Guest Post

So, I have a friend.

Its okay, you may a take few moments to recover from shock.

But she's not what you would consider a "typical" friend. We've never met in person and we've never talked on the phone. We are e-friends. It started with a little drawing I did of her boys and the emails haven't really stopped. She is one of those people who you can tell have a heart of gold, thinks the best of everyone, and she's really funny.

She's reads my blog and in return, send me her own stories about her three kids since she doesn't have a blog. Many of which include worms in the bed, tadpole gifts, and scissors to clothes.

She sent me this story the other day and it was SO, SO funny I just had to ask her if I could share it.

We are convinced there is a "Mommy Channel" that airs every night up in heaven where everyone gathers around to enjoy a good laugh at us mere mortals while feasting on calorie free/ fat free/ cholesterol free/ and yet somehow full flavor treats and snacks. Because I KNOW there will be chocolate in heaven. And I think this story has been aired more than once.

So enjoy the story and be sure to leave her some love and empathy, and let you know how much you laughed.


Oh Serene...

And that it was...It must have been the "Mommy Channel Special"...what else is there to do but laugh.

Since we were diligently working in the sweat shop trying to make progress on converting a shop into a little apartment for John's sister, it required another trip to Lowe's. The floor plan changed yet again and we were measuring trying to change the would be good-size closet into a bathroom.

We had the tape measure in hand...cleverly borrowed from the tool section, as we gathered our little crew in the bathroom area. Lowe's has the coolest display of bathroom necessities. Caleb-4 years old- was admiring the replica of the old style tubs. "Mom, I like this one...I want one like this." I replied, "Me too Caleb, I really like it." He was into this and just makes the trip easier.

John had little Angle Muffin strapped in the basket, as a good dad would with Jacob 6, somehow nearby, we mosied further into the store in search of more facilities to measure.

Leave it to me to notice Caleb was not beside us...I could see his little head 15' back, still admiring the displays, I hoped. Sure enough, I said to John as I focused his attention to Caleb..."Please tell me he is not peeing in that toilet."

He replied with the supporting, "Lady, I don't know you!!!", and bolted down the nearest isle with OUR other 2 children.

And yes...in a quick moment, one of a mother's worst fears near a Lowe's bathroom display became reality to me. There he was, so innocently and happily, peeing in the display toilet. I interrupted his relief session, pulled his shorts up to cover his little bare cheeks and such, to hurry down the nearest isle to find the hiding family members.

What else is there to do but laugh...laugh so hard you cry. As if claiming the child was not enough, when I finally regained my composure and decided it was time to maybe let the Lowe's employees know that toilet needed to be cleaned. Had I thought for a moment Caleb had done that in orneriness, he would have been helping, but he was so innocent.

When I humbly, red-faced approached the department, there was only one person in sight...it was not his area, (the others must have bolted the same time John & the others did). When I confessed in behalf of my 4 year-old, he said it was not the first time it had happened. But it was MY first time...hopefully my last.

So, as an experienced Mom in this particular area, be very very careful to keep close tabs on the little ones near the bathroom displays.

Huhhh...haaaa, what else do you do but make sure HE hears about this...in his teen years and special reminders as a dad!!

Humbled Mom...

Maria

Another One?

My mother-in-law called me up last Friday afternoon.

"I was just wondering if you guys were planning on camping tonight or just coming in the morning?"

Quickly pulling out the often lost memory key and started doing a mental run through of the dusty files. Upon finding nothing there, I replied with a very confident, "huh?"

"The family reunion tonight, are you guys going to camp?"

Perhaps I had taken a wrong turn somewhere in the jumbled mess of my memory maze. So after doing another quick run through, I finally replied with a now not so confident, "huh?"

"Well, Luke talked to his father about it, I guess he didn't pass on the information".

Suddenly feeling much better that I had not completely lost it and as it was now obvious that the mess of unpassed information stemmed from the fact that two male figures had discussed the matter.

She quickly updated me that it was the "big" family reunion, which was all the extended family then mentioned she had given out the dates three months ago.

Oh.

So I did what any good wife would do. I called up the man of the house and asked him about it. He then said the obvious. "I didn't tell you? Oh, well, I guess forgot about it."

We had made big plans for getting the yard ready to put sprinklers in. But we decided we would go, camp, and leave early enough on Saturday to get some work done. So we jumped in the car and headed back over to Start Valley down to the Palisades.

We ended up having so much fun that we didn't leave until Saturday night.

Friday late afternoon we took a little ride on Luke's cousin's boat. It was pretty exciting for the kids.


