Alex, you're it

Here are twenty questions that were for Alex. Kids say the darndest things...

1. What is something mom always says to you? Thank you.
2. What makes mom happy? Givin' you hugs.
3. What makes mom sad? When I do naughty things to my baby brothers.
4. How does mom make you laugh? Computer (yah... I don't get it either?)
5. What was mom like as a child? Like me.
6. How old is your mom? You are... [holds up three fingers, then four, then five... questioning look?]
7. How tall is your mom? This tall [standing on the bed].
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Watch Curious George. (my most favorite thing. ever.)
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? You're all by yourself.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? I don't know?
11. What is your mom really good at? Feeding lunch and planting flowers and digging the garden and when it's bedtime drinking water and punch and that's all. (alrightythen...)
12. What is your mom not very good at? You're not very good at drinking water. (which is true, but a bit contradictory to the bedtime routine mentioned above.)
13. What does your mom do for her job? You write good numbers. (I'm an accountant. I hope those numbers are good. Good guess, kid.)
14. What is your mom's favorite food? Chicken rice. (It's what we had for lunch, and his favorite.)
15. What makes you proud of your mom? Riding things that you go on at Lagoon. (random.)
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? You would be a horse! (um...gee, thanks.)
17. What do you and your mom do together? play ball
18. How are you and your mom the same? Doing the blower on the lawn. (yah, the same in the fact that neither of us does that.)
19. How are you and your mom different? I'm a boy and you're a girl.
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because you give me pillow bonks and play with me.
This was a lot of fun. I tag everyone on my "Friends" list, and anyone else who wants to play. Even if you don't blog, it's fun to ask some of these questions to your kids just to see where their little minds take them.

Trip to the store....

It was just supposed to be a simple trip to the store.

I got everyone fed, wiped three mouths and six hands. I cleaned the peas and smashed bananas, got babies out of the high chair, and quickly packed a little diaper bag. I found my shoes, purse and keys and ran them out to the car with the bag. I forced my way back into the house from the garage as two little bodies pressed on the door from the other side, crying that mom was out of sight. I grabbed one baby, ordered the 3-yr old to find his crocs, and took the first child out to strap him up. The 3-yr old was close behind, climbing into his seat. I got those two strapped in, came back for number three, and smelled his stinky diaper. I made a lightning change and ran him out to join his brothers who were both crying now because I was, once again, out of sight. I then grabbed two bags with their respective receipts so I could make some returns. I searched high-and-low for a third receipt, but couldn't find it, so I decided to head out. I made a quick inventory check, making sure I had binkies, cloths (their "lovies"), sippy cups for all, and the necessary double stroller. I climbed into the minivan, running through my to-do list in my head. As I backed out of the driveway, it happened.

Crunch.

Are you kidding me? nope. crunch.

Drats.

I pulled over, got out of the van and slowly walked across the street to let the construction guys at the house across the street know that I just hit their truck. Once again, kids were crying as mom was out of sight. Mom was crying because Dad just found the car insurance bill three days prior hidden at the bottom of a pile of paper rubble. Expired. Lapsed. NO car insurance.

Much self-berating occurred as I ran to finish my errands. A few more tears were shed when we got home: babies because they were tired, 3-yr old because he wanted a kid show, and mom because she's a total space cadet.

5:30 p.m., husband brings home flowers because I had a bad Monday. Ahhh.

6:30 p.m. I go to meet some of my dearest friends in this world. After 4 hours of talking, laughing and catching up I conclude:

This wasn't such a bad Monday. I can't say I'll agree when I fork over the money for car repairs... but until then... c'est la vie.

First Haircuts

Andrew's shaggy-ness has prompted the dire need for haircuts for these boys. Thankfully my niece Jen came to the rescue. We set up shop in the garage, and away she clipped. AJ, in true form, sat very still and just sucked away on that lollipop. Jackson, also true to fashion, looked every which way and wondered who in the heck was touching his head. But, I'm happy with the outcome, and I really need to learn to do this myself. No patience. Anyway, here are the results!

