Zoo Experience

I had the pleasure of joining Jayce and his first grade class to the zoo last week. Each parent was assigned 6 kids and sent off to explore the zoo for the day.  The bus ride there was nearly uneventful, we sung a little, worried a little about Renee looking a little fluish, but she kindly let us know it was because "I just didn't get very much sleep last night."  Still I kept a bag ready. 

We headed across the little bridge and started mapping out our plans for the day.  Renee says "Hey!  I've been here before.  In fact, I've been here twice.  I won't get lost, I know this place like the tip of my tongue."  Before I could stifle a laugh, Lauren piped in "Oh, well I've been here 4 times.  No, 10!  We come here all the time!"   It was then I knew this day would be far from boring. 

We saw all the must see animals, but the Mandrill's seemed to be the favorite.  As soon as they were within sight whispers became belly laughter, and all I could make out was "Rainbow butt,  look at the rainbow butt"   As another group came near, my group made sure they were aware they were looking at a rainbow butts.   Nice. 

Squirrels were very friendly and ate right out of our hands!  Well, Renee's hand, she had the chip crumbs and courage.

Off to the Zebras.  Again, Renee enlightened me with her wisdom.  "I just love those zebras.  You know those?  They are the ones with the stripes.  The black and vanilla ice cream colored stripes."  I hadn't the heart to tell her they were normally white and that she just liked the dirty ones. 

After lunch, I let them run through the splash pad and get soaked.  Another mom was appalled they they had gotten all wet.  But they were happy and we had 2 whole hours to dry off before we had to board the bus again. 

Cotton candy was a rip off at $6 a bag, and of course the kids wanted some.  Once we got to the stand I asked Clay for his money, knowing he didn't have any.  He turned to Cade and asked him is he had any money, and around the group the question went, until we all realized we didn't have any money.  I must admit, it was a great way to take the heat off myself for not wanting to shell out all that cash.

We had a great day and Jayce and I got to spend some much needed mom/son time together.

 

Ode to the man

Here's to the man who loves me.

Here's to the man who is filled with patience for my fly off the handle moments.

Here's to the man who I caught sword fighting in the kitchen alone with my butcher knives.

Here's to the man who has mastered organization, and so kindly let me know I had not.

Here's to the man who has a love and knowledge of the scriptures that I can only dream of. Thank you for teaching me.

Here's to the man who after 'learning' from the site The Great Throwdini, decided it would be a good idea to practice knife throwing on a stack of computer paper wrapped in cardboard propped up against the couch.

Here's to the man who has been known to leave flowers he picked on the way home in the fridge for me to find.

Here's to the man who drives to the nearest store at any time of night to get me my sugar crave combo- milk duds and licorice.

Here's to the man who thought it would be fun to practice shooting his pellet gun on a piece of sheet rock propped against my living room wall.

Here's to the man who got new throwing stars and decided to try them out in our bedroom. (I have little holes in the walls and blinds to prove it)

Here's to the man I love. Happy Birthday sweetie. Thanks for being so wonderful to me and keeping me on my toes.

A mothers panic

It finally happened. We knew it was inevitable. It was only a matter of time. And now we have to move. Jared is officially Arizonized. That's right, you heard me. It's like when you become part of a gang or a tribe. When you get stung by a scorpion, you are Arizonized. My poor little baby stepped on one of those awful creatures that can only have been sent from hell itself. I had a client (of course) and thank goodness Jason was home, he did enough panicking for the both of us. I went straight to my cupboard and made a mess looking for my french green clay. Yes, it's a must for any Arizona home. A friend gave it to me long ago and it works like a charm. I frantically mixed that stuff and drown Jared's tiny foot in it. He stopped crying! He of course whimpered for a half hour until he fell asleep. But it's been 2 hours, he is awake and feeling fine! Well, cranky, but who wouldn't be??

