Bedroom Overhauls!

When we returned from our summer travels, I had it in me for room overhauls. I had dejunked closets and rooms before we left, so I felt like I was working with clean slates! Since we moved to Grand Junction, I have been holding off doing too much decorating. We didn't think we would be living in this house that long, and didn't know the space we would have available when we moved. Plus, I considered if we are just renting, why paint the walls when I'm going to have to paint them back. And it's not as if I didn't have other personalities vying for my attention.

Well, for Audrey's 9th birthday I told her we would finally decorate her room. I calculated we have enough paint of the original wall color to paint one accent wall. She helped pick out the bedding and helped me paint all the frames, flowers, and butterflies to match. Corbin and Drew were thrilled to get in on the painting fun.


I happened to pick up these cute paint shirts at IKEA when we were in Utah. I thought they may come in handy for little art projects we do here and there. They definitely served their purpose for this job!


Audrey was too excited and could hardly wait for the finished look. We painted and decorated a little early to ensure her bedroom was done before her birthday and baby Fisher arrived.



I love how it turned out, but I must say, my favorite part is the sheets. Maybe because they were so hard to find and get, but I'm pretty sure it's because after looking several places, I thought they were darling and matched her quilt perfectly.


The boys room got a sports makeover. (I finally took the fishing pictures off the wall and put them in Jake's room with the other fishing decor.) In the middle frame, we are going to pin up their soccer pictures and ribbons they may acquire. Both Drew and Corbin have their first soccer game this weekend. After Corbin's practice tonight, he was pretty cute. He asked Brandon if he could even wait until Saturday. (Because who wouldn't be so excited to watch him play!)


And I finally found bedding for my room that I liked well enough to buy. I've been looking for two years and I just haven't found anything I had to have.


This particular set is great because I keep my gold sheets and accent color that matches the cradle bedding my mom made when I had Drew. (That sewing talent is nice to have in the family...but it seems my sister and sister-in-laws are the ones that picked it up. Definitely not me.) Nonetheless, Brandon finally moved his fishing gear from the cradle to the garage. Sheets are washed and ready for baby Fisher!

Zucchini Maddness!!!

So in our garden of plenty, the zucchini have started producing in masses. I love it! I would much rather have tons to share and experiment with fun new recipes. This beauty that Drew is proudly holding measured 18 inches long.

In the last month, the kids and I have made Zucchini Cupcakes with Carmel Frosting, Zucchini Bread, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Zucchini Brownies, Chocolate Zucchini Cake, Grilled Zucchini, Raw Zucchini snack sticks, Teriyaki Zucchini, Zucchini noodles, and Zucchini Pie. Who would have thought a vegetable could be so versatile! Coming out on the Shade Blog next week will be my tribute to ZUCCHINI. I include a bunch of recipes to try that I have collected over the years for this special squash. Most I have tried, although some have yet to be tested.

Since you are my family and friends visiting my blog, you can have them early! Besides, most recipes I've gotten from my friends and family anyway! You may recognize yours amongst the bunch. Send me any faves you have and I'll add them to the list! As long as I can stay on top of the squash bugs, I hope to have another month or so with zukes coming out my ears!

My standard basic is Zucchini Bread. Love this one. My mom's been making the recipe since I was little. I think she got it from my grandma Bishop.


If you have the time, the Zucchini Cupcakes are delish!!! Whoever came up with the carmel frosting combo was genius. Although I will even leave the frosting off and serve them to my kids as zucchini muffins for breakfast.


And the most creative use I found for this crazy squash was in the Zucchini Pie. The recipe tells you to cut the zucchini like apples....huh??? This was my best attempt. Slice at a 45 degree angle one way, and then alternate.


I thought they totally looked like apples!!!


Audrey got to practice some of her weaving skills and did the lattice top.


And the final product we served A La Mode! I thought the ice cream was the extra ooomph needed to sweeten the pie. Now I'm ready to try Zucchini Cobbler!


In the list of recipes, I didn't particularly care for the Zucchini Brownies, so if anyone has a recipe they like, let me know. And the Zucchini noodles? I copied Pizza Factory and simply substituted shredded zucchini for the noodles when I made spaghetti. I really liked it. My kids of course went with the carbs. I just steamed the shredded squash for a few minutes and then topped with a cheesy meat sauce.

