Not so Random Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

I've debated about posting anything at all this week. My life obviously wasn't directly affected by last week's events, but my heart was. I have avoided the news much of this last week because I cry every time I listen. My prayers are with the families, first responders, and the community in Connecticut  My opinions, my civic duty and expectations of my elected representatives and my desires have been steeled in their resolve.

My blog is different. I conscientiously avoid posting my political or social opinions. It isn't that I don't have them or that I don't feel them strongly. But I want this blog to be for family and friends and a memoir to my children a peek into our life and the joy of our family. Not a place for debate or social commentary. There are plenty of venues for such discussions and I believe them to be important. This just isn't one of them. (Sorry, my house, my rules.)

However, this week I can't share flippant, random, or hilarious peeks into my life, for 27 families have lost the ability to have those moments. So consider this my (long and wordy but loving) moment of silence.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I actually sent out Christmas cards this year!! Most of you do this every year so it is no big accomplishment but I am pretty darn proud of myself. If you don't get one in the next few days it is because I don't have your address. Email me so I can send you one.

In the last week and a half I have paid for six doctor's visits, one chest x-ray, a myriad of prescriptions and finally....finally have no weazing children and only minimal coughs. But of course now Russ and I are sick. My voice switches between a man voice, a nine hundred number voice, and a squeaky mouse.

A husband of one of the random bloggers I follow was just diagnosed with cancer. I don't know this person at all. I found them by accident, and am still so incredibly saddened for him, her, and their family.

One of our Christmas traditions is to drive around and look at Christmas lights. A few years ago we started rating some houses to try to help the girls choose a favorite. But rather then helping them pick a favorite it has  devolved into them judging houses, and being concerned about how people will judge our house. "Mom! People will drive right by our house and give us a 0!" (We have no Christmas lights up at all.) Yes. Yes. Apparently I am not only teaching my children to judge others by their appearance, but also to be very sensitive to others' judgement. Because I am an awesome mom.

Don't worry,  I just keep racking up the mom points. While on the drive Abbie starts developing a scheme to sell her homemade crafts door to door. I try to turn the focus to cookies (which people will find value in) to no avail. After about a 15 minute discussion, Abbie sighs.."What I really want.....is money." Yup...I'm teaching materialism too.

That said I am getting pretty excited for Christmas. I hope, hope, hope, think I nailed this year!

Random Thoughts Thursday

I should probably stop being amazed at how fast my girls' room can go from being completely clean to total disaster but it still blows me away.

Last week a spider was floating down from the ceiling in the middle of the kitchen. I gently grabbed the thread and carried the spider over and put it in the garbage. Abbie lost it. "You killed it mom! You killed it!" Tears were streaming down her face. I haven't seen her that upset in a long, long time. When it comes to spiders in my house I am not humane...for Abbie, all life is precious.

We've had sick, sick, kids around our house this week. Fever, cough, and congestion. My only consolation is that maybe...maybe we wont be sick at Christmas. (fingers crossed)

Last night was our ward Christmas party. I have never seen someone go through so much decorating for an event that lasted an hour. To each their own I guess.

Sick croupy kids mean no sleep for me. I am SO very tired.

I at least ordered Christmas cards this year!  Maybe...maybe I can get them out!

Random Thoughts Thursday

First graders don't have a lot of experience with life, but like all of us they want to be a part of the conversation/story so Abbie's new favorite phrase picked up from school is..."I heard that...."followed by some random, and usually fictitious, fact that she has picked up at school.

Abbie has been asked to sing with three other girls at the ward Chirstmas party. And I have to teach that night. I am pretty darn bugged.

I got my student reviews for my class this semester. (No the semester is not over. I don't get it either.) One of the reviews mentioned frustration that I don't use power point or give out study guides. They said, "All we have [to study] for our test is our notes from class and the book!" I laughed out loud. Sorry kid...welcome to college.

