Today I awoke to Aliza calling to me from my bedroom door. I was pretty groggy (going to bed at midnight wasn't treating me well), but I recognized the word TICK. That got my attention, so I pulled Steve out of bed with me and we went to the bathroom to investigate. Sure enough, a little tick was attached to her stomach. I was so thankful Steve was around for this! My tick inexperience could've stumped us, but instead Steve pulled out tweezers and took care of it. No big deal. Aliza went around the rest of the morning minus a shirt, paranoid and complaining about how much it hurt. By the afternoon I think she forgot about it completely. Good!
The rest of the morning was spent piano-practicing and cake pop-making. It was my test run for Gracie's party. I had promised them but didn't know what I was getting into, so decided that practice was in order. All of the bakers online had run into snags making them, so I was tenative. But it was a piece of cake (yeah, I'm cheesy!) and all my tutorials paid off. 30 cake pops later, and feeling like I wanted to puke at the word cake pop, they were finished! I think Gavin ate about 10 throughout the day, plus a piece of the cake I didn't use to make the cake pops. Gage came in at about 3 plus cake, Aliza only 1 lonely one, and Grace 3 cake pops and two slices of cake (that I was able to catch). I think I'm gonna forget about cake pops for a week or two. Ugh. But they were sure cute.
Other notable Columbus Day happenings:
Aliza, Grace, and Gavin went around the neighborhood asking if people would pay them $10 to rake their leaves. The first door said yes and had them raking/fighting/getting splinters for 3 hours while Gage napped. Loved it! But one house was all they had energy for.
Drove Steve to the airport with kids in tow. He's off to Florida (I'm soo jealous!) for a manager's training during the entire week. Gage was pouty the entire drive and cried when we drove away without him.
I finished designing and printing Grace's birthday invitations. Searched the half-unpacked basement for ric rac, but then ended up organizing instead. No ric rac. Off to Walmart for ric rac and spray paint (refinishing a nightstand) tomorrow!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Back to School
As school started this week, I'm happy to announce that all of the kids' fears were allieviated.
GAVIN'S FEAR: Having homework. So far, none! Yay for both of us! I DID explain to him that the younger you are, the easier and less homework is. Not sure if this helped him though. We'll see in the coming weeks.
GRACE'S FEAR: The dreaded "bad teacher". Everyone said how her teacher yelled and was mean. Grace came home on day #1 cheering that her teacher was "AWESOME!" I think it's going good so far.
ALIZA'S FEAR: Yucky middle school lunches. Not that this should even matter, since I make her lunch every day anyhow. But she's always the one worried about what's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So her first day of school reports were that the lunches are "AMAZING" and then she went on to describe them in detail. Think hot pizza and salad bars. This girls' dream.
Gage and I are happy with our sparkly clean home and all day to do whatever we want. Yesterday it was lying in the grass reading books and playing in the dirt. Can't wait for Fall!
{The crew backpacked up}
First day with no hubby
{My big and little nerds}
Today started at 4AM. I vaguely remember Steve kissing me goodbye and then fell back asleep. I was hammered.
8AM I hear kids watching television and playing the wii. Usually a no-no, but I had other things on my mind.
Running.
I hurried and got ready before Gage could notice me and give me a whimper. As I headed sneakily out the back door, I froze. It was raining. Yuck. So much for my run.
I'm a wimp when it comes to unusual running scenarios. All thanks to when I twisted my ankle twice after playing volleyball. It was bad and involved physical therapy and huge, sore cankles.
So I tend to avoid anything that may recreate those moments.
Well, I tried to exercise.
I'm hoping this isn't a foreshadowing of things to come. With Steve gone, I am determined to get my pre-baby body back. Say that three times!
And I have no will power when it comes to food, so I figure the running better handle it all.
Today is a holiday from school. Even though they just started two days ago. Crazy, I know. I've become too happy (already) with my new freedom.
Gage finally agreed to a nap at 1PM. He spent the morning playing, separately, with every toy in the playroom. When I asked him if he would help me clean up, he replied "No!" in his high-pitched little voice. Loving how he picked up this new phrase. Love even more when he was singing E-I-E-I-O from Old Macdonald.
