael to even notice that this photo is on my blog!

You guessed it--photos!

2008-12-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Katie and Jacob have always been close. He is 2 months younger than the girls.

Thanksgiving Photos--Keep it coming!

2008-12-14T22:39:00.000-08:00

Luke and Cole outside on the eliptical. These two boys look more alike than any of the cousins. Cole is one year older than Luke.

More Photos!

2008-12-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

David with Ben and Michael at
Thanksgiving

Three cousins: Lexi, Katie and Maddy.

Photos--finally!

2008-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of the beautiful tulips I received from my sweetie for my birthday.
I finally figured out how to upload this! And Katie is asleep, so I couldn't ask for her help.

Keep Those Choir Concerts Coming!

2008-12-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

I attended two more concerts this week. They were both on the same night. Our family has really mastered the "divide and conquer" technique. Nick had his band concert Thursday at 7pm. Lexi had HER choir concert Thursday at 7pm. Both had solo parts. Hmmmm. A lesser mortal would have had to choose just one to attend, but I, having superior driving skills, made both---AND witnessed BOTH solos.

Let me just say, Nick played a wonderful trumpet rendition of 'Sunrise Sunset' from Fiddler on the Roof. He was accompanied on the piano by his music teacher--something he has never done before. And the band ROCKED three Christmas pieces. My dad was there, pacing before Nick's solo. He was more nervous than Nick. After hearing the band, I scooted out, leaving Rob and Luke to listen to the orchestra and choir and then bring Nick home. I arrived with minutes to spare at the high school just before Lexi's chamber choir took the stage. I have said this before, but it bears repeating, Lexi just LIGHTS UP when she is on stage. The end of her concert was really fabulous. The orchestra and symphonic band were on stage with the choir on the risers playing a great medley of songs. Lucky for Rob, I was able to purchase a CD of the event for him to listen to. It was an excellent night.

And now, a note to my daughter, Kathryn: You are my favorite oldest twin daughter. I love you. I like you. I laugh with you. I have fun with you. I love when you are in a fiesty mood. I DO have compassion and sympathy for your situation. I don't like seeing you frustrated and upset. Sometimes it's hard to talk. I understand that. So, hopefully, you will read this and feel very loved and come find me so that I can give you a hug--as long as you don't have any IcyHot on! :0)

Choir Concert

2008-12-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Michael's choir concert. It was really nice. The young men in the choir really stood out and were great! They sang several songs, only a few 'traditional christmas' ones though. Bummer. One favorite was 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with Trent Rasmussen singing a solo part in such a low voice I could have sworn it was fake! My other favorite was the old standard 'Throw a Yule Log on Uncle John'. I know you have probably heard it hundreds of times over the years (if you could only hear the sarcasm dripping). One line in particular is so moving. It goes something like this: "Put the pickle down, Uncle John". It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

After Michael's concert, I zipped over to Katie's basketball game. They were playing the number one team in the 4-IIA region: Seton Catholic. Darn those Seton-ites! They beat us 70 to 50. But heck, if our girls can score 50 against the #1 team, well, hey, they did pretty well. Katie is restricted from playing until her MRI results come back. Stay tuned.

In A Funk

2008-12-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

I guess I HAVE been in a funk this week. Every time I sat down to post, I just stared at the screen and...Nothing.

My friend Shelley passed away last week and her funeral was Tuesday. Michael, Lexi, Katie and I attended. I was completely fine until the end when her husband had their children come up and say a few things about their mother. Each child shared something they loved and will miss about Shelley. I was done in. Read Lexi's beautiful and heartfelt feelings about it on her blog: www.lexislovelylife.blogspot.com

In the tradition of Thankful Thursday, just let me say that I have many things to be thankful for.

** I am thankful for my husband who works so hard for our family. He never complains. He does the laundry if it's piling up without being asked. He listens to my ramblings, even when he is really tired and is in bed almost asleep when I go on a rant. He is nearly perfect in every way. If he could cook, he would be perfect, but most importantly, he loves me in spite of my many faults. Bless you my sweet love.