We've been working with Nathan on helping him sleep through the night. We've gotten to where we will just give him a binki in the night and he wont wake up to be fed until 5 or 6. Now if we just weren't giving him a binki three times a night!

Savannah has been improving on saying her Ls. But the funny part is that she is doing it conscientiously. So she'll say bLLLLack baLLLL or coLLLor. It is awesome.


I weighed myself on the scale a few days ago and didn't like what I saw. However, I also don't like the thought of eating healthy during the holidays. Blast!


Our shower has had a leak into the basement. We had the plumber come out once and the easy fix didn't fix so we've been waiting for him to come out again. It's been over a week. And as much as I want my own shower back, what I really want is to know if this is a $200 problem or a $2000 problem. My Ebert mind can not handle not knowing.

Chocolate is calling my name....I think the scale is going to have to wait!

Thankful Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

In no particular order.......

I'm thankful for Russ, Abbie, Savannah and Nathan.

I'm thankful for yesterday. We went to the zoo in the morning and watched various animals pig out on pumpkins. My personal favorite was seeing the gorillas eating pumpkin innards. Then we raked leaves and the girls jumped in the pile. And then we feasted with Russ's family Mmmmmmm. Focused family time is always a blessing.

I'm thankful for our home. Last year we were squatters in my parents basement for Thanksgiving. While we were truly blessed for their help it is so nice to have a place of our own again.

I'm thankful for good schools and good teachers for my children.

I'm thankful for toilet paper. No seriously...aren't you?

I'm thankful for good, good books.

I'm thankful for the Spirit that brings me closer to God.

I'm thankful for our friends. I've been blessed with some true and close friends thoughout my life. We've also made wonderful friends since moving here and are excited with what the years will bring.

I'm thankful for wonderful parents.

I'm thankful for my job and Russ's job.

I'm thankful for good knives. I use my knives every day and they make me happy.

I'm thankful for naps. Love naps.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I just resent our family pictures to Russ's mom. So Laura, if you're reading this I promise they are in the mail. With the correct postage this time.

I just got offered the option of teaching a mostly online course...hmmmm less time away from home, same pay...worth considering.

Any thoughts on how to keep a nine month old from pulling down the Christmas tree and/or ornaments? I need a solution by the day after Thanksgiving, when the tree goes up.

These pictures pretty much show each child's personality perfectly.

I am already playing "Music Man" this year for Christmas by talking my kids into the gifts I bought for them by saying things like, "Yeah, your bike doesn't work too well, wouldn't it be nice if Santa bought you a new one?" Or more accurately, " A slightly used but new-to-you one?"

Random Thoughts Thursday

I spent an hour raking leaves yesterday. I filled five bags. I got blisters. Looking out the back window this windy morning you would never know that anything had been done.

I voted early last week. All the perks of voting, including the all important sticker, with none of the line. Genius!

Abbie learned about the candidates this week. She learned the important issues for the first grade demographic, their families, favorite foods, and their hobbies. Who did she vote for? Mitt Romney. Why? Because he's a grandpa. Grandpa's will always trump dads.

I made meatloaf this week. This wasn't some glorified hamburger. It had ground beef and ground pork. It had Ritz crackers, Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, garlic, onion, and an amazing ketchup brown sugar glaze. Abbie's response, "This is the grossest food ever.....Well except for worms."

Yup. I beat out worms.

His nicknames include Nate, Nater, Nathy, and Happy.

He, thankfully, liked the meatloaf. And he likes lasagna, and pasta. Finally, a kid with an appetite.

Savannah has not adjusted to the time change at all. She is content to wake up an hour early (5:45). She would actually be content to entertain and feed herself but she is unable to pour her own milk. Blast this time change!

Random Thoughts Thursday

Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

Right after this picture was taken we discovered that Nathan had a rash all over his belly and back. That combined with the fever since last Saturday equals Roseolla. Honestly, I'm just glad we are on the tail end of it. Fussy babies aren't much fun.

