And then there's Andrew..

I think the other moms in our preschool group are impacting Andrew for the better. They're all very health-concious and one mom in particular has chosen to not feed her family sugar but once a week - they eat tons of fruits & veggies and her 5-year-old loves to eat salad! Andrew is now constantly asking me about the foods we eat, "Is this healthy?" It's a constant, everyday thing with him and it's a wake-up call for me because some things that I feed my children are really not healthy (chicken nuggets are a staple in our home). And now Andrew is more willing to eat more veggies when I tell him it's very healthy and it will make him strong. I did tell him, though, that some things aren't healthy, but if you eat them every once in awhile, they're still okay because they make us happy. I mean, I think we'd all agree that a chocolate-chip cookie makes everything better when you're having "a day".

And I don't know which mom (or TV show) taught Andrew this, but he now comes up to me, taps me on my arm, and says, "Um, excuse me please..." when he wants to get my attention.

I don't think Andrew has a mean or deceitful bone in his body - I'm starting to see other kids his age do/say things that just aren't nice, but he seems oblivious to it all. I hope he skips that stage altogether! He does, however, tease his brother relentlessly - nothing makes my blood boil more than when I hear Josh's screaching followed by Andrew's giggling.

We also had a little incident on Friday. We made a quick trip to the store, I was obviously in la-la-land because when I went to buckle Andrew in his seat, I discovered a bag of suckers in his hands! He most definitely had a guilty look on his face so I knew that he knew that he did something wrong. I told him that we had to go back in the store to let them know that he took this candy and didn't pay for it. He didn't want to do it and he was embarrassed, but I told him that he'd be okay and that I'd hold his hand. When we got to the customer service desk, he looked up and handed the candy to the employee and said, "Um, um, um. I didn't pay for this." The employee was perfect, she told him that taking things was wrong, but he was doing the right thing by being honest. Let's hope this will be his first and only offense.

We started the Hooked on Phonics program this school year - I'm really liking it. We're about halfway through (we're taking it very slowly) and his reading is really taking off! He can also do simple math addition & subtraction. Four-year-olds are fun because they have a natural desire to learn anything and everything. Oh, and he's reached the "why" stage. Someone told me that you have to answer every why so that later on, they'll still want to ask you questions.

Andrew has a great sense of humor. Often I'll catch him breaking into a fit of giggles. When I ask him what's so funny, he'll tell me a story about something that happened that day that was so funny to him. Most of the time, I can't understand what the heck he's talking about, but I can't help but giggle with him.

Andrew had swim lessons in January - it was a pretty intense schedule (4 days a week for 4 weeks), but he can now float and he can do a rudimentary form of freestyle. And he loves it! I totally recommend swim lessons in January - it makes the dreariest part of the winter fly by. Here is some video that I took the last day of his lessons:

Bliss

A few weeks ago I started going to a yoga studio. I took classes before I had Andrew and I've done videos, but going to an actual studio devoted to just yoga is amazing. The studio is warm, with lighted candles and soothing/funky music. I go in the evenings and the lights get dimmer throughout the practice. When I went last night, our teacher went around to each student and dabbed some sort of eucalyptus oil on our foreheads when we were in the shavasana pose(mmmmmmm..). And my favorite part - I can breathe from the bottom of my belly to the top of my head after a workout - I am completely relaxed (and yet sore the next day). Yoga is so unique that way - it's a rigorous workout for your body, but it also focuses on the mind and spirit. I needed to do SOMETHING for my naturally-tightly-wound-self. I think I've found my sanity.

Oh Josh

Note Josh's fashion ensemble: Dino Jammies, light-up sneakers, camo pullover.

Josh is two. Two-year-olds are crazy. And funny. I wonder if he'll be an early reader. He is obsessed with words. He points to random words and says, "Whasthasay?" (What's that say?)

He is bound and determined to choose what he wears. Most of the time I give in. Even when he wants to change into pj's. There is a little boy in our neighborhood that is ALWAYS in his pj's - I've always wondered why, well now I know.

He calls applesauce "apple yuck." I'm the only one in this house that likes it, apparently. The other night I made soup, he took one bite and he was done. He had snacks just before dinner so I didn't push him to eat and I let him leave the table. He then ran up and down the hallway and every time he passed us, he'd say, "No soup!"

He's reached a new level of obsession with his grandma. I'm not really sure why, but every time he sees a door to a house (in books, around our neighborhood, etc.), he says "Grandma!"

