09 August 2014
Connor was here.
My friend has an ongoing segment on her blog called, "Max was here," where where she shows funny pictures of the evidence where her cute toddler has been. For example, she found a toy train in her gas compartment of her car or a stack of toilet paper in the bathroom. I, too, find interesting evidence that Connor has been in a room. Like a clogged toilet full of way too much toilet paper (and way too much poo). Tonight, I was unclogging my second toilet for the day (Connor does NOT need help wiping his bum, nope!), Randy was with Andrew fishing, Joshy was on baby duty to keep him from "helping" me unclog the toilet. The toilet was particularly difficult to unclog, it took me some time. During the process, out of the corner of my eye I see Connor running into the house from the front door. I thought I saw that he was naked from the bottom down, but I didn't take the time to investigate. When I was finished cleaning up the toilet, I check on Connor. He is in the bathroom with poo down his legs and has a verrrry long strip of toilet paper. I lecture him on the proper use of toilet paper, demonstrate how long it should be, throw him in the bath and get him ready for bed. He needs his "Lamby" to sleep with. I remember seeing it in the backyard on the lawn. I go to get it, but it's not there. I ask Connor if he knows where it is. He says, "It's at the neighbor's." I remember the time earlier that evening of him running into the house. I go to the neighbor's front yard. No Lamby, but I do see something on their lawn. Connor's poopy shorts and underwear. Connor was here. Still investigating if Lamby made it into their house, it's still missing.
08 August 2014
Updates
I haven't done one of these in a long time and I need to do. I'm lamenting that I don't take enough pictures or capture all the cute things the boys say.
Jacob: He learns a new word, it seems, on a daily basis. He'll be a talker like Joshy was. His first word was Mama, but a close second was Daddy. He can also say, no ("nooooo!), Connor ("Co!"), popsicle, popcorn, hot, baba, milk, "mine!!". He thinks he's a big boy, follows his brothers around. He loves to cuddle. He has a hard time going to the nursery or the babysitting at the gym. I tell the teachers that he'll do best if he can have some cuddle time first thing. When I pick him up from his crib after nappping, he pats me on the back and gives me a kiss or two (or twenty). He's a very nice baby. Doesn't complain. Goes with the flow. Sleeps wherever and whenever when we're out and about. He loves dogs, squeals and screeches whenever he sees one. He insists on feeding himself, the food doesn't always make the mark. He's happiest when he's filthy, covered in dirt.
Connor: If it's quiet, he's making a mess. I've nicknamed him "Bam Bam" because he is all over the place, wreaking havoc on anything he touches. He is all boy. He climbs, jumps, builds, smashes. He has learned the art of splitting brother against brother. He always sides with big brother Andrew. He can't stand it when we're mad at him. He hates being in trouble. He's in trouble a lot. I'm too soft on him, though, because he's so sweet and kind. He brings me flowers. Tells me I'm a "good boy." He wanders off by himself into his own world, I can see his mouth moving, talking to himself, pretending he's fighting off bad guys. He loves Curious George and Ninjago. He changes his outfits multiple times a day. He prefers to wear jammies.
Joshy: He's two years younger than Andrew, but I treat him almost as his equal. He picks up on things quick. He is my best helper. It's best to keep him busy because he's also my best trouble maker. He loves to write stories and draw pictures. He says he wants to be an author someday. He likes to play chess. He also likes to watch Barbie, My Little Pony, and Strawberry Shortcake. He needs a lot of attention and often will say or do things to get it. He loves to fish with his dad and brothers. He loves to ride his bike. He keeps his treasures packed nice and neat. He loves to show them to anyone interested. He collects coins like his daddy.
Andrew: He's filling out and getter taller by the nanosecond. He can eat a Big Mac and still need more food. He loves to eat. He loves to laugh. He loves to tease. He is a good big brother, they all worship him. He is the peace keeper in the family. He is just a nice person to be around. He bore his testimony in church a few weeks ago. It was short and sincere. He is confident and secure with himself. He was picked to be in a play at the museum - they do "participlays" every day in the summer - and I'm amazed at his natural abilities to be "in character." It's fun to watch him. He keeps a low profile in the house. He knows if he stays out of sight, he won't be put to work. He's learned to work first, then play. A quality I wish I had. The boys have daily chores and Andrew will set his alarm for 7 am, get his chores done first thing so the rest of the day he can do what he wants. We rode scooters to the school yesterday, which was fine going downhill, but the uphill was brutal. Andrew said, "I just told myself to keep going because then it would be over faster."
