Our Very Own Lenny

My girls love potato bugs or pill bugs, rolly pollies, whatever you call them. I call them potato bugs. Chloee is always holding them so of course Hals wants them as well.

I remember reading the book "Of Mice and Men" in high school. I distinctly remember the character Lenny. If you do not recall this book or have never read it, Lenny is basically this really big "oaf" is how I'd describe him. Always holding things too tight and accidentally killing them and such.

We were sitting on the front porch when I noticed that Halle was trying to pick up a potato bug. I knew that she would absolutely crush it trying to pick it up. That finger and thumb could crush anything, especially a tiny little bug.

I ran over there and told her no, no as I was saving it from her crushing little fingers. She started to scream and then hit the potato bug out of my hand. He fell on the ground. She looked up at me and without even thinking, she stomped on him with her shoe. She looked at me like, "If you're going to take him away from me, I'll show you. If I can't have him, nobody can. What you won't let me do with my fingers I'll just do with my feet. Dead! Now what are you going to do, Mom?"

Yep, Lenny didn't get to crush it to death with her fingers. She simply demolished it with her foot, leaving him one with the pavement. That girl has a serious attitude. It scares the hell out of me.

Our 8th.. Um, 7th Anniversary

On July 29, 2010, we celebrated our 7 year anniversary. I kept saying it was our 8th. I get so confused, we've been together for 8 years but only married for 7. We dated for a year before we got married so I always think of us as married for 8 years because that's how long we've been together. Isn't it supposed to be the man who gets this stuff wrong?

We didn't do much. We were short on time, money, babysitter, etc. I asked my mom if she'd watch them overnight Thursday. My parents were coming down to our house that next day for a Williams family reunion in Bountiful on Friday. I met my mom in Brigham on Thursday morning to make the child exchange. Josh worked half a day and came home around 2 pm. I came home and mowed the lawn.

That night we went to Lagoon. I have a season pass and Josh paid the $10 on a bounce back day from when he was previously there with us. We met up with some friends that night, Nate and Melissa. Josh and I waited in line for an hour in the blazing hot sun to get on the Samurai. After, we didn't feel so hot. We went on some more rides with our friends and then the more we went on, the more Melissa, Josh and I got more and more sick. By about 8 pm, we were standing in line for Dracula's Castle when I went over to the garbage can and dry heaved. I wish I just would have thrown up, I would have felt better. Seeing as how 3 of the 4 of us were sick and lightheaded, we left. We went to Wingers. We sat there ate popcorn, ate our food and laughed hysterically. We had a grand old time.

We came home and tried to watch a movie but were unsuccessful, we zonked. We got up the next morning and went to the Ogden temple to do sealings. We try to always go to the temple when we are celebrating our anniversary. I was in proxy for a daughter who was being sealed to her parents and the mother's maiden name was Williams. I thought that was pretty cool.

We went out to eat for lunch and had to get home to take the dog to the vet. All in all, we had a good time, except for the being sick stuff. My parents brought the girls back that night on their way down to the dinner in Bountiful. Mom, thank you so much for taking the girls so that Josh and I could have a little bit of quiet, alone time with one another.

Happy Anniversary Josh! Only 3 more years til we go to Hawaii for our 10 year!

The Day at Willard Bay

The Allemans did a fun day at Willard Bay over the 24th of July. It was on Friday and Josh had to work so he wasn't able to come. The girls and I had lots of fun though. As if anything can be dull with Amy.

Kai made quite the splash!

Halle loved this football. I don't even know where it came from.

We always do one of these pictures. It's tradition.

Yeah, she was eating sand.

The Allemans brought these cool floating toys. While everyone else was out on the boat, some kids came and stole our stuff and they were riding around on them. We didn't care until we needed them for our kids when they came back. I told them we needed them and the one girl said, "Whatever!" Where is that mother?

I was doing some serious arm workouts with Halle. I'd lift her up and then dip her a bit in the water over and over again. Yeah, she's a chunk. Amy did it too and we were both dying, me more than her, of course.

Halle loved the alligator.

Bob and Marie borrowed Bob's Dad's boat. I never went on it but Chloee did and they said she rode the inner tube all by herself and never fell off. I had no idea my child was such a fish.

The kids all having fun!

I love this face Kai is pulling.

Here's Hals eating a carrot covered in Nutella. She looks like she shoved her whole face in the bottle but she didn't.

At one point I was standing out in the water when one of those snotty kids who were playing on our floaties, threw a rock at me and hit me in the head. It hurt so bad. I turned around and screamed, the kid went running to his mom, who was like 5 feet away and watching him throw rocks at everyone and never said a word. She probably told him to do it.

I'm so glad that the Alleman family consider us their own. We have so much fun when we're together. Thanks to everyone for such a great time.

LAGOON

Amy and I took the kids to Lagoon a few weeks ago. It was so much fun. My friend, Melissa, let me borrow this little car for Halle to ride around in. She loved it, not only because she felt like a princess being strolled around everywhere but she also thought she was on a ride the whole time.