Mountain man on my porch

Tuesday morning I was doing my friend Laurie's hair, the doorbell rang and I ran to the door mumbling something about the kids locking themselves out again. I flung open the door and standing on my porch was a fully bearded long haired stranger... beneath his whiskers he was smiling. Before I had a chance to feel fear, I felt complete joy! My father in law was standing on my porch. He laughed that wonderful familiar laugh I hear so often in my own home from my sweet husband. The disbelief took a few moments to subside as we hugged and laughed, and I took him outside to see the kids. As soon as I announced grandpa was here, Lainy came running. I can't imagine she recognized him really, since he was all covered in hair, but none the less they embraced as if they were long lost friends. Laurie's son Bo followed suit and Joe got a big hug from him as well. (Thanks Laurie for waiting through all of this!) I called Jason, he didn't answer. We have a rule that if one of us calls the other once, and no answer, then twice right after, there is something important. Second call he answered. I told him he needed to come home. That everyone was alright, but he needed to come right home. (I wish I had sense enough to have grabbed my video camera) When Jason walked into the backyard where the kids were playing picnic with play food, he looked over at me like I was a lunatic. He said something about what was a strange man doing back here with his kids... We stood there a minute more until Jason had a chance to stop and really listen to the conversation going on underneath the slide. He couldn't get a view of the man's face being shielded by the slide. As soon as Jason heard that familiar twang, his head started to whip back and forth between my eyes and what sounded VERY familiar. He was next to his dad in 2 strides and I watched the reunion.

Joe had come to surprise his son for his birthday. It was so fun to have him here and talk and enjoy one another. Thank you so much Joe for your wonderful surprise. My kids sure love you, and miss you already.

Woe is me

 Monday morning.  Screaming coming from Lainy's room.   Jared banging on the door to get in.  Lainy intensely holding it closed from the other side.  I walk in, she breaks down in sobbing tears.  I hug her and ask what's wrong, she yells in exasperation, "The boogers won't come out of my nose!"   Her whole body slumps down as she continues to cry.  Again, "I just can't get them out of one side and I can't breathe!"   As I try not to giggle at her obvious discomfort,  I tell her it will go away soon enough, and I am so sorry for her stuffy nose.  I leave her to her misery and Jared takes over comforting her.   I hear her through sniffles and tears tell him she loves him and that he is her best friend, but to please leave so she can have some  'lonely' time. 

Slow down there fella

 Jayce was star student this week and I had the chance to go in and read the class a short story and watch Jayce tell his classmates all about himself.   Then the class has a few minutes to ask him anything they want to.  What's your favorite ice cream, your favorite animal etc.  Jayce did well when asked  "Who's your favorite person in the class?"  He said he couldn't choose.  I read them my most favorite children's book called 'Who will tuck me in tonight?'  By Carol Roth.  That was the day when I looked over at Jayce standing next to that huge chalkboard, reading his poster that I wondered when did he get so big?  And so smart, and when did the extra 50 freckles sprinkling his little nose show up?  

I was helping out with scouts last week and Jayce wanted so badly to participate so I let him hop in there on some of the activities.  Push ups, long jump, and learning how to start a race.

 

This is my good friend Robyn and she was teaching them the long jump. Realizing Jayce wouldn't be able to jump as far as the bigger boys she surprised him with...

 

A jump surpassing all other jumps!  She's the best. 

My sweet Jayce, slow down little man, you are growing up too fast for your mama!  I love you buddy.

BFF

I never want to forget what great friends these two are.  Jared came flying around the corner in Lainy's Jammies and I stopped in short and for a minute realizing it was Jared in front of me and not that Lainy had just cut off all her hair.                (Which she did last week, thankfully only a few in the front and she is getting better at blending)   

Jason later mentioned that Lainy and Jared were having a 'fashion show' trying on all of Lainy's clothes.  They have fun no matter what they are doing.  And a quarrel lasts only a moment (usually) since they go something like this:  Jared screaming for the giant exercise ball and Lainy sitting atop it calmly responding "Now let's sit and talk about this, I am sure we can work something out."  But they also create enough mischief together to shave a few years off my life.  This week:

• Requiring the need for a replacement head on my electric toothbrush when I heard them laughing while running behind my poor dog trying to 'get him on the butt'. 
• Making 'soup' with cups of water and toothpaste and stirring with toothbrushes. 
• Bathtub covered in mango lip gloss.  At least they got some on their lips...

                   

• Strawberries and sugar: Take a bite and chuck it across the room.  Swish and toss sugar until mom walks in screaming. 

I think my lists are getting shorter...  silver lining right?

Vocabulary lesson

There are a few words that when your kids learn to talk and they alter a bit to fit sometimes consonant-lacking vocabulary that you don't correct when they say them since they are so sweet.  Here are some of mine I want to remember.

Grnuckle - Granola bar.  Jayce started saying this very young and now all my children call them this.

Wormaid - Mermaid  (Lainy)

Spreeschool - preschool  (Lainy)

Wainy- Lainy  (Jared)

Seehide - Somehow this was derived from a form of hide and seek, it's where they pull all the cushions off the couch (at least 14 pillows!) and jump and hide in them.

