top TWENTY-NINE of 2009

When considering my BLOG BOOK for '09,
I want some kind of countdown to finish the year (and close the book.)
I thought about doing a TOP TEN and just couldn't narrow it to so few.
So here's the top 29 pictures/memories of 2009.
What a great year it was.. and I am so glad it's over!

Zacky=sicky

my little rug-rat is really sick today. He woke up saying his BWAIN HURTS. He was lethargic in the afternoon. After a nap, he asked if I would please put some ice down his shirt. That's when I knew it was bad. His temperature was 104. Poor kiddo. He had some medicine, a lot of gatorade and a cold bath. Since then, he's seems to be doing much better. It's sad watching your spaz-child become a mellow-zombie.. hopefully he's better tomorrow.

As much as I complain about Zack, he has completely surprised me with this new baby. He's helpful and sweet and basically well-mannered. I just want to channel all his energy into doing something useful rather than everything destructive. He still gets himself into trouble and he still uses that personality to get him quickly OUT of trouble.

For instance. Yesterday we were trying to sit down at the table for dinner. Zack was using his new sword to turn on and off the lights. On. Off. On. Off. On. Off. Eventually we were all irritated. Ben scolded him and Zack replied in the most animated voice, "Well, I am just trying to be CRAZY!" That got a laugh out of everyone and he was quickly forgiven.

He is obsessed with writing everyone's name-- especially his own. He's tries awfully hard to ONLY write it on paper, but the Devil inside makes him write it on other objects. I always know it's ZACK who wrote it because he signs his name to every drawing. Last week, I got mad at him when I found a remote (one that isn't used, but that's beside the point) with permanent marker all over it. I told him he was in big trouble for coloring on something other than paper. He got a big smile and said, "Well, YOUR name is on it!" I could tell by his smile that he had been waiting for me to find it... only to see that I had been FRAMED. Why I oughtta....


If that isn't clever enough, check out this huge lego ensemble. I thought at first it was just a random bunch of blocks, but if you step back, you can see that he built his NAME out of legos. Holy crap is right! Can you see it? His letters are all connecting with each other (he spelled Z-A-C-K-Y if you were confused..) After I took the picture, I found out that Luke helped him with it. I don't care if it's a 3 year old or a 6 year old who built it, it's freakin' awesome!

bananagrams

One of our favorite Christmas gifts this year was given to us by John and Jade.. They took our kids to see Chipmunks the Squeakquel. Paying for the movie tickets is one thing, sitting through the show is another. You can't put a price on that! Aaron and I were able to see The Blind Side instead and it was so much better than listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks! Thanks Jaderbugs!

On top of the babysitting-movie situation, they also bought us a game called BANANGRAMS. Have you played? We haven't stopped playing since Christmas. The boys love it. Zack doesn't actually play, but he uses the letters to spell simple words and everyone's name in the family. Ben and Luke are getting much better, but they have yet to beat the parents (no, we never go easy on them..) Aaron is die-hard. I seriously can't beat him at anything. Last night, we had a crazy game. It went on forever! and I finally beat him!!!!! I had to take a picture of my winning board. I've named it "infatuation with weiners" Don't tell anyone I spelled wiener wrong. Aaron will take back my win.


During the same game, Luke had a lot of time (and a lot of tiles) to play. I was so proud he came up with such a long word... It's not easy placing a Z and TWO G's! He is such a smarty-pants and such a cutie!




ps. how sad is it that I have a WIENERS label? That's a rhetorical question, btw. Don't answer.

the mystery of the moving baby

Yesterday, after feeding Simon, I placed him in his blue bouncer chair next to the tree. My older boys had just finished lunch which means it's "quiet time" in our house. I started clearing the dishes and cleaning up a bit (and my boys headed upstairs) when my husband called. We talked for about 5 minutes or so when I let out a loud SHRIEK. He thought something was really wrong-- but then I laughed.

I told him that somehow the baby had moved from his bouncer seat to the couch. Simon's head was literally hanging off the couch, but he was asleep and snoring like a bear. Aaron didn't really understand what I was saying or how the baby was situated, so I quickly got my camera and took a few shots. Considering the fact that the baby's head weighs more than the rest of his body, it's really a miracle he didn't fall off...

My first thought was Zack had moved him and couldn't carry him very far, so he left him hanging... but Zack has NEVER tried to pick up the baby before. When I asked him if he moved him, he said, "I don't know how to pick up the baby! I don't have strength for that!" I thought so. I quickly ruled out Luke because he was asleep when I placed the baby in the bouncer.. and that kid doesn't sleep walk.

