my favorite dress from the oscars...

this dress was on everyone's WORST list, but it was my favorite. which probably means I don't know much about fashion...

exciting Friday Knight

What's the most exciting thing you've ever done on a Friday night? I bet we have you beat. Tonight we attended the Boy Scouts Blue and Gold banquet. It's been in the works for weeks and we honestly forgot about it until 30 minutes before. We called the babysitter and canceled last minute.. then we took the baby out of his pj's and dressed him in something more appropriate and headed over the the church.

With all boys, I know that Scouts is a big part of our lives (and will be until the end of time). We have lucked out in this ward with INCREDIBLE leaders. They plan the best activities for our little scouties. Luke has officially been in scouts for 3 weeks. Each week I drop off the older boys at the church, Zack tells me that he wants to start a 5 year old scouts at our house. When I told him to list all of his friends that are 5 years old he said, "Maybe we should do a 3-5 year old scouts." I think it's a great idea and may just start something up.

Back to the Blue and Gold. It was a medieval theme and each family had to a make their own horse upon arrival. Ours was the sorriest looking horse you ever did see. It's head fell off during the racing. But the kids had fun and it's always great to spend a Friday night together as a family.. doing cheesy scout cheers or not.

a Red Carpet event

This coming Thursday (March 3rd) is our Relief Society meeting at the church. I believe it's a birthday celebration and this year our planning committee has come up with something special... "A Red Carpet" event. They have asked the sisters in the ward to come dressed FANCY-- as in-- old prom dresses, formals, or anything else that is Red Carpet worthy. There will be paparazzi taking pictures and all kinds of drama! I am not in charge of this meeting (or have anything to do with the planning) but I feel a need to give it a plug.

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether or not anyone will be dressing up, if they come at all. This speculation has me asking, "Who WOULDN'T want to go?" It's a great excuse to get dressed up, hang out with friends and be away from the kids. Who objects to this? I am the least fancy person I know. I don't wear heels, I own very little jewelry and the fanciest dress I have in my closet is my Sister Friendly costume. I can't tell you what I am going to wear, but I am showing up-- with bells on.

I know most of those reading this aren't even invited to this party, so you may or may not want to be a part of the discussion, but why are we so afraid to have a little fun? What keeps you from wanting to socialize with others? Are you afraid you will be the only one willing to have a good time? Are you shy? Are you worried about the drive over?... (because you know everyone on the road will be staring at you if you're wearing a feather boa..) Do you need a dress? Someone to apply your makeup or curl your hair for you? If so, I think I might have the solution:

Let's get ready TOGETHER. I am more than happy to offer up my house for the pre-party... but I think it might even be better to meet at the church and get ready in the women's bathroom together. This way, we can share jewelry, scarves, hair bows, and not worry about who will see us when we're walking to and from our cars. There is strength in numbers... we're all in the same boat here. Not very many of us have the same body as we did the night of our Jr. Prom. This is not about looking better than anyone else. This is about having fun, letting loose, and getting to know one another better. Still on the fence about coming? Call me and I will come pick you up!

There are a lot of excuses, but I can promise you that if you come, you will have a good time. Sometimes we need to put ourselves OUT THERE to realize that making friends is easy and having a good time is all about showing up. I know that socializing doesn't come naturally for a lot of people and I am not going to stand on a soap box and tell you that you won't make friends if you aren't willing to go a little crazy. But the truth is, a lot of people complain about not having any friends or not connecting with anyone. These are usually the same kind of people who aren't willing to step outside the box and COME to an event like this.

I am heading to Savers this afternoon to find a few items for my dress-up box. I already have a couple of rainbow boas, a green Princess Fiona dress and a blond Marilyn Monroe wig that I am willing to lend out for the evening. I am sure all of us have things in our closet that we can't/won't wear but someone else could. Let's combine forces and show up at the church at 6 pm to get ready together. Are you in or are you in?

yesterday.

