Addie and I were reading a Little Mermaid book last night and we saw a picture of Aerial and Eric riding in a horse drawn carriage. She said that was kind of like what Santa rides in. Never thought about it, but I was amazed at her connection. We talked about how they were a little different, but in the end she said, that yes, that is kind of what Santa rides in. Amazed at her connection at the age of 3.
The Zach, age 6, and Nate, age 8, are taking care of the neighbors cats. I normally go with them but their sister has been sick so I sent them over on their own. Zach said, "Mom, we'll make sure not to disappoint you". I've been impressed with how well they have been doing it without me being with them. Good kids.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Job charts
We've done job charts off and on for a while. we've had our latest job chart since April and the boys are required to do their jobs every day. They are pretty simple and include cleaning their room, making their bed, pj's away, dishes in the sink, teeth brushed, etc. I'm also a mean mom and have included on our job chart things like reading for 20 minutes every day, homework, and exercise. If they don't have homework from school, I make them do something like flashcards or write in their journal. Every year for the last few years they get a composition notebook as one of their gifts for Christmas. That is the years journal. We aren't really good about it, but I try to get them to write five sentences in it when we are doing journals. I need to be better, but its a start.
Anyhow, we were shoveling sidewalks this morning and after they finished doing our sidewalks, Zach (age 6), asked if we can include service as one of their things on their job charts! So, part of it was that Nate helped the neighbors shovel their sidewalk on Christmas eve and they gave him a candy bar for everyone in our family to say thank you, but hey if he wants to do service I'm thrilled!
Anyhow, we were shoveling sidewalks this morning and after they finished doing our sidewalks, Zach (age 6), asked if we can include service as one of their things on their job charts! So, part of it was that Nate helped the neighbors shovel their sidewalk on Christmas eve and they gave him a candy bar for everyone in our family to say thank you, but hey if he wants to do service I'm thrilled!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Cub scouts
After spending hours sewing on Cub Scout badges during the last three weeks I have to remind myself that, yes, I do want my son to succeed in scouts. I hate sewing and have had to do it by hand, but I'm getting much better at it. I originally ironed them on but they started falling off so now I've been sewing. It's a wonderful program and it's worth it with what they learn and get out of it. However, I think I should earn the sewing merit badge! Maybe we'll focus on belt loops for a while...
My Sweet Nathan
My sweet Nathan. He came home from a birthday party today with a big bag of candy which his brother and sister wanted him to share. He didn't share it right in the beginning but it was set aside where they played throughout the day. Around dinnertime he, all on his own without being asked by me or his siblings, decided to split it. He took four bowls out and divided all of his candy up and gave a bowl to me and his brother and sister. For an eight year old boy, I think it's pretty huge. He had a big bag of candy and only took 1/4 of it for himself. He's such a sweet kid and such a good example to his brother and sister. I went to the bank with Zach and Addie when Nathan was at his party and they got suckers, which they always do. They asked to get one for Nathan as well. Such sweet kids.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The "Inator"
Apparently my three year old daughter built an "inator" this morning in the family room with blankets and pillows. Apparently she has watched too much Phineas and Ferb with her brothers. She doesn't know what it does, but does know it's an "inator". She has bucket loads and bucket loads of personality.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Confessions of a Frugal Shopper
I have decided that, contrary to my family's belief, I'm not cheap, I'm frugal. I love to save money. In some cases, I have to save money. This is, in part, for my sanity's sake. I'm coming to terms with my obsession to save money, but it's hard. I just can't understand why you have to pay full price for most things. There are some things that I will spend full price on but it's just not very often.
I usually don't buy clothes for myself unless it's a really good deal and something that I need. Sadly most of the clothes that I own were either gifts or hand-me-downs from family or friends. I do, however, buy food. Lots of food. Sometimes too much food. Food storage is my security blanket. The thought of my family going hungry for a prolonged period of time terrifies me. So I buy lots of food. My boys actually have to share a room because I need a room for my food storage. I realize there is something wrong with me but when there is a major disaster and the grocery stores are empty I will be able to provide for my family.
So, I love food storage. Whenever there is a good price on something I will buy a few of them. I.e. recently chocolate chips were $1.25 which is a really good price so I bought 10 bags. That's just how I roll. Sadly, I look at things in people's grocery carts and I think to myself "Oh Honey! I could have gotten that at ___ price at this store". I saw someone donating food to the food bank and sadly I thought they could have gotten a similar product for much less recently. My latest was that I ran into a family member at a store recently and watched her put a loaf of bread that cost over $4.00 in her cart. It took all I could to not say that she could have gotten it at the bread store for 90 cents. I realize there is something wrong with me! I didn't say anything and thankfully she put the the loaf of bread back. It was a stark realization that people, probably lots of people, may actually buy loafs of bread that cost over $4.00. I'm still blown away by it. I was mad when the bread store raised their prices from 75 cents to 90 cents! My hope is that all my frugality will pay off in the end. I think it has already.
I usually don't buy clothes for myself unless it's a really good deal and something that I need. Sadly most of the clothes that I own were either gifts or hand-me-downs from family or friends. I do, however, buy food. Lots of food. Sometimes too much food. Food storage is my security blanket. The thought of my family going hungry for a prolonged period of time terrifies me. So I buy lots of food. My boys actually have to share a room because I need a room for my food storage. I realize there is something wrong with me but when there is a major disaster and the grocery stores are empty I will be able to provide for my family.
So, I love food storage. Whenever there is a good price on something I will buy a few of them. I.e. recently chocolate chips were $1.25 which is a really good price so I bought 10 bags. That's just how I roll. Sadly, I look at things in people's grocery carts and I think to myself "Oh Honey! I could have gotten that at ___ price at this store". I saw someone donating food to the food bank and sadly I thought they could have gotten a similar product for much less recently. My latest was that I ran into a family member at a store recently and watched her put a loaf of bread that cost over $4.00 in her cart. It took all I could to not say that she could have gotten it at the bread store for 90 cents. I realize there is something wrong with me! I didn't say anything and thankfully she put the the loaf of bread back. It was a stark realization that people, probably lots of people, may actually buy loafs of bread that cost over $4.00. I'm still blown away by it. I was mad when the bread store raised their prices from 75 cents to 90 cents! My hope is that all my frugality will pay off in the end. I think it has already.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ornery girl
Addie was throwing a big fit and being really ornery to her brothers. We sat in her room for a while and rocked on the rocking chair and talked about how we can't act that way. I had asked her if she could be a good girl and if she wanted to play with 'her boys'. She said she wanted to be an ornery girl and play with her boys instead. Yup, that's my daughter.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
walking to school
My boys are still so sweet. We walked to school this morning and their three year old sister wanted to walk/run with them the entire time. They all held hands through most of the walk and took good care of her. Towards the end, they ran ahead and we were a little further behind. When the got to the crossing walk, the boys ran back to give me a hug and a kiss before they left. even made the crossing guard wait for a second while they did it. My boys are eight and six and it melts my heart that they still care enough to give me a hug and kiss before they go to school.
Writing is a way to organize my thoughts. This is yet another post for my own benefit: Reminded today of two things.
1) My Grandma is a righteous woman. I was teaching Zach's primary class and we were talking about service. Zach told his class that his Super Grandma was a very righteous woman. In the closing prayer, he asked Heavenly Father to bless us to all be righteous like his Super Grandma. My goal in life is to be more like her. I had gotten upset this morning about something that has to do with extended family. However, I was reminded of Super Grandma this morning and decided that I just needed to let it all go and try to be more like her. I hope every day I can be more and more like her. She is an amazing example to me.
2) I have also been reminded that Heavenly Father gives us trials that are meant for us. Life has not necessarily turned out the way I had planned it would. We have had some different challenges over the last few years that I would not necessarily have chosen. However, there are some challenges that other people have dealt with that I certainly don't think I could handle. Heavenly Father has given me the trials and challenges he knew I could face. I have also come to realize that these trials over the last few years have made me a stronger person. He knows who I am, what I can handle, and who I need to become. I will continue to try my best to handle the challenges placed before me. I am amazed at what some people have had to deal with and I pray I don't. However, I know whatever he places before me I can handle, I hope.
1) My Grandma is a righteous woman. I was teaching Zach's primary class and we were talking about service. Zach told his class that his Super Grandma was a very righteous woman. In the closing prayer, he asked Heavenly Father to bless us to all be righteous like his Super Grandma. My goal in life is to be more like her. I had gotten upset this morning about something that has to do with extended family. However, I was reminded of Super Grandma this morning and decided that I just needed to let it all go and try to be more like her. I hope every day I can be more and more like her. She is an amazing example to me.
2) I have also been reminded that Heavenly Father gives us trials that are meant for us. Life has not necessarily turned out the way I had planned it would. We have had some different challenges over the last few years that I would not necessarily have chosen. However, there are some challenges that other people have dealt with that I certainly don't think I could handle. Heavenly Father has given me the trials and challenges he knew I could face. I have also come to realize that these trials over the last few years have made me a stronger person. He knows who I am, what I can handle, and who I need to become. I will continue to try my best to handle the challenges placed before me. I am amazed at what some people have had to deal with and I pray I don't. However, I know whatever he places before me I can handle, I hope.
Monday, September 24, 2012
My garbage disposal is broken, my car needs $800+ in car repairs, registration is due this month and we just had changes that make 2 cars necessary, and there is a very real possibility that I broke my left hand/wrist and I'm left handed. Oh, and we don't have insurance, I type for a living, and have young children at home that depend on me. Plus there is other stuff we've been dealing with for the past few months that I shouldn't go into. All in all, not the easy time in my life. But there's hope. The world is a better place with hope. Right?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Saturday
So, when my kids get old and they think that I just sit around, read books, and eat bon-bons all day, this was my Saturday:
1) woke up, dealt with kids, got them ready for the day, etc.
2) Quick grocery shopping and got gas for car and lawn mower
3) Went to the bank, then home by 9:30
4) Mowed the lawn
5) Weed-eated (sp?) The lawn
6) turned sprinklers on for short time for fertilizer
7) spread fertilizer on the entire lawn
8) quickly got ready, got kids ready, and out the door by 11:47
9) Soccer game for Zach, coached game
10) Cleaned up goals and field after soccer game
11) Went home, got lunch for the kids, did dishes
12) Brandon over- spent approximately an hour helping go over Divorce papers and finalize papers for filing with the Court
13) Cleaned up the house
14) Nate played with friend here, took Zach and Addi for walk/run to play at Kamden’s house
15) Took Addi home, put her to bed, cleaned house
16) made pizza dough for dinner
14) mowed neighbors lawn
15) gave Addi a piggy back ride to pick up Zach at Kamden’s, ran with her on the way back home.