Now all my fingers are pointing to Ben. When I showed him the pictures he laughed. When I asked if he laid Simon in that position, he was offended. "Why would I almost make him fall off the couch?" Good question. But seriously-- how did he get there?

After a thorough investigation, I decided that Ben must have moved him, but probably laid him facing forward up against one of the cushions. Then the baby must have flung himself forward and ended up like so. But how did he do it without falling off and WHY was he so darn comfortable? Some things we'll never know.....

how to brainwash your baby

this isn't the first time Zack has forced Simon to "read" Daddy's ginormous birthday card. Simon will be a fan of Star Wars whether he likes it or not. The video isn't that awesome, but it shows how LOUD the music is.. I feel bad for Simon's little newborn ears. But he WILL memorize the Star Wars theme song before he is three months old.

ps. yes, Luke is sick. we all woke up with something nasty. hopefully we get over it before our next set of visitors come.... tomorrow.

thirty-three

Yesterday was Aaron's 33rd birthday. My gift to him was not writing about him or posting his baby pictures on my blog. (Well, that and a new shirt and tie.) He had the day off work and I didn't spend a single second on the computer. We partied hardy.

Aaron's BBF and favorite mission companion, Del Post and his family came to celebrate with us. I could not have planned it any better. (They live in Montana and just so happened to be in St. George visiting Nicole's family..) They made the drive to Vegas on Aaron's birthday and it was perfect. We hung out from breakfast to bedtime. Our boys played like wild men. Aaron and Del talked a million miles a minute. Nicole and I laughed about how much they love each other (they basically stand two inches apart and spit out compliments like they're trying to date each other... it's really cute.) It was SO wonderful having another mom [of three boys] to hang out with. Nicole changed Simon's diaper while I cooked and wiped the table when I nursed. At the end of the day, both of us were willing to sign on as sister-wives. I'm a fan of polygamy if it means I can have another woman around to help me do the dishes. Am I talking about myself and my problems again? Okay, back to the birthday...


We went bowling with the Posts (Aaron kicked A) and had Cafe Rio for lunch. We discussed marital problems and laughed about stupid mission stories. Then we plotted WHERE we will live someday. Location is the most important factor when considering the law firm they will open up together.. and we ain't heading to Montana any time soon. I hope we eventually settle in St. George. Aaron and Del will make awesome partners in their own law firm.. and they have 7 boys that will eventually take over the world.


We had cheesecake for dessert. This is the first year I didn't make him a rainbow cake with sprinkles-- only because I didn't want to run to the store. The boys picked him out an awesome birthday card that blasted the Star Wars theme when you open it. I never knew birthday cards could cost $10, but we managed to find one! The videos are on our other blog...

and last but not least, I must record the present from Aaron's mom. She gave him a shirt that said, "Don't pretend like you don't want SOME OF THIS" I tried to take a picture of Aaron wearing it, but he wouldn't let me (because he knew it would end up here.) It was his birthday and I let him be in charge. The shirt was funny and now we have a white elephant gift for future parties...

Anyway, without being too mushy or too personal, let me just say that I love my guy. I am so lucky to spend my life doing the day-to-day things with him.. mortgage payments, dentist appointments, car issues and everything in between. He makes my life better in so many ways. My kids are lucky to be raised by such a man. 33 is looking mighty fine.

MOON BRA

I just made a comment on my sis in law's blog (thanking her for coming and rocking with us for Christmas.) The word verification made me type in moon bra. And I got to thinking...

I highly doubt women wear bras on the moon. without gravity, who needs one? Maybe those who want a little extra padding.....

If I had my way, I would do away with bras altogether. Women's lives are difficult enough. Why force us to wear such a silly contraption everyday? They can be so uncomfortable and expensive! Men have it so easy. And women who live on the moon do too.

ps. my husband just informed me that there is gravity on the moon. How was I supposed to know that? I've never been there. but if I ever go, I can guarantee you that I won't be wearing a bra.

Very interested to know your opinion....

you'll shoot your eye out, kid.

Zack got a Batman cave, a Batman blanket and a Power Ranger sword.

Luke got several Transformers and a Lego set.

Ben got several Transformers and a pocket knife.

Simon got a humongous box of diapers and a boy Cabbage Patch doll.

Zack stabbed the Cabbage Patch doll in the heart with his new Power Ranger sword.
He doesn't like the doll because it smiles.

Janet got a cozy bathrobe and a sensational Dyson vacuum.

Aaron got tennis balls, a dazzling bag for his rackets and a super-duper awesome computer.

Janet is enjoying the new computer. Hopefully Aaron will take a spin on the new vacuum.

The in-laws are still in town. (YEAH!)

We had a blazing Christmas and hope yours was warm and wondrous too.

check out our home videos blog for clips with the Grandparents...

