Boys and Girls jobs

D and I were driving in the car.
D: "Mom, why do boys do all the work and girls sit?"
Mom: "Mommy does alot of work, maybe you just don't see her working."
D: "No, my friend told me that boys do all the work and girls lie down." (Obviously gospel doctrine when it comes from another 5 year old.)
Mom: "Mommies take care of kids and homes and Daddies work to pay for the things we need." (Shameless plug for the Proclamation On The Family).
Mom: "D, if I weren't here...who would clean the house and cook the food?"
D: shaking his head like I'm stupid, "Dad, he does it anyways." (OK, I hate to cook and Les loves to, I live it up on the weekend with that luxury).
Mom: "OK, who would get you to school on time?"
D: "Grandma, she is an Old Mom, she could probably do it." (SIDENOTE: Totally sharing that with Grandma H:)

Time lapse, more conversation blah blah blah...

Mom: trying to make a point about how hard mom's work, "Like for instance Mrs. Ewing (D's kindergarten teacher) she is a special mom because she teaches school."
D: laughing, "She doesn't work! She's still in school!" (Totally sharing that with the kindergarten teacher.)

His world is little and he is funny. He thinks Mommy is lying around eating peeled grapes, Grandma is an Old Mom looking for a project and Poor Mrs. Ewing can't seem to pass Kindergarten.

New Favorite Carsonism

Last week I went to wake up the boys. (I try to be a lot more tender than my Mom growing up..."Get up here now or you won't eat breakfast.") Anyways, I was rubbing C's back and telling him it was time to get up when I noticed that he had a used bandaid mounted on his wall with two pushpins. (Side note: does not even occur to me that he has a USED BANDAID MOUNTED TO HIS WALL WITH TWO PUSHPINS, and that is gross or even unusual. Must be numb to some behavior)

Me, "Honey, why to you have a bandaid on the wall?"
C: "Oh, I hurt my foot with the new napkin holder G made in scouts. " (That's a whole different post)
Me: "Why don't you just throw away the bandaid?"
C: Suddenly alert, "No, I need to keep it so that I remember what happened and to remind G."

Lessons learned from this exchange:
1. We are not a forgiving people at our house.
2. Even the unsuspecting and dare I say, innocent, will be held accountable for pain.
3. We should perhaps look into different ways to decorate. The current way is pretty gross.

Things I'm thankful for...

Many people have been writing about what they are thankful for so I think that I will now copy all of them and end my November with a list of what is good in my life.

My husband. (I've seen so many marriages hurt because of choices made so I am grateful for a good, kind husband.)
My boys. (They are so full of life, funnies, and fill my heart beyond belief - I am a lucky mom.)
My husband's job (I like security)
My friends. (I have had the rare opportunity this year to reconnect with friends from high school, friends from West, friends from Clearfield and friends from Clinton. I have been blessed more than most people with how truly good my friends are and have always been. Thank you to all of you)
My family. (I have not always been a mama's girl but I certainly am now and I love her tons for that. I also am thankful for the sister's and sisters in law which fill my life with a sisterhood to stand the ages.)
My testimony. ( It may not be very knowledgeable but it is mine and helps sustain me when I falter. It is my own pillar of strength.)

My life is good.

20 years later...

This morning I followed a friend to her hair appointment so that I could visit with her and another roommate from 20 years ago.

Time passes, wrinkles and weight happen, families grow and change and we all dye our hair in denial. Yet somehow inside we are still the three roommates (shout out to Sharon, the fourth roommate) with life yet to be experienced. I laughed for three hours and visited as though not a day had passed since our last visit. These girls are so very deep in my heart.

West Yellowstone brought many experiences to our lives but that summer was the best summer of my life. Midnight hikes, the never ending 'revenge' war with the Moose cast, living in the Swamp. I still have the favorite picture of my hair EVER and it is with Jody in front of a car pretending to be guards. Life was great, a constant party and the friends are the best.

I love you Paige and Jody! and to life yet to be, let us all say (to quote Jody)..."Bring it on!"

My new title

Today is quiet while Dallen and I just hang out. My little Dallen LOVES to color so he has asked for a coloring book he can see in the closet. I give it to him and he says, "It's really Garrett's coloring book but it's OK because you are the Permission Giver." Yes, and let's see how many years I can keep that title.

Band Concert

I have been to a number of my children's concerts in their little lives but we are now old enough to enjoy the wonder of a Jr High Band Concert. (It's an envious status to have but I'm sure that all of you have either been there or will be eventually,...pace yourselves:) It was nice and our band teacher has the decency to break it up into two 30 minute concerts so that the parents are able to attend their own child's part and free up space for other parents to enjoy their kids. (personally I think that he is hoping for a better turn out:)... So, we go, we enjoy - while we field questions from the other kids such as,"How much longer?", "Will we be eating at a restaurant when we are done?" You know, pressing questions which must be addressed immediately.

