Phone Wars

I wanted this phone from pottery barn for many years. Then about 5 years ago Jeremy bought it for me, for my birthday. It has been sitting in a cupboard up in my bedroom for the last 4 years because I, I, I don't know. I love it. I am going to bring it out of the dark. And on top of that I am thinking about switching all of my phones back to corded ones. Let me tell you, me and cordless phones have not had a good relationship. You can never find them. They are always out of batteries. They beep at you, and get fuzzy and weird. Did I mention you can never find them? The latest corded phone set I have has 4 phones. FOUR, and trust me I can never find a single one. I can't even blame the kids because they don't talk on the phone. It is me, I have a problem with phones. I have heard rumors of a friend who went back to a corded phone. I was thinking of doing this in at least my kitchen so I would always know where a phone is. Now I am thinking of putting one in every room. Tell me I'm crazy. Why should I keep buying these cordless phones? I have to think about this again because 2 of my 4 cordless phones aren't working anymore. And you know I always pick up the broken ones. Every time. I'm in the middle of a call, oh wait, I need to go hunt down another phone this one is broken, hold on. Echhhh. Lame. And what about this idea of getting rid of your home phone? Apparently I am living in the dark ages because I still have a home phone. Well, let me tell you people, I am thinking of getting rid of my cell phone and only having a phone attached to a wall, with a cord. What do you think about that?

Utah or Bust

We just got back from the most incredible trip to Utah! We managed to fit in his sister's wedding, his Grandma's funeral, and an amazing week in park city with Jeremy's family, and even made it to Temple Square for a day. Hope you all are having fun trips too!

I know you agree

Cream cheese and sour cream should be in the same place in the grocery store. This has bugged me for years. I just stare at all the dairy products and wonder, where in the world is the cream cheese? Oh, by the cheese. Which is always across the store from the dairy. Bug, Bug, Bug. Anybody else?

Blog it, Baby

Kohl's is a super weird store. What is up with that place? I can't figure it out. Jeremy and I have this rule we try to live by, which is get the house speciality. For example, when we go out to eat, order what the place does best. If you are at a burger joint, get a burger. Do not try their fettuccine alfredo, you will be disappointed. We break this rule all the time, and we always remember why we had the rule in the first place. Get the speciality, it's what they do best. It will be good. So, Kohl's baffles me. What is their thing? First of all, the women's clothes are pretty weird there. Their shirts seem to be really drapey and they have weird designs on them. Am I the only one? Department stores in general really confuse me. I used to know exactly what to do with them. Head straight to the juniors department. Well, that's over, let's face it, right? So what is up with the women's section at these stores? They are divided into sections with weird names and take up several floors. What is the meaning behind all of these sections? Can't they just have a section for pants, skirts, shirts? I don't get it. I am kind of stuck in a Gap funk. I don't really know where else to go. Not a bad place to be stuck in, but I feel like I have been there for 20 years now.

What is up with celebrity Moms? I'm so tired of them trying to tell us what great moms they are. They always have to tell us, really tell us that they spend lots of time with their children. And they do it without "much" help. Oh, and we definitely send all the help home during the night, because we are not crazy! All of the great Moms I know have never had to tell me that they are great and then convince me that is true because they spend so much time with their kids. And I totally buy into it because I am pretty much running away from my children, literally hiding in the closet with chocolate in hand. Oh, and by the way my celebrity friends who I don't have but might be reading this blog. I'm sure you have never done this, but don't give your 18 month old a bowl of spaghettios to eat all by himself while you blab on the phone to your sister. He will smear them all over himself, and then dump the rest of the bowl on his head.

Summer Talk

Some things to chat about. I've lost control over feeding my family. They are all eating so much! Feeding a family of 6 is ridiculous. These growing boys are already eating me out of house and home. My grocery bill is out of control. kiddie meals don't cut it anymore, nobody is sharing anymore. We have moved on from 1lb. of ground beef being enough. Don't even mention couponing. Been there, done that, don't want to talk about it. Also, cooking in the summer has kind of been not fun this year. I just want to hang out at the pool every afternoon, but then we come home and everybody is starving and we just eat cereal. I know, boo hoo, I have to hang out at the pool and nobody is cooking for me!

