veggie tales

I love vegetables...unfortunately my husband does too.

Sunday night Lara decided to be super sister and load up the poor little newlyweds with real food. She boxed up an amazing pasta salad and some yummy homemade granola too! We tried to insist that we were ok—we've felt like the biggest mooches lately (you've girls have been rubbing off on me! J), but the minute we started picking through our salad and fighting over the veggies like ravenous wolves we lost all credibility.

We eventually convinced Lara our consciences and bellies couldn't handle any more and headed out to the car.

Here's the conversation from there:

(in the driveway)

Parker: Beeder, I heard a lid. You're in that pasta salad again aren't you?

Chelsey: (chewing) No.........

Parker: Beeder! You're eating all the veggies. Git over here!

(Parker lunges across the console and starts rifling through the tupperware. A little finger war ensues and before I know it Parker's biting my arm as I'm nudging his head away with my elbow and forehead [both hands were on the salad...one holding the bowl, one sifting for veggies mind you].)

Chelsey: (after about 3 minutes of this.) Babe, we look like hobos. If Lara walks out and sees us she's going to send home her whole pantry.

Parker: I found another tomato sucker!

Chelsey: You little...

(fight resumes)

It ended eventually. I just laughed and laughed all the way home about how ridiculous we were. Then to spite him I ate the yogurt Lara sent J(I'm the best little wife, I know).

Oh boy! Just another night of marital bliss! JJJ we're opting out of counseling and going for an expanded grocery list...watch out Costco!

livin', laughin' & lovin' me some demon

I love games. I love family. So games + family = the BEST time ever. Especially when they're a competitive little bunch.

Lara, Kirk, Kaitlin & the boys have made our past few Sundays the best! Each week we go over there our visits are characterized by 3 main components.

1. Sugar

2. Spice, i.e. competition, sass, smack talk

3. And nice little nephews with loads of energy!

When I walked downstairs today to say hi the room erupted in a roar of 'Aunt Chelsey!' and before I knew it I had a bunch of little bodies tackling me to the couch (apparently I have a reputation for wrestling these days J). I love it! The boys are so fun, so very sweet, and so well-mannered too. I was so impressed seeing them trickle off to bed all on their own after being asked not the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time but the very 1st! WOW!

Once the kids were to bed the gaming began. The first week we came we learned how to play Hand & Foot. Tonight we decided to do the teaching with one of my all-time favorite card games, Red Demon. I'm so happy to have so many new, fierce little competitors. Red Demon is a mix of solitaire and speed and made for multitaskers, which leaves some eager to ditch the cards and move onto the next game.

Fortunately, my family likes a challenge. I initially thought everyone would detest the game (like my dear husband did his first time) and attempt to scrap it after a round or two without hurting my feelings. It turned out to be quite the opposite! Every "k, last one" turned into "we'll play to 50 this time " and then "deal again. we're playing to 100."

We played round after round after round and those little speed demons just took off! Seriously—I've never seen anyone pick it up so fast since the houseboat week Nicole and I made it a mission to beat our teacher. I think this group is out to get their little sensei too! (A trusted source even reports that they're running time trials for practice on weekdays...now that's commitment to excellence people J).

Anyway, I just loved the night. I think the best part was finally converting my husband to "Red Baron," as he calls it (we're planning practice runs on our own time too...better watch your backs Langstons J). Other highlights include Kirk's trash talk, Lara's calmness and sense of composure in the midst of all our madness, Parker's sassy little side comments that I think half the time no one heard but me, Parker and Kaitlin's little tiffs over my mentoring, Kaitlin's speed racer skills in getting cards out into the middle, Kirk's insistence that his seat at the end of the table was the reason for his demise, our eventual seat swap, Kaitlin's determination to beat him to prove the seat theory wrong, and a million other moments I know I missed.

I realize now I could've said it all with just the first line of this post...shocker. I just feel so blessed to have family that lives close by and takes us into their home each week. There's something about being in a real home with kids and a dog and parents on Sunday that just feels right. Thanks so being so great to us Langstons! I promise that someday soon we'll find a way to be social and make some married to give you a break. "til then, game on! J

All time favorite Red Demon quote any Sparks people reading:

(at the cheating table)

"52! Wow! someone went a little bit overboard..."

"tiff. that's you..."

bahahahaha....oh tiffy, still makes me laugh!

monkey business

"Two little monkeys jumping on the bed. Both fell off and bumped their heads! Mommy called the doctor and the doctor said, 'No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed!'"

I used to love this little rhyme when my mom would sing it to me. Back then I laughed at the little monkeys. Now I laugh because we are the little monkeys.