8 AM: dog walked, breakfast made, kids dressed.

9 AM: showered, hair dry, baby bathed, lunch packed, house clean.

10 AM: car loaded, library books returned, at the mall for story time.

11 AM: carousel ridden by the kids (Simon and I opted out), presents purchased at the mall.

12 PM: lunch eaten at the park with friends, Simon napped in the car.

1 PM: home safe and sound, car unloaded.

2 PM: Four boys come to play-- each of my kids invited a friend (Mason, Landon, Ryder and Gus)

3 PM: Make dinner amongst the chaos (veggie lasagna)

4 PM: Pop popcorn and watch a movie with the kids.

5 PM: Eat dinner, dress Zack and Simon in pj's. Take them to a sitter.

7 PM: Harlem Globetrotter game with Ben, Luke, Aaron and lots of friends from the ward.

10 PM: Pick up the sleeping babies. Brush my teeth, fall fast asleep.

Today-- Absolutely NOTHING on the schedule.

make up & tantrums

A few months ago, I put mascara on Simon and posted the pictures on Facebook. It caused some major marital problems and almost got my boys taken away from me. A few days after the mascara incident, Simon came out of our bathroom looking like so:
Daddy blamed me for turning him into a cross dresser, but it isn't as bad as it looks. This is not lipstick applied perfectly to his lips, but rather the remnants of a tasty bottle of red fingernail polish. He broke the bottle and started eating the stuff (which is actually worse than just a smudge of lipstick, no?) Whatever be the case, this little Spidey is a pretty boy!
He is 15 months and quite the handful. He is talking a bunch, but never wants to say any words when he's angry or tired or impatient... which is 95% of the time. He screams a lot and I have been reading up on how to deal with babies who throw tantrums. It's been a while since we've had such a child and I don't know what to do with him!
He is all boy & loves to throw and hit. He is a big fan of the dog and our older boys don't think it's fair because "Simon gets to live his whole life with a dog" and they had to wait until they were 5/7/9. No fair! Truth be told, I believe getting a puppy has made Simon a more difficult toddler. Sunny is kind and gentle and allows Simon to pull hair, lay on top of, and even BITE her. When Simon goes out in public he thinks he can treat other kids the same way and it's not making him any friends. Believe me, I am in nursery with him. He may be younger than the other kids on the playground, but the boy plays hard ball. He walks with his round belly taking the lead and has rightfully earned the nickname BIFF.
He does have a few good traits. He dances like a drunken fool and we love it! He runs "fast" which is the same speed as walking, but he moves his arms up and down and pants like a dog. It's so adorable. He makes messes but also loves to put things away and always sings the same little "clean up" tune which sounds nothing like Barney's. Whenever he's upset, I can cheer him up quickly by turning on a happy song and dancing with him. He is also pretty happy while eating or playing in a little dirt.
The toddler age is hard for me, but I have to keep reminding myself that it's the cutest. With each of my boys, I look back on their pictures from 1-2 years old and just drool over their faces. Pretty soon, I am going to wish he looked just like this again:Today Simon was walking around in an over-sized sweatshirt and chewing on a tube of toothpaste. I wanted to swat his bum and put him outside with the dog... but instead, decided to pull out the camera and document all of the reasons why I love him. He's a handful, alright, but I am sure glad he's mine.
Video taken yesterday (president's day 2011)

**On an unrelated note--- GUESS WHAT I found taped to my door yesterday? Two delicious bread recipes! What a wonderful surprise! I am hoping I have permission to share these special recipes with the blogging world... is that too much to ask? Anyway, THANK YOU, secret neighbor. I love you and honestly don't have a clue who you are.

just today.

It's 9:30 pm and my boys just asked me to read them ONE PAGE in a favorite science book. I feel guilty for saying no, but I haven't blogged all weekend... and I have spent hours of quality time with them. Just say NO. Leave me alone, kids!

I could spend all night getting caught up on things that haven't been documented yet. Luke's birthday party, my sister's visit, trips to museums, the new co-op school we go to, crafts, Simon's tantrums, etc. But I am just going to stick to what happened TODAY and call it good.