God bless us, everyone!

long lost Squirrely

It's late and my kids are in bed. I should be folding laundry and getting ready for my in-laws to come, but I don't wanna. Aaron is playing basketball and I just feel like doing nothing. I just finished watching last night's Survivor finale. disappointing.

I am about to pop in The Family Stone for the 10th time this season and I believe it will satisfy. Before I do, though, I wanted to share an idea. I hope Jane doesn't mind because it's really her [mom's] idea to begin with. I am rambling?

A few nights ago at our Girls Night Out, we got to talking.. in fact, that's all we did really. Talk. Laugh. Eat. It was so much fun. But Jane told us about a party her mom threw-- a white elephant gift exchange. It was a party for couples, but the wives had special instructions: They had to wrap their husband's favorite item (secretly) and bring it as a white elephant gift. Obviously, the husbands had no idea... and when someone else opened up their favorite thing, they freaked out and fought for them back. I thought this was brilliant.

That got me thinking about WHAT I would try to wrap up and give away of Aaron's. It has to be subtle enough that they don't know it's a joke. His Spanish scriptures would be too obvious. His tennis racket would be too hard to wrap. Maybe his swiss army knife? If only I had let him keep his Squirrely.

Story: During the first month or so of our marriage, we were going through our old things.. basically a few boxes of items our parents didn't want to store anymore. Once you get married, you have to be responsible for those kinds of things. Aaron's box wasn't big. Mission stuff, old basketball trophies, etc. But at the top of his box was a raggedy old stuffed SQUIRREL.. a little nasty thing that happened to be missing one eye. He seemed excited to see it and affectionately called it Squirrely. I did NOT think he was serious. Apparently, he was. I laughed so hard and told him I wouldn't stay married to a man who loved a nasty stuffed animal. He reluctantly threw it away.

A few days later, we were having a fancy dinner with his family. I thought I would continue the teasing by announcing to his family that Aaron still hung on to his raggedy old one-eyed squirrel. I was giggling, but the rest of the table was silent. His older sister even sighed with sadness, "You mean Squirrely?" Yes. I meant Squirrely. Obviously it was a family favorite. They all took Aaron's side and told me that I was cruel and unfeeling. We haven't talked about it since. If only Squirrely was still around so I could give it away at a white elephant exchange.. too bad.

So the question is: WHAT would you give away of your husband's, if you had the opportunity? And are you up for a party to exchange them? New Years Eve is just around the corner.....

Santa baby...

6 weeks already.
We call him "Floppy Joe" because he still can't hold up his head.. doesn't even try.
He sleeps through the night about 3 times a week.
He only smiles every once in a while. When he does, it's worth the wait.
His eyelashes are outrageously long.
He's beautiful and sweet.
I still can't believe he's mine.

"you're buggin' me!"

Today in church we sat behind some of our friends in the ward. The mother had her darling 2 year old daughter on her lap and was combing through her hair with her fingers.

I rested my head on my husband's shoulder and whispered, "See? I need a little girl so I can play with her hair during church." Not more than 20 seconds after I said that, the little girl turned around to her mother, gave her a dirty look and squealed, "STOP!" It was a classic moment. Aaron and I were trying hard to contain our laughter when she turned around again and said, "Mo-om!" You're buggin' me!"

Today I am grateful for my four boys and their short hair.

homesick

Today is my parents 39th anniversary. Every year they celebrate with a fancy "adults only" dinner. They have ten awesome kids who married even awesome-er spouses... so you can only imagine how awesome it must be when we all get in the same room. This was the first anniversary dinner I've missed. Last night they all went to The Roof. It's been so long since I've been to Temple Square and I was SO missing home. I want to be with my family-- especially during this time of year.

My boys knew I was feeling homesick... Ben made me a homemade toothbrush holder (out of paper, mind you.) Luke cuddled with me in my new Snuggie. Zack threw a chair on our foosball table (not to cheer me up, but it happened none the less.) Simon smiled at me with his cute dimples. Aaron ordered Chili's take-out and stayed up late watching 13 Going On 30 with me. It was almost just as fun as being at Temple Square with my wonderful parents and siblings. almost.

photo courtesy

because I am a Queen

My little sis (Hey, Lou!) dedicated a song to me a couple of days ago. It's been in my head ever since. In fact, it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I think all my life I've had a pretty good self-image. My mama taught me that what's INSIDE is what counts. And I believed her. Over my thirty years, I grown very comfortable in my own skin. I think I am beautiful in my own right.