Last night Parker and I hit the lights and climbed into bed. I'm not sure what the deal was, but our room was pitch black...like can't-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face black. We usually just kneel on the bed to say prayers because our bed is so tall. Not sure if that's some kind of prayer faux-paux. If so we learned our lesson...anyway, we hop up onto our knees when all of a sudden—BANG...knocked the daylights out of each other. My noggin' nailed Parker right in the temple and his big ol' head beamed me right between the eyes. Apparently we hit so hard Parker saw stars (I think that's just the effect I have on him though J) and it took me a good five minutes to stop laughing long enough to even think of attempting to pray.

I'm not sure why I found it so darn funny...it just cracked me up. And my laughing started Parker laughing and before I knew it it was this snowball effect giggle fest right beneath our landlords' bedroom. Somedays I wonder if we'll ever grow up...then I realize, we wouldn't have half as much fun if we did!

I love my husband. He makes me laugh—all the time—and life is just so much happier with him around. He's the best head-bopping monkey a girl could ask for. J

Maybe someday we'll opt for prayer helmets... 'til that time, it's all monkey business here at the DeMilles.

proud to be a granddaughter

I know this is a little past due, but I still wanted to make sure I let you all know how grateful and proud I am of my granddad, Stanley Glenn Greenwell. He passed away this April at the end of a nearly lifelong battle with diabetes. My granddad was the rock of our family for more than 8 decades and still is to me. His memory continues to inspire me to work hard, live well, serve humbly, and appreciate each and every day of my life.

I miss not having him here to talk to. One of my favorite memories of my granddad came this past August. I was making one of my many trips from Provo to Richfield to visit Parker and decided it would be nice to spend my 2 hour drive catching up with my grandparents. I honestly don't think I ever even made it to my grandma. Granddad and I stayed on the phone together until the minute I hit the dead zone in the valley. I couldn't get enough of his stories. He asked all about my life and school and Parker, of course (I think he knew where we were headed long before I even did J), but I soon discovered that the best stories were his. I couldn't get enough of his history with the military, his adventures with dental school, or the story of how he and Grandma met. I wouldn't trade that memory of him for anything in the world. Now I only wish I had more...

I wrote this in my journal the day he passed. I think it's the simplest way to explain how I feel about him, his life, and his moving on to the next.

"I miss you Granddad! Mom sent word of Granddad’s passing on my way home from Utah. I was a bit tearful but hid it well behind my sunglasses. It’s so surreal. To think of showing up to Paradise and not seeing him in his chair is so sad to me. It’s this symbol of the fact that he won’t be there to chat, share insights and advice, or offer up stories from the past to eager ears. I will miss his wisdom, his knowledge, his courage, his strength, and his willingness to sacrifice for his family. He truly loved each and every one of us and we would be nowhere close to where we are today without his example. He is the rock and foundation of our family and I love him so much for it. I hope I can make him proud. I really, truly do. And I hope he is happy where he is. He’s earned a break. He deserves peace. I hope he’s found it."

My mom found this tiny photo of my Granddad and Grandma the day he got home from the war in Korea. He and my grandma were married in January of 1953 in the Salt Lake City Temple and, after just 3 weeks of marriage, he left for war. That blows my mind! It'd be like Parker leaving me this last Wednesday. I can't imagine sending him off without a promise of ever getting him back. You're a strong woman Grandma! My granddad served valiantly during his tour there and even survived fighting on the front lines during the Battle of Pork Chop Hill—one of the Korean War's bloodiest series of battles. During my granddad's service, my grandma discovered she was expecting...TWINS! This tiny photo is of my Grandma and Granddad the day he got home from the war. She went into labor with the twins that same night and my uncles Rick and David were born the next day. What a fun story!

My granddad just kept going from there. He added to his military service and BYU degree studies at the University of New Mexico, a degree in dentistry from USC (the top dental school in the nation at that time), mortuary school training, seven more children (for a grand total of 9!!!), more church callings and years as Bishop and Branch President than I can count, a legacy of charity and service, and most importantly, many, many memories to share with his future grandkids.