Now, fast forward to bedtime. I am putting Dallen to bed and he runs to his backpack and gets out a prize he earned from Kindergarten,...it's a kazoo. We play it for a minute and then he looks at me and says, "Darn, I wish I had this at Hunter's concert tonight,...I could have helped!" Really my friends, it just might have been a 'help'!

swine flu

Dallen had a last five day, swine flu. I diligently took him to the doctor's and had him diagnosed. I was a good mommy. We played quiet games. I held him, I rocked him, Grandma kindly brought more fever medicine when ours ran out. We had all kinds of quality time together.

Poor Carson came down with a horrible fever during the night. (Granted he kind of asked for it because he rolled in Dallen's bed so that he wouldn't have to go to church or school a couple days ago. snicker) So, I gave hime medicine (he is so big but so young that we should be out of that in no time) and read to him because the fever was hurting his eyes until three o'clock this morning. I also rocked him and thought,..."Heaven help me when/if Hunter and Garrett get this - these boys are getting stinking BIG for holding and rocking!"

Happy flu season my friends!

Swine Flu

My darling baby has been struggling with the flu. Yes, the dreaded swine flu. (Personally I don't see why it is getting more publicity than just our good old influenza flu, anyway...) It's been a long few days but he has turned a corner and no longer has a fever so now we simply wonder how many coloring pages or rounds of Don't Eat Pete we can both stand! He will be returning tomorrow to his teacher, I'm sure that she misses him and wishes he would hurry back.:)

However, the funniest thing about this whole thing is not Mr. D, but my cute little C. He of course doesn't see the fever, cough, aches etc. He sees that the boy doesn't have to go to church or school. So, yesterday morning I found him rolling around in D's bed trying to get as many germs as possible on himself. If there is true justice in the world, that boy WON'T get sick all winter. I giggled so hard!

In case you were wondering

D and I were playing jigsaw puzzles today. We put together the two puzzles that he has and looked around for another one to do. We ruled out some of mine because they are 1000 to 2000 pieces (thank you Aunt Shaunasee), and we thought that might take too long. Then we decided to look for a new one that G got and didn't seem too interested in. We found it and when we looked at the cover we found that it was a whopping 64 pieces. It was a whole discussion about the pros and cons of taking on such a big project.:) Then my little five year old in all of his wisdom said confidently, "Sure we can do it Mom, cause together we are AMAZING!"

...just in case you wondered if I was amazing....maybe just amazing to the ones who matter most.:)

How to know it is a Monday

On a Monday....
I always exercise because I'm rested and can conquer the world. Done.
Dinner is planned before 7am and ingredients are on the counter. Done.
Boys are woke up pleasantly and encouraged gently to get their morning routine done. Done.
Breakfast is a cooked meal. Done.

Everyone is dressed in clean clothes, it was happy, homework is done and ready to turn in. (I apparently need a weekend BETWEEN each weekday:))

THEN...Garrett needs his project driven to school, no problem we have time. The boys want to ride bikes. No problem, I don't actually need HUMAN passengers when I drive to school. Dallen rides with them so his bike is available to ride home after Kindergarten, no problem now I don't have to deal with finding the boys bikes and working the lock. While I am at the school I talk with a substitute about a volunteering issue in G's class, no problem...I was there anyways. I walk out, Carson has fallen,...small problem but we will 'walk it off'. Garrett can't find his lunch...we will have school lunch today, problem solved. Dallen doesn't want to leave school until afternoon kindergarten starts...problem, whatever don't have time to deal with it because I have parked in the wrong place and principal is not pleased. Finally, Garrett runs to the van, project not due until next week...'Thanks anyways Mom!"

My Mondays always start off great, after about two or three hours I am finished and ready for the weekend.

Blessings

Today I will get beyond myself and remember my blessings.
I have a great deal to be grateful for and sometimes I forget and spend too much time thinking about what I don't have. I guess that it is human nature to assume that the 'grass is always greener' on the other side of the fence. These days I have to constantly remind myself that others have challenges that I don't know about. My new challenge is to simply enjoy others company instead of seaching out their problems so that I can be grateful that they are not mine.

My life is not very big but it is big enough for me, and it is very full of people, things, and situations which bless me. I will be grateful today.

Canning is not for sissy's

Yesterday ALMOST kicked my butt.
1 batch of green beans.
9 batches of peach jam (23 pints)
10 batches of bottled peaches ( 24 pints, 45 quarts)

13 hours, 2 stoves, 2 water bath canners (However, one committed suicide during it's first batch...necesitating a new replacement. Lucky me I like anything new.) Close to 900 trips up and down stairs since I used both stoves. (Stormy weather made it impossible to use the camp chef on the deck right off the upstairs kitchen). 1 very agreeable Garrett who became my canning buddy when he got home from school and gave me hope amidst the craziness. Approximately 5 phone calls to Mom just so someone could cheer me on.