DOWNLOAD "ZUCCHINI RECIPES" FILE

You Know It's Time to Have the Baby When...

(37 Weeks...Technically FULL TERM!!!)

1. Your belly hangs out the bottom of size large maternity clothes when you wear a size small pre-pregnancy.

2. People at the next table stare while you eat your food and inexcusably have a loud conversation about your belly. (Two older women at lunch this week, thank you very much!) Consequently, you do all you can not to go in public.

3. The time between contractions (EXCUSE ME...BRAXTONS HICKS) are less than the time you are contracting. Who cares you've been told you have an irriatable uterus. They are still not comfortable.

4. Your husband affectionately and accurately refers to your baby belly as "little torpedo."


5. You are BORED because you've been on overdrive trying to finish every last project and now there is nothing to do but sit around and wait. (Truthfully you could think of a million projects, but why start another you won't have time to finish?)

6 You stand still every time you have a contraction for fear of walking and emptying your bladder on the floor. Apparently, your uterus is pushing everything out except the baby.

7. You can no longer climb the stairs without walking like a duck because as soon as you lift your foot, the top of your thigh hits the bottom of your belly.

8. You ask your kids where their little brother is and they tell you he's standing at your feet, you just couldn't see him. (I thought I felt something brush by my legs but they are practically numb. To my credit, I was wearing a fluffy apron standing between the counter and the fridge.)

9. You can't sleep at night as it is so the baby might as well be the one waking you.

AND FINALLY...

10. You think you might be in labor and rather than pack your hospital bag, you try in vain to take a nap because it’s the last bit of rest you will get in a long time. (Funny how priorities changes with baby #5.)

Of course, all of these factors are my own. Not my baby’s. He is still going to come when he wants to. So I pray for endurance, tolerance, patience, and another good day of loving my life. Because really, if I can find the humor, it's a good life. :)

Track Reunion July 2010

It's hard to believe I graduated college and finished my track career 12 years ago. And it's amazing how much has happened in those years. But one thing remains constant. The friends I made and the bonds that were built are some of the strongest I know and will last a lifetime.

I loved track. I loved BYU. I loved my coaches. And I especially loved my friends. At the end of my collegiate career, I jotted down a few thoughts that I found the other day. "On the long bus rides to Pocatello, or week long trips to Texas and Nationals, we had so much fun. It was amazing that so many talented girls with All-American titles and World Records would be on the team at the same time. And even more amazing is that we all got along and were friends off the track. Some days coach had a hard time getting us to practice because we were too wrapped up in conversation."

We truly were friends on and off the track. A miracle if you ask me with so many diverse personalities, backgrounds, and attitudes. Here's some fun pictures I scanned from my track scrapbook. Terrible quality, but awesome memories!

This looks like practice for the talent show held at Coach Poole's house December 1994. Wendy, Melinda, and Julie in their prime. :) Every Christmas he would hold a party at his house that would include dinner, a talent show, gift exchange, and a spiritual movie focusing on Christ's life. Very inspiring.

Willie Williams Invitational, AZ (March 1995) That would be Tiffany acting her crazy self and leaping into the picture behind the group. :)

Arizona State University Invite (March 1995) Yes, that's Tiffany again.

USC-UCLA-BYU (May 1995) Hanging out in the airport. Always a fun pastime.

Minnesota Invitational (January 1996) The weather was so cold, there was an ice sculpting competition going on while we were there. By far the coldest place I have been. I remember my inside nose hairs freezing. (Of course this was indoor season and we raced inside.)

Indoor WAC Championships (Feb 1997) Michelle, Me, and Kathy goofing off in the hall.

Someone gave me this photo in one of my energetic, optimistic moods that I was going to make a "track movie." That didn't happen. Maybe someday. I don't know where this is, but I'm pretty sure it's 1997.

UC Irvine Invite (March 1998). Beautiful weather! And usually around the time of finals at BYU so we got to take tests early and then go off to play. I mean, compete.

LSU Invitational (April 1998). We were treated to a crawfish fry by the Lousianna team after the meet. Quite the experience for a bunch of BYU girls...sucking head juice.

WAC Championships Outdoors, Houston, TX (May 1998).

