My House of Monkeys

Catching Up

2011-10-05T09:47:00.001-07:00

I am trying to catch up, so if you are checking my blog, there may be several posts at a time that are new. :)

Proud of A.

2011-10-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

A. works really hard at school in fact he considers math and reading some of his talents. Every quarter we lived in Prescott, AZ he got all A's on his report card. At his school, that puts you on the Principal's List and you receive a dog tag each time. We were really proud of him. He is a wonderful brother and son. :)

Finally! Owners- Finally Posted

2011-10-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

I need to get back into the habit of blogging. When Andy was commuting, I learned to be pretty private about what was going on. But now, I need to get back to documenting our lives. :)

Andy came to Wenatchee, WA in December to check out a dental practice. Andy always had strong opinions about any practice he went to visit. I was stunned that he came home with no "drawbacks" about this one.

We prayed and pondered. We researched. The broker was concerned that maybe once I saw Wenatchee, I would halt the sale. I told Andy to assure him that I thought Wenatchee was a wonderful place and that when I was a girl, it was the "big city". :)

In the end, some things happened that made us feel that the Lord had answered our prayers. We felt good about buying this practice. After six months, the purchase went through and we moved back to Washington the beginning of May. We are learning a lot as business owners, like for one... I am a business owner too, even though I know little about dentistry. We have already had to hire an employee and have jumped right into marketing. I am excited for Andy to run it the way he wants, rather than be someone else's employee. It's definitely a new chapter in our lives. It's stretching us because it's all so new. But we will get it.

Check out his web page...
http://www.eastwenatcheedentist.com

And here he's in the newspaper...
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/weblogs/everyday-business/2011/jul/13/dentist-opens-new-practice/

And I am loving being closer to my family. A few times, we have just gone over to my parents' house for dinner for no good reason, other than to see them. Yay. :)

K. Keeps Me Laughing: Updated

2011-06-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

The other day K. put on his tennis shoe all by himself. I said, "Really? You did it all by yourself?" And he said, "See, I TOLD you I was awesome!" We are also working on potty-training. (Yay!) I heard him "tinkling" in the other room and I called to him to acknowledge that he was "going". He called back and said, "Yeah, it's me. It's the one that's three!"

Here are some more "Funnies" from July:

K. asks HUGE questions. He prefaces them with, "I have a question..." and then asks things like "How come the Earth and Sun and Moon don't fall down?" or "How does an engine make the car go?" I'm a little overwhelmed when my three year-old asks me some of these.

We went to a magic show at the library the other day. The magician did a trick where he told the kids that he had a dog in his bag and it ended up being a plastic hot dog. K. made the other moms laugh when he said, "No, that's not a hot dog. That's a sausage. It doesn't have any bread and it doesn't have any sauce."

Last night, K. was watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when he observed, "Doesn't Mickey Mouse only have pants and he doesn't have any shirts? He didn't buy any shirts." I said, "Yeah, and have you ever noticed that Donald Duck only has a shirt and never wears pants?" K. answered, "That would be naked too. Only a little naked."

Backtracking

2011-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

So many things have gone on this year that I haven't divulged on cyberspace because it wasn't the right time. Family and local friends were aware, but there were things I couldn't even share on Facebook. Months went by that I felt like I didn't have anything to "say" online. But now, I'm comin' clean.

Back in January, Andy's office was flooded by a broken pipe. There weren't enough dental chairs for him to use so the owners suggested he commute to Tucson~ a four hour drive from our home. They had an office there that they were trying to find a dentist for, but they would let him work there instead until the repairs were complete. They would pay for his hotel and his gas. He would leave around 6:00 Sunday night and get home around midnight Thursday. For a while, they had him work Fridays here to keep up with his local patients.

We were grateful for the job opportunity, mostly because we had been terrified they would just tell him he wouldn't be able to work until the repairs were done... And how long would that be? But we also felt like we had little choice in the matter. We had bills to pay.

To be honest, both Andy and I were devastated about being apart. We hoped it would be a month or so, but knew that we had no idea what we were really signing up for. I cried off and on the entire week before they made all the arrangements for his commute. I ached for my boys that would be without a dad all week long. I complained internally that I was going to be a single parent and that everything would be my responsibility. And Andy knew how horribly he would miss us.

After Andy was there for six weeks, he was asked if he would be willing to do it until June. They didn't think they were going to be able to find anyone to hire permanently until the summer. Why that was our problem, I don't really know. Six months is a long time for a three year-old, so I was hoping that somehow we could finish before then. (He worked there for 13 entire weeks and 2 half weeks before he quit his job with them. The repairs were complete long before the end, but they couldn't find someone to replace him in Tucson. A new guy started the last week. The office manager thanked Andy on the last day because she said that the staff there wouldn't have had a job those many months had he not come. My next post will explain our next adventure...)

Andy hated the monotony of a hotel room. His body didn't do well eating fast or frozen food every night. Andy's toe started going numb, probably from the long drives. And I swear, there was a truckload of major projects that had to be squeezed into precious weekend hours... a pinewood derby car, a science fair project, a poster about "me" for A... When the boys came home from school and told me they could dress up for Dr. Suess Day, I laughed. Not happening this year, boys.

Andy would come home on the weekends exhausted from driving. He would have a thousand things to do around the house and try to give the boys some fun time. I would mentally tick off how many hours were left before he had to leave again.

For the safety of my family, I didn't really want to tell everyone that I was home alone with three boys all week long. So I couldn't reach out online for support. I'll be honest... it was very lonely. Luckily, we survived it. And now, I can tell you. Now that my family is together. We are very happy about that. :)

I am grateful for my Mom that would call every Sunday night to comfort me. It was like she knew how much I needed her. I am grateful for cell phones that I could call Andy every night. I am grateful for prayer that would help me feel more safe, confident in myself, and our family feel more unified despite the miles that separated us. I am grateful for sisters that would listen to me cry and complain on the phone, so many times. I am grateful for friends that helped me mentally survive it. It was truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. And I don't want to ever do it again.

"And Jesus Was Alive Again!"

2011-04-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

My Easter post to the church newsletter.

When A. was a toddler, we taught him about the resurrection for our Easter Family Home Evening. He learned it well enough that he would repeatedly tell the story. My favorite part was when he would get to the end. He would throw his arms up in the air and joyfully exclaim, "And Jesus was alive again!" It amused me that he was so excited about it. Typically we are reverent and reflective about the events of that Easter morning, but perhaps we neglect to recognize the joy we surely felt as we rejoiced on that day.

We chose our Heavenly Father's plan in the council in the pre-earth life. We voted, trusting that our brother, Jesus Christ, would do what He said He would do. Everything rested on Him going through with His part of the plan. We must have known Him well enough to put all our faith in Him. Jesus did fulfill His role in the plan; Jesus did what we entrusted him to do. He paid for our sins and then He rose after three days in the tomb, conquering death. President Hinckley said, "Easter morning...is the Lord’s day, when we celebrate the greatest victory of all time, the victory over death." (April '96 conference, emphasis added)

Jesus made it so we are not subject to the grave. There IS life after this earthly existence. All of us will one day have our bodies reunited with our spirits and have the opportunity to live again in our Father's presence. Maybe we should feel the exclamation of joy in our hearts whenever we think about that momentous morning when "Jesus was alive again!"

"He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice.

He has burst his three days' prison. Let the whole wide earth rejoice.

Death is conquered. Man is free. Christ has won the victory!" (Hymn #199)

High Hopes

2011-03-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Conversation with 3 year old K. at Red Robin while everyone else was in the bathroom...

K.: I want $10.
Me: You have $14. (allowance)
K.: But I want $10.
Me: $14 is MORE than $10.
K.: Actually, I want 100 million.
Me: Well I can't help you with that. You're gonna have to get a job.
K.: OK, I'll get a job.

Should I hope that he sends some of it my way? ;)

Spoiled Plans and Probably Too Much Exposure to Superheroes

2011-03-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

K. and G. playing in the snow

G. walked by A. and attempted to give him a wedgie. G. has this fascination with wedgies. I told him not to do it and that no one likes wedgies. He disappeared for a few minutes and then delivered this note to me.

unedited
From A.
to Amy
I A. love Weges
Ples Haf G. giv me it

I told him that I knew this note was not from A. He asked me how I knew. First off, A. never left the room and A.'s name was misspelled. G. says, "Oh man, my plans always get foiled..."

I'd Choose Him Every Time

2011-02-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

engagement photo 1997

I met Andy at the first church activity freshman year at BYU. I was asking boys to sign up for the ballroom dance class I was taking. I was surprised that he said yes and actually signed up. He was really careful not to dance with me too often, lest I would think he took the class because he was interested in me. LOL I got a B+ on the Cha Cha test that I danced with him. My mom thought we should get married though because he was from Illinois where her family lives and we could have a reception out there. I told her that was a silly reason to marry someone. We were just friends, but I gave him a picture at the end of the year. And he left on his mission.

Fast-forward a few years. Andy was back. We took a class together and I started crushing on him. He went home for the summer and I hoped that having a newish car would give him reason to come around. Then over the summer I got engaged to another guy. And then when the new school year started, it started to unravel. I was crushed. I told my roommate that if it ended, the only one that could make me laugh again, feel good about myself again was Andy. She told me that it sounded like I needed him now. But I was engaged and it didn't seem right.

So fast-forward through all that mess... We got together a few months after I ended my engagement. And married 8 months after that. And he did make me laugh again (no surprise to anyone that knows Andy) and he did make me feel good about myself again. And I'd choose him every time.

We have been through lots of jobs, lots of adventures (good and bad), four states, four cars, two apartments, four homes, three wiggly boys. He's my best friend and we can still stay up too late talking. He "gets" me like no one else. He believes in me. And no matter what we face, doing it together is the best part. And he still makes me laugh. And I'd choose him every time. Happy Valentines' Day Andy.

P.S. I scored the jackpot when I married into the Johnson family. They are great people~ inspiring, loving people. I appreciate all the time I get to share with them. It's been the ultimate blessing to call them family and to have them spend time with our boys.

Indulgence or Gluttony? ;)

2011-02-12T11:54:00.000-08:00

I was working at the computer today and I hear this little voice say, "I'm sorry." And I realize that a little head is peeking around the corner. So what was he sorry for??? I asked and he said, "I'm sorry. I ate all 4 of them."

Then it made sense. About 20 minutes before, K. had asked for some vanilla Oreos. (one of my favs...) I told him that he could have TWO. He pulled out 4- 2 for him, 2 for G. But G. was too busy cutting out a paper snowflake to even respond when they were offered. So K. left the room to put them back. And I thought it was all over...

Until "Honest Abe" admitted his disobedience. Guess he just couldn't help himself. LOL

I guess if this is as bad as my boys get, I'm a pretty lucky Mom.