I love seeing my shelves fill up with food. I also feel like I am connecting on some level with my grandmothers and channeling some pioneer, so I do like to feel so handy in the kitchen. However, ...my greatest accomplishment yesterday...not one Dr. Pepper to help the day move along. Now that my friends was a first!

Birthday Quote

5 year old Nephew: "Happy Birfday Aunt Tammy"
Aunt Tammy: "Thank you, guess how old I am." (You can see this probably won't end well.)
Nephew: "I don't know...old."
Aunt Tammy: "Yes, I'm 21!" (I'm now old enough I can lie about it and not care.)
Nephew: "Man, that's OLD!"

I guess I had that one coming:)

Birthday Boy

Do you know dear one that ten years ago you broke my heart, made me love more fiercely, and become stronger than I knew I could ever be? That's a big responsibility for you when you came to us as such an itty bitty little guy who fought moment to moment in order to stay with us. Your little body was simply not up to the challenge that your soul fought head on. We are thankful each and every day that the Soul won and your body caught up. We love you so much!
Happy Birthday G!

How to know if party is a success...

So, my almost 10 year old wants a party. No problem, I am not a creative person but I do know how to use Google to get ideas. I am not worried.
Day of party comes. Can't be on actual Bday because of a scheduling conflict. (That never crossed my mind that there would be 'scheduling conflicts' on birthdays when this little guy showed up and scared all of us while we fell in love with him ten years ago).
All the boys show up, doesn't even cross our minds to invite girls because we are unaware that girls exsist, and the party starts.
Mom is armed with party games etc. I think that all goes well. Then party is technically over. It is the time on the invitation which states party will be over. However,...no one will go home, but there is a long line to use the phone to see if each little man can stay longer. The party Mom and Dad go to porch to rest because we are pooped. I question my sweetheart about how he thinks the party went, he says..."kind of lame".
I suppose one should never ask a 37 year old if he enjoyed a 10 year old birthday party.
(I'm going to side with the lingering party goers that it indeed was NOT a lame party.)

First Day of School Pictures

What a week.

Just got home from Youth Conference. It was a very good experience for the youth and a tiring experience for the leaders. (I would take girl's camp for an entire summer over camping with BOYS and GIRLS) I spent many nights searching for adventurous girls. I am now going to offer a deep felt and sincere apology to the leaders of my past who put up with my less than stellar behavior during my own summer adventures.

I have enjoyed a LONG shower and am now going to sit down and watch a movie with the boys that they are excited about sharing with me. Then, when hubby gets home I'm going to go on a hot date (probably Cafe Rio because we are just that adventurous) and if all goes well I will sleep at LEAST a solid 10 hours. Wish me luck!

Camping

We just got back from camping with friends, the trip that we all waited for all summer. This was going to be the best week ever!
Good News: Vacation over.
Bad News: Never mind...it makes me look like a negative person.
(Side note...still have great friends and we will try again next year for the best camping trip ever.)

First tooth

When H was our only one I remember fretting and living through the cranky child while his first tooth came in. It consumed a great deal of my time and energy to 'worry' that tooth in. Each boys milestones which followed were also good but I forgot to spend as much time contemplating the passing of time that each one signified. However...my baby, D lost his first tooth yesterday and I almost cried! (Normally not an emotional girl over such things) He isn't even in kindergarten for another couple weeks. No more babies at this house.
He took it better than Mommy. He asked to tell Vorwaller and when he got on the phone with her he told her about the tooth and asked for a cake. (I'm guessing as a reward for being able to loose body parts, who knows why one needs a cake for such an occasion.) Much more appealing than the phone call to Grandad where he became graphic in his detail about the bloody tissue hanging from his mouth. No, he wasn't as emotional as Mommy.

How a Five Year Old Dreams

Early this morning Dallen woke up and told me that he keeps having "great" dreams. I asked what they were about and he said that they always start at Aunt Melinda's because,..."That is where you have to be to get to Hogwarts (Harry Potter) and Star Wars."

Who knew that Aunt Melinda's house was a conduit to fantasy land? Aunt Melinda,...do you know how much you are loved? (I don't think he ever dreams about the parents and our boring house.)

We're All Together Again!

