Good to be Me

I Can't Keep Up

2011-11-09T08:20:00.008-07:00

(Obviously since it's now December and I'm just getting around to re-capping October...In my defense, I wrote this a long time ago but didn't hit post. Not sure what that does for my case, but here ya go...)

October flew by like a whirlwind! It started with Hewitt's birthday. I can't believe he's already two! I always find it difficult to shop for my kids when they're too young to ask for anything, so we gave him practical items - books, church clothes and a new fleece blanket. But a couple of days before his birthday we asked him what he'd like as a gift and he excitedly answered, "Fluffy puppy!" We passed that info onto Nana and she was more than happy to oblige, so much in fact that he got 2 fluffy puppies which he really loves. We all thought it was fun to watch Hewi open his gifts and cards. He didn't quite understand what was going on, but he did know that if he held up his spoils he got a reaction from his siblings and a few cousins. Hewitt loves to be the center of attention!October also brought with it Kenley's 6th birthday, which we actually celebrated 3 times. Her birthday was on a Wednesday but my parents invited us to go to McCall with them from Tuesday through Friday. Since Jeremiah had to work and couldn't join our vacation we had a surprise party for her on Monday night for FHE so dad could be there.

I sent her downstairs to get something out of food storage then ran and grabbed her presents, turned off the lights and told the kids to hide. I had planned to turn on the lamp on the piano once she got upstairs and yell "Surprise" but I didn't realize the lamp wasn't plugged in. Kenley came upstairs with the jar of peaches to a dark room and me pulling on the cord and everyone else laughing. It was obvious she thought we all were crazy but didn't mind too much when she realized we were having a birthday party.

Kenley also decided that our vacation with my parents was to celebrate her birthday. We had a great time in McCall. The drive took a while because my kids are unable to control their bladders on road trips but I was thankful that Gammie and Bucka were patient. We enjoyed lazing around the condo. We ventured out to the neighboring Ponderosa park where the kids, Bucka and I took a quaint hike along Lily Marsh trail. (Gammie stayed in the car with a sleeping Hewitt.) We didn't see much wildlife, just a few ducks on the pond, but we did hear the flapping of enormous wings while deep in the forest. Isaac even spotted a deer as we walked to the pool one afternoon.

We also had some friends over the day after we arrived home for cake and ice cream. Kenley wanted Hello Kitty cake pops and they were so stinkin' cute. Kenley likes to be the center of attention, although she doesn't demand it. Mostly she just smiles and tilts her head like she's shy, but we all know better.

Halloween happened in there somewhere as well. We didn't decide on costumes until the last minute. Isaac dressed as a Ninja, Kenley was a princess and Hewitt was Chewbacca from Star Wars. I honestly can't remember what Jack was because he was in costume from October 1 - November 6. He was either a Power Ranger, Buzz Lightyear, Captain America or a monkey with human legs (because that costume is 2 sizes too small!) I didn't get any pictures because I was preoccupied learning, teaching and coordinating a Thriller dance to present as a Flash Mob, which turned out to be lots of fun.

Sometimes It Just Hits You

2011-10-03T22:54:00.005-06:00

I had a kind of sad moment last night, full of mixed emotions. My family and I had been at my parents house enjoying General Conference, dinner and the company of a couple of my brothers' families. We drove home kind of late and Hewitt fell asleep on the way.

I unbuckled him from his carseat and carried his sweet sleeping body into the house. I realized that I rarely get to hold him, or any of my children for that matter, while they sleep. So when I got downstairs I sat with him in the rocking recliner instead of placing him in his bed. I got a little teary-eyed as it set in that these moments, as rare as they currently are, will soon be gone altogether. As much as I sometimes wish my kids would "grow up," in that moment I wanted time to stop. I wanted to keep him a two-year old forever.

As I held him, I knew that I wasn't longing or hoping for another child. I feel complete, albeit overwhelmed, with the four I have. It was just bittersweet to hold a tiny, innocent, sleeping angel in my arms and know this child is it. All the sweet moments you experience while looking in awe at a newborn or small infant are about to expire in this household. And while I love my nieces and nephews, and have a couple on the way to enjoy as newborns, nothing compares to the love you feel for your own children.

I'm glad I took a minute to experience the tenderness I felt. They may grow up and change, but they'll always be my babies.

The Message

2011-08-21T18:37:00.003-06:00

Our family had a yard sale yesterday. The kids thought it was great to turn some of our household items into cash. Kenley, apparently, was especially excited because she called my mom (without my knowledge) and left this message on her machine:

"Hi Gammie, um, we're having a yard sale today (sigh). I just want to let you know that we're having a, um, yard sale today. We're having a yard sale, um, and I was just wondering if you could come and buy some stuff. K, bye!"

What? Me on a Mountain?

2011-07-30T22:26:00.008-06:00

From the moment I was called to go to Girls Camp I was worried about "the hike." By all accounts this hike is the most dreaded (and "suckiest") of all the level hikes required by our stake.

Also, I am a wimp. I have always been a wimp. I have little endurance and chronic, flu-like muscle aches on good days thanks to my companion, Fibromyalgia. And I've not had a lot of out-doorsy (it's a word!) exposure.

Then right before camp, I caught a cold. The can't-breathe-through-my-nose-my-throat-is-sore-and-scratchy-thanks-to-this-cough-where's-my-voice-? kind of cold. Needless to say, I was not confident that I would make it half-way up, let alone to the summit. But, in the name of leadership, I was determined to do my best. So after waking up at a time that, to me, was only fabled to exist, we drove up to the trail head and started out.

The first little bit was encouraging; a slow, gradual climb crossing a frigid creek several times in the cool morning air. The trail gradually steepened but was not yet uncomfortable and the 30 of us on the hike were in a pretty tight pack. We were continually encouraged by our guide, but I had a feeling that he was psyching us up for when the real hike began.We made it up to an old mine which in the late 19th century and the early 20th century produced more than $50 million in placer gold. We stopped there to snack and take a potty break. It was also there that we saw the first snow on the trail ahead.
That's when the trail started to get a bit more steep. The weather was warm and the snow was slowly melting creating some squishy mud. Also, the tree cover became more dense and we were swarmed with mosquitos. (100% Deet is amazing!!!) After we emerged from the forest we were met with a rocky climb in the sun. Here our pack started to lengthen, the eager and spry in the front, the determined yet slightly less enthusiastic in the middle (my group), and those who continued on only because they weren't allowed to get behind the leader bringing up the rear.

We were told that we would see a peak and it would appear as though we had reached the summit, but that it was not the end, there would be a little up and down before we would reach the peak. Even with that in mind it was still discouraging to reach that point and see that there was still a good distance ahead of me.

As I began the slight descent my knee started to ache and I realized that it was going to hurt the entire way down. I was overcome by doubt and told the small group with me to go ahead, I needed to rest. As soon as they were out of sight I began to cry. I had come much farther than I thought I could already, yet I could see the summit looming ahead. I wanted to reach it. I said a little prayer and as I finished I saw the group behind me hit the same peak that brought me discouragement. I knew that if I sat and waited for them, we'd all stop there and never reach the summit. And I felt that if I got up and continued on that we'd all make it to the top.

So I began to climb again. I lost sight of the top as I walked alone along the ridge of one of the tallest mountains in our area. The climbing wasn't difficult, but every downhill step brought a stab of pain to my knee. I kept thinking of the words of one of the other leaders, "If you can make it to the top you will know that you can do hard things."

I felt like The Little Engine That Could. I kept telling myself, "I can do hard things." Before I knew it I could again see the summit and the sea of red t-shirts..my girls. They cheered me on, bringing fresh tears to my eyes, and then I had made it! I was at the top!!!

Soon after, we could see the last small group of girls climbing the trail. We cheered them on and in a short amount of time we were all there. 30 girls and leaders, 3000+ feet above the trail head, looking out from the highest peak (9,803 ft!) in every direction. It was a beautiful sight! I was so thankful for the encouragement the girls had lent each other and for the fact that we had made it as a group. We all agreed that our hoagie sandwiches tasted amazing after the strenuous climb and enjoyed the view. I gave a short devotional on the saying, "When you see a man standing on a mountain, remember, he wasn't placed there," reminding the girls that we had a goal, but each of us had to take our own steps to achieve that goal, and so it is in life.

Then we were given the go-ahead to take off down the mountain. That was the worst part of the hike for me. My knee was unhappy with every step, but stopping to rest made no sense. Every downhill stride was going to hurt, and that was the reality. I felt bad holding everyone up, but another of the girls was experiencing the same pains, so we slowly and gingerly made our way down the mountain. I was thankful for those who could have easily gone ahead yet waited for us and kept us company on our descent.

Along the hike I saw more butterflies than I've probably seen in my entire life, tons of wildflowers and some amazing and rare-for-me views, but no sight was quite so welcome as that of our parked vehicles in the small clearing at the end of the trail. The hike was complete, all the girls had made it and were accounted for and I was reassured to know I can do hard things.

3 AM Ponderings

2011-07-07T03:25:00.002-06:00

April, May, June, August and September are sometimes used as names but I've never met a January, February, March, July, October, November or December.

Why are "ticks" louder than "tocks?"

Maybe I shouldn't have drank that Dr. Pepper at 10:30.

Around the House

2011-06-27T18:36:00.003-06:00

Here are a few of the plants that I've been enjoying at my house.

Lobelia

Purple Robe Locust - Love, love, love this tree!
Osteospermum

Pansy

Dahlia

Bearded Iris

Double Columbine

I've enjoyed it...by the sweat of my brow!

All the Small Things

2011-06-15T17:42:00.007-06:00

Jack has started playing t-ball. Wait...scratch that. We paid for him to play t-ball but Jack heard it was 2 hours a week of sitting in the dirt looking for bugs and doing the potty dance in the infield. It's okay though, he's four and apparently some of the other parents paid for their kids to do somersaults and throw dirt at the opposing team. T-ball - it's versatile.

*****

I think Isaac's going crazy being home. He's used to school where there is always something to and the day is very regimented and I think it's driving him crazy that we don't do that at home. Consequently, he wants to spend his day playing the Wii or computer and watching TV because that's all he can think to do. He has, however, been a star about doing his chores. His room has been kept very neat and he's been willing to get his chores done without much nagging on my part. I've just got to be better about helping him find things to do.

*****

Last night Kenley walked up to me with a small, hand-held massager and said, "I got your 'sabotager', now I'm going to sabotage you!" What a silly!

*****

Hewitt won 3rd place in his age division in a coloring contest! My mother-in-law brought over pictures for the kids to color for a contest @ work. Hewitt takes his coloring pretty seriously. He gets his face close to the pictures and makes small, deliberate markings on specific areas. He even holds the crayons correctly. He received a large, white 3rd place ribbon and a $10, WalMart gift card for his prize! What a kid!

Little Grease Ball

2011-05-10T13:54:00.002-06:00

I'm so thankful for cameras and blogs.
Hewitt is grateful, too.

Without them he might not have survived this morning.

The Vaseline has been put away. Now if only there were someone here to watch him. ;^)

I threw away the clothes, but the child...

Don't Get Your Hopes Up

2011-05-06T14:06:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I had the kids at the grocery store with me. As I was being rung up Hewitt kept standing on the seat of the cart. After several attempts to keep his bottom on the seat I finally let him down while observing, "You're gonna die."

Almost immediately Jack piped up, "Do we get a new baby if Hewitt dies?"

Either the cashier was a pig or the snort I heard was contained laughter.

Ask the Expert

2011-05-04T21:23:00.002-06:00

We FINALLY had some nice weather ~~that lasted more than five minutes~~ today. Although I had a lengthy to-do list of indoor chores I decided that I'd better take advantage of the weather and clean out the flower beds. I ~~forced~~ encouraged the kids to play outside as well and enticed them to join me by exposing a swarm of ants. This tactic proved useful as both Kenley and Jack knelt on the ground close to the curbing to watch the marching specks.