I am proud of all my boys. They are amazing people.
Jacob: He learns a new word, it seems, on a daily basis. He'll be a talker like Joshy was. His first word was Mama, but a close second was Daddy. He can also say, no ("nooooo!), Connor ("Co!"), popsicle, popcorn, hot, baba, milk, "mine!!". He thinks he's a big boy, follows his brothers around. He loves to cuddle. He has a hard time going to the nursery or the babysitting at the gym. I tell the teachers that he'll do best if he can have some cuddle time first thing. When I pick him up from his crib after nappping, he pats me on the back and gives me a kiss or two (or twenty). He's a very nice baby. Doesn't complain. Goes with the flow. Sleeps wherever and whenever when we're out and about. He loves dogs, squeals and screeches whenever he sees one. He insists on feeding himself, the food doesn't always make the mark. He's happiest when he's filthy, covered in dirt.
Connor: If it's quiet, he's making a mess. I've nicknamed him "Bam Bam" because he is all over the place, wreaking havoc on anything he touches. He is all boy. He climbs, jumps, builds, smashes. He has learned the art of splitting brother against brother. He always sides with big brother Andrew. He can't stand it when we're mad at him. He hates being in trouble. He's in trouble a lot. I'm too soft on him, though, because he's so sweet and kind. He brings me flowers. Tells me I'm a "good boy." He wanders off by himself into his own world, I can see his mouth moving, talking to himself, pretending he's fighting off bad guys. He loves Curious George and Ninjago. He changes his outfits multiple times a day. He prefers to wear jammies.
Joshy: He's two years younger than Andrew, but I treat him almost as his equal. He picks up on things quick. He is my best helper. It's best to keep him busy because he's also my best trouble maker. He loves to write stories and draw pictures. He says he wants to be an author someday. He likes to play chess. He also likes to watch Barbie, My Little Pony, and Strawberry Shortcake. He needs a lot of attention and often will say or do things to get it. He loves to fish with his dad and brothers. He loves to ride his bike. He keeps his treasures packed nice and neat. He loves to show them to anyone interested. He collects coins like his daddy.
Andrew: He's filling out and getter taller by the nanosecond. He can eat a Big Mac and still need more food. He loves to eat. He loves to laugh. He loves to tease. He is a good big brother, they all worship him. He is the peace keeper in the family. He is just a nice person to be around. He bore his testimony in church a few weeks ago. It was short and sincere. He is confident and secure with himself. He was picked to be in a play at the museum - they do "participlays" every day in the summer - and I'm amazed at his natural abilities to be "in character." It's fun to watch him. He keeps a low profile in the house. He knows if he stays out of sight, he won't be put to work. He's learned to work first, then play. A quality I wish I had. The boys have daily chores and Andrew will set his alarm for 7 am, get his chores done first thing so the rest of the day he can do what he wants. We rode scooters to the school yesterday, which was fine going downhill, but the uphill was brutal. Andrew said, "I just told myself to keep going because then it would be over faster."
I am proud of all my boys. They are amazing people.
11 July 2014
04 July 2014
30 June 2014
Pitstop
What a difference this move was! We had professional movers to pack and load our things. The hospital paid for hotel stays and meals. Lake Tahoe just so happened to be on the direct route to Utah, so we stayed at a hotel on the beach a couple nights. It was a lovely trip.
10 May 2014
13 April 2014
Yoda's Mud-pie Kitchen
We're revamping our lackluster backyard into a more useable, kid-friendly space. First on the list, a mud-pie kitchen. Josh said it's his dream come true and has left it only to eat, sleep, and go to church. We used the existing junk that we inherited when we rented this house. I got the housewares from Goodwill and I'm in love with some of the vintage pieces I found. Welcome to Yoda's Mud-pie Kitchen.
 |
| Never mind the naked feral child. |
30 March 2014
#3 and #4
These two get along so well and I hope they'll be close like Andrew & Josh are close.
 |
| Jacob 15 mos. Connor 3 yrs |
I don't even know what to say
Maybe someday he'll stop making this face. Or maybe it'll get stuck that way.
Little League
Little boys in their Little League uniforms. Is there anything more handsome? Makes my heart skip a beat.
