letters to lyza

Lyza 5 years old.

I chose this picture to represent Lyza this year because this picture says it all.

Lyza loves and cares for this little man every day.

When I look at this picture I see Lyza teaching Seth, and the pure joy she has for her little "Scrubbie."

Dear Lyza,

I couldn’t believe it this morning as I laid in my bed and thought of you on your special day. The day that you had been waiting for and counting down to had finally arrived! You were still asleep, but I knew the moment you woke up and realized it was your “big day” that I would hear you calling to us instantly.

While I waited for you to wake up, I caught myself thinking back to the morning you were born. That beautiful April morning that was now 5 year ago. (How did that happen?) It was a long and painful morning if I am being completely honest. You had proven already (even in the womb) that no one was going to force you to do anything you didn’t want to do. Everything was going to be in your time frame. Even during that beautiful morning of labor it was clear that “you” were in control of the situation.

It was ironic to me as I laid there thinking about you, thinking about this past year of your life, about how these leadership characteristics have come pouring out of you this past year. I will never forget how you are the one who constantly reminds me of things I need to do. What other mother makes sure they tell their 5 year old daughter things she wants to make sure to remember. Well you are looking at one of those mothers. Your responsibility level, even at 4 at 5 years old, is so remarkable Lyza. In fact you came to me just the other day and said, “Mom, I noticed that your jar that you keep your cotton balls in was empty. So I went to the hall closet and refilled it for you.” What?? Are you serious? Those are the kinds of things you do all of the time. You are very concerned for other and their well being. I love that Lyza. Never lose that quality.

This past year Lyza you have fallen in love with “Musicals” and “Plays” even more. (If that was possible.) Your dad and I took you to every High School and City play or musical we could get our hands on. You sat through (without moving a muscles might I add) Aida, Noises Off, and Thoroughly Modern Millie just to name a few. However, I think the best day of your life came when your Aunt Shar suggested you watch a little DVD called, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Your life, and the entire families’ life, has never been the same. You ate that show up and have watched it at least 2 or 3 times a week since. The soundtrack is constantly on in our car and even little Seth knows all the words because we have listened to it for so long. Your love for “Joseph and the “Tecmiculor” Dreamcoat”, as you call it, has also spurred on a love and infatuation with Donny Osmond. I believe I can say with confidence, that you are the only 5 year old that wants to be a member of his fan club. The clincher was the other day when you were out drawing at the kitchen counter. After you were done you said, “Mom, do you like my picture? It is a picture of Donny Osmond.” I knew then that you were smitten. An even funnier story happened a couple of months ago when we happened upon a song from “Mulan” while listening to music in the car. The song was “I’ll make a man out of you.” As we were listening to it you said from the backseat of the car, “Mom, this sounds like Donny Osmond singing.” As I looked down at the iPod to see who the artist was I instantly started laughing. You were completely right! There on the iPod screen were the words “Donny Osmond” under the title of the song. We all laughed together at how you could even pick out his voice. You are amazing Lyz.

To say that you are dramatic and that you say the funniest things is an understatement. This year I actually started carrying around a little note book with me so I could write down all of the hilarious things you say. When I tell people about the things that come out of your mouth, half the time I don’t think they believe me. They probably think I am embellishing the story or making it up. But those people that actually know you know that it is nothing but the real Lyza.

For example, the other day you were in the doctors for your Kindergarten check up. You are deathly afraid of shots and kept reminding me and every nurse that entered the room that you had gotten your Kindergarten shots last year, so none were needed this year. The nurses agreed but said that they would need to prick your finger and get a blood sample. Lyza, you should have seen your face when the nurse told you. You went very white and quiet for a second. You asked the nurse if it would hurt and she replied “Just a little bit.” To which you looked her square in the eyes and said, “Ok, but first I’m going to need a minute.” The nurse started to laugh and looked over at me for an answer and all I could tell her was, “I guess she is going to need a minute.” We were all trying hard not to laugh while you “took your minute” and we could move on with the procedure. As we were waiting you whispered a little pep talk to yourself, “Come on Lyza be brave, don’t cry.” Then you sat up and told the nurse you were ready. You were so brave during the prick you didn’t even cry. After it was over you were beaming with pride! And if you would have looked over at me you would have seen that I was beaming with pride too.

The best way to sum up this last year of your life would be to say that I was proud. Proud to be your mother, proud of the decisions you made, and proud of your accomplishments. This year you became an excellent reader and also memorized 12 of the 13 Articles of Faith. You can actually remember them better then mom or dad. We are currently working on the 13th and final Article of Faith and should be done shortly.

This year you bore your testimony in Sacrament meeting all by yourself. You told both dad and I that you didn’t want us to come up with you. We actually tried to talk you out of doing it (bad parents) but in the end you won out. You marched yourself right up on that stand and waited for your turn. Dad and I were so nervous in the back of the room. We didn’t know what you would say or if you would just get up there, get scared and not be able to say anything. But as always, you had everything under control. When it was your turn you stood up, spoke clearly in the microphone, and gave your sweet testimony. After you were done dad and I had both beads of sweat on our foreheads and tears in our eyes. You had just taken another step on this journey of “growing up” that you are so determined to conquer.

