Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad Birthday.  He would have been 79.  I miss him.  Here are a few things that I miss about him, in no particular order

***. His Smile.  My dad had a great smile that could light up a room.  My dad was a big man by most peoples terms. But a big man came with a big smile.  

** His Singing.  My dad was always signing.  He had a great voice and appreciated great music.  He loved to hear great choirs and soloist.  He loved music but he loved to sing.  I grew up thinking all people could ply the piano...because my dad could...latter I learned what a rare talent that was to just sit down and play and sing...it was awesome and I miss it.

** His Whistleing.  This will make my family laugh because I can not stand when people whistle around me...except my Dad...he had a great whistle.

** I miss his adventures.  He was always up for adventures and getting lost and day trips.  He was ready to go and explore.

** I miss talking to him every Sunday about the Redskins.  And on the off chance that they win I miss calling and sharing I the victory party with him.  I love talking football with my dad.

**. I miss his stories.  Although some were so hard to believe, he knew how to tell a good story.  

** I miss his tales of new friendships.  My dad was a great friend and knew how to find people and take care of people that needed a friend.

** I miss his problem solving skills.  He loved puzzled and trying to solve everyday problems, and if he could build the solution out of wood...all the better...

I miss his love.  I had  never doubted that he loved me.  I never doubted he loved he loved y husband or my children.

I love you Dad.  Till we meet again. 

Everytime

When ever I look back at this blog it just makes me wonder why I dont do this more often.  I love the history of it.  I love that it captures moments....hopefully my love for it will inspire me to continue......

Easter

A few years ago I decided I was too busy for Easter Sunday....so I told the kids, "I am canceling Easter". They were horrified...thought I had lost it...didn't believe I would stoop so low....But I Did...just for that year mind you. The kids have never let me forget it. Each year they ask me if it is canceled this year again.....

This year was my last year that all three girls will for sure be together. My last easter to make sure they all matched. So I was able to pull together a couple of outfits and loved seeing them match today.

I love Easter. I love the message of the gospel. I love that I know my Redeemer Lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives. I love My Savior.

So having my kids in matchy clothes is so fun for me. Teaching my kids about the gospel and true meaning of Easter.....so much better.

Here are a few pictures, just to prove that in 2013 Easter was not canceled.

Could it be Magic....

I bought my mom tickets for Barry Manilow this year for her Birthday.

 Long story short, I owed it to her.

 A few years ago in MN I won tickets to his concert on the radio....I was so excited...Flemming was a little less than excited and suggested that I fly my mom out for the show. Well, best made plans, her plane did not make it...so Flemming had to go to the show with me. I think a part of him became a "fanilow" that night....

But this time it was Moms turn...
Who knew that a 78 year old women, who has seen hundreds of Broadway Shows, had never been to a live concert. She Loved It. Best Birthday Present Ever.... and I loved being there with her. My Mom loves big events. She loved the unity in the room. She loved how loud it was so we could all just sing along and not bother anyone. She loved the dancing. Her word for the night...Liberated....She just felt so Liberated. I am a little worried she may become a groupie....

and yes those are tears coming down her cheeks ... she was so happy

Prom

This picture just makes me so happy.....my daughter is growing up and prom is a right of passage. One of those High School moments you always look back on.

There was a lot of stress and planning and tears and stress and planning going into this event (plus the next 2 she will be going to in the next few weeks)

Maddie is a great, beautiful, witty, so witty, smart, insightful, loving, spiritual, girl. If she would just believe in herself as much as we do ..... there would be a few less tears and stress.... But how do you help them believe in themselves and work on that confidence...one way.... You dress them up like a Princess and tell them to go out and have a great time.......

.... As soon as I got her out the door on Saturday she had a great time and forgot about all of her doubts. Her date was a good friend from school, he was such a good sport, did not know any of the other kids at the Mormon Prom. Or even what Mormon Prom is all about. But fit in so well and reported to have a good time himself.

It was fun to go through the first High School prom again .... I would not like to go through High School doubts and insecurities again ... But Prom... Yea that was fun....and that is why that picture just makes me happy....

Me Again

So I've been thinking....about blogging again.... In the past I have turned to my blog for various reasons.... One because friends have bullied me into making post....(no names mentioned..you know who you are)

Two, I do feel terribly guilty and I do think it is a good source of record keeping that I am not doing....

