typing with my hands tied behind my back

yesterday was my parents 41st anniversary. I wish I would have remembered to call them.

It was a difficult day for me. the older boys are out of school and I want so badly to do some FUN things around town. But I have a million and one things to do before Christmas. And my baby is sick. She has been stuffy for a while, but Sunday she started throwing up. Not just a little baby spit-up either. She has projectile vomit. You can hear her tummy gurgling from across the house. I don't know if she has a flu bug or is allergic to something I ate, but it's been 48 hours since she's kept anything down.

For every load of laundry I wash and fold, there are 3 loads getting dirty. I can't seem to catch up. Before the dishes are loaded from the previous meal, my little men are hungry again. My Christmas cards arrived in the mail at least a month ago, and they are still sitting on the counter, just waiting to be addressed and delivered.

Aaron called me yesterday to ask how things were going and I just broke down in tears. I feel like someone has given me a LONG list of things to do and then tied my hands behind my back. I can't seem to get anything accomplished. I have cute neighbor gifts to deliver and a ward newsletter to write and a house that looks like a tornado just hit. I want to crawl into a cave and never come out.

Simon could tell that I was a little out of sorts yesterday and kept following me around saying, "I sorry, Mommy." It was so sweet, especially because he had done nothing wrong (this time). When he saw me changing the baby for the 20th time yesterday, he ran into her room and grabbed a clean pair of pajamas for her. When I saw what he came back with, I smiled. He had grabbed an old pair of pajamas from a box of boy clothes I need to take the garage. I have given out most of my boy things, but there are a couple of outfits I am keeping. This pair of sesame street pajamas has been worn by all four of my boys. Simon wanted me to put it on chubby Roma and I decided to give it a try.

They fit! but barely. the buttons were popping around her round midsection and her back fat was squeezing up out of the collar and added a few rolls the the stinky ones she already has on her neck. She was just.so.delicious. I decided to pull out my camera and take of few pictures of my pant-less 2 year old and his baby sister wearing the pajamas that have been handed down from ALL of her older brothers.

I realize I allow myself to stress about things that don't matter. I think back to times when my life was "easy" but I didn't realize it. In college, I didn't know if I would make it through finals week, but it always worked out. It always does. Next week Christmas will be over and I will look back on it as a happy time with our families and forget about how crazy it was to make it happen. And before I know it, my little chubby girl will be a two year old running around the house with her pants off and I will wonder why I stressed so much instead of enjoying her when she was a fat baby, squishing out of my favorite sesame street jammies.



I found these lovely gems on my camera this morning. They were taken by a mystery child when Romy was feeling better. We're hoping she gets back to her smiley self soon!

'tis the Season

is it too late to be posting pictures with Santa?  These boys sure are handsome... Simon was SO excited to see him and kept waving and shouting to him while we were in line.  But when it was time to sit on his lap, he turned stoic.  and um.. I think Zack is zipping or scratching... or something..

 Roma was sleeping when we approached Santa, but she woke up with a strange man holding her and had the most startled look on her face.  I still laugh thinking about it.  She looked so sweet in her Santa dress.  She got lots of attention while we waited in line for 2+ hours.  Never doing that again... until next year.

*just adding a few posts to our 2011 blog book.  Can't wait to have it finished and on our shelves!!

saturday night at the church.

On Saturday night, Aaron and I were supposed to go to an ugly Christmas sweater party together. But at the last minute, Aaron was asked to conduct a baptism in our ward.

I spent the afternoon giving haicuts to all SIX of them (yes, I finally buzzed Ro's long mullet.) Then we got cleaned up & smelling pretty and went to the baptism dressed up in our nicest Christmas outfits. It was the wrong decision, for sure. Simon was totally crazy at the church, so the kids and I missed the actual baptism and spent the majority of the time in the hall. I was walking around in high heels with bored kids, an out of control toddler and a crying baby wondering WHY I have such bad judgement. It's never worth going the extra mile. We should have stayed home in our pajamas. Or better yet, I should have hired a babysitter, gone to the party without my husband and forgotten that I had a brood of naughty kids.