When he wakes up in the morning (and lately it's been befor 6:30 am), he'll yell, "Andrew! Andrew!" I think he realizes that yelling for mommy will do him no good.

He is SO talented in the art of tantrum throwing. I mean, he throws some good ones. He's a stubborn little thing, but he's still sweet and cuddly, so we let it slide.

" A Sun" ????!!???

Every night for the past 2 weeks Josh has requested me to sing "A Sun." I've tried "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam", "Once There Was A Snowman," "Itsy Bitsy Spider." I haven't gotten it right and Josh is fed up with me. So I'm asking all mothers of toddlers, what do you think he's asking for? (Thanks for your help!)

I asked his nursery leader to give me a list of songs they sing, listed below:

-Book of mormon stories
-Child of God
-Popcorn popping
-Once there was a snowman
-In the leafy treetops
-If you're happy and you know it
-The chapel doors
-Head shoulders knees and toes
-Love to see the Temple
-Sunbeam
-Wheels on the bus
-Twinkle little star


-I feel my saviors love
-Family can be together forever
-Trying to be like Jesus
-Jesus said love everyone
-I know my father lives
-My Heavenly Father loves me
-Happy Family
-Family Prayer
-Away in a manger (christmas)
-Did jesus really live again (easter)
-Love is spoken here
-Reverently Quietly

He'd swim through shark-infested waters just to get me a lemonade

If you're a Dr. Laura fan, the above statement will make perfect sense. This is a shout-out to my husband who puts up with my craziness, and believe me, I'm crazy. This weekend we moved all our junk across the hall to an apartment that has the same amount of bedrooms, but a larger living room. We moved for a corner. It was totally worth it to me, but for Randy it was an act of true love. I am a lucky girl.

I Miss My Babies

Today I dropped my kids off to Grandma & Grandpa's house for the weekend. I've been so excited for this. A whole weekend without children. To do whatever I want. Well, except for that pesky little chore of moving (we're just moving to an apartment across the hall). But every time I pass their bedroom, I want to go sneak in there to watch them sleep and give them a little snug. But they're not there. Sad.

Grandma took some pictures while the boys were with her...they had a great time:

My Mantra

I didn't get half of the things on my "to do" list done today. Basic things like the laundry and ironing, cleaning the toilet and washing the kitchen floor. My day doesn't look any better tomorrow either. There is also the blog book that I want to put together, I need to update our 72 hour kits, I have about a year's worth of filing to do, oh and the budget needs to be updated...and I'm forcing myself to go to bed before 11 pm because it really does make a difference on how patient I am.

So on days like these, I have to tell myself, "I have small children. Small children are messy and require lots of attention. Small children only stay small for a short time"

So why haven't I blogged about Christmas (or Thanksgiving or Halloween or our trip to Maine)?

I have small children.

A New Year

My one and only resolution for 2009 is to go to bed before 11 pm. All other successes as a wife and mother stem from me being rested and cheerful. Here's to a better year...

Speech Therapy

I've taught preschool twice now, and after comparing with the three other children I teach, I'm pretty sure Andrew's speech is delayed. I remember going to a speech therapist when I was younger - even now, I have a hard time articulating my words when I get talking too fast - I guess we'll just have to see.

To help him, I decided that after I put the boys in bed each night, I would take some time with Andrew to just talk. I lay in his little bed and I ask him what was his favorite part of the day. He's told me some pretty funny stories. And sometimes I'm surprised at what made the biggest impression on him that day. One day he told me, "Mom, you said "hurry" today. That's a bad word." Apparently, he doesn't like it when I rush him.

We're now to the point that when I tuck him in at night, he'll say, "Mom, I have to tell you something..."

It's my favorite part of the day.

All Is Right With The World...

...with Joshua in it.

If ever you're feeling down, just come on over for some cuddlin' with Joshy. Kiss his kissable cheeks, give him a little squeeze - you'll be set for the rest of the day, I promise. Josh turned two this month - the 18th to be exact. It's crazy how fast it goes.

We decided to celebrate the 1st weekend of the month - a tradition I hope to keep through the years - hopefully he won't feel too jipped that way....

Don't worry Josh, if you can't get the gift open...

Andrew's got your back...

Same thing with blowing out the candles...

Joshy got many fun things for his birthday - from Grandma Mary he got some stacking cups (which are totally awesome), Grandma & Grandpa L got him a tricycle with a parent-steering bar ( I love it and use it almost daily!), and Aunt Maranda & Uncle Tyler got him a "Gordon" train (which I think was his favorite gift).