3 Moments

2011-02-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

1. G. did something the other day that could have required a repairman. When I explained that to him and asked him what he was thinking (!?!) , he said, "I'm sorry, and by that, I mean I'm REALLY sorry." Luckily, so far, no repairman required. Sending up my gratitude.

2. K. told me the other day that the next time it was a "snowy wonderland" we should make a snowman. I love the outlook of children.

3. The other day I was by myself, thanks to a wonderful sister in-law that was watching my kids. I chuckled inside when digging through my purse,I found these:

Usually they fit right in with my wallet, tube of lip gloss, and tin of mints. I am a mom of boys. I keep toys in my purse for boredom emergencies. But at this moment, when I was taking a break from my usual life, it made me laugh at the reminder that across town were my three boys. :)

The Aftermath

2011-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's what it looks like. A box of peach jello. A box of cherry jello. A box of pistachio pudding. A box of chocolate pudding. And three (count them THREE) boxes of vanilla pudding.

And this is the bowl that had all that powder mixed with water from the bathroom sink that was carried (dripping all the way, on tile at least) to the kitchen.

G. almost lost his life... And there is a Mommy that needs to repent from thinking such horrible thoughts.

This is being recorded, not to embarrass G., but to record it for memory's sake. And so I can remember to tell it to his future wife so she knows why her kids do similar things... Because I wished it on their dad... ;)

So she won't feel like a horrible mother when she thinks impatient thoughts when it happens with her own kids. Because stuff like this happens to all mothers. And it isn't our finest hour.

But, later on this day, G. went to a friend's house to be babysat while I took A. to get started on his Pinewood Derby car. G. told me afterward that he saw some T-rated video games that looked really cool, but he didn't play them because he knew that it was against our family rules.

So far, we haven't allowed any T games in our home. Of course when G. was 3 and he LOVED Spiderman, we had a long-winded argument on the way home from Target when I wouldn't let him get a T-rated Spiderman game. I told him that I wouldn't allow that in my house because it might have bad words. (I had recently bought a Spiderman cartoon DVD that had some mild SWEAR words. I was horrified!) G. told me he liked swear words and I was so mean. I couldn't believe I was having this conversation with my toddler!

I was so proud that G. had made a good choice even though no one was there to see him make it. We talked about "integrity" on the way home. Could this be the same child that had made "Jello/Pudding" water!?! (And the babysitting mom said that the "T" he was talking about was the T for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, not the rating... lol)

One more story about G.:

He really wanted a red pencil to mark the scriptures we gave him for Christmas. I wasn't sure what he would mark, but OK, sure. The other day, we were looking at a verse that I thought would mean something to him. He pulled out his pencil and started marking words that he felt were important: Lord, commandments... Then he underlines "children" and says "that's important, huh Mom?" I was so touched that I got a little misty.

He's such a great kid. He just has crazy ideas sometimes. LOL

You Have To Get Creative

2010-12-31T10:45:00.000-08:00

That White Stuff

2010-12-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

So it finally REALLY snowed in northern Arizona and my kids were very excited. We have received a few "dustings" and they said "Wow, it snowed so much." It made me laugh because if you can see the grass peeking through, it's not really snowing, folks. LOL G. was almost 2 when we moved to AZ, so he has little memory of snow and K., well he was born here, so this is a completely new experience! Unfortunately, it wasn't good packing snow, but we had a great time anyway. :)

Look Behind the Tree

2010-12-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

This is an article I wrote for the December issue of our church newsletter. I had to submit a picture as well. A nice staged one! :) And if you are curious, the "sister" was Jaycie.

*************************************************************

One Christmas when I was a girl, all I wanted was a 10-speed bicycle. When I asked for it, I knew it would probably be one of the only things I would get that year.

Christmas morning, when the lights came on, there stood a vibrant red bicycle. I ecstatically ran to it to discover a tag with someone else's name written on it. I felt deflated. My sister hadn't even asked for a bike. Had there been some mistake? Seconds later, I realized maybe I hadn't looked around enough for MY bike. There it was! A blue bike tucked behind the tree!

This is a story that is retold in my family, and surely somewhere a videotape of my reaction exists. I am sure someone thought he was very clever to hide the bike.

We ask our Heavenly Father for many things. Sometimes we see others receive the blessings we desire, and to some those blessings seem to come so easily. We may feel jealous or confused. We may try hard not to allow ourselves to feel cheated. We may be upset that the desires of our hearts take so long to come to pass. Or we may worry that what we ask for will never be given.

Make no mistake. A loving Heavenly Father will bless us-- is blessing us. It may be in ways not noticed or expected. It may be more slowly than we had hoped, but He loves us and knows us. Sometimes He will deny us what we want, but will bless us with the gifts that truly are the best for us. Sometimes our lives are paths to places we did not expect, but places that will help us become exactly what He has in store for us.

This holiday, when it is easy to covet talents, blessings, and gifts of others, let us look away from theirs and "look behind the tree" to see what gifts are ours.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

2010-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I have been thinking about this post a lot lately. It won't come across as humble as I would prefer. But this is my blog, and assuming you Reader, are my friend, I am going to be open and hope you don't judge me...

If you asked me what my talents were, I probably would say they aren't "talent show" talents. I write. And actually I read one of my pieces for a talent show. Kind of weird, but it turned out OK. I actually dream of writing something for a magazine someday or talking about my new book on the Today Show. (It's not written, or being written. Just my dream...) I know that God blessed me to be really comfortable in front of others. Public speaking is no biggie. I've spoken in stake conference twice and I can give a church talk on the fly. Sometime, I'll have to tell you about the time I found out about a baptism talk I gave with about 5 minutes notice. And I am a teacher. It is who I am, through and through. I love to teach at church. I love to teach children. And I am good at it. A talent from God, I like to say. But see-- not "talent show" material.

When I was a girl, I dreamed of being Taylor Swift. Of course, she wasn't born yet, but that was my dream. Being on stage, singing my heart out. (OK, no blonde curly hair though.) Not for the fame or money, just because I love to sing. Even took a few years of voice lessons (thanks Mom and Dad). And since we always had a microphone, had a few moments of singing in front of family friends and once for the Moses Lake Yacht Club and a Jr. Miss Pageant. But I guess at about 17, I accepted that I was probably a small group singer. Ironically it was probably because of a musical we did at church and having lots of friends that were great singers. And watching American Idol. I guess I figured, I was one of those that thought they could sing. And really needed to find another dream. And I had accepted it.

I have usually joined church choirs more to support them, rather than because I love to sing in a huge group. I have moved into new places and been asked at church, "Do you play the piano? (no talent there) Do you sing? Small group, large group, solos?" And I would always mark anything but solos.

But then I moved here.

For some reason, people here think I sing. Surprise! Maybe they know something I don't. People keep asking me to sing stuff. For various things. Like Sunday, one of my friends suggested I sing for an upcoming talent show. And last week, someone asked me to sing at a Christmas church activity. I've felt a little put on the spot, but I am definitely rethinking my singing ability. Maybe being in that musical, when the directors taught me some things about my voice, maybe I got a little better. Maybe I have underestimated myself all these years.

So right now, I've been singing mostly to support other people. But I have to be honest. I'm still left a little dumb-founded. I'm not planning on auditioning for AI. (Of course, I'm too old anyway. Why does that age requirement make me feel ancient??) But I guess I'll keep saying "yes" when people ask, I guess. And maybe someday, I'll volunteer. Not sure. I'll let myself enjoy it in the meantime. Just in case I have them fooled. LOL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Our family was asked to sing in church on Halloween. We practiced and practiced and the boys knew every word of "Nephi's Courage"-- all three verses. We practiced but not in front of the microphone. So the day of, as we began, G. really wanted to be heard. He pressed his face up to that mic. We were in the middle of the song, so we did the best we could to pull him back. Then the circus began. In front of everyone, we moved him around and then K. decided he wanted to lean forward to the mic. But we couldn't stop the song to get everything under control. So we finished the song and I think everyone could tell we knew the words. But it was an entertaining reminder that we adults are NOT in charge; we are at the mercy of our kid. They remind us often that we shouldn't think we are too cool because they will find new ways to embarrass us. Andy had been worried that people would be able to tell he wasn't a singer. I can PROMISE no one was thinking about how great of singers we were. Afterwards, we couldn't really punish him, because he said, "No one EVER let's me use the microphone. EVER." So can you blame the poor boy?

Doesn't he look all innocent here? ;)

Life's Good When You're 3

2010-11-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

K. had a birthday in October. G. had him planning out the entire party with lots of G.'s input, but little from the people with the wallets. LOL K. kept telling us that we were going to Peter Piper Pizza for his birthday. How do you break it to the brand new 3 year-old that he's not getting the party he's planned? There was a school fall festival planned for the same night and Andy and I determined that we would actually save money by going to Peter Piper Pizza. So the little guy got his birthday wish!

He loved this ride, until it started to move.

All the boys

Trying to get that "3" down...

Got it!!!

Oh, how exciting the toys are here...

The Sponge Bob cake requested by the boy that never watches it.

Blowing out the candle

This is the face he makes when he wants to look "cute"

Happy Birthday K.!

Light in the Darkness

2010-10-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

So I have heard that if you need speak to God you pray, and when you want God to speak to you, you open the scriptures. Totally happened to me this week.

I find myself reading message boards about controversial topics usually that have to do with the principles that I am trying to teach my growing boys. And a mother that considers herself Christian can feel a little battered and bruised listening to the attacks on Christians these days. I know that we live in a world where there is a lot of diverse ideology and everyone wants to be left in peace to live as they wish. But I also believe in a loving Heavenly Father that gives us commandments to help guide us through life. And I believe in one that would like to destroy us, and bring us down to his world of misery. He is real and he has nothing but our destruction in mind. So I believe that commandments aren't restrictions, but fences that keep me in the safe place, the place where I can find peace and comfort.

But I feel like those that criticize Christians don't know me. They don't know that I love Jesus and I know that he loves ALL of us. I try to treat people kindly. But I also believe there are blessings in obedience to Him who knows and understand all. But I worry for my children, that they will be attacked because they feel this way to. Because they believe. And I want them to feel safe, but some in this diverse world want to not only ignore their choice of lifestyle, they want to crush it. So I have felt a little in turmoil about what the future holds for them.

I was heavy-hearted, but had to get dinner on the table. My boys were doing homework. While I was stirring the food, I opened my New Testament. And I am not kidding, there were answers everywhere. I started writing them down, as fast as I found them. It's a wonder my dinner wasn't burned. So in my hectic, noisy house, in front of a hot stove, holding a spatula, He answered me. My questions. And soothed my heart. I am still nervous. But not heavy. And I have a list of verses I can return to when I need to remember... I love the verse that says "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." (John 14:18) He definitely took care of me this week.

"I’m One of the Ninety and Nine"

2010-10-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Verena posted this to her Facebook page. It's a magazine blog post with a song that is worth a minute to check out. Thanks Verena. :)

Michael McLean is the author and songwriter. Here is a bit of a quote. Hope it makes you curious to listen to the song. I've definitely felt this way a few times.