When we arrived home, we lined the kids on the couch to lecture them about how we should behave during a baptism. I took one look at them and realized that they were the cutest kids on the planet. I can't hate them when they're this adorable.
Ro wouldn't smile for the group pictures, but she loved talking to Daddy afterward.

clips of the school play

These are a couple of short videos... nothing too exciting, but at least the Grandparents can see a bit of the performance. If you listen closely, you can hear Simon saying, "you hear dat mom?" after the bells ring in the first video.. and then he says "Santa" over and over when he finally arrives. So cute. Ro is crying in the background in all of the videos, too :)

the polar express

Ben and Luke were big time performers this week in their school Christmas play "The Polar Express". Ben was an elf (and also a stagehand, he moved the big moon when the polar express went to the north pole :)

Luke was cast as the lead role, playing the little boy who learned to believe in Santa. He did a great job! This is our big STAR getting ready to lay down in "bed" before the play started...

videos are uploading so the Grandparents/cousins can watch their performance. It's times like these that make you REALLY wish you were living closer to family!

that's a rap.

For some reason this year we've been double booked for Christmas parties- which makes this time of year even crazier than it usually is.. Last Saturday was our ward/church Christmas dinner. It started at the same time as Aaron's office party. We tried to pick between the two, but ultimately decided we could swing both. Super insane weekend.

The Bishopric put themselves in charge of the ward Christmas party this year.. which really meant that their wives did everything :) I am not complaining one bit because I love party planning and also because I did the least amount of work. But it was a little nutzo to have the leaders who are already at the church WAY too much add more to their plates. The RS pres and Bishop's wife did all the decorating and it looked amazing. We went shopping for a lot of the food, cooked several hams in our oven, baked cupcakes and tried to make sure there was enough grub on the tables. During the party, I spent all my time in the kitchen, which was okay, because other people were watching my kids & Aaron and I were planning on eating at his fancy work dinner later. We planned to leave the church earlier than we did, but I had to take a break to nurse the baby and well, things never really turn out how you plan. Roma makes our life a lot more complicated, but she's worth it! (I wish I would have taken a better picture of her in her cute Christmas dress!)

While slaving away in the kitchen, my husband found me and said he was planning on taking the kids home to help them put their pj's on.. then he said he needed to change into a suit and tie because his office party was formal.. This was the FIRST time Aaron had mentioned the formal dress code for his work party. I know, I should have asked, but I figured we would drive straight there and not change in between. I was totally surprised and told Aaron I needed to go shopping on the way to his work party. My closet is limited as it is! He laughed at me (because he thought I was joking-- obviously no one needs to think about what they wear to a formal party...) Things were crazy enough so there was no time for shopping. We rushed home to change. I threw on a black dress I wore to Cindy's wedding. It didn't really fit me, but it was either that or a maternity tent. We were in and out of the house in ten minutes. On the way to drop off the kids at our friends for the night, Aaron said something about how easy that was for me to get fancied up. I told him he has NO IDEA how cool I really was for playing it off as casually as I did.. most women wouldn't be so nice :) Not that it was his fault I don't have more options in my closet. Anyway....

We arrived at his office party about 2 hours late. It was at the M resort in a fancy ballroom. Dinner was over and everyone was starting to socialize. We were able to get a couple of plates still and sit down to eat. The halibut was seriously to.die.for. Best dinner I've ever had... (but I could have been really hungry.) While we were eating, it was announced that ALL first year associates had to sing karaoke, no excuses. Aaron isn't fresh out of law school, but he's only been at this firm for a month.. so he qualified as a first-timer and was on the chopping block. The other attorneys were making a big deal of it--- even teasing one guy for running out of the party last year for not wanting to sing. I knew that Aaron would be willing to sing something, but he didn't have any time to plan. The music was starting & they were getting ready to make assignments.