16) cleaned up our yard, cleaned up apples, little bit of weeding, started laundry
17) Made 2 pizzas, plus pizza for each kid (One to be used for school lunches)
18) clean house, dusted and vacuumed while kids ate
19) took kids to Walmart to get a couple of have to things for next day
20) home by 8:47, put kids into bed
21) cleaned up dinner/ house, put pizzas in sandwich bags for lunches,
22) laundry
23) laid down with Addi to get her to sleep.
24) worked for job for approximately 35 minutes to finish up time needed for week
I probably missed some things, but that about sums up the day. Jeff had to work and left around 11:10 a.m., so most of this was on my own. Although not every day is as physically demanding, most days are pretty busy crammed full trying to be a full time, stay at home mom (mostly), and working full time. Although I’m deemed “part-time”, I’ve billed more hours than any of the other paralegals by at least 176+ hours. I don’t get the numbers anymore for the hours posted for the year, but I’ve worked harder than any of the other paralegals. I’ve had some people ask me how I stay so thin. Well, I have a pretty crazy life.
1) woke up, dealt with kids, got them ready for the day, etc.
2) Quick grocery shopping and got gas for car and lawn mower
3) Went to the bank, then home by 9:30
4) Mowed the lawn
5) Weed-eated (sp?) The lawn
6) turned sprinklers on for short time for fertilizer
7) spread fertilizer on the entire lawn
8) quickly got ready, got kids ready, and out the door by 11:47
9) Soccer game for Zach, coached game
10) Cleaned up goals and field after soccer game
11) Went home, got lunch for the kids, did dishes
12) Brandon over- spent approximately an hour helping go over Divorce papers and finalize papers for filing with the Court
13) Cleaned up the house
14) Nate played with friend here, took Zach and Addi for walk/run to play at Kamden’s house
15) Took Addi home, put her to bed, cleaned house
16) made pizza dough for dinner
14) mowed neighbors lawn
15) gave Addi a piggy back ride to pick up Zach at Kamden’s, ran with her on the way back home.
16) cleaned up our yard, cleaned up apples, little bit of weeding, started laundry
17) Made 2 pizzas, plus pizza for each kid (One to be used for school lunches)
18) clean house, dusted and vacuumed while kids ate
19) took kids to Walmart to get a couple of have to things for next day
20) home by 8:47, put kids into bed
21) cleaned up dinner/ house, put pizzas in sandwich bags for lunches,
22) laundry
23) laid down with Addi to get her to sleep.
24) worked for job for approximately 35 minutes to finish up time needed for week
I probably missed some things, but that about sums up the day. Jeff had to work and left around 11:10 a.m., so most of this was on my own. Although not every day is as physically demanding, most days are pretty busy crammed full trying to be a full time, stay at home mom (mostly), and working full time. Although I’m deemed “part-time”, I’ve billed more hours than any of the other paralegals by at least 176+ hours. I don’t get the numbers anymore for the hours posted for the year, but I’ve worked harder than any of the other paralegals. I’ve had some people ask me how I stay so thin. Well, I have a pretty crazy life.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Confidence
Maybe it's an odd quality I want my kids to have, but I really hope I can help them gain confidence. I want them to feel like they can take on the world. That they won't be scared to try and they won't let people, or ideas, scare them in any way. I'm sure that's part personality and genetics, but I hope I can give them a safe haven that they know they will always have, but then be brave enough to take on the world. I was painfully shy as I kid. I mean, I had to have my big brother go introduce me to the girl that was my age moving in next door. Like I said, painfully shy. Geez, I've been shy as an adult as well. We were first married and living in apartments in a family ward. I had been called to be in the Young Women's and the YW's president (parent of one of my former primary kids) asked me if I was scared of her. Seriously Mel, what is your problem??
However, I've come to realize that, "if you plan it, they will come" and that I can start things, share ideas and, talk to complete strangers, and make a complete lunatic of myself and as long as I am confident in myself, it doesn't matter. I'm still trying to get there, but I've come a long way baby. Watch out world. When I'm an old lady with a walker I may be confident enough to dance down the street in a bikini. Or maybe not..
Anyhow, I hope my kids will have the confidence to be willing to take whatever comes there way, do whatever they want, and not let someone hold them down. Maybe my wish was fulfilled in my daughter, because she is completely willing to let me know her opinion at the age of three. I'm not sure if the world is ready for her!! Anyhow, I'm hoping that if I give them a safe haven that they will have the confidence to do whatever their dream and not let anyone, or anything, hold them down. If you have any ideas, suggestions, etc. I'm always willing to listen.
However, I've come to realize that, "if you plan it, they will come" and that I can start things, share ideas and, talk to complete strangers, and make a complete lunatic of myself and as long as I am confident in myself, it doesn't matter. I'm still trying to get there, but I've come a long way baby. Watch out world. When I'm an old lady with a walker I may be confident enough to dance down the street in a bikini. Or maybe not..
Anyhow, I hope my kids will have the confidence to be willing to take whatever comes there way, do whatever they want, and not let someone hold them down. Maybe my wish was fulfilled in my daughter, because she is completely willing to let me know her opinion at the age of three. I'm not sure if the world is ready for her!! Anyhow, I'm hoping that if I give them a safe haven that they will have the confidence to do whatever their dream and not let anyone, or anything, hold them down. If you have any ideas, suggestions, etc. I'm always willing to listen.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Summer 2012
We were crazy busy this summer, or at least it seemed like it to me. We tried to do a list of 100 things this summer and we got pretty far. I haven't had time to blog, but I tried to do notes on my phone as a journal. Here are my notes for this summer. I took a ton of pictures and will hopefully one day do real posts:
Summer
Thursday 05/31- play with friends, picnic at school with playing with ben's family
Friday 06/01- morning bike ride with dad, playing with friends, swimming at PG pool, and movie night with family
Sat 06/02- baptisms- Jason, maddie, Lena. Cake for Lena at park, planting growboxes, catch with dad, play with dad
Sund 06/03- church, s'mores with Casey up Provo canyon
Mon 06/04-swimming at PG pool, Nate played with Jake and went to trafalga with Jake and ty. Zach and Addi did lunch at central and and zach played with Dallin. We all went to PG pool.
Tuesday 06/05- played with friends, Nate played at park with Jake, zach hiked the waterfalls with Levi.
Wednes 06/06- Nate and I did daycamp for cub scouts while zach and Addi played with cousins. played the Reynolds at our house. Cold.
Thursday 06/07- visitning teaching in the morning. Kids played with Reynolds. Movie night and sleepover with cousins at our house.
Friday 06/08- breakfast at grandmas with cousins and play in the water. Camping with family/ car trip to Monticello.
And camping in monticello.
Sat 06/09- camping, drive to blanding. Hang out at Jared's, then check in at the hotel, swimming at the pool while jeff went boating, more swimming with family, baptism, then hamburgers and hot dogs at park and playground with cousins.
Sund 06/10- church with cousins the drive home with lunch with family, stop at Monticello temple on way home
Mon 06/11- I worked, jeff home, boys played with friends all day and did soccer camp in the morning
Tues 06/12- soccer camp, played with Jackson, massive pillow fort, swimming at pool with jackson
Wed 06/13- soccer camp, lunch at school, swimming at PG pool with Jackson
Thursday 06/14- soccer camp, oil change for car- lots of popcorn an drinks, lunch at school, play with friends, discovery park with Jackson, Jason, Sara and heather
Friday 06/15- blake and Clayton here. Nate at jason's, picnic at blake's, zach at kamdens and then Levi's, game night playing clue and eating popcorn and strawberries from garden
Sat 06/16- ward super waterslide, Eden biethday party,
Claire watched kids while we went to dinner for anniversary
Sun 06/17-father's day, church, visit both grandpa's
Monday 06/18- I worked, jeff with kids, swimming lessons, play with dallin and brenden. Porch finally done
Tuesday 06/19- swimming lessons, grocery store and bread store, slip and slide and water balloons with Jake and Levi, pack meeting
Wed 06/20- swimming lessons,
Nate at clara's, lunch at school, zach at dallin's, swimming pool with Clara, dallin, brenden. Then strawberries and cream and ride at carnival, play at park
Thursday 06/21- swimming lessons. Me at work, kids at jacksons. Then play here and swimming at pg pool with jackson
Friday 06/22- huck Finn days with lots of prizes, swimming lessons at Daniels, lunch at school, play with Jackson at Reynolds and then here, and then swimming at Seven peaks with Jackson- dinner was blt's corn on the cob and strawberries from the garden
Saturday 06/23- boating at deer creek with grandma and grandpa, brandon, Jackson, Bre and Jordan. Dinner was burgers and hot dogs and salad. Watch fireworks on porch with jeff
Sunday 06/24- baby blessing for Alexander and lunch after. Corry and Scotty over
Monday 06/25- me work, jeff left for scout camp, Kids at jackson's to play while heather watched them. Then home for dinner, fhe, playing and bed. Had to lay down with both zach and Addi to help them sleep
Tuesday 06/26- play with Jake, pick up Jackson, library class and spin for prizes, lunch at school, play with friends at home, swimming at pg pool, play here
Wed- 06/27- Nate daycamp, Kids play with friends, me work, Nate with Jason, rest with Blake and Clayton, scooter ride To deliver b-day invitations
Thursday 06/28- arbitration, silly grandpa with kids, crafts, make musical instruments. Cereal necklaces, dallin and brenden, Addi played ponies with grandpa
Friday- 06/29-'Addi birthday, arbitration, disneland grandma watched kids, went to PG pool with Jackson when I got home. Tons of time on waterslide, jeff home from scout camp
Sarurday 06/30- yard sales, shopping, clean house and catch up, dallin and brenden. Birthday party for Addi, grandparents, daren, heather, Sara, Brandon, Jackson. Chris, Emily, savannah.