With that said, it's always hard to feel like myself after having a baby. Pregnancy throws me for such a loop! It seems like ages since I've been ME. I am not one to lose the baby weight quickly... it usually comes off only AFTER I stop nursing. curse. So, here I am with an extra 25 pounds-- not fitting in ANY of my clothes, not wanting to buy new ones, having to "dress up" for Christmas parties, trying not to compare myself with others.... and my sister dedicates this song to me. It made me cry. It made me remember a few things. I am not the average girl, I am not a supermodel, but I AM beautiful. I am a Queen.

here's the song by india arie. be prepared to love it. The lyrics are below.. read along while you listen. My favorite line (besides "every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be" how perfect is that?) is

"SO GET IN WHERE YOU FIT IN AND GO ON AND SHINE!"

Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't
Depend on how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a Queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the india arie

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know our creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes; I'm lovin' what I see

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a Queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the india arie

Am I less of a lady if I don't wear pantyhose?
My mama said a lady ain't what she wears but, what she knows
But, I've drawn a conclusion, it's all an illusion,
confusion's the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception
Something's gotta change
Don't be offended this is all my opinion
ain't nothing that I'm sayin law
This is a true confession of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in where you fit in go on and shine
Clear your mind, now's the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself
'Cuz everything's gonna be all right

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a Queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be the india arie

Keep your fancy drinks and your expensive minks
I don't need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive car and your caviar
All I need is my guitar
Keep your Kristal and your pistol
I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don't need your silicone I prefer my own
What God gave me is just fine

I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a Queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be india arie

If only we could ALL love ourselves unconditionally.. There would be no more comparisons, no more intimidation, no more self-doubt. We are all Queens and we need to remember it wherever we go. Let's all look in the mirror and say, "I'm lovin what I see." Eventually, we will.

Thanks to my sis (who is both gorgeous inside AND out) for helping me remember. Love you!

ps. to you YW leaders, don't you think this would be such a great song for a slide show of all the pictures of your girls? I think this is the biggest challenge in a YW's life= learning to love themselves as they are.

white elephants

Last night was Aaron's work party. Excellent food, gorgeous home and a bunch of stiff attorneys. Aaron lit up the party by bringing his bottle of Libido-Max for the white elephant exchange. It was hilarious! The guy who picked it, first shook the wrapped present and the pills rattled. He said, "Hmm. Sounds like a game!" The men teased each other about needing it and the wives were BEGGING someone else to steal it. That makes for a great party.

It was good for me to go and hang out with Aaron's co-workers. Before last night, I basically hated his firm :) I hope none of them are reading this, btw. But honestly, he's been working so much and I have really been struggling. I have a new baby and just wanted ONE day off. Anyway, they are all very cool people and we had a great time. I was glad to hear that Aaron is himself on the job. The secretaries said his alter-ego makes everyone laugh.. as if I didn't know Aaron thinks he's black. I told them next party needs to have dancing so they can see Aaron's moves.

I have several stories about Aaron's workplace that need to be written down, but because he hates when I write about him, I have to be careful. This story should be okay. One of the secretaries got a call from the courthouse trying to straighten out a record of who was at a certain hearing. They said they had a client named Aaron Shum-WHACKER. Aaron's secretary started going through all their client records and couldn't find anyone by that name. After searching high and low, she went into his office and asked if he knew a client named Aaron Shum-whacker. Aaron started laughing and thought she was messing around with him. But the secretary didn't get it (because it didn't register that it was an attorney, not a client.) Anyway, Aaron finally had to spell it out for her and said, "Duh! They are talking about ME!" Everyone thought it was funny and now he goes by Mr. Shum-whacker at the office....

All in all, it was a fun night out and we came away with some killer gifts. Aaron ended up with a Darth Vader bobble head (which we will re-wrap for our boys.) I got myself a leopard SNUGGIE-- with a book light. Score. Simon was the hit of the party with his striped Christmas outfit. The secretaries were fighting over him.

ps. have you seen this snuggie video? watch the top one first..

Sorry about the bad language.. it's too funny.

pps. are white elephant gift exchanges a Mormon thing? Several of the attorneys have never heard of them before.. anyway, just wondering

christmas art..

we have SO MUCH kids art around the house. Lately, they are all pictures of snowmen, reindeer, candy canes, etc. They are hanging ALL over my walls and taped to every surface possible. I thought I would scan a few in before Zack ruined them.. because basically, he ruins everything.

Ben's Santa
(even though Zack wrote his name on it and drew the tall, red snowman with 8 balls.)


Luke's snowman
(What snowman wouldn't hate Las Vegas?)


Zack's Santa
(pretty good for a toddler. I love his reindeer in the distance..
Rudolf has a big red nose.. can you spot him?)

There's a "Christmas card drama" update on my private blog,
for those of you who care.