{Gage looking for Steve at the roller rink}
At 2PM Gavin finally decided to change out of PJ's. Neighbor noises swayed him (finally) into getting ready and practicing the piano. I even got the procrastinator to clean up a bit.
Grace was thrilled to have a 5 hour playdate with her friend Aidia. Hoping that they don't destroy the freshly remodeled home that she lives in since her babysitter is watching those two. Sorry to Aidia's mom in advance.
Aliza was bored. All her friends had playdates with other friends. I think the move has been hard on her. But she doesn't tell me much. When she couldn't find anything for lunch but told me she was hungry, I listed off a billion options. Finally a pizza on bread was chosen, with sour cream and onion dip/chips. Afterwards we played clue and she won in about two seconds. Drat. But I mentioned the neighbors out riding bikes, so she took off to join them.
I'm already thinking of what to do with 4 kids for dinner with no husband. Right now the front-runners are Costco or smoothies in my new Blendtec.
Yep. Real fancy.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
It's not the first time...
Friday I got a surprise phone call. Not one from my best friend or a family member, but from Gavin's teacher Mrs. Brydges. She has NEVER called before, so I was nervously curious as to the nature of her call.
"Gavin was in the principal's office," she said, "for hitting a boy in the Kindergarten line." What?? This is not the kid that I would've expected a phone call about! She went on to tell me that an AM kindergartener said Gavin punched him and so he hit him back, his landing them both in with the principal :( She also didn't think it was malicious or intentional (ok?) but that she would let us handle the punishment.
Well, having travelled a similar road before, I immediately let his teacher know that we would be writing an apology note to both the boy and the principal, to which she laughed and said that the other boy was planning on doing the same.
When Steve came home that evening, I quietly told him what I had heard and we then proceeded to talk privately with Gavin. Can I just say that this was the hardest conversation ever?? And it was because Gavin has the hardest time remembering! We asked handfuls of questions and either got "I don't know's" or one word answers. Arg! After a half hour of probing, I think we pried the whole story out of him (although I'm still not relly sure!).
Apology note was then drafted and child was put to bed. It would be delivered the next day at school.
Fast forward: Gavin and this little boy decided that they would become the best of friends. I mean, they only live around the corner from each other! A fact that we only just discovered.
Sounds like a plan.
"Gavin was in the principal's office," she said, "for hitting a boy in the Kindergarten line." What?? This is not the kid that I would've expected a phone call about! She went on to tell me that an AM kindergartener said Gavin punched him and so he hit him back, his landing them both in with the principal :( She also didn't think it was malicious or intentional (ok?) but that she would let us handle the punishment.
Well, having travelled a similar road before, I immediately let his teacher know that we would be writing an apology note to both the boy and the principal, to which she laughed and said that the other boy was planning on doing the same.
When Steve came home that evening, I quietly told him what I had heard and we then proceeded to talk privately with Gavin. Can I just say that this was the hardest conversation ever?? And it was because Gavin has the hardest time remembering! We asked handfuls of questions and either got "I don't know's" or one word answers. Arg! After a half hour of probing, I think we pried the whole story out of him (although I'm still not relly sure!).
Apology note was then drafted and child was put to bed. It would be delivered the next day at school.
Fast forward: Gavin and this little boy decided that they would become the best of friends. I mean, they only live around the corner from each other! A fact that we only just discovered.
Sounds like a plan.
Things to come.
Today I woke up to the sounds of kids downstairs. No crying. I liked it.
I could hear Gage climbing up the stairs. Actually, I'm pretty adept at telling each kid apart thanks to a house filled with 100 year old wood floors. Gage's upstairs crawl has it's own special thump. One that makes me smile.
He's laboring upstairs to see me. To snuggle in my big, California King-sized bed.
As he slammed the door open and came running to my side, I leaned over and gave him a gigantic smile. Boy did I love this kid. His arms reached for me and I happily lifted him up and layed him next to me.
But I wasn't his focus.
The spot next to me was. And it was empty. With his pout and questionable arms raised, I knew what he was asking. Where's daddy?