**I am thankful for my children. Each of them is so special to me. Each has unique qualities that I admire. I am so thankful to be a part of their lives. I have so much fun with them. (I am thankful that they are funny. I don't think I could handle unfunny kids.) They are trying to live their lives with purpose and integrity. Their strength inspires me. I love you all more than you know.

**I am thankful for my wonderful friends. I am not really good at getting to know people, so when I find someone that I 'click' with, I treasure them. I have truly been blessed to have such great friends and to have built such beautiful memories--with many more to come!

** I am thankful for my family: My Dad, who is really a good grandfather. He takes an interest in what the kids are doing and supports all their activities. He is always picking something up at Costco for me or dropping over to see us. Grandparents are so important in a child's life and I am thankful he is in my children's lives. My brother is a great person. He is so strong and focused on what is right and good. I admire his determination and his ability to work hard for what he believes. I have always loved my older brother and am thankful that we share a close bond.

** I am thankful for my job. I love where I work. I get to go to school each day with Nick and Luke and interact with students each day. I am thankful for the days that I feel I have made a difference in the life of a child. There are not many feelings that can top that.

**Lastly, I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I have lived on both sides of the fence and I know the grass is not greener on the other side. There is nothing in this world that will bring you more peace, more security, more happiness, than following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my faith. I am thankful I believe in miracles. True, cannot be denied, miracles. I have witnessed them and it is a beautiful thing.

And to you, Sweet Night, for unlocking my mind and thoughts and for helping me to let these thoughts flow out tonight. I really needed to it.

It all started with a little clam

2008-11-27T22:44:00.001-08:00

Well, the big old turkey is ready for the stock pot tomorrow, thanks to my great Dad. He is my exclusive meat carver. I have him for every grand occasion at the house. He very grandly cut every speck of meat off that little carcass (Hey--watch your language!!)and he even brought, used and cleaned his own carving knife for this special day.

And today was FUN! My brother and his family were here as well as my mother-in-law ,Joan, and her husband Joe. Let me just say that I am not one of those wives that complain about their mother-in-laws. I have the best ever. She is truly an angel.

The kids had a great time playing games and running around outside and hanging around talking and laughing. Oh yea, and a little eating went on too. I even took photos! ( Except I can't figure out how to get them off the camera and onto the computer and further, on to this blog!!! I CAN figure it out and I WILL do it.)

Ok, Let me just say that at midnight last night I emailed my most trusted advisor Charlene to tell her that my clam dip was THE BEST EVER MADE.

So, really everything else is just, really, gravy, really. The turkey was great-even moist. I heard the ham was fabulous as well. The dressing, yams, mashed potatoes, and gravy were awesome as well. It all started from a little clam. If you can conquer the clam, as I had obviously done, then the only hard thing left is....you guessed it--the gravy, which came out lump free and quite delicious, I must say. How do I know the gravy was that good? Well, to tell you, I must admit one little embarrasssing thing. Ok, ask me again, How did I know the gravy was that good, you ask? I will tell you: It was sooo good that we RAN OUT OF GRAVY.

I NEVER RUN OUT OF GRAVY!! It's all about the gravy here. Good Gravy! How could I let this happen.

We ended the evening outside sitting around a fire pit--again, thanks Dad! It was a beautiful night. Rob was pointing out planets and constellations to all the little boys. Diane and I had a nice long chat watching the fire. And then you will never guess what happened! Never!

It started to RAIN--while we were outside by the firepit, watching the fire. it starts to sprinkle, then a little heavier, and then there was no one left outside but me!

I saved the best for last though and here it is: I went to bed at 10:20pm and the kitchen was still "unorganized" lets call it. I got up around midnight to get a drink and walked into the kitchen and IT WAS COMPLETELY CLEAN!! I had always wanted house elves, but didn't realize I had some of my very own until tonight. Thanks you sweet house elves for cleaning up the kitchen. I love each and every one of you!

