Erickson Entertainment Weekly

Do I Really Have To?

2011-08-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Some days I wonder, "Do I really have to be a mom today?"

It might be because of a sick, whiny child.

It might be because of a child who is grounded because of their fits and disobedience. And then while they are grounded they whine and boob that they are so bored and they have nothing to do that I am then tempted to unground them because their punishment is a greater punishment to me.

It might be because I'm feeling overwhelmed by all of my mom responsibilities of the day.

It might be because I'm just plain tired.

It might be because I've already heard my name said over a thousand times and it's not even noon yet.

It might be because after I clean up one room and move to the next, the first room is already destroyed again.

And it just might be because it ALL happens in the same day.

Kate's Blessing: July 3, 2011

2011-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

We decided to bless Kate earlier this month. She was only going to be three weeks old, but we were also going to have Rob and Lindsey in town (my BIL and SIL)and so we thought it would be a great time to do it. I was a little worried about her blessing dress. My MIL, Pam, made Lily's blessing dress and at one point when I was pregnant with Kate she said she would make her's as well. However, with only 1 1/2 weeks before the blessing I thought it wouldn't be very kind of me to ask Pam to make Kate's blessing dress on such short notice; especially since she was very busy with other sewing projects at that time. Kate wouldn't be able to wear Lily's because she was so much younger and smaller than Lily when she was blessed. I thought I could have her wear my blessing dress, but it wasn't my ideal choice.

Pam came to the rescue. Pam completely volunteered to make Kate's dress with only a week before the blessing, and I must say it turned out absolutely beautiful. She had to make some adjustments on the size to fit tiny Kate, but it turned out simple, long, and elegant. I loved it.

The Seamstress

Bryan gave Kate a very sincere, beautiful blessing. I told him I thought it was the best one yet. After church we came back to the house and celebrated with family and friends while eating some great food. We are so blessed to have both of our families so close and so supportive. I can't thank them enough for all that they did to make her blessing day memorable.

Marissa's gifts to Kate. The shoes were so big on her tiny feet.

Kate in 1,2,3,4

2011-07-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that Kate is one month old! Time has gone so fast and yet at the same time I feel like we've had her forever. Since I had her, we have been on the go, go, go. We've had multiple doctors visits (mainly for Jace's arm), playdates with cousins who have been in town, her baby blessing, 4th of July activities, and so many other day-to-day tasks. Life has been super busy, but we've managed and are doing well.

Kate has been a great baby and has made adjusting to life with 4 kids pretty darn easy. Here are some little factoids about her:

She has started to smile and coo and I love it.

She has acid reflux and so she is on Prevacid like two of her older siblings were.

She has only ever had one night feeding - 2 am. She is a great sleeper.

She has her fussy time of night from about 7:00-10:00 which doesn't allow me to blog and do some other things I would like when I want to while the other kids are asleep because that means I'm holding her.

She is so long and skinny.

She has a VERY loud pteradactyl-esque/raptor-like scream. It has mellowed some as she's gotten older. (When Bryan and I first heard it in the hospital we compared her to the Mandrakes on Harry Potter.)

Her siblings ADORE her: Jace and Cole beg to hold her and Lily is constantly trying to give her her binki and constantly saying, "Hi, Kate!".

She still has her dark hair and dark complexion and I believe will have brown eyes - so different from the other kids.

She has been so much fun (for me because I LOVE newborns) and I could literally spend all day snuggling with her on my chest, which just happens to be her favorite place too.

ONE WEEK:

TWO WEEKS:

THREE WEEKS:

FOUR WEEKS:

Kate's Birth Story

2011-06-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

One day old

When I found out that I was pregnant with Kate I knew that I wanted to have a natural delivery. I had had an epidural with all three of the other kids, and as Kate was "our last", I really wanted to try the natural route. I never had a bad experience with any of my previous labors or epidurals, I just wanted the experience of natural childbirth. Bryan thought I was crazy and was very vocal about it. According to him, he didn't want to see me suffer and he always asked me why I would want to put myself through voluntary pain. For me, I wanted the experience. That's as simply as I can put it. I figured that God created women to give birth and so why not experience what we were created to do? Yes, I am completely aware that many people, including family members, think I'm crazy and that this isn't a good enough reason; but for me, it was.

I planned all along to go natural and I prepared myself by reading a book on hypnobirthing. It helped put my fears aside and gave me a "method" to get through labor. I always hoped that I would have a fast labor so that I wouldn't have to endure the pain for a long time, and talking to my doctor and a family friend that was an OB, based on my previous labors, they both felt that I would have a fast labor, a labor that would probably be 1.5 hours. Well, yep. They were absolutely right.

So here is the very detailed version of Kate's crazy, fast birth story.

I had a doctor appointment on Thursday, June 9, at 4:00. I was officially one day overdue. As I went to the doctor, I had my hospital bag packed and the kids' suitcase packed in the car to stay overnight at my parents just in case. I had a feeling that that night might be the night she came, so I was prepared. At the appointment, the doctor checked me and I was dilated to a 4 and 75% effaced. He stripped my membranes (again) and told me that he wouldn't be surprised if I was back later that night. I told the doctor to keep in mind that I lived in Eagle Mountain (and we had to make it to Riverton hospital) and asked him how far apart my contractions should be when I needed to go to the hospital. He told me I needed to come in at 5 minutes apart because he felt that I would go fast.

That evening I was having contractions here and there and we decided to leave the kids at my parents' house for the night. This ended up being a very wise decision. Bryan and I went home and relaxed. Okay, not really. (*Sidenote: I went home and started vacuuming. Bryan refused to let me "ruin my hearing" with our extremely loud vacuum. He made a quick impromptu trip to WalMart to buy a new vacuum while I relaxed and breathed through contractions. He came home, assembled the vacuum and I finished vacuuming. Classic Bryan and Ashlee story before a baby is born.)

I was still having contractions that evening. They would be regular for a bit and then stop for an extended period of time. I wasn't really able to fall asleep because of the contractions, and at 11:30 pm I started having regular contractions at 8 minutes apart. As much as I had prepared with hypnobirthing, that went out the door. I didn't feel like the hypnobirthing was working for me and I felt I could get more relief various other ways. I got out of bed and walked around the house, played Solitaire on my phone, and tried to breathe through them and relieve them in various positions while Bryan got a little bit of sleep. Pretty quickly to contractions went from 8 minutes to 5 minutes. At that point I went in the bedroom and woke up Bryan and told him that we needed to go, to which he woke up with the reply of a very loud, "Ughhhhhhhhhhhh!" To which I replied, "Excuse me? What are YOU groaning about?" Apparently for him it wasn't "good timing". Ha!

Bryan quickly grabbed the things he needed and we loaded into the car and headed out. It was about 12:40 am, and as soon as we got going the contractions dropped to 4 minutes apart. As we got to Camp Williams on Redwood Road, the contractions were then 2 minutes apart and getting harder. I wondered how much longer I would be able to handle them. They were intense. We turned onto Bangerter and when we did that, the mother of all contractions hit. WOW!! This contraction came and it kept going and going. I think I howled in pain - no, I know I howled in pain. I ripped my seatbelt off, put my foot up on the seat and pushed up off it to try and help relieve something! I always wondered how I would know when I went into the "transition" stage of labor where the baby would drop down into the birth canal and I would be in the final stage. Well, now I knew. This contraction went on "forever" and brought a sharp pain with it and I literally felt the baby drop.

Bryan really started speeding at this point and we were only a few minutes away from the hospital. We hit a red light one stop light away from the hospital and I yelled at Bryan to turn right and go a different way. We were a few blocks away when another contraction hit and oh boy, the "pressure" contractions set in. It was if her head was right there and I cried, "Oh my goodness Bryan, she's coming!" Panic set in on Bryan and he REALLY started to speed because there was no way he was going to be delivering that baby in the car. We pulled up to the hospital doors, Bryan turned off the car, grabbed the bag, and raced into the hospital to try and find a wheelchair. Luckily there were two security guards to assist us, one got a wheelchair while the other got the elevator. Meanwhile, I got out of the car and started walking into the hospital and made it between the two double doors when another contraction came. Bryan turned around to find me hunched over with my hands on my knees and groaning. I literally looked at the dirty floor mat and contemplated getting down on my hands and knees hoping to find some relief from the pressure. The pressure was crazy. Like women have said before, it felt like I needed to poop REALLY bad. But at the same time I knew even doing that wouldn't bring relief. It was like there was a heavy balloon filling up inside of me and expanding and pushing down on my bum. (Graphic enough? Well, that's what it felt like.) They wheeled me up to the Labor and Delivery floor and as we turned the corner there were a few nurses standing at the desk. When they saw me the charge nurse, said, "Oh we have one." I gave her THE look and she said, "Oh, okay. Let's get you in here and check you."

I got into my delivery room and my nurse, Wendi, told me that I had to get undressed so that she could check me. I literally threw my jacket off and all modesty went out the window as I stripped down in front of three nurses. In fact, I ripped my shirt off forgetting that I had put my bra on and I got all entangled in it with my arms pinned up by my head. Awesome. So finally after getting undressed the nurse checked me and I was of course fully dilated and engaged. The nurse told one of the other nurses to call my doctor and to call him at home. He only lives in Daybreak and so he should have been able to get there quickly.

I laid on my right side and gripped the hand rail and held on while the other contractions came. As Bryan said, he thinks I left imprints on that hand rail. Wendi, my nurse, sat by my side and coached me through the contractions. At this point it was the pressure that I had to endure, and I held on and "ooohhhhhed" my way through them. I'm proud to say I wasn't screaming and hollering, it was just a low moan and I was able to remain in control. Wendi just kept saying,"Don't push Ashlee" as I held on and breathed. They were just waiting on my doctor. I didn't care if the doctor was there, I just wanted to deliver this baby!

The pressure kept coming and soon I got to experience "The Ring of Fire". And yes, it is just what it sounds like, a. ring. of. fire. The burning sensation wasn't as "hot" as I thought it would be, but it was still quite uncomfortable. On one contraction my bag of water partially came out which I thought it was the baby's head (and it felt like it), and I asked, "Is she here?" Bryan and the nurse told me no, but that they could see her head. At that point the baby's heart rate started to drop and the nurses then said, "We need to deliver this baby." My doctor hadn't arrived yet and that didn't matter anymore, she was coming. There was no more waiting for Doctor Slowpoke.

Wendi took control and told me that I was going to push with the next contraction. Two contractions and three pushes later, Kate made her way into this world at 1:15 am on June 10, about a whole 15 minutes after arriving at the hospital. What a whirlwind! She was beautiful, healthy, and tiny. She was 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 20 inches long. She had dark hair and a dark complexion and looked nothing like our other three, but she was beautiful just like her siblings.

The doctor finally made it in time to deliver my placenta! He came in to do all the clean up work. I actually tore a little bit and had to have a couple of stitches and so he stitched me up. No, I did not feel the actual tearing. I had no idea. I actually felt fine after delivering her. The pressure and burning left with the baby, and I had no more pain or discomfort. It's amazing how fast it all left and how back to normal I felt. It was great to be able to move my legs on my own, sit up on my own, and just feel normal. The way a woman's body goes through labor and recovers so quickly from childbirth truly is miraculous.

Of course I had some tenderness and soreness over the next few days, but I felt better quicker than I did with the other kids and when I had episiotomies versus this time when I slightly tore. Truly the worst part of this recovery was the contractions and cramping I would get when I nursed. I felt that was a little unfair since I already went through labor unmedicated and every time I nursed I felt like I was going through it again. Any medication I took was to relieve the pain and discomfort of postpartum contractions.

So the question is: Would I go natural again? I have to be honest and say that if I had hours worth of labor, I most likely would have gotten an epidural. That is why I am grateful that my labor was only 1 hour 45 minutes long and I didn't have a choice even if I did want an epidural. It would be extremely difficult to not get an epidural if it was hours worth of hard contractions. However, IF I were to have another baby (and I'm not planning on it), I can't say I wouldn't go natural. The fact is, if I were to have another and I was not induced, but went into labor on my own, it would most likely be even faster and I wouldn't have the chance to get an epidural and would have to go natural again. If you're wanting to go natural, it's kind of nice to be forced into it and not be able to back out. So, would I go natural again? Possibly. Probably.

Maybe it's my outlook on life, maybe I have a high pain tolerance, or maybe I just have a bad memory; but as crazy, insane, and intense as my labor was, I would never say it was absolutely horrible or one of the worst things I've ever experienced. I'm grateful that I was able to experience natural childbirth and I'm proud to be able to say that I did it. For me, it was worth it.

Minutes old.

My rockstar nurse, Wendi, and the deliverer of Kate.

Our first family picture.

Hours old.

The Beginning of an Exciting Week

2011-06-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

The week Kate was born was an interesting week, to say the least. Sunday, June 5, our family went over to my parent's house for a family dinner. When I walked into their house, I had an awesome surprise waiting for me: Rissa and her family decided to make a surprise visit and were here to stay for a few weeks. She was going to be here for Kate's birth! Yay! (And I can't even begin to describe what a life saver she's been while she's been here.)

We had a very fun dinner all together to celebrate my dad's birthday and all of the little cousins were having a great time playing together on the teeter-totter. One of the smaller cousins would sit on one side of the teeter-totter while Jace would then push down the other side, stand on the seat, and then jump off leaving the other kid to slam to the ground where they would laugh and laugh at being jolted. All of the adults were getting quite the quick out of the kids' reactions and everyone was having a good laugh. Until...it was done just one too many times.

Jace went to jump off the seat and his feet got entangled in the handle bar and he fell off the teeter-totter, landing on his arm. I knew immediately that he had done something very wrong. I ran over to him and he rolled over holding his arm crying that it was broken. Sure enough, I took one look at it and saw that it had a slight bend in his arm just above his right wrist. Travis was kind enough to splint his arm and we took off for Kidscare at Riverton Hospital at 9:15 at night. At the hospital the x-rays confirmed what we already knew: a broken arm.

All the while, Bryan had been sicker than a dog the last few days and was still not feeling well on Sunday. He had a sore throat of all sore throats and felt absolutely miserable. AND, I was due any day. The week was starting out to be very interesting with much more to come...

This picture is on Wednesday, June 8-my due date-and also the day that Jace got his cast on.

And this picture is thrown in just for fun because it pretty much sums up mine and Jace's relationship lately. I get this look quite often these days.

The Patience Vacuum

2011-05-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Listen. Do you hear that?

No? Well, I tell you what it is. It's the patience being sucked out of my body. Or maybe it's being sucked into my womb. Wherever it is, it's not where I need it. I have hardly any to give to my children. (Particularly one child.)

It seems that this little person growing inside of me is also known as the Patience Vacuum. Since Day 1, I swear my patience level has gotten lower and lower and my annoyance level has gotten higher and higher. I've really noticed this trend with the last two pregnancies.

I mean really, why should I be annoyed that after Jace just ate a sandwich, carrots, veggie chips, graham crackers and milk, and goldfish, that he's still hungry? Why should I be annoyed with a simple request to refill a water bottle? Why should I be annoyed with a child's choice of shoes? Why should I be annoyed with everything?

And then, one of the most interesting things about the little Patience Vacuum is that as soon as she's born, the patience immediately flows right back into my body and goes to all of the right spots and seems to fill up my patience reservoir. It is unbelievably noticeable to me.

It's such a strange phenomenon, but maybe it's necessary. Maybe the patience is sucked out of me and stored up somewhere (again, maybe in the womb with the baby) and it's returned to me when the baby's born because that's when I need it the most. I need it the most when there is a newborn with innumerable needs, other children demanding my needs and affection, a body trying to make its way back to normalcy, and so many other factors. Maybe this happens for a reason. Maybe it really is a blessing disguised as a mean trick for 9 months.

If that's the case, I just feel sorry for my poor little family for those 9 months. And that little Patience Vacuum better bring some extra patience with her because I have a feeling that 4 kiddos is gonna be a little bit of a rough adjustment.

Life is Good

2011-04-29T17:05:00.001-07:00

I have been in blog-hibernation. Life has been busy, and I have been blog lazy. And before life gets incredibly crazy with a newborn around, I better update on our family and what has transpired over the past three months. And that's lots. So hold on for a long update.

JACE:

Jace turned 6 years old in February. 6! Yikes, he's getting too old, which means I am too. He got some great presents and later that night we went to dinner with both sets of his grandparents to celebrate. This year he chose a Robin cake (as in Batman and Robin). He thought I was going to make Robin's face, but he had to settle for the symbol instead.

At 6, Jace is such a little smarty. He is reading at a 2nd grade level and his comprehension is incredible. His favorite books right now are The Magic Treehouse series chapter books. I was pretty impressed with him when he finished an entire book in 65 min. one day. He's an amazing speller and is doing great at learning math. He loves to learn about animals and has developed quite the love for stuffed animals and rubber insects which he has to have lined up on his bookcase every day. (Something that annoys me to no end because I can't have "clutter" but I have to walk away since it's his room and I have to allow him that.) He enjoys playing with his friends and catching lizards in our backyard.

He is such a soft-hearted little boy who has a lot of love in his heart for his family. Almost every day he tells me that he loves me the most in the family. He gets pretty jealous if Cole is getting some snuggle time and he isn't, and then the fight is on as to who gets to snuggle with mom or dad. He is extremely stubborn and he still knows how to throw quite the fit. I'm wondering when that stage is going to end.... He and I make quite the stubborn pair and we have quite the standoff at times.