Daddy is away for work. He'll be back for a few days, but then gone for much longer. Until we buy a house to be exact.
But how to explain this to my Gage?
Maybe I'll make daddy do it. I don't think I can take another pout.
I could hear Gage climbing up the stairs. Actually, I'm pretty adept at telling each kid apart thanks to a house filled with 100 year old wood floors. Gage's upstairs crawl has it's own special thump. One that makes me smile.
He's laboring upstairs to see me. To snuggle in my big, California King-sized bed.
As he slammed the door open and came running to my side, I leaned over and gave him a gigantic smile. Boy did I love this kid. His arms reached for me and I happily lifted him up and layed him next to me.
But I wasn't his focus.
The spot next to me was. And it was empty. With his pout and questionable arms raised, I knew what he was asking. Where's daddy?
Daddy is away for work. He'll be back for a few days, but then gone for much longer. Until we buy a house to be exact.
But how to explain this to my Gage?
Maybe I'll make daddy do it. I don't think I can take another pout.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Don't Let Me Forget
My funny kiddos
Grace's prayer (2/13):
Help us while we're young to prepare to become old. And to serve a mission!
Gavin (2/13):
Mom, where do crocodiles live?
In places in the south like Louisiana or Alabama. Places that are swampy and have rivers.
Mom, can we live in Barak-abama?
Mom, what does a crocodile look like?
Mom, do they eat whales?
Mom, do they have spikes?
Mom, what's an alligator?
Mom, can we go see them??
Gavin (2/13):
It's sad that mom's have to take care of kids, and not themselves!
Gavin (2/25):
Mom, it's scary when a dog jumps up on you. He might get hurt.
Grace (3/4):
Well, I decided that I would style my hair like a baby one last time.
Gavin (3/16):
I'm going to have 100 kids. And I'm going to give them $100 and buy them toys.
Wow! You're going to have to have a really good job to take care of that many kids. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I'm going to steal it!
Help us while we're young to prepare to become old. And to serve a mission!
Gavin (2/13):
Mom, where do crocodiles live?
In places in the south like Louisiana or Alabama. Places that are swampy and have rivers.
Mom, can we live in Barak-abama?
Mom, what does a crocodile look like?
Mom, do they eat whales?
Mom, do they have spikes?
Mom, what's an alligator?
Mom, can we go see them??
Gavin (2/13):
It's sad that mom's have to take care of kids, and not themselves!
Gavin (2/25):
Mom, it's scary when a dog jumps up on you. He might get hurt.
Grace (3/4):
Well, I decided that I would style my hair like a baby one last time.
Gavin (3/16):
I'm going to have 100 kids. And I'm going to give them $100 and buy them toys.
Wow! You're going to have to have a really good job to take care of that many kids. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I'm going to steal it!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Choice and Consequence
It all started with the girls out riding their bikes. I was busy making dinner, and the boys were playing with cars in the family room. Steve had called a few minutes before and was expected to arrive soon. All was well.
About ten minutes later, Steve walked in the door. We chatted about the day and he asked me if I knew that the girls were at the end of the street on their bikes. I said, yes, I knew, and that as long as they were still on our road it would be ok.
About five minutes later, I heard bikes pulling in and crying outside the back door. Hmm. The girls come filing in with tears pouring down their cheeks and talking over each other. I can't make out a word. But I can see that they've been rolling around in the dirt. Aliza, who is usually impeccably clean, has dirt smears and rips in her shirt. In her hand she's cradling something. Grace looks a little hammered too, but that's pretty normal.
Once they've calmed down, their story starts spilling out. They were innocently minding their own business while riding bikes. Out of nowhere, this attack dog jumps up, knocks Aliza off of her bike, and eats her glasses. That's right. EATS her glasses. She shows me the proof in her hand: a pair of blue Juicy glasses that DO in fact belong to her. They are snapped in half, missing the lenses, and have tell-tale bite marks.
I'm starting to believe their story.