Sunday. 7/01- church, BBQ up big cottonwood canyon with dan and Karen
Monday 07/02- addi birthday party in the morning,
Work, swimming at of pool
Tuesday 07/03- I worked, kids played at jacksons, heather watched them, sprinklers, etc
Wednesday 07/04- boating at Utah lake with Bre, BBQ at Jeff's parents, fireworks at pg pool
Thursday 07/05- rainy day. Library class, reading party, post office, made pizza
Friday 07/06- worked in the morning, then seven peaks
Saturday 07/07- yard work, home depot to build, then bridal veil, cascade springs, picnic, fishing and hiking
Monday 07/09- I worked, jeff home, boys bike ride, play with friends, get ice cream with dad
Tuesday- zach went to seven peaks with Levi, Nate, Addi and Jackson and I went to seven peaks, walk/bike scooter to take Jackson home, Nathan cub scouts
Wed 07/11- work day, I worked from home all day, kids played at home, legos, movies, etc. Built a robot, got blankets and read Harry potter under the tree
Thursday 07/12- library class, spin for prizes, picnic and water party at simko's, swimming at of pool
Friday 07/13- home in the morning, Nate played at Jason's, zach at Dallin's,'went swimming at PG pool with dallin and Jackson. That night went to grandma's then got shakes at purple turtle
Saturday 07/14- trafalga in the morning- minigolf, playground, laser tag, bumper boats, rock climbing. Then home and played, shopping, movie night with Jackson here watching tin tin
Sunday 07/15- home, walk to church and church, fishing and feed ducks at Manila creek pond including walk around pond
Monday 07/16- basketball camp for Nate and zach, home, then bowling at fat cats with Jackson
Tuesday 07/17-basketball camp, picnic at the park with Jackson, library class, play with Jackson at home, make Carmel popcorn and apricot jam
Wed 07/18- my work day, home with dad, basketball camp, Nate played with Jason, zach win Blake
Thursday 07/19- basketball camp ALL morning, zach had swim party at Levi's, Nate and Jackson played, swimming at PG pool.
Friday 07/20- tour of fire station, dispatch, and city hall. Play at the park, then bean museum class about plants at the library, play, then swimming at pg pool, watch Madagascar 3 at Water Gardens with passes from Library class
Saturday 07/21 boating on Utah lake with Jason and chris, then splash pad at highland with grandma, grandpa, Jared, celeste, Daren, Sara, Britney, and Ryder, dinner (free pizza from
Papa johns) then movie in Blake's driveway
Sunday 07/22- church, day of rest!!, make ice cream
Monday 07/23- addi sick. My day to catch up with housework, yard work, and work work. Boys learned magic and did a magic show, Nate tried to catch a snake with Ethan and played, Zach played with Kamden, and both boys played at Dallin and Brenden's house
07/24- woke Nate up with a pillow fight, did pillow fight as a family, hiked the G as a family, nap, went swimming at pg pool as
A family with jeff, work, clean up house and do yardwork, make pizza as a family, pick plums
Wednesday 07/25- my work day, zach played with Blake, Nate played with friends, late night birthday party for Ty that included scavenger hunt, hide and seek, s'mores, etc
Thursday 07/25- library class, visiting teaching, play with Jackson, swimming at pool, Mario kart
Friday 07/26- library class about lizards an reptiles, zach sick, Nate and Jackson played and went to grandma's house, crochet in yard
Saturday 07/27- work in the morning, bowling with dad, little caesars pizza for dinner, free shakes at purple turtle, pick up cotton candy at grandma's
Sunday 07/28- church, watch olympics
Monday 07/30- work in the morning, pick up Jackson, then Tracy aviary, splash pad at liberty park, snack, playground, then home
Tuesday 07/31- my work day, play with friends
Wednesday 08/01-Play with Jackson, PG pool
Thursday 08/02- grocery shopping, yard work, mow lawn, clean house, make pizza dough, I did birthday party for my primary kids where we played games, twister, three legged race, water game, made pizzas, had brownies, etc. Picked plums, zach played with kamden, Nate played with simkos, had dinner and went to farmers market
Friday 08/03- planning meeting for preschool where kids played with friends, picked plums, work, pack, swimming at pg pool, went camping with freiends at mutual Dell, hot dogs, s'mores, hiking, etc.
Saturday 08/04- camping with friends, home, boys played with jackson, Celeste, savannah and Sierra at grandma's, then here for planning meeting for powell and play with cousins at our house
Sunday 08/05- church, olympics, family time, work on Brandon divorce papers again
Monday 08/06- my work day- jeff home. Play with dallin and brenden, then with Jason
Tuesday 08/07- work in the morning, then dinosaur museum with Jackson, home for a nap, then visit with grandpa at our house, pancakes at our house with Jackson, then swimming at PG pool, watch gymnastics for olympics, bed, I worked on brandon's divorce papers again
Wednesday 08/08- work from home first thing, seven peaks including doing rides, tubes, etc. With Jackson. Rush home, change and lunch, heather watches kids at jacksons house while jeff and I did Casey's lunch at tucanos, pick up kids then home while I worked,
Thursday 08/09- catch up in the morning, jobs, zach played at Dallin's, brenden played at our house, then they all went to the park, played with Jackson. Went to Grandma's for a sleepover
Friday 08/10- continue sleepover at Grandma's, jeff and I went boating with daren and dick, picked up kids at 11:00, played with Jackson, walked to Jackson's picking up trash, then ward party at park and swimming at night at pool with ward.
Sat 08/11- spent morning recovering, jeff went riding with warren, I took boys to PG pool during nap time. Zach went off diving board for first time,
Then BBQ at britney's to celebrate Ryder's birthday and play with jackson, home, watch olympics, then bed
Sunday 08/12- day to
Recover/ rest, church, make pizzas, watch olympics and closing ceremonies
Monday 08/13- my forever long day at work, Nate went to the landfill for cub scouts, then played with Jason, went to karate with Jason, played there and here. Zach played with Blake, jeff home with the kids while working
Tuesday 08/14- picked up Jackson, went to Provo river trail, scooters/ walked from Nunn's park to Vivan park with Clowards and Einersons, play in the water at bridal veil falls, went to the store, home for lunch and nap, PG pool, Macey's for party supplies, deliver birthday invites, home for dinner, walk to deliver birthday invites, home to clean, yard work, work,
Bed
wednesday 08/15- work, meet teachers, bank, store, home with Jackson, Jake over, zach to Levi's, Ty over, soccer practice at school, also yard work, pay bills, work and more work, etc.
Thursday 08/16- work in the morning, walk down and pick up
Jackson, blake and clayton over, jason over, potato stamps and finger paint, Jackson and Nate ip to jason's, Levi over, then Levi Blake and zach over to blake's,
Addi asleep, I work, then over to PG pool with jeff and later Brandon. Home for real dinner, bedtime, and more work for me
Friday 08/17- woke up early, work, store, clean for b-day party, birthday party with pajamas, pancakes, play in Castle with ball fight, presents, make and do piñata, make bags to take home, volcano inside and out, etc. Take kids home, clean up, lunch, work, seven peaks with Jackson, drop jackson off at Grandma's, home for dinner, cleaning, bed
Saturday 08/18- cleaning, building project with dad, picnic at Silly Grandma and Grandpa's with aunts, uncles, and cousins where we played, ate, played at Highland splash pad with everyone where Jason and chris dumped into the river, then drive to liberty park for playing and picnic with Disneyland Grandma and Grandpa, Super Grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, including playing badminton, walk, etc. Shirt stop at old navy, home for bed, then I went to Macey's.
Sunday 08/19- church, teach primary, home, clean up, make pizzas and banana cake, cake and ice cream with family for Zach's birthday
Monday 08/20- clean up, went clothes shopping, back for haircuts with braayden, boys stayed to play. Addi home with me, work, clean, etc. Work, boys and Ty here to play, Jackson over, then to pg pool with pirate ship Zach got for his birthday, drop Jackson off, home and played with clay, then bedtime and work for me.
Tuesday 08/21- first day of school .....
Summer
Thursday 05/31- play with friends, picnic at school with playing with ben's family
Friday 06/01- morning bike ride with dad, playing with friends, swimming at PG pool, and movie night with family
Sat 06/02- baptisms- Jason, maddie, Lena. Cake for Lena at park, planting growboxes, catch with dad, play with dad
Sund 06/03- church, s'mores with Casey up Provo canyon
Mon 06/04-swimming at PG pool, Nate played with Jake and went to trafalga with Jake and ty. Zach and Addi did lunch at central and and zach played with Dallin. We all went to PG pool.
Tuesday 06/05- played with friends, Nate played at park with Jake, zach hiked the waterfalls with Levi.
Wednes 06/06- Nate and I did daycamp for cub scouts while zach and Addi played with cousins. played the Reynolds at our house. Cold.
Thursday 06/07- visitning teaching in the morning. Kids played with Reynolds. Movie night and sleepover with cousins at our house.
Friday 06/08- breakfast at grandmas with cousins and play in the water. Camping with family/ car trip to Monticello.
And camping in monticello.
Sat 06/09- camping, drive to blanding. Hang out at Jared's, then check in at the hotel, swimming at the pool while jeff went boating, more swimming with family, baptism, then hamburgers and hot dogs at park and playground with cousins.
