An Average Girl's Blog

A Night of Wonder

2011-12-12T11:38:00.002-06:00

Last night was our stake's Christmas concert. There were multiple ward choirs and a children's choir that opened for the choir that Katie sings in. My job was to get there early enough to get a seat where I could see the girls (they were singing in the children's choir) and to try to keep Nate relatively quiet during the performances. I arrived about an hour early and had a great seat. But that was a LONG time to try to keep a 4 year old in check. About 20 minutes in he started getting restless and this was our dialogue:

Me: Nate, if you don't sit still you are going to mess up your hair. (he allow his hair to be done on Sundays only, but likes it to look good)
Nate: My hair looks handsome. If you want your hair to look as handsome as mine you should use Mommy's special stuff like me.
Me: Ok, buddy.
Nate: My hair is the most handsome of everyone in this whole place.
Me: Ok, buddy.
Nate: My hair is more handsome than that guy. (now standing on the bench and pointing behind me)
Me: Nate, put your arm down, it is not nice to point.
Nate: But Dad, look! (physically turning my head with his hands to see the guy sitting DIRECTLY behind us.
Me: Nate, shh, sit down.
Nate: That guy doesn't even have any hair!
Me: (Turning to the nice old man behind us) Hi, sorry, umm, yeah, he's 4.

Good news though, I only had 2 more hours of keeping him "reverent". He did pretty good the rest of the way thanks to the help of my iPhone. We only had one more outburst about half way through when just after a big finish of one of the songs he said over the quiet crowd "Can we go home now?" (not whispering) Overall it was a fun night with great performances.

A child's prayer

2011-11-18T17:09:00.002-06:00

After we finished our family prayer the other night, Nate decided he wanted to say one of his own. It went a little something like this:

Heavenly Father, please help us to have another Haloween party so I can get LOTS of candy, please help my muscles to get really big, please help my dad to get home safely even though he didn't go to work today, and please help me not to have the scary dream where I am in the lake with the crocodiles, ...Amen.

I think that about covers it.

Halloween

2011-11-14T00:05:00.000-06:00

I think I've mentioned that I love Halloween. And this year was a great one. I loved my kids costumes! For once we didn't have the lamest ones! Bubb watched The Nightmare Before Christmas right before Halloween and latched on to the idea of being a skeleton. You should hear him say, "skel-eh-ten" with perfect pronounciation, it was so cute! He was so proud of his costume and wore all parts of it, the gloves, shoe covers, and mask included.

We got the idea off familyfun.com for Cami to be a fortune teller. I loved how it turned out, she looked so cute!

Her aunt Court was a fortune teller too, and came down to go to our ward Trunk or Treat party with us.

Emma was a witch. She is such a teenager. Her hat kept falling off, so she didn't like wearing it, and then she borrowed some random clothes from her friend and ended up not looking like anything. It bugged me but she was happy. Oh well! At least I can post my favorite pic, haha!

The Elders quorum was in charge of the ward party, and they were supposed to all dress up like pirates. I had fun penciling in Justin's moustache and soul patch.

They did an amazing job decorating the church for the party. They had great music and everything, it was so fun! And is Trunk or Treat not the best invention EVER?

Basherton wanted to be a jellyfish, another familyfun idea, but I couldn't find the stuff so we switched to Cruella at the last minute. I think she turned out pretty cute!

Man I love this kid!

California...knows how to party!!

2011-11-13T23:34:00.000-06:00

Justin scored some cheap tickets and we took Papa to the UCLA vs. ASU game for his birthday. Brett and his girlfriend Lisa came too. It was our kids first football game, and they ate it up. We arrived early and got a great spot for tailgating.

Soaked up some rays.

I made the sliders and Papa manned the grill.

How lucky to see your first football game in a famous stadium. We had such a ball. It was so cold, but we brought lots of blankets. We had to bribe Nate to wear his coat. He says he never gets cold.

Nate clapped any time the crowd cheered, it was pretty funny.

This is Camille's favorite thing lately, EVERY time the camera comes out...

Legend Nate

2011-10-16T22:42:00.000-05:00

We use the gospel art kit to teach Nate scripture stories. We tell him the stories then review them by letting him show them to us and ask the questions about them. Tonight he showed this picture:

Nate: Emma! Who is this?

Emma: Jesus

Nate: And what is he wearing?

Emma: A robe.

Nate: No, Dad what is he wearing?

Dad: Its a robe.

Nate: No...

Dad: What do you think it is?

Nate: A flight suit.

Inspired

2011-04-14T02:12:00.000-05:00

My sis has been posting tons on her blog, and I love reading it. She inspired me. Plus, I have to get some more things on here because everytime I look and scroll down it makes my heart hurt a little to see our moving pics from Dallas. As much as I love Anaheim, we had good times there and I miss it.

We are in the middle of the SECOND week of spring break. I have no idea whose idea a two week long spring break was, but if it weren't for our friends the Pells we would not have made it this far! We do all kinds of stuff with them: swimming, BBQs, shopping, swimming, eating cereal for dinner because we hung out swimming all day, going to the beach, and today, the Los Angeles Zoo.

The Mamas

Joy and I promised, when it gets this bad we will let each other know.

New Digs

2011-01-30T17:55:00.000-06:00

We have been getting settled at home and working on making friends in our new spot. We have the worlds best neighbors across the street. The kids play outside all the time. They ride bikes all around the culdesac. I'm preparing for Ashley's birthday party this weekend, and trying to organize and clean...yes, still.

Justin took all the girls this afternoon and went to a baptism in our ward.

Ahhhhhhhhhh. :)

Sunday morning suprise

2010-11-28T23:59:00.000-06:00

We woke up to a little squatter on the back porch today.

He must have had a wild night, because he was so sleepy he didn't even bolt when Nate pounded on the door and yelled at him. (And these old windows are not sound proof, or cold proof for that matter).

I have never seen a raccoon this close before. He had a nice little spot in the sun and was not about to move. He didn't respond to the beeps of my camera when I snuck out the dining room doors and crept around to take better pictures. He tossed and turned in his sleep a bit, and it made me laugh when he curled in a ball but with his head and tail tucked underneath him to keep warm.

We left him to finish his nap and by the time we got home from church he was gone.

More Thanksgiving catch up

2010-11-28T23:50:00.000-06:00

Monday, Nov. 22nd
     We slept in and had a late breakfast :) I did some laundry, and planned on spending the day getting organized and ready to spend the week in Valencia with the Lisonbees. We had tentatively planned to leave Tuesday morning, but Michelle called me and said they were headed down so we threw our stuff in the car and made it to Lisonbees by afternoon. The drive takes about an hour and a half, on a good day.
     It was so fun to see Larry, Dee, Brett, and Michelle and her kids. The kids picked up right where they left off and played so well together. I'm grateful to have cousins around!

Tuesday, Nov. 23rd
     Hung out at Lisonbees and played with cousins. Thankful for a slow day. The kids were busy playing and I got to sit and visit with Michelle and another friend Judy.

Wednesday, Nov. 24th
     Michelle and I went down to the fashion district and shopped. WOW! I can't wait to take my mom there, it reminded me of Canal St. in New York. A bunch of tiny shops packed with fabric, shoes, jewelry, buttons, trims, lace, ribbons, zippers, luggage, clothes, beads, and good deals! We had so much fun! I was grateful to get away and do a little Christmas shopping. Thank you Nana, for being in charge of 8 wild children while Michelle and I played!
     Kids played happily with their cousins.

Thursday, Nov. 25th
     We woke up and started crafting, making ribbon flowers. Everybody did a little part of the dinner and we had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I was grateful to be with so many family members. It makes me happy.

Friday, Nov. 26th
     The Lisonbees are a laid back bunch, and Friday was mostly spent watching college football games on TV. Poor Justin kept track of 8 games, and all 8 of his preferred teams lost. But I'm so grateful that he is beyond the stage when it would put in him a foul mood. We laughed about it. And he was good enough to let me escape Friday night with Dee, Kristin, and Michelle. We had a girls night out at the movies. I'm always thankful when Justin supports my need for escape and girl time. He is so good about it.

Saturday, Nov. 27th
     Another quiet hang out day. We hung around Lisonbees visiting and watching football until about 4 pm, then after BYU lost to U of U we drove home. The drive was long, but Justin let me drive his car by myself. Again, thankful for Justin taking care of me.

And today, Sunday, Nov. 28th
     Today I am thankful that my mom comes on Tuesday to help me get on with sorting through all this mess! I am so overwhelmed, I just don't know where to put things so I have stopped unpacking. There are still boxes stacked around, and many things to fix. Above all, the entire house is original builder white, or would be if not for all the scuffs, wire holes, and smudges on the walls. It needs fresh paint, and badly. I can't wait to get my work buddy out here and start going to town making this old house a beautiful home.

Hah! I caught up!

An Enterprise move in pictures

2010-11-28T23:25:00.000-06:00

Nate would not stay in the house while the truck was loaded. He picked a spot front and center to the action and supervised the movers. He made friends with them all.

The new house pool

We have never had a pool before, so Larry helped Justin learn to take care of it. We have a pool guy, but we wanted to be able to turn it on and off of course! Turns out the pilot light is leaking gas so we can't heat it until that is fixed anyway. Hasn't stopped the kids from asking to go in EVERY DAY.

My little pilgrim girl. With two days of practice she hopped right in and sang all the songs. Cute kid.

Someday...

2010-11-28T00:39:00.000-06:00

I'll kick my habit of not finishing things. I just confessed to my sister in law I have not finished a quilt I started with her about 9 years ago. She says I have serious issues.
Still, I am glad I did the Thanksgiving challenge and I'll try to fill in what I can.

Sunday, Nov. 14th
     We went to church with the Lisonbees, they have a nice ward. They fed us an early dinner and we went to the Residence Inn for the night, the truck arrived at 8 am Monday morning. I'm thankful that the Residence Inn was clean and nice.

Monday, Nov. 15th
     Moving truck delivered all our stuff. When they got Camille's bike off, Ashley hopped right on and started goofing off--she taught herself to ride it by Tuesday night! I am thankful the movers put the boxes where we wanted and set up beds. The gas was not on yet, so I was thankful to have a warm place to stay and take warm showers! Back to the Residence Inn until Friday. I was also VERY thankful Justin had the day off, last time he was out of town on buisness on delivery day, and it was tough. Dee came down to help out too: she started up the crock pot in the morning and it filled the house with yummy smells the whole day. I' was thankful to have three adults to help watch kids, check things off the inventory, and just have good company.
     We met our neighbors across the street Monday, SCORE! They are the nicest family!! They were excited to have another family in the cul de sac. We are gonig to love them.

Tuesday, Nov. 16th
     Thankful to get the kitchen unpacked, and to have Justin around helping again. He helped the kids do their rooms so they would stop pestering me!

