A picture perfect weekend!

Gotta love my girls! I had so much fun on Friday. The girls and I went to Gardiner Village to take some pictures. I was trying out our new camera that we needed to get because our other one was stolen. I like it a lot! Anna was so busy though and it was difficult to take her picture but Sara was loving the attention. According to my mom, she is exactly like I was at that age. Oh joy!

Today, we went to our ward christmas brunch at the ward building. We at croissants, ham, hash browns and fruit. Not to mention lots of goodies. I am going to gain 10 pounds if I eat this kind of stuff a lot. We had such a great day!

Thanksgiving

I just realized that it has been a long time since I have written so this entry will probably be a long one. It has been an eventful couple of weeks. We all had the chance to go to Arizona for Thanksgiving. We left on the Tuesday before and stayed until the next Monday. Dave has a lot of family in and around the Phoenix area. So, we headed off... We drove to Page, Arizona and spent the night there and hooked up with Dave's brothers and sisters to drive the rest of the way to Arizona. We all stayed close to each other either at a hotel or at family's. On Thanksgiving Day, we spent the day with Dave's mom side of the family at Grandma Stapley's church. The last time we had seen a lot of family was for Laurel's funeral so it was nice to have a fun occasion to get together at. I ate alot!!!!! Grandma is getting older and it seemed that she was struggling to keep her strength to associate with everyone but I am so glad we saw her. Who knows how long she might be around. On Friday, we decided to just hang out and spend time swimming, yes swimming in November, and eating at In n Out burger. Yummmm!!!!! Saturday morning was really eventful. The reason I don't have pictures posted on this page is because our car was broken into on Saturday morning and someone stole our digital camera. Braeden ran in to inform us that our diaper bag along with our camera was taken. We had a huge family reunion that day and needless to say, we were late. We had to replace the passenger side window and call the cops. I had to admit that I cried. We didn't have a lot of pictures on our memory card but enough of Thanksgiving Day that I wish I had. I was so sad until we arrived at the Gooch Family Circus Reunion 2008! Our family was in matching red T-Shirts that said the previous line and the other families were in other colors that matched. We had such an awesome time. I know Bill would have loved to be there with his brothers and families. We went to a beautiful park in Fountain Hills Arizona. Such a beautiful place. Even though we didn't have a camera, Dave's cousins were all nice enough to send us their pictures that they took. We played games, ate, did activities, launched rockets, had relay races and watched our little family win at football. It was awesome to see all that red runnin' around.
I was so sad to leave on Sunday. We spent some more time with Grandma and then Dave's brother gave us a parting gift. An entire cooler full of elk meat. Today we actually ate it for Sunday dinner. It was good!
We decided to stay in Las Vegas on Sunday night. Dave said that we should let the kids look at all the cool lights and buildings. So we drove down Las Vegas boulevard. It was not a great idea on our part. We proceeded to hit every red light where a truck with not so clothed women were on the side. Brinton was laughing in the back seat while Sara was telling us that those girls aren't modest. Braeden was semi-closing his eyes trying really hard not to look. Yeah right. We got down to the Treasure Island hotel and the pirate show was going on. We thought , alright, something that the kids will enjoy. Oh my gosh! No longer are there mean looking pirates blowing each other up, that would have been awesome. Again, there were scantily clad women who were singing and yelling to the druling men on the boat across the way. We are terrible parents! We finally arrived at our destination. The Stratasphere hotel and it was a little more family friendly. We decided that we better stick to Disneyland. Minnie Mouse might wear a little skirt but she has bloomers on underneath!
As we were coming home, we got to stop off in St. George and spend some time with our good friends Josh and Meg. We went to dinner and hung out at their home. I had such a great time. All I hope is that she gets through her trials and can move on. We love them!
If all these adventures weren't enough, on Dec. 4th, I had my 5th surgery on my shoulder. I hope it works as well as it has in the past. I woke up that morning with a major migraine from not eating the night before so the nurse at the hospital decided to give me Zophran for nausea and Demeral for the pain. Oh my gosh, it hit me like a truck. I threw up four times and passed out all within thirty seconds. I came through it all in one piece so far. Anyway, I will cut this entry so I don't bore anyone. I will have more info soon I am sure.