"Are they looking for Cheetos?" Jack wondered aloud.

Knowingly, Kenley answered, "No, Jack. They're looking for all kinds of food. Ya know, like pastaaaa, spaghehhhtti, all sorts of stuff."

"Well, Cheetos are food. So are they looking for those?" Jack queried.

In an exaggerated sigh of irritation and much rolling of the eyes Kenley concurred, "Yeah, even Cheetos."

Losing Your Mind Is Fun To Do

2011-04-18T10:25:00.002-06:00

To do. To do. To do.

I'm blogging today not because I feel like I have a great post in mind but because I have a lot to do and I don't really know where to start.

April is always a crazy month for our family. This year is no exception other than it seems even busier. We had just finished a busy weekend and as I was sitting in church on Sunday I was thinking about the week ahead of me. I realized that each night, as well as the weekend, had already been claimed by one activity or another.

Monday: We always have FHE and Jeremiah's parents had invited us to a movie with them for family night. Also, freezer meal exchange.
Tuesday: The Young Women are having their spaghetti dinner and dessert auction fundraiser for Girl's Camp. I have a special interest in it this year because I get to go to Girl's Camp.
Wednesday: The kids and I have play practice. This day is our least packed.
Thursday: Now that Isaac's 8 we get to go to Pack Meetings plus I have a meeting for Girl's Camp.
Friday: Jack's birthday. We really need to do something fun for Jack. He was sick for a week and a half and then he's had a fat lip from chewing on it while numb from the dentist. This kid needs a break! Plus he's the one whose needs usually get pushed aside, I'll admit it. I'm also hoping that my company arrives this day. (Hint-hint, Katie!)
Saturday: Busy day! Hopefully we'll get the kids out for an Easter Egg hunt and Isaac and his cousin are being baptized. Plus I want to do something fun with our guests.
Sunday: Easter! I'm hoping that this will be a nice, relaxing day. If all goes well, all I'll have to do that day is lead the choir in Sacrament Meeting and make dinner. Oh, and teach R.S. (Almost forgot about that....)

As you can imagine, many of these activities for this week have associated to-do lists: Prepare freezer meals, make desserts for auction, practice lines, print lists, make phone calls, birthday shopping, cooking, planning, wrapping, find baptismal clothing, clean house, dye eggs, decide if Easter Bunny is coming, bake desserts for baptism, learn song, prepare lesson...you get the idea. Plus there's all the daily stuff to do and a few projects that need finishing, like installing the downstairs toilet.

I'm kicking it all off really well by sitting here in my pajamas writing about it.

Hi! My name is Gwen and I've been meaning to tell you that I'm a procrastinator.

The Day of Rest

2011-03-14T21:46:00.004-06:00

I am the choir director for my ward. I'm also the 4th Sunday Relief Society Teacher. My husband is the Young Men's President and teaches the Teacher Improvement class during Sunday School. I have four kids, ages 7 and under, the youngest is just a couple weeks shy of (officially) attending nursery. On Sunday mornings my husband gets up and goes to meetings. I get the kids ready for church and (usually) make it on time. My husband can't always sit with our family because there aren't always enough deacons to pass the Sacrament. Then he usually has to stay after church for more meetings then heads to the hospital to help take the Sacrament to those who can't make it to church because of health reasons. When he gets home, I leave for choir practice. When I get home I throw together dinner and usually serve it to my husband in plastic storage containers so that he can eat it on his way to firesides, or whatever meeting is being held that night because, let's be honest, there's always some other meeting. I get the kids ready for bed while he's gone. When he gets home we have scripture study and family prayer then put the kids in bed.

I'm not patting myself on the back or saying that we're martyrs or anything like that. This truly is a typical Sunday at our house. We do it because we believe in the true church of Jesus Christ and because we have made covenants to do all that we can to give our time and talents to the building of the kingdom. So that is why, when I get home from church, make sure 4 kids get changed out of their church clothes, feed them lunch and then make phone calls to over 20 households to remind them about choir practice, I want to scream when I hear someone tell me they can't make it because choir is "during nap time."

(Bad) Job Well Done

2011-02-28T14:40:00.003-07:00

Look at this cute little guy, all relaxed and sleeping in his crib. Laid out on a plush pillow-pet, covered in a nice flannel blanket. He wore himself out, that's for sure.
Did you notice he's in a button-down shirt? Yeah, that's because this is what happened right after we came home from church last week. This is his well-earned, much-needed nap after two and a half hours of being a B.E.A.S.T. at church.

All through Sacrament Meeting he was unhappy to be touched, held, looked at or breathed on. He spent about 10 minutes with me in class during Sunday School before laying on the floor in a massive fit about who knows what. We spent the rest of our time searching for a room in which he could be occupied and entertained; the nursery, the mother's room, the hallway, the foyer and, when the time came, Relief Society. Each room was more upsetting than the last (although I'm not sure which of us was more upset.) Finally, feeling like I wasn't getting anything out of church that day and that we would disrupt any group we tried to join I finally strapped the little stinker in his car seat and drove him home. He fell asleep before we even made it into our neighborhood.

When I laid him in his crib this is the position he assumed. He sure has it rough.

Art

2011-02-23T12:31:00.001-07:00

Appendages growing straight out of your head deserve two giant thumbs up!

Oh, The Scandal!

2011-02-17T08:22:00.004-07:00

Isaac, Kenley and I are participating in a play this summer. Our stake is presenting "Porter Rockwell," a musical, and since I've always wanted to be in a musical, I decided this was probably my only chance to try. I convinced Isaac and Kenley that it would be something fun we could do together. Kenley has been excited from day one, although she spends all her time during practices playing with a pen and notebook. Isaac was hesitant but since we've started singing he's been on board. He's been reading the script and hoping to be cast as "Boy 4" because, "he gets to try and tackle young Porter." Isaac has also been offering pointers on how to portray my role, Mary Ann Neff, Porter's 2nd wife in the play.

Until last night it was unknown who would play the part of Porter. As we were leaving the building, "Porter" introduced himself to me. Isaac smiled at me as we walked to the car and said, "I know why you're meeting him."

"Because I have to be his wife in the play?" I asked.

"Yeah. I hope Dad doesn't watch the play and get jealous."

"Daddy knows that play is just pretend, bud. He's not going to be jealous."

Isaac, having just read my final scene answered, "But you embrace."

I'll Be Looking Forward To That

2011-01-21T15:03:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I picked out clothes for Jack after his bath. I was pretty excited because I chose some nice tan cuordoroy pants and a nice, pale blue and tan, plaid shirt that buttons up. I just knew he was going to look super handsome. He put on his pants without argument but began to pout as I buttoned his shirt. "I wanted to pick out my own shirt."

"But I already got a shirt for you and you look good, man." I countered, but the look on his face told me it was more important to him than it was to me. Still I was disappointed. "Okay," I said as I began to help him get off his shirt, "but will you wear this shirt another day for me? I think you look really nice in it."

"Yeah," Jack obliged, "I'll wear it on your birthday,"

You Had To Be There

2010-12-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

I really need to update my blog. But first I have to see if Katie has updated hers. I love her writing!

Fun Friends

2010-12-01T14:38:00.003-07:00

Sometimes it's funny how friends come to be. I have this friend Barbara and we have been neighbors for 3 years. We were friendly and served in the same church presidency for a while but were never really good friends. Then we both got pregnant. For both of us it was our fourth child, and for each of us it was our 3rd boy and we were both a little disappointed that we wouldn't be buying pink.
Jeremiah was Barbara's family's home teacher during and after our pregnancies. After he'd come home from visiting with them he'd say, "You and Barbara should get together, you have lot in common right now." I didn't know what to make of that because, at the time, I was still extremely hormonal and may have heard, "She's miserable and not at all fun to be around either."

I'm not sure who made the first step, but over time, she and I have become good friends. We laugh (at ourselves, mostly), text, and if it weren't for the sidewalk between our homes there would certainly be a worn path from one doorstep to the other. Not only have she and I become friends but our families have as well. We enjoy getting together as families and sharing dinner, playing games and letting the kids interact.Even our babies do well together (although in this picture it certainly looks like Hewitt is diabolically plotting against his playmate.) Funny how these two boys, born 10 days apart, brought two families together.

Five!

2010-12-01T14:15:00.005-07:00

I'm far too late posting about Kenley's birthday. She and Hewitt shared a party at the park with friends, cousins and grandparents. Kenley wanted "all mine friends" to be there, which meant all her cousins. I have to say that I'm so thankful that if Kenley can't have a sister that at least she has fun female cousins with feminine influence. Don't they look like ~~trouble~~ fun?

All her birthday wishes (and more) were granted as she opened several gifts. She was sufficiently spoiled and very appreciative as I helped her write out thank you notes for all who attended. (Although I was just as late delivering said notes as posting about her birthday. Meh.)

We also had a birthday dinner for her at our house on her birthday.

Kenley loves chocolate and requested chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

She has adopted a widow in our ward and insisted that she be there for her birthday. She calls her Grandma and prays for her every night. And if the rest of us forget her in our prayers we are abruptly reminded and chastened.

We were unable to find any birthday candles after the birthday party so Jeremiah lit matches. He's handy in pinch, that one.

Kenley has been such a blessing in our lives. I look at her beautiful little face and sometimes I just can't believe she's my daughter. She's so precious and fun and we couldn't imagine life without her.

Love you Kenley!

I'm Not Lazy

2010-11-15T21:30:00.004-07:00

For the last couple of years the cleanliness of my house has steadily declined. When I learned I was pregnant with Hewitt I decided that I was going to do everything I possibly could to have a healthy baby. I took it easy and practiced "selective neglect." I learned to be my own skeleton crew and do the bare minimum to keep my house functional. (And Jeremiah kicked in...a lot.) Things worked out well when I delivered my biggest baby yet without any emergencies or unexpected surprises.

After I had Hewitt I decided that I should ease back into caring for the house. I was recovering from surgery, after all. I started to do a little more a little at a time, giving Jeremiah a break from being breadwinner and housekeeper. But as I returned to duty, I just couldn't seem to get a rhythm back. Laundry and dishes were still piling, toilets were in need of a good scrub, toys found homes on the living room floor and the floors were in continual need of a vacuum or a mop.
Today I looked around my house and while it probably just looks "lived in," I can't tell you how much it gets me down. I clean every day. Every. Single. Day. But I also have Fibromyalgia. (It's a connective tissue disorder but it has several, seemingly unrelated symptoms.) It's something I try not to complain about outside of ~~whine-fests~~ conversations with my husband, mom and close friends who happen to catch me on a bad day. But really, it can be a little limiting, and not just in terms of housework.

I don't always pick up my kids because, little as they are, it actually hurts me to lift and hold them. A few minutes in my arms can mean a few hours of pain in my back. It's hard to explain to others because it sounds really dramatic, which is why I don't often mention it. But it breaks my heart that others might have the notion that I'm ignoring my children. It's a difficult balance of nurturing them and maintaining myself. Same goes for my house.

It's like I tell my husband some days when he gets home from work, "It may not look like I did anything today, but trust me: If I had done nothing, it would look tons worse!"

One Year Ago...

2010-10-01T09:00:00.004-06:00

-I was amazed that I had made it to my scheduled due date.

-I had my least stressful delivery ever.

-I was pleased at hearing "Six pounds" and moved to tears by hearing "1 ounce."

-I felt a great love for and from my Heavenly Father.

-I had no name for my new little baby.

-I admired the cute little cowlick on my baby's forehead.

-I was way over the initial (and short-lived) disappointment of having another boy.

-I felt a sense of completion.

-I wondered where Jeremiah and all the nurses were when I was trying to hold a nursing baby in one arm and a bag into which I was vomiting in the other.

