this is what I get for having all boys...

Throwing a ward Mexican Fiesta, taking care of a crippled husband (he sprained his ankle again), trying to stay cool in this triple-digit weather, keeping the house clean, homeschooling, dealing with 24-hour morning sickness and keeping three boys happy and healthy makes the time FLY BY! Another week has come and gone.. and I don't have any pictures to show for it.

Priorities are priorities and the only thing that NEEDS to be documented are the priceless conversations we had with our kids...

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Zack has been talking about being a big brother NON-STOP. Over dinner he was listing all the things he's going to teach his new little apprentice. He said (and I quote) "I will teach him to WALK, and to LAUGH, and to PLAY WITH TOYS and to STAB THINGS!"

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Ben can't stand any food on his plate touching another item. He usually likes all of the ingredients, but wants to eat them separately. Luke on the other hand, is the king of mixing his entire plate into one gooey mess before he takes a bite. Last night, Luke decided that he wanted to mix drinks... He already had a glass of Kool-aid but thought it would be tasty to scoop a spoonful of chocolate milk powder in it. The thought alone made me sick, but I thought he would learn his lesson after he tasted his new creation. He mixed it up and took a big swig. Then he said, "Hmmm. That is so good. Zack do you want to have my yummy drink?" Aaron and I both knew Luke wasn't a fan, but Zack willingly agreed to take it from him and he swallowed a mouthful. You could tell by the look on Zack's face that he was surprised by what he tasted. But he smiled big and screamed, "It tastes like a TOOSTIE POP!" I loved his enthusiasm that wondered if it just might be the new thing.... ?

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While deciding who should say evening prayers, Ben pleaded, "Don't choose me!" I found that interesting because he is always the one who wants to say the prayer... (side note-- he says the LONGEST prayers and I usually find myself cutting him off in the middle and telling him to just end it. I am so unrighteous. Aaron often kicks me under the table and gives me the EYE that says, "act like a grown up and be patient.") Anyway, after I questioned Ben about his sudden dislike in saying the prayer, he explained that he hoped by saying, "Don't choose me" someone would pick him thinking it would make him mad, when really that's what he wanted in the first place. This led to a long discussion on reverse psychology. As I was explaining the concept (they already knew it, I was just giving it a title) I looked over at Luke and saw a light bulb turn on in that big head of his.. He then said, "I get it! If you hate your mom and you don't want to do what she says, then you act like you love her and she won't make you do anything." Aaron and I could not stop laughing. I am hoping he was just giving an example of WHAT IF, but you never know.. It was such a shock to hear those words come out of my #1 sweet child. Maybe he has been playing me all these years...

Minutes later, as if he wanted to put salt in the wound, Ben made everyone chose ONE person in the family to live on a desert island with.. (this was inspired by the finale of Survivor, BTW) All three of my boys chose DADDY. I am glad they like their dad and all.... but doesn't anybody think I am of value? Do they know that mac and cheese is not a meal option on a desert island? I think Ben felt a little bad after everyone left me hanging and he said, "Sorry mom.. But I would need Dad just in case I got lost and.... his stories at night are much better than yours." So glad he clarified..