Freedom Flyers

This morning, Dallin's friend Trevor came over to play. They ran around, watched a movie (sort of), made me "pizza", hid from Claire, played the Hungry, Hungry Hippo game, became Superheros and blew bubbles outside. Just when you think two little boys couldn't think of anything more fun, they did. It was time for Trevor to go home (he lives about 10 minutes walking distance away) and they had the great idea to run to his house all by themselves. I agreed and followed them in my car going about 1 mph with my emergency lights on and window rolled down so they could tell me things. These little boys had more fun just running free (on the sidewalk of course :)). The happiness and excitement on their faces made this extra long trip to the Crumps so worth it! I have to say that my favorite part of this freedom marathon was when at one point, Dallin pulls the hood from his jacket over his head, looks me square in the eye (still running, mind you) and proclaims "just livin' the dream, baby!!." He then laughs hysterically at himself as I laugh uncontrollably as well. I am so glad that these two little freedom flyers were able to live out a small (but super exciting) dream this afternoon.

My Superhero

Today in sacrament meeting, a sister gave a talk on "superheros". She mentioned that Batman and Superman are pretty cool but will never compare to the everyday superheroes around us. Real superheros are those that fight for hope and happiness... they are the ones that quietly serve and give of themselves freely to others like the Savior did/does. President Gordon B. Hinckley has been my superhero on this earth and I am so sad to hear the news that my hero has just passed away. I will never be able to put into words how I feel about this man, this prophet of God, but I know that he is receiving the most incredible welcome into heaven at this moment. I loved his faith, his determination, his wisdom, his love, the powerful Spirit always accompanying him, and I loved his sense of humor. How blessed we have been to have him lead and guide us for so long, and I feel such joy knowing that my name is associated with his. He will always be one of my Superheroes.

My friend Chelsea Monson had this poem posted on her blog and I also wanted to share:

Prophetic Passing
I imagine he’s running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, “Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son.”

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception’s just fine,
But he hopes that he’ll get an assignment or two
Since there’s no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward – there’s work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

Disney Days

I went to Disneyland last week with Collette and Sarah (friends from college (right)) and their kids. We had a great time catching up, riding rides, and chasing kids (mostly mine). Sarah (cute blonde on the right) and I did a college internship at Disneyworld together and we realized that it was exactly 10 years ago this month that we started. I decided to scrounge through some old photos and post some of my favorite memories from my time there. Here is a 10 year reunion shout out to my year at Disneyworld (thanks for indulging me)...

<- My first nametag (don't you love the misspelling of BYU... 'Bring'ham Young was actually more appropriate for me since I WAS so young)

I won a contest while I worked in a shop on Main Street (Athletic Club). My prize was being able to drive one of the Disney trains for a day (and got paid for it!!) It was actually quite difficult since it was a real locomotive! ->

<- Me as Chip at a Polynesian Resort character breakfast. I am hugging my Grandma Eileen and my Grandpa Bill took the picture (they lived about 3 hours away from Orlando and would come and see me often... I sure loved being by them!)

This position was so kindly called "Rope Hoe" since we would hold the rope at the end of the parade (to keep the crazies from attacking the characters :)). This part was really fun! ->

<- Me as King Louie (the monkey). He was my favorite character to play... I was even trained how to do somersaults in this costume (not easy)

Me as King Louie giving Aladdin some love in the breakroom :). Aladdin (Aaron) and I were great friends! ->

<- One of my "famous" somersaults

That's me as "Happy" in the Day Parade. My brother Scott and friend Rachel came to Orlando to visit me. They took this picture (and I am sure laughed at me dancing giddily down the street) ->

<- That's me as "Doc" in Spectromagic (the night parade)

These were some of the only female characters I was able to play. I am the blue fairy, Merriweather. We had buttons inside our gloves that we would push to change the color of the lights on our dresses. We would listen for our music cues throughout the parade. I loved being able to have some feminine movements (and ride on a float)! ->


So I am staring at a large stack of more pictures, but I am sure this will suffice for my 10 year "shout out." This was such an incredible journey that I wouldn't have traded for anything in the world. I made such great friends, learned a lot about myself, gave my posterity (and maybe you) something to laugh at :), and worked in one of the most amazing places. This was one of my dreams checked off the list.

Sarah... I am tagging you to post some pics from your time at Disneyworld! Can't wait to see you working it (cause you know they worked us)!