Jacob tried to make a quick getaway with the boat but the boat owner was too quick.


If I said they were singing "Wind beneath my Wings" I'd be lying. But it makes for a great caption.


Our kids were the last to bed and I believe the first to get up. Figures. I think I sang "Mommas going to buy you a mocking bird" lullaby about 18 times before the boys finally fell asleep and I was allowed to stop.

I'm starting to hate that song. But Alayna thinks its funny.

Nothing like cousins...

...and all their toys.
This was a bit of a dynamics change for Savannah who is use to being surrounded by girl cousins. On this side of the family, the boys rule.


What a little fish. She was in the water ALL day. At one point she had to be forced out due to blue lips.


Wait... wha? What's this? Luke knows how to use the camera? Hey look! That's me! Or rather, the back of my head, but still!


Wow! Another one!

And this point Luke and I went out on another boat but I forgot the camera. So I missed taking pictures of:

-Luke wearing a florescent lime green and black wet suit.
-Luke wake boarding in said wet suit.
-Luke getting cat calls from a boat full of guys while wearing said wet suit.
-The gorgeous green mountains that surrounded us.
-Jacob crying and worrying that we were leaving daddy every time he fell of the wake board.
-Jacob falling asleep in his bright yellow life jacket after knowing daddy was back and safe in the boat.
-Luke's unsuccessful attempts at getting up on water skies.

After we came back, I just left Jacob in his apparently too large around the waist swim suit.

I tried. Daddy tried. Aunt Michelle tried.

But in the end, we failed.

Good times.

Just in Case You Were Wondering

On occasion, what I do makes perfect sense.

I tend to keep the "arts and crafts" portion of my day somewhat limited.



Huh, did I not take a picture of the paint on the wall?

Darn. I guess I was just too busy scrubbing it off.


I know. Its disappointing that I'm so easily distracted by colorful things on a mundane wall, isn't it?

Juice on the floor tends to have the same effect on me.

I'm still trying to figure out why.

Yup, We're Stylin'!

Its always cute the first time.

Maybe even the tenth or fifteenth time.

But in this case, after the sixth or seventh outfit change and clean clothes are strewn throughout the house or mixed in with the dirty laundry (and there's only certain items of clothing I am willing to sniff in order to determine cleanliness) its only funny the second time. I often wish the dryer came with a lock.

Several times a day I will hear the dryer door being opened and shut, opened and shut while I'm frantically trying to recall if I had left a load of clothes in it.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Why don't you just take your clothes out as soon as the dryer is done and put them away! Then you wouldn't have this problem!

Don't worry, I forgive you for thinking such ridiculously funny thoughts. Life on the fast track with three toddlers and a baby and 2+ loads of laundry per day (on a good day if I keep up with it), ain't that simple.

But this time, it was a load of daddy's clothes in the dryer to be confiscated.

It really was super cute. I mean, being as fashionable as we are around here I'm pretty sure we'll set a trend that the whole neighborhood will soon follow.

Even baggy pants are back in style! (Thank heavens we were all out of skinny jeans... darn)

We even have a touch of the European runway happening here.

Tickets are on sale now!

And never fear. The kids would never allow Alayna to get away with out a bit of stylin' going on in her crib. (Ha ha! Her "crib"... that was good, and you got to admit it)

Surely your Monday doesn't look so bleak anymore!

Flashback Friday

I don't know why I keep using these cheesy titles.

Anyway, as my mom was cleaning out her office in preparation for their big move, she came across some ancient artifacts. Written papers that held prolific signs of what was to come. Using them in addition to some of my own personal pictorial artifacts, I bring you a bit of my past that showed signs of my great future. (click on the pictures to view larger)

Allow me to introduce myself.

Funny, I still hate sharks, white fish, and ham.


It was evident that I held GREAT artistic talent. See the resemblance between my deep and accurate drawing of my crazy sister?

And the portrait of my mother is quite amazing. Don't you think?


I even showed signs of being a deep and poetic writer.


Wow. Do you have goose bumps too? Who knew such ancient works could foretell the future so accurately!

I'll be here Wednesday to sign any of my poems that you had framed. They will be worth millions someday.

What a Weekend - Part Two

We didn't get back from Star Valley until about 12:30am Saturday morning so we slept in and missed the parade.

But the rest of our day was very much fun filled.

I cleaned the house while Luke chopped down and sprayed weeds in the back yard.

After all our fun was done, I ran to the store to stock up on goodies for that night. My crazy sis and her hubby came up to spend the holiday with us so I had to be prepared... and I had eaten all the chocolate for the smores, so I had to get more.

