MJ

Eight years and counting...

2012-01-31T14:08:00.003-07:00

Dear Husband,
Yesterday we celebrated eight years of marriage! Eight years really, where has the time gone? These videos have nothing to do with our wedding anniversary, but everything to do with our life together which would not be possible without the first right. Thank you for these last eight years, the joys, the heartaches, the laughs, the tears, the four beautiful children. I love you XO

2011-11-18T18:53:00.002-07:00

Photo album made with Smilebox

Halloween

2011-11-14T12:42:00.006-07:00

I would be a bad mother if I did not post Halloween pictures. It is Caden's favorite holiday. This year we had a pirate, a little girl who could not make up her mind, and Buzz Lightyear. Sophia was tinker bell on Saturday for a ward trunk or treat, then sleeping beauty for her class party, then a fairy princess for trick or treating. It is a good thing she has a dress up box! this year was perfect weather for trick or treating the kids didn't even need coats over their costumes. They went with their friends from the neighborhood and came back with tons of candy and hopefully some great memories!

At long last

2011-11-14T12:20:00.009-07:00

After what seemed to me like months of false labor, November 3rd finally arrived. I was originally due on November 10th, however my doctor was leaving the country on the 11th. He asked if I wanted to be stared, I didn't even hesitate, I think it was more like 'Yes please!' Everything about this pregnancy just seemed harder on me and labor was no different. My last two labors went very quickly, and my last one was almost easy! This little girl had plans of her own. So after my water was broken we waited, and waited. The two hour mark that I had not passed with previous pregnancies came and went. The nurse said I was right on target progressing just like I should. By the forth hour I was done. How do woman labor for so long? I started asking for the epidural and they kept saying are you sure? Maybe it was because I kept saying I think I want the drugs now, maybe I did not sound urgent enough for them. When I was told it takes about ten minutes for the epidural to set in I was sold. All I could think was in ten minutes I will be out of pain, I can relax, then I don't care when she decides to come. Turns out she only needed about ten more minutes. At 1:47 on November 3rd my life was changed forever when my baby girl was placed in my arms.

Eden Marie

7lbs 3oz

19 inches

2 Years

2011-10-17T13:32:00.004-06:00

His laugh is infectious, his smile contagious. He has an obsession with balls. He has a great overhand throw, is learning how to catch(and does well most times), shoots hoops with precision, holds and swings a baseball bat correctly, kicks soccer balls great, and is working on his dribble. He is not bad with a golf club either. Did I mention he has an obsession? We celebrated his second birthday in between conference sessions this year. Complete with taco bar, (his favorite food) tons of balls, and a pinata. It was not lost on him that he was getting all of the attention. The kid is a ham and he knows how to turn on the charm. When I took him in for his two year old check up he had the nurse wrapped around his finger, she kept telling him how he just made her day. Our family has sure been blessed, we love you Luke!

Papa comes to town

2011-10-16T22:19:00.006-06:00

My mom usually comes to visit about once a year, but my dad we see far less often. He hadn't seen Luke since he was about a month old. When they reunited they became good buds.

We had a lot of fun with Papa. He got our house ready for Halloween, we picked pumpkins, and I got a new faucet installed. My dad is a very hard worker and I remember him always busy working. It was nice to have him here just relaxing and having fun, enjoying the kids. In the words of my two year old it was "awesome!"

1st Grade

2011-08-22T11:31:00.009-06:00

He got up with the sun today. He wanted to leave as soon as he was dressed. How long does this enthusiasm for school last? The whole family got ready and followed him to school as he rode his bike. In he walked, not bothered, but also not caring that he had an entourage. He was to excited to pose for pictures, we tried our best. Mondays are pizza day so we have decided he can have school lunch on Mondays, I read the menu to him last night. When I mentioned tossed salad his dad says "oh, tossed salad because he will be tossing that in the trash" he chimed in with "I am not eating my vegetables." He did agree to eat the fresh grapes.

Shop till someone drops

2011-08-04T15:19:00.005-06:00

When I was young I loved going to the store. I enjoyed grocery shopping and making a million stops getting in and out of the car. Okay so maybe my memory is a little hazy, but I most definitely did not torture my mother at every corner, whining with every stop, making running errands the most torturous endever for her, did I? My kids are not errand runners. They hear the word and cover their ears screaming "nooooooooooo, not today!" So this morning as exahasted as I was became determined to get all of my earrands, (which included haircuts for two kids) done with one stop. So of to the dreaded Walmart we went. I have to say I dislike Walmart for a lot of reasons, but today I loved them as I not only got everything done, but done in an hour and a half without a single meltdown! Now that is an accomplishment in my book. Thank you Walmart for having so much at one stop, for once having everything I needed, and especially for opening up a few more check out lanes so we were not stuck at the dreaded check out forever!

The Frumpy Wife

2011-07-20T08:23:00.002-06:00

I know I have fallen into this category from time to time. The thing is it usally makes me feel down, so one week I decided I was going to get dressed, do my hair put on make-up even if all I was doing that day was cleaning toilets and the only people likely to see me was my family. All week long I would take the time and get dressed up, and all week long I got not a single compliment from my husband, which was fine I was doing this for me anyway. Then after a week I decided it was taking me to long and Luke was especially needy so I just didn't do it. I threw on a t shirt,my basketball shorts, pulled my hair into a pony-bun thing, no make up. That night my husband comes home and is talking to me then he suddenly stops looks at me and says "you look really cute today!"

My big annoncment

2011-06-23T07:14:00.002-06:00

Everyday I feel like I need to blog because as much as I think I will be taking care of babies for the rest of my life they are growing up, I will forget. I'm not a journal keeper. I need to blog and turn this in to my record for posterity. We've been busy with tumble bus, dance camp, and a growing two year old with a growing vocabulary and very strong opinions. Yesterday the whole family went to my twenty week ultra sound appointment. We are having a healthy baby girl! Caden was hillarious the first thing he said was "it looks like a turtle!" He wanted a monkey, (he is currently obsessed with a video game called Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz. He wanted a brother so we could name him Monkey Ball, I informed him we would only use that name if it was a monkey.) Through the course of the ultra sound he saw an alien, a robot, even the galaxy! Complete with stars and the planets. Sophia of course beamed with the knowledge she is getting a little sister, I'm not sure she understood the images on the screen were actually her new sister. Luke just wanted his mom the whole time. He knew I was the one getting attention he likes to be where the attention is. It was one of those moments you want to etch in your brain forever, to see my four children together. There are no words, I will tell you there were tears though, the good ones.