"Why is it, I wondered, that the lost souls get so much attention in the scriptures. If you’re a prodigal son and come home your dad throws a party. If you’re a world-class persecutor on the road to Damascus you get a light and a voice. Even if you’re a sheep that strays from the fold the good shepherd leaves the ninety and nine good guy sheep in search of the lost one.

The argument can be made that all of us are lost, and these stories remind us that no matter how far we’ve strayed or how far we’ve fallen, there’s hope and a way back. These stories are EXACTLY what you need to hear when you’re feeling lost and alone.

But what about the people who aren’t particularly lost, but may feel unnoticed? What about the ones who are carpooling cub scouts, serving in the soup kitchens, taking clothing to good will, donating blood, singing in the choir, volunteering at the hospital, visiting the nursing home, tutoring students, teaching Sunday School, coaching little league and doing the thousand of other activities the regular good guys do...without any spotlights or fanfare, without seeking any credit, without building up themselves up, but rather, wearing out their lives more or less being the kind of people the good shepherd doesn’t have to worry about. What about them?

I was rather surprised at how intensely I asked this question and how quickly I got a musical answer..."

http://www.ldsmag.com/component/zine/article/6454?ac=1

Now I Know My ABCs

2010-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

I have a bunch more videos to add if my computer will cooperate, but enjoy this one. :) G. is in kindergarten this year. One of the things he has to do for homework is study his letter sounds. His teacher has taught him ways to remember the sounds and I find them completely entertaining. Hope you enjoy them as well. :)

The letters for this video are S, R, Y, and P.

His Day

2010-09-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

I love this picture because we have one where Grandpa Johnson is the dad and Andy is the kid.

A. turned 8 this year. In our church, it's the year you get to be baptized. (Go here for more about baptism in our church.) Since he turned seven, A. has been telling people (even complete strangers!) that when he turns eight, he gets baptized and he gets to go to cub scouts. He has been really looking forward to it. Aunt Charlotte gave the talk and Uncle Stan gave the closing prayer. Uncle Arnie and Uncle Spence were the witnesses. And I got to welcome him into the primary. (You know, since I am the primary president again... The main reason I was sad to be released last time.)

It was an emotional day for Andy and I. We were remembering how emotional we were the day he was born and the day we blessed him. And how emotional we were at our wedding. Andy said something about maybe being less emotional as we baptize each subsequent kid. I'm not betting on it, because important family moments make us blubber every time. :) We were so proud of him-- the boy he's becoming, the choices he's making-- and just in awe at how quickly his life is flying by. We are blessed that God sent him to us. He has blessed our family and he is a strong spirit. I am grateful for his influence on my other boys. Just the other day, I noticed G. saying his personal nightly prayer. I hadn't reminded him. I think it's the combination of seeing A. be so good about it and the teachings of his church teachers. (I go to bed so much later than him, that I'm sure it's not much of my influence.)

We were so grateful to have such support from so much family. It was so fun to have them see our new place and spend time with them. We have missed the Johnson's and living so close to cousins. We saw them all the time before we moved, so my kids were going through withdrawals. My sister's family drove five hours and stayed the weekend. It was the first time we had met their beautiful baby boy and he's such a sweetheart. We were also excited to have my aunt's family come. Their son had a cross-country meet here so their trip was extra worth-it. I really appreciated that they came all the way. It's funny that she was always my faraway aunt and now she lives close enough to come to A.'s baptism. :) Her boys were so sweet to the Johnson cousins.

The weather was perfect and it was a fantastic reason to get together. We shared a lasagna dinner before most of them had to leave. The only bummer of the day was that Anna twisted her ankle, but luckily Spence (the trained EMT in the family) taped her up. And she says she is healing nicely.

I think A. had a very memorable day.

My Future Missionary

Uncle Spence took all the stylin' pics of A.

Click on this pic to see it BIG.

Our family. They are all growing up so fast!
And yes, we bribed G. to get him to smile. It worked a little too well!

8 years ago, this guy came into our lives. :)

The following are some of my thoughts in preparation for A.'s baptism. Some background info: Mormons know how to have a good time and we have activities that are noisy and joyous. But if you have never been to a service, you should know that we teach our children to show their respect for Heavenly Father by being reverent. Also, when they are quiet, they will learn the way the Holy Ghost speaks to them- spirit to spirit. This means that in our meetings, we attempt to get our children to talk in hushed voices and we don't applaud during services. Needless to say, when I have been in churches with electric guitars and drum sets, I am a little out of my element. :)

     I attended a baptism once where the family of the child to be baptized were relatively new to the church. Because of this, no one was surprised when after he emerged from the water, many in the family applauded. This response was quickly, but politely, hushed.
     My oldest child will be baptized in a few weeks. We have looked forward to this day almost his entire life. I often contemplate how though joyous for us when our children are born, it must be a bittersweet day for our Heavenly Father. I am sure He misses us and worries about us even though our sojourn on this earth is part of His plan. On that day of baptism though, we as parents share with Him in the excitement of the moment. This is the day where that son or daughter chooses to become His.
     I recognize the appropriateness of reverence at worship meetings, as well as baptisms. But I also have heard sacred music sung when I longed to have some way to express my appreciation. At the baptism that day, perhaps the applause of joy was not the norm. But it did express how we all felt. When Alma asked the people if they desired to be baptized, to be called His people and come into the fold of God, "they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts." (Mosiah 18:8,11)
     It has been years since my baptism and I only remember a few things. Now as I prepare the program for my boy's baptism, I cheer inside that our Heavenly Father lets us be old enough to choose his plan. On that day, I will have to cheer on the inside that my boy has the desire to come into the fold of God. I won't clap, but I will want to.

We Fly the Friendly Skies

2010-09-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

K. has a basket full of airplanes. One day I noticed he had them all lined up next to the pantry. He told me that it was an airport! Gotta love that this kid still PLAYS with toys. My other two would rather spend time with anything that has a screen. But K. has imagination. :)

Bobcats and Wolves and Bears! Oh, my!

2010-09-19T11:58:00.001-07:00

So this is A. the first night he got his cub scout stuff. He has been looking forward to cub scouts for about a year now. His aunt went by the scout store and picked up all the things he needed. She arrived around dinner time and before bed that night, he had completed seven out of the eight requirements to get his Bobcat advancement. This boy is just itching to work on requirements!
This is A. off to his third den meeting, his first one with a uniform. Doesn't he look excited! So we didn't tuck it in because we thought it wouldn't fit, but we did the next week. Good thing, because they chose him for uniform inspection, which he aced!
Tradition is that you pin a Bobcat pin on your mom and this all happens upside down. Then all the boys count to see how long it takes. Whatever number you get is how many good deeds you have to do. A. kept dropping it so he owes 30 good deeds. He is taking this tradition very seriously so he has been extremely helpful the past 4 days. LOL
Notice how red his face is getting!

Tonight at dinner we told A. the joke about Pete and Repeat sitting in a boat and A. cracked up. I love being the one to make him laugh! He is a great kid and we just love all the enthusiasm he has for life. He tries several times a week to pretend it was a bad day when he comes up the road from the bus stop. But I never believe it and after questioning him, he always breaks into a smile. :)

Thank God I'm a Country Boy

2010-08-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Got to love this pic we took with cousin S. right before we moved. You can just tell the boys love him. :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The other day, we were watching a PBS special on John Denver. My kids love "Thank God I'm a Country Boy". We used to listen to it in the van on the way to school and whenever someone was grumpy or irritable on car rides. They were really interested as they watched the special. When the kids asked about all the old footage I had to explain that sadly, John wasn't alive anymore. After watching a bit more, G. says "I'm one of his fans, right Mom." I don't know that G. considers himself a fan of anyone else. I don't really know where he learned about "fans", but yes, John, a whole bunch of your fans live at my house. :)

This Joke's on Them

2010-08-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

So in Arizona, they start school really early. REALLY early. Beginning of August early. They make up for it by having a full week off for fall break and we usually get out before Memorial Day. My youngest sister who will be teaching her own 2nd graders this year (shout-out to the newest teacher I know!!), told me that my children have been tricked into thinking this is OK.

Today my boys completed their first week of school. No tears, no visits to the principal. And we have done pretty well at bedtime. We have even been reading the New Testament and having family prayer before school. The bus situation is great. I am not going to love picking up G. in the middle of the day this year, but what can you do? It would have cost us $180 extra dollars a month and I can think of LOTS of things I would rather spend that money on...

I sent G. to kindergarten. So far so good...

Growing up!!!

A. is in 3rd grade this year. He loves his teacher. He is kind of bummed that she is only substituting for the month until his real teacher comes back from maternity leave. I am sure he will like her too, but he just doesn't really know her yet.

G. has been posing a lot for photos lately doing "Walk Like an Egyptian". Not sure where he got it, but as you can see, he thinks he is quite clever.

I hung back to snap this of G. doing his self-starter work. Just a snapshot into his new world. He keeps asking me how many more days of school, to which I chuckle inside knowing this is only the BEGINNING of his educational YEARS. Especially if he wants to follow in his daddy's footsteps. LOL

And this guy. Glad that K. is around to keep me company. :o) We are having a lot of fun. He loves to play more than watch TV. I bought him new crayons and he has used them a lot this week. And he is entertaining. Yes, that is a cereal bowl on his head. LOL

Funny Boys

2010-07-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

So K. today said two funny things that I had to document. We were walking past a Jeep and he called it a truck. I told him that it was called a Jeep. He asked me why there was a mouse in the Jeep. I laughed and explained to him that that was not a mouse, but a chihuahua. :)

Then later he was looking at a magazine at Andy's office. There was a bunch of well-dressed people posed on a two-page spread. K. asked me if they were vampires. I guess even he has realized the overabundance of vampires in pop culture.

Oh and Sunday, we were driving past a model home/ office to get to a friend's house. The kids were asking what the building was. I told them that it was where you go to buy a house. G. asked how you were supposed to take your house home after you bought it. Good question G. LOL

Five Awesome Years (sung like "Five Golden Rings")

2010-06-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today, this little guy came into my life. He is our Washington baby. I can't imagine our family without him. He is completely devoted to his favorite color- orange. He loves Halloween. If there is a library book about it, we have to get it. He loves superheroes especially Spiderman and he has loved them since he was tiny. He comes up to me about 5 times a day to tell me he loves me, but is already anti-kisses. He loves science and always asked his preschool teacher to bring home extra supplies so he could show me how it worked. He is always asking to help me cook, especially if we are assembling pizzas.

He always seems to have a twinkle in his eye. Usually because he has something up his sleeve, like a way to hassle someone, or a button to push. He always likes to ask what is coming up next. Last night, he asked me what was for dinner today. I had to tell him that I didn't know yet. I can't look at a picture of him without breaking into a smile.