Since graduation, we have tired to remain connected through small get togethers here and there. And even when miles separate us, we fill each other in on what's going on in so-an-so's life. We've gotten married, had babies together, struggled with infertility together, supported a few through Olympic competitions, and now stand back in amazement at how far we have grown and matured.

One of the first reunions was with a bunch of babies. They seem to come in waves. Of course at this stage, we have hopes and dreams that all will be run fast, jump far, leap high, and go the distance. Keplar (Tiffany's), William (Julie's), Audrey (Mine), Addie (Dawn's), and Skylar (Melinda's). This was February 2002.


We tried to get together if we knew an out-of-stater would be coming for a visit. In September 2005, we had an awesome turnout considering so many had moved out of Utah by this point. I remember the party was crazy with little kiddos, but manageable with the outdoors available.


We've had a few more reunions on the way, just not any pictures that I can find. (Does anyone have a picture of all the girls in Dawn's basement at the Christmas Dinner we did in 2007? It was after that party that Dawn, Melinda, and I decided no more kids and holidays. To roudy and we couldn't chat like we wanted! Summertime is the way to go.)

Well, with the convenience of Facebook, emails, and blogs, putting out an invite was less work and we haven't seen each other in a while...so July was the big month. It was so fun to see all who were able to make it. And we were sad missing those who could not. We hope to see you next time!


On an exciting note, our Coach, Craig Poole is retiring this year and was able to attend the event. He was truly an amazing coach. Of course, we like to think of ourselves as his favorite group, and unless I'm mistaken, our team placed the highest at nationals that it ever has. In 1998, we took 3rd at the NCAA's. Coach was a great father figure for many of us so far away from home and his coaching style had such a positive approach that everyone thrived under his direction. When we graduated, we made him a quilt with an action picture of each of us in our specialty and signed our autograph.


Coach has accepted an position to be the head Coach for the women's team at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego, CA. We wish him the best and know those women are lucky to have him.

Baby Bump

If I'm ever to do a post about this pregnancy and baby, perhaps I should do it now while I'm STILL pregnant! It's only been in recent weeks and months I've been more open since the obvious fact is stated in my pictures.

I laugh because my time in Grand Junction has either been spent recovery from pregnancy, or pregnant. When we moved, I was 15 weeks and miscarried that very week. Two months later I was pregnant with Jake. My little trooper made it 40 weeks gestation, had six months all to himself, and then I was pregnant again. And here I am, 36 weeks, dilated to a 3 and 50% effaced. I honestly do not remember being just myself. I recognize my fertility is a gift and a challenge all in the same breath. But I must say, I'm looking forward to the days when I eat, sleep, and exercise for the the health of me alone. Plus, Grand Junction has some great outdoor activities I've been anxious to get into.

This pregnancy more than any other I have been a bit discreet. (That is, to those who are distant. If you see me often, I can't hide anything. I started showing at 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS!!!) Only a few caught my "blog" announcement tucked neatly in between Christmas posts. And I don't know if I've been more discreet because this baby has come so QUICKLY on the heels of Jake (who is 14 months) and I'm still reeling, or if it's baby number FIVE and I'm still reeling, or because I don't want to admit life will be turned upside down again and I'm still REELING with what I've got!!! Heavenly Father sure does have a way of teaching life lessons by bringing you to your knees!!!

Brandon and I "planned" this child under my conviction that we had another girl coming to our family. And NOW was the time. I even appeased my friend and read parts of the book, "How to Choose the Sex of Your Child," so I could draw comfort in knowing I did everything scientific within my control. As the last nine months have played out, I have been grateful to have had comforting experiences confirming all is as it should be. I was not blown away at the ultrasound, but prepared. I was confused about earlier premonitions since "Kate" seemed so real, but I have drawn strength and reassurance from the recent experiences Heavenly Father has allowed me to know this little boy is on his way. For those who are not members of my faith (Latter Day Saint, a.k.a. "Mormon"), that may seem strange. But to me, the faith I have in an eternal plan for me and my family has been strengthened. I know that my family will be together after this life. And perhaps there may be more members to join at a later time. But as for now...we are having another boy and we are thrilled!