Paria {pah-ree-ah}

This last weekend, Mark and I went with some of my family to hike the narrows in Paria and Buckskin canyons in Southern Utah. It was so incredibly beautiful and so incredibly difficult! My brother Danny and I had backpacked it overnight before, but we decided to try and day-hike the whole thing this time... 21 miles! The first 14 miles are slot canyons - beautiful narrows of red rock cliffs. There's a huge risk of flash-flood danger, but we carefully checked the weather forecast before heading in. It was sooo neat. Here are a million pictures from our great day!

The Group, at the trailhead:We weren't alone: Here are some jack rabbits and some rattlesnakes! eeek!Here are some more group shots in the canyons.We had a few obstacles to get around as well: This huge boulder was right in our path:This is called the "Rock Jam." It's a huge jam of boulders and sand that have been washed into this spot by flash floods. The only way down is via rope:JJ showin' us his moves:
We let the "young ones" scramble up this little cliff. Us "old folks" knew that we wouldn't want to expend any more energy than necessary:
This quote really says it all. Unless you're there in real life, you really can't quite appreciate the beauty of it. Literally every turn of the canyon walls displayed more beautiful scenery. After taking dozens and dozens of pictures, we finally just had to soak it in, because we could have been snapping away all day!
Needless to say... something like this just always reaffirms my belief in God. This beauty didn't happen by chance or some big boom. It was incredible!

Ode to Mom...

I wish I was one of those writers that waxed eloquent when it came to expressing their feelings about something so special as a mother. However, I'm not. But... that's not gonna stop me from telling everyone, especially my mom, how wonderful a woman she is. My mom will do anything for anyone, particularly her children. She was (and still is) constantly thinking of and concerned for the welfare of all seven of us. She would stay up many nights nursing a sick child or waiting for a teenager to get home. She always made our home a clean and orderly place that was a refuge from the outside world. We knew that we were safe and loved when we were there. Many times she would get comments such as, "Your home has such a special feeling," and I attribute that to her Christlike way of living. She also has expanded her love to include 6 children-in-law and 24 grandchildren (with the first great-grandchild on his way). She has a special way of making each and every person know that they are unique and incredible in her eyes.

I love you mom. I'm grateful for your example. I'm proud of you for leaving the people that are so important to you to go out and serve the Lord. I hope you have the best Mother's Day ever!

Love that giggle...

Toots

Alex and I were talking about his potty chart (with boxes for “poops” and “peeps” on it) and he wanted to fill it in and get a prize sooo bad. (It is currently blank, because he doesn’t want to go potty.)

So, I suggested that he try going potty so that he could start filling in a box. He sat on the potty, and pushed and pushed, but nothing came out except a little toot.

He looked at me and said, “Mommy. I tooted. Let’s start a 'Toot Chart' so I can fill that out instead!”

heh heh

A little fiber will do ya...

The doctor said that starting the babies on cow's milk might cause a little, well, backup in the intestinal tract. So... AJ took it to heart to make sure he wasn't backed up. He found fiber all on his own, and downed quite a bit of it before I found him.

As I was preparing dinner, I had the "things are too quiet in there" feeling and decided to check up on the babies. Like I said, Andrew. Fiber, aka Toilet Paper. 'Nuff said:

Happy Birthday!!!

What? Are you kidding me? They are one? No way! How in the world did a year already pass? Holy moly. My little babies are one! And they aren't so little and babyish anymore. Unbelievable. We survived, and I admit that it's just getting better and better!

So... Happy Birthday to you, AJ and Jackson! I love you boys soooo much.

This slide show is a little long, but it's for the Grandparents. :)

The New Apostles

Here's a fun little ditty to help you remember the new apostles:

Simple Pleasures

Being oh-so-close to that doorknob:

Pulling all the diapers off the dresser and into the crib:

The beloved box, aka prize package, aka turtle shell, aka secret hut, aka rocket ship, etc. etc.