Last week was a crazy week! I went to Girl's Camp with the ward, Hunter went to Scout Camp, the other three boys went to Idaho to bask in the glow of Aunt Melinda, finally,...Les worked a couple days and then went to Scout Camp also. We all left Monday morning around 6 am and then started getting home Friday about 1 pm and we were finally all back together Saturday around 3 pm. It was a long week. The Idaho boys had the best hygiene! Aunt Melinda saw to that. Even though Les had more showers than myself, I still maintain that he smelled worse! Hunter was loving Scout Camp and is toying with the idea of being a staff member when he is old enough. We had a great weekend of swapping stories and enjoying each other when we got back. I guess that separation does make the heart grow fonder for all of us!

Deoderant and Carson

Tomorrow is day camp for the two little cub scouts so I thought that I would ensure that they wouldn't be the stinkiest little scouters in the cars on the way to camp by making sure that both of them took a shower. I checked the hair and behind the ears etc. Then I lectured on the virtues of deoderant to all of the boys. My five year old faithfully slathers his body in deoderant because he doesn't want to be left out when everybody else gets to enjoy the antiperspirant of choice. So, I don't worry about him. My twelve year old understands that girls appreciate good hygiene so I have no need to worry about him. (He loves his Old Spice). Now, the nine year old and eight year old still need guidance and we worked on that tonight. Nine year old is happy to get it over with and move on with his night. Eight year old dabs his armpits and then without a second of hesitation he pulled his pant legs UP and rub the deoderant behind his knees. I say, "No honey, just your armpits." He says, (with exaggerated patience at my simple mind:) "I need to take care of my legpits too!" I can't even argue with that.

It's all about the outdoors!

Yes, It's all about the outdoors! We went to Payson Lake last week with Matt and Mandee and their family. It was great. We had lots of different kinds of weather but we didn't care because it added to the adventure. Garrett decided that he would like to commit his life to fishing. (My he has a happy Dad). For that matter,...all the boys had a great time fishing and canoeing. I loved getting away for a few days. There is the SLIGHT chance that I MIGHT get a fishing license next year but I will wait to commit to that until we are sure that there is no sun stroke!:) Fortunately I was the only one who was nimble enough to sustain injury on the hike. We went to hike up to a waterfall, continued on and I thought that I would take the rear to catch any little ones who fell. (Do you sense that my intentions were good). Needless to say, my arms are sore and my hiney is beyond uncomfortable to use. However, in this house the more colors of a wound the greater the sympathy...so the boys feel bad about my arms and I simply guarantee them that the butt is worse! I hope everyone has a great summer!

Happy Father's Day

Yesterday was a great day to celebrate the Dad in our house! The boys got up early with me. (OK, that's not quite correct...I got up early and made them turn off the cartoons.) We made Les his favorite breakfast and the boys all made cards for him. His gifts are on order so he didn't have anything to open. We had to make the most of the homemade cards. He was pleased that each of the cards had a fishing theme to them as he LOVES to fish with the boys.

I love to hear the boys singing their favorite Father's Day songs to Les to "Help" him wake up. It was a really good day.

Les was also a trooper to share his grand day of honor with Grandad Heslop because we were able to have a retirement party for him also. It was a good night with lots of family.

Les, Daddy and Dear...we love you very much and think you are the best Dad in the World!

I did it!

Today was the last day of clinicals! I did it. The first day I was determined to quit. However, if you know me...you know that I hate to leave anything unfinished, (Lael would be so proud) but that is also probably why I rarely START anything. Then by today, the last day...I was doing well. I took things and people in stride and just did my best. I was so proud of myself when I left to return to my boys (who did a great job watching themselves today) I called Les and when he wasn't available for a "blow by blow" accounting of my day I called my girlfriend! She came through and visited about things which she has no interest in whatsoever! I Love My Friends!

Rain Out

Tonight was one of those days that make boys sad and parents grateful. Les and I had a very busy day and the boys were thankfully able to play at Aunt Rebekah's house for the afternoon. When Les came flying through the door with the boys in tow at 5:20 we were at a full run. Hunter's game was at 5:30, Carson's game at 6:00 and then Les has a meeting at 7:00. I'm running on very little sleep because of clinicals and it was a crazy night schedule. Garrett agreed to babysit Dallen so that handled two of the boys and then just as I was driving up the street in a rainstorm to get to Carson's game Les called and Hunter's game was cancelled during the first inning. All other games for the night were cancelled also. I love watching the boys play but this was one of those insane nights and now, we are all planning on cuddling up with a movie and cookies. Life is good and we love the quiet moments which come our way occasionally.

Bring On Summer

It's official! We are out of school for the Summer! Today was the last day of school. As an added bonus, our school is now going traditional so instead of going back to school next month we actually get an entire summer off like all of our cousins and friends! It is a happy house.

Hunter graduated from sixth grade and I must say that it was a very good graduation ceremony. It fills a Mommy's heart when (and here I am shamefully prideful) my son earned and won every award (except the one for overcoming a challenge in his life award) plus was mentioned during the teacher's recollection of all good things during the past year! I understand that it is only sixth grade and he has tougher roads ahead but today Hunter was an achiever and I was so proud of him! Congratulations Sweet Boy!!!