His name has been Fisher from the get go. (I briefly scanned "K" names in the baby name book, but nothing really stood out. I guess I'm going to have to go shopping for new stocking monograms because I did not buy an "F" in my lets-plan-for-the-future Christmas mode.) When we had Corbin, "Fisher" was a consideration, but I was too stubborn to name my child Fisher when the baby room was already decorated in fish, the announcement were already made in the shape of fish, and my husband was a fanatic fisherman. I just couldn't do it. Another name we considered for Corbin was "Drew." But that's where Brandon's stubbornness kicked in. He didn't like it. Poor Corbin did not have a name for three weeks. (Of course he couldn't be named anything but Corbin now, so it's a good thing we kept searching.) When I was pregnant with Drew, I looked at Brandon and said, "what are we going to name him? We can't agree on boys names to save our lives!" I told him I still liked "Drew" and he all of the sudden replied, "I like Drew." Get out!!! Naturally I was a little ticked. Audrey called Corbin, "Baby Budder" for months because he didn't have a name when he was born. Brandon reassured me that this baby, if he was in fact a boy, was Drew. Corbin wasn't and there you have it. So when Jake came along, we were back to "Fisher." But for one reason or another, I felt strongly that wasn't his name. Jacob was his name. But neither Brandon nor I liked the name "Jacob." The feeling and promptings were so strong, we settled on naming him Jacob and calling him, "Jake." In Jake's baby blessing, Brandon spoked of the men and prophets in the scriptures he was named after so I thought that was cool. I guess some kids come knowing what they want to be called.

Well, when people ask me what this baby's name is, I say, "Fisher, but we've tried twice before and it hasn't worked." Seriously, I don't want to fight about names. Especially in the hospital. Done that, been there, bad news. But I think it's really going to stick this time. The baby room is still in fish and Brandon is still an avid fisherman, but four boys later I'm over it! And it's a cute name! Of course, "Brandon" will be the middle name and that's a story in an of itself. All boys have their dad's name for their middle name. Period. Apologies to the grandfathers, but what more can you ask for when we're popping out so many boys to carry on the WILLIAMS name? ON BOTH SIDES NO LESS!!! Haha.

It has been so cute to hear the kids refer to my belly as "Baby Fisher." They love to feel him move, kiss my belly and talk to him. Even Audrey is affectionate knowing she is the only girl in the lineup. She was pretty tender when we found out that we were having a boy. Driving in the car one day she asked me, "Mom, is Kate ever going to come?" I said, "Maybe, but you might have to have her!"

Drew will put his face right up against my stomach and say, "Baby Fisher, come out and play." And today when I told Drew I had to go to the doctor, he asked me if baby Fisher was O.K.

Here's a profile pic at 30 weeks gestation.

At our 21-week ultrasound, a problem was detected with his kidneys. Subsequently, we have been back for ultrasounds every 4-6 weeks to monitor my progress and Fisher's progress. As of last week, his left kidney is about twice the size of his right, although both are dilated, the ureter on the left is inflamed, and both are blocked going into the bladder. But apparently something is working because I have plenty of fluid in my uterus. It is not a reflux problem, but a blockage issue. When the kidneys developed, they did so incorrectly according to textbook. All in all, we will watch him when he's born for infection and proper functionality. We will more than likely be referred to a specialist, but we hope the problem resolves on its own! If not, surgery has been offered as an option in the next year.

Getting so many ultrasounds has not been all bad. We have seen some cool footage and 3-D pictures of little Fisher. This face shot was when I was 25 weeks. He was moving his hand so his fingers are not clear.

And of course, each time, the technicians measure his growth and chart his progress. Just so happens we are going for either basketball players or football players. This little fella is big!!! At last weeks' ultrasound, he topped the charts above 100%. (I will be getting an epidural this time. I'm done pushing out big- headed, wide-shouldered, "Brandon" offspring without drugs.) I asked the doctor if he was concerned about Fisher's size since I certainly was. He said, "We don't care how big the babies are, as long as they stay on their own growth curve." Thanks Doc. I really sensed your empathy.

Today my belly measured 38 centimeters...about two centimeters ahead of where Jake was at this point and right on for a Drew baby who was born 2 weeks early weighing 8 lbs. 15 oz. If only that weight and size translated to baby sleeping through the night earlier. That wives tale is rubbish!!! All big babies have meant for me is "Feed me more. I'm hungry!" Audrey slept through the night at seven weeks and she was born at 7 lbs., three weeks early! Then again, she has always been my dream sleeper. Takes after her dad.