While we were scarfing down our food, Aaron said he should rap a song. I got really excited--- because I know what kind of show he can put on. I went to find a list of karaoke songs available... and there were NO rap songs. No Vanilla Ice, no MC Hammer, no nothing. So then I went to talk to the DJ. He confirmed that they didn't have any rap songs in the program, but he did have the music to "Bust A Move" by Young MC. I told him that my husband would probably be able to sing it without the lyrics on the screen and the DJ said, "Oh, I doubt it. This song moves too quickly." I told him he didn't know my husband. He's white and skinny, but the man can rap. The DJ was awesome and said he'd try to help him & maybe sing along, if he needed it.

I went back to the table and told Aaron they had the music to Bust A Move, but didn't have the lyrics. Aaron said, "No way. There's no way I am going to do it without the words." But I have heard him rap this song before and I knew he knew all of the words. So I pulled out my phone and looked up the lyrics. I had Aaron go over the first couple of verses at the table (him rapping, me looking at the words) and he didn't miss a beat. He knew every word. I told him he HAD to do it, but he wouldn't. He kept saying it's harder when you're up there, etc. So I went back to the DJ and told him we were good to go-- but he needed to force Aaron out of his seat. And that's exactly what happened... Once the music started, Aaron was totally in his element and had no problems getting through the song.

It wasn't until the middle of the song that I realized I needed to film it. I had to get Aaron's phone out of his pocket because I didn't bring my camera. I know it's a bad clip, but at least I got a little bit. The DJ was so awesome... when there wasn't a time Aaron was singing, the DJ would yell out, "Atta boy!" or "That's what I'm talking about!" And if you look real close at the video, you can see him doing actions to the song in the background. So funny! Of course, everyone else in the room loved it. They were drunk and happy and totally SHOCKED that Aaron was able to rap like that. (I was too the first time I heard Aaron rap back in 1998. He took an empty paper towel ring and rapped for a few of my friends and I was totally shocked.) Many of his colleagues came up to him afterward to tell him what an "epic" performance he had. One guy in particular kept saying, "he's a wolf in sheep's clothing! he's a wolf in sheep's clothing!" The song was a real ice breaker, that's for sure. The only thing Aaron said to me after the song was, "I wish I would have had a cordless mic, then I could have gotten out on the dance floor." I love him.

Aaron and the DJ in the middle of the rap. Taken by someone else :)

Another funny memory from the night was hanging out with a few female attorneys from Aaron's office, one girl in particular. She is an absolute DOLL and has been so friendly since day one. She probably weighs 98 lbs soaking wet, so I am sure she was toast after a couple of drinks. To say she was wasted is putting it lightly. I hope she doesn't read this because I am NOT making fun of her. But she didn't want us to leave and kept hanging on us. When we finally told her we HAD to go (we have 5 kids, remember?) she said it would be okay. But then she grabbed us and made us hug! and then she kind of grabbed Aaron by the tie and got really close, pointed to me and said slowly "she completes you". It was so cute and so funny! Aaron and I were laughing all night about that. It's going to be an inside joke for a long time. If you're reading this, Christina, I love you and I can't wait to party on the dance floor with you next year!

There are a couple of videos going around the office of Aaron's performance and several people took pictures. He brought a few hard copies home last night that I will need to scan in. But he's only gotten positive feedback from his new firm. They love him (how could they not?) and gave him the "best performance of the night" award (how could they not?). While at lunch with some of the guys, everyone was talking about it and Aaron tried to brush it off like it was no big deal (that's what he does) and one of them said, "Oh stop trying to be so modest, it was amazing." The fact that I am writing all of this down is going to bother Aaron SO bad, so I just need to stop, but I want to have it written for the archives. This will go down in our memory books as one of the most fun nights ever! I am already thinking about what we are going to sing for next year (and definitely about what I am going to wear!!!!!)

the end.

pajama day

Today is PAJAMA DAY at school for the older boys. So, naturally, we've declared it pajama day at home too. Because . . . it's the right thing to do.

words can't express how much I love these little bedheads..

ps. the minivan is still alive and kickin'. I love her too (yes, she's a girl.) We paid $3500 cash for her while Aaron was in law school, thinking it would get us through a couple of hard years. Here we are, 6 years later, still driving her around everywhere. We barely have enough room for anything else, but she fits our family. We're looking at new cars now, but I would be happy to drive her into the ground. I feel bad for people who are too cool for minivans. This has been such a great car for us..

