The Missionaries Have Moved

One of the advantages of being married to the Bishop is that our family gets to see the missionaries a little more often than some. We love having the Elders in our home and enjoy the opportunity to feed them at least once a month. Well life has been pretty busy these last few months and the bishops schedule pretty unpredictable, so several times I have had to drop off dinner at their home. They are pretty good about calling to remind me and so without fail I prepared dinner and dropped it off at the previously arranged time. The odd thing was that every time I dropped off the meal-they were never home. I thought to myself "wow, the Elders have become really unreliable lately." Without giving it another thought I continued to drop off meals to the 'terribly unreliable elders.'

Then a couple of Sundays ago, in one of his morning meetings, the Elders asked the Bishop why they were stiffed their meal on Thursday night. To which he replied, "oh no, my wife cooked you a really nice meal, I was there when she took it over to you guys." To which the Elders replied, "We never got the dinner. We were home but it never came. Where did she take the meal to?" "dont you guys live on 4th street still." "No." The Elders replied. "You have moved?" questioned the Bishop. "Yes, like 3 months ago" the elders said.

Well needless to say they all got a really good laugh out of this-and mind you I still didn't know!!!! Later that day I am sitting in the chapel getting ready for the meeting to begin when one of the Elders comes up to me and says, "Sister Glenn did you know that the Elders have moved?" "What!!!!!", I said. Immediately I shot Randall the stink eye as he was sitting on the stand and turned bright red as I realized what this meant. I had been shafting the Elders for months!!!! Each time I took them a meal it was to the wrong house-and they never said a word!! So as horrified as I was, I am so grateful that this dear Elder finally had the courage to say something. How awful to think that the Elders were sitting there thinking, 'wow, the Bishops wife is terribly unreliable.'

Well the storty fortunately has a good ending. As soon as I got over my shock I began to think about whom I was dropping the meals off to. I thought, oh great, somebody is probably thinking who is this crazy person dropping food off at my door all the time. They probably didnt even eat it. After all who knows what someone could have put in the food!!. I was feeling pretty terrible that all of my food had probably gone into the trash for fear of food poisoning or something, when my neighbor (the ward mission leader) made a comment to me about that mornings meeting and the ensuing conversation. He laughed a little to himself and then told me that when the elders moved out of that apartment his son and family moved in. He then continued to tell me how his son was always commenting on how someone was leaving food on their doorstep-and they really enjoyed it!!!! At that point i just lost it and doubled over in laughter. I dont know if I was more relieved that my precious food was actually enjoyed or that i had just made the biggest Bishops wife blunder ever. Either way I got a good laugh out of the whole situation.

Just please Elders, the next time you move-at least let the Bishop know!!! His wife would really appreciate it.

The Big # 1

So I know this post is really, really old-but I am still trying to play catch up from the summer. Please bear with me, this is pretty much the only journal I keep so I really don't want to loose any of these great memories.

On August 7th Autumn turned the BIG # 1. It was with a mixture of both excitement and sadness that I watched my baby celebrate her first birthday. It is hard to believe that just a short 12 months ago I held her in my arms for the first time. Where has the time gone? Soon she will be bounding around the house with her new found freedom and all of the cute cooing and cuddling will be but a memory. So for now I am trying to soak in what is left of her sweet baby innocence and forget about what comes tomorrow. It will be here all to quickly anyways-My 6 year old reminds me daily!!!!

I love this picture of Autumn. I was really trying to capture the 'vampire teeth' she had goin on. At this point she had only 2 bottom teeth, 1 upper front and two 'fangs' on the sides. Pretty cute kid- although at times I wondered if she were really mine and not a TWILIGHT baby!!!

The Birthday party was a blast. Autumn loved all of the attention and of course her BIG yummy cupcake. Nana and Papa were there along with G&G DePiazza, Auntie Joy and Carter, Auntie Crystal and Brenna and Kayla and Tillie and Ben.

We love you lots Autumn and are so happy to have you in our family. Your smile is so contagious and your big beautiful brown eyes are absolutely stunning. You are looking more and more like your daddy everyday although everyone still says you look just like your mamma and sister. Congratulations on your big day. We cant wait to celebrate many more with you.