COLE:

Cole just turned 4 yesterday! I can't believe he's 4, he grew up so much this year. He does so much with his brother and plays at his level that sometimes I think he should be 5! For his birthday he got a "big gun and little gun" - a rifle and a pistol-which he was absolutely thrilled about. He also got a remote control car that he played for hours with yesterday. I think we hit the jackpot with those presents. He chose to go to Incredible Pizza to play laser tag and games and then to In-N-Out for dinner.

Cole is always keeping us laughing. He has developed quite the humorous personality lately and is always saying silly things. He definitely has his father's sense of humor. For the last few months he hated Sundays. He would wake up almost every day and ask if it was Sunday: cheer when it wasn't and cry when it was. Then if it was Sunday, he would ask throughout that day if it "was still Sunday"? However, within the last month or so, this has changed and he has really started to enjoy primary. It's fun to see him transform and he now sings primary songs, knows scripture stories, gives amazing prayers, and is happy on Sundays.

Cole is also quite the smarty pants, he's just different in the way that he and Jace "display" their knowledge. He knows all of his upper and lowercase letters, knows all of their sounds, can almost count to 100, can identify all of the numbers up to 100, knows his address, phone number, and more. He also is great at writing his name and loves to spell it out loud and acknowledge that that is his name.

Something else about Cole is that he is ATTACHED to his dad. Whenever Bryan leaves the vicinity without him in public, Cole goes berserk, starts crying and screaming for Bryan, and chases after him no matter what. For example, last night at In-N-Out, Bryan got up from the table to get a refill, and Cole launched into his panic attack. Some may see it as endearing, but to Bryan and I it is extremely frustrating. He sure loves his dad.

LILY:

Lily is at such a fun stage right now. She is extremely happy and content. She lights up the room and can make ANYONE smile. Everyone is always commenting on how happy she is and how much fun she is to be around, and I must say, it's true. She has the best toothy grin and always has a smile on her face. She will wander around the house and entertain herself and play with toys for hours. She is so easy at home, but out in public it's the same story as months ago - she is a busybody and we can't keep her contained.

She loves music and loves to sing and dance. I love to hear her sing her own little sounds and words to whatever we may be listening or singing to. We think we might have some sort of entertainer on our hands, whether it be a singer or dancer. She loves shoes and will bring whoever's shoes laying around to us and say "I ont shoes," which means she wants us to put them on her. Something else she loves is to give kisses. She will make her kissing face (which means she pulls her bottom lip up over her top and raises her chin up high), says "mmmmm" and wait for anyone to kiss her. She has to give everyone in the house kisses before bedtime. And no one can deny her.

Her hair is getting curlier and curlier but not much longer-musch to my dismay. Her face is also starting to thin out, but she definitely still has her ghetto booty and awesome belly. She also still sucks her thumb and is very attached to her "Boo" - her floppy stuffed bear. She also jabbers all the time and has quite a few words and phrases that she says. We love having her around and she gets quite a bit of attention from all of us, and so I know that having this new sister around is going to be a big adjustment for her.

ME:

Me? I'm just pregnant and one year older. I turned 29 this March and had a fantastic birthday. Bryan did an amazing job at planning a birthday date where I was able to "choose my own adventure birthday". I chose my birthday activity and dinner based on clues and I was given many options for each. It was a lot of fun.

I am 34 weeks and time is getting CLOSE. I am not ready for this baby nearly as much so as I was with the others. I still have a lot to do and shop for, but I can't bring myself to do it. I guess I'll just wait for the "nesting" stage to kick in and really go to town.

I feel pretty good. I get Braxton Hicks contractions which are getting more frequent and heavier. I'm still planning on going natural and Bryan still keeps trying to talk me out of it. Now I think I'm even more stubborn about doing it just to prove him wrong.

BRYAN:

Bryan just celebrated his 33rd birthday. We were able to celebrate it in California (actually the day of his birthday we were driving home from California). We decided to take a last minute trip to visit Bryan's brother and his family. We had a ton of fun in the warm weather where we went to the park, hung out, shopped, went to a movie, and went to Six Flags, and just played. It was a great time and we love spending time with Rob, Lindsey, their girls, and also Lindsey's family (our second in-laws).

We were able to celebrate Bryan's birthday with Lindsey's family because it was her dad's birthday a couple of days before Bryan's. I made Bryan "Angry Birds" cakes since he has been addicted to that game lately. (And if you're wondering, he has 3 stars on all the levels.) Yes, he could use an Angry Birds support group. However, the last couple of days it has turned into a Solitaire addiction.

Bryan starts a new job on Monday!! About 6-7 weeks ago, Bryan lost his job. This came as a surprise but in reality it has been a blessing in disguise. He was very unhappy at his job and had actually started looking for something new when he was let go. Three weeks after he lost his job, he received a job offer with the company he wanted to work for, and it is with a company that goes hand-in-hand with what he had been doing. Since he received the offer he has just been able to hang out with the family waiting for the new job to start.

We have been so lucky to have him home with us these past several weeks. The kids have LOVED having him home and I'm pretty sure they will go through withdrawals when he starts again. I have loved having him home as well. It's been great to have the extra help around the house and with the kids, and really great to run errands without the kids. It's been fun to have him around to just be here and have fun with. There have been many hours playing games with each other, and we've turned into quite the gaming family (especially he and the kids). He will be missed greatly, but he is so ready to start and get back into a routine.

Whew! That was a lot, and probably a lot more in depth than most care to read, but hopefully it will pacify my father. Talk about nagging! ;) Now I just need to stay on top of blogging....

How Many Times in a Day...

2011-01-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

As a mother, how many times in a day can you:

Sweep the kitchen floor.
Wipe off the kitchen table.
Clean off a high chair tray.
Wipe off the counters.
Pick up the same toys from your tornado, havoc-reaking one year old.
Wipe a snotty nose.
Wipe a bum.
Hang up the hand towel in the kids' bathroom.
Pick up the throw pillows from off the floor and put them back on the couch.
Push in the table chairs and barstools.
Wipe off smudgy fingerprints off the stainless steel appliances and black cupboards.
Get a sippy of milk out of the fridge.
Refill sippies.
Answer, "What?"
Say, "Please put _________ away?"
Say, "Be nice to your sister."
Say, "Did you wash your hands?"
Say, "Quit (fighting, biting your fingernails, whining, complaining)."
Say, "Go get back in bed."
Say the word "no".

It's never ending, but I guess I would rather be doing these things countless times a day than sitting in an office working, away from them.

Its A... Wait, What?

2011-01-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today I went in for The Ultrasound, and as Bryan and I made our way down the long corridor, I think I was on the border of being cocky of what this little bambino was going to be. Because I have mother's intuition, you see, and I'm rarely wrong.

We went into the darkened room, I laid on the bed and the ultrasound technician got started and looked and measured various parts of the baby. As I laid there, my confidence started to waver, and I started to wonder, "What if it's really not a boy?"

But I was just so absolutely positive it was a boy. I dreamed about it being a boy. I had the "feelings" about it being a boy. I saw our family consisting of three boys and a girl. I thought about how there was just going to be one little girl, and we were going to be so close because she was always going to be outnumbered by boys. I was so 100% positive it was a BOY.

And then it was time to find the gender... And there it is, right there between the legs.

There's nothin' between the legs. Because it's a girl.

Huh?

I couldn't quite take it all in. I was in shock. It's really not a boy? But, I'd never even thought about two girls. Bryan was excited; he wanted another little girl. I couldn't even comprehend it. I think in my mind I even questioned the technician. It wasn't until SEVERAL more shots that I came to truly realize that yes indeed, it was a girl!

Now that I've had time to process it, I'm excited. We're excited for Lily to have a little sister and one so close in age. I just hope they get along. (Rissa and I weren't the best of friends growing up, so I certainly hope they are.) The boys have been the best of friends and so I hope these girls will be too. Having another girl definitely makes things a lot easier in some aspects. Two and two - nice and even. That's what's in my family and I love it.

Jace is extremely excited that it's a girl. When I told him, he jumped up and down and shouted "yay, yay, yay," and then quickly asked, "Can we name her Kate?" What's the reason Jace wanted a girl? So we could name her Kate. He's dead set on naming her Kate, which we like, but we're just not positive that's what it's going to be. Cole, on the other hand, was pretty upset. "I don't want a sister! I wanted a brother!" The main reason Cole wanted a brother? Because he wanted to name him Spike and he wanted a new brother to play Ninja Turtles with Jace and him.

So it's a girl.

Not what I thought I knew, but I'm happy.

Lost in Translation

2011-01-11T12:42:00.001-08:00

About 5 months ago, I posted about my love for the 18 months of perks. At the beginning of that post I wrote a disclaimer stating that I may come to regret what I had written. Well I can't say I "regret it", but perhaps I should have waited several more months to write it; because apparently sarcasm is lost in translation with The Man Upstairs.

You see, there was a line at the end of that post that said, "I'd get pregnant tomorrow just to not see her ugly face again." Well, I didn't get pregnant the very next day, just about exactly a month later.

Even while I was pregnant with Lily I always knew there was a number four waiting to join us, and I always wanted a number four. I just didn't want/expect them this close. Lily and this new one will be 20 months apart and it is kind of freaking me out. The other kids have been 26 and 30 months apart and the spacing has been wonderful. I was never worried going from 0 to 1 kid, 1 to 2, and 2 to 3 kids; but I am really worried about going from 3 to 4. I know there are many other situations out there that are closer and harder than mine, but I'm just sayin - these are my concerns.

And apparently Heavenly Father isn't the only one that has lost things in translation. Do you ever have those thoughts/premonitions that make you think, "This could be a possibility; a real possibility"?

When I would think about having Number 4, there was this little thought in the back of my mind (premonition, maybe) that this little baby could come sooner than later, meaning sooner than when we were planning on having them join our family. I had the thought that Lily and this baby would probably be closer than two years apart. Apparently this thought and my math calculations were lost in translation too because I didn't realize that I would have to be pregnant NOW (and four months ago for that matter). I think that maybe these thoughts/premonitions were Heavenly Father's way of warning me to prepare myself mentally for this.

But these thoughts were lost on me because I didn't prepare myself. I wasn't quite ready for the fact of being pregnant NOW. In fact, I was in denial for quite some time. I didn't even take a pregnancy test until I was three weeks late! I didn't make the pregnancy "public" until I was 15 weeks along - almost 16. I'm 19 weeks tomorrow. (Ever want a pregnancy to go by fast? Just don't tell anyone for 15 weeks. :)

Now that I have accepted the fact that Number 4 is joining our family in June, I am excited. I am excited to have another little newborn in our family. I love newborns. They are in every sense, Heaven. Pure Heaven. I am excited to have our family complete and to move on to our next adventures. Yes, there are going to be challenges and struggles and LOTS of changes (an entirely different post) with another one right now, but it will definitely be worth it. And I cannot wait to see if it is a boy or girl (although I really, REALLY think this one is a boy). Call it mother's intuition. I guess we'll find out for sure next Tuesday!!

So if you want to learn anything from my situation, I would say be careful what you ask or wish for and in the manner you wish for it. Because remember, sarcasm is lost in translation.

Oh, and in case you were wondering? Yes, the perky perks are back. And for that I am grateful.

Silly Lily

2010-11-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

Oh, Miss Lily. So full of life and energy. When I was a little girl my uncle gave me the nickname of "Spitfire" because I could have quite the feisty attitude. Well, I think I've passed that down to Lily. She is so full of life and laughter and all out craziness. She loves to laugh and play with her brothers. She whines and begs to be picked up and as soon as you have her she squirms to be put down, and so you put her down and she whines and begs and the cycle goes on and on.

A lot of the ladies at church get a good kick out of her because of her craziness. She loves to turn around on the bench and laugh an talk to the people behind her. She lets out some really loud squeals and yells and she is ALL over the place and I can NEVER get her to sit still. I've devised a plan where we go to sacrament, during Sunday school we stay in the hall the entire time and I let her run off some energy so that that way I can got to Relief Society and get most of the lesson in.

She loves to wag her little finger around and say "stop it." She has even started to sass back in her own little language and I get quite the kick out of it. She also has the most loving side to her. She says "hiiiiiii" in the softest, sweetest, girliest voice ever. It's my absolute favorite thing she says. She also LOVES to give hugs to anyone close to her size and in her proximity. She will crawl up to little kids at church and lean her head on them and try to give them so many loves.

She has 12 teeth and they are so cute and goofy and I love her smile. And if she's being particularly silly she does this face where she smiles and scrunches up her eyes and she looks like Chunck from Goonies.

She has her moments when she can be quite the handful but at other times she is the complete opposite and so easy going, can roam and play and keep herself entertained for hours. Yesterday I went to the bathroom and came out to find this:

Lily covered in peach yogurt and "Mmmmm - Mmmmmming."

Oh Miss Beans, what would we ever do without you? You are crazy and wild, sweet and cuddly, sassy and silly, and we all sure love you!

Toothless?

2010-11-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

Jace lost his first tooth on November 11. (I know, I'm so on top of things.) It was discovered several weeks ago that he had a loose tooth, but behind that tooth he already had his permanent tooth growing in, and quite a bit.

So we spent the next few weeks wiggling the tooth and we even tried to pull it, but it wouldn't come. So we went to the dentist worried about over-crowding. Sure enough, the dentist decided to pull it. Jace was lucky enought to have banana flavored laughing gas and they numbed him up, gave him a shot, and pulled the tooth. Thank goodness the dentist and hygenists were awesome and they never mentioned the shot and just told him he was going to get some "sleepy medicine" for his lips and teeth. They popped it out and he was able to take home his first lost tooth in an envelope!

The Tooth Fairy came and left him two dollars, and you would have thought he won the lottery! That Tooth Fairy stuff is hard to remeber to take care of. Thank goodness Lily woke up at 3:45 am or else the Tooth Fairy would have forgot and Jace would have been devestated.

So here's the proud boy with his not-so-much gaping hole.

(He's going to hate me in future years for this picture. :) )

Halloween 2010

2010-11-07T14:59:00.001-08:00

The great debate was on this year to as what the kids were going to be. It was that constant changing of their minds as to what they wanted to be. So we sat them down a few weeks before Halloween and MADE them decide.

They decided on Batman and Robin. Jace took the high road and let Cole choose which one he was going to be. Usually, since Jace is older, he would naturally be Batman. However, Cole chose Batman and Jace was just as excited to be Robin. So then of course Lily had to be Cat Woman/ black cat.

And when we go with a theme, we really go with a theme.

We bought Cole's costume and I made Jace's. Lily's was pretty simple to put together, and really I only had to buy the ears. They had so much fun being Batman and Robin! Jace loved his costume, and when he put it on he said, "Mom, I think I look pretty darn awesome."

We did the trunk-or-treat at our ward Saturday night and it started pouring on us. We got home and the boys were soaked and they decided that they didn't want to go out for any more trick-or-treating; so they got in their jammies and stayed home. I love how easy they are! (And so does their dad because that meant he didn't have to go out either.)

Having Halloween on a Sunday was not so fun. Dressing them up for school on Friday, trick-or-treating on Saturday, and a family party on Sunday did me in. Keeping track of all the little pieces of their costumes was annoying and I ended up having to make two masks for Jace because we lost one. Oh, the things you do for your kids.

They had a blast being Batman and Robin, and now they are so excited and are planning their costumes of Harry Potter, Ron, and Hermione for next year.

Look Whooo Turned One!

2010-10-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Lily turned 1 last Saturday, Oct. 2nd. How is it even possible that a year could go by that fast? I have truly enjoyed this past year with having a little girl in our family. She is so full of life and energy, has a smile for anyone. Besides when she is tired, she is always happy. And I mean always.

We celebrated her birthday with family and a few close friends Friday night. It was an owl theme, and it the night turned out perfectly. I went for a girly, whimisical, fall-ish theme.

We had chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, and veggies for dinner.

Dessert was an assortment of vanilla and chocolate owl cupcakes and owl sugar cookies.

Lily had her very own mini owl cake. Thank you Joslyn, for teaching me how to do fondant.

We had a few games for the kids of Pin the Beak on the Owl, Bean Bag Toss (thru the owl's eyes), and Crack the Egg out of the Nest (popping balloons).

Lily received so many fun new GIRL toys: baby dolls, a purse, a tea set, and a stroller. She also received lots of fantastically girly outfits. Who knew it could make me so happy to see little dolls and girl toys laying around the house? The poor girl has been deprived.

Thank you so much to all of our family and friends that came and supported Lily and her first year of life.

Thank you Lindsey, for designing such an adorable birthday invitation and favor tags.

Thank you Karlee, for taking such great pictures for me so that I didn't have to worry about that aspect of the night while trying to entertain the guests.

At the end of the night, Bryan summed it up best when he said, "You know what? We're pretty blessed to have such great family and friends."

Yes, Dear; we are.

Lily, we love you so much and you have added so much joy and happiness to our family. Boy, Sundays would sure be different without you! Happy Birthday, Miss Beans!

Dinner Time Entertainment

2010-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

This happened a couple of weeks ago, but I thought I would share.

Here is our crazy, loud, and yet adorable, Lily. She truly is a wild woman. She NEVER sits still. I mean NEVER. She likes to make us laugh and she definitely knows how to keep us entertained at dinner.

Kindergarten and Preschool

2010-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's official. I have a kindergartner. And this wasn't easy for me to accept.

Jace started kindergarten on September 1. He was so ready. I thought I was.

I wasn't.