Today I cleaned up more crap than any mother ever should. Simon pooped 8 times. His poor butt is bright red. An average day is 5-6 poopy diapers and today he worked overtime. And so did I. Before church I was happily making green smoothies for my kids when I smelled something terrible. I had just finished changing Simon's first diaper and couldn't believe he went again before breakfast. I was sadly disappointed when I found a huge mound of diarrhea on our shaggy rug and it wasn't the baby's. Sunny has only pooped once in our house and that was when she was just a few weeks old. Today it was rainy and so I didn't walk her. Then I felt bad for leaving her in the backyard while we ate breakfast. So I let her in and paid for it big time. It took me a full hour to clean up the mess. And I was still on time to church. I know, I win the poopy Mother of the Year award.

Simon was a total pill in Sacrament meeting. He is such a Daddy's boy and wants Aaron all the time... When he sees him and knows he can't have him, he goes berzerk. It's always worse when Aaron is conducting. Each time he gets up to the pulpit, Simon points and screams, "DADDY!" I have to work on distracting him (usually with food) but he gobbled down 4 package of fruit snacks before the meeting was over. And the sugar intake didn't help the meltdowns. One of these days I am going to enjoy Sundays again, but these are not those days.

I've been fortunate enough to attract an older woman in the ward who knows I need help. For the last couple of weeks, she has been entertaining my older boys while I try to keep Simon quiet. She is heaven-sent. Today she brought an awesome marker board (erasable & collapsible) that Zack was LOVING. He spent most of the hour coloring all sorts of pictures with her special markers. After the meeting was over, I overheard this sweet lady ask Zack what he drew. He happily pointed to the board and said, "These are two DEAD guys! The ninja tried to kill the samurai, but the samurai stabbed him first. And when the ninja was almost dead, he threw a bomb and blew up the samurai's face." I was so embarrassed, but was pleasantly surprised when she laughed and said, "I love it." Heaven-sent, I tell you. I quickly snapped a picture with my phone because it was such a classic Zack-moment. I present exhibit A:


The rest of the day was excellent. Long nap, pancakes in the afternoon, The Sound of Music, popcorn, playing Clue with the family. And the cherry on top is the knowledge that Aaron doesn't have to work tomorrow. Yes, my life is full of crap- but I own a lifetime supply wipes and a trusty carpet cleaner. And no one can beat me in Clue-- not even my husband who cheats. I've got lots to be happy about.

dear secret friend,

A little sweetheart neighbor dropped off two loaves of DELICIOUS bread last night (honey wheat & brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal) without saying a word.

I am hoping you read my blog... because I need you to sneak back on over here and tape the recipes to my door. YUM! (and thank you.)

you are what you eat.

For some time now, my sisters have been trying to get me to watch a documentary called Food Matters. I finally listened and started it last night at 10 PM. Aaron came home just after 11 PM and we watched it again. It is incredible... and has got me so excited about eating healthier (raw!)

I am changing up my homeschool routine today and heading to the health food store for some goods. I don't know enough about what I need to tell y'all (yet) but I think it would be in your best interest (as well as your families) to get a hold of this documentary. (It's free on Netflix, btw.) Watch it and tell me what you think!

PS. I gladly welcome anyone's feedback on this subject. nutritionists, out there... what are vital supplements/vitamins/super foods that you swear by?

PPS. I love all of my doctor friends! Don't be offended because the movie bashes on the medical "industry". There are GREAT doctors out there, but the key is educating yourself and making healthy (simple) food choices.

the graffiti artist

Last week, I was happily washing dishes when I looked out the window and gasped. Someone had spray painted a black target on our brick wall in the back yard.
I went outside to get a better look and found a few other paintings. I quickly came inside and sat down next to Ben and said, "I can't believe you graffittied our walls out back." He said, "Huh? I didn't do it." I took him out to show him his name written in bright red letters.
He saw it and said, "Mom! Someone framed me! It wasn't me." Luke and Zack were close by and I could tell by the look on Luke's face that he didn't have anything to do with it. Zack happily looked at us and exclaimed, "Do you like it? I even painted an arrow in Sunny's corner so she knows where to go poop!"
After 5 long years, Zack continues to pull surprises out of his hat. He has quite the extensive career in mess making and doesn't seem to want to retire any time soon. I guess I should be grateful he didn't paint the dog...