Finding annoyance

While watching Finding Nemo tonight with the kids, I noticed a similarity between one of the characters and an American Idol contestant...  Deb (and Flo) from the fish tank gang, and Tatiana from AI have the same laugh.

Who knew?

Who Knew By PINK
You took my hand  You showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh That's right
I took your words And I believed
In everything You said to me
Yeah huh That's right
If someone said three years from now
You'd be long gone I'd stand up and punch them out
Cause they're all wrong I know better
Cause you said forever  And ever
Who knew
Remember when we were such fools
And so convinced and just too cool
Oh no No no
I wish I could touch you again
I wish I could still call you friend
I'd give anything
When someone said count your blessings now
'fore they're long gone I guess I  just didn't know how
I was all wrong They knew better
Still you said forever And ever
Who knew
Yeah yeah
I'll keep you locked in my head
Until we meet again

And I won't forget you my friend What happened
If someone said three years from now You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out Cause they're all wrong and                           That last kiss I'll cherish Until we meet again
And time makes It harder I wish I could remember
But I keep Your memory You visit me in my sleep

Our children listen to us, even when they don't seem to be.   This song was on the radio today and Lainy was just sitting quietly in her seat, and halfway through the song said  "Mom?  She is sad because her friend died huh?"   Our children hear things we don't ask them to listen to.  They see us when we sit and pray on our own.  What books we choose to read and enjoy.  When I see some of the local leaders of our church and the spiritual giants they are, I want so badly to someday attain that closeness they have to the Savior. I often wonder what they read in their spare time.   What they listen to during their commute.  It comes back to what is good, better and best.  Pink is good, but not the best.  Ü   I really like her spunk and wildness, but I have to remind myself that those are not the things I need to fill the majority of my time with.  A splash of pink (at least the clean versions) is sometimes what we need. 

I'm not very good at it yet, but I know when I fill my life with the best  things, even though my trials don't go away, they are somehow rounded out and easier to overcome. 

Lainy's Plea

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this day.

Please help us to grow flowers and grass out back. 

Please bless our family. 

Please help us to be big...  like 5. 

Please help us to be saved.

(she means safe, but I'll take saved)

Oh, and please bless this food. 

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. 

I love the prayer of a child.

Wise Nanner

I should begin by dedicating this to my oldest sister.   You might recall a previous post concerning the drama of my oldest child.  After that day I went on a hunt.  A search to find any and all info about parenting and how to 'fix' my child.  Shannon relayed a story that at the time she told me, wasn't very effective in helping me in my quest.  It was when I repeated the story to Jason, I realized it's high 'duh Julia' status.  It was about a mother who fostered a child who had a problem with lying.   Everything this child said or did was a lie or was leading up to a lie.  After 6 months or so, this mother brought the child back to social services and told him that she couldn't handle him anymore.  When asked why, she told him that she couldn't fix him.  The man asked how often the child had lied when he first came to her home.  Everyday. All the time.   And how often does he lie now?  Her answer was once every few weeks.  So often we forget to look at our children's progress since we are so programmed to jump on the misbehaviors.   I am a 'fixer' by nature and forget that a child isn't meant to be fixed, but loved and taught.

Balancing act

When life's business starts, blogging comes to a halt. I have been feeling a bit... lacking in certain areas of my life as of late. Motherhood topping that list. It seems as though when you add too many things to your palate of 'doings' instead of succeeding in all of them, they each seem to sag just a bit. Balance is the word I am looking for. A client recently asked me a thought provoking question about raising a daughter. She asked more or less how to teach a girl how to want to be self sufficient and support herself, but not take away from the desire to be a mother. Balance was all I told her. How can you teach balance without having learned it myself? I love being able to work, and feeling like I can tangibly see my efforts paying off. But I don't love it as much as I love my children. Work was creeping up and trying to overtake first place on my priority list. So, thank you to that client who unknowingly helped me start to get things back in balance and remind me of what needs to be tipping the scales and what should not be weighing me down.

Oh the drama!

Who knew that a 6 year old boy was capable of so much drama?  So much in fact, that I have blown my top a time or two in the last 2 days in response to just his speech!  I started to keep track of when he talked, how much of his vocabulary was said in whine mode.   ALL OF IT.  And how did my kid become such a control freak?  He seems to think he has the power and authority to tell the other children when they can look in stove window, which color cup they are allowed to use, if they can touch the couch as they walk by...  REALLY CHILD?  Where oh where has my happy boy gone?   This had better be a phase...