I just switched my insurance and went from paying $150 a month to $60 a month. I know I shouldn't share such info, but isn't that crazy? We have been with Geico for 8 years, and then they hassled me over a bill on the phone and I threatened to leave. I knew that would really get them! Ha, ha! I immediately got off the phone and switched over to Progressive. Those commercials really got me. Anyway, easiest switch in the world, I did it all online in a few minutes, and can you believe the savings? Seriously. Think about it people.

I really liked summer until it hit 98 degrees. Now summer is not that fun anymore. The fighting is nonstop and nobody wants to play outside anymore. Oh, and the ants have arrived. Did you know I get my milk delivered? I have been doing this for about 6 months and I love it. No more last minute runs to the store when I run out of milk. And we drink a lot of milk, They are also drinking me out of house and home. What does that mean anyway? That saying makes no sense. It should be they are drniking me out of cute clothes and fun vacations. For them of course.

Celebrating

We had a super duper fantastical weekend with family, food, fireworks, and most of all Sam's Baptism. I'm so proud of Sam and his excitement to be baptized and make that sacred covenant with his Heavenly Father. These are the moments as a Mom that make it all worth it. Too many pictures to post and not enough words to express how wonderful it all was. Hope your weekend was great too!

Summer Phrases

I find myself saying these things a lot over the summer.

"No pushing, shoving, punching, wrestling, or running." Said each time before I take all four of them into a store or public place. It doesn't work, but I feel the need to say it each time.

"Close the front door!"

"Where's Nathan, where's Nathan, where's Nathan?" Said with gradual urgency. He seems to always be missing this summer because he has followed some brother somewhere.

"No."

"Go Outside."

"Put your wrappers in the garbage."

"Is your room clean?"

"Everybody get your suits on, it's pool time!" Usually I say this as I bust out of my room already in full swim gear. It gets a great reaction every time because if Mom is in her swimsuit, we might actually make it to the pool.

Happy Father's Day!

We were deep in Idaho back country yesterday. That's my baby holding my baby. Good times. I love letting my boys be boys when we camp. We had a lot of adventures, getting stuck multiple times, but mostly we had fun!

My Blondie

I think this is how I will always picture Sam in my mind, hanging out with the trees, he loves the outdoors so much. Happy Birthday Sam! He is the kindest, most caring brother anybody could ever have. He is the ultimate protector of all his brothers. He takes on their highs and lows like any loving parent. I find myself trying to convince him not to care so much, and realize I need to let this be. But we all know as parents it is hard to care that much, all the time for so many reasons. He does, and his brothers love him for it. Sam's imagination soars, and he has mad razor scooter skills. I am so glad beyond belief that this angel came into my life 8 years ago.

Welcome Summer

Target This

I think I am obsessed with Target. I love it. I know most of you feel the same. I really can't get enough of Target. I could go there every day. That store really has my number. They seem to target (ha!) the young mother. By the way, can I still be called that, a young mother? I feel like I am moving out of that category. Kind of sad, and kind of glad. I love the clothes (Except for the super large assortment of string bikinis. What is up with that? Who is wearing those??), shoes, towels, toys, movies, baby stuff, cards, school supplies, holiday crap, jewelry, purses, make-up, sports equipment, well, everything. My kids love that store too. Jeremy stops by all the time without me (the nerve!), so I guess he loves it too. I feel like if at anytime I said to any of my friends, want to go to Target? The answer is always yes, an excited yes. Really the only time they say no is because they are at the store right at that moment, they just got home from Target, or they are on their way there. How do you feel about Target? No, don't tell me. I will leave on my rose colored target shades. Don't you love the shades too? Yes, the window ones and eye! Oh my gosh, they have everything!

TIme to Vote!

Please go VOTE for my sister Stacey to be the next bachelorette. Sorry to bug you again, but this is serious now. This is the official vote now. Please take another second and head over to the sidebar on the right side of the site to vote for Stacey. Thanks a million!

Summer Planning

So, now that I got that last post off my chest, I can now tell you why I am going to win Mother of the Year this summer. I think I've talked about winning this award before. What can I say? I am in the running a lot.