Wednesday, Nov. 17th
     The kids started school. Ashley's teacher was the BEST! She took Ashley's hand and introduced her to people, and was so welcoming and friendly. We love her already. The other girls also had a good experience, and I'm thankful for that. Ashley got bumped to the faster class, so she is in the morning kindergarten group.

Thursday, Nov. 18th
     We were still at the Residence Inn, but I'm actually grateful it worked out that way because it was nice to escape from the piles of boxes and come back to washed dishes and a neatly made bed. Plus, they had free continental breakfast, we all loved that! The kids had chocolate chip muffins and all the juice they could drink every morning. More work unpacking, grocery shopping, and sorting everything.

Friday, Nov. 19th
     I went to a little Thanksgiving program Ashley's class did. She was a cute little pilgrim. (Pics to come.) The gas company guy showed up at 6 pm, I was getting worried, but he hooked up the gas so we could use the heater and have hot water. I was so thankful to be able to wash my hands in warm water! It is amazing how we take such small luxuries for granted.
     We slept at the house for the first time, and by then the rooms were a little more in order.

Saturday, Nov. 20th
     Dee got tickets to the broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast. I was so thankful to get away from the unpacking and do something fun. Not all the kids loved it, but we had a good time watching Nate get into it. He was very concerned when Belle ("the princess") lost her father. He told me he needed to go down there and help her! He kept asking me where the beast was. He was so good! I think Emma enjoyed it too. Thank you Dee!
     After the show we went out to dinner, and it was great to have that break.

Sunday, Nov. 21st
     Went to our new ward for the first time as a family. I was thankful this day that the ward was so excited to have a new family and so friendly. After church we went for a quick, cold walk around the resevoir near our house. I think that will become a favorite spot. Nate rode his little green motorcycle the whole time, and not only did he keep up we had to keep yelling at him to stop and wait. When we were too cold to walk anymore, we went back for hot chocolate. We had a good day of family time and rest, and I'm so grateful for the sabbath.

I think I'll cut it off there for tonight, that is a lot of reading! I will have to post some pics to break it up.

More Thanksgiving...

2010-11-14T00:29:00.000-06:00

Thursday, November 11th
     I was thankful we made it to the airport in time, and the kids were so good for our flight to California. There was no fighting! I still can't believe it.

Friday, November 12th
     Not the easiest day--with the kids used to being in school we had a hard time staying occupied. But I was grateful to be in Cali and have a day to lay low.

Saturday, November 13th
     Today I was so thankful for a shop vac! I know it sounds strange, but that thing made me feel so much better about the new house! We went down today to clean, it has been empty for a while and was not in the best shape. I was grateful to have Nana and Papa come down with us, their extra hands and expertise were so helpful!
     Justin (the best husband ever) took the shop vac and vacuumed around all the ceiling corners and windows, picking up cobwebs, spiders, and dead ants. Ahh, now I'm not so creeped out by the messiness. He also cleaned the pool, it was filled with leaves.
     Larry went around with some spackle, filling the million little holes in preparation for my major painting project. Which is paint the WHOLE house. He helped Justin learn about how to take care of the pool and helped to try to get the pilot light on the water heater lit. (No luck there but we think it's because the gas is not on yet.)
     Dee took the girls and washed windows. Bless her soul! The house has lots of windows and they are one of my favorite features, especially now that they are all sparkly clean. She also saved all the cleaning supplies from Mark and Carrie, when they moved to Dallas a few months ago. Thank you! I didn't have to go out and buy tons of cleaners. In fact, I don't need to get any!
     I vacuumed the carpet and tile, more dead ants, and cleaned the kitchen.
     Nate ran around and got his feet dirty. After we left Nate told me, "I want to go home!" I felt bad, he has told me that several times in the last couple days. I think the changes have been hard on him. But then he said, "I want to go home to our new house!" Yippee! He likes it.   So hopefully we will settle in soon and get a comfortable routine.

oops!

2010-11-10T23:22:00.001-06:00

Friday, November 5th
     I was thankful for Rudys. The most awesome BBQ in all of Texas. If you are in the area, don't miss it.

Saturday, November 6th
     I was thankful that we got the house clean and the laundry done. When I got home Saturday night I sat down to rest, and it was clean and calm. Also for Tammy, who let us visit Papa and watch the UCLA game Saturday afternoon, then fed my kids dinner when I took an unplanned nap with Natalie in the lay z boy.

Sunday, November 7th
     I was thankful to be in town for my neice Natalie's blessing, and for the delicious taco soup we had for dinner that night with the Dallas Lisonbee clan. Papa played with the kids outside for hours, literally. They were all in heaven.

Monday, November 8th
     I was thankful for a good night's sleep, and thankful for Jan and CJ who packed up my house. They were friendly, helpful, and nice. They reminded me of things I should keep out and asked enough questions to get it all right the first time.

Tuesday, November 9th
     I was thankful for my friend Julie, who took Nate for the morning to play with her son Bauer. When she arrived to pick him up, he hesitated to go and told me, "I want to go to California!" I assured him I was not planning on sneaking off while he was gone, and that he could still come to California with me if he played with Bauer. Then Julie mentioned Toy Story 3 and he was gone. Didn't even look back.
      I was also thankful for my friend Amy, who fed us dinner on a crazy night. She asked me several times Sunday what she could do to help--even though her 9 year old was recently diagnosed with type I diabetes--but I asked her to feed us, and she did!

Wednesday, November 10th
     Today, I am thankful for Callie, who took Nate all morning so he wouldn't get under the movers' feet. It is a good thing, too, because he would not come in the house once he got home. He wandered around the front yard mingling with the four hispanic guys who loaded up the truck today. One of them sang while he worked. When they drove away they slowed down so they could all wave at Nate.
     I'm thankful that I got to slip away while they loaded the truck to deliver some non-moveable things to Tammy's and then stop for a pedicure, and have lunch with Meredith who I missed on Sunday.
     And I am very grateful for little things, like pulling open a drawer and finding what you need, having soap and a towel near the sink, and having a laundry basket to put dirty clothes in.

Thanksgiving Day 4

2010-11-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for sunny, cool weather.

Yesterday I was thankful for 4 kids at the dentist with NO cavities!!!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-02T22:06:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving is coming up fast, among a few other things for our family! I was inspired by my friend's blog to be thankful for one thing each day in November, and thought it might help me get in the spirit of Thanksgiving since I will be busy moving. Otherwise it's bound to slip by and I'll end up feeling like I didn't appreciate it. I'm starting a day late, so here are two things I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful we have a move date and a house to move in to.

I'm thankful for a fun afternoon spent sitting, visiting, and eating with a certain sister in law--it was just what I needed.

What do you know, I feel better already!

day trip

2010-10-31T22:34:00.000-05:00

It occurred to me about a month ago that in two and a half years we had never taken the kids down to see the Dallas Temple. Shame! We had to do that before we left, so we drove down Saturday. It was closed! But at least they got to see it and it was a beautiful day, so we still had fun.

(This is fabric I got for a cape for Emma's Halloween costume, and she liked it so much she wore it all day.)

Little daredevil. Justin brings out the wild in him.

Ever seen one of these before? Duck crossing? It was my first time. If we have time, maybe I'll try to take the kids down again so they can see the grounds. If not:

This is the Newport Beach Temple, the one we will go to in California. It is a beautiful temple, with such beautiful landscaping too. We will just visit there!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:08:00.000-05:00

The Flapper--picked out her own necklaces, and loved them. Then she ended up taking them off to be wild in the bounce house. But they did look cute while they lasted.

The Movie Star--Looked so cute the first party we went to, I did her hair up and it was so sophisticated. But we ran out of time the second night, I still think she is fashionable.

My adorable niece Rosie, with her Mr. T necklaces. I don't know what is up with that but it's working for her!

Buzz Lightyear--Nate thought, wait, thinks he is Buzz Lightyear. I borrowed this costume, and he has worn it non stop. Especially the wings, which he has had on at all times since we got them. I don't know how I'll give it back, he will be devastated!

"Dad can I eat this one?" And I love the response face.

Emma is growing up. Really, it amazes me sometimes. I'm not ready for her to be so big, but she sure is. She was upset with me for not letting her tie her cape so it dragged on the ground. Hence the mad face. She can really get the teenager attitude going!

Buzz Lightyear, shooting his laser at Justin. He is so cute because he looks for the button on his costume and pushes the exact spot, while making his own sound effect. I love this kid. He is growing up too, he can really throw a tantrum...very persistant.

My double adorable niece Natalie, with half a smile. Love this kid! I took her from her Dad after the party so he could help clean up. She nuzzled up with her soft little head right under my chin and went to sleep. Sigh. This is why we get conned into having more. I will sure miss her!

And lastly, my favorite costume of the night. If you don't know who this is, you don't read enough. The Paper Bag Princess. I heard that this cutie, niece Aurora, decided on this costume a year in advance and kept reminding her mom about it. Carrie says it was the easiest costume ever, and so perfectly adorable! It is so fun to be able to see cousins. After the trunk-or-treating the kids gathered around our car and traded hugs and candy. I had fun watching them all enjoy each other and rubbing my cheeks on little Natalie's fuzzy head while she slept.

Countdown...

2010-10-31T20:44:00.000-05:00

We are officially moving, finally! That is, the rest of us are. And now that I have a D-date, I'm happy, but SAD! I'm actually leaving now, and not just in limbo. There are so many great people here that I will miss...and wish I had spent more time with.

But we are out of here, and back to making new friends in two weeks.

They're coming!

2010-09-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

About this time of year, when the weather turns and it's cool, the leaves start to change, and I get my fall decorations out...I feel so excited!

THE HOLIDAYS are COMING! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday, Valentines Day...

The long drought is over. I can't wait to spend time baking, eating, visiting with family, planning for Christmas, holiday shopping, making costumes--okay not that, but the rest is good! It is time to eat soup, start layering clothes again, maybe even wear socks. I love fall!

Came, and went...

2010-09-13T16:54:00.000-05:00

I wish I knew why good times pass by quickly and bad times linger. The weeks have dragged on, but the weekends Justin comes home fly too fast! He came late Friday night, and we had fun all weekend doing nothing special.

Saturday morning we slept in, got up and got word of a showing for the house (Hoooray!) so we hustled to clean up and get out. I did the inside and Justin mowed the lawn. Then we took the kids and went for ice cream, at 10:30 am. Braums is such a great place!

After that we went to the pool, then came home and had afternoon naps. At least, the grown ups did. Saturday night Justin and I left Emma in charge--thanks to my sister in law Michelle's ingenious babysitting strategy--and we went out for a quick dinner.

Sunday was business as usual, church, lunch, more naps, and chicken tacos for dinner. But somehow, just because he was home, everything was more fun. I miss him teasing the kids, and me, or helping out around the house. Telling the kids to stop fighting, or to get ready for bed. It is...just how it should be.