Fluish

I am a terrible sick person.  You give me a million things to do in a small amount of time and I can usually get it done and not be in too terrible of sorts.  But when I get sick, I turn into the biggest wuss.  A lot of times, men get painted as the babies when it comes to sickness.  Not my husband.  We got sick the same day and he took to it much better than I did.  I like to think I got hit harder than he did, since I took more down time than he did.   I moan and complain and 'woe is me' my way though the duration of the flu and from him I never hear a word of complaint.  Poor Jayce got the worst of it though,  the kid has hardly moved since yesterday.  So many friends offered to take Lainy and Jared this week, but for fear of spreading this yuck all around I thought it best they stay home.  Those two have been my little angels running around half dressed and completely disheveled.  They have taken it upon themselves to take care of each other.  Health (and cleanliness) will soon be returning to my home and I will be sure to remember to be grateful for it!

So long, Farewell.

I have never been a fan of dragging stuffed animals, or blankies around the house and trying to pry them from screaming hands so we can go to church or the store.  Somehow it happened with this one.  This vibrant pink and yellow worm grabbed as a last minute gift from Walmart has been attached to Lainy's side for 3 years and today Lainy said goodbye to her 'wormy'.  She cried.  I cried with her.   I knew that even though it was a stinky faded unrecognizable, half stuffed piece of fabric now, that she loved it and she was going to miss it.  I'm not such a mean mom that I would just take it away from her, it was in it's typical once a week wash cycle, it exploded. 

So, goodbye wormy, and thanks for the memories. 

London's Run

London was the daughter of a local family here battling cancer and the charity has continued for a few years since her passing, benefiting other children and their families in similar situations.   The race went well, the weather was chilly, but after the race began was perfect.  I beat my previous time by 3 minutes finishing in 58 minutes.  Running the first two miles is the toughest for me, while my body adjusts to the pace.  The hype up time and the anticipation fades about the 3rd mile...   into why why why am I doing this AGAIN?   Then by mile 5, exhaustion has made you delirious enough to think you need to push a little harder since you're almost done and the faster you get there the faster you finish.  Having friends train and run with you is where the joy is for me.  Although each time I have run that last stretch before crossing the finish line seems to make it all worth it too.  My mom surprised me at the finish line,  I hadn't realized until then how wonderful it is to have someone cheering you on as you come in.  Thanks mom! Mom snapped a couple pictures, and here is one as I am headed down the last stretch.  Two more weeks to rest up and run on Valentine's day for a charity benefiting a family in our old ward who has conjoined twins that share a heart and liver.  

 

Jill came tumbling after

When we decided on and drew up the plans for this house, I was very specific about a few things: A bar in the kitchen, a full front porch, a detached garage and a Jack and Jill bathroom for my kids rooms.  Well, we hardly use the bar, the front porch isn't used for all the nights I envisioned relaxing on the porch swing, and the detached garage is a bit of a pain not being attached to the house.   I had high hopes for the bathroom.  I pictured the kids taking turns in front of the mirror, one in the shower while the other got their hair done...   and mostly I had hopes that on the nights when one was scared, they would love being able to just sneak through the bathroom and crawl into bed and find comfort with a sibling.  Last night Lainy crawled into bed with me like she does on so many nights, and shortly thereafter headed back to her own bed after the confines between mom and dad was too much.   Shortly after that around 4 AM Jared started to cry in his room.   Sweet Lainy snuck through the bathroom, just like I planned and led Jared back through into her bed and they snuggled in.  I  smiled and peacefully went back to sleep. Until 15 minutes later at 4:15 AM I heard squeals of laughter.   Sooo not  what I had pictured.  

Presidential Introduction

Breakfast conversation this morning with Jayce...

J Hey mom, I know what's on the back of a nickel.  It's a white temple. 

M No, it's the 'White House'.  Who lives there?

J Oh, I know.  Joseph Smith. 

M  Umm, no.  The president of the United States.  Do you know his name?

J  George Washington.

M Well yes, he was the first president of the US.  And George Bush was our president until recently.  But we have a new president now.  His name is (gulp) Barack Obama.

J WHAT?  

Yeah, that was my first reaction too.

Man made

Jayce:  Boys can't make anything. 

Me: Like make what?  (Thinking we might be headed toward where babies come from, I stopped what I was doing to give him my full attention.)

J: Like, anything in the kitchen.  All they can make is hot pockets and noodles. 

Me: Hmm,  I don't think so. 

J:  Well, that's all I've ever seen boys make in the kitchen.