East Sac Little League. Andrew: AA Yankees, Josh: A Cubs
12 February 2014
Our cute East Sac Home
I'll miss the community. We were able to jump right in with our boys playing sports and going to school in East Sac.
I'll miss the train, the Union Pacific, that runs less than a block away from our house. When all is quiet in the night, you can hear it running, it's a comforting sound.
I will miss the trees. Sacramento is nicknamed "The City of Trees" for good reason. They're huge and old and everywhere. I am definitely a tree person.
I'll miss the weather. Oh man, I'll miss the weather! The fall began in September and lasted until November. It was a grey, dry December. Then the daffodils and crocuses started blooming in January! January! We got the crisp air and autumn colors and the fresh green and blooming things without enduring the cold, snow, or inversion. Sign me up, I'll take it!
I'll miss the oranges. We had our very own orange tree in the backyard. It had green oranges when we moved here in June. We harvested after Christmas. And now we're enjoying the sweet blossoms. There's about a thousand bees buzzing around it. Randy made lots and lots of fresh squeezed o.j. for us.
I'll miss our ward. They march to the beat of their own drum, but they're tightly knit and so used to each other that they operate more like family than acquaintances. It took some getting used to. I didn't quite get it at first, but the more I get to know them, the more I am humbled. I will miss Marcia McAllister, Patti Underwood, Brother Underwood, the "Lentsch" mob, Christina Barnett, Alicia Brazell, David who reminds us that "you got 5 minutes" in Sunday school, the Carters, the Fellissinas, Jane Hudgins, Maricella Lopez. Just thinking about leaving and most likely not seeing them again breaks my heart.
I will miss the missionaries. We had them over for dinner each month. They typically were assigned to our ward for 6 months, so we got to know them pretty well by the end of their time here. I loved the spirit that was in our home when they came, you could feel their strength. I think missionaries are some of the most celestial people here on earth. They are sheltered from media and outside influences and can focus 100% on serving.
I will miss our neighbors, the Haskins. The kids ran in and out of our houses. Jenny and I let them run feral in our backyards. My boys were never lonely for friends and they got along really well.
I think most of all, I will miss the simplicity of this year. We didn't have a lot of money. We spent a lot of time together as a family. It was just an easy, happy year. I think we'll look back on it as a dream. I loved being in a place, knowing we only had a year. It made me love easier. We made good friends, lifelong friends.
07 February 2014
Birthday #36
My boys are sweet. They made me a birthday breakfast. I think they were inspired by this book. Buttered toast, chocolate milk, frosted graham crackers and cilantro. All my favorite foods. For breakfast.
The breakfast came with notes and an origami tulip (my favorite flower). Here is the note from Josh (I guess I deserve the "mean" part): "Mom is awesome! Mom is fun and nice. My Mom is the best Mom in the world. Mom is very very very nice. She is very fun. Mom is the best. She is nice. I love my Mom. But sometimes she is mean. But I still love her."
The breakfast came with notes and an origami tulip (my favorite flower). Here is the note from Josh (I guess I deserve the "mean" part): "Mom is awesome! Mom is fun and nice. My Mom is the best Mom in the world. Mom is very very very nice. She is very fun. Mom is the best. She is nice. I love my Mom. But sometimes she is mean. But I still love her."
31 December 2013
2013 in Status
2013 Facebook updates, newest first:
I had fudge and banana bread for breakfast. Is that bad?
The problem with early Christmas shopping? You have more time to do some last-minute shopping.
I may not have a career and I'm making zero income, but I use my brain everyday. I was on the phone with Randy helping him compose an email about Pseudopylori gland metaplasia to another physician, but our conversation got cut off due to a leaky-bum-emergency. Oh the glamorous life of the stay-at-home mom. I count my blessings everyday that I get to do it.
I love that when I pick up a crying Jacob he instantly stops crying. What a special power we have. Baby loves his mama and mama loves her baby.
I've been putting off getting the flu shot for me and the kids. Andrew has the flu. The real deal. Never putting off flu shots ever again. Poor kid.
I was raised in CA. But I feel like I'm going home for Thanksgiving.
Connor gets an M&M every time he sits on the potty. The boys get an M&M every time they can convince Connor to sit on the potty. Lazy parenting at its best.
I embarrass myself often, but the last couple of days have been off the charts. I think I'll just go crawl in a hole now. Sacramento, just pretend you never met me. :D
What is your opinion? Is cleaning/cooking/laundry an important part of motherhood? I ask because I spend a good portion of my time doing these things, wishing I had more leisure time to spend it with my kids. Maybe I should get off facebook, too. :)
Connor just told me that I am amazing and that I'm a good boy.