Nate came into our room Sunday morning, and ran right back out shouting, "DADDY'S STILL HERE!!!" Ahh, cute kid. I thought the same thing! This morning we got up early and I took him back to the airport. And tonight when the kids are in bed I'll sigh. It's just not the same without Dad!

Other Summer Affairs

2010-09-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

A new fire station opened less than a mile from our house. They had an open house for the public and we went to check it out. We got a tour of the firehouse, got to see the dorm rooms and the kitchen and lounge area. They had four fridges! One for each team that works there. Also a huge professional gas stove. And a giant flat screen TV with 6-7 reclining chairs, complete with game systems for those dull nights.

They had the trucks all out and let people climb in and on them. The kids had a great time climbing in and out of the cab and pretending to drive. We even got to climb into the emergency medical truck and explore. It was cool to see all the medical supplies tucked neatly into locked cupboards for a wild ride.

They had firemen all over to answer questions and pose for pictures.

Makes you feel proud, huh?

We all had a great time.

Starting with my little man...

2010-08-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

We all dote on him, ESPECIALLY Justin, ahem, not to name names. He actually hates baths, despite the happy face. He hates to have his hair washed, because he doesn't like getting water in his eyes.

One of the things we did this summer is go to the movie theater at the mall for the summer movie camp movies. This day the kids conned me into staying for lunch and letting them ride on the carousel. They are getting so big!

Happy Promotion to me!

2010-08-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

Justin has a tradition of giving me a gift when he gets promoted. Last time I got to choose a pretty necklace from Tiffanys. This time he let me pick out a new laptop! I'm so excited! This is the first time I have had my own computer. It is sleek, fast, and new. So I'm hoping to blog more, now that I don't have to fight for computer time or wait hours for our old dinosaurs to upload a photo. As soon as I get my camera software on here, beware! I have over 1000 pictures on my memory card!

Dang!

2010-07-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

I had such great plans to do more before and after photos of my house--but now we are moving and I am overwhelmed with the lists of things to do. Oh well. Next time?

Justin accepted a position with Enterprise in southern California, so we are returning to one of the places we started. I'm sooo sad to leave the good Texas people, and I'm trying to console myself with thoughts of cool ocean breezes. Time to start over on getting settled!

Toddler Woes

2010-06-08T13:53:00.002-05:00

Nate is such a toddler.

Opinionated, stubborn, moody, mischievious, active, and clever. I have more trouble with him because he is more certain of what he wants. He has become a very picky eater--he will hardly eat any meat. He loves cereal and any crackers, fruits, and snack foods. He won't eat veggies. What does a mother do about that?

He loves to swim. He has started telling me, with his best pout, "Mom! House is boring! I want to go to the pool!"

Today I took away a cd he found in the car and he threw a little fit, crying and carrying on. I sat down and snuggled him for a minute and he cried into my shoulder. I asked, "Aw, what's wrong?" and he said, "I'm mad at mom!" Then he seemed to realize who was snuggling him because he wiggled away and told me, "Mom! You're a bad boy!"

He learned last week to climb out of his bed, and I had a fleeting glimpse of the rest of my life when I won't be swarmed with kids every minute. I'm not ready to put him in a big boy bed, but he is almost three!

He gets into the pantry every day and helps himself to whatever he needs, then usually brings his snack to the couch and makes a mess there.

He and Justin have slow motion boxing matches at church, and Justin laughs when Nate hits too hard. I don't think it's so funny! But you have to see Nate fall over into my lap in slowmo, it makes us all irreverent! I'll have to record him saying his name when we ask, "Nathan James Wisonbee."

Before and Afters

2010-05-02T16:36:00.001-05:00

Ash the gut buster

2010-03-08T16:35:00.004-06:00

Ash (fooling with my coupon file) "Mom, why do you keep your coupons in here?"

Me "So I can find the ones I need when I'm shopping to save money."

Ash "So you can save money?"

Me (folding laundry and half paying attention) "mmm hmm"

Ash "Save money, live better, Walmart!"

Ash "Mommy is this macaroni the cheesiest ever?"

Me "Uh, yeah."

Ash "Good! Cuz I like it cheezy!"

Me "Why are all these toys in the closet?"

Ash "Emma's kids are sleeping in the storage room for the weekend and I'm watching them."

Ash "Mom, did you go shopping without me again?"

Me "No."

Ash "Good. If you go shopping, be sure to bring me!"

Ash "Lightning stuck!"

Proud Parenting Moments

2010-03-08T12:58:00.006-06:00

Anyone with kids knows the feeling of pride when they see their kid do something great by their own choice. For example, a month or so ago Emma asked, "Why do you read your scriptures at breakfast?" I responded, "Because it is usually quiet then and it gets my day off to a good start." The very next morning I came down the stairs and there she was reading her scriptures with her cereal. She has been fairly consistent with it since then too. What a cutie!

Though Katie disagrees with it being a proud parenting moment, this next example was priceless! We were at Emma's soccer game and Camille, Ashley and Nathan were not in to it. They asked if they could go play on the bleachers about 20 yards behind us. There were a couple of boys playing over there (one 7 and the other 4.) After a minute or two I glanced over to see how everything was going. Just then the older boy takes a swing at Nate with this toy sword looking thing and stops just shy of his head. I know the older kid and he is usually really nice to our kids so I decide to let it play out for a minute before I go over to separate them. Then, the younger kid (about 4 and a head taller than Bubba) runs up to Nathan, growls and makes clawing gestures right up in his grill. (According to Camille he was pretending to be a dinosaur) Nate has a curious/scared look on his face and at this point I have just about seen enough of this. As I stand up to walk over there, Nathan clinches both fists, puts his head down and starts rapid firing punches to the kid's gut. After a few seconds both kids take off running. So fast in fact that they left their sword behind. Nathan quickly picked it up and started chasing them with it. A teary-eyed moment for sure.

CRAP!

2010-03-07T17:24:00.003-06:00

I'm so mad. It is fast Sunday, and at the risk of being struck by lightning I'll say that I hate fast Sunday!

I struggle through lunch, feeding the kids stuff that in my desperation looks delicious, like ramen noodles and ritz crackers with processed cheese. I lay down for 10 minutes after lunch because I'm exhausted and then get up to start making dinner so we can eat early.

I spend an hour and a half putting together my shepherds pie. I doubled the recipe, but I was worried there would not be enough with everyone coming to eat with us. (Dale, his 3 kids, Tammy Adam and their daughter.)

I put the two pans in the oven, then decided to lower my oven rack so they would cook faster. I set the bigger pan on the oven door and then grabbed the rack with two hands with the smaller one still on it to move it down real quick.

You see what is coming here. The smaller pan slides off the rack and bumps into the side of the oven before tipping over and crashing on the tile floor, as I yell "____!" Nevermind that.

Now it is dinner time, I'm starving, grumpy, and facing a night of cereal after all my hard work so I can feed my guests a decent dinner. DANGIT! I feel like crawling in my bed to cry I'm so hungry and tired.

Soccer and Jelly Beans

2010-03-06T20:13:00.003-06:00

Justin is currently holding a jelly bean draft in our kitchen. He dumped out a bunch of jelly beans and the girls take turns picking which one they want. When they take too long he says, "This is rapid fire draft! You gotta be thinking three turns ahead which one you want." Camille jumped the gun a couple times and had to sit out a couple rounds.

He worked out a deal with them this morning: for every aggressive play they made--steal the ball, assist, score a goal--they get one jelly bean. I've never seen Camille play so hard. Each time she got in the middle of play she would glance over to see if he was looking with a big smile on her face.

Now they have a time limit on eating their jelly beans and then it's bedtime. I love this man.

I love watching the kids play soccer. I was excited this morning to go to their games. I hate all the time it sucks up: practice, driving, three times a week interrupting dinner. That stuff is a pain and by the end of the season I'll be dying for down time, but for now we enjoy watching their excitement at their own progress.

A few of my favorite things

2010-03-03T23:29:00.003-06:00

Lunch with a friend
A good song on the radio
A mountain view
Cool sunny days
A new recipe that turns out well
Getting in my bed at night
Lingering in my bed in the morning
The look Justin gives me when we think something is funny
Baby pouting lips
A good book and some time to read it
Chapstick
Baby clippers
A good pair of jeans
My new washing machine
DVR
Laughing with my family around the dinner table
My kids doing what I ask the first time I ask it

Keeping up

2010-02-23T16:05:00.003-06:00

I'm shooting for about a post per week, so far I'm doing pretty good--if only I could keep up as well with my house keeping.

Ash was well for two days and then Camille started throwing up. Luckily she has it under control and i haven't had to clean up messes. I really hope Nate doesn't get it.

Justin has a work dinner tonight, so we are having eggs for dinner and then I promised Ashley I would take her to Toys R Us to spend the gift card Nana sent for her birthday. IF she gets her room cleaned in time, of course. A tedious process of tattletelling, screaming, bossing, and whining. I'm going up to split up the jobs now so she and Camille can finish their work at their own pace. Snail's pace.

Slow day

2010-02-19T13:45:00.002-06:00

Ash is sick today. She woke me in the night to say that she had thrown up. She isn't my best throw-upper. She keeps coming to me with her hands over her mouth and then it explodes everywhere, even up her nose. I have given her a bowl, but she still comes to me. It makes a lot of loads of laundry when you have a sick kid. We have already been through several pairs of pjs, lots of towels, and thank goodness my friend Holley has a carpet cleaner! I've put that to good use--it is keeping me sane.

Tomorrow I have to decide whether to go to a feng shui lecture in my interior design class or to a three hour training meeting for our stake pioneer trek. That would be fun, too, I just wish I didn't have to miss class. What to do?

Did you know...

2010-02-12T14:35:00.008-06:00

That it snows in Dallas? I heard it did, but in two years I'd never seen it and didn't quite believe it. Who knew that a state that melts me at least 6 months out of 12 could also look like this:
We got about 7 or 8 inches total, but (don't laugh CO) school was cancelled.Today was supposed to be my day to catch up, clean, finish laundy, organize. Instead:

Each of the girls had a friend over (in an attempt to keep them away from my immediate area) but my diabolical plan failed and I spent the entire morning at the beck and call of seven little children who wanted to play in the snow. I hunted mittens and hats, tried to mediate fights over the two pair of boots we have, answered unending knocks at the door, put Nate on the tramp, took Nate off the tramp, got snacks, provided dry pants and socks, refit wet mittens, answered more knocks at the door, tried to keep wet boots off the carpet, made slushies, wiped up spilled juice, answered calls for Emma on MY cell phone, etc. etc. etc. They were so loud coming and going that Nate never took a nap. I took a picture of each girl with her friend.