My little cell phone miracle

I'm a believer in modern-day miracles. I've never thought that things just happened by coincidence. Yesterday was no exception. While this was something very small, it still reminded me that our prayers are heard and answered.

Yesterday (Saturday) morning, I left early to drive downtown to meet with my CPA brother to do our taxes. He was going to be in his office on South Temple and 100 East. I was to call him from my cell once I arrived, so that he could let me into his locked up building (since it was Saturday). On my way, I decided to chat with his wife when we were cut-off mid conversation -- my cell phone had died.

Well, since I was driving Mark's car, I didn't have my charger. And while this wasn't the end of the world, it was mighty inconvenient. How was I going to let Danny know that I was there and needed to be let in? Where could I find a public phone (ever noticed that pay phones don't exist anymore?) on a Saturday when all the office buildings downtown are shut down and locked up for the weekend? So, as I drove nearer to his office, I decided to say a little prayer. I prayed for a miracle that my cell phone battery would have just enough charge that I could make one little call to my brother to let him know I was there. I truly believed Heavenly Father would do this for me.

I didn't get that little bit of charge. Battery - dead.

Hmm... what to do now? At this point, I was pulled up to the meter parking outside of his office. I thought I'd check the doors to his building, just to see if they might, marvelously, be unlocked.

Nope - locked.

So, I looked around, and realized that neither of the two bums walking down the deserted street would probably have a phone on them that I could borrow. Bugger. Once again, not a calamity, but highly tiresome.

As I walked back to my car, I noticed the car that was parked in front of mine at the curb. Sitting in the front seat of that car was a lady texting on her cell phone. Could it be? Why hadn't I noticed her before? I approached her, (hopefully I didn't scare her to death) and asked her if I could possibly borrow her phone for a quick call. She was very nice and generous and allowed me to use her phone. I got a hold of my brother and all was well.

In hindsight, I wondered, "What were the odds that there was a car parked there at that time (only one on the whole street besides mine)? And that the car just happened to be occupied?" Truly the chances were slim to none. And yet, there it was.

My little miracle.

My prayer was heard and it was answered. Of course it wasn't answered in the way that I wanted it answered. Lesson learned, again. And of course it was answered through another person. Second lesson learned, again. I'm just so grateful that I have a patient and loving Father in Heaven who does hear my prayers and does answer them, even if it's not in the way I expect it. I know this was such a small thing to the outside reader, but for me it was a sweet, gentle reminder that I am loved, I am heard, and that I am cared for.

Thanks, Julie!

I had a wonderful weekend in Ohio! Julie was such a wonderful and gracious host, and her kiddos are so stinking cute! I miss them already! I don't know that I was much help in getting her prepared to move, but we had fun visiting, going to the zoo (awesome zoo in Columbus!), watching movies and chatting all night long! Thanks, Julie, for letting me come and giving me a nice break from my daily routine!

Ava and Chase, 18 months old:

Ava with her gorgeous, blue eyes:

Chase:Mitchell:

Alex-ism

I keep a Word file of all the cute things that Alex says to me. Today he was on a roll. I think I added half a dozen entries to my file. I wanted to share one cute one, and one tender one:

I was singing, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” this morning, and when I got to the end I sang, “Ooh, you’re never fully dressed; ooh, you’re never fully dressed; ooh, you’re never fully dressed without a… ______” And I didn’t sing the last word (smile) so that Alex could fill in the blank. He shouted out, “Shirt!” Yup kid…, you’re right. You’ve gotta have a shirt to be fully dressed!

Then, because I'd been gone for a long weekend, he was a bit clingy today. He started whining, “Mom, I want to hold you.” I said, “Ok.” And he said, “No, mom! I want to hold you in my arms!” Ahhh...