This morning I (clearly selfishly) wanted to take a shower uninterrupted  So I locked the bathroom door. Almost the minute I got in the shower the knocks began. After repeatedly trying to explain that I couldn't hear my children while I was in the shower and to please wait the five minutes it would take me to finish showering, they got down and started yelling through the crack in the door. The needs that were so urgent they couldn't wait? Abbie wanted to play on the computer and Savannah wanted me to put toothpaste on her toothbrush. Awesome.

I've spent the last 20 minutes trying to download the video of Abbie's choir concert and for some reason the sound, which plays fine on my phone, wont play once I download it. Sorry, I don't know what else to do.

 
Honeycrisp apples are one of the few things that I think are worth the more than double the price of regular. They are yummy.  

Random Thoughts Thursday [UPDATE]

Sorry we were out of town last week so there were no thoughts, random or otherwise, to be had.

We went to St. George and Las Vegas (to visit Russ's sister) for fall break. We enjoyed swimming, rock climbing, napping, playing at the park with cousins, and enjoying 85 degree weather. Right now it is snowing outside.

The girls saw the snow outside and it was only a matter of minutes before snowmen were built in the front yard. Abbie had her's completed before the bus came....at 8:30. And Savannah and I finished her's shortly after. It was awesome

I stole this picture off of my brother's blog. It was taken last Christmas. I don't know what is the most disturbing. My dad doing the Beach Boys pose or knowing that Erica had Psy's Gangnam Style down before it became famous.

The best part of the vacation for me was taking our family to the pool. The girls have been taking swimming lessons every Saturday for the last few months. I decided that each summer we do swimming lessons and then don't go often enough in-between and we loose and gains we'd made so we have been making up for it. It was fantastic! Savannah when down the big slide at the pool with Russ and loved it! She went over and over again. Abbie was swimming back and forth on the benches of a little alcove! If you've been swimming with my girls you know this is BIG progress from where they've been in the past. Nathan, thankfully, just loved being in the water and having so many faces smile at him.

We also learned on the mini-trip to Vegas the following.
 1- Abbie and her cousin Mackensie really are the same person. It was so fun seeing them get to know each other.
2 - Savannah is at her happiest when she is pushed in a swing. And at her saddest if you forget to order olives on her Subway sandwich.
3 - Nathan, although the smallest member of the family, has the ability to double (yes double) the amount of time it takes to return from Las Vegas to St. George because of his powerful lungs. Bless you boy!

[Update]  The easiest and science experiment ever. Abbie called me a genius after I showed her. I needed that today.

Random Thoughts Thursday

My son ate spaghetti, with sauce. For 90% of the world this would probably not be a big deal. But I'm taking it as a sign that he wont be a picky eater like his sisters. May I be right.

So...Night Circus is a fantastic book. Until the end. The end is lame. Not bad. Not inappropriate. Just anti-climatic and not as satisfying as the rest of the book. Bummer.

Today I've been grading papers. Is it sad that while I'm doing it I'm half hoping that most of my students don't vote. Not because of an particular views expressed, but because most of them lack the ability to write an organized thought, much less an organized paper.

That sounds harsh. I'm sorry. I'm a little burned out from it.

Last week Savannah lost some puppets she had made. She was heartbroken. Abbie's little friend Dutch (who is the sweetest boy on the planet and I would totally love to just arrange their marriage right now if I could) got very focused and said, "Savannah, I'll help you look.....where's the first place you had it?" Awesome.

Nathan had an ear infection, we got the medication on Tuesday. I could kiss the inventor of amoxicilin, he is getting me sleep again.

Sorry...gotta run.

Random Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

Abbie and her friend Dutch after we cut down the bamboo in our yard

Abbie has been telling us about a spider she heard about from a boy in her class. It is called a Death Cracker. And it eats lava. I vacillate between not wanting her to be scared about this imaginary spider, and being highly entertained at the imagination of first graders.