Little Girl

2011-04-18T15:33:00.005-06:00

On Saturday we went on a shopping date. We were in search of sandals the sun was finally making an appearance, we needed to be prepared. As we headed to the car she noticed that I had grabbed my sunglasses. She stops and looks up at me remembering how her last pair of sunglasses was ruined by her little brother.
"Mom, I think we need to go shopping for new sunglasses for me."
She stood in front of the rack of sunglasses looking, touching, trying on, one after the other. Some twice, others I was told out right were ugly. In the end I think she was happy with her decision. Later I was telling Sean how long she took to pick a pair of sunglasses, he looked at me and laughed.
"Did you really just complain to me about someone taking their time shopping?" I had to smile.

March

2011-04-08T13:49:00.011-06:00

In March Caden got his first stitches, and knowing him probably not his last.

I had a blast with old friends from collage, (some I hadn't seen since collage!) and our kids met.

Spring tried to come

And this guy just keeps getting bigger!

BFF

2011-02-01T14:09:00.005-07:00

My two oldest children declared the other morning that they are best friends. I found this picture and had to smile. I have to remind my self of these moments as I referee their arguments.

11 days till Christmas

2010-12-14T15:50:00.004-07:00

It's Official I'm skipping the Christmas card this year :( Time is just not on my side, neither is energy, or children that will sit nice for a quick photo. So here is my wishing you all a merry and bright holiday season.
This morning Caden, who is learning how to read, looked at the word Christmas and said "mom, it says Christ." We have been trying to make this a Christ centered holiday and I hope the true meaning of Christmas, and the amazing gift of our Savior is sinking in for them, and for me.

October catch-up picture style

2010-11-21T05:44:00.006-07:00

A first birthday Samoan style. Lots of food, lots of people, lots of fun.

Halloween with a builder, a fairy princess,
and of course Jack o'lante rns.

Where has the time gone?

2010-11-15T11:07:00.002-07:00

Someday I'll update this blog. But right now it is lunch time and mommy duties are calling, literally "Mom I am hungry for lunch right now!"
I'm off before I have a peanut buttered floor.

Flash Back Friday for Luke

2010-10-01T07:22:00.005-06:00

October 1, 2009
In my mind I didn't feel like it was time, there were no contractions, no pain, no sense of anything really. Just the simple fact that my outwardly protruding belly kept me from seeing my toes, left a constant ache in my lower back, and threw my equilibrium way off. I had put in the time, I was done, ready for it to be over. Yet I could not shake the gloom of guilt that hung over me for choosing the day my son would enter the world. I had a fear of being induced, even felt like a bad mother for forcing a natural process. I had gone in to labor twice on my own before, I knew my body could do it. Still I agreed to end the pain and discomfort the pregnancy was causing me, praying that my baby would be healthy and strong.
At nine o'clock that morning they started my pitocin. By now my body had started to contract on it's own. They were few and far between and I hardly felt them. With the help of medication they became more frequent but no more painful. At about nine thirtyish the doctor broke my water. Contractions started coming more frequently and with more intensity. I heard a newborn cry from the next room and suddenly I wanted to hold my baby, to hear his cry. I closed my eyes as the contractions began coming much quicker and were now becoming painful. I breathed, I focused, I continued to tell myself I could do this. The nurse began preparing the room and informed the doctor that I was having a baby very soon. My husband paced, talked softly, and would gently move my hair from my face between contractions. Then I hit that place were I think I can not bear it for another minute. I looked at the nurse begging her to tell me there was still time for an epidural even though I knew that window had long since been closed. I asked anyway and as I did the doctor came in. It was time. On October 1st 2009 at 11:05 am Luke was born into our family. I had known he was coming for so long and he was finally here. Mine forever.
Happy Birthday Luke.

My kids fight more then yours! So there!

2010-09-28T11:08:00.004-06:00

Sibling rivalry, currently the ache in my head. Why oh why can't they just get along. Who started the I wish you were not part of my family business. I am tired of it, you guys love each other! Yes we are happy Jesus created your little sister. Yes your brother is your friend. No your sister is not weird, well maybe, but that makes her good not bad. Start your prayer over and this time bless your brother/sister (depends on who said the prayer). Say you're sorry and give her/him a hug. Now this time smile and screaming I'm sorry does not count.

Oh the bright side when they do get along they are the best of friends.

The little lady

2010-09-12T22:06:00.004-06:00

She started her first year of preschool. I say first year because next year she will do it again. I was hesitant, her dad thought she was ready. I thought for sure she would cling to me. She was not as brave as her big brother, this was my little girl. I walked her in and braced myself for her tears. In my mind I saw myself peeling her off of my leg, hugging her, reassuring her I would be back. Immediately after we enter she gets lost in the scuffle of little kids and clinging parents. I felt out of place, she seemed right at home showing her teacher her Princess and the Frog backpack. Alas no big pealing her off me scene I feared, she hugged and a kissed me and excitedly waved goodbye. She came home thinking she was the stuff because she is a big girl and goes to school.

Day one

2010-08-31T12:30:00.004-06:00

He didn't want me to walk him to school this morning. "I'm big you know mom," he informed me. He already knew were his class was, he had already met his teacher, he did not need me. I walked him. He didn't cry, he barely even looked up as I left. Tears welled up in my eyes as I left him. How did he get so old?

Dear Disney,

2010-08-18T02:03:00.004-06:00

Would you kindly refrain from plastering your princesses on everything from fruit snacks to shoes. You and I both know that Sleeping Beauty does not make anything taste better, and Cinderella doesn't know anything about comfortable shoes (glass slippers, really?). However I know a certain three year old that believes she must have all things princess. She believes that her life would not be complete without the princess shoes, you know the not so cute but much more expensive ones.
Regards,
MJ

The winds of change

2010-08-18T01:53:00.004-06:00

I have never been a fan of change. Almost immediately after I changed the look of this blog I missed the old layout the one I was comfortable with and knew. I have a comfort zone and I hate leaving it. My life is about to change, I am going to have a schedule. My oldest will soon be in kindergarten and my middle child in preschool. No more lazy mornings of we'll get there when we get there. Now we have places to be. Come on wind bring on the change...I think I can manage.

2010-08-12T17:10:00.000-06:00

A photo collage by Smilebox

Now is it time?

2010-08-12T15:45:00.006-06:00

It seems I am asked everyday if Christmas is tomorrow. Every toy my daughter sees belongs on her list for Santa to buy her...if only. Last night while playing with her doll house that Santa so kindly brought her last Christmas she says, "I can't wait to see Santa so I can tell him thank you for my doll house!" Is it bad that I secretly hope that they discover the truth behind Santa sooner then later? I'd love to take credit for the guy.