He is our roughest, toughest boy. (Of course his little brother is his disciple, so isn't far behind.) He loves to wrestle, even when other people don't really sign up for it...

G. Have a super birthday! We are so glad that you came to our family. You are definitely an original and you bring our family a lot of joy. Enjoy being 5. You are definitely not a little boy anymore. We love you and can't wait to see what the next year will bring.

Some Sappy Public Appreciation

2010-06-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how to start this post... It comes with tender feelings, happy feelings, but "ending" feelings. Not sure I am wild about those "ending" feelings.

You know how sometimes you have things that are your responsibility and you have no clue how you will do it... And how sometimes, you just need the right people in your life to help you... Like God sends you those people...

These ladies were those people.

When I was called to be the primary president, I was more overwhelmed than I had ever been. But God sent Shannan, Kim, and Karin to help me. And truly, there is NO way I could have done it without them. They were so reliable, willing, helpful, creative, and positive. And they always knew when to jump in and take a load from me, sometimes when I was hesitant to give it.

We were responsible for an average of 150 children, ages 3-11 and between 20 and 30 toddlers at church. I told people that it was like being the principal of a small school. I never realized how much goes on behind the scenes. How much there was to do on Sunday and during the week. How much there was to plan and just ponder. There were things to actually do and things to coordinate, and things to be sure someone else was doing.

During the almost 2 years, we had 3 pregnancies, lots of vacations, one deployment, lots of husbands working late nights, several running/swimming races, and 12 hours of college credit. And there were many moments where we were in survival mode. But looking back, I think we not only survived, we really meant something to those kids. We did what we wanted to do. I feel that we pleased Heavenly Father. I think the children and our teachers learned from us and knew we loved them.

We also learned a lot together. And I think until recently, we under-appreciated how well-oiled our "machine" was. How lucky we were to get along so well. How easily we were able to do it all and accomplish so much. There is no way I could ever thank them for all they did and all the support they were. But I hope they know.

It was truly a pleasure. And a chapter in my life that I will cherish. I am truly blessed to call them friends. Hugs, girls...

Home Sweet Home- Sometime Soon...

2010-05-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

K. enjoying our new backyard! This one puts our old one to shame. :)

The playhouse.

A. had written on a paper for school that he was an "indoor kid" as opposed to the other choice of "outdoor kid". This made me sad. Was it because we live in Phoenix where it's too hot to go outside in the summer? Was it because we currently have a totally lame backyard? Was it my fault? Or is this just how he sees himself, his personality? I just didn't want him to be an "indoor kid" unless he WANTED to be one. This backyard I think will change all that. We spent the day waiting for the gas man and 80% of the time, this is where you could find A.! Having a ball, enjoying the sun. :) This move is going to be a good change for us.

I'm going to have to get used to the orange-ish paint in the dining room and kitchen. And the yellow-ish paint in the master bedroom. But everything else about this house is great! We will be totally living in it in about a month. Still in denial about the packing/cleaning part. ;)

Motherhood- The Greatest Job (A Late Mother's Day Post)

2010-05-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers I know. Sisters and Sisters in-law. My mom. Andy's mom. Our grandmothers. Women I have known in all the places we have called home. Your examples and influence have been powerful for me. Did you know that when Mother's Day was founded, they purposely put the apostrophe where it is to note that the day was for each INDIVIDUAL mother? Below are some powerful thoughts on this sometimes thankless, neverending, touching, and sacred job we have. I know that we are agents for God when we train up our children to become compassionate, responsible, and independent adults.

I type this as my 2 year-old throws a temper tantrum in my lap... He hates me now, but will undoubtedly come seeking a magical healing Mommy kiss before too long. It isn't easy. But it is worth it... And I am grateful for the journey and for these little people that call me "Mom".

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the... young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world. ~David O. McKay

For the mother is and must be, whether she knows it or not, the greatest, strongest and most lasting teacher her children have. ~Hannah Whitall Smith

No job can compete with the responsibility of shaping and molding a new human being. ~Dr. James Dobson

The most important work we will do is within the walls of our own homes. ~Harold B. Lee

One of the ways we can prepare to be in the family circle of God's household is to establish a home as nearly like his as we can. ~Barbara B. Smith

A true Mormon home is one where the Savior would love to linger and rest. ~David O. McKay (This one makes me smile... Hope my home can be that.)

Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored Gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith. ~Boyd K. Packer

You Take the Good, You Take the Bad...

2010-05-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

So my sister Brittney is due to have her first baby this summer. She was telling me that it seems all around her are people that are very negative about children. And so she is trying to reconcile all this complaining with the excitement she has for the arrival of her first little one...

So I am not going to lie and say it's all rainbows and sweetness all the time. I mean, I have THREE boys, so that would be a blatant one. But I am going to see what I can do, with my 7 years of experience living with children- children I invited to come live here. LOL

There is not enough sleeping going on. Mostly not enough for me. There are messes that completely dumbfound me. I mean, does every bath have to result in a small lake in my bathroom? And what good is a napkin if it's been torn into 75 pieces? Does the toy that you want have to be at the absolute bottom of the toy box, so every other toy has to be dumped out? And must we all step in the blob of toothpaste that fell on the floor- on purpose??? There are sick days and visits to the doctor and emergency room. There is all the catering to their digestive systems-- buying groceries, cooking food, making them eat the healthy stuff, washing the dishes, changing diapers, wiping bums, etc. If I could cut that out, my day would be 150% longer. And boys and bathrooms, well, they just smell, no matter how often you clean them- and I mean boys AND bathrooms...

But there are the great things.
1. You see the world in a different way through their eyes. Who knew rocks could be beautiful? Who knew how much fun it would be to squirt eachother w/ squirt bottles? And we get to watch the excitement of their first time- at the carnival, at the zoo, at the movies, going camping. And there are science experiments that must be done, so you need a supply of balloons, straws, aluminum foil, etc.

2. They find the world extremely funny. They point out the silly things we do. It's fun to hassle people. They still think those jokes you have known for 25 years are funny. And they like to tell them again and again. They laugh at burps and stinkers. And the word "underwear" cracks everyone up.

3. They believe in the Believable. They believe in Santa and the Easter Bunny. They believe that God loves all of us, even when we are having a crummy day. They believe that Jesus is alive again and they believe that a prayer will find the missing keys, everytime. They remind us that cynicism really doesn't have a great pay-out. It only makes us suspicious of people's good intentions and causes us to miss out on joy.

4. They remind us that joy is very available to us. Toys in the cereal box and in Happy Meals. A good wrestle on the living room floor. A great episode of Phineus and Ferb. A flashlight with batteries. Singing a good revised version of "Jingle Bells" that includes a superhero or two.

5. They remind us that we can make mistakes and it isn't the end of the world. That you just need to apologize and then we are friends again.

6. They remind us that hugs, kisses, and words of affection aren't silly, in fact, they are vital. They should be an everyday, perhaps every hour occurence.

7. They teach us that new friends are everywhere. And you don't HAVE to know their names yet to enjoy their company.

8. They sleep sometimes. They cuddle sometimes.

9.They teach us that life is full of things to learn about. A. told me about momentum this morning. He is constantly wanting to learn about stuff. And G. unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper just to see how long it was. Luckily, I found him when he had almost rerolled the entire thing. :)

9. You get to enjoy stories with them. Those old fairy tales that everyone has to know. (I will admit that it has been a little weird making sure my boys are familiar with Cinderella and Snow White. It's part of our culture, but definitely NOT the movie they would choose first.) They love goodnight stories with Andy. And they love the library as much as I do. :)

10. You get to pass on those important lessons. Like the "Golden Rule". Like the one that says that the littlest kid that is the loudest about wanting a toy, will likewise be the quickest to put it down. That spitting and hitting are NOT OK. That being polite pays big dividends. That we are loyal in our family. That honesty is the best policy. That tomorrow is another day.

11. They think that kisses heal all wounds and that you know everything (at least for now).

12. They were with God not so long ago. So they bring a little bit of the Divine into my home. I especially feel this when they are little enough that I have to carry them everywhere.

13. I am a different person since they came. I am less selfish. I am more responsible. I am more patient and more understanding. I am pretty tough and know what to do in an emergency. I know what to do to cheer someone up. I am learning how to explain the world to them. I am more appreciative of the legacy that came before me and the sacrifices of my parents. I value a dollar more and I am more focused on the things that are really important. I am not working for me anymore. I am working for them- to create a life of constants, of security, of love. And I like the person I am becoming.

My mother inlaw told me that the greatest source of joy comes from our families. From their accomplishments, from the moments we share. I am already missing my boys, knowing that not far off is a day when it will be back to just Andy and I. When we will have to travel to see them. When we will talk to them on the phone, or probably Skype. When some of the magic of childhood has rubbed off. At least until little ones, that they invite to live with them, start the magic again. :)

So what would be on your list? Hmmmm?

ADDENDUM: I was watching the news about the bomber in Times Square with A. I apologized to him that he had to live in a world like this. Then I reflected on 9-11 and how many people were questioning how you could bring children into this world at this time. I purposely got pregnant w/ A. a few months after. And as scary as the world is, I would do it again. In a heartbeat. Because life wouldn't be worth it, without him. (And the ones that came after.) That I know. :)

Confessional

2010-04-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

So Andy just got a new job. He has been working there for about a month and liking it. Good money. Good work environment. Only ONE job. Good benefits. And NO Saturdays!!!

But it's 2 hours away. And he is commuting and waking up at 3:30 a.m. So we are moving. And I am staring some things I dread right in the face...

1. I HATE calling people I don't know. Pizza place. Utility company. Owners of homes to look at to rent. Needless to say, everyday is full of dread. Andy comes home and asks me how many appointments I have to view homes and puts me on the spot. And today, I called a lady who was a friend of a friend. So yeah, she just rented out "a great home for a family". And I called too late. Because I have been putting it off. Stupid phobia.

2. I hate to pack. Hated it when I was leaving for college. Super excited about college, but the packing part, not so much. And I hate packing for trips. I look around all the stuff we have accumulated and I just don't even know where to start.

3. I hate cleaning. 'Nuf said.

4. Actually, more to say-- I hate cleaning what will be someone else's house, so I don't even get to enjoy it... And I will be moving to a clean house, but I am well-aware of how long it will be before I know where stuff is and don't have a mountain of boxes to unpack.

5. Oh, yeah, need to change my address w/ all the people that need it. So there will be more calling people I don't know.

6. I hate de-junking. Andy and I have had our worst fights debating the need to keep things based on their sentimental significance. So every time we move, the debate rages, and we argue. I am sentimental. He is not-- at all.

I generally hate change. So the transition stinks. I love getting settled. Can I just beam myself (and my family) past this part? Or pay someone to do it for me?

Now that I have stared my ridiculous personality down, I realize how ridiculous I am being. I am 35 yrs. old. I mean, come on. Ugh. Why can't I grow up enough that I can be organized, a natural de-junker, and a gal who doesn't get so tense just looking at a phone number?