My class was so disappointed that we didn't watch the presidential debate during class last night. I would have if the school hadn't canceled classes last week making me a week behind. And I have class on Halloween and really, really, want to cancel it to go Trick-or-Treating with my kids. So I can't skip out on two lectures.

Okay so I started this yesterday and then life got crazy and now it is Friday. Sorry.

Savannah's family prayer this morning, "Dear Heavenly Father, Please bless dad to have fun at work, bless Abbie to have fun at (her school's name and mascot) because of her new boots, and bless mom and Nathy and me to have fun on our bug hunt."

It almost made up for this incident. Savannah has been asking all week to make snickerdoodles. I've had to put her off until today. So this morning (after the bug hunt, which did turn out quite fun) we rushed out with the sole purpose being to get cream of tarter for the cookies. Just as we were leaving the store she said, "Mom I don't want to make snickerdoodles, I want to make chocolate chip cookies." We had all the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies at home. Try as I might I couldn't convince her to return to the original plan of snickerdoodles, and because I actually like chocolate chip cookies better anyway, that is what we made.

Nate the Great has a cold. And possibly an ear infection. But I wouldn't know for sure because last night was the first really bad night. And of course it is Friday.




I am reading The Night Circus. It is like the best chocolate I've ever eaten. So good and consuming but I want to take is slow because I don't want it to end too soon. Its that good.

Random Thoughts Thursday

One of the many things I love about Russ is to watch him work. To see the creative process is something so foreign and amazing to me that it thrills me every time. I will think something looks fine, and he will continue to work for hours to take it to fantastic! Because he never talks about the work he does I want to show you some of the stuff he did that just came out. (This is mostly for his parents and siblings.) Go to this link and scroll through the catalog. Russ's new stuff is on pages five and six.

Abbie has been invited to three birthday parties this week. I would say the making new friends aspect of the move is going a-okay!

So my thing this week went well, and I didn't trip. I did however forget the diaper bag so when I had to drop Nathan off, I had to make a last minute stop at the store to buy formula/bottles/baby food and was literally racing around Harmon's. Thankfully, I decided to wear ballet flats to the thing and only change into heels once I got there. I seriously would have broken my ankle.

Has anyone seen my old big spiral bound piano book? I think I lost it in the move and I am SO sad.

So another show that I've come to like is Dr. Who. It starts out a little lame but the writing is fantastic and The Dr. is hilarious.


Sorry, gotta go for the day!

Random Thoughts Thursday (Friday Edition)

I have realized that you shouldn't try to accomplish anything that requires focus when you have a six-month-old around. Mindless stuff no problem. Things that require attention, no way. Nathan isn't crawling yet (but very, very close) then I think even the mindless stuff will need to go.

I have a thing next week where I need to look nice and very professional, which I've been told by my fashion forward friends means.... heels. So I at my mid-30s went out and bought my first pair of real heels. I am completely unable to walk in them. Sadly, because I really, really, don't want to pull a Sandra Bullock at this thing and completely humiliate myself, I've been practicing. So today, as I was picking up toys around the house...I was wearing heels.My inner feminist was throwing a tantrum.  I decided that if the women in the 50's actually did wear heels while doing housework, then I'm surprised that the feminist movement wasn't more violent.

Now my legs really hurt. I really might back out of this heel option before it even gets started. Ballet flats here I come!

Last week I said that I thought I would have more time with both girls in school for at least part of the day. I feel like the problem is only getting worse. I feel like I barely have two minutes to rub together.

Sherlock Series 2 is now on Netflicks!! Now if they would just get done filming The Hobbit so they can return to making Series 3 I would be happy.

It kills me that sometimes people hire professionals who are particularly skilled in one area and then proceed to not trust any of their expertise and micro-manage them.

Savannah has been saying the most adorable prayers lately. Some of the lines included, "Bless us to have more blessings...bless dad to be safe at work for today......thank thee for the blessings and blessings...bless us to choose the right and not the wrong."