Team Spirit

Bus driver number 2 got a perm.  Everyday we see the same cars drive by, the same bus drivers stop and go, as we race to beat them before they turn in front of us, and cause an extra 4 minutes of stop and go driving to school.   We passed as we always do, bus driver #2.   Whoa.  She got a perm in her already very red, very curly hair.   The front window in a bus is pretty big, and she filled up her half pretty well.  

I like to watch people.   To wonder what goes on in their lives.  What caused her to perm her hair?  WHAT was her hairdresser thinking?  Does her husband like curly hair?   And then I thought,  hmm,  wondering sure is a quiet sneaky way to judge people.   I'm not judging, am I?  

We play this game in our family called "Your team".  Usually we find ourselves playing it in places like the airport, or the zoo.   We take turns picking people from the crowds and placing them on our imaginary team roster.   People like a boy with sparkly purple hair and wearing what looks to be shredded clothing, would quickly be called out 'your team'!   Or a woman (quite possibly a man) so muscle bound you find yourself flexing, is dubbed 'my team'!   Yes, even my mother finds herself sucked into this game.   Now, tell me, is this judging?   How can something so fun be a bad thing?

All chores are created un-equal

I have tried and failed so many times trying to 'equalize' chores, timeouts, rewards, and discipline between a 2, 4 and 6 year old.   In having a chat with my 6 year old today, a few things came out of my mouth that I think are noteworthy.  When he asked,  "Why do I have to clean it all by myself?  They played with it too."   I started to tell him because I said so, and took a different approach. 

"You're 6, he's 2.  Your chores, and expectations match your age.  It seems unfair, but you just happened to be born first, so you get to the hard chores first.  When he is 6 he will do them too." 

Next,  in chatting with him about his attitude, which was significantly nasty this morning, I told him he would have to earn his privileges.  He nodded, and  I realized,  why would a 6 year old know what earning a privilege is?   So, in effort to explain it simply to him I said,  "You gotta do good things to get good things."  Genius I know.  Such is life.

Me monster

Very near the top of my pet peeves list is 'one upping' a story.   I am guilty myself, but am consciously working on being a better listener.  I believe it starts around the time you have children...  the my kid walked first race, keeping track of the teething timer, if your kid can do it mine can too.  It continues on into adulthood, but with varying circumstances. Envy and a lack of self esteem are my drugs of choice when I have fallen into this habit.   Some people get so caught up in it you can almost tell they aren't even listening to your story, they're just waiting until you finish your sentence so they can start their competing story.   Please, please don't ever finish listening to someone and say, "well, if you think that's good, listen to this."   Or...  "I have a better one..."   Don't you want to respond, 'Well, thank you for letting me waste your time.'   I love Brian Regan.

Clearanced out.

Why is it when we get a compliment, whether it is about what we are wearing, how it looks or something in my house, that I choose to cheapen it?

'Your hair looks so good like that.'

'Ugh, really? But it needs a trim so bad.'

Or...

'I love the new pictures frames in here.'

'Thanks, but I just repainted them, it really didn't cost much. I guess they're ok.

Or...

'You look so skinny!'

'I am SO not. I just know how to hide it.'

I am fully aware the correct response should be....

THANK YOU.  

But why do we do this? Self esteem?  Not wanting to sound prideful?  Think about this, if you said any one of these things to someone else and they replied with a thank you, and all you needed to say was your welcome, would that be so bad?

Impulse v logic

I realized this morning I am an impulsive thinker.   Anything that enters my mind has to be done now, or I forget or lose interest.  If you have been my friend long enough, you have experienced this in some way. 

1. I need to talk to Jason about the seat belt being broken in the back seat.  I choose to call him now while I have 6 crazy chatty children in the car with me.  Why didn't I wait until I dropped off four of them 5 minutes later at school to call?  
2. I want to sell my house.  Today.  Tomorrow comes, and after I have spent the day before, cleaning my house for pictures and got my real estate agent all riled up for the race, I change my mind. 
3. I take 4 trips of a half hour each into town in 4 days instead of thinking planning and preparing and going once.  
4. I have started potty training Jared 3 times, only to realize after a whole day of it that tomorrow I am working all day and won't have the time to do it. 

Well, this week I made a goal.  To think more like Jason does.  Slowly and deliberately.   His decisions are always executed so well.  Today I waited to make that phone call until I knew I would have peace,  Jared is 5 days in on potty training and doing really well, I am NOT selling my house, and going into town just hasn't crossed my mind yet.

Yee Haw!

 It's official. Salon Legality is MINE!  I have contemplated trying to salon license my home for sometime now. My business has been so small I didn't feel it necessary, until now.   Styleworthy Salon. With me as it's owner!  Cool, I own something.  7 years I have done hair, and now I have salon in my house like I had planned from the beginning. 