In need of a miracle

Today, I called my dear friend Megan who is in St. George. She and her husband Josh were in Salt Lake this past weekend for a wedding and to have new sets of tests done in conjunction with her cancer treatment. I called her today to see if she received her results and the news was not good. Her tumors have grown and are now on her spine. I sat and listened to her tell me that her Oncologist gave her two options. 1-try another chemo that would probably not touch the tumors or 2-don't do anything and be medicated for comfort. She said she didn't like either option. I was really impressed that in the entire conversation, she never said that she should give up and she spoke of her faith the entire time. Today was the first time since she told me she had cancer that I was actually mad. It was a surprise. I love Meg and want so badly for a miracle to come quickly. The first time I met Meg, she and I seemed to connect immediatly and I found an instant friend. That had never happened to me before then and I have cherished our friendship ever since. Megan and I are convinced that Dave and Josh served a mission together just so we could meet and become friends. The Lord placed her in my life for a reason. She has seen me through some difficult times and I am hoping that I can help her through this horrible ordeal. I intend to wear out my knees in prayer for Meg and her family.

Halloween Party Weekend

This weekend was a fun one! Friday night, we went to my mom and dad's house to decorate cookies and carve pumpkins. We had pizza from the Pie, yum, and watched Iron Man. It was so much fun to hang out. My mom worked so hard to bake cookies and my kids had so much fun. Sara said that Grandma is the best baker in the world. On Saturday, we went to our annual ward chili cook off and Halloween party. There were so many people there and we had such a great time! Braeden decided that for Halloween he was going to dress up as a punk rocker. He had fake piercings, spiked hair, and makeup. He ended up looking like the lead singer of Green Day. I told him that if he ever dressed like that when he's older, he is in big trouble. Brinton dressed up like a hippie. He has the personality for that particular costume. He had a huge afro and fun glasses. Sara dressed up like a witch. She had a green face and a black wig. She thought it was awesome that no one knew who she was. Anna was the tooth fairy. She will have her signs on her for Halloween Night that say 'cash 4 molars' and 'put the tooth down and no one will get hurt'. She had really curly hair and a crown and wand. It was such a fun night. We had a fishing pond, donuts on the string and dancing all night. It was awesome and I made new friends. I love our ward. We have such a wonderful group of families and our Bishop is amazing.
Yesterday was our Primary Program. It was so cute. It was Sara's first primary program and I was so worried that she wouldn't do her part because she was covering her eyes through the entire first song. She somehow found the courage and said her part. Her part was 'when I see Jesus I will give him a big hug'. She memorized her part and so did the boys. My dad came to see them and Anna loved having him there. She rarely goes to anyone else when I'm around but she went to him. It was also nice being able to sit with Dave. He asked if Anna was always this busy and I just laughed. It was nice having him help out in Sacrament meeting. I ended the weekend with my weekly Music Festival practice. It was a particularly spiritual practice and I am so excited to sing in November. I wish I had the talent to write songs like some of these composers. I have also made some new friends through this experience. I didn't think I would have any more time to give but I am glad that I have added this to my schedule. What a great weekend!

Fun Week

So Sunday began normally this week. The kids were running around the house getting ready while they fight about who knows what. I think Sundays are the days that we are lucky to get out of the house. We somehow make it out of the house every week. Not always in one piece though. We had ward conference and Jake Trent, Merilee Boyce (the stake president's wife) and our sweet Bishop spoke. We also heard from the ward choir. It was such a great Sacrament Meeting and I actually heard most of it. Dave told me that I needed to be in the combined Relief Society/Priesthood meeting. I wasn't really worried about why until he hinted that the Stake Presidency was going to spotlight the Bishopric wives. I have already been spotlighted twice before and I was so embarrassed. Dave just laughed and watched me blush. That afternoon we went to my parent's house for dinner and I came back for the music festival practice. I am looking forward to performing in November for the Relief Society Music Festival. Our choir director is awesome. She is the choir teacher at Taylorsville High and has such a cute personality. It was a great day!
Last night we had our normal Family Home Evening lesson taught by Braeden. When we had a chance to hang out together, Dave said he had a DVD to show. It was a DVD that they all made for me with pictures and music. Apparantly they had been working on it for a long time. It was so awesome. It was such a sweet thing to do. It was also fun looking back on photos from a long time ago. I have a beautiful family!

Weekend Events

This weekend was such a busy one but a fun one. Dave was off work from Wednesday on. We had so much fun just hanging out with the kids. We went and saw Wall-E and Kung Fu Panda in the theaters on Friday and went out to dinner at Wingers which is Brinton's favorite restaurant. Anything spicy and it is his favorite. Today, Braeden had to be at a soccer tournament in Orem at 7:15am. Yes, I said am. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not a morning person at all. It was so early and so cold! As soon as Braeden's game was done, Brinton had his game at 11:30 back in Salt Lake. It went from freezing in the morning to really hot in the afternoon. We had fun though. My mom and dad came to the game and we went to Gardiner Village that afternoon to see the witches. It was so crowded but fun. Sara decided that she was going to be a witch for Halloween because they had cute hats there. So, we gave in and bought her a hat and cape for Halloween. What a fun day. It was so fun to actually see Dave. I know he got a kick out of spending time with the kids. He misses being at home but knows that schooling will be worth it.