Ashley and Meghan

Camille and Mackenzie

Emma and Abby

Now all the friends are gone, and it is still a disaster, and I'm out of here. I called a sitter and I'm going out to dinner. I'll worry about the rest tomorrow.

For those who have been watching...

2010-02-04T13:24:00.009-06:00

Some random daily life:After a holiday of road tripping and watching lots of movies, I can't tear Nate away from the TV. He loves to watch Dora the Explorer, Handy Manny, Max and Ruby, Spongebob, and most especially Disney's Cars. If Lightning (pictured above) was not lost, Bubb would be have him in his hand still. Nate doesn't like to run errands with me, he would rather stay home and watch TV and play around the coffee table with his cars. If I do entice him to go with promises of watching Lightning McQueen in the car, he is mad when I turn off the car to run in a store and throws tantrums. He carries on and on in a very dramatic (older three sisters) kind of way and tells me "I'm crying!" When I try to talk to him reasonably.

Nate and Ashley are such good buddies. They play all day happily with each other and unless Ashley mothers Nate too much things go pretty smoothly. He is always looking for her when she isn't around, and he runs to hug her when she has been at school. She helps him with things (like getting snacks) and wants to be the one to wake him up from his nap. All the kids like to do that, they fight over who's turn it is to get him up.

Emma is growing so big. She acts like she is 16 and not 9 going on 10. She is so responsible, I never have to ask her to do her homework or shower and get ready for school. In fact--she often wakes me up for the day telling me what time it is and giving me a report on what the other kids are doing. She has choir practice every Wednesday, and it makes Justin crazy when she reminds him every Tuesday night. He has told her he can remember, he is the one who drives her to school those mornings, but she reminds him every week anyway. I have a little trouble with her because she is so grown up and responsible, she doesn't like it when I say no to her and always wants to know why or tries to change my mind with reasoning.

Camille is Camille. Mornings are not her thing. She has so many tardies now that if we get any more we get in trouble. Last week she was sick, and stayed home Monday and Tuesday. Then I sent her back to school Wednesday, and she did just fine. Thursday I had just driven 25 minutes from home with four small children in my car, marched them all into the mall and we had just met my SIL at a play place when I got a call from the school nurse. I had to march the four kids back out to the car and drive all the way back home to pick her up. It was not my best day, the little four weren't happy either! But Camille bopped her way out of the school with a big smile on her face and happily settled into the lazy boy to watch TV. I didn't even bother to send her Friday.

The Weekend

2010-01-30T13:27:00.002-06:00

3 boxes of macaroni
2 honeycrisp apples
5 clementines
1 pbj
1 gluten free pizza
1 bag nacho cheese quakes
1/2 loaf of banana bread
4 beef, bean and cheese quesadillas
1 plain cheese quesadilla
and
1 avocado

plus 45 minutes of cleaning and dishes...and that was just lunch.

Favorite Baby

2010-01-24T21:56:00.006-06:00

I have three examples of why I am wrapped around Nate's finger.

#1 I curled my hair the other day and he put his chubby baby hands in the curls and said, "I like you haiw mom!"

#2 This morning when I came down in my Sunday clothes he said, "are you cute mom?" Justin called him a brown noser.

#3 Tonight when I put him to bed, I kissed his little passy mouth and planted a few on each cheek. I was getting ready to let go and he grabbed my face and planted one on me, and then one on each of my cheeks. Then when I turned to go to the door, he said, "Hug! Hug!" And gave me a big squeeze.

Now what woman can resist that? Boy am I glad I got my little boy!

Christmas is coming

2009-12-06T22:31:00.004-06:00

I told my kids yesterday that if they would get their rooms cleaned they could help decorate the Christmas tree. They did their job but the day got away from me and we never did the tree. While I got ready for a work party Justin had, Ashley talked me in circles and accused me (in angry tones) of "tricking" the kids because we didn't do the tree.
So today I repented, and put up the lights so we could hang ornaments. All the kids had fun helping, and I tried not to wince when they put the ornaments too close together. The end result is pretty charming. But the best part was when Bubba came down while we were finishing up and said in an excited voice, "Mommy make it Christmas tree!" He went around several times repeating it to everyone. It was so fun. The kids debate over which stocking belongs to whom (I still have temporary substitutes up until my masterpiece is finished) and I feel nostalgic of my own childhood Christmases and try not to feel old.

Favorite Sunday Ever!

2009-11-01T21:36:00.002-06:00

What is better than the magical night that you go to bed at 12:00, wake up at 8:00, and get nine hours of sleep? Snuggling with your kids in a king size bed, eating a late breakfast, having stake conference at 1:00 pm so all the girls get their hair done and I get a shower, and still get home in time to relax a while before you have to start dinner. I am a happy girl. It was such a great day.

My Newest Hobby

2009-10-26T01:05:00.015-05:00

Look what I did Friday night! Love my latest hobby. It's called the "gourmet club" and there are 14 women in it. We take turns in pairs hosting a gourmet dinner, and Friday night was mine. Here are the pictures and menu that I promised. If you want recipes, you'll have to email me!

Me and my pardner, Anne. She was the best to work with, so easy! She is strong in the areas where I am not, so we make a good pair. Added bonus, she's hilarious!

The invite. These are very formal. You have to practice good etiquette or you are asked to leave the club.

Anne's genius.

So, the menu:

Mango Blueberry Frappe

Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Feta, and Cilantro Lime Dip
Melon Apple Chutney with Ham on Cornbread Rounds

Glazed pear salad

Roasted tomato and roasted yellow pepper soup
with serrano cream.

(no picture, but possible my favorite recipe of the whole night!)
Blood Orange Sorbet

Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Mustard Herb Vinaigrette and Green Bean Stacks

Pumpkin Gateau with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Orange

The cute girls we hired to help us in the kitchen (and it's a good thing we did!) Amy and Lindsey.

The gourmet ladies. Such fun women, I just love them!

The end of the night. These dinners are such hard work! We planned for months, and we practiced for weeks, and cooked for two days prior to the big night. As we complain and stress about how much we have to do, our husbands wonder why we do it and threaten to start a "golf club." This time around I figured it out. For me, it's the challenge. A chance to sharpen my cooking skills and use my brain, which otherwise get little use. A reason to spend time with friends and laugh. When it's all over and I breathe a sigh of relief that I can put my house back to order, I feel so great about all that I did and learned. And of course there is the great food!

GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!

2009-10-18T17:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was "Silent Saturday" for our soccer games. This is a once a year deal where the parents and coaches have to keep quiet throughout the entire game. (Brutal) You are only allowed to clap. So with that preface, check out Ashley taking the ball from a girl and sending it home! No idea who the crazy guy is yelling "GOOAALL" during Silent Saturday.

Don't get it

2009-10-13T23:56:00.003-05:00

I have been spending lots of time and energy trying to get good at coupon shopping. I'm so irritated with it tonight. I spent hours clipping coupons, matching them up from the Sunday paper and cellfire and shortcuts. I borrowed my SIL's subscription to a grocery game website to print up the shopping list with available coupons, which I gathered all together. I spent almost two hours at the store finding just the right size and quantity of things I needed to double up good sales with good coupons. I did not buy things that were not on sale or not on my list. I even went at night so I could focus and not worry about keeping Nate from opening candy or answering Ashley's million questions.

So why can't I match up to the savings that are reported to me by my clever SIL and the mom's who blog about couponing? Arrgh!

Lets hear it friends, how do you do with your money saving attempts? I need some more tips.

Nate and the Spider

2009-10-05T21:54:00.005-05:00

Nate is pretty funny about bugs. He likes them, but is also afraid sometimes. Tonight we got out the Halloween decorations for f.h.e. and there was a big plastic spider in there. I put in on a lamp shade, and then it turned up on the ground where Nate noticed it and started to smash it with a ball.

Then it flipped over and he squatted down beside it and hit the ground nearby trying to get the spider to move. When nothing happened he hit the ground again saying, "come on, dude!" Ah la la la la. Justin and I cracked up.

Then Justin took the spider and pretended to get Nate with it, but Nate jumped back and said, "Hey! Stop it Dad!" Such a funny age. That kid is endless entertainment.

Sorry about my poor cinematography.

Day to day business

2009-09-29T13:17:00.002-05:00

Nate fell on the sidewalk and split his poor lip open. It is pretty much completely healed now, one week later but he looked pretty sad last week.

I love these twinkly eyes, the wavy gold hair, and the little mole on her cheek. She lost a tooth Sunday, she came up to me and I pulled it right out with a paper towel. She lost it the first night so then she wrote a cute note to the tooth fairy to put under her pillow but we found the tooth in her bed. She got her dollar this morning.

Grab the popcorn, here we go:

2009-09-22T21:35:00.004-05:00

Black=Ashley talking Green=Me talking Blue=situation description

Mommy, what apple is this? Is this a play one or a real one?
Real.
Can I have a bite of it?

Mom, can you get a toothpick out so I can get that? Showing me apple in her teeth.

Is this a new bracelet?

Pointing to a box of cookies, Mommy what are these for?

Mommy howcome...what are you going to do with the graham crackers?

Watch me how I do it. Biting the apple.

Mommy. You gotta take a bit of this apple, it's soo good! Mmm, yummy yummy yummy.

Mom what did you do?

Mom are we going to play in the nursery? On the way to a Relief Society activity.

Mom what are you going to be making?

Can I have some Honeycombs?

I slowed down to make a left, Mom why are you stopping when there's a green light?
Hey mom I think I saw a police car.

Mommy I made a double sandwich for Bubba. Out of Honeycomb cereal.

Pulling into the church parking lot, Where's Anne Copelands car?

Do we have church on rainy days?

Mom, when can we go camping? I don't know. Howcome we can't go right now?

Picking her up after the Relief Society activity, Mom are we going somewhere else, like shopping?

Howcome you writed a list down? That's why I reminded you.

I am so funny!

Can I have a drink of that?

Mommy, howcome you wroted a list down? No answer, I'm writing.
Mommy! What is that list for?
I'm writing down all the questions you ask me.
Why?
So I can put it on my blog.
So you can read it like every day your on it?

Uh, Mom can I have a drink of your shake?

Mommy howcome they make the tall tower? Driving past the radio tower near our house.

Mommy don't you think it would be cute if I had a tall pony in my hair? And put like a clippy in it.

Mom the garage door is all the way open! As I sit in the driveway writing down the last question.

Grabbing my hand and holding it. That reminds me what I want to make with you. I want to make those yummy cookies that you gave your friends at church today.
No, you have already had ice cream so you can't have anything else until you eat the rest of your apple.
FINE! After all of these apples are done than I'm finished! And I'm not eating anything else!

Why?

What was that sound?

Can we eat kiwi tonight? While still working on her apple.

Wiping the windows inside my car, Can I wipe the other windows Mommy? Because the other window is pretty dirty!
Sure.
Where is the paper towel?
In Nate's car seat.
This is a great day to clean the windows!