-I had no idea that my new bundle of joy would bring so much joy into my life.

-I laughed at learning that when this little guy was hungry he snorted instead of crying.

-I didn't know that I wouldn't go through the sleep deprivation normally associated with newborns.

-I didn't know that my newest addition to the family would bring us all so close together, mostly in adoration of said addition.

-I couldn't see into the first year of his life and know how quickly it would pass, and how enjoyable it would be.

Happy Birthday, Hewitt! Thanks for joining the family. We love you!

In a Dirty Glass

2010-09-20T21:16:00.003-06:00

I read once that rats can live indefinitely on eggs - Jack could live indefinitely on milk.

Some people wake up and need their morning cup of coffee - Jack needs his sippy full of milk before his day can officially start. When he's ready for breakfast it had better be served with a second cup full of milk. Sometimes I tell him he has to eat before he can have more milk and he always asks for cereal - because you pour milk on cereal.

We buy 3 gallons of milk a week and Jack is the only one who drinks it straight up.

Patience is non-existent when Jack needs his milk. It doesn't matter what you're doing because he'll bring the cup and an entire gallon of milk to you. Even if it means you're pouring it for him in the bathroom because you are...uh...occupied.

His love for milk is so intense that we've actually grounded him from it as a punishment. It's one of the few things that really gets to him.

There is one sweet thing about Jack's little love affair; Jack rubs his hair while he drinks milk from his sippy. He can be one big stinker around the house. He's tough, he likes to rough house and he gets into mischeif. But stick a sippy of milk in his hands, set him on your lap and you have yourself a sweet little three-year old.

Yes, Jack loves milk. It does his body good.

This message (should be) sponsored by the United Dairymen of Idaho.

Dark Mood

2010-09-18T13:09:00.003-06:00

I am so tired of feeling second-rate. If I'm not good enough for you leave me out of your life completely. I don't just want to be here when you need me.

On To Your Next Adventure

2010-09-14T15:24:00.005-06:00

Thanks for the memories, Grandpa. We love you and will miss you. Until we meet again...

In Which We All Lost Our Stomachs

2010-09-07T13:09:00.006-06:00

This morning has been a doozy. The stomach flu has at last been forwarded to our address and it has held nothing back. It first found me Friday and has made a stop with each member of our household over the last few days.

I would have to say that I am thankful it hit me first. Jeremiah stayed home from work and took care of me and assumed the role of housewife for a day. He put me to shame in accomplishing things around the house, but I'm so thankful he was home. I was able to get tons of rest - I just didn't realize I was charging up for what will forever be known as Barf-fest 2010 - Family Edition.

Sunday was Kenley's turn and she took the opportunity to let it all out during Primary. I just happened to be in the Primary as a last-minute substitute when all of a sudden I heard some kid cough/burp/vomit and looked up and realized it was my little multi-tasker. She left a trail all the way to the hallway bathroom. Fortunately she came home and watched TV for a couple of hours and then felt better.

Yesterday Jack walked up to me in a panic just as I had answered the phone. It was obvious he was about to puke and I was trying to rush him to the toilet bowl. He hit everything but that. He also insisted that he was done throwing up and kept moving around until he had to throw up again - all over his carpet.

Jeremiah spent the whole day cleaning our storage room and by the time we were ready to eat our late dinner his stomach was rolling. I advised him to stay near the toilet and wait until he felt better to eat. While Kenley, Isaac and I were eating he was retching (rather loudly) in the bathroom.

I sent Isaac to bed with a bowl and left the light on in his bathroom with the toilet lid wide open. Call it 'mother's intuition' or call it 'reading the writing on the wall' - either way he was going to puke, and I knew it. Unfortunately I didn't know that Kenley would - possibly for the first time ever - heed our instruction to close the lid after using the toilet so that the baby can't get into it, and so when Isaac made his dash for the toilet he hit the lid. The best part? This happened in the night, but Isaac didn't want to wake me, so he just let it sit there.

Then Jack insisted he felt okay this morning so I gave him milk - which he let turn into cheese in his stomach before projectile vomiting it all over my bed. To top it all off, both Kenley and Jack wet the bed (Jack's water-proof mattress pad happened to already be in the laundry) and while I was off to buy toilet bowl cleaner & Lysol Hewitt woke up, and according to Jeremiah, "He pooped up to his armpits."

Today's Facebook post:
Today I am thankful for hot running water, a washing machine, disinfectant spray, toilet bowl cleaner, a carpet shampooer and my mother...who only laughed a little.

I don't have such a charmed life today, do I, Mom?

2010-08-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

And....

2010-07-28T18:02:00.004-06:00

At the beginning of the summer I thought, "I had better keep my kids busy or they're going to sit in front of the TV and then we'll wonder where the summer went." So I scheduled stuff, like Science Camp, swim lessons, picnics at the park, and summer movies to keep them entertained. Plus there's been family reunions and neighborhood parties. Jeremiah's been busy with his new calling as Young Men's president and I've tried to help with different organizations as well.

Now it is almost August, the stores are having "Back to School" sales with lists for each school at the front of the store and I'm still left wondering where the summer has gone. The days are longer but it seems like there's never enough time to do the things we need to do, let alone the things we want to do. We haven't even taken a weekend jaunt this summer. I had big plans to take bike rides in the mornings but when the kids "can't sleep" until after 11:00 most nights I'm more exhausted the next morning than I was when I finally got to bed.

Anyway, not sure what my point is. I'm going to eat my lasagna.

Giggles

2010-07-07T18:30:00.003-06:00

"I'm waffling between changing my favorite color from green to blue."

*****

"I think you and Dad are the first and second nicest people in the world. You first, Dad second. Well, maybe Dad's fifth. You know why? Farting around other people - he does that."

Lost in Translation

2010-06-17T10:35:00.005-06:00

When I opened the box to my new blender, I couldn't help laughing as I saw this box...

Do you think it's possible that the words "This Side Up" were supposed to be printed in three languages?

Fail

Falle

échouer

What's Popped Up

2010-06-11T15:13:00.003-06:00

Some lovely yellow and peach-burgandy iris. They smell so good! The peach ones almost have a citrus smell to them. The best part is they require little care, although they might appreciate it if I removed the weeds. My happy groundcover, lamium. I super love this plant. I have two varieties planted and I can't look at it without smiling.

And the pièce de résistance, a gorgeous blue hydrangea. This is my all-time favorite flower. I purchased this with my Mother's Day $$$ (although my mom is the one who picked it out, she did a great job!) and it is my newest baby. I *heart* it.

In Just a Few Moments Time...

2010-06-10T16:40:00.003-06:00

...we go from sweet, clean, happy face... ...to sweet, messy, elated face...

...to bathtime.

Some Legacy

2010-05-15T13:41:00.002-06:00

Just now I was in my kitchen washing the dishes that were too large to fit in the dishwasher that I had just loaded. Isaac finished his lunch and brought his plate over to where I was standing and asked, "Should I put my plate in the sink or in the dishwasher?"

"Put them in the dishwasher, please." I answered.

Isaac loaded his plate and asked, "Why do we have a sink and a dishwasher?"

Before I even had a chance to open my mouth he answered his own question, "Oh. In case your mother dies. That must be why."

One For the Books

2010-05-10T13:50:00.005-06:00

I had the best Mother's Day! The fun started on Saturday. Jeremiah and I worked on our lawn for a bit, which I actually love doing, and then we went to pick up our Bountiful Basket. While we were out Jeremiah said, "Let's go pick up your Mother's Day gift." So he drives us...straight to Wal-Mart. He had never asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day so I was pretty curious what we were shopping for.

Our store was just remodeled and as he walked I wondered if he knew where he was going. We walked past the clothing, housewares, toys...and then I thought, "Oh yeah, I've been talking about getting a new blender. He must not know where to find the small appliances." Just then he stops at the last toy aisle, right next to the bikes! I have wanted a bike for over a year and I was as happy as a kid in a candy store! I picked one out and gave it a test drive in the store. So I didn't just get a bike, I got to be a kid again! (Power play, Babe.)

We came home and got cleaned up, since we were all shopping in our yard work clothes, and headed over to my parents for a BBQ. We stuffed ourselves silly on some fat hamburgers and hot dogs, played some games and talked with family and the missionaries my parents are housing. We had a great time but had to leave a little early to make it to a graduation party.

As we were driving on the highway we could see a storm coming and it looked like the place we were headed might be the epicenter....it was. The party was outside on some undeveloped property but even with the wind we had a blast. We ate (again) and got to talk with Sean and Tammy and their families. The kids loved playing in the "forest" and I got to poke around in a campfire while Sean's dad wasn't watching. Isaac got brave and swung from a rope out of a tree while Kenley declared everything to be "Awesome!" Jeremiah and I even had time to enjoy ourselves as Jack and Hewitt slept in the van for about 1 1/2 hours after we arrived. It was a super great party and we're so happy that Sean is finally done with school...even if he's not a Doctor. :)

Sunday morning Isaac gave me the gift he'd made at school: a marigold and nasturtium planted in a pot he'd colored, some service coupons and a booklet in which he'd filled in the blanks about me. We enjoyed church and came home with some flowers. My parents came over in the evening and we had a BBQ. Dinner was delicious (baby back ribs, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh watermelon) and then we had a terrific strawberry pizza for dessert. By the end of the evening I think we were all fat and happy. The kids sang a song to my mom and then Gammie and Bucka left. I took a quick ride on my bike (which was eventful enough to deserve it's own post) and then Nana and Papa stopped in. We fed them some dessert and the kids sang a song to Nana, too.

After everyone had left Kenley, Isaac and I found ourselves at the table. I absentmindedly began singing a mother's day song and then Isaac looked meaningfully at Kenley and prompted her to, "Come here." They went over to the piano, took down the children's songbook and Isaac said, "Mom, we've already sung to the Grandma's, but now we're going to sing to you." It was so cute! They sang "Quickly I'll Obey" and while I know they're more likely to quickly forget, it was the sweetest thing because I knew they thought of it all on their own. By the time the kids were all in bed I was pretty wiped out from all the fun. I fell asleep while Jeremiah rubbed my feet.

What a perfect weekend! I'm still smiling.

Holy Smoke

2010-05-07T13:16:00.003-06:00

Jeremiah and I attended a fire safety dinner a few weeks ago. It wasn't a sales-pitch, but we did opt to have a representative come to our home for a fire safety evaluation. We ended up purchasing some new smoke/fire alarms, 2 fire extinguishers, a fire ladder and a carbon monoxide alarm. They were pretty spendy, but we really felt like it was a good idea, especially since only a couple of weeks before I'd had some thoughts about our fire insurance and came home to find our gas furnace on the fritz. When we had it fixed we learned that the circuitry had either caught fire before or was close to it when we noticed the problem.

Today I was outside doing some yard work and the kids were inside watching TV. The stinkin' trim line on the weed-whacker kept getting stuck. One of the times when I had to stop to fix it, I heard the smoke alarm going off. I ran in the house to find my kitchen full of smoke. I did a quick panoramic sweep of the kitchen and saw that it was coming from the microwave. I remembered I'd told Kenley she could make some popcorn while she and Jack watched TV. I'm not sure how long she'd put it in there for but 21:00 was left on the timer. I peeked through the door and saw that the popcorn wasn't on fire...yet. I told the kids to get out front and then I took the charred bag out of the microwave. Luckily, it never caught on fire and I was able to air out the house pretty quickly.

Here are some things I learned from this experience:

*The new alarms were a good investment. The old alarms that are wired in didn't go off at all . The new alarm that was sounding was placed right next to the original smoke alarm.

*Even though Kenley has made popcorn by herself several times, she really should still have some supervision.

*Hewitt will sleep through the smoke alarms. He didn't even stir and he was in the same room, directly under the blaring alarm.