As a side-note, I am trying to avoid thinking about all the people I am going to miss and think about all the new friends I will make. Because I LOVE making new friends. Silver-lining.

Back at it Again

2010-03-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry if some of you have been waiting for my "Media-free Week" report. I will admit, there has been some catching up on Tivo, which BTW is one of the greatest inventions known to man. :)

Saturday night, we explained to the boys that we were not going to use screens for the week unless it was for business. (And to check to see if my nephew had been born yet.) The next morning, G. woke up at the crack of dawn and Andy suggested he watch a show. G. quickly said, "But I thought no screens, Dad." So I was impressed that given the chance, he stayed on track. Even though we didn't mean to tempt him!

When we got home from church, we played Uno as a family and luckily, already had a Johnson dinner planned. The boys had tons of fun with the cousins.

I have to say that the first few days were rather easy for the kids. Harder for me. I didn't even realize how much I rely on the computer. Online recipes, online banking, just checking in with my friends... So many moments I had to take a breath and find another way. And remind myself that I could post things on my blog sometime in the future. But I will admit, those old cookbooks are pretty inefficient! We played lots of games and read lots of books. We even made shrinky-dinks, remember those! I went to bed earlier and felt less rushed. Not sure I got more done though, because the media fast didn't really increase my motivation to get a ton done! LOL

A few days in, G. kept asking how much longer a week was and saying "Bishop Farley's idea isn't very fun..." But we got through it. G. has always needed me to entertain him, even when he was an infant, and since he can't read, he had to play more than A. Since the goal was family unity, we did use the internet for a project I have been meaning to do with G. for ages. He and I made a Superhero/Villain Alphabet book using google.com/images. Andy even joined in the fun, which was good because although I knew enough to come up with Charles Xavier for X, I needed help w/ Q, U, and Z. (Question, Underdog, and Zan from the Wonder twins...) And we ended up finding a picture of G. dressed up for "You" for Y. We had many to choose from! LOL (disclaimer: We did have to be careful when searching since it is amazing how inappropriate pictures can still pop up. Just in case you try this...)

2007- 2 yrs. old

I was amazed that we didn't have to do much to entertain the boys other than spend time with them, which we should do more of anyway. Who knew that throwing a ball with K. down the hallway would be so fun for him!?! So the week ended, and I have seen that my children have rediscovered their toys and have a greater balance in their lives. I had let them get pretty bad, going from one screen to another for entertainment, and trying to encourage them to do other things, but not liking to be the Bad Guy all the time. I think that we will do this when it gets out of balance again, though I will admit it was challenging.

Now the reason I chose the picture I did for this post is because of the absolutely best benefit. This picture shows how K. used to fall asleep at night. (Though wearing p.j.'s of course.) I hadn't won that "cry yourself to sleep" battle yet. And so, he and I would watch a show until he fell asleep every night. It was OK, because I learned this week that after getting the boys to bed, watching TV is EXACTLY what I want to do. Just veg, on the couch, seated. So I didn't mind, in fact, it was a perfect excuse. But when K. came up to me the first night and said, "Watch a show, Mommy," I had to tell him no. Had to. So we read 2 books each night, and put him in bed w/ his chosen blanket of the night and tucked him in like a big boy. And he did it. And now he does it every night. AWESOME!!! So if this was the only benefit, it was worth it to me. AWESOME!

I did feel bad for Andy because he was sick this week and just wanted to be sick and watch TV, but alas, he couldn't. I am glad to be back connected, but do have a new perspective. And I am grateful my kids do too. And I am glad I live in this time. What blessings we have. But we must still be wise stewards of our time. It is a never ending challenge to be balanced, but if our families are really the most important, they do deserve more time than the "Screens".

(Now, my brother asked about Koester's Mother Earth Experiment mentioned in the last post. When I was in ninth grade, my biology teacher made us carry around black trash bags to collect all our garbage for a week. We were only allowed to throw away toilet paper and feminine products. All food, pencil sharpenings, etc. went into the bag. Then we sorted through it on the last day to determine what part of our garbage was recyclable or biodegradable. I am not going to lie, it was smelly and gross. But it also changed how I think of throwing things "away" and has made me a little more aware of what I can use more wisely.)

Going Underground

2010-03-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

That's how I feel about tomorrow... It feels like I am cutting myself off from the world.

Our bishop asked that all the members of our congregation go without TV and video games for the entire week of March 7-14th. He recommended that we consider including computer and texting, etc. The point is to increase our family unity. We are calling it a "Media Fast".

First off, let me say that I completely support everything our bishop says. I know that the Lord has given him stewardship over us and that he receives revelation that will bless our lives. Time and time again, he has said and done things that make me confident that he is in touch with our Heavenly Father. I know he cares about me and my family. And I think every family can definitely increase their family unity. It is amazing how you can be in the same room and really have nothing going on between you.

Andy and I are going to pin down the details tonight, but probably we are going without all entertainment that needs a screen. Goodbye TV, goodbye Wii, goodbye computer games, goodbye Facebook, blogs, and email...

I will admit, this is going to be hard for me. My sister-in law suggested that maybe it's good for our kids to realize that it will be hard for us, so they realize that we aren't doing it to punish them.

Yes, I do use TV to babysit my kids so I can get a shower and have no one underfoot so I can make dinner. Yes, I do use the internet for my news and the TV for my weather in the morning. I am not going to even know who wins the Oscars, because I can't watch it or check the internet for the results. I will miss my Facebook friends and frankly, the noise. Guess what friends, I hate quiet. Doesn't surprise you does it. LOL

I have heard that the first two days will be the worst. I anticipate that I will have to replace these activities with other ones, as any addict will tell you. So I have been brainstorming. I don't have money to entertain my kids, so I will have to use some creativity. My creativity. Hope I have enough. And enough patience to not lose it when someone tells me for the millionth time that they are bored.

I post this in blogland so you know, I will be far away for a week. You can call me, but I won't be checking in electronically. Sounds a little lonely, but I hope the benefits are great. I am going to feel out of it. I won't know about any recent earthquakes, terror attacks, the latest celebrity sightings or gossip... I guess as I think about it, that part doesn't sound so bad.

I am going to hunker down with my family, put on a happy face and see what life was like before people had Tivo, 400 channels, and immediate downloads. (I remember reading in a book once about a town set in the time when people were just starting to get TV's. They mentioned how you would walk down the street and you could see the blue glow coming from the front window and see the silhouettes of heads watching...)

I hope we have a lot of fun and I hope I am reminded how much I really do like these people that share my house. I hope we learn to not be quite so reliant on electronic entertainment. I know that will gain new perspective. (For those of you that took Freshman Biology with me, I am expecting the kind of enlightenment gained from Koester's Mother Earth experiment.)

But the week after, you'd better not call because I will be catching up on all my Tivo. ;) And you'd better all have new blogposts for me to read! Think of me at midnight...

How Do I Love Thee? And Thee? And Thee? And Thee?

2010-02-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

So since Valentine's Day was on a Sunday, and we don't shop or spend money on the Sabbath, I needed a way to make the day special. Furthermore, I was looking for cheap fun.

I decided to cook a heart-shaped pizza and we drank homemade sparkling cider (one can of prepared frozen apple juice and one 2 liter of 7-up). We had raspberry sherbet, mostly so that Andy could eat it without worrying about his milk sensitive stomach. The thing that made the evening extra special was that we all ate by candle-light and toasted with our plastic cups. (This cool candle was a gift from one of my students back in the day.) K. was a little worried about it being too dark, so we ended up turning on a hall light to ease his concerns. A. and G. were full of compliments and toasts to me. They said it was the best day ever! So I think this will end up being one of those traditions that sticks. :) Always looking for those.

So who do I love? My sweet Andy. What a great friend and husband he is. :)

And my 3 boys. Who knew that I could handle THREE of them!?! But I can hardly imagine my life without them. They definitely keep me laughing and they maul me with hugs. Best Valentine's Day EVER!

The following are pictures of 4 year old G. He is getting so big and this was a Sunday a few weeks ago. He just looked great. The first picture is what he looks like when he's "put out". It took me a while to get him to look at the camera. He's funny that way. :)

I love the last one. I have said before he is my clever child. Just the other day, A. was chasing him through the house and G. dumped out a bag of toys to make a booby-trap. It would have been pretty effective had Andy not saved A. just in time. Clever, that boy... You can kind of see it in his eyes... lol

In the Laundry

2010-02-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

NEVER, as a 14 year old girl could I ever imagined that today I would be doing loads of laundry that (I'm not exaggerating...) include 8 items decorated with Spiderman (with or without his many friends), 1 Scooby-Doo, 1 Mickey Mouse, 1 Kungfu Panda, 1 Star Wars, 1 Incredible Hulk, and 1 Buzz Lightyear. And that's just the Darks...

My Laugh for the Day

2010-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

So this little guy pointed out a freckle on his leg when I was changing his diaper. I told him it was called a freckle and that I had them all over my face and arms. To which he says, "You have sprinkles all over your cheek." The closest I could get K. to say it right is "frinkles". So what can you do? LOL

My sister would ask, "Sprinkles of what??" ;) And if you know my sisters, you know which one.

Christmas "Fun"?

2009-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ever imagine how the Holidays would be without one of these??? My family had been having flu symptoms last week and we were relieved to call Aunt Charlotte and Aunt Anna to tell them we thought it was over so they could still spend the night on Christmas Eve. They came over for dinner but during dinner A. and I got sick. They decided not to risk getting sick right before an airplane trip to Illinois. So they left. G. was so sad and frankly, I was too. We had so much fun planned and memories to be made. But what could we do?

We were feeling a bit better in the morning and had fun with all our new loot. Thanks Santa! I served my family lunch meat sandwiches and chips for dinner. (I know, wonderful mother, but I was taking it easy.) Right after dinner, I pulled out the sausage I had planned to use the next morning for belated Christmas Breakfast Casserole. It felt strangely "not cold". I put in a meat thermometer which came to 50 degrees, right out of the fridge. I was horrified to simultanously realize I had just food poisoned my family and that the flu symptoms were not contagious. Then I realized I may have food poisoned the aunts! And how much money would it cost to replace all my food? This was just getting worse and worse...

I sent my family to bed with pots and buckets, just in case and prayed we would make it through the night. Andy was the only one that got sick, but he was down for the count for 2 days. Sick in bed, achy, cold, and symptoms that polite people do not discuss online...

I contacted my landlord. (One silver lining, it isn't my responsibility to fix the fridge.) The repairman came on Saturday. Bless him. At first he told me he couldn't find anything wrong.

(On a side note, I wish there was a class for lay people about things you should know about stuff. Like how a garage door works, how you should use your dishwasher every couple of weeks in Arizona or it dries out, and how a refrigerator cools.) I felt like a dope when he told me I had blocked the source of cold air that comes from the freezer. He told me the top shelf was probably warmer, but my pickles on the bottom felt cold. But then I told him about the thermometer the night before. He wanted to see the temp of my pickles. We checked, and on the coldest setting on my fridge, they were 43 degrees. Your fridge is supposed to be lower than 40 degrees. So glad I didn't just let him leave.