Greetings from Ohio

I am so excited to be in Ohio visiting Mark's sister, Julie and her family!  It was such a wonderful indulgent plane ride -- 4 hours of solid reading!!  (and we're not talking Dr. Seuss here!)  I'm finally finishing Eclipse.   I came under the pretense of helping out a little bit, but I truly feel like it's been such a nice break for me!  Thanks for having me, guys!  It's been great to bond with the kiddies!  I'll post some video soon for all the family to see.

Oh what a night...

I don't know if it's the snow on the ground, or the dark gray skies, but Mother Nature had our whole family fooled today on this April 1st that it was still winter. And man, our moods felt like a dark, dreary winter as well.

Alex didn't stop fussing all evening. It finally escalated in sending him to his room to sort things out as the babies bawled from a) being ignored while we dealt with Alex, and b) nursing their wounds as brother tipped them over, and over, and over again. Exhausted babies cried all through their baths, got mad every time we took away the remote control, and Alex continued sobbing since he lost some privileges, blah, blah, blah.... Needless to say, Mark and I were both at our wits end and ready to walk out the door, leaving those little needy creatures to fend for themselves.

After all was silent, I came to vent my frustrations on the keyboard.

And then... I read this. Be sure to listen to the words of the song...

Thanks for the little reminder.

Mmmm... those cheeks!

Don't ya just want to eat those cheeks up? Scccrrrumptious!!

And here are mom's little "helpers." Not so helpful, but loads of fun!

Good Mail!

Today I received quite the treat... a letter in the mail, just for me! I can't remember the last time that happened. And to make it even better, it's from a great friend that I've known for 20 years. (whoa... that just made me feel old because I met her in 7th grade! Was that really 20 years ago?)

So, thank you, Michelle, for the note and the cute pics of your twins in their "just-starting-mobility-stage." She sent me a picture of her twins almost five years ago getting into the same cereal-all-over-the-floor-mess that my guys are pulling off almost daily. (Alex, can you pppplease keep the pantry door shut?) My SIL, Julie, and I often comment that until you have twins of your own, you just never quite understand all the implications that come along with it in your daily life. (Although, I still can't imagine my mother and MIL having 7 children... how did they do it??) So, it's nice to get a reminder that I'm not in this boat alone.

And Michelle, you have the greatest attitude! One little part of the note that I'm really clinging to is this line (hope you don't mind if I share): "One day you will look back and laugh and then cry - because those little trouble makers are all grown up." So, I'll enjoy the moments, even if they make me a bit crazy at the moment. Because I know I too will look back with fondness, and wonder how in the world these little ones all-of-a-sudden got so big.

Here's to many more messes and memories. And to good mail.

Trouble...!

This mobility thing is really gonna give me a run for my money, I'm afraid. With Alex, he spent his days at Gma's or Aunt CJ's, so I didn't have to deal with him getting into things much. Plus, he just didn't get into things anyway. But boy, oh boy. These babies are curious about everything! Andrew is way into cords, and anything electrical. Jackson has figured out how to open and shut cupboards and drawers. Today, while I was unavailable to stop it in action, I heard some sounds from the pantry. When I arrived on the scene, this is what I found. Doesn't he look happy? He's so proud that he's learned to feed himself! Trouble... And although I don't show Jackson in the picture, never fear. He's right beside his two-minute older brother, helping him spread the crumbs and grabbing a bite to eat for himself. How long does this stage last again? heh heh...

What to do...?

This scene is an all-too-familiar scene at my house -- Alex lounging on my bed, watching his "kid shows." Part of me feels so much guilt, because I didn't want my kids to be those kids that spend their days and nights parked in front of the tube. However, it works out sooo nicely that he loves to watch tv. The babies get a nice, quiet nap, and mom gets a nice, hot shower. Sigh... What to do? Is everyone's house lacking in the insulation that mine is, so that sounds carry through every wall? If he's not sitting here, then he's making noise which wakes the little ones... So anyway... venting away. Oh well. Much worse things have happened than Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, right?