First Grade Follies

Today He was a real Boy. Full of curiosity and confidence our oldest child, who shall remain nameless, walked himself home from First Grade. Proud as he could be, he came through the door nearly 1/2 hour earlier then he normally gets home. A little taken back I asked him how he got home so early. With a mischevious grin he told me that he had walked home that day.

(Insert side note-Parker does not walk home from school, he rides the bus!!!!!!!! We live much too far from the school for a 1st grader to walk home)

To his reply I wasnt sure if I should laugh or cry. The Boy had guilt written all over his face. He then said "okay Mom, I'll tell you what really happened." Evidently the night before he had written a note to his teacher telling her that he was supposed to walk home that day. And of course the note never made it to school- but that didn't stop him. At the end of the day he marched himself into the cafeteria where the 'walkers' meet before they are allowed to go home. Somehow he bamboozled 'Mr. Poole' into believing that he had left his note at home (true i suppose) saying he was supposed to walk home instead of ride the bus. And without another thought they let him go.

Thank goodness for my dear Friend Nancy whom was driving home from the bank and ran into my son casually and confidently walking his 6 year old self home. She asked him if he wanted a ride to which he replied that he was just fine walking. After some convincing she got him to get in the car with a stern reminder that he should never get into the car with someone he did not know. She then drove him home and dropped him off. Thank you Nancy-I owe you big time!!!!

Of course as any good mother would do I gave him a stern lecture about the dangers of walking home alone and that he was never to do it again. Many tears were shed and some privileges lost but all in all he came out pretty unscathed. I must admit Randall and I had some pretty good laughs privately about the whole ordeal. This is one that won't be soon forgotten.

Sunny SanDiego

June gave us the opportunity to catch some rays down in Sunny SanDiego thanks to the ADA New Dentist convention. It was a last minute trip that we just couldnt resist. We had actually planned to go camping that week but the weather was still too cold in the Wallowas. So.. we settled for some sun, and believe me it was definately the better choice. We started our trip at LegoLand per Parkers request and had a great time. It was perfect for little kids-with rides just their speed. They also just built a new LEGO waterpark where we spent an entire day. We were lucky enough to find this beautiful Condo in Oceanside with gorgeous views.

It was like our own private Paradise.
We also had the opportunity to visit the new Mormon Batallion Historical Site in Old Town San Diego. Our hotel was only 1 block from the site. We enjoyed an awesome interactive film and even got to pan for gold. We highly recomend if you are ever down that way.

We then went to Sea World and enjoyed all that they had to offer. Don't the kids just look thrilled? Our day at the beach was definately a highlight of the week. The kids were thrilled to actually be on a beach that was relatively warm and sunny. We don't have many beach days like that in Oregon.
Please excuse the bikinie bums in the background. I tried to crop them out but to do so I would have to cut off my head-and I'm not so sure that would be attractive either.
And lastly we enjoyed our night out at the Luau put on by the ADA. It was held at the Catamaram Resort on their private beach. It was a blast but it got a little chilly and kind of late for the kiddos.

We had a great time and will definately be returning. There are so many great things to see and do in Sunny San Diego.

My 3 little Miracles

1st day of School

It's that time of year again .

Back to School, and can I say thank goodness. This is my first year of an all 'dayer' and... (I hope this isnt too terrible to admit) I'm loving it. I did have a few tears in my eyes that first day but none since. Parker is absolutely loving the 1st grade. Mostly because he gets to have 2 recesses and eat lunch at school. He had his very first Hot lunch last week-and he was ecstatic. When he got home I asked him what he chose-his reply: "well mom I had chicken nuggets, but i did choose the regular milk, because I wanted to be healthy."

Parker is in a 1/2 grade blend this year which I anticipate will work very well for him. He is above grade level in most areas especially in reading and comprehension. We are so proud of him and cant wait to see how he progresses this year.

Waiting for the bus.

Abrianna also started Preschool this week and is of course, loving it. She is attending Zoar Lutheran again, and has the same teachers and exact same class as last year. She has moved to Monday, Wednesday, Friday, mornings which works out great. It gives me a really nice break during the week. Once I get Parker on the bus and drop Abrianna off, I have 2 1/2 hours to run errands or clean house with only Autumn at my side.