Great. I looked up "science fair display boards" on Pinterest. Now I feel compelled to put some effort into it. Um, I mean *Andrew* feels compelled. Yeah.
I know he's my kid and I might be a *little* biased. But I'm pretty sure Andrew is the most adorable 'Lieutenant Maynard' that ever lived. — at Missoula Children's Theatre.
I don't know why, but I'm starting to get American Girl catalogs mailed to me. That's just mean.
Whoa that was rough. Both boys auditioned for a play (MCT). One got a part, one did not. I'm just glad I was there to pick up the pieces. And McDonald's french fries and shakes helped, too.
Aaaand why did I buy a Costco box of oreos and let it into my house??!??
Please forgive my ignorance. We don't have cable. Honestly, I find out the news via facebook. Don't hate me. So, with that being said, is the government shutdown because the lawmakers can't agree on a part of "Obamacare"? They want to delay the mandatory "everyone has to be on a plan" by another year? Or is there more to it than that?
Sacramento just might make a runner out of me. It probably doesn't hurt that there are no hills whatsoever.
I love that it's October and I can wear whatever I'm in the mood for. Shorts and flip flops, flats, boots, sweaters, short-sleeves, a combination of them all. It's all good!
From about the age of 14, I was told that my generation was the worst that's ever been. We were named "Generation X." The two generations before us have been called "The Greatest Generation." I've always been a little jealous of that. But as I was walking my children to school this morning and observing other Generation X'ers taking their kids to school, and thinking about my friends and associations that are from my generation, I thought, we're doing a pretty darn good job. We are raising our children with intention. We're working hard to find balance. We're great communicators. We think outside the box to find solutions to our problems. And we're just plain cool to hang out with. So there.
Conversation between our neighbor friend and Josh:
Josh to Gloria: Is there anything else better than playing?
Gloria: (Pause) God!
Josh: Of course! And when we go to heaven, we're going to have to do A LOT of work.
For women, do belts have to match shoes?
We only have one interview. I have no idea where we'll end up in a year. Will someone please come over and pry me away from the computer so I won't look at any more houses. I need to clean something. Or pay attention to a child. Or write my talk for this Sunday. Here and now, Nancy, here and now.
Randy: I think our family mascot should be the mule.
I've decided that every mom should have a 9-year-old. They are the best.
Whoa. Sacramento soccer is way more intense than Salt Lake soccer. Am I up to the task of being a soccer mom? I don't know.
The baby likes oatmeal. Yay! While I was feeding the baby, Connor dumped the new package of oatmeal in the toaster. Boo!
Not knowing where anything is and friendless on 4th of July. That didn't sound fun to me. So I said a little prayer before church last Sunday that we'd make friends and plans for the 4th. While I was sitting in the foyer with sleeping Jacob, I overheard a cute mom inviting another mom over for swimming, bbq & fireworks. I can't believe I did this, but I interjected and said, "Hey can we come?" I was half joking, but not really. This girl welcomed us and our four banshee children without even batting an eyelash. The boys had the time of their life tonight.
I had my first "Are they all yours?!" encounter today (referring to my 4 banshee children). Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
Packing, moving, & unpacking. With 4 children. I'm feeling pretty confident saying this: Pregnancy & childbirth is a cinch compared to moving.
The Lambs are in Sacramento! I'm in heaven. Heaven, people.
I'm too tired to think for myself. I need to download a good audio book. That will keep me awake for the road trip. Any suggestions? (p.s. It has to be clean)
There's a cute two year old in my bed. He keeps me company while Daddy is away. He is sleeping right next to me with his knees in my back. I love it.
Joshy (matter of factly): When I grow up, I'm going to rule the world.
Donuts & OJ to anyone's husband that wants to lend some muscle tomorrow. 8:30 a.m.
Simultaneously, I had someone cleaning my house, while I was doing my laundry, while someone was watching two of my children. Oh it was a great day. (Thanks Cortnie! And Maid Pro!)
Joshy to Jacob (Jacob is babbling):
"Are you talking about heaven?" "Keep the commandments? Be good? And don't smash people?"
Oh what fresh hell is this? Connor swallowed a screw.