Anyway, I am feeling a bit more calm and prepared this week as I finally have the car seat and baby gear cleaned, the baby clothes washed, and a hospital bag packed. I even got the school supply shopping done and in backpacks. I really don't clean my house because that's futile. I'm tired of bending over to pick up every last item the kids have taken out of their rooms, the cupboards, the bathroom, from outside, the trash, you name it. It's enough just to take care of them and nag the older ones to clean up after themselves.

So if I had any bits of "nesting" energy come...it has now left. I make it through the days to do just that - make it through. I still sleep pretty good so I consider that a blessing. If I didn't feel Fisher trying to kick and punch his way out, contract ALL the time, or have to tote another baby around on my big bump, I'd be sitting pretty!


At least I'm starting to feel like I look pretty good for how far along I am. I tell everyone I put on all my weight and belly size in the beginning and then by the end I don't do much. So after three months of looking like I'm ready to pop and answering every concerned comment about how low I am carrying, I've actually caught up. Too bad my "feeling like I look good" ends the moment the baby comes out. Back to the five-month pregnant look for another year. :)

Garden Goodies

Since we moved to Grand Junction two years ago, I have missed my garden boxes! I seriously considered bringing them with us, but rationalized there was no where to put them on our rental property. And so I have continued to make excuses for three planting seasons. Last year I attempted garden pots and hooked up a small drip system to our sprinkler lines. I think I may have gotten three tomatoes. :( Definitely not worth the effort.

So, this year I gave a considerable amount of thought to ripping up grass, installing sprinkler lines, and building boxes complete with the perfect blend of garden soil. Our landlord gave us permission, knowing we have taken care of the property, installed a fence to match the existing look, and trusts we would do a good job.

About the same time I had been mulling over my garden dilemma, my aunt proposed another solution at her house that appeared easier...simpler...less work. :) Hmmmmmmm. Let me think. Four little ones and I'm pregnant. Tempting. There was the drawback of the garden being offsite and less convenient at meal time, but still, the offer was appealing.

Sadly, last fall when the irrigation pond in our aunt and uncle's housing development was reaching the tail end of watering season, it's output was too much for the surrounding ground table and a leak that had probably existed for quite some time intensified and "broke" Jared and Janet's pool. I think the pool is fiberglass, but whatever the material, it bowed and busted, creating a giant crack and hole in the bottom of the pool. Engineering reports have confirmed that the pond was the cause, yet no one wants to pay up. Imagine that.


Anyway, we all cried. The pool was going to be my sanity outlet for the summer and my kid's fun. (Selfish I know...it's not my pool or house that is ruined!) The saturated ground couldn't take any more and the damage extended from the pool to the house. Cracked travertine, busted door jams, fractures throughout the rooms, ceilings, and floors of the home. It is truly is devastating. We fondly call it the "crack" house.

But alas, there is a silver lining. :) Janet offered her flower beds above the giant blue hole in the ground as a garden plot. The sprinkler lines were already in, just drop in seeds and watch the vegetables grow. I should have known that solution seemed too simple, but I was still willing to put in the work to reap the rewards.

So in May, amongst everything else I had going on, I spent two weeks putting in a garden. There was insufficient water coverage, electrical lines with lights to showcase the dead pine trees, and rocky soil. After digging up the trees and all the lines, "fixing" the drip line/sprinklers, and fertilizing, we were ready to plant - in one "bed." I cursed myself several times for getting in over my head...AGAIN! Although the kids had fun catching frogs, riding their scooters, and jumping on the make-shift trampoline (bowed pool floor), that only lasted so long. If Jake wasn't sleeping in the port-a-crib in the closet, I was worried he would fall in the vacant pool.


After the one side was finally ready and I was dreading the other, I had a kind home teacher (male member of our ward at church assigned to watch over our family) come and rotatill the second bed, saving me days of work and labor on my exhausted baby body. (Don't ask me where Brandon was...oh wait, I remember...FISHING and then EYE SURGERY and he couldn't get wind or dirt in his eye.) After planting and discovering I still did not have good enough water coverage or supply, we hand watered for two weeks before leaving on vacation. The landscape people were suppose to fix the problem, and I crossed my fingers as we went out of town for a few weeks in June.

