The Best Place On Earth

As the 24th celebrations near, I can feel myself getting homesick for my family and my little hometown of St. Johns, AZ. I can just imagine what I would be doing this week if I were there, surrounded by my eight siblings and their families, my grandparents, my parents, and my friends. The week would start out with my brothers and sisters trickling in from far-off places, cars loaded to the brim with children, food, and tents. We might go to the park for some football, or more likely just sit around chewing the cud. We would wake up each morning to the smell of sausage gravy and freshly-baked biscuits. My mom would be standing in the kitchen in unmatched stockings, wearing a home-made apron. That first night my big brother, Kevn, would take out his guitar and strum along as my sister and I sing old country songs.

As the week wears on, we would attend the ice cream social at the city park, where the whole town gathers for free ice cream and interaction among lifetime friends. I see my kindergarden teacher, my highschool principal, and my first boyfriend. Later, if it is cool enough, we might go to the fairgrounds where we would witness the most unique rodeo that has ever taken place. My brothers would win the cow-roping contest and take home fifty dollars, and my friends and I would most likely lose the grocery race, again.

This weekend, in St. Johns, I would try to talk the hubby into taking me to one of the three dances, where we could hear the live band that always plays a little Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks. Or we might just go for a walk under the most beautifully star-lit sky in the whole wide world.

Throughout all of this, I am surrounded by my eight best friends, laughing and enjoying the easiness of it all, of just being together and loving eachother, trying to forget that in just a few days we will have to say goodbye again until who-knows-when.

This is what I am homesick for,

and do you blame me?

Romance at the Drive-In

It had been about three years since I went to a drive-in, before I was married. The last time I went, it was when Brick and I had just started dating. He hadn't even kissed me yet, and the other couple we were with kinda needed the car...so we sat outside on lawn chairs and enjoyed some weird cartoon. I won't lie, I was hoping for a little smooch. We had been on about fifteen dates and still, nothin'! I was starting to think about making the move myself, when, SpLaT! a big ol' raindrop landed on my nose. Then another, and another, until we found ourselves enjoying that drive-in movie in the pouring rain. One would think, rain, movie...what more appropriate time for a romantic smakaroo? Well, I guess Brick didn't think it was the right time yet, so we got soaked through to the skin for nothing, while the other couple steamed up the car (ok, in their defense, they weren't really getting steamy, and we had taken turns with the car, only Brick's and my turn was a little less productive during the previous movie...).
This time around we enjoyed the movie in the comfort of a warm car, and we popped up about four batches of popcorn, brought twizzlers and drinks, and made the best of the movie. Burgs and Trevor came, too, and it was a full-out party, minus the rain and suspense.

I even got big ol' smooch.

God Bless America!

Brick and I had an eventful Fourth of July weekend. We finished up helping his mom with a float for the Centerville parade, which I must say turned out beautifully!

We spent the 3rd with some friends watching fireworks and enjoying great food, and it was romantic to remember our dating days when Brick kissed me for the first time under the 4th of July Fireworks.

On the 4th we made the drive down to Provo to help Brick's sister work at Stadium of Fire. We volunteered as VIP ushers...

...so we were down on the grass with a clear view of Shedaisy and the Jonas Brothers (Can I get a WHoo Hoo??!!! Yeah, we were stoked)

It was seriously incredible to hear the craze these little guys have created among teenage girls. There was crying and screaming and mass hysteria as they appeared on stage. All they had to do was smile and it started up again. Brick and I were reminded of the stories about Elvis and the Beatles, and the craze they also created. No man should hold that much power, I say, let alone three teenage boys.