Victoria's package

Just before lunchtime today, my home phone rings. No one ever calls my home number, so I should know better than to answer it. This was my conversation with the sweetest little lady... I refrained from writing each sentence twice-- because that's how many times (at least) EACH line was repeated..

Hello?

Who is this?

This is Janet.

Jenny?

No, Janet.

Jasmine?

Janet.

Janice?

Yes.

Anyway, Dear. Do you have my package?

Excuse me?

I was told that you have my package.

Who told you this?

Oh, I don't remember his name.

I'm sorry, but I don't have a package for you.

Did you send it to the right address?

I think you must have the wrong number.

Oh, no. This is the number I was given.

Who told you to call this number?

I don't remember his name.

Are you trying to get a hold of someone at the post office?

If was only a few cents short, I would have paid the extra balance when you delivered it.

Ma'am, I don't know anything about your package.

Did you send it to Victoria?

No. I didn't send a package.

My zip code is 29201. Did you write the address clearly?

I wish I could help you, but I think you called the wrong number.

You wrote down the wrong number?

No, I didn't send any package.

What day did you send it?

Victoria, is that your name?

Yes.

I didn't send any package. I am a mother at home with my children.

What?

I didn't send any package. I don't know what you're talking about.

You don't work at the post office?

No, I don't.

Then why did they give me your number?

I'm not sure. Can you call them back?

No, he called me.

Who was the package from?

I don't know. They said it was someone in Las Vegas. Do you live in Las Vegas?

Yes.

Did you send a package to Victoria?

No, I didn't send any package. Do you need a number to a post office in Las Vegas?

This is the number they told me to call.

They didn't give you the right number, Victoria.

What?

Maybe you didn't hear the number correctly.

What? This is the number I wrote down.

I know, but it's not the right number.

Well, here's my problem. I have some trouble hearing.

Is that so? I'm so sorry.

Do you live in Las Vegas?

Yes. I live in Las Vegas.

Do you know anyone who was sending a package to Victoria?

No, I don't know anything about a package.

Do you work for UPS?

No, but I could try to find a number for UPS. Is that who you talked to?

I don't remember his name.

Right. Well, I wish I could be of more help.
I would pay the rest of the shipping if they just told me how much it was.

I hope you find your package.

You found my package?

No, I don't have your package. I wish I could help you.

Oh Dear.

I'm so sorry. Can I call someone for you? Is it a UPS store or a post office?

I don't know, someone in Las Vegas has a package for me.

Well, if it comes to my house, I will give you call back.

Thank you, Janice.

You're welcome. Have a Merry Christmas, Victoria.

You too, Deary.

I've been thinking about Victoria all day.

I sure hope she finds her package.

lunch with the aunties

Nancy and Julie took a mini vaca to golf in St. George this week. Roma and I were able to sneak away from the boys for a day and meet them for lunch in Mesquite.

We stayed at a little diner and talked for over 4 hours... catching up, laughing over memories with Grandma Roma and reminiscing about the incredible experience we had while being together for baby Roma's delivery. It was exactly what I needed. And I know Roma had a great time being out with the girls!

We love Aunt Nancy and Julie!

the sock war

when you live in a place that's too warm for snowball fights and forts, you improvise. Tonight for the Family Home Evening activity, my boys (husband included, of course) built forts inside the house and had a "sock war".

After all was said and done, we found socks in the high chair, in between books on the shelf and hiding inside the branches in the Christmas tree. They used every pair of socks in the house.... While brushing their teeth, I overheard one of them say, "that was better than camping & watersliding at Cherry Hill!" which means, it was pretty darn fun.

the year without candy

When I was in high school, my dad paid me $100 to go an entire year without candy. I did it, but it was incredibly hard. Ben and Luke heard about the challenge and asked if they could take the challenge for $100. We said "ABSOLUTELY" not thinking they would actually be able to make it. Turns out, we were wrong. In fact, they were so good at not eating any candy, that halfway into the month of January, they asked us how much more we would pay them if they went without candy AND desserts. I told them we would pay them $150 each. They shook on it. As parents, we were completely dumbfounded.