Here are some fun facts about Josh:

• He adores his Grandmas & Aunt Maranda. I come in 4th.
• He is a lover. He can melt hearts with his smile. He is ready to give anyone a kiss that needs one. He is content to sit on your lap and cuddle.
• Despite the fact that his older brother torments him relentlessly, he loves to follow him around everywhere. I wasn't prepared for how cute the name "Andrew" would sound coming out of his mouth. It's the most adorable thing ever!
• He's learning new words everyday. He parrots what we say. I think I'm the only person that understands him though.
• He is obsessed with trains and pretty much anything else with wheels.
• He doesn't eat much - he likes to hold out for the next sugary treat. Yesterday, he sucked the butter and jam off his english muffin and left the rest. Yeah, we need to work on that.
• He loves going to Nursery every Sunday. He bolts after Sacrament Meeting - I have to run to keep up with him!

We love you little man! Happy Birthday!!

Christmas Day

Santa came...

And yes, he brought Andrew a "track with cars that crash."

It was a lovely day

Back to Christmas

Christmas was so fun this year. It snowed, Andrew was at the perfect age, and my mom came out. We did our usual Christmas Eve traditions...

We made cookies for Santa

We visited with Randy's family (Randy was on call and couldn't be there). Joshua got his "Grandma Fix."

(That's Aunt Maranda on the left)

We picked up Grandma Mary from the airport.

We came home and opened our Christmas jammies and Christmas book.

I'm not a very good picture taker, thus the one picture of Andrew. Josh was somewhere else being a monkey. Andrew is holding a Thomas ornament that Grandma Mary gave him.

We then hopped in the van and took a drive around Federal Heights to look at Christmas lights.

Then we came home and read our new Christmas book:

The Night Before Christmas by Mary Engelbreit

Andrew sprinkled Magic Reindeer Food outside our building so Santa could find us:

(oatmeal & glitter mixed together)

We left cookies, milk & carrots for Santa & his reindeer:

Then off to bed!

(That's when the real work for Santa's Helpers began...)

Our Countdown to Christmas

Aaaaahhhhh. Christmas is over. It's my absolute favorite time of the year, but a little too fast-paced for me. I wish it weren't that way, but it always is. I taught preschool this month which also added a fun and busy twist to our holiday festivities. Here is what we did to get ready for Christmas at our house:

Dec. 1
We put our new Advent Calendar up. (I figured this year was the year to make one becaue I'm not pregnant and I don't have a little baby - the perfect time for a project):

Isn't it cute? Andrew helped me fill it with candies (each number is a mint tin) - we also read a scripture about Jesus each day (well, not everyday - but we tried). Want to make your own? Click Here. And here is a link to The Friend's scripture advent.

Dec. 3
Our preschool class and our community playgroup got together to make Christmas cards for the children at Primary Children's hospital. I brought my camera, I even pulled it out of the bag to take cute pictures of cute kids making cute cards - but then Andrew needed to go potty and I forgot.

Dec. 6

We went to our Ward Christmas Party - Santa's helper (aka Bishop) paid us a visit. We enjoyed hanging with our friends and making gingerbread houses.

Dec. 8

We put up our tree with all the trimmin's.

Dec. 10
We mailed a letter to Santa: Andrew wasn't super enthusiastic about writing the letter that day - I managed to get him to write his name and "Dear Santa." I think I stress him out because I try to get to him to write in a straight line and in smaller letters - oh and to hold his pencil correctly. It's tough being the mommy and the teacher. We dropped it off at Macy's department store - they deliver it to the post office for you and for every letter they receive, they will donate $1 to Make a Wish Foundation. We also visited the mall Santa - I had to sit on Santa's lap to keep Josh from going ballistic (I'll spare you from the hideous picture).

Dec. 11
My neighbor and I went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert - it was magical and I loved every minute of it.

Dec. 17
We went caroling at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. This is definitely going to be a yearly tradition while we're here in the city. We went with our playgroup - the kids did a great job.

From left to right: Kyle, Rachel, Josh, Andrew, Fiel, Kaylie, Megan, Isaiah & Lance. (Fiel, Kaylie & Isaiah are part of our preschool)

We had a gift exchange after the caroling - such a fun day:

Dec. 20

We enjoyed being with Randy's side of the family at the annual Family Christmas party. The boys love their cousins.

Dec. 21

We took the train to Temple Square to see the lights and the Nativity. Brought the camera - now I know why they say to get an extra battery - it was beautiful though. Freezing but beautiful.