(Standing in front of our back door because the sun was too bright in the front)

I took him to school the first day and had to fight back the tears even before we got there. He was so excited, yet a little nervous and I could tell by the way he would walk around with his arms folded. That's Jace's "nervous twitch" - arms folded across his chest and eyes scanning the ground.

(Playing on the playground with his cute friend, Allie)

(Standing in front of his classroom door)

I did well until he went into his classroom and it was time for me to walk away.

(My friends thought it would be a great idea to take a picture of me crying. Luckily, you can't tell I'm a blubbery mess.)

I cried off and on for the remainder of the day. And if I think about it too much, I still cry.

(Like right now.)

He loves kindergarten so far and it has been fun to have him come home everyday and ask him what he did in class. I get to hear lots of new songs, I find out what kids had to "pull a card" that day, who he played with at recess, and if he earned a "caughtcha."

I have this love/hate relationship with dropping him off at school. I love to see how big and responsible he looks as he slings his backpack over his shoulder and marches his way through the kindergarten gate ready to conquer the world. And yet, I hate to see him so big and independent, knowing that I'm not going to be right there with him to protect him from the harsh reality of this world.

Cole misses his big brother immensely. Multiple times throughout the morning he asks, "When's Jace gonna be home?" He's kind of lost without him. And to be honest, so am I. I've forgotten how to entertain a child. It's been a dream to have Jace and Cole be best friends because they rely on each other for entertainment.

Two days after Jace started school, Cole had to go off and start preschool on me too.

Sheesh.

He, too, is so excited to be going to school. During preschool orientation, a week earlier, he was sitting in front of me while his teacher was going over the rules, when he turned around to me and whispered, "I love this school." He's been waiting for a whole year to be able to go to Teacher Nisha's.

Surprisingly, I didn't have as hard of a time sending Cole to preschool as I thought I would. It was strange to leave him at school, yet fun to see him so ready to go and not be afraid as I thought he would be. He needs this independence.

(Cole on his playground.)

I think I'm having such a hard time with this because I know their childhood is slipping by me so quickly. And I look back over the years and question if I've done enough, played enough with them, made enough memories with them, taught them enough, scolded and yelled too much, enjoyed who they are enough.

So with a new school year, there's a sense of renewal. Here's to loving them more, laughing with them more, reading to them more, yelling less, having more patience, kissing them more, snuggling them more, and reflecting on those moments more.

18 Months of Perks

2010-08-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

I may come to regret this post, but I've decided to be honest about life and how it plays out; so here it goes.

I have had the privilege of enjoying some benefits for the last 18 months since the time that I became pregnant with Lily until I finished nursing. I didn't quit nursing by choice, it just so happened that the milk producing department of my body put up the OUT OF ORDER sign.

Since this has happened, it has caused me to reflect on what I've enjoyed over the past year and a half. I know that pregnancy and nursing have a very long list of miserable qualities; however, they also have their own "perks".

When I was pregnant with Lily, Bryan once asked me this question (and while we were in the company of his brother), "Ashlee, do you know what my favorite part about pregnancy is? Pregnancy boobs."

Yes Dear, you are correct. It's the best part for me too.

You see, when my older sister stood in the "Bosom Line" up in heaven, she took her fair share of the amount allotted and then she decided to be greedy and take my amount as well. Nuff said.

So as you can see, pregnancy and nursing end up being a blessing to me in the bosom department. Many women hate the added blessing. Well, not me. I'll take all I can get, thanks.

A couple of other perks relate to Sundays. Two words: FAST SUNDAY. Yep, it's back to fasting full time. Is it bad to say that I didn't miss it? This also means a full three hour block of church. I always was able to cut Sunday school short because Lily was on such a set schedule that feeding time always fell then.

Wow, church sure has gotten a lot longer.

And finally, on one of the greatest perks it brings is the long separation of a certain relative. Yep, that one annoying aunt that brings her presence around once a month. You know that's an aunt that I don't get excited to see at the monthly family reunion. She's the one you run and hide from for as long as possible. She's the one that forces you to pack on a couple of pounds while she's around and you're crabby and not your self until she leaves.

I'd get pregnant tomorrow just to not see her ugly face again.

[Sigh]

I miss the perks.

Especially the perky ones.

Hmmmmm.......

2010-08-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe I need to get this little girl a doll to play with.......

I Swear

2010-08-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes motherhood just makes me want to swear - you know, REALLY swear. As much as I refrain from actually saying those colorful words, I must say things can run rampant in my head. (Do I get extra points for not actually letting them loose?)

There's the good swear: "You are so ******** cute!"

And the not so good swear: "You little ******* you gave your baby sister a black eye?!!?!!"

And of course there are many more 'not-so-good-swears' that I just won't mention when it comes to the whining, fighting, tantrums, hour-long-dinner-eating-sessions, etc., etc. Now I know why my mom would just let them loose sometimes when I was growing up - it's just part of being a mom.

The Simple Things

2010-07-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

Jace's Day:

1. He regained the Wii back - he'd been grounded from it for three days.

2. He got his backpack for kindergarten - I caved and allowed a Star Wars one. (I wish I could have gotten a picture of the two boys struttin' around Target wearing their new backpacks)

3. I let him and Cole get a Ring Pop at the check-out counter.

4. They got to watch a movie in the car.

5. We went swimming for Bryan's company party.

6. He got to have McDonald's for dinner.

After all of this he declared, "This is the best day of my life, EVER!" I love that the simple things in life make him so happy.

Neighborhood Hang Out

2010-06-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, my aunt and her family stopped by my house for a little visit while they were in town. While they were at my house (it was a total of about and hour) I had three different little boys over at my house to play. She asked me if my house was the "Koolaid House;" you know, the house that all the kids hang out at. Well, it kind of is. And I don't mind. It's nice to have the kids here and know where they are and what they're up to. It's kind of fun to see who all stops by and asks if Jace can play in a day's time.

Well, apparently my house is super cool. Because not only are the neighborhood kids dropping by and hanging around, but the critters like to hang out too. Yes, I've talked about the scorpions, lizards, gross bugs, and the tarantula; the last couple of days a snake has joined the mix, and it really didn't want to leave.

It started Saturday afternoon when I went to get the mail. I saw something sticking up out of the grass and thought it was a stick, but as I got closer I realized it was a snake "standing" up pretty straight and high in the air. I took a picture of it on my phone to show the boys and then Bryan and I chased it off into the neighbor's yard.

Saturday evening, Bryan discovered that the snake was living in a hole behind a sprinkler head at the corner of our driveway. The boys and I found it entertaining to sit and watch it peak its head out of the hole and slide in and out. A couple of neighbor kids came over as I was getting up the courage to kill it with the shovel when the little 11 year old girl asked if she could catch it. So I let her. She patiently waited for about an hour but the snake never came back out again enough for her to catch it.

Well, today things changed. As I was getting out of the shower, Jace came running into the bathroom and said, "The snake's on the front porch and Rusty's cats are attacking it." I wrapped myself in my robe and went out my garage and my neighbor was standing there with her son, another little boy, and her two cats were on the porch by the snake. Here's the story:

She said she was in her back yard when she heard this blood curdling scream...and it wasn't stopping. So she sent her son to see what was going on. Apparently the other little boy had come to my house when I was in the shower, and saw the snake all stretched out across the step that leads into my house and he started screaming like a little girl. So she came over and brought her cats to try and kill the snake, but they lost interest and wouldn't do the nasty job. So there were six of us standing at the end of my porch watching this two foot snake. It had curled itself up and so my neighbor got the guts up and put a bucket over the top of the snake and said she would send her eleven year old daughter back over to dispose of it in a couple of hours.

Well, I couldn't wait that long and so I called my neighbor boy and asked him, "Shamon, are you afraid of snakes." He told me, "No, I'll be over," without me even having to tell him what I needed. He came over and tried to get the snake into the bucket, but it just wasn't working out they way we had hoped. His mom then drove by and stopped and she ended up being the hero. She took the shovel and did a series of dragging, then scooping and throwing the snake down the driveway, across the street, and over the edge of the cliff.

I am just a little puzzled as to why all of the nasty creatures seem to love my house. Enough already!! AND.... why is it that all of the critters like to play as Bryan's away? If we ever move, it won't be because we don't like the neighborhood, it will be because we don't like the creepy crawlies that COME with the neighborhood.

A Reprieve

2010-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, Fathers and Sons.

The one night and morning that you look forward to for several weeks, maybe even a whole year, that guarantees you some "alone" time. Some time to do all (okay, some) of those things when you always think, "If I didn't have to take the kids, I would do that." So you can imagine how excited I was to enjoy this alone time.

Well, as the day was going on and I was trying to plan out my evening of excitement, a couple of things hit me. The first was trying to decide what I actually wanted to do with all of my time. I even made a list. Should I go shopping, clean the house, work on a craft, call up a friend and go out, plan for trek, of just plain veg. So many good options because all of these are accomplished much easier when the kids aren't around.

As I sit here typing this I still can't decide what I'm going to do with the rest of my time tonight.....

Also, as I was taking down the tent (because it was set up in the basement), gathering blankets and pillows, shopping for their dinner and other necessities, and preparing some of their dinner ahead of time, I thought how ironic this Fathers and Sons thing is. Here the MOTHER is preparing and gathering and making sure they have everything they need so that the BOYS could dash out the door as soon as DAD got home so that they could go do some bonding.

But then again, I guess I want to ensure they get gone for my own selfish desires.

Well, this night has turned out to be even more ironic. The weather has not cooperated at all. Wet, cold, rainy weather is not going to be an enjoyable time for a five and three year old. So Bryan decided that they weren't going to sleep over, and unfortunately that brand new tent just isn't going to be used quite yet for some actual camping. Maybe basement camping is all that tent's going to see. He also decided that it would be best to feed to boys at home where it was warm and not so miserable.

Which I have to agree with. He's absolutely right. I would do the same thing if I were in his shoes.

However, now that I have spent my entire day preparing for them to go off and enjoy themselves so that I could enjoy myself, I am now left with dishes and a messy kitchen to clean from their Father and Sons dinner.

And I can expect them back at 10:00-ish (or maybe sooner).

So much for a restful night to myself, sleeping in, and a lazy morning.

So much for my reprieve.

Guess How Much I Love You?

2010-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I love you 18 freshly ironed shirts.

(said Big Nutbrown Hare)

Lily Beans

2010-05-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

I can't help but post these pictures of Lily. She is seven months old with two teeth and about four more about to break through, blonde hair growing in like crazy, and a sassy personality to boot.

Thank you, Rissa for the adorable skirt.

Preschool Graduation

2010-05-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

On the 19th of the this month, Jace graduated from his cute Happy Hearts Preschool. Jace absolutely loved going to preschool and he especially loved his fantastic teacher, Teacher Nisha.

Having a child go to school makes you realize just how fast time passes by. As a student myself, I use to think that the school year dragged on. Now, as a mother, the school year is gone in what seems like a matter of minutes.

It has been fun to see what Jace has learned over the past year. Some of Jace's proudest accomplishments are counting to 100 by 1's, 5's, 10's, counting to 1000 by 100's, and he is now reading.

At his graduation, Bryan and I, and also some of the other parents, got a kick out of watching and listening to him. Their little graduation program consisted of them repeating the sounds of the alphabet, counting to 100, and singing three songs. Let's just say that Jace was definitely the loudest student and he kept everyone on track and led the pack in their sounds and numbers. Bryan called him the little Valedictorian.

Jace, you are such a smart little man and you amaze me at your ability to learn and absorb new information. I am so grateful that you love to learn and I hope you carry that with you throughout the rest of your life. I thoroughly enjoy being your mother and you challenge me every day with your questions and inquisitiveness. I love you.

Cole's Third Birthday

2010-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

On April 28, Cole celebrated his third birthday. When he woke up and ran out to see what his presents were, he wasn't too excited. He woke up to this:

And as he saw it he asked in a tone of complete disgust, "A bicycle?" It was as if he was saying, "Why the crap did you get me a bicycle?" When I asked him what he wished he would have gotten instead he said, "Where's my dragon cake?"

(You see, the cake was a big decision. Every year for their birthdays I make the boys whatever kind of theme cake they want. This year, since Cole loves to do whatever Jace does, he said he wanted a Yoda cake. If it wasn't going to be a Yoda cake he would change his mind to whatever other kind of cake Jace would suggest. So I finally got him to decide on his own what kind of cake he wanted and he chose a dragon cake because he really loved the "How To Train Your Dragon" movie.)

Well, he eventually warmed up to the bicycle and has loved riding it outside - on the few days it's been warm -and also in the basement.

For a fun activity that day, he chose to go to Kangaroo Zoo and McDonalds for lunch. We then had dinner at home with Grandma Pam and Papa Gene and were able to end the night with the long awaited Dragon Cake.

Cole, you are something else. My feelings for you can go from one end of the spectrum to the other in a matter of seconds: totally in love with you to then wanting to pull my hair out! You can look at me with those deep set eyes framed by those squishy cheeks and curly blonde hair and tell me "Mom, I love you too,"and absolutely melt my heart. Then you have this air of defiance and do things just because you know I don't want you to. Then, when I'm trying to talk to you about not doing those things, you raise your nose in the air and stomp away from me swinging your little bum from side to side. Or another reaction when I catch you doing something naughty is to turn your head to the side, close your eyes, raise your nose in the air, and say "No!" in a snappy little tone.

You have so many sides to you: you are funny and mischeivous; loving and defiant; sweet and sassy; soft spoken and LOUD; cuddly and rough.

You are so completely full of energy and spunk and love to be a rough and tumble little guy. You love to box, sword fight, jump, run, and yell. I don't believe you quite know your own strength and you have a hard time containing it. You are constantly falling but you never let it keep you down for long. You usually laugh and hop right back up and start running again.

You love your brother so much and love to play with him and cry and beg for him when he leaves to play with other friends. You are adventurous and not afraid to try new things. You easily got on that new bicycle of yours and took off in a matter of minutes. You just want to go and do - no matter what it is - and you usually succeed quite easily at any new physical challenge.

I have been amazed at the level of comprehension you have developed just this past month. At scripture time and Family Home Evening I wasn't quite sure you had been listening, but now you want to listen and learn and have come to understand so many new things.

So far I believe you are the one that I feel the need to protect the most. I think it is your trusting nature and your inquisitiveness that makes me nervous. I have a feeling that there are going to be many challenges in your life that you will have to face and I don't want you to have to go through them, so I have this urge to keep you young and safe.

I can see your older brother growing up so fast and changing so much and I don't want that to happen to you yet. I feel like I have already lost these last couple of years with you because you have grown up so quickly with an older sibling to follow and imitate and try to be just as old as. With Jace being the oldest I was always ready for him to go on to the next stage and see what he could do and learn. But with you, I want you to stay young. I don't want to lose that "babyness" in you. I want to always have that little boy that begs me to be his "snuggle bunny" and just to hold him.

I will always be here to be your snuggle bunny when you're having a bad day. Because if your day starts off rough and you're grouchy and just plain having a hard time, that's what we do: we snuggle. And it makes all the difference in the world.

I love you so much,

Mom

Why Do I Torture Myself?

2010-04-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

Today I had to go out shopping. And I had to take all 3 kids. It was unavoidable because tomorrow is Bryan's birthday and I needed to finish up some birthday shopping. And I was dreading this shopping trip it to say the least.

I have been very spoiled for the last three months, because whenever I really needed to go out shopping I would just go and leave all of the kids home with Bryan. See, unemployment has some benefits to it - NO SHOPPING WITH KIDS

Anyway, we get going and store #1 was fine. No problems and they were pretty well behaved. Just 100 questions or so from Jace.

Store #2 was Old Navy. Things were fine, the boys received suckers from a worker and they were just sitting on the base of a clothing rack, sucking away and being quiet. And then I hear Cole say, "Mom, my thumb's stuck." Old Navy has display racks made from galvanized metal with holes in them that look like the pole of a STOP sign. Get it? Well, Cole decided to stick his thumb in there because of course it's a perfect fit.

I immediately told him not to pull on it because I actually know someone who had a son that did the exact same thing at an Old Navy, and it cut his thumb all up and he had to get stitches. So I grabbed my lotion out of my purse and started rubbing it around his little thumb and pulling gently. It wasn't coming and he started screaming. I tried to remain calm but I was getting slightly panicked because I couldn't get it out. I flagged down a worker for some help and was asking her for any other ideas when luckily his thumb came out. Thank goodness it wasn't cut. Cole was upset and his thumb was red and irritated, but he was fine.Seriously, though?

Okay Old Navy, it's time for some new clothing racks WITHOUT toddler sized finger holes.

Then it was on to store #3 (I know, I'm pushing it at this point). My anxiety and stress level has raised considerably from store two to store three. In store #3 the boys are wandering off, chasing each other around the clothing racks, punching, and wrestling in the store. How many times do I have to ask them to stay by me and to keep their hands to themselves? Ugh.

We then traveled home took some naps and then went back out to one more store because I still didn't find what I needed for Bryan's birthday. At this store of course Jace has to use the bathroom so I sent him into the bathroom and told him to do his thing. Well, about 8 minutes later he's still not done and the toilet is flushing over and over and over. The door is locked and who knows what's going on in there? I end up having to go in there to help him finish up and I stress about that because that then leaves the other two out in the hallway by themselves and we already know what Cole's done today when I wasn't looking.