Howcome I can't do the other side of the front seat door?

Why?

Hey, what's on me?

Playing with an electric toothbrush, Mom what if the doctor's office had a toothbrush just like mine and they had to spin it on your hand and it tickles?
That would be funny.
That would be hilarious! Can I try that on your hand?

Mommy howcome you're writing like a whole... She's on to me.

Hey Mommy let me show you something it's going to tickle so bad! Sticks the toothbrush under her armpit.

Hey Mom, what if I was eating with my armpit and I had to toothbrush it!

I asked her to do something, I'm too busy brushing my shoe. That head is going in the trash.

What?!

I asked her to scratch my back, Hey Mommy can I scratch it under your shirt?

Mom are you writing me down as laughing?

Mom, tell me all the words you writed down.

Mommy can you read me this page?

Can I walk on your back?

Howcome I can't brush your hair?
You can.
She comes back with a brush and I hear a noise.
Don't toothbrush it!
Howcome I can't toothbrush it?

Mommy can you take your clip out?

Your hair has enough hair for filling the whole entire comb up with hair!

Mommy are you going to write this down?

Did you write my name on there?

Mommy, are you going to make a list every morning?

I'm laying down resting, Mommy where did you get that sparkly eye shadow?

Mom when the little hand is on the four we are going to clean the closet.

Mommy how do you get your nails all shiny when you put nail polish on it?

Mommy, can you read this list? Pointing to a page. This one?

Can I write down a page? No. Howcome I can't do it?

I am trying to take a cat nap before the girls get home from school, Howcome we can't clean the closet right now?

Mommy can you do this so I can pop it? A little toy you turn inside out and it pops back.

Mom, when are we going to have a snack? Cuz I'm hungry.

Mommy can I have some gum? I don't have any. Can I just look?

Mommy can you read the list to me? Not right now. Why? I'm resting. Tomorrow can you read it to me?

On the way to Emma's soccer game, Next time we come to the game can we bring stachios?

Mommy how much water does a firetruck hold? A firetruck doesn't hold water. The hose does?

I pretty much gave up after that. We had the game, came home and ate, and put them to bed. Repeat process tomorrow. Get an idea of what being a mother to a small child is like?

Just Wait...

2009-09-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, Ashley does not have preschool. To help me make it through the day I'm going to jot down all the questions she asks me so you can get an idea of what it is like to spend the day with her. This should be amusing!

Good Example

2009-09-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

We often let Nate stay up after we put the girls to bed. We get one on one time with him, and he plays around while we sit or watch TV. He was so cute tonight! He put Ashley's soccer shin guards on his hands and did a funny one legged skip around dancing to the music on commercials. He was sitting on my lap looking at pictures of his cousin Rosie on her mom's blog when Ashley yelled downstairs for something. We had sent the girls to bed half an hour ago. Before Justin or I could do anything Nate yelled out, "GO TO BED!" "GO SLEEP!" in his little baby voice. If you ask us where he learned that, we'll say, "I have no recollection of that, senator."

Soccer Saturday

2009-09-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

After nearly two weeks of rain, cancelled practices and games, we finally had our first soccer games today. I think Ash likes her new uniform. She was so cute, and had a great time. She scored a goal! She was at the front of the bumblebee pack and took it to the net. When we cheered for her she got a shy look on her face like she felt bad about it. Later in the game she had a great assist. She put if right on the line and a teammate tipped it in.
Ashy's coach is fantastic. At first I was worried because he is a little die hard--he wanted to have two practices a week. (For 4 year olds I think it's a little aggressive.) But I will say he runs a great practice, and despite multiple cancelled practices he had the girls ready for their game. The best part about him is his talent with interacting with the girls. He is able to motivate them without threats or anger, and is great about being sympathetic without encouraging drama. He gave one girl some extra play time today because she really wanted a goal.

Nate was good during the first game: there was a baby behind us he played with. He also spent some time shooting on a free goal with Emma and eating snacks I brought.
Smack in the middle of the other girls games Emma had pictures, of course. I had to leave Ash and truck clear across the fields, lugging the chubby kid who refused to walk. On the plus side I was able to steal a great team photo so I don't have to pay 30 bones for it. Cha Ching. There is one girl with her eyes closed, but it's not my kid!

Then we hoofed it back over to pick up Ashley and catch the end of Camille's game. It was getting pretty hot by then, and Nate still wouldn't walk. Not sure why. He had a harder time during Cam's game because he always tries to go for Justin when he can see him across the field. He made a couple escape attempts, and made it to midfield one time but luckily the play was at the other end.
Camille played well in her game. Ironically enough, she is not aggressive at all on the soccer field. She hangs back and follows the play from a distance. She did get a foot on the ball a few times and loves to do throw ins. Three out of seven players on her team no showed, so the four played the whole game with no subs. They were beat by the end.

Notice Emma's cute flower clip, the latest outlet for my craftiness.

This is Nate showing me his "truck." He loves to bite one corner of a cracker and then say, "Mom, truck" and drive it around with sound effects. He even says, "beep, beep, beep" when he backs it up. All in all a good soccer day.

My Camilly

2009-09-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

Lest you think Cam is always in a bad mood, I had fun doing homework with her yesterday. She gets a word with scrambled letters and has to cut them up to make other words. I made the word "burp" and after looking at it for a bit she started to laugh. She cracked up again while writing it down on her paper and said, "Ahhh, that never gets old!"

Here is an example of her fun sense of humor:

Family Fun

2009-09-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

We took the kids to the Heard Museum in Fairview last weekend. It was rainy, but we still had fun. They have a great collection of rocks and minerals, so if you are into geology you should stop by. They also have a small animals of the world exhibit, and a little butterfly house. The walk down to the outside exhibits is on a wood planked ramp, which was wet. Ashley and Camille both slipped on the way down, and they were not happy!

In the animals of the world there was a crazy cockatoo. It climbed all around it's cage using its claws and beak. It could catcall, which the kids really liked, but then it made the loudest alarm type noise I have ever heard. Camille especially didn't like that and said she was never coming back.

It was a little muddy at the entrance to the butterfly house, and we had the funniest experience. There were a few ants trailing across the doorway, and since it was brown and muddy the girls thought they were walking in a giant anthill. Justin, Emma and I hopped across the puddle, then Ash went. She attempted a wild leap, slipped to one knee in her flip-flops, then jumped up screaming hysterically and stamping her feet like she was being attacked. Justin and I laughed so hard we couldn't stand straight and I had trouble assuring her that there were no ants on her and she could stop crying. She was also covered with mud, you can see it on her knee in the pic above. She tiptoed on one foot all around and was not content until I had taken her into the bathroom to wash off her shoe and her foot. I told her people pay for mud, that it was good for her skin, but that only prompted a storm of questions about why people buy mud and why it's good for her skin. I didn't have a good answer for that so I tried to change the subject. In the meantime it took quite a while to convince Camille to hop over and come in the butterfly house. She told me strongly that she didn't want to hold a butterfly and was a little paranoid in there. She stuck close to me and worked her pouty face.

While we were washing up Justin and Nate found a centipede inside. Nate thought it was great and this is him squatting close and saying, "HI BUG! HI!"
Despite the comedy of errors, we had a pretty good time and the best part was the kids were happy to get home and played with friends the whole afternoon.

Warning! Long and potentially boring journal post!

2009-09-15T22:45:00.000-05:00

The summer heat is slowly on it's way out, and I suddenly have renewed energy and mood! I had such a great day today. It started out well and then just got better. I woke up early and went for a jog in the rain (yay me!) Usually, that would have been a legitimate excuse to turn off the alarm and stay in bed, but like I said, renewed energy.

Emma got up this morning and decided to help me with the garbage. She gathered it all and took the trash out to the street. I got teary on the way home from dropping them at school, thinking about what a good kid she is and how much a simple act of service can mean to someone. I know, I'm a mom.

Since I didn't have to take the trash out I took a nice shower, and did my hair. Now that is an accomplishment. I spent the morning with my Gourmet Club partner Anne, and we tried out some new recipes for our big dinner in October. We found a couple winners and I stuffed myself with delicious food.

I put Nate to bed and called a friend for Ashley, thinking I might get to rest if she was busy. When Sophie's mom came to drop her off she said Sophie had decided she wanted to play at her house, so Ashley went and I laid down for a luxurious nap in my totally quiet house. No cartoons on in the background, no million questions, just me and the ceiling fan and a cozy blanket. (Thanks Jen!)

Ash was still gone when the girls came home from school, so I helped Camille with her homework without the usual distractions (think screaming, crying, fighting, arguing, tattling, and crumbs everywhere.) I spent an hour and a half working in my front yard while Ash and Nate rode bikes. I bagged up the stuff I pruned out a couple days ago and gave my monkey grass a major thinning and haircut. Man that thing was overgrown. It was a fair fight--my hands are all cut up. Monkey grass is sharp! I should have taken a before picture, so you could see how much I did. I have three giant contractor bags filled already--one entirely with monkey grass--and still a pile of eucalyptus branches to pick up.

Emma's soccer practice was canceled, Yippee! Soccer takes a big chunk of our week. I don't love that but it is fun when the kids enjoy it and I like to watch their games.

Because we could sit down to dinner I got inspired to make posole from stuff I had in my pantry, which was exciting because that is something I would actually like to eat if I ever had to eat my food storage. It was so fast, and very tasty if you add a little shredded cabbage and fresh lime. While I cooked Emma unloaded the dishwasher without complaining. Gold star for Emma today.

We sat down together and talked about the best and worst of our days, something we picked up from our friend Deb that my kids love. They all want a turn to talk. Camille did the dishes with only a little complaining, and I have an empty sink to start the morning :)

The girls can now get ready for bed without assistance. Hallelujah! And I thought it would never happen. While they did that Justin asked Nate what he wanted to watch on TV. Nate shouted "FOOTBALL!" with enthusiasm and Justin almost cried. It was a proud moment. The girls will have a hard time if they ever try to beat Nate out as Justin's favorite! Anytime he mentions anything with "ball" in it, points out trucks, rides his motorcycle, or greets Justin with a happy "Daddy!" and a "Hug! Hug!" Justin just looks at me and smiles.

Lastly, I folded two loads of laundry while watching The Office and remembered to water my new potted plants. I love flowers! It is so great to get to the end of the day and feel like you have done something worthwhile. I can't figure out why this is rotated wrong or how to fix it so enjoy my flowers sideways, I'm ready for bed.

I Love Mom!

2009-09-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

You should see them now Mom, they have almost tripled in size!

Family Dynamics

2009-09-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

This video shows each child's personality in a small clip. It also happens to be some of Nate Dog's first steps! Justin requested I post it. My favorite part is the look he gives me at the end. Think Jim from The Office.

No babies were harmed in the making of this movie.