Earlier that day, we made a fireplace to hang our stockings. Andrew was very concerned that we didn't have a chimney - the faux fireplace put him at ease. The 5th stocking is for my mom - she came to be with us Christmas day.

Dec. 23

We went to This Is The Place Heritage Park for their Canlelight Christmas - it was so beautiful - everything was covered in fresh snow - the decorations made you feel like you were truly in an Old Time Christmas greeting card. We didn't get to do even half the activities, but we managed to ride the train and to see Santa. This is definitely on our Christmas To-do list for next year.
We also celebrated Josh's birthday & our 8th anniversary. Whew!

I'll have to save Christmas Eve for another post. To Be Continued...

Snow Day

Sweet Memory

I was reading a friend's blog and it sparked a memory that I wanted to jot down before I forgot. This is Andrew at 6 months. At this age, whenever he saw a toddler he would bust up laughing. It was hilarious. I miss that.

Joshy's New Wheels

After 8 Years of Marriage, You Learn a Few Things...

Randy calls me from work every evening just before he starts the walk home. He usually asks me about my day, but what he really wants to know is "What's for dinner?" He once told me that he likes to dream of the meal that awaits him while he walks the 10-minute route from the hospital to home. Have I mentioned that Randy really likes to eat? So tonight when he called, our conversation went like this:

Me: Hello. (not "Hello?" because I knew it was him.)

Randy: Yo.

Me: Fish & baked potatoes. Come home.

Randy: (chuckle.) I'm coming home right now.

Next Tuesday, we'll celebrate our 8 year anniversary. We plan to go out this Saturday, while Randy's parents watch the boys. Nothing too extravagant this year, but I relish in the thought that we've made it this far and we still like each other.

Here's to Good Health...

I only see the doctor when I have strep throat or I'm pregnant.

Seriously. And when I'm really tired, I know I either have strep throat or I'm pregnant. So one day this week I got really tired...and no, I'm not pregnant.

Although I'm married to a fantastically good-looking doctor - he's useless in the prescribing business (it may take years for me to forgive him for it). So, I waited dutifully for 24 hours to be seen (so the rapid test would work), dropped my kids off to my saint/friend/surrogate-mother and spent the next three hours driving with a 102 degree fever, getting lost, going to a clinic that was closed, waiting, and finally gettting the antibiotics I needed for strep throat. After three days and one not-so-nice-1 am-phone-call to the on-call doc for some narcotics (which he wouldn't prescribe to me because he said strep throat was just one of those things you "need to ride out."), I'm fever & pain free and I didn't overdose on the massive amounts of ibuprofen & acetaminophen I ingested. And thank you to my friend who watched my boys so I could sleep and thank you to my friend who brought me lunch meat so I could feed them something without cooking and thank you Randy for doing everything else.

But here's the catch - when I get really run down, like from a bad sunburn, or loss of sleep from a cranky/puking/sleepless newborn, or from being feverish for 72 hours - I get herpetic. Thus, I now have massive cold sores erupting on my lips and inside my mouth. When I had Josh (he was the cranky/puking/sleepless newborn I was referring to), I got them around my eye. It's freaky. It's ugly. I am one big blister. The bright side, I'm taking Valtrex and it should go away in a few days. I plan to stay indoors until they do.

The moral of this story is that I'm grateful for good health - it takes weeks like these - a swift kick in the pants - to remind me that good health is not to be taken for granted.

Thanksgiving with the Fam

We had a great time at Uncle Lewis & Aunt Amaria's this year...

Larry, Deborah, Tyler, Maranda, Randy, Me, Ryan, Josh, Andrew

Andrew, Cassidy, Josh

Thankful.

For preschool, Andrew made a "Thanksgiving Tree." As a countdown to Thanksgiving Day, he was to say one thing he was thankful for each day and we wrote it on his tree. Here is what he said he was thankful for (with no prompting from me):

27. Jesus
26. Heavenly Father
25. Mom
24. Dad
23. Our prophet, President Monson
22. Brother
21. Grandma
20. Grandpa
19. Sleep
18. Prayers
17. Reading stories
16. Computer games
15. Being married, "but not yet"
14. Playing with toys
13. Going to preschool
12. Watching TV
11. Running
10. My room
9. Bugs
8. Friends
7. Shapes
6. Going to the zoo
5. Watching movies
4. Counting
3. Playing with Josh
2. Playing with Geo Trax
1. Painting


I am thankful for my boys, my husband, and good health.

Happy Thanksgiving!