But as evening approached and we were getting ready for the fireworks show, the excitement and anticipation was just too much. The kids were all dressed and waiting by the door, especially Jacob.

We met up with Bradley and Michelle and their little kiddos (good friends) and found a spot to watch the fireworks. The kids had a blast playing together, while Bradley ate all my treats. But I let him, because I think I weigh more than he does.


I suppose some people in a "hurry up and wait" situation, would be bored enough to fall asleep. But not us! We party hard, especially Joseph.


Oh, I could eat up all that cheese!


But I promptly forgave Bradley for eating my treats because Michelle had brought sparklers and shared with my kids. Forgiveness by association.

(Michelle, if you're reading this, I'm just teasing. Bradley, if you're reading this, I'm dead serious =)




I didn't realize until after it was all over that I had no pics of my crazy sis and her hubby. But just use your imagination for a moment. Crazy sis, encouraging Jacob to do the following.




That's right! Don't mess with a guys marshmallows! He just might come after you with his cheese stick!

I had brought glow sticks with us to share. Savannah made bracelets and anklets. She looked like a little gypsy just dancing around. Crazy girl.


Oh! Now the fireworks are starting!

Wow! I pink one!

Oh, seriously, love that cheese.


Even Alayna loved watching the fireworks.

Oh, such brotherly love. Telling Alayna what colors the fireworks are.


Um, maybe she just wants you to stop talking so she can watch the show.

Or maybe she has no idea what color "lellow" is.

My ultimate super-power, mommy mind reading skills are a bit rusty these days, sorry.

For All You Utah Moms!

Click here for a chance to win FREE tickets to this conference in South Jordan.

Keeping it Real, Maybe a Little Too Real.

Woke up determined to get back on the right eating and exercise track.

Ate a chocolate bar two hours later. (at 8:00am)

Alayna wakes up. She wet the bed.

Joseph wakes up. He wet the bed.

Put him in the bathtub with Jacob, who is now up.

Five minutes later, they run out screaming.

Jacob reminded me that we had had Taco Soup for dinner.

Had to stick my hand into the murky water to pull the drain.

Re-fill bathtub. Alayna is crying.

Half hour later, mop up indoor swimming pool.

Breakfast. Cheerios. Alayna is crying.

Mop up spilled milk. Alayna falls asleep.

Kids go out to play. I go weed the "garden".

Come inside. Hear a commotion in the bathroom.

Kids are "cleaning their feet" in the bathtub.

Mop up the water. Start making the bed. (at 11:30am)

Here a loud 'bang' followed by a screaming Jacob.

Go and kiss his ouchy.

The smell hits my nose the same time my arm hits the leakage.

Change stinky diaper. Finish making the bed.

Find Jacob eating all the leftover Cheerios from breakfast.

(After sitting for three hours in milk, yum.)

Joseph is naked. He wants a different shirt.

One with a pocket.

At 1pm, I become a horse and give out rides.

Need knee replacements and hearing aids.

Ate another chocolate bar for lunch.

Then took my vitamins.

Hear the car honk. Run to garage.

Find Joseph buckled in the drivers seat. With the doors locked.

Give the evil mommy eye. He wisely unlocks the door.

In the back room, I hear screaming.

Find Savannah tackling Joseph while Joseph pulls Savannah's hair.

With both hands.

Break up fight. They hug and make up.

I just don't feel like cooking today.

Decide we'll have hogi sandwiches for dinner.

Luke gets a toasted turkey and cheese hogi.

Kids get peanut butter and jelly on leftover hot dog buns.

I eat a salad cause the lettuce is going bad.

Someones gotta do it.

Joseph is mad. He uses the garage as the bathroom.

Go for a walk for F.H.E.

The last hour before bed is solid screaming and crying.

Have prayer which can't be heard above crying.

Put kids to bed.

Finish weeding before it gets dark.

Time for me to go to bed, but someone is still popping off fireworks.

Ready to go hunt them down if they wake up the kids.


I just LOVE Mondays after a holiday weekend!!

Don't you?

What A Weekend - Part One

We had big plans for the 4th of July weekend.

Big plans.

So Thursday afternoon we loaded up the kids and our camping gear and headed over to Star Valley, Wyoming. We were all in a good mood and chatted and laughed the whole way.

After we stopped off at Grandma's house for a bit, we headed up to the campsite and pulled in.

We stopped.

There was no stinking way I was going camping that night! The mosquitoes were out full force, ready for their own celebration. They swarmed the car, trying to figure out if it was eatable or not. What's the expression? They were thick as thieves.