Painted Possibilities

We at the Waldron home love getting mail... REAL mail. You know, the kind someone writes with a pen and puts a stamp on. It is an exciting part of our day to run to the mailbox (around the corner) and climb up the "big" hill to get back home. The other day, we got a special letter in the mail from my younger brother David (ie: Uncle Dave). Dallin and Claire fought over who was going to open it and they eventually just started ripping at and mutilating the envelope in beautiful sibling harmony :). Inside, we found a sweet note and two beautiful paintings. Dave bought these pictures at a church bookstore over Christmas break because they reminded him of my children... true most of the time.

I love the picture of the little boy ready to be a missionary ("Little Missionary by Rebecca Lee). Dallin will be an amazing missionary someday. He is full of love and passion and he loves to learn. Today in the car he was asking questions about getting married in the temple. He was so excited that our little family will be together forever (he was even more excited that he could also be married in the temple and kiss and snuggle his future wife there... first things first little man. Let's keep talking about a mission :))! He brings such joy to all around him and I look forward to seeing him fill out his missionary clothes.

I also adore the picture of the little girl titled "Under His Wing" by Jay Bryant Ward. Not only does this little blonde look like Claire, but she has the same warmth and tender joy that my Claire possesses. I truly believe our little ones who are so fresh from heaven have such a closeness with our Savior. I know these children would recognize Him in an instant and run quickly to be by His side. Oh, to be like a child... I am sure thankful for mine.

Thanks Uncle Dave.

September Surprise

Yep, #3 is on its way! We found out we were expecting last Tuesday. We told Dallin and he is SO excited... excited enough to tell his whole preschool class the next day. We decided that if all the kids in his class and preschool teachers know, our friends and family should know as well :). I am only 5 weeks along, so this is really early and it will be a long journey, but welcome aboard. We are thrilled! More baby info to come...

The Man in Her Moon

Claire loves guys, she is drawn to them. She cries and cries in nursery and stops immediately when the nursery leader's husband comes in. She will talk to complete strangers... but only if they are men. I give credit to the wonderful men in her life that have given her these feelings of love and security. She has an incredible father, fabulous grandpas and uncles, and a brother that adores her. Claire loves her men.

Claire also loves the moon. She likes the "baby moon" (said in a baby voice) and the BIG MOON (said in a monster voice). There was a show on TV called "Bear in the Big Blue House" that Claire would watch for quite awhile (long enough for me to shower and get ready... gotta love those shows!). In this particular program, there is a character called Luna and she is (appropriately) the moon. At the end of the show, she sings a goodbye song with Bear and Claire LOVES this song. Each night, we would look out the window, try to find the moon and sing this song.

Over Thanksgiving, my parents were here visiting from Washington and my dad (Papa) mentioned his love for the moon as well. This is now Claire and Papa's special thing. The moon + Papa = sheer joy for Claire every night. When it becomes dark outside, my little Claire runs into the backyard to find their special moon. The Bear in the Big Blue House song has now been replaced with a sweet "Hi Papa Moon" said in her cute two-year-old Claire voice. Papa also says goodnight to Claire each night as he sees the moon overhead. Whenever I speak to my Dad about this special new tradition, he gets a little choked up and you can hear the love in his voice for his little girl. Who knew that the moon could make life so wonderful for a little girl and her Papa?

Congenital Cheerleading

I was a cheerleader in high school and loved it!
Peter was a cheerleader in college (BYU) and loved it!
Dallin and Claire apparently have the form and love it as well... it must be in our blood :).
*congenital - of or pertaining to a condition present at birth, whether inherited or caused by the environment




(Dallin is above (2 years old), Claire is to the right (18 months old))

Imagineers

One of my very favorite things in this world is watching Peter and Dallin play "imagination." They usually play with little Star Wars characters and have battles in Dallin's room (with cool forts and rope slides). I can often hear them dueling with lightsabers and getting "injured." Another form of imagination for my boys is with swords (or lightsabers) and is best done at Willows park just down the street. This park has bridges and "lava" underneath the wobbly step stones. This might not make any sense... just use your imagination. I don't know how Peter successfully battles "Luke Skywalker (aka Dallin) for an hour completely submerged in his character, but he does (and I think he enjoys it :)). They sometimes even get dressed up (yep, at the public park... sorry I don't have pictures of that). We went to this special park the other day and the "knights" got on their horse, ready for battle (see picture above)! Peter and Dallin have so much fun using their imaginations together (they are having a battle downstairs at this very moment). As for me, I could not have imagined a more wonderful, fun, loving father for my children...