Do moving companies under quote how much space you will need? I look at our stuff and think there is no way it's all going to fit! And we're far from being pack rats.
We'll be in Springville for a few days this month. What are some fun & inexpensive things to do with banshee children in Provo/Orem?
Joshy: Are we going to take Jacob with us when we move?
When I get irritated with my husband, he somehow manages to throw back lines from Pride & Prejudice. Then I bust out laughing. How can I get mad at a man that quotes Jane Austen?
Boys have bottomless pits for stomachs. I'm constantly preparing food for these people.
The basement is packed. The rest of my house is a disaster. But the basement is packed.
Put the crazy two-year-old down for a nap. Don't put the crazy two-year-old down for a nap. This is my daily struggle. (I pay the price either way.)
Waiting @ the airport with just baby boy in tow. A little unsettling leaving the rest! But this mama is sure looking forward to girls weekend!
Should I dress for Salt Lake weather or San Diego weather. Hmmm. Choices, choices.
I have a navy Johnnie Boden maternity maxi dress that needs a good home. Any takers? It's a magical dress - it got me through all of my pregnancy (and I don't do pregnancy pretty) plus 5 months postpartum.
Randy is officially licensed to practice medicine in California. It only took three months to make it happen. ;)
The hair on Jacob's hobbit ears is starting to fall off. So sad.
I shouldn't have looked up the calories in a Costco turkey & provolone sandwich. Ignorance is bliss.
Mark Twain is on my mind. We are watching a documentary about him and he said something that I just love, "There will be no laughter in heaven." I totally disagree, but I love the point he was trying to make. Only when we face the hard stuff will we know and truly appreciate the joys in life.
Oh poor fourth child. So sorry we had to let you cry to sleep tonight. We can't hold you every minute. :(
Monday: I love having all my boys home. Hey, wouldn't it be fun to home school?!
Friday: Nope. They can go back to school. I'm good.
We found a lovely rental. Great square footage. Nice neighborhood. Great school. Lots of neighbor kids. Walking distance to a park and the school. Less than a 10 minute drive to the med center. So glad the search is over. (And my cute roommate from college who set Randy and me up went over there to look at it for us. She helps me find a husband...and a house!)
It's house hunting time and I'm a nervous wreck! Aaaaahh! Short commute. Good school. Enough room for FOUR children. No creeps for neighbors. Budget friendly. I'll be glad when this part is settled.
This joke got a lot of miles at our house. My boys laughed and laughed. Then took their own chocolate bunnies and reenacted the scene. Too too funny.
Aaaaah! Someone hijacked our debit card!
The laundry is caught up and all three levels are clean. It only took me 4 months to figure it out. I think the fog of newborn is beginning to lift.
We had a miraculous winter - no sick kids! Not even a single runny nose. First day of Spring - two out of the four are sick - a nasty one, too. Just hoping little baby boy doesn't get it.
The crazy 2-year-old kept hopping out of his crib. Finally, I said, quite pathetically, "Mommy needs to eat lunch! Mommy needs a break! Please stay in your bed and go to sleep!" The crazy 2-year-old said, "Ok." And stayed in his bed and went to sleep.
I was feeding the baby. It got very quiet. Not good with a 2-year-old on the loose. I thought he was getting into the crayons, he had gotten into them earlier, and most of them were broken already. I was too comfy cozy with the baby to do anything about it. Yes, he did get into the crayons. But when I heard him turn the bathroom sink on, I knew I was in trouble. Cetaphil lotion. The whole tub that I had just opened. Everywhere. Well, speaking from experience, at least it wasn't Eucerin lotion (Andrew). Or maple syrup (Joshy). Only one more 2 year old to get through.
For those of you that are moving this summer and are summoning the courage to start packing, I just wanted to pass along that there are an ENDLESS supply of very nice moving boxes at the loading docks behind the college of nursing. I got there about 8 am this morning, they already had picked out the good moving boxes and set them aside for people that wanted them. I hauled 30-40 boxes in one trip.
Oh Joshy, it's just too hard to be good sometimes, isn't it? He earns a sticker (10 gets him a date with mom or dad) if, by the end of the day, we've deemed him *mostly* obedient. Yesterday, a superb day. Today, not so much.
I'm taking swim lessons! And learning how to breathe right is hard.
1st baby - you can't wait for them to sleep through the night. 4th baby - it's sad when they sleep through the night.