This is a huge blessing. 

Who wouldn't love her more?

L: We're going the wrong way mom! 

M:No, we're going to Grammy's house.

L:Oh, Can you go the hair store while I stay there? 

(It's no secret she likes her alone time with Grammy.)

M: Why, do you like spending time with Grammy without me?

L: I just don't like you very much. 

M:  Uhhh,  that kind of hurts my feelings.

L:  Well, I like you a little bit. 

Gee thanks.

Sunday funnies

I leaned in and 'lovingly' wrapped my fingers around the back of his neck and whispered "If you have issues during class I told your teacher to go ahead and get your dad." Jayce pulled back and asked, "What's havissues?" A quick laugh and I was back to business, "I said, if you have (breath) issues I will send your dad in." Again, leaning back with confusion on his face "You're gonna take my shoes?" Sigh. It killed my I-am-the-boss moment. So I gave up and said, "If you're wild, your busted."

______________________________________________

This morning Jayce came in 15 minutes before he usually wakes up and was at my bedside.

J: Mom, I had a bad dream.

M: Well, what was it about?

J: I bit your nose off.

What is the kid watching??

Much laughter

Shelli and I had a date night without our husbands.   We both knew we were overdue for some 'mom escape' time.  Realizing our husbands had their camping, shooting, hunting, paintballing and mountain bike excursions, we decided it was time to girls' night it.   Evening Highlights:

• Johnny Rockets- shared a sandwich to make sure there was room for a whole shake each. 
• Girl talk, much of it and much needed
• 'Bedtime Stories'   Laughter all around.  A real feel good movie. 
• A quick trip to Joanne's.  Perusing scrapbook aisles, dabbling for paint, and of course even coming across a possibly 'used' pair of falsies.   Who knew?

I came home with a smile on my face and hop in my step.  Thanks for the company Shelli!

Shove a love

Lainy has a 'wormy' who has been in her arms each night since we can remember and numerous times I have tried to replace it with something I think would be better suited.  Frustration usually sets in when she refuses the new clean toy.   A black trash bag full of miscellaneous toys from our childhood sat in my mom's hallway for a few weeks waiting for owners to claim their memories.  I did NOT want anymore random stuffed animals roaming my house.   Lainy came home with a stuffed duck.  Out of ALL the toys in there you attached to a duck??   I felt a parallel coming on...  

So many times I have tried to 'make' friends.   Laurie told me once while we were talking about traditions not to become closed minded about new traditions that aren't planned,  sometimes the ones that you run into are the best and most loved.  I realize that life can't always be planned by us, formatted, calculated and organized.  We need to learn to live it and allow life to run into us sometimes. 

I have run into many incredible friends.  Each time I move I vow to make friends as soon as possible.  And each time, it takes a lot more time than I planned.  Many of you are blog stalkers and if you think you might be one of whom I am speaking of, there's a good chance you are.   So to you I say thank you.   For drying a tear, jogging a lap or two, lending an ear, and a babysitter, for smiles, laughter, date night company, trust, for needed criticism, advice, and love.   Thanks for being my ducks.  

(sisters included!)

Giant lifesaver

A few years ago we bought a used trampoline and we wore the rest of it out.   Jason thought it would be fun to show the kids just how high their dad could bounce.   He didn't bounce as much as fall when he came back down right through the middle of it.   Well, it's been a year or so and the kids are bouncing again.  Santa dropped it out of the sky on his way over AZ.  I did catch Jason out there a few days ago all by himself having a great time.  

  

Jared took a few days to get his 'tramp feet'   but the kid is sturdy as a brick on concrete and jumps all by himself every chance he gets.   Sunday we came home from church, Jared swung by the pantry grabbed himself a bag of marshmallows and headed out for a jump.

The kids are dirty, tired, and sweaty when they finally come inside for a break, and when you find them like this you can't help but love the trampoline. 

Snow day

My kids had never seen the snow before so when our friends asked us to join them this week for a day in the cold, we took them up on that offer!  I spent all week hunting down snow clothes so my kids would bundled up in snow gear head to toe.   A beautiful 55ish degree day and most of the snow gear was forgotten.   We brought pool toys and trash can lids to sled on and the pool toys turned out to be some of the best there!  

Jayce LOVED it.   I can safely assume if we ever moved to a colder climate he would be happy. 

Lainy was in 'like' with the snow.  Not a huge fan of the flying down hills, but didn't complain.  As long as she had Bo and Katy she was good. 

  

Brooklyn and Jayce got in on the snowball fight...