He took another look at my compressor which was only half working and told me that my freezer was probably not working that well either. But at least everything was still frozen, so I don't have to replace those things.

The warranty guy was off for the weekend and if my fridge wasn't under warranty, we needed a new fridge. Cheaper to buy a new one than fix it. Found out yesterday, we need a new one. So now I just have to survive until Wednesday. My wonderful landlord even offered to take some of my next month's rent to replace some of the food.

My dear friend Bonnie, who is a kindred fellow Washingtonian, loaned me her mini-fridge. Without it, I think I would have lost my mind by now.

So we had a crazy Christmas, one that will definitely be remembered. I am grateful for kind landlords, repairmen willing to come on the weekends, that my babies didn't throw-up too much, stores that are close, and that I actually live in a time where we have electricity and refrigerators. And I am grateful that we are almost at the end of this trial, because I am tired...

Fasting

2009-12-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

In his church class two weeks ago, A. learned about fasting when you pray for people. In our faith, we fast the first Sunday of the month for 2 meals and donate that money to the church to distribute to those less-fortunate. We also use that opportunity to consider those that may need extra faith and prayers going their way. A. was very excited and told us all about it on the way home. He wanted to do it this last Sunday.

On Sunday morning, I woke him and asked if he was still planning on trying it. He seemed really concerned and started talking about this boy in his class at school. It took me a while to understand why S. was relevant to whether A. would fast or not. S. is in a wheel-chair and I am not sure why, because he wasn't in first grade. A. told me that he told S. he was going to fast that he wouldn't be in a wheel-chair anymore. (Could he be more sweet and believing in the power of God!?!) S. probably didn't understand A.'s intentions because S. told him not to fast for him. So my 7 year-old was concerned that he didn't have a reason to fast, so should he still do it?

I assured him that he could come up with something else to fast for. He mentioned praying for everyone in the whole world that is sick. I told him that usually we try to be a bit more specific. So he decided on some people to pray for.

At church, he got a little hungry the first hour. Andy told him that he was hungry too because he was fasting, and then A. remembered and sat back down. He fasted the whole 3 hours and told me afterward that he was doing OK. He didn't even rush to the kitchen for lunch when we got home. We went to his room to close his fast with a prayer. He prayed and just said, "Bless all the people I am fasting for."

Andy and I were planning on having him start fasting when he is baptised on his eighth birthday and only one meal for a while. I told A. that and asked him if he wanted to wait until his summer birthday, or fast again in January. He told me he wants to do it again. I am so proud of him. What an awesome kid! :)

Moms, for a Good Cry, Read this...

2009-11-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/11/kindness-of-strangers.html

We Thank Thee...

2009-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

A. gave this talk in September in church to all the children 3-7. I love how it simplifies what I believe about a living prophet on the earth today. I am thankful for the prophet's guidance in these days. It helps me know how to guard my children from the many things that could rob them of peace and security.

"Last weekend, my family went camping. It got very dark after the sun went down. My dad brought a flashlight so we could see through the darkness. It would have been really hard to find our way without the light.

We live in a world with lots of darkness. Satan wants us to get lost so that we cannot find our way. Heavenly Father knows we can't make it on our own, so he sent a family to help us. But to see which way to go, he gives us a Prophet.

A prophet is a man that speaks to Heavenly Father and teaches us what to do to go to live with Heavenly Father again someday. The prophet has all the keys of the Priesthood to lead Christ's church. He shows us how to follow Jesus and walk in His light. He will speak to us at General Conference next month. It is important that we listen carefully to what he says so we know what Heavenly Father wants us to do. We can share his counsel with our family and follow his instructions and all he says.

I know that President Monson is a prophet and that he teaches us what we need to know. If we follow him, our family can go the right way and get closer to our Heavenly Father."

http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-commandments/follow-the-prophet

So here is a bit of what President Monson taught this October.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I greet you this morning with love in my heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for each of you. I am grateful for the privilege to stand before you, and I pray that I might effectively communicate to you that which I have felt prompted to say.

A few years ago I read an article written by Jack McConnell, MD. He grew up in the hills of southwest Virginia in the United States as one of seven children of a Methodist minister and a stay-at-home mother. Their circumstances were very humble. He recounted that during his childhood, every day as the family sat around the dinner table, his father would ask each one in turn, “And what did you do for someone today?”

The children were determined to do a good turn every day so they could report to their father that they had helped someone. Dr. McConnell calls this exercise his father’s most valuable legacy, for that expectation and those words inspired him and his siblings to help others throughout their lives. As they grew and matured, their motivation for providing service changed to an inner desire to help others.My heart is full now as I speak of the experience and contemplate the lives which have been blessed as a result, for both the giver and the receiver...

The words from the 25th chapter of Matthew come to mind:
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

My brothers and sisters, may we ask ourselves the question which greeted Dr. Jack McConnell and his brothers and sisters each evening at dinnertime: “What have I done for someone today?” May the words of a familiar hymn penetrate our very souls and find lodgment in our hearts:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

That service to which all of us have been called is the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. As He enlists us to His cause, He invites us to draw close to Him..."

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-27,00.html

Totally Unexpected

2009-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

So a goth guy, dressed in black skinny jeans with purple hair dropped this off at my house on Saturday.

I was totally surprised. It was from my brother and sisters and it was totally unexpected. They sent it for my birthday. I cried as I read the note and A. asked why I was crying. I guess it just made me realize how much I miss them and how far away we all live. I post these pictures because I hate when I send flowers (only done it a couple of times) and never know if I got what I paid for. You have to just trust the floral shop in that other state! So here's the picture. What a great color scheme and individual flowers. And until this morning, I thought the water was dyed, but it just dawned on me, I think it's a colored vase! Duh!

Thanks dear siblings! I love you and miss you so much. And I will never forget this one. :)

Yesterday, A. told his Primary teacher that I was 25. I thought that was a great mistake, esp. since I was older than that when I had him! :) LOL

Taking out the Trash

2009-11-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

So lately the boys have been doing chores to make money.

K. doesn't have a reward chart, since he is only 2. But he is the quickest to jump in and help. I asked him on this video why he is helping. I expected him to say to make money, since that is why his brothers help. His little answer is so sweet and I am sure short-lived. He will soon be tainted by greed too, I'm sure. :) I also LOVE how he wants to carry the trash can that is almost as big as he is.

Halloween Costumes

2009-11-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

G. is a Red Ninja. This was from his preschool carnival. Ms. Lisa combined with Ms. Jen's and Ms. Beckie's classes. These ladies know how to plan a party. These kids had so many activities and so much fun! And no, this costume I didn't make.

Younger siblings were invited too, so here is my caveman. What an easy costume to make and very flexible for all the different temperatures of the parties. K. wore just a diaper under it for one, a long-sleeved shirt/ pants this day, and the actual night of the Halloween, only T-shirt/pants underneath.

So A. wants to be a pilot when he grows up. When I saw the pilot hat at Party City, I thought it would be EASY to decorate his dress shirt to work for this costume. I was going to make him a tie using a pattern that I googled. But then decided covering one of his ties and securing w/ safety pins was a quicker solution! And doesn't he look like he LOVES it!?! Actually, he was cracking himself up that night. Not sure if it was the candy, or if it was being his father's son, as Andy cracks himself up regularly. ;)

A. looks pretty cold at the church Trunk-or-Treat. We had this weird cold front move in just for Wed. and Thurs. Temps dropped 20 degrees and then went back up again for Halloween. Many of us Arizonan mothers planned costumes for typical AZ weather and had to dig out warm clothes to wear underneath. (I know, "poor us"... )

K. loves candy. He would eat it all day long, so I have to put it up where he can't see it. What a holiday. Your kids come out looking THIS happy! He told me "I love 'Kittles!" And G. would repeat the affirmation at each scary house, "I'm not scared of this house." :)

This Girl

2009-10-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

This girl...

Grew up to be this woman...

And I don't know where I would be without her. My mom just had a birthday and I already told her how glad I was that she was born. I mean, without her being born, I wouldn't be here... But it is so much more...

There have been so many times that she was the ONLY one who understood. The ONLY one who knew what to say.

I called her so many times from college and even though she was far away, she knew exactly what I was going through and exactly what to say. Many times, it was just to go to bed, that everything would look better in the morning. Advice that has also come in handy now that I am a mom.

I remember how she made our home smell so great with her cooking. Oh, how I loved the smell of dinner when I walked in the door after a long day. I remember how she remembered all the details of my friends' lives so she could keep up on the latest story. She knew how to make me laugh. She would come in and dance with me in my bedroom. She always knew what to do with teenage drama. :)

She can talk to anyone, anywhere and boy, can she tell a story. Truly, it is one of her talents!

Her faith in God and her devotion helped me understand the importance of my testimony and my own convictions.

She taught me so much about how to be the woman I am today. So here's to you Mom. Thanks for everything. And Happy Birthday. :)

While Dad's Away

2009-10-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Andy was gone for 90 minutes. In that time, G. put a Lego stud in his nose. (This is the best picture I could find. Ignore the fact someone made them into earrings...) He calmly came out into the hall with smeared blood all over his shirt sleeves and his hands trying to get it out. Luckily, I pushed on his nostril in just the right place and it popped out.

THEN, A. got his knee stuck in the slats to his bunk bed. He was pretty calm until I couldn't get it out. I told him he didn't need to worry, since we would cut the board before we cut his leg. Then I tried lotion, which luckily slipped that baby right out!

I seriously think God gives moms this special sense for what to do, or a special memory to remember what others have used as solutions. I also believe in the "Mom Gift" that helps moms remember exactly where to find things that kids need. You know, that one where when one of them ask where it is, and you can tell him to look over, around, and behind that, and that, and that, to where it is exactly located!

Funny Things

2009-10-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

So I have told you about my clever 4 year old. He is at it again.

- G. asked me why we need Christmas money if Santa makes all the Christmas presents. At the time, he was riding in a shopping cart and we weren't talking about Christmas at all.

- He asked why Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck wear white gloves. Anyone have any answer for that one!?!

- He asked his preschool teacher how the lights turn on. She told him that we flip that switch on the wall, to which he responded, "Yeah, but how does that turn on the lights?" He often asks her questions that in order to answer, she would have to use vocabulary words he doesn't know.