Randy had the day off today. And what did he do with it? He spent the day with boys so I could go to a step class and then shopping at the outlets. Now that is true love.
Boo Downton Abbey. Horrible.
Jacob had his big day of testing at Primary's. He doesn't need surgery! It is very likely that his renal issues will resolve with time. So relieved!
I don't think I'll ever tire of watching Pride & Prejudice. I've probably watched it at least 100 times.
I hit the jackpot when it comes to mothers-in-law. Love that woman!
Going into medicine is a money pit. And a time pit. And a pain-in-the-butt-jump-through-hoops pit. Just sayin'.
Oh I love being a mom of boys.
Tried the toddler bed for two days with disastrous results. So back to the crib and life is good again. Now the toddler bed is back in the basement and when Connor walks by it, he says, "Rooaaaaarrrr!!" I'm taking that as his way of saying he just wasn't ready.
Oh I hope Deborah reads this...
Earlier tonight, the conversation went like this:
Josh: When I was at Grandma & Grandpa's when you had the baby. Grandpa told me to pull his finger....
Josh: But Grandma didn't want me to pull her finger. She's too young.
My crazy 2 year old went right to sleep for his nap today! Sure beats last night's 1 1/2 hours of jack-in-the-box shenanigans.
Left for the gym at 5 pm, got home at 7 pm and didn't even make it to the gym. Note to self: Stay home next time it snows. Duh.
No more errands with four children, thank you very much.
I had fudge and banana bread for breakfast. Is that bad?
The problem with early Christmas shopping? You have more time to do some last-minute shopping.
I may not have a career and I'm making zero income, but I use my brain everyday. I was on the phone with Randy helping him compose an email about Pseudopylori gland metaplasia to another physician, but our conversation got cut off due to a leaky-bum-emergency. Oh the glamorous life of the stay-at-home mom. I count my blessings everyday that I get to do it.
I love that when I pick up a crying Jacob he instantly stops crying. What a special power we have. Baby loves his mama and mama loves her baby.
I've been putting off getting the flu shot for me and the kids. Andrew has the flu. The real deal. Never putting off flu shots ever again. Poor kid.
I was raised in CA. But I feel like I'm going home for Thanksgiving.
Connor gets an M&M every time he sits on the potty. The boys get an M&M every time they can convince Connor to sit on the potty. Lazy parenting at its best.
I embarrass myself often, but the last couple of days have been off the charts. I think I'll just go crawl in a hole now. Sacramento, just pretend you never met me. :D
What is your opinion? Is cleaning/cooking/laundry an important part of motherhood? I ask because I spend a good portion of my time doing these things, wishing I had more leisure time to spend it with my kids. Maybe I should get off facebook, too. :)
Connor just told me that I am amazing and that I'm a good boy.
Great. I looked up "science fair display boards" on Pinterest. Now I feel compelled to put some effort into it. Um, I mean *Andrew* feels compelled. Yeah.
I know he's my kid and I might be a *little* biased. But I'm pretty sure Andrew is the most adorable 'Lieutenant Maynard' that ever lived. — at Missoula Children's Theatre.
I don't know why, but I'm starting to get American Girl catalogs mailed to me. That's just mean.
Whoa that was rough. Both boys auditioned for a play (MCT). One got a part, one did not. I'm just glad I was there to pick up the pieces. And McDonald's french fries and shakes helped, too.
Aaaand why did I buy a Costco box of oreos and let it into my house??!??
Please forgive my ignorance. We don't have cable. Honestly, I find out the news via facebook. Don't hate me. So, with that being said, is the government shutdown because the lawmakers can't agree on a part of "Obamacare"? They want to delay the mandatory "everyone has to be on a plan" by another year? Or is there more to it than that?
Sacramento just might make a runner out of me. It probably doesn't hurt that there are no hills whatsoever.
I love that it's October and I can wear whatever I'm in the mood for. Shorts and flip flops, flats, boots, sweaters, short-sleeves, a combination of them all. It's all good!
From about the age of 14, I was told that my generation was the worst that's ever been. We were named "Generation X." The two generations before us have been called "The Greatest Generation." I've always been a little jealous of that. But as I was walking my children to school this morning and observing other Generation X'ers taking their kids to school, and thinking about my friends and associations that are from my generation, I thought, we're doing a pretty darn good job. We are raising our children with intention. We're working hard to find balance. We're great communicators. We think outside the box to find solutions to our problems. And we're just plain cool to hang out with. So there.