Life is so good.

Man Time

This last June Randall took a much needed break for a little "Man Time" at Magic Mountain. He had been planning this trip for several years, and finally the stars and everybodys schedules aligned just right to make it happen.

I'm not sure how hanging upside down and being tossed around for hours on end equals relaxing, but to him it was and he had a great time.

Randall and his Nephews Brad and Phil.

He keeps reminding me that he has a seasons pass and it would be such a shame to only use it once!!!! We'll see. He still owes me a girl getaway, I'm thinking-MEXICO!!!!!!

An Update-FINALLY!

FINALLY, a few moments to actually sit down and send a little update on the family. All is quiet at least for a few moments!!! Life is busy as ever but we are loving every moment of it. Well, since I am so behind and there is so much to post, I will just start with the most recent happenings in our family and they will eventually be followed by the last 5 months in no particular order. Hope you enjoy.


Wedding Day for Kim and Patrick!!!!

This past weekend we celebrated the marriage of my oldest sister Kimberly and her fiance Patrick O'Donnell. We were so excited to share in this day with her. She was absolutely radiant and we are so happy for them both, and excited to welcome Patrick into the family. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and only added to the stunning beauty of the Beautiful St Marys Church they were married in. We survived the hour long Mass without too much of a hitch thanks to a well stocked bag of tricks and lots of helping hands. The little girls looked beautiful in the dresses that my talented mother made for all 5 of them. They were tons of work for her, but they turned out great.

Parker also looked especially dapper in his suit and his spiked hair. He was able to help at the ceremony and pass out programs and bubbles. He took his job very seriously and was quite the little man.

After the wedding we continued the celebration at Abiqua Estates. As you can see Randall and I enjoyed our ribs very much, maybe a little too much. Well, I guess when it's your sisters wedding and she hired an award winning pit master to cater her special day-its okay to "pig out" a little!!!

My sister Kim and I.

And last but not least-In true Glenn fashion, Parker stole the show as he danced solo on the stage for nearly 2 hours straight. He boogied down to whatever DJ Ron was throwin down that night. He was quite the performer. We even got several offers from dance instructors at the wedding for him to join their performing groups. What a riot!! Everyone was clapping and cheering him on and enjoyed quite a laugh. We love this guy!!

A Trip Back in Time

Lets take a little walk down memory lane and see what's been happening at the Glenn House since the last blog post in- April (has it really been that long?)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABRIANNA

Abrianna celebrated her 4th Birthday Hawiian style this year. We decided it was a perfect theme for a little girl who pretty much lives in her swim suit.

Some friends at the party.

Making a special wish.

Real Life

Okay, so I just have to post about the family picture in our header. I have been searching for quite some time now for the perfect picture of our family to show all of you, our blogging friends. You know, the kind where everyone looks like they were just in an ad for whitening toothpaste or hair gel. Of course we would all have perfectly pressed clothes, groomed hair, matching shoes, and a gleaming brochure smile. Well, lets just say I don't think our family is capable of taking that kind of picture, not now at least if ever. I am always so jealous whenever I see those beautiful professional looking family portraits that someone just happened to capture with their ordinary camera. Because my ordinary camera only seems to capture REAL pictures like this. Oh well. I guess I will just have to be happy with showing you our REAL family picture with a slobbery baby, mom with braces, crazy mullet hair little girl, a 6 year old joker, and one proud daddy. Isn't REAL LIFE SIMPLY WONDERFUL.

Time marches on

Despite my best efforts to slow the clock, time does indeed march on. One day all too soon I will be posting about Autumns 1st birthday and reminescing about the baby days as she scurries around the house with her newfound freedom. I can't believe how the time has flown. So here is a quick update on all of the wonderful new things she is doing now at 8 months old.

1. She is army crawling. Yeah!!! She ever so expertly scoots herself around to get just about anything she wants, and everthing I don't want her to get.