Full Flavor

2010-07-15T07:11:00.005-06:00

The other day while in line at Subway I noticed they had things broken down nicely for you to make healthy decisions. For sauces it read low fat then listed all the low fat options then below that it read full flavor. That's right full fat= full flavor. I had to laugh. Personally I really enjoy Subways low fat options (not sure how truly healthy they are) their sweet onion sauce is yummy! But why is it that low fat/low cal or healthy options for that matter are just never as good? Does anyone have any good low fat but FULL flavor recipes? We are trying to eat healthier around here, but I love me some full flavor!

My pick me up

2010-07-07T08:13:00.006-06:00

He can turn any frown upside down. We have grown attached. He hasn't even been in this world for a year yet and I can not imagine my life without him. The truth is it was love at first sight, life was changed the second I looked at him. He kept me up all night, and this morning I may be tired, but I still smile thinking of his toothy grin. I dare you to look at him and not instantly have a better day!

FIVE

2010-07-04T22:14:00.006-06:00

He has very specific requests for his parties. Lately they do not include licensed characters. Last year he wanted a Wipeout party. He still LOVES that show but this year he requested a water party. He has been planning since early May. I showed him a picture of a water park cake and it was over that was to be his cake. It was worth the effort after hearing "Wow mom you did a good job. I am impressed!" And just like that I have a five year old!

Time...

2010-06-17T19:53:00.009-06:00

is so fleeting and my memory fails me.
I need to record more before the memories are gone forever into the inaccessible part of my brain. Like how Luke is now crawling, and exploring, and eating EVERYTHING, and doing it all with almost eight teeth (three are still working their way out)! I want to remember how Sophia insists on being called Ariel and that her first crush was on Eric. I had tried to keep The Little Mermaid from her, it just wasen't one of my favorites, but nothing was better then seeing her eyes go big and her mouth falling open letting out a quite "wow" when I placed the movie in her hands for the first time. I will never regret letting her watch it as I hear her dance around and say "oh Eric" and giggle. Not sure how I'll feel when Eric is real and she is sixteen but for now I will remember it is cute! I don't want to forget how inquisitive Caden has become, with such an amazing little imagination. On a recent road trip he asked us as we passed through the town of Green River why there was a large GR on the side of the mountain. Before we could even answer he pipes up with "Oh I know for the bears! Because they live in the mountains and say grrrrr!" Most of all I always want to remember how blessed I feel at the end of the day as I peek in on these sleeping monkeys, and realize I get to be their mom.

The life of a four year old

2010-03-17T16:06:00.005-06:00

Today he was on a mission to wear green. This was all he had. I think he looked quite handsome, so naturally I wanted a picture. He was not thrilled, (by his lack of green shirts, or the picture I couldn't tell), but he did try to fake a smile for me.

This I was told is me and Luke, the day Luke came out of my tummy. I personally like how skinny he thinks my legs are!

My three stooges

2010-02-17T15:58:00.007-07:00

I bet you didn't know that eleventeen is a number, I know a little girl who never misses it! Or that things are not seen in our house they're sawed. And the word exciting is used to show excitement to do something, for example, on the way to Chuck E. Cheese's same said girl kept exclaiming "I'm so exciting!" I have to give it to her she is that as well. I can't believe how fast they are growing and how fleeting this highly entertaining learning of the English language stage is! Caden is almost completely out of it. I am surprised at how well he speaks now, and how much he knows!

Cute as a button

2010-02-10T10:42:00.008-07:00

My mom has been telling me I need to make these buttons. I think they are called buttons because the first person to make them said; "these things are cute as a button!"
As my son calls them "buttons you can eat!"

What you need:
Square pretzels
Hershey kisses
Peanut butter M&M's

How it's done:
Preheat oven to 200
place pretzels on a cookie sheet. Top each with a kiss (Most time consuming part, does anyone know why they do not sell unwrapped kisses?) Put in oven for about 5 minutes, just until the kiss is soft enough to press an M&M in it. Press one M&M in each.
Fun and easy for the kids to make. Pressing the M&M's in was a little tricky for them but we had fun.
Enjoy!

A photographer in the making

2010-02-03T13:01:00.005-07:00

This past December my son had his first Christmas program. In the rush to get us all there on time I forgot my camera :( When I realized this I mentioned it aloud. "Oh don't worry mommy! I have mine," my daughter pipes up from the back seat. I turn to look at her holding up her toy camera with the hugest smile, so happy she could save the day. She brought it in and proudly took several pictures, all of which I believe would have been worth sharing had they been on my camera and not her Little Mermaid talking one. Since the camera we got her for her birthday turned out to be junk, here is a photo she took on her own with my camera.

Conversations at the breakfast table

2010-01-27T20:35:00.004-07:00

My son loves blueberries, a lot. How much is a lot? He told me this morning.
Son: Mom, can I have more blueberries?
Me: Yes
Son: Mom, can I have a million blueberries?
Me: Well, how much is a million?
Son: Mom, (in a completely serious tone), a million is a lot.

The newbie

2010-01-20T19:45:00.007-07:00

Known around here as Lukey, Lukster, or simply the dude. He is slowly turning from newborn to active baby giving us glimpses of his personality. He has discovered that he controls his hands and loves to grab whatever he can reach. He loves watching his older siblings play, and is a big baby babbler. His favorite game is peek-a-boo, and his daddy was the first to make him laugh. The other day I had a discussion about how tiny baby cries are so enduring. I have to admit baby cries (when not at three am) are cute, but baby giggles melt my heart.

A real conversation

2010-01-17T21:04:00.006-07:00

Me to daughter: "Can you please come and put your PJ's on."
Daughter: completely ignores me.
Me again: "Um, can you please come and get ready for for bed?" in a slightly irritated tone.
Daughter: singing to her doll, completely oblivious of me.
Me now yelling: "Get over here right now and get ready for bed!"
Daughter looks up shocked: "Please stop yelling at me." in the calmest sweetest voice ever.
Me, realizing I should not have yelled: "Well, you were just not listening to me. I needed to get your attention."
Daughter: "Oh, I wasn't listening?" looking way to innocent, and in same sweet tone, "I'm sorry momma, I'll get ready for bed."

Hello old friend

2010-01-17T20:20:00.005-07:00

It seems with the beginning of each new year I vow to prioritize, organize, and just get it together. At the end of each year I'm, well I'm still just me, somewhat prioritized, not very organized, and rarely all together. This year I still vow to prioritize, organize, and get it together, (one day I'll get there, wherever there is!), BUT I also vow to enjoy the ride. I spend so much time and energy chasing the perfect place I hope to get to, I sometimes forget to enjoy my here and now. My resolution this year is to enjoy here and now, even if that means loving no sleep, and still being way to many sizes to count away from fitting my clothes. (Yep I broke down and bought me the fat pants.) In my pursuit to enjoy the journey I want to spend more time actually doing things I enjoy, even though it might be hard to get a minute to myself. One thing I haven't done lately is blog which at one point of time I really enjoyed. So here is a new beginning to my old blog, I've missed you old friend!