Blah, blah, blah, right? Shopping with all of the kids is not my idea of fun and it does not show off my best mothering skills. I use to be great at- calm, collected, having fun with the kids -when the boys were younger, but throw in another kiddo and two older boys and things change, and not for the better.

And to cap off the day, at dinner Jace told Bryan, "We got you some awesome shirts, but I'm not going to tell you what they are." Then when we were kneeling down for family prayers Jace prayed, "Grateful that we could buy Dad clothes for his birthday."

Awesome. Thanks, Bud.

6 Months Old

2010-04-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Per requests - and really just because I need to - here is a little update on Baby Lily.

Unbelievable as it may be, she is now 6 months old! It is unfathomable how fast time goes by and how much she has grown. She still remains to be an amazing baby and incredibly easy. Just like she has since she was eight weeks old, she still sleeps 12 hours a night. I can simply lay her in her crib at nap and bedtime and she will turn to her right side, suck her thumb, and put herself to sleep.

The person that makes her laugh the most is Jace. She thinks Jace is the funniest person ever and laughs so easily when he talks to her and sings, "Hi, Happy Girrrrrrl!" She loves to talk and squeal and make herself known. I think she knows she has to remind us that she is part of our family because she is so easy and quiet at times we kind of forget she's around.

I am finally starting to become more consistent in feeding her solids. With the third child I have become lazy and busy with other children that I have not pushed feeding her solids. Nursing her is just so much easier and faster than spoon feeding her a whole jar of food. From what I do feed her, she is a great eater and seems to like everything. Maybe she won't be a picky eater and can be Bryan's little egg-liking buddy.

Lily is now 14.9 lbs (25%) and 25 inches long (50%). She still is a little peanut to me and I have a hard time realizing that she really is 6 months old. She is rolling all over the place and is getting close to sitting up. She has one bottom tooth in and the second one is close to coming through as well. She will lay on the ground playing with toys or sit in her bouncer or saucer and entertain herself until she is tired.

I simply adore Lily and love the joy and happiness she brings into our family's life. She is a ray of sunshine and her gummy smile puts all of us in a better mood. We are so blessed to have her as part of the family.

Daddy's Boy

2010-04-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Cole is a "Daddy's Boy." Plain and simple. He cries and throws incredible fits when Bryan has to leave the house for work or meetings. When he's hurt or upset he runs to dad. If Bryan scolds or disciplines him, that doesn't matter; he turns around and runs right into Bryan's arms. Like I said, a daddy's boy.

However, lately I've been questioning this because there are certain pieces of evidence that make wonder differently.

If he is a daddy's boy, why is it me that he decides to run and puke on - for this has happened on two separate occasions. The first time he was talking to Bryan and told him he didn't feel well and Cole said he wanted me. He came over to me, sat on my lap and puked all over me: down my shirt, in my lap, all over our friend's couch. The second time was last week when Cole had been throwing up in the night. I put him in bed with Bryan so Bryan could run him to the bathroom if needed to throw up, and I slept on the couch because I, myself, was sick. Well, shortly after this arrangement Cole wandered into the family room looking for me and started gagging. As I scooped him up in my arms and ran him to the sink, half of his puke ended up in my hair and on my clothes.

Second piece of evidence: if he's such a daddy's boy then why is it me that he cries out for in the middle of the night when he has wet his bed and he needs to be bathed and cleaned up? Just last night Bryan woke me up and said, "Cole's crying for you." What did I do? I immediately went in to his room to check for a wet bed/pants. Yup, he wet the bed. Lucky me. And how did I know the bed would be wet? Because he only cries out for me in the middle of the night when he has an accident.

So I'm thinking, maybe this whole daddy's boy thing is just a ruse Cole is playing on Bryan to make him feel better. Because in all truth, I know Cole's heart ...puke.... and other bodily fluids....truly belongs to me.

Five Years Old? Already?

2010-02-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

I'm having a hard time comprehending that I now have a child that is five years old. Five is big milestone for my little man to hit and I'm not sure I like it. It is so sad to look at past pictures and see how cute and little he was and realize that time has gone so fast. He even looks so much older. Yesterday I registered him for kindergarten and I was having some anxiety. My heart was panicking and it didn't want to send my little boy off to meet the big, bad ugly world. Can't I just keep him in the nice, naive little bubble I've been growing him in forever?

On his actual birthday he went to preschool and then after we celebrated with his cousins at Pirate Island. It is basically a pirate themed Chucky Cheese. It's a cute place and the kids loved it and had a great time. Then we came home and relaxed and Jace got his birthday wish of playing Star Wars Lego with his dad. For his birthday dinner he chose sweet and sour chicken and fried rice. It must be his favorite because I have never seen that boy finish his dinner so fast. Dinner time was a refreshing change.

On Saturday, 20th, we celebrated his birthday with his very first friend party. Any guesses what the theme was? Star Wars, of course! He had 3 friends and two cousins come and it was quite the party.

We started the party off with homemade pizza and breadsticks.

Next we jumped into the games and played Pin the Ears on Yoda

We broke a Darth Vader pinata with light sabers. The darn thing broke on the second kid who gave it the first good whack! Ah well, the kids only care about the candy anyway.

We then moved on to Jedi training with their own light sabers. The light sabers were made out of foam pipe insulators wrapped in colored duct tape.

Next was a few rounds of "Master says..." (Simon says)

We then ended to party with Yoda cake and Jace's favorite, mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I wish I would have done these light saber cupcakes for the party instead of the Yoda cake. I made these for the Sunday birthday dinner at my parents. These cupcakes turned out much cuter.

Just to conclude, here are some facts about Jace as he has turned five.

favorite color: blue

favorite food: pizza and mint chocolate ice cream

favorite book: Peter Pan

things he likes to do: play the wii, play with friends, color,

his friends are: Evan, Pierce, Austin, Rusty

Star Wars is his obsession right now and he is really enjoying learning how to read

Jace, we love you so much and enjoy your zest for life and the humor you bring to our family!

Memorable Missionary Moments

2010-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had the opportunity to have the missionaries over for dinner. I wondered how the boys would do having the missionaries here and how they would behave. Well, they didn't disappoint. Here are a few of the night's moments.

When the missionaries arrived the boys decided to "show off" and they started running around the house playing their various games. They ran over to the kitchen and in unison put their hands out and then threw them into the air as they yelled, "Power Rangers to the RESCUE!" (The missionaries were impressed with their impromptu unity.)
Cole introduced himself as Baby Jaguar (from Go Diego, Go), then he reintroduced himself as Anakin, and then again introduced himself as Darth Vader. Awesome.
Cole had to go potty during dinner (he is officially potty trained, YIPEE!) and when he was done he came running out of the bathroom leaving his pants in the bathroom and waving his underwear in the air. Double Awesome.
Jace was pretending to be shy, but when he did decide to talk the only thing Jace would talk about was Star Wars and he decided to quiz the Elders on their Star Wars knowledge. Good thing both of them actually like Star Wars and actually knew what he was talking about.
And finally....both of Elders were Hispanic and Cole said to Bryan, "Dad, I want the Black Guy and the Brown Guy to stay forever."

So there you have it. You couldn't ask for a more spiritual night with the missionaries in our home.

Yes Jace, I Lied

2010-01-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

I once took an ethics class in college in which we read the book that our professor wrote, "Is Lying Sometimes the Right Thing to Do?" In this class we read real-life and hypothetical situations that would then lead us to have to answer this question. As a mother I have made up mind mind about this truly debatable question: yes, sometimes lying is the right thing to do.

Don't get me wrong, I tend to be a very honest person and strive my hardest to always tell the truth in my words and deeds, but I feel motherhood has given me some exceptions to the great commandment, Thou shalt not lie. One of these exceptions is when I lie to my five year old and tell him that he doesn't have to get shots, when indeed I am absolutely planning on making him get those darn shots.

I told Jace about two weeks before his 5 year check up that he would be going to the doctor and he would have to get shots so that he could go to kindergarten. I decided to tell him about the shots early so that there would be the possible chance of him warming up to the idea and hopefully not being scared to get them. Wrong move. That never happened.

After many tantrums and major melt downs, Bryan and I told him that he would just go for the check up and he wouldn't have to get shots. Thus the great lie comes into play. He accepted this, and he didn't mind the idea of going to the doctor if there weren't shots involved. Every time the appointment was mentioned he would ask, (actually declare), "I don't have to get shots," and he would repeat it over and over until we would agree with him. I knew that if we didn't lie to him, I wouldn't have even been able to get him into the doctor's office because he is one determined, stubborn, and LOUD child.

When we got to the doctor, I asked to speak to the doctor outside in the hall before he saw Jace. The doctor and I connived and agreed not to tell Jace that he was getting shots and we planned the best way to go about it. The great sneak attack was in place. After the exam, the doctor left and Bryan and I told Jace that the nurse had to come back in to check his legs. Jace happily jumped up on the table, we got his thighs exposed, and Bryan began to distract him with a great game of hiding his face under Lily's blanket. And then....POKE. Two shots in two legs by two nurses.

Screaming, that's what came next - lots of screaming with lots of angry words. He yelled both at me and the innocent nurse that was wrangled into the mess, "You're mean!!" as she left. He told me over and over that he was mad at me. And then, "You lied!! You said I didn't have to get shots."

That's when the guilt hit me. But just a hint.

Yes Son, I did lie to you. I lied to you because I'm your mother and it's my job to take care of you which means keeping you healthy which means making you get shots. So maybe it means that sometimes I am supposed to lie to you if it is in your best interest. And just know this Jace, there probably will be many other times that I lie to you. But I promise only if it's in your best interest. I'm sorry Son, that's just how it has to be.

Because lying sometimes is the right thing to do.

Especially when you're a mother.

Personal Updates

2010-01-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Here's a look into our lives and what is happening to each of us individually.

Jace has a one track mind these days and I hear this question WAY too much: "Mom, can I play the Wii?" He and Cole got a Wii for Christmas and they are loving it. Star Wars Legos is his favorite game to play. We love to watch both of them play the active games because it involves both of them jumping up and down the entire time - no matter what game they're playing. The games don't require jumping, that's just how they show their excitement. How can I deny them playing the Wii for a couple of hours when they are getting more exercise than me?

(Here's an action shot of them playing. Notice how red and sweaty Cole is.)

Also, something else on Jace's mind are his upcoming kindergarten shots. He has his appointment this Friday and already there have been multiple break downs about getting shots. Remember last time he got a shot? Ugly. I don't know how I'm even going to get him into the doctor's office on Friday. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Cole. Oh that Cole. This child is something else. He has been quite the stinker lately. He is so naughty and then so adorable and sweet the next minute. He truly is too cute for his own good. He is all boy and is always playing with a gun, sword, wrestling, or hitting someone. Oh, and he is obsessed with my "booties" aka boobs. See? All boy I tell ya. He is so sweet and is always telling me, "I wanna hold you" which actually means, "I want you to hold me." And he tells me "I your Snuggle Bunny." He drives me crazy and yet melts my heart.

Lily is now three months old. She still seems pretty petite to me which I am grateful for because I can't handle her getting big. It's hard to see your third baby grow so fast. She has developed a few of things since she turned three months old:

1. Thumb sucking. I love it and dislike it at the same time. It's adorable, yet you can't throw away a thumb at 15 months old. She still does take her binkie, but she prefers her thumb.

2. Hair loss. She had so much hair for so long and then in about a matter of a week or two she lost SO MUCH HAIR. It saddens me. Deeply. And it's not just the back of her head, she has lost so much on top and on the sides too. Sigh.

3. CHUBBY cheeks. Need I say more?

Bryan is still staying busy looking for a job and also with his church responsibilities. With some of his down time he has picked up a new read, Twilight. I'm not saying he likes it, he's just interested to know what all the hype's about. It's been fun to talk about the book with him because he points out how silly it really is. He's not yet finished so we'll see what his final opinion is.

(This is a picture of him showing one of his Christmas presents. I thought he looked really cute in it.)

I am working on a resolution of becoming more organized and clutter free. I can't stand clutter and so my goal is to go through every closet and cupboard and dejunk and reorganize. Fun, huh? Bryan and I have found a new activity for date night: playing Star Wars Legos on the Wii. Shortly after we got it we played it together for 4 hours straight which kept us up until 1:45 am. I won't admit how many hours total we've played it together. Shameful. Who would have thought that me, out of all people, would get addicted to a video game?

And since I don't have a picture of myself, here's the kids in their Christmas outfits.

So that's a quick update on each of us and a few pictures to show it too.

Ringing in the New Year

2010-01-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

As one of my resolutions for the 2010 year, I am resolving to be a better blogger. I use to do so well, and then the third pregnancy and third child came along, and the blogging thing dissipated quite a bit. But, I am vowing to change that. I need to do a better job of recording the happenings of our family and also I really want to jot some of the thoughts and ideas that float around in my head. So here's to a better blogging year....

I know that 2009 was a very difficult year for many people and families. The economy affected many people on many different levels, and every night as we knelt down together as a family and had family prayer, the thought didn't escape my mind that when so many were suffering with the loss of jobs and other trials, our family was very blessed.

Here are a few things that I was so grateful for in 2009:

Bryan's job was going well - we were employed when so many were not
We were settled in a beautiful home with a beautiful yard that we loved and worked hard in
We were blessed financially
Bryan was put into the bishopric which has brought added blessings
We had a beautiful, healthy, and happy baby girl
We were all healthy - and...no broken bones!!

These blessings were reiterated in my mind that first Sunday of the month when many people stood to bear their testimonies of the hardships and trials they faced this past year and how it shaped their faith. Man, 2009 was a good year to our family.

And then the looming thought of: "If 2009 was such a good year for us, what will 2010 bring? Something's got to be coming."

We found out pretty quickly what 2010 was going to bring to our family. It brought to us what it brought to so many other people in 2009: unemployment.

On January 7, Bryan was quite surprisingly laid off. He knew that there were going to be changes in the company; sales territories and quota changes were coming but he wasn't too worried. Things were being shaken up a bit, but this? This was quite a shock. Neither one of us anticipated it.

Bryan has been home all day for only a couple of days, and it's been nice to have some lazy days with him and the boys. (Today is one of those days!) But for the most part he has been out of the house working at the real estate office updating his resume and job hunting. He needs to stay busy to keep his sanity and so far he's been doing a great job of keeping it together.

With this change, amazingly both of us have that calm peaceful reassurance that things will work out for the best. We don't know why this happened or for how long this will last, but we know that we're going to be just fine.

Faith is a comforting thing.

Today I Decided....

2009-12-15T13:01:00.001-08:00

That I could hold Lily in my arms and we could stand there staring and smiling at each other

all

day

long.

And it would never grow old.

A BLESSED Day

2009-12-10T09:43:00.001-08:00

On Sunday, December 6, we blessed Lily. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we cannot express enough thanks and love to all of our family members and friends who were able to be a part of it.

Lily Grace Erickson.

That is our daughter's official name, and yes, it is different than her name on her birth certificate. There will need to be a change made down at the Vital Records Office. We even surprised our entire family and didn't tell them what her name was going to be until they heard it in the blessing. When discussing what her name should be, Bryan put it so perfectly, "I like Lillian, I think it's pretty; but that's not my daughter's name."

He's right. It just didn't quite fit.

Grandma Pam (Bryan's mom) was gracious enough to make Lily's blessing dress. Almost eight years ago when my neice was blessed, Pam made her blessing dress and then and there I begged Pam to one day make my daughter's blessing dress. She does amazing work, and this past Sunday she didn't disappoint. She finished the dress at 2:30 AM Sunday morning and she brought it to the church where we dressed Lily. It was worth the anticipation. It is simple, yet elegant.

Bryan gave Lily an incredible blessing, one to be remembered. My favorite part: the very beginning when he said, "We take this beautiful girl in our arms..." with emotion in his voice. I love that man and I love that he adores our daughter.

Lily was so content, happy, and alert the whole day. She was perfect and the day was perfect as well. Thank you again to all those who helped make it so special.

A SUPER Halloween

2009-11-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween week around these parts. Our superheroes had a great time at their grandparents' houses celebrating the festivities early in the week, and of course enjoying the actual day with a Halloween silly lunch at their cousins' house, trunk-or-treating and trick-or-treating.

We started the week at the Erickson's to have dinner with the cousins and show off the costumes. We had the traditional chili and scones, painted pumpkins, and modeled costumes.

(Wonder Woman, Wolverine, Captain America, Tinker Bell, Wendy holding the Crocodile, and Anakin Skywalker)

Tuesday we were at the Turner's to celebrate. We had white chili, played Halloween games, decorated cupcakes, and modeled costumes.

(This is a new game my mom had us play. Joslyn drew this witch and then my mom had us chew bubblegum and then we stood back a few feet and "threw the wart on the witch's nose" Dallin won)

(A Kung Fu Master, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, and a cute Monkey)

Jace wanted to be Wolverine for Halloween because of the awesome claws. Yes, the claws were the deciding factor. Cole wanted to be Superman, but we liked the Captain America costume better, and I must say he looks pretty dang cute all muscled out. And to fit the Superhero theme, I made Lily a Super Woman costume. I think they look pretty dang cute. I love the fact that my kids are still young enough that I can base their costumes around a theme. I'm sure that won't last much longer.

Life With Three

2009-11-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

A lot of different people have asked how life with three kids is. Truly life with three is really not that much different than life with two. I haven't felt that it has been a big adjustment for me. The only difference for me is time - or the lack thereof.