Happy Birthday Les!

Happy Birthday to my man! Happy Birthday to him, Happy Birthday dear Lester,...Happy Birthday to you!

That was a song from my heart to my Sweetie. He turned a ripe 37 yesterday. We bought steak for the grill and I got over me cake hangup long enough to make him his favorite birthday cake. We were able to spend the day with the boys and get sufficiently sunburned. It was a good day!

My child the Vandal

Last week I went outside early one morning to plant my planter in the front yard. This big old pot has been in the corner so I "bend at the knees", still "groan like a 75 year old man" and move the pot to work on it. In doing so I uncover a part of my front porch that is not normally naked. Then I see some spray paint on the front of my house. On closer inspection I also find spots behind the porch swing, on the cement and siding. Who could have possibly defaced the house like this? I immediately suspect the boys, (at this point we will not list the ORDER of my suspect list). So I call the boys out of their comfy beds and line them up ready for the inquisition.

It should be noted that my house has gray and white brick and the spray paint was gray sooooo I am very grateful that it wasn't red or purple paint.

Anyways, I line up the boys, ask who the guilty party is and explain for the one millioneth time in my life that it is better for them to confess than to lie about it. Dallen raises his hand and says "It was me." Fast forward to the phone call to my husband. I explain the crime, rat out the vandal and ask for sympathy while I live in this high crime house.:) He tries to gently soothe the savage beast (me) with some misguided pearls of wisdom to help me be a better mother. (Any ladies out there will sympathize with the helpful advise from husbands.) He tells me (again, gently) that I perhaps should watch the boys closer because children need more supervision sometimes and it's important to look in on them occasionally. Needless to say I 'accidently' hung up. (Darn phone company:) Then I asked the little criminal what Mommy was doing while he painted the house, and he says,..."You were at class Mom. Daddy was here." Well I wasted no time in calling him back and letting him know that bit of information with a repeat of the pearls of wisdom he shared with me that children need to be watched closely. It was a sweet victory!

My husband, what a hottie...

The sad news for you as a reader is that my camera was all the way out in the car and Tammy is too incredibly lazy to drag out to get it. However, my Sweet Man has finally arrived at middle age. I pointed that out to him as I laid on one couch and he sprawled on the other after church yesterday.
"How, (I hear you ask) do I know that he is now middle age and now I feel the need to share that with him?"
Two things;
1)his birthday is next Monday and he is younger than me so it can't possibly hurt to give him as much grief as possible as to his advancing years. (Mind you, my boys take great joy in reviewing Mom's age in relation to Dad's age on a daily basis.)
2)But the real giveaway as to his middle age is his fashion, or extreme lack thereof.
Let me paint you a picture...again, we are sprawled on couches and I look over at his 'after-church-cool-down-ensemble' it is as follows: Maroon polo, basketball shorts with red and white strips, (are you sensing this won't end well?) church socks-today they are black, and slippers. I may possibly overlook the clash of maroon and red in the clothing (OK not really) but I just can't allow the Man of My Dreams to wander around the house and risk someone visiting with the black sock/slipper problem. I had no other option than to laugh out loud, do a little pointing and then proceed to mock openly.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I chose this boy to be mine for eternity...I now need to add a clause that it is still a 'done deal' if and only if I get to dress him!

Heartache

My heart broke yesterday for two very different reasons. When I got over myself enough to see the outside world I realized that my personal heartache is trivial. So, this post is for the things that I am grateful for.

My sweet husband. He wasn't sure if chocolate, flowers or a night out would help. It's hard when we don't know what to say but want to be there for our loved ones.

Cathy. Life keeps us too busy to be the friends that we were a few years ago but time is not able to take the "Sister" out of us. She cares, she loves and listens. I'm sure that she loves the phone calls that start with,.."I just need someone to talk to..." She is eternally precious to me and I hope she knows how much I love my little sister.

Sisters. I was blessed with four great sisters. We love, we listen, we give advice (even if not asked for) and we are always there. My mother once said that she had seven kids so we always had someone to fight with or play with. I am never alone.

Friends. How good is the friend who will let me walk in uninvited and fall on her couch for a good cry, a large Dr. Pepper and not judge? How about the friends who help search for answers to the problem? And finally, how about the friend who calls late at night and has the decency to cry with me? Whatever choices I make at this point I have support! Life can be so good with friends who are as close as sisters. I am blessed.

All that being said, my world is small and sometimes trivial. Cathy called later with family news and I knew that the Lord was saying, "get over yourself Tammy, your energy is needed elsewhere other than that focused on yourself." I love my family dearly and pray fervently for a brighter future for them all!