Sund 06/10- church with cousins the drive home with lunch with family, stop at Monticello temple on way home
Mon 06/11- I worked, jeff home, boys played with friends all day and did soccer camp in the morning
Tues 06/12- soccer camp, played with Jackson, massive pillow fort, swimming at pool with jackson
Wed 06/13- soccer camp, lunch at school, swimming at PG pool with Jackson
Thursday 06/14- soccer camp, oil change for car- lots of popcorn an drinks, lunch at school, play with friends, discovery park with Jackson, Jason, Sara and heather
Friday 06/15- blake and Clayton here. Nate at jason's, picnic at blake's, zach at kamdens and then Levi's, game night playing clue and eating popcorn and strawberries from garden
Sat 06/16- ward super waterslide, Eden biethday party,
Claire watched kids while we went to dinner for anniversary
Sun 06/17-father's day, church, visit both grandpa's
Monday 06/18- I worked, jeff with kids, swimming lessons, play with dallin and brenden. Porch finally done
Tuesday 06/19- swimming lessons, grocery store and bread store, slip and slide and water balloons with Jake and Levi, pack meeting
Wed 06/20- swimming lessons,
Nate at clara's, lunch at school, zach at dallin's, swimming pool with Clara, dallin, brenden. Then strawberries and cream and ride at carnival, play at park
Thursday 06/21- swimming lessons. Me at work, kids at jacksons. Then play here and swimming at pg pool with jackson
Friday 06/22- huck Finn days with lots of prizes, swimming lessons at Daniels, lunch at school, play with Jackson at Reynolds and then here, and then swimming at Seven peaks with Jackson- dinner was blt's corn on the cob and strawberries from the garden
Saturday 06/23- boating at deer creek with grandma and grandpa, brandon, Jackson, Bre and Jordan. Dinner was burgers and hot dogs and salad. Watch fireworks on porch with jeff
Sunday 06/24- baby blessing for Alexander and lunch after. Corry and Scotty over
Monday 06/25- me work, jeff left for scout camp, Kids at jackson's to play while heather watched them. Then home for dinner, fhe, playing and bed. Had to lay down with both zach and Addi to help them sleep
Tuesday 06/26- play with Jake, pick up Jackson, library class and spin for prizes, lunch at school, play with friends at home, swimming at pg pool, play here
Wed- 06/27- Nate daycamp, Kids play with friends, me work, Nate with Jason, rest with Blake and Clayton, scooter ride To deliver b-day invitations
Thursday 06/28- arbitration, silly grandpa with kids, crafts, make musical instruments. Cereal necklaces, dallin and brenden, Addi played ponies with grandpa
Friday- 06/29-'Addi birthday, arbitration, disneland grandma watched kids, went to PG pool with Jackson when I got home. Tons of time on waterslide, jeff home from scout camp
Sarurday 06/30- yard sales, shopping, clean house and catch up, dallin and brenden. Birthday party for Addi, grandparents, daren, heather, Sara, Brandon, Jackson. Chris, Emily, savannah.
Sunday. 7/01- church, BBQ up big cottonwood canyon with dan and Karen
Monday 07/02- addi birthday party in the morning,
Work, swimming at of pool
Tuesday 07/03- I worked, kids played at jacksons, heather watched them, sprinklers, etc
Wednesday 07/04- boating at Utah lake with Bre, BBQ at Jeff's parents, fireworks at pg pool
Thursday 07/05- rainy day. Library class, reading party, post office, made pizza
Friday 07/06- worked in the morning, then seven peaks
Saturday 07/07- yard work, home depot to build, then bridal veil, cascade springs, picnic, fishing and hiking
Monday 07/09- I worked, jeff home, boys bike ride, play with friends, get ice cream with dad
Tuesday- zach went to seven peaks with Levi, Nate, Addi and Jackson and I went to seven peaks, walk/bike scooter to take Jackson home, Nathan cub scouts
Wed 07/11- work day, I worked from home all day, kids played at home, legos, movies, etc. Built a robot, got blankets and read Harry potter under the tree
Thursday 07/12- library class, spin for prizes, picnic and water party at simko's, swimming at of pool
Friday 07/13- home in the morning, Nate played at Jason's, zach at Dallin's,'went swimming at PG pool with dallin and Jackson. That night went to grandma's then got shakes at purple turtle
Saturday 07/14- trafalga in the morning- minigolf, playground, laser tag, bumper boats, rock climbing. Then home and played, shopping, movie night with Jackson here watching tin tin
Sunday 07/15- home, walk to church and church, fishing and feed ducks at Manila creek pond including walk around pond
Monday 07/16- basketball camp for Nate and zach, home, then bowling at fat cats with Jackson
Tuesday 07/17-basketball camp, picnic at the park with Jackson, library class, play with Jackson at home, make Carmel popcorn and apricot jam
Wed 07/18- my work day, home with dad, basketball camp, Nate played with Jason, zach win Blake
Thursday 07/19- basketball camp ALL morning, zach had swim party at Levi's, Nate and Jackson played, swimming at PG pool.
Friday 07/20- tour of fire station, dispatch, and city hall. Play at the park, then bean museum class about plants at the library, play, then swimming at pg pool, watch Madagascar 3 at Water Gardens with passes from Library class
Saturday 07/21 boating on Utah lake with Jason and chris, then splash pad at highland with grandma, grandpa, Jared, celeste, Daren, Sara, Britney, and Ryder, dinner (free pizza from
Papa johns) then movie in Blake's driveway
Sunday 07/22- church, day of rest!!, make ice cream
Monday 07/23- addi sick. My day to catch up with housework, yard work, and work work. Boys learned magic and did a magic show, Nate tried to catch a snake with Ethan and played, Zach played with Kamden, and both boys played at Dallin and Brenden's house
07/24- woke Nate up with a pillow fight, did pillow fight as a family, hiked the G as a family, nap, went swimming at pg pool as
A family with jeff, work, clean up house and do yardwork, make pizza as a family, pick plums
Wednesday 07/25- my work day, zach played with Blake, Nate played with friends, late night birthday party for Ty that included scavenger hunt, hide and seek, s'mores, etc
Thursday 07/25- library class, visiting teaching, play with Jackson, swimming at pool, Mario kart
Friday 07/26- library class about lizards an reptiles, zach sick, Nate and Jackson played and went to grandma's house, crochet in yard
Saturday 07/27- work in the morning, bowling with dad, little caesars pizza for dinner, free shakes at purple turtle, pick up cotton candy at grandma's
Sunday 07/28- church, watch olympics
Monday 07/30- work in the morning, pick up Jackson, then Tracy aviary, splash pad at liberty park, snack, playground, then home
Tuesday 07/31- my work day, play with friends
Wednesday 08/01-Play with Jackson, PG pool
Thursday 08/02- grocery shopping, yard work, mow lawn, clean house, make pizza dough, I did birthday party for my primary kids where we played games, twister, three legged race, water game, made pizzas, had brownies, etc. Picked plums, zach played with kamden, Nate played with simkos, had dinner and went to farmers market
Friday 08/03- planning meeting for preschool where kids played with friends, picked plums, work, pack, swimming at pg pool, went camping with freiends at mutual Dell, hot dogs, s'mores, hiking, etc.
Saturday 08/04- camping with friends, home, boys played with jackson, Celeste, savannah and Sierra at grandma's, then here for planning meeting for powell and play with cousins at our house
Sunday 08/05- church, olympics, family time, work on Brandon divorce papers again
Monday 08/06- my work day- jeff home. Play with dallin and brenden, then with Jason
Tuesday 08/07- work in the morning, then dinosaur museum with Jackson, home for a nap, then visit with grandpa at our house, pancakes at our house with Jackson, then swimming at PG pool, watch gymnastics for olympics, bed, I worked on brandon's divorce papers again
Wednesday 08/08- work from home first thing, seven peaks including doing rides, tubes, etc. With Jackson. Rush home, change and lunch, heather watches kids at jacksons house while jeff and I did Casey's lunch at tucanos, pick up kids then home while I worked,
Thursday 08/09- catch up in the morning, jobs, zach played at Dallin's, brenden played at our house, then they all went to the park, played with Jackson. Went to Grandma's for a sleepover
Friday 08/10- continue sleepover at Grandma's, jeff and I went boating with daren and dick, picked up kids at 11:00, played with Jackson, walked to Jackson's picking up trash, then ward party at park and swimming at night at pool with ward.
Sat 08/11- spent morning recovering, jeff went riding with warren, I took boys to PG pool during nap time. Zach went off diving board for first time,
Then BBQ at britney's to celebrate Ryder's birthday and play with jackson, home, watch olympics, then bed
Sunday 08/12- day to
Recover/ rest, church, make pizzas, watch olympics and closing ceremonies
Monday 08/13- my forever long day at work, Nate went to the landfill for cub scouts, then played with Jason, went to karate with Jason, played there and here. Zach played with Blake, jeff home with the kids while working
Tuesday 08/14- picked up Jackson, went to Provo river trail, scooters/ walked from Nunn's park to Vivan park with Clowards and Einersons, play in the water at bridal veil falls, went to the store, home for lunch and nap, PG pool, Macey's for party supplies, deliver birthday invites, home for dinner, walk to deliver birthday invites, home to clean, yard work, work,
Bed
wednesday 08/15- work, meet teachers, bank, store, home with Jackson, Jake over, zach to Levi's, Ty over, soccer practice at school, also yard work, pay bills, work and more work, etc.
Thursday 08/16- work in the morning, walk down and pick up
Jackson, blake and clayton over, jason over, potato stamps and finger paint, Jackson and Nate ip to jason's, Levi over, then Levi Blake and zach over to blake's,
Addi asleep, I work, then over to PG pool with jeff and later Brandon. Home for real dinner, bedtime, and more work for me
Friday 08/17- woke up early, work, store, clean for b-day party, birthday party with pajamas, pancakes, play in Castle with ball fight, presents, make and do piñata, make bags to take home, volcano inside and out, etc. Take kids home, clean up, lunch, work, seven peaks with Jackson, drop jackson off at Grandma's, home for dinner, cleaning, bed
Saturday 08/18- cleaning, building project with dad, picnic at Silly Grandma and Grandpa's with aunts, uncles, and cousins where we played, ate, played at Highland splash pad with everyone where Jason and chris dumped into the river, then drive to liberty park for playing and picnic with Disneyland Grandma and Grandpa, Super Grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, including playing badminton, walk, etc. Shirt stop at old navy, home for bed, then I went to Macey's.
Sunday 08/19- church, teach primary, home, clean up, make pizzas and banana cake, cake and ice cream with family for Zach's birthday
Monday 08/20- clean up, went clothes shopping, back for haircuts with braayden, boys stayed to play. Addi home with me, work, clean, etc. Work, boys and Ty here to play, Jackson over, then to pg pool with pirate ship Zach got for his birthday, drop Jackson off, home and played with clay, then bedtime and work for me.
Tuesday 08/21- first day of school .....
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Fun Run/ Field day
I'm so proud of my boys! They did the fun run today for their school and they did awesome! Zach came in second for all of the kindergarten boys! It was very very close, but Nate came in 3rd for the second grade boys! They did so amazing! Jackson, their cousin ran with the 1st grade boys and, although he didn't place, he ran hard and we are very proud of him too!
I helped out at Zach's field day with the kindergartener's and man, I am exhausted. I didn't know I would be helping out until yesterday and was then informed this morning that I got to design and run the obstacle course station. I was able to use the school's equipment and come up with an obstacle course. I had four groups of between 10-14 kids that came through the rotations. When I designed it, I didn't realize I would be actually doing it as many times as it did. Between the design, demonstration, and then races with some of the kids who didn't have a kid to race against, I probably ran it about 20 or more times in an hour and 15 minutes. Man, I am still exhausted. It was fun though and I just adore these kids. Kindergartener's are such fun. I've been helping out in Zach's class on Mondays for the last few months. There are a couple of the girls in his class who will randomly come up and give me a hug. Very sweet.