Three...I have many clever friends that blog, and I do aspire to be like the friends I have around me....

But my reasons now for posting are a bit different....they are as follows

1. my favorite social medium, FaceBook, sometimes is not big enough for all I have to say...I have a lot to say.... To myself that is ....

2. I wake up in the morning, and pretty much through out the day, I have full conversations / lectures with myself that I feel need to be written, if only for prove one day when I hear someone famous say it I can say... Hey... I said that.....

3. In times of transition there is always a lot going on in my head that I need a place to let it out... And I am pretty sure my husband is sick of listening and guess what...he doesn't read the "family" blog....and his listen has decreased a bit because he is not living in the same state...

4. But the number one reason is because my fb network is getting to close to my daughters network and so I am constantly worried that if I say something too embarrassing it will ruin them for life..... So I am taking the embarrassment to the blog....because I know they don't read it...nor their friends... If you see several post in a row it is because I am trying to hide the posts.....so let the blogging begin....again....

Happiness Is

Happiness Today Is

.....Driving back to dc to be with my family.......

........Having Maddie drive (btw, she is an excellent driver, takes after her old mommy).... She drives, I sit in the back and dj...it is wonderful.....

.........looking forward to a week of remembering my dad....so hard to believe he is gone, because rembering him is rembering someone that is just so full of life.....and joy.....

.......... Having a wonderful hard working husband who has faithfully struggled thru a year of unemployment....starting a brand new adventure tomorrow, we are all sososo excited....not just for a job, but for the joy he will feel to work again......

.......... Three beautiful girls that daily inspire me to be a better person. In all their teenage angst....I love them....they are funny, funny, funny....they are kind.....they are super courageous (middle schools and high school is not for the faint of heart....never has been....I would not go back)

......... A working GPS..... With all the miles lately there is no better tool......


......... 4 brothers who I love and adore and admire. They are all so different but I admire each one of them for different strengths that they have. And let me tell you I have not seen any better fathers than these guys.....


........ Friends that support and care, I have some amazing friends, I appreciate the joy they bring In my life.....

So that's the happiness report for today.....

Day 5,6,7

Is that cheating to combined.....oh well, my blog, my rules.....I have been thinking about this though and they all go together ......

I listened to one of my favorite new country songs the other day...'Dirt Road Pray'. I love the line that goes

"It doesn't matter how long it's been, I can talk to God like he's my best friend"

So this line lead me to Day 5..... I am thankful for pray, and the knowledge that I have of the principle of pray and the faith that I have in it's power and ability to help and comfort. I don't know how anyone gets through the day without knowing that there is always a greater power who cares and loves me and knows me personally, always there willing to listen and help.

This line from the song also lead me to Day 6.....I am thankful for not a dirt road pray but the pray of a young 14 year old boy, Joeseph Smith. This summer Flemming and I had the opportunity to travel with the youth to Palmrya NY.....we had the opportunity to walk in the woods where the blessed but simple event took place.....a boy "lacked knowledge" so he asked his Heavenly Father for help and guidance, and the rest is history. What a testimony building experience it was to take that trip this summer and learn more about the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am thankful that he was humble enough to ask and brave enough to listen.

And that leads me to Day 7..... I am thankful for my belief and testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints......

Day 4

I am grateful for the principle of hope. For my whole married life one of my biggest fears has been Flemming loosing his job. I have learned this year that I am strong enough to live through my biggest fear. 2 years ago I would have said that you would have found me curled up in a ball in the corner if it ever happened...but guess what....I am not in a ball in the corner. And the reason is the principle of hope. A loving heavenly Father who I have felt with me and my family every step of the way. Now that said, this trial is not over, and I do have bad days. But those bad days usually are because I have let fear overcome my hope. I have learned that to hope is to have faith in the complete unknown. I have learned that hope is an action verb. I have learned that hope is a choice. I can choose fear....or I can choose hope. The days that go better are he days that I choose hope.

I know that we have both learned and grown through this trial. And I "hope" to remember these lessons long after this trial of ours passes.