Coming Soon

2010-01-14T09:49:00.001-07:00

I'm back and ready to do this! As soon as I get a minute I'll be back on the blogging wagon baby! It's coming soon.

The wait is over!

2009-10-06T13:53:00.001-06:00

Luke Aloimatu
Born: October 1st
Weight: 7lbs. 8ozs.

Everything went fantastic we are so happy to have him as a part of our family!

The name game

2009-09-04T14:18:00.005-06:00

I must confess the whole naming a child thing kind of stresses me out. I have felt for so long that I needed a name for this soon to be born baby and have felt a little out of sorts because he did not have one. He is not here yet but I think we have found a name! This makes me ecstatic really because we have NEVER come up with a name before the child is born and if we have it always changes. We all have even begun calling him by his name! I am not posting it yet just because I don't want to jinx myself, but I finally have found the name I LOVE. So stay tuned for the big revel as soon as he arrives hopefully sooner then later. Oh and I even have a girl back up just in case.

My son the fish

2009-07-31T22:11:00.003-06:00

My son has no fear of water. NONE. We sent him up to go down the slide which he has been doing alone since he was two only to find him standing at the edge of the 10 foot waterfall! Without hesitation and to my horror he jumped. After watching all his older cousins have fun jumping off the waterfall he figured he could do it too.

July is over already?

2009-07-31T14:34:00.006-06:00

This month has been a whirlwind of activity, and a roller coaster of emotions.
In the past month we celebrated four years of my sons life, had a dog for two weeks (my kids LOVED having Muffin and we are willing to take him any time Aunt Julie is in town), enjoyed the annual family swim party, ate lots of watermelon, enjoyed lots of time with cousins, enjoyed riding uncle James' boat, and especially had a wonderful time with Grandma. We will miss her a lot.
Just a few photos to remember July.

My son on puppies and how babies are made

2009-06-21T08:37:00.003-06:00

As we drove past Pets Mart my son asked "can we get a puppy on this day (his way of saying today)?"
To which I replied, " not today."
"How about on the next day (his way of saying tomorrow)?"
"We will not be getting a dog until the babies are all grown," I informed him, "we first have to have this baby (referring to the little guy in my tummy)."
Puppies now forgotten he says, "Oh, I know mommy then you can ask your doctor to put another baby in your tummy!"
"Is that how it works?" I asked.
"Yes, so after you have this baby then you can say to your doctor, can you please put another baby in my tummy?"
"And what will my doctor say?" I asked him.
"He'll say oh yes!"
The innocence of children, I love it.

We soon will be five

2009-05-28T17:31:00.004-06:00

The morning of my ultra sound my husband asked the kids what they thought the baby would be. My son says "a boy baby!" My daughter shouts "a girl baby!" they continue to go back and forth with this until finally my son says "I know two babies one boy baby and one girl baby!" My daughter satisfied with this solution says "oh yes!"

Well there was only one baby and he looks healthy with everything accounted for thus far. Like our other children this little guy was not shy at all and very much wanted us to see that in fact he was all boy. He was very active. While he made it hard to get all the data that was needed he sure put on a good show even sticking out his tongue, yawning and giving us a big wave.

I cut it!

2009-05-08T08:24:00.008-06:00

So after months of trying to grow out her bangs, and watching her literally look at me through her hair, I could take no more. She made it nearly impossible to brush, refused to let me put anything in it, and never seemed to mind it bouncing off her lashes. So I caved... I cut it...myself. My husband misses the old hair, I laugh every time I look at her, but it is just hair after all, it grows back right!

Good Dad in the House

2009-05-02T10:13:00.005-06:00

My son to his dad: "Dad can you be a kid again and be my best friend?"
His dad truly is his best friend. It is sweet to watch them play, forming a bond I hope lasts forever.
When asked what he wants to be when he grows up "A dad!" always said with a beaming face.

High Five

2009-04-27T15:28:00.002-06:00

The other night we went to an all you can eat place for dinner. ( I was tried and hungry and it just sounded good to me don't ask!) After eating my two year old was ready for desert. I took her over and thinking that we would just share I let her pick a bowl of ice cream, a piece of carrot cake, and a cookie. When we returned to the table my sister says to her "wow, that is a lot of dessert!" She beams back and says " yes, my ice cream, my cake, and my cookie!" Then she reaches her little palm across the table and shouts "high five!"

Say what?

2009-04-22T08:09:00.004-06:00

My son really wants a dog. We recently spent time with my in-laws who have two dogs and he has wanted a little dog like grandma's ever since. I sat down with him and began explaining that dogs were a lot of work. I asked him who would feed the dog? He replied enthusiastically "I will!" I asked him well who will walk the dog? Again an excited "I will!" And who will clean up the poop if the dog poops in the house? He tilts his head, "ummm...Mom will!" and that is why we are not getting a dog anytime soon.

Are you kidding me?

2009-04-16T07:37:00.002-06:00

Not exactly what you want to wake up to on April 16th.

Naps

2009-04-08T15:55:00.004-06:00

When they happen it is a good thing. Since my daughter discovered how to open the child proof knob on her room nap time has been a little more difficult to come by in our house. I have to "police" her door or she will not stay in there long enough to fall asleep. I have to admit I was a little lazy about this today and finally gave up and suggested we all go down to watch a movie. It worked like a charm they were both out in no time. I know not the greatest tool, I need to lay down the law and stick to it! But for now I am enjoying the free time.

Angels and flying

2009-03-23T12:32:00.005-06:00

On the drive home from church yesterday my husband asks my son what he learned in primary. He replied "Angels" to which I was a little excited because he usually answers Jesus.
"Really?" I said "Well what did you learn about angels?"
"Oh, that they fly," he says in a very matter of fact, almost I can't believe you even have to ask sort of way.

My Blessing

2009-03-03T16:28:00.005-07:00

For some reason our little boy has decided to stop praying. Every night we ask him to say the prayer he quietly refuses and we say his prayers for him. Somewhat distraught by this I asked him why to which he gave me no reply. I explained the importance of prayer and why we did it. I then prayed on my own that his little heart, that used to be so eager to pray, would again yearn to speak with his Heavenly Father. Yesterday I was a little out of commission and explained to him that I was not feeling well. Sometime during the day, in between his movie watching and my resting on the couch, he came to me and said mommy you need to be blessed. I smiled at his sweetness and he asked if he could bless me. I had to hold back tears as he folded his arms and said a prayer in my behalf. He also prayed about how much fun he had been having that day and how much fun he hoped to have playing at the park later with his dad. I think that is what I missed the most about him not praying, he always has such a childlike innocence as he speaks what is on his mind truly talking to his loving Father in Heaven. I am grateful for prayer and the blessing of having such a sweet little boy entrusted to my care.