*We need more fire drills. After we purchased the alarms we had a family night about fire safety and set off the alarm so the kids would recognize it and we practiced our escape routes. But when the alarm was going off Kenley and Jack sat firmly planted in their seats watching Jimmy Neutron.

*Burned popcorn really stinks.

*Ability to burn popcorn may be hereditary. Jeremiah set a bag of microwave popcorn on fire in Mexico during our honeymoon. The condo stunk so bad and we had to throw the ruined bag out on the balcony. I still tease him about it cause that's pretty much all I've got on him.

Have You Tried Couponing?

2010-04-28T09:38:00.002-06:00

That's right...100% SAVINGS. Holla!

In Which You'll Learn My True Nature

2010-04-27T09:25:00.001-06:00

Years ago my husband gave me a jewelry box for my birthday. It was wooden with little frosted glass panes. I was livid. At the time my jewelry collection comprised of a watch, my engagement ring and my wedding ring. I very ungraciously received the gift, criticizing that it looked like something he would pick out for his mother, which I absolutely did not appreciate.

Jeremiah bore my rudeness with grace and then explained that although I didn't have much jewelry at the time, over the years I would probably collect more and he wanted me to have a safe place to keep it. I softened a bit at his thoughtfulness, but still returned the jewelry box and got a much smaller and, if I'm being totally honest, far less-practical jewelry box.

A few months later he gave me a diamond necklace for our anniversary. A necklace that is now lost.

Over the last couple of years I've decided that I like wearing earrings and sometimes you'll even catch me in a necklace. I have more than one watch and even a bracelet or two. In short, I have a jewelry collection. Although I have the cheap jewelry box that I bought as a replacement for the offending box, I haven't used it. My jewelry has found a home in a bathroom drawer.

The other day I was looking for the second of a pair of earrings. I was digging through the little container inside the drawer, pulling out tangled masses of necklaces with earring dangling from them, when I said to myself, "I need a jewelry box."

At those words a surge of guilt ran through my body. Jeremiah's forethought had come to fruition. And all I could think of was how childish and selfish I had behaved when he had given me that thoughtful gift several years ago. And then I remembered how kind he had been to me, even when I was behaving so poorly. How he bore the criticism with patience and didn't respond with anger. It made me think of this story:

A story contained in the family lore of Brigham Young’s descendants illustrates the submissive nature of humility. It recounts that in a public meeting the Prophet Joseph, possibly as a test, sternly rebuked Brigham Young for something he had done or something he was supposed to have done but hadn’t—the detail is unclear. When Joseph finished the rebuke, everyone in the room waited for Brigham Young’s response. This powerful man, later known as the Lion of the Lord, in a voice everyone could tell was sincere, said simply and humbly, “Joseph, what do you want me to do?” (Marlin K. Jensen, “‘To Walk Humbly with Thy God’,” Liahona, Jul 2001, 9–12)

I love my husband. I can honestly say that I knew from our first date that he was my eternal companion. I obviously don't deserve him sometimes, but I'm so thankful for him and his example. He makes me want to be a better person and is so understanding and uncritical of my imperfections. I pray, and hopefully live, so that in time I can prove to be as worthy a companion to him as he is to me.

I love you, Miah!

Spring Swap

2010-04-20T09:24:00.004-06:00

I've been a little slow getting to this post. April is a crazy month at our house and my package came on my 7-year old's birthday. I opened it, oohed and aahed at it, then put it in my room so it was out of the way for birthday activities. I almost forgot about it!

Anyway, thank you Mamamonki for the awesome package! Here's what she sent me:
1. Adorable butterfly luminary.
2. 3 yummy candles (1 is already half gone in the luminary.)
3. A little book of hugs.
4. Super awesome garden toolbelt with zinnia seeds. I'm excited about this one because I am notorious for losing things even while stationary so having a belt to keep all my gardening tools handy should be uber helpful,
5. Lovely daisy picture frame. Perfect for our new family pictures!
6. Trendy note pads and pen. I so needed these! I am so forgetful lately I need to write things down all the time.
7. Lilac lotion. Our last home was bordered in by lilacs. I so miss the smell!
8. Lilac hand soap. Mmm!

And then of course there was a sweet note to go with it all. Also, not pictured is a bird figure that I forgot to get down. It's already up on my kitchen shelf. I wasn't sure I would like it at first - I'm not much of an animal person - but I absolutely love it on my shelf!

I really enjoyed the swap. Thanks Shortmama!

(Click here to see my package to Mamamonki.)

Giveaways Galore

2010-04-12T09:46:00.003-06:00

So, I like to enter contests and giveaways. I've actually won quite a few things over the years, from cash to concert tickets, ice cream to Italian food, cd's and dip. Now I'd like to win something every hour! That's why I'm entering Tip Junkie's Spring Fling, you should too!

How Sweet are Their Feet?

2010-04-08T08:58:00.001-06:00

We had family pictures taken during Spring Break. Maybe we should have called it "Technically-Spring-But-Still-Flipping-Freezing Break." Yeah, that would have been very accurate. Our neighbor did a great job taking photos of her shivering subjects. In their individual shots you can see their little faces turning blue. Oh what we won't subject our children to in the name of preserving memories.

As cute as they are, the photographer and I both decided we'd like to go out on a warmer day (although we may have to travel to someplace tropical if we'd like to do it anytime soon) and retake some of the pics. The wind was blowing our hair in our faces and apparently Jeremiah is unable to keep his eyes open outdoors, I should have remembered that from our squinty-eyed wedding photos.

Sleep on That One

2010-04-07T12:20:00.004-06:00

As we came home from dance class this morning Kenley was paying attention to the billboards as we passed. There was a jewelry ad with a happy couple: "There's a boy and a girl!...they're gone." There was a realty ad: "Here comes a girl!...she's gone." And there was a Serta ad with the sheep standing on a pile of mattresses. Maybe the concept of sheep and mattresses was lost on her, or maybe the sun was in her eyes, but as we approached the final billboard she was completely perplexed. "A popcorn trophy?"

It's a Fortune Cookie, Not a Fairy-Godmother

2010-03-31T13:06:00.004-06:00

I finally made good on an offer to take my parents out for dinner as a thank-you for letting us stay with them while our furnace was repaired and as a late birthday dinner for my mom. We decided to hit the Mongolian Grill and get our fresh on.

At the end of the meal we all received our fortune cookies. Isaac loved reading everyone's fortunes and was most excited to read Kenley's, "You will soon gain something you have always wanted." Kenley's eyes lit up as well and we all commented on her good fortune.

Before we had even boxed up our leftovers Kenley was over whispering in my ear about how she's "always wanted Mariocart and remember that toy we saw with the princesses on it? And it had a tea pot and some plates?" I couldn't figure out why she was telling me all this until my mom laughingly reminded me of Kenley's fortune.

Isaac's fortune said he would live comfortably, abounding in material wealth. Maybe I could ask for an advance loan to help Kenley's fortune along.

Friend Makin' Monday

2010-03-22T18:39:00.004-06:00

I feel like my blog has been a little neglected lately. A lot goes through my head and as things happen I think, "I need to blog that." -And that's the end of that story.

But I thought it would be fun to link up and meet some new people and introduce myself as well. Click on the button to meet the host, Amber and click on other's friendly posts.

1. Favorite things about Spring: The sound of the lawnmower. I was pregnant all last summer and it was so hard to me to NOT mow the lawn. Which is crazy, since I'm allergic to grass. But nothing looks better than a freshly mown lawn.
2. What I'm doing for Spring Break: We're having family pictures taken. It's been too long and I'm so excited, I went and bought the whole family new clothes.

3. Favorite Spring flower: Love grape hyacinths. Those cute little purplies make me smile.
4. Do you have a garden? We're square-foot gardeners. Little space, big produce.
5. If so, what do you grow. Last year we planted late and then neglected it all summer. (see #1) All that grew were the zucchini. But my favorite to plant is peas. They don't make it from the garden into the house though.
6. Do you do Spring cleaning? Kind of. I clean all the time...right? I do want to vacuum off the ceiling fans and blinds over Spring Break.
7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it's "officially" spring, doesn't mean that it feels like it for some of you} We had a hail storm this evening followed by a little bit of snow. Hopefull the sun will shine tomorrow.
8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us! No photos. I barely even go outside if it's chilly at all. I just started walking out to the mailbox again. :)
9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon? I take a great book and go read on the porch swing while the kids play in the yard. I love to feed em' lunch in the sunshine on the picnic table.
10. Favorite TV show right now? I'd have to say Community on NBC. That's my kind of comedy!

You See What I'm Up Against?

2010-03-18T11:54:00.003-06:00

Jack has been in the process of potty ~~forcing~~ training for the last few weeks. Some days he does okay, other days I end up in angry and defeated tears.

This morning, so far, Jack has stayed dry, but only because I have reminded him to use the toilet and placed him on there every time I think he might need to go.

Jack was climbing the shelves of our storage room and found some single-serve Kool-Aid packets. When he asked if he could have some I told him he had to use the potty first. We went up to the bathroom and I asked if he had dry pants. He cups his hand over himself and looks at me with a sad look and says, "They're wet. I peed in them."

Because it's his first accident of the day I was able to keep it pretty cool. I gave him my best I'm-disappointed-but-it-will-be-okay look and start to think of where he might have had the accident when he perkily adds, "They're dry!" I step up to him and feel that, sure enough, they are dry.

My kid is totally playing me.

Jack-1. Mom-0.

Again?

2010-03-15T13:08:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun getting a package ready for Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap that I want to do it again. Thanks Shortmama for hosting the Spring Swap. I'm so excited!

Oh Yeah, I Feel It

2010-03-15T13:00:00.003-06:00

The love that is, thanks to my swap partner Amy.

I got a great package in the mail today.Included was a stainless steele water bottle, a Glade oil candle warmer, a Scentsy plumeria car candle, a Yankee Sweet Honeysuckle votive, Sweet Love perfume and a daily calendar. Super cute and fun stuff! (But I wonder, could Amy smell me from clear across the country?)

Thanks Amy and thanks Mamarazzi!

Milestone

2010-03-09T10:10:00.004-07:00

My sweet baby is sitting up! And it looks like he doesn't even care. :o)
"Look, Mom, no hands!"

February 26, 2010, just a few days shy of 5 months.

Laugh Lines

2010-03-09T09:22:00.001-07:00

"Isaac, it's time to get up and get ready for school."

In a sleepy voice, with eyes still closed and barely stirring, Isaac says, "I want to sign a document that says I never have to go to school again. It will be a liberty document."

*****

"I think a good birthday cake for a moth would be a big sweater."

Happy Birthday, Dr Suess!

2010-03-02T12:05:00.003-07:00

Thing 1 is my son.

I love him so.

How much I love him he cannot know.

But each day as he walks out the door

I let him know that I love him more

than I did the day just before.

They Make Me Smile

2010-02-25T16:57:00.004-07:00

Jack just came up to me with half a yellow Froot Loop shoved up his nose and said, "Mom, pretend this is a booger."
*****
Kenley: Knock. Knock.
Me: Who's there?
K: Orange.
M: Orange who?
K: Orange just went out front without even asking!
*****
Each day Isaac has to write a sentence using the word of the day - or something like that. Today's word was "kennel" and here is his sentence: If I was a superhero I would throw my house in a kennel and walk to the Grand Canyon.
*****
Jeremiah: Knock. Knock.
Me: Who's there?
J: Mango.
M: Mango who?
J: Mango wherever his woman go.

Because I Just Want to Have Fun!

2010-02-19T08:13:00.005-07:00

So I'm trying something I've never done before because I need something fun to do! I'm going to participate in a swap. My friend has participated in Mamarazzi's swaps before and I am always uber jealous of the fun packages she receives. I'm really excited! Now I really have to think, "What are my favorite things?"

Is This Funny to Only Me?