When we returned, I was disappointed to find the side of the garden that I had jam packed with produce failed to produce!!! The carrots never came up, there were only a few radishes and a handful of onions out of seven rows. At least four zucchini plants and two yellow squash plants looked like they were going to make it. But that was out of four rows of squash!

The other side seemed to be doing much better. I don't know the difference, but we harvested spinach and beets and crossed our fingers for the cucumbers, watermelons, and pumpkins. Janet planted some lettuce, carrots and herbs that seemed to be doing well. And along the back wall we put in some tomato plants, peppers, and a few artichoke plants for fun. (Keep in mind, Janet spends most of her time in California, so she gets to enjoy the garden less than I do!)

All of this complaining is to proudly show off where the garden is now!!! When we first were planting, we had a family home evening lesson teaching the kids about the importance of learning to be self-reliant and providing for our family by our own efforts. Really, that's one of the main reasons we were planting a garden in the first place. We could teach the kids to work and toil and reap the benefits by the sweat of their brow. So I should not have been so drawn into "easier...simpler...less work" when I know better. Granted, the kids mostly watch me work and weed, but they are happy to pick the vegetables and put them in the basket. Reminds me of the story, "The Little Red Hen."

Well, after we returned from our travels in July, the garden had taken off! And by taken off, I mean the pumpkin patch has overgrown everything else in sight!!! The vines have made their way into the pool and we expect to have a good crop come late fall!!!


Even the watermelons are doing well. They have grown over the successful lettuce and carrot bed, which is not good for our salads! Those plants no longer see the sun!


In the end, I'm happy with the results! Thanks Uncle Jared and Aunt Janet for letting us making the best of your misfortune. (I guess hard work does pay off. Need I mention we prayed for our garden also...especially when we thought it was going to fail.) We have plenty of zucchinni and cucumbers to share. Beets to pickle, peppers galore, and lettuce to admire. (The lettuce has gone a little bitter with our lack of attention.) We only make it over there about once a week, but that's good enough to get every one excited when they find a vegetable that's big enough to pick. Here's the first harvest we found when we returned from our July sebatical. (Take that Bountiful Baskets!!!)


Of course, when we go over to the garden, the kid's favorite past-time is still frog hunting...or is that a toad?

Wild Williams Reunion

The last time the Wild Williams Clan was assembled together was for Grandma Kathryn's funeral. And the last organized reunion was held at the cabin in 2003. So it was about time we reunited and had a party! With a little motivation and small beginnings, cousin Brittany took on the task of getting the family in one spot. Who knew there would be such a great turnout that prompted a full-blown celebration! We consider it a blessing that so many people were able to make it.

With 79 members in attendance, the family continues to grow and getting to know all the new additions can be a challenge. Trista designed the T-shirts and included all family members names on the back... 118 in total. Wowzers! I wonder if Otis and Kathryn had any idea when they married in 1937.


We had a good time enjoying the company amongst yummy food and fun activities. The games began and had all young and old racing to be named victor.



Following the games, a water fight broke out. I'm pretty sure Grandma Sam showed the grandkids who was boss.


And what reunion at the cabin would be complete without floating the river? Of course a major water war broke out complete with pirates and lasted the ENTIRE float trip. A lot of screaming, crying, and laughing was had by all - adults included. :) Drew got off the boat shivering and crying, "Did we win?"


Also distributed was the long awaited "Our Family Faith" book. I started the project a year and a half ago collecting faith promoting stories from all family members that wanted to participate. I organized the experiences into book form for all to have as a family treasure. I had high hopes to finish the book before Jake was born, but getting enough stories to compile a book was a painful process. And then I had a newborn and life to resume for a while. This past May when we were up against a deadline for the reunion and I had a bazillion other things on my plate, Shandy, Hope, and Pam were gracious enough to help out with design and printing and even included a priceless gift of Otis and Kathryn telling their life histories on CD. I think the book turned out awesome and I am so excited to have it.


Another fun Williams tradition is dancing the Virginia Reel with Garth at the organ. "Chicken in the bread pan picking out dough!!!"



We had a great time visiting and playing with the fam. Thanks everyone!