Dance, Dance, Dance

I few weekends ago Maddie and I got to escape for a fun weekend...packed up the car with 5 teenage girls who love to dance and headed here....for a fun two days of non stop dance instruction. This convention brings in all types of fabulous professional dancers who know how to teach and motivate. They all worked hard and played hard and had a fun fun time, I was grateful for the opportunity to be a fly on the wall.....(a fly that kept them fed and happy and on time, but a fly non the less)









So at the end of the weekend I asked Mad what she liked most about it.....she simple said, "weekends like this remind me that I love to dance" .... Well said Maddie, Well said.

Day 3

I am Thankful for my Children. Three beautiful girls I am lucky to be a part of their life stories....
I could have used three different post for this because they are three different individual blessings.....but I am afraid I will run out of days and still have too many things left....so they get lumped in to Children.
I love that they teach me every day how I can improve and that they are willing to forgive and let me try again.
I am thankful that they each want to try and improve everyday.



I love that they enjoy being sisters and enjoy being a part of each others lifes. Sure their are the usual fights and annoyances that go along with being in a family...but in general, they love being sisters.



This to me is especially sweet because I did not have any sisters in my family (plenty of friends that I have adopted as sisters) but no sisters. When we found out that I was pregnant with another girl (Abby) I was so thrilled for Maddie that she would have a sister....then I panicked "oh no, they are going to talk about me"....hopefully I am still a few years away of from that happening.

Day 2

I am Thankful for my Husband. He is my closest friend and knows my strengths and loves me despite my many weaknesses. I love being part of a team. I love that he can make me laugh on a daily basis. I love the father that he is to our girls. I love the friend that he is to me and many. He puts the needs of others first and I love that about him. He is kind and giving (always lets me have a sip of his diet coke) and smart and talented and hard working, and did I mention funny, oh so funny.....
My Dad told me when I was thinking about getting married, to marry someone who can make you laugh....I can see now why those were not just something said off the top of his head, but words of wisdom, and I think I did good......

Day 1

I am Thankful for November and the Thanksgiving Holiday. It makes me so happy and it has just been the last few years that I have figured out why. The principle of gratitude is so great. When we are aware of the things around us to be grateful for, it really makes the complaining go away. And there is so much to be grateful for thus making me so happy.... It is like a cycle...you ponder all of the things to be grateful for....that brings you happiness....than you are grateful for that happiness....and so on and so on.
One of my favorite hymns growing up was "Count your many Blessing". It was a catchy upbeat hymn that I loved to sing the different parts too....but it has such an important message, I need to sing it more often.

Thankful Novemeber

One of my friends is posting something everyday on her status of what she is Thankful for. I like that idea, but I think I am going to do it on my blog instead of FB, this year at least.

So so far I am three days behind.....better get writing....

Its Like "Magic"

My friend and I have been using the term "magic" for things good things that happen in our lives that can not be explained. If I called these occurrences "miracles" I feel like people would think I was exaggerating. Really what these situations are, are proof to me that the hand of God is present in my life daily ... sometimes big things, often time small things, but always these things witness to me that he cares and loves me and those around me.....it is just like "magic".....

So last Thursday Kate came home from school not feeling well. So she tucked herself in and did not go to her gymnastics practice. (just an update: Kate is currently a level 6 gymnast. She spends 15 hours a week at the gym, 3 4 hour practices, 1 3 hour practice) I went to book club and on my way home her coach called me (you know the one she spends 15 hours a week with and has know her since she was 3.....) She told me that she just quit. Two weeks until the first competition and she quit....(not judging because there was a lot going on and everyone got to do what they got to do.....but she quit) Needless to say I was devastated....so sad...she meant the world to Kate and worked really well with her. I spent time on the phone that night with other parents and the gym owner mostly crying and each expressing the hard situation we were in. qualified Gymnastics coaches are hard to find....this is a part time job but requires definite skills. So I was stressed, I woke up Friday still stressed. I knew I was not ready to talk to Kate about it yet (I would have just broke down and cried) So I left for work and told Flemming to just keep her home, because she was sick) and tell her latter.That day I got this note from Kate

*

Kate Aase
October 28Sent from Chat
Kate Aase
o

Mom I love terri and I don't want her to go she knows me so well and I new couch will take 3 years to get as close of a friend to me As Terri help me mom I need a hug but don't cry I love you

Ouch...my heart went out to her. We had a parent meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation. It was clear to everyone that we were in a bad situation. She competes for a small gym that also specializes in cheer leading....the gymnastics staff is already spread thin and this just made it worse....whattodo whattodo whattodo.....