I did the same thing with Nathan's classes in both kindergarten and first grade, but his teacher this year has two aids and I didn't get to help except for the Halloween party. Man, I really love this school. Nathan is in 2nd grade and his is already doing multiplication. School has gotten a lot harder then it used to!
I helped out at Zach's field day with the kindergartener's and man, I am exhausted. I didn't know I would be helping out until yesterday and was then informed this morning that I got to design and run the obstacle course station. I was able to use the school's equipment and come up with an obstacle course. I had four groups of between 10-14 kids that came through the rotations. When I designed it, I didn't realize I would be actually doing it as many times as it did. Between the design, demonstration, and then races with some of the kids who didn't have a kid to race against, I probably ran it about 20 or more times in an hour and 15 minutes. Man, I am still exhausted. It was fun though and I just adore these kids. Kindergartener's are such fun. I've been helping out in Zach's class on Mondays for the last few months. There are a couple of the girls in his class who will randomly come up and give me a hug. Very sweet.
I did the same thing with Nathan's classes in both kindergarten and first grade, but his teacher this year has two aids and I didn't get to help except for the Halloween party. Man, I really love this school. Nathan is in 2nd grade and his is already doing multiplication. School has gotten a lot harder then it used to!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
It's amazing what you can do!
Once again, as with everything on this blog, this is a post for me. Just to put my own thoughts down.
It always amazes me what you can do when you have to. Maybe it's just drive and determination, but it's always amazing to me what you can push yourself to do if you have to. As I kid a ran track for a couple of years and did distance running. I mainly did the mile and 2 mile. I remember pushing myself with running thinking, "it's hard, but I can make it to that intersection", or to that tree, or to whatever I could see. When I got there, I thought, ok, it's hard but I can make it to the next spot and then I'll be ok. I think it's the same with life in general. It's hard and I'm tired, but I can do this, or I can do that. Same thing with cleaning up all sorts of things with my kids. Ok, this is hard, but no one else is going to do it. I can do this. I think that's just learning how to endure to the end. Yes, this is hard, but I can do this, and then I'll be better and done if I can make it here, or make it there. I think that's my attitude about life in general. You know, I can do this. Life is just the same right now. No major events. We're just plugging away. I think this is my life motto, is it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it!
It always amazes me what you can do when you have to. Maybe it's just drive and determination, but it's always amazing to me what you can push yourself to do if you have to. As I kid a ran track for a couple of years and did distance running. I mainly did the mile and 2 mile. I remember pushing myself with running thinking, "it's hard, but I can make it to that intersection", or to that tree, or to whatever I could see. When I got there, I thought, ok, it's hard but I can make it to the next spot and then I'll be ok. I think it's the same with life in general. It's hard and I'm tired, but I can do this, or I can do that. Same thing with cleaning up all sorts of things with my kids. Ok, this is hard, but no one else is going to do it. I can do this. I think that's just learning how to endure to the end. Yes, this is hard, but I can do this, and then I'll be better and done if I can make it here, or make it there. I think that's my attitude about life in general. You know, I can do this. Life is just the same right now. No major events. We're just plugging away. I think this is my life motto, is it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Addi's best friend
Last night I was jumping on the trampoline with Addi while the boys were playing at friend's houses. I asked her what her favorite color was and it has not changed from pink to purple. That's a big change since for a while she was all about "Pink, pink, pink!". She loved the book "Pinkalicious". I also asked her who her favorite friend to play with is and she said, "Nathan!". I asked her if she liked to play with Nathan more than, Maya, Clayton, Caly, Zach, Mom, and even Dad. Each time I asked her, she said she liked to play with Nathan more. She loves and adores her big brother and he is very sweet with her. There are times where she is upset about something small like sitting in a certain spot and he will get up and move so she can sit there. There have been a couple of times that I have to tell him that's very sweet, but he needs to not let Addi get her way all of the time. He goes out of his way to watch out for his little sister. I love it!
One of Nathan's friends is Jake McArthur. I seriously think that Addi has a crush on Jake. In a lot of her prayers, she will pray for Jake as well. I asked her who loves her, thinking that she would say Mom, and she says Jake. I'll also ask her who do I love, and she says Jake as well. Jake is also sweet with Addi when he is at our house. It warms my heart!
One of Nathan's friends is Jake McArthur. I seriously think that Addi has a crush on Jake. In a lot of her prayers, she will pray for Jake as well. I asked her who loves her, thinking that she would say Mom, and she says Jake. I'll also ask her who do I love, and she says Jake as well. Jake is also sweet with Addi when he is at our house. It warms my heart!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
My sweet Nathan
My sweet Nathan. The two youngest kids went to bed earlier and I let him stay up a little bit later. I kept telling him that he needed to go to bed and he was being pretty slow about it. He was giving me more hugs and kisses and I told him he needed to go to bed right then. He said "it's just that I love you too much. My love is bigger then outer space". He's just a sweet kid. Not sure how I got so lucky.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Soccer practice
Tuesday night the kids and I were at Zach's soccer practice. He was playing hard and the two other kids were at the nearby playground. I was sitting on a bench talking to my friend when Addi, who is two, wanted to play with my phone. The phone was locked and she was in the mode where she could make an emergency call. I didn't want her accidentally calling 911 so I took the phone away and told her we were all done with it. Keep in mind, there is a PLAYGROUND 10 feet away for her to play on. She got mad and yelled at me at the top of her lungs "I"M TELLING NATHAN" (her eight year old brother). It had been a long day and I didn't want to fight anymore, especially at the park, so I told her to go ahead and go tell Nathan. She proceeded to climb on the playground equipment, found her brother and said, in a sweet voice, "Nathan, mommy is being mean to me". Not surprisingly, Nathan didn't do anything put me in a time out. Yes, these are the kinds of things I deal with all the time. We are attempting to tame her spirit. I love her dearly, but MAN, sometimes I don't know what to do with her other than love her.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Grown-ups
Ok, so technically I've been a grownup for a long time. I graduated college and got a job in my career field. I have now been there for almost 12 years. I've been married almost 12 years. We purchased our house, as of this month, 10 years ago. We have paid cash for numerous home improvement repairs including a furnace, water heaters, windows, flooring, roof, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and all sorts of stuff. We have three amazing children and have made numerous decisions on their behalf for the last 8 years. I've technically been a grown up for a long time. However, I don't always feel like it. every once in a while I have these moments where I think "Holy Cow!! I'm a grown-up!". I've had these moments a lot lately. As mentioned before, we did out "jump into the unknown" and Jeff has been working as an independent contractor for a company since September. We have known that we needed to set up some kind of a business for that work for a variety of reasons for some time. We finally did it and have recently registered the business with the state of Utah, written our articles of organization, got our federal tax ID number, set up a business account, and now I'm trying to figure out how to do payroll (done!) and then I get to file forms with the state of Utah and the IRS. It's really not a huge deal and there are thousands of people who have done this before. However, every once in a while I still get the "Holy Cow, I'm a grown-up!", overwhelming feeling. Just had to write it down for my own sake. So, onto new adventures. Hopefully this will be great!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Our latest Sunday Adventure
I told this story to my dad, and he said I needed to make sure to tell other people about this so, here goes:
It was Sunday morning and my husband was gone with the youth in our ward to serve at the Utah State Developmental Center to help push wheelchairs. I was left at home with my three darling kids to try to get them ready and out the door for church. I was left without a car and we needed to walk to church, which gave me a little less them to get ready then normal.
We were doing pretty good, but I was bouncing from one place to another trying to get kids ready. The boys were getting dressed on their own and my two year old daughter, Addi, insisted on getting ready on her own as well. She picked out her pink dress to wear so I pulled that down and gave her a pair of underwear to put on. I left her with her clothes and went to check on the boys. Addi came out dressed and I was proud of her for doing it on her own.
We finished getting ready and headed out the door. Amazingly, we were actually on time as well. I was feeling pretty good about things. We'd been in the meeting for a few minutes and, after the sacrament (about 15-20 minutes into the meeting), Addi said she needed to go to the bathroom. I took her into the bathroom and, in the process, found out that she wasn't wearing any underwear. Totally commando! Not a big deal for boys, but a pretty big necessity for girls wearing a dress. My jaw dropped. I didn't even think to check to make sure she had put the underwear on!
Since I didn't have a car, I'd have to walk home to get my daughter underwear since it was a necessity. Thankfully, I have a "Mary Poppin's purse", where I have all sorts of odds and ends in it (lesson learned from 8 years of parenthood). I had a slip on diaper which is underwear-ish that we were able to use. My new lesson learned is to always check to make sure my daughter had underwear on when wearing a dress.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Boring
The other day I overhead my five year old tell my two year old "Mom's a boring person, ya know". Apparently I need to liven things up. My husband thought it was awesome.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
I love my neighbors
On the one day I'm at office, Jeff will usually text or instant message me small things that the kids say or do. today, this is the story I got:
"so... Ethan just knocked on the door looking for Nate (who is at Jakes)
as I opened the door, I see Warren accross the street with a football.
I look a little closer, and I see Blake next to him,
then I wonder "where is Zach, he went over to play with Blake..."
Then I see a little tuft of red/brown hair poking up over the top of a car in the street, and notice that Zach is wrapped around Warrens legs trying to tackle him...
then I see Warren tumble to the ground..."
I have some seriously awesome neighbors. Once again, I'm so grateful for the awesome neighborhood we live in. Hopefully our neighbors think we're ok too. Granted, my son just took our neighbor down so who knows...
"so... Ethan just knocked on the door looking for Nate (who is at Jakes)
as I opened the door, I see Warren accross the street with a football.
I look a little closer, and I see Blake next to him,
then I wonder "where is Zach, he went over to play with Blake..."
Then I see a little tuft of red/brown hair poking up over the top of a car in the street, and notice that Zach is wrapped around Warrens legs trying to tackle him...
then I see Warren tumble to the ground..."