How to tattle with skill.

Carson's prayer at breakfast,...
"Dear Heavenly Father, please bless Dallen that he will learn that he needs to act a WHOLE LOT GOODER before he turns eight. Bless him to say NICE things to me and not really really NOT NICE things to me."

I'm perhaps not the quickest person but it is a guess that Carson and Dallen had a fight this morning. We cannot get the child in trouble for tattleing because, as he put it,...."Mom I was talking to Heavenly Father, not you." Can you argue with that kind of logic?

The rest of the baptism...

Someone, truthfully I don't remember if it was a hometeacher or a member of the bishopric was teasing Carson and asked if he would pull the plug in the font after he was baptized.
Memo:Never plant mischevious ideas in that boy's head, it never ends well.:)

After the baptism Carson, (thank goodness) did NOT try to pull the plug but he did body surf out of the font. (Very proud moment for Mommy when her son is so reverent) However, not one brother spit into the font this time. (Don't judge me.)

Then after Les and the boys spent the entire week working on the lawn to get it ready for a family lunch it rained all day so we moved 49 people into the house with the hope and a prayer that the carpet would survive lunch. Only another mom would be able to understand the stress that accompanies that social activity. All went smoothly, we were able to visit with lots of family and friends and then I took a three hour nap when they all left.

My boys were great! Les was greater! (side note, I have been gone to Women's Conference at BYU until late last night so Les did it all.) My boys behavior was practically appropriate and Carson is pleased that he is currently 'washed clean of any sin'.

Have a great weekend friends!

Baptism

Carson with Grandma James and Great Grandma Clark
Carson with Grandma and Grandad Heslop

Carson and his Daddy

Today was Carson's Baptism. It was great, we had lots of friends and family and a wonderful afternoon being with so many people that we love.

Eight Is Great!

Carson wanted a race car cake and Aunt Jaime came through again!

Carson is so excited to be eight! He will be baptized on Saturday and confirmed right after. He is very excited about his favorite gift...the stuff to build a soap-box car with Daddy!

Spring Recital

Hunter and Katelyn (duet: "Comin Round The Mountain")

Carson (solo: "Scripture Power")

Garrett (solo: "Happy Birthday To You")

The boys did great at their recital. (obviously I'm not biased as their mother and their teacher) Both Garrett and Hunter did a solo and a duet with other students and Carson did a solo. I am so proud of them!

Back to School

It was a rough break this time we were off track. The weather worked against us and it is very hard to enjoy our time off if we are stuck inside staring at one another and drinking hot cocoa to stay warm.

So, this morning I made sure all the boys alarms were set! Clothes clean! Backpacks by the front door and breakfast planned. Last night I read to them, sang to them, prayed with them and gently explained that no one, NO ONE is allowed to get sick, have growing pains, or sleep in.

It was a successful movement! Piano practicing was done, job's tidied up, breakfast eaten and cleaned up, practically everyone brushed their teeth. (Don't judge me, we all have our challenges), the boys were scriptured with, prayed over and then I warmly stood at the door as they rode away on their bikes (a smigen early) and waved with the parting words of, "Do not come home until AFTER the final bell of the day!"

Ladies and Gentlemen, my Spring is looking up! Enjoy your day....I'm going to!

Banana Splits

To celebrate Hunter's first Priesthood Session with his Dad we had banana splits as a family when they got home and we could talk about what they learned etc. We had left over everything so I promised the boys another one (banana split) between sessions of General Conference today. When I broke out the ice cream, bananas, and all the toppings these were the orders:
Hunter: 'Don't forget Mom, no chocolate on mine." (clearly a freak of nature)
Carson: 'Don't put on anything except chocolate on mine." (even at that he just wanted a dab of chocolate)
Dallen: "I don't want a banana on mine, I'll eat one first (interpretation: plain banana on the side), Don't put any black or brown stuff on mine (interpretation: no sauces). said and done the kid just wanted a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Could these children be mine? Then, to my rescue was my current 'favorite baby' GARRETT!

He clearly is the apple not falling too far from the tree! He steps up to put in his order and says, "Just make it look like your's Mom, Your's are always good." I don't care if he is just making sure that he will always be in the will, it warms my fuzzy heart that something about their Mom is showing up in any of the boys!

(I clearly understand that it is a desperate woman who searches for any link to her children and finds a chocoholic tendancy a good thing.)