Tagged!

2009-02-22T13:35:00.012-07:00

I thought this one was fun thanks Robyn!
Rules:
1. Go to the document/my pictures site on your computer
2. Go to the sixth file
3. Go to the sixth picture
4. Blog about it
5. Tag 6 people

My feeble attempt at trying to take "cool" pictures. This is my son and his best friend. I believe this was taken not to long before we moved. The boys grew up together and I think might have seen each other close to everyday of there young lives. It was sad to move away from such good friends and now even more distance separates us. I am glad we have so many pictures of the two of them!

I hate tagging I never know who to tag. So I tag the first six people who read this and haven't already done it!

Not our little girl

2009-02-05T14:13:00.006-07:00

The other day I overheard my husband telling his mom our little girl is no angel. I had to smile, and agree angel is not a word I'd use to describe our two year old. She is kind, loving, spunky, hilarious, independent, fearless, stubborn, and very social, but angel she is not. She talks a ton now and I have to say it gets me every time when she gets her little arms around my neck squeezes and says "I love you mommy!" I am telling you this one knows how to work it. As I watch her little personality come out more and more I can't help but hope she hangs on to that fearless, independent fire she has in her and uses it to make her world a better place.

A few days late...

2009-02-02T13:00:00.010-07:00

FIVE YEARS! Thank you love for five wonderful years, two fabulous children, and eternity to look forward to. I love you.

Wickedly sad girl

2008-12-12T14:51:00.003-07:00

I was really excited to go and see Wicked which is passing through town. After trying to get tickets online for an hour I gave up (yes I really wasted an hour of my life hitting the refresh button!). Apparently they were not prepared for the masses and it sold out pretty fast. Of course plenty of tickets are floating around the internet if you want to pay $500 a pop! I might as well go to NYC and see it on Broadway. Did anyone get tickets?

A new twist on an old favorite

2008-12-08T13:26:00.005-07:00

I went to my first ever cookie exchange, YUM! I must admit cookies are one of my favorite things about Christmas. Someone had made homemade Oreo's with peppermint frosting! They have mint Oreo's right, how had I never thought of this myself? Needless to say these are in my cookie jar right now and the rate we are going they are not going to last long!

Peppermint Oreo's
1 box Chocolate cake mix
2 Eggs
3/4 cup Butter

Mix roll into balls and bake at 350 for about six to eight minutes.
Cool cookies sandwich with peppermint frosting.

Peppermint Frosting
vanilla frosting with a teaspoon of peppermint extract.
For a festive touch I marbled in a little red food coloring.

Today after lunch I gave my son one and he looks at it, looks up to me and says, "wait a minute this is two cookies," he was beeming when he realized they were both his.

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?

2008-11-20T12:12:00.006-07:00

I come out to find my two little monkeys sitting on the stairs eating chocolate chip cookies, at 8 in the morning mind you!
"Excuse me?" I say, my son looks at me with huge puppy dogs eyes, afraid he has done something wrong.
"Where did you get that from?" I ask him.
Without a moments hesitation my daughter looks at him and says "You're welcome Caden!" then tuns to me with a big beaming smile. Yes my two year old monkey climbed up on top of the counter opened the cookie jar and stole not one but two cookies. At least she is looking out for her brother right?

Picture Post!

2008-11-10T13:11:00.007-07:00

For Auntie Ang.
We love the new dress, she even did her signature turn in front of the mirror while exclaiming "I pretty!"(we are to blame for this one, if you hear it enough what are you going to do?) and she was not shy about posing for the camera either.

For Nana, Papa, and Auntie Em
This weekend we finally got around to getting the "big boy" bike in reward for potty training. We, well I should say he, has been filling out a chart for the last month (I was not always good at remembering it, and neither was he!) So we had a little yeah for you party when we put the final stickers on this weekend and we got his bike. Little sister was happy to inherit his old bike as well. Due to the rainy day we had to play indoors, thanks goodness for garages!

I did it!

2008-10-31T20:41:00.005-06:00

My almost two year old loves to say this. She is always very proud of all her accomplishments. I decided to make their Halloween costumes this year and I have to admit I felt a very proud "I did it!" of my own. If I can do it ANYONE can, really. So here are a few pictures of our trick or treaters, who had a very fun Halloween.

My Obsession

2008-10-30T13:32:00.005-06:00

I had to share, it was way to much fun not to! Tuesday night I went to a Jason Mraz concert. I was a fan before, now I am a little obsessed, my husband can attest to this! I have been listening to him non-stop. Good thing I owned all his albums before I went to the show. And because I didn't have a recording device of my own here is a clip from the show courtesy of good old you tube. Any screams coming from the right of the screen were coming from me.

Jack-O'Lanterns

2008-10-28T13:00:00.002-06:00

The Monday before Halloween tradition continues, for our FHE activity we carved pumpkins, and like last year mom forgot to pick up the candles...opps, good thing we have a handy backup flashlight!

2 for 1

2008-10-12T09:09:00.005-06:00

My friend recently gave birth to what she thought would be one bundle of joy that turned into twins! It is possible with all of our technology to somehow miss baby number two. So after pushing out her little girl she was a little shocked to hear the doctor say there is something else in there and five minutes later she was holding her little boy. It seems they have been coming down in twos a lot lately! I would like to place my order for two please. I just think the faster they come down the better!

Ode to my kids

2008-09-24T16:29:00.009-06:00

The Big Boy

Well, he is just that, a big boy. I watch him sleep sometimes in amazement at how grown up he is looking. His baby cheeks, and stubby fingers are turning into little boy features and I find myself wondering how he got so big, so fast. He is now (drum roll please) potty trained and very proud of the fact. He loves singing and often, especially in the car, will burst into song. He is finding his independence and this morning as we got dressed to take him to a friends house he informed me he could take himself. As much as he loves to be independent I can always count on a huge smile and great big hug when he returns as if to say he had missed me the whole time he was away. He is our peace loving boy and for the most part he is very good to his little sister.

The Princess

What can I say she really is just that, a princess, at least she thinks so. She is very strong willed and determined. She is not to happy when anyone or anything gets in between her and what she wants. She at the ripe age of 21 months is forming very strong opinions, and she is not afraid to share them! She, like her brother, loves to sing and always does actions to her favorite primary songs. She is an adventurer at heart and seems to fear nothing as she climbs up, down, and around everything. She can let herself in or out of her crib with ease, but I am not ready to put her in a big bed yet. She is still our little sweet pea but despite her petite size she is growing up on us.