I am grateful for my Granddad, his example, and his service to our country and pray that Lord will watch over those out there fighting for our rights today. I love my Granddad dearly and look forward to the day when I can and will see him again to hear his stories and maybe even share my own. Happy belated Memorial Day Granddad. I love you!

memorial day: rockin' the ville :)

Wow…likely my saddest attempt at a title yet. We’ll work on those…

ANYWAY-

This Memorial Day Parker and I headed down to Rockville (Parker’s personal Disneyland) to celebrate with his family. Kristy and Tristan recently finished with a major addition project that made it big enough to house the entire family. I’d only ever been to Rockville one other time (Labor Day weekend coincidentally) so it took awhile for me to appreciate what this addition means for the family. Having everyone there at once prior to this add-on would’ve been nearly impossible between napping babies, growing families, and our million separate sleep schedules. Every time I tried to picture it I ended up thinking about the song my mom used to sing to me…“Ten monkeys in a bed and one of them said, ‘Roll over! Roll over!’ So they all rolled over and one fell out.” I’m not sure how they ever managed before with their big Thanksgivings. Must’ve been a big cuddle-fest J Either way, I’m so happy to be a part of this BIG family and grateful Rockville can house us all at once. It is the best!

Ever since I was little I’ve loved our big family Christmas parties at my grandparent’s house (I promise this is not a squirrel moment—Parker says ‘squirrel!’ every time I get distracted or lose my train of thought…it’s a quote from that dog in Up. If you don’t understand the reference just keep reading and watch the movie later. My point is this relates to our Memorial Day trip).

ANYWAY…I just loved those parties because it was the one time all of the family came together—aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, grandparents, and all other loved ones—to celebrate the Savior’s life as well as the fact that we were and are family. It amazed me how something that started out so small grew so exponentially. From one young soldier and his beautiful singing bride grew a family of engineers, accountants, business execs, musicians, therapists, lacrosse players, humanitarian aid activists, golfers, track stars, football fanatics, bishops, beauty queens, students—you name it, we have it, and I love it.

This weekend was a unique reminder to me that I have that on both ends. It’s so amazing to me that all of my cute new nieces and nephews, wise, sweet sister-in-laws, tuff, teasing brother-in-laws, and love of my life, are here because two people fell in love and raised their family well. I understand now, more than ever, why life is so much more fulfilling when focused on building and strengthening families. Look at all you’ve accomplished Tristan and Kristy! Blows me away…

I’m almost done with my ‘life-is-so-fantastic-because-my-family-is-the-bomb’ portion of this post, I promise. I just have to say, I am always so impressed with the DeMilles at how they make it a point to spend time together. I so admire and appreciate their emphasis on the importance of family and love how much they enjoy one another’s company. It means so much to me that Parker’s brothers are his best friends and that, even after just 22 days of life as a DeMille, I already feel right at home. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding me on both sides and love the fact that the Gospel gives us the opportunity to be together forever. I can’t think of a more perfect plan.

OK…onto the weekend. What on earth did we do? Where the heck is this Rockville place? Why do I love it? Oh where to start…

Rockville is a little tiny town (population 247 to be exact) that lies at the entrance of Zion's National Park in Southern Utah. Parker's dad Tristan grew up there and decided it would be nice to build a little home for his own family to come back to. Parker says whenever he thinks of Rockville he thinks of work because most Rockville trips he took as a kid involved some type of big work project—hauling hay, building fences, filling ditches. What may surprise some of you is how much he loves that aspect of Rockville. I think it's a large part of the reason all of the DeMille kids have such an amazing work ethic. Parker loves the smell of running over a dead skunk too because he says it reminds him of his family's drives to Rockville (interesting...I know) and I've yet to find a place where I've seen him more content. The bright green trees and fields of the Rockville valley are lined with beautiful red rock mountains—it's really a sight to see.

I found this little tidbit in my journal from my first visit to Rockville. I think it sums it up perfectly.

"At halftime Parker took me up the mountain behind the house that overlooks the entire valley. As he looked down on their home he talked about this being a huge part of his childhood—about coming and working with his brothers, dad and grandpa. I loved it—it was so sweet and sincere and I could tell it meant a lot to him—that he missed those days when he could just come to Rockville and have life be so simple and easy. I miss it too. My heart was too full up there on top of the mountain. I looked out over everything and wanted so badly to just live somewhere like this—to have a simple home and simple life where I could just enjoy my family and the simplicity of it all—to just relax and appreciate everything I have as opposed to living in this culture where we’re always pushing and needing and wanting more. I know that’s who I am and that’s what I need and that if I didn’t have it I would likely yearn for it, but for now—that kind of life seems so perfect to me. I think that’s part of me discovering the bigger picture in life—part of me discovering what really matters."

It surprised me at first that this little place had an impact on me as quickly as it did, but after this second trip down it all makes perfect sense. Rockville means work, but it also means fun, family, and freedom from all our cares and worries from home. Who could ask for more?