I started dreaming about my summer months ago, I go between being terrified and super excited. Obviously we are going to need a game plan. Now I am starting to think that I have already over planned and we haven't even started yet! Here are some of the things on my list. What are your summer plans?

Library Day - never tried those summer reading programs, I think it is time to try.
Piano lessons - I am going to start teaching Spencer and Sam, neither want to.
Swimming - We are going to the pool every day, of course.
Camping - Lots of it.
Doctor Appts. - Lots of them.
Quiet time every day - I am going to "tutor" the older boys while the babe is sleeping.
Gardening - So excited to try strawberries and lettuce this year.
Parks - Lots of them
Bike Rides - If we get our flats fixed
Trips to Oregon and Utah
Park City Vacation - so excited for this!
U2 concert in Seattle - Oh yeah!
Chores - Bring on the charts!
Tans and Buzz haircuts
Sam's Baptism - what another one???

Moms Bomb

I need a break. A serious break. Unfortunately, this is not going to happen. I need more than a night out or a even a weekend. A year would be good.

I had a bad Mother's Day. Mostly it was my bad attitude, so don't feel sorry for me. I've been having trouble the past few months finding the joy in being a mother. Then yesterday my Mom and I had a great laugh about how ridiculous mothering can really be. We were both giggling so hard neither of us could get a word out. It felt so great! Most of all I am grateful for a Mom who allowed me to talk to her about how much mother's day stinks instead of telling her how great she is. That was her gift to me, listening, laughing, and loving me for hating our special day.

She's the One!!!!

My sister Stacey is in the running to be the next bachelorette on this site. Go check it out and leave a comment, or like her, or love her like I do!!!

My Third Son

Happy 5th to Matthew! He was born in Utah, but is really Boise grown. He is funny, social, and very kind. I think he has his own unique look, and definitely his own personality. Matthew is a very good friend, and will be happy playing with anybody. He is a great big brother now too!

Eating Disaster

I forgot how messy these little ones are when they move on from baby food, especially since he insists on eating everything that we are. Every meal is a complete disaster. He should get a bath about 3 times a day, but guess if he does. He also insists on using this ginormous fork which is longer than his arm. The prongs are almost as long as his whole face!

My First Son

Ten years ago today this angel came into my life. He is kind, thoughtful, smart, and helpful. He teaches me about life every day. He is becoming quite dashing, don't you think?

Setting Goals

I believe in them. Unless they have to do with Personal Progress or Scouting. Oops, did I just write that out loud? I'm jesting, of course. I mean, who doesn't believe in personal progress? Anyway, goals are good. About a year ago I decided on two goals I would like to update you on.

First goal, have cookies in my pantry at all times. I decided I needed to buy cookies every week at the store. I would always walk down the cookie/cracker aisle and have this panicky emotional breakdown trying to decide whether to buy cookies or not. Kids should have cookies, they will just eat them all in one day, I will eat them all in one day, kids, should have cookies. Back and forth. I just decided not to think about it anymore and every single week I will buy cookies. Can I tell you how great this has been for our family and guests who come visit? Cookies are important tools for rewards, motivation, and socializing. And, cookies are delicious. I am happy to report the cookie buying is now a habit. Aren't you proud of me?

Second goal, a signature scent. We all know those people that every time you are around them, they smell delicious. I wanted to be that friend. Your delicious smelling friend. I decided that I would wear perfume every day, all the time. I would put on a spritz no matter where I was going, or how silly it seemed. I wanted to create a signature scent. This has been going on for about a year. The first few months I was really good about it. I have gotten kind of lazy in my spritzing. But, whether I was good or lazy about it, nobody really noticed. So, either people think I smell delicious and they haven't said anything, or I don't even want to consider the other option. I do get lots of comments whenever I head out and my hair is still wet. The shampoo smell seems to be much more alluring than any perfume. So, that is good to know.

Sunday on the River

Babies that Swim

Nathan is a crazy baby swimmer. You can't believe it until you see it. Last night he was doing back flips over and over. And we taught him how to blow bubbles so he would stop sucking up so much water. He caught on immediately. Most of the time he rides around on Jeremy's back and helps him chase down the other three. If you are holding him in the pool it is really hard because he is just trying to jump out of your arms the whole time. If you put him on the stairs he crawls as fast as he can to dive off the stairs into the deeper water. This is not my first crazy baby swimmer. It is my fourth. We get lots of stares. Especially when we throw him out into the middle of the pool. I know it seems nuts, but he loves it so much. He comes up smiling with water pouring through his gap teeth. Oh my.