Abbie told me today that she likes school more than home. While part of me was a little sad, I am so grateful because she hated her old school and was starting to hate learning.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Last night was the first night of class for me. I wore heels for three hours. I really just want to sit for the rest of the day.

We are having the most perfect weather we've had in months. It is low 80s, sunny. Finally we can enjoy being outside again.

Savannah was celebrating Grandparent's Day in preschool. Each child was supposed to bring a treat that one of their grandparents ate when they were young. I'm so glad Laura liked Snickerdoodles. One kid brought saltine crackers and butter. (Which I have heard of but don't want to continue that tradition.)

I just finished reading Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. I liked it, but still don't think it was as good as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

Nathan is in the 95% for height.....and 50th for weight.Hmmmmmm I told Russ he needs to brush up his basketball skills.

Sorry this is short. I need a nap. My brain isn't working.

Doctor vs No-Doctor

I would have thought that by my third child I would better understand when a baby has an ear infection. Unfortunately, I am still completely clueless regarding this aspect of parenting.  For the amount of money I have spent on going to the doctor for what I thought was an ear infection, but was really just a fussy baby, I could have purchased one of those ear-checkers myself.

So last night the scenario repeated itself again. Yesterday after lunch Nathan refused to take more than 20-40 minute naps, for the rest of the day. He would be exhausted, I would lay him down, and about a half hour later he would wake up. Happy as can be......for another hour before he would get fussy again and the process would repeat itself.

Last night he woke up  a total of five. Yup five times. Beginning at 11:00 and continuing throughout the night. Why don't you let him just cry it out? You may ask. We have. Oh, we have. During that painful process he has lost his voice twice. Started only waking up once a night for a few days and the digressed back to twice a night. Then repeated that cycle over again. But never in a good long while has he woken up five times.

This morning, his nap only lasted 30 minutes. Again.

So do I take him to the doctor? Or do I wait? Of course, this happens on a Friday (It is always a Friday!) I usually like to wait, because one night could be a fluke, right? But if I wait and there is a bad night then either 1- I have to pay double the co-pay to go in on weekends. Or 2- Wait until Monday and get no sleep this weekend.

And if I wait until Monday, then why not wait until Wednesday because I have his six-month appointment scheduled then anyway? But do I really want to put up with a fussy baby until Wednesday? Or should I take him in today? When, in all likelihood they are going to find nothing wrong. Again

Pity my family. They have to actually deal with me like this.

Random Thoughts Thursday

First days of school for everyone!

Abbie's First Day at first grade!

Savannah starts preschool!

I thought with both girls in school (Abbie in first grade, Savannah in preschool) I would have more time for myself. If anything I feel busier.

I believe heaven tastes like fresh peaches.

Abbie's artistic flare has exploded. She has been making paper dolls, with paper beds, blankets, and accessories. She's been writing, illustrating, and making books. She is always coloring, drawing, or painting. She asked if she could have the old toilet paper roll so she could color it. It's like the creativity is just searching for an outlet.

Savannah has developed a very.....specific style. She insists on wearing only dresses and doesn't want to wear leggings with them. Her solution? Wear a skirt under the dress. Not that this helps with hiding her underwear, but she is insistent. I hope her teacher understands.

On a related note, I don't know when to intervene on my daughters' clothing choices. I really don't want them to think fashion is the most important thing, but I also want them to know how to make themselves presentable. Currently we are a long way from understanding concepts like not wearing two completely unrelated patterns, what really can go with everything, and not wearing your same dress every single day despite the fact is is covered in stains. Some days I mention something. Most I don't.

I just got the Joann ad in the mail. It says September is National Sewing Month. Oh, brother.

Random Thoughts Thursday

You know those days where you aren't sick enough to stay in bed, but too sick to do anything really productive? Yeah, that's today. Colds shouldn't be allowed in the summer.

School started this week. It has been a little bit of a rough transition for us. Abbie because she is at a new school and doesn't know anyone in her class, me because I miss her.