GAMES

We played games like crazy. Parker’s sister Lara and her husband Kirk recently taught us how to play Hand & Foot and oh boy, the Battle of the Sexes began! I’m not sure why, but I thrive on competition…like really love it…which makes me absolutely ecstatic that Parker’s family is that way too. There is so much competitive drive coursing through those DeMille veins—it’s the best! Lara and I took the boys to town in cards—twice J—we kept score at our full-fledged family kickball game, tracked points for our family golf tourney, and played more rounds of that golf ball toss game than I can count (we played triple overtime in our game against Chris & Carson...so ridiculous). I’m just waiting for the day when we feel the need for family dodgeball… Donde esta la biblioteca, Kiki? Oh my…lol.

GENEALOGY

Kristy and Tristan went above and beyond to help us learn all about our ancestors. It’s so humbling to me to realize how many people it truly takes to make our modern families a reality. Kristy made the cutest BINGO game to teach us a few fun facts about each ancestor (we even had prizes—go Kristy!).

I can’t tell you how much it changed my perspective on genealogy. Sometimes it’s easy to see the people on our family tree as just names on paper—to forget they were real, living, breathing human beings who had highs and lows just like we do today. The more I learned about each ancestor, the more I related to them and appreciated how much their lives resembled my own. I know I’m no pioneer. I’ve never been left alone for 3 years with 9 children as my husband served a mission overseas. I’ve never even owned a bibbed apron. But I have had trials. I have had successes. I have felt joy. Just like they did. I think that’s the neatest thing! Tristan compiled a big binder full of DeMille family history that I can’t wait to start sifting through. There’s so much to learn. Who knows…maybe, just maybe, someone will be reading these blog posts in their family history book someday. Lol, k nevermind. Just me trying to justify my novel, again. I promise I’m trying to condense. I’m just bad at it…

BIKING

Kaitlin and I drove the boys up the mountain for a downhill adventure Saturday night and can I just say…my boy is sexy on his bike. J Lol, seriously though. I love seeing him out there. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that he’s beaming the whole time or simply that he is so fearless and talented, but I love it. He and his brothers just glide down that mountain and soar off jumps like cats with nine lives—blows me away! Parker was patient enough to take me out riding up on the ridges too. It’s so easy to see why he loves it so much—I had a blast! I just wish I could be out here doing things like this every day—heaven knows I need the practice. J I might just have to accept the fact that biking won’t be one of those activities we do together. Better start savoring moments like this…

TALKING

Heaven knows I never stop and if anything Rockville just makes it worse. One of my favorite parts about family weekends together is the opportunity it gives me to get to know everyone better. I swear—it's never just 20 questions with Chelsey. When I kick into reporter gear it's 30, 40, and 50 plus. I feel so, so lucky my new family is so patient with me. J

I loved how much more I could relate to my new sister-in-laws and mother-in-law. It's funny—I didn't think I'd have much to contribute after just a few weeks of marriage, but I soon realized they knew exactly how it is. And they should—they've lived it! I learned all about their first years of marriage, zeroed in on some traits Parker and his brothers and dad all seem to share (funny how that happens), and laughed at some of their early encounters with handling differences in marriage (I think the pen fight is my favorite so far J). Such a fun time!

Other favorite talks were those on the ride to and from Rockville in Mike's big truck, listening to the brothers chatter about their different bike models and the family's ugliest crashes, listening in on the parents as they sat there wondering what the future has in store for their little ones, listening to Lara and Kirk run through the family tree with Kristy to see where they're related (it's like seven generations back, not to worry), and our big girl chat in the family room. I'm sure there's tons more I missed, but my main point is, I love to talk and I loved learning more about the DeMilles and Langstons. Thanks everyone for putting up with me and my million questions!

PLAY TIME

While Parker and his brothers helped Tristan haul hay and build irrigation systems I played with the kids. Can I tell you how much I love having nieces and nephews. They are the best! Truly. How could you not love kids? They are so easy to please, they love you to pieces for practically nothing, and more than anything they are just too, too cute.

I had so much fun riding with 3-year-old Jaxon as he put the pedal-to-the-metal 4-wheeling, organizing my troops during our big water fight, wrestling the oldest kids into the “dungeon” during our monster game, making the kids into blanket burritos, and just spending time getting to know each one of them better. I always wondered why my friend Nicole raved about seeing her nieces. Now I know. I already love and admire each one of them so much. I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I really do.