Luke and his brother were daring and stepped out of the cars for a few minutes. The whole time
swatting and smacking those little buggers.

They got back in and we drove back to Grandma's house where Luke set up the tent in the front yard.

A little bit later, it started to rain.

In the end, between the limited space in the tent (I guess its time to get a bigger one) and the rain, it was decided I would sleep inside with Alayna. But then Jacob decided he didn't want to sleep outside either.

Oh well.

I had brought a pack of glow sticks for the kids to play with while we were out camping. But of course, that didn't happen so they just played with them inside instead.

Here is Savannah and the kids, showing Great Grandpa Hepworth the glow sticks and all the fun shapes you can make when you put them together.

Savannah just loves this man. She sits with him, talks with him. Tells him when its time to eat and helps him walk around since he can't see much.

At one point when I had gone back to check on them, she was sitting on his lap smothering his face in kisses.

Even Joseph lends a helping hand from time to time. For dinner we had hot dogs. Joseph was trying to get G-Grandpa to eat to he took his fork, stuck a piece of hot dog on it, and gave the fork to him. It was too funny.

Well, after our 'tried but failed but Joseph and Savannah still got to sleep in a tent' camping experience, we still had fun.

Friday afternoon we went on a four-wheeler ride with my sister-in-law, Michelle, and some of her family.

Here we are, all pumped and ready to go.

Jacob started out riding with me.

But not long after we started out, Savannah got bit by something. Not entirely sure what, but we think maybe a horse fly. After that, she rode with me. Michelle's mom had some lavender oil on her and treated the wound. Savannah got lots of special treatment.



Once we got up the trail quite a ways, we pulled off to walk up a side trail. Of course, Aunt Michelle was quite prepared with scrumptious treats and made all the kids happy.


Savannah and her cousin, whom she loves!

Heading back down the other side of the trail to "Hidden Lake".
SPLAT! Jacob took a bit of a fall.

So daddy lent a hand.


I tried to put two pictures together for a panoramic view. Eh, turned out alright I suppose.





Heading back up the tail now and stopped off to take a few more shots.


Oh ya, I forgot to mention that just before we left the lake, Jacob took a bit of a tumble and was soaked. We stripped him down and put on his jacket then borrowed another for his legs.


And this point it was starting to get cold so everyone who brought one put on their jackets.

I had brought one, but didn't bother to put it on. Why? Because Savannah had been using it prop up her "boo boo" arm while she rode a bit with Grandpa. But after a while it had been forgotten and dragged through the mud. So I opted to skip on wearing the muddy jacket.

My HUGE mistake.

We started back down the mountain. It was now cold and very overcast. Everyone is speeding down to try and beat the rain. It didn't work.

First it was just some light rain.

Then, the hail came.

Now I don't know about you, but speeding down a mountain at... well, actually I have no idea how fast I was going, but I was pretty darn at some points, while being pelted by hail without a jacket, well, let's just say it didn't exactly feel good.

At that point I would have given anything for my muddy jacket.

Savannah, who was sitting behind me, held on for dear life as I tried to make it down the mountain and out of the hail.

Once we made it to the bottom of the trail, it stopped raining and hailing.

Go figure.



I suppose if you made it this far in the post you are privy to a bum shot.



There are some experiences you just won't forget any time soon.

I need a hot shower just thinking about it!

SACRIFICE

This is my brother, Captain Joshua S. JAG Lawyer in Iraq.

And this is his family that he has just left for a whole year to serve his country.

My sister-in law is home with 5 little kids and no family or extended family nearby to help.

Sacrifice happens on both ends.

Remember our troops, and the families that are waiting for them back home.

Happy (almost) Independence Day!


If you know someone who is serving, (or even if you don't, I hope you'll let them know you appreciate their service on your behalf) I hope you'll leave a comment and tell me about them. I think my family and my brother, would like that.

Peas! Pretty Peas!

If you like to garden or know how to grow one, then I suggest you whip out the tissues cause I'm about to show you something so very, very sad.

This is our garden. Okay, so the picture is about 2 weeks old but it doesn't look all that different right now.


I try, but its hard to grow stuff in clay. I even planted everything in manure! And I water religiously with Miracle Grow every week. Although I did kill off a few things the first time when I accidentally gave them an overdose of the stuff... and the manure was only .97 cents a bag at back at Walmart, but still!

Only half of everything I planted came up and in some cases, such as my lettuce and broccoli, nothing came up at all.

But I have big plans for next year though. Plans that include fertilizer, potting soil, and more expensive manure.

And no mom, no matter what you say, I am NOT going to ask Luke to bring a fresh batch back from his dad's dairy cows.