I have some seriously awesome neighbors. Once again, I'm so grateful for the awesome neighborhood we live in. Hopefully our neighbors think we're ok too. Granted, my son just took our neighbor down so who knows...
life skills
I've been at work for the last 11 1/2 hours and my brain is fried, so I'm going to take a couple of minutes to give me some sanity. I was talking to some friends and we talked briefly about some "life skills" that just good skills in general. This all started when I was talking to another friend and she had said that, as she watched her kids grow up, she felt bad for the neighbor kids, like cub scouts, who didn't know how to swim or play basketball. She thought both of those were good life skills to have. Not critical (well, maybe swimming can be critical in certain situations), but very helpful to have. My husband added being able to play golf as another life skill in the business world, which I have come to appreciate since he has been golfing in a business situation many times in the last ten years. I also think being able to drive a stick, or manual transmission on a car, is also a life skill. We've had a couple of cars that were manual transmission over the last few years and I've had my younger brothers who were going to drive them a short distance, like around the block, and couldn't because it was a stick. So, there's another designated life skill.
I've become good friends with my boss, who is an attorney, and think the world of him. We have a really good relationship and have talked about many many topics. He has told me, flat out, not to spoil my kids. He has said that's one of the worst things you can do as a parent. Growing up, my parents made me do chores around the house, help watch my younger brothers, mow the lawn, and all sorts of jobs. I was told that if I wanted to be able to drive a car when I turned 16, that I needed to get a job and pay for my own car insurance. With the exception of a couple of months, I have had a job since about a month after I turned 16. My parents helped me develop a good work ethic and it has greatly influenced my life. I'd be in a much different position without a good work ethic. I didn't necessarily want for anything growing up, but I certainly didn't get everything I wanted either. And I realize that was one of the best things my parents could have done for me. My poor kids. They get told "no" all the time. I've also tried to explain to them that it's not because I'm trying to be mean, but because if we get everything we want, then we become spoiled brats and no one wants to be around that. They don't have the coolest toys. They don't have iphones or ipads, and won't be getting them any time soon. I hope I can strike the balance between giving my kids what they need, and never spoiling them. I have watched adults my age, or around my age, who have been spoiled as kids and he has been a great detriment to them. HUGE detriment in fact. So, here's hoping to be a good parent who can take care of her kids, love them to death, and yet give them the life skills they need to become the best people they can be. Wish me luck.
I've become good friends with my boss, who is an attorney, and think the world of him. We have a really good relationship and have talked about many many topics. He has told me, flat out, not to spoil my kids. He has said that's one of the worst things you can do as a parent. Growing up, my parents made me do chores around the house, help watch my younger brothers, mow the lawn, and all sorts of jobs. I was told that if I wanted to be able to drive a car when I turned 16, that I needed to get a job and pay for my own car insurance. With the exception of a couple of months, I have had a job since about a month after I turned 16. My parents helped me develop a good work ethic and it has greatly influenced my life. I'd be in a much different position without a good work ethic. I didn't necessarily want for anything growing up, but I certainly didn't get everything I wanted either. And I realize that was one of the best things my parents could have done for me. My poor kids. They get told "no" all the time. I've also tried to explain to them that it's not because I'm trying to be mean, but because if we get everything we want, then we become spoiled brats and no one wants to be around that. They don't have the coolest toys. They don't have iphones or ipads, and won't be getting them any time soon. I hope I can strike the balance between giving my kids what they need, and never spoiling them. I have watched adults my age, or around my age, who have been spoiled as kids and he has been a great detriment to them. HUGE detriment in fact. So, here's hoping to be a good parent who can take care of her kids, love them to death, and yet give them the life skills they need to become the best people they can be. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Missing Pack Meeting
I have about 400 blog posts I should do to write down everything, but I'm writing this quick note so I remember it while I can. Tuesdays are usually my marathon days at work and I didn't have a conflict until recently. Zach now has soccer practice from 6:00-6:45 p.m. in Highland. We have a carpool set up, but I should be doing it every third week. We also have pack meeting for Nathan for Cub scouts every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.. So, I've been a slacker and I haven't done any carpool for spring season yet and owed my kind neighbors. I've also tried to make it to every pack meeting on time, although traffic is not always kind to me.
Anyhow, I was home today and talked to the boys about options. We had it worked out that I would have a friend take Nathan to pack meeting, I would do Zach's carpool, and would show up for the last half of pack meeting. We ran as fast as we could and I got to the church at 7:05 p.m.. Unfortunately they ended pack meeting early and I basically missed all of it. However, I was there and Nathan forgave me. I was told by a couple of people that then the Cub Master asked if anyone had any announcements, Nathan told everyone "My mom isn't here. She's going to be late, but she's coming", or something along that line. So EVERYONE in the meeting knew I was gone. The very kind Cub Master said, "We will be so glad when she gets here". I can pretty much guarantee that I will be there for all of pack meeting next time.
Anyhow, I was home today and talked to the boys about options. We had it worked out that I would have a friend take Nathan to pack meeting, I would do Zach's carpool, and would show up for the last half of pack meeting. We ran as fast as we could and I got to the church at 7:05 p.m.. Unfortunately they ended pack meeting early and I basically missed all of it. However, I was there and Nathan forgave me. I was told by a couple of people that then the Cub Master asked if anyone had any announcements, Nathan told everyone "My mom isn't here. She's going to be late, but she's coming", or something along that line. So EVERYONE in the meeting knew I was gone. The very kind Cub Master said, "We will be so glad when she gets here". I can pretty much guarantee that I will be there for all of pack meeting next time.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Seeds and Spring
My quick thought for the day. I started my garden recently and I'm attempting to be on top of my yard this year. I actually have a ton of seeds and have started planting my garden. I've got some seeds outside that I'm hoping will grow, and then I've got some starts inside as well. I planted my starts inside last week and have been watching every day, hoping that something will pop up. I was so excited this morning when I saw seven little plants (out of like 30 or more, I hope), pop up. I was so excited that Jeff had to remind me that, really, it's not the first start I've ever had.
It simply amazes me each Spring when I see plants start to grow. I am amazed that such a small little seed can produce so much. That, in and of itself, is a testament to me that I have a Heavenly Father. The world is such a magnificent place with so many amazing things. The entire ecosystem is just amazing to me. To have a little seed that can produce so much is almost unbelievable. I am go grateful to have a Father in Heaven who loves me so much to give me such a beautiful and amazing world to live in. Maybe it sounds silly to others, but to me, it's simply amazing. I've had the song "Faith is Like a Little Seed" running through me head the last couple of days. Anyhow, I love Spring!!! Now hopefully I can get in gear so I can have a very bountiful harvest in the fall!
It simply amazes me each Spring when I see plants start to grow. I am amazed that such a small little seed can produce so much. That, in and of itself, is a testament to me that I have a Heavenly Father. The world is such a magnificent place with so many amazing things. The entire ecosystem is just amazing to me. To have a little seed that can produce so much is almost unbelievable. I am go grateful to have a Father in Heaven who loves me so much to give me such a beautiful and amazing world to live in. Maybe it sounds silly to others, but to me, it's simply amazing. I've had the song "Faith is Like a Little Seed" running through me head the last couple of days. Anyhow, I love Spring!!! Now hopefully I can get in gear so I can have a very bountiful harvest in the fall!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I think I hate Tuesdays
I think I may hate Tuesdays. It's the day I go into the office, which is a necessity, and I actually enjoy being in the office at times. However, I'm trying to do the mom thing to so I have chosen to work from home four days and just go in one day. Technology is amazing and lets me work from home. However, some things have to be done in the office with the actual paper files. So, by my own choosing I go into the office one day a week and have it be a very long day. Sometimes it's not as bad, but lately I've had some pretty big cases that have kept me pretty busy. For example, yesterday I woke up at 5:00 a.m., left my house at 5:30 a.m., had a slight detour, but arrived by the office at 6:45 a.m.. I worked basically all day with the exception of carpool issues and kid issues and the like. I usually eat lunch at my desk. I left the office (for the first time that day), at 10:45 p.m., and then got home at about 11:45 p.m.. So, with the commute, an 18 hour day. There were a couple of moments where I got overwhelmed with life and I read an article about a little 4 year old boy who told his mom, "you can do it! Mommy's can do anything". That kept me going. Sometimes I wonder why I do all of this. But then, this morning, my little girl climbed into bed, snuggled with me, and gave me a great big hug. And that is exactly why I do this. I've come to realize over the last couple of years that it's amazing what you can do when you have to. And, after all, "Mommy's can do anything".
Monday, April 2, 2012
little things
A couple little things. I'm trying my very hardest to keep up with everything, but it's not easy right now. I'm working full time and trying to do the mom thing full time as well. It's a huge juggling act. Especially since my hubby is working 50-60 hours a week as he's essentially trying to start his own business. I may be home six days a week, but its still a huge juggling act. Anyhow, I hadn't been able to go shopping and we were out of things that I could make for my son to take to lunch. I was trying to find cash for Nate for lunch and he said he could use his own money to pay for lunch. I told him that I didn't really want to do that since it's my responsibility to feed him and he said, "But Mom, it's my lunch". he's such a sweet kid, always willing to help out.
I help out in Zach's class on Mondays for a little bit and it's fun to watch the kindergarteners in there. It's such a fun age and it cracks me up. I help them out while they do their journals or other papers. Today I helped while their did their math papers. Afterwards they go to P.E. and I usually leave, but Zach asked me to stay to watch P.E. His sweet teacher said I could and I got to run laps with the kids, do jumping jacks, and stretching. I, sadly, am not flexible enough to touch my toes. the kids noticed and were telling me that it's easy to do and watch me do it. Apparently I need to work on my flexibility. I might as well tell you about how I just need to get into shape. We played at the part for a little bit Saturday evening and I challenged Nate to a race around the track. I was thinking in my head "it's just 400 meters. that's simple. I used to race 1600 meters with my best time as 6;23 for a mile. I can beat my eight year old". Well, he beat me. he's faster than I thought, and apparently I need to run more.
Addi was in a pretty good mood today. As part of lunch, we had leftover jello from a dinner last night (which I will hopefully write about this week). When I gave her some of the jello for her lunch, she said, "you the best mommy ever". Glad it doesn't take much to please her.