2010-02-16T22:06:00.005-07:00

Perhaps the joy of digital photography is that you feel okay about taking pictures like this one.
Does anyone else see what I see? 'Cause I see a bubble butt. Maybe it's cause I don't get out much, but I took this picture in May and I am still laughing. I guess if you're destined to ~~a life of servitude~~ be a stay-at-home mom you get your laughs where you can. Haha...I said can.

Maybe I shouldn't blog after taking Nyquil...

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

2010-02-16T21:59:00.005-07:00

It's cute when babies do it literally. Not so cute when adults do it figuratively. That's just one of life's little quirks.

P.S. I need a better tag for Hewitt than "Number 4." Any suggestions?

Nonsense & Nonsensibility

2010-02-16T09:07:00.003-07:00

Will someone please explain to me why my children constantly run through the house until I need them to hurry? Isaac wakes up a full hour before the bus comes. When he gets up he's expected to eat, get dressed, brush his teeth and grab his backpack. A rigorous regimen, to be sure. One hour seems beyond sufficient but every morning we are scrambling in the minutes before he needs to leave to catch the bus. Then it seems like all afternoon he is running around the house, running into walls, siblings and other things and we just can't get him to slow down. Anyway, there's my rant. (Hey, no one is forcing you to read this.)

The morning does bring out some funny things, though. This morning Isaac poured himself a large bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites. When he actually finished I said, "I have to admit I didn't think you'd eat all that cereal, but it looks like I was wrong."

"Yep. When kids need to eat you just gotta let them eat. All the fiber in here is going to keep me full and focused." (Kudos to the Kellogg's marketing team.) "I'm really, really, really full. Actually, more than 3 'reallies'." (Has anyone ever written the plural of really? Did I do it correctly?)

And then he said something else that was funny just before he left, but I forgot. I probably could have focused better had I too been really, really, really full.

Day 100

2010-01-29T07:58:00.006-07:00

Isaac is coming up on his 100th day of school. He was assigned to gather and display a group of 100 things. I signed up to help out in his classroom on Monday (let's hope I don't forget this time) for their 100 Days celebration where we will be making snack bags of 100 things and doing other stuff...I don't really know. All I know is that last night - right before bedtime - Isaac remembered that his 100 things display was not due on Monday, it was due today.

Out came the glue, the crayons and the construction paper. Oh, and the noodles and the beans. Isaac decided that the mini farfalle reminded him of chickens and that we could use beans for the dirt. Jeremiah managed to locate some ancient gel glue which required approximately 90 lbs of pressure to squeeze out a single drop. (I did the squeezing while Jeremiah and Kenley played Super Mario Brothers. Someday I want to be the dad.) On the bright side, after ten reps. of ten I have forearms to rival Popeye's.

I drew the first few chicken bodies so Isaac would get the idea and then he drew the rest. Each chicken has 2 pasta wings and 8 beans for earth (2+8=10x10 chickens = 100). I wished I had some white beans open and the chickens could have laid eggs.

(Do the chickens have large talons? Why yes, Napolean, they do.)

Although it was last minute, I thought it turned out pretty cute and creative. But I have a sneaking suspicion that maybe it really isn't due until Monday...

(Also, why does Blogger take out my spaces between paragraphs?)

?

2010-01-27T12:10:00.005-07:00

I learned on Sunday that Jack has a nurturing side.

Apparently during nursery he grabbed a baby doll, nursed it and patted it's back while soothing it with the words, "It's okay, baby Hewitt, just eat this breast."

But the crowning moment, according to all who witnessed it, was when he pulled away and exclaimed, "Ow!"

Cursed Compliments

2010-01-20T07:23:00.003-07:00

We're all sitting down to dinner the other night, which generally means the beginning of the "Just try it!" and "Sit down and eat it!" fights between my husband and the kids. This night was different, however, because Kenley began eating and said, "This is good, Mom! This is damn good."

Jeremiah and I exchange looks of surprise and ask, "What?"

Innocently, Kenley responds, "This is damn good!"

"Well thanks, Kenley...I'm glad you like it!"

Note: I let her eat a little while before telling her that a more polite way to let me know she enjoyed dinner was to say it was "super" good. She didn't get in trouble because I know she had no idea that was a swear word and I didn't want to punish her for paying me a compliment. But I really am curious where she heard the phrase.

About My Daughter. Wait, I Mean My Son.

2010-01-10T21:22:00.005-07:00

My first two sons were born in April and my daughter was born in October, so when I learned I was pregnant again last February and due in October, I assumed it would be a girl. You know, just to follow the pattern. When I learned at our ultrasound that my baby was boy I teared up a little. I didn't cry, but I was a little disappointed.

I remembered wanting so badly to have a sister when I was growing up in a house overflowing with testosterone. I projected those feelings onto my own daughter, who, as of yet, seems not to care in the least degree that she is an only girl.

I got over the disappointment pretty quickly because I was just thankful to be blessed yet again with another spirit fresh from Heaven. I've since apologized to Hewitt for having been sad at learning his gender. He's been such a sweet baby and I know that no matter what I hoped or asked for, Heavenly Father sent me just what I needed.

But I couldn't help but laugh when the following message was left on our phone:

This is So-and-So from Family Doctor's office. We're calling because your insurance has denied the claim for Hewitt's circumcision because they think he is a little girl. Please call and let them know that he is a boy and we will resubmit the claim.

Quote of the Day

2010-01-04T07:59:00.001-07:00

"I know I s'posed to be happy...but I not."

Apparently Jack has watched "It's Christmas, Charlie Brown" a few too many times this holiday season.

The Christmas Spirit

2009-12-18T09:02:00.003-07:00

Jack has been so excited for Christmas! The first thing he does every morning is plug in the Christmas lights "so they can be bootiful". After we decorated our tree we let him place the star on top. He was so happy to "put the star on the stick on the tree...like a Garfield".

We've been asking Jack what he wants from Santa and his reply is always "presents." He can't tell you what should be inside there, but he knows he wants presents. He also will tell you "Santa Claus is coming to town" anytime you mention Santa.

The other night before getting into bed he came in to my room to request "Santa music" in his room. He is constantly asking to watch "Frosty the Snowman" and other Christmas specials. He calls wreaths "Skittles" (?) and says, "It's a Candy Land!" every time he sees a candy cane.

His excitement is visible...and audible as he can't stop jumping around. It's been very fun to see his excitement. It's really making the season bright!

I just hope he'll sleep on Christmas Eve so that Santa can actually come!

She Has a Point

2009-12-16T11:45:00.002-07:00

"Want some cinnamon toast for breakfast?"

"No, I already got mine cereal and bowl."

"But honey, we're out of milk."

"That's okay. We can just make some milk."

"No, we can't. We have to buy it."

"Why?"

"Because milk comes from cows. We don't have a cow, so we have to buy our milk."

"Soooo...let's buy a cow."

It makes sense, really. But I wasn't going cattle shopping for a single bowl of cereal.

Time on Your Hands

2009-12-09T07:33:00.005-07:00

Congratulations to Jackie! Your name was pulled in the Crazy Daisy Jewelry giveaway! Please send an email to 3Tfoodblog@gmail.com so I can get your contact information. If I don't hear from you in the next 2 days an alternate winner will be chosen.

Jackie asked to win Stone Age

Didn't win? Well, there's still plenty of time for you to visit Crazy Daisy Jewelry and purchase your favorite watch. I'm not much of a jewelry wearer but I found these watches hard to resist. Thanks to all who entered!

Tummy Time

2009-12-08T08:44:00.006-07:00

I love the look on his face in this one. Look how those cheeks just hang down. :^) I could just eat him up sometimes.

What a perfect little profile! I love this sweet kid!

So after taking a few still photos of Hewitt lifting up his head I decided to put the camera to the video setting and just record. I was surprised at what happened next...

How often do you catch THE VERY FIRST "FIRST" on video? This was the very first time that Hewitt rolled over. It's like he was just waiting for me to hit record. I guess you can hear my surprise, but I was totally taken aback! Hewitt has been such a fun blessing in our home. love, Love, LOVE that kid!

(Oh, and did I mention he's sleeping through the night? Yeah, it's okay to hate me just a little.)

Free Time

2009-12-04T10:00:00.001-07:00

You'll see how cute that title really is in just a minute...and how cute the phrase 'just a minute' is...although that one was completely unintentional...and then you'll wonder why I started out with this explanation because it's pretty obvious...aaaanywho...moving on...

Is it just me, or has 2009 totally flown by? I can't believe I feel that way since I spent most of it being pregant. But truly, it seems as though we just celebrated the New Year and here we are gearing up to welcome in 2010. And just this week I took my baby in for his 2-MONTH check-up. I don't remember saying he could grow up. Oh well, now he fits in with my other kids who don't listen to me.

I've heard it said that the only thing we all have in common is time. We are each given 24 hours a day and it's up to us what we do with it. Somedays I spend it really well, other days I completely waste it. Other days I just plain ol' lose track of it.

So, why all this yappin' about time? Because for the first time ever Good To Be Me is hosting a giveaway! You know those lovely beaded watches with interchangeable faces and bands that are rapidly gaining popularity among the with it and hip? Well, you have a chance to win one!

Good To Be Me had teamed up with Crazy Daisy Jewelry to give one lucky reader their very own beaded watch! All you have to do is visit Crazy Daisy Jewelry's website, then come back to this post and leave a comment telling me which watch you want to win. I'll leave comments open until 10:00PM MST on Tuesday, December 8. The winner will be chosen at random by an unbiased source (read: A 2-year old will pull your printed comment out of a bowl).

These are the two bands that I own and love. Both are from Crazy Daisy Jewelry.

And guys, this would be a smart giveaway for you to enter. You may not want a ladies watch, but chances are you know a lady, and chances are you need a Christmas gift for a certain lady, and I'm positive that lady would want one of these watches. I know because I asked her.

(If you're reading this on Facebook, you'll have to visit the actual post on my blog to leave a comment and be entered in the giveaway.)

The Trickle-Down Tomboy Effect

2009-11-30T10:07:00.003-07:00

Ok, so I spent a lot of time around family this weekend and 1 thing I noticed is that my daughter is not very girly. I watched her play with her girl cousins, some of whom will rarely wear anything but a skirt. And at one point one of my neices was terribly distraught over the fact that her dress was not twirly enough. I give Kenley credit for just knowing what a dress is!

I guess it was destined to happen. I am the single female out of 7 children and I have a long way to go on the being a lady front. And I'm her main femenine influence. The odds are stacked against her. But I know one thing that could really help! The Polka Dot Daisy is having another fantastic giveaway with adorable, Christmas GIRLY accessories!

I am especially in love with the Peppermint tutu and think it could work wonders as I try to teach Kenley how to effectively twirl. There may be hope for us yet!

Another Jack Attack

2009-11-22T11:33:00.002-07:00

I'd say I remained surprisingly cool as I shampooed blue marker out of our cream carpet. Jack should be ready to leave his room in about 4 years...when it's time to go to school.

I Was Possessed

2009-11-13T07:59:00.004-07:00

This morning I went for a run. Okay, a jog...or maybe...I'm not sure what to call it, but I was out there. I've never been a runner or even one who exercises regularly so I set short, realistic, attainable goals; such as, "just run until the sidewalk curves", "make it to the Stop sign", "run in front of so-and-so's house in case she's awake and looking out her window so you'll have a witness".

Taking an idea from Audrey, here are a few of my thoughts.

*being able to breath through your nose is a desirable ability
*maybe running in the cold morning air with a sinus infection on the horizon isn't the best idea
*back pain and the fact that I'm nursing my baby may make this morning's jaunt a singular event
*I did better than I thought I would, probably because I ran and walked intermittently
*I'll have to make sure my iPod is charged if I go out again
*I really need to work on breathing (are burning lungs normal?)