Moving on.

I'm not really sure what I'm doing yet, I'm just kind of making it up as I go. But I couldn't stand that my peas are tipped over and always getting there cute little curly thingies stuck in the ground.

So I decided to do something out it.

Enter the sticks.

In case you can't tell, the kids were quite excited by the idea of making something for the garden.

And they were quite helpful.



After we made the "pea braces" I brought out the closely guarded and carefully hidden markers.
I'll let you use your imagine as to why I keep them under lock and key... and bars and steel.


When the kids were finally done with the exterior decorating, we took them to show to the peas and get their approval.

BEFORE
AFTER

BEFORE



AFTER

See? The garden is looking better and more colorful already.

I just hope no one else gets jealous and we have a "keeping up with the Peas" epidemic break out.

I am a bit worried about the Beans next door. Will they get jealous that the Peas got special treatment? Will it start a feud? What if they start submitting decor' requests?

Only time will tell.


P.S. I'm always open to gardening tips. And I'm sure the beans would appreciate some decor' advise.

The Nature of Nature

It was 11pm Monday night. I was just falling asleep.

That's when the smell came.

My nose hairs tried to run and hide but found that they were paralyzed with fear.

Its the only smell in the world that rivals that of the diaper pail sitting in my garage.

I could have SWORN that that skunk was sitting outside our bedroom room with its bum pointed at our bed.

It was awful.

But then I found out while talking to a neighbor who lives around the corner and a few houses down, that they experienced the same thing.

I guess I missed the memo that the "Skunks have Rights" stink protest was to be last night.

Luckily the day dawned clear with no trace of the protest.

I suspect there will be a bug protest next. I ran into a little trouble with I was tearing down the "Buggers Bunk" Hotel. This is where my diplomatic skills came in handy.

I know its your family reunion, I'm sorry. But you need to roll out now.

Hey you guys! You over there! Could you please... oh.

Oh! Umm.. (cough... akward) believe me when I say, this is more embarrassing for me than it is for you. But I'm sorry, its time to take down the Honeymoon Suite.

Oh ya! You think your bouncers can scare me off? The bouncers with really... big and... really painful stingers....
Okay, on second thought, maybe I will come back later.

NOTE: When I returned a couple hours later the hotel had been evacuated except for the earthworms. They were determined to hold their ground.
So force became necessary for the re-location. But I am pleased to report that they are quite happy with there new villa by the tomatoes.

Now, I have a special treat for you. I would like you introduce you to "The Beast".

No, no, no. Not Savannah. The big, giant, child-eating thistle plant behind her.

Today, I killed The Beast. He fought back! He got me good with his back-lash which landed hard into my stomach and leg. And it was, oh so very painful and I admit, I buckled just a little. But I wouldn't give in. The shovel was faithful and we made a heck of a team. The giant is now nothing but chopped up greenery.

I've never seen one that big before though. He was actually quite fascinating to look at. But that's how they draw you in you know. With their bright colors.

The kids didn't believe me when I told them to stay away or he would eat them. But its true. I have proof.

They're sneaky enough. They hide their faces very well. It took me a while. A lot of patience waiting and stalking, but I finally got my evidence.










See? Told ya.

Moments

There are moments. And you can feel it.

I made a run to the Post Office not too long ago to mail off a drawing. I'm sure we make quite the spectacle. The kids like to hide behind the display cases that hold stamps which seem to require a second mortgage on your house in order to purchase them.

The kids know they aren't suppose to play with or touch anything. But still, they are just kids and every once in a while I have to remind them that the mailing tubes aren't swords, the Express labels aren't coloring paper, and they can't take the boxes with the brightly printed flowers home with them.

I was waiting my turn in line. Savannah starts laughing rather loudly as she exclaimed,"Help! I'm stuck! I'm stuck!"

She couldn't fit her head between two display cases and she thought it was just SO funny. While she was doing that, I turned to look at her. She was just as happy as could be. But she was looking at an older lady who was probably in her late 60's to early 70's, fully expecting to receive a smile from this "grandma" looking person.

I looked at the lady who was watching Savannah.

She didn't smile back. In fact, her mouth didn't do anything but pull down a bit in the corners as her eyebrows lifted up in obvious disapproval.

That's when I felt it.

This overwhelming desire to protect my daughter from this lady's disapproving glare. I didn't want Savannah to feel hurt, or sad or even have that memory there. It was the strangest moment. I just wanted to glare back at this little old lady and ask her what right she has to disapprove of my sweet little girl's happiness!