As I hug both girls' simultaneously (Grace was scared out of her wits too), I look at Steve and we both start snickering. We couldn't help it! The facts were all there; a dog had in fact eaten her glasses. But it was hilarious from a mom/dad perspective. After composing ourselves, we started probing for answers to this mysterious dog.
I will admit, our girls are sly. They wanted us to believe that they weren't anywhere near the dog's house. He magically appeared on the road where they were riding and attacked with no cause. But Steve knew better. He had seen them only ten minutes ago IN the dog's driveway and OFF of their bikes. Not so innocent NOW, are they? When we presented our evidence, they finally relented and admitted that they had been up to no good. But how could we discipline when Aliza had scratches, a ripped shirt, and ruined glasses? This was how my girls pleaded. Ha! And they were most worried about how Aliza was going to see without a pair of glasses to see with.
Here came the "I'm a mean mom" talk. I explained that they made bad choices (going into the neighbor's driveway, approaching an unknown dog, lying about all the above) and now they were receiving the consequences of those choices. No tears in the world were going to sway me. I gave them one last hug, told them to put away their bikes, and giggled one last time with Steve. Man were those glasses ruined!
My one hope is that they learned a lesson. Don't lie to mom. Please, please don't approach ANY animal without asking me and the owner first (this has always been a challenge with all of my kids). And when we make a choice, there's a consequence. The basic facts of life.
We'll see if it sticks.
About ten minutes later, Steve walked in the door. We chatted about the day and he asked me if I knew that the girls were at the end of the street on their bikes. I said, yes, I knew, and that as long as they were still on our road it would be ok.
About five minutes later, I heard bikes pulling in and crying outside the back door. Hmm. The girls come filing in with tears pouring down their cheeks and talking over each other. I can't make out a word. But I can see that they've been rolling around in the dirt. Aliza, who is usually impeccably clean, has dirt smears and rips in her shirt. In her hand she's cradling something. Grace looks a little hammered too, but that's pretty normal.
Once they've calmed down, their story starts spilling out. They were innocently minding their own business while riding bikes. Out of nowhere, this attack dog jumps up, knocks Aliza off of her bike, and eats her glasses. That's right. EATS her glasses. She shows me the proof in her hand: a pair of blue Juicy glasses that DO in fact belong to her. They are snapped in half, missing the lenses, and have tell-tale bite marks.
I'm starting to believe their story.
As I hug both girls' simultaneously (Grace was scared out of her wits too), I look at Steve and we both start snickering. We couldn't help it! The facts were all there; a dog had in fact eaten her glasses. But it was hilarious from a mom/dad perspective. After composing ourselves, we started probing for answers to this mysterious dog.
I will admit, our girls are sly. They wanted us to believe that they weren't anywhere near the dog's house. He magically appeared on the road where they were riding and attacked with no cause. But Steve knew better. He had seen them only ten minutes ago IN the dog's driveway and OFF of their bikes. Not so innocent NOW, are they? When we presented our evidence, they finally relented and admitted that they had been up to no good. But how could we discipline when Aliza had scratches, a ripped shirt, and ruined glasses? This was how my girls pleaded. Ha! And they were most worried about how Aliza was going to see without a pair of glasses to see with.
Here came the "I'm a mean mom" talk. I explained that they made bad choices (going into the neighbor's driveway, approaching an unknown dog, lying about all the above) and now they were receiving the consequences of those choices. No tears in the world were going to sway me. I gave them one last hug, told them to put away their bikes, and giggled one last time with Steve. Man were those glasses ruined!
My one hope is that they learned a lesson. Don't lie to mom. Please, please don't approach ANY animal without asking me and the owner first (this has always been a challenge with all of my kids). And when we make a choice, there's a consequence. The basic facts of life.
We'll see if it sticks.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Huh?! 10 Months??
Gage is ten months old. It's gone by so quickly! And not to say that I'm not counting the days till he's done nursing (because I SO am. Hopefully next month??). But he has been such a joy. Here are some of the highlights:
Give me kisses on the shoulder after I pick him up. Open-mouthed kisses.