Overall, more complaints than anything, but it was my first time and I'm just six weeks out from having surgery. Maybe I'll go out again, maybe not. It would help to have company, but I'm sure I'd slow anybody else down. Perhaps I'll get a turtle.

Portrait

2009-11-05T13:42:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Isaac and I were in my room when I found his school pictures. "We keep forgetting to hand these out," I tell him.

"Are we going to have a yard sale with my pictures?"

"You think people would pay money for a picture of you?"

"Yeah."

"Why would someone pay money for a picture of you? You're not even famous."

"Yes, I am! One time I played twenty-three pianos at the same time!"

Adult Supervision Required

2009-11-03T13:35:00.003-07:00

Sometimes I wonder what I do all day. Seriously, like where did the hours of 10 AM - 2 PM go? I'd like to say that I spend them doing something productive, but looking around my house there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. In fact, the evidence seems to be mounding exponentially. I have a condition called Fibromyalgia and sometime go into what is known as a Fibro-fog, but I can only fall back on that excuse so often. Most days, I have no explaination.

Take the other day for example. I heard Hewitt crying in my bedroom. I went in there to see Jack trying to look innocent while standing over the bassinet. I fully expected to lift my crying baby out of his resting place, but guess what...the bassinet was empty. Jack had tried to "help" him out of his blanket and ended up rolling him right out of his bed and onto the floor like a meatball off a mound of spaghetti.

Not long after that I decided to bathe both Kenley and Jack. While they were bathing I went into my bedroom, which is adjacent to the bathroom, to fold laundry. I heard lots of splashing and went in to check on them. They had decided to take a bubble bath...by pouring all the shampoo into the tub. Seriously, it was a brand new bottle of shampoo! The water was so thick with suds I had to drain it and spray them down with the shower head.

Later that day I came into my front room and found that Jack had relocated an entire tube of lipstick (which begs the question, "why do I even own lipstick?") from inside my purse to all over my wood floor and newly shampooed cream carpet!

Then the next day Jack found a tub of vaseline and decided it would do wonders on the walls and carpet in his bedroom. I may have lost conciousness at some point because I really don't know how I handled it. He's still alive, so it couldn't have been all that bad.

Now that I think about it, there's one common factor in all of this...Jack. And all I can think to do is look at him and ask, "Where is your mother?"

And the Light Turns On

2009-10-20T14:35:00.004-06:00

After church we like to try and have the kids give us a recap about what they learned during Primary over dinner. Isaac was happy to share that he learned about 4 ways to communicate, "Ya know, revolution, computer, telephone and letters."

That's when Jeremiah and I gave each other blank stares, stifled laughter and then turned to Isaac, asking in unison, "Revolution?"

"Yeah, ya know...revolution?" He asks with a look of "DUH" streaming out of his eyeballs.

So Jeremiah asked, "Can you give me an example of revolution?"

Isaac, getting annoyed, pointed up and said, "Jesus!"

That's when the answer, and the irony, hit us both...REVELATION!

I Have to Do This Again?

2009-10-14T11:51:00.004-06:00

Jack is finally "excited" about wearing underwear and using the potty. So today we are officially beginning potty-training him. That also means that our carpet shampooer will get a steady workout over the next couple of months...I'm hoping weeks.

Wish me luck. And send me chocolate.

Did I Mention...

2009-10-13T12:04:00.004-06:00

...that I had a baby?

I feel really terrible that he's nearly two weeks old and this is my fist post about our new addition. No excuse other than I've been enjoying him. How could I not...he only wakes up once a night and he's a sweetheart to boot! Hewitt Daniel was born October 1, weighed 6 pounds 1 ounce, and was 19 inches long. When the Dr. told me his weight I had to hold back tears! My 2 goals this pregnancy were to have a full term pregnancy and to have at least a six-pound baby. (Since both my boys were born in the 36th week and my largest baby up until now was 5 1/2 lbs.) I was very thankful to have reached both those goals.I was wondering how Jack would react to his arrival but he's been very accepting and excited. He always asks to hold the baby and will randomly blurt out, "I love the baby!" Jack pronounces the baby's name "Hoo-it," which I think is cute. Also, Jack is HUGE! Adding a baby really made the other kids seem grown up.

Isaac has kind of surprised me. He really loves holding Hewitt and gets upset if his turn gets cut short for any reason. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, Isaac is really a cuddly kid. Hewitt's name means "little smart one" and Isaac had fun taking Smarties to his 1st grade class to share the news.

And of course Kenley thinks that having a baby in the house is wonderful. She claims she's magic when she holds the baby and he falls asleep. She's a great helper and thinks she is so grown up when she helps take care of Hewitt.

Here are the kids visiting ~~the TV~~ me at the hospital. They thought it was great laying in a movable bed while watching a TV mounted on the wall. No, they don't get out much. Why do you ask?

And there he is. I really have never had a baby that was this good so soon. I got up with him 3 times the first night, twice the second night and once a night ever since. He's up at about 3:30 AM and then he wakes up about 10-15 minutes before my alarm goes off, which is also nice because I can get him fed and changed before I wake up Isaac for school.

Our family feels so blessed! We're so thankful that this pregnancy and delivery went so well. I feel really great and our family is really happy. It certainly helps that we had meals brought in from wonderful friends and neighbors for a full week! We were certainly spoiled and we are so grateful. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers in our behalf.

The Good News & the Bad News

2009-10-12T13:18:00.002-06:00

The Bad News: I've been missing my keys since Friday.

The Good News: I found them this morning in my jacket.

The Bad News: When I got out to my mailbox, my federally assigned mailbox key was missing from the ring.

The Good News: I found the key in my jacket pocket on a loose ring.

The Bad News: I went out to the mailbox and found my slot empty...since today is Columbus day and all.

The Good News: I had a good laugh at myself. I hope you're laughing too.

At This Point, I Guess I'm the Baby

2009-09-30T07:51:00.005-06:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day. People keep saying things like, "You must be excited!" The truth is, right now, I can't really wrap my mind around having another baby. It's like I expected to be perpetually pregnant and this whole "birth" thing seems like a surprise.

Perhaps it's because, so far, there have been no surprises. I'm not used to that. So the fact that I'm still pregnant at 38 weeks and that I have a date for the actual delivery is kind of foreign to me. On the one hand it's been nice to have a date to look forward to. However, I've still been on alert - paying attention to every contraction and carefully feeling for the baby's movements. I feel bad saying it, but I guess I feel a little let down. Not that I wanted that emergency, far from it, I've just been waiting for one because of my history.

I suppose what I'm feeling is a strange form of relief. I've been expecting the unexpected and I guess what I've been met with, in the end, really was unexpected - a full term pregnancy with no emergencies. At any rate, I'm sure all of this will be just mindless prattle tomorrow when I get to hold my new baby boy and see just how worth waiting for he's been.

Hmm, I just read through all that, it sounds a little depressing. Don't get me wrong. Our family has been praying that the baby would be healthy and full term. I truly feel that our prayers have been answered, for which I am immensely grateful. Today I am just feeling a lot of anxiety which, hopefully, will dissipate as the day progresses and I can focus on what tomorrow really means - another one of Heavenly Father's most valiant spirits will join our family and be encircled in our love.

Maybe it would help me if he had a name. :0)

He's a Laugh a Minute

2009-09-17T08:31:00.000-06:00

The other night Isaac wanted me to lay down by him before he went to sleep. Jeremiah and I had been to the hospital the night before because I'd had a false alarm with the baby. So Isaac and I were talking about when the baby really will come. I should have written this down sooner, because I can't really remember how the conversation went. All I remember is how it ended.

Isaac wanted to make sure that I could make it to the hospital as soon as I thought the baby was coming. When I assured him that I could he replied, "Good, 'cause we don't want all that gunk on our floor."

An Open Letter

2009-09-12T17:49:00.005-06:00

Target, you and I have always been friends. But today I hate you. Passionately.

I decided that after 6 years of longing for some kind of crib set that I should just go ahead and get it, even though this is probably my last baby. I HEART this crib set. It's on sale right now at Target.com and I have a gift card with a decent balance. So I went in to my local Target thinking that I could get the online sale price since it says "Find it at a Target Store" right beneath the "Add to Cart" button online. Then the cashier tells me that Target stores and Target.com are separate and that they cannot match the sale price. I was annoyed but figured that I could still buy it online, I would just have to wait for it to be shipped.

Then I got home and was all excited because the crib set was eligible for free shipping. So I logged in to my Target.com account and placed the coveted bedding in my shopping cart. I plugged in my gift card number and my credit card number for the remaining balance. And you know what? You wouldn't accept my gift card.

I called the 800-number on the card to double check that there was indeed a positive balance. Affirmative. So I entered the numbers online again. Still you refused.

I then called my local store to see if they had any inside information on how to make it work- such as chanting and swaying while entering the number in an effort to please the gift card gods- and was told that I should call Target.com and given another 800-number.

I was greeted by an automated female whom, honestly, I did not find pleasant at all. Perhaps it was because I was reaching the end of my rapidly fraying rope and I happened to find her fake pleasantry condescending. I pushed '1' several times navigating my way through a web of "if you have a question about"s and when I was finally connected with a live person she read me the following script, "Thank you for calling Target.com. We're sorry, we are currently updating our system and are not available for assistance. If you have time, please call us later and maybe we'll get our frickin' act together and be able to provide you with some real assistance. You'd think that in this economy we'd be eager to make sure we get any and all the business we can, but we're morons. Thank you!" (At least, that's what I heard.)

So today, Target, I am looking at your bullseye logo and thinking of several unpleasant things to ~~launch~~ throw at it. I hope you "get your frickin' act together" before that bedding I want goes off sale. That would really not be good for our relationship.

Sincerely,
Gwen

Update: The reason the link won't work is because it went off sale the day after I posted this. Here's a link to the crib set that I may or may not ever have to surround my new baby.

Week of Destiny?

2009-09-08T07:44:00.005-06:00

I'm a little bit nervous about my doctor appointment today. Today I am 36 weeks.

On my 36 week appointment with Isaac the doctor told me I had to deliver THAT DAY. They had been watching me for toxemia and my blood pressure had gone through the roof and my reflexes became very brisk. Isaac was delivered at 36 weeks, 2 days.

I made it past my 36 week appointment with Jack, but I went into labor that week and delivered him at 36 weeks, 5 days. When the doctor cut the incision for the C-section he said, "There's no water." I was a little drugged up and at the time didn't realize that meant there was NO AMNIOTIC FLUID. Don't know how much you know about pregnancy, but that amniotic fluid is pretty important.

Kenley is my only baby that didn't come pre-term. She's also my only girl. This baby is, of course, a boy...so that's why I'm nervous about this 36th week. So far everything is just as it should be. My blood pressure is fine, my weight gain is fine (although this is as big as I've ever been) and my doctor has taken extra precautions in checking the amniotic fluid levels. Really, I seem to be in good shape for this one.

Although I don't know that I'm really ready for a baby this week, I am mentally preparing for it purely based on my history. Nervous as I am though, I can't help but think I'll feel slighted if I make it clear to week 37. I'm hard to please.

Wanna Be a Winner, Too?

2009-09-02T10:57:00.002-06:00

Are you in need of some absolutely adorable and spooky Halloween decorations? Then be sure to enter the giveaway at the Polka-Dot Daisy! Tanielle always has super cute stuff, probably because she's super cute and can't possibly make anything ugly. Anyway, be sure to enter, but don't feel bad when I win...because I really want to win. ;^)

I'm a Winner!

2009-09-02T10:03:00.004-06:00

A while ago a blog I like to ~~stalk~~ read was hosting a 'Special Bedtime Moments' contest sponsored by GoodNites. To enter you had to share a special bedtime moment, whether it was story, routine or tip. I shared this memory:

Observed one night at bedtime…

Isaac (4) and Kenley (1 1/2) stood before the sink brushing their teeth. He lifted his toothbrush to let the water run over it. Kenley lifted hers too, but was unable to reach the running water.