For six months, these darling boys went without candy, cookies, ice cream, cake, & brownies. They didn't even blink when it was in front of them. It wasn't difficult for them, but it was SO hard to "celebrate" as a family when they couldn't fully celebrate with us. We were so proud of them, but kind of annoyed at the same time. When July hit (and we knew they were going to stick to the challenge until the end of the year) Aaron sat down with them and told them they HAD to eat desserts. It sounds completely crazy now that I am typing it out, but that's what happened. Aaron was willing to STILL pay them $150 at the end of the year.... as long as they went the entire 12 months without candy.... but desserts were re-introduced on Ben's birthday (July 4th).

Halloween Day was the ONLY exception. They ate candy on that day and that day only. They were sick by 8 PM. When December arrived, these darling (determined) boys asked if they could get their money early so they could buy Christmas presents for their family members. I thought it was so sweet and ran to the bank to get out their cash. They were paid on December 10th. They paid their tithing, and carefully budgeted out their money for gifts. They were indeed generous and so excited about what they got each other. (I will have to explain what they got each other & their reactions when they opened their gifts later.... so cute!)

Do I believe they were honest during this challenge? Of course. I trust them 100%. Luke came to us on a Sunday afternoon in March sometime last year. He was crying. His primary teacher had given them Starburts for answering right answers to questions during the lesson... and Luke accidentally ate three-- completely forgetting about the challenge. He felt SO bad, mainly because he'd let Ben down (they were going to do this together, after all.) Aaron and I were so pleased with his confession and his disappointment in himself that we gave him a second chance. He committed to the rest of the year and said he'd never forget again. We told Ben he could have a pass too and Ben laughed at us and said, "No way. I don't need it." They are so cute! It is a privilege being their mother.

Inspired by his older brothers, Zack continues to challenge himself to go without candy. He always says he can go a month. The longest he's ever gone is 10 days. And THAT is quite an accomplishment for our little 6 year old. I love that Ben and Luke's example rubs off on their siblings.

mumbo bumbo

Simon spent his first few months in a pink bumbo because it was given to us for free. (see pictures here)

Roma will be spending her first few months in a blue one.... because I found a blue one at a garage sale for $2 - and have since given away the pink bumbo to someone else. Who woulda thought I would have ever get a little girl???

I realize this will probably screw up my children FOREVER, but we are trying to break gender color stereotypes in this house.

She loves being in the bumbo. No bouncy seat seat for her -- she wants to be sitting up, looking around and in the middle of the chaos. She is my girl.

Boy Scouts fundraiser....

So, several months ago, my husband and I bought 50 cards for my boys to do a fundraiser for Cub Scouts.. and well, we only sold a few. We had great intentions, but these darn cards have been sitting in my office for a LOOONG time and they are a thorn in my side. I literally scringe every time I see the envelop because I know it's something we should do, but we just never get around to it. I blame it on the pregnancy & new baby, but really we've just been total slackers.

Anyway, here is the original post.

The cards are $5 each... and they offer discouts literally THOUSANDS of local and national businesses. Each card will give you a log-on # to activate your membership and then you can browse businesses that are closest to your home... these are NOT just customers in Vegas... I looked up my parent's zip code and found 1521 discounts close to their home... it doesn't have to be a local purchase! (If you want to browse the discounts before you buy, I will email you a username and password.)

I haven't had the time to look through everything this card offers, but some of my favorites are:

• 50% off total purchase at Papa John's. My fave pizza joint eva.
• Buy one get one (either food or drink) at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
• Free sandwiches at Port of Subs, Quiznos, Subway, Sonic, Blimpie, & hundreds of other fast food joints...
• Free loaf of bread at Great Harvest (with purchase of two).