Tries to hide his face when someone other than our family talks or smiles at him. Example: We were walking out of Costco and Gage was making noises with his fist and his mouth. Like a ma, ma sound. A woman behind us noticed and started copying Gage and teasing him. Now the only way I even noticed her behind me was that as soon as Gage noticed her, he immediately stopped and slowly dropped his head down until it hit the bar in front of him on the cart. And it stayed there! He wouldn't pick it up :)
Flaps his arms when excited. This includes food he wants, drinks of his beloved water, a toy or book, when he wants to be held, and DOGS. Gage loves, loves dogs. The bigger the better. What is it with my children and dogs?! Luckily we have a history of living by neighbors with dogs, Massachusetts included. Thank goodness for that!
Loves flipping through books. I think he sat on his rug for a half an hour yesterday in the middle of a pile of books. Even at church, when we're singing hymns, he fights to get at my hymnal. To him it's just another book. And his specialty are touch and feel right now.
Can in no way crawl. Not a bit. Cries every time I leave him for a bit on his stomach. But he's desperate to walk. And he'll probably get the hang of that WAY before he crawls. His poor little arms can't support his thick, chubby body.
Throws everything. And it's not the I'm a baby and I want to see what happens kind of throwing. He thoroughly enjoys balls and seeing how far he can throw them. The kids have taken it upon themselves to become the doggies and fetch what he dishes out (thus combining his two loves). This has become his favorite pasttime.
This happy, rolly-polly guy is the love of our life. He rarely cries and the kids all fight to sit by him or take turns holding him. And he puts up with it happily. Love you Gage!
Give me kisses on the shoulder after I pick him up. Open-mouthed kisses.
Tries to hide his face when someone other than our family talks or smiles at him. Example: We were walking out of Costco and Gage was making noises with his fist and his mouth. Like a ma, ma sound. A woman behind us noticed and started copying Gage and teasing him. Now the only way I even noticed her behind me was that as soon as Gage noticed her, he immediately stopped and slowly dropped his head down until it hit the bar in front of him on the cart. And it stayed there! He wouldn't pick it up :)
Flaps his arms when excited. This includes food he wants, drinks of his beloved water, a toy or book, when he wants to be held, and DOGS. Gage loves, loves dogs. The bigger the better. What is it with my children and dogs?! Luckily we have a history of living by neighbors with dogs, Massachusetts included. Thank goodness for that!
Loves flipping through books. I think he sat on his rug for a half an hour yesterday in the middle of a pile of books. Even at church, when we're singing hymns, he fights to get at my hymnal. To him it's just another book. And his specialty are touch and feel right now.
Can in no way crawl. Not a bit. Cries every time I leave him for a bit on his stomach. But he's desperate to walk. And he'll probably get the hang of that WAY before he crawls. His poor little arms can't support his thick, chubby body.
Throws everything. And it's not the I'm a baby and I want to see what happens kind of throwing. He thoroughly enjoys balls and seeing how far he can throw them. The kids have taken it upon themselves to become the doggies and fetch what he dishes out (thus combining his two loves). This has become his favorite pasttime.
This happy, rolly-polly guy is the love of our life. He rarely cries and the kids all fight to sit by him or take turns holding him. And he puts up with it happily. Love you Gage!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
So Long, Las Vegas.
Just about five years ago we arrived uncertain and jobless in the land of Las Vegas, NV. But we were welcomed and made home and friends quickly. Heck, I even discovered that I could run! That, in and of itself, was an accomplishment :) But the wind's a changing and Steve is ready for a new job, which equals a new adventure for my family and I. Hopefully we'll be up for the challenge and Massachusetts will be able to handle this wild, west coast bunch! Here's a little last minute photo op to remember our lovely desert.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Who wants to be the mom?
This morning I took advantage of the fact that Aliza wanted to change and dress Gage. So yay for me, I was able to wash my face and get dressed before heading to the bus stop at 8:30AM.
I'm kind of keeping an eye on her as she is wiping his bum and getting him all cleaned up when the inevitable happens...he pees. And not just a small pee, but a huge arcing pee that I can plainly see from the bathroom where I'm getting ready! Aliza is yelling out and I'm answering back, "Cover him up!" but it's too late. As I come in laughing hysterically, I see that Gage has peed on the floor, on Aliza's arm, AND in her hair! I calmly tell her that baby pee is just like water (ha ha!) and to just go wipe it off, to which she magically does!