A Day in the Life

I'm adding some information on this weekend. Sunday we went over to Brad and Stacy's house for Sunday conference. We had three different kinds of soup and other food that was so perfect for the cold weather that came on. Conference was so awesome. It was nice to hear the talks. My Sundays are usually chasing after my own kids in sacrament meeting and running after other people's kids in Nursery that I rarely feel like I'm inspired. It always seems that the brethren of the church are speaking just to me.
So right now, I'm sitting here with Brinton, Sara and Anna watching Spongebob and doing laundry. Yeah!!! What a wonderful life. Today was such a normal day. Sara had dance and thank heavens she didn't want to wear the ugly princess polka dotted tights! She just wanted to wear her fairy skirt over her leotard. We really need to work on her fashion sense. Dave is at school and is taking his midterms this week. He is taking a really difficult Accounting class but still is getting an A. I would've given everything for the grade point he keeps.

Fun weekend!

This weekend turned out to be a really fun one! Friday, I drove Sara and her best friend Ian down to the Discovery Kids Museum at Gateway for her first ever preschool field trip. Woo hoo!!!! It was actually really fun. I can't believe how many interactive areas they have for kids. They had a ball room that scared Sara though. You put these plastic balls into the tubes that go to various places in the room. She thought she was going to get sucked up in one of the tubes. Her favorite thing about their time at the museum was being able to sit in the Lifeflight helicopter on the roof. She now wants to fly one someday. I had several friends who were there as well with their kids and it was nice to have adult conversations. Needless to say, Sara had a blast and hopefully it was really memorable for her.
That night, we threw a baby shower for a good friend of mine Audrey Fish. We had it at our church building because our house just isn't big enough to accomodate everyone. It was so much fun seeing everyone. Especially friends who had moved out of the ward a while back. I hope it was fun for Audrey and I'm looking forward to meeting her little guy.
Saturday, we went to my mom's house to listen to conference. She had made us an awesome breakfast which my kids reminded me they never get at home; ever! The conference talks were so awesome. My favorite was Joseph B. Wirthlin's talk. Even though he sat in a chair, his energy for what he was saying really came through. He has such a sweet personality and always has humor in his talks. I was really uplifted. I loved watching the children's choir in the second session. There were two boys who were actually slapping each other to make sure they were standing up tall. I can't wait to listen tomorrow to the talks. I can't imagine ever having to be in a position to speak to all those members of the church. But, I was really excited about a temple being built in Rome, Italy. What a momentous event that will be for the members in Italy! Well, bedtime for me. I might actually be able to sleep in!!

Havin' fun with the girls

Today was an unusually relaxed day. Thank heavens! Sara had dance today at Murray High School. On the way to dance, she tore her tights so we decided to buy her some new ones on the way. We get to the tight section and she sees the most beautiful polka dotted princess tights she has ever seen!! Oh my gosh they are hideous. As a parent, this was one of those times when to avoid having a meltdown in the store, you decide that it's easier to give in then to worry about sleeping beauty all over your daughter's ankles. I felt a little better about my decision when I dropped her off at dance and saw that another girl had wanted to come to dance in her pajamas and tap shoes. I guess I'm not too bad. Lately, my girls just look like I don't care that their hair is done, their socks are dirty and their arms are written on with marker. Probably because I don't. I have learned that I have to let some things go. Looking at Anna's picture today, you can judge whether Anna should have her hair combed or not. I found out today that my friend Megan got her results on her most recent pett scan. Her cancer has not shrunk but it hasn't grown either. I really think that this is more of a positive sign than a negative. Because Bill had a sarcoma, I know how aggressive this type of cancer can be and to have not grown at all in a few months is unbelievable to me. I know it is because of the Lord and her faith that she is going to be around for a while!! Good Luck Meg. We love you.

A Day At The Zoo!