On most days I feel like there are less hours in the day and I am no longer able to accomplish all that I would like to do. So I have decided that I need to give myself one assignment a day and be glad when that item is accomplished. When I do have a free minute, I find myself vegging and doing absolutely nothing so that I can enjoy some down time. Thus the reason I haven't updated the blog or even been on the computer for a week and a half.

Two weeks old

Our family has adjusted very well. We love having Lily in our family, and I believe that it is fair to say that we are all enamored by her. The question of the year from the boys is "Is Lily awake?" They always want to know if she is awake so that they can kiss and hug her. Jace has countless names that he call her: Pretty Girl, Baby Doll, Cutie, Lily Sweetie, and on and on. Cole calls her "Baby Lily" but it comes out sounding like BabeLily - all as one word. It is fair to say they absolutely adore their sister and she is going to be one watched over little girl.

I love having her around. I have to admit it is fun to dress her up and make sure she has a matching bow or headband for the day's outfit. And it is reassuring to know that I have another female in the house. There was one day last week when the boys were giving me a run for my money. I put them down for a nap and went and got Lily and told her I needed her to snuggle with me and hang out with me. I needed some girl time. Bryan has recently bonded with her and I believe he loves having her around too.

Lily is five weeks tomorrow! I cannot understand where time has gone. She is an amazing baby. Truly. Here are some facts about her within the first month of her life.

Four weeks old

She rarely cries. The only time I have heard her cry for longer than a minute straight was when she came out of the womb. Her cry is only one short little "wah" intermittently.
She doesn't cry, but she is definitely a grunter and groaner. Oh my goodness can she make some noise grunting and groaning while she is asleep or awake.
She sleeps, sleeps, sleeps. She is on the eating schedule of 10:00, 2:00, and 6:00 and after each feeding during the night she goes right back to sleep and that is that.
She is now smiling!! She started smiling Nov. 3, the day after she turned a month old.
She is so mellow and I hope this is a sign of her personality and of things to come. So far she isn't a high maintenance girl.
We think she might have acid reflux. She spits up quite a bit and she moans and groans a lot after she eats and acts as if she is in some pain. I am trying to alter my eating habits to see if that will help. I am trying to give up chocolate to see if that helps her - and to be honest, I'm dying and it hasn't even been 24 hours.
We are trying to decide what her name is going to be. We officially filled her birth certificate out as Lillian Grace, but I am having second thoughts. I was always set with Lillian, but Lily Grace is sounding better and better. I told Bryan he has the final say at the baby blessing.

This is her first dress, and I caught Dad and the kids reading together on the couch.

Lily, you are a dream baby and we absolutely love you!

Lily Grace Erickson

2009-10-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is finally here and we can't be more excited. Lily Grace Erickson was born Friday, October 2, 2009 at 3:59 pm. She was 6 lbs. 1 oz. and 18.5 in long.

I was scheduled to be induced Friday. Friday morning Bryan and I got up and started our day waiting to hear from the hospital to call us in. We were productive that morning while we played the waiting. Bryan mowed the lawn and I was able to tear out the frost-bitten garden and sweep and mop the kitchen floor.

We got the phone call and arrived at the hospital at 11:00 am. I had to be put on antibiotics because I tested positive for Strep B and I needed to be on the medicine for 4 hours before the baby was born. I received that at about 11:40. I received pitocin at noon and we started the waiting game. I had my epidural at 12:45; not because I was in pain but because I didn't want to be in pain while the anesthesiologist took care of 2 C-sections and another epidural before he thought he could get back to me. So I thought I would get numbed up before I was in unbearable pain! Things were progressing so quickly they had to take me off the pitocin to slow me down a bit. Then by 3:59 she was here after about 4 pushes. There were no complications and labor was really easy and smooth sailing.

She really is a tiny little thing. They nurses in the nursery believe that she was actually 2 weeks early due to a few little signs they look for: the thinness of the cartilage in her ears, the lack of wrinkles in her feet, and the large amount of white goop she was covered in when she was born. As of tonight (10/3) she is down to 5 lbs. 9.9 oz. Just a tiny little peanut.

The boys are adjusting really well. They cover her in hugs and kisses, whisper little secrets to her, and bring her cute little "presents" that only little boys would bring. They absolutely love having Baby Lily here. Bryan is so cute to watch with her. I love hearing him call her "Baby Girl" and he just keeps saying over and over how cute she is. He's hooked.

I'm doing well and am excited to get back home and start our routine as a family. It gets a little boring and monotonous here at the hospital and I can't take any more sitting. Let's get this little girl home!

False Alarm

2009-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

I'm tired today.

I guess that's what false labor pains and little sleep will do to you. It really stinks having contractions for most of the night and then not producing a baby from your body's painful efforts. But I guess the good news is that she will be here no-matter-what on Friday.

Yep, I'm being induced this Friday, October 2nd and I cannot wait. There aren't any problems; she just gets to come early because her mom is anxious to see her cute little face.

I've been busy the last couple of weeks nesting. It feels great to be able to get so much done and have everything ready for her. Although it is exhausting. Here's a little of my checklist:

Crib bedding made and nursery decorated, check.

Halloween decorations up, check.

Old windows that have been waiting to be hung on my family room wall for the past two months up, check.

New van, check.

Boys's room decorated how I like it, check.

Clean house, check.

Current prego picture (39 weeks), check.

Oh... and dressing my youngest son in one of his sister's new outfits, check.

Why is it that I have been wanting to get some of these things completed for months but they didn't happen until the baby is almost here? Oh well, at least they're done, right? Now there is the peaceful feeling of knowing that things are done and in order for the wee one to come home.

Here's to hoping that tonight's sleep is uninterupted, or if it isn't then there will be something to show for it.

First Day of School Tantrum #2

2009-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Jace is back to school. Hip-hip-hooray! Now as a Pre-K student he is attending twice a week and is very excited about it. He keeps saying that this is his last year and then he gets to go to kindergarten. He wants to grow up so fast. On those long, exhausting, trying days I wouldn't mind that, but most days it's a bit sad to think how big and old he is.

We tried for a "first day of school picture" today, hoping that it would go better than last year's. Remember last year's picture?

Again he vehemently refused. Talking sensibly didn't work and either did bribery. Nothing. Nada. And so I did what any good mother would do, I tried to sneak one of him. And here it is:

And this is the reaction I got when he saw that I took it:

What a happy little preschooler. It was a great morning!

Cole wanted his picture taken for preschool. So here is Cole on Jace's first day of Pre-K.

A Permanent Residence

2009-08-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a year exactly since we moved to Eagle Mountain. My, how time flies. Over the course of this past year we've grown to like it here more and more. Every time someone finds out where we live they ask, "Do you like it there?" And every time either Bryan or I answer it goes something like this:

2 second pause/hesitation, with a drawn out "Yeaaaaaah. We do. We like our house and ward and neighborhood. It's just......out there."

It's true though, we do like it out here. We've met some amazing friends and people that we've learned a lot from, the neighborhood is nice and quiet, we have awesome views, we love our house,we love our yard, and overall things have worked out that we're just better off living here.

When we moved here a year ago, our plan was to stay at least 2 years. At that point we could reassess our needs and wants and see about moving to a location/city that we REALLY wanted to live in. A short, "temporary" stay, if you will. We were not planning on staying long.

Well, last Sunday things changed a bit. Apparently Someone with greater plans wants us to stay a bit longer here in Eagle Mountain. You see, Sunday our ward split, and with that split a new bishopric was put into place, and my sweet husband was put in as first counselor.

We'll be staying a while. Definitely more than just another year.

Bryan is handling the change really well. He had a few moments when he was overwhelmed and nervous; but this past week, Tuesday thru Friday, he's had meetings all night and he's adjusted very well. I had no doubt that he would be just fine. His amazing personality, his sense of humor, and his ability to make people feel comfortable around will help him immensely in this calling. Even though things may be a little busy and crazy at times for our family, I'm just extremely grateful to have a worthy and honorable husband who can fulfill this calling.

It's amazing how the Lord blesses our lives. I did not want to move here, but the Lord knew we needed to. And we have been blessed for it. We have our own, self-made plans, but the Lord has His plan for us too, and of course His is always going to win out.

And it's a good thing it does.

8 Years and 2 Bumpers Later....

2009-08-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

We have made it another year together, making it a total of 8. Thanks to our wonderfully charitable parents we were able to spend a night together down town dining, shopping, movie going, and hotel staying to recharge our relationship. Thank you Mom and Dad, Pam and Gene. We love you so much.

They say that love grows. I say love grows and matures. Our relationship has proven that these last couple of weeks.

A few weeks ago I drove Bryan's car, pulled into the garage and closed it. Bryan came home a short while later and asked why the garage was open. I told him I had closed the door. That's when he walked to the back of his car.....and saw it: the two, no three, large scrapes down his bumper. Not just scuffs, but scrapes, as in it scraped the paint off.

I held my breath, waiting for the major reprimand, waiting for the anger. But it didn't come. My sweet husband took a deep breath, said my name and "hon" (a couple of times), sighed, and walked away.

At that moment I realized that his love, our love, had matured over the last 8 years. Because we all know that wouldn't have been either of our reactions a few years ago. I had to find him and tell him three things:

1. I'm sorry I scratched your bumper

2. Thank you for not getting mad at me

3. I love you.

He kindly responded to me, "You know, I have learned a few things over the years."

My love for him grew.

A week later, Bryan returned the favor. He drove my car, pulled it not far enough into the garage, and shut the door. A couple of hours later, as we were preparing to leave, Bryan walked around the back of my car and saw that he had shut the garage on my car. We both assessed the damage.... and had a good laugh.

Eight years is proving to be good to us. We've both grown and matured. We're definitely two better people now than the day we got married. Thank goodness for that.

I love you Bryan, and am so grateful for what you add to my life.

Watch What You Say

2009-07-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

I definitely need to work on watching what I say around Jace.

Saturday night the boys were going to be sleeping over at Grandma and Grandpa Erickson's and we were then going to meet them Sunday morning for church. Bryan was helping the boys pack their bag when he asked me if I wanted to send some hair products with them so that his mom could do their hair. I assured him that there was no need since she has plenty of hair products she could use. Then I added one more thing that I shouldn't have. "Maybe I should take their hair stuff with me to church in case I have to fix it. You know, Grandmas kind of struggle with the boys' hair."

(In all reality, their grandmas do just fine. I am just very particular about some things, and the boys' hair just happens to be one of them.)

The next morning we met up with the boys and Bryan's family, and the boys looked great - I was actually pleased with their hair. No complaints here for they looked very handsome.

After church I was talking to Pam (my mother-in-law) and she told me a funny little story. She said that while she was doing Jace's hair he told her......

"You struggle with hair. My mom even said so."

Open Mouth. Insert Foot.

I was mortified! Luckily I have a very good-natured mother-in-law, who I love, that just laughed; which then allowed me to laugh too until I could recover and think of something nice to say to make up for my incredibly rude comment.

Three Words I Detest...

2009-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

(especially when I'm in the shower)

"I'm all done!!"

Interpretation:

"Come wipe my bum!!"

This is not one of the more glorious jobs of a mother.

Call Me Crazy

2009-06-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

I know. I haven't been the best at blogging these days. There's just a lot going on and to be honest there's other things that occupy my time over updating my blog. I know it's important for the "posterity of my children."

But now I have something to say. And maybe one day, they and I, will look back at this post and realize that I was just a crazy, overprotective mother in their early years.

I know I live in a safe neighborhood. It's very quite here, there's not a lot of hooligans running about, and there's not a lot of traffic. I feel safe here, things are good. However, whenever I am outside working in the yard or just out there with the boys, my maternal instinct kicks in and I can't help but wonder, "What if.....?"

Our yard is not fenced and so the boys wander about the yard while I'm working, and every so often I lose sight or sound of them. And I holler for them. I have to know where they are and what they're up to. One reason is for their safety, one for my sanity of knowing, and another because Cole can be way too mischievous (and naughty) for his own good. But to me it's always important to know where they are - you never know if they've wandered into the street and a car won't see them or some nasty stranger saunters by. You just never know.

So as I was outside with my boys - plus three other little ones I was in charge of at the time - it baffled my mind to see a one year old walking up and down, in and out of the street with no parents in sight and not even caring. Or to see a two year old riding his small little tricycle in the middle of the road (where the road curves) and no older siblings or parents in sight. I mean, really?

Maybe I'm just paranoid and overly sensitive. Maybe my maternal instincts are on overkill. I don't know, but I'm not even comfortable yet to allow my 4 year old play outside by himself in an un-gated yard. Maybe after a few more years and maybe a couple of more children my paranoia will ease up a bit and I'll learn to relax. It seems that that happens over time.

But until then, maybe I'm just a crazy, paranoid mother.

IT'S A........

2009-05-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!

(See? There's nothing sticking up between those legs. That's a little foreign to me.)

I'm actually having a girl. It's somewhat surreal to me. I don't know what to do with a little girl, and I'm actually slightly nervous. I only know how to sword fight and wrestle; I don't quite remember how to play house and barbies.

It will be good to have a little girl around our home, though. She'll soften things up a bit. I have two very excited boys. Jace was adamant that she was going to be a girl all along. When I showed them a picture of their baby sister, Jace grinned from ear to ear, bounced up and down, and shouted "yay, yay, yay" over and over. Cole yelled, "Yay! High five!"

The ultrasound technician said she is a little one. She's about 6 inches long and 8 oz. so far. She is measuring a week later than my actual due date of Oct. 6. So she should come somewhere around Oct. 6-14. We'll see what happens.

It's going to be a little bit more expensive than if it were a boy, I'm going to have to start from scratch. But don't worry, I'll have fun shopping.

Speaking of which, my cute husband surprised me today. As we left the doctor's office and were saying goodbye, he pulled out a Visa giftcard . "Here's a giftcard for you to go out and buy your little girl an outfit," he told me. Could he get any sweeter? I love him. He's going to be a fantastic dad to a little girl.

April in Review

2009-05-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh, it feels so good to click on the "new post" button. It's been far too long. April was a very busy month with two vacations, two birthdays, and lots of spring cleaning and organizing in between...thus, no time for blogging. (And besides, I've been a little depressed about the fact that I lost all of my edited pictures from Cole and Bryan's birthdays and won't be able to post them - so you only get to see the crummy seconds.) Oh well, time to suck it up and move on.

The month started out with a 13 hour car ride to visit my dearest sister in her humble town. There are few words to describe where she lives. One word would be FLAT, and maybe another would be NOTHING. I think maybe Jace summed it up best in a phone call to Bryan, "Oh yeah, and Dad, its ugly here."

Anywho... my whole family minus Bryan went. We had a great time being confined together dying Easter eggs, having an Easter egg hunt inside the house due to poor weather, wrestling 5 kids, going to the zoo, and passing around the flu. It was good times had by all. I love my sister dearly and wish she lived a whole lot closer to us. Plus, I just don't get to see those two adorable munchkins of hers nearly enough.

A few days after we got home from Kansas we celebrated Bryan's birthday. We got to spend his birthday morning with him and then send him off to San Fran for a work convention for the week. Later that week, as part of his birthday, I flew out to meet him so we could spend a few days together - just the two of us. We had a fantastic time visiting with family and friends in sunny California. Thanks again Rob and Lindsey.

While we were gone, Jace started soccer. He absolutely loves it and LOVES the new cleats Papa Randy bought him. I love the fact that my dad taught him a life lesson and made Jace earn his cleats - he had to help Papa Randy build some shelves! With his whole outfit put together, he looks pretty darn cute.

Two days after we got home, we celebrated Cole's 2nd birthday! Time goes way too fast. I swear I was just pregnant with Cole celebrating Jace's 2nd birthday, and now I'm pregnant with the third and celebrating Cole's. Goodness.

The boys and I went to a big bounce house/slide play area where the boys ran wild and went down the BIG slide a bajillion times! Even I was able to slide with them. No wonder why they love it so much - those things are fun.

Later that night we met up with the grandparents at the pizza joint for some dinner, presents, and cake. It was so fun to see Cole get so excited to open his presents and to hear the "WOWs" and "COOLs" he uttered. He just makes me smile.

Cole is talking like crazy right now. He's really kicked it into gear this last month or so. My favorite things that he says are "Darn it!" and "Look, Tra-Vis!" He is getting so big and is 36" tall and 28 lbs. (He's actually bigger than two of Jace's 4 year old friends - it makes me laugh.) He loves trains, cars, playing basketball, digging in the dirt, and being Jace's sidekick. I love his curly hair, his mischeivous smile when he's caught picking his nose, his OCD of keeping cupboards and closets closed (yeah, he's got a little bit of me in him), his hugs and kisses for no reason, the way he gallops around the house, and his sense of humor.

I simply adore this child.

Now that April is over and we're well into May, I hope that I'll be a better blogger/journalist of our lives. And BTW, Tuesday we find out what I'm having, so check back in to see what the new little Erickson is going to be!

You've Got a Friend in Me

2009-04-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

The other day as the boys were watching Toy Story 2, I realized that I have my own Buzz and Woody.

These two boys are the best of friends and adore one another, and it's been that way since the moment they met. When Jace first met Cole after he was born, a nurse came in to take Cole back to the nursery for some tests, and Jace chased her down the hall screaming and crying, "That's my brother!! Give me back my brother!!"

Jace sincerely loves his little brother and always tells Cole, "You're the bestest pal." Cole idolizes Jace and mimics him in everything.

They are always together laughing, chasing, make believing and playing.