Savannah, however is chomping at the bit to get to preschool. Too bad she has had to wait until next week for it to start.

My brother moves to Australia on Saturday. Now if only Russ and I can scrape together enough money to go visit him.....

I was hoping to use today to prepare for a talk I have to give, and while I did some research on the topic what I really enjoyed was a long nap and vegging in front of the TV.

Mom Question: Do you ever feel like the balance between helping your children develop meaningful talents, family time, homework, and sleep is a no win situation?    Okay, maybe it's just me.


Sorry, that's all I've got. I'm tired.

Not so Random Thoughts Thursday

Last Friday night we had  family pictures taken. The first in years. So of course I planned the entire day around it. Zoo first so the kids would be tired, then a nap in the afternoon so they wouldn't. Baths. Dinner. Change clothes, then go.

Everyone followed the plan perfectly....except Nathan. He didn't sleep.all.day.long. Which, when you are having pictures at 6:00 at night makes for, um, some stress on the mother's part. Thankfully, he cat napped while the girls were having their pictures taken which cheered him up for about 15 minutes which then gave us enough time to snap some pictures before he broke down again.

(For the record, he woke up every hour that night. Seriously, I have no idea what it is with me and kids that don't sleep but it's killing me.) If you are a grandparent, you will be getting pictures so don't fret. We just got these last night so give us some time. (Which is why this post is all about pictures, because that is what is on my mind today.)Anyone else can let us know if they want any.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I am happier and more energetic than I've been in months....Maybe I should take an hour and a half nap every day.

Conversations with Savannah

Mom: Girls I made an appointment with the dentist for next week.
Savannah: We are going to the dentist right now?
Mom: No, we are going next week.
Savannah: How many days is a week?
Mom: A week is seven days but we are going to the dentist in about ten days.
Savannah: So we are going to the dentist tomorrow!

(Conversation with Uncle Chris while in Oregon at the beach.)

Savannah: Do you know what sand is made of?
Chris: What?
Savannah: SPARKLES!

This made me happy and hungry, except I have not invented Hot Chocolate Truffles nor can I make a perfectly roasted chicken.

We are having our first family picture in years taken tomorrow. I am thrilled!

Abbie starts school in a week and a half. I am really going to miss her. But I am so excited that we have an awesome neighborhood school for her to attend.

I am also not looking forward to having my life scheduled again. Coming from me that probably is a real shock but what I really mean is I'm not looking forward to having to get up and get Abbie ready for school every morning.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Best things (for me) about Russ taking the girls to visit Oregon for five days:

1 - Naps
2 - Reading, a lot
3 - Not fixing dinner
4 - One on one time with Nathan
5 - Missing my kids ( It is wonderful to know you miss them.)

Best things (for the girls) about Russ taking them to visit Oregon for five days:

1 - Being buried on the beach with cousins. (And the Beach Olympics.)

2 - Oregon Zoo
3 - Playing with Grandma Gray

4 - Great Grandma Delamarter

5 - Everything. The girls did not want to come home. At. All.


Best thing (for Russ) about taking the girls to visit Oregon for five days:

This story.

On the plane ride home Savannah talked non-stop. She yelled out comments constantly, such as pointing out her excitement of seeing a "VOLCANO!!!" as they were taking off, and "Zooming" when they were landing. Russ heard her many comments repeated quietly by the people around him. (Thankfully no one seemed annoyed.) Then just as they landed,

Savannah: "I have to go to the bathroom...really bad!"

Russ: "Okay we have to wait for all these people to get off the plane first."

S: [quite loudly] "Oh no, the PEEPS ARE ALMOST COMING OUT!!!!"

Miraculously the crowd parted immediately and allowed them to exit. The 5 or 6 rows ahead of them, having heard the conversation, was more than happy to let them through, with a smile. Then, as they walked quickly through the terminal to the bathroom:

S: "Peeps, stay inside, OK? Stain inside peeps."