It's a Monday

So Matthew was in the shower last night. I walked by and heard him belting out "I'll catch a grenade for ya. Put my hand on a blade for ya." Do you know the song? Bad parenting, or totally awesome parenting?

I was at Fred Meyer today grocery shopping sans kids. At the checkout the clerk casually asks me, "Do you have any plans later?" I gave him a blank stare. "Are you doing anything fun the rest of the day?" Ummmm, no was my answer. That was so weird. Am I supposed to have fun plans later on a Monday afternoon? I guess I should have told him all of my real fun plans. I am hoping to make it home in time to unload the groceries and scrub two toilets before my kids get home from school. Then I am going to do homework and make dinner all with a baby attached to my leg. Does that sound fun? Do you think he was asking me out? Ha, ha, ha!!!! Now that would be fun-ny!

What's Baking?

You see these cookies? This is art. love. brilliance. These are gluten free snickerdoodles. Oh, I can't even say enough about them. They are divine. I can't help it, I have to tell you how brilliant I am at gluten free baking. It's weird too because baking was never really my thing. I am all about the savory. But for some reason I am really good at making delectable gluten free treats. For the most part I come up with my own recipes, like these cookies. Ah, and it just makes me so happy. You should see Spencer's face when he comes home to a new batch of treats. Really, you should see it. It would make your day.

We decided to try going off the gluten free/dairy free diet in December. After doing the diet for two years we were all ready for a break, and I was starting to wonder, does it really work? It was a great month because there were so many yummy treats and parties he could partake in. By January it was very clear that we needed to go back on the diet. But, I kept putting it off hoping maybe things would still turn around. I remember one day in January and I looked at my 4th grader basically in a ball crying on the floor. I realized he had been a crying puddle on the floor for most of the last few weeks. Everything was so upsetting to him. Anything we asked him to do resulted in tears and yelling. Everything, anything, all the time. That was a huge moment for me. I went back on the diet the next day, and within even 24 hours he started doing better. I didn't want to put him back on the diet because it felt mean. But I realized not putting him back on the diet was more mean. He needs it. Spencer was a little reluctant, but the only thing he asked was if he could take a break every December. I thought that was pretty thoughtful.

Another Book

I just finished this book, and I thought I should throw this one out there too. This book is really three stories in one because he was an Olympic athlete, a plane crash survivor, and a pow in Japan during WWII. The book was riveting, but I have to warn you. It was one of the most brutal POW stories I have ever read. It was extremely detailed and unsettling. At one point I only kept going because I had to get through it and make sure he would come out the other side.

Oh, and I only like stories with good endings. They don't end up together, one of them dies, they both die?? Don't even think about recommending one of those stories to me. One place in my life I am a true optimist is in my book and movie choices. And this book has it right on the cover. Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Perfect.

Biographies

I love them. I love reading books about WWII, Mt. Everest, the Holocaust, and so much more. Real life is almost always better than fiction. I mean when crazy things happen to you, (strange baby in your bedroom???) you just can't make that stuff up. I have been surprised to find out through the years attending different book groups that a lot of people avoid Biographies. Here are two great ones I wanted to share.

The Bob Woodruff story is amazing. He was the news anchor embedded in Iraq when a bomb hit the tank he was in. I love that they wrote the book together. They switch back and forth during the book, and each give their own unique perspective. Their life was fascinating to me. And the way they supported each other during a massive crisis was really inspiring.

Now I am a big Bush fan, but especially a Laura Bush fan. I have always been fascinated how the two of them ended up together. I think they are the real deal and I wanted to hear her side. I loved reading her story. Her book was better than his, although I enjoyed it too.

Winter Blues

The "stink" face. My boys have perfected this look. You have to have attitude, and this kid is full of it!

The blue eyes!

The gap tooth smile!