<-Peter sad that he lost the battle :)

Dallin on the stones over the "hot lava" ->
protecting Princess Claire

Deodorant Dilemma

I am very diligent about putting deodorant on every day. I take a shower whenever the opportunity is available. I wash my clothes on a regular basis. I shave my legs (when I have to :)). I brush my teeth quite often. I even spritz on perfume before I walk out the door so why in the world is everyone around me moving??? Here is a breakdown of the people in my life (and ward) who have moved in the past year or so:

One of the first families to leave me (yes, I am making this personal :)) were the Munoas. They only moved to a different part of town, but I don't see them as much as I would like to. One dinner group member down.

The Simkins moved to Orange County and this was so sad for my Dallin. He sure loves Merrilye and I don't know who is going to teach me the ways of Martha Stewart now!

The Fains moved and so did the Snyders... this is quickly becoming an unfortunate trend.

Next to say farewell were the Larsens. They had a darling baby boy and then took off to Kansas. I love and miss this family so much and, even though we talk on the phone, I wish Lindsay were here to witness how nice my perfume smells. Another dinner group member gone :(.

My visiting teacher, Janet Kehne, was the next to leave California... is it just me, or is it ME!

The Burr family took off and I was just getting to know Christina (such a darling family).

Another really sad farewell was to the Lowe family. We all loved hanging out and Krissy was (and still is) so much of my sanity. Dallin lost his best little buddy, Ethan to the state of Idaho and he now wants to move there. Maybe we should leave since everyone else is (no I'm not bitter :)). We really miss having the Lowes close by... and yet another dinner group member gone (maybe it's not my stench, maybe it's my cooking!?).

So just when you think my ranting and raving should be through, alas I have more...

The Lawrence family moved to Hawaii rather quickly and I really didn't get to say goodbye. Jule is so fun and we miss her musical ability in our rapidly depleting ward!! Come back Jule... my cooking isn't that bad and I just put a double shot of deodorant on!

A couple of Sunday's ago, the Benedicts were a wonderful part of the Chaparral ward and now they have decided to move into a beautiful new home and become a part of the French Valley ward. Yep, they moved within a matter of days. Such a great family that will be missed (I did see her at the baby shower last night, so maybe all is not lost).

The other night when I was driving home from mutual, I passed the Johnson's home (7 houses down from us) and saw their couch being put on a truck and a "For Rent" sign on their lawn. They landed their dream home last week and are moving in as you read this and yep, you guessed it, they are no longer in the ward. I will truly miss their girls stopping by on their bikes for some fruit snacks and a chat. I will miss our casual drop-ins to each others houses. They have been so much fun to have as neighbors... why, Why, WHY!!!

So here it is... my sadness and confusion written for all to see. The Chaparral ward is quickly becoming a branch and I am quickly becoming friendless. These friends who have left me were not apartment dwellers that could be expected to move at some point, we don't live in a dangerous or unfortunate looking city, there have been no threats of a major environmental catastrophe here and the housing market is horrible to sell in right now. The only plausible explanation in my mind is that I am somehow responsible... maybe I should try a different brand of deodorant...

(p.s. Randles and Wankiers, come and smell my new deodorant and lets see if I can change your mind! :))

Mormon Movies

Last night, we went and saw "Passage to Zarahemla" for mutual. Our ward was invited to see the movie for free (check http://www.passagetozarahemla.com/ to see if there is a preview near you) and for an LDS movie... it was really good! It is in a different playing field than the other silly, cheesy LDS movies that have come out and it was a nice change. It is rated PG-13 due to the Gadianton robber's violence. The writer and director is Chris Heimerdinger (wrote "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephities" books) and he was at our preview to answer questions and sign autographs. The youth in our ward really enjoyed this movie... hope you have a chance to see it sometime!