Anyone have a pressure washer we can borrow?

my handsome Valentine

I always write about Dad on Valentine's day and skip being mushy about my man. There are several reasons for this, the main one being that he won't read it here. So I spent the majority of today cleaning the house, changing the sheets on our bed from white cotton to red satin, placing a personal Valentine card with homemade coupons under his pillow and making a yummy dinner for the family. Aaron had to work late (which is okay because we over-celebrated this past weekend) but he still came home with a bouquet of flowers. I always tell him not to buy roses for me on Valentine's day because they are so overpriced. But he never obeys. He walked in with the mail in one hand and the flowers in another. His tie was loose and he looked tired from working too hard... which is just so--- attractive.

I love Aaron for a thousand and one reasons. Many of which I don't even realize or appreciate now. If he ever died, I don't know if I could manage living a single day without him-- and that is saying something because I have always been Mrs. Independent (and proud of it). But being married to him has changed me, most definitely for the best.

I love Aaron because even when he comes home from a long day, he clears the table after dinner and plays with the crazy baby and listens to ALL of the older boys go on and on about their exciting day even though I know he has other things to worry about. I love him because he stays up late and watches movies with the dog. He feels bad that he doesn't get to spend time with her and I love how cute he is with our little "girl". I love him because he goes home teaching every.single.month even when he already spends so much time serving others. I love him because he changes the screensaver to say things like, "Janet is HOT" and doesn't say a word about it. I love him because he is kind and caring and never gets mad (ever) not at me or the kids, even though we give him plenty of opportunities to lose his temper. I love him because he's practical and frugal and he doesn't care what other people think about him.

Our first kiss was Feb 3, 2000. Ten days later, we were spending our first Valentine's weekend together and were discussing which day in June to tie the knot. I was at school in ID, but drove down for the weekend to be with Aaron (and formally introduce him to my family). My parents were sly and threw a "birthday party" for my dad, but everyone knew it was so they could check out my soon-to-be husband. Aaron drove to my house in one of the ugliest cars I had ever seen. It looked like it had just come from the junk yard (and funny enough... it ended up there about 2 weeks later.) Aaron affectionately called this car "The Nig" even though it was a pretty blue color. He pulled up and brought in two bouquets of flowers... one for me and one for my mom. The men in the family told him it was a sweet move and he said that he'd "better start sucking up sometime." The dinner went great and my family fell in love. Afterward we exchanged Valentine gifts. I gave him a new laundry basket full of groceries. I had previously seen what was in his kitchen at his apartment and knew he needed a little help getting his cupboards stocked.

He gave me a sweet card and some chocolates and took me for a ride in The Nig. We went up to a shopping center just a few blocks from my parents home (Jordan Landing). We walked around for a little while in the cold and tried to avoid saying goodbye because we only got to see each other on the weekends. As we headed back to the car, there was a couple in front of us walking out of the movies. They were holding hands and headed to their car as well. Sure enough, just steps in front of us, the gentleman pretends to open the passenger door of The Nig and his date kind of stares in disbelief. Then he backs up and says, "Ha! Just kidding! As if I would ever be driving that car!" Aaron saw the whole thing happen and we laughed so hard about it... (and are still laughing). He never let it bother him or felt the least bit self-conscious when he bent down to open the passenger side door for me (and it almost fell off, jk.) He was never out to impress. He has always been himself and that is exactly what makes him so darn adorable. He sweeps me off my feet without even trying.

We've spent 12 Valentine's weekends together so far. He's written me a dozen cheesy poems over the years and spent more money on flowers than I want to add up. But things are not perfect. We are still sleeping on an old creeky bed-- one that was given to us for our wedding. And it aint a bed of roses, I can testify to that. Most of our candlelight dinners are spent with four silly (obnoxious) boys. We take moonlit walks at night, holding hands, but both of us are usually telling the dog to pee so we can get back inside. We have bills to pay and a minivan that needs to be taken to the junk yard. But we're happy and in love and that's the only thing that matters on Valentine's day. So even though he'll never read this, I want the world to know that I love and appreciate my man. He was handpicked for me and I am so glad he's mine. forever.

My Dad, the Valentine baby

Some may wonder how God could love each and every one of His children. There are billions of us and we are all so different. Growing up in the home that I did, I developed a personal testimony that God is aware of me and that He knows me on a personal level. My parents helped me understand this, not just by explaining it to me but by showing me what it feels like to be loved.