They Can't Believe It

2009-09-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Stephanie, one of my two best friends from h.s., came to visit this weekend. It was so good to see her. I told my kids that she had been my friend since I was a girl and they couldn't believe it. I guess either that I was ever that old... or that I had friends from that long ago... or that I had friends... not sure which. ;)

This is us before each having THREE boys. When we were young, naive, and excited to take on the world.
Do we look wiser now? More experienced? My vote is more tired. ;) LOL

I am grateful for Stephanie. I have so many memories of times we shared. (In fact, as I was straightening the house, I remembered her and Kari helping me pack my bedroom the night before I left for BYU. I laughed at all the stuff I have accumulated since then.) Not only did we have A LOT of fun, but she probably had some influence on who I am today. And she always got the inside front cover in my yearbook.

Here are two pics of some of our boys. Crazy how we both came from families with little testosterone, yet here we are! :) Both of us love it though!

Student of the Month

2009-09-29T12:30:00.001-07:00

We got an email to invite us to the assembly where A. got student of the month. We are so proud of him. He has had a great year this far!!! Isn't he handsome. :)

The Cruise!!!

2009-09-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Andy's office manager told me about 2 months ago, "Now you are going on the office trip, right?" I hadn't even heard about it, but once I did, the answer was YES! Dr. Lee's office staff went on a 3 day cruise to celebrate meeting their goals and they were generous enough to invite me. I have great sister in-laws that helped watch my kids. Thanks soooooo much J., C., and A. I am glad that Andy and I had left them in April or I would have never had the guts to leave them for 3 nights. Of course, they did great. And Andy and I had so much fun!

Our boat out of San Diego

The Docs and their wives. This was an accidental picture but we all look better in this one than the one on purpose... ;) We had so much fun hanging out with S. and K. We are also glad they made sure we made it back on the boat after entering Mexico with only I.D.'s and no passports. :)

These are the office ladies that help Andy get it all done and keep him laughing. He really likes working with them and it was fun for me to get to know them better. I think they liked seeing him when he is relaxed and getting to know me a bit too.

Ahhh, to eat with no kids. No bibs, no whining, no feeding anyone. :) I tried duck and lobster for the first time. And surprisingly, duck tastes like HAM. Who knew!?!

Us on Dress-up night! We clean up pretty well, I guess.

Andy and I after we returned from shopping in Ensenada, Mexico.

Every night, the housekeeping staff folded your towel into some animal. We had a turtle and something that was debated to be a viper or seal. This was the best of the three.

At the San Diego Airport, they had a bunch of rocking chairs. I am not sure why, but we took pictures sitting in them. Here is Andy laughing at something he just said. I love candid pictures of him. :)

Here we are practicing for old age. ;)

We bartered for these cape/mask things in Mexico. The boys LOVE them and they were 3 for $14!!! K. is a power ranger and it is actually too big for him. They are cute running down the hall wearing them.

These are just pictures I found on the internet of our ship since it was a pain to lug around my huge camera. Also, I am not sure that my camera could have captured these anyway.

This is the atrium. It has 2 glass elevators.

We played miniature golf and ping pong. I am definitely better at mini golf. But I didn't know how much Andy likes ping pong. This course was on the very top of the ship and was surrounded by a track.

This is the pool. We were both surprised it was so small. It really is the size it is on the Love Boat!

Andy and I had a lot of fun and it was very relaxing. We will definitely go on another cruise. We felt like 3 days was just about right unless you are really excited for your destination location. Thanks Dr. Lee! And thanks to Andy for being so fun to hang out with for 3 days! I am still really glad I married this boy. ;)

A Little Dirt, A Little Fun, A Little "Whew"

2009-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

So last weekend we went camping. We haven't gone with all three kids, and the last time we went G. was just about a yr. old. Andy was off for the weekend so we borrowed necessary equipment, planned, packed, and headed off. Notice I always dress the boys in super colorful, non-camouflageable shirts. ;)

G. had lots of fun playing in the puddle at the water spigot. Andy had to remind me that is what little boys do when they camp.

A. had a lot of fun throwing rocks and throwing things in the fire. Andy had to remind me that is what little boys do when they camp.

K. climbed on things and picked up pine cones. I was fine with that, until he fell off the curb he was climbing on. :( Actually, he fell about four times, but he is a tough little guy. He only cried once.

K. slept GREAT. He even slept in. Of course he slept between Andy and I and got to hold my hair 'til his heart was content. He has never taken a binky or a blanket. I am his soothing object of choice. (We even tried to replace me with a Barbie, unsuccessfully.) But he woke up a little grumpy.

We had a lot of fun. But it was still really hot when the sun was out, so apparently next time we camp, we must drive farther north. But it was a good venture for us. We got away from home and enjoyed being together. And it was good to get really dirty and enjoy nature.

The "whew" in the title refers to this little camp visitor...

When I was in the tent with A. and G., Andy was outside by the fire with K. He strongly informed us not to get out of the tent since a skunk was sniffing around our table and garbage. And was headed to sniff our tent!!! We were so quiet and we heard him scratching around the zipper. He headed away for a bit and then returned when I was almost leaving the tent to brush my teeth. Oh would that have been an adventure!!! "WHEW", I say. :)

Nothing Like Family- Nothing Like a Baby as an Excuse to Get Together

2009-08-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the baby blessing. What a wonderful day and a special blessing. We are so grateful this baby has come to be a cousin to our boys. It is amazing to watch all these kids oooh and ahhh over him. You could call it magic, but I think is that these kids somehow can sense this baby just came from Heavenly Father. And they are drawn to that.

Grandpa got to come and he brought my niece C., the only granddaughter on my husband's side. It was a wonderful time to have them here. We loved getting to know C. better as a teenager and a young lady. We even got a Girls' Night with all the aunts!!! She is a great example to our kids and a real sweetheart.

I loved that K. got to know Grandpa better. He played trains with him and was comfortable enough that he was calling him "Grandpa" just 3 days into the visit. K. even picked up C. name! We marvel at how well Grandpa keeps up with the boys- he plays Power Rangers and bandages Spiderman action figures with napkins and rubber bands.

We spent TONS of time together and I just love that our children live close enough to mingle this much. Jen and I are wondering if they will be sick of each other now that Grandpa and C. have left or if they will go through withdrawal. I am leaning towards withdrawal since they have already asked when we get to see them again!

So thanks to Grandpa for making the trip and bringing C. in tow. Thanks to Jim and Tamara for letting her come. Thanks to the other aunts for joining in the festivities. Thanks to Jen and Stan for generously housing all the craziness. And thanks to the stars colliding that I got to marry into this wonderful family. :)

Do you see anything that doesn't belong in this picture???

Oh, yeah, my kid peeking from behind! ;)

Some handsome Johnson men. I am kind of partial to the one w/out the suit coat. :)

The Clever One's First Day of Preschool

2009-08-18T11:22:00.001-07:00

The family has decided that this is my "clever child". Two examples:

1) Andy was playing our new Ben 10 Wii game the other day and the bad guy killed his character. G. says "Dang it. I said 'dang it' for you dad." He continued to "pitch in" whenever he felt Andy needed it.

2) We went swimming the other day w/ cousins. In the locker room, he is calling cousin J. a "poopie butt". Andy pulls him aside and reminds him not to say potty words. To which G. replies completely seriously, "But Dad, we're in a big bathroom."

Ooooh, are we in for it.

So he is off to preschool. These are pics from his first day. He doesn't look very excited to go, but actually he was. He had been asking me for months when he was going to start. We even bought this backpack in June. He had a great time and loves doing homework. Go figure!

A Lighthouse Bathroom- The Beginning...

2009-08-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

So I have all these friends that are Decorating Inspirations! And they may not even realize they are to me. Some, I marvel at their blog posts and how unintimidated they are by painting any piece of furniture (Katie H., you know I am talking about you.). Some, I visit their homes, with the confident placement of decoration on the walls and shelves (Gina, Shannan, Kim, Karin, Jenn, Michelle, Lisa, etc. etc. etc.). And I think, maybe I can do that. Most people that have been in my home since I have been married know how minimalist I am. NOT minimalist because I LIKE the look. Minimalist cause I am scared to buy something and then hate it. Scared to spend the money and frugal because my husband just doesn't "get it". But after taking Gina's decorating class, I have decided that "yes, I will try".

So my first plan...
I have always dreamt of a bathroom decorated with lighthouses. I even bought a cheap 2008 calendar so I could frame a picture or 2. Well one day, I was in Goodwill and bought a lighthouse candle holder and felt the time was right to get started. I started by painting a lighthouse picture, inspired by one in the calendar. I have always wanted to learn how to paint and even bought brushes and watercolor paper/paints. So I finally did it!!! And I actually think it turned out good enough to frame and hang over my guest toilet. Guess if you word it that way, the location doesn't set the bar that high. ;)

Now I just have to get fearless like Katie/Gina and paint some things and find that shower curtain that is in a box somewhere. If I ever finish, I will post pictures. I already took the before pics. So hopefully, it won't be too long till the after pics. :)

Sometimes You Have to Send Them to School to Find Out What They Know

2009-08-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

So A. started 2nd grade at the beginning of August. He is doing well and staying out of trouble. Hooray! Today, he brought home this assignment. He was supposed to fill it out about his friend. Guess What!! He chose his brother G.!!! It just warmed my heart. And it made G. smile too. :) Gotta love it when you realize that your kids really love eachother. Now I just have to figure out where to put it for later when I need to remind them. ;) And just as an explanation, G. is 4 and is still learning how to jump. He has been able to gallop almost since he could walk, but for some reason, the idea of lifting TWO feet, was impossible for him. Andy even tried to get him to practice by duct taping his legs together and letting him jump on our bed. I, of course, was just seeing a CPS visit waiting to happen- when our child innocently told someone about the time Dad taped his legs together... ;) So we are very proud of G. when he tries to jump with both feet and is successful!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2009-07-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

K. is talking a ton now, putting words together. And I think he likes to say things to make me laugh.

Today he and I were hanging out together and he stands up and says "Singing". I repeated him and asked what he was going to sing, expecting "The Wheels on the Bus" since this has been his current favorite. Thank you dear Nursery Teachers.

But no, that's not what he started singing...

Ever heard of this song???? :)

A. picked this one up at a hockey game with Dad and breaks into rousing renditions at the top of his lungs. Apparently, K. has picked it up too. Nothing like hearing your baby sing "We will. Rock you!"

He Answers Us

2009-07-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

G. wanted me to take a picture of him praying. So he showed me how he would do it... Yesterday, I was in charge of teaching the children at church about how prayer strengthens our families. I told two stories from my childhood about how my family prayed together. Funny, they were both about babies. :)

1. When my mom was about to have my brother, he was sitting on her liver which caused her skin to itch horribly. No cream, no medicine could solve her problem. The dr. said the only solution was to have the baby. So one night she was in the bath trying to get some relief and we could all hear her crying. What she didn't know was that all of us were in our beds praying that our mom would feel better. My brother was born before school started the next morning. I know because I was so excited to finally have a brother that I RAN to North Elementary. At the hospital, it all came out that everyone in the family was praying for my mom at the same time.