I loved hearing David’s smack talk at the rocket-making table and seeing him as the next Jim Rome smack-off winner. I loved seeing Jake’s loyalty to Parker during our water fight and watching him fend off five other turncoats with a mini-water gun. I loved learning of Ethan’s love for reading and seeing him diligently attempt to fulfill his weekend reading requirements. I loved wrestling with Tyler one moment and having him fall asleep in my lap the next. I loved Emma’s helping attitude and seeing her basically give herself up during each round of Monster just so she could be my best and first helper. I loved watching Ella run around without a care in the world and hearing her little squeal every time someone took her fast on the 4-wheeler. I loved holding baby Kate and having her snuggle up in my arms. I loved seeing Ryan’s nonstop energy and his excitement over learning how to fill up the water gun. I loved listening to Grant talk and especially loved hearing him say my name (Chewsey…so cute!). I loved watching Jaxon ride the 4-wheeler every single chance he could get and especially loved his and Tyler’s attempted escape to the barn. And last but not least, I loved seeing Madi beam over the pink starbursts and hearing her ask for more in her tiny little voice.

A few fun shots of Grant and Madi

So sweet! I love them!

Parker and his little mini-me. They're so cute!

I could go on and on about these kids! They are too, too cute and far too kind to me. Every time I hear the phrase Aunt Chelsey I can’t help but smile—I feel so blessed to have inherited these little souls overnight. I love them so much!

EATING

Oh my gosh—I won’t spend a ton of time on this, but I have to say. If I had to share one activity I did the most this weekend, I’d probably have to say eating. It’s amazing how much one little body can tolerate in a weekend…my goodness! I don’t even want to try to count how many cookies I ate. And as if that were the only temptation! Each meal was like a ritzy hotel’s gourmet dinner buffet. I ate myself sick most nights and still couldn’t stop which means…guess who’s back on the healthy wagon??? More on that to come…

FAVORITE MOMENTS

I feel like I’ve been on my radar for quote-wall-worthy laughs ever since the girls and I decided to record life’s most entertaining moments on sticky notes and slap them on our kitchen cupboards—our makeshift quote wall if you will. Over the weekend I ran into quite a few of those moments and decided this might be the perfect place to share (Parker’s already made it clear to me that we will not be plastering our kitchen wall with stickies). So, to wrap up this post, here’s a few highlights from Memorial Day 2010. Enjoy!

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Tyler (age 4): (from the loft) I’m changing! Don’t come upstairs.

Chelsey: Ty don’t worry. I don’t want to see you naked.

Tyler: Really??? But I look good.

________________________________________________________

Lara: (during a round of Scategories) Really Kirk? Kiki?

Kirk: It was my nickname for years. Honest. You can call my mom.

________________________________________________________

Parker: (throughout the entire game of Hand & Foot) Let’s make this all dirty nasty dirty.

Lara: Gosh Park, you sure do like the dirty.

Chelsey: No…he just likes saying it.

________________________________________________________

Kristy: (during a game of Hand & Foot) Oh! I made a dirty!

________________________________________________________

Carson: (scores 8 points in our overtime round of the golf ball toss game after batting zero in every other round)

Kaitlin: Cars—where did you come from? Seriously?

Carson: I thrive under pressure Kaitlin.

________________________________________________________

Jake: (lets one rip right next to Parker and Chels and the golf ball toss championship game)

Chelsey: Jake! Oh my gosh! What are you doing buddy?

Jake: What??? It keeps the bugs away.

_______________________________________________________

Carson: I know I saw it before prayer.

Ashley: I saw it too.

Tristan: I wonder where that little googly eye ran off to…

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Kristy: (lecturing Parker on wrestling with his new wife) Parker. You have to be careful. Someone could hear you and call it in as abuse!

Parker: Mom, that’s not going to happen.

Chelsey: (taking all the sympathy she can get) Maybe not when they hear us baby. But what about when they see the bruises on my face?

Lara: Park? You give her brusies???

Dave: (from the other room) Way to be bro!

Mike: Beedin’ stop while you’re ahead. You want this family’s nose in your marriage forever?

(LOL…for what it’s worth, I love that we wrestle and my husband never intentionally hurts me. This conversation was just too funny to let go.)

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Parker: Do you really think we’re the only couple that wrestles in this family?

Mike: Nah. You’re just the only ones Mom & Dad know about.

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Chelsey: Baby, look at Mike's tires! Why don't you have tuff tires like this? Yours don't even have tread.

Parker: Babe, it's a beedin' car, what do you expect?

Mike: Hahaha...beedin' car. Bae you crack me up.

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LOL! Laughed myself silly with each of these. You probably had to be there. Some of you that were there still might not find these funny. I was highly entertained though. Good times!

All in all, such a fun weekend! I can’t imagine spending our Memorial Day any other way.