Dad turns 63 today. He is, and has always been, the best Dad I could have ever hoped for. When I was a child (and into my teenage years) my friends would tease me and ask how my parents could keep track of ten children and how they could tell us apart. From a very young age, I learned that not only could they tell us apart, but they had very personal, individual relationships with each one of us. Dad was always there for us, no matter what. He didn't miss a single sporting event or inauguration or academic award or assembly that any of his kids were involved in. He was there (next to Mom) to explain the birds and the bees. He made the time to take us out and talk to us about what was going on in our lives. He trusted us to make wise decisions and held us accountable when we fell short. He supported us financially as well as emotionally and physically. He stayed up late explaining Calculus. He always made sure we felt special on our birthdays. He is always available to talk whenever I need him. He gives the.BEST.advice and never criticizes or judges. He is so easy-going and loves to shoot the breeze. And although it rarely happens, he is so much fun to beat in a game of cards.

I don't know how Dad developed such a deep, personal relationship with each of his children, but he has. He has taught me so much over the years. He has given me a little taste of what if feels like to be unconditionally loved by a Father who knows me personally and only wants the best for me. On this special Valentine's day, I want to say Happy Birthday to the man with the biggest heart. My wonderful Dad.

If you want proof that each of his children feel the same way about him as I do, you can check out his birthday blog HERE.

hot & spicy

Our Valentine's party went fabulous tonight. Thanks for asking. My husband wrote a poem comparing me to a Cafe Rio burrito (hot & spicy). I would post it here for all to read, but then I would have to kill you.

We had another couple in the ward host the party at their home so ours could be the babysitting drop off. It made it much easier, and a little more difficult having to transport all the goods. I went over early to help set up and brought a big bowl of freshly made salsa. I put it in my handy pampered chef bowl and snapped on the tight-fitting lid. Guess what happened on the drive over...? The tight-fitting lid wasn't so tight fitting... and it emptied all over my van. Obviously I had nothing better to do today than spend an hour cleaning up a gallon of salsa. And conveniently enough, I had just lent out my carpet cleaner to a neighbor yesterday. Thank goodness for the trusty shop vac. Seriously, why do things like this always happen to me?


Dear Pampered Chef,

Don't say your lids are spill proof when they clearly are not. You better watch out because my husband is an attorney. (and he knows how to sue.) We're going to claim irreparable damages because the carpet in my van was spotless before today.

Sincerely annoyed,

Mrs. Hot & Spicy

what is YOUR love song?

I just LOVE February. Especially when it's sunny and breezy. After a week of visitors, the house is empty but we filled it up quickly with hearts and flowers and candy and LOVE. We have two (yes, I said two!) Valentine parties planned for this weekend... Friday and Saturday night, baby!

I just added our old list of love songs to my side bar. I updated it with our song for 2010 "Love Like This" by Natasha, which was our theme for our anniversary getaway. It was the ultimate song for driving over the ocean in a convertible. If only we do could that again... tomorrow.

The big question of the hour is-- What is your LOVE SONG? Does it change frequently like ours does or has it always been the same? Whatever it is, find a copy of it, put the kids to bed, dim the lights, fire up some candles and dance to it this week with your hunny.

Happy Valentine's weekend!

Luke's baptism

Most important things to remember:
1. it was a beautiful day.
2. luke is an incredible 8 year old.
3. being a member of the restored gospel brings peace and joy.
4. being a mother is the greatest blessing in my life.
5. I want to be with my family forever.


One thing I learned after Ben's baptism: Moms CAN be involved in helping their sons dress after the baptism. I made Luke come out of the bathroom with his shoes and socks in his hands, so I could put them on him before he was confirmed a member of the church. He ran out with wet hair and gave me the biggest hug while saying, "I love you, Mom." I will never forget it.

It was such a special day, I don't have the words for it. I still tear up just thinking about how full my heart was/is. Having the Singleton cousins there for the baptism meant the WORLD to Luke. They are still playing with us, so.... no can bloggy.

happy weekend!