So Monday was Halloween so we did not practice and Tuesday I get this note in my in box.....

Subject: New Instructor
Date: Tue, Nov 1, 2011 12:06 pm


I have a new instructor coming in today to work with the girls. She was an elite gymnast and is qualified to teach up to Level 10. She is also a choreographer and is in the process of being able to judge. Her name is Tessa Schafor. The only issue we see is the start time. She will do the test run today in traffic to see if she can get here by four (kids have to get home from school). If not, we may have to adjust the start time. We will be setting up a meeting so that she can meet the parents and let everyone know about her background.

Jeanne

Its like Magic.....or like the song says "an Ordinary Miracle"......

The best part is that Kate Loves her.......

Things I dont want to forget

I know, I am the worst blogger in the history of bloggers.....but really I have a few things on my mind that I don't want to forget....since I am also not the greatest journal keeper...this is going to be my "post it note" type place for things I don't want to forget. I was inspired by this blog post today. This writer often inspires me to be a better person and today she helped me remember what is important and that I need to write a few things down daily to remember the "good stuff".

Last 100 days or so.....

(ok, really sad when I could not even remember the name of my own blog to post to....its been a while)

May for the Aase household is typically nonstopp....but this year we threw in April and June to boot....so I thought I would remind myself...and others if anyone reads....what has been going on, kind of bullet style, because that's how I roll....

• A fabulous ten day trip to Utah that was not long enough to see everyone but filled with fun events….

• The event that brought us out there was the wedding of my beautiful niece Paige Aase to Chris McNulty. Wonderful spirit in the temple and an awesome reception….. a day to remember.

• A family photo session that is always fun when you have as many girls as the Aase family has….great idea on the location Laura.

• A mission reunion that was so great, full of memories, and laughter, and stories and laughter. Cannot believe that an experience that last 18 months can bond people together for a life time. I have not kept in touch with these girls as well, but you would never have guessed it. There is something about being thrown into a tough situation and learning and growing together that makes you sisters for life.

• A breakfast with our dear Mission Presidents wife. What an important role my mission president played in shaping the person I am today.

• A family trip to Southern Utah. Really cannot believe I lived in UT and never took a trip down there. I fell in love with the scenery and the whole area….Southern UT, We will be back for more visits. While there we did a great ATV adventure ride and hiked Zions, loved it. Spent time with my beautiful niece Meagan, bonus, because just the next week they moved away from southern UT.

• Saw a fabulous art exhibit at BYU (did not get to see jimmer) truly inspired by the artist and his paintings of Christ.

• Shopped and eat at BYU…loved being there and having all the fond memories come flooding back, can’t wait for my daughter to have that experience in a few years.

• Breakfast with a dear friend that is like a sister to me. Always inspired when I walk away from time with her, she reminds me of the past and encourages me to look forward to the future….Mickey, you are a great influence in my life.

• Before we left for the UT trip, Abby was in a play that she enjoyed doing and we enjoyed watching

• Back home lots of substituting at the High School

• Watched Maddie perform a tap Number in the School talent show…..that girl can move

• Celebrated Kate’s “Golden” Birthday….why “golden” you ask? Well because she turned 11 on the 11th….she thought it was pretty special.

• Celebrated my ?? birthday (ask the primary kids, they know how old I am) My birthday seems to get jammed into this busy time….but got spoiled just the same. I got an i-pad and have not put it down since.

• Celebrated Maddie’s Sweet Sixteen. So hard to believe, and so beautiful…..I love this girl and all the goodness that she stands for. She is having a ball being 16.

• Watched a fun filled weekend of dancing in Columbus, it is fun to watch Maddie, but I also enjoy the whole dance competition atmosphere. It was fun to have my other girls there too….like a mini getaway weekend.

• Took a fast 48 hour trip to Nashville to see a dear friend’s daughter get married. She was a beautiful bride and had so much fun catching up with friends. Shared the ride with my dear friend and neighbor who I do not see often enough.

• Went to the end of the year talent show and stood as my Abby sang the Star Spangled Banner in front of the whole school. Wow. I was so impressed.

