Some pics of the kids.....man they have grown!

First day of school for Jeremy Spencer--big sixth grader at Lakeview Academy...his last year at the charter school...next year the new Jr. High opens and its goodbye forever to the school uniform..doesn't he remind you so much of Buddy?

Jonah Michael...barely paused for me to take this picture as he was walking out the door for the first day of 8th grade....He is my "Mr. Fashion"...he was so fun this year to shop for...we had to hit the mall of course, but then he discovered Ross and got all his cool namebrand t-shirts for a pretty good deal! What a kid!

Here is my big "man" on his first day at the new High school!! Wouldn't smile to show off that perfect "braces" free smile....but isn't he cute???

He's really got a load this year...2 AP classes and 2 UVU classes that he gets high school and college credit for...you all know what a smarty pants Josh is....I challenged him to graduate valedictorian....I know he can do it!!!

This year is another one of those years with all 6 of the kids in school and all 6 in different schools...Josh at the new Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs...Jonah at Willowcreek Middle school and Jeremy at Lakeview Academy. I love how big they are getting, how smart they are and how much they HATE for me to take their pictures!!!

I'm amazed at how time flew by this summer and now we're back in school! Note to self....enjoy each moment because they come and go too fast!

The Invisible Mother

**I got this sent to me in an email...and just HAD to share it with all you....you mothers who inspire me, help and support me, encourage me and do it all with such grace and beauty! Remember..."Never, never, never give up!" Love to you all! **


It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack
of response, the way one of the kids will walk into
the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to
the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on
the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on
the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even
standing on my head in the corner, because no one can
see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can
you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a
human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?'
I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the
Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around
5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the h ands that once held
books and the eyes that studied history and the mind
that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had
disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen
again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner,
celebrating the return of a friend from England.
Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and
she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all
put together so well. It was hard not to compare and
feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic,
when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped
package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a
book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't
exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the
greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the
book. And I would discover what would become for me,
four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern
my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals
- we have no record of their names. These builders
gave their whole lives for a work they would never see
finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no
credit. The passion of their building was fueled by
their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who
came to visit the cathedral while it was being built,
and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside
of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are
you spending so much time carving that bird into a
beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will
ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God
sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into
place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to
me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you
make every day, even when no one around you does. No
act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on,
no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice
and smile over. You are building a great cathedral,
but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction.
But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It
is the cure for the disease of my own
self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong,
stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a
great builder. As one of the people who show up at a
job that they will never see finished, to work on
something that their name will never be on. The writer
of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals
could ever be built in our lifetime because there are
so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to
tell the friend he's bringing home from college for
Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and
bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey
for three hours and presses all the linens for the
table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a
monument to myself. I just want him to want to come
home. And then, if there is anything more to say to
his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We
cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day ,
it is very possible that the world will marvel, not
only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has
been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible
women.

Some Random Thoughts....

Well..it has been a while since I've sat down to update my blog! Alot has happened...Christmas, the New Year, Joshua & Josie had their birthdays, and now Valentine's Day is knocking on the door! I spent a couple moments reading my sister Lisa's blog...she has such great insight into life...just normal everyday life..that sometimes, if not most of the time, we take for granted...nursing sick kids...seeing hubby's off to work, you know, the daily stuff that makes up life. For me, life seems to move at super sonic speed..but I take comfort and gain strength knowing I don't travel this road alone...I have my family, my friends, and my Savior, Jesus Christ, to help me, inspire me, comfort me, lift me up and just be there for me! Thank you to you all... for living your lives, wherever they may be, the very best you can, because I look up to you...all of you. Everyone that I know, that I keep in touch with, whether by phone, email, facebook, or this blog...you touch my life. It's so good knowing that we all share this journey together!!

OK, so those are my thoughts for today...and now I'll give you the scoop on what's been going on in the lives of the Pratt Clan. Alan and I are still sane...and that is BIG news!! Alan (you know that his nickname is Alfie..right??) is busy at work and studying for the PE exam (Professional Engineer) It's an 8 hour test..grueling I'm sure...that covers all the Chemical Engineering stuff he suppossedly learned in school like 10 years ago. Needless to say...he is studying hard!