Lyza, your dad and I are so proud of you and can’t believe we were chosen to be your parents. Daddy and I always talk about how we can’t believe we were lucky enough to get you and Seth. We know that Heavenly Father knew how much we needed you so he blessed us with your love.

So as your big day has finally arrived, I look forward with anticipation to the joy you will feel now that you have turned 5. I wish time would slow down and give me just a little more time with my baby, but it doesn’t seem likely that will happen. So for now I am just enjoying the short time I am given and basking in the beauty of your life.

Happy 5th Birthday Ly Ly,

Love you more, more

Mom

dear posterity

Dear Posterity,

As you sit down to read this blog/journal, many many years from now, you might wonder about a couple of things. I would wonder if I were you! For example, who is this person that wrote these words? Why are there so many entries about her children, didn't she have a life? Why aren't there very many posts about trials or tribulations? Didn't she have any? And why in the world are there 3 month gaps between entries? Well Posterity of Mine, I am here today to answer some of those questions for you.

Question: Who is this person that wrote these words?

Answer: Well in a nutshell...I am your great grandmother, distant cousin, great great aunt...I don't know look it up on our family tree. (hee hee) I am at this moment 32 years of age and the year is 2010. That might sound like a long time ago to you, but it was a fantastic time to live. I am happy, I live a good life. I am a person who stresses and worries about everything. I usually can't fall asleep until late in the night because I sit and worry in my bed. I love the arts. Nothing else brings me more joy, except my children. I love to create things, dances, plays, everything. I love to write. There are so many words and thoughts in my head, my only wish is that I had the time to write more. I couldn't live without Music. Good music that moves me emotionally. There is ALWAYS music on in my home. I feel like the invention of the ipod was the best invention ever made. My life is busy...oh so busy. I am trying to simplify but life feels so crazy. I have a testimony of the Gospel. I am not always great at sharing it publicly, but never doubt that it is strong!

Question: "Why are there so many entries in this blog about her children, didn't she have a life?"

Answer: Yes she did have a life...her children. You should know that they are what I think about 99% of the time. And when you are so proud of something you write about it. So I did! I wrote about the pure joy they bought me. They are the moments I want to remember when I am 85 years old.

Question: "Why aren't there very many posts about trials or tribulations? Didn't she have any?

Answer: I want you to know that there were hard times, many of them. I will try to be better at documenting them for "historical" sake. However, it is hard for me to write about the hard times. I don't know if it because I don't want to remember them? Or if I am too prideful and don't want to admit that we weren't perfect...because we/I am far from it. Sometimes it is hard to be real. But please believe me when I say there were plenty of hard time, crippling times actually. But the good always outlasts the bad. I will recommit to documenting all aspects of my life.

Question: "Why in the world are there 3 month gaps between entries?"

Answer: One word...LIFE! The very reason I want to write, is the reason I don't have time to write. LIFE!! There have been taxes due, child milestones, new companies created, hospital trips (and ambulance rides), summer vacations, job changes, new callings, concerts attended, bills paid, toilets scrubbed and fine...some reality TV watched. These are all reasons there are gaps in my entries. Time passes so quickly and usually doing the things I want most gets put on the back burner. Hopefully, it can now take a top spot in my priority list. Because you, my dearest posterity, are a top priority to me.

Fa la la la la...la la la LA

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night!!!

california dreaming

We did it...we took a vacation! After a two year "famine" in the Bull household, we finally had a small "feast" we like to refer to as a vacation. Our vacation was fun, relaxing, and in my eyes pretty much perfect. I am so protective of the time I get to spend with my family, and it feels like with each passing year this time is less and less. So to have seven entire days alone together was just what my doctor ordered.

(We spent 7 glorious days in Southern California. Four of those days we spent at Disneyland, which by the way completely got it's very own post....stay tuned.)


After we cashed in some "Reward Miles" that were about to expire (which is so me to let a gift card or reward card almost expire) we boarded a plane for California to see our Scott and Larissa and to play play play.


We had our very own Beach Resort to stay at. Our resort came with a private pool, hot tub, and friendly faces of our family.


We picniced at the beach in the perfect 80 degree weather that came with our trip.


We played in the ocean and the sand. Seth got his first touch of the ocean and never looked back. No literally, he never looked back. He had no fear of the water and just wanted to go out farther and farther. Same for our Ly Ly...she was having the time of her life.


We had a major break through with our Ly Ly and dogs. We owe Brody big time! I would have never thought I would be looking at a picture of Lyza actually sitting within 10 yards of any kind of dog. She has a paralyzing fear of them, however, one week with Brody and they are life long pals. ("Brody....Brody....Whoa"...inside joke, love it.)


To say we had a great time is understating it a bit. I can never get enough of my party of four. I wish every day was a vacation day.