2. When my mom was in the hospital with K., she also had extensive abdominal surgery. We of course wanted to see our baby sister and our mom, so Dad took us to the hospital that night. She was really suffering from the surgery and I think it freaked us all out. Dad had us wait outside, where we quickly found a closet full of wheelchairs to offer up a "Willis kid" prayer to help our mom. We were relieved that no nurses came in. Wouldn't they have been surprised! I guess I didn't know at 14, that most hospitals have a place meant for praying.

I thought some of you siblings of mine may not remember these stories. So I thought I would share them with you too.

I do know God answers me. He hears me and understands me. And offers comfort that no other can give. This world touts independence and pride; He teaches humility and asks us to seek Him. I know that my life has been blessed by seeking Him. And my family, now and when I was growing up, has been strengthened by inviting Him into our lives and trusting Him.

One of My Favorites

2009-06-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

So A. is almost 7 and these pictures were actually before he lost two more teeth. Aren't they great though? :)

This boy is one of my favorite things about my life. He truly is a joy. I can't hardly remember my life without him. I got pregnant with him right after 9-11. You know that day when a lot of people said the world had completely changed. This kid totally changed MY world.

He loves documentaries. I actually Tivo ones that I think he would "dig"- dinosaurs, sea life, pirahnas... His favorite show right now is River Monsters (though we just started checking out Man vs. Cartoon. Thanks Grandma!). The host goes to remote locations where they have legendary run-ins with dangerous fish or an occasional alligator. He interviews the people, investigates himself, and then tries to catch one of the "river monsters". So watching this show has made A. super excited to go fishing. But he is very sure he wants to catch something SMALL.

So he tells me since it will be his first time, he needs to go somewhere where the fish are small. And he has been thinking the nice small fish he wants to catch "could be something like a tuna."

Now you may not be informed (or you may be like Jessica Simpson), but tuna are NOT small. Wikipedia says "typical specimens average 2-2.5 m (6.5-7 ft) long and around 350 kg (770 lb) in weight." So I had to laugh and let him know that we would fish for something more reasonable!

He is usually very informed. It was mostly funny at how I was surprised he DIDN'T know this.

In fact, I will never forget a conversation at the dinner table when he was in kindergarten... We were trying to get G. to eat. I was making car noises, airplane noises, boat noises, anything with the spoon to get his mouth to open. A. said that I should make a submarine noise, which took me aback since this noise wasn't as easy to replicate. What does a submarine sound like anyway??? So A. beeped for me like sonar and I felt pretty silly.

Then Andy trying to show how super smart he is, asked A. if he knows how bats know where things are in the dark, to which A. replied "yeah, it's called echolocation." Well that's one way to shut down your dad from teaching you things. You just have to already know everything!

A. is such a great kid. He tells jokes. He helps out around the house. He is a great example to his brothers. He helps clear his plate and put away his laundry without anyone asking him. He tries to do the right thing.

One of the best things about A. is his talent to believe. I really think that this is a gift from Heavenly Father. When he hears things of a spiritual nature, he easily believes. He has a great testimony that is truly his own. It is in his own words and is very meaningful to him. I can't imagine life without him. He truly is one of my favorites. :) But I couldn't decide which of these pictures was my favorite, so I just posted them all.

Love to Hear This Boy Talk

2009-06-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

So K. is cracking me up with all the stuff he says. I love it when he breaks out with an occasional "awesome" just in everyday play. Do I really use this word that much??? I love this age-- when they are learning how to talk. He also has now started using the more coloquial "yeah" instead of "yes" and he says it nice and slow, like he has some great control of the situation. He whispers often. I have never heard of a child that whispers without being incessantly reminded. We will have to see if it continues...

Of course all this talking creates frustration when he asks for a game, cookie, fruit snacks, me and it doesn't fit into the schedule yet. "If she knows exactly what I want, why isn't she getting it for me, NOW?"

He just came in with a baggie asking for goldfish and I said, "what do you say when you want something?" He looks at me with his cute sideways eyes and I say "Goldfish, PLEASE...?" To which he replies, "Okay." So much for being polite today... ;)

Thanks for the Donation

2009-06-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I looked everywhere for a picture of my Uncle Benny and I am sorry to say that I don't have one that isn't a blurry one sent by Grandma T. from long ago. But I had to post about this...

My uncle has been on an oxygen tank for a while now and if you are picturing him a little old, feeble man, you are wrong. He is a hysterical, vibrant personality. That is the only way to describe him, "personality'. He has been on a lung transplant list and finally, on Wednesday, he got the call.

"The Call"-- the one that brings hope, comfort and happiness to my family, but somewhere, another family is feeling loss and sorrow. Hopefully, they can have some comfort in the fact that I am sure more than one family was blessed by the donation. And their loved one lives on in someway. Hopefully, they have a faith in life after this one. Where their loved one will see those that have gone before and dwell in the presence of God.

I have a greater desire to be an organ donor since my family has been blessed this way. I wish I could say "thank you" to the other family, but that seems so inadequate. I wish there were words in the English language that held more weight. Even my post title seems shallow. But because of you, my uncle can remain a vibrant personality. His wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and parents can laugh at another joke and share his smiles. So THANK YOU for that and I wish you peace and comfort as you part from your loved one. Know that we recognize the bittersweet moment this is.

And for all of us- Check to see what you need to do so you can be an organ donor. In my state, you have to send in some paperwork. But I have also heard that it is very important that your loved ones know of your wishes, so since you won't be here to say "yes", they will know.

And to Benny- Here's to a long life! Love you!

Life's Little Disappointments

2009-05-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

So G. loves President Obama. If he sees a book about him, he thinks I must buy it. He proudly proclaims that President Obama is our president. On Inauguration Day, I was sure to watch the t.v. coverage because I reveled in the historical occasion. I suggested that G. wear this shirt, with the flag on it, mostly because I wanted to see if I could get him to wear a shirt without a superhero. (Normally, if I hand him one, he asks if I have a Spiderman shirt that's clean.) It worked. He wore this shirt that day. Now he associates it with President Obama. He tells us that President Obama told him to wear it.

So my question is, do I break it to him that I didn't vote for the guy? ;)

(Now for all you that did, we should agree to disagree. I respect the office of President of the United States. I hope that he will make improvements that I agree with. And I pray for the guy. He needs it, as all presidents have needed it. And I will warn you now, I will delete any comments of a negative nature, Republican or Democrat. This blog is for fun. There will be no debating politics or religion on a blog named My House of Monkeys, though some may think that would be a great name for Congress. ;) )

My Little Monkeys

2009-05-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

So here they are... my boys. My husband's family seems to only make boy grandkids. (11 out of 12 are boys.) But at this point, I am not sure I know what to do with a girl anyway. A. is 6 and almost finished with 1st grade- 3 1/2 more days to be exact. And he is sure to be exact on this point! G. is almost 4 and keeps me on my toes. They are both starting swim lessons and I should already apologize to his future swim instructor and preschool teacher. He has a very strong will that I hope will serve him well as a teenager (as long as his will is the same as mine, I guess!). Then K. is 18 months, old enough for nursery at church. Which means I am officially in charge of ALL of them 7 days a week. (I am in charge of all the kids at church 18 months- 11 yrs. old.) They love to wrestle, argue, yell, squirt water, spit, and all other boy-approved activities. I will leave some of those to your imagination and purposely overlook sharing them in blogland... But they keep my life entertaining, joyful, full, challenging, and truly blessed. Some days I can't believe that I am in charge of the health and well-being of 3 kids, but I certainly couldn't imagine (more less, remember) my life without them.

And for the record, G. wanted the pic posted of him in his Batman costume. Oh, yeah. I'm also very well-versed on superheroes, villians, and how each came into their powers. I am also getting good at throwing superhero parties. Comes with the territory, I guess.

Willis Kids

2009-05-16T09:10:00.001-07:00

Wedding Picture: Brittney Singer Photography

All grown up
how did that happen?

When Andy and I lived in Kentucky, my friend Laura asked if her kids would be friends when they grew up. She wondered since they were young and seemed to disagree most of the time.

I was able to assure her that in spite of the huge fights we had, as adults, we were friends. More than friends...

There have been times where the only person to call was one of them- for mothering advice, marriage advice, friend advice, church advice, or being sane advice. They "get" me like no one else does (besides Andy). They know where I came from. They know my history. They know my serious mistakes and they know what really embarrasses me. They know my secret dreams. Their confidence in me helps me feel capable. I don't know where I would be without their input in my life.

This past weekend, I got to see them. And marvel at who we have become.

J. keeps it all together and still has the fun spirit she had when we were kids. And she is wise.
C. has so much grace and class. I love to watch her quiet joy. You can just FEEL it.
B. is so talented and isn't the little girl I left when I went to college. (She is the same height as me!!)
B. is sooo smart and articulate. I had a really intelligent conversation w/ him and I hate to say, I think he is smarter than me. Ugh.
K. is married. The little girl with the pink cast is old enough to get married. She is spiritual and fun and embarking on the wonderful adventure.

I think we all felt blessed to be together. Blessed to be a Willis kid. Blessed to be raised with the gospel of Jesus Christ in our home. Blessed to have been taught the right lessons to make the right choices. Blessed to all be in the temple together- to have to recruit someone else to watch the kids. (K. thanks for the many times you had to do it!)

I am grateful Heavenly Father sent us to live in families. What a lonely, confusing road this life would be without those that "get" us. Also what amazing life lessons I have learned by being a sister, daughter, wife, and mother that have made me more loving, less selfish, and more like my Savior.

And to my parents- Kudos! You did something right. We aren't perfect. But we are pretty good. And we are so grateful to you. For the sacrifices. For your love and support. For the hard decisions. For it all.

And in spite of the huge fights ;), we do love eachother. And no matter what, we've got eachothers' backs.

Thanks for inviting us to wedding K. and J. Thanks for giving us an excuse to ALL get together.

I've Got Something to Say...

2009-05-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

I used to teach elementary school (4th-6th) and one of my favorite subjects to teach was writing. Every year I posted a quote across the top of my chalkboard that said "We've got something to say. You'd better listen." As I have trolled others blogs, I have learned, laughed, reminisced, and just enjoyed "spying" on your wonderful worlds. And I have felt that I had something to say...

I hope sometimes it is profound, because I hope that I taught my students truth. I hope that just because I am a full-time mother, that I still have some moments of wisdom (in spite of my lack of sleep). I also hope sometimes it is funny, since I think my life is sometimes funny. And reading my friend Laurie's blog has reminded me how I used to "find the funny" a lot in my younger years! I hope that my blog keeps you all posted, since many of you know I have habitually been lousy at that.

I also want to revel in my wonderful world. There is too much complaining, too much doomsday-- not enough joy and gratitude. And as long as I have the conveniences we are blessed with, food to eat, the family and friends I have, and my faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, there is much to revel in.

I have just come across a bit of freetime and I have been itching to join in the conversation. So here it goes...

2009-05-10T23:03:00.001-07:00

Just starting. Figuring it out.