It scares me to think of what's going on inside that head of hers.

Kennet loves this ride.

The "I'm so innocent and I wasn't trying to eat some disgusting thing off the ground" face.

Halle would get mad when the ride didn't start right after she got on it. No patience, that child. She also screamed when it stopped because she didn't want to get off. She was a peach!

Melissa was there with her kids too. Chloee rode a few rides with Taylor.

I love Bulgy The Whale!

I'm thinking these two are thinking of a quick getaway to Mexico.

The 2 calmer of the 4 children.

I know there are a lot of pictures of Halle but that hat and her cute face was just too much for me not to take a million pictures.

Here we are on the train. Hals wanted to jump off. Shock!

Funny story about the train. When we were getting off, Chloee and Kennet just kept running and didn't even notice they were just running on the path of the train instead of exiting. As Amy said to them, "Hello, Mr & Mrs Obliviousness, come back this way". Just then, they came running back and Kennet body checked the train conductor. I seriously thought we were both going to pee our pants.

Evidently it is an Alleman tradition to play in the fountain right before you leave. The kids had so much fun. Hals didn't want anything to do with it. Josh came and met up with us at Lagoon on his way home from work at about 7 pm. We seriously laughed so hard about so many things that happened that day. I can't even remember them all. Thanks Ames, for such a fun day!

Big Goal, No Accomplishment

Amy talked me into running the marathon with her this year. She talked me into it way back in November of last year. I registered back in March. I paid my $82, that was for the marathon plus the dinner the night before and a copy of the results.

Amy got me a training schedule and I used to work out every day. When Josh started his new job back in April it all went to pot. With his commute, he wasn't getting home until 6.

A few other things came about that have to do with my health. I finally got into a specialist but not until July. I found out that due to many things about my health that I wouldn't be able to run the marathon. Her exact words were, "It will put you in the hospital. If not right after the race then a few days later and you'll be in for at least a week. I prohibit you from running that race." I asked about maybe the half marathon. I don't want my money to go down the drain. She said, "Uhhhh, No..... the most exercising you can do is stretching." Nice!

Tender Mercies

My ward has a fabulous relief society president. Her name is Sharon Steele. After Micheal died she came and visited me on a regular basis. She is one of the most sincere people I know. She has been a dear friend to me.

On the 4th of July, I was in church and we sang 'My Country Tis of Thee'. It brought tears to my eyes and uncontrollable feelings of pain. Pain of missing Micheal and also for my sweet sister who is having to endure a very difficult trial. I cried most of the rest of church. I found comfort in a woman who had lost her husband at a very young age as well.

Sharon must have seen me in the foyer, crying on Jo's shoulder. That very next day, I received an email from Sharon and this is what it said:

Dear Kimberlee,

My heart ached for you as I saw you in the hall yesterday. I was glad Jo was there for you. She has had a lot of heartache in her own life, and I can't think of a more caring person to turn to.

This morning as I wondered how I could help you, I wrote a poem and dedicated it to you. Each week I write a verse inspired by a talk in the current month's Ensign. I had read Sylvia Christensen's article last week and wanted to write a poem about it, but the words wouldn't come until I was able to put your face with them. I hope as you scroll down to the poem, you find some comfort.

You are a beautiful person Kimberlee, and I know the Savior loves you. Sometimes the choicest spirits have the greatest burdens to bear. Those trials make God's Saturday's Warriors stronger in the end, but that doesn't make the pain any less exquisite.

I know from experience that the Savior will carry our burdens when they seem too heavy for us. Many times I have to get down on my knees and plead for Him to help me get through the next day. I have a testimony of His love and ability to mend our breaking hearts. You may not know this but I have spent many Sundays in the past crying in the hall and even during meetings at church. You're not alone.

Love,

Sharon

The poem is read across, not down.

Dialogue with Christ: A Poem for Two Voices

Inspired by Sylvia Erbolato Christensen

“He Can Heal Any Wound,” July Ensign, P. 8

Lord, my heart aches. My tears fall like rain, so great is my loss. My burdens are heavy. I can’t do this anymore.

In the garden, I felt it break. I felt your pain as I carried the cross. I’m here for you, always… My promise is sure.

For Kimberlee Adams

Sharon Nauta Steele

July 5, 2010

Kitchen Helper

Who doesn't want help in the kitchen?

Josh was making Sunday dinner and Halle wanted to help so Josh put her in her own little apron.

She then later decided that cleaning would be funner than just watching Daddy make the food he didn't let her shove in her mouth. Go figure!

Irresponsible and Inconsiderate Parents

I am mad, no, no, I am raging mad. I am one of those parents who don't take their kids around other people when they are sick. It kind of seems like a no-brainer, right? No, not to a lot of parents out there who don't care to have their lives or "plans" inconvenienced by the fact that their child is sick.

If my children are sick, I cancel my plans. If I have a play date planned with someone, I don't bring my child to their house and infect their children with whatever my child has. About 90% of the population DOES NOT share this same courtesy.