Abbie, under her breath: "Sav - van - nah stop saying that. People can hear you!"

S: " I have to tell the peep to stay inside!

Random Thoughts Thursday

I finally have a picture of my house. And yes that is picture in the singular. Sorry, I feel like my life has exploded this summer and it is all I can do to live. Russ actually took this to help us figure out what kind of rug we wanted in the front room. It now has a cream super shaggy rug.

Russ and I just finished watching the second season of BBC Sherlock. Best. Series. Ever. Times Ten.

I am also reading Hood by Stephen Lawhead. It is a retelling of the Robin Hood legend although the time and setting are different. It is pretty darn good.

I have loved watching the Olympics with the girls this year. Although Abbie didn't want to watch the Men's Synchronized Diving because, well, they're boys, and Savannah just wanted to see the puppets from the opening ceremonies again and again.

Things you need to know about Nathan. His height is in the 80th precentile. He burps like a grown man. He still has the most adorable smile ever.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Last night I made Chicken Curry with Potatoes, Cauliflower and Peas, and I had some leftovers for lunch. After lunch Nathan woke up and I changed his diaper and fed him. That is when I noticed a spot on my jeans. It was the color of curry....and breast milk poop.  Which was it?

Who needs sleep? Well your never going to get it? Who needs sleep? Tell me what's that for? Who needs sleep? Be happy with what your getting. There's a guy who's been awake since the Second World War....Quiz: Who is the artist? They must be a parent.

I'm reading The Boxcar Children to my girls. I'm so excited that they love it. It was the first book I ever loved as a kid.

The girls and I made Congo Bars today. Blondies + Coconut = Yum! (Yes, my overly picky girls like coconut. Who would've guessed?)

This made me laugh out loud. A lot. It reminded me of this.

Yards: Love that I have a place for my kids to play outside where I feel safe leaving them there. Hate that they require so much darn work.

It was the curry. Thank heavens.

I wish my kids were older so I could buy this as their lunch box

I know I'm weird, but I think this is the most awesome lunch box ever. It almost makes me wish I were in school again so I could carry it  around with my lunch in it. I can just picture walking around a university campus with this in my hands. Sitting down and pulling my lunch out to eat. Pure genius.  You can purchase them here.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Tonight is our neighborhood patriotic parade. It is windy with dark clouds looming. This is going to be interesting.

I so badly need chocolate in my life.

I was just talking to a friend about babies sleeping through the night. Why is it that some parents have go through a major battle that lasts for many moons and other's children just start sleeping through the night on their own? Curses!

I am in desperate need of a really, really good book. Please, can you help me?

I had so many plans of what we were going to do this summer an adventures we were going to have. We've gotten to maybe a 1/4  of them.

Reams grocery store does not sell goat cheese. Seriously? I thought we were in the 21st century.

Sorry, that's all the randomness for now.

Happy Birthday Savannah Banana!

Today Savannah turned four! Savannah is my sweetheart. She has the most precious voice and has her parents and grandparents wrapped around her sweet little finger. My dad is always saying, if we all just talked like her we would get anything we wanted. Savannah is my cuddle bug. She loves to climb up on my lap and gives me a hug. She loves imaginative play and is on the constant search for companions to play house, Calico Critters, My Little Pony or anything in which she can act out events. Savannah also loves bugs and critters and and climbing in the great outdoors. She is also a tough little hiker but loves even more riding on someone's shoulders. While cautious on her bike she has no problems in new situations and being friendly with new kids in our neighborhood. She has such a sweet kind disposition that she is easy for us to love. She has grown up so much this last year, with her most recent accomplishment being that she has started reading! She is so proud of herself, but not nearly as proud as her parents. Savannah we love you so very much! Happy Birthday

Random Thoughts Thursday

Yesterday, I found a wonderful idea online for Savannah's stuffed animal party. I could use old fabric scraps and sew little blankets for the animals that the girls could decorate. It would be practically free and super easy. By last night I realized it was neither, practically free, or very easy, but at least it's cute...right?