I got this idea from my sister. Bust out the popsicles in the middle of winter. Why not? I was done with winter this year on January 1st. Not good. It has been a looong one. This is Nathan with his first popsicle. I know I post too many pictures of my baby. I can't help it. I didn't have such a cool camera with my other babies. So, I guess our 4th child is actually going to have the most pictures taken of him. I am tired of long sleeve shirts. So, I went out and drastically highlighted my hair. Seriously streaky, with dark and blond highlights. Too bad the grammys are over. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I am going to try and rock the look anyway. I can pull it off. Right?? Whats that? You want to see a picture? Not likely!!!

Temple Grandin

Jeremy and I read this book about a year ago, but we finally got up the courage to watch the movie last night. It took me about 6 months to get the courage to add it to our netflix queue, and then 3 weeks sitting on our table before we finally watched it. You see it takes courage because watching and reading stories about autistic people can be really hard. Sometimes it is just too hard.

The book was so fantastic I knew we had to give the movie a try. Especially because it has been winning so many awards. In her book Temple so clearly explains what is going on her mind and how she processes information. She has helped unlock some of the mystery behind autism, not to mention her contributions to agriculture.

Anyway, the movie was good. It was an emotional roller coaster, and after it was over Jeremy and I just looked at each other and said, "We made it through the movie." Can I just say how painful it is to see how people treat people who are different? We all do it. Ugh. Through the years you learn to not think about it too much. I can't worry every second about Spencer getting teased at school. It happens. It will continue to happen. So, most days I just think about the good moments he is having at school. And thankfully, there are plenty of those too.

Of course for me the best parts of the movie were the angels that came into Temple's life right when she needed them. The roommate, the professor, the Aunt. We all pray for people to help our children when we can't be there. You celebrate small victories when you have a child with autism. You celebrate things most parents take for granted. What was so inspiring about this movie was that she had big victories too. Not only going to college, but graduating, and then going on to have a career. Which is why my motto has always been, don't underestimate my kid. Don't do it. He will show you every time. Every time.

Bath Angels

The Misters

Nathan is Mr. Demanding. We cannot figure out how a fourth child can be so high maintenance. I thought they were just supposed to blend in with the crowd. Not this one. He is taking steps, but not walking yet. He refuses to eat baby food anymore, or do anything but sit up to the table and eat exactly what we are eating. He is my first true blankie baby, insisting on taking that blanket everywhere he can. Nathan loves his brothers and feels very sad if he wakes up from his nap and they are all gone. That makes me sad too, because why is he awake when they are all gone?

Matthew is Mr. Techno. He moves from the wii to the ipad to the leapster to the computer. Trying to keep this under control has become a full time job for me. He is also very excited to learn how to read and is our first child to start making these efforts on his own. Matthew asks me every day to have friends over to play. He tries so hard to keep up with his older brothers. Matthew also goes around calling everyone and everything a weirdo. I'm hoping this phase will pass soon.

Sam is Mr. Imagination. You can always find him in his room telling stories he makes up to his brothers. They love to hear every day what he dreamed about. Apparently he has amazing dreams every night and he can turn them into full blown stories that go on and on. He has a great group of friends at school. They also make up elaborate games during recess. Sam is a whiz on his electric scooter. He is just waiting out winter until he can spend all his free time outdoors. He is so protective of all his brothers, and loves to carry Nathan around the house.

Spencer is Mr. Skier. He is spending his Saturdays on the slopes at Bogus in ski lessons. He is doing great, and really enjoying it. Spencer is having another great year in school and working hard to earn his Bear for Scouts. He is very excited for some new movies coming out this summer including Kunfu Panda 2 and Transformers. He has also gotten into music, and his favorite two songs are "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons and "Break Your Heart" by Ludicris. He likes to control the radio in the car now.

Jeremy is Mr. Busy. He is spending long hours at his job and teaching another semester of Business Law at the local community college. He is also excited to spend some time on the slopes this winter. Jeremy has been reading Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia to the boys every night and they love it! He also spends a lot of time going on dates with his wife, and she loves it!

Love Month

Jeremy and I went to lunch today and when I got in my car to go home I found this on my seat! Aren't I lucky? Matthew and I had a photo shoot, and then I accidentally deleted all but this one. So, this is what you get. And I get a perfect pink rose to start February. Thank goodness we have moved on from January!