She looked at her big brother. Holding out her toothbrush she asked “P’ease?” Without a word Isaac took her toothbrush, held it under the water, then returned it to her hand.

“You,” came her abbreviated gratitude.

“You’re welcome,” he replied and they continued to brush their teeth together.

I sat there on the edge of the bathtub brushing my teeth, taking in the sweet exchange, so grateful for these beautiful kids.

Sometimes all is right with the world; I witnessed it from the edge of my bathtub.

I still remember that night, it was such a simple act of kindness but it really was sweet to witness; one of those moments that makes you realize how precious kids can be when they're not conspiring to make you go bald from pulling out your hair. Anyway, aside from being a precious memory it has now made me the winner of a $100 gift card to PajamaGram.com, a $50 gift card to Borders, a blanket, a bedtime journal for recording special bedtime moments and a tote in which to carry it all. Can we say, "Yahoo"?

Also, Jeremiah and I are going to a David Cook concert tonight because a fellow Seminary teacher won tickets off the radio but wasn't going to attend. Thanks, Gary!

The Wedding Cheesecake

2009-08-20T15:35:00.003-06:00

My brother got married earlier this month and he and his wife asked me to make cheesecake as their wedding cake. Um, I've never really decorated a cake for anything save a couple of cakes a few years ago. (I'd like to believe I've made improvement.) Plus, how do you decorate a cheesecake? Anyway, here's what I came up with. I was quite pleased with the result and, more importantly, so were the bride and groom.

Takin' the Good with the Bad

2009-08-17T14:37:00.003-06:00

This week has been full of ups and downs. We'd been planning all summer on taking a vacation to Salt Lake City but kept putting it off as other things have come up. So we finally decided that last week was the week to get it done or else it probably wouldn't happen before school starts, or before I have this baby, or before the Second Coming.

Jeremiah thought he would mow the lawn on Monday so that it wouldn't be too overgrown by the time we got back. He mowed the front lawn and then the mower wouldn't start when he began on the back lawn. Neither of us is a mechanic so we said, "Hmm that sucks" and pretty much left it at that.

Then Tuesday morning we got up and I was fixing breakfast. I had the oven on so I could bake some bacon. While I was standing at the stove I heard a muffled pop and looked inside the oven to find glowing embers scattered across the bottom of the oven. We were headed out of town that day so I thought we'd just try to replace the heating element when we got home.

Off we went to Utah. We had a great time, we visited Hogle Zoo, the Clark Planetarium, ate lunch at the Lion House Pantry, played at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, visited the Living Planet Aquarium and strained our necks looking up at fossils at Thanksgiving Point Museum of Anciet History. Plus we got to spend time with family and friends who were kind enough to let us crash at their homes.

We got ready to head home on Saturday afternoon and before we even reached the freeway the van started acting up. We stopped and had the oil changed since it had been on our neglected to-do list before the trip. But after driving a little further the 'Check Engine' light was flashing and our van was still misbehaving. We located a Tunex who ran a free diagnostics test and determined that 4 of our 6 cylinders were misfiring. Not a good thing when you're 200+ miles from home.

We made it to Evens and Kelly's house and were planning on staying there until we could get the van fixed. Then we got the call saying that Jeremiah's grandmother had passed away. Although there was nothing we could really do, we all felt like we should try and make it home to be with family. Luckily Evens and Kelly purchased a 2nd car a couple of months ago so between the two cars there was room enough for both our families.

Yesterday our home was filled with relatives who needed a place to congregate and remember Grandma. The weird thing about death is that a lot of times it brings family together . Although it wasn't the ideal circumstances bringing us together it was nice to be able to share stories and laugh together. I made a huge pot of spaghetti and the neighbors were kind enough to lend their oven so that we could heat some garlic bread and later bake some "dump cake." I was grateful that our home was accomodating for that purpose and that people felt comfortable gathering here.

Like I said, it was full of ups and downs and I suppose life is always that way. This week just seemed to compress a lot of experiences. I'm thankful that my family was able to have a nice little vacation. We had fun together and I think that time made us realize that although we also experienced some personal misfortune, that things really could be worse. Although we will miss Grandma terribly we are thankful for her release from her pain and suffering. She was a wonderful woman and I am so grateful that my children have known her.

Sweetness

2009-08-05T09:08:00.002-06:00

This morning Jack woke up just as Jeremiah was leaving for work. Jack is a daddy's boy and was in tears, crying, "I want to come wif you!" over and over as Jeremiah tried to get out the door. It was heartbreaking. I picked up Jack while he continued to cry, "I want to come wif Daddy!" and sat with him on the couch to try and comfort him. Isaac was also awake and walked in to the room carrying a sucker for Jack.

Isaac handed the sucker to Jack and he stopped crying immediately. His small act of kindness (and the inclusion of something sweet, I'm sure) calmed Jack far more quickly than my hugs and reassurances. It was just a sweet moment. It made me thankful that my children have siblings. I'm sure that if it had been just Jack and me he would have calmed down eventually. But I was glad to see that my children have learned, by having siblings, to think of others. Isaac thought of Jack and how to help him calm down and the smile Jack gave Isaac while he said, "Fank you!" was full of love for his big brother.

I know everyone has their own reasons for the number of children they have, or don't have, but I am so grateful for these great kids that my Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I've been kind of nervous about adding the 4th, but as I look at my kids I know that things will be great. Every time we add a family member it feels as though they've always been a part of the family. And when I witness those sweet moments like what happened this morning it makes me excited to welcome another of Heavenly Father's sweet spirits into our family.

Just Checking In

2009-07-31T11:19:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to see that my blog is not the only one suffering from neglect. I'd like to think it's because everyone is busy with awesome, fun summer acitivities. That's my excuse. (Oh, that and that I'm addicted to Farm Town on Facebook.)

This week we've had company, attended a family reunion where we camped and went swimming, Jeremiah and I took in a "secret" movie, we all went to a ball game last night where we had an absolute blast, and today we're going to help get things ready for my younger brother's wedding tomorrow! What a loaded week!

I hope everyone else is doing fun things as well and enjoying the nice, sunny weather before school starts up again and things get back to "normal."

Reconnecting on So Many Levels

2009-07-13T08:53:00.004-06:00

I had an enjoyable week last week. Alisha, my best friend from HS, was in town from Virginia and after a failed attempt at getting together because of a sick child, we were able to see each other Wednesday night. Alisha brought her daughter, Genevieve, over and they kept me company in the kitchen while I prepared for a BBQ.

It was fun to be with Alisha again. We always had a lot of fun and I'm so thankful that we're still friends after all these years. Instead of swapping stories about our latest date or talking boys as we would in high school we spoke of our trials and triumphs as mothers and wives.

A couple of our neighborhood friends and their families came over for the BBQ and I think we all had a good time. There was lots of food and lots of laughing, so you know at least I was happy. The kids played and the parents chatted. After a while Alisha had to get going, but I was so glad that she took time out of her visit to come see me!

Our backdoor neighbors stayed for a while and watched Wipeout with us. Again, lots of laughter. I never get tired of watching people "eat it" on the big balls. I love having friends over, it helps me feel a little more connected!

On Thursday I loaded up the kids and drove to Katie's house. She has two homes for sale and was going to be painting, so I invited myself over to offer some help. (Although after our visit, I realize I wasn't much help at all.) Jeremiah was at scout camp helping out so the kids and I stayed the night. It felt very different for me to load up the kids on my own, make the drive myself, and be without a husband overnight. But I did it, and it was fun.

Our kids play well together and seem to enjoy each other, so that left plenty of time for Kate and I to visit and paint. After Josh got home we had a pleasant weenie roast over the backyard fire pit. It was just fun and relaxing (for me at least, I wasn't the one with a houseful of people...Thanks, Kate!)

We stayed until Friday afternoon, just long enough to walk to the park for lunch and let the kids play a little longer. I was also hoping that since it was Jack's nap time that he would sleep the whole way home. Um, I was not so lucky. Isaac quickly zonked and Kenley and Jack sat in the back arguing, singing, and just plain yelling.

We pulled into the drive Friday evening and I was relieved. I'd had a good time but I tire so easily with this pregnancy! I fed and bathed the kids, put Jack to bed and laid down on the couch. Isaac and Kenley were good not to wake me. I took a short nap and then we all laid in my bed reading until Jeremiah got home at 9. He took care of the kids after that...I was out!

Then on Saturday we went over to the church for an Elder's Quorum party. They had hamburgers and hot dogs and pot luck going on. After that they set off model rockets and water rockets. The kids and dads played out on the grass watching the launches while a lot of the moms sat in the shelter visiting and enjoying the warmth of the summer evening.

Like I said, I had a good week. I'm so thankful for good friends and neighbors! I'm also looking forward to this week as well. Jeremiah and I get to speak at Girl's Camp tomorrow night, we're having a picnic with the Seminary on Wednesday and a BBQ Wednesday night with more of my long-lost buddies from my school days. Then on Friday I get to leave kids and husband at home while I got to my mom's for my will-be-sister-in-law's bridal shower/slumber party!

Snippets

2009-06-24T08:17:00.004-06:00

Hmm, it seems like things here are just gliding along. There doesn't seem to be much news. Although, maybe we'll do something fun now that we're not constantly covered with rain clouds. Nothing exciting, but here's a few recent highlights:

I signed up Isaac for the summer reading program through our local library. He has to read by himself at least 20 minutes a day for 50 days out of the summer. So far he's missed only 1 day since June 1 when the program began. He's been very interested the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne and is on the final book. His current page count? 2,653 Pages. Not bad for a 6-year old.

Jack has really stinky poop. I had no intention of sharing that but right now my nostrils are burning. Guess I'd better go take care of that... Hahaha! While I was changing that stinker I told Jack, "That's yucky!" He answered back, "That's not yucky, it's poops!"

Kenley loves to pretend. She also likes to do things that she knows she's not supposed to. To get around that little obedience issue she has imagined herself "a other mom." She'll go into a corner and ask her other mom if she can do something. It's usually a request to which I would definitely answer no. Then when she gets in trouble she innocently declares, "But mine other mom said I could!" That other mom is far more permissive than I!

We planted a tree in the backyard. Anyone who has been to our home in the sunshine knows how blasted hot it gets. Our back lawn gets virtually no shade so last year we planted a maple. This year we planted a Purple Robe Locust. It's tall and skinny now but it will grow to be about 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It has beautiful blooms on it that hang down, reminiscent of wisteria. Come visit us in 10 years and enjoy the shade. :)

Finding a name for this baby is proving difficult. How our parents each named 6 boys is beyond us. However, if we didn't each have several boys in the family maybe some the names of our siblings could be used for this baby...I guess they still could...

February 23 - 7W 2D

2009-06-23T09:19:00.003-06:00

I spent most of the day in bed on Saturday. Not because I felt sick but because I feel so tired! I always seem to forget that part of pregnancy. I'm very thankful that I don't get morning sickness, but wow, feeling exhausted all the time is just weird. I keep thinking that I need a reason - aside from being pregnant - to be so tired. It doesn't help that I've had trouble sleeping either. I keep thinking I'll wake up. Oh well, at least I'm not making offerings to the porcelain throne.

Say a Prayer

2009-06-19T21:10:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah's cousin's daughter, Ravyn, is fighting a good fight but every prayer helps! Read more about her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ravynfinch. (You'll probably need some Kleenex handy.)

Breathe a Sigh of Relief

2009-06-17T10:00:00.002-06:00

So I went to the doctor this afternoon and everything looks great. My doctor went ahead and did an ultrasound because I wasn't entirely certain of the date of my last period and because I had been spotting. I was pretty nervous, but I got to see the little fetus and I saw the heartbeat and everything. It was a huge relief! He also told me that there wasn't much risk involved with the hormones I just finished, so that took a load off me as well.