WARNING hibernating bear!

2009-09-03T09:03:00.000-05:00

Camille is tough in the morning. From the minute I get her up, she folds her arms, stomps her feet, and screams at anyone who talks to her. This morning for example, I woke her up to get in a nice warm bath. The bath was too hot, and she refused to get in and said she hated school. It was the worst day of her life. (She said that yesterday too. I considered pointing it out to her but held back.) Then she was mad because she couldn't get her nightgown off by herself. She was upset because she couldn't get out of the tub first (Ashley was almost finished with her bath by now.) Then because she had to wash with soap. When I asked her to get out she moaned with frustration, and after she had complained about getting in. Then she was furious because she had nothing to wear. Emma's clothes didn't fit, they were too long. When I produced a perfectly clean pair of capris from the dryer, she didn't want to wear that outfit and refused to go to school. I said it was against the law for her to stay home and she said she hated the police, with her arms folded. But she finally did get dressed, and started playing with her dollhouse. At this point we have ten minutes before we are supposed to leave.
Downstairs, she got mad at me because there was nothing she wanted to eat. I made a few suggestions which were vhemently refused, so I told her to figure it out on her own or go hungry to school. She found some cereal. She obstinately put on her shoes trying to wiggle as much as possible while I combed her hair, and I told her she would have to go to bed at 7:00 tonight if she didn't start cooperating. We stomped our way to the car. After I started it up Ashley told me Camille wasn't buckled so I told her to buckle up. She screamed at Ashley for tattling but put her seatbelt on. Then she said she hated little sisters and I told her to keep her mouth shut, she hadn't said one nice thing all morning. Thankfully she did. I'd like to tell you it was an unusually rough morning, but it wasn't. It's all completely routine.

Nate is thankfully less abrasive when he wakes up. He usually snuggles who ever gets him out of bed for a minute or so, and then eats what the girls are eating for breakfast. This morning he needed more cereal and nobody was there to help so he helped himself. He laughed with us when we laughed at him and posed for me when I got the camera.

Nathan

2009-09-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

Man, we love this kid. These are really old, but I just found them and thought he was unbelieveably adorable. He can say his name now. When we ask him what his "real" name is, he points to his chest and says "Na-san." His other name is Bubba, you have to specify which one you want.

School is Cool

2009-09-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

I love back to school. I always have actually, but I love it even more now. My kids like school, and I like them to be in school. It is good for them and for me.

I was taking Ashley to her first day of preschool Monday morning, and she said from the back seat: "Are you excited to have one kid?" I laughed and resisted my initial response (YES!!!) and said, "I'm excited for you to have fun at preschool and I'll be happy to see you when you get home." She didn't say much to that. But I had to laugh. I hope my kids realize how much I love them, even if I am overjoyed when they go to school.

Summertime!

2009-06-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

I am glad to have a break from homework, but I am getting overwhelmed with kids already. We just got back from a great vacation with Justin's sister and her family, more on that to come, so now after that high the kids are whiny and bored today. Perhaps I should have taken them out of the house, but who doesn't love sitting in their pajamas until right before their husband gets home every once in a while? Don't tell Justin!

Man Time

2009-05-03T14:12:00.000-05:00

Check out Bubba taking the tackling drill to a whole new level!

It's tough to discipline when you are laughing hysterically.

dinner disaster

2009-04-08T23:26:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting to try this new recipe for a while now. I bought the ingredients, I was almost ready to go one night and Justin ended up not coming home so I put it off.

Well, I made it today. It took me an hour and a half in the kitchen (not that the recipe was that involved, but I had to clean as I went and then the kid factor...) and I ended up with the perfect Chicken Picatta, the chicken looked just like the picture on the recipe, it was a little golden and everything was done at the right time. Perfection.

Justin called in the middle of cooking to say something had gone wrong at work, but I wasn't overly concerned about that, I could reheat it for him. Then, there was unanimous mutany at the table! Such whining and complaining you have never heard. You would think I tried to feed them road kill. Even Nate threw his chicken on the floor.

Emma was the most upset. Camille and Ashley eventually picked their capers out and ate the chicken and noodles with added parmesan. Bubb played with his for a while, trying to get some food on a fork but he didn't eat any. When I tried to feed him a bowtie he stuck his tongue out and spit it out. But Em, that girl. She dug her heels in and announced she would be sneaking downstairs at midnight to eat cereal. Then she sat and glared at me for the rest of the dinner. I offered her a couple flavor covering choices, but I'm not in the restaurant business. She got sent to her room without eating.

When Justin came home and I heated up his plate specially, he hates microwaved meat. I made it all pretty and served him up. He took one bite and looked at me apolegetically.

I'm feeling like pizza and hot dogs for the next month.

P.S. Emma had a change of heart and apologized for her behavior. In light of the total failure of my new recipe, I gave her a bowl of cereal.

time for updates

2009-04-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Billy!

Camillly is the cutest little seven-year-old you ever saw. She has a fun smile and a great sense of humor. She loves Tom and Jerry, Spongebob, and all things High School Musical. She is a sensitive thoughtful girl, and I worry sometimes about her fragile self confidence. One of her latest things is wanting me to pick out her clothes for her. (Perhaps it stems from her getting dressed inappropriately for the weather and me telling her to change--she hates that.) She will make some man so happy some day: for her birthday she asked for BBQ brisket, sausage, and bacon. So we had them all.

She has turned into a great little reader, it is cute the way she shows me the pictures and reads me the books she brings home from school. She also is doing so well with reading the scriptures, I'm amazed sometimes at the words she figures out. She is a great little organizer. She likes to put her own clothes away, and organize the barbies in Ashley's doll house. She loves to write notes and leaves us little love notes almost daily. She is a great kid.

I love this smile.

And our little Bubb is starting to talk! Oh my, nothing gets my heart like little baby words. It is so hard to catch him on video, but I'm trying. In his vocabulary:

Mom

Daddy

Emma

Ashy (poor Camilly, he hasn't figured out how to say her name yet and it breaks her heart)

bird

doggie

woof

ba ba, passy, blanket (those three all sound pretty much the same)

mine

here you go (more like "eh go!")

please

thank you

bye bye

stuck

stinky Oh!

all gone

uh oh

and of course, ball

He also blows kisses, one of our favorite tricks.
It is my absolute favorite stage of babyhood, the learning to talk part. I finally get a little hint of what goes on in their minds and see the intelligence working, it just melts my heart.
He is such a lovey little man, he gives us lots of hugs and snuggles and pats. It is impossible not to adore him.

First Soccer Games!

2009-03-18T13:14:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday Emma and Camille both kicked off their first soccer seasons. Camille's team is Flower Power and Emma's team is the Unicorns.

The Dream Team (Flower Power) just before kick-off.

After a 12-5 victory it's time to rehydrate.

Emma going for a 50/50 ball.

Nice cut Emma!

Bye Bye Fro

2009-02-26T21:54:00.000-06:00

I gave the Bubb a little trim. Justin doesn't like it so much, but it's grown on me. I miss his blonde highlights, but its starting to warm up so we could get those back without too much trouble. Such a cute kid.

Soccer time is family time

2009-02-26T21:34:00.000-06:00

Did anybody else know the side pony was coming back? Missed that one.

Check out the Coach in action. He's a natural at this, it plays to his strengths.

Cami Cam really needs this. She is so proud to be playing and loves the extra time with Dad. She is eating it up and has really been excited about it.

I have to take Bubba where he can't see Justin or he won't stay off the field. He wanders out there saying, "Bahl!" and take the girls' balls. We have to walk a ways over to the playground, and he still gravitates to and steals all the soccer balls in sight. And there are a lot, there are probably six or seven teams out there practicing.

What a night.

A Good Day

2009-02-26T20:52:00.000-06:00

The best investment we ever made.

Valentine Tea Party

2009-02-23T21:34:00.000-06:00

My kids love tea parties, and then have been planning this one for months. I was hard put to convince Emma we didn't need to send out invitations before Christmas. They had to pay me with their marbles, and they happily dished them out. They had so much fun helping me decorate.

We made chocolate fondue, with strawberries, pretzels, rice krispie treats, marshmallows, and bananas to dip. Yum. I was snacking on chocolate all day.

Each girl got to invite two friends, but we only had seven at the end. They were dressed up before they had been here two minutes, and after they inhaled fondue they ran off and played happily the rest of the time. It was fun. Girls are fun.

Kid update

2009-02-23T20:54:00.000-06:00

Our boy loves balls. It is one of the only words he can say. He plays with the exercise ball, with bouncy balls, big and small, golf balls, nerf balls, soccer balls, deflated basketballs, beach balls, pretty much any thing round he can get his hands on. It makes Justin so proud.

He also likes to play rough. He hits Justin for fun, and cracks himself up. Tonight we were all kneeling down to say bedtime prayers, and he came up behind me with a half pool noodle and hit me on the head with it saying, "OW! Ah ha ha ha!" We all laughed so hard and he was so proud of himself that he did it again, and then wacked Justin a few times, too.

now what?

2009-02-02T22:12:00.000-06:00

I sprained my ankle, it's really cramping my style. I was putting some heavy boxes in my car and it rolled out from under me. I fell down (luckily the box didn't fall on me) half underneath my car and then sat there for a while because it HURT really bad and also because I wasn't sure what to do next. I'm supposed to go get a boot to wear, but I haven't been able to get to one of the few pharmacies that carry it during hours. I'm going to have to break down and take a million kids with me, because it's getting sore from me lumbering around on it all day. I think this qualifies me for a vacation. P.S. Nate weighs a ton!

confession

2009-01-27T22:29:00.000-06:00

Hi friends!

I have had quite the time adjusting to my life here, and to my life with four kids. I feel like a wreck. I never finish things, I don't blog, my house is a mess, I lose my temper with the kids, I just can't seem to stay on top of anything. I am madly treading water just to stay afloat, and don't seem to make progress anywhere. But don't give up on me entirely. One of these days there will be something interesting here, and I've missed being in touch with everyone.

Lately my mom came to visit (too bad she is not still here) and we worked hard and got lots done. We cleaned out my closet and got rid of almost half of what was in there. I took bags and bags to goodwill, it felt so great. Then we (mostly mom) organized my desk area in the kitchen and lots of the cupboards that needed a little help. We painted my very red dining room back to traditional light green with white trim. Gina, I actually used a paint chip you gave me, I think it is the same one you have in your family room. It looks so great! I got new rugs for my kitchen, rewired two lamps that were broken (I'm pretty proud of that one!), and then we moved on to go through all the kids clothes and organize them. Mom eliminated my entire pile of mending, in about an hour, and it had sat there so long that the nightgowns had to be passed down to the next girl in line.