Hotel discounts, car repair, Target, bowling alleys, eye exams, carpet cleaning, museums, beauty supplies, you name it.

Again the card is ONLY $5 and unlike a coupon book, you can use the discounts over and over and over... Who wouldn't want one? If you don't live in the Vegas area, we will mail them to you... free of charge. Discounts are valid until 3/31/2012.

Any takers?

**Last night we used our card at Papa Johns for 50% off our order. And I think the cashier messed up so he gave us 50% of their special prices.... so we walked away with 2 large pizzas for $9. That is cheaper than Little Caesars and the pizza is oh-so much better. Anyway... let me know. We can easily do the $5 transaction over the internet. You will go to a website and enter your zip code to see the discounts in you area.

the best years? really?

Last night Aaron called me on his way home from work, like he always does. And like always, he asked me if I needed anything. Usually I say, "NO! Just get home as soon as possible." But yesterday I needed milk, in a big way. I told him to get four gallons. A friend was at our house when I told him to get four gallons and she kind of freaked out. But she has two girls, little ones. I told her that she would understand if she had a houseful of strapping boys.

While Aaron was in the checkout lane with four gallons of milk, he noticed that the man in front of him looked a lot like Albus Dumbledore. And apparently, he was invading my husband's personal space. Aaron wondered if Dumbledore was going to ask him for some spare change because 1) he smelled like he was homeless and 2) he kept looking at Aaron, then back in his cart, then at Aaron again. Finally Dumbledore spoke, but he didn't ask for any money. He said, "Let me guess.... 3 boys and 2 girls." Aaron was impressed and admitted, "I do have 5 kids, but it's 4 boys and 1 girl." Dumbledore smiled and said, "Just remember, these are the best years--- even when they are the worst, they are the best. Before you know it, your children will be grown. These are the BEST years."

I find this incident particularly interesting, not just because I was saying the other day about how these days AREN'T the best days.... but because yesterday was an especially hard day, maybe one of my worst. I could go into details about why it was so bad, but instead I will show you a picture.

Simon and Zack got into a big, bloody fight. and Simon came out on top. The short story is that we wrapped Christmas presents, which is never a good idea with a toddler in the house. After two hours of wrapping (only a handful of presents) Simon wanted to unwrap them all. Zack appointed himself as the wrapping paper police and wouldn't let Simon near the presents. Several minor arguments broke out, and I made Simon sit in time-out. After two minutes of "cooling off" Simon was ready to apologize to Zack. He walked up to him put his arms around his neck and BIT him in the jaw. When I finally pried Simon off, there was lots of blood, but thankfully no chunks of flesh missing from Zack's face.

Some days are harder than others, but EVERYDAY is exhausting. Our family has been through lots of changes these past few months... new school, new job, new baby. I know we will all adjust soon enough, but sometimes I go to bed feeling grateful that we all survived another day.

This morning I received an email from my mom who lives thousands of miles away in Chile. I was feeding the baby before I had to start my day and I read the email from my phone. I giggled out loud and want to share a portion of it:

"Hope you are getting enough rest, Janet. I just read a message on your Facebook page about finding the pacifier in your hair. I smiled, but didn't laugh because I remember how that feels. You wonder how you even make it through the night, don't you think? When Kevin was a few months old, I woke up one night and I couldn't remember if I was a little girl living on the farm, a teenager in high school, or if I was married. I looked around and finally figured out where I was and that there was a baby crying. But I pictured a lot of houses in my mind before I got the right one. I guess you might as well laugh, because, step by step, you will make it through!! Just hang on! It's all worth it in the end! Love you, Mom"

I laughed because every night when I wake up to Roma's crying, I think she is a baby boy. And EVERY night, I have the same conversation with myself about how I have a baby girl... and every night I wonder why I can't remember that she's a she and not a he. But never have I wondered if I was a little girl or high school, so I must be getting a little more sleep than my mom was! I could literally hear her voice saying those words to me. My mother has always been such a positive source of energy in my life. She survived raising ten children (Kevin was #9) and if she could do it, I can too! She has never told me that these years with little kids are the best years of your life. I think saying "it's worth it" is so much more encouraging than saying it's the BEST... because honestly, I just don't buy it, Dumbledore. I just don't buy it. I am an optimist, but I am not an idiot.