I finish the job, check the status of Aliza, and get Gage a new diaper (the other one was covered in pee). She handles the wetness like a pro and doesn't even want to change her clothes, to which I'm surprised. Maybe she IS a little mommy after all :)
I'm kind of keeping an eye on her as she is wiping his bum and getting him all cleaned up when the inevitable happens...he pees. And not just a small pee, but a huge arcing pee that I can plainly see from the bathroom where I'm getting ready! Aliza is yelling out and I'm answering back, "Cover him up!" but it's too late. As I come in laughing hysterically, I see that Gage has peed on the floor, on Aliza's arm, AND in her hair! I calmly tell her that baby pee is just like water (ha ha!) and to just go wipe it off, to which she magically does!
I finish the job, check the status of Aliza, and get Gage a new diaper (the other one was covered in pee). She handles the wetness like a pro and doesn't even want to change her clothes, to which I'm surprised. Maybe she IS a little mommy after all :)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Gage Emory Sparti
Hello out there....
If any of you still exist :)
Baby is here and perfect in every way. And I really mean it. He sleeps, eats, and pretty much never cries. Where did all my OTHER children come from??
We all love this little guy and I can't believe it's almost been two weeks since he joined our family. Here is a teaser until I get the professional photos up. Enjoy!
If any of you still exist :)
Baby is here and perfect in every way. And I really mean it. He sleeps, eats, and pretty much never cries. Where did all my OTHER children come from??
We all love this little guy and I can't believe it's almost been two weeks since he joined our family. Here is a teaser until I get the professional photos up. Enjoy!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Battle of the Bulge
I'm going through phases...The first, is that I'll feel cute. I get a new dress. My hair gets cut and colored. I get a compliment.
Then I have the flip side. I'm weighed and measured at the doctor. I put on my swimsuit for the tenth time that week. I'm sweating like a pig in the 100 degree weather.
And yes, I'm 7 months preggo, and I know it. I'm just wondering why I couldn't be the gal that just carries her weight in her tummy. Does my entire body really need to be chubbier? And could someone explain to me why my chest needs to have grown two cup sizes already??
Some questions will never be answered.
P.S. Isn't it ironic that I decided to eat a candy bar after jotting this down :)
Monday, January 31, 2011
How Time Flies
Much has happened in the last two months. So much, I have all but forgotten my blog! But I have two very good reasons.
Reason #1: We moved. Yes, it's only a mile away from our old house, but it was still an upheaval of life. But things are progressing and we now have a wonderfully bigger home with a finished backyard. Plus, the kids are riding the bus to school! Yay for me!!
Reason #2: I'm 7 weeks pregnant! And not feeling totally fabulous. But I'm up, and I'm dressed, and that's half the battle.
So excuse my absence and I'll return when my stomach stops churning :)
Reason #1: We moved. Yes, it's only a mile away from our old house, but it was still an upheaval of life. But things are progressing and we now have a wonderfully bigger home with a finished backyard. Plus, the kids are riding the bus to school! Yay for me!!
Reason #2: I'm 7 weeks pregnant! And not feeling totally fabulous. But I'm up, and I'm dressed, and that's half the battle.
So excuse my absence and I'll return when my stomach stops churning :)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A few of my favorite things...
Every time I looked at this happy skeleton on my fridge, I smiled. Grace made this in her Kindergarden class. Hope it makes you smile too!Sunday, October 31, 2010
A Way With Words
"Commandments. You are making some commandments!!"
This is what I'm listening to at 9pm at night while Gavin is supposed to be going to bed. And might I add it's in a gruff, mean voice?
I just love this kid. How many people wake up to their son laying next to them, stroking their faces, and hearing, "Mom, you're soooo beautiful!".
Not many.
And here I'm on child number three, and I'm experiencing it for the first time!