A Slice

2008-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Snapshot of my life these last 24 hours:

**Take Katie to urgent care Sunday morning, she has muscle tears in both her legs from basketball. Poor Katie, she has the mentality and desire to be an athlete, if only her body would hold cooperate!

**Get home just in time to go to church and attend to my nursery class. (Only 5 more weeks with them! I love this class. They are all 3 years old and are so funny. In January, we will be getting the 'new' nursery kids--18 month old babies. Yikes!)

**Come home and cook dinner. No problems there. Everyone seems to enjoy it. Great!

**Have a 'discussion' with Katie about her future in sports. No one cries, but we don't agree. I decide to let her decide her fate. It will be hard to watch the consequences of her actions, but she has to do this evidently.

**Watch a Shirley Temple movie with the family. Love that curly headed tot!!

**Fold some laundry (Thanks Babe for taking the lead on that!!)

**Organize the schedule for Monday: Katie, Doctor, school, practice etc.

** Attend to Luke who starts throwing up around midnight. AND DOES NOT STOP UNTIL 5am!!

**Catch a nap around 5:30am.

**Obviously, I don't go to school today.

**Get Katie to where she needs to be.

**Spend time with Luke on the couch--YES!!

**Right now I'm in the process of making dinner for a friend.

**Have been continually praying Luke's late night adventure doesn't ravage the rest of us!

**Anxiously awaiting The Return of the King, I mean Rob!

This is a slice of my life today. Isn't it grand??!

Quiet Time

2008-11-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

It's late and it is quiet. And I am blessed with a moment of reflection.

Life changes so fast, children grow so quickly and time never stops. Instead, it speeds up and moments pass you by so quickly that you barely knew they existed. I like to think that I am 'a mother who knows' as Julie Beck put it. But all I really know is that life was simpler when my children were small; when Michael was 6, Katie and Lexi were 5, Nick was 2 and Luke a newborn. Yes there were sleepless nights. But not because you didn't know where your children were. It was because they were teething or because they had a cold. Yes there were messes. But those could easily be set right with a mop or vacuum. Yes there were tears. But you could make everything better with a bandaid, a hug and a popsicle. Life was busy. It was chaotic. It was frustrating. It was exhausting. It was exhilirating. It was new. Every day was a love affair with my precious children and each morning was a brand new day to do whatever we chose to do. I loved that time. I cherish those memories. But seasons change and so I go.

Days now are filled with schedules, deadlines, and heartaches. The heartache of a daughter whose close friend will soon lose his mother to cancer. The heartache of a daughter whose friend's family lost their home. The heartache of a son whose friend has gone down a path that will surely lead to pain. The anxiety of watching your son cutting the apron strings just a bit too quickly for your taste. The patience needed to watch a child figure out how to start being independent. And as much as I loved time when I was the center of my children's world, I love this time just as much. Because I know they need me more now than they ever have. They need me even while they fight for independence. They need their father even though they think he 'doesn't get it'. They need each other even though they fight.

The world is a big place and it is looming large. They need an anchor, a place to rest from the storm. A refuge. Our home has to be that place or they will find some other place to fill that void. And this is precisely why I need the Lord more than I have ever needed Him before.

These are my thoughts this late Thursday night.

Just one more thing: I truly love my husband. Because without him, nothing would be as sweet. You are my hero.

A Star is Born!

2008-11-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

A review of Shakespeare's 'A Comedy of Errors'

Williams Field High School Theatre Department made it's inaugural debut this week with 'A Comedy of Errors'. It showcased a young up and coming performer who will undoubtedly be a tremendous force in the theatre community for years: Miss Alexandra Corbitt.

Playing the part of the sweet sister, Miss Corbitt radiated a certain genteel quality that was fresh and alluring. Every moment Miss Corbitt was on stage, she captivated the audience. Her ability to convey her conflict between supporting her demanding older sister and wanting to be with her sister's husband (spoiler alert: he really isn't her sister's husband!!) was inspiring. The audience could clearly see and feel her torment as the emotions flashed across her face. Luckily for Miss Corbitt, all's well that ends well and she gets her man.