Fall

2008-09-22T14:21:00.004-06:00

As if on cue there is a definite bite in the air today.
Welcome Fall, with your pretty color, and the sudden need of socks and shoes, and crisp fresh air. I am excited to eat warm soup, and sip hot chocolate, and get all comfy under covers again, but I do have one small favor of you fall. Will you please tell your soon to be here friend the winter that you would like to stay as long as possible and keep him, with his snow and below zero killer wind, far, far away, at least for now. Thanks!

Family reunion

2008-09-15T13:38:00.005-06:00

Lots of food, a trip to Zion's, photos, laughing, swiming, shopping, playing, Bryce Canyon, hiking, movies, road trips, jumping jacks, and lots more food!

Flashback Friday

2008-08-08T12:17:00.004-06:00

This was taken some 20 odd years ago, it was a family vacation I remember well. We've grown some and are now all officially "adults". Two of us are married with families of our own. These next two weeks when we are all together again I am sure there will be more pictures, lots of laughs, and a ton more memories to add to our collection. I love family!

Flashback Friday

2008-08-01T08:28:00.009-06:00

Good friends, great times, cherished memories. We will miss you Jones family!

Project get things done

2008-07-21T12:30:00.002-06:00

Starts today. After this post I will not be blogging,surfing,or watching TV in hopes that hubby and I can tackle a few projects that have been left undone for to long. So until we make some progress we are putting into affect a media fast. I have to admit this is going to be hard for me. Maybe even harder then potty training. Who am I kidding nothing can be harder then that right now!

On Potty Training

2008-07-16T12:33:00.003-06:00

Why does he think it is more comfortable and convenient to go in his pants? Why is he holding it today because he is in underwear? Why can he not just magically get it? Why is parenting so hard?

Three and thriving

2008-07-05T12:12:00.005-06:00

Every year I tell myself it will be small, I'll keep it simple, he is only three after all. So how did I end up with 15 plus kids, a ton of food, and a pinata? I can't help it I like birthdays, parties are fun, so I guess from here on out party on! He'll always have big birthdays.

Flash Back Friday

2008-06-27T12:49:00.008-06:00

Nine months of anticipation, 20 hours of labor, three years of blessings.
I continue to learn and grow because he is a part of my life.
I love you my sweet, sweet, baby boy

I always say I am never...but here we go again :)

2008-06-22T21:04:00.002-06:00

Three Joys
1. A loving husband who does his best to give me all I want and more.
2. Two beautiful, healthy children. One who was even an angel ALL sacrament long today :)
3. The beauty of the mountains that make me smile everyday.

Three fears
1. Losing a child physically,spiritually, basically in any way possible.
2. Bad people who hurt others, and could possibly harm my family or myself.
3. The dark

Three Goals
1. To be a better wife and active mother.
2. To get back into the habit of daily scripture study.
3. To show love and kindness to everyone regardless.

Three current obsessions
1. Blogs!
2. Babies
3. Spades on the computer

Three random surprising facts about me
1. I once yelled at my eighth grade teacher
2. I like twisted plots either in books, or movies
3. I have lived both in the northwest, and on an island and I hate seafood.

I am not tagging anyone but I would love to hear your "threes" so if you do it comment so I can come check um out.

Kissy Kissy

2008-06-16T20:12:00.003-06:00

I am cheating and directing everyone to another blog for this post. All I have to say is we are in trouble! So go see for yourself. Kisses

Summer Time

2008-06-12T15:14:00.002-06:00

It is coming I can feel it! The smell of fresh cut grass, Popsicles, and lots of bubbles. Not to mention the water parks, family reunions, birthday celebrations, and a gazillion trips to the park! Sweet, sweet summer what has taken you so long?

Oh joy

2008-05-30T13:38:00.008-06:00

Three reason's to shout for joy:
1. I have seen evidence that my children love each other and do listen to me. . . sometimes! The other day my son gave his very treasured Buzz Lightyear toy to his sister.
"Here Fia you try," he encouraged.
When she got the laser to work he beamed with pride.
"Good job Fia, good job!" he exclaimed.

2. My little guy is quite the little helper and is always asking if he can help with whatever we are doing. He likes to feel useful and we are trying to encourage him to do things. He is great at cleaning ears of corn!

3. I can put my daughters hair in itty, bitty ponies! Unfortunately she has something against things in her hair so they never last more then a minute, but she did leave them in long enough for me to capture proof that it is possible!

Trippin'

2008-05-23T12:28:00.008-06:00

Half way into our journey we were all thinking why are we doing this? Seemingly a million hours and one screaming baby later we made it. And it was worth every minute to see Hermana Wesley, go to Disneyland, eat red velvet cupcakes from Sprinkles, splash in the pacific, and of course hang out with the ever so fun Naco. Good times, good times.

A few favs from our photo shoot

2008-05-08T13:34:00.006-06:00

I really do love them all. I highly recommend family photos far away from the confines of a studio. And I also highly recommend Ashley.

love is in the air

2008-05-06T08:39:00.006-06:00

We recently had a photo shoot with the wonderful Ashley Thalman. More to come later.

Cinco De Mayo

2008-05-05T16:06:00.006-06:00

This day holds precedence in our house not because we are Mexican, but because this also happens to be the day that my sweetheart turns yet another year older. Needless to say it is a fun day of celebration at our house.

She liked the cake

look at all those candles

the ruins

presents!

The Many Faces

2008-05-03T17:39:00.005-06:00

Driving Mommy Crazy

2008-05-01T11:48:00.002-06:00

The other day my two year old runs in to inform me he is driving me crazy. I laugh, tickle him and tell him, "silly boy you make mommy happy." He looks at me smiles and says again "I make mommy crazy." I follow him out to where my daughter is playing. He grins big, takes a giant swig of strawberry milk and then proceeds to spit it out as if he is a water fountain and says, "I driving Mommy crazy." I have to hand it to him he knows how to drive this mommy crazy.

Mommy Roller Coaster

2008-04-24T11:29:00.014-06:00

I have been trying hard to give my son choices. So instead of taking toys away from him before bed I tell him, he has a choice to make he can give mommy the toy in exchange for some snuggle time, or he can kiss me goodnight and just keep the toy. Last night he picked the toy. I was crushed, snuggling with mom had come in second (a close second I might add he was tempted I could see it in his eyes). I felt so rejected, I mean was I second to a toy, really? I am a failure.
Then this morning when I gave him his vitamin he looks up at me and says "thank you mommy" I don't think I could have been any prouder. To make my head just a little extra large he has kept it up all day and has thanked me for everything I have done for him without even so much as a look from me prompting him to do so. I am a success!
Oh how fast lows turn to highs, I am just riding the mommy roller coaster.