I help out in Zach's class on Mondays for a little bit and it's fun to watch the kindergarteners in there. It's such a fun age and it cracks me up. I help them out while they do their journals or other papers. Today I helped while their did their math papers. Afterwards they go to P.E. and I usually leave, but Zach asked me to stay to watch P.E. His sweet teacher said I could and I got to run laps with the kids, do jumping jacks, and stretching. I, sadly, am not flexible enough to touch my toes. the kids noticed and were telling me that it's easy to do and watch me do it. Apparently I need to work on my flexibility. I might as well tell you about how I just need to get into shape. We played at the part for a little bit Saturday evening and I challenged Nate to a race around the track. I was thinking in my head "it's just 400 meters. that's simple. I used to race 1600 meters with my best time as 6;23 for a mile. I can beat my eight year old". Well, he beat me. he's faster than I thought, and apparently I need to run more.
Addi was in a pretty good mood today. As part of lunch, we had leftover jello from a dinner last night (which I will hopefully write about this week). When I gave her some of the jello for her lunch, she said, "you the best mommy ever". Glad it doesn't take much to please her.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Best friends
I love my kids and I am so incredibly impressed with them. I have often said that the best thing I could have given my first child was a sibling. Zach and Nate have had their struggles, but for the most part they are best friends. Zach and Addi have also have some struggles where they don't always get along, but they are becoming best friends now too. Nathan is super cute with Addi and always has been. It warms my heart they at they all play together. Zach is doing his reading and Addi keeps bringing Zach books to read to her. Yesterday afternoon, as with most afternoons, Nathan had a friend over. They were jumping on the tramp and Nathan and his friends were playing games with Addi and letting her jump too. It means so much to me that they (almost) always include her. We've had numerous group games at our house and, even if it's Nathan and his friends, or Nathan's and Zach's friends, they will let their little two year old sister play with them. She has joined her brothers with kick the can, capture the flag, nerf gun wars, and, last week, red rover. They are incredibly close and it warms my heart so much.
Yesterday Addi and I dropped the boys off at school. On the way home, little 2 minutes after the boys left the car, Addi said "I miss my guys, I need my guys". I told her that the boys would be home after school, and she started crying. She loves her boys. We picked up Zach from school at about 12:00 p.m. and we were talking about how Zach was invited to have lunch and play at the park with a friend. Addi was sad and said she needed to have lunch and play with her Zachie. She loves her boys so much. I'm thrilled that the each of the kids will almost always include their siblings in things. I just hope they stay really close as they grow up.
Yesterday Addi and I dropped the boys off at school. On the way home, little 2 minutes after the boys left the car, Addi said "I miss my guys, I need my guys". I told her that the boys would be home after school, and she started crying. She loves her boys. We picked up Zach from school at about 12:00 p.m. and we were talking about how Zach was invited to have lunch and play at the park with a friend. Addi was sad and said she needed to have lunch and play with her Zachie. She loves her boys so much. I'm thrilled that the each of the kids will almost always include their siblings in things. I just hope they stay really close as they grow up.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I am... an Internet Ninja!!!
You may not know this about me, but I am a self taught internet ninja. Ssshhh... don't tell anyone though. I don't want people to find out. I have come to harness the power of the internet and can find just about anyone. Maybe I should put this on my resume. For my job, I sometimes need to track down witnesses to accidents, and other fact witnesses and/or expert witnesses. Amazingly, people move and change their addresses and phone numbers. It can get rather annoying. Especially when I just need to talk to them for a couple of minutes. However, I can harness the power of the internet and find almost anyone. There are some people that I can't find, but there are numerous people I have found with little more than a name and an estimated age. I have also found numerous expert witnesses that we hired on cases. I once found an expert witness who specialized in testifying about the effects of heroin. Or, we once had an expert witness on manufactured (mobile) homes. Yup, exciting stuff. I can also find all sorts of documents too. Did you know that most FAA reports are available online, for free?? I am still learning, but I am a self proclaimed internet ninja~! Just try to hide....
Thursday, March 15, 2012
the hat
I was at work on Tuesday, because that's what I do, when Jeff emailed me this conversation:
Jeff: shall We take a cute picture of you with your hat?
Addi: no, I don't want to take a picture!
Jeff: don't you want to send a cute picture to mom?
Addi: NO! I don't want to take a picture. *as she runs away and hides behind the couch*
Jeff: ok, then what do you want to do?
Addi: not take a picture.
Jeff: shall We take a cute picture of you with your hat?
Addi: no, I don't want to take a picture!
Jeff: don't you want to send a cute picture to mom?
Addi: NO! I don't want to take a picture. *as she runs away and hides behind the couch*
Jeff: ok, then what do you want to do?
Addi: not take a picture.
Monday, March 12, 2012
"Watch Mom"
Zach and Addi were in my room playing when Zach asked me to come watch him. He said, "Watch Mom", then jumped on my bed and did a complete front flip. It was pretty impressive! Then we had a talk about not jumping on my bed. We take down our trampoline during the winter to help protect the mat. We've talked about putting it up really soon. I'm thinking it just moved up the priority list and may have to be done today or tomorrow. He was also doing somersaults off my bed and landing on his feet. Overall very impressive. Maybe I should put him back in gymnastics...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Drive, determination, and just plain stubborn
It was a gorgeous March morning so we decided to walk to church today. The kids enjoyed it and were excited to walk. That meant that we got to walk home from church as well. As we were getting ready to go, I put my church bags on the stroller which included my purse and my church bag that contains magazines, gospel art kit, primary manual, and the like. It's a pretty heavy bag. Anyhow, when we started walking Nathan asked if he could push the stroller with his little sister in it. Jeff said that he could, but he told Nathan that he didn't think he could push it all the way home. It was pretty heavy with all of the stuff and it was almost entirely uphill. I mean, the stroller probably weighed more than Nathan does. He's eight, but he' still pretty thin. Anyhow, he started pushing it kept going. I asked him multiple times if I could help but he took the comment from Jeff as a challenge. He had to stop for just a second multiple times to shake his arms since they were hurting, but he kept going. There were a few times were I wondered if the people passing by thought I was torturing my young son by making him push a stroller that weighed more than him up a steep incline while Jeff and I walked behind him holding hands. However, he kept going and going until we go home. Once we were home he said to Jeff, "You said I couldn't do it and I did it". I was very proud of him. I'm hoping he keeps that drive and determination and uses it for the things he wants to accomplish in life. Sometimes my very stubborn kids drive me absolutely crazy (like when Addison through a HUGE fit today in nursery), but I'm hoping it will take them far in life.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Watering the flowers
Addi was going through the bath toys today and found a small watering can she wanted to play with. I mentioned something about watering flowers and she was all for it before I knew it. It was a nice warm day and some flowers are peaking out. Addi spent a good long time filling up her watering can in the bathroom and then going outside and watering every plant she could find. Love it! 
Kick the can
It was a beautiful Friday afternoon and my kids were excited to play outside. Addi and Zach had friends from across the street over, and Nate called a friend over when he got home from school. We ended up with some other friends that came to join us and we ended up with 10 kids this afternoon. They were looking for something to do. I had a flashback to my own childhood that we used to play kick the can all the time. I thought I needed to teach my kids how to play kick the can and realized there was no reason to do it right then. I looked up the rules since I hadn't played forever and asked the kids if they wanted to play. They were really excited to and had a great time playing. It was an awesome afternoon. I took a couple pictures with my phone that aren't fabulous, but here. I've got to make sure to teach my kids these important things. I'm hoping for a few of these games this summer. We may need to do capture the flag next.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Nerf guns
Thanks to great aunts, uncles, and grandmas and grandpas we have obtained quite the collection of nerf guns. We have big ones, little ones, and ones in between. there was one time where Aunt Britney gave one of the boys two nerf guns and then my brothers (in their 20's and 30's) proceeded to run throughout my house chasing each other and shooting the soft nerf bullets at each other. I don't think I've bought a single nerf gun for them. I think it's all from extending family.
Well, the boys have had great time with them and we have had a few battles with friends at our house. Apparently, the boys have taught Addi very well because at the age of 2 she can load, cock, and shoot a nerf gun. She just told me she needs bullets for the gun. Needless to say, even at the age of 2, my daughter can hold her own.
Well, the boys have had great time with them and we have had a few battles with friends at our house. Apparently, the boys have taught Addi very well because at the age of 2 she can load, cock, and shoot a nerf gun. She just told me she needs bullets for the gun. Needless to say, even at the age of 2, my daughter can hold her own.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Love my neighborhood!
I love my neighborhood! I currently have eight kids running around my yard playing together and I love it! I have my three, my nephew Jackson, and four of the kids friends running around my yard playing together. I'm so happy to have a yard and a good neighborhood to play in!!
Flowers
Nathan, age eight, will still bring my flowers from our yard! He's done it since it was 3 or 4 years old. I've gotten TONS of dandelions from both Nathan and Zach. He found some crocuses in our yard and brought me four of them. He's such a sweet kid! I hope he stays as thoughtful as he grows up!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Boys will be boys
So Nate, age 8, Zach, age 5, their cousin Jackson, age 6, and two friends, ages 6, an 8, where playing together this afternoon. I was inside with Addi who was still not feeling very good and had the door open so I could listen to these boys. They, without my knowing, got the step stool out of my storage room, took it into the garage, and got down the water noodles (big foam noodles usually used for swimming). I went into the garage to check on them when I heard a bunch of noise. Apparently the were having an awesome time whacking each other with the water noodles. Thankfully they are soft and no one got hurt (at least then) and they were having a ton of fun. They also ran around with nerf guns shooting each other. Well, they got a ton of exercise and they should sleep really well tonight, I hope.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Dinosaur medicine
For the last few years we have had to deal with a lot if respiratory issues with kids. When I was pregnant with Addison, I had a bad cold that turned into pneumonia and I was hospitalized overnight for it. Zach ended up getting pneumonia shortly after that. Over the next few years we had a lot if problems with croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues. Zach had asthmatic tendancys and he would get winded and wheeze at times when running and playing. Thankfully we were able to borrow a nebulizer and did many breathing treatments. Zach seems to have outgrown all the respiratory issues and I haven't had to give him a breathing treatment for sine time. Sadly, Addison is now having issues. We have had to do many breathing treatments this winter for her. We call it dinosaur medicine because we got a dinosaur shaped mask from the doctors office. Addi had issues this morning and she now asks for the dinosaur medicine. I an really hoping we get over this soon. I am at least hopeful that she will outgrow it too.