Joshua turned the ripe old age of 16 on Jan. 2nd. I can't believe I have a 16 year old! He was home sick today from school...i think he ate something bad. Anyway..doing good..working on getting his driver's license and will start a job working for the golf course next month! I told him I wouldn't charge him rent...yet!

Jonah is doing good too...I tried (unsuccessfully) to get him to take up piano lessons...so really he is waiting for track season to start...sometime next month! He continues to love our crazy mutt Nacho...and is learning to ski this winter with his brothers and dad! I think he is an adrenaline junkie!

Jeremy is playing basketball right now with the Jr. Jazz program that they do up here in Utah! He is so funny...he really loves it...but can't wait for football to start. Needless to say, Jeremy was disappointed in the Super Bowl...as his beloved San Diego Chargers were beat by the Steelers, who went on to win in all. Oh well..maybe next year!

Josie had her 7th birthday on Jan. 29th! She is so cute! Her 2 front teeth are coming in and it is funny to see how grown up she is getting! She is doing really well at piano..although if I try to help her..watch out..its WW III! So...I stay away from that! She informed me a few days ago that she wants to do ballet...I think I might have to get a job to pay for all the kids' activities!

Joely is still going to preschool with me and Jenna! She is reading really well...but a little sad that all her friends dropped out of her class...she is the only girl, with 4 other boys..but she has a great teacher so she is still pretty excited about going to school! Joely is a sweetheart...if I can just get her to stop yelling and fighting with Jenna...they have good days and bad days!!

Jenna is my little comedian! She talks to me about all the movie lines she has memorized. The latest is from Madagascar 2...she says, "Mom, Moto Moto sings...'I like chunky, I like big!'" She is sooooo funny! She follows Josie and Joely around everywhere and thinks she can do whatever they do! I do have to take her up to Primary Children's next month to see a Pediatric Opthamologist...she has lazy eye..and will probably need glasses. I'm a little nervous..but I hope the problem can be corrected WITHOUT surgery!!!

As for me...I am my kids' mom...I just added 3 new piano students to my crazy schedule...but I'm hoping that I can maintain my sanity. My current fave thing is facebook...the first couple of time I got on I literally felt glued to the computer...I'm better now..and its been fun finding all these people I knew when I was in grade school!!! My next big thing...I'm trying to put together some ladies to form a soccer team...maybe indoor, maybe outdoor! It will be hilarious!!! All these "old" ladies running around pretending they know how to play soccer...oh yeah...that's just ME!!!

Christmas Traditions

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged...and I've missed it! I got back from my sisters weekend which was awesome, fun, heavenly, much needed, invigorating, etc. etc. and I don't think I've had a spare minute since!!! Thanks Lisa and Wendy for an awesome time...and thanks to Alan and my kiddos for holding down the fort and not totally destroying the house while I was gone...OK flash forward...we had Halloween, it was so fun (and I still haven't had a second to download my pics..but trust me, the girls were adorable as a vampire (Josie) a monkey (Joely) and Nemo (Jenna)...Jonah & Jeremy dressed up too...Jonah was a very good zombie Ute football player and Jeremy was the Joker (Heath Ledger-type) and he was VERY scary...and most of all...they were safe and had a blast....they covered the entire neighborhood and then some and ate so much candy we will keep the dentist in business!!! We had a lovely November....I got my wish as to no snow...THANK YOU!!! and Alan's parents hosted Thanksgiving and it was fun....it was us, Al's brothers Mike, Kenny & Wayne...the other two Phil and John weren't able to make it. We had a nice dinner and hung out with everyone all evening....we left happy, grateful for a wonderful family and FULL!! Now we are in December and I seriously can't believe how fast it has gone by...I really will be shopping on Christmas Eve I'm sure...to finish everything up. I'm not going to berate myself for it anymore. I'm dealing with the reality of shopping for six children and unless I start in July, there just isn't enough time to finish up much before Christmas Eve. And I admit...I love shopping during the Christmas season (minus Black Friday which I avoided this year as well as last) because it just makes me feel all Christmasy (is that a word???) and I love this time of year!

We put up our Christmas tree, house lights and inside decorations and on Sat., Dec. 6th we engaged in our long standing tradition of going to Temple Square to see the lights...Since we've been back in Utah, we have been going with our friends the Andersons...Scott was Alan's roommate at Snow and Christine has been my best friend since birth! We meet at Crown Burger, gorge ourselves and then walk it off (yeah right, I know) on Temple Square! This year it was especially enjoyable because it wasn't so freezing cold...and there wasn't snow covering up the lights. We forgot our camera (hence, the generic picture) but we had a great time! It is one of mine and the kids' favorite Christmas traditions!!!