Perhaps it was because I feared disapproval so much myself as a child, I don't know.

Its been several days and I still can't stop thinking about this lady.

Was she the "children should be seen and not heard" type?

Did she have a bad childhood?

Did she have a bad child-raising experience?

Had her life been hard and is she lonely?

I just can't help but wonder what it was about this lady's life that turned her out as it did.

Its silly really. Something so small and fleeting should leave such a lasting impression in my mind.

So I just want to take this moment to say, thanks to anyone who has ever smiled at a struggling parent, or at that screaming child. For even that happy little girl seeking the smiles and attention of others.

It makes a difference.

Well, it does to me anyway.

Smile! Its Monday.

Savannah ran into the house all in a tizzy.

"Mom!" she exclaimed, "Mom, there's a swamp on our house!"

I knew immediately what she was talking about because she can never remember the right word.

"A swamp? On our house?" I tried to sound shocked.

"Ya!" she gasped, " A bee swamp!"

She meant a wasp.


Savannah: "Help! I'm stuck like a giant!"


Jacob talks a little too well sometimes. When I wouldn't give him something he wanted the other day he looked up at me with his pouty face.

"No! You in bi fwouble mommy! I go tell Vannah!"

He marches off. Next thing I see is Jacob with his head on Savannah's lap looking all weepy. Savannah pets his head and comforts him.

"Its okay Jacob. We'll go ask daddy!"


Tell me. What do I do with a four-year old girl who's new favorite phrase is,

"That's totally awesome!"

You Did What? Weird.

The strangest things can make me do the strangest things.

Tuesdays is garbage day. I did a quick check around the house for any and all garbage, and as I placed my last bag into the garbage can, I realized it was only half full.

And it just rubbed me wrong.

Like seeing a guy wearing skinny jeans.

I was irked.

Not that I wanted it to be full of household trash or anything. Its just that, well, if we have to pay a monthly fee to have the garbage picked up then I want it to be worth it!

I wanted my trash can to be full.

So I did the strangest thing. I started pulling the weeds out of our front yard. Why is that strange? Because weeds ARE our front yard. We have no grass, just tall weeds. I filled up three large garbage bags full of weeds. This filled our can to full and then some, before the truck came around to pick it up.

And I felt quite satisfied, accomplished, cavalier.

Cavalier? What in the world am I talking about....

So then I spent all afternoon pulling thistles and weeds out of our garden. Now I have a pretty sweet glove line. It actually looks much worse in person.


I would have shown a picture of the tops of my knees, since they are a nice red color and just a bit crispy, as well as my awesome sock line around my ankles, except that I am, well, just a bit... er, you know, prickly.

Like a 5'o clock shadow on a man. Not that I mind a 5'o clock shadow on a man. Scruffy can be nice, scruffy can be sexy. But I've never heard of anyone saying, "Oh wow! Look at the prickles on that girls legs! Oh ya, now that looks nice!"

And if I did, I would walk away as quickly as possible.

Then yesterday, I decided I would just finish the job. We have no lawn mower, not that it would help. Most of the weeds were too tall for it anyway. We need to spray them and kill them, but they are too big for that. We need to cut them first. We were even told that a weed whacker wouldn't do much against the monster weeds. I suppose we could pay someone to come in and mow it down but that's just more money we don't want spend. So there was nothing left to do but pull.

It looks so much better! Sorry, no "before" picture. But you'll get the idea when you see the backyard.


Anyway, Luke came home for lunch when I was about half-way done with the front. He looked at me and the weeds then walked around to the back and said, "Ya, we'll pretty much have to do that back here too."

Oh man! What have I done! Anyone free for the next couple days? I could use a few extra hands!


And yes, our property line is BEHIND the trees.

When I first tried to get the kids to help me Savannah replied, "But mom, kids aren't suppose to work!"

Well, at least I got about 10 minutes out of her today.

And I need a whole lot of aloe vera.
And a back rub.
A foot rub would be nice too.
Maybe even a bag of chocolate for energy.
Perhaps a session with a therapist.

Then I'd be set.


Okay, I've changed my mind after looking at the pictures again. I suddenly like the idea of hiring someone.

Better Late Than Never

So, I'm never really sure when I'm suppose to use "then" or "than". My writing style might make it painfully obvious that I was not an English major... of any sort.

Well, I have a whole slew of pictures to show. This is a family reunion we went to the weekend before last in Paris!

Huh? Oh... no, not Paris, France.
Paris, Idaho. And believe me, they aren't anything alike.
And yes, I would know because I've been to both places.

It was suppose to be a camping trip but with all the rain, camping in mud didn't sound too thrilling to me, especially since Alayna had just got over a cold.