Gavin has a way of melting away my anger. He's just too darn cute. And the things that come out of his mouth always make me chuckle. Even if it sometimes contains the dreaded "potty talk".
My all time favorite has to be when he sings, however. He has the cutest little singing voice, and he remembers lyrics way too easily. His favorite song of the week is I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We're all baffled at how he even LEARNED it, since none of us have been singing it and he didn't learn it in nursery?! But he loves to learn words and constantly asks me what the next line to the song is so he can repeat them. I'm sure the people shopping at the grocery store appreciate the background music too!
Now if only I could get him to turn off when I start getting a headache...
This is what I'm listening to at 9pm at night while Gavin is supposed to be going to bed. And might I add it's in a gruff, mean voice?
I just love this kid. How many people wake up to their son laying next to them, stroking their faces, and hearing, "Mom, you're soooo beautiful!".
Not many.
And here I'm on child number three, and I'm experiencing it for the first time!
Gavin has a way of melting away my anger. He's just too darn cute. And the things that come out of his mouth always make me chuckle. Even if it sometimes contains the dreaded "potty talk".
My all time favorite has to be when he sings, however. He has the cutest little singing voice, and he remembers lyrics way too easily. His favorite song of the week is I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We're all baffled at how he even LEARNED it, since none of us have been singing it and he didn't learn it in nursery?! But he loves to learn words and constantly asks me what the next line to the song is so he can repeat them. I'm sure the people shopping at the grocery store appreciate the background music too!
Now if only I could get him to turn off when I start getting a headache...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Breaking the cycle
I've been thinking a lot lately about how to get my children to realize their potential. I mean, they've been blessed with so many talents, and yet they take them for granted and constantly want to do something different. I have NO problem with this, but coming from a person that only feels semi-adequate at a lot of things (not to mention that my mom feels exactly the same way), I thought it'd be nice to break this cycle.
So tonight, as we're finishing up dinner, I bring up how Heavenly Father has blessed everyone with talents. After defining WHAT a talent IS, I commented on how amazing it is that Aliza has this voice that she's never taking lessons for. Or that she naturally knows how to ad lib and memorize lines in her shows. Grace was told how she was born with this strong, muscled body that can out-run, out-swim, out-bike, out-kick kids her age and older.
But my intentions were not just to compliment. I really wanted them to see how special they are and that we should develop our talents, not just become mediocre and quit.
It even went so far as to me relating the story about a man who holds a candle under a bushel, instead of letting the light shine for the whole world to see. At least that's how I remembered the story :)
So who knows what they're thinking at this point! Maybe they're understanding that their Heavenly Father made them special, and they should be proud, or maybe they'll slink back to wanting to be "normal", whatever THAT is. But I throw out a proposition: I'm making them take something musical; whether it be piano, voice lessons, guitar or what not.
It can be nice being in charge...
So tonight, as we're finishing up dinner, I bring up how Heavenly Father has blessed everyone with talents. After defining WHAT a talent IS, I commented on how amazing it is that Aliza has this voice that she's never taking lessons for. Or that she naturally knows how to ad lib and memorize lines in her shows. Grace was told how she was born with this strong, muscled body that can out-run, out-swim, out-bike, out-kick kids her age and older.
But my intentions were not just to compliment. I really wanted them to see how special they are and that we should develop our talents, not just become mediocre and quit.
It even went so far as to me relating the story about a man who holds a candle under a bushel, instead of letting the light shine for the whole world to see. At least that's how I remembered the story :)
So who knows what they're thinking at this point! Maybe they're understanding that their Heavenly Father made them special, and they should be proud, or maybe they'll slink back to wanting to be "normal", whatever THAT is. But I throw out a proposition: I'm making them take something musical; whether it be piano, voice lessons, guitar or what not.
It can be nice being in charge...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Long Awaited...
I've been looking forward to school being back in session, especially with the long awaited 9 month track, as opposed to the year-round school that I've been dealing with.
Today was the day, and my girls were ready! Aliza was my first trip to school, at 8:45 AM.