Conversation between our neighbor friend and Josh:
Josh to Gloria: Is there anything else better than playing?
Gloria: (Pause) God!
Josh: Of course! And when we go to heaven, we're going to have to do A LOT of work.
For women, do belts have to match shoes?
We only have one interview. I have no idea where we'll end up in a year. Will someone please come over and pry me away from the computer so I won't look at any more houses. I need to clean something. Or pay attention to a child. Or write my talk for this Sunday. Here and now, Nancy, here and now.
Randy: I think our family mascot should be the mule.
I've decided that every mom should have a 9-year-old. They are the best.
Whoa. Sacramento soccer is way more intense than Salt Lake soccer. Am I up to the task of being a soccer mom? I don't know.
The baby likes oatmeal. Yay! While I was feeding the baby, Connor dumped the new package of oatmeal in the toaster. Boo!
Not knowing where anything is and friendless on 4th of July. That didn't sound fun to me. So I said a little prayer before church last Sunday that we'd make friends and plans for the 4th. While I was sitting in the foyer with sleeping Jacob, I overheard a cute mom inviting another mom over for swimming, bbq & fireworks. I can't believe I did this, but I interjected and said, "Hey can we come?" I was half joking, but not really. This girl welcomed us and our four banshee children without even batting an eyelash. The boys had the time of their life tonight.
I had my first "Are they all yours?!" encounter today (referring to my 4 banshee children). Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
Packing, moving, & unpacking. With 4 children. I'm feeling pretty confident saying this: Pregnancy & childbirth is a cinch compared to moving.
The Lambs are in Sacramento! I'm in heaven. Heaven, people.
I'm too tired to think for myself. I need to download a good audio book. That will keep me awake for the road trip. Any suggestions? (p.s. It has to be clean)
There's a cute two year old in my bed. He keeps me company while Daddy is away. He is sleeping right next to me with his knees in my back. I love it.
Joshy (matter of factly): When I grow up, I'm going to rule the world.
Donuts & OJ to anyone's husband that wants to lend some muscle tomorrow. 8:30 a.m.
Simultaneously, I had someone cleaning my house, while I was doing my laundry, while someone was watching two of my children. Oh it was a great day. (Thanks Cortnie! And Maid Pro!)
Joshy to Jacob (Jacob is babbling):
"Are you talking about heaven?" "Keep the commandments? Be good? And don't smash people?"
Oh what fresh hell is this? Connor swallowed a screw.
Do moving companies under quote how much space you will need? I look at our stuff and think there is no way it's all going to fit! And we're far from being pack rats.
We'll be in Springville for a few days this month. What are some fun & inexpensive things to do with banshee children in Provo/Orem?
Joshy: Are we going to take Jacob with us when we move?
When I get irritated with my husband, he somehow manages to throw back lines from Pride & Prejudice. Then I bust out laughing. How can I get mad at a man that quotes Jane Austen?
Boys have bottomless pits for stomachs. I'm constantly preparing food for these people.
The basement is packed. The rest of my house is a disaster. But the basement is packed.
Put the crazy two-year-old down for a nap. Don't put the crazy two-year-old down for a nap. This is my daily struggle. (I pay the price either way.)
Waiting @ the airport with just baby boy in tow. A little unsettling leaving the rest! But this mama is sure looking forward to girls weekend!
Should I dress for Salt Lake weather or San Diego weather. Hmmm. Choices, choices.
I have a navy Johnnie Boden maternity maxi dress that needs a good home. Any takers? It's a magical dress - it got me through all of my pregnancy (and I don't do pregnancy pretty) plus 5 months postpartum.
Randy is officially licensed to practice medicine in California. It only took three months to make it happen. ;)
The hair on Jacob's hobbit ears is starting to fall off. So sad.
I shouldn't have looked up the calories in a Costco turkey & provolone sandwich. Ignorance is bliss.
Mark Twain is on my mind. We are watching a documentary about him and he said something that I just love, "There will be no laughter in heaven." I totally disagree, but I love the point he was trying to make. Only when we face the hard stuff will we know and truly appreciate the joys in life.
Oh poor fourth child. So sorry we had to let you cry to sleep tonight. We can't hold you every minute. :(
Monday: I love having all my boys home. Hey, wouldn't it be fun to home school?!
Friday: Nope. They can go back to school. I'm good.