Of course, I suppose there was always the option of doing mud angels and making a slip n' sludge. But I didn't really think to come up with those activities at the time. So we just drove up Saturday and met up with everyone else who had camped that night. After lunch we went down to the Minnetonka Caves.

There was a bit of a wait so the kids kept themselves entertained with the water fountain...

...yelling at the squirrels...

... and food, of course. And yes. Frosting covered animal cookies are indeed a food group.
If you don't believe me you can look it up.

But it really was quite gorgeous there. Here we are walking down to the cave entrance.





And here it is.
Ugh! Just looking at this next picture makes my heart beat a bit faster. My stomach is feeling a bit funny and I suddenly feel cold.

I have a slight case of claustrophobia. Not real bad, but enough. Actually, the caves weren't TOO crushingly, painfully bad but there were a few areas I REALLY didn't want to walk down and I was ready to turn around and run back to the light. But I made it, I'm still here today, mind in tact.

And no, that is not open to comment or speculation.

Savannah loved it. And since Luke and I were in the back of the group dealing with grouchy toddler boys who wanted to be carried, then wanted to walk the stairs all by themselves, then wanted to be carried, etc., she just stayed right up in the front with the tour guide.

I don't think we heard a word the guide said. We were too busy trying to keep the boys from plunging off and edge to certain pain and agony. But of course, they just thought we were trying to spoil all their fun.






At least Luke was able to get a good workout in!

This girl just cracks me up!



Savannah wanted to take some pictures. So these next ones are her handiwork... that is the only reason you guys are privy to a picture of my backside.




Click on the family picture below. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Joseph and Savannah's faces in this. And there's poor Alayna, wondering what in the world is going on!

Once we FINALLY made it back out, it was POURING rain. And we were all cold and wet.

Can you tell that the roads were a bit muddy? No? Hmm... perhaps I should point out that we did not paint our car part silver part gold. That's dirt from the road that leads to the campsite.

Poor Luke got to load up all the kids.

When we finally got back it was just so wet and muddy I fed Alayna in the car, then Jacob and I just hung out for a while.

What a stud muffin.

A very chattery stud muffin...

..who wants a set of wheels already. Actually, he's a little obsessed with motercycles.



The rain finally stopped and we broke camp. The kids had one last romp in the mud and managed to find some of the most ENORMOUS earth worms! I mean, I've seen snakes smaller than these guys! Too bad I didn't take a picture of one.


Of course we had to do a little strip action with the kids since they were covered in mud.




It was fun.

Topical Tuesday

The pressure can be intense sometimes, really intense. People joke about it, but I have seen for myself just how true it is. "If moms not happy, no one is happy."

In my humble opinion, I think its a bit unfair that things work out that way. Does this mean we aren't entitled to our "bad" days? What happens if we have a bad week? Or a bad month?

At some point, everyone feels a bit frustrated. And I was just thinking about this when I came across this by Lavina Fielding.

Women who are bored, frustrated, lonely, and unhappy are terribly handicapped in also trying to be righteous. For some, the answer is changing their circumstances. For others, the answer is changing their character to meet those circumstances.

She also quoted another woman:

"And I also knew that my Heavenly Father wouldn’t set me on a course of life that would make me constantly miserable. So my job was to find happiness in that course of life. Once I started looking for the Lord’s kind of happiness instead of my own, I found it.”

So, at the risk of sounding cheesy, but I suppose cheese is better than whine, and since I was in such a good mood yesterday, I'm going to take a moment and share some incredibly GREAT accomplishments that I have done in the last couple of days.

-For the first time EVER, I bought and cooked with Leeks.

Leeks, sometimes called "the gourmet's onion" are related to onions and garlic, but have flat leaves instead of tubular and relatively little bulb development. The thick leaf bases and slightly developed bulb look like a giant green onion, and are eaten as a cooked vegetable. Leeks are not as popular in the United States as they are in Europe, where they are known as "poor man's asparagus."

Who knew? Well, not me. I had no idea what type of vegetable it was, and I was so nervous about it. But the "Ginger Sesame Chicken" turned out SO GOOD!

I will admit, I was immensely proud of myself. Especially since the recipe called for "fish sauce" and that just sounds downright nasty cause I don't like seafood. But I was true to the recipe and bought it anyway. So, there you go. I stepped out of my comfort zone.

-I finally unpacked the last two boxes that have been sitting by my bed since we moved into our house about, what two months ago now?

It was completely exciting, like getting a bag of chocolate!... well, almost that good.