So, I hope you all comment...I want to know how you all are doing...and Merry Christmas to you all!!

Sisters Weekend 2008

Well, I'm off to Houston in a couple of days for our third annual "Sisters Weekend"! It is really something Lisa, Wendy and I look forward to all year long! This year, I'm flying down to Texas and we are going to hit the town of Austin (close to where Wendy lives) Hopefully, we will get to do some shopping, eat some good food (Wendy wants to try Indian food...yummy!) and also get to sleep in at least one day!!!! My mom is picking me up from the airport on Thursday evening and I'll get to hang out with her for a couple of hours and then Lisa will pick me up at her house Friday morning and we'll scoot on over to visit my Grandma Pistorius and her husband Stuart. Then we're off to Austin for some sister fun!!! It's a blessing in my life to have such great sisters! They inspire me, motivate me and are my two bestest (is that a word??) friends! I'll for sure post some cute pics of our adventure in Austin when I return. Let's just hope Al and the kids can survive for a few days without me...yeah right!!!

Tagged

OK, I have seen these "tagging" bits on other people's blogs...I've never done it, but I was reading my sister-in-law's (super cute) blog and saw this...and saw down on the bottom that she tagged me! So here goes....

I am....Amy- a mother, friend, my husband's girlfriend, softball player, piano & preschool teacher, daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me

I want...too many things....most are superficial like losing weight, getting in better shape, but most of all I just want my family and friends to be happy and safe

I have everything...my family, friends, health and the gospel

I wish...that Alan and I were independently wealthy so he could retire and we could do all the things we want to do with our kids (you know...all the stuff that costs a lot of $$$$)

I hate....snakes..I just killed one a minute ago...I thought it was a baby rattler...don't know???

I fear...Barack Obama getting elected and our country becoming a Socialist nation

I hear...Joely singing and laughing with her friend and Jeremy playing the piano and teasing his sisters

I search...for good recipes (easy and cheap), and ways to be a better mom!

I always...listen to Rush, Glenn Beck and Dr. Laura when I'm in the car

I usually...don't know what to cook for dinner

I am not...a patient or perfect wife or mother

I miss....living close to my family and my dad and brother

I love...my family, friends and living in Utah

I never...get enough sleep

I rarely...get to sleep in

I cry...in the shower or in my closet (for any number of reasons)

I am not always....on time

I lose...my car keys

I am confused...by how blessed I am...great hubby, kids, family and friends

I need...a diet coke (but I swore off them this week...to see if it helps with trying to shed a couple of pounds)

I should....be cleaning my house and making dinner instead of doing this blog

I dream....of seeing my children grow up into healthy and happy adults, traveling the world with Alan and some day going to Hawaii!!

Ahhh, I love fall!!

I just love the fall season! It is so beautiful and the air is so cool and crisp!! We won't have too many days of this blissful weather...I know snow is on the way! I'll take the good stuff while I can get it!! We finally finished up with soccer and football (although Jeremy might be doing a football tournament). Jonah's 6 weeks of inactivity are just about up and I've had one Parent/Teacher conference and one to go! Piano is coming along with Josie and Jeremy and Joely and Jenna are loving their preschool! I have one softball game left (did I mention I'm playing in a rec league??) and church volleyball is underway (did I also mention I'm an asst. stake sports director???) OK, it is busy, but its fun. I am however, looking forward to a much needed (and deserved I say) break next week!! I'm heading to Houston for our annual "Sisters Weekend"! This will be year #3 that me, Wendy and Lisa have gotten together for a weekend alone with NO KIDS!!! I flew down to Texas in 2006 and we stayed in San Marcus at a B&B and shopped and had a blast! Last Oct. Wendy and Lisa flew up here to SLC and we stayed in Park City and went to conference together in the conference center! It was cold, but it was awesome! This year, I'm heading back to Texas and we're staying at Wendy's in Austin! I'm looking forward to sleeping in, trying some cool new restaurants, and just catching up with my sistahs!! I'll blog when I get back home!