Remember the other day when I was complaining about not ever getting a day off? Well, today I had one. My parents came in town last night. My house was a bit of a disaster when they arrived-- wrapping paper everywhere and new toys spread all over the floor. Mom told me she would be upset if my house was clean, and I didn't want Momma mad at me.

This morning I slept in and woke up to my kids eating breakfast. Mom was shining the kitchen and Simon was a happy camper in the high chair. They walked the dog and played with the kids while I folded mounds of laundry. Dad told me to write him a grocery list and I obeyed. He also filled up my van with gas and called me on the way home to see what kind of soft drink I wanted. In the afternoon, Mom occupied Simon while the older boys and I gutted their clothes and toys. We cleaned out the game closet, donated 2 bags of winter clothes to charity, put away all the clean laundry, scrubbed the bathrooms, and vacuumed every inch the house. It was spotless.

If it doesn't sound like a "day off" let me assure you, it was. I was able to get EVERYTHING checked off my to-do list... things that would have taken me weeks to do without extra hands. At the end of a very productive day, my parents pushed me out the door and sent me on a date with my husband. They fed the kids dinner and happily welcomed my sister, her husband and their seven kids. Aaron and I were able to revamp at the temple. It was exactly what I needed.

I am so grateful for my parents. Sometimes the only person that really understands how hard motherhood can be is your own mom! She always comes to the rescue for me... If all of that wasn't enough, she stayed up past her bedtime helping Ben write his talk for the baptism tomorrow. It's going to be a wonderful day.

Hope you're feeling as blessed as I am. happy weekend!

it's great to be EIGHT!

My adorable, brown-eyed baby turns 8 today. He was born a sweetheart and hasn't changed a bit. He's soft-spoken and always agreeable. He has never ONCE in his 8 years of life talked-back to anyone or thrown a tantrum. He is easy-going and logical beyond his years. He has been such a joy to parent. We all adore Luke in our house--- it's basically impossible to feel anything but LOVE for this 8 year old.

I would write more, but we have a party to execute. Luke wanted a Kids Cafe for his birthday.... all his homeschooling friends are coming over in just a bit to make their own pizzas, work as waiters/waitresses, chefs, and customers. We have the monopoly money ready and all kinds of favorite KIDS foods prepared in our kitchen (including rainbow colored cupcakes!)


We watched a video I made for Luke on his birthday this morning. I wish I could share it with you, but it's too big to upload. If you want, you can see a sideways version of one of our favorite pledge recitals. This is Luke at age 2.... just weeks before he learned to read. He was such a darling little thing... (and still is!)

Happy Birthday to my sweet, funny, smart, artistic Lukester!

love is in the air!!

Happy February!

This is the same exact post I wrote in 2008. I would rather change the post date than write it again. The offer is still good.. I have everything ready to email you. And I am also really looking forward to throwing our 2011 LOVE party (if we can conquer this sickness before Valentine's Day...)

side note: when I went to look through my archives for this post, I searched "party" and "love". Guess how many posts came up with those two words? 141. The proof is in the pudding... I must LOVE to PARTY! Anyway, back to the original post---

Anyone interesting in hosting a Valentine's Party?

When we were first married, my wonderful MIL told me about a romantic Valentine's party that she throws every year. Naturally, being the party animal myself, I was interested in what she did. Since then, we have hosted several Valentine parties with friends in our neighborhood. Several others have been convinced to throw their own and the feedback is ALWAYS good.

Anyway, I am here to spread the LOVE and let you know that if you are interested in having your own Valentine's party, I would be more than happy to send you the invitations, outline, games, handouts, etc. They are all saved on my computer as Word documents.. so you will have everything laid out for you. It's a great excuse to meet new people and although it's a little bit of work, it's worth it!!

Let me know if you want the info. You'll have to send out invites SOON and inform the couples of their "assignments" (for example.. the men have to write love poems for their wives!! ) Which is exactly why I throw a party every year :) Aaron is going to run out of material one of these days!

I am SO looking forward to the party this year!! Lots of fun couples to get to know! If you live in Vegas, and you want to come to mine, consider yourself invited! Comment or email me and I will send you an invite with the details!

Thank you Brandy for doing all the hard work (and for being a fellow party animal!)