• Said a tearful good bye to a dear friend and her family that is moving on to bigger and better things. I miss her dearly. It is so hard to let friends go, it almost makes me not want to make friends, but I relish the memories and times together. Among other things, she was a gym mom friend and the gym and meets will not be the same without her.

• End of the year events for all three girls…..ended with excellent grades and great progress made academically and socially. Details of all awards and honors don’t need to be mentioned, just know that I am humbled and a proud mother….

• End of an era…..let’s all pause for tears….no more Aase girls in elementary school…..this was a big one for me….I am going to miss it and don’t know if I am ready to give up elementary school. I will miss my associations there. We have had so many caring teachers touch my kids lives. Teachers don’t care as much it seems in the upper grade….but those elementary teachers just love those kids…..great respect for them and I will miss elementary school. (my girls….will not miss it as much)

• Flem heads up a garage sale for the YM and earns enough money for a beach trip with the teachers and priest…..he had such a great time on this boys trip.

• Girls Camp….nuf said….this year I had the privilege of being a bit part of helping this miracle come together…..what a great event in these girls life’s…the testimony meeting is one I will always remember, testimonies gained, love shared, and oh the laughter, yea…that was great….and what happened to sleep those few days…..I came home truly exhausted in the service of girls camp and SO happy.

• My sweet mom came and spent 10 days with us. She is doing great and is fun to have around. The girls can’t get enough of Grandma Time.

• Maddie’s 13th (or so) dance recital. I love to see her perform. I love to see her talent grow. She really gets the joy of dance and I hope it is something she will always cherish.

Wow I am sure I have missed a lot but boy the memories that we have packed in to these last few months. Each could be a post on their own….but then I would have to be a blogger, so instead I will just leave this incredible long post and once again….recommit to doing a better job of the blog….which I know remember the title of)

So this week I was sitting at book club and my peeps (at least they used to be until they started making fun of me......oh who cant take some gentle ribbing from friends right) well my "peeps" were saying "you never blog" so here is a post for them

Last weekend was one of my favorite annual events the P&G Kings Island day. The park is closed to the public only P&G employees and family aloud, but you have to remember that this is biggest company in the area so the place was still packed. But it is usually the best weather day for the park and this year was no different. One thing that was different this year was that Flemming and Maddie did not to go so Kate and Abby could bring a friend.

It turned out to be a great day, everyone got along, (that is always a plus) and we got in some great rides......


Diamondback is one of my favorites......I love how smooth this steel roller coaster is.



This is Kate and I waiting for Diamondback.

We had fun on the Merry Go round too....




But the scariest ride of the day.....no my life......was the one Kate and I went on called the Fire Hawk.......oh my....what a rush.....Kate is my Roller coaster girl......and it is funny because when I saw the picture of us on the roller coaster I thought "this is my life" me turned upside down screaming and her just sitting like an angel enjoying the ride.......



So maybe we can all take a lesson from Kate and just enjoy the ride of life.......

Nauvoo

This past week the girls and I took a quick trip to Nauvoo. My college roommate, Gina Fuller, and her cute family had the opportunity to be part of the cast. What a great experience for them. We loved being there and got caught up in the excitement of it all.
My favorite part was catching up with my dear friend and having so many people bear testimony to me and my children of the great acts of courage taken by the saints in Nauvoo. Makes me wonder and hope that I would have that much courage and faith.



Kate loves Naovuu. She remembers being there two years ago with friends. She has a picture of the temple in her room and is convinced that is where she is going to get married.
On this trip she loved meeting the actor that portrayed Joesph Smith, and I must say he did a fantastic job. Most of all was so kind and gracious to Kate. I think she thought it was really him.








Maddie and Abby loved the whole spirit of Nauvoo too. They love to listen to the different missionaries tell interesting facts about the early saints. They also enjoyed meeting my friends and their kids, loved the pageant and the "Country Fair" before the pageant. Maddie is going on a youth trek tomorrow so she thinks that this experience prepared her well.

To blog or not to blog.....

I love the concept but never seem to find the time......I might just start pulling random pictures from the past year and right a little about the picture....The whole idea of blogging is a bit overwhelming but if I handle it in small pieces maybe I will not be so overwhelmed.....so we will see how this goes