For my birthday she helped me fix up my bed, I have not had bedding since last May. We got a king sized bed and I had one set of sheets and two cotton blankets on there, and Justin and I each had a throw sized fleece blanket because my insulation sucks and it actually gets pretty cold. Mom and I got a comforter at TJ Maxx. Then we went to a FABULOUS store in Dallas that sells decorater fabrics, it was huge, and had great prices. We got this great fabric and mom made me three new pillow cases for my bed, it is so great to have it. It makes me feel like an adult again. My mom has such great taste, she comes and makes everything nicer. I should also comment that Justin is so great for all of this. He comes home and takes extra kid duty so we can finish our paint or sewing projects, and also is so easy to please he admires all improvements without complaints.

Being the incapable person I am, I'll have to post pictures of it all later as well as change my blog background because it is time for bed.

fhe--wii

2009-01-05T21:44:00.000-06:00

Ohh good times. Sorry about the camera jiggling, but I couldn't stop laughing! Justin got me wii fit for Christmas, and we sure are enjoying it. Camille rocks the hula hoop. And check out Emma's warrior pose.

Read the previous post first.

2009-01-05T14:46:00.000-06:00

I found some more pics I liked. Here is Cam with her buddy in their High School Musical nightgowns. She and Emma both got one of those sleep masks and they actually wear them. Emma had hers on last night. Bella by the way is the most photogenic kid you have ever seen. You point a camera at her and somehow she looks adorable and perfect every time. I wish it was something you could learn! I'd take a class.

This is Mountain View park, it was so beautiful. We took the kids a couple times to get them out of the house. I don't know who had more fun, the kids or the dads playing baseball in the field.

Turns out I did get pictures at Knotts, I forgot. Justin took lots. This is Em with my new nephew Stephen. (Kristin got married)

Never get tired of this kid's face.

I think Brooke and Brittany went on the airplane ride a thousand times. They were loving it.

She is having more fun than it looks like, she has a good poker face.

Nana is the best. She took us all to Knotts and treated everyone to the best fried chicken dinner I've ever had--and I don't even like fried chicken! You just have to go try it.

Ash wasn't feeling well in the afternoon, she had an ear infection and the motrin wore off. So we bundled her up in a stroller and she hung out, but kept begging me to hold her. It was cold the whole day, but well worth it.

Christmas not in a nutshell

2009-01-05T13:33:00.000-06:00

Yet another display of my bad parenting--can anyone survive 23 hours in a car strapped in a car seat the whole time? Nate can't. I blame my mother, she encourages me.

This is the fabulous Auntie Court, in her sleepers. She does hair, makes gingerbread houses, loves neices and nephews, and snuggles. She is about to graduate from BYU, and does a mean impression of a terrified child on the smallest rides at Knott's Berry Farm.

One of my favorite parts of the holiday was watching my kids reconnect with their cousins. Camille especially loved having Bella around because in TX there is nobody her age and she is often left out.

We played lots of Wii. Some of the adults stayed up very late trying to beat Super Mario Brothers, which I have not played in 20 years, just like riding a bike folks. (We never did beat it though.)

The little girls spent lots of time huddled around our little dvd player, watching an assortment of princess movies. Carter later took aim at it with a nerf bazooka and blew the cover off it. After which he did a fist pump and said, "Yes!" But don't worry, it still works.

The big cousins, playing soccer in the front yard on Christmas Eve. That was after they abandoned the plan to act out Luke 2. Emma and Kenzie, the directors, could not get the response they wanted out of the little ones and one by one they got fed up and quit. Poppa did a very nice reading anyway.

The babies: Sarah, who loves to smile for the camera.

Ellie (lizard-breath) Braun, I'm pretty sure Tams spent weeks coordinating her vacation wardrobe. She had a different adorable Christmas outfit for every day, I wish I got a picture of the red Santa-like dress with fur trim.

Allegra, who is the sweetest thing you ever saw and once fell asleep in the middle of the living room floor during lunch and a football game, with at least 20 people in the room making noise. Carrie, if you have a secret for getting babies like this let me know and I'll have another one!

And some more Wii. Carter got up at about 5 am everyday to play. He also woke up Brett to play, I think that was a big hit.

The mountain of presents, believe me the picture doesn't do it justice. It took up half the room, I guess that is what happens when you have five different families under one roof for Christmas. Malia on the right is one sassy girl. Sunday morning she was about to waltz out the door to church in tights and I asked, "Malia, where are your shoes?" The reply, "Um, I'm not weh-wing shoes today." I looked at Michelle and she shrugged, so off we went. I think I have a thing or two to learn from Michelle.

The Christmas morning chaos, and I mean complete chaos, was impressive! Stockings all over the place, kids and wrapping paper everywhere, I can't believe we didn't loose anyone. Nana outdid herself as usual and we all had lots of fun watching the kids get excited about their gifts.

Other highlights included trying to get the biggest family picture ever, and going to Knott's Berry Farm, which I have no pictures of because I was too busy enjoying being at an amusement park while NOT pregnant or nursing. It was so fun. We had such a fun Christmas, and especially being with all 8 of Justin's siblings! Just wait until I get those family pictures back, you've never seen such a ginormous photoshoot!

Christmas!

2008-12-10T15:20:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas, but I feel like I'm fighting for Christmas spirit this year. We have been swamped in life and I can barely keep the house clean let alone finish putting the lights on the tree. Nate and Ashley got sick the week before Thanksgiving, and are still sick. They both have RSV and I am so sick of breathing treatments. I'm due for another with Nate right now--he doesn't like them either. On the bright side, I finished the Nativity Event and I think it went well. I'm enjoying spending more time at home, now if only I could get Justin here too, we could have a perfect holiday season!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T18:28:00.001-06:00

Nate's costume was the hit of this year's Halloween festivities. Thanks Laurel, I'm glad I hung onto that one!

Dallas Arboretum

2008-10-27T20:59:00.000-05:00

It was such a beautiful day, but the kids just weren't feelin' it and the pictures didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. We fed them lunch right before leaving but they started whining and asking for candy the minute we got there, and they kept giving me these lame half smiles. We could hardly get Ashley to look at the camera, you wouldn't believe how many pictures I got of her staring off into space.

Such a pretty setting, I wish they had cooperated!

Does it seem like there are million people in this picture to anyone else besides me?

This house is made mostly of pumpkins, it has strings and strings of chilies hanging from the ceiling.

This is Uncle Adam, they all love him, especially Nate, he has a man crush.

Ashley actually took this picture. She loves to mess around with my cell phone camera, or my real camera. I don't love it, but she's getting better!

I just love this boy! We forgot his shoes rushing out of the house and he didn't like the grass--when I put him down he stood on one foot and fussed a little.

My problem:

2008-10-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

Insomnia + disobedient kids = unhappy mom that blows up at the slightest provocation

Rosie's Photoshoot

2008-10-19T21:12:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know my backdrop isn't covering the whole background, I never claimed to be a professional. Someday I am taking a photography class, or three or four but here are some of my amateur attemtps. Michelle, does this give you flashbacks of Camille and Carter? If I had time I'd scan that picture and put it up, too.

I got some seriously cute pictures of Rosie, It was harder with both of them because Nate wouldn't hold still, but I just love these few. I wanted to post my favorites of Rosie, but my SIL is in the process of picking some for a Christmas card so whenever she is done, NO PRESSURE!, I'll post my favorites of the little cutie.

Tagged (and finally getting around to it!)

2008-10-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

Another friend Misti tagged me for this one. You are supposed to give one word answers to the following questions.

1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Where is your significant other? couch
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? talented
5. Your father? wise
6. Your favorite thing? friends
7. Your dream last night? sleep
8. Your dream/goal? photographer
9. The room you're in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? creating
11. Your fear? lonliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? crane's
14. What you're not? stylish
15. One of your wish-list items? cruise
16. Where you grew up? denver
17. The last thing you did? bedtime
18. What are you wearing? shorts
19. Your TV? fox
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? laptop
22. Your mood? blogging!
23. Missing someone? sisters
24. Your car? odyssey
25. Something you're not wearing? jewelry
26. Favorite store? target
27. Your summer? poolside!
28.Love someone? Justin
29. Your favorite color? browns
30. When is the last time you laughed? recently
31. Last time you cried? thursday

Tagged!

2008-10-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

My friend Rebecca tagged me to post the sixth photo in the sixth folder on my computer. Here it is, a picture of Emma from her birthday party this last August.

Check the last post

2008-10-15T21:19:00.001-05:00

I finally got my infamous video up.

Happy Birthday Nate Dawg!

2008-10-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

I remember watching my nephews love their mom and thinking I needed a son. Well, now I got one and I seriously love this kid. He is so sweet and lovable, and he lets me love him and kiss him, which I do every time I pick him up because he is so cute, and then it just makes me want to kiss him more when he lets me, leaning his head in so I can do it, but I digress.

Nate turned one on Sunday so we had a little smash for him. We ate tacos and cupcakes, and all the in town fam was there.

Nana sent a little something and I completed my assignment from her by going to Toys R Us and buying a car that makes lots of noise. Nate loved it, and cracked himself up pushing the buttons. The other kids thought it was pretty cool, too, and we had a hard time convincing them they were too big to ride.

We had to make the kids sit on the fireplace so they wouldn't maul him while he was trying out the new ride.

Bash just pretty much does what she wants so she stole a turn, and made me take her picture.

I'm so embarassed to post this video, but Justin said I had too. So let this be a lesson to all of you: no candles for the first birthday. I seriously can't believe we did this, I mean we are seasoned parents--it's not like it is our first rodeo people! I felt so bad for the little guy, he couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. He just sat there looking at us after, like you all gathered around for that? Cruel Cruel. Maybe later I'll get up the guts to post the video I took right after when we handed him the cupcake sans fire hazard and he looked at it and cried. Oh man, I owe him one! He did eventually decide to eat it, as evidenced by the frosting covered photo above!

Other notes about Nate:

He walks now, a great Frankenstein/Emperor penguin walk with his arms out in fists in front of him.

He can crawl up and down the stairs.

He says, "hiee!" and waves.

He loves his blue blankie.

He loves to eat (as if you didn't already know)

He makes the cutest faces, like my favorite the fishy face.

He is a sweet and content little guy. After the girls go to bed he often sits on the floor and plays with his toys while Justin and I watch ESPN. He rarely cries, unless of course he is hungry.

He likes to dance in the kitchen with me, if no one is looking.

Partially owing to the fact that it has been too hot to wear them and the inability to find any that fit his fat feet, he isn't a big fan of shoes. He rolls his ankles around and drags his feet when he walks when I put them on.

He sticks his tongue out when he is busy with something.

And lastly, posting video takes for...ev...er. I am losing sleep and this post keeps getting longer as I wait for my video to upload. Does anyone know how to save those in smaller format or something?

Rock Band

2008-10-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today I heard Camille singing "Dead or Alive" in the bathroom. Thanks for the housewarming gift Larsons!