ps. this post is a couple of days old. I started writing it on Tuesday morning... then wrote another paragraph or two yesterday... and finally 48 hours later, I was able to finish it. If it's choppy and hard to understand, I blame it on the fact that I haven't gotten much sleep lately. And the fact that I have a 10 year old, an 8 year old, a 5 year old, a naughty 2 year old and a newborn.

sickies

It's THAT time of year again. The time when boogers turn green, coughs keep us awake at night and kleenex is all over the house. Luke, Zack and Simon got hit the worst. The baby and I are stuffed up. Ben and Aaron are immune to everything-- or so they think. Ben won't miss a day of school unless he's on his deathbed. I did convince Ben to stay home from church, though (insert evil laugh). Aaron went early for meetings on Sunday morning-- but the rest of us stayed home, drank hot chocolate and finished our annual winter puzzle. We were able to finish it on the weekend, which was a Christmas miracle... with the kids in school these days, it's not like we have much time to sit around and fiddle our thumbs with puzzle nonsense. It was great weekend, even when we were all feeling under the weather. Christmas is in full bloom at this house!One of the things I remember about being sick as a little girl is my mom rubbing Vicks Vapor Rub on me and making me wear a towel around my neck. Over the years, my parents have discovered Essential Oils and have introduced them to all their grandkids. My boys LOVE to be rubbed down with oils. My husband hates them and thinks our house smells like a hospital, but they are my FAVE! I would link the website, but I am typing from my phone. My parents are essential oil wholesalers and that allows all of their kids to buy them extra cheap, even when they are living in South America. I don't know what our family would do without them. I even brush my teeth with deliverance. Anyone else want to bear their testimony about these healing oils? They are seriously amazing.

These are my cute little sickies last night before saying prayers. You can tell Zack is sick just by looking at him. He has been sleeping more than half the day... which means our house is incredibly quiet. Even though Simon is sick, he's still super busy. He drew on his tummy during FHE when Aaron and I were sitting just a few inches from him. He's such a little stinker... His shirt in the picture below says "boys will be boys" which fits Simon's personality to a T. Don't let that those puppydog eyes fool you.

Zack's nose has been running nonstop. Yesterday I caught him wiping his nose on his arm and told him to go wash his hands. A few seconds later, he came running out of the bathroom with his hands full of clear boogers, saying, "I sneezed before I got to the bathroom!" I was completely disgusted and freaked out. He laughed pretty hard and told me it was soap from the sink. I am still grossed out just thinking about that much snot!

Apparently, I am pretty gullible. Our Santa soap dispenser is filled with dark red soap (stupid if you ask me) but each of my boys have put the soap on their hands at different times and told me they were bleeding. ALL THREE TIMES I have fallen for it. I scream, ask them how they cut themselves, and run to get bandages before they burst out laughing. I swear, that soap looks exactly like blood! After four times of being duped, I've told them I'll never believe them again. Little boys who cried wolf.... I won't come running next time they're crying!!!!

Thankfully, I am feeling pretty good. Our kitchen is nice and warm because the oven is always on. I loved my mom's homemade bread and hearty soup when I was sick and so that's what we've had several nights in a row. I love taking care of sick kids! They are cuter and cuddlier when their temperatures are high.. let's hope they never get better! jk.

in 30 minutes or less

in 30 minutes or less, this child could ruin your life.

in 30 minutes or less, he emptied a bottle of baby wash and turned my bathroom floor into a slip&slide, put mascara on his eyelashes and the rest of his face, painted his fingernails red (only his left hand.. his right hand was doing all the work), squirt out a tube of professional hair color, filled the toilet with two rolls of toilet paper, AND spread minty toothpaste on the shower door.
You wouldn't believe what a perfect job he did on his nails unless I took a close-up. This is one talented little two year old, let me tell ya.
Simon is unbelievably difficult to keep tabs on. There isn't anything out of his reach because he will literally carry a stool or chair across the house to get what he wants. He is a do-it-himself kind of guy. The only time he isn't getting into trouble is when he's asleep. He doesn't sleep enough.
This 30 minute disaster was on Friday night... 30 minutes before Aaron came home from work. And not to rag on my husband or anything, but he was about an hour later than he said he would be-- which means it was ALL Daddy's fault.