Jayce got a little carried away on the size of the snowballs.

Jared went down the hills with dad like a pro, but never turned down any snuggle time. 

 

Shell and Rich joined us and took some turns 'flying' on the pool tubes.   Where most sleds stopped at the bottom of the hill,  these babies would take far past and into the crowds!

Nice hat Jason.  Again, the pool raft,  one of the fav's since you could get a few people on them and they picked up some serious speed. 

Doughnuts and hot cocoa was the food of choice for the ride home.  Made for some very happy (and hyper) children.

Great first experience with the snow I would say!

Lifting weight.

Since I can remember,  writing my thoughts down never failed to lift the weight of whatever might be ailing my thoughts.  Today I hope is no exception.  Truth be told that little train of thought I have shoved so neatly into the back my my mind knows I am being irrational and that I need to knock it off.  But of course anger prevails.  I'll admit I am writing out of spite.  As if I am trying to prove to myself that writing can't heal or fix my attitude.   But since this blog might possibly be used as a teaching tool someday for my children I felt I should at least try and show them that we need to learn to control our thoughts.   We are always taught to school our thoughts, to control them.  Some thoughts are easier to banish than others and today I realize you can't just think them away.   You have to proactively fight them.   Sing a song, say a prayer out loud, write out your thoughts.  If you are trying and actively working on correcting whatever it is you are struggling with, you will be helped with dealing with rest in form.  Maybe it won't be taken from you, but you will be given strength to at least muddle.

New Year's craziness

My good friend Laurie decided it would be fun to plan a New year's party this year at her house. The woman is what they used as a model for the energizer bunny.

Highlights:

• Jared likely ate half a tub of red vines. If he couldn't reach them he would stand in front of them quietly playing with his hands until someone noticed, or got enough courage to reach in and grab one.

• Rhett and the stacking cups. They are addicting and Jayce loves them. They're on my list.

• Bum writing. No explanation. You can't describe how funny it is to someone, you just have to do it.

• Song wars. Since bum writing started men v women we staying suit and battled song lyric memories.

After watching the ball drop, taking a swig of Martinelli's, and kissing our hunny's we headed out to the back porch to confetti ourselves and shoot off a couple of bottle rockets. Shelli headed back indoors since she isn't a fan and much to her surprise a wild rocket made a U-turn and shot into the house and right through her legs! We froze and went to survey damage after the small explosion. Shelli, a little rattled, Jared not phased and Janelle small burn on her feet from passing sparks. All in all a FUN night! Thanks Laurie!!

Rehabilitation.

The Christmas season just about keeled me over this year. I want the memories recorded but have yet to regroup from the holidays and can only manage and quick overview.

Sharon sent belated birthday presents with the Christmas gifts and the kids loved the new 'sack race' bags. I can't seem to keep them on the pillows.

Grammy and Poppy joined us for dinner Christmas Eve and for the Nativity...

The kids each get 3 gifts in rememberence of the 3 gifts Christ received:

Gold- Garment

Frankincense- Fun

Myrrh- Mind

Lainy's fun gift was tutu's, Jayce realized his behavior rather quickly, and hasn't touched the fluff since this moment.

We had breakfast at mom's Christmas morning and Rich had quite a masterpiece happening on the griddle.

There are so many pictures from that day that I want to remember but this one captures all the excitement in one shot.

A weekend of music

AMAZING weekend I must say! Mom Dad, Meg, Shell, and I, with spouses in toe went Friday to see Jon Schmidt and then on Monday to Michael McLean's Forgotten Carols.

Jon Schmidt was as always funny, charismatic and incredibly talented. He played with his hands, his feet and sometimes even his head. He interacts with the audience so well through out and there was a moment that he told us all to look at our chairs and if there was a red sticker on it to come up. A little family of a mother and children came up and Jon proceeded to tell us that this woman's husband was serving in the military and that she was left raise her children alone until his return. He was due to be home on Christmas. Jon asked the kids if they missed their dad and then out from behind the curtain walked a soldier. Their dad. I can't describe the emotion felt in that room while we watched such a beautiful homecoming. The mom had planned this for her children. We watched as the kids embraced their father and all the audience was forgotten.

I had never seen the Forgotten Carols and when we arrived Meg handed us our tickets and we had front row seats!!! It was awesome. We were so close the actors could spit on you. And they took the time to do so! While singing, we could see the tiny flecks of spit flying from one of the lead singers mouth! Michael McLean was amazing. There was a choir seated facing the audience on stage that sang during the play and each time Micheal McLean got up and faced them to lead them, or to play the piano, you could see the love on their faces toward this man. He has been writing music for 25 years, is grey haired now, and I couldn't help but think of what a blessing it was that I had a chance to see him and his masterpiece up close.