Sister for sale

2008-04-14T21:22:00.003-06:00

My little guy is a very good big brother, but there are times when I think his sister may get on his nerves. He has taken to "saying prayers" which means when he feels like it he'll copy whatever the person praying is saying. The other night while my husband blessed the food he decided he'd like to "say" the prayer. So my husband immediately slows down so it is easier for him to follow. He throws in my sons name saying how thankful we are for him, son repeats, then my husband says "we are thankful for our little sister" nothing, my husband says it again, nothing. He then drops it and continues, sure enough my son picks right back up repeating to the end of the prayer. So while at the moment he did not feel the need to say it I still think he is thankful for his little sister.

No crying over spilled milk

2008-04-05T19:28:00.003-06:00

There is defiantly crying involved in motherhood, for me there is anyway, but I have increasingly found there is no crying over spilled milk. Not to sound to cliche` or anything but you can't sweat the small stuff. Yesterday I was upstairs getting ready for the day as I listened to my kids gleefully playing downstairs. I let them be for a while longer and continued to make my bed and get some things done upstairs, I mean they sounded so happy downstairs. I only wish I had my camera as I came down the stairs because the scene was truly amusing. In the middle of the floor my son's cup sat upside down, this would not be a problem had it been empty, or of the non spill type. No, it was of the very leaky type and it happened to be full of strawberry milk. The fact that there was a huge puddle of strawberry milk spilled all over the kitchen floor was very entertaining to my children. My daughter was belly down, lapping it up and swimming in it. I had to hold back the laughter as I told them I know this seems like a lot of fun, but we really shouldn't spill milk to play in. As I was cleaning up the mess (unfortunately before I ever thought to take pictures) I thought to myself how as a mother I am leaning to not get upset over things like spilled milk. It is amazing how all of a sudden you find yourself wiping poop smears off the wall, scrubbing bright pink throw up off the carpet, and going out in public wearing your black shirt that has been used as a snot rag all day long, (not the best idea but I am guilty of doing it more then once without even noticing!) and thinking this is normal.

Oh me, Oh my

2008-03-31T19:13:00.001-06:00

My latest obsession: etsy
I've heard of this nifty little site before but while looking for decor I have been inspired by the creativity in our world.

My new dream: to start my very own etsy store.
Selling what? I have no idea I just want to be cool.

My great temptation: purchasing things in others etsy stores.
Anything from original art, to a super cute pendent, or new earings. They really have it all and it really is just so cute!

If anyone has or knows of a cool store let me know.

Dancing Queen

2008-03-27T09:02:00.005-06:00

She frequently just breaks into dance. She thinks she is pretty cool. I have to say I agree with her, when you look that cute dancing by all means break into dance.

I got it

2008-03-21T12:52:00.007-06:00

For some reason I have not been able to upload videos before this. Now that I can here are a few more. (I think my files were to large) A little out dated but still very cute, at least I think so.

Take one

2008-03-21T12:25:00.005-06:00

So here is my attempt to upload a video. It was very early on a Saturday morning, hence why I look so um. . . well you can see. She really did enjoy helping her mommy out.

The Man Tag

2008-03-18T12:38:00.005-06:00

I typically don't do these things but who can refuse Tinaya.
1. Name: SKP
2. Married: Four whole years.
3. Dated: About eight months, but we were friends for a year before we ever started dating.
4. Age: 34
5. Who eats more sweets? Uh... that would be me! By a lot!
6. Who said I love you first? I bet he would say I did, honestly not sure it has been over four years now. He probably says it the most now.
7. Who is taller? He is, I am only 5'3''
8. Who can sing better? Me. Maybe it is just I sing a lot more.
9. Smarter? I'd have to say he is. I mean he did choose me as a wife right ;)
10. Laundry? Me, and I really don't mind.
11. Who pays the bills: He makes the money the bills pay themselves.
12. Who sleeps on the right side? He does. I did, but I convinced him to switch so I could be closer to the alarm clock.
13. Lawn mowing? He would, but the last couple of times it was a neighbor boy.
14. Cooking? Is someone supposed to cook? I would say me, but I bet he'd raise his eyebrows, and not because he does it either!
15. Driver? Always him. On the rare occasion that I do drive he finds way to much wrong with my driving.
16. Who kissed who first? He kissed me but I was not playing hard to get.
17. Who asked who out first? He asked me to go with him on a double date with his friend who I had only stopped dating a month before, a tiny bit awkward.
18. Who proposed? He did and he was not only able to surprise me he was able to WOW me. It was an amazing night.
19. More siblings? He beats me by one.
20. Who wears the pants? Um...Typically we both wear pants everyday except Sunday. :)

Now you see why I usually don't play I am so boring.
I tag whoever feels so inclined.

Springing Forward

2008-03-09T22:15:00.003-06:00

I am not a fan of daylight savings time. It is way past my bed time but my body is not tired. I am however trying to be a more positive person, so instead of posting all the reasons I do not like daylight savings, I am going to post things I like despite the fact that I lost an hour.
I do like that. . .
1. It is still light out when my husband comes home.
2. We can go on family evening walks, with all the extra light.
3. There is a chance that I will not have to race for a treadmill at the gym tomorrow morning because everyone wanted to sleep in an extra hour (hopefully I don't fall in the take an extra hour of sleep category)
4.I will be conserving energy because I will not have to turn the lights on at 6PM (but doesn't the fact that I will have to leave them on an hour later in the morning now cancel that out?)

Mirror, Mirror

2008-03-05T21:25:00.009-07:00

I realized, after the fact, I should have cleaned the mirror before doing this little photo activity but oh well. I was thinking how much they both mirror those that they are around. I realized today they are around me way to much.
Three things brought to my attention today thanks to my son:

1. I am always tired and always using that as an excuse. He now goes around frequently telling me he is tired. Case in point our conversation this morning,

me: Son, can you please stop whining and use your words to tell mommy what you need.
son: Mommy, I just tired. (Yes in a slightly whinny voice)

2.I always mention when I have a headache. Just read sleepless nights. I mean how else would a two year old know what a headache was.
3.I say "ah oh" a lot. Today while we were in the kitchen the timer went off he looked at me and exclaimed "Ah, oh!" I must also like "oh no," "oops," and "oh man," a lot as well because he also uses those often.

sleepless nights

2008-03-04T12:34:00.006-07:00

The other night I was woken at three am, by a very tired, yet very awake little two year old. I pulled him into bed with me in hopes he'd fall asleep again. No such luck, he was just mumbling and staring at the celling. He was slightly warm so I asked him if his tummy hurt, no tummy hurt was his answer, quickly followed by my head hurt. He then asked for medicine for his headache. After some Tylenol and few lullaby's he was back in dream land, exactly were little boys should be at three am!

digital bliss

2008-02-21T20:21:00.004-07:00

My husband laughs whenever I have the camera because I take a million pictures of the same thing. It is true I am in love with digital cameras. I love that I can instantly see the photo I just took. I love that I can take as many pictures as I like and not have to pay a cent for film. I love that I can take pictures of silly things if I want to. I love that my computer is FULL of a million photos and yet I have very few actual prints. Most of all I love that after one of those photo sessions of a million shots I got this.