I, for one, look forward to many more magnificient performances from this incredibly young woman. A Star is Born!

Just Yesterday

2008-11-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Michael's birthday. It was a milestone birthday: 18 years old.
I know it seems cheesy to say, but it's true: It feels like just yesterday that we brought this 9 pound beautiful boy home. Of course, I had absolutely NO IDEA what to do with him once we arrived home, but it feels like just yesterday when Rob and I learned the hard way that you have to be REALLY FAST when changing a baby boy's diaper. ( I really want to tell his birth story HERE, but I know he would be soooo embarrassed, so I will skip it, but it's a great story!)

I was so unprepared! I didn't know the first thing about being a mother. In fact, when I was a young girl, I didn't even like babysitting. When I was in high school I remember writing my senior message for the yearbook and saying that I couldn't wait to practice law, travel the world and never settle down. Boy did my goals change once I met Rob! That's a story for another day.

I know every mother feels this way about their own child, but within the first few hours of Michael's birth I remember looking down at him and thinking, "This child is special." He was sent from heaven with so many wonderful attributes. He is earnest, obedient, stalwart, thoughtful, compassionate, he does the right thing because it's the right thing to do and he is truly without gile. Michael has always been so easy going. We always say that he is the calm in the middle of the storm that is our family.

He is such a great older brother. He takes the boys places and helps them with their homework. He watches out for his sisters and is very close to them. Case in point: A few weeks ago, Katie got asked out by a boy named Josh who goes to school with Michael. The day after Josh asked Katie out, Michael sought him out at lunch and said, "So I hear you asked my sister out. You better make sure you treat her right." Josh immediately texted Katie and said, "Your brother just scared the crud out of me!" Horray for Michael!! Earlier this evening, Lexi had her first performance of her play. Michael went to see it all by himself because he will be working the next two nights and didn't want to miss it. He brought her home and afterwards said that she was great and looked so pretty. Don't you just love Michael???!!!!

I could go on all day about Michael, but I will say just one more thing: Michael, you are every parent's dream. It is such a blessing to have you in my life. You make me proud with the way you choose to live your life. You are an example not just to your siblings, but to me as well. Thank you for always striving to do your best, for always trying to do what is right, and for never complaining when I ask you to go to the store for ice!
I love you, my sweet first born.

Another Attempt

2008-11-08T06:30:00.001-08:00

Ok, so SOMEONE who shall remain nameless informed me that blogging about the weather just isn't that cool, so here is another attempt. How about an update on the children?

Michael received his official acceptance letter to ASU yesterday. Yea for Michael!!! He was admitted into his first choice of major: foreign language studies. The scholarships are to be determined. He is still waiting on a few more letters of (hopefully) acceptance. He continues to work several times a week and his classes aren't giving him too many headaches, so for now, he is really enjoying life.

Lexi is busy rehearsing for her high school play: Shakespeare's 'A Comedy of Errors'. It opens next weekend. Her Chamber Choir group had a fund raiser last night where they taught fun camp songs to about 160 brownie/girl scouts. Lexi is so good at stuff like that. She is so enthusiastic and fun when she is performing. That is why she will be so awesome in the play.
She sprained her ankle pretty badly on Wednesday and won't let me take her to the doctor. I don't know where she gets her stubbornness from?!! At least she will allow me to prop her foot up and ice it occassionally.

Katie finished her basketball tryouts last night and made Varsity. Yea for Katie! I just dropped her off for her first official practice of the season. It seems like they have been practicing for months already. Katie will have to really work hard to balance her school schedule, her duties as National Honor Society secretary, church activities and basketball. I know she can do it, but it will be a challenge with away games. Varsity doesn't start their games until 7pm, so with travel time, she won't be getting back home until 11pm some nights. I'm sure she will do her homework on the bus. Right.