Pros & Cons of Paradise

I have decided that there is no such thing as the perfect place to live. I love the east coast for it's beautiful autumns and rich heritage, but am not a fan of the fast pace and intense winters. I love Washington state (where I grew up) for its lush surroundings and kind people, but there is a lot of rain. I love Utah for its beautiful mountains and four seasons, but I am not sure I want to raise my children there... and here I sit in Southern California, thinking of it's own pros and cons. I am not a fan of how people try to out-do each other. I don't like the extremely hot summer weather here in Murrieta (desert). I'm not sure how I feel about a 16 year-old driving a brand new Hummer. There are a lot of people here and the traffic is crazy. Although there are many reasons I hesitate staying here, I have to say that being so close to so much is really a "pro" for me. We are within an hour to 3 different temples and the beach. There is so much to do within our grasp and great weather (the majority of the time) to do it in. I mention this because I took Dallin and Claire to Disneyland yesterday (an hour away). For me, Disneyland is a definite PRO of living here. We are fortunate enough to go a lot (Peter says too much :)) and my kids love spending the afternoon running around and riding the rides. We had a great time yesterday and spent the day riding rides, looking at toys in the stores, racing down "secret" pathways, making crowns at the Princess Festival and saying hi to all the princesses as they would come and go from their break. We met up with the Draeger family (friends from our ward) and spent the last hour playing with them. It was a great day. I have to admit that I especially love our little adventures to Disneyland because it wears the kids out. I can always count on my kids having a GREAT night's sleep... and that is a definite pro for me!

Haiti Flashbacks

Peter's parents (Lee and Susan) and his brother Steve came to visit this weekend and we had a wonderful time catching up and relaxing while it poured outside. We had a belated Christmas together and the kids were thrilled to have even more presents to open (the real Christmas + Dallin's birthday + Claire's birthday + Christmas #2 (all in a week and a half) = lots and lots of fun presents). We also celebrated Dad's birthday early (his is on Jan. 9) and had a fun party with silly hats and yummy chocolate cake.

As we were chatting on the couch (and watching Steve rock Guitar Hero on expert level), Dad wanted to hear more about Peter's trip back to Haiti (where he served his mission). He went last April and, I guess, was never able to share much about what he did. It was fun to hear about his adventure again. Even though his trip was almost a year ago, I wanted to share some of the pictures...

(FYI - Peter went to Haiti with a group of volunteer doctors who go annually and help treat the people of Haiti. It is a very poor country and really humbling to hear about. Peter was Dr. Uteneimer's (optometrist) translator.)

<- Peter and the group would travel in the back of a pick up truck from village to village and treat people in huts like this one.

<- Peter translating

Peter with a Haitian woman and her new glasses ->

<-This little 4 year old girl in the pink dress

is one of my heroes. Her father (who is

having his eyes checked) can't see and her job since she could walk has been to hold his hand and lead him around. She does this all day, every day. They were hoping Dr. Uteneimer could help, but her father was declared 100 percent blind that day. Peter (being the translator) had to give him and that little girl the news. This will probably be the little girl's job for the rest of her life. An example of loving service and selflessness from a child. Sure puts life into perspective.

Anytime the group would leave a village, the local children would chase the truck down the dirt roads for as long as they could keep up. I love this picture!->

I hope that Peter will be able to return to Haiti and do this again (maybe I can go too?!), and thanks Dad, Mom and Steve for a wonderful weekend!

I Better Be Better

For some reason I am having a hard time choosing what I would like to work on this year (my resolutions). I know it is because there are too many to chose from and I want to be realistic and not experience personal failure. I then found a fabulous quote by Sister Hinckley that put into words how I want to be better this year. What an incredible woman... my new resolution is to become a little more like her.
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someones garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." -Marjorie Hinckley

Caveman Cravings

My sweet husband got an extra surge of testosterone yesterday morning as we took down our Christmas tree. We normally take off the ornaments and decorations, move the tree to the side of the house and wait for the garbage man to pick it up on Friday like all other "normal" people do. As I was putting the ornaments away, I hear Pete sawing like a madman. I look over and he has started to meticulously saw each limb off of our tree. I don't say anything with the hope that he can have some fun with his man-saw. Then he proceeds to take all of the dead tree limbs outside into our small fire pit and LIGHTS THEM ON FIRE right next to our house. That is when I lost it. I was freaking out. I grabbed the fire extinguisher and watched through the window as thoughts of "what should I grab when our house catches on fire" ran through my mind (I think I shared these thoughts out loud with Peter as well :)). The flames were HUGE and so close to our house. Peter is laughing at me through the window as he pounds his chest saying "me make big fire." I am happy to report that our house didn't burn down, we do have some extra firewood, and my husband is back to normal.