The Sleep-Over

Carson was invited to a birthday party which he REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to go to because it was going to be held at a cool place. Mommy REALLY REALLY REALLY didn't want him to go for a number of reasons. (Number one reason being, you don't even know the kid's last name...and the list goes on from there) So, in the spirit of ingenuity, or desperation - it's a fine line at times, I told my kids to do what Lael told me and my sisters so many times growing up. "Why don't you have a sleep-over with you brother's!?!" TaDa! the thought is planted and it blossomed from there. Garrett was in charge of refreshments (naturally). Hunter put himself in charge of entertainment ie games (naturally). Which left Carson and Dallen to accommodations. They 'built' a blanket tent in the downstairs family room. At this very minute, I am enjoying the very best moment of motherhood...watching my sweet boys sleep. They are exhausted from playing with each other and loving the 'camping' feel of their tent. The basement is a mess of blankets, pillows, and it's hard to tell which arms and legs belong to which boy because they are all tangled up, but hopefully this is a night that the boys will remember when they think back to growing up with their brothers.
Good night friends.

Acceptable behavior

After much consideration I will now be submitting a list of 'acceptable behavior' to the Power's That Be who are in charge of the year-round schedule for our district...(Prepare yourself,...it's been a day).
It will go something like this:
1) Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to go off track from school if the weather forecast is such that is will be impossible for said child to play outside and burn off all the energy he builds up by sleeping a solid eight hours each night.
2)Under no circumstances will a child be allowed to go off track if there is the slightest inclination on the part of the educator that said child will be overcome with boredom and need to follow his mom from room to room for approximately 10 hours a day. Note: Said Mom has a life, which often does NOT include being part of a train of bored people.
3)Any appointments which the school must have students and parents at shall herefore only be allowed to be made during the child's regular track time. It puts unnecessary strain on the parent/child relationship to get him cleaned up in 'school' clothes while off-track. (The child, not the parent)
4)In the future, if the school curriculum includes the health teacher passing out recipes for "tasty treats all children can help make" with the admonishment to "Make sure to try them all while off track," then it is the school's responsibility to insure that a grocery list with an accompanying Personal Shopper should arrive at the house 24 hours before the child and his paper.

Friends, let us all pray for warmer weather! (At least for the next two weeks!)

Cutest Five Year Old in the House!

The Birthday Boy had to have a 'tank' cake. Aunt Jaime did a fabulous job and all was happy at the Birthday house.

He warms our hearts and fills the family with laughter, love and "squishy" hugs!

Happy Birthday Mr. Big Five Year Old!

The Saddest Thing

We love Friday! The boys love it because it is early-out from school and the start of the weekend and every other great thing about Friday. I love it because for the weekend I don't have to get boys showered, check for matching socks, and make sure the homework is signed and notes from teachers are read. All in all, we each win. Today is even better because we are going off track! Some Mommy's hate it, not me. I am ready to not be making pancakes at 7 am in the hopes that they can stay full until lunch time etc. However, the saddest thing is when the baby, (yes, I know he is almost five) has waited all day for the 'boys' to get home to play with him. Then they get home and turn around to go outside to play in the sunshine and enjoy friends. Normally they are really great about letting D tag along, however,...D is starting this very great weekend with the flu. He and I have spent the day sipping Sprite and nibbling saltines. Now, he is standing at the big picture window trying to convince me that it's not a fever and promises he 'will not throw up again' if I will just let him join his brothers in the sunshine. My Mommy heart is sad, so I must go play Candyland for the millionth time today!

Waffles!?!

Garrett is home sick, (not really but that's too long of a story) and is helping with small kids during piano lessons. The baby he is watching seems to be eating a waffle piece. Curious since that was last night's dinner and we make a habit of cleaning up the kitchen. When I question Garrett on the whereabouts of the aforementioned waffle (after mentioning that babies younger than one year should not be fed such things for snacks), he says that he found it in Dallen's box he keeps his shoes in. Side note: It doesn't even occur to me to seem surprised at that bit of information. When I asked Dallen he continued coloring a picture and said, "Oh, I put it there, I'm making a leprechan trap."
At this point everybody in the room begins to speculate at just what would be the perfect bait for a leprechan trap.
It is my opinion that we need to get out more.

Glasses

The school nurse says, "He failed but I think he is lying."
The Good Mommy says, "You're probably right."

Take the boy to the eye doctor

The Good Mommy says, "Quit lying, we know you can see we just want to find out if letters and numbers are getting turned around in your head."
The Eye Doctor says, "Mrs. James (perhaps a little sharper than necessary), he ISN'T lying. This child IS far-sighted and CAN"T see things up close, he WILL need glasses!"

It's a great day when you realize that everything you did for a child was the wrong thing to do for the child. eg moving to the front of the room, lots of reading with the child etc.

Folks, he is a new man. Loves, his glasses and Mommy has learned to love a little more and search a little harder for answers. Humble pie is a dry dessert!