He's right. For once.

As I set the wrapped preschool present on Jason's video game shelf, he quickly walked over and moved it to the shelf above. Really? I can't place anything on the beloved shelf?? No, you have plenty of other places to put it, he says. In finding out why, he commented that I was disorganized.

ME???

Oh, he was in for it now. I steamed for an hour laying in bed thinking of all the ways to help him take his foot out of his mouth. And when I woke up, I was still thinking... As I scanned the room I realized he never left anything out in that room. So, I moved to the next room in my mind... I felt like Cinderella trying to think of something nice to say about Lucifer the cat...

Well, he always leaves out the.... nope.

He never puts away the... nope.

Well, surely I can just throw all of the laundry I usually do all over his side of the bed.

No, that would make me disorganized..... I sat down at that point and scanned the master bathroom. 6 shirts of mine strewn across the bathtub to dry. 2 Q-tips on the counter. Mine. A roll of packing tape next to the sink. And at least 6 articles of clothing randomly placed throughout the room that belonged in the hamper. Holy cow, the man is right!!! I do leave a trail wherever I walk.

• Pick up a book from the hallway and set it on the kitchen counter.
• Open a piece of gum and set the wrapper on the shelf in the pantry.
• Wrap presents in the bedroom, carry tape to bathroom and leave on the counter.
• Sit on couch, remove shoes and leave them.

I am disorganized!

My Yammy

While dancing and singing along in the car, Lainy always thinks too hard about the lyrics to really enjoy the song. Such was the case today.

Bouncin' in the club where the heat is on
All night on the beach til the break of dawn.
I'm going to miami, welcome to miami

"What is your yammy?"

First comes love...

Lainy is a lovable kid by nature. But when she runs into another such child, the friendship seems to explode with joy. Lainy and her friend Bo are quite a sight when they spot each other from across the room. Squeals and running, then the embrace. As if the time passed in absence was 2 years and not 2 days. Bo and his darling little sister Katy visited for a few hours last week...

Playing House:

Bo: You be the mom... "Hey honey..."
Lainy: No, I'm the mom.
Bo: I know, you're the mom and I call you honey sometimes.
Lainy: No, I'm the mom and you call me babe.

There wasn't a single squabble to be heard that day.

Monsters

Disney cartoons seem to have more of a handle on political issues than some might assume. Our energy crisis has come into focus quite clearly the past few years and the same questions raised by consumers mirror the issues that the creatures of Monstropolis face. Shortages. All monsters are working their hardest to make ends meet and yet ‘children’ keep getting harder and harder to come by. I have always thought that there are things being hidden by the higher-ups, our very own ‘scream extractors’. And yet, right under our noses is the laughter of children that is more valuable and powerful than any screams of fright will ever be. We just aren’t willing to try for it, or know it’s there, but collecting screams just creates more money for the big wigs. If you think about it, monsters are everywhere. Competing for our ‘screams’, our energy to keep the world moving forward. It is our job to make sure we give them laughter, the best and most powerful energy they need.

Shoo fly

Doing haircuts this afternoon, I called Jayce in to come swat the fly that kept landing in my clients hair. I told him to kill it and... whack! Ow. I neglected to mention to hit it when it wasn't on my back. At least it's dead.

House of Order

While I was doing laundry this morning it occurred to me that I enjoy things that are complete. I know, it seems a given. I love when my van is freshly filled with gas. It seems to run better. I love when laundry is done, folded and put into drawers. It makes life in the mornings easier when I know there is nothing missing to complete an outfit.

I remember as a teenager that I was taught that our homes should be in order. It stuck with me. And when I had one, even two children, my house was usually clean. But once I had 3 kids, I found that keeping my house clean was getting to be a bit of a challenge. I'm not gonna tell you that my house is always clean and in order. It's not. But I do understand why we are asked to keep our homes in order. There is harmony and a more peaceful feeling when it is. I just know that when I get up early and get myself ready 'down to the shoes' and 'shine my sink' (fly-lady), my day goes smoother. When my house is clean and things are in order, my brain takes a bon-bon break.

"Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" (Doctrine & Covenants 88:119)

Tree of Thanks

A new tradition in our home is the Tree of Thanks. One family home evening before Thanksgiving we all tell what we are thankful for and form our tree. I will save the leaves each year for memories sake, and to watch how the our gratitude has grown.