Reality Bites

2008-10-07T20:30:00.001-05:00

And comes back way too quickly.

I had such a weekend of bliss. Friday I spent hanging around with my mom. Then Friday evening I met my friends (gave hugs all around) and we drove up to Winter Park. My friend Tracey asked us if she should bring movies or something, and we told her no. She asked, "You just sit around and talk for two and a half days?" Yep, that's the idea. And we did. All day, and half the night too! I brought a little project (With Nate and the new baggage rules there wasn't enough space for scrapbooking stuff.) and chatted with my friends all weekend long. We went out for a long walk Saturday, and it was cold and beautiful. A couple of us went hot tubbing Saturday night, but mostly we sat around the small table and talked and ate junk. Sunday we came home, I stopped to visit a couple friends houses and say hello, and then I had a great dinner my mom made--wow, I miss you mom. Then it was time to head to the airport.

The kids all did well, Ashley was playing "go out of town" this morning. Nate was only slightly traumatized about me leaving him for the weekend. Sunday evening I ran after my brother with his forgotten cell phone, and Nate put his face down on the entry rug and cried when I shut the door after me. He was so giddy and wiggly and excited yesterday when the girls were around. It was cute to see him so happy to be home. The house? Well, in the interest of being positive we won't talk about it.

Shhhh!

2008-10-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

I snuck out for the weekend. I'm afraid if I go to wild I'll get in trouble and get sent home. I am in Denver and had a fabulous day hanging out with my mom and getting pedicures. When she visited me last week we worked so hard we didn't have any time to just relax together, so it was nice to have this day. Soon I am getting picked up to go to Winter Park and spend a weekend with my girlfriends here. I can't wait to smell that mountain air! Plus I managed to land myself here on the weekend that the fall colors peak in the mountains--man it really is too bad that I forgot my camera!

My Beautiful Girl

2008-10-01T21:14:00.001-05:00

Emma was baptized last Saturday. I am so proud of her, she is a good girl in many ways. She tries hard to please people, especially her parents and teachers. She is so responsible and also very quick to learn. She was very well prepared for her baptism and I hope she will remember what a special day it was!

We had family travel from three different states to be with us: Grammy Lisa came from Denver, Nana and Papa, Aunts Courtney, Kristin, and Michelle, and a cousin Mackenzie all came from CA and UT and it was so fun to have them all. I am grateful for the effort they made because it made the day so much more exciting for Em.

I am going to have a picture done of just Emma in her dress, but I thought the generations of women picture was almost as good. My mom made Emma's dress, it was perfect and we loved it. I had a Mary and Martha insight Saturday morning as we rushed out to be at the church on time, leaving my house in shambles and most of my house guests to get my other kids ready and find the church with a map. I sat thinking of the things I wished I could have done that morning, and I realized that none of it mattered really. I really felt I had all that was important that morning as we sat waiting for everyone else to get there. We had a great spirit in the meeting and although it was not perfect I felt so happy to be there and be a part of Em's special day.

And more hilarity

2008-09-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

I wasn't kidding people. Camille and Ash are in the bath right now. We are going to Adam and Tammy's today.

Camille: I wish Adam and Tammy had toys.
Me: What kind of toys?
Camille: A toy basket like us.
Me: Well, we could bring toys, that would be a good idea.

Ash: Why, cuz' you're just gonna do boring stuff like talk and talk and talk?
Me: And watch football.
Ash (several seconds later): Mom, you don't even like football.

Last time they were in the bath, Camille stuck her foot in a cup and said, "Look, I'm a cowboy with one boot...Howdy!" I had to laugh.

Bash on a roll

2008-09-10T14:35:00.000-05:00

This kid is cracking me up today. First, she says to me, "Mom, who is coming over tonight? Tammy better be coming over!" Incidentally we had no plans for tonight.

Then she says (while standing next to me whining and talking about many things). "Mom, why can't we call Tammy and say, 'could you come over, my kid is freaking out." All said in a very monotone and manner of fact voice.

Then while playing with my cell phone and after Nate spit up on himself she says, "Mom, can I take a picture of that?"

There is just no end to her hilarity.

Dallas World Aquarium

2008-09-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

One of the things the kids wanted to do before their summer ended was go to the Dallas World Aquarium. Tammy was still in the hospital so we took Nana and Courtney with us, and Brandon got to come too. The kids loved it.

Ashley thought the flamingos stank. She also thinks she is funny.

I just like this picture of tubby in his stroller because he is wearing my favorite outfit. Something about the way it fits his drumstick legs just makes me want to squeeze him.

These are the Mayan performers that do a butterfly dance and they they give you an envelope with live butterflies to release. It was the coolest part of the whole aquarium. The kids were fascinated. Those are real McCaws that guy has on his shoulders.

Everybody loves Aunt Courtney

2008-09-04T11:50:00.000-05:00

We had so much fun while Courtney was here. The kids dog-piled her when she left, and we were sad! Through some great luck she ended up staying at our house instead of with Tammy (sorry TamAdam, to steal your houseguest) and it was great! We spent the kids last days of summer hanging out with her and meeting our new neice, Elizabeth Rose Braun. More on that later, Bash and I have to go to the bank.

First Day of School!!!

2008-09-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

This is such a happy occasion for me, and despite what it looks in the picture it is happy for my kids too. They woke up a 6:00 am on their first day of school. Emma set her alarm and woke Camille, they ate breakfast, got dressed, packed lunches, and were ready to go with time to spare, they were so excited. Camille was visibly trembling with excitement--I thought she might start bouncing. They are loving school and doing well, they both have made new friends they talk about and ask for play dates. Emma's friend is Marilee, and Camille's is well I forget, but we are planning playdates soon, so maybe I can post pictures of them.

The only one it is sad for is poor Ashley. I am just not exciting enough for her. I am hard pressed to keep her little busy body occupied. I signed her up for a dance class, so we'll be happy when that starts Monday. I think she will love it. We'll keep you posted.

Livin' the Dream

2008-08-21T00:29:00.001-05:00

Confession: I've been putting off posting this because I wanted a really great picture and I always hate pictures of me. I know, it's dumb. I so wish I had more photos of my Dad, but he was always the photographer so I don't have lots. For that reason I'm trying to be better and be in more and use more pictures of me.

Now to the real post. Happy Anniversary to us! I love Justin so much. He makes everything in my life more fun. He makes me laugh--my favorite thing about him. He is so responsible, so motivated, so determined, so persistant. This year in addition to surviving 9 years with me, he passed the fourth and final section of the CPA, all four on the first try (the percentage of people that do that is tiny), got a great promotion, and moved us into a beautiful new house. He is such a great husband and provider, I couldn't have done better. I am so grateful to have a strong and happy marriage!

My new favorite trick

2008-08-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Emma

2008-08-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

Those eyes!

Emma had her eighth birthday this week. She will be baptized next month, my first child. I can't believe it. She is such a good kid. She is a straight arrow, always trying to do right and also make sure all the rest of us do, too! She is so responsible, she does what I ask without me nagging her. She takes care of her own homework, and does well in school. She is so self motivated, she taught herself to ride a bike and swim. She loves to read and I often find her at night reading in her room. (I can't tell her to stop because I did the very same thing.) She likes to surprise me by unloading the dishwasher and doing the dishes for me. Nate adores her, because she takes care of him so much. She often goes in to get him when he wakes up early in the morning. She can get him out of his crib, take him downstairs and make him a bottle. She walks him all over the house by letting him hold her fingers. He will jump ship from my arms to hers anytime. He gets super excited when she walks in the room.

She is a wild brave girl. She loves to play rough, and will try anything. I still can't believe she did that crazy rope swing we found at Jordanelle resevoir in Park City. It was a 15 foot drop! She handled it like a champ and even went back for seconds. She likes a wild tube ride behind the boat. She has loved the water since I first took her to the pool in Cali at about 5 months old. She also has had that great brown skin since that day. She gets so dark and tan. She will stay in the pool for hours and hours, and hours.

We love you Emma, we couldn't ask for a better firstborn! Happy Birthday.

Noggin

2008-08-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

I finally got some of my videos to upload and now I can't stop.

Justin

2008-08-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

This is why I love Justin. He makes everything more exciting.

Doh!

2008-08-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

Nate makes noise

2008-08-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

nate is a true boy, he loves to make all kinds of noise. He imitates sounds we make, he says da da, ma ma (non-discriminately), ow (think ET), and can make the motor boat sound, and one of my favs, the tongue click.

Rock Band

2008-08-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

We love Rock Band. We don't actually own it, but I think if I suggested going down to Best Buy to get a Wii and the game, Justin wouldn't object--budget or no.

Help!

2008-08-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Today was, well I don't even have the words. 107 degrees. People die, you know. We went to the pool, but it heats up so much in the hot sun that it is barely cool enough to keep you from sweating. I do love air conditioning.

In other news, I got a new assignment at church. I'm the chair for the entire stake for the Cresh Festival that they do. And I haven't even been to it! Seriously? I don't even know where to start. And I'm told (between stifled giggles) that usually people start working on this right after the last one is over. Perfect, so I'm a little behind. Before he said anything else the Bishop asked me, "How's your testimony?" That ought to be a little clue.

I have so much to blog and so little time, I take pictures, even video, and then they sit on my computer waiting for me to get back to them. Notice it is 11:30pm and Justin went to bed hours ago. I was planning on following him shortly but I started checking my friends blogs and then, well, you know what happens.

What I have been up to

2008-07-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

I should be doing laundry. I should be playing with Nate. I should be cleaning bathrooms. I should be getting ready for my trip to Arkansas. But I can't seem to tear myself from this book my friend Rebecca loaned me. Man I love a good book!

Go Rangers!

2008-07-13T21:27:00.000-05:00

Doing our best to experience Dallas life at it's fullest, we went to a Rangers game. After a one hour rain delay (during which we ate hot dogs under shelter) we had a ball. My favorite moment was during the 5th inning, when a Ranger hit a home run. Everybody in the stadium stood and cheered, including all of us and Camille and Ashley, clapping like crazy. They lit off a few fireworks and it was generally exciting. Camille leaned over to Justin and asked (while still clapping) "Daddy, what did he do?"

Since the game went so late, it was well past the kids bedtime in the 9th inning. Ashley claimed her spot on Adam's lap, and there at the end she stretched out horizontally across his legs, threw her head back and said, "I think I'm dehydrated!" We all cracked up and Adam mentioned that she probably didn't even know what that meant. So Justin asked her how you get not dehydrated--"Drink lots of water," she said. Well there you go. Any other questions?

For some reason Nate loves to hang upside down. Perhaps it's to alleviate the gravity pulling down on those cachetes.

Is there anything like this view? I ask you. Hearing the national anthem gets my heart pumping and sends chills down my back. I love being an American at a ball game.