Glen Beck paid a beautiful tribute to our great country, and we said goodbye to a flag which was then retired and burned. Throughout that ceremony the stadium remained in a reverent and respectful hush, giving me goosebumps and making me proud to be an American. As the soldiers passed carrying the massive flag in their arms, I felt extremely grateful. I couldn't help but think of my grandpa, a WWII veteran, and his wife who suffered through months of not knowing whether he was dead or alive as he was first MIA and then POW. I know that there are many out there even now whose trial in life is to suffer for our country the way my grandparents did, and I can only say Thank You, and then do my part to make this country a better place. It was a very special experience, one I wish everyone could have shared.

God Bless America!

No Habla Espanol

HoLA. This is about the extent to which my Spanish goes, which is very unfortunate, considering the fact that I just started my fourth college Spanish course on Thursday. I'm not sure I have ever experienced anything more frustrating than hearing an instructor ask me a question (in Spanish, of course), and asking her to explain what she just asked (because I DONT UNDERSTAND SPANISH), and her ANSWERING in (yes, you guessed it!) SPANISH!

It is also very humbling to sit in a class full of almost fluent Spanish speaking classmates and be the only one who doesn't laugh when a joke is told because you don't know it's a joke because...YOU DON'T KNOW SPANISH. You probably get the point by now, so the only thing left to tell you is that I am seeking a look-alike who I can pay to go to class and take the tests for me. The only other reqiurement is that YOU SPEAK SPANISH.

Once, a little over a year ago, I started to get the hang of the stuff. Here's how it worked: Brick promised me he would do anything, I mean ANYTHING I asked him to do, as long as I commanded him in Spanish. I took advantage of that (who wouldn't?), and learned the command form of things, and words such as "laundry," "back rub," and "dishes," but soon our house was spick and span and there was nothing left to command him. The language quickly slipped away.

Now I am in trouble.

Father's Day Tribute

Who is Neal Lambson?

The man who told me princess stories when I was little, securing in my mind the fact that I, too, am a princess.

The man who takes his grand"kiddos" on his knee and asks them, " Who does Papa love?" To which they instantly answer, "ME!" then, "How much?" And this, too, they always know without a doubt, "BIG LOTS!"

The man who loves rootbeer barrels and black licorice.

The man who would pick me up from school wearing moccosins and pink and turquoise scrubs/PJs.

The man fearfully nicknamed "Papa Neal," by the boys at school.

The man who, if you peek at just the right time during family pray, you will catch crying and all red-faced because he is filled with gratitude for his family.

The man with a huge heart.

The man who calls me "Dad-gum-ding-a-ling," "Smart-alec," and "Sissy," in just one sitting.

The man who isn't afraid to laugh until he cries, or laugh at himself when he cries.

The man who loves my mom more than anything in the whole world.

The man who selflessly serves family, community, God, and now the Philippino people.

The man I call Dad...proudly.

Rainy Day Adventures

Today, despite the the rain, my honey and I have been busy. Although most rainy days I prefer to curl up in a warm fuzzy blanket and read a good novel, how could I resist a morning of yardselling with friends? You never know what treasures you will find for smashin' deals! And since Brick has been asking me almost daily if I want to go bike riding, forgeting we only have one bicycle, we were on the lookout this morning for a sweet ride. So, while I'm no judge of cool bikes, this one is sweet enough for me!

Another plus: I got to see my cute hubby get all nifty and manly in the garage as he made sure our rides were up to par! Hubba hubba!

Getcha Some Suga, Suga!

I just want to give a shout-out for my new favorite food-and-other-good-stuff blog, "Conversations With a Cupcake." Can I just say, "AWESOME!"? Check it out for inspiring words and recipes, ya'll!

conversationswithacupcake.blogspot.com

Sister Sister

I talked to my sister today. What a special woman she is! And what a special thing to have someone in your life who, every time you call her shouts (with a smile in her voice) "Hello!" and you can tell she is happy to talk to you, sometimes for hours, despite the fact that that someone happens to be a busy mother of four and most certainly doesn't have the time. She is true to her namesake, Queen Esther, and one of the best people I know in the whole world.