My children pick up EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING! If your kid has even the slightest hint of a sickness brewing, my kids get it, inevitably, every time. I can't stand it when people show up to church with sick kids. I can't stand when the nursery is flooded with kids that are sick and your child is always sick a few days later.

I can't stand that parents just don't give a flying rat's ass who their children infect because, "well, my kid already has it so why should I even consider anyone else and their children." It's irresponsible, it's inconsiderate and I'm about to freaking beat the shit out of someone. Yeah, this is uncensored and I don't care!

A few days ago, we had to get together to do some pictures with extended family. Yes, one of the persons brought their child who was running a fever the night before, and was still running the fever that day but denied that. I had even picked him up to move him and he was still hot and sweating. I wanted to scream. Really? Your kid has a fever and you brought him. Let's reschedule. No, no, no.....

Of course, 3 days later, here's my little Halle with a roaring fever. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. I seriously wanted to call this person up and rip them a new one. I am so mad, I am so infuriated. Halle is shaking from the fever, she doesn't feel good and just screams.

I can't stand parents who just don't care about anyone else but themselves. If your kid is sick, leave them home. Don't come around other people, especially other people with kids. Be considerate, be responsible! Evidently, that is just WAY TOO much to ask of people these days.

Melissa Davis, I know you're reading this and agreeing with everything I just said. You're probably the only person who feels the exact same way as I do about this. I just wanted to say thank you for always being so responsible and considerate.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! The Big 52!!! Ok, so anything past 50 is big, so next year it will be, The Big 53! This picture is of us in the hospital right after I had Chloee. My mom was there for everything. She's such a great support and I love her so much. Chloee is named after her. What, you didn't know my mom's real name is Chloee? Yep..... nope, just kidding but Chloee's middle name is Renae.

My mom is amazing. She is a very giving, selfless person. She is the most amazing woman. I know (especially now that I have kids) how much hell I put her through and I don't know why she still talks to me after all of that. I put my mom through hell when I was a teenager. No matter my awful decisions, I knew that my mom still loved me, I never doubted that she loved me despite the things I was doing. I'm sure she was disappointed, but she never stopped loving me and she always made sure I knew that.

"God couldn't be everywhere, that's why He made mothers." I have truly benefited from this saying in so many ways.

Thank you, mom, for never giving up on a very lost young woman who didn't know who she was. Thank you for putting up with me and for not laughing hysterically when I call you and cry about how bad my kids are being. I know they are both just like me, especially the second one.

I love you!

They Have That Look

Yep, 2 different children, exact same look. Chloee is on top and Halle is the bottom one. Chloee was quite a bit younger that Halle is in her picture. They look a lot alike though. My friend Melissa thought they were both Halle.

The Hates Of Parenthood

I hate to feed my children. I mean I really hate it. I hate meal time. I can never think of what to make and I'm sure that mac and cheese is probably their least favorite thing right now because I feed it to them every day. I especially hate lunch and my kids don't eat anything for breakfast. All Halle ever wants is a fruit snack. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

If anyone has any ideas or has some great things that work for them, please share! Of if anyone knows of a website with ideas and recipes on it, please share that too.

While I'm at it, I hate to make dinner too (I'm sure you're shocked). I never know what to make and I'm no chef like my husband. If anyone has easy dinner recipes and/or a website, please share.

Yes, I know that I'm all but begging right now.... okay so I AM doing that. HELP ME!

My First Art Show

Clinton City had their Heritage days in July. I saw in there that they had an art show. People could bring quilts, photography, crafts, you name it. Josh talked me into putting a couple of my photos in there. I called the lady in charge and she told me all the details and asked me for a name for each of my photos. Off the top of my head I came up with the names and started to cry as I told her.

"Freedom Isn't Free"

"Welcome To Holland"

The first one is pretty self explanatory as you see the American flag draped across Micheal's casket. As you can see, freedom does come at a price and a costly one at that.

The second is because of the poem that goes with this picture. I put up a post previously about it. You can look at it here. It is a reminder that life NEVER goes as planned. That life isn't about going to Italy, although that's where we want to be. No, we are in Holland and we need to learn to love the things about Holland, such as the tulips.

I wasn't able to get very good pictures of it, there were way too many people in there when we went to look at all of the stuff.

When I went to pick up my pictures, the lady in charge talked to me about it. She told me that every person who came through the exhibit commented on my "Freedom Isn't Free" picture. She said almost all who came through cried as they saw that picture and commented on the fact that they felt more patriotic after seeing it. She told many people the story (which I had told her) behind the picture. She told them about how he was an elementary school teacher and how he joined the Army at 30 to defend his country and so forth.

It brought tears to my eyes to hear her say that, not because it's my photo but because it is doing exactly what I wanted it to do. To realize how many people sacrifice for our freedom and to become more patriotic. I'm glad that it touched others, it's not the work of the photographer, it was simply what was being photographed.