As of today (Feb 17) I am 6 weeks 3 days. My due date is October 10, 2 days before Kenley's birthday! I'm kind of hoping for a girl, mostly because I think this will be our last baby and I'd like Kenley to have a sister, but I still think we won't opt to learn the gender until the delivery. Also, I'm just really happy to be having another baby!

In Recent News

2009-06-17T09:17:00.006-06:00

Today's date is really February 17. I awoke at 4:17 this morning with the distinct impression that I needed to take a pregnancy test. I've had this feeling a few times the past week, but was hesitant to take the test because I get really emotional about it, especially when they return a negative result.

Over the last 6-7 months I've been concerned that I might not be able to have any more children. My body has been acting strange and I felt like it was a sign that my child-bearing days were over. Each of my childrens' births have had their own surprises, and when I had Jack the doctor expressed his concern about me having more children. Jeremiah and I have concerns as well.

I brought the test down to the kitchen to view the result. Tears streamed from my eyes when I realized that my Heavenly Father was blessing me with another opportunity to raise and care for one of His children. I ran upstairs and woke Jeremiah. I turned on our lamp. He rubbed his eyes and took several looks at the test I had shoved in his face. Then he smiled. We hugged and laughed and I cried some more. We're very happy.

I'm not letting this news post until June. I have concerns about this pregnancy already. I'm not sure how far along I am because I've had irregular cycles for months. To help regulate those cycles I just took a course of hormones. Additional hormones and babies have risks. I am going to the Dr. today and I'm hoping that they'll get a good idea of how far along I am and if I should be concerned about the medicine I just finished. Right now, I'm just excited! I partially took the picture just to make sure it wasn't a dream!

Whahoo!

2009-06-15T11:07:00.002-06:00

I just have to tell you all that I am so excited! I'm getting another sister-in-law! My younger brother, Luke, got engaged over the weekend. He and his fiance, Janelle, have dated off and on for 8 years and now the timing is finally right! (You can tell because they've set the date for August 1, less than 2 months away!)

I love all my brothers and I'm glad that each of them have found their eternal companions! WHAHOO!

Also, they've asked me to make a cheesecake for their wedding cake! I'm really excited and, now that I really think about it, a little nervous. Never had to make anything for a wedding. It will be awesome!

So, It's Come Down to This

2009-06-11T15:55:00.002-06:00

I was going to post about my sadness at losing my iPod shuffle...but then I found it.

Really, don't be jealous that my life is so interesting.

Quote of the Day

2009-06-10T19:54:00.001-06:00

Brought to you by ABC's Wipeout

"Sometimes it pays to be crazy, just ask the tiny elf wizard that lives in my bellybutton."

My Hidden Talent

2009-06-09T20:14:00.002-06:00

Sometimes when I read my friends' posts I feel completely inferior to them. They are at times poetic. More than once have I been brought to tears by their intimations. They seem to be incredible photographers as well. They take beautiful pictures of everyday things that most of us just pass by without a thought. They are really talented. As I read their posts I can't help but wonder if possess any talent equal to theirs. I guess all I can say is I have the ability to make lasting friendships with really wonderful people. And that makes me happy.

Interview with the Kids 2009

2009-06-06T11:20:00.004-06:00

Something you do well
I: Play game because I love playing games!
K: Clean up and play with Jack
J: Uh, that one.

Something you wish you could do better
I: Play games
K: Do something with Morgan and Carson
J: Uh, owie

Your favorite food
I: Macaroni and cheese
K: Bacon
J: Carrots

3 words that tell about you
I: Cool, I like to play battleship, I love my mom
K: Pretty, drawing, playing
J: Jack, this one (as he points to himself)

What makes you happy?
I: Playing computer
K: Giving you a hug
J: that card

The most important thing in your life right now
I: You
K: To give you potatoes
J: Birthday

Your favorite movie
I: Wall-E because the cars chase him and hit him
K: Aristocats
J: Wall-E

Your favorite book
I: Dinosaur Days
K: Tinkerbell
J: Football

Your favorite thing
I: Computer
K: Play dough at Nana's house
J: Balls

Your favorite place to go
I: To the bread store so you can get "Toastie" treats (Hostess)
K: To the restaurant
J: Gammie's house

Your favorite thing to draw
I: An octopus because they have EIGHT ARMS!!!...They're cool.
K: Letters
J: Book

Something you want for Christmas
I: Toys! Lots of 'em!
K: A dolly and a T-Rex
J: Basketball

Your favorite color
I: Red, purple, orange
K: Pink and green and blue and red
J: Orange

What do you like to play?
I: Games
K: With balloons
J: Football, basketball, baseball

What do you like to do when it's raining?
I: I guess jump in rain puddles
K: Go outside and play in the snow
J: Outside Gammie

Your favorite animal
I: Armadillo because they can transform into a ball
K: An elephant
J: Turtle

Last year's interviews.

Lewis and Clark Caverns

2009-06-02T10:24:00.006-06:00

Over the weekend my husband and my in-laws surprised me with a getaway to West Yellowstone. They even provided a baby-sitter for the weekend (thanks Gabriel and Clarissa!) It was a wonderful weekend sans children and I am very grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity! (My kids had a great time, too. With a break from their parents and a fun outing to the zoo...pizza, junk food, fun guardians....so don't feel bad for my leaving them, I don't!)

We didn't venture into Yellowstone National Park. We went last year and while each of us had been there several times before, it was fun because we took the kids. Instead, we decided to drive deeper into Montana and visit the Lewis and Clark Caverns. We arrived midday and got there just in time to use the restroom, visit the gift shop and head out on the tour. There was a short hike that was about a 1/2 mile up to the cave with a 300 foot rise in elevation. (I won't lie, it was a little difficult for me. I'll blame it on the growth in my belly.)

As we looked down off the trail we could see the muddy Jefferson River by which Lewis and Clark travelled twice without discovering the caverns. (In fact, the caverns were discovered about 60 years later by a hunter named Dan Morrison. Lewis and Clark "lend" their names to the caverns for the tourist draw.)

View from the trail (the pale tan stripe is the Jefferson River)

Man-made section of the caverns made by blasting the limestone with dynamite.

I have never seen anything like the formations in the caverns. They were amazing. (I kept my eyes out for Fraggles, but saw none...they must be shy.) Everywhere we turned there was another natural formation that varied greatly from the formation only a foot away. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, stalagmites jutted from below. Sometimes they met to form columns. There was flow rock and "popcorn" and smooth limestone, glistening in the dim light. The tour guide described the way they form...something about water and calcite and other things I didn't commit to memory because I was in awe of what stood before me. But I can tell you this...it was dang cool!

There were several "rooms" in the caverns and several tight spaces including a fun, wet little beaver slide. My favorite room was the fantasy room. Up until that point everything had looked brown/yellow/grey. Once inside the rooms with the ultraviolet lights the spectrum of colors was amazing. Shades of pink, red, purple, and orange lent to the fantastical feel of the rock formations. I'm not that great with descriptions so here are some pictures to do the talking for me.

I took about a bizzilion more pictures, these were just some of my favorites. I think the lowest point we hit was 420 ft below the peak of the mountain and at one point we were on the "one mile step" - one mile above sea level. It was truly incredible. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it!

Just One of Those Days

2009-05-27T21:02:00.003-06:00

The one thing that really bothers me about pregnancy is my emotions. I like to think I'm pretty strong and can keep it together but during pregnancy I wear it all on my sleeve. And then there are the days where I am on the verge of tears for no apparent reason. It's really aggravating. Then people who mean well say nice things like, "Are you okay?" or "Can I do anything for you?"* and it's like a dam bursts. It's really embarrassing because truthfully I'm fine but the tears leave others unconvinced and I just feel stupid. Meanwhile people are probably thinking I'm either really ungrateful for what I do have or that I'm just plain crazy. Either way, I doubt I'm enjoyable company. That's just what's on my mind today.

*While I was typing I accidentally wrote, "Can I don anything for you?" That was funny to me - like someone would ask if it would help if they changed their clothes...

Hip Hop

2009-05-21T10:23:00.002-06:00

This one really cracks me up. This is the last dance that the girls learned and it's a little...okay, way too fast for Kenley. We'll have to work on her rhythm!

All She Want To Do is Dance, Dance!

2009-05-21T10:06:00.003-06:00

Last night was Kenley's dance recital. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was so fun to see my little girl doing something that she enjoyed and something that is so dear to my heart. I cry everytime I see anyone performing dance. I miss it so much!

Kenley had fun dancing. Right before her 1st dance she started crying because her headband had fallen off and they had to bring her out in the audience to me. I was so worried that she was going to be too upset to dance, but she pulled it together and the show went on. (The bribe of ice cream after the recital may have had something to do with it.)

All year her dance teacher has told the girls to "find a piece of tape" and Kenley really takes that to heart - even if someone is already standing on hers.

Kenley worked really hard to learn all 3 routines and I think she did really well. She is the youngest in the class and one of the smallest, but I think she put on a BIG performance!

Way to go, Kenley! I love you!

Democracy...Ha!

2009-05-18T14:28:00.002-06:00

I need an electoral college in my family because I lost to the popular vote.

Jeremiah and I went back-and-forth so many times about whether or not we would learn our baby's gender at the ultrasound that we finally put it to a vote. (If you took our poll and thought you were helping us make up our minds, um, you weren't.)

I explained to the kids that we could learn from the doctor with "pictures" or we could wait until the baby was born to find out if it's a boy or a girl. When we put our hands in the air, Kenley and Jack voted for both options, so that method didn't work for us. Instead I had them stand on my left side if they wanted to learn at the ultrasound and the right side if they wanted to wait. Jack and I were the only ones to vote "wait." Since I'm the only one on my side of the issue who actually understood what I was voting for, I lost to Isaac, Kenley and Jeremiah who ~~are babies themselves and~~ just can't wait.

Ultrasound tomorrow! Maybe we'll go with the "Find out but annoy everyone by not telling them" option. :)

On No, I've Lost It

2009-05-12T10:02:00.003-06:00

This morning I read on a friend's blog that her son wants a poop cake for his birthday.

I left the following comment:

I've heard of diaper cakes, but a poop cake? You should also serve cow pies and buffalo chips. (Is anyone else laughing, because I'm starting to tear up!)

Seriously though, I can't stop laughing. My laughter is so intense that it has turned into a wheeze with a few blips of audible laughter. I don't know why it struck me as being so hilarious but I will be calling on this thought all day to keep myself in high spirits.

Mommy's Asleep, Let's Get the Camera!

2009-05-11T10:34:00.005-06:00

Last Tuesday I was so tired. I woke up and got Isaac off to school and then laid back down because I just couldn't keep my eyes open. Kenley and Jack woke up so I had to get them taken care of and then I laid down on the couch. The kids entertained themselves until Isaac got home from school and I got up just long enough to feed them lunch. Then I put Jack down for a nap and told the other kids it was quiet time. I hit the bed again and didn't get up until 4:00. By the time I got out of bed the kids had already let Jack out of his crib. I was thankful that they had let me sleep. Later that day I told Jeremiah about how it had felt like the day of the living dead for me. He asked, "What did the kids do?" Since I had only been semi-conscious all day the only answer I could give was, "I don't know."

Then somewhere between Tuesday and yesterday I realized I didn't know where our camera was. I asked Jeremiah if he knew its whereabouts and Isaac gave a quick reference to when he and Kenley, "took a few pictures." We finally located the camera and I found that "a few pictures" turned out to be 106 pictures! Most of them were of things like the carpet, wall, TV, and toys with blurs of kids running through the shot. I'll be deleting most of them, but here are a few that made me laugh.

Obviously pretending the sleep. And, honestly, who doesn't want a picture of their brother's bum?

I suppose it is a good sign that at least they were having fun!

I love the I'm-trying-so-hard-to-look-sad face.