From The Zoo

Friday, Dave had the day off of work so we decided to spend some quality time with the girls. Dave chose the zoo for an outing. It turned out to be such an awesome day. The weather was perfect and the girls were in a good mood. Yeah!! The zoo has changed so much since I was a little girl, which was ages ago. We were able to see a lot of little babies that were born not too long ago. Sara loved all the animals but was so excited to see some big snakes! Go figure. She likes princesses, dolls, reptiles and her badger! What a variety. Anna loved the tigers and cats. She tried to hug them through the glass. She has no fear. We are in big trouble one day! We had so much fun though and after the zoo we took the girls to Red Robin where Sara informed me that this must be 'the fanciest restaurant we've ever been to'! Apparently, she's easy to please. Needless to say, it was fun to have Dave home for the day and to spend some time with him since we don't see a lot of him nowadays. The girls had so much fun I am tempted to get them a zoo pass for the year.

Oh Crap!

So this morning I was greeted by Dave with the news that Wachovia was bought by Citigroup. My thought immediately was Oh Crap! This has been a fear for a while. Working at a bank is a risky thing right now and this was a huge shocker. Dave keeps trying to tell me that things could be worse and I am sure he is right. We just had a baby die in our ward, my dear friend Megan is going through chemotherapy and a dear friend is struggling to find his own job. So we are well aware that things could be worse. We're just praying that Citigroup decides to keep his division so he can get through his Bachelors degree and get a new job. This economy is going to be rough. I am concerned like so many others that we will have a long haul in front of us. Dave just told me that we need to make sure that our tithing will always be first so the Lord will hopefully provide blessings that we might need soon. We are trying to be confident and let the Lord lead us where he will.

Jackson Rich

Wow. Sometimes only one word can explain an event, day, or happening. Today we had the opportunity to attend the aforementioned funeral for the son, Jackson, of some friends of ours in the Ward. We had great respect and admiration for Coby and Tiffany Rich already, today just added to it. It is said that the Lord will not place upon us any more than we are able to bear. Coby and Tiffany must be two of the strongest individuals there are. I have been able to attend a number of funeral services, this was simply one of the most moving and special. There were two great tributes given by Jackson's grandfathers, mixed in with two amazing musical numbers. Then Jackson's father, Coby, did something I would imagine as being one of the most difficult things a parent could do; speak at the funeral of his infant son. Coby spoke with a peace and Spirit that was truly worthy of his son. As special as this little boy was, one whose trip on earth was just long enough to show how pure he was, he was truly blessed with a family just as special. It is times like this when one is especially greatful for the Gospel plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, along with the Sealing power that has been restored upon the earth. Our Prayers and thoughts are with them.

In Our Prayers

Tuesday was such a sad day in our ward. A little boy who was 16 months old, drown in a little pond in his backyard. His name was Jackson Rich. Life flight came but he was not able to be revived when they got to Primary Children's Hospital. We feel so sorry for his parents. They are a wonderful family and we pray that they will be comforted in this time of sorrow and trial. It brought so many emotions out. Dave and I realized that life is really short. This type of accident could happen to anyone. Anna is his age and it is heartbreaking to think of the suffering that they will go through. I pray they will be able to be comforted. Dave has spoken with our sweet Bishop who is going to be conducting his first funeral, not to mentions it is for an infant. He must have a heavy burden on him as well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rich family. The funeral is Saturday morning and I hope the day will be a comforting one for them. I can't even imagine having to bury a child. I am glad that Heavenly Father is in charge and that this little boy, Jackson, is with him now.

Family Home Evening

Soccer mom is a word that describes me to the tee. I am in full soccer mode. We are realizing what happens when life is completely scheduled. But we are also realizing how wonderful life can be when your kids are happy. Last night, Dave gave our family home evening lesson and talked about money and finance with our kids. We made a goal as a family that we were going to start taking better care of our things and save up to go to Disneyland next year. Our kids are of course going way overboard. They ate breakfast in the dark this morning because they were saving power and I'm not quite sure their hair actually got washed because they took 1 minute showers to save water. We'll see how long it lasts. We always have an interesting time for family home evening. Anna is usually running around yelling, the boys are giggling and Sara is crying because she didn't get to eat dessert yet. It's fun. I hope we get lots of blessings for trying anyway. Dave is never home, trying to get through school at the U really quickly. I am looking forward to the day when we can go on a real date. We went to clean Dave's mom house and get it ready to put on the market. I couldn't help but feel really sad walking around her empty house that has new paint, air conditioning, new doors, and clean everything. All the things she wasn't able to get or to do for herself the last couple of years. I really miss Bill and Laurel. My kids kiss their pictures everyday. Well, I better put Anna down for a nap considering she's crying on the new computer keyboard. Oops!

Just being a mom!!