Home Depot
Home Depot does a kids workshop the first Saturday of each month. It is totally free and my kids love it. We don't go each month, but we have gone many times in the past. We went this last Saturday and it was a great project. Nathan did his without any help. Zach and Jeff worked together, but he did most of it on his own. Addi got to do her first project and she did most of the hammering, which was a bit nerve wracking for me, but she did a good job. She just had to be like the boys. It's crazy insane with everyone there, but it's always fun. The project was a car, and the kids loved playing with them when we got home. 
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Zach's skills
It's been a MANIC couple of days and I was at work again this morning. Jeff was working from home and he texted the following:
Zach: "Dad, can I take this picture to Eli?"
Dad: "Not right now"
Zach: "Why not?"
Dad: "Cuz I need to get Addi down for a nap"
Zach: "But Dad, Can I go by myself, it isn't very far. Plus, I've got skills. And I'm taking my spear"
Dad: .......
Zach: "Dad, can I take this picture to Eli?"
Dad: "Not right now"
Zach: "Why not?"
Dad: "Cuz I need to get Addi down for a nap"
Zach: "But Dad, Can I go by myself, it isn't very far. Plus, I've got skills. And I'm taking my spear"
Dad: .......
Ewww, gross!
The kids and I had the opportunity to go to my cousin's wedding last night. It was a very nice ceremony and my kids and sat through it quietly, which made me happy. Nathan was sitting between me and my mom and, at one point, tried to put his arms around both of us, which was very tender. It was all very sweet and, at the end, the bride and groom kissed. Nathan quietly whispered to me and this was our conversation:
Nathan: "I didn't see that".
Me: "What, the kiss?"
Nathan: "Yes, I closed my eyes"
Me: "What, you closed your eyes during the kiss?"
Nathan: "Yes, because that's gross"
Me: *laughing*, "What, do you close your eyes when I kiss you on the cheek"
Nathan: "No. Just when people kiss on the lips, because that's gross"
It made me laugh. Jeff and I have teased him on occasion and made sure he was looking when he kiss. I'll have to make sure to do it more often. However, I am very glad that he thinks kissing on the lips is gross right now. I hope it lasts for a good few years.
Nathan: "I didn't see that".
Me: "What, the kiss?"
Nathan: "Yes, I closed my eyes"
Me: "What, you closed your eyes during the kiss?"
Nathan: "Yes, because that's gross"
Me: *laughing*, "What, do you close your eyes when I kiss you on the cheek"
Nathan: "No. Just when people kiss on the lips, because that's gross"
It made me laugh. Jeff and I have teased him on occasion and made sure he was looking when he kiss. I'll have to make sure to do it more often. However, I am very glad that he thinks kissing on the lips is gross right now. I hope it lasts for a good few years.
Asleep
Jeff was home with Addi the other day while it was at work and this is what he said:
I have a new one for you... I went in to check on Addi, cuz I saw her door was cracked open. She was playing with her babies. I said you are supposed to be asleep... back into bed. To which, she responds, in her infinite wisdom.. No, I am asleep...
I have a new one for you... I went in to check on Addi, cuz I saw her door was cracked open. She was playing with her babies. I said you are supposed to be asleep... back into bed. To which, she responds, in her infinite wisdom.. No, I am asleep...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Valentine's Day
It's really crazy at our house right now, but we try to keep up with things. We've never done a lot of Valentine's Day, but usually hang out with each other. My husband did give me one of the best gifts EVER! I try to make a nice dinner instead of going out to dinner and I had asked him what he wanted to do. We've done shrimp and crab legs and stuff in the past. He texted me and said he would take care of it. That night, he came home from work and made us yummy pork chops and mashed potatoes. I am a huge sucker for mashed potatoes, which he knows. Once upon a time we used to have an annual Christmas party with the company he worked with for 11 years. They did catered dinners and would sometimes do it through Wallaby's and they had the BEST mashed potatoes. So, for Valentine's day, my husband found the recipe for the Wallaby's smashers potatoes and made them. It was fantastic! I had the leftovers for lunches for the rest of the week.
The boys also did Valentine's for school parties and made Valentine's boxes. I've never been very creative with those, but we came up with these boxes. In case you are wondering why Nate's box is so much smaller, that is the box his teacher provided them to use. With the little time we had that day, the boys were pretty happy with them. After all,what says Valentine's Day and love like Angry Birds and monsters!
The boys also did Valentine's for school parties and made Valentine's boxes. I've never been very creative with those, but we came up with these boxes. In case you are wondering why Nate's box is so much smaller, that is the box his teacher provided them to use. With the little time we had that day, the boys were pretty happy with them. After all,what says Valentine's Day and love like Angry Birds and monsters!
Shoveling the sidewalks
I was at work all day yesterday, but Jeff was home with the kids during the day, and then went to work for a few hours in the afternoon. It snowed quite a bit yesterday. In the afternoon. Zach as home from kindergarten, Nate was at school, and Addi was asleep. Zach wanted to shovel the sidewalks and went out and, with Jeff's help, did our yard. He then wanted to keep shoveling, and shoveled the sidewalks all the way down to the stop sign, which is three houses away. After he did the sidewalks, with Jeff's help, he did not one, not two, but three neighbors driveways. Granted, Jeff was helping and did 90% of the work, but it was all because Zach wanted to keep shoveling the sidewalks. Zach told Jeff at one point that the reason he wanted to shovel the neighbors sidewalks was because it made him feel good inside. I was so impressed. For a five year old I thought that was pretty cool.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Visiting Super Grandma
Jeff's grandma is, if I remember right, 99 years old right now. She is an amazing woman and we call her Super Grandma because she's not just great, she's super.
The kids love to see super grandma and she is always very sweet with them. She also has a candy dish always full of candy bars. My kids are always super excited to visit her. We went last Monday and one of the first things he did was ask Grandma to play catch with her. She was very sweet and played with him for a while.
Grandma had a little remote control car that the kids had a ball playing with it. They played with it in the bathroom since the car drove much better in there instead of the carpet. Nate and Addi were playing while the rest of us were watching. Zach took Grandma by the had and said "come on Grandma, let's go play". He lead her to a chair and she sat down while Zach brought blocks over and they played together. So cute! It totally made my day!
Towards the end, Zach sat down on the seat portion of the walker and said, "sit down Grandma, I'll give you a ride". Grandma gave him, and each of the other kids a ride.
This visit totally made my week! We love her so much!
Za
The kids love to see super grandma and she is always very sweet with them. She also has a candy dish always full of candy bars. My kids are always super excited to visit her. We went last Monday and one of the first things he did was ask Grandma to play catch with her. She was very sweet and played with him for a while.
Grandma had a little remote control car that the kids had a ball playing with it. They played with it in the bathroom since the car drove much better in there instead of the carpet. Nate and Addi were playing while the rest of us were watching. Zach took Grandma by the had and said "come on Grandma, let's go play". He lead her to a chair and she sat down while Zach brought blocks over and they played together. So cute! It totally made my day!
Towards the end, Zach sat down on the seat portion of the walker and said, "sit down Grandma, I'll give you a ride". Grandma gave him, and each of the other kids a ride.
This visit totally made my week! We love her so much!
Za
Need my guys
Another Addi post. She tells me sometimes that she needs her boys, or she needs her guys. They are, of course, Nate, Zach and sometimes her daddy is included in the mix. Most of the time, it's Nate and Zach. She loves and adores her boys and wants to be like them. They are usually very sweet with and play and read with her quite often. We had a conversation on the way home from the store where we went and the boys were home with Jeff. She, out of the blue, said "I need my boys". I asked her who her boys were and she said "Nathan and Zach". She loves them and it makes me so happy they get along. They read to her, play with her, and she insists on giving them both hugs and kisses at night. here's a picture of the boys reading to her recently:
Peaceful, Quiet Sundays, Part 2
Our other mentionable moment yesterday was at church. I usually don't let my kids color during church, but I did yesterday, partly because I really wanted to listen to the speaker, which was a mission homecoming. So, I let the kids bring their journals and they were supposed to be writing, or I was being lenient and letting them color. I had colored pencils on my lap and they could take one at a time. I had to sharpen some of the pencils and I had a sharpener with a cover to hold the shavings. Addi wanted to sharpen on herself and I didn't want to take the risk of a mess and told her I had to do it. She wanted her dad to do it, so I let her take it over to Jeff. Jeff held onto the sharpener throughout the rest of the meeting and at the end, when we were cleaning up, Addi was supposed to hand the sharpener back to me. She said "here mom" and proceeded to toss the sharpener at me while I was reaching out for it. This resulted in it hitting the floor, breaking open, and had a whole bunch of shavings land in the middle of the aisle, to the people sitting across from us. Yes, how fun. The kind gentleman sitting in the chairs across from us cleaned up the shavings that ended up by him. I got to use my hand to try to clean up the shavings the best I could and I got to get out a broom when the meeting ended and cleaned up the rest of them. The lady sitting behind us just laughed and enjoyed the moment with us. Lets just say, at this moment in life I don't usually have peaceful quiet Sundays. Instead, every day is an adventure.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Peaceful Quiet Sundays?????
So, I have long since decided that Sundays at my home are not peaceful and quite with my three kids. I had an 8 year old boy, a 5 year old boy, and a 2 year old girl this morning playing Superman. Needless to say, it was not peaceful and quiet at our home. They each had blankets tied around them and they were running through the house. At one point, I had Jeff get out his camera and he took some pictures of the kids jumping off the bed.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Daddy's little girl
The other day, Jeff was getting ready for work and Addi was playing with the. Jeff was holding Addi and Addi put her hands on either side of Jeff's face and said "You not going anywhere". Jeff got a kick out of that. She is definitely daddy's little girl. There are times when she'll wake up in the morning and I'll be at the computer. I'll say hi and she's ignore me and go crawl into bed with Jeff to cuddle with her daddy. Jeff also loves it when he gets a hug and kiss from her and I don't.
Her favorite phrases right now are "Just a minute mom" or "not ready yet". She likes to do things on her time whenever she can
Her favorite phrases right now are "Just a minute mom" or "not ready yet". She likes to do things on her time whenever she can
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Addi's comment this morning
So, Addi woke up and climbed into bed this morning. This was part of our conversation this morning:
"Addi, are you silly?"
"No"
"Addi, are you funny?"
"No"
"Then, what are you?"
"I firecracker!"
"Are you a firecracker?"
"Yes!"
"Addi, are you silly?"
"No"
"Addi, are you funny?"
"No"
"Then, what are you?"
"I firecracker!"
"Are you a firecracker?"
"Yes!"
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