Funny Boys

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")

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

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...

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)

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...

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

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.