Honey Do List

Last Saturday I give my Honey a 'Honey Do' list. It was a hard list of moving lots of furniture to different rooms or out of the house entirely. He was a trooper...all was going well until he tried to get the two couches out of the family room downstairs. (We had moved them in before we had finished the basement). Needless to say, there was a great deal of frustration, and elevated emotions (interpretation: grouchy) when he finally grabbed his circular saw and the couch met it's impending doom.
Do you think that he will be called to help the Elder's Quorom move anything soon!?!

Here I Go...

I did it. My nerves were shot before I even began. However, I did it! I went back to school! Many, many years ago I earned by bachelors and walked away with the resolve to not 'do that again'. (I actually remember having that thought on my graduation day.) School was fine but I was happy it was over.
Now, I'm back. This time I actually have a career in mind, (nursing) and a really great support crew at home. The boys, and Les have been great and so I bundled up my nerves, slipped on a backpack (which did not double as a diaper bag as it did many times in the past 12 years) and left for school. I feel a little dusty but it will be a great challenge.

You learn new things every day.

So, we all know that Sacrament Meeting is a wonderful hour of reflection and opportunity to gain from the truths shared. That being said,...I often learn so many OTHER things during this hour of spiritual fulfillment.
Yesterday's lesson: Turns out that after Mom does her 'going-to-church-pat-down-of-the-boys" we should never, ever decide to fill the pockets of our suit with sunflower seeds with the intent to eat them during the aformentioned meeting so to stay off impending starvation. (Of course we are talking Garrett here, and it's not even Fast Sunday...he's simply ALWAYS sure he will starve to death.) So, if we suck all the salt off the shell, bite the shell to get out the seed, Mom will not be at all happy if we spit the shell into her bag carrying her scriptures and YW stuff.
Clearly a more detailed plan was needed.
Garrett also learned that Mom can remember the offense through the entire block of church and is still willing to hand down judgement afterwards.

Hairy Ears!?!

On Sunday Dallen falls asleep on my lap during Sacrament. (OK, truthfully, half my boys including Les, fall into a coma as soon as they hear the organ and don't wake up until they are shaken by their Mommy to move along to Primary. They will have no idea what actually HAPPENS during Sacrament until this behavior changes and Garrett is STILL nodding off like a baby!) Anyways...Dallen, cries and cries and cries and eventually he comes to YW with me and is still unhappy. Very unlike him, he is usually super happy all of the time. Fast forward,...Sunday night: Dallen is sent to bed a hundred times and finally he says his ears hurt. (Of course they do, middle of the night on a weekend is the only time to be very ill!) About 2:30 in the morning he says to me, "Mom, I think the problem is my ear feels very hairy inside." then a very dramatic pause, "like Dad's". He does have a raging ear infection but if you ask him he is convinced that it is because his ears are becoming like Daddy's.
Should we all have such problems:)

Hot Saturday Night!

My Sweet Honey spent the day fishing with the two older boys. I got custody of and quality time with the two younger boys. We cleaned, grocery shopped, colored, visited a doctor for one of them...it was a great day. Then Sweet Honey gets home with my other two babies (sunburned from a day of unprotected skin on the ice and snow) and they let me know that he and the oldest one are going to have a 'man movie' in the living room. No problem, it's Lord of the Rings and I've already walked out on that once during my marriage, so it's not a temptation to intrude on Man Time. The younger three boys claim the office for a viewing of one of the Star War movies. (Truly, I don't care which one it was, not one of them interest me no matter how hard I try.)

Now, my options are limited. All TV's are in use. All books are read. So, I did what any mother could do when baned to her room for the night. First, I nap and then I spent the night watching CMT. It's been an awfully long time since I waisted a couple hours watching music videos! Turns out,...I must get a life!

"Go That Way Fast"

"Go fast, that way" were the instructions Dallen received from his brothers when they taught him to ride a two wheeler two summers ago. Now, fast forward to two days ago. Dallen was again on his bike and big brother Carson felt he could now play with the big boys. So, Carson took his skateboard, and Dallen (on Dallen's bike) to the top of the little hill straight out from the house. Carson laid down on the skateboard (on his belly) and somehow held on the to back of Dallen's bike. Then he gives Dallen the ill-fated instructions to "Go Fast, That Way (and then adds) And Don't Stop". Anyone who knows my baby knows that he is obedient. So Dallen heads down the hill as fast as he can. Carson starts out OK but then the skateboard flys out underneath him. At this point we aren't sure WHY Carson didn't let go, but needless to say...Dallen kept going, dragging the big brother behind him. We now have a very big, very owie road rash seven year old.
Side note...Garrett watched the whole thing, then walked the screaming crying Carson home. However, he would not carry the skateboard because, "It wasn't my idea Mom." So, Carson had to carry home his own skateboard. It makes you almost want to tear up with emotion at the tenderness my boys display for one another. Enjoy the good weather friends!