I keep thinking things will slow down. I'm starting to realize that doesn't happen with three kids.

This last week Russ and I decided that later in the summer he would take the girls for a short trip up to Oregon to visit his mom and grandma. It will be just Nathan and I home alone. Now, what will I do?

I was reading over some old posts and realized they contained some serious grammar errors. I promise I went to college. But since then I've had three children, am currently sleep deprived, and most importantly, have been rushing the last few times I've posted, so I failed to proof read them. It still ticks me off.

This morning Savannah came to me wearing naught but a shirt, underwear, and a tulle fairy skirt and wanted to know if that was enough for the day. Sorry kiddo.

It is not the easiest thing in the world to keep an adequate breast milk supply for a hungry baby when you are out playing in 100+ degree weather.

Celebrity

Every morning he wakes up to entourage. They accompany him in all of his travels, he just can't go anywhere alone.  Wherever he sits someone is just hoping to get a smile from him in their direction. Unfortunately the paparazzi hasn't done their job quite as well as they should have. Although if the truth be told he doesn't smile for camera's much.(These pictures are the only ones I have of him smiling, and I took a bunch trying.)

 He handles fame well. He is generous to his adoring fans. While occasionally his smiles seem a bit contrived, he will still flash a sparkler most of the time. He really only complains when tired or hungry, and isn't picky about what he eats, he just wants a lot of it.

Random Thoughts Thursday

Fourth of July Fun = being in a parade with your cousins pulled by your grandpa on a tracker.

Unfortunately about 5:00 last night the going, going, going we've been doing, while tons of fun, caught up with me and I crashed and missed the family BBQ.  Have I mentioned that I don't function well when I don't get enough sleep?

There are clouds in the sky today. This is glorious news as it hasn't rained here in two months.

Tomorrow afternoon Russ has said I can take some time for myself while he takes the kids. (I think my running on empty for the last month is becoming really noticeable.) Unfortunately, I have that over-planned as well. I want to go geocaching (Love it!), go shopping for clothes for me, go shopping for the kids clothes to have pictures taken in,  take a long nap, read a book. take a bath, pick up stuff for Savannah's birthday next week, go for a bike ride, watch the wind blow through the trees out my front window, and veg in front of the TV for too long. Umm...yeah.

Speaking of geocaching, if you haven't tried it, you really should. It is completely, and totally awesome.

I have officially called a household prohibition on whine. Unfortunately, there is still plenty of bootlegging going on.

How do you survive 108 degrees in the summer?

This last week the kids and I went with my sister-in-law, cousins, and my parents for the annual Grand kids and Grandparents (and moms) getaway in St. George. If you are ever planning on being in any location where 108 degrees is the norm in the summer, here are a few survival tips.

1. Before leaving, spend two days at a mountain resort playing in the bounce house, alpine slide, and bungee trampolines.

2. Then take a tram to 11,000 ft above sea level and snuggle in your sweatshirt. You now think that 108 degrees sounds wonderful.

3. Upon arrival, go swimming. All day. (Sorry no photos)


4. Bring spray bottles while hiking. This will not only allow you to cool off by spraying yourself with water, but it will allow you to spray the sand and play in the mud so you don't even notice the heat.

5. Hike in water. It helps when the river is freezing. 

6. If you are under a year, sleep in the stroller.

7. Eat ice cream. You will be more cool if it covers your entire face.

8. Play in the slightly cool bathtub with cousins. Bubbles required.

9. Stay inside and do a craft project. (Grandma's are necessary for this step to be completed without mothers pulling their hair out or children loosing interest.)

10. Visit the air conditioned visitor center at the St. George Temple.

11. Go to a shaded location and crawdad fish with a stick, a string, and bacon.

   11. Go to the outdoor evening performance of Alladin. At midnight when the show ends it will be 90 degrees but by this point, that will feel cool.