Nick just finished a very successful basketball season at school. His team won the championship! They played the championship game at the high school. It was great. Nick is really a great sport. He is such a great team member. He doesn't play too many minutes, but he is constantly encouraging his team mates and is happy to be on the team. I seriously don't know where he gets THAT attitude. Seriously. I really admire him. His trumpet playing is coming along beautifully. His new trumpet has really helped his tone and sound and thus his confidence. Thanks Dad. Nick looks forward to playing in the band next year in high school.

And lastly Luke. I love this kid. I mean, I love all my kids. But Luke, boy, he is so... unique. I wrote an entire essay about how Luke is so unique for his birthday in August. I guess it just because he is our baby. He is eleven now and can really play his saxophone really well. He is leading his section and according to his music teacher will be first chair next year in the junior high band. Who knew?? This is what comes with having absolutely no expectations put on him. When he was born, I guess I was tired of expectations and therefore never put any on him. He has completely blossomed under my unwatchful eye. Again, Who Knew??

I really love my children.

A Trend We Like

2008-11-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

I don't want to get ahead of myself or anything, but I think I see a trend happening here in good old Arizona. The weather. Yes, I do believe that we have finally seen the last of summer. Granted, there are snow storms in the Dakotas and first snow falls in Utah and other places, but for here, We are finally out of the 90's!! Three cheers for autumn! Actually the weather has been down right awesome this week. We haven't even reached 90 degrees for, lets see...5 days now. Like I said, I believe this is a trend. I do believe it will continue. But hey, I'm an optimist.
I was dreading the thought of having the air conditioner running for Thanksgiving dinner. You can't have Thanksgiving dinner and be sweating, not from the heat of the kitchen but from the weather. It's down right wrong. You'd think I would be use to this seeing as I have lived here for the better part of 20 years, but every year I say to Rob, "Why isn't it cooling down yet? It's October for heavens sake?" He calmly replies, "Remember Dear? It starts cooling off IN October, it will be cool IN December." "Yeah, right." Is my usual reply. Anyway, happy cooler days are ahead--FINALLY!!!!

Election Night

2008-11-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am so upset about John McCain not winning. He gave a beautiful concession speech. And Obama's acceptance speech didn't make my skin crawl like Bill Clinton's did, so I guess that is something.
It is true that the sun will come up tomorrow and we all will go about our business like usual. And yes, I will be able to say "I remember where I was when the first black person was elected President" but still....

Love Letters

2008-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I honestly don't mind birthdays in general. I don't like the attention, but I don't mind the number-43 this year. I have earned every gray hair, 'laugh line' and stretch mark and enjoyed every minute of it. I woke up on Wednesday to some really sweet letters from the children. It's a tradition that I am so thankful we started with the kids. I have accumulated many 'love letters' from them over the years; for mother's day, birthday and Christmas. Each year the contents becomes more meaningful and tender to me. Rob gave me my favorite perfume and sent my favorite flowers to school. Then we enjoyed a great family dinner out.
I felt like a princess.

Family Support

2008-10-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have been informed by seasoned bloggers (ok, just one: Katie) that I should blog more often than once a week. Yeesh! My life simply isn't that exciting. This week at school went fast though. And the weekend seemed to last for all of five seconds! Yesterday was our Charter School's Fall Festival: an all day affair like a carnival. I was in charge of the Jr. High Student Council's booths, which had me hanging out with Nick most of the time. Thanks to Katie for helping me. And to Lexi for staying home and cleaning the house for me! Hugs to both of you!! And to my awesome oldest son Michael for coming in between taking his ACT test and work--thanks for the support. And to Luke, just for being Luke. Of course, I almot forgot you when it was time to leave, but never the less, thanks little dude! And to my knight in shining armor: Thanks for saving the day with many bags of ice. The crowds would have carried me away if that snow cone machine had stopped! Love you all so much.

First Post

2008-10-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

So my daughter finally sucked me in. Actually it's both of their faults! They double teamed me during a weak moment and I caved. I am now part of the blog-o-sphere. Heaven help me. Actually heaven help those girls! I am sure it will take no time at all to have them regretting this.