I realized how truly blessed I am to have two boys right together that love each other so much and get along so well. I know that always isn't the case for everyone. I hope and pray that they will continue to grow closer and always be the best of friends.

Wall, what wall??

2009-03-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

I picked Jace up from his Primary class yesterday, and as we were walking down the hall Jace said, "Mom, are you wondering why my nose is all red?" To be honest I didn't notice it before, but when I looked, I saw that the tip of his nose was red and all scratched up. I asked him what happened and he told me, "I walked into a wall."

That's my boy.

As we reached Bryan and showed him, we had stopped walking and we really got to looking at his nose, and it was worse than I thought. The tip of it was all swollen, scratched, and bruised, and the bridge of his nose was starting to swell and was red too.

I kept asking him how it happened and he kept telling me that he just walked into a wall when he wasn't looking. Then later, his story changed. He came running out of the bathroom yelling, "Oh, oh, oh. Brinley and I crashed into each other! She crashed into me and then I crashed into her!"

Yeah, who wouldn't want to change their story and put the blame on someone else when you first claimed that you walked into a wall?

Lackadaisical

2009-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

LACKADAISICAL: without spirit or drive

A good word to describe this blog and the way I've felt lately. It's been 3 weeks since I've wrote about anything new, and I just haven't cared enough to do much about it. Obviously.

I didn't post about the fun time Jace and I had at Disney on Ice and the awesome $15.00 sword that he just had to have. Because you know, I received the sweetest birthday present from the Jace and Cole a couple of weeks ago. I opened a box and found a piece of paper with two tickets that read: "Mom, we're so excited for you to take us to see Disney on Ice!!!"

I didn't post about my interesting Saratoga Springs court appearance. (Bet you didn't know I'm a criminal.)

I didn't post about the fun birthday lunches with me and my mom.

I didn't post about my sweet husband and all that he did to make my birthday special.

I haven't even posted any new Jace comments. That's just sad

I just haven't had the drive to do it. In the past I've done the majority of my blogging and blog surfing while the boys have been down for their naps. But as of late, I'm usually napping with them.

Without spirit or drive. That's me. But I bet if you were to ask any woman, they would tell you that it's pretty normal to feel this way within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Yep, 12 weeks down and I'm finally startin' to feel a little bit of a spring in my step. There actually is some desire and drive left in this body of mine.

I Can't Get Enough of This Guy....

2009-02-27T17:44:00.000-08:00

I know I don't talk about and show off my husband enough on our blog.

So as I sit here tonight while Bryan is away at scout camp, I ran across some pictures of him that made me smile, chuckle even.

And I thought I would share them.

Enjoy Bryan at our WARD 80's party a couple of weeks ago.

Bry, you're one sexy man...

and I love you!

Fantastically Four

2009-02-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

Jace turned four on Feb. 18. and you know what that means.....

According to Jace:

Four year olds

don't throw fits,

they eat their dinner all gone,

and they still take naps!

(time will tell...)

Remember that awesome bright green Hot Wheels bike that Santa had to ditch a couple weeks before Christmas? Well, it made its comeback, and what a hit it was! Both boys had to be pushed around and around and around the kitchen on it.

Jace chose waffles instead of pancakes for his traditional birthday breakfast.

His activity of choice for his birthday was to go sledding. His cousin and best buddy, Crew, came along with Grandma Pam and we went sledding down the icy hill and wrestled on the frozen tundra.

After naptime we met up with Dad, Grandma Pam, Elle and Crew at Jungle Jim's. If you want cheap, ghetto entertainment, that your children will absolutely LOVE, take them there. Just make sure you steam clean and disinfect them after.

We finished the evening with Jace's choice of dinner at Chili's. He loves the chips and salsa - just like his dad.

And of course we had to celebrate with an Optimus Prime cake.

The days and weeks leading up to his birthday he would ask, "Mom, are people going to call and sing 'happy birthday' to me on my birthday?" So thank you to everyone who called an wished him a Happy Birthday and sang to him. It just made his day that much more fantastic!

Womanly Goodness

2009-02-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

I like being a woman, a girl, a lady...if you will. I can't name the reasons right now, but I do like it. I like it except for those nasty little things called hormones that creep up on you every so often.

Hormones. They can do wonders to you.

How do you explain that to your children and spouse? (Forget the spouse - he can figure it out on his own.) But the little ones?

"Sorry boys, the hormones made me do it. They're the reason why I snapped at you for no reason at all. Even though you are being so good today, I can find the tiniest of things to set me off. It's the hormones."

Maybe one day they'll understand.

Oh wait, no they won't. They're boys.

Sledding

2009-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a little shout out to my brother, Travis. He wanted me to post about our sledding adventures that we had a few weeks ago, which were a lot of fun. Right at the entrance of our neighborhood we have MAJOR hills that get a lot of sledding out of them. My parents, Travis, and Dallin came out and we had an awesome time!

Dal, thanks for coming from such a long distance for such a small amount of time. We loved having you.

Travis, thanks for braving the cold and sacrificing getting hives all over your body for some family fun.

Bryan, thanks for breaking the antique sled that has been in our family for 50 years.

Mom, thanks for providing entertainment as we watched you TRY to sled down the hill at

0.2 mph.

Cole, thanks for being cute.

Jace, thanks for providing some good laughs as you screamed and cried and told everyone how mad you were at them for making you go down the hill by yourself.

And Dad, thanks for being a great spectator and refueling us (well, some of us) with chocolate.

A Room with a View

2009-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

When dreaming of my dream house, I have always wanted a kitchen that had a window above the sink with a fantastic view. Because you know, women spend a lot of time in the kitchen, (especially in front of the sink) and therefore they should have some great scenery to feast their eyes upon.

So a couple of weeks ago, after looking out of my kitchen window, it hit me. I may not have my dream house, but I have a good version of my dream view. It only took me 5 months to realize it.

I Chose to Neglect

2009-01-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

I had a day last week where I felt the horrible feeling of "motherly neglect." If you're a mother or caretaker I'm sure you can relate. It's a time where you do what you want to do and you somewhat shirk on your mother/wife responsibilities. I contemplated this feeling and almost posted about it last Wednesday, (I even took a picture to go along with the post!) but I didn't. I mean, how could I post about mother's neglect just after I posted about a mother's love?

It was noon-thirty that day and I was still in my pajamas, the beds were unmade, the breakfast dishes were still in the sink (or on the table), the waffle ingredients and iron were still on the counter, the kitchen table still had breakfast goop on it, and now it was time to make lunch. So what was I doing? Blogging, blog surfing (or blog stalking - however you prefer), emailing, and chatting with my hubby online. It was ME time. Pure, unadulterated me time.

As I sat there and saw the mess around me, I had a twinge of guilt. "I should be doing other things," I told myself. And then I found myself asking why I should feel this way. Why indeed should I feel guilty or even feel that I was neglecting my children or my "duties"? In fact, the boys had been fed a warm, healthy, whole wheat breakfast, they were dressed, and they were laughing and having a great time together. Why did I have this guilty cloud of neglect hanging over my head?

And then just a couple of days ago I was reading a blog I follow and found that this lady was having the exact same feelings. She was expressing her concerns to her sister when she said, "...I could do these things but I would have to neglect more than I am willing to bargain."

Her sister then gave this great advice, "But you can do anything you want to do. You can choose to neglect. Don't get stuck in that rut."

You can choose to neglect. Basically... it's okay to pick and choose the things that we are going to neglect in order to keep our sanity. We can't do EVERYTHING, therefore we have to neglect SOMETHING. Don't get stuck in that rut of thinking that it's not okay.

...And that morning last Thursday, I chose to neglect a clean house and me being dressed in order to have some ME time. And lo and behold, the house didn't come crumbling down just because I chose a little neglect.

I believe this guilty feeling of neglect is just a motherly instinct - also commonly known as mother's guilt. We usually all feel some form of it every day. That's just how God created us, and that's okay. I think mother's guilt helps us to become better mothers. It's a nasty, nagging feeling, but it can be there to help us. We can remember that feeling yesterday, and be a better mother and person today. We just can't let it overpower us.

We just can't let it get us stuck in that rut.

Change

2009-01-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

I can appreciate the fact that tomorrow will be a day well remembered in history. Our country has come a long way with electing a black American as President of the United States; evidence that we live in a land of opportunity and growth. This is change.

Indeed our country has been in need of a morale boost, a need to find faith in ourselves, individually, and as a nation, a need to make lives better, and to become united on the home front. Many believe that Barack Obama will be the one to make these changes. I hope he is successful in bettering our nation for all of our sake. However, should we put all of our trust and allow our fate to rest on one man?

I watched Oprah today in all of her anticipation for Obama to take the oath, and listened to hers and other's gushing excitement. Oprah and so many of her guests repeated that the nation is going to be better because of his election. Oprah absurdly announced, "I am better because of his being elected." Faith Hill said, "We've been called." Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher said, "He inspires us to change." They all speak of their desire for personal change.

I admit I am pleased that these people want to change themselves and to better our nation. Yet why is it that they didn't want to make these changes when President Bush was in office? Haven't we always been called to do our part for this country? Shouldn't we always be inspired to change our deteriorating environment, our personal consumption of the world's resources, the need to serve others and reach out and help the less fortunate?

Why wasn't Usher helping renovate an inner city school in D.C. before the inauguration? Why didn't Demi and Ashton make their pledges to end 21st century slavery three to four years ago? It was also said by Oprah that the county wants to be better because of his election. Shouldn't we always want to be a better nation? Shouldn't Justin Timberlake always have a "swagger in his step" to be an American and not just after election night?

Where was their personal accountability before the election of Barack Obama?

Demi Moore said it best when she said, "We are the change." Yes, we are. We are the change; we are the ones that need to make the difference in this demoralized country. The new president will bring change, yet the biggest change needs to come from us. Our personal choices have the biggest effect upon this nation; our choice to love or hate our neighbors, our choice to steal or give back, our choice to consume or preserve, our choice of bitterness or forgiveness, our choice to remain stagnant or to move forward.

I'm happy that so many people want to be better and to want to change our nation for the best. But please don't insinuate that the lack of your desire to do or be a better person is because of President Bush's tenure. If he did such a terrible job, your change to be a better person/nation should have been years ago and not just within the last two months.

A Mother's Love

2009-01-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

I was discussing with my sister-in-laws and mother-in-law about how as a mother, I have no privacy. None. Whatsoever.

As much as I try, I just can't seem to get dressed, use the bathroom, or shower without having a little one intrude on me. I don't dare lock the bathroom door when I shower for fear of something terrible happening and one of the boys can't come in and let me know. Like the time when Jace came running into the bathroom as I was showering to let me know that Cole was spraying potent cleaning chemicals all over the kitchen floor.

I was using the bathroom the other day with Cole perched on my lap because he absolutely refused to be put down. As Cole and I were sitting on the throne, I thought, "This is a mother's love. Allowing your child to sit on your lap while you use the bathroom."

It was an 'Ah-ha' moment.

Sometimes I just wish I could have a moment of peace to take care of my needs without worrying who's trying to barge in on me, yelling for me, or needing something. Somedays I just wish I could have a shower all to myself.

But then again, who cares about privacy when you have a cute little face like this smooshed up against the glass just trying his hardest to give you a kiss. Of course all of my cares wash down the drain as I bend down to kiss those flattened lips back.

A Very Merry Christmas

2008-12-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

This Christmas seasons has been the most hectic and jam-packed Christmas that I can remember. I barely finished my shopping in time. Barely. Bryan and I actually had to go out shopping on Christmas Eve so that he would have something to open the next morning.

In the last two weeks I wasn't even home for a full day once. This month was filled with shopping and planning for a ward Christmas party, completing that party, Christmas shopping, spending time with Rissa and her kids while they were in town, several trips to the doctor, 300 cupcakes to decorate, a wedding, family parties, sick kids, sick husband, sick me, being snowed in, gingerbread houses, making stockings, birthday parties, and much more.

As busy as it was, it ended up being fantastic. The boys had an awesome morning. Santa returned to being the genius that he is. Jace reminds me everyday how much he loves his power tool workshop, and Cole can't get enough of his choo-choo.

We got spoiled by both families. We got some awesome gifts - thank you everyone!!!

Christmas was lovely except for the one present it left behind to the 12 of the 15 members in my family and several more on Bryan's side......THE FLU!! It was a nasty bug that left most of my family members in great pain and stomach turmoil. My poor mother actually caught it early Christmas morning, and Jace caught it later that night. He ended his night lying on the couch being miserable with a bowl close by.

Luckily that's not what he remembers most about our very merry day.

The Stockings Were Hung...

2008-12-29T20:26:00.000-08:00

by the chimney with GREAT care. 10:29 PM Christmas Eve, our stockings finally made it on the mantel.

Back in September, I bought the pattern for these babies, determined that I was going to make new stockings for our family. They were adorable and it was time for new ones and so I just couldn't pass them up. I bought the fabric in October or November, deciding that I would get a good head start on them. That didn't happen.

Other priorities came and the stockings went. I would work on them here and there, but it was getting down to the wire and these puppies were a little more detail oriented than I expected. I toted them around with me to a few family parties and worked on the embroidery in order to get them done.

Bryan kept telling me that I wasn't going to finish them, but I vowed that they would be finished in time for Christmas. Alas, on Christmas Eve at our family gathering, the final stocking was completed. Cheers were heard from the crowd. They knew the importance of this accomplishment.

We got home that evening, and I with anticipation hung my beautiful, small (but beautiful) stockings by the chimney with care.

Amateur

2008-12-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

Even though I have had four years of experience with children at Christmas time, I am apparently still an amateur. Today I have failed at hiding Christmas presents and keeping them a surprise. In the rush of putting on a ward Christmas party and all of the hullaballoo of what it demands, I quickly stashed a couple of the presents under my bed hoping they wouldn't be discovered by my eldest until I could move them. I should have known.

What was Santa going to bring the boys this year? We had decided he would deliver Jace a new, bright green Hot Wheels bicycle and Cole was going to be the lucky recipient of a Black and Decker Junior Tool Set. After struggling to decide what in the world Santa was even going to get Cole, we were so excited that he had this genius idea. We just knew Cole was going to love it. We bought some accessories to accompany Santa's tool set to give to Cole. I quickly stashed the them along with some other meaningless presents under my bed.

This morning, Jace picked up an ad and pointed to the very present that Santa was going to give to Cole and declares that that is exactly what he wants for Christmas. I have never heard this request before, the only things on Jace's wish list have been a bigger Megatron and a horn. Where was this dire need for a tool set suddenly coming from? Later he was talking to Bryan and I and said, "I want the Black junior tool set." I gave Bryan a puzzled looked and asked him if he told Jace what the name of the tool set was. Jace chimed in and told me that no, he learned it from the man on TV.

Then revelation hit. Oh no, he was going to steal Cole's present on Christmas morning and not even give a Santa's ho,ho,ho about his ultra cool, revving, bright green Hot Wheels bike.

While I was out fulfilling some church duties this afternoon, Jace was the official spoiler of Christmas surprise. I came home to Jace's discovery of my well stashed presents and his excitement that HE was getting tools for Christmas - just what he always wanted. We have convinced Jace that Cole is getting tools for Christmas. But don't worry, he's okay with this because he's still going to get his bigger Megatron and he'll just share with Cole. Which means he's going to completely take it over.

Now Santa's going to have to rethink what he delivers to the boys Christmas morning. Maybe he'll be kind enough to allow Bryan and I to save Jace's bike for his birthday and he can give Jace the tool set. And just maybe, maybe Cole will miraculously start speaking in sentences and declare his absolute need to receive a certain toy from Santa on Christmas morning. And we'll just have to pray that it's not a Black and Decker Junior Tool Set.

41 Cents and Hours of Fun

2008-12-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

41 Cents. Why have I ever spent more than this miniscule amount on a toy? Today on our shopping adventures we went to a great party store, and Jace discovered a "Mr. Incredible" mask. It was 19 cents, and of course we had to get Cole one too, thus totaling 41 cents. The boys think they are absolutely awesome, Jace wanted to nap in his. Cole laughs hysterically when they put them on. So now I have Mr. Incredible and Dash running through my house chasing and fighting Syndrome. Aaaaah, I love cheap entertainment.

WANTED: A Bubble and A Disappearing Act

2008-11-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm looking for a bubble, preferably in the 2T size. Anyone, anyone? Hmmm, no one knows where I can buy a bubble to put my 18 month old in? Well, I desperately need one. We thought Cole had a FAT lip last week.

Shoot, we hadn't seen nothin. He fell again and this time he bit through his lip and into the skin. However, it didn't cause a gaping hole, so we didn't have to go get stitches. Almost, ALMOST. He actually had an instant bruise below his lip and it was slightly bleeding on the skin. I know, hard to explain, but it did go through to the skin this time.

His lip is GINORMOUS!! Poor child. I really could use a bubble. I don't think he's going to have any lips left by the time he turns 3. No, wait... make that 2.

As for the disappearing act... Anyone know how to make these beauties disappear?

We went shopping last night to the mall and joined up with Grandma Pam. We were at Mervyn's checking out all of the awesome 50-70% off deals, and Jace wanted to try on some light-up Transformer shoes. I let him with him knowing that I wasn't buying them for him. I REFUSE to buy character light up shoes. In my opinion, so impractical, and not cute. (No offense to anyone who likes them for their kids.)