-I was feeling quite upbeat yesterday and I was actually singing in the kitchen... while I was cooking! And believe me, I don't sing at all... unless you call the sound of a barking seal singing. Even Luke came home for lunch and looked at me a bit funny while I was humming over his turkey and cheese sandwich.

-I haven't shown any art work lately, mostly cause I haven't done too much, but these are my three latest pieces.

June's Primary Poster for LDV

The granddaughter of a couple my dad baptized on his mission

A friend of mine had this done as a Father's day gift for her husband

Sometimes its hard to get yourself out of a rut, at least it is for me. So I find greatness in the little things.
So in the name of all that is cheesy, tell me, what great thing have you accomplished lately?

I hope everyone has something to say.

And I confess, I covet comments.

Just don't tell my Bishop.

Smile! Its Monday!

Okay, this one is bound to make you smile! Or, at least get a slight mouth twitch.

If not, I'll give you a full refund.

Happy 6 Year Anniversary!

"Love is in the air..."

Oh wait, that's not love, that's an airplane! My bad.

I suppose some will think to themselves, "Hmm, what WILL I do on my 6 year anniversary?" While others will think, "Hmm, now what DID I do on my 6-year anniversary?"

Well, I'm just here to tell you, as part of the most romantic couple on the face of the earth, that we took our kids to see the airshow for our anniversary. I know what you're thinking, "Ahhh... so romantic! So thoughtful! That's exactly what I want to do on MY anniversary!"

Its okay, I won't charge you for taking all our romantic ideas. Although, I would like my share of the royalties. And because I like you guys so much, I'll even throw in another idea for free. Your spouse could be in one room watching a movie, while you are in the other room blogging about the airshow!

Oh there it is again! I can just hear the, "Ahhhh, that is so cute! You guys are SOO romantic!" I know, I know, what can I say! Feel free to ask me for romantic ideas if you need some.

(sigh) I can be so awesome sometimes.

Seriously though, I CAN be awesome sometimes! Who else but a totally awesome mom would let their kids eat cotton candy at 10am? On an empty stomach too!

I think I'm getting the "look" from Luke. What? I didn't do it! I swear!

Okay, so I just CAN'T let this next picture go by without saying something about my hat.

Yes, my hat.

I think I got it a D.I. sometime ago for something but as I am aging faster than most people my age my memory is going at an alarming rate. So I can't recall what I got it for. But I look silly in it. I truly do. So why in the world did I bring it to the airshow? Well, it was SUPPOSE to rain! But it didn't, of course. Still, don't ask me why I brought that particular hat, cause I just wouldn't have a good answer.

So, Savannah pulls it out and asks, "Mom, is this a parade hat? You should wear it."

So, I did... cause she put it there.

Moving away from the hat topic.

Uh oh. Savannah got a hold of the camera.

"Um, excuse me? Ya, you in the goofy hat, are you the clown in the parade?"

Why yes! Yes, I am, how did you know?

Well, Alayna looks bored, I guess its time to go.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Did You Follow All That?

Driving in the car for 4.5 hours is cause for self-entertainment.

Especially if you're only four years old. After singing a few songs to herself, ("Ba Ba Black Sheep" and "Somebody to Love".... I know, I know) she started asking questions and for about an hour, we had a conversation that went along these lines.

Savannah: Mom, does the earth spin in circles?
Me: Yes, it does! (I was impressed) We spin super fast and gravity makes sure we don't fall off.

(Note: physics is NOT a strength of mine... just in case you happened to miss the obvious)

S: What is gravity?
M: Well, its the thing that makes us fall down... er rather, its a kind of force that pulls us to the earth.

(silence.....)

S: How come we can't see the sky spinning?
M: Well, we live under lots of layers of sky, so we can't see it.

(About 5 seconds of silence..)

S: Mom, why did the brave mouse go into the dungeon?

(She had just seen the movie, "The Tale of Despereaux")

M: Uh... well, because he got in trouble.
S: But why did he jump in the big hole with red string?
M: Because he was brave.
S: Because he was reading a book?
M: Yes, he wasn't allowed to read.

(silence....)

S: When girls swim do they have to swim on a mommy's tummy?

Ya, I'm just as stumped as you are.

(After about 10 seconds...)

S: Mom, why did the brave mouse swing and untie himself.
M: Well, he wasn't afraid. he was ready to go exploring.

S: Mom, will I ride a school bus or a magic school bus to school?
M: A magic school bus!?
S: Ya, a magic school bus with eyes.
M:..................

Imagine a conversation like this an hour long... then we started playing the "find the letters of the alphabet"game.