2. She is eating real food. She loves cut up bannanas and oddly enough brocolli.

3. She is becoming very vocal. Especially when she wants mom. Her endless MAMA, MAMA, MA's are so cute-do I really have to teach her DAD?

4. She is sleeping really good. She generally goes to bed between 7 and 8 pm and sleeps until about 7 in the morning. YEAH, sleep for mom and dad.

5. She now weighs about 18 1/2 pds, and growing more every day.

A Dedicated Dad

I Love these photos. This is one Dedicated Dad.

I was out doing some shopping and hadn't returned home yet and Autumn would not take her nap. So daddy strapped on the backpack and started up the mower.

Thank you honey for all that you do.

You work so hard to take care of our family and we are so grateful for all of your sacrifices.
Doesn't he look quite content even with an angry screeming baby strapped to his back. I'm afraid if I was in the same situation, I wouldn't even be able to crack a smile. I have a long way to go.

Pretty Baby

Just had to post these. She is growing up so quick.

Mullet or Masterpiece

And the winner is-------Mullet.

Althought to her it was quite a masterpiece.

Notice the beautiful new haircut that Abrianna decided to give herself. This is actually the best that we could do to salvage her hair after a disasterous encounter with one very large pair of orange handled scissors. When I asked her why she cut her hair she told me "I wanted to be blonde." Gotta love it!!!!!!

At first I was quite mortified at the whole scene. Piles and piles of hair in my bathroom and scattered throughout the bedroom. I tried to find the culprit pair of scissors, but they eluded me for days. I finally found them in my nightstand drawer with yet another pile of hair.

The joys of motherhood are never ending.

Growing Pains

Growing up is hard to do-especially when you are six. This past week a certain young boy has really been trying my patience. I have been working to teach him that every choice has a consequence, good or bad. And that there are rules in a family that must be followed for all of us to be happy. Of course he didn't particularly care for these rules and being the strong willed spirit that he is, was determined to make life miserable for me.
After a particularly trying day I was able to escape for a few hours to a girls night out(chocolate ice cream, cookies, and chick flick included) and left Randall in charge to get everyone to bed. Well he and Dad were not quite seeing eye to eye after I left, and had quite a battle about some poor choices that he was making. After much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth Randall finally got him to bed(or so he thought).

Some time later Randall heard noise coming down the stairs and went to investigate. He walked into the entry and found Parker standing by the door with his coat and shoes on over his pajamas with this note in hand. He started crying and placed the note on the ground and asked Randall to make sure that I saw it when I got home.

He was sobbing and told Randall that he had decided that he was going to go live with another family because we didn't love him. (I know, I know, you're probably wondering why this little boy feels so horrible and thinks that no one loves him.) Well simple. He had decided that he did not like me telling him what to do, and the consequences that came with poor actions. And of course all of that means-we don't love him. GROWING UP, don't you just hate it. Even as a kid it can be so painful.

At least he had planned ahead. He stuffed everything that he thought he might need as he began his journey into his laundry hamper. Dont ask me how he thought he was going to take this, I guess drag it down the street with him.

The contents included flip, flops, slippers, underwear, shirts, pants, a few legos, and most importantly his sleeping bag and pillow. He told Randall that he decided to take the sleeping bag only because his bed was to big to fit into the laundry hamper!!! Randall then asked if he knew where he was going or if he needed a ride. He also reminded him that it was quite late and it was very dark outside, and suggested that maybe he should get some sleep before setting out on such an adventure. That finally clinced it. After Dad reminded him of how much we all love him and would miss him so terribly should he decide to leave our family, he retired for a restfull night of slumber. In the morning all was forgotten and a little heart was mended and again reminded of how much we loved him and needed him in our family.

I guess we all have to try it at least once, right. I remember one time being so mad at one of my sisters that I decided to go live in our camping trailer in the driveway. It lasted all of about one night. Growing up is so hard to do.

(I guess I really should admit that some of this was my fault. In all of my teaching I had on several occasions told Parker that if he did not like my rules or wasn' t willing to at least obey them, that maybe he should go live with another family whos rules he preferred. I know terrible huh!!! Actually it worked quite well. I guess mom and dad aren't so bad after all.)