Grace was my second drop, her being in afternoon Kindergarten. While she was getting ready that morning, she leaned over to me and said, "Mom, my teacher's going to think I'm the most beautiful one in the class!!" "Yeah she will!" I answered. That girl has an abundance of self-esteem! Later on, when it was time to walk to her class, she told me that I didn't need to walk her in; she already knew how to get to her spot and find her teacher. I was like, "Can I still be your mom for at least a little longer?!" She responded with an "I guess, Mom." and held my hand. Thanks, Grace. Also, notice the two front teeth missing. Her pride and joy.
My third trip to the school was to pick up my two girlies. Yes. I made three trips to the school in one day. I'm working on a carpool. When I asked Aliza what she did today, she told me her teacher asked her questions like what she was most excited about for the new school year. Her answer: That her classroom is a portable. Huh? I told her we better write that down, cause she'll be laughing her head off at herself when she grows up.
When we were getting ready for bed, I overheard Grace telling Aliza that she was MORE excited for her second day of school. This would be the day they would get to cut and glue a project. Aliza just looked over at her and said, "The second day is never as fun as the first, just so you know." Thanks for squashing her enthusiasm, Aliza.
Now I'm on to give Gavin something to do. He kept asking me if he was going to school too. "I'm big enough, Mom." is all he kept telling me. If only. But I've got something up my sleeve.
Today was the day, and my girls were ready! Aliza was my first trip to school, at 8:45 AM.
Grace was my second drop, her being in afternoon Kindergarten. While she was getting ready that morning, she leaned over to me and said, "Mom, my teacher's going to think I'm the most beautiful one in the class!!" "Yeah she will!" I answered. That girl has an abundance of self-esteem! Later on, when it was time to walk to her class, she told me that I didn't need to walk her in; she already knew how to get to her spot and find her teacher. I was like, "Can I still be your mom for at least a little longer?!" She responded with an "I guess, Mom." and held my hand. Thanks, Grace. Also, notice the two front teeth missing. Her pride and joy.
My third trip to the school was to pick up my two girlies. Yes. I made three trips to the school in one day. I'm working on a carpool. When I asked Aliza what she did today, she told me her teacher asked her questions like what she was most excited about for the new school year. Her answer: That her classroom is a portable. Huh? I told her we better write that down, cause she'll be laughing her head off at herself when she grows up.
When we were getting ready for bed, I overheard Grace telling Aliza that she was MORE excited for her second day of school. This would be the day they would get to cut and glue a project. Aliza just looked over at her and said, "The second day is never as fun as the first, just so you know." Thanks for squashing her enthusiasm, Aliza.
Now I'm on to give Gavin something to do. He kept asking me if he was going to school too. "I'm big enough, Mom." is all he kept telling me. If only. But I've got something up my sleeve.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Sun, Surf, and Wedding Partying!!
REDLANDS TEMPLE SEALING
Temple exit. The new Molly and Kenneth Beal!
Temple exit. The new Molly and Kenneth Beal!
Brittany, Jon, and Henry waiting outside
RECEPTION: Camarillo, CA
When Aliza wasn't singing during the reception (which was awesome!!), she was glued to her cousin Ruby, whom she loves.
The first dance
Aliza and Hunter (there were rumors that this wasn't the only kiss Aliza dished out on the dance floor!)
Getting down on the dance floor
All dolled up and taking photos outside the historic barn (where the reception took place)
Inside was beautiful with decorations my mom hand-made and fabulous food and cake. YUM.
My mom hand-drew a "fill in the blank" Molly and Ken coloring table for the kids.
Gavin spent the night sneaking stuff: #1. Pens from the sign-in table
(notice the pen)
#2. Powdered donuts off the dessert table. (Me cleaning it off Gavin's face)
#3. Kisses. He just looked so darn handsome in the homemade bow tie and boutineer!
DOWN TIME: Silverstrand and Zuma Beach
Gavin kept asking me, "Mom, what IS this?"
Grace is on her way to becoming a little surfer. She was even pounded by some large waves but just hopped up and smiled.
Aliza wasn't wanting to go, at first, but we were sure glad she did! And she even enjoyed herself, clothes and all.
MORE DOWN TIME: Pool
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