We found a lovely rental. Great square footage. Nice neighborhood. Great school. Lots of neighbor kids. Walking distance to a park and the school. Less than a 10 minute drive to the med center. So glad the search is over. (And my cute roommate from college who set Randy and me up went over there to look at it for us. She helps me find a husband...and a house!)
It's house hunting time and I'm a nervous wreck! Aaaaahh! Short commute. Good school. Enough room for FOUR children. No creeps for neighbors. Budget friendly. I'll be glad when this part is settled.
This joke got a lot of miles at our house. My boys laughed and laughed. Then took their own chocolate bunnies and reenacted the scene. Too too funny.
Aaaaah! Someone hijacked our debit card!
The laundry is caught up and all three levels are clean. It only took me 4 months to figure it out. I think the fog of newborn is beginning to lift.
We had a miraculous winter - no sick kids! Not even a single runny nose. First day of Spring - two out of the four are sick - a nasty one, too. Just hoping little baby boy doesn't get it.
The crazy 2-year-old kept hopping out of his crib. Finally, I said, quite pathetically, "Mommy needs to eat lunch! Mommy needs a break! Please stay in your bed and go to sleep!" The crazy 2-year-old said, "Ok." And stayed in his bed and went to sleep.
I was feeding the baby. It got very quiet. Not good with a 2-year-old on the loose. I thought he was getting into the crayons, he had gotten into them earlier, and most of them were broken already. I was too comfy cozy with the baby to do anything about it. Yes, he did get into the crayons. But when I heard him turn the bathroom sink on, I knew I was in trouble. Cetaphil lotion. The whole tub that I had just opened. Everywhere. Well, speaking from experience, at least it wasn't Eucerin lotion (Andrew). Or maple syrup (Joshy). Only one more 2 year old to get through.
For those of you that are moving this summer and are summoning the courage to start packing, I just wanted to pass along that there are an ENDLESS supply of very nice moving boxes at the loading docks behind the college of nursing. I got there about 8 am this morning, they already had picked out the good moving boxes and set them aside for people that wanted them. I hauled 30-40 boxes in one trip.
Oh Joshy, it's just too hard to be good sometimes, isn't it? He earns a sticker (10 gets him a date with mom or dad) if, by the end of the day, we've deemed him *mostly* obedient. Yesterday, a superb day. Today, not so much.
I'm taking swim lessons! And learning how to breathe right is hard.
1st baby - you can't wait for them to sleep through the night. 4th baby - it's sad when they sleep through the night.
Randy had the day off today. And what did he do with it? He spent the day with boys so I could go to a step class and then shopping at the outlets. Now that is true love.
Boo Downton Abbey. Horrible.
Jacob had his big day of testing at Primary's. He doesn't need surgery! It is very likely that his renal issues will resolve with time. So relieved!
I don't think I'll ever tire of watching Pride & Prejudice. I've probably watched it at least 100 times.
I hit the jackpot when it comes to mothers-in-law. Love that woman!
Going into medicine is a money pit. And a time pit. And a pain-in-the-butt-jump-through-hoops pit. Just sayin'.
Oh I love being a mom of boys.
Tried the toddler bed for two days with disastrous results. So back to the crib and life is good again. Now the toddler bed is back in the basement and when Connor walks by it, he says, "Rooaaaaarrrr!!" I'm taking that as his way of saying he just wasn't ready.
Oh I hope Deborah reads this...
Earlier tonight, the conversation went like this:
Josh: When I was at Grandma & Grandpa's when you had the baby. Grandpa told me to pull his finger....
Josh: But Grandma didn't want me to pull her finger. She's too young.
My crazy 2 year old went right to sleep for his nap today! Sure beats last night's 1 1/2 hours of jack-in-the-box shenanigans.
Left for the gym at 5 pm, got home at 7 pm and didn't even make it to the gym. Note to self: Stay home next time it snows. Duh.
No more errands with four children, thank you very much.
25 December 2013
18 December 2013
Merry Christmas!
What's a picture with Santa without a crying kid in it?
The kid's school had a fundraiser. One of their many. many. fundraisers. Seriously, I have a line in the budget just for Theodore Judah Elementary. But this particular fundraiser was awesome and I'm glad we attended. This picture is worth at least a million dollars. Connor is looking at me. And I'm laughing. Poor third child. I showed him the picture and he wasn't very happy with it. I guess he didn't remember the terrific tantrum he threw while taking it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)