*It seems appropriate to mention here that Simon emptied my flour canister (about 5 lbs) a couple of weeks ago. My kitchen was/still is a mess. There was white powder EVERYWHERE. Aaron was at the church late doing tithing settlement and I was feeding a baby just a few yards away from ground zero. It's amazing how quickly a little boy can turn your house into a war zone. I cried for an hour while cleaning it up. I wish so badly I would have taken pictures of the mess, but I was SO tired and SO upset that I didn't want to document it. And that is really saying something.

2 months old

Nothing but LOVE for this lil' Chubs.

It's beginning to feel like December!

I wish I had hours of free time to post the 500 pictures just uploaded from my camera. But I don't. So this is what you get today...

Lil' Ro is a fatty and we are crazy about her! When she's really hungry, I put her up to my face and force her to kiss me. She hates it, but I just can't resist a good make-out session. She has lots of nicknames.. at the top of the list are Birdie, Dolly and Stinkypants. The picture below was taken by Zack. We heart those chubby cheeks!

Zacky is still as wacky as ever. Yesterday while trying to get Stinkypants to laugh, Zack got two inches from MY face and in the highest-pitched voice he said, "Mommy, you're so cute, yes you are! And you're getting so big. Goo-goo ga-ga." I busted up laughing and he said, "I knew that would make you smile."

Luke was recently cast the lead role in his school Christmas play which is a complete shock to all those who have ever had a conversation with him. I am constantly asking him to talk louder at the dinner table, but he's always surprising us. The other day he came out of the bathroom with his hair slicked back with gel. He didn't say anything to anybody, just went about his regular business. When I wanted a picture, this is what he gave me. Maybe he has an ounce of drama afterall.

Ben wakes up at the crack of dawn every morning to get ready for school. He showers, makes breakfast and lunch for Luke, does his jobs, and then asks me if there is anything he can do before he goes to school. I almost convinced him to stay home the day before Thanksgiving break (because his teacher and half the school were gone anyway) but he wouldn't stay home. He's such a goodie-goodie. And that's one of the many reasons I love him so.

Sunny is a quiet, mellow dog when she's asleep. At one year, she finally had her first period. I thought about breeding her and then decided against having a newborn AND puppies at Christmas. We will wait a few months before we make our lives that much crazier. I still want Goldendoodles. She really is a pretty dog and we can't remember what life was like without her.

Aaron works overtime in every area of his life. I don't know how he does it. He had paperwork that needed to be filed earlier this week. When it wasn't shipped to his office in time, he had to jump on a plane and fly to California to get the project done. We dropped him off at the airport and for the next 24 hours straight Simon repeated over and over and over and over, "Daddy an airpane to Cornia."

Simon talks NONSTOP. It's so darling and it also makes me want to pull out my hair. From time to time he will open up the fridge, pull out something to eat (like a rotisserie chicken) and help himself to a meal. When the baby cries, he thinks that dancing in front of her while saying "Wuugga-wuugga" makes her happy. Roma doesn't really care, but the rest of us love it.

And then there's me. I love having a baby around, especially a girl baby. I spend all my time holding, feeding, burping and changing my little Dolly. Aaron says I spoil her, but I don't think it's possible to spoil a newborn. I wish I had more time for myself... more time to socialize, get out of the house, exercise, sleep, blog, read, shower or just sit in complete silence, but I know there will come a time for that. Right now, I am counting my blessings and enjoying the MOST wonderful time of the year...