So he tried them and and showed his Grandma Pam. "Do you like those?" she asked him. Of course he likes them, they're Transformer shoes!! "I'll buy them for you," she then tells him. WHAT??!! No way. I told her over and over not to buy them for him, I hate those shoes. Bryan then discovers what's happening and tells her the same thing. "But I told him I would buy them," she replies. A Grandma can't go back on her word.

Are you kidding me? Now there will be a fight with my child about what shoes to wear every time he has to put some on. And the best part... while standing in line to pay for these beauties she tells Bryan, "I refused to buy those type of shoes for you boys when you were little." I guess your own kids can't look like dorks, but it's okay for your grandkids to?

Just kidding, Pam. I love you and the fact that you want to spoil my kids. But next time, try not to spoil them with character shoes.

My Poor, Genetically Challenged Child

2008-11-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

I shouldn't have spotlighted Cole earlier this week. It cursed him. I said he wasn't getting enough face time; well, he has found a way to make it on....all by himself.

Monday night Cole was plowed into by his older brother out on the driveway. For sure we thought he would need stitches in his lip. It was gashed wide open and peeled back. We rushed over to Urgent Care, but luckily no stitches were needed. Just a big ol' fat, nasty bloody lip.

Today, while he was at his grandma's he fell down her front steps and broke his right wrist. He apparently thought he was big enough to walk down them. I've been given so much grief for my childrens' previous injuries and broken bones, but this time I wasn't there.

Cole was born with the Turner genes: the soft-boned, clumsy, awkward Turner walk/run, accident prone genes. Luckily those genes bypassed me, but unfortunately carried on to Cole. (You would think he was Rissa's kid!) It's great being a Turner; however, those genes are somethin' else.

Berry Naked

2008-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

At times I feel like I only post about Jace. Let's be honest, it is most of the time, but it's because that kid is just too darn hilarious for his own good.

I love my boys equally, of course I do. So to prove it, here is some blog time for Cole. I just couldn't go without posting these stinkin cute pictures of him.

Berry smoothies for breakfast = very yummy & very messy

I allowed him to have some naked time the other day after his bath. I usually don't because he immediately marks his territory. I believe he was enjoying his freedom and his cowboy hat.

Hahhh-ahh, Hahhh-ahhh....

2008-11-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

"Must come to the DARK side. Hahhh-ahhh, Hahhh-ahh."

(There's just a little too much Star Wars on the brain, if you ask me. If you can tell, he even has his Star Wars shirt on - two days in a row.)

Boys intrigue me.

Future Missionary

2008-11-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight for FHE we had a lesson on missionaries. I got the cute lesson and activity ideas here. We talked about what a missionary is and does, and that Jace can be one someday when he turns 19. After the lesson we did an activity to allow Jace to practice being one.

Cole and I went into a bedroom and waited for the "missionaries" to knock on the door. They knocked, I opened it.

Bryan started the conversation: "Hi, we're missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and this is my companion. He would like to ask you something."

Jace asked, "Can we share a message with you about Heavenly Father?"

I cried. They came into the room, Jace opened his BOM Reader and searched for a story of Jesus to share with me.

I am proud to be the mother of this future missionary.

Dirt, Sweat, Work, and Green

2008-11-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

There has been a reason why all of the Halloween pictures and events have been delayed. It's called installing a yard and cleaning up from installing a yard. Last week, every day of the week, we were out working on our yard getting it ready for sod. Shoveling dirt, raking dirt, hauling dirt, installing sprinklers, shoveling dirt, raking dirt, and hauling dirt. Did I mention there was a lot of DIRT.

Every night we were covered head to foot in it. Cole ate dirt. Jace threw dirt. The boys had a blast. I wish I had pictures of how completely filthy they were each and every day. The loads of laundry, the brown-stained socks, the dirt filled tubs, the dust-bowl of a house is evidence of our hard work. And then...

Friday, Halloween, we finally got it! Sod. One could never know how beautiful grass could be.

Isn't it beautiful?! We are LOVING our yard. The pictures can't even do it justice. I can't wait for Spring to come to fill all of those flowerbeds with wonderful flowers, plants, and even a garden. For now I think (hope) that my house will be clean for more than a few hours.

And....a BIG thank you to Dallin for all of the hours you spent helping us install our sprinklers in the snow, rain, and sleet and some sun. And to Joslyn for allowing Dallin to help us all of those hours when you had a newborn baby to take care of. Blake and Chad, thank you for your help. Thank you Travis for driving cross-country to pick up our new tree. And thank you Mike for helping us with the sod. Thank you, thank you.

Yoda, I Am

2008-11-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

Halloween week was full of fun events. We started the week off at my mom and dad's carving pumpkins and decorating cupcakes.

The cupcake decorating started off well, until Bryan got bored and started decorating the boys.

I carved Yoda for Jace. Bryan carved Buzz Lightyear for Cole.

Thursday we got together at the Ericksons and had chili and scones and let the kids show off their costumes.

Friday Jace got to dress up for pre-school . Bryan got dressed up for work. What a cute Leatherhead.

Jace is on a Star Wars kick right now and so he decided to be Yoda. When someone asked Jace what he was for Halloween, he would tell them, "Yoda, I am."

Of course Cole had to be a Star Wars character too. He was Darth Vader. When you ask him what Darth Vader says, he opens his mouth big and wide and breathes heavy, "Hah-ahhh, hah-ahhhh."

They were adorable.

The boys (Dad included) had a great time trick-or-treating in the rain with Jace's little buddy, Rusty. And like Jace told him as they were headed home for the night, "Let's do it again next year, Rusty!" Yes, lets.

I had to add this last picture - Jace took it.

Flu Shot, Anyone?

2008-10-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today I took Cole to his 18 month check up. He's very tall and very healthy. While we were there they offered to give the boys flu shots. I knew it would be no problem for Cole, but Jace on the other hand would be a different story. I told the nurse I would think about giving Jace one because I wasn't sure if I wanted the drama in the doctor's office. I mentioned it to Jace before the doctor even came in to see Cole and .... he melted down. Over and over he told me he didn't want one. Now I know there are just some things in life that cause pain to your children but you have to do it for the greater good. I made up my mind. He was gettting that flu shot.

After Cole's check up the nurse came in and gave Cole his shot. He whimpered. Over. Done. Not a big deal. Jace was next. I told the nurse she might want some help. I picked up Jace and he started screaming, crying, and yelling at me telling me he didn't want it. He locked his legs around my waist and I was doing everything I could to pry his legs off and get his pants down to expose his thigh. It wasn't working. The doctor peeked his head in and asked if we needed "reinforcement." Indeed we did. So a second nurse came in and she pinned his legs over the end of the exam table, I pinned his arms and upper body down, the other nurse pulled his pants down and poked him with that mean needle. Bloody Murder ensued.

The nurses left and I was left with the aftermath. I heard lots of various complaints and screaming and crying. I had to laugh to myself because when we're in the doctor's office you can always hear the new babies crying after they get their shots, and I think, "The poor things." But this time everyone was hearing my very determined and upset 3 year old telling me how much the needle hurt and how much he didn't like doctors.

As we were leaving the exam room, (still crying and hollering) the doctor and nurses were sitting just outside the door and Jace so delicately informed them as he left, "I don't like doctors anymore, AT ALL!" They had a good chuckle. As did I.
I'm sorry, Jace. I still do love you (even though I made you get pricked by that mean needle). After all, it was for the greater good.

Pumpkin Pickin' Fun

2008-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day with Mimi, and whenever we do that we always end up having a great time.

First things first: the boys & their turtle shells. As soon as we walk in the door they have to put on their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shells. And yes, they are bike helmets with their "swords" stuck in the back of them. The creativity of a three year old and the 'must do what my older brother is doing' of a 1 year old.

We started off the afternoon with canning DELICIOUS homemade applesauce. Seriously, SO good. It's always fun being self-sufficient and Martha Stewart-esque.

After some short naps we were off to the Punkin' Patch with Aunt Joss, Baby Jaiden, and Mimi. What is there not to love of a field covered in brilliant orange pumpkins.

Cole loved riding in the wheelbarrow.

Jace loved picking Baby Jaiden's pumpkin. I think Jaiden had a total of about 5 or 6 by the end.

Mimi got a good workout pushing the wheelbarrow of pumpkins and boys, I had fun taking pictures, and Joss had a great time find the 'perfect' pumpkin. No, seriously, she looked for THE perfect one. You could just see her artistic mind at work.

I love October.

A Day of Errands and a New Mission

2008-10-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day of running errands. Squeezing them in between nap times and lunch is always a trick.

That's why I tried to improvise and do a pre-lunch in the car before they possibly fall asleep.

And I found these little humdingers of a deal.

I have a new mission..... NO more plastic bags!! I know how bad they are for the environment, I don't have a recycling garbage can here in Eagle Mtn., and I have a growing mountain of them in my garage. So goodbye plastic bags and hello reusables. You can't do much better the $1 per bag at good 'ol WalMart.

Home from Disneyland

2008-10-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

We had the awesome privilege to go to Disneyland last week and we got to take along some fun folks. My parents and Bryan's parents came with us and what a time we had! I can't even begin to describe how excited Jace was to go. And Bryan...I think he was more excited than Jace. With the parks decorated for Halloween, it adds a little something to the experience.

(Of course this happens to be the only FAMILY picture we get and Jace refuses to look at the camera!)

We ate lots of great food with a couple of stops to Baskin Robbins (per Papa Gene's request).

We're glad we took Papa Randy along. Being handicapped has its advantages. No lines. (And its disadvantages. But that's a whole other post.)

Grandma Pam was there to ride with Jace on all of the big rides (40 inchers) so that he could snuggle up against her bosom.
Thank goodness Mimi was there to keep the boys entertained and happy with M&M's (a secret weapon.)

Oh, and the 88 degree weather was also a plus. It made for a pleasant time shell searching, castle building, and burying Jace at the beach.

Thank you Mimi and Papa, Grandma Pam and Papa Gene for making it a wonderful trip with lots of memories! (Dad, you especially made it memorable. We'll never forget Space Mountain, the forgotten medicine, the ruined luggage, the ER visit,.....)

Pretty Boy

2008-10-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

I always knew Cole was handsome. But he has found a new love today and has truly become a pretty boy.

And then he became my screaming, tantrum boy.

Pre-Dinner Entertainment

2008-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

Last night while I was making dinner, it was very quiet. I knew the boys were up to something, but I didn't care. I knew they were having fun and I was getting dinner made without any interuptions. Jace then came up to me and said, "Mo-om, I have a SURPRISE for you!" I said to him, "I think I know what it is! Is it a huge mess?" Then jumping up and down and smiling ever so big he yelled, "YEP!!" I truly loved seeing what he was so excited to show me.

Jace's Rough Week

2008-09-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

My poor little dude. I posted last week about his scratch, well on Thursday night he added another injury to his sweet little face. He was climbing up on a bar stool and slipped off of the bottom rung and the top of the stool flipped back and hit him in the middle of his forehead. He immediately had a huge bruise and a rather large hematoma on his forehead. And to top it off, he had preschool pictures the next day! What a great way to document his injuries. His scratch is healing so well and the big lump has gone down. Now the bruising is just spreading and he has a small black eye.

HOLLA!!

2008-09-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

Okay. So I had a proud "me" moment on Saturday. I changed my very first flat tire! I slept over at my mom and dad's house Friday night so that I could go to the gym early Saturday morning with my friend. Well, when I went out to the car, I had a flat tire. I took my mom's car to the gym instead and then came home and then got down and dirty. I would like to say that I did it 100% on my own, but I can't. My dad had to step in and loosen the lugnuts for me. But....I did do everything else ON MY OWN! I had my camera with me and so I told my mom to take a picture so I could document it. Big moment in my life. Now I'm not scared at the thought of having to fix a flat on my own if I'm stuck somewhere by myself. HOLLA!!

And here's a little shout out to my little brother, Dallin, and his wife, Joslyn, who had their first baby on Friday. They had a little boy named Jaiden Randall Turner. He was 6 lbs 14 oz. and 19 in. long. Very cute. He has blonde fuzzy hair that is oh so cute. He really is adorable and I'm just so excited to have another baby in the family. Oh how it makes me baby hungry. Congrats guys, and I love you! Holla!!

The Evolution of Scripture Characters

2008-09-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

As most of you probably know, Jace has called himself Nephi in the past.

He has been watching the Living Scriptures version of Ammon and the Lamanites quite a bit latetly. The other day Jace found my headbands again and this time he told me that he was Nephi and Cole was Ammon.

Well...tonight Jace has become a Lamanite. He was scratched by his cousin (who shall remain nameless) and received quite the wound. In an effort to forget about the pain and the trauma of it, I told him he looked like a Lamanite on the Ammon movie. He then told me he wasn't a Lamanite, he was King Lamoni! (On the Living Scriptures movie all of the Lamanites and the King wear "war paint" on the faces.) So here's to our new scripture character, King Lamoni.

Finger Paintin' Fun

2008-09-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I babysat my nieces and nephew while their parents went to the BYU football game. We had a great time and I took some finger paints to do a fun little activity to pass some time. The kids loved it, but more than painting pictures they loved painting their hands and arms. Crew painted his hands AND arms and said that he was Incredible Hulk. I have some pretty darn cute nieces and nephews.

Fun Activities

2008-09-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

This post really is for me. I just wanted to post pictures of some of the fun things we've done lately - even though they are over a week (or two) old. The reason being, I often feel or get in the mind set that we don't get out there and do a lot of fun things - when really we do. I think it's just forgetfulness on my part and also when I see and hear of things that other people do, I'm always like, "Why don't we ever do anything like that?" In reality, we do. So here it is to serve as a personal reminder when I get in my little funks of boredom and nothingness.

We went to the state fair with Bryan's family. Oh what fun and Oh, what a rip off! I couldn't believe that cost of rides and other attractions. Thanks Pam and Gene for spoiling us; we had a great time!

Then, later that week we went to Provo for a tailgate party. All of Bryan's family and my family have season tickets. We have done this in the past and it is so much fun. We meet there and throw on some hot dogs and brauts and cook it up. This time I wasn't going to the game but Bryan was and so I took the boys down and we had the tailgate party with everyone else and then the plan was to go home. Well, Jace ended up getting someone's extra ticket and he went and sat with his Mimi and Papa and even got to shake Cosmo's hand. So, since it was just Cole and I, we went shopping and ran all over creation. (It's amazing how much easier it is to shop with one child versus two!) We had a great time socializing, eating, and throwing the football around. (Once again Jace refused to have his picture taken, thus the reason why the are no pictures of him.)

Interpretation of a Three Year Old

2008-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to jot down this little story of Jace's today, but it was too long to go under his quote of the week, so here it is instead.

Today Bryan and I had to go and meet with the Bishop before church where we were given a new calling, and the boys tagged along with us. We sat in his office talking with the Bishop for a while going over our new calling and upcoming events that we will need to plan. At the end of the meeting the Bishop asked, "Are you ready to get to work?" Jace then decided that he wanted to add his two cents and said, "I don't work." Jace then told the Bishop that his dad goes to work. The Bishop then said, "Dad works so he can bring home the bacon." Jace was quick to correct him, "No, he brings home beef jerkey." Bryan will bring home treats to each of us from work, and Jace's special treat that Bryan brings him is beef jerkey.

Can You Say......DISGUSTING!!!

2008-09-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

I can not believe the disgusting things I have found around my house lately. Let's just say I've been having the heebie jeebies a lot lately. This morning (of course it had to be after Bryan left for work) I walked into Cole's room and saw this climbing on the outside of his window:

Yes, Yes. It's a TARANTULA!! Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting!! Where am I living, the Middle East? Lizards, scorpions, beetles, and now tarantulas!! I can't take this. Now I can totally sympathize with Marissa when she used to call me and tell me that all of these nasty things were crawling around and in her house. And...the other day I found this nasty thing out in our front yard:
This thing is called a Jerusalem cricket. Again, DISGUSTING!! Another thing - we had a lizard in our basement and Bryan (aka my knight in shining armor) caught it and threw it in a jar and then took it outside. Did you know that lizards' tails fall off when they are in danger or are being caught? Yeah - the lizard in our basement lost his tail in our jar. It totally makes sense - but I didn't know that. I guess I've never been around lizards enough to know, until NOW! Again, DISGUSTING!! Maybe living in Eagle Mnt. is going to take some more getting use to than I thought. GROSS.

What to Feed My Kids?

2008-09-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm fresh out of ideas in the whole "feeding my children" department, and so I've come to you for some help. There's no better place to ask for help than the blogging world, right? I am having a hard time coming up with things to feed my boys for lunch that are healthy and allow them to get a lot of their nutritional value for the day. I am trying to find things that I can feed them that fill their tummies, keep them happy, give them the nutrients they need, and VARIETY. I guess one of my main areas of distress is coming up with ideas for "sides." We do the standard sandwich, meat, main portion bit, but I don't know what else to give them. I do give them fruit, veggies, cheese, sometimes pretzels or crackers with it, but I need something fresh. I also could use some ideas on healthy snacks. For snacks we'll do pretzels, granola bars, fruit, trail mix, cheese, crackers, dried fruit, etc.; but I could use some more ideas if you have any. I have found some on-line but they are time consuming and I don't want to feel like I'm making 4-5 meals a day! Also, if any of you have any really yummy and easy breakfast ideas and recipes, would you please let me know. We do a lot of pancakes, oatmeal, and french toast, and yogurt; but my kids like to eat FIRST thing in the morning so something quick and yummy would be great. If you have any ideas, websites, blogs, you could direct me to, it would be much appreciated. And just think - this just might very well help you with feeding your family! Even if you're a perfect stranger and happen along this post, I would love the help!! Thanks to all in advance.