Words of Love

Beautiful words of love spoken by my 6 year old on Sunday as I was making him run around the church building in the rain.

I hate you mom.

You are the worst mom ever.

I dont want to see you ever again.

I know these may not sound like words of love to some, but to me they mean that I must be doing something right. Life is so hard when you are a kid.

I was then informed when we arrived home that he would be packing his bags and leaving our family, because he didnt like me telling him what he could and could not do. So I helped him formulate his plan. He decided that he would take all of the money out of his piggy bank and buy a ticket to somewhere far away. I asked him where he would sleep, and he informed me that he would sleep on the ground in his sleeping bag. I then asked him what he would eat. He decided that restaurants are too expensive(I have trained him well), and so he concluded that he would pack some snacks. I told him that I would really prefer that he would stay with our family, that I would really miss him, but it was his decision. I then offered him a cinnamon roll to fill his tummy before his adventure, and reminded him that if he left there would be no more warm cinnamon rolls to fill his empty stomach. That was the clincher. He decided that he would miss warm yummy treats from home, and ran off to play outside, and I didnt hear another word.

Memories and McDonalds

I took the kids to eat at McDonalds last week as a sort of treat while Randall was in Seattle at a Dental research meeting.Actually it may have been more for me than the kids but, they dont need to know that. McDonalds playland is always a great idea when kids are going crazy and Dad is not at home to take over in the evening. Well Parker and Abrianna were totally excited and couldnt wait to play with the other kids in the playland. So,I am sitting holding Autumn and from the top of the slide I hear "Hey you better stay away from my sister, shes a HOT SMOKIN." What!!!!!! I immediately knew that it came from Parker. Dont ask me why but he always calls Abrianna a Hot Smokin. I dont know where he got if from but he thinks it is so hilarious. Well, I had almost gotten over my shock when I hear in a little, though loud voice, "HEY, did you know that I'm a HOT SMOKIN?" Yes Abriannna was confirming to this a young boy in the playland that she is indeed a HOT SMOKIN. Whatever that is!!!!! It was just so classic Parker and Abrianna. I cant tell you how many times I have wanted to bury my head in the sand, or in this case in a milkshake and dipping sauce from the nuggets.

Seven Signs

7 signs that you have been married for 7 years, and at one time thought that it was a good idea to have 7 children.........................

1. You cant remember which day it was that you were married. A sure sign of impending alzheimers.

(Randall and I went back and forth for days. I finally had to get our marriage certificate out, its the 22nd.)

2. You have resorted to calling each other mom and dad. Its just easier that way.

3. Your idea of a romantic getaway is touring a garden, watching TV and going to bed early.

4. Lots of white hair and not so much hair. Need I say more.

5. Youre TV is permanently tuned to QUBO and PBS kids. You dont even know what is on the other stations.

6. The best date you have had in a while consisted of a cheesecake brownie in the back of the Expedition.

7. You know without a doubt that marrying each other was the best decision you have ever made.

Magic Number 7

This last weekend we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Nana and Papa were kind enough to watch the kids overnight so Randall and I could sneak away for a much needed getaway. We kept it pretty simple this year and stayed close to home. We started the weekend by hiking at Silver Creek Falls. It was so nice to get away from the business of life and reconnect in such a beautiful place. The weather was perfect. 70 degrees to be exact, which is rare for a March weekend in Oregon. We were so grateful for the sunshine that lifted our spirits.
After a relaxing picnic lunch and some good adult conversation we headed over to our hotel at the Oregon Garden. The hotel was beautiful and far exceed our expectations. What a wonderful place for a quick getaway. We first roamed the Garden by way of our private entrance. It was absolutely beautiful and we had so much fun just being together, a rare treat with 3 kids. Then, after a delicious Filet Mignon dinner we went for another private stroll in the Gardens. We had the whole place to ourselves, it was awesome. So, we goofed around and played in the kiddie garden until dark.
The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Hotel and then headed over for our couples massage in the spa. It was incredibly relaxing and well worth the cost.

We finished up our weekend with lunch at the Glockenspiel in Mt. Angel and touring a covered bridge.

It was such a wonderful weekend, and I am so blessed to have shared it with the love of my life.