I'm seeing blue

2008-02-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

So being stuck in the house with no end to snow in sight I began talking to my walls. It went something like this:
wall: I am looking so white and boring you should use that can of paint sitting there and paint me today.
me: Are you kidding? I have toilets to scrub, daipers to change, and mouths to feed. Painting you is the last thing on my mind.
wall: It would take your mind off of things and make you feel productive.
In the end the wall won. It actually did help take my mind of things. Who knew painting a tiny half bath would be so time consuming. In my true fashion things are still a mess in the bathroom. I did however get some toilet scrubbing, daiper changeing, and mouths fed all thrown into that mix.

(The flash makes the blue look bright, it is a lot darker in person.)

Wise guy

2008-01-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Our family home evenings usually consist of a lot of singing, a brief message, and a fun activity. On Monday we had a dance party for our activity. It was a hit. We rocked out to the RM soundtrack. Nothing like head banging to In the Hollow of Thy Hand. Well it had been such a successful party that Caden wanted another dance party the following night. I opted out of this one and stayed in the kitchen to clean up after dinner while dad took the kiddies to the family room to once again rock the night away. Caden after dancing for a little bit ran back into the kitchen, "mommy, dance party" he exclaimed excitedly trying to direct me to join them. I explained that mommy was tired and busy and that maybe I could just dance from the kitchen. He smiled as I danced for him and seemed satisfied enough to rejoin his dad and sister. About five minutes later he returned this time his sweet eyes pleading with me to please come and join the dance party. "Dance party mommy, come!" I could not resist a second time. I left the sink full of dishes to join the family dance party, as I watched my kids groove and got a groove on of my own I could not help but think what a wise little guy I have.

Stealing time away

2008-01-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

Completely taking advantage of the fact that my mom and sister are here playing with the kids, I took the color test...

Your true color is Red!
Your color is red, the color of racy sports cars, blushing cheeks, and luscious roses. Red symbolizes passion, romance, and love. So, since you're ruled by red, you probably trust your feelings more than your brain and tend to act spontaneously. If you see something you want, you go for it without thinking twice — impulsive is your middle name. You don't wait around for people to make decisions, either; you dive right in. Quite the romantic, you pay close attention to your emotions. In fact, if your heart isn't in what you're doing, you won't be satisfied. Of course, even when you do pour all your energy into the projects you tackle, your impetuous nature means your passions can shift as frequently as the wind. That's why some reds have trouble with commitment. Our advice? Next time you're feeling fickle, think before you act, if possible. You might be surprised at the results. Overall, though, it's great to be red. No one lives life more completely than you do.

So not all completely true but...I have to say I do manage to change my mind A LOT! Much the reason I have no decorations up in my house yet. I make up my mind and then when I go to do it, I don't like it anymore. I also blame this on the fact I have a closet FULL of undone projects that at the time seemed like such good ideas! Okay so the kids are reeking havoc or so it sounds, and I think they are looking for me, gotta go!

Little white lies

2008-01-22T18:59:00.001-07:00

I recently admitted that while a collage freshmen I learned for the first time that those pains I always got in my shins were not growing pains, but in fact shin splits. All those years of pain were in vain I was not getting any taller. When I realized the truth I was appalled that my mom could have lied to me. I was so innocent, so naive, so easily persuaded. I vowed I would never put my children through such horror. My kids were not going to wake up one day and find that I had lied to them, and then I had kids. I do not tell them watermelon seeds are going to grow in their bellies or that the boggie man is going to come if they are naughty, but I must admit I have used the white lie tactic once or twice. Santa worked wonders at stopping any bad behavior from a two year old. My most recent offense involves growing pains of a different kind. Sophia is well under average for weight and she is dropping lower at every appointment. We have been trying for months to help this little girl grow. The doctor has suggested we give her pediasure in hopes of putting some weight on her. She does not particularly like the stuff, (can't say I blame her it is rather chalky stuff), so I will pretend to drink it and love it. She, being the child that she is, will then beg for the straw and drink half the bottle. What can I say sometimes deception works. So while I do not condone lying in anyway, was it really that awful that I never complained of growing pains because I thought my bones were stretching and a few extra inches were worth the pain.

Adventures of the motherhood

2008-01-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying to ween my thirteen month old from nursing. I successfully made my goal of nursing for the first year. I think I am done. My little one has other ideas. She is stubborn. She does not want anything to do with the bottle. In her tiny little body there is a very strong willed spirit. However she is not entirely to blame, I can not bring myself to cutting her off cold turkey. There is something to be said for snuggling that precious little girl in my arms, holding her tight, and watching her completely relax and feel safe, wanting her to stay my little girl forever.
My two year old is fighting nap time. More and more with age. I am clinging to nap time hoping it will last well into his third year of life. These days it seems a battle of wills. He finally surrendered after being a cranky pill all morning. I tried to move him into a more comfortable position, he apparently had a little fight left in him, even in his sleep. I decided that was a battle he could win.

These bare walls are filled with love

2008-01-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

We had one of those I wish it would never end weekends filled with late night games and plenty of junk food. Followed by tons of laughing, kissing babies, and remember when...
I love having a home if only for the fact that I can fill it with family. We still have not chosen curtains and are yet to hang anything on our walls, but we continue to create memories, making our house truly feel like a home.

the cousin wagon

the mini family reunion (missing from picture: Dad, Emma, and baby Ez who was asleep)

Names

2008-01-08T09:09:00.001-07:00

As soon as we found out we were having a girl we started tossing around girls names. My husband really liked the name Olivia. I liked it but, Olivia, it just sounded way to popular. We already gave our son a popular name I argued, lets try to get original. Unfortunately a lot of people are just as original as we are. When we decided on her name we knew it was top ten, but it was bottom top ten, not a big deal. Or was it? This morning I got an email from Baby Center and they have the new top one hundred baby names of 2007. Right there in all her number one glory was the beautiful name Sophia.