So I went into the laundry room today to discover that I have 15 loads of laundry, yes I said 15 loads. Holy cow! Most of this laundry comes from my stinky wonderful boys who are completely involved in soccer. This would be my life lately. Running back and forth from games, practices and an occasional ballet class inbetween for Sara. I am sitting here waiting for my wash to be done, watching the backyardigans with Sara realizing that I really need to get out more often. I told Dave this morning that I needed a date (preferably with him). Yesterday my dear friend Megan had her second round of Chemo down in St. George. I can't believe she's so young and has to deal with all this cancer crap! I told her that when she beats this disease we are going to make t-shirts with the saying "I Beat Cancer" all over them to show that it is possible. She's doing awesome and I'm so proud of her. Dave is into school and feeling the stress but he can do it and it will be so awesome to see him walk in his cap and gown and yes, he is going to walk in his cap and gown because I promised his mom that he would. I'm going to use up an entire memory card just on that walk!! I now have 20 piano students that keep me involved and I am on the PTA board this year in charge of, what else, music appreciation. Dave keeps telling me that I need to learn the word NO but he didn't specify when I was to use it. Well, I am off to take Sara to preschool and I am making Jam! Whoo hoo!!

Crazy Days

So the second week of school is almost over. The summer went by way too fast but we are glad to have some structure back into our lives. We have become busier than ever. We are definately the epitome of a soccer family. The boys have two practices a week and two games a week. This continues all year long. We have learned that we are good jugglers. We are the Gooch family circus for sure. Sara started her dance class at the Murray community dance center and loves every minute of it. I don't have any idea where she got her love of performing from and her love of attention. Anna is so busy, it is hard to keep up. She is our curly blonde siren. She has vocal chords for sure! Dave's family is finishing up the work on his mom's home and getting it ready to put on the market. It is not the same without Laurel. It's just four walls and a ceiling without anyone there to make it a home. Dave is working hard in school. He now can officially cheer for the University of Utah because it is his school. He is thinking of an MBA from BYU though and my family thinks that is hilarious. But, the University of Utah did win against Michigan. Ha Ha Ha!

I don't know how some moms do it. I can hardly keep up but I am doing my best with soccer, dance, PTA, piano lessons, and my nursery calling but somehow I am more blessed than ever before.

Back to the Grind

Well it is back to the grind for us. They kids and I started school this past week. I never imagined saying that at this age. Now that I am up at the U, I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel! I have to admit, I did take some extra pride in watching the Utes beat Michigan today, knowing that I was actually cheering for my school. Braeden is now in the fifth grade and loving it. Each day provides a new challenge for him. Brinton is in the third grade and feeling like he is finally becoming one of the "big kids". Sara begins preschool this week and is counting the moments. She already has her bag packed and her first outfit picked out. Anna is just as busy as ever, to Syds joy. Syd is happiest out of everyone to have us all back in school. Finally she can accomplish the things that we all mess up constantly for her while we are here!

My how time flies. Allot has happened in the past month or so. I will be starting up school at the U on Tuesday and will finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! It feels good to see the end within reach. After this, my kids will always know the importance of finishing as quickly as possible and continuing their education. This weekend we had the chance to visit with our great friends, Josh and Megan Haycock. Megan began her chemotherapy treatments yesterday and her spirits are great. Her and Josh are both great examples to us for the faith and class in which they have taken on this trial. We know they are being watched over from above. Our boys also both played in soccer tournaments and fared pretty well. We are proud of the young men they are growing into and the effort and determination they have. Sara and Anna continue to act as the princesses they are (there is not convincing them otherwise). Syd reminds me every day how wrapped I am around their little fingers. I am yet to be able to argue with her. Well, I hope it isn't another month and a half until We visit again. Take care!

Beginning of the Blog

After numerous friends referring us to their "blog" sites and being able to catch up on things, we finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and start one ourselves. Things continue on for us here in Murray Utah. As for myself and Syd, we continue to try and do our best not to mess up our kids too badly! Actually, if it were not for them we would be missing out on the greatest blessings we could ever experience. It is humbling to think that we have been entrusted with such spirits. We do learn from them daily. The boys continue with soccer and staying active while Sara is finishing up dance classes (although at this age to use the term dance may be a bit of a stretch). As for Anna, she continues to vocalise all of her wants while staying busier than ever to the joy of her mother I am sure. We hope you continue to check back with us to see how we are doing and let us know the likewise! We have many friends and family that we just don't seem to keep up with as much as we would like. Hopefully this will help us do so! Take Care.