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Jace started preschool last Friday. I really didn't even think about putting him in preschool until people started asking me if he was going to go. I guess with the first child you just don't realize that it's time for that type of thing. So I wanted to put him in, but the timing just was off with the whole move. So when we moved, I kept my ears open and I found a lady in my ward that runs a great preschool out of her home. He only goes on Fridays which is great because he is going to have two years of preschool and I think for the first year, one day a week will be perfect. I wanted to get a picture of him before school so that I would have the visual memory of my first child's first day of school. Well, not so much. Jace absolutely REFUSED to have his picture taken. I didn't want to push it before school and cause a meltdown, so I thought I would be able to get one at school. Again, not so much. He would yell at me, "NO!! I don't want my picture taken!!" He told me that he only likes his picture taken on Halloween. Yeah, okay!? So, here is my oldest child's first day of preschool. Hey, I tried.

Favorite Features

2008-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share what Jace and Cole's favorite features of the new house are.

Jace LOVES the jetted tub. He wanted to take a bubble bath and then turn on the jets to make more bubbles. The tub was brimming with bubbles. Too funny.

And Cole.... ah, my dear sweet, busy boy Cole. Cole LOVES the new long stairway leading to the basement. And why does he love it so much? Because it's so much fun to through every ball in the house down the stairs, of course. And... I just leave them there, because the second I bring them upstairs and put them away, he follows me and grabs them and runs right back to the stairs. The little man makes me laugh.

We're Here...

2008-08-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

...'cause we're not all there. (A good 'ol Grandma Jessie saying.) Yes, we're officially residents of Eagle Mountain - where we live at the end of the earth!! We moved our stuff in on late Wednesday night. I can't thank all of our family and friends enough who helped move us - especially to those who stayed extra late and helped us load up the second time. We couldn't have done it without you, so thanks to the guys and gals that helped and especially to the wives who lent out their husbands at the late hours.
We moved on Wednesday, spent the night at Bryan's parents, and then started unpacking Thursday. And...WE'RE DONE!! Yes, we finished unpacking yesterday and I can't tell you how excited and relieved I am. I was a little overwhelmed at the idea of UNpacking as all of our JUNK was being loaded on the truck. I'm not one to horde and hang on to things, so I didn't think we had a lot of stuff; but when I saw it being loaded and unloaded, I wanted to cry. Good thing I had Karlee there as we were unloading, to give me a hug and tell me it was okay. However, once we got it in the house and I started unpacking, things went quickly and we really don't have TOO much. Now it's on to the basement. YUCK!! That is definitely something I am not looking forward to organizing. I am, however, excited to decorate! Let the good times roll...

Today was our first day of church and the ward is definitely made up of a different dynamic. It's HUGE compared to our other ward and there are three nurseries - we just kind of picked one to put Jace in. It should be interesting and fun. Maybe Enrichment and volleyball will give me a chance to meet some "sisters." Good times ahead....
I told Marissa the other day that I didn't know I would be trading places with her. When she lived in St. George she lived on a hill with LOTS of dirt and weeds, scorpions, and lizards. Well, yep, that's me now. We have neighborhood kids come to our yard looking for lizards (we've seen a few around the yard), and we had a dead scorpion in our garage, and I cannot BELIEVE the amount of dust that gets in our house. I think that the black countertops and cabinets are going to drive me crazy because I can always see the dust. I guess I'll just have to lighten up on my neat-freak-ishness. Anywho...
I've had some requests to put up pictures, so since you've already seen the bareness of the house, I'll post some pictures when I get things put up on the walls. We'll see what adventures Eagle Mountain brings us!! (And we're not THAT far away, so you still can visit us, Karlee!)

The 7 Year Itch...

2008-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, today Bryan and I entered what is called the seven year itch. (No, really there's no itchin' here.) Today is our anniversary and I cannot believe that we have been married for SEVEN years!! It is amazing how fast time goes by... In some ways it seems as if we haven't been married that long, but in other ways it seems as if we've been together forever! So I just wanted to take a minute and tell Bryan how much I love him and why I am so glad that we are together. Ya ready for this, Bry?.....

Bryan is always so good at letting me know how much he loves me and what I mean to him. I am not the best at expressing my feelings and I know how hard it is for him sometimes when I don't. But he is always so patient and loving to me. He is so thoughtful and generous. Bryan is always willing to help anyone with anything. He is so selfless and is always offering his service, skills, time, or whatever it may be to help people in any way he can. If someone is in need he'll do anything he can to help, even if it means offering my help to them as well (without me knowing!). But - I really don't mind because it is a great attribute to have and it helps me to be a better and more selfless person. I love him because he is always trying to make someone laugh. He has a great sense of humor and he uses it to lighten the mood and make people happy (even though sometimes it gets him in trouble!). He is definitely a people person and gets along well and easily with just about anyone. He has taught me so many things when it comes to getting to know people and how to truly be a friend. He keeps me grounded and helps me realize that life doesn't always have to be so serious and he is great at helping me keep things in proper perspective.

He is an amazing father. Our boys love him so much and I love when he comes home everyday from work and the boys race to the door screaming "Daddy" as soon as they hear the garage door open. I love to see the light in his eyes when he comes through the door and picks up the boys and gives them hugs and kisses. He knows how to make the boys happy when they're not, and he is so helpful with them and shares the workload of raising kids evenly.

He is an amazing person and supports me and encourages me to do the things that I love and enjoy. He is always willing to help me find and create "me" time when things just get a little too hairy and he knows I need a break. I love him so much and I know and realize that he has made me a better person over these past seven years.So... to sum it up, he is thoughtful, compassionate, loving, funny, honorable, hard working, helpful, generous, and fantastic!

I love you, Bry and I can't wait for the adventures that lay ahead for us. Happy Anniversary!

I'm in Denial

2008-08-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's pretty official. Most of you probably already know, but some don't. We're moving. And we're moving clear in the stinkin out there - Eagle Mountain. Bryan keeps telling me that I can't complain about it being far because Rissa just moved to Kansas, so I guess I've learned to suck it up.
We built a spec home out there this past year and with the turn of the market we have not been able to sell it and so therefore we have to move into it so that we can close on the loan. In all reality I am excited. It is a really cute house and it's NEW!! (Yay for new stuff!!) It will be fun to start over in a new home, but it is hard to leave this home because it was our first. We've had so many good memories here and we have made so many amazing friends in our neighborhood and ward. It's hard to leave all those behind - I am happy with it all and I'm comfortable with where I'm at. But change is good, right?
We are suppose to close on August 20, and should be moved in on the 21st. The house is a rambler with 2 baths and 3 bedrooms. The basement is not finished but hopefully some day it will be - at least part of it. So, if everything goes according to plan, we'll be moving in 2 weeks. YIKES!! I am so not looking forward to packing and moving. Hopefully all goes well and there won't be any kinks in the plan. Here is a link to some pictures of the house if anyone is interested.
Home Sweet Home

The Best One By Far!!!

2008-08-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, so last night at 11:30 I finished it! Can you say AMAZING book!!! This was my favorite Twilight book by far! I couldn't put it down and it was completely gripping. I think that's the best word for it. While reading it I got goose bumps several times, secretly jumped up and down, and yes, screamed out loud! As Bryan says, I really get into my reading. He likes to watch my reactions and laugh at me! I had to call my friend, Alaina, a couple of times just talk it over, it was just too good to keep to ourselves. Bryan said to me, "Do you realize you are two grown woman screaming about vampires?" I know this sounds so childish like I'm one of those 12 year olds crying in line waiting to get their book, but seriously, it was so good.

I LOVE Bella in this book. I love, love, love her as her "new character" :). I loved her in book 1 and book 2, but in book 3 she drove me crazy and I didn't really like her any more. I thought she was whiny, undecisive to whom she loved, rude to Jacob, and was just too concerned about how everyone else wanted things. When I say that I like Jacob, I should clarify. I liked who Bella was when she was with Jacob more so than who she was and how she acted when she was with Edward. I really do like Edward, I have nothing against him - how could I? Well, in this last book I LOVE Bella and who she is, and I love her and Edward's relationship - it is so much better. I still like Jacob, too. His character is still really good in this book and he plays a huge role. There are so many things that happen and it's just crazy! I do have to say that in the first half of the book weird things were going on - things that were totally unexpected. However, it just gets sooo good!! I think Stephenie Meyer has an incredible mind and she did an amazing job in wrapping up the story - it was perfect. Now I can relax and focus again on being a mom - oops! My poor boys!!

Happy Trails To You....

2008-07-31T16:02:00.001-07:00

I'm a little sad. Okay, not a litte. A lot. Marissa just moved to Kansas today which means I will not be able to see her nearly as often. The next time I see her won't be until Christmas!! I can't believe it and the twins are going to be sooooo big the next time I see them. I'm going to miss them so much. (Ry - I'll miss you too). It's gonna stink because I've been able to see her quite often and I have also been able to take a few road trips down to St. George and have some good girl time. I know she'll be fine because Rissa always makes friends easily and she has a great personality that people love to be around. I know I'll talk to her just as much, but it's hard to know she's so much farther away. I wish you good luck Riss, and know that you'll absolutely love it in Kansas....over time! ;)

Also, I have had a really good friend of mine, Syndi, move to D.C.. She left with her family today and it's hard to know I won't have as much contact with her either. She's been a friend to me over the last few years, and it really stinks that's she moving because we've become better friends over the last year or so. Syndi has a very contagious personality and is so much fun to be around. She laughs really easily and it always makes me laugh. I wish you the best of luck Syndi, and hope all goes well with Reed and his schooling!

I Can Ride My Bike...

2008-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

...with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars. So that's what Jace likes to sing when he rides his little "four wheeler." He heard the song on the radio and the next thing I know - he's singing the song when he rides his bike. Anyway...this morning we had a fun visitor. Mimi (aka my mom) rode her bike over to our house and had breakfast with us. She's been wanting to do it for about a month and she finally had the courage to do it. When she got here Jace told her that he wanted to ride bikes with her. So the two of them went outside and rode.

It was so cute and I have to say that my mom is an amazing grandma!! She does so many fun things with my boys, is always spoiling them with something, and is always asking when they can come sleep over. She is awesome! Thanks for visiting us today, Mom. We love you!!

15 Months!

2008-07-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Holy Canolly, Cole is already 15 months old. The cute little bugger is getting so big and so fun. We went to the doctor on Tuesday for his check-up and he is doing great. He weighs 23.4 lbs.(30%)and is 33.6" long (97%). He is so tall and stands a good couple of inches over kids his age and older. He is so much fun and of course extremely active. Here are a few things that I love about my Cole.
-I love the way he says "Mommy." It kind of comes out sounding Mammy.
-I love the way he wrinkles his nose when he smiles or laughs.
-When I'm rocking him before bedtime, he's almost asleep and if he hears a dog bark, pops his eyes open, he pulls out his binki, and says "Puppy!" with so much enthusiasm.
-I love how he'll all of a sudden stop whatever he's doing and run over to me and gives me the biggest hug ever.
-I love his excitement for life.
-I LOVE his big blue eyes.
-I love how he thinks Jace is the funniest peson in the world.
-Even though it drives me crazy, I love the adverturous side of him.

Preoccupied....

2008-07-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything for a long time. Not a ton has happened with us lately but there's also another reason. I have spent my free time reading, maybe not reading, but devouring the Twilight series. Yes, I have already read them, but I am rereading them for the new release of Breaking Dawn. I am not one of those truly obsessed women, but I really do enjoy them. Why in the world do they have to be so addicting? Seriously. I've already read them, but I still can't put them down! UHHHHH!! I know that there are people out there that are either Jacob fans or Edward fans. I do like them both, but I have to say that I really do like Jacob. He and Bella have more of a normal relationship and I guess I feel like Edward's personality and the whole Bella-Edward love relationship is too abnormal. I think Bella and Jacob's relationship is more believable. And...he basically healed Bella. How can you not like him for that. Anyway....enough babbling and gushing over these books. Let's just say I'm excited for the new one to come out.

A New Addition...

2008-07-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Jace has adopted a new memeber into our family, and her name is....TIGRESS. Tigress is Jace's new imaginary friend. He has had many in the past: Optimus Prime, Luke, Makala (from Transformers), and many more. However, I don't think we've had one of his friends be part of our family quite like this. Tigress attends swimming lessons with Jace (not just attends but she too has her own swimming lesson), she went to the dentist and the eye doctor, she always rides in the car with us, and so much more. The other day at the eye doctor Jace had his eyes checked first then went out into the waiting area. When he was leaving the exam room he told me that Tigress was going to get her eyes checked too, but after me. I finished my appt. and as we were just about to leave he had to ask me, "Mom, did Tigress have her eyes checked?" She sleeps with him at every nap and bedtime and I have to be careful not to lay on her when I snuggle Jace. She does EVERYTHING with him. He tells everyone about her and I think sometimes they think he is crazy. Today at haircuts, I was sitting in the waiting area and I could hear him telling the lady cutting his hair all about Tigress. When it was Cole's turn she had to ask me what the heck Jace was talking about. The kid is hilarious and has an imagination like none other. He is always surprising us with the things he comes up with.

Oh, and just in case you were wondering, Jace and Tigress had a baby and her name is "Fame."

Sand + Water = FUN!!

2008-07-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my friend, Syndi's, two little boys over. Their names are Jake and Cole. (Yeah, it can be a little confusing when they're together.) I took the four boys outside and we (I mean they) ran through the "sprinkles," blew bubbles, and played in the sandbox. My boys mostly played in the water and Syndi's boys played in the sand. They definitely have their preferences. The boys would run through the sprinklers for a few minutes and then find their way back to the sandbox. By the time they were through, they were all caked in mud! One by one I stripped them down, hosed them off, dried and dressed them, and then shut them in the house while I would go through the whole process with the next lucky kiddo! They had a lot of fun and it was nice to sit in my lawn chair and watch them just be boys.

P.I.M.P.

2008-07-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning up breakfast this morning and Jace says, "Look, Mom." I turned around to see this:

and he says, "I a Pimp!"

BBQ and Fireworks

2008-07-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

So the 4th celebration didn't end after the flag ceremony. After the ceremony we went home and caught some naps and then we were off for more. Bryan went golfing with all of my brothers and dad and then me and the boys, Rissa and the twins, Mom, and Karlee went swimming! It's a good thing there were the four adults because we each had a kid to take care of. Things get pretty crazy when Rissa and I get together with our four kids. It's always an adventure.
After swimming we went back to my parents and had a BBQ. Jace anxiously waited for the fireworks to begin. I can't tell you how many times that boy asked when we were going to do fireworks. He definitely makes things more fun and exciting - especially the holidays. It finally got dark enough to start the fireworks show and what a fantastic display of colored lights! Oh the joys of the bouncing florescent flowers, the shooting tanks, the floating parachutes, the spinning pagoda..... Jace LOVED them and Cole was pretty interested until he fell asleep on me. All in all it was a fun day and a great way to spend some more time with Rissa, Ryan, and the twins before they head off to Kansas. We are going to miss them so much. It has been nice because they have been able to spend so much time up here lately. We are going to miss you and it's going to break my heart not to be able to see Chance and Logan for so long. I hope they don't forget their favorite aunt! We hope everyone else had a fantastic 4th of July!!

Flag Ceremony - A Turner Legacy

2008-07-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July started out awesome as always! We joined Grandma and Grandpa Turner at their condo for the annual 4th of July Flag Ceremony! (To all of you other family members - you missed out!) We have had this tradition for as long as I can remember. It has always been just my family and Grandma, Grandpa, Jill, Jean and any other family members who just might be in town for the holiday. Well, since Grandma and Grandpa have moved to their condo, Grandpa has invited all of his neighbors and it has been quite the celebration. This year we had quite the crowd - about 20 people!

This year it started out with Randall posting the colors. For years it's always been Dallin posting the colors, but somehow this year he missed out. We were then honored to hear a beautiful rendition of "America the Beautiful" by the family choir: Grandma, Grandpa, Jill, Jean, and Randy. (Ya still got it guys!) Then, my amazing husband gave a FANTASTIC speech on patriotism. What a sport, he has now given the speech twice since he's been in the family. (I have never had to, hehe) I was so proud of him - he didn't even complain about it when Grandpa called to ask him. He did such a good job that all of the old folks in attendance asked him for a copy of the story he shared. He's such a great guy - I love you Bry!

After that, we had breakfast and just hung out with the fam chatting and visiting. It was fun to be with everyone and it was a great way to start the 4th. It gets you thinking of why we celebrate this holiday and how blessed we are to live in America. Here are some pictures of the wonderful event.

"Ladies and Gentlemen...."

The inspiring musical number

The Keynote Speaker

My Patriotic Boys

Jesse over Jason?

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

My friend Masha is going to give me a hard time for posting this, but oh well. (This is for you Kristin!) I have had a guilty pleasure for the past couple of months, and it is called, Bachlorette! I know, I know. But I really have enjoyed it. I too was pulling for DeAnna to choose Jason. He was just so sweet and it was time for him to "find love" again. I have to say that I was sooo shocked that she chose Jesse. I thought the whole time she was going to choose Jason for sure. They just seemed to click better, and I thought they were a cuter couple. I did like Jesse, thought, he was a good guy. But poor Jason had his heart broken all over again. I felt so bad for the guy. But whatever, it's just a lame show, right?!