There are some things in my life that constantly manifest to me that my Heavenly Father knows me. ME. Not so special, not so amazing me, right down to the center of my heart. The first and foremost thing that comes to mind is the man He sent me when no one else would do.

The second thing, and the reason I am writing this post is my sister. Esther is the person most like me I know, and yet a better, nicer version. And when I feel down, or wronged, or happy, or excited, she is just the one I want to tell. She feels the same things I do, gets sad over the same mean comments from rude people (and we look just alike, so she and I receivet similarly mean comments), and excited over the same recipes. So, like I said, I called her today and, true to form, she answered with the smile in her voice that tells me I was just the person she wanted to talk to. What is especially amazing about that "smiling" voice is the fact that she just lost her wonderful father-in-law (Yesterday!). And yet she remains ever cheerful and strong, showing me yet again how much better I can be. One might think to tell her that she has a right to mourn, that it is natural, and that cheerfulness is not (which might sometimes be true). Yet the reason she is the way she is at such a hard time is even more natural and inspiring. As I asked her how she is doing, she said, "Better" and "Calm." She then went on to talk about the peace she felt as she told her four children they would see their beloved granddad again. So add faith to those things she teaches me. Then she says, "I missed you this week." My first reaction to this is a feeling of honor. In her time of need she wants me? And then I think, "That is what sisters are for." It makes sense. When you have to be strong all day for your children (and husband), call a sister.

Aloha

Here comes another travel log...from the beautiful island of Oahu! Brick and I went with his parents this last week to Hawaii, where we went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay and swimming and shopping for pearls in Wikiki. We even went to a Luau and enjoyed seeing the sun set over the sea...It truly was paradise on earth. Since I have been married into the Flammer family, I feel like I have seen more than most people get to see in a lifetime. I feel pretty spoiled! I love all the traveling, especially when the places we go are some of the most romantic on earth and I get to enjoy them with the love of my life! I can't wait to see what adventure I get to share with him next!

Wash Day

I just wanted to take a minute to say how grateful I am for the life of ease, safety and opportunity that we enjoy. My parents are on a mission in the Philipines, and my dad sent me this picture of a Philipino woman doing wash in an irrigation ditch. How many times have I complained about having to do laundry...the tedium of switching it from washer to dryer, then the endless task of folding one pair of underwear after another...I think I will complain less often. I could say I won't complain anymore, but then I would just be lying to myself. Isn't that the story of our lives? We get so used to how easy life is, then we forget that there are those out there that do not enjoy the same ease, and complain when we face the most minor obstacles. And to take it even further, how many times do we forget, as we do the seemingly mundane tasks allotted us as housewives, that we are lucky to be women in today's world. Sorry, I realize this is getting a little preachy, but I'm not preaching to anyone but myself.

I may eat my words later when Brick reads this post and tells me to go do the laundry...

It was another busy weekend for us. I'll tell you what, if I could have just one weekend at home this summer, I'll be a happy camper. Brick always tells me I'm such a home-body, and I readily agree. But I digress. This weekend I travelled with Afton and Melissa to Boise, Idaho for my cousin, Brent's wedding. It was fun sitting in the back seat with their two kids, holding a pacifier in the baby's mouth with one hand and Kenna's hand with the other so she didn't feel left out.

The wedding was beautiful, and so was Brent's bride, Janelle. They were so cute. They both sang songs to eachother, which was just so romantic...it made me want to get married again. I also spent the reception chasing a gregarious little girl around the place...I love Kenna, but man she wore me out. I felt lucky to get out of changing the many blow-outs Cooper had, so I guess I can't complain too much about chasing Kenna around, since I could have been nominated for the other job.

We spent our nights at my cousin, Marshanne and her husband Josh's condo. They were so sweet to let us crash at their place, and we had a lot of fun with them and the rest of the gang, cooking breakfast, staying up late laughing, and just enjoying family. So, while I am excited to be back with my honey, who I missed so much, it was a fun, eventful weekend.