And did I mention...in my next life I am totally going to live here!!

happily ever after

Every girl wants her "happily ever after" right? We want our very own Prince who will take care of our every need, shower us with love and affection, and make all our dreams come true. Lucky for me I was able to snag my very own Prince about 8 plus years ago. And since that day my Prince has been slaying dragon's to keep me safe (ok I guess they aren't real dragons but he does take out the garbage every week and takes care of the vacuuming...those are my kind of dragons that need to be slayed), he loves taking me to elegant ball's where we ballroom dance the night away (ok he doesn't do that either, but he will watch Dancing with the Stars with me on occassion.) and fulfilling my every wish and desire (ok that would be impossible to do because I have quite a few of those wish things and even more of the desires.)

However, my Prince did give me 4 fun filled days of my very own "happily ever after" when he took his party of four to the most "Most Magical Place on Earth". And yes I do believe it is just that MAGICAL!!!

Disclaimer: Family vacation album pretty much exploded below. You have been warned...there are a lot a photos.


I never thought I would enjoy taking my children to Disneyland as much as I do. Nothing quite like it in my book. And by the way do you see in the picture above how it looks like there is no one at Disneyland? Well that is because there was practically no one at Disneyland. We figured out that mid September is the only time to go. You practically have the park to yourselves.



We took pictures at the entrance to the park with Mom!



We took pictures at the entrance to the park with Dad.



We took pictures of Lyza coming off of her very first "big person" ride. No "It's a small world here"...go big or go home was our motto.



We took pictures of some of our favorite rides. Seth's was the merry-go-round and one of Ly Ly's was the Matterhorn.



We took pictures of some of the Princesses we met...I think I see a "Princess Ly Ly" in there!



We took pictures of some Fairies we met at Pixie Hollow.



We took pictures of all the magical characters we met who live inside Disneyland.



We took a picture of Seth's FAVORITE attraction...the water feature outside the entrance gate. Seriously every day he would stand by this thing forever and cry when I finally forced him to leave.



We took a picture of ourselves to prove to our posterity, who might actually read this sometime, that we WERE actually there together. You might not have been able to tell since we are in 2 pictures together the entire trip.



We took pictures of all the fun things we want to remember about our time in Disneyland. Daddy's love for frozen banana's (which by the way are $4 a pop). Seth's unwillingness to take any kind of picture in front of the Castle. Lyza's sticky face after eating an oversized lollipop, which is a required purchase in the park. And all of the happy faces we enjoyed each day.



We took pictures of two little people that were exhausted after each and every day spent at the park.

So to the "Happiest Place on Earth" we bid you a fond farewell and thank you for our 4 days together. Thank you for the magical looks on my children's faces that I will remember always.

"And they lived happily ever after"

it's official

It is official, I have fallen for someone else. I am completely and utterly in love with another man. He doesn't say much, he is still coming into himself and his personality. He has a tender heart, fantastically long eyelashes, and a spell binding laugh. Oh, his laugh...Oh the joy! This man gives the best hugs and open mouth kisses. He is always excited when he sees me, it makes me feel so loved.

I didn't start this relationship with any expectations. I imagined that I would care for this man, love him, and teach him. I never knew my feelings would get to be so strong. I didn't want to fall too hard for him...I was scared to be too vulnerable? What if I got hurt in the process?

Well it is too late now because I have fallen hard and I don't see my feelings for this man decreasing anytime soon. I hope he feels the same way for me as I do about him. It might be awhile before he can share his true feelings with me. That's OK, I can be patient and wait for that day. I only hope that his love is as deep as mine.

P.S. The best part about this "love affair" is that my husband knows everything and completely understands!!

ms. arizona and her beautiful offspring

(Three Sisters and Three Babies: Shalice, Ava, Sharielle, Sloan, Shaundee, Seth)

Ms. Arizona (aka: my sister Sharielle) and her beautiful offspring (aka: her daughter Sloan) came into town and it was GLORIOUS! I don't think anyone fully understands how much fun the 3 of us have together. We talk, we laugh, we eat, we shop...and then we do it all over again for each day we are together. It pretty much is heaven.



Sloan, pictured in the middle of Lyza and I, is the sweetest and cutest little thing you have ever seen. On a scale of 1 to 10 she is definitely an ELEVEN.




We took an excursion with all EIGHT children to a huge bounce house zoo. They bounced, they climbed, and they expended some much needed energy.




We watch the ever entertaining Signing Time numerous times every day. Can you see the glow on Seth and Sloan's face. This is the look on there faces when their favorite show, Signing Time, is on.



Then we handed all of our bundles of joys over to the men of the house and focused on our job at hand. Dinner, shopping, and talking (until midnight if my memory serves me right)

Please note in the picture above that we are the only people left in the mall this night. Is it embarrassing to be asked to stop shopping and leave the mall because it closed?





We watched General Conference together...well some of us watched...others of us... well you can see?




But most of all we remembered that we are 3 of the luckiest sisters in the world!

Dear Ms. Arizona,

Please come again soon. We know it is cold here and we don't have an H&M yet..but we can offer you sleep deprivation, budget breaking shopping, and most of all two sisters who love and miss you every day.

See you soon!